Shannon Berrey Design Blog

An Open Sketchbook

Monday, December 09, 2013

When oohing and aahhing my way through the incredible vendors at The Big Crafty a few weeks back, I got to browse the lovely artwork from the dynamic duo of An Open Sketchbook.

I have been following this talented North Carolina couple since they started just a year ago. As a UNC design student, Suzanne started her blog as a way to document sketches and stories of people and places she loved. Her husband joined her on the blog in 2011, and together, they decided to follow their passion and dive into a full-time partnership in design and illustration.

'Drawing inspiration from our family, childhood and a love of visual storytelling, we strive to create work that celebrates the best and, often times, overlooked parts of life.'

I love watching the progressions of their paintings and the retro vibe of their collaborations.
I also love all of their stories and the sketches documenting the adventures of being new parents to twins. And speaking of the twins....

This is hands down the BEST BABY ANNOUNCEMENT EVER!!!! You have got to click here to see the whole illustrated announcement that they shared around their Thanksgiving table a few years ago.

It. is. awesome.

And they just released a new book in collaboration with Our State Magazine filled with their illustrations and stories of growing up in the south {it's on my Christmas list!!}

Check out their blog and their store filled with cards, prints, recipe cards, and gift cards.

{all images except numero uno via An Open Sketchbook}

{not affiliated or sponsored--just a fan}

The Southerner's Handbook

Monday, November 18, 2013

Definitely should be on all Southerner's Christmas list:

The award winning Garden and Gun Magazine has just released their first book which is largely instructional about how to have fun, but it is chocked full of deep personal essays as well. {and let's not leave out that beautiful cover art!} Think of it as a comprehensive tutorial to modern-day life in the South.

If you need to:

- Whip up the perfect biscuit

- Season your cast iron skillet

-Learn the hard truth about cowboy boots

- Rock a pair of white bucks and seersucker

- Put together the perfect Southern wreath

- Understand the ins and outs of Southern Football

- Learn how to make tea the correct way -- with sugar, of course

- Know how to talk to a game warden

- Learn about Southern Paint

and so, so much more......

It's getting rave reviews and this would be such a great gift!

Giving your closet a trim

Thursday, October 04, 2012

So many small apartments and homes are lacking architectural details. And it's these details that give a space interest and personality. For folks who are renting, adding their own crown moldings and replacing flat hollow doors usually isn't an option.

TV show producer and blogger, Janet Lee moves a lot {think 12 times in the last 20 years}. Right inside the front door of her current studio apartment is a prominent closet with folding doors. Their 'blahness' bothered her. She wanted to add some impact and painted them a bright chartreuse yellow. Then she bought some stretcher bars.

Stretcher bars are what artists use to make their own canvas. They are the back support over which the canvas is stretched and then stapled to. They come in different lengths, are inexpensive {at about 60 cents a foot}, are very lightweight, and they are mitered so they slide together. No cuts necessary!

After she made her squares and rectangles out of the stretcher bars, she gave them a coat of the same yellow. She then attached Command Brand large picture hanging strips and within minutes those doors were transformed!

When she moves, she pops them off, along with the strips, and she reuses them in her next space.

Janet just recently released a book where she shares her amazing inexpensive DIY's, Living in a Nutshell. I can't wait to get a copy!

This is making me happy

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Discovering this sweet party supply store has given me big love for my little love! Their site is beautiful, the photography is great and the products are graphic, stylish and modern. AND their prices are super reasonable. Just browsing their site is going to make you want to plan a party asap.

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This book which is hitting the shelves next week! It is written by DIY expert and blogger, Jenni Radosevich. Maris is going to love this!