tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52516771711678865742024-03-13T10:33:01.268-07:00Lily Cole DesignsLilyCole Designs creates unique hand-drawn art with “Bohemian meets vintage” patterns, bold colors and oftentimes a “tug at your heart” message.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-12239507722414164062015-11-23T12:50:00.000-08:002015-11-23T13:01:05.034-08:00Changes for Lily Cole DesignsThank you for following me and my little corner of this world these past few years. This blog has been a great place to introduce new products, give a few crafty tutorials, and show pictures of our growing children. Yet, this website will no longer be the "go-to" place, because Lily Cole now has a <span style="color: blue;">NEW WEBSITE</span>! We would be overjoyed if you checked it out: <a href="http://www.lilycoledesigns.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.LilyColeDesigns.com</span></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.winebrennerdesigns.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Winebrenner Designs</span></a> did a fantastic job in not only projecting Lily Cole's vision, but also in guiding us steadily through the set-up process - teaching us all about SEO, keywords, analytics, and so forth. If you are a small business looking to build a new website, I highly recommend Melissa.<br />
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So, this will be the final post in this spot. Happiest of holidays to you all, and we look forward to working with you over at our new <a href="http://www.lilycoledesigns.com/" target="_blank">location</a>.<br />
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Be the first to learn about what's happening at Lily Cole Designs by <a href="http://eepurl.com/bGYq65" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">joining our mailing list</span></a>!<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-15367740486636888492015-08-31T08:22:00.001-07:002015-08-31T08:22:41.192-07:00My Handwriting, My HeartSo, this little corner of my world with Lily Cole Designs has been...well, in a nutshell...exhilarating. Being able to create artwork specific to customers' desires and knowing that it is being looked at with young, big eyes is so motivating and it makes my heart full. Also, while having my own business has it's challenges, to me I see it more as a giant diving board. I can bounce as high as I want and as many times as I want before jumping in. I might fall off or bounce the wrong way, and I never know what the water will be like below. Yet more than likely, I'll have fun swimming in it.<br />
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My stomach is doing flips as I'm getting ready to jump really high on the diving board this morning. This lovely little idea came to me about 6 months ago and I am FINALLY ready to "test the waters" to see if you all are as excited about it as I am. Here's the deal. It's all about handwriting.<br />
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Handwriting is so personal, so memorable, to unique to each individual. And I could pick out my Grandpa's handwriting out of a line up. Couldn't you do the same with yours? I bet you can. I can't see my grandpa anymore, but I want, I need, to see words up on my wall.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNxg7k2LKU/VeRwVlI4lCI/AAAAAAAAAOE/AwvSDcQBjKU/s1600/Etsy%2BGraphic_Grandpa_small%2Bfor%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNxg7k2LKU/VeRwVlI4lCI/AAAAAAAAAOE/AwvSDcQBjKU/s320/Etsy%2BGraphic_Grandpa_small%2Bfor%2Bweb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyCole" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/shop/LilyCole</a></div>
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For this one (above), we found an old letter that my Grandpa had written to my Grandma in 1943 from Germany during WWII. He signed it "All of my love to you all. Ralph." Priceless.<br />
*Note: watercolor flowers are a background option for you. Flowers painted by <a href="http://www.createthecut.com/" target="_blank">Create the Cut</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tem0wbb_biQ/VeRmUs0m18I/AAAAAAAAANY/GAK9mUD5YQs/s1600/Grandpa%2Bjust%2Boriginal%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tem0wbb_biQ/VeRmUs0m18I/AAAAAAAAANY/GAK9mUD5YQs/s320/Grandpa%2Bjust%2Boriginal%2Bcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this one, from my husband's Grandpa...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcj5EZOazzY/VeRmUeWdlII/AAAAAAAAANs/4UYMQzKp7hY/s1600/Love%2BDuane%2B4%2Bby%2B6_framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hcj5EZOazzY/VeRmUeWdlII/AAAAAAAAANs/4UYMQzKp7hY/s320/Love%2BDuane%2B4%2Bby%2B6_framed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
...From this birthday card that he had signed years ago. I gave it to my husband for Father's Day and he has it hanging up in his office.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3_L7GMMZhE/VeRmUQR_qII/AAAAAAAAANg/yDBSw3z9L5c/s1600/Love%2BDuane%2Boriginal%2Bcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O3_L7GMMZhE/VeRmUQR_qII/AAAAAAAAANg/yDBSw3z9L5c/s320/Love%2BDuane%2Boriginal%2Bcard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've also had so much fun with my own family's handwriting. I had each of us write "love you" on a piece of computer copy paper. Then I created this, which is now printed in a 16 by 20 inch size (BIG) and hanging in our bedroom. We will treasure it forever. I mean, who can resist a 6 and 8 year olds' handwriting? Love.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueZWYxD_3lE/VeRmVCMV7PI/AAAAAAAAANw/AGBW_5oyf4Y/s1600/Love%2BYou_11%2Bby%2B14_small%2Bfor%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ueZWYxD_3lE/VeRmVCMV7PI/AAAAAAAAANw/AGBW_5oyf4Y/s320/Love%2BYou_11%2Bby%2B14_small%2Bfor%2Bweb.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
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I am calling this new line of products on Etsy "My Handwriting, My Heart." Want to learn more? Check it out in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyCole" target="_blank">my shop</a>. I'll also be posting details in my Instagram account @LilyColeDesigns. What types of projects would YOU like to see with your family's handwriting?<br />
<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-19825395196570906232014-01-14T09:40:00.002-08:002014-01-14T09:40:18.640-08:00Color in 2014The older I get, the more I appreciate color. And texture. And how you can create something from very little and it can be amazing. Lately, my "tv show craft" and my "car craft" (I simply cannot sit for that long without creating at the same time) has been creating collages. I have been creating them out of old magazines and newspapers. I find super colorful pages or images, cut them out, and adhere them to a 12 by 12 sheet of paper. Then, I scan them in (300 dpi, of course) and use them in many of my illustrations. I am completely in love with the array of colors that shines through.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8uW1-h_L9M/UtVyajNxdZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/bfCcDDazcZs/s1600/Collage+images+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8uW1-h_L9M/UtVyajNxdZI/AAAAAAAAAK4/bfCcDDazcZs/s640/Collage+images+for+blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are just a few examples of the lovely illustrations you can create. I hand draw everything I do. I typically start by drawing things with a pencil in my sketchbook. Then I scan it in, redraw it on my computer using my Bamboo Tablet, and then digitally color in my drawings. For those of you familiar with graphic design programs, I use a lot of "clipping masks" leaving my magazine/newspaper image as the center point. The possibilities are truly ENDLESS. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhVB445tdjo/UtVyab3os2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/DxsIQptGId8/s1600/Examples+of+digital+collage+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhVB445tdjo/UtVyab3os2I/AAAAAAAAAK0/DxsIQptGId8/s640/Examples+of+digital+collage+art.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh, and on a more personal note, here is our 2013 holiday card. Of course, I didn't get the cards sent out until January 12th, so I made it a Happy 2014 card. ;-) I have created our family's holiday cards since Lily was born, and I almost always include several pictures from the year. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m81VG9vo3rU/UtV0oPgf3rI/AAAAAAAAALc/CnwzvIoC3PM/s1600/Holiday+Card+2013_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m81VG9vo3rU/UtV0oPgf3rI/AAAAAAAAALc/CnwzvIoC3PM/s320/Holiday+Card+2013_back.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlixxP31Qes/UtV0mgjI8FI/AAAAAAAAALI/zgNEEoISmS8/s1600/Holiday+Card+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QlixxP31Qes/UtV0mgjI8FI/AAAAAAAAALI/zgNEEoISmS8/s320/Holiday+Card+2013.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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And just for fun...here are some of our past holiday cards:<br />
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2012<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf2wtWZEKCU/UtV0nBwXcwI/AAAAAAAAALY/5lAwv_KkLwo/s1600/Holiday+Card+2012_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wf2wtWZEKCU/UtV0nBwXcwI/AAAAAAAAALY/5lAwv_KkLwo/s320/Holiday+Card+2012_back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2011</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXt9BsSva1k/UtV1D_jE1SI/AAAAAAAAALs/a4xZB7xk1Zc/s1600/Holiday+Card+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXt9BsSva1k/UtV1D_jE1SI/AAAAAAAAALs/a4xZB7xk1Zc/s320/Holiday+Card+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I02liyjTdIY/UtV1DlBEQWI/AAAAAAAAALo/LRjqvNTrN4s/s1600/Holiday+Card_7.25+by+5.25_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I02liyjTdIY/UtV1DlBEQWI/AAAAAAAAALo/LRjqvNTrN4s/s320/Holiday+Card_7.25+by+5.25_back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2010</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-q1Vom1d8/UtV1TPN8VfI/AAAAAAAAAL4/uiHlI6J39Sg/s1600/Holiday+Card_3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4C-q1Vom1d8/UtV1TPN8VfI/AAAAAAAAAL4/uiHlI6J39Sg/s320/Holiday+Card_3+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2009<br />
