Inspiration Board Challenge - November 2011

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I don't even know how I "met" Amanda of I Go You Go.  I say "met" because although we have been trying to meet in person for a month, we still have not managed to do it. :(  If you know her blog, you know that she is a girl of many talents.  And although she talks about healthy living and foods on her site I know she can get down with me and some calorie packed dessert treats.  And that is why I like her.  She seems super fun loving and I hope we can make that meet up happen really soon.  For now, she is the next participant for my monthly Inspiration Board Challenge.    

In case you aren't familiar with her blog, I'm going to share some of the things I love about it.  One of the recurring posts that Amanda does is called Event Envy (under the "party" tag) where she shares awesome parties that she has found around the web.  She has such great taste.  I always look forward to seeing what new fab parties she will find.  I am going to be honest though and tell you I am not fond about her "Workout Wednesday" feature (found in "fitness").  It always reminds me that I'm not working out and then I feel bad and go eat a cookie.  But she always wins me back with her shoe love.     

And you have to check out this super fun trailer trash party Amanda threw for her husband. 

She also has tons of awesome recipes on the site that we should all try to cook our way through.  Go check I Go You Go out now!  

Follow her on Facebook.

photo via DVF

How gorgeous is this inspiration item? I first saw this Darla top in a DVF catalog and fell in love with the colors.  I wouldn't say that green is my favorite color but if you look around at my belongings, especially items to be worn, I sure do own a lot of green...But I love it mixed with a glittery bronze and of course a little black never hurts anything.  This color scheme would lend itself so well to any kind of event.  I can't wait to see what Amanda comes up with!!!  Check back near the end of the month to see what she shares. 

Who would like to participate next?  Email me, cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com

Sharon

All photos except the DVF top via I Go You Go

October Inspiration Board Challenge - Final Board

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Remember this Mini and Maximus shirt?  Yup, it was the inspiration piece I sent to Taryn of Formal Fringe to create a mood board for.  

Taryn says:

I know this is a kid's t-shirt, but I can't help but imagine it being worn by a playful women on a milestone birthday, worn tucked in to a glimmering sequined skirt.  The glitter and glam carries into the whole fete through metallic details on escort cards, plates, envelopes and even in the drinks!  The decor of the room is neutral, weaving tones of gold, copper and silver with modern black and white.  It's the perfect state to crown her the official V.P. of Fun for the night! 

Photo Sources:

Metallic china patterns, Martha Stewart Weddings
Netural Tassle Garland - CONFETTISYSTEM
Mojito with edible glitter - Fashionably Bombed
V.P. of Fun t-shirt - Mini & Maximus
Metallic Sequined Bell Skirt - J.Crew
Black and white lounge - Rue Mag
Golden feather envelopes - Furze Chan
Metallic graphic escort cards - Martha Stewart Weddings

Thank you so much, Taryn for putting this board together!  I love your idea of pairing the Tee with a gorgeous, shimmery skirt.  And those metallic stars in the drink are making me SO happy!  This would also make a rad New Year's Eve theme.  I wish I had the energy to throw a blow out party for the last big holiday of the year.  

Can you believe it is November already!?!  Let the Christmas shopping commence!  I heard Christmas music while shopping at Michaels today and I didn't hate it...

October Inspiration Board Challenge - The Participants

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I feel like I am back on track for my monthly Inspiration Board Challenge posts.  Phew!  I had a few off months during summer, but it is back and I'm super happy to welcome Taryn from Formal Fringe! 

 I don't remember how I came across her site but the more I go through it the more I love it!  

This just might be the perfect grown up party theme of all time!  Especially New Year's Eve, am I right?  The graphics are perfect and the colors, I mean... Oh yeah and these are free printables.  Go download them now and invite all your drunkard friends over! 

If you have read my blog for any amount of time, you know that I hate Halloween.  But there is something about the Nightmare Before Christmas that I just love!  Never seen the movie, just love the design style of it and I'm a total sucker for black and white stripes.  How rad is this dessert buffet that Taryn put together!?!  See more here.

And if you didn't like her already, you simply must check out her recipe and printables for Bacon Salt!!!!  Go make it!  Then send it to me!! 

