jb artistry

Valentine's Day Party + diy projects

2012-02-15T17:18:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Today I thought I'd share some pictures from a Mini Valentine's Day Party I had this weekend.

Let's start off with some diy decor projects!

I realize Valentine's Day is over, but you can apply these ideas to your own decorating projects at any time of the year.

To add some love to my front door and coffee table I started with natural wood heart cut outs and dip-dyed them in watered down acrylic paint.

After the hearts were dry I taped them to red thread with washi tape and (after a mini heart attack from a lizard scare) tied it onto an oval wreath.

For the dining room I made a table runner out of some doilies I bought at a thrift store. (inspiration via pinterest)

The tiny flying hearts were totally an accident. They just kind of happened while I was pulling apart some oven baked clay - trying to make something more like this. But I ended up liking them!
Apparently they look like teeth. Haha!

My sweet friend Ashley brought me these lovely flowers!

I finally got to use the dished my best friends bought me for my birthday! I was super excited about that.

Dinner - Creme Brûlée French Toast with fruit and honey

Such a fun night with sweet friends :)

Valentine's Day Inspiration No. 3: Style File

2012-02-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

V-day is three days away!

If you haven't been able to find a great outfit yet, here is some inspiration for you and your guy:

1. Sophia sunglasses

2. Striped dress

3. Cashmere waffle cardigan

4. Cutie undies

// All from J. Crew hehe :)

1. Scoop neck sweatshirt // Two String Jane

2. School boy blazer // J. Crew

3. Boho Bow headband // Topher & Co.

1. Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses // J. Crew

2. Bowery cotton twill // J. Crew

3. Red chambray bow tie // J. Crew

Man Trip 2012

2012-02-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

Image via Murray Barnes, design by me.

Chris is on vaca with his best friend Aaron this weekend.
They do "Man Trip" it every year but this year they added "Man of Mustaches" to their title - for obvious reasons.
I decided they needed a poster to make it more official.

I sent Chris off with this package:

I told him not to open it until he was there so I have yet to hear the response.

He'll be home SO SOON!
I can't wait; I've missed him so much.

This is the first time we've really been apart in 7 and a half months!
Our bed looks so sad with only one pillow!

I am very glad he got to get away and just chill though; he definitely deserves it.
But I'll probably squeeze him into two pieces when he gets here ;)

Style File: Bangs

2012-02-09T10:56:00.002-05:00

WARNING: This is totally considered a venting/blabbering post

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

I'm seriously contemplating cutting bangs again.

I know, it shouldn't be that big of a deal.

They'll grow back right? In like... a year? AH!

images: here + here

I just got in my new glasses.

My old ones are very square so the roundness of my new pair is taking some getting used to.

I have a very oval face with a tiny forehead. (It has been referred to as a three head.)

So I'm thinking that longish side bangs will help break up my face!

I can't get short bangs of course.. they would be like an inch long. Hahaa

images: here, here, here + here

I guess we will see...
Eeeeek!

Valentine's Day Inspiration No. 2: Gift Guide For Your Man

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here is a small collection of Valentine's Day gift inspiration for the man in your life.

Only one more week!

01. Buffalo Skull // Every Eskimo

02. Herb & Spice Kit // Craig's Market

03. Wild Man Natural Men's Cologne // Wild Rose Herbs (they also have a beard conditioner)

04. You Are Such a Cool Dude Card // Cool Jane

05. Fine Art Print // Vladimir Longauer Photography

Happy Tuesday, friends.

I hope your week is off to a wonderful start.

Valentine's Day Inspiration No. 1: Gift Guide

2012-02-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

A little Valentine's Day inspiration for you today, friends.

1. Copper and Dipped Rubber Arrow Ring // Miju

2. For Keeps Decal // Shanna Murray Illustrated Decals

3. Heart Watercolor Print // Andrea Shear

4. Geometric Heart Necklace // Fr33na

5. Card: You're My Dearly Beloved // Oh My Dear Handmades

Procrastinate

2012-01-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

via designlovefest

Design > Homework.

'Stache Support Box + Free Printable

2012-01-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

1. 'Stache Stamp - made by me

2. The Moustache Grower's Guide by Lucien Edwards - Amazon

3. 'Stache Poster - made by me

4. 2012 Calendar by Ruff House Art - West Elm

I will be posting a separate tutorial on making the 'stache stamp soon!

You can download the poster and spread some more 'stache support ;)

[download the poster here]

terms of use

The downloadable files in this post are for personal use only, not for commercial use.

You are welcome to print as many as you wish and share the link with friends.

Style File: Eyewear by Warby Parker

2012-01-26T13:46:00.003-05:00

I'm in the market for some new spectacles. Mine have some serious scratchage and i may have forgotten to take them off the last time I used spray paint which probably has something to do with the thousands of tiny dots that I am now struggling to see through.

I'll probably end up getting something from zenni optical like usual - they have some nice looking glasses for crazy low prices. Perfect for someone like me who likes to change her mind often ;)

But I thought I'd share a super cool company that a friend told me about - Warby Parker.

