Ohio Wedding | C&B Daily

Real Ohio Wedding: Erika & Tony (Part 3)

Real Midwest Weddings -- March 8th, 2010 -- 8:25 pm

Erika & Tony’s wedding reception with a cake that makes my heart skip a beat…the intricacy of the decoration looks like fine porcelain—pure artistry!

“The Schindler Banquet Center was about a five minute walk across campus from the chapel and is where we held our reception immediately following the ceremony. We absolutely loved this elegant room with its tall open arches and ballroom feel. Anna Davis was our event coordinator, and she was absolutely amazing—I would recommend her over and over again!”

“The reception table centerpieces were alternating floral arrangements and small guest-sized cakes. The guest cakes were done by Cakes by Jerri Deeter. The three flavors we chose were dark chocolate, white almond, and spice, with the flavors alternating from table to table. Each cake was topped with real miniature pears brushed in edible gold paint. Jerri also did our wedding cake, and it was perfectly romantic with its delicate lattice pattern and leaf motif which varied in design on each tier and was separated by strings of piped dots. I especially loved the way the combination of satin and lace ribbons tied around the pedestal of the stand mimicked the cake’s intricate detailing.” Isn’t the pear detail so lovely? And the guest cakes, and the wedding cake piping…it’s all so beautiful!

“Another merry moment for us was when we lifted our toasting glasses after cutting the cake, and Tony realized that we were about to drink… milk! He loves milk, and a few months earlier he was lamenting the thought of champagne—he was convinced milk would be a far greater accompaniment with cake. After a few sneaky arrangements made with the wedding coordinator, he got his wish! The toasting glasses were a matching pair of tall antique gold teacups instead of clear glasses, so it wasn’t obvious that they held milk until just before we took a sip. The look on his face was priceless!”

“We asked some of my close friends who weren’t in the bridal party to be a part of the day by serving cake at the reception, and the fabric flower ornaments they wore were made by two very dear friends, Sara Deaton and Kristen Brubaker. The corsages were sewn from various fabrics which were all swatches from the dresses worn by the bridesmaids, little girls, and cake servers. The most special handcrafted fabric corsages were those worn by the mothers of the bride and groom, as they were sewn from the same fabric used for my wedding gown.”

Erika had the most poetic advice: “The details are fun, and for a perfectionist like me, important. However, the moment you sense the details are taking over your planning and are beginning to consume your life—step back, breathe deeply, and remember that planning details wouldn’t be a reality if it wasn’t for the fact that the man you love has asked you to spend a lifetime with him. When the anticipated day comes, the excitement of pledging your vows will overshadow all else.”

“Start as early as possible with your plans, and be sure to enlist the help of friends and family in adding the unique and creative touches—you will be surprised by the hidden talents that many of them have in different areas, and they truly will be delighted to be included in your special day. Above all, as everyone told me over and over again—enjoy it, and have fun! Once in a lifetime moments are beautiful, and flee so quickly into the world of sweet nostalgia.”

Complete sweetness, yes! We’re so grateful, Erika & Tony, to have had the chance to share your wedding—thank you! Warmest wishes for your life together—may every day be as beautiful as this one!

comments 2 posted -- write a comment

Real Ohio Wedding: Erika & Tony (Part 2)

Real Midwest Weddings -- March 8th, 2010 -- 11:20 am

More from Erika & Tony’s Ohio wedding…oh, the ceremony, beautiful!

“Our ceremony was held at the Collier Chapel. Built in 1873, the chapel still boasts of the original candle-operated chandeliers (electrified in 1928) and stained-glass windows. We were so excited to vow our hearts to each other in this beautiful little church house!”

“Our ceremony included a thirty minute worship service and a prayer before we pledged our vows, and many of the musical pieces performed by the pianist as well as those sung by the a capella vocalist group were praise songs and old hymns. Later on, toward the end of the reception, just before we dashed out to our get-away car, we had a short, informal devotion time with all the guests gathered around us and giving us a parting blessing on our brand new life together. It was a beautiful day of celebrating our marriage covenant; one that still brings tears to my eyes just recalling it!”

