tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50303213301335735822024-03-05T11:23:08.971-06:00The Shiny PebbleTitle Photography by TDR1, edited by me.
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-68960127184430846382013-01-22T11:48:00.001-06:002013-01-22T11:48:34.916-06:00Super Bowl Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I just had my Super Bowl Party published on the January/February issue of <a href="http://issuu.com/srgpublications/docs/26_pl_jf13_book_lr?mode=window" target="_blank">Prime Living Magazine</a> and I am thrilled!<br />
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Prime Living is a local magazine in Houston,TX delivered to the mailbox of an exclusive group of homeowners who fall within a certain set of demographics. The online version is open to all and can be read <a href="http://issuu.com/srgpublications/docs/26_pl_jf13_book_lr?mode=window" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a great target audience for my services as a party planner and I feel so grateful to Allyson Huth at <a href="http://www.cruhome.com/" target="_blank">Cru Home</a> for allowing me this opportunity.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">"Gridiron Gents" is the title I suggested for the shoot and the theme we went with. I used walking sticks, cigars, horns, leather and angular metal pieces in order to convey a sophisticated feel to the already masculine outdoor room we used. </span><br />
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I gathered a few items from around my house that I felt would enhance the masculine theme.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Helvetica;">Here are a few details that I think need to be highlighted:</span><br />
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1. Diorama terrariums were used in lieu of flowers with a cowboy and a football scene in a glass BOWL</div>
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These were created by Joseph-Nathan Pancho (contact in magazine)</div>
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2. The yard (gridiron) marks on the black table</div>
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I do not have a picture of this, but it was easily achieved by drawing yard marks with chalk onto this black table:</div>
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3. The beer BOWL filled with craft beers</div>
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I chose this gargantuan hammered one found at Home Goods</div>
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4. The cigar bar and football tags as gifts for the guests to enjoy long after the game</div>
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5. The menu highlighting Bourbon and a Southern/Cajun sensibility. I must credit Kim Garnet with the wording for the menu and Chef Kevin King for developing it:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre;">Buffalo Wings tossed in a Sweet Kentucky Bourbon Glaze</span><pre style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA;">Roasted Pulled Pork Sliders with a Tangy Southern BBQ Sauce</span></pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA;">Sausage Wraps paired with a Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Relish</span></pre>
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<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA; font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA;">Cajun Crawfish Po' Boy Sliders on Sour Dough Toasts</span></div>
<pre style="line-height: 12.75pt; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA;">Louisiana Sausage, Red Beans & Cilantro Rice</span></pre>
<pre style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA; font-size: 16pt;"></span><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: HANA;">Warm Banana Bread Pudding topped with a Buttery Bourbon Sauce</span></pre>
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The little pick flags were beautifully designed by Kimberly Garnet (contact in magazine), along with all other paper pieces (Menu, football tags and game paddles)</div>
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Kentucky Bourbon glazed wings look a little more elegant when served in a beautiful metal tray on top of lavish linens and fine dishes.</div>
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6. A nod to the location of the Super Bowl this year -- the beautiful fleur de lis details on the serving dishes and glass from Cru Home as well as on the stationery products and some decorative items.</div>
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I really enjoyed the whole process and hope that the shoot resonates well with the magazine readers. </div>
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Hugs and Kisses!</div>
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Catherine</div>
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-72570723614182600602012-12-27T06:12:00.000-06:002013-01-14T07:59:56.613-06:00Buche de Noel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This year I decided to make my Buche de Noel ( Yule Log) even more child friendly by adding a few Christmas mice to it. They turned out adorable! - If I may say so myself. <br />
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I used Martha Stewart's recipe for the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/338834/chocolate-genoise">Chocolate Genoise</a> cake and the <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/312868/meringue-mushrooms">Meringue Mushrooms</a>, but I chose to substitute the chocolate mousse filling and the ganache icing for plain, out of the jar Nutella. I must say that Martha's recipe makes a more delicate desert, but for the sake of time, I just had to improvise. My guests enjoyed it and the kids loved the little mice. <br />
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I made the mushrooms and mice two days before and kept them in an airtight container. Also, I left them in the oven for at least one hour longer than specified in Martha's recipe. The heat and humidity here in Houston pretty much demands the longer drying out time. Most people use licorice for the mice tails. I don't care for the candy, so instead I drew on a wiggly tail with black gel icing out of a tube.<br />
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I think this video is great at showing how easy it is to handle the cake before rolling it. I also microwaved the Nutella for 20 seconds to make it easy to spread.<br />
