2011 April | Lil Blue Boo

The Wedding…..

April 29, 2011 By Ashley 12 Comments

Did you watch the royal wedding today? I was up early…..it’s the first thing I thought about when I woke up this morning. I think I might have had more anxiety than the bride and groom….I wanted everything to just be perfect for them!

For a week now I’ve watched every show on the royal family, royal weddings etc. I’m fascinated by the tradition, the lifestyle, the outfits….and I’m so glad I get to watch from the outside.

I thought her dress was just perfect…..you know I am a huge Alexander McQueen fan. (Remember Boo’s inspired outfit? her headpiece looks just like some of those hats worn today)

Some cool facts about the dress via Daily Mail:
:: The lacework for the dress was carried out at the studios at the Royal School of Needlework at Hampton Court Palace. The embroiderers were not told which bride would be receiving their painstaking work.
:: The lace applique, which featured the four floral emblems of the UK – rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock – was made using the Carrickmacross lace-making technique, which originated in Ireland in the 1820s.
:: The process is so time-consuming that it takes even experienced stitchers about an hour to sew an inch.
:: Each motif, some as small as a five-pence piece, was then crafted with minute stitches every two to three millimetres.
:: The workforce, estimated to be at least 12 strong, included students from Britain, Japan, China, the U.S., Thailand and Germany — aged between 19 and 70.
:: All were required to wash their hands every 30 minutes to keep the lace and threads pristine, and to renew needles every three hours to maintain optimum sharpness.
:: The dress was stitched in separate sections and put together only at the last possible moment, within the confines of Buckingham Palace where a special workroom was set up.

Photo source

I’m just in awe of all the wedding details:

Photo source

I think Will and Kate are just adorable…and so happy.

Photo source

I can’t wait for the royal baby now!

My family (and many others) think my younger brother Swen looks JUST like Prince William….can you see a resemblance? I have to do a double take when I see a photo of Prince William on a magazine stand!

Filed Under: Wedding

A Creative Conference

April 28, 2011 By Ashley 20 Comments

I’ve been putting this post off for a while now because I know I won’t be able to do Creative Estates justice (I wrote the “unofficial post” to buy myself some time). I think I’m one of the last attendees to write about the conference so I thought I’d pull some favorite quotes from others and add in my take. It was an amazing experience. Lisa and I missed some of the first night (I said it would take us 3 hours to get to Phoenix….and 4 hours later we were STILL driving…..I misjudged that a little)….next year I’ll show up a day early!

So let me be honest…..I was super excited to attend the conference at first, but THEN the panic set it…..what if people didn’t “get” me…..that I’d built up all these expectations with my “edited blog life” (yes, GASP, as real as I try to keep it….it IS edited) and that they would be disappointed when they met me in person. I have a lot of quirks: OCD, ADHD, severe fast food and donut obsessions…..I snuck out of the conference a few times to grab my extra large sodas (I like a certain ice to soda ratio) and spicy chicken sandwiches from Wendy’s (Heather brought me one the second day…..love that gal!)

My biggest takeaway from the conference? Creative bloggers are the most accepting, giving, humble, and approachable group of women you’ll ever encounter. It’s truly a rare group. Creative bloggers are also the most fun, charismatic and interesting people you’ll ever encounter. I only got to meet about 50% of everyone that attended…..I wish I’d had a few more days and more social skills!

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“Something about being inundated with beautiful and stylish women makes you really stop and take inventory of YOURSELF. Weird. But you can so quickly become a compare-a-holic. I loved reminding myself that I’m usually comparing my worst with someone else’s very BEST. And that’s not productive at all.” -Lara, Less Cake More Frosting
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“….in reality the entire experience of meeting new friends, finally meeting “blog” friends who I’ve felt like I’ve known forever and learning a ton all added up to make for the best weekend ever!” -Becca, Blue Cricket Design

I still pinch myself that so many creative, talented women were in one place at the same time…..and every single one of them were so gracious and truly interested in others. Friendships were immediate….

