mstetson design

special delivery

2012-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

How lovely would this be to receive a hand-delivered bouquet of Geronimo Balloons on Valentine's Day? From a "balloon-trooper" no less?! Today is the last day to pre-order... so, come on, get to it!
Geronimo Balloons Valentine's Day from hak lonh on Vimeo.

airbnb growth

2012-01-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

I thought you guys might think this—both the content and the design—as interesting as I... a beautifully illustrated infographic by Kelli Anderson showing the growth of airbnb. Check out some of the airbnb stories here.

Have you used airbnb? I've thought about it a few times. Clearly people love it if it's had 500% growth in one year!

the saguaro hotel

2012-01-26T01:26:00.000-08:00

Alright, friends. We've almost made it to the weekend; we just need one little jolt to get us through to Friday afternoon. I think I found just the thing: the fourteen accent colors of The Saguaro Hotel Palm Springs. Slated to open in but a few days, this newly-renovated hotel comes from the masterminds that brought us Ace Hotel Palms Springs, Ace Hotel New York, and The Saguaro in Arizona. Together with Stramberg Aferiat Architecture, The Sydell Group has seriously amped up this retro inn, originally built in 1977. Rooms start around $100/night. Any snowbirds want to fly down for a visit?!

dipped side table

2012-01-23T10:09:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be back from Alt Summit. I have what feels like a million thoughts and ideas floating around in my head; once I have wrangled them in, I will do a post sharing some! I am so, so happy I was able to attend.

Upon my return, I was stoked (did I just write, "stoked"? Yes, let's roll with it.) to see that the West Elm dipped side table (currently on sale $60) I had order right before I left, had arrived. Isn't he just the cutest? Atop rests the latest issues of Uppercase Magazine and Kinfolk Magazine; both of which I labored over on the plane ride home. I think he fits in just perfectly with my lounge chair. Welcome home, little guy, welcome home.

lulie wallace

2012-01-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous paintings by Lulie Wallace. I want one big time. I'm guessing you probably do, as well. Lucky for us, Buy Some Damn Art is launching a special selection of originals for $200. Hoping they all don't get snagged up before I return from Alt Summit.

And if you'd like to browse additional Lulie Wallace pieces, view her shop or blog.

gemstone

2012-01-13T01:11:00.000-08:00

The Vamoose has a batch of limited-edition, rope, brass, and gemstone pieces in the works. I am eagerly awaiting their launch. Eek.

tapped

2012-01-10T22:15:00.001-08:00

I would love to have The Local Taphouse in Melbourne or Sydney be my regular watering hole, wouldn't you? The interiors, completed by Gardner & Marks, are extraordinary with hand-selected vintage items generously sprinkled throughout. I especially love the wall of wooden shutters, the tram-bench seating, and the velvet and leather seating.

[ MELBOURNE ] photographs by Tim James

[ SYDNEY ]

writer’s block

2012-01-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

Christopher Stewart hit the bullseye with this writer's desk set, writer's block. I know a few scribes that might benefit from a shot of inspiration. Ink well!

UPDATE: Christopher now has an etsy shop where you can purchase the block! Now you really can't hide behind the excuse of writer's block anymore!Visit Studio:Stewart's etsy shop here.

hiya

2012-01-05T00:25:00.000-08:00

Hiya there. Happy 2012! Had to ship the ol' computer off for repair, but we are back in action thanks to apple care. We'll get some new posts up soon, but in the meantime, may we admire these freaking adorable black and white portraits of Josephine Skriver by Henrik Adamsen? I mean, darling, no?

gift wrap inspiration & downloadable tags

2011-12-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

Last week, Summer of Grey Likes Weddings and I traipsed through Forever 21 and local antique shops looking for the perfect accessories to adorn some holiday wrap. We went a little sequin crazy, but wanted to have wrap that would be a gift in and of itself. I think it's mission accomplished, if I do say so myself. Hayley from T&H Photography did an amazing job with the images; we had a blast together. I keep finding little sequins all over the apartment; it makes my heart happy.

View more images on Style Me Pretty.

Download the 12 Days of Christmas gift tag embellishments here. (We printed on text-weight paper and used scissors to help curl.)

Merry Merry!

xoxo,
stets

gift guide { blush lover - aka grey likes weddings }

2011-12-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Summer of Grey Likes Weddings requested an all blush gift guide. Well, Summ, this one's for you... p.s. I made sure to add some extra bling. xxoo

01 Rutilated Quartz Crystal The Evolution Store
02 Crinkled Confection Dress by BB Dakota ModCloth
03 Live What You Love Sweet Pink Letterpressed Print Made By Girl
04 Lorina Sparkling Pink Lemonade BevMo!
05 Glamorous Life Rolex Rose Gold Metallic Polish Deborah Lippmann
06 Blush Champagne Triple CZ Earrings in Gold Lisa D Jewelry Etsy
07 Coco Mademoiselle Chanel Watercolor Digital Print Spun Sugar Paperie Etsy
08 Gradient Fringe Necklace by Juicy Couture Piperlime09 Rose Pink Fiesta Mugs Scavengenius Etsy
10 Gold Dipped Geo Earrings A Merry Mishap Etsy
11 Pink Waterfall Ruffle Pillow Urban Outfitters
12 Pink Himalayan Salt Terrain
13 Petrie Chair Crate and Barrel
14 Polka Dotted Boho Top Vintage Pink Free People
15 Samba Rosa Glace Round Vintage Sunglasses MOD Vintage Shop Etsy
16 Grey & Peach Zag Dish Up in the Air Somewhere Etsy
17 Petal Tear Drop Earring by Tinley Road Piperlime
18 Set of Four Pink Swirl Champagne or Dessert Goblets My Attic Finds Etsy
19 Fantasy Blucher Shoes Zara
20 Mini Suitcase Style Bag Zara
21 Pale Pink Fabric Pom Pom and Metal Necklace The Vamoose

gift idea { diy clay bauble necklace }

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Need a quick last-minute gift idea? How about whipping up a few polymer clay bauble necklaces? Polymer clay comes in a variety of colors and can be mixed to create a custom palette.

