Everyday is a Holiday

I've been baking...

2012-02-05T18:02:00.017-05:00

Hey Kids!

Just wanted to pop in and say hi! It is incredible how time flies! ... And when you're doing tons of stuff...especially stuff like moving to a new home...it's so easy to lose track of your last interactions with friends.

So finally, we are now 99.999 % out of the old apartment . Remaining are Aaron's 10,000 books that are still in the garage. Yes, he is an over the top Book Maniac, Bibliophile, Literature Addict. He never leaves the house without at least 5 books. I kid you not! Why does one need 5 books annnnd 2 marble notebooks for a 5 minute ride to the corner store?!

In our last place we/he had books on the kitchen table, under the kitchen table, behind the kitchen table, on the chairs, in the bathroom, on the arm of the couch, on a little stool next to the couch, and oh my goodness...also under the bed, next to the bed...and completely filling up his vintage cupboard... barely leaving any space at all for his fake teeth, wigs, kazoo, harmonica, Mexican wrestling masks, 3d glasses, and other weird Aaron things. Despite our busting-at-the-seams-existence...Aar has no plans to shed any of his wacko props...he's always referencing possible future films we may make and how these items would be indispensable. Though he is going to let go of the majority of his books...he realizes that they are more obsession than collection. He is willing to surrender to the Nook.

The house is certainly feeling more like home these days. Even though there are still boxes to the ceiling in most rooms, we are able to have actual family dinners, and watch movies together on the couch. When we considered the pros and cons of this move, a big pro was the fact that we'd be forced to let go of so many of our obsessive/control freak behaviors. In the past we'd never be able to actually relax sitting in a room full of cardboard boxes. We're learning to let go and chill. Living with my little brothers certainly helps in this respect.

And speaking of chilling...I've been doing lots of cooking and baking (one of my fave forms of chilling) ...

Here's one quick and super yummy and fun recipe I made last week...and will be making again and again. I found this on pinterest of course...

7up Biscuits!

Super easy and I'd say fool proof. Click here for the recipe!

And how on earth could I go any longer without baking Magnolia Bakery cupcakes in the new oven? My lil bro Walt had been begging me since we moved in. (he LIVES for Magnolia Cupcakes!)

They seriously are the most delicious vanilla/yellow cake recipe ever. It is so so worth the extra steps and time. The cake is incredible all on it's own! But who am I kidding...this vanilla buttercream frosting is killer! They baked up PERFECTLY. I didn't know what to expect with this big old crazy industrial oven. Well ... it totally proved itself! :)

Walt has eaten about 10 cupcakes over the past 2 days. Lunatic!

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

1 ½ cups self-rising flour
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake papers.
In a small bowl, add the flours; stir to combine; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Add the sugar gradually and beat for 3 minutes or until fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla.
With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not overmix.
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake in a 350° oven for 20-25 minutes.
Cool the cupcakes in the tin for 15 minutes.
Remove cakes from the tins and cool on a wire rack before frosting.
Frost with tinted Vanilla Buttercream.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

For 24 cupcakes or Two-layer 9-in cake

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 -8 cups confectioners' sugar
½ cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For Three-Layer 9-in Cake

1 ½ cups unsalted butter
8 -10 cups confectioners' sugar
¾ cup milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla.
On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the frosting is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency.
Note: You may not need to add all of the sugar.

And oh yeah...a little SALE for any shoppersIt's Super Bowl Sunday, it's quiet, calm..pups are snoozing, Walt and his girlfriend Val are celebrating her dad's birthday, Jason is out and about, and Aaron and I are working on some suuuuper fun NEW things while watching the game, and eating pierogis! Hope you all are enjoying your day!
If you feel like doing a lil shopping...we have a Super Bowl SALE over in the shop! Use code: GAMEDAY for 25% off your entire order! :)
I'll be back super soon with some Show & Tell!
xo Jenny

Creativity by the Sea! Sign up now!

2012-01-17T16:00:00.004-05:00

We couldn't be more excited about this forthcoming event...right here at the Jersey Shore. We really wanted to create a couple of projects that were dimensional. I guess our minds were on wall space...we had run out...and we were thinking of art pieces that could be displayed in other ways...on table tops, cake stands, heck...even worn on your head.
And more than just that. We are mainly painters and it feels good to change it up and make something you can hold. I guess you're using all the same parts of the brain but just twisting things a bit.

You may remember that I blogged about this event a while back. Please go check out all the details and some pics of beautiful Ocean Grove, New Jersey on this post. You couldn't pick a better location. And there are too too many excellent classes to choose from...I'd be gushing about this event even if we had absolutely nothing to do with it. Our friend Kecia Deveney will be there teaching soldering...Jane Wynn is creating found object jewelry...you can create boardwalk memories with Michelle Bernard...and dark chocolate and dreamy cheesecake with Chef Oleg Scorpan.

We've got lots of peeps already on board and we're prepping for a fantastic turnout. Ocean Grove is the sweetest little Victorian town by the sea and it's so darn close to where we live. I'm sitting here on a rainy cold day and I keep clicking the tab to see my previous post about this retreat...all the pics of the OG flea market...the pastel painted ladies...it's all bringing a bit of sunshine into the studio. I really hope you guys can make it...bring your sunshine to the Jersey Shore.
xoxo, Jenny

SpookyTime Jingles update!

2012-01-12T16:32:00.005-05:00

Me and Aar were just having a conversation about how much we love being a part of SpookyTime Jingles. We live with Holiday stuff year round at home so it just couldn't be a better fit for us. Having to create original Christmas & Halloween pieces each month is such a gift. Sometimes as an artist you need to be required or obligated to make new art...deadlines are the ultimate motivator. And for this month we get to throw in some Valentines if we want.
Besides our love for the all the pink imagery of Valentines Day it's just one of our absolute favorite days. A day we reserve for us. We gave up the restaurant scene years ago due to the crowds and started cooking and baking our fave stuff at home.

We're especially excited about these three new character cupcakes...Lovey, Snowy, and Spooky. On petite but chunky canvases...all glittery and happy. And really, to be honest...I'm pretty sure these guys wouldn't exist without Spooky Time Jingles. Well they'd exist in our heads and they'd be simmering on that overcrowded back burner for ages. But now, here they are...all set to debut at midnight...the instant it becomes the 13th of the month.

So check out SpookyTime Jingles at midnight tonight and do not leave without seeing all of the other artists stuff. Every single one is a dazzler and we're honored to sit side by side with them. Ok, back to work...work-work, moving-work, organizing-work, cleaning-work...round and round it goes...where it stops nobody knows.
xoxo, Jenny

Settling in...

2012-01-08T21:44:00.010-05:00

Yes, the eternal move continues. We are still between two places and have to make a few more trips. Despite having really no time to do so we are trying to get set up here a bit. Being that it's the heart and soul of a home the kitchen always comes first. The bedroom is important but when you're moving all you really have to have is a bed to land in after a long day. A clean, working kitchen is a must. I love to cook and bake...and just doing these things every day seems to keep everybody here sane.

I caught some early Saturday morning sunlight in the kitchen. Loved the glow. Not yet bright... Everyone still in bed... put the water on for coffee. (we are french press peeps) Snapped this pic.

As I mentioned in my last post...this is the house in which I did some of my growing up. So there are lots of things left behind by my parents. This here is one of them... my dad insisted that the house needed a big stainless steel industrial stove. And trust me...this thing is Industrial. It is so not for a house. 4 mega burners, a griddle, a toasting rack below...and a big oven. The door is super duper heavy. Since we got here...about 2 weeks now...I think we have used the griddle almost daily. Pancakes are an absolute fave of mine. I seriously could eat them for breakfast lunch or dinner...or all of the above! I have no problem whipping up a batch anytime of day. Even 2x a day... often urged on by my little brother Walty.

Here is a fave "go to" recipe:

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 200 degrees; have a baking sheet or heatproof platter ready to keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter (or oil), and egg. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture; whisk until just moistened (do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine).
Heat a large skillet (nonstick or cast-iron) or griddle over medium. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half, and moisten with oil; carefully rub skillet with oiled paper towel.
For each pancake, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter onto skillet, using the back of the spoon to spread batter into a round (you should be able to fit 2 to 3 in a large skillet).
Cook until surface of pancakes have some bubbles and a few have burst, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip carefully with a thin spatula, and cook until browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a baking sheet or platter; cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm in oven. Continue with more oil and remaining batter. (You'll have 12 to 15 pancakes.) Serve warm, with butter & syrup!

I totally think it is time for some pancake art! How bout you guys? :)

Around midnight Saturday..technically Sunday, needed a sweet. Cupboards were pretty bare. I knew Pinterest would have something to fit the bill. Aunt Maggie's jam thumbprint cookies from Martha. Super easy and only 5 ingredients! I used Smuckers strawberry jam. They truly baked up perfectly! And were gone in a blink! I only had enough flour to make half a batch. A perfect amount for a midnight snack. ;)

New fave candle... it's cold outside...the glow and scent from a good candle seem to make it a bit more warm inside. Without having to bake a thing this little jar of goodness keeps the kitchen spicy, creamy, vanilla-y, and yummy. At Anthropologie.

A fave "couple" on a shelf. One area we have been excited about is our "coffee & tea station"... Which consists of a tiny lil area ...outfitted with my parents old drysink... All the coffee fixins...little brown stir sticks and all. Still have to paint the drysink but it has been a happy lil spot while we work on everything...a domestic oasis among the chaos.

I have lots to catch up on...lots to share. Lots of projects. So look forward to lots of diy home stuff over the next year!

xoxo, Jenny

Happy Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T21:18:00.011-05:00

I know I haven't been around in a while, but it's not for lack of trying. We have been moving out of our apartment and we're still in the process. Internet has been dodgey. Time has been short. Hands have been full. And in the last few years me and Aaron have grown a bit too big for our britches. We seem to have triple the "work stuff". Our last move was a breeze in comparison. As you grow as an artist it will undoubtedly translate to more tools, materials, etc... Moving our studio is a massive undertaking and setting up from scratch is very hard and very exciting at the same time. The walls kinda started to close in on us in our old place and now we can trim the fat, set up the right way, and try to keep it that way.

And in case you were thinking about trying it...DO NOT attempt to move during the holiday season. Too much is already happening...add a change of address to the mix and you will become one part ticking time bomb, two parts zombie, three parts emotional mess pot. So the past few weeks have been an absolute blur. We had to set our sights on a break...a time out...a pause for applause. We needed to find a way to distract ourselves from our own chaos. We decided that for the very first time in our lives we would brave the crowds and the elements of New Years Eve in Times Square, New York. Even though we have always lived relatively close to NYC we just never were inspired enough to do New Years in Times Square. We'd always watch the ball drop on tv and seeing those millions of people all crammed together in the freezing cold for several hours straight did not look particularly attractive. I panic in crowds, hate the cold, dislike public restrooms, and I'd prefer a cozy night with my sister and brothers and a ton of snacks. But this year I was not in my right mind...heck, nobody was in their right mind this year it seems.

A quick background detail for this story... This move that me and Aar are in the middle of isn't just any ordinary move. We're moving into my parents old house and for the first time in ages we have roommates. My little brothers Jay and Walt. They were both living in Asbury Park with my sister Missy...then my parents moved, and then Missy moved. So since my parent's house was left empty the four of us decided to move in together. And I guess New Years kinda marked the inaugural celebration for our little household. The four of us all went together and it was a first time for every one of us. It was strange for my sis Missy not to be included in the night but she had made prior plans in Brooklyn to attend ---- (prepare to time travel to the 90's)----- a Rave.

"New Year's Eve NYC"

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Ok, the epic night began around midday. We caught a train at about 2:30 in the afternoon and arrived in NYC at 3 something. You'd think this is an early start for a midnight celebration but when we arrived at New York Penn Station we caught some news footage showing people crowding into Times Square at 9 am! Our train in was standing room only as we got closer to the city and we felt like a herd of cattle as we ascended the stairs out onto the street in front of the train station...instantly blasted by a thousand street vendors selling super loud horns, assorted noise makers, light-up 2012 glasses, giant silly hats....they nearly force you to buy these things. After we fought through them we charged up town the ten blocks to Times Square. As you get closer you'll start seeing more and more Police officers and the barricades they wield...and just when you think you'll make a right turn and get into the thick of things...the cops slide a barricade shut and tell you to head two blocks farther...and then two blocks farther...until finally you are like 9 blocks away from where you want to be. Well not just you...but you and 5 thousand other people are 9 blocks too far.

And since this was our first time doing New Years in NY we sorta surrendered and squeezed into a block long bullpen jam packed with people. Our only view of the center of Times Square would be a giant Toshiba screen about a half block away. We were sandwiched in...making friends with our neighbors...and luckily, it was darn pleasant weather for this time of year...with all those warm bodies around us we actually had to hold our coats at times. We were all set for the long haul to midnight and then Walt loudly announces to us and everyone within earshot: "Ok, only 7 more hours to go!!" We laughed at the absolute absurdity of this. We were so intent on getting ourselves into a good spot, and at this time of year it gets dark at 5 o'clock ...we really hadn't stopped to consider just how EARLY it was. Aaron said...No Way, we are getting out of here...we can go do a million other things for the next five hours and still end up in a spot just as good as the one we were in. So we politely pushed and shoved our way out of there and just as we were about to be free of the bullpen my brother Jay strikes up a conversation with this amazing character named Jo Jo. My brother Jay is famous for talking to strangers...and he always formally introduces himself, inserting his name and a handshake into the smallest casual encounter..."By the way, I'm Jason, whats your name, how are you doing?"... Jo Jo was trying to sell us these very loud horns...and we rebuffed him thoroughly, telling him that there is nothing we are looking to purchase. Finally, Jo Jo digs his wallet out and says he has something that we will absolutely want to buy. He's got exactly 4 extra passes that are stamped and say that we are residents in the exact dead center block of Times Square....he has these passes because he himself lives there and he obviously made photo copies. Jay told Jo Jo "Hey, you seem like a nice guy but I don't believe you for one second that these passes are legit." Jo Jo was a wide eyed, fast talking street hustler but he swore that these passes were the genuine article...and he was willing to walk the ten whole blocks with us and show us first hand how they would get us through the barricades. On a night like this you really have nothing to lose...it's good to just follow the next adventure and see where it leads. Never getting your hopes up...but at the same time tossing your cynicism to the side. After walking ten fast blocks with Jo Jo honking his loud horns in people's faces as he's yelling "3 for 5 bucks!"...and at the same time he's telling Jay his life story and how he came to afford an apartment in the center of Times Square...(something having to do with a disability based on a botched ear surgery)...We get down there and approach the NYPD gatekeepers...Jo Jo leading the way...and oh yeah, we meet an Australian couple - Claire and Nelson...who are in possession of the same exact passes...they can't remember if it was Jo Jo who sold them the passes...and Jo Jo can't recall either. So us, Jo Jo, and the Australians flash our flimsy papers and Holy Cow...they actually work!

At this point we are so very close but we'd like to be even closer...we need to go one more block...but the address on our passes won't get us that one extra block. But still, we are close and we aren't crowded in the least...on this block it's pretty much only residents and phony residents such as ourselves. Jay pays Jo Jo 20 bucks and gives him a tip for walking there with us. Jo Jo now wants to be friends with us and is hoping that we'll all buy some beer at the liquor store and head up to his apartment to pre-game for the next six hours before the ball drops. Jay breaks the bad news to him that we don't drink...(it's great to have a good...and true...excuse for not going up to a wild eyed street hustler's apartment!) Jo Jo considers six hours of us not drinking...and then he considers the giant bag of loud horns he has yet to sell...and he decides that he'd rather try to go make some more money on the street. The Australians were relieved...they seemed a bit freaked out that they were all of the sudden going to be in some strange guy's studio apartment for no reason. If they were anything but Australians they woulda took off ages ago. But ask anyone...Australians "on Holiday" are willing to go anywhere and do anything! They are the best travelers to encounter. Jay kept telling them to speak English...which of course they were...but he was messing with them every time they said "bloke" or something like that. They would then re-say their sentence using an accent that sounded California surferish and replace "bloke" with "dude"...and then we'd say "ok, now I understand you." We would try to speak to them with an Australian accent but we were all terrible at it. It's a hard one to master unless you're saying lines from Crocodile Dundee. Anyway, at some point we got separated from the Aussies....this is how it goes on New Years...characters come in and out of your night.

Now, the question of the century when it comes to New Years in Times Square is "where does everybody pee?" And to be honest...I have no idea! Like, when you are bull-penned in...the cops won't even let you cross the sidewalk to grab a slice of pizza. Guy's from pizza parlors were running out and taking orders at the guard rails. Personally, we were set. We had passes that would get us very close...so we could come and go as we pleased...and we were very close to Port Authority bus station...which is pretty much a shopping mall. With five hours to spare we moseyed to the bus station...used the facilities, sat down and got a bunch of pizza, ate gelato...relaxed for a while. Then we headed back to our good spot.

