Khristian A. Howell blog archive

a bryant park blouse...

2011-07-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

You may or may not have caught my post a few weeks prior seeking out beautiful creations made using Bryant Park or Theory [and you still can, deets at the bottom of this post!].

Ask and you shall receive. Less than a week later, my inbox announced I had mail, from the lovely Jennifer who resides in our neighboring country, Canada, showing off a sleeveless blouse with what I consider the most modern and whimsy print from Bryant Park's Yacht colorway.

Well before graduating from Purdue University with a fashion retailing and tailoring degree from the school of Home Economics, Jennifer tried her hand at sewing by way of both her grandmothers and mother, whom were all needlewomen. Seems like it runs in the family, no?

In her initial email to me, Jennifer exclaimed, "I bought a few yards a couple of months ago from Hawthorne Threads without knowing exactly what I'd make. Yesterday I made a simple sleeveless summer top and I love the sophisticated look of the fabric that transforms it from a mere 'tank top' to a very nice sleeveless top made elegant by the fabric."

Couldn't have said it better, Jennifer.

Sleeveless shells are perfect for wearing year-round. Under a cozy cardigan, tucked into a skirt or pleated shorts, or worn loose with skinny jeans, the options are endless. And the silhouette, classic. Yes, yes, yes!

But sorry ladies, Jennifer mostly creates for herself, friends, and family, so if you'd like a custom something-something, you'd have to contact her directly and work that out for yourself. Don't kill the messenger!

For her latest sewing projects, tutorials, general life news and inspiration, you can visit Jennifer on her blog Thimbles, Bobbins, Paper and Ink.

All photos taken by Jennifer Woodward.

So hey! If you want to share a little something something, shoot over one or two low resolution [72 dpi] images to me, niki [at] khristianahowell.com, and be sure to include your name, a snippet about yourself and any relevant information, such as a website or Etsy shop link.

its a super day for a SUPER SALE!

2011-07-04T04:44:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th everyone! I am certain everyone in the States has a full day of grilling and fun ahead. What a great day to celebrate with a SALE! The dynamic duo over at Zero 2 Illo has brought back the Community SUPER SALE to celebrate both the 4th of July and the 2nd birthday of their brilliant little girl. In case you missed the last time around this amazing sale includes a bundle of some really amazing resources for artists. A few of the great pieces of the bundle are fantastic titles like 10 Steps to Powerful Online Self Promotion for Artists by Alex Mathers, Inside Illustration Competitions by Thomas James, AND the update to my first book Confessions of MORE First Timers. If you haven't heard Confessions of MORE First Timers includes Confessions from the likes of Jessica Swift, Daisy Janie, Abigail Borg, and more! All 8 PRODUCTS in the bundle are worth over $200! How does getting these great resources all for 39.95 grab you? Yes! It's true, and its is happening now! Hurry, the sale ends promptly at 9am EST on Wed. July 6th.

Have a great day celebrating all and make this the day to begin declaring your design independence!

getting excited for the 4th and a BIG SALE!...

2011-06-30T07:18:00.000-04:00

[caption id="attachment_3880" align="aligncenter" width="309" caption="from the "Fresh and Free" collection ©khristian a. howell"][/caption]

I am getting super excited about celebrating the 4th next week! Truth be told I am excited because I am actually going to take some time off! What? Wait. What's happening?? Yes, you heard it. It's true, and I am thrilled (and so are my family and friends)! For all of you who are in the mist of starting a business, you understand why this is so thrilling. I mean it is 24/7 over here and a break is long overdue. In celebration of the holiday and my little time en vacances, how about a SALE!!! If you are in the midst of evaluating your mid year goals and progress, this one is for you! Come back to THIS SPACE on MONDAY the 4th for all the juicy details! Until then, enjoy the sunshine!

still bright, still ethnic, still in love!

2011-06-28T09:47:00.000-04:00

In store snaps from NYC last week. It's a bright ethnic world, and it makes me sublimely happy. Soon we will be talking fall, so let's revel in these fun prints for as long as we can!

a call for creations...

2011-06-13T12:25:00.000-04:00

Recently Khristian tweeted about a super cute wristlet clutch made using Mon Sheri by Etsy seller paocollection... which got me itching to see more awesome creations made with our fabrics.

As I type this blog post, three new collections are being produced for Anthology Fabrics to be released for Fall 2011. Khristian already disclosed which collections in a blog post prior to our departure to NYC for SURTEX 2011. In case you missed the big announcement or want to relive the moment over and over again, you should get excited right here.

Now back to the point!
If you or someone you know is a maker of cute things and happens to have made something - tote, quilt, spacesuit, anything! - using Bryant Park or Theory, we want to see! For a visual reference, check out these super cute pillows [above] by Etsy seller bluecalla, made with Theory in the Seaside colorway.
Cute, right?
Right.
And what about this adorable reversible sling bag [below], made with not one but two Bryant Park prints, Rooftop Garden and Village Floral, by Etsy seller makemineblue.

If you fit the bill and want to share a little something something, shoot over one or two low resolution [72 dpi] images to me, niki [at] khristianahowell.com, and be sure to include your name, a snippet about yourself and any relevant information, such as a website or Etsy shop link.

I'm not making any promises, but we'd love to show off what you've made!
Really, really. Do it.

-N.

meeble mail is live!...

2011-06-02T05:50:00.000-04:00

Last year at SURTEX I met a cute bubbly woman who was really excited about my work, but wanted to discuss the details of her project at a later date. I thought ok, cool, and made sure to follow up with her after the show. Soon after we started communicating and she told me all about her exciting new project called Meeble Mail.

[caption id="attachment_3828" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="From my High Society fabric line!"][/caption]

If you are like most people today, you send hundreds of emails in the course of on month. Maybe more? I love that the Meeble Mail creators have thought to make this experience personal and pretty! Meeble Mail is personalized stationery for your email. How brilliant is that?! A whole range of my work is available now! I will also be adding more fresh designs very soon! Run over and check it out and brighten up you email! :-)

surtex 2011...

2011-05-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

All that planning - and it goes by soooo quickly! Surtex 2011 is in the books, and now the real work (well...more of it begins) As you have heard many, many times now, doing the shows is ALL about the follow up. So this is what I have been doing and will continue to do for the next few weeks. However, after that Niki and I are cooking up some fun new adventures, so stay tuned!

So last year, there was Confessions, and now the Updated version. This year I would like to share with you a few things that I chose to do a bit differently after my first time experience of 2010

1. Enlist Help!! I did. I could not have reached all my goals this year without the fabulous Niki. Let's face it preparing for a show is a ton of work. Add to that one (or in some cases all) of the following: maintaining current clients, creating new (tons) work, working a full-time job, raising young children, etc etc., and one can very easily and quickly reach a boiling point. Luckily for me I am doing this full-time, and have no young children. Yet even still - the lists spawn lists in the early spring, and it is really difficult to keep up. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Husband, brother, kid next door, an intern. If there is anyone available and willing to help, take them up one it! You don't have to be Shiva or a martyr. The people around you love and support you, so take advantage! You can always hire help as well. Maybe this is not feasible yet for your business long term, but think about swinging it just for a couple of weeks before the show. Just thoughts...

2. Don't under estimate the power of physical collateral. I know it is an email, paperless world, but we are all still human right? There is nothing, and I mean nothing that beats getting a hand written personal note. Along the same lines, it really can make a big impact to get a physical piece of collateral into an art director's hands. They then have something to show others, take to meetings, put on a bulletin board to remember. You want them to think - "we MUST be sure to make it to this one". I did not have the time to execute this last year, and I am so happy I did this year.

3. ABC is good, but ABL is better. Have you ever heard about the number one rule of selling dubbed ABC - Always Be Closing? This is a great rule for sales, but we are in the relationship business, and ABL - Always Be Listening is a much better rule. Although I am very proud of my first showing last year, there were definitely some holes in my catalog. I listened well, and made sure to have these bases covered this year. My collection was much more complete for the types of manufacturers who are interested my work. I took the constructive suggestions, and made it work for me. AND, it dosen't stop there. This year I learned even more ways that I can stay true to myself, and continue to push things forward. I already have tons of ideas for new work. Listening to the client and really hearing their needs is one of the most important things you can do to take advantage of the face time you get at the show.

Well, that's that. Whew! Until next year...happy creating!

***All images courtesy the always fabulous Tara Reed!

fresh off surtex 2011...

2011-05-23T04:30:00.000-04:00

Over the past months, Khristian and I have been laboring over SURTEX prep work; banners, press kits, giveaways, layout, logistics...holy moly. I can't even believe how quickly those three days came and went. Luckily, we have some bits committed to memory thanks to our very smart phones.

That's Khristian. I have my invisible cloak on, so she can't see me. Or can she...

Little labors of love for our wonderful booth stopper-byers; giveaway swatches. Yes, they were all assembled by hand with minimal casualties.

One of Khristian's friends made some really awesome boxes out of Ivory Coast, a licensed collection that hit stores earlier this year. They turned out really nice. Perfect for keeping our booth table tops organized and pattern chic. For the record, I could really use a blouse with this Nolita print [see below; bottom-most book cover] on it. No lie.

Many many thanks to everyone for a successful second year [first for me!] at SURTEX.
-N.

new for anthology fabrics!...