“I cannot say enough of Branton Hoblit Photography. As an old friend, we had a wonderful time hanging out and being completely ourselves, but more importantly as a photographer, he did a phenomenal job working as our eyes to capture not only our own emotion and feeling, but also those of our treasured families and friends. The soul and expression of our photos illustrates a depth that serves as a visual storybook to read for the rest of our lives.”

“I always loved the idea of walking down an aisle covered by flower petals, and wasn’t willing to depend on little flower girls to scatter enough flowers in their few nervous moments down the aisle. Instead, we dubbed the little girls ‘bell ringers,’ and they carried vintage gold bells shaped as pears. It was adorable to see them softly ringing their bells as they held hands with each other, and the aisle swathed in hydrangea petals was perfect!”

We asked Erika about her favorite parts of the day: “Tony and I have talked about this—by far the most meaningful moment for both of us was the moment I walked up the aisle and into his arms. The ambiance of the chapel was poignant, and the tall candle stands created romance and tenderness, but the actual beauty of that small sliver in time when my dad kissed my check and I turned to embrace my groom captures our memories more so than any other aspect of that day.”

The reception is next…more sweet moments to come!

comments 2 posted -- write a comment

Real Ohio Wedding: Erika & Tony (Part 1)

Real Midwest Weddings -- March 8th, 2010 -- 7:00 am

How do we describe Erika & Tony’s beautiful handcrafted heirloom wedding? Delicate, sophisticated, classic, timeless. Every detail is thoughtfully placed—to perfection! Erika’s bouquet alone, amazing! We’re completely charmed and moved. Thank you to Erika and Tony for sharing your story and Branton Hoblit Photography for the lovely images!

“Our wedding was October 3, 2009. It was an evening wedding, which made for a relaxing day—we had all morning to get ready and look forward to the ceremony and party. Photographs started around one o’clock in the afternoon, and from there, all the excitement just culminated into one glorious event!”

“Our color palette was slate blue and marigold with cream and ivory accents. I had always loved the mind pictures I got from reading the classics of Jane Austen’s day with the ladies in their Old English fashionable dresses and the gentlemen in their dapper tweed vests. I tried to mimic this mental picture I had of that era and summed it up by theming our wedding as vintage, but the final outcome of all the little details definitely had a lot of my own personality in the mix—resulting in more of a simple elegance, with a few antique vintage elements thrown in here and there.”"

“Our flowers were beautifully arranged by Wendy Lavy with Consider the Lilies. After I described my vision of a loose, airy, whimsical bouquet, she created the perfect blend of ivory and cream toned flowers with accents of goldenrod resulting in a simple arrangement which complemented the rich texture of the fabric of my wedding dress. One of my favorite things about my bouquet was the long gold, ivory, and slate blue ribbons that fluttered and danced as I carried it. Wendy also did a gorgeous job on both the reception table centerpieces comprised of football mums and cattails among other wildflower pieces, as well as the touches she added to the already charming chapel.”

“My wedding gown was sewn by an aunt of the groom, who did an incredible job creating a dress from practically thin air. I’m still amazed at her ability—I loved it. I showed her pictures of dresses and jumped from one photo to another, asking for this sleeve, this neckline, that skirt style, and that bodice design. She literally merged it all together and gave me the dress of my dreams—feminine in an antique and simple way. The other wedding attire worn by the ladies, including the bridesmaids, little girls, and mothers of the bride and groom, were also handmade, sewn by either themselves or a family member.”

Perfectly lovely! More from Erika & Tony’s wedding in just a bit…!

comments 5 posted -- write a comment

Real Midwest Engagement: Ashley & Adam

Real Midwest Engagements -- February 19th, 2010 -- 4:40 pm

We’re over the moon for these rich, textured, unbelievably beautiful shots of Ashley & Adam’s e-session with Jess & Brett of Cincinnati’s studio3z. What makes these photographs just that much more wonderful? Family! Ashley is Jess’ sister. Don’t you just feel the warmth and love in every image?

