For the Love of San Francisco

A life of spontaneity goes hand in hand with dating an entrepreneur. There’s also the occasional unpremeditated trip halfway across the country. This time, I am whisked away to my favorite city, San Francisco.

There’s nothing better than getting away from the stress of reality for a few days and breaking the patterns of everyday life, especially now that things have been exceptionally crazy in my life. San Francisco has so much to offer, beyond the stunning city and ocean views. It’s a mix of old Victorian character and modern eclectic style; A mix of passionate twenty something techies hustling to get funding for their start-ups, in a city that is a major financial hub for the West Coast. You can find all types of people, architecture, cultures, and opinions… all somehow bound together through a love of San Francisco.

Getting into the San Franciscan spirit, I find myself riding around in an Uber Sedan, drinking my way through the city and along the pier, while watch the Giants make it to the World Series (and eventually winning it), with my favorite person in the world by my side, and all along stopping to take some photographs. Dating an entrepreneur can be crazy and unpredictable, but I am definitely enjoying the ride!

Lake Calhoun Living

Here we are again. It’s Fall. The leaves are falling off the trees and there’s snow in the forecast. After a long Spring & Summer of silence on my blog, I am back.

The past year in a nutshell: I got my first “big girl job” (without ‘intern’ in the title), moved out of my parents house and into an amazing apartment in Uptown, I turned 24, and to top it off, my beautiful and only sister had another perfect baby girl. Parties.. weddings.. cabin trips.. the beach.. impromptu sailing rides.. the list goes on.

This was the best summer of my life, and I have never been happier. Summer in Uptown has been amazing, but I’m sure the Fall and Winter seasons in the city will be just as magical.

Here’s a glimpse of Lake Calhoun Living in the Summer:

Christmas Series Part Two | 5 Christmas DIY’s for Decorating on a Budget

Christmas is my favorite time of the year, so it is a shame that I don’t have the money to buy every festive and beautiful decoration I see! I am just getting on my feet financially, so spending loads of money on Christmas decorations is not in the budget! Over the past few months I have come across some great DIY Christmas crafts that will help me save money but still allow me to get in the holiday spirit. I hope you find them useful, and fun!

First and foremost, I fell in love with this idea the instant I saw it. It is cost friendly, east to do, and you end up with a whimsical Christmas decoration that will get you in the spirit every night when you turn it on. Personally, I think this decoration can stay up all year. :) All you have to do is buy a box of Christmas lights, and a canvas of any size. Poke the Christmas lights through the canvas, designing it any way you’d like, and turn the lights on!

A new trend this year is to hang Christmas ornaments around your house… in front of your windows and fireplaces, or in an archway. An easy and soft touch to hanging your ornaments is to hang them with a pretty tulle or ribbon of your choice. Keep it simple by using a variety of silver ornaments, and a sheer white/silver tulle, like you see in the photograph. Using muted colors such as silver and gold make the hangings look classy and not cheesy.

This is a great idea for inspiration, using mason jars as t-lite candle holders, then decorating with some festive pine cones, ribbon, and needles from your tree. Adding a touch of fabric (such as lace) is a great idea, too. Instead of trying to emulate this idea exactly, use it as inspiration, and dig through your own ribbons and decoration, so your mason jar candles will be personal to you.

If you are bored with your traditional tree skirt, then this is a great idea for you! I am OBSESSED with this idea of using sheepskin rugs as your tree skirt! A normally gaudy looking accessory, a sheepskin rug is warm and cozy, perfect for snuggling up under the tree at Christmas time. It also gives the tree and your room a whimsical winter wonderland vibe. I am obsessed. Enough said.

Lastly, here is yet another amazing idea if you are looking to spruce up your tree. Since ornaments can get pretty spendy these days, making my own sounds like a great alternative, especially when they look this pretty. Simply buy clear dollar store ornaments, and decoupage them with beautiful book or newspaper clippings (with mod podge of course). Glaze over the outside with clear spray paint, and coat with glitter. These would also be a great gift idea, specifically for the readers in your life.

I find new, amazing crafts each and every day, so keep your eyes out for more DIY decorating ideas from A Molly Production. Have a happy holiday season & don’t forget to click the images to see their crafty creators.

