inspired by : sam dubeau.

I’ve always had a little obsession for flag cake toppers. Make the flags super tiny with an “adorable factor” and I’m sold. So it’s no wonder I fell so in love with these crafty cuties by Sam Dubeau. Sam’s design page is full of crafting inspiration including these stamped exclaim cards & these celebrate cards (oh yes! streamers & confetti bananza!). Simple supplies, with uber creative results.

photo cred: {scarlet o’neill via sam dubeau}

Advertisement

DIY quilted escort cards.

I’ve been dying to get some fun DIY projects up on the blog and I couldn’t think of a better day to start than the most mushy day of the year!

Happy Valentine’s Day friends!

This first official DIY was certainly inspired by today’s LOVEfest! Adam and I are working hard to dine “in” more often – i.e. making more meals at home. Second goal? Less meals at the coffee table and more meals at a set table….gasp! With that comes the desire to style up our dinner tabletop with the prettiest of place settings to keep those creative juices flowing and to liven up the drab dinner plate.

I wanted to create a fun escort card that could go along with my dream Valentine’s Day tabletop. The classic heart shape felt like a “must” but I wanted it to have a unique twist with fun texture. These little “quilted” escort cards are a total cinch and are perfect for a valentine’s day party or dinner surprise for your sweetheart! Or change up the colors and shape cutout and use it for any party or event!

Here’s what you’ll need:

scissors, craft cutting board or x-acto knife (optional, but will create the the straightest lines), firm cardstock for escort card, colorful sheets of paper (i used 3 various pink/red shades for this project), glue runner, fun washi tape, pen

The Steps:

Step 1: Cut firm cardstock into escort card shape (3 1/2 x 5″) and score line down center of card for easier fold. (You can eliminate this step and save time by buying precut escort cards from a craft supply store).

Step 2: After folding escort card down center, cut out half heart shape from center of card with scissors. *Tip: save the heart cutout and use as template so that other hearts are about the same size.

Step 3. Cut a square out of pink paper. You want to make sure the square is large enough to “fill” the inside of the heart.

Step 4: Cut straight lines into the square making sure NOT to cut all the way through but leaving a little uncut edge. This is where I used the cutting board to ensure that each line was the same width and was super straight.

Step 5: Cut out strips of paper using other sheets of colorful paper. You can make these strips at the width of your choosing. In this case I cut the red ones at 1/4″ and the coral ones at 1/8″. Also, make sure that the strips are at least 1/2 inch longer than your square in Step 4.

Step 6: Start weaving the red strip of paper through precut square to create quilt affect. Tip: be sure to “push” each strip tight against the square with your finger tip. You don’t want there to be any holes and you want the lines as straight as possible. Repeat the weaving process using color strips alternating between red and coral color.

Step: 7: Use glue runner to glue around edge of precut heart on underside of escort card.

Step 8: Lay quilted paper facedown against glue to fill heart space. Using colorful washi tape secure edges of quilted square on underside of escort card to ensure paper won’t come undone.

Step 9: Write name of guest on escort card and place on tabletop.

Extra fun and very green Step: Use leftover heart cutouts to top dessert.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Muah! xoxo!

photo cred: {jenn elliott blake}

trophy.

a couple instagram shots of one of my most recent design projects.

trophy cupcakes window displays and decor including some of my favorite pieces from my scout. collection.

some of my fav design details? gold chevron flooring & gigantic confetti too!

if you get a chance, swing by the u-village or bravern locations this month to catch a peek!

photo cred: {moi iPhone}

assemble shop.

A couple weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a super adorable event at Assemble Gallery and Studio. I actually found Assemble during one of my morning run’s about a year ago when I spotted their bright apple red door from across the street and couldn’t help but peek in their windows.

Assemble offers loads of workshops for the crafty or crafty wanna-be’s – think sewing, painting, knitting, print etc. They also have a crazy amazing collection of letterpress greeting cards and fun little gifts perfect for your best bud or any special occasion (um, hello – if you’re still on the hunt for that perfect stocking stuffer you best stop into their shop quick!).

In the past couple months I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Andie (co-owner of the shop) a whole lot better, and boy can I tell ya – this chick is hilarious AND also one of those small biz owners whom I greatly admire and respect. I was all too happy to celebrate Andie & Emily’s 2nd birthday with them complete with cookies, milk and a book drive – it always feels good to give back, right?!

I soooo enjoyed the evening complete with Christmas caroling, an accidental self portrait, and a little present to check off my “I didn’t even know I NEEDED this!”  list.

photo cred: {moi iPhone and maggie’s iPhone}