Once we were at our "good spot" we began to desire a "better spot". There was a barricade that was keeping us from the absolute heart of Times Square. Our passes weren't any good for that hallowed ground. The only people we saw go through were a couple hundred folks in lime green ponchos. Who were they? We read the patch on back of their ponchos: Official Confetti Dispersal Engineers. Yep, these were the people who would be throwing the buckets of confetti from rooftops. After a while the crowd at the barricade stopped begging the cops and we decided to just smoothly walk up and say we had to get through to the next block. Walt was leading the way and when the cop asked to see ID he pulled out his photo ID...which just so happened to not be his license but his military ID. So the cop says to the other cop..."this guys got a military ID, let him through." ...and then Walt tells them that he's got his three siblings with him. Next thing you know...we are dead center...in this wide open space in the middle. It's only us and cops. It's so bright right there and there are millions of people all around...but we were in this big open space. We thought we were totally set. But then one of the cops saw the four fish out of water...really, it was us and a hundred cops...no one else...The cop asks us where we are headed...and we're like "right here"...and then he lets us know that we can "walk through" here but we can't hang out here...it's kept open for emergency vehicles, police, etc... So the rush of being in this front row seat was fleeting.

But now we were confident that we could head a block up and get even closer in a legit section...which we did. We ended up just about in the middle of the two stages. Lady GaGa performing just to our left and CeeLo singing just to our right. We were right at the Times Square Marriot. And at ten minutes to midnight the Marriot security guys decided to open up this barricaded area that got you even closer. And they were psyched to do it...they came running and waved us all through. CeeLo sang Imagine and then came the countdown...and then more confetti than you will see in your life comes raining down from super high rooftops...Sinatra's New York, New York blasting...it's just a spectacle and it brings tears to your eyes simply because it's so big and loud and bright. And no matter how bad your feet hurt from pounding pavement for 7 hours you feel that it's totally worth it. We met people from everywhere...all over the world...people that took 16 hour flights...made reservations a year ago...and we almost felt guilty for only doing this for the first time now after living so close to it all our lives. Well, you have to be willing to deal with some crazy stuff. Not everybody in those teeming crowds is happy to be there. You encounter some real deal jerks who think they can get away with pushing and shoving people out of their way. But you can't get too angry because the overwhelming majority of peeps are in a great mood. The jerks get squashed and humbled quickly. The good spirit is palpable. And man did we get lucky with the weather. It was downright balmy. Most years we watch the TV and you can see icicles on men's beards.

I'd say the worst part was the mass exodus downtown after midnight. We were in the middle of a crosswalk packed together like sardines for more than 30 minutes at one point. We squeezed out of there and dared not to try for the first train home...we instead hit a diner and caught the 2:22 am train back to the Jersey Shore.

Wow, so that's it, and believe me...that is the super duper condensed version. I'm so sorry it took me so long to post but I didn't want to just throw up a photo slide show and one sentence. I needed to give you a bit of the story. New Years in Times Square is definitely bucketlist worthy. Me and Aaron really want to make this year way better than last year...and we know that we can. You really do create your own circumstances in life...we just have to decide that we want to be happy...above all else, happy. And as far as last year...we know that we survived it on the backs of some great people. As we reflect we can see those faces clearly and we couldn't be more thankful.

All of our best to you and yours for a great year to come! xoxo, Jenny...and Aaron

The Ultimate $4,500 No Excuses Giveaway!!!

2011-12-04T18:50:00.008-05:00

I'm so excited to take part in this fabulous giveaway that just so happens to be situated smack dab in the middle of this giving season! I was asked by DesignHer Brands if we would like to contribute some of our artwork for this big event, and when I read all the details of what this giveaway was all about I jumped at the chance to add whatever we could to such a worthy effort.

Our "New Girl in Town" piece, seen below, will be just one itty bit of a prize that could in all likelihood change some lucky gal's life! Really. Hopefully the winner of all these goods and services will not only be the New Girl in Town...but the New IT Girl in Town! I know I haven't even said anything about the details of this huge giveaway...I will in a second...and of course you gotta check out the link for yourself and by all means...sign up! Entries started just a few days ago and they're open 'til Sunday, December 11th.

What really struck a chord with me is that this giveaway is all about launching somebody. It's for anyone who has ever dreamed of starting a new business or currently has a business that's in need of some assistance. You'll get a custom designed Website from Avalon Rose, along with any content you'll need help with...all the behind the scenes stuff that takes countless hours...the promotion...the networking. And that's just the start...you'll get your choice of classes from Brave Girls Club...life coaching sessions from Here to There...and a list of amazing goods, gifts, and wonderful things from a who's who in Fabulousness!

Ok, you just gotta go check out all the nitty gritty specifics for yourself. HERE. I'm really happy to spread the word and to take part in this awesome event.
Good Luck!! :)

I want to thank anyone who took part in our Cyber Monday sale. We are thrilled at the turnout and to see firsthand how many people really are supporting Handmade for the Holidays. Unfortunately, not everyone got to take advantage of the sale...and for those of you still looking for a deal...I'm happy to say that we have a Holiday Sale going on RIGHT NOW! You will get 20% off your entire order when you enter code: holidays. So please, SHOP AWAY! We've been working like Christmas elves...making, making, making...packing, packing, packing. And it warms our hearts every time fill out another address on another box...thinking of each individual happy home.

Again, thank you so so much for reading and joining us for our favorite season. And don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaway!
xoxo, Jenny

Sparkle this Season! ...and a special secret shopper giveaway!

2011-11-29T03:57:00.012-05:00

Cyber Monday was great! Thanks so much to everyone who took advantage of our big sale! We were so thrilled to see so many orders coming in. It really does make us so happy when people get awesome deals....but more than that...we are so flattered when folks come to us for their special gift giving. They've got all the world to choose from...and they come to us!

So it's seems to be the norm now that Cyber Monday gets stretched out to Tuesday, Wed, Thur, and Friday...and we're certainly down with that. As orders come in we morph into Santa's helpers...making, making, making, into the night. So, just in case you didn't get to pick something up yet...not to worry...the 30% off sale is on through Friday!

And just in time for Cyber Week we made two brand new bits of Wearable Winter Wonderland! We LOVE these necklaces...we've deemed our Home for the Holidays collection! And the pics do not do their Glittery Goodness any justice...you gotta see them in person in order to take in all that sparkle.

Ok, one more thing on the topic of this fantastic Cyber Week. A Giveaway Announcement:

A Super Special Surprise Gift for One Cyber Week Shopper!

We're going to gather all of our sale invoices from the very beginning of Cyber Monday to the very end of Cyber Friday. From the invoices we'll select one lucky winner! So to be part of this giveaway all you have to do is take advantage of this fabulous week long sale. And by the weekend we'll pick a winner! The prize is a secret, a surprise...but we promise...it'll be something super fab! So, shop away...and maybe you'll win!

Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of you who've been supporting Handmade for the Holidays!

xoxo, Jenny

Cyber Monday! Super SALE!

2011-11-27T21:49:00.007-05:00

Jeez, it's been warm here in Jersey. Just yesterday Aaron was riding his bike down the Asbury Park Boardwalk and everyone he saw was dressed in t-shirts, shorts, sunglasses...it was a bit incongruous with the Christmas songs being piped out of every store front. But I'm not complaining...I'll take temps in the high 60's anytime! I'm just wondering, with this beautiful weather...will anyone be home to take advantage of our fantastic Cyber Monday Sale? Ah, what am I saying...you guys can all shop from your tablets...or your iphones...right?

So, like I was saying...and as you can see above...We are having a BIG sale! Every single thing is on sale...30% off your entire order. Shop a little or shop a lot. It's the big ticket items where the savings is the best...like our big menu board...if you've been waiting to get yourself a room-maker like this...now is the time...you'll get a huge chunk of change off.

The sale starts tonight at midnight, New Jersey time...so you west coasters can get a jump on things if you like. And we'll be extending the sale 'til Friday...so it's actually a Cyber Week Sale!

Me and Aaron had a great Thanksgiving. It's so awesome to spend time with family...and eating pie ain't half bad either! And afterward, we were thrilled at the great turnout for our Black Friday Sale. Thanks so much to all of you who picked something up! I've included some pics here of some of our favorites. Despite that lovely weather outside we've been making sure to stay indoors and play the role of perfect Christmas elves. We've been working round the clock to have a bunch of stuff in stock. And I really want to say how much me and Aar truly appreciate you guys...you supporters of the arts. Whether you pick something up from us...or from one of our many amazing artist friends out there...you just totally rule for choosing handmade gifts straight from the hands of artisans. I'll take a handmade gift over anything, any time. I've been seeing so much fab artwork out there...I'm a HUGE fan of so many wonderful folks...and it pleases me so much to see them flourish around the Holidays! So...on my behalf and theirs...Thank You So Much to all of you fabulous collectors!!

Ok, that's it for now...get out there and get shopping...go Handmade for the Holidays! And take advantage of some awesome sales!

xoxo, Jenny

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T19:13:00.004-05:00

When life is a rollercoaster, thats exactly when you have to be that much more thankful. These are the times when family & friends are needed most and they never seem to fail at brightening your spirits and general situation.

Me and Aaron are just so thankful for everyone who has given us a giant boost when we needed it most. Family, Friends, our wonderfully hilarious pups, our great friends all across the country and the world whom we've met through this amazing community of art and creativity. Probably our favorite times of all were our drives out to some amazing art retreats...no matter how taxing the journey, the payoff of meeting everyone in person is worth it more than words can say. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, to all of you...you keep us here and keep us happy!

xoxo, Jenny & Aaron

ahhh Fall!

2011-11-20T19:26:00.005-05:00

(source)

The Fall is my favorite time of year. I've always associated this with my birthday being in October. But it's a lot of things...the weather of course...and the turning of the leaves...it's like this is the time of year when Earth shows her emotions...and she evokes the same in you. We've been lucky so far temp wise in New Jersey...it's been very mild. The dogs love long walks and the bigger the leaf pile, the more they want to immerse themselves in it. Both of the little guys LOVE leaves.

We've got Thanksgiving approaching, Black Friday, Cyber Monday...so lets look forward to good eating and good shopping.

You may notice the new blog buttons we drew up...they're over there on the right. I've been dying to make this blog a bit more hand made...just needed the time to put these little doodles together...what better time than a great TV Sunday in November right? I put a quick pic on Facebook and already I've been getting messages asking for us to do custom buttons for them. And we certainly will! If you are interested in some illustration work from us just ask...rates will vary I guess...pertaining to the specific job at hand.

Ok, just wanted to pop in to say hi!! I'll be back soon! xoxo, Jenny

a little Holiday Spirit

2011-11-16T17:01:00.013-05:00

We are in the Holiday spirit...but I guess I'm not telling you anything new! This is Everyday is a Holiday right?! But yes, Christmas...as I said before...I'm not rushing it...but we've got holiday make-ables and hang-ables...so we need to get a lil jump on things. We've got a great sale going on in the shop right now. If you spend over 40 bucks you get 15% off...just enter code: crafty. And yes...this is the time to get crafty. We've got the wind and rain whipping at our windows tonight. It's not entirely cold here yet...but the gloom has got us indoors and creating.

Me and Aar have got some big changes ahead...which I'll go into detail about later...but for now we're kinda in the inbetween phase. You know the definition of insanity right?...the whole doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result. Well, I guess we have to get a
little more sane.

Please check out our new holiday paintings...seen here...and kits...also seen here...and of course...our brand new full color sticker sheets!

I just wanted to pop in...keep this brief and say Hi!

But one last thing...just got this fortune cookie message...I never had one quite so fun and direct...and so apropos!

xoxo, Jenny

Support Handmade this Holiday Season

2011-11-10T16:08:00.007-05:00

We saw recently that Nordstrom decided to take it slow with Christmas...and give Thanksgiving her time to shine. They won't play a carol or deck any halls until the end of November. And we're all for that. The holiday rush is gonna happen no matter what...so let it breathe.

But we're launching these sticker sheets now in the name of going Hand Made for the Holidays! Because as artists/crafters we need a little extra time to make magical holiday goodies. And we're Everyday is a Holiday...at home Easter bunnies sit right beside bottle brush trees and bowls of shiny brites.

So, support Hand Made this Christmas! I've seen lots of posts declaring it and some that pledge to make at least half of their gift giving Hand Made. This is a fab idea...for the givers, the getters, and the makers. We hope with these sticker sheets you can be a giver and a maker all at once...and wouldn't it be great if these showed up at your door as a gift...then you can spread the joy even further!

Ok, just a quick post today...We're super excited about these sticker sheets! We hope they make a lot of you very happy!

xoxo, Jenny

Creativity By the Sea...

2011-11-05T18:53:00.010-04:00

I have been dying to spill the beans on this!! Oh my gosh!! Ok ok...I can't give all the info just yet, since we are still waiting for the site to launch. I'm pretty sure we'll be all up and running within the next two weeks! Eeek! So save those pennies and mark those calendars!! :)

Ok so here are some beans for ya! :

MARCH 23- 25 2012

Join us for a weekend that promises to provide boundless creativity and an unbelievable array
of workshops! Your experience at this new and exciting retreat will be enhanced by the location…Ocean Grove. This quaint,Victorian, seashore town will awaken your artistic senses while providing a relaxing atmosphere with the Atlantic Ocean at
your doorstep.

On Saturday and Sunday, a variety of workshops are scheduled, with talented
and experienced Instructors, who will provide the tools to shape you skills
into a rewarding finished project. Classroom settings will transport you to a
new level of creativity by expanding on previous experiences, exploring new
techniques and mediums and also bringing out your hidden talents.

On Friday evening, a Welcome Reception for all Instructors, attendees and Ocean Grove
participating business owners is scheduled from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Saturday evening a Vendor Night is planned, where you and the public will be able to purchase products from instructors, artists, artisans and suppliers.

You will find a list of participating Inns, Bed and Breakfasts and Guest Houses. All are offering special rates for the weekend, and many include a delicious, homemade breakfast. Everything is within walking distance, as Ocean Grove occupies only one square mile. There are also many shops and restaurants located in our lovely, picturesque downtown area. Our location is easily accessible by public transportation with NJ Transit to Asbury Park or Academy Bus, directly to Ocean Grove.

If all of this peaks your interest and sparks your creative energy... mark your calendar for a weekend event in 2012 that will put an end to your
winter boredom!!

Ahhh!! I am just buzzing from excitement! Ocean Grove is pretty much our hometown. We grab coffee and scones and CUPCAKES there all time. I've blogged about Ocean Grove Bake Shoppe more than a few times! And if you are a long time reader you also know about the O.G. Flea! Which draws thousands!

This retreat is going to be so so fabulous! So unique and super fun! And being that it is our hood...we are totally down with adding a special antiquing/sight seeing day, for any of you gals willing to extend the party! :) Ohh and ummm...let me add that we are under an hour from NYC!! So things could really get F.U.N!!! :)

I really was bursting, and am so so glad I was able to give you guys a lil sneaky peek! :) Cannot wait to show you our classes!! Stay tuned!!

In other news...working on a Super Duper cute Christmas kit that totally brings back childhood memories! Think...Colorforms & Dollhouses! ahh!! :)
xoxo Jenny

Sweet Shop Ornament tutorial

2011-10-31T22:09:00.017-04:00

Is it weird that I'm such a HUGE fan of our new full-color sticker sheets? And I swear, this isn't one of those tootin' my own horn moments...I honestly love these sticker sheets! They are exactly what I'd hope to find in the fantasy scrapbooking/art journal shop of my dreams. I cannot wait to make more! We have endless ideas and mock-ups for future sheets...the only issue is finding the time! One thing that I promise to do is always compliment any forthcoming creative elements of ours with tutorials here on the blog...just some simple examples of how to put this good stuff to good use.

We're still at work on our very own hand painted patterned paper packs...so for now this little project will make use of some of your own favorite patterned papers for the backgrounds. These are simple ornaments mounted on wooden discs that we purchased at Michaels...but you can probably find similar ones at A.C. Moore, Jo Ann Fabrics, or any store like these. Look for wood, mdf, chipboard, whatever you like really. Ours measure approximately 4 inches across...and ours were CHEAP! They came in a multi-pack with all different shapes and sizes and the whole pack was like 5 bucks!

What you will need:

- Everyday is a Holiday full-color sticker sheets!!

-scissors, pencil, artist paint brush

-wood, mdf, or chipboard discs in shape of your choice,
approx. 4" across.

- patterned papers for your backgrounds

-Decou-page by DecoArt. You can also use matte finish Mod Podge or clear gel medium

- heavy duty glue like E6000 or a hot glue gun if you prefer.

-colored glitters of your choice. (We used Martha's tinsel glitter in florentine gold, feldspar, and kunzite.)

-ultra fine clear glitter

-bakery twine or pretty string or ribbon of your choice

-ric rac or ribbon to hang them with

Step 1. Trace the shapes of your ornaments onto your background papers and cut out paper backgrounds. Also, cut out the stickers of your choice, eye-up your designs and match the stickers with their respective backgrounds.

Step 2. Adhere your backgrounds. We used Decou-page by DecoArt...but again, you can use matte finish Mod Podge or gel medium. With a paint brush apply a thin even coat to the disc, lay corresponding paper on it and gently press down...then gently smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles with a clean, dry paper towel. Let dry. You do not need to apply a top coat of the Decou-page or Mod Podge. We will be doing this later on. ( hint: most people have a tendency to brush a coat of Mod Podge over top of the paper they just glued down...doing this will always result in lots of wrinkles and bubbles. When applying a topcoat it is essential to let the paper that you've just glued down to fully set-up and dry. You'll know it is dry when it is no longer cool to the touch.)

Step 3. Once the backgrounds that you've glued down are fully set-up and dried, peel backs off of your stickers and apply them to their corresponding ornaments. Then, apply a thin even coat of Decou-page medium (or Mod Podge, or gel medium) over the entire front of the ornament...then dust the entire front with a coat of ultra fine clear glitter...let dry and shake off excess glitter. Next, apply a thin even coat of Decou-page medium (or Mod Podge, or gel medium) to the outside edge of the ornament and dust with an even coat of colored glitter (tip: using a glitter tray or paper plate, roll/press edges in colored glitter.)...let dry, shake off excess.

