Make: Valentine Poppy the Paper Doll

by Designing Mom Mari of Small for Big


I've always loved free downloads from illustrators and designers, it's a fun way to "collect" a little bit of gorgeousness from someone else's creative abilities. So I thought it was time to try one on my own! If all goes well, I'm hoping to add more to Poppy's wardrobe throughout the year, or maybe some friends? What do you think? What would you like to see - and what kinds of free downloads are your favorites?

Make: Valensigns

It's "free downloadable's" day! Starting with the ladies at February 13 Creative who came up with such a wonderful idea for "Valensigns." If you look closely, you'll see they've taken pics of letters from vintage signs and shop windows to create these sweet messages (my favorite is "honey pie". They've provided free downloads of their Valensigns for you to send in emails or cards. Be sure to click here!


from F13 Creative:

Here’s a novel e-Valentine idea. It starts with a low-key scavenger hunt where you’re looking for words and/or letters to spell out your particular message of love. Use your camera to snap signs and portions of signs. Look for the most interesting letterforms and a variety of media (neon, plastic, painted, wood, metal, stamped, etc.). You can go on a more leisurely “sign safari” and just snap away; come home and see what you can put together with your findings. Or come up with a few very specific phrases and go in search of your exact prey. Assemble your phrase in one jpg file using photo editing software and attach it to an email. Send us a copy, while you’re at it. We’d love to see what you’ve found!

Make: CD covers and Gift Tags

If you have a photo project that's been on the back burner, now's the time to get back on it. Designing Mom Aya has absolutely adorable *free* downloadable cd covers and gift tags for you to use for your Valentine's Day creations! Click here to download!

Shop: Valentine's Day Finds

You know it's coming...the big V Day. While I have never, ever been one to be all that into Valentine's Day, having a little one has turned the tables. I loved bringing home a big bag of Valentines growing up and I can't wait for my boy to have this very same experience. What is everyone doing for Valentine's Day? I know you all have some great treats up your sleeves so please share! We'll have fun Valentine Makes and posts all week. Starting with Designing Mom Carina of Nonchalant Mom who has some grown up "pink" finds for Valentine's Day. Hope on over to see!

Meet Designing Mom contributor: Erin

Happy Monday everyone! Today's post is long overdue and introduces a topic that I know all of you are passionate about. Out latest Designing Mom contributor is Erin Owes and her area of expertise is something I am really excited about: green living. Erin grew up with an appreciation of being environmentally responsible long before it became fashionable. And her background in architecture and green consulting lends itself so naturally to a clean, creative aesthetic and lifestyle. I can't wait to start sharing Erin's expertise with all of you. Please help me give a big welcome to her!

Erin:

This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must", then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse. Then come close to Nature. Then, as if no one had ever tried before, try to say what you see and feel and love and lose. -Letter 1, Letters to a Young Poet, Rilke

Although I do not write, I believe that most people who create feel a certain "I must." Doing it for a living is not easy, especially in this economy, but to many of us who have chosen this path, we feel we have no other option. As long as I can remember, I have had nights where I could not sleep because my head was swimming with ideas for a new project. Somewhere in the boxes from my childhood are plans on graph paper of dream houses I thought up and drew when I was in grade school. Later on in high school, I had amazing art teachers and went from a kid who constantly drew/painted/sculpted/made to someone who understood how important discipline and critique are to art and design. Although my parents always encouraged my creativity there was always the questions: can it be profitable? is it practical? Both of which I am still trying to answer... but there is still that nagging, "I must."

The first thing I want to see when I walk into someone's home is their bookshelf.
Here's the couple shelves where I keep most of my design books.

So cut ahead a few years, and here I am in Oakland with a husband and two kids, Caleb, 2.5, and Zoe, 5 months. Before Caleb was born, I worked for a large architecture firm in San Francisco. Right as I was getting ready to return, the economy crashed and the company began lay-offs. So rather than returning to work, I had Zoe. Oof. Interior architecture, which is what I got my degree in, is a great balance for me: it is creative yet logical, artistic yet practical. A good interior architect must be able to balance client requirements, budget, time constraints, sustainability and make it all look pretty in the end. I love this, it is like a big puzzle. Whereas art is deeply personal, design is the most successful when it improves the way someone else lives/works/functions.

