elliemae ink

I've Moved...

2011-10-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

I have moved...
My new blog address is...

www.cherielenorehammond.blogspot.com

I have combined all of my blogs into one!
Hope to see you there!!

Chertangles...vol ii

2011-08-15T18:51:00.001-07:00

These are the latest Zentangles I added to the Zentangle Journal Swap #2.

I photographed them and mailed them out today.

This book is on it's way to Valerie in North Carolina.

I will be receiving another journal from Samantha.

I have already signed up for Swap #3 and will add

5 new tangles to the journal that Samantha sends me.

Then I send it out again and receive another one.

You should totally try it.

If you are interested go here to check out the swap!!

I am just loving Zentangles.

Believe it or not, they are so therapeutic.

As I draw each pattern my mind starts to wander.

By the time I am done I just feel better.

My next deadline is September 20th!!

Swap-Bot...July Artifix Journal

2011-08-14T20:08:00.001-07:00

As you know I have been swapping on Swap-Bot.

I found this really fun swap called July Artifix Journal.

I signed up on June 30th and had til August 8th to finish it.

What is an Artifix Journal you ask...

On the first page you will tell your partner a bit about yourself, where you live, your interests, etc. Then, date the rest of the pages from July 1st through July 31st. You will then attach an artifix to each page for that day. For the purpose of this journal, an artifix is a keepsake of an event or a piece of ephemera from a day in your life. We’ll be collecting these items each day for a month and sharing them with our assigned partner along with a description of how we came across the item, why it was meaningful to us for that day, etc. So, it could be an appointment card from an appointment you had one day along with a description of what the appointment was for, a menu with a few sentences about what you selected from the menu that day, a receipt for something you purchased on one of the days along with a picture and a description of what you bought, or it could be a bus/train ticket along with a description about where you traveled to. If the writing on the artifix is not in English, you must translate it so it is. You MUST also write a few sentences about how you got the artifix. You are welcome to get as creative as you like in linking descriptions/pictures to the artifix

I didn't want to buy a typical journal for this, I had a better idea.

I went through all the childrens books at Ross and found a pretty, beat up book,

with about 32 pages, and paid $2.99 for it!!

I covered the outside and all the pages inside with gesso.

Then I coordinated that day's ephemera with acrylic paint.

I just did a simple wash of paint over the gesso.

Some pages I added more gesso than others.

I really love the way it turned out!!

Here is the book, that I sent to my partner Janice (in Arizona)

in it's entirety...

If you have never done a swap before, come check it out!

I am trying to do at least one a month!!

So-much-fun!

10 on the 10th...

2011-08-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a list of 10 random things that I am into this month.

Every month on the 10th I will put together this list.

I think it will be neat to look back on what I was into as the years go by.

I'm also linking up with Jamie at This Kind of Love for

What I'm Loving Wednesday

one

My latest Pinterest find:

AussieDoodle

Pinned to my Things I W.A.N.T. board.

two

My Flickr favorite...

from noprayer4dying

three

I really want to make this perpetual calendar.

I found it on Design Sponge

four

CraftyGirl*

You really need to check out Emily's blog.

She is about to turn 13 and is already got her craftiness on.

This one has a successful future to look forward to.

five

Design Star...I just love this show!

six

The movie of the month is...

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2

We got this for Dash last week and I just loved the story.

seven

The newest craft on my list that I want to try is...

Polymer Clay...aren't these pieces awesome!

eight

Create my own journal

Here's just one idea...don't you just want to start writing?

nine

The app I am using the most right now is...

ten

last but not least.

I am trying to loose weight again.
I just started yesterday. Wish me luck!

Updates will be shared monthly.

Hope to see some major progress!

Hope you enjoyed a peek into my brain right now.

You never know what's going to pop up in there.

Until next month.
♥

Back to school countdown...

2011-08-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby boy will be going to kindergarten in just 17 days...17days!

...and because in 5 year old land 17 days is like eternity,

I needed a visual way to count it down.

So, I decided on a simple paper chain.

Dash selected 4 colors
We cut them into strips
I wrote numbers on each strip
The very last strip says "Go to school today"
We stapled the strips into a chain

I hung the chain on the front door

and each morning before we leave

we will take one link off.

Simple and...

...easy peasy.

Chertangles...vol i

2011-08-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

...pronounced [share-tangles]
or [chair-tangles]
or [shur-tangles]

short for Cherie's Zentangles.
[I'm so clever sometimes, it hurts..teehee]

As you may know, I have been participating in some swapping over at Swap-Bot.

It has been so much fun learning different techniques for different crafts.

Because there is always a send deadline, it helps keep me accountable.

It forces me to manage my time better and finish every project.

It has really been hard to balance this time and family time.

My super wonderful husband, Jeremy, will care of all things Dash for a couple of

hours while I am in my studio crafting away.
I try to only craft a couple nights a week.
(I could just stay in my studio and never come out)

Dash has also been coming into my studio to help, which is awesome.

This is the boy who does not like to color with crayons.

I can't tell you how bummed I was about this...

...but, add in scissors, paints, and a stapler and I've got him hooked!!

Anyhoo...Zentangles...focus...

For the swap we had to buy a journal, add a short bio on the 1st page,

then draw 5 Zentangles on the next 5 pages.

I was a little nervous at first because I had never Zentangled before.

I googled Zentangles and up popped hundreds of pattern swatches.

As each Zentangle was completed, I.fell.in.love!!

I am so hooked now.
All the photos above are of my 5 Zentangles for the swap.
I sent this journal out last month and received one from someone else.
I have already signed up for #2 in this swap series.
I will be continuing in the journal that I received, by adding my bio
and 5 zentangles again.
We just keep swapping with each other until we get a journal full of zentangles.
My next deadline is August 15th.
I can't wait to share more with you.

If you haven't ever Zentangled, you've got to try it!
You might just get hooked.

365 iphone project...July

2011-08-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here are all of July's pics.

I'm still missing just a couple, well actually 5.

It was a really fun month that started with a trip to Disneyland,

and ended on a trip to the Temecula Promenade Mall...

1. 182/365, 2. Not available, 3. 184/365, 4. 185/365, 5. 186/365, 6. 187/365, 7. 188/365,

8. Not available, 9. 189/365, 10. 190/365, 11. 191/365, 12. Not available, 13. 193/365,

14. 194/365, 15. 195/365, 16. 196/365, 17. 197/365, 18. Not available, 19. 199/365,

20. 200/365, 21. Not available, 22. 201/365, 23. 202/365, 24. 203/365, 25. 204/365,

26. 205/365, 27. 206/365, 28. 206/365, 29. 207/365, 30. 209/365, 31. 210/365

32. Not available 33. Not available

We are well underway into the 2nd half of the year.

I'm actually a bit shocked and impressed that I have kept up with this challenge.

Happy photo taking to you all.

August Goals...

2011-08-02T02:23:00.000-07:00

Let's see how I did with my July goals...

READ THE WORD DAILY...I did not do this nearly enough. I just need to make it a priority!
~~CATCH UP ON ALL MY SKETCH PROMPTS FROM JUNE~~...I just keep looking at my sketch book over and over again. Now I just need to make sure I continue to sketch.
READ ONE BOOK...Just didn't happen. Time just gets away from me. This is the first month in 18 months that I haven't read one book. Now I have to read an additional book if I want to accomplish 12 books in a year.
GO TO THE GYM AT LEAST 2X / WEEK...I just don't have the energy to go when I get home from work. I need to start going first thing in the morning.
~~TAKE THE TIME TO BE A GOOD PEN-PAL~~...I only sent out 1 letter and 1 card. Next month will be even better!

This month has been really busy.

I only have 24 days till I go part time at work.

I am going to gain an extra 10 hours/ week.

I cannot wait!!

Here are my August goals.

Nothing too complicated.

Very attainable. Just need to discipline myself.

I am most excited about putting together

a new daily routine for my new schedule!!

August Color Palette...

