The Tree Is Up!

Our tree is up! Our decorations are out! Our lights are on the house! The Holidays are here!

From That Which I Came

I took my parent's photos yesterday for their Christmas present. They will kill me for posting the following, but it's priceless. Yes, my parents might be cooler than yours, sorry. Or perhaps just as cool? :) Many more, more serious photos, to come.

And in other news, the hubby and I are heading to Denver this evening to live out our Christmas present for each other this year..... Swell Season concert tickets! I can hardly contain my excitement!! AHHHH!

I'm Stuffed

Thanksgiving was purely an amazing day full of family, friends, food, and a movie!

We began our day with taking our friends to the airport. There's nothing like drinking insane amounts of coffee while driving to the most oddly placed airport in the midwest.

Food soon followed. Our rolls were a hit!

And the men even did the dishes!!!

This afternoon, Matt and I got the opportunity to head up to Backbone Studios in Loveland, CO to begin mixing down on our latest record. That place is beyond incredible. It was a vintage gear haven. Matt just kept grabbing a different guitar every now and then, headed into the other studio, and played through numerous vintage amps while Jason and I started to mix. If I could afford actually recording a project there one day, I will!

I'm also currently devouring this book. A good read.

I love reading books that involve me getting over my procrastinating and actually reaching for my dreams and my art. It's inspiring.

And for the record, as random as it is, someday I would love to own one of these.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today holds...

Taking our dear friends to the airport.

Consuming lots of coffee.

Learning how to crochet with my amazingly rad Great Grandmother.

Eating insane amounts of glorious food with family.

Seeing a movie!

It shall be grand!

In Process

We are working on getting our tree in tip top shape for all things Christmas and decorative this weekend. Once we finally got it out of the bag it was in it, well, looks fairly pathetic so far. But, I shall not lose hope! We hauled it out back to try and spray paint some of the branches that had yellowed over the years. I can't wait to bring it back in and start brainstorming decorating with all of my ornaments I've been collecting.

I've also endeavored upon baking rolls for tomorrow. Silly me. It would have been helpful to read through the ENTIRE recipe, only to find that the dough itself needs to sit FOREVER! This will be a long night of waiting, baking, and praying that these rolls are edible come tomorrow afternoon. We shall see.

For now, I'm listening to Frank Sinatra Christmas songs...yes it's time. I've decided.

And in other news, I'm awaiting a phone call about the latest mixes for our record we are currently recording. Fingers crossed. I hope I have something to listen to later tonight!

What I'm Thankful For and What Today Holds

As of now....I'm on vacation for FIVE days!!! I can hardly contain myself!

Today's tasks include:

1. Cleaning my house (hopefully! I'm feeling a huge organizing frenzy on the way!

2. Baking rolls for Thanksgiving! I plan on conquering my "I can't bake worth beans" fear.

3. Spray painting a few branches on our vintage white Christmas tree. I want it to look fresh, white, and sparkly.

4. Pick up this book and journal down at my fav bookstore/coffeehouse.

5. And maybe, if time allows, see this movie with my man!

A few things that I'm thankful for....

This cute boy.

My family.

Being able to be a part of this...

More to come!

I GOT IN!!!

I am SUPER EXCITED! I actually got in to this class! Come on January! I'm so stoked to begin.

Check it out....!!!!

Found here and here.

Hi everyone! Leigh-Ann and I are really excited to share with you all the little details about our upcoming online class calledStyle School. Registration will begin Monday evening at 6 PM CST. Check back here at that time to get signed up! There will be an option to purchase a class spot via paypal and also through the Red Velvet online store.

first, here are a couple more peeks at a few of my projects!

and an adorable peek at one of LA's projects...

This is a 6 week class by Elsie Flannigan and Leigh-Ann Keffer. We are teaching this class together. Rachel Denbow is also contributing 3 projects to this class (Rachel normally co-teaches my classes with me, but she is taking some time off to be with her newborn daughter for the next few months :D). There are also 10 style feature guest bloggers in who are featured throughout the class. They share style secrets and give interviews full of personal style tips! Some of our very favorite bloggers and designers are featured! take a look...

The class will begin January 10th and run for six weeks. There are a total of 30 projects in the class that focus on style in the following areas; Art/Craft, Wardrobe, Home Decor and Life. There is also a Style File binder project that begins as soon as you register (it's the most fun 'homework' ever) and lasts throughout the entire class. It's full of fun assignments to help discover and develop your unique personal style!

