traveling....

Since Liv was born, I feel like we've been traveling, traveling, traveling. We've been to California, Florida, Idaho, Washington, Alabama, Virgina, Washington D.C. and driven through even more states. I think we're finally back at home for at least a few months. Luckily most of our travel has been with family or to see family which I love! Now, I can't wait to get back to my creative projects including this blog. In the spirit of travel, here's a great project I found to showcase your worldwide adventures....

This home decor project created at Brooklyn Limestone is the perfect way to showcase your travels around the world. I love how it creates a visual reminder of where and when you've traveled. Simply photocopy and mount the passport pages onto square wood blocks or mini canvases and hang on the wall. Add a frame around the squares to define the space on your wall. Check out the detailed step-by-step here.


I'm thinking that creating a collage of mementos from your travel locations like ticket stubs, maps, brochures etc. would also work well - especially for any domestic trips you'd like to highlight.

momAgenda

My friend Andrea gave me the best gift today...the momAgenda planner. I love all things planning - calendars, lists, planners, notebooks, pencils, pens....

I first discovered this planner a year or so ago shopping at Oblation in Portland. These planners are well designed with beautiful covers and are unique in that they follow a traditional school year and include 17 months (ex. August 2009 to December 2010).

Thanks Andrea! I can't wait to start using it!

a trip to the fair

So I just had to post these photos from a few weekends ago. We went to the fair where my husband grew up to see the animals and go to the rodeo. Elle had such a great time. I definitely want to think of a creative way to frame or display some of the photos from our trip.

Liv - She's such a happy baby.

Elle on the roller coaster - can you tell she was having fun??

Our little cowgirl.

fabric feedback

I need your feedback!  So I have an idea about recovering a small child's couch/chair for a toy room I'm redoing right now in my basement.  I'm not really set on a specific color palette for the room, but I'm currently thinking aqua/teals, corally orange/pinks/red, grays.  I want the room to feel fun yet slightly sophisticated.  With just 2 girls for now it can edge towards the girly side, but I want the flexibility of it not being so girly that a boy is totally out of place.  

I did a quick search at fabric.com and pulled these swatches.  I'm thinking that if I can find a fabric I really like, I can base the paint and some other decor around it.  

So do you have any favorites from the image above or any recommendations I should check out?  The couch/chair will be set against a wall that is visible when looking straight through the door into the room. 

Any thoughts???

tiny pin cushion

Since my sister Lauren left (along with amazing sewing ability), my sewing machine has been gathering dust. I've got a list of projects to sew, but before I do I want to make these cute pin cushions from Origami Mommy. I think it be interesting to also try creating them in a slightly bigger size.

dresser tool chest

I like this idea on Crafty Nest for turning an old dresser into a rolling tool chest. I think it would be perfect for storing art supplies and craft tools.

paper bag menus

This idea is from the Sunday Suppers blog.  The food and parties are amazing.  I love the idea of using a brown paper bag with a small clothespin for the menu.  I think it would  be so fun to get a group together to create, cook and eat a themed dinner.  Anyone interested?

tiny watermelons

Just found this cute "tiny" food idea.  I'll definitely have to remember this for a future tiny party.

cha summer

image from here

I just got back from CHA (Craft and Hobby Tradeshow) in Orlando late last night. We had a great time demoing the L Letterpress and the new QuicKutz products.

Here are some of the things people are saying about the product....

Craft Critique (click to see the full review)

Here's something that has everybody buzzing... a letterpress machine for the crafter. That's right. Letterpress. At home. QuickKutz has launched a new brand: Lifestyle Crafts (also known as L), and is about to release what crafters have been clamoring for: elegant letterpress....

Scrapbook Trends Blog (click to see the full review)

So one of the most exciting products is the “L” from Quickutz. It is a home letterpress kit. The letterpress kit is part of the Lifestyle Craft brand....

The Scrap Review (click to see the full review)

My fave product of the day was imPRESSive. (Sorry, I'm a little slap happy from not sleeping for more than 6 hours total since I've been in Florida!) Yes, QuicKutz has come up with the new amazing product that will do letterpress (printing & debossing), called... wait for it... Letterpress....

How to Use the L Letterpress

I've had a lot of people ask me how the L Letterpress works. It's easy! Here's a basic tutorial...

Step 1: Place printing plate on clear lid of L Letterpress tool. There are currently 15 printing plate sets with fantastic designs that can be mixed and matched to create an unlimited number of projects!


Step 2: Use the ink brayer to ink the printing plate. There are currently 20 ink colors available which can also be mixed to create additional custom colors!


Step 3: Place paper on the base of the tool. The L Letterpress paper is specifically designed for the L Letterpress tool to achieve that fantastic impression and soft texture.


Step 4: Close the lid of the L Letterpress tool and roll through the Epic Six tool to simultaneously print and deboss your image.

here it is...

Introducing L - a brand new lifestyle craft brand focused on developing products that enable creativity! With L products, you can add that personal handmade touch to all of life's events from simple everyday occurances to special occasions like weddings and babies.


I'm really excited about the first product launch in the L brand...the L Letterpress line. This collection of products is desigend to let the home crafter create elegant letterpress projects with an easy-to-use, convenient and affordable method.


Below is a picture of the L Letterpress Combo Kit which includes everything you need to start creating letterpress projects. Check out the L website - lifestylecraft.com - to see all of the products in this initial launch, and be sure to check out the 15 printing plate sets. The designs really turned out great!

If you're not familiar with letterpress, below is a quick explanation. The photo on the left shows the design pressed into the paper with no ink so you can easily see the debossed element of letterpress. The photo on the right is that same design pressed into paper with ink. The letterpress result has a fantastic texture and feel.

