UPDATES FROM CARINA Archives

Carina Gardner Quarterly Newsletter (Issue No. 4)

2 Comments / CRAFTS, Fabric, Scrapbooking, Sewing, Sewing Patterns, Stuff I Love, Tutorials / carina

FINALLY! We’ve finished our fourth issue of our newsletter! Better late than never, right?

I think this is our best issue so far. First of all, there are a LOT of photos. And tutorials. And photos. And an announcement (which links to ANOTHER digital magazine). And did I mention photos?

It’s seriously delicious!

Susan has already posted a bit on getting ready for this crazy photoshoot (see it here). I can tell you right now that we had so many amazing photos that I’m not going to be able to resist posting them.

But first, click on the newsletter to the left here and take a peek at all the fun we were up to in the studio.

https://carinagardner.com/newsletter/carina-gardner-newsletter-issue-no-4/

More photos to come!

Carina Gardner Quarterly Newsletter (Issue No. 4) Read More »

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).

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Typography

5 Comments / Design Lessons, Stuff I Love / carina

I’ve been knee-deep in writing Art of Digital Design II. That means wading through my library of typography books. Trying to pick out the essentials for a single lesson (when I usually teach an entire semester) is certainly a challenge.

In the midst of writing last night, I popped over to my friend Melissa Esplin’s blog and noticed that she had an awesome post on type. It’s very fun! She also references this post on type from Goodlookcookbook. Type-nerdiness! It warms my heart!

Here’s my addition to their lists—my personal favorites that I wish I saw more of!

Typography Read More »

Summertime Fun

Family / carina

Some of the things we have been up to:

The day before Fourth of July at Grandma Mary’s for dinner and sparklers

Bike parade and backyard birthday party

All braided up for a hike up to Silver Lake

This manly guy wearing a pink backpack.

And the adventure to get out of the canyon (we saw three moose in total on the way out!)

Summertime Fun Read More »

Carina Gardner Sewing Pattern Giveaway at the Boutique Cafe

1 Comment / Fabric, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Interviews, Quilt Market, Sewing, Sewing Patterns / carina

At Quilt Market this last May I had the opportunity to visit with Daria at the Boutique Café. She has the interview up and a giveaway of one my sewing patterns. You’ll notice I make a big announcement about where my fabric is going at the end of the interview (did you catch it?). We will officially announce and show you some yummy samples of the new fabric line in our next newsletter.

Speaking of sewing patterns, I’m in the middle of finishing up two more patterns! I hope to have them finished up by the end of the month (waiting on my Pinfeathers, Dress Up, and Baby Safari to arrive to finish them up!). I can’t wait to show you! So back to the sewing machine for me!

Carina Gardner Sewing Pattern Giveaway at the Boutique Cafe Read More »

Pinterest-My New Favorite Site

1 Comment / Stuff I Love / carina

I am new to Pinterest, but I’m already a big fan. Why do I love it? It’s like a virtual board for lots of great inspiration. Instead of spending all my time tearing out pages from my magazines, I can simply “pin” up my favorite inspirational pictures. The best part? It keeps track of the link so I can go back and remember where I got the idea.

It’s also the most gorgeous, visually-fun experience. I find myself meandering on friend’s boards and checking out all the goodies that others have found.

Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before (either that or I am sorely behind the times). Feel free to “pin” with me by following me here.

Hugs!Carina

Pinterest-My New Favorite Site Read More »

Pulled Back

3 Comments / Family / carina

Last week I went to a party and decided that I might as well try throwing my hair up.

Confession: I hate doing my own hair. I purposely have long hair so I can pull it into a ponytail everyday if I need to. I love doing Siri and Felicity’s hair (when they let me which isn’t very often).

This took five minutes and while it’s maybe not the most sleek updo, it worked for me. Just start halfway down your hair with a loose french braid. As you get a few braids down just start twisting it and tucking it underneath (super scientific, I know). I used 5 or 6 large bobby pins and I was done.

I hope everyone enjoyed ths Bloghop this last weekend! It was fun to see all the other designer’s goodies and all the fun stuff they made! I was adoring all the fun hybrid projects (I’m a sucker for those) by the CT team!

Now, I’m looking forward to 4th of July. I think we will be heading to Huntsville, UT again for our smalltown firework show. We took up the tradition after moving to Utah and missing our Stillwater, MN Fourth of July.

Do you have any great plans for this weekend or the 4th?