MATERIALS:
polymer clay
hemp or leather cord
parchment paper
baking sheet
findings/clasps (if you prefer a shorter necklace than those shown which fit over the head)

Select your desired colors. Soften clay by rolling and conditioning clay in your hands. Mix colors, if desired. Roll clay into round balls or squish ball for a disc shape. Pierce holes in the clay balls with needle or skewer. Remember to refer to the thickness of your cord. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 275-degrees fahrenheit (15 minutes for every 1/4 inch). Once beads have cooled, string on cord. Use another bead to tie the end, knotting on either side.

Voila; present complete! Great idea for girls and women!

giveaway & gift guide { white lover }

2011-12-17T14:59:00.001-08:00

White. Blanc. Cream. Ivory. Snow. Below are some last-minute glistening gift ideas for those that love white on white with a side of white.

AND FOR YOU, we have a special holiday treat, thanks to flip & tumble... we are giving away not one, but TWO white hooknooks! Think a wall hook with storage. I'm debating about putting a few by the door to hang my coats, purse and what-have-you and make it my new designated car-key location. (The hubby will never ask me again where I put them!) Or, perhaps in the office for my (ever growing collection of) markers and pens. So, you interested?!

To enter the GIVEAWAY:
• visit flip & tumble and leave a comment below
• tweet about the giveaway; make sure to include @mstetsondesign and @flipandtumble

The winner will be selected Friday, December 23rd. Consider it a little early present from us to you! Muah!

***GIVEAWAY CLOSED: and our winner is Kristin Sellars! Congratulations, Kristin! Please email stets {at } mstetson {dot} com. Thank you!***

(first photograph from Grey Likes Weddings shoot featured on Style Me Pretty)01 Ubiqua Hanging Lamp by Selab Seletti
02 GIVEAWAY: White Hooknooks Flip & Tumble
03 Case Study Ceramic Cylinder Planter Modernica
04 White Serving Bowls Heath Ceramics
05 Subway White 18" Pillow CB2
06 Shred White 18" Pillow CB2
07 Baby Patent Leather High Top Sneaker Zara
08 Cable-Knit Sweater H&M
09 White Leather Bar Bracelet Ariel Gordon
10 Waltz Nail Polish Essie
11 ACNE Rita Leather Aviator Jacket Net-a-Porter
12 Contemporary Salad Servers Snow Core Bamboo
13 Finn Chandelier West Elm
14 Lake Erie 1 Black and White Photograph Jennifer Squires Etsy
15 Michael Kors Runway Watch Piperlime
16 Secret-Stripe Tee Madewell
17 Vintage Plycraft Armchairs by Norman Cherner 1stdibs

gift guide { purple lover }

2011-12-15T00:56:00.000-08:00

Purple. Periwinkle. Violet. Amethyst. Fuchsia. Aubergine. Roll out the royal treatment with one of these lovely lavendar numbers. (first photograph of Gubi's Gubi 1 Stackable Chair)
01 MT Violet Washi Tape MT Tape amazon
02 Amethyst Rock Garden Nasty Gal
03 Purple Zigzag Printed Rug Urban Outfitters
04 Rum Raisin Ex-Boyfriend Sweater Madewell
05 Alexander McQueen Skull-Print Scarf Net-a-Porter
06 Andy Purple Glasses Lookmatic
07 Dara Ettinger Lark Ring shopbop
08 Purple Rebecca Minkoff Pyramid iPad Case Nordstrom
09 Lilac/Grey Color Block Shoe Clips ban.do
10 Anna Sui ModCloth
11 Soft Hand-Woven Turkish Kilim Pillow Cover Sukan Etsy
12 Purple Paris Photography Postcards Collection Little Brown Pen Etsy
13 Mulberry Tickertape Shift Dress Madewell
14 The Terrestrial Series in Violet Purple Botswana Agate Cube Necklace Iswas+Willbe Etsy
15 Reed Krakoff Leather-Trimmed Python-Print Canvas Tote Net-a-Porter
16 Water Drop Jug 2012 Branch
17 Purple AG Stevie Cords Anthropologie

house | hermes

2011-12-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

We interrupt this gift guide series because House Industries just left me speechless. Custom-cut cedar letterforms grace the window displays of Maison Hermès Tokyo. Whoaaa... I've never wanted a giant wooden typographic horse as much as I do now.

gift guide { blue lover }

2011-12-13T00:54:00.000-08:00

Blue. Navy. Ultramarine. Azure. Cyan. Sapphire. Teal. Need some gift ideas for your lover of all things blue? Then let's head into the wild blue yonder... (first photograph of "blue without you" care package by Katherine Marie. Darling idea, no?!)01 Aqua Multi-Stem Vase Heath Ceramics
02 Aqua Kathryn Bentley Bead Necklace Beklina
03 Navy and Light Blue Cubes Throw Jonathan Adler
04 Jeeves2 Mid Heel Suede Brogues Blue TOPSHOP
05 Sky Pencil Cup Night Owl Paper Goods
06 I Like You. I Dislike You. Dry Erase Board row boat press
07 Turquoise Era Round Armchair with Cane Seat by Michael Thornet Design Within Reach
08 Darkest Hour Fishtail Anorak Old Navy
09 Turquoise Dimpled Drinkware Large Tumbler West Elm
10 V::room Slub Jersey Scarf Navy/White Stripe stel's
11 True Blue Wayfarers Nasty Gal
12 Raincloud Mobile leptitpapillon/The Butter Flying Etsy
13 Sabrina Sapphire Boot The Frye Company
14 Paper Cutting Chronicle Books
15 Sanctuary Handmade Porcelain Soy Candle Luminology Etsy
16 Filson for Lucky Denim Sports Bag Lucky Brand

