cat party invitations

 

I forced myself to forgo my default white/black/kraft palette, and incorporate some color. Thus, we have here some hand-lined chartreuse envelopes. Lining your own envelopes is so quick and easy, and adds such a great texture and presence to any mail. In fact, I just ordered a couple great pattern books from the V&A, with high hopes of elaborate envelopes in the future. (I think working in the stationery store has turned me into a freak.)

stamps

I'm loving all of the customized stamps I've been seeing of late, especially the ones above from MaeMae Paperie and Holly's Houses. The first one's so simple and versatile! I love the idea of stamping a business card, and having a stack with different colored inks. I even considered purchasing one, but as a graphic designer, I suppose I shouldn't be selling someone else's designs.

Holly's stamps would make such a great housewarming gift—hint, hint—and maybe someday I'll live somewhere long enough to deserve one. Either way, I found this tutorial, ordered a Speedball Carve Block, and will soon begin construction on some sort of seal of my own.

[images: MaeMae Paperie and Holly's Houses]

in almost every picture #7

 

I find chronological photo compilations incredibly interesting. Seeing a person age is fascinating in itself, but with photos you can watch surrounding people, environments, and the medium of photography evolve as well. Ria van Dijk, who looks a lot like my grouchy Great-aunt Maxine, took a self-portrait every year at the same Dutch shooting gallery (you have to hit the target to have your picture taken—how cute!), with the exception of a break between 1939 and 1945. The photographs have recently been published in her biography, In almost every picture #7 (which you can buy here).  

On quite a side note, I love that only the first word is capitalized in many European book titles. It looks so French and chic to me.

[images from The Year in Pictures, via Abbey]

oktoberfest

As I sit here tonight, planning my upcoming Cat Party (more details to come), I'm thinking back to an Oktoberfest meal I made a couple weeks ago. Mmm. It was complete with pretzels, salad, spaetzle with a delicious mushroom gravy, a German apple cake, and seasonal beer. In fact, I think the lack of photos of the finished product is a testament to how long the food lasted. And, my rooftop view wasn't so bad either.

Despite the deliciousness of each course (c'mon, who can go wrong with one of Deb's recipes?), the simplicity and balance of the dressing was impressive in its own right. Hailing from the October issue of Martha Stewart Living, it can be prepared quickly, stores well in a little glass jar, and is so so tasty.

ROMAINE SALAD WITH ANCHOVY DRESSING
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar (I was out, and used apple cider vinegar with a splash of red wine)
2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
1 large head romaine lettuce, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick shreds
......................................................
1/ Heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat. Cook shallot and garlic until just turning translucent, about 2 minutes.
2/ Toss lettuce with dressing just before serving.

Easy.

julianne

Living in London, one of my fashion-student-flatmates was obsessed with her monthly issue of British Vogue. Naturally, my infatuation began. I particularly remember the July 2009 Ageless Style issue with Julianne Moore on the cover. Not only is she completely stunning, intelligent, and well-informed, but she gave me a fix of autumnal romance in the eye of summer.

Cheers, Julianne. I will soon be purchasing this issue on ebay.

[photos by Alasdair McLellan, via Artistic Critique]

doily rug

 

I have to learn how to crochet (a similar rug to this one by Ladies & Gentlemen). Can you believe Jean hand-crochets these? They're available for sale on her etsy shop. A warm thank you to Caroline, and her talented hands, for sharing this with me.

[image by Ladies & Gentlemen] 

a wedding

I recently created all of the paper goods for a gorgeous Seattle wedding. The ceremony took place at Steven Holl's Chapel of St. Ignatius, on Seattle University's campus.

mimi weddell

I'm always inspired by beautifully—and naturally—aged women. Between the snowy hair, deep wrinkles, oft-flamboyant fashion sense, and implied wisdom, I can't help but hope...

that someday...a twenty-something will look at me...and think...wow.

[image via Canobie Films]