From Left to Right: Mia (Dolce Vita Mia), Erin (The Vintage Pearl), Laura (Laura Winslow Photography), Me
Grace (Finley and Oliver), and Kim (The Tomkat Studio)

Photo source Tomkat Studio

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“There’s a lot of competition in this world, and even in blog land there is. It can get consuming seeing other sites grow, and comparing yours to anothers, etc. etc. But at this conference there was just such overwhelming support of one another. Believing in yourself, your abilities and whatever you’re doing do it to the best of your ability. I loved that!” -Andrea from The Worley House
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I was on a panel with some amazing ladies: Kim (from Tomkat Studio), Shey (from SheyB) and Erin (from the Vintage Pearl). Here we are right before speaking:

I really wanted to be helpful….to give as much information as I could to everyone who chose to sit in on our panel. I haven’t spoken in front of a large audience in about 10 years so I was a deer in the headlights at first when we had to introduce ourselves…I don’t even remember what I said in the first five minutes!

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“I’ve really enjoyed meeting like minded bloggers that share my passion for all things pretty and crafty.” -Kim, Today’s Creative Blog
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Our panel was about turning a hobby into a business….everyone was so supportive with questions! Wow, did I sound as nervous as I look and felt? I need to get out more often!

2011 Creative Estates Conference - Inside the Creative Business2

Photo source Baked by Joanna

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“I met old friends, and new friends, got inspired, heard fab advice from amazing women, ate great food (and yummy cupcakes!), and laughed A LOT.” -Erin of The Vintage Pearl
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I did manage to get a few photos too thanks to Lisa!

Left: Kim (Tomkat Studio), Top right: Erin (The Vintage Pearl), and Bottom right: Kim (Today’s Creative Blog).

I wish I’d had a chance to get a photo with Tauni (It’s a Tradition). She is so full of knowledge and so giving and gracious…..she sat down with Lisa and I for about an hour and gave us a ton of advice about Lil Blue Boo. She gave an entire talk on PR after a speaker canceled and had the audience hanging on every word. She’s an amazing speaker and I learned an incredible amount from her in such a short time. Oh, did I mention she encouraged me to go ahead and move to WordPress (and recommended Aaron from RFE Hosting)…..and I’m so glad I did!

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My absolutely favorite part of the experience was meeting so many really terrific and genuine women who are in a similar camp. The camp called … My family is #1 no matter what. I also love having a business because I care deeply about what I have to share. They get it. I get them. It was a beautiful thing and I’m grateful for the experience. -Becky Higgins
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There was a fabulous handmade market. I finally met Erin (from Bringing up Burns and Haute Blue) in person…she is hilarious and kept me laughing all weekend long. We are forever “Words with Friends” partners now…..her first word play was “DIE” and I played “DIE” right back…..morbid but I still giggle when I think about it.

One of the first people I “met” at the conference was Denise from Polka Dot Moon…..and she volunteered to drive me to Circle K real quick for a soda run before a full on panic attack set in….I’ll never forget your kindness Denise!

The one thing about handmade markets: the eye candy! All the displays are so colorful and beautiful….and I want everything!

Some additional thoughts, highlights and takeaways in no particular order:

:: Don’t order “extra hot” hot wings when out with new friends….or you risk looking like a cave woman.

:: I might be the only creative blogger that doesn’t own a Jo Tote…..or wear accessories.

:: Reserve your domain name….and every domain name you think your kids might want in 20 years. (Thanks Tauni for creating more anxiety for me…haha!)

:: You don’t have to be everyone’s favorite blog.

:: I love a good challenge. I will, one day, come up with a remedial unicorn-themed craft…..just for Stephanie (she said it had to be “remedial” for her to attempt it).

:: Do not play Doodle Jump on your iphone while listening to a panel…..someone will catch you and tweet about it.

:: There is enough Internet for everyone…..be supportive of others trying to do the same thing as you.

:: I thought I’d be the tallest one there! Megan from Brassy Apple and I can look each other straight in the eye!