2011-08-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

image source:

pale yellow background, peridot beads, blue, orange, plum chair

I found it kind of difficult choosing the perfect palette for August.

It's the end of summer and not quite fall.

So I started with peridot, a calm simple green.

It was perfect and I complimented it with other pale muted hues.

No summer brights, but not real warm tones.

So I found a happy middle ground with this palette.

Imagine yourself sitting in this simple plum chair
and thinking about all things summer wrapping up and

thoughts of school starting in the back of your mind.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

I am actually really excited about school starting.

Dash is starting kindergarten.

His first day is August 24.

On that day my schedule drastically changes for the first time in 16 years.

I will be going part time...I can barely contain my excitement.

I have had a successful career and am now really ready to be a full time mom!!

I will be staying home with Dash in the morning,

walking him to school at 11:30 and then going to work for only 6 hours a day!!

I know that is only 2 hours less a day, but I get the entire morning with him everyday!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Color Psychology Corner:

GREEN

cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world
represents tranquility, good luck, health and jealousy
can improve reading ability
has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th century
often used in decorating for its calming effect
is thought to relieve stress and help heal
the traditional color of peace, harmony, comfortable nurturing, support and well paced energy

See the world...

2011-07-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

My dear, sweet bloggy friend Mae, Mae Sixteenth,

invited me to participate in this new meme!

It looks really fun and hopefully will lead to some new friendships!!

SEE THE WORLD: Where do you most want to go?

To London...really anywhere in Europe

I AM GRATEFUL FOR:

my wonderful husband and my sweetie boy, Dash.

They are my life!

I WISH I HADN'T SAID:

I don't think I have regretted anything I've ever said...blogging that is

(in real life the list is endless)

I WILL COMMIT TO:

being the best and loyal friend I can be

I NEED:

for August 24th to get here faster!

my work schedule is changing and I will only be working part time!!

YOU SHOULD READ:

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lorna Landvik

It is nothing about what the title makes you think it is.

It is a book about lifetime friends!!

I MISS:

quality alone time with my husband

we work all day and in the evening Dash is our world

we need to improve on this!!

I WISH:

that I could be a full time wife and mom!!!!!!

YOU WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW:

I was a baton twirler

from the time I was a 5 year old kindergartner

until I graduated college at 22.

That is 17 years.

I twirled in Junior High, High school AND college.

It was my life and I loved it!

My favorite, at this moment, song/video:

Mine, Taylor Swift

A blogger I can't live without: Elaine at Glow in the Dark Soul...her creativity is so inspiring. When she hasn't posted I get so bummed and can't wait till she does.
A blogger I respect: Cat at No Wooden Spoons...she is an air force wife and lives in Germany. She is one strong woman.
A blogger in my geographical area: Pam at Kassie's Beach...we just recently found each other. I noticed that she posted photos of the San Diego Fair. We took a photo of the exact same flower.
A blogger who has no idea you exist: Sydney at The Daybook...I am not really a fashion girl, but I really like Sydney's blog and I like her, she is just so real.
A blogger who has the complete opposite type of blog as me: don't have an answer for this one...
A blogger who I would love to meet: Mae Sixteenth...she was my very first blogger friend. I love everything about her!! We would so be best buds in real life!!
A blogger who I have already met: I'm sad to say I haven't met any bloggers...I don't get out much
A blogger you knew prior to blogging: Julie at Two Peas In A Pod...she is my best friend from college, she lives in Austin, TX and I miss her so much!
A blogger who inspires: Janel at Run With Scissors...she inspired me to start sketching (again). It has made an incredible difference in my life!!
A blogger who says it like it is: AndreAnna at Life As A Plate... feisty, no non-sense and real.
A blogger who is changing the world: Elsie Larson at A Beautiful Mess...she is a major phenomenon over the web. She is inspirationally amazing and is a mega entrepreneur.

Please visit Naomi at Delhi Bound.

Who knows what new friends and places you will find!!

Show & Tell...

2011-07-28T02:53:00.000-07:00

I have something very special to share with you!

I can't express how proud I am of this project.

I really hope you enjoy it.

This is a condo project that I worked on for almost 5 years.

It was just completed last year and we finally got it professionally photographed.

My part was designing and drawing all of the details for the cabinetry
down to the smallest of details.

the Kitchen...

The armoire houses two 27" subzeros refrigerator/freezers.
All of the ceiling beams were structural so we wrapped them in a coordinating veneer.

All the veneer is rare and exotic chosen by my boss.

I have nothing to do with color, woods or finishes.

I just draw super detailed plans so the cabinetry can be built.

This cabinetry is not built on site.

It is special ordered from an exclusive manufacturer.

All the scalloped toekick and decorative moldings are carved by hand.

the Family Room...

This is one of my favorite rooms!

I love how the fireplace wrapped in veneer panels turned out.

The picture on the tv is the view right outside the window.

the Entertainment Center Room...

There were these awful beams that were just completely out of place and random.

So we designed an incredibly intricate ceiling detail to hide them.

the Entertainment Center...

The left side hides a huge concrete i-beam.

the Dining Room...

There is a hidden door in those panels.

That room houses all the electrical equipment for the sound system

and the HVAC.

the Upstairs Bar...

the Upstairs Powder Room...

the Downstairs Powder Room...

the Master Bath...

The floor and the shower walls are solid slabs of marble.

the Interior Doors...

Guest Bath 1...

Guest Bath 2...

Guest Bath 3...

the foyer...

This was an amazing project that I worked on.

Loving Pinteresting Wednesday...

2011-07-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Let's end the month with a little window shopping, eye candy, retail therapy...

whatever you like to call it!

mmm...eye candy.

I linked up with a couple of fun link parties...
Enjoy...

one

There is nothing like sitting down with a blank sketchbook page.

It just calls my name and makes me oh so happy!

two

I really love how simple all the shapes on this page are.

But it makes a loud statement with the colors.

three

I am really loving Zentangles right now.

In fact, I draw at least one Zentangle a week and I really need to share.

They are really relaxing to create.

It allows your mind to wander.

It's kind of like therapy!

four

I am really loving watercolors right now.

I haven't added any to my sketchbooks yet, but I am so gonna.

five

I am loving me some art journals!

I want a really fat art journal.

I'm gonna start one here real soon!!

YU-MM-Y

(click on the photos above for image source)

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Oh Pinterest...how I love thee...

Yay fun, a pinterest link party!!

I love love love pinterest.

One of the things I love about pinterest is following the source history.

In doing this you find an overload of other fun things!!!

Here are my favs right now:

This is so adorable and I have to make it.

SOURCE HISTORY...

janel mac via katie haddox via brandy anderson via jess laneave via heather

via miss shawna via evie george via rebecca bond via camilledawn.blogspot.com

I am so into pretty journals right now.

I SO have to make one!!

SOURCE HISTORY...

janel mac via lehua cortez via rossella vacchelli

via elizabethkartchner.blogspot.com

these itty bitty polaroid magnets are adorable!

HAVE.TO.HAVE.THEM!!

SOURCE HISTORY...

miss shawna via marta locklear via liz hermans via ambrosiagirl

So simple, and so pretty.

(especially to put in your journal!!)

:-)

SOURCE HISTORY...

marta locklear via stacey woods via suzanne williams via amy sandoval

via tessa morrell via elsie larson via...oh crafts

I have no words for this one...

*sigh*

SOURCE HISTORY...

summer crosbie via kalynor.wordpress.com

I can't wait to see what others are finding!!!

Sketchbook...

2011-07-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

image source

Man, have I been sketching my little heart out.

I have really enjoyed every minute of it,

but I am ready for a break!

So, I have officially completed the two

sketch challenges from June:

30 Day Challenge with Janel from Run With Scissors

30 Days of Doodles with Allie

YAY, ME!!

Here are the remaining sketches that I finished this past week.

Hope you enjoy...

