Original artwork

Posted on | Friday, March 16, 2012 | 13 Comments

I feel silly to have to even bring this up and so sad that it happened, but after less than one month of going live, the artwork on my website has already been copied by another designer for their own commercial website! I mean, c'mon!!

I didn't think I had to point this out so explicitly but the floral print on my website's background, which is the same as on my signature boxes, is my original, hand painted artwork. It is copyrighted by Twigs & Honey, LLC. I've loved the feedback I've received so far and I think many people didn't realize that it was painted by moi - thank you everyone! But - even if you don't know that it's painted my myself, you shouldn't just copy it off my website. There are so many copyright laws out there for artwork. Educate yourself! You don't just go and right click and copy and use freely. Someone had to work hard to produce that art. I decided to paint my own art for my branding just so I could have exclusive rights to use it and to create exactly what I wanted! Even if you purchase a clipart membership somewhere, the fine print will usually say you can't use for commercial purposes... even though you had to pay for personal use. Long story short - please don't copy off my website or my branding.

Original copyright protected hand painted flowers from twigsandhoney.com

Original watercolour painting by Myra Callan. Do not reproduce!

Cover of Smitten Magazine!

Posted on | Tuesday, March 6, 2012 | 4 Comments

Twigs & Honey is on the cover of the current issue of Smitten Magazine! Yeah! Be sure to check out the issue HERE. There's also more Twigs & Honey inside the issue including an interview. :) :) Thank you, Smitten Magazine! The issue is gorgeous!

Photography: Elizabeth Messina
Hair/Makeup: Erin Skipley
Dress: Claire Pettibone
Headpiece: Twigs & Honey
Model: Dominique

Wonderful post on Wedding Chicks blog!

Posted on | Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 3 Comments

Be sure to check out the Q&A I did with The Wedding Chicks for their awesome wedding blog! I adore Amy & Jocey and had the privilege of meeting them a couple weeks ago in Portland. They are soooo sweet and the moment you start talking with them, you feel like you've known them forever. I love women that are hard working, passionate about what they do, and totally down-to-earth. Thank you soooo much, Amy & Jocey!!! Expect some more things with the Wedding Chicks and Twigs & Honey in the future! :) Check out the Q&A HERE.

Amazing last year

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photo credits: Elizabeth Messina

This past year was ridiculously amazing and I feel like the best has yet to come. There have been several large projects that I've been keeping mum about for a variety for reasons (strategic and legal), but some I've committed to for almost a year and others for at least several months. In the last few months, I had that crazy back pain issue and the 1.5 month long bronchitis and feel like amidst all the amazing projects, I have to make sure that I'm taking care of myself as well. So right at the moment, if you're interested in a very custom order, I might not be able to get to it, unfortunately. If it is a simple or large request, feel free to email me still and I might be able to fit it in. Simple customizations to current designs are a lot easier for me to accommodate than custom requests that are for items not currently available. My schedule is highly variable from day-to-day so I don't want to have a blanket policy, as I sometimes find a sliver of time for special order requests. I would LOVE to work with everyone, but have to make sure to finish previous commitments first and keep a good balance for sanity sake.

So whatelse rounds out the typical day at Twigs & Honey lately?
1. We're still remodeling the back half of the house (so our home is a wreck and we don't have a working kitchen yet)
2. Constant order fulfillment - everyday (which could be a full-time+ job by itself)
3. Transitioning for new workers
4. Working with retailers
5. Press projects
6. All those huge projects I was talking about
7. Preparing for The Cream in LA (yeah!)
8. All the backend for that little new collection we just launched ;)
9. Answering the flood of emails we get daily
10. Trying to hold onto a snippet of time to stay healthy and happy with the family. :)

I have some business-y posts planned soon. I've been getting a flood of inquiries for business tips and advice and think it would be great to just do a nice post about commonly asked questions.

Long story short, expect some wonderful things in the next year and keep checking back for all sorts of updates. Thank you, everyone!!!!!!!!!

