Sweet Straws

With Saint Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I wanted to reflect upon a few lovely, and ever so simple, holiday tokens of affection that make Valentine's Day so very sweet! Clearly, my love for vintage embellishments and beautiful things knows no bounds. And luckily for me, I am not alone with this untamed obsession. I have been a fan of the darling creations of Olivia Kanaley from A Field Journal since I can long remember. Her attention to detail is impeccable, her projects are above and beyond inspiring and her gift of talent alone is absolutely remarkable. Gazing upon her designs is like a lesson in all things fabulous. Each project that she sets out to create is flawless perfection and I am undoubtedly enthralled by her talent to say the very least. Really, it's just that good. Actually, maybe even better.

Photo Credits: Papermash

Amongst the many lovely things Olivia keeps herself busy with, she is currently a contributor to Victoria Magazine as Artist-In-Residence for 2010. What a title to behold! And just as you would expect from a gal this talented, all of her featured designs are on a level of greatness all their own. It's that perfect balance of vintage elegance with a dash of whimsy that keeps me coming back for more each month.

Photo Credits: (1) Victoria Magazine via A Field Journal , (2) A Field Journal, (3) A Field Journal

Most recently, Olivia created a delightful tutorial of Sweet Straws exclusively for Papermash. A step by step tutorial on this design can be found right here for your Valentine's crafting pleasure. Take note, these stripey sweet straws are best served with something sweet!

DIY Fabric Flowers

Photo Credits: 100 Layer Cake

Love, love, love these DIY Fabric Flowers from 100 Layer Cake. The list of creative possibilities with this one sweet project is practically endless. Create fabric flowers in any size and color and use them to decorate stationary pieces, pillows, hang them as a garland, as table décor, decorate a shirt or headband, etc. Be sure to check out the full tutorial right here.

Nonpareil Magazine

Introducing my new favorite find: Nonpareil, an online wedding magazine.

Photo Credits:(1) Nonpareil Magazine, (2) Nonpareil Magazine via Paper Crave, (3) Nonpareil Magazine via Mint

Nonpareil is a French word meaning,"model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal." After stumbling upon this glorious creation by Maddy Hague of The Inspired Bride and Kristen Maggee of Paper Crave, I couldn't agree more with the carefully selected title for their inspiring work of art. The premiere issue to launch, Beautiful on a Budget, is full to the brim of divine projects, templates, printables, and creative ideas to inspire couples and event planners alike. What more could a girl ask for then the perfect bit of inspiration for creating deluxe décor on a dime? I'm often asked myself just how a seedling of an idea can blossom into it's very own state of being? How is it that one can take the smallest of inspiration and translate it into something above and beyond what one could have imagined? Well, Nonpareil defines for us all just that. Such incredible and valuable information for any bride-to-be, or hostess for special occasions alike, planning to foray into the world of do-it-yourself crafts.

Photo Credits: (1) Nonpareil Magazine via The Inspired Bride, (2) Nonpareil Magazine

I could gush all day about all of the fabulousness within the premiere issue, but clearly, the bevy of beautiful pictures online speak for themselves. I encourage you all to delight yourself in it's splendor!