Red Velvet Art

Whose more excited, you or me?

2007-03-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Red Velvet Art is moving to Typepad. Don't be sad because its going to be so fabulously spacious. Its like we're adding on two new rooms. We're going to have one for online classes and tutorials and the other is for....Well, you'll just have to see for yourself. Check it out here and don't forget to add it to your bookmark.

The Winner

2007-03-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Laura Catherine was picked at random from all of the posted comments and will be receiving a fun goodie bag from Elsie's end of the country.
Thank you for the overwhelming response. It means so much to us that people really read this blog, much less want more. We've been making lists of your requests. A lot of what we're hearing is making a few things clear to us as we make our plans for the next step. If you didn't get a chance to comment on the previous post, feel free to comment later. We're reading them all and taking it in.
You guys make this so much fun for us.
Kisses on both cheeks,
Rachel

what's next for Red Velvet???

2007-03-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

good question... :) we have lots of exciting plans to share with you soon... Red Velvet is for *fun*... it has always been a refreshing and inspiring part of life for Rach and I since we started this journey 3 or so years ago....

I have a few questions for you...
What kinds of projects would you like to see on the RV blog in the future?
Do you want instructions or just eye candy?
Would you be interested in taking an online craft or art journal class?
What are your favorite things you have seen on our blog?
Would you like an opportunity to become more involved in Red Velvet Art?
What are your favorite hobbies?
What kinds of crafting kits would you be interested in?

If you have a few minutes to answer a few ??s for us that would be rad! :) We will choose one winner (from the people who answer the questions) in 24 hours to send a little box of RV handmade goodies to! :)

Thanks! :) Rachel, Elsie & Emma

I dreamed about this little bag.

2007-03-11T11:09:00.000-07:00

I try to go to sleep before 11pm these days but its always after I've spent a while crafting. Inevitably I'll lay down and wait for sleep to come but start thinking about what I can make instead. I need to keep a pen and paper next to my bed so I don't waste these thoughts.
This one was about using this fun bedsheet that I found in Seattle and some old fabric from Oklahoma and doing something nautical. I finally finished it late last night. The buttons were an after thought but I think they really make it special. I've put interfacing in it to make it more sturdy and it is fully lined in a fun turquoise print. There is a small pocket on the inside and two larger buttons sewn onto the end of a 'too long' strap for camoflauge. You never know when you'll need a button!
It feels like summer time and is going up in the Etsy shop today.
I'll try to get another tutorial up for a simple tote bag like this one soon. I'm so glad everyone liked the coin purse. If you've had a chance to make one, send us a link to a pic. I'd love to see what it looks like!

Newest Fabric Flavors

2007-03-05T23:09:00.000-08:00

Fabrics like these get me out of bed some days. I finally stopped in at the locally owned quilters store in downtown Clovis and scored some pretty colors. These are from Amy Butler's 'Lotus', Heather Bailey's 'Fresh Cut' and Moda's 'Uptown'. I am going to make baby blankets out of them and maybe stash some of the Dark Green away for a new bag.
Also, I finished this latest piece for a proposal on Wednesday with a local children's boutique. Unfortunately, it is named 'Little Dreamer' as well. It was one of the only things that kept sticking in my mind for a boy's room and I love the whimsical nature of it. I'm going to have a hard time letting it go.
Keep making pretty things!
R

Check it out.

2007-03-01T23:39:00.000-08:00

Patchwork Coint Purse Tutorial on the new blog. More to come if they get any attention. Good luck and happy sewing.
R

www.blingonmysewingmachine.blogspot.com

Bling on my Sewing Machine

2007-02-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

The title is a little unorthodox but it wouldn't leave.
Thank you to everyone who took a stab at it and left their idea of what the title to my new blog might be. I really liked a few of them so if this one doesn't go over so well, I always have a plan B:)
Yay, to Joyous who did some detective work and actually found the title on my Flickr.com site from another source. I seriously only had it set to public for an hour before I realized it might give it away. I'm so impressed! Joyous, you'll be getting a fun little houndstooth make-up clutch that I made from the cutest pot holder.
And, my new blog is up and ready for fun.
Here's the link:

http://blingonmysewingmachine.blogspot.com

HELP!

