Kara Phillips Design

handmade wedding cake topper {finally}

2010-07-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

Inspired by amazing work by Katie Runnels, making a cake topper was high on my list of DIY projects for my wedding. Since I was planning on using {life size} pennants throughout the ceremony and reception, I made a tiny string of pennants to hang over the bride and groom birds. I used wire wrapped in silk to create the arch. I found feather birds from Micheals and covered them in silver glitter and made them tiny outfits. For the base, I covered a round chipboard box with pink silk, a stripe of muslim, and a length of vintage sequin trim. I used the lid from a smaller chipboard box, covered with pink glass glitter as a platform for the birds. In the end, I was really happy with it! I had a really simple cake to save $$$, so the topper was the showpiece.

{glue guns are perhaps the best invention ever}

Illustration friday, "giant"

2010-07-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

{my frame can't constrain my giant, happy heart} See other entries here...

the wedding extravaganza ends {and it was perfect}

2010-07-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

After a year of endless planning, obsessing over wedding blogs and magazines, dedicating my time to all sorts of DIY projects for the wedding, and being simultaneously extremely excited and freaked out, the wedding extravaganza has come to a close. We had an amazing week with friends and family, then a relaxing week at a beautiful resort in Mexico. I have realized that sometimes the things that you cannot control {such as rain during your outdoor ceremony} can make the most beautiful moments of your life. I also learned that you cannot style every detail of your own wedding and that real weddings are not perfect like magazine weddings. It is the people that surround you during the brief time of the ceremony and reception that make the wedding amazing.

Now that we have made it back home, I am ready for my new life of being Mrs. Kara Kopp and all the wonderful things that will come with that...

I thought that I would feel withdrawal from the wedding madness and projects that went along it all, but instead I feel very excited to be able to focus my time on my career, making new jewelry and art, redecorating our apartment, cooking, and relaxing with Zach.

Photos above by http://www.tanveerbadal.com/2010/06/kz-savannah-wedding-photos-georgia/#more-1548

Also, more photos to come from http://www.kateegrace.com/

as she was our amazing photographer that traveled from California to shoot our wedding.

Please expect regular postings to come as I get into the swing of married life.

xoxoxo

Kara

love is lovely {happy valentine's day}

2010-02-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it is mid-february already!!! {I knew that the beginning of the year would fly by in anticipation of my June wedding} We have an upcoming trip to Savannah, Ga for some serious wedding planning and I am so excited! I haven't been back to Savannah since I graduated {almost 3 years!} and I can't wait to do all of my favorite Savannah things...

I set up an area in my studio as a wedding "mood" table! Here are some shots of some of the items that keep me excited about everything... {and I can go look at my pretty wedding things whenever I get overwhelmed or stressed about the wedding}

I leave for India and China next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go to markets in India {gemstones and silks} and shopping in Shanghai {pearls pearls pearls}

xoxoxo, kara

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-06T16:33:00.001-08:00

Happy {belated} New Year!!! It has been entirely too long since I have posted. I have been traveling constantly, having house guests, making Christmas presents, making next year's holiday decorations for all of America, working late, seeing family and friends, attending my own wedding shower, sending out my Save The Dates, and pretty much running at high speed constantly!

This year will hold some amazing things for me:

*holy matrimony and a destination wedding in Savannah, GA!

*planning and creating this dream wedding {less than 6 months!}

*a trip to India and China for work {less than 2 months!}

*who knows what else...I can't wait to find out!!!

I hope to start posting again on a regular{ish} basis, but be warned that most posting my revolve around WEDDINGS!!! specifically mine!

I wish nothing but the best for everyone in the year to come...2010! Wow!

{pictured above, a paper cut that I made for my Mom for Christmas}

Illustration friday, "frozen" {birdsicles}

2009-10-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

The Illustration Friday topic this week is "frozen" so I drew some frosty, frozen birdsicles. Here in Minnesota, we would call them "birds on a stick".

If you don't get that joke, consider yourself lucky. Check out other entries here.

Illustration friday, "flying"

2009-10-12T05:37:00.001-07:00

The topic this week is "flying". I actually painted this last week, but think that it fits- I am dreaming of flying south for the winter...it already snowed here! Actually- just looked out the window and it is snowing RIGHT NOW! Its only October!

In my painting, the birds are tethered here too. I guess that's kinda mean, huh! Other {nicer?} entries here.

more custom wedding jewelry

2009-10-10T16:28:00.000-07:00

Finished these necklaces today for an upcoming wedding, and took a quick photo for the ladies to peek at...still have 5 sets of bridesmaid jewelry to make as well.

These necklaces are freshwater pearls along with several shades of swarovski crystal to match the champagne accents on the dresses.

studies+mood board

2009-10-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

stitched studies

My sister and I are working together on a jewelry collection. These are a few stitched studies that I made and an inspiration board with swatches that we both collected.

More to come.

illustration friday, "pattern"

2009-10-01T10:31:00.000-07:00

This one's easy. My entire life revolves around patterns.....check out others here.

{oops- realized that I had categorized it as 'silkscreen', which it is most definitely not! It is watercolor and ink}

custom recipe illustration etsy shop

2009-09-30T17:05:00.001-07:00

I did it! I have started a new etsy shop that specializes in custom recipe illustrations...everyone has a treasured family recipe~ holiday cookies, tomato sauce, soup, macaroni and cheese, thanksgiving turkey?! Meet "cook❤love❤draw". I love to cook and I absolutely love to draw...please let me create a family heirloom-worthy piece of artwork for your kitchen! Only 35$ for a custom made, ready to be framed, original illustration for you or your family.

