Follow Your Bliss

Smitten with Seasonings

2011-07-16T17:12:00.000-04:00

Even though it's a test of my patience to shop there, occasionally Goodwill surprises me. Aren't they cute? Wonder which one is Salt and which one is Pepper?

It's Tea Time!

2011-07-04T13:07:00.002-04:00

I've been challenged with how to go about this post. What parts do I tell you about? If I told you about everything we'd be here all day, but there are so many fun snipits, and tons (and tons) of pictures. What to do?

Perhaps I should start with the end goal, which was to create a fun event for my nieces who are physically together only a handful of days in a year, and to put the boys to work serving us. Girls, flowers, tea cups–what could be more fun, right?

However, as I've had time to process our little tea party, I was struck with something unintended: the awesomeness of gathering three generations of women around a table; grandmother, moms, aunts and cousins. Girl-power!

The oldest mademoiselle's asked if we could have another tea party...the next day! Mmm, I think they had fun. And I think I could have an annual event on my hands!

But before we get to the pictures, I must thank a few wonderful people who helped this idea come to life:

To Harmony who graciously let me borrow her collection of tea cups/saucers, tea pots and all the little items that go with them. I'm hooked!

To Matt, brother-in-law-turned-Butler who wore a ruffly apron (per the request of moi), hung a tea towel over his arm and really played the part. You were fabulous!

To Hubby for capturing my vision and snapping several (okay, 400!) amazing moments in pictures. XOXO. Here are just a few (okay, 38!). Prepare your scrolling finger, you've been warned...

[click to enlarge]

6.20.1998

2011-06-20T13:27:00.000-04:00

My, How Time Flies!

2011-06-17T18:10:00.001-04:00

I have been a very busy bee these last six weeks with a bit of business travel, 1st birthday photoshoots and some amazing freelance design opportunities making delightful items for delightful people! As a result, time has gone "poof" and I cannot believe it's mid-June and that my dear blog has been so silent.

While I rifle through images and prepare updates I will leave you with this—a party I'm currently planning for a few of my favorite mademoiselle's—can you guess the theme?

Dance, Baby, Dance!

2011-05-09T19:55:00.000-04:00

What happens when a baby chick in tap shoes and a fair maiden in ballet slippers show up at your door? Photograph 'em, of course! Check out more dance recital fun, here and here.

You have to be 6 years old...

2011-04-24T12:12:00.007-04:00

This post was going to be about a fun cake creation for my niece's 6th birthday party, and it still is...kind of...at least there are a few pics at the end. Cake Pop ice cream cones that frankly, turned out awesome. But the post-plan changed when at the party I had one of those "aunt moments" that will stay with me for a long, long time.

Last month when I was in Chicago I stopped at The Paper Source. A way cool arty-farty store I hadn't been in since college. I quickly peeked in the very small kids section thinking perhaps there would be something for one of the kids birthdays. There was. Rosie Flo's Sticky Colouring Book. A quick flip and I was pretty sure Miss P., with her artistic bent, would like it.

She did. She wanted to draw in her new book, with me. Sprawled on the living room floor she (we) began creating, asking me how to draw shoes, and arms and hands and necks. And, asking me how someone learns to be an artist and what kind of artist I am. She filled 4 pages she said were of her and her friends (and all were in heels!)

Her younger sister really wanted to draw in it. And out from the mouth of the girl who always shares, comes: "No. It's really hard, you have to be 6 years old" without lifting her eyes or pencil from the page.

I smiled.

Happy Birthday, Lady!

Art Giveaway Alert! Original Print

2011-04-18T19:15:00.000-04:00

My goodness, we're half way through April already? How can that be?

This month's giveaway is a hand-stamped print. It's so easy to let the days pass by forgetting how precious they each are. Begging the question: Today is a gift...what will you do with it?

Today is a Gift, art print
Pewter ink on white archival paper, 1 of 4
Hand stamped using vintage printing blocks & hand embellished

Print measures 11x14
Suitable for an 8x10 opening
(14x18 frame with 8x10 opening shown here. Frame from Target [$16.99] and not included.)

If you'd like this art print, be the first to post here on the blog!
**(anonymous users: leave your name, or some way to contact you.)**

I'll contact the winner. If you are not local, I will ship to you in a bend-proof mailer.

A Birthday Love "Thank You"

2011-03-30T21:42:00.000-04:00

Today I am officially closer to forty then I am to thirty-five. Wholly cow! But it's all good because of the wonderful birthday love I've received today! E-hugs to my Facebook friends, family and co-workers. It has been a lovely wish-filled day, complete with blue sky and sunshine. Special love goes out to....

Sweet teammate Janelle for the delicious chocolate/peanut butter cake and celebration with work friends. Yum, yum!

Co-worker Caryn for sending birthday wishes...all the way from Italy.

Miss Harmony for the fun "So Girly" apron. I'm in love!

To So Sarah Designs for a beautifully crafted apron, and for the big-button-bling-ring. You are so talented.

To DSW for having the only cute red heeled shoes in platforms. I do not need to be any taller so you saved me a bunch money today.

To Papa Murphy's for being just down the street because there was no way I was going to cook dinner.

To Hubby for a birthday breakfast this weekend.

I am blessed!

Happy Birthday, Momma!

2011-03-23T20:01:00.000-04:00

Today is my Momma's special day. She's 32.

She likes wreathy-thingys. So I made her one out of yarn and felt.

I even did some (mildly impressive) free-form crochet.

It was fun, and she liked it.

Art Giveaway Alert! Bracelet

2011-03-12T08:44:00.000-05:00

Another art giveaway is here!
Usher in Spring with a shiny bracelet to sassify any outfit.

