RentalComp Launch Party

Last month we spent a beautiful June evening living it up at the RentalComp, Launch Party. RentalComp is a brand new search and compare website for event rental items (think KAYAK) that is sure to streamline the process of styling special events. The affair was to gorgeous not to share.

Upon entering the gates of Tiato, the incredible new House of AN venue, we found ourselves in a  courtyard so beautiful and serene that we forgot that we were in busy Santa Monica.

 

It was Alexandra Rembac of Sterling Events and Carol Saunders of Grand Events who, together,  produced this magical event that was both sterling and grand. I fell in love with the venue right from the start, drawn to the breathtaking, living wall art that lit up as the sun went down.

Since I'd recently begun sculpting my own vertical garden,  I confess I experienced a bit of succulent envy.

As you can see, Shawna Yamamoto Event Design created wonderful and unique floral arrangements to compliment the space and carry out the magical vision. Teamed with beautiful furnishings from Girari and  Lounge Appeal, the courtyard became the perfect laid back place to mingle, talk, lounge and indulge!

AN Catering is a known name in the industry. I won't even try describe the scrumptious hand passed hor d'oeuvres we were treated to. This is me eating my first box of AN's Famous "Secret Garden" Garlic Noodles. It was probably okay that I kept my mouth shut and just danced. AN Catering is incredible!

  Photo by Heather Roman

The inside portion of the venue had been transformed into a beckoning space for those who wanted to dance or huddle up to the bar in a Lakers Game 6 friendly atmosphere. Dance music was provided by none other than Infusion Xperience from my favorite 11H Entertainment. History has shown that when Infusion Xperience is in the house I turn into a rhythmic introvert, abandoning conversation and all networking intentions because I have no choice but to dance. For those of you who don't known, Infusion Xperience is the ultimate balance between live A-list Musicians, DJ and Emcee.

 Photo by Heather Roman

Earlier this year I had the pleasure of collaborating with Leslie Maynor of Fantasy Frostings, designing a wedding invitation inspired by her pearl embellished, Vintage Glamour Wedding Cake. While Leslie is wonderful to work with, being on the consuming end of her talent is even better. Her Dessert Table was artful and delicious. She is so much more than cakes!

I really tried to exercise restraint but when half  dozen happy people told me I "really should try a funnel cake," I had to find out what all the fuss was about. Answer: It's about wonderfully, warm and delicious, made to order Mini Funnel Cakes by The Fry Girl. Enough said. [drool]

Sweet Lucie's provided an organic ice cream bar (as in buffet) that was described by many as serving the best ice cream they had ever tasted! And Rock Sake provided a variety of cocktails. Their signature "Cloud 9 Saketini" was Heather's favorite so she made sure she got the recipe.

You can try making it at home:

3 oz Rock Sake Cloud

1 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

Sugared Rim

Shake. Pour. Enjoy.

If our host's intention was to dote on guests from start to finish, I would have to shout "success" to Darryl Aken and the RentalComp team.

In conslusion, I want to mention that I appreciate complimentary valet parking the most when a battalion of uniformed attendants are on hand to insure that all departures are as graceful and hassle-free arrivals. On behalf of all the high heel ladies in attendance, "thank you" Logistic Parking for the VIP goodnight.

Unless otherwise noted, this phenomenal photography was provided courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography. The work speaks for itself.

Thank you, RentalComp, for inviting us to such a enjoyable event. It was a real treat for all of my senses. I wish you no less than complete success.

Sincerely,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist
Petalos di Pauli

Why I'm just like this snail

While tending my garden, it occurred to me how much I have in common with this little flower pot. Both our previous careers involved working in an office! My buddy here dispensed tape. And I dispensed information and implemented software for businesses. Now we both get to work outdoors, and we both have a fondness for all types of succulents.

While the garden is a common denominator, there is another trait I share with the snail; we both honor the pace of a tedious and complicated process. People have commented that they would never have the patience to accent flowers with tiny glass marbles, or spiraled wire stems. And the thought of filling an order for hundreds of custom cards wrinkles their forehead.

Growing from hobby to full-time business has imposed a limit on the time I spend clipping, pressing and gluing with my own hands. But when I do, I find those tasks to be therapeutic and somewhat grounding, and a good time to get some thinking done.

