some stuff I like

Happy Howl-o-ween!

2011-10-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

Oh Riley, you look so sweet!

MadeByCassandraSmith

2011-10-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have been in love with this shop for a while, I just love these beautifully done antlers.
MadeByCassandraSmith

Love Citron

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

Made my day! The blog Love Citron featured an invitation of my from my etsy shop! Sweat Azalea Boutique

Its harvest time

2011-10-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

My husband and I spent a few days preserving all of the goods from our garden this year, this is what we had left after making multiple huge batches of salsa (which we ate all of) Needless to day our garden was pretty plentiful this year!

And here are some shots of the process of making jalapeno jam

Invitation party

2011-10-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

My friend is getting married on New Years Eve of this year and I got to design her wedding invitations, we did a custom emboss and added some rhinestones. So to get the job done we gathered some friends and wine and had a little "invitation making party"

HOW feature!

2011-10-08T08:35:00.000-07:00

Very flattered to have my work featured in this issue of HOW: Behind the design!

Halloween fun

2011-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just picked up this adorable little kit from Target that my good friend Devon Adrian designed. They were super cute and my husband and I had a lot of fun making them, taste good too!

Damn this is cool

2011-08-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Nicole Meyer is creating a logo a day for each Minnesota lake. I LOVE IT. I am jealous of this amazing idea and I am so excited to see more! Here are a few, and you can see them all on http://www.branding10000lakes.com/

Supermodel!

2011-08-16T07:06:00.000-07:00

My little lady is a supermodel! I am such a proud dog mom, Riley is featured on the Adult lean diet for Blackwood dog food. And here are some other photos from her photo shoot at Modern life photo in Minnesota.

Beautiful wedding invitations

2011-07-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

I just got these beautiful wedding invitations in the mail from my friend Michelle Hyster! I think she did an amazing job and I am in love with them and all the detail and wood that went into them! Michelle also has an etsy shop called oodles of color which is ridiculously cute too!

Rosy Designs, a super cute etsy shop!

2011-07-22T14:39:00.000-07:00

Happy harry potter day!

2011-07-14T06:42:00.001-07:00

My co-worker Ellen made harry potter cupcakes for us today! So cute!

Very very cool

2011-07-11T18:25:00.000-07:00

These are hand pained shoes! I am loving these shoes from Figgie Shoes

Blackwood

2011-07-07T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished bags that we re-desigend!

Sneak peak!

2011-07-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

We just got the samples of the bags we redesigned for Blackwood pet food. Here is one of the bags, I will post the whole series once we get them shot!

cute collar

2011-07-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

This is super cute from the mod dog, I have ordered a few of Riley's collars from her and she does a great job and has VERY cute collars!

Cute.

2011-06-30T15:48:00.001-07:00

My co-worker made me a grapefruit cake today. A nice little surprise!

Thanks Ellen!

Bum city!

2011-06-28T13:44:00.000-07:00

Its our little Diana Q's last day at Hartungkemp today.
These are a few shots of our "see you soon" lunch

We are all very sad shes leaving :(

Crushing a little PBR on her forehead. No big deal.

pretty letters

2011-06-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just ordered these for a friend for her birthday and I love them! You can find more on etsy but I had found these are Hope and Joy Home

Growing birds

2011-06-20T12:11:00.001-07:00

One week since the last photo.

fun

2011-06-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Just searching through stock for a project and came across these shots from Patrick Orton. I think this looks like the funnest photoshoot ever!

African Grey

2011-06-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I am just in love with this etsy shop! African Grey
I just ordered some Riley cards so she could send them out to her favorite humans!

Happy Flag day!

2011-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

my little all american cutie.

Growing birds!

2011-06-14T06:52:00.001-07:00

Only one week later and they are getting huge!

BootsNGus

2011-06-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Very cool hanging lights by Boots N Gus

Heading up north!

2011-06-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

Going north for the week, and this was apparently the last chance I had to get liquor for it!

