Flower Petal Garlands from Paris

Ah, my bloggy friends! It's been a few weeks since I could really concentrate on my blog posts. I am doing a joyful but all-consuming design project, which as mercifully come to a temporary pause. It feel so good to have a "normal" day. Blog post in the morning, client work in the afternoon. All is good.

My sister-in-law Charlotte is back in town, which means we having many deep discussions about creativity, what's going on in the crafting world, and how we can be a part of that. Charlotte is French, living in Munich, Germany and is quite involved with the etsy world, with her own store PetitPoeme and also is a contributer to the Etsy French Handmade group.

Charlotte's always got her finger on the pulse of what's new and fabulous. And she loves sharing that knowledge and connecting people who can help each other--you know people like that? They are always have an excited way of adding to the conversation, "You should meet so-and-so! You would love what they are doing with such-and-such! I'll introduce you!" and she does that very thing. She's a born networker, which is great for this sometimes introverted design gal.

Camille Gallery was her most recent recommendation. And as usual, I agree that this is a really special thing Camille does! Camille is a photographer and recycler who makes garlands out of real petals. Her process is quite involved, but as you can see, it produces such a delicate and romantic garland that is light and airy and a wonderful touch for a romantic wedding. You could also have her "preserve" your wedding bouquet as a garland for posterity. Imagine the flowers from your most special day hanging over your bed's headboard like fairy petals. Just lovely!

Here's how she does it in her own words:
"Process (for 1 garland!):
Making a flower petals garland is a very long process! and of course totally handmade by me.
First I select the flowers for their color. Then I dry the petals (this phase needs a minimum of two weeks for a bouquet of 10 flowers). Then I laminate the petals, and cut them one by one (one afternoon). And finally I assemble the garland (two hours)."

Yes, she did say that she cut them one by one. Mon Dieu! You can request a special order, with special color, or thread, if you want different petal colors on the same thread, etc. Just note that it takes at least one month to complete your order, so plan accordingly.

In another treasury

Margot Madison U*Pick clipboard featured in this treasury

The Margot Madison U*Pick personalized multi-stripe clipboard was featured in this cute treasury on etsy!

Yarn Wrapped Wreath for autumn

Since one of my goals this year was to do more crafts, I was excited to find some time to do this one over Labor Day Weekend. I've seen similar wreaths on etsy and have been intrigued for some time. Before I show you my "mah-stuhpiece", here are some really charming ones from etsy stores KnockKnocking, CraftyJennyLynne, and ItzFitz. I am very lucky to have a mother who finishes needlepointed pillows from Ehrman Someone on a bi-yearly basis. This means (after what, 20 years plus of needlepointing?) that she has lots of beautifully dyed yarn just sitting in a large clear bin in her attic.

An unexpected fall combination of caramel and rose colors paired with some sweet birds, from KnockKnocking

Love the retro fawn and the lightbulbs! from CraftyJennyLynne

A fun halloween themed wreath from ItzFitz

Once inspired, I paid that bin a little visit and came home with some beautiful earthy colors for my wreath. I just painted my house a beautiful earthy stone gray with terra cotta trim and a beautiful twig green door so I was going for colors that would stand out and enhance what we already had going on. Really, I was thinking lichens in the forest and fall leaves. I don't know the "proper" procedure for this craft but my method was to take a styrofoam wreath shape, wrap some scraps of quilt batting around the form to make the shape softer and rounder. Then I picked my yarn and started wrapping. It took about 2 hours or, one episode of PBS Mystery! I added some felt flower shapes and vintage sequins that I had taking up space in the "Things That Bedazzle" drawer in my studio. Et voila! My fall wreath was finished. I quite like how it turned out! (sorry about the street reflections--couldn't be helped!)

A different kind of bouquet

This is such an amazing new concept for a bouquet from LionsgateDesigns! I love these pictured, but each one is truly as beautiful as the next. These bouquets created with designer brooches never fade and you'll sparkle all the way down the aisle. What about this idea: Do you have some brooches of your own to add to the bouquet? How wonderful would it be to carry, rather than wear, your family's jewelry as you walk down the aisle? I don't know if this artist does special orders but her motto is: "I firmly believe that each wedding should be unique to each bride and groom and everything to incorporate into your day should fit your personality and style." So it's worth asking, eh?

Great Gift for Bridesmaids--Personalized Purse holders

I think these are super cute purse holders from Yaya DIY Club and would make perfect gifts for your shower hosts or bridesmaids!

