
I was so happy when a reader, Amy M., commented today to share the work of her talented friend, Katie Vernon, and her beautiful watercolor illustrations. I am always so touched when someone recommends a friend, it’s so sweet – she didn’t even include a link to her blog or website in the process because she simply wanted me to know about her friend Katie. This speaks volumes about a person, to be willing to do something nice for no reward in return, and I just had to write about Ms. Vernon as a result of Amy’s kindness. Well, that and the fact that her work is stunning and inspirational and well, it will make you feel a bit happier after seeing it. At least that is exactly what it did for me.
Katie creates one of a kind prints and original pieces to artfully preserve floral memories from events such as weddings and birthdays, graduations and launch parties. I think this idea of sketching something vs. freeze drying flowers, which was a big trend ten years ago, is so much more interesting. I can see freeze drying a boutonnière but not an entire bridal arrangement, where would you put it for goodness sake!?
If you love these beautiful drawings above, you can purchase many of them in her shop online called Chipmunk Cheeks.
Thank you again Amy and also to Katie for such inspirational work!
(images: katie vernon)

Oh my Kari Herer’s photography is nice, isn’t it? I am particularly fond of the lovely flowers – but of course – I’ve been on a flower trip all week! It’s all I can think of lately, though I’m sure it has to do with the season and how the flower shops here are packed to the gills with my favorite flower, the peony. Everywhere I go, they are bursting from the stalls. It’s an unexpected treat, I had no clue peonies were a big thing in Germany this time of year. I noticed them last year for the first time and wondered if they’re appear again and yes, they have. And they make me so, so happy.
Kari is an American photographer who lives in Portland, Maine and her work has appeared in several major magazines including Martha Stewart, Town and Country, InStyle and more. You may purchase all of these beautiful photographs shown above, along with many more, from Kari’s shop right here.
(images: kari herer)

I see more and more watercolor-y accents popping up in blog and website design, in magazines, and painterly patterns on clothing and textiles too. It’s a lovely trend that I definitely can ride from here until eternity. The ever talented photographer Jen Huang inspired me so much today with this introduction of watercolors that she offers to her clients along with her fantastic photography, something I’ve only seen before with Leslie’s work and a few others, as well as some Japanese books that I own. I think it’s gorgeous and it just made me happy.


Oh swoon. I love flowers, don’t you? I could write an entire book about them and I owe the love to my mother who was trained as a floral designer – our home was always filled with her arrangements. Some of you will meet her when I’m in Boston in August. She also loved to paint. I should take out my paints sometime and play around and see what I come up with. I really need to make some time to do that again soon. It’s funny, both my mother and aunt were painters, my aunt was a fine artist and art teacher, but I didn’t seem to get the urge to become a painter myself. Until I see work like Jen’s. Then I feel this gentle nudge to play a bit. I adore paintings, especially mixed media collage and watercolor work – two of my favorites – and so perhaps I should experiment a little. It’s been awhile… Do you paint?





I found out about Jen’s paintings on the 100 Layer Cake blog and so I hope you’ll click over to visit that gorgeous wedding wonderland when you have time. It’s a sweet, pastel-filled dream world.
(images: jen huang)

































