Farm Fresh Floral Arrangement Part II

Hey everyone!  So here's the second part of my farm fresh floral arrangement post.  As I mentioned earlier, I purchased some celosia along with some other beauties from Reinhardt Blooms at a local farmer's market.  Today, I'm showing you what I created with the celosia.  This flower is so amazing for fall arrangements.  I love it's shape and softness.  I also adore the purplish hue of the leaves, so I left the leaves on to allow them to show through.  Along with the celosia I added some dahlias from my sister-in-law's garden and some Japanese maple branches and sedum from my own garden.    

    

 

Farm Fresh Floral Arrangement Part I

Hey Friends!  Over Labor Day weekend I went to a local farmers' market and picked up some fabulous fresh flowers grown by the amazing Reinhardt Blooms and I also had the pleasure of meeting their floral designer, Katie.  Reinhardt Blooms is a 30 plus acre flower farm here in Michigan that has been run by five generations. Pretty amazing, right? They grow and sell flowers and also offer floral design services for weddings and events.  You must check out their site and blog to see pics.  It's absolutely dreamy.  Katie uses ingredients from their farm for her gorgeous and dramatic, garden style designs.  It's a style I'm trying to master.  I love garden style floral arrangements and the way it allows the natural beauty and shape of blooms to show through the design. 

I purchased scabiosa pods, celosia and cosmos to create two different floral arrangements.  I'm sharing this one with you today.  Stay tuned for the second one next week.  It's not as spectacular as Katie's designs, but I hope with some hard work and practice, that I'll get there.  I used three ingredients all grown at local farms in this arrangement.  The cosmos and scabiosa pods are from Reinhardt Blooms and the beautiful peach colored dahlias are from farm owned by a family friend.  I love the sunny, happy feeling of the arrangement and I hope you do too.  Have a wonderful week friends!  

      

   

Hydrangea Garland

 

Have you noticed that I've been posting more on flowers lately?  I've been reading a lot on floral arranging and practicing techniques along the way.  This blog has now become a flower journal for me too and I hope you don't mind.  One of the books I'm currently reading is by Jane Packer, and this is my version of a hydrangea garland she created.  She displayed it as a dramatic centerpiece like I did here.  Along with the main ingredient and hosta leaves from my sister-in-law's garden, I also included golden rod foraged from a field.  Some of the hydrangea blooms are past their prime, but since I was just experimenting, I wasn't worried about how perfect the flowers were.  Although, I do like the way the flowers blossom into a bright pink and then turn into a lovely shade of green and blush.   

 

          

Queen Anne's Lace Inspiration

I live in an area where there farms and open land nearby.  Right now those open fields are dancing with Queen Anne's Lace blooms.  I know many people drive by and overlook what to them may seem just like weeds, but to me they are a lovely delicate and dreamy flower that deserves to be highlighted.


1. Beneath Northern Skies 2.Pistachio Press 3.Slywia Glass Art
4.Madder Root 5.Corn Cob Cove

Coffee In Bed

Canoe and Paddles

 

I'm falling for Coffee In Bed's linocut prints made by artist Mike Dale.  They totally remind me of summer.  Light, happy, sun filled days that you will hope will never end. 

Beer and Bike

 

Forest Fern

 

 

basik 855

Throughout my life I've been asked the question, "Where are you from?", and usually I say, "I'm from x, a suburb north of Detroit."  Sometimes when I give that answer I get a weird look and then I see that that person meant, "Where are you from?"  Like, "What's your background?"  I'm Cambodian, I was born in Thailand and my parents and I were fortunate enough to come here to the United States when I was a toddler. 

That's my story and now you'll understand why I chose to feature basik 855 today.  The company offers fashion and home products in bold, modern patterns that are handwoven by artisians in Cambodia.  Daniel Flickinger started the Push Pull Cambodia Weaving Center in Takeo Province, Cambodia in 2009 which creates the designs and products for basik 855.  The goal of the Push Pull Cambodia Weaving Center and basik 855 is to stimulate a renaissance of Cambodian ikat so that the people of Takeo can make a better living—one rooted in their own customs.  Read more about the company and their story here.  Pretty fabulous, right?  Check out their site, buy and support. 

 

1. Dara - Laguna 2.City Clutch - Gray Leaf 3.Travel Clutch - Boulder

4. Lumbar Pillow - Basket 5.Lumbar Pillow - Mint Triangle

Falling For OMG Stencils

Casablanca Moroccan Allower Pattern

I know that Thursday here at Cupcakes & Confetti is usually reserved for the It's Her Business series, but today I'm taking of a bit a turn.  Today's business is owned by a man.  Gasp!  I know!  I stumbled across Jimmy Black's shop OMG Stencils and totally fell for the images.  I would love to do this to a space in my home.  Take a peak.  I bet you'll be falling for Jimmy Black too and OMG Stencils. 

