Well it's that time of year again! Three daughters and this is my (well, I cleaned up the glue) third and final Mission Project...I'm pretty proud of this one that Bill and Chyna made because it's 100% made from recycled goods.
I also want to let you know that the 6th Grade art project that I did a couple months ago is now available as a set of 6 greeting cards. Central Coast Printing was really lovely to donate the labor to print these. All of the proceeds will go towards raising money for the 6th grade Science Camp this spring. Available at my boutique!
Last of all and best of all...I'm gearing up for another fantastic blogging Give Away! It starts Feb. 1st so be sure to come back and check it out!!! It's a good one I promise!
I've been working on my patterns lately and I think I'm pretty happy with this one. Kind of fun colors to go with the Halloween goodies at my shop! It's in my window now but soon to be on my shoulder! :-)
Another Fantastic Friday making art with kids! So this is kind of my little contribution to my daughter's school and it has been so much fun for me. Last week I did Noodle Portraits with 4th graders and today it was a collective painting with 31 very talented 6th graders! I wanted a symbol that would be inspirational. I wanted the kids to understand that we as individuals are just one piece of the puzzle, but when we work together we can create something much bigger than ourselves. It only works if everyone participates and, Wow!, did they! They didn't know what they were painting, they just knew they were painting a piece of the puzzle. At the end I asked them, "What would make the world a perfect place?" They all said "Peace"....well, there you go. :-) BTW this painting will be mounted and up for auction at the school bbq to raise money for the 6th Graders Science Camp! I know I will be bidding on it!
On another tidbit of fun news, I was really flattered to have my Personalized Wedding Pillows featured on DIY Bride as a Friday Fab Find! How cool is that? You can read this great Blog and get all kinds of ideas and resources for planning your own Do It Yourself Wedding.
Have a great weekend everyone...do something creative!
I'm anxiously awaiting my new fabric to show up and thinking of all the fun things I'm going to make with it. Because I opted to manufacture and print in the good, old USA, as well as go with 60" organic fabrics, my textiles are a little more expensive than your ordinary twills and cottons, but I can feel good about the way they were produced and hopefully you will too. Due to that, I never want to waste a scrap which has inadvertently led to me creating all kinds of little products with small amounts of yardage. I make my patterns organically, based on what I hope my end result will be. I also act pretty spur of the moment and sketch my ideas down whether it's 3:00 am or not.
A few years back I had the unfortunate experience of some kidney issues which led to my doctor telling me, "You're that woman who has that water bottle with her at all times..." 2 liters a day! I'm pretty good about it too, but I get so tired of my water bottle rolling around my car (which BTW you're not supposed to drink water bottles that have been left in a car) and trying to juggle carrying my phone, my purse, my keys, my laptop, and that darn water bottle. This will make sense soon, in I promise...
So last Friday when I got home from work I went to my studio and grabbed some "Lemon Drop" scraps from my Dessert Collection (thought they looked refreshing) and went about making a water bottle carrier that also fit my phone. I L-O-V-E it! I'm going to put together a pattern for you to make one yourself, because, let's face it, a girl has to have her phone, her lipstick, and her water bottle at all times! Oh and I reuse that bottle as long as I can before sending it off to recycle heaven. :-)
My favorite holiday of all is coming soon! Valentine's Day has no stress...it's just about telling those you care about that you love them. It can be as simple as a hand written card or as elaborate as an exquisite piece of jewelry and dinner out on the town... Personally, I like anything handmade. A little while ago I had the fantastic opportunity to be featured on HGTV (a total blast)... In one of my segments I showed how I made this sweet Lavender Heart Sachet. Just click here to see detailed instructions on how you can do this yourself!
Also, I have two new amazing jewelry artists at my boutique right now. Check back for pics on them tomorrow!
