More leaves!

family tree progress

start of a paper wreath

A big shout out to my mom for an artful weekend- especially waxing 200+ leaves for an outdoor wreath!  This is the second wreath she has helped me with that I fully intend on keeping for myself... I just love them too much!  The first involved over 150 wine corks and this one involves water proofing paper using melted wax.

My mom was my go-to source for waxing leaves because I distinctly remember her being an leaf waxing (and selecting) expert.  We would go on walks in the fall in Louisville and she would instruct my sister and I which leaves were "keepers."  She would then wax them and use them for fall decorating.  Mom proved her leaf waxing skills are still up to par, now I just need to deliver on the wreath!

The Little Things...

This weekend I've been working on the little things... little leaves, cutting mat board, photographing/editing/uploading, touching up, and, of course, making decisions like background colors (thanks for all the feedback- all the dark blue votes convinced me to go out and get a new, really dark blue sheet).  I must say, all those "little" things add up fast and definitely aren't my strong suite.  However, having them finishing, is worth it!  So today's post is to celebrate the migration of a few more works to the "done" side of the room.  

Check out that dark blue- a big thanks to you!!  Love it!

On Etsy now! www.etsy.com/shop/cbycarmmarie

Lonely Tree... lots of leaves.  Still a week or so out on finishing this one.

Trigger & Trees

Trigger is still trying to decide on a background color for the skyline and appreciates all the feedback!

While Trigger is making all the artistic decisions, I am busy working away with the family tree project.  All I have to say is... lots. of. leaves. lots.  Despite the crazy detailed nature of this piece, I am really excited about it and can't wait to see what my Grandma thinks- she is my guinea pig on this project!  Having lived most of her life in central Florida, the orange tree just seemed fitting.  More details to come!

Trees on Tuesday

Family tree coming along... by far the longest project yet!  This is 6 hours worth of work. My guess is another 20-25 to go.

Startup Sunday

Today has been a day of starting new projects... family tree, home portrait for a friend (shhh it's a surprise), and an ETSY shop!  

I'm just too excited not to talk about the etsy shop so I will start there!  For the longest time, I've been a buyer on etsy- always jealous of the amazing and creative sellers out there.  Well, now I am one!  The shop features custom home portraits (both matted/framed and unframed) and will eventually have all kinds of readymade and other custom cut paper designs and collages.  In the meantime, if something on the blog has caught your eye and isn't in the etsy shop, just ask!  I'm happy to do other custom orders and admit the etsy shop will be staying small for a while.  

Here is is:
www.etsy.com/shop/cbycarmmarie

On another note, I am also excited to show a sneak preview of the original idea behind c by carmmarie- custom family trees!  About this time last year, I ran the idea by one of my very best friends, Mindy, over breakfast in east Nashville.  She was overwhelmingly supportive and has encouraged my artmaking all along.  That very conversation is one of the main reasons I've started c by carmmarie- thanks Mindy!

The Great Migration

As projects get finished in the studio they migrate from the window side to the bike side of this tiny room... then out into the world (hopefully).

More updates to come tomorrow on the project that got this whole idea started about this time last year!

Nashville

Collage skyline of Nashville... Whew!  Now just need to decide on a background.

All's Rosey in Nashville

Today's post features the final product of Amanda's bouquet (roses and all) along with the start of a new Nashville piece.  After the intricate detail of those darn roses I needed a change of pace!

Guess what I'll be working on during tomorrow's episode of Nashville!?  Who am I kidding...  Wednesdays at 9 cst are sacred TV time!

January Hydrangeas

Nothing like a cold winters day to reminisce about a beautiful summer wedding!  Today was my first attempt at florals in paper and, as you can see, this bouquet is still a work in progress... it needs the roses!  

The final product is for my lovely, amazing, brilliant, caring, and all around awesome friend Amanda!  

Bouquets in paper can be a great way not only to remember an aspect of the wedding day, but also are a perfect way to celebrate the first year (paper) anniversary!

This Means Business

Business card mock ups... Any preferences?  Would love your opinion!

Just wasn't right

Of all things to make while checking Compass Bowl score updates (go dores!).  Hope I don't lose friends over this :)

These will eventually be two sets of 5 with love from Nashville cards.

Color Coded- Art Room Organization

Today's post captures the excitement I have for something somewhat boring... organization.  The art room is always in a state of change, but recently I found myself spending more time looking for materials than making work.  So I capitalized on Michaels storage sale and snagged a new paper organizer (half off!).  Now every paper is sorted by color!  

More time to make!

The letter C brought to you by carmmarie

A sketch for the ready made C in the alphabet line.

All letters can, of course, be customized for a particular little one based on their interests, age, room color, etc.

Happy 2014!

As 2014 gets underway, I am so excited to start sharing my recent artwork!  It's been a long time coming, but better late than never, right?

I think this piece that I cut yesterday is a great reminder going into the new year.  The quote is by Nelson Mandela and in many ways sums up how I'd like to approach this year... a resolution perhaps!?

May your 2014 be filled with bright moment and may it be the best year yet!

Thanks for stopping by!