HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS (+ VOTE FOR ME - MARTHA STEWART AMERICAN MADE FINALIST)

Just a bit of news today and some favorites from this week...

Hope you have a magical weekend! 

*This photo, just pretty 

*Leather business card cases

*These twig cocktail picks would make the cutest hostess gift

*This post on Upperlyne about using the Bloglovin' app

*Love this modern cube shelf

*Kids reactions to MoMA made me LOL

*This looks like the best salad ever

*Sam Edelman Leopard pumps for f/w

*An inspiring color palette

*Pumpkin recipes for fall, obviously

And because I've had lots of fun things going on lately, this week on SK:

*I was chosen as a finalist for Martha Stewarts America Made, voting open up this week and if you have a moment I would so appreciate it. You can vote up to 5 times, right here

*My floral print for Plum Pretty Sugar x BHLDN

*Invitations featured in this beautiful french blue inspired shoot on Green Wedding Shoes

*Discovered I was on Town & Country Mag's list of top wedding illustrators 

*Posted some new prints in my shop (the cactus, 3 different bright florals on black, and a couple others)

*My halloween crest greeting card is up in the shop

Oh, and happy fallllllll!

XOXO

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS

As of late, the end of the week comes and I'm like 'how is it already Friday?!'  I have to say, I am a little sad to come to the end of August. Where did summer go? My happiness resides in the fact that fall is a wonderful and exciting time of year (to clarify; I do not like summer, the Florida heat and humidity is a little much for me. ha. So I'm not sad to see that wind down, just incredibly baffled how this year is flying)  I feel like once September hits and the excitement of the holidays just makes it even more non-stop.  

Ok, enough rambling and on to some of my favorites from the week:

*This wall for a walk in closet, so fun

*Flowy caftan dresses are my favorite, I love these from Free People, pink and blue

*This post about letting your partner dress you made me laugh and of course I had to experiment (out of curiosity) on Hunter. ha

*This sneak peek of Asos Christmas has me pretty excited

*Cozy fall feelings 

*I have this bag from Free People and it's been amazing to hold all my junk and I often use the clutch for nights out, obsessed with this new color 

*Rose Gold strappy sandals by Ted Baker

*Another interesting read on Man Repeller, are illustrators the new fashion bloggers?

*This office is lovely

Savor your weekend, ok? I hope it's a great one! 

XO

SKETCHBOOK 07 // FLORAL GIRL

Scenes from my sketchbook this past week.  I don't consider portraits / drawing people one of my stronger suits but it's fun to experiment every once in while. That's what sketchbooks are for right?! 

The fun fact here is that fashion illustration is where I really learned to sketch with technique and proportion.  I always loved that class in art school.  Drawing dresses on figures was always my favorite.  I had fun painting this gal after I sketched her out, I'll be adding her to the shop as a print soon. 

XO

HAPPY FRIDAY + SOME LINKS

'feathers' now in 8x10 and 11x14 in my shop

Happy Friday! 

Some things I found and loved from the week: 

*This bikini!

*Local Milks' eggs, feta, and collared greens recipe. oh my.

*This proposal in Iceland, NBD. Eep!

*These metallic cords from West Elm

*I'm always reading travel articles, especially loved this top 15 most epic dives list

*This Camilyn Beth dress is my new favorite (every color please)

*These tattoos are amazing

*I bought this kaftan dress and I'm obsessed (it's currently on sale)

Have a wonderful weekend!

XO

PAINTED PHOTOS // A FLORAL FEAST

If you follow my photography work as well, you'll know that I have been experimenting with studio settings lately.  I've been wanting to try some just-for-fun things that would allow me to combine my paintings with my photography.  I wanted to shoot these white and bright to make a simple palette for drawing over.  I just tried a few to start and also painted a backdrop for this shoot as well (middle photo).  I love doing things like this that allow me to combine my favorite things, hoping to make a full series in the future.  You can see more on my photography blog - shannonkirstenphoto.com/blog

xo

INSPIRED BY: CREAMY TEXTURES

images found here, along with more neutral textured inspiration

A bit of inspiration for the week.  I've been so inspired by neutrals lately.  To the point where I spent some time cleaning up my Pinterest this week and dedicating a few new boards to "natural" colors and elements.  I'm looking forward to directing these ideas into new projects sometime soon.  As for now, I'm just trying to stay up on e-mails, calligraphy, and creating a spring line of prints and cards! Exciting! 