Zoe is still in our room in her bassinet but will share this room with Caleb in a couple

of months. I made the quilt for him on the bed and the mirrors above the changing table and his
(soon to be Zoe's) crib were made by my husband's uncle.

Most moms are familiar with a values shift that happens when they have kids and its nothing new to say that many people become more interested in sustainability and the environment when they have children. When we bring little people into the world we want to provide a healthy place for them personally and we begin looking around at what we will be leaving for them. My father is an environmental engineer and it was not uncommon for dinner conversation to be about the merits of recycling or the need for conservation. My mother owned a childcare center for 25 years and believed way before it was popular in minimizing exposure to chemicals through the use of natural materials. The "green" discussion was all around me growing up and I am trying to continue that discussion with the choices I make for my children. Whether or not you believe in global warming or that we have reached peak oil, no one can deny that the parts of our planet that are left to nature are becoming smaller and smaller.

I am really excited to share ideas with you about what we can do to share nature with our children while protecting it and still being stylish. If you live in the Bay Area, I am beginning to consult with families regarding how they can "green" their homes. This involves a visit and a conversation about what your goals for your household are. This is especially useful if you need motivation or you have children that have health issues (such as asthma or allergies) that could benefit from a more "green" environment. You can reach me regarding these services at erin@erinowes.com.

Caleb has been fascinated with what's going on in the kitchen since he became aware that there was a
kitchen. He loves cooking with me, so I try to incorporate him in my baking projects as often as possible.
Even if this means 5x the mess.

Lots of bright colors, this room is happy and cheerful and fun.

Friday Fotos: The Hat

Oh, the sheer agony and defeat of...THE HAT.
Happy Friday and weekend everyone!

Make: New Year Cards

by Designing Mom Kate of The Proprietress

We were a little too busy to get out a “holiday” card – so we decided to focus on the surprises and joy of 2010 instead. We just sent the simple postcards out yesterday (everything takes a little longer to accomplish with a toddler in the house). What I love about a post-holiday card? Double as a thank you note for holiday gifts!!

Make: Mirror Makeover

by Designing Moms Contributor Laina

above: the mirror reflecting floral treatment, but it would be fun
to lay funky wallpaper over an old mirror as well!

To add a bit more light in my daughter's bedroom, I decided to makeover an old mirror my mom had passed along to me back when I was in college. The brassy color seemed way too grown up (and, really, in need of cheering up) so I opted for a glossy white that seems to be 'the color' in every DIY paint project lately. I found the ribbon from The Ribbonerie, a lovely shop on Sacramento Street in San Francisco. After sanding and painting the frame of the mirror, I attached a 2 foot length of ribbon to the back of the mirror using a staple gun. I used an additional yard and a half of ribbon to make my bow and just a small bit and a button making kit to finish it off. The mirror hangs from the original wire vs. actually from the ribbon.

Make: Newborn Hat

by Designing Mom Jenn of 13 Creative



Form, Function and Fashion!
When I was in art school we learned that most commonly used products in this world fall into one of two categories; "Form" or "Function". Items were either supposedly really useful and incredibly unattractive OR beautifully designed and most likely useless. Our job, as designers, was to mesh these two concepts and create meaningful, useful design that was (to be blunt) "easy on the eyes"! It was around this time that Michael Graves had just launched his first line of designed products for Target, combining a really clean, minimal design aesthetic for bland, or "unimportant" items for the home - like plungers, toasters and other such commonplace items. This concept really took off and revolutionized the idea of "design for the masses".


I was in the hospital last week, having baby #2 (Hazel Anne Topliff was born on 1/21/10 and weighed 7lbs 3oz, in case anyone was wondering!) and I was once again face to face with the hospital-issue pink and blue striped hat that they put on your newborn the minute they're born (along with every other newborn on this planet). This hat is surely VERY functional and necessary, but how boring does it get?! I was convinced that there was a way to make this utilitarian fashion item just a bit jazzier, and so I got to work.

