pink street

Our New Little Man's Home

2012-01-05T15:50:00.002-06:00

This may be the last post I have time to write for a while, because tomorrow's the big day! I'm almost a week past due at this point, despite the fact that my doctor told me almost a month ago we might be welcoming Tiny Timmons any day. He's displayed surprising tenacity for so small a fellow, and since we can't wait any longer to meet him, I'm going in tomorrow morning to be induced. (Kind thoughts and prayers big and small are welcomed.)

But I wanted to show you, before it's thrown into disarray by the stresses of caring for a newborn, the (mostly) finished nursery. We don't have all of the bedding ready for the crib yet, so you won't get to see photos of that, unfortunately, but you will get to see everything else we've done, including the mobile I made with an old lampshade frame and hand-punched paper bits. I love the way everything turned out -- I wanted this room to feel bright and cheery but not too babyish, which I think we accomplished by staying away from a "theme," on the whole, and just using splashes of color against primarily white walls. I hope it will be a happy place for our little fellow to become acquainted with the world, and I hope you enjoy the tour as well!

Here you'll see the vintage turquoise dresser which was the jumping-off place for choosing colors, and the adorable "chalkboard" banner made by my lovely friend Evan.

The room has a small 3x4 foot inset alcove, in which we placed an old dresser for additional storage, and rigged up an easy-reach "closet" for hanging other clothes. This area can be screened off from the rest of the room with handmade floor-length curtains on rollers.

Here's the rocker and ottoman in which we'll probably spend a lot of time, an old telephone table that was in terrible shape initially, but was stripped and painted to match the vintage dresser, and a cubby storage unit which holds Tiny's books and toys (in the baskets). I recovered the lampshades in our yellow zig-zag accent fabric.

And on the right is the mobile I made by undressing an unused lampshade, covering it with fabric strips in an aqua dot pattern, then rigging up a fishing-line structure from which to hang colorful paper punches in different shapes and sizes. I used the beautiful piece on the left (created by Dottie Angel) as inspiration, but wanted my paper bits to hang more or less horizontally, so that the baby can see the shapes and colors when looking up at it from his crib below. It took A LOT of hours from start to finish, but I'm really pleased with the way it turned out.

I hope at some point in the not too distant future to be back with pictures of our newly-arrived addition, who is, as yet, still unnamed. He can't wait to meet you all!

More News

2011-11-01T09:00:00.001-05:00

Because our addition may be making his appearance right around the busy holiday season, I've decided to run an early Holiday Sale in my Etsy shop, to encourage you all to do your pink street shopping before I take a temporary hiatus to focus on preparing for and having a newborn. So, between now and December 1st, I'm offering a 10% Holiday discount on all orders! Just enter the coupon code PSHOLIDAYSALE at checkout to have the discount applied to your total!

Some News

2011-10-30T18:05:00.001-05:00

So the reason I haven't been present here for the past few months is that I've been busy growing a baby and doing all of the things that go along with getting ready to welcome our little Tiny Tim (not actually his name, just his "before he gets here" short version) into our lives. Here are a few shots of the gradually-progressing nursery, which will be white, aqua, and turquoise, with pops of yellow. (It will be so cute!)

He's due to make his grand entrance into the world on New Year's Eve, and if he's on schedule, our 2012 will begin with some major changes. We are terrified, but so excited!

Thanks to those of you who have stuck around, waiting patiently for me to return, and are still reading. There will be more news coming up later this week, so stay tuned!

Champagne Supernova

2011-06-26T12:02:00.001-05:00

I finished this gorgeous wedding set up a few weeks ago and got it sent off to a bride with fantastic taste for a mid-June wedding. Her bridesmaids wore blush pink dresses, so she asked me to create pieces for them in gorgeous champagne and nude tones with gold highlights.

And I also got to make some extra-special pieces for the bride herself, who wore a dress embellished with hundreds of delicate ivory flowers, which I recreated in ivory satin with vintage velvet millinery leaves for her custom necklace and hairpiece.

I love these soft, delicate colors just as much as the bright ones, I think. And thanks to a lovely bride for encouraging me to try something new!

You May Not Believe It .....

2011-06-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

..... But I have more wedding work to show off! Yes, I know, you thought, "How many is this now? This really has got to come to an end soon!" And you're right: the end is, in fact, in sight, my friends, after many long months of putting together -- let's see, how many now? -- um, six wedding orders so far. Just one more to finish, and I'm home free for this season!

Anyway, today I'm publishing photos of pieces I did for two separate collections, both in gorgeous turquoise, of which I'm a huge fan. Hope you enjoy!

My Newest Hobby

2011-05-01T13:58:00.003-05:00

One of my New Year's resolutions this year was to send more real mail. You remember, handwritten letters -- actual paper and envelopes that require stamps, that sort of thing. So I've been making cards for most of my friends every month, which is great, because it gives me an excuse to collect more pretty papers, laces, tapes and embellishments, and to perfect my amateur paper-crafting skills. And a little while back, my very talented friend Evan explained to me how I could make my own stamps, so I took a trip to the craft store last week to produce some pretty silhouette stamps: the one on the right is Jane Austen's, and the one on the left is a little girl's. Not too bad for a first-timer, if I do say so myself.

Next, I made a card recently for a super-sweet Etsy seller with whom I arranged a trade of items, as a thank you for the trade. She and I are both in love with Britain, so I made a cut-out template of the Union Jack and put it on the front of her card, in cheery moss green, pink, and with the addition of a lace-patterned paper tape. The inside is embellished with the same green patterned paper, a pink Martha Stewart paper lace I found at Michael's, and a beautiful little vintage ledger-paper heart punch on top of which I put a pretty little bird punched out of a thin birch-wood veneer card.

I also put together a little bag of vintage and handmade goodies to go along with the card. I included a vintage hankie from my collection, a pair of earrings in coral, her favorite color, a few paper punches of vintage lined notebook paper on which I used one of my silhouette stamps, some tiny butterfly punches of vintage ledger paper, a yard of gorgeous vintage lace, scalloped punches of a vintage wallpaper, and some little pink bird punches. I packaged it all up in a handmade envelope I made using the same green patterned paper.

So that's what I've been up to this weekend. I plan to keep going for a little while on the paper crafting today, make a quick trip to the post office to send off some pretty packages, then settle in on the couch for Masterpiece Classic tonight! Hooray! And happy weekend to all of you.

Big Shop Update

2011-04-27T19:43:00.001-05:00

Yay! I've been super busy for the past week photographing and listing a lot of new items in my shop! I hope you'll stop by and check out the new lovelies, but if you're short on time, here's a preview:

Feels great to have the shop stocked up again. I'd love to hear your feedback on the new items! I've been trying to put some simpler pieces in for those who don't wear a lot of jewelry, or who favor the understated over the complicated. Any thoughts?

Three Down, Four to Go!

2011-04-24T22:10:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to present the latest update on completed wedding orders: silver and classic pearls for bridesmaids wearing sunny yellow.

I'd love to hear your thoughts! Favorite colors of the season?

I ♥ Coral

2011-03-27T21:56:00.000-05:00

Completed another wedding collection this weekend for a lovely local bride; this one's monochromatic, in lush coral, with beautiful gold accents. Dainty necklaces and simple stud earrings: perfect for a sweet summer wedding!

The Hole I've Been Hiding In .....

2011-02-20T14:57:00.001-06:00

Is called "Custom Wedding Orders." Making progress, though: two down, three to go!

