I’m in the midst of making over this website and we should be finished with the renovations over the next couple of days. I promise, it will all work very soon!
Thanks for your patience! Carina
Category: Uncategorized
Winners for Dress Up
I’m a little behind from this sleepy, turkey-feasting holiday, but here are the winners for the two Dress Up Fat Quarter Stacks by Random.org: #3 & #5
Gwen Windham says:
My favorite Thanksgiving food is my Mom’s dressing! I love it SO much and have tried to replicate it, but can’t ever get it “just right”… I think it’s because nothing compares to food that is lovingly made for you by your Mom… Thank you for this wonderful giveaway– LOVE it!!! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!
Kimberlee says:
Roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon pecan crunch, a recipe by Mccormick is a holiday staple in our family. The orange & cranberry touches make the house smell heavenly!
Simply email me at carina@carinagardner.com with your address and off I will send them!
Here’s the Deal With $1 Wednesdays
So many of you know of and buy my digital products on JessicaSprague.com’s $1 Wednesdays. Some of you may be questioning the releases this week, and I thought I ought to offer an explanation. (Deep breath) So here it is:
This week, the new releases are items that have been released for $1 in the past. Why the re-do on the $1 kits? Because we have decided as a store that no new kits should be released on Wednesdays and that kits have to be at least 8 weeks old to hit the $1 Wednesday. However, I feel very committed to you folks who go out of your way to buy my new releases on Mondays. That’s part of the reason I put everything up for sale (25% off) on the day of the release and that’s also why I don’t release items on $1 Wednesday unless the product is AT LEAST 6 months old.
So if my Wednesdays look a little familiar for the next couple of months (or why I choose not to release anything at all), you’ll know why. Instead, I will choose to inundate you with fabulous digi products every Monday for 25% off! Oh ya, and we are starting a whole new round of Hybrid Projects for $1 on Fridays, so you can be looking for that!
And if you are wondering if these photos have anything to do with digital. I can tell you that indeed, they do not. This happened to be my project of the day (finally hanging some artwork in my bedroom). I even did a tiny sketch of a peony to add to the set. Now if only I could get around to sewing curtains…
Don’t forget to comment on the Love Nest post at a chance to win a little fabric!
Sew Important
My mom was recently in town, and she gave Siri a sewing lesson. It reminded me of when I started sewing at the ripe old age of five years old by my mom’s side (I’m sure not unlike the way Siri was sitting by her in this picture I managed to capture).
The amazing part is I remember taking her old scraps at the age of eight and being completely unsupervised on the sewing machine (kudos to her for letting me go at it). I remember making Barbie dresses with big skirts (my introduction to learning how to gather). I remember cutting the fabric in all sorts of crazy ways and sewing them in even crazier ways. It was brilliant. The pure happiness of a little girl entranced in her sewing project.
Looking back, I appreciate more than ever my mom’s efforts to let me be creative…and let me try things independent of her. I must have made a mess…in fact, I can even remember some of the messes. I would dump out boxes of scraps of fabric and thread looking for the exact right piece—a mother’s nightmare to clean up.
This little trip down memory lane is just a nice reminder to myself that I need to create opportunities for my little ones to be creative (And maybe be okay with the messes. Ouch! That’s hard!). I hope that whatever crafting and creativity you have in your life is also a part of your children’s lives too—Because I think creativity is pretty important. Hope you do something fun this weekend with your loved ones and nurture that creativity!
“How To” Blog
The “How to” Blog I’m speaking of it Design House Digital’s Blog and Classroom. Everytime I click on one of those links I’m amazed by all the inspiration and cool ideas (like this cool art cut out by Deena Rutter). Articles get uploaded to this blog everyday and there’s no shortage of video tutorials, hybrid projects, and digital tricks for all you crafty folks. I like it because all of the Digital Designers, DH Decorators, and the “Experts” Panel are involved in this blog to make it this very spectacular treat!
Peek over there when you have a second! I’m working tirelessly on my new Valentine Collection, which will hit DHD on Thursday (30% off that day!). I’ll be sure and post it when I have them ready.
I’ve also just (finally) have final proofs for the Love Nest line that will hit fabric this coming year, which means more sewing for me!
Happy Crafting!
Printing a Digital Book
I finally did it! I printed my very first digital scrapbook. I remember when I use to explain digital scrapbooking to people, they’d say, “Digital?…does that mean you just look at them on the computer?” And I’d have to tell them you could but the point is to have it printed and have a BOOK. I mean, it is called scrapBOOKing even if there is the word “digital” in front of it.
