I just wanted to say I miss you!

I started a new job in May, while the hours went to normal 9-5 from the crazy hours I was doing at my previous position. It is also almost 100% on the computer and using my passion for creativity and design, which I love. I have noticed that this move pretty much correlates to the time my posts and new designs stopped. I LOVE my new job but I really miss Designs by Kat, both my blog and my shop. I have decided that Saturday mornings are my new time to focus on Designs by Kat. Whether that means blogging, searching etsy or creating I will spend it focused on DBK. It is an outlet that I am deeply missing and I am excited to get back into it.

Figured I would start with an etsy product feature of "I Miss You" items.

First Row {1} Dog Themed I Miss You Greeting Card  {2}MISSING YOU CARD {3}

Second Row {1} 1970s Big Eyed I Mith You Doll {2} Letterpress Greeting Card - Miss You {3}1906 ANTIQUE Postcard - Hurry Back

Third Row {1}miss you baltimore {2} Sun Tee in Heather Grey

Quotes to live by.

We all have our favorite quotes which make us stop and think about the big picture, a funny story or just remember we are loved.

I absolutely LOVE the new vinyl wall quotes which are starting to pop up everywhere. I actually just had some awesome birch trees installed at my office and everyone seems to love them. We also have the "Always kiss me goodnight" quote in our bedroom which is a great reminder to never let arguments last and end the night with an affirmation of your love for each other.

Check out the awesome below etsians who feature these and MANY more quote vinyls in their shops.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... its about learning to dance in the rain"
by Old Barn Rescue Company

"Always kiss me goodnight" by WhirliBird

"A dream is a wish your heart makes" by Decor Expressions

"For beautiful eyes looks for the good in others; for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness; and for poise walk with the knowledge that you are never alone."
~Audrey Hepburn by the Sticker Hut

"Dreams come in a size too big so that we can grow into them"
by Design Divas Gallery

"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~Christopher Robin by Tweet Heart

Enjoy!

Fun twists to the classic mason jar, courtesy of etsians.

There is something about a mason jar that just screams summer! What better for a 4th of July decoration?

First Row: {1} The Mason Firefly mason jar light by the Masonry {2} Lovely Vintage Set of Four Quart Size Ball Mason Jar Lanterns or Flower Vases by Whippoorwheel {3} Tall Quilted Soap Dispenser by Midwest Finds

Second Row: {1} Garden Party Upcycled Glass Jars With Chalkboard Fronts Tea Light Candle Holder Rustic Summer Chic by Bragging Bags {2} Rustic Mason Jar Wall Vase Organizer by Post Road Vintage

London, Paris or Rome?

Ryan and I have a friend traveling Europe right now and he has asked us to come and meet up with him. Of course my eyes lite up at the chance! He said "you choose; London, Paris or Rome and I'll meet you there". Which should we aim for?

Check out the sweet etsy finds below- can you guess which I am leaning towards?

First Row: {1} Parisian Princess Gown by CLF by Claire La Faye {2} Paris Ferris Wheel Pillow Cover by Word Garden {3} Les amants, Two lovers at the park by Velo Noir

Second Row: {1} Eiffel Tower 8 Feet Tall Highly Detailed Vinyl Decal Art by Chuck E Bryd Wall Art {2} Vive la.... by SimplyChacha {3} Paris France Vintage Map Belt Buckle by the Map

Third Row: {1} French Connection .. UNused Vintage Postage Stamps by Verde Studio {2} Vintage FRENCH BISTRO Sign by My Painted Porch

Life is so short, so fast, so fragile

Today I was reminded of just how precious life is, how short it really is, how fragile it is. With these reminders I am determinded to remember to "live the life I have imagined" as the below quote says!

Even as I feel numb at the moment I find comfort in being able to scroll pages of beautiful creations which can make me smile, laugh and even remember. Every wonderful etsy item started from a thought and became something bigger than the creator had originally imagined- that is pretty cool. Below are some items that made this moment easier and special for me.

Do you have a favorite quote or even room of your home that gets you through hard times?