Step 4. Tie bows...we used classic bakery twine because we just love the stuff...you can find small rolls of it in all sorts of colorways at Michaels, A.C. Moore, or the crafty shop of your choice. Also, you can use ribbon or whatever you like instead. Just tie simple bows and using your more heavy duty adhesive or glue gun, attach the bows to the top-center of each ornament.

Next, make a loop of ric rac or ribbon to hang your ornament...attach to the back using your heavy duty adhesive or glue gun. To finish it off and make the backs prettier, we often used a 2" paper punch to punch out a circle of patterned or colored paper, and then we decoupage the paper circle right over the cut ends of the ribbon loop thats on back...it looks good and reinforces the loop hanger at the same time.

Taa Daaah! You've got a gorgeous, glittery set of Cupcake & Cake ornaments!...And you only used a few of your Everyday is a Holiday stickers!...You can make more...do a mixer ornament...or find a long thin base and make an ornie using one of the Retro Baking Gals! The format is no big deal...that's the easy part. But now you've got a simple idea of how to use your stickers in a really fun way...just follow the same steps, use the same methods, and you can't go wrong. We'd love for you to share what you've done with us! We can't wait to see your projects! Email us photos!
xoxo, Jenny

Sugarloaf Craft Festival recap & Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T23:23:00.015-04:00

Happy Halloween kids!!! :)

I've been seeing some incredible costumes popping up on facebook! Bravo!! No big spooky kooky plans for us this year. Just home painting, but once again the NJ weather ghouls have blessed the kiddies with fantastic Trick or Treating weather!

This weekend me and Aaron took the opportunity to re-visit some old habits and haunts. We attended the famous Sugarloaf Craft Festival, right here in beautiful New Jersey. At one point in our lives we were regulars at any given Autumn Arts & Crafts festival. Well, we actually got our start being vendors at tons of Fall craft fairs...in parks right along side scarecrow making contests, or right on the main street of some pretty town, side by side with vintage car shows...or at indoor markets in schools, gymansiums, armories. Those were the days...the weeks of prep...making tons of what we hoped would be popular sellers. Some fairs were surprisingly lucrative...others, we'd just about break even...and some, the day would end, our pockets empty, and we'd strike up conspiratorial conversations with fellow broke vendors about how the event promoter must've decided to not promote the event at all...just took our booth fees and skipped town, as we artists languished in our tents out on main street, watching tumble weeds blow by while silently tabulating all that we spent on supplies and hoping that we have enough dough in our pockets to buy gas for the drive home. It's a good thing that gas was cheap way back then...it was a bad thing that we didn't even yet have the option of bringing our inventory home and maybe selling it online..."what are these things you call 'websites'?, and are there spiders in these so called 'webs'? cause I'm scared of spiders, and I think most of our customers would be too." Yeah, like I said...it was a while ago...me and Aar have been in this game for a loooong time.

But anyway...good, bad, or ugly...in retrospect, we wouldn't trade those times for anything. Fall Craft Shows...we weren't just vendors at them. We also attended a ton of them as customers...strolling the isles, sipping hot cider, buying cookies, dip mixes, handmade dog treats, super cool handmade jewelry, and just checking out the work of fellow arts & crafters...striking up friendships, trading business cards, all that good stuff.

But like I said, somewhere along this twisty road of life we got out of the Craft Show Habit. Our work changed shape...the market for our work changed shape...and propping up tents and backdrops in parks around Jersey, taking a gamble on the October weather, praying that the promoter actually promoted...these things just didn't make sense anymore. And we also got too busy or too lazy to go out to craft shows just as shoppers. So this weekend it was a bit of a blast from the past...and a welcome one.

The Sugarloaf Craft Festival is a BIG one. It's in a huge convention center and there are hundreds of vendors, well selected, diverse, all handmade stuff. And they hold this same show in the Spring...and they do it in other states as well. A lot of the artists are regulars and their customers come to see them on a regular basis...we overheard conversations between customers and artists like " ok, I'll see you again in the Spring, and I'll send you passes again." We love hearing stuff like that. We remember those awesome customers...Aaron was in a band forever and it felt similar...like having fans that came out to see you whenever you played in their neck of the woods, and they knew all the words to your songs. Those regular customers make the world go round...those "supporters of the arts". We're thrilled to have a few of our own...and honestly, their names and faces are etched into your artistic process...to some degree, you are creating specifically for them.

This was our first time going to the Sugarloaf Craft Festival and the opportunity came about in a fun way. The promoter contacted me and asked me if I'd like to do a giveaway here on my blog...two tickets for the giveaway winner to attend the festival, and two complimentary tickets for me and Aaron. Of course I was down for it. We went with Aaron's parents and made a day of it. The weather was nice, we went out to dinner afterwards...we all had a good time. The perfect thing to do on a Sunday in late October. Below, I've got some pics of Festival highlights and some info about my Festival Faves...I totally recommend either checking out some of these peeps online or finding out if they'll be doing a craft show near you. All the folks we talked to were super sweet and totally cool with me snapping pics of their great work to share with you guys.

Ok, handmade dog treats are an absolute must-buy for us when we attend a show. Our pups are our world...and it's great when you meet a dog treat baker who shares this feeling. When you see how much care is put into the work, you just know that they're not in it just to make a buck. You know they LOVE dogs. These adorable doggy delectables are made by Tail Bangers. We bought a selection of sweet treats because our little guy Jack prefers sweets to salts...and our bigger guy Carlos will eat ANYTHING...so it's wise to pick what Jack likes and let Carlos follow suit. Here's how deeelish these treats are...Jack ate so many of these cookies last night while we were watching The Walking Dead, that he ended up whimpering because he was too full (oh, and by the way..."so many of these cookies" actually means one half of one cookie...yeah, apparently little Jack has a little belly) ...it's so cute how he acts like a tiny baby...he honestly wants me and Aar just to comfort him and tell him that everything is gonna be ok...he cries with the saddest face, leads you to his bed in the corner of the bedroom and makes you pet his tummy til he falls asleep.

Now, these folks with the red gingham check are Brumbaugh's Old Fashioned Delites. We bought some salty dog treats from these guys, little sausage & cheese flavored cookies...but human goodies are their specialty. From carrot cakes to peanut butter whoopie pies...pumpkin cream cheese rolls, you name it...and they sell tubs of their cream cheese filling all on it's own...all sorts of jams, spreads, cookies...even pickles and peppers...all homemade by these folks. They're from Williamsburg, PA and in their booth they have a photo hanging of their home/bakeshop...it's cool that they give us a glimpse of where the magic happens. People were lining up for samples of their carrot cake...and jeez, you shoulda saw the cinnamon buns...oooey-gooey!

Before even seeing what this sweet gal made, we were stopped in our tracks by her adorable display. Everything you see is just the embodiment of HANDMADE...and the booth display couldn't have illustrated it better. The little faux fireplace, the garlands of pinecones, the felt Mittens sign drying over the mantle. And there in the back corner of the booth was Valerie Luke, of Lancaster PA (val_unraveled@verizon.net) hard at work at he sewing machine...making more mittens! All of her materials are recycled. The mittens are made from old sweaters, in tons of cute patterns that dare you to try to fail at finding a pair that suits your wardrobe...and the comfy fleece lining is even recycled. Valerie is so so nice...I mean it. I know that I am the queen of superlatives...but I can't overstate it enough that she is a super sweet gal. We both gushed about our shared love of Pinterest.

When I posted the giveaway for the tickets to this show I made up a little mosaic of pics to represent some of the art that you'd be likely to see at the show. And because I only like showing good stuff on my blog I edited this mosaic to contain only my favorite images. So, when we were at the show Aaron stops at this booth and goes "wow, look at this stuff!"...and sure enough, "this stuff" was stuff that I had selected to be in the mosaic...actually the first and fave image of mine. It was the felt bunny gloves that grabbed my attention. Well, those are just a drop in the bucket. Miss Fitt is the brand, and Wendy is the extremely prolific gal behind all these hand felted wares. What grabs you first is the quality of the work...the attention to detail...the beautiful colors and craftsmanship...and then you are overly impressed with her style...everything isn't just well made...it's also so darn cute, stylish, hip...all that stuff. And finally, at last, you are absolutely bowled over by the QUANTITY...the depth of her collection...the amount of stuff...all of it wrought by her hands. Super impressive...and again, what a sweet girl!

As you know, me and Aaron as painters, do extremely representational artwork. Our work is decidedly specific...not wide open for interpretation. Now, my personal artwork, the paintings that I paint just for me..to hang on my walls only...these are not representational at all. These dwell way closer to the "abstract" neighborhood. I may have posted a couple a while back...and some may be over on Flickr...but mostly, I keep these painting to myself. And I'd say, as a fan, it's this style of painting that I am most drawn to...artists like: Flora Bowley, and Jennifer Mercede absolutely floor me. Their work, more than most literal painter's work, makes my heart melt and my soul swoon. And Aaron's got his own that are nearer to this genre, guys like Cy Twombly, and the pen & ink drawings of waves by Raymond Pettibon.
So, when we saw Shaun J. Rabah's paintings we just had to stop and chat with him. We talked for a while and told him how much we liked his work...we barely even said anything about our own work...but we bet Shaun would be a bit surprised if he saw our paintings...like, people who paint stuff like us, probably aren't usually fans of stuff like his :) ...but we are. I don't think Shaun's been at it for very long but he's already formed an impressive personal style. His attitude was refreshing...zero pretension. He does what he does because he likes it...and he wants to know if you like it and if so...what? and why?...He actually cares about the viewer...which is rare. He stood out at the festival...his work being gallery level. There were other artists there who you could say were suited for a gallery but not to the extent of Shaun. He wasn't selling prints...just large originals...which is a gamble for a show like this...but he did well...had a big sale the day before. He's from DC and he's got a couple more shows on the horizon...one coming up at the Javits Center in NYC.
Me and Aaron always think of Decor first...like how well will a certain painting fit into a living room. And it was nice to hear that he thinks along the same lines. His sale the day before was to a girl just moving into a new apartment and she was excited to have a big statement piece to define the look of the apartment. Shaun was excited about this and in that respect we had a lot in common.

These super sweet handmade itty bitty dresses and things were another one of my pre-pics of the festival. Lavender & Old Lace, this is one of the first booths we stopped at and I immediately recognized the little girl dresses from the pics that I previewed. More amazing vintage fabrics than you can imagine. Really, endless pretty prints...for you, your little girl, or your little girl's little girl...meaning American Girl doll dresses. Donna is the gal who crafts these cuties and she was so very nice...New Heirlooms Made from Vintage Linens is her tagline. I loved seeing her stuff because it transported me to one of my great friend Jennifer Paganelli's holiday sales at her amazing home in Connecticut. She'd have racks and baskets full of cute stuff like this. Me and Aar were so busy the past couple of years that we missed Jen's events...next time she has an open house we just have to get back up to see her! Anyway, I think Jen and Donna from Lavender & Old Lace would get along famously.

Bob's Boards! It's funny that I'm ending my Sugarloaf Craft Fest blog tour here... in real life this was the absolute first booth that I stopped at. When you go to a really big Arts & Crafts Festival I think the people who have booths right by the entrance are at a disadvantage...because you walk in and you can see that the event is huge...and then you see the first few booths and you're sorta not yet ready to soak everything in and as you're warming up from the chill outside and discussing your shopping strategy you end up just walking past the first few vendors. Poor guys...and then, you'd think...well, you missed 'em on the way in, but you have to pass them on the way out, and then you'll stop to see them...but, then it turns out that you're all shopped out and you just wanna leave...so you walk past them again! Like I said, poor guys. So, if you're working an event, word to the wise, try to avoid getting a booth right at the entrance.
Anyway, Bob's Boards WAS NOT right by the entrance. In fact, he was in a perfect spot...right in the first row of the big showroom...right when you're really ready to start soaking it all in.
And we were immediately taken aback by Bob's work. You could tell right away that there was something special about this wood. The cutting board above that looks like black & white stripe grabbed us first...we love black & white stripe...but we knew it was only an illusion...that the woods were neither black or white...but the darkest brown and palest blonde wood grains. He uses absolutely no stains or lacquers! What you see is the true beauty of the wood and nothing else. You can see in the pic above, in the upper right, a board with bright red in the wood grain. Before we found out about Bob's stuff being all natural Aaron asked if the bright red was a naturally occurring phenomenon in the wood...and Bob informed him that- yes, in fact the bright red was put into the trunk of the tree by an insect. Bob offers cutting boards, serving trays, cool oval boards that fit over the neck of a wine bottle that hold two wine glasses and provide a perfect spot for cheese, bread boards shaped like slices of bread, awesome clipboards.
At home, and for years now, Aaron and I have lived with almost exclusively-painted furniture. And for years we've been hired to put layers of paint over natural wood grain. Granted, we never paint over good stuff. When we paint something it's usually for good reason. But Bob Boards will make you absolutely fall in love with wood all over again! You'll think twice about painting. Bob's got a website offering a lot of what he makes, and cans of the beeswax finish to maintain your wood. Trust me that the stuff is amazing...and Bob is a super nice guy!

Ok, our epic journey through the Sugarloaf Craft Festival has come to an end. Sorry for the length, but I wanted to give my featured artists their due. I hope you enjoyed seeing their work and it would be so awesome if I guided anyone to be a future customer of theirs. I myself am a supporter of the arts...I spend whatever I can...and when I don't have much to spend I always do what I can to spread the word about artists who do great work. I'm so glad we got out to a show. We'll make sure to find the time in the future to go to more...and who knows, we might even get out there and do one! Alright, thanks again for reading...next post will feature a great little tutorial using our full color sticker sheets! xoxo, Jenny

They're here!! Hot off the presses Full Color sticker sheets! And Our Cuttlebug Winner!!

2011-10-29T16:38:00.008-04:00

We hope to fill this stormy Saturday with brightness & cheer! I mean, when you're walking downtown for a coffee and some cake...don't curse the winds that flip your giant umbrella inside out...thank them for helping out in your game of Mary Poppins charades! Yeah right, imagine being that ecstatically happy?! I praise those who can.

Earlier today Aaron had the inside out umbrella trick played on him...and though he may not have pretended to be Mary Poppins...he also didn't get scornful. He just got an extra chocolate chip muffin and hurried home to play with these brand new full color stickers of ours. I know I claim to be super psyched by a million things per day but these really are exciting. And for a ton of reasons...mostly because they mark just the start of great things to come. A change of direction for us. We're thrilled to now put our artwork in your creative hands. Sticker sheets are just the beginning. Paper packs are on the way...pre-made scrapbooks and Art Journals...kits galore...and plenty of tutorials to go hand in hand with our elements.

Teaching classes at art retreats changed our perspective big time. Being an artist can be a very lonely existence. I know you guys that punch in at an office are rolling your eyes at the gal that gets to work in her PJ's. But the grass really is always greener. Sometimes...most times...it's essential to get out there and see people. It recharges your soul and certainly kick starts creativity. That's why we're taking back home with us the experience of teaching. We love the idea of the art going further...taking elements and putting them in your hands...continuing the story...passing the baton.

Of course we just had to start with sweets...our classic cupcakes, baking gals and kitchen implements...and a pink & cream scallop awning thrown in as a lil bonus. Check back very soon for some projects we made using these stickers. We can't wait to see what you guys do. These are in the shop now and lots more are on the way!

Ok...now for the big announcement! The winner of our Cuttlebug giveaway!! I've been receiving entries for two weeks now and as I've been reading the comments coming in I so so wish that I had a ton of these to give away. But alas, there is only one...and therefore only one winner...drumroll please:

Lori Comeau!!

Please contact me with your mailing address and we'll get your prize shipped out! Congrats!!

Ok, back real soon with some sticker artwork fun! xoxo, Jenny

A Birthday recap, Zombies, and a Giveaway!

2011-10-24T03:39:00.017-04:00

This year, as luck would have it, my birthday fell on a Saturday! If you've been a follower of my blog or know me...you know that our "crew"...meaning my siblings and Aaron...have made it a tradition to spend each other's FULL birthdays together...to do whatever the birthday boy or girl desires. We started this tradition many years ago and it really has enriched our relationships with one another and it has shone a special light on each of our big days. Because lets face it, when you're a girl getting on in years, you have to invent all sorts of stuff to make your b-day a day that you look forward to...ya know?!

So, we make it an all day affair...and my b-day happens to be during my favorite time of year (but that could be a "chicken or the egg" type thing)...and I usually pick a daytime destination like Lambertville / New Hope...these are fantastically old antiquing towns and you stroll the leaf strewn streets...maybe sip some cocoa...maybe find a cornfield maze. Or maybe if the weather isn't agreeable we'll hit a gigantic mall like Palisades Center, and just shop all day and eat all night. But this year my brother Jay was working and we wanted to stick kinda close to home so that he could join us for dinner when he got off work in the evening. Sticking close to home turned out to be an amazing idea.

Don't ask me how I have managed to overlook this wonderland of a place for so long! It is so so fitting that this was my chosen birthday destination...for the trip there, and the discovery of this treasure that was right under my nose, truly was a GIFT! If you're not already familiar...please allow me to introduce you to Scrappers Cove! It's located in a small New Jersey town named Milltown and even though you could say it's in the middle of nowhere, it's really like a half hour away from my home and it's super easy to get to...very close to Rutgers University. The pictures I've posted here are just the itty bitty tip of the iceberg. They have everything the scrapper/art journalist could ever want! The full line of Smash...GORGEOUS ribbons...Copics galore...and all the boutique lines that we drool over online are right there for you to see and touch. Papers that you have never before laid eyes on...unlike your visits to AC Moore and Michaels...those two places have had the same exact papers for about five years now!

