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

{Party Decor} Mixed Chairs

At the moment, I'm loving mixed seating for parties.  I love the unstructured, comfortable feel and look.  It's not too matchy-matchy.  It's just plain fun.  What do you think?  Do you love the look?  Or do you prefer a little more structure? 

 California Wedding Day//My Sweet & Saucy
 Green Wedding Shoes //Style Unveiled

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

First Communion Invitation

I've been busy preparing for my oldest daughter's first communion.  My daughter has been studying and doing her work and we recently went on a shopping trip to pick out the cherished dress and veil.  I didn't realize how much my little girl has grown until I was snapping pictures of her trying on first communion dresses and then I looked back at the pictures and I no longer saw the baby and toddler that I once remembered. 

For her first communion invitation and party, I decided to go with a pink and gray color palette.  I was inspired by the pattern of a trellis and I came up with this design and my sister helped me assemble them.  The print is in gray and I made daughter's name pop out in pink.  I then incorporated a gray colored cross at the top and a trellis like pattern at the bottom.  The envelopes came unlined, but I dressed them up with a little pink paper.  What do you think?

     

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.

 





Hello, March!

Well hello there, March!  Seeing March makes me think that winter is nearly over.  We've had another snow fall this past week and I'm ready for spring.  I'm ready for all things green.  Yes, green because St. Patrick's Day, but I'm also dreaming of green grass, green leaves and buds of green peaking through the dirt.  I love the possiblity of spring in March.  What do you love about March?  

 

It's Her Business

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the blog.  I feel like I haven't been contributing enough.  I want to do more and I want Cupcakes & Confetti to be more.  I want to create conversation and a community.  I really didn't know where I was going with this and then a Facebook post from a personal friend sparked an idea in my brain.  My friend posted a bunch of photos of some of her friends' creative businesses.  I've had a long time passion for art and design and a general love for creatives.  I studied artists in school and I went onto work to help promote artists and I thought to myself "Why am I not doing this now with the blog?".  I should do what I know and do what I love.  

These thoughts have lead me to start a series called "It's Her Business".  I would like this series to be a space that highlights, encourages and supports small creative businesses owned by women. I would like you to get to know a little more about the women behind the businesses.  I would like this to be a space where you can find out about these businesses and hopefully, eventually buy from them and help support them.  To help It's Her Business grow, I need a little help from you too.  I'm on the hunt for well designed, well crafted work.  Do you have a friend, neighbor or relative who has a creative business that you want others to know about?  Do you have a creative business?  I want to hear from you.  Don't be shy.  Contact me.  I would love to see and learn about all the amazing work out there and the women behind them.  I would like this to become a community of talented, creative women that supports one another.  Later this week, I'll introduce you to the first woman in this series.  I can't wait for you to meet her. 

Winter Tabletop Part 1

 

I was flipping through an issue of Midwest Living and stumbled across an idea for a tabletop inspired by the tundra.  The centerpiece included a bowl of rocks and artifical snow and I wanted to try it out.  I would describe midwest style as traditional and approachable, which the idea is. 

Well, I'm obessed with all things French and lately I've been drawn to some designs where the outline of natural elements or everyday objects are modernized and simplified and then presented in a playful manner.  So, I married these two concepts from Midwest Living and French design and this is how it turned out.  I placed light colored rocks on a flat glass plate and sprinkled on some artifical snow and placed some cold climate creatures around the plate.  Going with a palette of white and gray, I made the mountains in simple triangle shapes for both the centerpiece and napkin rings out of scrapbook paper and card stock.  I finished the napkin rings off with natural looking twine.  What do you think?  Come back later to check out part 2 of this post.

 

 

 

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

Hello, February!

Hello, February!  Is is too late to say hello to February?  I don't think it's too late.  Well I had this post all planned out for the first day of February and then the flu hit me.  Blah!  The cold and flu season has been rough on my household. I've been trying to recover from my battle, while taking care of the other sickies in my family and I'm also trying to catch up on all the everyday things I missed while I was sick, so you can see why I had to put the blog on the back burner. 

Now, let's talk about some good things -Valentine's Day.  Swoon...what a sweet little holiday.  I love the pops of color and life that Valentine's Day brings to winter, as well as, the nostalgia that it brings to me.  Remember in elementary school when you constructed the little mail boxes made of an old shoe box to catch all the Valentine's Day cards?  You would decorate it with red construction paper, white doilies and stickers.  I get to relive those days with my oldest daughter now.  We brainstorm ideas and then we get to put together little goodie bags and cards for her classmates.  It's such a great way to bond with the people in our lives.  

Another great thing about February - the Oscars.  Many of us girls anticipate the glamour and glitz of this night.  Some of us have viewing parties of our own and play fashion police and I'm no exception.  I love to see who's wearing what and who's wearing what well.  That's what I love about February.  Tell me, what do you love about it?

National Handwriting Day

January 23 is National Handwriting Day, which celebrates the art of handwriting.  If you've been following my blog, you know how much I adore pretty paper.  I'm also obsessed with faux calligraphy and all around beautiful handwriting.  Do you want to find out how to fake calligraphy for yourself?  Check out this post from Joelle Duff over at Something Charming or this post at Jones Design Company.  So, in celebration of National Handwriting Day, I challenge you to send a handwritten note to three people in your life.  Find some great paper and write a kind, thinking of you note.   In the age of email, it's always nice to receive a lovely handwritten note.  Let me know if you're going to join the fun.  Post a little something on the Cupcakes & Confetti FB page, tweet me or email some pics or a simple message letting me know if you've brightened somebody's day with your handwritten card.  If I receive enough photos, I may share some pics on the blog.  Happy handwriting friends!