gift guide { green lover }

2011-12-12T12:33:00.000-08:00

Green. Olive. Pistachio. Chartreuse. Lime. Emerald. Mint. These selections will definitely make your other friends green with envy. (first photograph from decor8.)01 Glass Bead Necklace Jewelry by Matt Totokaelo
02 Mica Linen Pillow Grass Angela Adams
03 Cece Sued Ballet Flat Oasis Green J.Crew
04 MOR Macaron Lip Balm Urban Outfitters
05 Raw Green Tourmaline Earrings by Jacquie Aiche catbird
06 Bertoia Side Chair Green Design Within Reach
07 Schoolhouse Extension Cord Green Cloth Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
08 Drop Glass Tillandsia (Air Plant) Kit terrain
09 Lucia Thyme Flower & Coriander Organic Shea Butter Soap branch.birdie
10 Kaiku Pushpull Rolling Toy Design Public
11 Green Tea Patent Skinny Cuff with Logo Studs Tory Burch
12 Nola Fingerless Mossy Ol' Green Gloves Monki
13 Eco Green Recycled Wine Bottle Soy Wax Candles Paddywax (via Better Homes & Gardens)
14 Rachel Comey Rogue Emerald Green Boot Beklina
15 Clare Vivier Flat Clutch Green pretty mommy
16 Ridleys Table Top Ping Pong parker and otis
17 Harry Allen V2 Key Keychain Green Design Public

gift guide { yellow lover }

2011-12-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Yellow. Goldenrod. Citron. Lemon. Mustard. Butter. This yellow streak is anything but cowardly. Your friend that loves all things yellow will really glow with a gift from below! (first two photographs from Leslie of A Creative Mint)
01 Citron Striped Hand Towels WestElm
02 Coatrack Dots Design Within Reach
03 Responsive Web Design by Ethan Marcotte A Book Apart
04 Round Sea Grass Basket with Handles The Container Store
05 Yellow Wool Curved Arm Sofa By Moselle Meals 1stdibs
06 Vintage Retro Yellow Gooseneck Electric Lamp Fishbone Deco Etsy
07 Grapefruit Pop Candle Jonathan Adler
08 The Betty Hat Krochet Kids International
09 Symbols 6 - Abstract Original Oil Painting on Canvas Maria Kitano Art Etsy
10 XL Fashion Clutch Zara
11 Yellow Trophy Alice Supply Co.
12 Clue Mustard Shoe Seychelles
13 Le Creuset® Dijon Cereal Bowl, 6 1/4" Sur la Table
14 Taxi Mittens Kate Spade
15 Give Luck Give Bag Chewing the Cud
16 Forage Bow Tie Somethings Hiding in Here Etsy
17 Bright Side Print Vapor.Qualquer Etsy

gift guide { orange lover }

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Orange. There will be no comparing to apples here; just oranges and more oranges. Tangerine (Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year!). Coral. Peach. Flame. Amber. Pumpkin. (Gorgeous Hermès Boxes 6" x 8" Oil on Canvas painting by Libby Black)
01 Neon Orange Net Color Cord Hanging Pendant Light with Giant Silver Bowl Bulb EarthSeaWarrior Etsy
02 Cambridge Satchel Fluoro Orange shopbop
03 King's Chair : Meg O'Halloran Design EnRoute Studio Etsy
04 Hand-Painted Bike Bells Poketo
05 Pablo Side Table CB2
06 Orange Tree tree2mydoor.com
07 Dynamic Design Hi Gloss Poly Planter with Attached Saucer amazon
08 Yuri Orange Desk Lamp with Counterweight Vraiment Beau
09 Le Pégase d'Hermès Scarf Hermès
10 Convertible Ceiling to Wall Color Pop Sconce Shades of Light
11 Industrial Garment Rack Urban Outfitters
12 Handmade Thom Filicia Durston Blood Orange Indoor/Outdoor Rug Overstock
13 Ursula and Uma the Understanding Monsters Knitting Pattern dangercrafts Etsy
14 Painting Abstraction: New Dimensions In Abstract Painting Anthropologie
15 Vintage Glass Tray Regalia by George Briard Wood and Brass Handles PomDecors Etsy
16 Fruity Chocolate TCHO
17 Veuve Clicquot Traveller Wine.com

gift guide { red lover }

2011-12-08T00:52:00.000-08:00

Next up... Gift ideas for the those that are Red hot. Rouge. Crimson. Scarlet. Poppy. Vermilion. Anyway you put it, this is the only time "being in the red" is a good thing. (first photograph by Ingmar Swalue)
01 Red Dipped Side Table West Elm
02 Pillar Box Red Nail Lacquer Butter London
03 Neon Red Large Pendant Geo Necklace A Merry Mishap Etsy
04 Diner Red Super™ Eyeglasses Ciccio Madewell
05 Wine AG Stevie Ankle Denim Anthropologie
06 Raspberry Macaron 'lette macarons
07 Design Sponge at Home amazon
08 I Should Be Making Something Print lunch breath
09 Voluspa "Japonica Gogi and Tarocco Orange" 3 Wick Tin Bloomingdales
10 Red Biennial Satchel JCrew
11 In2Green Eco Ikat Blanket wayfair
12 I Left my Heart in Brooklyn Red Wall Hanging RugglesMade Etsy
13 Red Hunter Original Tall Wellington Rain Boot Nordstrom
14 Children's Red Mountain Boot Zara

