emmakisstina

Pattern Making!

2012-02-16T18:08:00.001+01:00

Since visiting Svenskt Tenn last weekend, and drooling over Josef Frank's gorgeous textiles I've been obsessing about pattern making. I want to create my own complex gorgeous repeat fabric/wallpaper type patterns! I didn't really know how, but now with the help of several youtube tutorials and studying Josef Frank's design sketches (I loaned a book of his work from the library) I finally figured it out! Not at all hard, just requires a little math, and lots of patience. The computer helps a lot too. Pattern making by hand is fun, but of course takes a little while longer... lots of small details to measure correctly. But that's the part I really like.

I've been collecting tons of inspiration on Pinterest! I love love love Josef Frank's designs, but also William Morris' and plenty others. I think it would be really fun to do a modern Toile design too. It's on my dream todo list.

See all my inspiration here...

I've already started work on one design with ribbons, pearls, chains and lipsticks... of course!

Here's a peek!

So much fun!

Scarves!

2012-02-16T17:10:00.000+01:00

I got my shipment of scarves today! yay! Now all of my scarves are back in stock, such a wonderful feeling. Both in my Etsy shop and on Meinto.se. (May even be popping up somewhere else real soon too, shmaybe ;) )

These three (Red Coral, Fuchsia Floral and Glamour) seem to have been the favorites of my first collection, they sold out really quick!

I'm so proud of all the great responses I got on the first collection! I already can't wait to launch the next collection (just have to get some more designs finished, eek, get to work Kristina!)

Giveaway!

2012-02-14T15:36:00.001+01:00

I've got a giveaway going on right now, hosted by the lovely L.A. in the Bay! I think you should all head over to her newly redesigned gorgeous blog and enter to win one of my prints. Fun huh! I wish I could giveaway a print to each of you, but I unfortunately have to pay rent and buy food and other such important things. sigh.

Good luck!

Valentine's Day everyday!

2012-02-14T13:30:00.000+01:00

Why should Valentine's Day be celebrated just once a year when one can celebrate it everyday! I certainly like to make my boyfriend and my family feel very very loved everyday (or every time I speak with my family.)

I suppose this was the idea in mind when this wonderfully playful pink and red, heart filled apartment was decorated. Valentine's Day everyday! (I'm not so sure my bf would be too excited about this scheme, but it surely makes me giggle and a little extra happy.)

Found via Coco+Kelley, designed by Jennifer Brouwer.

Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000+01:00

Happy Valentine's Day love from me, Kristina!

via Pinterest

Don't forget you can get 20% off your entire order in my Etsy shop until the end of the month with coupon code: FEBLOVE2012

Hope you all have a love filled day with either your sweetheart or other loved ones. I sure shall ;)

Tumblr

2012-02-13T14:00:00.000+01:00

My Tumblr has been a bit neglected for a while so I've given it a whole lot more attention over the weekend. I think I got lost in gorgeous pictures for hours and hours. (That's what weekends are for!)

Go over and take a peek...

BTW I think Lana is rather lovely, all the critique is so silly.

My Weekend

2012-02-13T10:00:00.000+01:00

I had a lovely weekend. Like, really lovely. The way weekends should be. Saturday was spent first with my lovely Aunt. We got up early to renew out passports (my new picture is rather acceptable, why aren't you allowed to look happy in id photos?) Then we went on little adventures through Stockholm until I met up with the boyfriend in the late afternoon. Amazing how much one can experience in a day, if one just gets up early. ha ha

First stop was at a wonderful French bakery, Petite France, to warm up after being out in the serious cold. We enjoyed warm coffee, pain au chocolat, and preciously perfect french macarons... as well as the amazingly delicious scent of freshly baked baguettes. We'd both never been before to this French cafe, and decided we must explore Kungsholmen more often... a part of Stockholm that I very rarely visit.

Then we gave our eyes a dose of eye-candy in the form of visiting Stockholm's auction house, Auktionsverket, collection of vintage name brand fashion and accessories. It's all being auctioned off next week! Major fun being able to touch and try on gorgeous vintage items by Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton, etc. Not very often I come in contact with such luxurious items... unfortunately my wallet does allow me to place any bids (at least not this year.)

A few gorgeous things being auctioned. see the entire collection here...

Then we just had to go visit the newly renovated Svenskt Tenn, just around the corner. The store looks even more gorgeous, open and airy. Plus they now serve afternoon tea here, how fabulous is not that! I am sooo soo sooooo inspired by Josef Frank's designs.

My favorite part of the boutique are the original sketches and patterns drawn by Josef Frank himself hanging on the walls. I think I could spend hours looking at them! I must make more patterns now now now!!!

Eye candy makes one really really hungry so it was of course time for lunch. Dumplings are super popular in Stockholm at this minute so we had to go test them out at Beijing 8 on Kocksgatan. They were simply delicious, I understand why there is so much fuss. Though I must confess I much prefer making dumplings myself.

Saturday was now nearly half way over, time to meet up with my wonderful boyfriend to plan dinner. As usual we went shopping for ingredients at our favorite grocery store and spent the rest of Saturday evening cooking, sipping red wine, and enjoying each others company. No photographic evidence of our meal unfortunately. But I assure you it was delicious!

Then came a calm, quiet Sunday. Just perfect!

Happy Monday!

Dream House

2012-02-12T10:00:00.002+01:00

Hello Sunday, I found my dream house! It's full of open bright white spaces and lots of light... seriously in love love love with the oversized sunroom. Going to have to start saving my pennies, how long do you think it will take to save 15,000,000 Swedish Crowns? (gah!)

Via Skeppsholm.se

Here it is...

complete with a little guest house too!

I can imagine a delicious quiet breakfast could be enjoyed here.

A bright kitchen, with space for kitchen company.

wonderfully clean

My favorite part! a huge oversized sunroom

Complete with fireplace and plenty of room for coziness or entertaining. Love!

A private master bedroom balcony, yes please

Like a spa.

I love all the windows.

haha a swimming pool too of course

bye bye dream house. Hope we meet someday!

Pastel Powder Room

2012-02-10T15:30:00.000+01:00

Gosh I'm really bombarding you all with my illustrations this week! But I've been on such a drawing kick this week; gotten lots of new works drawn and even colored, and I'm really excited. (I'm usually pretty good at drawing new things but then they get all dusty waiting to be digitally colored... or forgotten, sad.)

Here is another pastel creation. Insanely girly, no? Perfect for your powder room.

Fluffy pink peonies and light shades of Tiffany blue.

What's in my Bag

2012-02-10T14:00:00.000+01:00

I found another gorgeous illustration that I've failed to flaunt to you all... this gorgeous custom What's in my Bag illustration, completed this past November. (seems like forever ago) I love the soft beige-y pinks and the contract of the white Hermes bag and black Chanel agenda. Turned out gorgeous! I really really adore making these drawings most of all my custom projects.

