{Shop Update}

Though it's not as scorching hot as my home town of Los Angeles this month (in the 100s!), we've been having beautiful, comfortable weather here in Seattle. Living here has definitely made me appreciate the nice, sunny days I was so used to in Southern California. 

I've been wanting to celebrate this good weather all summer long! As you can tell from my shop updates and posts, I've been influenced by bright and bold colors, tropical beaches, and good old fashioned summer fun...

 Pearly Shell- place cards, thank you notes, and gift tags

Thanks A Bunch!

Pearly Shell- Blank Notes

You can find all of these featured and listing at the shop. Happy Summer!

Pikake and Coconuts

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Since the launch of our tropical, exotic flavored design, Mahalo has proved to be one of the most popular cards in our shop! After our first customization for a wedding located on the islands of Hawai'i, Blushing Pearl decided to launch these cards as  Social Stationery, suitable for newly weds who have their wedding celebrations in Hawai'i.

Rachelle and Dallas approached me with their destination wedding plans. Not only are they having their wedding in Hawai'i, but Dallas is a native Hawaiian and both wanted their wedding invitations to be reminiscent of the beautiful islands. They chose to have Mahalo thank you notes customized printed in their colors: Tangerine and Chocolate.

If you are interested in your own customized set of these cards, please visit the shop or contact Blushing Pearl.

{UPDATE} Freshed Pressed! Mahalo in new BRIGHT and BOLD colors...get them here.

{Fashionista Friday} Blazin'

Oh, the classic look of a blazer! One of my favorite pieces to own in my closet, the blazer and its variations, dress up any outfit. I especially love blazers that are tailored with ruched sleeves for a more feminine look.

Renegade Craft Fair

If you are in the Los Angeles area July 24th and 25th, make your way down to the Renegade Craft Fair. Tons of crafters, vendors, and independent artists will be there ready to show off their talent and product. I have 2 dear friends who will be having their very first booth at Renegade. Though I will not be able to surprise them at their booths, I am very excited for them and their independent business!

Larisa, of Ink and Ivy Studio, is launching her line of eco-friendly baby goods. I bought a cute screen printed elephant onesie for my sister, who is having a baby shower end of this month. 

 Be sure to stop by Ink and Ivy's shop. There are new goodies available that you can also purchase at the Renegade show. Here are a few of my favorites from her shop!

*Away We Go

 *Love Keeps Me Warm

Also showcasing at Renegade, is Irena of Simplewear. I have known Irena since the fun days of college and I am super excited for her brand/product to launch as well! Also the creative behind InaCard, Irena has a lot to offer with personalized and custom stationery... so much talent! 

If you missed this post, I had Irena personalize a pair of baby onesies for my sister and her husband-which my sister LOVED!  Here are a few of my favorites from the Simplewear shop. I'm sure you will be able to buy your own at the show!

*Little Cupcake

*Simplewear 5 pack set

 

{Visual Delights}

A few posts back, I was inspired by things that go "pop". More often than I would like, I get a stuck in a creative rut and am in need of something of interest to keep the motivation going. Ideally, I would love to blindly pick a place on a world map, stay there for a month, and absorb the new curiousities and cultures. I would pack light, bringing only the bare minimum and my camera.

 *photo credit: we heart it

 In reality, I usually just surf the internet when I have a few hours to spare and see what visual delights are out there. My artwork is greatly influenced by textiles, color palettes (brights, bold, delicate), textures, the mood of the photo, patterns, fashion. Every week, I am going to TRY to keep my promise in posting pieces that inspire and motivate my creativity...Hopefully it will have sparked something in you?

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{Fashionista Friday}

Accessories make or break an outfit. Once you find that perfect piece, you can match it to almost any outfit. Though I would ditch the bracelets in this post image, ( I don't like to wear rings and bracelets on the same side), I would definitely work the rings! I love how they wrap around your finger and are little pieces of art...A definite outfit maker!

Très chic and effortless fashion.

* all images are found here.

