Advent Calendars

You have one more day to make one of your own, so here's some inspiration! I especially love the animal one [#3] -- I'd want to keep that up all year long. And the clean crispness of #4 would make what's inside so colorful and exciting. It could be anything!

I always tell myself that I'm going to make one, but it just doesn't happen because of how busy things are with holiday cards this time of year. I'm really thinking about making one in the summer to put up for December so I can actually do it on time! So this year, same as last year, the boys have Lego Advent calendars. And they could not be more excited. Star Wars + Legos + getting to open something every single day = happy boys.

And I'd love to know: did you make one? If so, what did you put in it?!

IMAGE SOURCES: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE & SIX

Punkin Pie

We had lots!



What's your point?



Hope you did, too!

The Thanksgiving Table

A little inspiration to get you in the mood for turkey!



I love a good table setting, especially with wood, white, gold and greens, but the thing I'm most excited about are the faces that will be around our table this year. We're hosting, so have family coming from all around to join us. Hope yours is a Happy one!

[Sources: ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX]

Thanksgiving Trees

This past Wednesday I went to Spencer's school to make Thanksgiving trees with some of the kids in his grade. For those who don't know, a Thanksgiving tree is where you record the things you're thankful for and hang them on the tree. They loved it. And it was relatively easy to put together.

My supplies:



-- A branch tree that Reg and I put together. [see below]
-- Paper circles that I cut out of metallic card stock with a circle punch and then punched holes in with a hole punch.
-- White pens. Very exciting.
-- Twine, which we didn't end up using a lot of -- the holes in the circles slipped right on most of the branches.
-- Jingle bells, to give the trees a little bling. They all loved this, by the way. Not only are they shiny, but their trees jingle. Good stuff.



To make the branch trees, Reg sawed a larger branch from a tree that had fallen in our yard into little bases. He drilled a hole in the middle, and -- this is where things get exciting -- I glue-gunned the smaller branches into them. I love any excuse to get my glue gun out.



They love looking at their little tags and talking about what they wrote. Spencer really likes his one that says "Toy 100% luve."



The good news is that Mom got luve 100% too.



So did Dad.



And a personal favorite of mine from Henry's tree:



Me. Too.

Project Skincare

You had me at "Survival Molecules." I'm trying to take better care of my skin, so while we were in Atlanta two weekends ago, I headed over to Kiehl's to stock-up. I chose Kiehl's because of their use of naturally-derived ingredients. Arthur helped me find some things to up my "beauty regimen" because before, my "beauty regimen" consisted of face soap and Cetaphil moisturizer [which I still love, and slather all over my kids, too. So gentle and keeps their skin baby soft]. I could see the horror concern in his eyes when I mentioned said regimen, and he kept waiting for me to say "Oh, and I also use..." Nope, that's it. Just those two things.

So back to the "Survival Molecules." To be honest, I don't exactly know what that means, but if it'll help my skin survive in some way, then I'm in. And who wouldn't want to slather "Rare Earth" on their face? My skin felt purified at the first mention of those words. I also walked out of there with some Midnight Recovery Eye cream that promises "younger-looking eyes by morning." By morning? Boy howdy! For a mom of three, those are happy words. Oh, and I also got some Ultimate Hand Salve. With cold season upon us, I've been washing my hands like mad.

I'm usually pretty skeptical about products actually doing what they say they are going to do, but after a full week of using this stuff diligently, my skin really does feel better. So thank you, Kiehl's. For your Survival Molecules and Rare Earth and Butcher's Broom Extract and glove-like protective barriers. I am officially hooked.

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!