It's all apart of life's pageant

Sunshiny Day

[as seen on Decor8 and you can buy @ pennywishes]

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blogging, Scrapbooking, photographing...

A few weeks ago I received an email from Shimelle announcing her new class: Blogging for Scrapbookers. I knew immediately that I wanted to take this class because as I start a new invention of myself I want to make sure that I am blogging for the right reasons. For the next three weeks I am going to be sharing this experience on my blog along with my other regular posts.

There is one goal that I would like to accomplish at the end of the three weeks:

1. Start scrapbooking again. This is something that has gone by the wayside and I either start doing it or I will be having a huge sale to clear out all of this product in my office! It is ironic that first I started scrapbooking, then came the blog. Now I am going the opposite direction to get back to the first thing I started.

If you want to join me on this journey there is still time to sign up for this class. I think it is a great class for those that don't have a blog yet and want to learn how to get started. Shimelle provides a very detailed blueprint on blogging!

Fun Friday Finds - Nieman & Marcus

Okay before you get all worked up about Neiman & Marcus, let me first say that it is one of my favorite stores. WHY?? It's not because of the expensive clothes, or the reputation - it's because they are constantly pushing the edge in retail design. Next time you have the chance to go into NM go! Be inspired by their displays, colors... there isn't a sign anywhere that says that you have to buy something or that you need to make $$$,$$$ to even step over the threshold. GO in, but promise me you won't look at price tags and remark about how expensive something is (we will save that for another post) you are not there to shop - just observe.

One of my favorite times of year for NM is Christmas. They come out with what is called the infamous "The Christmas Book" I get giddy with excitement when this baby comes in the mail! First look at the paper crafting design on the front cover?! And in the Fantasy Gift video it all comes to life.

As I watched the video here was one exclusive item, that someone (not sure who in this economy right now) could buy that stood out. Let me also say kudos to the NM team this year - it is A LOT of work putting together exclusive deals.

Algonquin Round Table Experience...being the host of Malcom Gladwell, Nora Ephron, John Lithgow, and many more - what an evening to remember! Plus the $200,000 price tag is donated to First Book. What a great idea - couldn't you do something similar with a group of friends? Or this idea might give you the reason to host your own round table experience with professionals in your home town, that you have always wanted to meet. Put the invite out there, you never know what might happen!

Here are the other pages that stood out for me

Starting on page 61 they use vintage book paper for backgrounds and props - great ideas for decorating and in our own artwork.  The Valentino Hobo and boots aren't bad either! But look at the color - gray. Some colors may come across as drab but when presented in the softest suede a color like gray can be inviting.

Jewel tone colors are, or going to be hot! This definitely reminds me of 80s royal blue but this is definitely not your 80s prom dress. The blue horse in the background is a little 80s, if only it was a unicorn.

This magenta color is AMAZING by Magaschoni (left) and the dress is adorable... if you don't think that Mad Men isn't having a huge influence on fashion right now, think again. Also look at the color combination: magenta with brown/ochre background. Might be the next card I make.

Loved the flow of this product shot, the circles with the squares. Will be putting this clip on my inspiration board.

Here is an idea of putting pictures into old books - definitely not acid free but maybe just use the old covers and insert your own pages??

I hope I have given you a better reason to look at all the catalogs that will soon be coming to your doorstep! Don't get down because you can't shop - use them to be inspired!

Happy Friday - enjoy life!

Fun Friday Finds

This weeks Fun Friday Finds are blogs that have been inspiring me lately. I have been spending A LOT of time in front of the computer learning things that I thought I would never learn(i.e. Lightroom2 and CS4 to hint a few) so from time to time I need to take a break and look at websites or blogs so I keep myself energized in the direction I am headed.

 A Little Hut - her paper cut designs are so simple and elegant. She even shares a video tutorial for a gift tag.

picture from A Little Hut

InLeaf - rich linens and leaf printing... YUM!!!!!! Can't wait to repaint our downstairs room and bring some of these pillows in.

picture from Inleaf

Life Love Paper - visit to be inspired by the writings and photographs of this gal. Her blog banner was featured in Artful Blogging magazine, this is how I found her. After you consume yourself with the blog head on over to her Etsy store, I am loving this and this

picture from Life Love Paper

hmmm I think I see a trend here - fall is on it's way. I have some busy days ahead of me but I am hoping that I take the time to see the leaves change before they are gone.

Happy Friday and enjoy life!

Sally Jean - Soldering for Virgins

A couple of weekends ago I was taking a class called Soldering for Virgins and it was exactly that! It was an all day class and you need all of this time to really learn each of the steps of soldering. You cannot skip over steps or try to make it easier - Sally Jean's way is pretty tested and we all followed along as she broke everything down and came out of there with completed charms!

I am pretty bummed because I am having issues again with iPhoto (totally my fault) I lost all of my pictures from that day. She has a gorgeous studio in the Pearl in Portland and you can see it in her book Pretty Little Things: Collage Jewelry, Trinkets and Keepsakes and in issue one of Where Women Create.

I tried years ago teaching myself how to solder - unsuccessfully. I bought her book and I tried it at a "make n take" one time. But could really never get the hang of it and fearful that I was doing something wrong that tends to be VERY hot. So when Sally Jean emailed me at the last minute to let me know that there was an opening in her class I jumped at the opportunity! (ALWAYS get on the waiting list.) I learned so much in seven hours and had my 'aha' moment soldering: Flux is your BEST friend!

It is also very important to have the right tools, it makes all the difference. Her book that I reference above has a list of recommended suppliers. I am lucky enough to live really close to Cline Glass Company. This place sells everything you would need to get started, they do phone orders.

This is the soldering iron that you will want to buy if you are going to be doing multiple projects. My plan is to make some Christmas ornaments for gifts this year!

Sally Jean's husband Brad is selling pre cut glass on Etsy. This is the prefect way to buy good quality glass that is cut and also has the corners rounded for you.

If you have a chance to take one of her workshops I highly recommend it!

Creative Juices flowing!

Friday and Saturday I had an opportunity to 'get away' and just take two incredible classes from Lisa Kaus. It was a perfect getaway because I didn't have to actually fly anywhere since Lisa lives close by in Portland, OR. It was two days I was immersed in creative fun but getting to sleep in my own bed! I didn't answer my cell phone, office phone or emails - absolutely in heaven.

The first class was called Gridlocked and she taught us her entire process and techniques of how she designs her pieces. I was amazed on how much information there was. I was just so excited to back working with art supplies - graphite pencils, acrylics, water color crayons, gesso, bees wax, etc. The mediums I LOVED in art school combined with found objects! Here is the finished project

This project really means a lot to me since I used a lot of found objects from Dottie's stash. She was a talented collage artist so I think she would have appreciated me tackling this project! One of my big takeaways from this class is that someone can teach you the process and the how to's but what they can't teach you is the creativity. That comes from you and only you. I am really looking forward to doing another one of these boards for a good friends birthday present!