2011-05-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

Wait not longer...well you will have to wait to get them, but at least now you can peek!! I can finally show you my latest collections for Anthology Fabrics! The team is in Salt Lake City right now at quilt market introducing the new collections. I hope you will love them!

Remember this?? Well, I just could not stop thinking about this color inspiration. Here's the result! Moroccan Mirage is about my love of color and culture. The blue colorway is called Casablanca and the warm, red/orange colorway is called Marrakech. I'll share a bit more of the story behind this collection after the craziness of SURTEX!

Next up - The Woodlands! Something a little more playful for me. It's fun right? I had to dig up my old kidswear days at Nordstrom for this one - so much fun!

Last up Rendezvous - this one is for the true modern romantic. I am so thrilled with the color story, and the modern feel of the traditional ideas of the rose, damask, and stripe.

howdy, hello, nice to meetcha.

2011-05-12T06:53:00.000-04:00

Thanks to a weird twist of fate, I found myself staring at an email from Khristian in late January, and the rest, as they say, is history! This post may be long over due, but better late than never, right?

So, howdy. My name is Niki. I am Khristian's design assistant and beyond thrilled to be here!

No, really.

Aside from working with Khristian, I am an avid photo-taker-maker, coffee consumer, and cheese-a-holic. I play tennis too, it keeps my arms strong to support my hands which carry my fingers that are used to key urls and cmd+c/cmd+v for my intraweb obsessions.

Music makes my world go'round. I talk to myself a lot. And I really believe that anything can happen.

I'm working with Khristian, and I look forward to working with you too!

Photo Cred: BP

surtex 2011 AND moving madness...

2011-05-10T10:24:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I know, I have been a baaaad blogger. If only you knew the pure mayhem that is happening over here right now you wouldn't be mad at me. SURTEX is finally around the corner AND I am moving AND my hubby is starting a new gig! Crazyland - and I am the queen!

All that being said, I am actually having tons of fun, and I am so excited to see what this week will bring! Are you headed to the show? Please stop by and say hello. I love it when my online friends, can become real friends! yay!

I am still taking appointments so click here to make yours, or drop me a line at info@khristianahowell.com and we will get you all set up. What is this "we" business you may be asking?? I am working with a fabulous new design assistant! Her name is Niki, and she is fantastic! She will be making her bloggy debut soon, so everyone be nice to her! She will also be in the booth keeping me sane. Hooray for Niki!

See you all in NYC!

meeble mail is live!...

2011-04-20T05:07:00.000-04:00

How much email do you view everyday? I bet quite a few, and the number seems to be growing everyday. So...why not make it fun and pretty? That's what the girls over at Meeble Mail thought, and of course I agree! I am so happy to announce my partnership with Meeble Mail and that the site is now live! This launch is so fitting as I actually met the creators of Meeble Mail last year at SURTEX. I am also proud to say, I am in some really amazing company including Trina Turk, Hammocks and High Tea, and Thomas Paul!! For the launch they are offering all the stationery for FREE for the entire month of MAY! Go check out the site and add a bit of pretty to your email love notes! :)

new little video for SURTEX...

2011-04-19T07:13:00.000-04:00

Just incase you've been under a rock...it's show season! Everyone I know if crazy busy (including me) getting ready for the show. I did take a moment a few weeks back to get out into the market as I suggested here, and was encountered with a great surprise! Check it out, and stop by and say hello! I'll be in booth 608. :)

theory is starting to hit stores!...

2011-04-18T03:54:00.000-04:00

**images courtesy Fabricworm **

I spy with my wittle eye...two shops already carrying THEORY!!! Thanks to Fabricworm and Pink Chalk Fabrics! More to come soon! Hooray! Can't wait to see what everyone will make! Please share on the FB wall, I love seeing all the creativity!

confessions update and now available on blurb...

2011-04-18T03:07:00.000-04:00

Have you heard about the update to Confessions of a First Timer?? Well Confessions of MORE First Timers is here, and includes some of my super awesome amazing friends like Jessica Swift, Mary Beth Freet of Pink Light Design, Jan of Daisy Janie, super talented Abigail Borg and more! You can still check it out as an ebook, but now you can also get a copy on Blurb.com! Why? Because sometimes you just want to unplug a bit right? Now, the choice is yours! Either way you are getting some super insider info about exhibiting at trade shows both in the US and in Europe! Thinking of heading to a show? Check out these tips from across the show spectrum who have already been there and done that! HUGE thanks to Print and Pattern for the sweet write up about the update!

how do ya - custom brush strokes...

2011-04-05T07:50:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Up to my ears in SURTEX prep over here. I am sure you have noticed around this time of the year my posts get a little sparse. ; - ). I have been meaning to do another Illustrator tutorial since "How to draw a perfect Heart", so here it is! Hope you like it, and let me know what other topics you are curious about!

jonathan adler hits atlanta!...

2011-04-01T17:21:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's true! Jonathan Adler and his fantastic sense of humor have hit Atlanta! Such a welcome and needed addition to this largely traditional town. So the scoop is I was out to check out the market a bit for my new SURTEX video with my hubby, and we of course had to check out the new JA shop too. HOWEVER, I had no clue that night was a big opening party (the store had actually opened the night before), and guess who was there...

Yep, totally stumbled into meeting Jonathan Adler! It was the icing on the cake to a great night. New video shot, fresh new store to explore again and again, and I got to meet a super talented, super down to earth design icon. Tonight, score one for ATL!

artist interview - stephanie ryan...

2011-03-22T07:45:00.000-04:00

Super talented Stephanie Ryan had been kind enough to share with us a bit about her work, what inspires, and how she landed her iconic florals onto a great product. Enjoy, and thanks Stephanie!

"Through the use of simple shapes and thoughtful colors, I found that I could express a piece of myself through my art. Peaceful, serene, and beautiful are the colors that I use to express how I feel, and the simple uncomplicated shapes are the life that I am trying to obtain. It is my dream to reach people and soothe their hectic lives with quiet thoughts of inspiration."

"My journey began after a fire destroyed Little Souls, Inc. the doll company where I worked for 11 years. My time there was invaluable. I started as a doll maker and was steadily promoted from designer to buyer, to product manager. After the fire, I was faced with the fact that I had to start over and decided to go back to school. I studied graphic design at Moore College of Art in Philadelphia. My love for fabrics and pattern lead me to explore the textile design program and through the exploration of both of these majors my style was born.
I am now a freelance designer, specializing in tabletop, surface, and product design.
Life is very exciting these days.

what three to five words would you use to describe your work?
I would describe my work as whimsical, fresh and pretty with a dash of vintage modern thrown in.

what inspires you?
I am inspired by the shapes and colors found in nature. I don’t like to look at reference when I am painting my flowers, it is more intuitive. I love to mix beautiful muted colors and let my brush create the shapes. It is almost like meditating to me.

what was your first job? when/how did you know you wanted a career in art?
My first job was working in a deli, but my first creative job was working for a doll company called Little Souls, Inc. I had to drop out of college for financial reasons and found the job as a doll maker for 5 bucks an hour and was thrilled! I think I always knew I wanted a career in art but had no idea how to pursue it. I had given up hope when I left college so, when I got the job I dug in deep, worked really hard and learned as much as I could about manufacturing and product development.

can you tell us a bit about how the Lenox deal came about?
I was at the right place at the right time. I have worked for Lenox for many years as a designer and freelancer and an opportunity came up and my art fit their needs. It was quite serendipitous and came at just the right time. I love when that happens.

what was the process like from concept to execution?
This was a different situation than usual. I was doing some concept work for them and was struggling for ideas so, I decided to use some of my existing artwork. The concept didn’t work for that job but was picked up at a sales meeting by one of their major retailers. The deal came from that sales meeting. I then took the art and proposed layouts for the different shapes and handed everything over to their production department to finish it up.

finish this sentence: I could eat...Massaman Curry...all day.

design books/blogs you can't live without:
It has been a while since I bought a design book because of blogs and the amazing resources available online. I do have some Tricia Guild books that I love, and I can’t live without my Artful Blogging Magazine. As far as blogs …. oh, where do I begin? I love decor8, Creature Comforts, & Bloesem for design inspiration and Gathering Spriggs, Simply Hue, and Secrets of a Butterfly for a deeper level of inspiration. It is so hard to pick just a few, I am so inspired by my blogging friends and wish I had more time to interact with them because I value their work so much.

what do you do when you are not doing art?
I’m sorry, what is that? I am pretty obsessed with art these days, it takes up most of my time. Whatever time is left over I try to spend with my husband and our families. Art really fills every corner of my life... how lucky am I?

name one thing about you that would shock the outside world.
Oh gosh, just one thing? Well, I like to paint and wood burn in bed. I don’t know if that is shocking, but it drives my husband crazy. I’ve never had a mishap either.

finish this sentence: If I could time travel, I would arrive... right here, right now.

what's next?
This is a year of transition for me. I left my full-time job in November and am adjusting to my new freelance work life. I am also creating new art and developing my brand in the hopes of licensing my designs some day.

For more on Stephanie, check out her website www.stephanieryandesign.com.
Keep up with her blog www.smallsweetsteps.com, or pick up a sweet print at her Etsy shop www.etsy.com/stephanieryanart.

bryant park is now in bloom for tiny prints...

2011-03-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

More love for Bryant Park!! If you are loving the fabric collection. Now these sweet bridal shower invites are available from Tiny Prints in two colorways!

