Dream Closet

If you follow Easton Place on Instagram, then you already know my home has been going through some renovations for nearly a year. If you've not visited my Instagram feed, please go have a lookie-lou. We started in May, 2013 with replacing 90% of our windows, getting the exterior painted, changing a french door, adding new garage doors and adding a trellis over. Next we moved onto the boys' bathroom, the kitchen and finally our master bath and bedroom. As the painters will be starting on our bedroom next week (fingers crossed), I realize I would love to have my small walk-in closet reworked. My husband has the larger of the two walk-in closets. We refer to his as the "cloffice". It's actually the same size as our nursery was in our first home and it has a double wide, double-hung window. The reason we call it that silly name is because it's his closest and an office space for him as well.

Back to my simple walk-in... It's a fine size for hanging clothes, but it's not special. I've been looking at amazing examples of closets on Houzz and Pinterest and thought I'd share a few dressing rooms that've caught my eye. (all photos via Pinterest)

I love how elegant and feminine this closet is. I'm not normally a big fan of brass features, but this closet's brass knobs & added elements are perfection. The light from the window is wonderful.

I love the monochromatic feel of this room. The storage to the (high) ceiling is amazing.

I think I will do something like this in my closet. I have a couple extra large Kallax bookcases from Ikea that could serve as an inexpensive version of this shoe organizer.

There is so much about this space I love: It's bright, organized, feminine, functional, and can you hardly stand how perfect the wallpaper is in this space? Swooning!

I don't think this dressing room / closet is a great use of space, but I do love the color and I like the sweet mirror etc. There are several design elements I could see using in my space.

Have a look at my Pinterest board of Dream Closets  to see these photos and others, and let me know what you think! I'll continue to take photos of the Wunder-Renovation and when all is complete, I'll post a full report here on the blog. 

Cheers!

-Patti

Is the Handwritten Letter an Art Form?

Question: Do you really believe traditional, posted mail is an art form? If it is, then each and every one of you reading this, has the potential to be an artist! I rather like that thought. We all know art comes in many forms and some are better at it than others, but that doesn't keep people from continuing to pursue it. So why do you think the "art of letter writing" is decreasing? Allow me to list a few reasons people have given as to why they don't write and mail letters.

• It's old fashioned. (yes, well, so is love and I'm certainly glad that's still around)
• It takes too much time. (time yourself writing a letter, and let me know)
• It costs too much money. (for less than the cost of a drink from your favorite cafe, you can brighten someone's day and possibly their week)
• Writing an email or text is just as good. (not even close)
• I don't know what I'd write. (Dear Friend, I hope you're having an awesome day! Thinking of you made my day better. Love, The Letter Writing Artist)
• My handwriting is messy. (write more letters and it will improve)
• I'm lazy. (now we're getting somewhere)

images via Pinterest

I think the main reason people don't write more letters for the post is laziness. I'm one of those people. It's true. I have fallen into the lazy track and it's time I pull myself out of it. Honestly, I need some motivation. While I was "chatting" with an online friend, Viv of Poppy Sparkles, I had this idea. I'd like to encourage more letter writing and at the same time, write more letters and be held accountable. So here's my challenge:  I challenge anyone reading this blog to write a letter to a friend or family member, mail it straight away to them and include a blank piece of stationery or plain paper with a stamped blank envelope for that person to then write a letter of their own. Once you've finished brightening their day with a few kind words about them (or about you), tell them what to do with the blank page and envelope. It's a "written-letter-pay-it-forward" sort of thing. Who's with me on this? Would you appreciate a small reward for your efforts? Okay, fine. 

Each person who posts a photo of their handwritten note (and blank extra note) on Instagram, Twitter or the Easton Place Facebook page, tagging Easton Place so I can see it, I will send you 2 pcs. of stationery so you can write a couple more notes along with a handwritten note of my own, of course! I would love if you follow me on all of those sites just mentioned, but you don't have to in order to receive your reward. If you do follow me, thank you!

