Elizabeth Lauren

Ballet Shoes

2012-03-10T11:05:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite memories as a child was when I got my very first pair of pointe shoes. This canvas was inspired by that feeling and by carrying on the tradition with my little one who is now in her first year of ballet class. The Cutie Patootie loved how this canvas turned out and even responded by saying: " Mommy! They are even in my size!" I love how her mind works.

This painting is now available in my Etsy shop! Click HERE

Details:

11x14

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Pink satin ribbon embellishment

Love this painting but need it in a different color palette and/or size?

All Elizabeth Lauren artwork can be customized.

Contact me to get started on your custom order.

Find this painting in my etsy shop HERE

With whimsy~

Row Your Boat

2012-03-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

This set was inspired by Pottery Barn Kids' Row Your Boat Bedding collection.

They are now available in my etsy shop!

Details:

11x14 (set of 4)

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas
All Elizabeth Lauren artwork is 100% hand painted, NO PRINTS

Image via PBK

image from PBK

Find this set in my Etsy shop HERE

With whimsy~

Cherry Blossoms

2012-03-08T06:48:00.000-08:00

This painting is NEW to the Etsy Shop!

Details:

Size: 16x20

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

This painting is ready to ship!

Find it in my etsy shop HERE

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 36

2012-03-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

image and print from here

With whimsy~

Etsy Love: Wishing Tree Tags

2012-03-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

One reason I LOVE Etsy is for the wide range of charming products created by talented designers at affordable prices. Also, most all of the designers on Etsy are willing to work with you to get that extra special and custom piece that you are struggling to find elsewhere.

For those of you that are in the midst of planning a baby shower, sip and see, or Christening party a unique substitute to the ordinary guest book is to create a whimsical wishing tree.

The wishing tree can easily be created by branches arranged in a vase. (You can find beautiful branch options at your local craft/floral store. These days, even grocery stores have great options. Central Market has a fabulous floral department.).

Once filled out by your guests the wishing tags or cards can be attached to the branches. This makes for a great statement decor piece at the shower and guests will love reading all of the cheerful messages left for the new parents and their little bundle.

These cards make a perfect keepsake for you to cherish for years to come.

Below are some of my favorite wishing cards discovered on Etsy:

cards and image from ErinsArtwork via Etsy

image and tag from ElbLDesigns via Etsy

image and tags from Shabby Pea Designs via Etsy

image and wishing tree tags from queen of paper cards via etsy

image and wish cards from SeasonalDelights via Etsy

image and wish cards from mavoracards via Etsy

Display Inspiration:

image from here

A fun alternative to the wishing tree is to display the cards on a line with clothespins. Perfect for a spring/summer shower.

image from here

With whimsy~

EtsyKIDS Design Challenge: WINNER!!!

2012-02-29T08:10:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to announce that my marabou bunnies won this month's EtsyKIDS Design Challenge!

A big THANK YOU to all of you that supported and voted for my paintings!

What an honor!

Click HERE to see the EtsyKIDS blog post.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 35

2012-02-29T06:49:00.001-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Custom Hair Bow Organizer

2012-02-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

I recently created this monogrammed hair bow organizer for a dear friend's baby girl.

She new she wanted something nuetral (to not compete with the existing room decor and colorful clips and bows). She also knew that she wanted something personalized.

I love how this circle monogram design turned out.

The chocolate brown ribbon accents hang approx. 36" each

That's 9 feet of storage!!!

These make a perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays or just because!

Remember, ALL Elizabeth Lauren artwork can be customized to coordinate with your little one's room decor.

Contact me to order yours today!

With whimsy~

Custom La Ballerinas: 4

2012-02-27T07:04:00.001-08:00

Here is a look at my latest 'la ballerina' custom order.

I love the classic combination of soft pink and white.

On a side note:

Today is the LAST day to vote in this month's Etsy Design Challenge.

My 'bunnies with fluffy marabou paintings' are almost in 1st place!

Please help support my Etsy Shop and artwork by placing a vote!

Click HERE to vote!

Thank you!

With whimsy~

Custom Tweet Tweet

2012-02-22T10:33:00.000-08:00

Quite often I receive custom order requests for paintings that are inspired by my existing works seen in my portfolio or etsy shop.

With this particular custom order my client loved my 'tweet tweet' paintings that coordinate and are inspired by PBK's green and pink penelope bedding.

Since her nursery walls are painted a grassy green she wanted to change the border color to bubble gum pink and the interior scallop to grassy green. This way the paintings would have really great 'pop' from the wall color.

They turned out great!

Here is a look at the original 'tweet tweet' paintings:

Find these in my etsy shop HERE

To start your custom order click HERE

With whimsy~

EtsyKIDS Design Challenge: It's time to vote!!!

2012-02-21T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I am so excited that my sweet little 'Bunnies with Fluffy Marabou Tails' are in the running for this months EtsyKIDS design challenge.

Design challenge theme: Spring has Sprung

Voting begins TODAY and run through February 27th.

Please help show your support for Elizabeth Lauren- custom paintings for little ones by voting.

Click HERE to cast your vote!

Find these bunnies in my Etsy Shop HERE

With whimsy~

M is for Mischief

2012-02-18T14:38:00.000-08:00

It is by no surprise that Mr. M has been up to mischief ....AGAIN. He is a chronic mischief maker. I have really never experienced anything like it. What did he do this time?

Hmm... well, lets see.

HE ONLY DRANK A BOTTLE OF BUBBLES!!!

Now you might be asking yourself, Well, how did he get the bubbles or better yet where was I or Mr. C. while all of this was going down. We were near by driving the car and in the front seat while M sat comfortably in his car seat sifting through a bag of party favors he had just received. Among the candies and toys, was a party sized container of bubbles. At least it was party sized.

After a call to poison control, turns out M will be fine, just a little nauseous for the rest of the day.

Sheesh, what will I do with him?

He will be 3 at the end of May so I am hoping that things will start to calm down at that point. I am chalking this up to terrible two's, right?

So this brings me to a couple of clean up solutions that I have learned along the way with M's mischief making. I thought i would share them with you.

1. SILLY PUTTY
How to remove silly putty out of carpet.
Solution: RUBBING ALCOHOL

Side Story: I first tried picking it out of the carpet with tweezers until the hubs googled it and saw this trick. Welp, let me just tell you in about 10 seconds (no exaggeration) our carpet looked brand new.

