PLEASE WATCH!

 

We are excited about a new documentary created by the Discovery Channel and FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) that was aired this weekend and will be, again, in the morning of September 21st.  Check your t.v. listing for "An Emerging Epidemic: Food Allergies in America" on the Discovery Channel.

 

Thanks in advance for watching this informative and interesting documentary. Spread the word! Tell your friends, family, daycare providers, school staff, etc.!

Can you believe that it's September!?!

Seriously, I think I'm in some weird Star Trek episode where everything is in fast forward.

 

In just a few days Prairie Hearth in Fremont, Nebraska will host their fall open house.  I highly recommend going.  The shop is full of one-of-a-kind creations that will add warmth and joy to your holidays...and everydays.

Here are a few images of what I'll be delivering for the big event:

The next big event will be the 8th Annual Weeping Willow Boutique that is scheduled for October 18th and 19th.  I am sooo excited!  I've been playing with paper mache!  I LOVE it!  I have snowman ornies and little winter owl tablesitters that I can't wait to show you! 

 

I've also been making upcycled creations!  The Omaha Junkstock was a great source of inspiration and really got me interested in looking at some of the old pieces I'd been collecting in a fresh, new way.  If you are in the Midwest, make plans to visit the Omaha Junkstock in 2014.  It is packed with vendors selling vintage finds, antiques, fun junk and upcycled goods.  Just look at the funky barn that greets you at the front gate...

Fall is going to be a whirlwind of creating!!!  Giddy up!  I love this time of year!!!

Kicking off the school year

I am still coming down from my Scooter's Hazelnut-something Coffee today...trying to get things in order as school will be starting in just a matter of days.  The summer flew by and I am proud that I kept my obsessive compulsive planning down to a minimum- - okay, it was 50/50.  We did have a list of summer 'things to do'...(I HAD to.  They're all over Pinterest.)...but, believe me, we had our fair share of lazy days and fun in the sun.

 

'Thought it might be fun to share with you some images of a few 'teaching' decorative plate designs I created that are being sold by The Hearthside Collection.  These images are of my prototypes.  Go to www.thehearthsidecollection.com to check out my work in production for boutiques and shops near you.

 

 

Chicago Merchandise Mart at night from water taxi

This past weekend I had an amazing opportunity to attend the Chicago Merchandise Mart.

It was so exciting and welcoming.  Although I have attended the Atlanta Merchandise Mart many times, the Chicago Mart was something very new to me.

The show was much smaller than Atlanta, but still a good snapshot of what is happening in the market.  It was comforting to see some familiar companies and the product lines that they carry.  My favorite 'new' find is Foreside Home and Garden.  Their large industrial tables, vintage inspired garden/shopping carts and reclaimed wood decor were of outstanding quality. 

As we continue to grow our family boutique business, as well as my personal licensing career, there will be many new steps taken in the next two years.

Ebb and Flow

(photo of the arrival of blanks from The Hearthside Collection)

When I do get a chance to read an artist's blog, peek at Pinterest or catch up on a Where Women Create magazine, the term "ebb and flow" keeps popping up in regards to the creative process. This is something I really struggle with.

My mind tells me that to stay successful I need to stay working....to push myself to get into the studio daily to sketch, experiment and create.

My heart tells me that I need to enjoy the summer with my kiddos, as they both will soon be in school. Trips to the zoo, hikes at a State Park, even making cardboard box 'cars' for a drive-in movie experience in the living room (....that dang Pinterest!...) win over.

Being a stay-at-home and working-from-home momma is always a balancing act. I never seem to have it 'down', but am learning to be flexible.

 

Next week, Fremont's Prairie Hearth will celebrate their Summer Open House.  Therefore, I have been hard at work creating a fresh collection of work for the big event.

 

Today, while having a photo shoot in the backyard with my newly painted vintage picnic basket, I definitely got a few looks from drivers passing by.  I had to chuckle to myself.  People must think I'm nuts.

 

So, here's to summer...quality time with the kiddos....parades and the pool...garage sales and day trips...

 

...together is a wonderful place to be.

Hi all!

Here are a few images of what I've been up to lately.

For starters, I have a wonderful supply of white kitchen cabinet doors to paint on.  There are a dozen ready and many more in the process of being distressed, painted and sealed.

 

 

 

I've also been having fun painting on books again.  This time, I'm incorporating pages and sayings.  Also, on some, I've worked on just the cover and added hangers.

 

 

I'm also excited to be using my charcoal pencil again.  It's been a while since I've used it in my work and it's fun to re-visit it.  It's surprising how a simple tool or technique can open up creativity.

 

 

Stop back soon.  I have some fun vintage metal trays that are being turned into magnetic chalkboards and an awesome vintage picnic basket find that is begging for a painted hinged wood lid.

See you soon and until then take care!