I was also pretty impressed they sell shiner way up here! I am SO in love with all the shiner labels, they are so beautifully done it hurts.

They're hatching!

2011-06-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

I was so exited this morning to wake up to the birds under our deck hatching!

Jimmya iced coffee

2011-06-03T07:33:00.000-07:00

interabang did a great job on the new jimmys iced coffee

Embosser!

2011-06-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

I just ordered my custom embosser last night from paper source!

And this is what I am working on today

2011-06-02T07:25:00.000-07:00

Dana Tanamach

2011-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Amazing work done by Dana Tanamach

YAY! The new Design *Sponge site is live!

2011-05-30T20:30:00.000-07:00

I love the use of the ribbons! It is so beautifully done.
http://www.designsponge.com/

We have birds under our deck!

2011-05-29T06:32:00.001-07:00

We recently just noticed a little bird making a nest right under our deck, and Riley will not do anything but sit above it and star down!

I will post more pictures once they hatch.

Summer begins!

2011-05-28T10:56:00.001-07:00

I always feel like summer starts when I plant my flowers! And that's how I got to spend this lovely afternoon!

Happy Weekend!

2011-05-27T17:09:00.001-07:00

So lovely!

2011-05-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have been in love with these for a while! from Uncommon a super cute etsy shop. Only $20

Team Mutton Bust!

2011-05-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

We had a kickball tournament this weekend and out of 32 teams, and through the crazy rain and the crap weather we took 2nd!
Here is our team photo and t-shirts!

Adam Hill Business Cards

2011-05-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

Ho HUM

2011-05-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

Super great stuff from HUM creative.

Slide sideways

2011-05-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

Heck yes!

Beautiful site done by Sussner

2011-05-17T09:45:00.000-07:00

Cutest dog ever

2011-05-16T20:27:00.001-07:00

She seriously sits like this on her own. So damn cute.

makes me want to use pencils

2011-05-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

custom pencils. i like! we are what we do

I'm totally loving these. They are so cute!

2011-05-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Super cute etsy shop does these great stamp letters. Stamposaurus' shop

more beer labels

2011-05-08T12:56:00.000-07:00

Just got finished shooting these beer labels I did for a friends wedding. Hope to get them ready and up soon!

Tecate

2011-05-07T14:27:00.001-07:00

Beautifully done labels for tecate, I really like how the did the UPC too.

silly buddy

2011-05-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

Just ordered this super cute collar for Riley, and its came in such cute packaging! SillyBuddy

love this

2010-10-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

At urban outfitters

My friend Mark!

2010-09-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

My extremely talented friend Mark is starting is our design agency The Plaid Lab and these are his lovely business cards, which I am totally in love with!

2010-08-31T18:19:00.000-07:00

Cool things on French paper.

Sorry

2010-08-15T08:51:00.001-07:00

Its been so long I almost forgot to how to blog! I am sorry this summer has been so busy I did not have a chance to keep up the blog! I have been working on wedding invitations like crazy and trying to enjoy all the warm weather I can! I LOVE summer and didn't want to waste a second of it!

And all of my little free time has been spent working on my new venture sweet azalea : wedding invitations (and hopefully more stationary once I get everything running smoothly) The site is not up yet but I have some screen shots of it here and hopefully by the end of the year!!! Its a lot more work than I imagined so slowly but surely its coming along.

My cousin is also getting married this fall and I just finished up working on her invitations too, they just wanted something really simple and elegant, we printed them on shimmery peal paper and they turned out great, my printer said "That paper was made for those invitations" I am not sure if I can get the detail in these photos but I was pretty happy with how they turned out. Happy Wedding Sami and Ben!

Nashville flood relief poster

2010-05-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

Help Nashville out!

You can help support the victims of the Tennessee Flood of 2010. Little Riley is donating all proceeds from your purchase of this beautiful, limited edition print to the Metro Nashville Disaster Response Fund.

