You Either Stay Up Late or Get Up Early

…or Both.  Sometimes I do both.

I’ve been rather neglectful of this little corner of the internet.  I like to think of it as the cyber equivalent of my bathroom which, up until I had guests over exactly seven days ago, had been ignored in the same, increasingly inconvenient way.

A little recap, here is what I’ve been busy on:

Poster by Meagan Anderson and Kris Johnsen. $8 on Etsy!

The BIG THAW Portland – she is coming to a Mayo Street Arts Center near you and it’s going to be just brilliant, I am sure of it.

Shallots, $6.50 for 5"x5" Print

I’ve been listing photos on Etsy, which while not totally profitable is getting my work included in lots of treasuries, so I cannot complain.  Above is one the community just couldn’t get enough of the first couple of days it was up.

Metal Feathers is Good.

The ‘busy season’ has started at work again, so I’ve spent less time trolling the internet for awesome things.  But in the meantime, you should probably just check out Mike’s tumblr.  Which is fun to watch because Metal Feathers, my boyfriend’s band, is on their sometimes playing, sometimes heckling the people who are playing.  All in good fun, much like their new album, Contrast Eats the Slimey Green, which is so worth listening to.

Set of 6 Bottle Cap Wine Charms, $8 on Etsy

Lastly, but not leastly, I’ve been working on a new project do develop bottle cap wine charms.  I’m also in to the idea of flipping these guys upside-down and doing custom orders for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, etc.  The wedding market is truly untapped by Little Eye Designs.  Why, oh why?  First of all, I love weddings.  I love shooting weddings.  So why wouldn’t I furnish them, too?

This is just a little dose for now.  If you’re jonesin’ for some smarmy writing it’s probably better if you go visit The BIG THAW for awhile until all the dust settles in mid-April.  That’s where most of my efforts are, these days!

A Heap o’ Accomplishments

Oooh-la, what a week.  About Wednesday (blizzard day) I got hit with the winter doldrums, big time.  Really honestly for the last four days it’s all I can do to get out of bed before noon and make food for myself.  I’ve been infected by Kate’s love of cheesy lifetime movies and it’s really not helping my case at all.  In fact, I’m watching one now.

While I learn the real life story of Andrew Luster, MAX Factor Heir (and sex criminal) I thought I’d jot down my progress this week… to remind me that no matter how lazy I am I’m still pretty darn productive!

Weddings! Oh, I’d like to book some more 2011 dates – if you know anyone getting hitched, send ’em my way — here’s what I’ve been working on this week:

Boutonierre Fastening

Newly Married!

All About the Details

I’ve been working on prints, framed pieces and albums from orders from a wedding I shot last year.  Fun!  It’s like reliving the day and all its touching moments — I’m not afraid to admit I am the wedding photographer that cries every time (every.time.) the bride walks down the aisle.  Hormones or just naturally sensitive – who knows?  🙂

New things. For awhile now I’ve been thinking about (and talking about) trying something new with the jewelry.  I love my bottle caps, and I’m going to be churning them out in magnets and pins to no end… but I wanted to class up the necklaces and rings a bit… and also try out earrings!  Here are some pictures from the first run:

Birches and Blue Sky Ring and Earring set – $18 by Little Eye Designs on Etsy.

Dill Shadows – The Herbalist’s Ring $9 by Little Eye Designs on Etsy.

Lights and Lines Filigree Pendant and Drop Earrings Set – $25 by Little Eye Designs on Etsy.

Craft fair. Super sweet!  The BIG THAW applications keep showing up on my doorstep and it’s amazing to see all the talented people who want to spend a whole day with me!  Click here for The BIG THAW website.

Also… I’m guilty more than anyone of keeping to myself in the winter time.  No matter how good your intentions of ‘finally taking up snowshoeing’ or ‘getting out more this year’ at the beginning of December you will always, always be holed up in your second-story apartment waiting, just waiting for the cold to go away.  This weekend I overcame!  It was Kate Sullivan-Jones‘ birthday and we had lots of fun (and whiskey) at her apartment.  Here’s a pic of me there with friends and wearing an awesome t-shirt (that got lots of compliments) that I traded a photograph for with Repurposeful Punk.

Click for Carmenmerie of Repurposeful Punk’s Shop.

Oh!  And here is a shot of my photograph in her living room.  Looks great, Carmenmerie!

Brighton Lights in Winter - $25 Framed Print by Little Eye Designs.

OK, everyone, back to work for me tomorrow morning so time to hit the hay.  What have you all been working on this week?  Leave links below, if you’d like!

Wedding Planner #2: Mustard and Midnight

Holy mole-y!  Funny how when you’re being a good aunt, working a full time job, cooking dinner every night to be a good girl and not spend money on take out AND planning a craft fair (shh!) the blog seems to get pushed to the side.  Don’t worry, I’m here now.

And we’re gonna talk wedding colors again!

Wedding Guide #2: Mustard and Midnight

Today’s palette is bright and punchy (YELLOW!) while chic and sophisticated (BLACK!)  It’s a bumblebee wedding and you’re invited.