Hugs! Carina

Pulled Back Read More »

A Little More Conversation

Family, Stuff I Love / carina

I never get to post on my blog as much as I’d like to. That’s sad, because there are always so many fun things humming along in the studio! Sooooo, my amazing assistant Susan and I decided it might be fun for you to check out some of our projects in process. We’ll both be posting, but when I’m all tied up, she’ll be able to give you some of 411.

Check out her blog at http://onesquirrelonawire.blogspot.com/. She’s a photographer, which makes her site all the more fun! (This one is of my pushing Siri on our neighbor’s tree swing).

Enjoy!

Carina

A Little More Conversation Read More »

It’s That Time of Year

3 Comments / Family / carina

Graduations, field days, and dance recitals. Summer vacation is so close…

It’s That Time of Year Read More »

A Bit Ruffled

1 Comment / Fabric, Family, Sewing / carina

…in the best way possible of course! Susan says I get bonus points for the pom poms on top (They are kind of hard to see on the top of the lamp in these photos).

This lamp shade is a breeze to make. I think I got the shade from IKEA (a couple of years ago) and the lamp from a consignment shop. It takes two 5″ x 43″ strips of fabrics to make each ruffle (I have 5 ruffles here using my Love Nest™ fabrics). Hot glue ruffles, pom poms, and a ribbon on top and you are done. How easy was that? Into my girl’s room it goes!

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Riley Blake’s 80s Party

3 Comments / Family, Quilt Market / carina

Crimped hair, jellys, and awful blue eye shadow…classic 80s. Here we are on our way to Riley Blake’s 80s party. My brother-in-law said that Josh looks like Glenn Gulia—the resemblance IS uncanny.

I haven’t posted for a while so here’s a few things going on:

+ I have been working hard on Art of Digital Design critiques. I hope to have them finished this coming week!

+ Art of Digital Design 2 will be up at JessicaSprague.com sometime this coming month. The class will start August 22nd. Plan on some serious designwork and a series of assignments that will help take your skills to a whole new level!

+ If you are a sewing superstar, check out my 3 fabric lines coming out June-July. Of course, we will have free quilt patterns and projects on the blog and newsletter.

+ Along with new fabric lines, comes sewing patterns! Expect 3 more patterns shipped to stores in July! I am SO excited about the new children’s clothing we are introducing! Hopefully, you’ve had a chance to get your hands on one of our current patterns & checked out the beautiful packaging and easy instructions.

Happy crafting!

Carina

Riley Blake’s 80s Party Read More »

Spring Quilt Market 2011

2 Comments / CRAFTS, Fabric, Quilt Market, Quilts, Sewing, Sewing Patterns, Stuff I Love / carina

I was a happy girl at Quilt Market this weekend. Susan and Emily walked the show with me and we have a fabulous time! It was nice to have market in town (here in SLC). Here’s a sampling of my Friday (prepare yourself for a long and picture-heavy post!):

This was fun! My little bio at Northcott and a few of my patterns on display at The Pattern Peddler’s booth.

The absolutely delicious Riley Blake booth! And I feel silly because I completely forgot to take pictures of the Little Miss Suntop and Skirt model & the High Tea Soiree Dress model while I was hanging out. I’ll get photos of them when I pick them up.

(You know that Riley Blake is giving away this Beach Cruiser, right?)

Susan was cracking us all up with her enthusiasm! Here she is getting a Moda tattoo. Classic Susan!

And me forcing her to pose in a window frame.

Those gorgeous hats (above) are a new pattern by Amanda of the Quilted Fish. Seriously, adorable!

Here’s one of my new favorite people-Rebeckah Merkle. Here booth was fab and she was sweet too! She has a new line with Timeless Treasures.

This fabulous footwear belongs to Anna Marie Horner’s daughter. Anna Marie passed on some serious style to her daughter.

If you attended market, you might have joined in the All Dolled Up contest that was going on. This fabulous quilt was at one of those booths. And that flower…well, how could I NOT take a photograph of it? Of course, I have no idea what booth it was in.

Me with the extremely nice Joel Dewberry. The amazing frame and mini quilt are by Gigi’s Thimble.

Emily in total bliss as she picks up EQ7!

These lovely ladies (Megan of the Brassy Apple and Daria of the Boutique Cafe) are giving away one of my Ruffle Dress Patterns! Check out their podcast interview with me in a couple of weeks at the Boutique Cafe!

Finally, I had to show you a little goodness from the Seven Islands booth. I think Susan was drooling…literally.

