Holiday Season ALREADY

Time flies when you are having fun.  Yes friends, that is exactly what I am doing, fun with friends, family and befriending some talented handmade artists and artisans locally, nationally and internationally.  My lack of posts is not due to lack of ideas.  In fact it is completely the opposite.  I have so many ideas written, pinned, saved and swirling around in this little head of mine it is difficult to keep from blogging about them.  But, I must wait...  until the official launch of  the Wind and Willow Home shop.
It is coming! When the days start getting longer and Spring is on our minds.  For now, please feel free to check out the Twin Cities Design Collective where I will be writing about fantastic local (Minnesota) talent.  You can also follow me on Pinterest where you can get a sneak peak into some the things you may see at Wind and Willow Home. Oh, and Make Sure you are a friend on Facebook for the newest updates!

Happy Summer Solstice!

Today marks the summer solstice  (in the Northern Hemisphere) which not only marks the 1st day of summer it also signifies the longest day of the year.   Sol + stice derives from a combination of Latin words meaning "sun" + "to stand still." As the days lengthen, the sun rises higher and higher until it seems to stand still in the sky.  As I mentioned in my post yesterday Summer is by far my favorite season and it is these long days with warm evenings that never seem to end that make a long winter and what seemed to be an extended spring all worthwhile. 
So here is to Summer, may the sun be warm on your face and the water cool on your toes.

 

Image via we heart it

Image via Melissa Sal

Image via The littlest things

Image via Sunday in Bed

Image via -34

Top 6 picks: Father's Day gifts

Father's Day is June 19th.   Show the Dad in your life that he is truly special with a unique, one of a kind gift.  You still have time to order.   Here are my top 6 picks. 

For your DUDE.
This print features the iconic character from The Big Lebowski, one of the greatest movies ever made. Printed on matte paper using a Canon PIXMA Pro9000
.

Find it at Ear Mark

For your Business Beau.

You will receive a custom men's necktie with your choice of matching boy's bow tie or necktie.

Find it at The Belle and the Beau

For your Distinguished Dad.

A coffee mug that is sure to make your morning! or at least make you feel more manly....maybe?

Find it at Love Grace Joy

For your Talented Teckie.

Handcrafted Wood Case for iPad 2 in Walnut, Mahogany, Maple and Wenge.  

*Contact Substrata for shipping time.

Find it at Substrata

For the Golf Guru.

This is a one of a kind solid sterling silver golf marker with your own or a loved ones fingerprint cast on it. This is really a special gift for any golf lover.

Find it at Rock My World Inc.

For every Great Dad.

I will create an 8x10 silhouette from a picture that you provide (via e-mail). I will design the silhouette and background with your preferences and then provide you an 8x10 art print that is ready to frame.

Find it at Pretty Faces

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift or piece of home decor that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: Wind and Willow Home

A Memorial Day Thank You.

In honor of all those who have served, we remember:  For your sacrifice for our freedom, to you and your families who maker our country what it is, a sincere and heartfelt THANK YOU.  Let this day be celebrated in your honor.

I thought the gals at Party Blueprints put together a great Memorial Day party planning guide.  Follow Dawn and Elizabeth for the details on a vintage penny candy bar, hot dog bar, patriotic pinwheel decorations and more.

Top 6 gifts: For Graduates

Off to bigger and better things!  Here is my list of your best bet gifts for graduates.

Above: Printable Graduation Party- Find it at Frog Prince Paperie

1.  Stuff this simple yet inspirational card with money. 

Find it at Art Fire

2.  Heartfelt keepsakes are usually in order.

Find it at LuLu Bug Jewlery

Find it at Every Day Girl

  

3.  Something for the professional.

Find it at  Comic Salvage

Find it at  Dirty Deeds Soaps

4.  A Daily reminder

Find it at  Vol 25

5.  Fantastically functional

Find it at  Lavender Harvest

6.  Thank you, of course.

Find it at Row House 14

Congratulations class of 2011!