"Purple Haze" Bracelet

Measures 8 inches from clasp-to-end
Irregular red-violet 'stones' with iridescent quality
Silver and hematite beads
Lobster clasp
(mini pumpkin not included)

If you'd like this pretty bracelet, be the first to post here on the blog!
**(anonymous users: leave your name, or some way to contact you.)**

I'll contact the winner. If you are not local, I will ship it to you.

International Home and Housewares Show - Downtown Chicago!

2011-03-08T17:40:00.001-05:00

I just spent two days in the windy city attending a trade show with my design-sister, Jamie. After a delightful Sunday brunch at Grand Lux Cafe, we were off to the show.

They are pretty strict about snapping photos of the booths, but I was able to capture a few without getting caught (phew). One thing I took away from the show was the amazing infusion of bright color into everyday, well-designed items for the home. There were still plenty of products for those of us (me) who love neutrals and natural earthy tones-n-textures but overall, color was everywhere!

We attended a few short cooking demonstrations to break up the hours we roamed the floor. They let you take photos in this area--like of dreamy Aussie, Curtis Stone! Like the products themselves, the chefs they brought in were full of life! (Confession: I did buy his cookbook while I was there but, like a good Dutch girl, not until day two when it was $12 cheaper.)

On Monday, after an early breakfast at the Corner Bakery Cafe, we attended a color forecasting presentation by "America's Color Guru" Leatrice Eisman. Very informative for my job, took gobs of notes and pictures and I got to meet her afterword. What a lovely, down to earth woman. The color for 2011 is Honeysuckle Pink (a corally-pinky color). Infuse this color into your home/wardrobe and feel like a fashionista!

My designer-brain had plenty of takeaways from the show, but I would sum it up by saying: since we all have to cook and clean and organize, you may as well feel happy doing it. So, next time you are in need of a spatula, buy one in a bright fun color and think happy thoughts!

New Painting! When Nature Calls...

2011-02-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

After a little time hanging above the guest potty, I bring you the first in the Unmentionables series!

Silliness fell over me one day last fall and the need to paint about poop (of all things) emerged. I was also having visions of bad 70s wallpaper...and the Partridge Family sitcom...and out came this.

I blame the madness on work stress and a sugar overdose.

Springspiration

2011-02-19T14:40:00.002-05:00

If you are desiring the sights and smells of Spring and find yourself in the Grand Rapids area, stop in to Horrocks Market!

As usual, I spent more time "inspiration-browsing" than I did getting my groceries! While on my very slow stroll around the home and housewares section I snagged these three items. Items that I really, really, really wish had been my designs: a lovely silk-screened tea-towel, super-fun mug and an illustrated drink-recipe book. All of which I need like I need a hole in the head, (but they were on sale, so that makes it okay....right?)

Mmmm. Chocolate!

2011-02-12T20:05:00.002-05:00

A cozy winter evening should be punctuated by a something sweet, right?

Flipping through my growing (or shall I say dangerous) collection of dessert cookbooks–that are just as much for visual inspiration as they are for the recipes themselves–I came across the perfect treat. So, with just enough in the house to make a cup for the two of us, I whipped up a small batch of drinking chocolate from my new book The Essence of Chocolate.

Mmmm. Now I would like a blankie and a nap, please.

Art Giveaway Alert! "Sweet Happy Love"

2011-02-08T19:00:00.007-05:00

I'm long overdue to give away something pretty!

If you'd like this original painting, be the first to post here on the blog.
**(anonymous users: leave your name, or some way to contact you.)**

"Sweet Happy Love"
Acrylic on canvas
Measures 5" x 5" x 1.5" deep
Words cut from old dictionary

I'll contact the winner. If you are not local, I will ship it to you.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

2011-02-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

Art Giveaway
Tuesday, February 8th
7:00 pm ET

The "Bliss"ard of 2011

2011-02-02T20:00:00.003-05:00

I suppose there is no better time to re-enter the blog world (after an embarrassingly long hiatus) than with a blizzard!

The last time we had an event like this I was on the heels of turning four, and probably had a fantastic time playing in the snow in my white and red snow coat, (it's the only snow coat I remember so regardless if I was really wearing that one, we'll go with it). Thirty-some years later, I'm in my black snowsuit complete with reflector strips, two pockets, and a belt--yes, a belt--steering a snow blower.

I must say, it was blissful! First, I got a surprise snow day from work. Then, half way through the blowing and shoveling, the sun came out. It made 17 degrees feel warm, and everything sparkled. A bright blue sky and a neighborhood bustling with the sounds of winter clean-up made the work seem, well, kinda fun!

So, as our resident woodpecker worked diligently in the maple tree, I captured a these images from the yard. Happy February to all!

Art Day: Holiday Workshop

2010-11-13T18:40:00.001-05:00

Starting any arty-farty day requires pre-creativity caffeine and a pastry that is by no stretch of the imagination 'good' for you. Add in some girl talk with gal pals Harmony and Sarah and you've properly started your day.

After gracing the coffee shop with our presence, we popped over to a Holiday Workshop by our friend, Diane and made oodles of goodies for a few hours. And, as usual, I have oodles of ideas. Off to find my sketchbook...

Happy Halloween...

2010-10-30T17:09:00.002-04:00

...from our family to yours!

Sassy Sisters

2010-10-13T22:10:00.000-04:00

What happens when you toss three blonde kiddos into a heap 'o junk? See for yourself!

Three cheers to Mom who styled a fab wardrobe. Oh, and those socks...they have guitars on them...and say "girls rock." I concur!

