CHA 2014

I got invited to go to the Cha Conference and Trade Show in Anaheim and hang with with my Therm O Web friends!  It was so much fun!  (Cha=Craft & Hobby Association)  The entire convention center was filled with beautiful paper crafting products, samples, displays, and inspiration!

I was most excited about meeting my friend, Julia from Therm O Web, in person.  We have known each other online for quite some time - so this was a real treat!  She is such a sweetie!  I love Therm O Web!  I couldn't live with out their products!!

This is the Therm O Web display.  I came away with some fun goodies - can't wait to use the Glitter Dust spray on some Valentine projects!!

I was also thrilled to meet Lori Whitlock who designs for Echo Park Paper Company and whose designs are part of Riley Blake Fabrics!  

I was hoping to meet up with Carina Gardner who I met at Sewing Summit, but she had already flown home.  Here papers are beautiful - also from Echo Park and also a Riley Blake Fabric Designer.

I was totally thrilled to meet the Duck Tape people and make my own Duck Tape bracelet!  I think my kids helped pay for their display :)

I loved the Pebbles display (Pebbles in my Pocket).  They had such cute, inspiring projects on display.  I love this Valentine banner with photos - I gotta make one of these!

More cute Valentine crafts!

I love this cluster of paper daisies with doily accents.

Love this banner with the sheet music layered with doilies and patterned paper!

I can't remember whose display this is, but it's an entire wall shelf unit made with wood crates - genius!

I thought this was s cute take on a display board only its a door!

I loved the Basic Grey display - they have super cute papers!

I was so excited to meet Rachel Brenchley who is the creative gal behind their designs!  Of course I love Basic Grey because there designes can be found in fabric too!!

I ran into these gals who are part of The Documented Life Project.  It is such a great idea - check out there link to learn what it's all about!

Lost and Found 2 Placemat Tutorial

Today my placemat tutorial is being featured over at Riley Blake Designs.  It is featuring the Lost and Found 2 line of fabric that is absolutely delicious!  It is the perfect mix of vintage and trendy!  I am so thrilled to finally have placemats for my new table!  They are super easy to make and finish!

I wanted to show off the fabrics so I kept the design pretty simple.  I love the feeling the crochet lace adds!

Winter Break is Over

We've had the past 3 weeks off from school.  It has been a blast!  After Christmas, my parents took my children up to their home.  My hubby and I were alone for an entire week!  I spent most of the time taking down all the Christmas decorations and crying that Christmas was over :(

We watched all 6 of the Fast and the Furious movies!  Ya, I know, you are totally jealous!!

Got to play with Marbles…..

I sewed 20 of these heart keychains…...

…and 20 of these ice cream key chains for Therm O Web

I drove up to my parents and got to be with my kids!  We went to an Elvis Presley tribute concert where on the way home Sally declared, "I love Elvis Presley!!"

Played with the cat cousins…...

We went to the San Jose Tech Museum and saw the Star Wars Exhibit!  It was totally awesome!

This is the real Anakin costume…..

 and the Obi-Wan costume…..

and Yoda!!!

I got to visit with my Nana who is almost 94 years old!

...and hang out with my sister-in-law….crafting….thrifting….late night guitar karaoke…..One Direction Movie watching!!

I can't believe it's all over and now time to get back to a schedule….hmmmmmmmm

Gallery Wall Update

This is how my gallery wall used to look - I liked it, but I felt it needed some updating.  I took all the frames down and spray painted them Heirloom White.   It feels so clean and fresh!!  (The wall color is also different)

 The frames needed some distressing - I like how the black shows through.

Do All Things With Love

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Happy NewYear!  I can't believe it's 2014.  I have a feeling it's going to be a great year!  I was thinking about what I want to focus on this year - you know "New Year's Resulutions."  (The thought of it sends me into panic mode for some reason.)  Among things I want to do are learn the guitar, practice the piano more and learn to save money (LOL).  But those aren't really the important things.  So I gave it some thought and the quote "Do all things with Love" kept coming into my mind.  I am hoping this will be my little motto for the year.  Ya, it's kind of cheesy but once I gave it some thought, I loved it.  For example, when I am packing lunches in the morning, I can remember to do so with love and remember how much I love my children and I am happy to get to pack them their lunches everyday!  When I am doing load after load of laundry, I can have more love and remember how thankful I am to take care of my family….and so on…..  I think focusing on Love will help me to slow down, enjoy my children, and focus on what's important.  What are you focusing on in 2014?

 If you would like a copy of the printable, click HERE.