Echo Park Joy

My unattended blog is only further evidence that my life has suddenly gotten crazy again!  I am excited for the day when I will finally find a happy medium in life.  I know I have done a lot of spotlighting lately, but these new products are so cute, I just have to point them out.  My cute friend Tiffani designed this great line for Echo Park and I just love it.

I think my favorite part of this line is that adorable truck.  I can totally see using it for a fun Father's day card.  Great job Tiff!  I can't wait to play with this line.

Splash is another one of Echo Park's newer collections that is so cute.

Echo Park Joy

My unattended blog is only further evidence that my life has suddenly gotten crazy again!  I am excited for the day when I will finally find a happy medium in life.  I know I have done a lot of spotlighting lately, but these new products are so cute, I just have to point them out.  My cute friend Tiffani designed this great line for Echo Park and I just love it.

I think my favorite part of this line is that adorable truck.  I can totally see using it for a fun Father's day card.  Great job Tiff!  I can't wait to play with this line.

Splash is another one of Echo Park's newer collections that is so cute.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I think I may be in heaven (or possibly, just OZ).

My first memory of Christmas is being 4 years old and opening a package that contained a glittery pair of RUBY RED SLIPPERS.  Not only did these shoes return me home at the click of the heels, but they also made me run faster and dance more beautifully. The first musical I ever saw was WICKED, further affirming my love for the classic tale (with a twist of course). So, you can understand why I was elated when I saw that Graphic 45 (one of my faves) was releasing a Wizard of Oz HALLOWEEN (my favorite holiday) line.  Wahoo!  I am seriously thrilled!  I can't wait to get my hands on this one.  Here is a sneak peek of some of the papers they will be releasing.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

I think I may be in heaven (or possibly, just OZ).

My first memory of Christmas is being 4 years old and opening a package that contained a glittery pair of RUBY RED SLIPPERS.  Not only did these shoes return me home at the click of the heels, but they also made me run faster and dance more beautifully. The first musical I ever saw was WICKED, further affirming my love for the classic tale (with a twist of course). So, you can understand why I was elated when I saw that Graphic 45 (one of my faves) was releasing a Wizard of Oz HALLOWEEN (my favorite holiday) line.  Wahoo!  I am seriously thrilled!  I can't wait to get my hands on this one.  Here is a sneak peek of some of the papers they will be releasing.

Someday when I have walls of my own

First off, you have probably picked up on the incredible lack of posting this week...my apologies. The first week at my new job has been fabulous so far, but it is definitely an adjustment to get back to working full time.  Despite the 10 hours of each day that have suddenly vanished, I am loving all of the new things I am learning and it's going to be great!

Second, I wanted to share this unique idea that I saw online today. I am always dreaming about fun things that I want to do when I finally have a place of my own.  This idea makes changing up your decorating so easy.  Yes, that is chicken wire on the wall.  Crazy, huh?  I love it.

 You can check out more fabulous pictures as well as get the amazing instructions for creating this look in your own home at Under The Sycamore.

Someday when I have walls of my own

First off, you have probably picked up on the incredible lack of posting this week...my apologies. The first week at my new job has been fabulous so far, but it is definitely an adjustment to get back to working full time.  Despite the 10 hours of each day that have suddenly vanished, I am loving all of the new things I am learning and it's going to be great!

Second, I wanted to share this unique idea that I saw online today. I am always dreaming about fun things that I want to do when I finally have a place of my own.  This idea makes changing up your decorating so easy.  Yes, that is chicken wire on the wall.  Crazy, huh?  I love it.

 You can check out more fabulous pictures as well as get the amazing instructions for creating this look in your own home at Under The Sycamore.

My 5 Favorites of May

I am loving all of the fresh new product that is beginning to hit the shelves of the local stores.  I thought I would highlight 5 of my favorite new collections. Can't wait to get my hands on these goodies and start to play!

Odds and Ends from Cosmo Cricket- I love the vintage child prints as well as the versatile basics.

Lime Twist by My Mind's Eye- This line has four different color collections.  I love this one that has the bright summer hues mixed in with the dark brown.  Delightful!

Out of Print by Basic Grey- How fabulous is the black mixed in with the pastels?  I love the use of newsprint mixed in with the other patterns.

It is exciting to start seeing travel lines again. It means summer is almost here.  I think the "Monopoly" touches in this collection are unique and fun.  With my Europe trip just 3 1/2 weeks away, I am definitely on the lookout for great travel lines to use.

Dots & Stripes from Echo Park. This is a fabulous basic line. Enough Said.

My 5 Favorites of May

I am loving all of the fresh new product that is beginning to hit the shelves of the local stores.  I thought I would highlight 5 of my favorite new collections. Can't wait to get my hands on these goodies and start to play!

Odds and Ends from Cosmo Cricket- I love the vintage child prints as well as the versatile basics.

Lime Twist by My Mind's Eye- This line has four different color collections.  I love this one that has the bright summer hues mixed in with the dark brown.  Delightful!

Out of Print by Basic Grey- How fabulous is the black mixed in with the pastels?  I love the use of newsprint mixed in with the other patterns.

It is exciting to start seeing travel lines again. It means summer is almost here.  I think the "Monopoly" touches in this collection are unique and fun.  With my Europe trip just 3 1/2 weeks away, I am definitely on the lookout for great travel lines to use.

Dots & Stripes from Echo Park. This is a fabulous basic line. Enough Said.