The one I finished up this week is a set for a California bride who's doing a "Retro Fun" wedding in Palm Springs. Bridesmaids resplendent in beautiful "pool blue." (All nine of them! Whew!)

More of my latest adventures soon.

Re-Inspired

2011-01-29T15:42:00.000-06:00

I think I'm finally ready to come back now. I've been busier than ever since the holidays with four (soon to be five) custom wedding sets, with paper crafting, and making new things for the shop, which will, with any luck, be receiving some pretty new additions in the coming weeks.

I want to thank you, my lovely readers, for being patient with me during my little hiatus, and also to beg your continued indulgence if I'm not here quite as frequently as I used to be. I've come to the conclusion that blogging should be about being inspired and sharing inspiration with others, and when I felt lately like it's just one more thing on an impossibly long to-do list, it becomes a stressor rather than an overflow of creativity. So I'm going to approach it in the future with the mindset that I'll share when I have something to share, and not bore you with nonsense when I don't.

The wonderful Debee Campos of Art As Life (incredible blog) and InspireLovely (beautiful shop) is a perpetual source of inspiration to me, so I can't think of anything more appropriate than including her in today's post. She's running a giveaway on her blog right now of several beautiful Valentine's Day themed items from her shop, so be sure to enter after taking a few minutes to marvel at the loveliness (I always do) and to be inspired yourself (I always am).

It's nice to be back. Thank you for reading.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Packagery

2010-12-14T11:42:00.000-06:00

I'm having a difficult time getting into the Christmas swing this year for several reasons.

1: It's the middle of December and it's 80 degrees outside here! What is going on!?

2: I did almost all of my Christmas shopping online this year, so I (happily) missed that whole "rushing out to buy gifts" experience that usually signals the season's beginning.

3: I was so busy leading up to Thanksgiving and at the beginning of this month that I haven't had time to put up the Christmas tree, so my house looks just the same as for the other 11 months of the year, except dirtier and with a lone little aqua wreath lounging on the piano.

Despite the fact that I don't have a tree to put the presents under,

I do love wrapping them. I love the creativity I get to exhibit, and I love the pretty papers and ribbons and trims. Which is why I chose Packagery for today's Etsy feature, and why I'm feeling a little more in the mood to put on Bing's "White Christmas" and get started.

Doesn't that make you want to stop what you're going and play in the floor with all of the pretties? Me too. Happy Tuesday and happy wrapping, friends!

My DIY Wreath

2010-12-08T09:00:00.001-06:00

I'm not sure if any of you will remember that last year in December, I put up a DIY post about how to make this adorable ruffle wreath with felt circles. I bought the materials right around Christmas last year, but didn't get around to making it in time to put up for the holidays. But last weekend, I finally sat down and put together the pretty little wreath below.

I decided to wrap it in (of course) aqua yarn, then I attached my 85 or so circles of ivory felt. Unfortunately, they didn't quite cover the whole wreath. I like the fact that you can see the pretty yarn, but it still looks funny to me, so I need y'all's opinion on the finishing touches. Should I buy more felt to cover it completely? Or should I remove some of the circles so that it's mostly a yarn wreath with a band of ruffles? And what should I embellish with? I bought some vintage-style bottlebrush trees with which I was going to plant a little forest on the bottom of the ring, but I tried to spray paint them gold, and learned to my dismay that bottlebrush trees are impervious to spray paint (at least mine were, after 5 solid minutes of spraying). I could hang some mini Christmas ornaments from the top of the ring to dangle in the center, I suppose. Any other brilliant ideas?

I'd love to hear about any holiday craftiness you've been up to recently!

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Laura Amiss

2010-12-07T09:00:00.002-06:00

I fell in love with all of the gorgeous prints and textile artwork in Laura Amiss's Etsy shop at first glance. The colors make me happy, and the sweet themes make me giggle. I dare you not to smile immediately.

I think "Teapots" and "I Was Different" would be at the top of my list, but the cityscapes are close behind. So charming, yes?

{all images © Laura Amiss, and pulled from the Etsy shop}

Just .... A Little ..... Further .....

2010-12-01T10:26:00.002-06:00

I'm this close to making my 200th sale in the Etsy shop {picture me doing the thumb and first finger thing with my face scrunched up}, so I wanted to invite you guys to help me out with that; if you've been thinking of doing any of your Christmas shopping at pink street, go ahead and jump on that! I'm offering a special little free gift to be included with the next four sales, which will be wrapped beautifully and packaged with extra attention (because that's how I roll).

So go ahead, please, make my day!

Holiday Trading

2010-12-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

So thrilled that I made it into the 2010 oh, hello friend Holiday Trade Guide! It's such a fantastic way to discover other artists on Etsy, and get some of my shopping done without spending any money! Hooray for supporting each other and being thrifty!

Check out Danni's lovely collection here, and if you make things and are interested in arranging a trade with me, visit my shop here! (That's my Meryton necklace, at the bottom left. Sold a few days ago, but there's lots more prettiness where that came from.)

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Turtle Papers

2010-11-30T11:04:00.003-06:00

Hello, friends! It's lovely to be back again after the holiday. I enjoyed my brief break quite a lot, and I can't wait to do it again in a few weeks. But now, we must get down to business! There is goodness to be discussed and prettiness to be displayed!

Case in point: the lovely Turtle Papers Etsy shop, of which I have been an admirer since my earliest days on Etsy. I always think that Christmas is the perfect time to splurge on something as relatively frivolous as pretty stationery. Don't you agree? And you can pick up some charming holiday cards there while you're shopping.

Pretty pastels, lacy scallops, and floral flourishes; just my style, obviously.

{All images pulled from the Turtle Papers Etsy shop.}

Holiday Wish List #1

2010-11-22T17:09:00.001-06:00

Today's wishlist was inspired by champagne pinks and peppermint stripes.

pillowbox kit by belladrummer; sweet holiday styling by country living; red zigzag rug by madeline weinrib

lacy cardi by modcloth; darling flats by vivienne westwood; scallop top by modcloth

red velvet clutch by Home of Heart Couture; red leather and gold bangles by Maribelle Campa;

Those flats would definitely go on my wishlist if there was anyone who'd spend that much money on me. So cute!

Fall Sale at Pink Street!

2010-11-17T14:42:00.002-06:00

Head over to take advantage of the Fall Sale in my shop: 10% off of all items, and 15% off of Sale items! Go get some of your Christmas shopping out of the way early, friends! I solemnly promise that shipping will be super-fast and packaging will be super-cute.

I love sales! Who's with me?

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: French English

2010-11-16T16:00:00.004-06:00

Patent leather is not just for your grandmother's pumps anymore. I'm loving these cheeky bags by Etsy seller French & English Confectioners -- FrenchEnglish for short.

Here's a sampler of a few I'd love to own:

I love the way the shiny patent finish can give the plainest piece a dressy feel. How about you?

{all images pulled from the FrenchEnglish Etsy shop.}

Elizabeth Bennet Approves.

2010-11-15T20:01:00.001-06:00

The next dance shall be dedicated to the lady genius who created Austenbook.
I laughed my bonnet off!

{via The English Muse.}

DIY Thursday: Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial

2010-11-11T14:16:00.001-06:00

I know, I know. I did this post last fall. "But some of my lovely readers are new!" I thought to myself, "and maye they'd like a little recap?" At any rate, I can't resist the chance to put something so pretty up for you, even if it is a re-run. I hope you enjoy the photos, and for the original, full length and in-depth tutorial, visit Danielle Thompson's fabulous post here.

