Our Wedding: the invitations.

Ben & I decided early on that we wanted our wedding invitations to be unique, personalized, and fun. We quickly set to work on the content, editing his version and my version together to create our story. When it came time to design the invitation I looked to one of my favourite people - Jessica Luch - who also happens to be a creative genius and a graphic designer. I provided Jess with a few pieces of inspiration and asked that it resemble an artistic poster; what she came up with was more than I could have ever imagined. 

Jess linked me up with Manna of Modus Paperie & Press in Vancouver who printed our invitations by letterpress. The beauty of letterpress is that each invitation is hand-printed and therefore unique which is such a special touch.  

The personalization of the envelopes and the postage was a labour of love. After ordering this stamp (by Elise) I knew I had to incorporate it into our invites. Together my bridesmaid Jillian and I shared a bottle of wine and had a ball scripting personalized messages for the envelopes. It was a fun & unexpected way of incorporating personality into our invites. This gorgeous postage stamp featuring Smoothly She Shifted by Canadian artist Joe Fafard was the final touch, tying together our eclectic black and white motif. 

I'm so proud of our invitations and how they became a conversation piece and a true representation of Ben + me. The feedback we received from our guests was overwhelming. We have one framed in our room; they are literally a work of art. 

(invitations designed by Jessica Luch and printed by Modus Paperie & Press. top + bottom photos by Adrian Photography; center photos processed with Instagram). 

Rifle 2013 Cities Calendar

As a long-time fan of Anna Bond's paintings at Rifle Paper Co., the recently released cities 2013 calendar makes me very happy. Considering the fact that B and I are planning a 2013 Euro-trip, I'm quite certain this baby belongs on a wall in our kitchen. Bonus: the hand painted maps would make great prints (to keep or gift) once the month passed.


(images courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.)

stamp happy {3}

I love using stamps, especially unexpectedly (the recipients of our wedding invitations can attest to this); therefore, I'm always on the hunt for new, clever/ funny/ awesome stamps to add to my collection. Ann Marie Loves Paper is right up my alley.

My favourites: noted (I say this several times a day), this is how we do it (for obvious reasons), and love it (which I say upwards of 100 times a day). There are many other gems in her shop, as well. See: here + here.

... and if you STILL haven't had enough, there's more stamp inspiration can be found in stamp happy instalments one and two.


Images courtesy of Anne-Marie Morris (etsy shop).

girl effect.

Just when I thought Kal couldn't get any more awesome she's gone and done it: her art shop is currently stocked with these girl power bracelets. The bracelets - designed by Winnipeg based jewelry designer Hilary Druxman - have been created in support of girleffect.org who put it best: The math is simple: Girls + Girl Champions = Something Way Bigger Than All Of Us. Now that's a movement I can stand behind. 

Pop on over to Kal's corner of the internet to have a look (after all, these pretties would make a great gift). More information about Girl Effect can be found here.

Oh, and while you're there: make sure you check out these rad key tags (link with love, y'all).



(Photographs courtesy of Kal Barteski).

String Art

If you follow me on Instagram (username: cstarevents), you may have noticed a hint I dropped about an upcoming string art wedding project. My lovely friend & kindred spirit Jennifer created a beautiful l-o-v-e sign for me and gave me all of the tricks she learned while creating it. As it turns out, Martha shares our affinity for board, nail, and string. I think this is a darling way to display escort cards for a smaller wedding, don't you?

Visit Martha Stewart Weddings for the how to and list of materials.



(Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings).

stamp happy {2}

I've been meaning to get back into paper-crafting (cards, notes, etc) but needed somewhat of a "creative push" in that direction. Low and behold, Elise has created a pop up stamp shop to do just that: inspire. She has designed an arsenal of adorably fun stamps to use on photos, cards, marking papers, grocery lists, etc, etc, etc.  I can't wait to receive mine (I ordered stamps 1 + 2).

Visit her pop up shop for more information and additional stamps.



(Images courtesy of Elise Blaha: today is, this, that's what she said).

Ian Cole

Ian Cole has one of the best websites I've seen in a while. His design talents aside, I was instantly captivated by the creative portrayal of his work through his interactive website. It's as though you are stepping into his designer mind and watching his projects unfold before your eyes.