That’s a pretty decent sampling of my two days at market. Hopefully, I’ll get some pics up soon of Josh and me in our 80’s gear for the Riley Blake party. If I haven’t scared you away yet, that post might do it.

Happy sewing!

Carina

Spring Quilt Market 2011 Read More »

Our Family Photoshoot

1 Comment / Family / carina

We did our extended family photoshoot on Saturday and they turned out beautiful. The lovely Heather Telford shot it for us—no easy task with so many kids. It was a beautiful day (thank goodness)! I can’t wait to see all the photos.

Tomorrow is the start of my Quilt Market fiesta! I promise lots of photos and commentary. Susan, Emily, and I will be walking the floor starting Friday (tomorrow is a drop off to Riley Blake, meetings, and dinner with my dear friend and fabric designer Ro Gregg.)

Will check back in soon!-Carina

Our Family Photoshoot Read More »

Easter Sunday-A Week Late

Fabric, Family, Sewing, Sewing Patterns / carina

I’m finally getting around to posting photos from Easter. I’ve been making models of our first line of sewing patterns because the first samples I made are my girls’ favorite to wear (and therefore not suitable as models due to the daily wear and tear.)

Here they are sporting a couple of the sewing patterns with their Coquette™ church bags made from the ballet bag tutorial (photo above).

Flissa was being a stinker about taking photos, but Siri posed prettily. Mostly I just caught photos of them from behind as we walked to church.

I start work on our second set of patterns this week. They won’t be due out until July so they can be sampled up in Pinfeathers, Dress Up, and Baby Safari. I’m also hoping that I’ll get a chance to enjoy the sunshine and sit aimlessly outside a few afternoons this week. Fingers crossed!

XOXO-Carina

Easter Sunday-A Week Late Read More »

Pinwheel Coquette Quilt by Emily Harris

5 Comments / Fabric, Quilts, Sewing, Stuff I Love / carina

This quilt was made by my good friend Emily Harris (the same that made that amazing chocolate bunny cake!). These gorgeous little pinwheels were made with a fat quarter bundle of Coquette™. Isn’t it wonderful? It makes me want to pull out the sewing machine right now and start working on a quilt!

Pinwheel Coquette Quilt by Emily Harris Read More »

Flissa’s Birthday Bash

2 Comments / Family / carina

My baby turned four yesterday! Because it was Easter weekend and spring break, we celebrated with an Easter egg hunt and pizza party in our backyard. My good friend Emily, offered to make this amazing bunny cake {see photo below} (“I want a BROWN bunny, mommy,” says Felicity) and sweet little strawberry cupcakes.

It was probably the easiest little party I’ve ever thrown since the kids painted one little project, ate cake, hunted eggs, but spent most of the time playing on our new Costco playset.

I was thankful for the good weather and being forced (gulp) to get a few things cleaned up in my backyard. This is our first year of having a real vegetable garden. I’ve planted veggies before in our plot in student housing a few years back, but this feels different since I actually have a garden bed and munchkins to help me plant and water our sprouts.

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The race for Easter eggs is on!

Hope you are having a sunny and bright holiday as well!

Hugs-Carina

Flissa’s Birthday Bash Read More »

Kathy Petersen’s Art Exhibit

Stuff I Love / carina

Friday night, Josh and I attended Kathy Petersen’s art exhibit at the Phillips Gallery in downtown Salt Lake. I was a little hesitant to get out of the house after a neighborhood kid accidentally ran into me on his bike, which resulted in a black eye (the kid walked away without a bruise). Thankfully, it didn’t turn purple until Saturday so it just looked like I was squinting at the show (lol, pathetic, I know).

It was totally worth looking like a “squinter” because the show was beautiful. I am so in love with these two paintings. Josh, I’d recommend bookmarking this post for future birthdays, anniversaries…(you get the point).

When you are done drooling, head over to the Phillips Gallery display of all the paintings. Delicious!

And send me good karma so this eye will get back to normal (I still have the black stage, green and yellow stage, and…are there any other stages?).

Hugs! Carina

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The Biggest Bubbles

3 Comments / Family, Stuff I Love / carina

One of our neighbors, Joe, brought over a monster bubble maker yesterday. Joe made it for a Science Olympiad at Weber State (where Joe works). It is completely shocking to see a bubble that big!

I’m not completely sure how Joe made these bubbles, but the “bubble maker” is made from two golf clubs (that Joe got from the thrift store) and string. Joe says the string needs to be sturdy but absorbent enough for the bubble mix.

