Living in clouds of...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T19:04:00.001-08:00

Ringing in the new year with a day filled with....

Classic chocolate frosties,

Pizza at the beach,

a morning hike,

and lots of looking forward to renewed goals, new experiences, and added memories.
Wishing you all the very best health and happiness in 2012!!

Merry all the way...

2011-12-25T20:38:00.001-08:00

Hoping everyone had a wonderful day filled with lots of love and gratitude! I felt inspired to post a picture of a layout I completed tonight with some photos from our Christmas tree shopping. I recently saw this add in a scrapbooking magazine.....

and it inspired this layout....

I'm hoping to post a bit more in the upcoming year. I'm currently working on my December Daily but need to print some more photos to continue. I am on Day 13 and have hopes of making it to Day 25 before I have to return to work next week. I'm also looking forward to beginning Project Life in 2012...just trying to document all the little details that I don't ever want to forget!! What kinds of things are you planning for the upcoming year?

The Great Pumpkin

2011-10-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well...actually this is a story about a little boy and a mini pumpkin. This fall has been so exciting because Liam is old enough to take to the pumpkin patch. We opted for the simple, more down-to-earth option of a pumpkin patch only...i.e. no hayrides and other hullabaloo. Just pumpkins...sweet and simple. We visited Lavender Hills pumpkin farm and I am thankful that we chose 'simple' because just trying to focus Liam on a single pumpkin was hard work!

Look mom...isn't this one cute?!!

But this one is pretty interesting as well....hmmmm... let me see....

Hard work picking a pumpkin! I'll just hitch a ride back to the car in this wheelbarrow!

Isn't fall great?!!! What have you been doing to get yourself in the Halloween mood?

Paper Scrap Use

2011-10-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased this cute poster from etsy to put in my office at work. There are some days that I really need to remind myself that I "love" what I do! LOL! I had a plain white frame...one of many that I stocked up on this summer during Aaron Brothers' One Cent Sale. Somehow it just looked too blah...so I used a bunch of vintage wallpaper scraps sitting on my table to jazz up the frame. I just cut them into squares and glued them around parts of the frame. I also added a few swatches of my favorite washi tape and now it looks so pretty!!

I just love it....

Project Photo Wall

2011-10-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been missing....I had lots of computer problems during the months of August and September so I didn't want to load tons of new photos onto my laptop for fear they would go missing!! Hubby has fixed the problem so I am back with some photos of a summer project I was so happy to finally complete!! You know how you have this idea stirring in your head for months...thinking about every detail of it and just chomping at the bit to actually do it?? This is one of those projects! It's a little photo wall that you see as you enter the house...and it has some of my favorite pics of Liam's first year...including this precious baby picture from the hospital! I can't believe that that was only 17 months ago!!!

The mini white frame next to it on the lower right corner is a portion of his favorite sock monkey blanket.

"M" of course for Morgan and 3 since we are a family of three! I bought the vintage metal number off of etsy and spray painted it candy apple red so it would stand out a bit. I also sewed fabric swatches for the 3 little hoops at the top of the display..I'm currently obsessed with making and hanging those wooden embroidery hoops!

I took a small old wooden box and lined it with paper to make a cute shadow box for the wall. I then glued one of those Tim Holz glass knobs to the top of the box. Then I mounted a vintage camera inside.....another new obsession being the vintage cameras.
That's all for now!! Thanks for hanging in there with me if you are still checking my blog! I hope it won't be near as long until my next post. Have a great week!

Do-It-Yourself Satisfaction

2011-08-02T21:47:00.001-07:00

How many times have you seen something in a store that you think is just too cute, but you cannot possibly justify spending money on it when you think you can most likely make it yourself? And on top of that, you know that you have enough fabric, felt, and other materials at home that you could open a small craft store out of your garage??

I saw a felt/fabric flower recently that I just had to have, but the price tag was over $20. Not going to spend that much on something that was most likely made from the remnants left on somebody's craft table...because I also have those same remnants hanging out on my table that I could use to make it! Tonight I finally had some time to try to replicate the scrap flower I saw...

First, I cut out a felt circle. Then I just started snipping small pieces of fabric, felt, and lace and tacked them onto the circle with fabric glue to hold them in place. Next, I used the sewing machine to stitch from side to side and then in a swirly circle around and around.

Finished it up with a button for the center....

Love it!! Now I'm thinking about making some more of these, but possibly in a bigger size. I'm sure there are all sorts of things I can adorn with these little scrap flowers...fun!!!

Packed and Ready (I think)

2011-07-27T21:29:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we are off for our one-night family vacation in Laguna!! LOL!! After making two 6-hour flights this past year with a baby, I am actually relieved and happy that this is only a one night adventure that we can actually drive to!! We were lucky enough to nab one evening in the cottages at Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach, which we have been trying two years now to get! I'm soooo looking forward to hearing the waves crashing as I drift off to sleep!

Here are the first, and most important, items that I packed....

Inspirational art book, Art Saves *check*

Eye Candy decorating book *check*

Journal *check*

Instax camera *check*

All the good stuff accounted for!

On another note, I thought I'd post a picture of this cute little case I made for my iphone. My third obsession this summer (right behind my new iphone and this blog I mentioned in a previous post) is the magazine Molly Makes. Usually after reading a magazine, I rip out all of the pages that really speak to me and put them in a big binder of inspiration I have. However, this is one of those magazines that I actually keep the entire magazine! I have two issues of it, and I think I've paged through and read each one about 5 times!! The great thing is that on the cover of each issue is a little envelope in which are the basic supplies and instructions for a mini-project. I added the patterned fabric, lace, and vintage button to this case, but the rest was supplied. FUN!!

Inspired by Fabric

2011-07-13T22:35:00.001-07:00

I've really been inspired to sew some projects on my machine besides just paper. This is partly the result of my new obsession with this blog. It's a new phase...ever go through that? I think I am making a transition from the vintage shabby chic phase to the vintage modern phase. Anyway, I have been taking my little white Fuji Instax camera with me to the beach this summer to take some pics for my mini album and I am pretty obsessed about not getting it dirty..anal, I know! So...I was thinking about asking someone on etsy to make me a bag for my camera when hubby suggested I give it a try myself. His famous words, "What have you got to lose?" So...two evenings of sewing later, here is what I created...

(Excuse the bad lighting in the picture. The only well-lit spot in my house to take a picture at 10:00 at night is on my bathroom vanity.)

I really love how it turned out!! I'm wondering what all you REAL seamstresses out there think?? I have a few other fabric projects to show over the next week...see you back soon!

Anniversary Fun

2011-07-10T13:58:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was our anniversary so we were able to steal a few hours away by ourselves to celebrate. First up was Architectural Salvage, which is the place to go for any sort of architectural items for a remodel or vintage accenting of your home. You name it, they have it! Old wooden framed windows, glass doorknobs, key plates, chandeliers, lights, all sizes and sorts of metal letters, and more! I really wanted to find some use for the old porcelain pink sink that I saw, but hubby wasn't having it! LOL! Maybe at the ten-year mark......

The Cantina located in the building behind the Architectural Salvage had the most amazing murals painted on its outside walls...

Then it was off to dinner at this fabulous place....Cucina Urbana. This is our second attempt at getting a reservation before 9 pm as it is a very popular place to dine! Let me just tell you...and I am NOT exaggerating here...the decor is like you are eating dinner inside an Anthropologie!! Here was the chandelier near our table...

And a display behind the greeters...

I wanted to take way more pictures of the inside, but I didn't think the people dining by all of the other displays and under the amazing painting would have liked me leaning over their table with my iphone! Food was fabulous and they are opening a new location this coming fall in the Irvine Spectrum area. You will looooove it!! Check it out....

The Story of Liam and The Pink Monkey

2011-07-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

This is the story of a boy named Liam, who finds a new friend at the coffee shop. One sunny summer morning, Liam's Mommy and Daddy take Liam for a walk at the beach. Following their walk, per the usual routine, they stop at the local coffee shop for a shot of extra energy.

"But what will I do there?" asked Liam, knowing very well that he would have to wait in line and then watch his parents try to enjoy their morning drinks while offering him the usual Cheerios and juice.

"Look!" said Mommy. "Here is a basket full of animals..."

"WOW! You really don't lie to me just to get me inside this coffee shop!!" thought Liam. "There ARE animals in here...a whole bunch of them!"

