Color Me Pretty: Summer Dreams
Hello Friends, it is Leslie here with Color Me Pretty for May. With summer just around the corner I cannot help but think about flowers in my garden, fun drinks with friends and family birthdays. All in a palette of white, peach, mint green, washed grey and a little raspberry. Of course time for a few crafty projects in this summer palette would be great to. A girl can dream.
One quick project for entertaining is dressing up those white spray painted glass bottles with a little washi tape and a couple paper doilies. Nothing fancy, just apply the tape and doily pieces here and there. I cut a few flowers and sprigs from my garden and instantly a windowsill or a table is prettied up for a get together.
Summery garnishes can make a plain old lemon soda look rather elegant. I like serving something fun and nothing gets a little house party going like a feature cocktail. Fresh mint, a little lime or a couple raspberries can make any drink feel like a special occasion. It can also be interesting to use all different glasses even for the same drink. This way everyone can hopefully remember his or her glass!
Here is a little folding book I made from a couple pieces of scrap paper and some fuji instax mini photographs I took while putting this series together for you. I want to make more of these this summer. One could be of the kids while we are at the beach or another possibly of my mother’s garden. They make a cute gift for the host after a weekend stay with friends or family.
I hope you enjoyed this series and that it sparked a couple ideas for you. Do you have any plans for the weekend? Whatever you do take good care and do something just for you.
Thank you for having me here, see you next month, – Leslie.
(images: leslie shewring)
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May 27th, 2011 at 9:47pm
I am now FRIDAY thirsty! Pass me a cupcake and let’s call it a day! Thank you leslie.
May 27th, 2011 at 9:59pm
Oh So Girlie-pretty !
Pictures are stunning ! The last one is my favorite one !
Love those “washi tapes”. Thank you for brightening our day !
Happy week end to you !
Lila,
May 27th, 2011 at 10:03pm
Without doubt these posts are my favourite in the whole of the World Wide Web. Leslie, your styling, editing and photography skills are spot on, and I find your work a great source of inspiration – thanks for sharing it with us on Holly’s lovely blog!
Will´s last [type] ..Home Tour- Colourful & Simple Tribeca Loft
May 27th, 2011 at 10:06pm
Oh wow….if this doesn’t make me wanna have a party, I don’t what does! It is absolutely gorgeous Leslie! I adore all of these colors together and the tiny pops of neon…or at least they seem a little neon to me. :) So fresh, SO pretty and I would LOVE to come to this party! Thank you for the beautiful inspiration hun, as always! I hope you have a beautiful long weekend!
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Closer to home
May 27th, 2011 at 10:14pm
Color me pretty – you make everything LOVELIER!
xOxO
May 27th, 2011 at 10:25pm
What a beautiful color story Leslie!! Loving all the muted pastels punched up with some bold rich color…currently rotating in my closet as well :)
Those cocktails look Delish!! The perfect way to start a long weekend!!
Happy Holiday weekend to you!!
xo-Julie
Peace. Love. LOL!
May 27th, 2011 at 10:26pm
Dear Leslie,
These are all great ideas for summer… I feel so inspired! Thank you Thank you! I’m off to create something!!!! :-)
nilufer´s last [type] ..The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
May 27th, 2011 at 10:44pm
just the gorgeous palette i’ve been craving! my tall little girl loves to make us drinks using edible plants she finds in the garden (she’s very careful!). today it was lavender, lemon balm, lemon and stevia. she’s amazing! and when i show her how you’ve dressed these glasses she will be so inspired! and i shall sit down to rest in the sunshine and await my pretty drink. have a lovely weekend leslie! x
May 27th, 2011 at 10:49pm
Leslie, these images are so beautiful! The vases are brilliant! What a great way to use otherwise tired bottles!! I hope you have a great weekend too! Hugs!
Traveling Mama´s last [type] ..you don’t want to miss…
May 27th, 2011 at 10:52pm
wow. Lovely photos and colors to brighten the day!
the olive tree´s last [type] ..happy friday
May 27th, 2011 at 11:01pm
Leslie this post is so fresh and beautiful! Totally brightened up my day! Thank you :)
May 27th, 2011 at 11:37pm
Thank you Leslie for these lovely colours!
We are planning to go out for a picnic tomorrow and to the beach on sunday morning! What a wonderful weekend it will be for sure! It’s always an adventure to make these programs with four little children (between 6 and 1 years old) you can imagine, but we really love being together!