2. PERMANENT MARKER
a. How to remove permanent marker off of humans!
Solution: baby wipes / warm sudsy water / rubbing alcohol (careful around the eyes)

b. How to remove permanent marker off of plastic toys?
Solution: rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover

c. How to remove permanent marker off of a Carrolle baby doll?
Solution: You cant. The soft rubbery skin of the doll is just way to porous. You can however bleach the heck out of the soft white body portion.

d. How do you remove permanent marker off of Pat the Bunny?
Solution: Bleach.

Side story: About a month ago, M decided to decorate his arms, legs, and FACE with a gigantic blue permanent marker that he found in my pantry with all of C's lunch baggies and supplies.
He also decorated a few of his fisher price Little People toys and his favorite lovies named Big Baby (creepy naked Carolle doll) and Bunny Bear (Pat the Bunny).

I have pretty much concluded two things from this past year:

1. M now stands for Mischief.

2. Never under estimate the power of a 2 year old!

With whimsy~

Whimsy words: 34

2012-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

image from HERE

With whimsy~

Roses are Red, Celery is Green

2012-02-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

The kids recently made these cards for their Grandparents. The roses were created by using celery

as a stamp.

They were so easy to create and turned out great,

Click HERE for an easy tutorial.

Inside the card the Cutie Patootie wrote a clever little poem for GG and Pops.

M's card also had a fun Valentine poem inside.

His read:

I love you,

and you love me.

Let's share a snack

of celery!

with whimsy~

Creative Valentine Ideas & Freebies

2012-02-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to share a few of my favorite Valentine Finds and Freebies!
Enjoy!

image and FREE printable from dandee designs

image and FREE printable from the crafting chicks

image and FREE printable from it is what it is

Image from the teacher wife

image from here

image and tutorial from HERE

image from here

image from here

image from here

With whimsy~

EtsyKIDS

2012-02-02T08:36:00.000-08:00

I am thrilled to be one of the newest members of the EtsyKids team.

The EtsyKids Team is a diverse group of talented and dedicated Etsy shop owners making items for babies, toddlers, and children.

Blog: etsykids.blogspot.com

Website: etsykids.com

The EtsyKids blog and website are both for members and shoppers. It is a great place to meet Etsy artists, find fun and unique products just for kids, or check out crafting tutorials!

I am also excited to announce that my 'Whimsical Tree' painting on canvas has been selected to be showcased on the
Winter 2012 EtsyKids LUXURY shopping guide!!!

What an honor!
A BIG thank you to the EtsyKids staff for selecting my work!

Click here to check it out!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 34

2012-02-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

100th Day of School

2012-01-31T06:49:00.000-08:00

Today is the Cutie Patootie's 100th Day of Kindergarten!!!

Her homework assignment was to decorate a t shirt in honor of this special day.

C's favorite color is red so she wanted to decorate the shirt with hearts. Good thing Valentine's day is around the corner!

There are 100 sparkling hearts on this shirt, count them!

For the front I just cut out a simple heart stencil (made from construction paper). I then taped the stencil to the front of the shirt. C had fun filling it in with all of the hearts. We did use dollops of fabric glue to help the hearts stay in place. That way the foam stickers wouldn't just fall of through out the day.

On the back of the shirt I wanted to reference the 100 days along with the 'love'ly hearts all over the front.

C loved how it turned out. I can't wait to hear how this fun day went!

With whimsy~

Bright Blooms

2012-01-30T07:13:00.000-08:00

This colorful set of stylized flowers are now available in my Etsy Shop!

Find them HERE!!!

The inspiration: Pottery Barn Kids' Lana Nursery Collection

image from HERE

With whimsy~

Bunnies

2012-01-27T12:24:00.000-08:00

These little guys are new to the Etsy Shop!

Find them HERE!!!

Bunnies

8x10 (set of 2)

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Little Extras: white marabou tail / pink ribbon on neck

Also available without the marabou tail and ribbon...

With whimsy~

Mama Like: Do-a-Dot Art

2012-01-27T07:18:00.000-08:00

This product may not be new to most of you, especially those of you who have preschoolers, are teachers, or are just plain crafty. But, I love them so much so I thought I would share them anyway. They are a handy dot making paint stick that are super easy for little hands to use. The Cutie Patootie (now 5) still loves creating masterpieces with them and my 2 year old is amazed and oh so proud of what he creates. You can find them at your local craft store or even online.

There are tons of different art projects that you can create with Do-a-Dot Art.
Inside the product box there was a handy project instructional list. We will be trying a few out and sharing them here soon.

Here is Mr. M in the zone...
I drew a simple line drawing of the letter M. He had a blast following the line to create the letter. He was very proud of himself.

And here he is creating the #2....

If you don't have these already, they are a creative must have for little ones!!

With whimsy~

Flowering Tree

2012-01-26T05:48:00.000-08:00

This custom order was recently created to coordinate with Pottery Barn Kids' Pink Penelope bedding.
My client knew that she loved the style of my 'Erin Olivia' painting but wanted something to spread across three canvases to hang above the crib. Here is what I came up with!

Details:

Flowering Tree

11x14 (set of 3)

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Sealed with a clear matte varnish

Inspiration:

THIS

and

THIS

I love how this turned out so much that I am now offering it in my Etsy shop!

Find it HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 33

2012-01-25T14:52:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Owls on a Limb

2012-01-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

These wise little owls are back by popular demand!!!

Find them in my Etsy Shop HERE!!

Details:

8x10 (set of 8)

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

All four sides of canvases are decoratively finished, no framing necessary!

Options:

These paintings can be customized to coordinate with your specific color palette

Available in a variety of sizes and set canvas amounts (set of 2, 3, 4, etc)

Contact me HERE to get started on your custom order today!!!

These owls were originally inspired by my 'Erin Olivia' painting (seen HERE).

With whimsy~

Ryder Trains

2012-01-19T10:03:00.000-08:00

This recent custom order was inspired by Pottery Barn Kids' Ryder train sheets.

Details:

20x24 (set of 3)

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Sealed with a clear matte varnish

Below are the specific trains that my customer selected for me to recreate:

Click HERE to check out Pottery Barn Kids' Ryder train bedding.

Want to see more Elizabeth Lauren train paintings?

CLICK HERE

With whimsy~

Personalized Sunshine Chevron

2012-01-12T10:45:00.000-08:00

This custom order was created for one of my Etsy customers who's mother would always sing 'You Are My Sunshine ' to her grandchildren (my customers four children). The song and their memories of her singing it are very special. This canvas was given as a gift over the holidays to his 4 children.

What a wonderful and heartfelt gift.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 33

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Etsy Love: Zoey Oh!

