I Spy b.wise papers for Minted

It's always exciting to unexpectedly see my work out there in this big ole world. On Tuesday, I was sitting at our kitchen island with M, eating our morning oatmeal [she insists that we eat out of the same bowl; I drew the line with the same spoon] and flipping through the latest issue of The Oprah Magazine that had just arrived the day before. And guess what to my wondering eyes did appear? The Minted ad featuring my design Merry Ribbon and Jody Wody's Modern Headline!



I looked at M and said "No Way!!" She just stared at me smiling, like "I have no idea what's going on, but you look happy, so I'm happy, too. Yay!" I'm thrilled.



And then on Wednesday, I saw this neat video featuring Minted on The Daily Grommet. Guess which design Jules Pieri chose for her personal card?




NOEL!! I tell you, it's always an honor to find out that someone has chosen my work out of all the many beautiful designs out there. And don't you just love that little grommet logo? I do.

Shop all b.wise for Minted designs right here! And enter code BWISE2011 for 10% off!

A Little Something Extra

When my parents came to see us last weekend, my mom brought me a little gift from pieces. What she gave me are some pretty coasters by Trina Turk that I can't wait to use [I'm trying to get my Living Room put together, so if I ever get pictures of it up here, I'll be sure to point them out. They are needlepoint, as in NON-breakable. A must around here!]. But also in the bag were these cute matches. It's one of my favorite things when a store gives you a little something extra just because it's fun and makes people happy. And green matches are definitely fun. And make me happy.

b.wise papers on Growing Home

I had the privilege of working with Elisabeth at Growing Home on their family's Christmas cards this year!



It was so fun working with her and the beautiful pictures of her family taken by Lesley Kerr. Hop on over and check out the post she wrote about the process! And stay for a bit -- Elisabeth writes beautifully and speaks honestly about struggles of the heart, being a mom and juggling all that goes with that and more. She's also got some seriously impressive sewing skills and a knack for capturing everyday moments in photograph. Thanks, Elisabeth!

Minted Friends and Family Discount!

Minted is offering an exclusive discount to friends and family of their designers: 20% off holiday cards until November 15th! [See below for specifics]









You can find all of the designs I currently have for sale on Minted in my designer storefront.

Minted FRIENDS AND FAMILY Discount: 20% discount on your holiday cards – valid November 1st – 15th. Use this code at checkout: DESIGNFAF2011

Halloween // 2011

The kids had a blast trick or treating last night, as always. The boys were decked out in their full Star Wars gear and M was an owl. I don't know what it is about Star Wars, but both boys have been obsessed since they could first speak. Never tire of it. I'm not crazy about the so-called "blasters," but I know that even if they didn't have those, they would've found sticks and starting making the blasting noises themselves.



I made M's costume! It was totally easy, and I'm now completely obsessed with my glue gun. I don't sew [wish that I could and hope to one day!], so I got the idea for the shape of the feathers here and the glue gunning felt onto an existing outfit here. For the mask, I bought a foam one and cut out the felt shape to glue on top. She wasn't crazy about it being over her eyes, so for most of the night it was propped up on her forehead. I'm telling you, it took me one afternoon to make this, including a trip to JoAnn's for the felt.



She was a little more into things this year, and was completely fascinated by all the costumes. Sometimes she'd walk right up to someone in a scary costume, point at them and say "bad guy." So funny. I wish I had more pictures of the boys, but they were not interested in the camera or being still for one second. It was hard to keep up with them this year, running so fast from house to house!

Italian Holiday

My junior year in college, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Florence, Italy. That was a decade ago, and I've been plotting my return trip ever since I left. On Holiday is my ode to two things that I like a lot: Italy and Fiats. I figure maybe if I draw about them enough, my return trip will come true.



I had considered putting a tree on top of the car, but then thought that the skis were much more romantic -- two lovers jetting away for the weekend through the Italian countryside to a remote little ski chalet where they sip hot chocolate, sit by the fire wrapped up in cashmere blankets and leisurely flip through the pages of A Farewell to Arms. At least that's what I think of.

Image Sources: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six.

Little Darlings

I spotted the amazing photography of Sharon Montrose of The Animal Print Workshop the other day, and wanted to pass the link along. The newest collection is called Little Darlings, and really the name says it all. I also couldn't help being lured in by all the other collections, too, though.

