Creative Hodge-Podge

Happy, happy Friday, friends! :)

This week has been filled with lots of super fun projects. I love it when "work" doesn't even feel like work because it's far too enjoyable to fall into that category!

I thought I'd share some of the things that have been going on around my coffee table [a.k.a. "craft studio"] and kitchen to help you get your weekend off to an inspired start.

I donated this sweet little chevron frame to a silent auction for Called To Adopt who, in their own words, are "an organization dedicated to supporting domestic adoption by providing grants and fund-raising assistance to families pursuing adoption". I'd say "love" is definitely a theme running throughout the organization & their mission!

I created these bright, sassy little stickers for a beachy bachelorette bash:

... And baked up a batch of starfish and seashell cookie favors to go along with the theme.

I also worked on a top-secret project that was uncharacteristically un-girly for me, and I have to say it was fun to switch things up a bit! I'll be sharing more about it once I have the go-ahead... but for now, you'll have to just keep guessing. :)

Having creative friends who let me bounce ideas off of them is so appreciated when I'm working on all these projects! In fact, two of my friends recently opened their very own Etsy shops. My super-talented friend Erica just opened the Etsy branch of her photography & calligraphy company, WP inks. She is pure magic with a fountain pen [not to mention with a camera]!

Another friend, Lely, just started up Lely's Creative Corner where she sells everything from pre-made baby gift baskets to hand-made Christmas wreaths.

If you have time, please drop by their shops or Facebook pages [WP inks, Lely's Creative Corner] and show them some love!

 

Do you have any creative things you've been working on, or have a shop [or know of a good one!] that I should feature?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Graphically Smitten

Well... so much for at least one post a week. ;)

Things have been seriously busy lately, especially with the overhaul at The Kitchen Prep (a makeover was necessary!), lots of baking projects, and getting things together for a fun blog feature I have coming up in the Fall.

But the lack of posts over here doesn't mean I haven't been inspired!

Yesterday I posted a link to some cool subway art by Roni Lagin over on TKP's Facebook page. He designed these "Delicious City Prints" as way to highlight the culinary trademarks of a some of the world's best foodie cities... and I, being a huge fan of both food and travel (not to mention typography!), absolutely loved them.

Source

Subway art has been popping up just about everywhere, and I've seen some really creative uses for it. The best part is, it's super easy to design some of your own... so I did!

As I mentioned earlier, my mind has already taken the leap over to the Fall season as I've been preparing for some upcoming projects. And for me, Fall is synonymous with college football!

So... I started playing with some ideas and came up with this Florida Gators inspired design... what do you think?

How fun would this be framed and prominently displayed at your tailgate party, in your game room, dorm, or even on your mantle as part of your Fall decor?

I'm pinning this over on my "Football Season!" Pinterest board to share with my other Gator friends out there (feel free to do the same!)... and who knows, I might be inspired to design a few more! ;)

What other creative uses do you have for subway art? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Fabulous Friday Finds: Lost Type Co-Op

Have you ever heard of Lost Type Co-op?

Because I'm semi-obsessed. I'm pretty sure I've stumbled upon it before, but never really took the time to browse or figure out how to use it.

Today, as I was creating some sweet little cookie favor labels for a friend, I decided that I was in desperate need of downloading some swoon-worthy fonts to give the labels a polished look.

After a little Pinterest search, I discovered the font wonderland that is Lost Type Co-op.

How does it work?

"The Lost Type Co-Op is a Pay-What-You-Want Type foundry, the first of its kind.

Founded by Riley Cran and Tyler Galpin, originally in a whirlwind 24 hour adventure to distribute a single typeface, Lost Type has blossomed into a full fledged foundry, distributing fonts from designers all over the world, with its unique model.

Users have the opportunity to pay whatever they like for a font, you can even type in '$0' for a free download.

100% of funds from these sales go directly to the designers of the fonts, respectively.

Lost Type takes no cut of sales, and holds no funds."

via Lost Type Co-Op

SO awesome, right?

I'm smitten with the entire site... even the site's design. Talk about inspiration!

