Hank + Hunt

WE'VE MOVED! GO SEE THE NEW HANKANDHUNT.COM

2011-08-26T01:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I am crazy excited about this...I've been talking about switching to a .com for.like.ever. Just ask my brother or Sharon! They are probably thinking...finally! Well, I am pleased to announce the all new, all awesome HANK + HUNT. I'm a DOT COM! Hooray! Here is a little peek, but starting with the FONT FRIDAY post today...all new content will be added to the new SITE. This is the last post here, but I will keep everything prior, so all those older links to content will remain active.

I owe a huge THANK YOU to Kerry of PAPER DAHLIA for her awesome branding and design advice. She is amazing and she can help you, too. I want to thank my brother for all his support and help getting the .com off the ground, I love you and I could never have done it without you. I also want to thank my biggest cheerleader, Sharon of CUPCAKES AND CUTLERY, for just being plain AMAZING and the greatest friend I've ever met on this crazy blogging journey.

Thank you ALL so much for all your lovely comments and love, I hope you will come see me over at my new home. The digs are much snazzier, I assure you.

all my love,
xo
Jenny

LAVENDER ICE CREAM FLOATS

2011-08-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

Good morning lovelies! Don't mind me while I race around behind the scenes making little bits of awesome and finishing up some school shopping. I did want to share a little DIY for grown up ice cream floats that I did over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION...

Have you ever had a LAVENDER ICE CREAM FLOAT? I have tried lemon lavender ice cream, but I had never heard of lavender soda until I tried DRY Soda. A company based in Seattle, making the most divine, not too sweet, all natural, only 4 ingredients, soda. It comes in a variety of flavors like cucumber, blood orange, lemon grass and rhubarb. I can say they are all delicious. DRY Soda was one of our sponsors for the Meet & Greet and I was dying to try it out for a float. It was awesome.

The packaging is so pretty, and the soda itself is clear. How gorgeous would these be at your next event? I highly recommend grabbing some on your next trip to the grocer.

*yes, I got the soda for free for the event, but all opinions and the idea to post this are mine.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: BEST EVER ICIING HOW TO

2011-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hi lovelies! One of my favorite shops online is BAKE IT PRETTY. A while back, I watched this video and was beside myself with happiness. Now, you don't have to be a master baker, just grab a box o' cake mix and a jar of frosting and voila. Bake It Pretty also sells the BEST EVER ICING KIT that is used in the video. Easy peasy.

psst...everyone will be REALLY impressed when you decorate your cupcakes like the bakery...trust me.
I have used these great pastry tools with whipped cream for tartlets and even mashed potatoes to make my cheater potpie pretty. AMAZING.

WOOHOO! BEAT FROM THE BASH

2011-08-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Monday lovelies!

So... Saturday was AWESOME and I am SO excited about all the FABULOUS people I met! It was even better than I had dreamed! A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our lovely sponsors: TROPHY CUPCAKES, MOLLY MOON HOMEMADE ICE CREAM, DRY SODA, HIGH 5 PIE for the DELICIOUS treats. These are THE best in Seattle, and I am so glad they were so happy to contribute! I know...you want details and best of all...the photos. I wish I had some candids, I brought my camera but didn't get any of those "oh look how cute Lyndsey is setting up" kinda photos I had hoped. We were too busy making it gorg! BUT...I am giddy just waiting for the photos to come back from Adele of ABIGAIL REESE PHOTOGRAPHY. I am so completely enamored with her photography and can't wait to see the photos from the event. Truly, if you are in the Seattle/Tacoma area...she is the sweetest and most talented lady EVER! Go see her wedding site, too, which is full of delicious photos at ADELE CABANILLAS. More on Adele, the party and those lovely treats {above} our guests got to take home soon. Today is for putting the organization back into the party closet, that had been raided and looks like it exploded in my dining room.

This week will also be light on posts since my oldest starts kindergarten next week! YAY! I'm both excited and could cry at the same time! xo

SNEAK PEEK...and a DIY

2011-08-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello! If you are wondering what I have been doing these past few days...here's a little peek.

Our MEET & GREET is tomorrow and I am just busting with excitement. I think I am especially excited to see some of my favorite bloggers who hail from Seattle. I've got my fingers crossed for a few (hint...hint...my favorite Uncle) to still come. If any of you are on the fence let me give you some of the details...we have some of the BEST in Seattle providing our refreshments. Seriously. Who can turn down TROPHY CUPCAKES, HIGH 5 PIE, MOLLY MOON ice cream, and DRY Soda?

Not to mention, Ms. Lyndsey and I personally made the goody bags (yay!) and stuffed them with CRAZY AWESOME swag (double YAY.)

But now for a little DIY for the weekend. Perfect for your next fete. Have you ever made a tissue pom? Have you tried to make them with crepe paper? You still get the amazing fluff, but it adds a little bit of unexpected texture. Have you added them both together? It is a variation in shade and texture and makes one neat-o pom in my personal opinion. You know how I have those random ideas? Well after making a bazillion tissue and a million crepe paper poms...I had some left. It was green so I had to use it. I layered the tissue paper in between the crepe paper and ta-da! I got a fun stripey pom pom.

All you will need is to unroll the crepe paper and fold in thirds. In between each crepe layer, add 2 sheets of tissue paper.

Fold accordion style, about 1.5 inches wide.

Tie with a piece of floral wire in the center. Fluff each layer and ENJOY! This is perfect for wall decor or poking out of a large installation. *Note: I would make two of these poms and tie them together in the center for a full pom. I would have done this, but (amazingly) I ran out of tissue paper.

One last little note...we are getting a blog makeover! I tried my best to get it ready for today, but I just want it to be PERFECT for you. Kerry over at PAPER DAHLIA and SUPER SWOON sprinkled a little bit of AWESOME on us for our new branding. She gets me so well. I love her and she is amazing to work with. So stay tuned...

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 20

2011-08-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Font Friday lovelies! This week is a gorgeous font apply names GELATO over on MyFonts. Isn't it fun?

I just love happy little ligatures. Enjoy!

Don't forget to swing by my FAVORITE FONTASTIC PALS in the world:

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: BALLOONS 'N MORE

2011-08-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

SOURCE: TIN CAN TREATS PHOTO: TEC PETAJA PHOTOGRAPHY

Yes, I missed Tuesday. I meant to post this but it really helps to preset your post if you actually want it to go...

Our last awesome vendor is BALLOONS 'N MORE, where you can get those gorgeous giant round balloons. They have the best prices I have found...and did you know they sell balloons that are 8 ft? Can you imagine? Keep small pets and children away from that photo op. I wonder how many of those little helium tanks it takes to fill that up. For the record, the small tank will do a bunch of little balloons (enough for garland) and 6 large round ones.

They also sell giant number balloons which I love. I just adore this picture from my inspiration file, number balloons from OH JOY! They also have letters!

They have hearts, giant hearts too! Speaking of hearts...I found this source while reading YOU ARE MY FAVE a while back. I heart Melanie!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: PARTY CHEAP

2011-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love this store. PARTY CHEAP is truly cheap and peppy. They have their images copyrighted and while I think it's okay, when I go to get the photos it gives me an angry little note...so this will be a text only post. I figured I'll just link to some of the cool stuff I like.

Confetti, anyone?
ARCADE CONFETTI
FANCY-FETTI DOTS {insert Kate Spade moment here}
MULTI-COLOR ART TISSUE CONFETTI
SERPENTINES {the little strips for throwing}

Precut Tissue Fringe...aka heaven.
TISSUE FRINGE DRAPE {make an easy fringe background}
ART TISSUE FESTOONING {aka garland, remember keywords to search later}

OMG...Oh...my...garland
ARCADE GARLAND
TISSUE LEAF GARLAND
PAGENT GARLAND
DROP FRINGE GARLAND {I think this could be used super pretty}
BUNTING {in a few colors}
INDOOR/OUTDOOR PENNANT FLAGS {yep, plastic...but if the background is blurred & outside}

and...honeycomb balls, individually priced.
ART TISSUE BALL

Ok...I could go on an on...great prices, and a pretty decent color selection. They have way too much stuff to list. I would start HERE and browse your little heart out. All of the sources today are worth a bookmark.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: DEVRA PARTY CORP.

2011-08-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Today for our 3 THINGS TUESDAY I am bringing out the big guns and sharing some super sources for party decor. These are all those little lovely hanging and tissue paper decor treats that only seem to be in a few colors here and there. So, I'm giving away secrets...well, not really because you could have found them with a good keyword search on Google. I'm just saving you the effort.

First up, this one I just found last week, DEVRA PARTY CORP. Devra has all those lovely little honeycomb balls and paper fans in gorgeous colors. The site is super easy to search and you can sort by color. The prices are great...and sell by the dozen.

HONEYCOMB SHEETS? They sell honeycomb tissue paper pads that you cut your design out of and then open to create a 3D thing of awesomeness...I'm seeing cupcake toppers dance in my head. My lovely DIY darlings...ready, set, GO! Let's see how awesome we can make this stuff.

*vintage photo frame: BESOTTED BRAND BLOG

HELLO - A SEATTLE BLOGGER MEET & GREET

2011-08-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

A happy, happy monday to you! I'm running around like crazy finishing the decor this week for Hello - A Seattle Blogger Meet & Greet and would love to tell you that if you are in the Pacific Northwest or just a blogger from LA, Florida, or North Dakota and will happen to be in Seattle on Saturday, email us for an invite! It's going to be awesome. Trust me...psst...I get to do the decorations. hee hee. We've got some of the best refreshments in the NW and you've got to come see! Besides, Lyndsey and I are super nice, really, and would LOVE to make new friends.