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And Voila! I will probably use a version of the Yule Log next time I plan a woodland party. I wonder if I can make Meringue Owls? Hummmmmm....<br />
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Hugs and Kisses,<br />
Catherine<br />
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-33533331416611285872012-11-28T10:20:00.000-06:002012-12-02T08:55:10.132-06:00Christmas Tree 2012<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm trying something different this year -- Mostly because I found out that my super cheap christmas lights were actually white wired, instead of the green type, AFTER I got home. So I decided to instead of trying to hide the unsightly cords, I would highlight them.<br />
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You can see the lights better in this picture. I juxtaposed the warm white wired lights with the cool LED bigger bulbs for a more graphic effect. I really like how it turned out. It has a bit of a Whoville feel to it. :)</div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-4122131821372557432012-11-28T09:52:00.004-06:002012-11-29T06:04:01.058-06:00How to wrap a gift card<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19w1YbJqzbayTRDjh7ibMIroW-qWYkMivXEZlNExddm44OTj9KlVKyDqQuYKZ7HYx5UEEEiaw5xASyJEY9dNbyCQlyerC7iddF6r6zWZqfqZtO_QpASmDv8sNX6QCYsJQz8VV2gsr2FG5/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19w1YbJqzbayTRDjh7ibMIroW-qWYkMivXEZlNExddm44OTj9KlVKyDqQuYKZ7HYx5UEEEiaw5xASyJEY9dNbyCQlyerC7iddF6r6zWZqfqZtO_QpASmDv8sNX6QCYsJQz8VV2gsr2FG5/s640/IMG_3094.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Many people believe that gifting cards is not personal and lacks thoughtfulness. I think otherwise. Gift cards are a great way to spread the cheer in a way that the hard to please recipient can truly enjoy. Teens and teachers can do wonders with gift cards and meanwhile, you can exercise your creative muscles by making the presentation festive and personal. I made these for my son's teacher's this year using the cricut machine. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSTeEV-jOUi_JpEDO9hyphenhyphenTGQED4NmR4Fx1Sfm1q6B3xfan6oincaW9P_9Lp4Gjyj34VNqXudiO470k_ORRftyp63a4jmzg4cGafymjELdedcmsFN9jQ5QS6oMybOHP0AjX_a2rtMiSRORx/s1600/IMG_3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSTeEV-jOUi_JpEDO9hyphenhyphenTGQED4NmR4Fx1Sfm1q6B3xfan6oincaW9P_9Lp4Gjyj34VNqXudiO470k_ORRftyp63a4jmzg4cGafymjELdedcmsFN9jQ5QS6oMybOHP0AjX_a2rtMiSRORx/s640/IMG_3095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are actually pretty easy to make with scissors:<br />
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1. Simply cut a 8"x 6" rectangle out of a page of two sided scrapbook paper.<br />
2. Trim one end with scalloped scissors.<br />
3. Fold it in almost half leaving a bit of the scallop showing.<br />
4. Cut a semi-circle and inside slits for the card.<br />
5. Attach a tag with the handwritten initial of the recipient's name with some baker's twine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JuLELEXMAtTI1qLJGT7uasFtsvtgAB15nSAfzXYlb8jI-QjlRx0hHHHVRMlRGErB2c5FHDfBbTkxr8HrjiTwSxEAFiZG5ISGRDS1LiI9blfducRy3OcZn-13YYsv0feVVRymktHEkVY4/s1600/IMG_3097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JuLELEXMAtTI1qLJGT7uasFtsvtgAB15nSAfzXYlb8jI-QjlRx0hHHHVRMlRGErB2c5FHDfBbTkxr8HrjiTwSxEAFiZG5ISGRDS1LiI9blfducRy3OcZn-13YYsv0feVVRymktHEkVY4/s640/IMG_3097.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Voila! A beautiful gift wrapped, personalized gift card for a loved one. The dimensions I gave you will fit any of the Target cards and their holders. <br />
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Happy gifting!<br />
Catherine</div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-20459047681447364322012-11-04T07:24:00.001-06:002012-11-05T05:40:41.656-06:00Minnie Mouse Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I had the opportunity to style and plan a Minnie Mouse inspired birthday party for a two year old, adorable little girl. This was a rushed event. I only had a couple of weeks to put it together, so I borrowed a lot of my ideas from Pinterest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNL50FXSynwiLh2HNcxwAdmaOER4bjcaZczNeLtXn1Org2O5gPjX5CQZjWbUxajxMpLfdqkpKfkp_gn6sw-MW3aNdytGGBbefHPm8UyqSqBcIZ6AbyF76ZHC9FpXhNHuWwv2CENQZrxOM/s1600/minnie+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNL50FXSynwiLh2HNcxwAdmaOER4bjcaZczNeLtXn1Org2O5gPjX5CQZjWbUxajxMpLfdqkpKfkp_gn6sw-MW3aNdytGGBbefHPm8UyqSqBcIZ6AbyF76ZHC9FpXhNHuWwv2CENQZrxOM/s1600/minnie+collage.jpg" /></a></div>
All paper products were designed and produced by Emily Claire. To see sources of inspiration for all the other ideas, please visit my pinterest board here: <a href="http://pinterest.com/cvhopkins/mickey-mouse-birthday/" target="_blank">http://pinterest.com/cvhopkins/mickey-mouse-birthday/</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRmlSIY7ypCOvSoREHr4HrnRFdQDOGqXhczOqZdBd3E1umaFkLZMgT5Eya1Ro62wvMPtSilwsH5bW6MDKUV6ctHNXj6X1fJTehjy256g85s1_ZXVjDHA5Ml8YveUdOaOSPEcTxeMQJPvf/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtRmlSIY7ypCOvSoREHr4HrnRFdQDOGqXhczOqZdBd3E1umaFkLZMgT5Eya1Ro62wvMPtSilwsH5bW6MDKUV6ctHNXj6X1fJTehjy256g85s1_ZXVjDHA5Ml8YveUdOaOSPEcTxeMQJPvf/s640/IMG_1590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
And a special thanks to Kristin Jackson from <a href="http://thehuntedinterior.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">The Hunted Interior</a>. I used a variation of several of your ideas and kept your design sensibility in mind while making my choices. :)<br />
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Unfortunately, we had rain so the clubhouse bouncer and lemonade stand went unused. The entertainer and face painter kept the kids busy indoors. :)<br />
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/labeling-the-baskets-in-the-closet-expedit-with-bronze-hanging-tags/">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a></div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-57308899520983663832012-10-31T15:38:00.000-05:002013-08-02T08:43:29.331-05:00Halloween Launch Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBB1sUtHAE206-AnXTxfIQID-xTavOJx8QW9X90n3tTPZyITqRUIV5GNTViV2II3MVTMScCSQqxWi_GPEsxTthvKTzS4pG6pzotDqAcqIFZEzgjuR5_0u6eK8XXRdYfFWaWvrZUX8L19B/s1600/622713_486132354760403_867466019_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBB1sUtHAE206-AnXTxfIQID-xTavOJx8QW9X90n3tTPZyITqRUIV5GNTViV2II3MVTMScCSQqxWi_GPEsxTthvKTzS4pG6pzotDqAcqIFZEzgjuR5_0u6eK8XXRdYfFWaWvrZUX8L19B/s640/622713_486132354760403_867466019_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Photography by <a href="http://lispurdyphotography.com/" target="_blank">Lis Purdy Photography</a></div>
