Summer Sunshine

So yesterday was officially the first day of summer, although I must say here in Florida it's been feeling like summer for awhile now. We recently blogged on Summer Blues but now since it's official, it's time for some sunshine! I always love accents of a bold color in a room. It adds an element of surprise. But you want to make sure when adding the pops of color that there is a method to the madness. Make sure your backdrop is balanced in proportion, texture and color variation. Don't hesitate to use bold patterns but make sure they compliment each other.

Here are just few snippets of some of my favorite cheerful interiors that have a sophisticated elegance with bright accents of yellow. See how the yellow dances off of the cool grays and makes a beautiful contrast with the classic look of black and white. Whatever you choose to pair it with, just a little bit of this vibrant hue goes a long way.

Check out some products you find at Studio Six Eleven as well as our Etsy shop Quondam We have many lines of designer furniture , lighting , one of a kind vintage re-styled accessories and lots of bright ideas for your nest. Give us a shout this summer to help you bring new light to a room!

hello, splendor: AphroChic Giveaway!!

OH how I love love these pillows from Afro Chic they are superfly! You can win these lovelies in this amazing giveaway from Hello Splendor & Afro Chic.

Go here, enter to win and spread the love! Hello, Splendor: AphroChic Giveaway!!

Be sure to like Afro Chic & Hello Splendor on Facebook and Twittter

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

Chanel, Fendi, Hermes...Oh My!

Bouquet: Pacific Bride Blog

Nail polish: Chanel

Handbag Shoes and Gown: Fendi Summer 2010 Pink Dahlia: "Aurora Kiss" fine art photography by Zee Longenecker

Bouquet: Orchids and Succulents via Pacific Bride Blog

Clothing: Chanel Summer 2010 Collection via Wolf & Willow

Balloon Photo: Jane Heller Fine Artist you can also find her on Facebook

Nail polish: Chanel Summer 2010 Collection via Style.com

Vintage Ferris Wheel Photo: Zee Longenecker Scarves: Hermes Paris Peony Hair clip: FlowerClip.Com

We are loving the beautiful colors trending for summer 2010. Karl Lagerfeld's collection for Chanel is absolutely stunning. A throw back to classic vintage with a fresh color palette, Very luxurious yet casual and even a touch of Boho. Chanel's summer polish collection had the perfect shades of happiness. A sweet bohemian head wrap in a Hermes scarf is wonderful accessory to keep the locks while spinning on a Ferris Wheel. I just love Zee Longenecker Fine Art Collection. She has a great eye and captures joy though the lens. You can purchase her prints on Etsy

Monday Fresh!

Photo (Elias Wessel in Vixen Magazine via Fashion Gone Rogue)

Monday Fresh... Flowers, Fashion & Fun!

Oh we have had a busy weekend with Robin & Stephen's adorable beach wedding, which we will be featuring soon, Today we will be be bringing you we lots of fresh goodness, announcements on The Lemonade Wedding Giveaway, more summer fashion, and flowers, lots & lots of flowers...here is a little peek....

Daily Imprint Blog: Where we find new inspiration!

Images courtesy James Andrew What is James Wearing

The Daily Imprint is one of my new favorite blogs. The content & style is refreshing and lovely! Natalie posted this great interview with James Andrew. We are very inspired by his style and passion for great design. We loved his use of bold colors with classic lines.

daily imprint: (interiors.inspiration) james andrew

Summer Blues

Ralh lauren We love Ralph Lauren's new 2010 Spring/Summer collection. The return of the classic boyfriend jean and blazer paired with a sexy shoe. Ralph always does is right and he is the inspiration and cure for the "Summer Blues" Herve Leger of Max Azria created this fabulous tattered denim dress for the 10' summer collection. Love your old blue jeans! Imagine the haberdashery you can create with denim and not to mention upcyclying is friendly to our planet! Check out some of thes great ideas and accessories! Denim Ensemble: Ralph Lauren Dress: Herve Leger Max Azria Settee: Anthropologie Shoe: Barneys New York Handbag: Tory Burch "Delaney" Satchel (Bag, Borrow, Steal) Pillow: Aggie Ray on Etsy Love will save the day art: Field Trip on Etsy a great shop with lovely happy art. Her blog is excellent with lot's of great indie fashion and accessories. Check it out! Sarali Chouhan

Madamoiselle Mermaid on etsy

This denim necklace is from unhamac on etsy. Abby Dennis has a great blog about handmade things, books, gardening, traveling, poetry, beekeeping, biking, learning to live more greenly!

