12.28.2014

Merry and Bright, our Christmas at the Studio 2014


This year we were inspired by the bright colors of the season.  We pulled out all the stops. Our original funky tree oil painting trio added whimsy to the mantal, along with some fabric trees. Curlicue candy canes add to the whimsy. 

We created a one of a kind original art piece for above the credenza.  Using a large canvas and acrylic paints, my son and I added "Merry and Bright" letters to the piece and topped it with a small strand of LED lights to punctuate the theme.
Topping off our Christmas cheer... The kids had a brilliant idea.  
They sprayed the tree with chrome spray paint and added spots of glue spray... To place glitter. 

 The end result reminded me of a vintage aluminum tree.  
Vintage ornaments in varied sizes were added making it one of my favorite trees to date.

Next year... Create your own style and think up an original way to show it off for Christmas! 
     Fondly,
         Martha @OpendoorStudio



12.19.2014

Merry Christmas to you!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
         from the Smith's
winter 2014
Wishing you the Happiest of New Years too!

12.14.2014

Happy Holidays from OpendoorStudio


We love the new truck!  So Cute adorned with all of our Vintage Plaid Suitcases.  Ready for YOUR photo shoot. 
                  She is almost up and running.  She is getting ready for her debut in Spring of 2015.  
Located in West Suburban Warrenville, IL.  Email us if you would like a quote on rental for your event.  Photostyling by Opendoorstudio. 

11.02.2014

Fall Rustic Woodland Wedding: First Look … part 2

A relatively new trend in wedding styling is to photograph the "First Look" where the bride and groom get out the wedding jitters… by seeing one another before the ceremony… while photos are being taken.  Our lovely Rustic Woodland Wedding was no exception. 
Here are some views of the capturing of the "First Look"



 First Look: The setting, a local barn, just "down the road  a bit".  The idea, to get the "first look" on camera… and the nervous jitters out of the way… gathering with family and wedding participants… 
.

The bride and groom were placed on adjacent sides of the barn.  They were told not to look, but to walk closer to the corner, until they reached out for one another's hands (with a little help from a groomsman). On the count of three… they were able to look… and capture that moment on film. (The large photo above)


 "People moving out… people moving in".  The photographer (the grooms mother) felt this captured the activity of the day and what her brain felt like in the weeks moving up to the actual wedding day!  Organized chaos at its best.




 Incase you missed the post... be sure to Click here to see the lovely Woodland, Rustic Wedding photos and read more about this Family Affair. 

Fall Rustic Woodland Wedding : TableScapes and decor : a gorgeous family affair. Part 1

 

Head Table: Rustic touches.  Deer skull adorned with pine boughs, pine cones and bittersweet. 
(By The Ultimate Elf, OpendoorStudio and Nutmeg Events) Vintage doors are used as a backdrop.  Lace and burlap hang from rope behind the bridal table.


The bride, groom and groom's mother brought together friends and family to create a special day!.  The grooms aunt (OpendoorStudio) acted as planner and curator for the event.  Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and neighbors pitched in to make it a one of a kind, unique rustic woodland affair!

Groundwork was laid by the groom and his brothers, the yard cleared of brush, mulch by the truck load by his brothers. The grooms uncle and cousin raked the paths to lay down a solid foundation.  Wood was split for the bonfire and s'mores, lights went up using a bobcat… the bride and her parents as well as  the groom and his family and friends helped to put them up.  

Wedding Invitations were created and handmade by the brides aunt.  Maps of the location were created to look like little treasure maps and were included with the invitations.  The perfect touch!

Burlap banners were cut and sewn my neighbors and friends, flowers grown and chosen by the grooms aunt and cousin, Rustic bar was made by the groom and his brothers.  The bride wanted to incorporate some special pennies with important dates that were significant to the couple.  Pennies were incorporated in to her bouquet (seen above) and the fountain was added to the Enchanted Woods at Twisted Pines. Pennies were given to all who attended the wedding (in lieu of birdseed and bubbles) so that they could all make a wish for the happy Newlyweds… at the reception.