On our maiden voyage to Scrappers Cove this past Saturday, we had the pleasure of meeting Pat...she was running the place that day...and she's the mom of the gals that are behind the shop's perfection. Those two...the daughters...were off vending at some fab scrappy event. I would say it was a shame that we didn't get a chance to meet them...but we're gonna go back there so often that it doesn't really matter! ;) We'll be old friends before we know it!
And like any excellent scrappy shop...they host in-shop classes. Yup, classes taught by the likes of Tim Holtz, Claudine Hellmuth, and more! A class had just wrapped up when we arrived on Saturday...and wouldn't you know it...the class was taught by a friend that we met at Art Opera last year...Peggy! Super Sweet! We were immediately reminiscing and talking shop...favorite bloggers, scrappers, companies, art retreats. We got to talking about the possibility of us teaching some classes there...it would be great! So close to home...and teaching in a place that has that much amazing product would be so inspiring. I've always loved PRODUCTS...and lots of them. The more I have around me, the better my creative brain works. It's just the possibility of possibilities that opens my artistic floodgates up. Aaron was never this way. He's always been the kind of artist who just resigns himself to work with what's on hand...even if his supply pantry is nearly bare. Well, I've managed to infect him with the PRODUCT bug. Now he LOVES "stuff" and understands the importance of surrounding himself with as much "stuff" as possible when it's time to create. It's all about open doors and endless possibilities...having lots of products on hand will do this for you.

So my Birthday also happened to be on the same day as Asbury Park's annual Zombie Walk... another little birthday gift from the universe to me (I'm a HUGE zombie fan!) Check out that pic below!! Those are all ZOMBIES! Staggering in the warm October sunshine, out celebrating my birthday! And oh yeah, the pics above are from our annual trip to the Cheesecake Factory...yup, we somehow always end up at Cheesecake Factory on my birthday. I got the pumpkin cheesecake...deeeeelish!

We popped in at Porta...to see our brother Jason, that's where he works...and being that it's located in Asbury, the place was filled with zombies! If you look close...the couple just to the right of center are zombies...and so are their cute little daughters! :)

These two zombies waiting for a table...It's nice of Porta to allow them to bring in outside food...I mean BRAINS!

Ok, so sorry for the length of this post...but I had a few things I just needed to include! These two new listings in the shop I'm very excited about...our Ornament Kits! We've made ornaments like this for years...and now we've really gotten into teaching instead of doing. We want to put our raw materials in the hands of the collector/student. Our Ornies are a perfect Holiday project...first, because they are easy enough for anyone to make...and second, because your finished projects are classic Holiday decorations that you'll want to display year after year. Check them out in the shop now...and look forward to lots more kits, paper packs, and sticker sheets in FULL COLOR. If things go the way we hope they will...you guys are gonna be super super busy creating with Everyday is a Holiday exclusive imagery!

One last thing...something I'm really psyched about...A Giveaway! Yes, we have a GIVEAWAY here!! This one is for LOCAL peeps! Or anyone that will be in the Somerset NJ area October 28, 29, 30.
So leave a comment...and if you are the winner, I will get you your two tickets asap!

2 Tickets to the Sugarloaf Craft Festival! :)

It's a very big event which we'll be attending...and so will you...if you win the giveaway!...I can't wait to see these artists in person!

Event Details
For over 30 years, the nation’s most talented artisans have personally sold their contemporary crafts and fine art at Sugarloaf Craft Festivals. Rated as one of the top craft experiences in the country, last year more than 175,000 visitors attended Sugarloaf Craft Festivals and enjoyed the work of thousands of juried artisans.

You can read all about the festival here! Get directions here. Print a coupon to save 1.00 on entry here. Become a fan on facebook too!

We will be attending as shoppers and blogging the event! We'd LOVE to run into you there! If you'd like to go just leave a comment here! I know so many of you are spread out all over the country and in other countries and wish you could be there, but I'll promise next best thing...a great recap of the show...with photos...and links to my hand picked fave artists! :)
thanks again! xoxo, Jenny

CAKE!

2011-10-19T05:41:00.007-04:00

Hey kids! Wowzer! You guys are awesome! Loving all of the ideas you have for using "your" Cuttlebug! It seriously makes me wish that I had 100 to give away! Wouldn't that be so great?! We'd feel like elves over here, stamping boxes and addressing them to happy crafters all over the globe. Well If I ever win big in the penny slots in Atlantic City, you have my word! Cuttlebugs for everyone!! ;)

The giveaway is still going strong! So spread the word! :)

So I posted a poll on my facebook pg yesterday.

Keep Music on my blog? or not.

-Remove it. It's annoying and makes it hard to read
or
-Keep it. It sets the mood, plus we can turn it off if we want to.

What's your opinion? I know that some of us read blogs in the work place, and that could be an issue. I get it. It's possible we don't like the bloggers choice in music as much as we like thier content. Another valid point.

I'd LOVE to hear what you guys have to say! Please comment here and let me know! :)

We have gotten SO many emails about offering a kit featuring some of our cakes and cupcakes. And after teaching our "Tea & Cake" class at Art Is...You, we decided we needed to get on it right away! :)

Ladies, (and some gents)...

"CAKE"

(a paper art kit)
This kit is the paper art version of what we taught at Art Is...You. Same feel and style, but in a scrappy type of kit! All of the images are 100% our handpainted originals, including five brand new handpainted paper patterns and our very own carnival style lettering. This kit is for any skill level, no expertise whatsoever is required...just bring your love for CAKE! Besides cake we wanted to really focus on pattern and color scheme...aqua, pale pink, turquoise, and a bit of red to punch it up...stripes, polka dots, some vintage recipe clipping, and a fantastic hand painted pink damask wallpaper background.
Very detailed instructions included and everything you see here...vintage mocha pom pom trim, pink twine for the bunting, 3d glue dots and adhesive strips, aqua ribbon, water color paper, and an 11" x 14" canvas board.
We just know you'll have a ton a fun with this...and with the Holidays on the way this is the perfect gift for the creative person in your life.

This super fun kit is now in the shop, and all ready to ship! A handful of you artsy gals have already placed your orders! We Thank You for that!! :)

Okie doke kiddos. It's raining here on the shore. The sun has yet to rise, and I am craving some Marzipan tea. Hope you all have a fab day!
Be back soon!! xoxo Jenny

Who wants to WIN a Cuttlebug?!!!

2011-10-14T19:39:00.010-04:00

Don't forget to pause my blog music (way down bottom) before watching.

I've been hyping up this giveaway for a while now...and for good reason! Right before our trip to The Creative Connection we struck up a relationship with some sweethearts at Provo Craft...this is the company behind the famous Cricut cutting machine. We got the newest Cricut right before we left for Minnesota. The 5th Anniversary Cricut Expression arrived at our door literally on the day we left for TCC...and we couldn't wait to get back home so that we could play with our new toy. Well, surprisingly enough, it turned out that Provo Craft occupied the booth next to ours at The Creative Connection vendor market. So, we actually got to preview our new toy before even opening the box...we got to play with the display model right there at the vendor market. We were amazed at it's capabilities! And the gals working the booth were total sweeties. Upon arrival back home we read the Cricut directions and toyed around with it...amazing stuff! But once again, we had to leave home...this time for Art is You. So our Cricut had to sit at home and wait for us again. We're back home now and playing with it...we will have much more detailed examples of how we put Cricut to good use...but for now let me just say that it will be instrumental in the way some of our future kits will be put together...custom stencils, die-cuts, etc...I can't wait to really get this thing cranking.
So, I know what you're thinking..."what's with all this Cricut talk?...I thought there was gonna be a giveaway."
Well, there is. As I said earlier, the Provo Craft peeps are sweethearts, and we started a little relationship with those guys. They are so sweet in fact that they offered me The Cuttlebug to give away to one lucky blog reader!! This is huge! It's a $90 item! And it's a fantastic piece of machinery. I've included a video for it here...and a video for the Cricut Expression just so you can see what I've been talking about. (and the vid for the Cuttlebug is 5 years old...man, things age fast! That's some "exciting" music!)

So this is it...the Giveaway you guys have been waiting for! The Cuttlebug!! It's sitting here in our studio still safely sealed inside the box it was shipped in. Sure I was tempted to open her up and fiddle with her a bit...but I stopped myself every time. I want the lucky winner to be the absolute first person to lay hands on this beauty! It's a die cutting and embossing machine...total professional quality. It can cut felt, chipboard, metal, papers, etc... and it's completely hand powered. The compact size of it and the fact that it's hand powered are two aspects that get me most excited. It would be so awesome to pack this little cutie for art events like Art is You. If you're the sharing type, you'd be the hit of your table!

Anyway, let's get to it. Here's how you win your Cuttlebug: I'm giving you THREE chances to win!
# 1. Follow this blog & leave a comment on this blog post letting me know why you would love to own a Cuttlebug.

# 2.Mention this giveaway on your blog and post a comment here with a link back to your blog post that mentions the giveaway.

# 3. Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter and leave a comment here with the link back to your Facebook or Twitter post.

And since this is such a special prize I'm keeping the entry period open for 2 WEEKS. Out of the comments I will pick a winner on Friday October 28th!! ;)

And one more thing. We just put our Beaux Gateaux kit in our shop. After teaching some classes that featured our Cake Art we've been getting tons of requests for kits featuring our Cakes. So Beaux Gateaux is now in the shop and we are currently working on two brand new kits featuring fabulous cake art...I hope the first one is in the shop by tomorrow. It's a super fab kit...we're just putting the finishing touches on it and we are psyched...it's one that we would buy for ourselves if we saw it for sale somewhere. That's the standards we keep for our Cake Art...it has to be something that we would adore ourselves.
Ok, that's it for now...good luck with the giveaway...and get busy with some Cake Art. Beaux Gateaux is a great kit to start with...excellent for Mom and Daughter to create together.
xoxo, Jenny

Good Luck!!!!

2011-10-11T19:16:00.007-04:00

"Art Is...YOU 2011"

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(if slide show isn't playing...click to play.)

We are back home after our---"wham-bam-thank-you-Ellen & Sallianne"---trip to Art is You. It went so so unbelievably fast for us since we only had classes on two days. For most peeps there it was a week long art party...(and I must say that I'm a bit jealous of those peeps! ;) But our teaching schedule was nicely arranged for Sunday and Monday. That meant we would only have to reserve a hotel room for two nights (good for the wallet but not so good for our tired bodies that wanted an extra night for vegetating.) But were responsible... We arrived late Saturday night to check into our room, set up our vendor table, and grab a few hours sleep for our Sunday morning class.

Sunday: Celebrate Everyday!...our Art Journaling class. Very very cool. And I think our students thought so as well. Six hours of cutting, pasting, doodling, writing, painting, coloring, laughing, chatting, etc...very loose format. As instructors we were there to share, inspire, offer tips, and encourage everyone to open up and have confidence in their hands and brains. Showing everyone that an Art Journal is less of an object and more like a DESTINATION. A place to go and be creative in your own way...no judges, no expectations...just you and your visual expression. And i feel like we accomplished our goals as instructors in that class. We got feedback from gals saying that the class felt therapeutic. That's possibly the best word we could've heard.

After class the vendor market was still open, so we went down to work our table and check out all the other goodies. I'm sorry that I didn't take more photos for you guys to see but there really wasn't any time. It was one giant room of artists, and we all did some much needed socializing. I met so many people for the first time in person...including Lorraine Reynolds...we have been facebook friends and I've long been an admirer of her work...but now I got to see and touch her work. Amazing stuff & gal! Totally a highlight of the trip. The night was great...lots of hors d'oeuvres! And yes, I have to bring it up again. Last year I raved about it a bit too much. This time I'm just reiterating...man oh man, they feed you often at Art is You. It's a great package deal all around. Everyone is treated so well.

Monday: Tea & Cake... this was a project driven class. Everyone worked on a 16 x 20 canvas and got to paint a real deal still-life / table-scape centered around CAKE! It was mixed media ... The students used prints of our cakes & cake slices, vases with roses, tea cups...and then they handpainted the "world" that this imagery lived in...And they also re-painted parts of the imagery...the frosting, cake texture, rose highlights etc... Seriously, these gals blew us away. The pics that you see here of some finished products do not do these pieces justice. Trust me...in person these were excellent pieces of art...every one of them was display worthy. It's hard for students to toot their own horns but they were all admiring each other's pieces so much...and if you do the math, that means that everybody had a praise worthy piece of art. We'll be doing a lot more classes of this sort...regimented, yet totally free form.

After Monday's class we packed up, checked out, and drove home. The 2 and a half hour drive flew by. As we were pulling off the parkway and heading into our neighborhood it really hit us that Art is You was over. It felt like a snap of the fingers. We did all this planning for it...and then: SNAP! it's all over. We have to wait a whole year for it to come around again. And this year seriously carved it in stone...we will always do Art is You for as long as there is an Art is You. Even if we weren't asked back as instructors we would still attend. Sal & Ellen are THE most perfect hostesses. And the attendees are the cream of the crop. As artists in our field...Art is You is a must. We kinda see it as our year end wrap up. A time and place to gather and remind yourself why it is we do what we do. I'm sure almost everyone who has taught or attended will agree with me on this.

Anyway, I'll let you guys get on with your night. Just wanted to get my Art is You rave on. Mission accomplished. xoxo, Jenny

A walk around the neighborhood.

2011-10-06T16:04:00.013-04:00

I Love when the seasons change. The transition periods are the best...because when you're deep into any season it seems to get a bit too extreme in a given direction. But in the first weeks of spring turning into summer and then summer turning into fall...those are the perfect times. We took the pups for a walk around the neighborhood to enjoy the change. This is the time of year when it seems cooler inland, and a little warmer down by the ocean.

I've been meaning for a while now to take a stroll around town to take some pics of these big beautiful houses down the Jersey shore. Our town is really a summer town, so at this time of year everyone has already left until next year. And they leave behind these giant white Gatsby houses by the sea.

I don't think anyone lives in the house above. There are a few like that...some of the biggest, prettiest ones are empty. But then you'd be surprised sometimes and see one that looks like it hasn't been lived in for decades and then you'll see a car way back in the driveway, and lights on at night.

I love how in this pic little Jack is just walking past this ghoul who's climbing out of his grave. That kid is so jaded when it comes to zombies...we've let him watch too many movies.

This house below is actually directly on the ocean. If I were to swing my camera around, there would be the Atlantic staring back. And they've got a little putting green right there on the front lawn.

Well, I guess that's it. Just a quick stroll through our neighborhood with the pups. We're so so looking forward to Art is You this weekend. We loved it last year and know that it'll be even better this year. Ok, I'll be back soon!! xoxo, Jenny

Holiday with Matthew Mead Giveaway!

2011-10-04T18:19:00.012-04:00

Hey Kids!

We are so so excited about Art Is... this week! Ahhh!! Our first class is on Sunday. Gosh that is so so soon! Just as we are coming down from our TCC high we will be repacking the supply cart...putting our mascot Mr. Bunny aka "the creep" in his favorite spot in the suitcase...and yes, getting our Chihuahua Jack ready for the road! :) Hooray!

We have been huge Matthew Mead fans forever and we thought that finally, at The Creative Connection, we'd be able to meet him in person. But fate intervened and it was not to be...at the last minute Matthew's TCC plans were dashed. So hopefully somewhere down the line we'll be in the same place. I mean, odds are, it'll happen...because this world of decor loving esthetes seems to keep getting smaller and smaller. You just seem to end up in the same room as your fave mag editors, publishers, stylists, etc...

Well I'm here to post this Matthew Mead giveaway because we love everything he does...especially around the holidays. Below are the details of the giveaway. I know that since my online blog habit, Pinterest and Flickr addiction, my magazine stacks have diminished. But where I do find myself still spending actual money on publications is when it's a special issue around the holidays. So one of you lucky ducks will get your Special Holiday with Matthew Mead free. Just check out the video below, follow the directions and link and you can WIN!

See and share a spectacular sneak peek of the HOLIDAY 2011 issue to win a copy of Matthew’s latest magazine, Holiday with Matthew Mead 2011. Share this video sneak peek with a friend via a blog post, tweet or Facebook mention and you will be entered to win! Help Matthew spread the word about this very special expanded keepsake issue of Holiday with Matthew Mead, which will be delivered directly to your mailbox. And be sure to head over to the holiday website for their launch week of contests which will feature cash prizes, home accessories from Matthew’s new home décor collection, and free copies of his books and magazines.

And oh my gosh...go "like" Holiday with Mathew Mead on facebook! :) tell him Jenny Holiday sentcha! :)

Ok...back to work! We'll be popping in before we leave for Art is.

Love you guys!

xo Jenny

Road trip recap, Halloween goodies and our Swag Bag Winners!!

2011-09-26T22:57:00.011-04:00

Hey kids!

My goodness it has been just non stop busyness since we got back from MN. So much going on all at one time. We're catching up with everything that was put on pause before we left and now that we're back we're already preparing to leave again for our Art is You trip. This means getting our class details all finalized...and making sure that we've got some good stuff for the vendor market. And by good stuff, I mean Halloween stuff, which you can see some sneak peeks of below. But first I wanted to close out the Creative Connection chapter. To start with, a little slide show of our journey home. Now these aren't your usual travel pics...I'd call these "road" pics...literally. I snapped most all of these out of the passenger side window, sometimes while we were going like 70mph...so don't expect perfectly composed landscapes...these are more like glimpses of the American roadside between Minnesota and New Jersey.

