Oh, the inspiring and gorgeous work of sweet Kerry of Lushbella....
I almost don't know where to begin, most of you already know about Kerry's prints of her beautifully styled
collections. I love this one, this and this. *sigh*
And then there is her jewelry.....this, this, these and this!
And, then there is her new collection....( pine...pine....)
Perhaps you have seen some of it already....and the wonderfully whimsical way it is presented in her shop?
Kerry briefly took a break from creating her beautiful jewels and I am so happy that she is back at it!
I ,for one, missed them very much!
Kerry had this to say about the inspiration for her latest collection.
"The inspiration for them came from Sargent's "Madame X" and the paintings of Titian." must be the hours i spend at the museum" :)
I love the image of Kerry strolling or sitting in the museum, gazing up at some of these paintings and inspiration for her creations stealing in.
We are the happy recipients!
Thank you so much Kerry, for your beautiful work and your "lush" vision!
xo
Melissa
textile cuff-no.358 by kjoo
2009 Dandelion Calendar with hanger by hellohandmadepaperie
hand sewn sequin heart-teal and whiteby hrsmithjones
Oyster in Gray suede by Morelle
Estate sale lot 31 Sea blossomby lobsterandswan
mottled dark grey/black fingerless gloves/armwarmersby uniformstudio
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TAG! I'm it :)
I am sorry there is so much of "me" today! But.....
The wonderful "P" over at What Possessed Me tagged me with a fun "7 random facts" meme
So, as "P" constantly keeps me inspired and sides aching with laughter on her blog....
I could not refuse! :) This is for you "P" !
#1- I am a really good whistler(my hubby says I sound like an old salty sailor)
#2.-I once asked my best girl friends "How many beers are in a six pack?" (Yes, really.)
#3.- I grew up in the middle of a 10 acre mango and avocado grove and used the awesome
trees as my playground. One of my favorite games was to pretend I was Mary Tyler Moore coming home
to her fabulous apartment and looking at her mail! Hee hee ha ha ho ho! The tree was my apartment and I was incredibly chic. :)
#4.- I can still do a split! I am unexplainably flexible -always have been.
#5.-I feel compelled to say "hello" to every dog I see. I truly believe I must have been one at some point, I love them so.
#6. I am incredibly silly and goofy and love to make people laugh.
#7.-When I was still acting( and pregnant with my first daughter) I understudied Juliette Binoche on Broadway & went on for her one time when she went to the golden globes! It was one of the best night's of my life.
And, as it goes with these fun things....
I tag:
Cindy @ Quaint Handmade
Susy
and Karey
xo
Melissa
The little things: legs
I can't think about legs without thinking of shoes....it just goes that way for me and so here is an ode to some shoes I love and will ask Santa for......
kid suede ballet pump@ Toast(in dull mauve)
And some....I will just love from afar, forever.....(thanks Traci! :)
Chie Mihara" Liti"@ Piperlime
Paige cuff@ Frye
Oh! and one more thing.....
This is one of the songs on my running playlist....for you.
Don't judge, just get up outta your seat and get jiggy with it! For me? :)
What are you all grateful for today? I would love to know.
xo
Melissa
Tea & Talk: Something's Hiding In Here
We are so happy today to be welcoming the lovely couple behind Something's hiding in here, Shauna and Stephen! You may be a fan of their whimsical work, their super cool projects or their awe-inspiring home. Whichever way you know them you will be delighted to know a little bit more about them! So, please welcome them, grab your cup of comfort and get cosy. Take it away, Shauna and Stephen!
Melissa's Questions:
1. 3 living things you treasure
shauna & stephen: each other and our dogs "dexter" and "noodle".
2. 3 non-living things that you treasure
shauna: a portrait my mother had painted of me when i was 6, my grandmother's wedding ring, a vintage steiff lamb that was a gift from my father.
stephen: my 1966 chevy pick up truck (a gift from shauna), a vintage tool cabinet that belonged to shauna's grandfather, tattoos given to me by my friend jeff.
3. favorite time of the year and why
shauna & stephen: fall! here's why: plaid, cozy scarves, leafs on the ground, warm drinks, heavy blankets, pumpkin pie, crisp air, acorns, pumpkins, and giant mums...
4. favorite things to wear
shauna: 50's silhouette dress, wood rings (made by stephen), headbands and ballet flats.
stephen: skinny jeans, v neck tee shirts, cardigans and nike dunks.