They sell vintage inspired eyewear - super cute.

<< They do the buy a pair, give a pair thing - like toms!

But they will also send you FIVE pairs of glasses to try on at home - completely free! Cah-razy!

Top 3 Warby Parker faves:

All $95! More than zenni, but still really awesome.

AND... how cool is this:

Haha!

Sneak Peek: 'Stache Support

2012-01-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Mr. Christopher has been growing a mustache for... a month now?
Regardless, I haven't been very supportive of the new look.

When this came in the mail, I knew the 'stache would be sticking around for a while:

firehouse moustache wax

Yes, really. MOUSTACHE WAX.

I freaked too.

Chris is in love with the 'stache.

I refer to it as a creature that could jump off and attack me at any moment.

"a home for you mustache"

But, I decided that since I've made multiple (okay, maybe thousands) of 'stache cracks, I would show a little support for the... thing.

A little turned into... I wouldn't say a lot, but a big project. What can I say, I like projects, design, and my husband.

Here is a preview of the "box of 'stache support":

A 'Stache Support Box post will be coming your way asap!

(shaving it for later...)

But for now, a little mustache inspiration:

Or a lot...

People are really digging on the stache!

New in the Store: Love Notes

2012-01-23T11:46:00.001-05:00

Valentine's Day is in THREE WEEKS!

Crazy, I feel like Christmas was a few days ago.

These are sold in PDF form so you can print as many as you'd like at home!

They are all posted in the store now so head on over! :)

Project: Birthday Card

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

My best friend's birthday was last weekend and I had given her present to her like a month before. (haha.. i couldn't wait!)
So I made her a very... personalized card to give her at her birthday party since I didn't have a gift to bring.

Sneak Peek: Love Notes

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day always sneaks up on me!
It will be here SO SOON.

These sweets will be in the store super soon!

Project Process: Capri Collage

2012-01-21T14:25:00.002-05:00

I'm taking a Printmaking class this semester and I'm starting with silk screen.
I'm super excited, but completely stuck on what to actually print!

I'd love to do something that could be meaningful to others - not just something that I will enjoy.
I looked through the images on my computer and the best by far were the pictures of Capri, Italy from our honeymoon.

I couldn't pick just one picture from a group that were taken from our ride in to the island so I decided to see what they would look like composited together.

They didn't line up perfectly because they were taken from all different angles - I think it gives it an interesting, moving and living feel.

After all of the images were arranged a black and white filter was added:

...and then partially returned. (using a mask on the black and white layer)

Adjusted levels:

Added a few photo filters:

If I print on anything that won't end up in a frame on a wall I will probably take the image back to this white background. But I think it would be awesome in a huge frame taking up.. a whole wall maybe? Go big, right?

I don't have any experience with screen printing so I'm really hoping this will turn out!

Happy weekend, friends :)

Seventh Monthiversary

2012-01-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our 7th monthiversary.
We really don't celebrate on the 18th of EVERY month, promise!

Chris has always been awesome about getting me gifts just because - not just for special occasions.
When we got married, I was prepared for this to stop... or at least slow way down.
You'd think I'd know by now that I don't have a normal guy!

He came home last night with these:

Yes, he is awesome.

Yes, I am super blessed.

Before and After: Blog Design

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

As I said a few days ago, I felt like it was time for a new look.

I'm planning on re-vamping every area of my "brand" but I feel like this is a good start!

I'd love to hear any feedback! :)

Collection: Gold Home Decor

2012-01-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

A little glitzy collection for you today!
Inspired by Apartment Therapy's post full of lovely home decor.

This splendid set was a favorite from their round up:

west elm via apartment therapy

layla grayce

Lucy Haus | Transformed Treasures

urban outfitters

Also, a little diy action:

Check out curbly.com for the full tutorial!

New Look: Coming Soon!

2012-01-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

I've decided it's time for some re-branding. Yes, again.
Where better to practice that on your own brand right?

I'm super excited about how the new look is coming so far!

I'm drawing most of my inspiration from this image from ferm living:

via: happy mundane

So many awesome colors and textures!

Hoping to have a new look on the blog very soon.

It will be much more clean and simple.

Can't WAIT.

Happy holiday weekend, everyone!

Hello, 2012.

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

image by john holzer, text added by me

2011 has been amazing.

(Our wedding was particularly fantastic)

I'm a little sad to see it go but I'm also very excited to see what 2012 will bring!

I'm graduating school, which will be wonderful.

I have some very exciting new projects lined up.

I'm sure there will be many wonderful surprises as well!

A little New Year inspiration for you all:

style me pretty

the sweetest occasion

style me pretty

design sponge

ruffled

Happy New Year, everyone!

Christmas Tree Alternatives

2011-12-16T12:00:00.006-05:00

Mini Christmas Tree - $15 at rough fusion

My family is on my case about not having a Christmas Tree. My mom has offered to give me one at least 8 times. I keep telling them that I have SIX Christmas Trees; I think I'm covered.

