Hello friends. Things have REALLY been happening here in the studio. There is so much to tell you about. Antique tools, the best machine shop in all the world helping me and the evolution of my creative process. It is the sort of post that deserves everything I can give. Until that later post (which will be amazing). I can offer you this adorably sweet velvet blossom posy that I just added to the site.

Each blush velvet flower is double faced so it is soft on the front and the back. I love the way it makes it feel so much more plush than single sided velvet flowers. Each one is hand pressed in an antique flower press and then added to a dupioni silk wrapped stem. Making each one a finished piece. The nice thing about Emici Livet bouquets is that they are truly heirloom quality. A wonderful way to have something special for the next generation as a link to your beautiful memories today. You can find this bouquet on the site here.

Adored being able to be a part of this completely amazing photo shoot by Ivy and Stone Photography featuring this stunning Anne Barge bridal gown and the Emici Livet Liana gemstone fan.

 

I love working with industry friends like Joyce from La Vie la Gage Couture Events. Here is an image that I had to share with you from a recent Cinderella themed photo shoot she styled. The special Emici Livet ring bearer pillow took to the other shades of blue so well. Ruffle heaven right here. Gown: Blue Disa by Lova Weddings. Photography: Rebecca Marie Photography. Shoe (Cinderella lost the other one): Kate Spade.

Looking for a distinct wedding venue? The sort of place that will take the best of your childhood hopes and dreams and turn them into reality? Look no further. It is almost like the woods in Issaquah Washington, about 30 minutes outside of Seattle, were cultivated especially for Treehouse Point. It really is magic in motion at varying speeds. The sway of the branches as the wind sings through them, the river that wanders at the edge of the property. There is so much wonder and delight here, I don’t know where to begin other than starting with the feeling it gives me. The very sense of what I see and wish I could breathe in all the time whether I was there or not.

Treehouse Point is the creation of Pete Nelson, whose masterful work can also be seen on Animal Planet’s show Treehouse Masters. This has marked my 2nd stay at Treehouse Point. Oh and by the way dear friends, if you do visit, please ask Damon the manager to tell you the story about The Bear Lady. A title that I proudly earned on my first visit but I will leave the funny story telling about that to Damon.

Treehouse Point is a unique wedding venue that only hosts one wedding on any date. That means that you and your guests would have exclusive use of the entire property with overnight accommodations in all of the treehouses. They also offer a granting of one of three pre-determined wishes with a booking of one of their larger wedding packages. Elopement packages are available as well making the stress of planning a larger wedding just melt away.

This is a very popular destination so please contact them to set up your preliminary visit to book your date now. I personally can’t wait for my next overnight stay in the trees. Until then I will just sway while I create in the studio. XOxoXO -Marie

Bridal photo and floral tablescape credits to Amanda Lloyd Photography.

A recent bride who currently lives in Saudi Arabia posted this generous comment on my Instagram feed this morning.

These words are a gift. Every piece that leaves the studio is dear to me. Through my work, bridal clients are sharing one of the most important days of their lives with Emici Livet. It infuses every thought that I have about my designs. All the behind the scenes work that I adore. When I am sourcing materials or rare antique tools, I am hoping to bring that joy to others. Receiving comments like this in any form or place is truly one of my happiest heart songs. XO -Marie

The challenge was a simple and fun one. Create a ring bearer pillow for a Cinderella inspired photo shoot. It brought me back to being a little girl, watching my VHS animated Cinderella for the 112th time. Yes, that’s right, be kind and rewind. Disney has remade its animated classic into a live action movie and the enduring allure of Cinderella has been taken to even higher peaks. For me, and many others, the most iconic part of the movie is Cinderella’s enchanted ball gown.

Now please excuse me while I put on my fairy godmother hat. If I were a fairy godmother, I know that I would never skimp on ruffle or sparkle. My design began with a pillow base of the palest icy blue silk satin. Now here comes the horse drawn carriage of drama. Blue washed out waves and waves of couture pleated tulle. Each ruffle is a layer of bias hand cut dupioni silk that has been ruffled between no less than three layers of pleated tulle. Each cascade falls into another creating a crescendo of texture. Now fear not, there is no need to worry that this pillow will turn back into something else at the stroke of midnight. Fairy magic is permanent in the Emici Livet studio.

