Autumn greetings!

Soon I hope to share some of the projects and creations that have kept me scarce on the blog-circuit as of late. Until then, here are some recent inspirations:

* the playful & creative relationship of Something's Hiding in Here, as evidenced in their "I Made This For You" series

* a "WOW" stylist + designer

* the idea of whipping this up for the griddle this fall

* this Parisian hotel (a girl can dream!)

* a simple and elegant DIY gift idea for the holidays

* this embroidered love message

* achingly beautiful "Land Art" by Richard Shilling

* peacefulness & authenticity as portrayed through this video (via the abundantly inspirational Andrea of Superhero Journal)

Reading the October issue of Sunset Magazine is like a mini-retreat - I feel transported and inspired. I'm especially fond of the pumpkin carving project above by artist, Nikki McClure.

I'm also enchanted by the idea of a modular guest house + studio as beautifully reflected in the Sunset Modern Prefab Cottage.

This past weekend, I attended an Open House at the charming Hazel to view new works by Laura Berger. I met Laura through the Beckoning of Lovely project and was thrilled to see her fun and whimsical work so beautifully displayed on the walls of one of my favorite Chicago boutiques.

I also spent some time at the Renegade Craft Fair and discovered some wonderfully talented artists. My favorites of the day were: the hysterical Fomato, the illustration and print work of Anne Benjamin, and the invitation portfolio of Baumbirdy (brides-to-be, check it out!).

Love this card my brother sent me by
Nikki McClure, titled Survive.

In the absence of Domino and Cottage Living magazines (RIP), I've been finding some inspiration in Country Living. The photo above of the camp-site tent by Cath Kidston is so romantic.

Speaking of romance, I am smitten on the rural wedding design featured of the NY owners of Meili Farm.


The sweet autumn clematis centerpieces and sage & juniper boutonnieres are just lovely.

To see more photos, click here.

I really like this hand-screened, jute "frame" placemat from textile company, Simrin. Resembles my new side-bar image. ;)

Some things I like today:

Above: Pattern by Julia Rothman.

Product Display for Working Class Studio.

Charlotte's Kendrick's album cover.

Backstage at Rodarte.

This sweet blog collaboration.

Ten things that are floating my boat:

1) Portraits by Yousuf Karsh - on display at the Art Institute through April 26th (his photo of fiber artist, Lenore Tawney pictured above).

2) Choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo's "Off Screen" for Hubbard Street Dance!

3) The charming and lovely floral creations by one of my favorite crafty ladies, Small Stump (oh how I often wish I lived in SF).

4) Reinterpretations of a Furniture Design: A Collaboration.

5) This watercolor print by the interesting and accessible artist, Reed Seifer - what a great idea to infuse your watercolor with lavender oil! Martha Stewart even likes his work.

6) Jamie magazine!

7) Tips for photographing babies (I'm a new Auntie).

8) This view.

9) Photographer Juho Kuva.

10) Thinking about fireworks (and summer in general).

I am really feeling this sentiment from the super-charming Etsy seller, Bread+Butter.

Another favorite from photographer, Robert Socha.

It's negative five in Chicago today.
The perfect day for reading in front of a fire.

Photo of the lobby lounge at 101 Hotel Reykjavik in Iceland.

Lying in the grass with N - that's something I will miss about summer.

There's nothing like a picnic in the park with an over-sized blanket and a bottle of sweet wine.

A good little reminder from my "S" mug.

It was a rainy weekend, which prompted me to think again of the raindrop shape which I love so much. Fashion Designer Allegra Hicks has marked her line with a simple raindrop logo and repeated the graphic on many of her products, including her candles.

Etsy seller, Red Ruby Rose, has a wonderful clutch design in a chocolate teardrop pattern.

I love the mini quilts from Etsy seller, Syko. My Mom and I had a similar project idea of stitching a ton of fabric droplets, but it's been stuck in our project bin for years.

And finally, what a fantastic idea from Design Commission of Seattle - a gallery & auction of artist-decorated umbrellas.

Imagine walking beneath a dome of raindrop-blue glitter!

Photo of Fiona Apple by Autumn de Wilde.