New packaging!

I found this great origami pouch pattern on etsy and have been sending out smaller orders in them! They were super easy and fun to make. My problem begins in the paper isle though and not being able to decide which pack of paper to pick because they all look so great! Maybe a custom paper! OH! I will get so sucked into the paper isle!!! A few of them got embellished with beads and charms for Valentines Day gift packaging!

Trying to keep on top of things...

I'm trying to control the impulse to chuck all of my everyday to do's, to the side and play with the new pigments I bought on a whim last night! We spent yesterday playing at Joelle's house (Why the heck do I never bring a camera!!!) The girls had dressed up like bunnies and cats and put on a play for the mommies (no boy allowed please!).  The boys played with Legos. They all played chase. We chatted about life, husbands, kids, food and friends. Heaven!

On the way home, my 20% off coupon for Michaels was burning a hole in my pocket...

I am thinking about how pretty they will be as an accent on my cards, but would love to know how you have used them! 

A little help....

I got this letter from my fellow Made In Ojai artisan... This is very exciting for our shop!



Hi, friends and family. I need a small favor.

The shop where I sell my artwork, Made in Ojai, and its founder, Roberta Raye, have been nominated for a prestigious local Chamber of Commerceaward, which I truly believe we, and Roberta, deserve.

Voting is taking place online and is open to anyone. All you have to do to vote for us is go here: https://www. surveymonkey. com/s/DLG9T2R . Voting closes THIS Wednesday, February 17.

Vote for Roberta and Made in Ojai for the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. If you'd like more info, the awards are explained here: http://www.ojaicham ber.org/index. php?option= com_content& task=view& id=118&Itemid= 2

I believe we are deserving of this award because we are the most creative enterprise in the valley. In this art town, it's amazing that we are the first art co-op. Roberta's vision of an artisans' co-op has become a reality due to her commitment and dedication and the hard work of our 36 artisan members. 

Not only do we provide a unique gift shop for locals and a place for visitors to find exclusively Ojai-made items, but we also contribute to the local arts community with events such as our book arts show, make your own Valentine, and Santa Sundays each December. We are quickly becoming a hub of creative activity for the community.

Roberta has been an active member of the merchant community in Ojai since before the store opened and is singularly dedicated to cross-marketing efforts for the downtown business area. 

Thanks for your help!
Lori

And a very late Happy Valentines Day greeting...

: )

I also love...

...that these are finished! They were so much fun to make and a nice break from other projects! Are you making a departure from the every day?

I...

I Love...

...getting the idea out of my head and into reality, into the tangible....



She popped into my head. Just her eyebrows at first. Then her hair. She isn't me. Not a self portrait. In my mind she was even more askew and off kilter. I ended her abruptly, at the bottom. Not sure what her body should have been doing. Maybe I'll have another go at her another day...

I Love...

Getting things done! Even if it last minute and my email is not cooperating! I spent all weeeeeeekend with my hands in a creative clutter trying not to to repeat myself creatively! We all have our favorites and comfortable creative zones and I'm finding it hard to branch out of my comfortable color and design habits! Here are a few nibbles of what's goin' on!

I Love...

Pretty things for my hair...

Back in November, these were on my mind and now they are in my hair!

I Love...

The clutter of creating....

Rain Drops...

We woke up to POURING rain today! I have to say, I love it! Drip. Drop. Plop. Music to my ears.... I happened to make this heart last summer when it was dry, dry, dry. I'm glad I thought of it today....

Things I love...

A sudden cold wind
Kisses from my little ones (and big ones)
Just popped popcorn
Getting my way
Pen and ink
Fuchsia
Harry Potter
onion rings
Feeling like a hot mama when I wear a certain red lipstick
Robert
Calder
Magnolia
You
The line in the song that says "Pink! Not quite red, not quite white"
Sheela-Na-Gig
Hearts
Room Service
That kiss, that one time....
And then another
Making cookies with the little ones (and big ones)
A table
Some coffee
A best friend
You
Me
Figuring it out (finally!)
Wondering what it's all about
Not being cool
Disaster movies
Watching
Contrast
Mint
Hot towels right out of the laundry
Friday's....

Heart a day...

From now until Valentines I'm hoping to do a heart a day. What does that mean, you ask? Let's just see...
I do love's the hearts!
(Cupcake heart for Joelle. Gaea
© 2010)

Heart to Heart...

I went to drop off my contribution to the heart display and contest at Made In Ojai this morning and it was so great to see all the lovely hearts on display! Everyone is really getting into it! I'll have to remember my camera and take some photos of the shop! In making this heart it felt good not to follow the original plan too strictly. Most of the original design elements that I wanted survived and some elements that I wasn't sure of didn't make it to the final piece. I enjoyed working with acrylics for a change. It is so good to get out of the everyday mindset. Here are a few snaps of mine in progress and the final outcome. Happy Groundhog Day!

Filler up!

I have high hopes for February! It holds Valentines day, my dear one's birthday and the possibility of more coldish weather. Being in Southern California, I relish the days that actually have weather to them. Bring on the rain, cold and snow. Come Summer I will be thinking back to these days to keep my mind cool...

And a warm cup of coffee...