"Our road trip back to NJ from The Creative Connection event in St. Paul MN"

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Next, I've got a video here announcing our Creative Connection Swag Bag winners. Please excuse our sleepy headed selves...it's a late night for us now that we're back on a semi normal schedule.

(don't forget to pause the blog music before watching...way down at the bottom of this page)

And lastly, as I mentioned up top...here are a couple new Halloween designs. We're excited about these because they're inspired by all of the Art Journaling I've been doing. I'm just so psyched about our new line of original Art Journal stickers...AND our Art Journaling class that we'll be teaching at Art is You...which is just days away!! and it's not to late to decide to come! so sign up! even if it's just for one class...you will not regret it.

So, lot's more Halloween stuff is in the works...hope to post it soon. AND I'm dying to finish some more of these sticker sheets that we've got in progress. They are my absolute FAVE new thing! ok, that's it for now...thanks so so much for stopping by AND for participating in the giveaway. Congrats to the winners! Look forward to a HUGE giveaway coming really soon!

xoxo, Jenny

The Creative Connection...a recap. :)

2011-09-23T15:50:00.004-04:00

"The Creative Connection event 2011"

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The Creative Connection was more delightful than we could've hoped for. Being that we drove there...yes, from New Jersey to St. Paul Minnesota, 25 hours straight, no motel stops, just the occasional sugar and salt binge...we needed to rest up once we arrived in St. Paul. So in order to stop ourselves from turning into real life actual zombies we grabbed some beauty rest. This meant missing the opening day breakfast and also the lunch...but that was fine...We arrived at the event right before dinner and checked in...receiving our itinerary package (which was so so clear, concise, and helpful) and name tags. And at that point the hotel was teeming with fabulous gals and a palpable buzz was in the air. This was the beginning of what would be the ultimate odyssey of hands on, tangible, social networking...more consecutive handshakes, hugs & kisses than Mickey gets on a good day at Disneyland. It just warms the heart to reconnect with everyone...all the gals that we only get to see at events like this. And even better than that is when you get to meet in person for the very first time a longtime online friend. And what tops that is when you strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and then you carry that conversation over the next 3 days in St. Paul...and you just know that this will be a real deal friend for life.

The big opening night dinner was fantastic...foodwise and contentwise. Jo Packham welcomed the ballroom of nearly eight hundred peeps, with her trademark wit, charisma, and above all candor. I simply adore her honesty and true spirit. She got very emotional up there at the podium and it's not hard to see why being the founder of an event like this would break you up in joyful tears. The whole message and feel of the event was that we are all so much alike...that, at an event like this you know that you can walk up to anyone at all and connect on a million topics. Because the pre-work was done for us all...we could all fairly assume that if the person is there at The Creative Connection then they are our kind of person.

Tim Holtz was in attendance and he took the microphone briefly, talking mainly about what it was like to be the first guy featured in Where Women Create. And the keynote speakers were fabulous. Cristina Ferrare treated us to pretty much a tell-all, E true Hollywood story of her life. And the super sweet Holly Becker lead us through her own coming of age tale...and being that she's a blogger extraordinaire she had great visual aids on the projection screens flanking the stage.

The following day the vendor market opened and classes began. Classes - these were the reason for our journey...everything else was just the sprinkles on top. We taught three classes with two different themes and it's impossible to pick our favorite. We did Hooray for Cake and Lovely Ladies, Layers & Lines. Each was so so rewarding in it's own way. The connection we make with our students and seeing the artistic twinkle in their eyes is a cure-all for the soul. So much self discovery is happening right there before your eyes...and to think that you yourself play a small role in bringing about that discovery is just plain magical. Everyone was so darn sweet...arriving at class with an open heart and mind. I hope we filled them with good stuff that they can put in their artistic toolboxes for the long run. The slide show up top shows just the tippy tippy tip of the iceberg. I encourage you to take stroll through blogland to see what everyone else has to say about their good times...I've been seeing some great pics on Facebook too. Me and Aar would love to return next year...even if we're not instructors we'd even go just to be vendors at the market...speaking of, I guess that was our only disappointment. Our classes were scheduled at the same time as the market on both Friday and Saturday...so our booth at the market was left unmanned while we taught our classes. Next year we'd make sure to bring help or to set up with one of the few super generous gals who offered to help us out next year if ran into the same problem.

As much as I'd like too, it's impossible for me to give you guys my full blow-by-blow recap of The Creative Connection. One thing I'd have to say is that this is one event that is so very worth putting on your calendar for next year. And say you have a friend that you'd love to travel with but maybe they don't have an interest in taking art classes...well this is the perfect opportunity. Even though us artistic people tend to sorts take an event over and make it all about the artistic projects, the getting down and dirty with paint and glue and glitter and more. The Creative Connection is so much more than that. You can go and take classes on starting up a small business, opening a bakery, putting together a unique and creative menu...jeez, tons of stuff that doesn't involve cutting, painting, drawing, making etc... It really is a special event for making connections not only with others but within yourself...for seeing what was always there but you were maybe too busy to acknowledge it. I know it worked that way for me and Aar in a way. Well, it really hit us on the ride home (which we did much slower than the ride there...actually got three motel rooms in three states) we'd like to do a lot more of this. And so now that we're home our goal is to not fall back into any old patterns but to carve out new ones that will lead us to a life that contains much more of the stuff we want it to contain. And with that said, Art is You is nearly a week away ( not too late whatsoever to sign up! do it if you can...it's in Danbury Connecticut and our classes are awesome! Really great projects!) and we are stoked to hit the road again and teach teach teach and meet meet meet.

Please don't forget to enter our swag bag give-away...two swag bags and two chances to win... either comment on the video on the previous post or comment under the same video on Facebook. The sound on the vid is out of sync and it urks me to no end, but in a way it makes the train wreck that much more fun right? Ok, gotta go grab some dinner. Thanks so so much again for stopping by!
xoxo, Jenny

The Creative Connection SWAG BAG giveaway!!

2011-09-21T20:14:00.006-04:00

* Oh my goodness...so sorry for the totally out of sync audio. It was working fine till I posted it. I know that it is so annoying. I'm trying to remedy it. :/

(pause blog music down bottom before watching)

Hello Hello!! We are back from the most INCREDIBLE time ever! The Creative Connection was just mind blowingly inspiring and FUN! Seriously still pinching myself! How on earth was all of that fantasticness going on under one roof?? I have soooo much to share with you guys! I'll be blogging it tomorrow. It may end up being a 2 parter. Sooo much goodness!! We arrived home late this afternoon from the most awesome road trip ever!! Soo glad we drove! It really was so so good for the heart and soul! :)

We had been making silly little vids along the way and sharing them on facebook. So many of you have been following our adventures! :) From cheese fudge and curds...to bed bugs and noodles! Pop on over and get caught up if you'd like! :)

Ok, so I couldn't possibly just pop in and leave you guys hanging.,.waiting for my recap tomorrow. Noway! Guess what I have for you?!! A ridiculous 20 minute Creative Connection Swag Bag haul/GIVEAWAY!! Yep!! Two lucky winners will receive a Where Women Create tote stuffed with sooo much goodness!! And yes I said 2!! One here on the blog, and one on the Everyday is a Holiday facebook page!! So you have 2 chances to win!! Just leave a comment here on this post...and/or under the link to this post on the fb page!! We'll be picking two winners on Monday!!

Thanks for all of the awesome emails, messages and comments!! We loved having you guys along for the ride!! :)

Good luck!!
xoxo Jenny

So Excited!! Can you tell?! ;)

2011-09-12T11:37:00.004-04:00

Hey kids!!
Oh my gosh! I am so excited right now...We leave today for The Creative Connection! Ahh!! I haven't slept in over 24 hrs bonkers right? Yeah I know! We are planning to nap in a little bit and then start out on our road trip tonight. yes I said road trip! Here's a lil vid I made late last night!

(don't forget to scroll down and pause my blog music before watching) :)

I may be blogging from the road, we'll see. :)

See ya soon!!
xoxo Jenny

Hello September!

2011-09-08T04:25:00.012-04:00

Hey kids!

I'm so so thrilled about the response to our first Art Journal & Scrapbook Sticker Sheet. So in response to your response we've rolled out edition number 2, entitled : Artful Cupcakes. I have to admit that designing these is fairly easy for us, in that what we put on paper is pretty much EXACTLY what we'd like too see in a collection...Necessity is the mother of invention in this case for sure!

We've got a tiered tower of cupcakes, a really sweet Cupcakes art spot, a three piece journaling spot, some fancy sweet scroll work, doily, lace, florals. All done on sticker paper and in black & white, all set for you to fill in with your colors, your elements...etc. We hope to spread a lot of fun around with these...certainly much more to come...they are nearly finished now!

I also wanted to bring up the bittersweet end of summer. It's always kinda sad to see it go but I know a lot of you guys with kids have an inner longing for some time to yourselves ; ) Me and Aaron get excited because it marks the beginning of a new creative season...Halloween, Fall...then the lead-in to Christmas. The Fall got me thinking about these two fantastic kits of ours that we love so much and I didn't hesitate for a second to put them in the shop. Of course our Salem Academy Halloween kit is one of my all time faves and it's such a great Halloween keepsake in the end.

And our Home Sweet Home kit...maybe one of our most popular kits we've ever put together. This one has so much hands-on fun stuff to do and is loaded with our original hand painted patterns.

But mostly, whats got my feet all itchy is The Creative Connection! It's next week and we are making our last minute preparations. I'm giddy with anticipation...all the peeps to meet, art to create, things to learn, connections to make. It'll be the absolute highlight of my life at this moment. Life has been a bit rough in a lot of ways for both me and Aar recently and we need a big infusion of love, creativity, and great people...you have NO idea how much we need this.

Well, I wanted to keep this brief...just to check in and show you all whats new and up coming. Thanks so so much again for reading...it means the world to me! xoxo, Jenny

Art Journal & Scrapbook elements!

2011-08-31T07:03:00.012-04:00

Hurricane Irene was a gal with some major mood swings. Her effects on the east coast ranged from mild to devastating. It was predicted that our area would be wrecked...so much so that even my friends in England and Australia caught the word and were praying for our safety. A lot of people in our neck of the woods evacuated but we stuck around, hoping that the hype would turn out to be hype. We were lucky. Irene wasn't all that bad to us. Aaron even walked the little pups twice during the early stages of the storm. We were prepared though, candles...tons of snacks... orders to work on and some fun new projects to keep us busy...we were just really hoping for the power to stay on because doing artwork by candlelight just isn't possible. Turns out, the power outage didn't happen til we were in bed anyway...and it was back on by the time we got up. And when we looked outside after Irene departed we were thrilled to see that our neighborhood was pretty free of damage. The Asbury Park boardwalk and neighboring towns weren't as lucky.

Anyway, what we worked on during the storm were these super cute pages of original artwork...ready made for your Art Journal or Scrapbook. They're actually stickers! And we did them in black & white so that you can fill them in with whatever colors you wish and use whatever medium you please...paint, markers, etc...The page you see here features Allie & Amy...a flag banner...roses...a vintage bunny...cupcake...a cake...and an adorable lace scallop. It's in the shop now! We are so psyched about them and we can't wait to see how everyone customizes them and uses them in their layouts, and spreads ! (We'd love to see pics!)

We are already at work on sheets 2, 3 and 4...so stay tuned! :) If you'd like to add some Everyday is a Holiday elements to your art journal or scrapbook, pop over to the shop to pick up your very own!

I guess that's it for now. Aaron and I send lots of love to all of you who emailed and messaged us on facebook about staying safe. Your prayers must have worked! :) Thanks again for stopping by today! xoxo, Jenny

Making my own Sunshine

2011-08-21T17:21:00.012-04:00

It's raining it's pouring Aaron is snoring...

Yep, what a gloomy grey day here on the NJ shore. Goodness. It looked like 7 pm at around noon today. I swear, on these types of days I really just want to watch Columbo, smoosh the chihuahua in my lap, and eat stuff like homemade Mac n' Cheese. (Have you ever made this one of Martha's? It's berzerk deelish!) We've been working round the clock on all sorts of projects, so meal times are all screwy. I've been eating lots of pistachios, and there are 3 empty seltzer bottles in the studio right now. Before you think oh geez, this girl posts non stop, over-the-top, knock-you-over sweets and carb heavy recipes on facebook and all she eats is pistachios.... no no no... There has been pizza, pasta, adorable and deelish itty bitty grilled chicken sandwhiches with a fantastic homemade basil pesto...fried oreos...jeez, need I go on? Yeah, lucky us, we live near a University...so we have all "campus food: late night deliveries" happening over here. Really....fried oreos delivered to your door. Still warm people! Where was I going. ...

Oh yeah projects..

We have a super fun GIANT menu board in the works for a semi local (P.A.) bakery that is about to open. The gal/owner had seen a menu board that we had painted for ourselves ( quite rare..painting anything strictly for us and our home...but it was one of those things that we simply NEEDED)...well she saw it over on flickr. She actually told us that our cake paintings inspired her to open her bakery...she took to baking nearly every cake on the menu board! So needless to say, this got us really excited and inspired...so when she asked if we could paint a very large version of the menu board...we just had to oblige. I love when inspiration comes back round again, full circle. So one of our current projects is the menu board...and it's looking amazing! We'll share more of that with you soon! :)

We've been filling orders too. Nothing we love more than walking out the door with a stack of boxes addressed to new friends all over the globe! So so fun!!

And oh man, we have been working on all sorts of goodies for vendor fair at The Creative Connection and Art Is! New prints, mini plaques, jewelry, collages. Lots of NEW fun stuff!

"second chances"

This piece is much larger than my itty bitty daydreams I last shared with you. I like the size. Again...no plans. I just let it happen. Which is so so different from our normal creative process. No sketch of a cake or still life, or thought of where it will hang in our collector's homes. Just me and my paints. :)

I worked on these two spreads between projects this weekend. Wow, yellow huh!? I know! I am loving it. In decor, fashion, and art supplies! These pages were really fun to do. Introducing the yellow to my everyday color palette really opened doors, and windows! Once I put down some of the yellow I knew I'd be thinking outside my usual box...or rather NOT thinking. Just letting it happen. It really is so so important for us as artists, and crafters to experiment and try new things. A new color can lead to a new shape...which leads to brand new moods and vibes and possibly even music, and scents! Sticking to the same old things, same old supplies, same old colors, same old imagery, is a common trap you can fall into as an artist. You have a tendency to say "this is my thing". But you have to be careful...and try to steer clear of developing a thing. Try to always keep your palette, your tools, etc...fresh. Don't be scared to change...you won't get lost...because no matter what, one constant will remain...and that's YOU. You can change all of your colors, tools, mediums...but they still have to filter through YOU. The development of a personal style will come all on it's own.

That said, I'm so looking forward to our upcoming workshops! Being surrounded by a group of like minded, excited souls ready to play and learn new things! We'll bring our knowledge and tricks, and methods...our inspiration (if there is one thing that we have in surplus supply...it's inspiration.) We're so excited to add to your personal artist toolboxes.

Oh oh before I go...

Ahhh!!! Can you hear harps?! And Angels singing?! A full set of Pantone Universe Twin Markers! Ahhh! Oh my gosh How I would adore this sitting here on my work table! Only $483.00! :/ I doubt I could find that in the couch cushions. A girl can dream right? I mean they do offer them open stock. I think I could handle at few at a time at 3.44 each. But mann that caddy is seriously eye candy. :)

How do Jenny & Aaron deal with a rainy evening? Adorable itty bitty cherry topped pastries! That's how! The plate that's holding our sweets is one that we handpainted back on Valentine's Day, when we did paint-your-own pottery as a Vday date. I'll take a better pic soon. This is rainy day, lamp lighting. So the color and etc...are all off. But the pastries were delicious!!

Alright kids...that's all for now, see ya soon!
xo Jenny

ps. Thank you SO SO much for all of your lovely comments and emails and encouraging sweet words! They mean so much to me!

Daydreams

2011-08-09T18:24:00.021-04:00

Daydreaming...

When I was little I'd lay around in my room, leaf through the Spiegel catalog or even the local real estate brochures that I'd grab on my way out the door at Grand Union. I also had a thing for any books/paperwork/accessories that felt "officey". I loved phone books...(one summer I thought I could actually pull off copying it all by hand) I loved the busy work...the stacks of my tangible progress...I'd be able to flip through and gaze at all of my pages at the end of a hard work day... and oh yes, when I played office I put in a FULL work day. I put on my "heels" at 9 and got in the "elevator" down to the car garage at 5. "Elevator" was the top landing of our stairs...the button was a sticker on the railing. Oh, and I knew every word to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5". Whenever my sis and I played office my name would be Jenny Anderson. Definitely inspired by Loni Anderson's character from WKRP...plus MacGyver's real last name was Anderson...and I thought I'd marry him. Ohh man I could go on and on with stories here...

but where was I going with this?...yeah day dreams.

I've said it before...I always want to keep this blog light hearted. We all have our own "Stuff" and we know we can put it out there when we need to, and that our blogland neighbors are always there when we need them. Things have been pretty heavy for us here, and for quite a bit of time. Family "stuff" and work "stuff"...some good, some bad, some great, and some awful. We're trying hard to keep balance, and to keep moving, and to stay positive, happy, and creative. I know you get it.

While doing my best to keep all the plates happily spinning, I've also been "daydreaming" with paint. Paint is one of my absolute fave things in existence. One of man's greatest inventions! I say that all the time! Geez! Imagine a world without paint! Ahh!!