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Happy Halloween Everyone! Here is the party I styled and planned to celebrate the launch of Cru Events this weekend. Enjoy!</div>
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Story Time with <a href="http://thelearninggardenkids.com/" target="_blank">The Learning Garden</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc2tsgV4ahs3hG3E12cGCDnEXgL9wtN5LIcqzgf-g0jU-ZylWt9lIxF8tzZNBGyg1j35AL9yzyKrcMLrULx0_F6jwK6xhODT5YOH_TaTn95flV9_Lx8hPfhjptV5XwqClUPJIUCclcPW6/s1600/334391_486134681426837_600427226_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJc2tsgV4ahs3hG3E12cGCDnEXgL9wtN5LIcqzgf-g0jU-ZylWt9lIxF8tzZNBGyg1j35AL9yzyKrcMLrULx0_F6jwK6xhODT5YOH_TaTn95flV9_Lx8hPfhjptV5XwqClUPJIUCclcPW6/s640/334391_486134681426837_600427226_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Candy Bar from <a href="http://www.maryhadalittleparty.com/" target="_blank">Mary Had a Little Party</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oSkg_8AYb8l4QYbK1vB8-H-1Ak3DHMIL3xeiRZsRBr5h70IHe2gipygDkKcFRt0fL95ZW6OysWLXtT4ZDuhmcWRcNNSzO4Z492qQ4UyS1BgscD5BcW6Sq1OySELWQ5PzMKCEFe_f_1Re/s1600/53093_486132478093724_1559614183_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oSkg_8AYb8l4QYbK1vB8-H-1Ak3DHMIL3xeiRZsRBr5h70IHe2gipygDkKcFRt0fL95ZW6OysWLXtT4ZDuhmcWRcNNSzO4Z492qQ4UyS1BgscD5BcW6Sq1OySELWQ5PzMKCEFe_f_1Re/s640/53093_486132478093724_1559614183_o.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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Cookies by Crumbs</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbTna6qFxUyywBgQ1-H5Kdwa1291V_3efZMIXNePHHSm5XapqESqN6GiH7g1lvN5FffKsPc76G0EEm2_fS2wPY2RfWftEnfzW_oQw_tOYlnl5pT-hWweQk8oCgpyUWZvRxRhh8wT8Xccr/s1600/57375_486132424760396_713681013_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbTna6qFxUyywBgQ1-H5Kdwa1291V_3efZMIXNePHHSm5XapqESqN6GiH7g1lvN5FffKsPc76G0EEm2_fS2wPY2RfWftEnfzW_oQw_tOYlnl5pT-hWweQk8oCgpyUWZvRxRhh8wT8Xccr/s640/57375_486132424760396_713681013_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcakes by Flour & Eggs</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9hsRApn-OTxLH0SwT2eu1RkQ5H-kOot85Bl-qyAVKTFhYwiJRC02wW1jx44tTCr5FHec3t4aME_CUk05fOJV9dIJwmHRLU8YFb2r-Ri3ikiHbU0Fz5RFjT77MRDmqxgV243d0A2pidFZ/s1600/615564_486132301427075_361730764_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-9hsRApn-OTxLH0SwT2eu1RkQ5H-kOot85Bl-qyAVKTFhYwiJRC02wW1jx44tTCr5FHec3t4aME_CUk05fOJV9dIJwmHRLU8YFb2r-Ri3ikiHbU0Fz5RFjT77MRDmqxgV243d0A2pidFZ/s640/615564_486132301427075_361730764_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper decorations by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Catherine Hopkins Designs, Inc.</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ZcwNJ4gV1JpQ9ypMKEwl_wNKShoLoGMAW6JCxht9fJk__9JXWGxUA3veoVCuXXzjxlAoSOzWPCWGrUHdvS98uD-V940YTD9jUUEeoaF67izohLTHAuJuqwVddpRrUbX3CefNLgv7imK/s1600/IMG_1727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1ZcwNJ4gV1JpQ9ypMKEwl_wNKShoLoGMAW6JCxht9fJk__9JXWGxUA3veoVCuXXzjxlAoSOzWPCWGrUHdvS98uD-V940YTD9jUUEeoaF67izohLTHAuJuqwVddpRrUbX3CefNLgv7imK/s640/IMG_1727.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entertainment by <a href="http://www.tomsfunband.com/" target="_blank">Tom's Fun Band</a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgs__jk19ss92pGtUPhHFWlji_9tP9KG1SHs1qJGo82S3_vXv5_yjvSXOvYb_SkdobCG9-WvsfPw7W3SnEVy_gIJOmwMqZQq18UM0_rT3udX3dQc6ognZZVke91YVToc5VySze5x8A703/s1600/400244_10151040125611706_926046831_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgs__jk19ss92pGtUPhHFWlji_9tP9KG1SHs1qJGo82S3_vXv5_yjvSXOvYb_SkdobCG9-WvsfPw7W3SnEVy_gIJOmwMqZQq18UM0_rT3udX3dQc6ognZZVke91YVToc5VySze5x8A703/s640/400244_10151040125611706_926046831_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The Stage </div>
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Drink Station - Slimeade and Pumpkin Punch</div>
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We put some dry ice in the cauldron</div>
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Donut Challenge</div>
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The entrance</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/527551_517537121591139_2094671046_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/527551_517537121591139_2094671046_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Face Painting</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7pJy_5YqgYdywzgtX-YshxEnJtnGBM1fYeWld7uvFeo53H71D2b8-wTfA1-B4U-ShYqnPssbD2-xceGYzeNFSjNxBu0bNFPU_lHJ9HRpV0GKwVpvwJNM7RaNpFjgCKTSvptZ5k3uX5m6/s1600/680533_486132254760413_1246558426_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7pJy_5YqgYdywzgtX-YshxEnJtnGBM1fYeWld7uvFeo53H71D2b8-wTfA1-B4U-ShYqnPssbD2-xceGYzeNFSjNxBu0bNFPU_lHJ9HRpV0GKwVpvwJNM7RaNpFjgCKTSvptZ5k3uX5m6/s640/680533_486132254760413_1246558426_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Sweets Table</div>
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Photo Booth</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/374155_10151040122101706_1282405193_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/374155_10151040122101706_1282405193_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Pre party</div>
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We had tons of games and crafts. Fun was had by all. Charley Ham from Cru did an amazing job with lots of the staging spots throughout the party.</div>
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Thanks Charley!</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/labeling-the-baskets-in-the-closet-expedit-with-bronze-hanging-tags/">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a></div>
</div>
