Love Stamped Groupon!

{keep calm and carry on necklace}

Love Stamped, a super cute etsy shop, has a Groupon deal today that you have to check out! For only $12, you get a $25 gift certificate!  PLUS, this offer includes the shipping! Hurry, because this offer is only good for a couple more hours!

Here are some examples of what YOU could get!

{jewels in the tree}

{initially the queen}

{tiny peace sign earrings}

{initially perfect}

Happy Birthday, Robert!

Robert was the boy next door in my dorm hall in college. He likes to tell a story about how his first memory of me is of me stabbing an apple with a spork, because I didn't "like to bite into things." I like to tell the story about how he offered me a banana and I said, "I'm ALLERGIC to bananas." Obviously, meaning I hated them - but he thought I was literally allergic to them for years until I finally corrected him. 

Robert is one of the coolest people I know - fun, exciting, giggly, optimistic and smart, eloquent, well-read, cultured. He is brave and it has been lovely watching him discover himself over the years. He has always made me feel so good about myself and I hope he can say the same about me. 

These days, I only get to see him 4 or 5 times a year, even though he lives about... 20 miles away. Luckily, we have one of those friendships where you can pick up right where you left off. 

Happy Birthday, my lovely Rupert! :)

Focus On... Jimbob Art!

About a year ago, I picked up a couple porcelain pens and some white plates from Ikea and I tried to draw on them. And write on them. And in general, make them look awesome. You know what? It's a lot harder than you think. Or than I thought. It was actually really hard. So, I have a unique appreciation for the talent, skill, and patience that it takes to create artwork like James of Jimbob Art does. Read on for more information about his process and work!

Tell me some basic info about yourself.

I am a freelance illustrator working in London, just gone self employed! Scary!

{hungry bear side plate}

What kind of mediums do you use and why?

I work using porcelain pens for my hand drawn plates, but use pen and ink for my illustrations work.

{sausage dog print}

What made you decide to sell on etsy?

A friend said I should sell on etsy plus I turned 30 and thought I better start trying to sell my artwork!

{peacock serving plate}

Where do you get your inspiration?

Swedish design, Tord Bjoonte, Ralph Steadman, Ericailcane

{biscuit wolf side plate}

What is your favorite music to craft by?

Willy Mason, Tallest man on Earth, Radiohead.

{cat doll print}

When it's cold outside... Hot Chocolate time!

When I'm hungry... Chocolate time!

When I need a boost... Chocolate time!

{sleeping fox serving plate}

I wish I was/were... I wish I was travelling around the world

If I could give one gift to everyone I know, it would be... Hand Drawn Plates! 

If I could have coffee with anyone, it would be... Hunter S Thompson

{mouse will perform for cakes side plate}

If you were an animal, what would you be? Buzzard

What's your favorite piece of your own? My Goat illustration

What are your favorite blogs/websites right now? 27b/6

Since you've all seen my Oliver, you know that this one would be my favorite!

{cat sleeping serving plate}

You can find James' work at his etsy shop, Jimbob Art.

Focus On... India Blue Jewels {Update!}

I love to support the artists I have featured here on Kate & Oli - and in that vein, I let them know to contact me if they have any exciting news or announcements. Heather from India Blue Jewels - featured here - has some VERY exciting news!

{Natural Sterling-Dipped Oak Leaf and Coin Pearl Necklace}

Her shop was nominated to be featured in an awesome local magazine, 7x7! Isn't that fantastically exciting?

Please, please take a moment out of your day and go *here* to vote for India Blue Jewels (#12). You can vote once per day though September 9th.

If When India Blue wins, she'll be featured in their November design issue. 


Heather, I already voted for you and I will vote everyday until 9/9! I wish you the best of luck and I know my readers will help you out!

Pictures From Saba and Hammad's Wedding!

This is my favorite shot with me in it from Saba and Hammad's wedding.

{Me, Erica, Hammad, Saba, Sarah, and Lucy.}

Here are some more:

Focus On... Simply Hue!

Hello my lovelies! I know I've been a bit distant lately, and I'm so very sorry. Soon, I hope to tell you all about it! In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful photos from Simply Hue - who is offering free shipping through the month of August!!

{bon voyage}

{basket of tulips}

{white blossoms}

{a rare sight}

{fair ride in pastels}

and my favorite... (feel free to purchase it for me!)

{robin's egg blue}

You can find Simply Hue's blog here!

Finds Under $10 at Cambria Cove!

Have you seen the semi-annual sale at Cambria Cove? This normally super pricey, but oh so cute store has bargain basement deals happening! All of my finds below are under $10 and would make great Christmas/teacher/backup presents!

*enter code MBFASHIONWEEK and get an additional 10% off!*

{yellow infusions teapot - $7.99

also available in blue, orange}

{palm wood salt and pepper shakers - $5.99}

{20 assorted holiday cards - $8.99}

{4 waffle cone sundae glasses in red - $8.99

also available in white}

{mini ceramic candle - $4.99}

{3 holiday guest soaps - $5.99}

Hurry! These deals are moving fast!