Monique Lhuillier is one of my absolute favorite designers, let alone when she creates absolutely stunning wedding gowns. Her Spring 2010 collection is finally available. Lhuillier's designs are dreamy enough for a fairytale but sensible and modern enough for the 21st century bride. Take a look courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Posted by Annabel - 04.15.09 | comments: 0

What a great way to decorate the average brown package! Check out TapeSwell!

Posted by Lisa - 04.15.09 | comments: 0

Every year as spring approaches the floral department here at Out of Hand begins to get in one of my favorite flowers, the peony. Flowers are one of the easiest ways to enrich anything from an event to a dinner party to even just set off the décor of a room.

Remember to check out our list of seasonal flowers on the website here.

Posted by Annabel - 04.01.09 | comments: 0

A great way to prolong the festivities of your wedding reception is to keep the music playing! I love the idea of handing out CDs as a favor. Include the song played during the first dance and others that will remind the guest of the wonderful time they had celebrating along with the newlyweds. Its simple and easy also to create personalized CD labels to go along with the event's theme as well. Target, Wal-Mart and other large stores offer a few options such as the Memorex CD/DVD Label Maker

Some beautiful and modern song choices to get your wheels turning:

1. "Come Away With Me" - Norah Jones
2. "Make You Feel My Love" - ADELE
3. "Better Together" - Jack Johnson
4. "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" - the Police
5. "Only You Can Love Me This Way" - Keith Urban
6. "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
7. "Bless the Broken Road" - Selah
8. "Bless the Broken Road" - Rascal Flatts
9. "Arms of a Woman" - Amos Lee
10. "Loving You" - Paolo Nutini
11. "One Fine Day" - Natalie Merchant

Posted by Annabel - 04.01.09 | comments: 0

Usually at the end of the wedding reception newlyweds are sent off in a shower of rice, rose petals or birdseed. Some couples make their grand exit as their guests release butterflies, doves or beneath the glow of sparklers. This do-it-yourself idea from style me pretty is a very cute idea to consider as a way to send off the new couple: miniature hand-held bells. Send them off with joyful sounds! Check out more details here:

http://www.stylemepretty.com

Posted by Annabel - 03.30.09 | comments: 0

You don't have to be a nature enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, or the bottom of the ocean. The South Carolina Aquarium offers a beautiful backdrop and free live entertainment for your wedding reception. The South Carolina Aquarium is an especially great reception location option if you've got a large group and an even better choice if your group includes children and young adults. Also, renting the aquarium for anything over $1000 of the rental fee is tax deductible! On Fridays and Saturdays $3,000 is tax deductible and Sunday through Thursday $1,750 is tax deductible.

Check out the South Carolina Aquarium in downtown Charleston:

www.scaquarium.org

Posted by Annabel - 03.25.09 | comments: 0

I regularly check www.stylemepretty.com as a wedding style resource. Today, I'm pleased to report, one of Out of Hand's events is featured on Style Me Pretty. Check it out!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/03/16/reach-for-the-stars-from-ooh-events/

Posted by Annabel - 03.16.09 | comments: 0

I just stumbled upon this super creative wedding favor, photographed by Anne and Bill Holland, found on Style Me Pretty that doubles as a subtle way to guide your guest's home after a wonderful celebration and remind them of your special day for years come!

Check out more from photographers Anne and Bill Holland of Holland Photo Arts! http://www.hollandphotoarts.com

Posted by Alison - 03.10.09 | comments: 0

Today while I was in the office I remarked to Lisa that I wished I was as creative as Martha Stewart. She shared with me that once you get into that creative mindset you're inspired by so much more. In honor of that, here are a few ideas I have of turning something old into something new...

- Using terra cotta pots as flower vases. Place your flowers in a vase smaller than the terra cotta pot you wish to use
- Taking antique tea cups and saucers and using them to hold treasures. I use them to hold my jewelry.
- Adding herbs, fruits and other unexpected fauna in your arrangements. Try adding lavender, artichokes, or berries.
- Adorning a hat with an old brooch or pin.

Posted by Annabel - 03.09.09 | comments: 0

If Spring is nature's way of saying "Let's Party" then flowers have to be the live music. Flowers always inspire me, and on a day like today (Charleston has been hit with enviably warm and beautiful breezes) I'm definitely in the mood to stop and smell the ranunculuses.

Posted by Annabel - 03.09.09 | comments: 0

www.simpledress.com offers a great selection of simple and classic bridesmaid gowns in a variety of colors. I really like the clothier's retro twist on classic shapes!