</div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-3707707494023056542012-10-26T15:20:00.004-05:002012-10-29T05:57:07.379-05:00I wish you life, long life...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaz-cAkv2Ef4GgFWasxFF6SrK8wJDm12CtUVPFXbIKKSKk41r2Wc2cPjNhqqYGHrgNH-2-8mjJMmOZXocON3xUkcpAQcD4P8LJyTBw50f90Zbc5bxm5t84UNgDMXXWu9fN7xBKbOKVQK2/s1600/Eu+te+desejo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaz-cAkv2Ef4GgFWasxFF6SrK8wJDm12CtUVPFXbIKKSKk41r2Wc2cPjNhqqYGHrgNH-2-8mjJMmOZXocON3xUkcpAQcD4P8LJyTBw50f90Zbc5bxm5t84UNgDMXXWu9fN7xBKbOKVQK2/s640/Eu+te+desejo.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I've loosely translated a song by Flavia Wenceslau, an artist from my little corner of the world. Her work is simple, sweet and meaningful. </span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/k436ievolvA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/tool-storage-and-organization/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday</a></div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-774766644215745832012-10-24T13:39:00.001-05:002012-10-29T06:01:13.121-05:00Pumpkin Face Game<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKrddPp0jo87-bP1nJfkIX4to19jDVnrf9jKF2HwasEIxng6ejurKhMNfsgUDlw4k42d2ZZGTIaUDWQYWNAqXzKdR1CRYOiDdc7wiHVJNavwKlsggozJ1D7LKDJTkQ9ejKha7LIVt1p6C/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKrddPp0jo87-bP1nJfkIX4to19jDVnrf9jKF2HwasEIxng6ejurKhMNfsgUDlw4k42d2ZZGTIaUDWQYWNAqXzKdR1CRYOiDdc7wiHVJNavwKlsggozJ1D7LKDJTkQ9ejKha7LIVt1p6C/s640/IMG_1648.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I needed a pumpkin face game for this weekend's party, since my son is bent on carving a pumpkin. He is 4. So I figured I'd put together this cute little guy for the little ones. It's a lot safer and less messy than handing them carving tools or paint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDfm8uSljggpQzP6RJ1ZYK8YhW97BBcCu7vaAyyxyqTvawZy3duEgGQnB6kXkILyXhdURUBevAe5cBshdRW1d6AjbWB0cl0Chpxhyphenhyphen_WVflpumqgGC5bliWEu9SXKKmPpHUw8-PFwqG-Xi/s1600/IMG_1643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDfm8uSljggpQzP6RJ1ZYK8YhW97BBcCu7vaAyyxyqTvawZy3duEgGQnB6kXkILyXhdURUBevAe5cBshdRW1d6AjbWB0cl0Chpxhyphenhyphen_WVflpumqgGC5bliWEu9SXKKmPpHUw8-PFwqG-Xi/s640/IMG_1643.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Materials:<br />
Orange and blue tempera paint<br />
Black foam board<br />
Orange glitter<br />
Metallic Marker<br />
Print out of something fun to say ("Spooktastic!" in Spinstee font)<br />
Vinyl sheet<br />
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I used orange tempera paint to free hand a pumpkin onto black foam board. Then I traced the word spooktastic! onto the board with a pen to make a mark, then filled it in with a metallic gold pen:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVPqHaMlSOdONgpZemMGe8vgYn_9GtLy54rQ5-x-kf5NTYTXlj7pyIiWkpiXoLAwTD827StQezP0nwmhy6Fr3iLN9pM68LBMecXAP4AjFwYPV9McjyTGSKQlUysj76i7uK7BX_YT7piab/s1600/IMG_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVPqHaMlSOdONgpZemMGe8vgYn_9GtLy54rQ5-x-kf5NTYTXlj7pyIiWkpiXoLAwTD827StQezP0nwmhy6Fr3iLN9pM68LBMecXAP4AjFwYPV9McjyTGSKQlUysj76i7uK7BX_YT7piab/s640/IMG_1640.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI0SmTFTOAZ6yMz5XYH3y2IuXQAUKTtcdReXT-K9RNdRvgorRhGuaeraI7i6TVwue2CgE5pLEiuNtMl99raYhR_VqGagBMFul1lO4uwNWTddibeCu9JhyphenhyphenVXMO2tYTd_cic9JHIZ1k5xxv/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixI0SmTFTOAZ6yMz5XYH3y2IuXQAUKTtcdReXT-K9RNdRvgorRhGuaeraI7i6TVwue2CgE5pLEiuNtMl99raYhR_VqGagBMFul1lO4uwNWTddibeCu9JhyphenhyphenVXMO2tYTd_cic9JHIZ1k5xxv/s640/IMG_1641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWUtVNCWFGJC-QwBLW832ujn9lEI9f2jTf55dp1lfYgOjOqhU2hdKE9QuhZjMjo5ENf_In8ZzfpO472vlRuP-QU8n-YaisjsDeehlGN4f41_kubLMNTHNRE-59VySa4D4SncUL6H3RBCR/s1600/IMG_1642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWUtVNCWFGJC-QwBLW832ujn9lEI9f2jTf55dp1lfYgOjOqhU2hdKE9QuhZjMjo5ENf_In8ZzfpO472vlRuP-QU8n-YaisjsDeehlGN4f41_kubLMNTHNRE-59VySa4D4SncUL6H3RBCR/s640/IMG_1642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I drew some eyes and mouths on the back side of the vinyl paper and cut them out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDVny_qyVzDgBlSdXOEZLiHMkQc1rfRPaNjtajtbkdsSXmzNQVVukbo8vpw6sPMrBIS_q1R-UZgS00nY9EP0BG0xj-mS01aL6uw1bpt71xsrOXfdmVFUD_e5t7gsIKeQTwoMoTaXrrnqe/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDVny_qyVzDgBlSdXOEZLiHMkQc1rfRPaNjtajtbkdsSXmzNQVVukbo8vpw6sPMrBIS_q1R-UZgS00nY9EP0BG0xj-mS01aL6uw1bpt71xsrOXfdmVFUD_e5t7gsIKeQTwoMoTaXrrnqe/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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While the paint was still wet, I sprinkled some orange glitter onto it and mixed a little blue tempera paint with the orange one to make brown for the stem and ridges.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1Pn4zMwvxXmDno14hyphenhyphen4lda3yRAtDewGNAjQ8pL_c92rlQmMz8p6myomk0z7OePPsCFzG66eIqqhnor4fFzzzq1hX1mHmtwmSEak-FDhCWT4zNwkjNJp4YN3nKpMywjc44KJITnj7f4-g/s1600/IMG_1649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1Pn4zMwvxXmDno14hyphenhyphen4lda3yRAtDewGNAjQ8pL_c92rlQmMz8p6myomk0z7OePPsCFzG66eIqqhnor4fFzzzq1hX1mHmtwmSEak-FDhCWT4zNwkjNJp4YN3nKpMywjc44KJITnj7f4-g/s640/IMG_1649.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zaWfsp-3rRpDRKyxNFH7oIwRQYEFl4mnpyvM_GkfixeAqzS1leK87xOxO4gxF3SHFqIp16fO2WIpJFO19MTREmJ2rXORDOKj8INkvE-QF8PE8VNO30yNIzdgEtEoHCw61gUVoyEw66ab/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zaWfsp-3rRpDRKyxNFH7oIwRQYEFl4mnpyvM_GkfixeAqzS1leK87xOxO4gxF3SHFqIp16fO2WIpJFO19MTREmJ2rXORDOKj8INkvE-QF8PE8VNO30yNIzdgEtEoHCw61gUVoyEw66ab/s640/IMG_1650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Super fun and super easy! Go make one. :)<br />
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xoxo<br />
Catherine<br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/tool-storage-and-organization/" target="_blank">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a></div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-88745873027313045082012-10-22T16:18:00.002-05:002013-01-22T12:33:43.497-06:00Broom Favor Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23YIKXyDgT1pmoWnXH_7Com_TEwHlodArxt63QQ9gThZ3cTr-RYZ9oScNv3MKN30e9unQF8ksPslLvCEnaAdKxeO8X45sKUxg5XFebDT6jJb8hSZ3TtVfm4wki-TnZlexuz2covrTmdlS/s1600/IMG_1619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23YIKXyDgT1pmoWnXH_7Com_TEwHlodArxt63QQ9gThZ3cTr-RYZ9oScNv3MKN30e9unQF8ksPslLvCEnaAdKxeO8X45sKUxg5XFebDT6jJb8hSZ3TtVfm4wki-TnZlexuz2covrTmdlS/s640/IMG_1619.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Right in the middle of the Halloween Launch party (Sunday) and the Minnie Mouse birthday (Next Saturday) I am planning, is the halloween celebration at my son's school. I am in charge of the favors. These little brooms are loosely based on this pinterest link: <a href="http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54efec67b8833017744b7199a970d-popup">http://scrapbookgirl.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54efec67b8833017744b7199a970d-popup</a><br />