With spring right around the corner, you know what that means...weddings! I'm sure lots of brides would love to have these sweet floral invites for their showers. Swing by and check it out! Above - floral sketch Below - Fading Wildflowers (Part of the Provencal Print Collection)

bryant park is in stores now!...

2011-02-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_3558" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Image courtesy Hawthorne Threads"]
Hi there everyone! Bryant Park is available right now! Go check it out!! Remember to post all you new Bryant Park goodies on the Facebook wall! [/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3559" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Image courtesy Hawthorne Threads"][/caption]

alice and olivia NYFW fall 2011

2011-02-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

A little retro inspired glamour from Alice & Olivia. I love that being girly and a bit over the top is back!

live the language...

2011-02-22T03:31:00.000-05:00

I found this over on one of my favorite haunts Black Eiffel.

I was going to post today on my pics from NYFW, but I found this over on Black Eiffel, and I just had to share. First of all, it is just so beautifully shot, it is captivating. Of course the work with the typography is amazing as well. What I love most about this (aside from it being about Paris), is that I love to see things that encourage exploring, adventure, and learning. I have this little theory that education has the power to end war, feed the hungry and generally make us all sit around a fire and sing. Hey, it is not a bad vision for the world, so don't knock it. But really, I think learning about one another makes it a ton harder to make enemies of one another. Anyway off my soap box... The piece is one of a few from a campaign for EF or Education First.

Inspiration today. Fashion tomorrow. Enjoy!

new products for gina b designs

2011-02-21T06:27:00.000-05:00

New products are here! These are some of the products available now from Gina B Designs! Aren's they fun! You may recognize this first print from the Greenwich Gardens Collection. It is always so great when the collections you love find a home!

zero 2 Illo interview...

2011-02-20T12:23:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! My apologies for the sporadic blogging lately. This is usually a good sign that a show is coming up! I am knee deep in prep, but will do my best to bring you some fun bits too! :) In case you missed it last week, be sure to swing by Zero 2 Illo and have a listen to an interview with me! Thanks again to Jonathan Woodward for having me! Here's to a great week all!

CHA - the view from another trade show first timer...

2011-02-14T04:02:00.000-05:00

Alex Sanso is one of the artists who launched herself with gusto into the SHOWSTOPPER tool, and also into her first trade show! A few weeks ago she made her debut in a special section of CHA called the designer showcase. She has been kind enough to stop by and share her experience with us! BRAVO to Alex for jumping in with both feet!

Alex Sanso

After several years of dreaming of licensing my own art, I now have my first trade show exhibit experience in the history books. Now that the angst of “am I ready?” and “am I good enough?” is over, I ask myself, “what was I waiting for?”

I realized a few months ago that while reading blogs, forums, tweets and e-books about art licensing is extremely valuable (I do it constantly), there would never come a time when I’d say to myself, “I’m ready.” Despite my insecurities, I did manage to license three pieces of art to my first-ever licensee a few months ago. That was the boost I needed, so I decided this year was the year I’d exhibit in a show. The question was, which one? Surtex? Licensing Expo? Where did I fit?

This past January, I exhibited in the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Trade Show and Conference in Los Angeles...a show I’d never heard of, in an industry I had no experience in. Despite that, I realized that my art style could be a great fit for scrapbooking papers, ribbons, fabrics, stickers...all products represented at this show. But this show would take place a full four months before any show I had been considering up to that point, and I had just barely started creating my collections! Was I nuts? Could I be ready?

I found out that exhibitors at the CHA Trade Show are a mix of manufacturers and distributors of craft and hobby products and tools. Attendees are retailers, store buyers—the (mostly) women who use these products for scrapbooking, jewelry-making, quilting and other crafts for personal and professional use. There is also a “License & Design” section of booths in the show for artists who license their art to manufacturers. The price for a booth is reasonable compared to what you’ll pay for other major shows. However, deeper research revealed that there was an even more affordable option: the Designer Showcase.

This one-day event takes place in a separate room, a blistering walking distance from the main show floor. Designers get a small conference table (not a booth) on which to display their wares, then are banished from the room all day as the by-invitation-only attendees (press, art directors, exhibitors from the show floor) hopefully come, look at your art and leave a business card...or better yet, come back for the 2 hours in the evening when designers are present to meet and greet the attendees. That’s right, prepare like mad, travel to LA and set up a table in a room for two hours of face time out of a 4-day show. I signed right up, of course!

The upshot...I made the most of my small, one-day, unmanned exhibit by making the presentation the best that I could—with a full catalog to flip through, a freestanding display and a slideshow running on my laptop. I also displayed some product that had been created from my art for a client—not from my collections, but a good showing of my style. I created postcards that I left on the table (which I had also been handing out for two days prior at the show as I met people), and left a place for people to fill in their information and drop their cards. By the time the whole event was over, I had a long list of contacts that I have spent the last couple of weeks following up with!

New contacts, great! But did I leave the show with any contracts in hand? No. I know that, besides having great art, success in this business is based on exposure, making connections and building relationships that are forged over time. In that sense, this show was a smashing success for me. I walked away with the confidence that this is the right move for my business and that I do have a place in the art licensing industry. I have a first-show experience behind me and can get on with it. I’ll be walking Surtex this May and plotting my next entrance onto the licensing stage. I guess I’d better get to work on more collections.

Artist and graphic designer Alex Sanso found her passion in creating art for product during her nine years as an artist at Walt Disney World, creating art and design for theme park merchandise such as stationery, home decor, games, textiles, apparel and more. As chief artopian at artopia creative, she brings that experience to her own art licensing collections...and still loves a great thrill ride!

practicing gratitude...

2011-02-11T06:07:00.000-05:00

Look at this beauty I just bought from the Vol25 Etsy shop!! It is printed on this super cool textured canvas paper. I love everything about it - the color, the type treatment and of course the message. Gratitude is something I am recommitting myself to practicing daily. I mean let's be honest folks, the past few years have been exciting times for growth, as well as super trying at times. I am grateful for every bump I have encountered in both my business and personal life because each episode is an opportunity for me to learn and grow. Being truly grateful for this very moment in time whether picture perfect or difficult, has a real grounding effect and makes me remember what is truly important in my life. Happy weekend all...

SURTEX has a new blog!...

2011-02-10T14:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday friends! SURTEX has just a new blog, and guess who is the first guest contributor - me! Stop by and check it out today! I'm talking about thinking like a buyer - one of my big tips when designing your collections. Have a great weekend all!

ahhh....anthropologie...

2011-02-06T06:18:00.000-05:00

Ok. Truth. The winter Anthro catalog was a bit of a dud for me. HOWEVER, have you received the latest one yet??? Issue 2. 2011? Clearly, I am prone to a bit of drama, but seriously I may die if I don't get some of these pieces asap! Anthro, I'm sorry to have ever doubted you...

great feature and away for a tiny bit at CHA...

2011-01-30T17:39:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_3461" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Los Angeles via AHHITSRUBEN on flickr"]
[/caption]

I'll be away for a couple of days checking out the CHA show in LA! I've already had a great chat with Sparky Fire Pants and caught up with my bff from the old days at Nordstrom Pink LIght Design! I am really optimistic about this show thus far. See you all later this week!

Big thank you to Print and Pattern for the great feature on Bryant Park, my new fabric line for Anthology fabrics which will be hitting stores in a few short days!

Image credit: AHHITSRUBEN

artist interview - jessica durrant...

2011-01-27T05:10:00.000-05:00

Um...yeah, it is possible that Jessica Durrant is secretly using me as her muse. I mean, this is the way I actually see myself, don't you? Ha! Well a girl can dream right? I stumbled upon the amazing work of Jessica Durrant this past year on Pingg. Her work is so dreamy you really want to be that girl! Now I am lucky enough to have first hand insight on this amazing artist not only through this interview, but live and in person. Jessica and I now live in the same city, and I must say she is every bit as lovely as the images she creates. Enjoy, revel, dream. Once she has taken your breath away, don't forget to swing by her etsy shop for even more eye candy!

What three to five words would you use to describe your work?

Balanced, imaginative, flowing, elegant.

What inspires you?

So many things inspire my work: fashion design, urban scenery, Frank Gehry's architecture, Japanese fashion illustration-Ohgushi in particular, indie music, people, nature and things I see in everyday life.

What was your first job? When/how did you know you wanted a career in art?

My first job in the art field was at my University's art gallery. Being surrounded by artwork for a job was such an inspiring and fun thing to do. I love how being in a museum or gallery ignites conversation and thought. I knew I always wanted to keep art in my life, whether it be working on the arts administrative side of things, teaching art courses, or selling my own work. After graduating and moving from Phoenix, to Philly to now Atlanta, I've been able to dabble in a little of each of those fields. I always knew as a kid, that I wanted to grow up and sell my artwork.

Finish this sentence. I could eat___________ all day.

I could eat bread and cheese all day.

Design books/blogs you can't live without

I love Advanced Fashion Drawing by Bill Donovoan, and my favorite fashion blog is leblogdebetty.com. She's the prettiest French girl who puts together awesome outfits, stuff I want to paint.

What do you do when you are not doing art?

I enjoy spending time outdoors, walking my boston terrier Chloe. I also love to travel, any chance I can go to Europe I take it. I find so much inspiration every time I have gone there.

