Paper Goods and more

Famille Summerbelle is well known for their paper cut out maps, but, I am not going to talk about that today (although, I'm tempted). Instead, I am going to share some other treasures from their collection which will surely leave you awed.

1. The owl paper banner (Owls alongside Mushrooms) is inspired by South American garlands and is made out of tissue paper.

2. Owl Wallpaper is hand screen printed and is available in 2 colors.

3. Kissing Birds Cushions is available in 3 pretty colors.

Behind the Scenes:

"Famille Summerbelle is Julie (designer and creative director) and Simon (all the other stuff) and we are the proud parents of Ophelia."

What does the name mean?

"The name Summerbelle is an amalgam of our two family names and the French ‘Famille’ is just a simple but meaningful nod to Julie’s nationality!"

Visit their website and blog for more products.

This & That

Some of the pictures I took on my shopping trips over the last few weeks.

Owl Wrapping Paper at World Market.

Notebooks at Target, Gift Bag at World Market, Owl & Bird Journal at Barnes and Nobles.

Owl Gift Bags at World Market.

~Owl Themed Baby Shower~

I consider myself lucky to have found Gabriel and Ryan's blog. I was so thrilled to see these beautiful photographs taken by them on their soon to be arriving son Lincoln's baby shower. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. The owl fans were made by the parents themselves. Decoration and sweets were all arranged by their friends. The owl sugar cookies are the cutest. Isn't it a great feeling to be blessed with friends who make everything so easy and pleasant for you?

Update: Find "How to Make Owl Stirrers" video here.

Axelhoney

Melissa Contreras of Axelhoney is an indie artist. She has many talents - ceramics, mold-making, sewing, painting, silver-smithing, crafting, drawing and sculpting. I picked out a couple of my favorite pieces from her collection to share with you. Don't forget to visit her for beautiful and unique jewelry.

Halloween Tricks and Treats

Last month, we reviewed Halloween Celebrations and I had promised to have more fun crafts for you from another magazine. So, as promised, today I am reviewing "Halloween tricks and treats". Let's start with the cover. I really like how the big pumpkin is decorated with black bead lace and beads. If you want to recreate it, there's a diagram available for it, at bhg.com. Apart from some very cute pumpkin carving ideas, this magazine has information about a lot of downloads, like the free owl stencils here. You will find the instructions for baking owl cookies using M&Ms, owl cupcakes with cashew & chocolate cookies, simple to make invitations, owl table runner, decorating party supplies (cup shown) and clever game ideas (cans shown).

I hope these images give you some idea about the projects I picked out for you that you might want to try for Halloween. I could not post images with directions and instructions for obvious reasons. Although, this magazine is not available online, I'm sure it's available at most of the stores (I bought it at Barnes and Nobles).

Sleeping Owls by Tadpoles

'Tadpoles' bedding collection - 'Owls' is available in 5 piece crib set($143.99) which includes comforter, bumper pad, crib skirt, crib sheets, and 4 piece toddler set($51.99) which comes in set of pillow case, flat sheet, blanket, fitted crib sheet. The collection features sleeping owls appliqued in beautiful calming shades. The moses basket is my favorite of the range. Looks very cozy and comfortable.

Available at Tadpoles and Target.

Friday Freebie!

Enjoy another freebie by Lynn. These owl note cards are available for download at Jinjerup.

Double {dre}AMY

These delicate jewelry pieces are a result of fantastic collaboration between Amy Bengtson jewelry and nationally recognized designer, Amy Ruppel. Isn't that brilliant? These necklaces are a perfect combination of rosewood and sterling silver.

Available at Amy Bengtson's website.

C is for Cooking

I can't believe that time is passing by so fast. We are at the end of another week. The best part of the whole week is the weekend. The time when we can forget about everything and sit back and relax. I am cooking a big dinner for my friends. Actually been cooking for two days. There are some of the Indian foods which take more time and longer preparation than others. I try and use all fresh ingredients and cook from the scratch, nothing canned. Not when I am cooking for friends. What are you plans for the weekend? Cooking at home or dining out?

I wish I had these owl plates to serve food in and that pot for hot cardamom tea. I'd even used those cute chopsticks for decoration!

Available at ModCloth.

Found My Sunshine

Lindsay Brackeen is an amazing artist who has been recognized by many design blogs like Poppytalk and Design*Sponge for her work. I am in love with her unique and modern mixed media paintings. My favorite one is You Are My Sunshine. I am so excited to have found her! Visit her blog for more information about her work. There are lot of beautiful prints available in her shop and some of them are on sale. So, hurry!

Thanks Lindsay for giving the world Sunshine :)

Print Size: Image measures 8" X 10" with a white border suitable for framing.

12"x20" Night Owls

'Night Owls' pillow by LUprints. Designer Ulla Clark found her inspiration at an early age in Scandinavian embroidered and screen printed textiles. Her fondness grew, and she incorporated nature's simplicity in her work. "She spent a decade working outside in the forest, often finding time for collecting and cataloguing plants and flowers" - Now, that's what I call true passion. I like how each of her owls is so unique and has a completely different expression.

Available at LUprints for $45. Measures: 12"x20". 55% Linen/45% Cotton.

Cookies by Amber

Something for you to enjoy with your morning tea. These owl cookies were made by Amber, who earned her degree in baking and pastry from 'The Culinary Institute of America'. "Creating cookie art is my passion." She made these cookies for a client of hers, and I bet they were very happy to have these. I wish that client were me. Don't you?

If you didn't get enough sugar, then go to her blog for more treats and lots of inspiration!

Cuteness Overload

Stephanie Fizer is an illustrator who transforms her original artwork with exceptionally creative abilities into paper goods - notecards, stickers and calendar (I posted her calendar in Calendar 2010 post). These adorable owl illustrations are to die for. How cute is that owls and bluebells notecard?

Visit her blog for more aahs.

French Money Bank

Isn't this the cutest owl money bank you have ever seen? I specially like his horn shaped ears and Pinocchio looking nose. It's hand painted in France. It'd make a great gift for any kid or accessories your work desk. Measures approximately 5"h.

For $32 at Three Potato Four.