__________________________________________________________________________________

After seeing this photo on flickr (taken by indierocket) of the absolutely gorgeous fabric pumpkins for sale at ink + peat in Portland, Danielle Thompson of Thompson Family Life decided to make her own. And the photos she took of her own fabric pumpkin creations blew me away. Just in time for Thanksgiving, everyone! Grab your scraps and craft away! I certainly intend to.

If you try it, send me photos!

{all images above are copyright Danielle Thomspson Photography.}

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: The Shop at No. 144

2010-11-09T11:32:00.002-06:00

Such pretty things in this charming Etsy shop. I, like the owner and designer, Colleen Lemons, have a serious thing for ruffles, bows, and soft, fluffy flowers. Also, obviously, for handmade items that fit these descriptions as well. Some of my numerous favorites from the shop:

{all images pulled from the No. 144 shop.}

Terribly easy to love, am I right? Hop on over and check out Colleen's charming shop, The Shop at No. 144.

(And ps: if anyone who plans to Christmas shop for me is reading this, I'm a big fan of those adorable teal velvet shoe bows.)

Feels Like Christmas

2010-11-07T12:22:00.004-06:00

I got the happiest surprise yesterday morning when I checked my email. A sweet bride I worked with last year on the gorgeous aqua and dove grey wedding set wrote to let me know that her wedding (and my jewelry) had been featured on Style Me Pretty, which as some of you may know, is one of the best wedding blogs out there, and is kind of a big deal. Not only was I elated to find out that Abby Larson of Style Me Pretty has put this one at the top of her "favorite weddings" list, but I was so happy to see photos proving that I was lucky enough to contribute something small to a day that was so special and so incredibly beautiful. All of the bridesmaids are wearing pink street necklace and earring sets created especially for each girl, to match her individual style and personality, as a gift from the bride.

The lovely bride, Jessica, planned all of the details so perfectly, down to painting and distressing the aqua birdcages by hand. But she found out, just like I did on my wedding day, incidentally, that no matter how thoroughly you plan, you can't predict everything. Her obstacle was a sudden and unaccountable illness. (Mine was 5 inches of snow. On the day of our outdoor wedding.)

You can read her whole harrowing tale of the imperfect wedding that turned out to be perfect after all on the Style Me Pretty post, where there are dozens of other gorgeous photos as well. I am so grateful to have been part of her story, and couldn't wait to share the feature with all of you!

{all images by Souder Photography.}

Wish List: Wallpaper

2010-11-03T09:36:00.002-05:00

I love the soft chintzy look of Catherine Hammerton's collages, and now she's produced a wallpaper collage! I would love to put a roll of this up in my craft room. I think it's adorable.

{via oh, hello friend. image pulled from Catherine Hammerton's website.}

A Few Random Thoughts

2010-11-01T09:39:00.003-05:00

Hello, friends. Unfortunately, I haven't yet dug myself out of the deep deep hole that is "Things I Have To-Do" yet, but I have just a few minutes to breathe, and I thought I'd let you know that:

1. I love Love LOVE fall. Even here, where only 7 of the 32 trees in this city turn color. It's my favorite time of the whole year.
2. I am going to do this year what I've been saying I would do for the past 4 years: make caramel apples with Husband. Yum.
3. The Texas Rangers are breaking my heart. Seriously guys, the underdogs are supposed to miraculously win at the end of the story! That's how it works.
4. Even though it means I get the big bed all to myself, I don't like it when Husband's gone for a night. My eyes are a little redder this morning.
5. I'm currently loving the self-titled album from Little Joy.
6. I watched How To Steal A Million with Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole yesterday, and remembered two things: how much I love Audrey, and why I decided that my future husband had to have bright blue eyes and dark hair. (Which he does.)
7. I've decided that scarves are my favorite accessory. Yes, despite the fact that I make jewelry.
8. I don't care who you are or where you're from: Oscar Wilde is just plain hilarious. Makes me laugh every time. Out loud.
9. Art Trail is this Friday night, and I have some lovely new things to show off!
10. I wish I had some lovely new tree peonies sitting at home waiting for me. Tree peonies are my favorite, especially in these incredible arrangements by Sarah of Saipua.

I Keep Telling Myself

2010-10-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

And I'm pretty sure that's true. But probably not for a while yet.

Please be patient with me. I'll be back soon.

{image and design © Jen Renninger of the fabulous Etsy shop PleaseBeStill.}

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Olive Manna

2010-10-18T20:44:00.002-05:00

I just can't get enough of pretty packaging, so obviously, Olive Manna has been in my list of Etsy favorites for a very long time now. But this week is a perfect time to feature the shop because Danni over at oh, hello friend has an Olive Manna giveaway going on this week! Check out some of my favorites below, then go straight over and enter the giveaway!

Natalie Jost, the very talented person behind Olive Manna, has a blog, an Etsy shop, and also an independent shop with some different offerings than you can find on Etsy. Happy browsing, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

DIY Thursday: Sweater Crafts

2010-10-14T11:35:00.000-05:00

Although it's still warming up quite a bit during the day here, it's chilly in the mornings, and all I want to do is stay tucked up under the covers, and get out of bed just to cozy up with a blanket and a cup of tea. These ideas for reusing and decorating with your old sweaters from Country Living magazine, seem to evoke just the right atmosphere of coziness for fall. I've chosen a few of my favorites to show you, but you can see the original post on their website for instructions.

Also, I'll take one large library in that lovely weathered oak panelling, please.

DIY: Pretty Wallfowers

2010-10-07T10:04:00.002-05:00

What's that? Bright, colorful flowers made out of paper napkins!? Oh, yes!

And more!

I love how the centers are a different color than the outer layers. So cute!

Full tutorial by Dana of Made, where there's lots and lots of other crafty goodness to be found.

{Photos by Dana; spotted via Frenchie and Flea.}

I ♥ EmersonMade (the Studio Tour)

2010-10-06T09:40:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, the Brooklyn Bride blog featured a studio tour of EmersonMade, and it was spectacular. I think it must be one of the happiest places to work, and I thought you might enjoy the feature too, if you happened not to see it. Here are a few shots, and you can read the interview with Emerson herself over at the original post.

The incredibly talented and really hilarious Emerson and her husband Ryan live on a farm in New Hampshire with fluffy yellow baby ducks and a stuffed mouse. Their amazing home tour was featured on Design*Sponge quite a while ago, and it's just as inspiring. Check out EmersonMade here.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Helkat Design

2010-10-05T11:16:00.003-05:00

I'm such an Anglophile, and a fan, as well, of soft colors and soft cushions. Helkat Design, located in Wiltshire, England, combines all three of these weaknesses of mine into gorgeous pillow covers.

I'm not sure I could narrow them down to even five favorites, but I know I want one.

{All images pulled from the Helkat Etsy shop.}

Maybe I'm just a little bit crazy

2010-10-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

... Because I haven't yet exhausted my obsession with aqua, and I'm trying to figure out a way to do something like this to my kitchen:

via

I just can't get enough. Someone's going to have to stop me.

Debbie Downer

2010-09-29T09:58:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry, friends, but I'm not my usual cheerful self today. Despite the fact that it's my birthday month, there's still another Cold Stone Cupcake in the freezer, and husband's being even sweeter to me than normal, I just can't seem to make my smile believable lately. I mostly feel like sagging and moping, and sometimes I want to cry a little too, which is unusual. It's hard to be an optimist when you stop believing.

