Unique dresses :: Check out Kate Towers Etsy shop NOW

Posted on | Monday, May 11, 2009 | 4 Comments

I just noticed today that there are a handful of lovely pieces in Kate Towers Etsy shop. If you need something lovely, unique and girly, run over to her shop by clicking HERE. This white dress would be perfect for a bride:

I love the ruffles...

This one is my favorite.

This one is just charming.
Photo credits: Kate Towers

Don't run with scissors!

Posted on | Thursday, May 7, 2009 | 6 Comments

Just a quick note. I stabbed myself. A complete accident and millisecond of unthinking carelessness... I keep my scissors sharp. The tips will cut if you're not careful. Anyhow, I was sitting on the floor getting some odds and ends organized, all while holding my ultra sharp scissors and in an instant, I rolled the side of my knee onto the open blade. How stupid, yes? Stupefied. *disclaimer: don't read more if you are grossed out easily*
I thought, "oh my! what have I done?!" and when I looked at the aftermath, there was an open cavity on the side of my knee about 1/4-1/2 inch deep and about 3/8 inch in diameter (like how specific I can be?). It was like sticking a pencil eraser in soft butter. I could throw birdseed into it... a kernel of corn! I think it was such a quick puncture, that my vessels had not had a chance to respond. I just froze and yelled to my husband, "get the neosporin and the first aid kit" and in a smooth combination of movements, there my hero was to save the day. We patched it up with butterfly wound closures and disinfected everything I touched. For the rest of the evening, I had a sick stomach from the thought of this hole on the side of my knee.

It got me to thinking, I'd better slow down some. I always multitask. And when I walk, I get inpatient from the slowness and usually start running, even around the house... with scissors. I have those movie-like slow motion moments where I think, "I'm running with scissors!" From this day forward, never again! Who knows what could happen?!

Sorry for the long regurgitation! Idle thoughts.. idle thoughts.

More idle thoughts... home security!
On Tuesday night, someone tried to get into our mailbox (that feeds into a slot in the front of our house) and then tried opening the front door rather violently and then rang the doorbell incessantly. When my Matt opened the door, this woman said she lived at our house and then asked if she lived there. She stayed on our porch and didn't know where she was. We had to call the police to have them escort her away.
Matt bought motion activated lights yesterday as a result. We're thinking of outdoor cameras too! Stay safe!

What I'm listening to today...

Posted on | Wednesday, May 6, 2009 | 8 Comments

I like to listen to the same song ALL day long to death when it's a build day. Today it's Linger by the Cranberries:

I miss the Cranberries... Are they still doing anything nowadays? When I was in Jr. High, I thought she was so badass.

New piece in the Twigs & Honey online store :: Woodland headband in whites

2 Comments

A longtime favorite, the Woodland headband is making another appearance, but now in the Twigs & Honey online store and it is in bridal whites. Click HERE to go to the link.

U-handbag :: Love it and recommend it!

Posted on | Tuesday, May 5, 2009 | 2 Comments

I found this great Etsy shop the other day: U-handbag
I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys DIY and stylish little things. You can purchase kits to make lovely purses and nearly everything you need is included. I think the only things I had to provide after the kit arrived were scissors, a sewing machine, glue, pins and time. Plus it came so quickly. I purchased it on a Monday and it arrived at the end of the week from London... all the way to the west coast of the U.S. Awesome. On Sunday, Matt and his little brother worked on house remodeling, so I sat there for just 1 hour and cranked this baby out. Matt and Eli were completely impressed. I believe the words were, "wow! that looks so professional!" ... but alas, I really have U-handbag to thank! Here is the picture on the listing:

Here are the results:

Just like the pictures! Easy to make too!
Find your own kit on the U-handbag Etsy shop HERE, or online shop HERE.
Only $25.50 for the whole kit and shipping from the UK. Plus, you can reuse the pattern over and over again, so you just need to buy the fabric and hardware the next go around. I think this would be a great project for an entire bridal party.

New piece in my Etsy shop! :: First of the 2009/2010 Winter collection

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I just listed a lovely piece in my Etsy shop that is a bit of a sneak peak to the winter 09/10 collection coming in a couple months. I used lots of lovely bits as it was originally designed for a magazine shoot. Enjoy!

Blue Pacific

A little bird told me...

Posted on | Monday, May 4, 2009 | 1 Comment

... that over the weekend, I was on the news! Did anyone catch it on KATU Portland, OR? I always watch KATU if any news broadcast, but of course missed it. I guess it was something to do with weddings and Etsy and they had a picture of me. :)

Happy Monday!

5 Comments

I think (no, I know!) Twigs & Honey pieces are more well-traveled than me. Last week, they were on a snow capped peak for a shoot... Today, they are in lovely Napa Valley for a wonderful photography workshop by none other than one of the most talented photographers out there, Elizabeth Messina. I cannot wait to see the results. If they are anything like these...:

.. I will just die a little from prettiness overload. More on this to come... plus a fabulous twigs & honey giveaway!
Photo credits: Elizabeth Messina

On a more random note, I'm totally inspired by these photos from Lula magazine:

Photographer: Nicole Nodland
Found first HERE.

And even more random, I'm aching for these shoes:

They only ship to the UK and Ireland... I'm trying to see if I can get them another way... I may need to *ask* for a favor from a UK bride, which may entail a twigs & honey piece as a "thank you"... but we shall see. I am just in love with these shoes and must have them!
Happy Monday!

