Here is my list of tutorials I want to give a try. You should try them too.

+ Paper Heart Garland at How About Orange + A valentine version of this fabric covered button found via Sew Mama Sew + Martha’s Blossoming Brooch + Really awesome brownie bags from Twig & Thistle + Pennant banner valentine style from the girls [...]]]>

Here is my list of tutorials I want to give a try. You should try them too.

+ Paper Heart Garland at How About Orange
+ A valentine version of this fabric covered button found via Sew Mama Sew
+ Martha’s Blossoming Brooch
+ Really awesome brownie bags from Twig & Thistle
+ Pennant banner valentine style from the girls over at Bloom
+ Valentines for the boys around here using these awesome old school images from Cathe Holden

I’m getting Valentine’s gift card holders ready to stock in my shop (should be there before the weekend).

The weather has been perfect lately so most mornings have been spent at the park. Life couldn’t be better.

Filled a custom order for 45 bird and butterfly notebooks. Loved [...]]]> Here are some things I’ve been doing instead of blogging:

I’m getting Valentine’s gift card holders ready to stock in my shop (should be there before the weekend).

The weather has been perfect lately so most mornings have been spent at the park. Life couldn’t be better.

Filled a custom order for 45 bird and butterfly notebooks. Loved working on this project. Pics soon. Promise.

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby is this weekend and I am on the decorations committee. I’ll post pics soon. Can’t wait for this!

I’m working on landscape sketches for our side and back yards. Now that the sprinkler system is complete, we can lay the rock path and get the bushes planted. Hooray!

My inspiration board for our master bath is almost complete. I’m itching to get that project finished.

I spent all morning cleaning the kitchen (the kind where I sent the boys outside and they were not invited back in until I was finished). The sparkling clean didn’t last long – we decorated sugar cookies for our Family Night treat. Icing and sprinkles everywhere. Oh well.

Discovered this little gem via whatever. Enjoy.

First up: Mara Zepeda of Neither Snow.

Tell us about what you do.

I am a [...]]]> Introducing The Lightbulb Lab’s first ever artist spotlight. I am inspired by so many people and I want to share more of them with you. So every week or so I will shine the spotlight on an artist who has influenced me.

First up: Mara Zepeda of Neither Snow.

Tell us about what you do.

I am a calligrapher and my business is called Neither Snow. The types of projects I do really vary. In the last few months I’ve calligraphed words for a greeting card company, wedding invitations, a doctor’s office holiday card, logos, a website, editorial work, envelopes for a fashion house and tattoos (!!!). I also specialize in tracking down vintage stamps and postal stationery for customers (and myself– see tutorial!)

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

In the broadest sense I draw inspiration from the physical, literary and epistolary worlds, which means just about anything. I am consistently enthralled by Joseph Cornell’s artwork, Wislawa Szymborska’s poetry, StoryCorps’ audio documentaries and old letters from other countries.

What motivates you to keep at it?

The feeling of getting something in the mail is inimitable, and it makes me feel good knowing that I can help to inspire that.

What is one thing you are looking forward to?

Valentine’s day! Check out my website on Monday (www.neithersnow.com) for an exciting announcement.

Are there other talents/skills/hobbies you hope to add to your repertoire?

The list is long, and includes crewel embroidery, keeping plants alive, canning preserves, basic plumbing and auto repair skills, doing a careful study of apple varieties next fall and learning the Latin names of every plant in our garden.

[all images via neithersnow.com]

I have all kinds of things to tell you today.

1. First off: Congratulations to Kirsten! You are the lucky random winner of the pocket pamphlets.

Kirsten wrote: “I love these! I would use one to write my husband a love letter, because our first wedding anniversary is Oct. 5!”

Happy Anniversary! Sorry you won’t get these in [...]]]>

I have all kinds of things to tell you today.

1. First off: Congratulations to Kirsten! You are the lucky random winner of the pocket pamphlets.

Kirsten wrote: “I love these! I would use one to write my husband a love letter, because our first wedding anniversary is Oct. 5!”

Happy Anniversary! Sorry you won’t get these in time, but love letters are always a good idea. Email me your address and I will put them in the mail.

For the rest of you, don’t worry. There will be more giveaways coming up. Plus you can follow my pamphlet stitch tutorial and make some pocket pamphlets of your own.