5. are you a perfume wearer ? If yes, which one? / top 3 favorite smells
shauna: nectarine blossom & honey cologne from jo malone
stephen: Cucumber Cologne by Marc Jacobs
6. favorite animal
shauna: dogs! although i really want to have a goat (or two) one day.
stephen: mutt dogs rescued from the pound (just like ours).
7. top three events in your life
shauna: meeting stephen, rescuing our dogs from the pound, meeting my birth mother and sister
stephen: graduating from cranbrook, my first solo show, starting "something's hiding in here" with shauna
8. top three favorite small pleasures
shauna: writing a letter, playing tetris, wrapping gifts
stephen: listening to "this american life" on npr, driving my pick up truck, practicing yo-yo tricks
9. top 3 favorite places in the world( you have visited or would like to visit)
shauna: nashville, austin and portland
stephen: paris, london and tokyo
10. top 3 favorite sounds
shauna: music boxes, garrison keillor's voice, and coffee brewing in the morning
stephen: shauna's bracelets, our dog dexter's growl, crickets
11. top 3 favorite things to eat
shauna: coffee, coffee and more coffee
stephen: avocados, olives, and bacon
12. 3 favorite favorites! (from etsy or elsewhere)
shauna: custom sewn dog from sian keegan, cake topper from the small object, Apple Jacket from jacquelineknits
stephen: wallet from quiet doings, it's ok by sign, unflattering portrait by rev aitor
13. 3 small ways someone has made your day lately
shauna: getting an e-mail from keith of fred flare saying that he loves our "your message here" project
stephen: shauna sneaking a note into my pocket which i found later
14. 3 small habits/quirks you have that make you specifically you!
shauna: organizing everything by color, obsessively marking things i like in books with post it notes, carrying a cup of coffee with me everywhere i go
stephen: having a tape measure on hand at all times, always running late, writing myself notes on scrap pieces of paper (and losing them)
16. You are truly passionate about indie and handmade goods, tell us how that interest was formed:
shauna & stephen: it's the people. we both were very active in the fine art gallery scene and hated how much of a game it was. the handmade community is so warm, inclusive, and supportive.
17. favorite books, films, and music... list 3 of your favorites in each category here:
BOOKS
shauna: i love vintage dictionaries! right now, i also love lena corwin's book "printing by hand", my collection of "lines and shapes" and "3191, a year or mornings".
stephen: "over and over" by mike perry, "simply pattern" from dictionary books, the "free style scraps" series from BNN in japan
FILMS
shauna: true stories, royal tannenbaums, and every film by charles and ray eames
stephen: true stories, helvetica, goonies
MUSIC
shauna: currently: howlin' wolf, tom waits and etta james
stephen: currently: stero lab, lullatone, talking heads
18 .Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:
shauna: my 2 favorite are : please and thank you. i hate the words "student loans" ugh.
stephen: love: breakfast, lunch and dinner. hate: the word cute!
19. What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?
shauna & stephen: we really want to do a book, right now we are getting started on two... we will see what happens.
20. What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
shauna: everything happens for a reason
stephen: never give up
21. what is your favorite quote and why?
shauna: "this too shall pass", my mother always said it and stephen had it tattooed across his chest.
stephen: "love until it hurts"
Thank you so much for participating you two! It was so much fun getting to know you a little better and we can't wait to see what you come up with next!
xo
Melissa and Ez
Cheap & Chic:(Dad's 70th birthday bash)
Hello sweet friends!
Thank you for all your sweet responses to the beginning of my Mondays holiday gift guide. It should be alot of fun and please feel free to leave other suggestions in the comments if you think of it!
Now, for today...another Cheap & Chic! This time requested by the lovely reader Heather
for her Dad's 70th birthday bash, nothing too fancy but, fun, crisp and pulled together! I hope you like it Heather! And happy birthday to your dad!