I am also thinking that it would be a great wedding favor~ a mini print of a recipe illustration for cookies or candy, tied in a cute package with a few cookies/candies?! I am working on pricing for that... check it all out here.

new shiny jewelry for the shop...

2009-09-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with a few new fabric based necklaces lately. The first pictured is a bit more bridal inspired, as I have been thinking about brides who wants something more original for her big day than typical pearls...the piece is layered with white on white stitching to create a textured background, then layered with a vintage grey and crystal rhinestone necklace and silver seed beads. It lays right at the collarbone, and is kinda fabulous, if I do say so myself.

The second piece is definitely a statement necklace. I created the base out of heavily embroidered white on sheer white silk, then layered citron embroidery and grey/neutral seed beads and pearls in organic circular motifs. It has a natural frayed edge.

I had fun with both pieces- more experimentation than anything... I will probably list them on etsy soon....

IF- "infinite"

2009-09-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

She knew that outside of her cage were infinite possiblities...
Late for this week's illustration friday, but better than not at all.
For Ellie.

cherry heirloom tomatoes

2009-09-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

The farmer's market was overflowing with beautiful heirloom tomatoes this past weekend, and I was taken with the cherry tomatoes in shades of purple, red, yellow, and green. I roasted them and made some amazing pasta salad {see illustrated recipe above}. The next morning, I used the rest of the roasted tomatoes in a quiche with feta and basil. ..quiche for one?

{haha...nope.}

Getting the plans together for the custom illustrated recipe etsy shop....

beautiful bridesmaid colors

2009-09-10T17:48:00.001-07:00

I sent these color swatches along with inspiration boards to my bridesmaids last week! Happy shopping ladies, and I hope that each of you find a dress that you love...

{and I hope that you find it on sale...}

zucchini enchiladas

2009-09-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

You must try these delicious vegetarian enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce {best part}. This amazing recipe was found on fresh365, a great vegetarian cooking blog that uses seasonal ingredients written by a talented lady named Erin! See her original post here, and for the love of all that's holy, please make these for dinner tonight! Then, check her blog to see what to make for dinner tomorrow!

PS: thinking about a new etsy shop illustrating people's family recipes as a gift- I have gotten some positive responses to the above and the pickled bean recipe that I illustrated before...could be fun and everyone has favorite family recipes! {would be cute framed, hanging in a kitchen}

{note} tragically, I dropped my computer and killed it- hence the long hiatus. I am trying to get back on schedule!

Illustration Friday- "impatient"

2009-08-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

...impatiently, she waited to fly.

Definitely inspired by this vintage photo , seen at the constant gatherer.

happy and excited...

2009-08-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

It has been a great couple days! Not only did I find an amazing and perfect wedding dress last weekend, as well as had a ball shopping with my mom....but I found out this morning that I was chosen to be the winner of this contest by Katee Grace Photography! She is going to travel to Savannah and take delightful photos of us and all of the excitement on our special day!!! Check out her post on us here!

I thought this little drawing in my sketchbook would be a nice way to thank Katee Grace and get her ready for a good time at our wedding!!!

farmer's market pickled green beans!

2009-07-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I am on a pickling spree! The last few weeks, I made spicy pickled sugar snap peas- SO GOOD! Now that they are out of season, I have moved on to green beans...made these last night after searching the farmer's market for the most beautiful beans available. I am trying to start writing my favorite recipes down in my sketchbooks, so that when I am an old lady, I can pass down my cute, illustrated recipes to my grandchildren. {hopefully, I will have at least one who is interested!} The recipe is pretty easy- click the image for a larger view. I adapted it from here.

earrings fit for a bride...

2009-07-18T08:06:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine commissioned earring from me for her upcoming wedding...which was exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, since she didn't know exactly what she wanted. I definitely understand the pressure of looking for something perfect for the big day. She sent me a couple of pictures of her dress and some earrings that she kinda liked and let me run with it. Her dress is dark ivory and vintage inspired, so I used a few shades of ivory pearls and Swarovski crystals along with some amazing filagree and rhinestone beads that I salvaged from a flea market necklace. I shipped them off to the lovely bride to be a few days ago- I hope that you have an amazingly perfect day, Lauren!

fat bird, six ways...

2009-07-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

I found an adorable image of a puffy fat bird and drew a six versions of him...

bud vase drawing

2009-07-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today was a day that I needed to draw something happy...I saw this beautiful image on a flickr pool called "pastel and dreamy" and loved this image by Shana Rae {florabella} , which inspired my doodle :)

Please go check out the glorious images in this pool if you ever need a trip to your happy place.

watercolor wedding birdies+ gone so long

2009-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in forever, I know!!! But I have been busy....I painted these birds as an element of the cards that I made for my bridesmaids. The "cards" turned into small books really, and taught me to keep my invitations simple! I didn't photograph a finished one...but I hope that all of my girls were happy to receive them in the mail!

That's not all that I have been working on...

*I created a shirt design for the girls on team, "high heels for hope" . Each of the teammates are raising $2300 for breast cancer research at the three days for the cure walk. I will post the design soon :) I hope the best for the team and their fundraising!!!

*I donated a necklace/earring set to my mother-in-law-to-be's charity silent auction for the Children's Miracle Network

*I attended a really beautiful wedding and made my friend Christina, the beautiful bride, a super sparkly jewelry set {alright, they didn't register for it...I probably won't get a single thing that I registered for in return! top photo}

* I am working on some equally sparkly commissioned earrings for my friend Lauren to wear in her wedding- lots of pressure to create something that someone will wear on her most special day! I will share them when they are finished and have the bride's approval!