2. I loved reading your comments! Seriously. I think I’m going to do more giveaways just to get the comments.

3. My brother sent me this music video and I love it.

4. My friends Kirk and Amy recorded a new song. Beautiful.

5. I’ve been spending a lot of time working on a new line of products that will eventually make their way to my shop. First, though, they will make their debut at a home show in November. You local Houstonians make sure to email me your snail mail address so I can invite you. Sneak peeks will come in a few weeks.

6. I made taco soup for dinner even though it’s hot enough to sweat.

7. Our weekend family time was well spent fixing the kitchen sink, cleaning out the garage, finding the fall decorations int he attic, watching Conference, talking to far away family on the phone and almost finishing the sprinkler system.

8. Tutorial Tuesday tomorrow is by a guest. Don’t miss it.

My to-do list today is ginormous so here I go to be productive. Enjoy your Monday!

I have a 5 step program for you that will make you fall in love with journaling. If you already keep a journal, try this anyway. If you don’t keep a journal, this is a great place to start. I started keeping little travel journals in college so you can imagine the pile of little [...]]]>

I have a 5 step program for you that will make you fall in love with journaling. If you already keep a journal, try this anyway. If you don’t keep a journal, this is a great place to start. I started keeping little travel journals in college so you can imagine the pile of little books I have by now (lots!). Keeping a journal for each adventure is so satisfying. Try it.

Step 1: Plan a trip. Now, this doesn’t have to be a crazy expensive family vacation – I’m talking a day at a state park close by or a field trip with the kiddos or a weekend away from the kiddos.

Step 2: Go to a book store. Browse through their journals until you find one that is calling your name. You’ll know it’s the one for you – you’ll love the texture of the paper, the size, the details, etc. I like mine to fit in my purse and to be blank (no lines). Buy the one you love (the love part is important).

Step 3: Pack your bags. In a ziplock put your journal, a glue stick and pens.

Step 4: Go have fun! Take notes as you go. Glue in ticket stubs. Make sketches. Include maps and menus.

Step 5: Once you are home, develop your photos (don’t let them sit on your memory card!). Add the photos in the back.

Happy adventure journaling!

I have to have the blinds open. All. The. Time. I love sunshine pouring in my windows. I also love Saturdays because the view from my studio window often looks like this – husband and kids playing and working in the backyard. Recently, Chris hung another bird feeder in the magnolia tree. Now the cardinal [...]]]>

I have to have the blinds open. All. The. Time. I love sunshine pouring in my windows. I also love Saturdays because the view from my studio window often looks like this – husband and kids playing and working in the backyard. Recently, Chris hung another bird feeder in the magnolia tree. Now the cardinal family visits regularly. It really helps my creative juices flow!

Hooray for Saturday!

A good friend of mine, Emily, has started something new and wonderful. Go see Bloom. Then add it to your reader so you don’t miss out on any of the goodness.

It’s no secret that I love the mountains. And it’s no secret that Chris loves me because he makes sure I see the mountains at least once (usually more) each year. We just got back from a visit to the Uintas with our family. It was beautiful! The river. The trees. The fresh air. The [...]]]>

It’s no secret that I love the mountains. And it’s no secret that Chris loves me because he makes sure I see the mountains at least once (usually more) each year. We just got back from a visit to the Uintas with our family. It was beautiful! The river. The trees. The fresh air. The cool breeze. Sigh.  My grandpa sent us to Yellowstone (not the national park) and it was breathtaking. I just wish we could have spent some quality time there – I made Chris promise to take me back someday for a real hike.

Chris and I were lucky enough to have Justin Hackworth take some photos of us while we were in Provo. This is the first time since our wedding five years ago that we’ve had a photography session without the boys – it was so fun!

I first found out about Justin when I stumbled upon his [...]]]>

Chris and I were lucky enough to have Justin Hackworth take some photos of us while we were in Provo. This is the first time since our wedding five years ago that we’ve had a photography session without the boys – it was so fun!

I first found out about Justin when I stumbled upon his 30 Strangers project last April. It was really great meeting him.

Have you ever wondered what is above Gandolpho’s on Center Street in Provo? I have. But wonder no more, my friends. It’s Justin’s studio! (And probably other things too).

Thanks, Justin. We had a really great time and can’t wait to get these photos on our walls.

image via Justin Hackworth Photography