This was one of my first attempts at putting together a collage of pictures in Photoshop. I had so much learning ahead of me at this point.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3DggNplzXA/UtV12RquXzI/AAAAAAAAAMA/VreEJ5IaY-M/s1600/Holiday+Card+2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3DggNplzXA/UtV12RquXzI/AAAAAAAAAMA/VreEJ5IaY-M/s320/Holiday+Card+2009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-82509966949728646002013-10-24T12:59:00.000-07:002013-10-24T12:59:30.928-07:00Well hello again blog!Poor blog...you have been so neglected. One might think that I have been sitting on my arse eating bon bons and doing nothing with my business, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Lily Cole Designs is so busy that I haven't made any time for blogging/facebook, etc. Well that is going to change, starting today. Nice to see you again blog, let's get to know each other again.<br />
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Lily Cole has been "in business" since March of 2011. Everyday since it's inception, I have created something. Here are the most recent works of art, so great for a little girl (nursery or child's room):<br />
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/NewRainbow_pinks_namehorizontal_11by14_zps35d15760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/NewRainbow_pinks_namehorizontal_11by14_zps35d15760.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_BirdLongTail_11by14_zpscd3099cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_BirdLongTail_11by14_zpscd3099cf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_Peacock_pinks_11by14_zps9da8b4d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_Peacock_pinks_11by14_zps9da8b4d0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_OwlonaTree_11by14_zps9038a6d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Print_OwlonaTree_11by14_zps9038a6d2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And everyday I learn something new. Every. Day. Sometimes I make mistakes that turn out to be a complete waste of time/money. Like buying iron-on transfer sheets - a lot of them - thinking I'd make a bajillion tshirts out of my own designs. Nope. Epic fail. Designs bled, some didn't go on all the way, others cracked off. After a lot of research, purchases, sample fabric ordering, and trial and error, I finally landed on the right solution for me: uploading my designs to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a> and getting yards of fabric printed with several of my designs. I then cut around the design and stitch it on the onesie/t-shirts.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjsxC85oKg/Uml1LzuD80I/AAAAAAAAAJs/bFrxc2kxND8/s1600/IMG_3418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VXjsxC85oKg/Uml1LzuD80I/AAAAAAAAAJs/bFrxc2kxND8/s640/IMG_3418.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also have made some SMART decisions. At the top of the list: hiring Stephanie Fizer Coleman to consult me on my business. If you don't know Steph's work, check it out <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheFoxandTheTeacup" target="_blank">here</a> and her <a href="http://stephaniefizercoleman.com/blog" target="_blank">blog</a> here. Her work is amazing, she sells worldwide, has licensing deals, is a book illustrator, and has a fantastic <a href="https://www.etsy.com/?ref=si_home" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thefoxandtheteacup" target="_blank">the Fox and the Teacup</a>). She has "been there done that" but even more appealing is that she is willing to share her learning experiences with others. I have found many other artists who aren't eager to share their secrets (like, where do you get your supplies? how do you get your artwork printed?). Steph has answered probably one hundred of my questions so far (and if you know me personally, you know that I have a tendency to ask a TON of questions). If you are an artist or entrepreneur looking for advice on growing and maintaining your business, I highly recommend you check out her services: <a href="http://stephaniefizercoleman.com/consulting" target="_blank">Creative Biz Coaching</a>. </div>
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I have been working with Steph for 3 weeks now, and already my business is about to undergo some major changes. Here is a breakdown: </div>
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<li>Instead of getting all of my printing outsourced, I will now be printing everything on my very own new printer. This was an impactful decision for many reasons. My workspace is limited and I had to clear out many old craft items to make room for this <a href="http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/jsp/Product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&sku=C11CA86201" target="_blank">beast of a machine</a>. </li>
<li>Printing at home means I also need to have paper (several different sizes), a paper cutting machine, and shipping supplies at my house. Saving money in the long run and it gives me more control on what is delivered to customers. </li>
<li>I rarely do any advertising or marketing, but I am learning that utilizing existing social media outlets can be really impactful. I struggle with blasting the "look at me and all of my talent!" communication a bit because it seems very "self-absorbed." Yet I plan to have a different approach. Stay tuned. </li>
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<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/162989307/thank-you-notes-colorful-set-of-20?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/FoldedCard_Thankyou_Magazine_zps8ab27f7d.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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Thanks for checking in (and hanging with me after a long blogging absence). </div>
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Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-36953710872727167442013-06-08T07:02:00.000-07:002013-06-08T07:02:00.752-07:00Nursery art for boysMy poor, sweet little blog. It has been neglected for months! There is so much to share.<br />
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I have really wanted more excuses for creating boys' room artwork. I have searched high and low for cute artwork and it is tough to find.<br />
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Here are a few illustrations I've created recently. These illustrations can be sized anywhere from smallish (5 by 7 or 8 by 10), to bigger at 11 by 14 or 16 by 20.<br />
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Zooanimalsinframes_zpse4b2c290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Zooanimalsinframes_zpse4b2c290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also, camping anyone? For a little boy's room - especially the outdoorsy types - I just couldn't resist illustrating a camping theme.<br />
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These are boyish, rustic, weathered looking, textured and full of color.<br />
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You'll find that a lot of boy decor includes primary colors. While those are not typically my favorite "main" colors to use, I like blending them with soft blues and greens to create a ton of color, while complimenting existing decor.<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-37580542018282528802013-02-06T12:30:00.000-08:002013-02-06T12:30:01.099-08:00The tooth fairy is coming!So we had an "emergency situation" yesterday (according to Lily). She has a loose tooth that is so close to popping out and we did not yet have a tooth fairy pillow (oh the horror!). Yet when I am assigned with such a craft task, I am ON IT. I don't seem to have that quality when it comes to housework or cooking, but make a pillow for my daughter - well that is a priority above all others.<br />
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See how that tooth already grew so far behind the baby tooth? Is that normal or should I call the dentist?<br />
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So making the pillow was super easy and fun.<br />
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1. Cut a pattern of a tooth shape using Kraft paper. I love that stuff. Pick it up super cheap at Dollar Store or Walmart and we use it for patterns, for wrapping all of our gifts, which the kids then decorate with pictures - see Christmas photo. And of course, I also use it to package up every Lily Cole Designs box that I take to the post office.<br />
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2. Find an off white fabric - double it up if you are going to embroider a name on it. </div>
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3. Find another colorful fabric for the back. Have your child help you pick it out! </div>
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4. Embroider his/her name on the light fabric. First write it out using disappearing ink pen. I love that thing. It really FULLY disappears!</div>
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5. Place right sides together, then pin the pattern on top. Cut all pieces of fabric around the pattern. Take the pattern off. </div>
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6. Make a little pocket for the tooth to go in. Pockets are really easy to make. Just fold down all four sides of a square of fabric and stitch them down. Then place it on top of your fabric and stitch the 3 sides to it, leaving the top open. </div>
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7. Pin the right sides together of just the fabric. Sew all around the tooth, but leave about a 3 inch opening on the side. This is the opening you will use to turn it inside out. </div>
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8. Turn it inside out.</div>
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9. Stuff it full of stuffing. Have kids help. It's fun. </div>
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10. Then stitch that 3 inch opening closed. I started it and Lily finished it. I think you can tell which stitches she helped with. I think that is my favorite part of the whole pillow. </div>
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11. Then love on that pillow and wait for that stinkin' tooth to pop out!</div>
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-57104170214999539162012-11-18T20:42:00.002-08:002012-11-18T20:42:52.540-08:00Veteran's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dear Lily and Cole, </div>
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We had quite the experience last Friday. It doesn’t mean
anything to you now, but someday it will mean a lot. You’ll probably tell your
children about it. You’d better. In fact, I insist. </div>
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Last Friday, your Great Papa (my grandpa, Dr. Jack Rowlett),
who is now 91 years old, came to Lily’s school’s Veteran’s Day Assembly. Sweet
Nanci, your cousin Jack’s wife and Great Papa’s main caregiver, drove him up to
our house. He had a green notebook in hand. In that green notebook included pictures
of him from the war (boy, such a handsome young man he was!), his ration card,