In my Etsy shop I now have listing for Custom 'What's in my Bag' illustrations in two sizes. Mini Poster and Poster. I think you need one too! tee hee

Custom Colors

2012-02-09T14:12:00.001+01:00

Lately I've gotten lots of requests for custom coloring of my prints... this is rather fun! Collaborating and personalizing my prints for you makes them seem even more special. Glad that a small change can do so much.

Don't hesitate to ask if you want custom colors, I'm happy to switch out background colors or a few of the item's colors.

My Hermes Tray print looks rather lovely with pink roses, and pearls too.

An airy pink and gray palette for a to-be daughter's nursery (and no cigarettes, cigs are bad!)

For a pretty pink Breakfast at Tiffany's nursery

no cig here either... not a big fan myself

I think that it's majorly fun that many mothers buy my prints to put in their to-be daughter's nurseries. I'm glad that my work is playful and sophisticated enough to appeal to children as well as mature adults. I've often thought of doing a series of prints for babies (though I don't think I'll actually be motivated to do so until I will become a mother myself one day... crossing my fingers I'll have a baby girl, so I could fill her nursery with all my pretty pink prints.

Breakfast!

2012-02-09T13:35:00.002+01:00

I think breakfast is so boring. I know it's soooo important so I make sure to eat something... but it's just not that exciting. I wish I could come up with more exciting healthy breakfasts, but I just can't. I've been starting to enjoy a half grapefruit a few times a week, that's kind of exciting. I've thought about smoothies, but I don't really like drinking my food so much. Oatmeal is just gross. I've made baked oatmeal (which is rather delicious because it contains sugar) but kind of feels like one is eating pie. A regular bowl of yogurt and dry muesli or a sandwich is just blah boring. What is a girl to do?

This is what I enjoyed for breakfast yesterday. Borderline kind of exciting.

Oatmilk, green tea, cottage cheese, gold kiwi, and a medium boiled egg smoked caviar hard sandwich

Boyfriend loves breakfast (sandwiches especially) and could eat the same thing every day all day. What is wrong with him? haha

Pretty yummy I must admit.

I also got to enjoy a special Karl Lagerfeld edition of Metro

Karl's favorite Paris cafes, parks, and galleries, oh la la

Karl thinks Sex is overrated. That's because he is old. tee hee

Oh Karl you are so very inspiring, commercial and weird. I think you have to be rather strange to be a creative genius.... and he is 100%. I wonder what Karl eats for breakfast?

How to Tie a Scarf!

2012-02-09T13:04:00.000+01:00

Right now I'm waiting for another batch of my scarfs to be finished. (They might be done next week already yay!) You may have noticed that half of my designs have been out of stock, though I do have a few of them left. Can't believe they sold out so quick, go me! I'm happy that I can stock my shops again soon (and shhmaybe other places too, hint hint) but I hate waiting!

While waiting I found the cutest video of how to tie a scarf, by The Girls with Glasses. They are just the goofiest cutest ever. Enjoy!

Scarf How To from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

I'm still brainstorming what to do for the next collection. My long scarf designs haven't been popular at all. (I wonder why?) I need to come up with ideas for other formats and designs. So exciting, and a little daunting.

Tangerine!

2012-02-09T11:30:00.000+01:00

Ohhh more new work! This time in Pantone's color of 2012, Tangerine.

Warm like sunshine.

Mint!

2012-02-08T17:55:00.004+01:00

I've been seeing pretty pastel mint shades all over the place. The color is starting to pop up in stores as Spring clothes are being stocked, and mint is taking over internetland. So I had had had to create an all mint still life myself. Mint is a lovely color I just realized! I don't think I own anything in the color... I shall have to find something in mint soon. Does anyone else get color cravings!

I love the monochromatic look!

Pink!

2012-02-08T10:30:00.000+01:00

Does Chanel No. 5 really come in Pink?!

image via Pinterest

That would make me just a little extra happy.

Dashing!

2012-02-08T09:00:00.000+01:00

I just discovered a new super girly e-magazine, Dashing. It's like Glitter Guide's British little sister. Very lovely! It's full of Etsy finds, emerging talent, tips, diy, and gorgeous editorials... lots of interesting interviews too. I always love learning more about the featured ladies and gentlemen. Take a peek!

I certainly would love being featured or even contribute. hint hint ;)

Reading

2012-02-07T10:30:00.000+01:00

Speaking of reading, this is the book I'm immersed in now...

reading plus lavender scented tea lights = perfection

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Not clowns and elephants type of circus, this is completely different; illusionists, contortionists, fortune tellers, real magic and takes place at the turn of the century. It's simply wonderful, mysterious, dark, and dreamy. Just my thing... and I don't want it to end. I hope this author will continue to write these types of stories, I would be happy to keep reading and reading.

I borrowed my copy from the library. Yes I am one of those weirdos who still goes to the library. I love borrowing instead of buying, especially when one doesn't know if a book will be good or not. Why waste money. Stockholm has many lovely libraries. Even our little neighborhood library is rather nice (though their selection of books is rather limited and old.) I only like to invest in books I'll read or flip through many times; cook books or art books... or Harry Potter ;)

"It was only in the full radiance of her beauty that she wished to appear."

2012-02-07T09:00:00.000+01:00

Quote from The Little Prince (insanely pretty). These photos from Friday's Flickr favorites are just too gorgeous to miss. I think we need to take a look at them larger... and longer.

click images for source

These photos remind me that I need more flowers in my life, oh and possibly must read even more (whilst glamed up of course). As well as sigh for impossibly perfect porcelain skin.

Custom Illustrations

2012-02-06T21:16:00.000+01:00

I think it would be safe to say that these custom illustration Christmas gifts have been received. (It is February and all.) Gosh I'm slow.

Aren't they lovely? I'm actually rather fond of this beige background. (Who would have thought!)

Custom illustration for a music and Acne shoe loving lady.

Custom 'What's in my Bag?' for a teen age fashionista... with a sweet tooth

I'm sure there are plenty of other fabulous custom illustrations I've failed to flaunt. I shall have to explore my archives!

Becky Please Paint

2012-02-06T15:20:00.000+01:00

I would like to introduce to you to one of my lovely friend's, Rebecca Pricilla, Etsy shop, Becky Please Paint. Please take a peek, she does really gorgeous line work and is a history dork like me (though she's more of an expert.)

My personal favorite, Chandelier from Stockholm's Opera House.

Pretty huh?

Florida!

2012-02-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Over the weekend I finally bought a ticket to Florida! In exactly one months time I will be in the Sunshine State!!! I'm so excited to see my family. I haven't seen them for 2 years. I can't believe time goes by so fast, I've missed them so much. It will be great to see them and do normal things like eat meals together or watch television and go on little outings. I can't wait to wiggle my toes in Florida's soft warm white sand.

It will also be real nice to get some sunshine. Today it is snowy and below zero... can't believe that in a month I'll be able to wear skirts without tights, or a gagillion layers. My skin is going to thank me too. Gosh I get sooo dry in the winter, blah.