2012-01-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love this Etsy shop!

Cute, trendy (yet practical :) ) laminated cloth bibs and place mats!

....and did I mention they are all reversible!

image from here

These make such cute gifts!

Click HERE to visit Zoey Oh's Etsy Shop.

With whimsy~

Lavender La Ballerinas

2012-01-06T05:43:00.000-08:00

Lavender La Ballerinas

11x14 (set of 3)

little extras: tulle tutu with coordinating ribbon in hair

Find these paintings in my Etsy Shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Mama Like: Fingerprint Fabulous

2012-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

We love arts and crafts around here, so the Cutie Patootie was thrilled to get a few crafty type kits from Santa this year.

She especially loves the Fingerprint Fabulous by Klutz.

Klutz is the co. that makes all of those great crafty type kits (book style) that you find at barnes and noble, etc.

I love this particular book because it is SUPER EASY for kids to create fun images using their fingerprints and a few simple line drawings. This book is a great tool to teach basic drawing skills and creativity. C's self satisfaction of creating a cool creature that she may not typically draw is priceless. C asks to draw in this book every night before bed.

We LOVE it!

It also makes the PERFECT birthday gift for a buddy.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 32

2012-01-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Real Room: Penelope Birdies

2012-01-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a look at my Penelope Birdies (set of 3) in their new home!

Thanks for sharing your beautiful nursery photos, M!!!

This set was created to replicate (with permission) THIS artwork, and to coordinate with Pottery Barn Kids' Penelope Bedding.

See the original Penelope Birdies blog post HERE.

With Whimsy~

i love you to the moon - and back

2012-01-02T08:37:00.000-08:00

Details:

12x12

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

pewter 3 dimensional paint (wording)

sealed with a clear matte varnish

This painting is completely customizable!

Choose your own color palette, size, wording, etc.

Find this painting in my etsy shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Ikat Dream Canvas

2011-12-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Details:

12x12

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Extras: pewter 3 dimensional paint

sealed with a clear matte varnish

Custom options:

change the text

add child's name

change color palette to coordinate with your unique space

This canvas even looks great with out text. What a fun (and super trendy) way to add interest and texture into any space.

Find this canvas in my Etsy Shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 32

2011-12-29T07:04:00.000-08:00

image from here

With whimsy~

A is Alligator......Z is for Zebra

2011-12-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Details:

30x40 gallery wrapped canvas

Acrylic

This fun and colorful painting was created for an inquisitive and creative little boy.

His Mom, one of my closest friends, wanted something with the entire alphabet and animals that started with each of the letters.

Love this painting?

contact me HERE to get started on your Alphabet painting today.

With whimsy~

whimsy words: 31

2011-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Snowman Soup

2011-12-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

It's official... the kids are out of school until the new year!

I assembled these cute Snowman Soup Kits for the Cutie Patootie's classmates.

A clever twist to an ordinary hot cocoa packet.

What's inside the bag?
hot cocoa packet, candy cane, hershey kisses (plain and caramel), mini marshmallows, a fun swirly candy cane straw (found at Hobby Lobby)

The Poem:

With whimsy~

Custom Birth Announcement

2011-12-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

This sweet little canvas is the perfect gift for parents welcoming a sweet child into their family.

Details:

Size: 8x10

(other sizes available - 11x14, 12x12, 16x20)

materials: acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

other: coordinating grosgrain ribbon attachment

This canvas can be customized to any color/design scheme!

Email me HERE to start your custom order today!

With whimsy~

Candy Cane Mice

2011-12-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

A dear friend of mine created these adorable Christmas Candy Cane Mice for her daughter's Kindergarten classmates. Soooooo CUTE, right?

Click here for an easy step by step tutorial.

Thanks for sharing, Amy!

With whimsy~

Away in a manger

2011-12-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

This Christmas craft is great for all ages. Easy enough for tiny hands but still fun for grade school kids . Enjoy!!!

materials needed:

construction paper

glue

raffia (or other material for straw)

Popsicle sticks

felt (1"x2" square)

crayon

with whimsy~

J is for Jesus

2011-12-15T13:40:00.000-08:00

This sweet little treat is the perfect way to spread Christmas cheer to a large group. It's perfect for class gifts, playgroups, etc. The poem makes it more meaningful and creative than a regular old candy cane.

Materials needed:

Paper

scissors

glue stick

hole punch

mini candy canes

ribbon

The Poem:

J is for Jesus

The candy cane

turned upside down

is the letter J.

To remind us of

baby Jesus,

born on Christmas day.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 30

2011-12-14T14:50:00.000-08:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Cinnamon Sugar Snowflakes

2011-12-12T10:24:00.000-08:00

What's crispy, warm, buttery, and festive with cinnamon sugar all over?

Why cinnamon sugar snowflakes, of course!

1. Fold flour tortilla into 1/4

2. snip around the edges

3. Voila!

4. brush on melted butter

5. sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, sprinkles, etc.

6. Bake at 375 for 5-7 min. (or until cinnamon sugar is bubbly)

M insisted his snowflake was a dinosaur mask... Rarrrrrrr!

They were a hit!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 29

2011-12-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Nativity Craft

2011-12-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

The Cutie Patootie just finished working on this adorable Christmas craft. While making the craft we talked about the the story of Christmas and the importance of Jesus' Birthday.

Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus

Materials Needed:

Toilet paper Rolls- 2

Construction paper

fabric

yarn

tape

Directions:

Mary and Joseph:

wrap toilet paper roll with construction paper

cut out a circle and color or draw face (we used a 2" circle die cut)

attach face to top portion of paper roll

tie the fabric swatch to top of the roll with string

baby Jesus:

roll a piece of construction paper into a small tube. (secure with tape)

add face.

wrap with fabric and tie with yarn

What's next?

We plan on making the three wise men to add to C's nativity.

With whimsy~

Custom La Ballerinas: 3

2011-12-05T08:12:00.000-08:00

They're back!

My little 'La Ballerinas' have been customized again!

Bright, cheery and full of whimsy these ballerinas were inspired by Pottery Barn Kids' Brooke Bedding collection.

image via Pottery Barn Kids

To see the original 'La Ballerinas' paintings click here.

Want to see other 'La Ballerinas' CUSTOM orders?

Click HERE & HERE.

To order your own set of 'La Ballerinas' paintings for your tiny dancer email me HERE for a price quote!