Metal Table Numbers

How great would these look at each table of a modern wedding reception?? They would also make a cool cake topper for a birthday party I think. You can find them at Knob Creek Metal Arts for only $4.99 each.

Eco-friendlyEco- lunchboxes

Eco-friendly Lunchboxes collected by Margot Madison Creative

Well, it's that happy time of the year when the kids finish off the summer and start school again. I'm thrilled that ALL of my kids will be in school for a full day! It's been over 10 years since I've had that much time by myself!! And now that I'm in my home studio it will mean 6 hours of uninterrupted work time before they come home. Bliss!!

Anyway, I started looking into reuseable lunch bags. Last year's little insulated lunch bags worked well enough, but the crumbs in the cracks start really getting to me after a few weeks. They just don't go away, and God forbid there is a mysterious food explosion in there that gets into the little crevices. Anyway, I was on the search for one that I could throw in the laundry periodically that was still cute to look at and could hold everything. Here are some great choices from etsy vendors...

1. I love this retro oilcloth sack from Farfalla Gialla. 2. These snack bags from UldeYrth are adorable and I love how simple and sweet they are with the heart and name on it. 3. Bento Boxes with Bags from Ojami are something I'm facinated with too. I love organizing the little snacks in the little compartments and then putting the whole thing in the dishwasher when you're done! 4. Gotta love the Mod Circles from SewLongZiploc (would look great with a Margot Madison Mod Circles Personalized clipboard, don't you think?) 5. A bright and cheerful bag with lots of space and 6. a homespun and natural linen look from Bebeloosh. Enjoy!

Bookplates feature

This was a nice surprise to see the Margot Madison bookplates included in a bookplates feature on this blog, Petite de Lis Paperie. And I see some bookplates from my other favorite etsy store Jack and Izzy. Thanks, Stacey!

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!

Hand Carved Rubber Stamps of you and your fiance!

This is an adorable idea to customize your wedding stationery and favors! Take a look at this etsy vendor lillimandrel for a customized stamp of you and your fiance (or whomever!). For weddings, I can see it on simple thank you cards, favor tags or on the note in your welcome bags.

Vintage UNUSED stamps by Verde Studio

One of my customers linked me up to this wonderful etsy vendor Verde Studio. Just look at these beautiful vintage stamps! She's got them grouped by style, category and color. You can also make special requests. Perfect for a vintage themed wedding invitation, yes, but don't stop there! They make perfect miniature works of art for crafts, jewelry and more...

More Great Grad Ideas from etsy

Including the Margot Madison orange damask laptop cover.

Hop into spring with this Grasshopper theme from etsy

I thought this was a cute idea and it includes the Margot Madison Stationery Bugby Grasshopper clipboard too!

Etsy Treasury "Congrats Grads"

This treasury has some great graduation gifts from etsy including the Margot Madison Organic Circles Personalized Laptop cover! Take a look at the other vendors as well...

Hyacinth and Crocus

Despite the snow we had last night, we are still hopeful that spring is coming. Here is an etsy treasury that includes the Margot Madison Stationery Bugby Purple Stripe small clipboards. Click on all the images and learn about the other great artists and their products listed!

We're featured in another Etsy Treasury

This is an interesting treasury (collection of items from etsy) that features our Geometric Squares laptop decal. I like the orange and chartreuse combination with the squares!

Studio Mela

This etsy artist Studio Mela or Dazeychic caught my eye. I love her simple text and imagery combined with quirky text. Of course I love the graphic color....I just can't resist strong color!! I'm thinking about where I can put one in my house.

Printable Valentine Pencil Toppers

These printable Valentine toppers are a fun way to celebrate this most adorable holiday! The printable template is available for only $6 from the Margot Madison Stationery etsy store and you can print as many copies as you want onto white cardstock. Then color in the designs, trim, punch holes and thread through a new pencil. I bought my pencils from the $1 section at Target but of course any new pencil will do.

New products for sale on our etsy store

We've added these custom prints at the Margot Madison Stationery etsy store.

The modern animals series I created have been so popular that we extended the line to include customized prints. They are sized 8 x 10 to fit into a standard matte and/or frame. They are giclée printed on lightly textured cardstock for a high quality look and feel. Add the baby's name and birth stats and you have a charming memento and gift.

Black Damask

Here is an etsy treasury inspired by black damask that includes our laptop cover. All the products are under $30!