Inspire Me Tuesday: Design Day

Spent today recuperating from my long weekend and designing for Argento Alchemy.

I used bits and bobs from a Project DIY box in addition to other rocks and minerals that I've collected to get a inspiration reboot.

I love how using unexpected materials that are out of your usual comfort zone can really get your creativity going!

I used this Project DIY Ice inspired matte clear bib base to give my gems a new perspective. I have to wait till everything sets then I can peel the white backing off... I'm excited to see how it comes out!

This pear shaped crystal was meant to be attached to chains to make a pretty bracelet but I felt it was destined for this agate first.

Then I attached a small simple backing to this earthy agate slice...

Added a Project DIY jewel and...

I'm liking where I'm going so far!

Have you been up to anything creative lately? Even in the kitchen or with decor or style, please share!

Kisses,

K

(All images and designs created and owned by Krista Carson.)

 

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Yes, Please: Mansur Gavriel Small Tote Lined, Cammello with Argento

I like minimalist designs but not usually in my handbags so I was surprised when I fell so hard for this one from No. 6 Store.

But with its gorgeous peachy tan colr and shiny interior it was instantly love!

Of course it's $535.00 price tag means it will remain on my wish list but a girl can dream right?

Kisses,

K

(All images and bag information via No. 6 Store)

 

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Yes, Please: Home Edition

With the start of November the holiday season is fast upon us... I know, I know, you're not ready.

Well, neither am I... Which got me thinking about guests... which led to thinking about entertaining... which led to thinking about having people over for dinner... which reminded me that since I previously had no formal dining table so I have no formal dining set up...

So I started looking for things online and ended up with this moldboard containing things far out of my monetary range but that I love. I already have a Wedgwood china pattern and crystal that I'm slooowly collecting after my wedding a few years ago so I don't really need to pick out those. So I went for the fun stuff.

I love rocks and geology and nothing is prettier to me than rocks and minerals so these malachite patterned chargers by Kim Seybert are so up my ally. I also really loved her vaguely sea inspires sparkly blue table runner and rock topped lucite napkin rings.

Everything else on my moodboard is from RabLabs. They make the most beautiful and amazing things! I'm totally in love with pretty much everything they make! They really utilize the minerals in a beautiful way that allows their true nature to shine through while giving them a beautiful function in the home. Agate chees plate, coasters, and utensils? Don't mind if I do! Crystal bowls and platters edged in sterling silver or gold? Yes, please!

I love everything on this table moodboard and while it's all pretty pricy... I figure it's a good place to start. Who knows, maybe by next year I'll actually be prepared for the holidays like a real adult... ;)

Kisses,

K

(All products by and available from Kim Seybert and RabLabs.)

 

 

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MJ Trimming Project DIY: October

I finally got my October MJ Trimming DIY box tonight and was super stoked to dig into it!

The theme this time, as you can see, is Punk revival. I love me some punk rock and spikes just as much as I love preppy and pearls so I really love this theme.

It came with everything I needed to get my punk on. Easy to follow step by step instructions make it easy to create the cool punk pieces pictured.

 

But in true punk form I decided to toss the directions this time before I dove in.

 

 

So I jumbled all the pieces up and started from scratch.

 

 

My little Westie pup Abigail wanted in on the action too. :)

 

So of course I made her a little punk princess with a sparkly gold spike collar. (Don't worry, she only wore it for a picture. I didn't leave my precious pup covered in sharp spikes even though she looked pretty adorable!)

 

Then I made a ling silver and gold toned necklace that I like styled doubled up.

 

 

I used this cool round gold clasp as the focal point.

 

 

Then I took the pearl chain, a spike, safety pin, end connectors (the little ends you normally use with leather in order to attach it to something), and jump rings to make a second necklace.

 

 

 

I added the end connectors to jump rings with a couple little pearl links to jazz up the spike hanging off the safety pin.

 

 

I loved the tiny spikes and when I saw them I knew immediately that I wanted to make earrings out of them. Some silver linked chain, pearl links, and a jump ring later I was pretty happy.

 

 

I used the black chain as a juxtaposition against the gold link chain to make a bracelet. Black and gold is very on trend at the moment and I can see why. They contrast and enhance each other nicely.

 

 

So... That's the whole shebang. I feel like I really got a lot out of this month's box and I'm pretty happy with the results.

 

What do you think, would you have gone rogue and created your own punk inspired thing or would you have stuck with the directions?

Either way, if you haven't signed up the Project DIY box yet do it now! It makes it so easy and fun to DIY cool pieces in the comfort of your living room. Love that and love it and the inspiration it gives me!

Kisses,

 

K

 

(All photos and jewelry designs by Krista Carson. Project DIY box and materials all from MJ Trimming.)

 

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Wanderlust Wednesday: Falling Waters

I was born in Pennsylvania and remember studying Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water in elementary school but being too young to go.. :/ You had to be at least nine years old.*

But ever since then I've always wanted to go some day.

(How gorgeous is this shot of it in the full thralls of Autumn by Robert Ruschak?)