*jeez....I went to work too.

xoxoxo

Wedding dreams {table decor}

2009-06-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

I saw this great DIY idea on a few blogs recently and thought that it would be fantastic as center pieces for my wedding reception! I love milk glass {which is conveniently EVERYwhere at garage sales} as well as pretty feminine plates~ my plan is to search garage sales/flea markets/goodwills for both items, then assemble them into cake stands in Savannah before the big day! {epoxy glue apparently does the trick} I am planning on sticking to my color palette as well as delicately patterned plates to create cohesive arrangements...

I think that 3 to 5 per table, topped with candles and smaller vases of flowers will be a beautiful centerpiece arrangement! So far, all plates, vases, and candlesticks have been under 3$ and most have been a dollar or less! This also gives me a glorious excuse to go to antique shopping-yay!

Friends and family~ now you know what to look for!

Illustration Friday- Adapt

2009-06-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

My Illustration Friday submit for this week's topic, "adapt" It's hard to be a girl in love with a bird...she chose to "adapt" by eating birdseed and wearing a yellow beak {the rest came later}
:)

Engagement photos...

2009-05-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

My extremely talented friend and co-worker, Amber took Zach and my engagement photos last weekend and has posted a little sneak peek on her site! I am so happy that we did the photo shoot! It was a beautiful day and Zach was such a good sport...I can't wait to see the rest!!!!

Amber posted a few more shots on her website- check them out here.

Eeeeeeeeeeeek! so exciting!

If you live in the Minneapolis area, please consider having photos taken by Amber- seriously she is AMAZING!

engagement photo prep!

2009-05-23T09:42:00.000-07:00

Zach and I are getting engagement photos taken on Monday {if the rainstorms hold out} My friend and talented photographer, Amber Engfer is working our little photoshoot at a secluded outdoor location {the QUAKING BOG at Theodore Wirth Park- sounds pretty, huh! If the bog doesn't thrill us, the Wildflower garden is on the other side of the park...} So of course, outfits must be planned.

I found the beaded blue dress {for 1$} in LA, and hacked off the bottom of the dress so it would fit in my carry-on bag. I thought that I only wanted the beaded trim...but, I really liked it as a dress once I tried in on. Sadly, it is inappropriately short- so my plan is to stitch the lace + pleated trim from a vintage slip to the bottom of the dress. Keep your fingers crossed! I haven't sewn in awhile....

I made the flower for my hair with layers of white silks and linen + pleated velvet ribbon and a vintage brooch {inspired by my friend Sara} And I have extra long curls at the moment, thanks to my talented fiance, who gave me extensions last night! {Fun}

IF- contagious (not finished)

2009-05-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Illustration Friday- Contagious! My happiness is contagious...
Not finished- planning to watercolor- will share once finished:)
xoxo

Illustration Friday- "parade"

2009-05-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

Let's get dressed up and put on a parade! Check out other entries here!

vintage lampshades....

2009-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

I snapped these {tiny} vintage lampshades at an antique store the other day and these beautiful begonias at the farmers market today

{just a little more color inspiration}

new items in the shop!!!

2009-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Check them out here! have a great day!!!

wedding colors! {first draft}

2009-05-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

The boy hasn't seen these yet...he may run for the hills, but really- he should know me well enough to know that I love pink! I don't want anything to matchy-matchy {especially bridesmade dresses} Also dreaming about kraft paper+ white {lace/doily}+hit of color for the invitations...vintage colored glass and white milk glass vases for reception decoration...

{now back to the hard part- location for the ceremony and reception}

Organized Collection Sunday, crystal buttons

2009-05-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

These are some beautiful vintage buttons that I bought last week at an antique store in Hopkins, MN {i finally found a good antique store near Minneapolis! it also had a basement full of vintage wedding dresses- can't wait to go back and start trying some on!!!}

I have lots of new jewelry to post on Etsy today, but the site is being funny...oh, well- maybe the world is telling me to go outside and enjoy the sunshine! have a beautiful day...

YAY! IF pick of the week....

2009-05-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Is my illustration! You can see it below, but it you want to see it being {featured} on Illustration Friday, check it out here!

{a happy end to a crazy week}

Illustration Friday- "theater" + 100 posts!

2009-04-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my illustration friday submit for " Theater" - {I know its Thursday!} I had this ready to go on Tuesday, but I have had been running around like crazy this week. When things get insane at work, my creative + blogger impulses fly out the window...hopefully things will calm down soon {?}

This is also my 100th post! I am thinking about doing a little jewelry giveaway in honor, but haven't figured out details yet....you have my word now! I am working on an etsy refresh- hopefully get some new items posted in the shop this weekend!

Anyways- I hope your week has been more relaxing than mine- enjoy my little birdies on stage, having their big moment!

my little spin on the catwalk

2009-04-23T05:22:00.000-07:00

I know that I have been a terrible blogger the past 2 weeks ! I have had lots of excitement with the engagement + lots of stuff going on at work! I am trying to get back to my normal schedule...

But I haven't been totally slacking! Above is the necklace that I made for my friend Becca of 2709 for her and Bonnie's clothing line debut at Voltage tomorrow night! She will be wearing it with one of their signature dresses and it looks fantastic!

Good luck tomorrow ladies! I am so happy for you and so excited to attend!

My prince has come...

2009-04-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

I found this charming fellow, hiding in a golden egg in a birdcage on easter morning! I'm engaged to my best friend in the world and am so so so happy! We are in the process of choosing the setting together. {so fun!} Its hard to choose something that you will wear for the rest of your life! The actual date won't be for probably 2 years, but I am so excited to start thinking of a totally creative, crafty, DIY wedding- send me your ideas!

