do tell... creating inspiration

Merry Christmas! Wishing you so much joy!

2010-12-23T06:07:00.001-08:00

Holiday Keepsake

2010-12-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

Make a stunning Christmas wreath from old ornaments.
This front-door beauty is sure to become a treasured holiday keepsake.

A handful of eye-catching ornaments are simply set in a background of inexpensive tree balls, all attached to a foam base. Easy but elegant, this perennial performer will never wilt or drop needles on the carpet.

You need
• Cylindrical Styrofoam wreath base, 14-in in diameter, 2-in thick
• Approx seventy-five 2-in diameter ball ornaments
• Approx thirty 1-in diameter ball ornaments
• Approx 20 vintage ornaments (such as 2- to 2-1/2-in diameter glittery, mirrored or painted balls, or odd-shaped ornaments and decorations such as angels, birds or beasts)
• Loose glass beads recycled from tree garlands or costume jewelry (optional)
• 1.00 m wire-edged satin ribbon, 2-in wide
• Glue gun

To make:
1. Fold ribbon in half so ends are even, forming loop. From back of base, thread loop through wreath, then slide ends through loop and tighten at top; secure loop to base with dabs of glue. Tie ends in bow to make hanging loop.

2. Working counterclockwise from top and leaving spaces to accommodate vintage ornaments, glue 2-in balls all over sides then front of base (glue balls to each other, as well as to base, to secure); arrange vintage ornaments as desired, then glue on. Glue 1-in balls (and, if desired, beads) into spaces in between.

3. Trim ribbon ends, then shape bow loops and ends as desired.

Designer's tips:
• Before gluing ornaments around sides, place small pieces cut from corrugated cardboard or clean Styrofoam meat trays under ornaments, to position balls slightly forward of base back and prevent breakage when the wreath is hung against a hard surface.

Shop Target for GREAT picture frames!

2010-12-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

All pictures by Linabell Photography

Merry X-mas

2010-12-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

Cookie Swap

2010-12-03T12:06:00.001-08:00

Giving Thanks

2010-11-22T08:43:00.001-08:00

More ideas for hanging pictures

2010-11-22T08:00:00.001-08:00

Hanging multiple framed pictures so that they look orderly can be a challenge. The secret is to divide and conquer: Mark a horizontal mid line on the wall, and hang all pictures above or below it.

The line can be made with a strip of painters' tape and then removed once the pictures are in place. To unify the group, choose a single color for all frames and, if displaying photographs, stick with either all black-and-white or all color shots.

Picture Hanging How-To

Unfurl a length of painters' tape (ours was 1 1/2 inches wide) horizontally across a wall, making sure tape is level.

Determine nail placement for frames above the mid line by measuring from the bottom of a frame to its bracket. (If the frame hangs on wire, pull the wire taut, and measure accordingly.)

For frames below the mid line, measure from the top of the frame to the bracket. Use additional strips of tape, positioned vertically, to create even spaces between pictures arranged next to each other.

When all frames are in place, remove tape from wall.

Two Parallel Lines

Similar to the hallway arrangement above, this approach creates a unified look by arranging artwork in straight lines. Arrange the frames so that the tops of the frames that make up the bottom row are at the same height, and the bottom of the frames that make up the top row are also at the same height, about two inches above the bottom row.

Here's a way to plan a display of framed pictures without making a single needless nail hole. First, trace around frames on craft paper to make a template for each piece of art; cut out. Pull hanging wire on frame taut; measure distance from top of wire's arc to top of frame. Make a corresponding mark on template. Lay picture hook on template so bottom of hook is on mark; make another mark where nail hole will go. Use drafting tape to hang templates. When you're satisfied with placement, hammer nails through picture hooks and into wall over the marks on the craft paper. Rip off the paper, leaving nails and hooks in place, and hang your frames.

Hanging pictures the easy way

2010-11-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

Group the pictures on the wall. Juggling pictures to get the right one in the right place can be difficult; instead work with pieces of paper. Trace the outline of each frame on paper that contrasts with the wall. Cut out the shapes, place masking tape loops on the backs, and experiment with grouping the pictures. (See photo above.) For the security of anchoring heavy works and mirrors into wall studs, first locate the studs with a stud finder. To support especially large objects, drive hangers into adjacent studs.