important war papers and more. Here are some pics: </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">2nd row, dark shirt. He is the one on the slight right (the one without a smile on his face). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lily and Grandma Janie looking through the green notebook that Nanci and Grandpa created for the assembly.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/file-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/file-28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Several Veterans came up to Grandpa after the assembly to thank him. It was very emotional for him.</span></span></td></tr>
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Today Great Papa is ok. Living ninety-one years in the same
body…well, he isn’t what he used to be. Dr. Jack Rowlett practiced medicine
(family practice) Paola, KS for 47 years. For most of this time, he was only
one of two doctors in town. He has delivered hundreds of babies, and has
performed countless surgeries. He is incredibly well respected and sort of a
“celebrity” in this small town. And in his old age, this tough “class clown”
man, who sings inappropriate songs from war days and keeps people in stitches
so easily, has become a big giant softie who cries easily. He is still quick
witted and sharp, and his old age has just made him a little less aware of his
surroundings. Yet we are still very much aware of him. Of his larger-than-life existence.
Of his critical importance in our upbringing, and therefore his continued
influence on our daily lives. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I feel so blessed for all of the trips that Grandpa and Nanci take to "the city." We get to grab lunch and chat. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa's 90th birthday party at his house. Most of the family, but we miss Sadie, Amelia and Crayton. </td></tr>
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Yet this Veteran’s Day, the focus was not on how influential
he has been in our lives, but rather on his dedication to America and his
heroism shown in World War II.</div>
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We had no idea what to expect. We heard it was a Veteran’s
Day Assembly and that Lily could invite a Veteran. I called Grandpa to ask and he seemed excited. We thought it
would be a boring assembly. Quite the contrary. Two hours, many tears from all
of us (except the kids, who really were bored) and a medal around Grandpa’s
neck, the assembly turned out to be a day I’ll never forget. </div>
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Grandpa was too weak to stand in the long line of the
Veterans and their sweet elementary school relatives. A thoughtful employee
asked if Grandpa could somehow still introduce himself, as it was obvious there
were very few World War II Vets there (turns out there were 3). Grandpa was the
very last Vet to be “introduced.” Grandma Janie was going to introduce him from
our seats, but when we realized the microphone had a wire and couldn’t reach to
the back of the audience. Mom has a broken foot and is using a walker, so she
couldn’t just run up to the front. I ended up introducing him (which is a shame
because mom would have been great telling his story with date facts, etc.). I
simply said “Lily Unruh, kindergartener, has brought her great papa here today.
Dr. Jack Rowlett served in World War II.” Man – there were SO many things I
wish I would have said like: </div>
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<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> we are so honored he is here</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> he is 91 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> he served as a pilot</span></li>
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Yet I was pretty proud of myself because I made it through
this announcement without crying. Who knew I would be a sobbing mess about 45
seconds after his introduction. Here is why:</div>
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As I was handing the microphone back over to the principal,
the crowd of 700 erupted in applause. I suppose it was a combination of Grandpa
being the last one, but I believe
it was also because he was a World War II Vet. I lock eyes with my barely
standing, supported by a cane Grandpa…and he is sobbing. He was so touched by
the applause given to him. And this overwhelming sense of pride came over me. I
am proud of Grandpa. For his heroism in the War, for taking care of his
patients for almost half of a century, for being a dedicated family man. But
what really struck me in that moment was my pride for a simple thing – I was so
proud that he was there with us on that day, in that school auditorium. </div>
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Lily and Cole – our time left with Great Papa might be
dwindling. Even if you don’t remember this assembly, I want you to know that he
showed up. He has a terrible back and a lot of pain in his legs. He was weak
that day. But he came. For you. You two – my little darlings – are lucky sons
of bitches for having him as your Great Papa. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love this picture of Grandpa and Cole. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then here too - Cole is so much bigger but still sitting in his lap. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During our "Applebees days" when kids, mom and I would head to Paola to pick up Grandpa and he would take us out to lunch. </td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment-->Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-84871002468947794622012-10-04T21:09:00.001-07:002012-10-04T21:09:48.160-07:00ChangeThe only thing constant these days is change. With Lily starting Kindergarten, our life seems to have entered into mach speed territory. She is learning new songs, new words, new ideas. Her first week of school she told me, "Mom, I went to the library today. No, Mom, really - not the library we always go to. Mom - there is a library IN THE SCHOOL!"<br />
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I pick her up from school and everyday she talks my ear off about her day. She has never been that way before. We are meeting so many new people each and everyday. I oftentimes feel like I am being swung around on the end of a rope...finding myself in new situations and not knowing what to do or what the outcome might be. Inside, we are all growing. Getting stronger. Life is pretty unique right now. It is pretty darn cool actually.<br />
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<br />
Buddy started preschool recently. He. Loves. It. He is my superhero-loving guy. Pretty happy-go-lucky kid who doesn't like to nap anymore, so that makes him slightly less happy-go-lucky around the 5 o'clock hour.<br />
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I experienced something brand-new last weekend. Lily Cole Designs and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DishableDesigns" target="_blank">Dishable Designs</a> paired together and got a booth at the Overland Park Fall Festival.<br />
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We had a giant pink tent and we somehow got lucky enough to be on a corner.<br />
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The day was beautiful. Just perfect. And it brought out so many people. I was overwhelmed with the number of friends of family who came out. My day felt like a giant ball of support, love and colorful surroundings. Many of my moments involved surprise and elation when I'd recognize my sweet friend's face walking up to see me.<br />
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Doing this craft fair ignited my passion to make beautiful things. From scratch. I rarely allow myself this opportunity anymore because I always seem to have more important things to do...laundry, dishwasher unload, play with kids, fill existing orders, but for this...well I just HAD to stock my booth, right? I did. And I loved every minute of creating each item.<br />
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Scalloped-cut fabric banners for kids rooms or party decor. </div>
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Kitchen towels with vintage ribbon trim. Full of color, of course. Wouldn't have it any other way. </div>
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And just a few images of onesies. Makes me wish I had a little baby again. Sort of. Not really. </div>
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Need to go to bed. Sitting here with "Long Island Medium" on while typing this. I have never watched it before but it is really moving. </div>
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I have so much more I could blog about. Just need to move it up my priority list. Have a great rest of the week everyone. </div>
<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-37024883610427938612012-08-25T19:32:00.001-07:002012-08-25T19:40:01.341-07:00Rad friendsSee, I am so lucky because I have these really rad friends who invite us to do these unique and fun activities. I mean, the kind of activities that my kids will talk about for days. Butterfly exhibit? Had no idea that existed. Hayrack ride at Heritage Park with hot dogs and s'mores over a fire afterward? Holy great idea. Roller skating? Yep, been there a million times growing up but never considered it for my kids. Well thank you AMY because we love it all. And we are blessed to be invited. On Wednesday, we went to Skate City (formerly Skateland South). I have spent many a Friday night here in my middle school days. Never imagined I'd be skating my little chicklins around and watching them giggle, dance and sweat all at the same time.<br />
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High school friends - coming back here felt like being a the Twilight Zone. It looks exactly the same. Yet, back then I thought it was so much bigger.<br />
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Remember those round sitting benches?<br />
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Walkers equals much less frustration for the kids. Walkers equals independence.<br />
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Apparently my children get a hold of my iPhone a lot and do crazy things like make silly faces and take photo booth pictures. I find these in my photo stream and have to laugh.<br />
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Cole is really into Where's Waldo books right now. He knows where every Waldo is already yet he is proud of himself for "finding" it each time. Then I throw a wrench into things and tell him to find the Wizard and it slows him down a little.<br />