Another view of the way light can play with pleating. Shadows and angles change what you may see.

A heavily jeweled band of Swarovski crystals and rhinestones in clear and ab runs diagonal across the entire front. The back is tufted with a glass button of course. A dedication to the famous glass slipper. So what do you think? Have you seen the new Cinderella movie? If you have little princes or princesses I would get in my pumpkin and take them. This one of a kind ring bearer pillow will be available for purchase soon on my site. Of course I would love to hear your thoughts below. Until next time. Lots of love dear friends. Xoxo. -Marie

 

Sitting here at my desk, it is calm and quiet. I can hear children playing and that sound is a force for good all on its own. This post is inspired by simple pleasures and simple designs. Elements that seem effortless and look like they may have always been together even if it took a while to get there. The familiar yet still longed for feeling of a welcome embrace or deep breath of fresh air.

I remember the first time I heard my own children laugh with each other while playing alone when I left the room. Their interaction was a milestone at that time. Small things can have a big impact and those tiny giggles made my heart feel as though it would burst. It was one of the happiest sounds I have ever heard. That exact moment was new to my ears and I wanted to live in it for just a little longer. Pausing on the other side of the wall, I could hear my son speaking softly to his baby sister. Then the two of them laughed again. Perfect mini joy vignette.

People are beginning to venture outside a lot more around here in Washington state and it seems that as the frost is shrugged aside all those springtime pleasures are gaining frequency. So very routine but felt absent for too long. Walking without a deep chill, feeling warmth from the sun on your uncovered skin. The lightness that comes with not needing 12 emergency layers in the trunk of your car that you hope you never need to call upon. It might be too hot later but for right now? Oh yes. perfection. I am going to just sit here on the other side of the wall for a moment and soak this in.

Let’s talk about the pieces pictured here a bit. I try to make things that I feel are classically beautiful but have a unique feel to them. Being submerged in the day of hand dyeing silks, prepping it for the presses and planning the shapes. The fabric is cut once it is ready and the chosen antique presses need to be warmed up. There is a lot going on under the surface of each flower. Color, shape, texture, pairing and adornments. Not to mention sometimes fabric decides what shape it wants to take and you alter course to accommodate. A labor of love for people in love. Nothing could be better.

Opal is one of my father’s favorites and this flower is the first I have used it in. I could not help but think of him when I made this piece. We are currently working together on restoring some amazing antique presses for my floral library. I really am so lucky to have such a smart, talented and loving dad. Great memories as we add a bit more story to Emici Livet designs and the tools I use to create them with.

A ring pillow with a simple but defined perspective too. This was a custom order for a client who loved the Emici Livet Love Knot pillow but wanted it in a 6×6 inch size. Mini pillow cuteness? Yes! Who’s the cutest pillow? You are.

Had a fun game that I ran quickly in the spur of the moment recently on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to name this feathered flower comb above. My friend Arah chimed in with “Cosette” as her suggestion AAAAND it was the perfect fit. Go team! I have been known to run pop up events like that so if you are into any of those sites it would be fun to get together there as well. Drop me a line! Cosette is available now and if you sweet talk me, I can create it in bridal white or ivory too.

My velvet obsession. These petals are so soft you won’t believe it. Double sided purring goodness that will turn you into a grown person that looks like a cat with catnip. It’s a pleasure to bring these Elita flowers to sashes now. Available in many colors. Don’t see what you want? Send me an email and we’ll see if we can create the perfect blossom belt just for you.

This is Ella. An elegant flower that I have been designing for a while. Finally it is ready! I loved the idea of layering the freshwater pearls to add depth and highlighting them with Swarovski rhinestones. The petals are ruffled and cupped. Blooming effortlessly. All hand pressed in antique floral presses in the Emici Livet studio. This is available in blush as shown, bridal white and ivory.