a bit of advice.

I don’t often lend a lot of “wedding/event focused” advice on my blog, which seems a little absurd since I consider myself an event designer and this blog is in a little way a wedding related blog, but I thought I’d take a second today to lend a bit of advice, so here it goes…

Over the past year or so I’ve seen the trend of the photobooth gaining lots and lots of momentum. And guess what? I’m SUPER excited about it!

When it comes to weddings, I not only believe that the celebration is all about the love of the couple, but I also believe it’s about giving your guests something to get excited about. In steps : mr. photobooth. I’m telling you – this little contraption whether it be a camera on a tripod set up by your photographer, a fantabulous Smilebooth, or a full blown old school photobooth beauty like my friends over at 321 Foto will absolutely, hands-down make your event! I mean who doesn’t want to get a pile of photos back from their event showcasing all of their guest ones goofy faces and photo mishaps? Um – I do!

The top 10 reasons I think photobooths kick some serious bootay:

1. They bring out the kid in everyone. Even grumpy Grandpa Joe or ‘too cool for school’ cousin Amy.

2. Guests get really excited at just the sight of a photobooth. I promise.

3. Pictures last a lifetime. Yep – that means you have a lifetime’s worth of blackmailing material to use against your friends and family.

4. They can be as fancy or simple as you want them to be. Rent one from a company locally or ask your photographer if they have the service available.

5. Backdrops & Props oh my! Cause who doesn’t want to wear a chef’s hat and clown glasses while standing in front of a wall of confetti garland?

6. Where the most outstanding Facebook & Twitter profile pics are made.

7. They are a helpful reminder of what’s most important when it comes to an event or party. HAVE FUN!

8. It gives those guests who hate to boogy something to get involved in.

9. Don’t like how you looked in the picture? Take another, and another and another and another. Perfect for the picture perfectionist in all of us!

10. No one REALLY likes boring formal portraits do they?

10.1. They are perfect for every event : graduation parties, baby showers, anniversaries, art shows, company holiday parties (remember #3?), birthdays, reunions…etc. etc.

Long story short : get yourself a photobooth at your next event. You’ll thank me for it later!

*The fab pics in this post?! Just a few of the hilariously awesome photobooth snapshots from my friend Jules color-blocking birthday party last month – more pics on her fab blog here – go on over and get inspired! Oh and super bonus! That rad little geometric pinyada? Check out my buddy Sara’s new pinyada biz : pinyadayada. Genius!

photo cred: {julie harmsen photography}

trophy cupcakes & party design project.

I’ve been really excited to share these pics that my buddy Julie captured of my recent design project for Trophy Cupcakes. I shared some instagram pics a while back here, but professional ones are so much more pretty right? I absolutely LOVE the pic below. It captures the bold, simplistic beauty of Trophy’s Bravern shop to a tee! Thanks for the pics Jules!

I had the time of my life creating window display concepts and store details for Trophy earlier this year ,and I’m absolutely thrilled with how everything turned out. It was so so so much fun incorporating some vintage details from my scout. collection and the gold & white chevron flooring that I painted by hand is one of my proudest design details of this project. I can’t get enough of all bold color + chevron + gold – YUM!!!

Jennifer Shea (owner & cupcake extraordinaire) wanted the design to really speak to Trophy’s mentality of “the party starts here!” and I couldn’t imagine anything party related without some fun confetti. I created custom multi-colored confetti and a custom fringed streamer backdrop for both their Wallingford & Bravern locations. I also created some whimsical garland and streamer chandeliers for the inside of their shops too! The colors to this day make me just smile. They are just so so happy!

Thanks to Jennifer and her team for allowing me to crash their stores on multiple occasions to rock out the color. I can’t imagine a more fun and celebration-focused company to work with. I heart Trophy to pieces and I look forward to working with them in the future!!!

**Also! A GIGANTIC thank you to my little sis Coli who spent part of her Christmas break knee deep in color with me. Couldn’t have done it without ya – muah! xoxo!

photo cred: {julie harmsen photography}

skillet street food.

Oh. My. Word. I am SO excited for this upcoming open house that I can barely stand it! Not only is it at a killer new venue (if you haven’t checked out Melrose Market Studios yet, you are in for quite the treat!) but it’s all about yummy grub and thinking outside the box. Skillet is holding their spring tasting on the 22nd of this month (yep! you better get your RSVP on!) and it’s gonna be RAD!

Scout Vintage Rental Co. will be there showing off lots of our favs and Noah of Skillet is cooking up the super fabulous! I’m telling you – you WANT to be at this one folks…it’s gonna be insanely awesome! If you are getting hitched or wanna blow the socks right off your guests at your next shindig, come hang with us and some superstar vendors!

