big bucket-o-roses

I play pretend florist to those I love- these were for my mother-in-law for her 65th birthday party last weekend. The opened just right for her special day.

Lots of really fantastic things in my inbox this week, but this is the material thing I long for right now. A newly issued item from Bauer- the round butter dish. Can't you just feel the weight, the smoothness and the lovely rings?
Now, which color do I want?

bleu dahlia personalized stationery

More lovely notecards that will be going to volunteers at my neighborhood elementary school. Nice of the teachers to treat them, don't you think? These styles will be available soon at bleu dahlia.

birthday girl airlines!

This is really fun. Inspired by a "ticket jacket" given to me from my friends in Seattle. The jacket arrived in the mail and was filled with my birthday itinerary of fun in Seattle and of course gift cards for coffee on the way.

This derivative is a birthday card that sets the mood for a surprise trip to Vegas for a 65th birthday, staying at Paris Las Vegas Casino. A super special trip between sisters!
Remember when you actually had to have a ticket when you traveled?
This ticket is for a flight on Birthday Girl Airlines, the actual travel itinerary is tucked behind.
I'm sure there will be plenty of champagne and good times.

day to evening challenge

My client requested an invitation for her sister. It needed to be two things in one, an invitation to the bridal shower and an invitation to the bachelorette party, both on the same day. Needed to be fun and promise of the good times to come, but Gramma was also going to see it, so it couldn't be to...too- if you know what I mean. Came out well I think...
Cost: $60 design fee, $10 each.

the approach

It's all in the approach- this is true for so many things. From the perfect hit in volleyball (yes I am mid season with AAU volleyball with my daughter :)) to concepting the perfect event. I was watching Martha and she featured this talented man on her show Tuesday. Unexpected approaches create such effortless, gorgeous arrangements and more. See for yourself...
photos courtesy of artfool.com

american modern by russel wright

One of my first blog entries was about American pottery and my
fascination with it. I've been a collector for over 10 years now, and some of my favorite pieces are from the Bauer company.

Bauer is back, and as beautiful as ever- That news has been around for awhile, but this is new and exciting... the release of the American Modern line,

The initial line consists of fourteen of the original most popular and useful pieces including dishes, bowls, serving platters, serving bowls, tea set and a unique new coffee mug, all in bold mix-and-match colors carefully chosen by Russel Wright for their food presentation drama and bold modern flair.

Chartreuse, coral, sea foam, granite and white have been carefully matched to original colors enabling the durable new Bauer American Modern to be paired with original, rarer pieces for perfect staging and practicality in any modern setting.

If you are feeling the pinch of the economy, an affordable way to start your Bauer collection is to order from their "seconds sale."It happens a couple of times a year, sign up for their e-list and you won't miss it. I have ordered and and have found them to be completely wonderful- usually just a little glaze pop somewhere or small glaze slip. Or you can also browse your local thrift store for a "hiding treasure" I just found an adorable Bauer tea light last week in a charming pink speckle- scored it for $1.50.
Here's to the new Bauer, mix it up and mix it in with your vintage collection.
photos courtesy of bauer.com

color fashion show week: bleu

color fashion show week: orange

color fashion show week: pink

textciting at house

my favorite typefaces are built at house industries- it's pure genius,innovation and creativity as you look through their portfolio and website. Always releasing a lifestyle icon with each typeface, the graphic design industry eagerly awaits new releases. Today our lucky day! Take a looky loo...

Cinderella dressed in yella......

Each year Pantone selects a color of the year- This year it happens to be Mimosa. A georgeous bright yellow! Mimosa is now one of my favorite colors and it's also the name of a cocktail you can order before noon without scandalous looks from the table next to you!

When I was growing up my parents let my sister and I select the colors for our bedroom, I was in the 5th grade- and we agreed on bright yellow walls, lime green trim and bright orange plush carpet. Bright colors have always been at the top of my box of favorite colors- thanks mom and dad for the creative license!

Are you a color freak that follows along? or an inquiring mind who wants to know who the past winners of this award are...