All of the kids were delighted and I couldn’t blame them! I would have loved to have popped a bubble that big as a kid (who am I kidding, I would like to pop a bubble that big NOW!).

The kids lined up and tried to pop the bubbles a myriad of ways….jumping, karate chopping, squirting with water…well, you get the idea.

For me the whole activity was a sign that spring was finally here…although I don’t doubt that we have one more snow storm this spring. Either way, I’m excited that spring is on it’s way!

XOXO-Carina

The Biggest Bubbles Read More »

A New Headband

Family, UPDATES FROM CARINA / carina

Unfortunately, this photo doesn’t do it justice (That’s what you get when you are trying to take a quick snapshot at night using a mirror!), but I wanted to show you this adorable headband. It is seriously sweet, and I won it at a church auction from one of my dear neighbors Brittany Moffet.

Other than wanting to show off the new headband, I wanted to show off the new lens I’ve been using. It’s March of Tools, but heaven knows I’ve been too busy to post anything about it. So here’s my “tool” of the month: the Canon 50mm f/1.8. I like the price (very cheap as far as lenses go) and how light it is.

I’ve been leaving this lens on my camera for my “all-purpose” photography: the kids at the breakfast table, shots of napkin sketches at the Blueplate Diner, and anything else that catches my fancy.

Most of the photos you are seeing on this blog these days are captured with this lens. Not shabby for an itty-bitty lens!

A New Headband Read More »

Green eggs

1 Comment / Family / carina

The St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun brought us a very green breakfast this morning…green milk, green eggs, green pancakes, and um, brown bacon (I guess I blew it on that one). The kids were unconcerned that the bacon wasn’t green (wheww!) and thrilled with the green breakfast, the green pins I let them wear, green flowers in their hair…you get the idea. In some ways, this is the best holiday because there aren’t any expectations…so if a leprechaun shows up, it’s special and fun (but not too much work for the leprechaun).

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Green eggs Read More »

Emily-happy

1 Comment / Cooking, Family / carina

That’s right—I’m obsessed with the TV show The Bachelor. I held my usual Bachelor finale party (food and anticipation in tow), and was a happy camper tonight when Brad picked Emily. Yes, you can write SUCKER on my forehead…a sucker for reality TV.

Anybody want my party leftovers?

Emily-happy Read More »

A Trip Down Memory Lane

5 Comments / Family / carina

This weekend I visited my hometown in Clarksville, Tennessee. My little sister SuiKim had recently moved there…an excuse to see the little ole town I grew up in. My other sister Yanni met me there so we could have a sisters weekend.

I moved away from Tennessee 13 years ago and probably made it home only 4 or 5 times in between. You know how everything looks so big and wonderful as a child? And then when you go back, you have to see everything with grownup eyes? It was certainly a walk (or should I say drive) down memory lane. We took photos of the homes we grew up in, homes that we wished we owned (which included a lot of barns, heehee) and visited our favorite restaurants.

This photo is of the Jade Dragon Restaurant. My parents took us there often because it was close to our house, and well, cheap. Things haven’t changed. Two huge lunches (soup and entrees!) were not only delicious, memory-inducing, and filling…but also cheap.

We also visited our old church on Sunday since baby Grant was being blessed. Yanni and I almost missed it since we had completely forgotten how to get there. Note to self, it takes 7 years or less to completely forget how to navigate your old hometown.

It was so much fun seeing people who remembered our family and gossiping with old friends…hearing everyone brag about their grandchildren and saying, “remember so and so?” Apparently, I still have the talent of completely missing Sunday School by chatting with folks in the hall. Glad I’ve been able to hold onto that talent.

A Trip Down Memory Lane Read More »

Highland Park Arts Night

2 Comments / Fabric, Family, Sewing / carina

I’ve been meaning to post these photos for a week now! Here is the finished quilt that Siri’s class made for the Highland Park Art’s Night. The kids did such a great job. Here’s the post about it.

This quilt will be up for Silent Auction at Highland Park’s Art’s Night on April 8th. It is a twin sized quilt and made up entirely of Love Nest™ with the pink paisley covering the entire back.

Here’s the math sheet I made for the class so they could talk about the different shapes made by the triangles.

I’ll check in again pretty soon since I am posting from the airport. I’m off to a little weekend with my sisters (Yippee!), which means I’ll have pictures to share.