My Crafty To-Do List

Trying to keep up with all the fun, crafty projects I find these days is impossible, especially now that I am on Pinterest, constantly finding new diy’s and blogs! My crafty to-do list grows larger and larger each day, and I am dying to accomplish all of these fun ideas. I have compiled my favorites to share with you. I am not going to reinvent the wheel by repeating the step-by-step processes for these projects, but instead, will give you a quick run through, and if you are interested, click the photos to be redirected to Pinterest, where you can see links to details & their creators! I am the type of crafter who uses these ideas as a reference, not necessarily following them step-by-step, rather, using them as inspiration as I gander through craft stores for similar materials. It’s fun to see how they turn out when you put your own spin on them! Hopefully browsing these crafty and creative finds will inspire you in some way, too.

1

This first project is a cost friendly & fun idea for wall decor, and will bling up any room! All it takes to complete this sparkly wall art is some wooden letters spelling out your desired word, glue, silver spray paint & silver coins. The step-by-step is pretty self-explanatory… start painting and gluing on those coins! :) Can’t wait to try.

2

Make your own framed art with this free printable of the “9 Be’s” by Gordon B. Hinckley. This is a great project to take inspiration from, and create your own spin-off! If you are a designer, or have any knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign, you can whip up your own printable design to frame. Find or create a quote, layout your type in a unique way, print, then frame. It beats spending $50.00 for a framed quote from a store!

3

Burlap is very in style right now, and can be used for all kinds of projects. This framed earring holder is a great use for burlap, and would be a great DIY gift. Click the photo to find the tutorial, or improvise by finding a nice frame, painting the frame to your liking, and securing the burlap behind it! I am so excited to try this, not to use as an earring holder, but to use as a mini bulletin board where my boyfriend, Jason and I can pin notes to each other! To make it work, I plan on cutting some cork board to place behind the burlap, so the pins have something to securely stick in to.

4

I cannot wait to try this: framed card/photo wreath. For this one, I couldn’t find a step-by-step tutorial from the source, but if you are brave, try improvising. Not only does this look great as wall decor, but would be perfect for organizing your favorite christmas cards, invitations, or photos.

5

This is an easy DIY I can’t wait to try! Dollar store bangles + old sweaters = sweater bangles! Cut up your old sweaters, and paste to the bangles, with the seams on the inside. These are so cute for winter, and you can mix and match different styles and sizes… after all, layering is “in”! :)

6

An antique door knob tie back for curtains. A self-explanitory DIY. You might have to search high and low for your perfect old,vintage doorknob, but once you hit the jackpot, replace your curtain pull backs with your vintage door handles. This is such an adorable idea for the shabby chic lovers. I am keeping my eyes out for the perfect doorknobs.

7

Follow the link for this easy peasy diy tutorial to create these tiny envelopes. In a nutshell, buy a plain white envelope of your desired size, soak to loosen the glue, then lay flat. This serves as your envelope template! Find gorgeous paper of your liking, trace it to size using your template, cut out, then fold and glue! Check out Ruth Bleakley’s page to find out how she came across the idea to do this, it is pretty funny!

8

I am obsessed with these chocolate ice cream bowls! I have a feeling it won’t go as smoothly for me as it looks in this tutorial, but I can’t wait to give it a whirl. Blow up balloons, dip them in melted chocolate, let them dry, then pop. Then they are ready to be filled with ice cream! The most adorable idea ever. The only downside, I am scared of popping balloons!!

9

This is quite possibly, my favorite idea on my crafty to-do list. Click the photo for the full tutorial. In short, she buys dollar store cheap, plain white vases, then she covers with lace (using mod podge and spray paint). The outcome is stunning. It is an expensive look for a small cost.

10

This is probably the cheapest craft idea on my list today, and such a unique concept! Who knew you could have beautiful hanging flower balls by using a wiffle ball for the center, and hot gluing flowers into the holes! Very creative and original.

So, that concludes part one of My Crafty To-Do list! I would love to hear if you have tried, or are going to try any of these ideas. Stay tuned for Part Two, which will feature another ten crafts from my to-do list. Or, you can check out my Pinterest board: All Things Crafty & Creative – http://pinterest.com/mollymahar/all-things- crafty-creative/ for additional fun ideas!

Web Design at its Finest

My Pinterest board, Web Design at its Finest, is filling up with some of the best web designs of 2011, so I am compiling my top 25 favorites, to serve as inspiration and to show the possibilities of web design today.

You no longer have an excuse not to have a website, or to have a site with poor design and navigation, because it’s simply not acceptable. Consumers expect to find a website that quickly gives them the information, products, or services they are looking for, and your website can make or break your relationship with those potential customers. The best web designers don’t simply design a pretty site in Photoshop, but focus on so many technical aspects that go into a functional design… not only knowing how to work with html and CSS, but further, deciding the layout and flow of the site, tackling navigation, making sure it is accessible and useable for those with disabilities, deciding on readable but interesting typography, picking out the perfect color combinations, and much more.