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I'm the first to admit that theirs is much more sophisticated than my little crooked brooms, but I think mine turned out pretty cute, and I used just plain scissors instead of a diecut machine.<br />
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Here is what I did:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75t9lLiuPW9t6AOs_-UxNABIGbgpQ4n309KcOakFyd1aKqgB1HfsPgvGBYBiAtx4CKfiLQgWpfuF4juJ3aRfRmmgoSDrexlFoS-Sz6fu0FfHN2fA3XmVWO_dd8E72gvFATlROOGDOwvvI/s1600/broom+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh75t9lLiuPW9t6AOs_-UxNABIGbgpQ4n309KcOakFyd1aKqgB1HfsPgvGBYBiAtx4CKfiLQgWpfuF4juJ3aRfRmmgoSDrexlFoS-Sz6fu0FfHN2fA3XmVWO_dd8E72gvFATlROOGDOwvvI/s640/broom+collage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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First I cut 4 sheets of tissue in half, then in quarters. Made a pile</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieep4yeVTZWCaPgd7G7qiGSLnpw398PdaP-Ps2o5OJ9jyqTQrJH7CJ9qR_jtkl24C9K4x46rJh9Hy-P87CUO_iUSU72NJMPAQYobYD8Ks7Jn1Lra-GQ6AlNvFhMHkM7aZvTaXdoguIBAoN/s1600/broom+collage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieep4yeVTZWCaPgd7G7qiGSLnpw398PdaP-Ps2o5OJ9jyqTQrJH7CJ9qR_jtkl24C9K4x46rJh9Hy-P87CUO_iUSU72NJMPAQYobYD8Ks7Jn1Lra-GQ6AlNvFhMHkM7aZvTaXdoguIBAoN/s640/broom+collage+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then I folded the paper in half and cut a half circle. Folded the half circle in half, then in quarters, than in eighths.</div>
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Now I cut the wider part of the circle into an upside down "v". Unfolded the paper like in the picture and cut a slit right in the middle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF7bPSML4YUtAAI-mrCPiFBH8Zn3Q_lPj-851_lngjitJ1LZqz2LN1ECyhemVmgW135av4UtoeJ-zZLVzdQqKJT-VYlcLhc5w-i1drQb2YL5zYFL3c76NsH6YuMOOZO9u1FByvpFRvWga/s1600/broom+collage+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF7bPSML4YUtAAI-mrCPiFBH8Zn3Q_lPj-851_lngjitJ1LZqz2LN1ECyhemVmgW135av4UtoeJ-zZLVzdQqKJT-VYlcLhc5w-i1drQb2YL5zYFL3c76NsH6YuMOOZO9u1FByvpFRvWga/s640/broom+collage+4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Now with the help of some string, I tie a lollipop in the wrap. And...</div>
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Voila..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRCGL5egUiDYsSBPBj7Rrnpm6u4Uol22AxuHJfYCrM1SxTqVUutOExkoIvZW8RRkcKpB9WL2pCtx6RmOBLFJsufWyBGsHPY45I_g_VmvOcqmRMtBkNBz89xUfHIREyQIXkAwA-EzFF1SO/s1600/IMG_1618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivRCGL5egUiDYsSBPBj7Rrnpm6u4Uol22AxuHJfYCrM1SxTqVUutOExkoIvZW8RRkcKpB9WL2pCtx6RmOBLFJsufWyBGsHPY45I_g_VmvOcqmRMtBkNBz89xUfHIREyQIXkAwA-EzFF1SO/s640/IMG_1618.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I glued a round label with the name of each child and teachers to the broom handle.</div>
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<p style=" margin: 12px auto 6px auto; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; -x-system-font: none; display: block;"> <a title="View treat labels on Scribd" href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/121657959/treat-labels" style="text-decoration: underline;" >treat labels</a> by <a title="View 's profile on Scribd" href="undefined" style="text-decoration: underline;" ></a> </p><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/121657959/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll" data-auto-height="false" data-aspect-ratio="undefined" scrolling="no" id="doc_20856" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
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I hope the kids will like them. :)</div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/homezada-organize-manage-your-home/" target="_blank">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a><br />
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<br /></div>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-61524704731542306572012-10-10T13:56:00.000-05:002012-10-10T13:56:21.323-05:00CRU Events Launch Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZyhEhsDSb4SPDL1r31EyC5amThbe1v9k-X6s-oXL18254WJ6uf17ThLZdjd1RWKlLYPLl5e370bs088ykLtHBN1NctcCXQjKEr1w-KYGFJtOQpexcrqOsSWkrIpyNIDq59999vYe-VJ/s1600/IMG_1373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZyhEhsDSb4SPDL1r31EyC5amThbe1v9k-X6s-oXL18254WJ6uf17ThLZdjd1RWKlLYPLl5e370bs088ykLtHBN1NctcCXQjKEr1w-KYGFJtOQpexcrqOsSWkrIpyNIDq59999vYe-VJ/s640/IMG_1373.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I just got the signs for the <a href="http://www.cruhome.com/" target="_blank">CRU Events</a> launch party. It's been so much fun putting this event together!!! If you live in the Houston area, do stop by on Sunday the 28th of October. Dress the little ones in their costumes. There will be lots of fun games, crafts, entertainment -- and of course, TREATS!!!! I will post pictures of the event for those of you that cannot make it. :)</div>
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-1446928198841229332012-10-07T16:48:00.002-05:002012-10-07T16:49:48.103-05:00Halloween water bottle label design<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I finished the design for the water bottles for the Halloween Launch of <a href="http://www.cruhome.com/" target="_blank">Cru Events</a> coming up on the 28th. I am very pleased as to how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWUsHg56wgSzhblmWgKJrOOnkyAJRijvR8gZho5nfoSFTPn5j83YuuuGGdhU26Qk7xbnFeqUuijC8XVwM_DvH1peuDMnIIjBUAhxnkRlFu8fNthctb8qbd8L4_w7XgaFimSC251O30LA_/s1600/chalkboard-black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIWUsHg56wgSzhblmWgKJrOOnkyAJRijvR8gZho5nfoSFTPn5j83YuuuGGdhU26Qk7xbnFeqUuijC8XVwM_DvH1peuDMnIIjBUAhxnkRlFu8fNthctb8qbd8L4_w7XgaFimSC251O30LA_/s640/chalkboard-black.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
