Creative Crush: Laura Trevey Watercolors

I wish I could remember where I first encountered Laura Trevey Watercolors.  Although I can't remember the place, I do remember how taken aback I was by her work.  The watercolors are gorgeous with bright, vibrant colors and a variety of subject matter.  I'm inspired to pull out my watercolor supplies and get back to painting.  Please take a few moments to look at her work by clicking here.

Aren't they just beautiful?

I'm thankful for...
101) Creative people who inspire me
102) Etsy.com for it's wonderfully unique finds
103) Afternoons playing volleyball at the beach
104) Seeing old friends
105) Making new ones

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Creative Crush: Knack Studios

While scouring the internet one day for design inspiration, I came across the website for Knack Studios.  The 'who we are' description on their website grabbed me instantly:

"Knack Studios was born of a passion for discovering home prodcuts that reflect a distinctly urban professional lifestyle.  With an eye for detail and a talent for repurposing found objects, Knack offers an eclectic selection of furnishings that are sleek yet warm, detailed but relaxed. Clever Design.  Easy Style."

Don't you want to start perusing their site right. this. minute?  They have some wonderfully refurbished pieces.  Considering I do a lot of repurposing and refurbishing on my own, it's neat to see that others are making a living doing something that I consider to be a hobby.  Very inspirational!

Here's a look at a few of their pieces:

(All photos originally from the Knack Studios website.)

Aren't these pieces beautiful?  The way that Knack Studios photographs their work makes it even more irresistible.  Please click here to view more. 

I'm totally inspired to get started on some of my projects.  I'm so glad the weather is getting warmer so I can work outdoors on my refinishing projects.  Hooray for summer projects!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Creative Crush: Oh So Beautiful Paper

For those of you who don't know, I'm a bit of a design jack of all trades.  I'm an architect full time.  I do interior design consulting on the side (new website to come soon...).  I design and create invitations (check out the ink.jar blog for some pictures of my work).  I refinish furniture.  I'm super crafty and always have a creative to do list of things I want to change and/or make for my apartment.  I always try to make handmade things as gifts if time allows.

I've been following the blog Oh So Beautiful Paper for a while now.  There are some wonderful ideas for invitations on this blog, and I just wanted to highlight a few, in case you are in need of inspiration.

I love the soft colors and use of silhouettes on this invite:

image originally from Seesaw


The photostrip that's included with this invite is adroable...and so fun! :

image originally from the blog, Jeremy & Kathleen


I love, love, love the use of turquoise and green on these invites...total surprise, I know ;) :

image originally from Sycamore Street Press

All of the pieces of this invite are coordinate and yet unique.  I love it. :

image from regis ny


Please take some time to browse more of the beautiful things on the blog, Oh So Beautiful Paper.  And while you do that...I am going to start playing around in photoshop.

Live Sweetly :)
Rachel

Creative Crush: Decorator in a Box

I have a crush on this week's feature creative for a few reasons:

1) The website is super cute.  It's welcoming, informative, and makes me want to hire them instantly.
2) This business idea is genius!  What a great way to easily expand your customer base beyond city limits.
3) The brand identity and packaging is so well thought out.

Decorator in a Box helps brings the often expensive services offered by professional interior designers down to a more affordable level for those who need some extra help and guidance, but aren't afraid to do some of the work themselves.  It's a perfect idea...and I wish I had thought of it myself!

Please check out their genius website by clicking here.

Originally featured on one of my blog crushes, Design Sponge

I'm certainly inspired by this business model.  It just shows that with a simple idea that is presented nicely and well thought out, we could all start our own business.  My wheels are spinning after seeing this, and I hope yours are, too!

Live Sweetly :)

Rachel

Creative Crush: JordanQuinn Photography

This is the beginning of a new series featuring the work of creative people who I happen to stumble upon.  Well, I'm lucky to call my first creative crush a friend.  Her name is Jordan Lukianuk.  She is an aspiring professional photographer and owner of JordanQuinn Photography.  Over the weekend, some friends and I were her subjects for some very dramatic, high fashion type shoots.  We each had our own looks that were designed by Jordan herself.  With her direction and creative eye, she helped us each portray a character in some unique settings around Chicago. 

Please check out her website here.  She does weddings, engagement shoots, special events, and more.

Please view more of her work on flickr by clicking here.

And here are a few of my favorite shots:

Meet Kate, the vintage beauty.

Meet Karen, the hot rock star (and most improved model of the day!).

Meet Emily, the American classic.

And here's me, the American Apparel model wanna be.

One more just for fun.

Please take the time to look through my talented friend's website and just live in her work for a few moments.  It's truly amazing.  Enjoy!

Live Sweetly :) 

Rachel