XOXO- Carina

Highland Park Arts Night Read More »

The Oscars

Family / carina

This is probably the first time I have been excited to watch the Oscars. That’s partially because Anne Hathaway is hosting and because I’ll be rooting for The King’s Speech. It’s a beautiful film. It’s probably the most beautiful film I’ve seen in a long time. Josh will be rooting for it too. So there you have it, two thumbs up!

Are you watching? What are you hoping will win?

The Oscars Read More »

Patience, patience

1 Comment / Digital Scrapbooking, Sewing, Sewing Patterns, Stuff I Love / carina

The “patience, patience” is more to myself than anyone else. Josh always has said I’m impatient.

I guess I am.

I’ve been dying to spill all the work that has been going on in my studio for the last month and a half. We have been busy, busy, busy putting together a line of children’s sewing patterns due out in the next month. Fingers crossed I will be able to officially let you in on all the good news, but for now, all I have are little peeks into the process.

Today we took photos for one of the patterns and the photo to the left is the little clutch that goes with the one of the dresses. Both of my girls have been playing with their versions today (Thankfully even the “sample” versions are still great play things for my girls.)

Somehow the photo shoot today has made me more excited than usual to “spill the beans” on this new venture.

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Here’s a few things I’ve learned so far about the wonder of putting together sewing patterns:

* It takes a lot more time than I had any idea…by the time I have proofed it, Jamie’s proofed it, the printer’s proofed it, and then I have proofed it again…wow.
* I spend an awful lot of time looking for props for the photo shoots.
* Much longer than the actual photo shoot.
* I learned that it’s much better just to ask on facebook and the “ask and ye shall receive” effect happens.
* I combed antique shops for the eclectic tea set I put together for today’s photo shoot.
* You can barely see it in the final photo.
* I don’t care because I adore the silly set so much now.
* Antique shops make me think of more patterns I wish I had time to make, but don’t at the moment. Sigh.
* A flower shop has passed through my house.
* I have completely enjoyed having that many fresh flowers in my home.
* I have learned to easily tear apart my living room in 10 minutes or less and put it back together in the same amount of time.
* Siri likes it when I do this because it means she can use her roller blades in the only open space in the house.
* I can sew together samples faster than I had any idea I could at ridiculous hours into the night.
* I’m having so much fun that I’ve having a hard time pulling myself away from my sewing machine.
* Which means my house is a perpetual mess.
* And my studio is much worse.

Excited to show you more very soon!

XOXO, Carina

P.S. All the fans on my facebook page will be getting a new mini digi kit (yet to be revealed) once we hit 120o fans. Have you joined the page yet?

Patience, patience Read More »

Quilting With Kids

8 Comments / Fabric, Family, Sewing, Stuff I Love / carina

Tuesday, I spent the afternoon in Siri’s first-grade class making a quilt with the students for the Arts Night Fundraiser. As it turns out, even first-graders can quilt…and quilt well!

Turns out that making a quilt has all kinds of math applications too (shocking! educational AND fun!). We looked for patterns and shapes (parallelogram, anyone?). After laying out the quilt, each student sewed together two blocks and then they helped piece together several rows.

You’ve got to love the kids’ reactions to the sewing machine…especially if they have never sewn before. Some were obsessed with seeing how fast they could make it go (we called it “zooming”) and others were trying to figure out how the thread worked it’s way into the fabric. All were obsessed with the string going at the top (really?). The magic of being a first-grader again!

If you want to make this simple quilt, the dimensions are 6.5″ x 12.5″ triangles to create (once sewn) 12″ x 12″ blocks (two triangles to a block). It is 7 blocks long and 6 blocks wide with a 4″ border (4.5″ cut for seam allowance). It is approximately a twin-sized quilt.

I’m just finishing up the binding and this baby will be ready for Arts Night! Once it’s finished I’ll give you sneak peek of it before it goes up for auction!

Quilting With Kids Read More »

Valentine’s Day

Fabric, Family, Holiday Projects, Scrapbooking / carina

Just dropping in for a second to report our very, merry Valentine’s Day. Seriously, my kids made out like bandits…I swear it could have been Halloween! Both were happily going through their candy /valentine cards after school today. I think Flissa tried every sucker and opened all of the Fun Dip a child could eat in a year.

Siri made her Valentine’s Day box with Aunt Baily this year and used my Love Nest glitter paper and fabric, beads, ribbon, and silk flowers. I was a pretty proud mama. She was also excited to wear her ” Valentine’s Day shirt” from Love Nest. She was pretty cute modeling it for me. Ya, ya, I know. Proud mama again.