With whimsy~

FREE Christmas Printables

2011-12-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my favorite and FREE Christmas printables this year:

1. Advent Calender

Freebie via Living Locurto

2. Organize Your Christmas

Freebie via Tip junkie

3. cupcake toppers:

freebie via bake it pretty

4. Gift Tags

freebie via whisker graphics

image via design editor

5. Reindeer Food Label:

freebie via TomKat Studio

6. For Santa:

freebie via the sweet spot candy bar

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 28

2011-11-30T10:30:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Holiday Canvas

2011-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

I LOVE it when my customers send me photos of my paintings. Here is a look at a recent custom holiday door canvas I created:

(Thank you, N, for sharing your beautiful photo!)

Click HERE to see more details on this custom Happy Holidays door canvas.

Door Canvases are a great and creative alternative to the traditional wreath.

My custom door canvases come in a variety of sizes and are perfect for any occasion:

Birthdays

Birth Announcements

Special Events

All Holidays

Contact me here to get started on your custom door canvas!

With whimsy~

Cranberry Salsa

2011-11-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I wanted to share a recipe that I shared with my family over the break.

Cranberry Salsa!

I originally discovered this recipe from, where else, Pinterest via Jamie Cooks it Up.

Want to make it?

Ingredients:

1 12 oz. package of fresh cranberries

1/4 c. green onion , chopped

1/4 c. cilantro, chopped

1-2 jalapeno peppers

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 t cumin

2 limes, juiced

dash of salt

2 8oz. package of cream cheese (optional)

Directions:

Add fresh cranberries, green onion, cilantro, jalapenos, sugar, cumin, salt, lime juice to food processor and PULSE until desired consistency.
Optional: Spread cream cheese in shallow serving dish and pour salsa over the top.
Serve with wheat thins or pita chips

image via Jamie Cooks It Up

*tips and tweaks*

you may notice that my ingredients and their amounts may vary slightly from Jamie's original ingredient list.

Sugar: Jamie's recipe calls for 1 1/4 c. I actually made mine with only 1 c. (it was still too sweet). The next time I make this I plan on adding only 1/2 c. ...... the sugar breaks down the cranberries the more it sits. I actually made this salsa one day in advance. It traveled well!

Jalapeno: Jamie's recipe only calls for 1 small jalapeno. I like a little more heat, and with all of the sugar the heat was lost. The next time I make this I plan on adding 2 small jalapenos (with out their seeds, of course. )

Lime vs. Lemon: Being a Texan it only makes sense to add Lime juice vs. Jamie's suggested Lemon. (Either would work, I just prefer the lime)

Crackers vs. Chips: What to serve with this salsa? If you plan to layer the salsa over cream cheese I would serve this with a wheat cracker (wheat thins) or a pita chip. If you plan on serving the salsa by itself a traditional tortilla chip would be tasty.

I love this recipe! The cranberries add a fun and festive twist to traditional salsa.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 27

2011-11-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Canvas Christmas Card Organizers

2011-11-21T14:16:00.000-08:00

Available NOW in my Etsy shop are these festive canvas Christmas card organizers.

For the...

Merry Christmas Chevron design click HERE

Joy Trellis design click HERE

With whimsy~

Mama Like: the-go-anywhere-high-chair

2011-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

OK, Seriously....

WHERE WAS THIS PRODUCT WHEN I HAD TEENY TINY BABIES?!

I love this!

How convenient is this portable highchair by Ciao! Baby? It folds up just as easy as those portable chairs we drag out to our kids soccer games. :)

It's light weight, PERFECT for travel, convenient, easy to carry, great for outdoor activities, the list goes on.

image from Ciao Baby

image from Ciao! Baby

image from Ciao!Baby

image from Ciao! Baby

This chair is not yet available in stores, but will be for sale January 2012...... they are accepting pre-orders now, though! Click here

At $67.99 this chair is priced a little steep, but you absolutely cannot beat the convenience factor and its easy portability, especially those of you who travel often, or spend a lot of time outdoors.

If my kiddos were younger I would definitely be purchasing this puppy. :)

With whimsy~

Happy Holidays Door Canvas

2011-11-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

Details:
Custom Holiday door canvas
size: 18x24
materials: acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, clear matte interior/ exterior varnish, 4" wired rimmed ribbon.
Extras: metallic chevron accent.

It's not too late to get your Holiday order in! Contact me here to get started on your custom order today!

Happy Holidays!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 26

2011-11-16T06:27:00.000-08:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Pumpkin Dump Cake

2011-11-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Halloween night was filled with friends, trick or treating, and pumpkin dump cake.

image via cookies and cups

A dear friend of mine sent me a link to this recipe from Cookies and Cups, shortly thereafter I started to see it plastered all over Pinterest.

So, obviously, I had to see what all the hype was about.

Let me tell you...... it was super easy to make and delicious!

Click HERE for the recipe.

This recipe is a keeper!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 25

2011-11-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Tinkerbell & Pirate

2011-11-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a fun-filled and spooky Halloween! We sure did!

As you can see, my little ones dressed up as Tinkerbell and a Pirate! I created both costumes, semi-homemade style, and wanted to share with you all a few easy tutorials and tips that I used during the creation process.

Tinkerbell:

As with any design I typically start with a sketch of the costume that I am envisioning and then go from there. I don't like to work with sewing patterns, I love winging it and creating my own unique costumes.

The concept sketch:

From the sketch I gather my materials and get to work.

Items needed to complete this Semi-homemade costume:

LOTS of tulle . (You can normally find small rolls of tulle in a variety of colors at the craft store in the ribbon section. This way you don't have to buy it by the yard. I used 3 spools of tulle for this particular costume.
ribbon (3-4 yds )
any lime green type of fabric (1/2 yd) (I used satin)
white felt (for the backs of the petals) (1/2 yd)
green thread

Tutu Dress: the tulle portion of the dress is a no sew so tutu that is extra extra long. I tied it around chest instead of around the waist. In addition, I tied and extra portion of ribbon in the middle of the tutu to be used as a halter style tie around the next. check out this no sew tutu tutorial.

Petal Sash: an apron style sash that ties over the tulle dress around the waist. (The sash helps cinch in the tulle dress.) *each petal is roughly 8" wide and 12 " long.

Tinkerbell shoes:

Click HERE for an easy tutorial!

Tinkerbell's hair:

I styled C's hair into a gigantic bun, she has a ton or beautiful hair so it was remarkably easy to do with the help of a few Bobbi pins and hairspray.

The flower in her hair was found at Michael's in the floral/ holiday section. (It already came without the stem and a floral clip already attached. ) the flower itself was wire rimmed making it really easy to shape around her head.