"I think I'll just check out this cute little pink monkey right here..."

"Mommy...isn't she so cute? Please, can she come home with us?"

"No Liam. Not today," said Mommy.

"Oh, but I love her soooo much!" declared Liam as he gave her a big smooch on the face.

"I know she's cute, but you have lots of other animals at home to play with. Say goodbye to the sweet monkey, and we'll come back to visit her the next time we come for coffee," said Mommy.

"Well, alright," said Liam sadly. "I'm gonna miss you, but my mommy says that we can't take you home today. I'll come back and visit you. I promise," said Liam.

And with that, Liam placed the monkey back into the basket and was distracted two minutes later by a Golden Retriever loping around outside the coffee shop. "But Mommy...why can't we have a dog?..."

Father's Day Pages

2011-07-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

I managed to create three different layouts with all of the pictures I took while on our hike on Father's Day. Most of the papers I used came from the recent "Countryside" Collection by Studio Calico...love all of their stuff!!

B is for "boys"... I really loved this picture from the back with Liam on hubby's back.

Liam's hat kept getting pushed over his face by the overhang of the carrier...this was one of the many positions it fell into during the hike.

I read lots of blogs with scrapbook layouts and try to vary my style to stretch myself. This last one was the most challenging because it was most unlike what I would normally do, but I liked how it turned out.

I hope everyone has a fun-filled holiday weekend!! Soak in the sunshine!

Cleaning Up and Clearing Out

2011-06-28T14:34:00.001-07:00

I never thought I'd use a "free day" pass from motherhood to clean and be happy about it, but that's just what hubby and I did today while the little guy was at his one-day-a-week-of-daycare. Lots of little things here and there get grimy and overlooked in the daily business of work and caring for a baby over the last year. We made a list of things to accomplish this summer,and I'm happy to report that I already crossed three off the list today! I always start with the easiest and most manageable things to feel highly successful..LOL!! Really yucky jobs come last on the list. One of the things I completed today was to scrub the grout on the kitchen countertops. Who ever thought of grout on a kitchen countertop???!! Someone who loves to clean, that's for sure!! All of you out there who have a solid marble countertop in your kitchen, go kiss it right now, because grout is such a bear!!

These are a few of the things I fantasize about having someday...notice the grout-free item first:

a grout-free countertop and shower
an icemaker as part of my refrigerator
a refrigerator big enough to fit a full week's worth of food into it
French doors anywhere, but somewhere, in the house
a stainless steel sink (preferably a deep farmhouse style sink) instead of white enamel which always looks stained to me
a built in console for the television with bookshelves
great looking bookshelves that I could somehow make look way more visually appealing than the IKEA particle board ones that we currently have

That's about it...I don't think that's too much to ask for! Maybe someday....

For now, I will be happy in my clean little cozy house while looking at these beautiful flowers I picked up at the market yesterday morning...

Oops...I just realized I inserted these pics twice, but it's time to put Liam down to bed so it will have to post as is!

From Baby to Boy

2011-06-22T21:50:00.001-07:00

Today marked my first really sentimental moment when I realized that Liam is not a baby anymore! He's been sporting something of a mullet these last couple of months since his baby hair grew out so much longer in the back than on the rest of his head. So...we headed over to Cuts for Little People and the sweetest gentleman named Marciano gave Liam his first haircut.

Afterwards it really hit me that he is now a little boy and not a baby. Here is Mr. Liam with his new hairdo...

What's not to love about a face like that?! (Good thing I have some experience with disciplining kids or I might never be able to say "NO" to that innocent little grin!)

A Sunny Father's Morning

2011-06-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful morning for honoring all the dads out there today! Daddy's wish was to take a hike at Los Penasquitos Canyon so that's what we did! It really is a beautiful place to walk with lots of little winding trails and places to have a picnic lunch. Liam loves to be a little monkey on daddy's back...

What a great time!! The bonus was that we discovered a PinkBerry nearby, which was our reward after the hike...yum!! New flavor this season..Salted Caramel...it doesn't get any better than that! Hope you're enjoying your weekend!!

More Birthday Fun

2011-06-16T22:02:00.001-07:00

As promised...here are some more pics of pages 6 through 10...

Eating the birthday cake...yuuuummmmm!!!

Opening some presents...

Playing with one of his favorite gifts...

Enjoying the birthday balloons....

Birthday Fun

2011-06-16T13:01:00.001-07:00

Summer is finally here (yeah!) so hopefully I will have a bit more time to post some of the things I've been working on. I finished this cute little 1st Birthday Boy book about a month ago, but I thought it was still worth sharing. The on-line class for this book can be found at Elizabeth Kartchner's new site Something Splendid. It's a super cute site with lots of fun projects to make! I changed mine up a bit by making the book slightly bigger and using actual envelopes inside of it instead of glassine bags. It was meant to be an envelope book of 10 envelopes. However, I made 5 envelopes and then 5 additional pages with layouts/photos on them.

This worked out to be the perfect mini book to document Liam's first birthday since I had so many photos it would have taken me forever to do layouts using all of them. Instead, I used a couple of photos and then grouped the rest by theme such as "Cake Eating", "Playing with Toys", "Birthday Memorabilia", etc. I was able to tuck his invitation in one of the envelopes along with some birthday party confetti and a napkin. The additional photos I just tucked inside each envelope by theme and was done...so easy!!

Here is the cover....I cut the monkey head out of one of the party plates.

(Sorry, skipped page one here...I'll share tomorrow)

Most of the paper and labels/stickers are from Crate Paper's Boy line that came out this spring. I will post pages 1 and 6 through 10 tomorrow. See you then!

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Soaking up the sunshine today! Summer is just around the corner, and I can't wait to spend all my days with this sweet boy! Hope you had lots of laughter and good times in your little corner of the world this weekend.....

Gratitude

2011-04-11T19:13:00.000-07:00

Ever buy a cute scrapbooking product that you feel you MUST make something with...right away? Well, I recently ordered these flashcards from October Afternoon that feature vintage children's images with the numbers 1-9. These really aren't a new product, just new for me!

I decided to do some sort of mini book about 9 things...hmmm....but nine what? Since it is nearing Liam's first birthday, I thought I'd write a series of nine mini thank you letters to him detailing all of the things that I am thankful I have learned from him in this last year.

I then used the Martha Stewart starburst punch to punch out a piece from all the patterned papers I used in the book. I glued them on the cover in two vertical rows and then added some stitching over top of them. I got this particular idea from this great book, Sharing Your Stories: Recording Life's Memories with Mini Books by Ali Edwards.

On the back side of each "thank you" letter, I stamped out a quote that fits the topic of the letter to Liam.
I glued the patterned paper front to back and stitched a border around each page of patterned paper.

I hope that he understands someday, when he is older, how much meaning and fun and love he has brought to my life! I can't believe it has already been nearly a year.....

BE. Inspired...

2011-04-08T20:14:00.001-07:00

We were off from work this week since it was our district's spring break. *sigh* I had a couple of friends over to craft on Thursday. The theme of the day was Be Inspired and we decorated a wooden block with lots of bright papers and inspirational sayings. I added a few details to my dining room to set the mood....

(Created from the new Pink Paislee line called "Soiree"...LOVE these papers!)

Some bright colors to tie in with the black and white...

(Poster from etsy seller Katie Daisy.)

A few postcard images from the etsy shop Inspire Lovely along with other odds and ends collected from around my studio....
Really a great afternoon! These gals are a group of friends who I have known ever since I got my first teaching job here in California, and they have continued to be my very best support system through many ups and downs. They are the kind of friends that you may not see for a few months, but you can pick up with them right from where you left off and feel like you just talked yesterday! I was really in need of some serious girl chat time and a few reassuring words. Many of them already emailed me to thank me for a fun day, but I hope they know how much they did for me in return just by being a good friend!

Sunshine Daydreamin' in Pink

2011-03-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

I can see clearly now..the rain here is gone... and it's accompanied by PINK!! What a beautiful day in southern California today! We got out this afternoon for some caffeine (much needed after the 5:15 "alarm" we have named Liam) and a peaceful little stroll around Encinitas. Pink and yellow seemed to be the theme of the day..lucky for me that they are two of my favorite colors. This psychodelic explosion of art was on the side of a trash receptacle by the ocean. Cool!

