Inspiration Daily: 10 .09 .08

What if the whole world were to...  by Heidi Burton {ETSY SHOP} . {BLOG}

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

Today...

Hello lovelies!  Recently I had the enormous privilege of putting together a little gathering of some of my current etsy favorites for The Storque.  My collection is up today, and I hope you'll stop by for a visit... and perhaps get a little early holiday shopping done while you're there!   

Not included in The Storque article today are 3 additional favorites I picked out, but were cut because the piece was too long.  Not to worry... here those three beauties are: Small Floral Teacup  by Molly Hatch * Recycled Poppy Bobbypin Set by Foundling *Fox Tea Print by Oh My Cavalier

For links to all the other treasures I featured... visit me HERE.

I also managed to add a few more prints to my little shop so swing on by if you have a moment! Hope your day is filled with beauty!

Inspiration Daily: 10 .08 .08

Jardin d'Hiver II by Nicoline Patricia Malina 

(Photo Border by wwitch22)

In Good Company: Avie Designs

CC reader Avis, owner of Avie Designs, wrote and introduced me to her lovely line of paper goods today, so I took the opportunity to ask her a few questions about what inspires her.  I hope that in turn her answers will inspire you too.

Q: Were does your inspiration come from when designing such a fun collection of papery goodness?
A: Gosh, I'm not even sure I can pin it down. I think inspiration is like air, it gets inside you when you're not even paying attention. On a more tangible note, I read a lot of blogs, books and magazines. I keep up with what's going on over on etsy and I have been participating in regular contests on Minted that keep me fresh and inspired by other designers. Shopping always cures a case of designer's block as well.

Q: How did go about starting your line/shop?  And how long have you been in business?
A: Hmm, I have been in official business since January of 2007, but I quit my day job in August of 2006. Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been until just now. First, I created a product that I thought was different enough to hold a space in the market (my custom designed envelopes) and then I opened up my etsy shop. All truth be told, I did very little research and pre-planning for this little company. All I knew was that I couldn't hold it together any longer as a manager of a retail shop that wasn't my own. Since then I have been just growing and learning on a daily basis. I attended the National Stationery Show this year in an attempt to expand the wholesale portion of my business and I have been thinking about how to further expand my product line and company ever since.

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: The thought that there is nothing else I'd rather be doing. I actually get bored when there is no work to be done! That is the only down side to doing what you love every day, what then becomes your hobby? My customers and the need to make them happy also keeps me motivated. I want to give them fresh and fun items.

Q: Defined your product line in 6 words or less:
A: fun, modern, hand-crafted, beautiful stationery

Find more of Avie Designs: {ETSY SHOP} . {OFFICIAL SITE} . {BLOG}

Chic for Cheap: 30th Birthday Party

I was super excited when Melissa told me that our reader submitted theme for this week was a look for a 30th birthday party.  My 30th is coming up this December (gasp, can't breathe), and I like to think that this is what I'll be wearing.  Of course the gift isn't for me... it will be the favors for my friends who come and help me celebrate in style.

Next week's theme will be: wedding guest attire.  If you have a look you'd like to see Melissa or me pull together, please email us or leave a comment with your suggestion below.

{LINK LOVE} Antique Frame Vinyl Decal by Elephannie (listing is for only 1 decal) * The Birds Necklace by Gas Up the Zamboni * Grosgrain Trim Pumps and Celeste Ruffled Cardigan both at Forever 21 * Luxe Knit Gathered Tee at J.Crew * Skinny 77 Jean in Ink Indigo Wash at American Eagle