I have two on my table..

One on my coffee table..

They call this one my Charlie Brown tree.
I'm okay with that I guess; I think it's adorable.

AND three glass trees that I can't seem to get a good picture of. :/

Chris and I decided to avoid the mess and the hassle of a traditional tree. Our lack of space, ornaments, and kids aided our decision. :)

Hopefully my family won't disown me. ;)

I did, however, want to have some sort of creative approach to a tree. One that would take less space and cash to create. The artist part of me always wants to rebel against the norm that everyone else is doing.

I never decided on an alternative Christmas Tree idea in time to make it worth my while. Maybe next year! But I will share all of the lovely inspiration that others have come up with!

01 - Pinned by Johanna Smith

02 - West Elm

03 - kirtsy

04 - vtwonen

05 - CB2

06 - Walther & Co

07 - House & Garden

(Definitely a fave)
08 - Vosgesparis

09 - Vosgesparis

10 - Shannon Eileen blog

Love, love, love.
11 - style files

12 - House to Home

13 - Anthropologie

14 - dainty and dangerous

15 - beyond the picket fence

And... Dun duh dah dah...
My absolute favorite.
16 - poppy talk

Maybe I should start planning for next year's Christmas decor so I will actually go through with it... :)

Happy 9 Days until Christmas!

Blessings instead of stresses

2011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

This semester has been stressful.
Adding school to my load and never ending to do list has made me feel a little overwhelmed.

Recently God has been showing me the amount of time I spend dwelling on the things that are making feel so stressed (which is definitely not helping the situation) and the amount of time I don't spend thinking about all that I am grateful to Him for. I have so much in my life to be thankful for, so I've made it a goal (I even put it on my twelve by 2012 to do list!) to spend more time thinking on all of the blessings in my life and less time thinking about things I wish were different or wishing for more time in my week.

November is here, that means Thanksgiving is just days away. Why wait until then to count your blessings? I plan on making a list of all of the things I should be thanking God for everyday, but hardly do. Whenever I feel the stress creeping back in, I will have a list of things that can change my heart back toward thankfulness.

So who wants to join me? Praise God for His abundant blessings now; Don't wait for Nov. 24th.

Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

for his steadfast love endures forever!

Happy Halloweeeeen!

2011-10-31T12:44:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

We had a 90's themed Halloween party at our house last night. I had a couple of pumpkins that I bought on sale after Halloween last year that I wanted to use as decor for the party.

Just thought I would share some of the images I found while looking for ideas for mine!

Love, love, love the lace pattern. I don't think I have the patience for it though!

These were my fave for the look I was going for. I love the modern twist.

And these were just funny; Had to share :)

This is how they turned out!

Just a few more pictures from the party:

I didn't get many :/

90's ladies

The punch was a total mess to make and looked creepy (which was a win on Halloween, of course) but tasted delish!
Recipe: Fresh From the Lab

Twelve by 2012

2011-10-19T14:53:00.000-04:00

I'm loving this new project that Danni of oh, hello friend came up with. I'm a little obsessed with lists but I also tend to procrastinate so most of the items on my list end up on about 5 lists after the first. This is a refreshing spin on a New Year's Resolution - instead of a list of goals for the year, it is a simple list of twelve things to accomplish or work towards before the end of 2011. I usually forget about my goals for the new year by February, so this seems much more attainable to me!

My list of twelve:
1. Finish thank you cards from the wedding
2. Bind a book
3. Go on a picnic with Chris
4. Start a "keeper" recipe box
5. Update blog at least once a week (I know, going big)
6. Launch a new product line on my etsy
7. Focus on blessings instead of stresses
8. Make Chris' surprise present (shhhhhh!)
9. Finish reading Exodus and Leviticus
10. Make a dress
11. Plan a New Year's party
12. Start a painting series

Most of these are things that I've had on my list for quite a while and they REALLY need to get done. Some are just things I think would be really fun. :)

I will be updating on how I am doing on my list!
If anyone starts their own, please let me know! I would love to see it and I could use some accountability ;)
Head over to oh, hello friend to grab a button and see a full list of participants of the twelve by 2012 project.

Wrap Bracelets by CocoBelle Design

2011-10-18T13:57:00.001-04:00

Just finished a banner design for Mallory's lovely Etsy Shop - CocoBelle Design!

She makes some ADORABLE jewelry - beautiful, fun colors with just enough sparkle.

You can also custom design your own CocoBelle wrap bracelet. She has so many vibrant colors to choose from!

I'm loving the contrast between the industrial look of the metal and organic feel of the cords.

Connect with CocoBelle on Etsy, Facebook and Twitter

Etsy Store: Grand Opening Coupon

2011-10-09T19:35:00.000-04:00

Finally! I'm on Etsy! Help me celebrate by enjoying free shipping for a week.

Visit my store here: jbartistry.etsy.com

Happy shopping!