To learn more about this fund please visit The Community Foundation Website at www.cfmt.org/floodrelief

little riley on the front page!

2010-04-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Oodles of Color put together this great treasury with a hair piece from little riley on it! And it made it to the front page!

Thanks oodles!

Liberty of London @ Target

2010-04-07T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOOOO in love with the Liberty of London line that is at Target right now! I want it ALL. And the cutest thing I found they didn't have a photo of online, but it was a garden watering can, it is so cute. This line spans from mens boxers to bedding, watering cans and gardening gloves to tableware, and I love it all! I seriously think it could be the prettiest thing my eyes have seen. If you haven't seen it yet, get to a target asap, or check it out online at Target.com

happy Easter!

2010-04-04T18:57:00.000-07:00

I colored eggs with my parents yesterday, and it was beautiful out so we ended up doing it outside! Here are some of our creations! Hope you have a great Easter!

my etsy purchases

2010-04-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I bought these darling things today, LOVE this print by LovelyMPLS.etsy.com (1) I can't wait to get it, frame it, and get it up on my wall! I also go these great garden spoons by monkeysalwayslook.etsy.com (2)for my mother and mother-in-law, I know its a little early for mothers day gifts, but they were just to perfect, so my shopping is done!

papel picado

2010-03-30T17:42:00.000-07:00

I love these papel picado banners. I first saw them on style me pretty a while back and have been obsessed! They are so beautiful! I found them at a few places, the top photos are from mexicansugarskull.com and they do custom ones, and the photos on the bottom are from a shop I found on etsy aymujer.etsy.com Both are great and I would definitely check them out if you are having any sort of get together, and a MUST for your wedding!

google before you tweet!

2010-03-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

Oh how the world has changed! I randomly found this while surfing the web, so I am not quite sure where it came from but I liked it so much I needed to post it anyway!

oodles of color!

2010-03-27T20:22:00.000-07:00

My friend just started this great Etsy shop called oodles of color! It is so cute! I have a few of her lovely things below. Everyone should check it out! oodlesofcolor.etsy.com

Happy St. Patrick's day!

2010-03-17T18:26:00.001-07:00

I know I know I feel like I am disappointing by not having a crazy St. Patty's day post with a last name like Flaherty but I am not, I feel like I am St. Patty's dayed out. But I do want to let everyone know that I am teaching a class at The Studio at Rush Creek in Maple Grove, on Wednesday, March 24th at 6:30pm. And I am really excited about it! If you are in the area you should definitely sign up! You will learn how to make your own fabric flower accessories and feather headbands. Techniques covered will include hand singing of fabric, a layered petal technique and how to arrange feathers. Expect to leave class with a finished brooch, hair clip and headband!

Photos of the sort of things you will be learning to do are below, if you are interested please feel free to email me or contact the Studio at Rush Creek!

pooch picks!

2010-03-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

Riley has some cutie patootie things on her wish list and wanted to share!

1: MulberryStreet.etsy.com
2: TerrierTrousers.etsy.com
3: nolaandspencer.etsy.com
4: PopWall.etsy.com
5: frecklz.etsy.com
6: foultshirts.etsy.com

jean thran photography

2010-03-05T15:57:00.001-08:00

Check it out, My good friend Melissa and I just finished up working on my moms website!
My mom is a photographer here in MN, and was in need of a website. Being all about the photos, it seems almost obvious to really show case the shots. My friend Melissa is a ROCKSTAR!! and programed the whole thing, so great to get to work with her on it.

I have a few screen shots here but If you get a chance check out Jean Thran photography!!!

2010-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

Its my sisters birthday today! so I wanted to wish her a happy birthday blog style!

wow! where have I been!

2010-03-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry I just remembered I had a blog to keep up!!! I have been crazy busy designing designing and more designing. I have been working like crazy to get my moms website up and it should go live this week, I will post some photos once it does! Along with creating wedding invitations up the wazzo!

But enough whining about my busy life!