Before my spinal medication wore off, I made sure to get my hands on my nurse's scissors and did my best to combine Form and Function... AND Fashion! A girl's got priorities, I mean come on...! The result was a little bit "Aretha Franklin meets Carmen Miranda" but it was ALL cute! Hazel is modeling my handiwork below, and as you might imagine, all the other kids in the hospital nursery were crying out of jealousy when they saw it!


Here's how to turn your baby girl's hospital headwear into something a little bit more fashion forward:

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

- Two blue and pink striped hospital-issue newborn hats
- Pair of scissors

DIRECTIONS

1. Take one of the two hats and fold up the bottom of the hat about 1"-2" high (depending on size of your baby's head)
2. Using scissors, cut the folded band off the hat. Set aside.
3. Take the second hat, and fold up bottom of the hat just a little larger than the band you just cut off the first hat. In the front of the hat (using the scissors) cut two vertical slits about 1/2" apart in the folded band area, making sure to leave some room at the top and bottom of the band. Make sure to cut through the entire band (both the front folded part as well as the back part)
4. Take the separate band that you cut off, and had set aside, and feed it through the two slits you just made in the hat that's still in tact.
5. And "Voila"... with a little primping and fluffing you'll have a lovely "bow" going through the slits in the hat and your daughter will go from 'mainstream' to 'marvelous'!

Shop: Nonchalant Mom NYC Tour

by Designing Mom Carina of Nonchalant Mom


I visit NYC as often as I can and no matter what I do I always end up spending a day on this route so I thought it would be a good idea to share it. This is a a great route if you drive, I used to always find street parking, but after a few tickets (thank you Bloomberg) I now park in the garage, but the garage I give you below on Kenmare is really the best! (and cheapest). I realized that many of my places include food... hhhmmm.. but you need sustenance for all that shopping!

1) Erica Tanov - her store is so inspiring, I always love to spend some time here. Her jewelry is really out of this world and she inspired me to carry more jewelry in Nonchalant Mom. Her kids section is priceless! I always pick up something for the kids here even if it's just a little paint set! (Elizabeth btwn Prince and Spring)

2) Daily 365 - another place to stop for something for the kids. I feel like kids toystores always have the same things but not here! lot's of little things, gifts and toys for the kids. (Elizabeth btwn Houston and Prince)

3) This is the Kenmare parking lot (between Mulberry and Mott). The location is good and its cheap.

4) Do Kham - I know that this is not the most fashionable, but the basic Kurta is such a perfect pregnant top and they have the most colors (silk or cotton), they also have the kids kurta's which are perfect for spring and summer! (Prince btwn Layfayette and Mulberry)

5) CeCe Cela - Great croissants and truffles, you can even buy frozen chocolate croissants to make at home! yum! Great coffee, hot chocolate and iced tea as well... oh and these little sandwiches... lot's of goodies! (Spring btwn Layfayette and Mulberry)

6) Hampton Chutney Company - This is a great place for a real authentic Indian lunch, I go for the Chai or Cardamom Coffee, you will never drink Chai from anyone else (ecept in India!) again, period! I never miss this place on a trip to NYC (I even make my husband go and get me a Chai to bring back to Rhode Island). (on Prince btwn Crosby and Layfayette)

7) Muji - what did we do before Muji!! I used to bring their city blocks back from Europe and sell them on Nonchalant Mom! But now you can just go and get them for yourself at Muji!! I love everything at Muji and I am slowly transforming our kitchen to have all Muji, it's plain and simply the best! And the kids love their little sets of pens and markers... I could go on and on! They have Everything! (on Broadway btwn Grand and Canal)

now you have to walk all the way over to the other side of Soho--to Thompson St.

8) Dosa - It's really delightful to have something from Dosa in my closet, always pretty and sweet (hey... why isn't this on my website!! coming soon...) just the most delightful store and always lovely. (Thompson btwn Prince and Spring)

9) Makié - If you can't get enough of Makié from Nonchalant Mom well then hop on down to the store! Just make sure you tell her I sent you!! (Thompson btwn Prince and Spring)

10) Snack - Finish your day with an amazing Greek meal at Snack, it's so fresh and delicious! Try everything! I always like the chicken borecki (I can't really spell that but it tastes so good!). (Thompson btwn Prince and Spring)

Have fun and make a day of it!!