Illustrate your favorite song of all time/ 30 Day Challenge

(Don't it make my brown eyes blue -Crystal Gayle)

Scavenger Hunt/ 30 Day Challenge

3 wishes/ 30 Day Challenge

Best piece of advice you have ever received/ 30 Day Challenge

I challenge myself to.../30 Day Challenge

I make ____well/ 30 Day Challenge

What's in your bag?/30 Day Challenge

Document your day/ 30 Day Challenge

Who inspires you most?/ 30 Day Challenge

Write a thank you to someone special/ 30 Day Challenge

Your greatest wish/ 30 Days of Doodles

Doodle your favorite photo/ 30 Days of Doodles

Doodle your least favorite chore/ 30 Days of Doodles

What are you looking forward to this weekend?/ 30 Days of Doodles

Create your dream app/ 30 Days of Doodles

Bike & Background/ 30 Days of Doodles

What's in your bag?/ 30 Days of Doodles

I love my sketchbook!

Sketchbook...

2011-07-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

image source

I love sketching.
It is one of my top most favorite things to do at the end of a long day!!
I am still finishing up all the prompts from the two journal 'classes' I was taking in June.
Because of vacation, I didn't finish.
Here is what I have finished recently...

Beauty in random things/ 30 day Challenge

Illustrate my job/ 30 day Challenge

Letter to my future self/ 30 Days of Doodles

Exotic animal I would like to own/ 30 Days of Doodles

Summer playlist/ 30 Day Challenge

(just so you know, the only reason the Justin Bieber song is on this list,

is because they played it a lot on the cruise.)

My favorite store & a wish list/ 30 Days of Doodles

July goals/ 30 Day Challenge

Create an interview/ 30 Day Challenge

I only have 16 left to finish...here is the list:

30 Days of Doodles...

Grab your favorite photo, doodle it, try to replicate the feelings in the photo
What chore do you hate doing? Do you have a chore you don't mind?
What are you most excited about for this weekend? Relax, cleaning, partying?
Doodle your "dream" app.
Draw your perfect bike and accessories, favorite place to ride in the background.
What is in your bag? Include the bag.

30 Day Challenge...

Illustrate your favorite song
Scavenger hunt (I have a list of things I have to include)
If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
"I challenge myself to...this summer"
I make ____ well.
What's in my bag?
Think of a creative way to document your day and do it.
Who or what inspires you?
Write a thank you to someone who has helped you, inspired you, encouraged you...

See you soon! :-)

365 iphone project...June

2011-07-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

Here are last month's iphone pics.

I missed a couple again.

I don't think it is as exciting as it was in the beginning.

It has become a chore.

I need to really change my way of thinking!!

Enjoy!

1. 149/365, 2. 150/365, 3. 151/365, 4. 152/365, 5. 153/365, 6. 154/365, 7. 155/365, 8. 156/365, 9. 160/365, 10. 161/365, 11. 162/365, 12. 163/365, 13. 164/365, 14. 165/365,15. 166/365, 16. 167/365, 17. 168/365, 18. 169/365, 19. 170/365, 20. 171/365, 21. 172/365,22. 173/365, 23. 176/365, 24. 177/365, 25. 178/365, 26. 179/365, 27. 180/365, 28. 181/365

Window Shopping...vol 2

2011-07-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

image source

So, I am super inspired this week by some of the things I've been seeing

across the world wide ~~web~~ window.

one
this tea

Movie Night Tea from DAVIDsTEA.
It actually has popcorn in it.
It is sweetened with maple and apple.
It sounds so yummy, I've got to try some!

two
this book

An Illustrated Life
by Danny Gregory

I love peeking into other people's art journals.
Serious eye candy.

three
Sharpie Liquid Pencil

I love sharpies.
Especially the new sharpie pens that don't bleed through the paper!
I really want to find one of these sharpie liquid pencils.
Apparently, it has been out since September 2010.
It erases instantly and becomes permanent in three days.
Cool.

four
letterpress drawer

Vintage Letterpress Drawer
from 26olivestreet
I've been wanting one of these for quite some time.
I'm just never in the right place to get one.

five
watercolor crayons

Karat Aquarell 24 Watercolor Crayons
from Staedtler
Look at what these babies can do...

ooo...look at the yummy colors.

Hope you enjoyed our little window shopping date.
You don't have to feel guilty because we didn't spend a dime.
;-)

Sketchbook update...

2011-07-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

image source

I have been having the best time catching up on all the sketch prompts from June.

Some pages I like, some are just ok, and some I really love!

Love letter to myself/ 30 Day Challenge

My pets/ 30 Days of Doodles

Letter to someone special/ 30 Day Challenge

My dream studio/ 30 Days of Doodles

Time Capsule/ 30 Day Challenge

Name in a cool font/ 30 Days of Doodles

Project I want to try/ 30 Days of Doodles

A favorite quote/ 30 Days of Doodles

Line designs/ 30 Day Challenge

Simple family tree/ 30 Day Challenge

My favorite quote/ 30 Day Challenge

Fill a page with one shape/ 30 Days of Doodles

Favorites right now/ 30 Day Challenge

Draw a picture of the sun/ 30 Days of Doodles

Place I would like to visit/ 30 Days of Doodles

Super power I want/ 30 Day Challenge

If I could change one thing/ 30 Days of Doodles

I love to sketch so much!!

Photography Fun...

2011-07-03T23:13:00.001-07:00

We went to the San Diego County Fair on Saturday.

I really love the fair.

It's one of my favorite things to do!!

We watched Monster Truck's first.

Dash loves Monster Truck's!

Bounty Hunter was even there. He is one of Dash's favorites.

Dash really dislikes loud noises.

We brought the headphones because we knew it would be extra loud,

especially because of how small the venue was.

I even wore ear plugs!

The theme of the fair this year was Race to the Fair.

There were lots of cars everywhere.

I love all the flowers that are displayed for all the different competitions.

Do you see the hearts?

It was a beautiful day and I was able to capture the ferris-wheel at different angles...

I really had fun with the colors.

This is what the fair is all about.

Beautiful colors!!

The sun was in a really great position.

I tried to include it when I could.

I even got a little bokeh in this one.

We took Dash to the Fun Zone.

He had a blast!

He rode 2 little rollercoasters...

...he thought he was king of the world!

We had 3 tickets left and he picked this ride.

Before we left we rode the Sky Ride.

You have got to look at all the people that were there.

They said this year was the highest attendance ever.

I'm sad it's over.

I already can't wait till next year!

Goals for July...

2011-07-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

image source

I cannot believe how fast June flew by.

It was more than likely because I was so looking forward to June

because of our vacation.

Now that vacation is over...June is over.

Let's see how I did on my June goals...

READ THE WORD DAILY...I did it. I started a daily devotional, but haven't done it everyday yet. But starting is half the battle, right? Yay me.
~~READ ONE BOOK~~...did this also! It was not something that most people would read, but I enjoyed it. I read Star Wars Book One. This picks up the Star Wars story where we left of in Return of the Jedi. I really love Star Wars. I always have. This was interesting. I'm gonna see if there are more to this series.
JOURNAL/SKETCH EVERYDAY...I wasn't as consistent on this one as I have been in the past. Vacation kind of messed me up. I have sketched and that is the most important thing!! I was participating in two 30 day sketch challenges. I have 18 out of 60 completed. But 60 is a lot and I will catch up next month!
~~MAKE VACATION LIST~~...check.
~~GO ON VACATION~~...check, done, have the vacation blues now.

Here are my JULY goals...

READ THE WORD DAILY
CATCH UP ON ALL MY SKETCH PROMPTS FROM JUNE
READ ONE BOOK
GO TO THE GYM AT LEAST 2X/WEEK
TAKE THE TIME TO BE A GOOD PENPAL!!

I've learned that I have to make my goals more attainable.

I expect too much from myself and then I end up failing all over the place.

Good stuff...only good stuff!!

What do you have going on for July?

July Color Palette...

2011-07-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

image source

A Celebration of our country's independence!!

Really fun facts...