  

Spotted: The Shoppe by Madeline Trait

As I search the web for items to include in some of my posts like Party Palette and other mood boards, I stumble upon some super cool items that may not necessarily fit with what I'm working on at the moment, but I file it away to save for next time.  As I was going through some of these items, the thought of creating a series of posts with these finds popped into my head.  There are so many talented people out there creating amazing items for parties and events that are so much more than what you can find in any box store.  I want to highlight these people and share them with you. 

So, I begin my Spotted series with The Shoppe by Madeline Trait.   Madeline describes her shop as "a unique place to find modern and unique items for celebrations and weddings."  And that's exactly what she gives you.  She offers delightfully crafted cake toppers among other items.  Below are just some of the items she offers, but please visit her shop to see more loveliness.

The Make A Wish Cake Topper is made of wood veneer.

 

 

This is definitely not your average party crown.

 

 

The Shooting Star Cake Topper would add a nice little sparkle to any cake.

 

{Sweet of the Week} Dala Horse Cake

One of my favorite weddings sites is Green Wedding Shoes.  There's so much lovely goodness there.  While browsing I came across a bright, beautifully detailed Swedish inspired wedding shoot.  Included in the details that you can't miss are the bright pops of red and the dala horses.  I have to admit I'm a bit obsessed right now with dala horses.  This amazing cake was created by Hey there, Cupcake.  I think I want one.  No, I know I want one.

{Inspired By} Twigs + Branches

Follow my blog with BloglovinLike many others, I'm inspired by my environment.  Right now, I look out my window and drive down the street and see bare trees.  To me, the trees take on a sculptural quality, which is just beautiful.  I get to see the bones of the tree, the tree without its' dressing, stripped, simple and yet complicated in form.   

1. Terrain 2.Sylwia Glass Art 3.West Elm 
4.LEIF 5.Terrain
 

Celebrating This Weekend - Holiday Break

My husband and daughter have had a nice long holiday break and we have enjoyed every minute of staying up late, sleeping in and slow mornings for almost a good two weeks, but on Monday its' back to the regular old routine.  Remember this post where I missed snow?  Well, over the break we received plenty of it and not much has melted away.  On Christmas Eve, when we walked out of church you could see through the glow of the parking lot lights the snow gently floating to the ground.  It was magical.  I haven't seen a white Christmas in years.  It was perfect. 

We will savor these last few days together, but in between that, I need to put away the holiday decor around my house.  It's such a chore, isn't it?  It's never as fun to put away as it is to put up and the house seems so empty afterwards.  So being with my family is really the celebration part of the weekend, the cleaning up part, eh, not so much.

Hello, January!

Hello January and hello 2013!!!  I absolutely love the beginning of a new year.  You can write a new chapter in your life.  Everything and anything is possible.  What will you do this year?  What can you do this year?  It's all up to you.  So far you have a blank page and you get to decide on how it begins and how it will end.  I hope this chapter in your life is an absolutely amazing one.  

Calendars

Hey there friends!  After a long break, I'm back refreshed and inspired and I hope you feel the same.  I'm starting off with calendars.  I heart calendars, because calendars are a symbol of time and for me - organization.  I can plot out events and schedules from play dates to the weeks' menu. Although I use a digital calendar, I still use a paper calendar too.  I like to write things down I guess and I like searching for a fun calendar.  Here's some great ones I found.  Get some international inspiration with Houses of the World .  Infographics are everywhere right now and calendars have not escaped the trend.  If you need a little bit of comic relief this Noosed Kitty calendar will keep you smiling.  I'm really into this artful calendar.  Is the Unravel Knitted Calendar from Anthropologie cool or what?  A bit pricey yes, but I would love to see how the year "unravels".  As we ring in the New Year, I wish you all the very best. 

 

Gingerbread Pancakes

My family would be happy to eat pancakes morning, noon or night.  To keep things interesting, I make different pancake flavors during different seasons.  This recipe for gingerbread pancakes infuses the tastes of the holidays into one delightful breakfast treat.  I hope you enjoy them as much as my family does.

 

 

I will be taking some time off from blogging so that I can enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. I wish all of you a peaceful and joyous holiday.  I'll see you in January! xx

 

 

Gold + Copper Holiday Table

Like many of us, I have been busy trying to get all of the details for the holidays taken care of, which has left me little time to blog.  I just wanted to write this post to share with you this gold and copper holiday table I'm planning for a Christmas day brunch I'm hosting.  I'm in love with metallic colors right now, which is perfect for holidays.  I filled cylinders with faux snow and put some fresh greenery inside them for centerpieces along with some gold and copper colored votive candle holders.  The gilded burlap runner and ornaments are from Target.  You got to love Target.  The ornaments also act as place cards for everyone.  I wrapped each place setting in gold glittery ribbon so that each one is like an individual present.  Simple, but it's always the little touches that make a difference. 

Snow

Initially I wanted to post a beautiful image without words, because this weekend has been full of sadness, but then I felt the need to write.  I've been finding beauty in snow lately.  I miss it right now.  Last winter there was very little snow, which is unusual around here.  I miss being inside and watching the snow fall silently to the ground.  I miss shoveling snow and then coming in to drink a warm cup of hot chocolate that's topped off with mountain of whipped cream.  I miss seeing rows of snow covered trees and the life that the snow can bring can bring to the barren landscape. 

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