Bliss in My Eyes: April 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Home Bound

Yesterday I was home bound, we had a team of men at my home painting all of our base boards, so this gave me lots of time to work on things for my display's for my upcoming craft show, since myself and my children were confined to one room. I think my son wanted to run screaming due to the out of ordinary day we were having, although Aubrey being connected to my hip, was fine with a little cartoon on handing mommy strips of fabric.
Oh how our days go. One day I feel as though things have gone perfectly and the next I feel like an anxious mess. At the end of the day kissing my little ones heads and tucking them in is all that really matters, no matter what we get into. Plus I felt it a victory to manage to get something done for my show wile being confined to my sons room! Not to mention just being a mommy and trying to get it my number one job done right!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

For the love of all things lavender

In my home you will find the scent of lavender filling the air- me begging my husband for another lavender bush to plant. Or at our local farmers market, buying up bushels of it! I use it to decorate, in my tea and soaps and lotions. Partly because I am on the band wagon of using natural products on my body and in my home whenever possible.

I snuck on over to New York Habitat blog and they can tell you all about my beloved flower. Including that in France from mid July to August you there is lavender as far as you can see. Also while in Provence they add it to candy, tea, sugar,honey, pastries and chocolate (okay that is two things I love!).

Here in Kennewick within driving distance we have a local lavender farm, that I am longing to explore this year! Hey if you can't get to France you may as well enjoy some of the luxuries of their lovely land!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A book I adore right now

This book is for anyone who loves vintage European linens. Who enjoys simple to a bit skilled sewing. I made the pillows for my couch from the inspiration from this book- she has lot's of pillow pattern's.(minus the pillow case pillow which you can find through my dear friend Anna at Navarre Charm on etsy, also her blog is adorable) Just love her! I made a makeup case out of her book and she teaches you how to tea dye your fabrics like a pro. She virtually has something to make your home a bit more European, each and every room.

This book has been a pure delight to read. I got mine on Amazon and it comes with loads of patterns too. DO not be overwhelmed by the levels she sets for projects, just dig in and give it your best shot! My biggest block in the road has been finding those vintage linens I adore and hop to have a linen closet full of! Happy crafting my dear friends!

Monday, April 18, 2011

what I adore and how you find me on these pages

Some day I wish to have a linen closet filled with vintage European linens. A yard full of lavender, and a home with fresh lilacs on my night stand. That my house looks something like the gal that runs dreamy whites blogspot (you really should head over there) It is a bit of an obsession of mine. We are in the process of selling our home. In the process I purchase a dreamy cream slip cover that made me so happy I can not tell you how big my heart smiled.
You see I have began my journey as an "artist" which my son calls me and a decor lover at heart. Although this all started because I was forced to stop working due to several illness's Rheumatoid Arthritis and fibromyalgia. I use to do hair I would find my hands going numb trying to do hair, my body in horrible pain just to make it throughout a day, but it was not until a year ago in January that I was diagnosed. I am 30. I couldn't wrap my head around what I was supposed to do all day. I was going a bit mad (crazy) I searched my soul to find the things that made me happy, art, decor and my children. So I went with what I knew and life has slowly found it's way back to a normal routine. My art shows and such stir things up- but a little excitement is good for the spirit:)

What does a day in your life feel like. Challenging- doing too many things. Please grab a cup of chamomile tonight and unwind with a some favorite music and make tonight different. Make tonight something that feels a bit like bliss. Hope to see you right here soon! As I will try to keep up my posts and photos. Be well, be blissful.

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Where to find spring goodies on a budget

I found some of my liners and sprinkles, at Jo-ann's they have great coupons right now, which will really reduce your cost on supplies.

If you wanted to make a paper banner check out your local shops, buy them by bulk (in the books) if you will be making a long banner or just as many single sheets as needed!

The dollar store usually has a few bits of this and that to make your holiday table fabulous.

Look for cheap little easter egg nests, or a few cute little birds to add to your table.

Make your treats from scratch.

The steps to a perfect card class in a package.

Then in a flat envelope put the pre pasted cards, pre- cut card- stock and blank envelopes and cards etc. this should be #1, but put a personal letter inside about the gift that says open first.
package any brads, rhinestones, flowers, any cards stock items they will have to adhere such as words that match or maybe a initial. Place in a bumble wrap envelope right on it #2. and seal.
Pre- cut papers, paste a few. put little items in little bags or tiny envelopes. If you have ever been to a card class you know how they have each item sorted for you to make it super quick & easy. Usually if it's quick we do not become overwhelmed.
Finding your product. Look around for sales or items slashed in price. Then buy a small assortment of adornments. Also buy blank cards if not in your stock pile of artsy crafty love!

