28 March 2013

LOCAL LOVIN': Wild Earth Gallery & Gift Shop, Elizabethtown

We visited the local square recently to shoot some photos for Creative Sweet. While there, in the middle of the day on a weekend, we noticed that nothing was open. While many places were closed, even more were unoccupied. If you're like us and you've traveled to larger towns and cities that have a thriving city center downtown you know how exciting that can be - independent boutiques, small local businesses and shops, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, things of that nature. The first place that comes to mind when it comes to an ideal downtown for a place this size? Asheville, North Carolina. If you've been there you know how great it is, if not plan a trip NOW!


While discussing nearby photo locations and the emptiness of our current area we turned a corner to see one store with their door open, a chalkboard sign outside noting that their products are all handmade in the USA, and a colorful assorted display welcoming in anyone from the street. The art prints, the paintings, the blown-glass - there were so many things that caught our eye just from the doorway that we had to venture in.



The first smaller room contained all of those goodies and then you enter the second room that is divided into two distinct spaces - the first a continuation of the first room, a gift shop style set-up with more art prints, paintings, jewelry, masks, and much, much more. Then to your right you can step up into the gallery portion of the space. Hardwood floors, exposed brick, and during our visit: the whimsical pop art paintings of Sherry Pearl. The majority of the paintings featured Red and Wolf, an elegant elaboration on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood. Pearl's representation does not portray the two as enemies, but seems to illustrate a uniquely intimate friendship.




We were greeted by store owner LaDonna Eastman, who was not only friendly but extremely informative about plans and projects for the area! (It seems many of those things we had been wishing for are currently in the works for the square!)  She told us about Wild Earth Gallery & Gift Shop, including information about selling things in the shop and how the gallery schedule is set up. She proudly features local  and USA made arts and crafts -including original art, prints, photographs, blown glass, handcrafted jewelry, masks, and soy candles- as well as note cards, local music, vintage jewelry,  specimen stones, minerals, and Native American bead work. Wild Earth also supports female artisans from around the world!

Every piece in her shop that we took interest in she was able to tell us a bit about the artist and in many cases the story behind how the pieces came to be in the shop. We learned about Second Saturdays in the area, which we'll share more about later, as well as gallery events and new plans, which include Friday Night Art Party workshops that will begin in April. (We definitely plan to attend a few of these!)


We love the Buy Local movement and highly recommend Wild Earth Gallery & Gifts if you're looking for something creative to gift someone, or if you're looking for something for yourself. For the most current updates check out the shop on Facebook and for more information visit their website. Maybe we'll see you out at Second Saturday or a Friday Night Art Party!


For the latest updates, don't forget to give us a like!

26 March 2013

MUST LOVE Vintage: Retro Furniture We Can't Get Enough Of

Our Must Love series is dedicated to sharing, well, things we love! We're by no means a home, fashion, or even lifestyle blog but that doesn't mean we don't want to talk about those things on occasion. Here we'll curate a selection of items, sometimes vintage, sometimes modern, but always awesome. Buy it, pin it, tell us you love (or hate) it! This week we're bringing you a selection of incredible vintage furniture that we've found while scoping out Etsy. Mid-century modern lovers - prepare to fall in love!

via.
We can't help but imagine our turntable sitting atop this vintage credenza with all of our favorite records tucked away beneath. Not a record collector? Think Mad Men... a few bottles of liquor, silver rimmed tumblers, an ice bucket, and you'll have a pretty nice bar set up.

via.
We never thought we would catch ourselves thinking "What a beautiful magazine rack!" but here we are. This piece would be beautiful in any home and it serves a very practical function - finally somewhere to store all those Food Network magazines that are taking over the coffee table! Additionally, it folds up for easy storage, not that you'd want to hide it away.

via.
Mid-century modern furniture is so sleek! The simple clean lines always stand out and this chair is no exception. The neutral upholstery makes it a nice compliment to more colorful pieces, or if you prefer it to be the focal point of your room, just toss a bright decorative pillow in the seat.

via.
We adore this bright shade of blue that crops up often in vintage pieces! Ottomans are great accents to sitting rooms and offices, and we especially love those tapered legs.


via.

