The Great Debate

What do you guys think about bloggers posting with iphone photos? I am all for it, as long as it doesn't forever take the place of their actual photographs. Our phones are such a big part of our everyday life they I figure an aspect of what they can do is bound to end up on our blog sooner or later. In some situations, taking a photo with your phone is the only way you could have gotten the shot. Clearly, some bloggers take greater care than others- I would never intentionally post a blurry photo on my blog- but others don't seem to mind it. Another part of the discussion is the addition of fun apps.  I use instagram everyday and love it. It is really fun and easy to snap a photo with my phone, plus it makes twitter a lot more interesting. So if it takes an app to even get someone to want to take snapshots, I think that's a step in the right direction. I am continuously impressed by the camera on the iPhone 4, but that doesn't mean it will ever replace any of my 'real' cameras. 
Anyway, here are some of my recent instagram photos. Above, flowers growing wildly in Katie's backyard.

Never miss an opportunity to catch Kumar being cute.

or any other cat for that matter.

Instagram is also a useful tool to make friends jealous with meals they miss. Or to text someone a unicorn to brighten their day.
I've heard a lot from both sides, pro and con. Do you like the way instagram photos look? Have a favorite filter? Do you post iphone photos on your blog? If so, leave a link so we can see.

Rosegolden

Collaborations are the best! Anabela of Fieldguided and Erin of Atlantic Treefox have already joined forces on the best tumblr there is and I'm glad they're back at it again. Their newest project is called Rosegolden. Large scale photographs of flowers, with gold leaf accents. It's impossible to pick a favorite.

all photos from rosegolden shop.

Pin Money Vol. 4

No one should be surprised that I like to write things down on paper, calendars, and notepads. I also like to plan ahead!  These two things go hand in hand. That's why this perpetual calendar from Art School Girl is perfect for me.

Each month has day/lines to write in special dates.

At the top of each month is a sweet drawing and a one line suggestion for the month.

You can have one printed for you in custom colors.

Every time a friend or family members comes over for a visit, I have him or her write in their birthday and any other special anniversaries or "dates to remember."
Now I just need a place to hang this up.
Replies to recent comments: 
Will- I'm obsessed with it! Though I can't believe I'm thinking about sweaters when I'm stuck in this California heat.
Katrina- Eat drink chic makes the best collages I think :)

Recent Favorites Pt. 2

Last week I found some favorites on flickr, this week it's pinterest. Above, a pastel collection via Seamless Creative.  Those teacups are so adorable. 

Fun to do list for a rainy day via Mia Stanley.  Lox papers curates the best lists.

The best sweater I've ever seen via Kris Atomic. Isn't this the best color in the world?

Darling Signage via Sarah Bianculli.

A pink collection via Poppytalk Handmade. Katrina of Pugly Pixel has great taste in stationery!

Serene photography via Ez Pudewa. These colors are incredible.

A snowy place via Rachel Follett. I'm dreaming of somewhere, anywhere, cooler than LA.

and a gorgeous Italian balcony via Bright.Bazaar. If I ever have a balcony, it will look something like this.
Images from linked sites. 

[more] Product photos

I'm trying to update all my shop photos by the end of June, yesterday I was able to take care of another batch. These were taken in my living room, using natural light, with the camera on a tri pod and with a paper backdrop. Le pens 

Classic Camera Stationery Set.

Confectioner's Stationery Set.

Santa Cruz Stationery Set.

Stormy Weather Stationery Set.

 Communication Stationery Set.

 Where would I be without you?

  YOW analog postcard set.

 YOW NY postcard set.

 YOW California postcard set.

 Jet Setter Stationery Set.

I miss you.

and home, sweeter home moving announcements. 
Have a good weekend :)

Thirty before twenty-six

These cameras from Lomo have been on my wish list for years, each has a different effect that I'm dying to be able to try out.
1, 2, 3 



I've been scoping etsy for photographs and just came across these beautiful landscape shots. I could stare at these all day. 7a, 7b

I've found some great jewelry and accessories too. I usually don't wear bracelets but a few have caught my eye. 8, 9, 10, 11








and with new cameras, of course I'll need some new straps. 12, 13, 14

Pin Money Vol. 3

I did a little online shopping from the etsy store ititems.  The shop has a very large selection of stationery, craft, and sewing items. I am very pleased with this seller; the items arrived in perfect condition, about two weeks after my order was placed.  Pretty good considering they traveled thousands of miles. Since it's an international store, shipping costs are bit high--maybe you could place an order with a friend.  Here are some of the items I got, in action.
I was very curious to see how this mini box template turned out.

The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. First you have to outline the template on your paper of choice. I used wrapping paper designed by Julia Rothman.

After I cut on the lines, I took a bone folder and made neat creases for folding the box together.

Since I made it out of wrapping paper, it was a bit flimsy so I added cardstock to the bottom and top. Now it holds some of my favorite jewelry on top of my dresser.

I also purchased the paper bag template. You can outline the perimeter of the template, or the inner guide lines to make two different sizes of paper bags. I made the large size.

Isn't it adorable? I can definitely see myself making these as party favors.

I'm very pleased with my new templates :)

Another item I got in my order was this "diy duncan rubber stamp kit."

I had to cut up the letters and stick them to their bases. It got to be a bit tedious, so I only finished the letters I wanted to use today.

The base is just the right size, it's easy to place the stamp exactly where you'd like it.

I have a lot of alphabet stamps, but I think these are the best size for mailing letters.

Though I don't sew on a regular basis, I couldn't resist these adorable fabric pieces.

The last thing I got from ititems was this fabric floral tape. I'm going to use it to decorate letters, packages, and maybe a few boxes in my studio.

These aren't from the same shop, but from a antique shop in New Mexico. I found this vintage dial-a-phrase stamp in mint condition.

It has 12 different phrases, but special delivery takes the cake :)

I also found these vintage skinny/mini pens that no longer work but I love the colors!

Replies to recent comments: 
Will Glad you like them and thanks for pinning the Italia set.

Emily Thank you, I forgot to mention I used a tripod to shoot since it was in natural light. Hard to keep the camera steady!  Also, thanks for the tweet.