I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
I’m planning to have some time to seat on my sofa and enjoy Holly’s book which has just arrived this week!
May 27th, 2011 at 11:39pm
LOVE this colorful and lovely post – and I have to buy myself some pretty tape! :-)
tinajo´s last [type] ..Happiness is
May 27th, 2011 at 11:39pm
lovely photography! and where did you by these colourful, pattern dishes? i’m looking for dishes like these forever!
greetings from hamburg, germany! maxi
May 27th, 2011 at 11:47pm
Love the grey with raspberry and mint color combination – perfect for summer.
Monica´s last [type] ..Pink
May 28th, 2011 at 12:03am
wow! great pictures! I love the coulors in these pictures! thank you for fabulous inpiration!
Emelie – fiffiga systrar´s last [type] ..Omklädd ask
May 28th, 2011 at 12:22am
love the cupcake with berries next to it. Such a simple but lovely idea.
Bryn´s last [type] ..Since were on the subject
May 28th, 2011 at 12:42am
was just practicing your photo tips we learned in class – your light in the studio is stunning. it’s cold here in Sydney so these photos certainly reminded me of a beautiful sunny (warm!) day in California. x
Jaclyn´s last [type] ..adventures in sewing
May 28th, 2011 at 12:55am
Wow Leslie, this post is outstanding! I adore the choice of colours, the photos couldn´t look crisper, the fabrics… just amazing!
Have a great weekend, Leslie & Holly!
Concha´s last [type] ..Creative Walls – Book Review
May 28th, 2011 at 1:07am
Love those Anthropologie bowls.
-sécia
sécia´s last [type] ..Wishful Thinking
May 28th, 2011 at 3:07am
Absolutely invigorating! I’m having a hard time counting the inspirational ideas you invoke, Leslie. This must be my most favourite colour story… but then, don’t I say it every time you share a new one? Never stop, please!!!
Gosia Maj´s last [type] ..Collections- Seashells
May 28th, 2011 at 4:25am
Scroll down, scroll up, scroll down, scroll up, scroll down, scroll up…I just can’t get enough! This is so lovely!
Meesh´s last [type] ..Destination- Washington
May 28th, 2011 at 8:52am
So pretty and inspirational too…thank you, together with the warm sunshine it feels that spring has arrived!
May 28th, 2011 at 9:16am
oh-so-pretty..so many lovely and simple ideas to add a touch of prettiess..love the dressed up spray pianted bottles the most..thankyou leslie for sharing the goodness..have a lovely weekend..xx meenal
meenal @ maison marigold´s last [type] ..iPhone image of the week
May 28th, 2011 at 10:13am
Beautiful inspiration!
Can you please give a link to those beautiful patterned bowls???? I would love some just like them!!!
May 28th, 2011 at 10:52am
amazing colors! love all pictures :)
raspberry essence´s last [type] ..strawberry editon
May 28th, 2011 at 11:37am
I have just found your blog and I have found the ideas lovely.
I must use them in my decor projects.
Thank you. :)
May 28th, 2011 at 11:55am
Beautiful colour inspirations – as usual! I especially love the bowls in happy colours.
European Chic´s last [type] ..An inspired interior
May 28th, 2011 at 12:19pm
How do you make my heart skip a beat with every. single. post.????
Kelly Rachel´s last [type] ..Crocheting In Chilly Weather Is The Awesomest
May 28th, 2011 at 1:58pm
What a collection! Just looking at it makes me happy! xx
Ana´s last [type] ..IN- An Van Daeles Home
May 28th, 2011 at 3:48pm
Oh my Leslie, what a beautiful color story! I agree with Holly, my favorite of yours so far.
Many Blessings and Keep Shinning:)
Carol
Carol Spinski´s last [type] ..Bridal Luncheon Favors
May 28th, 2011 at 4:14pm
I am calling the weather man right now to ask him to raise the temperature a bit this weekend. I need to have these drinks while lounging in the shadow of a big tree!
x Iris
May 29th, 2011 at 1:38am
Leslie, as usual your work is inspiring. My favorite picture is the little folding book. I think I’ll pick up the Fuji instax for my daughter’s wedding next weekend, it would be perfect. Thanks for the great idea!