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 19

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Do you know what time it is? It's FONT FRIDAY TIME...yay! This week I have a similar one to last week's MAIDEN ORANGE. It's retro and cartoony, and I've played that up a bit with the colors, but it looks really cool in white as an overlay, too. It's called HAURACHERELL NC (don't ask me how to say it...I can hardly spell it) and it's a freebie over on DAFONT. How FUN, right? I've been working on some Back to School Printables for Cyd over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION and keep bouncing back between the two fonts. Decisions, decisions.

Don't forget to swing by my FAVORITE FONTARIFIC PALS in the world:

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

GUEST POST ON POSTCARDS AND PRETTIES

2011-08-11T06:36:00.000-07:00

{LILLY BIMBLE}

Happy Thursday! I was so floored when Christina asked me to do a guest post. I have a great hint for you over on POSTCARDS AND PRETTIES today about digital patterns. These might say they are scrapbook paper but did you know you can use them for party printables, too? I rounded up some of the best shops on Etsy and I really thing you should check them out. Heck, I make my own patterns, but I NEED some of these! Why recreate the wheel? Go see the post HERE.

FUSS FREE FETE #2: TABLECLOTHS

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday afternoon and you just found out your in-laws are coming to dinner. What. Do. You. Do? Well, since it's summer the easiest choice is BBQ, some quick little hamburgers or chicken and apple sausages with corn and an easy salad. Missing something?

The quickest way to spiff up the joint:
1. Go directly to your linen closet.
2. Grab a fun vintage tablecloth.
3. Put on table.

FUN: I love colorful linens. I have always collected vintage tablecloths. Every time I set foot in a thrift store I pop by the table linens aisle. Sometimes you can find one in near perfect condition that probably spent it's life in a buffet drawer. Another perk to shopping at the local shop is the price is remarkably lower than Etsy or Ebay (bonus for no shipping costs.)

MODERN: In my entertaining stash, I have new linens as well. I have these in large sizes, in neutral colors, to increase versatility. These are perfect for everyday meals and more "fancy" occasions. Also look for plain, bold patterns in bright colors. Target is excellent for affordable versions.

It's not necessary to break the bank with all those drool inducing textiles at Anthro. If you make it a habit to just pop in or peek on Etsy once in a while, you will find some amazing items. Case and Point...THIS is on Etsy as I write this. I have never seen anything like it...AMAZING!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #3 DIY BOX KITE KIT

2011-08-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

How amazing is this DIY BOX KITE KIT over at ANTHROPOLOGIE? How gorgeous and memorable for little ones to make in these last days of summer? Not to mention, this would be the coolest alternative to paper lanterns at a party, no?

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #2 MATTE BLACK CAKE STANDS

2011-08-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

You might already know that I have a moderately insane collection of cake stands. But I just found these matte black ones by MARTHA STEWART for Macy's and I NEED them. They are MATTE. I find that black is incredibly neutral for serve-ware and really makes your lovely desserts *POP*. Upon my hubby's dismay, I might be planning an acquisition...or three. I mean, how perfect are these for Halloween? They have mine written all over them.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: GEOMETRIC WATERCOLOR PATTERNS

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I might be in love with these gorgeous little watercolor patterns from AUGUST EMPRESS. I want to use them everywhere. AUGUST EMPRESS is a blog in Australia and is one of the most delightful sites that I just found last week, I hit paydirt on the inspiring new blogs, I love it when you go searching for new loves and then one just makes you go "oh, yes." Download these lovelies from her site HERE.

DIY PARTY ANIMALS

2011-08-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I have a DIY you won't want to miss over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION - PARTY ANIMAL CAKE TOPPERS. Yep, these are crazy easy and turn out undeniably cute. It's a must make for any occasion, can't you just see this little guy on that birthday dessert at the end of your bestie's dinner? I bet the restaurant would put it on top in the back to bring it out while they sing...which everyone hates, but you HAVE to do. Right?

My favorite is the squirrel. He's just so awesome. Can anyone count how many times I say awesome in the post on The Sweetest Occasion?

WATERCOLOR LANTERN DIY and what I did this weekend...

2011-08-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

So, while I was moping about from not going to BlogHer this weekend and not meeting my pal Sharon, I was learning new skills. I wanted to tell you about a little DIY I made for the TWIPS site. I decided to show you using my new skills. Isn't this just a bit of fun? Not sure if it will totally slow down the blog but, it should be cool.

Now, having both of these up on the site kind of makes me dizzy, so I might stick regular pics in here eventually. But I just thought it was fun for now.

And now for the fun one. I learned TWO different styles of animated GIF. Yep, I was busy. I even organized my DIY files, too! Here is the one I had the most fun with, even broke out the tablet {FINALLY}

Go see my Watercolor Lantern Tutorial HERE.
Now you are saying, I NEED to do this. Here are the two tutorials I found to learn. Seriously easy folks.
HERE {photo animation} and HERE {static animation} ENJOY! and let me know what you make!

**I know first hand the pain of slow internet connections {gasp} or dial-up... for my lovely readers that have that issue, I am truly, truly sorry for what this might do to your reading experience.

DIY EDIBLE BUNTING AND CUPCAKE FLAGS

2011-08-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday!

Here is a little DIY that has been sitting around for a bit. I thought I'd give you a little treat to start this week! These are basically just cookie pops or cookies on string dipped in melted candy wafers. Make them in any color or shape. Keep your eyes peeled 'cause I am going to make these in another shape for a shoot later on in the next few weeks!

Supplies: baking twine
lollipop sticks or wood drink stirrers
knife
small dish of water
cookie dough
candy melts (I used Wilton)

Prepare cookie dough (my favorite is by THE DECORATED COOKIE) and chill as directed.

Preheat oven to 350. Cut out a flag template from a piece of paper. Roll dough to 1/4” thick and cut a straight line with a knife down the center of the dough.

Place template even with line, and cut flag. Move down the line to cut another flag. This will make a perfect flag between the two places you made the template at. Continue down the line. Once you are done with that side, cut another straight line down the other side to complete the second set of flags. Continue until all flags are cut out.

For topper flags:

Place flags on baking sheet, leaving room between each for the length of the stick. Very gently pres sticks in each cookie, about 1/4" from the edge, as shown. Do not press all the way through. Using your finger, lightly we each flag's entire surface. Place a second flag on top of each and lightly press down. The second flag will stick to the first, use your finger to smooth edges and sides so it looks like one cookie.

Once all cookies are cool, melt candy in microwave, per package's instructions, in a small to medium size bowl.

Take each cookie by the stick and dip in the melted candy. Gently tap on the side of the bowl to remove excess. Place on a foil lined baking sheet. Let harden or accelerate by cooling in the fridge for 15 mins.

For bunting flags:

Place flags in a line, about 1 to 1 1/2” apart. Center a piece of twine, 20” long or length desired, on the flags about 1/4” from the top edge and gently press down.

Using your finger, lightly wet each flag’s entire surface. Place a second flag on top of each and lightly press down. The second flag will stick to the first, use your finger to smooth edges and sides. so it looks like one cookie.

Bake for 8-12 mins, depending on your oven. Take out when just barely golden brown. Let cool.

Coating:
Once all cookies are cool, melt candy in microwave, per package’s instructions, in a small to medium size bowl.

Place cookie bunting on a wire cooling rack over wax paper to catch the drippings. Using a spoon, cover the top of each cookie, gently guiding with the spoon to cover the sides.

After each 2 or 3, depending on how fast you work, lift the wire rack by one side and tap to smooth the candy coating and remove the excess. Lift the bunting by each end of the twine, and place on a foil lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15 mins.

Once hardened, flip over cookies and place on cooling rack over wax paper again.
Dip the spoon in the candy (which might need to be remelted slightly) and using the back of the spoon to smooth, make a thin coating on the back of the cookie. Clean up with a finger any excess drips down the sides. Place newly coated side up on the foil lined baking sheet. Continue with all bunting. If you wanted you could skip this step all together, or do it before coating the top.

Finishing:
Once all the flags have hardened, you can clean up any edges by gently smoothing with your fingers.

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 18

2011-08-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Font Friday! I might have spent the afternoon at the beach instead of working on my Font Friday Post...but I have noticed that around the blogosphere, posts are still stellar, just less frequent. I know at least for me as a parent, it's hard to focus when two little ones are rarin' to go outside. But today I bring you another freebie for two reasons.
1. It's awesome and I used it in my invite button for Hello: a Seattle Blogger Meet & Greet.
2. I blew my budget this month (and a few coming months) by buying my ticket to ALT. I can live with that.

This week's pick is MAIDEN ORANGE by ASTIGMATIC. I found it over on FONT SQUIRREL.

Isn't it fun? {warning, warning...learning curve rant follows} So, I have been playing around with backgrounds, trying to get a watercolor feel, and I ended up with the above. I like the angular nature of it. I think I used one too many items, because the file keeps getting angry at me. Like that little rainbow swirly thing keeps popping up...I am new to Mac so when it first appeared with my first ikat pattern, I thought "oh look...how cute." I have since learned that you DO NOT want the little demon ball and it's trying to tell me my design wasn't done the right way and is too complicated. I am primarily self taught via a few classes and tutorials, so my processes aren't necessarily the best ways of creating my end product. I must mention that my layers are properly named and organized. Woo Hoo!

Anyhoo. Here's a little DIY to create your own cool quote page.

1. Create a background in Illustrator in the size needed and file/save for web and devices/save it as a png.
2. Open the png in another Artboard of the same size and type your quote on top.
3. Select all (type and image) and right click to Create Clipping Mask.
Tada! You could use this to make shapes like pennant or flags, too!