:: Creative bloggers have the most gorgeous business cards.

:: I needed an extra day to visit SAS.

:: My new mantra: “You will never regret behaving appropriately.” -Char from Crap I’ve Made

:: #hashtags actually serve a purpose on twitter.

:: I need to go to more creative conferences.

I’m so excited about next year! Shey and Tauni, the event co-founders, have parted ways so there will be two separate events next year. They both did an amazing job this year. Tauni is heading up the conference in Salt Lake City, renamed SNAP, and I’ve already committed to attending!

Details will be announced soon as Tauni gets the new website up and running! I can’t wait and I hope you’ll come!

Get your tickets early!

Filed Under: Conference, Speaking Tagged With: bloggers, Creative Estates Conference, SNAP Conference

A Reversible Bubble

April 27, 2011 By Ashley 5 Comments

This might be one of my favorite photos ever. A Lil Blue Boo reversible bubble skirt photographed by Beth Miller of E Miller Photography. I want this outfit (and boots) for myself now!

Same skirt….different side:

New bubble skirts are coming later today in our shop!

Have you voted for your favorite Mom blog or shop today? If you get a chance hop on over and vote! You can vote once a day….and there are so many shops listed that I love!

Filed Under: LBB Clothing, Uncategorized

Doodle Shoes (A Tutorial)

April 26, 2011 By Ashley 22 Comments

I’ve had this pair of bright apple green shoes sitting in my closet for almost 10 years! I’ve probably worn them a total of three times because they just don’t match many items in my closet…..so I thought I’d add some color!

My only supplies needed were Angelus Leather Paint and a very small brush (with half the bristles cut off for a finer point).

For my design I was inspired by Doodle Easter eggs made by Alisa Burke. I started with one flower….

….and then surrounded it with some doodles:

I just kept adding doodles, and more doodles….

….until the shoes were covered!

A tiny bit of blue design makes these shoes much more wearable!

They even look cute with my paint covered studio jeans:

But they look especially cute with Boo in them:

Do you have a pair of shoes in your closet that could use a makeover?

Filed Under: Leather, Painting, Tutorial Tagged With: painting, shoes, tutorial

Glazed, Distressed Paintings (A Tutorial)

April 25, 2011 By Ashley 15 Comments

I was so excited when Kirstin and Jordan of Kojo Designs asked me to be a part of their “the sincerest form of flattery” series! I love a good challenge so I’ve been keeping my eye out for something on my “wish list” that would be fun to do!

I love these prints of glazed paintings from Ballard Designs and decided to make a miniature version of the beach themed one:

With a few simple steps (and an eager toddler), I was able to mimic a similar glazed effect to create my own beach painting! I use a paper mache layer underneath the paint so that I can get a peeling-paint-aged-look.

My family spent most of the summer at Debordieu beach (near Georgetown, S.C.) when I was growing up. It was so secluded and natural and peaceful…..just like the painting. Once distinct memory is my mother always warning us of large waves by yelling “WHOA NELLY!!!” I decided to add those words as my own personal touch to the painting instead of the “Beach” text:

Here’s how to make your own!

You’ll need:
Acrylic craft paints (I use the 99 cent bottle ones)
Art canvas
Newspaper or phone book pages
Matte Medium
Gloss Varnish

Step 1: I started with a plain gallery wrapped canvas….

….and covered sections with a generous amount of matte medium using small sections of old phone book pages and adhered them using the excess medium. You may have to add more medium as you go. It is similar to making a paper-mache layer (you can use newsprint as well, I just prefer the way the small font looks from the phone book pages).

I use my fingers to smooth air bubbles and wrinkles….Boo loves to help with this part:

The prepared canvas looks like this:

Step 2: I painted the first paint layer using basic acrylic craft paints:

I painted the small white strip for the sandy beach:

And I painted the blue for the sea/sky:

I dragged a dry brush loaded with white paint along the line where the two colors met to blend them:

Step 3: Using a simple stencil and some willow charcoal (it is easily painted over), I sketched out the letters:

Step 4: I painted the letters with white paint:

Step 5: Using an electric sander (you can also use a sanding block), I distressed areas of the canvas:

Step 6: I mixed up a glaze using darker acrylic colors (I prefer the liquid acrylics by golden for glazes)

Starting at one end of the canvas I began layering perpendicular lines of glaze…letting layers dry in between.