Our new boxes

Posted on | Tuesday, February 14, 2012 | 9 Comments

I'm so excited to have our new boxes... finally! I've wanted our own boxes for a long time now, but finally decided it was time last spring. I'm a bit maniacal about details and I wanted these to be perfect. Everything from the size, box lid dimensions, artwork, feel - was all calculated. I wanted them to be as pretty as they were functional. I tend to be a very tactile person too, so they had to feel just right on the fingertips. They are super rigid and won't collapse so your piece will be safe inside. Oh! And they match the new website. :) In addition, you'll be able to display proudly if desired or you could even store precious mementos and jewelry inside. Either way, I hope everyone enjoys these boxes with their purchases! I am sooo pleased with how they turned out! Made in the U.S.A.

The New 2012 Collection :: Twigs & Honey

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Our new collection took over a year - yes - over a year to complete and we couldn't be happier with the results. I personally wanted to slow some things down this year... specifically, I wanted the designs to be nurtured and created with time as opposed to being rushed together. Most of the new styles began as a concept, then a sketch. After I made a sample, I would tweak for weeks or months until it was perfect. I'll admit that some styles didn't make the cut. But after an absolutely crazy year for the business on many levels, I really wanted the core of what Twigs & Honey has been built on, to truly shine.

Some of the pieces in the latest collection feature brand new techniques for us that we've been learning over the last year or more. In addition, we revamped our entire website to help showcase the new designs AND because we wanted a site that reflected the direction we're heading and which was different than others out there. To view the new collection, click HERE.

Some favorites:

I truly have to thank an amazing team of women that helped make the shoot come together.

Elizabeth Messina: Elizabeth and I have been working together for several years now and I couldn't be more grateful to be friends with such an inspirational and kind individual. Her photography captures the most beautiful moments in life. Elizabeth and I have been working on another huge project for the past year and there will be more on that later.

Erin Skipley: Erin is one of the most talented makeup and hair experts I know. I met her in France a couple years ago and feel so lucky to know her. She is not only amazing at what she does, she is an absolute delight to be around.

Claire Pettibone: Claire Pettibone's designs are simply put, out of this world. They are the prettiest creations a bride will ever put on. Her designs ooze femininity and romance. I feel so lucky to have been able to dress our model in her ultra pretty designs.

Leanne Marshall: Leanne is one of the most innovative designers I know. Her designs are matched by her pure and raw talent in the art of dressmaking and draping. She is the real deal. I've adored her work since before her Project Runway win and will continue to fawn over her designs for years to come.

Dominique: Our gorgeous model. Dominique is sooo endearing. She's a ball full of sweet energy. Just love this girl. Everyone loves her after they meet her. I'm sure that you will be seeing much more from this emerging talent in the years to come!

Amy Stewart: Amy, my big sis, made gorgeous jewelry for us to use in styling the shoots. She is quite the talent so be sure to check out her shop HERE.

I also want to thank, Nora, who was the nicest woman ever on the day of the shoot. She helped with so much! I want to thank the better half, Matt, for helping during the shoot (but before and after as well!).

photo credits: Elizabeth Messina
Hair/Makeup: Erin Skipley
Dresses: Leanne Marshall and Claire Pettibone
Veils, headpieces: Twigs & Honey
Model: Dominique

$400 Giveaway on Green Wedding Shoes Blog :: Now through Friday

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Be sure to visit Green Wedding Shoes blog for a wonderful post on the new Twigs & Honey collection! See it HERE. While you're there, leave a comment on their site describing your favorite new Twigs & Honey piece and you'll be entered for a $400 gift certificate giveaway at twigsandhoney.com !

Beautiful and simple jewelry by my sister

Posted on | Monday, February 13, 2012 | 5 Comments

The lovely jewelry featured in the new collection photos was made by my awesome sister, Amy. Visit her Etsy shop for more pretty pieces and her facebook page.
photo credits: Elizabeth Messina
Dresses: Claire Pettibone
Hair/makeup: Erin Skipley

The Cream :: Giveaway winner

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The winner of 2 tickets to The Cream is Katie H!
Thank you to everyone who left a comment!

Katie H: email us for details: info@twigsandhoney.com

Check back Monday...

Posted on | Friday, February 10, 2012 | 6 Comments

We're looking for the perfect someone(s)...