Rise and shine necklace :: Pink confectionary treat for your neck

Posted on | Thursday, April 30, 2009 | 12 Comments

I talked with my big sis on the phone this morning and she asked if I could make her a necklace similar to the one I made for the English Dept. Fashion show a couple months ago:

She also really liked this Anthropologie necklace:

But... she wanted it in blush pinks and super soft fabrics for her sensitive skin. Voilà! Here are the results:

Countless, supple layers of blush pink silks, tulle, chiffon on hand dyed self tie ribbon. I rarely get to make anything for myself anymore... but I really hate to part with this one. Alas, my sister will get this one soon!
I'm thinking of listing this piece in my Etsy shop as a "made to order" number. Would this interest anyone?
Update: Made to Order listing is up in my Etsy shop HERE. Thank you, everyone, for your sweet comments!!

I also love...

Posted on | Wednesday, April 29, 2009 | 2 Comments

... anything from moderngoods. My favorite is this antler platter. Wouldn't this make a fantastic wedding gift for the bride & groom??

Go HERE to view the antler platter and go HERE to view more from this lovely line.

I love this dress

2 Comments

...I love it a bit too much. From HERE.

I'm just giddy :: Shrug is done!

Posted on | Monday, April 27, 2009 | 5 Comments

Remember that fabulous shrug that I adored from Christine's wedding? And then remember the trade with Elizabeth? I just saw a picture over on Elizabeth Dye's blog and I am just a little too excited about this one! Lovely soothing colors, soft layers... impeccably well-made. And oh... I can't even fathom the amount of time it took. Elizabeth... thank you!!!!! After this... you need a vacay!!!

It's making its rounds in the fashion world, but when I get it, I will never let it go. So dreamy, I want to sleep in it... so pretty, I want to wear it everywhere. Thank you, Elizabeth!! You are THE BEST!!!!!

Introducing :: Naturals :: Vegan and Eco-friendly Twigs & Honey

Posted on | Friday, April 24, 2009 | 7 Comments

I got a great comment on my blog the other day from The Veganista:
"I just discovered your designs. They're great! Perhaps you could do a couple of vegan designs with non-silk/feather accessories? I feel so inspired to put something in my hair!"
April 16, 2009 11:11 AM

I have actually already been making vegan and eco-friendly pieces in my collections, but I guess I never formally went all out. My past and current pieces have included cotton only and non-feather pieces, but I thought now would be a great time to formally create a line specifically catering to both vegan and environmentally conscientious brides and clients.

I'm happy to introduce Twigs & Honey Naturals, with the first piece, Fields:

Fields is made with hand cut and pressed hemp/organic cotton fabric (55% hemp, 45% organic cotton). It is attached to a gold plated wire comb. Lovely and stylish... modern and chic... vegan friendly AND it is made with environmentally sustainable materials! Hooray! I'll be dropping the first of the Twigs & Honey Naturals collection off to the English Dept. in Portland, OR today along with these other pieces:

Hair combs, belts, and a "Naturals" piece! I hear they are going quickly and are down to just one piece at the English Dept., not including this batch above. I'll be up in Portland to hand them off about 3-5pm today... head over quick after that to get a lovely piece!
More "Naturals" pieces will be available in my Etsy shop and the Twigs & Honey Online Store very soon! Please spread the word if you're a blogger... word of mouth is great too. ;) Thank you!

I just love this board...

Posted on | Thursday, April 23, 2009 | 3 Comments

I just had to do a quick post on this lovely inspiration board I saw today over at Snippet & Ink blog. LOVE IT.

These soft, muted colors are everything I love. Calming. From HERE. Reminds me of this dress, yes?

Laptop.... kaput

Posted on | Wednesday, April 22, 2009 | 3 Comments

I have the WORST luck with laptops.
My "new" laptop was and is beyond repair... this happened Monday and all day Tuesday, I was completely without internet and computing capabilities. At the moment, it sits in pieces. I had to purchase/order a completely new laptop all day Tuesday and then had to work on trying to recover my putt-putt old hard drive... and then back up everything... and then download all my programs/drivers. Yuck. At this point, I've come to grips with the cost, but the time and sleep lost is the real stinker.

Long story short, I continue to be sorry for any delays. I have received a flood of inquiries this week and I am still trying to catch up on old messages. I am truly sorry if I have not yet responded to an email or convo. Please don't give up! I feel terrible about that! I am really hunkering down and pushing through as much work as I can everyday and I truly, truly want to work with everyone interested!!! Thank you to everyone for your persistence!!! It means the world to me!!!!
Annoying as it might be, please keep re-sending those messages... It really, helps me! I get buried each day with inquiries. Thank you for getting in touch again!!!! Sometimes, I will take names down for orders, but the details may take a bit longer to nail down (i.e. confirming design/color details), but rest assured, you are officially on the list and I'll get in touch! I will post an updated "in progress" list later this week.

I won something! :: Thank you Elizabeth Messina

Posted on | Monday, April 20, 2009 | 2 Comments

I've been admiring the new blog, kiss the groom, which is by the very talented photographer, Elizabeth Messina. All her work is just lovely! A few weeks ago, she had a giveaway for a book written by one of her longtime clients, Tori Spelling! I got it! Hooray! Thank you, Elizabeth! The book, sTORI TELLING, was also signed by Tori and her husband. Too cute!

I love this tri-fold card that Elizabeth sent in a vellum envelope.

Be sure to visit Elizabeth Messina's blog, kiss the groom. She posts gorgeous inspiration daily! I'm completely hooked.