2007-02-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm trying to put a picture on the header of my new blog and can't find out how it works on blogspot. If anyone can give me some clue, I'd be so grateful. When I first started I just added text and now I'm ready to change it and can't manage to find a place to upload the picture.
Here's the fun pic. Can you guess what the blog is going to be called? If you get the key word right (its in the picture) I'll send you a fun present! Then I'll post the new blog.
Thanks, ladies!
Rachel

pirate radio memory box

2007-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

hi! :) i made this layout over the weekend. a little home for the memories of my brother's first band! :) Just for fun!

:) Elsie

Drew Barrymore is my favorite!

2007-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day. We're off to see Music and Lyrics. I'm going in my Red Mary Jane's.
Check out the website www.adornmag.com. I just picked up their magazine yesterday for Spring and I LOVE it. Brett said its a strange mix of hipster and granny. I finished some children's aprons from some graphic Target sheets that were on sale so I've filled my need to create today.
Go make someone feel special.
Rachel

New product on Etsy

2007-02-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

Yay! I received a box full of unsold product from the boutique in Seattle this week so I retook some pics and have a few things posted. More to come this week. It was so fun to see these pieces again. It makes me want to get back to the log cabin pillow designs. I've been totally disinterested in sitting down to the machine recently. I made my sister-in-law a cute little journal out of a composition book with a bunch of scrapbook product. I think it is suiting for a 7th grader.
So, check out the Etsy.com shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=81181) and look around while you're there. I keep finding things I've never seen before that I'd love to get for someone (or myself!). If you have a hard time finding it, just go to Etsy.com and search for Red Velvet Art, or go to Elsie's blog and click on the link Rachel's quilts. Yay, thanks for looking. Its so fun to share with you all.
Rachel

Gallery

2007-02-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to have your card posted in the RVA Gallery, please send them to redvelvetart@hotmail.com and I will get them posted. Thanks.
R

And the Winner of the Comment Love Card is...

2007-02-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

"LINDSEY LOO"!!!

I think I heard more original V-Day plans here than I have anywhere else. Good job, ladies! I've been given the OK from my folks for handing over the sweet boy and taking my sweet man out to see a movie in a real theatre! So, I'm going to dress up and enjoy the time off.
I'm also thinking about baking. I found a tutorial for making Red Velvet Cake on flickr.com!
Well, today was a tough day at the doctor's office for Sebastian so we're all worn out and going to bed early tonight. Before I leave, here are the two cards I've received from the swap. The yellow one is from Nikko and the blue one is from Laura. Thank you, girls, for the sparkly cards! The pics don't do them justice but low indoor light is all I had to work with. It was so nice to know these were handmade with me in mind. I'm going to display them all week.
For those who are curious, we had exactly 50 ladies sign up and noone had to back out, which is unusual for swaps. I am so happy that so many were interested. I was thinking it might just be us three and a few others but word got out and we were linked from a few blogs that are widely read (WHIPUP), etc. So, if you have any ideas for a swap in the near future, let us know on this post and we'll take notes.
You girls are superb!
Rachel

I suck...

2007-02-06T16:34:00.001-08:00

because I totally forgot to take pictures of my cards before I sent them out:( Emma

so, this was FUN! :)

2007-02-06T12:20:00.000-08:00

just finished my cards for the valentines day swap.... :) SO MUCH FUN! thanks, rachel, for organizing this! YOU ROCK! Elsie

Finally finished mine...going out today!

2007-02-05T15:31:00.000-08:00

Ladies,
I finally got mine done so here they are...and a sneak peak of the happy valentine love that will be going out to the randomly drawn comment leaver. So...keep those Valentine's plans coming. I'll pick tomorrow morning and e-mail you!
Love, Hugs and Kisses on both Cheeks!
Rachel

Send them out into the world!

