simplepretty

image from cardobserver.com

I just adore these letterpressed cards for Boston restaurant Marco.

via card observer

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This tote bag, by Fomato for Black Ink, made me smile. And don’t get me started on how much time (and $$$) I can spend at Black Ink. The Beacon Hill shop is full of unique and tempting finds.

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the “goodie bag” – worth the trip by itself

My weekend in Boston started off with a trip out to Newton to attend the Felix Doolittle Open Studio. I’ve been a fan for a long time (although, as I learned, not quite as long as Martha Stewart!). It was a delight to see tables full of Felix’s exquisitely illustrated stationery for sale. I got there when it opened on Saturday to get first dibs. After much deliberation and analysis, I went for the single card strategy to take home a better variety. Here’s what I left with:

Part two of Open Studios was a tour of the working studio. Loren (Felix’s wife and an amazing photographer, by the way) gave me a personal tour of it all, including a peek at the Christmas lineup (more on that to come: but suffice to say there is an adorable postcard set for children that I went bananas for) as well as the history of Felix Doolittle. Felix started by illustrating photography contracts for Loren. As I am in awe of Felix’s talent, can you imagine how gorgeous those contracts were?? For example, take a look at this work for a custom project. I hope that Felix and Loren don’t mind that I’m sharing this, as I just had to take a photo:

Finally, one of the latest introductions from Felix Doolittle are these personalized crystal dome paperweights. I’ve filed this away as it will make a perfect gift for a couple of people I know:

And finally, I have to thank Felix, Loren and the entire staff at Felix Doolittle for making my visit pretty much a dream. Not only did I take home some pretty paper goods (including a couple of Red Sox magnets for my buddy!), but Felix and Loren couldn’t be nicer or more charming. (I love when that happens!)

Oh, and a footnote: there were some gorgeous, gorgeous flowers on display at Open Studios, designed by Newtonville’s Michael O’Brien (michaelco.com). If you’re in Boston + looking for flowers, I highly recommend him.

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Hello, and happy holiday weekend! In theory, my husband has today off. (Looking forward to that, in theory.) I think the weekend will feature some grilling, some relaxing, a parade, and some fireworks. (Oh, and some cookies, too. Some things never change.) I’m ready to get started, so on with the Five:

1. Baby Brioches
2. spring/summer 2009 patterns
3. Farm to Table – Strawberries
4. untitled
5. Cotton Reels

Wherever you are, have a wonderful weekend! See you back here on Monday.

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image from bonniesjams.com

When I call the South End Formaggio to restock my caramels and cookies, I have to add one of Bonnie’s Jams (made in copper jamming pans at the Cambridge Formaggio Kitchen) to the order. Just the sweetest packaging and you can’t go wrong with homemade jam. The big question is: strawberry rhubarb, black and blue, or raspberry?

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