The pretty vases of fading summer roses and porcelain vine seemed to kind of illustrate my mood lately. I just want to stare at them and not think anymore.

{Images by Sarah of saipua.}

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Inaluxe

2010-09-28T10:32:00.000-05:00

I love the fun patterns and vibrant colors featured in the mid-century modern inspired designs of Melbourne-based Kristina and Jason, the team behind Inaluxe.

Stop in at the Etsy shop and check out all of the other designs!

{All Images © Kristina Sostarko & Jason Odd, pulled from the Etsy shop.}

Today I Will .....

2010-09-24T09:38:00.001-05:00

I'm happy to have a weekend of more celebrations to look forward to, but at present, it mostly feels like I'm struggling under a miles-long to-do list that has been standing over me for a week now. I really need to get something -- anything -- done, and I just can't seem to catch up. So I'm going to try to make that happen this weekend in the midst of partying it up.

First on my list is a shout-out to my beautiful friend Jessica, whose birthday is today. Together, back in the day, we formed two-thirds of the Park Byron Girls Triumvirate Spectacular, and also, we'd get to have joint birthday parties every year, which was awesome. Happy Birthday, Jess!

{Images of the Catskills cabin of The Wild Unknown on Design*Sponge. Via Little Is The New Big.}

DIY Thursday: Festive Paper Pinwheels

2010-09-23T09:00:00.001-05:00

In continuation of the birthday theme (being that the birthday festivities continue for another couple of weeks at least), I bring you today a beautifully presented tutorial from Style Me Pretty for paper pinwheels. The project tutorial is by Posh Paperie, and the wonderful photography is by Jackie Wonders. See the original post on Style Me Pretty for full instructions and details.

So beautiful! I'd love to hang these up all over my house, even when it's not my birthday!

And I Quote

2010-09-22T09:00:00.003-05:00

"It sometimes happens, that a woman is handsomer at twenty-nine than she was ten years before; and, generally speaking, if there has been neither ill health nor anxiety, it is a time of life at which scarcely any charm is lost."
And yet again, Jane Austen, you are my hero.

I'm off today, spending it lazily in frivolous pursuits and doing exactly as I please, which in my opinion, is how everyone should spend her birthday. (And now, may I make a suggestion?: you should spend my birthday by taking advantage of the Incredible Birthday Sale going on in my shop for today only!)

Happy Birthday to Me! And here's to a loss of neither beauty nor charm in 29.

{quoted: the effervescent and luminescent Miss Austen, Persuasion}
{copyrighted image by the talented Tif of Dottie Angel, pulled from the Flickr stream.}

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Necessity Is The Mother

2010-09-21T09:00:00.002-05:00

Such a fantastic name for a handmade clothing shop, right? I've had many items from Necessity Is The Mother's Etsy shop make their way into my favorites for quite a long time now.

I absolutely love the casual, homespun look; sort of like 40's housemaid meets 60's mod.

Some of my favorites, including some I couldn't resist pulling from the Sold items section.

Also, I envy the model's gorgeous auburn hair, if we're just gonna go ahead and get everything out there. You should definitely stop by and check out the creative and charming items in the shop.

Happy Tuesday! Oh, and don't forget to stop by my shop today too to see the brand new items I listed last night! Big Birthday Sale starts tomorrow!

{All images pulled from Necessity Is The Mother Etsy shop.}

Birthday Sale and Giveaway Winner

2010-09-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

On the agenda for today: some lovely new things to show you, an exciting offer, and the announcement you've all been waiting for.

First, my birthday is this week (!). Last year in honor, I ran a Birthday Sale in my Etsy shop that was so well-received that I've decided to make it a yearly tradition. So on Wednesday, September 22nd, I'm offering a 22% discount on your entire purchase from my shop, for one day only. So stop by and stock up for yourself or gifts for others. I've been working really hard this weekend on some lovely new members of the Pink Street club which will all be listed in the shop by Wednesday.

Here's a preview:

More will be listed tonight, so you'll have a great selection from which to choose on Wednesday!

And finally, our Giveaway Winner: Niandra!

Congratulations, Niandra; please send me an email at sarahetimmons@gmail.com with your address, and I'll get all of your goodies packaged up and sent off to you!

Favorite Things Friday: The Purl Bee

2010-09-17T09:00:00.004-05:00

I know. Sheer, unadulterated incredible.

This beautiful Liberty of London fabric sample display wall is installed at the new PurlSoho.

But why can't it magically and simultaneously be installed at my house?

{Image from the Purl Bee blog. There's so much more loveliness to explore on the blog and at the online shop of PurlSoho.}

DIY Thursday: Ice Cream Cone Pinata

2010-09-16T09:18:00.002-05:00

Being that just a few days from now I shall begin The Birthday Celebration Extravaganza with husband, pretty party items are looking like the perfect thing with which to begin the countdown.

And a pretty party item shaped like my third favorite thing in the world (just behind husband and birthdays) is Even. More. Awesome.

I really don't think any more words are necessary.

Brilliant idea, and full instructions for the project by Tiffany of Simply Modern Mom.

Chirp

2010-09-15T09:00:00.002-05:00

The Plan:

1. Buy an antique sideboard and install in living room.

2. Find several vintage apothecary jars in varying shapes and sizes.

3. Install happy little (fake) birds in said apothecary jars along with some (real) twigs and moss to keep them company.

4. Embellish display with adorable vintage mirror tray, lamp, and handmade wall art.

And voila! Instant charm.

{Disclaimer: this is not actually my house, nor was it originally My Plan. These gorgeous images, this adorable display, and the credit for actually having such a brilliant idea must go to the lovely Miss Polly of Polly Danger, the blog, the shop, and the notions.}

But now, this plan is My Plan.

And now I'm going to go, and ... show The Plan to someone else.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Gloaming Designs

2010-09-14T09:00:00.004-05:00

I'm captivated by the beautiful things in the Gloaming Designs shop, as with the incredible styling and the idyllic, fairytale atmostphere it evokes. The shop is owned by Abigail, an American living in Paris, and there is French flair abounding. Absolument enchantant.

{All images by the very talented Abigail of Gloaming Designs, and pulled from the Etsy shop.}

If you like, stop by and explore her blog as well. It's every bit as pretty, with some beautiful photos of Southern French mountains and streams.

Giveaway Extended

2010-09-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Executive decision: the Favorite Things Giveaway shall be open to you, my lovely readers, for another week. We need some more entrants, friends, so comment away! (Please comment on the original post.)

Go on, then!

Heirloom Pieces

2010-09-13T09:00:00.003-05:00

I worked this weekend on listing some new things I've created very recently with some repurposed vintage jewelry components: brooches, earrings, and other bits. I plan to have the shop fully stocked by the time I run my birthday sale, of which so many of you kindly took advantage last year. But enough exposition, bring in the photos!

More to be added to the shop soon!

Favorite Things Friday: Tables Laid Under the Trees

2010-09-10T09:34:00.001-05:00

These incredible images by the insanely talented wedding photographer Tec Petaja are perfect. And so are the colorful vintage table linens, and the hay bale seating, and the way the late summer sun streams through the trees, and the chandeliers hanging from the low boughs, and the homemade pies on pretty stands, and the groom's bowtie.