While the bright cream drawer panels are courtesy of a recent up-cycle, we can't help but think this piece would still have a perfect place in Don and Megan Draper's NYC apartment, maybe in Sally's room?

via.
A little more bold blue for your viewing pleasure! The chair backing caught our eye first, but we're loving the clean lines! That blue upholstery is original and in excellent condition, not something you typically see with vintage pieces. Oh, and before we forget to mention it, this is actually a set of two.

If you're in the market for any vintage pieces we highly recommend scoping out Etsy. You can adjust the search settings to local parameters if you like, and only shop for pieces in your area to avoid high shipping costs + you can usually make arrangements to see the piece before purchasing if you contact the seller. We've scoped out some steals in the past, maybe you'll find one of your own! In the mean time, we'll sit over here intensely jealous that none of these pieces belong to us...

What are your Must Loves as of late? Tell us below!


For our latest updates, give us a like!

*All images via Etsy shops, we do not own them. All images and via. tags link directly to each item.

25 March 2013

POP REVIEW: The Walking Dead (S3, E15) "This Sorrowful Life"

We love the entertainment industry, a bit too much sometimes, and when we find a good show or movie we tend to become slightly enamored. Our series POP REVIEW is here so we can put our thoughts out there about big bads, gooey romantic obsessions, favorite characters, and sometimes things we just don't like. In this series we will discuss the most current episodes of any given show or recent movie we've seen and we encourage all fans to comment, discuss, and share your thoughts with us! There will be spoilers, but we'll save them for after the jump. If you opt to open the full post and accidentally ruin something for yourself, we warned you.

We didn't pick up with Andrea this week, and that KILLED us! (Okay, not really.) Instead, we get Rick telling Daryl about the plan to give up Michonne to The Governor. Neither Daryl or Hershel is on board with this plan, but Rick can't help be think it's the best way to save more lives. Daryl makes a very good point when he tells the former Sheriff "It just ain't us."

 

21 March 2013

design done right: emma lawrenson, little print press

Good design is hard to come by and that is why the series Design Done Right exists. The purpose of this series is to expose lesser-known designers, as well as showcase some of the more well-known ones because they are just that good. From paper goods to art prints, web design and typography - we embrace the method to the madness (seriously, have you met a designer?) and wholeheartedly encourage it to continue.


While on the hunt for geometric abstract artwork we found Emma Lawrenson. Not only are these beauties abstract, they're original handmade screenprints! Everyone may not rejoice over that, but we sure do! First we browsed the Etsy shop, then her website, and then we started trying to learn more about the designer.

One bit of info we knew we had to share when we stumbled upon it?
Lawrenson's work has recently been featured on Mad Men, one of our favorites! We would be liars if we didn't admit that it drew us to her work that much more. The colors, the shapes, the simplicity of it all make these pieces perfect for any room in the home or even an office   


  (Click through each image to view in the shop)


We feel like it's worth noting that some of the pieces in her shop may seem pricey, but even Lawrenson notes that her Etsy prices are lower than if you purchased elsewhere. And don't forget - you're paying for original artwork - no one else will have a piece like yours! (We would buy them all up if we could!) There is also a sale section.

You can visit her Etsy seller profile here if you're looking for a bit more info about this designer, as well as her website and blog.

Read something you like? Give us a like!

*All images via the littleprintpress Etsy shop

19 March 2013

POP REVIEW: The Walking Dead (S3, E14) "Prey"

We love the entertainment industry, a bit too much sometimes, and when we find a good show or movie we tend to become slightly enamored. Our series POP REVIEW is here so we can put our thoughts out there about big bads, gooey romantic obsessions, favorite characters, and sometimes things we just don't like. In this series we will discuss the most current episodes of any given show or recent movie we've seen and we encourage all fans to comment, discuss, and share your thoughts with us! There will be spoilers, but we'll save them for after the jump. If you opt to open the full post and accidentally ruin something for yourself, we warned you.

This week we started off somewhere we haven't been before - a flashback with Andrea and Michonne. We see the pair huddled around a fire with Michonne's walkers in tow. The two joke, but things get more serious when Andrea asks about the pet walkers. Michonne is very clear when she states that "They deserved what they got. They weren't human to begin with." This quietens Andrea, but it leaves us wondering - what exactly does she mean, and who are these "pets?"


18 March 2013

Goings-on + Ashlee Design House giveaway winner!