gift guide { pink lover }

2011-12-07T10:55:00.001-08:00

Pink. Fuschia. Rose. Blush. Salmon. Magenta. Know a lover of all things pink? Then there is destined to be some gift inspiration below! (first photographs by Oliver Schwarzwald)
01 Tickled Pink Italian Lounge Chairs 1stdibs
02 Yves Saint Laurent Succulent Pomegranate Glossy Balm Sephora
03 Jodie Tortoise/Pink Readers Kate Spade
04 Rare 1924 Vintage Carlton Dancers Poster 1stdibs
05 Jumbo Pink Highlighter poppin
06 Syline Necklace Minoux Jewelry
07 BDG Leather Pointy Skimmer Urban Outfitters
08 Piccolo Coin Purse marimekko
09 Joia Fluorescent Belt tobi
10 Anchor Pillow Jonathan Adler
11 Jo Gordon Colourblock Mittens ASOS
12 Echeveria Parva Succulent Plant SucculentDESIGNS
13 CYLINDER set of 3 IKEA

It smelled like Italy

2011-12-01T12:49:00.000-08:00

I was super inspired by The New York Times Home & Garden story on Italian-born fashion photographer Fabio Chizzola and his wife Laura. In 2002, they happened upon a 32-acre apple orchard with an old Dutch-American stone farmhouse that, as Fabio put it, "smelled like Italy." What an amazing adventure. View the slideshow.

giveaway winner

2011-12-01T00:19:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the tweets, facebook comments, and blog comments for my super-quick-turnaround giveaway. Seeing as it is December 1st already (oh my!) I figured we'd better get these tags in the mail STAT.

So, without further adieu... our winner is... ABBIE from A Glimpse of the Girl Next Door.

Abbie said, "I love these! I've been looking for an advent calendar, but I haven't been in love with anything I've seen so far. I love that you can use these in different ways. I think I would use them as a calendar for a couple of years until my son is a little older, then I would use them on daily gifts. These are so simple and beautiful."Congratulations, Abbie; email stets{at}mstetson{dot}com with your mailing address and I'll send them right out.

xoxo,
stets

unique la

2011-11-30T18:27:00.001-08:00

Let's support local. Who's with me?! Going to do my best to get up to LA this weekend for Unique LA. There are so many great vendors and artists, I kinda feel like I can't miss it. Anyone want to carpool?

most beautiful callista

2011-11-29T21:36:00.001-08:00

Loving this new cursive display serif, Ka Callista, from Karandash Type & Graphic Foundry. The numerals are especially lovely. Available at MyFonts.

advent calendar {giveaway}

2011-11-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

Comment below, tweet (@mstetsondesign), or post on facebook how you would put the advent gift tag collection to use and you will be entered to win one complete set! Would you use it as a calendar? Or wrap small, individual gifts? Tie to muslin bags? Kraft boxes?

Hurry, we'll select our winner tomorrow, November 30th, to get these to you before the season is past!

xoxo,
stets

UPDATE: giveaway has closed. Congratulations to Abbie!

designworklife . gift guide

2011-11-19T13:03:00.001-08:00

Open publication

The brilliant Courtney from designworklife has put together an amazing holiday gift guide and I am honored that our clay gift tags were included in the mix! Thanks so much, Courtney!

holiday pop-up shop : gift tags

2011-11-14T09:16:00.001-08:00

Hi, friends! As some of you may have seen, I recently launched a MStetson Pop-Up shop on etsy. I started making these polymer clay gift tags and decided they'd be perfect to offer during the holidays, so I whipped up some examples. Check 'em out! *Custom and personalized orders are available.

p.s. They were featured on the Etsy Finds email newsletter yesterday, too! Hooray!

xoxo,stets

katie ridder rooms

2011-11-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to share the recently-released book, Katie Ridder Rooms, published by Vendome Press. I received an advance copy and have been oohing and ahhing over every inspirational page for the last few days. It has a delightful selection of Katie Ridder's brilliant balance of texture, color, pattern, and her mix antique and modern elements, as well as some insider tips and even a list of sources. As author Heather Smith MacIssac states, "Even the most traditional rooms feature something bright or bold or unorhthodox or curious. Underlying all the flair and the panache are interiors that work as hard as Katie does. Behind every flourish is a solid reason for being. Rooms are not only pretty and welcoming, they are comfortable and thoughtful."

The contents are organized by room type (entrances and stair halls, living rooms, studies and family rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms) for a quick reference to your applicable space, but reads beautifully from start to finish. As if the dust jacket wasn't gorgeous enough, they have thoughtfully utilized Katie's patterns to accent the hard cover, spine, and title pages of each section. I highly recommend this book and think I may gift this to a few friends this holiday season.Happy Monday!

save the gin

2011-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

Between the white painted stone walls, stained oak flooring, salvaged doors on the bar, and re-purposed drawers, the Bobby Gin Cocktail Bar is a textural gin bar haven. Wonderfully designed by Barcelona-based firm Normal.

sipstir

2011-10-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Great identity for bartender Ryan Chetiywardana by V. Ann Suvarnapunya. Ryan is known for his inventive cocktail menus and based on the images below, it looks like he will be sharing some of his delicious concoctions once the site is live. Mmmm... mint julep.

"Combining his background in Bio-Chemistry and Philosophy with his love of all things liquid." Sipstir.co.uk

happy halloween

2011-10-31T07:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! What arrgghh you dressed up as today? Knit pirate pillow by Oeuf.

fused lines

2011-10-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm really attracted to the work of Fiona Robinson. I would love a little collection above my sofa.