2007-02-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

So today is the day to send out your cards if you can. I know it'll be hard to let them go. After all, they are so young and new...
I have waited until the last hours to make my own cards, like I always do, but they are finished and will be sent out today!!! (I'll give you a peek in the gallery.) Check out the many beautiful cards that are already up!

Reminder: If you won't be able to send out cards, please let me know so you don't get black listed for the next swap.

Also, if you want a little extra Valentine love, leave a comment today about your Valentine's Day plans and we'll do a random name draw for a special Valentine card. It will be mailed out tomorrow (6th).

Have a Happy Monday!
Rachel

Photo Gallery

2007-02-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

If you have already finished your cards and would like to send them out, feel free! Also, if you'd like to send us a picture of your finished product, we'll post it in the Red Velvet Photo Gallery which links to Flickr.com. We've got two up already and two more in the works.
Also, if you haven't already seen Elsie's new product for KI, waste no time in checking out her blog!!! Her new line is soooo fresh and inspiring and I'm sure those of you who have already seen it can't WAIT to see it in stores! She's just finished a week of setting up and showcasing at CHA in L.A. which meant I got to see her!!! Her booth was so fun!
OK, back to crafting. Happy Friday!
Rachel

Minibooks!

2007-01-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Here are a few peeks at one of the mini scrapbooks I made for my family this Christmas. It was fun but I take soooo long to finish even something small like this!
Rachel

More time for blogging!

2007-01-28T20:46:00.000-08:00

It was time for a change. My parents' hair stylist, a Lebanese hipster, actually watched me walk in and shook his head. His first words were, "You've been cutting this yourself, haven't you." Ouch.
Yes, I'm on a limited budget so I've been taking DIY to a whole new level! I think I had gone to a Super Cuts stylist once in the last five years since I'd been in this man's salon. He had been the only one that had ever cut my curly hair without going too short. This time he let me have it by cutting about 7" off . He's been taken off the good list!
This is the third time I've had so much cut off but the first two were from super long to pixie short. I think I'll survive. Give it a week, right?
Rachel

Lists are Out!

2007-01-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

I have sent e-mails to all participants in the V-Day Card Swap with their contact info. If you signed up and didn't receive an e-mail, please let me know so I can fix the error. (redvelvetart "at" hotmail "dot" com)
I will post reminders about getting the cards out on or before February 5th. Thanks again to all who were able to sign up. If you didn't get a chance this time, there will hopefully be another swap soon!
SEND US PICS...WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOUR CARDS!
Rachel

Time is up!!!

2007-01-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

Yay, for the turnout! We've got a lot of names to group so you'll each be getting an e-mail before the weekend is up with your contact list. If you still have questions about what to do, please write to me @ Redvelvetart@hotmail.com.
The cards can be made with any medium and you can write a message or leave it general.
If you are unable to send your cards by Feb. 5th, please notify me at the above e-mail address. It is important for us to know who is unable to take part. Those who don't send their cards to their contacts without any notification will not be able to participate in future swaps. Unfortunately, this is the only way to ensure this can be a fun event and worth the valuable time people put into it.
Thanks for the enthusiasm! I'll be e-mailing you soon.
Rachel
RVA