{Urban Craft Uprising} Summer 2010

What better way to get to know the art and craft community than by volunteering at the biggest craft show in Seattle- Urban Craft Uprising. I was able to see over 100 local vendors that showcased their craft. I worked the front table with Lisa (who is also a California native) for a few hours, greeting and handing out vendor maps. We had a lot of people stop by and see the show, including a blogger/indie biz classmate/"The Mopes" band member Moorea Seal! She actually recognized me first and came over to say "hi"... so sweet! It's kind of surreal to follow someone's blog and then meet them in person :)

There were various vendors that caught my eye. I snagged a few business cards from their table. Included are 2 very established, local letterpress printers, Sycamore Street Press and Bison Bookbinding and Letterpress. It's amazing to see their work in person!

I also fell in love with a pair of feather and chain earrings found at Stupid Pretty Thing's Table.

The UCU staff were all very friendly and helpful. At the end of our day, they gave us our own swag bags, filled with goodies donated from some of the artists, as well as an item from the UCU booth. I scored a fabulous mini apron and a hand-crocheted strawberry I was eyeing at Muchodesign's booth!

It was great to get out of the abnormal heat we've been having in Seattle- the AC felt nice. Maybe you'll be seeing Blushing Pearl at the Holiday 2010 show? In the meantime, be sure to check out our first show coming up here!

In the Summer Mood

*photo credit: Sarah Lee

 With temperatures in the high 90s, summer has finally made its way to Seattle! I came across this picture via Lovely Clusters and realized how much I missed the surf, sun, and white sand between my toes. If you have a chance, check out Sarah Lee's portfolio. Browsing her work made me long for a tropical vacation surrounded by fragrant pikake and plumeria, wearing nothing but my bathing suit, sunblock, and flip-flops. I am not sure how long this weather is going to last, but I hope it sticks around just a little while longer!

 *photo credit: Sarah Lee

 

{The Inner Fashionista}

It's been a while since I've delved in a pile of Fashion magazines and online look books... I feel the itch to start again, keeping my connection to the couture fashion world. I've decided to do a weekly post, aiming for "Fashionista Fridays". I will keep a visual diary of normal fashion-addicted, everyday people. It's amazing how much fashion can express emotion and create an identity. I wonder what Adam and Eve think about clothing and fashion... LOL

So I'll start with this post Summer Bliss. I picked ensembles I would most likely wear, but also pieces that are unique and colors that I would probably never think to match. Comfort for hot weather, save the cuteness for that hot summer night outfit! I am also partial to fashion overseas... They are just a LITTLE more fashion forward.

 For some reason, I tend to wear black all year round. It's chic, classy, and very couture. Only not a very good idea in direct sunlight... I love the wedge heels- great for walking short distances. But I tend to stick to sandals and slip-ons. Open toed shoes are a must because I LOVE changing nail polish colors!

* all images are found here.

Imaginarium Aquarium

My parents and grandma have been in town for the week and I have been exploring Seattle with them for the past few days. I experienced my first rainy and cold 4th of July :( But now it is "summer" weather with the blazing sun shining amongst clear skies. Lucky for us there is a cool breeze...otherwise we would be scorching hot like our friends over on the East coast! *eeks*

I visited the Seattle Aquarium for the first time. I've been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. My favorite exhibits are the Sea Otters and 30 ft. salt water tanks. Ever since I moved to Washington, under constant cloud and cover, I instantly became inspired by the colorful sea life and sea creatures they have exhibited at the Seattle Aquarium. I took over 75 photos! Here's a taste... coral oranges, neon, and bright purples caught my eye. Don't be surprised if you see these colors in a few of my up coming pieces!

*You can view more pictures for creative inspiration... Just click on the pink link to the right that says "Flickr".

{Shop Update}

Here are a few new items I've listed in the shop! The Studio is getting ready for our first show end of August... preparing the table display, promos, and adding to our stationery line. Busy as bees! If you are in the Seattle area, it would be great to stop by and see the event. There will be a lot of letterpress printed goodies as well as new vendors to support! *hint hint*

Wayzgoose @ SVC

Blushing Pearl and Visualchemist will be participating in the 9th Annual Letterpress Wayzgoose & Steamroller Smackdown as a vendor and supporter of the visual arts! The event will take place at the School of Visual Concepts, Seattle. If you are in the local area, stop by and say "hello"! It is a free event, Saturday, August 28th from 1-6pm. Support your local artists!