More from Miss P, Miss J and Baby A, here.

Lil' M's Beautiful Mess

2010-09-19T16:15:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I'm not sure who had more fun here, us or Lil' M!

A big beautiful mess in the studio and we loved every second of it. Kinda looked like a box of Crayola's exploded at the end. Kudos to her parents for a fabulous idea, and for allowing us to be apart of Lil' M's first birthday cake. What an honor, thank you! Oh yeah, we took some other pics too and of course, they're adorable! Including ones in the very chair her Daddy has his toddler pictures in. Check out the session, HERE.

Let's Go Antiquing!

2010-09-18T20:43:00.002-04:00

After some early-summer moaning for twice being rained out of the antique market, I finally made it! July was the lucky month. I spent the morning wandering at a leisurely pace, picked up a couple of fun goodies (even though I lost my list half way through), and snapped some inspiring finds. I'm loving the recycling aspect of some of the items, dreaming of new color palates, and I cannot resist a collection of birdcages! (click for larger image)

Kiddos Big and Small

2010-09-12T19:00:00.001-04:00

First up is the delightful Baby K, back for her three month session. How can you not love this watermelon ensemble? Too cute! Which reminds me...a note to parents: bright colors make the best pictures. Want more? Click HERE.

Next up, siblings in the park! Check out these crazy kiddos ages 9, 7 and 6 years. They make the best goofy faces on command. Awesome! As you can see, they are a photogenic bunch. More from this session HERE.

Summer Sewing Projects

2010-09-11T19:45:00.001-04:00

I enjoyed two summer sewing projects, and was overjoyed to give them both away! Made of felt with three big fabric flowers, the Secret Basket was complete with an ol' fashioned key to open secret passageways, and pockets on the inside to stash little stuff. (click for larger image)

My first intention with the next project was to make a big stripey pillow with a flower brooch, but as I was playing around with how to order the fabrics I thought, "oooh, pockets!" and the Book Pillow was born. What could be better for a 6 year old, right? Oh, and those Fancy Nancy books = adorable! (click for larger image)

Bottletop Magnets

2010-08-27T13:15:00.000-04:00

Last summer at the antique market I bought a handful of soda and beer bottle tops. They were rusty and cool so I could do something with them, right? Well, they sat in a jar for nearly a year until the inspiration hit. A cousin was getting married and I wanted to supplement a kitchen-themed shower gift with a quirky something-er-other. Afterall, the bride is a fun-lovin', free spirit so I could totally get away with it.

Out came these fridge magnets featuring old photos of the happy couple as the prince and princess, and of course the dog--the rambunctious Jazmyne, who took center-stage in the packaging with perky golden ears.

Congratulations to Nicole and Ken who were married a few weeks ago.

Tip: Line the bottom of a plain colored box with fun paper and tie with a coordinating ribbon. Easy and simple--for you and the recipient!

A Sibling Summer

2010-08-25T21:32:00.000-04:00

We've been, oh...let's see...just a tad bit busy lately, so lets get right to it!

Starting off the summer of siblings with Mr. L and Lil' K. Our first time with these sweeties was a delight. We snuck in a quick shoot while they were visiting from Missouri.
More here: Mr. L & Lil' K

Next we have the always energetic threesome that you've seen before. Mr. T and Mr. L and their little sis in an urban landscape made for a super-fun evening. Love those pearls, Lil' L!
More here: Mr. T, Mr. L, Lil' L

Wrapping up the summer with Miss K who loves, loves, loves being outside and her brand new brother, Baby C for a perfect night at the lake.
More here: Miss K & Baby C

Thanks to all these wonderful families for allowing us to be a part of your summer!

Hair Clippies!

2010-08-22T21:40:00.000-04:00

I have a bin of fabric scraps that continues to grow. I've always said that someday I'll find a use for the tinyest bits of my favorites. My patience paid off and a small collection of scraps have taken the form of floral hair clippies! You may recognize the basic design from an earlier post. I figured mini versions would make super-cute clippies, too. Here are a few I've given away with more in the hopper, one of which is a sassy black one for moi.

Marshmallows roasting...

2010-07-12T21:00:00.002-04:00

...on an open fire
Fireflies nipping at your nose
Summer songs being sung by tree frogs
And folks dressed for mosquitoes
Everybody knows...

Simply Summery

2010-07-11T20:10:00.001-04:00

A few pics from this weekends bridal shower. I crafted candle holders from small Ball canning jars. Lemons, artificial purple flowers and fresh carnations for the arrangements with purple and yellow ribbon and silvery butterflies for the finishing touches. Simple and summery. We could have used a few of those puffy cumulus clouds, but other than that it was a great morning with the ladies! Congratulations Stephanie and Jason!

Baby A turns 7 months!

2010-07-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

Another little lady recently graced our studio. I've been looking forward to photographing her wonderful expressions and big blue eyes. 7 months old already? How can that be? To enjoy more of the shoot, click here.

Sweet Baby K

2010-06-17T22:20:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy week and excited to share our latest photo session with you! We had the pleasure of photographing this lil' sweetie at two weeks old. Her family is delightful and her big brother is very proud. Who can resist a sleepy baby!

Click here to check out more endearing images from the shoot.

After The Rain

2010-05-26T20:06:00.006-04:00

A brief rain/sunshine mix made me run outside to find a rainbow!
No rainbow.
Drat.

As I stood in the sprinkles, I surveyed my front garden and it's post-winter explosion. Boy, I have quite a bit of work ahead of me this holiday weekend! But instead of lamenting over the amount of weeding and pruning lay ahead, I grabbed the camera and captured a wet garden before the evening light faded.

