May 30, 2012

Kitchen Inspirations...

My E.

In my house growing up our kitchen seemed big - now that I am grown I know that it was a modest size, which is why it seems my poor mom was always shoeing us out (that and our propensity for snacking on whatever she was cooking).  In my imaginary house, I dream of a kitchen that acts as the heart and hearth of the home - a gathering spot, warm and welcoming. 

I am drawn to the light brightness of white kitchens with natural woods mixed in (a departure from my younger self that was enamored with cherry wood cabinetry).  

Love the white cabinets, beautiful open wood shelves, and apron sink! (source)

The pretty sink, the aqua paint, the subway tile and open shelves...can you sense a theme?? (source)

Nearly perfect - though I would prefer a gas range that is not situated on the island.  Love the butcher block tops! (source)

The glass shelves with plants are perfect - I would have a year-round indoor herb garden. (source)

More and more I am becoming a fan of interesting but neutral(ish) backgrounds with bold pops of color.  I'm drawn to whites, greys and shades of teal/aqua for paint colors.  I like accents that can change with the seasons or my tastes.  Vintage pieces are great not only for their uniqueness, but often are well crafted and are more economical AND ecological than buying new.  Also, I *heart* enamelware...but that is for another post!

I love the pops of red and big beautiful sink!  Such a bold color palette. (source)

All the color and vintage glassware, pretty much a dream come true! (source)

I am on the lookout for these...seriously. (source)

I like the mix of classic and modern styling with a touch of vintage - especially the new wave of ovens and refrigerators that combine retro styling with modern functionality!

Love this slender and colorful fridge - the hard part would be picking what color. Aqua? Cream? (source)

These are the touches that can change the whole look of the room. (source)

 You can see more of my kitchen inspirations here.

What do you dream about for your kitchen?  Please share - I'm always looking for more inspiration!!

Stay creative,
A

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May 28, 2012

Shop Spotlight: Cosas Minimas

One of the first purchases I made through Etsy was from Cosas Minimas, a shop out of Spain.  Blanca Gomez, the illustrator and designer of the shop, creates masterful prints which are both graphic and whimsical.  Touched with color, when you see one, you cannot help but smile!

Rainy Night Print (My first print from her; it's still my favorite!)

City Scape Print (I love love this new one!!)

Guitarist (How sweet is he?)

Monsieur set of four (This grouping is hanging in my kids' room!)

Freewheeling (you cannot help but smile, no?)

On the Roof (everything seems better from up high)

City Prints set of three (for those with wanderlust!)

I may need to add one or two more to my collection!

Stay creative,
A

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May 27, 2012

And the winner is...


The bonus entries were added, the numbers thrown into the pool, and the winner is...

Entry number 22!!

B wrote: "I am glad for fabric and art. I am glad that there are artists and designers out there for me to see and learn from. I am especially glad that the internet puts them right in my little paws!"

Now isn't that the truth!  I love all the virtual creativity I'm surrounded by - you never know what it will spark, inspire.  So congratulations B - you have a lovely painting headed your way.


A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in my very first giveaway.  I have read your comments many many times already - and each time I smile.  I guess I'll just have to do another giveaway in the future, yes?

Stay creative!
A

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May 25, 2012

Bunting paintings (and a donkey)

It sounds vaguely like a crude joke, but really, bunting paintings and a donkey describe the new things you will see in the shop!  I got this little donkey before E was born, though I think I've always liked it more than she has.  One day while taking shop pics, I decided to have donkey lend me a hand - since his arms are so bendy, he was really fun to pose!  I think he may show up with more of my paintings.

The bunting paintings were something I have wanted to make for awhile.  Very pretty on their own, I also think they would look great flanking other paintings (oh so versatile!)  Plus they are a fun way to play with a range of tones and color.

I hope you like them too!!







Oh my, so cute!

Stay creative,
A

P.S. I've had many people ask where I got this cute guy (his name is Charley).  He's no longer available at the shop I purchased him from, since it was a couple years ago, but I did track him down HERE for you.  You're welcome!

P.P.S. Today is the last day to Enter in the Giveaway - what fun!!

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May 23, 2012

Spring Greens

three = tricycle
All of the trees around us are full of leaves at last (we have a couple trees that don't leaf until late spring).  I love the bright greens of spring, the tinge of yellow, the translucence through the new, thin leaves.  As spring turns into summer and then rounds the corner to fall the leaves grow darker and darker, a reminder of the cold that's just around the next bend...which is why I always revel in the brightness of spring!

the trees


green glass leaf bowl

apple green infinity scarf

green leaves

green grass ring

bright green crocheted pillow

happy moment

green dress

green ombre chevron throw



Makes you want to rush right out and lie in the grass!  Check out these and more spring greens here.

Stay creative,
A

P.S. Don't forget to join in the Giveaway fun for a chance to win any 4x4 painting of your choice!

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May 21, 2012

Pick One: Giveaway Day!!


Well, it's finally here, giveaway day!  In fact, this is the first giveaway I've ever done - so it's especially exciting - and to make this giveaway even more super special, I'm opening it up a bit (though you may already have an idea where I'm going with this).  Instead of offering one specific painting, the winner of this giveaway will get to pick ANY ONE of my 4X4 paintings.  That's right.  Any one of them.  Your choice! 