To see how a picture grouping will look on the wall, first lay it out on the floor. You're getting a bird's eye view, and you'll find it easier and quicker to move things around as you work out a preliminary arrangement.
Nail a hanger to the wall. To determine the exact position for the hanger, poke a pencil point through the paper cutout at the spot where the picture wire will be when fully stretched by the picture weight. When you find the best location for the picture, tap a nail through the hole just enough to mark the wall.

Trick or Treat

2010-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Have you boo'd yet?

2010-10-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

What is a "Boo Gram"?

A Boo-Gram is a mysterious note, left on neighbor's doors in the middle of the day. The note is usually a poem of sorts, and a large "Boo!" decoration for their front door. The decoration serves as a means of communicating to other neighbors that this house has already been "hit". By Halloween, it is not uncommon to see Boo-Grams lining up and down the street on all the doors in some neighborhoods!

Accompanying the Boo-Gram is a collection of goodies, determined by the giver. The goodies may vary from small Halloween treats, to kid's toys. The magic of these Boo-Grams is the reciprocation of this gift, as it is expected that when you are "Boo'd", you must "Boo" 2 other neighbors as well (after all, if you don't like your "Boo" gift, you can always re-gift to another neighbor!).

Adventurous types "Boo" their neighbors in the broad daylight or early evening hours, as it increases the possibility of getting caught... those familiar with the famous "doorbell ditch" prank of their childhood years will be happy to know that this tradition lives on, though the recipient gets a fun gift in the process.

Many neighborhoods start in early October, however the common time to start seeing "Boo-Grams" is a couple of weeks before Halloween. However don't wait for someone to "Boo" you - start the tradition in your neighborhood... you'll be surprised how quickly the excitement spreads around the neighborhood!

How to start the tradition:

1. Create a "Boo" bag/basket o' goodies (if this is new in your neighborhood, you may want to create 3 or 4)

2. Print a "Boo" gram

3. Find your unsuspecting target

4. Make the "drop"

5. Ring the doorbell and knock

6. RUN!!!

Halloween is coming...

2010-10-19T11:18:00.001-07:00

Witches, bats and ghosts will be coming soon!

Linabell Photography

2010-10-18T08:09:00.001-07:00

Check out Linabell Photography!
linabellphotos.blogspot.com

digging in the closet

2010-10-08T07:51:00.001-07:00

Best friends and cousins :)
Every year M & M get their pictures taken
together for Christmas cards.

This year I decided to dig in their closets
to see what I could find.
I didn't want to spend any money.
This is what I came up with.
I didn't want the girls to be too matchy matchy.
I went with more of a casual look.

To save money,
I might just send something out like this
for the girls Christmas cards this year.
Cute, simple and cheap!

Halloween Greetings

2010-10-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

chocolate caramel apples with sprinkles

2010-10-05T11:35:00.001-07:00

Ingredients

Preparation

1. Rinse and dry 5 apples (we prefer Granny Smith and Fuji varieties, 6 to 8 oz. each). Insert a craft or popsicle stick halfway into the stem end of each apple. Line a baking sheet with plain parchment paper or wax paper that has been generously coated with butter.

2. In a bowl set over a pan of simmering water, combine 14 ounces (about 50 pieces) unwrapped soft caramels (such as Kraft) and 2 tablespoons water. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.

3. Holding the stick, dip each apple one at a time into the caramel about three-quarters of the way. Swirl to coat evenly.

4. Hold stem side up and use a knife to scrape excess caramel off the bottom of apple back into bowl. Place apples on the parchment paper or buttered waxed paper and refrigerate until caramel is firm, about 5 minutes.

5. Return pan of water to a boil; remove from heat. Place 10 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate in another bowl and set over pan. Stir frequently until chocolate is melted and smooth.

6. Dip the bottom half of each apple in chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Hold stem side up and use a knife to scrape excess chocolate off bottom of apple and back into bowl. Place each coated apple on the parchment paper or buttered waxed paper and refrigerate until chocolate is slightly set, about 10 minutes.

7. Place about 1 cup sprinkles (your choice of color) on a plate. Roll bottom third of each apple in sprinkles to coat. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 15 minutes.

Halloween Party Ideas

2010-10-03T15:40:00.001-07:00

Boo! Halloween is almost here!

2010-10-01T14:12:00.000-07:00

If you're pregnant and love to cook... this recipe is just for you.