I'm sure all my font friends already knew this...their designs are so gorgeous. But go see for yourself!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

DIY NAUTICAL BUNTING

2011-08-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show a quick little easy sew garland that I made for my pal Bina's Sip-n-See she hosted last weekend. If you can sew a straight line, you can sew this. Don't forget, you could always use a running stitch and assemble this by hand, hot glue it or use iron on hem tape.

1. I cut a triangle template and cut out a bunch of pennants from chunky muslin. This fabric has a thicker feel to it and has texture like linen. I use it for everything, it's like the poor girl's linen and at $1.25/yard I said yes to a whole bolt. Use what ever fabric suits your fancy.

2. I used my YUDU to screen print the anchors on. It was pretty easy to use and it was only my 2nd time ever screen printing; it was my first time solo. I was pleased with the results. You could also iron on designs or letters printed on t-shirt transfer paper. Another option, use some large Helvetica font letter stencils to paint a phrase or name. Or skip this step, and rock a plain bunting.

3. Once dry, iron according to paint/ink's directions. With design side down, iron the tab over to create a nook for the twine to rest.

To sew, insert twine under tab, keeping it close to the fold and sew a straight line to close. You need to keep the stitches away from the twine itself or you will not be able to move the placement later.

Sew on as many little flags as you like and ENJOY! As always, if you have any questions, ask away I'd love to help!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: MILK AND BOOKIES

2011-08-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

For our last little post today, I want to tell you about a wonderful organization that I found last week. My boys here LOVE books...and I noticed when we were downsizing and making donations during the move, that we donated the less awesome books. The ones we didn't love. If you have ever shopped a thrift store you maybe have seen that the quality and selection are poor. Some kids will never get the joy of having a new book, a good book. Then I ran across MILK + BOOKIES on LMNOP Magazine's website.

It's an organization based on giving brand new books to less fortunate little kids. If you are like me and cringe when you think about how many toys your kid has...you will appreciate their efforts to take the gifts from your next little one's party and change it into an exercise of giving. Each child picks out a book to donate "as the gift" and then the collection from the party is donated to kids that really need them. It's just a wonderful idea and it makes me smile when I think about it.

What makes MILK + BOOKIES even more amazing? They have done all the hard work for you! They have everything you need to throw a book donation party, including the stickers, book labels and pins! Easy as pie. Go check them out now!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: TROPHY CUPCAKES & PARTY

2011-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

I am a cupcake girl, through and through. Cupcakes are better than cake because I can get a better icing:cake ratio. Imperative to cake enjoyment. So, after checking out the new Trophy Party Room with Lyndsey from The Stationery Place, we popped across the hall and grabbed some cupcakes at the original Trophy shop.

Yes. That is a pink snowball. It was delicious. But not the reason for the post. TROPHY CUPCAKES & PARTY, one of Seattle's premier cupcakeries, and my personal favorite, has new boxes. What? She's writing about boxes. OH yeah. I am because they are awesome. The branding for Trophy is exceptionally done. The top is scalloped and striped like the awning of the cupcakery. Too cool. I can't hide my love for this company, so I won't.

Oh, and that party room? GORGEOUS! More to come about a little shindig Lyndsey and I are throwing for all the wonderful bloggers up here in Seattle. {insert side glance to button on the right --> ok, well up to the top and right} It is going to be fun! I can't wait to show you some of the decorations we've come up with. If you are a blogger in the area (anywhere in the NW is okay, too) email us for an evite!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: TWIPS - NEW SITE

2011-08-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

As you might have noticed from the sidebar, I am a member of TWIPS {Twitter Wedding Inspirational Pals} which was founded by an incredible gal, Naomi of ENCHANTED DREAM WEDDINGS & AFFAIRS. What she and Alicia, of THE CHARITY WEDDING, have created is a community of support and encouragement for all those in the wedding industry.

The theme is simple: give love. Take that little extra step and make a comment on a pal's blog or tweet their amazing inspiration board. All their hard work has resulted in an online platform for TWIPS. It is like a perfect little clubhouse, but anyone can (and should) go enjoy the goodies and inspiration it provides.

What I like best about this site? I have to be honest that I am more than a little excited for the DIY section, which I just might have a goodie for this week, but my favorite part is that I can see all the members by area of expertise, which has been hard for me to keep track of as TWIPS has grown by leaps and bounds. I can't wait to find new TWIPS using this great members catalog.

I can tell you the friendships and help that I have gotten from TWIPS has made an incredible difference in my business and my blog. I am constantly surprised at the talent and kindness that comes from TWIPS. So, go NOW...enjoy and watch it grow as new submissions keep coming in. Fellow TWIPS members...don't forget to submit your information to be listed! Are you in the Wedding Industry? You should join!

A BIG WOOHOO YOU DID IT AND IT'S AWESOME for NAOMI and ALICIA!!!

Don't forget to follow #TWIPS on Twitter for fabulous wedding treats!

READY, SET, FETE OVER ON LOVELY LITTLE DETAILS

2011-08-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday all! When Jacin asked me to help her while she makes one fabulous wedding in Cabo, I said yes, yes, YES! I love her blog LOVELY LITTLE DETAILS and thought I would create a little details post of my own. So, go visit my guest post HERE and let me know what you think. xo

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 17

2011-07-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Hello fontabulous font lovers! This week I have a FREEBIE for you! Well, not me personally {boo, I know} but I have found a fantastic free font. For our newbie font lovers, did you know that sometimes those fabulous fonts you want have free versions? For example, this week's font by Ossi Gustaffson, SKETCHETIK has a free version in the light form. I found it via FONT SQUIRREL, but the download is over on MY FONTS.

But see the little note? Sometimes they have sales, but sometimes they have versions that are free so you can test out the font. I always scroll down and check all the prices on MyFonts, just to make sure. I like to play with my fonts a little, before I commit...maybe someday I'll just be able to buy what strikes my fancy.

Have I told you how much I love free fonts? Well, free stuff in general? I heard of KITSCHY DIGITALS from over on PUGLY PIXEL and had to try them out. This blackboard background came from their freebie download. LOVE.

Don't forget to see my friends! I'm behind on my blog reads so I'll be doing the rounds this weekend for sure!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

2011-07-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I signed up to participate in POTTER AND BUTLER's Christmas in July & Handmade Gift Exchange. This was the most fun ever. Personally, I love giving gifts, and it is my favorite part about Christmas. All that looking and searching for the perfect little gift just makes me giddy. I wanted to share a little peek of what I sent my exchange partner Chelsea of RIBBON REVELRY. Just a little mini party pack...

We were meant to be partners, because she sent me the most perfect little band of fabulousness in the SAME COLOR! Isn't that funny?! Little things like that always get me. But I LOVE the headband, what a perfect pop of color! Thank you Chelsea!

Making something for someone you have never met is such a crazy feeling. I got butterflies about whether she would like it or not. I couldn't stop smiling and probably weirded out the lovely lady behind the counter at the post office. A big THANK YOU to Emily over at Potter and Butler, for organizing such a lovely arrangement. If you must know, I am paralyzingly shy deep down and usually force myself to be social...well, at least at first, then you can't shut me up. I have a second gift to give...and I can't seem to get up the courage to give it. It's my random act of kindness gift. I still have a few more days in July...and I know exactly who I am giving it to.

BETTER THAN BUNTING?

2011-07-27T06:31:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Just a quick little post to say...did you see it? My latest DIY for THE SWEETEST OCCASION is a bunting tablecloth and I am so excited about it...CRAZY excited. It was so fun and I need MORE. I have been searching for a pretty little linen tablecloth to make a silver version. But go HERE and see how it's done...super easy, I promise.

WHAT TIME IS IT?

2011-07-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

I will admit, sometimes I am lost with my first born. For example, while hearing for the seventieth time, what time is it? I realize...ooohhhh, I'm supposed to teach you how to read a clock. Big time mommy duh. Which is also not the word to say out loud to yourself, because if you say it enough, your short people will gleefully chime in, also.

But, after coming to the realization that I need to teach time, I went looking for a printable. Just a simple one...yet all I could find were terribly hideous versions. Really? Why is it when you make something for kids or about them it has to look like bad kids' handwriting. All the preschool forms came home like that. Um, my kid isn't going to read it...can I get a decent font? or at least a plain one? Don't even get me started on the clip art. Anyhoo, I was reminded of the lack of graphic designers in the school system as I cruised the "educational" blogs and printables for teachers. I finally became so disappointed, that I made my own. Which took like 5 mins total, and I probably could have done from the start, instead of spending all that time looking. Oh well. I give you a very plain, simple, no comic sans in sight, printable clock in two colors.

Print on cardstock, trim the edges off around the clock, cut out the hands, punch a hole in the ends and attach to the clock with a brad. Voila.

Oh, and I just made a little coloring page version, for those little ones who love to color!

Downloads:
PRINTIE A {YELLOW}
PRINTIE B {ORANGE}
COLORING PAGE

Enjoy! xo

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #3 LOVE VS. DESIGN

2011-07-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

I love these modern gift tags from LOVE VS. DESIGN. The colors are bold, the pattern is hot, and it's on kraft paper.background...what's not to love about this design? Design wins...'cause I LOVE it.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #2 HIGH 5 PIE

2011-07-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

So, I've been dying to try HIGH 5 PIE here in Seattle. My brother is a pie guy, go figure. We were saving our visit so we could bring him there for his birthday, which might have been last month, but regardless, we took him there yesterday. Aside from being the hippest little bakery, I so wish I brought my camera, they make the BEST coconut cream pie...EVER. It was a massive slice and dear heavens it was yummy and it did not last long. I must admit, pretty darn good pie is being baked over there. If you are in the Seattle area, definitely a must see.

**oh and BTW they have a HAPPY HOUR from 3-5PM during the week...half price pie goodness...so that means I can eat twice as much, right?