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Today was Lily's first soccer game. Saturday morning. 8 AM. As we walked in, we said "and so it begins. The world of weekend sports for our kids." We have heard about this. We know that life gets crazy with practices, games, new jerseys, meeting new friends, etc. It is starting. And I think we will love it.<br />
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Twenty-one days ago Lily started begging me for a lego set - this one to be exact.<br />
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We spent 21 days "earning" it by her doing extra chores, being extra considerate, helping out her brother, etc. We marked the calendar and every morning she counted down the number of days until she got her set. We got it today. We came home at 11 am and she worked on it until 4:30. She said she "didn't have time" to eat lunch so we forced her to eat a granola bar at 1 pm. With a lot of help from her daddy, she finished it. All.<br />
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She completely amazes me. My brain doesn't work the way hers and Daddy's works. Give me instructions on how to put something and I can't get through step 4 without needing to step away to clear my head.<br />
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Hilarious thing: Lily flaps her arms and legs when she gets excited. I kept hearing pounding on her floor all afternoon, knowing full well that those arms and legs were a flappin'. I'll be so sad when that trait of hers goes away.<br />
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As far as Lily Cole Designs, embroidery has been keeping me busy. Here are 2 orders I just finished last week. I absolutely adore this child's drawings. It is such a beautiful thing to see what their little hands create.<br />
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And a NEW illustration! Zac Brown Band is our fave band and this line (from Highway 20 Ride) has always touched me. There is no statement that better describes how I feel about my little family. I want to hang this in both kids' rooms and our bedroom. I'm sure I won't, but I would. I'm crazy like that.<br />
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And some other exciting & amazing opportunities for Lily Cole Designs are forming - details to come.<br />
Happy rest of weekend everyone! Grandparents are coming tomorrow and we can't wait!!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-40002060047417328842012-08-16T12:16:00.004-07:002012-08-16T12:22:30.349-07:00KindergartenI have felt an undercurrent of anxiety for the past several days in anticipation of the big day - Lily's first day of Kindergarten. I knew Lily would likely rock it. And she did. A few tears from me. A few from Lily. Yet all in all, we survived. And I think she will LOVE Kindergarten. I only have a few minutes to post a few pictures, so here they are.<br />
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We took Grandma Janie to her Orthopedic appointment this morning and met Great Papa and Nanci there. I love that my 91 year old grandpa can still hold Cole on his lap.<br />
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Mom: "Lily, whatever you do, don't smile." Usually works. Ate at Subway right before first day of Kindergarten.<br />
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Mom: "Lily can we put the backpack next to you for the picture?"<br />
Lily: "No mom, I want to sit on the backpack."<br />
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Lily was thinking "Ok, but you aren't going to leave, right?" Tears just after this was taken. But they only lasted a minute. Brave girl.<br />
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And this was Lily's first soccer practice with her elementary school kindergarten team last night.<br />
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Gotta run. Hope all the other kiddos did great today - from my friends it sounds like all went well. Big day!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-66400078464483374702012-08-05T19:03:00.001-07:002012-08-05T19:03:05.210-07:00Treasure this...I haven't been <i>this</i> excited about a new product for a while. This idea came to me while brainstorming Father's Day gifts for my dad. I needed something special...I mean, really special...that he would treasure. And something that is READY for him to put up. I didn't want anything he needed to buy a frame for. Finally, I wanted something that was sentimental from his grandchildren. So...I asked my kids "what would you like to say to Papa Chip for Father's Day?" I am sure there are many other creative questions that would yield cooler answers. They said "we love you Papa Chip." So I asked Lily to write it down. She did. And I adore her little 5 year old handwriting. The less perfect, the better. Give me an "E" that is 10 inches tall or give me backwards letters that all run together. I took the words she wrote and embroidered them onto a fabric color that is one of my dad's favorite colors and I kept it in the rustic little wooden embroidery hoop.<br />
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It was also special to write a little handwritten message on the hoop.<br />
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Since then, I've had the pleasure of making a few more:<br />
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My dear friend's daughter just wrote this to her mama one day and I knew right away it just <i>had</i> to be embroidered as a keepsake.<br />
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And this is a wee tiny one (4 inch hoop; others are 6 inch hoops) that we made for Great Grandma Kasey's birthday.<br />
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So so excited that these are finally listed in my Etsy shop here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/104804529/gift-child-handwriting-to-loved-one<br />
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My goal is to offer an affordable gift that the recipient will truly treasure. Husbands/fathers - this would be so incredible for your wife's birthday, or for Mother's Day. It would be so special for Grandmas and Grandpas too. Ok, I hate the sales pitch nonsense - not at all why I do this - so I'm stopping now. I'm just so excited about the idea of it that I can't contain myself. ;-)<br />
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Other new products that will soon be launching include personalized thank you cards for kids. Here are some examples:<br />
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These can be printed as flat or folded cards, 4 by 6 or 5 by 7. As always, personalization, customization and changes can be made at no extra cost. </div>
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I am in the process of working on new designs for girls...and I have mocked up mermaids and princesses. I welcome any ideas and I LOVE custom work, so send ideas my way!<br />
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Additionally, lately several customers have sought out the "you are my sunshine" print as an invitation to their daughter's birthday party. Cute!<br />
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Finally, a new set of prints was added to the shop recently. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - with a superhero. Nobody can accuse me of not incorporating my daily life into my art. ;-)<br />
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Of course, the superhero will be customized to the little boy in your life. ;-) Here is my little superhero...who always wants to fly to the moon.<br />
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Signing off. Happy week everyone!!</div>
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-45518110320319289162012-07-28T07:30:00.000-07:002012-08-05T19:14:33.447-07:00Lots of little thingsWe are back from our heavenly vacation in San Diego. So beautiful. So relaxing. We missed the kids terribly, but they were happy as clams at their cousins.<br />
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We transferred back to reality at mach speed.<br />
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I was so happy to get back to this goofball.<br />
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And this sweet little angel.<br />
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As we speak, I am throwing Lily and Cole's Keen shoes in the freezer. I just squirted lemons on them. Then I'm putting them in a freezer bag and into the freezer...hoping this will make the sweaty smell go away. Just talked to Nordstrom on the phone and this is what they said to do. I'll let you know how it turns out. And if others have tried and true tricks, I'd love to know what works.<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Update to this: it did NOT work. The lemon juice and freezer helped slightly, but the gross feet smell was still there. Still curious as to what works. ;-(</span></i><br />
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I heart Pinterest. I also heart butter mints. Have you ever made homemade butter mints? I hadn't. Yet now I highly recommend doing this. Kids loved helping too.<br />
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So easy. And highly addictive. Use food coloring and serve at a baby shower.<br />
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http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com/recipes/soft-butter-mints<br />
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Another great project we tried from Pinterest is this headband made from old t-shirts. I actually made a bracelet out of a weathered purple t-shirt that had a hole in it. And now that I know how to do a 5 strand braid, I am constantly trying to find things around the house that I can braid. It is SO easy.<br />
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http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/06/repurposing-tshirts-into-5-strand-braided-headbands.html</div>
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My darling sweet friends gave me this coffee cup for my birthday (from Anthropologie) and I am a little bit obsessive about it. It MUST be clean every morning for my coffee. I feel pretty chic drinking from it, especially because I am a new coffee drinker, but also because I've never had a coffee cup other than a plain white boring thing. Thanks friends - you know me so so well.<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-87419244250099117992012-07-15T21:17:00.000-07:002012-07-15T21:17:00.059-07:00FriendsYou know, there are so many things I could blog about. I struggle sometimes because the possibilities are endless. The way I want to treat this blog is not as an obligation (I MUST do this twice a week!) or to please other people (what would increase the number of hits?!), but rather as a platform for communicating bursts of inspirations and gratitude. Tonight, I took a big step back and looked at the gift that I have been given. The gift of my dear, selfless - truly amazing - friends.<br />
