Justin & Jody's House

This is my beautiful friend Jody!

Yes, that's me taking lots of photos of all the pretty things!

FINALLY, here are some photos of my friend's house. Justin & Jody have just finished building this modern house which they are planning on selling very soon as they are about to embark on another project.

Jody wanted a really pretty look which is a big departure from the look she had in her previous house which was taupe and natural.

They had lots of old pieces of furniture which they had collected over the years which we painted and recovered. There are some more pictures of their bedroom which we did in navy and white which I will post sometime soon as well! Hope you like this fun, happy, bright house!!

Wedding dream team collaboration :: Photo shoot

Whew! Yesterday was fantastic! I had a great time collaborating with some of my favorites (the best!) in the Portland wedding arena for a gorgeous photo shoot.

Dress extraordinaire, Elizabeth Dye
Photographer, Lisa Warninger
Stylist, Chelsea Fuss (of frolic!)
Accessories, Twigs & Honey (yours truly)
Model, Anna Adams
Location, Ace Hotel

These are just some of my photos... but more beautiful photos by Lisa should be coming in a few weeks.

More photos to come!
Thank you Elizabeth, Chelsea, Lisa, Anna, and Jaime!! I had a wonderful time!
Visit my Flickr photosream for more photos... HERE.

They're Coming!!

It seems I am experiencing a few technical camera/computer problems. I know I said I would post images of my friends house tonight however, it's just not going to be possible as I am so hopeless at computer problems! Here is one more image to keep you going for the meantime! Please bear with me. I hope to have the complete set of pictures posted here tomorrow sometime. Thanks for your patience!!

The Best Easter Present Ever!

Spring played a trick on us this week. We had a blizzard yesterday and received about 12"-14" of snow! But before it snowed I was able to see our little tulip bulbs shyly emerging from the ground. So that must mean that spring is here, and with spring comes Easter- the most innocent and beautiful holiday. Eggs galore: boiling, painting & egg hunts. Easter baskets, filled with simple goodies. Baby animals, new plants! It's a celebration of life and it's a wonderful time to celebrate children. Introducing our Paper Doll!



A few years ago we had a paper doll that I had made for a CHA show. It was when we introduced Chick-a-dee. We found it here a few weeks ago and thought what a cute Easter present it would make. So I took the time to trace it and make templates of the outfits that she has available. She comes in her skivvies so you're able to dress her up as much as you want. I printed her outfits onto Ana's Bananas & Tiny Bubbles papers. You can make 9 different outfits with just 3 sheets of paper. The tabs on the clothes have a strip that is made to attach the 2 shoulder tabs with tape. Click here to print an 8.5 x 11" sheet of clothing.


The fun thing with this doll is that you can personalize her by adding the photo of the recipient. I'm actually half Salvadoran so for me I wanted to diversify some skin tones. So there's three options to choose from. My coloring is between the #2 & #3 skin tone. I know they're pretty broad but look at the image below and you can choose from #1, #2 or #3. (<--- Just click these numbers).
I needed to give my doll a home and so I found a tin box and just lined it with chick-a-dee paper. Inside I used the chick-a-dee scalloped ribbon. With some craft wiring I made little hangers for the clothes and hung them off of the ribbon.

I will say that it's not as flattering with adults pictures. I was going to post my paper doll but I looked about 60 lbs heavier, haha. But try this as a project to do with the kids at home or while you're babysitting. It's so much fun picking out the different papers and feeling a little like a fashion designer. No one has ever emailed me pictures of their completed projects, but if you do, I'll post them online.

If you have any questions, please post them and I'll help you in anyway I can. Hope you love this as much as I do!

Love,
Dorthea

More Photos Tomorrow

I will post the photos of my friend's house, which I just finished working on, tomorrow as I didn't have time to upload the photos before I left the office this afternoon...sorry!!! However, here's one sneak peek picture to whet your appetite!!

Image - Anna Spiro

The Week Ahead

I thought I would post this pretty blue and white image to begin the new week. I love the simplicity of this little corner. I would love to sit on that gorgeous cane chair whilst I chatted on the phone to my mother or a close friend!

This week we have a number of big installations happening which will mean a very busy, yet exciting week ahead. I also have a gorgeous house to share with you all which I have just finished working on for one of my lovely friends. I hope to post photos of it tomorrow night so stay tuned...

Image - House Beautiful

A new favorite piece :: just listed in my Etsy shop!