So after not quite 2 years as a digital designer, here I am with my very first book. I kept it really cohesive by only using certain colors and elements. I stuck to the Sproutlets papers & accessories, the Imprints collection, and the PhotoCuts collection. I was COMPLETELY impressed with the quality of the book (even the hard bound outside looked AMAZING). I had it printed at My Pic Tales. I’ll be sure to be doing a lot of printing with them in the future. I need to do a few books for Christmas and senidng out for books through these guys was a snap!
I got the book just in time for DSE, Digital Scrapbooking Experience! If you haven’t registered for Tips and Tricks in Illustrator, but are attending the event, you can register at the door. I’m also gearing up for Digit Alley on Thursday night. We’ll be doing a fun make-and-take at my table. I’ve been busily having my lovely silhouette cut out little flowers for me. Another surprise? Jen Allyson will be showing up to help me with the class and the make-and-take table!
When It’s A Birthday
With my fantastic silhouette machine from quickutz, I made these darling die cut happy birthday cards that you can pick up at 2peas. I made them originally for my two brothers-in-law that share a common birthday. These boy-happy papers are from my Bella Bella line. Super easy to make with the files in this folder!
So what have I been up to? I’ve been a busy bee as I have been working on a new fabric collection. It’s been going well, and I’m hoping to be able to wrap it up by the middle of next week. I know, you are asking yourself, “But I haven’t even seen a first line.” Sneak peeks coming very soon! I promise! It’s amazing how long the time line on a fabric line is, but I’m so excited to get those bolts of fabric into my hands to show it all off to you! Patience…
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The Sofa Post
It’s Favorite Friday, but I couldn’t limit myself to 5 on this one. It’s my sofa post. Yes, sofa’s I love and links to find them:). It’s taken me two weeks to consolidate this post:).
I’m a little ga-ga over these sofas, and although I won’t be buying one anytime soon, it’s always good to know what’s out there for the day you decide to remake your living room. So these are my top picks from what I have filtered through over the last couple of weeks, these oh so yummy sofas that are on my wish list! Now, I will have to be honest, this is by no means a comprehensive list. In fact, I feel like I have just scrapped the surface and will have many more sofa posts to come. And, to be completely honest, I don’t think any of these are the perfect one for me. I’m still looking. But that’s part of the fun, isn’t it. So here we go…
I’ve never considered myself a “leather” girl, but recently I’ve been looking into leather sofas because of their sophistication and kid-friendliness. My friend Brooke in Minnesota went from Pottery Barn slipcovered sofa to World Market leather sofa and loved the change. She said she was able to wipe up the kid-mess easily.
I’m sure the reason I have strayed away from leather sofas is because most of the models on the market tend to be overstuffed (comfortable, but unsightly) and too big for most modest-sized rooms. I like this one from Leathercraft because the lines are SO clean and contemporary. The 2730 Sofa has my thumbs up for looking modern but not confining. Don’t you think it would look beautiful in a dark chocolate leather. Ummmm…
I maybe was able to make the transition to leather because Domino featured a couple who had TWO leather sofas facing each other in their living room. I loved the look SO much I wish I could feature it here (but unfortuately there is no Domino anymore). This other sofa I’m into is the 902-00 Leathercraft.
Yesterday, I received an email from Room and Board entitled, “We’ve Created the Perfect Sofa.” Of course, my interest was piqued and I opened the email.
While this really isn’t the sofa for me, there are plenty of things I like about it. I like the lines and it still looks comfortable but not overstuffed. It’s maybe a bit too…masculine? (I’m not sure what the right word is) for me.
On to slipcovered sofas: I thought that these where the perfect kid solution. Just yank them off and throw them in the laundry or send the dry cleaners, right? Right now, my Ikea green sofa is covered by a makeshift white slipcover. It’s a tight slipcover with cushion covers and all. It is SO dirty and I can probably count on one had the number of times I have taken it off and laundered it. Because of this unfortunate experience with slipcovers, I’m not going to show any here. However, while looking at the slipcovered sofas on PotteryBarn, I saw this beauty: The Greenwich Sofa.
I just love the lines on this one! The arms somehow make this a little more feminine. The color wouldn’t work for the kids in the least bit at our house. But it’s beautiful in the photo, isn’t it?