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #1 FOR THE KOOL KIDS

2011-07-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the designs that come out for kids really blow me away with amazingness...These screen printed goodies from SASS & PERIL are just so darn cute. I LOVE the lion, well all of them, really, but the LION...well, he is tops.

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 16

2011-07-15T08:14:00.000-07:00

It's FONT FRIDAY!!! Hello and HAPPY Friday! For today's edition, I bring you vintage coolness. One of the children's books my MIL has, from when the hubby, was little is "A Very, Very Special Day" (I didn't get the author name when I snapped the photos.) SO, I'm in love with it and I have been on a search the last few months to find a font that is similar to this; that I could enhance with dots and swirls. At this point, I have a few runners-up...SKITCH, PERLA and PEACH SUNDRESS...but I think it will be a mostly handrawn endevor. Any suggestions? I'm looking for a font pretty close to this, so I don't have to modify everything. Isn't it fabulous? The colors? The little doodles? LOVE. SWOON. If it were available somewhere, I would totally buy it. It couldn't be too hard to sketch it myself right? Especially, if I just had a few words...

Go see my FONT FRIENDS and have yourself a fabulous summer weekend!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

TOO COOL FOR TULLE?

2011-07-13T06:59:00.000-07:00

I thought I was...until I made this fringe garland out of tulle.

Just a little bit of AWESOME. I think I might love these...go see my DIY over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION.

ILLUSTRATED GARLANDS BY KAYE BLEGVAD

2011-07-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

AMAZING garland I happened upon with illustrated feathers and birds by KAYE BLEGVAD.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #3 PETIT COLLAGE FABRIC GALLERY CORNERS

2011-07-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Final find today...FABRIC DECALS that hold up art work.

Made for kids, but I know when I order these I will steal some for myself. PETIT COLLAGE has so many other cute REUSABLE decals (letters and growth charts, anyone?) and fab little prints in their shop, too.

Bright and cheery. LOVE.

3 THINGS TUESDAY- #2 ELLO THERE...PRETTY LITTLE MAP

2011-07-12T08:35:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned on FONT FRIDAY, maps are cool. Case and point:

I might have a paper crush on the whole range of invites from the talented duo that make up ELLO THERE. Simple and AWESOME.

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #1 RAINBOW CONFETTI GARLAND

2011-07-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite garlands ever...the confetti garland from Kristina Marie. How fun is the rainbow one? Did you know you get those gorgeous little spools with your garland now, too? WOO HOO!

VINTAGE NAUTICAL PARTY

2011-07-11T07:35:00.000-07:00

My pal Bina is hosting a sip-N-see and she's got my brain on nautical. As I glanced through my images this morning, I though I'd share a little inspiration.

SOURCES: {clockwise} NAUTICAL CARDS / VINTAGE MODEL / WHALE PRINT / VINTAGE NAPKINS / VINTAGE ROMPER / AHOY PRINT / ANCHOR / CUPCAKE / VINTAGE CARD / VINTAGE SUITCASE

Bina's shindig has a bit more edge, so keep your eyes peeled for that one later this week.

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 15

2011-07-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Font Friday! Summer breeds thoughts of travel and road trips...and while we will be camping out in our own backyard, there is no reason we can't make a little adventure of it. I've had this font on my wish list for a while...CARTOGRAPHER by HIPOPOTAM. It makes me want to grab a calligraphy pen and start drawing.

These are the perfect little letters for a tiny adventure or an awesome BBQ. I love hand-drawn fonts simply because they offer the beauty of the imperfect letter, but still save me the time and effort it would take to create an invite. I want to use these in a number of things running through my head, H + H would get a real kick if we made a summer adventure book. The squirrel's wheel is turning...which is surprising before coffee...

and the bestest part...(yes, I know it's not a word but it's how I feel) The numbers and punctuation are mega-cool.

Now go, visit my BESTEST pals and have a fabulous FONT FRIDAY adventure of your own!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

3 THINGS TUESDAY: #3 HOUSE 8810

2011-07-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

For our final thing today, a fun shop to browse is HOUSE 8810. Since, I am finally in the decorating stage (the fun part) of the house, I want this lamp for the boy's room.

There is a collection of fun vintage style tablecloths that are too adorable. You know I am always on the lookout for cute cowboy stuff, I have to live it up before the boys outgrow it. These matching party bags are perfect for carrying little person treasures around.

3 THINGS TUESDAY- #2 PENNANT STICKERS

2011-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I love flags. I love craft paper. I LOVE Olive Manna...who has added lots of NEW goodies to the shop. Including these little craft paper pennant stickers.

Go NOW... peruse.

3 THINGS TUESDAY- SOS I NEED THIS...COATT MORSE CODE JEWELRY

2011-07-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

I am having fun today, maybe the long weekend has me giddy with creativity. I just always have little bitty posts that never belong really, so I was thinking that I will just do three separate posts throughout today. First up for our first 3 Things Tuesday...

The idea of having words on a necklace that no one else can read is sweet simplicity. Secret Code for AWESOME.

COATT Jewelry by Rebecca Coagan Scharlatt (which is going to be at Urban Craft Uprising this weekend in Seattle) spells out sixteen different words for you like SWELL, LOVE ME DO and MOM. I want to get three, one for each of my guys...and maybe an SOS one because I am outnumbered...kidding...

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 14

2011-07-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Happy, Happy, Happy July! July has always been when it REALLY starts to feel like summer...Today, I bring you another font I fell in love with and hunted down. I found this site for the magazine I AM MODERN while looking for cool modern (aka not lame or Disney related) night lights for the boys. Guess which part I love the most...yep, the retro script font. I swear, sometimes I am surprisingly mysterious, but others, it's like I have it embossed on my forehead. I can't hide the stuff I truly love, why would I want to?

SOURCE: I AM MODERN

Ok, so it's a SUDTIPOS and by King Ale himself, so in all actuality it didn't take me that long. But honestly, Alejandro Paul and Jessica Hische are the only designers that have that certain savoir faire that I immediately get a "hint" and go see their collections to find them. Usually, I just open a window with the font I am trying to find, and another window with a font website, pop the phrase/word in the text preview and scroll by type of font. This one was a breeze, because I searched by SUDTIPOS. Took me a total of 2 mins. I was quite pleased with myself. So here it is. MOUSSE SCRIPT, isn't it pretty?

I have a question for my font pals out there...What is an alternate cut? I clicked the tab at MyFonts.com and this pops up... GLENGARY NF. So, I get that they are both based on a vintage handdrawn font from Stephanson Blake in 1932, but how does that work? GLENGARY is insanely cheap, and it doesn't seem fair to MOUSSE...Can one of you explain this to me? Is this typical of revival fonts?

I hope everyone has a fantastic Fourth! Have Fun! Since today is pretty much shot for productivity at work, go check out my font friends to see what lovelies they have rounded up.

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

VICKI {CURLY WILLOW DIY}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

CAKESTANDS...BIG ONES...IN CUSTOM COLORS

2011-06-30T06:45:00.000-07:00

Did that get your attention? Whilst perusing, I found these lovely stands from SARAH'S STANDS. They are simple, large and strong enough for BIG tiered cakes, coated in food safe paint, made in the USA, and just plain gorgeous. Oh, and you can get them in ANY shade...did I say ANY? Yes...yes, I did. Go see HERE.

SUMMER BASH INSPIRATION

2011-06-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies, my favorite online bestie Sharon of CUPCAKES AND CUTLERY is here with a party inspiration board to die for. I am always amazed at how cool this little california girl is. Case and point, she emailed me these girls a few weeks back for her color inspiration...

...and this is what she comes up with for a party? Seriously? Can I come? Please?

When I asked Sharon about this party, this is what she said:
A while ago, I saw a contest on Facebook to win some yummy treats for a party. But I didn't have any parties planned for summer. So I thought about which of my friend's could use a party. Hands down, it was Erika. Without going in to details, she's had a rough year and I can't think of a better way to show her support then by having all her friend's come together to celebrate her summer birthday. Well, I didn't win the contest. BUT Erika still needs to be celebrated so I went in to full on party planning mode. Planning a party for an adult can be tricky. How do you incorporate decorations without it being too juvenile and cutesy?

As I was reading Harper's Bazaar Magazine, I came across this photo which I knew instantly would be the perfect color palette. I know we are seeing this palette pop up all over right now but it is just perfect for summer and Erika. And so with these amazing colors I decided to focus mainly on a color theme for the party decor.

And then when I came across the poster project by Shanna Murray on Oh Happy Day I knew that is what the party would be about. A celebration of Erika's life and everything that she loves and reminds us of her.

I put the board together to keep me on track and give me visible inspiration.

To play up the colors, I have purchased ribbons and trims in these three colors to drape as easy garlands around the party. Throw in some large balloons, a sign or two and those are the main components. Totally easy but with a big visual impact. Aside from those easy decor ideas, there will be little vignette's around the party with all of the things that remind us or represent Erika. Of course they will incorporate the colors too but this is the fun part where we totally get to personalize the party.

I can't wait to see what this talented lady comes up with for the party. I've only seen little snippets and I am so excited. What's even better, there is a little goodie that we'll share at the unveiling that *might* involve FREE Printies...ok, it does. I can't keep a secret worth beans. So, maybe have a popping hot July 4th party this weekend, or a neon bright shower...either way, enjoy! Thanks , Sharon! xo

SOURCES:

So glad you were born poster: By Shanna Murray via Oh Happy Day.

