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

 

 

We The Sciencey

I am forever on the hunt for Star Wars related gifts for my Star Wars fanatic husband.  I found this "May the force be with you" stamp from We The Sciencey.  I thought he could use it to stamp his students papers when he corrects them and add a little personality and fun to that sometimes not so fun task.  We The Sciencey is a shop where science meets art, fun and fiction.  As you can imagine it has all sorts of great gift ideas for science fiction lovers from Trekkies to Dr. Who fans. 

 

The crayon set was named by the Asperkids.com crayon contest winners and include super fun names like "Wookie Brown" and "Dragonfire Red".  10% of the profits from the sale of these crayon sets will go to fund enriching, fun, and educational programs for children with Aspergers Syndrome.  How great!  "Beam" (sorry, I had to do it) over to the shop is see all the great gear that We The Sciencey offers.

 

1. Meteorite Fragment Necklace 2.Trekkie Spock Greeting Card 

3.Asperkids Sciencey Crayon Set 4.Math Symbol Cookie Cutter Kit 5. Force Stamp

 



 

Graduation Gifts for Her

Graduation season is in full swing and it's time to congratulate these students for their hard work and help and encourage them to move onto the next stage of their lives.  This selection of grad gifts are put together especially for the gals who are headed away to college.  White towels are definitely a necessity.  When she's done with the towels, she can toss them into a personal laundry bag and head for the washer and dryer.  This book titled "She" is filled with great little inspirational quotes.  We all need some inspiration once and a while, especially during those stressful college years.  These super fab pencils are also gentle reminders to a student to be all that you can be while taking notes during class or working on homework in the library.  

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

Picnic Inspiration

 

 I had every intention to post this picnic inspiration board on the Friday before Memorial Day, but just before I was about to sit down to finish it, the power went out for a few hours.  I'm not complaining, just explaining.  Then I thought I can still publish this post because picnics are an all spring and summer thing right? 

 

I found this lady like fabric that inspired me to think about a lady's picnic filled with floral details.  Put down a special blanket.  This one that I found is obviously made for a couple, but you get the idea.  By the way, that blanket would make a great wedding gift.  Don't you think?  I'm in love with this vintage tea set and basket.  Sip something cool from these little printed straws.  And don't forget to dress yourself up too.  I found these gingham printed earrings.  

Cloth 2 U
PBxH//Maggie Mae Vintage
Terrain//Lennon's Lovelies

It's Her Business: Paper Fort

This post will be a It's Her Business + Blog Love in one type of post because I have lots to say about this small business owner.  I LOVE Twitter and I'm on it a lot, probably too much.  I find so many great people, blogs and products through Twitter like the person I'm about to introduce to you.  Meet Khrystle, owner of Paper Fort.  She creates these super adorable travel journals for girls.  These immediately caught my eye because I have a daughter in second grader who I'm always trying to encourage and empower in every way possible.  The journals are made right here in Michigan too, which makes this fellow Michigander smile.  

Khrystle hopes that the travel journal inspires girls, and their families, to go on adventures and explore new places. She would love to see families put away their electronic devices and play road games together. She also hopes that girls are inspired to draw and write about their travels, because her favorite memories are ones that she captured this way.  On top of offering travel journals, Khrystle also offers other graphic design services too.

 

You have to check out Khrystle's blog Paper Fort Studio too.  It's unique, fun and honest.  I love her series Fear Confessions that includes guest bloggers who are small business owners like Khrystle.  What I love about this series is that we see so many blogs out there where the bloggers seem to live these perfectly stylish lives, which is totally not realistic.  The truth is we all have faults and fears and it's comforting to know that someone else does too.  It's something that I and I think other people can relate to.  I don't always wear the perfect outfit and I've had more than one craft fail.  I'm a person trying to make my dreams come true just like the people in the series and along the way we have a bump or two in the road.  Whether you're a creative or not, you will be able relate to these personal stories in Fear Confessions. 

So did I give you enough reasons to go over and visit Khrystle and Paper Fort?  I sure hope I did.  Summer vacation is just around the corner and I know plenty of families who are planning trips.  It's a great time to buy a travel journal for a special little girl in your life and support a small business owner along the way.  

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

Buy a Cup for a Cop

Somewhere Splendid

 

I, like so many other Americans was following last week's events in Boston and Texas.  I watched, read and listened about the brave first responders who as always, comes to the rescue of all of us.  Maddy over at Somewhere Splendid was also moved by last week's events and has started a fantastic movement to show a bit of gratitude to first responders by simply buying them a cup of coffee and she has put a call out to her readers and bloggers to spread the word about the movement.  I absolutely, positively love this, so here I am doing my part.  I personally have some first responders in my life and I know that it is sometimes a thankless job that involves lots of hours and lots of sacrifice for not only police officer, firefighter or emergency technician, but also for their loved ones.  Everyday they put their lives on the line for you and I and the least we can do is what Maddy is suggesting - buy a first responder a cup of coffee.    