Absolutely adored this pink garage door...my husband immediately said "NO WAY!" before I could even ask about our own home...

This same house, of course, could not settle for your run-of-the-mill traditional white picket fence and painted theirs yellow and pink instead...

Finally, the reward at the end of the walk- a fantastic ocean view complete with some smiles and giggles!!! This is heaven!!!

Some more love...

2011-03-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

Just popping in to show a few more pictures of some select pages of my Love U mini book from yesterday. It's always a challenge when you use a pre-selected group of pages for a mini book because, inevitably, there is at least one page in the mix with which you have no idea what to do!! This right hand page is a piece of heavy upholstery fabric. I almost just quietly disposed of it, but then reconsidered and came up with this page...using a mini bingo board from Jenni Bowlin and a piece of fabric I freehand cutted into a heart. A few sequins attached with some french knots to finish the look....

This "L" is from a booklet of letters and words from the Girls Paperie line with a few fabric scraps stitched on...

And no book would be complete without a photo of "the boys" hangin' out together...

Hope you are enjoying your weekend with family and friends!! It's a beautiful clear day so get out and soak in the sunshine!!

Love U Mini Book

2011-03-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

I just completed the Valentine-themed mini book that I started back in February... well, I actually finished it about a week ago but took a break from the regularly scheduled programming for the very fabulous Moulin Rouge Artistic Affaire which was as amazing as expected!!! (Sorry..no pics of the event..too caught up in a whirlwind of creating and having a good time to take pictures!) However, I finally had a moment to snap a few pics of the book today so here they are!! I ordered the book from here..she sends you all the pages with some extra embellishments. I then dig into my much-too-large stash and add lots of other goodies.

Our first beach "practice" trip before going to Hawaii....

The cover is actually clear acrylic so the first page with the cut-out heart shows through...

I'm not too fabulous with the sewing machine, but I was kinda proud of my "L" for Liam. I got the idea for the saying from the etsy shop "Sparkle Power" where I recently ordered this cute poster!

This page was inspired by one of my favorite new blogs called The Pink Couch. LOVE this blog!

I have a few more pics I will post later this weekend...thanks for stopping by!!!

Hawaii Mini Album Part 2

2011-03-01T19:46:00.001-08:00

As promised, here are some final pictures of the mini album from our Hawaiian vacation. Wow! Two blog posts in one week...I feel like I've really accomplished something, and it's only Tuesday! :P

One of the biggest "adjustments" of traveling with a baby was the lack of time to get a Starbucks in the airport! That is always something I look forward to right before boarding the plane but, alas, no time for Starbucks after you get the full pat down search and no extra hands to hold a drink. *sigh* Once I got on the plane, I was craving some kind of goodness and thankfully they sold these dark chocolate candy bars on the plane which were the most delicious combination of salty and sweet.....there were angels singing!~

The cover....

We went to the Red Dirt Shirt Factory featured on Dirtiest Jobs on TV. Rich bought a T-shirt, but I have yet to wash it since it needs it's own wash cycle or it will turn everything RED!

Thanks for checking back...enjoy the rest of your week!!

Hawaii Mini Album Part 1

2011-02-27T12:59:00.001-08:00

While preparing for Hawaii, I was pining over making a journal/mini album of our trip. I had done this once before when we went to Park City but that was a pre-baby vacation! However, after reading a post by Amy Tan about her recent trip to Hawaii, I just had to do it. I gathered some scraps from my table..leftovers from other projects.. and made a collection of similarly themed tags, paper scraps, stickers, etc. I used the 8 x 8 Maya Road Binder Album which is a great album as long as you don't use too many bulky add-ons. Each evening, after Liam went to bed, I'd take all my supplies out and make the page for that day..just one layout. Here is Monday, Feb. 14th.....

(The postcard part is actually a flip out with other things written underneath it.)

Day number 2 along the western part of the island... I even glued on some sea glass pieces I found along Glass Beach.

Day number 3 along the eastern side of the island...

Our last day...
A final picture to remember....

I still have another page and the cover to post as well as some of the flip out sections. Be back later this week!!!

Aloha!

2011-02-26T11:20:00.001-08:00

Greetings from Hawaii!! We just returned from a week away in paradise...*sigh*. Wish we could have stayed longer but, as they say, all good things must come to an end. We had never been to Hawaii before so we decided on Kauai, which was a perfect fit...lots of green lush vegetation, waterfalls, ocean, and roosters??? Yes, roosters! Roosters that start crowing at random times, including 4 am! However, other favorites far outweighed the cock-a-doodle-dooing...including shave ice with macadamia nut ice cream on the bottom, banana frosties, lots of fresh ono and seafood, and Hawaiian hot dogs with mango relish!

Here is my dream home.. TURQUOISE!! ...right across the street from the ocean where we also saw baby sea turtles swimming in the surf.

My husband enjoyed lots of surfing while I was content to enjoy amazing scenery while running along the shore! Tag-team style, of course, since vacationing with a baby was definitely a change in mindset...no boat tours, no ziplining, no 8-mile hikes back to a hidden waterfall... {not bad} just different.
Liam at the beach for the very first time. He LOVED it and he loved to eat the sand. Just when he'd have a fully coated hand is when he'd want to suck his thumb. Go figure! To be expected...

There was lots of color and beauty everywhere you looked! We definitely plan to return when Liam is a bit older and more self-sufficient. I even took a little time each night to make a mini book with journaling of our day's activities! Hopefully I will have some time to take pics today and post it later in the week. Mahalo {thanks} for stopping by...have a great weekend!

December Revisited

2011-01-21T19:25:00.001-08:00

Happy weekend!! I finally got around to taking some pictures of my December album. I purchased the album from the very sweet and talented Debee Campos. I think I've mentioned her work before on my blog. If you've never visited her blog called Art as Life, you must stop by. She just opened a new etsy shop, Inspire Lovely, which is stocked with all sorts of sunshiny (probably not a word) goodness!!

So here is my little guy with his Christmas outfit on, all ready to deck the halls...

The cover of the album, inspired by Debee. The "flowers" are actually red sequins which I french knotted onto the cardstock.
The toy soldier on the left is a fun pull toy that was my husband's when he was a boy. I thought the handprint was a great idea to look back on and remember how small Liam was!
Liam's Christmas ornament for 2010...picked out by mommy at mommy's favorite store, Anthropologie!! Can't go wrong with anything from there!!

Daddy and Liam playing the African drums during a "music lesson" over the holiday break. The style of this page was inspired by a new blog I've been reading by Vee Jennings.
That's just a sampling of some of the pages. I was happy with myself that I am finally using the sewing machine that I got for Christmas last year!! I haven't sewed one piece of fabric with it, but sure have stitched a lot of paper using it!! Lots of fun!!!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-15T14:29:00.001-08:00

I hope that everyone out there has had a positive productive start to the new year!! It seems like just yesterday we were putting up the Christmas tree and now it's Martin Luther King Day weekend! I've been busy with lots of creative projects even though it doesn't look like it on my blog. I had some computer problems over the holidays so I didn't want to load pictures onto it if I was going to have to buy a new one. The glitches seem to be worked out so I'm going to try to play catch up and post some things I've been up to later this weekend. Here is one of the very best things I've been up to...watching this little guy grow!! He's almost 9 months old..wow! Not crawling yet but everyone tells me not to rush it and enjoy having my house in one piece.

A few other things that kept me busy in the last month were the December Daily album, although it turned out to be just a December album...no daily! I also signed up for the One Little Word year long class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. That really has helped to get me excited about 2011! My word for the year is NURTURE...I think you can guess why! Lots to nurture in the year ahead...for myself and others. See you back here later this weekend...enjoy the warmth and sunshine if you are in southern CA!

Elves Among Us

2010-12-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

...and I've got one living right here in my house!! These were a few pictures from our photo session at home, trying to get some cute shots for our family Christmas card. Today was the last day of work until after the holidays...lots of Christmas preparations to still get done. I'm just so happy we'll be home for the next two weeks with our little boy! What fun this holiday will be! Holly jolly fun!!