What kinds of things do I ponder? Eco-friendly ideas like, how I could use Zebra Grass for gift wrapping, or ways to re-purpose a ceramic snail tape dispenser that no longer serves a need. I must confess, I simply adore the outcome of that one!

It just goes to show you, one never knows what life has in store. This seemingly meaningless tape dispenser produces such beauty in the world.  That is my hope for what my business brings to people everyday, through the process of designing or giving a botanical work of art, or being the happy recipient.

Thoughtfully,

Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Creative Thinker

A Few of My favorite Things

I am really looking forward to time in the studio today. It’s one of those days where the garden and studio blend into one, and there is no place I would rather be.

No iTunes for now. Singing birds, wind chimes and falling water provide the perpetual soundtrack to my designing whims. All the players know their role and there is perfect harmony here.

Upon observing the promise of the day, I was eager to see my 3 ½ mile power walk to completion. And I confess, part two of my workout, my yoga postures, was a bit hurried in anticipation of what was to come.

One of my favorite rituals is to take on creative tasks after I have adorned myself with my treasures. So today I am wearing a top given to me by my friend Donna. It was hers before it was mine. She is a creative and spiritual being, also a fellow musician. I like that this colorful clothing has a history with her. I am sure that’s why it always feels so wonderful to wear it.

I’m also wearing a favorite ring that I purchased for myself. It’s sharing the right hand with a charm bracelet that was a gift from my mother.

My left wrist, also charmed, honors my husband and celebrates 3 years of being cancer free.

It’s time to stop writing and dive into the sea of  bliss that awaits. Although my studio is a hop, skip and a jump away from Disneyland. For me, today this is the happiest place on earth.

Joyfully Yours,
Paula Estes
Botanical Artist and
Fan of Rituals

Wild for Zebra Grass

What's new from the Garden and Studio of Petalos di Pauli?
Zebra Grass!

Photographed by Organized Light

Consider this post an Obsession Confession. I just can't stop loving the celadon and yellow corkscrewed blades, created by wrapping them around a chopstick and drying.

Photographed by Paula Estes

Zebra Grass is prolific, yielding heaps of fun fodder for naturally beautiful gift wrapping. A perfect pairing with Recycled Kraft Boxes. It's stunning in the garden and on a gift makes a dazzling finishing touch.

Happy Earth Day: Introducing Eco-Options

In celebration of Earth Day 2009 we spotlight 2 invitations that feature a blend of Eco-Options and illustrate the concept of going green gradually. Eco-Options consist of elements and ideas, presented as design options, for creating green, eco-friendly invitations and stationery products. When making a decision to go green it doesn’t necessarily have to be all or nothing. Learn your options then pick the features that fit your style and budget. Petalos di Pauli will give you the facts to help guide you down the right path and honor your pace as you consider your personal eco-strategy.


Embellishing with beautiful blooms is our passion and these lovely ensembles take flora to the next level with mailer boxes cushioned with stunning color-coordinated petals. The use of hand-torn mulberry bark papers add a soft touch to invitations which we confess aren’t perfectly green, but make us none the less proud to bare. Staty tuned for a detailied list of ingredients.


Like it or not, everything we do has an "environmental impact quotient" that measures the risk our actions have on the environment. As earth citizens we should all be mindful about what and how we do things and make an ongoing effort to minimize negative impact. Petalos di Pauli believes in artistic expression with a sense of responsibility to work towards a safer, healthier and better world. With Eco-Options we make it possible to go green gradually and gorgeously.

A Chocolate Lover's Anguish

I recently designed TABLE CARDS for a wedding where CHOCOLATE was the THEME for the event. I don’t mean chocolate as in the color brown. I’m referring to that creamy, cocoa confection that melts in your mouth and is tough to resist. I CONFESS, I’m a chocoholic and production of this job was extremely distracting. The couple named guest tables after their favorite treats.

The RECEPTION STATIONERY featured luxurious, textured, cream matte paper. The TABLE CARDS were mounted on a rich, textured chocolate cardstock. Don’t they look scrumptious?


What is the most creative theme for table names that you’ve heard of? You can enter your comment at the end of this post.

Fortunately, a beautiful and well-stocked candy bar was readily available to satisfy all cravings.

From PLACE CARDS, MENUS, TABLE CARDS and PROGRAMS, Petalos di Pauli can design matching stationery essentials to give your entire event a polished feel.