POP INTO SPRING ENTERTAINING WITH JONATHAN ADLER

 This Spring, bring on the bright pops of color! I've decided to forget pastels, my heart wants big and bold with lots of color. I'm sprucing up and redecorating around here, I'm even revamping the prop closet. It's a tough process, and honestly half the stuff I choose to let go, ends up back in the stash a day later. While I haven't given up hope to true organization, I have started to get distracted by all the pretty little things I can add. So far 2013 brought some great products and I thought I would share some ofmy favorite collections with you. Did you know that Jonathan Adler has a new line at JCPenney? Yes, Penneys!! Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler is overflowing with the fun and cheerful designer's style. There's furniture, accesories, fun lighting, adorbale pillows and even bath collections; it all just makes me giddy.  I always judge a line by it's accessories, in this case, it's awesome! Check out my picks for adding a bit of pop to your home.

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler for JCPenney

SOURCES: ARROW BOOKENDS // MEDIUM CANISTER // SCULPTED HEART TRAY // BLACK AND WHITE STRIPED VASE // CHEVRON SERVING PLATTER // UP VASE // TRAY WITH HANDLES // "CIRCLE POT" PLANTER

How fun are these? The Up vase would look smashing with big brightly blooming branches of Forsythia, and whose Circle Pots? Perfect for a mini succulent garden as a centerpiece on your dining table. As always, I have a thing for platters and canisters, it can never hurt to have more. What is your home decor or entertaining weakness?

MADMEN STYLE: BARBIERI IS A GREAT RETRO FONT

Am I the only one that wishes I had like three or four different brands just so I can use all the different fonts I love? Retro fonts are one of those branding avenues I always wish I had gone down. Maybe someday. Sigh. Fonts like Barbieri, a font family by Retype, is one of those fonts that makes me want to go all out. I just love it. It is based on a cover from Germany and isn't it just awesome? These style of letters would be fabulous as a banner or as a pattern for a stencil. I envision some really cool minipeople t-shirts that could be made of this or even a Madmen style baby shower.  Too fun!

Right now, this party of a font family is 30% off. I need it. I also need to start a font fund, because it is a smidge out of my price range, I mean for a font that would just be for "fun" since I can't work it into my branding just yet. The skinny book and light are my favorite versions, although the chubby letters are pretty great too.

Also, these graphic examples go to show that it really makes a difference how the font feels. The colors, the rockabilly style, the black background really bring the font's energy to life. It just wouldn't feel the same if it was pastel and talking about gardenias, now would it? I have seen many a font that have great potential, but I haven't chosen them for font friday mainly because the graphics are not so good. Not thatmy personal preferences are any reason that font designers need to change their graphics, but if I am not choosing them based on the graphics, that also means someone somewhere isn't choosing to buy based on that, too. So, dear font designers, make those graphics awesome; it just breaks my heart when you can tell it was an afterthought.

Barbieri (just love how it sounds when I say it) is a great example of a simple graphic that SELLS the font. Bettye LaVette...add that to my list of greatest mini doxie names ever. Awesome.

Who says this wouldn't make a crazy cool Easter place card font? I think it would be amazing and unexpected.

Don't forget to check out my font loving pals:

ALEXANDRA  {THE AERIALIST PRESS}

ALISON {ALISON OWEN DESIGN}

JEN {BLUSH PRINTABLES}

STEPH {BUBBLEROCK}

SOFIA {BRANCOPRATA}

CATHERINE {DESIGN EDITOR}

CHELSEY {CHELSEYEMERY}

ALLIE {HONEY BEE INVITES}

LAUREN {LAUREN ELISE CRAFTED}

JENNA + ELIZABETH {LITTLE BIT HEART}

LAUREN {PALM PAPERS}

KERRY {SUPER SWOON}

VICKI {VICKI.DESIGNER}

WENDY{WESWEN DESIGN}

FOLLOW #FONTFRIDAY on Twitter!

EASY GEOMETRIC EASTER GARLAND WITH SILHOUETTE SKETCH PENS

You guys know how much I love new craft tools, right? One of the few things I hadn't tried yet (but was dying to) was a Silhouette. The biggest draw for me was that I can design my own shapes and use ANY font on my computer, which, if you follow my Font Fridays, you know I love me some good fonts. When I was asked if I wanted to be an affliliate for Silhouette and test out a Portait, I jumped at the chance! YAY! But wait, not only does this little lovely machine cut anything my heart desires, now there are Sketch Pens that draw any design (or font) that you want. Wait, what? Yep. So, in the spirit of Easter, I made a fun little geometric garland. It's easy, trust me.