Google also helped me discover the following clothiers if you wanted to view more dress patterns.

www.jcrew.com
www.lynnlugo.com (this one even allows you to create your own dress and view it with fabric and color swatches. I could play with this for hours!)

Posted by Annabel - 03.09.09 | comments: 0

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/09/03/garden/20080904_SHOPPING_INTERACTIVE.html

click above or cut and paste to view what David Stark did for the New York times, using everyday balls of twine, milk paint, and wire. so innovative and fresh! i cannot wait to do my own twist on this---perhaps spools mixed with buttons and autumn flowers to make an interesting tablescape...
Now I'm craving to dip all of my old bottles in milk paint.

Posted by Michelle - 09.08.08 | comments: 0

Easy to make prints using the sun and photosensitive paper. Just put a cut out silhouette, or fresh flowers.....buttons, anything that has an interesting shape in a pattern on the paper.
Layer a clear sheet of acrylic atop.
Pop out in the sun for about 3 minutes.
Rinse with water for 1 minute.
Voila! A very cool print on blue paper.
This is a great activity to do with kids, too. My boys weren't too interested until minute 4, when the silhouette popped out after the water rinse.

Posted by Michelle - 09.07.08 | comments: 0

Here is one of my all time favorites, David Stark's event for the Robin Hood foundation. The challenge here was to use the donated materials as part of the installation, so you see here a hurricane of shoes--all which were taken down and donated at the end of the night, a house made of towels to be donated, a house made of water bottles. So whimsical and amazing! Pictures care of designspongeonline.com.

Posted by Michelle - 08.27.08 | comments: 0

Think kids table with sheets of paper, a couple crayons, their place card and peace;)

Posted by Lisa - 07.29.08 | comments: 0

Think unique way to do a guest book, or a birthday party book from guests or a corporate party sentiment from employees.... anonymous letter to your brother...:)

Posted by Lisa - 07.29.08 | comments: 0

Just love the simplicity of using two materials we look at all the time and putting together in a new way. This has lots of applications girls - give it a try!

Posted by Lisa - 07.29.08 | comments: 0

Love using this simple old fashioned image in new ways

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Use what the setting has to offer and think of seeing them in a new way!

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Simply striking visual

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

Little fabric on a tent frame and WOW an original look - give it a try!

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

How lucky I am to live in a place called the Old Village of Mount Pleasant. It is a very special place - a bit of a step back in time and a wonderful place to call home. The people are tremendous and the kids and animals run the streets. Neighbors rarely complain, they enjoy life's chaos, floor the are slanted and windows that stick shut. We are merely caretakers of these old homes for a moments in time.

Happy Independence Day!

Posted by Lisa - 07.12.08 | comments: 0

We have 32 fabric tents in a variety of color and sizes - call us to check availability and prices for your next party!

Posted by Lisa - 06.29.08 | comments: 0

Give Grandma a project

Posted by Lisa - 06.29.08 | comments: 0

The new issue of "In Style" have some fun ideas to consider

Posted by Lisa - 06.29.08 | comments: 0

Think of starting later and have a champagne and dessert bar reception. It saves a bundle on on the F&B budget and you get them all sugared up;)

Posted by Lisa - 06.29.08 | comments: 0

a vintage look for casino night

Posted by Lisa - 06.10.08 | comments: 0

ye 'ol red, white and blue

Posted by Lisa - 06.05.08 | comments: 0

ye 'ol red, white and blue

Posted by Lisa - 06.05.08 | comments: 0

Ooh what fun!!

Posted by Lisa - 06.05.08 | comments: 0

Posted by Lisa - 06.05.08 | comments: 0

check out www.pegeen.com

Posted by Lisa - 06.05.08 | comments: 0

Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

Posted by Lisa - 03.30.08 | comments: 0

Love this not only for place cards but special messages for cocktail parties, beach bash and showers... Those clever girls at Martha....

You’ll need a 1-inch-deep tray, a sheet of 1/4-inch foam board cut to fit into bottom of the tray, and some sand. Lay the foam board in the tray, and cover with sand. Drizzle sand unevenly, sifting a bit more here and there to form dunes. Print your seating assignments onto colored paper, and cut them into strips; glue strips to the shafts of the umbrellas. Poke the umbrellas through the sand into the foam board at an angle so guests can easily find their names.

Posted by Lisa - 03.17.08 | comments: 0

Fortune Place Card How-To
1. Print messages or romantic quotations centered onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch card stock, oriented horizontally. Cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Turn strips over, and calligraph first and last names 1 inch from each end. Notch ends.