Sometimes, it's best to stop and enjoy the details.

Embrace Life.

2010-05-22T22:30:00.005-04:00

My day started at 7:15 am when I met my friend Harmony at a downtown bakery for coffee and pastries. Tummies filled and caffeine in hand we hopped a few blocks over to the Farmers Market––my first time there, can you believe it? Roaming at a leisurely pace we packed our bags full of goodies for the week. Some basil, aspara*gas* (as hubby calls it) and fresh lupine's for me and a week's worth of produce for Harmony. I fell in love with the work of a local man who makes lazy-susans out of wood scraps. His craftsmanship is impecable.

We scooted from there to make a creative workshop hosted by our friend, Diane. I have blogged about her before. She's such a doll and comes up with the best projects. The eight-or-so of us made a beautiful creative mess and shared a few recipes, too!

Home for lunch with hubby and then it was off to the greenhouse. Dirt, fertilizer, hanging baskets, annuals, and two tomato plants later, I am home. A lasagna dinner and a quiet house round out the evening as I sit with the sounds of a purring kitty on my lap, birds chirping and the clicking of our laptops.

Today I feel as if I truly embraced life.

Scribble Scrabble

2010-05-17T20:00:00.001-04:00

We recently spent a lovely afternoon with Lil' J and her family. Her Daddy is an ol' friend of my hubby's which made the shoot extra special. Lil' J is a sweet, energetic girl who thought our studio flash covers looked like TV screens, thoroughly enjoyed scribbling on the backdrop (love that!), and was focused on my collection of Scrabble tiles.

Now I'll admit, not being a Mom I'm not totally up on developmental milestones, but I was pretty impressed that as I pulled the Scrabble tiles from the jar, she recited them back to me! Not bad for a 20-month old, huh? For more from shoot, click here.

Birthday Butterflies

2010-05-09T21:20:00.001-04:00

A few shots of a birthday cake I made this weekend for my niece. I had never before made a cake or frosting from scratch and I'd never worked with candy-makers chocolate. I would definitely make it all again, but probably with a cream cheese frosting next time. The buttercream was very good, but a titch too sweet for me. As for the butterflies––oh my––chocolate and nonparerils everywhere! Tip: be quick, patient and stay close to your microwave.

On a side note, I was telling my Mom this was the one time I wished I owned a stand mixer, which would have kept my kitchen (and me) safe from the attack of the flying frosting bits. "Really" she says as we trotted down to the storage room. Lo-and-behold, a funky vintage mixer that was their wedding gift. It still works! Thanks, Mom. The next cake adventure will be a little less of a mess.

Kitchen: disaster. Dishes: immense. Birthday Girl: happy.

Cake Recipe from Beyond Toast
Buttercream Frosting Recipe and Butterfly How-To from Annie's Eats

Bay-bee Ba-LOO-ga

2010-05-08T21:30:00.004-04:00

A fun time photographing Miss P in her "Baby Beluga" costume on the eve of her dance recital. Thanks to Aunt Kelly who styled all her beautiful curls, (so jealous!). Click here for more pics from the session.

Possibilities, Numerous.

2010-05-05T17:20:00.000-04:00

I stopped painting regularly about a year ago because I felt stuck. So, I switched to fabric to infuse creativity in my subject matter which I'm still having fun with (can't wait to show you what's in the hopper!)

Then my work-friend, Diane invited me to her Stampin' Up workshop. I'm not a scrapbooker or a stamper mind you, but she had some cool projects lined up (that included fabric) and I needed a creative morning with girlyfriends. And as with everything, I discovered a cool new toy. It became quite the debate...a spiffy die cutter-tool and it's accessories or a food processor? Hmmm.

Fast forward to last weekend for some playtime with my new toy (Mom, if you're reading this: food processor is on the holiday list). I'm having way too much fun and it's what I needed to take my painting, and crafting, to another level. So as a thank you to Diane, I made her this "card" for helping to inspire me.

Cold Sunday, Warm Brownies

2010-04-25T11:50:00.003-04:00

I had it all planned––a large caffeinated coffee and an early morning jaunt to opening weekend at the Antique Market. But rain and wind changed my plans. So I decide it was instead a perfect morning to make from-scratch brownies from my new recipe book! It was really quite easy and they are yummo. Hubby agrees. Oh! and make sure you have milk. Must. Have. Milk.

Recipe from: "Deep Dark Chocolate" by Sara Perry, Chronicle Books.
Three cheers to miss France Ruffenach for the book's amazing photography.
(following are my photos)

Art Giveaway Alert! Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T19:10:00.002-04:00

I was fortunate enough to have been given the most amazing orchid stem a few days back, which I promptly photographed. In awe of its design, coupled with the time I was spending with Gwen Frostic's work, I figured a combo was appropriate to share this week. So, in honor of Earth Day, a desktop wallpaper to remind us of nature's beauty and fragility.

Download instructions follow. Enjoy!
(One image with quote, the other is quote-free)

To Download:
Click on the image and it will open in a new window. Drag the image onto your desktop and manually set it as your desktop pattern. (PC users: I'm told you can also do this by right-clicking your mouse on the image and choosing "set as desktop background", but I can't prove it---I'm a Mac-girl.)

Sew Pink!

2010-04-12T19:30:00.001-04:00

Spent Saturday afternoon sewing with Harmony. It was a lovely day to chat, eat and create with a friend. We both worked on gifts for others, so...only a few peeks of our projects in-process. Pink fabric was everywhere!

