David Stark Sketchbook

Matisse at The MoMA

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The Museum of Modern Art's Matisse-The Cut-Outs exhibit is a blast of art, color and creativity - and, as we said in our Design*Sponge entertaining story, a perfect excuse for a Matisse-inspired gathering.

Along with the Bleu Céleste (find the recipe on Design*Sponge), our friends at Botanica dreamed up the "Vert Emeraude." Named in honor of the artist's palette, and made with Cacao Prieto's Widow Jane Bourbon, it's as delicious as it is pretty. The drink looks especially fabulous atop our DIY cocktail napkins (Click here for the step-by-step instructions).

Find the recipe, along with inspiration images from The MoMA exhibit, below. Cheers!

 

 

The Vert Emeraude

1 ounce Widow Jane bourbon
½ ounce Blue Curaçao
½ ounce Triple Sec
Orange rind, shavd thin for garnish

Mix together in a shaker and pour over ice. Use scissors to cut out fun Matisse-inspired shapes from the orange rind. Cut a small indentation and prop on the rim of the glass.

 

Nuit de Noel, 1952. The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Photograph: 2014 Succession H. Matisse / Arists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

 

Composition Fond Vert, 1947. The Mencil Collection, Houston. Photograph: Hickey-Robertson, Houston. 2014 Succession H. Matisse, Paris / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York.

 

Our biggest thanks to both Botanica and Design*Sponge for collaborating on our Matisse homage. And send us pictures of your amazing cutouts-inspired fête. 

 

More Canvas Love

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Our affair with canvas continues, this time as an accoutrement for the bridal party. Like the iems we created for Martha Stewart Weddings Fall Issue, the results are unexpectedly elegant. They'll add a chic touch – and their blooms will never fade.  

Dip-dyed lightweight canvas leaves are a unique twist on a traditional foliage crown.

 

This quiet, elegant boutonniere doubles as a keepsake.

 

Crown photo by Corrie Beth Hogg. Boutonniere photos by Susie Montagna. 

A mix of textures and shades creates a statement boutonniere. 

 

 

 

Bridal Inspiration: A Blank Canvas

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We had such fun dreaming up picture perfect canvas décor ideas for the fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. This everyday material is a surprisingly lovely bridal element, and it keeps calling our name. Below, we created some special items for your guests inspired by our new favorite cloth. 

Wrap an imitation pear in canvas for a seasonal place card.

 

DIY escort cards: An easy-to-sew envelope with exposed edges and hand written table placement.

 

Handmade dip-dyed ribbons are multi-purpose: Tie them on guest’s seats or hang as a garland. 

 

Top three photos by Susie Montagna. Martha Stewart Weddings image by Petra Bindel.  

Canvas gets its due in the fall issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

 

A big thank you to our pals at Martha Stewart for encouraging, and showcasing, our latest obsession. 

xo

D.

 

Let's Go to the Snack Shack

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We are thrilled that our Target Snack Shack tour is a finalist for a BizBash Event Style People's Choice Award, and we would be your best friend if you would vote for us here: 2014 People's Choice Awards. This oasis of summer fun popped up on beaches and in parks across America, providing a bevy of games, photo ops and tons of free goodies to more than 50,000 people. 

 

Saying "cheese" atop a giant sandwich.

Families took home a dinner kit filled with food, recipes and coupons. 

Giant milk jugs and cereal boxes set the stage for a playful afternoon.

Players got into the action with Target grocery product themed cards. 

 

We had a great time playing with so many people - be it a game of Tic Tac Toe with life-size Grocery products, or snapping silly selfies amid giant cookie boxes. The tour stops became delightful happenings and everyone left even more enamored with Target than they already were!