Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from David (aka Old Brand New) and me! This photo was taken during our UniqueLA adventure by Oh! Snap Studios--it's our blogger Christmas card! David has been an amazing friend and inspiration to me during this past year and I can't help but reflect on how much blogging has changed my life and connected me with so many creatives--and for that I am thankful...so very thankful. Thank you to all of you for visiting I ART U--for your constant support and comments and love. I heart you!

Wishing you the happiest of holidays to you and yours. xo! -J.

Ornaments

What's gracing your trees? Check out my post on Inspired to Share to see what's hanging around these parts this year. There was a lot of sparkle last year, but we're going a more natural route this season. I'd love to see your ornaments!

Christmas Cards

I love receiving Christmas cards! This year the most exciting cards have been from my clients--it's a bit surreal opening the envelopes and seeing images that I snapped. Did any of you send out holiday cards? I'd love to see what you're creating this season. I'm putting the finishing touches on Josh and my card this year and will show you soon. Take a peek at what we sent out last year, here. Hope you're enjoying these last few days before Christmas!

Tea Time

Vintage vessels, sweet treats, and good company--just a little tea time at work. It's hard not to love my job!

Gift Guide No. 2

I think I'm in love with the above...what about you?

Row 1:

Ash Wood Cutting Board 

Spice Rack 

Sabine Floor Lamp 

Row 2:

Cube Terrarium 

Kinfolk Magazine 

Sparkle Hunt Cushion Cover 

Row 3:

Clutch via Of a Kind

Duluth Pack Canvas Backpack 

Chambray Ex-Boyfriend Shirt 

Moments

A few sweet moments 'round these parts. And a big congrats to my brother and his sweet girl--they're engaged to be married!

Hope you are having a lovely week...!

Aloha Sunday Supply Co. Giveaway! [Giveaway Closed]

Aloha Sunday Supply Company was one of my favorite shops I visited while working in San Diego earlier this year (see images from my visit, here!). Their friendly staff, carefully curated apparel and accessories, and overall design aesthetic of the space made an impression on me. I'll be making it a point to stop there when I'm in town again!

They recently opened an online shop and in celebration of their launch they are offering one I ART U reader three products that give a taste of what they have in store--a bottle of Cold Spring Apothecary Sea Salt Spray ($26.50), an Industry of All Nations Faja Belt ($15.50), and a pair of IOAN Espadrilles ($35.00). 

A little bit about the brands...

• Based in lush Hudson Vally area of New York is Cold Spring Apothecary. Owner and proprietor, Stacey Dugliss-Wesselman's mission is to craft effective health products with respect to the environment and those using them.
• Industry of All Nation is a design label based in Los Angeles committed to importing the best products around the world. IOAN gives an international platform to small businesses to countries like Argentina, Mexico, and Peru.

To enter, sign up for Aloha Sunday's newsletter (at the bottom right hand side of their landing page) and comment here to let us know you did. Giveaway closes on December 16th, 2011 at 11:59 PST.

*Use "IARTU" for 20% off any Cold Spring Apothecary or Industry of All Nations products through December 16th or mention I ART U at their North Park shop for the same discount.

Gift Guide No. 1: Etsy

Buying or making presents for people is one of my favorite things to do! I've gotten a good head start on my gift buying this year--it's quite unusual for me, but there have been so many beautiful things on the web i've seen lately that remind me of my friends. Above is a roundup of a few sweet goods I've spotted on Etsy. This year, I'm trying to shop most (if not all) handmade/local/fair trade/eco-friendly. Who's with me?

Row 1

Hand Carved Wood Textile India Block Stamp via Ta Ta

Le Red Fox Stud Earrings via le animalé

Wood Jewel Necklace via Homako

Row 2

Hand-painted Beach Pebbles via The Black Bird Sings

Boyfren Bag via BFGF

Teal Tipped Feather Globe via Another Feather

Row 3

Miniature Icosahedron via Wearable Planter

Foggy Mountain Tops Print via Ribbon Squirrel 

Wool Carry All via Tree Size Verse

Handmade Holiday

I am thoroughly enjoying Jennie's Handmade Holiday series. It's been a favorite of mine so far this year. Take a look at her beautiful blog--Odessa May Society.

All images by Jennifer Prince.

Weekend.

This weekend was good. I was lucky to hang and visit with some very kool kats. Anyone else make it out to UniqueLA? What'd you think? I love seeing such a fun and creative community come together! Besides that creative commotion, I shot a wedding and spent some much needed time with my family. I feel like I'm ready for another weekend! How was yours?

December Sponsors

Hello, December! I am thankful for my awesome sponsors this month. Be sure to click on over to their shops and blogs--there is so much talent happening on the right-hand side of I ART U. If you're looking to shop for local/handmade gifts this season...take a look-see. ;)

Sponsors in red.
1 Blog--So much style over on Lawn Party. (source)
2 Shop--Beautiful handmade soap by Hwasoon Kim, Morning Calm.
3 Blog--Jessica's wishlist has me drooling!
4 Shop--Gold dipped bead via A Merry Mishap.
5 Shop--LET IT BE via Restyle Prints.
6 Shop--Spanish Sunset via Ribbon Squirrel.
7 Blog--Beautiful portrait session on Once Wed of Travis and Elise (Pennyweight).
8 Blog--A French themed mixtape for your ears via Live and Enliven.
9 Shop--Stay warm with a cowl this winter via ECG Design.
10 Blog--Colorful paper by Minimega via The Veda House.