JT´s last [type] ..Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill
May 29th, 2011 at 6:02am
I absolutely love this post! Especially the spray painted bottle-vases and the drinks! Great inspiration!
May 29th, 2011 at 9:50am
This post just had that extra something — love love love!!!
May 29th, 2011 at 1:35pm
Love love this collages n all picture at this episode of color me pretty. I always admire Leslie work, never stop to amaze me :). Happy weekend for Leslie n Holly.xo.
May 29th, 2011 at 4:59pm
wow. everything looks so great.
dasmaedchenmitdenlocken´s last [type] ..der kreis ist das neue dreieck
May 29th, 2011 at 5:30pm
Love this colour combo, so beautiful and perfect for spring!
Marie Nichols´s last [type] ..Nice Day for a Colourful Wedding
May 29th, 2011 at 6:09pm
What a gorgeous colour palette. Love the photos you’ve chosen – so fresh!
Sue´s last [type] ..Ombre Wedding Inspiration Part II
May 29th, 2011 at 7:11pm
so pretty
May 29th, 2011 at 9:44pm
Leslie, I am definitely using your drinks ideas for an upcoming party! The fresh mint, berries, and limes look so festive :) And I have had a fuji instax camera on my wishlist for a while now…summer seems the perfect time to indulge, and I am completely smitten with your brag book. It’s just perfect, and I want to make one of my own right away!
As always, you’ve inspired me and made my day a little brighter. Enjoy your weekend Leslie and Holly dears! xo Laura
Laura Gaskill´s last [type] ..this moment
May 29th, 2011 at 11:00pm
Such beautiful pictures!*smile*
Lidyll´s last [type] ..Bilder fra header-shoot Sommer-Lidyll!
May 30th, 2011 at 6:03am
Makes me want summer yesterday! Maybe we can enjoy one of these at my house this summer! Awesome shots and LOVE the white bottles!
Julie the Alkaline Sister´s last [type] ..Banana- Date & Coconut Raw Icecream & Spring Flowers!
May 30th, 2011 at 12:17pm
Absolutely gorgeous!!! Great ideas as usual! You’ve got our favourite blog! We love your ideas!
Love!
Elin & Emelie
Fiffiga Systrar´s last [type] ..Veckans Goding – Supersmarriga kladdkakan
May 30th, 2011 at 2:09pm
Oh, Leslie! If only we weren’t heading into winter. Your inspired use of washi tape knows no bounds. I can’t get enough of the stuff! J x
Jane´s last [type] ..Sunday splendour- 29 May 2011
May 30th, 2011 at 5:32pm
Completely in love with this post and these colors!
May 30th, 2011 at 5:46pm
Such a great post full of colors! Summer is definitely here!! Love the painted bottles with masking tape and doilies!
christelle is flabbergasting´s last [type] ..Des nouvelles
May 30th, 2011 at 9:19pm
Your posts remind me of why I love design! As a stay at home mom and former (and future) designer, your colour stories are the refreshment I need.
May 31st, 2011 at 2:15am
leslie… i have to laugh at all the fabulous comments… well deserved, as always!!! i spent more than 3+ hours editing photos today… have you ever thought about posting your “photo out-takes” kind of like movie out-takes?? it would be fun to see your process for editing photos before posting all the gloriously delightful pics on your Color Me Pretty series…
christine e-e´s last [type] ..MIC-KEY- MOU-SE
May 31st, 2011 at 5:24am
OMG! Everything looks so CUTE and PRETTY!!!!!!! I want them all!! The colours are just perfect!!!
ArticulateArt´s last [type] ..H&M Kids Summer 2011
May 31st, 2011 at 7:15am
Stunning photos! Love everything sweet n’ pretty…those dressed up glass bottles are totally eye-candy! The little folding book is genius too! :)
May 31st, 2011 at 8:06am
Gorgeous, fresh & easy!
hoganfe handmade originals´s last [type] ..Classic French Round Canvas Tote Bag Handmade Handbag Purse Market Travel Gadget Chocolate and Assorted Colors Available
May 31st, 2011 at 9:40am
Leslie, I love this post!!! It´s so colorfull. You can feel the summer just by looking at your beautiful pictures! I love the bottles! And I think, I´m going to spray paint some, too! Thanks for these great ideas!
Hope your weekend will be great and sunny!