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation... 2.5 million
The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth... 311.7 million
Two very important but little known 4th of July facts show that 1) full support of the Declaration of Independence was not supported by all members of the Continental Congress and 2) a representative of Congress rode horseback 80 miles to reach Philadelphia and break a tie in support of independence.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national animal but was outvoted when John Adams and Thomas Jefferson chose the bald eagle.
Oddly, the majority of the nation's flags and patriotic paraphernalia in relation to the Fourth of July is produced in China. Nearly $349 million are used each year to import the flags, banners, decorations, and emblems.
There is no official designation or meaning for the colors of the flag.
There is no record stating why red, white, and blue where chosen for the flag. However, when the Great Seal of the United States was chosen this is what was listed for them.
white for purity and innocence
red for valor and hardiness
blue for vigilance, perseverance, and justice
Folktales says that George Washington interpreted the flag in this way:
the stars were taken from the sky,
the red from the British colors,
and the white stripes signified the secession from the home country.
Three American presidents have died on the fourth of July. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day, in 1826. They had been rivals in everything, even about who would live longest. Adams’ last words were about his long-time foe: “Thomas Jefferson lives!” In fact, Jefferson had died just five hours earlier, but Adams hadn’t gotten the message. James Monroe is the third president to die on July 4th, but he died in 1831.
Fireworks and parades have long-since been a staple in Independence Day celebrations. In that same letter of John Adams about celebrating on July 2nd, he wrote that the day
“Ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
And so colonists celebrated the fourth even before they knew if they would win the war, setting off fireworks July 4th, 1777. Fireworks were further popularized in the late 1700s by politicians that had displays at their speeches, and they became a firmly established tradition by the 1800s.
It is also said, that fireworks displays were used as morale boosters for soldiers in the Revolutionary war. At the time however, fireworks were the same type of explosives used in war and were called rockets, not fireworks.
Hope everyone has a wonderful July 4th weekend!!

June Sketches...

2011-06-30T12:11:00.001-07:00

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I am officially behind on my sketch challenges.

I have completed 2 and stayed current everyday.

I choose to do two at the same time and go on vacation in the same month.

I haven't even completed half of them, but I will complete all of them...in July ;-)

So here is what I have completed so far...

Summer Traditions/ 30 Day Challenge

My Heart Is Full Of/ 30 Day Challenge

Needs & Wants/ 30 Day Challenge

Outfit You Wore/ 30 Days of Doodles

Dream House/ 30 Days of Doodles

To Do List/ 30 Days of Doodles

Scribble Experiment/ 30 Days of Doodles

Draw Your Own Zentangle/ 30 Days of Doodles

My Life Changed At This Moment/ 30 Days of Doodles

That is my update for now.

I am going to be working hard to complete the two challenges in July.

I love to sketch...it makes me really happy!

I'm back...

2011-06-27T14:51:00.001-07:00

We just had the best vacation ever!!

I feel so relaxed, yet so very tired and exhausted at the same time.

We did so much, yet so little!!

The photo above was right before we got on the ship.

We were so excited and just couldn't wait!!

Here is another photo taken on one of the 'elegant' nights.

I am so happy the way this photo turned out!!

It was so worth the wait.

I will be adding more photos and details later!!

I missed my blog!!

(it was really the only thing I missed)

:-)

My baby turned 5 today...

2011-06-16T20:47:00.000-07:00

It seems like it was just yesterday that he was a baby.

Happy Birthday my sweetest boy!

Where I've been...

2011-06-15T08:50:00.001-07:00

I know...it's been almost two weeks.

I've been crazy busy with the following:

My parents came to visit for a week from Texas (June 5-12)
My sweet hubby and I celebrated our 13 year anniversary (June 6)
I threw Dash a party for his 5th birthday. (8 adults and 3 teenagers on Saturday June 11)
I put together a beautiful journal full of writing prompts, sketch prompts and inspiration for Swap-bot. I sent it out yesterday (Tuesday)
Trying to keep up with my sketching this month, but gave up and plan to catch up on vacation.
Work, work and more work. (unfortunately working later and more than usual)

Here are the sketches I have completed so far:

Intro / 30 Day Challenge Goals / 30 Day Challenge

June To Do / 30 Day Challenge

What I wish I wore / 30 Day Challenge Self Portrait / 30 Days of Doodles

Favorite Flower / 30 Days of Doodles 3 Objects Near You / 30 Days of Doodles

My Superpower / 30 Days of Doodles

I stopped the day my parents got here.

I will share the rest when I get back from vacation!!

We don't leave till Sunday, but I have lots of packing to do.

We are going on a 7 day Mexican Riviera cruise!!

Can't wait!!!

Tomorrow is my sweet boy's real birthday

and I have a little special something planned for him.

No big deal, just wanted to make sure he knew how special the real day is!!

I will share his photos from his birthday party tomorrow!

365 iphone project...May

2011-06-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have done really well in this challenge. I haven't missed a day yet...

until now.

I missed 11 days in May.

Just have to keep up that's all.

I'm half way through...

Enjoy!

1. 118/365, 2. 119/365, 3. 120/365, 4. 121/365, 5. 122/365, 6. 123/365, 7. 124/365, 8. 125/365,9. 126/365, 10. 127/365, 11. 128/365, 12. 129/365, 13. 130/365, 14. 131/365, 15. 132/365,16. 133/365, 17. 134/365, 18. 135/365, 19. 136/365, 28. 145/365

Goals for June...

2011-06-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

I received this beautiful postcard from Cat today.

She was in Florence this weekend!!

Thanks for taking the time to send this sweetie!!

You will have one in the mail in a couple of days...promise!!

image source

So, let's recap May goals shall we...

READ AT LEAST ONE BOOK...this is the first time in two years that I have failed at this goal. I am currently reading two books but just haven't finished either. I've been sketching and blogging too much. :-)
FINISH MY ART WALL...Nope, didn't get this done either.
~~COMPLETELY ORGANIZE MY STUDIO~~...Yay!!! One down.
LOOSE 5 LBS...my scale is completely stuck. I have maintained and I don't want to mantain!!
GET BACK INTO READING THE WORD DAILY...nope, I haven't done it.
~~JOURNAL/SKETCH EVERYDAY~~...this is what I'm doing all the time...instead of reading.
MAKE LIST FOR VACATION PACKING...not yet. Although, I started the list today.
EAT RIGHT...I do really great at work and when I get home it falls apart.
~~DO SOMETHING CRAFTY AT LEAST 3 TIMES/WEEK~~...check.
GO TO THE GYM AT LEAST 3 TIMES/WEEK...not even close.

3 out of 10 is not good. at all.

Good thing we can start over each month!

Here are my June goals...

READ THE WORD DAILY!
READ ONE BOOK
JOURNAL/SKETCH EVERYDAY
MAKE VACATION LIST
GO ON VACATION!

I'm really taking it easy on myself this month

since I didn't do very well last month.

I need to be more realistic!!

Hope you accomplished all your May goals!

June Color Palette...

2011-06-01T04:45:00.000-07:00

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This color palette turned out even better than I thought.

The luscious turquoise ocean,

the beautiful, rich blue sky,

the powder blue surf

and the warm and silky sand!

I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready!!

For what you ask?

VACATION!!

Let's all go on vacation!!

NOW!!

Color Psychology Corner:

BLUE

described as a favorite color by many people
color most preferred by men
calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity
often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure and orderly
can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness
research shows that people are more productive in a blue room
one of the least appetizing
can lower the pulse rate and body temperature

Interesting Facts about the color:

BLUE

Mailboxes are blue in the United States
It is the favored color choice of toothbrushes
Owls are the only bird that can see the color blue
Companies or Brands identified primarily with blue: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ford, The Gap, IBM, Intel, Pepsi and Tiffany & Co.
Popular Phrases: Blue plate special, Blueprints, and Blue ribbon
Song: Blue eyes crying in the rain, Willie Nelson
Food: Blueberries
What it means when you buy a blue vehicle: Dark blue...credible, confident and dependable. Light or Mid-Blue...cool, calm, faithful and quiet

Thought those last facts were kind of neat.