{xoxoxo from the luckiest girl there is}

new necklace! {for me}

2009-04-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't made anything for myself for a long, long time! So as a little Easter present to myself, I'm gonna keep this one! { yay }

I have a new fun project to work on over the next week- the lovely Becca, one half of 2709 Designs, has commissioned me to create a necklace for her to wear at their runway debut, the V oltage fashion show that is coming up later this month! I am so excited for the show, and now I feel like I have a {mini, mini, mini} runway debut as well, since my necklace will take a spin on Becca's neck! Does that count?

xoxo, kara

Illustration Friday- "talisman"

2009-04-07T16:33:00.001-07:00

My Illustration Friday submission for "Talisman"...I have been trying not to post prior work for illustration friday submits, but for some strange reason, I haven't been able to come up with anything that I liked for this subject! {which is weird if you know me- I am a believer in good luck charms and a collector of my own "talismans"} I tried three times! However, I have been ill this past week which makes me very uncreative, which then makes me grouchy!

So this is a pattern that I created in college and although it was controversial because of the spiders, it has remained one of my favorites! I think it represents "Talisman" perfectly- it makes me think of stumbling upon a treasure trove of vintage jewelry in an attic, covered with dust and scary spiders. {dream come true}

Moo mini cards have arrived! {finally}

2009-04-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

My mini cards from Moo have finally arrived, {after the first round arrived at someone else's mailbox} and they are really cute! I am glad to have some business cards to tuck into Etsy orders and hand to new friends. It is a cloudy peaceful Saturday around here...I hope that you enjoy your weekend!

My illustrations on Jess Gonacha's Pecannoot!

2009-04-03T17:41:00.001-07:00

Above is my FAVORITE print by artist Jess Gonacha {which you can feel free to purchase for my birthday right here...hint hint} Jess has been one of my favorite illustrators for awhile and she has very kindly posted a few of my illustrations {"celebrate" and "intricate"} on her blog, Pecannoot! Pecannoot is all about remembering the abundance of happiness that we can experience through art and pictures when real life gets you down. Check out the post here! Thanks so much Jess!

Illustration Friday- "poise"

2009-03-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

My illustration friday submission for this week's topic, "poise"... lovely lady in her boudoir. I used prismacolor pencils for this week's illustration and remember why I love markers and watercolor SO much better! Check out the other submissions here!

Sunny LA + organized collection, beach edition

2009-03-30T17:20:00.000-07:00

We made it back from LA early this morning {exhausted and slightly sunburnt}, but we had a really great couple of days seeing friends, soaking up the sunshine, driving the 405, picking oranges, eating delicious mexican food, sightseeing, and vintage shopping {which included a "sunday sale" where a variety of vintage lovers gather early in the morning for a literal clothing free for all in a parking lot- it got dangerous, but who isn't willing to throw a few elbows for amazing clothes at only 1$ a piece! I would be there every Sunday to fight for some treasures!!!}

I did my Sunday "organized collection" at the beach! I found everything within an arm's reach of my beach blanket...

Illustration Friday- "subtract"

2009-03-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

Kind of a stretch...I "subtracted" the text from an old book page...check out other entries here!

Conservatory in St. Paul, MN

2009-03-25T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have had a super busy week and have been preparing for a much needed mini-vacation in Los Angeles to visit some long lost friends this weekend. I visited the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul, MN last weekend with my parents and thought it would be great to share some fun pictures that I took in honor of my upcoming vacation to the tropics of LA! I took the bottom picture when we first stepped in and my lens fogged up immediately!

Thanks to all for the love sharing on Papernstitch! I really appreciate your support!

I will be posting my illustration friday submit tomorrow (later than usual-sorry!) and hopefully some great pictures from LA when I return!

Papernstitch- up and running!

2009-03-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!! My papernstitch shop, a paper bag of pearls, is up and running for the next month!!! Please please please visit my shop as well as all of the other shops that debut this month on this fantastic site that really supports artists and designers. Thanks Brittni!!!

If you have a chance to visit my shop and like what you see, please help my shop's rating! {just click on the heart near the banner}

xoxo, kara

Organized Collection Sunday

2009-03-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hello! I feel like I have posted a new organized collection every Sunday for a few weeks. So maybe I will try to make it a regular occurrence...today's installment:

Teal hair accessories+Pineapple Quartz beads

Vintage Keys and Pineapple Quartz beads

Have you made one yet?!

Happy Birthday Ruby!

2009-03-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Ruby, (Princess Rubalee of Clovers, if you want her full name) turned 4 years old today on Saint Patrick's Day! She is my best friend and the love of my life (and she just tooted and ran away from it as I write this). Where would I be without moments like this?!

Please notice the adorable heart that the spot on her side makes!

Happy Saint Patty's day everyone!

Illustration Friday- "legendary"

2009-03-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

"Her feathers were legendary, but she preferred to hide amongst the leaves...."

Prismacolor+opaque markers. Check out the other "Legendary" illustration friday submissions here!

Organized Collection- red

2009-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some new organized collection photos: Red! Check out more here!

I have had a busy weekend-

* I am getting ready for an upcoming exhibition at papernstitch next month! Check out this month's shops here! Yay! I can't wait...will keep you posted as the exhibition begins!

* I made some super cute new mini business cards at MOO.com for my etsy shop! Check out MOO's site- super easy and super fun to use...you can upload directly from flickr! I am dying with anticipation for the mini-cards to arrive...might be 10 days though!!!!