Lil' M's Half Birthday

2010-04-10T20:45:00.001-04:00

Enjoy Lil' M in pictures as she celebrates her first 6 months! She was especially interested in the flower petals trapped in the tutu. Very cute to watch her careful inspection. That and her curled toes are why I just love this image. Click here for more.

4-Legged Friend

2010-04-07T20:35:00.003-04:00

We photographed another big doggie recently...meet Zoe! She listens well to her momma and daddy, which made the shots pretty easy to take. There wasn't even a treat involved–but for the record, she likes cheese (smart girl!).

Seriously, how can you resist this face?
Click here for more of Zoe.

Birthday Sushi

2010-03-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

Just spent lunchtime with my friend, Harmony at a favorite Japanese restaurant. It was both a relaxing and inspiring time. She is so sweet, is a glass-half-full gal with a genuine love for people. And she loves food. In fact, she had me try two new foods today. Good thing it was with her, because I would not have known how to eat Edamame! (tee, hee, hee)

Thank you, Harmony for a delightful time.

Check out her food blog, Beyond Toast. (I'm making her brown rice pudding tonight!)

Sweet Spring Accessory

2010-03-24T20:30:00.000-04:00

Check out this fun flower pin made from fabric scraps! I made it at a friends workshop and I'm officially in love with her "Big Shot" die-cutting tool. I'm convinced it makes all things possible. And now I want one (figures). Can you imagine hand cutting these shapes? No thank you.

Sunday Afternoon

2010-03-21T14:15:00.001-04:00

It's been a weird weekend. Saturday was craft and pottery shows, antiquing, errands, laundry, email accounts and facebook. Yes, I'm now on facebook. (I know, I can't believe it either!)

Today I'm baking bread, making lasagna and trying to make sense of facebook. All the while watching the sunshine melt the last of the snow from my anxious spring garden and staring at my untouched creative "to-do" list. The kitty's are sleeping, hubby's in school and the house is quiet. Here's hoping your Sunday is peaceful, wherever you are.

Art Giveaway, Claimed!

2010-03-13T19:15:00.002-05:00

We have a winner...Congratulations, Janet! Next week, Jane will be jetting off to you in sunny Arizona.

Thanks for your kind words, as well. It's amazing what happens when you disappear for a few hours to do laundry and make chicken noodle soup!

For those new to the Bliss blog, I have a monthly Art Giveaway and do my best to post weekly. You can also peruse my creative endeavors over at Blissgirl. I'm working a few options to bring my creations to the masses...incuding the broaches. It's going to be a busy Spring. Stay tuned!

Art Giveaway Alert!

2010-03-13T15:13:00.004-05:00

Decorate your favorite denim jacket, purse, sundress, or spring sweater with a mixed-media broach! Each is handmade from scraps of my favorite fabrics and adorned with various details. All have a 3D quality, are pin-backed, and sized between 2"-2.5" around.

Here's how the giveaway works:
Be the first to post a comment here on the blog noting which broach is your favorite, and it's yours! Finally...an Art Giveaway with choices!
(thanks to Hubby for the arty-farty closeup shots)

Please Recycle

2010-03-09T20:45:00.002-05:00

Recently completed a canvas bag and fancy sign for our paper recycle bin--so it looks nicer than a bulging paper bag stuffed inside a fun basket. Apparently, it's also appealing for the homeowner!

Coming: Saturday, March 13th...

2010-03-07T19:53:00.005-05:00

Busy working on this months wearable giveway, and here's a little peek!
Stay tuned, the March Art Giveaway will be posting soon.

Art Giveaway, Claimed!

2010-02-28T14:04:00.003-05:00

Another art giveaway has been claimed!
Considering a few fun options for March...think "wearable".

Art Giveaway Alert!

2010-02-20T20:15:00.001-05:00

"Wash Hands" a 5x7 print in a brushed silver frame, is now available! It's violet with turquoisy splashes and embellished with ink and colored pencil. Perfect for a kitchen, bath or daycare. If you want it, it's yours! Just drop a note here on the blog.

I LOVE old, wooden printers type. Love it, love it, love it. Hand stamping and continual ink mixing means no two are the same, forcing me to give up control, be fast...and keep my fingers clean!

I think crochet is officially on the backburner.
More to come in this area, for sure.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T21:25:00.003-05:00

Flowers from my sweetie!

Something Old, Something New

2010-02-09T18:02:00.000-05:00

Some exciting things happening over yonder.

I began learning the world of crochet thinking I would pick it up in a flash and pop out a cool lil' something for the February giveaway...and...no such luck. Embarrassed to say, I need lots more practice before you will see the wonder of crochet here! But that's okay, because I'm focusing on something new, recently inspired by lil' J, and using one of my favorite things. Oh, the possibilites. My idea list is sooo long.

The beginnings of the February giveaway...

Spontaneous Creativity

2010-01-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

Every child is an artist.
The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. (Picasso)

Amen.

I spent some time with two little girls making art this week. Stamping to be precise. A joyful experience for all of us. I loved watching them do their thing just how they wanted.

The youngest was compelled to add tape. Love that! The oldest worked the stamps to see what would happen–pressing hard and turning to create a soft print.

I only had a gradation of pink stamping inks, that is until yesterday...I bought more colors. Gotta be prepared ya know, 'cause the oldest asked if I could keep the stuff in my purse so we could play next time I come over.

Love that, too.

"Canopy"

2010-01-24T20:06:00.002-05:00

Last weekend our new associate pastor spoke for the first time. His talk, titled Calling, was his story of journey, discernment, clarity, and action. All things I totally needed to hear at that moment. Afterall, I'm approaching 36 (translation: half way to 72...hellooo!) and contemplating the churn of life, creativity, and dreams. And it's difficult.

