Week In Review & Behind-the-Scenes

It's been a busy, but wonderful week. I've got some fun behind-the-scenes pics from my stint on the KARE 11 Today show that photog (and super friend) Emily Steffen kindly shot. The host Pat Evans, was really sweet.

On Sweet Tooth:

I made my first TV appearance on KARE 11 to share this pink, tangerine, and aqua Valentine's table.

We saw more evidence of the Pooch at a Party trend here and here.

Pink and gold won me won on this shimmery Valentine's Day dessert table.

This Cinco de Mayo dessert table was the perfect balance of cultural and classy. 

We chatted on Facebook and Twitter about this golden heart shaped chocolate cake.

I shared this incredibly easy, incredibly Valentine's Day favor idea.

On The Sweet Life:

I interviewed the owner of Sweets Bakeshop to find out what their plans are for their new shop.

I also guest blogged for my friend Maddy Hague on The Inspired Bride, because she's sitting shiva.

This cake is so breathtaking, that I had to share it here with you, too.

images by Emily Steffen

Behind the Scenes: Mpls Photo Center Workshop

A few weeks ago, I shared some sneak peeks of a project I was undertaking with photog Emily Steffen. The Mpls Photo Center was the venue for Emily's first photography workshop. She was going to teach students the art of photography, give tips on how to run a successful photography business, and some other tricks of the trade. To really give the students some hands-on practice, Emily needed some great wedding details for them to shoot.

She asked me to design a dessert table for the fictional wedding, and we along with florist Melissa of Sadie's Floral, Abby of the Mpls Photo Center, and Bethany of b*spoke collaborated to come up with the concept. I gathered these images (and a few more) to help get us all on the same page for the event's look. Stylist Bethany wanted a modern, graphic look, which I think is reflected in the board I created. She also opted for a poppy red color, rather than true orange.

Emily captured some of the students at work.

I'll be back with some more pics of the dessert table.  In the meantime, enjoy today's second post, which I'll share with you shortly. It's a wickedly fun dessert table that also has a graphic, bold color palette. See you soon!

Behind the Scenes: Mpls Photo Center Walk-Thru

If you've been following me on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know that I'm working on a new design for a collaboration with photog Emily Steffen, stylist Bethany Hway, and florist Melissa Stratton of Sadie's Florals. We'll be putting our skills to work to create something really fun at the Mpls Photo Center.

Monday, we all met to view the venue and brainstorm the design concept. Just check out this space.

The space is so big that there's room for several living areas.

After jotting down some ideas, we headed downstairs to check out some of Melissa's inventory.

After the meeting, I created an inspiration board so we can all visualize the design we want to create.

I love this stage of the design process. It's all about finding images, fabrics, and ideas that motivate and inspire you. Each item speaks to you and stands out from the other million images you've come across. At this stage, you put logic and rational thought aside. You focus strictly on the imaginative, "what if" ideas that pop into your head.

Tell me, how do you find inspiration for your design projects?

Behind the Scenes: Woodsy Photo Shoot

Earlier this week, I mentioned that photog Emily Steffen and blogger/stationer/stylist Bethany Hway and I were teaming up to bring you a great seasonal dessert table. After lots of brainstorming and one day scouting, Emily and Bethany found the perfect natural setting for our project.

Don't worry, we cleaned up all of our prep work before leaving the state park.

Bethany and Emily tag teamed the table and took lots of pretty pics.

 

 

This really was a dream setting. I can't wait to share the final images with you.

Have a great weekend!

Behind the Scenes: Nonpareil Magazine Shoot

This weekend, I finally got a chance to meet photog Emily Steffen while we worked on a photo shoot for Nonpareil Magazine together. I'd seen her portfolio, so I was excited to have her shoot this project for Maddy Hague and me.

I used these mounds of crushed candies for one of our projects.

We also did some last-minute cutting to make sure everything was picture perfect.

After a few test shots, we decided which backgrounds and color groupings we liked best.

Then it was time to shoot. If you remember this commercial shoot, then you know that this process of taking only a few test shots is much shorter. Neither method is better than the other, it just depends on the needs for each specific project.

I wish I could show you more, but I don't want to ruin the surprise. I'll be back with more once the issue is published.

Behind the Scenes: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

Yesterday's Mpls.St.Paul Magazine shoot went really well, so I wanted to share a few behind-the-scenes shots that I was able to grab while we worked. The morning of the shoot, I made these faux bois chocolate rounds. They were very easy to make, so I'll be back with the tutorial for those tomorrow.

Along with the rounds, I also brought the remnants to the set. You never know what will work best for the shoot, so it's good to bring everything. I like the sharp angles and abstract forms of these pieces.

When I arrived at the studio, I started setting up the table and unpacking the desserts while the photographer and I waited for the art directors to arrive.

If you've never been on a commercial set, let me tell you, it's a flurry of activity. Along with the photographer, you usually also work with an art director, and sometimes there is also a stylist on set. Everyone on set has the same goal, to compose a shot that translates well in print, is impactful to the readers, and showcases the subject well.

For this shoot, I worked with photographer Steve Henke and two art directors from MSP Mag, Terri and Brian. Here, Steve and Terri (far right) check out the shot on the computer to see what adjustments we should make. Steve's daughter (left) hung out for the shoot, too. 

After each shot, we all view it on the computer and make micro adjustments to improve the layout. We move things for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps a cupcake is casting a shadow that obscures a cookie or a candy dish is blocking a clear view of a platter. 

Here, Terri and Steve make some adjustments while Steve and I study the shot onscreen.

Although these adjustments (and there are many) can make for a lengthy shoot, I really enjoy the process. It's a very creative, collaborative environment. I'm very detail-oriented, so I get a kick out of discussing the minute details and components that go into styling a beautiful photograph.

