Wine portraiture

Some people are just so incredibly talented and creative and the lovely Amelia Fais Harnas is one talented portrait artist. I simply love her series of wine portraits {the first is a self portrait!} they have so much dimension and feeling its incredible that it was done with wine and embroidery. Using a form of wax resist and select vino, Amelia has created one of a kind pieces that just ask to be stared upon.

images via amelia fais harnas

Valentines Card DIY

I've been a crafting machine as of late and have the paint and glue covered fingers to prove. Thanks to Pinterest I have been flooded with insane amounts of beautiful craftery {that's a word, right?} and after saying I can do that a few too many times I'm now actually doing it. 

With Valentines day less then a week away I figured I better get moving if I was to send anything to my dearies and came up with a somewhat quick embroidered card. I'm a total beginner when it comes to embroidery so it did take me one try before to get it right, but once you get the drawing right, its smooth sailing...unless you are like me and don't pay attention to the tread, had to deal with not 1 but 2 not so nice knots. 

To make an embroidered heart I used graph paper to lay out the stitches. I'll admit, I winged it since I've never actually tried this before but after a few attempts was pretty happy with this shape. After you figure out the shape you want, use a needle to punch a hole on each of the points.

I started off at the bottom and worked my way up from the bottom left corner to the top right of each box. That is until about half way, I somehow switched it but whatev's it still worked out perfectly. On the backside it looked pretty clean but I decided to add a piece of gray paper to cover the stitching since I had 3 nice knots. Even with the few attempts before hand, this is a rather quick craft even for those who haven't picked up a needle and thread. Promise.

photos for our designed life

Fancy cards

I have been in serious need of new business cards but just can't seem to narrow down my thoughts enough to actually get anything designed. There are so many possibilities out there for creating unique business cards but my lack of photoshop has me using programs I'm not too familiar with and getting images to look just right has been trying. But these handmade embroidery business cards from Nina Gregier have gotten the wheels turning again {yay!}. Nina herself was inspired to make these beauties after one of her recent projects creating threaded embroidered typography. I've always loved mixing thread and paper its just an interesting look and feel and the pop of color on stark black is simply fabulous don't you think?

found on lovely stationery, photos via nina gregier 

Bold and beautiful

I absolutely love everything from Maranon, a fantastic little shop filled with amazing necklaces made to order.  There is just something about using geometric shapes that seem to always catch my eye, although I have always been a little scared to try out something so bold.  But after seeing these, I think I am ready to try!  You can read a great little article on the artist, Lorena, here.

photos via maranon

Embroidered fun

I'm sort of digging these fun hand sewn little pieces of art from Oh hi shop.  Aside from a totally fun name, Oh hi shop does custom work, so the sky is the limit.  Assuming it would fit I suppose.  Just loving that teal/brown plaid, it would fit in perfectly in my place....

photos via oh hi shop

Stitched goodness

I just love small details, and Nea wear jewelry and stitching is full of details.  The "wall wear" is simply lovely, with the use of vintage metal flowers, its such a fun idea.  And I love the ornate frame, it gives the simplicity of the design a very finished touch.  Along with the wall wear, you can also find fun jewelry that has a very delicate touch.

photos via nea wear 

K Studio

There is something about all of the embroidery goodness over at K Studio that has me all kinds of excited.  Run by mother daughter duo, Mary and Shelly bring a very fun and artistic touch to their products.  From wall art to pillows, bags and figurines, I can't pick which I like more!  I just love the simplicity of each design, and the fact that they use green materials like organic cotton, recycled wool and hemp just makes them that much cooler in my book.  A little hipster, a dash of sustainability and a few customizable pieces truly makes me happy.

And do check out their new line, Kwilty, where you can find some fun patterned bags, coffee cup sleeves and even table top flower pot covers.

all photos via k studio