Building and building…

…..so that the top end turned darker and darker.

I used a damp paper towel to dab areas that got too dark and to blot color into the bottom white portion of the canvas to age it:

After several layers of painting, dabbing and removing I ended up with this:

I’m really happy with how it turned out! Rich layers of glaze and texture:

Now you can make your own original instead of buying a print! Here’s a comparison of the original and the inspired version:

Thank you Kristin and Jordan for letting me play along! This was so much fun!

Filed Under: Home Decor, Home Projects, Painting, Recycled, Tutorial Tagged With: distressed, painting, tutorial

Happy Easter!

April 25, 2011 By Ashley 9 Comments

Happy Easter! We celebrated Easter yesterday with family in Orange County and had some fun family time. Here is Boo and my nephew Jordan playing with bubbles:

My two little nieces did their best to gather a few eggs before Boo and Jordan scooped them all up.

Boo woke up bright and early this morning and found an Easter basket waiting for her in her room filled with a new Easter dress (made by my friend Tracy over at razberriesandraizins), and some other goodies. She declared “Today is when Jesus died on the cross and he told all his friends that he would be alive again in three days.” The Sunday school teacher said Boo was very upset during the Easter story. Boo’s take? “It is too scary, Jesus dying and all the lightning…..it just makes me so sad.” She’s such a sweet kid…..she makes my heart hurt sometimes.

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter and spent the day with your families!

One BIG announcement:

Lil Blue Boo moved to WordPress last night! Thanks to Aaron from RFE Hosting….it went seamlessly. I still have some changes and tweaks to make but so glad I’m finally here! Make sure to bookmark this new location! Thank you!

Filed Under: Life, Uncategorized

WWYW I Fabric Giveaway

April 22, 2011 By Ashley 144 Comments

For this first challenge, I sent this cool burnout cotton voile and I asked 4 creative friends to make whatever their hearts desired with 2 yards of it:

Kelly from Sewing in No Man’s Land
Adrianna from Crafterhours
Mique from 30 Days
Katy from No Big Dill

I love that everyone was inspired in different ways! Thank you Kelly, Adrianna, Mique and Katy for playing along!

Note: Giveaway is closed. Winners are #127 Linda Lincks and #67 Andrea!

More WWYM creative challenges to come!
Will you be next?

Filed Under: Giveaway, WWYM

WWYM I: Katy from No Big Dill

April 21, 2011 By Ashley 5 Comments

Today is the final day for WWYM I (What Would You Make) and I’m so excited to introduce Katy from No Big Dill with her creation! I got to know Katy when we both competed in Project Run and Play. She’s an amazing seamstress, talented and patient with details and LOVES the color orange. Orange isn’t my favorite color but Katy is slowly converting me into an orange lover. (I was wondering how she’d work orange into this challenge!) I absolutely adore the recent Once Upon a Thread series that Katy put together on her blog…..make sure to visit each and every post!

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Hello to all you Lil Blue Boo readers! What a fabulously fun idea Ashley had, no? This fabric is the softest, most flow-y, perfect to snuggle with, but I had to laugh when Ashley mentioned she sent us fabric we would most likely not choose ourselves, because that is 100% truth. It’s been so fun to see it transformed in such a variety of ways by the talented seamstresses who received her fun little package in the mail.

I started by dying mine orange (of course!) It gave the floral bouquet print a bit of an orange hue instead of pink and made the background just slightly darker.

It is a perfect summer fabric, especially for a child with the softness that is the perfect thing to have next to their soft, sensitive skin.

With no closures, it’s easy to slip on and off.

I ended up adding a slit in the back to accommodate child’s play and dance.