So since I have st. patty's day on the brain (were going to chicago to celebrate!!!) I thought I would get back in the groove with a little luck of the Irish post!

find these delights here:
1:manhandled.etsy.com
2:LoulousVintage.etsy.com
3:MyGmasCloset.etsy.com
4-5:www.urbanoutfitters.com
6:www.alloy.com
7:corelladesign.etsy.com

new hair pieces

2010-02-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

Just dropped all these new little riley hair pieces off at Etica Salon! If you live in the area feel free to stop by and pick some up!

Meet miss Emma!

2010-02-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

So along with Rileys other birthday gifts she also got a sister! We had been looking to foster and we came across Miss Emma... And we decided to adopt, she was to perfect to pass up! Riley and Emma have been in heaven! I am sure you will be seeing more of her! And here are some photos of the playing in the yard today, with their darling mod dog collars!

And the winner is.......

2010-02-14T17:55:00.000-08:00

Dun dun dadadah! And the winner is....... #6 EcoChicHandKnits!
Congrats! And I will get your gift in the mail asap! Thanks for everyone who entered!

Happy Birthday Riley!

2010-02-11T18:48:00.000-08:00

Riley is turning 2 today! My little baby, I honestly cant believe that we have had her for 2 years. where does the time go? I guess its like they say, time does fly when your having fun!

Great valentines gifts!

2010-02-04T19:35:00.000-08:00

I think these are such cute ideas for valentines day gifts, weather it is for a mom, sister, friend, girlfriend, or wife. Its not just your regular box of chocolates, its something special and personalized. A keepsake! I especially love the locket one! so cute I love lockets!

Check out these shops there are a lot more to choose from!

1-2:LoveLettersJewelry.etsy.com
3: MissesBird.etsy.com
4: sayanythingjewelry.etsy.com
5: BragAboutIt.etsy.com
6: CandaceKane.etsy.com

Giveaway!

2010-02-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

One person will be selected at random to receive a little riley goody. This will include a flower clip! Cute, funky, and fun, this is a simple accessory designed to go with any outfit be it casual or formal. Perfect to add to any hair style, scarf, purse, hat, or even shoes!

Darling hand trimmed petals are all hand singed as to not cause fraying. Securely sewn to a sterling silver sturdy 1.25" clip for easy placement and hold. Petals are about 1.85" in diameter.

Enter until friday the 12th. I will pick a winner on Sunday Valentines day!
A little V-day present for someone!

Here is how to enter: simply twitter, facebook, or blog about this giveaway and come back and comment with the link :) Or become a follower and leave a comment!

SOOOXOXO cute!

2010-01-31T17:50:00.000-08:00

I love these darling Hand Knit XO Cabled Handwarmers! They are so cute.

A slight variation on the old favorite - now with a longer cuff! Feel good inside and out while wearing these cozy handwarmers. This yarn is made from recycled plastic bottles; you're helping keep plastic out of the landfills, but at the same time, your hands are stylish and toasty! These handwarmers feature an "XO" cabled pattern on the back of the hand with ribbing at the top and bottom to keep out the cold.

You can find these and other darling knits at Knits by Jess

studio on fire

2010-01-27T17:15:00.000-08:00

The lovely studio on fire calendar is out! (I know I know, obviously its been out for a month) But I have just been oohhing and ahhing over it and had to share. This years looks great, might be my favorite one yet!

You can get them at www.studioonfire.com for $30 and all the proceeds go to help out the Haiti victims.

nice knits!

2010-01-25T17:44:00.000-08:00

My good friend Melissa is an AMAZING knitter and she just finished up these darling knits! And she sent me the etsy shops where she got the patterns! So if you have mad knitting skills like her you might want to check them out!

dangercrafts.etsy.com
PhylPhil.etsy.com

Twilight v-day card

2010-01-23T08:01:00.000-08:00

For those of you who love Edward Cullen and the twilight books just as much as I do, I think you might appreciate this! I just bought this card for my husband for valentines day, it is wayyyyyy to perfect! (he claims he was single for the two weeks it took me to read the series) I coudn't stop smerking when I found it, I knew I had to get it!

