Holiday Blog Day 6: Let's Serve Brunch!

I don't know about you, but I love brunch! So I decided to put together some ideas for everything you would need to serve an awesome holiday brunch with a woodland theme. So get some ideas, grab some friends, and get together!

Ikea - Rustik Flatware, Alster Serveware, assorted tea towels

Love the wood details on these Ikea untensils! And  20 pieces for under $30, who can say no?  Same with the tea towels! What better way to update your kitchen for the season than some pretty patterned tea towels?

KayeRachelle - Placemats
urbanplusforest - Birch napkin rings
juliepeach - Linen Napkins
DeMossDesignsWood - Wood Bowl

Aren't these lovely table staples amazing? Plus they are all handmade! You can't get much better than that. All of these together would make such a lovely warm setting. I especially adore the birch wood napkin rings!

miwoodcrafts - birch tea candle holder
atstuart - concrete moss trio centerpiece
eelightfulCandles - beeswax honeycomb candles

Don't forget about an eye-catching centerpiece! I chose these for their unique and wonderful textures because texture helps to add depth to the feeling your trying to capture. All of these centerpieces come in multiples so you have more freedom in how they are arranged.

Harney and Sons - Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea
darshanpottery - Ceramic Mugs
WonderVintageShop - Vintage teapot

Whenever I think of the holidays, I always think of Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea. If you've never had it before, you are missing out! It's a strong tea that is so full of cinnamon goodness it just makes you smile when you sip it. It's got a wonderful sweetness too, you don't really need any sweetener with this tea. Serve it up in these adorable handmade mugs and this perfect vintage teapot.

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Menu:
Quick Quiche  
Alaska Salmon Bake with Pecan Crunch Coating

Frisée, Baby Spinach, and Golden Beet Salad
Sweet Potato Casserole
Cheese Straws
 
Cinnamon Rolls 
Hot Apple Cider
 

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These recipes don't necessarily have to be made together! Have some fun and make some food :)

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 As a side note, 
I'm getting ready for my show tomorrow at Ridgley Middle School so stop by if you have some time! It's a really nice little show and it's a great place to buy handmade gifts! 

xoxoxoxox -Amy

Holiday Blog Day 5: Outfits that Shine

Today I've curated some outfits that are fit for the season. I'll show you 5 outfits that you can wear to 5 different occasions.  I'm also showcasing some of my own work to show you how easily you can go from awesome to awe inspiring, simply by accessorizing.

1) Out to Brunch

Clothing
debenhams.com Slate Cable Poncho
nelly.com Club L Lace Detail Top
wallisfashion.com Black Twill Slim Leg Jean
metroparkusa.com Dollhouse Aspen Boot
newlook.com Pink Quilted Shell Envelope Clutch

Jewelry:
Medallion Pearl Bracelet
Sweet Wood Drop Earrings

Why it Works:
This outfit is arranged around neutrals and both the Medallion Pearl Bracelet and the Wood Drop Earrings are built around the same neutral color scheme. The bracelet pairs super well with the lace shirt by mirroring the floral motif and adding more softness to the look with the fresh water pearls around the band. Since the lace and cowl neck of the sweater are so close to the face, you only need simple little earrings like these to complete your outfit.

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2) Weekend Coffee Date

Clothing:
indressme.com Fleece Long Sleeve ponch
jcrew.com Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee
Topshop Moto 'Leigh' Skinny Jeans
TOMS cotton loafer
charlotterusse.com Leatherette Cross-Body Bag
newlook.com  Purple Tribal Woven Belt

Jewelry:
Triangle Ikat Earrings
Kaide Wood Pendant

Why it Works:
The Triangle Ikat Earrings have the same casual, earthy feel that this outfit has. They help unite the tribal influences of the cardigan and belt.  The aqua colored shirt pairs really well with these earrings too and they help pull together the olive color pants by keeping everything in the same blue/green family. The Kaide Wood Pendant just adds to the natural and free feeling of this ensemble.

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3) Bonfire

Clothing:

aeropostale.com Long Sleeve Alison Plaid Woven Shirt

oldnavy.gap.com The Rockstar Cords (Time Will Teal)

sheinside.com White Removable Hooded Sleeveless Vest Coat

lordandtaylor.com Shearwater Grey & Blue Plaid & Rubber boots

amazon.com Tahiti Sunshine Scarf

houseoffraser.co.uk Therapy Fairisle print glove

Jewelry:

Diamond Stud Earrings

Sweet Wood Charm Bracelet

Why it Works:

This outfit is practical and fun with a muted citrus color scheme that really goes well with the Diamond Stud Earrings. The Sweet Wood Charm bracelet adds to that woodland feel that you get with the plaid boots and shirt. These pieces of jewelry are great for an outfit that requires you to bundle up. The studs stay close to your ears so they won't catch on scarves and hats and the bracelet is able to peak out from between your layers of gloves and jackets. You can still be stylish and warm!