Photo by Studio D in Harper's Bazaar

{Inspiration Board}

Pink Sandals: Free People via Pinterest / Yellow Balloon: My Party Planner / Pink Garland: Short Cake via Pinterest / Gold Outfit: Seesaw Designs via Pinterest / You Make Me Feel Like Dancing: Rachel Castle via That's Happy / Neutral Garlands: Sweet Monday Photography via Somewhere Splendid / Necklaces: Leif Shop via Fabulous K / Neon Balloons: Rainblow G via Pinterest / Jesi Haack Awesome Table: Gabriel Ryan via Jesi Haack / Neutral Pennants: Go Against the Grain / Pink Frame: Deep Heart via Pinterest / Yellow Pencils: Stubby Pencil Studio / Ropes: Leslie Williamson via Bonnie Tsang via Pinterest / Bottles and Signs: SarahQ Happy Booths via Pinterest / Pink Ribbon: Kelly Oshiro Events via Pinterest / Yellow Cupcakes: Love Inc. via Pinterest / Yellow Trophy: Alice Supply Company / Yellow Nails: Wear Color via Pinterest / Yellow Pinwheel: Enjoy Events Co. / Kraft and Pink Presents / Pink and Yellow stripes: Print and Pattern

FOURTH OF JULY PRINTABLES

2011-06-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! Need a little inspiration for that BBQ this weekend? Go get my PRINTABLES over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION and put some spark in your step. Did I mention these are FREEBIES? Even better, right? Have fun!

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 13

2011-06-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

Happy FONT FRIDAY! Don't forget to check out my fellow fontophiles and follow #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

A BIG Welcome to new Font Friday friend, VICKI of CURLY WILLOW DIY.

Before I list my font pick for you today, I thought I'd include a little glimpse into YARD SALE mania. As you know, because I've told you a bazillion times, we just moved. Our new house has incredible storage, which I intend to utilize to the fullest extent. So, for the benefit to some lucky folks in the Seattle area, it means a bunch of goodies for cheap. Here's my flyer, which I will be printing on hot pink and neon orange signage. I am experimenting with the idea that it's not your typical garage sale.

I hope it brings a lot of people who don't typically stop at garage sales on their way to do errands. People like me, always on the lookout for the "good stuff." We'll see. I might just get bored and jump ship at noon...

Here's a run down of fonts used: {in order of appearance}

BEBAS

AMERICAN TYPEWRITER

BLACKOUT

CONFERENCE CALL

MARKETING SCRIPT

My font friday pick didn't make the cut even though it is super cool. {get it? super...}

SUPERPOIS by studiocharlie over on MyFonts is just perfect. I had to think about a chance of intermittent showers in the forecast and chose not to include it. I favored bold and easy to read for the flyer.

On invitations or banners though, wouldn't this just be perfect? I love the shape of the letters, very clean and modern. In perfect little round dots, saving anyone the heartache of creating these from scratch. I've loved LEARNING CURVE and PRINT CLEARLY, both available in dashed versions, for a long time, so SUPERPOIS will be a welcome addition to my font roll. studiocharlie has quite a few SUPER-fonts, so be sure to go check them out!

Oh- if you'd like to have a similar yard sale...here's the PDF to download HERE.

DIY GLITTER CUPCAKE STAND

2011-06-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

I found it! So, I created a little DIY for THE SWEETEST OCCASION that involves lots and lots of glitter. I ended up using Martha's glitter because it has a very pretty champagne shade to it that resembles german glitter. I was over perusing BHLDN's decor section and saw this...REAL glass glitter. Isn't it pretty? This would be the perfect glitter to use on the project...in an ombre with the magenta version. Either way, add a little bit of sparkle to your next fete and try out my DIY here.

I know this next statement is like 99% impossible...but...did you know what BHLDN is? If you love Anthropologie, this is their "wedding" store. I put quotes around the word because really the decor is perfect for any party you can dream of. The prices are reasonable (on some things) and the selection is pristine...and they have the most gorgeous shades of colors available. Striking. I love the green.

SOURCES: me, BHLDN DECOR

HELLO, SUNSHINE!

2011-06-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello Sweets! Happy VERY first day of Summer! How have you all been? Did you miss me? I missed you guys. As you can see, I've been doing a bit of housekeeping...just a little nip and tuck, really. It's a bit bold, I'll be the first to admit, so it's certainly not a permanent thing. But it is a bit of fun for summer and if you can't play in the summertime...well, what fun is that? Despite having a move ::ahem:: that lasted a bit longer than was originally planned, we have been running around the backyard with grass, beautiful grass between our toes. So, in celebration for summer, I plan on having a series for FUSS FREE FETES. A bunch of little easy things for those spontaneous parties that pop up when the sun warms our souls.

Fuss Free Fete TIP#1
Homemade. Make at least one thing handmade. Keep it simple. Every Friday at our house is 'pizza movie night' I wanted the boys to have something special that we will keep up with as they get older. Yeah, it could have been a big Sunday dinner, but I will admit, I can't cook. Huge, organized, get the food hot and ready on the table at the same time is not the type of mother I am. *I have done it two years running for Thanksgiving though...yay, me! I'm working on it. So, let's be realistic. If we have a hectic week, we will ALWAYS be able to order pizza. I am not a complete sell out...we do make homemade pizza quite often. But my longwinded point is...make SOMETHING...ANYTHING...handmade. Make it something easy. Pizza is quite easy, but my inlaws were joining us, so homemade pizza would have been an undertaking. I just moved people!!

So, I made a cake. Yep. Just the cake. I bought the ready made frosting, baked a cake, put it on a pretty cake stand, voila. Faster than waiting around, with hungry people, as you cook one pizza at a time. Mess that was gone BEFORE the guests arrived. And me...unfrazzled...smiling and loving the "ooohhh, homemade??" comments as they rolled in. Why yes, yes it is. Just a little something special just for my special people. Chances are people aren't going to remember everything you did...so by just making one simple thing special...I guarantee they will remember it. Isn't that the point? Making warm fuzzies?

Other easy ideas for homemade? Well, you will just have to wait. Welcome back!

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 12

2011-05-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

I am writing about this fab font this today because I LOVE it. I am also pretty sure it has been covered in FONT FRIDAY before...but I don't care. I love it. I need it. I just have never tried to use an EPS file. I googled it and found these instructions that I will try. This font is WELL worth the little bit of extra trouble...I mean, COME ON...look at this!

This is NELMA by MISSY AUSTIN for LOST TYPE CO-OP. Does Missy sound familiar? Kerry over on SUPER SWOON just did a post on her illustrations HERE. LOVE. This girl just graduated last year, and I can't wait to see when her talent explodes...

Check out my font pals here:

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on TWITTER

Extra, Extra... Wanna WIN some fabulous party goodies??? Go NOW to ONE CHARMING PARTY and enter to win a set of 6 of my CHAIR GARLANDS. Yep, SIX. When the lovely, Brittany asked if I'd like to do a giveaway for her BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY WEEK, I said "Oh, YES!" So, check out the ENTIRE giveaway and enter to win on EACH day of this week. When Brittany does a giveaway, she does it really REALLY well...kinda like her parties...have you seen her latest? SWOON.

and one more...Extra, Extra, Extra...

Did you see the DIY goodness yesterday on THE SWEETEST OCCASION? My video tutorials on an EMBOSSING GUN and a SCORING BOARD. Super easy, but you might not know how to use them...don't worry, you can go peek and I won't tell. Don't forget...DIY Week continues today!!! Am I DIY'd out...hardly, baby...we are just beginning.

ok, SO...it was a super long post, I know. It's been a crazy week for Hank + Hunt and here at home. I really am going MIA now. I know, I know...you're like 'you said that last time and you keep popping in'...it's 'cause I love you so! This time the shop closes on Monday, and all you will hear from this blog is crickets...But really this time, the movers will be here in a few days {EEK}...wish me luck and have a fabulous MEMORIAL DAY weekend! See you in JUNE!

DIY Week Continues...on THE SWEETEST OCCASION

2011-05-18T05:38:00.000-07:00

Hello, lovelies! There is so much goodness going on this week, I simply can't keep up...Don't forget to read all the tutorials...Ms. Chelsea,of LOVELY INDEED and my DIY cohost, has some AMAZING videos...Pinwheels, anyone?

{SOURCE: LOVELY INDEED}

Aren't they adorable? And she just did a stop motion video tutorial...EEK! I love this girl even more! Is it weird that I am this excited about DIY WEEK? Um...NO. 'Cause it's AWESOME! Oh, what fun us girls can get into!

Here are the links to the latest of my DIYs for DIY Week over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION.

NO SEW BUNTING (okay, I know not everyone loves sewing as much as me, this is faster, anyhoo)

EDIBLE TOPPER AND BUNTING (out of Fruit Roll-ups, yep, I went there. yum,)

For the love of OMBRE...Inspiration Boards

2011-05-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

We did it again, thanks to the wonderful collaboration of Wendy of JUST WENDERFUL, Aleah of VALLEY & CO. , and Sofia of BRANCO PRATA...and a huge THANK YOU to Wendy for the fabulous idea of OMBRE color boards and putting it all together so beautifully. I think I want to live inside each one, so go see them NOW! {HERE} **FIXED LINK** A little sneak peak of my color board...

{SOURCE}

DIY Week over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION

2011-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:00

Ladies and Gents, you might have noticed a little bit of quiet over here on the blog, well, I am moving, but I was also making a bunch of tutorials for Cyd over on The Sweetest Occasion. This week is DIY Week and Chelsea and I have a ton of goodies for you! Tutorials, printables and VIDEOS, oh my!
So, be sure to stay tuned and get your craft on this week! It's gonna be a doozy!

To start your day, here are my U-COLOR-IT PRINTIES for a party that the little ones can color their crazy little hearts out...

Who's got four thumbs and needs style?

