I love the subtlety of how the black, cream, and browns all blend together.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope to have more for you to see very soon!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Shabby French Frame ~ Black & Cream
Only a couple more French inspired projects and I promise I'll move on to something else. Maybe. We'll see. Tonight I whipped up a French inspired frame using the leftover paper from the French scrolls I showed you yesterday along with black and cream diamond patterned paper. If the frame looks familiar, its because I incorporated the same layout as I used on this frame.
I love the subtlety of how the black, cream, and browns all blend together.
Thanks for stopping by, I hope to have more for you to see very soon!
I love the subtlety of how the black, cream, and browns all blend together.Thanks for stopping by, I hope to have more for you to see very soon!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
French Scrolls
It is officially fall but I cant dive into all of Autumn's splendors until I satisfy this French mood Ive been in lately. I'll have to find a way to combine the two I guess. Tonight's project is a simple one, and pretty inexpensive too. Gotta love that right?
I received an apothecary jar for Christmas last year and I've had a really hard time knowing what to put in it because it is so large. Until I got smacked with a French inspiration stick, then I thought of something! I wanted to fill it with scrolls of French paper.
I began by opening a new Word document. I entered a bunch of text (it can be anything, really), highlighted the text, right clicked, selected Translate, then translated the English text to French text. Then, I played around with different font types to achieve the look I was going for. In this case, I wanted several different styles so I used the same text but printed them out several times in various fonts. I used fine business paper but any type of paper will probably do, it just depends on the look you're going for.
Next, I distressed my the papers' edges using scissors and ink.
Once I had all of my pages distressed to my liking, I rolled them up, some long ways and some short ways, and tied them with ribbon, jute, and/or lace.
So simple right?! Now all I have to do is place them into my apothecary jar. But I'm faced with a dilemma, do I add a little moss at the bottom...?
or...
...not?
I'm pleased with how the scrolls turned out and was surprised at just how quick and easy they were to create. Instead of using French script, try sheet music, old ledger papers, or pages out of old novels. Specialty papers such as these would look great in a long basket or any other container that would allow you to showcase the delicate look of aged pages. Give it a try!
I received an apothecary jar for Christmas last year and I've had a really hard time knowing what to put in it because it is so large. Until I got smacked with a French inspiration stick, then I thought of something! I wanted to fill it with scrolls of French paper.
I began by opening a new Word document. I entered a bunch of text (it can be anything, really), highlighted the text, right clicked, selected Translate, then translated the English text to French text. Then, I played around with different font types to achieve the look I was going for. In this case, I wanted several different styles so I used the same text but printed them out several times in various fonts. I used fine business paper but any type of paper will probably do, it just depends on the look you're going for.
Next, I distressed my the papers' edges using scissors and ink.
Once I had all of my pages distressed to my liking, I rolled them up, some long ways and some short ways, and tied them with ribbon, jute, and/or lace.
So simple right?! Now all I have to do is place them into my apothecary jar. But I'm faced with a dilemma, do I add a little moss at the bottom...?
or...
...not?
I'm pleased with how the scrolls turned out and was surprised at just how quick and easy they were to create. Instead of using French script, try sheet music, old ledger papers, or pages out of old novels. Specialty papers such as these would look great in a long basket or any other container that would allow you to showcase the delicate look of aged pages. Give it a try!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Shabby French Frame ~ Pink
Shabby and French go together like peanut butter and jelly. Bread and butter. Chocolate and milk. And I love it all! I am very into French inspirations right now so the other day I had the idea to try my French script stamp on a frame. I haven't worked on frames for a long while so this is what I came up with:
Unfortunately, the stamp is narrower than my frame, so I'll need to keep experimenting until I find the right placement. The flower embellishments are Cuttlebug dies that I cut out then crumpled and distressed to give them that shabby look. Pretty easy really, except that those flowers aren't very big and un-crumpling them is finger-numbing. 
I have a few other shabby-French ideas that I hope to share with you soon so stay tuned for those!
Unfortunately, the stamp is narrower than my frame, so I'll need to keep experimenting until I find the right placement. The flower embellishments are Cuttlebug dies that I cut out then crumpled and distressed to give them that shabby look. Pretty easy really, except that those flowers aren't very big and un-crumpling them is finger-numbing. 
I have a few other shabby-French ideas that I hope to share with you soon so stay tuned for those!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Adventures of a travelin’ girl…
Sometimes, I have a pretty sweet job. Or maybe it’s just a regular job with a few sweet perks every now and again. Either way, its days like this when I am happy to be in Corporate America playing the role of a successful, high powered business woman. Im not really all that successful and not the least bit a high powered business woman, but I play one on tv. Okay, so I don’t play one on tv either.
