Shannon Berrey Design Blog

The Black Apple

Monday, April 08, 2013

Hope your weekend was wonderful! We had loads of warm sunshine which led to lots of happy dogs running laps through the neighborhood. We aren't quite to 'barefoot grass running' yet, but I think we are so darn close. And you know the best part of the week after Easter??? Cadburys are 50% off!! I just can't explain how happy Cadbury Eggs make me and I'm certainly not going to admit how many full-priced Cadburys or how many half priced Cadburys my lips have enjoyed in 2013. Let's just say that I have a few more hidden in the house and just that knowledge makes me incredibly happy.

Know what else makes me incredibly happy??The amazing talents found at The Black Apple.

Peony Print

Pansy Print

Shirley Poppy Print

Emily Winfield considers herself a 'curiosity peddler and picture scribbler'. With several published childrens novels, custom dolls, and paintings in her portfolio {not to mention over 23,000 sales in her etsy store!}, I say, she's quite amazing and incredibly humble. Last month she released her newest series, Out of the Woods.

Boy and Bee

Little Mr. Beekeper is from this collection and it may just be my favorite. How adorable is that rosy cheeked little sweetheart ?? {and take a look at the bee wallpaper behind that cutie}. Don't you just want to take him to get some ice cream and ask him about his day???

Masked Evaline

Wild Rose

To see lots more of Emily's artwork, visit her etsy store here, and to read her blog, click here.

{Fyi--my spoon flower turned out so great!! I need to run to Dollar Store to get a vase and then I will show you the final product.}

Spooning

Friday, April 05, 2013

I know we have all seen these cute vases from Anthropologie. I own a few and I still love them as much as when I first spotted them.

But, I just spotted a DIY shared on Emily's blog on how to create these with plastic spoons and a vase from the dollar store!!

WHAT??

{via Less than Perfect}

Seriously, would you ever guess those are plastic spoons?? Guess what I am attempting this weekend??!!

The Big Day

Wednesday, April 03, 2013

I had the great opportunity to attend The Big Day at the Asheville Art Museum over the weekend. It was the first indie wedding event co-produced by talented organizers of The Big Crafty and the blog, Asheville Indie Weddings. I love hand crafting a personalized event that celebrates the people in attendance. To visually acknowledge and honor folks in a beautiful celebration is such an honor. And I love that I get to help design a few of these special events each year. Surrounding yourself in a huge venue with like-minded creative souls is a little bit of a high. Talk about inspiration...

There were beautiful flowers arrangements and planted terrariums.

Lot's of custom unique jewelry, little hand crocheted candle holders and huge flowy paper tassel banners.

It may not be my jam to wear preserved crustacean skeletons and feathery bits, but I love the shape of this necklace.

A long time favorite etsy shop, Figs and Ginger displayed their sweet cake toppers, jewelry and wooden banners. I love everything this duo creates.

How about personalized etched glasses for your soiree ?!

There were several amazing designers offering custom gowns.

I just spotted a feature on Whitney Deal's new Spring Collection on Green Wedding Shoes! Love seeing local creatives in the spotlight!!

As well as a collection of vintage gowns courtesy of Garage34.

I may have overwhelmed this sweet gal {Jenny Bryant} who was modeling this intriguing dress. I was touching her gown and begging for the details. I first thought it was a tablecloth, but she explained that it was a collection of individual vintage doilies and handkerchiefs {!!}

The idea was the brainchild of Kendra Foskey, owner of Garage34 and Hitched Handmade. A simple vintage green velvet dress was the underdress and then dozens of collected crocheted pretties were attached, first to each other and then on top of the green dress. Jenny's mom was the talented seamstress and she completed it in only 2 days! She sweetly lifted every layer {4 in all} to show me the construction and the bits of tulle to give it just a bit of lift. And look at the little hanky-turned-tiny-train tucked under the velvet bow on her rear.

{Thank-you, Jenny, for letting me grope your stunning dress!}

Not to be left out, there was plenty for the gentlemen--custom bow ties, cuff links, belts and more.

There were tons of stationary and letterpress companies.

These books were cleared out of their original stories and the bindings were filled instead with plain papers. These would make a great guest book.

So many great decor ideas. I have seen the beautiful wares from The Little Canopy on many well known wedding blogs and it was fun to meet the very modest couple in person.

You are looking at a curtain of hand made paper flowers. A kazillion layered detailed hand-shaped stunning flowers that are individually hot glued onto fabric to create a curtain backdrop! Any shape or size that you want! And to the right are silk petals that were threaded to create a petal curtain. Seriously stunning.

How about skipping the plain white rented dishes and instead using an eclectic mix of vintage dishes, linens, and party decor for your event. There are a few wonderful new companies that are renting lovely curated vintage items.

My lunch consisted of delicious sweets and appetizers.

And for those always a bridesmaid gals that showed up, there was a little help from the love bride.

{via Garage34}

My swag bag was full of candles, bath salts, custom ale, sweets, wedding music, coasters, hairpins, cards and wonderful business cards and connections.

If you are looking for a ceremony spot, my little part of the mountains offers a beautiful spot to say your 'i-do's'.

Finally, April is here!

Monday, April 01, 2013

We had a full weekend and started off our spring break holiday. My painted, glittered and doodled eggs were wished farewell and whipped up into delicious deviled eggs. There may have been some fibs told as to how many eggs each person actually consumed..

Needless to say they are long gone.

I attended the first Indie Wedding Festival in Asheville and it was fantastic. The same organizers that put on the popular Big Crafty, were responsible for this event that featured local dressmakers, florists, jewelers and crafters. It featured amazing talents and I made some great new contacts. I will share all of my photos and stories later in the week.

{and in case you are confused, I am not getting married! I actually design special events and crafty weddings}

Not to be left out, these 3 went off on their own easter egg hunt.

Beau was pretty positive that the big golden egg was buried in the back yard.

He was pretty darn convincing ... which led to some assistance.

I'm afraid they were left a little let-down.

I am making a special pillow and didn't have the perfect shade of dirty white. I did however have some really white fabric, so the sink was plugged and filled with tea. The fabric took a little dunk and after a little rinse and dry, it was perfect.

Am I the only one that uses their kitchen for painting, drawing and dyeing more than cooking???

The easter baskets were stuffed full of favorites. Dogs were jealous.

You know how some people have obsessive tendencies??? well, we live in the forest, amongst many many trees. But, I dare you to find a leaf or a branch or a piece of tall grass in our yard.

I don't know whether to get Robert medicine, therapy or just be thankful.

The Black Apple

Spooning

The Big Day

Finally, April is here!

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