2011-05-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

This gal. Like yesterday. So, my cohort had the fabulous idea to enter a contest to get us some saucy makeovers at BlogHer. Sharon and I have the same love for our boys (both have two, 5 and under), party blogging, taste and snarky humor. I can't wait to meet her there (finally, in real life) and of course, since I was wondering what in the heck I was going to conjure up to wear to this little event of fabulousness in 2 1/2 months (eek!!) I immediately said...I'm all in...and then she mentioned we had to post pictures of ourselves. Really? Crap. Did you know there is a reason there are only TWO pictures of me out on the WWW? Did you know WHY I have a logo on all my Twitter/Pinterest/Blogger accounts? So, then my virtual BFF posted her entry last night {HERE} and I cringed. She's so darn cute and she set the bar at NO MAKEUP??? What??? It's not fair that she can look that fab with no makeup... I read on and got to the bottom of the post and cried. There was me...with hair. (and makeup)

::SIGH:: I miss hair. I miss ponytails. I chopped all my hair off 'cause I wanted a fun and super easy 'do. Six months later it still is easy, and quick...if I want mom hair. It takes me just as long to style it as it did this long. So here's the run down...me, sans makeup. {Thanks! Sharon} How on earth do you grow out hair without looking like A) the Beatles in the 60's, B) a walking candy apple (so what, I've got a big head) or C) someone from the Golden Girls? *disclaimer: I got carried away with the no makeup thing and didn't do my hair either...aka this is how I look when I drop off the oldest at preschool. eek!

It just goes to show I really, really, really want to win the makeover by Mom's Fashion File...What happened? I have been asking myself this very question since Henry turned 5. He's five. My baby. Wow, where'd the time go? Well we are finally moving back to Seattle this month, from outside Reno. I say Reno cause it’s the only thing people recognize, when in reality I live 60 miles beyond the biggest little city’s reaches. We moved here right after my oldest was born 5 years ago, which was a great place to raise babies…but as far as style development, not so much. Over the last 5 years I have become increasingly complacent and frumpy. I can go to the grocery store in ANYTHING and be the best dressed one there. So, I do. Often. Without makeup. Which, as I climb to mid-thirties status, is not an option anymore.

But let’s look at what I do…I love parties. I love designing things for them. I love setting them up. I can make ANYTHING and I DO. My favorite thing in the world is to show you how to do it, too, here, there, all over and at The SweetestOccasion. I have 18 cake stands but only a few pairs of shoes. I have over two hundred fonts. I will switch out six different styles of napkins to get the right colors for a DIY shot. My last pair of shoes was a pair of Tom’s, which my hubby calls “glorified slippers.” Somehow I have reached the point and chosen comfort over style. How do I look cute and effortless at the same time. No, really. How do I look like I tried (effort-less) and still be stylin'?

My craft room is stocked with the latest and greatest and my pastime is cruising the aisles of Michaels…it used to be Anthro (which Reno doesn’t even have.) I adored shopping…now I avoid it like the plague. What happened? Really, can anyone tell me? I am just sitting here shocked with my mouth hung open.

When I think about this transformation, I can see it in slow motion. First, just a new mommy, finally fitting back into her cute clothes…still able to pick up bits and pieces here and there of newness and keeping relatively current. On to the second baby…then back into her cute clothes after, but not as hip. Having issues finding her way in the new range of new styles, slowly buying less and less to update the look. Fast forward to now…I don’t buy anything when I go shopping. I don’t know where to start. I guess I just figure my babies are happy, so I'll just try to find something next time. I am so out of date, I can no longer buy just one thing and make it all better. I am beyond the point that even a swanky purse will fix me. This is getting worse at an accelerated rate.

Fast forward to two and a half months from now…BlogHer, in San Diego. I have been “hiding out” in a cave in the desert. I will have opportunities to meet incredibly stylish people and I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR. So, at least I have a few months until BlogHer, and soon I can go shopping in a CITY that actually has a Macy’s that isn’t in two separate buildings (no joke) and has Anthros and Nordys aplenty…so maybe that will help a little. I just need a plan. Someone, anyone? Please help me. I have a sense of what I’d like, but no idea where to start. How do you start from scratch? What key pieces do I need? Arg! It just tires me out to think of it. For the love of pete...pretty please, with sugar on top!

Are you, my lovely readers, in the same boat as us? Gosh, I hope so...well, no. I wouldn't wish this level of stylish handicap on anyone, but if you needed it, too, is would make me feel better. ;) xo

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 11

2011-05-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

I've been swamped like crazy this week, but aha! I found a little chunk of time to put a NEED on my little wishlist...

I think, I love you...
Kewl Script by Alejandro Paul, the font king himself... I need it.

I must have it.

I have a little thing for retro/vintage looking fonts and this has such awesome ligatures that I am just NUTS over it. Oh, the things I could do with them...

It's the font that will sit in my cart as I hover over the buy button. I've been pretty good lately...It's been three weeks since I got a font. MUST. RESIST. I'll tell you what...this font is my next purchase. Period.

A big WELCOME to our new FONT FIENDS err...FRIENDS.

Catherine {DESIGN EDITOR}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

Allie from {HONEY BEE INVITES}

Go NOW and visit the rest of the fontabulousness at TGIFF...

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on TWITTER

Real Party: Shannon

2011-05-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Keaton's Party, a black white and green masterpiece, is a chic little kids party by Shannon over on WHAT'S UP WHIMSY **A must read blog with all kinds of design goodness** Shannon used Hank + Hunt GREEN FELT FLAGS for an accent in a party styled after my own heart. {I especially love this because in the new blog, it's all black, white and green...SWOON} She made cute little green garlands from Sharon's tutorial, that remind me, I've GOT to make these for my next shindig....

I adore the use of one color that pops against a black and white sea. Can I just say that it is so sweetly simple, but cool with all the things that I love in a party? Giant round balloons held down with black animals...am I the only one going gaga over this idea? How perfect, something CUTE to tie down those behemoths, so you don't have to tie it to the table, right? It turns out so MUCH cuter this way.

I am speechless about this little table topper called astroturf...TOTALLY.FREAKIN'.GENIUS.

Go check out all of the party, with all the fab sources and details, HERE.

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 10

2011-05-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm in search for the perfect ALL CAPS font. As you may notice on the blog here, I float between amazing Helveticas with round golden ratios all the way to extra tall and condensed. The golden ratio is a perfect ratio of the height of the character and width of the character. {okay, I've been geeking out and reading type design books...} Today, I bring you the opposite.

Gorgeous elongated letters, slightly bold. I find it rather striking. I have taken workshops from Alma of Ollibird and Nicole's Classes, she is OUTSTANDING by the way. I just finished up a refresher for patterns, because I wanted to hone my skills for more geometric patterns. It was amazing, so simple once you learn the tricks...the hard part is coming up with the designs, really. Anyhoo, a must do...but onward with fontliciousness. One of Alma's favorite fonts is BEBAS, of Flat-It. As soon as she mentioned it in class at Art Weekend, I immediately snatched it up.

While cruising the aisles at Font Squirrel, I saw BEBAS NEUE, by Dharma Type. It seems to be a more condensed version, as you can see from the picture above, both are in 30pt.

*Gorgeous shot above from my brother who happens to be wandering the gorgeous streets of Jeruselem currently and headed to the pyramids on Monday...nope, that's not jealousy in my tone...not...at...all...

Go NOW and visit these lovely ladies of TGIFF...

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

and a BIG WELCOME to ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN} *block out an afternoon to read her loveliness...trust me.

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on TWITTER

LOOK!! ---->>> {yeah, it took me a week...}

Font Friday Badge o' GORGEOUSNESS by the FABULOUS KERRY of SUPER SWOON.

DIY Fringe Garland

2011-05-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies! I'm over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION today with a super easy little diy for instant fringe. That aisle with all the furniture trimmings at your local yardage shop? Well it has fringe that you don't have to make, just attach it to anything. Heck, it looks awesome just hanging as garland on it's own!

So, go check out my DIY Fringe Chandelier and have yourself a very fabulous fiesta! Happy Cinco de Mayo! Una cerveza, por favor...

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 9

2011-04-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello! Time for another fabulous Font Friday! I loved the latest from Anthropologie and am dying over the colors in this photo. I just love the photo. Every now and then I am undyingly SMITTEN with Anthro. ::sigh::

At just $20 over at MyFonts.com, HT GELATERIA is a outstanding buy and a must have in any collection. I can't wait to see what my other font obsessive pals have lined up this week!

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

and our new badge coming soon with some new participants...

Don't forget to follow #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!!

Moving...

2011-04-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

TIM WALKER found via Pinterest

Yes, it's true. We are moving a few states over so things will be a bit quiet over here. Just too much to do and not enough time. I will be posting randomly as my DIYs pop up here and there and when I just find something AMAZING. Coming next week...be sure to go check out my Surplus Shop, filled to the brim with some fabulous party props, goodies and garland that I just ran out of room for. Some have never been used, some only for prop shoots. Great bargains to be had...really.

Super Source: SWEET LULU

2011-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

Oh heaven...it's been a bit since I've cruised the pages of SWEET LULU...but oh my! I love how this little lady finds goodies that you just can't get ANYWHERE else. See this? OMG its freakin' CHEVRON!!

DIAGONAL Stripes??? Ooooohhhhhhh! It's taking everything I have not to order some because I am moving and already have two boxes full of party goodies...but it's sooooo hard...

Gorgeous little candles, short and tall. Swoon!

I just love this site. Pretty little flags, precut, ready to assemble? Ever have one of those ideas, and then BOOM there it is? Fabulous. ...and SPORKS??? Yes, please!

LOVING. IT. Go now, HERE.