Exhibit A:

Piglet. Oh my goodness. Where do you even start with this one? I think if he were hanging on my wall looking at me it would be impossible to be sad.

Exhibit B:

Kitten and Feather. I know one little girl in particular who is obsessed with "kitty kats" and would love to have this one where she could see it and point to it and name it over and over again.

There are many, many more incredible photos on the site sure to put a smile on your face! Starting at $25, they'd also make great holiday gifts.

[All images from Animal Print Workshop; First seen on Black Eiffel]

Head Over Heels

Howdy! How are you? Things around here are going superb. I just finished up and entered 8 new wedding designs for the latest wedding challenge on Minted:

SECRET GARDEN


PICTURE PERFECT PAIR


PERCHANCE


POCKET WATCH


TWO BY THE SEA


ESTABLISHED


DAPPER


ENCHANTED FOREST


This challenge has some truly gorgeous and original designs in the mix, so if you have some time over the next week, hop on over and vote!

Over the next couple of weeks, I'm planning to share some insights into what inspired my new holiday cards. Italian mountainside, anyone? Yes. Please. Stay tuned! And in the meantime, is there anything you guys have been wanting to know? Burning questions? About my designs, of course. I wouldn't be much help when it comes to Calculus or Astronomy. Or figuring out who was off-sides. But I do happen to know a bit about diapers, Legos, and how to throw a spiral, so questions about those subjects are admissible, too. I'm out for now!

Trick-or-Treat in Paper

I love this Made by Joel Halloween project! So clever and cute. I'm definitely going to try and make one of these with my boys. I think they'll love it too. And probably add some "interesting" characters to the mix. Check out the full tutorial with download here.

Florida

If this doesn't scream "Old Florida" [what with the golf clubs, fishing poles, palm tree and old window], then I don't know what does. Last weekend, I took a little jaunt with some friends to Micanopy, my favorite close-by getaway. I picked up some vintage Pyrex dishes with little Amish people on them, too [my too kind and generous friend actually secretly paid for them for me for my birthday while I was checking out some old matchbooks].





They go nicely with my 1960s countertops, no? Countertops that I don't think I could ever bring myself to replace. Even with my soft spot for marble. You just can't buy gold flecked ones anymore!

International Goodies Swap

After I wrote this post on the DIY printed masking tape, Sophie-Charlotte at French Home Made contacted me about a swap she's been putting together. You can read all about it right here, but essentially, each American participant is paired with a French Participant and you exchange supplies/paper/DIY items from your part of the world. Neat, eh? I thought so. It took me right back to the happy pen pal days of elementary school. Here's what I sent off today:



Can't wait to see what lands in my own mailbox!

The Trendys

It was a happy mail day a couple weeks ago when I found out my design The Perfect Match was a top ten finalist for The Trendys awards!



The news is happy, yes, but the thing I liked most about the package was that it was sent all the way from Hong Kong. How great are those stamps?



Thanks, Natasha, for sending this my way!

Labels.

From the ones Anthropologie fancies.

M's 2nd Birthday Party

We had a small get together to celebrate M's birthday two weekends ago. Since she's our only child who hasn't lived in a big city, I decided to have a city party for her. We built a little city house complete with graffiti on the side walls.





For the favors, I found these little taxis in the clearance section of Target after last Easter. They are kind of what started the whole theme. And no party table is complete without a pair of stuffed nunchucks.



For the invitations, I wanted something distinctly Boston since that's where we had lived, so M took over the famous Citgo sign with her sweet smiling face.



We had brunch and a donut cake that she wasn't so happy about at first.



And she was still super serious while we were opening presents...



...until she opened up a dress. Her first outfit was tossed to the side, and with the new dress came a liking of donuts. Happy times are here again!



And by the end of the party, she was down to her diaper cover.



Which I guess is how most good parties should end, right?!

PS: See those blue chairs? That look a little worse for wear? They are now on their way to Atlanta to be recovered -- I cannot wait!!

Downtown

We hit downtown last Friday...



...for a friend's art show...



...that was amazing. I'll give you one guess who designed that poster. About halfway through the night, I started envying Reggie's shoes...



...I chose style over comfort, and was regretting it.



So much so that I was sitting down on the ground. The gross downtown pavement. I don't even want to think about what has been there. But I was desperate.

Bonus of the night: when the Hares joined the buskers and rocked out:



Quite the distinguished buskers, I might add, with their little oriental rug.