This collection has been such therapy for me. I can't really say where I am going with it, but I'm enjoying the blissfully blindfolded ride.

It really is just so freeing for me. These pieces are truly only about color & feeling...thoughts & memories, and hopes & dreams. I'm not thinking about who would want to buy them or if they are the right size, etc...these are just tiny bits of me in the moment. Though...I was totally smiling when I read some of the kind and encouraging words some of you had posted on flickr and pinterest. :) Thank you bunches! :)

Ok, so can you even handle the cuteness here?! These diy paper cameras?! Ahh!! Like grinning-from-ear-to-ear-til-it-hurts cute, right?! It's so hard to pic a fave. I just purchased all 3 sets as a bundle from the talented Mel Stringer. I'll be printing them as soon as I pick up some nice cardstock. How adorbs would these be as party favors or a party project at a kids bday? Ahh!! I can't stand it! Look at the lil' "photos" :) Oh gosh you so have to pop over and visit this talented gal's shop! She really knocks my socks off! :)

and once again... "The little" after a nap. His trademark one flopped ear :)

See you guys soon!
xo Jenny

journals journals everywhere!

2011-08-03T19:39:00.009-04:00

I mentioned in my last entry that I had printed out my 30 days of photos and was ready to start a happy lil journal project. The book I am using is the perfect length and size for the pics. I didn't want to do big page layouts or lots of additional journaling or anything. It's really all about the photos. And I think this will be such a fun keepsake! :) So here are Day's 1 & 2. Reliving that awful 2 days of the gas leak and no running water! Ohh boy..that hair! Though I am proud to have been a good sport about it! ;)
I have a ton on my plate right now...with orders, and the two very exciting events coming up...so I'm sorta at a snails pace with this journal...but I will indeed work on it whenever I get a moment! And I'll be sure to share with you guys! :) you can follow along on flickr as well! :)

And while I'm on the very close to my heart topic of Art journaling...here are some pages in progress from one of my in progress journals. Nothing fancy...nothing spectacular...really just relaxing with the process, not overthinking, and having fun. I really can't see an art journal as a place to stress out...or to get upset at mess ups...or a random "lame page" haha. It's just a fun escape. A place to try things out...flush out ideas and emotions. I really love journaling, and I'm so so excited to be hosting a workshop this October!! It will be an ALL day affair!! Imagine...8 hrs of art journaling with a bunch of awesome peeps who totally Get You!! :) What a great feeling and way to spend a fall day!! If you have been looking for something like this, Something that will feed your soul....treat yourself to this amazing retreat!! Art Is..in Danbury CT this October! It isn't too late to sign up! We would LOVE to have you!! It is going to be a FUN FUN time!! Lots of brand new tips, tricks, ideas, and techniques to share! :)

For more info click here! :)

I've also been doing some personal painting lately. More abstract than you are used to seeing from me/us. This type of painting is so relaxing for me...totally therapeutic. It's all about vibe, color, feel, mood, shape, and flow. I'm hoping to start a small collection of them. They really make me happy. Aaron is a big big fan of art that's not representational, so he likes these new pieces I'm working on a lot. No rules, no restrictions. :)

ok, see you all soon! xoxo, Jenny

ME & YOU and some Chevron Love!

2011-07-18T00:01:00.007-04:00

Chevron pattern started making the rounds earlier this year throughout blogland...and it's still going strong. We've been big fans for a long time. (vintage chevron scarves and dresses)...and now there are rugs, pillows, bedding, dinnerware, etc. everywhere you look!

A couple chevron designs have been dancing around in our heads for far too long. We took a tiny bit of time away from other work this weekend to work on our first design. And in our favorite color palette. Aqua, pink, cream and a new addition...yellow! A dash of sunshine! We are loving this piece. We have it hanging here at home and it just feels as if it always existed. We love that feeling! It's a familiar pattern, colors, and a font that we love. Makes us think of vintage Vegas lights!

We can imagine this piece as a prop for a super cute wedding! Perfect for the stylish Bride & Groom...the oh so popular and for good reason "photo booth". Whoever your "you & me" happen to be...best friend, sister...significant other...this is your sign.

We've listed it in the shop and it is made to order, allow about 2 weeks. We'd also love to offer customization! Your wedding colors...or bedroom/living room color scheme. Just let us know!

Speaking of rugs,

I'd love a chevron in the kitchen or bedroom. I found a few online a while back including these two from Urban Outfitters. But then... through the amaaazing world of Pinterest, I came upon this fantastic step by step tutorial over at The House of Smiths. As popular as chevron may be, I really don't see it going anywhere for a while, and I just love it graphically. Fashion and decor have always been synonymous.

So, since the 30 Day photo challenge has ended I really do feel like I'm missing something in my day. My friend Natalea hosted one of her own which I hoped to join in on, but we got super busy and I missed a bunch of days.... I really feel that a window was opened for me during those 30 days. And I had been thinking about doing something archival with the pics. I had a recycled journal that just so happen to have about 30 pages ...It's not big enough for a "lay out" type thing...I'll keep it simple...making each page almost all photo. So today I took some time to cover the journal with some paper (more sunny yellow) and printed, and cut my photos. I'm hoping to devote a smidge to it daily just as I did during the challenge. I'll be sure to share it with you guys!

Yep...here is "the little", in one of his favorite spots. It looks as if he is taking paper inventory doesn't it? Calling back ..."mom, we are running low on that aqua dot you like?" :) Yes he says all of this with his eyes! ;)

We announced the winner of the 50.00 gift certificate to our shop, over on Facebook tonight Pop over to see if it was you! ;)

See you soon!
xo Jenny

2 VERY exciting events coming up! Will you be joining us?

2011-07-14T16:40:00.035-04:00

It's midsummer and I've got my mind on the Fall. But not in a bad way...I'm happy where I'm at but it's just that we've got exciting stuff coming up. First on the list is Creative Connection in St. Paul, MN. It's a huge event and we're thrilled to be teaching. Read some details below and click the links. We'd love to fill our classes with our online friends from across the country...those we've met and have yet to meet. We can't wait to visit the twin cities...we had a connecting flight there back in '07, so we only got to see MN from our plane windows...and it was night! So Creative Connection is in Sept. and Art Is will be in Oct.

Art Is is closer to our neck of the woods...not too long a drive. It's up in Connecticut, and we are used to the drive because we've gone up to Jen Paganelli's Sis Boom events so many times. We had such an amazing time at last year's Art Is and our two new classes are gonna be so in depth...we hope our students leave armed with inspiration and confidence in their abilities. Please check out the details of both events below and please feel free to ask me any questions you may have. We are very excited about the classes we've put together and we know that our students will leave enriched and exhausted from the good times. Both events offer so much to the up and coming...or decidedly behind closed doors artist. We created classes that anyone can do but the results will be great works of personal art. You will not be disappointed. So many different kinds of peeps attend and lasting friendships are forged. So ask Santa for an early gift...heck, if you live close, you don't even have to make a trip out of it...you can just sign up for one class...you'll still have a super fab time. There are payment plans etc...Really, I wouldn't push these events if they weren't all that and then some!

The Creative Connection

3 Amazing Days Of …

Social Media and Business Panels, Tech Workshops and Business Roundtables – for every level of expertise
Hands-On Workshops – in knitting, jewelry, sewing, crochet, mixed media, painting, photography, design and more
Food Panels and Classes - including Market Place floor demonstrations
Pitch Slams
Shopping – THE CREATIVE CONNECTION Market Place is open to the general public as well as TCC attendees. Come shop, see demos and participate in all of the great activities we have in store for you!
Special Events:
Book Launch – Where Women Cook: Celebrate!
DIYDISH – Live filming
Where Bloggers Create – Karen Valentine
Event Meals – including keynote speakers, expert panels and decorations to match!

Come and experience THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 2011.
The buzz is out. The tone is set.

The momentum of creative and passionate women continues to build.
THE CREATIVE CONNECTION is the place to be!

Our Classes for Creative Connection

"Hooray for Cake"

We've been using cake as a major focal point in our art for over a decade. We love cakes because they're usually synonymous with celebration. In this class we're going to celebrate cake and art. We'll provide lots of our original artwork as a starting point for your own work of cake art. No previous experience is necessary, though we'll have tons of mediums at your disposal. When you think cake, you think recipe. In this course we want to help you find your very own recipe for creating art. Since this class lends itself well to personalization, perhaps you'd like to bring a copy of a treasured family recipe to incorporate into your piece, or a copy of an old photo from a childhood birthday party. We'll have lots of original cake paintings on hand for you to use. You'll be drawing, painting, cutting and pasting, collaging, blending, shading, speckling, doodling, color washing, etc. It's your job to bring a celebratory spirit! In the end, you'll create a piece of artwork that uses some or all of the techniques taught during the class. Each student will leave with a ready-to-hang canvas showcasing her new artistic recipe!

"Lovely Ladies, Layers & Lines"

In this class, we aim to erase many of your artistic fears while giving you the tools and confidence it takes to create a gorgeous multimedia portrait of a stylish retro gal. You'll be tracing, painting, cutting and pasting, collaging, and color washing, etc. We promise that no prior experience in drawing, painting, or collage is necessary. Aside from freeing yourself to create, what’s great about this workshop is that you’ll leave with a unique piece of portrait art for your home. In the end, you'll create a piece of artwork that uses all of the techniques taught during the class. Each student will leave with a read-to-hang canvas showcasing her new artistic skill set!

Art Is...You
In 2011, Art Is...You will celebrate its 5th anniversary. Many alumni will return to the East Coast for their fifth year and will be joined by some wonderful new and friendly faces.

As we shared in our first year, the vision forArt Is...You had been growing in the souls of a number of east coast artists and it grew wings in 2005 when they all got together and decided to make it a reality.

Our philosophy is to create a moment in time where artists, whether they be faculty or students, can come together to share in their passion for creativity. To create, self nourish, replenish personal creative resources and to nurture not only individual souls but the souls of those around them. Whether creating something is part of your daily routine or indeed the closest to creating has been using a glue stick – there is something for everybody.

In the last four years words of joy and, tears of happiness have been shared . Friendships have been forged and we have witnessed lives changing.

We continue our mission to make this event as accessible as it can be to as many people as possible. We continue to offer various levels of registration, and payment plans with the hope that no matter where an artist is, in their life, they can escape for a few hours, a day or an entire weekend.

Our Art Is...You Classes

Tea & Cake ...or Coffee & Pie
Monday October 10th
6 hour Full Day workshop

No painting skills necessary! :)

You'll start with a blank 16" x 20" canvas and end up with a highly detailed & textured multi-media masterpiece!

Our goal was to create a class that would strip away the fear for any first time painters and yet still hold the attention of and even challenge those who've been wielding brush & palette for years. We'll supply the "head start" for your still life with a variety of our handpainted originals all set and ready for you to "cut & paste" onto your canvas: various cakes, cake slices, coffee & tea cups, pies...and vases brimming with flowers.

You'll create your own table scape, your own backgro und o f vintage style wallpaper, maybe a banner or some bunting with 3 dimensional pom poms. You'll experiment with washes, glazes, drop shadows, creating highlights, and lots of oth er handpainting and collage techniques.
And the best part will be the texture. We'll have an array of fab products & mediums for you to play with (**our secret recipe for amazing ca ke texture that you can see and touch!**)

Again, we promise that even the most timid first timers will end up with a fabulous piece of artwork...And we hope to expand the palettes of you veterans.
(painting shown is just one of many styles you'll get to choose)

Our second workshop is:

"Celebrate Eve ryday"
Art Journaling Workshop with Jenny & Aaron
Sunday October 9th
6 hour Full Day workshop

Art Journaling is a liberating experience both for the seasoned artist or the total beginner. To start with, there are no lofty expectations. The whole idea of a Journal is that it's between closed covers and who you show it to is up to you.

An Art Journal is a place for 100% free expression. No rules, no boundaries... You don't necessarily have to have anything special to say. It can simply be your daily practice of art, a visual celebration of the everyday.

You can pour a ton of emotion into it or simply use it as a place for practicing new mediums, methods and techniques. Art Journaling has gotten me through lots of dar k winter days and it's sometimes a thrill to go back, flip through your pages at a later date to see a visual record of who, what,why & when.

In this class I'll open up some of my pages to you and together we'll start a brand new Journal using tons of fab techniques...Stamping, collage, sketching, painting, doodling, color washes, easy hand lettering, etc...We'll use paints, ink, markers, pens, glitter, glue, old photos, lots of papers, 3d details, etc....

We will be vending at both events as well! Prints, original paintings, plaques, jewelry and more!

And I just wanted to let you know that we are having a BIG giveaway over on Facebook! Do you "Like"Everyday is a Holiday? If so we LOVE you right back! If not we'd love for you to pop on over and say hello! We will be randomly picking a facebook friend to win a 50.00 gift certificate to our shop!! You have til' Sunday night! So get on over, and like us for your chance to do some shopping! :)

Ok, that's it for now. Just wanted to get the word out to those who don't know about these two amazing events. Again, please contact me with any questions. xoxo, Jenny

Cupcakes made to order!

2011-07-08T22:33:00.008-04:00

It's great when people use literally incorrectly. They just use it to emphasize...for example, I'll use it now: Here in Jersey it's literally raining cats and dogs. That's actually scary...I hope they come down softly. But anyway, it's raining a whole heck of a lot...and it's not doing anything to break the humidity or cool it off at all. We had to go to the store before and Aaron realized that the umbrella was in the car...so he ran and came back with it while I waited on the porch. He may as well have jumped in a pool. He ran because Mythbusters said so. On their first test they said it didn't matter either way if you walked or ran...but then they changed their assessment...saying that running meant less time spent in the rain...therefore you'd be less wet. Once again...I'm talking gibberish. But it's a rain day.

And that brings me to my next subject...the above and below pictured sign. Accomplished over a couple of rain days...this is a design I've had sketched forever. I've been dying to do a pink bakery box full of cupcakes. Shouldn't EVERY bakery send you out the door with your sweet little treats in pink boxes? I just think it would totally make everything taste even better. :) I'm gonna take more pics tomorrow, because the rain, overcast, gray day, made for some terrible lighting...so the pics are a bit blurry. But I promise, the colors are fab...the cupcakes look perfect...and just in case you can't tell, this is a nice sized sign...11 x 19 I think. Ready to hang in your retro kitchen or bakery! And it's in the shop now!

The 4th of July was great! The Asbury fireworks were fantastic...the weather perfect...the crowds friendly(if a bit too dense for my taste). It's was me, Aaron, my sis Missy, and bro Walt. We sat smack dab in front of the launch site. We walked to the Asbury boardwalk right from Missy's place, like 3 blocks tops. I loved all the crazy flashing light up stuff that kids had. There was a little booth selling these crazy light up swords with like blinking disco balls on the end. I got a few pics of us during and after the fireworks. Great time.

aww...doesn't Walty look so handsome here? :)

Alright, Just wanted to pop in and say hi! And show you what we've been up to. Hope everyone's 4th was super fun!

I'll be back real soon. xoxo, Jenny

New girl in town is ready for the fireworks!

2011-07-04T19:39:00.005-04:00

All day long we've been anticipating the fireworks, but we just couldn't go without putting the final touches on our "New Girl in Town"... and getting her out into the world to meet new friends. She's an open edition, so we'll be making a handful on these great 10 x 10 wood boxes. She's in the shop now!

Living at the Jersey Shore, there are fireworks all summer but of course on the weekend of the 4th every town for miles has their giant display, and each town does it on a different night. We saw some in the distance on Saturday, and on Sunday we caught a couple towns in a row while driving to pick up my brother Walt. At one point we pulled over and I snapped this shot below... of course its not the best...but I'll have my camera tonight and I'll be snapping away, and hopefully I'll capture a glorious explosion in the sky...maybe even with a long exposure.
But tonight is the big night. We'll be watching from near Convention Hall in Asbury Park, with my sis Missy and bro Walt. Asbury gets so so packed, but Missy is lucky enough to live a block away from the best vantage point. So, we're off in a few... just wanted to introduce the new girl in town and wish all you guys a Happy Happy 4th! Have a great night! xoxo, Jenny

Hello July!

2011-07-02T20:24:00.010-04:00

This is "Hannah and the crow". A one of a kind original we just did...and we've got more in the works. A pink haired girl is coming very soon. So just keep an eye on the shop.

We seriously have a half dozen brand new totally handpainted pieces in mid progress and we are both super excited about them all! :)

Day 28: Flowers

Well we have finished our 3o day photo challenge...amazing how fast it went...really shows how quickly time flies. Love how it illustrates that. Easy to forget the little things...ya know, the whole stop and smell the roses thing...but change smell to see. And that's pretty apropos for my pic of flowers. This little bouquet of millinery flowers is totally for seeing and not smelling.

Day 29: Black & White

and finally...

Day 30: Self Portrait

The Little ( that's my nickname for Jack, chihuahua #2) was preoccupied by the cat on the neighbor's roof. The bedroom has great natural lighting in the second half of the day...so that's where you will always find The Little...stretched out in his sunspot on the bed. So I scooped him up from his spot and snapped away! This was pic #3 of 5. He couldn't keep his eyes off that feline daredevil over there. Ah well...haha. I could just bite him all day long...love him to bits and bits!! Ohhh and guess what!? It is officially one year since he became a member of the fam...we drove down south Jersey a year ago this weekend , picked him up, and brought him home. I don't know what we'd do without him. He's hilarious every moment of the day. :)

Summer has arrived....and it's not easy to forget...especially when my sister calls almost daily asking when we're going to DAYS! Haha, I blame her but we're just as guilty. DAYS is in historic Ocean Grove, and on any given night the line for this place stretches down the block. It's in a gorgeous building with a big porch wrapped around it. I love the indoor/outdoor aspect of Days, and the lights, how you can see it glowing from a distance. And oh yeah, great ice cream!