Lovely Yellow Bridesmaids Cake Toppers, $18.99 from onecozynest on Etsy.

Yellow is a genuinely innocent color.  It’s heartwarming, opens your eyes and has a vintage feel to it no matter what.  You try wearing something yellow and not feeling the slightest bit ’70s!  These cake toppers are super sweet, and although I can’t imagine putting the whole darn wedding party on the cake (unless you have a buche de noel or something) I would venture to say your WEDDING DRESS should be yellow and one of these pretty ladies should stand up there.  With hopefully a cake topper with a groom dressed like this:

Antique Victorian Tuxedo Jacket, $85 by getupvintage on Etsy.

Although your hubby’s arms should be about a half an inch longer to pull of this look, this antiquated tuxedo jacket paired with floppy bow tie is modest, lovable and reeks of the quality tailors used to put in men’s dress-up duds.  Who says everyone’s tux has to match?  Quality over quantity, I always say.

Gamboge Silk Skinny Tie, $18.95 from rabbitstop on Etsy.

But if bow ties aren’t your thing, you can coordinate the man with the rest of the scenery by pulling honey mustard in to his neckwear.  Skinny or traditional, a pop of color will resonate in wedding photos, especially when it’s designed to make Mrs. Wedding Day look totally coordinated and gorgeous.

You are My Sunshine Print, $15.00 from FarnumInkStudio on Etsy.

Let’s talk wedding presents.  If your friends are anything like mine, they’re getting hitched left and right with utter disregard for my bank account.  A piece of artwork meant to coordinate with their colors (just ASK, you know she won’t stop talking about the differences between every kind of yellow if you act even remotely curious!) framed with an inexpensive, but classy frame from Michael’s will remind them of their wedding day every time they pass it on the way to the loo.

Click on the image of the entire treasury above to see all the excellent treasures I could definitely write for hours about.  Also, each featured item’s image will bring you to its listing when clicked.  Happy planning, kiddos.

Wedding Planner #1: Molasses and Sea Foam

Wedding Guide #1: Molasses and Sea Foam by littleeyedesigns on Etsy.

Wedding Guide #1:  Molasses and Sea Foam.

Before we dive in here, let me just be clear on one thing:  Etsy will ruin your life. Treasury-making, to be specific.  I am constantly browsing, marking favorites, lurking to find that perfect inspiration.  I dream of treasuries at night.  I eat them for breakfast!  I have no time to wash my armpits.  This is terrible!

Or, perhaps the absolute most perfect thing for a latent art student who hasn’t had a chance to edit photographs together in four years.  (Sad!)  How you pay $30,000 for this very specialized skill, I’m trying to remember.  Point is, these just feel so right!

~~~

All my treasuries can be found at the ‘Shopping Guides‘ tab at the top of the page.

However, I’ve started a series of treasuries that I’m especially fond of:  curating items for weddings based on varying color schemes.  I’ll be featuring these as entries and going in to a little more detail about the products I selected.  Why?  Because:  a) weddings are the most awesome versions of theme parties, ever. and b) every little girl wants a tricked out wedding and if you don’t think so you’re just in denial.

That brings me to #1!  Molasses and Sea Foam.

It’s a totally ridiculous combination of textures and tastes, but the whole chocolate and sea salt thing is in right now so I’m feeling pretty good about it.  A wedding color scheme with teals, sea foam and turquoise grounded by earthy, brown chocolate is sophisticated, youthful and everything looks just absolutely edible.

Here are some highlights:

 

50s XXs/XS Tiered Cream Gown by flourclothing on Etsy.

This is your wedding dress.

Well, it doesn’t have to be.  And I would suggest unless you’re one of the two people I know who are under 5’2″ and weigh less than 110lbs. you probably shouldn’t attempt getting in this XXS dress for fear of explodin’ a beautiful piece of antique clothing.  The flounce on the tiered skirt layers starts at about bellybutton height and is childishly adorable – I think some wrist-length lace-finished ladies’ gloves are in order, here.

 

Vintage Mink Stole, $95, from detroitpicker on Etsy.

Pobody’s Nerfect.

If you have a major problem with fur (like I do) and a sense of humor (like I do) this one’s a noodle-scratcher.  My friend, Kate, has one of these and it is absolutely one of the most sickly fun things to play with.  Vintage fur is kind of like getting Grandma’s beautiful engagement ring that you KNOW is from a bad time and place in manufacturing history.  So if you’re totally grossed out — sorry, I completely understand.  But in the interest of aesthetics, this mink stole (handed down for at least 40 years now) would be an excellent accent in the getaway limo/car/boat when you and your brand new hubby are off to see the world on a whirlwind honeymoon.

 

Sea of Blue Vintage Collage Bracelet, $52 by lonkoosh on Etsy.

Holy found objects, Batman!

This is a really gorgeous collection of vintage jewelry finds all coming together to make one simply charming piece.  It’s dainty and feminine while chunky and bold.  This covers your something old AND blue.  Lucky!

 

Check back for the next Wedding Planner treasury, featuring… Mustard and Midnight!