I have to say the more I read her site and check out her photography, writing and fabulous finds, the more I want to hang out with her.  I told my bff, whose name is coincidentally Taryn, that I had a new friend with the same name.  She was worried that I might toss her aside like yesterdays news.  I assured her that since my new friend T lives out of state that she would safely continue on as my bff.  But I'm really not so sure.  Taryn of Formal Fringe is kinda rad.  I hope the other Taryn doesn't read this. 

See Taryn's Portfolio (its amazing!) 

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

And now for the inspiration item that Taryn of Formal Fringe (wow, I probably really confused everyone by discussing too many Taryn's in one post) will create a mood board for:

I couldn't get the photo any larger, but I think you get the idea.  This kids t-shirt by Mini and Maximus (my fave line for kid's t's) is the coolest.  From graphic design to pocket placement Mini and Maximus takes this basic white T and makes it extra cool.  This company elevates kids design by using up and coming artists for their t-shirt graphics as well as having some super cool kids design some too.  This is my favorite line for kids shirts and my boys always get compliments when they wear them.  And while most shirts are uni-sex, some of the girlier designs tempt me in to trying for a baby girl (dear family, I am in no way suggesting that we are trying to have another baby.  I am more than happy with my two boys.  Sometimes I wish they would let me put a big old flower headband on them or a tutu, but I'm not chancing a final score of mom 1:  boys 3).

I am so excited to see what Taryn will come up with for this.  I love doing this challenge every month because I know what I my parties for the inspiration pieces would look like, but I am always surprised, in a very good way, by what the other bloggers come up with.  Be sure to check back at the end of the month to see the finished board!  And in case some of you are as crazy as I am and starting to think about Christmas shopping, be sure to check out Mini and Maximus for the cool kids on your list.  While some might balk at the price, they always have a sale section and show up on The Mini Social (if you are not signed up you simply MUST do it now.  I always do a ton of holiday shopping from this site.  Amazing fashion, toys and gifty items!!) from time to time.  

Mini and Maximus blog

Follow them on Twitter

Like them on Facebook (100 fans away from a rad giveaway - hurry!  Go!)

Have a great week everyone!!!

Sharon

September Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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It is that time again!  I'm so excited to share the final board for my monthly (I say that loosely) Inspiration Board Challenge!  Danielle did not disappoint with her board.  She created her board for an afternoon bridal luncheon.  

How rad are those purple shoes!?!  And that dress?!  I have to have it!  Dear Santa...

I love how she worked in all the colors in such fun ways.  Loving the blue cocktails for a fun pop of color without going for the obvious in linens or decor.  Super subtle and awesome.  Yup, this board turned out so great!!! 

Big thank you to Danielle for participating!!!!!  

Photo Sources:

The dress - The perfect Stella McCartney dress for the luncheon

The shoes - The must-have sandals for the occasion  Christian Louboutin Purple Straratata Glitter Platform Sandals

Party Invitation - Mod Medallion Pocket Invitation

Gold Party Favor Box 

Dessert Cupcakes - Fuchsia cupcakes 

Pink Centerpiece with candles - Centerpiece 

Party Coasters - Horchow  

Cocktail Drinks - Hpnotiq Cocktails http://www.hpnotiq.com/recipes/index/8

Purple Cocktail Ring - Used as Napkin Ring 

Sharon

September Inspiration Board Challenge - Welcome to Oh, How Posh!

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It has been a while since I've done the inspiration board challenge.  Sometimes, life just gets in the way you know?!  Well, this month (half month? whatevs) the participant is Danielle of Oh, How Posh!  Her website is a great resource of entertaining tips, delicious recipes and so much more!  

How cute are these free printables?  She's got a whole section for them on her blog.  Don't miss it! 

Like Oh, How Posh's facebook page here.

Follow Oh, How Posh on Twitter here.

After my friend, Heather, so graciously lent me a ton of her Stella and Dot jewelry for a recent blogging conference, I couldn't get this necklace out of my head!  I love the colors of the beads and thread and the mismatched metals.  I love that it is messy but still classy and can be worn with so many things.  I felt like it was a really great inspiration piece to design a party board off of.  

Like Heather's Stella and Dot Facebook page here.

I can't wait to see what Danielle comes up with!!!!  

Check back at the end of the month to see! 

