Thursday, December 13, 2007

Graphic Inspiration

I'm trying to turn my brain off from red/green/snowflakes/candles and change my focus to Valentines and spring flowers, but it is difficult! Especially as I sit here up to my elbows in Christmas cards. (I've sent out a total of 117 so far! And counting!)

Here's a random compilation of tid-bits that are giving my brain a rush of inspiration:

1. Anything with a hand-sewn, or homemade feel. Even if it's done entirely on the computer, like this "W" from the Brocade Home site.








2. Williams-Sonoma's homey, retro package designs really put me into a creative mood!












3. Feminine Abstract art, that is totally messy yet totally "together" all at once. This piece is from the website of a talented artist whose etsy store I recently stumbled upon.












4. My new thomaspaul paper mousepad. It's the coolest thing ever! You can write on a page, rip it off, and the rest of the pad is used as a place to rest your mouse.


Monday, December 3, 2007

Gingerbread House Decorating

Without further ado, here are a few photos of the family Gingerbread House Extravaganza 2007.

The mess begins...

































When my husband Jeff participates, he always finishes first!
(And yes, it is really funny that Jeff sometimes
participates.) This year, he did a train station.


















Rachael and her castle. Very Anthropologie, if you ask me! (Hers was better than mine.) She would kill me if she knew I just posted this photo of her in the early morning with no makeup!
















Hannah's disaster area. It had started out so cute, but towards the end, she decided to demolish it art-school style. (She's an art student.) Mom was unhappy with her, since they always display these all Christmas long.
















Me, still working after everyone else had long finished. I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that I am a perfectionist. (I need to repeat that sentence a few times.)
















Jennifer's Christmas Explosion. It looked like something out of F.A.O. Schwartz! It's so multi-dimensional and complex--can you tell she's the aspiring actress of the bunch of us?!

















Ellie's cabana in the foreground. This is the first year she's actually been serious about doing a house. At age 12, my little baby sister is finally growing up (sob!).
















My pink & brown house. Yep, I'm kind of addicted to that color combo at the moment!


















And the whole lot of them!