"A line, drawn on hot-press paper, rubbed until it fades and fuses with the surface, becomes a shadow of its former self. Lines repeated, gradually darkening, produce marks of tension and great spatial depth. On canvas, the bleeding of charcoal and graphite trapped and paled by layers of paint continues to exploit these abstract interpretations of movement, mutability and evanescent light. My work is an enquiry into process, through memory and repetition. It is an investigation into the instability of line, of surface, of life, informed by observation of the world around me." – Fiona Robinson

w102

2011-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

Let us admire this simple brass lamp by David Chipperfield, W102 Light, today. Beautifully designed.

holiday cards {minted.com}

2011-10-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it seems too early to be thinking about holiday cards, but I've already been asked by some friends to take their holiday card portraits. Talk about prepared; wish they'd to rub off on me. As a graphic designer, I always have high expectations for my christmas cards. Usually, I whip something up in the final hour, making it to the post just in the nick of time. Not this year. When I was contacted by minted.com to review their holiday and christmas cards, I felt like I hit the jackpot. I have so much to do between client projects, photo shoots, updating my design portfolio, and possibly an MStetson pop-up shop on etsy (more on that later); my holiday cards were going to be at the bottom of the to-do list, or possibly skipped over completely.

Minted.com has so many great holiday photo cards (or non-photo options if you are like me and prefer being behind the camera) and was super convenient and easy to order. I selected my design wintermint stripe holiday by Kelli Hall; customized the verbiage, and clicked submit. The proof was ready in a day and once I gave my approval, the cards arrived just a few days later. I think my favorite thing about the cards (other than the design options) is the paper stock. I am a self-admitted paper snob. Anything less than 130lb cover stock for a card usually rubs me the wrong way; much too light for my liking. Minted.com offers 120lb/15.5 point thickness textured cotton paper as their signature paper stock, which is lovely and heavy. If a smooth finish is more your preference, you can opt for the premium 100% recycled paper in 130lb/15 point thickness for a small fee. And if you are really fancy pants, you can opt to print a pattern on the back or have a lined envelope or a nice wrap-around return address label... all thoughtful details I like to include when I design my own cards.

So, all that to say, I am proud that, the first time in my life, I have completed my holiday cards BEFORE mid December. That is unheard of for me. All thanks to minted.com.

A very, very early and heartfelt "Joyeux Noel" to you and yours.

xo, stets

the bust diy guide to life

2011-10-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be included in The BUST DIY Guide to Life. Remember my little love terrarium, a DIY succulent terrarium post? Well, now you can find it among numerous do-it-yourself projects like stitched tea towels, a regrouting shower tiles how-to, homemade soap, 1960's eyeliner application instructions, delicious vegetarian dish recipes, and financial guides for purchasing a home or building your portfolio. Available on Amazon.com or on bust.com. Learn more about the book tour here and make sure to "like" them on Facebook for more great ideas and details.
About the Book:"Whether it’s sewing clothes, making cheese, or growing a garden, the modern appeal of 'do-it-yourself' projects has a broader reach than ever. And who better to teach us how to DIY our lives than the über-crafty editors of BUST, the quirky, raw, and real magazine 'for women who have something to get off their chests'? In The BUST DIY Guide to Life, magazine founders Debbie Stoller (of Stitch ’n Bitch fame) and Laurie Henzel have culled more than 250 of the best DIY and craft projects from its 15-year history. Organized by category—beauty and health, fashion, food and entertaining, career, finance, travel, and sex—and written in BUST’s trademark brazen and witty style, this quintessential DIY encyclopedia from the quintessential DIY magazine is eclectic, empowering, hilarious, and downright practical, truly capturing the spirit of women today." - BUST

foxy

2011-10-20T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm adding these organic pillows to my "someday" nursery-want list. Red Fox, Lion, and Raccoon by Sass&Peril on etsy. Precious little guys. Also available through their online shop or as artwork screen printed on wood.

be my neighbor

2011-10-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of ordering up some of these hand-printed posters from The Neighborhood Studio for the office. Pray for Rain. Hold your Horses. Animals A-Z. Bull.

site context

2011-10-06T22:35:00.000-07:00

Lovely, lovely body of work from Swedish architectural firm, Widjedal Racki Bergerhoff; great materials and integration into the sites. Definite cabin inspiration here, folks!

pantone christmas

2011-10-04T23:47:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness; there are Pantone Christmas ornaments?! Cool Gray 10 for me, please.

***UPDATE: Italian design firm Studio Badini Createam are the geniuses behind these festive spheres.***

fanfare

2011-09-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

My latest chair obsession is with Tom Dixon's fan chair. How amazing would this be at the head of the table?! Ooo, maybe for the cabin. Also available in indigo.

dandy

2011-09-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Jocelyn Warner has just released three new wallpaper patterns: dandy, lace, and wisteria. Feminine, yet still modern and sophisticated. Utilizing surface printing and the technique of beading, these papers will add texture and a handmade quality to your walls. Beautiful colorways, as well. (I especially love the subtle white and natural options!)

golden nuggets

2011-09-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

Time to add some sparkle and shimmer to MStetson headquarters. Any combination of these should suffice...

01 DwellStudio gold ribbons and gold triangles drinking glasses | 02 Design Within Reach satellite chandelier | 03 Essie golden nuggets nail polish | 04 The Future Perfect work lamp | 05 Minoux Jewelry three is company necklace | 06 Species by the Thousands salt ring | 07 kate spade ticker tape mug | 08 Urban Outfitters golden nuggets bookends | 09 Diane von Furstenberg night place setting | 10 kate spade gold misha shoes | 11 Alexa Chung for Madewell gold patrice top | 12 Madewell shimmer dust tee

alexa chung for madewell

2011-09-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

The new Alexa Chung for Madewell collection is here. I want that gold lace top. Bad. I wonder if I could pull that sucker off? Anyhoo, the collection is now available online or you can check it out at their launch parties tonight!

display type

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

My dream store front: playtype's concept store. Browse Playtype's fonts.

