Shopfriends: Renegade Craft Fair

Had a blast at the San Francisco Renegade Craft Fair over the weekend.
Click here to see my full coverage on our blog Designing Moms all this week!

above: Lisa Congdon was pretty in pink in her booth at the fair

Dare Devil Tattoo

I still recall fondly our little tattoo field trip when an anonymous staff member decided to get a tattoo of one of my designs. Well, I was sufficiently blown away when I saw the work of Amanda Wachob of Dare Devil Tattoo in NYC. Those paint strokes are gorgeous.

Shop Friend: Tori Higa

I just love Tori Higa's whimsical and vibrant style. Her cards embue such a carefree spirit, I smile each and every time I see them!

Shop Friends: Amber Sky

These are beautiful pieces by Amber Sky that would be perfect to wear and entice Spring to come a little earlier!

Shop Friend: M. Clifford Bags

I had some emails requesting more images from the M. Clifford line when we posted up our Tuesday Threads yesterday. Here are a few more of their handbags...all in lush leathers!

Shop Friend: Letter Perfect

above: the adorable Letter Perfect shop and some of their available stationery.

It was wonderful to hear from one of our beloved retailers Ruby of Letter Perfect in Deephaven, Minnesota. Even more wonderful that she attached a page from the recent issue of Minnesota Bride Magazine featuring Letter Perfect and a wedding invitation from our new "Gallery" custom wedding album. If you are lucky to live near the shop, you will be assured of expert knowledge and service and they also have items from their shop available online!

Shop Friend: Cherries Flowers

This is long overdue...I've been meaning to post about my wonderful Shop Friends and neighbors, Cherries Flowers for quite some time but every time I go in there to take pictures I end up talking and laughing with them instead! They are truly talented and their shop shows their love for floral design...tumblers filled with pheasant feathers, loose vases overflowing with orchids or hydrangeas and glittery paintings by local artists on the wall (I promise to take pictures of their shop and post them!).

They have an impeccable eye and I highly recommend them for your special event. If you are lucky to live in the San Francisco, they are also great for putting together the perfect bouquet...I was introduced to a flower that smells like chocolate and have been graced by "mini" arrangements tied in bows for our own shop.

Shop Friend: Minted

If you are looking for unique, independent custom and wedding stationery online, then check out Minted. Our Cat Seto Town & Country wedding designs were designed for the vineyard to ballroom bride and are available through local retailers as well as through Minted. Click here to view!

above: our Blossom and Coral Willow wedding suites

Highlights of the Year: Shop Friends

Wow...can you believe the year is almost over? Thank you all so very much for reading, visiting and allowing us to share our quirky ongoings at the studio. Most of all, it has been a joy to share the immense talent of my Shop Friends and the overflowing talent of creatives from all over.
I have to admit, I can't wait for '09 to begin butI thought I'd post some of our favorite highlights of the year this week!

First up, who can forget the many, many talented Shop Friends who blow my mind away with their ingenuity, vision and talent. I feel so lucky to befriend and be surrounded by their creative genius!

I wish I could put it all in one post, but these are just a very few of our inspiring Shop Friends from the year (click to see their full stories!): the absolute go-to for flowers Natalie Bowen, Jubilee Lau's expert wedding planning, Heidi Swanson (aka food guru) of 101 Cookbooks, my inspiring and genius friend Shinmin of I Dream of Cake, amazing and brilliant friend Abby, the creator of Style Me Pretty, Muscari's ring bearer pillows, Pretty in Pink at The Pampered Girl, gorgeous letterpress with Alee & Press, adorable Meghan at Haute Bride, Susan, her Frenchie and her much beloved salon Teashi, faint-worthy rings at Shibumi Studio, the wonderful dynamic duo of Delphine Press, another dynmaic duo at Paper Cup Design, divine decor finds at Paris Hotel Boutique, vintage teaplates with Pleasing Pantry, killer acessories at A.Jaron, the lovely perfumed creations at C.Marie...

Shop Friend: Thi Makeup Studio

Taylor Pham is well known in the Bay Area for her expert makeup styling and is always overbooked during wedding season. Now she has opened up a brand new studio of her own in Palo Alto called Thi makeup Studio. It features her new makeup line and her one-of-a-kind false eyelashes (the most natural looking set of eyelashes you'll ever own!).