All images copyright Tec Petaja, pulled from his website. Also, be sure to see his blog for so much more loveliness.

So beautiful. I hope that your Friday is beautiful, and your weekend is splendid.

{And hey, everyone! Don't you like giveaways? Then for heaven's sakes, why don't you enter!?}

DIY Thursday: Beaded Chandelier

2010-09-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

My list of projects to try grows weekly, but this one is definitely one of those which has a good shot at making the difficult leap from great idea to reality. And now you have a reason to save and recycle all of those gaudy Mardi Gras beads! This awesome tutorial comes from Heather, posted on the Dollar Store Crafts site. I've shortened it to just a pictorial tutorial (ha!), but you can find full instructions here.

Britt, an enterprising reader of the blog and writer of A Penny Saved, added a lighting kit to her chandelier, which she painted turquoise, to mimic these beauties made of semiprecious stones by Marjorie Skouras. You can see Britt's revised tutorial here.

I love white for outdoors, or a wedding under the trees, and something punchy like aqua for brightening up the indoors. What color would you paint yours?

2010-09-08T09:00:00.012-05:00

We've talked about this before, but in case you need a refresher, I have a serious obsession with Japanese washi paper tapes. About two weeks ago, said obsession manifested itself in a frenzied and slightly ill-judged shopping spree. ... {shoulder shrug.} Oh, well. Look how pretty!

Love these.
Spreaking of my favorite things, have you entered this week's giveaway?

{All photos taken by me. Contact me if you have questions about the headpieces in these pics!}

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Mary Kate McDevitt

2010-09-07T09:00:00.002-05:00

I'm a big fan of illustrator Mary Kate McDevitt's lovely work. My favorites are her quirky Mini Goals Chalkboards, especially the "After Tea" versions (obviously). The following, from her Etsy shop, are high on my list:

Mary Kate does all of her lettering by hand, and I think her school-notebook-style illustrations are funny and uplifting. Check out the Etsy shop and her cute blog for more!

{Photos by Mary Kate McDevitt, pulled from the Etsy shop}

Favorite Things Giveaway

2010-09-06T09:00:00.004-05:00

{Oh, the fun I have in store for you today!}

Here's how it all began: I was thinking to myself, "gosh, I love playing with my new Japanese paper tapes" (stay tuned for Wednesday's post), and "boy, stamping is fun," then, "heavens, I just can't get enough of these neat paper embellishments." {Oh, you laugh, but I'm not even kidding. I had FOTC playing and I was bobbing my head along to Carol Brown and everything.} And then it came to me, like a carrier pigeon with a great idea tied to his leg: a giveaway of all of these things! AND MORE!

I therefore present to you, the Favorite Things Giveaway!

Here's what you get:

1. A pink and brown notebook embellished by me with fun papers, vintage french book page, vintage lace, and a mini envelope in which to tuck secret messages to yourself (envelope by The Gilded Bee)

2. A cool bird stamp

3. About a yard of magenta cotton twine

4. A bunch of white paper millinery flowers

5. Cute little translucent pink plastic heart and circle 'crystals'

6. Pink Street brass earrings handmade by me

7. Three new rolls of Japanese washi paper tape in orange sherbert, pink stripe, and banana pudding

8. A sweet little cloth-covered butterfly button brad

9. 10 adorable yellow paper buttons (by The Gilded Bee)

10. A package of sweet handmade butterflies in melon, blush, and bashful (by The Gilded Bee)

11. A pretty scrap of dusty rose fabric

So, all you have to do to enter is follow my blog, then leave a comment here telling me what your own Favorite Things Giveaway would include. Giveaway ends this Sunday at 5:00pm (editorial correction: Sunday, September 19th). Tell all your friends (or at least the ones who enjoy the stuff pictured above)!

Hooray for holidays! Hooray for giveaways!

A Very Special Month

2010-09-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Everyone, an announcement: September is the best month of the year. It's proven and verifiable fact, according to Wikipedia, Adam Sandler, and other experts.

And Art Trail in Septbember is my very favorite one of the whole year: there seems to be so much excitement because it's a new semester (in a college town, our calendar revolves around the beginning and end of school), and it's lovely to see so many new faces and familiar ones passing through the gallery.

Can't wait! I hope to see all of you locals tonight!

DIY Thursday: Beautiful Paper Flower Circlet

2010-09-02T09:00:00.001-05:00

Today's incredible DIY project comes from the amazing Sasha of The Gilded Bee shop and blog, and was created for the No Knows Weddings blog as a bridal accessory. But I think that this charming floral circlet would be so sweet for a little birthday girl or as part of a Halloween fairy costume.

You can see Sasha's full instructions which accompany her illustration photos here.

Isn't it so beautiful?! Lovely photos by Sasha of The Gilded Bee.

Wedding Wednesday

2010-09-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

There's been so much pretty wedding inspiration on some of the blogs I've stumbled onto lately that I couldn't help myself. I've been inspired by the wonderful colors, beautiful dresses, pretty flowers, and great ideas. I hope you will be too.

Incredible wedding flowers spotted on OnceWed; I dubbed this free-spirited garden style "thicket" back in my flower shop days.

I love the soft pink peonies and the tent made of lights; Spanish wedding spotted on OnceWed.

That handmade doily garland is wonderful! And I love that the men of the house party are wearing burlap Toms; an incredible wedding all around spotted on Ruffled.

What a great idea is this! Photo frames and chandelier crystals suspended from the trees; spotted on Ruffled.

I don't think I can sufficiently express my admiration for the couple who got married under this amazing sign; spotted on OnceWed.

All of these dresses are just incredible, I can't get over them; spotted on Green Wedding Shoes.

That dress! Those colors! The hats and the teacups! It's like Marie Antoinette magically transmuted into 1953, and it's completely awesome; spotted on Green Wedding Shoes.

Happy Wednesday!

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Miniature Rhino

2010-08-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

I'm loving all of the quirky handmade items in the Miniature Rhino shop at present. Vintage papers, handwritten letters in a bottle, sweet embroidered hoops: it all adds up to a super cool Etsy shop.

I'm kind of infatuated with those book letters and the flipbook stationery set. Also, I think any of those incredible embroidered hoops would look right at home on any wall in my house. Awesome.

{Photos by the very talented Jessica of Miniature Rhino; composite images by me.}

New Playthings

2010-08-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some extra pretty things have made their way to my little blue house within the past few weeks, and I thought I'd show them off. (You can imagine how much fun I've been having lately.)

paper goodness and pretty flowers from The Gilded Bee

beautiful millinery bits from caramelos

inspring color and lovely packaging from bella drummer

Just one more thing: expect to see some of these lovelies and more of my favorite things in a giveaway, coming soon. Keep checking back this week for more!

A Perfect Ending to a Perfect Week

2010-08-27T13:37:00.002-05:00

Lost in Austen by pinkstreet on Polyvore.com

DIY Thursday: Teabag Envelope

2010-08-26T09:39:00.000-05:00

I love tea. Tea is one of the things for which I'm most thankful. And tea in a pretty handmade floral envelope is even better, if that's possible. So I find today's tutorial from the lovely Yasmine of A Print A Day especially irresistible.

So charming, yes? See a materials list and complete instructions here.

Because I feel the need to continue with the week's established theme, I have just one further thing to add: Jane Austen loved tea too.