2. To make the “cookie,” cut patterned paper into a circle 5 1/2 inches in diameter (if you like, make a cardboard template using a compass). Roll circle into a loose tube. Overlap ends about 1/2 inch and secure with doublesided tape. Hold the tube so that the top flap is pointing down and facing away from you. Slip a fortune into the tube with the name toward you. Fold the tube inward and secure with double-sided tape.

Posted by Lisa - 03.17.08 | comments: 0

imagine this on tabletops----no messy cords because you'll just use floating candles for some nice ambient light
this was just put together by lisa at the shop

Posted by Michelle - 02.26.08 | comments: 0

i love this idea of all the frames as art themselves, standing alone-arranged in an interesting pattern with a variety of shapes

Posted by Michelle - 02.26.08 | comments: 0

love the rivets in a pattern on this leather, it even looks better in different colors like a grass green or a fresh yellow

this idea even works as a pattern into your wall....a cool flourish across a living room wall. It shouldn't be too hard to nail out a pattern with some studded upholstery tacks. tres cowboy cool.

Posted by Michelle - 02.15.08 | comments: 0

well maybe not truly bitter and more on the tired side is the best way to describe the floral department at the shop. I just love the combination of those two words: bitter and sweet......
I hear there were lots of men wandering scared and aimlessly into the shop in dire need of assistance, luckily our people were there rocking out the arrangements.
(it's not always the thought that counts, sometimes we really truly like nice things and a handmade card from your husband is just not going to cut it)

Posted by Michelle - 02.15.08 | comments: 0

This is the cutest darn presentation of baby clothes I've ever seen. It includes the beloved onesies, socks, washclothes, t-shirts, hats. Cool and sweet.....

Posted by Michelle - 02.11.08 | comments: 0

funky way to display antique letterpress wood block letters....make a pattern or make letters
you can pick these up at antique fairs or on ebay

Posted by Lisa - 02.08.08 | comments: 0

unique, gorgeous, hand-crafted, spindled, detailed, original, fabric tents...............
As you can see, I'm not at a loss for words to describe our new arrival of Indian fabric tents. From anxiously waiting for pictures to arrive from India as they were being made to setting up our very first one, it's been such an exciting process. And praise the tent gods that they are as fabulous as we'd hoped they would be! We've got 31 different tents in a variety of sizes and colors....more pictures to come.....

Posted by Michelle - 01.27.08 | comments: 0

Rainy day activity that can add some pizazz to the frig

Posted by Lisa - 10.26.07 | comments: 0

Love using the needle point rings and creating a collection of vintage fabrics or handmade papers - Art that can easily be changed with the moods;)

Posted by Lisa - 10.26.07 | comments: 0

Use your left over slivers of paper on your door panels and jazz up a room... GREAT IDEA>

Posted by Lisa - 08.07.07 | comments: 0

imagine using some wild handmade papers, cutting out clothing as you did as a child and bang grama is sporting holiday with bells on..... now that is a holiday card that will keep them talking. Give it a try and email me a picture;)

Posted by Lisa - 08.03.07 | comments: 0

I love the idea of piecing old linens together or you could just glue paper dollies for easy clean up........

Posted by Lisa - 08.02.07 | comments: 0

I have literally witnessed how the power of belief can move mountains. If you wanted it, you will discipline yourself to focus on the goal and it is your's! No excuses, give it a try! I believe in you!

Posted by Lisa - 08.02.07 | comments: 0

I love paper and use it in so many ways, here a a beautiful and cost effective way to line drawers and add a drop of essential oils to stimulate another sense:)

Posted by Lisa - 08.02.07 | comments: 0

decoupage - think about using old family photos. You can scan into your computer resize and print in sepia. That would have the kids gasping at Thanksgiving.....

Posted by Lisa - 08.02.07 | comments: 0

I love these vibrantly colored glitter branches......they are so funky, bright and versatile. The silver ones are perfect for mini Christmas centerpieces, and we've used them with great success as disco themed centerpieces. Next, I believe we are pairing tiffany blue glitter branches with orange florals for a bride with some exquisitely bold taste!
I think it's a worthwhile project to create some 4 to 6 foot glitter trees.....any takers?

Posted by Michelle - 07.31.07 | comments: 0

Drink, and dance
and laugh and lie,

Love the reeling midnight through,
For tomorrow we shall die!

(But, alas, we never do.)