Here are a few projects made with the L Letterpress...

just a few more hours...

i've been working on a new product line that launches tomorrow!  it's been a crazy past few months finalizing all of the details...especially with a new baby in the mix.  there's been a lot of long hours and sleepless nights to pull it off, but hopefully it will be worth it in the end (maybe I can also finally get back to posting on this blog!).  

tractor baby shower

My friend and co-worker Laura threw an amazing baby shower. There are too many great ideas to even begin to pick a favorite. Check it all out on her blog Lucyisms. You'll love it, and be inspired to use her ideas for your next picnic themed party.

aunt lauren giveaway....finally

Thanks to random.org, I finally selected the giveaway winners!

mary/mommy of 5 - skirt
molly - diaper pouch
tvmom - tote bag
lizzy - coloring book

Send me email with your contact info, and I'll get it sent out to you. Congrats!

fashion paper dolls

So this post was supposed to be Friday....but a family reunion in California postponed it until today. My sister Lauren is studying fashion design at Auburn. I'm amazed at what she is able to create and draw with the training she has received so far. She is always sketching fashion croquis with a variety of stylish clothing designs. For one of her classes last semester she created this collection inspired by music. The gathering and rouching seen throughout the collection was designed to represent music soundwaves. I can't wait to see what she continues to come up with. Leave a comment here to win a paper doll coloring book based on this clothing collection!

tote bag

TOTE BAG

Lauren and I actually started working on these last Christmas. Again, I had a basic pattern but ended up not liking the results so she and my mom helped create this version. Over Christmas break we made at least 10 in a variety of colors (yellow, green, red, blue). I have loved them. I use the tote to carry just about anything - baby supplies (diapers/wipes), toys, snacks, books etc. To make the tote a little more unique and fun, I added an applique to the front (watch for a future tutorial on how to use your QuicKutz Silhouette, vinyl and digital design to easily make applique patterns.) Be sure to make a comment here for a chance to win one of 4 items including this tote!

What you'll need:

- canvas

- lining fabric

- coordinating thread

- sewing machine

- appliques

Step 1: Cut out a 14 1/2" x 25 1/2" rectangle from the outer fabric and lining fabric. Also, cut 2 8" x 17" strips for the handles.

Step 2: Fold the rectangle in half and sew along the sides. Do this with both the inner and outer fabric, however, with the lining fabric, leave a 4" gap in the middle of a side seam.

Step 3: Flatten the corners and mark where it is 4" across. Sew across this line and cut off the excess. Set aside the lining for later.

Step 4: Turn right side out and iron the sides of the bag starting from the corners made. Once all are ironed, topstitch each side and bottom crease.

Step 5: Create handles: Iron the strips in half then re-open. Fold each side into the center crease and iron. Fold and in half and press. Topstitch both sides of the handle. Repeat with second strip.

Step 6: Attach handles: From the outer edge measure in 2" and attach one end of the handle. Do the same on the other side. Repeat with second handle.

Step 7: Attach lining. Turn lining inside out and place outer bag inside of lining. Pin around upper edges and sew in place.

Step 8: Turn bag right side out through the hole in the lining. Topstitch the lining to close the hole.

Step 9: Topstitch the upper edge of bag.

Step 10: Add embellishments such as embroidery or an applique to make your bag your own!

diaper clutch

A diaper clutch was the one project I knew I wanted to create with Lauren.  We tried 2 versions (diaper clutch 1 and diaper clutch 2 below) before designing our own pattern (diaper clutch 3).  Then with our design, we created two versions: a simple clutch to hold a diaper wipe case and a few diapers as well as a clutch that also folds out into a changing pad.  Be sure to leave a comment here to be eligible to win the simple diaper clutch shown above!

Diaper Clutch 1:

For this clutch, I used the pattern found on Make It and Love It.  After making it, I thought it was a little too big. I wanted the diapers and wipes to fit snugly into the case.  Next time I would make it slightly smaller.

Diaper Clutch 2:

The idea for this clutch cam from Melissa Esplin's blog.  She used a business card pattern from Martha Stewart and made it bigger.  The business card project was actually an idea I posted several months ago so I loved her twist on the idea.  After making it, I felt it was too small.  I will definitely try making this clutch again.

Diaper Clutch 3:

After making the first two, we decided to come up with our own pattern.  We created two versions.  This tutorial features the simple clutch that fits a diaper wipe case and a few diapers.  To create the changing pad version, simply add enough length so the flap can wrap around once before closing.

What you'll need:

- faux leather (or an outer material)

- lining fabric

- magnetic clasp

- thread

- sewing machine

Step 1:  From your leather and lining fabric, cut 12" x 18" pieces.  From these, mark on the sides 4" down from the top and also the center point of the upper edge.  Draw a line from the side marks to the center point then cut.  This will create the "V" shape for the flap.

Step 2:  Attach magnets:  One will be placed 1 1/2" down from top of lining fabric and the other 3" up from the bottom of lining fabric.  Take what you have left of your leather and cut a one inch strip for top magnet.  Sew across top and bottom of strip securing the magnet into place.  For the bottom magnet, use about a 1 1/2" x 2" square and sew around edges to secure magnet.  You can adjust these measurements based on the type and size of magnet that you are using.

Step 3:  With right sides together, sew a 5/8" seam leaving approx. 4" at the bottom edge.  Clip the corners and turn right side out.  Topstitch the entire bottom edge to close hole. 

Step 4:  Pin the bottom edge up 6" then topstitch around entire clutch.  

Step 5:  Fill with wipes and approx. 2 diapers, close tight and enjoy!