I have a new little project I'm working on and it has to do with being Inspired! I asked myself this morning what inspires me? So many things came to mind...actually so many people came to mind. I love reading books and articles about other female entrepreneurs or anyone who has followed their passion and found the happiness they were seeking. I also love nature, fabrics, fashion and food! But when it really comes down to it, what inspires me most are my children. I am in daily awe of my three daughters and all their talents. Yesterday I received a phone call that a lovely customer of mine wanted to purchase my Cupcake Pillow I had in my window last week. I was so flattered and went home and told my two little ones because basically it was their designs that Inspired me to make the pillow. When working on my fabric designs I asked them to draw some cupcakes. Raquel (10) and Chyna (8) are always up to the challenge. When presented with their drawings I thought that was just too cute not to turn into a pillow. I promptly went to my studio, pulled out my scraps, and went to work. What resulted was this Cupcake Pillow. I showed it to my girls and their friends when it was completed and there was quite an enthusiastic response...much to my delight! Thank you Rocky and Chi for your Inspiration! If you would like a Free pdf of this Pattern just click here! Happy creating!
Do you ever have those moments in life when you figure out how to do something that seemed like it would be overwhelming and then you're really proud of yourself for figuring it out? I just had one of those moments...OK it was more like an hour, not a mere moment...but I finally figured out how to archive my journal entries. It was pretty fun to go through all the topics I have written about these past 2-1/2 years. As part of my new 2009 motto, I'm trying to get ahead of the game and do projects that I have put off for way too long like archiving my blog. I also want to share projects that I have found helpful. Below is a tutorial I came across a few months ago. I made this bag and thought she gave very good instructions. Jodie of Vintage RicRac has some really quality information and she seems like a lovely person as well. Enjoy her 1 Hour Bag tutorial here! Happy New Years!
Ahhh...a deep sigh of relief....this year is coming to a close and I've had a little time off to reflect on things like family and business... as much as it was a good year, it certainly had it's challenges as well. I know I'm not alone in saying that I'm looking forward to 2009!
After spending a good two hours reading some of my favorite blogs I've realized that it's time for a little facelift. Next year I'll be doing things a little bit differently which I hope will be to your approval and liking. I'll be adding a new Shop as well as lots of creative projects you can do yourself. Of course I'll still be talking about Design and Entertaining but my goal is to give you more content you can use and enjoy!
Below: I've been playing with my new Cherry Fabric and coming up with different tote patterns. This purse pattern, however, is by Amy Butler. I really like the pattern but feel the strap is a little long which makes the body of the purse buckle a bit when wearing it. I also don't care for the velcro closure and think I would use a magnetic snap. I'd love to know what you're looking for in patterns and/or if you have any you'd like to share! Happy creating!
On a lighter note to yesterday's post but a bit connected to.... There are a few things I like to do when I'm feeling sad. I love to work in my garden, garden therapy, and I like to make things... I've been working on a new little product line (very excited about!!!!) which of course has to do with my textiles and sewing, so I'm endlessly searching for tips on that. I have always had a fear of sewing but I'm working through it. :-) Anyhow, I came across this delightful blog that shows how to sew these little cupcakes. Do you know I spent a good three hours sewing these little guys? It was mindless fun...but let's just say I have a lot to learn about sewing desserts! I also did these little paintings for a dear friend of mine who had twins a few months ago. I helped her with her nursery design so these are my little finishing gifts to her. I guess we all have our unique ways of processing the sad times in life, creating has always been mine... Enough of that...have a beautiful Wednesday!
Last week was a whole lot of travel and catch up. Bill and I went to Las Vegas to the World Market Center Design Show. Las Vegas has become the hub of design over the past few years. This year they launched the Opening of Building C accompanied with a free concert by Rod Stewart! These Buildings are thousands and thousands of square feet filled with furniture, accessories, and textiles...you name it! We were there three days and still didn't get to see it all. We came home with over six totes bags full of literature. I'll be sure to post my favorite finds over the next few weeks.
Summer has been hectic...hmmmm, it's always hectic...Which is why it has taken me soooooo long to get to this very fun project that's been sitting in my studio for months! My good friend Pacha is an incredible artist who started a wonderful art movement. The way it works is that one artist donates a canvas and starts a painting. When he/she feels like it, it gets passed onto another artist to add to it. The process goes on until the painting is complete. The final painting will be sold and the proceeds go to charity. How fun is that, right? You can become part of this wonderful program too. For more information on it check it out here
Holonic ArtsThe first part of the painting was by the very talented, Lena Rushing. Adding to it was much harder than I thought it would be. I was afraid to paint onto it at first...being that it was started with someone else's vision...but as I got into it, it became fun and it will be interesting to see where it goes from here. If any of you artistic souls would like to take the canvas next just let me know and I will get it to you. The exhibit is towards the end of September so there is still time! Happy creating!