Tinkerbell wings:

I found these in Target's Halloween costume section. They were inexpensive and the perfect color.

I couldn't pass them up.

Pirate Costume:

The concept sketch:

Material needed:

white tshirt
black pants (I found mine at target for 5$)
black tshirt
red craft paint (optional)
scissors
white craft paint
fabric for sash (1/8 yd.)
black felt
black elastic for eye patch

Red/White striped T: I could not find a red/white striped T anywhere so I just grabbed a bottle of red fabric paint from the craft store and painted them on a plain white tshirt.

Pants: I found these at Target for $5. I simply cuts them 2-3" shorter and then cut a zig zag pattern around the cuff

Black vest: I cut the neck and arms off of an inexpensive black Tshirt. Then cut straight down the front to create the opening. I also fringed the bottom of the vest with scissors. I then free handed a skull and cross onto the back of the vest with white craft paint. *Tip* Buy the Tshirt for the vest a couple sizes bigger than your child's normal size, it will fit over their undershirt better and look more 'vest like'

Sash: any coordinating fabric will do. (1/8 yd). no sewing necessary, just tie around waist

Eye patch: created with black felt and elastic

Pirate hat:

I used this easy TUTORIAL to create the pirate hat.

Arrrrgh!

The kids loved how their costumes turned out, and so did I!!!

with whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 24

2011-10-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Penelope Birdies

2011-10-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Latest Custom Paintings

Size: 16x20 (set of 3)

Materials: Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas / Clear Matte Varnish

artwork inspired by Custom Nursery Art by Kimberly

and

Pottery Barn Kids Penelope Bedding

With whimsy~

Tinkerbell shoes

2011-10-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

This year, the Cutie Patootie decided that she wants to be Tinkerbell for Halloween. I enjoy making the kids' costumes rather than buying them. (Ok, Ok, I do buy some of the components to the costumes, so my costumes are really semi-homemade...)

Here is a peek at C's Tinkerbell costume. These shoes are a great example of my semi-homemade costume concept.

Items needed:

Old Shoes (ballet flats or similar style)
Craft paint (Color of glitter)
paint brush
Glitter (This project took 1 1/2 tubes of glitter)
Mod Podge (Dries clear / better option than glue)
Hot Glue
Large Pom Poms (found in craft store / normally in a pack of 4)

Directions:

Wipe old shoes clean with a damp cloth / stuff shoes with newspaper or plastic shopping bags. (this keeps the inside of the shoes clean and glitter free)
Paint body of shoes with craft paint, let dry completely
Paint on Mod Podge and Sprinkle with Glitter . (It is easier to do this process one small section at a time. (Toe/Side/Back/Side) This way the mod podge doesn't dry up before covering it. s
Let dry completely
Hot glue pom poms to the toes of the shoes.

There you have it!

Since I already had the old shoes, mod podge, and craft paint laying around this project only cost a couple of dollars for the glitter and pom poms.

Pretty good for a two dollar transformation don't you think?!

With whimsy~

Real Room: Choo Choo Trains

2011-10-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when my customers send photos of my artwork in their new homes. Here is a look at my Choo Choo Train (set of 3) paintings in a real 'big boy' room. They coordinate perfectly with Pottery Barn Kids Ryder bedding collection and crib set

Click here for more details on this set.

(paintings in photo are 11x14)

Thanks for the photo, J!

Find these paintings in my Etsy shop HERE.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 23

2011-10-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Tonight's dinner

2011-10-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely LOVING the cold front that has graced San Antonio, an impressive high of 74. Pretty perfect if you ask me!

So, tonight I plan on making one of our favorite dinners in honor of this beautiful and breezy fall day!

Potato, Corn, and Shrimp Chowder

Ingredients:

Russet Potatoes - 4 c. , peeled & cubed
1 1/2 c. Kernel Corn, Frozen
2 c. Shrimp, Peeled / tail-off (I use frozen shrimp)
1 sweet onion, chopped
1/2 c. Canadian Bacon , chopped
4 c. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 c. Fat Free Half & Half
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
salt/ pepper - to taste
1 tsp. dill
1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add chopped Canadian bacon and heat through.
Add chicken broth and potato. Bring to a boil. Cook until potatoes are fork tender.
Once potatoes are cooked remove half of them into a separate bowl and mash. Add mashed potatoes back into the soup pot.
Add shrimp, corn, and half &half. Bring back up to a simmer.
Add dill, red pepper flake and salt/pepper. (*tip* - before adding the red pepper flakes reserve a few servings in a separate bowl for the kids. My kids find the red pepper too spicy, but the adults love the extra kick. ;)

This recipe makes a ton! Freeze what is left over for an easy dinner night down the road.

If you or your kiddos are not huge fans of shrimp, chicken would be an awesome substitute.

Leave the shrimp and/or chicken out all together.

Hope you enjoy this soup as much as we do!

Happy Fall!

With whimsy~

Busy Bee

2011-10-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have been slacking a bit on my blogging this past week mostly because of this little guy:

He keeps me on my toes, that's for sure.... M is one busy little bee, we spend most of our days playing, painting, coloring, reading, running errands (his least favorite activity), and napping (well, sometimes).

With Halloween and the Holiday season fast approaching I have a TON of fun crafts, recipes, and ART ideas that I plan to tackle with the kids and share with YOU! :)

Happy Monday!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 22

2011-10-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

Etsy Love: The Lacey Placey

2011-10-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

...and the obsession continues....

I. LOVE. CHEVRON!!!

I always used cloth diapers as burp cloths when my kiddos where babies. They are the perfect size and weight. These burp cloths from The Lacey Placey via Etsy are the perfect combination of practical and trendy.

image from here

The Lacey Placey is also an AWESOME place to find pillow coverings in fun patterns inspired by the latest trends at affordable prices!

image from here

I am in love with these yellow and white chevron curtain panels. Wouldn't they look awesome with my you are my sunshine canvas?

image from here

Check out The Lacey Placey's Etsy shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

Custom La Ballerinas: 2

2011-10-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

My 'La Ballerinas' have definitely been one of my most popular designs so far. Here is a look at a slightly different version. I love how their delicate white tutus turned out, so sweet for baby's nursery.

To see the original 'La Ballerinas' click HERE.

To see another custom 'La Ballerinas' set click HERE.

With whimsy~

Comfy Closets

2011-10-06T07:55:00.000-07:00

I love creative use of space! Check out these creative closet designs.

1. Crib in a Closet

image from here

2. Reading Nook

image from here

3. Changing Table

image from here

with whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 21

2011-10-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

image from crafts and sutch

Love it? Want to print it? For Free?

