Dollar Store Wreath

I am excited to share my wreath with you because I think it it really fun and was a total budget project. I was checking out the Dollar Tree store and ran across these packages of fun crepe paper leaves. They seemed so vintagey in feel and of course they are the perfect fall colors. (which we don't get much of in Central CA) I thought it would be fun to use them to make a wreath for our front door so I picked up a wreath form while at the dollar store too.  It was just a simple twig style wreath. I also grabbed a roll of autumnal ribbon while I was there but after seeing it all put together I feel it is the weak link and plan to replace it with something different, maybe a burlap bow??
Anyway, I just fiddled with the leaves to "fluff" the up a bit since they have wires inside and hot glued them to the wreath form. I added the bow with a blob of glue too so I think it will pop right off. I have it hanging on our security screen on the front porch and I like how it pops against the white.
Bonus, was I had several leaves left over so we used them to make super cute "place cards" for Thanks giving. Since I already had them for the wreath project the cost of the place cards was zilch. I will get pictures and share them soon. In addition I had a few MORE leaves leftover so we will probably suspend them from the curtain rods with some fishing line for a bit more fall.

in which I crave fall..

I guess technically it IS fall but the weather has been trifling with us. Despite a mild summer, Mother Nature dropped some Indian Summer weather on us and while the mornings are quite chilly, the day time temps have been climbing up into the 80's. I am so over it! I want to break out the sweaters and boots. I actually want to wear knee socks!
Anyway, I love the autumn colors and I am craving some so I was thrilled to find this little stash of pictures from last fall. I shot them one afternoon at an event at the winery I work for part time. This fall's even is coming up so I hope to see a few of the same colors and textures soon!

autumn splendor

fabulous foliage

can you see the rainbow?

Happy Fall Ya'll

I have been BUSY.. my work queue is filled to the brim for which I am so grateful. FULL seems to describe my life as of late.. full schedule, full brain, full heart... I glad of these things for they fill my days and make me feel fortunate for all that I have. I have been busy creating artwork for the 12 Days swap I am a part of and kits for Joli Paquet.. coming up soon!! In addition I have been working on design projects for work and play. Recently, I made this cute calling card for my buddy Laura. She was super thrilled with it as a book lover and old fashioned girl. I just sent it to the printer last night and am so excited to see them in person. I also made a Christmas blog banner for her but its a little early to unveil that so I will share it later. I also made this cute little business card for Joleen to represent the non-photography side of her endeavors.

Aside from all of these projects I have been working very hard on a new venture which some of you may already be aware of if you read my friend Holly's blog. A couple of weeks ago she let the cat out of the bag by announcing that her husband and I have joined forces and started a small business DESIGNING WEBSITES for smaller scale artists, stores and all around "cool chicks". We are still nailing down the details and I am tweaking the website but we are pretty much ready to start creating websites for clients. I am so excited that this opportunity has come my way because I feel it is a great extension of Bluhm Studios and I have had people ask me in the past if I would do websites for them. I CAN do web work BUT I do not enjoy it and am a bit out of practice. I do not have the desire to spend my time writing code and debugging the problems so enter Brian who is a web designer extraordinaire. He approached me because he was in the reverse situation wanting to offer websites but not having the skills or desire to do the front end "pretties". That, as they say is a win-win situation. Keep your eyes here for an announcement of our grand opening which should be very soon.

a little inspiration...

Autumn in upon us, and though it is harder to tell here in California compared to places with more distinct seasons and actual colors, we have been noticing some signs. There is a touch of color in our trees, a flash of gold, a hint of red. There are pumpkins everywhere, which makes us happy. I love this time of the year and the warm colors to go along with crisper weather and cool nights. We light more candles at this time of the year as the days grow dark much earlier than our long summer evenings. I tend to want to "nest" more, cuddle up with a good book and a cup of tea or coffee. Recently I ordered some new books, they are my treat from Laura, as she sent me a gift certificate as a thank you. THANK YOU Laura.. for these new additions to my bookshelf. I know how much you love books yourself so I know you know how I am feeling about these right now.

Last night I read Laurie Mika's book, "Mixed Media Mosaics" from cover to cover. Boy, did she have me ready to throw away everything and just play with polymer clay. I became a fan of Laurie's when I won a collaborative piece of artwork by her and Michelle Ward a couple of years ago. My major disappointment in deciding not to attend ArtFest next year is that Laurie is teaching and I will miss her classes. The other book I got is Corey Moortgat's "the Art of Personal Imagery". I haven't had the opportunity to read it yet but I can't wait. I love Corey's work and have one of her cool frames. I am sure this book will be wonderful too.

In swap news.. I received my fun little dresses back from Heather's Paper Dress swap. I love how she chose very coordinating dresses but from all different people. I hung them above our bed for now and they look darling there. Thanks to Heather and all the folks who participated to make this such a fun swap.

Now I had vowed not to sign up for anymore swaps this year but Donna at Under the Red Roof (which is a new blog for me) is hosting a Christmas Tree Topper swap and that got me excited. I already have ideas swirling around and can't wait to get the details so I can get started. OK, so other than THAT swap and the 12 Days swap, that's IT! I need to work on gifts and getting stuff up in my Etsy shop. I swear.. really.. I think...

fall has fallen...

I am still without camera so pictures of MY stuff will be fewer and further between until I can get it replaced or repaired. I will be taking it in on Saturday with fingers crossed that it is only minimally damaged.

Its often hard to tell, its such a fine line; but fall has fallen here in central California. The trees have turned golden and leaves are falling. The weather is beautiful but decidedly cooler and crisper. There is a rustling along the streets ans crisp leaves tumble.

This is my favorite time of year. (with the exception of my blasted allergies) There is something about the colors snd the light at this time of year. It makes me feel cozy and warm; that last bastion against an inevitably dreary winter suffering from SAD. These are the images I will hold to when I am feeling dark and lonely.

November holds much to look forward to and I am eager to get going... My birthday, a Disneyland trip and Thanksgiving. Pumpkin pie, hot cocoa and time spent with friends, time working on Holiday gifts, perhaps the return of my knitting needles and some colorful yarn. I look forward to seeing what this autumn has is store for us.