bold bib necklaces

Bib necklaces are everywhere right now and they make such a statement. You can make a simple outfit suddenly bold and amazing or add to a glamorous look. This key piece of jewelry really makes the outfit. They look best with a simple neckline or something simple like a solid tee.

1 Eco Friendly Felt Flower Bib - LittleFluffStuff.etsy.com
2 Gem Forest Bib - Anthropologie.com
3 Feather Trim Ribbon Necklace - Forever21.com
4 Jewelled Rosette Bib - BejewelledBespoke.etsy.com
5 Mixed Jewel Bib - ArdenB.com
6 Dark Diva Bib Necklace - BeingOfLove.etsy.com
7 Risotto Bib Necklace - Anthropologie.com
8 Circa 78 Wildflower Necklace - UrbanOutfitters.com

scooter lovers

I know this is extravagant. But when I ran across this item I thought it was too adorable not to share. Most people would consider it insane to spend $2,000 on a toy for their children. I completely agree. But no one can argue, this handmade Rocking Italian Scooter is gorgeous. Consider it a work of art (still not in my budget.) But it is fun to look at. The details are amazing, it even has working lights. This amazing rocker can be found at TheatronItalianArt.etsy.com.

wednesday wishlist

These great kitchen finds seemed like a perfect fit for my Wednesday wishlist this week.

Artist series twist and shut bowls - Delight.com
Kitchen timer retro wall clock - PureModern.com
Martha Stewart recipe box - Macys.com
Dwell 5 piece kitchen set - Target.com

gorgeous illustration

In my recent issue of ReadyMade I stumbled upon the delightful illustration work of Jacqueline Bos. I've included some artwork from her website jacquelinekari.com, images of her sweet little books from her etsy shop jackiepeppermint.etsy.com and some illustration branding work she did for the fashion line It's Ok My Dear. Her work is so delicate and pretty. I love it.

and the winner is...

dianereafsnyder. Congrats on winning the necklace giveaway! And a big warm thank you to all of you who signed up and follow the STELLA+HODGE blog. I appreciate my readers immensely and love reading comments from you.

wednesday wishlist

blue and green modern cocktail ring - sofacityaccessories
green zircon ring - AnaKim
black sparkle ring - Patina
simple circle broken plate ring - The Broken Plate
dots silver ring - Blissiful
electric artisan ring - Taylors Eclectic

February W7 sale this weekend

If you are in the area come check out all the new STELLA+HODGE designs, plus a bunch of other sweet finds.

new cards

I've also been working on some new card designs.

new necklaces

I have been busy preparing for the upcoming W7 sale this coming weekend. Here are some necklaces I've been working on...

DIY valentine goodie bags from Twig & Thistle!

If you don't already know about the blog TwigandThistle.com, you must check it out. It is one of my favorites! Kathleen is incredibly talented and so inspiring. She created these adorable valentine goodie bags and is so kindly sharing the files on her blog. Download them and print your own to fill with sweet valentine treats!

come sign up for my tin necklace giveaway!

I will be giving away one of my charming upcycled tin necklaces. This lovely necklace has a repurposed tin pendant cut from a vintage tin. Edges are filed for your safety. Pendant measures 3/4 inch and hangs from an 18 inch antiqued bronze ball chain.

To enter the drawing you need to do one of the following, each one will get you one entry.
1. Visit STELLA+HODGE and come back and comment about your favorite thing from my shop.
2. Sign up as a follower of my blog.
3. Become of fan of my facebook page.
4. Blog about this giveaway.
5. Twitter or facebook about this giveaway.

You must come back and comment about what you did with a link and way to get a hold of you. Drawing closes Feb. 12 and winner will be announced on Feb. 14. Good luck!

wednesday wishlist for the romantic

I find all these items just spilling over with beauty. The gorgeous flowered papers are from Katespaperie.com. This first one is actually pink flowers on a silver background, LOVE it! And this plush heart necklace you can find in the a d o r a b l e etsy shop jackiepeppermint.etsy.com. When I read this valentine card I can hear Carrie Bradshaw's voice on Sex and the City (except she was talking about shoes.) This letterpress card is found at paper-source.com. I have been admiring these little charming collage heart pictures for quite some time from sarahandbendrix.etsy.com. And last but not least, this lovely card is from eggpress.com.

my redesigned portfolio

As I mentioned last night I've been spending all my free time working on updating my portfolio. Actually, updating is an understatement. I hadn't worked on my portfolio since 2003 when I graduated from college. I took some photos so you could see what has been sucking up all my time. And maybe this will help you forgive me for neglecting my blog lately :)  See some detailed notes below...

I bought this suitcase a couple years back with my portfolio in mind. What started out brown with travel stickers all over it is now a lovely chartreuse.

I love the color green, all shades, and that I love patterns. I bought sheets of linen book cloth and ran it through my printer with a pattern I designed. This fabric is what I used to line the entire suitcase and the inside covers of my book. I then printed all my portfolio pages and used chartreuse book cloth tape when putting the book together. I also added a large chartreuse envelope with a euro flap in the back of my book to hold copies of my resume. There is another small matching envelope that holds my business cards.

I have designed a lot of packaging. And sometimes photos do not do a project justice. Because I had this big case I wanted to build a base inside that fit examples of some of my projects. I took a piece of brown mat board and used my mat cutter to cut windows. And built a base underneath. Because you could see the recessed pockets when the pieces were removed. I lined it all with another blue patterned paper. Just a pretty detail that I think really helped finish it off. I also attached another large envelope in the top of the case to hold a catalog that I designed.

I am passionate about how things are packaged. I'm also very detailed and I wanted my entire portfolio to be a project in itself and really reflect who I am as a designer.  I hope you liked taking a peek. I'd love to hear any comments or feedback!

excuses excuses

I feel terrible that I have been neglecting my blog lately. Every bit of my free time has been put toward redoing my design portfolio. Carrying case, actual book, layouts, editing photos, printing pages, creating a web portfolio. This project has been long overdue. I don't know if non-designers understand how much time and detail goes into our portfolios. A good book makes such a huge difference. The difference between getting hired or another designer out there getting hired. Lets face it, the pool of unemployed designers is a very crowded one, so you really need to stand out.

I'll take some photos tomorrow in case anyone is interested in how it turned out. In the end, I'm feeling really proud and happy with how it turned out and even had two interviews last week in which I received great feedback.

Stop back and check out photos tomorrow. I also have a surprise. I really appreciate my readers and followers during this hectic time and I think its time for another giveaway!!

thanks for understanding ❤ Devon