If its perfect for you too, there are more at bipolarbettygoods.etsy.com !

Neck-lush!

2010-01-20T18:12:00.000-08:00

Some super cute necklaces I have had my eye on!

1: candysart.etsy.com
2: FoxAndClover.etsy.com
3: DayDefyProject.etsy.com
4: decoratethediva.etsy.com
5: STELLAandHODGE.etsy.com

too cute!

2010-01-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

The dieline had these darling tea bags posted today and I couldn't help but pass them on, they are so cute! They could make me a tea drinker!

Happy (early) Valentines day!

2010-01-17T18:20:00.000-08:00

Not just your traditional box of hearts! Here are some super cute valentines day gift ideas. Order something cute now so you don't get stuck with the last box of chocolates left at Target!

Also, New look! I know I am excited to start showing off the new little riley look! To celebrate we'll probably do a giveaway later this week! so keep posted!

1: katiefenwick.etsy.com
2: dolcedreams.etsy.com
3: Bluejules2008.etsy.com
4: vintagebliss.etsy.com
5: twotrickpony.etsy.com

Go Cowboys!

2010-01-17T11:27:00.001-08:00

So the Vikings are playing the cowboys today and my husband is a CRAZY cowboys fan, and even though we are from Minnesota, were having a cowboys party. So in light of us wanting the cowboys to win I am having a cowboy themed post. Enjoy!

1: monkeyandsquirrel.etsy.com
2: SilhouetteBlue.etsy.com
3: YeeHaw.etsy.com
4: sewdeerlyloved.etsy.com
5: gimmehoni.etsy.com
6: purevintageclothing.etsy.com

p is for: pretty prints!

2010-01-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

love theses! you can find these darling prints at Paper fingers

martha martha martha

2010-01-11T19:17:00.000-08:00

I found these super cute mini envelopes and valentines day cards from martha stewart the other day (she has some darling valentines day stuff out right now!) but I couldn't seem to find them on line but I did find some other great stuff of hers. I seriously love martha stewart. You can find all these pieces at your local Michaels store

homemade baby blanket

2010-01-06T17:32:00.000-08:00

I just finished up the little baby blanket for my good friend who just had a darling little girl named Peyton. I am really happy with how it turned out!

happy new year

2010-01-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

OK, breaks over and I am back! It feels like its been forever. Hope everyone had a great holiday! And a happy New year! Riley wanted to wish everyone a happy new year and show off her darling new collar she got for christmas from The Mod Dog !

I am also working on some changes to little riley and the blog so there might be some coming soon!

Sorry! (and Merry Christmas!)

2009-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the complete lack of posts!
I know I know! No, I did not die, I am just completely twilightfied! Its ridiculous! but of so great at the same time. I am almost finished so I swear I will be back!

I just wanted to wish everyone happy holidays as well and I will continue posting after christmas!

Thanks for stopping!

Just finished

2009-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Just finished up the Overbys Christmas card! It turned out so cute, a great photo of her boys and darling dog. I am so glad I got the chance to do it! thanks Nicole, hope you love it.

on the prowl for a cowl! (or a shawl)

2009-12-09T19:03:00.000-08:00

Yes its true, I am on the prowl... for a cowl! I dying for one of these, they are SO cute, but I can decide. I might have to get two! Please feel free to let me know which one you think I should get!

Or if you have any more cute ones I should put in the runnings feel free to post!

1:artlab.etsy.com
2: smittenkittenorig.etsy.com
3: Malasa.etsy.com
4-5: afra.etsy.com

little riley at Etica salon and the W7!

2009-12-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

HI!
Little riley is really excited to now be sold at Etica salon! Etica is an Aveda salon located in the cute little shops of Maple Grove (MN that is). Stop in and check it out, and if you need a hair cut, color, ect... ask for Elle, shes great!

