The Fork

My personal and professional life have had many changes as of late. Not too long ago I found myself at that proverbial fork in the road with no clue as to which way to go. Going right would mean keeping things moderately comfortable, continuing to do what I have been doing, but not being really happy. Going left would be what looked like a complete life makeover. Starting from scratch, a huge change. But, happiness. So, I chose to go left. The right thing to do.

I've been traveling the left path for some time now, and am anxious to start my future as a teacher. It's really exciting to think about, but it meant closing a chapter to my life, saying good-bye to the right path. And saying "ta-ta for now" to some really great co-workers. So, in honor of my new direction, and as a thank you to my friends, I designed these little note cards, inspired by vintage flash cards, but with a modern touch. I hope you like them as much as I do. :)

 

 

*UPDATE*  Life has a funny way of working things out for us.  Check it out:  http://bemadedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/fork-was-spoon.html

Until next time...

 

 

Christmas Cards

I love holidays. Its the perfect excuse for baking and crafting. The mummie cupcakes are a perfect example of this. I've also made candy corn cookies, Valentine's cupcakes with X's and O's and I remember helping my mom make Easter basket cupcakes. But I think the best and my favorite holiday for baking and crafting is Christmas.

About 3 years ago, I decided to start making our Christmas cards. Our first Christmas as a married couple we bought pre-made cards, and they were cute, but not us. We had a hard time finding cards that just wowed us. Now, what I have created may not wow you, but they were representative of who we are, and what we were doing that year. So here is my Christmas card collection so far. :)

"Ornaments"

This is a simple ornament design, and each of the sparkles on the ornaments was "colored" in with glitter for even more bling!

 

 

"Let It Snow"

 This is a stamped snowflake motif with small crystals randomly in the flakes.

"Peace on Earth"

The text is printed on kraft cardstock, then stamped in gold with the vine. The inside is printed. We were going for vintage simplicity.

 

 

 

Until next time...

 

 

A Feather Fondness

Almost 4 years ago, I grew a great fondness for peacocks and their feathers. My husband and I were planning our wedding and were trying to come up with our colors and a non-theme theme. I was in an interior design history class studying the Art Nouveau period, when my professor showed a picture of a beautiful Tiffany vase with peacock feathers on it. I fell in love with it, and knew exactly the direction our wedding should go in. We pulled our colors from the eye of the feather--blues and greens--and kept the decor simple, showcasing the feathers in key components: my bouquet, the cake topper, simple table arrangements, and the stationary.

We were also on a tight budget for our wedding. We had to be smart in our decisions, but still wanted the day to reflect our personal styles. So I decided to design our wedding stationary, which would be both inexpensive and personalized.

We used a contemporary style, also reflective of our personal style and the wedding. The set consists of a Save the Date card, the invitation, an RSVP card, and a Rehearsal Dinner invitation.

The wedding only escalated my fondness for the feathers. They are also present in our home decor. Most recently, I created some art pieces for our wall in our main room. I took canvas and dry-brushed a bronze background, then spray-glued peacock feathers onto the canvas. It gave just enough color and texture to our walls.

 

We also recently took a trip to New Orleans for vacation. In need of a fabulous bag for a night out, I once again found inspiration in peacock feathers. I took an ordinary hand bag with clasp and transformed it into something unique and awesome. Peacock feathers were glued to the face of the back, and topped of with a jewel. Perfect for that romantic dinner for two!

 

The bag was bought at a local super store, but I modified it to fit my needs, then embellished it with the feathers.

I have a few other peacock pieces that I'll share, including some stationary that can be customized, should you also share a fondness for the beautiful feathered friend.

Until next time.....