sailor regatta

2011-09-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite shops Unison just launched their baby and kids lines... yes, please! Someday, after I find out I'm pregnant, these will be my first purchase. Problem is, I'll want the crib set in every color. Good thing I have time to decide!

rounded loft

2011-09-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Came across this great loft space from A1 Architects. I especially loved the stairs with the incredible netting detail, not to mention the mix of materials and textures coupled with all that beautiful light. Beautiful.

figgin' fantastic

2011-09-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

As if I wasn't already completely smitten with Spoon Fork Bacon, this week they paid homage to the fig. Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park make for one perfectly proportioned recipe: Teri's photography, Jenny's food styling, their recipe development... brilliant. I am hoping this will lead to an incredible recipe book; I'd gift it to everyone I know.

cabin ideas

2011-09-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Our initial motivation for the road trip was to visit my husband's family at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. While there, we discussed how amazing it would be to build a prefab cabin. I, of course, have now become obsessed with the idea; researching all kinds of prefab companies and dreaming about all the accessories to adorn the interior... and pinning, clearly. The above would be our view.01 plusvillas | 02 reclaimed table via one kings lane | 03 eames dowel leg side chair | 04 rio grande hooked toss pillow | 05 deer print by indigo 982 | 06 jonathan adler medium horn sculpture | 07 west elm papier-mâché animal sculptures | 08 jonathan adler cubes throw | 09 pendleton leather blanket carrier | 10 anthropologie reclaimed wooden dresser | 11 the brick house's fauxdenza

trever hoehne

2011-09-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Was happy to see that my friend Trever Hoehne launched his new website today. His photography is crazy good... check him out. Love his recent work for Brooke White and Summer Bellessa of The Girls with Glasses Show, Moderne Man, Jayme Dee, and The Wind.

colbie girl

2011-09-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

We are back! We had an amazing road trip; I'm sorting and processing hundreds of images, but will post some of our favorite destinations soon! Visiting family was definitely a highlight and I was able to meet my sweetest little niece for the first time (well, really second cousin, but that doesn't sound as fun!): Colbie Joel. She was so precious. My aunt tells me I had the same spiky mohawk when I was a baby. A classic hairdo, don't you think?

on the road

2011-08-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the day; we're hitting the road. Approximately 3,500 miles of it. Of course, I'm not looking quite as glamourous as this fine lass for kate spades's new westward collection, nor do I have all of the adorable accoutrement, but we'll be having fun just the same.

If you'd like to see the sites, follow MStetson on twitter and facebook; I'll be tweeting and posting away.

See you soon!

xo, stets

color therapy

2011-08-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sitting here feeling a bit under the weather and thought, first off, "I cannot get sick before the road trip." and second, "maybe a little hit of color will pick me up." So I moseyed on over to pinterest to get some color therapy. Mission accomplished.

01 bakari cupcakes via kate spade | 02 colorful hanging chair via interiors porn via jessie senese | 03 hot pants via seesaw designs | 04 bent wood thonet side chair in hot magenta via tabatha muntzinger | 05 rainbow skirt vintage print via anne sage | 06 paperthinks recycled leather notebooks at kate's paperie | 07 rainbow stairs via black eiffel via andrea gibson | 08 zara plain basket shopper | 09 rainbow cake by nicole hill gerluat via the sweetest occasion via jaime derringer | 10 april throw by avoca via mindy gayer

meet jr.

2011-08-05T00:29:00.000-07:00

I seriously could watch these videos over and over. Brilliant.

More information about JR here.

camp stool

2011-08-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Matt at Wood&Faulk, the Mister and I have a little DIY project before our upcoming road trip: tripod camp stools! (p.s. the trip is up to THREE weeks now; we've added the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone to the mix! SO excited.) These are going to be amazing; now, to get the materials... Full instructions here.

casa finisterra

2011-07-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

I realized I have never posted on Casa Finisterra. This is literally my favorite residence. Ever. Period. It is hard not to fall for it after listening to architect Steven Harris' interview.

I had the pleasure of designing a presentation box for the residence and have dreamt of it ever since. Somedays when I need to get my heart going, I will meander through Steven Harris Architects' portfolio; The work so incredibly well done it is hard to put words to it... see below. And don't get me started on their interior and landscape affiliate, Rees Roberts + Partners. Maybe that will be tomorrow's post.

natural perfection

2011-07-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

I can't recall how I came across Le Voyage Creatif's etsy shop. Perahps pinterest or one of my favorite blogs, anyhow, thank you to whomever shared... I love it. The monochromatic materials are beautiful, and then, of course, you have to love how each product is paired with an equally beautiful and dreamy photograph. Perfection.

four-wheel travels

2011-07-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

With the planning of our summer road trip, it seems all I can (or want) to think about in my free time is traveling! These campervans would be incredible, no?!

Loved the styling and photography as well. For more information and photos, visit Tina Hillier's photography website and the authors', Jane Field-Lewis and Chris Haddon's, websites: mycoolcaravan.com and mycoolcampervan.com. You can pick up My Cool Campervan and it's companion, My Cool Caravan at amazon.

kinfolk

2011-07-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

The new magazine Kinfolk has launched online. It is "a guide for small gatherings". So, so well done. AND they have a limited-edition printed version here. Hat tip to the Kinfolk team. Brilliant.