Hope everyone is having a lovely week! Stay tuned for some new work posting soon. xox

WEEK'S END INSPIRATION

images here

A few florals from the week I found inspiring.  

Happy Friday, friends! 

xox

INSTAGRAMS & IPHONE SNAPS FROM NEW ORLEANS

 brunch at our hotel (Hotel Modern) was so delish, we ate there a couple of times 

Misc snaps from exploring the city.  We of course went to sucre for macarons, Cafe Du Monde for beignets, shopped Magazine Street, and wondered aimlessly in the French Quarter. It was perfection. 

 My favorites! After Camilyn Beth's Runway show

 The first row of pics above is from CB's fitting the day before the show.  The second is more wondering and brunching.  The last row of photos is from the "Shop your City" day.  We hung out at Hattie Sparks (where my illustrations and Cami's dresses are sold) with Amy of Dallas Wardrobe and Juley of Upperlyne as they hosted a Camilyn Beth trunk show.  It was so good to see everyone and catch up! 

And the finale! Cami's show was an absolute success and an amazing experience to be a part of.  So proud!  I have many more "real" photos to edit from the weekend so stay tuned! 

xo 

TEN & CO LOOKBOOK

I'm so inspired by these creepy cool images from the Ten & Co SS '13 lookbook.  The styling is simply amazing and there is just something so striking and clearly so unique about them.  The shoes are pretty awesome too.  

DIY FLOWER CROWN

 I made a flower crown for my shoot this week, I wasn't sure how this project was going to go down at first but I was pretty happy with the results.  This was my first time making one so I'm definitely no expert but this is what worked for me... 

 I only ended up using thick floral wire and scissors,  And of course whatever flowers you are going to use.  I asked some advice from a florist friends about storing them overnight.  She recommended keeping the stems long enough to keep in water (there are special little tubes you can buy at the craft store)  I didn't have time to get those so I just used a large tupperware bowl and gently set the flowers in it with a bit of water. It worked just fine and they kept overnight.

 I measured a circle around my head and tied it off.  Then I began tightly wrapping the larger flowers onto the wire circle.  I only did the front and sides...

 In the morning before my shoot, I finished it off by sticking the smaller stems and wildflowers in with the larger ones.  It was easier then tying everything on with wire, they stayed just fine! Cut the stems off pretty short before using so it will set on your head...

 Afterward I took it apart and put the butchered flowers in little milk glass bowls and vases...they are still alive four days later! 

And here is a little sneak peek from my shoot with Annalise!  

I'll definitely be making one again soon.  

xx

BOLD RED HUE

This moodboard is too pretty not to share.  I created it for an upcoming shoot and I just love the bold colors and vintage vibe happening.  It's no secret that I have a strong love for florals and bright colors so I'm definitely looking forward to this!

via

FREESTYLE /// VOLUME 06 : HAUTE PINK

This weeks street style turned out crazy cool.  We shot this after we spent a whole day shooting the Camilyn Beth spring/summer lookbook with Ashten last week.  Funny how that happens sometimes... we were so tired and ready to wrap up the day then BAM...pictures we are both so pleased with.  That whole day was amazing actually and I can't wait to share more!  By the way, baseball caps are so hot right now and Cami is going to be selling these pink logo hats on her new fabulous site.  TA DA!

 Behind the inspiration for this...I have always been in love with magazines. The combination of photos and design in fashion ads is what gets me I think.  Nylon magazine's editorials are some of my favorites for this reason.  Even though we have good ole Pinterest these days, I still get excited to take a monthly trip to the bookstore for an iced latte and the latest Elle, Vogue, and Nylon...only to flip through the ads and editorials without reading a single word, oh well. 

  I went a little crazy with the paintings on these but they are so fun to make and well...very me!  I have another fun shoot today that I'm also styling (for the first time in awhile).  I'm excited to work with another new model and have my awesome friend Ali along for hair and makeup (she does my hair and is amazing!).  Then we are off for the weekend with Hunters family to go camping at their property a couple hours away.  We are having a celebration of life for his grandfather who passed away this month.  I'm looking forward to stepping away from technology and indulge in family and friends and the natural beauty that surrounds that place.  

Hope everyone has a bright and happy weekend xx

More style post:
Cami's Blog
Facebook
Past Style Posts

CAMILYN BETH TURNS ONE!

A huge, happy FIRST birthday to Camilyn Beth! 