So glad I have a job that allows such flexibility, I can be away for 3 whole weeks! I will be able to work in Florida too, promoting or working on custom illustrations or blog headers, and the such. Though my shop will have to be on vacation, since I won't be home to send out orders. Maybe I'll have lots of time to make new illustrations!

I'm so excited!

Winter Wonderland, maybe?

2012-02-05T16:48:00.002+01:00

You can almost feel how cold it is...

It's very much white and wintery now... but I'm not so sure about the wonderland part. It is flippin' freezing! We went on a leisurely Sunday walk around Stockholm, but had to cut it short when fingers, toes and noses were getting a bit too numb.

Stockholm is seriously gorgeous under a layer of hazy white ice and snow. See...

Look there's City Hall (the tower with the gold top)

View of Norr Mälarstrand from Långholmen

Icy waters

A very frozen, though still content, Kristina

There were plenty of joggers out, what is wrong with them?

A chilly rosy nosed boyfriend

Stockholm is gorgeous!

Trying to stay warm with lots and lots of layers.

Now I'm very glad to be inside and finally de-thawed. I've had a warming lunch to eat and now sit with lots of candles lit. So cozy. A perfect Sunday!

Happy Friday!

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000+01:00

Been awhile since I last explored Flickr... so it was about time to share a few new favorites. I seem to be on a book photography kick right now. Obsessed with reading, wonder why? I'll have to share a few of the books I'm currently reading... later.

Let's get lost in gorgeous photography...

1. Me & Diana, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. 01-06-10 I'll Still Say That You Shone Brighter Than Anyone ~ Explored Front Page :), 5. Untitled, 6. afternoon tea for lunch, 7. Window Space, 8. Rain in Florence, 9. Untitled

oh and just one more...

1. Pink Typewriter, 2. Over Raja's Shoulder, 3. Untitled, 4. Quiet afternoon, 5. Untitled, 6. Untitled, 7. Books, 8. 11/365, 9. The Matisse Stories

Happy Friday! Have a lovely weekend.

Fish Stew

2012-02-03T11:46:00.000+01:00

Look what I made for lunch yesterday... a rather so elegant fish stew. I simply must share, it turned out so fragrant and delicious.

Fish Stew for two ;) Recipe:
............................................................

2 Salmon filets
handful of peeled frozen shrimp
1/2 yellow onion sliced
1 large garlic clove sliced thinly
Celery sliced thinly
Fennel sliced thinly
Tomatos sliced into chunks (I deconstructed the tomatoes and used the insides as a garnish)
Carrots sliced thinly (I used a potato peeler for very thin slivers)
Red pepper sliced thinly

for the stock:
1/2 liter boiling water
fish stock
juice from 1 orange
frozen dill
splash white wine vinegar
pinch turmeric for color

for the cream:
Creme Fraiche
zest from 1 orange
red chili slices
fennel dill
.............................................................................
To Make:

Sautée onions, garlic, celery and fennel until soft and fragrant in olive oil (about 5 minutes.) Add stock, bring to soft boil. Add tomatoes (leave pips for garnish) Add salmon in chunks, then frozen shrimp. When cooked through (takes 1-2 minutes) add carrots and peppers. Serve directly so the veggies don't get mushy!

Insanely easy and really delicious. Could of course work as an elegant dinner option. (the boyfriend and I prefer to eat our biggest meal at lunch during the week, because we're Swedish and work from home for the most part.)

Enjoy!

Introverted, not so bad

2012-02-02T13:10:00.002+01:00

I am such an introvert. Working from home doesn't help the situation much. I must admit that being shy and introverted my entire childhood was something I hated about myself and really struggled to get over. The shyness went away thankfully sometime in college, (just grew out of it I guess). Now I have no problem talking to strangers or speaking in front of a crowd etc. Before I hated the feeling of getting rosy cheeks whenever someone asked me the simplest of questions, or in ballet class when asked to perform infront of the class I'd turn into a nervous reck or just give up... if only I'd been a show off, le sigh.

But now I see the perks of being an introvert, and don't put pressure on myself to be someone who I'm not. So cheesy, geez. This blog article also made me feel great about being introverted, and sparked this rant today.

I love doing things by myself. Me, myself and I get along really well. We enjoy quietly reading blogs for hours or the pages of a book, baking, or exploring the city. Working for myself is a dream! I'm lucky though that I'm not alone, I share my life with my delicious boyfriend (but we feel more like one, gosh more cheese.) I think I'd be very lonely with out him. Though loneliness is a different thing all together. One on one situations are much more preferable, I just can't get my voice heard in a crowd. And because there is always an exception to every rule (especially with me, not a big fan of rules) I am of course going to be very social this evening. Meeting up with a handful of lovely new smart gorgeous lady friends for some yummy glasses of wine and hopefully some delicious tapas.

So cheers to all you other introverts today... let's look at some quiet gorgeous book photography and be content.

BTW I was just introduced to this amazing photographer, Juliette Tang, today by a newly introduced blogger Miss Little Lime.

Brigitte Bardot

2012-02-01T20:11:00.001+01:00

I actually got the pleasure of picking this month's WIMB feature. What an honor! Who could I possibly choose other than my favorite 60s French sex kitten fashion icon, BB, Mademoiselle Brigitte Bardot. Oh how I adore her messy up dos, black cat lined eyes, pout, love of gingham, big floppy bows, ballet flats and playsuits... oh and the French sex appeal (if only I had just a pinch.) I am of course also a big fan of her movies and her playful pop songs too. Aren't you?

Here she is... and available in the shop here.

I think I need to start drawing more gingham!

Matchbook February Anniversary!

2012-02-01T20:09:00.003+01:00

Woo hoo the 1st year anniversary issue is now live! Can you believe it's been a whole year?! It has been such a pleasure to get to contribute to the lovely Matchbook Magazine every month. Look at where it's at now! They have an entire team of writers, interns, photographers, illustrators and other contributors... oh and tons of followers/readers/Matchbook girls (and maybe a few boys too) of course. There is a real sense of community, a Matchbook family really, such fun being a part of it, teehee. I've loved drawing my monthly 'What's in My Bag?' illustrations every month (my favorite project each month actually)... and I'll of course continue to love drawing them this year as well.

Here are some of my favorite pages from the latest issue... (read the entire issue and the archives here...)

A really fabulous issue with lots of new features. I'm in love!

Birthday Month Special!

2012-02-01T15:04:00.003+01:00

Yayayayayay! It's February! It's not only my birthday month but also one of my favorite months (may have something to do with my birthday, hmmm) but also there is super sweet Valentines day to celebrate (red and pink are two of my favorite colors and hearts and love are THE best) oh and it is a super short month (that's fun)!

So I want to celebrate my birthday all month long! (lots and lots of exclamation points are going to be needed for this post!!!!!!) I've got a nice deal to share with you too...

Woo hoo! You can get 20% off your entire order (excluding tax and shipping of course) on absolutely everything in my shop all month long. I'm so excited! I feel so happy and generous.

I hope for lots of love this February!