Font love.
Source

Source

Anyway, if you're ever browsing for some good fonts, be sure to stop by and check out the goods at Lost Type Co-Op.

Once I'm done with the labels, I'll have to share a little sneak peek of what I came up with.

Wishing you an inspired weekend! :)

Fabulous Friday Find: Summer Soiree Edition

This mid-week holiday confused me beyond belief has gotten me in the mood for summertime celebrations.

Between all the cooking I've been doing, and all the browsing for Friday Finds picks, I am ready to throw an excellent little cocktail party, if I do say so myself.

Now... who's up for some cocktails and cute party accessories? ;)

Today's featured items are plenty of reason to gather up some girlfriends for a summer gathering with their stylish patterns and precious prints!

{Click the picture to hop directly to the item in the shop!}

Get inspired in the kitchen as you prep your party foods with this sweet cutting board from Kb Monogram Gifts!

Your guests will be "wowed" with you food AND these Chevron Cocktail Forks from Sucre Shop! (Do yourself a favor and browse while you're there... she has TONS of adorable stuff!)

 

Serve up a fashion statement witht these absolutely adorable hand painted custom appetizer plates from Aedriel Originals.

Last, but definitely not least, make each pour pretty with this elegant beverage server from one of my favorite stops for anything entertaining, Swoozies! (I currently have about 10 things from Swoozies on my personal wishlist!)

What's your favorite places to go for party supplies and/or inspiration... I'd love to know! (Not that I need any more items to add to my wishlist, or anything!)

Have a Fabulous Friday! :)

Summertime Blues

I have a love for shades of blue. (Not shades of grey, kids, that's a whole different hue.) ;)

Turquoise, robin's egg, ocean... you name it. I gravitate towards anything in the blue/green color family and have a hard time not purchasing only things that fall into that category.

As I was browsing Pinterest this morning, I came across a pin that led me to this website: House of Turquoise.

I can't remember the last time I came across a site that is almost completely made up of things I love, love, love.

I ooohed and ahhhed a bit at the gorgeous images featured on Erin's site, and then harnessed all that azure inspiration and started thinking about some new designs to add to the shop... so keep an eye out for those! ;)

If you just can't wait for the new blues, check out some of the pretty little items in a few of my favorite shades that are currenly in the shop:

{Click the pic to take you to the shop page}

Meanwhile, take a look at some eye candy from House of Turquoise:

 

Methinks I'd be doing a lot more laundry if there was a chandelier involved....

Fabulous Friday Find: Fourth of July Edition

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is less than a week away. Where has June gone??

Luckily, browsing Etsy for pretty little patriotic goodies takes the sting out of the quickly fleeting summer!

For today's Fabulous Friday Find, I'm sharing several things that would make for adorable additions to an Independence Day cookout or party.

{Just click the picture to take you to the item in the shop!}

How about some patriotic {and eco-friendly!!} stars & stripes biodegradeable cutlery from Tulle&Twig?

Or a rustic burlap table runner from Blondiensc to add some vintage chic to your dessert table?

Speaking of desserts, how cute would these cupcake red, white, and blue fabric toppers from EllaJane Crafts be perched atop a sweet treat?

There are just so many things to choose from to add personality to your party!

Will you be hosting your own Independence Day shindig, or will you be attending someone else's? Any creative crafts, treats, or details that will be making an appearance? Do tell!

Fabulous Friday Find: Key West Edition

Just a quick post this morning as the hubby and I are headed out the door for Key West mini-vacation to celebrate our anniversary! (And I'm still half asleep. It's not even 7 a.m., folks.)

Every beach vacation requires a good beach bag. Something roomy enough to carry the essentials (sunscreen, beach towel, a cover up, snacks, mindless reading material... and that's not even taking to account the stuff for those of you who have kiddos!), but cute enough to make you actually want to carry it.

I loved the look of these bags from Lucky Dot Designs' shop on Etsy!

Tell me you can't picture youself sipping a frosty tropical drink with one of these by your side! ;)

Will be on the lookout this weekend for inspiration and crafty ideas in the Keys (even though I have a feeling we're in for a torrential downpour or two)... Have a great weekend, everyone!