It was great to work with everyone, but my favorite part of any commercial shoot is the food!

I hope you all liked these little sneak peeks of my shoot yesterday. I can't wait to share the feature with you when it hits newsstands.

Tomorrow, I'll show you how to make those easy faux bois (simulated wood grain) chocolate rounds. I'll also be guest blogging elsewhere tomorrow, so I'll share that post with you as well. See you then!

Behind the Scenes: Magazine Shoot Prep III

Hi everyone! As you may remember, I have a magazine shoot today. I don't have a new post for you, but I'll be back tomorrow with some behind-the-scenes pictures from the set. Come back tomorrow for a sneak peek.

Check out the previous behind-the-scenes posts if you missed them. 

Behind the Scenes: Magazine Shoot Prep II

This week, I'm taking you all along as I design a dessert table for a magazine feature and source the items I need to bring all of the elements together. After selecting a color palette and mapping out the dessert table's design, it was time to go shopping for the ribbons, fabric, and vessels I need. First up, a stop at Jo-Ann for fabrics.

I wanted some heavier weights for the fabric elements of the design, so I checked out the apparel section for chilly weather fabrics. These fabrics don't work for this project, but I still like to look at all of my options. Inspiration might strike that leads you in a new fresh direction, so it's always good to keep your eyes open for alternatives.

These moleskins were a better match for the warmth and texture I wanted, but still not quite right. After a lot of searching, I decided to go with caramel-hued burlap, wool, and corduroy.

I also needed ribbon. For this project, satin and grosgrain just didn't seem to fit the warm, cozy vibe I'm looking for. But, I definitely had a lot of options to choose from.

I grabbed a green, translucent ribbon. I'm still not sure that it will be used, but it fits the color palette and the no-fuss, down-home feel that I want.

Next, I visited Bachman's. Here, I hoped to find a flower vase that with a refined, rustic look. Bachman's is a Twin Cities-based floral and gift shop. I've shopped here for several other dessert tables, because they have a great selection of garden and outdoor decor. I loved the urns and potted ivy, but they weren't quite right for this project.

As I walked around, I found so many ideas that would be perfect for other designs. Bachman's has lots of vintage milk glass and unusual glass bottles with cork stoppers. I'll have to remember that in the future.

One of my coolest finds at Bachman's was this corrugated cardboard riser. It would be great for displaying glass jars full of candy, or as an eco-friendly, recyclable cupcake tower for an environmentally-focused event or client.

I still need a few more types of ribbon, so one last stop to a larger fabric store was in order. There were so many different types of trim. Suede cords, leather fringe, and bedazzled trim of all kinds. I chose a chocolate brown, velvety cord.

Even though I didn't find the vase I was looking for (I ended up making my own last night), the trip was still totally worthwhile. I saw items that sparked inspiration for future projects, and other hard-to-find goodies.

If you follow along on Twitter or Facebook, then you already know that I also got two more Minnesota vendors onboard for the project last night. One, is Sheela of Cake Eater Bakery, and the other is a Brainerd-based crafter. Early this morning (about 6 am), I added another local baker to the team.

Behind the Scenes: Magazine Shoot Prep

Yesterday, I told you a little about the project I'm working on this week for an upcoming magazine shoot. Today, I thought I'd share the inspiration picture that I'm using to help guide my design.

The inspiration picture is mostly white and several browns, but I created a more complex color palette that I want to bring to the design. The challenge will be to add color, without taking away from the graphic impact of the deep browns against the stark white tabletop and background.

Tomorrow, I'll share show you some of the fabrics, ribbons, and papers that I'm working with for this project.

Can't wait for a little more sweetness? Follow me on Twitter or "Like" me on Facebook.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hi everyone! There's a lot going on in the office this week. Last Friday, I met with the style editor of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine to discuss an upcoming feature. Melissa was, of course, effortlessly stylish and very friendly. She was so easy to talk to that I practically told her my life story.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the magazine, you might recognize their food writer, MN native Andrew Zimmern, from the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods. Anyway, I'm so excited to contribute to the mag, but that means a lot of prep in the meantime.

I'll take plenty of pictures as I shop for fabrics, ribbons, and papers so be sure to check in throughout the week. Next week, I'll also be doing my first guest post on another blog, but I'll tell you more about that as the time draws nearer.

Behind the Scenes: MN Bride's Best of 2010 Gala

Last night's Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2010 gala was a whirlwind of great food and great conversation. I finally got to meet some of the bloggers and Tweeters I follow online, so it was great to put faces to the screen names.

I was able to take a few pictures as we prepped. Event planner Amanda Peterson chose a purple and silver color palette, which I echoed in the custom favors and linens. I placed everything, including the custom favor bags in clear bins so I could easily see the contents once we got to the Carlson Towers Rotunda.

Once at the venue, Sheela of Cake Eater Bakery helped assemble the custom cupcake wrappers I designed for the mini cupcakes. And yes, that is a giant Kitchen Aid mixer tattoo on her arm!

Here is a partial shot of the table a few hours into the event.

I'll be back with more pics from the event, so stay tuned.

Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!

Behind the Scenes: MN Bride's Best of 2010 Gala

I'm busy making lists and checking them twice in prep for this week's Minnesota Bride Best of 2010 Gala, which I mentioned a few weeks ago. I thought I'd share a few sneak peeks of some of the details I've been working on.

I had a walk-through of the beautiful venue last week so I could get a clear vision of the space, the event planner's other decor, and where the dessert table would be positioned. A panoramic view outside makes for a perfect backdrop.

Here are some of the paper details I designed to go with the event's color palette. A collection of broad, medium, and thin stripes will be featured on a several desserts and favors.

I'll be back later in the week to share some shots as we set up and prep the table.