Closing his talk, he used a metaphor of a tree with a large blossoming canopy and a trunk that just needs strengthening so that it doesn't fall over (my paraphrase). He was speaking about the church, but I personally connected with it--and I love trees--so off to the craft store I went. I was getting a canvas and painting what was in my head that day, and I wasn't going to labor over it, or make it perfect, or "design it" first.

Success! Now I can focus, and feel as if I can properly begin this process.

Art Giveway - Claimed!

2010-01-23T15:23:00.003-05:00

After a bit of a delay on my end, I'm happy to say we have a winner!
Congrats to Mel!

Stay tuned for another art giveaway in February. I'm working on a couple cool new things, so who knows what might show up next month.

Art Giveaway!

2010-01-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Regarding those fabric flowers a few posts back...well, I became curious with the idea of one attached to a pillow. And after a few swings of ye ol' magic wand....voila! A 12" fabric flower pillow ready to give away. (The back of the pillow is the solid red fabric you see in the closeup.)

If you would like it, just give me a shout via email, phone, or posting a comment.

Happy Monday!

Resilience

2010-01-10T18:46:00.004-05:00

Last week my 82 year old Grandmother broke her thigh bone which resulted in a partial hip replacement. After several days in the hospital, bored, she is now in an aftercare facility until all parties are comfortable sending her home to my Grandfather.

We brought her some flowers today.

Now, for some this would be a hardship, difficult and perhaps devastating. But not for June! Nope. This is just an inconvenience. A bump on the highway of life, you might say. She'll be fine and says so herself, it'll just take some time.

It's all about attitude, which is why she will be home in less than a week and then off to an active-yet-slightly-altered life until completely healed. As she said today: you only stay home when there's no place else to go.

I aspire to be that inspiring...today, and when I'm 82.

Fun with Flowers

2010-01-05T17:30:00.000-05:00

Just finished a fun sewing project...here are some close ups of free-form fabric flowers affixed to fleece. I now have all kinds of ideas for these fun flowers! Off to add them to my growing "creative ideas" list.

Set Sail!

2010-01-03T14:36:00.003-05:00

A couple of happy paintings to start the new year! The boat is sailing on over to my nephew to adorn the wall of his new big-boy room. And the beach...well, that was painted awhile ago, but reminds me of our recent vacation. Speaking of, I will be posting some of those images soon.

Fall Babies

2009-12-29T12:52:00.005-05:00

Playing a little catch-up and sharing three darling ladies that we photographed this fall. Starting off with the 6 month photos of Lil' L, followed by brand new Baby A at 22 hours old, and the super-hyper-yet-super-sweet, Jazmyne.

Merry, Merry!

2009-12-25T11:33:00.002-05:00

Happy Winter!

2009-12-21T08:30:00.001-05:00

I have been away much too long and look forward to re-joining the blogging world soon!

Until then...I can think of no better way to welcome Ol' Man Winter then with sunshine and palm trees.

Seasons Greetings!

Super-Scary Halloween Greeting

2009-10-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

The Theory of Manageable Piles

2009-10-26T20:16:00.008-04:00

Saturday we raked, and we have a couple more weekends worth because we have the planet's biggest maples. Whoa. I'm getting too old for this. So, while hubby was off in the side yard, I began raking "manageable piles," (first time ever I've been able to test my nugget of wisdom!) Hubby's theory: rake everything into a long, daunting snake-like pile that you could loose a small child in. Mine: small piles organized strategically for instant gratification. I think he liked my theory, though he has yet to admit it.

Blessings

2009-10-18T18:00:00.001-04:00

It's been one year since setting up our home studio and we've been blessed to photograph 13 beautiful little ones, and one big puppy! Each shoot has proven to be super-fun and we have learned a lot. So, to all the parents and kiddos...from the bottom of our hearts...THANK YOU for your support. It's a privilege to capture these moments-in-time for you.

Welcome, Baby M.

2009-10-05T21:30:00.000-04:00

It's not often we get to photograph a newborn, but when we do it's a real treat. Just 12 days old when we met her, Baby M was super-sweet and uber-precious wanting nothing more than to be in mama and daddy's arms. I'm already looking forward to our next session together! See more from the shoot, here.

Pretty In Pink

2009-09-20T14:24:00.002-04:00

Aren't these adorable? A lady from my work creates these wonderful little packages for our art department. Friday we held a baby shower for one of the staff and Diane took care of all the details. The large one in back I got for winning a shower game, (and I never win those). It's a gourmet chocolate bar wrapped in a pearlized paper sleeve and tied with a super-cute ribbon. Great idea, huh! The small package in front carried a Hershey Nugget candy that sat on the middle of our plates. The heart package was a Valentine treat and held a small zip-bag filled with pink and brown m&m's. What great ideas. She is amazing.

Weekend Recipe Tests

2009-09-12T21:14:00.006-04:00

Back with some pics from Friday's food blog post. Thought I'd spread these out over the weekend, but I got a little to into it and made everything this afternoon...and they were all delish! All three recipes pass the hubby test, too. I have yet to figure out how to get a smooth chocolate layer on anything, but it tastes the same nonetheless! Oh, and on the chocolate bars...very, very sweet. Make this when you have a party, or need to bring a dessert to the holidays, and cut them small. The base layer of these bars is so yummy, that you could simply top it with a layer of vanilla icecream, or fresh whip cream and be good to go!

Now back to sulking that the US Open Women's Semi-Finals are not on. Not sure why, but that's what I get for having the TV on mute!