I got most of the info above from:

Journal Class -Week 3...Ink Blots

2011-05-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

These were the last assignments for the Ink Blots class.

I still have 2 unfinished assignments:

Journal Invasion

We are supposed to pass our sketchbook to someone else.

My sketchbook is on my husband's desk. Just waiting on him.

Public Knowledge

I need to go on location and journal in public somewhere.

There are a few other bonus pages I want to add like:

*journal around some favorite song lyrics

*print a picture of yourself and doodle on it

*ink blots reflection page.

The class was awesome! I really enjoyed it a lot.

Elaine is so talented and creative!

She is going to be doing a companion workshop in late June.

I am so looking forward to it.

Once I finish these last pages I will have filled up my first journal.

I have already purchased my new journal and am ready for June.

It will be packed with all kinds or journaling challenges!

There are two I am participating in:

and

Hope to see you there!!

Welcome...Swap Bot Friends!!

2011-05-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

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So I prepared this special post just for you guys!

I'm so glad that you could make it!

Here...

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...have a cup of coffee and sit back and relax...

I have been blogging since 2005 at another blog called Habadasherie.

It is a blog all about the life of my little family...

Jeremy (my husband), Dash (my son) and Me.

I wanted to document a beautiful, detailed life story for my son one day.

The problem was I felt a little silly putting all my
special little crafty things on that blog.

So I decided to create Elliemae Ink.

I started this blog in March 2011 and I have really enjoyed developing it.

I have been mainly sharing my love of photography and my sketchbook.

I love changing the colors of my blog so I have a color palette that changes

every month depending on what colors I am loving.

Here are some posts I would like to share:
my photography
(here are some of my favorites)

vintage

off in the distance

animal's view

isolation

playtime

rimmed with light

my sketches

my color palettes

March

April

May

Ever since my husband first called me Elliemae I knew if I ever

had my own business it would be called Elliemae Ink.

I used to put it on the back of all my handmade greeting cards.

So, naturally I called my creative blog Elliemae Ink.

I live in San Diego, California.

I am a kitchen designer.

My job is stressful and busy, but enjoyable most days.

I really love my blog and hope that you like it too!

I have lots of plans for this little blog!

Thanks again for visiting, hope you come back again to visit!!

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Window Shopping...vol 1

2011-05-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

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Doesn't everyone love window shopping?
I know I do!!
Especially when I need some inspiration!
Here is what is in the windows that I am looking through:

one
Journals

Journals made by Patty Van Dorin

I just love these handmade journals full of vintage and random ephemera!

I either want to buy one or make one myself!

I'm inspired!! Are you?

two
handbag

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I have been looking for a small cross body bag to take on vacation.
This would have been perfect.
Black...check
Small...check
Hello Kitty...double check
(I REALLY like Hello Kitty in case you didn't know)
It is apparently sold at Torrid, but it is out of stock right now.

three
feather extensions

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I have always wanted some pink highlights,
but in order for them to show up I have to bleach. No way.
I love the new feather extensions that everyone is wearing.
I think they are so much fun!!

four

sun dresses

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I have been shopping for sun dresses for vacation.
I really like this style a lot!!

five
coffee print

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Need I say more!
I'm addicted.

I love window shopping don't you?
What windows would you like to look in and what would you like to see?

Get to know me...

2011-05-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Age: 38
Bed size: Cal King
Chore you hate: Cleaning bathrooms
Dogs: Skyanne, 1 1/2 year old Australian Cattle Dog
Essential start to your day: COFFEE
Favorite color: Pink
Gold or silver: Silver
Height: 5'4"
Instruments that you can play: Clarinet
Job title: Senior Design Assistant
Kids: 5 year old (on June 16) son, Daschel (Dash for short)
Live: San Diego, California
Mom’s name: Judy
Nicknames: Cher
Overnight hospital stays: 4 nights when I had Dash
Pet peeve:
Quote from a movie: "Stealer...of my friend" -Saving Silverman
Righty or lefty: Right
Sibling: Brother, Dan, he's 30.
Time you wake up: 5:30am
Underwear: um, yes...tmi
Vegetables you dislike: Cauliflower
What makes you run late: the internet
X-rays: yes, when I had bad pain in my back
Yummy food you make: Chicken dressing for Thanksgiving
Zoo favorite animal: Koala Bear

Hope you enjoyed that. I think it's fun getting to know random things about the bloggers that I visit everyday.

I think we relate better that way! Hope you join in. Let me know if you post info about yourself, I would love to read it.

Shoot & Edit...SOOC

2011-05-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Chalk Drawings

This week's theme is Chalk Drawings.

My 4 year old son Dash calls his 13 year old cousin Nathaniel, Faniel.

He hasn't got the first part of his name yet.

Everyone loves it. I think it's adorable.

Wanna see more chalk drawings go here.

Journal Class -Week 2...Ink Blots

2011-05-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thought I would let you take a peek into my journal.

I'm a little behind with the Ink Blots class, but should be done with all the drawings next week!

Next months journaling will be out of this world!

I am going to be following along with Janel from Run With Scissors.

She is hosting a free 30 day journal challenge:

You should go and check it out...it's gonna be fun!!

Last weeks sketches:

Stalkworthy Saturday...Vol I

2011-05-21T09:24:00.001-07:00

So we all have places that we love to visit everyday.

I want to start sharing mine and hope that some of you might like to join in.

There is nothing better than finding new blogs that are so much fun you can't stand it.

So, right now, here are the top 5 blogs that I am stalking almost everyday:

one

Glow in the dark Soul ... www.alifeincupcakes.blogspot.com ... The creator of this blog is Elaine. She is so inspiring to me. She just graduated from college in December 2010, she got married in November 2010, she is an assistant manager at Claire's, she is a photographer, a journaler (is that a word?...you know what I mean :o), and an overall super talented gal. Luv-her! Today is actually the last day of her journaling class 'Ink Blots.' It was so much fun and I learned tons of new stuff!!

two

Run with Scissors ... www.iheartrunwithscissors.com ... The creator of this blog is Janel. This girl is amazing as well. She is an art teacher, a journaling queen, and just a super crafty, neat person. She is in the process of adoption. I can't wait for this to happen for her! She is also about to start a new free journaling class called '30 day Journal Challenge.' I did last years and it was awesome. I can only expect this year to be just as awesome!

three
Ramblings and Photos ... www.ashleysisk.com ... The creator of this blog is Ashley. This girl can take photos and edit them like nobody's business. I have learned lots of photoshop tricks from her. She also hosts Scavenger Hunt Sunday. I participate as much as I possibly can. There is so much inspiration from other participates...I just can't get enough.

four

No Wooden Spoons ... www.nowoodenspoons.blogspot.com ... The creator of this blog is Cat. She is an Air Force wife and mom to 2 year old Ariana. They are currently stationed in Germany. She loves photography, painting and a variety of other crafty stuff. She has some of the most beautiful photos...it's as if she is on a beautiful location all the time! She also has some gorgeous paintings in her etsy shop that...oh so inspire me!

five

Swap Bot Blog ... blog.swap-bot.com ... The creator of this blog is Rachael and Travis. Swap-bot was originally created to be a tool used by blog owners to facilitate mail swaps. It is now a service and a community. The blog is full of inspirational eye candy. From artist trading cards, to inchies, to crafts and projects of all kinds. Throughout the week Rachael features a swap and a group of swappers. I love to see what other people are doing.

I'm so happy that I could share these wonderful people with you.

Hope you take the time to visit them, they are all really awesome!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday...x3

2011-05-15T03:04:00.001-07:00

1. Give me flowers

I think these are beautiful.

Something about white flowers that makes me happy.

2. Visual Contrast

These are Lorikeets from the Safari Park (used to be Wild Animal Park)

The colors are just so bright and amazing.

3. Friendship

Dash and Skyanne are inseparable.

I am so glad that I gave in on getting a dog.

Nothing compares to a boy and his dog.

4. Before & After

Captured this photo at a birthday party yesterday.

I love photoshop.

It's amazing how it can save a photo from a cloudy day!!

