O! You Event

Oprah's O! You Event took place in Kansas City yesterday, it was amazing! You got to attend 4 workshops throughout the day, lead by Oprah's team of experts. I choose, Nate Berkus, Suze Orman, Jim Karas, and Stacy London. Everyone was so inspiring. I think the Suze Orman workshop was my favorite, she made allot of good points, and was so realistic. Also, they where all signing books throughout the day. So, I also got to meet Dr. Oz and Peter Walsh. And if that doesn't make the day good enough, there where all kinds of sponsors giving out samples, prize drawings, massages, and putting makeup on you. Then at the end of the day you got a big bag of goodies. (Shown above). It was an amazing day, and I was so lucky to get to go.

Pumpkin Palooza

Painting pumpkins for the Sunflower House's Pumpkin Palooza (A Child Abuse prevention center) has become a tradition. This is the 3rd year the event has been going on and the third year I've been contributing. We had a painting party one night, and had some friends come out and help. The pumpkins turned out so nice this year. Thank you to everyone who came and gave their time and skills to paint with me!

ConGraDulations

A few weeks ago we where in Kentucky for my brother-in-law's graduation. It was a fun, but very fast weekend.

3 Years Today!!!

Today is my 3 year anniversary at Hallmark. The cookies are for a little celebration with a few friends that started at the same time. So, I've been thinking about the past 3 years and how lucky I am to have such a great, inspiring place. Here is what I've come up with:
1.) Influence... Getting to concept ideas, make them come to life, and then know that it's being sold all over the nation and helping consumers connect with their friends and family.
2.) Inspiring... Getting to work with other top class designers, illustrators, and lettering artist. It's one of the greatest perks working with other really great people.
3.) Interesting... Seasons, Everyday Cards, Brianstorms, Exhibits... etc. No two days at work have ever been the same. I love that projects are always changing, it keeps things fun and interesting.
It's been a great 3 years, and wouldn't have changed a thing! I can't wait to see what the next 3 bring!!

Summer flying by...

A few weeks, well more like a few months ago Beau & I went to Powell gardens for the festival of butterflies and these where some pics I had taken. It was pretty cool to see so many butterflies at one time, and in such a pretty place. - Oh and did I mention one landed on me!! That was cool too.

A recent painting....

....this is a project i've been working on latley. It is for an art show in October, to raise money for a mission trip, in memory of Kelley. I can't wait to go to the show & support the cause.

Felted Pillows

A felted pillow tutorial. Very trendy, since fabric flowers and ruffles seem to be springing up everywhere these days. The tutorial is from Anne Kyrrö Quinn's new book, Felt Furnishings.

PB&J

Found this and just had to post it. So cute. Beau & I where peanut butter & jelly for halloween a few years ago. We each had a giant foam toast on our back, and when we hugged we became a sandwich. It was pretty cute. The guy at goodwill gave me the crazy look when I donated the toast. Clearly he wasn't accustomed to accepting toast. I did win a costume contest which covered the cost of the ensemble though.

Stubby LaBear

Just some bears I've seen popping up.

steppin' it up....

...ok, so I haven't been as current on my blog- but for good reason! I officially launched my own little business, 360 Degrees. Friends have been telling my for sometime now to start offering my skills for sale, so I've made the jump. I am avalible to bake an assortment of goodies, and deliver in the Kansas City Metro area. Fans favorites include, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, and custom cakes. Please check it out here.

Say yes to the press...

.. I, like most designers love letterpress. So, today looked like a good day to share a few of my favorites.




Hammerpress: A local Kansas City company who's work is all over. They have so many cool posters and other things, that it was really hard to even choose a picture to post. They are a great place to visit when in KC.


Letterpress Delicacies: Is a little shop I found on Etsy, and loooovee their work.


Yee-Haw Industries: Another personal favorite, Yee-Haw started in a little barn in Corbin, Kentucky which is about an hour and a half south of my hometown. Now they are located in Tennessee, but their style is unique. And I always like their work.

how very crabby...

nice...

These are sculptures by Ferry Staverman, just ran across his work for the first time today. I like it.

Chi-town here I come!... again.

...only this time our team is going, Yay! We are going for a research trip, and the renegade craft fair in September. So, today we all got our tickets, and hotel. We are staying at Hotel Indigo which is beach themed (hehe). Love it! Pics will follow.

Another Em! I can't believe it ;)

A cute restaurant in Salt Lake City, UT. What a nice name - Em's. Love it!