2010-09-20T19:27:00.000-07:00

a.k.a “My Wife’s Pregnancy Pasta”

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Yield: serves 4

Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

2 recipes of fresh pasta dough, rolled out and cut as spaghetti ( can always use boxed pasta)

extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 lb pancetta, cut into thin strips

7 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 bag (about 3 cups) baby spinach

1/4 cup grated parmesan

Parmesan Sabayon:

6 large eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan

plenty of freshly ground black pepper

Begin by rolling and cutting the fresh pasta into spaghetti. Toss in a little flour to stop the noodles from sticking together and spread out on a sheet tray to dry while you prepare the dish.

Set a large pan over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and fry the pancetta, stirring occasionally until crispy. About halfway through, add the thinly sliced garlic and cook until golden. Drain pancetta and garlic on a paper towel. Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook until tender yet firm (“al dente”, as they say in Italian) 2 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta. Drain, and put the pasta into a big pasta bowl.

Make the parmesan sabayon. In a large mixing bowl, add eggs, milk and cream. Set over a double boiler and vigorously mix with an immersion blender until it just starts to thicken and suspends a little – about 7-8 minutes. It should be frothy and creamy when done. Add plenty of freshly ground black pepper and parmesan and mix once more to combine. Pour the sabayon over the noodles and mix gently with tongs so the pasta is well coated. Portion out amongst bowls, top with a spoonful of crispy pancetta and garlic and a small handful of baby spinach. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a few turns of freshly ground black pepper and some grated parmesan.

Muffin Tin Monday

2010-09-13T15:01:00.001-07:00

Check out this great website
to learn how to make your muffin tin lunch
anotherlunch.com

Step into LOFT Style Studio

2010-09-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Enjoy music and refreshments while a LOFT fashion stylist helps you turn your fabulous new essentials into countless looks for fall. During LOFT's special fall Shopping Event, you'll receive an exclusive 30% off all full-price styles. Plus, earn a $20 Style Rewards card for every $200 you spend when you use your LOFT Card.* (That's double points!)

Saturday, September 11th

11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Find your local store.
eventsatloft.com

What to wear for Fall

2010-09-02T07:40:00.001-07:00

Countdown to Fall!

2010-08-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

Apple-Cranberry Pocket Pies

Ingredients:

For the crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbs. granulated sugar
16 Tbs. (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch dice
6 to 8 Tbs. ice water

For the apple-cranberry filling:

1 1/2 lb. Pink Lady or McIntosh apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
5 oz. fresh cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 Tbs. water
1 egg, lightly beaten with 1 tsp. water
Granulated sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the flat beater, beat together the flour, salt and the 2 Tbs. granulated sugar on low speed until combined, about 10 seconds. Add the butter and beat for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium-low and beat until the mixture resembles coarse meal, about 1 1/2 minutes more. Add the 6 Tbs. ice water, reduce the speed to low and beat for 20 seconds. The dough should hold together when squeezed with your fingers but should not be sticky. If it is crumbly, add more water, 1 tsp. at a time, beating for 5 seconds after each addition. Turn the dough out onto a work surface. Divide the dough in half, wrap with plastic wrap and shape each into a disk. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

To make the apple-cranberry filling, in a large bowl, stir together the apples, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and cornstarch. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple mixture, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender but not mushy, 16 to 18 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and let cool for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar and water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have broken down slightly and the liquid has thickened to the consistency of a loose jam, about 14 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for 30 minutes. Add the cranberry mixture to the apple mixture and stir to combine.

Let the dough stand at room temperature for 5 minutes. On a floured surface, roll out 1 dough disk into a round 3/16 inch thick. Brush off the excess flour. Using an apple pocket pie mold, cut out 8 of each shape (4 solid and 4 with the decorative cutout). Reroll the dough scraps, if necessary, and cut out more shapes. Repeat with the remaining dough disk.

Place a solid dough shape in the bottom half of the cutter and gently press the dough into the mold. Fill the center with 2 Tbs. apple-cranberry filling and brush the edges of the dough with some of the egg wash. Top with a shape with a decorative cutout. Press the top half of the cutter down to seal and crimp the edges of the pie. Remove the pie from the mold and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Freeze the pies for 30 minutes.

Preheat an oven to 400°F.

Brush the top of the pies with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is gently bubbling, 22 to 24 minutes. Transfer the pies to a wire rack and let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 8 pocket pies.

Williams-Sonoma

What to Wear Fridays

2010-08-27T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today's inspiration came from J.Crew
I love how simple these looks are.

I love Etsy!

