#22: Print Photos on Canvas December 16, 2008

I’m crossing off another item on my 101 in 1001 list! :) Ordering canvas prints was my number 22 task, and I’ve ordered TWO! The one shown here is what is now mounted above our fireplace mantle, soon to be surrounded by the fun things I ordered from CB2 (see the post here if you missed out the first time around). I took this photo a few years ago, when I was visiting Jeff (who was my boyfriend then) in Joplin, Missouri. This was taken at fun garden decor center, and I wish I knew what this plant was. The leaves are so tiny and delicate!

Here’s the photo that now hangs above the fireplace in our new living room! I also ordered a different canvas print for our bedroom, which I’ll have to show you later when our bedroom isn’t full of boxes. :) Canvases are such a fun way to display photos and really make them stand out as an art piece.

Those deep brown walls are also the walls of our new living room… what do you think? :)

Soon, I’ll be ordering more canvas prints for my home show room of my favorite wedding and engagement images. If you’re looking for a unique, beautiful way to display your wedding or portrait images, send me a message for more information about gorgeous canvas gallery wraps! :) I just love them.

Christmas Ideas from ericamay November 10, 2008

It’s that time of year again. Department stores roll out their Christmas gift collections. Santa’s workshop sets up home in the mall concourse. Old Navy and The Gap roll out some creative holiday-themed commercials, where scarves and stripes abound. Magazines boast their 101 best do-it-yourself gift ideas. And we all make our lists and check them twice.

Looking for a fresh, new gift idea this Christmas? Me, too.

I’m so excited to offer professional prints of my creative photography gallery this year! The variety is vast, the styles are different and the content is full. From men to women, dorm rooms to dining rooms, stylish to simple, an art print is a unique gift that they won’t return.

If you’re interested, check out the creative gallery here. The shopping cart is built right in, so you can have the prints shipped right to your house. Put it in your favorite frame, and you’re done! Check one more off the list!

Need advice? Looking for something specific? Let me know! I’m glad to help brainstorm with you to make your Christmas shopping a little easier, and your homes a little brighter. :)

…now, who can give me ideas for my gift-giving list??

 

Click here to sign in and view the online creative gallery.

Click here and here to see fun picture frame ideas!

Kansas City Spotlight: Hammerpress October 20, 2008

Several weeks ago, when we visited the Kansas City First Friday event in the Crossroads, Jeff and I ventured in to Hammerpress. The cool storefront, vintage decor and creative products were a magnet for souls like ours. :) 

Hammerpress uses letterpress techniques in all of their cool design projects — everything from cards, to wedding invitations (hint to all of my brides out there!), to cool concert posters.

These are some cool monogrammed notecards (a fun thank-you note idea!):

Check out this awesome and unique wedding invitation. Seriously?! So fun!

This one’s for you, Eric:

It’s just a really fun place with details all over that you just can’t find anywhere else.

So if you’re looking for a really unique invitation design, fun thank-you notes, or some cool vintage-like posters to decorate a new home, definitely visit Hammerpress in the Crossroads District. They stay open late on every First Friday event…or they’re always online!

#95: Purchase an original piece of artwork August 8, 2008

I am a big fan of original art. As a photographic artist myself, I enjoy seeing other people’s perspectives on the world through their artwork. When we visited the First Friday artwalk event at the Crossroads district, we decided to see if we could scout out an original piece for our home at Archival Designs. We found about 15 that we liked, although only a few made sense for our budget and our one bedroom apartment right now. :) These photos were quick snapshots on our dining room table in (lovely…) yellow light. It’s amazing in person. We had to fend off another couple to purchase this lovely piece from Archival Designs, a really awesome ceramics studio in the Crossroads.

Everything this husband and wife team creates is hand made and individually glazed. They can make custom artwork for your specific needs, or you can purchase some of their beautiful pieces they have on display. I just love how their pieces are functional (sinks, tiles, bowls, dinner sets, etc.) AND amazing pieces of artwork. It’s a really great way to incorporate art into your daily routine!

If you’re building or remodeling a home, Archival Designs has gorgeous decorative ceramic tiles for kitchens and bathrooms — plus really incredible artistic ceramic sinks (which I am obsessed with)! They are seriously fantastic. When we have a house, I’m definitely headed back for more.

They’re located between 20th and 21st on Baltimore, just across the road from the Leedy Voulkus Art Center.

So, I’m checking #95 off my 101 in 1001 list! Hooray!

First Fridays Art Walk – Kansas City Crossroads August 2, 2008

The first Friday of each month, the Crossroads Art District in Kansas City has a big event where art galleries, restaurants, etc. stay open late for the crowds of people who flock there for interesting forms of art, live street music, food and an eclectic mix of Kansas City residents.

Jeff and I started off, naturally, with a quick photo shoot in an alley. It was interrupted by another photographer doing a modeling shoot in the same area, who asked me to pose for a photo…ha ha! Jeff snagged a photo of the process below.

The revitalization in the district is really great, and we love seeing the awesome renovations of old buildings into really neat studios and galleries. The galleries showcase both local and national artists. The photo below is of the Mojo Gallery, one of my favorites in the district — I wish I had some photos of the awesome glass bead jewelry and unique art items to show…next time!

Only in the Crossroads District would you find artistic birdhouses nailed to light poles, and a chalk-board painted car with a box of chalk for people to decorate with.

Jeff and I found one of our new favorite galleries, Archival Designs, which has really awesome hand-made ceramics. This is where I was able to cross item #95 of my list of things to do (more on that in an upcoming post).

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is opening up a gallery in the Crossroads as well. It will celebrate its grand opening on November 7th, which is actually a First Fridays event. We’ll hopefully be checking that night out, too. Check out the Kemper press release for the details.

Hammerpress is probably my new favorite place in all of Kansas City. It offers outstanding graphics work and paper products, a really fun atmosphere, plus unique and creative products. More on that as well in an upcoming post.

After all of our visiting galleries and shops, we made our way to The Coffee Girls for a drink. I thoroughly enjoyed my “Blue Crush” fruit smoothie — with fresh oranges, blueberries, honey, and some other yummy things. The coffee shop has some really interesting flavors and drink varieties — check it out!

Definitely check out the September event if you’re looking for something interesting to do in KC. The heart of the district is basically at 20th and Baltimore in KCMO. Here are some good tips and extra information about visiting First Fridays in Kansas City.