Laura Konttinen

The Memory Project by Laura Konttinen is "a collection of reconstructed memories, built from, and into, photographs." Konttinen's work instantly drew me in because I can fully relate to those emotions and blurry bits of nostalgia found within our memories. I'm fascinated by the way Konttinen took a complex concept and put it into beautiful, tangible forms.

The Memory Project has also inspired my new year. As I draw closer to midnight it's only natural to reflect on last year's memories and feel a sense of renewal mixed with fear. I would normally want to evaluate, calculate, make lists and think of ways to improve...but just thinking about that makes me want to hide under last year's covers. This new year I'll try something different and let things go, listen more to my gut and remember the memories that make me...well me. Thank you so much for being apart of those memories and I look forward to many more. Happy New Year!

Link - Laura Konttinen

Merry Christmas

In the holiday spirit, I transformed the Green Valley wreath one more time with vintage postcards, small clothespins, book pages and letterpress letters. I have a new appreciation for old Christmas postcards especially ones with wintry landscape scenes. They look so quaint and nostalgic! You can also easily personalize your wreath with family photographs or holiday cards to enjoy during the new year.

This time of year can be difficult, but I hope you take a moment and embrace the little joys this holiday season. One of my joys is a new tradition my family started which includes lighting a candle in honor of my Mom while we exchange gifts. The candle symbolizes her eternal love and presence during the holiday season and throughout the year. This comforting gesture means the world to me and is one of several new traditions I plan on carrying out for years to come. I would love to hear the holiday joys you are experiencing.

I hope you have a Merry Christmas filled with traditions, love and special joys!

Holiday Home Ideas

I'm back from a nice pre-holiday visit with family and gearing up for Christmas with these inspiring holiday home ideas from Southern Living. My favorite is the vintage & whimsical mantel filled with faux snow, mason jars and vintage reindeer. Adorable, right? I would also like to announce the winners of the handmade ornaments (randomly picked by my sweet nephews!). Congratulations to...

Danielle from Fresh Quince
Megan from pink o'clock
J. Henderson

Thank you all for entering and I hope you are enjoying your pre-holiday with final wraps and trimmings. Enjoy!

Link - Southern Living

Vintage Collection Wreath + Giveaway

Did you know you can order a holiday tree and wreath online and have it delivered to your house? Crazy, right?! Green Valley Christmas Trees provides premium Christmas trees right to your door with guaranteed beauty and freshness. I do about 90% of my holiday shopping online, so I gladly accepted Green Valley's challenge to decorate one of their beautiful wreaths in vintage style.

During the process I realized I don't really have vintage Christmas decorations, so I decided to use the wreath to display existing vintage collections like old skeleton keys and keyhole plates. These items can also be found at your local fleamarket, antique shop or on eBay. I covered the beat up pieces with white gold glitter, inlaid red glitter on the back of the preserved pieces and topped them all off with red ribbon.

For the holidays, Green Valley Christmas Trees is offering Please Sir readers a special 10% discount on all orders. Simply use promo code PLEASE10 - valid until December 17th. I would also love to give away THREE handmade ornaments from the wreath. To enter, please visit Green Valley's site and leave a comment below with your name and e-mail. Feel free to also share an idea or personal collection you would like to display on a wreath. The winners be chosen at random on Friday, December 17th.

Link - Green Valley Christmas Trees

Pale & Interesting

Hello, hello! I've been a little under the weather recently and all I want to do is hibernate inside the beautiful interiors by Dave Coote. I would love to escape the holiday rush and frigid cold by spending the winter in these cozy, white filled spaces. Alas the real world calls, but at least I get to share a fun, holiday project with you this week. I'm going to pack away the cold medicine and muster up the strength to get everything ready for posting. Add in a little giveaway plus cyber eggnog and we might just have ourselves a holiday blog party!

Dave Coote and his wife also run the online homeware boutique Pale & Interesting - a must see for charming, functional and unique objects.

Link - Dave Coote Design

Sneaker Series

Suzanne Cabrera from an open [sketch]book just opened up a new Etsy shop featuring 10 retro-inspired sneaker illustrations straight from her husband's closet. You get all the fun and style with any of the sock smell! :)

To celebrate Suzanne's opening and twin baby announcement (congrats!!!) she is offering a 25% discount if you buy two or more prints with the coupon code TWOISMAGICAL in the notes to seller at checkout. These prints are a great addition to a bedroom, kid's room or holiday wish list!

Link - an open [sketch]book shop