Nicole W Clark's Custom Cake Gems

As someone who specializes in illustrating portraits of happy couples and families, I was excited to find an artist who is in the business of creating customized portraiture in a three-dimensional medium. Nicole W Clark specializes in sculpting adorable, one-of-a-kind wedding cake figurines - an otherwise minute detail often overlooked by brides and wedding planners alike. I, for one, was more concerned with what went between the layers of wedding cake than what sat atop, but if I had stumbled upon her art during my bride-to-be days I can't say I could have resisted going that extra step.

Pacific International Quilting Festival

A few months ago I picked up a book about fabric collage ("Freestyle Quilting" by Susan Carlson) and have since been fascinated with the art of quilting and patchwork. The PIQF came to Santa Clara last month and these are some of the amazing works hanging on the walls. I was really blown away by what these artists have done. I'm including a range of samples to show the variety of ways in which these quilters used fabric pattern, color and texture to design everything from bold graphics to portraits to youthful illustrations.

A few exhibitors brought the giant industrial strength machines that enabled them to stitch these enormous tapestries. Until I go down that road I will be working with my Brother sewing machine which I like just fine! I've been using this fabric collage technique when designing my Ketubot. Samples to come!

Myrna Rosen Exhibit

I wasn't able to go to Pittsburgh and see the show, but my parents went to this honorary exhibit of Myrna's calligraphy and sent me photos. Myrna - my calligraphy teach at CMU who encourages everyone to feed their brains - displays here her wide range of techniques, media and lettering styles. She loves experimenting with tools (one assignment in college called for carving letters out of potatoes) and the last piece leaves me wondering what type of instrument she used to make those marks. She still teaches at Carnegie Mellon, and while I was there Myrna's classes always had double digit waiting lists and she was able to convert even left brained engineers into calligraphy enthusiasts.

Let's Hear It For The Girls!

I am long overdue for a recap of the show! It went off successfully and everything looked fantastic.  The flowers, cakes, stationery, jewelry and linens all came together to create four fabulous looking display tables.  Additionally, each of the 9 booths and BellaPelle itself were set up beautifully.  It was such a collaborative effort, and every vendor contributed more than just their time. 

Let's Hear It For The Girls

This bridal show that I am helping to put together is one that has what much bigger faire's lack. The event, named "Let's Hear It For The Girls," targets bridesmaids as well as brides, and acts as an intimate one-stop shop for those ladies planning anything wedding related.  Instead of a monstrous show with so many booths a bride starts to see double after trying to hit them all, we will be mingling in a spa, enjoying cocktails, cake tasting and eyebrow waxes!  

Our exhibitors will work together to complement each other's services, one example being the replicas of completed place settings displayed along one wall. These mock receptions will incorporate products from several vendors, easily illustrating just how to assemble a table at a summer afternoon luncheon, a green wedding or a bubbly bridal shower. 

Welcome Mona!

Born 12/18/09, here is what I've been working on the past few months! Mona Bell Simon, my proudest accomplishment (awwww).  

Talented Aunties-To-Be

A couple friends threw me the cutest baby shower last month.  The invitation asked the guests to bring something hand-made (my friends know me alright!). Most gifts were onesies, and as decoration they were all hung across the room on a clothes-line.  I've included images of just a few of the many very impressive gifts my friends and family made - including the one my friend made to match her adorable invitation! I'm definitely going to have to think of something to do with these beautiful creations once my daughter outgrows them. Any ideas? Thank you so much to all her talented aunties!