Shop: Angela Adams Bags

If you don't know already, Angela Adams makes great bags that double as stylish diaper bags. I noticed the bags have the sturdy handles that stay on the shoulders and the pricing isn't painful at all ($45-145). She's come out with her new Pod Fiddlehead which is hand-printed on 100% cotton canvas. Click here to see the collection!

A Creative Life: Julianna Bright

When artist and illustrator Julianna Bright emailed some of her work to me, I became an instant fan. I kept staring at the blank wall in my hallway and daydreaming about one of her pieces filling it. Gorgeous detail, colors, imagery...and subject matter that seems to explore both the whimsical and deep, dark splendours of imagination and childhood. Read on to hear about her life as artist and mom. Her website contains her gallery of work, but if you want to purchase one of her beautiful works or prints click here!

Tell us a little bit about your background
I've been playing music for a long time, and have always been crafty and a doodler. But I think of myself as a pretty classic late bloomer and only started painting in earnest and showing my work after my companion and I moved to Portland from San Francisco a little over 5 years ago. This was the first time in my life that I was able to look at my work as something more than a hobby and learned to be at peace with my progress.

How about your family?

My partner, Seth, and I collaborate musically. We have a band together called The Golden Bears and also sit in with various Portland artists (Mirah, Corin Tucker, Shelley Short). Seth is incredibly creative - an amazing chef and food writer, an incredibly lyrical musician. Unlike me, he's also got an amazing mechanical mind and I often find myself bringing art problems to him for this marvelous perspective. Our little girl, Evelyn, will be 3 this March. And so far, YES, she seems to have many of her parents' tendencies. We usually spend a good part of every day either painting or in mucking about in the basement rehearsal space. When I ask her what instrument she plays, she says, "I play the drums," which is my first instrument, so naturally I'm charmed.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by plants and gardens and the natural world; by decay and regeneration. By my daughter and mom, who form these sort of book ends around my heart. By Seth,

who regularly makes me choke with laughter, who's my compass, and who I will be listening to the same records with 20 years from now, giggling and gasping in all the same places.

What's a typical day-in-your-life like?

A Typical day: Waking up is a pretty darling part of the day at the moment. Our kid usually climbs out of her bed around 5am and -without much disturbance- tucks into ours until about 7 or 7:30. (I know.) Lately the wake up routine has included pretending we're rabbits or cats and talking about our dreams until we all head downstairs for breakfast. We get the girl fed and then one of us bikes her to preschool. I usually go straight into my studio after that - a lovely room whose windows are typically rain lashed this time of year - and work up until the girl's school day wraps up. Her dad and I trade off the afternoons. Today was my day and I picked her up from preschool at 1pm and headed out for a play date with another very creative mom and daughter. Then a few errands. Once home, it's dinner and bath and bedtime at 7 for the little girl.


The three of us always read books together before Seth and I tuck Evelyn in ... and every night there is a bizarre ritual we must play out in which the last book is finished and both Seth and I pretend to have fallen deeply asleep. Evelyn then whispers to herself, "Oh my. What has happened? I will count to 10 and wake them." And then she tackles us and we all laugh and then it's really time for kisses and lights out. Part of insisting on early bed time for our little girl is so that Seth and I can have time together over dinner every night. And we do and it's RAD. I need to confess as well that my partner - a trained chef - always makes dinner. (I know!) After dinner we usually head to our respective work spaces for a couple of hours and then to bed around 11 or so to read and retire. We also have a roommate who's an amazing artist and whose rent is paid in babysitting, so not only can Seth and I keep up a decent performance schedule, but we also have regular dates! (I know!!!)

Friday Fotos: Iphone Portraits

from Designing Mom Mari:
I suppose I partially love this photo because I'm amazed I caught it with my iPhone! But the mood is so accurate to my mornings with Wren: peering at things from new angles so I can see things from her point of view. And always with that gorgeous fresh morning light, which I never get tired of after too many years stuck in an office building all day.

Fitness: Bootcamp with Jeremy Cheung

It was great to hear from fellow moms that fitness and/or healthy living has been a resolution for the new year! I slipped on my new pair of 5.0 Free's today and gave them a test run on the treadmill. And if this rain will ever quit, I can't wait to go run outside again. I'm sure I will be questioning this all when my lovely shin splints and calluses come back full force but with so little time in my schedule I've come to treasure any chance I get to work out.
For those of you living in the bay area and with demanding mommy schedules, I wanted to tell you about fitness contributor Jeremy's Saturday workout.