Skillet Street Food | Pederson’s Rentals | Wave Link Music | Fleurish | Julie Harmsen Photography | 321 Foto | Bluebird Microcreamery | Melrose Market Studios | & scout!

RSVP here and spread the word! We’d love to hang with ya! See you soon!

photo cred: {matthew parker}

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}

friday find : something to celebrate!

It’s Friday! AND…..it was SUNNY today! Yippee!

I couldn’t help but do a little happy dance in my driveway this morning when I stepped out and felt that glorious warmth touch my face. It felt as though there were so many things to celebrate this Friday:

1. Sun! It deserved a second mention.

2. It’s Superbowl weekend! What does that mean? A super chipper hubby and a no-guilt weekend full of non-stop mini-bites, pizza and beer. Who are you rooting for?

3. Tomorrow is Blog Brunch! If you’re a blogger and are looking to learn more about sponsorship and monetizing then stop by for brunch!

4. My adorable new vintage glasses above! They just sing “celebrate with me!” and were definitely a highlight on a recent estate sale trip.

5. Some pieces from my scout. collection get to come out and play this weekend at BLOGSHOP!

6. Despite waiting a loooonnnnggg time at the doctor’s office this afternoon (2 hours to be exact!), I found out that hip surgery might not have to happen! I’ve been struggling with significant hip pain for over a year now, and was SUPER relieved to find out that a shot of pain killers might just do the trick. Cross your fingers for me on Monday!

7. I’m planning a trip to Europe with my little sis! Coli and I will be spending 6 weeks traveling Europe this May/June and I CANNOT wait! I’ll be mapping out our route this weekend.

8. Oh, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! What do you have planned?

Happy Weekend friends!!

*JB

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}

starts with a board.

I’ve learned quite quickly that the best way to hash out design ideas with a new or potential client is through an inspiration board. I am naturally such a visual being that these boards are super helpful in helping me efficiently and effectively articulate the ideas I have rushing around in my busy little head.

I was all two excited a few weeks ago when I got the chance to chat color and rebranding across the table from Jennifer Shea, owner of Trophy Cupcakes. I’m still giddy that she put her confidence in me to revamp her window displays at her U-Village and Bravern locations for the New Year and couldn’t wait to get prepping. She wanted the window to reflect a “party starts here!” mentality and was hoping I could give the design some sort of Kate Spade inspired twist (aka a color bonanza!).

I’ve been dying to get back into visual merchandising, so this job was right up my alley. I knew I wanted crepe paper backdrops to scream “party! party! party!” and chevron flooring was an absolute must – had to make it happen. I also planned to tie in a bunch of my vintage pieces from my scout. collection as a fun juxtaposition to the never ending stream of color.

Here’s a little peek into my design inspirations for Trophy Cupcakes. Check back tomorrow for some instagram pics of the actual windows AND if you’re near U-Village in the U-District or Bravern over in Bellevue be sure to stop into Trophy for a yummy cupcake and a gander at my design.

pic me a palette: pour me one.

photo cred: {via rue mag}

twelve baskets open house!

January is sure to be a BIG month! I’m already getting geared up for the upcoming open house for Twelve Baskets Catering next month! Food has to be one of my favorite details at any party so I’m super excited to see what Twelve Basket’s has in store!

I’ll be providing a bunch of my vintage goodies from scout. for the evening and will have my own little area of the room. I would love for you to drop by and say hi! There will be a bunch of other fabulous vendors there including entertainment and of course…grub!

Check out all the details here, and don’t forget to RSVP ASAP! Spots are limited and will surely fill up quick! Hope to see you there!

tc creative studio opening.

On January 5th I have the pleasure of participating in what is sure to be one amazingly inspiring night. Tiffany Lowry of Tiffany Colors is opening an adorable art studio space in the Pioneer Square area and she’s asked me to provide some pieces from my scout. collection to the opening!

If you’ve never heard of Tiffany, woah. She is only one of the most talented makeup artists and stylists in the Seattle area and her studio is sure to offer Seattle Creatives a unique space to get their create on!

Come spend the evening with us, while we sip wine, give back, look at some kick-ass art and take photos with Sarah Rhoads Photography.

You don’t wanna miss it!

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}

defined: fringe.

fringe/frinj/

noun. an ornamental border of threads left loose or formed into tassels or twists, used to edge clothing or material OR a party detail that rocks on.

photo cred: {art beauty life via plenty of color}

friday find: dressing the tabletop.

I’ve been dying to get back into full time scouting. My vacation and a couple new (although VERY exciting!) projects have slowed me down a bit from finding new items to add to my collection, but yesterday I hit the pavement again in search of some pretty tabletop wares to add to the mix.