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4) Holiday Cocktail

Clothing:

asos.com  Mango Kate Bandeau Peplum Bodycon Dress

2bstores.com  Studded Skull Clutch

heels.com Jessica Simpson Waleo Shoe

beauty.com essie nail color Polish, Tart Deco

Jewelry:
Pearl Cluster Flower Necklace - Pastel

Why it Works: The coral pops of color pull together this gorgeous outfit by focusing the attention on your neck, nails, and feet. The subtle sheen of the pearls softens this sophisticated night look. Finish it off with simple pearl studs and your ready to party!

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5) Christmas shopping

Clothing:
oldnavy.gap.com Cowl-Neck Sweater Dress
sheinside.com Yellow Long Sleeve Lace Neckline Drawstring Pockets Trench Coat
urbanog.com Brisk Stroll Socks
maurices.com Reese Tall Riding Boot
pullandbear.com Flag Print Shopper Bag

Jewelry:
  Half Star Necklace

 Why it Works: The Half star necklace is a great addition to this outfit because it adds  to the festive feel of this look. It's playful nature pairs well with the motifs in this outfit: The fair isle stars on the socks, the bold flag pattern bag, and the lace details of the trench coat. Plus the contrasting colors really make this piece stand out on the red of the dress.



xoxoxoxo - Amy

Holiday Blog Day 2: Ornament Gift Ideas

 

Ornaments are up for sale in the shop! Hang them on a tree, window, wall or tie them atop a gift! They add interest to wine bottles you are giving as hostess gifts. Or, stick them on the front of a holiday card for something extra special. Plus, many of these patterns aren't strictly for  the holidays so your friends and family can enjoy them all year round!

 Some of my favorite ornaments are the three I based off my jewelry designs:

Based off my Sweet Wood Circles Necklace

Based off my Little Flower Slider

Based off my Rose Window Pin

Since I  always think it's great when people theme their gifts,  I decided to compile a few gift giving ideas that pair well with some of my ornaments:

1) Orient Blue Ornament

2) Made for You Prints, Sea Coral art print set

3) Artet Manufacture, Mug

4) Esschert Designs USA, Window Planter

5) A Passion for Blue and White by Carolyn Roehm

6)LenitaGM, Circle Scarf White leaves

1) Sparkling Rose Ornament

2) Sondra Roberts, Rose Box Clutch

3) Treasures by Shabby Chic, Mirror

4) Green Grass 2, Rose Moleskin notebook

5) Eterie, Pink Flower Headband

1) Zen Flower Ornament

2) Econica, Hoodie Wrap Shirt

3) Lungta Imports, Tibetan singing bowl

4) Gaiam, Yoga Mat

5) Jag Din, Wall Planter

6 ) The Revolution Soap Co., Vegan Root Chakra Soap

Happy Gift Giving!

xoxoxoxo - Amy

First day recap

Wow! So much fun in Fells today! The weather was great, people were super friendly and I even had some wonderful friends drop by! Thanks for a great first day! I was so busy during the show I didn't sit down for more than a half hour total. You know it's been a good day when you're starving and exhausted at the end :)

Some of my favorite moments from today include:

- A man from Seattle telling me to move out West.

- two girls who bought matching friendship bracelets ( so adorable!!)

- meeting another jeweler who had worked at a Michaels craft store (some funny stories shared)

- enjoying conversation with a fully face painted lady from Tokyo.

- being recognized on the street by one of my blog followers, unexpected and kind of awesome! I almost felt famous lol :)

Tomorrow it is supposed to rain, but I guess I don't really care :)

Xoxoxoxo - Amy

Fall Colors

When standing alone, a pattern is just a pattern. A spot of red, a drop of blue, a single word from a poem. But combine them and they sing songs, they tell stories. An ebb and flow of color and feeling.

When I design, I'm always striving for a feeling of continuity despite the myriad of colors and patterns I use.

This Fall is a visual story spoken through stone grays, muted coral, and burnt orange. When spun together, they speak of warm sunshine moments and cozy indoor nights, an apple orchard and pumpkin spice. A pause before the bite of winter.

Xoxoxo - Amy

In love

It's been a while! But I'm back and out of my rut from yester-posts. :) It's been a busy week including tearing apart my living room, treasure hunting, seeing friends, baking pies, changing habits, lots of excercise and of course spending a good deal of time in the studio. Oh also I've finally jumped on the bandwagon that is instagram so if your wish is to see too many photos of my cats, food and me posing with both please feel free to follow along. find me under: Sunahblairjewelry.

Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things I've added to my Awesome!/ hahaha list:

 1)

 This is so cool, it looks like sunlight right? Well it's not! It's actually an installation by artist Daniel Rybakken in a Stockholm office building. The building had no real daylight so he used LED lighting behind wall panels to create this awesome illusion. Awesome!

You can see more images from this project here.


2)

I've recently found and fallen in love with the website, This Japanese Life, which is written by a New England expat in Japan. His writing is insightful and hilarious and most of all interesting. One of my favorite posts I've read so far is: On Forgetting your Umbrella in Japan. Have a read!