Sketching for Mother's Day

I finally got a chance to sit down and get to work on my Mother's Day cards.  I have been dying to try some sketching with my Silhouette and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity.  I recently got a whole collection of 40 beautiful gel pens from Cri-Kit. I almost felt like a kid in a candy shop as I opened up the boxes and started to play! I love the mix of pastel, glitter, metallic and bright colors that are available.  It was so great to be able to match the ink color perfectly with my patterned paper.

Here are the steps for creating a card like the one I made:
1. Design the entire card in your Silhouette software. I like to size out my whole card before I start cutting.  Once the pieces are all laid out, I separate each piece and cut it individually.

2. Cut all of the pieces that don't need to be sketched.
3. Choose your pen and set up your machine for sketching. The Cri-Kit system is super easy to assemble.  All you have to do is drop the desired pen into the holder.  Remove the blade and pop in the sketch holder with pen.

4. To sketch, layout the entire piece that you will be sketching and cutting.  Select the Cut Style button (it looks like a little pair of scissors cutting a line). Turn off all of the cutting by selecting all of the objects and clicking on "No Cut". Then select the first images you want to sketch and select "Cut". Then select the cut button and continue as you normally would.

5. Continue to sketch additional colors as desired by selecting the no cut and cut buttons.  Do not remove your mat from the silhouette during this process.  As long as your mat stays in place, your objects will be sketched or cut in the correct position.

6. Once you are done sketching, remove the sketching pen and put the blade back in. Select the outer edge that you want to cut and cut as normal. Remember, do not remove the mat before cutting.

I used the glitter blue pen for the wording...gotta love the sparkle and glitz!

8.Once all of the pieces are sketched and cut, assemble the card as normal.  

I loved playing at this new, fun way to use my Silhouette.  It gives such a unique look.  For more information about the Cri-Kit pens, visit their site.  So, what is my next sketching project? I am definitely going to be trying some of the pastel pens on dark paper.  Ooh La La!

Sketching for Mother's Day

I finally got a chance to sit down and get to work on my Mother's Day cards.  I have been dying to try some sketching with my Silhouette and I thought this would be a perfect opportunity.  I recently got a whole collection of 40 beautiful gel pens from Cri-Kit. I almost felt like a kid in a candy shop as I opened up the boxes and started to play! I love the mix of pastel, glitter, metallic and bright colors that are available.  It was so great to be able to match the ink color perfectly with my patterned paper.

Here are the steps for creating a card like the one I made:
1. Design the entire card in your Silhouette software. I like to size out my whole card before I start cutting.  Once the pieces are all laid out, I separate each piece and cut it individually.

2. Cut all of the pieces that don't need to be sketched.
3. Choose your pen and set up your machine for sketching. The Cri-Kit system is super easy to assemble.  All you have to do is drop the desired pen into the holder.  Remove the blade and pop in the sketch holder with pen.

4. To sketch, layout the entire piece that you will be sketching and cutting.  Select the Cut Style button (it looks like a little pair of scissors cutting a line). Turn off all of the cutting by selecting all of the objects and clicking on "No Cut". Then select the first images you want to sketch and select "Cut". Then select the cut button and continue as you normally would.

5. Continue to sketch additional colors as desired by selecting the no cut and cut buttons.  Do not remove your mat from the silhouette during this process.  As long as your mat stays in place, your objects will be sketched or cut in the correct position.

6. Once you are done sketching, remove the sketching pen and put the blade back in. Select the outer edge that you want to cut and cut as normal. Remember, do not remove the mat before cutting.

I used the glitter blue pen for the wording...gotta love the sparkle and glitz!

8.Once all of the pieces are sketched and cut, assemble the card as normal.  

I loved playing at this new, fun way to use my Silhouette.  It gives such a unique look.  For more information about the Cri-Kit pens, visit their site.  So, what is my next sketching project? I am definitely going to be trying some of the pastel pens on dark paper.  Ooh La La!

It's always OWL TIME to me

I had to giggle when Darin from Studio 5 asked me if yesterday's segment was the first I had done  without using an owl somewhere. In fact, I didn't have any owls in my creations... but I was wearing the newest birdie in my stash.

Just the other day I had opened my mailbox to the sweetest little kraft colored box. I happily opened it to reveal the most adorable piece of jewelry.  Love, Love, Love it!  Of course I am enamored by the owl on this necklace, but check out the fantastic pocket watch that the he is protecting. This is such a unique piece, I was thrilled to add it to my collection.

My fabulously crafted necklace was made by the oh so talented Heidi of Chick Hardware.  I must admit, I have been studiously perusing her Etsy shop trying to decide what to add to my collection next (I have my eye on the Eiffel Tower stop watch). I also have a few favorites in mind for gifts.

It's always OWL TIME to me

I had to giggle when Darin from Studio 5 asked me if yesterday's segment was the first I had done  without using an owl somewhere. In fact, I didn't have any owls in my creations... but I was wearing the newest birdie in my stash.

Just the other day I had opened my mailbox to the sweetest little kraft colored box. I happily opened it to reveal the most adorable piece of jewelry.  Love, Love, Love it!  Of course I am enamored by the owl on this necklace, but check out the fantastic pocket watch that the he is protecting. This is such a unique piece, I was thrilled to add it to my collection.

My fabulously crafted necklace was made by the oh so talented Heidi of Chick Hardware.  I must admit, I have been studiously perusing her Etsy shop trying to decide what to add to my collection next (I have my eye on the Eiffel Tower stop watch). I also have a few favorites in mind for gifts.