Emerald Party Inspiration

You may have heard by now that Pantone named emerald the color of the year for 2013. It’s a bold yet sophisticated hue that (for some of us) may seem a bit intimidating to style into our wardrobes and homes. Don’t worry though, we’re in luck because emerald green is perfect for a St. Paddy’s Day celebration! 

emerald party inspiration from one charming life

balloons // cocktails // cake // garland // Dom // napkins

Shades of emerald will make any party lively and chic. So, for your next event, why not channel your inner Dorothy and take a trip to the Emerald City?

(Speaking of which… does anyone want to see the new Oz movie with me?) ;)

XO, Mariel

For Your Valentine

Valentine’s day is right around the corner. I’m a huge fan of flowers and dark chocolate, but one thing I look forward to each year is getting a sweet card from Mr. Husband.

Show your love this holiday with a pretty card for your sweetheart or BFF.  There are so many fresh and lovely designs to be found, and I promise they’ll make your loved one smile. Here are a few of my favorites…

Valentines day cards handpicked by one charming life

1) Sparks by Blue Eye Brown Eye, $8

2) Peace, Love & Cupcakes by Parrott Design Studio, $4.50

3) Je t’aime by Rifle Paper Co., $4.50

4) Zealous Arrows by Lindsay Letters, $5

5) Hearts & Hearts by Inclosed, $3

I adore Rifle Paper Co.’s hand-painted flowers and hot pink lettering. What’s your Valentine’s day tradition? Do you send or exchange cards?

XO, Mariel

One Charming Life on Etsy

Exciting news!

The One Charming Life shop has officially opened.  If you’re in need of pretty hand lettering for a special occasion, I’d love to meet you over on etsyone charming life now on etsy

And be sure to stay tuned for more… I’ll be adding new items over the next couple of weeks. :) Thanks for your love & support!

XO, Mariel

Chic Paleo Brunch with The PBQ

Happy New Year! 2013 is officially here. And what better way to kick it off than with a fabulous {and good for you} brunch. The Primal Beauty Queen and I have partnered up again to bring you tips on planning a Paleo New Year’s Brunch. Dee has created some scrumptious Primal recipes {Apple Cinnamon Waffles, Omelette Cups, Pear & Walnut Salad, and a few drinks too, YUM} and I’ve created a quick and easy idea for place cards.

brunch table setting from one charming life

DIY Succulent Place Cards from One Charming Life

Here’s what you’ll need: 

1 mini succulent per guest  //  small vase or votive per guest  //  tags  //  pen

Here’s what to do:

Simply place each succulent in a small vase {I used mercury glass votives}. Write each guest’s name on a tag, and tie it around the plant {I used white calligraphy on kraft paper tags, but you can really use anything!}. Place one at each setting, and your guests have a new plant to take home with them and care for as they start off the new year.


DIY mini succulent place cards with calligraphy

teal and neutral brunch place setting

Call up your friends & family and enjoy the first few days of 2013 together. And don’t forget to visit Dee’s blog for the yummy recipes. ;)

May your new year be blessed with love, laughter & new adventures!

XO, Mariel

P.S. If you’re looking for a dinner party, check out this post. :)

Gold Stamped Gift Tags

I love wrapping presents. Almost as much as I love giving them. Even as a kid, each Christmas I looked forward to helping my mom wrap up the gifts for my sister and brother. I think it has something to do with the care that goes into wrapping up a gift into a pretty little package, and then seeing the anticipation of your friend/family/loved one as they open it and see what’s inside.

This year, I wanted to add a special touch to our Christmas presents. I created a calligraphy ‘noel’ stamp and embossed it everywhere I could in glittery gold ink. {For instructions on gold embossing, visit this tutorial by Antiquaria on Oh So Beautiful Paper.} I wrapped our presents with kraft paper and a bunch of gold washi tape. Then tied the tags on with twine bows.

gold holiday noel gift tag

kraft paper, twine and gold wrapped Christmas presents

DIY gift tag with gold embossed custom stamp

Holiday stamps are a quick and easy way to add a bit of beauty to your Christmas presents. Mix and match stamps from your local craft store, or check out some of the pretty designs from these talented ladies below.

charming holiday rubber stamps

peace joy love    //    baby it’s cold outside    //    to: from:

P.S. Want to tie the perfect bow? Learn how to here. :)

Enjoy customizing and handing out your pretty gifts this Christmas!

XO, Mariel

Custom Monogrammed Stationery

Last month, one of my fabulously creative friends asked me to create stationery for her mom and two sisters. It wasn’t something I’d done before, but I was so inspired by her ideas and couldn’t wait to get started.

Kathryn (a classy Southern girl) asked for monograms in calligraphy. So perfect. I did some research and we decided on colorful monogrammed note cards and notepads. But after we got started, she came up with a brilliant addition: custom rubber stamps so their charming little monograms can be pressed wherever they wish. Adorable!

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notepad from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stationery Set from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Stamp from One Charming Life

Custom Calligraphy Monogram Notecard Gift from One Charming Life

I adore how they turned out. I can’t wait to make and gift a few of my own… and perhaps make one for myself as well! :)

XO, Mariel

Winter Wonderland Envelopes

I loved doing something different for these baby shower invites. The whimsical lettering is so playful and unique. And the envelopes looked lovely paired with the vintage-inspired invites inside… perfect for a casual winter get-together celebrating the mother-to-be.

grey envelope with white lettering calligraphy from one charming life

baby boy shower invitation - light blue and grey

grey envelope return address with white lettering calligraphy - One Charming Life

Special thanks & congratulations to the cutest baby boy and his sweet momma. :)

XO, Mariel