Show @ Erin's house

2007-01-21T22:34:00.000-08:00

I spent the last two weeks preparing for a small product show at a friend's house. I stayed up until midnight sewing most nights because I forget that I must sleep to function the next day. I got sick for the first time in a year but managed to sew on. I finally had most of it together this morning before the show thanks to my husband's help with Sebastian and my mom's encouragement. I get to the show with time to spare and discover...I've forgotten to bring any money for change! No matter...husband to the rescue again. Turns out, I didn't need much as I only sold one blanket and two burp cloth packs.
I'm telling myself not to be sad because now its all ready for the next time I need to sell it. (Its probably going up on Etsy.com)
Anyways, here's some pics.
Thanks for all of the sign ups for our FIRST EVER VALENTINE CARD SWAP! I'm so excited to see what you girls are making. Just a reminder...send me your NAME, E-MAIL and MAILING ADDRESS to REDVELVETART (at) HOTMAIL.COM.
To answer a few questions...we'll be taking sign ups until Jan 26th at midnight...you'll get between 3-5 cards...feel free to write a message in these to your new friend...you can use any medium you'd like...IMPORTANT: YOU MUST HAVE THEM FINISHED AND READY TO SEND BY FEB. 5TH TO HAVE THEM DELIVERED IN TIME FOR FEB. 14TH. IF YOU HAVE ANY INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS you may want to send them as soon as you can. Its up to you.
I've already received some pics from one of our ladies! Great job!

Valentine Card Scrap Swap!

2007-01-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wanna be part of the first RVA Valentine Card Scrap Swap? Send in your name, e-mail and home address to RedVelvetArt (at) hotmail.com before January 26th. You will then receive a few names and mailing addresses of other scrappers (we're hoping 3-5 names) that you will make a Valentine card for. You have about a week and a half to finish these and get them in the mail in order to have them delivered by February 14th. (We recommend setting February 5th as a deadline to have them in the mail.)

Feel free to make them as simple or complex as you'd like. One card per person is the expectation, although not all cards have to be the same. This is a way to make Valentine's Day something to look forward to despite your romantic situation. I plan on displaying all of my cards as they arrive to get me in the mood. I also know for a fact that its Elsie's FAVORITE holiday of the year.

We'd love to see pics of your cards before you send them! We'll try posting them all so we can showcase everyone's ideas.

Please e-mail us if you've signed up and aren't able to participate. Sometimes unexpected things come up and we all understand, but it is important to inform us so we can contact the people on your list.

If you know of anyone who would like to participate send them this info ASAP. We'll post reminders as we get closer to deadlines to keep everyone on their toes!

Happy Scrapping!
RVA girls

Whoa baby!

2007-01-10T20:17:00.000-08:00

Watch out, its the New Year! There are so many things that are going to be different for me in 2007. The night before Christmas was a low point but something about a new calendar year makes me feel hopeful again. I need to make some good changes in my life. So, to start out, I joined a gym. I am also tutoring two boys in English. I'm trying to be more kind to my husband as he deals with his own pressure to find a good job. But most importanly, I'm putting on those workout clothes and doing something that will bring back a part of me that disappeared quietly.
I usually never make resolutions because I never intend to really put forth the effort. But in the spirit of 'do overs', if you've decided to make a change, leave a comment and share it with us.
Big apologies again for the missing 7 days of Christmas. Maybe next year!

Rachel

Open for business!!!

2006-12-17T23:05:00.000-08:00

I finally started my etsy.com shop!!!! Here's the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=81181

Get familiar with this whole website if you love handmade gifts and want to find something special!

Happy hunting!

(Can you tell how excited I am by all of the !!!!!!!!!!!!'s I'm using?!!)
Rachel

day 5: customize a snow cap

2006-12-13T20:34:00.000-08:00

1. find a simple snow cap with lots of potential, but not much personality ;)
2. sew a funky flower from bits and pieces of random felt, fabric and buttons (can also try... pipe cleaners, vinal or rhinestones).
3. sew flower to hat.
4. give hat to a cute friend who likes to wear cute hats.

have a good day and merry *almost* christmas! Elsie

Day 4: Create a Colorful Banner

2006-12-10T23:19:00.000-08:00

I made this banner to put above my son's crib. However, it can easily be altered to be used as a birthday or holiday decoration. Using coordinated fabrics and quilt binding, I managed to finish this in an evening.
I cut out triangles that were 6" tall and 5" wide and spaced them 2 1/4" apart. I laid them out on the floor before sewing them to make sure the colors looked good together when doubled back.
An alternative to using fabric would be using scrapbook paper and embellishments to create something just as lovely. Add stars, letters or other symbols to each flag to personalize it. Use bold contrasting colors like black and white with pink lettering for an edgier look. Have fun!
Rachel

Finished product from last post!