First Row: {1} Sunset Tree of Life by Distinctive Creations in Glass {2} 1601 - Vinyl Lettering - Life, it's not the amount of breaths you take by Design Divas {3} Magic Blueberry Bears by Zuk Zuk

Second Row: {1} Live the Life You Have Imagined by Single Stone Studios {2} 13 x 19 Wild Air by the Wheat Field {3} FAMILY IS EVERYTHING home decor vinyl by wALL EXPRESSION DECALS

Third Row: {1} Golden- Large Gold Plated Circle with Birthstone Beads by Alison Avenue {2} Double Cloud Pin by Lost at Sea

 

does your couch need a little update? a couple amazing pillows can update the whole look of your room

New job is going great, people there are great, starting some fun projects and I LOVE getting home around 5:30 each night! It is going to give me a lot more time to spend here and on my etsy site! 

I have been saving cute throw pillows to my favorites for weeks now and I started to see a trend. I am totally digging yellow and blue together. Also had to throw in the super cute chandelier vinyl that would be so awesome above the pillows.

Tell me what you think. What color throw pillows do you have? Which is your favorite?

First Row: {1} Yellow Fern Pillow by Appetite Home {2} Seahorse Decorative Pillow by Freshline {3} Set of Two 18x18 inch Pillow Covers - Damask Print Mustard Yellow and Natural by this Little Home

Second Row: {1} Felt Foliage Pillow by V Squared {2} Crystal Chandelier - Vinyl Wall Decals Stickers Art Graphics by Single Stone Studios'  {3} Navy Blue Linen and Nautical White Star Fish Embroidery Pillow Cover by Kain-Kain

Third Row: {1} Yellow and White OLIVE BRANCH Decorative Eco Throw Pillow 20x20 by Zen Threads  {2} Owl Pillow 15 x 15 by Norajane {3} 18 X 18 in. Throw Pillow in a Navy floral print - eco friendly bamboo fiber stuffing by Rosie Pillows

Sew Cute! Don't you think?

I couldn't wait a minute to spread the word about the cutest etsy shop I just found on Everything Esty. It is called Sew Cute Shop and it is really true, the name says is ALL! I have listed three items from their shop that I just had to favorite right away. The first one gave me a huge grin and when a pillow does that you know there is something special about it.

Lynne Owl YOU PICK FABRIC Amy Butler Heather Bailey

Camera Strap Cover, Heather Bailey as Shown, Custom Fabric Choice Available, FREE SHIP to US

Ruffle Apron, Amy Butler LOVE, Tangerine Mint Sunspots and Tangerine Sandlewood, SewCute and READY TO SHIP

Everything Etsy is offering a $25 gift certificate giveaway for the Sew Cute Shop, so once you tell me what you love most, head over to their site and let them know what your favorite item is.

Calgon take me away!

I am totally jealous that my in-laws are in Hawaii... RIGHT NOW! Oooh I am ready for a vaca however I am not getting one anytime soon. To let my thoughts wander to beaches, tropical drinks with little umbrellas and romantic dinners I am putting together a little sampling of some great travel items from esty sellers. Also threw in a wonderful art piece which sums up how I am feeling each time I see a plane overhead.

First Row- 1} Mediterranean Map Journal by Kristin Crane 2} Luggage Tag .pdf Sewing Pattern/Tutorial by Navy Mango 3} Handmade Passport Cover Holder Amy Butler Blue and Cream by My Studio

Second Row- 1} HE WISHED FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT by Shyama Helin 2} UPCYCLED Blue VINTAGE Train Case with 3 Black Birds on a wire in black ink by Get Ready Set GO's 3} Eco Friendly Bamboo Sleep Mask Completely Adjustable by Doodle Bugs Fun Fabrics

Third Row- 1} DESIGN YOUR OWN - Large Cosmetic Bag by The Sweet Sugar Beet 2} Map Necklace Sterling Vintage Custom Location by Sherry Truitt Studios

Do you have any exiting travel plans? I'd love to hear about them, go ahead make me jealous.

Wedding Etsy Style

I am so jealous of the brides who get to peruse the pages of Etsy for unique handmade items for their weddings. I had to spend (well I did love every minute of it) countless hours on tons of different websites and in bridal magazines to find my choice wedding items. I thought I would put together a collection of items I would have added to my favorites if I were to do it all again - I stress the if.

I made all the paper goods for my wedding so I won't be featuring any of those in this sampling but you can find amazing wedding invitations, rehearsal dinner invites, menu cards and more on etsy (from my shop as well as many other talented artists').