*and next week, my cute puppy turns 4 years old! WOW! and my parents are coming to visit next weekend...so, a busy next few weeks around here!!! And spring is just around the corner- things are looking up!

xoxoxo- keep you eyes peeled for an illustration friday post on Monday!

Honored and Excited!

2009-03-11T19:18:00.001-07:00

Hello, Friend, detail
Originally uploaded by Katie Runnels

I was lucky enough to be featured on the beautiful blog, The Constant Gatherer, by Katie Runnels (a fellow SCAD alumni) who makes the most lovely artwork from vintage treasures. She is well known for her yarn wreaths (see detail photo) which are AMAZING!

Please check out her blog to read the very kind post about my etsy shop, a paper bag of pearls!

Thanks so much for your support Katie!

(visit Katie's etsy shop as well, here)

Illustration Friday- "intricate"

2009-03-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is my Illustration Friday drawing for this week's topic, "Intricate". Intricate is a good topic for me, since it is actually really hard for me to draw something "simple". I think that I inherited that from my Dad- I have been exposed to his extremely detailed and amazing artwork my whole life. Anyways- I did attempt something new, detail work with watercolor on the stones. Please click the image for a larger view! And check out the other "Intricate" entries here!

Yellow+Blue Collection

2009-03-08T12:54:00.001-07:00

Ok...the Organized Collection thing is really fun! Might be a new obsession...

Pink! + Organized Collections on Flickr

2009-03-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite groups on Flickr (so far, I am sure there is so much that I have yet to discover) is the Organized Collection pool, that was created by amazing artist Camilla Engman.

I added my the top picture to the group and just by peeking around the other photographs, am inspired to start arranging everything I own into curated collections! Go check it out immediately here.

So, this is my "pink" collection...I just desperately love pink. Can't help it.

(and a happy happy happy birthday to my beautiful sister! I can't wait to post about what I got for her- but I have to make sure she got it first so I don't ruin the surprise!)

Daily drawing

2009-03-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

I drew you some pretty amoebas for you.

Illustration Friday! Breezy

2009-03-05T10:28:00.001-08:00

This week's topic is Breezy! I was thinking about how delightful a warm, sunny, flower scented breeze would be...
See the other illustrations here!

Chickens!

2009-02-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

I drew these chickens yesterday...I guess they are practicing their balancing act, you know...just in case. On another note, I listed a few new things in the etsy shop here:

and also opened a new flickr account here! Check it out and have a great weekend!!!

Celebrate! Illustration Friday (late) (whoops)

2009-02-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Spring,

Won't you please come to my party? I baked you a cake....

xoxo,

Kara in Minneapolis

My illustration friday submission for "Celebrate".

PS: it is snowing in Minneapolis.

a few new things in the shop...

2009-02-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! I just added a few things to "a paper bag of pearls" last night...click here to visit my shop for more pictures and descriptions.

Have a lovely Friday!

Daily drawing

2009-02-19T16:24:00.001-08:00

Hello...not having the greatest week at work, which makes me un-creative at home. I haven't figured out how to really separate the two. Today, I drew just to draw. It made me feel a little bit better.

I am still working on my illustration friday drawing for "Celebrate" (which ironically turned into a difficult subject...haha). I am planning to finish it tonight-just might not be as fabulous as it could be.

a sunny day and a shiny new ring...

2009-02-15T14:19:00.000-08:00

'Nuff said. Happy Sunday!!! Off to work on my Illustration Friday- this week's topic is "celebrate"

xoxoxo....

2009-02-14T08:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine's day is one of my favorite holidays, not really because of the actual day, but more because I really love all of the cute stuff! Especially these very sweet vintage valentines (circa 1930) that were all given to a Miss Helen Blue. I really wish that children still exchanged beautiful cards like these... I rescued them from a box in an antique store! Helen Blue, are you out there?

I also love pink, red, cupcakes, conversation hearts, and the little red gummy hearts! (my mom waits desperately all year for those) So what can I say?! I am a sucker for Valentine's day.

It is a beautiful sunny but snowy day here in Minneapolis! Perfect for cooking a romantic dinner for my valentine...

Illustration Friday- "time"

2009-02-12T18:47:00.001-08:00

Hello...I had a bit of an un-creative last week! I think the winter blues are beginning to get to me. I am going to work to push through it and get back in the groove this week! Here is my Illustration Friday drawing for the week. The subject is "time". I have been drawn to images of clocks lately and I envisioned them hanging out like birds on a power line. So there you go...

See you soon! Oh, and check out other artist's take on the subject here.

Etsy Shop is up and running!

2009-02-01T17:25:00.000-08:00

The etsy shop is up and running! Welcome to "a paper bag of pearls"! I have been working hard to photograph and list most of my inventory and plan on adding new items to the shop every week! Click here to visit!

Welcome home, Nikon D40...I've been waiting for you!

2009-01-31T17:19:00.000-08:00

I finally bit the bullet and bought a new camera!!! A beautiful Nikon D40 digital SLR camera that is going to aid in my quest to become a better photographer. I have been wading through the manuel, trying to understand the camera jargon, and testing out my new prized possession.

The camera is amazing! I am still in need of a tripod, which I think will be the key to my success. ( might go pick one up tomorrow)

I hope you have a great weekend! Stay tuned for my next Illustration Friday drawing- posted on Monday and the opening of the Etsy shop...close!

Daily drawing

2009-01-28T14:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite daily drawings yet... I think that I might work more on this drawing at a larger scale? She was fun to draw and decorate.