Here's how you can join the movement:

What to Do: Buy a cup of coffee for a local firefighter, police officer, or other first responder when you come across one. Approach them and explain that you’d like to buy them one out of appreciation for their service, and ask what they’d like or have them escort you to a coffee shop. On the run, or shy? Get a gift card with the approximate value of a cup of coffee (or more!) to a local or chain coffee shop and keep it on hand.

Spread the Word: Let everyone know you’re participating so we can engage more people. If you have a blog, post a note about it. If you’ve bought a cup of coffee for someone, Instagram it with the hashtag #cupsforcops – share your gift card photos, too!

Be sure to hop on over to Somewhere Splendid for a free printable gift card to give to a first responder too.  Thanks Maddy for coming up with the brilliant idea!  Tell me, will you be buying a cup for a cop?  Hugs to all of you friends!  I'll be seeing you again soon. 

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. 

 





It's Her Business: Handmade by Sara Kim

 Love Bouquet
 

Today's creative business is Handmade by Sara Kim.  I'm a girly girl. I like glitter and the color pink, so when I came across Sara Kim's shop I ooohed and ahhed at the sight of all the girly goodness.  Sara and her sister Claire have teamed together to bring to life some lovely creations for weddings and additional items to make your everyday a little more sparkly.

 

I'm loving this White Snow Bangle.

 

 

Dandelion Necklace

 

Sara also makes these super cute paper flowers perfect for a bridal or baby shower or any event that needs the extra little touch of handmade sweetness.

Love Garden

So, are you crushing over Sara's designs like I am?  Stay connected with Handmade by Sara through her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

 



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. 

 

 

Celebrating Date Night This Weekend

I'm sooo looking forward to this weekend.  My husband and I are finally getting a long overdue date night.  We are treating this date night as our Valentine's Day celebration.  We usually don't exchange gifts, but we do exchange time.  With two small children, we rarely get a dinner alone where we don't need to cut someone else's food or that we actually get a chance to sit down through an entire meal.  Parents, you know what I'm talking about.  I can't wait to slowly eat my food, perhaps have a cocktail and enjoy an uninterupted conversation with my beloved.  I love spending time with my husband and way too often we take on the roles of "Mom" and "Dad", but forget to focus on the roles of "husband" and "wife".  Cheers to date night!  Have a beautiful weekend friends! xx 

My Valentine's Day Wish List

 

I think you can tell where the inspiration came from for this mood board.  I know some people find Valentine's Day annoying, but I just see it as a way to tell someone special in your life that you love them, because so many times throughout the year we forget to do just that.  It doesn't need to be a significant other or a spouse.  Tell your kids or your friends that you care.  These are just a few things I have on my wish list.  What's on your wish list?   

1. H & M 2.Essie 3.Send The Trend 4.Vintage Confections 5.Parc Boutique

DIY Mini Cookie Gift Box

 

You know the old saying "bigger is better", I don't think that always the case.  I love mini everything - mini horses, mini bunting, mini candy bars, I could go on, but you get the point.  I was out grocery at the grocery store and came upon these heart shaped paper mache boxes.  I have a collection of mini cookie cutters and I thought what a great way to package some heart shaped cookies for Valentine's Day. 

Here's how I did it.  You can use your favorite sugar cookie dough recipe or take a short cut and buy some premade dough from the store.  No one will know the difference and it will be a little secret just between you and I.  First I baked the cookies, allowed them to cool, and then frosted them with pink royal icing.  I allowed the frosting to dry overnight before placing them into the box.  I decorated the box with a pink arrow I that cut out of felt, which I then glued onto the top of the box.  I was able to put four cookies in the box, which I lined with parchment paper.  For the finishing touch I wrapped the box in red and white stripped twine.  Adorable, don't you think?

Valentine's Day Craft

I've made a New Year's resolution to do more craft/diy projects.  That's a fun resolution to have don't you think?  As I do projects, I'll most likely share them here at Cupcakes & Confetti.  So, here goes my first project of the year - a super simple Valentine's Day birdfeeder you can make with the kids.  I made this with my 3 year old and she loved it.  I think it would be an adorable gift to give to a grandparent or teacher or just keep it for yourself. 

Cut a heart out of the cardboard.  Make a hole in the top of the heart and cut a piece of twine and string it through the hole.  I like the rustic look of the jute, but you could also use a stripped baker's twine, which I also used.  I found a red and white stripped one, perfect for Valentine's Day.
 

Spread the peanut butter on both sides of the heart and then sprinkle the sides with birdseed.  I put down some newspaper for easy clean up.  Easy peasy, right?