PLOVER Organic bedding is both designed exquisitely and earth friendly. Named after the endangered shorebird, Plover is dedicated to offering 100% organic textiles. Not only do I love their business model but I can’t help but admire the bold use of patterns and color. Don’t those beds just make you want to climb right in?! Check out their online shop and get updates on their blog.

One of my favorite things growing up was back-to-school shopping! Though well out of school now, I think it’s a tradition I should bring back. For starters, I’d buy this classically simple canvas Farm Ruck Sack from Makr Carry Goods. The contrast between the leather and white cotton is so elegant but I also love the vintage shape to the tote.

This shop is full of beautifully designed goods ranging from leather key rings to bags. Made by hand and manufactured in the United States, Makr Carry Goods takes their craft seriously and it shows in their outstanding pieces. Be sure to check it out!

I’m back today with a few more photos from my husband’s 3oth Birthday Surprise. Sadly I was so busy the day of the event that I wasn’t able to snap any pictures of the party but I was able to shoot some of the details afterwards. I really went all out with the decorations too so I’m bummed that I don’t have any pics to share.

To coordinate with the “meat tooth” theme, I made meat inspired buttons that people could wear as they saw fit. It was a nice ice breaker for people that didn’t know each other and a fun token from the party. We can all use a little flare now and then!

I knew that people would be dressing up, so I wanted to make sure Tula was properly accessorized . I’d seen this tutorial in Martha Stewart Weddings on how to make flowers from silk and tulle so I sewed one and attached it to a matching homemade dog collar. Tula was quite the trooper and looked perfectly adorable in her oversized corsage!

Speaking of gardening, how about this beautifully inspired collection of crochet covered rocks?! The juxtaposition of the delicate crochet and the stones is breath taking and perfectly serene. Created by Margaret Ooman, I discovered her while scouting through the Flickr Garden Glam Set and coming across an image influenced by her work.

The quote “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” from Frank Lloyd Wright is the inspiration behind Margaret’s work. See more of her amazing collection on her Flickr page and Etsy Shop and follow her work on her blog; Resurrection Fern.

Ever since my pup ripped my last pillow cover to shreds I’ve been on the look out for a replacement. I’ve become infatuated with all things mirrored and metallic so when I spotted this velvet and silver pillow on The Bright Side Project I instantly fell in love! I’ve entered my name in the pot so fingers crossed that I win but in the likely chance that I won’t, I’m keeping this one bookmarked. This is one of many stunning pillows sold in the Be Still shop so you must stop by and check them out!

Today’s DIY craft is by Natalie Jost of Olive Manna and is so insanely brilliant! This is one of those ideas that I wish I’d thought of myself and it’s so incredibly easy that anyone can do it. On her blog, Natalie shares how to transform ribbon and fabric into tape and stickers. I’ve had a chance to play around a bit already and am having so much fun adorning things in textiles. Check out Natalie’s full post for complete directions and step-by-step photographs.

As promised, I’m back today with the last of my sisters baby shower details. I had so much fun putting it all together and preparing all the pieces. I think the cake topper was my favorite part and hopefully it’ll be something they can keep for some time.

The favors were a keepsake that each of the guests got to take home and were based off these that I had seen in the portfolio of Rebecca Thuss. Mine didn’t come out nearly as beautiful but they were still a sweet addition to the event. I wrapped two shortbread cookies in clear cellophane and put them inside the fabric envelope. These little envelopes could hold any number of things really with the proportions adjusted to fit. Below are instructions for how to make your own.

What You’ll Need:
Fabric
Scissors
Scalloped Rotary Cutter
Thread
Shortbread Cookies
Diaper Pins

Instructions:
1. Cut fabric into strips about 5″ wide x 9″ long. Fold top of fabric in 1/2″ towards wrong side of fabric and hem. Repeat on bottom edge.
2. Once both top and bottom edges have been hemmed, fold bottom portion of fabric up approvimetly 3.75″ creating an envelope. Sew along both edges 1/2″ in; securing both sides of the envelope.
3. Add a little detail and prevent fraying by trimming the sides with pinking shears or a scalloped rotary cutter. Be sure to fold top over to where it will approximately be once favor is inside then cut – the scallops will align and the envelope will appear more finished.
3. Finally, slide favor inside envelope and secure with a baby pin!

For Part II of a Baby Shower In Blue I wanted to share some more details. With the help of my husband, we made a four-tiered white cake with lemon curd filling and a lemon butter cream frosting. For the topper, I ordered some blank nesting dolls and hand painted them to match the illustrations from the invites. It took some trial and error in painting, but I think the final result turned out pretty well.

Each seat at the table had a crossword puzzle based on Allison and Ryan and words related to pregnancy and parenthood. The game was a great way to get people mingling and having fun. To add a bit of whimsy to the table, old fashioned grey and white striped straws adorned each glass. Lastly, for favors, I made little sewn envelopes based on these by Rebecca Thuss. I put wrapped shortbread cookies inside and sealed with a baby pin. Be sure to check back tomorrow; I’ll be sharing the How-To for the fabric favor envelopes!

There are just some things you can never have too many of. For me, tea towels are one such item. So when saw this set by Studiopatró it felt like they were made just for me! The unexpected use of type is beyond brilliant, I love how the T’s create such a simple and beautiful pattern! Also, be sure to check out the rest of their collection. The selection is simply stunning and the shop is equally as gorgeous.

I’m completely crushing on these coasters from Dimmalimm Home. A convenient way to protect your furniture without the hassle of asking people to use a coaster. Plus, they’re so pretty, you’re guests will be thrilled to use them. Just slip them on before the party and you’ve got instant decor as well!

These coasters are made of beautifully muted felt and come in either a Citrus pattern or Hibiscus style. Be sure to check out the Dimmalimm Home Shop, it’s well worth the visit.