This morning, I was reading one of my new favorite blogs, 100 Layer Cake, and I came across one of my favorite wedding inspiration boards ever... and what are the beginnings of possibly a favorite wedding dress too! I was instantly inspired:

The inspiration board was made by the talented Jenna for her upcoming wedding and the dress will be made by her sister, Sarah, of hello, handmade (board and sketch credits go to Jenna and Sarah).
I love Marie Antoinette fashion and have been inspired before. Also, you know that show stopper hat I made for the Novel Romance bridal show last month? It is featured top right of this blog in the logo photographed by the fabulous Lisa Warninger (whom you already know and if you don't... you need to know of!). I received so many inquiries about that hat (expect to see more of that hat in the future)! BUT... that hat took forever to make. I think I was up until 4am hand sewing it together... so naturally, I have to price it accordingly. Anyhow, with this new inspiration and with current interest in the hat, I've decided to make more for the fashionably adventurous bride (yay, right??). Here is the newest of a whole new line I'd like to build on that is much more friendly on the wallet:

This piece is completely hand sewn and features something new and something old... lots of luxurious silk, lace, just the right amount of sparkle and a pretty ostrich plume (I'm on an ostrich kick as of late - expect to see much more ostrich!). In my SHOP right now. Enjoy!

Just listed a couple new pieces in the Etsy shop...

Some lovely and flirty new pieces for my shop today...

The Secret Scripture

We've just chosen our May Bookgroup book and it sounds fascinating...



Nearing her one-hundredth birthday, Roseanne McNulty faces an uncertain future, as the Roscommon Regional Mental hospital where she's spent the best part of her adult life, prepares for closure. Over the weeks leading up to this upheaval, she talks often with her psychiatrist Dr Grene, and their relationship intensifies and complicates. Told through their respective journals, the story that emerges is at once shocking and deeply beautiful. Refracted through the haze of memory and retelling, Roseanne's story becomes an alternative, secret history of Ireland's changing character and the story of a life blighted by terrible mistreatment and ignorance, and yet marked still by love and passion and hope.

Weekend Flowers

I think I might break my budget again this weekend and head off to buy myself some more fresh flowers! I'm off now until next week. I have a busy weekend planned which will be fun!

Thanks again for your lovely emails and comments this week. You are amazing!

xx

Anna

Image - Flickr

Current clothing crush :: Lauren Moffatt

I recently found Lauren Moffatt's work through {this is glamorous} blog and I am just swooning. Visit the new Lauren Moffatt online shopping site HERE.

I love androgynous looks.

This dress is my absolute favorite.
Go to this is glamorous blog for your chance to win a Lauren Moffatt dress!
Photo credits: Lauren Moffatt

Gumdale House

I have been meaning to share more pictures of the gorgeous Gumdale house I finished late last year. I was just flicking through my picture files and spotted this image of a corner of the family room and it reminded me. I promise I will post some more pictures of this lovely home soon!!

Pink & Red

It's no secret that I love pink. I also love pink and red together. I think it's just such an unexpected yet gorgeous colour combination!

Image via - Wide open spaces journal

My Decorating Life

You know what? I need to be really honest with you all. I would imagine that you would think my job is so glamorous and amazing. Am I right?

Well, I have to tell you that it is the most amazing job and I absolutely ADORE what I do but I also have to tell you that it is one of the hardest jobs in the whole wide world.

On a daily basis I attempt to please every single one of my clients. On a daily basis I am disappointed by goods not arriving on time, manufacturers and suppliers breaking their promises and goods being delivered faulty or completely and utterly wrong and not how we ordered them.

I just need to make it clear that even though this job is my lifelong passion I just wish that I could do it better and no matter how hard I try sometimes it's just not good enough.

I'm sure this is the same in every profession but relying on others in this profession is so disappointing and so embarrassing at times and no matter what you do, sometimes it all just ends up wrong!

I don't want your sympathy. That's not what this post is about. I just thought I'd tell you that it really isn't as glamorous as it sounds.

Tomorrow will be better. I know it will be.

Images via Vi.sualize.us

Ever have one of "those" days?

I was feeling a little down today... a little under the weather and Indy has been too (she has an appt. later today). I was so happy to see these pretty blooms from Matt, when he came home for lunch earlier. It's gray out, but these really brighten my day. I love you, honey!

