Pretty Things: Ombre Details

I'm completely smitten over these pretty ombre details!  This trend has really caught my attention and can be seen all over.  The look from dark to light in the same shades.... it's so beautiful.  Thinking of an invitation design with ombre...  

 cake

 Floral Centerpiece

Dessert backdrop

Lela Rose Dress

Nails

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Nursery Inspiration: Pink and Gray

We've been hard at work preparing our baby girl's nursery. We decided with the colors of pink and gray because pink is my favorite color and gray is lovely's. I made an inspiration board so I can get him on the same page and it worked! ;) Can't wait to show you when it's all done... it's so exciting!    

Sources: paint swatches, crib, bumper, glider, print, lamp  

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Something to think about...

Happy New Year! I can't believe it either! Time flies by so fast when you're having fun!  As the twitter world is becoming more and more of my daily (if you don't already follow us, please do at www.twitter.com/dolldinedesigns and sorry for the lack in blog posts) I came across this recent blog post from one of the Kardashian sisters.  The story really got to me and brought tears to my eyes. Read it below, give it some thought, be your best you and live your best life!  Cheers to 2012!!!

"There was a blind girl that hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, “If I could see the world, I’d marry you”. One day someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her, “Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?” The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn’t expected that. The thought of looking at him for the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left her in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying; “Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.” This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what our life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations. Today before you say an unkind word – Think of someone who cant speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food -Think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone who’s crying out to GOD for a companion. Today before you complain about life – Think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before you complain about your children – Think of someone who desires children but they are barren. Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn’t clean or sweep – Think of the people who are living in the streets. Before whining about the distance you drive -Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job. But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another -Remember that not one of us is without sin and we all answer to one MAKER. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – put a smile on your face and thank GOD you’re alive!"

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Peacock Inspired Birthday

Yep, we're having a birthday bash because I'm turning the BIG 3-0!!!  Ekks!  It's an exciting time with everything else going on in our life that we really need to celebrate!  And I'm so excited!  Because my birthday falls on Thanksgiving day this year, we are still reminded of what we are most thankful for, but we're taking this day to party and celebrate! Cheers!  

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Happy Halloween!

What are you dressed up as and how will you be celebrating? I wish I can create this adorable candy display.  I found it on One Charming Party and it's such eye candy!  Have a safe and Happy Halloween!   

Chic Candy Centerpiece

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Heart of the Harvest Charity Event

Over the past weekend, Dolldine Designs had the honor in participating for a wonderful charity event along with Divine Events By Helena and White Lotus Productions.  The event, Heart of the Harvest, was held at the Olivewood Gardens.  Guests enjoyed a lovely dinner prepared by San Diego chefs and a cocktail pairing along with live music.  We are proud to contribute to such a great cause and our table turned out beautifully!  Many thanks again to Helena and Rheana!         

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Hanging mobile and chandelier ideas

I've been wanting to create a hanging mobile/chandelier for quite some time now, but I'm having the hardest time deciding on a style I like. I would love for it to go in the studio, but I'm also thinking I can make one for an upcoming party. Here are some of my inspirations....

doily chandelier

Jar Chandelier

Effervescent Chandelier via Orange Beautiful

String Chandelier

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Inspiration board in studio

I have a bulletin board in the studio that I use to put some inspirational pieces on, but I wanted something more pretty than just plain cork. I also wanted something that reflects my style and the overall look in the studio . So when I found this $3.00 frame at the thrift store, I knew I had to grab it and do a little revamping of my own. Here is the before....

and with some white paint, chicken wire and the help of my lovely, here is the after! I completed an invitation suite that afternoon the frame got finished, so I thought it would be a perfect way to display it. I may end up using it for just that and creating a whole new inspiration board!

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Packaging with Style

I love great packaging and I think presentation is everything. When I saw these at Williams-Sonoma, my heart melted. Wouldn't you die if you received something as stylish? As I'm preparing for my upcoming sweets and treats party, I'm thinking of some pretty stylish ideas too!

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Sushi Dinner Inspiration

If you follow me on twitter, then you may have heard for Thanksgiving this year, we are changing things up. We're having our dinner with a completely different twist doing Japanese Asian Fusion instead of the traditional turkey feast. Why? Well why not? Who doesn't love sake and sushi? We do! And because it's my birthday today, it's another reason to celebrate!

sushi desserts, paper lantern, pork shau mai recipe,
chopsticks and saucer, take out box, table display

Let's remember the real meaning of Thanksgiving and that is to express thankfulness, gratitude and appreciation to your family and friends not only on this day, but everyday. It's not about the food you eat or the type you prepare. It's about the traditions you share with your loved ones and the relationships you build with people in your life being thankful for what you are given. Not only the material possessions, but being thankful for life! Let us give thanks and show our appreciation today and every day! I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Day holiday!

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Paper Flowers

I really love the look of paper flowers and was blown away when I saw the cover of Utterly Engaged. These are just gorgeous! I searched more on the web and came across these amazing backdrop walls.