Höganäs

2012-01-31T18:41:00.001+01:00

I got a new tea cup! It's gorgeous, wonderfully huge (but not too thick, don't like that) and has a lovely wooden coaster. It's perfect for my morning cup of tea... oh and my afternoon cup too of course! Made by Swedish ceramic company Höganäs.

Infringement

2012-01-31T12:31:00.000+01:00

Such a bummer! My work is being infringed upon on Ebay! Someone is selling my work as their own, taking my digital images and pasting them badly into digital frames and selling them for 99 cents. How they dare I do not know. So gross! This is actually not the first case of this happening, which is really sad.

A big shout out thank you to a loyal fan Angela who let me know about this. I am now doing all that I can to get the Ebay stores shut down.

Take a look for yourself...

There are actually 16 whole listings with stolen works, and works of other artist's works as well. I've contacted one artist whose work I recognized. I also spend a rather long time searching through Ebay to see if anyone else had the fantastic idea of stealing my work. But for now I think it is just this one seller and her two stores. Poo on you mean person. ha!

Why can't everyone be honest?

Malmö

2012-01-30T19:33:00.000+01:00

So we're back from a quick weekend in Malmö. We didn't even have time to take proper photos of the city, just a few glimpses. We were just too busy cooking, fixing, planning, rearranging and preparing for our friend's party. It was nice being away from home for a little while. I hope we can visit again this summer, I'd really like to explore the city more.

Lots of newly built buildings with interesting geometry

what is this?

triangles!

Johan always insists on shoving the camera in my face.

a little time for some culture... we got to see Goya etchings! rather morbid...

I love the creamy lightness

We got to play with baby Mateo. Cutie!

just a smidge of a rooftop

worn floors

boyfriend loves photographing stuff like this... as you can see

old!

What could this possibly unlock? Hilarious!

Here we are, very black and red. It was freezing cold in Malmö, burrr.

Happy Monday!

Le Weekend starts now

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000+01:00

Stockholm's gorgeous Central Station Via Flickr. Click for source.

The boyfriend and I are now sitting on a train heading south on our way to Malmö for the weekend. We will be celebrating a friend's 30th and hopefully get to explore the city a little. I've only been to Malmö once before, so I look forward to seeing what this other major Swedish city has to offer. I think we'll have a grand time.

Happy Weekend!

OH Francois!

2012-01-26T15:36:00.000+01:00

Source: 30dialogues.tumblr.com via Kim on Pinterest

Mr. Truffaut it has been far too long since I last saw one of your gorgeous films. Shame on me...

Cherry Blossom Branches, Ribbons and Pearls

2012-01-26T13:03:00.002+01:00

Progress report: It's finished! I went a little drawing crazy last night and started as well as finished my second scarf design. I think it turned out gloriously... all I have to do now is erase the scribbly pencil lines and it will be ready to scan.

I'm really bad at stopping to take photos inbetween layers of work but this is what I did...

Cherry Blossoms, Ribbons and Pearls

I started with the branches and the little buds. Then added swirls of pearl strands.

Then I finished with tied ribbons, they almost resemble butterflies.

Since I was still super excited about drawing I decided to ink it in as well. Took all evening and lots of tv show watching!

Now it looks like this...

What a gorgeous tangle!

I love drawing slowly, deciding carefully which parts will over lap or left in the background.

I think my pearl circles turned out rather round. Pretty!

I can't wait to color it in with shades of rich corn blue and pretty pinks with highlights of white pearls and light green buds. Here's my inspiration if you missed my past post...

The ribbons are inspired by Japanese wishing trees. Pieces of paper with wishes are tied on to the branches like in this gorgeous photo. Such a romantic idea.

Via Flickr. Click for source.

What ever shall I draw now?

38

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000+01:00

Too bad the picture is a bit grainy... we look nice anyhow. Taken on New Years actually :)

Today we've been together 38 months. Feels like we've been together since forever but it's only been just over 3 years. Boyfriend and I like to at least acknowledge all of our little anniversaries. The year anniversaries get of course most attention with extra fancy delicious dinners or a meal on the town... but each month it is nice to at least get a few extra kisses and sigh how time flies and how very very very happy we are together.

I love how he tucks his tie into his shirt, hehe. (well I love absolutely everything about him.)

Alright enough sappiness!

From the beginning...

2012-01-25T16:13:00.001+01:00

Today I feel like starting a new scarf. I've gotten loads of other work done this morning so time for some fun. I deserve it! I've got lots of favorite shows on the ready and I finally got a vision for a scarf... and I thought I'd let you in on what I'm thinking for this design from the beginning.

Source: housebeautiful.com via Kristina on Pinterest

After seeing this photo via Pinterest I've been obsessed with the color scheme. I adore that corn blue color especially with the accents of dark pink and highlights of white. So a scarf in this scheme I must just do. But what to draw? Not much into having urns on my pretty scarves*... but those cherry blossom branches would be perfect. Lets start there and see where it takes me.

So now I'm going to go brew myself a huge cup of tea, get the shows rolling and start the drawing process. I've already gotten my big white square of paper on the ready. I'm so excited!

*Urns are creepy. What are you supposed to put in them? All I think of is ashes...

Mogis

2012-01-25T14:44:00.001+01:00

I've been collaborating with Malin aka Mogi for a while now. She's a rather famous Swedish personal style blogger with very expensive taste and a fun light hearted writing style. Closet envy if there ever was one. Geez! Every season I give her header a fresh new look. Though Spring is pretty far away we gave the blog a warmer simpler look. I think it's the best one yet. Like a breath of fresh air. So gorgeous... and I'm not so much an orange fan. Guess I am now!

Malin now writes her goofy, fashion filled posts in English, so you can all enjoy her blog.

DIY Floral Heels

2012-01-25T14:24:00.001+01:00

You might find this strange. I'm not very crafty! But I'm an 'artist' you say... I dunno, not much crafting going on here. It's too messy and you need sooooo many supplies.

But sometimes projects are just too tempting. Such as these gorgeous Floral decoupage heels by Underbara Clara's sister Anna. Find the directions here... (in Swedish though of course.)

I want to run out and get and pair of plain black heels and start glueing right away. ha!

Satin Dress

2012-01-24T10:31:00.000+01:00

Some times it's really nice to get lost in the wonderful world of Flickr's The Commons. Here you can find all kinds of glorious things like this picture of a glamorous woman in a satin dress holding a mirror. I wonder who she is?

Learn more about the photo here...

The weekend

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000+01:00

Me pre snow storm

Hello Monday! Do you promise this is going to be a great week... pretty please. Not that last week was bad or anything.

hello neighbors

I had a very cosy delicious weekend. It snowed and I didn't do very much... especially on Sunday (but that's the point of Sundays, isn't it?). Everything is white and fluffy and I feel relaxed and refreshed. So wonderful! I love that we have finally gotten a little touch of snow this winter. Hopefully it stays for a while and doesn't just melt away, turn to nasty gray slush, bläh. It will really lighten up the winter darkness.

This is our wintery dark (rather creepy) view of our neighbors.

New Scarf Design!