Also I have been working at getting everything ready for the W7 opening this month, (which is this weekend!!!) so if you are around you should definitely stop by, its going to be a great time, and there are 14 new artists this month! I cant wait, little riley will have a bunch of new feather headbands there as well so stop by and check them out!

More info on Etica salon @ http://www.eticasalon.com/

Or more info on the W7 @ http://www.w7collective.com/

stella & hodge giveaway!

2009-12-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

Super cute giveaway by stella&hodge! The lucky winner will get her new custom book plates along with this antiqued bronze, black faceted pendant necklace.

Here is how to enter:
To enter the drawing you need to do one of the following, each one will get you one entry.
1. Visit STELLA+HODGE and come back and comment about your favorite thing from my shop.
2. Sign up as a follower of my blog.
3. Become of fan of my facebook page.
4. Blog about this giveaway.
5. Twitter or facebook about this giveaway.

You must go back and comment about what you did with a link and way to get a hold of you. Drawing closes Dec. 11 and winner will be announced on Dec. 14. Good luck!

Also visit her shop for other darling things like the other photos posted here!

vacation!

2009-12-04T09:48:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts! We actually just got back from Las Vegas! Here are some photos from our trip, I was great to get away even thought the wether wasn't as warm as we had wished, it was WAY warmer then here in Minnesota!

beautiful identity system by hofstede design

2009-11-25T11:02:00.000-08:00

So I have been looking to do a a little riley revamp, and I have just been inspiration searching away. Here is one I cam across that I thought I would share, feel free to post any you have come across lately and love too!

This identity was done by Hofstede Design for their own studio identity. You can find more of there work here: www.hofstede.com.au

congratulations!

2009-11-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Niecey! RIley drew your name out of a hat! (literally) You are the lucky winner of some super cute wine charms, enjoy them on your up coming holiday parties!

Thank you to everyone who entered and tweeted, blogged and facebooked! I appreciate it!

little delights I have been eyeing!

2009-11-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

These are some little delights I have been eyeing lately! I have the paper poms coming in the mail! And I cant wait!! I will post some photos of them in my almost redone bathroom!

1: SparklePaw.etsy.com
2: likedeco.etsy.com
3: Crafterall.etsy.com
4: PemberleyJones.etsy.com
5: PartyPoms.etsy.com
6: sadieolive.etsy.com
7: bluebirdss.etsy.com

ceeuuute packaging!

2009-11-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

Darling packaging by Fiona Hewitt!

little riley wine charms giveaway!

2009-11-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

RIley's feeling the love today! And she wanted to share it!
Just in time for the Holidays you can win a wine charm set of 4! Perfect for that thanksgiving dinner or a night with the girls!

Here is how to enter: simply twitter, facebook, or blog about this giveaway and come back and comment with the link :) Or become a follower and let me know if your comment!

Enter from now until friday at 12AM (central time) And I will pick a winner on sat and get them sent out in time for the holiday!

girt guide #2

2009-11-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

For the dad, husband or brother who just buys what he wants when he wants it. For the guy who already has everything he needs. We all know one, for me, its my dad, as cute as he may be, he is the absolute hardest to buy for. He already has all the gadgets, tools and machines he needs or just finds handy.

So here are a few things I found that I think would be a great gift the that guy who already has it all:
1: A northface fleece jacket, you cant really go wrong with this, its a great gift for whatever the type of guy, it practical and secretly stylish. FInd this one and more at: www.thenorthface.com

2: I thought this was kind of cool for the guy who loves wine and golf. Three premium wines from legendary golfers and wine enthusiasts Arnold Palmer, Ernie Els and Nick Faldo Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon paired with a sleeve of three golf balls. There are other interesting wine trios too, find more at: www.wine.com