Unlock Your Story

2010-11-11T20:50:00.001-08:00

Being a new mom with little to no time, the online class thing is THE way to go these days!! I am so happy for the internet and the worldwide community of creative people out there...you're never alone!! I'm participating in a class offered by Elizabeth Kartchner (aka Dear Lizzy) entitled "Unlock Your Story". Just love her blog...always a great pocket of color and sunshine! It's really important to me to get all of those little, yet important, moments down on paper as Liam grows because I hear from lots of moms that the images you think will always be seared in your head slowly fade. Hence, my signing up for this class! They are lesson 7 right now, and I'm only on the cover but I will catch up sooner or later! I did not purchase the class kit since it utilized colors that were more inclined towards the girly side, so I used papers from the My Mind's Eye collection called "Lost and Found". Here is my cover...

My husband said there was a little too much glitter on the cover for a boy but I said: (1) the glitter was already on the paper so it was out of my control...always good to blame things on someone else...hee hee and (2) too much glitter??!!! Could there ever be TOO much glitter?!! Seriously....where has he been all this time!!!!!

Liam the Lion

2010-11-07T19:19:00.001-08:00

Hear me ROAR!! Well..not exactly...this is a gentle lion that giggles alot!!

On another note...I finally finished up my next mini album of Liam spanning months 4 and 5. I always get these great mini books from Eve Johnson at Evalicious...she puts together the cutest stuff! I also got a new baby one from her this past spring which I used to document our first month with Liam. She puts together albums using eclectic little pages of this and that...then all you need to do is add the pictures, embellishments, and your journaling..super easy for a new mom with very little time! Here is the cover:

Daddy reading a book to Liam...

Liam's first football game of the season! Eating chicken wings and rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles...
(Sorry these pictures are not the best...I have limited time for photo ops and even less time to write a post!)

I hope everyone in southern California is finally enjoying the cool crisp fall weather!!! Loved the extra hour today!! Have a great week ahead!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-10-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Hope you are having a wickedly fun Halloween!!! Liam turned six months old this week...can't believe how big he's getting!! He has his first two teeth now and is almost sitting up on his own! We dressed him up as a lion, but he pooped out before the first trick or treaters even showed up at the door! After I dress him in it again tomorrow for some pictures, I will post them later in the week...if I remember!!! LOL!! Have a wonderful first week of November!!!

Peace, Love, and Happiness

2010-10-15T20:25:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I have not been a great blogger these last few weeks. I finally returned to work on Monday and had to leave my little baby behind. However, dad's been holding down the fort and keeping little Liam all smiles! Thought I'd share a couple pictures of him now that he's five and a half months old. Finally sleeping through the night consistently..YEAH! Sleep never felt so good!! Learning to eat some new foods like avocado and sweet potatoes. Most of all, just a ball of happiness and smiles! How very lucky we are!!

Just broke out the jog stroller this week now that Liam's old enough and big enough for it. Step aside everyone...momma's rollin' by! He just LOVES this now that he can face forward and see the world from a whole new perspective....

Happy weekend to all!!!

{be} Inspired

2010-09-15T20:31:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be teaching a class at Paper Tales!! This has been a hope of mine for a while now, and I am so thankful that they will have me! :-)

The class is scheduled for Sunday, October 3rd, from 12:30-2:30. My goal for the class is for people to be inspired, have fun, and enjoy a creative afternoon surrounded by all the inspiration that Paper Tales has to offer! This art block is a medley of color with quotes on each side and some vintage spools on the top. It is a low stress class, and you'll be sure to have a finished product by the time you leave! I hope to see you there!!!

Rainbow of Color

2010-09-11T18:33:00.001-07:00

You know how you buy something with this wonderful vision of what will be done with the item only to have the potential project sit on your desk or in a closet for the next 6 months? Well...that's pretty much how this project went down! However, I am happy to report that last night, in the single hour I had to myself before bedtime, I was able to whip this together and voila! here it is.....

This is actually contained within a white wooden shadowbox that I picked up at Aaron Brothers. It has a nice linen backing to it which made it ready to fill with colorful goodness. I bought this lot of pretty pastel vintage spools from an etsy seller called ArtfulVintage. I had ordered a group of these spools earlier in the summer for an upcoming class I'll be teaching, but I was lucky enough to snag another group of them that she had for sale..but for myself this time! The fabric swatches are from the Heather Bailey line and it's the same fabric that I used to cover a canvas that hangs above the dresser in my bedroom. Since this shadowbox is going on top of that dresser, I thought it would be good to tie in the two pieces with the same fabric.

A few old buttons strategically scattered near the bottom of the box for some finishing touches. I just love the rainbow of colors...don't you? They make me so happy! :-)

Getting Out to Look Within

2010-09-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown for going out, I found, was really going in." -John Muir

Hope everyone enjoyed their three day weekend! We got out on Monday for a little family picnic at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas...one of my favorite places for peace and nature's inspiration. I also like to experiment with my photography skills which need serious improvement most times!! If you've never visited these gardens, it really is a breathtaking place to see. They have over 35 acres filled with every type of vegetation imaginable from every biome across the world...Australia, Hawaii, etc. They have a really cool bamboo garden that's like going through a maze of sticks!

Of course, hydrangeas are one of my all-time favorites...I imagine having great horticultural skills in another lifetime and my house being surrounded by grande and fragrant hydrangea bushes, just like in Martha's Vineyard!

They had a statue of a woman made purely out of various types of succulents...now there's a plant species that I've had success with...they thrive on little to no water!! LOL!! I thought the cameo was the greatest detail here!

Liam doesn't look quite as thrilled in this picture but he really did enjoy looking up at the trees overhead and all the amazing patterns when the light filtered through the leaves. What better source of beauty for inspiration than Mother Nature?!

His Story

2010-09-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

I've been trying my best to document Liam's first months with us. I've found that the mini album is a new mom's best friend, allowing you to document those first memories with a minimal amount of time, effort, and supplies. Back in July, I saw this cute album posted by Ali Edwards and decided I had to make my own! After gathering up the supplies she listed, here is my own version....

The cover is a great canvas album from Pink Paislee with a Jenni Bowlin rub-on.

Ali had some digital files of these little word cards on her website, but I decided to just make my own using shipping tags with the top cut off.
I little bit of Maya Road paint mist and some Japanese tape...two of my new favorite art supplies...not to mention my brand new Fuji Instax Mini camera which hubby bought me for our anniversary...LOVE these little pictures!! So sweet!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day weekend!! Wishing you lots of sunshine in your little corner of the world!!

Where does your inspiration come from?

2010-08-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

This was the last piece of work I did before having my baby. I wanted to make sure I had something during all those early weeks (when there was no time to create) to remind me of what inspires me. It was sitting on my studio work table when I returned from the hospital. All I had left to do was to place the letters on it. It now sits next to my work table...a beautiful collage of hot pinks and turquoise!

I have a huge binder filled with images I have cut out of magazines throughout the years. I page through the binder whenever I'm in a creative rut, but I thought it might be great to showcase some of the pictures where I could always see them. I cut out all of my very favorite ones to use in this piece. After gluing them all down on a piece of flat plywood, I added fabric swatches and some other little bits of this and that which I've been saving for just that "perfect" piece. No time like the present!

"The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider's web." -Picasso

What inspires you? What colors are you always drawn to? What makes your heart go pitter- patter? What will put a smile on your face this week? What will be the catalyst for your next creative masterpiece? Go forth and create.....

Little Angel

2010-08-04T14:37:00.001-07:00

Back in June, I took a Whimsical Collage class at Paper Tales (THE best scrapbook store in San Diego!) taught by the talented and sweet Lilia Meredith. I just love her style, especially with all her layers of paint and sanding and stenciling and oil pastels....it always forces me out of my "neat" zone to get a little messy with my art! The task of the class was to bring a blown up photo of a family member and incorporate it into a large collage. Of course, I had to use Liam as the subject and here's how it turned out...

I hung it in his room...my sweet little angel! Too cute!!

Playin' With Paint

2010-08-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've really been into the spray mists and ink splatters lately!! I'm taking a one week online class hosted by the amazing Debee Campos. I just love all her work and her blog is always full of really bright cheery pictures. Have I mentioned that it is my new favorite blog this summer?!

Anyway, she is teaching us her paint splatter technique which she incorporates into all of her work, and I have just been dying to find out how artists get such great splatters...kinda Jackson Pollick-y. So here is my first attempt. There are more elements that are to be added to this cover but in between cleaning up the house which seems a 5 times daily occurence and doing laundry and nursing, this is all I had time for!