Tomorrow I’m heading into Siri’s first grade class to help the kids make a quilt to donate for their class project for their Arts Night Fundraiser. I’ll tell you how it goes…

Valentine’s Day Read More »

Love Nest Flag Quilt – Free Download

11 Comments / Fabric, Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables / carina

After a weekend of quilting, I finally have the Love Nest™ Flag Quilt instructions for you! It’s a such a beautiful quilt (if I do say so myself) and the flags make it fun and modern. I’ll be making a second one this weekend (both girls want one). In fact, Siri liked it so much that she stole it off of Flissa’s bed once the 3-year-old had fallen asleep. Sneaky!

All of the patterns and measurements for this quilt is included in the pattern. Happy Quilting!

XOXO-Carina

Love Nest Flag Quilt – Free Download Read More »

And Here I am

8 Comments / Fabric, Family, Sewing Patterns / carina

And here I am on a Friday night, aimlessly clicking on blogs—blogs of people I heart, designers, artists, and so on…caught in that maddening cycle (that somehow always involves several visits to Facebook and Twitter) of being too tired to leave my computer but not tired enough to stop the endless, nonsensical journey through the world of blogs. Please tell me you get caught in this cycle too?

So here I am on the final stop of my longer-than-it-should-have-been blogfest—my own blog. Just a stop in to say hello in the midst of the madness (which is probably why I have been sitting numbly in front of the computer for the last hour).

Or maybe it’s because of the two trips to the Children’s Museum today (absolutely wore me out!) Flissa had a fieldtrip there this morning, and we made a second trip in the afternoon so Siri could go too. Despite it’s energy-sucking effects, I love that place. Seriously, inspiration AND entertainment. I came up with the names of my next two sewing patterns while watching Flissa fill up a grocery cart of plastic food and transport it to another (wrong) portion of the play area.

Nice.

(Photo above is of me trying very hard to take a photo of the flower I wore today (using the Felicity Flower Pattern) while balancing the camera with one hand and taking the photo in front of the mirror. Tricky. Very tricky.)

And Here I am Read More »

Our New Year’s Eve

2 Comments / Family / carina

Josh had a work trip in Moab last week so the girls and I followed him down there for a little holiday. We were planning on sunny, warm weather—a get-away from the cold of Salt Lake. Unfortunately for us, a storm blew into Utah, and it was just as cold in Moab as Salt Lake. So it may not have been warmer, but it was certainly snowier.

Despite the storm, we decided to brave a snowy Arches National Park. It was worth it! I don’t know if I can say the same about our trip up to Dead Horse Point. I’m deathly afraid of heights, and seeing my 6’6″ husband holding my 3 year-old while looking over a cliff put ME over the edge!

While Josh worked, the girls and I spent all our time lounging in our room and playing in the hotel swimming pool. When you are 6-years-old, you can make friends with just about anybody in a swimming pool. I wonder what happens to us as adults?

This was probably one of the quietest New Year Eves we’ve ever had…and maybe one of the happiest. Our little family snuggled into a warm hotel on a fun little adventure.

I hope you had a wonderful start to your year too and that 2011 is a happy one!

XOXO-Carina

Our New Year’s Eve Read More »

Reversible Ballet Bag Tutorial

6 Comments / Fabric, Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Tutorials / carina

I woke up this morning and ached for a bit of sewing. Just a little. I just wanted a quick little project that would brighten my two little girls’ day. Here’s what I came up with:

Using the samples I have from Love Nest™ (due out Jan 2011), I made both Siri and Flissa a reversible ballet bag. It was ever so easy and would also make the perfect church handbag, travel bag, goodie bag,… (you get the idea).

You don’t need much fabric (remember, all I have are tiny samples). It does help to have two fun coordinating fabrics so that you can flip the bag inside out for a little change-a-roo.

When I say “simple” I really mean it. You basically need 4 pieces of fabric (a piece for the outside, a piece for the inside, and two straps). My girls love it and I loved getting in a little project this morning.

Here are my little notes if you want to make this bag with a few extra pieces of fabric you have lying around your house:

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Here’s a picture of the birdie-brown bag reversed out (the blue flower calico print) and a peek into Flissa’s heart-circle baggie.

I think I counted 10 straight lines to sew to make this bag. In the words of Ina, “How easy was that?”

XOXO-Carina

Reversible Ballet Bag Tutorial Read More »

A Chicken Thing

Family / carina

I’m so sad that the weather has turned. There isn’t going to be many days left to chase the neighbor’s chickens around. Well, I should re-phrase—for my children plus cousin to chase the chickens around.