Click here for your FREE spooky printable available in 8 great color combinations courtesy of Crafts and Sutch!

With Whimsy~

Etsy Love: Baby Jives

2011-10-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I wrote this post about DIY nursery mobiles. While searching for DIY etsy kits and tutorials I stumbled upon Baby Jives. A totally awesome and unique shop dedicated to handmade accents for your little's 'nest'. So... if you are not the DIY'r type check out her shop. It is completely enchanting and I am sure your little bebe will agree. ;)

Enjoy!

image from baby jives

image from baby jives

Check out Baby Jives Etsy shop HERE

With whimsy~

Giving Tree

2011-10-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

This custom painting was given as a meaningful retirement gift. My client wanted something unique and heartfelt for the recipient, something that would honor all of her hard work and dedication to their organization for the past 10 years. My client's idea was to create a "Giving Tree" with meaningful names painted on the leaves.

With whimsy~

Mama Like: WUSLU

2011-09-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

What do you know? Another daily deal sight.....

WUSLU is a great place to find awesome daily deals on trendy home decor items. All of their products have great price points and they typically have $5 flat rate shipping costs as well.

If you do not already get daily deal emails, sign up and check them out HERE

daily deal and image from WUSLU

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 20

2011-09-28T06:10:00.000-07:00

image from creative kristi

With whimsy~

Boo to You!!!

2011-09-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Details:

size: 16x20

materials: acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, clear matte varnish

extra touches: silver 3 dimensional paint(spider's web), 2 1/2" wire ribbon

Pin It

Find this spooky canvas door hanging in my Etsy shop HERE!

With whimsy~

Crescent S'mores

2011-09-26T08:51:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend the Cutie Patootie and I made this ooey gooey goodness of a treat. The inspiration came from enticing photos via Pinterest. I did put a little spin on the recipe I found by adding graham cracker bits inside and cinnamon sugar on top. These two ingredients helped reinforce that traditional s'mores flavor.

Ingredients:

Pillsbury crescent rolls
semi sweet chocolate chips
mini marshmallows
graham cracker
cinnamon sugar

Directions:

roll out your Pillsbury crescent rolls
Pile in chocolate morsels, graham cracker bits, and mini marshmallows (*tip: the more mini marshmallows you can stuff in there the better, the majority of them will melt away in the baking process. Also, the graham cracker bits absorb a lot of moisture while baking and change into a more cake-like consistency, yum!)
Roll into traditional crescent shape
Pinch any openings in dough together to prevent gooey spillage.
Top with cinnamon sugar
Bake (Follow baking time and temp on the crescent roll container.)

Let me just tell you, my whole house smelled of delisciousness as they baked. C LOVED these special treats (as did I). They were quite decadent and not to mention gigantic so the Cutie Patootie and I shared one. We were two happy girls.

With whimsy~

Custom Birthday Canvas

2011-09-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

This week's custom order was created for a dear college friend of mine, J. Her sweet little boy is turning one soon, and to help celebrate she wanted a 16x20 happy birthday canvas. J plans on hanging the canvas on her door every year on sweet Bennett's birthday. Love that idea!

Happy 1st Birthday, Bennett!!!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 19

2011-09-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

image from Artsyville

With whimsy~

DIY Mobiles

2011-09-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

A great way to finish any nursery is with a mobile. I love handmade touches in any space. Here is a collection of creative (and easy) DIY nursery mobiles.

If you don't consider yourself the 'crafty' type, have no fear, there are a few ETSY shops that offer DIY mobile kits. How awesome is that? They supply all of the materials and instruction and all you have to do is put it together.

1. Fabric circles + Ribbon + Embroidery Hoop + wood beads = super fun pattern, color and texture for any babies little peeps. :)

EASY TUTORIAL and image from Sew She Sews

2. Scrapbook paper + Butterfly Die Cut + Fishing Line + Embroidery Hoops = Delicate and whimsical touch for that sweet baby girl.

Love this mobile but dont want gather the materials yourself?
Purchase a DIY mobile kit from little dreamers inc. via ETSY

EASY TUTORIAL and image from Carina Gardner

3. Scrapbook paper + string + dowel rods = charming unisex nursery accent

image from CohabiTOT

EASY TUTORIAL and image from Nursery Design + Inspiration

4. Paint chips + oragami = clever use of materials for a unique nautical room accent

image and tutorial from the b-line

5. Twigs + Amy butler fabric = bringing outdoor elements inside for a whimsical feel.

Love it? Want to make one for your little one's nursery?

Purchase a DIY Mobile kit from Baby Bubbo Designs via Etsy.

image and DIY kit via Etsy Seller: Baby Bubbo

With whimsy~

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning

2011-09-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a look at my latest custom order. My client is designing her nursery around the 'Oh, What a Beautiful Morning' crib bedding from Land of Nod and was in search artwork to perfectly coordinate with it. She discovered Kimberly from Custom Nursery Art. Kimberly is a fellow artisan than creates custom art for children's rooms. She is currently not taking any new orders and has graciously added my website as a point of contact for any new order inquiries. In the past, Kimberly created artwork inspired by the 'Oh what a Beautiful Morning' crib bedding. With her permission I was able to "borrow" her 'little birdies' (set of 2) and 'you are my sunshine' designs and recreated them for my client.

I did change the original design slightly by replicating the orange tree (seen on the land of nod quilt) instead of the sunrise.

Elizabeth Lauren

Inspired by: Land of Nod's: Oh, What a Beautiful Crib Bedding and Custom Nursery Art by Kimberly

Custom Nursery Art by Kimberly

I think these 3 paintings turned out really well. They closely resembled the originals by Kimberly, while still maintaining my unique painting style.

With whimsy~

ColorSnap

2011-09-15T10:21:00.000-07:00

What will they think of next!?

Check out this app from Sherwin Williams, ColorSnap. It takes your own personal inspirational photos and matches a Sherwin Williams paint color(s) to it. This is too much. LOVE.IT.

I am a complete color nut, I love all things color; paint colors, textiles, color in nature, etc. I love them all! So, when I discovered this app I was very excited. Often times, friends and family will ask me design advice, in particular paint colors. I can't tell you how many times I find myself describing colors to them in crazy ways. I typically will say things to them like: "Oh you know, a golden yellow more like honey, not quite butter, but not as light as popcorn" ...like I said, I am a nut.

image and app from Sherwin Williams

This app makes me super happy! Check it out!

with whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 18

2011-09-14T05:30:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

ABC Wall

2011-09-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Alphabet walls are a great way to add a whimsical and graphic punch to a bare wall in a nursery or playroom.

