Spring Blooms

I recently created a custom painting for a client, J,  that found my work via Etsy. J loved what she saw in my Etsy shop, and wanted me to create a custom piece for her little girl's 'big girl' room in a similar style.

Here is a look at the design process:

From J's completed Custom Order Questionnaire I discovered that she was looking for a single 20x24 canvas.  The finished room was to have lavender walls and the bedding was from PBK's Samantha collection (seen below)

Image from here.

Here are the custom sketches I created for my client to choose from:

She chose sketch # 2:

The finished product:

Detail photo:

One of my favorite parts of creating custom artwork is the feedback. 

Here is what J had to say about the finished product:

• "We received the painting today and LOVE it!!!! You are a fantastic artist and I hope to think of something else for you to paint for us in the future!  Thank you so much,  -J"

Thank you for the kind words, J!

I loved how this painting turned out as well, so sweet and simple.  :)

With whimsy~

Can you dig it?

My youngest little one just turned 2!!!

A few words to describe my sweet boy;  loving, rambunctious, crazy curls, inquisitive, stubborn, smart, silly, busy,  independent, cuddly, adorable, tough, gentle, and ONE BIG MESS!  

One big mess that I absolutely LOVE that is!

Meet Mr. M:

M loves ALL things that go, make noise, and look really tough. (Even though he sleeps with a baby Carroll doll,  one day he will kill me for saying that.   Ha!)

We decided on a construction theme for his 2nd birthday!

Here is a peak at how it all turned out...

The Invitations:

Once again I found exactly what I was looking for at Etsy.

This time I  discovered Jane at BugLuv.  All of her invites are printable and customizable. After purchasing and approving your design she will email you a printable pdf file that you can easily print on card stock at home or at your local photo lab.

I loved this particular invitation not only for the creative layout of the card but mostly for the green and orange color combination.  On my search for construction invitations I found a ton of them in the typical yellow and black color combo. This invitation from bugluv stuck out to me as unique, with a more sophisticated color palette (well, as sophisticated as a 2 year old's birthday party goes.)

Want to purchase this adorable invitation?  Click here.

The Decorations:

• The tables had grass green table covers overlaid with a "construction road"  table runner that was super easy to make.  

Here's how:

Items needed: 1 black plastic table cover, 1 yellow plastic table cover (or  several yellow pieces of paper), double sided tape.

Directions:  Cut black plastic table cover into long strips at the desired width of road . (1 large rectangular black table cover makes four long roads).Cut out small (2"x4") yellow rectangles to act as divider lines in road. Attach yellow pieces to the black plastic with double stick tape every 6-8 inches.  I loved how this turned out!

• Orange construction cones made perfect balloon weights.  Additional cones were placed among the tables.  

• I also scattered small construction trucks (found at Target in their summer section) on the tables.

• Construction party hats were a great alternative to traditional party hats.  They also made cute table decor.  Find the party hats here.

• Caution tape bordered the gift table.  Find the yellow and black caution tape here.

• One of M's construction dump truck ride-on toys served as a perfect place to stash the party favors.

The Cupcakes:

Chocolate Oreo Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream frosting. (Dirt sprinkled on top, of course!)

• For the cake I did not use a special recipe (a quick shout out to my dear friend: Thank you, Betty Crocker!),  but rather a fun trick.  YES! That is an actual Oreo cookie in the middle of the cupcake.  It's super easy, here is how to do it:   Fill cupcake liner about 1/4 of the way with batter, place a whole Oreo cookie on top, then cover the Oreo with batter until the cupcake liner is about 3/4 of the way full.  Bake to your specific recipe's directions. Voila!  The Oreo becomes cake like in the center.  Yum!

• Now, for the frosting:  This chocolate buttercream has one very unique ingredient, Ovaltine!  That's right, rich chocolate Ovaltine.  It was delish!   I discovered this tasty recipe on one of my favorite blogs; Joy the Baker.   For the recipe click here.

• And if the cupcakes weren't decadent enough ....Once frosted I dipped them into Oreo cookie crumbles to imitate dirt.

• The adorable cupcake toppers that coordinated with the party invitations  were once again created by Jane at BugLuv via Etsy.    Want the cupcake topper printables? click here

The Party Favors:

Instead of a regular favor bags, I decided to bundle all of the party favors in to canvas tool belts from Home Depot.  Find them here.

I figured the tool belt was a fun favor in itself.  The kids could use them for all types of things.  (i.e. to carry crayons or markers while doodling on their easels, as a collection pouch while going on nature walks, dress up, etc. )

What was inside the tool belts?