I don’t dare pick them up.

But as this shining photo shows, Siri isn’t the least bit afraid. In fact, cousin Caroline and Siri have a wonderful time torturing these poor chickens that they have named things like “Old Angel”, “Sweet Tart”, and “Mrs. Tarts”. They let the chickens out for recess and then catch them again and put them back in the “school”. Charming, huh? (just not for the chickens).

Ahh, to be young again and have that kind of amazing imagination.

Well, there won’t be much more chicken chasing, but I am excited for the holidays to be here! I broke open the hot chocolate for the first time tonight.

I can’t tell what those poor chickens are thinking? Maybe I’d rather be chicken stew? Or why is this kid hugging me?

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A Quick Hello

2 Comments / Family / carina

Just taking a quick moment to say, “hello.” We’ve been busily switching around rooms in the house and I’ve been finishing up some great new projects (still hush-hush, I”m afraid. I’ll be sure and let you in on the news the moment I can!).

In the midst of the chaos, Josh and I managed a night out to watch Real Salt Lake play in the conference semi-finals. We bought tickets from scallopers and ended up in the supporter section. Don’t know what the supporter section is? Well, let me tell you, it’s quite the treat. Drums, crepe paper, trumpets, flags, half-naked cheerers and balloons. Josh was in heaven, and I admit that the constant cheering was contagious.

I’m going to let you in on my favorite secret pleasure: I spent most of the game scoping out the food situation. I may have made several trips to the concessions that had me toting back chicken tacos, churros, brats, root beer, icees… I’ll stop there. Ya, I know. Foodie. Total foodie.

One last thing before I get back to work: Stop by the Fat Quarterly Magazine’s blog when you get a chance to check out the interview I did for them a week ago.

Cheers! Carina

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Love Nest Samples

6 Comments / Fabric, Family / carina

It’s happy day when fabric arrives at my door. Today it was samples from my Love Nest™ Collection for Northcott™, which should hit quilting shops in January. You may recognize this collection from it’s Scrapbooking Glitter Pad debut at Hobby Lobby a year ago. Siri and I went through the samples trying to decide which would be for quilts, pillows, and outfits. It certainly gets me even more excited about the sewing patterns that we are developing right now (due out next spring!).

Siri and I are also figuring out fun ways to use up the scraps of Coquette™ hanging around. She’s been begging for Barbie dresses, but I like this alternative better. We got this with the kid’s meal at Burger King. I seem to remember having something like this when I was a little girl. The best part is just cutting out the square fabric swatches and letting her mix and match to her heart’s content.

BTW, if you missed the mailing for my first newsletter, just click on the newsletter here. Be sure and sign up for the newsletter here to get any future issues (BTW, this one has a digital scrapbooking freebie download! Check it out).

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Haunted Paper in Action

1 Comment / Holiday Projects, My Minds Eye, Scrapbooking, Stuff I Love / carina

My neighbor Tausha does these incredible gift shows and she used my Haunted™ Paper Collection when putting together her goodies. It’s so cute, and I was totally inspired. If you are in Salt Lake, you can check out her booth at the Jenny Gochnur Autumn Art Show (At the Holladay City Building at 4580 S 2300 E), which starts tonight and goes until Friday (I believe 6pm-9pm Wed, 9am-9pm Thurs, and 9am-5pm Fri). Check out Tausha’s cute booth if you get a chance!

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A Sunday Drive

Family / carina

After church this morning, the girls and I headed up into the mountains for a Sunday drive. Our mission was to gather a few autumn leaves for art projects. There may have been much singing of Defying Gravity on said drive up the mountain. Yes, the three-year-old can belt it thanks to a certain episode of Glee.

The leaf gathering was successful despite the lack of red and purple leaves ( I have promised a follow up trip for that). We managed to collect a lot of yellow, brown, green, orange, and “rainbow” (anything with a mix of the above colors) leaves.

The art project even went well despite the Elmer’s glue Flissa managed to spread on her legs. She was trying to glue a rock to her paper. Typically, paper beats rock. Not so in craft projects. Rock wins. No contest.

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Breakfast Outing

1 Comment / Family / carina

We landed at the Blue Plate Diner this morning—our favorite breakfast spot. It seemed like a great way to start Labor Day.

We may have indulged (pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and, um, shakes) and will now be forced into food-induced comas for the rest of the morning. The girls will certainly take advantage of this and destroy the house. I think it will be worth it.