Have a wonderful Tuesday sweethearts!
xo
Melissa
Black Accordian ruffle dress@ Target~$29.99
Bent Feather Hoop earrings by EricaWeinerJewelry~$50.00
Striped Flower cuff bracelet@ J.Crew~$69.99
Sharon Peep-toe pumps-gold snake@ Target~$16.09
Distressed clutch(in Navy)@ Forever21~$18.90
small loyal loot bowl(#3) @ Rose and Radish~$37.00
I wish: For Winter(A holiday gift guide)
xo
Melissa
Baby deer,7 X 8 Fine art print by Sharonmontrose
Red Striped Ornament by Fernanimals
Shag Petals on cropped cashmere by joishandmadevia the everlovely Katie Runnels
Jane austen earrings by wickedpen
Large Burlap bucket with graphics by mayamade
One 14 kt solid gold band- hammered by kateszabone
Melissa loves:Sarah Gardner
"Be Here Now" was inspired by a note to myself drawn in my sketchbook. I'm a bit of a hand lettering addict, and I tend to fill pages of my sketchbooks with phrases which I've come across, remembered or want to pass on to someone else. The ones which I have a strong connection to I tend to revisit and work on, although this one seemed to happen all at once.
I'm never quite sure what to think about my pieces once I've finished them, but I can say that I've made space above my desk for this print. "
I am making space too Sarah! :)
Thank you so much for answering my questions, Sarah and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next.
xo
Melissa
Deluxe 2009 Wall calendar by Susyjack
My anchor pendant by emedemarta
Organic Flora Scarf by AlenaHennessey via reform school
Awesome Vintage Seth Thomas Wood Octagon Alarm Clock by Mariesvintage
In Flight by modernradar
Candy posts bluebell by Sofiamasri
The little things: two does
Hello my friends! Happy Thursday! Thank you for all the lovely comments about Suzanne's tea & talk yesterday. I am so glad you all enjoyed it so much! She IS so very lovely isn't she? :)
A couple of days ago my littlest girl and I were driving in the car near a beautiful wooded area near our home and two elegant and gorgeous doe suddenly darted out into the oncoming traffic lane. I slammed on my brakes, taken by surprise and ohmygod! exhaled from my mouth. *whew* I did not hit them nor did anyone else and I was SO grateful. It happens all the time around here of course but, I was reminded of the movie Sliding Doors(which I love) and all the ways in which things COULD go but, don't. And I said a silent thank you, for not hitting those doe. Because I so easily could have and I would have been devastated.
So, it may seem like a little thing but, I am so grateful for things that do NOT happen today as well as those that do. What about you my friends? What is a little thing that you are grateful for today? I would love to know......
(ps) I feel compelled to say that although I am so happy and hopeful about Obama being our next president
I am so saddened by all the anti-gay legislation that was passed on election day.
My husband described progress as "not a straight line" and I take comfort in that. Knowing that one day this discrimination against our friends, family and neighbors will too be a thing of the past. But, I sure wish it was today. I can't help but, wish for happiness for everyone....NOW. Thanks for listening. :)
xo
Melissa
vintage mod ceramic deer head vase 1960's by 2bitsstudio
Conifer wall graphic by oneupdesign
Porcelain branch by BROOKLYN:rehab
Oh Deer by Gennine
Tea & Talk: Suzanne Hopkins
xo
Melissa
Melissa's questions:
3 Living things you treasure
1. My family and friends
2. The rose and hydrangea bushes in our garden
3. The huge shade trees in our neighborhood that shelter us from the 100+ degrees heat in the summer
2. 3 non-living things that you treasure
1. a special photo I took of my daughter just before her second birthday
2. our cozy little home
3. my camera
3. favorite time of the year and why
spring for its beautiful blossoms and the promise of good things to come.
4. favorite things to wear
PJs...I also love to get dressed up for special occasions
5. are you a perfume wearer ? If yes, which one? / top 3 favorite smells
Much to my husband's dismay, I'm allergic to most perfumes and typically don't wear any. However, I do bust it out for special occasions.
-The orange blossoms in our backyard each Spring
-Anything fresh from the bakery
-Paper Whites during the holidays
6. Favorite animal
Polar Bear--Have you ever seen them play at the zoo? So delightful!
7. top three events in your life(so far)
Going away to college--thanks mom
The birth of my daughter {who is now 7}
Meeting my husband
8. Top three favorite small pleasures
Holding my daughter's hand
A freshly cleaned house
Anything at the ocean
9. top 3 favorite places in the world( you have visited or would like to visit)
Positano, Italy {magical}
Paris {everything I expected it would be and more}
San Francisco {always}
10. top 3 favorite sounds
laughter
the ocean
my ipod at the gym
11. top 3 favorite things to eat
Tacos, cupcakes, butternut squash raviolli
12. 3 favorite favorites right now! (from etsy or elsewhere)
I have SO many favorites. These are a few currently on my radar:
Little Brown Pen's printable stationery: adorable and affordable! Plus, I love that Nichole comes up with the ideas for her husband to illustrate
Happify is a happy and happenin' shop. I especially love their calendar cards which can also be sent as postcards. {Scroll down and read their "behind the art" }
I'm in awe each time I visit Genine's shop and flickr stream,
13. 3 small ways someone has made your day lately
Melissa inviting me to do this interview
The other day my husband bought and filled up a gallon of gas for a man who was stranded without any money {or gas}.