Back in the spring I was asked to co-present at a large conference in Chicago with one of the banking institutions that we do business with. Apparently I was such a smash hit (gag me!) that they asked if I would co-present the same presentation at a conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Okay, so you’re going to fly me to Grand Rapids, put me up in the Amway Grand, feed me, entertain me, make me stand in front of a hundred people for an hour, then send me on my way? Where do I sign?
Let me just say that I am NOT an experienced traveler. I don’t think I have been through a major airport since the 9-11 attacks. As a matter of fact, I stepped off of a plane the very morning those horrific things took place and haven’t been back since. I remember all the hype about increased security measures, shoe bombers, all that. But when I was preparing for my trip, I forgot to make myself familiar with the new airport guidelines. I checked myself in online, was all set and ready…so I thought. I didn’t check my bag, decided to carry it on with me so I wouldn't have to pay the ridiculous fee that the airports are charging these days. Mistake! Thank God I was at the airport at a non-busy time because otherwise, I would have been mortified. As Im standing there…shoeless…how can anyone be comfortable in an airport security line without any shoes on? Anyway, Im watching them scan my computer, my bag, my purse, then…my suitcase. They might as well have started blowing sirens or something. The lady indicated that there was a problem and they would need to search my bag. Omg. Right there, for everyone to see, are the contents of my suitcase. Thank goodness I packed my cute undies right? Someone forgot to remind me that big bottles of anything liquid are NOT allowed on a plane. For crying out loud, what am I going to do with a bottle of Dove hairspray? Its Dove! A symbol of peace! How harmful can a half empty can of hairspray be? Fine, take it. Oh, and this Clean and Clear facial soap…fine, you can have that too. And the lotion. And my toothpaste. They picked up my bottle of Channel perfume and I about went postal on them…oh, but it was okay. Wshew! I then got a brief lesson from the should-be retired security officer as to what’s allowable and what’s not. And then he gave me a Ziploc bag to put all the allowable stuff in. Him handing me that plastic bag was like being handed that little plastic cup at the doctor’s office. Here, fill this up!
Alright, so Im finally through security and waiting at the gate with plenty of time to spare (which for me is a small miracle in and of itself). Im boarding the plane just like everyone else, and as I give my ticket to the ticket-taker-guy, he slightly glances up at me and says in a tone that is barely audible, ‘thank you Supermodel Miller.’ Lol!! I chuckled, said thank you, walked away, then rolled my eyes. Where was he when they were searching my private belongings?! I should have corrected him and stated that today I am not a supermodel; I am a high powered business woman. I’m only a supermodel on the weekends.
Back in the spring I was asked to co-present at a large conference in Chicago with one of the banking institutions that we do business with. Apparently I was such a smash hit (gag me!) that they asked if I would co-present the same presentation at a conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Okay, so you’re going to fly me to Grand Rapids, put me up in the Amway Grand, feed me, entertain me, make me stand in front of a hundred people for an hour, then send me on my way? Where do I sign?
Let me just say that I am NOT an experienced traveler. I don’t think I have been through a major airport since the 9-11 attacks. As a matter of fact, I stepped off of a plane the very morning those horrific things took place and haven’t been back since. I remember all the hype about increased security measures, shoe bombers, all that. But when I was preparing for my trip, I forgot to make myself familiar with the new airport guidelines. I checked myself in online, was all set and ready…so I thought. I didn’t check my bag, decided to carry it on with me so I wouldn't have to pay the ridiculous fee that the airports are charging these days. Mistake! Thank God I was at the airport at a non-busy time because otherwise, I would have been mortified. As Im standing there…shoeless…how can anyone be comfortable in an airport security line without any shoes on? Anyway, Im watching them scan my computer, my bag, my purse, then…my suitcase. They might as well have started blowing sirens or something. The lady indicated that there was a problem and they would need to search my bag. Omg. Right there, for everyone to see, are the contents of my suitcase. Thank goodness I packed my cute undies right? Someone forgot to remind me that big bottles of anything liquid are NOT allowed on a plane. For crying out loud, what am I going to do with a bottle of Dove hairspray? Its Dove! A symbol of peace! How harmful can a half empty can of hairspray be? Fine, take it. Oh, and this Clean and Clear facial soap…fine, you can have that too. And the lotion. And my toothpaste. They picked up my bottle of Channel perfume and I about went postal on them…oh, but it was okay. Wshew! I then got a brief lesson from the should-be retired security officer as to what’s allowable and what’s not. And then he gave me a Ziploc bag to put all the allowable stuff in. Him handing me that plastic bag was like being handed that little plastic cup at the doctor’s office. Here, fill this up!
