Family Archives -

Kids Pencil Valentine Cards

1 Comment / CRAFTS, Digital Diecuts, Family, Holiday Projects, Scrapbooking, Silhouette, Stuff I Love, SVG, Tutorials / carina

This week is the last one I’ll be releasing Valentine’s so I’m going out with a bang! I also decided to double dip. These pencil cards are not only my final Valentine’s release but are also Felicity’s class gifts. She’s going to write on each of them, and I’m sure we’ll add a few quotes like “I’m write for you.”

You can find them in my Silhouette shop here.

TIP 1: When you are putting these together, I recommend putting your pencil through the slits FIRST and then gluing your pieces into place (see photo below).

There are several designs were two or more papers have slits that match up. Use the slits as your guides. Place the pencil through the slits first and then pull open the edges of the top paper to glue it into place.

TIP 2: I LOVE pop dots with these designs! And glitter. And stamping ink on the edges. I kept them all simple on purpose. So you can jazz them up or use them as a kid activity.

TIP 3: Add a printable. Simply use whatever word processing software you use and write up a cute phrase in a cute font. Print, cut and attach to these Valentine’s cards!

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And in case you missed it (haha), I’ve been releasing Valentine’s for the last month. In fact, we have been releasing Valentine’s for both CGInc. and MiniLou for the past several weeks. You can check both shops here:

Carina Gardner Silhouette Shop

MiniLou Silhouette Shop

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Happy crafting!
Carina

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Digital Scrapbooking, St. George, and Stuff

1 Comment / Digital Scrapbooking, Family / carina

I’m going to admit something right off the bat and that this is a procrastination post. I just looked at my list (a mile long) and really all I want to do is snuggle up in front of the TV and start a new show (like Call of the Midwife or Death Comes to Pemberley…anyone seen either of those?). There is a time and place for everything and tonight, well, tonight the work comes first.

Before you feel too sad for me, I just got back today from a short weekend getaway with my family in St. George. I loved seeing Charlie romp, climb, and dig in the slot canyon, the sand dunes, and the park. The girls swam and swam and swam (did I mention the water was cold?—oh to be young again).

While I was gone, I got some awesome photos from my amazing machine quilter Michelle Jensen (@mixiheart on instagram), and I’m so excited to share the pattern soon. It will be free along with an awesome collaboration with pattern jam (more on this to come).

Annndd, while I wish I could say I didn’t work at all while I was gone, I was happy to spend one night getting my digital scrapbooking done for this week. Two weeks ago I came out with a Spring Sunshine Paper Pack and this week I’ll have tags for them. I even managed to put together a couple of layouts. Making the layouts reminded me of all the things I needed while digi scrapping. I see a big collection in my future:).

(Layout above: Papers and Tags from Spring Sunshine, Ribbon from Bella Bella 2 Thick Ribbons)

(Layout above: Papers and Tags from Spring Sunshine, Tape from Bella Bella 2, and Stamp from Journaling Stamps).

Hope you are having a fun spring break (or at least spring) as well. Back to the list.

Carina

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Family Ornament Silhouette Instructions

1 Comment / Family, Holiday Projects, Silhouette, Tutorials / carina

Today I have a series of 3-D cut out ornaments coming out in my Silhouette Store. I love a great homemade gift, and these are perfect for that! They are so simple to put together and I love that you can customize the ornaments (or choose one) that fits your family size (The Photo Family Ornaments come in 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, and 6 sides). Here are some of the instructions and helpful hints for putting together these ornaments.

Several Sided Photo Family Ornament Instructions
(Silhouette Store links: 3 Photo Family Ornament, 4 Photo Family Ornament, 5 Photo Family Ornament, 6 Photo Family Ornament)
1. Cut out the shape and then print/cut photos that are a little bigger than the windows in the ornament. Tape photos to the wrong-side of the ornament windows.
2. Crease/fold along all the dotted lines.
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3. Place glue on the tab and adhere it to the opposite side of the ornament.

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4. Use twine or ribbon to “sew” up the bottom and top of the ornaments. I like starting by placing the ribbon through the front hole of the ornament, then “whip stitching” by coming through the back of the hole and then placing the ribbon through the FRONT of the next flap/hole. Once you have gone through every hole with your twine, pull tight and tie a knot. You can leave one string long to hang the ornament or cut both strings short.

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Block Ornament Instructions
(Silhouette Store links: 4 Photo Block Family Ornament, Christmas Tree Block Ornament, Star Blog Ornament)
1. Cut out the shape and then print/cut photos that are a little bigger than the windows in the ornament. If you are making the photo ornament, tape photos to the wrong-side of the ornament windows. Add embellishments in layers to the ornament. (Pop dots are also a fun accessory.)
2. Crease/fold along all the dotted lines.
3. Place glue on the tab and adhere it to the opposite side of the ornament.
4. Place a piece of ribbon through the bottom and top of the box in the hols provided. Tie a knot at the bottom to keep the ribbon in place.

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Nativity Ornament Instructions
(Silhouette Store link: Nativity 4 Sided Ornament)
1. Cut out the shape and then print/cut photos that are a little bigger than the windows in the ornament.
2. Crease/fold along all the dotted lines.
3. Place glue on the tab and adhere it to the opposite side of the ornament.
4. Fold up the bottom of the ornament, placing glue on each flap to adhere the bottom of the box together.
5. Use twine or ribbon to “sew” up the top of the ornaments. I like starting by placing the ribbon through the front hole of the ornament, then “whip stitching” by coming through the back of the hole and then placing the ribbon through the FRONT of the next flap/hole (see photo above). Once you have gone through every hole with your twine, pull tight and tie a knot. Leave one string long to hang the ornament.

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Glamper Recap on Quiltique

Evening Blooms Fabric Line, Fabric, Family, Glamper Renovation, Little Ark Fabric Collection, Sewing / carina

I’m a bit behind since I need to recap the last two glamper stops. This has been taking up a lot of my time recently. Feel free to “like” that page because I am going to have A LOT more on that later along with a number of giveaways and beautiful images come time to launch.

So here’s my photo recap of our Glamper Stop at Quiltique.

First off, Little Ark is in shops! (Yaaay!) Quiltique had these darling bundles available for sell. I also spotted some Evening Blooms pre-cuts in their shop. If you are in the Las Vegas area, Quiltique is a must-visit shop. I love the glass windows into the classroom and all the quilts hung above the shop. There were some darling displays and of course, an abundance of fabric.

(photo below) Quiltique is a family-owned business. We happily all posed in front of the glamper in the Las Vegas heat!

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The number one question I get from people who come to see the glamper is, “So do you use it?” The answer is always, “YES! Open a cupboard, and you’ll see all the food still in it from the last trip!” At this stop, this was even more true since I had to get up bright and early to clean the glamper. My family had been living in it for spring break as we traveled down to Nevada from SLC.

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(photo below) Since it was Quiltique’s birthday weekend, I was excited to meet Me and My Sisters Designs (Moda Fabrics) who happen to be teaching in the shop the same day!

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(photo below) This little cutie is one of my college roommate’s daughters who dropped by to see me!

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I had an amazing time at Quiltique and loved seeing their shop! Thank you to all of you who dropped by to see Lucy and me!

XOXO—Carina

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Glamper Tour Stop on April 19th at Quiltique in Nevada

1 Comment / Fabric, Family, Glamper Renovation / carina

Yesterday my family trekked from Salt Lake City to St. George for spring break and for the Quiltique Glamper Stop! St. George is just a side trip to play in the red rock and go to the children’s museum (from which this post is being written).