On the way to her classroom this morning, my daughter turned back to blow me a kiss {I think this might have made my month!}
14. 3 small habits/quirks you have that make you specifically you!
I always leave one bite of food on my plate
I'm {nearly} always happy
I'm not a huge fan of talking on the phone.
15. Describe your life using 6 words maximum (for each time frame).
PAST: charmed
PRESENT: Blessed, busy, fun.
FUTURE: one day at a time
16. You are truly passionate about indie and handmade goods, tell us how that interest was formed:
Thanks to my mother's keen eye for great design, I was always surrounded by things I loved while growing up. Pieces in our home had special meaning and were collected over time via antique fairs, craft shows, and thrift stores. My mom was also masterful at spotting hidden gems that nobody else wanted, and if necessary, refurbishing them into something new and amazing for our home...a woman ahead of her time { and the "green" movement. : ) } I, too, learned to appreciate the thrill of the hunt and loved tagging along on these special outings with her. Eventually, this shared passion and our love of distinctive and unique pieces inspired us to open a brick and mortar specialty shop, which we ran together for 5+ years. As a store owner, I had the opportunity to meet indie artists and designers from all over and was able to experience, first-hand, the love and passion that goes into their work. It was so inspiring to hear their stories and is one of the reasons why I love to support them and their work. It thrills me that artists now have the opportunity--through blogging and sites like etsy--to reach a larger audience and fan base--and lucky us that we have greater access to these unique handmade goods and the stories and indie artists behind them.
17. favorite books, films, and music... list 3 of your favorites in each category here:
Books: I've been reading many of the classics lately with my daughter {who's seven}. Thanks to my daughter's near obsession with it, my favorite is J.M. Barrie's, Peter Pan--it's such an irresistible story.
Films: I have sooo many. The ones I can watch over and over: You've Got Mail, Breakfast at Tiffany's {actually anything with dear Audrey}, and Barefoot in the Park.
Music: I love all types of music, but find that I just don't have the time to follow the latest and greatest these days. I recently discovered Pandora and can't stop gushing about it--it's amazing.
18 .Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:
Love: Bliss, Mama, Notions
Can't stand: Hate.
19. What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?
I'd really like to improve my photography skills--sites like flickr and shutter sisters have been so inspiring. I'm currently saving for a DSLR and also have plans to take a couple of photography classes--I can't wait. New ideas and features for my blog are always swirling around in my head--some of which I hope/plan to implement soon--stay tuned. And then of course, there's finding my dream job--the one where I'm able to apply my background and experience toward my creative interests and live happily ever after...making that a reality is a work in progress. :)
20. What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?
Ask yourself ...is your goal to make a living or to design a life...The idea being you have a choice to focus your efforts beyond just taking home a pay check and instead, to pursue your passions and design the type of life you want to live. For practical reasons, this is not always possible, but the advice/question stuck with me and serves me well when I'm exploring new opportunities and endeavors.
21. What is your favorite quote and why? I love quotes...one of my favorites is:
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." For me, this so eloquently captures the joy and responsibilities of motherhood.
Thank you so much Ez and Melissa--I truly appreciate your support & encouragement and the invitation to join you for Tea + Talk! ~Suzanne
Oh, thank YOU sweetie! It is an honor and a pleasure! xo Melissa & Ez
Cheap & Chic: Black & White event in Seattle
xo
Melissa
TOP:Marcella blouse@ J.Crew~$39.99(in IVORY)
SHOES:Patent Ribbon-trim Mary Janes@ Old Navy~$24.50(in pewter)
PANTS:Mid Rise velvet straight leg pants@ Old Navy~$32.50(in black)
VEST:striped vest@ Old Navy~$24.50
JEWELS:silk and frost necklace by shopclementine~$40.00
BAG:Color-block Satin clutch@ Old Navy~$16.50
COAT:Wool Blend Double breasted Coat@ Old Navy~$89.50(in cream)
