Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Happy New Year



Happy New Year Everybody :)
I hope 2014 will be a wonderful year for all of you. I am very excited about all the things I want to do this new year in creative projects and in my personal goals. I'm definitely not getting any younger and I want to get out of my bad habits and into healthier ones, even though they typically require more discipline :)
There's nothing more hopeful than a fresh new start!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

New year new projects

Hi Everyone! I hope y'all had a Merry Christmas with your loved ones! I had a great time with my family and I'm so glad to have a couple days off just to rest and relax. Even though this year has been very difficult at times, I have been reminded how significant are the everyday things we sometimes take for granted, and for that I will be more mindful and forever grateful. I will happily greet 2014, a new year full of promise :)


my tiny tree :)

  I am very excited for 2014 because I have some new ideas and projects that I can't wait to work on.
 I have been wanting to get iPad for quite awhile now and I finally decided to take the plunge :)
I have started sketching and I'm really excited to start experimenting and develop new techniques.


winter bunny

 Also I have been working on some new ideas with fabric and  I'm super excited to share more about this later.








 I have been struggling trying to work out how projects would fall into place and I finally had some light bulb moments and things are finally starting to move forward :)


I feel like Gru in this awesome scene from Despicable Me.



Are you excited for 2014? Do you have any fun plans for the new year?

Friday, December 13, 2013

Ice Storm Thoughts

Not sure if you heard or were affected by the winter storm late last week, but down here in Texas we got a few inches of ice and were stuck inside for a few days. After a couple days I was able to get out of the house and fresh veggies were scarce in the grocery store. I decided I really wanted to make some homemade soup, I love celery and carrots that and chicken stock is really all you need for a soup foundation. You could just let your imagination and taste buds run free!

the possibilities are endless




Anyway like I said veggies were scarce and they only had shredded carrots left, which I normally never buy, but there thin shape got me thinking about all the delicious possibilities.

I was also watching a lot of TV and the actors are doing the talk show rounds for their upcoming movies. I'm really excited about "Inside Llewyn Davis". Coen Brothers Film check. Great actors check. Amazing soundtrack performed by said actors with music by T Bone Burnett check. Rambling side note T Bone Burnett also did the music for Walk the Line another music movie I love! Remember how great Joaquin and Reese's performance were? Yeah, that's another reason I'm really excited. I love a movie plot line surrounded by great music. And the fact that Oscar Isaac the guy that plays Llewyn Davis, kinda looks like Nick from New Girl ;)

llewyn on the left nick on the right

   Anyway... I'm also excited about the Secret Life of Walter Mitty with Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig, kinda getting a fanciful Eternal Sunshine vibe... yay :)   What upcoming movies are you excited about? Happy Friday to you!




Monday, December 2, 2013

Birthday Wishlist

So my birthday is this week and I put together a this little wish list of stuff I'm excited about and stuff I love on Etsy. You know if money were no object ;)


1. Lovely Agate Necklace in Purple of course from LH Jewelry Boutique

2. Adventure Time DVD Jake the Dad ( it comes with a fleece Jake hat.......yeah already bought this for myself)

3. Beautiful Multicolor Terracotta Vase from Esther Griffith  love the colors :)

4. I want to see Disney's Frozen! I tried to this weekend but it was sold out.......I think I'll wait for the crowds to subside a little
who doesn't love a comical snowman


5. Nike Wedge Sneakers in pretty Raspberry Suede <3

6. Painted Clutch from Assemblage Unique ( love her painting technique and eye for detail, see more here)

7. Monster Coffee Bath Print- Marielle from Magical Daydream recently opened an etsy shop :) I've loved her little monster since I first saw him! Check out her other great paintings I love the hedgehog too :)

8. Gotta love Lush, I love so much from there it's hard to pick just one thing, that's why I love giftcards you can get whatever you feel like whenever you want. :)


Hope you had a great Thanksgiving/Hanukkah and are getting into the Christmas spirit YAY :) 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Happy Thanksgiving DIY banner

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
It has officially become cold and wintery in Texas, and while I was staying in last weekend I decided to make a Thanksgiving themed banner to get in the holiday spirit. I got inspiration from Sew Caroline's  Christmas tree banner that I mentioned before

I decided it would be fun to make a leaf banner with felt. I already had lots of fun colors in my fabric stash and leaf shapes drawn from my sweater weather drawing.



I made the leaves larger and used them as a template.  You could do a quick sketch, or use actual leaves for a pattern.  I chose different colors for different shaped leaves and planned out the order of the banner by color and shape of leaf.  I just winged the top stitching with my machine for the vein detail on the leaves . I did at least 3 vein stitch lines for each leaf so it looks somewhat balanced.




I didn't have any neutral cotton ribbon so I just used the edge of some muslin selvage and stitched the leaves to my muslin strand.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone :)

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Boys Fashion

I'm very lucky to work at a place that hosts an Angel Tree from Salvation Army, it's so fun to look through all the kids and see who got what for the kids. This year I decided to step out of my comfort zone and choose a little boy. I was pleasantly surprised by all the cute fashion available for boys.

skateboard monster

I love Shaun White for Target, his multi-eyed monster is the face of the brand, and the short sleeve shirts are on clearance.

I love this Shark board one too!

It has so many fun details like the black and white binding on the neckband and the bright blue contrast stitching :)

I'm also a sucker for hoodies, add a cute character in the mix and I'm sold!
look at those ears

who doesn't love yo gabba gabba




Target also has some really cute shoe options too!







I also saw some cute stuff at Crazy8

too hilarious and adorable


I love robots too and the bright pops of color.
 the outfit details

What have you been pleasantly surprised by as you shop for Christmas gifts? If you are interested in shopping for angel they usually have angel trees at malls, you can also search salvation army angel tree in your area.