All of these examples are original, creative, and extremely functional designs. They make a statement through simple and easy navigation, unique but readable typography, functional layout, and over-the-top design concepts that will blow you away. To see more web designs I adore, visit my pinterest board: http://pinterest.com/mollymahar/web-design-at-its-finest/ where you can click on your favorite designs and see where I found them.

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739732/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855738174/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855738176/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855738172/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855738177/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739727/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739725/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739730/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739733/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739715/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739664/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739718/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739719/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739717/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739716/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739660/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739658/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739712/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739652/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739638/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739643/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739646/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739656/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855739623/

http://pinterest.com/pin/28569778855738156/

Christmas Series Part One | It’s a Dribbble Christmas: Beautiful Holiday Illustrations

I recently took a stroll through Dribbble.com to check out all the fun and festive holiday illustrations that users have posted this year. It completely filled me with Christmas cheer, and checking the site for new holiday designs is going to be a daily occurrence for me. I love the warmth and cheer you feel from each individual design, because you know that designers have taken a break from their daily projects to have some fun, and create these beautiful pieces.

Here are my 12 favorite holiday designs (so far)! I hope they warm your heart and bring you some Christmas cheer. Visit the links after each design to check out these designers on Dribbble. It is such a great site for design inspiration, to collaborate and connect with other designers, or just to look at cool designs.

May your days be sunny & bright! Happy Holidays!

 http://dribbble.com/shots/314332-Cheers-

 http://dribbble.com/shots/156301-Funnel-Christmas-Tree-Kit

http://dribbble.com/shots/108083-Eldermerry-beer-label-the-hippest-hops-

http://dribbble.com/shots/85916-Final-Product

http://dribbble.com/shots/80549-Candy-Cane-Loader

http://dribbble.com/shots/304079-1st-Christmas-postcard-of-a-series-yet-to-be-made-

http://dribbble.com/shots/156304-Funnel-Christmas-Card-kit

http://dribbble.com/shots/277251-Dickension-style-Christmas

http://dribbble.com/shots/312754-Holiday-Bulb

http://dribbble.com/shots/85706-Christmas-Cardinals

http://dribbble.com/shots/296162-UoN-Christmas-Card-Design

http://dribbble.com/shots/92494-Romans-15-13-Visual-Scripture

Come back soon to see more of my Christmas series, where I will showcase beautiful holiday designs and illustrations, recipes, gift ideas, my festive photography, and more.

The 12 Posts of Christmas

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of year and it goes by all too fast, so I wanted to think of ways to really get into the spirit and enjoy every moment this year. In order to try new things this Christmas, I set some blogging goals. “The 12 Posts of Christmas” will be my way of getting into the spirit by trying different recipes, taking Christmas photographs, making homemade gifts, attending holiday events, & more… then blogging about it! My Christmas posts will be mixed in with my regular blog posts from now until Christmas, so be sure to check back for tons of Holiday fun! I am so excited to document all of my Christmas memories this year, and find new ways to slow down and enjoy all that Christmas brings. I hope it will inspire you to do the same.

Sidenote: In order to preserve Thanksgiving and not spoil all the fun that it brings, most of my Christmas posts will come after November 24th. :) Happy Holidays!

Photo Source: http://www.Marthastewart.com

Print Design Series: 22 Unconventional & Creative Business Cards

There is no sense in representing yourself with a poorly designed business card, especially when designers are coming up with so many creative and unconventional concepts these days. Even if you aren’t a designer, you can still brand yourself with an esthetic card that shows a side of your personality.

Keep in mind that a business card should be readable and professional. Your card should have creative aspects, but designed in a tasteful manner, so you will feel confident handing it out to anyone. Think hard about your personal brand, or company brand identity when deciding what you want your business card to look like… your card should emulate those qualities!

Here are some of my FAVORITE business card designs. Not only are these designs fun to look at, but they all organize the elements well within the frame. They are readable, and portray a certain personality and identity. Visit the links below each card to be redirected to their sources.

http://blog.dingbatpress.com/business-cards/sweet-savory-letterpress-business-cards

http://design-milk.com/10-creative-business-cards/? utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed:+design-milk +(Design+Milk)

http://design-milk.com/10-creative-business-cards/? utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed:+design-milk +(Design+Milk)

http://design-milk.com/10-creative-business-cards/? utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed:+design-milk +(Design+Milk)

http://design-milk.com/10-creative-business-cards/? utm_source=feedburner&utm_campaign=Feed:+design-milk +(Design+Milk)

http://www.wittylove.com/search?updated-max=2011-05- 23T04%3A46%3A00-09%3A00&max-results=5

http://www.ideate.co.za/2009/09/22/10-unconventional-business-cards/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://blog.psprint.com/printing/unconventional-business-card-designs/

http://logodesignerblog.com/creative-business-cards-design-inspiration/

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/50-awesome-and-creative-business-cards/