What it is:
From Jeremy... "It isn't really as much as a "boot camp" as it is a boot camp "style" workout. A true boot camp is usually a period of six weeks in length and meets several times a week. My workout is just on Saturday mornings for those that either want to end the week well...or start the weekend well; whichever way you want to look at it. Or maybe it's to supplement the weekday workouts that they are already doing at their own gym. The genesis of this really came about last year in response to the bad economy. People still wanted to workout, in fact, gym and boot camp membership/enrollment was up, but many now couldn't afford a personal trainer so they found cheaper ways to stay fit. I was already doing my own workouts with friends every Saturday so I thought, why not drop the rate significantly and see if there was any interest."

"One of the things that makes it different is that I limit the class size to only eight people. One of my biggest complaints about group classes and especially traditional boot camps is that there are too many people for any single instructor/trainer to make sure they are doing the movements properly. Injury avoidance should be every trainers main objective, but when you have so many people in a class it's impossible to coach them all."

"What my class entails is a great mix of strength and cardio movements. And the fact that classes are smaller, I team up clients which give a fun competitive feel to the workouts. There are a lot of timed drills so those that are more advanced can really kill it and for those less advance, well, they can move at a rate that works for them. Regardless of the pace, everyone is still getting a very challenging workout.

The workouts themselves aren't designed gender specific. Everyone will benefit from the workout. I guess for mom's that are looking to get back into their bikini's ASAP the constant flow of the class as well as the movements that we do will be great for toning...oh, there is A LOT of core related movements! Keeping with the creativity theme that I've brought up before, each workout is different from the other so I hope that will be interesting to moms! And I encourage everyone to bring a friend...a little friendly competition is always healthy and fun. For the hubby's and mom's...whomever outdoes the other has to be on diaper doodie...I mean duty for the day LOL."

The Details:

• Every Saturday (weather permitting) at 9:30AM (side note – we do almost all the workouts outside so that’s why I include the weather permitting)
• Location is: 555 Florida Street (between Mariposa and 18^th Street )
• Class size is limited to eight clients (side note—if it becomes more popular then I will add another class)
• Cost is only $25
• Classes are challenging but a lot of fun!

Click here for information or to sign up!

Shop: Melissa and Doug Puzzles

by Designing Mom Tori My two year old is a man of few words but he can definitely make car noises for hours on end. That is why I love these wooden vehicle sound puzzles by Melissa & Doug. My mom picked one up for her grandson a few months ago and it has remained a favorite toy ever since. He loves to not only take the pieces out carefully and put them in their proper place, but he loves to make them drive and/or fly around the house on their own as he mimics the sound that each vehicle makes. I never tire of watching him play with this toy - it's definitely one of my favorites.

Story: One Good Year

by Designing Mom Ryan Larson of Tin Parade

I’m a bit late on posting my holiday card. I know you have seen many and are well on your way into the new year, so thank you for allowing me one last New Year hurrah.


Our card sums up best as titled; One Good Year. A year filled with so many contradictory emotions…Happiness (new baby)…Fear (my husbands kidneys were failing from a genetic disease)….Frustration (trying to sort through the process of testing donors)….Amazement (at all the family and friends who offered a kidney as well as their love and support)….Gratitude (for his darling cousin Alison who came to Los Angeles and underwent surgery for us…we are forever grateful)…Relief (that this daunting time of our lives was over)…and finally…Joy (life actually did become normal again; we are healthy; we are all together; we are a family).

The photo on our card was shot by Laura Grier at Beautiful Day Photography in Los Angeles. We shot it in our 50’s kitchen. I don’t want to explain it away. I think you can get the meaning behind the photo. The “recipe” was the back of the card. Happy New Year! Here’s to wishing all of us a healthy, happy and blessed new year.

Make: Placemats

by Designing Mom Erika G of Gleaux



Recently I saw a set of adorable kid's placemats and thought, "I MUST
have those!!" But then saw the price tag and soberly realized if I
bought them I'd have only enough money left over to serve Top Ramen on
them!