Here is a quick journal page I snuck in last night at 9:30 when I was supposed to be getting ready for bed!! It's just a short little journal book filled with pictures I've cut out of magazines of things that inspire me. I loved this vignette in last month's Real Simple issue.
And lastly...but certainly NOT least....an updated pic of baby Liam at 13 weeks!! He only makes me smile about half a million times a day!!!

Color My World...

2010-07-17T20:34:00.001-07:00

...in bright hues and sunny smiles! We actually made it out of the house this week for a day trip down to the South Park area of San Diego. I had read about it in Sunset magazine so we finally checked it out. I could have spent much more time in this little store called The Grove which was a bookstore, fiber arts/sewing store, and also full of other eclectic artsy finds. Liam was nice enough to sleep for a little while so I could pick up a few things. Here are some fun Amy Butler fabrics I bought along with a pattern for a turtle pin cushion from Heather Bailey. I also picked up these cute playing cards with peace signs on them which I plan to use in projects or for gift tags.

I've also been renovating this little corner of my studio and freshening it up a bit with some bright colors. I recently bought a bunch of silk peonies and this enamel green vase. I set up this vignette with the art piece I did a few months back and a poster I bought off of etsy.
Here is a closer look at the poster on the right. It's from a seller called the wheatfield. She has lots of great graphic designs using bright "sunshiny" colors. I purchased another poster from her that is a honeycomb pattern using pinks and polka dotted yellows.
And lastly, what could brighten my world more than a smile from this little guy?! He's finally holding his head up for longer periods of time and actually rolled over twice this week!! Yeah!
Hope you find some sunshine in your corner of the world this weekend!! I'm off to the Long Beach Flea Market tomorrow. Hopefully I'll return with some fun finds!

Jumpstarting Creativity

2010-07-02T20:05:00.001-07:00

After the birth of your first child, you suddenly realize how all of the things you filled your days with are no longer the things that you fill your days with! Then, when you get 15 minutes of uninterrupted time to yourself (on a good day), you also realize how difficult it is to make creativity happen in the blink of an eye! So these last few weeks, I've been trying to revamp my studio a little in an attempt to jumpstart my creative "mojo". These are some of the things I've been into lately:

Anything asian inspired....love this little corner of my studio now!

Anything that reminds me to be thankful and mindful and grateful for the changes in my life, even if things can be frustrating and crazy at times...(especially on little sleep)....
Anything that documents my little Liam's first days with us....and helps me to remember his story. He is almost 10 weeks old and already I can see him changing!!
Anything of natural beauty to brighten my home... Just got this vase last weekend at a flea market and hubby said, "That's a nice piece of milk glass." Wow...a man after my own heart...he actually DOES listen to me babble about all my flea market finds!!!
And most importantly, this little guy...inspiring me all of the time to be the very best I can be...even if I feel on some days that I don't have a clue as to what I'm doing!! Here he is, happy as can be with his little friend Mr. Sock Monkey....Ahhhh.....life is good!

Baby Love

2010-06-11T11:18:00.001-07:00

Sorry I've been missing in action for the last month or so but I've been a little busy with my new bundle of joy...and hunger, and crying, and cooing, and dirty diapers! Now that summer is approaching and my husband will be off from work, I hope to be able to get at least one post in a week! I have been working on a cute little album to highlight our first month with baby Liam which I will share in my next post! Right now one 4 by 6 inch page a day during my half hour of free time a night is about all I can accomplish...but, hey, it's better than nothing!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend...can't believe that summer is officially around the corner already!!

Just Be...

2010-04-24T11:26:00.001-07:00

Just be...creative*original*sincere*. I purchased this wooden block at Aaron Brothers a few weeks back for about $2 and challenged myself to do something creative and inspiring with a plain wooden block. This is what I came up with:

A few old spools added to the top to make it visually interesting....

My favorite side!! I used the Danita Art stamps that you can buy on the new Crescendoh site and some of the new Dear Lizzy product line...so cute!!
Right now it's sitting on my desk in my studio...reminding me to "just be"...I cannot be all things to all people at all times....all I can do is be me... be present...be mindful...be thankful.

Have a great weekend!!!!

The Fruit of Life

2010-04-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired lately by the bright colors of spring. I had this piece of plywood I bought for a couple of dollars at this cool art store in Santa Barbara called Art Essentials. It's been sitting in my studio for a couple of months waiting for inspiration to hit. I finally decided to make a little "patchwork" of quotes and words using some things I collected a while back from Chinatown in Los Angeles. I really love how it came out and it is a constant source of brightness in my studio right now!

I chose this quote because I think it sums up this phase of my life's journey right now as I prepare to embark on the adventures and blessings of motherhood: "The thing you are ripening toward is the fruit of your life. It will make you bright inside, no matter what you are outside. It is a shining thing."

Spring Accessorizing

2010-04-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

What's spring without a cute little accessory to brighten things up? I just got this in the mail after ordering it a week ago from QVC. They had a Vera Bradley day. Her purses are not usually really my style, but they had a few limited edition pieces like this cute little number. It's called the Rosie Posie Hipster "Sittin' in a Tree".

This is the fabric inside the purse: (A great purse is marked by patterned fabric that's as good on the inside as on the outside!)

And here are some pics of the outside of the purse:

Too cute!! Just love it!! And so happy to have a downsized crossbody bag right now since I'm already carrying around some extra weight around the tummy...a big bag is too cumbersome and tiring!!! Happy light-hearted spring day to you!!!

More than a {pregnant} girl could ask for....

2010-03-28T19:30:00.000-07:00

"Among life's precious jewels,

Genuine and rare,

The one that we call friendships,

Has worth beyond compare."

Just wanted to thank this wonderful group of gals (and two others who were there in spirit) who gave their afternoon to celebrating my upcoming motherhood. I cannot begin to thank you enough for all the inspiration, support, and friendship you've given me. Thanks for all the time and thought that went into the beautiful pages you created and the gifts for me and baby. I've missed you all these past couple months as my life is changing with mother-to-be tasks. It was so good to finally spend time with all of you!! Merci!!

{And a special thanks to Gina for planning the luncheon and making it all happen!!}

Sweet Dreams Baby

2010-03-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

Been busy creating a few baby boy items for the new room. I just LOVE the new Chic Bebe Boy Collection by Teresa Collins! I kept searching for just the right paper line to create a banner from and when I saw this release, I knew it was just perfect! I apologize that the letters are not posted in order, but the banner spells the word "DREAM". I'm hoping that the power of suggestion will help him to sleep soundly...LOL! I know...I'm probably the one dreaming!! There's no harm in being optimistic!

More Pages of Layers

2010-03-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

A few more pictures from my book....

(Love these child's shoe forms I bought for the baby's room)

Statue found in the Huntington Gardens' rose garden...what a beautiful place!!

Have a good rest of the week!! Loving the extra hours of sunshine!!

Creating in Layers

2010-03-14T19:30:00.001-07:00

I've been busy experimenting with some new techniques thanks to the inspiration of Donna Downey. She was recently in southern California for CHA and offered a couple of classes at the Scrapbook Oasis. Unfortunately, my energy levels weren't up for taking an evening class so I purchased one of her downloadable videos off her website. She has a couple that you can purchase for a nominal fee and then create at your own pace at home! I had a lot of fun with this project...trying to let go and be a little more messy and free with my art. It was also great to dig into my stash and use up a lot of old stickers and such that I've been saving for "just the right project"...isn't that what we say about all our goodies!! I will try to post a few pages each post in the next week. For now, here are a few of them...

(I love this page... my little baby bird...)

A picture of me from a few years back on a day at Crystal Cove in Laguna....

An Invitation...

2010-03-07T14:31:00.000-08:00

"to consider what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing." If you have never read the book, The Invitation, by Oriah, it will inspire you to consider all the aspects of life that make each of our human experiences unique and meaningful...fear, betrayal, sorrow, joy, failure, and beauty. Each chapter of the book is derived from a poem that the author initially wrote which subsequently inspired the book. It's the kind of poem that anyone can read and derive meaning or purpose from...it just hits a sweet spot in you and is so beautifully written. My goal is to someday create a large canvas with the entire poem written out on it. For now...I have used little bits of it here and there in my journaling and art. Here is the page I made with the little squares of paper and fabric patch-worked together.