We asked Ashley how she & Adam met: “I was doing an internship at the Cincinnati House of Prayer and he was on staff. We had never spoken before and one night I had this crazy dream and he was in it! In the dream I was trying to walk up this hill. I couldn’t make it myself and he came up beside me and led me. I was a little shocked by this dream because I had never even spoken to this guy before. But I was even more shocked when he came right up to me the next day and talked to me! I was so nervous because of the dream I had the night before that I barely said anything and turned around and walked away. We laugh when we think about that day now, but it really was the beginning of something amazing!”

Special details Ashley & Adam are planning into their day, “I feel like there are so many! We are calling our wedding a vintage/eclectic wedding with a Scottish twist! It is the Wallaces’ and the McIntoshes’ so we had to throw in some Scottish flare! My dad is wearing a kilt and we are having bagpipes. Because the wedding is just our families, another favorite detail is a family tree instead of a guest book. My favorite plan: when everything is over, we’re going back to the house of prayer where we met and we’re being baptized together while some of our closest friends pray over us and our marriage.”

A favorite moment, “Well, I have to say this shoot was incredibly special to me for so many reasons, but it really made it extra special that my sister and brother in-law were the photographers. It was so easy to just be goofy and relax because I was basically hanging out with all of my favorite people. Adam hates having his picture taken, but he absolutely blew me away with how amazing he was with this shoot, he actually ended up being more comfortable with it than I was!”

Best thing about planning a wedding in Ohio? “Amazing vendors! Seriously, everyone I have found for this wedding is so helpful and extremely creative. They are going to help make this the best day and, because of how wonderful and artistic they are, I completely trust them to do so!”

See what we mean with those last shots? Over the moon! It truly looks as though the stars aligned. For more, check out the wedding shower Jess threw for Ashley. Really, does it get any sweeter? Congrats, Ashley & Adam! Enjoy every minute!

comments 3 posted -- write a comment

Handmade Love: A Tinted Tablecloth for February

Handmade Love -- February 16th, 2010 -- 8:45 pm

How much do we love McMaster & Storm? The ladies always come up with a simply amazing (and amazingly simple!) project. This month, a little fun with cloth dye and you’ve got gifts! The bright pinks they’ve chosen have us singing—just like that late winter light that fill, fill, fills you up! So cheerful!

We’re “dye-ing” to tell you about a colorful project! Scour thrift stores, your mother’s or even your grandmother’s linen closet to find plain white tablecloths to dye. These are fun for part of a gift to give to your bridesmaids.

Materials needed:
* Rit dye—all the colors can be ordered online from Rit dye. This is our favorite way to purchase as you cannot always find all the colors in stock in stores {or enough if your doing a lot of dyeing}.
* White vintage tablecloths—from your favorite flea market or favorite spot to find vintage treasures.
* Millinery flower embellishments, ribbon and stationary to wrap up your gift in style.

Follow instructions on the inside of the box of dye and in 30 minutes you have a finished, colorful tablecloth. We use Mrs. Meyers lavender wash for the detergent in the dyeing process to give the tablecloth an extra nice touch.

Also, if you need a custom color, Rit has a great dye chart on their to site to show you how to make different hues. Our tablecloths colors we dyed were fuchsia, one of their regular colors, and the other one we did was coral. The coral was a mix of rose pink & tangerine.

We used millinery flowers, dyed ribbon & a vintage boullion gold nest to wrap the tablecloth. The stationery is G. Lalo and comes in lovely colors and has a complete line of wedding stationery. Made in France since 1920. Add a box of this stationery with the tablecloth and you have a thoughtful token of friendship.