Name one thing about you that would shock the outside world.

I grew up in Las Vegas, but was not raised in a casino.

Finish this sentence. If I could time travel, I would arrive...

I would arrive in Rome during the Roman Empire age. I would die to see the Colosseum and the Roman Forum at its height.
What's next?

Keep on creating!

new work...

2011-01-26T05:30:00.000-05:00

After my copyrighting spree last week, I can show you a peek of some new work! Let's start off with a little love fest ok? This print is part of a series called modern love and is available now in my very new Etsy shop! (psst! use coupon code NewAdventures for 20% off everything in the shop!) If you love it, and want to see the whole series in the shop, let me know! :)Here's a little peek at two of the prints from new collection Provencal. One of which (not pictured, gotta leave some surprises!) will be showing up on a really great product we all love soon! The collection comes in three colorways, lavender (pictured), thyme, and smoke. You like? I have some other new bits up my sleeve, buy a lady never reveals ALL her secrets! Hehe! Do you guys like seeing peeks at new work? I'll try to post little bits more often this year. Happy Creating all!

more tiny prints - moving anyone??...

2011-01-26T04:59:00.000-05:00

More work for Tiny Prints is popping up on the site! I started sending designs last summer, and lots of things are finally rolling out! Such is the life of a licensed artist. You have to get used to understanding product cycles. Tiny Prints is actually super quick, but some categories can take months or even years for the product to get to market. However, it is always really exciting to see. These are offered as magnets instead of cards which is always a great moving reminder for friends and family.

first look - pre fall 2011...

2011-01-24T03:35:00.000-05:00

I know everyone is dying for the end of winter, but the fashion calendar moves to it's own rhythm! I was researching what I think is going to be happening this fall for a project and came across Jason Wu's pre-fall collection. Swoon, to say the least. I love they way his pieces are so structured, but he never forgets what a woman wants. His work is refined , but always delivers a sense of whimsy as well. For spring Marc Jacobs really lit things on fire with a total disco revival. I love the way Wu plays with a shape from that era, but makes it totally modern with this amazing color (above right).For sure look for red this fall as a key color. Another key thing I am looking forward to is updated stripes. Prada started things off this spring, and I think things will continue on into fall.

find me on etsy too (and a treat to celebrate!)...

2011-01-23T08:49:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Can you believe January is almost over already?? CRAZY! Well after years (literally) of inner debate, I have decided to open an etsy shop. It is small for now, and will grow organically over time. Part of my plan for this year is to begin exploring different sides of my creative voice. I have always loved the etsy community, and thought I would give it a try. Pop over and check it out will you? So...how about a sale to get things started? Use the code NewAdventures to get 20% off thru Tuesday at midnight! My online shop here has everything available on etsy as well, AND includes my photos (easier b/c of all the different sizes).

more love for tiny prints!...

2011-01-20T07:05:00.000-05:00

Three of my designs are available on Valentine's Day cards for Tiny prints! Click on the images to check out the cards, which you can personalize btw! Hooray! I am especially excited to see this first image find a home. It's one of my all-time favorites! This print is also available in two sizes in my shop. Frame it up, and it is the perfect sweet addition to any room. Celebrate love everyday!! Also available is this Valentine's party invite!

SPECIAL! high society fat quarter bundles!...

2011-01-19T02:58:00.000-05:00

I have a very limited number (like really only a handful) of high society fat quarter bundles (in the above prints) leftover from my meeting with the Atlanta Modern Quilting Guild. They are waiting for you in my shop! Hurry! :)

wedding invites for tiny prints...

2011-01-18T05:03:00.000-05:00

Thankfully, Spring will soon be upon us. That means one thing...WEDDINGS! Here's my latest wedding invite for Tiny Prints! Comes in three pretty colorways.

new goodies in the high society flickr pool!...

2011-01-12T04:01:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_3364" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="by poule du lux"][/caption]

The owner of a new online shop Bliss Tiss based just outside of Paris contacted me a few months ago with very nice things to say about the High Society collection with Anthology fabrics. Needless to say I was extra flattered since she was French! :) Anyway, she has uploaded some amazing projects that have been made by some French fabric lovers! They are just great! (links are embedded in the photos) Hop in the pool if you like!

[caption id="attachment_3365" align="aligncenter" width="231" caption="by poule du lux"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3367" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="by Mes petits riens"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3368" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="by Fée des Pom' en sucre"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3369" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="by Dis bonjour à la dame"][/caption]

community SUPER SALE!!!

2011-01-10T03:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday everyone!! Sitting down? My super talented friend Jonathan over at Zero 2 Illo is hosting a huge community sale of all the tools you need to jump start your year in art licensing. The sale includes tools from Tara Reed, Chris Guillebeau, Alyson B. Stanfield, Zero 2 Illo, and so many more! The bundle has 11 great resources in total INCLUDING CONFESSIONS + SHOWSTOPPER (ebook only)!! All for $47! No, that is not a typo. If you are waiting for something to come along to push you closer to your goals, this is it! It only last for 48 hours (ends 9am EST Jan. 12th) so I'd jump at this one if I were you! Cheers to your 2011 goals!

BIG NEWS!

2011-01-07T03:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday all! First week of the year is in the books. Ah... I love new beginnings. Anyhow...So....I've been sworn to total secrecy, but what I can tell you is... You will want to be sure to check out this space on Monday. I'm not talking about a giveaway that maybe one of you will win. I'm talking about something HUGE that you don't want to miss. I hope you love surprises, because this one is AWESOME! Have a great weekend, and see you Monday!

cascading hearts for tiny prints!...

2011-01-06T08:43:00.000-05:00

It's almost that time to celebrate L O V E! Check out my new Valentine's card for Tiny Prints! This is from my new pattern collection called Ikat Heart! Hope you heart it! :)

collection count - time to get real...

2011-01-06T03:20:00.000-05:00

Almost done with one full week of a new year. Are you ready to go full steam ahead?? I am! It all starts with a plan. January marks the beginning of really busy times in the art licensing and print design worlds. There are so many shows happening in January alone, it's crazy! Printsource, Direction, Hemetextil, the Atlanta Gift Mart... If you are headed to those shows, good luck to you! If however January marks the big countdown to Surtex and the Licensing Expo, this post is for you. How about a little challenge to start the year, yes? Can you be more focused and efficient? I know I can! What is your collection goal for January? Can you push yourself to up the ante by two collections? Maybe three? More? Continue to make great art your first priority, but consider how you can perhaps create more space in other areas to really meet aggressive goals. Now is the time to DREAM BIG! Have a plan, but need a bit of accountability and a smidge of cheerleading? Please share!

new candy - the rue mag blog...

2011-01-05T07:19:00.000-05:00

Tell me you've been checking out the new online mag RUE. It is so fantastic, and will certainly leave you drooling for more! The team at RUE seemed to know that because now they've started a blog! This will for sure be added to my growing list of daily musts! Stop by, you'll be happy you did!

come see me this weekend!...

2011-01-05T03:33:00.000-05:00

I will be speaking to the Atlanta Modern Quilt Guild this Sunday!! Come see me at Tiny Stitches at 10am. I'll be chatting about the design process and such. It's gonna be fun, promise! I'll even have some High Society Fat Quarters for sale! My friend Jessica Swift will be there too. It's going to be a party!

more amazing high society goodies!...

2011-01-04T02:34:00.000-05:00

[caption id="attachment_3313" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Kindle Cover by Little Big Girl Studio"][/caption]

Can you believe I released TWO fabric collections last year???!! I still think to myself, holy cow! Three years ago, I was saying to myself if only I could get a fabric deal. I will never be able to express how thankful I am. BUT...I thought I would try a bit by posting some of the awesome thing you have been creating. It never gets old seeing what everyone is making with the fabrics, so hop in the High Society (Anthology) and Mon Sheri flickr (Robert Kaufman) pools, and/or post some goodies on my FB page! Thank you everyone, and I hope you will love Bryant Park releasing this month too! (Links embedded in the photos)

[caption id="attachment_3314" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Journal and eyeglasses case from My Point oh Two"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3315" align="aligncenter" width="322" caption="Apron with Mon Sheri from My Hyggelig"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3316" align="aligncenter" width="417" caption="Quilt from Jaybird Quilts"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3317" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="Bliss Bags"][/caption]

Welcome 2011, and a free download...

2011-01-03T02:47:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone! I hope you all had a fantastico holiday with your family and friends! It's no secret among my friends and I that New Year's is my all time favorite holiday. What can I say, I love a fresh start and a clean slate! I am really excited about all the possibilities for this new year, are you?? I always like to think that putting goals, and dreams out into the universe in some tangible way brings us one steps closer to making them a reality. Please feel free to share one thing that is on your horizon for this year! I always love to hear what people are up to, and get a glimpse at a different way of viewing the world. I'll start. This year I am really concentrating on my brand. I plan to make all decisions asking myself, "Is this right for my brand". It is so easy to get pulled in a million different directions! Sometimes out of fear of missing an opportunity. This year I am choosing to focus more concentrated energy on the things that will really take me closer to my goal. I am committed to having the courage to let some things go if they are ultimately not right for my brand. After all, a girl can't do everything at once right??2011 goal download

All that said, is anyone on goal overload yet?? I mean I am really excited and fired up, but wow, there is so much to do! It's not surprising that I want to and feel like I have to do everything at once. Since that is not at all possible, my plan is to break things down by each month - much more manageable. How about a free download for you to do the same? This little print out has three different colorways in one pdf. Use one per month, or one for different areas of your life. Whatever makes sense for you! Enjoy, and cheers to 2011! In case you missed my very exciting announcement over the holidays, you can check it out here!

happy holidays!