Presenting:

2010-08-25T09:00:00.004-05:00

Kitty

Lady Russell

Maria

Jane

Mrs. Elton

Miss Grey

And all enchanted to meet you.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Brookish

2010-08-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen-themed Etsy features must triumph over all others. Therefore, I present to you, Brookish, a charming shop full of pretty words and pretty things, for the hopeless Janeite in all of us.

You ask: What are men to tees and dishtowels?

I reply: Essential, if Mr. Darcy is printed all over them.

(All photos by Brooke of Brookish; composite images by me.)

Introducing:

2010-08-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Harriet,

Charlotte,

Mrs. Gardner,

Caroline,

Marianne,

Elinor,

Isabella,

Elizabeth,

Catherine,

Fanny,

Lydia,

Mary,

Emma,

and Mrs. Clay.

Any resemblance to persons real or fictional may or may not be intentional.

These lovelies are destined to go out into the world as my envoys.

New headpieces to be unveiled soon!

I Wish I Were Spending My Weekend Here

2010-08-20T10:59:00.001-05:00

Nathan and I had a wonderful day off together yesterday. We went to a late morning movie, ate the best pizza ever accompanied by real Coke in a glass bottle, then idled the afternoon away with a leisurely excursion to World Market, then ice cream at Cold Stone, followed by Mad Men episodes at home on the couch. A relaxing, perfect day.

I'd like the weekend to be a continuation of the same, preferably spent in a wooded, whitewashed, and silent cabin; but alas, that seems highly unlikely at present. Still, I hope to have photos of some new work for you on Monday morning: a few pieces I'm very excited about.

Happy Weekend, all! If you're lucky enough to have a quaint cottage in the Catskills, do say hello to the trees and the brook for me.

(Feature in the NY Times, here; found via Greatfull Day, here.)

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Cutiepie Company (and Special Offer!)

2010-08-17T09:30:00.010-05:00

I'm so excited to introduce you today to one of the most charming shops you'll ever meet, cutiepie company, run by the kind and talented Milly. She's stocked her pretty shop full of quite a few of my favorite things: handmade paper goods, vintage maps, charming silhouettes, and a healthy dash of woodgrain. {You begin to understand, I suspect, why I fell in love at first sight.}

I discovered cutiepie company's Etsy shop about a year and a half ago, after happening upon that adorable moleskin printed with the silhouetted girl, and it's remained at the very top of my favorites ever since. I go back to gaze at all of the new lovelies at least once a week.

In addition to having really good taste and a wonderful design sensibility, Milly has been kind enough to offer a special "Back to School" discount just to you as pink street readers. She'll extend a 15% discount on all notebooks and journals, and 10% off everything else in the shop! Just mention "Pinkstreet" in the Notes to Seller at checkout in order to receive the discount. She'll refund the sale amount via Paypal within 24 hours.

The special pink street offer will run through this Sunday, August 22nd, so stop by and pick out a few of your favorites!

Thanks, Milly, for the generous discount offer, and for putting such lovely handmade things out into the world. The world is grateful.

{I mention here by way of a sidenote that the Woodgrain Mixed Paper Notebook, Fille Merci Card set, and naturally, the Lady in Red Moleskin Cahier, have all been added to my birthday list. Just wanted to keep you informed.}

{All photos by Milly of cutiepie company; composite images by me.}

Astounded

2010-08-16T12:09:00.002-05:00

These are some of the prettiest images I've seen in a long time. I'm so glad that Creature Comforts pointed me toward Jane Schouten's work again today. I've explored her website, All the Luck in the World, before, but needed to be reminded of just how beautiful and inspiring all of her work is. And her blog is full of so much loveliness. She actually provides a visual tutorial on how she turned these vintage vessels which accompany radiators, but since we don't really have that sort of thing here in the States (or at least in West Texas), I'll have to content myself with just admiring her incredible work on this project.

All images pulled from Jane Schouten's blog. Go, and you will be enthralled and inspired. Promise.

Double Rainbow All the Way

2010-08-13T09:10:00.001-05:00

I like nature. But this dude's clearly on something.

Still, something good came out of that.

I hope your weekend's beautiful. And so intense.

DIY Thursday: Fabric Boutonnieres

2010-08-12T09:42:00.004-05:00

{And the nostalgia for the flower shop days continues, but in a slightly less natural form today.}

I immediately fell in love with these charming little boutonnieres made out of fabric scraps when I saw Laurie Cinotto's tutorial on OnceWed not long ago. I'll just show you the demonstration photos here, but you can see the full post with complete instructions here. And if you're not into DIY, you can purchase them ready made in Laurie's Etsy shop!

I'm definitely going to try this one ASAP. Wish me luck!

Dime Store Pretties

2010-08-11T09:00:00.003-05:00

Friday Night at Art Trail I debuted a couple new display boards I made from vintage frames, spray-painted in a glossy chocolate, backed with cork and cardboard. I bought some charming little manilla garage sale tags from Caramelos, and gave them some color by adding strips of japanese paper tapes. Then I punched holes for pairs of earrings, and hung the tags with straight pins. They turned out quite as well as I'd hoped they would when I pictured this in my head, and I'm pleased with the way they show off my earrings.

I'm slowly (very slowly, I think) getting the hang of perfecting my display and showcasing my pieces to best advantage. There's lots of trial and error involved. And rivers of hot glue. But if I've learned anything from my father, it's that practice makes perfect. . . . And also, not to believe everything everyone tells you. They're probably making most of it up.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Looking Glass House

2010-08-10T09:00:00.045-05:00

I'm entranced by some of the lovely things in Alice's Etsy shop, Looking Glass House. It really is like stepping through a little tunnel into another world. A nicer one. With vintage chandeliers and large leaded windows. Where old things are valued higher than new ones.

{Individual photos by Alice of Looking Glass House; composite image by me.}

Alice also has a really beautiful blog. After spending some time there, I'm beginning to believe that she really does live in the world her photos evoke. I'm thinking that perhaps I should open a vintage shop and move in too.

Herbs Are Where My Heart Is

2010-08-09T12:02:00.001-05:00

Nathan and I got married in the spring, so bouquets full of lavender, thyme, mint, and scented geranium really weren't an option. But I can't help feeling a little bit sad and nostalgic for the late summer and autumn days at the flower shop when I'd pack every single arrangement I sent out with herbs of every type and description.

Ah, those were glorious, sweetly-scented days.

I was reminded of them by these gorgeous photos taken by Sarah of Saipua, spotted on the Little Flower School blog.

garden roses, elaeagnus, rose hips

thyme, umbelliferae, scabiosa

celosia, oregano, lavender

lamb's ear, strawflower, dahlias

I'm so ready for fall. You?

A Little Lovely For Your Friday

2010-08-06T11:03:00.004-05:00

There's been so much loveliness on Decor8 this week, and I've been inspired by this post, this post, and this one in particular. I'm ready for the change of season, the beginning of a new semseter, and a bit of freshness in my home as well. I hope that you enjoy the photos I've pulled from the Decor8 blogsite for you, and if you're inspired as well, hop over and read the full posts.

Happy weekend, everyone!

And please stop by, if you're in Lubbock, and visit me tonight at Art Trail!

I promise you vintage hankies, big bows, new displays involving cute garage sale tags, and lots of new pieces!

Coming Soon To A Mercedes Dealership Near You

2010-08-05T13:50:00.001-05:00

I've been crazy busy lately, friends, revamping display props and making lots of new jewelry and headbands for this month's Art Trail, which is tomorrow night. I'm really happy with some of the things I've done, and I hope that some of them will find happy homes with you. And because I like you so much, you get a sneak peek.