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For the past week, I have had the privilege of spending lunches, coffee breaks, dinners and "wine and dessert" dates with close friends - they say with the intention of celebrating my birthday. How lucky am I? Very.<br />
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I am 35 now. There are some friends who, when I look at their faces, they are more familiar to me than some family. I see their eyes and it brings me back to being in 7th grade with them, having our lockers next door to each other and passing notes written on notebook paper and folded into triangles. I remember their hairsprayed high bangs. Their tight rolled jeans. More than anything, I remember going to their houses for slumber parties. Hanging out with their siblings and parents. We formed such a bond. Yes, we thought we were "BFFs" and that we would be friends when we were old, but how many friends do you really end up doing that with? Just a few. But oh boy - those few are my everything. These friends are the ones who know it all - the break-ups, the team tryouts you didn't make, the family crap, feeling left out. They still loved you for it. In fact, we laugh our asses off about it now - together. Best part - as the years go on, more experiences occur and it just gels your friendship that much more. Solidifies it. Bonds it.<br />
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And then there are some friends you might have just met in recent years. With age has come great maturity and the ability to "just know" right away who will be in your life for years to come. Those who feel like family. Who really <i>are</i> family.<br />
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Tonight, a few of my oldest friends (some from childhood and some from college) had dinner. There was absolutely NO gossip. No talking badly about anyone behind their back (we have too many better things to talk about). Just laughing about old times, telling stories about the uniqueness of our children, and a lot of self-depricating humor. It was time to leave but our goodbyes lasted about 20 minutes. We kept inching out the door but stopping for more conversation. Our last location was in the parking lot and the laughter and goodbyes followed as we climbed into our cars.<br />
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Friendship. It is my fuel. My therapy. My saving grace. Thank you dear friends - old and new - for being so. incredibly. amazing.<br />
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Today is our 6th wedding anniversary. We are celebrating by going back to our honeymoon city, San Diego. Much more about love, marriage and my darling husband in another post. Got a tripod from Papa Chip for my birthday and we got a family picture with both children smiling (which <i>never</i> happens).<br />
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On a different note, there is SO MUCH going on with Lily Cole Designs. My eyes are barely open right now, though, so I must retire to bed.<br />
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In closing, have you tried the new Starbucks Refreshers? I tried the Berry one today and loved it. It gave me a little boost of energy that I so desperately needed today.<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-6165894333801467982012-07-04T21:39:00.001-07:002012-07-04T21:39:47.159-07:00A few favorite findsI have been coming across some delightful little shops and blogs and such, and I just wanted to share them with you. In syncing up with my personality and obsession, every item screams COLOR.<br />
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Wouldn't this be darling for your little girl's bed? http://www.etsy.com/listing/93165226/plush-funky-handmade-doll-with-coll<br />
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I want to hang this on my wall in my craft room. http://www.etsy.com/listing/101054178/embroidered-flower-garden-in-rainbow<br />
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This is probably my most favorite painting I've come across in a long, long time. It makes me want to go to the Florida Keys. NOW. http://www.etsy.com/listing/69373783/abstract-landscape-3-fine-art-giclee<br />
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Makes me think of jellyfish. I obviously have the beach on the brain. http://www.etsy.com/listing/79704495/embroidery-hoop-art-hand-embroidered<br />
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If you like crafty things like me, here are a few of my favorite blogs:<br />
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http://www.makeit-loveit.com/<br />
http://www.danamadeit.com/<br />
http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/<br />
http://www.lilblueboo.com/<br />
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My mom had a little light shine on her recently. I am unable to go into any detail, but she has felt some joy in the past 2 days that she hasn't felt in a long, long time. Cheers to special surprises. I hope something special comes YOUR way too. </div>
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Fourth of July was spent at home most of the day. My baby girl has strep throat so we laid low. Yet we made an impromptu 9 pm trip to watch the fireworks in a parking lot and it was...pretty magical for the kiddos. Happy Fourth.</div>
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<br /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-19013309395778607222012-07-03T13:06:00.003-07:002012-07-03T13:06:59.111-07:00Gotta skip, Papa ChipSee, some things just really "get" me. I have fleeting moments where I am completely overcome by this rush of gratitude and joy. Yet another moment to bottle. The other day, my dad (aka Papa Chip) was leaving our house after staying for a few days. Over the years, a tradition has developed between the kids and Papa Chip - a goodbye tradition. As he peeks his head out of his big blue truck before he drives away, the three of them will do a giant wave with one arm and say "Adios Amigo!" And then the kids will joyously ramble through their goodbyes: Gotta go hippo, Gotta run skeleton, and my personal favorite "Gotta skip, Papa Chip!" Then Cole is over it and runs inside, but Lily waits on the front step until he is out of sight. She'll wave and keep saying goodbye until those taillights are out of view. And then the first question she asks is "when is Papa Chip coming back?"<br />
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I remember as a kid going to visit my grandpa (Papa Chip's dad) and he always would wait on the front porch and wave while we would drive away. Full. Circle<br />
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This past weekend we took our annual trip to Council Grove, KS to celebrate the Fourth of July. My darling, awe-inspiring cousin, Cassidy, just got engaged. Her happiness radiated off of her. Just a few pictures from the weekend:<br />
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Every year all of the "kids" line up for a picture. It is so cool to see how they grow over the years. The happy couple are the 2 on the end. I am over the moon to welcome Rick to our family.<br />
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My uncle Tom and Papa Chip (brothers). I told them they looked like a couple of pastel jelly beans.<br />
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Cousin Lainey and Lily. They were attached at the hip and in the water most of the day.<br />
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Family.<br />
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I heart my daddy. A lot.<br />
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Now we are back at home and back to reality. We are almost always with my dad on the Fourth, so it is so strange that we won't be with him this year.<br />
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My mom is doing really well with her knee replacement recovery. She is in a rehab facility that is, for the most part, pretty attentive. Food is good too. Kids enjoy it because there are comfortable couches with a big screen TV and snacks at their disposal.<br />
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They are so helpful wheeling in Grandma Janie's luggage! Their biggest joy is throwing in pennies in the outside fountain and also pushing the elevator buttons. Isn't life grand?<br />
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Lily Cole Designs seems to have new surprises everyday. I am currently working on a new embroidery designs, new thank you card designs for children, and nursery art with the "twinkle twinkle little star" song. Feeling ever so grateful for...well....everything.<br />
<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-40390239567752047912012-06-26T08:46:00.001-07:002012-06-26T08:46:03.103-07:00Surgeries, Celebrations and GratitudeI am sitting here in Olathe Medical Surgery Waiting Room while mom has knee replacement surgery. This woman is a trooper. Her recovery is going to be brutal. After a lot of nervous energy this past week, her attitude this morning was "well, I've gotta do it, so let's just get on with it."<br />
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Mom checking in for surgery prep at 5:30 am. I think she looks chipper and cute!<br />
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Goodbye knee!<br />
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Yesterday was mom's 63rd birthday and we celebrated with food, of course. For lunch we went to the Sunset Grille with Nanci and Great Papa.<br />
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For dinner we went to the Japanese Steakhouse. Lily was terrified of the fire. Cole wore his cape the entire time. It was a great way to spend her birthday. Another moment I've "bottled." </div>
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After dinner we picked up ice cream from Sheridan's. Carol, my mom's best friend, had bought a Hen House Boston Cream Pie. I told you - it was an eating fest. </div>
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Speaking of Great Papa, he was in the Paola newspaper a few weeks back. My grandfather is a 91 year old retired doctor from small town Paola Kansas. I could write a novel about him, but in short, he is remarkable. He was, and still is, a brilliant man. He loved being a doctor. Still today, when he walks into the grocery store, people will say "Doc, great to see you." Others will remind him that he was the doctor who delivered him. There is even one family in Paola where my grandpa delivered a child, then he delivered their child. Tears come to his eyes as he says this to us. He has pride, yet humility. He has brilliance, yet the best sense of humor. From me, he has the utmost respect. </div>