Another online friend, Nancy Sheed, had sent me this post about "The Vanishing Art of Letter Writing" and I shared it with my Facebook fans. That's what Viv and I were chatting about when I got this idea. So, thank you, Nancy and Viv. 

images via Pinterest

As a side note, I promise not to send you any unwanted mail to those who take me up on the offer above. The only strings attached here are the ones pulling you to write and mail more letters! Again I'll ask: Who's with me on this? If you are interested in playing along, tag Easton Place when posting your photos on Twitter or Instagram and use #EPHandwritten so anyone reading this can find your posts. You can send your mailing address by post to:

Easton Place

PO Box 451

Easton, CT 06612

or

patti (at) eastonplacedesigns (dot) com

Happy letter writing! I'm really looking forward to seeing all your handwritten posts and sending out your rewards. (Please be mindful of the addresses in your photos. Be sure not so show mailing addresses online as to keep them private. Thank you.)

xoxo

Patti

Color Palette: An Autumn Pond

Here in New England, Autumn has been absolutely lovely. For those who follow me on Instagram, you've seen a few photos lately of the beautiful Fall foliage. I'm enjoying so many Autumn photos from those I follow. One such photo is by Annette Lombardi, otherwise known as netter11. Her photo yesterday inspired me to create today's color palette. I asked Annette if I could use her photo, and she kindly said, "yes". If you don't already follow Annette, you can do so by clicking on the photo below.

Enjoy!
xoxo
Patti

Hello, April!

I know I'm not alone when I say the month of April (and it's lovelier weather) has been wonderful to greet this year! The return of green grass, peeper frogs in the pond, singing birds in the trees and significantly warmer temperatures have helped to chase away my Winter blues.

I'm also excited for April to arrive because my new designs have launched! I spent all day Sunday with final photos and write ups for the online shop and the big "Ta-Dah!" is here. I introduce to you the new stationery designs of Easton Place. (press recorded audience cheers now.)

A few designs have returned and several new have made their debut in the stationery shop!

I've also launched my brand new custom stamp shop! I'll be adding several more stamp designs over the next week, but have a look at the initial stamps. I think you're going to love them!

I've offered stamps for both your books AND your written notes!

And as a teaser, I've posted one photo of the new paper placemats line! With Summer parties coming, these are going to come in mighty handy! And they're a fabulous hostess gift as well.

Sorry, it's just a tease. Designs will be uploaded over the next week or so!

March was a very busy month. All the hard work has paid off with newly stocked designs for your home and writing desk.

I want to take a quick moment to congratulate Jenni of Jenni 20 Designs, and Marnely of Cooking with Books, on winning the Easton Place Instagram contest. And a special thank you to all those who played along and asked for mini sets of our stationery! I hope you all had fun. I sure did!

Cheers to a wonderful second week of April!
If you have a moment, comment below letting me know what you think of the new items in the shop! What's your favorite? Thanks, friends.
xoxo
Patti

Almost Ready

I had hoped I'd be writing today's post to announce the relaunch of Easton Place stationery and the arrival of the new products. Unfortunately, that's not the case. It looks like the reopening will happen Monday or possibly Tuesday. Life gets busy and my family's needs must come before my business needs. It's how I choose to balance things. It's what's best for my life and most certainly for my family. What I can tell you is that I'm really excited to show you everything! There are new designs and I've brought back a few stationery designs from a while ago. I also have custom rubber stamps rolling out along with accessories (e.g. inks & cleaning kits). For the hostess I'll be offering custom/personalized placemats which I'm SO excited to show you! As for gifts, I'll be bringing in round glass paperweights. And finally, I'll be offering writing pens. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you might have read about the paperweights and pens. In case you missed it, have a look below.

This is my friend Lisa Adam's dog, "Lucy the Corgi". Isn't her smile the best?

Staedtler Triplus Fineliner pens are my favorite! I'll be offering 8 colors.

One last reminder: The #EastonPlaceLove Instagram contest ends at midnight tonight (April 5, 2013). Tweet about it and tell your Facebook friends to vote for your photo! Good luck!

Wishing everyone a fabulous weekend. I will be busy finishing uploading photos and type for all the new items as well as cheering on my son's crew team in his first regatta of the season! What are your fun (or not so fun) weekend plans? Feel free to share in the comments below.

xoxo

Patti

Instagram Contest!