• Handy Manny fruit snacks (HEB)
• Mater Pez Dispenser (the tow truck from Disney's 'Cars')(HEB)
• Pop Rocks (HEB)
• Construction Truck Stickers (Party City)
• Small toy construction truck ( Party City)

The party was a blast and I couldn't have been happier with how everything turned out!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my tough (and sweet) boy!

With whimsy~

Erin Olivia

This painting was actually the inspiration behind, FINALLY, creating this blog and my Etsy shop.

It was created for a dear friend and one of the sweetest babies I know.

I loved how it turned out. Everything from the bright candy colors, the whimsical stylized tree branches and of course whoooo doesn't love that wise owl?

Painting details:  acrylic on canvas, 30x40

Inspired by PBK's CoCo Dot Nursery Bedding:

Image from here

A peak at the painting in the finished nursery:

With whimsy~

An Organized Summer

If you are anything like me, you find yourself searching for activities to keep those little minds busy during loooooong summer days.

Happy kids =  Happy Mom........right?!

Here are a few awesome ideas to keep summer activities organized and feeling special:

1. Summer activity jars:


I absolutely LOVE this idea and plan on making them for C and M.  How fun to pick out activities, meals, and field trips on a whim.  Every day activities will turn into something a bit more special.

Check out the Crafting Chicks for a step by step tutorial and free printables.

2. Keep summer necessities in reach:

Check out Something to Do's organizing tips here...

3.  Summer Tub O Fun:


Check out Make and Takes' craft supply list and easy tutorial











4. Make a Bored Board:


Check our CraftOManiac to see an easy tutorial








Hope you enjoyed these summer organizing tips!




With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 2

It's as if this was written just for me..... (and every other crafty, creative, artistic sole out there).

Image from here

With whimsy~

Daisy kind of Day

This past Saturday was one filled with family, laughter, and of course daisies!  My Mom and Aunt hosted a memorable wedding shower honoring my cousin. They did a fabulous job creating a beautiful yet casual atmosphere that was creative and filled with cheer.  A theme that well describes my beautiful cousin and her her wonderful fiance.

Even though this blog typically focuses on creative ideas revolving around little ones, I couldn't resist on sharing a few of the party decor ideas and recipes from this shower.  Some of the shower details would be perfect for a baby shower, Mother's day luncheon, or any spring time get together.

The decor:

The bride to be's favorite colors are a combination of citrus tones (lemon yellow, orange, and lime green). The daisy theme was a perfect way to implement these vibrant colors through out the party.

My Mom had a great idea to keep the daisies in their original clay pots instead of a typical flower arrangement displayed in a vase.  The pots added texture and kept the casual feel present.  She staggered the flower pots at different heights to add visual interest.
At the end of the shower the bride to be was given the flower pots to take home for her to enjoy.  I thought this was a great idea and a sweet gesture.
***Decorating tip:  Candlesticks make great pedestals for objects in need of a boost.


The menu:

Lemonade Sweet Tea:  This is a great alternative to traditional sweet tea.  The lemon and mint add a fresh twist to an old classic.

Emeril's Cold Cucumber Soup:  You MUST try this recipe.  It is truly delicious and unique in flavor.  Emeril definitely adds his trademark "BAM" by incorporating unexpected flavors such as jalapeno, cilantro and bell pepper.

Tomato Basil Mozzarella Tart:  Fresh and savory are a combination that cant be beat.

Daisy Petit Fours:  From my all time favorite bakery.... Bluebonnet Bakery.


Congrats C&C,  see you guys in June!!!


With whimsy~

from start to finish......

I absolutely LOVE creating custom artwork.  The entire design process, from start to finish, is fun and creative.  Best of all, each project is completely unique.  Custom designs are not only determined by the room's bedding and decor but by the client's own individual taste.

The first step in placing a custom order is completing the Elizabeth Lauren Custom Order Questionnaire. This questionnaire is a great tool in helping the client describe to me EXACTLY what they are looking for in their finished one of a kind piece.

From this particular project's questionnaire, I discovered that the nursery's bedding was from Serena and Lily's Dylan Collection (seen below).  The nursery was to have khaki painted walls and the crib was a dark cherry wood.  The client also mailed color swatches of the crib bedding and paint color directly to me. (this is not required for custom orders.  In this case, the periwinkle blue seen through out the bedding was a tricky one to match, and the client wanted the color to be spot on. )

Image from here.

After I reviewed the client's questionnaire I created 3 design concept sketches for them to choose from:

Even though my client did not want any personalization on this particular piece, I played around with personalization ideas for my own personal design file.  (I typically keep all concept sketches and ideas in digital style folders to help keep my thoughts organized for future projects):

I also played around with a full wall collage concept:

The sketch that the client ended up selecting was sketch #2:

The finished painting:

The painting in it's new home:

From start to finish I loved creating this whimsical jungle themed piece.  And better yet, my client was thrilled with how it turned out!