As a fan of the letterpress (and of random, quirky, thoughts) I'm particularly smitten with his 73 Letterpress project. 73 nights in a row, Ian printed a thought on his letterpress, subsequently creating a collection of beautiful art.

While you visit his website to view this and other projects he's completed, I'll be trying to figure out how I can get my hands on one of these printed thoughts...





(Images courtesy of Field Notes, Ian Coyle; the second photo was taken by Lindsay Josal).

DIY Hearts.

In the spirit of Valentine's day, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite heart-themed DIY project ideas.

{1} I haven't used crayon shavings + wax paper to create the look of stained glass since grade school; however, I love the idea of making art that is so simple yet so pretty.

{2} This beauty has been on my "to craft" list ever since Kristina posted it back in 2009. I guess I could say I've been collecting corks ever since... maybe it's time to do something with them?

{3} I was recently gifted a sewing machine (thanks Grandma!) and I am looking for simple yet inspiring projects to get me back into practice. Enter: the purl bee's tutorial. I plan on attempting a few cards this weekend with some of the leftover fabric scraps I have (from Lyla's Up-inspired bunting)!

Is there any Valentine-inspired art on your agenda?



(Images and tutorials courtesy of Martha Stewart, Lovely Morning via 100 Layer Cake, and the Purl Bee).

DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards

How perfect are these DIY Pantone-Inspired Place Cards in season-appropriate autumnal hues? I feel like pulling out my paints and creating place cards for my next event, right this minute. (I'm filing this one under "wish I came up with this concept").

Visit Frolic for the full tutorial.




(photos, concept, and styling by Annemarie Buckley via Frolic!)

Work Hard & Be Nice to People.

This is my new mantra.

I love it because it's straightforward + true. I especially love it because it puts the onus on me. Although I am not in control of what the world throws at me, I am in control of what I put out into this world.

It's a simple sentiment but it has put a lot into perspective for me. I hope you join me in the power of positive thought.

Wouldn't this pretty print be the perfect addition to a dressing table or entry way? It's a great way to start the day and a good reminder before leaving the house.



(letterpress print courtesy of sugar paper).

Irene Suchocki Photography

No words are needed to accompany these gorgeous images. I would love to have any one of these blown up over my fireplace. Her work is just breathtaking.

To view more of Irene Suchocki's work, visit her shop.



(Photos courtesy of Irene Suchocki: Far Away, So Close, Breathless, and The Power of 10).

welcome, autumn.

Oh autumn, I always forget how much I love you until the air becomes crisp + I have to put on a sweater + I begin to drink tea 4 or more times a day. What a perfect season.

This weekend I am cleaning house (literally and figuratively) and crafting. I'm 100% addicted to brush script (c/o script school) and I can't wait to share some of my work.

What are you up to, friends? If you need something fun to do, why don't you make a fall wreath or make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich or reflect on your favourite cold weather rituals?

What is your favourite thing about autumn?



(Image courtesy of Real Simple via Pinterest).

script school

I was working on a few online projects last night which allowed me to catch Kal's early bird tweet about this course (starting September 12).

Since I have had an exorbitant number of words, ideas, and verses floating around in my head over the last few months, this course has presented itself as the outlet I've been waiting for. Needless to say, I'm already registered.

I cannot wait to collaborate with beautiful minds and get messy. As the artist herself aptly puts it, this is the perfect opportunity to "be motivated and inspired by the beauty."

Visit her website to learn more.



(Course + poster courtesy of Kal Barteski).

Truth.

(Poster by Photography Concentrate via Pintrest. Visit their site for free poster downloads).

Fashion + Intellectual Property.

Forever 21, the international, box-box fashion store, is being sued by Feral Childe, an independent and sustainable womenswear collection that was started by two talented artists.

The grounds upon which the charges have been laid? Copyright Infringement.

After reading about this lawsuit, I was left with the following questions...

First: does this small womenswear line stand a chance against the international powerhouse that is Forever 21? How can it compete when the lawsuit itself barely breaks the news? Therefore, I must ask why this story isn't deemed newsworthy? (Much respect to the outlets who have run this story, specifically body politic, EcoSalon, Ecouterre, Jezebel, and Tree Hugger).