Soooooo, I think I'm pretty creative, but one of the things that really intimidates me is sewing. My mother is amazing! She makes quilts and drapes and now, even my daughters, run over to her house to have her help them alter their clothes. (Project Runway style of course!) I can kind of sew, it's just that I never "learned" it formally, and I really wish I had. Now that I have a few fabric designs under my belt, I really want to know more. I finally took my first class not too long ago on how to make a tote bag. It was fantastic. Ask me if I remember anything? Absolutely not. But I just came across the most terrific site. She has all kinds of sewing tutorials. I hope you enjoy it as my as I do!
Sew Mama Sew
I love to re-invent. Whether it's a piece of clothing, a handbag, or a piece of furniture, I find joy in taking something that has seen better days and giving it new life. Many of you know my boutique also had a little re-inventing lately. With such a small space it's always a challenge to showcase the beautiful items I carry and also have room to design... So I moved my table to where my desk was and went hunting on Craig's List for some new chairs. Unfortunately, I didn't take a "before shot" of these chairs, but they were your ordinary brown with southwest fabric on the seats. (Yikes!) The shape was beautiful and classic and low and behold, a can of bright yellow spray paint and new fabric on the seat, and you've got a D.I.Y. project anyone can do for under $40!!! So here's my new chairs...but wait...there's more! So my little 9 year old, Rocky, sees the spay paint and asks my husband if she can paint her ballet shoes....OK...how cute is that? Just goes to show you, there's nothing that can't be fabulous!
I look at my children's Christmas list and it's so sweet and full of cute things that I know will bring them joy but for me this holiday is about FOOD! I feel so blessed to be healthy and in love (17 Year Anniversary next Saturday!!!) that I really don't need more things, just yummy food and time with my family and friends. Speaking of...My ultra talented friend, Julie, makes toffee every year and I have to say, I liked the idea so much that I've copied her the past few years myself. Home-made toffee in a clear cello bag, wrapped with cherry ribbon! Fantastic! Here's the recipe if you feel inspired to make a batch yourself...it's so easy, festive, and fun! Yum! Toffee Recipe
I love this time of year! The leaves are turning magnificent shades of rust and amber and the air is crisp.....whoa! rewind...the air is hot and muggy and full of ash...I'm on the Central Coast midway between San Francisco and LA and can you believe that we are seeing smoke form these terrible fires in San Diego??? My heart goes out to all the families that have been misplaced, one of them, possibly mine...my brother and his boys... Fingers crossed and lots of prayer, hopefully the fires we'll be put out soon and the Santa Ana winds will blow away into the cool breezes that I long for... I want Fall so I put on my artist hat and came up with this little ditty you can make too! I call it my Pumpkin Tree. Take any vase you may have and fill it with bird seed. Grab a stick from the yard and tie little pumpkins on the branches with ribbon. Viola! Pumpkin Tree! At least it put us in the Halloween Spirit! Also, you have just got to stop by the boutique if you can to see all my yummy Halloween Treats! Beware! Happy Fall Colors To YOU!
Hey everyone! Well if you missed it last summer you have a second chance! My segments on HGTV, That's Clever will be airing again on February 6th!!! Yippie! It's wacky , creative, and a lot of fun!!! I hope you'll tune in!
Also, Save These Dates! Grand Opening of Mari Robeson Home will be Saturday January 27th, 1:00 on until....who knows?
Friday February 9th! Men's Night! All you men out there stop by and shop for your sweetie pie and have some snacks! Complimentary gift wrapping! I will be featuring a fabulous new jewelry designer....(more to come on that soon)...
Hey, I'm here for you...I just want you to look good on Valentine's Day!
To Recap: Showroom Grand Opening - Sat., Jan. 27th, Valentine's Men's Night - Fri., Feb 9th, and HGTV Feb 6th!!! http://www.hgtv.com