So I went home and sifted thru my boy's art bins and had them
select of few of their favorite drawings. I scanned them, adjusted the
sizes a bit, labeled them (which was a study in utter silliness),
printed them out at 11x17 and had them very affordably laminated at
Kinkos.
They not only keep our antique heavy oak kitchen table clean and
dry but fill my spill/splatter-prone diner's with unbridled pride and
joy! Mangiare!

A Creative Life: Amy of Mod Podge Rocks

I have to admit something... Before Designing Moms, I had never heard of Mod Podge. Or rather, I had heard of it but never really knew of its wondrous crafty powers or that it was the "world's most famous medium." I was slightly intimidated by the name and fairly convinced I would never have the need for it. Wrong. There are so many moms I know who live/die/swear by it. And their designery crafts are amazing. This is where Amy Anderson comes in. She is behind the popular, craftastic blog, Mod Podge Rocks. I am already hooked and am looking to Amy for expert guidance into my first foray with this wonder glue. If you haven't checked out her blog, click here. I'm sure you'll find not only Mod Podge to rock, but Amy as well! Read on to hear about her Creative Life and how Mod Podge Rocks got started.


Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background

I was born in Seattle to a creative and an engineer. It's kind of a great combination because I always had a knack for school (thanks Dad) and my creative side was supported as well (thanks Mom). I actually have a undergrad degree in Forestry and a masters in Business. I started my career in science and am now in a more creative marketing job - thanks to a SLOW career switch that took several years. I liked science in school, but as a full-time job? It didn't work for me. It's funny how you can try to plan your life, but ultimately what happens is what was meant to happen. I've stopped making big plans.
I live in Georgia now, work full-time and run my blog Mod Podge Rocks on the side. Mod Podge Rocks is such a fabulous outlet to express myself as well as share the creativity of others. I post myself once a week and other Mod Podgers the rest of the time. I consider myself to be a friendly eccentric. I like dogs, the color blue, fast cars, polka dots and stripes.



How did Mod Podge Rocks start?

Honestly, Mod Podge drew me in with the retro label and a decoupage craft curiosity. I began using Mod Podge only a few years ago, but I jumped in full force! I spent hours on the internet visiting many blogs and crafty sites, absorbing how other creative people were decoupaging and using Mod Podge. I did a few projects myself and decided there needed to be ONE place to collect decoupage inspiration. Mod Podge Rocks was born! I wish I had a picture of the first version. You would laugh. It's changed so much, only for the better.


What inspires you?

Definitely browsing other blogs - I'm on them so much that crafty blogs are probably the number source. I also have a collection of craft magazines and books that I love to look through. I've actually made an inspiration book with images pieced together from the internet and other blogs. I also include bits of paper, fabrics, paint chips - whatever patterns and colors strike me. When I need a little creative push, I browse my crafty pubs and then my inspiration book. A final source is actually craft stores. Seeing the goods on the shelf gets my mind turning, as well as any new crafty products that have come out. I'm constantly browsing for new things.


I know this might be difficult...but what are some of your all-time favorites craft projects?

It's SO hard for me to pick Mod Podge projects because I love everything I post, which is why I post it! I did pick three projects that tickle me outside of the realm of decoupage:
--Patchwork Placemat and Potholder.
--Dutchbydesign Clock .
--Button Pillow .
Greatest rewards and challenges about writing/running Mod Podge Rocks?

Getting to know other creative women (and the occasional dude) is SO wonderfully amazing. I can't believe how kind and supportive everyone has been. I have the best readers in the whole world! The most difficult thing is DEFINITELY keeping up with e-mail. I'm a first born child so I don't like to disappoint anyone. . . so when I'm behind on e-mails it makes me feel bad. The good news is that everyone is always understanding about the delays.


Tell us about a typical-day-in-your-life!

I wake up much earlier than I want to, then stop and get a Starbucks and head to work. I spend lunch hours blogging or creating projects - sometimes answering e-mails. I come home, walk the dogs, craft and blog. Definitely sprinkled in there is visiting a friend, reading and other fun pursuits. I love to hang out with my dogs and my loved ones, but I like to be out and about sometimes too. I always try to be flexible with whatever comes up!