Illustration Friday- Climbing

2009-01-26T15:56:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Illustration Friday? It is a creative outlet for anyone to post an illustration inspired by their weekly topic. This is my first time participating and this week's topic is "climbing". I want to really use the idea of the random topic and draw the first thing that comes to mind...I think that will make it truly a creative exercise, rather than just one more thing I am trying to accomplish. If you are interested in seeing what other artists have drawn on the subject, click on the link. Participants can use any medium to illustrate and it is really interesting to see all the different ideas that one word can spark!

Oh... and my illustration is about a stone's difficult journey to the top of the rock pile. (I said that I was going to draw the first thing that I thought of!)

Etsy shop...teaser :)

2009-01-18T13:29:00.000-08:00

Hello...I am sure that you all are waiting with baited breath for the grand opening of my etsy shop... haha! (I am thinking the end of the month) I designed this header for the shop and wanted to share it with you!

What do you think?

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

My beautiful and wonderful mother is celebrating her birthday today and thank goodness! I have been desperate to show you the present that I made for her... a happy little winter bird in a tiny vintage frame.

I started with the tiny frame (I had picked a few up at a thrift store- at 40 cents, they seemed to good to pass up) and the sketch. My mom has a great collection of bird figurines from special places that she has visited, which was the initial inspiration. I have been feeling the need to embroider for awhile, and I thought that the embroidery and applique would be more special than 2d drawing.

I use iron-on stabilizer for the bird's body, tail, and wing and used a blanket stitch to applique them onto a natural silk ground. I stuffed the bird's body with a tiny bit of felt to make him a bit fatter. Then I added a beaded branch for him to stand on and a little stitched heart so my Mom knows that I love her! I used the patterned fabric (a freebie from the lobby of my apartment-SCORE) to back it and used dark blue velvet ribbon so she can hang it anywhere.

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you!

the absolute LUXURY! the love...

2009-01-12T19:10:00.001-08:00

I want you to see the love of my life! If you know me at all, you know that I have an absolute weakness in the knees at the sight of a really beautiful opal- or a faux-pal (this is MY term-BTW) The large necklace is perhaps and most likely the BEST six dollars that I have ever spent in my life! It is my favorite necklace- really, it GLOWs! I get compliments every time that I wear it...

So, getting to the point, I have recently discovered the value of Etsy (not for the amazing handmade everything), but for the SUPPLIES!

I have been going absolutely mad in Minnesota by the lack of quality (cheap!) antique stores that can provide me with the glory that I am used to...Savannah,GA was the spot for finding reasonably priced treasures!

Etsy has provided me with the treasures- vintage loveliness that will inspire me to create new jewelry. I used to find all sorts of broken bits of jewelry that were begging for a new life! I miss the thrill of the hunt, but online hunt is better than no hunt at all!

Now- I am the proud owner of 5 beeeeeeautiful faux-pals in a few different sizes and will be making something absolutely fantastic with them to share with you!

how to take photos of tiny shiny things...

2009-01-11T18:05:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of the photos that I have taken for the Etsy shop! I built the light box, and it seems to help- but getting great detail shots of tiny shiny things tends to be really difficult for me! I am using a vintage milk glass cake stand to hold the earrings and to make the photos a bit more interesting. (I actually use the stand as my everyday earring holder-works great!)

I am still averaging about 5 terrible photos to every 1 decent photo, but maybe practice will make perfect.

daily drawing

2009-01-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Happy friday! This weekend, I will be working on creating a lightbox, from a DIY that I found here. It doesn't sound too technically difficult, so hopefully it will get me on my way to better photographs for the blog and for the up and coming Etsy shop! I have been researching photo styling ideas as well, so I will be testing a few out with the new light box.

Also, I have a special someone's birthday coming up next week (that's you Mom!) so I am working on a top secret project for her this weekend as well. I will be taking pictures in progress to show you after the big day!

Have a fantastic weekend!

xoxo

daily drawing

2009-01-08T16:35:00.000-08:00

I felt like hiding the other day....

Tweet!

2009-01-07T17:05:00.000-08:00

Do you ever feel like this? When you just want to stand on a box and shout... I don't think that my bird is mad...just excited and ready to be heard.

I had doodled the main element of this page a really long time ago and found it when I was cleaning my desk. I knew I would need it someday!

Daily drawing

2009-01-06T16:25:00.001-08:00

I was feeling red.

Happy New Years

2009-01-03T11:56:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! (a few days late...) I wanted to share my resolutions with you as well as get them written down so I can't back out! The image above is an illustration that began as a collage of totally random images and drawings. I really loved how it all came together, so I re-interpreted it in pen and ink. I had planned on finishing it with digital color and sharing it with you.....about four months ago! Which leads me to my first resolution:

*to finish what I start and focus on one thing at a time*

(remember my design ADD?) I am interested in so many different things, which I think is good- but does it hold me back from being really brilliant at my true calling? (haven't nailed down the true calling yet either...)

*to become a better photographer*

The styling and the shooting to truly showcase my work. Sooooooo important for selling work online- which leads me to my next resolution-

*to open a new Etsy shop*

I am planning on using my stock from Finch's Holiday Boutique to develop a focused and curated Etsy shop. I really want to begin selling online and to create this shop as a true reflection of myself and my point of view. The shop's name? "a paper bag of pearls", of course!

I want to focus on the details and make it work!

*continue blogging and not let stress at work take over my life*

*exercise more and show my love to my family*

That is all! Phew! I hope that I didn't bore you...and I hope to follow through with these thoughts and goals. Happy 2009!

A pillow for my sister...finished product!

2008-12-29T20:38:00.000-08:00

This is the pillow that I made for my sister for Christmas! Check out the post below for a play by play of my process of designing and executing the pillow. Enjoy!