Currently, my glamper doesn’t look as pristine as you see it in the photo to the right. One night in the glamper turns the small space into kids chaos. I keep telling myself that’s what it’s for!:) You’ll see it in the pristine condition when I see you on Saturday!

If you are on the Quiltique newsletter, then you already know that I am going to be there to help celebrate their 11th birthday! If you are in the Las Vegas/Henderson, Nevada area, this is an event not to be missed! On Friday, you can enter their Easter basket raffle to try a win for the $1100 Quiltique Shopping Spree! I know they are doing lots of other fabulous things so be sure to check their website at www.quiltique.com. And of course, if you come see me (wink, wink), we’ll have treats and a raffle that will happen every 30 minutes!

Here’s what you need to know:

Glamper Tour Stop 2 happens at:
Quiltique
213 N. Stephanie Street, Suite E
Henderson, NV 89074
Saturday, April 19, 2014
11am-2pm

Treats, raffles, and Lucy the Glamper!

Hope to see you all there! If can follow my week down to Las Vegas by following me on instagram @carinagardner.

Carina

PS, you can check out past glamper stops and the renovation of Lucy by going here: https://carinagardner.com/category/glamper-renovation/

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Flashback

1 Comment / Family / carina

A few years ago I did a photoshoot with Jessica from Hiya Papaya (I think this was 41/2 years ago but I could be wrong). I ran into these photos again and thought I would share the flashback. It couldn’t be helped:).

As I was scanning through the photos I was laughing because I have an obvious obsession for vintage trailers. Back then I wanted an Airstream pretty badly. Let’s face it. I STILL want an Airstream pretty badly (who doesn’t?).

I was still learning about the industries that I am currently involved in: fabric, scrapbooking paper, digital….it was all still so fresh and new. My mini office in the picture above was in my bedroom. Now I have a warehouse and a home studio, and I feel as if they are brimming full! I feel pretty grateful looking back at all the opportunities that opened up to me.

The flashback was good since I have some really, really, really amazing things happening in 2014. Every year, everyday it’s a new adventure. I feel lucky and blessed for all of it.

Carina

(PS How is it February already?)

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Carina Gardner Exclusively for Deseret Book!

Family, Holiday Projects / carina

I’m so excited to announce my Winter Collections for Deseret Book! Just in time for Christmas, DB has stocked a collection of inspirational bangles that I have designed! The sets come in Navy, Red, Black, and Gray. They each have a different engraved inspiration on the inside. You can find them online here:

Navy
Stand As a Witness
Believe
So Lucky to Have a Friend Like You
Cherish Life’s Little Moments

Black
Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful
Faith Makes Things Possible
Believe in Yourself
Live. Laugh.Love

Gray
Love Surrounds You
Enjoy the Ride
Reach for the Stars

Red
Be Wise, Be Kind, Be True
Choose Happiness
Live a Happy Life
Everything Happens for a Reason
And just in time for Christmas—New Christmas Dishware! I’m SO happy with how these turned out! Santa will certainly be getting his cookies on one of these beauties!

CG Dish Towels

CG Dessert Plates

CG Christmas Tray

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Family_Rules_Plaque_detail And last but not least, I have a new darling line of Canvas Art! Lots of good stuff going on here!

Family Rules

We All Have Our Best Guides

Our Family

There is Always Something to be Thankful For

All Things are Possible

Don’t Try Too Hard

(The ones without links I was unable to find on their site).

Hope you have a chance to walk into a store to see these! The packaging is hard to miss!:).

Carina

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Glamper/Camper Renovation Part 3

7 Comments / Family, Glamper Renovation / carina

It’s been a busy couple of weeks with the glamper. Brandon has been working on it nonstop with his team over at Camper Reparadise. The list of things he has taken care of goes on and on. All the electrical was wired, new tanks, brake work, new wood installed with flooring, new water tank and pump, and outside replacement lights to name a few. It’s been amazing to see it come together on my trips to drop off flooring and fixtures.

Speaking of lights, lighting has been my nightmare conundrum. I spent several days looking at lights. I finally decided on one from Home Depot (without the long bottom piece) shown to the right (number 1). Turned out that the top part wouldn’t fit in some of the spaces. Then I bought the second light shown to the right (also from Home Depot) and although they fit, we realized that the trailer was set up for lights that each had an individual switch. I was totally heartbroken (because I was in love with the second lights by this point) and in trouble! I looked for a few days and finally settled on a light that I will have to repaint. A facing-down light, white, small, and with a switch is pretty well impossible to find. I couldn’t find a link for the one I found at Home Depot (despite all the online searches I ended up with one I found there!), but I’ll show you it in the final photos.

These lights are for the 120 volt power. I still had to buy lights for the 12 volt battery. Once again, not a chance you will find something cute out there. Thankfully, these lights are sort of hidden so I bought some run-of the-mill lights from the State Trailer Supply in SLC.

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I also learned my lesson with flooring. I purchased regular laminate wood planks at first and then had to return them in favor of vinyl planks. Apparently, they are waterproof and necessary. I purchased mine from my local Lowes. I didn’t have time to special order (the flooring needed to go in before other parts of the trailer could be finished) and Home Depot didn’t have anything dark enough. Brandon suggested we put the flooring under all of the chairs and in the bathroom to keep everything waterproof. After seeing the water damage in the floor before, I was only to happy to have him put it in anywhere he could. He also put down a layer of concrete (I think?) in the bathroom to give it some extra durability.

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Even though it is such a little thing, I have to share one of my favorite surprises with the camper renovation. See the photo below? That’s of my 12 Volt Battery and everything it is hooked up to. And yes!!!! Those are LABELS next to it. Brandon put labels here and on the entire water system. I was like, seriously? I love it when someone takes pride in their work and really goes the extra mile. It makes you feel like every little thing they are doing is top quality.

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The list of stuff that still has to be done is getting shorter although there is still plenty to do (note photo below. Eeek!).

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This week, I started getting my part of the glamper/camper renovation underway. I cleaned and primed all the drawers and picked up laminates for the cushions. Brandon still has the trailer so I’m trying to do anything I can while he is still working on it. Here’s my to do list for the coming week:

+ Sew all the cushions
+ Sew all the curtains
+ Finish painting all the drawers
+ Make pillows
+ Choose and order wallpaper
+ Put trim on the built in mirror
+Buy a showerhead

And once I get it, I have to do the following:

+ Some of the windows need to be replaced
+ Prime and paint the interior
+ Wallpaper
+ Prime and paint the exterior
+ Add laminates to the kitchen counter tops and table
+ Tile the shower

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Of course, there are lots of other things I need to do, that can wait (like make fabulous quilts and other such niceties), but those will have to wait.

I also wanted to pass on the information for Chad and John who I purchased the trailer from. They have a facebook page that shows the trailers they currently have. I loved working with them, and you shouldn’t be afraid to send them a message if you are interested in a trailer or airstream. They will LOOK for one for you and are super reasonably priced. Plus, the most invaluable part (for me) is they are willing to point you in the direction of people they have used, where to buy parts, ect. Since I was coming into this cold, having these guys walk me through what I needed to do was amazing. John even went with me to the hardware store to buy the hitch to my vehicle. Ya, they are that nice.

Looking forward to the projects ahead!

Carina

PS: Here are the links to Glamper Part 1 and Glamper Part 2.

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Glamper/Camper Renovation Part 2

5 Comments / Family, Glamper Renovation / carina

Sewing Summit’s Quilt Shop Hop today (which by the way was awesome!), I ran over to Brandon’s to check out the official renovation list. As per request from the Part 1 comments, here’s the abbreviated list I am having him work on. He gave me a invoice that separates out labor and cost of parts. I love that because it gives me a good idea of what I am really paying for. We are hoping the trailer will be done in a month, but I suspect it will be more like 6 weeks.