3: This Cigar Tasting Experience I thought was kind of neat, you not only get a few unique cigars and you get to book and apt with a professional that will help you with how to select, cut, light, smoke, store, and care for premium cigars. www.excitations.com

4: Ok, if anything mr. hard-to-buy-for would enjoy a little relaxing time on these great Quilted-Weave Hammocks, I mean, I want one. It even has individual padded strips that are interwoven for a luxurious lofted effect that allows the air to circulate more freely, keeping you cool. (great gift for the summer lover!) www.brookstone.com

5: For the ultimate griller! If you know him, the guy who grills the best steaks, this would be SO perfect for him! Branding his own steaks! with the Rare, Medium, Well Branding Iron Gift Set! www.homewetbar.com

6: Horseshoes, great game, I am pretty sure most guys would totally love this. Only $31 at Ace Hardware

7: Personalized Photo Note Cube, I thought this was just something small and cute you could get him for his desk, rather than a framed photo, something a little more fun. I know my husband would LOVE one with a photo on Riley on it! www.PersonalizationMall.com

8: Fun fishing lure, for the lover of fishing, something a little unique and thoughtful. I know this ones a little on the girly side but there were more really cool "manly" ones on her site too, I know my dad would love this. Find more great lures for mr. hard-to-buy-for at: teddmcdonah.etsy.com

Feel free to give more suggestions for Mr. hard-to-buy-for! (we all need them!)

inexpensive decorating!

2009-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Again, spray paint can do wonders! I found these great brass pillar holders at goodwill the other day for $2.50 each! I stopped at Lowes and got some black spray paint for $1. So for a total of $6 I got these great shabby chic pillar candle holders!

Super cute DIY!

2009-11-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

Have a holiday party coming up!? This would be a great idea for a center piece! Or place cards for each person, (so cute!) Just use some warm fall colored candles, or and orange paint pen and you are all set. You can download the templates (1 2) or if your feeling creative make your own!

Here is the how to:

Download templates (below), and print. Enlarge template to desired size on a photocopier; cut out. Position template inside vessel using tape. With an extra-fine-tip paint pen, trace pattern onto glass. (If you make a mistake, wipe with a damp paper towel while paint is wet.) To repeat pattern around glass, shift the template inside vessel, and trace again. Let dry.

Template One
Template Two

I found this super cute idea from non other than the lovely
Martha Stewart (of course)

great work by jared milam

2009-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Beautiful identity system by jared milam. I love love love looking at great identity systems, and this is one I found that I thought I should share! Beautifully done just like all his other work, and you can find more of it here http://www.behance.net/JaredMilam

this weekend at the w7!

2009-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

little riley will be at the W7 again this coming weekend and we cant wait! I have been creating like crazy! and have a bunch of new stuff I cant wait to show off.

Here are some more great artists that will be there too! If you are around the area you should definitely stop by its going to be a great time! you can find more info about this weekend and the W7 at www.w7collective.com

rileys pooch picks

2009-11-09T17:53:00.000-08:00

Riley loves these adorable pet doodles! they are so cute!

If you love your pet as much as I love mine I know this will totally be on your christmas list too! She has some great doodles already made and also does custom doodles just for your little bundle of joy. If you do want a custom doodle ready for Christmas don't forget to order before Nov 15th! If them here: lmnoprint.etsy.com

time 4 (christmas!)

2009-11-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is only November 4th, but I was just in target the other day and the christmas stuff is out!
Ok its true, I do love christmas. And, its never to early to pull out the mariah carey christmas CD, and start thinking about your christmas card! So, in light of my love for the christmas season I decided to do riley's gift guide each week, and no better place to start than your holiday card! Start your cheer off in style! I have compiled some adorable holiday cards to either purchase or inspire you!

Cutie patootie holiday cards at:
1: thecraftpantry.etsy.com 2-6: Minted 7: cutiepiecompany.etsy.com 8: dutchdoor.etsy.com 9-10: paper source

You can also find this beautiful clock at: andfurthermore.etsy.com