Hope Wallace Karney is a self taught artist and designer living outside of Baltimore, . Hope is known for mixing old elements with modern principles to create unique and whimsical designs for her greeting card line, Paper Relics. Her work has been featured in several national magazines, including Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion and Country Living.
Hope also works as a freelance designer, helping small, creative companies develop identities and grow their businesses.".
She aims to live every day embracing her Style Statement, (Nostalgic Creativity), following her heart, and finding balance throughout her life. All of which are reflected in the projects she takes on.
Visit here to see the entire Paper Relics product line and here to see her freelance design projects.
posies on parade (coming soon!)
at the blue barn (coming soon!)
embellishments (coming soon!)
Happy Solstice.
(photograph by KristinaVF)
Kari posted this Winter Solstice Haiku poem by Annabel Sheila on her blog today and I loved it so much that I wanted to pass it along:
Winter Solstice
Hearths and hearts aglow,
Winter wonderland is nigh,
Peace and love to all.
- Annabel Sheila
Read more about the Winter Solstice here.
Anyone who knows me knows I love a good reflection shot. Well, this past week I went to visit Andrea and her home was so beautifully decorated and so many opportunities to add to my reflection photo collection. So here is a brief tour of her home as seen through my reflections:
While I was there she surprised me with a Christmas present so wonderful wrapped I did not want to open it (well, at least not for a few moments!) Inside was a candle from my new favourite candle maker, Linnea's Lights, which I may add, she did not know was my fav, and just saw it and thought I would love it... and a beautiful scarf in my signature grey/brown color that I have worn everyday since I unwrapped it. She knows me well.
We also did a little trading of talents. I showed her some computer stuff (geek that I am) and she walked me through how to make a necklace. I used a mixture of my beads & bobs and some I rummaged from her stash... and we made this necklace that I love. I keep fearing that the half I worked on will break at any moment, but so far so good! Guess I had a good teacher :)
I love it - it looks great alone or layered with another vintage piece. I still cannot believe I created it.
As always, I left Andrea's company feeling grounded and happy - she has that effect! It was a great visit, and I also loved spending time with her sweet boys, who LOVE trains, so I was an instant hit this visit since they picked me up at the train station!
Thanks for the comments on my moleskine! I use it to practice lettering, but also to get thoughts out onto paper and it is great to sit and work in when on the couch or in the car on a long trip - I usually have it with me at all times. I only have 2 pages left to fill and then on to a new one, and I am thinking I may try something different... I will keep you posted!
It is always so exciting when one of my friends, clients or wholesalers is in print... so image my delight when I saw Perch home, owned by my friend, client and wholesaler Michele in this months Romantic Homes!
To see more of the shop (prepare to be amazed!)- check out Michele's flickr stream here (and here to see the shop dressed up for the yuletide season)
Also if you look close - you can see my fly me to the moon card in this photo on the page below...
Here is the larger version of the photo - taken by one of Michele's employees (I wish I had her name for proper credit, her photos of the shop are outstanding!)
If you get to New Jersey, Perch home is a must stop! Oh, and for those who cannot get their - stay tuned for an online shop coming in 2010!
Over the weekend - this arrived from Beth (patinawhite.com) - a wedding present that she made and I adore! I love how our names both share the same E. Beth has quite the knack of creating such sweet sentiments in her jewelry - not to mention her cards and packaging (see below)! I really think she needs to do an online shop!
At Silver Bella, Jemellia (jemjam.com) had a snitch of this out of print fabric that is the same as one of my all time favourite papers that I hoard since I cannot find it anymore. When we got back, I asked her if she would make me a key fob in it - and she did - AND she sent me a pouch she made too. I love them both!
The same day I got a package from my new friend Jen (thecottagenest.blogspot.com) sent me on of those blinged out totes she mentioned here. I saw her's in person at Silver Bella and swooned over it so much she agreed to send me one! Thanks Jen! I love the button and tape too!!
I also had a package of goodies sent by Tina (embellishmentsbytina.com) awaiting me when I got home from our trip to New England for Thanksgiving... including this beautiful ATC she made for me - I love it.
I know, I know... I am quite the lucky duck! Thanks Beth, Jemellia, Jen & Tina!