2012-01-21T15:30:00.000+01:00

I finished my first classic square scarf design for the next collection. It is supposed to represent another personal favorite 1700s iconic style maker, Madame du Pompadour. To give you a hint as to how it's gonna look... pink pink pink, frills, a little blue, pearls and gold. I think it's going to be lovely!

Got to get a start on a few other designs... but I'm kind of blocked as to what to draw. Hope this goes over soon.

Now it's time to meet up my delicious boyfriend in town, so we can go buy some yummy groceries for tonights romantic Saturday night dinner. Can't wait!

Girly!

2012-01-21T10:30:00.000+01:00

I think I may quite possibly be girly enough to pull off this super frilly light pink outfit. I would love to wear it today actually if it magically found it's way into my closet... but with tights and long gloves of course, it's chilly in Sweden!

via Glamour Magazine UK

So flippin' cute!

Happy Saturday.

By the Sea

2012-01-20T14:38:00.000+01:00

Last week the boyfriend and I visited the sea on a rather gray rainy day... took photos of driftwood and collected gorgeous sea softened pebbles. It was nice anyhow...

Little Red Riding Hood, hehe.

Design

2012-01-20T14:22:00.000+01:00

For the most part I can't stand these black and white no color Swedish apartments (so boring... I crave color color color!) But something about this apartment is just so dang gorgeous, sophisticated, and so thoughtfully put together I just can't help but adore it!

via Dustjacket Attic

Gloves

2012-01-20T13:39:00.000+01:00

I've got quite the little glove collection now.... they are all vintage of course. I even have plenty more pairs not pictured. But these are of course my new favorites as they fit me like, well a glove. hehe They are all in my rather tiny size of 6.5, so cute!

Navy, Maroon, Red and Navy again

I think these are my favorites. I love all the little dots! But they shall have to wait until milder temperatures. I get cold hands easily.

The little red handbag is 'new' too. Looks fabulous against my sugar sweet pink Fifi Lapin print.

Glitter!

2012-01-20T08:30:00.000+01:00

I got a new nail polish! It is wonderfully glittery, holographic really. I can wear it plain on my nails (very subtle and lovely) or over all my other polishes (fancy!) I love that I'm so easily entertained by sparkly things. tee hee

Pretty huh? I can't stop admiring it.

Just a smidge more Japanese...

2012-01-19T17:00:00.000+01:00

I made sushi and miso soup with the left over Japanese ingredients. Miso soup may be one of the most delicious things there is.

It was rather yummy too... but I should have seasoned the rice more in the sushi. At least the miso was insanely delicious!

You know how to make miso right? It's really really easy.

All you need is miso paste (there are tons of different types... try your way through them to find a favorite. Right now I'm using a rather rich brown paste with soy bean chunks, there is also light brown and red and really dark brown pastes.)
Plus some dashi stock powder. It's a smokey dried fish powder yum! You can find this in most asian stores.
Bring water up almost to a boil, mix in the miso and the stock... that's it.

Garnish with seaweed, scallions and cubed tofu.

Japanese!

2012-01-19T13:40:00.000+01:00

Lately I've been obsessed with learning more about Japanese food. I'm drawn to the simple tastes and the gorgeousness of the presentations. I've read through several Japanese cookbooks, explored Japanese cooking websites and menus to get ideas (trying to learn the most authentic menu items as possible). So to get this out of my system I prepared a Japanese meal the other night, complete with Sake of course. I think it looks gorgeous, and it tasted delicious and simple.

Sashimi of salmon and scallops, seaweed salad, onigiri rice rounds with nori, cold soba noodles and dip sauce, nori seasoned with sesame oil sesame seeds and chili flakes, shaved daikon radish, and marinated silken tofu.

Vintage

2012-01-19T13:13:00.000+01:00

Remember I mentioned inheriting a little vintage... well time to show and tell.

First up my new to me maroon booties and gloves. They match perfectly with a gorgeous vintage maroon aligator purse I inherited from my grandmother many years ago. Stylish huh? I'm in love! The boots fit perfectly and look just about new (must only have been used once or twice.)

Can't wait until this Spring when all the slush and ice clear up so I can wear these booties around town. All I need is a gorgeous classic trench. Don't you think?

Romance

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000+01:00

Oh how I'm craving wonderful summer weather, so I could have a romantic picnic with the boyfriend...

Source: citified.blogspot.com via LatteLisa on Pinterest

Doesn't this scene just look too pretty? White cushions, cherry blossoms and a bottle of rosé Champagne.

Almost Originals

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000+01:00

I've gotten rather many requests for originals... but I'm not comfortable selling my original ink drawings (I want to keep them all to myself for ever and ever, hehe) so I thought this would be the next best thing! Black and White prints of my beautiful inked lines printed on gorgeous archival watercolor paper. The quality of the paper is really nice, makes the print almost look like an original. So soon you'll find a selection of my ink outline drawings in my store... in three sizes (Large, Mini Poster, and Poster). Hope you'll like these. I'm really excited!!!

So far I've posted my new favorite Roses in the shop :)

Campadre

2012-01-16T14:39:00.000+01:00

I have another Campadre campaign starting today (ending on the 23rd)! Scandinavian members can save 44% on a selection of my large Posters, isn't that fun?!

Vintage

2012-01-16T14:31:00.001+01:00

Hello Monday!

I had a lovely weekend! Lots of family time, great food and tons of laughs... I even inherited some vintage clothes, shoes and handbags. I'll have to take some photos soon to show them off, but today has been a bit too dark as it was snowing all morning. Which is fine by me! It's just so very very pretty. I'm glad we are getting a touch of winter this year finally.

While we wait for some lightness, we can soak in all the gorgeousness of this vanity table.

Source: thousandwarblingechoes.tumblr.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Hope this week will be great!

Minerals

2012-01-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

When I went to visit my Grandmother before Christmas an unfortunate thing happened (I don't think I've told you)... my travel bag was stolen on the train. A real pain in the bootie actually! I didn't have anything particularly valuable packed, no money, jewelry, computer, phone etc, so that was a relief, plus I'd only packed one cheap H&M dress and a few pairs of underoos, so no biggie but I did have 10 (TEN!!!) of my new gorgeous silk scarves with me. Blah! so annoying. I just wanted to show them off to my Grandmother, sad face :( But I've contacted my insurance company and I will of course be compensated... so that's that.

On to another thing that was annoying was loosing my entire makeup bag. All my favorite brushes and liners and powders gone. The way I'm trying to see it is... they were probably all out dated and needed to be replaced anyhow. Good thing shopping for makeup is super fun!

I decided to try something new, why not! A fresh start! Mineral makeup is what I choose to test out... oh gosh and I'm obsessed! It looks just deliciously gorgeous and natural and perfect on my skin. I hate the feeling of traditional foundation so this is just perfect. Why did I not try this before? It took something as awful as getting my bag stolen... haha should have happened earlier... not.