No preview photos of the new headbands yet, but I'll give you a hint. I've broken into bows. Big bows.

New items will also be added to the shop next week as well, so drop by and visit me on Etsy if you can't come to Art Trail tomorrow night. And don't forget, the Summer Sale continues!

Vestiges of Summer

2010-08-04T09:56:00.004-05:00

Had so much fun creating this breezy summer set at Polyvore. It's precisely what I wish I were wearing today.

Vestiges of Summer by pinkstreet featuring Anthropologie dresses

Vappu Dress
$98 - anthropologie.com
More Anthropologie dresses »

Marni Balloon bag
865 GBP - brownsfashion.com
More Marni shoulder bags »

Large Linen Suitacase
120 GBP - mysugarland.co.uk
More luggage »

Metallic Bird Teardrop Earrings, Wendy Mink
125 GBP - liberty.co.uk
More Wendy Mink earrings »

Color Textured Bangle Set - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal
8.11 AUD - wetseal.com
More Wet Seal bracelets »

Aloha Ribbon Corsage Bando
8 GBP - monsoon.co.uk
More Monsoon hair accessories »

Oversized Coral Corsage
9 GBP - debenhams.com
More Planet hair accessories »

Oh What a Paisley It Was Scarf
$25 - modcloth.com
More scarves »

Pier 1 Imports - Round Capiz Shell Mirror
$300 - pier1.com

Z Gallerie - Casablanca Lanterns - Lemon
$7.95 - zgallerie.com

Deco-Friendly Cork Board in Songbird
$20 - modcloth.com

Zara Home - Vassoi - Vassoio Rotondo Damasco
16 GBP - zarahome.com

Pergo Prestige Vintage White Pine 7-5/8 In. W x 47-1/2 In. L Laminate...
$3.27 - homedepot.com

UrbanOutfitters.com > Cameras & Electronics
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com

« Haker » flat ballerina shoes in yellow and white checks 29€ instead...
doitinparis.com
More flats »

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Sugar Pink Boutique

2010-08-03T08:52:00.001-05:00

I'm sure that if you've visited this blog before, happen to own one of my pink street creations, or have the fabulous good fortune to actually know or be related to me, it will come as no surprise to you that I'm highlighting a shop which carries beautiful laces, trims, notions, and embellishments in today's Etsy feature.

I'm so happy to be able to introduce you to Sugar Pink Boutique, the most charming little shop run by the lovely Jennifer. The way that she styles and shoots her photos is really inspirational for me, a girl who can't get enough pastels and pretty vintage floral linens.

If you're anything at all like me, and you start getting ever so slightly lightheaded in the face of so much prettiness, head over to Sugar Pink Boutique to pretty yourself silly.

(All photos by Jennifer of Sugar Pink Boutique, pulled from the Etsy shop.)

Peaches

2010-08-02T11:31:00.003-05:00

Fredericksburg, Texas, the pretty little destination of the glorious girls' Road Trip I took this past weekend, is known for quaint little streets on hills stacked with white limestone cottages, great German bakeries, a thriving wine industry propelled by dozens of local vineyards, and the best peaches to be had in this state. The girls and I brought back a whole crate to be shared.

With peaches on my mind since our return yesterday evening, I couldn't help but be drawn into this post about peach wedding details viewed on OnceWed.

All images by Simply Bloom Photography. See the full post along with details on styling and other arrangements here.

Road Trip

2010-07-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Woohoo! I'm leaving today, my friends, for a short weekend road trip with my peeps to the lovely Hill Country. No boys allowed!

A Sidenote

2010-07-28T09:44:00.000-05:00

Everyone, I just had to mention very quickly that Danni of oh, hello friend, whose beautiful blog I am proud to sponsor, is doing a 2 year blog anniversary giveaway right now that rivals some of the best I've seen. She's offering a new Fuji Instax camera and a $100 gift card to Anthro! Now, consider: wouldn't it be just plain silly not to rush over and enter to win right this second!?

(Images by Danni of oh, hello friend.)

Floral Flair

2010-07-28T09:23:00.001-05:00

I'm wishing today that I could paint my dining room floor to look just like this.

A fabulous Before and After project spotted on Design*Sponge. See before and in-progress photos here.

Etsy Treasure Tuesday: Uncommon

2010-07-27T11:29:00.002-05:00

I was reminded today by seeing Uncommon's Wood Doily Clock on the Etsy front page of how much I love their work. I love how they seamlessly pair clean lines with vintage shapes and designs. All of the following have made it into my favorites, and someday, with any luck, will also make it into my home.

I can't get over those charming wood doily coasters. How cute would my Cath Kidston mugs be resting on those little beauties!?

Redesign

2010-07-26T09:06:00.004-05:00

Hello there, friends! Lovely to see you again. Before the small talk, there are introductions to be made today.

New blog, meet friends. Friends, this is new blog.
I really hope you'll like each other.

So, the story. I've been wanting to revamp my blog for a while now, and after playing around Friday evening and screwing my existing template up completely, I decided that the time had come to just get it done. I solicited the help of my web whiz of a husband, whipped up a little something new in the way of a header and some sidebar graphics, and a couple of hours later, voila! I was going for a look that matches the new business cards I designed a couple of months ago.

So please let me know what you think! Is it an improvement over the old design? Is it too busy? Do you have suggestions for other changes or special features?

I'd really love to hear your thoughts, on the blog, or your weekend, or anything else! And thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you'll come back often.

Decisions, Decisions

2010-07-23T11:02:00.000-05:00

Hmmm. A difficult dilemma, indeed.

Which should go on my birthday list this year, friends: aqua, pink, or cursive?

Which would you choose?

Pink Street Special

2010-07-22T14:55:00.000-05:00

My dear readers,
Just a note to announce that I'm having a Summer Sale to try and clear out some items in the shop to make room for lots of new ones I'll be introducing this fall. The basic sale consists of a 15% discount off of your entire purchase, but for those of you who are readers and followers of my blog, I'm extending an additional 5% discount -- that means you get 20% off of the total of any order from pink street design, including headpieces and already on sale items! Just include a Message to Seller letting me know that you read and follow my blog, and you'll receive the extra discount!

Thanks for reading, friends!

Bookish

2010-07-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

A few facts about me which should act as a preface to this post:

1. Reading is one of my favorite things in this world. It's in the top five on my "Things that make me really happy" list.

2. I collect books. Old ones, with beauty and character and that special old book smell.

3. In my dream house there is a loft library with tall windows, cushy arm chairs and ottomans, and a rolling ladder to reach the upper shelves.

4. I sometimes wish I wore glasses just so people would say I look "studious."

5. My favorite heroines are the ones who adore books as much as I do.

If you're one of those people too, I hope you'll enjoy the following:

{source}

Daily Drop Cap

2010-07-16T11:35:00.001-05:00

appy

riday,

veryone!

o Forth

nd have a

ovely

eekend!

I had so much fun choosing my favorites from designer Jessica Hirsche's beautiful blog full of Daily Drop Caps. Go and see them all for yourself!

Favorite Things Friday

2010-07-09T09:50:00.000-05:00

My husband's taking me out tonight. Date nights are my favorite.

And so are these things:

{source}

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend filled with your favorite things.

