Canvases and Cupcakes

When I was busy nesting and designing Emerson’s room, I wanted to hang something over his bed that was “safe” in case it ever fell on him. You know they are always saying that the “Big One” could hit any day. Okay, so I can’t even remember the last time we’ve had an earthquake, but you can never be too prepared.

However, I didn’t want to sacrifice fashion for function. I searched high and low for something pretty and modern, but light weight and safe. I stumbled upon this bedroom on Project Nursery. I fell in love with these canvases over the crib. I’m always trying to figure out how things are made and how I can make them quicker, cheaper, and better. If you read through the post it appears that they painted these canvases. That just seems like way too much work for me! As with everything I do, I sat down and designed some canvases in photoshop. Here is my final result.

Once I was satisfied with the design proof, I re-created the design in my vinyl cutting software and began cutting. It was fairly quick and painless. In the meantime, I picked up some blank canvases at Michael’s. I love Michael’s. I probably shop there at least once a week. I’d buy everything in the store if I had somewhere to put it. Then I went to Home Depot and bought their mini sample paint. I think they are $2.95. Seriously, how cheap is that? You can go there and get designer paint colors in small quantities. These are perfect for any craft project.

In three quick steps, I painted the canvases, cut the vinyl, and applied the vinyl to the freshly painted canvases. How simple, right? It couldn’t have been easier. Take a look at the results. I absolutely love how they turned out. I sit in Emerson’s room and just admire them. I love how they look in his room and how his room make me feel.

As a side note, Emerson’s room use to be Jackson’s bedroom. I had painted it a bright green color when I was 20+ weeks pregnant with Jackson. I seriously cried for days after I painted it because I hated the color. I even made Lincoln change the light bulbs hoping that would improve the color. I’m sure he thought I was crazy. I tried floor lamps instead of the overhead light. I tried only opening the blinds and letting in natural light. I tried anything to make the room look more bearable. It never happened! So, now to sit in that same room and just LOVE it, is a huge change. It only took two and a half years too. Okay, back to canvases. Sorry for the tangent, but that green color still haunts me!

Recently Skyler was invited to little Miss Ella’s birthday party! Oh how I adore Ella! She is always dressed adorably and is just as cute as can be. When we got the invite, I immediately started brainstorming possible gifts. Keep in mind he was invited to her party over a month ago (that’s a Mom who is on top of things) and I just completed the gift last night. Actually, this morning, but who’s keeping tack? It always seems like my personal projects take a back seat to my “real” work.

I decided to make Scrabble Tile necklaces for Ella. If you haven’t seen them yet, basically it’s a Scrabble tile with a small photo of some sort attached to the front with a clear epoxy coating over the photo to protect it. Then you glue a bail on the back and hang them on a chain. I think they are just adorable and I love wearing a different one every day. Jackson is always asking me to wear Barack Obama. That’s his favorite, but I honestly think he just likes to say his name! It is a fun name to say!

Ella’s party was at Bliss Cupcake Shop. If you live in Portland/Beaverton, check it out. Oh, how I love cupcakes. In fact, I am still contemplating getting a cupcake tattoo, but that’s a whole separate post. Any chance I get to make anything with a cupcake on it makes me so happy! I selfishly decided to make her cupcake Scrabble tiles. I did several different tiles for her. What do you think? Do you have a favorite?

I also did one with her cute little face. Here is the birthday girl. Isn’t she cute?

Last night I had to take a timeout. I had a rough day with the boys and went out to have some Mommy time. While I was on time out, I went to Craft Warehouse. It’s one of my other favorite stores. I just went there to browse though. While I was there, I noticed that canvases were on sale. When I had originally brainstormed gift ideas, I had planned on making her a cupcake canvas for her room. I just had never gotten to it. My Etsy shop is opening up on Friday and I wanted to have another canvas design to go along with Emerson’s. It just worked out that I could design a gift for Ella and have another item to add to my shop. Here is my proof that I designed.

Here is the final result. I was super happy with how it turned out. All the Moms at the party commented on it. That made me feel so happy! Sometimes I feel like I design in a bubble. Many times I like things I design, but I have no idea how everyone else is going to react. Let’s just say their reactions made my week!

Let me know what you think. Since I am just starting out and totally new to blogging. I’d love as much feedback as I can get!