I also used one of the lines in a small piece which I created the other night. I was between projects and wanted to make a little something since I had some free time. I had purchased this yellow canvas at Michaels a few weeks back...it's made by My Minds Eye. I decided to use a mask and then sprayed pink glimmer mist, which ultimately created an orange finish. Then I ripped pieces of Amy Butler fabric and glued those along the left side. A few bits of this and that to finish it and it's ready to be hung in my office to remind me of all the other things in my life that truly, deeply sustain me... since work is not always the end all, be all in life!!

Eco-Inspiration

2010-02-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

Anyone that knows me, knows that I am usually a pink and turquoise kind of gal. However, lately, I've been really inspired by bright greens and yellows and oranges and especially by what I call the "eco- patterns"...like vines and leaves. I have been wanting to order something from the Orla Kiely website. I can't quite narrow it down to one item, so while I contemplate that carefully, I satisfied my artistic inspiration at Target. The notecards, clipboard, and binder are from a line called Greenroom which I love!! The hardcase wallet was one of those things I've been looking at for a while but not quite sure if I'd use it. I thought I wouldn't feel as guilty if I wound up not using it that much if I bought it on a Target budget rather than splurging for the cost of what I've seen other ones offered for. I really love the colors and pattern, though!!

And then I also made this in my art journal the other night. The leaves are all cut out of Amy Butler fabric which took a bit of time but I was housebound with a cold so I had lots of time on my hands!!!
I have another page I started with lots of bright colored patchwork pieces of paper, but I'll wait to post that one until I'm done! Have a happy and colorful week!!!!

Kitchen Dreaming

2010-02-21T18:43:00.000-08:00

While recently on a daytrip to La Jolla, I came across this oh so cute refrigerator in the display window of Fresh Produce. Isn't it the perfect blend of vintage and color?!! Of course, the price tag you see hanging on the handle was definitely not within my budget to hastily splurge on an aqua refrigerator. But...if I were to win the lottery or fall into some unexpected money...this refrigerator would definitely be sitting pretty in my kitchen!!!

Here are some pictures of my kitchen...my husband is still in awe that a single potholder from Anthropologie could be the catalyst for a room's color palette...that's why he's not the decorator!! LOL!!
And knobs from Anthropologie as well! Hubby had the second shock attack when the knobs cost about as much as the whole redo of the kitchen, but I think they give it that final perfect touch!

Now don't you think that refrigerator would look just PERFECT in here?!!!!!

Be Unique

2010-02-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

This is the last piece in my 3-part canvas series. I was sort of tentative about it when I finished, but I think it's growing on me. I was attempting to "think outside the box" a little on this one and do something a little more altered...hence the use of the face I found in an Anthropology magazine.

I chose this quote because it exemplifies one of my personal core values...be yourself! I think a person's individual beauty (and not the physical kind)- I mean the beauty that comes from what your soul is made of- is what interests people and draws people of like values to you. When a person tries to be someone they're not, it leaves you wondering if they even know which version is really them! Our life is a journey of discovering ourselves and becoming comfortable in our own skin, and that journey is made easier when we know what our core values are. I suppose that's why there is so much beauty in mother nature...because a rose never tries to be anything other than a rose, so when it blossoms, it opens its petals to the sun with confidence and pure joy.

Have Purpose

2010-01-20T16:39:00.000-08:00

This is the second piece in my "series" of canvases. I actually picked out the quote and completed it just before the earthquake in Haiti. Kinda weird...but I don't think there could be a more appropriate saying in their time of need. We all have gifts and talents that are granted to us and make us each unique. It's up to each of us to use them in a way that betters ourselves and the world around us. Every action, no matter how seemingly small, leaves an impact on other people's lives....for a minute, for a day, sometimes for a lifetime. Be purposeful. Reflect on how you can help another soul. Be there.....

Be Humble

2009-12-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

I just purchased this book over the holidays called Be: Life is Here and It Is Now to jumpstart the upcoming new year with some positive thoughts and good vibes. Each left hand page in the book has a "be" statement(like beAmazed, beResourseful, etc) coupled with a quote on the right hand page. I've had a set of three long rectangular canvases that I've been wanting to make a set of related pieces out of so I thought I'd do three quotes from the book. This is the first one in my "series" for Be Humble:

(I got this sweet little birdkeeper girl image from an Anahata card I found in the same store as the book.)

This quote is a reminder to me of forces in the universe that are bigger than myself. Wonderous miracles occur; wishes manifest themselves in our lives; new people enter our lives, always with a purpose. These are some of the amazing things happening all around us, leading us toward peacefulness, a sense of calm, new adventures, clarity, personal growth, and a realization of our fullest potential. I try to think about the purpose behind the things that occur in my life and trust that even if I don't understand them now, their purpose will become apparent to me at some point down the road...along my journey of life.

All Through the House

2009-12-22T16:46:00.001-08:00

It's looking jolly and bright! What is it about Christmas decorations that just brighten your mood and lighten your spirit? Like most of us would say, holiday ornaments and decorations remind us of Christmases past and memories of special times with our family and friends. They also remind me of the fun times I've had creating many of the mini photo albums and ornaments and of the people who so thoughtfully made some of them for me as well!!!

Here's a cute little Frosty created by Jennifer Murphy...oh, how I wish I could create with fabric and pom-poms as skillfully as she can!!

Here are the bottles I normally have sitting on my mantle. I recently saw a banner on a blog (maybe Rebecca Sower's?) in which they inserted little hints of this and that in each of their bottles to give it some holiday flair. I thought I'd try it this year and I like how it turned out!

Wishing all of you and yours a very Merry Christmas filled with warm spirits, love, and hope.

Angels Around Us

2009-12-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Jump over to Kim Hesson's blog and etsy store to check out some great wood cut ornaments! Here is one of them... a sweet little angel. She also has samples of a different angel cut out, a gingerbread man, and some miniature gingerbread houses.

The angel "spirit" of this cute darling must have been watching over me yesterday!! Sometimes it's when you experience something so scary it shakes you to the core that you realize the strength of faith and the comfort of guardian angels. I found this short poem today about what our angels do for us, especially in our hour of need...(author is unknown):

May angels rest beside your door,

May you hear their voices sing,

May you feel their loving care for you,

May you hear their peace bells ring.

May angels always care for you,

And not let you trip and fall,

May they bear you up on angel's wings,

May they keep you standing tall.

May they whisper wisdom in your ear,

May they touch you when you need,

May they remove from you each trace of fear,

May they keep you from feeling greed.

May they fill you with their presence,

May they show you love untold,

May they always stand beside you

And make you ever bold.

Take a minute to thank all your guardian angels out there...they're watching over you, keeping you strong, maintaining your faith, and sustaining your hope.

Crafting and Feelin' Groovy

2009-12-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

I recently finished another project using one of Kim's wooden pieces...this time a wooden box. I have needed something cute to put my CDs in that I listen to while creating. As luck would have it, this box is the exact same width as a CD case! Given the purpose of the box, I then decided to decorate it with a sort "peace, love and rock n' roll" style. I used some images from Papaya to decorate the sides and give it some grooviness.

Speaking of music, I'm in need of some fresh tunes to groove to while in my studio. Does anyone out there have any recommendations of music they've been listening to lately??

Have a great week ahead...if you're here in southern CA, be sure to stay dry!!!!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like...

2009-11-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas, of course!! I can't believe it's already the holiday season! Lots to be thankful for this holiday...family, friends, good health, a home full of love, and other small miracles! And it wouldn't be the holiday season without some Christmas cookie baking! I'm in a cookie exchange this next weekend so I'm going to be making an old-fashioned recipe from my grandmother...almond raspberry cookies. You know- one of those standards that you can probably find in a Betty Crocker cookbook from the 1940s, but those are the best because they stand the test of time. I also have to make a recipe page for each of the gals in the group so we can walk away with a book of cookie recipes. Here are some June Cleaver look-alikes that I am going to incorporate into my pages. I sure wish all of these housewife fembots could help me bake the 90 cookies I need!!! Wish me luck- I'm off to start mixing!!

Fall Projects

2009-11-03T20:26:00.001-08:00

Happy Fall!!! Sorry that I have been a bad blogger this past month! Work and fatigue and life in general has momentarily interrupted the creative flow, but hopefully we will be back to our regularly scheduled creating soon!