2010-12-22T05:31:00.000-05:00

Have a great holiday everyone! I'll be back at it in January.

Part of the Handmade Holiday Collection. Contact me for further info.

SURTEX Conference Program - and me!...

2010-12-22T05:26:00.000-05:00

I am so excited to finally be able to tell you! I will be speaking at the SURTEX Conference Program during the show this May! I am so very thrilled and honored to have been invited! The session I will be participating in is called Core Basics III - Marketing and Presentation. Guess who I will be speaking with...TARA REED!!! I'm pumped! Make sure you make time to take advantage of all the fantastic seminars!

good memories, and new shoes?...

2010-12-21T14:11:00.000-05:00

I just could not resist reposting this post from my best friend Mary Beth over at Pink Light Design! We used to spend nearly every waking minute together when I was living in Seattle. I miss her dearly, but luckily I get to see hear a few times a year at the shows!

Post from Pink Happy Thoughts Always

I think these gorgeous Kate Spade heels might be my Happy New Year gift to myself! I have the perfect pair of black and white polka dot shoes that remind me of these that are almost shredded because I love them so much! Miss Khristian Howell and I have the same pair and we used to heat up the salsa dance floor in them. They need replacing and we need to dance again! ;)

Here are the old "dots". We both have a pair, and I even got married in them! Then the took their rightful place as our hot salsa shoes!

new obsession - john robshaw textiles...

2010-12-14T05:53:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I am officially back! No more crazy cold for me. I finally feel like me again!! Ahhh.... So let's jump right back into some goodies! I stumbled upon this designer a few weeks back, and now I think I am obsessed! Strange enough, I am not usually one for pattern on bedding for myself. I usually like clean fresh whites, or creamy neutrals. I think it is the warm, earthy, organic goodness from John Robshaw that has entranced me. Everything is hand dyed and block printed in India, and it just has that close to the land feeling. These would be amazing in any guest room.

a creative odyssey blog hop - 2011 goals...

2010-12-11T05:00:00.000-05:00

Sorry to have been away, something really awful got hold of me and wouldn't let go all week. I am still on the mend, but at least I am back moving around in the world! Jess over at Epheriell Designs has invited a handfull of blogs to participate in a little year end hop. Topic: Creative Goals and Dreams for 2011.I thought this would be a really easy thing to write about. I know EXACTLY what I want out of my business, right? Well, turns out it is a bit more tricky than first thought. I have never been a good long term planner. My husband and I think we are the best team in the world because he does the long term, and I am the daily tasks master who can make the small, add up to the big. If you have picked up any of my ebooks, you have likely already caught on to this little tidbit about me. However, today and more deeply at the end of the month, I am going to challenge myself to take a look at the 2011 landscape as a whole. My heart will beat a little faster. I will be inclined to say, 'oh I don't have to worry about that now'. Yet, I am going to move forward, because that is what a grown up business owner does, right?? Ok, I know the answer is yes! :) I am excited about seeing my life and business through a wider lens. I have some deep digging to do on this topic yet, but here are a few highlights.

1. Make every decision asking myself "Is this right for my brand"?

2. Get the books in order. I am ready to face that I can't do EVERYTHING all the time. I am so ready to outsource the bookeeping.

3. Allow myself the time to explore different creative outlets. I want, need, am dying to paint. So why don't I just do it already?!

That kicks off the list. At the end of the year, I will asses fully, and come back to you with the highlights. I hope you will do the same! Be sure to stop by Trish Alan Designs today as well for her 2011 goals!

free printable gift tags!...

2010-12-06T04:18:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday all! How about some free printable gift tags to start the week? Hope you love them! Just click here or on the image to download. (Just for you. Not for resell. Don't be a meanie during the holidays!)

new community for artists!

2010-12-06T03:52:00.000-05:00

The amazing Tara Reed has done it again! Not only does she inspire, guide, and excite artists who are interested in licensing. She also offers an incredible range of tools to help you from beginning to end! I mean I thought she really covered it all! Well now she really has! She has created an online community called Inner Circle just for artists like you and me. Here's what you get!

INNER CIRCLE artists...

… want to know HOW to license their art. What steps to take to get from thinking about it to actually doing it.

… want to better understand what manufacturers are looking for.

… want to learn how to create licensable art and how to connect with the companies and license their art.

… want regular resources and advice that is specific to the art licensing industry today.

… want access to support and advice for their particular questions.

Inner Circle Artists receive private benefits, practical help and exclusive discounts that are designed to give both your business and life a serious advantage. It's a one-of-a-kind online coaching club designed to support artists on every level. Just think, what could you accomplish if you were given access to the inner workings of the art licensing industry?

Sounds amazing right? When you are looking for more than an ebook and a little less than private coaching, which can be costly, the Inner Circle provides the perfect middle ground!

In other news... Tara is running a fantastic special on all the Paul Brent audio from the Ask Calls. You can get the whole bundle for 25% off thru December 30th! I've listened live to a few of the calls, and let me tell you, they are FULL of awesome information that only comes with experience. They all contain super valuable advice from someone who has had a very long and successful career licensing art. So, you're still here? Go check it out already! :0)

high society giveaway!...

2010-12-03T07:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday everyone! I'm giving away a FQ of High Society in Hannah! This giveaway if for the FB CROWD ONLY (hey, why not shake things up a bit?) So head over and check it out already! :) Leave your comment under the three pics of the fabric on the FB PAGE! Have a great weekend all!

high society goodies...

2010-12-03T06:11:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to everyone who is creating with High Society fabrics! I want to share with you some of the lovelies that have popped up in the flickr pool! Please join the pool if you are having fun with the fabrics too!

Bliss Bags by Jackie Maree

trend alert - disco baby!...

2010-12-01T05:28:00.000-05:00

Ok. Love it or hate it...its happening. Disco is creeping its way back into our lives. Ok, well for some of us, this will be the first go 'round at it. I know some of you may be holding yourselves back from gagging right now, but I gotta tell you...I think I am into it! What is making me go over the top?? One guess...the color! It's like a fruit salad ran away with a bunch pomegranates, and picked up some eggplant along the way for good measure. (I know that didn't make any sense...) I also love the idea of pairing them down with a range of camels. AND, really, who can do over-the-top, yet wearable better than Marc Jacobs?

It's fun, it's girly, and vampy all at the same time. I love how last season is was all about the 50's and those plunging bustlines. It's like it's ok to a WOMAN again! It all really feels like a party! Of course I am on board with anything that has a sense of joie de vivre about it! You can really pull some amazing color palettes from this trend and play with lots of color blocking....hmmm....photos. Marc Jacobs Spring 11 from style.com and snaps from Dec 2010 Vogue.

an adventure with Kristin the intern...O' Oriole Mill, how I love thee...

2010-11-30T08:17:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays everyone. I'm just dropping in from my little adventures.....

This week I visited the Oriole Mill in North Carolina, tomorrow who knows? I went with my program to this Jacquard Weaving Center after having a long semester of learning how to assign weaves in Jacquad. The looms were humongous and I was surrounding by a thousand spools of thread. It was pretty much any Textile Major's dream come true. Initially when finding out alot of my semester was going to be spent weaving a grandma blanket---I was not too pleased nor excited. However, I found a way to make mine cute and modern and I think now its my proudest work ! (And plus I learned the basis of how designs are woven in the industry.) Thanks professor!
The process went by so quick, my blankets were done in minutes! Each heddle moving up and down so fast and powerful it could slice a carrot.

I did two blankets and I am so happy I did because I learned so much between the two. The striped floral goes along with my portfolio collection, found. The second one was my first experiment, a baroque inspired design with light bulbs. My favorite!That's me and my classmates with our woven masterpieces!

new obsession - pinterest...

2010-11-29T03:48:00.000-05:00

Hi! Hope everyone state side had a great holiday! Now, back to it for a few more weeks! So...I don't think I've told you about my new OBSESSION! It's called pinterest, and it's a m a z i n g! You know all those drool worthy images you come across all day long? Well the smarties at Pinterest have created a great way to catalog all that wonderful visual goodness. Aside from keeping up with all the great inspiration you encounter, you can also follow other people's "pins". I've discovered some really interesting new corners of the web from the people I am following. It is so fun, immensely useful, and highly addictive, but in a good way! Have fun, and give me follow!

In other news...I just noticed my blog is listed in the latest issue of the SURTEX newsletter On the Surface as one of three great blogs to check out! Check it out in the resources to remember section. Hooray!

new shop and a sale!!

2010-11-26T19:39:00.000-05:00

Have you guys checked out my new shop yet? I will be adding all sorts of fresh new goodies before the year is over. As usual photos prints and stretched canvas are available, and I've just added HIGH SOCIETY 2011 calendars! Hooray! Everyone loved the fabric collection, so I decided keep the love fest going all year long!

Soooo....what's Thanksgiving without a SALE??

Everything in the shop is 15% off until the end of November. Use the coupon code CARPEDIEM for the calendars, and PECANPIE for photo prints and canvas.