Pucker Up! Lemonade Wedding Giveaway...

Story Board created by Lucky in Love wedding Blog by Banquestevent.com they have the best inspirational story boards! Top Row: Lemonade poster from All Posters, Earring image by Meg Perotti; Lemon wedding favors by Sincerely Yours, Dena Second Row: Image by Cheri Pearl; Bowl of lemons from Country Li ving; Caravella Limoncello from Barton Brands Third Row: Lemonade stand from Merry Making Events; Butterfly invitations by Inky Livie; VW bug image from Town & Country Bottom Row: Mimosa Yellow Bouquet by Kei's Flowers; Yellow wedding shoes from She Knows; Groom wears yellow tie from Evoke Photography

When life gives you lemons what else to do but make lemonade! Studio 6XI is preparing a wedding giveaway for a deserving couple that has come upon some sour times! 6XI and friends are putting the squeeze on this delightful event. We will refresh you with contest details & rules. Coming soon!

Valentine's Treat Yourself

Whether we are spending Valentine’s day with that special someone or focusing on treating ourselves better, this hallmark day reminds us of one thing, LOVE. We should be showing love every day, but doesn't it feel good to bask in the love fest that reminds everyone to stop and take time for one another and not to mention #1, ourselves. Here are a few ideas to show love on this Valentine's Day. Treat yourself or your cutie to a hot bath filled with rose petals, candles and soft music. The fragrant bath isn't just good for the senses, but rose petals are a known toner and clarifies the skin. You can pick them up for just $5 a bag at Fort Myers Floral Designs, 11480 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, FL. Or how about a chocolate that makes your heart melt as it melts in your mouth. Norman Love Confections entices the soul with their exotic flavors and award winning artistry of their fine chocolates and pastries. These gems look just too good to eat! Indulgence is bliss, knowing that some of their assortments of fine cocoa is chocked full of antioxidants. If Chocolate is not for you, then ask someone to Bee Mine with products from Burt's Bees beauty products made from natural, organic ingredients. Their bees wax based lip gloss fortified with soothing herbs make lips kissable and tastes good too! Happy Valentine's Day from the gals at Studio 6XI.

Is Turquoise the Hot Hue of the Cool Blues?

In a home fashion article on iVillage.com for 2010 color trend predictions, turquoise was rated the hot new color for home decor, paint and accents. This vivacious color has multiple shades that compliment warm as well as cool colors. What a great way to change up your decor a bit and add some turquoise accessories, funky throw pillows, or paint on an accent wall. Along with this hot hue of blue, it is said that blue in general is making a huge comeback. So, don't throw away that blue danube china your grandmother gave you! From home to fashion; cloudy slates to bold colbalts are making a statement. Not to mention navy is the more serious side of black.

2010 Tropical Florida Bridal Fair

Studio 6XI was the co-sponsor along with Creative Events and Rentals at the 2010 Tropical Florida Bridal Fair at the Edison Ford Winter Estates. Our reception design was a play on vintage elegance, with a modern twist. The Edison Ford Winter Estates displays a beautiful grounds with gardens, Edison and Ford's original homes, towering palms and twisted fig trees. A perfect setting for a modern bride with a vintage flare. We thank all of the vendors for their participation of our design, including Libby's Flowers for the floral arrangements, Connie Duglin for the colorful linens, Mason's Bakery for the cake design, and Creative Events & Rentals for the beautifully draped tent filled with gold chiavari chairs and tables. This Event was a wonderful success bringing in over 100 brides!

A Cut Above Ordinary Roses

We are always in search of unique vendors to offer our Brides. After finding these fabulous paper bouquets and cake toppers, we couldn't help but run with scissors. Weddings by Becca Mari creates fun and fresh custom paper designs for weddings, or any event. Studio 6XI had the pleasure of promoting this unique find at the 2010 Tropical Bridal Fair at the Edison Ford Winter Estates. You can find these paper treasures on her Etsy Shop at Weddings by Becca Mari.