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So far I am about $800 over budget but I know there are things I haven’t compensated for. Plus I haven’t calculated in any of MY costs for beautifying this baby (paint, fabric, light fixtures).

-Install new Fridge
-Remove and replace Water Heater (Atwood 6 Gallon Gas Water Heater)
-Replace fresh water tank (24 Gallon)
-Remove and install new toilet and fittings
-Install new water pump
-Install new battery (12 Volt Marine Deep Cycle Battery)
-Remove Rotten Floor including Bathroom Floor
-Install Inverter/Charger (Progressive Dynamics 45 AMPS)
-Install Propane Tank (2, 5 Gal tanks)
-Remove rotten material for fridge and rebuild
-Replace trailer cable,
-Repack hubs and bearing inspection
-Power check, shoe inspection, axle inspection

You can see these are not exactly little things. And it doesn’t include the possibility of replacing a ceiling panel, ceiling vent/fan, and putting in the flooring for me. I can’t imagine doing all of those things myself so I’m grateful to have Brandon. The last thing you want on happy-family-mini-vaca is for everything to breakdown.

Above are some of the materials I’m considering for the interiors (because that’s the fun part). You like the photoshop magic? I tried a few different colors before I settled on this one. I’m going to have to see if I can find a color chip to match.

I also started a glamper pinterest board to keep me organized. If you have any inspiration(or have done a glamper yourself) please leave a comment with a link on this post! I would love to see!

Also, if you know anything about 12v, gas, and 120 v lighting fixtures, please send me links! I’m finding it difficult to find cute fixtures.

I also promised this information:

Brandon (who is repairing my camper) is at http://campereparadise.com/wp/. He is based in Salt Lake City and while the website doesn’t show alot, the trailers in his repair shop does. He has a few that are for sale as well.

Carina

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Glamper/Camper Renovation Part 1

10 Comments / Family, Glamper Renovation / carina

That’s right. It says Part 1 up there in the title. That’s because I can tell, this is going to be a long project.

A few weeks back I started thinking about getting a camper. I had all sorts of fabulous dreams about what a camper could do for us…family outings, quilt shop stoppings, glamping in style…you know, all the usual stuff you think about when getting a camper.

I did a lot of looking on google and my local classifieds. I have an obsession for Airstreams and have been eying them for five years now but felt they were out of my price range. So I turned to looking for a more retro design.

So what was I looking for? Here was my list of must-haves:
+ sleeps 5-6
+single axle (for those of you who, like me, had no idea what that means, it’s just one set of wheels)
+ smallish (as in-not hard on my car)
+bathroom
+1950s-1960s design
+functional equipment and tanks

Did I mention this was a dream list? Because I wasn’t about to find something in my price range with all of these things.

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I happened upon an ad for the camper above on a local news website from a couple of guys named Chad and John. They find and sell used trailers and will even LOOK for one that matches your needs and price range. I am waiting on the Facebook Page and will post a link to it for those of you in the Utah area. They have been awesome to work with.

Anyway, I fell in love with the layout of this camper. It is a 1969 Jet Airway (barely in my date range!) and is 17 feet long. I walked through a couple of their 12 foot trailers. I loved the small size but felt the lack of bathrooms (rare in a 12 foot camper) was not a negotiable feature (who wants to take their kids to the campsite bathroom at midnight?). Other pluses, this camper had a single axel and my car could easily tow it.

Another bonus was that it has a couch that pulls out into a queen bed, dinette that turns into a bed, and then a bunk that slides back above the dinette. Sleeping space, check!

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Obviously, this old girl needed some work. The problem is, I didn’t know HOW MUCH work I was in for. I took the camper to a local restoration shop. Brandon (his website will also be in the next post) tore the thing apart and, well, let’s say, it wasn’t pretty what he found. Cut lines, broken floors, water damage, and more.

This is where I took a deep breath.

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I would love to say I’m a DIYer, but I’m not. I like to make things pretty (designer, remember?) so if it has to do with electricity and plumbing, I’m not your girl. What originally looked like a 2 week quick fix has turned into a several week renovation.I guess no trip to St. George for UEAA weekend. Sigh.

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These last few pictures are from today when I went over to verify everything that has to be done. Maybe I’ll give you the list, if you think it will be fun or useful. Tell me in the comments. Either way, it’s ALOT of stuff. Brandon will be working on the technical while I will be painting, sewing, and tiling (okay, well, I will do cosmetic DIY stuff).

In the meantime, I will be sewing curtains and cushions. I will also be picking out lighting fixtures, colors for the exterior and inside, and choosing wallpaper and tile. I’ll show you my project sheet soon. I think you will like. Think white, aqua, red, black, pink, and polka dot. It’s going to be fun!

Dreaming of going glamping (while kids dream of glamping late-overs),
Carina

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Movie Nights in the Park

Family / carina

We introduced our kids to The Neverending Story on Friday at Millcreek Movie Night. (Pictured here is Siri, cousin Lola, Felicity, and Charlie—who is busy eating a flip flop—good parenting at work here.) I love these outdoor movie nights that the county offers. I became friends with the fabulous lady behind it—Aimee McConkie—when we all lived in Minnesota. So much work goes into these events. Oh ya, and she does it for free. Just because she believes in community. She’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

This has been a different summer for me since Josh is home and we aren’t a slave to the billable hour. Here’s what we have been up to:
+ I go to work early and come home early. It’s lovely!
+ Josh has been in charge of the kids.
+ Turns out Josh is super hard core about the girls doing reading time, workbooks, and chores in the morning.
+ Siri and I have been taping a new Create and Make class. It has been so intense!
+ I’ve been taping and writing a new chalkboard class and paper class.
+ I’ve started work on fall sewing patterns. I.can. not. believe. it.
+ I started work on a new free quilt pattern for my new fabric line Evening Blooms.
+ I have been crazy about decluttering the house and yard.
+ I think I might finally be making some headway.
+ And will yard sale it all in a couple of weeks.
+ We have been to Lagoon
+ And will probably go a lot this summer since our kids are not getting real vacation (or any camping).
+ I finally feel like I have time to read again. Obsessed with a Coco Chanel biography I have been reading.
+ I’m trying to get serious about diecutting files. More on this soon!
+ Siri and I filmed another CGTV episode. It’s not up yet. Sigh.
+ Somehow my office/warehouse got small overnight.
+ That’s what happens when four people come to work all at the same time.
+ I’ve a few more things coming out this fall for Deseret Book. I’m so excited about them!
+ I’m finishing up my 2014 fabric lines. Think “boy” wink, wink.

And with that, I am off to finish up some photos and head to Lagoon.
Happy Summer!
Carina

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Summer Begins

Family / carina

Hello! It’s Monday morning, bright and early, and I very happily set to work this morning on my 2014 fabric lines. There has been so much going on these last few months that I am welcoming a moment to really sit down, draw, and think. There aren’t many moments like this since the office has also been pretty busy these days. Two new little summer interns (my sister-in-laws) and a new warehouse manager come into the office daily now. The office is pretty tiny so having that many people in and out makes things a little tight, but we are all making do and having fun with it all.

To accommodate everyone’s comings and goings as well as to get ready for summer, I started a new schedule. I try to get into the office by 6 or 6:30am. It means I go home pretty early in the day so that I can hang out with the kids and Josh.

I wish I was one of those people that could work with white noise, but I can’t. I like the silence. So coming in early to work helps me a lot. It’s nice feeling like I have accomplished so much by 9am and even better when I go home at 3pm to help with Siri’s harp lesson and make dinner.