Forest Clearing Works

2011-04-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

Have you seen these gorgeous doilies that are covered in porcelain? These are from FOREST CLEARING WORKS on Etsy. I love how you can see all the details of the stitches, what a perfect catchall for keys, no?

I happened upon these lovelies, by Kristen Wicklund, last weekend and just love the delicate little waves. So pretty! I love the wall installation!

These lovely little doilies really speak to my girly side, but the stiff texture makes it more modern. A fabulous Mother's Day gift...hint, hint.

Love is in Bloom over on Sparkle and Hay

2011-04-25T07:29:00.000-07:00

Hello Lovelies! I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend! Today, I'd like to share with you a gorgeous spring inspiration shoot that one of H + H garlands was lucky enough to be a part of. This little bit of fabulousness is over on SPARKLE AND HAY. It was styled by Nicole of FLORABOND, also including some of her pretty little hair accoutrement, and photographed by KAREN SCHLINK PHOTOGRAPHY, just plain gorgeous work. I'm loving the the chalkboards made by Erin, super awesome work missy!! Love it! They even wrangled the gorgeous Paloma, of the wonderful blog PAPERGARLAND, to be a model... Go check it out now, what perfect inspiration for any fete this season! Mother's Day is coming up quick...

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 8

2011-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

Hello! Happy Good Friday, and it's extra good cause we have FONT FRIDAY. Fonts make everything better. I wanted to welcome our newcomer from last week Lauren of Palm Papers. Love this girl and I can't wait to do my rounds as soon as I get this post up!! WOO HOO. My pic today is PACIFICO from Font Squirrel, which is a FREE commercial font site, so that makes our font today, F-R-E-E! Which is really good for the pocket book.

As far as free fonts go, it's pretty clean. I did modify them a bit in AI when I did the outlines, but thanks to one of my favorite tools, the shape builder, easy peasy. This font is really easy to modify, a BIG plus! I'm still a newbie at AI, and I adore the shape builder tool. If you don't know what it does, let me explain. You can take two shapes, drag the mouse across both, and it magically makes ONE. How simple is that? No messing around with anchor points or the pen tool. LOVE. IT. Almost as much as I love fonts, so let's get on it, shall we?

Have a perfectly fabulous and Happy Easter!

The my favorite fiesty broads...and have INCREDIBLE FONT FRIDAY picks too...

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

Don't forget to follow #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!!

**WARNING: Following FONT FRIDAY can put a ding in your pocket book, but SOOOOO worth it!**

**ADDED TO POST: Here's my entry for the FONT FRIDAY BADGE, Go check out everyone's entries!**

la boom arts + crafts

2011-04-21T07:08:00.000-07:00

This month Hank + Hunt is over on Papernstitch, which is a fabulous venue for selling wares. It's like a very cool craft market, but online, and Britini is just the sweetest and most inspiring girl ever. psst...we also have a coupon...go see us here.

But the best part about this exhibition? I find out about the coolest shops...LA BOOM ARTS + CRAFTS is one of them. You know I have a thing for little paper flags and banners...

These two are LIGHTBOXES and something special appears when lit. Brilliant!

How perfect for a modern birthday cake topper or decoration at a shower?

I just want this to send to a friend...just because it would make them smile.

Tatiana is amazing and go see her CRAFTING THE DAY, a craft a day project over on her BLOG.

Funny Bunny Cookies

2011-04-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

So, I finally remembered to pull out an old recipe for Easter...this one I've had since I was a kid. I love the FUNNY BUNNY font and I am saving it in my memory to practice lettering styles in AI.

I went through my stash of my mom's old recipe cards. I love the photo styling, right? right? I think this is early 80s, you know when everything was still kind of 70s, before new wave hit...

I would have bet money it was a Pillsbury recipe, but I guess not. *I tried this with Pillsbury dough, but it spread into giant chubby bunnies, so big the boys couldn't eat it all.* Here's a picture, it's too funny not to include.

I guess that's what I get for being lazy and not making my own...

When I redid this, I used the best ever cookie dough recipe from Meaghan, over at The Decorated Cookie. It works every time, doesn't spread one bit, and tastes yummy. I rolled the dough in waxed paper to chill. Then I just sliced a bunch of 1/2" circles, cut some of them in half.

Place a circle on the baking sheet and add two halves on top, for the ears. Smooth the line slightly with your fingers. Bake. To decorate, I lined the cookies with white royal icing, also from Meaghan, and sprinkled with nonpareils. Then, I drew an x and stuck a pink jelly bean in the cross for the nose and whiskers. I added two candy eyes that I have from Bake It Pretty and voila. Easy. Not quite as kitchy as the original, but just as yummy.

DIY Sew in Love Favors

2011-04-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

Hello! Remember that sneak peak I gave you a couple of Font Fridays ago, well, I think this might be the EASIEST DIY EVER. A FAVOR for a crafty bride over on The Sweetest Occasion. It's as easy as print, iron, and stuff. Go check it out NOW. Enjoy!

Egg-cellent Party Toppers

2011-04-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

How adorable are these little PEPPY EGG TOPPERS by my dear friend Emily over at Potter and Butler?

Real Party: Jenny

2011-04-18T14:00:00.001-07:00

Remember the lovely little STRAW GARLANDS I showed last week? Well the entire party has ARRIVED over on Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line. I love this Jenny. I adore the RAIN PUDDLE CUPCAKES, amazing!

Go NOW and check out the rest of the party for her son HERE.

Real Party: Chelsea

2011-04-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi! I have a pretty party for you this morning from Chelsea of The Alexanders. She used my RUFFLED GARLAND DIY from The Sweetest Occasion and I just love this gorgeous little BOW TIES + PEARLS DINNER PARTY she created for her hubby's birthday.

A BOW BAR?? I'm floored. It's super cute and what a great idea.

Go see more of the goodness HERE! Thank you Chelsea for sharing XOXO!

Bunny Bunting DIY

2011-04-15T08:37:00.000-07:00

Have I got a goodie for you! Easy printable BUNNY BUNTING over on THE SWEETEST OCCASION, made by yours truly. Enjoy!

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 7

2011-04-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

We interrupt our regularly scheduled FONT FRIDAY pick for this awesome one I found minutes ago...

I often get distracted by fonts and this is a perfect example. A little font in the corner of this picture caught my eye...

I saw something that resembled a flag, and so I clicked on...all the while thinking *wow, that's a crazy deal!* I found it.

A lovely little ribbon font, that I have no idea what I'll use it for...but it is AWESOME! The ABIGAIL font family is by Fonthead and you can get two fonts, with and without dots, for $29.

I would already own this bad boy...but alas I must wait. If I keep buying fonts just 'cause they are cool I will end up in the poor house, or at least in the dog house with the hubby. Am I the only one who keeps buying all these font friday picks? It's an addiction. So, it is my mission to find an application for this little piece of awesome.

The girls that understand me...and have INCREDIBLE FONT FRIDAY picks too...

ALEXANDRA {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CHELSEA {FOURTH AND FOLDED}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

Don't forget to follow #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!!

Pretty as a Picnic

2011-04-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with gingham and these gorgeous little napkins that you tear off a roll...now in a pretty simple plain red check. The best part is they are made of fabric so you can wash them and use them over and over. How perfect for a picnic would a little savory pie be served with some sweet tea?

I found them at one of my favorite sites to browse from the UK, Cox and Cox, which is full of lovely things. I've had picnics on the brain all week because of Chris over on Postcards and Pretties. She has been having an entire week devoted to picnic inspiration and I am just dying! You have to go see it NOW.

PS if anyone knows where to find these napkins stateside, let me know! I am collecting goodies for a picnic basket.

I heart Jessica Hische

2011-04-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting Seattle, I snatched this lovely little pocket planner from Gallison over at Moxie, the cutest little stationary shop. I was drawn to the front cover and all the fabulous little illustrations inside.

It's the perfect planner for me, with no set date frame, so I can use it when I need to, without all the little blank months spattered here and there.

A perfect little pocket in back for tiny pieces of paper that I may or may not have scattered around ...

Once I got it home, I saw on the back page that it is illustrated by the FABULOUS Jessica Hische. I love her so. When I saw it was done by her, I realized a big DUH...of course its gorgeous. Go get one now. LOVE.

Paper Straw Garland

2011-04-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with garland and today I bring you a wonderful talent from across the Bugger-Dixon line...the other Jenny. I think she might be my creative twin and she shares my *love* for people quoting Forrest Gump or asking if my phone number is 865-5309. {did that song just pop into your head? good.} But more than that she runs a great little blog called CROSSING THE BUGGER-DIXON LINE which is chopped full of great party inspiration. But wait...she made this gorgeous and SUPER SIMPLE garland from those fabulous striped paper straws!

I love it. LOVE IT!

So stay tuned, Jenny made this garland for her son's party which I'm chomping at the bit to see later this week.

Not for the faint of heart...FROSTING BOMBS aka ICING ON A STICK

2011-04-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

**Warning - do not give these to children. Hank + Hunt is not liable for any damages pertaining to short people consuming these and bouncing off the walls.

There are cake people and there are pie people. While I enjoy a good pie, I am by heart, a cake person. There are icing people, who beg for the corner piece, and there are people who scrape it off and leave their cake naked. I am not one of those people. I will eat it by the spoonful, who needs cake? I might have a problem, but I know there are others out there like me. Heck, they sell frosting shots, right? I am not the only one. Here's a random little treat...like a cake pop...without the cake. YUM!

Frosting bombs are super easy to make.

Take a small cookie or ice cream scoop and scoop out your favorite flavor on a plate. Freeze for about an hour or overnight, you just want to firm it up, but don't worry, it won't freeze rock hard. When you are ready to go, take them out of the freezer and roll the balls in your hand to smooth out any big bumps. Stick them back in the freezer for 15 mins.