5. Dark

Had to go to the archives for this one.

This is a photo I took on a return flight from Texas.

So, I have been so crazy busy that I didn't get to post the last two scavenger hunts.

Hope you don't mind, but I would like to share!!

1. SOOC

I love looking at closeup photos of flowers.

I can see things in the photo better than in real life!

2. Sprouting

Look at these little cuties.

The color of the rocks turned out interesting as well.

3. Isn't it ironic

I try to get Dash to play legos at home all the time.

It lasts about 2 minutes.

But, at Legoland he just can't get enough.

4. Lazy

This little guy just walked on over and plopped down

just to get a good look at me.

Usually they are standing guard or digging.

I think he's the lazy one.

5. Smells like Spring

These little beauties look like Spring.

Not really sure if they smell like Spring, I forgot to actually smell them.

OK, one more from two weeks ago.

Hope you enjoy looking.

I'm a freak about missing and making up things I have missed.

1. Architecture

These are made with Lego.

The actual row houses in San Francisco are amazing,

but with Legos they are even more amazing!!

OK, there is nothing like the real thing,

but I think it's amazing how much detail they put in.

2. Rimmed with light

Thought the sun looked really cool between the trunks

of this tree.

3. Toes or Feet

My toes have been painted this torquoise color for a couple months now.

The playground turf is apparantly the same color.

Go figure.

I just came up with a new nail polish color:

Playground Turf Turquoise

hehehe

4. This is my favorite

Those eyes are my favorite!

I always wanted blue eyes when I was little.

My dad had blue eyes and my mom had brown eyes.

I got brown.

I really loved the song by Crystal Gayle:

"Don't it make my brown eyes blue"

Well, my sweet Jeremy has blue eyes and I thought for sure

Dash would have brown.

I got lucky!

Look at those baby blues.

They are to die for!!

(I think somebody just had a cherry icee :)

5. Shade(s)

Hey look, I'm in the photo too!

Jeremy is wearing a baseball cap from my high school.

I love it when he does that, considering he grew up in

San Diego, CA and I grew up in Nacogdoches, TX.

It's a small town in Texas.

2 hours north of Houston and 3 hours East of Dallas.

YAY!!!

You made it!!

Thanks for looking through my last 3 weeks of Scavenge Hunt Photos!

I appreciate you visiting me and taking the time to look!!

If you want to see more Scavenger Hunt Pics or participate,

go here!!

Journal Class -Week 1...Ink Blots

2011-05-10T09:12:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you my journal pages from last week!

I am currently taking an online journal class

taught by Elaine from Glow in the Dark Soul.

It has been so inspirational and fun!

I love taking classes...it keeps me accountable!!

Here are my pages from the first week...

Elaine is an awesome teacher and full of inspiration!

I highly recommend it!!

I will be back tomorrow with some projects

I have sent and received from Swap Bot friends!!

365 iphone project...April

2011-05-09T13:03:00.000-07:00

Here are all the daily pics I took this month.

I really like looking back at them and remembering what I did on certain days.

Half the time I can't remember what I did yesterday. heehee!

Enjoy!

1. 88/365, 2. 89/365, 3. 90/365, 4. 91/365, 5. 92/365, 6. 93/365, 7. 94/365, 8. 95/365,9. 96/365, 10. 97/365, 11. 98/365, 12. 99/365, 13. 100/365, 14. 101/365, 15. 102/365,16. 103/365, 17. 104/365, 18. 105/365, 19. 106/365, 20. 107/365, 21. 108/365, 22. 109/365,23. 110/365, 24. 111/365, 25. 112/365, 26. 113/365, 27. 114/365, 28. 115/365, 29. 116/365,30. 117/365

May Goals...

2011-05-03T15:47:00.000-07:00

{image source}

So, let's recap the goals for April

and see how I did:

1. Participate consistently in at least 3 photo challenges each week!

I didn't do so well here. I think that is taking on too much.

I'm going to just stick with the Sunday Scavenger Hunt for now
~~2. Sign up for an online journal class~~

I signed up for Ink Blots and am lov-ing it!

3. Sign up for an online photography class
I'm glad I didn't because I would be so overwhelmed with all
the creative things I 'm trying to keep up with.

~~4. Read at least one book~~
I read this really lame book...Deadly Housewives.
I did not like it and I do not recommend it.

5. Loose 5 lbs
I think I'm stuck. The scale just will not move.

~~6. Set up my creative space~~
Yay, yay, yay. This makes me so happy!!
I have my own creative space that I L-O-V-E!!

~~7. Schedule at least one play-date for Dash~~
Did it! and Dash loved it!

8. Finish my art wall in the new house
There is something about this wall.
For some reason it just never gets on the priority list.
Maybe next time.

9. Participate in at least one art challenge each week
I just don't have time. I think I am over-extending myself.

~~10. Just breathe for 5 minutes each day~~
Some days yes, some days no.
I need to balance this out.

So, almost 5 out of 10.

That's not too bad.

Here are my goals for May...

1. Read at least one book
2. Finish my art wall
3. Completely organize my studio
4. Loose 5 lbs
5. Get back into reading the Word daily
6. Journal/Sketch everyday
7. Make list for vacation packing
8. Eat right!!!
9. Do something crafy at least 3 times/week
10. Go to the gym at least 3 times/week

What are your goals for May?
What are you doing to try to achieve them?

May Color Palette...

2011-05-01T07:55:00.001-07:00

{image source}

This is one of my favorite color palettes.

I love the contrast between the pink, orange and red.

These colors are just amazing in a bouquet of flowers!

Ok, now I'm craving wedding cake.

Mmm...yummy!

June's color palette is going to be vacation themed...

Mexican Riviera:

{image source}

We leave June 19th. I can't wait. I so need a break!!

Color Psychology Corner:

ORANGE

a combination of yellow and red and is considered an energetic color
calls to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm and warmth
often used to draw attention, such as in traffic signs advertising
was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels in ancient cultures
it stimulates activity, appetite and encourages socialization
it is considered the most flamboyant color on the planet
tied to fun times, happy and energetic days, warmth and organic products
shown to have only positive affects on your emotional state
relieves feeling of self-pity, lack of self-worth and unwillingness to forgive
opens your emotions and is a terrific antidepressant

Wonderful goodness...

2011-04-27T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have discovered something that has made me so happy!!

My creative juices have started to just overflow...and I am so excited about that!!

What is it? I know you are dying to know!!

I love swap-bot!!

Here is what you do:
Sign up for a free account.

You do have to give your mailing address to participate,
but the only person that sees your mailing address

is the swap partner that has been assigned to you for each swap!

The person that sends to you is never the same that you send to.

There are USA only and International swaps.

There are deadlines and a rating system so it holds you and others accountable

and there is less of a chance of being flaked on.

Right now there are over 400 swaps to sign up for.

I have completed one swap so far and I started with a simple one.

Here is the description:

Finish the sentence postcard swap

Here are the sentences that I had to complete and write on the back of the postcard:

Boredom is...
At night I...
What exactly does...
(It can be something factual, silly, short or long.)

Once I signed up, I waited for the sign up deadline and then the host assigned partners.

I went to my partners profile page and read about her and her interests.

She loves art postcards.

Perfect...I work down the street from The Contemporary Museum of Art.

It was so fun to choose the postcard, then address it, add the sentences I made up
and decorate it all up with pretties.

Here is what I sent:

I know it's just a simple postcard with some doodles.
But, I thoroughly enjoyed making it.

I have signed up for 3 more swaps:

Penpal mailing letters, I have 3 partners that I am swapping with for this one.
Zentangles, I have 1 partner and will swap a 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" card covered in Zentangles.
Altered Composition Book Cover, I have 1 partner and will do something wonderfully crafty to a plain composition book.

I keep forgetting that I will be receiving goodies in the mail also!

It's the simple things in life that make us happy!
If your interested here is the site:
www.swap-bot.com

Scavenger Hunt Sunday...

2011-04-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

1. Reflections

My sister-in-law keeps her car so clean you can see your reflection!

