Fabulous dessert tables by Amy Atlas

I was hanging out with some friends the other night and we were trading our favorite blogs with each other (there are so many, I want to see them all, all the time!). One particular gem that came out of the discussion was by Amy Atlas. I've highlighted one of the tables in this chock-full listing of photos. Each one is more beautiful than the next. I so wanna have a dessert table at my famous 40th birthday party......

I picked this photo because I just love all the natural and creative details. Look at those logs for seats!

Updates on the MMCS women

I know I've said this a thousand times, but I had the pleasure of working with some amazing women while I operated the retail store Margot Madison Creative Stationery. In a small way, it's kind of nice NOT being the "Boss" because I can drop the formalities (though there weren't many) and now be official friends with them. We gathered together for wine and snacks the other night and I thought you all might like an update...

Lindsay "How is it that the space I just cleared has Margot's stuff on it?" is working at a printing company producing (big surprise) invitations. She is certainly an expert in that field now! Lindsay is a super designer and is taking on some good freelance work. If you need a logo, web page, marketing materials or anything like that, you can contact her. This is Lindsay's website.

Amber "Keep to the schedule Margot" got married to her long-time fiancé Kirk. They tied the knot in a sweet beach side ceremony with family and a few friends (who did double-duty by singing or officiating) at their favorite beach house in the Outer Banks. Now they are off to Florence, SC to pursue Kirk's "real job" now that he has his PhD and I envy them slightly the adventure of it all. Good luck guys!

Judy "You know, I just like to cross it off my list" is working on her pool tan this summer and enjoying her creative 3 girls before everyone is in school next year. Judy is a super detail and get-it-done kind of gal and I wish she were here in my studio helping me out with design and production. If you have a need for someone like that in your office, let me know and I'll pass along her info as she'd like to NOT be poolside forever...

I miss all you guys every day! xom

Wishes For My Cubicle Etsy Treasury

The Margot Madison red key personalized clipboard was featured in this fun etsy treasury called "Wishes for my Cubicle". Nicely collected items!

A bit of lace

I just finished this lovely invitation with an inkless lace letterpress design and thought a little lace inspiration would be in order...

Credits from top, going clockwise: Porcelain Disk by Sumiko,  Lace wrapped package by www.ElizabethAnneDesigns.com,  Silk Bamboo Bolero by WearableArtz, earrings by krystiedawne, cake by Maisie Fantaisie, and lace invitation by Margot Madison Creative.

Cincinnati/LA based Honneycombs song on True Blood

I'm so proud to know rockin' woman, April Combs. After a mom-style hiatus, she picked up her voice again and is singing beautifully with her brother in their band Honneycombs. Their song "New Moon" is on this season's True Blood. Take note, and have a listen.

Zen Birds by Vanessa Sorenson

One of the things I do miss about having my retail store is the companionship I felt when other artists came in. Vanessa Sorensen is someone who I'd met long, long ago and we spent lots of time talking about art and what to do with it and how to get it "out there". Vanessa loves making these really gentle illustrations of birds and has now another published book for you to see. Here is the link to her lovely blog with more information how to find this treasure. Thanks for sharing Vanessa!

Birdseed Favors

I was thinking that this would be such a great favor idea for a green, nature-lovers or bird-themed wedding! You can see these and more birdseed ideas from the etsy store 2 Birds in Love.

a little more purple inspiration

I'm supposed to be doing more productive work, but when the urge to collect some beautiful imagery hits me, I try not to deny it. Alas, here are a few items that make a pretty purple picture. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Credits clockwise from the top: Midori dupioni silk ribbon, assorted cupcake papers from Cupcake Social, Purple Vines Shower Invitation from Margot Madison Creative (custom order), purple paper butterflies by Photo Mama Regina, and bouquet photograph by this Jennifer Davis as seen on one of my favorite blogs, decor8blog.com.

Outdoor Chair Rehab

I've been irritated with these chairs I own. They started out a rather uninspiring mint green and after a few years on my porch they've turned uglier and uglier. But the shape and cut-out forms are nice and so while I was at the hardware store this weekend, I picked up a $4.95 can of high gloss spray paint in an invigorating color of stem green and 10 minutes later they were transformed! These are little things as you may know, but it was so uplifting! The kids and I kept going back to the chairs exclaiming things like "They're so shiny!" and "They look completely new!" and "That green color is awesome!"

"Guest Book" Garland

Whew! It's been a few busy weeks!! I've been busily printing, scoring, trimming, tying bows and more for a few summer brides. Now that I can breathe, I thought we'd all like a little wedding inspiration.

Ever since my own wedding guest book disappointment, I've been down on the concept. Few people sign on their way into the wedding, and the guests are mainly worried about their drinks after to write a few notes on your special book. But I think THIS is a charming idea to keep it simple for your guests and to savor the moments later. How cute would this look in a corner of your bedroom, or draped on your vanity mirror? Consider using papers that will match your wedding theme and mix and match with plain and decorative or scrapbooking papers.

Here is the "How To" and a link to this clever website called The Paper Bride where you can find more fun paper projects, including some sweet calligraphy practice sheets...