{ weekend getaway guide }

I present...your site seeing guide for .05 .23 .08:

.01   Um. Could these be any cuter? I think not.

.02   I love her new project and can't wait to follow it.

.03   I'm so thrilled that she and she have each started a blog.

.04   These are almost as good as being there.* I vow to return someday.

I'll leave you all with some snippets from my garden, in which I plan to wile away the hours this weekend. {Thanks for the inspiration Benita}. 

Don't forget to send me your photos---have a safe and restful weekend.

*found via La Boudoir

{ garden inspired: no fuss flowers }

look for a lovely thing and you will find it   

                                                                         ~ sara teasdale

image: Better Homes & Garden

I just read and was inspired by a brief article in this month's Country Living magazine in which they suggest, Dressing Up Your Collections with Flowers. I just love this concept of repurposing unexpected containers to create distinctive arrangements. You might remember this previous post which touched on the concept as well.

image: Country Living 

And then, I stumbled upon this UK based florist via the always inspiring {frolic!} and I had to share. I haven't been able to stop myself from going back to the Scarlet & Violet web site again and again. I just adore the styling of the photos and the simple, clever arrangements.

three center images: Scarlet & Violet

Your mission–on this long weekend ahead–is to use these photos as inspiration and then scour flea markets, tag sales, and your own cupboards for overlooked treasures to hold your lovely Spring cuttings. I plan to do the same.

 

image via: snippet & ink

I would be most appreciative if you would take a snapshot(s) of your creation and email it to me so I can add it to a photo gallery I plan to post next week showing off your creativity {with links to all of your fabulous blogs and shops of course}. email: shoptalkbuzz at gmail dot com.

I hope you all have a spectacular three day weekend {in the U.S.}. What are your plans?

{ thursday things worth a look: your photos...vintage style }

Miss Tristan at The Bella Bella Co. inspires me time and time again and I absolutely adore her latest creation.  It seems that Tristan has discovered a way to take your oh-so-ordinary photos back in time and turn them into vintage inspired works of art. 

Take a look at the {before} example...lovely photo, but somewhat ho-hum wouldn't you say?

Now...take a look at the {after} photo:

A little time machine magic and ordinary becomes extraordinary, no?

I've already imagined so many possibilities and think these little 'vintage' masterpieces would make fabulous gifts when commemorating a special milestone or sharing a cherished memory. Each one-of-a-kind piece is printed on your choice of Arches textured watercolor paper {my preference} or Kodak Endura glossy paper and comes with it's own official Certificate of Authenticity which is as lovely as the artwork itself. 

Start digging through that old box of photos and then pay a visit to Bella Bella Co.'s lovely etsy shop for the full scoop. {Be sure to take a moment and browse their inspired line of paper goods while you're there}.

{ wednesday wish list: anything from SusyJack* }

Over the last couple of months I have followed the progress of Susan Connor's contemporary line of  paper goods, SusyJack*, through her awe inspiring blog, heysusy*. It is so thrilling to see it all come together with the debut of her new Spring collection at the National Stationery Show, which is wrapping up today in New York. I just love the clean, fresh look of her well edited designs. 

After seeing these photos of the SusyJack* show booth, I wanted to completely gut my home office and adorn it from head to toe with her goods. The cheerful aesthetic and pop of color against the white is irresistible. { Sorry little office, but I think you're in for a major Spring cleaning }. 

I know some of you readers out there already follow this talented artist and designer through her heysusy* blog { this week's featured blog }. I encourage the rest of my readers to do the same. Susy is generous with both her design knowledge and business advice–offering everything from gorgeous inspiration {with plenty of eye candy} to tips on starting, enhancing, or promoting your own small business. I love that Susy often shares her own personal experiences as an entrepreneur–truly priceless information if you've ever thought of doing something on your own. 

To browse more of the SusyJack* line, visit the etsy shop or Susy's new online boutique. Oh...and to learn even more about Susy, read this great interview found via Etsy's Storque feature.

{ All images via SusyJack and heysusy }

{ coffee break }

Hi everyone...I'm sorry to say I'm bogged down with a big work project today. However, I couldn't resist taking a much needed break to stop by and  say, "hi". If I don't make it back today, I will most certainly be back tomorrow with a fresh and fabulous post. Thanks so much for your patience.

{ somehow sipping coffee from a fanciful teacup almost makes me forget I'm working }

image by yours truly