Food Blogs to Follow

2009-09-11T21:15:00.002-04:00

If you consider yourself a foodie (I'm becoming more of one everyday) you'll want to check out/follow these two sites I stumbled upon this week: Smitten Kitchen and Closet Cooking.

From the Closet Cooking blog, I will be making the Zucchini and Feta Ricotta Tart, Creamy Dilled Cucumber Salad and the Nanaimo Bars...this weekend! Oooh, wait, the 7 Layer dip looks delish as well. Oh, how I love dips. Goodness, this could be dangerous. I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh, So Quiet.

2009-09-06T19:45:00.001-04:00

Hubby and I have this "thing" with cemeteries. It sounds morbid, I know, but it's really not that at all. Back in college we would visit cemeteries to take pictures of the sculptures, but it turned into something more than an art hunt. It's so quiet, and humbling, and historical. It had been years since we'd photographed a cemetery, until Saturday. We had breakfast downtown and then drove to Grand Rapids' oldest resting place at 801 Fulton Street.

It was a gorgeous morning and not a cloud in the sky. You could hear all the sounds of nature...squirrels playing, acorns dropping and the birds chirping, even though it borders a busy downtown street. We walked slowly and carefully trying to respect the resting places. What is so amazing to me is that some of these headstones are so old the engravings are virtually impossible to read yet others, equally as old, are so crisp and clear. And, some are simply being swallowed by the earth.

We shot about 40 images without disturbing a single leaf. When we got home and looked at the images there was not one that I wanted to go back in to crop (and I'm a cropper!), nor one that needed color correction. Each image was as honest and beautiful as I remembered.

Hmmm.

Sign of the Times

2009-09-01T18:33:00.000-04:00

Known for their witty signs...I laughed out loud when I saw this one!

Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice

2009-08-29T20:02:00.004-04:00

The pleasure was all ours last week for Lil' K's 2 year photos. Toward the end, as we tried to get her to stay in the middle of the backdrop, I drew a daisy flower to see if she'd stand on it. But she was more interested in my pencil, and so away she went doodling with her kitty friend close by. It was SO precious and she was very focused on her drawings, and I loved every second of it! Check out some of our fave pics, here.

Creme Puffs

2009-08-16T21:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday I made Strawberry Creme Puffs. Not only did they look cool, they were yummy! Check out the recipe here, it's really easy. I will surely be making these again.

The Red Wagon

2009-08-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

This wagon was given to my hubby's dad by his grandfather when he was a toddler. It has buggy wheels and "Larry-Boy" written on the front end. It's squeaky, the handle is bent and it's original paint is chipped...all things that make it extra cool. He recently gave it to us for a photo-prop, so in went his 3 grandchildren! He had no idea we were doing this. We presented him with the framed photo last night, and he was happy.

Sugary-Sweet Treats

2009-08-11T19:35:00.005-04:00

A recent munchkin-birthday celebration yielded this mini-cake and cupcakes. Yes, those are sugary marshmellow flowers! Neat, huh? I saw it in a book and was skeptical, but it really works. Take a jumbo-mellow, a damp kitchen scissors and cut away. I would recommend pressing the petals in dish of sprinkles, (less sprinkle-waste that way). Oh, and lots of frosting to help hold the petals in place. If you are not a sweet-tooth, slowly back away.

Crazy Cousins

2009-08-07T21:45:00.001-04:00

"Crazy" certainly describes the afternoon we had with these three...even hubby got caught up in the silliness! To find more from this shoot click here.

1 weekend, 2 boats, 15 friends

2009-07-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

A peak at the annual Friends Weekend at Union Lake. Fun was had by all, even if it was cloudy and little bit cool. A big "thank you" to the organizers for another great weekend! Click here for more pics!

Hello, Love...

2009-07-26T18:40:00.000-04:00

...so happy we finally found each other! A recent visit to Allegan Antique Market yielded this lovely cabinet.

A Fine Foto Frenzy

2009-07-12T19:24:00.007-04:00

Whew, it's been awhile hasn't it? A few posts coming up starting with the latest sibling shoot.

3 kids, 3 and under = ENERGY! Lil' L was a doll, of course. At 10 weeks she was just being her sweet-self as we snapped away. Then...the brothers...whoa! What a fun challenge they were. The pic below pretty much sums up our time with Mister T and Mister L. All in all, a sweet family, a great shoot and a happy momma. What more could we ask for?

Sweet Granita!

2009-06-14T18:45:00.003-04:00

Last Fall, I picked up a Domino magazine to keep me occupied during our flight to Mexico. I flagged a recipe that looked delish and then forgot about it. I ran across it this week and...YUM! Hubby likes it too, which means it's a keeper.

Blackberry Granita
2 pints blackberries
2 cups water
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon

Wash blackberries and puree in blender. Strain into larger bowl, discarding the seeds. In a small sauce pan heat 1 cup of water and the sugar until dissolved, and add to puree. Then add the juice of one lemon to the puree. Lastly, add 1 cup of cold water and stir. Transfer mixture to a shallow glass pan and place in freezer. Stir every 20-30 minutes with a fork until the mix freezes (about 2 hours). Spoon over ice cream. Serves 6-8.

Two New Tees

2009-06-10T21:09:00.001-04:00

Been an little pre-occupied with a mini home improvement project, but managed to find some time to create two new tee's! Behold "Sweet Cherries" and "George the Giraffe". The Cherry tee is now with Timber's momma, and George has made his way to my darling nephew. Now, back to paint touch-ups, spray painting and picture hanging!