Posted on | Thursday, February 9, 2012 | 5 Comments

Our most loved, bestest, favorite worker, Rebekah, is leaving us to go off and do bigger and better things - going to midwifery school in the Philippines! And while we're still super heartbroken and feeling like we lost a limb, we're so happy for her as we know she's been wanting to do this for a long time!! Congrats, Rebekah!!!

She'll be leaving first for Washington with her husband in just a few short weeks so we're starting a search to find a replacement or two. If you're in or near the Salem, Oregon area and think you're up for the challenge of hand creating lots of pretty things, email us for additional details. You can also send a resume/portfolio: info@twigsandhoney.com

Photo: Elizabeth Messina

THE CREAM - LA 2012 - GIVEAWAY

Posted on | Tuesday, February 7, 2012 | 17 Comments

We're so excited to share with everyone that Twigs & Honey will be attending THE CREAM in LA on March 1st at the Book Bindery from 6-10pm. We had been meaning to attend previous ones and our schedules finally fell perfectly into place! The Cream is organized by Paige & Kelly of Bash, Please and is a not-your-typical wedding event that brings together a curated group of amazing wedding industry professionals/vendors for brides & grooms alike to mingle, dance, and have fun. Let me tell you that I took a look at the secret "crop" of attendees and I AM so thrilled to meet some of the amazing people that will be participating. :) :) So if you are in the LA area on March 1st, please plan to attend!

Twigs & Honey will have goodies for all, giveaways and more! We will have the new collection so it will also be a great chance to try on lots of the new styles. :)

Additionally, we'll be giving away 2 tickets so you and your groom or bride-to-be or bestfriend or mom or sister/brother or second cousin can go together (tickets normally $45 a pop). Come join us for a fantastic evening - hang out with the "cool" kids (coming from a self-proclaimed nerd) and say, "hi"! I'd love to meet you! If you want to secure some tickets, purchase them HERE.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment - shoot the breeze, say "hello" or whatever - and we'll pick a winner at random. Giveaway starts NOW through Sunday, February 12th at midnight, standard Pacific time. :) :)

The English Dept. Bridal Fashion Show 2012 :: A Novel Romance

Posted on | Monday, January 30, 2012 | 4 Comments

It's that perfect time of year again! Our favorite, The English Dept. , will be having their annual bridal fashion show, A Novel Romance. I'm so excited to attend. I believe this will be the 4th year in a row for us. My dear sweet and talented friend, Elizabeth Dye, will be showcasing her designs in addition to many other amazing dresses and accessories! If you're in the Portland area on Sunday at 12pm, please plan to attend. You will not be disappointed! View the details below:

Skin care

Posted on | Saturday, January 21, 2012 | 8 Comments

Sweet Yumi asked in a previous post about my skin care secrets. Here they are!
In my teens, I had horrible skin. I was so embarrassed by my acne and it was pretty bad. I tried so many topical products to no avail. Turned out it was my hormones and after I fixed that, my skin cleared up. When I hit my twenties, I really made it my goal to take care of my skin so I started a good skin care regimen and stuck with it. My mom and grandmother have always taken care of their skin and everyone thinks they are way younger than they are so, hey - might as well follow their lead! I also don't wear a lot of color on my face/eyes. I'm not that into it. Instead, I prefer to make my skin look the best and healthiest it can and I think that goes a long way as opposed to loading on color.

To cleanse my face, I'm not super loyal to any particular soap. I just look for something mostly or all natural that is simple and cheap. I figure that it gets washed off and goes down the sink so why invest a ton in soap. I usually use a vegetable based glycerine soap (1). I also like to exfoliate my skin. I LOVE Biore SkinPreservation Even Smoother Microderm Exfoliator(2). It's really gritty and I feel like it polishes off all the roughness and dead skin cells very thoroughly. I use this once a week. I tend to be super lazy and impatient with most masks, but Bliss' Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask
is awesome as it only takes 5 minutes. It leaves my skin glowy and refreshed and I even got my sister hooked on it who then got it for our mom. I use this every other week or so.