   

 

Home is where the heart is - Valentines Day- Fine Art Print

Fun, playful prints would make a lovely valentines gift for anyone you care about.  I personally love these prints for their natural, whimsical appeal.  This print was hand drawn in ink and digitally colored.  Each print signed and dated for authenticity.  Find it at Seaspray Blue.

 

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Make it yourself Monday - Hot Cocoa

Mmmmmmm, one of the best things about Winter, Hot Cocoa!  There is nothing like a rich chocolaty drink  to warm a cold body from the inside out.  Here are a couple recipes that you can mix up yourself to give as gifts or make a batch to keep for those cold January days.  I must say that once you make it yourself you won't go back to most of the bland pre-packaged stuff.  How to make Alton Brown's Hot Cocoa from the show Good Eats (I love this show).  Ideas for embelishing your favorite Hot Cocoa.

Did you try it?  If you have any tips for this project share them in the comments section below.

Share what you made! Send your pictures to me:  email me at I want it! Projects and I will feature your project.  

Twinkle Toes- Shoe Embelishments

What better way to add a little twinkle to your toes than with these shoe embellishments.  With just a simple clip you can make your old shoes new!  Sparkling bows or poppy red ruffles you can't go wrong for the holidays.  Find these hand made, one of a kind accessories at The shop at No 144.

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Holiday Angels

The perfect paper angels! These dainty angels are printed with modern Scandinavian colors and patterns.  They can be used as place cards, tree ornaments or strung together as a beautiful garland.  Find it at Hus & Hem. 

 

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Perfect Party Purse

Add some party punch with this eye catching clutch.  Beautiful turquoise sateen base is adorned with shimmering silver leather flowers in different shapes and sizes.  Subtle pearl accents finish this elegant accessory.  Hand made- find it at LemkaB.

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Make it yourself Monday - Holiday Ornaments

Make it a hand made holiday with these beautiful and unique kusudama ornaments and paper lanterns.

Japanese kusudama is a paper ball made out of multiple identical origami shapes glued together. They were traditionally used as a  ball for incense or potpourri but now we see them more for decoration or as a gift.  Follow this link at Folding Tree for part 1 how to.  Part 2.

 

These very simple lanterns are perfect for making a quick hand made ornament for the tree or a hostess gift.  Find the simple step by step instructions at The Creative Place.

Did you try it?  If you have any tips for this project share them in the comments section below.

Share what you made! Send your pictures to me:  email me at I want it! Projects and I will feature your project.

Spice of Life

In the spirit of Thanksgiving starting off the "holiday eating season", I thought it would be a good reminder that food is to be not only delicious but also beautiful.  These stunning gourmet salts will enhance just about any dish.  Try the vintage Merlot salt - a wonderful addition to gravy and sauces, and its rich, deep color makes it a visually stunning finishing salt or the espresso salt - a great for making marinades and rubs and a delicious addition to chocolates and desserts.  The options are endless.  Find them at Cook Outside The Box.

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Love Letters

Simple stationary adorned with sewn on - upcycled fabric ruffles are a great way to say "you are special".   Modern prints of green, pink and cream for a little love letter or choose holiday colors for a special "thank you".  I think these are so simple, sweet and unique.  Find it at Elliven.

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Modern Holiday Stocking

Add a modern touch to your mantel. Design includes brilliant blue and white vintage polka dot fabric and cheerful red berries.  These splendid Christmas stockings are hand made with 100% wool felt and new/vintage cotton applique.  Lovingly hand made by Anna Joyce Designs.

 

Do you know of a product that you would like to see featured here?

Are you looking for a special gift that I might be able to help you find?

Please contact me here: I want it! - nature inspired

Dreaming of a warm white Christmas

This ivory white starfish wreath is a creative mix of dozens of finger starfish on an ivory muslin base.   Soft colors and natural textures are a great reminder of a warmer place.  I will be dreaming of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters this holiday season. Find it at Beach Grass Cottage.