3)

If you know anything about Kirk and I, you know how much we adore Ikea kitchens.  Obviously we are not alone, I stumbled upon this video a few days ago and it just made me laugh. Also Kirk and I recently reread this funny article called Ode to the Ikea Cabinet. This also made me laugh...again. So if you want to pay homage to the affordability and versatility that is the Ikea kitchen, read and watch!

Hope you all are having a lovely week!

xoxoxoxo -Amy

Weather affects my mood

I belong in Washington state. I heard its rather rainy there. Are you affected by the weather? I know I am. I enjoy sunny days but I get the most done when it's raining. Today I've already practiced yoga, cleaned the house, and sketched for an hour. Wish it rained every morning :) now I'm studio bound to finish some orders!

Xoxoxo - Amy

First of the year

Beans! Some of the best I've grown thus far too! I think I'm going to use them in a tempura dish tomorrow night. There are also flowers on the cucumber plant so just a bit longer to wait! I love garden fresh food :)

Xoxoxo - Amy

View from the booth

Art in the park is always such a pretty show! Here's the view from my booth today. Come out and enjoy the sunshine in Carroll county today!

Art in the park

Despite the thunderous weather yesterday, today is looking fairly bright! See you all at Art in the Park today!


Xoxoxo- Amy

Bangles!

Just wanted to share one if my newest designs-in-progress! I'll let the photos speak for themselves :)

Xoxoxo- Amy

View from the show

Actually set up early! What is happening to the world! So I took a few photos from my booth. All I can say is, if I were a boy, I'd have loved to go to this school! They have solar panels powering their athletic building! Love :)

Towson recap

I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to just say how rare and wonderful it was at Towson spring festival this year! The rare part was the no-rain-not-scorchingly-hot weather and the wonderful part was all the happy people I got to meet! There must be something in the air, the mood seems to be lighter at all of the shows this year! I'm not complaining :)

Also, I just have to mention this because I was so excited: my fantastic Midnight Matsuri statement necklace finally found a home at this show! For those of you who don't know, that was my absolute favorite piece to make as of yet! oh, and it looked absolutely stunning on her! So happy!

In other news, I planted my first crop of veggies in the garden yesterday. Feels so good to get back in the dirt. As for today, I'm getting ready for the Gilman School Family Day this Saturday. Always exciting to be invited to try new venues!

Xoxoxo - Amy

Recycled centerpiece

I decided its time to spruce up the house a bit and bring in a little of that spring feeling. This grassy centerpiece I made using found objects from the past: vase is from a wedding centerpiece, flowers are from my moms old arrangement in her basement, grass is from an Ikea project gone wrong, tin bucket used to hold soap when we lived at the apartment, and the blue ribbon is cut off an old dress I donated to salvation! Oh and the placemats are leftovers from my old jewelry display! Here they all are brought together and reborn :) and the best part is: I didn't bring in anything new ( so there is no need to find new storage space!)

Challenge yourself to create with what you already have :)

Xoxoxo - Amy

Divide and conquer

Today is a wonderfully rainy one! I love these kind of days because for some reason, I become super motivated. 2 cups of hazelnut coffee and a few hours have created a pile of jewelry. I'm currently creating some work to be shown in a New York gallery this summer. So it's been a, "one for this show, one for that" sort of day. I hope you all have been equally productive!

Xoxoxo- Amy

Super Hot

Today was super hot! Like ice coffee weather hot! So instead of working I took the day off to have fun with my friend Lis :) she introduced me to all this fun makeup at urban outfitters! Who knew they had such cute colors? I purchased this adorable set in a mix of neutrals and purples, so pretty! The best part of it all: only $5. !!! Right?! Geez must be the weather, because that's crazy.

Xoxoxoxo- Amy

Early Start

Ah! I got up so early today. Feeling pretty energetic after doing all that cleaning! You could say that my oosouji was a great success :) I got my run in this morning and made this delicious and nutrient packed egg white and spinach pepper omelet. A great start to a great day! Now I'm off to donate clothing since I had a closet Zen moment yesterday haha. Since I'm still feeling quite minimalist today I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from, Tales from the Tao:

"In the world of knowledge,

 Everyday something new is added, 

In the pursuit of Tao, 

Every day something is let go" - Lao Tzu

Hello New Year!

Clay critters looking ahead to the new year! 

Sketch using Pantone's color forecast for spring 2012. 

Preview of some new designs

So 2011 and the year of the rabbit has finally passed! This year I have no real resolutions so I'll keep this short. I do wish to try harder to stay ahead of things, to flex my creative muscles a bit more, and embrace the things that come my way with an open mind. I accomplished a lot in 2011 but I'm hoping that 2012 will bring even more surprises! (For starters, moving my studio down to the second floor this month) Thank you to all of my loyal customers, friends, and supporters and I hope this year finds you healthy and happy! Let's start this year off working hard to reach our goals and grasp our dreams. Hello 2012!

xoxoxo - Amy