Hug´s,
Verena
Verena´s last [type] ..Wer liebt Eiscreme – Who loves Ice cream
May 31st, 2011 at 1:17pm
stunning post!
May 31st, 2011 at 4:36pm
{sigh, sigh, sigh…} so lovely, again, Leslie! I feel suddenly refreshed and inspired! I still don’t seem to be able to pull off the lovely feel of your photos, but I AM working on it. :-) I’m even doing a photography challenge this month, and will try so hard to make them interesting, in my own way, but also, inspired by you. Wish me luck!!
xoxo
Shari´s last [type] ..Happy Memorial Day!
May 31st, 2011 at 5:15pm
Look how yummy! Wonderful and fresh. I must have that cupcake and I love the petite bowls, terrific job!
Monica Lee´s last [type] ..retro Summer style
May 31st, 2011 at 6:13pm
I absolutely love this color combination! Very refreshing and sophisticated!
Xio@ Mint Daisy Design Studio´s last [type] ..Fabulous Fete Scrumptious Milk and Cookies Party
May 31st, 2011 at 6:19pm
The bowls are to die for. Thanks for pointing them out.
May 31st, 2011 at 7:52pm
Leslie, a PERFECT splash of summer inspiration. I’m in love with the pops of bright color and raspberries. Yum! xo
May 31st, 2011 at 10:32pm
Love the summer inspiration! The spray painted glass bottles? So adorable… will try that one!
Hugs & kisses from Rio!
A Casa da Vá´s last [type] ..The ultimate bachelorete pad
May 31st, 2011 at 11:16pm
Lovely images. The flower vases look great.
hena tayeb´s last [type] ..Two Year Etsyversary
June 1st, 2011 at 2:06am
Your photography is so beautiful – what kind of digital camera do you use?
June 1st, 2011 at 4:46am
Summer is officially here in DC! It’s hot – but also very green and full of colorful flowers. This was a lovely take on the season.
June 1st, 2011 at 5:05am
Absolutely gorgeous! The colours are so fresh, and it’s all just brilliant :)
Caitlin´s last [type] ..The First Weekend of Summer
June 1st, 2011 at 6:38am
Wow.. Leslie your summer palette is absolutely beautiful. Those jars are just the perfect touch and the bowl are to die for!! (Where can we find them – looks like Anthro but not sure??) Thanks for sharing with us today. AJ – queenofmynest(at)gmail(dot)com
June 1st, 2011 at 8:22am
Can you tell me where you got those beautiful stacked bowls? Thank you!
Lisa´s last [type] ..DIY Home Baked Twinkies today on CATCH MY PARTY website!
June 1st, 2011 at 2:53pm
I love these pics!! Great idea with the glass bottles!!!
June 1st, 2011 at 4:38pm
Thank you all for your support!!!
The bowls are from Anthropologie, Inside Out Bowls
http://bit.ly/kK8Q7e
See you next month!
leslie´s last [type] ..Color Me Pretty Time
June 1st, 2011 at 5:12pm
Soooo pretty and inspirational!
I love it all! Thanks! :)
Lauren´s last [type] ..Sprinkling in Some Glam- How Does Your Garden Grow Part II
June 4th, 2011 at 12:50am
Leslie, I really need to thank you! Your “Color me pretty” column is one of the most inspirational columns on the Internet! I totally love your pictures and your sense for colors. Please keep up your great work!
Greetings!
Chisa´s last [type] ..Instagram Magic!
June 6th, 2011 at 7:33pm
I like very much the small bowls, the combination of colors is so cheerful. The set is so fresh, it is a pleasure of eyes!
June 7th, 2011 at 3:56pm
Stunning photographs! They look so cheerful!
Madelief´s last [type] ..Great Dixter
June 12th, 2011 at 8:05pm
I am so happy i found your blog. So beautiful!
thank you for the inspiration.
;)
sandy
September 24th, 2011 at 7:03pm
these images are gorgeous…found you through pinterest!
October 2nd, 2011 at 1:40am
holy crap these are absolutely adorable!!!! I found washi tape at http://www.wishywashi.com/ and am definitely going to clean them out!
January 29th, 2013 at 2:57am
This is a BEAUTIFUL site! I’m only sad that I just discovered it!!! Oh, and I was wondering about the different washi tapes you used and see it in the comment above. You have indeed colored these things beautiful!!!
THANK YOU!
Kathi Townzen