First. I want to say a big THANK YOU to those of you who entered our giveaway! We made every entry optional because no one likes being told what to do and  we appreciate every follow, like, retweet, comment you sent our way, we're happy to have you! (If you want to invite your friends along, we wouldn't be mad about it.) Ashlee Design House is equally grateful for all of your support! We'll announce who won the Dreamway Collection (below) momentarily...

The Dreamway Collection from Ashlee Design House
The past couple of weeks have been crazy, busy, and full of excitement! We not only launched, but kicked off several series that we hope continue to grow and evolve as time goes on. There are always new things in the works and we can't wait to pull them all together and share with you! For starters, you can check out our latest update, our about page, and learn more about where Creative Sweet began and in turn, who began it.

Now, what you've been waiting for, the winner of our Ashlee Design House giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations Elisabeth! You will get an email from us soon.


If you like what we're doing here and you are a creative person (writer, artist, musician, etc.) and want to get involved, shoot us an email: creativesweetblog@gmail.com We are not only open to featuring your talent, but also taking on contributions from other passionate people.

We are always thrilled to welcome new fans to our Facebook page! (That's how Elisabeth won our giveaway!)
You get the idea.

You can check out Elsewhere tab in our sidebar for any new places you may find us. Oh, and don't worry - we're not the kind of social media freaks that will overload all of your feeds with random garbage or updates on every giveaway we're entering and we do not check in anywhere. If we ever become those people, please tell us! (We do sometimes stay up late at night tweeting Lena Dunham, don't judge us.)

14 March 2013

THE GALLERY: Brittany DeLoach, painter

One of our primary goals here on Creative Sweet is to recognize talented people. In our series THE GALLERY we'll feature some of our favorite artists, local and otherwise, to share with you all. Today we are excited to introduce you to a friend of ours - Brittany DeLoach. An amazing painter and mama of two, this lady can't remember a time in her life when she wasn't involved in something creative. At sixteen she began painting pictures for books and stories she wrote. She soon discovered the work of a local artist whose work she admired and two years later she began her apprenticeship with him.

Edie Sedgwick by Ree
Her painting skills grew more refined and she soon found herself at her first art show. The first painting she ever sold was to a well-known artist Jeff Gaither. Brittany began regularly attending art shows in the Louisville area, displaying her signature flare and style for painting. If you're ever on the lookout for one of her pieces, or think you may have seen one in the past, she signs her paintings "Ree."

Now a wife and mother of two, Brittany says she mostly enjoys doing paintings for friends and her children's rooms. She often trades her artwork with other creatives.


Flyboy from Dawn of the Dead by Ree
Nannie Doss, serial killer (left) - portrait (right)
We did a Q&A with Brittany so you could learn a bit more about her:

Creative Sweet: First we have to say, we've seen a lot of your work, not just in photos, but even hanging in your own home. We love your style (seriously, we'd kill to have that Edie portrait) and it's obviously very distinct. How did you develop it?

Brittany: After I ventured off from doing creepy Halloween style paintings I decided I really loved screen printing but I knew I couldn't never do that. So, I decided to make my paintings as if they were screen prints, thick black outlines and brush marks. Then I got into painting on wood. I loved the way the wood and the bright paint I use look next to each other. I love finding scraps of wood and finding a picture that would be perfect for it.

CS: And of course this question is cliché, but we have to know - what has been your biggest source of inspiration over the years?

Brittany: Music! And old horror movies. I love reading bio books about old actresses, actors, and musicians who lived hard lives, rather [than those with] drug or mental issues. That might sound odd but it's just interesting. I like the not-so-glamorous side of the rich and famous.

CS: Your life has obviously changed a lot since you first started painting, you have different responsibilities and priorities. Where do you stand with your art right now?

Brittany: I don't look to make millions of dollars for any of it, it's just something I enjoy doing it to see a smile on [someone's] face. Knowing my artwork is hanging in someone's house is enough for me. For the first time in a long time I enjoy painting.
Brittany DeLoach
CS: You said that you enjoy painting for the first time in a long time, has it been hard to find time for painting with two little ones?

Brittany: Very much so! But I enjoy painting more now because I have overcome a lot of issues. I wasn't comfortable painting because I was at art shows every month and I was always in the art scene, but then when I [had a falling] out with an artist that was helping me it was just bam - all over. Then this past year I picked up the paintbrush and realized I don't need anyone, I can do it myself. I have been doing paintings for kids' rooms, for my family, and friends which is amazing!