I was really happy at how cooperative Dash was.

He didn't give me a hard time at all!

Did everything I asked! Nice!

2. Guess what this is

This one was so much fun!
I ended up with like 5 different ones, so I narrowed it down to two.

...answers at the bottom of this post...

3. What's inside?

We went to our first organized egg hunt yesterday.

Never again.

It was really ridiculous. It was like the running of the bulls.

Dash got 5 eggs. There were tiny little lizards inside, which were really cute.

They had the kids recycle the eggs to get a prize.

I asked Dash what his favorite part was, he said:

"Not the egg hunt. The bouncy house was fun!!"

We went to grandma & grandpa's house afterwards
and had some really great hunts.

4. Playtime

We have a plotter at work and there are always 24x36

sheets of paper going into the recycle bin.

I grab a couple every now and then and let Dash

stamp and mark till his heart is content.

These are roller stampers...he likes to race them against each other.

Looks like the blue one is winning.

5. Lawn & Garden

We went to my mother-in-laws house yesterday for Easter lunch.

This is her next door neighbors front yard.

The colors of her flowers are just breathtaking.

The flag and the blue skies just made it all the better.

The first photo above was the brake light of my sister-in-law's beautiful camero.

The other was a cactus in front of my mother-in-law's house.

I had strep throat last week and just didn't have the energy to do last week's hunt.

So here is last week's interpretations! Hope that's ok!

1. Time

I think the cobwebs add to the theme!

2. Poem/Poetry

3. Outside

Skyanne got a bath...she LOVES the water!

4. Zoom! (or from the car)

Every now and then we time it just right and the Sprinter crosses our path.

Dash LOVES trains. Big time.

5. Isolation

My wonderful husband painted the dining room wall last weekend.

He was really unsure about this color, but it is what I wanted.

Watching him from far away it totally looked like he was in isolation.

Once the room is done I will share!

Please go here to see more interpretations for this weeks hunt!!

I'm Missing...

2011-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

In case you were wondering...I have strep...I don't feel well...I'll be back soon.

Project 64...Burnt Sienna

2011-04-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

This weeks color is BURNT SIENNA

Last weekend we went to the local Spring Festival.

They shut 2 blocks down and all the local businesses put up booths.

This was a booth for the city water.

They have this program where you get a barrel to fill up with rain water

and you use that water to take care of your yard.

Dash was trying to figure out how the fountain worked without the barrel overflowing.

Click here to see more Burnt Sienna photos!

Shutter Love Tuesdays...

2011-04-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

Theme

BICYCLES

We haven't gotten Dash a new bicycle yet.

We plan on getting one with training wheels for his birthday in June.

But, this was his tricycle and it was so cool.

Especially the handlebar strings and the bell.

He has been riding it a lot in the back yard lately and

leaving it outside instead of in the garage.

It is starting to rust. I'm really bummed about that.

It is such a cool trike.

Please go here to see more Shutter Love Tuesday photos!

Shoot & Edit...SOOC

2011-04-12T17:19:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme is FAITH.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.

Are you not much more valuable than they?

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Matthew 6:26-27

Every evening when the sun is about to go down,

all these birds fly over our house.

I'm not sure where they are coming from or where they are going.

On this evening the clouds looked really cool and I focused in

on one bird until I got a good silhouette.

This was the best one and SOOC.

Please go check out more FAITH photos here!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday...

2011-04-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

1. Motion

I had to go to my archives for this one.

2. Waiting to Click

I followed Shadow around and waited patiently and she finally

curled up and sat still and I finally got this shot.

3. Fashion

Another archive. I just didn't get around to this one.

This is my Blythe doll in her fashionable hat that I crocheted for her.

4. Animal's Perspective

I really had fun with this one.

This was my husband's idea.

Animal is his antennae ball.

This is his perspective everyday!

5. Many

Came across all these palettes at my husband's office.

Hope you enjoyed.

I did!

Please go here to see more interpretations.

Shoot & Edit...Part II

2011-04-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Today, Ashley gave us a tutorial about how to use texture.

I really enjoyed this one. It still blows my mind the changes i can make to an ordinary photo.

The texture just made the sky pop and gave the photo some edge.

FYI...

Texture used: Kim Klassen's Warm Sun Texture

Please go check out more edits here!

Quarterly Top 5...

2011-04-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is my sweetie, Dash. He will be 5 in June.

We went for a walk on Saturday morning

and I got this shot of him. I love the look on his face.

This is Skyanne. She is an Australian Cattle Dog.

She is 1 year and 5 months. She is full of plenty

of energy and mischief. But she loves her boy, Dash.

They play and play and play and never get tired.

This was Dash's first Home Depot workshop.

He really loved that hammer. Just look at the determination on his face.

This is my husband Jeremy. He is the best Dad!

I love the bond that they have.

We were on our way to Agua Caliente to camp.

Dash fell asleep in the motorhome during the drive there.

I wanted to snuggle up with him and all his animals.

That bear was really giving me the evil eye.

Once we got to the campground, Dash immediately set up a monster truck track.

I actually laid on the ground to get this shot. It was so worth it.

So, those are my top 5 favorite shots I have taken this year so far.

Let me tell you how I found my way to this. I got a comment from Side by Side.

I visited her blog and came upon her lovely post for Quarterly Top 5.

She has some great shots of her girls. From there I go to the blog that

hosts Quarterly Top 5...Click it up a Notch.

Not only is there beautiful shots everywhere, but tons and tons of photography info.

If you click on New Here? at the very top above the header you can find this on of posts full of info.

Thought I would share.

Wee Bit Wednesdays...

2011-04-06T08:39:00.001-07:00

{image source}

Time to be a little vulnerable and let you lovely people know a little about me every now and then.

So, here goes...

{one} what is one food that, as an adult you love, but as a child you said you’d never touch?broccoli...I love it now!
{two} did you go to college? if yes, what was your major?Yes, I did go to college.Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.My major was Interior Design and minor in Art
{three} what’s the most wild animal you’ve seen in real life (not counting the zoo)?I don't think I've ever seen any wild animals outside of the zoo.Ok...a deer. I have seen a deer, but that's it.
{four} have you ever been to a fortune teller?No, and I never will.Can you say Sa-tan!
{five} can you juggle?Yes.I was a baton twirler for over 15 years.I started when I was five and my last year was my junior year of college.I learned how to juggle with batons.First, I learned with 3, then I learned with 4.I could probably still juggle 3, but no way I could still do 4.It took lots and lots of practice.
{six} hardwood floors or carpet?Hardwood! but carpet in the bedrooms only.
{seven} is it called “soda” or “pop”?soda.
{eight} what was your first car?A white 1984 5.0 Mustang Convertible.My dad bought it wrecked and fixed it up like new.I loved that car!
{nine} what is the most decadent dessert you’ve ever eaten?CREME BRULEE
{ten} how often do you rearrange your furniture?Not as often as I used to. I do move it until I find the perfect layout.Moving furniture is how I new I wanted to be a designer.I love space planning! In junior high, I used to draw a floorplanof where I would place what and then do it.
I found this lovely Q&A bit at Leigh Ashley's blog.
Hope you enjoyed it!I look forward to getting to know all of you!!

Project 64...Spring Green

2011-04-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks color is SPRING GREEN

At least once a week when I leave work, traffic gets clogged up.

There is only one way in to La Jolla and one way out.

If you don't leave before or after a certain time it takes a while.

This particular day I took the back way out and they were working on the street.

I had to take a detour.

I came upon this bridge.

It was so beautiful.

There are so many greens in this photo and I just love the bridge.

It just happens to have spring green mixed in there!

Click here to see more Spring Green photos.

April goals...

2011-04-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

Here is my list of April goals...
1. Participate consistently in at least 3 photo challenges each week!
2. Sign up for an online journal class
3. Sign up for an online photography class
4. Read at least one book
5. Loose 5 lbs
6. Set up my creative space
7. Schedule at least one play-date for Dash
8. Finish my art wall in the new house
9. Participate in at least one art challenge each week
10. Just breathe for 5 minutes each day

This month has already started of with a good vibe!
Have you made a list of goals for April yet?
If you haven't you should!!
Let's hold each other accountable!!