To moisturize, I love La Mer products. I start out with a base of their Radiant Infusion(4) to prep my skin. I then slather on their Creme De La Mer (5). I finish at night with a dab of their Eye Concentrate(6) under my eyes. I also use their Lip Balm, which is the best.

Most days, I'm too lazy or busy to put on makeup. It's such a luxury! On the rare occasion that I do put on makeup, I like to prime my face with a foundation primer like Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer Radiance. I usually skip this step though. The foundation I've used for the past couple years is Tarte's ReCreate™ Anti-Aging Foundation With Wrinkle Rewind™ Technology SPF 15 (7). It's lightweight, mostly natural and has SPF. I have very oily skin that I used to hate but now really appreciate. I don't care how greasy my skin looks anymore (used to be hyper paranoid about it) as oily skin helps prevent wrinkles. I just think that if my skin looks like an oil slick, at least it's keeping wrinkles at bay. After applying foundation, I do like a little deliberate glowiness, so I dab on some of Stila's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 20 (8). When I want some added dazzle, I tap a little Benefit High Beam onto the cheeks. After that, I apply Tarte's Cheek Stain in Dollface onto my cheeks. This is hands down, my FAVORITE cheek color & product of all time. I've been using for a few years and anytime I deviate away from it to try something new, I go right back to it. It is moisturizing, adds the perfect amount of blendable color and it smells nice too! For all the face makeup (foundation, cheek stain, etc.), I apply using my fingers. I don't own a foundation sponge or brush.

Whew! That was a lot, yes? BUT, most days, I just wash my face with soap and moisturize.... like 19 out of 20 days. :)
I try to steer clear from harsh chemicals and try to use as much "natural" as possible, with the exception of a few awesome products that work well for me.

I hope this was a fun read!!!

Racing & Birthdays!

Posted on | Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 3 Comments

Our family has a lot of birthdays in January! Mine, my dad's and my sister's husband, Sean. This past weekend, we had our birthday dinner at Claim Jumper in Clackamas, OR and ate TONS of good food and had a great time:

After dinner, we went to Sykart in Tigard, OR for some awesome kart racing!

Signing in and getting ready. Matt and I got memberships. Yes!

Getting pumped up for the race! The karts at sykart can go over 40mph, all indoors!

Getting on the helmet liner. So stylish!

Race results. I won!! Out of 10 racers in that race. :) Beat the 9hp faster kart with my 6hp. Matt got the best lap time in the next race and I got 2nd.
Kart racing is my new latest obsession. It's soooooo fun. Everyone should try it!
Thanks to my sis for the photos!

The more time that goes by...

Posted on | Wednesday, January 11, 2012 | 2 Comments

The simpler I want things to look.
We're in the middle of a home remodel. When finished, we should have a brand new kitchen with a new walk-in pantry, new master bedroom (taking our home from a 2 bedroom to a 3 bedroom) and new bathroom (our home has only 1 right now). It's very exciting! When we purchased our home in 2008, I hated, absolutely hated our kitchen and bathroom. We have a 1930s home with lots of charm - moldings, built-ins, etc. Not a cookie cutter at all. I love this about the house, but the outdated kitchen/bath are the only downsides. We decided when we purchased the home that we would remodel these the first chance we got. We live in the historic Fairmount Hills neighborhood in Salem, OR, which is so great, but I think our home is the last one to get remodeled!

We scrimped and saved for over 3 years and now we're in the middle of it. Matt completely gutted the kitchen and has put in new floor boards and dry wall. We're getting there!

Here are some pinterest finds that I found very inspiring. I think less is definitely more. As I get older, I find that I want less fussy designs. As clean and simple as possible while still feeling cozy and like a home.

Love the glass front doors here. pinterest

Love the white tile back splash and dark counter tops.

Really like this concept for the pantry door.

Love this simple bathroom with wall mounted sink, white tiles, clean lined toilet.

The hubby demolishing our kitchen.

I think if I could make our entire house white, black and shades of grey, I'd be super happy. :) Maybe not with our current house, but someday, when we're out in the country on a farm. For now, making our current home more "us" is a good goal. I'll post more photos later!