A few inspirations:

image from here

with whimsy~

Mama Like: 101 Toddler-To-Dos

2011-09-09T08:54:00.000-07:00

With the Cutie Patootie now at school all day, I am finding myself at home with my busy,energetic, and inquisitive toddler.

I recently stumbled on this awesome to-do list for toddlers from Counting on Me. I am planning on printing them out and adding them to a toddler to-do jar (similar to my summer fun jars. ) Some are as simple as blowing bubbles, but hey, I love a good list and for some reason things seem a little more special when picked from a jar.

Color
Blow Bubbles
Play Hide-and-Seek
Peek-a-Boo
Play Chase
Do Finger-plays
Sing a song
Collect rocks in a basket
Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture
Make a fort out of cushions and sheets
Go for a Walk
Make a Car out of a Box
Read a book
Go to the park
Finger-paint
Play with Play-Dough
Toss Bean bags into a Bucket
Play the shell and pea game
Dance to music
Download games for toddlers from the Internet
Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags
Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch
Roll a ball back and forth on the floor
Scoop dirt or sand into a child's bucket (or use a serving spoon and bowl)
Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other (only with adult supervision)
Put on a puppet show
Go fishing with a yard stick and yarn
Make a Horseshoe game
Make a Shape Puzzle
Play paper basketball
Run through a Sprinkler
Play with a bucket of water and a sponge (PLEASE WATCH CHILD AT ALL TIMES!)
Make a Drum out of an oatmeal box
Play with a kazoo
Wash windows together
Bang on Pots and Pans with a spoon
Brush each other's teeth
Play dress-up with stuffed animals and your child's clothes
Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other
Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other
Make a playhouse out of a large box
Let child play with a sticker sheet (make sure your child doesn't eat them!)
Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets
Play a musical instrument together- i.e.recorder, piano, etc.
Go on a Smelling Hunt
Frost Cookies
Plant a flower or vegetable plant together
Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket
Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers
Play hide and seek together- trying to find a stuffed animal or other object
Have a splash party together in the bathtub
Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house
Record each other on a tape recorder (great for scrapbooks or journals!)
Make and try on paper hats
Give a piggy-back ride
Play "Horsey"
Talk into an electric fan (it distorts your voice)
Play tug-of-war with a blanket
Collect flowers (felt, artificial, real...)
Make a camera and go on a Safari
Play games with frozen juice lids
Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives
Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives- let your child talk too
String large beads onto or along a shoelace
Squirt each other with squirt bottles
Glue shapes onto paper
Make sock puppets
Make paper puppets
Fill an old purse with toys
Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone
Make binoculars and go "Bird Watching" or "Stuffed Animal Watching"
Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
Act out a story from a book
Walk on a balance beam- use a 2x4 placed on the ground
Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk
Paint child's palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card for loved ones!
Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror
Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it
Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
Make a toilet paper barricade for child to go under, over, or through
Do the Hokey Pokey
Make a super-hero costume out of household items
Do Knee-Bouncing Rhymes
Play "Red Light, Green Light" saying "Go" and "Stop"
Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
Make a pillow pile to jump on (keep it clear from any hard surfaces, including walls!)
Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro
Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells
Learn numbers from a deck of cards
Play the matching game with a deck of cards
Make a domino chain
Have a picnic in the park, backyard, or living room!
Play dress up in Mommy or Daddy's clothes
Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other in it
Make a nature collage
Mirror each other
Make a "Mummy Mommy" with toilet paper
Make a tape recording of short music selections and instructions to move in different ways
Make and walk along a toilet paper trail
TAKE A NAP!

image and to-do list from Counting on Me

With whimsy~

Owl and Birdie

2011-09-08T06:58:00.000-07:00

Details:

Size: 12x12 (set of 2)

Materials: Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Find this set READY TO SHIP in my Etsy Shop HERE!

Inspired by: Pottery Barn Kids Catherine Nursery bedding

image from here

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 17

2011-09-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

image from here

Love this image? Click HERE for this FREE printable from How Joyful, available in 6 trendy different colors!!

With whimsy~

hair bow organizer

2011-09-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Cutie Patootie has a TON of hair bows, so many that they have taken over her bathroom drawers, my bathroom drawers, her room, my purse, the list goes on....
Finally, they now have a place of their own!!! Yesterday, I painted C this personalized canvas hair bow organizer. I plan to hang it on the back of her bedroom door.

details:

size: 12x12 canvas

materials: acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

grosgrain ribbon

This item can be customized to coordinate with any color scheme or room design.

If you would like to order a custom canvas hair bow organizer contact me HERE.

With whimsy~

Custom La Ballerinas

2011-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, all Elizabeth Lauren paintings can be customized to your own unique design scheme.

I recently completed this CUSTOM ORDER inspired by my 'La Ballerinas' (set of 3) paintings.

The Inspiration:

Sources:

Art: Original Elizabeth Lauren 'La Ballerinas' (set of 3) painings

Bedding: Cotton Tale Raspberry Dot Nursery Bedding

Paint colors: Sienna Dust & Sarsaparilla

Contact me HERE to get started on your custom order!!!

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 16

2011-08-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

image from here

With whimsy~

ABCs & 123s

2011-08-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

I was so excited for my latest custom order. It was not for a nursery, children's room, or playroom, but rather, an office. Elizabeth Lauren has gone commercial, ha! Well, kind of. A dear friend of mine is a director at a preschool and is in the process of giving her office a make-over. She was looking for artwork that was appealing to both children and adults, youthful sophistication, if you will. ;)

Painting Details:

size: 24x30 (also available in a variety of sizes)

materials: acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, clear matte varnish

My client also knew that she needed 2 paintings in the new office.

1.) She had her heart set on my Sunshine Chevron painting in a custom 24x36 size.

2.) She wanted to incorporate the alphabet. I immediately thought of this Pottery Barn wall art. It had that sophistication my client was looking for without being too 'kiddish'.

The color palette in my clients new office is a combination of charcoal gray, yellow, and a beautiful steely blue green. The wall color that the art will hang on is the blue green tone. I knew that the background of the painting(s) needed to pop from the wall. We decided to keep it white. To soften the bright white I did a very light gray water wash on the white background, this gave the artwork more dimension and a slight aged appearance. I also love the small yellow accents framing each individual letter/number.

This painting turned out great!

Remember, all Elizabeth Lauren artwork can be customized! Love this painting, but need it in a different color palette or size? Contact me HERE to get started on your custom ABCs & 123s painting!

