12.08.2015

Hallmark Handmade

When you think of Hallmark your brain goes straight to cards right? Well did you know they make
awesome ornaments? Some of you might even collect them. They’re beautiful, well crafted, collectable ornaments from your favorite movie or show, or maybe a teeny tiny version of a toy you grew up playing with. Hallmark also has really fun DIY kits that come with all the supplies you need to create your own cool ornament. They were inspired and created by the crazy talented Hallmark artists themselves. Let me tell you, Hallmark artists could give Christmas elves a run for there money. Those cats are always making something or coming up with new ways to be creative. So these oh-so-talented folk were kind enough to give me one of these adorable kits to play with and I had a blast. I love these handmade ornament kits because they remind me of those old school sewing kits I had when I was a kid. They were always themed with animals, people, flowers etc. And it came with cards, yarn and a needle. The cards would have the image in the center and the holes that you’d sew around were on the edges or right through the design. Although sewing and crafty toys from my childhood have a special place in my heart these Hallmark kits are pretty awesome. There was way more freedom to create my own creation, which makes it a lot more personal. 

I’m an illustrator by trade and don’t get a lot of extra time to do crafty projects of this nature. So this was a treat for me! It comes with four wooden shapes with pre-cut holes drilled into them, embroidery floss and felt backing to cover up all the messy knots once you’re finished with your design. Because I love putting faces on EVERYTHING it was pretty obvious what my additional design accents were going to be. My little guy is only two so he couldn’t join in on the fun but maybe in a few years he’d enjoy making one of these. For more examples of this kit, info on talented Hallmark artists and how this kit  came to be go to http://www.thinkmakeshareblog.com/make-your-own-embroidery-and-wood-ornaments/
                                         Happy Holidays to you :) And happy making!

                        These kits are available here at Hallmark.com/HandmadeOrnaments.com
              #diyprojects #christmasornaments #crafts #embroidery #woodcraft #thinkmakeshare














5.21.2015

Image 25 Book Of Blessings....

We're recovering from a drive to Chicago up and back to get our daughter from school and a whirlwind trip to NYC for the Surtex and Stationary shows all in 5 days....I'm going to "copycat" this cat and take a minute to smell the flowers! 

5.11.2015

Image 24 Book Of Blessings

A week from now I'll be at Surtex! I can't wait to meet my agents. It's been 2 years since I've signed with Lilla Rogers and I STILL have yet to meet Lilla and Susan. I'm also excited to meet new team members Joanne and Reine and some of the other fellow artists the studio represents. I've never been to this crazy hyped up event in NYC and it's a bit intimidating. The nerves are starting in and that "what am I gonna wear?!" voice is starting to buzz in my ear. I hope to get some new clients out of this experience but you just never know with these things. So my ultimate goal is to have a super positive experience. Having fun with my boo, meeting new people and having that good energy exchange is all I can really hope for!

5.05.2015

Image 23 / Book of Blessings



I've been slacking on these...life's been getting in the way of "my blog on". But I promise to be more diligent about posting the rest of these. 7 more to go! oh how I miss the sea....

4.27.2015

Image 22/Book Of Blessings

Mondays don't have to be so well..Monday-ish...If I'm up to it I try to look at it as a fresh start for the week. That makes me feel better about leaving the weekend behind because a new one will be there before I know it. Sometimes ;) 

4.23.2015

My little Surtex ad for the inter webs

This past month has been CRAY to the ZAY folks. I mean like crazy town crazy. How does life get that jam packed????? Half of the action was due to Surtex prep and creating this little christmas collection of mine. I just love animals and magical little houses and the woods...Here is another little snippet of it. I posted my actual banner design a few posts before. Because I'm brain dead from creating all of it I have no gas left to give it a creative and clever name....but that's ok. Maybe it will speak for itself. Maybe this chubby gnome has a clever idea...