Monday, August 30, 2010

silly squeeze

Silly squeeze is a layout about my q-bear who doesn't just give you a hug-she squeezes you as tight as she possibly can. I enjoyed designing with Studio Calico's kit this month. It's quite pretty and I adore the colors!

Besides the awesome kit I had to throw in some of my new Dear Lizzy Enchanted tapes because it was a perfect fit & I was excited to try it out. (It's the green floral tape under the blue ribbon above & the pink and blue tape below. Loving it already.)

Here she is again, this time being a sneaky, little girl at my brother's wedding. Stealing a lick from the cakes. She is at that curious I-want-to-get-into-everything stage.
As soon as Avery decided there are more fun things to do than make a mess, Quincey decided it's the coolest thing since pb&j sandwiches.

I was pretty sneaky myself and added some of the new Dear Lizzy Enchanted paper to the center heart & some thickers. Love this Back 40 Studio Calico kit because it they make it so easy for you! You can sit down with the perfectly picked products right at your fingertips.


Sunday, August 29, 2010

Lone Star

I taught at a store in Texas over the weekend. It was such a quick trip but really fun. Thanks Misty for the picture with some of the students. These ladies were a treat and I loved getting to know many of them.

The trip started out kinda crazy. I guess Houston didn't like me very much and everything was going wrong. Including, spending a good amount of time on the carpet by a power outlet with my phone at thrifty car rental. But I proved myself by bringing the perfect PJs for the occasion and I could tell by the belgium waffles the next morning that Houston decided I wasn't so bad. We are now great buddies.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Charming

enchanted [ɪnˈtʃɑːntɪd] adj
1. under a spell; bewitched; magical
2. utterly delighted or captivated; fascinated; charmed
photo by Jefra Starr Linn

Enchanted was such a fun line to design with American Crafts. Now it's waiting time until it arrives and into our finger tips... I said 'our' because I'm sure you are excited too! Until then, here's a screen shot of the catalog.
Take a close look at the name of the paper on the right... Collin said it was one of the proudest moments in his life & then a lone tear fell down his cheek. haha. kidding. But what a cute coincidence to be side by side, even if it is just paper.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

closer everyday


A peek at some of the Spark decor spread around Rhonna's house. She's amazed me at what she's put together. Don't you love the bright, circusey vibe this year? (and don't you like when I make up my own words?) My favorite are the burlap swag bags... thanks to Anna for making those! Can't wait!
Warm welcome my newest blog sponsors: The Rusted Chain

and Scrapbook Circle (Scrapbook kits & fresh ideas)

Monday, August 23, 2010

piles around the house

Piles of made-with-love kits finished up for my online class. Incredible how we are sending these all over the world including Greece, Malaysia, Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Greece, Germany, Australia & England. How fun!
Designed packaging with some of my favorite paper: Girls Paperie
Most used punch: Classic butterfly

Piles of books that she's busy reading to her stuffed friends.

Shares a cute look for the camera while she's busy exploring & piling up some mess for momma to clean up.

A please-dip-in-milk-first pile of pregnant cravings.
Piles of to-dos as we countdown to Spark!

Happy happy Monday!


Friday, August 20, 2010

this weekend...

This weekend we'll be busy gathering rose petals in our painting tin just to throw them in the air and pick them up again. And again. And again.
Or dancing around the living room with Avery to my new favorite album by Mindy Gledhill (who will be at Spark!)
Or laughing at my silly girls who love each other one second & the next second I'm prying them apart.
Or eating frozen Junior Mints and diecutting like crazy for my online class kits. (Almost ready to send out.)
Or I would love to scrapbook with my Studio Calico kit I got in the mail today. (It's SO cute!!)
At some point, I'll lay down & listen to Collin play the piano & sing 'run' while the baby in my tummy does somersaults and kicks like she's the next karate kid.

Any fun plans? Have a delightful weekend!

PS putting together a Shades of Summer update. Please email me your picture if you've had the sunglasses to shadesofsummer@gmail.com. Thanks. And please keep them moving along...!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

wedding details

This picture gave me chills. I wanted to capture their intense connection. Their love. The safety they feel being together even with dark clouds surrounding them. How the only thing that matters is each other. Their love is vibrant. Tangible. Peaceful. (thoughts via Collin's blog)

Wanted to share some more pictures of Allison's and KC's wedding because it's all about the details.

The guestbook was a vintage typewriter.
We made these mini pins. One with a picture and one with their names & date.
Handmade soaps tied with fabric for the favors stacked in a drawer & like you saw previously we had lots of fun with Allison's handmade felt mustaches.

The jars of lemonade were refreshing.
Bundt cakes on vintage plate pedestals.
Turned out very vintage-whimsical.
Avery peeking through another cute element in the back yard... sneaking to a swing set-of course.
Photos by my hottie
There are still some spots in my online class but it's filling up quick.