Do you have a nook that could use a bit of color?  Know a new baby or kiddo who has a special affinity for a certain letter?  Looking to complete that art wall?  I think I have something for you!  I started with my alphabet paintings, combining whimsy and color, trying to create pieces that are colorful enough for children, but not too sweet for an adult to proudly hang too.  I have since branched out into other decorative paintings and my cycling counting set.  

So check them all out down below and then keep reading for instructions on how to enter...




Now that you have an idea of which painting you'd like, it's time to enter!!   

To be entered, all you have to do is leave a comment below answering the following question:

What are you glad for?

Personally, I am glad to be here (wherever here may be...within reason, of course!)  I am endlessly optimistic and love to share in the happiness of others - I can't wait to see your comments!!

**Bonus entries: Let's get connected!  Start following this blog.  Follow me on Facebook.  Or *heart* my shop - just leave me a comment if you do any/all of these and you will get an extra entry for each new way we're connected! (So follow my blog and Facebook = 2 additional entries) 

I will be taking new entries until Friday, May 25th at 7pm CST.  The winner will be chosen by random number generator and announced on Saturday, May 26th!  Good luck :)

Stay creative,
A


Psst - want to get in the fun on some other giveaways??  Check out Giveaway Day  through Sew Mama Sew!!


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May 16, 2012

The Color of Cranberries and Plums

The deep, saturated purple and red hues mingle in a romantic and subtle way.  Such a cozy color combo - perfect for quiet winter days or lovely summer sunsets.


Romantic and Soothing

A cozy, yet sultry bedroom

Bringing out the natural pink in cheeks

A welcoming entry

Pulling out all the stops with plum

Check out more of this beautiful combination here.

Stay creative,
A Pin It

May 14, 2012

Shop Spotlight: In Stolen Moments

Love these as much as I do?  Pop over to In Stolen Moments for more!!

If it were not for Danielle, her friendship and encouragement, I don't think I would have taken the leap into opening my own Etsy shop.  Danielle's shop In Stolen Moments is full of beautifully hand-dyed and hand-printed shirts, linens and bags featuring lino-prints she designed and cut.  Oh, and she is also a full-time mama of two boys.  And she makes her own yogurt and cheese (among other things).  The woman has skills, I'm telling you! 

I was halfway through the alphabet, wishing for a shop, but not knowing where to start when one day on the phone she kindly but firmly told me to just do it - open the shop.  I was never going to be 100% ready since I'd inevitably get thrown curveballs (since that is life!) so why not start and see where it got me.  I owe her a lot and so thankful she gave me the kick-in-the-pants I needed!

So as I was saying about mad skills, Danielle creates beautiful designs.  Between my 2 kids I think we own 5 or 6 of her creations, and I've given many as gifts.  I've invited Danielle for a virtual chat to share some of her shop secrets and stories.  You can also check out her lovely world over at her blog or on Facebook.

Hey Danielle, thanks for chatting with me!  So, when did you start doing prints?  
Better yet, what inspired your first print?  

The print that started it all
Believe it or not, I just started a little over a year ago. My first print was inspired by my second son, Xander. We planned a home birth for the little guy and I knew that if it all worked out I'd want to shout it from the rooftops, or at the very least have my new babe wear a shirt proclaiming that he was "born at home." As it turns out, our home birth turned into a hospital birth. And while it has taken me a long time to come to terms with that unexpected turn of events, it also gave me the nudge I needed to go into business. Since my babe couldn't wear the sweet shirt I designed, I wanted to make sure that somebody would!

Where do you get your inspiration?

Right now most of my inspiration comes from my little ones. I fancy myself a magician of sorts with my toddler. He often tells me what he'd like on his next shirt. And then it marinates. Sometimes it takes a few days, sometimes weeks. But no matter how long it's been since his initial idea, the reaction upon seeing the product is always the same. Unbridled excitement.

When I need to step away from the kid stuff, I find myself drawn to my surroundings. Either what is immediately around me, pictures I flip through, or memories I have.

What has been your biggest success?

Honestly, I still count that first sale as my biggest success. After years and years of making stuff, finally putting myself out there was a really big step. I was nervous and shy and all that. Having that first person look at my work and decide that they wanted it to be a part of their life, their children's life, well, that's a big deal.  
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On the flip side, what have you learned through your experiences?

An important lesson I've learned over the past year is that it is easy to get in a rut. Even though so many parts of what I do are my own, from dyeing the shirts through to mixing the inks for printing, it is easy to start doing the same thing over and over. Because it works. I have to make sure to push myself to keep reaching and stretching and trying new things.

Psst - check out the back wall!  Sky, Land, Sea - love.

What would you like people to know about you?

I think people should know that I am not a trained artist. In fact it wasn't until early adulthood that I really started to make stuff. (All this crazy creativity was buried DEEP!!!!) I started with knitting, largely following patterns written by others. And haven't stopped using my hands to make stuff since.

For local Chicago people, where can we see you this summer?

I'm still finalizing my summer schedule, trying to balance my desire to be out doing shows with my desire to enjoy summer with my kiddos. I have my show schedule over on my website, so you can keep tabs on me there.
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Thank you so much Danielle for sharing!!  Be sure to check out In Stolen Moments - you will be glad you did.  In the meantime, here are some of my personal In Stolen Moments favorites!!


Tug Boat

My little C wears this one in the onesie style (he's a baby after all)

Biplane

Here's another you'll catch my kiddos wearing

Helicopter

Hot Air Balloons

My little E wears this very shirt!!


Stay Creative,
A

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