Second: is it the first time Forever 21 has been involved in something like this? Unfortunately, no; it definitely is not the first time. I cannot say I was surprised to hear of the other allegations. Nonetheless, the growing list is disconcerting. Anna Sui, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Furstenberg, Foley + Corinna, and Phillip Lim are among the designers who have taken action against Forever 21. (On top of all of this, the documentary film Made in LA addresses issues surrounding wages and working conditions fought for by Forever 21 employees. But that is another story for another blog post...)

Third: in the end, who loses? This is the hardest answer to choke down as it is the artists and the art that suffer. Alice Wu and Moriah Carlson, the duo behind Feral Childe, explain (to TreeHuger) that they "always strived to create the very best in innovative, ethically-produced clothing that is made to last"; the blatant duplication of this original design "is just plain wrong."

Therein lies my argument: interpretation (a translation; a version) and inspiration (to infuse into; to affect) are two very different things. Furthermore, to describe Forever 21's fabric as an "interpretation" of the Feral Childe textile is significantly far fetched an argument.

By no means should this post be considered an organized attack on Forever 21. Rather, I am interested in opening a dialogue that addresses the importance of the artist and the importance of intellectual property.

Specifically:

How do you feel about this story? Do you care about this issue?
Will a story like this affect your choices as a consumer? Why or why not?
I agree that a store such as Forever 21 serves a purpose; however, at what cost are you willing to capitalize on a "good deal" on fast fashion?


In closing, I respect the fact that we all have a certain allotment of discretionary dollars with which we can purchase as we desire. I simply prefer to know where my money is going and, once I know, I feel the information should be shared. Please remember to link with love and ensure we give credit (& compensation) where it is due.



(Photos courtesy of Donger / Burrroughs APC via Ecouterre).

on the run.

Welcome, August!

Wow. It's August.

I want to pump the breaks on summer because it just started flying by and I have more things on my to do lists than time to do them, it seems. On that note, isn't this a rad print?! So bang on!

Anyhow, as time marches on, I'm back at work today after a wonderful weekend spent with beautiful people (including my dear mum who came to visit). I had a ball. Best long weekend ever.

What did you do over the long weekend?


. . .

Did you know that you can 'like' c star events on facebook, pin with me on pintrest, and tweet with me on twitter? Well you can. Come join the party if you haven't done so, already!



(Print from Urban Outfitters via Pintrest).

Caravan Farm Theatre

Living in the fair city of Kamloops has many-a-perk, one of which is the thriving arts community. To date I have been to several theatre and film festivals and countless live - and usually free - music events throughout the city. Another hidden gem of the area is the Caravan Farm Theatre company (located approximately 1.5 hours outside of Kamloops). This summer they are presenting William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream - one of my very favourite plays.

The first show was last night (in the rain!) and it runs until August 21. I definitely will be dragging someone to this production at some point this summer; my only hope is that the weather is better than it was last night as the shows run rain or shine. (What troopers)!

To learn more about the history of the company or for tickets visit the Caravan Theatre website.


So... who wants to go?



(show poster courtesy of Caravan Farm Theatre).

washi tape for your walls

I have had japanese masking tape on my mind for quite some time; I have so many things I want to create with it! I love the muted colours and fun patterns it is offered in and how clean the lines look when they are layered on top of each other. Imagine my delight when I found out about giant washi tape. For your walls!

Gorgeous.

Visit the sincol x mt website for more information about this product and poppytalk & hello sandwhich for more photos.



(Photos courtesy of sincol x mt via poppytalk).

today.

two points for a Thursday morning:

1. I love this print. I just bought it and I'm pretty sure I would like to hang it above my dresser. Positive affirmations are an awesome addition to any morning routine.

2. Someone very special is coming into the world. Today. I couldn't be more excited to meet baby T who is slated to make her debut before the end of the day. More on that shortly...

Today is the day. As Kal would say, Go!



(poster + image via the big harumph's etsy shop).

let's get our celebration on.

Although I have a monthly membership with cocodot, I love sending (+ receiving!) cards through the mail. It's always such a fun treat, especially if it is sent just because.

Birthdays are the perfect time to brighten a friend's mailbox and these are some of the prettiest cards I've seen in a while. Eat cake and be merry? Pretty much my 'party' mantra.

These beauties were created by Sam Dubeau and stumbled upon via Beyond Beyond + Pintrest.

Psst... If you haven't experienced Pintrest you are missing out on something special. We should also be friends (find me here).

Do you send cards by mail? by email?



(Photos for Sam Dubeau by Scarlet O'Neill).