Sorry the class kits are sold out but you can still take the class. Email me to be on a wait list.

Monday, August 16, 2010

fabric flower kit + class


Piece by Piece includes a fabric flower kit + lessons to make your own embellished tee. (kits are limited.)

Our life is put together piece by piece
pieces of who you are
pieces of who you want to become

The class will include:
  • 7 lessons including photos, written instructions & video tutorial on how to make an embellished fabric flower shirt.
  • Inspiring messages and journaling prompts
  • Kit with fabric flowers (or you can opt to just take the lessons)
  • Private blog to view lessons
  • Class message board
  • Giveaway
The facts:
  • Cost for kit + class $24.00 includes shipping and handling.
  • Just to take the class (12.00)
  • Begins August 30th and is self-paced with daily lessons.
  • No sewing machine needed, just a needle and thread.
  • No sewing experience needed.
  • 2 color options (cream & turquoise or grey & magenta) see photos above. Also, the turquoise fabric frays on the edge.
  • You'll provide your favorite tee. (I'll share links to my favorites.)
  • If you'd like more than one kit send me an email.
    • elizabeth.kartchner(at)gmail.com
  • Leave a comment or email me with any questions.
I'm so excited to package up these flowers so cute and send them to you. Then we'll get started in a couple weeks!





Step 1: Choose Option Below




Sorry the class kits are SOLD OUT... I'll let you if I have any available or email me to be on a wait list. You can still take the CLASS just won't get a kit in the mail.
thanks,
liz

Sunday, August 15, 2010

our little sprouts


My heart skipped a beat when I first saw these photos from Jefra.
Then my pregnant self couldn't decide whether to start crying, laughing, or squeal for Collin in the other room. So I think I did all of the above. At once. It was lovely.
We gushed over them like crazy! Especially since q & a were tucked peacefully in dreamland so we weren't distracted by silly parenting sayings. Like "stop stepping on your sister, don't stick that in your nose, color on paper not on the wall, don't hug the bee you'll get stung... again."
Most of the time when someone comes over, even Aunts and Uncles, big sis will say, "Hi. I'm Avery and this is my best friend, Quincey."
Can't believe we'll have another one of these cute little sprouts... in about 14 weeks.


Working on Spark and getting everything ready for the big bash!! You can still register!

Also, I'll launch registration for my second online class tomorrow at 8pm Pacific time. Should be a fun one!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

cute + clever

I love this helium balloon invitation from On Hand Modern via Oh happy day.

Trying to think of when and what I can celebrate so I can make these. sigh

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

a message from the Dove Gods

Do you know what I need to do more of? Quiet time. I know this thought is ridiculous and quite non-existent with two little ones, but still much needed. So, today when the time arose where I could sneak a few minutes for personal revelation... I jumped on it.
Then I realized that I need to do that more often. Felt so good. To top it off I treated myself to a Dove chocolate... or three.

I take these chocolates very seriously... this isn't a chance quote. This comes from the Dove Gods. ;) And let's face it, as much as the Wonder Pets eat celery, this is really how I celebrate.
As I move forward with changes and adventures in life this week I will keep this in mind. It is possible, believe it!

PS Yes, Collin is hilarious! Needs to hijack more often.

PPS I'm launching registration for another online class on Monday that I'm excited about. Look for more information this week.

Monday, August 9, 2010

♫ I picked a winner and I liked it...♫ (hijacked by Collin)

What up ladies.

And you.

Hey you....dude....yes, you...guy sitting there in the green shirt that says, "You're just jealous the voices don't talk to you". Time for a shower bro.

My little Lizard Breath is tired from "growing a child in her tummy" so I'm picking the winner for this EPIC giveaway. Pregnancy is something I'll never understand. I've heard it's like eating Asian food everyday for 9 months. True story: I once ate Indian food everyday for a week, and let me tell you, go eat Indian food for 5 days in a row and only then will you realize in their culture why they can pray to more than one God.

So, Liz just said "could you pick a winner?" but what I heard was "go write whatever you want on my blog without getting thrown in jail later for it" so here. we. are. ladies.
Do you ladies know what it's like to be a dad? It's not easy. I'm trying to be a good dad though, give my kids the chance to experience all that life has to offer. Trying to teach them to be polite, cuz there's SO many rude people out there. For example, the other day I told Avery, "Look, if you're ever talking to someone who has really stinky breath, don't be rude and say, "Hey, your breath stinks" just walk up to them....and kindly ask, "Hey, did you eat poop for breakfast?"
SO much better, right?
I'm trying to teach them survival skill, because you never know when they're going to need them. I.E., the other day we were camping and I looked at my kids and said, "Look, if you're ever lost out in the woods without a compass, and you don't know which way is North, there's a REALLY easy way to figure that out in the forest that I learned in Boy Scouts. All you have to do is look around, and find the nearest DirectTV satellite dish on a house, because satellite dishes ALWAYS FACE SOUTH. Then, just turn around, and THAT is the North Star.