My goal is to get plenty of adorable china in all mismatchy patterns, so that any guest count (1 – lots) can enjoy the prettiness that can come from an eclectic table setting. There is such an unexpected charm that comes from mistmached china on a tabletop and I’m so excited to be offering more options to my clients.

I’m actually delivering a bunch of china pieces to a baby shower this weekend and I’ve had so much fun tonight picking out the exact pieces to take. I LOVE LOVE LOVE that they are all unique – they’re all bring their own little flair to the party.

I hope you have a great winter weekend!

photo cred: {moi iPhone}

scout. launch party!

It’s always the best feeling in the world when a design you’ve spent many months tossing and turning about in your mind finally comes to life! Last month, I had the immense pleasure of collaborating with Trophy Cupcakes and showcased my scout. vintage rental co. collection in their adorable party room. The whole evening was SUCH a blast and I was so excited that so many of you came out to see my loot!

When dreaming up a way to share my collection my 1st thought was: “oh my gosh, how will I ever make it all fit?!” and 2nd…”I want people to be inspired.” The whole intention behind my vintage rental biz is to encourage others to find beauty in things that might otherwise be considered past their expiration date. I absolutely adore repurposing old items into new designs, and threaded that passion into a lot of the party details for the launch.

I wanted the overall design to emphasize the immense amount of color that I have within my collection. Blue chairs, green tables, orange enamel colanders. I’m obsessed with color and the party was nothing short of a color explosion!

My dear sweet friend McKenzie who also happens to be one of the most AH-MAZ-ING floral designers in Seattle, was kind enough to offer her own dose of color to the party with some stunningly gorgeous florals. The second McKenzie arrived the morning of setup I was flabbergasted by her floral choices for the party. Are those gigantic neon pink peonies not the most amazing things you’ve ever seen?! So so good. Thank McKenzie!!!

The entire design for the room started with the ceiling. I’ve been collecting vintage fabric for sometime and I really wanted to create a vibrant fabric canopy over the party. After many tireless hours of knot tying the canopy came to life. I also incorporated an installation in the center of the room using the wire skeletons of old lampshades. Thank you Adam, Heather & Kate for your additional hands with setup & prep! Couldn’t have done it without ya!

My green hutch is definitely one of my favorite pieces and I was so excited to use it as one of the focal points of the room. The cocktail & cupcake party wouldn’t have been complete without some champagne and little mason jars & thanks to Hads, Emma & Christa everyone had drinks in hand through the night! Thanks gals!

One of the things that I was really adamant about with regards to my scout. marketing is that I didn’t lose the vintage aspect of the brand in the details. I cringed at the idea of using a modern looking business card to promote my business. So after a bit of deep thinking I came up with the idea of using vintage used postcards (some of the one’s I’ve found have dated back to the early 1900’s!) and placing a sticker on top of them with all my info.

I have this really crazy rad mint colored mattress frame that worked perfect for displaying my biz postcards during the event. I filled the mattress with a bunch of pillows I’ve found while scouting and a few I made on my own from leftover fabric.

I also really wanted the party to be a direct reflection of the personality of the pieces. I’d been dying to name each piece for sometime and figured the party was the perfect way to kind of say “hello my name is” for each unique piece. My buddy Amy (a stellar graphic designer who is currently revamping the scout. brand) suggested I use library cards in bright colors from the adorable paper co. Knot & Bow to display the names and details of my items. GENIUS! I was swooning over the library cards when they arrived in the mail, and after multiple attempts to get that “vintage typewriter” look (I actually begged my printer to cooperate during a 4am debacle) I was incredibly pleased with how they turned out!

Overall, I’m ecstatic with how the party turned out, and I was so grateful for the generosity of all of the people that stopped by. The party left me with visions of my own storefront one day, and I can’t thank Jennifer and her team at Trophy enough for all of their help in making the party a total success!!!

P.S. Thank’s to Mo for all the great shots and for being there to capture the night!

photo cred: {Mo Hines Photography}

not so ugly.

Ooooooh I’m getting so excited! Not only is the season beginning to ooze of fresh Christmas trees, sparkly lights, and yummy smelling hot cocoa, but one of my most favorite things is just around the corner! Ugly sweaters!

Every year Adam and I search for the ugliest knitted wonders we can find. I not only love the hunt but I can’t resist the ones complete with tassels, buttons or working lights….so much fun!

In the midst of searching for this years uglies, I stumbled across these NOT so uglies. I’d love for the polar bear one to land in my closet.

Do you find yourself wearing ugly sweaters this time of year?

photo cred: {jonathan saunders} {burkman bros} {3.1 phillip lim} {proenza schouler} {vanessa bruno athe} {stella mccartney}