CS: Do you hope to do more art shows in the future? Or possibly open a shop, maybe even online?

Brittany: I do and don't. Nothing is more amazing then having art shows and putting your babies out there to be judged, but the art community is so ridiculous. It's who you know and whose ass you need to kiss all the time. I see good artists go unnoticed and nothing makes me more mad. Also I am not a people person,  which is terrible, so that too. I want to start a kids art gallery very soon! Also I am looking into trading art for art's sake, I think that is the most amazing thing the art community could do.

We wish we could tell you that Brittany has a fan page on Facebook, or an Etsy shop where she sells her work, but she doesn't at this time. She does however keep a blog about raising her two kiddos called The Padawan Years (Star Wars fans rejoice in that cute little homage) and you can follow her on Twitter here. We love her tweets, especially the hilarious comments about her husband, as well as his responses.

If you're interested in Brittany's work and would like to talk to her about trading your own artwork or commission a piece you can contact her here: ree.animator@hotmail.com



Read something you like? Connect with us here.

  *All photos courtesy of Brittany DeLoach

11 March 2013

POP REVIEW: The Walking Dead (S3, E13) "Arrow On The Doorpost"

We love the entertainment industry, a bit too much sometimes, and when we find a good show or movie we tend to become slightly enamored. Our series POP REVIEW is here so we can put our thoughts out there about big bads, gooey romantic obsessions, favorite characters, and sometimes things we just don't like. In this series we will discuss the most current episodes of any given show or recent movie we've seen and we encourage all fans to comment, discuss, and share your thoughts with us! There will be spoilers, but we'll save them for after the jump. If you opt to open the full post and accidentally ruin something for yourself, we warned you.

Hershel and Daryl drive up to a seemingly abandoned farm on the edge of an abandoned town. Rick hops out of the truck and Daryl rises from his bike. The two quietly begin scouting the area, weaving between rusted silos while Hershel waits in the truck, armed and ready for whatever is about to happen. Eventually Rick enters a run down feed store with his pistol in hand. 

Rick Grimes Arrow On The Doorpost

10 March 2013

GIVEAWAY: Ashlee Design House art prints

We've partnered with Ashlee Design House to promote the launch of their new online store. Never heard of Ashlee Design House? Well, that's because they're brand spankin' new! The brainchild of Ashton Biggers and Jason Lee, Ashlee Design House was founded on a simple concept: do what you love.

The design duo formerly ran a marketing company that solely provided services for businesses, but it wasn't exactly what they had in mind. After a complete overhaul, which included a name change, Ashlee Design House was born. They now specialize in creative print media, music and album artwork, merchandising, art direction and branding.

We have an upcoming Q&A with the pair, so be on the lookout for that!



Today we're giving away the Dreamway Collection from Ashlee Design House! The collection includes three prints, show above. You can read more about the collection on their site. You can enter starting today and the giveaway will close on Friday 3/15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit the Ashlee Design House website here where you will find examples of the work they do, as well as their online store where their art prints are sold. If you're interested in any design services for your company, website, band, or anything else you can always email them too: ashleedesignhouse@gmail.com

08 March 2013

blog tips & tricks: create your own custom social media icons

While working on the site design for Creative Sweet finding social media icons to fit with the simple, sleek look became somewhat of a challenge. Free icons didn't offer custom options, and it seemed silly to pay someone for a service that could easily be replicated with the appropriate tools. I have very limited Illustrator skills, but knew that if I could find a vector file I could make it happen.

Today I'm sharing how to make your own social media icons using Illustrator, and the best part is you don't have to pay anyone for anything! If you don't have Illustrator you can download a free trial here. If you're considering learning more about design, print or web, this is a great way to find out if you want to invest in the program as well. (Not an Illustrator user? Scroll to the bottom of the post, we have an alternative for you!)



First thing first, you'll need a file that can be edited in Illustrator. I wanted something simple and basic so I used this file which is generously provided by GreenLeaf Imaging on their blog. Just download the zip file and open it up.



06 March 2013

free printables: 8 x 10 'forever young'

Want to add a little color to your office or cubicle at work? I put together the simple print below so I could do just that. If you have a home printer you're in luck - it's only 8in x 10in so you don't have go anywhere to have it printed! (I do recommend card stock or a thick paper.) The dimensions also allow for easy framing.

