Awesome Etsy Ring Pillows

Given the state of the economy, the ring pillow is a shoo-in for the do it yourself list when it comes to weddings. However, if you're not a subscriber to Martha Stewart or Ready Made, Etsy is the best place to look for less pricey, handmade options. Go ahead, let guests think you slaved over these beauties yourself.

Pillows by: Rain's End, Aalicia Wedding and 5eizen


Pillows by: BusyButtons, Cucire by Andrea Rae, Mackensley Designs

Those pesky Danes and their flawless design sense...

Possibly the coolest present I received during the holidays was a tea towel from my mother in law. I'm sure you're thinking, "a tea towel???!!??". I promise, though, it is the coolest tea towel I have ever seen, featuring some of the best graphic design I have encountered in a while. Of course, I became curious and googled the company. No surprise, ferm LIVING hails from Denmark. They offer wallpaper, tea towels, throw pillows and even mobiles.

Cake Stands are sweeeet!

My husband's grandmother passed away this year. I was not related to her by blood, but I did know her for about ten years. Fran was a force of nature. I loved her as if she had been my own grandmother.

The saddest yet sweetest part of her passing was that she died four days after her husband of 65 years. They truly were an amazing couple. After their bittersweet funeral, their daughter, son-in-law, four grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law, one granddaughter-in-law to be, and three great-grandchildren (or Fran's Pasadena Punkins, as she like to call the little ones) went over to their home. We walked around the house we all knew so well, and picked out our favorites out of their belongings. I felt weird about it at first; almost like we were looting. Then, it occurred to me that we would remember them every time we told a friend, acquaintance or even any future children, "This used to be Fran and Bob's".

I'll stop with the storytelling now because I'm tearing up. I'll just say that one of the items I selected was the sweetest little cake stand. Fran had a weakness for old-fashioned, ivory ceramics, and this stand was one of her best. It sits on our dining table right now, waiting for its own place. Sometimes I think I should find one. Sometimes, I think it's nice that I have to move it around every day because that means I remember her daily.

Anyway, whether it's a family heirloom or a new acquisition soon to become part of the family history, everyone should own one of these beautiful pieces. I have trolled the web for some current favorites. Honestly, does anything in this world deserve a throne more than dessert? I think not.



For those who love traditional, white stands but have no family heirlooms, these stands from Martha Stewart and Rosanna will fit the bill.

These two offerings from Fishs Eddy show but an inkling of their offerings in glass, milk glass, and enameled glass.



Clara French Ceramique offers gorgeous vintage style stands to rent or own.



Modern Scandinavian Design site huset offers 60s modern updates by Bengt & Lotta and Anna Kraitz.

Happy New Year from Ink Fancy!

So...it's rather evident that the Ink Fancy Blog has been on a long hiatus. In my defense, I have been rather busy. In the spirit of New Year's resolutions however, it's coming back better than ever!

Given the long break, I thought I should open with a bang. Candice Eley, the brain behind Fight the Fondant (and my new sister-in-law) was married this past November 7th to yes...you guessed it...my brother-in-law, Mr. JT (the other one). Here are a few pictures of the lovely event by Aaron Thompson of AS Photography in San Diego.

The wedding was simply glorious and so much fun. All the details were absolutely perfect. As true DIY, fashionable hipsters, Jeff and Candice imbued their celebration with a lot of personal touches that perfectly reflected themselves and their families. Do visit Fight the Fondant for details and plenty of anecdotes.



Here comes the bride in all her glory. Yes, she's stunning to begin with but she looked even more so in a Nicole Miller gown and a custom feather and rhinestone headpice she purchased on Etsy.



Oh dear...the flower girls were beyond adorable. This gaggle of nieces (do three little girls constitute a gaggle?) sported headpieces and baskets made my the Maid of Honor, and mother of the ringleader in front. They promptly started emptying their baskets about thirty feet behind where everyone was sitting. I enticed them to keep their petals from my hiding place in the back, which, of course, they took to heart. No fear, once they got to the front, the groom's brother-in-law, and father of two of the girls, told them to make sure they got all the petals out. The girls stood in front of the altar for a full two to three minutes while making sure to rid those baskets of every last vestige of flowers. It was a precious sight.



The Marston House in San Diego's Balboa Park was the perfect setting for the ceremony. It was a beautiful, warm day, even in November.





Check out the gorgeous accessories worn by the bride. The headpiece is by Portobello. The shrug is from Holly Stadler and the clutch is from a Church sale, for crying out loud!