love is lovely {happy valentine's day}

I can't believe that it is mid-february already!!! {I knew that the beginning of the year would fly by in anticipation of my June wedding} We have an upcoming trip to Savannah, Ga for some serious wedding planning and I am so excited! I haven't been back to Savannah since I graduated {almost 3 years!} and I can't wait to do all of my favorite Savannah things...

I set up an area in my studio as a wedding "mood" table! Here are some shots of some of the items that keep me excited about everything... {and I can go look at my pretty wedding things whenever I get overwhelmed or stressed about the wedding}

I leave for India and China next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to go to markets in India {gemstones and silks} and shopping in Shanghai {pearls pearls pearls}

xoxoxo, kara

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy {belated} New Year!!! It has been entirely too long since I have posted. I have been traveling constantly, having house guests, making Christmas presents, making next year's holiday decorations for all of America, working late, seeing family and friends, attending my own wedding shower, sending out my Save The Dates, and pretty much running at high speed constantly!

This year will hold some amazing things for me:

*holy matrimony and a destination wedding in Savannah, GA!

*planning and creating this dream wedding {less than 6 months!}

*a trip to India and China for work {less than 2 months!}

*who knows what else...I can't wait to find out!!!

I hope to start posting again on a regular{ish} basis, but be warned that most posting my revolve around WEDDINGS!!! specifically mine!

I wish nothing but the best for everyone in the year to come...2010! Wow!

{pictured above, a paper cut that I made for my Mom for Christmas}

Illustration friday, "frozen" {birdsicles}

The Illustration Friday topic this week is "frozen" so I drew some frosty, frozen birdsicles. Here in Minnesota, we would call them "birds on a stick".

If you don't get that joke, consider yourself lucky. Check out other entries here.

Illustration friday, "flying"

The topic this week is "flying". I actually painted this last week, but think that it fits- I am dreaming of flying south for the winter...it already snowed here! Actually- just looked out the window and it is snowing RIGHT NOW! Its only October!

In my painting, the birds are tethered here too. I guess that's kinda mean, huh! Other {nicer?} entries here.

more custom wedding jewelry

Finished these necklaces today for an upcoming wedding, and took a quick photo for the ladies to peek at...still have 5 sets of bridesmaid jewelry to make as well.

These necklaces are freshwater pearls along with several shades of swarovski crystal to match the champagne accents on the dresses.

studies+mood board

stitched studies

My sister and I are working together on a jewelry collection. These are a few stitched studies that I made and an inspiration board with swatches that we both collected.

More to come.

illustration friday, "pattern"

This one's easy. My entire life revolves around patterns.....check out others here.

{oops- realized that I had categorized it as 'silkscreen', which it is most definitely not! It is watercolor and ink}