This next one is from Johnathan Adler. I love all of his stuff, and actually my FAVORITE sofa from him is no longer in circulation. So sad:(. But this one is one of my favorites on his site. Something very old school and preppy about it. It’s called the Lampert Sofa.
I think when you are looking for a sofa, there is a fine line between comfort and style. Heaven knows that no one likes to sit in a sofa with a stiff back. This Johnathan Adler version hits the mark for me on both. It also sort of meets the criteria of masculine AND feminine. Strong clean lines with those sweet tufts. Yummy!
It is amazing to me that the subtle in design changes in a couch really do give it a whole different feeling. Take this one from Restoration Hardware. It’s really NOT that different from the pottery barn one, but the lines make it even more feminine in my opinion. I love the spindle legs on this one too.
How about this romantic soaf from Urban Outfitters. It’s called the Antoinette Fainting Sofa. I think the name fits. The style is really romantique.
Okay, I think I’m about done for this week! But, because I didn’t find my perfect sofa yet, I will continue to be on the lookout! Ahh, the joys of window shopping!
Golfing
I don’t golf. Not even a little bit. I stepped onto my first golf course (as the planner) a year ago, and ironically enough, have been planning golf tournaments ever since. I hardly ever post about my “day job” as an Event Director, but it would be hard not to mention it today because my camera is jammed pack of golf tournament photos and my head is still buzzing from the long day in the sun yesterday.
Since I don’t golf. Sarah (my co worker) and myself spent the day in our little golf cart driving around taking pictures of the foursomes. We had a good time (Sarah was a bit snap happy with the camera—I believe there was even a moment she was pretending to be the paparazzi) and even putted a couple of holes with some of the guys.
It really was a beautiful day. The wildlife was friendly. We even saw this deer walk across the course. Check out that view…
I’m also suffering from a sugar-hangover from yesterday. Sarah and I loaded up the cart before we left the clubhouse. Somehow, all those starbursts were gone by the end of the day. How did that happen?
Other tidbits I’m all about:
* At 2peas my new Photo Frame Clusters were released today.
*I’ve been working on a special design collection and will be able to let everyone in on it soon (secrets, secrets…)
* Check out the project girl, Jen Allyson’s blog today…there’s a free download! Always fabulous AND useful.
*Stop by 2peas next week as there will be a huge Christmas in July special going on there!
Making it Funky
I got two gorgeous old frames at Emily Jane a week ago and decided they needed to be “funkied” up. So I painted them pink and love them! Siri drew me two sketches so I can display her artwork. The sketches are sweet and just right 
for these frames. Right now they are in the living room, but they could also move the girl’s room because of the color.
I was actually hoping to have time this week to dig into my own products and work on a digiscrap book…but, *sigh* I don’t think it will be happening this week. I’ve been working on a big project (I’m jumping up and down with anticipation of telling my little secret!) that I can’t reveal QUITE yet. Soon…so soon! How’s that for a clifthanger?
Layouts of the Garden Vignette Collection
Well, it was a rainy weekend for us in Salt Lake. Once again, we had to postpone going camping, which really turned out to be okay as I had a big design submission to deal with, a work pool party, errands, errands, and more errands, and a Father’s Day dinner to boot (my in-laws included). So it was a full (but as always) a fabulous weekend (because it was a weekend:)).
So here it is Monday, and I’m dragging. I finished the design submission and will have it FedExed off by this afternoon. I’m always happy when the initial first designs are finished.
And, I probably wouldn’t have even blogged today, but I felt like it would have been an incredible injustice to my team to not post these FABULOUS layouts they made last week of the new Garden Vignettes collection. You’ll be able to buy it at 2peas tomorrow. There are 9 digi kits total with 5 element packs and 4 paper packs. All the papers are yummy and distressed as are the elements. IN FACT, the giveaway ends early tomorrow morning, so get your name in quick here.
Here’s who made these gorgeous lay
outs. The first one is by Jenny, second, by Lori, third, by Yam, fourth, by Susan, and fifth by Katherine. These ladies really know how to make a layout! I am completely inspired by these and will probably be getting together my own mini album with the Garden Vignettes collection of my family’s last vaca or outing.
Hope you are having a more fast pace Monday than me and I’ll be sure and post tomorrows winner of the giveaway!
PhotoCuts 3rd week of Release
Just thought I would show you next Tuesday’s releases! This is the third week of PhotoCuts. I think you’ll like these (I certainly love using them!).