The strap/sleeve details are my favorite,

adding some texture and interest,

as well as drawing from the colors of the flowers to tie them in with the whole look.

If you’d like to make your own maxi (mini or not!) tube dress, I’ll show you how over at my blog, no big dill! Thanks for letting me play, Ashley!

Thank you so much Katy! I loved this dress!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s giveaway! Two people will win 2 yards of the same fabric that was used for this challenge!

Filed Under: Sewing, WWYM

WWYM I: Mique from 30 Days

April 19, 2011 By Ashley 2 Comments

I’m so excited to introduce Mique from 30 Days with her creation for WWYM I (What Would You Make)! Mique has so many great ideas over at her blog 30 Days and I love her printables! I love that her projects are so diverse…..cooking, decorating, tutorials, parties etc! Make sure to check out all of Mique’s awesomeness today!

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I’m Mique from 30days. I was beyond flattered that Ashley asked me to play along for this challenge. I have been a long time fan of Lil Blue Boo and am also in great company! I came up with a few different ideas. And I tried to make them…. they didn’t work!! But I love the end result.

My finished product is an 11×17 canvas with ruffled flower a stitched quote (that I love) framed on a painted embroidery hoop. Say that 3 times fast, dare ya! I put all my loves into this project- the fabric, vintage binding from an antique mall, hand stitching, ruffles, and a quote.
I thought it appropriate for my nine year old to hold the canvas- I am determined to make sure she is her own kind of beautiful! I made this project with my craft room in mind but I think it might hang in her room now instead.

Hop on over to 30days for a “Be your own kind of beautiful” printable.
Thank you Ashley for such a fun creative challenge!

Click here to go and see the rest of Mique’s photos and she’s got a free printable for you today as well!

Thank you so much Mique! I love your take on this challenge!
Stay tuned for another creation using the same fabric tomorrow by Katy from No Big Dill!

Filed Under: Guest Blogger, WWYM

WWYM I: Adrianna from Crafterhours

April 19, 2011 By Ashley 8 Comments

I’m so excited to introduce Adrianna from Crafterhours with her creation for WWYM I (What Would You Make)! Crafterhours (created by Adrianna and Susan) is full of super cool tutorials and tips…..but I’ll be honest, the reason I stop by the most often is to read their “sidebar” conversations. These gals crack me up! I love that their great ideas are paired with humor…..it makes their site super unique! So if you don’t already follow Crafterhours…you are missing out!

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Hi Lil Blue Boo fans!! I am so excited to be here today. Ashley’s was one of the first blogs I started reading and she is a superstar in my world. Couldn’t you just grab a cup of coffee and hang out in her sewing area all day? I’d love to see the creative process that produces the amazing stuff she’s constantly coming up with.

When I first enthusiastically agreed to participate in Ashley’s fabric challenge, I figured I would probably make something along the lines of a little girls’ dress. And if you’ve been reading Crafterhours for any amount of time, you’re not surprised (because that’s just how I do).

But when the fabric arrived, I saw it’s beautiful navy floral pattern and soft voile drapey-ness and said, “sorry kiddos, this fabric is way too good for you.”

So, I made a simple modified sheath dress from my own pattern. It came together so quickly and easily (or maybe that’s because I was on such a high from being invited to participate in this challenge that it just felt that way). See? Just a fun, simple little floral sundress with a gathered, cinched bust.

But this dress holds a BIG surprise.

It’s a maternity dress too!!! (not for me, Mom.) How much do I love you guys? I went outside in full view of my neighbors and passing cars and stuffed one of my girls’ dolls under my dress. I don’t know if you can tell from the pictures, but I made the front hem dip down a little bit to compensate for that little bundle of stuffed toy joy.

What makes me laugh even more than the utter ridiculousness of these pictures is that I could never achieve this look while actually pregnant. The first thing to get pregnant on me is my love handles, followed directly by my arms and legs. Hopefully my actually pregnant friend will enjoy this dress as much as I enjoyed making it

Thanks so much for including me, Ashley! I can’t wait to see what everyone else came up with!