Shoot & Edit...SOOC

2011-04-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme is UP

You would think that I could have found something better than this

considering that I went to Disneyland this weekend.

But, I kind of forgot and when I remembered I was standing

under this palm tree.

This palm tree is actually growing horizontally.

I thought it was cool looking and this is SOOC!

Check out other UP photos here straight out of the camera

then come back on Thursday for the edit!!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday...

2011-04-03T12:26:00.000-07:00

1. High Key

I had to go in the archives for this one.

I just couldn't get this shot in time.

I achieved a high key effect with Photoshop.

Steps I took:

1. Image> Adjustment> Desaturate

2. Apply image adjustment CURVE

3. Duplicate the layer

4. Filter> Blur> Gassurian blur> Radius: 30 pixels

5. Change the layer blend mode to overlay

6. Add layer mask, set foreground color to black

7. Start brushing over the eyes, nose and lips.

8. You might want to use the burn tool to burn the background layer around the eyes, nose, and lips

I found another tutorial here also, but I haven't tried it yet.

Sunday mornings have become a wonderful hour or two of 'me' time.

All week I keep a folder of possibilities for the scavenger hunt.

Then, on Sunday morning I make my final choices, edit them and watermark them.

2. Bedroom

This is the quilt that is on our bed.

It was a wedding gift from my aunt.

It is embroidered with our names and our wedding date.

3. Something Tiny

These tiny flowers are in my front yard.

They are itty bitty.

4. Off in the Distance

This is the pacific ocean in La Jolla, California.

I work in La Jolla and depending on the traffic I often take the back road out.

This is the view from the back road.

It is spectacular.

5. Stripes

This is the corner of my street.

I thought these made great stripes

Hope you enjoyed my photos.

I am really enjoying the hunt every week.

If you want to see more interpretations or want to join, go here and check it out!

April Color Palette...

2011-04-01T10:06:00.006-07:00

top left image source, top right image source, bottom left image source, bottom right image source, middle image source

When I created this blog I decided that I would keep the background neutral and come up with a different color palette each month depending on what inspires me.
Peep blue, chick pink, bunny green, easter egg yellow and hello kitty purple...
these were my inspiration for April's Color Palette.

My all time favorite color is pink. It has been pink now for a couple of years.
I have really been into turquoise lately also.
I'm already starting to think about May.
Here is a little peak...

I'm thinking...what else, May flowers!!

Color Psychology Corner:
PURPLE

symbol of royalty and wealth
represents wisdom and spirituality
does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial
embodies the balance of red simulation and blue calm
can cause unrest or uneasines
a sense of mystic and royal qualities
often well liked by very creative or eccentric types and is the favorite color of adolescent girls
calming to mind and nerves
offers a sense of spirituality
encourages creativity
stimulates the brain activity used in problem solving
suppresses hunger and balances the body's metabolism

365 iphone project...March

2011-04-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

The highlight of the month, I would have to say,

was when we got the popcorn popper from Costco.

Dash loves this thing.

We all sit together on the couch together and eat popcorn.

It's a great memory for March!!

Here are all the rest of the photos as well.

Just note, I am not trying to capture the best shots.

These are just casual glimpses of my life taken with my iphone.

1. 57/365, 2. 58/365, 3. 59/365, 4. 60/365, 5. 61/365, 6. 62/365, 7. 63/365, 8. 64/365,

9. 64/365, 10. 66/365, 11. 67/365, 12. 68/365, 13. 69/365, 14. 70/365, 15. 71/365, 16. 72/365, 17. 73/365, 18. 74/365, 19. 75/365, 20. 76/375, 21. 77/365, 22. 78/365, 23. 79/365,

24. 80/365, 25. 81/365, 26. 83/365, 27. 82/365, 28. 84/365, 29. 85/365, 30. 86/365,

31. 87/365

Please go here or here if you want to see them all.

Shoot & Edit...Part II

2011-03-31T20:07:00.001-07:00

Can you believe the difference?

It's amazing.

Since I am behind in the edit tutorials, I decided to go back to week 1.

What did I do?

I followed the instructions here.

Now I'm really excited and can't wait to do the next one!!

Go here to see more lovely edits!

Edit Me...Ashley plus 3

2011-03-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

Original

My edit

I played with the levels and curves to my liking.

I also did a little color balancing.

That's it.

Please go here to see more awesome edits!

Shoot & Edit...SOOC

2011-03-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is my SOOC shot for this week.

This weeks theme is Green

I was looking for something unusual.

I think I found it.

Not really sure what these are, but they are green.

Check out all the other SOOC green photos here,

then on Thursday go here to see the edits!!

Project 64...Tickle Me Pink

2011-03-28T19:56:00.000-07:00

I went into my archives for this one,

because I don't want to feel like I am behind.

This little cutie is Kaitlyn.

This weeks color is Tickle Me Pink

Click here to check out more Tickle Me Pink Photos!

Shoot & Edit...Part II

2011-03-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

The flower I took this week SOOC was so pretty.

There wasn't alot to edit.

I do want to try Ashley's tutorial edit.

I just didn't get a chance over the weekend.

Before

After

So I just played with the levels a tiny bit.

I upped the hue and saturation just a bit,

and gave it the tiniest gassurian blur.

Not a big change, it just brightened it.

Please go see more edits here
and also check out Ashley's edit tutorial!
It's really cool!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday...

2011-03-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

1. Decay (old/abandoned)

I took this photo when I went home to Texas.

This is my Dad's car.

It looks like it is old and abandoned,

but hopefully one day he will restore it.

2. Groups of 3

I just couldn't find any groups of 3 this week.

I took this photo at the zoo.

I added a plastic wrap filter to give it a funky texture.

3. Kitchen

These are my cannisters.

I liked the way they were reflecting off of my countertop.

4. Things that make you go hmm

These two are nothing but trouble.
Both coming out of the tent really fast makes me want to go hmm.

5. Me time

Alot of my 'me' time during the week is in the car.

In the morning, on the way to work, I listen to The Jeff & Jer Showgram.

In the afternoon, on the way home, I listen to various podcasts.

Go here to see more interpretations.

Project 64...Scarlet

2011-03-27T07:05:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm really late with this photo.

I just couldn't find anything that was the right color.

I can't go wrong with flowers, right?

This weeks color is Scarlet

If you want to see more Scarlet photos

please click here!!

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge

2011-03-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

I am entering this photo of Dash at The Paper Mama Photo Challenge.

The challenge this week is Sweet.

Every time we go to Disneyland, Dash has to get a lollipop!

He usually ends up breaking it after about 30 minutes.

All of these challenges have really changed my way of looking at the world

on my drive in to work and back, walking into the office from my car and my surroundings no matter where we venture out to.

I'm trying to organize them and come up with a way to remember which one is

what day and what the subject is.

Does anyone have any tricks, tips or advise?

I could really use the help.

If you want to see more 'SWEET' photos

just click here.

Shoot & Edit...Part 1

2011-03-22T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here is my SOOC Flower photo:

This will be my first time doing the Shoot and Edit Weekly Challenge.

The theme this week is flower

There are two parts to this challenge.

1. Post photo unedited and SOOC (straight out of the camera) to Jill Samter Photography

2. Follow the editing tutorial from Ashley Sisk, apply it to your SOOC photo, then post the before and after to Ashley's blog Ramblings and Photos.

Please go here to see more SOOC flower photos!

and stay tuned for the edit in a couple of days.
I can't wait!

Today's Flower...

2011-03-20T20:18:00.000-07:00

My flower for the week.

I absolutely love taking photos of flowers.

I look back at my archives and I bet I have hundreds of flower pics.

So I found the perfect place to show them off.

Here is my flower for the week:

I have no idea what these are, but they are a desert flower.

Go here to see more!!