This class is hosted on a private blog and includes downloadable PDFs for all projects that require patterns and all printable worksheets for the style file. We will host 3 live chats on the private blog as well as a live video chat with Elsie and one with Leigh-Ann!

Class fee is $60 US (or about $2 per project!).

Please note:

When you sign up for the class you will receive login information for the private blog within 24 hours. There is already Style File Homework waiting for you there as well as a chat space for classmates to get to know each other! Plus, earlybird students receive a bonus project by pdf through email!

-This is not a kit. You will receive supply lists before the class begins. Class supplies are inexpensive, many of which you probably already own! :)

-We have a limited number of spots. We will be keeping the class small enough to communicate with each student and create a warm and personal atmosphere.

-The sample projects that you see in these blog posts and in our ads are the only photos we will be posting to the public from the class. We keep the class projects and photos exclusive!

Style School Project List

Elsie - Leigh-Ann - Rachel

Throughout the Class:

- 10 Style Features from Katie, Drew, Emma, Kaylah, Rachel, James, Mandi, Jill, Danielle, Holly

- Weekly peeks at Elsie and Leigh-Ann's personal Style File Books!

- 3 Live chats,1 video chat with Elsie and 1 video chat with Leigh-Ann.

- Surprise Inspiration Bonus Posts!

- A warm community feel in the "Classroom".

Before Class Starts:

Part One: Begin Style File: a 6 week inspiration binder to develop your personal style. You'll get everything you need to get started as soon as you register.

Secret EarlyBird Bonus PDF: a bonus project by Leigh-Ann!

Week 1: Jan 10 - 16

Part Two. Style File: A 6 week inspiration binder to develop your personal style

1. Faux Vintage Brooch Wreath: Create the look and feel of a vintage enamel broach with everyday crafting supplies. I'll teach you to make these into an adorable all-season wreath and a brooch!

2. DIY Photo Wall Art: Wall art with your favorite photos using simple DIY techniques for something truly personal and artistic... bonus photo editing tips and tricks from Elsie are included.

3. Studio Toolbelt Apron: Sew this fun and easy apron to carry your tools and favorite supplies around your waist as you create.

4. Fabric Pom-Pom Necklace: A pretty necklace made out of unexpected textiles and a fresh technique you'll use over and over again.

5. Colored Pencil Sketchbook: Create a reusable fabric cover for your favorite sketchbook with slots on the outside for your colored pencils, pens and markers!

Week 2: Jan 17 - 23

6. Decorative Studio Inspiration Board: Make the best use of your space (small or large) by gathering inspiration on this adorable portable display.

7. Leigh-Ann's Clock Makeover: Restyle a clock to fit your space and give time new meaning!

8. Cosmetic & Hair Travel Kit with Personal Tips from Elsie: The cutest travel bag you've ever seen plus Elsie's little style secrets and a bonus Q&A session!

9. Pet Button Collar & Leash: Your little best friend wants to get stylish too! Create a special collar and matching leash embellished with buttons to give your cat or dog a makeover that will impress everyone!

10. Favorite Quote Pillow: It can be inspiring or hilarious... a decorative pillow that expresses your style.

Week 3: Jan 24 - 30

11. Wardrobe Accessory Remix: Cute embellished panties, Mad Men inspired earrings, warm & wearable legwarmers and a vintage button necklace and bracelet.

12. Handcarved Stamp Set & Personalized Stationary: With these cute handcarved stamps and exclusive pattern, you can make stationary & cute tags for your handmade gifts.

13. Restyled Houseware & Accessory: Give vintage items a new life with new upcycling techniques.

14. ACEO Cards with a Collectors Pocket: Make mini art using new techniques, unique supplies and bonus patterns... plus a drawstring pouch made for your growing ACEO collection.

15. Woodland Yarn Flower Arrangement: Brighten up your workspace or create a cute centerpiece for your kitchen table with this textile floral arrangement inspired by nature.

Week 4: Jan 31 - Feb 6

16. Wooden People Family with Accessories: Create a little family that looks just like yours and display it your home or on top of a cake!

17. Rachel's Ruby-Red Display: Start a Valentine's Day tradition for the whole family with these three cool techniques for DIY Home Decor.