2010-08-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Etsy shops:
plushstudio $20-$35
nestables $16-$35

Watch for "What to Wear Fridays"

2010-08-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

Pretty Lovely Design

2010-08-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

do tell... is featured on
Pretty Lovely Design's blog today!
Check it out!
prettylovelydesign.com

if you need something designed...
check out Pretty Lovely Design!

Get the kids in the kitchen!

2010-08-19T05:43:00.000-07:00

What to wear: bags and scarves

2010-08-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

What to Wear...

2010-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

This picture was my inspiration for "What to Wear."
Fall mini sessions are coming up quick...
What will you wear...?

What to Wear: women

2010-08-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

What to Wear: men

2010-08-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

What to Wear: girl

2010-08-16T02:45:00.000-07:00

What to Wear: boy

2010-08-16T01:45:00.000-07:00

What to Wear: baby girl

2010-08-16T01:15:00.000-07:00

What to Wear: baby boy

2010-08-16T00:45:00.000-07:00

Home Office

2010-08-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

How to Create a Memory Wall

2010-08-11T09:56:00.001-07:00

Transform an empty wall into a gallery of special memories
by choosing the right frames arranged in the perfect display.
Experiment with these different layouts by cutting sheets of
craft paper sized to your frames, and then moving them around
on the wall until you achieve the effect you like.

photo credits:
Pottery Barn Kids

Make a Collage!

2010-08-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

photo credits: left to right
Pottery Barn
Mimi Charmante
Pottery Barn
Unknown

Happy Birthday to ME!

2010-08-09T06:17:00.001-07:00

I share my birthday with my twin sister and her son.
This would be a great cake to celebrate with!

Fabric Corsages

2010-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love these!

custom corsages made to order- $10-$15
perfect for baby showers, bridal showers, birthday gifts & more
( I ordered "Oliver" for a baby shower- loved it! )
Check out Lucky Star Lane on Etsy
etsy.com/shop/luckystarlane

Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-08-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Yum!

mix up a box of white cake mix.
preferably a recipe that uses egg whites and oil instead of butter
(your colors will come out better and cupcakes will brown less.)
divide batter into bowls

add your food coloring.
used McCormick's
neon pack for my pink, green, blue, and purple.
then mix the neon pink
with the yellow from the original pack to get my orange.
this is really just a guestimate until you get the desired colors.

line your muffin pan with cupcake wrappers.
use silver cupcake wrappers to make "surprise" cupcakes
and white/clear wrappers for the rest of the cupcakes:

using a fork or spoon drizzle each color on top of the next.
use forks because it will give you more control.
do not try to spread the colors out on your own
(it will cause your colors to mix).

purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, pink

bake (as directed on your cake mix-i baked about 21 min.)
let cool and frost them if you like.

even the wrapper is pretty!

enjoy!

credits:
spearmintbaby.com

Breathtaking

2010-08-02T16:53:00.001-07:00

I just had to share this amazing photographer-Mandy Lynne
Get ready to be inspired by her beautiful work of art!

Some of her amazing prints can be purchased on Etsy- skippydesigns.etsy.com
mandylynne.com

The Junk Bonanza!

2010-08-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars for September 16th through the 18th of 2010.
The Bonanza is back!!

2010 Dates & Times:
Thursday September 16th 10am-5pm
Friday September 17th 9am-5pm
Saturday September 18th 9am-5pm
Admission- $8 per day
Location: Canterbury Park, Shakopee MN
www.canterburypark.com

Featured Minnesota Book Author

2010-07-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Meet Little Wonder...

What INSPIRED you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Little Wonder Company when my nephew received a personalized children's book for his first birthday. The book was given to him from his great grandfather and included a sweet inscription commemorating the day. I thought it was one of the most special and meaningful gifts and I was really moved by the experience. I began researching the company who created that book, found out it was started by a mom and became intrigued. I thought about what it would be like to start and run my own business. I wanted more control over my schedule. I wanted more time with my children. I wanted to do something I loved. I wanted to do something creative. Then one night when my twins were 3, I was reading a different personalized book to my son. The story was about him and some of the Sesame Street characters. His name was in the story, but only their pictures were included, not his. And then he asked me, "Where am I in the story, Mommy?" And something just clicked! I thought, wouldn't it be cool if we could create personalized books where not only is the child included in name and in words, but their actual likeness is included too? So they could actually see themselves in their books! And I was off and running...