One of the fun things we discovered was how the rayon bourdon cord no. 6 takes to the dying process. This cording is used in millinery projects, but we also use it for a myriad of other things. The texture and sheen of the rayon bourdon cord is perfect for embellishing tags, packages and tying around envelopes, all the lovely petite, petite details.

comments write a comment »

Sweet Find: Cynthia Vardhan

Sweet Finds -- February 4th, 2010 -- 3:16 pm

Hand-painted porcelain dishes from Ohio’s Cynthia Vardhan Ceramics—we’re charmed by the raised detail, patterns as sweet as vintage handkerchiefs, and that clever pedestal base. Ring bowls or favors (wouldn’t simple shortbread look lovely on these?)—what a delight!

comments 2 posted -- write a comment

Handmade Love: Wintry Woods for January

C&B Guest Writers -- January 11th, 2010 -- 4:30 pm

This month, the lovely ladies of McMaster & Storm have put together a sweet new favor idea, petite faux bois paper boxes inspired by European baking molds. We just love the wood detail for winter—it fits brilliantly with so many themes and places of the Midwest. All the ideas and instructions are here for making your own—all that crafty goodness!

This month we are loving shades of rich greens, browns, a dash of grey & fun textures. Jaunts to the snowy woods add to our intrigue. We made our containers from card stock and layered wood-grain {or faux bois} contact paper on top. We used light wood tone & a cherry tone.

Materials:
1. Template to cut out shape for the faux bois container (drop us a line and we would be happy to send the jpg along!)
2. Card stock
3. Wood grain contact paper {available at your local hardware and Target or online}
4. 7” hole punch
5. Green polka dot ribbon {McMaster & Storm}
6. Jewelry wire, extra fine silver
7. Amy Butler’s fabric covered brads from K&K Company {available at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby & JoAnn’s}
8. French green velvet ribbon {McMaster & Storm}
9. Silver “snap” tags {available from McMaster & Storm}

Let’s create:

* Copy template onto desired color of card stock in the quantity needed—this will be on the inside of the faux bois container.
* Cut sections of contact paper and stick onto template’s unprinted side.
* Cut out the faux bois container along the solid lines and fold where the dashed lines indicate.
* At the end where you will secure, make sure the rounded “tab” is over the more square tab.
* Glue or use our petite brass colored staples to secure the ends.

Inspired ideas for embellishing:

* We used Amy Butler’s covered brads for fun texture and interest on the middle of the container, placed on the front, on just one of the longest sides. We tied green velvet ribbon around the container, end to end {tab sides} & tied in a knot in the center opening of the container.
* We used two silver tags folded and secured by punching a 1/4” hole in the middle of the longest sides and through the folds secure very thin silver jewelry wire. Wire is then tied into a knot.
* We also used our popular green velvet polka dot ribbon to add some flair, the velvet adds some swoon-y texture.
* For that final perfect touch, fill with natural, fine shredded grass—voilà!

What about the treats to tuck inside?

We love these peppermint ‘ice creams’ from Marich Company. A favorite, these rich white chocolate-coated buttermilk mints with their fresh blue centers (m’mm!) are perfect for snowy, winter wonderland weddings. Promise, it’s a rich, grown-up mint and your guests will be toasting to these! Hint: you can buy bulk or a case from a retailer that carries Marich and McMaster & Storm can order them as well. Or, lining up a trio of macarons from our favorite dessert boutique, Pistacia Vera in Columbus, Ohio would also be heavenly.

One extra hint! The faux bois containers look lovely on woodland cake pedestals. Vary different heights and set them atop a moss covered tablecloth—so easy to assemble.

comments write a comment »

Handmade Love: Fancy Threads for November

C&B Guest Writers -- November 30th, 2009 -- 6:00 am

So delighted to be back from Thanksgiving and have our monthly feature from the lovely ladies of McMaster & Storm! You’re going to love the project and inspiration—one of our favorite wedding ideas of all time! Perfectly heirloom, perfectly fresh, perfectly Midwest…

What’s in store this month? A mercantile-style wedding!

We drew inspiration from old storefronts, vintage display props, scalloped awnings & old ledger books. Our colors: pink, old style gold & bursts of dark aqua. Background colors in favors and tucked elsewhere tans & blacks. We’re bringing a fresh twist to where your mother’s mother might have shopped. So step out of the elevator and “what floor?” The answer is up to your imagination. Pure wedding bliss!