Dorothy Parker

Happy Monday! We'll be updating the inspirations blog of Out of Hand daily with things we love, designs, projects, fashion, music, people who rock, styles and profiles.

Posted by Michelle - 07.30.07 | comments: 0

Pastels are in, says Martha Stewart Weddings

The Knot may have predicted orange would be the top colour for 2007 weddings but the new issue of Martha Stewart Weddings says it's all about pretty pastel palettes.

Sophisticated cakes in sweet pastel shades and confectionary are tipped to be hot, along with colour matched bridesmaid dresses. Marigold yellow is also predicted to be a great colour for everything from your flowers to the flowergirls dress.

Posted by Lisa - 04.07.07 | comments: 0

Meet this month’s Artist – Elizabeth Middour l

Elizabeth uses painting as an escape and a respite from her busy life as a wife and mother of two young children. She has been surrounded by art most of her life and now paints in oils to satisfy her creative urges during quiet moments she carves out for herself. She has studied art since high school, but put painting on canvas aside until moving to the Old Village of Mount Pleasant seven years ago.

Now Elizabeth seeks solitude and serenity both in her painting time and her subject matter. She loves to walk the Old Village as well as other peaceful areas looking for inspiration. She frequently chooses scenes that she finds calming and which might depict a simpler way of life. Bright colors and patterns of light and shadow are also characteristic of her work.

Elizabeth hopes that you find her paintings as soothing to look at as they were for to paint. Enjoy a quiet moment to reflect upon what it is that we love so much about the Lowcountry and enjoy a piece of Elizabeth’s “Escape Art”

Posted by Lisa - 04.07.07 | comments: 0

They are god's precious gift to us! My grandmother passed away a couple weeks ago and I know God was calling for her. At Christmas I got to visit her and during the visit she was talking with those that past as if they were in the room. It was a surreal experience and when I left her that day, I knew I'd never see her again. My heart hurts, but I am so blessed to have had such incredible inspirations in my life.

Grama, papa whistled for you for the last time! You will be missed everyday, but never forgotten.

All My Love,
Lisa

Posted by Lisa - 01.26.07 | comments: 0

One of the great things about what I do, is that I get to meet so many amazing people! This is the mom and dad of a wedding that I helped with over Labor Day! This event was filled with so much love - every detail was given such careful consideration to reflect the bride and groom. It was filled with fun, creativity, lots of friend & family and you could feel the warmth in every detail. What a treat to be a part!

Posted by Lisa - 10.01.06 | comments: 0

Great name and great product. Just in and we love them so much they are in our window with this months quote:)

Posted by Lisa - 08.31.06 | comments: 0

You’ll need:
- Tape measure approximately 2inches (51mm) in diametre

- 1-2 pieces of wool felt approximately 2.5inches in diametre (64mm) - depending on how you choose to decorate your tape measure. (You really do need to use 70-100% wool felt for this to work, “craft” felt will not hold up to being stitched so tightly by hand.)

- A yoyo, made with a starting circle of approximately 5inches (130mm).

- Embroidery thread and a little bit of stuffing for the top of the measure.

OK, you ready?

Grab you measure and the two pieces of fabric you’re going to use to cover it. With your needle and embroidery thread start a nice, tight whip stitch around the edge with the measure wedged in. It’s a little tricky. In the past I have put a little glue tape on the side of the measure with the button on it to keep the felt from moving (you don’t want glue tape both sides as you’ll be stuffing one side). Also note that you want the bottom of the measure to be the side with the button, so don’t put your decorated side on the button side, it can make using the button difficult. You’ll also want to make sure that the tape measure pull is positioned at the beginning of your whip stitching, so that you finish at the pull and don’t enclose it!

Posted by Lisa - 08.22.06 | comments: 0

I walked out the door yesterday and to my surprise I was met with this special gift. What a great opportunity we with children have to open their eyes and expose them to the wonders in life. Its such a special moment when you see that they on their own embrace life and can understand whats truly important. This is my greatest gift!

Posted by Lisa - 08.18.06 | comments: 0

This is a web-site to purchase wedding dress that are slightly use or didn't make it to the big day. What a great way to save a bundle on a great dress - happy hunting and good luck

http://www.indiebride.com/trousseau/index.html

Posted by Lisa - 07.04.06 | comments: 0

I love the color of this chandlier, just image theming an event around this inspiration. Any ideas?

