Eat Drink Chic

I think I'm in love.

Papa Stour is a collection of products from Scottish artists and designers. Some gorgeous stuff.

TOP: Illustration by Natsumi Nishizumi.

BOTTOM: Cheese platter by Cinq.

Valentine's Day may be over but I'm sure you can find other excuses to use this gorgeous "Love Mail" stationery by Kikki K. Also worth checking out are their "Bon Voyage" and "Bundle" collections.

Check out the beautiful wedding and engagement portfolio of Melbourne based photographer Jonathan Ong. We've just booked him for our upcoming engagement party! Found via Polka Dot Bride.

Hen and Hammock have a stylish and environmentally-friendly selection of garden products including vintage and recycled items. In particular, I love their "Kids Corner".  The hand-carved "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" swing is so gorgeous! Love their style.

Isn't it cute? Love this turquoise circus tent ring from Old Gold Boutique. via michi girl

I first introduced you to my origami heart engagement party invitations in this article here. Well, after a working weekend of printing, cutting, folding, sewing, stuffing, addressing and stamping... phew... my fiancé and I have finally mailed out the little cuties!

Hand-stitching the edges of the translucent pocket was the most time-consuming part of the project. To ensure accuracy and quicken the hand-stitching process, we first measured and marked out (with needle pricks) the intended placement of the stitches.  To save time, we only did 5 stitches on each side.

The actual origami folding, thankfully, went a lot quicker than expected! However, the duration of the the final phase of the project- addressing and stuffing envelopes-  was sorely under-estimated. Having said that, we are both very proud of the effort that we put into creating unique, hand-crafted invitations for what will hopefully be a memorable event!

Special thanks to my hard-working fiancé, who whole-heartedly supported this crazy little project of mine. I am thankful that he shares in my desire to make this event as special as possible! Thanks also to our beautiful mothers for their contribution!

You can read more about these origami heart invitations here. Download the template to create a love note to someone special.

Love the labelled jars for homemade jam, marmalade, chutney, pickles and home-grown herbs from Burgon & Ball.

Sigh... I had all these plans to create a plethora of DIY Valentine's Day projects for Eat Drink Chic. However, plans for my impending engagement party have taken up so much of my time that I've had to put these ideas on hold.

A few days ago I created these little origami heart invitations for our engagement. They open up to reveal the invitation message inside and have an attached string so that guests can also use them as a keepsake decoration. They also sit snugly in little translucent paper pockets with sewn edges.

However, in a last ditch effort to get at least SOMETHING up for Valentine's Day (as last-minute as it may be), I've removed the invitation text and provided them for you to download to write a little love note to your Valentine. In fact, you could even use this to surprise your significant other at any time of the year with an unexpected love message.

Continue to read more about the project and to download your freebies!

Loving the mix of exotic fabrics for interiors and for fashion at Fenton and Fenton in Prahran, Melbourne.

Cute wooden rainbow heart cake topper by Sarah Neuburger of The Small Object. Available at Together Forever. via freshlyblended

Described as being "a gathering place for sea goers who seek warmth", San Francisco's Outerlands looks like the ideal cafe for a cosy brunch with comforting, homey fare. Great name too! If only I lived in SF.

Such an artistic engagement shot of "Adam and Chastity" by photographer Ryan Brenizer. So perfect!

Adorable lovebird cards... perfect for your valentine. Designed by Lee May Foster of Bonbi Forest.

Currently inspired by the playful clash of colours, prints and objects in these interior shots styled by the incredibly talented Irina Graewe in her "Africa Meets Neon" series.

Love these... from Lou Lou and Oscar.

It's the height of summer in Melbourne and my thoughts are floating around cosy picnics and relaxed outdoor entertaining amongst colourful summery fabrics and cushions. Here's a collection of visual inspiration from around the web:

One: An innovative DIY outdoor lounge idea from Living Etc. Magazine

Two: Cath Kidston floral fabric tent. Don't know if this is still available but it's such a gorgeous concept! (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Three: Go "Glamping" with a Laura Ashley fabric tent. (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Four: LOVE the relaxing, neutral tones in this outdoor setting. Would be great to set this up in the middle of a forest somewhere. Source unknown. (via Brigadeiro de Colher)

Five: Cutesy outdoor caravan dining setting. Fabrics from No Chintz.

Six: Love this outdoor bed! Photo by Annika Vannerus