Burrs & Berries » 2010 January

Keri Smith

Jan 252010

I’ve been looking for a planner for a while now, and finally bought one and I love it! Well, it’s actually a Non-Planner Datebook that randomly mixes undated monthly overviews with journal and idea pages. So you get a sense of structure without feeling constricted, and it makes you reflect as well as capture current moments. I think the range of freedom is a fantastic idea, and all the idea pages will get your creative juices flowing!

I did some research and discovered the wonderful author and illustrator turned guerrilla artist, Keri Smith. She is the author of several best selling books and blog the Wish Jar, and writes for several magazines occasionally. As an illustrator, Keri has worked for a variety of clients worldwide including The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Hallmark. She has giving many lectures and workshops on a variety of topics at several universities and conferences.

I love Keri’s illustration style and creativity. She even has a section on her website called ‘PLAY’ where she shares her ideas and fun DIY activities and projects, providing some templates and printables as well! Thanks Keri!

I have been told many times that my portfolio is very creative and experimental, but lacking in the ‘corporate’ and more traditional design that I will need to get a job, or get clients. So I have a huge respect for artists who follow their passion and immerse themselves in what they love, and continue to create what they believe in, rather than follow the expectations of others. Have you ever been in a situation like this? The most important thing is to keep believing in yourself and pushing forward. Surround yourself with the people who love you and support you and you will find your niche.

I love Keri’s illustration style and the bright colors she uses in her collage-style pieces. They each tell a different visual story, which I find so inspirational and creatively challenging. She just inspires you to go and make something and be creative, doesn’t she? Thanks for sharing Keri!

(images: keri smith)

Happy Flickr Favorite Monday!

2 Responses »

Jan 252010

Happy Monday and thank you for joining me for another great week on burrs & berries! I hope you all had a fabulous and restful weekend, did you? It has been pouring here since yesterday, and everyone’s got their umbrellas and rain boots out. The temperature is going to be above freezing for the next week, in January! How great is that! But it is looking gloomy and foggy, so I decided to give you a pop of color for inspiration and to brighten up your day. Hopefully these photographs will no matter where you are.

1. Time is like the wind, it lifts the light and leaves the heavy 2. forecast 3. Untitled 4. Untitled 5. Untitled 6. A heart made of baker’s twine

(images: sources listed above)

Happy Weekend!

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Jan 222010

The weather is finally bearable and the sun is out! So take advantage of that and go get yourself some Vitamin D. It’s predicted to be nice all weekend, so go out and be active! Go skating or snowboarding, if you don’t do that already, and take part of a fun activity outside.

1. Anthropologie, In-the-Clouds Scarf, $183.30 2. Armani Exchange, Knit Skinny Fit Jeans, $130 3. Skating Boutique, Riedell Skates, $164 4. Urban Outfitters, Diana Camera, $110 5. Promod, Sequins Big Handbag, €29.95 6. Ray Ban, Aviator Large Metal II 7. Anthropologie, Asparagus Consomme Cap, $52.37 8. Old Navy, Women’s Perfect V-Neck Sweater, $20

I’ve put together a practical activity outfit for you to get some ideas, with skating in mind. I haven’t been skating in a while, and I really enjoy it so I’m thinking of a way I could fit it into my schedule at some point. I have a pretty busy weekend ahead of me, I’m going to Niagara falls with my boyfriend for a night to get away from our hectic schedules for a little bit and just be able to spend time together. It’s important to do that once in a while, distance yourself from all the work and just relax. I am working on some save the dates for a friend of mine that I can’t wait to share with you once they’re done and sent! Do you have anything exciting scheduled?

We got really lucky that our little trip fell on this weekend since the sun is going to be shining. I’m just a happier person overall when the sun is out, don’t you feel that way? Vitamin D makes people happy, and me significantly happier. I can’t stop smiling when the sun is out, I feel like a foolish little kid again! I also feel like I appreciate it even more when I’m not In Dubai, because it’s not out as often here.

So, get your outfits ready and layer up, because it still is winter. And don’t forget your cameras, have fun! Thank you all for joining me this week, I’m grateful for each and every one of your visits. Have a fantastic weekend and I’ll see you on Monday! Do you have any plans for the weekend?