Melt the candy chips in the microwave according to the instructions. Stick sticks in the icing balls.

Dip each in the melted candy coating and tap gently on the side to let excess fall off.

Quickly sprinkle with toppings and set in a short glass to harden.
Voila! Sinful goodness on a stick that might put me on a dentist's hit list. Hee hee. Oh, and totally GLUTEN FREE, just another bonus. YUM!

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 6

2011-04-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello, hello! I have an extra special font that I've been saving for a special occasion. You know by now, that I love to sew. I am totally loving this little font that would look adorable on any homemade tag, sewed bit, or a faux stitch quote hanging in an embroidery hoop. {I'm so doing that! Let me know if you'd like a download when I do}Today's font is called Conference Call BH from MYFONTS.COM. I think it resembles an embroidery stitch. I am working on a little DIY, and thought this font would be perfect for the iron on.

So stay tuned for more DIY goodness, coming soon...here's a sneak peak of my sample run.

but for now... catch up on some AMAZINGNESS on this fine FONT FRIDAY!

Follow my fine friends so you don't miss one pixel of tantilizing typographical treats! I'm off to go see myself! WOO HOO!
LITTLE BIT HEART, LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED, SUPER SWOON (now on FRIDAYS), AERIALIST PRESS , THE KNOTTY BRIDE, BLUSH PRINTABLES, FOURTH AND FOLDED
**on Twitter follow #FONTFRIDAY**

NEW Party Line by Heather Bailey

2011-04-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

I am a HUGE fan of Heather Bailey. Her bold use of color and modern vintage styling just makes me giddy. I adore her blog and hoard her fabrics. I can't begin to tell you how wonderful (and easy) her sewing patterns are. So, I was pretty crazy-happy when I saw these babies!

I am in love. Paper plates and coordinates that MATCH those fabulous fabrics I drool over? Just in time for Spring? ::sigh::

Totally. Perfectly. Amazing. Heather has a new line of PARTY and PICNIC wares that includes plates, napkins, coasters (above right, eek!) All with coordinating stationary, invites and more. You have to go see her STORE right NOW. Perfect for a modern spin on Easter, Mother's Day, or showers galore. We only have one birthday in the next six months, but this warm sunshine has me wishing for picnics at the park with the boys. If we mix and match, it would be "so stinkin' cute" to quote my oldest.

I have a crazy hankerin' for color lately and these have just the right punch. Spot on Heather! Kuddos and congratulations! Oh, and am so making those swirly cupcakes ASAP. Love her!

{ALL IMAGE SOURCES HEATHER BAILEY LLC}

I SWOON for Super Swoon

2011-04-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

When I started stalking...err...following my favorite font fiends on font friday, I found the blog SUPER SWOON. I was instantly smitten with Kerry, of swoon worthy PAPER DAHLIA, and ~~anything~~ everything that girl does. One fine Monday, she posted a memorable little quote that is simply perfect. You might have seen it any and everywhere from Creature Comforts to all over Pinterest. I love it. No, I adore it. Kerry has opened a new shop and has made a print of this divine little piece of AWESOMENESS. I wonder what else this girl as up her sleeves.

Go buy it HERE. I can't wait to get mine!!! WOO HOO! XOXO Kerry! Hang it on your wall, by the front door, so it can make you smile before you go. Mine's going right above my desk, I can't wait to see the awesomeness it shall inspire.

We're on PAPERNSTITCH

2011-04-05T00:48:00.000-07:00

Hello lovelies! Just popping in with a little note to say that Hank + Hunt is over in the new exhibition on PAPERNSTITCH. We're surrounded by oodles of talent and if you've never been, take a moment to check it out. **Yippee, we are shop of the day AS I AM WRITING THIS**

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 5

2011-04-01T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy APRIL Font Friday lovelies! Today's font is one of my recent buys. PHI is a simple little ALL CAPS font full of fun I found over on MYFONTS.COM. It has one of those classic qualities that can be used with anything and I've been debating on this as one of the fonts on my new site. Yep. You heard it here first...Hank and Hunt is going to become a .com and be official. The little flags in the graphic is my first attempt at cutting out backgrounds. I might be addicted now.

For more FONT FRIDAY fun:
on Twitter follow #FONTFRIDAY
LITTLE BIT HEART, LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED, SUPER SWOON (now on FRIDAYS), AERIALIST PRESS , THE KNOTTY BRIDE, BLUSH PRINTABLES, FOURTH AND FOLDED.

VOTE for me...pretty, please with sugar on top

2011-03-31T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've been NOMINATED for one of the TOP 25 Party Plannin' Moms by CIRCLE OF MOMS. This is the very first nomination I've ever had for any award and I would just DIE to be in it. I'm already grinning from ear to ear just being in this at all. I would truly appreciate any votes you can swing over to give me, but be sure to check out the STELLAR other party blogs on the list. It is quite an honor to have my name next to these INCREDIBLE ladies. I'm even finding new blogs of inspiration...

Remember you can vote ONCE A DAY until April 11th...so, please vote for HANK + HUNT, I'll love ya forever!!! {heck, I already do, but you know what I mean}

For the love of Peeps

2011-03-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ok. I love paintings of things I love. Case and point...PEEPS.

TINY TREASURE NO 4 by AFSTUDIO

DIY EDIBLE CUPCAKE FLAGS

2011-03-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Monday! This is another of those random ideas I promised you. Here's a quick little DIY that I promise is going to be a hit at your next kiddie fete. Trust me, the flags for the photo shoot were history the second I said I was done. Can you imagine these in a rainbow of colors?

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2011-03-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hello and a happy Saturday to all of you! I used Random.org to choose a winner last night. I announced it on Twitter but in case you missed it...

The WINNER is...Alissa - comment #4! Hooray! Congratulations!

The winner will recieve their choice of one of the fabulous PARTY PLANS by One Charming Party. Each plan is over 50 pages of DIYs, sources, detailed descriptions and printables. Each beautifully designed mini book is truly everything you need to throw a gorgeous party yourself, easily. Last week, they added the Water Party, which will turn your warm weather fete into a splashing success. (I'm in love with this guy)

All photos by Nicole Hill Gerulat for One Charming Party

Alissa - Congratulations! Please email me here with your choice so we can get that plan to you! xo

For the love of PEEPS

2011-03-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna let you in on a secret...I am one of those people who are obsessed with PEEPS. I personally like mine a little on the slightly stale side so you get that great crunch...and just so you know, Nevada is such a dry climate, that usually means about 20 mins after opening the package. Have you seen th cute new colors this year? Green...woo hoo...and that orange is a perfect shade of peach. I just opened my email from Fancy Flours and found this...

...which just went on the to-do list. I think I'll make mine with bunnies. See the directions HERE.
Have a lovely weekend! xo

FONT FRIDAY: ISSUE 4

2011-03-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello! We're delightfully unwinding here from a fabulous family vacation in Seattle. I have some fabulous news...I get real internet next week. Everytime I think of it, I smile ear to ear. There's lots of goodies coming soon to a little blog near you...Let's get back to business, shall we?

Welcome to the fourth edition of FONT FRIDAY. Today, I will show you a little lovely I found while catching up on my blog reader. I love the blog style/SWOON, as it is always full of beautiful images. Case and point...an amazing 40th birthday party for her friend.

via style/SWOON

I fell in love {AGAIN} with a font. I just thought it was gorgeous. It reminded me of the pretty little letters you can find handrawn on Lauren's blog A FABULOUS FETE.

I swore I had seen this new font somewhere...or it was yet another pretty handrawn font ::sigh::, but I couldn't find it. I decided to just ask nicely. It's amazing how wonderful the blog community is. Samantha (of style/SWOON) was sweet, lovely and made me love her blog more because she kindly sent me a link to the font. Thank you Samantha for being so super amazing! I am proud to introduce ANTROKAS over on dafont.com. It's free, and a medium quality, but for labels and such, it works beautifully. Especially, because my calligraphy skills need a smidge more work...

Don't forget to grab some more fontilicious goodness over on LITTLE BIT HEART, LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED, SUPER SWOON (mid week goodness on Tuesdays), AERIALIST PRESS, BLUSH PRINTABLES, FOURTH AND FOLDED and THE KNOTTY BRIDE. On TWITTER?? Search #FONTFRIDAY.

**AND DON'T FORGET TO ENTER TO WIN YOUR CHOICE OF PARTY PLANS FROM ONE CHARMING PARTY...ENDS TODAY!!! ENTER HERE.**

SWOON WORTHY Inspiration: FLEUR WOOD

2011-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming about these images I snapped from Fleur Wood's book, FOOD FASHION FRIENDS.

I. AM. WITH. OUT. WORDS.

FOOD FASHION FRIENDS: RECIPES AND STYLING FOR UNFORGETTABLE PARTIES BY FLEUR WOOD

see behind the scenes HERE

This book is full of gorgeous recipes and inspiration. It just moved to #1 on my NEED list. **It's a big book so it wouldn't have fit in the suitcase...otherwise it would be mine.

Pop of Color

2011-03-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

I am obsessed with color lately. Especially, bright color ways. I love RICE DK. I want to order their entire line of mismatched vibrant unbreakable loveliness. I keep seeing little pieces pop up all over (look at that green!!! eek!) I finally got the big break in my hunt...Thank you, again, Pinterest and fab pinner Alyssa Best from whom I spied those cute little cake forks below.

RICE DK is wholesale only...for entire lines of home wares. Go oogle their catalogs, I did.

You can find some of these pretties at Huset.

**only a few days left to enter to win YOUR CHOICE of One Charming Party Plans HERE**