Sharon

Photo of lemonade printables via Oh, How Posh.  Picture of necklace is mine, all mine. 

June Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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If you have clicked over from any of my links recently to Cakes Likes a Party, then you know how talented Annika is.  I had no doubts that her inspiration board would turn out amazing.  And at the time I didn't know that she had two little boys and, like me, is dying inside to host a girly little party instead of Monkeys Donkys Robots and Pinatas. 

This inspiration piece couldn't have been better.  It allowed her to put together a sweet (yet salty) party that is totally different than our usual affairs.  I want to have this party.  Who is with me?  (Do I say that about every inspiration board??? - I'm pretty sure I do because they are all so great!)

Here is what Annika had to say about this party:

I loved this image so much because though it's pink and ballerina-ey, it's also tough as nails. And if you think about it, ballerinas are pretty bad-A because their toes may be mashed and smashed but they have smiles on their faces and buns on their heads.

Immediately I thought of a 21st birthday party. Just like a tough ballerina, a 21-year-old gal is walking through the door where sweet innocence meets the edgy real world. I am envisioning this party in a beautiful field where the guests will all sit inside a tough geo-dome to dine that's decked out all girly inside. Dance the night away, then all pack in the airstream for a ride home from the caterers. Huh? Well, an airstream caterer (do they exist? If not, they should!) will feed you and be parked right next to the geo-dome just to look super cute. The rest is kind of explained below. 

Photo Sources:

21 poster - to hang above the Birthday girl's chair Airstream - to be served out of. Basically a mobile kitchen. Plate - to eat upon, silly. Word confetti - all over the floor to dance on and throw at each other Mini berry cakes - who needs food? Pink table & black striped runner Gnarly bracelet - to use as napkin ring then take home as a party favor

Place cards - to put peeps in their place

Pretty, but tough, flowers - to add some loveliness

Black stemware - No more solo cups for you!

Geo-dome - where the party will be set

Black poster - The look of the invitation

Ballet slippers - Tough & Sweet! The inspiration piece!

Black chandelier - overhead

Chevron napkins - wipe your face, dear.

Look like a biker angel - Tough and beautiful! Just like all 21 year olds should be!

Puh-Lease!  This party could not be more my style.  Annika and I might be the same person (ok, her taste is totally better than mine).  That tent!!!  Those black glasses (which my mom in law has - including shot glasses, champagne flutes, goblets - And I'm not sure if she knows that I am totally coveting them.  And that I know where she stores them.  But I would never take them.  At least all at once.  I think it would be easier to sneak one piece at a time.  Oh no, I've said too much!)  So I know I just had a birthday and all, but let's put this party on the list of parties to throw me.  

Thank you for participating Annika!  Can't wait to see you again soon!

Sharon

Inspiration Board Challenge - June

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So after a month off from the Inspiration Board Challenge it's back!  And we have the amazing Annika from Cakes likes a Party as this month's participant.  I recently found out that she lives within 20 minutes of me.  I really hope that I get to meet up with her soon.  It's so fun to know fun party people in your area. 

photo via Cakes Likes a Party

 How amazing are these invites that she created for her son's birthday?  LOVE her style. 

photo via Cakes Likes a Party

Annika's blog is amazing!  For one, she has a background in graphic design and she sometimes offers these great free printables.  If I entertain for the 4th of July, I will for sure be using one of these banners.  

photo via Cakes Likes a Party

And one of my fave Mother's Day themes ever has to be this "Trophy Mom" theme she put together to celebrate her own mom.  Super cute, totally unique and the perfect mix of modern and vintage.  She also belongs to a gourmet supper club and blogs about that experience.  And I can tell from her "Idea Thief" and "Not my Party" features that she has great style.  I'm super excited to see what she comes up with from the inspiration piece below. 

 Girly Girls like... is a great visual blog with beautiful images.  As I was perusing the entries I came across this AMAZING piece by Andy Warhol of ballet slippers.

image of Andy Warhol piece via Girly Girls Like...

I love this print.  I love how many different kinds of events it can inspire.  It would work in a glammed out setting or more funky and cool.  What will Annika do?!  I can't wait to see!!!!!