DIY Thursday: Chiffon Flowers

2010-07-08T12:56:00.002-05:00

What a busy week I've had! What, you ask, have I been doing with myself these past few days? Well, I've been eating what seems like truckloads of birthday desserts with ma famille, working on some new pieces soon to be introduced at August Art Trail and in my Etsy shop, and enjoying having my husband all to myself again! (Take that, TTU Graduate School!)

And I've also been inspired and excited to try out some DIY projects lately as well. The one I'm featuring today was posted on Project Wedding and created by Livy Kanaley, who I'm sure you've all noticed I have a fairly advanced and serious girl crush on. Feast your eyes on these dreamy chiffon and tulle flowers.

You'll find full instructions for the DIY here on Project Wedding.

(All photos taken by Livy Kanaley of A Field Journal.)

An Exciting Announcement

2010-06-29T08:40:00.000-05:00

Those of you locals who have visited me within the past few months at Art Trail have noticed that there have been a few new additions to my table: I've embarked upon the adventure of embellished headbands. I've reserved them for showing solely at Art Trail until now because I couldn't come up with a suitable idea for photographing them, not really being very good just yet at taking pictures of myself in a mirror. And as my husband has very stubbornly refused to model them for me, I didn't have a solution to this little dilemma until my kind and beautiful friend Evan (of Olive and Everette fame) offered to model them, and then, it got even better when the wonderful Alisa Palmer of Alisa Joy Photography offered to photograph them on Evan (remember the photos of the anniversary shoot I shared with you last week?). Following their shoot, Alisa very generously passed the photos on to me so that I could list my newest batch of headbands and bridal headpieces in my shop!

Therefore, I am able to present to you today a new range of offerings in the pink street accessories line. They've just been listed in the shop within the last three days, so you'll be some of the first people to see them!

You can see descriptions and details of each of these and a few others in my shop.

Also, check out the lovely post Alisa did on my headpieces on the Wedding Chicks blog!

Dreams Really Do Come True

2010-06-28T08:21:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to show you my new workspace set-up today! It's been such a long time in being completed, that it's almost hard to believe it's real every time I walk into our office/workroom and see my tidy little desk with all of my crafty materials waiting there in their proper places for me to sit down and have some fun.

But without futher ado, photos!

First, the beautiful little sewing table my mom found for me on an antiquing excursion, and bought while we were in Dallas over Christmas break. I gave it a new coat of creamy paint and re-installed the original hardware.

My sweet husband helped me put together this inexpensive IKEA shelving unit, and very kindly let me buy as many of those adorable Liberty of London for Target storage bins as I could fit out the door. I really like the natural knotty pine with the fun florals. The oilcloth bag hanging on the end is a Cath Kidston bag I picked up in London.

Two Liberty boxes storing papers sit beside a cream-colored vintage locker basket I found years ago at an antiques store.

My IKEA chair is surprisingly comfortable. The trestle legs on my desk allow for adjustment of the height of the destop, which is the absolute perfect one for me, as the space between the top glass surface and the bottom allow me to store four trays inside: one for jewelry, one for papers, one for tapes and stamping supplies, and one for my headband materials. I just take out the tray for whatever it is I need to work on, then put it back when I'm finished, and I still have a perfectly clean and tidy desktop!

Above my desk are the rail storage system and wall shelves I'd bought previously from IKEA. The rail and shelf brackets had been black, however, until just two weeks ago when I painted them a soft aqua to match things a little more nicely. The hanging magazine rack on the far right holds bubble wrap and packaging materials.

The adorable faux bois and doily patterned metal trays came from SweetJessie on Etsy, and I plan to make or order some cute magnets to hang inspiration photos on them. I intended to use the Liberty melamine tray for serving when I bought it, but couldn't resist hanging it up over my desk after seeing how perfect the size and colors were.

I strung up a length of aqua cotton twine for a temporary (or permanent?) place to hang up some of the pretty paper goods and tags I've collected recently.

Lots of bright natural light comes in from the three windows in this room, making it a great place to work on crafty goodness.

So, that about does it. What do you think?

I, for one, love this little space in our room. And even better, on the adjacent wall, we've squeezed in a desk for my husband, so that when school starts again this fall, we can work together in the same room! (His side of the room's a little less .... floral.)

This Is What They Call A Teaser

2010-06-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

Why, you may ask, am I posting photos today of Ez's lovely workspace (featured this month in Elle Decoration magazine)? Well, the answer is that it's about time. After long months of sitting, waiting, wishing, and hoping, and roughly 14 hours of toil, paint, organization and IKEA allen wrenches, my workspace is finally complete. It is all that I hoped it would be, and I am so happy each time I get to sit down at my tidy new desk and begin a new crafty endeavor. And you, my friends, shall see the results of this grueling process bright and early on Monday morning!

Also coming next week, photos of our trip!

Pretty Things for Your Friday

2010-06-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

I'm continually inspired by all of the loveliness Livy posts periodically at A Field Journal. If you've never visited, today is the day.

As if the incredible photography and styling weren't enough, she writes tutorials so that you can recreate her beautiful projects, and also contributes to Project Wedding and Victoria magazine.

(All images by Olivia Kanaley, pulled from her blog, A Field Journal.)

Spotlight: Alisa Joy Photography

2010-06-23T09:56:00.001-05:00

Back in May, I got to work on a really fun custom project for my friend Evan of Olive and Everette. She and her husband Michael had the opportunity to do a retro-styled photoshoot with the incredibly talented Alisa of Alisa Joy Photography, and she asked me to make some headpieces for her. I'd only begun experimenting with headbands this past spring, and it sounded like so much fun to broaden my horizons a bit more with feathers, silk flowers, and some sparkly vintage embellishments. The session was shot in a few different locations, both inside and out, and even though Evan told me that it was particularly windy that evening (this is West Texas, after all), I think Alisa did an incredible job in spite of uncooperative weather.

My first foray into feathers, accompanied by white mini orchids on a clear comb.

And yes, they really are this happy and this beautiful in real life.

This headband features a salmon-colored band, cherry vintage millinery leaves, and velvet buttons.

I love this one: it's like a neo-Victorian family portrait.

A lovley close-up of a brown velvet band topped with yellow ranunculus.

I love the light, I love the colors, and the tinting of the photos to produce a sort of vintage 'glow.' You can see more examples of Alisa's incredible work on her website, her blog, and her Facebook portfolio. Also, soon you'll be in for another treat: I made about 9 or 10 pieces for Evan's photoshoot, and unfortunately the wind prevented all of them being shot closely the first time around, so Evan and Alisa are doing another session just to model my headpieces! I'm so excited, and I'll present them to you here (and probably list several in my Etsy shop) in the coming weeks!

It's a Good Thing

2010-06-17T09:59:00.002-05:00

I think we can all agree that it would be nice to return to the days when it was possible to barter and swap with your local grocer and general store for embroidered table linens and homemade cider. Well in today's flourishing handmade community, those days still exist! But sometimes we need a reminder and a little guidance. That's why I was so thrilled to see that Danni of oh, hello friend has put together a marvelous Summer Trade Guide.

I've already contacted several of the listed shops on the list in almost every category to find out if we can get some trading going on. It's a fantastic way to do some early Christmas shopping, brighten up your summer wardrobe with lovely handmade accessories, and to make friends with a few more of the wonderful people who are bringing handmade back.

By the way, my shop's not included in the guide because I wasn't quite quick enough, but please feel free to contact me if you've got something to trade and you've been eyeing any pink street pieces lately. I'd love to hear from you!