Photos by Amanda Jane Jones, designer for Kinfolk. Found via Mindy Gayer.

weston

2011-07-14T12:23:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the evergreen Grover & Rockwell, this rounded slab serif was created with logotypes and headlines in mind by by Pavel Pavlov for FONTFABRIC. Regular & Light All Caps versions are available for free download.

all a flutter

2011-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore iPad App Trailer from Moonbot Studios on Vimeo.
Came across this video on FormFiftyFive and was in awe. Pretty sure this is going on the iPad. STAT.

summer school

2011-07-14T11:11:00.000-07:00

How much fun would this be? Summer school at Ace Hotel Palm Springs with screen printing and letterpress, bands and DJs. Oh, and there is mention of adult chocolate milk. Yes, please! Let's see if I can convince the Mister.

pluto

2011-07-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Excited for the release of Pluto typefamily by HvD Fonts now available at MyFonts. 16 fonts: 8 weights. 2 widths. alternates. opentype. Sweet.

ducks in a row

2011-07-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

I have been admiring the Sydney-based Three Little Ducks etsy shop. Darling little frocks, don't you think? And those Charlie pants? Precious.

split level

2011-07-07T01:09:00.000-07:00

I was stricken by this incredible home while feeding my (borderline unhealthy) addiction to pinterest. The stunning split level was built by the Philadelphia design studio Qb and recently featured on chictip; such a great compilation of materials... and those windows... and all that gorgeous light! Move me in now.

road trip!

2011-07-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Speaking of travels... MStetson is planning on hitting the road starting the mid/end of August and ending at Yosemite for Labor Day weekend. We would LOVE any ideas for places to visit and peruse along the way.

We will begin here in Southern California and head out to the Grand Canyon, then up through Utah (we love Zion and Bryce Canyon), then Idaho, into Montana, back into Idaho's panhandle, Eastern Washington and down into Oregon, Nevada, finally ending at Yosemite National Park. May just be the summer of National Parks!

summer travels

2011-07-05T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hope you had a wonderful fourth of July! The long weekend couldn't have been any better; we had such amazing weather! I am so blessed to live in such an incredibly beautiful place and I was so happy to take advantage of it... barbecues and the beach, all with wonderful friends and their most darling little ones.

These images by Tim Evan Cook makes me ready for another beach extravaganza. Lovely.

the winners are in

2011-06-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the delay in announcing our winners; it's the hubby's birthday today and we have had a full day: kayaking, food truck lunch outing, the gun range (boys and their toys) and now we're off for dinner!

Enough about that; on with our WINNERS... Congratulations to Joanna N., Erika D., and Erica E.! Please email me at stets@mstetson.com with your addresses and we will get these delightful greeting cards to the post a.s.a.p.!

xo, stets

fig.2 design studio giveaway... last call

2011-06-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Today is the final day to enter our Fig. 2 Design Studio fluorescent greeting card giveaway. We will announce the three winners tomorrow, Thursday, June 30th. Remember, there are three ways to enter and increase your chances of winning. Special thanks to Claudia for these amazing cards! Good luck, stets

fallen

2011-06-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

I know we just officially entered the summer season, but I have fallen in love with Madewell's fall 2011... the layered mixes of neutrals and brights, prints and patterns. Check out the full lookbook at Mama's Rolling Stone.

independence day prep

2011-06-27T11:01:00.000-07:00

I'm already getting excited for the 4th; a day at the beach with friends, barbeques, and fireworks. These are a couple items on my list: American Eagle striped tote on sale $19.95; American Eagle striped beach tote on sale $19.99; and Tom Slaughter's Anchor beach towel exclusively for One Kings Lane $29.

***UPDATE: I found this rashguard in my bookmarks; it would be amazing, too! Pret a Surf tank rashguard at Opening Ceremony $155.

it would be my honor... GIVEAWAY!

2011-06-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

It was such a pleasure to work with Claudia (and the whole crew) on the Fig. 2 Design Studio website! And, good news, the shop is live... so, in celebration we are giving away THREE fluorescent letterpress greeting card sets. Yup, that's right, simply follow the directions below for your chance to win one of the three delightful suites:

Suite No.01 (confetti, pennants, swirls)

Suite No.02 (b-day, thanks, love you)

Suite No.03 (chevron, houndstooth, stripes)

How to enter:
Option No.01 | comment on this post below. make sure to mention your favorite card suite (1, 2, or 3)
Option No.02 | "like" MStetson on facebook or "follow" MStetson on twitter
Option No.03 | "like" Fig. 2 Design Studio on facebook or "follow" Fig. 2 Design Studio on twitter

We will select our three winners on Thursday, June 30th.

Scoop up all that fluorescent goodness and more via the Fig. 2 Design Studio online shop here.

pomp

2011-06-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

These numerals are destined to find a way into an upcoming project. Pompadour Numeral Set by Andy Mangold. Oh, and did I mention you can download it for free?!

for the pops

2011-06-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a restful Father's Day weekend from my imaginary Kimara hammock by merimekko.

to the max

2011-06-15T00:03:00.000-07:00

I think the maxi dress may become my summer staple. Comfortable and cute. These are a few of my favorites... and at prices I can afford to get them all.

01 Colorful Surplice Maxi Dress $27.80 | 02 Sunburst Maxi Dress $22.80 | 03 Women's Halter Tea-Length Dresses $34.94 | 04 Striped Lagoon Dress $98.00

05 Floral Dress $69.90 | 06 Dress with Plaited Detail $59.90 | 07 Strapless Print Maxi Dress $98.00 | 08 Jersey Shirred-Top Maxi Dress $69.00

bound

2011-06-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

While we're on the topic of kickstarter projects, let's discuss this little puppy: Bound Custom Jounals. You can select the type of journal you need; mixing ruled-lined paper with grid-lined paper, with a calendar, with a map... This is genius.

kickstart quatro

2011-06-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know some very creative, talented people... designers, photographers, bloggers, stylists. Mark Caneso is a designer, screenprinter, typography designer, and just a general maker of things. I am a huge admirer his work and especially of his digital type lab, p.s.type. Oh, how I wish I designed type. His latest venture is to expand the display typeface Quatro into a 16-font family from light to ultra black and in both sans serif and slab serif; yes, please! He has created a kickstarter project to help him get there. Go check it out!

généreux to the max

2011-06-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

At this point I am guessing you have heard how Jordan Ferney of Oh Happy Day is partnering with Mama Shelter to giveaway a trip for two to Paris. How incredible is that giveaway, right?! Well, so what are you waiting for? Get over there and enter!