What does everyone have planned this holiday weekend? Where are you celebrating? We are lucky enough to be right here at the shore..and only mins from all sorts of summer fun! Sometimes you can see multiple fireworks displays from a single location. Our crew will certainly hit up the boardwalk before the weekend is over! :)

Have fun!!

See ya soon!
xo Jenny

moo-re carrots please!

2011-06-28T17:32:00.016-04:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, I needed a pic of animal. Luckily, we live very close to a great little roadside farmstand called Atlantic Farms. They're the usual type of farmstand that sells fresh grown fruits and veggies, but where they depart from the norm is with their awesome little collection of super adorbs farm animals. You pay a small fee and buy a bag of chopped carrots to feed to the animals...except for the brand new extremely cute baby goats...because they are still exclusively on mama's milk. The cow above is the first gal you meet and she's got a ton of experience with visitors. She opens up that giant mouth like a cave so you can just toss in fistfulls of carrots and she couldn't be happier!

Below are some goats and sheep. I love goats because they are just nuts...they will climb on top of anything. And both goats and sheep...especially the little ones, sound uncannily human when they do their talking. They are all so sweet, but I gotta admit, the third pic down of the beardo...he was kind of a jerk. When we fed his younger buddy the beardo would snort snot all over us. So then we fed his buddy a bunch more just to spite him. ha!

Look at this mess down below! Go on, take a wild guess who lives here. A gigantic Pig. What a slob! Yep, due to the wall of stench that surrounds the pig enclosure, they keep em way in the back. Which suits these guys just fine. All they wanna do is sleep the day away.

The little horsies are amazing and so so peaceful...but since tiny kids come to visit the animals the mini horsies aren't as easy to have contact with. They have giant teeth that can be dangerous for the little ones. I especially loved this one guy with his surfer/skater hairdo!

Years ago we went to Atlantic Farms and they had an ostrich. It was amazing...there were these giant football sized eggs all over the place. But I guess the ostrich has moved on to greener pastures. Now they've got a bunch of emu's. These guys are so weird. They have feathers, but on top of their head it looks like a little afro of hair. They love to interact but from anything I've read, and you also can sorta tell just by looking in their eyes...I don't think they're in the genius category. But still, they're sweet and they try not to snap your fingers when you feed them.

So besides our farm trip, we finally had a day with some sun! And I was able to get my Sunflare photo for the challenge!

Day 23: Sunflare

sun glare pics can be super cool looking...I'll be taking advantage as much as possible this summer...This one does the trick, but I'm gonna try to get some dazzlers.

Day 27: From a distance

We were driving home from dinner and I said "I need a from a distance photo." Aaron had the idea to get a shot of the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove. Perfect idea because it has a wide open field in front of it that goes straight to the ocean. That field is also the home of the Ocean Grove flea market which I chronicled a few posts back. A bit of trivia...that giant illuminated cross atop the Auditorium was broken for years...then Woody Allen filmed the movie Stardust Memories in Ocean Grove and to show his gratitude to the town he paid to have the cross fixed and re-lit.

Be sure to first pause my music down at the bottom of this page :)

Ok, that's it for the pics...but I wanted to mention one last thing here. We will be officially retiring our diecuts from our shop. We love them and we've made maybe a thousand or more of them over the years. They hang in so so many homes and businesses...including our own home. But we really want to focus on a bunch of wooden plaques and signs. Also, much of the imagery from the diecuts will be available on plaques and such. But if you want diecuts get them now...We've got them on SALE: Buy 2 get 1 free...just buy 2 and let us know which one you want for free. The diecuts will be gone by July 4th!

ok, thanks again for coming back and sharing in the fun!
See you soon! xoxo Jenny

happy happy photos

2011-06-27T21:26:00.009-04:00

(This adorable lil pair was seen on a side street in Ocean Grove NJ...could you just melt? I'd play the lottery if this duo was the prize.)

Boy this past week flew by! The days seemed to blur into one another. It had been non stop rain, clouds, humidity. Not the best conditions for taking photos for the 30 day photo challenge. I'm still missing my day 23 assignment which was a Sunflare. I hope to get one tomorrow.

How is everyone else doing with their challenge? We only have a few days left and I'm a little sad. I mean I'm guessing there will be another challenge to participate in somewhere in blogland. You can bet I'll look...and play along! This really was such a happy thing for me. So so glad I did it! Used buttons I hadn't even "messed with" till now. Ok ok..so let's get caught up shall we?

Day 20: Bokeh

The term comes from the Japanese word boke (暈け or ボケ), which means "blur" or "haze", or boke-aji (ボケ味), the "blur quality".

Now for you who aren't in the know yet. Bokeh is that fun background blur we see in those profesh looking photos. Well..and non profesh..but in that case it most likely happened on accident. When background lights become little blurry balls or haze. Easiest way to put it. If you simply google you will come across blogs devoted to bokeh, videos on youtube, (click both links) as well as hacks...like making your own lens cover with black paper! (this technique allows you to turn those balls into hearts or stars or whatever lil shape you'd like! It was my first time actually trying to get the effect, I've gotten it in the past accidentally...easiest place for that happy accident to happen is when we take pics of our Christmas trees! :) I'm excited to play around some more! And I will def be making one of those paper lens covers!

Day 21: Faceless self portrait

me on a rainy afternoon, in our living room. this is a suuuper old mirror with that awesome wavy effect to it. If you are wondering..I painted a black scalloped border around it..and then covered that in black glitter. :)

Day 22: Hands

Now why on earth would I take a pic of my hands or Aaron's hands when I have a house full of random doll hands? These would make pretty fab earrings no?

Day 24: Animal

I had taken a pic of pup #2 and was in the middle of uploading it when Aaron walked into the studio with a big smile and a happy idea. "How about a ride to Atlantic Farms, for a REAL Animal photo"? not 5 mins later we were on our way! It happened to be the first sunny day in about a week for us..which made it even better! This fella was super sweet! I'm pretty sure we shared the majority of our carrots with him. :) I'll be back tomorrow to share the rest of our farm pics!

Day 25: Something pink

Something pink? Geez...It was almost harder than something orange for me. only due to the massive amounts of pink things in my life. I mean c'mon ..I have pink hair. I'm sure you can imagine what I'm saying. I really couldn't settle on one thing. Finally while working on some orders I glanced across the studio ...the sun was shining directly on this spool of bright pink sequin trim. Yep! Perfect! :)

Day 26: Close up

I have had a jar of these candy colored bells for almost 10 yrs. I'm pretty sure I found them at a dollar store! Oddly enough. As you can see I am running low on pink ;)

Well...we are caught up except for today's assignment which I will post tomorrow. It really isn't too late to join in the fun..you can always start on July 1st! I'm going to find another challenge and when I do..I'll let you guys know!

Just want to thank you all for all of the super sweet comments and visits to my lil corner of blogland! I truly appreciate you guys! And to my new followers ...Big Big Hugs!! So happy to be connected! If you haven't left a comment..say hi! Leave me a link to your blogs!

See ya tomorrow!
xo Jenny

C is for Cookies!

2011-06-19T19:01:00.019-04:00

Forever we've been wanting to paint some cookies and I just can't believe we haven't until now! So many people have made the request and we always had plans to...but you know how that goes. So this was a now or never situation...we had a little box of cookies from our local bakery and we said we'd eat only half and save the rest for reference...well you know how that goes too. So with full bellies we had to paint from memory. We love this sign so much and it hangs in our kitchen right now...it's also in our shop for anybody who wants it in their home too!

Ya know...I guess the "normal" person in us all would pick Kermit as their favorite Muppet...but I think deep inside every single one of us is a Cookie Monster...that same part of us who would coin the phrase "if we're not supposed to have midnight snacks then why is there a light in the fridge?" Below is a little jingle for all the Cookie Monsters out there who indulge their heart's desires...haha!

As far as the 30 day photo challenge goes I've been keeping up on flickr...so let me get you guys caught up over here. I've really been having a lot of fun. Knowing that you've got to capture an image...and make it at least partially meaningful, keeps the visual part of your brain dreaming...even if your dream window is only 35 mins! Stopping to take a picture...even if that seems like a teeny tiny act...it really is a great artistic personal escape from the busy day. It's fun to see everyday things as a photo op. So here's a little catch up from the last few days of the photo challenge.

Day 15: Silhouette

I had Aaron hold an itty bitty dollhouse chair in his hand in front of a pink box lid and the angle of the afternoon sun was just right for some nice shadows.

Day 16: Long exposure

I'm totally not a photographer so my idea of what a long exposure means was simply guesswork. I googled a smidge to get a clue but mainly I learned by doing. Right before we walked out the door to get dinner I grabbed my camera just for the heck of it to see if I could figure out long exposure. So we stopped in Asbury and found a dark spot...Aaron had a little flashlight in the car so we did some experimenting in an old parking lot. Now I didn't capture any spectacular image...I figured I'd use this one more as a learning day and just get the technical aspect right. What's so weird is that in that image of the light swirl Aaron was holding the flashlight and standing right there, yet he doesn't appear in the photo...and the buildings behind him do!

Day 17: Technology

It was laundry day and although laundry feels like a pretty old school chore and not very technological...our modern washers and dryers sure beat using rocks down by the riverbank to scrub clothes. So here's a shot down at our local old school "launderette". My sister made fun of me every time I called it that....turns out, it is the actual name.

Day 18: Your shoes

These are my treasured vintage Chatty Cathy shoes... the perfect tone of teal velvet...stripes inside...and itty bitty millinery flowers.

Today...
Day 19: Something Orange.

Orange just happens to be one of the very few colors I do not use in my personal decor. If you want to find something orange in my home you better open a drawer or look in the fridge. Well except in the Fall...gotta go traditional for Halloween.

Alright, that's it for today. Thanks so much again for checking in. I'll be back real soon!

xoxo, Jenny

roses and coffee and scones,cupcakes and sunsets, fabulous dresses and crazy baby eyes! Yowzer!

2011-06-14T18:16:00.016-04:00

So, like so so many of you my first thought upon waking is..."where's my coffee?" But I think this is really only true with me in the warmer months...because I'm a lover of Iced Coffee waaaay more than hot.

Sometimes me and Aaron go for a quick ride and grab a couple cups from somewhere and then we usually hunt down a couple scones (my biggest addiction in life...SCONES!) But since that's costly on both money and time, we keep a pitcher in the fridge of New Orleans Roast from Rook Coffee Roasters...The best coffee in the world...and they are 5 minutes away. (we ran out yesterday and Aar went and got another pound this morning on his bike...and two Scone Pony scones, which Rook keeps stocked!)

Anyway, I bring this up because today I made the brew too strong...and even though I need my coffee...me and caffeine do not mix well. My heart starts skipping a beat and I feel so nutso that all I want to do is lay down...you'd think it would have me running in circles but I get so past that point that I could actually just sleep! So, me and Aar made a rare decision....we took a nap. My heart and brain needed it...and his leg needed it ( the running and bike riding have been taking their toll on the screws in his leg...yes, he's part robot, like most peeps after a car crash.) But, yet again...where am I going with this? Sorry, the caffeine still has me in it's claws. Well, first...as you can see from the pics...we've got some new hand painted flower pots...some pink and white to add to our pale greeny/aqua ones. And another Cupcakes sign very much like the one we did a little while back on a very old board we found...but this one is on a new one that we aged a bit ourselves...(I made it read this blog post and it grew a gray beard...what an exciting Nap Story!)....So, look for these new doodads in the shop.

The 30 day photo challenge has been a real lightning rod for me creatively/spiritually. It keeps me thinking visually...it keeps me blogging frequently...and it gets me out of the house. The assignment from the other day was Sunset and I was in the studio and saw that the sun was just about in it's last stages of descent. So I told Aar-" Let's go now, and get the sunset pic, before we miss it...where's the best spot to see the sunset?"

We first drove to a spot where we knew it would be sinking into the treeline...and then after some shots there we took a quick drive down to the boat harbor in nearby Belmar...good idea. I got my final sunset shot with about 30 seconds to spare before the sun was all gone...and it was spectacular that day...to our left and right, like a dozen or so other people followed our lead and hopped out of their cars for a look and a pic. Scroll down to see the pics...and the pics for day 13 and 14...this is a catch up post!

Day 12: Sunset

And for Day 13 it was a very easy decision for me. The assignment being: Me and 13 Things. My vintage stuffed bunnies were the obvious choice...I LOVE these guys! Aar had to snap the pic for me, because as you can see, my hands were full.

No, day 14 was not black dress day...nope, just decided to squeeze these pics in here...ya know, like a brief intermission...sorta a word from our sponsors. And by this I mean: Shabby Apple! Yes, the makers of this amazing dress! I got it from them a little while back and I've been dying to share it and them with you. It's my absolute fave! It's called the La Noche Negra...regularly 78.00...but on sale right now for 58.50! It's perfect for me...wide shoulders, gold metallic buttons, a military inspired feel, bold collar, puckered sleeves, and tulip skirt - perfectly proportioned with banded waistline - just the slimming effect I need right now! I also included a pic of it on a model...and as you can see...her arms aren't as in love with Scones as mine are!

Shabby Apple makes women's dresses, little girls dresses, and maternity dresses. As well as fabulous swimwear and Plus sizes! And they are a super fab outfit...they give 5% of net dress sales to women's charities...every 100 dollar donation to Shabby Apple provides at least 2o women in need with financial services and a chance to live a life without poverty. You can check them out on Facebook...AND, here's the kicker...You will get a 10% off coupon code by reading about them here...so write this down, or type it, or copy/paste it somewhere:

"everydayisaholiday10off"

And don't forget to "like" Shabby Apple on facebook! They keep us friends up to date on all sorts of good stuff! :)

Ok, I can hear Etta James singing "At Last...(this post is ending)"... I also can hear that it's now raining outside...another factor that caused the nap I'm sure...me and Aaron both get effected by rain...my whole body and soul...and his leg hardware aches.

Day 14: Eyes.

Another easy choice for me...I love my old baby heads...and mostly their eyes...glazed with age...all googly from years of use...and this one in particular is without eyelashes...well, he still has eyelashes...but they seemed to have dropped out of sight...ya know, they rolled back into his head. It happens to the best of us.

Alright, back soon...thanks for reading...hope you all are having a wonderful day/night/week/June!

xoxo, Jenny

Let's EAT!!! ...cupcakes, cake, cookies, doughnuts, macarons!

2011-06-12T18:40:00.009-04:00

Hey Hey! How's everyone's weekend going? Hope you guys have had better weather than us here in Jersey. Rainy and grey. Not much sun. So we have been making our own sunshine here in the studio. Listening to lots of TV On the Radio, and plenty of Candy colored paint being poured on palettes! We are cuckoo for signs...I've said it before and I'll say it again! We are having sooo much fun! It feels like the old days. So many signs so little time! I swear...I wake up during the night with ideas and debate about getting up to sketch. I have about a dozen doodled napkins in my purse...probably myself and Aaron are the only two humans who can decipher them!

We are pretty stoked about this latest sign...

* EAT *

yep! One word says it all! Of course for me it is cupcakes, and ice cream and cake and doughnuts and macarons....but geez, I so see this one hanging over a kitchen table or a bright and cheery dining table. Little ones in pj's sitting down to a plate of silver dollar pancakes or a bowl of cereal! Fun fun fun! Oh oh...and do you see the Red!? Yep...we added a cherry to our normal frosting pastels! This is an open edition...so we plan on making a bunch of these. We have a bunch in the works now and will be cranking them out.

And with a lil cherry red...and sunny yellow thrown in!! :)

Lots of attention to detail..super distressed and aged...washes for an added layer of age. Authentic and FUN!

In the SHOP now!!

Roses galore... Can't keep my mind off these beauties! My grandma always had rose bushes on the side of her garage. I'd go out to prune them with her after school. Really happy memories for me.

Also in the SHOP!

And here we are at Day 11! Something blue. One of my favorite collectibles. My tin dollhouse from the 1950s. Love it to bits! The interiors are amazing...so many fun and kitchsy details. If only I had more space...I'd love a wall fullllll of these!

Well that's enough for today, Aaron is waiting for me in the studio! And it's almost time for today's photo assignment..which is Sunset! Not sure how this will work out being that there was not a glimpse of Mr. Sun today...may have to get creative. Tune in tomorrow for the follow up! :)

Have a great week kids! :)
xo Jenny

Everything's Rosey!

