liveSPACE

...the invitation

after we set our date, we decided that we would get a simple invitation and just put a stamp on it and then mail them. so, here is a glimpse into my something simple™ life. the invitation that got out of hand for the small wedding that didn't stay small.

my mom always said, "if you're going to do it, do it right and to the best of your abilities." i don't always listen to that rule but i certainly try to live my life by those standards.

yes, you guessed it. countless hours to do everything from designing, printing, gluing, burning the edges of the ribbon, scoring, threading, cutting, burnishing, cutting, running out of paper, did i mention cutting, stuffing boxes and making sure the right person got the right box. and, yes i had a couple of elves who helped me put them together. they are the best!

...60th anniversary card

so it was a 60th anniversary celebration and what else but diamonds for such a momentous event. i created this card covered in rhinestones (4 packs of our self-adhesive rhinestones). i LOVE bling!  it took a long time o complete it but, it was work it. i also made them a bouquet of 60 $1 bills. i hope they enjoyed the card.

...when will i get to it?

so, i was going through my iphoto looking for images to use for my next posting on monday (can you believe it?) and, i came a cross my photos from my trip to egypt. in 2007 i dragged a scrapbooks etc. all the way to egypt hoping when i return that i would submit my photo to the magazine and be featured in the where in the world section of the magazine. i never got around to it. so, MY GOAL for next week is to get this out to the magazine. if it gets published i'll share. here is the infamous picture and some other snap shots from my trip.

...a simple wedding

ok, so last spring he asked and i said yes. but, it's so much more than that. besides the things that one should pay attention to; like, i will love and cherish him forever. i'm still a designer and have to design everything. but, then i thought. i don't want to get caught up in that. all that design stuff. hmmmm. it's so much more than that. it's the planning and the decisions for the wedding and always keeping in mind how much i love him. so, me & my BIG ideas (no punn intended  or maybe, who knows) got together and thought i could pull off something a little designed. yeah, right. i thought i would have a simple wedding with a simple invite, simple flowers, with a simple dress and just our parents. we are 2 months away from the BIG day and no, it's not so simple after all.

here's a sneak peek of my invite. i'll show you the real thing later when it's done. they go out in the mail in 1 week. yikes! i am driving myself absolutely crazy! but, it's so beautiful and i love what i do.

so, if you have any advice about any of this marriage, wedding or life stuff i'm listening.

...a little cardboard and bubble wrap

in our creative space we always have these grandiose ideas about the next big thing. when, really what the best thing to do; in some cases, is to do the easy thing. last week we had a business meeting to attend and realized the boards we were taking would have to be checked-in on the air plane. if we carried it on then, the suitcase would be too big. so, i fashioned a carry-on box. OMG, this was one of the funniest things i've ever done at the end of a busy work day with a tight deadline. can you believe how far you can get with a little cardboard and some bubble wrap? you got it all the way to texas. oh, and yes i did have to add the black satin ribbon and some bling. how funny!

 

...marvelous mat pad

hi everyone!  long time no post, it's hannah the assistant!  today i'd like to feature our new Destination Paradise mat pad.  renée and i were talking and we both agreed that the mat pad is often under-rated.  i'd like to share some ideas i had on using our mat pad in some fun ways. 

of course the mat pad can be used to frame a picture or cut down to be used as journaling space but the great thing about our mat pads are that you have a coordinating paper pad that can be used without ruining a 12x12" sheet or Destination Paradise paper...because sometimes you just need a little scrap piece, you know?

idea #1
making an impromptu 'thank you' card (or any occasion for that matter) when you forget to get a card for your preschooler's teacher or your niece's graduation.

idea #2
making small labels for your home organization needs.  we all have great ikea storage or magazine boxes that need labels!  no need to ruin a 12x12" sheet for such a little job. 

idea#3
paper for you paper punching needs.  our mat pad can come in handy when you need a coordinating paper but can't sacrifice a 12x12" sheet.

idea #4
table seating cards.  summer is here and that means dinner parties at home!  what cuter way than to make seating cards for your guests?  (the 'place mat' is from our Destination Paradise die-cut paper!)

idea #5
making party favors crackers.  inexpensive and totally cute favor for kids or adults!

idea #6
party favor bags.  perfect for summer birthday parties for the kids!

idea #7
votive candle covers.  remember to put the paper on the outside of the votive holder, not the inside!

idea #8
jewelry gift tag.  ok, so i ripped this idea off of how anthropologie displays their necklaces but it's a really good idea!
 

so check out our new Destination Paradise mat pad and i hope you can appreciate the MAMBI mat pad as much as i do now.  it's a great little addition to your scrapbooking and crafting arsenal!