18. Gift Card MiniAlbum: Track your shopping trends, finds and personal style in this fun and tiny mini album made of gift cards & your favorite packaging and photos.

19. 5 Cute Car Accessories: Give your car interior an adorable and functional makeover with 5 Handmade Accessories.

20. Upcycled Embroidered Camera Bag: Tips for shopping for a great vintage bag and reworking it to fit your own little camera setup.

Week 5: Feb 7 - 13

21. Floral Photo Garland: Photo garland with 4 tips and tricks for textile flowers. you'll create an adorable clothsline garland to keep your space fresh!

22. Textured Waistbelt Obi & Accessory Pouch: Give fabric belts a hip new life with this cool accessory that adds a lot of style to a plain outfit.

23. Chic Poetry Lamp: Choose your favorite song lyrics or poem to create a beautiful lamp for your home or office.

24. Decorative Coffee Table Art Journal: Make a pretty art journal with extra space for friends and family to add signatures, stories and drawings.

25. 3 Vintage Hairbands: Create 3 pretty hairbands that suit your style and enhance your wardrobe using mens neckties and buttons!

Week 6: Feb 14 - 20

26. Pretty Bear Apron: A Panda or a Teddy Bear? Make this quirky apron to suit your style with colors that you love.

27. Rachel's Restyled Chair: Rachel will teach you step by step how to chose and modernize a Mid Century chair to suit your home and style.

28. Magical Hanging Mobile: Mobiles aren't just for cribs, they can be super-stylish & mature and complete a room from top to bottom.

29. Stitched Cardigan & Scarf: Whether you're a cute mom or a head of the glee club, everyone loves a pretty cardigan...bonus floral embroidery pattern!

30. Style School Thesis: Your final project will be a decorative shadow box of your personal style at a glance. This piece will serve as a daily reminder of the style that you have worked hard to discover & develop in our six week class!

I'm really looking forward to this! Here are a few quotes from previous student...

"This class was life changing for me. The inspiration that I was given helped me produce so many amazing works of art. I was crafting during ALL of my spare time and it was amazing!! Thank you so much for the opportunity!" -Janel

"Taking elsie's class has been hugely inspiring for me. I've learned a lot about myself as an artist and what i am capable of creating. Plus, it was fun to connect with Elsie fans all over the world!" -Evan

"Elsie's class was an adventure from the beginning, and I can't say I've ever had more fun creating in my life! She gives her heart, time, and effort to make her classes unbelievable, and her creativity is inspiring and more contagious than you could ever imagine!" -Mary-Beth

"You will regret not taking this class. It is an amazing opportunity to get a closer look into a different world that you love so much" -Mariania

Leigh-Ann came to Missouri to work with me for three weeks last Spring. She is incredibly hard working and talented! I know we make a great team, so I am very excited to teach this class with her. Her attitude is like sunshine and her style is so many kinds of adorable. I know you'll adore her!

If you have any questions, please e-mail Leigh-Ann (LA@redvelvetart.com). Super excited. Loveloves & Happy Monday! Elsie

Theresa and Family

This is a shoot that I did for a woman I work with. It was quite fun!

See all of the photos HERE.

Another Day, Another Dollar

Today I'm conquering my to do lists like it's no body's business! It feels good to be productive, especially on a monday. That's not to say that I haven't fought with printers all morning, been stood of for a meeting about designing a wellness program, and had to drink insane amounts of coffee to suffice for my lack of energy. But, today is a good day. I've already had another person come to me and discuss setting up a photoshoot. Looks like this one will be my first maternity shoot. I have so many ideas that I cannot wait to try out!

The rest of my afternoon will consist of me waiting ever so patiently to sign up for LA and Elsie's style class. I seriously can barely keep myself together, I'm so excited. I've missed sign ups for every other course they've done. I'm determined! 5pm couldn't come sooner.

I'm off to go drink more coffee and conquer more lists. Another day, another dollar....that gets me closer to living out my dream of working creatively full time. My wish list though is ever growing for my photography business. With all of these photoshoots in the works, they might be closer than I think.

Wish list:

Hopefully over Thanksgiving vacation, I'll finally get to shoot with one of these babies. The hubby has one that is sitting on the shelf that I can't wait to finally try out.

Lovies.