Head here for the scoop on the SHOWSTOPPER sale.

Happy shopping!

SHOWSTOPPER SALE!!

2010-11-26T14:31:00.000-05:00

As you recover from the feast, the family, and the crazy shopping scene, remember that this time of year is a great time for reflection. Thanksgiving is such a wonderful time to remember all the people and gifts that are most important to us. In the craziness of the season, don't forget that a new year is right around the corner. Remember to take sometime for yourself to nurture your creative spirit, and really think about your business goals for the coming year. That said, I am offering the pre-launch rate for SHOWSTOPPER through the entire weekend! I hope this will give you the little nudge you need to take the plunge and really transform you business! Here are the details!

***SPECIAL RATES WILL END November 28TH @ 9:00pm EST***

I'm ready to rock! - $70 ($97 after special)

Email series, ebook, and the awesome videos.

use discount code = LETSROCK

Ready to rock + Confessions. - $80 ($112 after special)

Email series, ebook, and the awesome videos, AND Confessions for just $10.

use discount code = LETSROCK5478

***(ebook alone without the videos is also available for $45)***

Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday season.
See you at the shows!

BONUS!!! Don't miss the wonderful sales TARA REED is running too!

peek of the process - color...

2010-11-22T06:09:00.000-05:00

Finally! I am committing myself to creating new work! Let me tell you I am so excited about it! This is why I love fall. I just want to make some tea and draw, draw, draw! I know everyone wants a bit more of the scoop on my process, so I thought I would begin at the beginning!

Truly for me it all starts with color. Before I think about themes, motifs, anything at all, I have to see and feel the color story. In fact it is the color that really creates the story as a whole for me. Color creates a story of India, or Provence, or a playful summer day... When I start to create a color palette I like to pull images that really speak to me - and the story just takes off. There are so many places I can go within this palette! Um...yum! Really!

1. via papersnitch 2. via design sponge 3. holly knitlightly via papersnitch 4. via from the right bank 5. via wise acre (flickr) 6. via roger gordon (flickr) 7. via rudolf_schuba (flickr)

print inspiration - envirosax...

2010-11-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday all! I'm back after my little bloggy break last week, with lots of yummy eye candy! I gotta tell you, I LOVE this long ride we have been on with the ethnic prints. The trend is still going strong, and being reinvented daily. I can't get enough of the warm earth tones, and the tribal influences from all parts of the globe.

The "Nomad Pouch" from Envirosax has a great range of prints on a really great product. Have you heard about them?? The group is based out of Australia are are committed to not only providing consumers with an alternative to plastic bags, but they are also deeply committed to educating the public on environmental issues. I love the message, look the look, and will soon love the bags! (They been added to my Christmas wishlist!)

Kristin the intern's new collection

2010-11-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

Hi guys! Just got my new fabric collection found in from Spoonflower that I am using for my exiting show in December. Yeah that's right this little intern will be graduating in less than a month!

The collection I created is called found because I feel I have finally found who I am as an artist, but also because the design motifs are taken from found inspiration. I drew from things like insects, woodgrain, roses, stitches and the holes from my wall piece from last semester. For me, it was all about having fun, being free and creating something that really spoke to who I am. I think that's what it's all about after all!I will be upholstering a chair with 3 of the fabrics all together. Then I will cover the chair backs and saw them so they can hang on the gallery wall. I am an upholsterer's daughter so I want to include this skill in my installation. Don't worry more photos sure to come! Wish me luck everyone!

more fabric from robert kaufman!!...

2010-11-11T06:25:00.000-05:00

I've got goodies to share! More yummy fabric arrived on my doorstep yesterday! I am so happy to share with you my latest collection for Robert Kaufman. It's called Ivory Coast and it is full of rich color and ethnic inspired prints (of course with a modern twist)! Hope you love it like I do!

Mon Sheri Fat Quarter Winner!...

2010-11-08T12:23:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to lucky number 12 - Stitch-n-Lounge! Please send me your address, and I'll send over the fabric! Hooray! Send to info@khristianahowell.com. Thanks for all the feedback guys!

HGTV and me!...

2010-11-05T07:02:00.000-04:00

About a month ago I was approached by the wonderful Lana Kole to contribute to an HGTV.com article. Of course I immediately said yes, and then I asked what the article was about. :0) The article is called Decorating for Winter with Textiles, and it is up... NOW! Big thank you to Lana for inviting me, and for putting together a great piece!

the start of something new...

2010-11-05T06:25:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday all! I've made a commitment to myself to spend the rest of this year creating, creating, creating! When January gets here, the real countdown to SURTEX begins, and I am still toying with the idea of squeezing in another show as well. So I took a moment to step away from the computer and get out my trusty pens a few days back. Thought I would share the beginnings of something new! Tomorrow I am going to play all day with my partner in crime these days, Jessica Swift. A trip to the art supply store is in my future, and I plan to walk out with all new paints to play with! I'm really excited to try some new things, but also a little terrified.

Mon Sheri Giveaway!

2010-11-04T09:20:00.000-04:00

I have a fat quarter of Mon Sheri left from the wonderful samples made by my friend over at Hey Baby Studio! It's lonely, and needs to find a home! This collection was named after my constant inspiration my mom, Sheri, so I hope you love it as much as I do!

So, here's what you do.

1. Follow @surfacedivine (that's me!) on Twitter or join the peeps on F acebook.

AND

2. Leave a comment here letting me know what you would like to see more of in this space. If you instead want to share what is inspiring you right now, I'd love to hear about that too! :)

Winner will be randomly selected and announced here on Monday!

Two new fabric collections!

2010-11-02T07:21:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I'm back from Quilt Market! It was tons of fun! I was thrilled to make some of my twitter friends into real life friends! Finally got to meet Daisy Janie (who's booth was amazing btw) and Jenean Morrison. I also met some great new friends Marisa from Creative Thursday, Betz White, Lizzy House, and Melody Miller, Lindsay and Charlie from Hawthorne Threads, Cynthia from Fabricworm and Birch, and Kim from True Up. I even had a moment to chat with Amy Butler! Full weekend - let me tell you, but so so much fun! So...want to see the two new collections I presented with Anthology?? Come on, sure you do! ;0)

First up, Bryant Park in three colorways - Yacht, Terre, and Balkans!

This collection was inspired by the spirit of Bryant Park in NYC. Although, the shows are no longer held there, we will always remember Bryant Park as a destination where beauty, creativity, and innovation were celebrated. I wanted to mix vintage overtones with modern shapes, and use color in a fresh new way. Hope you heart it!

Next up Theory in three ways - Seaside, Sierra, and Forest

Theory was all about trying something new. Mixing and matching traditional and modern elements and seeing what came out. It was my theory really of what a new look for home, fashion, and craft could be.

Mon Sheri is available now!...

2010-10-28T07:58:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone! This will be my last post before I head off to Quilt Market for the weekend! Hooray! When I get back I will be able to tell you all about my next collections! However...THIS is happening right now! Mon Sheri, my collection for Robert Kaufman fabrics is available now!!! It is up on Hawthorne Threads, and I am sure others will follow soon! *** This collection is really close to my heart and was named after my constant inspiration my mother Sheri....thus "Mon Sheri" Cute right? So yes, I know how to spell dear, cheri in french, now everyone has the real scoop. More info and a picture of my fabulous mother here! So how about at little eye candy?? All of these great pieces were made by Hey Baby Studio.

P.S. Please email me what you are making with Mon Sheri!! I would love to feature you here!! info@khristianahowell.com

spring '11 on my mind + where i'm going...

2010-10-27T08:38:00.000-04:00

I am getting into the full swing of designing really fresh new collections! Hooray! As you all know, tons of my inspiration come from fashion. It is, and will always be my first love. Stand out for me from the spring '11 shows was Prada. I am not usually a fall-inline-with- Prada kind of girl. This spring line however was vibrant, eclectic and energetic - things I can really relate to. Here are some of the highlights and where I am going with color. Yummy, yes??

updated press page!...

2010-10-24T19:42:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday all! Hope you had a lovely weekend! With the help of my wonderful intern Kristin, I have just updated my press page. Please do stop by and have a look! Here's to a fantastic week all!

wallpaper with IMGS wallcoverings!!...

2010-10-22T06:21:00.000-04:00

Hooray! The day is here! My new range of wallpaper for IMGS Wallcoverings is available NOW!! Double eek!! I am so excited. They can ship worldwide, so dive in and play! Hooray! Go over and check out the full range, but here is a little peek!

SHOWSTOPPER is live!...

2010-10-21T07:28:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone, just incase you don't follow along on twitter (whaaa? that's where all the fun is! Go now! @surfacedivine), SHOWSTOPPER - Road Map to Rocking You're Trade Show is live! Yes! Right now! Hooray! Swing by and check it out! :0) Here is a peek at the book, but don't forget you also get awesome video interviews with Tara Reed, Tara Gentile, Michelle Ward, and more!!

feature - better homes + garderns, diy mag...

2010-10-21T06:24:00.000-04:00

eek! how cool is this? Check out my "Granted" pillows in the DIY mag by Better Homes and Gardens! I love that this print was featured because the original collection was named after my awesome little bro Grant. You can find the whole range on Alluminare.com. Exciting!

pieces of me - thoughts on perfection...

