May 15th, 2012

country living fair antiques

I recently took a visit to Austin, Texas for the Country Living Fair with my Mother-in-Law, Leslie. We had the best time. We spent two whole days rummaging through every nook and cranny in these giant barns trying to find the best in vintage. I found some of the most amazing things. I was most inspired by the vintage pull toys. I’m working on a fabric collection based off of those right now. I love all the inspiration that vintage provides. My husband loved the lion illustration on one of the playing cards I brought home.

 

Here are some of the things I brought home. My favorite being this airplant from India. It may not be vintage but it’s pretty sweet!

 

 

Oh and check out these thumb-tacks! They look like vintage typewriter keys. LOVE!!!

 

Have you found any great vintage lately? I’d love to hear about it!

May 8th, 2012

FREE mother’s day card printable

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I knew it was high time for all of you procrastinators (including myself) out there for a FREE card printable for Mother’s Day. Let Mom know you’re thinking about her with this fresh feminine floral card.

I was inspired by these flowers. Aren’t they beautiful!

Or, if your Mom’s not into florals, use this watercolor stripe card. It’s still feminine.

Both of these cards could be used for pretty much any occasion, not just for Mother’s Day.

 

Download the cards below.

Flower Card

Stripe Card

May 7th, 2012

easy garden markers for mother’s day

With Mother’s Day being just around the corner, I thought it would be good to make a simple gift that didn’t cost much money. Over the past several years I’ve seen some amazing garden markers and have been wanting to make my own. They are super easy to make and only take a few things to make them. Mine don’t look anything near as nice as some of the ones I’ve seen, but they look rustic. That’s not a bad thing.

 

Step One: Purchase some oven-baked clay. I got mine at Michaels for about $8.

Step Two: Cut out and mold the clay to make the markers. Mine are about 6 inches long.

Step Three: Using a stamping alphabet letter set, spell out your letters. I just lightly pressed into the clay. I actually used a metal stamping alphabet set. It can be purchased here.

Step Four: Using a bone folder or your finger, smooth out the top and edges.

Step Five: Bake according to package directions. I used a 325 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Step Six: Using black acrylic paint, paint the letters. Don’t be afraid to get it all over, but make sure to get it in the grooves. Then, using a wet cloth, wipe off all the excess paint.

Step Seven: After paint is dry, spray with a waterproof paint to make sure the black doesn’t come off. Whaaaa laaa! You’re done!

May 4th, 2012

Wizard of Oz

My daughter is going to be in this performance of the Wizard of Oz. My super talented husband illustrated and designed the poster. Isn’t it great! I think Char is going to have a lot of fun!

If you live in Utah County you should come to the performance. It’s May 25th & 26th at 6:30pm. Miss Amber, Char’s teacher, has put a lot of thought and effort into this and is so talented. She just loves those little kids and does such a great job with them. I’m hoping that each of the Grandmas can come out for it as well. Here’s to hoping!

April 25th, 2012

sneak peek of a new collection

About 5 weeks ago I started an online textile design class from Michelle Fifis of Pattern Observer. I’m loving every minute of it and have already learned so much! I can hardly wait to go to SURTEX 2013. That’s a very soft goal I have right now. Wow, I said it! I can’t wait! Now, if only I can make it to SURTEX in NYC this year, so I might actually know what to do when I show in 2013.

 

I really like where this collection is going. I imagine this being used for little girls dress, or an apon. I love Spring!

April 10th, 2012

one kings lane blank canvas challenge

I submitted this design for the One Kings Lane blank canvas challenge. I really wish the pink polkadot could be added to the inside, but I seriously doubt it. Cute huh? I was inspired by some cactus blossoms from an old vintage lithograph.

archives: April
April 10th, 2012

Giveaway Winner

#3, Sharon, is the winner of this Giveaway! I had my daughter pick one of the three pieces of papers. Thanks to all who participated! Hope you all had a good Easter. I know I did. We visited the farm in Idaho. I got to see my 83 year old Grandma ride a horse for the first time in 10 years. She said it was on her "bucket list" of things to do before she dies. Isn't that amazing! Charlotte also g...
April 3rd, 2012

free easter card download

Another freebie! This one's for Easter! I just love Spring and Easter. It makes me so happy and reminds me that all can be new again and that we have opportunities to change and become better. Get the free download below. This card is for personal use only and not for resale. Enjoy! ...
April 2nd, 2012

Lit by Design Sponsor Post & a Giveaway!!!!

CLOSED! Thanks everyone for participating! The winner is #3, Sharon. Hello Everyone! Are you all gearing up for Easter. I know I am. To celebrate Easter, I'm gearing up with my only Sponsor, Becki, of Lit by Design to give away a beautiful bracelet. She is kind enough to give away this multi-stranded hemp cord bracelet made with aqua-colored hemp cord and textured silver discs to one of my l...
March 30th, 2012

painted easter cookie craft

This is a super easy Easter craft to do with the kiddos. All you need is food coloring, egg yolks and sugar cookie dough to make these bright and playful cookies.   Start by making a simple sugar cookie recipe. This is the recipe I grew up with. I'm not sure where my mom got it.   GRANNY'S SUGAR COOKIES 1/2 cup butter 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg 2 t. baking powder ...