Tell me a little about Little Wonder-
I launched Little Wonder Company last December. We launched with two hard cover storybooks, Little Girl Wonder and Little Boy Lightning, each about a child who turns into the superhero that he or she reads about. Our website features our character creator, which allows our customers to choose physical attributes that resemble the child for whom they create the book. I love what I do, I feel fortunate to have the opportunity and support to do what I do. And I love hearing about children who love their books! To me, that's what it is all about!

littlewondercompany.com

Look what a little white paint can do...

2010-07-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

From Life in the Fun Lane blog - Fresh Coat Fridays

"Life in the Fun Lane" blog written by Holly did this great post. Check it out!! She takes second hand furniture and makes it look beautiful! She even tells us her tips! Makes you want to paint something doesn't it...!?

Please keep in mind that this is not a "how to" on refinishing furniture, it just covers the basics. Why, you ask? Mainly because I am not one for following rules, and I tend to "wing it" with most projects. I hope you learn something new, but the best piece of advice I can offer is to just have fun.
-Holly

1: What do you use to paint your furniture?
While whipping out a brush or roller is still the norm for most, I neither have the time nor patience to do multiple coats in teeny tiny cracks and corners on these bigger pieces. This is where the right tools really make the difference. I use a paint sprayer attachment for an air compressor.

They range in size and price, so be sure that if you are looking at buying one you first consult the sales person on what type of uses you will be needing it for. Not all compressors are compatible with sprayers and will ruin them if the compressor is too powerful. This is the exact sprayer I use: a Campbell Hausfeld gravity fed.

Using a sprayer reduces paint time, as well as drying time. Often my pieces take about 30 minutes of actual spraying and are completely dry within 20 minutes.

I am regularly asked about the all in one units you can buy in the paint isle. I actually own one and completely packed it up and gave away after 5 minutes of using it due the splattered and uneven finish. However, I do regularly talk to and hear from people who LOVE their all in one. My best recommendation would be to go to your local home improvement store and rent each before you commit to buying. They literally cost only a few dollars for 4 hours which is a small cost to feel reassured with whatever you choose.

2: What colors do you use?
I really and truly wish I could answer this question, for my own sake!!! The reason I can't answer it is because I only buy mis-tints and mix my own colors. To keep my costs as low as possible (more money to do more projects with!) I love buying mis-tints. Often a gallon only costs $5!!! I also love buying them because it is so much less intimidating to pick a color. Too often a color is not what I envisioned on the tiny little card so with the actual paint painted on the lid I can see a true look at how the mixed paint feels in different light and finishes.

The other good news? Most people stick to shades of white, beige and cream for walls and trim so there is usually a pretty good supply to choose from in those shades. The only downside is that unfortunately I have to rely on color matching (which still isn't 100% accurate) when I find a color I love, or if I need more.

3: What do you use to fill holes?
I always use wood filler.

4: What type of paint do you use?
Since I buy mis-tints I don't have the luxury of choosing. It varies from semi-gloss to flat most of the time. Because I finish of all of my pieces with several coats of semi-gloss polyurethane it really doesn't matter anyways, but I always tell people that if you don't want to do the polyurethane step just stick with semi-gloss paint.

5: Do you sand everything before you paint?
The honest answer is no. Unless I have some repair or holes to fill I skip the sanding step. I prefer to just gently rough up the surface with some 220 grit sandpaper instead of completely stripping the old finish off. If I do any type of sanding I usually stick with a basic primer. Other times if there isn't any sanding I use Kilz no-sand wood primer. This has always done the trick, infact I even used it on the railings when I redid them and not a scratch or chip is to be seen.

6: Do you prime everything before you paint?
NO! You can, but I just find it a real pain to clean the nozzle afterward. The other reason is that you do have to thin your primer in the sprayer and that can be tricky sometimes! I use the spray cans of Kilz primer, which are also really fast drying (which is great when you need to work on multiple pieces in a short time frame). I know it isn't the most eco-friendly option, but I do make sure to send along all my used cans to the eco-station.

7: Do you paint inside the drawers and cabinets?
No, I usually don't like my clothes and stuff to smell like paint. I do paint the insides of cabinets when there are glass doors, but other than that I leave well enough alone!

8: How do you work with laminate or veneer finishes?
So far I have only worked on solid wood pieces so unfortunately I don't have any advice on this front. But a little paint never hurt anything right?

9: What do you use to distress the furniture?
I use 320 grit sanding blocks. Going over the most exposed areas, like corners and edges, gives you the most realistic look. I know it can be intimidating to scuff up your freshly applied paint, but trust me, once you start it is hard to stop!

