Inspiration Photo Friday: The Blue

12 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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blue, color, earth, gray, interior design, moss, natural, nature, new jersey, palette, photography, raritan, rocks, stream, water

I always liked this photo because it was serene. The delicate water resting against the earthbound rocks set a nice canvas for nature to shine. The fantastic blue of the sky showing its reflection oh so beautifully in the water makes me smile. The moss slightly peeks out among the stream. Earth is truly a main character here.

I shot this in Raritan, New Jersey about 6 years ago. I remember that quiet March day being nice and cool and the setting where I was taking photographs was calm. No one was around which left me and my subjects at ease. No distractions. No unnecessary noise. Just me and the blue.

The color scheme from this photo is a great inspiration for interior spaces as well as events. I have this palette throughout my own home because it is soothing, earthy and adrogynous. It allows for many accent colors to come into play as well. Think of it as a natural background for endless possibilities.

Wedding Invitation Suites are Here

24 Friday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Shop Gray Star Design

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antique, blue, botanical, country, floral, flowers, garden, gray star design, green, lace, nature, pastels, pink, rustic, spring, vintage, wedding invitations, weddings, white, woodland

As you know, I have been creating a whole line of event decor as well as invites and save the dates. I am working on some more postcard save the dates because people really seem to love them but I wanted to share the three wedding suites I currently have listed in my shop.

They all include an RSVP card as well as a direction card and white classic envelopes. I offer three other choices for the envelopes at no charge and the option to switch out the direction card for a reception card if the ceremony is in a church. And of course plenty of add ons to choose from. With them all printed on 120lb wove paper by me, my clients are getting the best service and materials, guaranteed.

Any item in my shop can be custom designed to match certain colors, etc., as well as creating a completely new design. Check them out and spread the word!

Spring Floral Wedding Suite – offered in green and pink

Woodland Lace Wedding Suite

Modern Floral Wedding Suite

Mae Chevrette

09 Thursday Aug 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Featured Artists

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animals, art, birds, blue, design, flowers, Inspiration, Mae Chevrette, mixed media, ocean, painting, photography, pink, sea, sky, sunshine

I read about Mae Chevrette in Oprah Magazine and I have to say what an incredible artist she is. Only 25 years old, her travels have brought her tons of inspiration and with her painting and mixed media skills she creates works of art that are unique and beautiful. She went from working as a research technician to being a successful artist in no time. Starting with her Etsy shop she slowly put more time into her art and finally quitted her day job.

I have always been a fan of mixed media art. I’ve created a lot of my own throughout the years so I can truly appreciate the creativity that goes into this medium. I love how Mae uses objects she finds on her travels and makes them come alive in her paintings. Although there are many elements to her work, she brings them all together as if she’s mending a collection of thoughts. Streaming personal memories while inspiring others. What else could you ask for?

Here are a few of her pieces that I adore. You can view her work on her website as well as purchase it at her Etsy shop. Check out her Etsy interview in 2011 and keep tabs by reading her blog.

Inspiration Photo Friday: Autumn Lush

20 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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autumn, blue, branches, brown, earth, fall, ivy, meroke preserve, mother earth, nature, seasons, sky, trees

Happy Friday Everyone! Today is a rainy day over here in New York which is kinda nice considering its been very hot and humid the past few days. The rain has brought a cool breeze as well which I have been waiting for. This weather reminds me of my favorite season, fall. This is why I have chosen this photo for this week’s inspiration. It was taken at the Meroke Preserve in Bellmore, NY, which will always have a special place in my heart.

I call it Autumn Lush because there is so much vibrancy in these branches. Reaching out to one another, becoming tangled in the sweetness of the cool air. The ivy acts as a cushion for harmony to form as it boasts its earthly colors and soft cloud like shape. This is one of the reasons I love fall. You look up and see the trees connecting with each other, spreading life, and the remaining leaves appearing to hang on delicate garland of hugs.

It may seem like everything dies during this season but it is indeed the opposite. Mother Nature resets and recharges as it sheds its outer layers for all of us to see. Its quite personal and beautiful, if you ask em. Seeing the bare souls of many of Earth’s gifts. it opens up a world where details and hidden secrets come alive. In this autumn lush, I am invited to get a little bit closer to what I love the most, Earth.