A pillow for my sister...start to finish

2008-12-29T20:05:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a girl who knows her way around a toss pillow! When my sister mentioned that she had need for a few decorative pillows, I knew that I wanted to make her something special! First, I started with a drawing of medallion that I wanted to build the pillow design around. Then, I found the perfect starting point- a lone cuff link that I had been hoarding. It was a simple and beautiful warm-ish gray cut glass cuff link that I trimmed down with pliers. Then I started beading...
I had leftover fabric from Project Tote Bag, so if it looks familiar- that's why! I used it because I absolutely LOVE the colors and the polka dot fabric!
I did the embroidery completely freehand- which is why it is not as perfectly symmetrical as the drawing- and edged it with a gold beaded blanket stitch. I layered the beaded medallion onto the embroidered wool felt, onto dark green leather trim and finally onto the pillow.

What do you think?

xoxoxo-kara

a christmas past...

2008-12-29T19:57:00.000-08:00

This is the necklace that I made for my mother at Christmas last year! I finished it very last minute, ahem, and never had the chance to photograph it...

I made it by weaving a "rope" of beads- a time consuming process that most likely, I will not repeat! The end result is a 3d beaded chain that has a fantastic hand-feel and weight to it.

daily drawings- a stash from last week + family portrait

2008-12-24T11:16:00.000-08:00

This is super funny if you know us...super cheesy if you don't! Merry Christmas!
This is my new preferred method of travel, after spending the night at the O'hare airport last night!
A winter bird in the snow...
mmmmmmm....swirly!

Happy Holidays! I will post some pics of fun gifts after the big reveal tomorrow!

Daily drawing ...Holiday edition #1

2008-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:00

Hello! Finch's Holiday boutique was a great success! I sold lots of necklaces and earrings and one pair of gloves! I am thinking of using the rest of the collection to begin a new Etsy shop. (maybe in January...)

Check out the blog for some more great "in store" shots of the sale here.

All the holiday shopping at the boutique as well as putting up our TINY, but real tree has put me in a Christmasy mood so I drew some ornaments for you (2 days in a row!).

Enjoy!

PS: a holiday "family portrait" to come :)

the rest of the pictures!!!

2008-12-11T18:32:00.000-08:00

here are the rest of the pictures from the below post!

I'm back! (finally!) Finch's Holiday Boutique

2008-12-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hello hello... I know that it has been such a long time! I have been super busy + exhausted from work, but things are looking up :)

Even though it seems that I have been un-productive on this blog, I was shocked to realize how many things I actually made for Finch's Holiday Boutique while sitting on the couch! I made tons of beaded medallions before I started putting everything together last weekend.

I am proud of the collection that I will have for sale at Finch's this weekend! Here are a few shots of the tags that I made as well as the overall collection. (sadly, I was unable to get great shots of each individual item (dead camera and last minute timing!) but I am hoping to get some "in store" shots at the sale this weekend!

kara = missing in action???

2008-11-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hello...I wanted to apologize for my lack of posts lately! I have been buried in stressful days + late nights (well, later than 5pm which is when my brain switches off) + weekend days at work.

The busy time at work makes me just about able to pour a glass of wine and cook dinner when I get home- and not much else.

The only thing that I have been motivated to do is to sew beads to things- something that I completely enjoy and is blissfully mindless. When I can work up the energy to take a decent photo, I will post some new beaded medallions (that will eventually become all sorts of glorious necklaces and jewelry items).

i haven't forgotten about you*don't forget about me...

xoxo

new necklace!

2008-11-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

I finished this necklace the other day- I had this beautiful metal pendant that was missing its center and needed some love. I used beads in shades of green and blue around an old rhinestone from a different broken piece of jewelry. The back is finished with a scrap of dark turquoise leather and the pendant dangles happily from a vintage chain. Hopefully, it will find a new friend at Finch's Holiday Boutique !

studio mate

2008-11-01T10:34:00.000-07:00

I wanted you all to meet my studio mate! She sits on my window sill in all sorts of compromising poses and looks sassy. I rescued her from the Rose Bowl flea market in LA.

new projects!

2008-10-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

A new palette of beads...sorry for the blurry photo, but they looked so beautiful in a row that I had to take a photo! There is something so great about the potential of raw materials...I believe that I described the new beads as "test tubes of magic," and they truly are!!!
I have been making medallions with the seed beads and vintage buttons or jewelry findings and planning on..
...making boring winter gloves fabulous!!!
but... are the medallions a little too fabulous for the gloves??? That is the question! Should they be attached? or should they be pins that are sold as a set, that could be attached to the wearer's favorite gloves? (cheap gloves included???)
hmmm....decisions, decisions. I am planning on making some jewelry with this beading technique...and am pretty excited about it!!! I truly love beading...most people think that it is so monotonous, but with each stitch of the beads, I feel like I am creating something precious. I have loved beading since I was REALLY small...

So, anyway... the reason for the new projects is Finch's Holiday Boutique, which is a super cute annual craft show/sale! Please check the link to see pics from the past shows and the dates for the upcoming sale!

I got tagged!

2008-10-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented Van, from rhymes with fun has tagged me here, which means that it is my turn to continue the sharing of all great secrets...the contents of the purse! So here goes...
1. The purse! This is my favorite purse...a gift from Zach, my boyfriend. It is a HOBO bag, which means that it has a super cute lining that makes me really happy every time that I open it! I have been carrying it for about 8 months now. I think that it needs a vacation.