2006-12-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

I ran out of room for pics in the last one. Here's my finished stocking.
R

Day 3: Sweater Stockings

2006-12-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Yay for easy ways to reuse old threads! Here's a quick way to make a stocking out of an old sweater with a limited amount of sewing and embelishing. FIRST, cut out the sleeve of your sweater and trace your pattern. I made one that was about 7 inches long and 5 inches wide. I also used the sweater's seam for one of my seams to save some sewing. SECOND, unfold your stocking so that the wrong side is facing up. Then fold over the top to make a seam. THIRD, turn stocking over so the right side is facing you. I added rick-rack to bring in some color and cover my top stitch. FOURTH, I sewed some random buttons by hand onto the top of one side. FINALLY, turn the right sides together and sew. Then turn inside out to view your beautiful new stocking!!! Give as ornaments or cute Christmas gifts stuffed with new scrapbooking materials. Take pics and show us what you all are creating. We'd love to see your work.
Rachel

day 2: customize a t-shirt

2006-12-08T08:32:00.000-08:00

you can do this with any simple printed t-shirt... this one happens to be a puppy shirt (from target). I used ribbon and a button to add a cute bow to the little skulls hair and covered the cardboard hanger with cute ki memories patterned paper. i love making handmade gifts, but honestly... this year i have had NO TIME... so this is a fun way to give a gift that personal touch without spending hours and hours! this project only took me about 15 minutes. have a fun day!!! Elsie

12 days of gift making.... day 1

2006-12-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

hey guys! :) we are going to do 12 days of handmade gift ideas.... my first one is this fun t-shirt (ok.. i made it for myself, but it can ALSO be a gift idea, right?) i just hand stitched random peices of ribbon (that i stole from my sister) to the front shoulder of the shirt. Try to make it messy and imperfect.. the more messy, the better! You could also try sewing the ribbon in patterns or making designs with them (like birds, flowers or clouds?). Emma

pretty things that make me want to make stuff....

2006-12-02T12:03:00.000-08:00

i picked these up in Australia last month....fashion totally inspires me to create. I love all the details, colors and moods there are in fashion! so much fun! :) Emma and Rach, what is inspiring you right now?

Elsie

new art journal...

2006-11-27T09:02:00.000-08:00

just started a new art journal last week... i am going through some kind of season of change in my life... needed to do something to get all the emotions out. love these journals. they are such good therapy! :) elsie

2006-11-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!! so i had a really great day with my family but i totally missed elsie, as she is in Oklahoma visiting TJ's family...oh well. my parents and my brother and i all went to go see "The Fountain" which i didnt really like. in fact i thought it was pretty bad. but if you liked "What Dreams May Come" then you may like it :) and i realized Hugh Jackman is in three films that are in theatres right now (even though one is an animated movie) what a busy man! well im off to finish writing the first of three papers i have to complete before school comes around agian on monday!

Happiest of Birthdays to Elsie!!!

2006-11-19T21:25:00.000-08:00

In honor of long distance friendship birthdays and cupcake memories! We love you and miss you! Happy Birthday.
R, B, & S

Elsie and Emma

2006-11-15T23:30:00.000-08:00

What special traditions did you guys have over the holidays growing up? Every Christmas, minus two freaky weather years, my whole family has been together in Oklahoma for a week to catch up on life together. This year looked like we weren't going to have a 'normal' Christmas, or Thanksgiving for that matter, since we were in Seattle with little money for plane fares and I was trying to think of all of the ways we'd be able to start our own traditions with Sebastian. But really I was so sad that we'd be spending it by ourselves. So, in the midst of having to leave the city we've grown to love, I'm holding on to the notion of Christmas with my family and a week in Oklahoma, thanks to the most generous of grandparents. This is my favorite time of the year!