Sharon

April Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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Time to reveal the final board for the April Inspiration Board Challenge.  I adore this illustration that I chose as the inspiration piece by Caroline of It Looks Good to me.

And I LOVE the board created by Laurel of Go Against the Grain!  Check it out!  Those pinks are so girly and fun!  But the confetti systems garland makes it a little bit edgy.  LOVE!

Photo Sources:

pink champagne: http://ineedacupcake.tumblr.com/post/1160838381/thedecorista-legendary

candy buffet: http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/perfect-palette-pink-and-gold#slide_9

invitation: http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2010/10/a-sweet-bridal-shower-invitation/

blue dress: http://www.samuellecouture.com/portfolio8.html

shoes: http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/81111?cm_mmc=LinkshareUS-_-Custom-_-Link-_-Builder&siteID=uZlcho_8PFY-jJYZB3V6vn2cWZxcNobC0A
*bride to be straw flags: http://www.etsy.com/listing/68874994/bride-to-be-paper-drink-straw-flags-set
garland: http://www.confettisystem.bigcartel.com/product/tassel-garland-neutral-palette

*NOTE:  One of Laurel's amazing products available in her Etsy shop!  

I really enjoy the inspiration board challenges.  But I think I am taking May since I don't have someone already lined up off but will start up again in June.  Anyone interested?  Email me!  cupcakesandcutlery@gmail.com.

Sharon

Inspiration Board Challenge - April

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Do you guys know Laurel of Go Against the Grain?  You totally should.  She creates details and you know that is what sets any good party apart.  Her graphic design skills make me green with envy and her custom maps are to die for. 

images by Go Against the Grain

Adding a tag to a straw is such an easy idea but look at what an impact it makes! 

images via Go Against the Grain

So if you are in need of some cupcake picks,  candy bar signs or anything personalized, Laurel is your gal.  Don't forget to check her out on her blog, follow her on twitter and "like" her on Facebook. 

I found the inspiration item for this month on Looks Good to Me.  If you don't know it you simply must check it out.  It is fashion based and not only are their gorgeous clothing and beauty items that you will be lusting after, she creates the most gorgeous illustrations to go along with them.  For instance, when I am packing for a trip, I may jot down my list on the back of a receipt, but Caroline illustrates it...like, whoa.  

Image is by Looks Good to Me

And then I saw this amazing party illustration, complete with Confetti Systems-esque garlands and I was sold.  She has a few prints for sale in her shop and I want each and every one of them.  Her talent is truly remarkable and I am a HUGE fan.  

I can't wait to see the board that Laurel comes up with based on this illustration!  

Sharon

March Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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As you may remember, I told you that at the beginning of the month that Cake Ink would be creating an inspiration board based on this amazing t-shirt graphic by Boscoe 79.

This graphic is the coolest and a perfect mix of old-school and modern.  The girls of Cake Ink managed to match that vibe perfectly with their inspiration board.  It makes me happy every time I see it.  I know you are all going to love it:

Freaking love it!!!!!!!  And some one needs to have this party.  Now. 

Here is what they have to say about the inspiration:

"We envisaged a retro 1980's roller disco party, with a sweets table featuring nostalgic treats such as ice cream sundaes, space food sticks, gumballs, hot dogs and popcorn. It has an American Pop Art undertone stemming from that era, with a bit of edgy cool thrown in for good measure. We would suspend old EP’s and disco balls from the ceiling and use a palette of primary colours. The party games would also include Uno, dominos, marbles, jacks, hopscotch and of course a roller disco.

The party favour would be a Pez dispenser or a pet rock!"

Photo Credits:

record wedding invite: ello there, http://www.etsy.com/shop/ellothere

greeting card: able and game, http://www.etsy.com/shop/ableandgame

rollerskates: http://www.etsy.com/shop/RobertaGrove

bacon gumballs: thinkgeek.com

popcorn: http://20-somethingdreams.blogspot.com/2009/05/who-knew-popcorn-could-be-so-exciting.html

candy: http://www.sweetjunkie.com

Happy Fonz: toltoys.com

typo print: Yellow Owl Workshop, http://www.yellowowlworkshop.com/

Pez: toy-tma.com

M print: Draw!Pilgrim, http://www.etsy.com/shop/drawpilgrim

record wall hanging: http://www.jillscostumes.com/50s/decorations.html

DJ cupcakes: Cake Ink., cakeinkevents.blogspot.com

record bookend: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nerdnest

sundae: http://katemonster20.blogspot.com/

viewfinder/uno: random google images

gumballs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/20665848@N06/4409924694/

space food sticks: http://peterhirschberg.com/toys/spacefoodsticks/index.htm

my pet rock: http://drrockshow.com/blog/2009/09/08/test-post-in-sweet-16-category/

