Paper Frenzie

I LOVE everything about paper.  Check out Evie's website.  A new mom herself finds time to craft and blog.  She's amazing and I always love her style. Her recent week of paper posts was awesome.  The pinwheel post is one of my favorites. An easy decoration for any event or photo shoot. :) 

Photo Gallery

I finally got around to hanging up the photo gallery that our wonderful photographer, Sarah Wert of modern kids photography, shot for us.  She's amazing!  Check out her website and blog.  If you like anything kid or design, you'll enjoy it!

The architecture of our place is pretty traditional, so I went with simple frames from Room and Board to bring in our modern style.  Building a gallery is a little more difficult than hanging a single frame, but if you keep in mind some simple rules, creating one can be a blast!  Here's a few rule of thumbs to remember when building a gallery for your wall.

1. Determine the subject for your gallery.  A successful gallery includes a "theme" of all things similar. For example: All photography, all art and or artifacts.  Also keep in mind that all frame styles should be similar in style, and if you want to modernize a traditional frame, play with how it's matted.  An oversize or off-center mat adds a modern touch! 
2. Determine size of frames.  For a more clean look, use the same size frame, and similar size images. If your images aren't similar in size, play with the mat size. For a more random look, make sure you have a balance of similar size frames. Meaning a few large, a few medium and a few small.
3. Always think in threes.
4. Play around with your frames on the floor before putting holes in your wall.  You'll be amazed at how well this works.
5. The center of the gallery needs to be hung at 5'-6" above the floor (unless you have extraordinarily high ceilings).  I promise it will look too high!
6. Keep chair rail heights and furniture in mind when choosing your gallery location. 
7. Galleries are generally good for areas wear perusing can be done. :)
8. When hanging your gallery, start with the center of the gallery and work outwards.  This assures the gallery is centered in the area you have chosen!
9. A good rule of thumb when determining spacing between frames is consistency.  I use 2"-4" inches as a rule of thumb.  Areas where you have the room to distance the frames farther apart, use 3-4"inch spacing, areas that are tight use 2" inch spacing.
10. Measure twice, hammer once. :)  Use steel nails as they help with creating less holes in your wall. If you happen to hit something hard in the wall the steel nails do not bend and end up saving you time and frustration!

Don't be afraid to create a gallery!  It's seems overwhelming but hanging the frames actually goes by quickly once you have the first one up!

 

Baby Shower worth Sharing

Three design savy girls, Liz, Solera and myself threw our great friend Katie a baby shower.  The baby's room decor includes aqua, midnight blue, grey, brown with punches of orange.  Katie also has chosen the Dwell Studio aqua and brown Owl pattern crib set. Our Katie loves sweets, so we went with a "Sweet Owl" theme.  It was amazing how well it turned out.  I was so impressed I'm sharing it with you all.  Take a look at the cuteness and details. It's amazing that we only met twice. :)  We are for hire!  If you are in the Bay Area, give us a call!! :)

The branch center piece was inspired by a centerpiece that was done for my baby shower.  What a project it was to put together, but I'll do it again and I'll be much faster this time. :)  Thanks to JAF - Joseph Andrade Floral, who put together the flower arrangement at the last minute!

The sweets bar.  How cute, huh?  Liz and I went to Joanne's fabric and found some great fabrics that reminded us of Katie, went with the overall theme, colors of her home and baby room.  We bought 1 yard of each fabric and cut them into strips and then laid them over the table.  Next time we'll rent another chocolate skirt for the table.  I think it turned out great considering we were in a mad rush to get it done before the star arrived.  Don't look too close at the fabric cut edges though! We are using the fabrics for a quilt for her new baby boy.  We can't wait to see how it turns out!

Another close up of the floral arrangement!  I just love how it turned out! 

Cupcakes brought by Liz's sister.  We had no idea they were coming!!

Liz's sister again...so stinking cute!

and...the shower hostesses and prego Katie.

Rue Magazine is headed to SF!!

Crystal Gentilello, a friend I met while my husband attended business school at Kellogg, followed her dream and started her own online magazine! The design industry also knows her for her wonderful blog Plush Palate. I'm so excited to hear that she is moving Rue's headquarters to San Francisco!  If you haven't already heard of the online magazine, check it out here. 

Alameda Antique Fair

I finally hit the Alameda Antique Fair today. I've been in the Bay Area for two years now, and well it's embarrassing to say that I have never been to this amazing place. A bit overwhelming... 900 vendors, but there's some great finds here!

My architect twin sister went with...check out the hilarious reindeer. Fortunately I don't have a place for them...it was tempting.

Check out this mink scarf with heads! DRAPER - Mad Men episode! Anyone remember?

Old Tie holder. I wish styling yourself was this easy!

Seahorse Treys in aqua and avocado! You know you found a good buy when you keep getting complements!

And last bu not least, a radio flyer for the twins. I couldn't resist. It needs a coat of wax...but looks vintage. :) I hope they like it and the annoying horn.