So, how does everyone else celebrate? What puts you in the mood for Christmas/Hannukah/Winter Solstice, etc.?

NO!!!!!!

2006-11-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

I just found out the Urban Craft Uprising show in Seattle is Dec. 2&3 at the Seattle Center. This, my friends, is about 1/2 mile away from my doorstep. Oh, yah, and I leave on the 24th of Nov. to move back to Fresno while Brett stays here to finish his last class and leave on Dec. 1st. How mad does that make me? Well, I'm sitting here trying to read about it and every time Brett asks me a question I give him the, 'don't you know I'm busy reading about something really important here!' look and then curtly answer. So, if you live in or near enough to attend this event, please go and tell me how amazing it was and that we need to move back SOOOOO bad. I'm going to pout in the corner.
Rachel

p.s. Oh, and Sebastian rolled over today and I missed it.

making stuff...

2006-11-11T13:38:00.000-08:00

it's my favorite thing in the whole world... it's what initially attracted me to my husband and all my best friends... the passion for making and enjoying art! :) makes me so happy. i think it is the best remedy for a sad or cold or stressful day. just making something fun and pretty.. hanging it on the wall, giving it to a friend or even just trashing it and starting over... as long as i am making something, i will be a happy girl.

what are you making right now?

Elsie
ps. this is a necklace i made a while back... love this random/kitsch style! :)

Yummy!

2006-11-09T22:54:00.000-08:00

These days:
~iced tall egg nog chai lattes from the ever growing chain where we get 30% off our drinks and affordable health insurance...(any guesses?)
~flannel sheets
~Maple trees
~low sunlight in the sky that falls between the slats in my blinds
~scrambled eggs and toast
~packages from home
~blogging
~Mates of State
~flickr.com
~muted yellow, burnt orange, apple green
~the first smile from Sebastian after a long nap
~fireplaces inside coffee houses
~walking to the video store
~old houses
~homemade cheesecake
~the water on a grey day
~Taize songs
~brown boots
~long hair
~leaning into Brett

Rachel

getting paint on my hands

2006-11-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to make a three piece art installment for our traveling home. I'm waiting for the base coat to dry and changing my mind every three seconds about what needs to happen next. I have all of my supplies in the living room floor around my coffee table with Sebastian sleeping in his swing and Sufjan Stevens on the ipod. Sometimes you have to just move forward to draw out something beautiful from the pieces of ideas that present themselves. Sometimes I'm afraid of making something lame so I don't make anything at all. I've decided this is stupid. I will enjoy the process of creating as much as the end product.

Here are some pages from an art journal that came out of a teaching week that Elsie and I did two summers ago. I have a list of 50 things I want to do before I'm too old to do them. I've been able to check a few of these off this year! Thanks for looking.

Newest Quilt

2006-11-03T16:30:00.000-08:00

Seattle is rainy and gray today. Its time to settle in for a long wet season for the rest of the city. We're outta here in four weeks and trying to figure out how to get rid of everything in our home that won't fit in our family sized Nissan or a few boxes to be shipped second class. Craigslist.org is resourceful in Seattle so I hope we can work that system. I'm going to keep almost all of my fabric and art supplies but the kitchen table and our fabulous free finds are getting the boot.
I've been working on a few new quilts that will go up on my Etsy.com store once I have enough to make a good opening. Stay posted.
Sebastian is four months old tomorrow! He has been waking up every two hours at night needing to eat this week. We bought him some rice cereal to help him stay asleep longer but he has yet to see the value of solids!
This time of year always makes me feel crafty. Can't wait to hear what everyone is working on right now...
Rachel

"happy accidents"