Simply Silly Sibling Snaps

2009-05-24T08:00:00.004-04:00

Get these two going and you'll be laughing as hard as we were! Miss S is so charming and extremely photogenic, and Mister C is the most expressive little boy I've encountered (he wants to be a movie director, ya know). We had lots of fun modeling vintage hats, tossing balloons and experiencing the classic sibling tackle-fest. Thank you Mister C and Miss S for a delightful Saturday morning. To see more from the shoot, click here.

The Birdy's have landed...

2009-05-23T20:06:00.001-04:00

...on onesie's! I was so pleased with how these turned out that I promptly gave them away. Gifts for co-workers each expecting girls. One is adopting with delivery any day now, and the other has a cute lil' belly and will be a new momma in October. Congratulations, ladies!

Dance, Dance, Woof!

2009-05-03T19:55:00.001-04:00

A week of fun photo-ops comes to a close featuring a little dancer and a big (and I mean BIG) doggie.

First we have lil' P all dolled up for a big night at her dance recital. She and her tap shoes cut-a-rug to "A Bushel and a Peck," a song that is now firmly planted in my brain.

Then it was off to a soire with our heaviest subject yet, the 97 lb gentle giant, Timber. He was fabulous! He sure was pooped by the end though, you could read it in his eyes and it went something like this: "Seriously, 260 shots? Can we please be done?"

Party...Eat...Cake!

2009-04-26T20:45:00.004-04:00

A birthday party for our niece, and oh darn...I had to make a cake! It was high time I got the pastry bags out again and as a result, a flock of butterflies. Thanks to hubby for the photos.

Eggcellent!

2009-04-12T17:00:00.000-04:00

Egg decorating.
Always a fun time.

A Springy Desktop Awaits

2009-04-05T14:06:00.008-04:00

In honor of Spring, (or "in hope of", depending on where you live) two of my springtime paintings are now available as wallpapers!

To Download:
Click on the image(s) and it will open in a new window. Drag the image onto your desktop and manually set it as your desktop pattern. (PC users: I'm told you can also do this by right-clicking your mouse on the image and choosing "set as desktop background", but I can't prove it---I'm a Mac-girl.)

Whooo is that?

2009-04-01T16:20:00.001-04:00

Between wafts of latex paint, I found time to make this little sweetheart for my one year old nephew.

Meet Otis!

Weekend Update

2009-03-22T21:10:00.001-04:00

Friday marked 17 years since the hubby and I had our first date. Back then, we saw "Wayne's World" at the now defunk'd, Studio 28. This year was celebrated with a flick of a different sort, a silent film from 1925 called "The Lost World" at the public museum. It was a lot of fun and I now have a new phrase: Oh my thunder! Yes, maturity has officially set in.

Saturday we went to the spring sale for the West Michigan Potters Guild and picked up these fun creations. It was love at first sight with this little bird man by artist Tonya Rund, then rounded out the shopping with an olive oil container and 2 coffee mugs by Theresa Slaughter. I now have 5 pieces of hers and if I had cash coming out of my ears, I'd buy up her whole booth!

Sunday was spent painting closets. Terribly uncreative, messy but necessary....and (big sigh) not completed.

Lil' Pink Tee, Take 3

2009-03-15T16:35:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I'm a bit obsessed with pink tee's...but with 3 little nieces I'm justified, right? Here's the latest creation for my eldest niece, she lives down South and has just learned she is going to be a big sister! Click here for a cute blog entry and video* on the big news.
(*blogger seems to be having some trouble recently with videos, hopefully it'll work for you!)

Lil' Pink Tee, Take 2

2009-03-07T17:27:00.002-05:00

Another lil' pink tee complete...super sweet turquoise birdies on their way to a special lady!

Spring Green

2009-03-03T19:45:00.001-05:00

Feeling a little springy and decided to whip up this necklace. I've always adored these round beads and am a sucker for green, especially now that I can see my lawn. Spring is coming, I can smell it!

A Flurry of Activity, Pt. 2

2009-02-25T20:15:00.003-05:00

As promised, our second set of photo-guests from the weekend. Sweet Lil' S. has seen our lens before and is such a darling. It was our first time with Lil' E. He was so good, and has a quiet spirit...oh yeah! and a great big belly laugh. Enjoy more of Lil' S. and Lil' E., here.

A Flurry of Activity, Pt. 1

2009-02-22T16:00:00.001-05:00

Kiddo's running and kitty's hiding--that was our Saturday in a nutshell! Stay tuned for another set of siblings posting in a few days. But first: these sassy sisters who were high on the silly-meter this weekend. See more of Lil' P and Lil' J, here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T14:16:00.002-05:00

Fun Finds at Phil's!

2009-02-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

Woo wee, scored some old printer type this weekend at Phil's Antiques.
My-o-my am I a sucker for letters!

Lil' Pink Tee

2009-02-02T20:54:00.003-05:00

The color explosion from my last post inspired a color infusion into more printing trials over the weekend. I know, I know, it's time to move on from the birds, Michelle. And I will soon, as other creatures are forming in my sketchbook! But for now this lil' pink tee, with a lil' pink birdy for a sweet lil' lady. This is so much fun I stinkin' can't stand it.

Jackpot!

2009-01-28T20:28:00.007-05:00

A graphic designers dream was had on Monday evening. Hubby and I landed at his grandparents to look at an old army trunk, and tucked away in the corner of the attic was this! I'm so inspired by the color, pattern and sheer quality of this mighty and old book. Here is the cover/label and a few of my favorite pages. Imagine any of these patterns with matching curtains!

Chirp.Tweet. En route!

2009-01-13T20:09:00.001-05:00

The birdies are tired of snow and thrilled to be headed to sunny California! An early present for the mommy-to-be.