Peek at New Fabric Collection

Good afternoon to everyone! I wanted to give a peek at a new fabric collection that I've designed for little girl home decor and apparel. I was able to get the design printed on fabric and made a dress as a sample for Surtex (and after the show for my oldest daughter to sport!) I was going to put it on a mannequin but really wanted McKenna model it as God uses her in so many ways to be a source of inspiration to me.

Also, I'm excited to announce a new partnership soon...stay tuned!

Surtex 2012 Wrap-Up!

Our time spent in New York City last week for the Surtex show was a great experience...filled with meeting many amazingly talented artist and making contacts and connections from companies that I am looking forward to following up with! (Excited to share more about that soon!) After exhibiting last year for the first time at the National Stationery Show I was glad to have had that show under my belt as it made me more aware of the planning process, accommodations, logistics, and everything that goes into it. However, it was our first time to exhibit at Surtex which I was really excited about. So many of the opportunities and blessings that have come over the last year kept us honing into the world of licensing my art. In a way preparing to exhibit reminds me of planning a wedding...there are months and months of preparation, behind the scenes work to make it all happen for the big day! After I registered for Surtex last fall, I wanted to expand beyond the greeting card designs that I've created over the 4 past years and start designing for other products such as fabric collections, giftwrap, giftbags, tabletop concepts, etc. I must say...it has been thrilling!! I have LOVED the new challenge of learning about design for other categories!

Last year I kept having this urge to learn to sew. I am sure having two young little girls influenced that as I see so many cute dresses and think to myself, "gosh, I wish I could make this!"...so after enough thought, I bought myself a sewing machine and started teaching myself how to sew by looking at sewing blog tutorials online. As I was planning for Surtex, I hadn't even connected the two (sewing). But then it donged on me...sewing mock-up samples for my booth so companies that were walking the show could see what my patterns could look like on a pair of little girl pajamas, a backpack, pillows, aprons, and hand towels would be a neat visual! 

My husband Taylor (my best friend, hero and biggest encourager) plays such a vital role for the show as well as just every day life. His support and encouragement for me to spread my wings with my creativity has definitely been a big factor in order for me to be where I am today. Also, my cousin/friend Elizabeth who now lives in NYC graciously helped us set up our booth again this year...so so helpful! Thank you Elizabeth!! It did take us less time this year to set up, but one thing I have found is setting up always takes me longer than I anticipate as well as experiencing things you may not have planned for. When it was complete, I was really excited to see the booth come to life...such a gratifying feeling!

Ta-da!

First day of Surtex! 

 

Remember when I said there are some things that will happen that you don't plan on during a show? This would be one of them.  Despite the leaks coming in from the rain, it ended up not being a big deal since it was just one spot...who knew an umbrella could have so many functions! ;)

 biz postcards...

 candy anyone?

 Meeting Bella Pilar was definitely a cool experience as I have admired her work for years...

 Setting up...

 Elizabeth and Taylor helping set up...

 crazy to see how a booth can come to "life" with some dashes of design, color and some TLC...

 

 
Also, got to meet up for dinner one night with a good friend I used to work with at my previous job when I sold building materials. (Yes, you heard me right, I used to sell building materials in corporate america) - Isn't it cool how every step we take are stepping stones for us to listen, learn and grow? Feeling so thankful that God has led me to this sweet place...and that He continues to fill me with inspiration, ideas and also uses my little girls, my husband and a community of incredible friendships that add such joy in my life. Excited to see what unfolds next!

Leading up to Surtex...

Well, when I looked at the last time I had updated the blog I saw it was in January...I can believe it! The past few months have been busssssyyyyyyyy! But...so incredibly awesome! So much to prepare for in regards to the Surtex Show coming up in less than 3 weeks. My booth is #559, please come by if you will be at the show - would love to meet you! I can hardly wait to unveil the booth and brand new fabric collections that are geared towards little girl and adult woman for home decor and apparel. Also, will have brand new design for gift wrap, gift bags, table top, paper, and much more!

Also, keep your eyes open for some of my designs that are now available in Targets, Walgreens and Walmarts - look for the Papyrus - Recycled Greetings aisle! I wanted to leave you with a quote that a dear friend told me... "Our Father does not inspire us to do what can not be done." - I have been thinking a lot about that... I have felt such a passion to create and see how He truly is the one who gives me the vision, ideas and inspiration as well as using the things around me to continue to inspire my heart. The joy I experience with my amazing husband, our two delightful little girls, our community of incredible friends and joy that comes with knowing that I am constantly pursued by the ultimate artist and Creator Himself who longs to be close to little ole me. On my worst day, He is always there opened armed ready to take me to new places when I let go, give Him the room to work and surrender.

Interview Feature in "On The Surface"

How exciting! Tamagrams was featured as a fresh new artist that will be exhibiting at the Surtex National Licensing and Design Show in New York City in May 2012 - check it out!  Thanks "On the Surface" for the interview and feature!

http://www.surtex.com/News/OntheSurfaceEnewsletter/OTSJanuary2012/tabid/271/Default.aspx#newbie

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!