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Remember my little witch from the <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2012/09/glam-halloween-banner.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> ?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6vn_K-EN2OVbR59CRZNaXeTUQ8hsN1UPq9uyDcHcS5JoZNFTCq6yEx3GVfkq4JY-Q9aAyq5S2PFvhRqk_2dQw2UVFD0Wktjhmx2X8u-eUCdTQwCOCrFDifmdEZmMlePn4OtFStjBQfz/s1600/c+framed+witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6vn_K-EN2OVbR59CRZNaXeTUQ8hsN1UPq9uyDcHcS5JoZNFTCq6yEx3GVfkq4JY-Q9aAyq5S2PFvhRqk_2dQw2UVFD0Wktjhmx2X8u-eUCdTQwCOCrFDifmdEZmMlePn4OtFStjBQfz/s640/c+framed+witch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is super easy to do on any half decent photo editing program. I use <a href="http://www.pixelmator.com/" target="_blank">Pixelmator</a>. First I downloaded the free chalkboard background from <a href="http://foolishfire.com/2012/09/11/free-downloadable-chalkboard-backgrounds/" target="_blank">here</a>. Downloaded some fun fonts: <a href="http://www.dafont.com/search.php?q=spinstee" target="_blank">Spinstee</a>, <a href="http://www.dafont.com/search.php?q=calligraphic+frames" target="_blank">Calligraphic Frames</a> and <a href="http://www.fonts.com/search/all-fonts?searchtext=sketch%20block&submit=Search" target="_blank">Sketchblock</a>. And followed the super easy tutorial from this awesome site: <a href="http://foolishfire.com/2012/09/13/700/">http://foolishfire.com/2012/09/13/700/</a><br />
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Go make one. It is that easy! :)</div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-14941373922483759582012-09-29T13:16:00.001-05:002012-10-01T08:09:23.630-05:00Glam Halloween Banner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNmR2zfe6FDlHDDEvL2ce_s3AODgJYpipT9mqT5DYBN8gNgzd-shw6lBQpbBKDszjOQLAexQWlC_UYuUwGcte0hP5YdPzexaBwb4JwjGvdtycJaLX1KNTq0Nbkmv3p4BXjfFVriiD6dKF/s1600/c+two+halloween+banners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNmR2zfe6FDlHDDEvL2ce_s3AODgJYpipT9mqT5DYBN8gNgzd-shw6lBQpbBKDszjOQLAexQWlC_UYuUwGcte0hP5YdPzexaBwb4JwjGvdtycJaLX1KNTq0Nbkmv3p4BXjfFVriiD6dKF/s640/c+two+halloween+banners.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The glam halloween banner I've created for the launch of Cru Events has turned out awesome. I thought I'd share my creative process with you guys as I had so much fun with it...<br />
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The whole thing starts with drawings. My banners usually have 7 dedicated drawings. For this particular banner I created a witch, a broom, a cluster of mushrooms, a magic potion, an awesome shoe, and the stylized words Eek and Boo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBrTGK1UHAzulZkO2IKZYvvY8_vNbodsCdD5e9LMhn1OieOhgP76AacX78KnDonQlDlaAElin54PtYC8mzWp4_mAJSFnadfKFiLxnsu22oLM68Pr9YtdlicnVCCXPDm2a5eQVZwEiu2N4/s1600/c+witch+broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBrTGK1UHAzulZkO2IKZYvvY8_vNbodsCdD5e9LMhn1OieOhgP76AacX78KnDonQlDlaAElin54PtYC8mzWp4_mAJSFnadfKFiLxnsu22oLM68Pr9YtdlicnVCCXPDm2a5eQVZwEiu2N4/s320/c+witch+broom.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9ODmzG-QgFVYqw4KwoQAQkibMH7DsYFBkVDnuAOHvgwoAK3ynoL34aulEyu6UAx04ufIY3aavdBiKm0F0C_CYXLmkXZ2-l-vAOSKZIVf-9_g7yi-hSzNnedB3vLETSsykfK0ZIEQCOo0/s1600/c+shoe+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9ODmzG-QgFVYqw4KwoQAQkibMH7DsYFBkVDnuAOHvgwoAK3ynoL34aulEyu6UAx04ufIY3aavdBiKm0F0C_CYXLmkXZ2-l-vAOSKZIVf-9_g7yi-hSzNnedB3vLETSsykfK0ZIEQCOo0/s320/c+shoe+drawing.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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At this point I color them with different media and clean them up a little using a photo editing tool ( I use pixelmator)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkIYQ9e1gC98ySLjk2jrazcSRmYUAc2wc7zpsdkfIOXeXFFb9Xwx8WcgZUWrFZ1Gb2x6yYa3Mv07XjWZNe-EoUVA4QNP5fayJNa7iN7MDPj1kSZb0DZl03BNPAZ9qStwK_nvRV-Rj3aqG/s1600/c+shoe+painted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkIYQ9e1gC98ySLjk2jrazcSRmYUAc2wc7zpsdkfIOXeXFFb9Xwx8WcgZUWrFZ1Gb2x6yYa3Mv07XjWZNe-EoUVA4QNP5fayJNa7iN7MDPj1kSZb0DZl03BNPAZ9qStwK_nvRV-Rj3aqG/s640/c+shoe+painted.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vm9KgAygy_oIBJArlkVaTldvhmN0aVRoMyLQI_ELinofXNiJpVuN5mc5o7S9vPYzxUm8jAZNm9rtIfjmaoCqDVpLytpte03-NqokExoJo4qZWsBkkE45UrkljYupnk2uqbJkEArd-JhM/s1600/c+witch+colored.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Vm9KgAygy_oIBJArlkVaTldvhmN0aVRoMyLQI_ELinofXNiJpVuN5mc5o7S9vPYzxUm8jAZNm9rtIfjmaoCqDVpLytpte03-NqokExoJo4qZWsBkkE45UrkljYupnk2uqbJkEArd-JhM/s640/c+witch+colored.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZHSUqiWSXSpPaihvVnumiYQqkxhBkZTqOhIvZ1-2mdYDgKREjEjrj9oioBI1DHrLJT7Cv_GIjJpkaixcHBmXiCuJHiBQkn9my1aLCzYFtpgbQBTGhuo3KXjmoFm4w0_6nR288zmbiIp6/s1600/c+broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZHSUqiWSXSpPaihvVnumiYQqkxhBkZTqOhIvZ1-2mdYDgKREjEjrj9oioBI1DHrLJT7Cv_GIjJpkaixcHBmXiCuJHiBQkn9my1aLCzYFtpgbQBTGhuo3KXjmoFm4w0_6nR288zmbiIp6/s640/c+broom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now they are ready to be printed into high weight card stock and then trimmed to size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO9ukuG53D7KWOyQD0JiYe9PpzWZWw4uaIcxuH3GqEMQMfY9dH0ZAyzcwkmcm0FCBlhlR2Ga0dCEL4kLQtY6VUtG_d74dfzT_9z-_xHgPU7STRjCnlqSHzWxywPiZz2qzg9ntpskwn0Gh/s1600/c+printed+and+cut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdO9ukuG53D7KWOyQD0JiYe9PpzWZWw4uaIcxuH3GqEMQMfY9dH0ZAyzcwkmcm0FCBlhlR2Ga0dCEL4kLQtY6VUtG_d74dfzT_9z-_xHgPU7STRjCnlqSHzWxywPiZz2qzg9ntpskwn0Gh/s640/c+printed+and+cut.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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These bits are now pearlized with sheen spray and touched up with a little glitter to up the glam factor. Meanwhile, I cut and glue and pull my hair out trying to get these frames put together...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZveE9Es6_GuXJQyfnsdx5A0U3Cpz1FqjaZpANHYApaa9rYaNFGC75jYUiF3vRYX9SGwUty_pu1-Iw7xyPJknCYxtVOhksU_qCnCqkTTzOGvFT3Ye-141PJGNG7QpucgGUXD6W2Wb4WQ7/s1600/c+frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZveE9Es6_GuXJQyfnsdx5A0U3Cpz1FqjaZpANHYApaa9rYaNFGC75jYUiF3vRYX9SGwUty_pu1-Iw7xyPJknCYxtVOhksU_qCnCqkTTzOGvFT3Ye-141PJGNG7QpucgGUXD6W2Wb4WQ7/s640/c+frame.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My wonderful and super meticulous friend, Kim, helped me out while our 4 year olds played together in the next room. She is a sport!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfZUrmai8hJgkKd-3jTvQca3ZRZD45EKgFBx_j2-923gZsacOnxDcNf7XHM31A0XwWn8aKCIWT7oB6aJjPt8pBOcI36jBKeeHUENr3Aw57SNM0zkxh8TWvnJgXN2KlrCF-hkTWeocxRoh/s1600/c+kim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfZUrmai8hJgkKd-3jTvQca3ZRZD45EKgFBx_j2-923gZsacOnxDcNf7XHM31A0XwWn8aKCIWT7oB6aJjPt8pBOcI36jBKeeHUENr3Aw57SNM0zkxh8TWvnJgXN2KlrCF-hkTWeocxRoh/s640/c+kim.