Roller Disco: http://deirdrezahldesign.blogspot.com/2008/06/roller-disco.html

art print: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thepairabirds

pouch: Curly Pops, http://curlypops.blogspot.com/

Thank you to all the participants for the month!  And if you haven't yet checked out Boscoe 79, you simply must.  They gave my boys a few shirts and they are super soft and in rad colors.  And I can't say enough about the graphics!!! They are some of the coolest shirts my boys own.  Thank you Boscoe 79!!!

Sharon  

January Inspiration Board Challenge - The Final Board

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I am so excited to share the inspiration board that Jen of Blush Printables came up with.  I was super late this month getting the challenge together this month and that gave Jen only about a week to create this board.  Never mind the fact that she has a regular day job, and puts together a fantastic blog, she was totally up to the challenge.  I loved the feel that the inspiration picture had.  It was a very cool idea of how to incorporate florals in a new way. 

Again, this was the inspiration photo (see the full explanation here) and here is what Jen came up with!

Gorgeous!  I don't use a lot of flowers in my parties because in the wrong hands (mine) they can look hokey and be expensive to buy enough to make an impact.  I love the photos that she found!  Totally a party that I would want to attend.  And since Jen and I have bonded over grunge, I know this party would rock!  

Photo Sources:

Floral cards

Floral cake

Wall of flowers

Wrapped present

Menu - Unknown

Sharon

Introducing Studio Lotus & November

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I'm so excited to share with you the launch of Studio Lotus & November.  You sort of know Lisa already as I used one of her designs for my very first Inspiration Board Challenge.  At the time, she was in the process of setting up shop and it's finally done!

 Check out some of these super cute baby announcements!

 Need help with your business identity?  Studio Lotus & November can help!

 Lisa creates everything from party invites to full wedding invitation suites.

Looking for a personalized notecard or thank you note?  Look no further than Studio Lotus & November.

Check out her Etsy shop, but remember all her work is custom and specific to your event.  Don't hesitate to contact her with your inquiry.

Sharon

Inspiration Board Challenge - January

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Oh.  Is it January already?  How is it the 22nd of the month already and I am just getting the inspiration board challenge up?  But the bigger question is HOW DID I NOT KNOW HOW COOL JEN OF BLUSH PRINTABLES WAS?  I had seen a few examples of her work and liked what I saw.  But I didn't know about her blog.  She is freaking hilarious.  In an effort to learn a little about what makes her tick I read these posts.  And you know what I figured out?  She sounds like a heck of a good time.  Like, I want to invite her on a girl's weekend without even knowing her.  Even though she blares Tool on bad days and I blare early Hole, I think we have a ton of things in common.  Jen, I hope to meet you one day!

 From looking at her portfolio, you can tell this girl is super talented.  I love the way she balances romantic, vintage-y (totally a word) touches with a modern cleanness.

 Adoring this goldeny yellow with the pink.  And especially as a circus theme, the fact that it isn't primary colors delights me.

 And this one is soooooo creative and cool and funny (gush alert:) just like Jen.

This is the inspiration photo that I sent her.  These are silk flowers and I love that they tried to make it look like wallpaper but with actual, 3-D items.  I let her run with it, no rules, no specific event to create the board for.  I'm so excited to see what she comes up with.  I don't even really know what this is but I'm guessing it is European.  I think it might be an exhibit in a gallery/cafe space?  And I have no idea where I first saw it because my bookmark folder is as unorganized as the rest of my house.  If you posted this, please let me know!

And now a bit more about her blog.  It seriously rocks.  From party images that make you all dreamy to the fashion she shares (I want every pair of shoes she's ever posted about especially these) it is pure visual perfection.  Go look, if you haven't seen it.  Or was I the only one living under a rock?

Sharon