The rustic cupcake stand was made by the groom.  The large rustic table was left behind in their home and fit the bill perfectly for the cupcake stand.  The round bar top tables were made by the groom and his brother, they were stained by the grooms brother and brides father.  Burlap was added to the table tops.  A large wood slice was placed outside the reception for all of the attendees to sign. (It will be made in to a table for the couple by the groom)

The brides bouquet was created by the grooms cousin and aunt, who had grown much of the florals in their own gardens throughout  the year.  They brought along some amazing choices for the bride and bridesmaids to create their one of a kind bouquets… right there… on site!  Amazing to watch and oh so beautiful!  Each bouquet was hand tied and adorned with a burlap and lace ribbon.  Flowers were created for the table tops, added to ball jars, filling nests and adorning the cake table and fountains.  Hydrangea was dried to add interest.  Succulents were added to the head table in a lovely birch box, brought by the grooms cousin and aunt.  The grooms Aunt made a delightful box for the cards to be held in… with a pumpkin and florals on top.

The bar was made using up cycled materials that were found around the property.  The ladder above, was stored for 18 years, aside the wedding planners barn… waiting for it's special day to shine!  The lights on the ladder were supplied by the grooms uncle, wine bottles wrapped in lights and grapevines wrapped in lights…set the mood for the reception.

The brides family made the cupcakes to add a quaint feel and delicious taste to the cake table.

The decor set the ground work for a lovely woodland, rustic reception.

Click Here for part 2:  First Look Photos…

Ahh… Fall in Michigan.

Midwest is best for vibrant fall color.  Along Lake Michigan's lake shore, in Douglas, you will find a darling group of cottages called Timberbluff.  They are beautifully appointed to every last detail.  It is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather.  We gather there once a year, in the fall… to enjoy the colors of Michigan. (And a little wine too!)




crabapples on a tree at the cider winery.

Primary colors in Saugatuck
Colorful trees along the roadside
Lakeview cottage at Timberbluff

Down the road to the lake.


Wineries on the way home.

Grapevines in Michigan. Fall Splendor!


9.09.2014

Door County Plein Air in photos 2014

Mark Boedges paints south of Egg Harbor …. Shelby Keefe in the fields at Seaquest orchards

You have got to love Matt Barber Kennedy and his style!  … just love this!
at the sunset paint out Wednesday night. Everyone else had their sights set on the harbor, bay and sunset… he found a flagpole… high up in the air! 

Gay Falkenberry in a private garden in Ellison Bay.


Anderson barn, wind, waves and bugs… folks taking shelter!


Below are views of the quick paint in Fish Creek.  Everything you see was created in only 2 hours with a lively auction to follow! SO fun!

Matt gets my pick for most original again… I think he could have sold this painting 1000 times!
so original… the "Fish Creek Market sign".


James Richards and Mitch Baird with land and water. What a delight to see.  The week was amazing as always! 
         

Mitch dealing with the gnats… painting at Anderson Barn and Museum… along the road in Ephraim.

Stephanie Hartshorn's work … LOVE!

So happy to have met Stephanie Hartshorn… She is such a delight! Her fresh style is wonderful!
selfies… at the school of art during the final evening of the event.


Door County Gardens and Paintings of Hollyhocks.

Gay painting in the garden

Tom Nachreiner... painting at the beach/dock in Egg Harbor.

A work in progress
My attempt at the Summertime Restaurant in Downtown Fish Creek during the Quick paint where folks like me get to try our hand! 

Miss Mabel, our little vintage camper… was my home away from home during the Door County Plein Air Fest.  I spent a week at the Fish Creek Campground! What a great place!

A shout out to  Mac Ready Artisan Bread Company… for allowing me to eat there daily! Their Door County Chicken Salad on their fresh made daily Artisan bread is so delish!

 If you are a lover of art and if you enjoy watching and creating paintings in all medium… I encourage you to head to the Door County Plein Air Fest next year! Look for me.. I will be there!
                       martha

my palette… the end.