Jen’s Wedding & Kelly Nicole Photography
As promised, I am posting Jen’s wedding photographer’s info, Kelly Nicole. Her work is SO beautiful, and I was really impressed with the variety of photos she had for this wedding. One of the things that Jen and I both agree on is that you can NEVER scrimp on your wedding photos. I mean, if you pay a mint for dresses, flowers, and reception hall to make everything beautiful, but scrimp on the photographer then how can you remember any of it? I think I’ve already posted a little bit on the bachelorette party and wedding, but here’s a bit more on the day.
First of all, I think one of the most fabulous things you can do is be the matron of honor for a designer bride and designer groom! These two had it all together…the colors were amazing, the reception was amazing, the dresses were amazing….
Okay, down to the dirty details. Jen’s wedding was at the Salt Lake Temple and reception was held at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building’s Empire Room. One of the things I loved was that they had an entire program. It was a flexible program, but it provided
structure to the whole event which was REALLY nice. When I wasn’t chasing the flower girls (my Siri and Felicity and Jen’s niece Emma), I was chowing down on the filet mignon, giving the nerve-racking toast, and dancing with my girls. Jen’s didn’t have specific “colors,” I guess you could name them: plum, pink, ivory, green. What she REALLY had was a theme, which was antique. So everything went together without being matchy-matchy. The tablecloths and linens were an antique pink/champaign in silk and the flowers were plum and pink peonies, antique pink and ivory roses, and ivory hydrangea, and baby ranunculus. And by the way, how fantastic are those shoes with the plum dresses (and the yummy salmon peony silk flower?)? The dresses were a great find from Shabby Apple (one of my favorite places to shop for modest dresses)
. The 5-year old flower girl dresses were pink and Flissa’s was ivory. Oh, and I’m sending you to Kelly Nicoles blog to see her most recent photographs. I just hopped over there for a second to grab this link for you to view more pictures of Jen’s wedding.
One last comment…the picture of Felicity and me in the top photo really strikes me. Sometimes I am completely amazed that this is my child because our coloring is so different! Some seriously strong recessive genes…
All of the photos in this post are copyright of Kelly Nicole Photography.
Felicity’s Birthday and Paradise Collection Party Kit
Felicity’s birthday was on Thursday, but we celebrated yesterday with Josh’s family. It was a really fun time with an easy dinner of soup, salad, and breadsticks, chocolate cupcakes with pink icing and sprinkles for the kids, and coconut cake for the adults. My extra treat was the white chocolate suckers (see the post before this one). Everything looked beautiful! I used my new Paradise Collection to make all the accessories for this party. The new collection is happy and bright with vibrant colors. It hits two peas on May 5th! I will be sure to give you a few sneak peeks in the coming days. You can also buy all the party stuff I put together in a new digikit that is also part of the collection (also coming May 5th). Here’s a peak at the printable digikit:
Here are some photos of the fun night celebrating Flissa’s second birthday! Here’s the birthday girl wearing her pink party dress and wrapped in her blanky.
These are my cute sisters-in-law:
Party food always makes everything better!
I cheated on the cake—just white box cake (Duncan Hines), but I didn’t skimp on the frosting. I used the Barefoot Contessa’s coconut cream cheese frosting.
I love these four little cousins!
The hats looked so adorable on the kids!
Living Room decorations
and party-goers (it’s girly enough at our house that even grandpa is holding a wand).
More on the new collection soon!
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White Chocolate Lollipops
My friend Carolyn sent me a picture of white chocolate lollipops she made from molds and I had to try it myself for Flissa’s family birthday party. (Carolyn says that she has a blog but hasn’t updated it for a while. I’m trying to convince her to put her gorgeous little girl bows up…if she does I will be sure to post it here!) So I borrowed Carolyn’s daisy molds and made the suckers. They were SO fast and easy to make. All you do is get white chocolate chips, melt them, add a little food coloring (I used two drops of red in one package of white chocolate chips to get this light pink), and let them cool in the fridge. I was sort of surprised at how fast the entire process was.
That’s my short post for the day! I have to get together the rest of Flissa’s b-day party and I am working on a new line for Two Peas which should hit in two weeks! Not only that but I found out this week that My Minds’s Eye has picked up a Halloween line from me for the July release (CHA). Lots of exciting things happening and so little time! Will post on the party and new line soon!
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