Festival of Trees

Studio 6XI is happy to announce their participation in the 3rd Annual Festival of Trees benefiting Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida. This event will be held at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in the Fort Myers River District. It is the goal of many local businesses to show support for Goodwill Industries by sponsoring and decorating a tree, a wreath, or donating a gift that are all auctioned off at the Tux & Tree Gala on December 4, 2009. Leading up to the gala, there will be free events starting November 27th and lasting till December 2nd. For more information regarding the event and to see pictures from last year go to http://www.tuxandtrees.com/index.htm

We are so excited to support Goodwill by decorating a tree for auction. Our theme for our tree is RE-cycle, RE-lax, RE-joyce! So, if you have some free time during this holiday season, please come support us and our tree. We will be unveiling different topics and co-sponsors for our tree as the weeks grow on, so stay tuned for sneak peaks and ideas for your own tree.

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

FRESH PULP, Custom Graphic Stationary & Papers

A Sunset Dream Wedding Custom Graphics are a good way to set your wedding or event apart from others. Save-the-Dates give you the opportunity to set the stage for your special day. This storyboard shows a custom wedding design that I did for my own wedding. I had warm fuchsias and hot tangerine orange as my colors against a sunset beach, so I brought that feel to life with the save-the-date. I then continued the design using a floral logo that continues on all pieces from the formal invite that slides into a fuchsia die-cut sleeve found on MyGatasby and RSVP card all the way to the thank you cards and stamps I had printed on Zazzle. I have been a graphic designer for going on 11 years and haven't found more joy than designing custom graphics for weddings and events. Business cards get tossed and put in pockets to get crushed, but a beautiful wedding invitation is carefully placed in a scrapbook to cherish. Along with all of the memories you have with each personalized touch.

Nydia's Quince - A Sweet 15 to Remember

Calleen and I were excited to get our first Quinceanera Celebration!!! We could have such fun with the graphics, favors, and over all design of the event. Shown in this storyboard is the fun fan program we did for the church ceremony. Knowing how hot the church got, it was a perfect match to let the guest know what was going on in the ceremony and keeping cool. Believe it or not, we got a donation of stir sticks from Sherwin Williams Paints for the handle on the fan program. All we had to do is paint them gold; we try to find a use for everything around us. Our Quince Princess, Nydia, wanted a very showy theme using mainly gold and green. And nothing is more dramatic than the peacock flashing its feathers. We took the theme from printing peacock feathers on metallic paper for the invites to using real peacock feathers in our decorating. The RSVP card was an admission ticket. Since this celebration had 150 plus guests, we wanted to make sure everyone was accounted for and taken care of. This elegant, yet festive party was beyond her dreams and made the princess feel so grown up. Natural Love - Wedding Invitations & Favors This Spring Wedding was designed around things in nature along with using recycled paper and vellum, we also used wild flower seeds as the favors for the guests. The invitation had a custom designed birds nest with eggs, symbolizing the building of a new life together. The wording was printed on vellum and laced with a ribbon, topped with a fabric brad. Little details like that, found in scrap booking, is an inexpensive way to embellish your stationary. The RSVP also coordinated with the design adding unity to the ensemble. The seed packets were actually a Target find that we just couldn't pass up. They went perfectly with the design and were a huge hit with the guests.

A Vintage Country Wedding

The Stationary we did for this wedding painted a story that showed the bride and groom's comical side. Although an elegant affair in the tropical "Old Florida" gardens of Palma Sola Botanica Park, they are very practical people in there everyday living. The vintage country feel with the sepia tone pictures gave it a rich look and a antique flair.

The Save-the-date has the father of the bride warning off the groom-to-be with a shot gun and the bride-to-be pleading fro her father to give him a chance. Then the formal invite has him proposing to his bride with a bunch of wild flowers and the father standing down his guard. The RSVP has the groom holding his bride off to celebrate, yet the father still has his watchful eye on him. The funny thing to this little story is that the father and the son-in-law get along wonderfully, but it would get a laugh out of everyone that knew them.

Studio 6XI brings a natural, but eccentric look to stationary and graphics. We re-use items around us, like old buttons, scraps of wallpaper and grass cloth, left-over paper, and fabric; just to name a few. Our goal is to create a sustainable line of stationary that everyone can use. Using recycled and FSC certified papers, low VOC and vegetable dye inks, incorporating with letterpress and printing press vendors that are LEED certified or run their business using Green Power. All of the experience we have gained from corporate projects in the past and now personal celebrations has inspired us to create Fresh Pulp, Sustainable Stationary & Papers. Please stay tuned for launch of our delicious array of paper products and favors.