2010-10-20T15:50:00.000-04:00

So my project that I have been slaving, obsessing, and killing myself over is alive (I'm referring to SHOWSTOPPER). Yes, that is really how it went down. I really poured myself into this one. An idea that started out as a "hey what if I..." during a late afternoon lunch with some friends...turned into a summer long (and then some) massive project. Am I happy I did it? Of course! I am thrilled with the results! Did I have like 10,000 other ideas I wanted to put into it? Absolutely! The scoop is I am a Virgo, and a darn good one at that. Translation - I am a hard core perfectionist. However, what I am learning is, if we wait until everything is perfect, nothing would ever happen. So in this instance, I put a date on the calendar, and declared this is when this project will come to life. Period. No excuses. No second guessing. It is so easy to try to wait for the perfect moment to move on the things we are dreaming about. The perfect time to do a show, the perfect time to move, the perfect time to ________ (fill in the blank). We all do it. What the heck are we waiting for? Really, the time is now, yes? As artists I know we all have this inner dialog. I've decided to cut myself some slack. Will you join me?

what if...

2010-10-16T11:45:00.000-04:00

An event this week got me thinking about how we communicate with each other in this online world. Thought I would repost one of my favorite posts from a series I started called what if. I still really love the idea, but at that point I did not have the time to give it the attention it deserved. Think I will start it again soon... Hope everyone is having a happy weekend.

What if...

we took every breath, step, and action honoring how we are all connected...

all photos copyright khristian a. howell

Showstopper coming on Tuesday!!...

2010-10-14T06:09:00.000-04:00

The time is almost here! Showstopper will be releasing on Tuesday October 19th to the mailing list only! Included will be some freebies and discounts! Hop on over to the list today! Here's some scoop on the project!

Showstopper Promo - Computer from Khristian Howell on Vimeo.

High Society Update...

2010-10-13T10:02:00.000-04:00

Eeek! That is all I can say! High Society is doing amazing! Seriously, if you have not ordered a stash yet, get on it! Several prints are on the verge of selling out from my amazing partner Anthology! Can you believe it? I hardly can! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported and picked up the collection! I really do want to see what you are making! Drop into the High Society Flickr pool!

trends for fall and a fun new tool...

2010-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Kristin, my fab intern posting using a great new tool today!

Hello all! So today I made my first polyvore! The funnest thing I've done on my laptop in a minute! It's so easy and really got me into what is trending for fall.

in your bedroom fall 2010 by KristinJean featuring a print dress

new release tuesday...

2010-10-12T04:07:00.000-04:00

Oh the life of a licensing artists... Yesterday we were going to the beach, today its time to celebrate the holiday season! I am so happy to finally be able to tell you about a few of my new projects! The first one I am super excited about! A selection of my prints will now be available as wallcoverings from IMGS Wallcoverings!!

See the full range and order soon here.

On to the next bit of news. I am now designing for TINY PRINTS!! How exciting is that! Here is the first release perfect for your holiday party! Not to forget those blushing brides, one for a bachelorette party invite too! More releases are just around the corner, so I'll keep you posted!

starblu beachwear - new release!...

2010-10-11T07:08:00.000-04:00

As you are settling in for fall maybe you are already imaging you mid-winter getaway?! My latest two prints have just been released with Starblu beachwear, and are perfect for that January sunny retreat!

Anthropologie fall 2010

2010-10-08T07:30:00.000-04:00

I got my Anthropologie catalog yesterday. Usually big eek!!! However, this one is a bit skimpy for my taste. Give up the goods Anthro, you know we all want it! Anyway here are a few of my faves. Happy weekend all! (clearly, my scanner is having a bit of an attitude today, please disregard)

[caption id="attachment_2726" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="umm...yes please, may I have another?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2727" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="can we stop and drool over this beautiful wall please?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2729" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="not your grandpa's cardi"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2728" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="just can't get enough mustard1"][/caption]

navigating the copyright website...

2010-10-07T06:14:00.000-04:00

I got a comment today about navigating the copyright website, so I thought I would walk you all through the process. The interface takes a bit of getting used to, but once you've done it a few times it will become faster, promise. (Anything is better than sending artwork snail mail!) Here goes!

[caption id="attachment_2711" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Copyright.gov landing page. Click Electronic Copyright Office."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2712" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="click log in mid page"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2713" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="login in or register to create a user name and password"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2715" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Under copyright services, click register a new claim"][/caption]

* On the next page click start registration. (not pictured)

[caption id="attachment_2716" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Choose the type of work from the drop down and click contine"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2717" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="click new"][/caption]

* On the next page (not pictured), select the type of work your are registering, and give it a name. This is just a name for the claim basically. Later, you will be able to upload all of your individual art files, thus all of the pieces will be recognized separately.

* On the next page (not pictured) click continue (remember you are just set up the ONE claim, you will add all the artwork later)

* Continue answering the questions on the following pages.

[caption id="attachment_2718" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Now, you will add the claimants (that's you). Click new and enter your information. Once you have done this one time, you will be able to just click add me in the future."][/caption]

* Fill in all the information on the following pages.

* When you come back to the screen that looks like the above image, click continue.

* Continue this process of adding the requested info and clicking continue when you come back to this screen. You will notice the check marks being filled in to the left.

**Note** Some of the sections you may skip, so read the requests carefully

[caption id="attachment_2719" align="alignnone" width="430" caption="Once you have completed all the sections, you will be prompted to review. Check all the info and click add to cart."][/caption]

* Once you pay, you should be redirected to a screen that will let you upload all of your art. Double check the file requirements before you begin to upload. You can upload zip file, which makes things go faster of course. I like to upload by collection, so it is clear for my purposes when I receive my certificate.

Ok folks, hope that helps! :)

Excellent resources...

2010-10-05T07:35:00.000-04:00

Hi! Hope everyone is enjoying this awesome fall weather!! Today I am so happy to share with you two amazing resources. The first of which is the new ebook by the amazing, awe inspiring editor of Scoutie Girl, Tara Gentile. If you want a dose of get it in gear, kick the door down (her words), SMART inspiration, she is your girl! She has followed up her super successful 52 Weeks of Blogging your Passion with 52 More Weeks of Blogging your Passion. The hundreds...yes hundreds of people who got the first book have been on the edge of their seats for this jam packed sequel. Tara goes right to the heart of many of the tough questions we all ask ourselves daily like "How do I get more blog comments?" and "How do I write about struggles in my business?" The book is sectioned into months, each of which has a particular intention. From there Tara gives you 4-5 prompts to help you go below the surface of daily activities, and find YOUR voice. What I love about Tara's approach is her overarching tone is always one of building community! This is one not to miss.

Next up is The Declaration of You. This e-course is brought to you by two of girls I call on for eating tapas, business brainstorming, venting, laughing, exploring new ideas...well you get it..they are my go-tos! For good reason too! Jessica (Gonacha) Swift and Michelle Ward are two of the most inspiring, innovative, and plain old funny people who I am super proud to call close friends. They've come up with a great course to help you get back in touch with you, and get what you really desire out of life. The course runs from October 25th-November 22nd. Here's the scoop in their words...

The Declaration of You is an e-course that allows each and every person to create their own manifesto / roadmap/ rulebook (or, um, declaration!) based on their uniquity (yes, it’s a made-up word, but it’s part of our declaration!). We ask that you toss your “shoulds”, “can’ts” and “impossibles” to the curb, and let yourself discover what it is you want, you believe, you desire, and is true for you. This ain’t The Declaration of Yo’ Mama, after all.

See...they are funny! you will have tons of fun with these two, and walk away ready to stand tall and DECLARE the path to your dreams!

***affiliate disclosure*** If you participate in either of these fantastico offerings, I will receive an affiliate commission. DUH! They just make me say that. However, as always, I only tell you about the very best of what is out there, and about people and programs I truly believe in. Have fun! Carpe Diem!

new high society sightings!...

2010-10-04T06:31:00.000-04:00

Thank you to new online retailer Marmalade Fabrics for carrying the High Society collection! Looks like Marmalade still has this print below which I hear is disappearing fast! Look my picture is right there next to my twitter friend Jan who has an awesome line called Geo Grand!

Thank you Whimsy Couture for Friday's feature!

Thank you Coffee and Cotton!

marimekko - fall 2010...

2010-09-30T06:42:00.000-04:00

As you well know, one of my all time favs! Here's what's happening at Marimekko this fall.

[caption id="attachment_2638" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="fabrics"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2639" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="more wonderful fabrics"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2637" align="aligncenter" width="264" caption="bedding"][/caption]

four years ago...

2010-09-29T13:45:00.000-04:00

Four years ago today I began an adventure with my very best friend. He puts up with a moody artist everyday, and I am very lucky! I realized that you've never really seen parts of this day! Here's a peek at a magical time that was full of good friends, great food, and a whole lot of dancing! He's pretty cool. :) Check him out here and here. Dress by my amazingly talented and kind friend Analea De La Fuente.

[caption id="attachment_2623" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="a girls has to have her dots!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2625" align="aligncenter" width="429" caption="I'm not expressive, I swear..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2624" align="aligncenter" width="430" caption="RACHEL we said it's time to BOOGIE!"][/caption]

What is your Biggest Trade Show Question?