What I wanted to share is some news about the exciting projects being showcased over on Kim Hesson's blog! As many of you know, Kim does the most amazing wood cut outs, by hand! There is no shape she cannot conquer!! I am lucky enough to be on her new design team along with two other amazingly creative souls!! Bonus: we get to play with fun new shapes each month and let our imaginations run wild with all the possibilities.

This past month, I was sent this large plaque shape and maple leaf. Below is what I came up with:

I thought this could be a great way of adding something fresh to a seasonal project each year by having the option of creating new tags yearly. Plus, everyone in the family can participate by making their own tag!

This is only one of many projects featured on Kim's blog so head over and check it out!!! You are sure to be inspired!!!!

Just Bloom

2009-10-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

In the middle of some dreary, cloudy, and cool southern California weather, I thought a colorful bouquet of blooming flowers from the local farmer's market would chase away the blues. Life has been really busy lately with hardly a minute to catch my breath. I found this quote to bring me back to what's important...

"The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers."

When we surround ourselves with those who really understand our spiritual and emotional needs, we really do bloom and become better because of that love or friendship. I can name lots of people who have helped me to bloom...I can only hope that I have done the same for them!!

The City of Angels

2009-10-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

I recently got a new second-hand camera... so hubby and I decided to take a day trip to practice getting some good photos. What better place to find sources of inspiration than Los Angeles?

We found this cute little park near Beverly Hills that was a peaceful green oasis in the middle of city blocks of cement.

Next stop was Amoeba Music, which is a superstore of any type of music imagineable!! It is like a real life iTunes, but in an actual building! The entire outside of the building is covered with murals of music legends. Here is Billie Holiday.....
Next up was a trip to the neighborhood called Los Feliz. This is the old theater in the middle of town.
The highlight of the trip was my first ever trip to Pinkberry...wow!!! I was so hoping that it would live up to my expectations and it did not disappoint!!! I chose the newest flavor, coconut tart. Even though all this luscious fruit was available to choose from, I was naughty and had my yogurt topped with fresh coconut and dark chocolate bites. Delicious!!!!
Our lunch choice was an authentic French cafe that had the most scrumptious buttery croissants topped with a sweet glaze. We also enjoyed a tasty sandwich, salad, and fresh lemonade, but two more croissants made their way home with us!!
All in all, a really fun day filled with lots of places I had never really visited, even though I've been to Los Angeles several times. Goes to show that there are sources of inspiration everywhere around us if only we take some time to notice!!!

The Cherry on Top!

2009-09-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the last part of the weekend which I promised to show... a close up of the canvas that my partner, Jessi, created. Love it!!! It is going to look so bright and cheerful against my bubblegum pink studio walls!!

The quote is a little hard to read in the picture, but it says, "Just put your ear down next to your soul and listen hard." I especially like some of the elements she used because she included a real branch she found while out on a walk one day...which is one of the ways I think many of us get some alone time to ourselves to listen to our inner voice, the voice of our soul. Lots of times that voice is critical, negative, or just downright irrational. Right now that voice of my soul is saying, "You don't need to get one more productive thing done today...just sit with your thoughts and let them still you." I try to listen to that voice because it usually speaks the truth of what I ache for- not what my head tells me I should believe, but what my heart tells me really is. If you get a still moment today or tomorrow, what truths will your soul speak to you?

The Art- Part 2

2009-09-22T20:27:00.001-07:00

As promised, here are some more highlights from Artistic Affaire L'Automne.....Of course, the projects were the highlight of the day! First up was Lisa Kettell's class in which we created little dragonfly ballerinas out of clay. Here is a snapshot of some ballerinas created during the class- how cute!!!!

Here is the dragonfly I made (sorry- bad lighting on the picture). I think that mine turned out more like a sweet little bathing beauty than a ballerina but I love her anyway!! Not sure how I'm going to finish the project off yet, but it will involve more PINK!
The last class of the day was taught by the amazing Ruth Rae. I've been waiting a long time to take a class from her- especially utilizing some sort of fiber arts!! We made fabric cuff bracelets using all sorts of fabric scraps and pieces of muslin we stamped images onto. Here is mine so far...not quite finished. I like the earthy nature feel that it has.
One more post tomorrow should just about finish up all the highlights of the day. See you back here then!!

Got Art?

2009-09-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I was lucky enough to attend Artistic Affaire L'Automne, hosted by the wonderful Kim Caldwell! I can't say enough about how fabulous and inspiring these events are for me! At one time I was just a lonely crafter, making little creations at my cramped kitchen table in my 700 sq. ft apartment. Since attending her events, I have found so many other amazing women who share the same passions as me, get equally as excited about a yard of aged vintage lace, and will do anything to escape the day-to-day rigor for a weekend getaway of crafting!! I will post more about the projects later this week. However, I can tell you that the day was filled with a beautiful atmosphere....

sweet friends...... (here I am with the very talented Holly, who also sold some beautiful handmade pieces at the Market Soiree)
and fabulously fun swaps!! Jessi was my swap partner for the Soul Inspired Canvas Swap and I absolutely LOVE the piece she made for me....just perfect!!! Thanks, Jessi!!! This picture doesn't quite do it justice so I will post a close-up tomorrow.
I am re-inspired with new ideas and techniques and ready to go forth and create!!!! See you tomorrow for some more highlights!!

Butterflies in My Garden

2009-09-13T20:09:00.000-07:00

This morning, as I watered my butterfly plant, I caught sight of what seemed to be tens of tiny yellow bugs on my plant. Frustrated that I thought something was eating my plant, I bent down to take a closer look. That's when I came eye to eye with these two friends...monarch butterfly caterpillars!! How beautiful!! I then realized that what I thought were yellow bugs were actually newly hatched butterfly eggs. I cannot wait to see if they spin themselves a chrysalis and transform into beautiful butterflies. How ironic...I've been thinking a lot lately about the changes I'll make to preserve time for what's important to me and here is nature's example of transformation, change, and the beauty of what's to be right in my own backyard!

Bonus Swap Treat

2009-09-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I've been busy working on some of the swap projects for this event in another week...can't believe it's almost here!!! I am so excited to soon be hanging out with many of my friends whom I haven't seen since the summer or since Kim's last event in May. Of course, I'm also looking forward to the awesome classes with some great artists from whom I've long been wanting to learn some new techniques.

I am hosting a Soul Inspired Canvas swap at the event where participants make an artistic canvas for their partner with a quote of their partner's choosing. Since I have a small group of participants, I decided to create a little thank you for their participation.

Hope they like them!!!! I had lots of fun creating these! I'm also looking forward to swapping canvases with my sweet partner, Jessi! She made me the most amazing decorated vintage bottle over the summer, which she now sells in her etsy shop. Check them out! I'm off to add some finishing details to her canvas....have a great Friday!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2009-09-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

While adjusting to all the business of getting into the first full week back at work, I worked on this journal page--a little each night. This page was important to me because it symbolized the commitment I made to myself this summer that I would try to do something creative each day, even if it was only for twenty or thirty minutes a day. I also made a commitment that I would start doing more art for myself. Don't get me wrong, I love love love participating in swaps and making extra special things to brighten someone's difficult day, but when I look around my studio, I realize that I have not been doing a whole lot of art to enjoy for myself. This is when the art journal idea seemed perfect! I've been nourishing that important part of myself that needs to express itself creatively. Plus, the time spent working on each page nourishes the part of me that simply needs that little bit of quiet time to be with myself, when there are no deadlines to meet and there are no people knocking on my office door. I know that if you're reading this, you can probably tick off about ten other things a day that fit this qualification.

I know that if I don't "nourish" important parts of my soul, I will not be mentally and emotionally as available to commit to all the other important things in my day/life...sort of like watering my own garden.

What do you need to "nourish" so you can be present for all the other parts of your life? I hope you find a moment for some sunshine and water to your soul this weekend!

Art Journaling

2009-08-30T19:04:00.001-07:00

This is what I've been up to this week...working on some small pieces of art in my journal. Since I've returned to work, it's easier right now to journal because it's like creating mini pieces of artwork--plus, I can still get in a little creative time and see it through to the end. This first piece is actually done on a piece of canvas paper. I've used this paper in various classes and had a pad of it sitting in my closet for the longest time (I'm sure we could all attach that phrase to a quarter of our art supplies!). I created a base with various scraps of paper left over from other projects. I almost scrapped the whole thing in the beginning because I didn't like the color scheme, but I was determined to see it through. After layering other paint colors over the "base", I was happier and moved forward with the images. Of course, those of you who know me, know I love anything with Mary so here she is!