In the summer, I hope to be able to jump on my bike to head home around 1pm so I get to savor summer too. I have the best commute ever. I’m not sure if it is even a block. It’s definitely less than a 5 minute walk. But I like taking my little cruiser because if I need to run home for a second to help out or grab something, I can.

Hoping for a fabulous summer with lots of camp outs, bonfires, gardening, swimming, and some good ol’ fashion sitting (my favorite thing to do—usually in the sun, on a porch, and holding my Charlie). The kids’ final day of school is Wednesday and I suspect there will be some festivities (possibly the traditional camp out in the backyard).

Are you as ready for summer as I am?

Carina

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Mother’s Day Weekend and Dishware Debut Recap

Dishes, Family / carina

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day! The first half of my day was spent at Deseret Book signing dishware. A big thank you to everyone who came to visit me at the Fort Union Deseret Book to catch the debut of my dishware collection! It was such a treat to chat with you and give your children cookies. For those of you who did not make it and avoided the excessive sugar, I managed to snap a few photos so you could see the display.

I knew exactly what to do with the cookies that were not eaten—I had Siri try to pawn them off on the neighbor kids. (She tried to sell them but I told her I would pay her the 10 cents for every kid who walked by and took one.) We still managed to have enough cookies for the family party that evening and the children at church the next day. Umm, I think I over-ordered. (photo below—Siri happily selling cookies.)

The second part of my Saturday was spent with Josh’s family cleaning out his grandmother’s yard. Dinner followed at his mother’s house. (Above-Josh’s brother Nate and Nate’s twins London and Quinn).

It was the most beautiful day for yardwork although, other than hacking at a rose bush, I mostly played with Charlie (photos above and below). At least it looks like there is some yardwork being done behind me!

My niece Lola rakes for a moment (photo below) and Josh stops his pruning for a moment to chat (photo below). I’m guessing the photos I didn’t catch (in particular of my mother-in-law Mary planting all the flowers) was were all the real work was happening.

Having a family chin-dig on Saturday was so nice because it meant our little family relaxed (and I slept in-the perfect mother’s day present) today.

This week Josh and I are off to Portland for Quilt Market. I plan on posting lots of photos. I’m not doing a booth and instead plan on spending some time filming, talking to other designers, teaching schoolhouse, and doing make and takes at the Riley Blake booth. I’m so looking forward to it!

Cheers!

Carina

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Happy Easter!

Cooking, Family, Holiday Projects / carina

Heading to Easter Dinner with these bad boys. My recipe is chocolate pudding, crushes mint milano cookies, cool whip, more pudding, crushed oreos and gummy worms to garnish. Hope you have a wonderful day!

XOXO,

Carina

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Time Flies

Family / carina

My baby is 6 months old. Where did the time go? He is snuggly, sweet, and oh so happy. Well, except for the night I hosted a Bachelor Finale party. I think he was cutting another tooth.

And as many of you recalled by cry for help here, he started sleeping from 9pm to 5am! Happy mama! Although that whole daylight savings thing sort of messed us up. Ick. Kids are tired for school and parents are grumpy in the morning. How did your kids do with daylight savings? (My fingers are crossed for you that they are fairing better than mine and, um, me).

Carina

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Photoshoot: Take 1

CRAFTS, Fabric, Family / carina

If you have ever wanted to see behind-the-scenes of a CG Photoshoot, look no further than the makeup strewn desk and light cords in the photo above. Things are down to the wire with the new website. We will be spending the coming week trying to finish up photoshoots for all the products. I’m hoping this is the only shoot that involves me and I can be behind the camera for everything else.

I can’t tell you how excited I am for the new site! Fingers crossed we can make it happen. When I look at the week and I see every second filled in, I tell myself to breathe and take it one day at a time.

More pictures to follow!

Carina

PS. Today’s the last day to get entered into the So Noted giveaway on Facebook. Make sure to enter by leaving a comment!

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Our New Office

2 Comments / Carina Gardner TV, Family, Sewing Patterns / carina

Our tiny home had finally forced me to consider other options for all the inventory and tchotchkes in my office. So I started looking for space in October. I finally settled on an “in between” office…something small, affordable, and well, across the street from my house. I don’t know how long I can be in this space, but it is perfect for now.

Josh and I have been moving boxes for nearly two months now and trying to settle in. He finally finished building the last shelf today, and I’m hoping to get the CGTV channel set up so we can beginning filming again.

It’s been nice to have a quiet space to work (Although as seen in above picture—sometimes much of the family is trompin’ around this place. I’m trying to check the Art of Digital Design 2 forums in the picture). Josh and I switch off days in the office.

And, about that… You might be hearing from Josh once-in-a-while on the blog now too. Josh has officially joined my company and is taking over a couple of divisions (namely sewing pattern distribution and this). I sort of reached my breaking point in December after I had pulled 3 all nighters and averaged 2 hours of sleep a night. Between the baby and the growth at CGInc, I knew things needed to change. So we took the scary leap, and Josh left his law firm. My New Year’s hope is that we are stronger as a family and get to spend more time with our kids.

Because of this, I hope to be blogging a little more as well as letting you in on our day-to-day happenings. Things are always crazy around here as we juggle the company and the kids, but good. Oh so good. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Want to follow Josh on instagram? He’s @joshtgardner and he’ll probably catch me scratching my head over the computer or giggling as I try to record a new class (and thereby, having to re-record the segment).

From a very excited mommy designer,

Carina

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Braided

Family, Stuff I Love / carina

I braided Felicity’s hair today. It’s a rare feat because I’m so enamored by her curls that I hate putting it up.

So here it is and you can be amazed (as I am) that this child is 1/4th Chinese. Who would have guessed I could get two red heads?

To get this “do”, braid a side-french braid and then tuck “up” the remaining hair on the side. Flissa’s hair is pretty long so there was a lot to “tuck up.”

I’m kind of digging the back bit all braided up these days. You can see I don’t get super precise about my braiding—I sort of let it all be loosy-goosey.

I think I may also try to bring back french twists…

Carina

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2012 Recap Via Instagram

Family / carina

Finally getting around to my recap of 2012! I decided to do it via Instagram instead of blogposts this year because there are so many things I captured on Instgram that I didn’t put on the blog. Follow my Instagram feed by searching for @carinagardner. You can also check out these photos (comments and likes) on the web at http://instagram.com/carinagardner.

(from left to right, top to bottom…read my comments at http://instagram.com/carinagardner)

1. February 2012 | Logged into Instagram for the first time. Captured a newly finished quilt using my Dress Up™ fabric collection.
2. Felicity piecing a little Dainty Blossoms™ quilt.
3. Made a cameo in Where Women Create Magazine
4. Featured as one of Utah’s Top 40 Entrepreneurs
5. March 2012 | Pregnant and wielding a drill on my tradeshow booth.
6. April 2012 | New 5D Mark II for all the photoshoots
7. May 2012 | Spring Quilt Market in Kansas City. Starting to look a lot more preggers here.
8. June 2012 | Press checks for Carta Bella’s Paris Girl (just our second line!)
9. What’s this I see? A few CG sewing patterns in Material Girls Quilt Shop?
10. July 2012 | My tradeshow booth retooled for Summer CHA in Chicago. 5 weeks to go until baby arrives.
11. August 2012 | Songbird™ hits my bed
12. Last minute nesting. Staple gun + fabric = new chair.
13. Baby boy is born!
14. September 2012 | Strike offs of my April 2013 line Remember
15. Happy 12th anniversary to us!
16. Fall has come and we cart ourselves off to Cornbelly’s
17. October 2012 | I brew and brew for the little witches
18. Charlie and I pose for a mirror shot
19. I decorate.
20. I force small children to pose.
21. I take many photos of baby boy and force instagram followers to coo.
22. I decorate some more.
23. November 2012 I visit Snow College to talk to their Entrepreneurial Program. So honored!
24. My line Happy Little Moments™ for Carta Bella ships!
25. We eat turkey as big as Siri.
26. Lindsay and I start to make Christmas stuff.
27. I tease everyone with the hint that I am working on secret stuff. Still secret.
28. December 2o12| I sponsor a Smashball.
29. Family cuddle session
30. Just cause she is so pretty
31. Proof that I do something neat to my hair once in a while.
32. More photos of my new baby. Inevitable, right?
33. Spotted from CG and PY patterns
34. Ya, I know.
35. January 2013 | Starting the year off right by finally going on vacation. Dumbo is happy we came.