Print Design Series: Whimsical Invites

My bookmarks folder is overflowing with beautiful printed invitation designs that are not only stunning to look at, but provide inspiration for other designers to think out-of-the-ordinary, and to experiment with different techniques. Instead of hiding away in my folder, these whimsical designs are finding their way into my blog.

It is amazing to see how far print designs have come over the years, not only with invitations, but with business cards, promotional materials, posters, and more. I truly enjoy exploring for and looking at the work of talented designers, because they compose the elements and typography in such beautiful and interesting ways. Each design piece I have compiled has its own unique style, and their designers experiment with new concepts, illustrations, & typefaces.

Graphic design is a constant learning process for me, as it is for any designer, no matter how much experience you have. Having just started designing about three years ago while studying graphic design in college, I sometimes feel like a needle in a haystack, disappearing into a world of amazing designers. All I can do is continue to design, try new things, and gain inspiration to keep moving forward. Coming across designs like the ones you see here contribute to the realization that this is definitely what I want to spend my life doing. I hope they can inspire you, too. Enjoy!

http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/rolodex/regas-new-york/

http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/rolodex/regas-new-york/

http://www.joelfelix.com/grad-cards

http://feltandwireshop.com/system/product_images/1723/original/_fullshotofall.jpg?1266098523

http://www.joelfelix.com/la-celebracion

http://www.thomas-printers.com/wedding-invitations/mitolo.html

http://www.thomas-printers.com/wedding-invitations/lise.html 

http://www.thomas-printers.com/wedding-invitations/laura.html

http://designspiration.net/image/51947/

http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/08/ashley-peters-yellow-and-gray-patterned-letterpress-wedding-invitations/

http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/09/danielle-pauls-vintage-inspired-marquee-halloween-wedding-invitations/ 

http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/woodland-weddings/

For the Love of {Instagram} Photography

Instagram, as you may have heard by now, is a free photo sharing app for the iPhone, but to its users it is much more than that. Instagram has become a social media network all its own, that crosses international boundaries and brings people together through a mutual love of photography.

I joined instagram approximately five months ago, and have been hooked ever since. Those who don’t use Instagram may never understand the type of environment it produces, the type of relationships that are formed, and the beautiful filters that can be used to bring photos to life, like my personal favorite: Earlybird! It is so fun to see everyone’s unique photos, and to learn and improve my own photography.

I am featuring some of my favorite users in this post: @Sunrisegirl, @Virginiablue, @Adleyy, @Luminousgrey, and @Jeroenv. They are just five of my many favorites, but great examples of the type of work you can find on the app.

@Sunrisegirl, also known as Danielle, is an Instagramer from southern California, transplanted in Wisconsin and making the best of it. She not only takes beautiful photographs, but is someone who genuinely cares about others work, even though she has over five thousand followers. She is a fellow midwesterner, so I always look forward to her photos! Here are some of my personal favorites from Danielle’s collection.

@VirginiaBlue, otherwise known as Deb, says “If I was a song, I’d be a Moonlight Sonata.” Deb’s photos are simply stunning; Consistent, colorful, & beautiful! She typically uses the Toaster filter, and it works so well with her style of photography.

@LuminousGray is Miss Heather Pauline. Her bio states “I walk here and there, seeking wide open, flat spaces against a sky up high…” Her photos are serene and beautiful, and she deserves way more followers than she currently has because her work is amazing.

@Adleyy shares her “Cozy Photo Life Story” on Instagram, including beautiful photos of nature and life. She created a competition, the #Adley_challenge, which brings users together, discussing and sharing on a specific topic; my best friend animal challenge, nature, and more. I won her nature challenge! :)

@Jeroenv Verhulst is an IG’er from Holland. “A social worker, married and father of my sweet daughter Billie Kee. Photos made with dslr camera and iPhone 4. Enjoy my feed.” Not much else to say about Jeroen other than, you will LOVE his work. Here are a few samples.

Here are a few samples of work from my instagram, @MollyElizabethMahar:

If you have an iPhone, Instagram is the place to be and I would suggest getting the app asap! If you haven’t yet converted to an iPhone, you can check out Webstagram.com to see what is going on in the IG world. Thanks for reading.