Dreaming of baguettes, flea markets, farmers markets, macarons, and waking up next chubaka's lit-up face...
xo, stets

comfy headboard

2011-06-08T00:15:00.001-07:00

Since we showcased the photography of Miha Matei yesterday, we naturally have to highlight some of the brilliant designers for whom she shoots... Ashe+Leandro. I was especially intrigued by this brilliant headboard solution. The scale is awesome, it looks amazing with the delicate (in scale) industrial pendant lamps, and adds a warm, organic quality to the stark space. Love it!

miha matei

2011-06-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wow; such a gorgeous photography portfolio from Miha Matei. Love her food gallery, as well!

shipwrecked

2011-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today's beautiful weather makes me wish I was sailing the seas, but alas, I will have to settle for mooring in the apartment instead. Shipjack's salvaged lighting and Turk's Head coasters.

latest terrarium

2011-06-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

As my succulents mature, I make clippings to feed my terrarium habit. Here's a little peek at the latest version in a simple round bowl vase.

brilliant blocks

2011-06-06T00:14:00.000-07:00

Just came across these alphabet blocks by Uncle Goose. Cutest blocks I've ever seen. They have uppercase/lowercase, foreign languages, braille, math... so great.

geo bling

2011-05-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful long weekend! Mine didn't quite go according to plan; one of those where you wish you had a "do-over", but this little post over at A Merry Mishap was just the perfect pick-me-up. I ordered my geo ring! So excited. (She's including a free pair of earrings with purchases made now until Friday; sweet! Now go get shopping!)

serigraphs

2011-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

House Industries has released new additions to their print collection. Man, I 'd love to fill my office with these.

spring ensembles

2011-05-16T23:59:00.001-07:00

Wishing I was wearing any of this breezy garb from Wren's Spring 2011 collection. Great prints and color combinations.

fig.2 design studio

2011-05-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of working with Claudia Smith of Fig.2 Design Studio on her new website (in collaboration with the wonderful Sisarina for development). Her incredible new line is debuting at the National Stationery Show, so make sure to go check her out! The online shop will launch soon, and I promise, these fluorescents are even more brilliant in person. (I literally squealed when they arrived in the post. You will, too!) She also has rad gift tags and beautiful wedding suites. Way to go, Claudia! You nailed it.

collections

2011-05-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

You gotta love these beautiful images from Johnny Miller. Gorgeous lighting and colors.

syrup

2011-05-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

I have the nickname "pancake" at the office. I really like breakfast. So, the word "syrup" catches my attention especially when it is the name of an exquisite product collection. Objeti will be launches this line at ICFF; if you are there this weekend, make sure to check them out (and send me pics)!

ceiling envy

2011-05-11T11:34:00.000-07:00

I fell in love with this flat in Istanbul especially because of those incredible ceilings. (My "vintage" apartment has popcorn ceilings... don't be jealous.) Autoban's mixture of materials and textures paired with the contemporary furnishings make this my dream.

happy mother's day!

2011-05-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all you amazing mothers out there! Mr. Boddington's Nephew at Paperless Post.
(via Mindy Gayer)

breakroom

2011-04-27T00:02:00.000-07:00

If MStetson had a pool in the back yard (or, I suppose, just a back yard in general), you'd be welcome to join me and my homemade muddled lemonade here. Wouldn't that be nice?! Venezia Pavilion at Z Gallerie.

for the birds

2011-04-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

A hotel in a tree. Fantastic. Treehotel in Sweden.

hatched

2011-04-22T01:39:00.000-07:00

These happy little color burst paper bowls by up in the air somewhere just seemed fitting for the Easter weekend. I'm off to prepare for a neighborhood egg hunt sponsored by our community group!

Happy Easter!

xo, stets

engawa

2011-04-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

The other night when I couldn't sleep, I watched HGTV's Small Space, Big Style. The episode featured the 845 square foot "Engawa" home by Tezuka Architects. I fell in love. I, of course, googled it immediately and found the Dwell feature from 2007; view the slideshow here.

If this were my home, I would seriously consider living in my parents' back yard.

parisian sunshine

2011-04-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

I also thought these little snapshots set against my black chalkboard wall behind the dining room table might be nice. Paris Photo Collections by littlebrownpen.

love this scrap

2011-04-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

My bare walls need some love. I'm having a field day on etsy... now to narrow down my favorites.

These gorgeous and unique art pieces from Paint Square are at the top of my list with the assembled wood scraps. John and Janet create some great color palettes, too. Clearly I'm not the only one who thinks so, as they are a month+ out on custom work.

transitional

2011-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

This dynamic office space for Heldergroen by Zecc Architecten would be my dream. Office space one minute, gallery space or yoga studio the next. Such a brilliant, brilliant solution. I've posted on Zecc and their creativity previously; love their work.

Watch this video; starts to get really interesting at the "just another day at the office" section around 1:30.
Dutch Design Awards promo movie HG from Michiel van Woerkom on Vimeo.

salted delectables

2011-04-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

I think I found another to-do for this weekend: Salted Caramel Almond Thumbprint Cookies. Those could be my favorite three ingredients ever; add to that a serious amount of butter and I think we're destined for success. So glad I stumbled upon them over at Teri Lyn Fisher's Fish Food blog and that she happened upon them from Jenny Park. Visit Jenny's website for this divine recipe as well as to view her gorgeous food styling.

levels & planes

2011-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

I was digging this sideboard Ricardo sent over. I love how the scrap and salvaged wood will dictate the grid for each unique piece.