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Lily Cole Designs is still trucking along. I finished another darling embroidery project for a customer. These are such treasures.<br />
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I've also been enjoying making onesies for little babes.<br />
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I have a NEW product coming out. I get excited about all new products, but this one is such a treasure. I am still making some examples and taking pictures, but I will share soon.<br />
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I am so excited and relieved because my dad is coming in town in just a few hours. I always <i>breathe</i> more easily when he is here. I have also had two very dear friends come to my rescue this morning to help me out with getting my mom taken care of for this surgery. My next door neighbor and dear friend, Kerri, came over at 5:10 am to be with my children while I took mom to the hospital. She has a 4 year old and a one year old, so sleep is very precious to her. Yet she "wouldn't take no for an answer" when she called and <i>offered</i> to do this for me. How self-less is that?!<br />
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My other friend - more like a sister and soul-mate, Abi, has taken my children for the entire morning so that I can be here to talk to the doctor and see mom in recovery. I just got a text from her that the kids are playing hide and go seek and then off to the slip and slide. Knowing the kids are happy and that they are bonding with Abi, who they will know until our old age, warms my heart to no end. My gratitude is overflowing right now.<br />
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Happy summer weather everyone!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-41135523959053602522012-06-18T21:04:00.000-07:002012-06-18T21:04:07.970-07:00Rolling in the DeepDriving to camp on this gorgeous sunny morning - kids and me - and we roll down all of the windows and dial back the sunroof. We turn on one of our fave songs "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele. Loud. Louder. All three of us are dancing, singing at the top of our lungs. At stop lights people look and smirk (ha ha, that rhymes). There are so many moments in our days that I wish I could bottle up and save forever and never forget. This was one of them.<br />
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The other day I told the kids they could each spend $10 on a new present from Barnes and Noble. Cole got a superhero book with figurines. Lily got a lego helicopter with 96 pieces.<br />
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Progress made after 1 hour with mommy's help.</div>
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And then once Daddy came home, all was right in the world. We play with that helicopter ALL. THE. TIME. </div>
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We were looking in the car under the seats for one of Lily's lost toys and we found one of Cole's old "ya yas" (pacifier). It had probably been there over a year and it was broken. Although he has been ya-ya free for several months now, he came home and washed it right off and put it in his mouth. Tears came to my eyes because I thought I'd never see him with a pacifier again. But here he is. Then the ya-ya fairy came again...</div>
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A lot of my time has been spent creating these embroidered treasures.<br />
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Not only do these include embroidery, but there is also fabric appliquéd and machine stitched on. Opens up a world of possibilities here.<br />
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Thinking I might do a tutorial on this sometime. It truly is a treasure to have your young child's artwork hung on your wall.<br />
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Night night.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-28979208731546586212012-06-12T19:38:00.005-07:002012-06-12T19:41:09.759-07:00Kenny & Summer ShandyI have the kids in the bath right now. When they stepped in, the dirt from their feet smeared the bottom of the tub. As they were getting undressed, they sung a ballad of "Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere" by Zac Brown Band to each other. When I poured water over their heads, the smell of "summer outside" wafted up. They quickly filled up their new water guns that they got from Papa Chip today and they are squirting it all over the tub. The conversation they are having right now is hysterical - about rubber duckies. I am drinking a bottle of Summer Shandy. And I love it. Have you tried it before? It rocks. Life was good today.<br />
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We have had full summer days. Highlights:<br />
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<li>Chris and I went to the Tim McGraw/Kenny Chesney concert at Arrowhead Stadium. Felt like kids again. Danced. Sang at the top of our lungs. Didn't get to sleep until 1:45 am. Next day, we couldn't hang. We were feeling our age. Oh, but it was worth it. </li>
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It was crazy awesome. And we knew the words to pretty much every song. And we sang it good and loud.<br />
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<li>Today we went on our nature walk and ate dinner with our dear friends. </li>
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Lily and Ellie held hands the whole time.<br />
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<li>Swim lessons for both kids. Lily = risk taker. Cole = not a risk taker; cries for mamma most of the time. Making progress though.</li>
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Embroidery orders are coming along. They are such a treasure and I really love doing them. Yet they are so incredibly time consuming. This is what my living room looks like late late at night while everyone else is sleeping. </div>
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Almost finished with 2 of them and starting a new one tonight. I've also been working on several custom orders. Here is a draft of 4 illustrations I am making for a baby's room. So so fun.<br />
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Speaking of Lily Cole Designs, I need to get to work. Lots to embroider and lots of emails to return. </div>
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<br /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-74924846316529308842012-06-04T11:36:00.001-07:002012-06-04T11:44:27.794-07:00Weekend Recap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After another wonderful and relaxing weekend around home, last night something happened that stopped us in our tracks. </div>
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Kids were dog tired. We played outside most of the day. No naps (those are so rare anyway). It was 8:30 and we gave the kids their vitamins. Cole likes those gummy kind. We gave him 2. He then ran out on the deck to see Daddy and he fell down. No bumps or bruises or blood, but it hurt. He had that cry where you can't catch your breath. But then we realized that he really couldn't catch his breath. He was choking on his gummy vitamin. We hit his back <i>hard</i> several times and it wouldn't come up. Chris put his arms around his torso and pumped. After 2, the gummy popped out. Praise the Lord! I have never been more grateful for my hero of a husband than I was at that moment. I was shaking. My legs were jello. I held Cole and caressed him while he cried for a while. Chris's mood changed from lighthearted and fun to somber and quiet. When I asked him later what was going through his mind he said, "anything can happen at any time." So true, so scary. Gummies are in the trash. About 2 minutes later, Cole was up and playing as if nothing had happened. I shudder to think of the "what ifs." So I choose now to focus on all of the great little moments of our weekend. </div>
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The weekend involved a lot of outside time. We are soaking up every little opportunity before it gets scorching hot.<br />
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A little rain was welcomed by us. Anytime kids have an excuse to break out their $7 Walmart umbrellas is a good day for us!<br />
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Date with Lily at Jimmy Johns. All four of us arrive here and Lily really wants JJs but Cole really wants macaroni from Panera. So what do we do? Chris goes with Cole to Panera and I go with the Lily to JJs. What are you talking about? We don't let our children run our lives! Uh, we do. Kind of. But then we all ate outside together and had a kumbaya lunch.<br />
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Baby C laughing hysterically last night. Mom is my sweet, darling amazing, sent from God friend and next door neighbor.<br />
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More sweet neighbor friends.<br />
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I was able to sneak in a little bit of reading time in the lawn chair on the driveway while kids played. 50 Shades anyone? It rocks.<br />
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Planking. While giggling.<br />
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Lily Cole Designs has been super busy. Lots of custom orders are coming through for illustrations. I love custom work. Nothing pleases me more than working with a customer to get just exactly what they want - and knowing that it will be hung above their newborn baby's crib for years to come. Here are a few owl images created recently. I love owls. And just to add a little more "love" in there....let me tell you: I really really love both of my jobs.<br />
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Kids are stirring from their little nap. Have a great week!<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-54266589007156391232012-05-30T12:54:00.000-07:002012-05-30T12:54:15.669-07:00Recipe and first days of summerSo I made these a few days ago. My neighbor, Ann, who told me about them, calls them the "3-3-3." Because you need 3 ingredients, and you bake on 300 degrees, for 3 minutes.<br />
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They are SO easy and such a quick fix for a salty and sweet craving. <br />