10: What do you use for a sealant?

I use Verathane brand water-based polyurethane sealant. I usually work with semi-gloss but occasionally use satin as well. It is VERY IMPORTANT to try and find this type of sealant (I buy mine at Home Depot) because everything else I have tried does turn the paint yellow over time. Sometimes you can see the yellow fairly soon after it dries, but other times it takes a few months to see (even when the can specifically says non-yellowing). So now I am very loyal to only buying Verathane polyurethane, especially since I primarily paint in shades of white and any amount of yellowing is definitely not good. I usually do two coats to give it a nice, even finish.

inthefunlane.com

Meet The Jeweled Hummingbird...

2010-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Check out The Jeweled Hummingbird at the "Junk Bonanza"!

What INSPIRED you to start your company?
I have always had a passion and a love for anything vintage or antique. I love taking something that someone would otherwise discard and giving it a new life. Last fall my daughter and I were walking around downtown Anoka visiting all the "junk" and antique shops. What I noticed was that you could buy a really cool vintage chair for example but the upholstery would be less then desirable or a lot of really neat furnishings would just have a coat of paint slapped on them and no time taken on them to make them beautiful again. At that moment I realized that not only could I do this but I could do it better by taking the time to restore them back to their original beauty.

Tell us a little about The Jeweled Hummingbird-
The mission is the protect the earth by reusing, restyling and rediscovering vintage furniture.

Check out The Jeweled Hummingbird on Facebook.

Featured Ohio Photographer

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Jessica Paxson Photography...

What INSPIRED you to start your photography business?

My boys! Brody(6), Brogan(5), and Braylon(2). I love being a stay at home mom and raising my children. This job allows me to do both. I've always known that I wanted to pursue a career in a field that I am very passionate about and for me it had to be something art related. When my first child was born, I picked up a camera and just started snapping away. Back then, it was just setting up some cute backgrounds around the house and putting him in front of, and now it's transformed into a whole new "obsession" for me! My head is CONSTANTLY spinning with new ideas for photo sessions. Many of them don't get executed, because well, most of them are just plain ridiculous! But hey, a girl can dream right?!?!?

Tell me a little about Jessica Paxson Photography-
This is my first year really taking on clients. Before I only did it for family and friends, and occasionally if someone else would ask me. Now that I'm rocking some awesome Nikon's and learned some great editing tricks, I've taken on everything from weddings to boudoir sessions. I've learned a lot and still have so much more to learn. I am so thankful to all of my clients for being patient with me this year while I work out all of the kinks and also for all the awesome photographers here online that I've met along the way. I get great support from them and helpful tips! Much love to you all, Jessica Paxson

maternity| newborn| children| family| weddings

jessicapaxsonphotography.com

Featured Graphic Designer

2010-07-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Meet Pretty Lovely Design...

What INSPIRED you to start your graphic design business?
My husband actually inspired me to start my company. He has been encouraging me for the last year to go for it. In January 2010, I started taking on more design orders through Etsy and website orders while still working a full time job as a Buyer for a company. In April I decided to leave my job and start Pretty Lovely Design.

Tell us a little about your Pretty Lovely Design-
I specialize in blog design and graphic design. I mostly work with entrepreneurs, photographers, independent business owners and bloggers. I also run a little portion of my business called Printed Lovelies that specializes in business cards and printed materials.

prettylovelydesign.com

Featured Minnesota Photographer

2010-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Meet Linabell Photography...

What INSPIRED you to start your photography business?
My boys! I have always loved having a creative outlet. I went to school for graphic design, but after my first son was born, my love of photography was born as well! The more and more I do it the more I fall in love with all the possibilities and beauty of photography. I learn more everyday and am inspired daily.

Tell us a little about Linabell-
I'm asked all the time about the name Linabell, and it came from my mom. My nickname growing up, that I never thought twice about, just popped in my head when I was coming up with a name for my business. I am excited for what the future holds for Linabell Photography.

Newborn| Babies | Children | Family | Seniors | Engagement

linabellphotos.com

Gray is the New Black

2010-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

photo credits: left to right
unknown

The Color Wheel

2010-07-22T06:52:00.001-07:00

this week's inspiration... color

photo credits: left to right
Stephanie Cogdon Barnes
Nest Things by Tamar
Martha Bernabe

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-21T19:35:00.001-07:00

summer in bloom

photo credits: left to right
Martha Stewart
Sarah K Chen
Sarah K Chen