The creative place we call home.

The other day I walked into my house and realized all the different labors of love I have put into the home we have and even just that day. The valentines that I created with my kids, the oven smelling fresh of Daddy's birthday cake. The pillows I strategically place on my couch. Down to how I store my makeup brushes in the bathroom. The basket of assorted hydrangeas I made to set atop a ledge with so much personality, it makes me wish I could take that basket out back and pick flowers from my meadow. The pants lined up for me to hem, the skirt I am sewing for my little one. And yet, it is a lot to do. But in each "chore" I get to use my talents to make myself proud of my favorite place, Home.

I loved making these flowers

Do you ever wonder what makes your mind go off to wander and switch onto a new project? Is it an image in a magazine, something that inspires you and makes you want to learn how. All I know is I would loose myself in these flowers in a almost zen type way at a time in my life when my mind needed to calm and my heart needed to heal, it gave me that. My art gives more peace and zen to my life every day. That is why I am thankful for having it, it came to me when I needed it most and I know it is always there to help me survive the hills and valleys of life.

Supply list

- plain bulk cards with matching envelope's

- scissors

-glue stick, liquid glue also if dealing with raised papers

-A few stamps

-start a button collection

-ribbon 1 package that matches which paper you choose

- Get a stack of colored card stock that is smaller in size then your card, that way you always have a pre-cut, colored paper to match your design.

- a good black stamp pad - you can always used colored pencils to add color to your stamps.

- A line of several pieces of paper that match your ribbon, you may also choose to purchase the other items in that line.

the rest are things that you may want but not necessary.

- rinestones

-pearls

-glitters

-embossing supplies

- assorted colored cards

-more stamp pads and actual stamps

- and truly anything that tickles your fancy!

Have fun collecting! You will see, and have seen some of my choice supplies!

Collecting fabulous supplies can be addicting!

You will soon learn how wonderful different embellishments make your products look! So set a budget it is my advice- maybe decide what project you are working on- maybe a little girls birthday and you do not have that paper etc. for something that is not general like this I suggest buying a few pieces of the larger papers and maybe a sheet of flowers or butterflies, something you could use on another card- I have a stamp of a antique baby carriage, which I bought because I made some baby shower invites- so I knew I would get the use out of them. So I guess my advice is buy only what you need and you will be surprised at what you have left over!

Beauty products~ back to my roots

My first love of a career belonged to hair and nails. Then I feel in love with the craft of makeup- do not snicker at the skill this takes! I had to go to a class to learn how to apply makeup to another person- harder than you may think! Although, I was instantly in love- in love with making people instantly glow. My makeup of choice was Mirabella. Again a very natural company! You find it mainly in salons. So my point is- go get a makeover some day, from a lady that you like her look. Not the scary lady that has 3 shades of blue eyeshadows, and red blush! Unless well, that is your thing:) I promise you will feel refreshed- even if you don't buy anything, you may pick up a tip or two and feel a instant bounce to your step!

The look of my new page

Teaching younger generations

With internet and e- cards I think it is so important to share with our next generation that paper and pen and stamps all work together to make magic. I have taught my kids since they could stick a sticker on a card to make cards for people. We haven't always had a lot of money but we had supplies and we had time together, time I used to show them how to care for someone else and show them how much you care. Making cards, coloring pictures and sending them. Making Christmas presents. It is all something I have always loved and I want to pass that down to them. Also the love of wrapping with purpose- thinking about the person you are giving the gift to, not picking the paper and bows you like. We usually make our own wrap. So here is to teaching our children how important it is to keep this tradition alive. To be a giving, caring soul.

BUTTER~ London

Wanted to let you all in on a wonderful find- maybe you already have had the luck of coming across this product - BUTTER, london. I know they have wonderful polishes and lotions, I am hoping to find time to look into them a bit more- but they basically are a company who puts none of the added chemicals that aren't really needed to make us lovely ladies feel gorgeous! They call themselves a 3 free company. Hope to have pictures of this on my next post as well. But, check them out if you get the chance- never knew how polish could make you feel spoiled!