[READ] OLIVER & S // LITTLE THINGS TO SEW

{Photographs by Sally J Shim}     {Book Photographs by Laurie Frankel}

I was so happy to receive a copy of Oliver & S: Little Things To Sew by Liesl Gibson. I followed Liesl's craft blog back in the day and watched her start her children's clothing pattern business, Oliver & S. I've always admired Liesl's creativity and attention to detail and her book does not disappoint. I have to say that this is the first children's sewing pattern book that I have gotten excited about in a long time. The photography and styling in the book reminds me of some of my favorite Japanese craft books. There is a nice range of projects and I have a hard time picking a favorite. I adore the explorer vest and I know the boys would love this for all their little adventures. The bento box carrier would be perfect for summer picnics with the boys and what kid would not love receiving a penguin backpack? I plan to make the boys some reversible bucket hats, perfect for our trips to the beach. And the travel quilt with its simple and minimalist design has inspired me to finally cut through all the fabric I've been saving for the boys' quilts. If you like to sew and have kids in your life you'll want to add this book to your library.

* Disclosure: Please note that although the book was sent to me by the publisher I only write reviews for the books that I truly enjoy. All thoughts regarding the book are my honest opinions.

[WEAR] SPRING DRESSES

{JCrew}

I love the ease of wearing dresses. And my favorite dresses have pockets.  Loving these simple spring dresses [with pockets] by JCrew.

[WEAR] WOOD PLATFORMS

{Totokaelo}

I tend to wear either 3" heels or flats, rarely something in between. I love the height and comfort of platform shoes. I've been eyeing these wood platform sandals at Totokaelo which are perfect for summer!

[PORTLAND] PACKAGING 101

{Packaging 101 Logo by Tokketok}     {Photograph by Sally J Shim}

Wow! Thanks for the amazing response to SUMMER SCHOOL PORTLAND and to our Packaging 101 workshop. Joke and I are SO excited about the workshop [I think we texted each other over a dozen times yesterday saying how excited we are!]! We won't be sharing all of our projects online [you'll just have to come to the class to see all the packaging goodness we will be whipping up] but we will share a few sneak peeks here and there. This week we're in the process of finalizing our class syllabus [did you know that in my pre-designer life I was heading towards a career in academia...I love school!] and putting together our goody bags. And not to brag, but I must say the goody bags are looking, well, really GOOD! We actually filled up our class on the first day but we've decided to add five more spots! Don't miss out, sign up right here!

UPDATE // We sold out [again]! If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please email us at hello {at} shimandsons {dot} com. Thank you!

[PORTLAND] SUMMER SCHOOL PORTLAND

{logo by Oh Joy! + flyer by DESIGN LOVE FEST}

I'm so excited to tell you about SUMMER SCHOOL PORTLAND! Six creatives are hosting a day of workshops at The Ace Hotel in Portland on Saturday, June 18, 2011. I will be teaching a Packaging 101 class from 2-5pm with my dear friend Joke of Tokketok. You can read the class description here. If you want to learn how to create pretty little packages or party favors then this is definitely the class for you. We'll have a fun three hours of sharing packaging techniques and ideas and we'll spend time fiddling around with some beautiful materials and supplies. All participants will bring home a goody bag [some of the goodies I brought back from my last trip to Korea]. Hurry and sign up now because there are only 10 spots in the class. Joke and I will also be selling some one-of-a-kind packaging and stationery kits the day of the class. 

You also have an opportunity to take some other amazing classes: Blogging and Social Media by OH JOY!; Fresh Flowers with FROLIC!; Photography by Lisa Warninger and Photoshop for Bloggers with DESIGN LOVE FEST. More details about the workshops here.

Hope to see you there!

[I LOVE] PINTEREST

{Pinterest}

In this world of online inspiration overload I have often found myself feeling overwhelmed. Back in the day when there were only a handful of blogs or websites to read it all seemed manageable. But now it is impossible to keep up with them all. And yes, this is coming from someone who authors two blogs [insert irony]. As much as I love to "ooh" & "ahh" over what other people are creating, I really have to limit my intake because I would much rather spend that time actually making things for my friends, family + clients. I mean what is the point of "watching" if you are not actually "doing"? That being said when I do find something inspiring it is nice to be able to file that inspiration away. I am a bookmark-er addict and I so grateful for Pinterest because it allows me to manage it all in an organized manner, which appeals to my OCD, Type A side. I like being able to store all my bookmarks on one site and also be able to peruse the great finds of some of my friends, who have an amazing design aesthetic and taste. I'm not sure Pinterest is still invite-only, but if it is and you need an invitation to join, just email me! [And for all you folks with iPhones, the Pinterest app is available now!]