XOXO—Carina

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Finally Christmas

Family / carina

We FINALLY put up a tree. With one week to go, we are finally feeling the Christmas spirit here in the Gardner household.

Two exhausted parents sat by as their 5 and 8 year old decorated the tree. However they liked. So that made for bottom-heavy decorations. And a lot of pink. Josh says that it’s the most authentic tree we’ve ever had. I think he’s right. Maybe we parents should stay out of the way more often.

We didn’t even bother to put the lights on the tree (or turn the lights on outside that have been up all year for that matter). We did, however, plug the lights in so Charlie could see them.

Wishing you a Very Merry Holiday this year! I know I’m going to make the most of this coming week of Christmas!

From Christmas-slakerville,
Carina

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Witch and Wizard Party—Kids Halloween Party

4 Comments / Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Holiday Projects, UPDATES FROM CARINA / carina

Saturday I threw a Witch & Wizard Party for my kids. I have to admit that I didn’t come up with the idea. My niece Caroline gave Siri a card inviting her to a pretend witch party a couple of months ago(which btw never happened). But the idea got stuck in my girls’ heads, and they asked if we could have a witch party. How could I say no?

This party was relatively easy to plan and prepare for. I used a few of my own ideas as well as ideas I found online. I’ve given you links and recipes here in case you decide you want to have your own witch party.

(WARNING: This is a photo-heavy post and if you show your kids, they WILL want a Halloween party too!)

The main activity for this party was potion-brewing. “Making potions” has been a popular activity in our family ever since Siri read Ivy and Bean. There is something so magical for kids about mixing, pouring, stirring, and imagining up spells! Grandma and cousins all have been into the “potion-making,” which has sometimes resulted in the most amazing messes. If you want an activity that your kids will completely adore, you will want to try potion-making at your party!

DECORATE
I basically created two areas for this party: the game area and the potion brewing station. The games were played on a quilt under a tree in our backyard and the potion station was on the patio. Here are some of the highlights:
1. My new favorite idea: Using wrapping paper as a table cloth. I used a black and white polka dot that I found at Home Goods. The great thing about this paper? Also great for other parties that are not halloween themed.
2. I purchased a couple of skulls from my local craft store to place on the tables for added “spookiness.”
3. I dislike silk flowers except at Halloween. These black hydrangeas were cute on the food table.
4. I used my Carta Bella All Hallow Eve’s Line for place mats. Easiest place mats ever! Add a Swizzle spoon (usually for cocktails…I got mine from the World Market) and a green glass bowl (aka caldron) from Tai Pan Trading and we are ready to mix!
5. I used glass vases I had from around the house and mixed in some little bottles with corks from Michaels and more green bottles from Tai Pan Trading. I placed them all in the center of the table with the skulls and some flowers.
6. I set up a quilt and decorative crepe paper balls (purchased at Tai Pan Trading) under a tree for all our games and activities. Plus, it felt way more witchy!
7. I used a number of different food colorings to make the potions more inviting. Just pour a single drop of food coloring at the bottom then pour in water.
8. This fancy feathered own is a witch or wizard’s best friend. Purchased at Michaels.

(Photo above) Paper from All Hallow’s Eve is used as a place mat for potion brewing. (Photo below) The table is set with all the potions in the center of the table and food on a side table. Siri, Felicity, and Eva check out the bottles before the rest of the guests arrive.

EAT
There is nothing like kid-friendly food that is as fun to look at as it is to eat. Here’s what we had:
1. Bloody worm tonic. Recipe: Sprite + Maraschino cherry syrup + Pick with a gummy worm
2. Mummy hot dogs with baby carrots. The Mummy hot dogs are made from puffed pastry wrapped around hot dogs.
3. Witch Cupcakes. Idea from of Martha Stewart.
4. Candy Corn flower Cupcakes. This is a simple way to decorate your cupcakes with m&ms and candy corn.
5. Microwave Witch Carmel Corn (Recipe below) I used All Hallow’s Eve stickers on the bags.
6. Oreo spiders.

MICROWAVE WITCH CARMEL CORN RECIPE
Ingredients
4 Microwavable bags of Blast O Butter Popcorn
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup margerine
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 tablespoons of black food dye
M&Ms

Instructions
Pop the popcorn using the instructions on the bag. Place all the popcorn in a large brown paper bag.

Over medium heat, mix all the other ingredients except the M&Ms. Once everything is combined, cool for a few minutes (2-5 minutes).

Pour syrup over the popcorn in the bag. Roll down the top once or twice to close the bag, and shake to coat the corn. Dump the popcorn out onto waxed paper, and let cool until coating is set. Store in an airtight container.

GAMES
To make life easy, this party was kept simple by starting with games on the quilt, moving to the potion station on the patio, then having dinner (also at the potions table), and then ending with a movie in the house (we watched The Nightmare Before Christmas).
1-3. BINGO: We played Bingo using the Haunted Digital Bingo Card Printables and Candy Corn. Once you got bingo you could eat the row of candy corn!
4-5. TREASURE HUNTING: Yes, witches like to dig for treasure too! The tubs were purchased from Michaels (for 99 cents!) and sand from Home Depot. Rings, jewels, and other little trinkets were hidden in the buckets.
6-8. BOBBING FOR DONUTS: Hang a donut in a tree and the witches will happily try to eat them. This is a great activity to start with as guests arrive.

(Photo left-above) Felicity works hard as she “bobs” for her donut. (Photo right-above) The best surprise with when Grandma Mary showed up dressed as a witch as well!!! Best grandma!!

(Photo left-below) Gracie is still looking for treasure as the bigger kids play bingo. (Photo right-below) I call out the numbers for bingo as the kids place their candy corn. The simple decorations make this spot in the yard feel festive!

POTIONS
When I asked my kids what their favorite part of the party was, the answer was unanimous—Potions! To set up your own potions table, here’s what you will need:
Glass bottles (I used clear and green ones in different sizes)
Bowls or cauldrons (the green bowls were nice because they were festive but the kids could still see what colors they were pouring in).
Spoons for mixing
Food coloring (red, black, green, blue, yellow)
Other mix ins (At this party I bought Halloween sprinkles and candy like candy bones, orange & black sprinkles, gummy skulls, candy bats, and leaf sprinkles. We have also in the past used flour and sugar for making potions.)
A pitcher (to refill empty bottles)

As the kids mix the potions, the adults refilled the bottles (so keep the food coloring and pitcher nearby). I just let the kids dump their potions into the grass next to patio when they were ready to start a new potion (yes, it makes a mess but that’s why I chose things the kids would either eat, would wash away, or I could throw into the trash).

(Photo above) Siri is excited to start potion making. While “brewing” the kids were saying things like, “Will you pass me the dead toes, please?” (Photos below) Eva, Siri, and Felicity play on the blanket under the tree. My niece Lola mixes her potion.