2010-09-27T06:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday all! I am in the final stages of putting together SHOWSTOPPER - Road Map to Rocking Your Trade Show, and I need your help. I want to know what is your biggest question regarding doing a show? I would be very thankful if you would take a moment to fill out my little survey (and click the share link too!). If you are not already on the SS mailing list, what are you waiting for?? :0) Have a great week everyone!

[polldaddy poll="3829446"]

a bit of eye candy from nyfw...

2010-09-26T08:31:00.000-04:00

Hi! Hope you are all enjoying your Sunday. I usually really dig in and bring you all my favorites from Fashion Week. I just haven't had the time lately, with fabric lines coming out, designing new freebies, and launching a new (awesome) product. There is just not enough time in the day! I thought I would share one of my stand outs from the shows a few weeks ago. Enjoy!

Loving the full on Chinoiserie at Philosophy!

Showstopper - road map to rocking your trade show...

2010-09-23T04:11:00.000-04:00

I've been telling you something BIG was coming in September, well the wait is finally over! Almost! On the heels of writing Confessions of a First Timer, I have received loads of requests to go deeper into the process. I've taken all your requests and more and created SHOWSTOPPER - Road Map to Rocking your Trade Show. This is not just an ebook! With the help of some AWESOME GUEST STARS, I have literally created your guide to getting it all done. What I can tell you now, is this project is like no other. While I am putting the final touches on things, hop on the mailing list to be THE FIRST to hear about the upcoming release, FREEBIES, and a few surprises (that you will only find out if you are on the list! :)) along the way. Show season will soon be upon us! Get ready to be a Showstopper!

Excited?? I am! I would love if you would tweet it, post it on FB, and tell all your friends who have been dreaming of making their show dreams a reality!

Happy Birthday to me! Free download for you!

2010-09-21T04:06:00.000-04:00

Today's the day!! Today I am turning the big 3-0!! Guess that means the training wheels are off, and I am really, really an adult! Wow, how strange is that?! There have been a lot of 30 before 30, or 30 while...kinds of lists going around, and that is great fun. I've decided to keep things a bit more simple. In honor of my big day, I've decided to work on three really important things this year, and maybe one to grow on too! :) This year I will strive to...

1/ Be a better friend.

2/ Be a better daughter

3/ Stop neglecting the things that deeply feed my soul (the French language, salsa dancing, and yoga)

Let's face it. This year has been totally crazy! Getting a business off the ground, going to my first trade show, writing an ebook, these are no small tasks. My work life balance has pretty much been out the window. Obviously, I have been having so much fun building my business, but all work and no play...well you know how it goes. My friends and family have been sooo very supportive in the last few years of my new independent adventure, I want to be sure to spend more quality time with all of them. So this is my commitment to myself (in a very public forum so you all will hold me to it!) - this year, I restore the balance.

And here is my gift to you in the form of a pretty cute printable if I say so myself! Click the image and it's all yours - blank for you to fill in of course! Hooray for all the Virgos!

Creative Connections Event 2010 - HUGE SUCCESS!...

2010-09-20T09:26:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday all! I'm back after spending four days in Minneapolis at the Creative Connections Event! I feel so lucky to have been a part of the inaugural event created by the dynamic duo of Nancy Soriano and Jo Packham. Big, huge thank you to Nancy for inviting me to speak on the How to Launch a Business Panel. This is event was so impressive, it is hard to know where to start. The most valuable part of this experience for me was how sincerely everyone wanted to share and nurture business and creativity. By that I mean not only for their own ventures, but also for everyone else's who was at the event as well. This event was truly a manifestation of what is happening in the craft/creative/women's arts movement. Everyone was so kind, and giving with their knowledge and talents. It was remarkable, motivating, and heart warming. This few days was far above and beyond a creative meetup. The Creative Connections Event was, and will continue to be, a place to learn about your craft, your community, you business, and a wonderful safe place to explore the depths of your creative make up.lisa leonard generously donated the lovely necklace in our bags!
So just to get an idea of what the days were like...PACKED with goodies to say the least. The handmade market was open daily (and open to the public as well). There were also a wide range of classes throughout the day from painting folk art to jewelry making and everywhere in between. Lunches and dinners were provided and included a keynote speaker (Amy Butler, Ree Drummond, etc) or a panel on great subjects like the ins and outs of the editorial process (ie getting published, press etc). The dinners were great because they provided another great time to meet other fabulous creative women (especially if you were traveling alone like me).

Each day included a morning panel and an afternoon panel. Topics included: How to start a business (that's me with my panel pals! Amy Barickman, Laurie Lenfestey, and Serena Thompson), Using Social Media as a Marketing Tool, Blogging: How to Make it Matter More, The Future Face of Retail etc.

one of the dinners included beautiful decorations by Christine Hoffman

on my way! creative connections event 2010

2010-09-14T06:45:00.000-04:00

I'm so excited! I am heading to the first annual Creative Connections event tomorrow!! Will you be there??? I will be speaking on the how to start a business panel taking place Thursday morning from 8:30-11 on Thursday (9.16) Three whole days of meeting all kinds of fantastic, exciting creative women. Including...drumroll please... AMY BUTLER! Yep, I know NOW you are jealous. Well don't be! Hop a plane and meet us in Minneapolis why don't you! Full report to come - promise! BTW, did you get your free printable yesterday?

what is there to fear? - free download...

2010-09-13T04:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday all! Did you know that September is my favorite month of all?! AND its my birthday month? AND I am turning 30?! Oh yeah, we are celebrating all month long over here! I have a great new project in the works (details to come, promise!), and I am just on top of the world with all my fabric collections FINALLY hitting stores! How about a free download to start the week? A little question I ask myself whenever, I want to start something new, or just get nervous about the future. I know we have all been there. Here is a friendly reminder there is really nothing to fear. Two colorways to choose from. Enjoy! Just click the image for your FREE DOWNLOAD! Here's to a great week!

sightings - high society for anthology fabrics!...

2010-09-11T05:24:00.000-04:00

Hello this Saturday! I know you are not used to seeing me today, but there are so many exciting things happening, I just couldn't wait until Monday to share! My second fabric project is finally ready and hitting stores as we speak! Yep, I have not one, but two great new lines available now! Anthology Fabrics is a new group who made their debut with one of my collections this past May at quilt market. They have actually been providing quality fabrics to the fashion industry for over 25 years, so the quilt division seemed a natural progression. My first line, High Society is available in three colorways, and is full of really contemporary modern prints (if I do say so myself!) :) Here are a few places that are already buzzing about the line! Be sure to keep scrolling down to find out about a GIVEAWAY happening this weekend only! Thank you to all these wonderful shops for carrying and posting about High Society!!

Rock Paper Scissors in New Jersey!

Hannah colorway

The Fabric Quarter Quilt Shop

Sew, Mama, Sew is hosting a giveaway through the weekend! Winner will be announced on Monday!

Vintage Garden Party

2010-09-10T07:57:00.000-04:00

Hi all! Amongst all the busy "hooplah" that are in our daily lives we all need a few moments of inspiration and awe. While in New York City with Khristian for Printsource I found that little spot where all was calm in the world. Tucked away in my friend's backyard in the busiest city of ole' New York is where I took in all that was around me. I took a moment to take these beautiful photographs. I look at these for design and color inspiration for the projects I am doing in school at the moment, and I hope you find joy in them as well.

I love this teal color against the antiqued rust and mixing erosion with such distinguished line quality.

This door makes me want to start a collection of doorknobs.

Vintage florals are everywhere! This old chair is proof that flowers are a timeless classic. Mixing it up with fun, bright teals is a retro way of making old things new again.

manhattan adventures - kaas...

2010-09-09T05:56:00.000-04:00

I was on the hunt to visit the oh so fab hable construction when I was in New York last month. I finally found the tiny door on Perry Street in the west village. To my surprise hable was no longer there. Instead I found this little jewel Kaas Glassworks. They do a wide fabulous range of handmade decoupage. There images come from scouring flea markets for old paper. The results is a space that feels aged and oh so romantic. They also do custom work which is so exciting! Enjoy!

new art, new products, yay!...

2010-09-08T07:01:00.000-04:00

I just love hearing the sound of the fedex truck pulling up, don't you? Last week I was very pleasantly surprised to receive this gorgeous new catalog from one of my new licensees I met at SURTEX! My bikes from my Cafe du Monde line are going to be on this adorable napkin! How exciting right? How great are these images too?! This is a new line for the group. It's called Elise. Look for the new line with my napkins next spring. Hooray! :)

hooray for fall! free download...

2010-09-07T03:55:00.000-04:00

September!!! My favorite month ever! It's my birthday month (VIRGOS are the best!). The month I got married. AND we FINALLY get some relief from the heat! I love this time of year because I feel like I regain my focus. I don't know, somehow it is just harder in the summer. Anyway, this is truly a special September for me... That's right I am an '80 baby! Soooo, that means I'm turning the big 3-0! Yes, I just told you all my REAL age. So I'm not a kid anymore, feels kinda good. I am declaring today that I will always be one of those women who is very proud of her age. I will also be celebrating four fabulous years married to the most wonderful man on the planet. Not to mention fabric lines (yes, plural! More info on that to come) make their debut, and some really great surprises for you along the way. Look out September because I am recharged and ready to go! :) In honor of this wonderful time of refocus, I thought I would offer you a free download to get you motivated. How about a pretty little to do list? Hooray for fall!