To find out even more about placing a custom order, click here.

With whimsy~

Sweet as Cotton Candy

My sweet baby girl recently turned 5!

I must say, that in the past 5 years she has grown into a beautiful, funny, caring, and EXTREMELY outgoing little lady.

Meet the Cutie Patootie:

For C's fifth birthday party she decided on San Antonio's Kiddie Park.

A wonderfully vintage (well almost all vintage) amusement park geared for kiddos ages 12 and under.

They have everything from a carousel, miniature boat rides, mini ferris wheel, etc.

To find out more about Kiddie Park click here.

Here is a peek at how the Cutie Patootie's party turned out...

THE INVITATIONS:

As an Etsy seller myself, I found it only fitting to support my fellow Etsians.  On my search for the perfect vintage carousel / carnival themed invitation I discovered Event123 on Etsy

Ann, at Event123, was very easy to work with, her products are adorable, materials are top of the line, and best of all.... the turn around was super quick.  

She designed this custom invitation inspired by the vintage carousel / carnival theme while using our desired cotton candy color scheme.  As an added bonus, Event123 includes envelopes with a coordinating return address!

I was thrilled with how they turned out!!!

THE DECORATIONS:

All of the party decorations and accessories were inspired by traditional cotton candy colors, referencing the vintage carnival theme, without being too obvious.

Frustrated with the lack of unique party decorations, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

  

Table centerpieces:

These pinwheels were extremely easy to make, and perfectly added a pop of cotton candy color on the tables.  

Once assembled I arranged the pinwheels in glass vases filled with multicolored mini marshmallows.  (an inexpensive, yet adorable, vase filler)  I even noticed the kids loved to nibble on them through out the party.  :)

These pinwheels not only make fun table decorations, but could also be a creative way to spend with your kiddos on a long summer day.  ;)

Want to make your own pinwheels?  Here is an easy tutorial.

The Cupcakes:

The cotton candy cupcakes were a HUGE hit with both the kiddos and the adults.  The cotton candy fluff on the top was unique, cute and super tasty.   Ice cold lemonade was served along side.

Want to make them?  Check out Becoming Lola's easy recipe.

The party favors:

Each little one left with a bag full of goodies... cotton candy, bubbles, animal crackers and salt water taffy.




All in all the party was a success!



Happy 5th Birthday to my, sweet as cotton candy, little girl!


With whimsy~

DV2CKNBYVPCJ

Whimsy Words: 1

Every Wednesday I plan on sharing some of my favorite quotes, sayings, and inspirations revolving around art, children, creativity and life displayed in a beautiful way.

A little mid-week pick me up is always nice.... don't you think?

Enjoy!

Here is a fabulous quote from the one and only Picasso.

Image from here

With whimsy~

Etsy like Betsy

One of my favorite places, EVER, is Etsy!!!

A fabulous place to find one of a kind, hand crafted items created by artisans from all over. You can find everything from children's clothing, accessories, jewelry, party decor, invitations, of course art work, and TONS more.

I recently opened a shop on Etsy as a place to feature my 'ready to sell' artwork.
Even though I do specialize more on CUSTOM artwork, I will always have a few pieces inspired by popular children's bedding selections found at your favorite retailers. (PBK, Serena and Lilly, Land of Nod, etc.)

Here is a set that is currently for sale in my Etsy shop.








Inspired by Pottery Barn Kid's Penelope bedding:










Check out my Etsy shop at www.elizabethlaurenart.etsy.com


Here are a few other Etsy shops that are my personal favorites....
Check them out!!!


Gracious May- adorable shoes for baby's tootsies. LOVE these!





Lora Lang Designs - Bright and cheery invitations, announcements, and party favors. I am obsessed with the bold pink, orange, and turquoise color combo seen in this sugar and spice invitation.





Baby Boky Designs- custom baby clothes and accessories. I love their bib and blanket cupcakes..... What a sweet gift idea!





With whimsy~

On your mark, get set, GO!!!!

Welcome to Elizabeth Lauren!!!!!!!


I have created this blog to share my latest children's custom paintings, unique interior design inspirations and solutions for your little one's personal spaces, fun craft ideas for kids, creative children's party ideas, and much much more.

Basically, all the little creative extras in life that make being a child (and parent) soooo great!!!


Here is a sneak peek into my children's art portfolio:





Click here to check out my full portfolio!


Feel free to email me with any questions or comments, I LOVE feedback!



I hope you all enjoy this blog as much as I enjoy creating it!


With whimsy~