(Photo above) Felicity brews a rather nasty looking spell! (Photos below) Felicity and Lola pose for my Instagram picture (@carinagardner)!

Hope you were inspired and you have a Happy Halloween!

XOXO—Carina

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Pregnancy Photos

4 Comments / Family / carina

I can’t believe that these photos were taken only 5 short weeks ago. I’m so happy I pushed us up into the mountains two days before I had Charlie to capture that large belly.

I’m putting this out into the universe because I’m curious about recovery time for other mommys who have had C-Sections. How long before you feel like you have recovered? This time around I have a continuing pain on one side of the incision, and I’m wondering if this is normal. Any of you had this experience?

As we are all in babyland, I still have no real routine. Blogging is sporadic, working occurs in the middle of the night (the only time there is a quiet moment), the house is a wreak, and I feel pretty successful if I have managed to make dinner…so basically, things are pretty normal around here!

Here are some of the good stuff happening in the studio theses days:

+ I got strike-offs for my line Remember (coming January 2013) for Riley Blake. You are going to love! (Check the instagram feed in the sidebar to see a sneak peek!)

+ We are finalizing our Winter CHA line up at Carta Bella. We also will be showing our Valentine’s line soon!

+ There is a video that has yet to be edited on the High Tea Soirée Dress for CGTV. Hoping I will be able to get it up soon! If you need some Halloween inspiration, click on the link and watch Lindsay and I in costume!

+ I am gearing up to start teaching Art of Digital Design 2 again. I plan on starting the class mid-January 2013 with it going on sale in November. I haven’t taught it since 2011 so I’m excited to run it again!

+ We are continuing our $1 Sale at JessicaSprague.com on Wednesdays! New releases are on Mondays!

XOXO—Carina

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He’s Here!

5 Comments / Family / carina

If you follow on instagram (@carinagardner), you’ve already seen a bit of the boy, but here is the official blog announcement:). Charles Thomas Gardner will be called Charlie and is currently adored by all 4 other members of his family. Rosy (the cat) may be the only one who feels that his presence has been less than special (she may have realized she is a second class citizen after all).

I’m recovering and Charlie is healthy (and very snuggly!). We are trying to find a routine, and I’ll admit that the balance is going to be pretty difficult to find.

But we’re already back to work (Susan has been pulling some long shifts!) and I’m trying to snuggle, attend to business, and design all at once (which BTW means that many emails go out with all lowercase letters…I don’t always have a hand available to hold down the shift key).

Either way, I’m going to do my best to enjoy this very short period where this little one is, well, little.

From a happy and sleepy mommy,

Carina

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Nesting

2 Comments / Fabric, Family, Paris and Company Fabric Line, Riley Blake, Sewing / carina

I begrudgingly decided it was time to get a new computer. Besides running really slow, it turns out my love for the 17″ MacBook Pro is outdated. So I settled on a 15″ that I was assured will make me faster. With baby boy on the way, I knew all the “down time” I currently spend just letting things “run” needed to end. So my “old” Mac and “new” Mac both went to the doctor for a data transfer this weekend.

It’s been a long time since I didn’t have access to a computer. Maybe too long…because I managed to do some much needed nesting over the weekend. I have a major list of things that will absolutely NOT happen before this child arrives in a couple of weeks, but I also have a minor list that (hopefully!), I will on get done.

One of these “to dos” was to get curtains up in my kitchen. I made these ruffle curtains out of the Paris and Company fabric that I designed for Riley Blake (released out this last April (2012)). They are fun and pretty girly (Josh is dealing pretty well with this), and match the light blue chairs I painted for the breakfast nook.

I also managed to spend a good deal of my time catching up with the Olympics and Pinterest. My obsession for white colonial-style houses and lots of bright colors is evident.

In the coming weeks, I may be a little busy with our new adventure which may result in fewer blog posts. But my obsession with Instagram (follow carinagardner) should keep those of you who want to see the Carta Bella-Riley Blake-Jessica Sprague.com-Sewing Pattern-More Licensing(Yikes!)-Gardner Family-adventures in the loop.

XOXO- Carina

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Fourth of July 2012

Family, Stuff I Love / carina

We ditched our usual Fourth of July traditions to hang out at home. I’m going a little slower these days and a middle-of-the-week holiday seemed like a good excuse to stay at home, enjoy the neighborhood breakfast, and family BBQ.

Breakfast date + Dinner date = Lunchtime nap.

Other than napping, Siri and Felicity helped me make peach ice cream and shuck corn. Sounds rather summer-y, right?

We also decorated bikes to be in the two minute neighborhood bike parade. Crepe paper and my fringe scissors were a cheap way to get by (Yes, the bike below is NOT one of my kids’).

Hope you had a fab holiday too!

—Carina

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New Lines

Carta Bella Paper, Family, Scrapbooking / carina

Today I have been getting production files ready, getting ready for CHA, and a lot of other general fun stuff for Carta Bella. I also announced two new lines for Carta Bella. Go check out my blogpost for that reveal here.

In the midst of getting the new lines ready, I managed to take the girls to the park for a couple of hours. They have been asking since April to play in the creek (it was too cold then and I wouldn’t let them dip their toes in). So today was an indulgence.

To be honest, my only goal this summer is to get out for a couple of hours a day so that the girls and I can relish in our last summer of freedom (ironic because of my current working schedule). Either way, it’s our last summer of “big girls only” and I want them (and me) to really cherish it.

The girls playing in the creek today reminded me of growing up in Tennessee. It seemed like we used to play in creeks a lot and explore the woods behind our backyard. Oh, and catch fireflies at night. I tried to explain that to the girls the other night, and they asked when they would get to catch fireflies. I had to explain to them that we didn’t have fireflies to catch in Utah. It made me a little sad.

It also reminded me to lug my camera around a lot more this summer. First because I need to make sure the girls have photos of what we did this summer. And second, because I have an awful lot of scrapbooking papers to use up!

So here’s to fireflies and rambling! Hope you are enjoying your summer too!

Carina

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A Day Away

Family, Giveaways / carina

I am currently packing for our trip to Quilt Market and am running around (perhaps not like a chicken with it’s head cut off, but it’s close) completely nervous I’m going to forget something (as evidence of the lengthy schedule I’ve handed out to several family members). I’m only a day away, and I know the moment I get to Kansas City, I WILL have forgotten something, and it’s going to be just fine. But until then, I will worry.

I didn’t hop on here to tell you about my worry-habits or even to show off how cute my big girl is becoming (an indulgence on my part), but to tell you that there is a happy bundle of fabric being given away at Carta Bella. Expect a little from Samantha, Deena, and myself. It’s the final day of prizes going on at the blog and facebook since our launch a couple of weeks ago (my, how time flys!). Hope you get a chance to win it! I believe there will be another giveaway towards to the end of the month so you might as well join now!

Will be in soon to tell you all about QM!

Carina

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Easter Brunch

1 Comment / Family / carina

This morning we got the family together for a little Easter egg hunt and brunch. I was grateful for the beautiful weather and how excited all the cousins were to get together. It definitely makes me feel like spring is officially here despite the snow we had yesterday.

It’s a lovely end to the girls’ spring break.

Happy Easter!

Carina

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Weekends and Blueberry Crumb Cake

1 Comment / Cooking, Family, UPDATES FROM CARINA / carina

I always look forward to the weekend—I work a little less, have Josh around, and get around to cooking more. A couple of weekends ago, I started making the Barefoot Contessa’s Blueberry Crumb Cake. It’s totally divine, light, and could be breakfast or dessert (a major plus). A new cake is baking as I type so that when I get done with this post, I’ll be digging into a little bit of sweet.