And...if you're ever on the roof-tops of London, NEVER EVER start yelling, "STEP IN TIME!" or crazy stuff is gonna happen.

I'm like Bear Grylls meets Mary Poppins of dad...hood. Anyways, I feel like I'm monologuing. Am I monologuing?

Let's pick this winner, shall we?
So, this winner is going to get a gihugant box of awesome scrapbook stuff, AND....maybe I'll poke some holes in the cardboard and give you our dog Mookie too. (I can't stand him, he gives me looks like "You're not my dad" and "Remember that one time you fed me an entire bag of Cheetos?"

And the Winner of this Dear Lizzy giveaway goes to....
ME.
LOLJK! GIVE IT UP FOR THE BRACKET ANNE-INATOR CLOSED BRACKET!!!!!!

{Anne} said...

Oh I do love that feeling of fresh and clean when things have gone wild in my craft room so way to go you! And can I add that bust with ribbon on it is adorable beyond belief. Clever idea!
I am celebrating the rest of this summer. It has slipped right through my fingers this year and I am so sad there in only 3 weeks until school starts for my babe.
I am crossing my fingers and toes(not that I can cross my toes but I am going to try hard) on this giveaway! Your stuff is delicious!
Thanks for this chance :)!

Email your information to Liz and she'll send me to the post office like Princess Buttercup and I'll probably say, "As you wish."

Sunday, August 8, 2010

just married

Left speechless and blown away after a beautiful wedding day for KC and Allison. (At the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.)
I'd never seen KC look so handsome & happy-the kind of happiness that beams from every inch of your being.

The ring ceremony with the cute flower girls and ring bearer.Who's wearing suspenders, teared up during the ceremony and is my groom forever... this guy!

My sisters and me stealing a moment with Mister Handsome.

The tent was filled with two huge, paper crane chandeliers... they were so perfect. Loved them.
photos by Collin K
I'll share all the vintage wedding details next.
AND I'll post the winner to my clean-office giveaway next!!


Thursday, August 5, 2010

this calls for some celery!

If you watch Wonder Pets you'll understand exactly what I mean about celery. You know, after something totally awesome happens, like when a baby hound dog gets rescued or a Bengal tiger gets a thorn pulled from its paw, celery is just what you need! And since I've spent hours upon hours cleaning my office I'm definitely celebrating. This room is 4 big boxes and 2 loads to the trash lighter. Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself. ;)
How about I send a US priority mail stuffed-full-of-cute-product box to one of you...!! Including one of my favorite new Shimmerz Vibez spray inks.

Leave a comment about something you're celebrating or just say hello and I'll pick a random winner.

PS Did you see all the new Dear Lizzy fabric paper and pretty, ruffle rose ribbon at Two Peas? delish.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

planning

Plenty of planning and preparing going on around here...

and since I'm 6 months already (wow) the nesting has begun!
We had a Doctor's appointment today because our sweet baby had some red flags at our last ultrasound but she is healthy and lively, hence all the kicking.

This Saturday is my little brother, KC, & Allison's wedding at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. My little thumb sucking, blankey carrying brother is all grown up. I'm so proud of him! He's so sweet and caring and I know will be a marvelous husband. Sorry I chose this pic with his head cut off. ha.


37 days until Spark and we still have some spots left! You should come!!! But only if you want to have the time of your life! ;)

Monday, August 2, 2010

celebrating 8 years

Celebrating eight years today.
This morning I woke up to heart shaped eggs on toast and strawberries with Frank Sinatra pandora station on in the background. ha! Still laughing at how cute it was...

When Collin asked me what I wanted to do during the day for fun... "Ummm. Go pick out new carpet?" He vetoed that idea and took me to the mall to pick out something cute. Smart man.
It's only fitting that at this very moment, while we're waiting for Pop-pop, he's singing these words on the piano...

Your skin Oh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
You know for you i bleed myself dry
For you i bleed myself dry

Look at the stars look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look at the stars look how they shine for you
and all the things that you do

Sunday, August 1, 2010

more cha chicago pics

Enchanted flowers and booth. (The Dear Lizzy Christmas line was displayed too.)
Dear Lizzy buttons.
Canadian sandwich with Vicki and Leica.


Going to dinner and hanging out with April Foster of Studio Calico was a highlight of my trip. We are both preggo with little girls so it was fun to relate with someone about swollen ankles and cravings. heeeeee.
I flew out a few hours after taking this pic. Landed at the airport around 11 pm and went straight to the store to get stuff for Collin's birthday party the next day. The big 3-0. Thanks for all the birthday wishes to him. The party was fun!! By the time Friday came I was a zombie. Pretty scary one too. ;)