I'm so proud of my best friend and SO excited for the future of Camilyn Beth.  It has been crazy awesome to be a part of Cami's journey as a designer.  It goes way back to even before we went to fashion school yearrrrs ago!  To watch someone's dreams unfold, especially someone you love and a company you believe in, it's just so inspiring to say the least.  

I have always been excited to see what Cami was going to come up with next.  Even before Camilyn Beth, she has always been bursting with creativity, determination, passion, and excitement for art and fashion.  One thing I have always admired about Cami is her ability to remain positive no matter what.  We all know how hard your first year of business can be, this has been my first too...there were times I complained to her, complained a lot actually, on the verge of tears...she always has something encouraging and uplifting to say.  That optimism and ability to see the best in each situation just adds that much more to the success of her business. 

I always knew she was going to make this dream happen one day.  And well, she has definitely made in happen in a big way.  And in just her first official year!  I am excited to see Camilyn Beth grow and especially to keep dreaming up shoots and ideas alongside my sweet friend.  

The most exciting news of all is the launch of her NEW site today! Hop on over to camilynbeth.com to see!

Congratulations and... 

SHOP TALK : HEATHER DAVIS OF PAPER PLEASE STUDIO

I had so much fun shooting the first ever lookbook of Paper Please Studio last weekend.  I was beyond thrilled that owner and designer, Heather Davis, agreed to answer some questions about her new and blossoming business.  I am very inspired by Heather's fresh, clean, and modern take on design and thought it would be awesome if we could see some insight on her process and inspiration.  

FYI : Heather and I have been friends for SIXTEEN years now.  More of a sisterhood I guess you could say.  I couldn't be more blessed to be part of Heathers life and especially this new adventure she in on with Paper Please.  It is extreming rewarding and inspiring to see my best friends find their joy and passions.  I'm so happy we are all on this creative journey together...it makes the ride that much more exciting and amazing!  

Scroll on down to read the interview and see lots of pretty pictures...

Name: Heather Davis

Company: Paper Please Studio 

Current City: West Palm Beach, Florida 

Tell us a little about what you do and offer on your site? 

Paper Please Studio offers wedding, event and personal stationery. My Etsy shop has everything from custom note cards, wedding invitation suites to wedding day items like menus, programs, etc.

When did you first have the idea to start Paper Please, how did it all come about? 

The past 8 months have been a whirlwind of designing memorable pieces for unbelievable couples. Last year I started designing a few friends’ wedding invitation suites. After a lot of encouragement from friends in the wedding industry, I decided to open an Etsy shop featuring a few designs. Thankfully, the response was very positive. Brides began contacting me with ideas for custom suites. I love collaborating with them and making their vision come to fruition. I’ve also enjoyed working on brand development projects with a handful of talented women.

Where does your inspiration come from? I gather a lot inspiration from where I live and where I grew up, West Palm Beach and Bradenton, Florida. I’m drawn toward soft, neutral tones and Florida’s seaside charm. My friends in the wedding industry definitely motivate me. Their style and creativity inspire fresh ideas.

What initially led you to the field of design? My background is in marketing and graphic design. I've been designing corporate marketing pieces for the past 8 years. I've always been interested in art and had a creative drive. I started designing paper goods as a creative outlet.

What do you love most about creating beautiful paper goods? I love the emotion stationery conveys. Who doesn’t love to receive an encouraging note or an invitation to an exciting upcoming event? Also, it is so encouraging to know that people trust my ability to create something that is so monumental in their lives. Last week a bride sent me text messages from her guests telling her how much they loved the couple’s invitation and how it perfectly reflected their personality. My heart may have leapt through the roof!  

Where is the future of Paper Please headed? I'm looking forward to designing a line of wedding collections. My goal is to have 5 individual, cohesive looks that incorporate every paper element: save the dates, wedding invitations, programs, place cards, menus, stickers, marriage certificates, signs, welcome bag cards, maps, and thank you cards. I am also developing a website to serve as a portfolio.

Favorite things to do when you're not Paper pleasing your life away? I enjoy spending time with my husband, family and friends. It doesn’t get much better than being surrounded by the people you love. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have been given. I just want to have an open heart and eyes to the beauty around me.

Hop on over to the Paper Please shop to see more

And a big thank you to my dear friend for dropping in on the blog today!

xx

Outfit 1 - Dress: Urban Outfitters / Necklace: Tory Burch / Bangles: Forever 21
Outfit 2 - Dress: Urban Outfitters / Necklace: Vintage

all photos (c) shannon kirsten photography