Art to Inspiration: Ricci

It's time for another Art to Inspiration post!  This month we are looking at "Float" by Jill Ricci.  I'm a true procrastinator, so naturally I was planning how I was going to put this post together as I was falling asleep last night.  I was picturing the piece in my head, and the word "plates" popped into my head.  It was actually kind of funny.

My mom has plates hanging everywhere in our house.  They're all over the place.  I love how different each of them are, and how some of the scenes seem to tell their own little story.  I guess I'm just easily influenced by my surroundings, because last month's post was very much inspired my parents' house as well.

If you're interested in joining in the fun the Art to Inspiration Fun, click here!

P.S. I'm doing a vlog tomorrow about ad swapping on Katelyn Brooke Designs!  If you have a question you'd like me to answer, ask it here.

Art to Inspiration: Howe

I've been participating in Art to Inspiration for a few months now, but this is the first time that I'm posting it on Stripes and Polka Dots!  The piece of art that we are responding to this month is called Echos of Fragrant Voices by the artist Jo Howe, and is in the top left corner of my collage.

I was really stuck on this one at first.  To get unstuck, I grabbed my camera and went on a little scavenger hunt around my parents' house.  I found old things and new things, like the new rug in my mom's office and the old family scrapbook and box of photographs that my grandmother loaned me.  Somehow it all seemed to tie together, but I'm having trouble coming up with the words to explain why.

I guess it all comes down to taking old things and looking at them in a new way.

You can find out more about how to join in the fun over on Chevrons and Eclairs!

Wedding Wednesday: Pink and Blue

Before I decided that I want my wedding colors to be mostly neutrals and navy, I had envisioned my wedding being mostly white, accented with pastel shades of pink and blue. They are my favorite colors after all (I think. It's so hard to choose!) It was actually around the same time that I posted the navy post that several of my favorite blogs featured weddings with the pastel color scheme. I still love those colors (especially for a spring wedding) and I couldn't help but make a board out of some of the pictures I found. Enjoy!

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Top Row (L to R): image by Lizelle Lotter via Ruffled, image by Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie (via Once Wed), image by Jessica Hill via Style Me Pretty
Middle Row (L to R): invitations by Mika 78 via The Cinderella Project, image by Dana Grant via Green Wedding Shoes, image by Kirsten Ellis of Beaux Arts Photographie (via Once Wed)
Bottom Row (L to R): origami invitations by Amy of Eat, Drink, Chic, (via Green Wedding Shoes), image by Orchard Cove via Style Me Pretty, image by Orchard Cove via Style Me Pretty

Navy and White

In my last wedding post, I mentioned that we are currently thinking about getting married in August. Where or what year we're not sure, but I'll save that spiel for Wednesday. Ever since we (tentatively) decided on August, I've been daydreaming about summer weddings, and what I would want mine to look like. I've been thinking about color schemes, and I wanted one that was classic but not too formal, and something crisp and cool to combat the hot weather. This is what I came up with:

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Top Row (L to R): Missy Cochran via Style Me Pretty, Images by Berit via The Knot, Jasmine Star Photography via The Knot
Middle Row (L to R): Karen Mordechai via 100 Layer Cake, Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty, Tec Petaja via Once Wed
Bottom Row (L to R): Missy Cochran via Style Me Pretty, Carrie Patterson via Style Me Pretty, Harry Taylor Photography via The Knot

I've always loved navy. My favorite page in the Pottery Barn catalog was always the one with the navy and white striped pillows (which I couldn't find for this board! They used to have it in every single catalog!) Since we have sorta decided on August, I've been really obsessed with neutral weddings with navy accents. It's almost like having a black and white wedding, but less formal, and more summery (although I've seen it used in weddings in all seasons). The navy is also appealing if we decide to get married at the beach, because it adds a little bit of a nautical feel without being too obvious. If not, I think it would work wonderfully wherever we decide to get married. I love how all of these weddings use unexpected materials to add to their neutral palette, such as brown kraft paper and burlap. They really add a lot of texture and a nice homemade feel.

all you need is love

Happy Valentine's Day! Brian and I were kind of lame about Valentine's Day this year. Let me rephrase that: I was lame about Valentine's Day this year. In my defense, I haven't been able drive my car until this weekend due to the copious amounts of snow blocking me in (thank you, plow man), making it impossible to purchase anything for my valentine. But who needs store-bought gifts? My attitude for this year's day of love is reflected in the title of this post. Thanks Beatles.

We had a totally awesome weekend, including lots of good food (always important), watching the Olympics, and driving to visit one of Brian's prospective law schools. But most importantly, my brother and his girlfriend spent came and spent the night with us on Saturday. It was very spontaneous (go us!) and we had so much fun! I can't wait to do it again sometime.

Today I was inspired to make my very first inspiration board. I think it was from looking at all of the other lovely bloggers' beautiful pink and red themed boards (see here and here). I've always been more of a pink girl myself, so you will find this board heavy on the pink side. Enjoy!

Top row (L to R): Stinkin' Pink via Flickr, Peach Rose Cabochon Ear Studs from Etsy (which my mom gave me for Valentine's Day!), teacups via Martha Stewart Weddings
Middle row (L to R): DIY Flower Favor Box via Once Wed, vintage pink buttons via Flickr, Jelly bean Jewel Box Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings
Bottom row (L to R): Candy sparkle Blush Mineral makeup from Etsy, love notes via Flickr, Roses via Flickr