"Home Facts:

• Description: A mountain retreat for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh, owners of Kaufmann's Department Store:
• Residents: Edgar Kaufmann Sr. (1885-1955), Liliane S. Kaufmann (1889-1952), and their son, Edgar Kaufmann jr. (1910-1989). The home was owned and used by the Kaufmann family until 1963, when it was entrusted by Edgar Kaufmann, jr., to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
• Design and construction:Designed in 1935 by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) The main house constructed 1936-38, followed by the guest house construction in 1939
• Final cost: $155,000 (Included $8,000 architect’s fees, and $4,500 for installed walnut furnishings)
• Square footage: The main house uses 5,330 square feet. (2885 sq. ft. interior; 2445 sq. ft. terraces) while the guest house uses 1,700 square. feet.
• Paint Colors: Wright's desire to create a unified and organic composition limited the color palette at Fallingwater. Only two colors were used throughout: a light ochre for the concrete and his signature Cherokee red for the steel. PPG Pittsburgh Paints has worked with Fallingwater to develop eco-friendly paints that withstand the environmental challenges of the site. They have also created a series of colors inspired by the building and its surroundings. For more information click here.
• Visitation: 4.5 million people since opening our doors in 1964, with 160,950 in 2011.
• Preservation: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has preserved Fallingwater since 1963, with a major structural repair in 2002 strengthening Fallingwater’s cantilevers to prevent collapse and future deflection.
• Surroundings: Surrounded by the WPC’s 5,000 acre Bear Run Nature Reserve.

Notable Facts:

• Fallingwater was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, January 1938
• Fallingwater is the only major Wright-designed house to open to the public with its furnishings, artwork, and setting intact
• Frank Lloyd Wright once suggested that the house’s concrete surfaces be coated in gold leaf."

Frank Lloyd Wright is both mine and many others favorite architect for a reason... His work is simply amazing and speaks to the eyes and the soul.

If I ever get a chance to get up near there again I'm definitely going! Would you?

Kisses,

K

(Photo via Archdaily.com and © Robert Ruschak – Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Facts verbatim via fallingwater.org)

*I know, I know, I've always had a nerdy and artistic bent to me but I love that.

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Yes, Please!

Keeping with my cute fall themed things I like today I give you:

Jonathan Adler's Squirel Match Strike! It's pretty adorable and when form meets function I'm in! It's acorn holds your matches and, of course because it's a match strike, gives you a surface to light them off. Très mignon!

Wouldn't it be great on a Thanksgiving table?

Kisses,

K

(Image and Match Strike via Shopbop.com)

 

 

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Yes, Please: Days Fall Away...

Like leaves off the trees...

This time of year the days go by soo fast and before you know it it's January and you don't have a new calendar...

So when I saw this year's über cute calendar design by Inslee Haynes I new I had to share it! I definitely want one. Yes, please!

 

How great are the sweet illustration! It's hard to pick a favorite but October is perfect. :) Maybe its because it's October now or because I have an Art History degree but... I love it. I also think all the others are super adorable too.

If your in the market for a calendar be sure to check it out! Her site also has a cute blog and other lovely illustrations for sale.

Enjoy each day to the fullest!

Kisses,

K

(All illustrations and images by Inslee Haynes.)

 

 

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Happy House: Rachel Zoe

Love or hate Rachel Zoe (Confession, I love.), you have to see her gorgeous house... While not typically my taste, I find it super lovely.

Even with a baby in tow it's a minimalist dream of gorgeousness!

So chic. So light. So white. Almost like a design palette cleanser.

 

The current September issue of InStyle is sharing all the deets but it's the photos of the space itself that really sing:

 

She calls her living room the white room. Note the platforms on display on the coffee table, so fashion.

The kitchen is perfection! I love me a mostly white kitchen, yes, please! It's a total shame that she doesn't cook in it except for baby food... The things I could make on that stove... Le sigh...

Her bedroom manages to be both spare and comfy looking. Lurve her fluffy throw on the bed and the Missoni pillows.

Apparently her huge to die for "couch bed" (sic) is by Philippe Starck. Yes, please! Also note the framed vintage Hemès ads on the wall, so fashion chic.

 

This, is the best part to me though. This outdoor space is insane! Just absolutely gorgeous and perfect! Would.not.change.a.thing.

And of course, I couldn't not post her closet perfection. Zebra dress, zebra rug, zebra love!

Even baby Skylar has a chic closet of his very own complete with designer clothes, natch.

While I don't think I will be buying designer baby clothes ever, they are pretty cute...

Overall it's a gorgeous space, no? Would you ever have so much white in your house? It's certainly lovely but not very practical... But I don't think practical was on Zoe's design requirement list...

Kisses,

K

(Photos via InStyle September 2013 Issue, Home owned and decorated by Rachel Zoe.)

 

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Madewell Fall 2012

I love Madewell's Fall 2012 collection!

Even though it's summer there's something exciting about looking ahead to fall fashions. It reminds me of the excitement and nerves of picking out your outfit for the first day of school when you were young.

My favorites are the leather shift dress in the first row, the "white" outfit in the third row (this one would be a great Seattle summer outfit even since its still 50's and 60's most days here), the striped skirt with the striped scarf in the fourth row. Plus, I love me a big floppy hat!

What's your favorite?

Kisses,

K

(Via Honestly... WTF)