This month’s project: a delightful vintage cone favor. Perfect for hanging on guest chairs. So sweet!

Cut the top {3/4”} off the newsprint bag. This edging will be pleated around top of the cone. The newsprint bag has a fun pinking edge at the top of the bag.

Make a template for the size of cone you are using. Leave enough paper to create a fold that resembles a dressmaker’s sewing detail on the side. Glue the newsprint paper on and tuck the paper up at the bottom of the cone and glue in place.

Pleat the paper edging as you glue it along the top of cone. Make sure some of the pinking edged side of the paper is over the top of cone about 1/8”.

Punch two holes 1/8”evenly with the Crop-A-Dile on either side of the cone. Take a black paper button and place over hole, insert a antique brass eyelet through the holes of the paper button + cone and punch firmly with the Crop-A-Dile eyelet setter to finish off the hole.

Cut a desired length of twine to hang your cone. Take the twine and wind around black button on either side to secure. The cones would be lovely hanging on a old display rack.

Take a decorative paper punch {we like Martha Stewart’s punches} and punch a pinking edged circle out of decorative paper, we used vintage ledger paper and stamp with initial or dates {we like Cavallini stamps}. Attach circle to cone with glue.

Fill with food safe glassine liners and insert fleur de sel toffee; a new twist for an old favorite!

{Black paper buttons, 1/8” antique brass eyelets, pink twine and newsprint bags all available through McMaster & Storm special order.}

More inspired mercantile wedding ideas:

* Rent vintage bust forms for decor at the bridal shower.

* For impromptu photos at the wedding; hang a scalloped canvas cloth with a banner written in calligraphy “photo shoot” {fold top canvas down 15” & sew button holes every 12” and cut a scalloped edge that is folded over with a scalloped pattern from a quilt shop}

* Take a wood & glass store counter, cover with a fitted scalloped canvas tablecloth {we adore painters drop cloths} with a 9” drop on the sides. Display the wedding gifts for your special help. Use varying heights of cake stands, vintage props and display them in old-retail style. A general store ’sweet shop’ spread in glass containers would also look lovely on top of the case as well.

* An old ledger makes for a lovely guestbook.

* Rent an old storefront for your wedding. Some of these buildings have amazing architecture “in store” for a memorable wedding. Did you know some of these buildings even have ballrooms on the upper floors? Research downtowns and contact your local historic downtown programs to inquire about buildings.

* Ask your photographer take some of your pictures in the old storefront windows; a quirky twist! Photo shoots are stunning against the old architecture.

Ta-da, happily ever after!

So beautiful! Thank you, Kara & Darcy, for another beautiful installment of Handmade Love! Definitely check out the lovely goods of McMaster & Storm—there’s so much to love. Until next month—we can hardly wait!

comments 2 posted -- write a comment

Fashion Wise: Granville Millinery

Fashion Wise -- October 29th, 2009 -- 3:00 pm

Amy Hamilton’s fascinators have those perfect punches of color—a rich brown-centered poppy on white straw, flouncy ivory on black wool with butterflies. Every Granville Millinery hat and accessory is handcrafted using antique molds and trimmed with vintage details in Amy’s 19th-century Ohio farmstead. Just the perfectly timeless piece you could plan your whole day around, truly. (Midwesties, if you do, you must let us know!)

comments 1 posted -- write a comment

Handmade Love: A Fine Favor for October

C&B Guest Writers -- October 23rd, 2009 -- 10:15 am

We’re beyond thrilled to introduce our latest series, Handmade Love, to you! The ladies of Ohio’s McMaster & Storm will be sharing a seasonal wedding craft with us monthly, complete with quick tips, source links and a big dose of whimsical wisdom. Their petite department store (does it get any more charming?) has all the most perfect charms, tokens, ribbons and papery delights a girl could want. One can’t help but daydream about the possibilities! Take a peek for yourself! And, without further ado, Kara (& Darcy too!), with an autumnal October treat….