I love seeing people enjoying my Fine Paper Lovelies & products, and I thought others might enjoy it as well. In honor of our brand new custom stamp and stationery shops opening in April, 2013,  I am asking fans of Easton Place to share a photo of an Easton Place product on Instagram with the hashtag #EastonPlaceLove.  The photo with the most likes will win from our new stamp and stationery shops: 1 Custom Stamp Set and 1 Set of Stationery of their choice. The photo with the second highest number of likes will win 1 Custom Stamp Set.

a little sample of two of our new stamps launching April, 2013!

You say you don't have any Easton Place products to show on Instagram? Huh.  No worries!  I don't want you to feel left out, so I am offering to send a free mini-set of stationery (3 pieces of my choosing) to the first 25 people who ask me on FB or Twitter. (Note: you must follow me on Facebook & Twitter for your request for free paper lovelies to be honored.) You'll then have your own Easton Place goodies to share on Instagram. That's easy, right?

Rules & Such:

• Upload a photograph (taken by you) of your favorite Easton Place product to Instagram and use the hashtag #EastonPlaceLove.
• Share your Instagram photo on Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler... and get your friends to give it some "love" (ok, it's actually a heart, but you know what I mean).
• Photo used for this contest must be yours and must have been taken no earlier than today, Tuesday, March 19, 2013.
• Contest is open from Tuesday, March 19 - Friday, April 5, 2013.
• Free Mini-Sets are only available to US Residents because I can't be sure the they will make it abroad in time for the contest. (sorry friends outside the US. I still love you!)

Who's excited? Me! I am!! I'm looking forward to seeing photos of your Easton Place goodies on Instagram! And I'm also looking forward to sharing some stationery goodness with 25 lucky people! Well, what are you waiting for? Go share some love on Instagram and don't forget to use hashtag #EastonPlaceLove on your entry!

Good Luck!

xoxo

Patti

November Photo Challenge

I'm still without Internet so pardon the look of this post as I've prepared it on my phone.
Here are the November photo challenge themes. Please let me know in the comments below if you'd like a daily reminder on twitter. Be sure to include your twitter name. When posting on Twitter or Instagram use #NovPhoto to tag each photo.
Happy November!

Social Media Buttons

One of the more popular items in my branding shop is the set of custom social media buttons. Have you ever wanted buttons made just for your shop or blog? I'd love to work with you to create a set! Below are a few sets I've designed to match client's specifications. I'm currently booking custom work for November. This is a fun way to freshen up your shop or blog!

September Photo Challenge Subjects

Whoa! September is here, just like that! You know what that means? New Photo Challenge Subjects. You can join along on twitter by using the hashtag #SeptPhoto. You can also join our flickr group if you like. And last but not least, you can connect with us on Instagram. 

This month our dear friend Lisa Adams created the list.  If you haven’t read Lisa’s blog, please stop by.  She is an amazing writer and a very dear friend.

If you'd like to share this list on your own blog, please do! Remember to give credit to Lisa, Kathryn and myself please. Read more about our 366 Project HERE!

Have a great weekend!  Get out there and get clicking.

xoxo

-Patti & Kathryn (Coastal Chick)

July Photo Challenge!

Thanks to our fabulous friend, Lisa Adams, The Coastal Chick and I didn't have to work very hard for this month's photo themes! Lisa kindly offered up most of the following subjects for the July Photo Challenge. (Thank you, Lisa!)

In case you're joining us for the first time, or need a refresher on how this works, you simply take a photo each day using the subjects listed below. Post them on instagram and/or twitter using the hashtag #JulyPhoto. You can also join our Flickr group and post them there as well. If you'll be joining the group, let me know in the comments below so we can follow your photo posts!

Have fun with it! If you miss a day or two, no worries. Post when you can.

Happy July, everyone!!

xoxo
Patti

Color Palette: Pretty Peonies

I am a huge fan of Instagram. It reminds me of a more intimate and visual twitter in my humble opinion. While browsing instagram this afternoon I came across a photo by Kelley Moore. "Pretty Peonies" was a wonderful inspiration for this week's Spring color palette. Thank you Kelley! When you get a moment, stop by Kelley's site and follow her on twitter as well.