Sew in Love Bridal Shower Inspiration Board

These crafty party elements would work well for so many different parties including; a "sew in love" bridal shower, a "cute as a button" baby shower, first birthday or for a girls craft party.  Having guests sign a quilt square would be a great idea for either a bridal shower or a baby shower.  The embroidery hoop below is made by Lily Laughs.  We love the yarn pom pom flowers by Mason Rabbit Home, which would make lovely centerpieces.  The spools by Tuck & Bonte are a creative way to hold place cards and table number.  And no party is complete without a sweet dessert. 

 

Wedding Anniversary Weekend

Eleven years ago today I woke up to pouring rain, ate breakfast and anxiously waited to slip into my wedding dress.  I chose fall to get married because I dreamed of having outdoor photos with the beautiful backdrop of fall leaves behind me.  Sadly that day the rain never stopped, but it didn't ruin the day because no matter what I would marry the love of my life.  Pouring rain or not. 

After the wedding my husband and I went on our honeymoon, as most newly married couples too.  My husband is a teacher and couldn't take that much time off.  We made the decision to stay in Michigan and head to one of my most favorite places - Traverse City.  One of the things that I love about Michigan is how dramatically beautiful it becomes in the fall.  As we made the four hour drive to Traverse City the colors along the road grew bolder and more amazing and as we reached our destination seeing the bay and the lake made it more magical.  If you are ever in Michigan, I encourage you to visit Traverse City and the surrounding areas.  There are wineries galore and many fabulous restaurants to make any foodie happy. The picture below was taken last year during our 10th wedding anniversary, when we went back to Traverse City.  It is of Black Star Farms, a local vineyard and farm.  I love how the netting over the vines appears ghostly and of course the autumn foliage in the background. 

 

LilacPOP by Janna Bissett

I came across some industrial inspired jewelry from LilacPOP at a local craft show and purchased a necklace for Dara's birthday.  The piece simply, but beautifully had "Detroit" stamped on it.  I picked up the artist's business card to find out that she has an Etsy shop too and that on top of making jewelry, she also was an amazing photographer.  I always love supporting local artists and shops and I wanted to share her work with you.  LilacPOP by Janna Bissett offers fine art photographs printed on metallic paper.  I love the way Jana captures the beauty of local landmarks, fashion and numerous other subjects.  Please visit her shop to purchase and see some more of her fabulous work. 



DETROIT stamped necklace by Janna Bissett

Detroit Ren Cen by Janna Bissett

 

 Salon Fashion Photography by Janna Bissett

 

Figs Five Ways

Figs are a beautiful and delicious fruit.  The rich color and sweet flavor are perfect for fall.  Here are some yummy looking recipes that all have figs as an ingredient.  How interesting does a burger with brie and green figs sound.  Have a light and flavorful salad of grilled kale, beets, figs and ricotta.  The fig infused vodka looks amazing.  And don't forget to end your meal with a sour cream fig cupcake with cream cheese frosting or a fig, mascarpone and pistachio tart.  Happy cooking and happy eating!

Black Butterflies

Yay! It's the first day of October!  It's one of my favorite months because it's fall, my wedding anniversary and Halloween all wrapped into one great month.  Let's step into Halloween with some unexpected inspiration.  I found some unusual images of black butterflies that I love.  Black butterflies for Halloween, weird or wonderful?  What do you think?  I think wonderful.

Black Cloud by Carlos Amorles via Colossal

 

This installation titled Black Cloud by Carlos Amorles is amazing.  I love the way it flows through the hallway giving the viewer the sense of a confined space surrounded by these black creatures.  It feels a bit like the Alfred Hitchock's "The Birds", but with butterflies.  You could try a smaller rendition of this on the walls of your home too.  

   

via Midwest Living magazine

 

Black butterflies adorn these orange and white pumpkins and one has even found its' way onto the plate.  It's fall meets spring and light meets dark.  Well hello there Halloween.  I've been waiting for you all year.