Love this painting just the way it is? Find it in my Etsy Shop HERE!!!

With whimsy~

DIY: framed fabric

2011-08-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite ways to create wall art is by framing fabric. It is a great way to add pattern and texture to any room with out a large commitment and without breaking the bank.

This recent framed ~~fabric~~ napkin project that I created for my brother and sister in law turned out to be one of my favorite accents in their newly designed living room.

Here are my $$$money saving$$$ tips and tricks to create this project:

Purchase pre matted and framed artwork from a discount store or craft store with a 40% off coupon.
I found these at Garden Ridge for $34.99 a piece.
Buying artwork that is already in a beautiful frame with great matting will cut costs in custom matting which can be quite pricey.
The artwork that was originally in them was pretty horrible, but remember you will be covering it with fabulous fabric.
From there, all you have to do is cover the unwanted print/painting/photograph with YOUR fabric of choice.
No need to fuss with hot glue or spray adhesives... I attached the napkin with glue dots. Super easy to work with and again a less permanent option. (in case you get the hankering to change your fabric selection out seasonally)
This option does take a little work. Often times pre matted and framed art is back staples with heavy duty staples.... make sure you have a pair of needle nose pliers to remove these staples with ease.
When disassembling the frame, don't be afraid to mess up the back..... remember it wont be seen, EVER, while hanging on the wall.
I then re-attached the backing with duck tape. That's right people, I am keepin' it classy with the duct tape. :)

Try finding great fabric napkins or place mats to frame instead of fabric by the yard.
I found these napkins at world market for $2.99 a piece.
Designer fabrics can be pricey. A lot of fabric stores also have a minimum of yardage that they will let you buy. Often times this amount is way more than you really need.

So, what was the cost for the project from start to finish?

2 napkins @ $2.99 a piece....................$6.00

2 pre matted frames @34.99 a piece....$70.00

glue dots.................................................$4.00

Total: $80!!!!!

For under $100 we transformed this bare wall to a fabulous designer detail in their room.

I love DIY projects!

With whimsy~

yellow and gray

2011-08-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite trends right now is the refreshing yellow and gray color combination.

Check out these great yellow and gray inspired nursery designs:

image from here

image from here

image from here

image from here

image from here

Love the gray and yellow color scheme too?
Check out my "You make me happy when skies are grey" painting.

Find it in my Etsy shop HERE.

This yellow and grey painting has been featured in a couple great treasury collections via Etsy.
Check them out HERE and HERE.

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 15

2011-08-24T06:09:00.000-07:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Happy Flowers

2011-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Details:

Happy Flowers (set of 2)

Size options: 11x14 or 16x20

Order this set from my Etsy Shop HERE

Inspired by: Pottery Barn Kids Petite Paisley Nursery Bedding

image from here

With whimsy~

Kindergarten!!!

2011-08-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the first official day of Kindergarten for the Cutie Patootie!

She was a little scared, pretty excited, and looked SUPER cute!

In her words: " I look like a ROCK STAR, Mommy!!!"

I can't wait to hear how her day went!!!

With whimsy~

Thank Heaven

2011-08-19T05:07:00.000-07:00

These 8x10 paintings are the latest addition to my Etsy shop.

They make the perfect baby shower gift!

Find it HERE

With whimsy~

First Day of School Freebie

2011-08-18T07:06:00.000-07:00

OK, so reality is still slowly sinking in that my tiny little infant will be skipping off the Kindergarten in T minus 4 days. I have, up to this point, remained eerily calm..... That is until now, I am officially freaking out! I know that she will be fine... C is extremely confident, outgoing, friendly, adventurous, etc. I am freaking out more on the selfish end of things. It seems like yesterday that we brought her home in our arms from the hospital, swaddled in a soft pink blanket. Everything was so new then, that "new" feeling of concern, fear, excitement, and happiness all rolled in to one. That new feeling has crept up on us again. I guess it just goes to show you that being a parent is full of new experiences no matter how experienced you are.

Here is a great FREE printable from I Heart Naptime for the first day of school

images and freebie from I heart Nap Time

With whimsy~

Whimsy Words: 14

2011-08-17T05:42:00.000-07:00

image from here

with whimsy~

Elizabeth Lauren

Ballet Shoes

Row Your Boat

Cherry Blossoms

Whimsy Words: 36

Etsy Love: Wishing Tree Tags

EtsyKIDS Design Challenge: WINNER!!!

Whimsy Words: 35

Custom Hair Bow Organizer

Custom La Ballerinas: 4

Custom Tweet Tweet

EtsyKIDS Design Challenge: It's time to vote!!!

M is for Mischief

Whimsy words: 34

Roses are Red, Celery is Green

Creative Valentine Ideas & Freebies

EtsyKIDS

Whimsy Words: 34

100th Day of School

Bright Blooms

Bunnies

Mama Like: Do-a-Dot Art

Flowering Tree

Whimsy Words: 33

Owls on a Limb

Ryder Trains

Personalized Sunshine Chevron

Whimsy Words: 33

Etsy Love: Zoey Oh!

Lavender La Ballerinas

Mama Like: Fingerprint Fabulous

Whimsy Words: 32

Real Room: Penelope Birdies

i love you to the moon - and back

top post of 2011

Ikat Dream Canvas

Whimsy Words: 32

A is Alligator......Z is for Zebra

whimsy words: 31

Snowman Soup

Custom Birth Announcement

Candy Cane Mice

Away in a manger

J is for Jesus

Whimsy Words: 30

Cinnamon Sugar Snowflakes

Whimsy Words: 29

Nativity Craft

Custom La Ballerinas: 3

FREE Christmas Printables

Whimsy Words: 28

Holiday Canvas

Cranberry Salsa

Whimsy Words: 27

Canvas Christmas Card Organizers

Mama Like: the-go-anywhere-high-chair

Happy Holidays Door Canvas

Whimsy Words: 26

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Whimsy Words: 25

Tinkerbell & Pirate

Whimsy Words: 24

Penelope Birdies

Tinkerbell shoes

Real Room: Choo Choo Trains

Whimsy Words: 23

Tonight's dinner

Busy Bee

Whimsy Words: 22

Etsy Love: The Lacey Placey

Custom La Ballerinas: 2

Comfy Closets

Whimsy Words: 21

Etsy Love: Baby Jives

Giving Tree

Mama Like: WUSLU

Whimsy Words: 20

Boo to You!!!

Crescent S'mores

Custom Birthday Canvas