(images: sources listed above)

Etsy Love: for Fabric

3 Responses »

Jan 212010

Are you ready to see what I got in store for you today? As always, Etsy doesn’t disappoint and I’d like to share some lovely handmade inspiration that I found very uplifting! Hopefully you do as well. After this I think I’m going to have to go out and buy some fabric to create something of my own! I hope you enjoy my picks.

The first shop I want to introduce to you today is Quotes and Notes, filled with uplifting and pick me up items! Most of the products are reusable and can be multi purposed, and I absolutely love the soft aesthetic of the fabric and string. That’s done by using heat transferring techniques onto the fabric, creating a slightly distressed appearance.

I am loving these keep calm and carry on posters that are everywhere! It’s a constant motivator and great message that’s everywhere, and I love the serene look of it on this fabric and in soft green dye. Did you know that it was produced by the British government in 1939 during WWII but was never used?? It was rediscovered in 2000 and re-issued by a few private sector companies, and now used all over as a decorative theme. Crazy huh?

On to our next wonderful shop, all things white. Thanks to Kathi for the images of these adorable little hearts that were done by repurposing classic natural twill linen. I am lusting over this Ivory colored ceramic planter’s pure and simplistic detail. All the products offered at all things white are classic and serene. How about this vintage ironstone sugar and creamer set? I must have those!

Shecological uses organic cotton/hemp canvas, natural cotton fabrics, water based inks, and low-tech printing, and is a member of team Eco Etsy! The items are made individually in Sheila’s home. The heart is made of a natural fabric, filled with recycled poly-fiber and bits of natural lavender flowers. There is a gap on the back ribbon that allows you to place a special note against the heart, how cute is that!

La Pomme is filled with wonderful handmade pieces, that look, feel and smell so organic and full of life. These lavender sachets are all about good things. They are made from beautiful white cotton, and filled with sweet-smelling organic lavender from France. To top it all off, they have the sweet words ‘I love you’ hand-stamped on them! Thanks to the lovely Apol for this wonderful shop!

The birds come from a vintage stamp, their flight traced with hand embroidery. The cloud is beautifully made from a vintage doily, and the lettering is hand-stamped, each one applied to the fabric individually.

I’m so inspired by the effort and time it must take to make these products! And each and every one of these designers craft with love, so you know you’re getting something wonderful and worthwhile. See anything you like? Do you have any handmade items?

(images: sources listed above)

Paris, je t'aime

7 Responses »

Jan 202010

While we’re still on the subject, since I revealed to you that I have a thing for all things French, I thought I’d let you in on this passion of mine. This is my declaration of love to Paris, the City of Love. I have collected and put together a series of images for you that illustrate what Paris is to me. You know when you feel strongly about a certain place or thing, you have certain things that connect you to it, which makes it ‘your’ place. Well, this is ‘my’ Paris.

1. Tour Eiffel 2. Mademoiselle Bardot 3. French Architecture 4. Interlude 5. Chanel 6. Je ne sais quoi 7. Catherin Deneuve 8. Rooftop

Aren’t these photos beautiful? This is exactly what I see when I think of Paris, beautiful old architecture, old ‘hollywood’ glamour, small coffee shops, trendsetting fashion, everything is charming. I’ve only been there once, and for a couple of days, so I didn’t really get the chance to get to know the place, but since then my connection to the city has grown even more. I would love to live there one day. I speak French pretty well, and I’m planning to start taking classes so I can finally become fluent at it, because of course, with my love for Paris comes an even greater infatuation with the French language. I love languages in general actually, and just speak two fluently, which I’m hoping to change really soon. Both my parents speak four languages, one of which is French, so growing up I’ve always been exposed to a multilingual environment. Maybe that’s where it comes from, who knows!

1. Streets of Paris 2. Je t’aime 3. Girl Sitting 4. Your life, it seems so extravagant 5. French Style 6. Chandelier Bedroom 7. Jour de Pluit

There’s something about the soft shades in these photographs that seems very Parisian to me. It feels so warm and welcoming, I must make a longer trip to Paris soon! How about you? Is there any place you feel very passionate about, or a strong connection to? Or any thing? Where do you think that comes from?

(images: sources listed above)