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<u>Ingredients: </u><br />
A bag of Rolos<br />
A bag of pretzels (the smaller size of pretzel, the size where if you put a Rolo on top it would fit)<br />
A bag of regular M&Ms<br />
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Put down a piece of wax paper on your baking sheet. Put pretzels on top of the wax paper.<br />
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Then, put a Rolo on top of each pretzel. See my glass of wine in background? That is an important element too.<br />
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Bake on 300 degrees for 3 minutes.<br />
Then, take them out of the oven and put one M&M on each one while the Rolos are still soft.<br />
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Now eat. A lot. They are awesome. Then make some more.<br />
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On to other stuff:<br />
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Summer is officially here.<br />
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We have been to the pool and we have scraped our knees on the cement. Aren't those two things that define summer?<br />
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We have taken bike rides and explored a nature path.<br />
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Lily's idea - and it was a great one! Put a skewer stick (like one that you use to grill kabobs) inside of a yogurt cup (we use Danimals). Put it in the freezer. Once frozen, cut the plastic part with scissors and it is a yogurt popsicle!<br />
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Today was one of those mornings where I just couldn't get motivated to do all of those things a mom needs to do. It was a struggle getting the dishwasher unloaded, the laundry changed over, the kids dressed, myself showered. I am always thinking in the back of my mind...I should be doing more to entertain my kids. I always try to plan at least one fun "outing" or "event" per day that is JUST for the kids. So I look forward to that while we are doing the humdrum of the day's necessary tasks. Today we went to a school's playground that has always caught our eye. It has this giant climbing thing with circles in the middle. Kids were pumped to try it but we couldn't figure out exactly how to use it.<br />
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They didn't care. Lily was adamant about figuring it out. She gets that from Daddy. I would have given up after 1 minute. </div>
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Had a little PB&J on the asphalt under the basketball goal. Kids played "pirate ship" for a long time. Then they were both thirsty for water. Lily took a sip and then dumped out half of the water on the cement. Then Cole took a sip of the remaining, then dumped out the rest. I have no idea why they did that, but our huge ice water was now gone. Lily screamed that she was thirsty and so she started a meltdown that lasted about 10 minutes. Good times!<br />
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As for Lily Cole Designs, I have been working on an embroidery project for a customer. Her children drew 2 pieces of artwork and I am embroidering the images and also stitching on fabric for some of the background. Here is a before picture.<br />
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I'll be sure to post "durings" and "after" too. ;-)<br />
XO!!<br />
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<br />Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-62289185200089145812012-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:002012-05-26T11:51:08.943-07:00Kicking off Memorial Day WeekendLately, when I have been telling my children to get dressed for the day, they know to head downstairs to the dryer. That makes me laugh. My laundry priority could use some improvement.<br />
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Last night we had a BBQ with some old friends. We are so blessed to have this group. The guys have become close on their own over the years, and we girls have formed our own bond too.<br />
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It still amazes me that we produced all of these children. When we first started becoming friends, there were only 2 little ones.<br />
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The night carried forward with the dads playing with the children in the backyard. At one point I see Chris trapped in the next door neighbor's yard with the children throwing balls at him. He kept saying, "Ok - enough. Time to stop. Ok, I really mean it this time." He had lost all control and they kept him in that backyard retrieving balls for a while.<br />
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Then they all started playing baseball. Dads had a beer in left hand and would pitch, throw and catch with their right hand. Seeing this choked me up because it reminded me of playing with my own dad in the backyard - with a beer (always a Coors Light) in his hand. There was great familiarity and comfort in that moment.<br />
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Every few minutes we would hear a loud bang of the plastic bat hitting the ball and shortly after there would be mom, dad and kid cheers from every section of the yard. The kid who hit the ball would run to first base - sometimes left, sometimes right - didn't matter. They were happy.<br />
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Lot of sweaty heads and giggles. My kind of night. </div>
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I was sitting on a big purple ball in the yard and Cole "backs it up" into my lap and makes himself comfortable. Don't you love it when your kids do that? I do. Too bad I ended up sitting in the rain soaked grass, getting my ass soaked through my jeans. Ah well, it was worth it. </div>
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The other cute part of the night was watching the littles follow around the first graders. Boy, was Lily ever enamored. And the older girls were <i>so sweet</i> with the little ones.<br />
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Happy Memorial Day weekend!Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-49960732392404102722012-05-23T20:59:00.001-07:002012-05-23T20:59:58.987-07:00Funny daySo this is why I love having a business like Lily Cole Designs. Look at the fun family "portrait" I got to create for a customer. This is a Grandma and Grandpa with their 5 grandchildren. 11 by 14. So much fun. Hopefully it is something that will be treasured.<br />
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I am also in the process of creating a logo for an INCREDIBLE new company that will be opening soon in Olathe, KS. I wish I could share more, and I'll be able to soon, but I think it is something that the creative people in this world will adore!<br />
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So this morning was funny. Kids and I woke up and slowly got around. The house was a mess, lots of laundry needed to be finished, etc. It was one of those mornings where I would go to put a shirt away and I'd realize I forgot to put on deodorant. So then I put on deodorant. Then I noticed in my cabinet that I was almost out of hair spray. So I go to my grocery list and add it. Then I see my list and realize I had to renew a sold item on Etsy. So I relist it. And then I see I needed to change an illustration for a customer right away. And...and...and. And before I knew it, it was 11 am and we were all still in our pajamas. So at 11:30 we load up in the car. Plan was to go to the Overland Park Arboretum to eat a sack lunch and walk around. Locals - if you haven't been there yet, we highly recommend. Pull out of our driveway and my mom calls. She is sick and needs to go to ER and I need to take her. Yet Lily is <i>starving </i>and mom says "take your time - go to the park to eat your lunch and come get me when you are finished." Well I didn't want to drive in the opposite direction to the Arboretum, so while on my way to mom's general direction, I look at the navigation system for a park. Holy toledo there is a park right off of 151st and Lowell called "Kingston Lake" something. If anyone is still with me through this long story - congratulations - you rock.<br />
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Anyway, we pull up and it is FABULOUS. The greatest find....like a "have-lived-here-for-15-years-and-never-knew-it-existed-and-now-we'll-go-there-all-the-time" type of find. </div>
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And we are getting out of the car and I realized I forgot to put on Cole's shoes. God was laughing out loud because any plan I tried to make today flew out the window. We rocked it at the park anyway. Cole didn't care. Who needs shoes anyway?<br />
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Holla! There is a lake AND ducks AND geese. Are you kidding me?<br />
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See how the babies are dunking their heads in at the same time? Kids. In. Heaven. Fed them most of our peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and then an hour later both kids were <i>starving</i> again. Go figure.<br />
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Cole is the goose in our family. Love his expressions.<br />
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And they even had those cool swings that look like they belong in 2025. I swear I thought Lily was about to fall asleep. I think it is funny how Cole crosses his legs at the ankles. All prim and proper.<br />
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Ok, it is 10:55 pm and I need to get back to Lily Cole Designs. And then BED.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-56823436475920521022012-05-23T13:03:00.003-07:002012-05-23T19:07:49.673-07:00Cup runneth overLately I have felt like my cup runneth over. Feeling so incredibly blessed for not only the major types of good fortune that has come our way (healthy children, a roof over our heads, love from our family), but also for the fortunes that can easily get overlooked. We have had the most beautiful weather the past 5 days. Better than anyone could ask for. We have embraced that by - during the lighted hours - being outside more than we have been inside. We have glorious friends to share these days with. Markedly, our neighbors. Here are just a few examples of our "outside time."<br />
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A little loving on Daddy.<br />
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I think Cole might have a little crush. He is always laughing when "Peachtree" is around.<br />