These images and products are from Etsy seller Beneficial Minerals ( I've sent after the top three eyeshadows... pretty colors huh?) I can't wait to test them out, hope they look as gorgeous as I'm imaging they will. The other mineral makeup, foundation/bronzer etc I tested was purchased at The Body Shop. I highly recommend!

I also found a wonderful skin care line that my skin is just loving. I won't go into that right now, don't want to completely bore you. hehe

Gosh I sound like an infomercial, blah.

SWEDEN

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

4 years ago today I moved to Sweden...with a one way ticket! The bravest, most exciting thing I've ever done. I had no job set up, no friends, no school, nothing... just a place to stay with my Aunt and Uncle. Thinking back to where I started and where I am now 4 years later is pretty impressive (if I say so myself). I've managed to work my way into my dream job, found my dream boy, and I even have a handful of wonderful friends. The only thing that is really missing is seeing my family on a regular basis. I hope to see them in the future more than max once a year.

Roses

2012-01-09T19:22:00.001+01:00

Today really has been a productive day! I haven't started my new city series yet but I did make a new illustration today (well two actually.) Meet Blush Roses and Bright Roses...

Which version do you like best? I just can't choose...

But I'll make both of them available in my shop real real soon.

Monday

2012-01-09T16:41:00.000+01:00

Hello Monday!

Even though today is Monday, it's been a great day. Isn't that weird? Well it hasn't actually been a difficult day. I slept in till 10am, read the newspaper and ate breakfast for at least an hour, took a fabulous shower and then finally got to work at about 1pm. haha a rough workday, not. Almost like half a Sunday. :)

Anywho... I've got a few fresh ideas to start work on. One of you lovely readers suggested I do a series of City portraits, and I just adore this idea. So I'm starting work on Stockholm, Paris and London first. Then maybe I'll do New York, Rome, Barcelona, Tokyo, and so on and so on. I can even do your city! Where do you all live?

Source: tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com via Paula on Pinterest

Stockholm is gorgeous!

Hello Kitty

2012-01-05T16:31:00.000+01:00

Do you think my boyfriend would appreciate finding this in his lunch box?

Unfortunately I don't think so... but I can try!

Bento!

2012-01-05T15:33:00.000+01:00

Hello Thursday!

I'm on another asian food kick this week. I'll I'm craving is simple fresh asian flavors, like... fish sauce and lime, noodles, miso, and sashimi. I spent about an hour in our local asian market devouring all the gorgeous packaging and interesting flavors. I want to try all the different sauces, exotic veggies, and snacks right now! I also recently discovered new to me japanese food sites JustHungry.com and JustBento.com. So now I am just too excited and totally inspired to make lots of delicious to eat and gorgeous to look intricate meals in pretty bento boxes. Rather healthy too!

(Via Flickr. Click for source.)

All I need is a bento box or two.

Too Pretty...

2012-01-04T16:14:00.000+01:00

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Sílvia on Pinterest

Sometimes I feel like this... haha, just kiddin' (or am I?)

Diana Vreeland

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

You didn't miss this year's first Matchbook 'What's in my Bag' illustration? Isn't Diana Vreeland just the best?!

Matchbook January!

2012-01-03T21:16:00.001+01:00

Another fabulous issue of Matchbook is now live! It's just as gorgeous and inspiring as ever...

I think the iconic Diana Vreeland turned out rather fabulous, don't you?

My Workspace

2012-01-03T12:10:00.000+01:00

I don't think I ever showed you the lovely photos my boyfriend took of me in my workspace for my Matchbook Magazine December feature. Only a handful of the photos were shown, but we took quite a few.

Would you like to see where I work? (most days I must add, sometimes I'm lazy and stay on the couch all day, bad Kristina)

I really adore my work table, with lots of natural light... I get rather a lot of work done here.

A Suburban Palace

2012-01-03T09:30:00.000+01:00

Can you imagine that in this boring simple brick house is a grand palace? Plus it's located in a suburb of the Southern Sweden city of Malmö... isn't that wild. Read more here...

I guess you really can't judge a book by it's cover (haha) I wonder if there neighbors know?

Back to Work!

2012-01-02T16:08:00.001+01:00

It's the first working Monday of the new year. Back to work! Almost feels a bit strange after an entire month of parties, celebrations and a lot of free time. But it feels natural... I've got all kinds of things to do. Lots of stores to contact, lots of new scarfs to design, and even more new illustrations to create.

Here are a few things I'd like to draw this year... maybe even this month

Source: volang.elleinterior.se via Kristina on Pinterest

Source: thegirlwhokeepsdreaming.tumblr.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kristina on Pinterest

Source: heartbeatoz.tumblr.com via Kristina on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Kristina on Pinterest

Anything specific any of you would like me to draw? I'd gladly take a few requests!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000+01:00

Hello 2012!

Source: pattersonmaker.com via Dustjacket on Pinterest

Here's to a fabulous year! Cheers...

2011 to 2012

2011-12-31T11:45:00.000+01:00

2011 has been a wonderfully exciting year... a really really really good year actually! Personally; the boyfriend and I have enjoyed living in a larger rental apartment in a lovely cozy suburb of Stockholm. We've fallen even more in love (if that's possible). We've eaten many many many delicious meals and drank countless (well on that many) yummy bottles of wine. Professionally; my business has grown more than I could have imagined. I reached my goal of selling 1000 prints by the end of the year, also I've received lots of great press and blog features. Can't forget my scarves either! This is the biggest step I've taken in expanding my business so far. I'm more than proud of my silk scarves and all the great feedback I have received.

So what is awaiting me in 2012?
- More love of course ;)
- Hopefully a whole lot more traveling this year (2011 was pretty dead in the traveling department). Already planning trips to south Sweden, the island of Gotland, Florida (to see my family yay!), and hopefully Paris or another big European city... and since I'm dreaming why not somewhere really exotic too.
- Take over the world (just joshin', hehe) But expand my brand even more; get my scarves in stores through out Sweden and internationally, and spread the word as much as I can too.
- Create my second collection, hopefully complimented by more than just classic scarves. I'm thinking kimonos, winter scarves, and pocket squares for our gentlemen friends.
- And I'm sure all kinds of other wonderful things will surprise me along the way.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:00:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T15:30:00.000+01:00

It's friday and Christmas Eve Eve. A big yay for this! So tonight the boyfriend and I are off to celebrate a quiet Christmas with the boyfriend's parents in their gorgeous country house. I think we will have a very cozy yummy weekend filled with lots of good Swedish food, laughs and hopefully too many sweets, and hope you will too.

This is what last year looked like. Too bad we haven't gotten any snow this year...

Merry Christmas or as we say in Swedish God Jul!!!

Kitty!

2011-12-22T16:49:00.000+01:00

Thursdays are laundry days here in our household. Laundry would be the most exciting thing I've done all day, how depressing...

This kitty brightened my rather dull day though. Too dang cute not to be happy!

Source: cuteoverload.com via Kim on Pinterest

Hermes Freebies

2011-12-22T10:54:00.001+01:00

Oh goodie! Hermes gave us a little present! A few scarf designs to color in yourself. Thanks Claudia from Peep my Style for letting me know. Now I know where many useful hours will be wasted.
Find them here....

