Happy Weekend

Not that I am wishing for snow, but with so much family coming in town (some of which never get to see it) it would be nice to have a white Christmas. 

And then I am reminded of the brutality that snow can bring in Chicago. 

If you ever worked or work in the city and commute on foot at any time during it, you know how these guys feel. 

Still would love some snow, though. 

I cannot get over how sweet this family portrait is from Rifle Paper Co. I am actually obsessed with their entire shop. 

This kitchen that I spotted on Pinterest is so fab. The island is to die. The modern stark feel crossed with that rug is fantastic. Not  my first choice for lighting, but I like that they chose a traditional chandelier shape. 

Isn't this idea to use photos as gift tags clever? No one ever actually prints out photos anymore. I am stealing and going to try it out. I will post photos of it once I finish wrapping. 

Worship this idea to do a black painted gallery wall with white frames. Such a clean look and makes great contrast. I would do different sized frames and mix in some color with art or photos. 

Happy weekend friends. 

xo

Erin 

Wedding Dress Illustration

I wish I could take credit for coming up with this gift idea for your favorite bride, but instead I will just share how adorable it is. After seeing it on the wall of my favorite bride/new mom I had to find the Etsy shop that it came from. It was a present from one of the other chic bridesmaids from her wedding and I only wish I would have known about it sooner. It would have made some after-wedding gift giving a lot easier. 

This Etsy shop makes customized illustrations of the wedding dress and will incorporate any other elements you might like to add. From bouquet flowers, to a quote, to an accessory, she will make it happen. The above is the exact print of my friend. 

I can say from seeing it first hand, that it looks great as part of a gallery wall of wedding or other favorite moments. It would be the perfect gift to send a month or two after the wedding madness so that your friend can enjoy her dress every day in a totally different way. 

xo

Erin 

Etsy Finds: March

Etsy is insanity. I am on almost every day and it astounds me how many talented people are out in the universe. What is so great about Etsy is that it makes art and other wares so accessible. It provides this strange connection with an artist that you communicate with, directly buy from, and even in some cases work with for the perfect piece for you. If you have not explored, I suggest starting. When I find something great, I promise to share. Like I said, it is insanity and the more you can narrow down the field, the better. This print is by Julia Calimera and is titled Afghan Hound and I loved the red pen to white paper. And for just fifteen dollars you can say you have a piece from a great Italian artist hanging on your walls. (Julia is from Italy) Check out her shop, I also love the geisha drawing in the rain.

Here are a couple of other recent finds I love:

Best Year Ever Calendar from Spread The Love
Watercolor from Silver Ridge Studio
French Bulldog Thank You Cards from Sycamore Street Press
Pink Ikat Pillows from Turquoise Tumbleweed
And because she was such an icon: Elizabeth Taylor Digital Media Photo by Tim Snyder Photography

xo
Erin