Geometric Pattern Wall Room Decor

 

 

 

Damask Pattern Wall Room Decor

 

 Geometric Square Pattern Wall Room Decor

 

 

 

Outdoor Party Inspiration

My husband uncovered some of our patio furniture and I'm aching to have a meal outside.  Whether fancy or casual, I love the thought of taking a party or event outdoors.  At least when the weather cooperates.  Here's some inspiration I found.  I'm totally swooning over the table under the magnolia tree.  I'm a Midwest girl who happens to love anything Southern.  Little decor is needed because mother nature has done most of the decorating for you, although I like seeing indoor furniture taken outdoors.  Now all you need are great friends and great food.

HWTM//Style Unveiled
Style Me Pretty Living //Inspired By This

Dressed Up Mantel

Happy Friday friends! I just wanted to share with you today a picture of my mantel. Last weekend my family celebrated my daughter's first communion and I had a bunch of left over flowers from her party, so I dressed my mantel with them. I should have changed the water in the vase with the branches in them before I snapped the photo, otherwise, I think the mantel looked really pretty and full of life with the fresh blooms. I hope to share with you some pics from the first communion celebration in the near future so, stay tuned. I had tons of fun planning it and I think it turned out to be just lovely. This weekend I'll be celebrating my daughter's fourth birthday, so there's no rest for me. What are you up to this weekend? Whatever you have planned, I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Mother's Day Gifts for the Garden Lover

I'm most definitely a garden lover.  I find watering my plants and flowers and weeding therapeutic.  So, these are some things that are on my Mother's Day wish list.  I'm totally into the vintage feel of this "queen bee" pot and the spoon garden markers.  How about growing some mushrooms in a box?  I'd give it a go.  The veggie tea towel would for sure find it's way into my kitchen.  What's not to love about the eco friendly seeded greeting cards?  What's on your Mother's Day wish list or what are you giving your Mom? 

Onion Skin Design//Back to the Roots Garden
The High Fiber Co. //Ruffle House Art //Daisy Chestnut

It's Her Business: Confettie Love

 

 Paris

 

Hi friends!  Today I'm showing some city love with Confettie Love.  All of us have a special place in our hearts for a city, whether it's our hometown, a place we once vacationed or a place that we dream of visiting someday.  Bridgette Hall's shop Confettie Love brings you that little slice of your dreams with her collection of quirky and fun illustrations of cities from around the U.S. and abroad.  She is inspired by her own travels and her work is super happy and super sweet as you can see.  Bridgette's prints would make a great gift for a special someone who has a specific destination that is close to their heart and her prints are affordable enough that you can buy one for yourself too.

 

  

Minneapolis

 

Boston

Bridgette is also a graphic designer and owner of Bridgette Hall Designs. You have to go check out her design work too. She has created some pretty amazing things and I'm sure that if you're looking for a designer, she could come up with something amazing for you too.
 

 

 Washington D.C.

 

 

It's Her Business: Ceramica Botanica

Ceramic Serving Tray Indigo Triangles

 

I'm always on the hunt for unique pieces I can use when entertaining.  I stumbled upon Susan Rodriguez's shop Ceramica Botanica and loved all the unique patterns and colors she creates on her wares.

 

I love the raindrop shape of these appetizer plates.

 

Turmeric Gold Vase 

Susan hand builds her work from earthenware clay and uses intricate paper stencils that are hand cut and meticulously placed on each piece. Layers of colored slip are applied and then the stencil is peeled away to create her fabulous bowls, mugs, vases and more. 

 

 Ceramic Serving Bowl

 Small Bowl

 

If you too want to add a splash of color and fun to your table, be check out all of Susan's work at her shop. 

 





In Bloom: Spring Flowers

Spring is coming and going here in Michigan.  One moment I go can out with a light spring coat and the next minute I have to haul out my winter jacket again.  I'm dreaming of spring with days full of sunshine, bike rides, and flowers.  To fulfill my need for flowers I'm starting a series called In Bloom.  We all know how flowers can add life to a party and everyday, so as I come across pretty little blooms from across the web I'll share them with you.  I'm trying to be a little adventurous and put together some of my own floral arrangements.  If they're not too embarrassing, I might share them here on the blog too.    