2011-06-11T00:25:00.008-04:00

Yes, everything's rosey over here. We were going through some old photos and an album of our press clippings and we saw some of our old Vintage Rose hand painted flower pots...and we just had to revisit some of that old magic. The magazine piece above featuring us is from Woman's Day Decorating ideas. It was mainly supposed to be an article about our handpainted furniture line but we were doing so many smalls & accessories at the time that they decided to feature that stuff even more prominently than the furniture. The photo in the top left of the article is of a collection of our handpainted paper mache boxes...we did literally thousands of those...wholesale to stores in every state! It was years ago and our fingers still hurt from all the painting. But down in the left hand corner of the article are some of our flower pots...we loved using black back then...and we did a great handpainted leopard print on tons of stuff.
So anyway...we had to get back to our roots...ROSES. We really love the flower pots but the wooden wall box is so cool too. We also did some little jewelry/keepsake boxes with gold accents. So check the shop for any of these. I've been getting so much great feedback on the roses and I'm truly thankful...encouraging nudges go a long way in my tiny universe!
We've got lots more in the works and many many larger format wooden signs coming soon!
If you'd like to bring some of the rosey-ness home...pop over to the shop! :)

Here we are at day 10. I'm really so glad I decided to do this. It is such a happy little creative outlet for me. Something just for me to do. I really am going about it all very casually and not overthinking any of my photos. Just going with my first ideas. Yep...so glad I am playing along! :) And it really is not too late! Just start at day one! :)

Day 10: A childhood memory

As soon as I read today's assignment I immediately thought of this bunny pin. It is one of my oldest personal treasures. I have had it since the age of 3 or so. (over 30 yrs ) I wonder if this pin is what started my addiction to vintage rabbit collectibles? :)

Ok, Saturday is here...and that means we will be painting like crazy. Iced coffee, loud music, and all sorts of artistic detritus strewn about. xoxo, Jenny

Of course I'm only thinking about the french fries...

2011-06-09T16:14:00.012-04:00

So here's that other sign I mentioned, totally hand painted...we love fonts...and we tied together our fave pretty pastels with a nice shot of black! I that love so much! And yep, it is sold! Hooray! We are so happy that you guys are diggin' these as much as we are! We used to paint tons of signs, as Ive mentioned, and we really love love them! We have some more in progress...in all shapes and sizes and colors ( As I type this, Aar's dad Skip is in his backyard harvesting some good boards from his lumber collection). So be sure to check back often! They have been going pretty fast! :) ...oh,oh...and if you are looking for something special let us know!! colors...size...etc.

Ok so back to Asbury Park...the boardwalk has really had such a rebirth over the last few years and one of the pioneering shining stars is Bodega Shoppe. Our friend Mike (who, when brought up in conversation with someone who might know him...they always say..."you mean the guy with the big & pretty light eyes?" ). He is so sweet...and might I say: adorable! As soon as you walk in the door... it is a party! a Beach party! The color is nonstop...just check out the mix of things! He once had a shop in Red Bank a few years ago where Aaron had done some Christmas shopping for me. He found those amazing aqua mercury glass candlesticks that I keep on my mantle...ohhh I love those!
Bodega Shoppe changes seasonally...always something fresh and fabulous! If in the area!! Stop in!! Tell Mike Jenny sentcha!!

Ok, and to get you guys caught up on my 30 Day photo challenge:

Day 7: Fruit

The name of this deli always makes me smile. He actually used to have a super cute old sign...stinks that he replaced it. The name still rules! Oh, and I have no idea if there is a Dom...but let's stick with "he".

Day 8: A bad habit

McDonald's fries....oh geez...they are really just so so hard to resist. I'm sure some of you blogland buddies are health nuts and want to kill me right now. I know, I know. I'm trying to stop...but man French Fries are like my downfall. Probs in my top 5 favorite edibles. Hey did I ever tell you guys that if I had a band I'd wanna name it: Jenny & The Incredible Edible Chubby Chopstix - aka French Fries? Well yeah. For years... really...
I guess I'd be the singer, and use a really tall mic stand and then I'd stand on two phone books to reach it...even if a short mic stand was available, I'd still opt for the phone books and the tall one...ya know...just for comedic effect.

And for today...
Day 9: Someone you Love:

Aaron

Oh and 9 is our lucky number/anniversary :)

alrighty kiddos....see ya tomorrow!! Hope you are keeping cool!!!
xo Jenny

itty bitty shoezies, roses, cupcakes, and more photos!

2011-06-06T19:29:00.013-04:00

I mentioned that I'd show you guys some of my O.G. Flea goodies... here they are! I really didn't have much funny money to throw around, so it was tiny treasures for us. I adore itty bitty shoezies! And these lil pink ones made my eyes pop when I spied them. The lil navy ones and their snaps are adorbs too! The lil pink teabag holder is the perfect companion to an aqua one I scored years ago. Vintage rose postcards are always on my list! And some tiny instant relatives! Oh oh..and a crate full of old wooden blocks. You know those primary colored, rounded edged painted wood blocks from the late 70s early 80s? Pretty sure they were by Playskool. Well yes..those! I have some fun ideas for them! :)

Another one of a kind cupcakes sign...listed it last night...sold within minutes once again to a favorite collector of ours. Very happy to be sending it off to it's happy new home. Thanks so much for all of the emails about signs! It seems you guys like wood...and I totally get it...it shows up at your house and it is 100% ready to go. So, Yes yes! Lots more to come!! We will have another similar to this tomorrow...black lettering...pink and aqua and antique cream scallops :) I'm diggin' it! It's really right at home in our kitchen. I always need some black. Things feel "right" for me once I have a bit of black. The sign is totally done but I need daylight for a proper photo.

Didn't get a chance to check in here yesterday. Those of you following along on flickr may have seen yesterday's challenge already ....if not:

From a high angle:
standing on the bed looking down at the little. This pic not only captures the requirementsof the assignment but it also give you a glimpse into a sight I see all day long...A sight I LOVE to see all day long. This guy will pose for pics all day long. If you are beginning to think we are photographically neglecting our old buddy Carlos for the new cute guy...it's not what you think. Carlos just so happens to be spazzy and as soon as a camera appears he get's skittish, nervous, fidgety, and becomes just about the least photogenic creature this side of Sasquatch and Nessy.

and for today...We took a cruise into Asbury. I know I'm starting to repeat an Asbury theme but there are just so many great photo ops there...plus, it's take about zero gas money to get there. I know that the Stone Pony has been photographed so many times that it soon may turn into a photograph and not an actually brick & mortar structure. (Aar told me some literary reference that is similar to what I just said...something from Don Delillo's "White Noise"...but he bombards me with so much literary effluvium that it goes in one ear and comes out in a cupcake painting or something...though I appreciate his interest and passion...but he's preaching to a gal with a very short attention span...no time for thousands of pages about the modern human condition in a commercialized overeducated America...sorry if I lost you there...pink bunnies, pink bunnies, pink bunnies...erase the intellectual mumbo jumbo!

Day 6: From a low angle.
The world famous Stony Pony in Asbury Park.

The weather has been perfection...windows open..cool breezes and sun shine! Jersey is good at times. And we stop to appreciate the free gifts offered by big momma nature!! We are working away. Will be back tomorrow with a new sign or two and another photo assignment! :)
xo Jenny

The O.G. Flea

2011-06-05T00:22:00.014-04:00

So even though we were steeped in creative projects and work we really wanted to finish...as a collector and lover of STUFF...it would be sacrilege to miss the Ocean Grove Flea Market. It's within walking distance...for more adventurous people than myself...and those who don't plan on filling their cars with treasures!...so me and Aar drove. Usually this flea market is synonymous with steaming hot weather and brutal sun, but this year it was 75 and partly cloudy...a beauty of a day!
Here's the thing with the OG Flea...Ocean Grove is a teeny tiny town...and this flea market draws thousands...soooo PARKING is usually a nightmare. But this time me and Aar were cruising close to the Flea so that we could meet up with my sister Missy, who rode her bike there, so that we could load her finds into our car. Well, we just so happened to luck into a parking spot within a block of the flea market. Our best parking spot in more than a dozen years...and probably the best weather yet.

While there, we saw some friends and family...including Aaron's brother James and our nephew Adam (as seen above with Missy)...the little guy was hilarious...he kept telling his dad "make sure you remember where the toy stands are!"

We got our usual super delicious, fruit infused iced tea...we got some Mozzarepas (two sweet and buttery corn cakes with mozzarella cheese inside, and then grilled...it's sweet & savory at the same time...amazing!)

As always, I fell in love with very large pieces of furniture or entirely too pricey dolls and such. I did walk away with a handful of happy finds aka cheap finds. ;) I'll show you those things tomorrow. I had far too many photos already!

And speaking of photos...it's Day 4 of the 30 day photo challenge. Today's assignment was "something green". I immediately thought of the old Carousel Building in Asbury Park...which is literally a stone's throw from Ocean Grove. So we parked in Asbury and walked down to the boardwalk. Below is a shot of the beach view from the boardwalk and the old Casino buliding that connects OG and Asbury.

Then we strolled along the water that separates OG and Asbury and I got some pics of the view across at the OG pastel colored houses...as well as a shot of the adorable Swan peddle boats.
And if you scroll to the bottom of this post you can see my shot of "something green"...the Carousel Building.

I love the weathered patina. And I'm loving the photo challenge. So far it's gotten me out to see things in my area...and to see them differently.

Today was great day...finished with pizza and gelato in Asbury...which was full of street music and tons of out of towners for Pride Week.

Ok, back real soon! xoxo, Jenny

Have You Had A Cupcake Today?

2011-06-03T16:47:00.011-04:00

Right up there with "why are we here?"... it's one of life's great questions. So we made a little piece of art to pay tribute to it's importance.
We had these adorable wooden boxes and we sketched up a bunch of designs, but this was at the top of our list. It's in our shop now and we're so psyched about these...look for more of our box art over the next week.

Day 3 of the photo challenge...and it proved to be way more difficult a task than you'd think! When on earth would you hope for a perfectly cloudless day to be anything other? But, wouldn't ya know it...today's assignment was CLOUDS. We couldn't find a single cloud in the sky...the visibility over the ocean was endless...the temp was (and still is) amazing...breeze, outstanding...and yet...there I was, disappointed.
But finally, we took a spin down to the Asbury Park boardwalk...which is about 60 seconds from our house...and I told Aaron to park over by the Wonder Bar because there were some very paper thin clouds in the sky right above it...and just maybe I could get them to show up in a pic. I'm happy with shot and how cool is it that within camera range there was actually someone flying a kite on the beach and in the distance an approaching plane with an advertising banner trailing behind ( a staple of the Jersey Shore skies.) 3 days down, 27 to go! Exciting!

Well kids...it is Friday, which means tomorrow is Saturday and if you live in our area you know that the Ocean Grove Flea market will be in full swing in a mere 12 hours!! Yep! That time of year already! We are really hoping to break away and do a quick run through of the over 300 antique/junk dealers and vendors! And ohh remember those awesome gourmet dog treats from last year??... annnd the iced tea? Cannot wait!

Have a Great weekend!!
xo Jenny

Lovely Day

2011-06-02T13:46:00.004-04:00

Hey kids!
Here we are at Day 2 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge with "what I wore today" I had been meaning to show you guys this incredible necklace by artist Donya O’Brien of Metal Monk Jewelry. Her work is seriously incredible. She uses all sorts of delicious vintage bits and pieces... from plastic, and rhinestones...metal to pearl! This is one of my absolute most fave pieces of jewelry. What better time than today to showcase Donya's awesome work!

before clicking play and dancing with me
...scroll down and pause my "other music"

Today is a much better day than yesterday and the crazy day before. (we now have running water. COLD water..but it is running!) I got up pretty early and opened the windows. Sun is shining and there is an amazing breeze. Much cooler than the past few days as well. I told myself that no matter what came my way today I would remain cool, calm and collected. It is so easy to become overwhelmed with the day's tasks. Sometimes I find myself thinking about so many things at once and unable to jump in and start. So it is lists, prioritizing and breathing! I posted this on facebook today and so many of you gals jumped right on board with me! Vowing to make today a GREAT day! Another reason I adore you guys and this amazing online land we all hang out in! If you need a lil nudge or a hug or a high five we are all here for each other! :)

We are only half way through our day..well actually 1/3 or 1/4 for Aaron and I. The whistle doesn't blow to end a workday for us. We go till we can't go no' mo! We are feeling good..and working on some of the funnest signs! Candy colors galore!! Cannot wait to show you guys!

Anyways Hope you are enjoying your day!! It's not too late to join in on the photo fun! C'mon and party with us!!
See ya guys tomorrow!!
xo Jenny

Summer has arrived!

2011-05-31T23:07:00.017-04:00

Those days when you can have all the windows open seem to always boil down to a brief, fleeting moment. In no time flat the weather switches and that breeze comes to a halt and the air thickens. Now we've got the AC going in one room and we'll be sure to fire up the other one soon. But for that mini moment it was great. And we get so so much light in our place I just had to take a pic of a tiny corner of our tiny apartment. We took a drive the other day and this little antique shop that is never ever open when we pass it was finally open. The guy had great stuff. I scored that top itty bitty cream jewelry box for 2.00! :)

I found this 30 day Photo Fun Challenge on Pinterest. It's hosted by White Peach Photography. I never did one before. Probably because I wasn't sure I could actually do it. I didn't want to slack or miss days. But this time I'm gonna challenge myself. It's just the nudge I need. To blog daily...to see the little things...like really see them...and document them...share them. And each prompt is certainly open to interpretation. I'm excited to do it and hope a ton of people will join me. Let's have fun with this! Who is gonna party with me? Join the flickr group!!

So Day 1 already proved to be a challenge. Our water heater sprung a leak...then there was a HUGE gas leak. The guy from the gas company came and his meter was reading off the charts. He shut off the gas but he said we should stay out of the house for the rest of the day. So, after finally getting back in the house...no hot water...oh wait, NO WATER at all. So the above photo was taken ON THE MORNING AFTER the day that I spent roaming up and down the street for hours with the dogs waiting for the gas man...so day old limp, sticky hair, old hair spray, and bedhead...just dying for a cool shower. And I had to pull through...I couldn't miss DAY 1.
The scar above my eye brow is from a bike fall at 6 yrs old. It was mid July... super duper hot...and it was my first ride with the training wheels off. My poor Uncle Ron was supervising me, and there I am...riding for mere seconds and I go right down...tons of blood...probably looked like my whole eyebrow came off. He had to bring me back inside to my parents looking like that! I remember being so reluctant to the doctors, the stitches, the whole thing... they had to wrap me in a papoose...aka: straight jacket.

Working on a big batch of these candy colored cuties! We listed this one the other night and it was grabbed up within minutes. I'm so happy to see that so many of our online friends are looking to add some vintage inspired signage to their homes and shops!

Wood signs are what we started with...waaaay back! Inspired by vintage Boardwalk signage, old fashioned bakeries...etc. Back when hand painted was the ONLY option.
This "cupcakes" sign is on a very old board that we picked up somewhere in our travels and we immediately sketched this design out once we got it home. With carnival like letters in aqua, turquoise, & a thin outline of red...set against a well worn pale pink...this is the perfect piece for your sweetest room at home or shop. Excellent size for over a door or window...or stove.

Lots more of these to come in all different shapes, sizes and designs! Really, we've got so so many designs sketched out...just gotta squeeze them into our schedule.

Ok, I'll be back tomorrow. Please join the 30 day photo challenge...it will be fun and motivational.

xoxo, Jenny

Happy Memorial Day!...and a SALE!

2011-05-29T16:02:00.004-04:00

Well the Summer has officially begun and I've always found it so fitting that we start with a day that memorializes those that fought for freedom. Because Summer is such a physical embodiment of freedom. Being out in the sun and air...swimming in the ocean or pool...shedding those winter layers of clothes (and chub hopefully!)...riding bikes...gardening...sunbathing (spf 30 please!! listen to me...my sis is an esthetician!). It's our Patriotic duty to feel free to go out and have a blast!
I feel blessed to be in New Jersey, where we seem to get a fair share of every season (though lately, winter has been overstaying her welcome!)...we get a fantastic fall...and ok, I'll admit, a brief spring...but we seem to get just the right amount of Summer down here at the Shore where it's about 10 degrees cooler due to our proximity to the ocean. Anyway...you've heard me rave plenty about the boardwalks and such! I'm just trying to say Happy Summer to all!!

I always think of my Dad on this weekend because to him it's so much more than a time to BBQ. Being a Vietnam vet he of course lost so many friends who were side by side with him in the worst of times. Above is a pic of him during that time...and to think that he was much younger than my littlest bro Walty is right now...it's just so crazy that mere tots go to places we could never fathom.
Below is a pic of my Dad in 2009 at the NJ Vietnam Memorial where he received some long overdue recognition to add to his 3 Purple Hearts.

Well, lastly I'd like to announce our Memorial Day Weekend sale...which we're extending til late Tuesday night. Purchase any 2 items and send us a message through paypal, or an email to let us know which 8" x 10" you'd like for free! Down the bottom is our newly listed Patriotic Cupcakes...that's a good suggestion for ya!
Ok...once again...Happy Summer and all our best to you and yours! Get out there and have some fun! xoxo, Jenny

Click HERE to shop!

Gilded Sweetness

2011-05-27T17:27:00.009-04:00

The weather is absolutely amazing here at the Jersey Shore...all the windows are open...and we're gilding everything that's sweet! Just wanted to pop in and give you guys a peek at what we're up to in the studio. Taking classic bakery sweets and dressing them up in frilly, fancy, handpainted faux frames. As artists our roots are in antiques restoration so we love any chance to mix equal parts of our two worlds.
I just love pastel tones set against baroque gilded frames...all scrolly and ornamental. I set about designing these pieces the same way I'd love to put a fashion collection together...pairing layers of pale pink, cream & aqua cotton & linen with over-the-top gold bamboo earrings...etc...

photos found on Pinterest.

So this is what's been going on the past couple of days. We'll expand on this collection a bit more...but the big wooden signs seem to be calling for us. We've got all of these sketches of big vintage style boardwalk, lemonade, cakes, cupcakes, ice cream etc...And just hearing the seagulls and smelling the ocean is so so inspiring! So those will be coming real soon.
I hope everyone has a great Holiday weekend! Back soon! xoxo, Jenny