You will need: Silhouette Portait, Silhouette Sketch Pen Set, Hexagon Shapes Download, Patterned Paper, Embroidery Thread or Twine

Once you are in the Silhouette Studio, the design software that comes with your Silhouette, open up your hexagon file. Right click on the hexagons and UNGROUP.  Copy and paste 5 more hexagons and arrange them on your page. Add letters in your choice of font and center each letter on top of a hexagon.

Select each hexagon and CTRL+X to cut (remove) them from the page. Click Cut in the file menu and change your settings to SKETCH PEN. Remove the cutting too and add your choice of colored sketch pen to the machine. Cut (draw).

Once the letters have been drawn, CTRL+V to paste the hexagons back on the page. They will still be perfectly lined up from before you removed them. Now, CTRL+X the letters to remove them. Click Cut in the file menu and change your settings to BLADE. Make any adjustments for your paper type and change your sketch pen back to the cutting blade in your machine. Cut out shapes.

Carefully peel off your garland shapes and attach to string with tape on the back of your shape. Hang and enjoy!

Isn't it fun? By the way, the paper is from a paper pack by Basic Grey called "Fiction".

If you are wondering, where can I get one? I have great news for you! Silhouette is offering a promotion this week for my readers! All you have to do is use the promo code "HANK" and you can get these great deals here.

Silhouette CAMEO® and sketch pen starter kit: $269.99

Silhouette Portrait™ and sketch pen starter kit: $139.99

Sketch pen starter kit: $12.99

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Silhouette (I recieve free product, etc..) all thoughts and opinions are my own.

PARTY FAVORITES: MAXWELL RYAN OF APARTMENT THERAPY

I got the chance to interview Maxwell of Apartment Therapy thanks to HP last week and got to ask him some great questions about taming the craft chao. Since I had him on the phone, you know I had to ask what was in his party toolbox. Party Favorites is a series here at H+H where we ask bloggers what do they always have on hand for entertaining? So, just what does the king of organization do when it comes to throwing a party? What are his must haves? Let's find out...1. Amaretti Cookies - during the Holiday season he stocks up on Amaretti cookies. Did you also know you can light the leftover cookie papers and they will float? Thanks, Maxwell!

2. Sparklers - he always has a box of sparklers. Everyone loves them, especially kids. Maxwell's daughter Ursula adores them.

3. Zoku Quick Pop Maker with Character Kit - A fun little addition to the Zoku family, you take the cutting tools and make shapes out of fruit to make character popsicles.

Oh, and did I mention he makes his own party crafts,  too? This guy never ceases to amaze me. He used his HP All-in-One Printer to scan and print his own one of a kind paper bunting. AWESOME.

A big THANK YOU again to Maxwell for sharing his party tricks! Thanks to HP for making this possible! Don't forget to check out his interview here.

SPRING CLEANING IDEAS FOR CREATIVES WITH APARTMENT THERAPY

Last week I had the amazing opportunity to interview Maxwell Ryan of Apartment Therapy. Yes, that Maxwell Ryan! HP had asked me if I would be interested in asking him a few questions about Spring organizing and I instantly jumped on board, I mean a chance to interview Maxwell about home decor? Yes, please! I have been organizing like a madwoman, it literally took five days to put away all the bits and pieces from the Trophy shoots. Seriously, things kept popping up everywhere around the house (and in the car). So for me, the answer was clear, I decided to ask him a few questions about taming the chaos that is being a DIY blogger - the craft cave. Apartment Therapy always has amazing tips and tricks for small spaces, so naturally Maxwell had some great suggestions. 

Creative types tend to be messy, what are some ways you can suggest to keep craft supplies under wraps wihle still being easily accessible?

His answer was simple and easy - beautiful storage. He has been using these fabric covered boxes from Quilted Koala for his daughter's craft and art supplies. He said that they are easy for her to get into (and put away) and that they just stack them up nicely next to her bed. Since the fabric is a pretty pattern, it looks great and conceals the chaos within!

Have a little more than would fit in a few (or many) boxes? Try putting your craft space in a closet like this example that even has a sewing machine neatly tucked away.

In small spaces, what are some great design tips for people who work from home with a desk in the main living area? What can they do to keep it visually appealing yet still functional?

Maxwell said if you have to have the desk out in the open, like many of us do, to keep it clean and clear. He mentioned a beautiful living room that had a desk behind the sofa and had a keyboard and a pretty screen. The secret to achieving this is wireless. Using a computer that minimizes or eliminates unsightly cords and wires is essential. He mentioned that they recently got an HP wireless printer and it doesn't even have to be in the same room, you can print from anywhere in the house or office. How amazing is that? Technology can help clear the clutter that can consume a home office.

Grab a cup of coffee and be sure to check out these workspace tours, where he tends to get all of his ideas lately.

I just want to send a huge THANK YOU to Maxwell for taking a moment of his time to talk with me (and my organizational issues).  I also want to thank HP for making this possible!