2. The HOBO wallet that matches! Zach thought that I needed a grown-up wallet. This wallet will not get a vacation! I love it!

3. Heavy diamond paperweight...ok, I don't really carry this around-but if I could, I would! A birthday gift from a dear friend.

4. a variety of gum...one is a really weird flavor- Strawberry Mint. Who ever thought that those flavors went together....and why did I buy it? It isn't too bad.

5. Cherry Carmex. Sadly, winter is coming upon us again here in minneapolis. That means that carmex is crucial as my lips get brutally chapped!

6. The work badge...

7. A variety of lipstick...I have a new favorite that I got in New York on my last trip.

8. Random jewelry. Sometimes I have to de-jewel after work, so into the purse they go!

9. My checkbook...I write one check a month, so I am not sure why I feel the need to have it in my purse.

These were forgotten in the first picture, but they are always in my purse...

10. My trusty little jump drive! I can't believe how long I have kept track of this bad boy!

11. My lovely keys...with the really old flip flop key chain. I love it because it is easy to find in my purse, and if I ever forget my name, it is conveniently spelled out for me. Zach's aunt or mom bought this for me at the beach a few years ago.

12. My silly tiny little cell phone. I feel like Zoolander.

There you go! Are you bored yet? Did you think that I would have cooler stuff hidden in my bag? (not pictured, my tiny gold camera and a framed picture of Van...just kidding! :)

Ok, so I am tagging Miss Abby of Lovey Dovey Designs...Abby, will you please spill the contents of your purse for us?

daily drawing

2008-10-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

It kinda looks like a pineapple....but really it is flowers in a faceted bud vase. Well, unless you want it to be a pineapple. Your choice.

daily drawing

2008-10-10T15:55:00.001-07:00

A very mischievous little bird...tee hee tee hee.

Daily drawing

2008-10-10T15:45:00.001-07:00

A rainy day in good old Minnesota.

Daily drawing

2008-10-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

A cabinet of curiosities...

girl + city = love

2008-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

A trip to the Brooklyn Flea Market... tons of fantastic vintage and indie designer goods. Check out the super cute horse print dress below, as well as my favorite NYC purchase of all...

A paper bag of pearls (best phrase ever)!!! I found these beee-utiful vintage pearls (super heavy, four strands separated with tiny crystals) and debated the price for a few minutes before thinking that they were too expensive for a flea market. I started looking around the rest of the booth, but knew that the pearls HAD to be mine when every time I heard anyone walk near the pearls, I whipped around to make sure that they didn't touch MY pearls.
Before I knew it, I was the proud owner of five pounds of pearls in a glorious little paper bag!

Oh, the luxury....

I am a believer that jewelry in a little paper bag is way more exciting than a fancy box!

Check out the other NYC pics below!

xoxo

I wish that I had a robot collection....

2008-10-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

A small snapshot of my friend's robot collection, mostly vintage and all fantastic!

Off to NCY!

2008-09-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

I am on VACATION for a week! I made it to New York last night and am already having a fabulous time! On Tuesday, I am heading to North Carolina to spend some time with my man's family.

I will be back next week hopefully with some great photos to share!

xoxo

Daily drawing

2008-09-15T15:58:00.000-07:00

Do you know your alphabet???

Project Tote Bag- Start to Finish

2008-09-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Raw Materials - fabric, leather, beads....
The finished "main attraction"...the part that took me the most time.
Detail of the finished tote bag...note the embroidery and vintage rhinestones
This is the tote bag that I made for the Craft Swap Beta that my friend Van organized. Five talented ladies had one month to make a tote bag to swap. The girl who I was making the tote for has a similar color aesthetic as me. Her style is very Anthropologie-esque -which inspired me to use beautiful colors and fabrics, vintage accents and hand sewn elements for the bag.

I used a sturdy thick woven fabric with a nice sheen as a base in a light aqua and cream and lined it with a really cute dark green tiny polka dot fabric. For the detail work, I spent most of my time beading the center embellishment. I love to cover surfaces with seed beads- you end up with a really beautiful piece that has this amazing weight to it. It is layered on a piece of dark green leather that matches the lining. Other embellishments around the border include the "cretin" embroidery stitch on the top and bottom and a vintage rhinestone necklace that I stitched on for a little extra sparkle.

Pottery Pictures!

2008-09-08T16:15:00.001-07:00

Here is some of the finished glorious pottery from the class that I took over the summer. Mostly we threw on the wheel which is really great if you are in the zone and totally frustrating if you are not. Overall, I really enjoyed the class and the time that I spent in the studio. I never really valued the time that I spent working in the studios in college...I guess because it was considered "homework". Now, after spending the majority of my time in a (artistically designed /mood board-esque and completely messy) cubicle, it seems so fantastic to spend some time in a studio. Especially when I am wearing jeans and a tee instead of "business casual" and heels.

Ahhhh...to know then what I know now. I think that I would have treasured my studio time all the more.

I did improve my pottery skills, although most of my pots collapsed if they got bigger than 6 inches tall. They are all considerably lighter in weight than my 20 lb bowls that I made in high school art class- a definite improvement! Please note the cute little birds hiding amongst the pots. I made about a zillion of them when I was not in the throwing mood. Is it weird that I got an urge to make a kindergarten "pinch pot" too?

Sorry about the lack of posts lately...I am entering the busy time at work again, which mean that my daily drawings suffer- Pictures of the tote bag that I made for the craft swap to come.

xoxo-

Daily drawing

2008-08-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

Orchids from my table...

Daily drawings from last week..

2008-08-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello. Here are my drawings from my crazy last week...please note the progression of mood from Monday to Friday.

xoxo