These next two pieces are in my art journal. As you can see, I'm into the rays coming out of things right now. I cut out the flower from an article in body + soul magazine. The theme for July was "Let yourself flow" so that was the jumping off point for the page.
This last one was inspired by a quote I liked about the need to develop a strong inner spirit to help you deal more easily with the day to day things that usually consume and frustrate you.
Hoping your week ahead is filled with good things and a peaceful moment sandwiched in there somewhere!!

Life Defined

2009-08-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

I love this "quotables" line- especially the cards and magnets!! This is my newest addition just in time to return to work....

After a relaxing summer of taking time to do all the things I love: time to reflect, time to create, time to slow down, time to take in the little pleasures of life- I thought this magnet would remind me to keep in perspective what is truly important to me. I recently saw this other quote by Annie Dilliard: "How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." This got me thinking about how I should value my days more for what they are rather than as a means to some end, i.e. "getting through them" to get to something better...like getting through the week to get to the weekend. After all, how we spend our moments, our days, and our lives is often defined by what is most important to us...what we value. I've been thinking that I need to embrace the day to day more often, even when it's stressful, crazy, unpredictable. If I'm living to "get through" my days, then I'm really just "getting through" life and what kind of living is that? Take a moment sometime this week to reflect on what is most important to you. If it's a person, tell them. If it's doing something, do it. Live your days!

A few more snapshots

2009-08-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Just a few more pictures of my project that I posted about on Thursday. I'm going to find a spot to hang it in my studio today.

Wishing you a blissfully inspired weekend!!!!

Inspiration Revealed

2009-08-20T15:54:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the project I've been working on using the lamp shade frame I spray painted turquoise. If I had to name the finished product, I would call it "Inspiration Unleashed". I used a bunch of postcards, greeting cards, and clip art from Anahata to make the "tags". I also used some digital words of inspiration that I downloaded from Rhonna Farrer. I thought that the two went together well. I altered the postcards with rub-ons and stickles and glued the digital art words from Rhonna on tags where they fit. I also added some favorite quotes for a personal touch. Last, I tied the smaller tags around the top of the frame and the larger tags along the bottom of the frame. I also had silver glittered stars on wire that I twisted around parts of the lampshade. To give it some movement, I hung butterfly mobiles vertically down the center of it and attached chandelier crystals to the bottoms of the strings. I have a few more pics of some of the other tags that I will post tomorrow.

Until then...I will leave you with these:

Isn't the possibility of something greater, different, calmer, more meaningful, more adventurous, or even more daring what really keeps us going from day to day? Think about the endless possibilities and do one thing today toward making one of those possibilities happen!

Summer hues

2009-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

Just soaking in the colors of summer before they're all gone! We got up early today and drove north to Crystal Cove in Laguna. If you have never visited this beach, it is a must see! There is a tiny historic village of beach cottages that families would stay in each summer. All of the cottages are now too old to live in, but visiting them is like stepping back in time. There is a restaurant situated right on the beach that is great place to eat at while soaking in the smells and sounds of the sea. I love to come here to practice my picture taking skills (which need much refinement) as there are a lot of colorful sources of inspiration.

As I walked through the surf, I thought about how another summer has come and gone, just like the tide coming in and out. Each summer, I get time to myself to rest and rejuvenate...to revisit all that is important in my life and honor the parts of my spirit that make me...me! I purchased this cute little quote book today called "Spirit" and my favorite quote in the book is this:

There comes a time in the spiritual journey when you start making choices from a very different place. And if a choice lines up so that it supports truth, health, happiness, wisdom, and love, it's the right choice. -Angeles Arrien

I think it's important to reevaluate from time to time where our choices are coming from. Sometimes choices are made out of necessity and other times out of love and sacrifice. Each fall, as I return to the business and chaos of work, I try to remind myself that I must stay true to myself and make choices throughout the year that honor my spirit, which ultimately honors who I am...as a woman, a wife, an artist, a creative being.

Go green

2009-08-17T16:43:00.001-07:00

Green tea, that is...this is my newest source of "energy" for crafting my days away. Last month, they featured this edible green tea in Romantic Homes magazine. It is 100% pure Japanese Sencha green tea ground into a powder. The price seemed kind of expensive at first, but then you realize that you only need to use 1/4 tsp. per 8 oz. drink. This powder allows you to make green tea lattes at home that taste just like the kind you order at that famous coffee chain we all spend too much money at.
And...with this sugar-free vanilla powder from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, some ice, and a blender, you can whip up green tea frappucinos any time the urge strikes..bonus!! They are so yummy (and addicting)!!!
Supposedly, you can also use the green tea powder in various other recipes such as green tea cookies and muffins. However, I think one green tea addiction is sufficient for now!

Lucky girl

2009-08-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit my blog this past week. I feel like such a lucky girl to have such a supportive group of friends who continually encourage and inspire me! I finally got around to picking a winner for the giveaway...using the most technical means possible- my Tinkerbell mug for the names and my husband as the random name generator. He picked this sweet girl as the winner......

Congratulations JESSI!!!! I will send out a special thank you to you in the mail this week!! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend! I'm almost done with my inspirational project using the lamp shade so I will post pictures later this week.

Inspired by sweetness

2009-08-12T19:48:00.001-07:00

I recently got this adorable paper with cute little ladybugs all over it. The company is My Little Shoebox and it is just the sweetest! I decided to make a picture frame for a co-worker whose wife just had a baby girl. Last month, the Year of Color blog featured the stripe theme so I thought I'd apply it to this project. The back of the paper had some cute little mushrooms which were too small to cut out so I decided to make my own out of felt. I then stitched the "underside" of the mushroom and added some rhinestones for polka dots.

No project would be complete without one of Kim's wooden cut outs. The heart in the center is also a cut out I bought from her. It gives the project some nice 3-D dimension.
I also started on this project today. I bought this lampshade frame from La Maison Rustique at their August barn sale last year and it has sat in my studio ever since, just waiting to be turned into something better. I gave it a good coat of turquoise paint and created some inspirational tags to hang on it. When I get them completed, I will post the finished product.
I can't believe summer is almost over! I am trying to cram in all the creativity I can before it's put on the secondary list of commitments! What things are you trying to do before our waning days of summer are gone?

Mermaid's Treasures

2009-08-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

I've been in the seashell-themed mood lately, especially since it's summertime! I recently took a class taught by the very talented Cindy Gonzales at Guilding the Lily. Cindy makes absolutely amazing crowns of all sorts. This was her first class teaching and it was fabulous! She had other crowns with her as well, some made out of gorgeous combinations of paper mache and tinsel...all equally amazing. This is the crown I made....

I plan on placing it atop a white cakestand in my living room along with some other sea treasures I've been collecting lately. I recently purchased this altered vintage clock at a barn sale and I think it will fit nicely alongside the crown.

Once I get the supplies in the mail that I ordered for this altered bottle, my collection of undersea treasures should be complete!

Rockin' out with this girl...

2009-08-05T15:22:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of No Doubt Tour Images

Last night we went to see No Doubt in concert. I was lucky to get these tickets as this is one of the last dates on their tour. The show was sooo awesome...only reinforced to me that if I were a rock star, I'd want to be Gwen! I also wish that all my working out would produce the six-pack abs that she was sporting. Ahhh...maybe in the next life! The audience was predominantly made up of women, but during the song, I'm Just a Girl, she made the men all yell out, "I'm just a girl!" I was seriously thinking, "Hmph...you all couldn't handle even one-half of being a girl." LOL! What is that saying? Anything you can do, I can do better...well, girls kick butt and Gwen proved that last night!

Happy Birthday!

2009-08-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Isn't that what Frosty the Snowman says when he comes to life that first day? I thought it fitting that I, too, begin my very first day of this blog with those same sentiments! After months of wondering if I could figure out the technology side of this whole blog world, I have finally taken the plunge...thanks in large part to the support of many fabulous women along the way! This girl has been especially wonderful in nudging me along and I appreciate all her support. I've always remembered this quote I once heard from Oprah, "Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher." The past year has been filled with moments of meeting new friends, learning from incredibly talented women, and becoming a better artist and individual because of those experiences. Finally beginning a blog is just another step along this journey, and I am so glad to be sharing it with whomever wants to come along for the ride!