2006-10-31T00:30:00.000-08:00

one of the things i love about art is the classic (bob ross) "happy accidents" concept. I love believing that nomatter what mistake i make it can turn into something beautiful. sometimes the best ideas come from just messing around and having fun! :) this photo was a total accident, but it turned out to be my favorite out of about 70 shots... total mistake. love it.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! :) elsie

2006-10-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

so recently i have become a little bit addicted to books on cd-which i listen to in my car as i drive to school or "work" or whatever. here's what i've been listening to this past month:
The Namesake by:Jhumpa Lahiri
Oryx and Crake by: Margaret Atwood
About Grace by: Anthony Doerr (which i am currently "reading")
-emma

job perks

2006-10-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

So, this morning as I was searching a tenant's vacated apartment for our missing rolly cart I found a beautiful, empty, red leather album at the top of a pile of empty soda cans, torn magazines, lonely socks, etc. I think it may have been our best find here at the apts.
Since we drove to Seattle from Oklahoma in our car with our choice possessions, we sat on the floor for a few weeks during mealtime and sat on our bed to watch movies on our laptop. Move outs usually occur during the weekend so we always got first dibs on anything left lying around once the tenant turned in their keys. If you are a garage sale junkie, you know the feeling! We've picked up a few items of furniture; a futon with missing screws, a chipped coffee table, a microwave, a white bookshelf that we converted into a wardrobe for Sebastian, a small bunkbed ladder that I use to display blankets, and a singe black chair from IKEA.
I think I'm going to use this free album to attempt a scrapbook of some sort. Thanks to a certain friend of mine who has a little scrapbooking know-how and keeps the supplies coming, I may even be proud of it when its done.
Happy Junking,Happy Scrapping!

The second picture is the other fun piece I found this morning. Seriously, who carries that many markers with them?

Original Recipe by Emma

2006-10-27T11:02:00.000-07:00

so i wanted to share an original recipe that i made up a year or so ago and i submitted to Better Homes and Garden magazine for a recipe contest but i didn't win:(
but i promise it's good!

Kiwi & Poppy Seed Bran Muffins
by:Emma Chapman

Ingredients- 1 cup whole bran cereal
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup cooking oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
non-stick cooking spray
2-3 sliced or diced kiwi
poppy seeds (some like alot, some like a little)

Directions- In a medium bowl combine the milk and bran cereal and set it aside for a few minutes. Stir together the sugar, egg, and oil. In a different bowl stir together the flours, baking powder and salt. Add all three mixtures together and stir until well combined but do not over stir. Lastly add the kiwi and poppy seeds.

Lightly coat 12 big muffin pan cups with the non-stick cooking spray. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter. Bake at 400 degree F in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Makes one batch (12 big muffins)

Enjoy!!!!

Changes come

2006-10-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

So, a little trip to the Midwest brought me back to my self. Its been a strange year with moving to Seattle, having a baby, trying to understand what we're supposed to be doing with our lives when our plans don't seem to be working out. My husband, Brett, and our son, Sebastian, flew to Missouri and spent the week with family and good friends and got away from the worry for awhile. We came home and found out our current weekend job as apartment managers would be ending next month which leads us closer to making decisions about our future but not like we expected. Needless to say, it was refreshing to be able to spend the weekend with my sweet friend, Elsie, and absorb the colors in her life. I'm feeling like art is the one thing in my life that I understand right now.
Sebastian has been the sweetest source of inspiration since his arrival on the 4th of July and helps brighten things up with our involved 'conversations' on the weather, construction on the Avenue, and his view from the swing.
I'm in the middle of a quilting fetish and have deconstructed about 6 pairs of jeans that were no longer useful in their existing state. I was inspired by a quilt I saw in a Smithsonian magazine about the ladies from Gee's Bend. I'm trying to see potential in garments as cloth and not just how they've served their purpose.
Resourceful of me, isn't it...

Rachel

some old art journals...

2006-10-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

it's always cool looking back at old journals. these are from about 2 years ago. thanks for peeking! Elsie