Happy Tuesday Everyone :)

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Top 5

Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I am very excited about spending time with my family, making delicious food and reflecting on all of our blessings this year.

I'm really trying to be intentional and take time to enjoy this holiday season and my birthday all rolled into one. Here are some things I am really excited about right now

1. Christmas Tree banner from Sew Caroline. I have previously mentioned my love for banners and how they add a festive touch to celebrations. Well Caroline has come up with a simply adorable Christmas tree banner, it's really got me thinking about banners for all seasons!

see more from sew caroline


2. Hunger Games Sesame Street Spoof. As you might know Catching Fire is in theaters starting tonight....so to celebrate lets watch this hilarious Sesame Street spoof! I think my favorite part is that Peeta is actually Pita bread in this version.



3. Andrew Bird's New Album: I Want to See Pulaski at Night
Um yeah......I pretty much want to listen to this non stop... all the songs are awesome and the instrumental songs would be the perfect Wes Anderson movie soundtrack.......just sayin :)



4. baby and dog nap time pictures.......yeah everyone has seen them by now but they are just so darn cute let's look at them again :)

from mommas gone city


5. latest fabric love and cabbage rose find.......I'm thinking of making a spring dress



Wednesday, November 13, 2013

birthday doodles

Lots of birthdays lately so I'm decided to come up with fun drawings to celebrate.

Some people are cat people, so that makes it easy.



Sometimes it's a phrase or an idea that brings an animal to mind, like a whale shooting a cupcake out of his blowhole... not really possible but perfect for birthday card.



I've also been drawing some new animals hedgehogs are fun and hippos are my new favorite!



Happy Wednesday to you :)

Monday, November 4, 2013

Halloween Recap

So we decided to have a last minute Halloween party at work. I thought about making just a regular cake and decorating it with candy corn. It turned out kinda cute for a last minute idea.



 Most of my time was spent thinking about critter shoes and how I could interpret the idea into a Halloween costume idea.






 Inspiration wasn't too hard to find, this time of year I always get to thinking about one of my favorite movies: Nightmare Before Christmas!!! I can't believe this year is the 20th anniversary of the movie, it has brought me so much joy over the years. I love the music and the story..... that we should accept that everyone is different but that's what makes us special and we shouldn't try to be something else we should be ourselves. Anyway critter shoe inspiration + printable fabric = Jack and Sally shoes!






We're simply meant to be <3

So even though I have been a huge fan of this movie for a very long time, I've never drawn the characters because Tim Burton's style is so exaggerated and complex, I knew I wouldn't be able to come close to where I wanted to be. But since I have been drawing on a more consistent basis I'm happy to say I was up for the challenge. I kinda approached Sally a little differently I elongated her and interpreted her in my normal drawing style. I kinda want to complete the drawing and add the rest of the bodies, but that's another time. So I spent a few days drawing a few versions of the couple and then printed on the fabric paper!

I love when an idea becomes tangible

After I printed the shoe appliques I cut them out and then used double sided fusible bonding and iron on the shoes. It's pretty addicting, I would say buy some shoes you know are comfortable but are cheap enough that you won't be mad if they get ruined in a creative mishap :)
What trends have you been wanting to put your own spin on?

Friday, November 1, 2013

Creature Feature

So if you have been reading my blog at all, you probably know that I really love cute little creatures, and that they are often the subject of my creative adventures.
Well I have noticed lately that the cute critters are popping up everywhere in fashion.



Like this cute hedgehog top from yep, you guessed it Anthropologie



And I'm kinda in love with this western kitty shirt, and I'm not even a cat person..




Pullovers with a vintage feel over at Old Navy



I'm not totally on board with printed leggings, but Supayana's super cute prints make it pretty tempting.


And last but not least my favorite spin on adorable wearable creatures... Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs

Do you remember his collection from last year?  Well those cute little creatures have become the shoe versions above and he is taking the critter trend to the next level with a little more vivacious version this time around.
1 2  3



















































































What do you think of his new collection, I like the pops of color but I think last year's collection is my favorite.
Those little heart shaped eyes are the cutest!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Sweater Weather

Fall is my favorite season, after a blazing hot summer in Texas there is nothing better than enjoying a brisk morning with a cozy sweater. I have been working on this idea for a drawing since last Fall, an illustration to celebrate the arrival of sweater weather!

I love the drape-y open front cardigans





                or  the more classic button down with a cute print and contrast color.








  I also really love a touch of embroidery, it makes an ordinary sweater a little more special...


My heart shaped embroidery pattern was inspired also inspired by DIY post from One Sheepish Girl, her sweet floral pattern is awesome!!!
This drawing initially started as a sketch, but then I decided it would be better to draw it digitally. 






I'm so excited I'm going to Arboretum tomorrow and I'm taking my sweater!! 
What have you got planned for this weekend?

Monday, October 14, 2013

Fall Projects

It has finally cooled down here in Texas, I am definitely excited about consistent cooler temperatures. Here's what I have been up to lately.

I've been planting my Fall garden full of broccoli, cauliflower and kale.....so I'm looking for new recipes.

Making birthday banners......I think they are so much more festive than just a card.






I made a fun little cupcake pattern for the background
















I have been working on some new drawings both hand drawn and digital


fox friend




sweater sketches





And some new stuffed animal prototypes




I have had a creative epiphany and I'm working toward getting much accomplished the rest of the month. I hope to share more completed projects soon!

What are you doing to enjoy this Fall season?

New inspiration and new projects

I love going to museums and admiring some of my favorite artists and discovering new ones too! My goal for this year was to visit a diffe...