SALE!!

In the spirit of giving...and this recession we've all been in...I'm offering FREE SHIPPING TO EVERYWHERE all through December! That means you can load up your cart and pay no shipping on all your holiday gifts! Shop from the comfort of your own home, and don't waste gas!

Offer good Dec. 1st - 31st. This offer includes paintings and custom orders!

Happy Holidays everyone! Stay tuned for pics of a new painting and some pretty pendants that will be going up in the shop!!

Wha?? She scraps?

Hey...remember when I used to make pretty things for show and tell? Yeah, it's been awhile. Sorry about that. Here is the finished Fall favorites mini book I've been working on this week. Mostly Cosmo cricket, 7 gypsies and basic grey. I spray painted the acrylic covers and added lots of dymo and button love!

The tag on the R page (above) is from MayThird

All photos are from my inspiration folder which means they are likely from tumblr, flickr or other blogs. I wanted a conceptual book. Sorry, no photo credits available. There are still some of these bks left in the shop and each one comes with a felt cozy!!

My next two mini projects will be my 24 things (to do before 25) and my December daily bk.

Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm off to spent time with the boy and share thanksgiving with a friend!

Buttons and Thrifting!!

It's beginning to look like Christmas just about everywhere...except my house. I still have grand intentions of finishing my button wreath, making a pretty christmas garland...and more. For now, I'll share some cute ideas from two other crafty girls!

Last week my cute co-worker Mandy wore this awesome necklace for our Holiday Open house.
I thought it was sort of genius! It was made with pretty bakers twine, paper snowflakes (cut with the Slice machine) and some of my Holiday buttons! It would also make a wicked cute garland. Mandy has two cute boys and also contributes to several craft blogs including "Little Birdie Secrets" where you can find awesome tutorials and gift ideas!


Sharmaine sent me this cute idea today! What an easy addition to your tree or a pretty package topper! I love the candy cane concept!!




Yesterday C and I decided to do some exploring/thrifting/housewares shopping for our place. We have the necessities and now we are trying to find ways to give the place character. We went to a HUGE Goodwill store in downtown Seattle, then Velocity and Rejuvenation, (Both amazing!) then we checked out Space Oddities and Venue in Ballard. What a gem that district is. Ballard has some amazing shops! Here are a few of the new finds.


You know it's a good day when you score 2 Michael Bolton, 3 Heart and a Journey's greatest hits cassette. Don't judge me, that's my childhood! Some will remain in my collection, while the others will be the new base for my altered art. You might think that just because they will be slathered in paint it wouldn't matter what artist they are...but I'm pretty picky. I think of the cassette's artist as being the "alter ego" of the entire piece of art. So it's got to be good ;)



Remember that beautiful yellow typewriter I bought off of etsy a few months back? It's in perfect condition. It needs a new ribbon but is super gorgeous. I finally set that up next to the two white vases and wooden bowl we thrifted yesterday. The magazine decorative balls came from Pier one, just pieces of magazine strips woven together. Love it!

Inspiration!

I'm excited for Elsie and L.A.'s style school class. I may try to take it, as I love both of their stylish homes (and sense of personal style). Here are a couple images of L.A.'s house that I love. Her incorporation of vintage goods makes the space feel lived in.




These are cute skulls and zebra buttons that were made as a custom order for the lovely Ashlee on my Design team. I'm thinking of making more zebra buttons, Chris and I noticed they were super popular at the craft shows! What do you think? and what colors?

Update

It's been a busy week, with storms and craft fairs and Christmas decorating! I also got a new iphone... holy-awesome-ness batman!

Tonight I added a few things to the etsy shop and tomorrow I'll be adding more. More rings are up now....

I saw this wedding posted on a few blogs and I thought the lighting was super dramatic and awesome! I would love to employ a similar concept for mine. I have been thinking about using raw bulbs for over a year but this idea really blows my idea out of the water. I am so behind on wedding decisions it's not even funny. I'm excited to share all the inspo with you along the way...stay tuned.

A day late, but in honor of my brother nonetheless....

Yesterday at work we participated in Operation Write Home, a program where people can donate handmade cards to soldiers overseas so that they can send them home to their loved ones. There was a large group that stayed all day and made over 800 cards! I thought it was awesome! Since my big brother is currently on his second tour Iraq I know how hard it can be on families. Luckily he will be home in time for the holidays but many won't. If you would like to participate you can go to their website and make a donation for postage or find out how to send in your own cards!


And thanks to you big brother for your sacrifice! Can't wait until you are home safe again!

Workout Jams

I don't usually get too personal on here...but a while back I posted about how I am trying to take better care of myself. The biggest hurdle has been (and always will be) working out/exercising on a regular basis. It's taken me three years to find the motivation and momentum to get my body in shape. I am sharing this because it's something many of us don't make the time for. I'm still doing 30-40 minute work outs but I don't count calories. I just watch what I eat, and make the obvious choices...like home made over fast food, sugar free, etc. Fast food now doesn't sit well with my tummy.

Since September I have lost 27 pounds. I have 13 left to reach my goal (which is 130...I should be in the 130-135 range based on BMI). Part of what keeps me going is having good music....So here are some of the songs I listen to while I workout. I have to say Lady Gaga keeps me going!! lol.

Ordinary moments

There have been a lot of ordinary moments like these lately...

And yes...I have given in to the skinny jean fad. I can't help it. They are so darn cute. And pretty comfy too. I picked these up yesterday and kind of had to show them off. It's all about scarves and cardigans around here, and while the rain is not agreeing with the ballet flats I so love...I don't really care.

I spent all last week sick and totally unmotivated. I'm getting a lot more done right now. Working on many things at once! Here's the view of my desk right now...

*recent in progress painting
*Cassette tape paintings in progress