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And Keigan? Well, he is pretty much a member of our family. Cole and Keigan are two peas in a pod.<br />
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Cole has this new thing where he will lift his shoulders, tip his head, fold his arms and smile a shy smile.<br />
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My girl totally rocks her new bike and her Cars helmet. She wants to take the training wheels off this weekend. Chris will get a workout and I need to expect some bloody knees. My girl is so tough, though, she'll probably get it all figured out in no time. She has ridden this bike so much that the tread is already worn off on the back tire.<br />
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Today marked Lily and Cole's last day of preschool.<br />
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Oh my, all of these children are so special to us.<br />
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Some of the moms of the preschool children went out for an italian fare lunch. Of course, we sat outside. After school a bunch of us went out for ice cream. Little Cole is the only boy in this huge group of girls. He has never minded it a bit. As you can see, I think he embraces it. <br />
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I wish I would have brought my "good" camera. There were so many more sweet little girls there.<br />
Signing off. Tonight I plan to write about our silly morning today.Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-34482328461079426812012-05-18T13:21:00.002-07:002012-05-18T13:21:29.914-07:00Stay young forever. Please.Cole told me today that when he is 30, he will still hold my hand. I need to get that in writing and have him sign it.<br />
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We have had a full day today. I love waking up long before the children because I can not only get work finished for Lily Cole Designs, I can also get myself ready. Translation: easier transition into our morning and more time for FUN.<br />
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Cole, aka "DJ Jazzy Jeff" played some Usher and we had dance party USA. He probably shouldn't know all of the words to the "Yeah" song. But he does.<br />
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Lily got a manicure with each finger painted a different color.<br />
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We played outside this morning. It truly couldn't be a more beautiful morning. Did drive-thru of Chic-Fil-A and had a "back of the SUV" picnic in the parking lot of a nature trail (because the park across the street looked like 2 entire schools were there).<br />
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We then went on a nature walk. Picked lots of dandelions, investigated any holes we saw in the trees, asked if the water was a creek or a river and wanted to know the difference.<br />
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And yesterday - well, that was a great day too. Chris and I went on a lunch date to the Bristol. We never get to do that. Then we headed to preschool graduation for Lily. Lily has been singing her songs to us a lot in the past few days. As the children were heading down the hallway between all of parents, I saw that Lily's head was on a swivel looking for us. She finally spotted us and we were waving like lunatics - "Here we are! We are so proud of you!" And she beamed. That is the moment that just <i>kills</i> me. I was wiping tears before the program even started. It didn't help that Chris was rubbing my leg saying "she is really growing up." I asked him to only say funny things from there on out.<br />
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See that sweet face?</div>
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What really cracked me up? The director read off what the kids had answered to a question a few weeks back. Question: what do you want to be when you grow up? Lily's answer: an airplane driver. My baby is going places. Literally.<br />
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I was so glad daddy could make it. Last minute he could come. </div>
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Lily's sweet friends. </div>
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After the graduation, we had our first Lemonade stand. Oh boy, Lily was so excited. Most of the kids in the cul-de-sac were not only customers, but also helped make more lemonade and signs. Some of us moms/neighbors and dogs lounged in chairs on our driveway and chatted. These are the most perfect days.<br />
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Best part about the sign: it says "Pink Lemonade" and "Plane Lemonade." </div>
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So pumped because I FINALLY listed some onesies on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyCole" target="_blank">Etsy</a>. I can't wait to make more. Also busy working on a cool custom order. And a couple of embroidery projects came through too. I love my life. </div>
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<br /></div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5251677171167886574.post-63598279343709994862012-05-15T19:31:00.001-07:002012-05-16T07:24:00.439-07:00Creative Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favorite part of any biography is the part where you
learn about not only their childhood, but also about their early career. The
part where they are working their asses off to figure it all out, to make it
big. They might work odd jobs, they might start something out of their parent’s
basement, they might risk every penny saved for their dream. I am always at the edge
of my seat at this part. At this stage, these people learn the most about
themselves, about risk, about business and about relationships, but more than
anything, I believe they figure out what it is they really WANT. Their dreams
become even more clear. They are on the brink of becoming rich and famous, yet
at this stage they are still real and true and not yet marred by their popularity.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">For example, take Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of <a href="http://Amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a>. I was listening to a radio show about him the other day and was fascinated by his “early career” story. In 1995, Bezos and his wife drove a 1988 Chevy Blazer from Texas to Seattle. His wife drove while Bezos typed up the business plan during the car ride. They set up shop in the garage of their 2 bedroom home. Orders started coming in, and the husband and wife pair were packaging/shipping each book themselves – crouching down on their knees on the floor of their garage, no less. As sales picked up, Bezos says, we need to do something to make this process easier. He says “we need to buy knee pads!” And his wife says, “no Jeff, we need shipping tables.” Apparently, what they really needed (and of course acquired) was a warehouse with hundreds, then thousands of employees. Within 3 months, they had $20,000 in sales/month. By the end of the decade, the Bezos’s were billionaires.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t60-YwHifE/T7MJlbMUUnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FELBNKo1lf4/s1600/bez0_image.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_t60-YwHifE/T7MJlbMUUnI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FELBNKo1lf4/s640/bez0_image.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not that I am expecting myself to become famous or rich or
anything, but I do really love this stage I am in with Lily Cole Designs right now. I have new designs/ideas/products coming out of my ears...constantly, yet I am hungry to learn and do even more. At this stage of my
life, I choose to spend much more time with my kiddos than on building out all of these designs and new products, but it
sure is glorious to create, think and dream during these pockets of non-kid time. And it sure is fun to think about the future risks we'll take, the opportunities that arise, and the relationships that will form. </div>
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I also find myself daydreaming about what my kiddos will become someday. Lily is a lot like "<a href="http://www.oliviathepiglet.com/" target="_blank">Olivia</a>" in that she wants to be a doctor, a pilot, a truck driver, and today she wanted to be a dentist. She played with this play-doh dentist toy for almost an hour on the driveway tonight. </div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/6bd63641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/6bd63641.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cole wants to be a superhero. The other day Cole said to daddy, "Daddy, I don't want to play sports" and I thought Chris was going to wreck his car on the side of the road out of disbelief and despair. ;-) Hilarious.</div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/e0a4d80f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/e0a4d80f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Speaking of designs, here are some new illustrations that are in my Etsy shop (this was originally a custom order): </div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/SeaLifecombinedforetsyforblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/SeaLifecombinedforetsyforblog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here is a card designed for a friend who is getting married and wanted thank you cards for wedding gifts, showers, etc. </div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Rachel_Thankyoucarddesign2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Rachel_Thankyoucarddesign2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is another custom order I created for a gal's mother in law who loves to cook. She always uses her big green tupperware bowl and wooden spoon. I really love custom orders. Bring 'em on! I swear, the best ideas come directly from customers!</div>
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<a href="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Cards_BunnyCustom_575by45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj492/maggieunruh/Cards_BunnyCustom_575by45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's only 9:26 pm. Earliest finished post so far! Now it's time to work on some more custom orders while possibly watching <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank" target="_blank">Shark Tank</a> in the background. I hope everyone is having a great week!</div>
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</div>Maggiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05138849286473599691noreply@blogger.com0