Here's an adorable idea from Midwest Living.  Chalk board paint on some white ceramic vessels were used to spell out "spring" and a variety of different flowers are placed in each vessel like tulips and forsythia.  Tulips are among my favorite flowers and I have some orange tulips sitting on my kitchen table right now.  Bright yellow forsythia bushes remind me of my childhood and my parents' house.  My parents had the bold buds growing both in their front and backyards as I was growing up.  Do you have a favorite spring time flower?  Which type and why? 

      

Spring Party Palette: Mint + Yellow

Spring may officially begin tomorrow, but last Saturday I woke up to a snow covered lawn.  I'm sick of snow and I'm totally in need of some color and for spring to arrive.  This color palette of mint and yellow is makes me think of spring and happiness.  Come on spring!  I know you're just around the corner.  If you could get here sooner than later I would really appreciate it.   

Anthropolgie//Laura Trevey//I Felt Fuzzy
Pratt Creek Art//Zeldabelle

It's Her Business: Detroit Metal Works

Today as part of the It's Her Business series, I'm really happy to introduce to you Kirstie.  Kirstie's business is Detroit Metal Works.  She and I have a mutual friend and when I was introduced to Kirstie's creations I just loved seeing a woman working with metal, which I typically think as a masculine type of material.  Some of her work includes this super cool "eye chart" that I'm obsessed with along with many other designs.  That's enough from me, let me have Kirstie tell you a little about herself and Detroit Metal Works in her own words.       

What motivated you to start your business?

 My husband, Dan, has been in the steel business (welder/fabricator) for over 20 years. We've been married for 24 years and have 3 boys (23, 11, & 9). With our younger sons reaching 4th and 6th grades I wasn't helping out in their classrooms as much so I began going to Dan's shop every day to help him. I began doing more and more on the CNC machine and I found that I really liked it! So this business just kind of happened! I love being in the shop, and I love working along side Dan. Two of our three sons weld so this business is a way for me to be in their world and to use my own creative style at the same time.

 

Where do I find inspiration?

Artistically I'm inspired by other artists and their work. There are a few women who are metal artists that I've started to follow. Their work is so beautiful that it really inspires me to take mine farther. I tend to like things that are different and I'm working towards so many projects that will showcase my style and capabilities. I'm also inspired by my customers; I love when they add their own creativity to a piece.

How has the process of starting your own business been for you so far?

The process of starting a business has been really exciting, however there have definitely been times where I've had to turn to friends and family for help with different business related issues! I'm very fortunate to have such a great support system.

If I ever have a mountain retreat I would like to have this amazing mountain and deer address sign.  Are you interested in seeing more of Kirstie's work or having her create something one of a kind for you?  Connect with her and Detroit Metal Works on Facebook and Pinterest.

 





It's Her Business: Kelsey Garrity Riley Illustration

Bell Flowers

 

I have to tell all of you that I'm having so much fun putting together the It's Her Business series.  It's no suprise that there are incredibly talented women out there doing incredible things.  Meet Kelsey and her business Kelsey Garrity Riley Illustration.  When I saw Kelsey's illustrations there was just so much love behind her art that came through.  There is a sense of calm and sweetness in the familiar scenes she creates.  I adore the combinations of soft, slightly muted tones Kelsey uses and the adorable faces of the people in her illustrations. 

This work above is titled German Breakfast.  Wouldn't this be perfect for a kitchen?

Lady Mary

 

This one is for you Downton Abbey fans.  I know there are lots of you out there.

 

Kelsey also does commissions for illustrated and hand lettered wedding invitations.  Isn't this just gorgeous?!  Stay connected with Kelsey on her blog and if your interested in one of her prints hop over to her Etsy shop.

 

  

It's Her Business: Jane Blease Design

Hi friends!  In an earlier post I talked to you about how I was feeling about the blog and what direction I wanted the blog to go in.  So, today I'm really excited to introduce you to the first woman in the It's Her Business series.  Meet Jane and her business Jane Blease Design.  She creates sustainable lighting and interior products, beautifully hand-crafted from wood and reclaimed vintage plastics.  In Jane's current collection, she embroiders geometric patterns into wood veneer using colorful threads.  I like how she brings a hard and soft material together into one modern design and the way the vibrant pieces of thread weave new life through the wood.  Jane Blease Design offers everthing from bookmarks to acrylic lampshades and artwork to dress up your home with.  Are loving her designs like I am?  Go over to Jane's shop to see all she has to offer and buy from this lovely lady. 

How great are these broaches?


Parachute Ball by Jane Blease Design


This is just one of Jane's wood lampshades. 
I love raspberry and turquoise color combination that she used.

 

Do you know of a fabulous small business or are you yourself a small business owner?  Get in touch with me!  I would love to meet you.