We got married in September, 2008 in Healdsburg, California at the Villa Chanticleer. We were married outside in the wedding garden and had the reception in the bar and banquet room. We chose shades of green and orange to mirror the local vineyards as well as our taste in bright and fun decor.

If you see something you like look below for links to each item and store.

First Row: 1} Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend Garter by Garter Lady 2} JORDYN Go Green Seed Favor Place Cards by Peacock Invitations 3} Customizable Card Box -Made to Order by Shea Chic Designs

Second Row: 1} Satin Lined SEWN Tutu Dress by Fairy Wonderful 2} Silk Flower Kissing Ball by Anne Musing Designs 3} Simple and Tiny tag with birthstone by Art of Silver

Third Row: 1} Champagne Gold and Peridot Green Glass Pearl Bridesmaid Earrings by Slipstream Blue 2} Wedding Guest Book Box  by Cut The Cake Designs

Of course through my tireless searching I found everything I could ever have wished for in my dream wedding. I just had to look a little harder and sometimes customize things myself. Below are some of the highlights of my own special day.

My photographer was Erica Berger, view her site, I've got nothing but awesome things to say about her!

Planning your day? I'd love to see pictures, I LOVE WEDDINGS!

Cheers,

ba-bee bumble bees go buzzzz...

I made a new ba-bee shower invitation tonight, click here to view it on etsy. Once I was done I felt so cheery- even though we are in one of those famous "spring showers" tonight.

So I thought, oooh let's see what comes up when you search "baby bumble bee" in etsy handmade, click here for the results, and look below for some of my favorites. You would be one happy baby if your mommy shopped on etsy from any of these sellers!

Look below for links to these great handmade items & shops

1st Row: 1} Beige and Bees CozyToes MaryJane booties by Kathy Dee 2} Bumble Bee Custom Boutique Birthday Tutu by Christi Creations 3} Printable Party Circles by The Tom Kat Studio

2nd Row: 1} Bee Mine hat and diaper cover crochet pdf pattern by Inner Hooker 2} Bumble Bee and Beehive Felt Mobile by PinkPerch

3rd Row: 1} Bumble bee night light by Krysha's Creations 2} Set of 3 Personalized Bee Paintings by Baby Sully's Art 3} Honeybee Onesie by This Little Lamb

Enjoy,

Blossoms and Beauty Abound in Sonoma County

Was driving with the top down to my mustang yesterday and at times felt almost overwhelmed by the beauty unfolding all around Sonoma County. The hills are green, the wildflowers are flourishing and although it does mean some extra tissues for my husband the smell of spring is in the air.

I loved the positive response for last week's Santa Rosa etsy artists so thought I would use this beautiful weather to inspire a Sonoma County artist grouping. See below for links to each of the artist's stores. I hope you are enjoying your own piece of spring where you live.

Top: 1 Buttoned Neck Cozy by Wasieck, 2 fill me with pretty things by Alternative Journals by Celine, 3 Baby Girl Stroller Quilt by MamaRoux

Middle: 1 In a Dream... Fine Art Print by Megan Rhodes, 2 Morning Glory Earrings by Lana Doolaege, 3 The Touch of Spring by Honeytree Photography

Bottom: 1 Emily Dickenson Roses by a Luscious Thing, 2 Flower Button Hairclip by Isla Corbett

Spring is in the Air in Santa Rosa, California

I have so enjoyed using the "shop local" tool on etsy! I wanted to highlight this local talent- below are some of my first favs, many more to come throughout Sonoma County & Northern California. The below grouping all come from where I live-- Santa Rosa.

See something to add to your favorites? Look below for links to each item and seller.

1st Row: 1 Lime wedge necklace by Lulu Bug, 2 Grassy Green Knit Shrug by Zuuzuu'z, 3 Lucky Shamrocks by Somebody's Daughter

2nd Row: 1 The AVACADO Bowler Bag by Resurrection Motors, 2 Pale Green Freshwater Pearls by Rtisan, 3 Children's Art Supply Tote by Bells and Whistles 

3rd Row: 1 Gothic Flower Ring by The Family Jewels, 2 Mini Green French Beaded Flower Hair Clip by Mornin Gloria's, 3 Peas In a Pod by Blue Butterfly Design