Guest Designer: Mara May

It's no secret that I haven't scrapbooked much these last two years. But I still get goosebumps each time I see my buttons on someone else's project! Today I am thrilled to share some projects from Mara May! She was one of my first scrapbook crushes, so it's an honor!


Love how she used the Simply Sweet buttons as little balloons! And such pretty layers.


Sewing, ink, houndstooth and aqua? DREAMY! Used Merry Mustaches and graffiti love buttons.

Love all the layers and details here! That paper is gorgeous.


I think these banners are so awesome! Perfect for a baby shower or a welcoming gift! (Wishing I had one for my friend's new little baby!) The tag shapes and pretty ribbon really get me! Used both the pink and blue Oh, Baby buttons. Mara did an amazing job creating these projects and I hope she inspired you! Be sure to check out her shop too, it's always full of pretty things!

Monday Mix

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

This week will be filled with:

-good music, maybe even NEW music! Shhh, don't tell.
-hosting a baby shower for a friend
-sewing, sewing, sewing and more sewing of felt and fabric
-designing a few more paper pieces for next month's new product release
-Finishing my first set of custom designed wedding invitations for an awesome rockabilly couple
-trying to catch up on my reading for project 52 (i'm officially one week behind!!)
-uncovering my desk, it's atrocious. Like really really really bad.
-Organizing said desk, and crafty areas
-Working on designing the new shop
-Talking myself out of buying Kurt Halsey's newest book of paintings. OMG, I want so bad!!
-Guest Designer #2!! I'm a long time fan of hers!
-Washing my clothes because everything smells like the gym....yeah, ew, I know.
-photographing new product
-Celebrating having the house to myself (during the daytime) for the first time in months!

What's on your to do list this week?

Designer Wednesday, oh baby!

Stacey sent over some awesome projects this week to inspire you! She is totally wooing me with all the bright splashes (literally!) of color! And I always some Hambly!

Stacey used the "Oh, baby" boy and girl buttons. Notice how she even wrote "sweet" over the top of one :) Awesome!



My friend Janna had her baby boy this week, on Valentine's day...isn't that just the perfect day? So happy for her!

Valentine Mix

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Happy hearts day to you all :)

A little break

I'm taking a break from regular features this week, my design team hasn't had much time to play with all the goodies I sent last month so I want to post when I have a few more layouts to share!

I'm a huge fan of Elise's blog. I tend to drool a little over her modern living projects...so when I saw her quilt I knew this was the answer to the problem I've been having with picking out bedding.

I know what you're thinking...dear god are you a crazy woman? You want to make your own quilt? And the answer is Yes, and Yes. I love the graphic designs and bold colors on Elise's quilt but I love the idea of being able to choose the exact colors and patterns of my own. I know, I have a hard time finishing big projects like this...but I think I can do it ;) I've been itching for a new sewing project anyway! Also, for the record, I'm jealous of the amount of natural light her home has, seriously! I would kill for that.

These last couple weeks I've felt like I have so much I want to blog and share but I can't! It's killing me! I can't wait to share what I'm working on.

February update

I am only posting a few new items in the shop this month, because I'm working on a TON of new things that I hope to make available in March. It's going to be a busy month! I could use about 6 extra hands and 8 extra hours in the day. Anybody think they can make that happen? ;)

Here is February's craft candy:



I hope you all enjoy the Superbowl! I'll be enjoying the quiet and trying to get some work done!

Book 4

Last week I read Steve Almond's "This won't take but a minute honey" at Michal's insistence. It's a short one, less than 100 pages. Technically it's two books, one side is full of short stories and the other is more insights on the craft of writing.

Imagine Sedaris writing a book about, well writing! I tend to feel highly enamored when reading books about how to craft a story. To me stories are just are just as magical an art form as painting is. And as usual when I love some art form I feel the need to investigate the person behind it. I love that this book is self published. That it's "handmade" if you will. I like that there is no fuss about sales, only content and sharing.

I hate to add another bk to your must read list everyone but I must. It'll take you 30 minutes to read this, and it doesn't disappoint!

The lovely LA from Freckled Nest is offering her A-MAZING Indie Biz class again. You NEED to sign up. This class has invaluable advice, and selling techniques that any handmade biz owner needs to know.

There were no projects to share this week for designer Wednesday. Hey, we all get a break sometime eh?

On a separate note, in 6 weeks I'm going to Mexico with my mom. I can't wait! I'm so ready for sun...and some quality time with my mama :) I suppose this means I better reacquaint myself with the gym. I'm even thinking about signing up for some fitness classes, like zumba or hot yoga! Have any of you tried these? What helps you stay motivated to work out?

It's been a crazy busy week so far, but I'm ready to share some inspiration and Project 52 updates with you tomorrow. (Yes, I'm still caught up! And going strong!)

Keep calm and eat cake

Last summer I bought a book at UO called Booze Cakes. Oh yes, it's just as amazing as it sounds. I've slowly been trying out recipes on special occasions. Last week I made the pineapple upside down cakes and they were delicious!! So now, I'm sharing the recipe with you:


Pineapple Lemon Cupcakes
3⁄4 cup (1-1⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup dark rum
3⁄4 cup pineapple juice
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons rum
3 tablespoons blue Curacao
5 drops blue food coloring

Rum Pineapple Topping
3⁄4 cup (1-1⁄2 sticks) unsalted butter
1-2⁄3 cups light brown sugar
1 tablespoon dark rum
12 pineapple slices

Additional Topping:
Whipped cream (make it spiked by folding in two tablespoons of rum)
coconut shavings
12 maraschino cherries

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two cupcake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and rum. Mix in pineapple juice. Add flour, baking powder and salt. Transfer one-third of the batter into a separate bowl and stir in blue Curacao, and food coloring.
3. For the topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, stir butter and brown sugar 3 minutes, or until melted. Remove from heat and stir in rum. Reserve one-third of the mixture; spoon the rest into pans. Put a cherry into the center of each cup and arrange pineapple wedges around each cherry. (or if you like the cherry cold like me you can add it after it has been cooked)
4. Spoon the yellow batter into pans, and then the blue batter. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Let cakes cool a few minutes, and then loosen with a knife. Press a serving tray to the pan; flip over to unmold cakes. Add the whipped cream and coconut and cherry on top.

Type of Cake: Individual Cakes
Serves: 10–12
Booze Meter: Feeling It