My Friday Guest Interview this week brings us over to City Cradle Design where Victoria shares her beautiful handmade crafts and personally styled parties daily on her blog. I’m consistently impressed with Victoria’s careful eye and her intense attention to detail, each and every post honors the unique and special handmade projects that make up her beautiful celebrations (be it for her own family and friends or a client) . The DIY projects are not just pretty though, they are absolutely doable!
In addition to her blog, Victoria is a mom to twins and a party designer by trade, so staying busy but organized is at the top of her list (in fact one of her interview answers includes planning tips, which I love!). A neat discovery is that we also share the same sunny San Diego hometown and find inspiration in similar, unique places .
But let’s get on with the interview! Victoria shares more on her inspiration, design process, favorite trends and reader tips & tricks. Hope you enjoy!
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{PDB Interview with Victoria of The City Cradle}
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What inspires your design style?
I am inspired quite often by photography, window displays and beautiful interior design. I love a hefty design injected with a special touch of whimsy. My passion is for handcrafted artisan design so I find much of my inspiration hiding in pretty random corners which I dream of at night, recreate, sketch and make come alive in my styling.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love the that I get to create beautiful and inspiring spaces for people to enjoy the most important moments of life within. With all our country has been through over the past ten years I believe enjoying the celebratory moments both big and small is becoming increasingly important in the lives of our families and communities. I adore getting to be on the forefront of making these wonderful moments beautiful and I love sharing these designs and details with you to recreate your own moments of joy!
What are your favorite design trends?
Very large balloons, especially when floating in the surf.
And rustic swings hanging from trees.
What are three design suggestions that you would like to offer our readers?
{1.} Design for loveliness not for trend. I’ve noticed so many celebrations these days looking one just like the next and many designers following what are not very pretty trends. Instead of doing what is easy (ie. matching circle cupcake toppers) why not step outside the box and design a look that is unique and lovely, really bringing your vision to life. Take a risk…. kill the matching pendants;)
{2.} Most beautiful pieces can be recreated in your own style. If you see something that inspires you note what you love about it, the materials, the lines, or the design and recreate that look for your next event. Some of my greatest projects have come from deconstructing beautiful and pricey pieces only to find a simple and lovely way to showcase the part that caught my eye.
{3.} Plan… plan… and plan some more. One of the reasons I have been so successful in what I do, while raising twins is that I plan out my designs to the very LAST detail and my days to the very LAST minute. You can have all the great ideas in the world but the simple act of sitting down to plan through your next design or event can change your style from imaginary to concrete. I’m planning on releasing a celebration planning guide early next year that I hope will bless others in this task of making our ideas become reality.
Thank you, Victoria!
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If you loved this interview, check out more great spotlights {and tips & tricks!} from fantastic bloggers!
I love her aesthetic, thanks so much for sharing this interview! And I couldn’t agree more about designing for loveliness and not trend!
xo Mary Jo
The City Cradle is one of my faves because her work is so unexpected and beautiful. This was a fun interview to read this morning, thanks ladies!