Posted by Lisa - 06.26.06 | comments: 0

I have always been a fan of mixed media. Love the old world feel, yet heady twist. Check out
http://www.michellecaplan.com/

Posted by Lisa - 06.26.06 | comments: 0

The person that can pull this off - it simple my kind of fun girl. Go bold into the world~

Posted by Lisa - 06.26.06 | comments: 0

Another idea I missed....this is the season for these bad boys:) http://www.wishingfish.com/whatsnew.html

Posted by Lisa - 06.26.06 | comments: 0

check out her talents www.jocelynwarner.com/

Posted by Lisa - 06.26.06 | comments: 0

Remembering how lucky I am to have another day on this earth to take in the sounds of the singing birds, to look upon the face of my daughter, to go to work with women that inspire me, to push myself closer to my goals, to live another day well lived

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

OUT OF HAND, Inc., is one of those unique places off the beaten that is a central gathering place to inspire woman to learn a new craft, find just the right gift or plan an upcoming festivity. The store is located in the heart of the old village and is filled with an eclectic mix of jewelry, the latest in accessories, accoutrements for the home, a full service floral boutique and a room filled with handmade papers, the largest collection of ribbons and vintage finding.

This was the year I wanted to team up with other talented women to help them focus on their talents and collectively share resources to create a wholesale division called “The Art of Creating”. We didn’t need to look very far to find our first talented artist – Kim West, who have been a long time creative artist for the store and together we introduced a new division of business CREATE INK, a custom social stationery line.

Inspired by the images and creativity of artist Kim West, of Mount Pleasant, the new company Create-Ink features five unique designs in five unique styles that work together for a variety of events.

The new collection has titles selected after the natural sights of the coastal South Carolina, including Orchids, Figs, Seagrass and Fern. The custom paper can be used in multiple-layered invitations, correspondence letters and can easily run through your printer.

“Living in the Lowcountry is very inspiring, having the opportunity to put my images on paper for all to see is rewarding,” said West. “Being a part of the Out Of Hand has allowed my creativity to grow, with the support of a great group of girls.”

“There is something so special about getting a group of women together that may or may not know eachother. To watch the dynamic of women genuinely helping other women. How simple kindness, positive suggestions and encouragement, can fuel women to create. There is nothing better! It took me a long time to open my eyes to see the power and beauty that women posses. Through Out Of Hand, I hope to spend a lifetime embracing and celebrating that gift”, said Thomas.

Owning a store, we understand the importance of merchandising and Out Of Hand has designed a complete point-of-sale package for additional retail opportunities.

Samples, retail pricing is available online at www.create-ink.net or by directly contacting the business of Out of Hand.

About Out Of Hand
Based on the entrepreneurial visions of owner Lisa Thomas since 1988, OUT OF HAND has evolved into a lifestyle boutique that specializes in making life more colorful, entertaining, fragrant, and alive. Located in the 1800s historic Old Village of Mount Pleasant, the storefront showcases jewelry, paper and cards, home accessories and flowers – you never quite know what artwork you may find.

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

These are two friends that inspire me daily...check out their site www.musetomuse.com

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

I am going to give this a try.

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

Now this is my idea of a cool project...just think of the all frozen maragrita's it will take to complete this beauty.

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

The traditional toss bouquet, when caught, tells one lucky receiver little more than that she will be the next to wed. But this distinctive toss bouquet is made up of a cluster of smaller bouquets, each bearing its own secret fortune that offers more detailed information about future husbands to a few agile guests. And for the bride, they form a lush bouquet of blossoms.

To Make:
Separate flowers into small bouquets; you can use one variety or combine several (we used roses, calla lilies, and ranunculuses). Wrap the stems of each bunch with seam binding, securing with a bow; leave ends trailing. Prepare predictions about future husbands— “You will marry the boy next door”; “You will marry your true love”—for the bouquets. Print the fortunes onto a sheet of fine paper, and cut the paper so that each fortune appears on a single strip; finish the ends in an inverted V. Use a straight pin to affix each fortune to its bouquet. (as seen in MSL)

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

It was close to 100 degrees, humidity as we know it in the lowcounty and we worked 12 hours to create the setting for a Charleston Magazine Photo Shoot. This group of girls and two who didn't stay through the festivities; Meg and Susan are truly remarkable women. We come from different places, different backgrounds and varying ecomonic means. Yet when we work together there is a geniune respect of talents and one seemlessly covers the other. How lucky are we to be able to work on creative projects, bring different talents, viewpoints and collectly come together to create a vision - that is the Art of Creating!

Posted by Lisa - 06.25.06 | comments: 0

Check back soon!

Posted by Lisa - 05.20.06 | comments: 0