This weekend, we finished setting up the tradeshow booth for Quilt Market. Sure, it’s a month and a half away, but this is my first time and I wanted to be sure to get it write. You can check out a couple of the instagram pictures on my sidebar or on my facebook page. Yes, I know that doesn’t give you the full picture of what we are up to, but I’m taking lots of pictures now and we’ll show off closer to the show.

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With the tradeshow coming up, you can bet I’ll be in full swing sewing soon with my new line Songbird due out in June. Of course in the meantime, I’m still sewing up some lovely stuff for Paris and Company (out this April!). The lines are totally different, which makes deciding how I want to use them that much more fun!

And there’s the oven timer going off! Hope you are having a lovely weekend too! —Carina

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Obsessions

2 Comments / Cooking, Family / carina

I can almost hear Julie Roberts saying, “Benedict!” in Runaway Bride. I’ve been making these nearly everyday for a couple of weeks. I think you can safely call that an obsession.

I always order the traditional eggs benedict at our family’s favorite neighborhood diner The Blue Plate. Instead of hitting it up everyday for a week, I ran to the grocery store and picked up all the ingredients. I know that I personally have been scared of poaching eggs in the past. The real trick is PLENTY of vinegar in boiling water. I’ve sometimes underdone the amount of vinegar and the egg goes everywhere. Stack the toasted English muffin, a slice of Canadian bacon, a slice of tomato, and the poached egg. Finally, I drizzle some not so homemade hollandaise sauce on top (I am lazy and just buy the premade packet. Add butter and milk, and it’s finished in a couple of minutes!).

I have plenty of other obsessions but this one is at the top of the list right now.

It’s been a delicious couple of weeks! Happy eating to you too! —Carina

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Instagram and Other Such Things

Family, Interviews / carina

I took the plunge last week and put the Instagram App on my iPhone. I’ll admit that I was a little terrified of using it so it took me a few days to pull it out and really try it. But after taking a couple of pictures, linking it up to my Facebook page (and I love that you can choose which photos get posted), messing around with all the cool filters, and checking out everyone else’s photos—well, I think I’m addicted.

If you want to check out my Instagram feed, you can subscribe to my user handle carinagardner. I also found that SnapWidget is the most user-friendly blog widget (see on my sidebar).

in.to.it.

I think I am digging Instagram because it’s like a mini blog post. I get to see what everyone is up to in a single image. I (personally) prefer a picture to a tweet. It says so much more about what you are up to, how you live, and what your life is all about.

To narrator the photo above—That is a picture of the Spring 2012 Issue of Where Women Create Magazine. The photo has me looking pretty tan/sunburned in the middle of winter. I can ASSURE you, that I’m amazingly pasty white. Not in a good way. In my dreams I would look even a smidgeon that tan. If you get a chance to snag this fabulous magazine, you can find this pic in the Riley Blake Studio section.

And the photo to the left is of my Siri-girl sewing together a quilt. I have a new appreciation and love for 5 1/2 inch pre cut blocks. They are the best for little rugrats to create with. Both the girls sewed mini quilts while I cut bias for my new quilt. Yesterday was the first day I really saw the value of having two sewing machines in the studio. It was nice to not have to volley for my Bernina since Siri was all ready to go on her Singer.

Happy photo taking to you too!—Carina

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Quilted Pillows Using Dainty Blossoms

CRAFTS, Dainty Blossoms Fabric Line, Fabric, Family / carina

If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Cutting Corner, you are really missing out. It’s a blog sponsored by Riley Blake Designs with all sorts of free tutorials and patterns. I just found this darling pillow tutorial using my Dainty Blossoms™ fabric line and had to share.

I myself have yet to make it down to the warehouse to pick up my bolts of this new line. I know that it is currently being shipped to stores. Have you seen it yet?

I know I’ve been a bit MIA this January, but ’tis the season for sickness. My family can’t seem to get healthy. So much has gone to the wayside as Flissa has been fighting a week-long fever that also involves strep. We’ve never seen anything this bad and ended up in the ER one night with her. Turns out she is just a kid that can run high fevers (107 degrees!—ya, we were freaked out.). Hoping that everyone starts feeling better before I head out to CHA this weekend…and here’s to hoping I don’t catch anything either!

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First of the Year

4 Comments / FABRIC & QUILTING, Family, Sewing Patterns / carina

It’s a couple of weeks into the New Year and it feels as if the busy from Christmas never really ended. I’m hankering to slow down, and with my little sis in town and my own health a little down, I’m planning to get a little more rest over the weekend.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that we had a much needed makeover here at the .com. I’m sighing with relief that it is mostly finished although there are still a couple of formatting things that are bugging me. But for the most part, the site is making me happy, it’s easier than ever to find stuff, and it absolutely feels like a fresh new year!

So here’s what we’ve been up to:

– Siri turned 8 (Just writing the number made me feel my age!). The pic to the left is her with all her wild-woman hair. That little face makes my heart smile! I haven’t even pulled all the pics off my camera to show you the party we threw. Soon…

– I’ve been preparing for Designer Workshop like mad! I’ve been happy that we have an even portion of seasoned designers with new designers. It’s going to be awesome!

– We have been shipping the new sewing patterns for a week now. If I thought that we had a lot of patterns before, well, I’ve probably reached my sewing pattern limit at the moment as my basement is currently overflowing. My very good husband got all of those patterns in and organized—no small task.

– I’ve had comments on whether I’ll be spilling the beans of my secret paper project at CHA. The sad answer is no. I will be attending CHA though for a couple of short days. And really, there are only a few months left before I will be opening up about my goings ons. I think you will enjoy! It’s taken me a long time to figure out my path in paper, and I’m excited to be able to open up in a few short months about what I will be doing.

– I have a new mentoring program available at JessicaSprague.com. It’s call Designer’s One-on-One Workshop. I thought it would be the next best step for those who are seeking to work more on their fabric, paper, marketing, and digital scrapbooking designs. It’s also a great intermediary step between Art of Digital Design 2 and whatever else I may decide to teach.

Hope your New Year was full of fun new resolutions and plenty of happiness!

Carina

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Happy Holidays

2 Comments / Family, Holiday Projects / carina

Wishing you the most wonderful holiday season and with hopes and wishes for a beautiful 2012! Thank you for being a part of our lives!

XOXO—Carina, Josh, Siri, and Felicity

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Pinfeathers Fabric and Sweetwater Frames Giveaway

44 Comments / Fabric, Family, Giveaways, Holiday Projects / carina

Monday morning after a long weekend of fun (tomorrow I’ll post about it). But for now, I wanted to help you win some more fabric and a lovely frame from Sweet Water Frames.

On the giveaway table today is a full fat quarter set of Pinfeathers Peacock Blue fabrics (9 fabrics in all) and Sweet Water Frame’s 3×3 Rasley Ornament in Green apple (shown below). All you have to do is leave a comment on this thread to be entered to win BOTH of these.

I believe I have talked about Sweetwater Frames here before. Last week I finally ordered our family pictures for the custom 24″ x 36″ frame I purchased from them. It looks amazing over my antique piano (See my frame below). I purchased the Powell in antique white, but I’m so in love with the black frames, I can see myself coming back for more!

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That green apple is ADORABLE isn’t it? And my frame isn’t bad either:). Btw, because I know you are going to ask, the family portrait was taken by my lovely assistant Susan.

So leave a comment to get the green frame and some Pinfeathers!

XOXO-Carina

PS. This giveaway ends on Sunday, December 18th!