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How to Make a Butterfly Chandelier-Free Download

31 Comments / Family, Free Digital Downloads-Freebies-Free Digital Printables, Scrapbooking, Stuff I Love, Tutorials / carina

I made this fun little chandelier for my girls’ room a month ago using my Back to Basic’s digital line. It’s been a cute addition to their room, and it was pretty easy to make. Check out the tutorial below.

Want to cut it with your silhouette machine (or any other machine that cuts Illustrator files?). Download the ai file here (not for commercial use or resale).It’s already set up with 6 butterflies to a sheet.

ILLUSTRATOR FILE DOWNLOAD

If you want a pdf version of all six butterflies already setup for you (if you need to cut them out by hand), don’t worry! I’ve hooked you up too.

PDF FILE DOWNLOAD

Download the tutorial with instructions here:

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New Beginnings

1 Comment / Family, Jessica Sprague / carina

Ahhh, the first day of school. A little bit sad, but a whole lot of happy. Siri woke up this morning and started getting herself ready (a minor miracle) saying, “I don’t want to be late to my first day of school!”

We celebrated with Banbury Cross Donuts and (me) trying to walk it off by trotting to school with the neighborhood.

It has been quiet in the house today. Felicity has been coloring in my office while I’ve tried to do a little work. Felicity doesn’t start preschool until next week, but it will be lovely to have a couple of hours to work during the day (My goal is to discontinue to the 2 o’clock in the morning design spurts!).

It has officially been 4 years now since I haven’t bought text books and headed to school. Perhaps that is why I have been so gung-ho about my little ABC Class—a reminiscence to those old grad school days. I love the new school year, and I’m excited for the fall to come (this morning felt like fall-too bad it will hit 100 degrees tomorrow).

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How to Brighten a Skimpy Wreath

Stuff I Love, Tutorials / carina

I love a white wreath on a black door and I found a really skimpy wreath marked down at my local craft store. Luckily there was also a few white flowers marked down. If you want a cheap wreath (and don’t want to create one from scratch), this is the best way to go!

Start with a wreath with the colors in it you want. I liked this wreath but I wanted something fuller.

I bought these big white flowers (2 bunched) on clearance and simply hot glued them to fill it in.

Easy, instant wreath! It’s different than anyone else’s and so much fuller!

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Fourth of July Weekend

4 Comments / Family / carina

We love a small town Fourth of July. In Minnesota, we always went to Stillwater for a beautiful old-time Fourth of July with friends on the St. Croix River. A little tip off from friend Deena sent us this year to Huntsville, Utah.

On the actual “4th,” we visited the Golden Spike Monument for a little re-enactment of where the two railroads met to connect the country and a bumpy trip on a gravel road to the Spiral Jetty. To tell you the truth, I love historical and art sites, but I could leave the road trips. Road trips are just not my specialty. Josh is the one who inspires trips like these.

Somehow is seemed very patriotic to see this re-enactment of the railroads connecting the country.

The Spiral Jetty is really neat. However, the minivan had a rough time. Might I suggest four-wheel drive?

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Summer Favorite Friday

2 Comments / Favorite 5 Friday, Stuff I Love / carina

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a Favorite Friday, but I need to get back to it because I’ve seen so many things that I love, love, love recently. Never read a Favorite Friday before? You can check them out here.

What’s Fav Friday all about? It’s stuff I’ve found, oggled over, loved, or bought. Things that have been designed well or things that make life a little more beautiful. Here’s my five for the week:

1-Custom Decorative Tile by ioanab on etsy. I’ve been searching etsy alot recently…even bought a few goodies for my studio. This one is so sweet!

2-Hi. I’m in love with you. ok. by adamcohn249 on etsy. I’m always a sucker for these bold graphic prints. This one is so…honest. Okay, I’m in love with you too!

3-Colefax Chair in Green Geo from Ballard Designs. I’ve been trying to decide on living room chairs for, well, since we moved in. These have been at the top of my list forever. I might have to take the plunge soon because the more me seeie, the more me likie.

4-Battery Paper Lanterns from Pier 1 Imports. I just bought these for a summer night party in our backyard (for which I still have not planned). I saw them displayed in the store on the edges of the umbrella over a dining table. It was too cute.

5-Lonny Magazine is a digital magazine that I’ve mentioned before. It’s my replacement for Domino Mag which tanked when the recession hit. It has a youthfulness and style that my other magazines haven’t been able to give me. A new issue is up (thank goodness!).

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July this weekend! We are going out of town for a little r&r.

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