The details in these designs are ridiculous. I think I could study them for hours and hours. They are so perfect!

Obsessed

2011-12-21T12:58:00.000+01:00

I am in love love love with these ceramics! Makes me want to run out to the nearest craft store to buy some white pottery and blue ceramic paint pens and get to work on my own collection. That would be insanely fun, though I'm not sure they would turn out as wonderful as these...

These have been created by the very talented artist Yasmin Sandytia for Mira Santo. She even has another ceramics collection with modern bistro inspired sketches, which you must check out too.

It's impossible to choose a favorite. The one with the pugs, no, the owl, oh the fox is nice too.

Wishes

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000+01:00

I'm not much for asking for things, and I don't really want or need anything, but it's kind of nice to wish for at least a few things... I may even treat myself to something new this Christmas

Here are some of my Etsy Favorites...

A gorgeous gray caplet

The prettiest pair of underoos I've ever seen

These are lovely

This color is amazing

Just too pretty

Audrey Grace Boutique

2011-12-19T12:38:00.000+01:00

The Audrey Grace Boutique that I did a few custom illustrations for is now open! Too bad I won't be able to visit Mississippi, it looks just too cute. Can you see which ones I did?

Hope it's a success.

Ingrid!

2011-12-19T11:54:00.002+01:00

Happy Monday and a big Happy Birthday to my little sister Ingrid today!!! I miss her soo sooo sooo much. I hope she has a wonderful day and knows her big sister is thinking of her. :)

Love you Iggi!

White

2011-12-12T15:00:00.000+01:00

Do you think we'll have a White Christmas this year?

Source: bunburysbees.tumblr.com via n on Pinterest

I sure hope so!

Lady D

2011-12-12T11:10:00.001+01:00

I've got a lovely feature and interview on the blog Lady D Chronicles today. Fun huh?! I answer questions about working as an illustrator, lots about Sweden and even a little about my favorite sweet treat. A must read really, teehee.

Thanks so much Danielle for the feature!

Östermalm, sigh

2011-12-12T09:00:00.000+01:00

Yay it's Monday and I'm finally feeling back to normal. Thank goodness. Phew. Oh and I hope you haven't been worrying too much, haha wink! My weekend was wonderfully relaxed, long and cozy. Not much happened... some really good food, some family visiting, a bubble bath, lots of reading, just a little work, and plenty of lolly-gaging on the internet. Perfection really!

The only thing a little off this weekend was that we didn't get the regular house/apartment for sale section. Boo! So I therefore couldn't torture myself with dream house hunting. (My favorite saturday morning activity, it so happens.) Gosh!

So I had to go directly to the source... skeppsholmen.se

Oh and look what I found! I just adore this extremely expensive apartment located in the fancy snobby area of Stockholm, Östermalm. Love of course the frilly moulding details but even the light gray orange color scheme. It is really really chic. I could move in today if I had millions to pay for it. Another sigh.

Julkalender!

2011-12-10T11:18:00.001+01:00

Hello Saturday! I'm feeling much better. My nose is still red and raw from all the tissue use, but will soon be back to normal. So glad this cold has been rather easy. usch!

Anywho, I've got some special deals available to my Swedish holiday shoppers on Meinto.se today. Yay!!!

40% off all my prints and 20% off my silk scarves. This deal is only available for 24 hours... ends tomorrow Sunday at 9am. :)

It's almost Christmas, yay!!!

Oh Tim Walker!

2011-12-07T11:09:00.001+01:00

I've gone and gotten myself a cold, blah. So while I constantly sneeze and blow my nose, why don't you entertain yourself with this gorgeously inspiring, magical, romantical film about Tim Walker's dreamy photographic works...

Untitled from TWalker on Vimeo.

Fellow Scarf Makers: Kelly

2011-12-05T13:42:00.001+01:00

Happy Monday!

Another lovely illustrator has jumped on the silk scarf train... there really is a scarf revival going on. Loves it! This time it's Kelly Smith the super talented illustrator behind Birdy & Me illustrations with a collaboration with L'avion. Her photorealistic skill level is just ridiculously good and makes for a very interesting scarf... I love the flower border.

Oh how I love scarves!

I still got a few of mine left in the shop... hurry hurry ;)

Anne of Green Gables

2011-12-01T21:00:00.000+01:00

Wasn't Matchbook so lovely! I am so so proud. Did you see my latest illustration in the 'What's in my Bag?' series?, the beloved Miss Anne of Green Gables. She is available in my shop too...

Oh how I adored Anne of Green Gables when I was a little girly growing up in Maine. I remember seeing all kinds of Anne of Green Gables dolls, books, and other merchandise in the little gift shop aboard the ferry my father worked on. I never asked for anything but I sure did enjoy looking. I was so shy growing up. I thought it was the most embarrassing thing in the entire universe to ask for something, even to my parents (I still do, though the shy thing has thankfully gone over, phew!)

Matchbook December!

2011-12-01T20:07:00.001+01:00

Hooray it's finally here, Matchbook December, and guess who's featured? Yours truly perhaps?! Yes!

Being interviewed about my scarf making process and forcing (he did it willing of course) my boyfriend to take fotos of my workspace was really really fun. I am so glad that I could be an even bigger part of my favorite online magazine this month.

Take a peek at the lovely issue here... and don't miss my feature on page 58 ;)

I'm loving the feature on Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant. I can only imagine her closet is amazing... and from the looks of it, her house is ridiculously amazing too.

Oh and any Anne of Green Gable fans?

Tea Party

2011-11-29T21:51:00.001+01:00

Last Tuesday I had a lovely little tea party with some lovely ladies. I dug out my nice china and baked lots of deliciousness that unfortunately didn't make it on to film. But my ever so dainty table setting did. Lots of gold and lots of glittering candles. It was a really nice time... I hope to host lots of lovely tea parties in the future too. New Years resolution perhaps...

The 1920s

2011-11-29T15:20:00.001+01:00

I've drawn a new decades drawing... this time the 1920s. I loved drawing all the art deco details!

All I need to do now is get it colored in. And then draw the 30s and the 40s :)

First of Advent

2011-11-28T18:24:00.001+01:00

Yesterday was the first of advent. I love that it is officially Christmas and we can finally put up all of our decorations and lights. Everyone in Sweden has an advent star or light in their window, brightening the darkness! woo hoo it's so cozy and wonderfully gorgeous. I love it!

Boyfriend and I bought our first traditional advent light for our living room window too. Plus we put up our advent star and the few Christmas decorations we own (Santa pants, and a few glittery slippers in our rosemary/xmas tree.) Boyfriend even bought me a poinsettia!

Oh and then I finally got my pretty in pink Fifi Lapin framed and placed on my mini dressing table.

Pretty huh?

Happy Anniversary to us!