Shop Friend: Natalie Bowen Designs

Without fail, Natalie Bowen's floral artistry always blows us away. She is so gracious and talented and we were the lucky recipients of this gorgeous peony, hydrangea and mini-tangerine (aka "cuties") arrangement. I can honestly tell you, the photo doesn't do it justice... Our customers ogled this arrangement all weekend! Click here to visit more of Natalie's incredible work.

Shop Friend: Bitters Co

Whether it's a wedding or a dinner party, my favorite centerpieces are those that convey personal charm and natural beauty. Seattle based Bitters Co (featured in the latest issue of Domino) has a wonderful selection of eco-friendly "containers" perfect for putting succulents and clusters of hydrangea into!

above, clockwise: Metal bowl, centerpieces by Kathie Beamer,
mini-arrangements by Michael Daigan.

Shop Friend: Honey Interiors

I stumbled upon the work of interior designer Tamara Kaye-Honey of Honey Interiors and completely fell in love with her aesthetic. I am such a fan of high-low and Tamara expertly mixes modern and vintage elements in creating livable home spaces. These two California residences showcase her blend of stylish, kid-friendly, gracious and graceful interiors.

Shopfriend: Bloomingdale's Registry

Here are pics from the fun event at the SF Bloomingdales where we were invited to present our invitations to couples. The registry and service at Bloomies is top notch...on this particular day, attendees were treated to mimosas and brunch, yum!

Sweet Things: I Dream of Cake

My incredibly talented friend, Shin Min of I Dream of Cake, always amazes me with her artful cakes. This one I had to pair with a Reem Acra wedding gown.

Shop Friend: Josh Jakus

I love, love, love the designs of Berkeley, California-based designer, Josh Jakus. He has prefected form+function+eco friendly with his felted wool UM Bags that unfold completely flat. And take a look at that felted egg carton...such a simple, beautiful way to display your stray apples and oranges!

Shop Friend: August Morgan Pillows

My pillow obsession goes back to the days I hoarded stuffed animals as a kid...now I hoard pillows from past apartments and lives sealed up in boxes because I refuse to throw them away. Pillows have always been the most affordable way to transform a room, and for me, they always help to jump start a change of scenery. I spied about a dozen pillows to snatch from designer Kate Hersch's pillows at August Morgan. Kate collects vintage and antique needlepoint, repurposing them into one of a kind pillows that are full of wit and flair.

Kate was kind enough to answer some questions I had about her new line for us today.
Kate, how did August Morgan come about?
I have been a collector of fabric for years, and I used to needlepoint before I had children. I actually started needlepointing when I lived in New York! One day I thought that I had to do something creative. I put my love of textiles together, shook it up, and out came August Morgan. My business partner Lance Avery Morgan helped solidify my thoughts.
What influences your design?
My years at Sotheby's definitely influence my design. I worked in client services, so I attended all of the auctions. I saw everything from Silver to Impressionist art. I developed my love of decorative arts there.
What has been the hardest thing about starting your business?
The hardest thing about starting this business is getting my name out there. I am in Austin, and while it is very hip it is not New York. I hope to do the Gift Show in NYC in January.

And how about the best?
My favorite part about my business is simply creating. I am so happy putting fabrics together it is ridiculous. I get a little sad when I sell a pillow, but they always go to a good home!

Thanks so much for sharing with us Kate! To shop her pillows, click here.

Shop Friend: Muscari Design

I absolutely melted when I saw these charming, exquisite ring bearer pillows and boutonnieres by Muscari Design. Designer Easter Yu has such an eye for detail and placement of those precious little pops of color. Just perfection! Click here to see her work.







And speaking of pillows...stay tuned for tomorrow's post!

Shop Friend: Style Me Pretty

My very talented friend, Abby, over at Style Me Pretty posted a series of drool worthy candy bars by event planner Amy Atlas this week. I just couldn't keep my eyes off of the mouth watering displays! Click here to check it out as well as her newly revamped site!

Shop Friend: Hilary Williams

These screen prints by San Francisco artist, Hilary Williams truly capture the city in its special light don't they? They remind me of the muted colors you might catch while riding home on the Muni from work or walking the hills as the fog eats up the last bits of sunlight.