Fresh Pulp Flowers

"Flowers are the sweetest things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into." Henry Ward Beecher 1858.

Fresh cut flowers are an undeniable beauty but they are also a major cause in destroying the healthy balance of mother nature. Flowers are a $40 billion a year industry. Seventy-nine percent of cut flowers come from Ecuador or Columbia and are grown with 12 different types pesticides. When creating a design for your event there is a fabulous trending alternative to fresh cut flower, Paper Flowers! This is a great concept for the budget smart & eco-conscience bride. These paper petals have been seen on the runway of Chanel's 2009 Spring/Summer Haute Couture show and in the hands of modern brides. I happened across this wonderful artist Elosie Corr. She creates the most amazing collections of couture paper floral design check out her beautiful creations Shop Eloise Corr Danch

Chanel Haute Couture 2009 collection via Oh So Beautiful Paper Blog

These lovely bridal bouquets are by Anemone blog , Anemome is a handmade paper flower boutique in Spokane, Washington you can shop online here Photos courtesy of Ben Delaney & Ifong Cheng

If you want to experiment with making your own papiere arrangements this DIY is a perfect tutorial from The Wedding Chicks , these photos will give you a sneak peak!

Photos Courtesy Botwell Studio

Alabama Chanin

Photos (Alabama Chanin-Cermonony S/S 2009 collection)

Bouquet: Emplume

"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable." - Helen Keller, (1880-1968) Tuscumbia, Alabama (qoute from AC newsletter)

Alabama Chanin is defintley on my top 10 list of "Obsessions" Mixing fashion, art, old school crafting with modern sustainable design, Alabama Chanin creates pieces that have a simplistic nature, yet so much depth. When I look at an AC piece, such as a simple tank dress, A barrage of thoughts fill my head. Who inspires the designer creating this piece? What music fills their soul? What is this designer trying to say in this creation? Yes this sounds far too deep for a garment, but this is the what Alabama Chanin evokes through their designs. Conscious, creative, delicate, and fierce designs. Check out AC awesome website to see more of their creations, inspiring music, and powerful photography.

Click on the links below for upcoming AC events, one in particular being held at one of my favorite new communities in Georgia "Serenbe" a completely sustainable community. I will be blogging about this fascinating place soon!

Workshops and Road Trips

Sustainable Life - Sustainable Style

Late at night I stumble from blog to blog. I say "Just one more blog and I am off to bed" 20 or so blogs later, I am still sucked into the world of endless blogs. There are so many talented people across the country and when you see others that share a similar passion and style it is a great feeling. A feeling that maybe your wacky ideas are not so crazy. I found this website Alabama Chanin. Thay have such unique and gorgeous hand crafted items from home accessories to bridal. Alabama Chanin is a lifestyle company that focuses on creating an array of products through focusing on slow design and sustainability. I love this bridal number that they have created, Very couture and organic! Check out their website.