2011-11-28T11:44:00.001+01:00

I had a really lovely weekend. Like, really really lovely. The boyfriend and I celebrated out 3 year anniversary on Saturday with a delicious dinner and lots of hugs and kisses (teehee!) Friday even started our weekend off in the right direction. We went into town and bought lots of yummy food for our special dinner, at Söderhallerna (one of Stockholm's gorgeous indoor food markets.) We adore grocery shopping especially when we get to treat ourselves... we can spend hours in these markets, so much yumminess to look at... and try. We bought 3 types of oysters, smoked Swedish shrimp, and a Pärlhöna (Ginnea Fowl I believe).

Saturday evening couldn't come soon enough, I was just so excited to start slurping up oysters and sipping on crisp white wine, while getting ever so giddy and giggly. I even dolled myself up for our evening at home.

Our first course included...
Swedish oysters (which were ridiculously over priced and not so tasty)
French oysters in two sizes (yummy)
Served with classic red wine shallot vinaigrette or Ponzu with seaweed sallad
Comté cheese
Smoked Swedish shrimp
and a bottle of dry crisp delicious Riesling

Our second course included...
A perfectly roasted ginnea fowl on a bed of mirepoix
Celery root puree and a Chanterelle mushroom au jus reduction sauce
Parsley for decoration
and a bottle of aged red Bourgogne

Dessert included...
A cup of hot tea, a few pieces of chocolate and lots of kisses.

Our Sunday was lovely too, I'll fix another post about that though.

Hope you had a lovely weekend too!

A Mogi Christmas

2011-11-25T10:00:00.000+01:00

Christmas finally feels like it's on it's way... now that Thanksgiving is over I suppose. No turkey, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, or even sweet potatoes covered in marshmallows for me this year, sigh. Oh well, Christmas is my favorite anyway. This weekend is already the first of advent. I look forward to putting up our star in the window and getting a few new advent candles to light up the darkness with.

I just finished a Christmas-y header for a lovely lady named Malin, who has a very popular Swedish blog, Mogis.se she wrote a really lovely post about my work too.

It's it lovely!?!

It shall be a very stylish Christmas indeed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T17:50:00.001+01:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I'm thankful for all of my EmmaKisstina fans so as a big Thank You I have been putting together a few sets of illustrations on Etsy at a reduced prices and I've got a nice deal on Free Shipping on all orders Black Friday through Cyber Monday too, just use code: Xmas2011

Thank you!

More Scarves

2011-11-17T18:17:00.001+01:00

Here are the three other designs I made for the first collection. What do you think?

They are size 40cm x 150cm (16" x 60") Same design, in three colors. Find them in my web shops now!

My Scarves!

2011-11-16T18:36:00.001+01:00

I am just so excited that I can finally announce the arrival of my first collection of silk scarves!

I nearly ran all the way to the post office. Haha! Though I took the subway and a bus to get there instead (no need to go too crazy!) They are all sewn perfectly and the colors are vibrant and perfect.

Just a small note: I only took home a small shipment of the scarves, so there is only a small number of each design available before the holidays. I will make my next order soon though, and they will be ready after the New Year.

Finally in store (can't believe it is for real now)! On Etsy.com and Meinto.se

I'm in love with them! They are seriously gorgeous. Hope you love them as much as I do.

Campadre!

2011-11-15T17:18:00.001+01:00

I'm running a campaign on Swedish shopping site Campadre today through Sunday. Very exciting! You have to be a member to take part in all the fabulous daily deals, so if you're a resident of Scandinavia you should sign up. I'm offering 40% off a selection of prints and print sets, fun huh? Plus there are tons of other popular and upcoming brands featured on the site right now too. I think the site idea is just genius!

Scarf Update!

2011-11-15T16:36:00.001+01:00

I've been getting a lot of questions about my scarves lately so how about an update.

I wish I had more information about when they will be available but I don't. I think I've been saying they are coming tomorrow for about 2 weeks now, very irritating... Plus I had promised they would be available November 1st, so I'm way off schedule! It is embarrassing. And the hard part is that it is out of my control. Blah. The company sewing the scarves has been taking their time and have been very bad at communicating with me.

I hope the extra time means that the scarves will be extra gorgeous (which is what I imagine they will be.) But bad communication is just no fun!

Maybe, just maybe I will get them tomorrow. For real this time! And as soon as I do I will make them available in my web shops. Promise...

Shalimar...

2011-11-14T17:40:00.001+01:00

I made a new illustration today... Shalimar by Guerlain. It turned out really gorgeous, if you ask me... and a little different from my other illustrations some how. I guess it's the darker more potent colors. I think it's a start of something great. What do you think? Any one have Shalimar as their signature scent here?

When I was a teen my father helped me look for my very own signature scent. I loved the idea of having my very own scent, that smelled perfect on my skin, oh so very glamorous. We tried Shalimar (though the light version as I was so young) because it's my Aunt's signature scent, and we're very much alike... but it smelled just awful on me. After some searching I found my scent... Oui by Lancome. I wore it happily for a few years, unfortunately it is now off the market (or at least I thought so). I'm not even sure I remember how it smelled. Since then I haven't really found anything to replace it. I very rarely use perfume these days, but if I do, I think Stella's In Two Peony is just perfect.

I think I'll go spray some on right now...

A red toggle coat...

2011-11-14T15:45:00.001+01:00

I bought myself a present! (Well deserved I think, it's been a while since I last bought myself something nice) A new winter wool coat from TopShop is what I treated myself too. It makes me so happy, it's really warm, and super classic too. Love!

Dream House...

2011-11-14T10:21:00.001+01:00

I found the sweetest house in this weekend's newspaper. It is just so dang perfect! I love that it is converted from and old fire station, really in love with the huge double front doors, the red paint and the tower of course. It's even complete with a play house. If only I had the perfect little family and the funds to purchase my own little perfect first home. Just going to have to wait a few more years :)

Anyone want to buy it for me? hehe

Happy Monday!!!

Fellow Scarf Makers: Coco

2011-11-10T19:44:00.001+01:00

Oh and then there is my favorite fellow scarf maker, only known as Coco, and her Forget Me Not brand of silk scarves. She is Paris based and her designs are amazingly gorgeous. Her scarfs got me thinking of doing my own collection. So huge thanks Miss Coco!!!

I'm loving these new designs with all the tassels. So cool!

Crossing my fingers that I can finally announce tomorrow that my scarves are up in my shop.

Torö in Fall

2011-11-10T15:00:00.000+01:00

It's nearly next weekend and I haven't yet shared pictures from last weekend. But no matter, never to late to take a peek at pretty Fall colored leaves and pretty misty light.

I'm loving how mild this Fall has been. I hope it carries on to be a mild Winter as well. Last Winter was pretty rough. Blah

A very Swedish dinner

2011-11-10T13:31:00.000+01:00

Sometimes the boyfriend and I crave something really really swedish for dinner... like matjes sill (pickled herring) with boiled potatoes, red onion, brown butter and sour cream, with hard boiled egg caviar hard sandwiches.

Sweet salty smokey nutty creamy savory all on one plate. So yummy! If you live outside of Sweden, you can find matjes sill and smokey caviar at IKEA... try it!