Alright, so Im finally through security and waiting at the gate with plenty of time to spare (which for me is a small miracle in and of itself). Im boarding the plane just like everyone else, and as I give my ticket to the ticket-taker-guy, he slightly glances up at me and says in a tone that is barely audible, ‘thank you Supermodel Miller.’ Lol!! I chuckled, said thank you, walked away, then rolled my eyes. Where was he when they were searching my private belongings?! I should have corrected him and stated that today I am not a supermodel; I am a high powered business woman. I’m only a supermodel on the weekends.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Country Living Fair 2008 (Round 1)
The countdown is over, and so is Country Living Fair 2008. Despite the icky weather (rain, lots of scattered rain), we enjoyed ourselves at this year's fair which was held at Ohio Village in Columbus, OH. We saw several improvements since last year's show with access and parking being at the top of the list. The vendor count appeared higher, though I'm unsure of actual numbers. The layout of the fair was more "village" like and spread out. I missed some of the coziness of last year's fair, where all of the booths were snuggled in together, but at least we were able to walk around without mowing people over...too much. That was a good thing.
Below are various photos I took at the fair. I'm still doing a little research to find additional information on my favorite vendors so I'll bring you those photos in Round 2.
Overview:
Decor:
Vignettes:
Below are various photos I took at the fair. I'm still doing a little research to find additional information on my favorite vendors so I'll bring you those photos in Round 2.
Overview:
Decor:
Vignettes:
Ceeell-la-brate...
...good times, COME ON! Dernt nernt dernt nernt nernt nernt nernt nernt YEAH HOO!
Press play and celebrate with me!
Why are we celebrating?! Because I am d-o-n-e, finished, over, through, complete, stick a fork in me because I am DONE with college! Dernt nernt dernt nernt YEAH HOO!
Com'on, celebrate with me! You know you want to, this song is just too grooovy not to get up on your feet! Get up, dance around, YEAH HOO!
Its after 3:30 am and I seriously JUST finished college about 30 minutes ago. YEAH HOO! Dernt nernt dernt nernt nernt nernt nernt nernt YEAH HOO! *bopping my head, swaying too and fro* YEAH HOO!
Press play and celebrate with me!
Why are we celebrating?! Because I am d-o-n-e, finished, over, through, complete, stick a fork in me because I am DONE with college! Dernt nernt dernt nernt YEAH HOO!
Com'on, celebrate with me! You know you want to, this song is just too grooovy not to get up on your feet! Get up, dance around, YEAH HOO!
Its after 3:30 am and I seriously JUST finished college about 30 minutes ago. YEAH HOO! Dernt nernt dernt nernt nernt nernt nernt nernt YEAH HOO! *bopping my head, swaying too and fro* YEAH HOO!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Country Living or Bust!
The wait is almost over. Tomorrow, bright and early, "the sisters" will load 'em up and head 'em out to the Country Living Fair 2008. I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. I was over at this blog (because she's going to be exhibiting at the fair)and she mentioned that the pre-sales for this year's fair have already exceeded the number of total attendees at last year's fair. People, do you realize what this means? It's going to be bananas!! B-a-n-a-n-a-s, bananas!! Despite the thunderstorms in the forecast, I think it'll be a fantastic time. I'll have a full report for you when I return but in the meantime, enjoy some of my photos from Country Living Fair 2007.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Changes
No matter how tightly we try to hang on, summer is slipping away. With the passing of Labor Day, summer’s unofficial end, fall is certainly upon us. But what a great time to celebrate! Autumn is such a splendid time of year with a multitude of things to look forward to. A fresh start to school (except for me, yeah!), the kickoff to football season, vibrant colors, festivals, harvest, food, Oh the food!! *sigh* Fall has become my most favorite time of year. I just wish the beautiful leaves would hang tight a little longer and the crisp air filled with sunshine would endure a few weeks more. But to everything there is a season right?
In tune with the season’s change, I have updated my blog just a bit. With the new month comes a new banner, one of my favorite ways to express creativity. You may also note that I’ve updated my blog lists and categorized my favorite selections. I am always on the lookout for wonderful and inspiring blogs!
I look forward to sharing this fantastic season with you!
In tune with the season’s change, I have updated my blog just a bit. With the new month comes a new banner, one of my favorite ways to express creativity. You may also note that I’ve updated my blog lists and categorized my favorite selections. I am always on the lookout for wonderful and inspiring blogs!
I look forward to sharing this fantastic season with you!
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