The two files shown on the blog are web-based and feature the site logo. To get the printable documents just download using the links at the bottom of this post.

 

05 March 2013

design done right: leah duncan

Good design is hard to come by and that is why the series Design Done Right exists. The purpose of this series is to expose lesser-known designers, as well as showcase some of the more well-known ones because they are just that good. From paper goods to art prints, web design and typography - we embrace the method to the madness (seriously, have you met a designer?) and wholeheartedly encourage it to continue.


We have a soft spot for folk art-meets-modern design, something that is becoming increasingly popular. One of our favorite designers of this style is Leah Duncan. While scouring the web for decorative tea towels some months ago her name began cropping up. A little further research led to the discovery of her blog and shop. Her work has a very distinct look and feel, inspired by both her location and heritage.

Art print, pillows, scarves - Leah Duncan offers a little bit of everything and we want it all! We recently learned that her lovely designs in soft, delicate color palettes are not only offered via handmade and boutique shops, but some products are distributed by Target and Urban Outfitters, making her work even more widely accessible.


 (click through each image to view in the shop)

All images were obtained from the shop, we do not own these images.

Do you have an favorite designers or artist that fit in this style category? Please share in the comments section below, we would love to check them out!


04 March 2013

POP REVIEW: The Walking Dead (S3, E12) "Clear"

We love the entertainment industry, a bit too much sometimes, and when we find a good show or movie we tend to become slightly enamored. Our series POP REVIEW is here so we can put our thoughts out there about big bads, gooey romantic obsessions, favorite characters, and sometimes things we just don't like. In this series we will discuss the most current episodes of any given show or recent movie we've seen and we encourage all fans to comment, discuss, and share your thoughts with us! There will be spoilers, but we'll save them for after the jump. If you opt to open the full post and accidentally ruin something for yourself, we warned you.


This week we picked up The Walking Dead with Rick, Michonne, and Carl on the road. We're not entirely sure where they're going, but before we even have too long to dwell on that we meet Backpack Guy... who gets completely ignored by the group. You almost feel sorry for him, but at the same time he could be anyone and they have a lot of their own shit going on. Sorry Backpack Guy.

After getting stuck in the mud, killing a few walkers, getting the car back on the road, and once again ignoring Backpack Guy running into the background begging for help, we quickly learn that Rick is literally heading home.


02 March 2013

inspired: robyn "dancing on my own"

After initially being turned off by HBO's Girls I decided to give it another shot. Not only did I develop an appreciation for a show that is about a group of characters that I dislike the majority of the time (Shoshanna being the exception) but I realized what makes it intriguing is the fact that they aren't very good people, not at this point in their lives. The characters make questionable decisions, they don't treat one another well all the time, most of them struggle in life, and it makes them unlikable in a lot of ways, but it also makes them real.

Characters, plot, production, all those good things aside I have to say one of my favorite things about the show is the soundtrack. One Spotify user has created a playlist featuring all of the songs from the show and it is awesome! This afternoon I'm working on a few things for the blog and I'm listening to Robyn's "Dancing On My Own." The track was a single in 2010, but the first time I ever heard it was on Girls (S1, E3 if you're curious.) While I won't be the first to say the song isn't a happy one, I will be honest and say that it's helping me get a few things done on this grey, snowy afternoon, including inspiring a few posts for the upcoming week. You can check out the song below:


Is anything inspiring you on this Saturday afternoon?

01 March 2013

design done right: inaluxe

Good design is hard to come by and that is why the series Design Done Right exists. The purpose of this series is to expose lesser-known designers, as well as showcase some of the more well-known ones because they are just that good. From paper goods to art prints, web design and typography - we embrace the method to the madness (seriously, have you met a designer?) and wholeheartedly encourage it to continue.


Today we're sharing a great find - the small independent studio Inaluxe, residing in Australia. We love the bright colors, neutral details, and abstract elements that define Inaluxe. You can order a colorful nature-themed prints in a range of sizes and prices from their shop, or if you're lucky enough to live in New Zealand you can shop the endemic world pop up store.

The duo behind Inaluxe states: "We believe if you're going to do something, do it well, and make sure it stands the test of time." That's a message we can get behind.

 
 
 
(Click through each image to view in the shop)

Besides the shop, Inaluxe also has a blog. All images were obtained from the Inaluxe shop.