Table Re-vamp!

One of my favorite things is to see something transform and take on a whole new look. After 10 years, I felt that our kitchen table was in need of some good 'ole revamping TLC...add some paint, stencil and glass table top to the mix...wala! 

Got any old pieces around your house that you're not a fan of? Try taking those old outdated wood pieces and put on some pretty paint. I have found distressing is a really easy option which I love the look of. I'll post some pics and tips soon of some furniture I've distressed. Those pieces are now some of my very favorite in our home. Several people have even asked if they were from Pottery Barn (and it's SO easy!) I decided for this kitchen table, I wanted to go a different route.  I tried stenciling which was my first time trying to do this on furniture. I was aiming for a unique and sophisticated look for the kitchen that would flow with the rest of the rooms as we have on open floor plan. That's where stenciling comes in! I love that the copper paint gives a subtle yet stunning look that adds character the table. Last but not least, opted to go with getting a glass table top. I have two little ones and needed something that would be easy clean up and functional for our family. This gives the look that I was going for while also giving the durability that our table needs with spills, crafts, etc. 

Don't be afraid to try re-vamping furniture...it is fun and (in my opinion) much easier than people realize! :)

So, it's official!

So, I've got a bit of exciting news to share!

1st...be on the look out for Tamagrams designs in Walmarts, Targets and Walgreens stores on the Papyrus-Recycled Greetings aisle this spring!

2nd...we are officially registered to exhibit in the Surtex Show in NYC this May. This is the national show for licensing art & design. As some of you may remember, we exhibited at the National Stationery Show this past May so I'm glad we have a show under our belt and feel a little more comfy/cozy about the process and preparation this time around.  I'm already kicking it in high gear designing for fabrics, gift wrap, bags, cards, apparel, etc.

What a journey this has been so far...so much that I have learned about pursuing a dream, the process of surrendering it over and over again and then watching God in the details of it all. It has been so powerful in my life. This verse has taken on a new meaning to me lately..."Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory forever." Ephesians 3:20

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Christmas season - we have been jing jing jingling around here and loving every minute of it! I'm trying to remind myself to stop and savor each of these days in all of it's glorious flair and splendor so hopefully this amazing season will last longer this year since it always seems to fly by in a flash.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Challenging Yourself...

This year has been one of daring myself to try my hand at learning new things...


It's interesting how so often we can go through life never thinking to attempt to try something since we have never been around it before and just don't have much comfortably or knowledge about it. For me, I never grew up around anyone who sewed and didn't really cross paths along the way with anyone who had a gift of sewing to spur on my desire to learn. Maybe perhaps now that I am a mom of two young girls, the bug to stretch myself in new ways has become increasingly strong this past year. Kind of like a light bulb turning on for the challenge. Three weeks ago I decided it was time to hunker down and get a sewing machine so off to the store I went! However, when I got home I didn't even know the first thing about threading a machine and wasn't even aware of what a bobbin was, I will admit.  After having a friends husband (yes, her husband!) show me how to get the machine to be sew ready, I was off off and away and haven't stopped since...really...it is weird to me. I have been trying to squeeze time in for sewing everyday and I think I may be having a little addition going on...My first attempt was at a little girl apron and that somehow turned out to be recognizable :)

I think I became brave too fast and decided my second sewing project would be making McKenna a fall peasant dress. I obviously have NO idea what I was getting myself into! Whewww...this thing took me 7 hours as I was teaching myself how to follow a pattern as well as the sewing side of things. I suppose the up side to being a little too ambitious in the beginning is it becomes a crash course and you end up learning SO much along the way...(in this case, also learning how to sew elastic for the waist and neck and working with bias tape). Needless to say, I was pretty elated when I was finally done as well as having a whole new appreciation for the manufacture of clothing! After tackling this bad boy, it makes sewing pillows and blankets seem like a cinch! 

So...on that note...what is it that you feel challenged by? Are you taking steps to learn whatever it may be? If not, what is stopping you? Go FOR IT...it is invigorating as you learn new skills as well as something deep down opens up new channels of creativity adding a new spice to life!

BOO!

Hope all of you are having a festive week leading up to Halloween! Can you even believe it is already here?!? What in the WORLD... Here are some new designs to enjoy as you get ready for tricks and treats!...

"Pumpkin Umbrella Raining Candy Corn"

Copyright 2011 Tamara Brown / Tamagrams.

"Candy Corn Flowers in Pumpkin Pot"

Copyright 2011 Tamara Brown / Tamagrams.

"Halloween Ghost Cupcake"

Copyright 2011 Tamara Brown / Tamagrams.

Hope you all have a very fun, safe and festive weekend!

No Sew Tutu Dress

Happy Fall to everyone!

Woohoo...I've been waiting for this time of year...I am savoring all that fall has to offer these days :) I know that I usually stick to posting news on Tamagrams, new designs and such but I thought I'd start posting some of the "new" things that I've been up to as well. For those of you with good memories you may remember when I posted a couple months back that I have been a burning desire to try and learn some new things and branch outside my normal "artsy" design. Sewing is on my list of to-do's or I should say "to-learns" but in the mean time I made a new sew tutu for my oldest daughter. Lately she wants to wear anything that resembles a princess type dress that she can twirl in. It inspired me to make a tutu dress for her that she can wear this Halloween and for her PURPLE 3rd Birthday party coming up in the beginning of November. Her love for purple is an understatement :)

For any of you who have little girls in your life, this was way easier to make than I expected. There are also a lot of no sew tutu tutorials online for those of you who want to give it a shot as well. Here is the final product...thought it turned out so cute on her and decided to make another one for my youngest daughter in pink, browns, and purple.

Wa-la!

New Season...

I must admit, when I woke up this morning and saw that it was September 1st on my cell phone, I felt an inner sigh of excitement to know fall is around the corner. Just as seasons are changing outside, Tamagrams is entering a new season itself. Over the past year licensing has just kept popping it's head up. Since the NSS this past May, the path has seemed to become even more clear that licensing is such a great direction for Tamagrams that allows me to do what I love best...design. We have been experiencing so many blessings and God continues to open doors which leaves me feeling so thankful while realizing once again just how big and how in control He is. As of this past week, this is my most recent design that has been licensed for 2012 release in 14,000 different retailers in the US, Canada and the UK. Be on the look out!

"Girlfriend Words Dress"
copyright 2011 Tamagrams / Tamara Brown. All Rights Reserved.

A Sweet Surprise

Lately, life during this hot summer has been filled with productivity in more ways than one. I have been in card design mode full swing while also slowly starting to work on design for fabric, gift bags, plates, wall art, etc. On the other hand, things have been in full swing here at the Casa de Brown! From building a pantry, additional shelving, to landscaping, painting...I'll stop there because the list goes on and on! :) We are excited about all the work we are doing but goodness, it sure does take time! We have also been busy preparing for our second daughters birthday coming up in less than a week. She turns 1...that seems crazy to me. I blink and she is 1. After all of these happenings, this mommy needed a little break and found myself browsing through Swoozies over the weekend. Saw another Tamagrams design that has been licensed (first time on the shelf!) - Always such a surreal experience to see ones work in the final stage.

"Preggo Words Dress" - Artwork and writing copyright 2011 Tamagrams / Tamara Brown.
All rights reserved.

Wishing you all wonderful weeks ahead, filled with joy in unexpected places!

Blessings!
Tamara