2000 15-4020 Cerulean BlueChosen for the millennium for its calming zen state of mind.
2001 17-2031 Fuchsia RoseA reversal from the previous year, more exciting, more feminine and sexy.
2002 19-1664 True RedRecognizes the impact of 9/11 with a patriotic hue.
2003 14-4811 Aqua SkyA cool blue meant to restore hope and serenity.
2004 17-1456 Tiger LilyAcknowledges the hipness of orange, with a touch of exoticism.
2005 15-5217 Blue TurquoiseAnother reversal to a calming shade.
2006 13-1106 Sand DollarA neutral color that expresses concern about the economy.
2007 19-1557 Chili PepperChosen for its pizazz and sophistication and its hint of ethnic taste.
2008 18-3943 Blue IrisA mix of blue and purple that suggests dependability and magic.

(source: fontfeed.com)

NA na NA na NA na NA na...BATGIRL!!!

Here is something that excites me... Batgirl! As a kid I wasn't a superhero comics kid- I liked Betty and Veronica or Richie Rich. My husband is embarassed for me because I don't know what a bat-a-rang is... a bat-a-what? I've become aquainted with Batgirl doing research for this cute invitation. She really kicks a#*! Way better than Betty and catty Veronica! The little girl who is getting this invite is so cool, she wanted the"real BatGirl colors please" of purple and gold. So mothers across the US, ban your Barbies and give your daughter or son a BatGirl action figure!!!

nice package

One of the reasons I would love to open a retail shop is because I love great packaging (For some reason, my husband doesn't think that's reason enough...). The photo is of my sisters birthday presents- the glitter tag is reincarnated for special birthdays!

Even back in my retail days, I loved folding someone's purchase and wrapping it in tissue first before placing it in a bag. Today when I shop with my daughter at our local mall, I want to just grab her purchase and fold it before it carelessly gets stuffed into a bag. My first experience being wowed by the way my purchase looked was in Paris in 1988. I was seriously in a trance as my purchase was wrapped with care, then placed in a unique bag or box, then tied with real silk ribbon. And it wasn't just at the big name stores- little boutiques excelled in packaging as well- just part of the Parisian retail culture- ohh la la!

There are retailers out there that get it, packaging is reborn at places like the JUICY boutique, where the bag and box just knocks you out. The JUICY box {from my friend David} that was under our Christmas tree had my daughter in a total spaz the entire month of December. She even hung it on her wall like a piece of art, now that's great packaging!
Does great packaging excite you? Do you have a "signature" gift wrap? Let us know!

I resolve to....

...find more things that excite, motivate and inspire me...and you! This resolution list is from a fantastic website-http://www.presentandcorrect.com/. I find it to be out of the ordinary as it alludes to you having more fun this year! Isn't that all that really matters? Fun leads to inspiration which leads to ideas which lead to great projects which leads to productivity- that's my flow chart this year. Remember what's important to you as you make your daily to do list. Yeah, personalized to do lists will

be available soon at bleu dahlia!

december is for celebrating

Celebrating is exactly what December is for! not just for the holidays, but for birthdays too. This is a cute invite I did for a lucky girl in Wyoming. her mom goes over the top to make sure her birthday doesn't get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season.

and we are back on, in 3...2...1...

so the website was a little glitchy- now all is fixed- thanks to a really nice client who let me know. All is fixed now- and we are running a special!

Free pack of wine gift tags (of our choice) with any bleu dahlia.com order! No need to enter any special code, we'll simply include them in all orders until December 23rd. Don't forget free delivery in the Billings area!

There's still time to place your order- now get shopping!
p.s. have you seen our personalized notepads? so cute!

if i were in seattle this weekend...

Daily Candy tells me this show is going to be a the ultimate craft show. More than 100 indie designers will be there to peddle their artful knacks along with a DIY wrapping station to help make your gifts imaginative and green. For more info checkout the website. A DIY wrapping station? That's a great idea I hope a lot of craft shows implement. I'd love to see this one.

cutest brightest deliveries!

Cute styles ready for delivery- love the matching notepads! All the dogs were custom ordered aren't they adorable? Still time for Holiday delivery! Call or order online now!

more mini art pieces

It's a hit! These little sparkly "canvas of wisdom pieces" are super likeable. Here is my next round. Some repeats of sellouts, some new, some just updated. All really sparkly and happy. I really want to do one with a photo, maybe this weekend.