Unknown Source (credit if known)

Jesi Haack Weddings

Chanel's 2009 Spring Couture Show

And if you're really inspired and want to try it yourself, check out this tutorial by Mrs. Moonbeam from The Wedding Bee. It looks like a lot of work, but the result are beautiful!!!

Wedding Bee Mrs. Moonbeam

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Inspiration: Apple Green

I received an email from a long time friend and she told me she's getting married! I was excited to hear the good news and to hear from her because it's been so long! We had plenty of catching up to do along with discussing all her ideas for the wedding. She has asked me to design her wedding invitations and I am beyond thrilled! Her wedding colors will be apple green and brown so I created this inspiration board to fit just that.

Isn't it a great idea to incorporate apples for decoration to help cut costs on flower arrangements? I think it's brilliant! They will look cute at the escort table! And below are some of her engagement pictures taken by Joel Dellosa Photography. They're just an adorable couple!

Congratulations again, Cyndi! I can't wait to see all your brilliant ideas unfold at the wedding and I'm excited to be working with you!

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Flower Power

What a CUTE idea! This would be a great favor for any party. I saw this on Nonpareil Magazine, an online magazine that features tons of DIY, inspiration and talented artists. Here is the DIY link so you can try this project too! I love the shape of the flower and started thinking about other ways to use it... and think it would be perfect in our studio.

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Ballerina Inspired Save the Dates

Ashley was a bride referred from Andrea of A Diamond Celebration and I met both ladies together for the first time. They were both so sweet and prepared! She sent me the inspiration board to the left and after learning more about the couple, they both loved classical music. They wanted to incorporate it somehow and Ashley's love as a ballerina. I found some inspiration pictures myself along with her color palate of pale pinks and ivory to come up with their Save The Dates above. And so their guests can keep it handy, a magnet was placed on the back.

Left: Inspiration Board from bride
(if images are yours, please notify me so I can give proper credit)
Right: Ballerina Inspired via Martha Stewart

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Guest Book Ideas

Guest books are so fun. There are many different and creative ways to get your guests involved.... and best thing is you you can use them for any event! It's a great keepsake so why not?

From left to right: 1. Now this is what you call an all-in-one; a note written by your guests, then they take a picture with a Polaroid, slip both items into a pocket and after the event, you put it all together to form your guest book. I love that idea... what a unique scrapbook from a crafty bride! 2. This bride who also owns JL Designs bought an assortment of So CAL postcards and had her guests sign them. After the wedding, her mom sent them to her and her husband throughout the year to remind them of their special day. 3. This guest book idea would be great to display in your house. I know it would go great in ours! From time to time, you can sit down and read them together as a couple. 4. Elise designed this guest book with engagement pictures on the front cover and will be gluing mini envelopes inside. Guests will sign blank business card sized paper and insert them into their own mini envelopes. Sounds like another unique scrapbook idea!

And lastly, the wishing tree. As suggested by Dynamite Weddings, it can be used as a centerpiece and guest book in one. Cards are hung on the tree and guests can write in their well wishes. These are all great ideas for guest books, it's hard to pick just one. What do you plan on doing?

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Birthday Board

I can't believe the year has gone by so fast! It feels like summer was just yesterday! (Well not technically since it's storming outside, but it's much needed rain) With December in full swing, there is so much stuff going on... holiday parties, our December 26th clients, Christmas, New Years, some vacation time.... and the list keeps going! One very special event taking place this weekend will be my lovely's 30th birthday! I've been planning it for quiet some time now and I really can't wait till Saturday. I hope he has the most memorable birthday party. I'll be sure to share photos after. Here's an inspiration board I created to get the party planning underway...

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Calligraphy perfected

The art of calligraphy is beautiful and elegant! It has the look which makes you attached... inspired... and fascinated! At least for me it does. I've always loved practicing my penmanship, but this is something I cannot do. I guess I can only do what they say; practice, practice, practice. Here are some of my favorites.

Love Jenna

Pretty Paper Jen

Laura Hooper

And for tips on trying your own calligraphy, check out this link from Laura Hooper. If you don't have the craft, skill or patience; just hire a calligraphy artist. I'm sure you wont be disappointed!

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Bridal Bar Window Display

I received a call from Frankie of Hartworks Floral Design and she asked me to team up with her and Cheryl from the The Sweet Studio, (whom I featured here before) to design the stationery pieces for the Bridal Bar window. Every month, a different group of Bridal Bar vendors get together to create these beautiful window displays which are absolutely stunning! If you live in the area, swing by the Bridal Bar to check it out!

These are the party invitations I designed for the display. Because the theme was Fall, I wanted to incorporate manzanita branches and flowers.. this is what I came up with.

Thank you Frankie and Cheryl... you both did an amazing job!

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Think Pink

Because it's National Breast Cancer Awareness month and one of my favorite colors of all time, here is an inspiration board I created to keep the pink alive. This is also the time to become involved and join the movement... donate, participate in an event, empower people... do whatever it takes to work together to save lives!

Susan G. Komen Foundation, Napkins via Martha Stewart, Victor C. Sizemore Photography, Flowers Art Fool via Brides.com,
Cake Ana's Custom Cakes via Brides.com, Bridesmaid Dress Monique Lhuillier

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