Pinfeathers Fabric and Sweetwater Frames Giveaway Read More »

Winners of Baby Safari and Giveaway for Dress Up Fabric

17 Comments / Fabric, Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Giveaways, Sewing, Stuff I Love / carina

Thank you to everyone who entered the Baby Safari Giveaway! Reading what everyone was doing this holiday season was so inspiring and touched my heart! I had a horrible time deciding, and I implore you to continue to enter the giveaways during this month since I wanted so badly to give every one of you a fat quarter set!

Here are the winners from the blog:

Rosemary says:

This is THE BEST pumpkin pie I’ve ever tasted. It’s the one my family requests to have for Thanksgiving from now on. Happy Baking {Pumpkin Praline Pie Recipe in the comments! I might have to give this one a try! Thanks for sharing Rosemary!}

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April says:

This holiday we are trying to have a homemade Christmas. One of my daughters is helping me make quilts for almost everyone . . . a big project. It is hard to find things to make for men so we are really thinking hard on that one. We have a new baby in the family so I thought your fabrics would be fun to do something with. Have a great holiday and thank you for sharing your creativity with us and all your fun ideas and art work.

That’s a big project April! Men’s fabrics are so DIFFICULT (Believe me as I have been trying to work on a fabric line for “big boys.”) Hopefully, these fabrics help a bit with the “little boys” in your life!

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Vanessa B says:

A few years ago we started a new family tradition in the spirit of giving and the holidays that each one of us would do at least 1 good deed and then speak about it during Christmas Dinner…so Im looking forward to the holiday meal and hearing what each has done out of the kindness of their hearts for someone they know or a complete stranger. Turns out my family is very kind, even to strangers :-) I would luv to win these fabrics, Thanks for the chance!

Vanessa, your family tradition melts my heart! Oh, if we all could just be a little kinder during the hoildays (and throughout the year!). What a sweet tradition!

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Martine says:

Hopefully ithis year it will be a fertile Christmas…Just before Christmas our IVF program will end, maybe next year there will be a small family under the tree!

Martine, I’m wishing you the best of luck in this!!!

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Here are the winners from the Facebook Page:

Jasa Clos says:

We will just be enjoying having Jake home this year, he was in Iraq for Christmas last year and opened gifts over skype. I have a new little neighbor that sure would enjoy a new quilt and the fabrics are just great.

Bless your heart! So happy for you will have Jake back and I hope you enjoy the fabrics!

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Gemma Robillard says

Beautiful – what a nice giveaway!! I would love to give these to my mom since she’s a new quilter and making gorgeous quilts. Hey, that’s a nice Christmas gift! ;).

How sweet are you? I hope you both get to enjoy them!

Winners: Please email me at carina@carinagardner.com with your address and we will have these sent out ASAP!

Thank you again for all of your comments—for sharing how you plan to slow down, your recipes (Meg, I WILL be trying to make that apple crisp!), how you are going to cuddle with the ones you love, travel, and play in the snow! (We are also enjoying the recent downfall here in SLC.)

It was so hard to decide on who to choose for this last giveaway, that the rest of the upcoming freebies will be chosen by the random number generator:). lol. Less pressure on me! Just keep those wonderful, inspiring comments rolling!

This week I’m giving away two FULL sets of Dress Up—yep, that is 11 juicy fat quarter fabrics in each set! This giveaway will end on Friday. (That would be Nov. 25, Black Friday, Sale Day, National Standing-in-Line Day, Left-Over Turkey Day, and any other name you can give it..)

Tell me your favorite Thanksgiving Food in the comments below to be entered!

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Red Blanky

2 Comments / Fabric, Family / carina

I’ve been working in an amazing mess, but finally the shelving is up so I am no longer walking on fabric. And yes, that sewing machine is sitting in it’s new spot, but no, I cannot show you anything else because the mess around that one spot is in-cred-i-ble. Seriously.

Plus we’re only in phase one of the studio makeover so everything else now gets to come down (one mess at a time!).

So the picture at the top of this post it really to highlight the project I have been working on. I have a new favorite website— Spoonflower. It’s a site that lets you uploaded your own custom designs to be turned into fabric. It has saved my life since Siri wanted me to “recreate” her red blanky.

I’ve mentioned Siri’s red blanky before here. Last year, red blanky was so ragged and beaten (partially because it was my red blanky first before it got passed on to Siri) that my mom cut it up and placed it into a quilt so Siri would still be able to snuggle it.

Apparently, good intentions have turned against me. Siri has been pretty weepy since we “preserved” red blanky.

She can’t understand why I won’t just have one of my manufacturers make me some new red blanky fabric, but as you can see, this is not the, um, prettiest fabric in the world. Okay, I’ll say it—it’s downright hideous. But I love it and she loves it, so forget pretty.

I scanned in the old fabric (now in quilt blocks) and reworked the pattern in Photoshop to make it repeat. I sent it off to Spoonflower and whola! New red blanky! The top photo is the new blanky and you can check it against the “before” photo there with Siri five years ago.

Not a bad match—even if I do say so myself.

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Just Testing

2 Comments / Family, Jessica Sprague / carina

My favorite little testers did a run-through of the painting portion of my Spraguefest class.

Results: If the testers can mix colors correctly, than so can Spraguelets! However, I refuse to give Spraguelets a bath after said painting mess.

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She sews

4 Comments / Family, Sewing / carina

And she sews and sews. Prefers sewing to homework. I don’t blame her.

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John Denver

10 Comments / Family / carina

I’m allowing myself a personal moment. I can do that on my blog, right? Yesterday at the library I happened across a John Denver CD. I haven’t listened to John Denver in an age, but it always reminds me of the huge music book we had sitting on our old player piano growing up.

So today, while cutting vegetables for stirfry, I popped in the CD and turned it to Annie’s Song. It’s like all the memories from my childhood came to the forefront—the memories that I had somehow stifled in the past years. The happy memories of childhood. Running in from school and getting a snack at the kitchen island from my mom. Learning how to cook with my mom (and hating all the cutting). My mom in the kitchen making bread while I practiced the piano in the dining room.

Before I knew it was crying over the chopped carrots. The irony that I was making stirfry wasn’t lost on me (my mother is Chinese). Turns out… Annie’s Song reminds me of my mom.

And it’s a bit unfortunate, but I don’t have the kind of relationship with my mother that allows me to just call her up and tell her I love her. Let’s just say, it’s complicated. Which probably had me crying even harder.

I hope to goodness that my daughters will be able to call me whenever they want to tell me how much they love me. (Ya. That probably made the sobbing even worse).

Well, if you ever read this, Mom, I love you.

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Playhouse to Clubhouse

5 Comments / Fabric, Family, Holiday Projects, Sewing, Stuff I Love / carina

We got a Costco playset in April, which has kept my kids outside most of the summer. I had this idea that I was going to make it more of a “clubhouse” by making curtains for it.

Fast forward to yesterday (aka 4 months later). I picked up Amanda’s red polka dot laminate at Riley Blake’s warehouse. I was so excited that I stayed up late into the night to pound grommets into the curtains (much harder than I anticipated). I’m hoping the laminate holds up okay outside. I’ll probably pull the curtains down before winter and bring them inside for a good washing.

I might have given in and decided it was time to just buy a drill (instead of borrowing the neighbor’s) to install the curtain rods. Maybe I was tired of digging in someone else’s garage. Or maybe I decided that a girl just needs a drill of her own. The three of us headed to Home Depot this afternoon to get some hardware for installing the Tacksam Curtain rod sets from Ikea ($3.99 a rod).

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Now Siri can sell in her “shop” better than ever. Although she has informed me that they will still be making potions down there (but now they can close the curtains so that the non-witches will not steal the recipes).