Showcasing petite cylinder boxes as a clever favor idea. They’re “green” and made with recyclable materials. Neutral and always in season!

Some fall-ish ideas to tuck inside for your special event! Natural #4 coffee filters was our choice for the liner inside. We used pinking shears to trim off the top of filters. Tuck the filter inside of container and fill it with almonds or pistachios. Tip: We love Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds, great flavor. We highly recommend ordering bulk nuts from the source, California’s Blue Diamond Growers.

Around the container we “tied the knot” with our leaf ribbon in rich caramel and glitzy gold. Other available colors are available: red, pale lime, white, pink & leafy green.

On the lid, why not have a custom stamp made with a monogram, date or a sentiment for added flair. You may also have pre-printed circle labels in your choice of color to affix on the top as well.

A few more fun twists on supplies & projects:
1. Teeny, tiny metallic string in silver or gold.
2. Japanese tape in gold.
3. Italian labels in classic red & cream.
4. Wide grosgrain ribbon or pretty paper & glue as a “band” around container.
5. Golden rimmed tags are perfect for guest initials, table number or monogram.
6. Tiny {1½”} square envelopes. Use a Friskers cutter to make shapes for the card shown inside envelope. Use a ¼” hole punch to punch a hole through envelope and use the rayon bourdon cord to attach envelope to a hole punched through the lid and hang the envelope on front. Have your initials stamped on front and a teeny, tiny sentiment written on the card.

Stay tuned for this week’s giveaway announcement this afternoon! A little hint: it’s a gift certificate for the cute and crafty…!

comments 1 posted -- write a comment

Paper Goods Gallery: Giddy Ink

Paper Goods Gallery -- October 7th, 2009 -- 1:45 pm

These origami pinwheel invites make us want to do cartwheels! How sweet are the little save-the-date calendars tucked in there? Lovely, lovely lovely letterpress design from Ohio’s Giddy Ink with cool calligraphy by Lisa Ridgely.

comments write a comment »

Pretty Patisserie: Pistacia Vera

Pretty Patisserie -- October 1st, 2009 -- 1:15 pm

Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy…we love the look of the colorful petit treats at Columbus, Ohio’s Pistacia Vera. The Parisian macarons come in out-of-this-world flavors: white chocolate coconut, orange apricot chamomile, strawberry rose and, of course, pistachio. What gorgeous and delectable favors these could make for the table!

comments write a comment »

C&B Guest Feature: Amy Butler (Part 2)

C&B Guest Feature -- September 15th, 2009 -- 12:00 pm

More from our conversation with the inspiring Amy Butler….

AmyButlerHeadshot

CBDaily-Number4y
Where do you find you’re drawing inspiration for new designs?

Lately I’ve been incredibly inspired by my recent travels to Indonesia, England and India. The culture and colors in these beautiful countries is astounding. I’ve been busy creating new artwork for several fabric and product lines and it’s been interesting for me to see how my artistic eye has translated my experiences through print and color. My designs look like an international travel log filled with luscious florals and ancient ethnic graphics. The colors are passionate and explosive; I can’t wait to share my designs with everyone!

AmyButler5

CBDaily-Number5y
Your fabrics are so poetic and free spirited. What suggestions do you have for incorporating textiles into party plans?

Thank you! I think textiles are a great way to add color, texture and fun to any party. It’s a wonderful way to update a room in your home or change the entire look of a banquet hall. Textiles are very versatile, they can make a statement on their own as a bold tablecloth or flowing curtains or they can be the perfect accent to the flowers and other décor you have at the party as napkins or other small decorations.

AmyButler4

CBDaily-Number6y
You recently expanded your collection from fabrics and patterns to home wares. Tell us a little bit about your new paper goods and tableware.

I released my eco friendly tableware in 2008 and I have been so happy with the results. I wanted to create an earth friendly line of tableware that was still beautiful. The entire line is printed with soy inks and a water-soluble coating so they can be rinsed and recycled. The line of tableware coordinates with my line of 100% post-consumer recycled gift-wraps so that you can create an entire event that is fresh and “green.”