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here are some detail shots:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvwY6IsNO3d_rMR3sd6JZPCzxBqICo6Nd2yXFBs5uPhAJICaJmwJ_H7SF_NAmkAmIMdcPhUeoMkDYIOYO17Gysw0lTslyMoxf-9BlphS7uEDReokejMiSoXzkIIgiRu5Z6QC2JrRmma11/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvwY6IsNO3d_rMR3sd6JZPCzxBqICo6Nd2yXFBs5uPhAJICaJmwJ_H7SF_NAmkAmIMdcPhUeoMkDYIOYO17Gysw0lTslyMoxf-9BlphS7uEDReokejMiSoXzkIIgiRu5Z6QC2JrRmma11/s640/IMG_1202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6vn_K-EN2OVbR59CRZNaXeTUQ8hsN1UPq9uyDcHcS5JoZNFTCq6yEx3GVfkq4JY-Q9aAyq5S2PFvhRqk_2dQw2UVFD0Wktjhmx2X8u-eUCdTQwCOCrFDifmdEZmMlePn4OtFStjBQfz/s1600/c+framed+witch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR6vn_K-EN2OVbR59CRZNaXeTUQ8hsN1UPq9uyDcHcS5JoZNFTCq6yEx3GVfkq4JY-Q9aAyq5S2PFvhRqk_2dQw2UVFD0Wktjhmx2X8u-eUCdTQwCOCrFDifmdEZmMlePn4OtFStjBQfz/s640/c+framed+witch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibY8iXm6SCpVVXUS41hW9TuFsJM7YW_PsS9107um8h_I7EGcrwtUu44kBHeUHCFc5G8uUB70PNyrrhd0gIG16HNgP3JUm2nAeD_Y_zjvwoZLD4TJWdpqozM2zNxNY1hhHUeuuuMqSg6Hs/s1600/c+framed+shoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibY8iXm6SCpVVXUS41hW9TuFsJM7YW_PsS9107um8h_I7EGcrwtUu44kBHeUHCFc5G8uUB70PNyrrhd0gIG16HNgP3JUm2nAeD_Y_zjvwoZLD4TJWdpqozM2zNxNY1hhHUeuuuMqSg6Hs/s640/c+framed+shoe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And... TADA!!! The Finished Product:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3C7yMcqP1WrI0qAdsrJgQh0HWKA7X1MFdunzfXpkqR4eWogMcCASZeaDBFSJDq1ZWEycyaXkEGlYze3WafVj3_Pgub5_kurLpbA5xhVQ6ougslHH7XuJs7lXJV1oateI6p5eT9atKzBh/s1600/c+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3C7yMcqP1WrI0qAdsrJgQh0HWKA7X1MFdunzfXpkqR4eWogMcCASZeaDBFSJDq1ZWEycyaXkEGlYze3WafVj3_Pgub5_kurLpbA5xhVQ6ougslHH7XuJs7lXJV1oateI6p5eT9atKzBh/s640/c+banner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are curious about my product line, please visit my Etsy shop at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Catherine Hopkins Designs Inc</a><br />
<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/decorating-the-porch-for-fall-halloween-the-193rd-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a><br />
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-13773811765713771492012-09-29T06:34:00.001-05:002012-10-01T02:23:45.930-05:00Harvest Moon Easy Croc Pot Meal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpCmjy8BDVli9UP-5M3LuaPQyhi7ft0tPKic7cVC5ZLaFbonDtctEh0uzhS7izmAaodWvH70h6My-PogUtlYJS-BayaBtlBEvyO7C9necuUmCy0hFgIOgX8lZVrSg_hjMDE5rJGNeqWub/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpCmjy8BDVli9UP-5M3LuaPQyhi7ft0tPKic7cVC5ZLaFbonDtctEh0uzhS7izmAaodWvH70h6My-PogUtlYJS-BayaBtlBEvyO7C9necuUmCy0hFgIOgX8lZVrSg_hjMDE5rJGNeqWub/s640/IMG_1193.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Today marks the first cooler night here in Houston and it is also a Harvest Moon night so I want to welcome it with the sweet and warm fragrance of a slow cooked meal. Here is a general recipe (I'm not a lab cook, my measurements are just approximations):<br />
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1 pork tenderloin<br />
1 bag small yukon gold potatoes (they remind me of little moons)<br />
1 bag baby carrots<br />
1 tablespoon of tomato paste<br />
1 pk of onion lipton soup<br />
a drizzle of molasses (it adds a depth of flavor that everyone will love)<br />
a bunch of rosemary (fresh from the garden)<br />
a little cracked pepper (no salt is needed because of the lipton soup)<br />
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Put it all in a slow cooker for about 8 hrs. The pork will come apart, but that's part of the fun.<br />
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Enjoy,<br />
Catherine<br />
<br /></div><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new Etsy.Mini(7192501,'gallery',4,4,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-43466448485908956112012-09-24T09:16:00.004-05:002012-10-01T02:32:13.995-05:00Pirate Birthday Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A Pirate Birthday Party is quintessential for a little boy. Last year my then soon to be 3 year old was into Disney's Jake and The Neverland Pirates. I thought easy peasy! Well, since the cartoon was so new, there was no party supplies out in the market yet. I set off to make this party on my own from scratch. So much fun!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlWgMJT1Sbj0b5OJBWF2jDR2ZaL526I3VrJ_-0ELUUVSiDkkrwx2Si_F5ZLyGuFwyPpxUyZLON1ixWrh9hrLtILfOEelcltg1LoRTQF9I06m5fCNtnddICjbALIFsV-BVUV-k-QKJzLHK/s1600/284116_248583561819831_4106715_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlWgMJT1Sbj0b5OJBWF2jDR2ZaL526I3VrJ_-0ELUUVSiDkkrwx2Si_F5ZLyGuFwyPpxUyZLON1ixWrh9hrLtILfOEelcltg1LoRTQF9I06m5fCNtnddICjbALIFsV-BVUV-k-QKJzLHK/s640/284116_248583561819831_4106715_n.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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I added a little swirl of glitter to the invitation to spark the imagination of the kids. It would be the pixie dust they would use to fly them to the party.</div>
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The party was meant to be outside, but right before the guests arrived we had rain so I quickly moved the ship table indoors so they could "sail to Neverland" while they dined before moving on to outside.</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/291798_273983315946522_6194614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/291798_273983315946522_6194614_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/308707_273984025946451_4390664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/308707_273984025946451_4390664_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the Menu: Fish and Chips with a side of fruit cut up in the shape of Jolly Rogers, Ships, and Treasure Chests. I designed all labels and decorations.</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/310665_273988359279351_6752709_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/310665_273988359279351_6752709_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">As we approach Neverland, the crew stops by Hook's quarters.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/312797_275035559174631_821066834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/312797_275035559174631_821066834_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">... Where they notice the picture of his Nemesis: The Birthday Boy</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/319458_273988999279287_4740001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/319458_273988999279287_4740001_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Details...</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/303964_273989665945887_4391320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/303964_273989665945887_4391320_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The kids snatch the map of Neverland and start their great adventure... ( I created stations within my back yard for every part of the map)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">At this point, pixie dust should be sprinkled onto their feet...</span><br />