I love the color of these hypericum berries. They remind me of this stunning and delicious dress.

Matt is too cute. He normally picks out the flowers at the shop and tells the lady to put them into a vase with fillers. He likes to pick out all the pretty blooms... regardless of the color coordination. I can just picture him now, "this one is pretty... that one is too... ooh, Myra would like this..."
He is going to hate me for typing this, but I thought it was too funny/cute. The other day, I was just exhausted and not in the mood to bake, but he was wanting sweets and all we had in the cupboards was a box of lemon bar mix. He baked it! I never even attempted lemon bars. While they were in the oven, I was going to cut his hair (I always cut Matt's hair), and he was like, "oh, hang on. We had better wait until the lemon bars are finished baking." ...while keeping a close eye on the oven. I don't know why I find this so cute. They were pretty tasty when finished! Previously, while going through the cupboards, I found a box of cake mix. And I thought, "I didn't buy this..." And then it dawned on me that Matt did and he just put it in there like, "oh, the box will just bake itself," as in if it is in there, Myra will automatically make them. So the lemon bars were a huge step for him!

*Reminder

We all need to remind ourselves of this one...

Images via vi.sualize.us

Puppies :: They grow up so fast

Just some more pictures of Indy. She has grown so quickly! She's about 6.5 months now. Also some before and after photos:

Today, she hasn't been feeling well. Poor pup!

Fresh Spring Layout Ideas

We are so excited that spring has finally arrived! What a great time to liven up your scrapbook pages with some bright colors and fresh ideas. Here are two 1-page layouts we designed to show off the yummy colors in our new Mimosa and Bridgeport lines.

shopping list: cosmos pearl paper, guava cardstock paper, pink lady pearl paper, shimmer accents, rub-ons, rub-on words, cardstock stickers, epoxy stickers, frames & tags, designer brads, petals, & ribbons

shopping list: tennis court varnish paper, springside varnish paper (back), clover textured cardstock, pearl accents, rub-ons, rub-on words, designer brads, petals, & varnished chiplets

Orders List :: Sorry for the delay!

I'm back from vacation and am doing a quick and dirty post on all the orders on my queue. If you have discussed an order with me and do not see your name on this list, please get in touch with me (convo or email). Many of these names have multiple pieces, and I've recorded it on the master list. Also, many of these names are the first name and last initial as they were initiated off Etsy and I am protecting privacy. I'm also preparing for several photo shoots this month and boutique orders and will have those pieces ready asap! Thank you so very much for your patience!! Here goes:

1. thoang
2. Claudikc
3. jillianchong
4. tiff7000
5. jennmacivor
6. KateC.
7. ciaobella83
8. orchidlilly2222
9. jesseandgrace
10. teresa2020
11. esgal
12. hayley1601
13. blacksheepdesign
14. jenacat
15. mitchell821
16. Fran4362
17. bethharley
18. thedamaris
19. corbin1234
20. tahoebound2009
21. katielouu
22. ahhmee
23. copel008
24. blacmagik21
25. kooki8
26. StephanieS.
27. MelanieS.
28. nancy323323
29. ashleygranados
30. jessbruin
31. lamchops
32. HannahR.
33. n3lla
34. boycooper
35. ringobubblegirl
36. emilyjnelson
37. Mavouree
38. jkatlee
39. deen1213
40. twiggyforest
41. jessmark
42. beehandmade
43. kimatusc
44. SooN.
45. jlprellop
46. joanna056
47. BeccaG.
48. kdominelli
49. grlofthenorthcountry
50. myra1210
51. cdodson
52. boogan
53. brownkatharine
54. laurelnicole
55. LesaC.
56. JamieB.
57. KristaM.
58. ambutton
59. misshippo
60. whitcalgal
61. em969
62. jikiankc
63. fayelouise
64. zoyichka
65. hopechristine
66. botodesigns
67. DeannaM.
68. skinnerpa
69. tigerbaby25
70. KristaJ.
71. NicoleB.

Happy Monday!!

Bed of Flowers

I fell in love with this gorgeous guest house in the Netherlands when it was featured in Real Living magazine recently. I love, love, love it! The coloured feature walls are divine and I love them paired with the floral fabrics, vintage floral artwork, white walls and vintage inspired furniture pieces. The house is aptly named Bed of Flowers!! You can stay at this beautiful place and I must say I think it is very reasonable priced. Click HERE to visit the website.