AmyButler6

CBDaily-Number7y
What’s your favorite aspect of a wedding? What advice would you give our readers for planning their big day?

I love how no two weddings are the same. Each event has the ability to evoke the personality of the couple getting married before they walk through the doors. Couples can input their creativity into their day and truly make it their own. My advice to couples planning their big day would be to try not to get lost in all the small details, remember what this day is truly about, keep it simple and enjoy all the love surrounding you.

Don’t miss out on Amy’s latest projects—bedding for Welspun, rugs for Chandra and sewing pattern CDs—all beautiful. Thanks so much for visiting with us, Amy! We can’t wait to hear the next great news from your studio!

comments write a comment »

C&B Guest Feature: Amy Butler (Part 1)

C&B Guest Feature -- September 15th, 2009 -- 8:00 am

Sense of beauty, home, community—Amy Butler is such an inspiration to us! We can’t help but think a heartland wedding would be gorgeous with handmade details from her fabrics and papers. The possibilities are endless really: dresses, gifts, bags, table settings…what an event it could be! (Ladies, if you do, let us know, wow!) Not to mention, her latest home goods–amazing! We can’t get enough.

AmyButlerHeadshot1

CBDaily-Number1y

How did you start out as a designer?

I grew up in a very creative home, crafting, drawing and sewing. My mom encouraged me to go to art school and I attended the Columbus College of Art and Design majoring in fashion and textile design. I also met my husband David, which I know is the biggest turning point in my life. I graduated with a BFA and my soul mate!

After graduation we moved to Kansas City for four years where I was developing product for Hallmark and Dave worked as an art director for a design studio. We decided to move back to Ohio in 1992 to be near our families and start our own business…that’s really where it all began. We both did odd jobs, freelance.

Illustration and design, really anything we could get our hands on, from picking apples to painting surface designs. It was a super creative cycle in our lives. We were inspired to be home in the countryside, and we did a lot of painting drawing and sculpture work that we exhibited together at several galleries. This is where we really stretched ourselves and started to grow as artists.

A couple years later, we started working with Country Living magazine producing how to stories featuring sewing projects where I later produced my first sewing patterns to sell through the magazine. That went so well that I decided to exhibit at my first trade show and where I found my opportunity to design fabric! This part of my creative life is in it’s eighth year and I’m amazed at the fluid growth and opportunities that have come our way. We continue to connect with other companies to develop lifestyle products in various categories that meet our vision for living and are created as sustainably as possible. It’s truly one day at a time!

AmyButler1

CBDaily-Number2y
For you, what are the best parts of calling the Midwest home, specifically Ohio?

I have lived in a few different cities and have traveled all over the world and I still love calling Ohio home. I love the four seasons that I get to enjoy every year. The change of the weather creates a new environment every time you look out the window. I am a big gardener so I love watching the cycle of the plants and life around our home, each spring and summer we get to watch the resurgence of green back into our surroundings and get back into the garden to start everything new again. The Midwest and certainly Granville, where I live, has a wonderful sense of community as well. We’re surrounded by our friends and family and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

AmyButler2

CBDaily-Number3y
We adore your vision of ‘Midwest modern.’ Since the publication of your first book, how has your approach to living continued to grow?

For me, Midwest Modern is a living affirmation for what I want our lives to be. It’s always evolving and growing. I try to keep myself open as much as possible so I can fully feel and enjoy all the new experiences coming my way.

There are many core ideas and inspirations in the book that make me appreciate and value my heartfelt thinking about life and realizing all the time that we’re all connected and share the same passion for living. We all want peace, balance and love, and to nurture our surroundings and the people in our lives. Thinking Midwest Modern…I continue to find inspiration all around me and grow with the flow of life and all the interesting bits that cross my path.

AmyButler3

To be continued…tune in for more with Amy this afternoon!

comments write a comment »