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/316276_274068472604673_6395326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/316276_274068472604673_6395326_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I put together this little terrarium as a place for tinker to hide her treasure. At the party it was placed next to a large mirror with a trunk full of neverland related costumes for the kids to change into. (Sorry, I try not to put pictures of kids other than my own in the blog!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/313800_275037612507759_1002904984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/313800_275037612507759_1002904984_n.jpg" width="364" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">So here is my little rascal. Behind him is Pixie Hollow, where we had an awesome treasure hunt!</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/316927_274018665942987_1648388_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/316927_274018665942987_1648388_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Each child received a personalized loot bag for the treasure hunt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/292713_275109962500524_679783245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/292713_275109962500524_679783245_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Here is Pirate's Cove. It served as a stage for the entertainment. We had a singer come and hang out with the kids for 45 minutes putting on a show where the kids were the main characters. Super fun! The inflatable ships were filled with water balloons for a sea worthy battle at the end.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/299003_277141748964012_354082137_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/299003_277141748964012_354082137_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">At Mermaid's Den we had some fun games and sand craft for the kids.</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299719_274044542607066_2085116_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/299719_274044542607066_2085116_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/296343_274019069276280_8031827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/296343_274019069276280_8031827_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Indian Cove - I put some pirate and peter pan books in there with a cute little lantern. The kids were in and out of this thing like clowns coming out of a tiny car at the circus. Super fun!</span></div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/297274_274018425943011_4505136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/297274_274018425943011_4505136_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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The Sweets Table</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/312365_274037572607763_55907_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/312365_274037572607763_55907_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did coat all of the paper decorations with mod podge to make it water resistant.</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/303174_274020362609484_4204527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/303174_274020362609484_4204527_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the coconut and straws made a cool addition to the favors table. :)</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/294732_274066815938172_5231608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/294732_274066815938172_5231608_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Coloring books and crayons covered in see through paper were sent home with the little guests.</div>
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<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306180_271018359576351_7586045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/306180_271018359576351_7586045_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And to complete the experience I sent these cute rice crispies pirates to school. </div>
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/an-historic-swiss-ski-cabin-restoration-and-renovatio/" target="_blank">Metamorphosis Monday</a></div>
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My Etsy Shop:</div>
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-41597914241571057462012-09-22T02:53:00.001-05:002012-09-22T02:59:05.993-05:00Carolyn Quartermaine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com/Hoteldelos.html" target="_blank">Carolyn Quarterman for Hotel Delos</a></div>
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<i><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">I</span></i> just found my newest source of inspiration. While zipping thru Pinterest I just ran into the most amazing artist: <a href="http://www.carolynquartermaine.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn Quartermaine</a>. Having been away from the blogosphere in the past two years, I had completely kept her work out of my radar: Hermes and Vogue stylist, fabric designer, painter... Her work is sophisticated, but approachable. Classic, but with a modern edge. Her color use is absolutely refreshing after so many years of the dreary grays. It just makes me plain happy. I might just do my entire Christmas card line in bold pinks and bright oranges with a touch of robin's blue and a brush of gold. There is nothing more invigorating than stepping out of our comfort zones into something magnificent!<br />
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-35146778758319960032012-09-17T09:44:00.002-05:002012-10-01T02:33:01.205-05:00Fall/Halloween Decor Round Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fall is upon us (even though it doesn't feel it one bit here in TX!). In order to get my frame of mind in the mood for planning a Halloween Launch for late October I decided to share some old pictures of previous Halloween/ Fall decor that might inspire you to get started as well...</div>
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This little vignette is super easy to achieve: Spray paint an old urn, add some spray painted twigs, candy corn light string, some gourds and call it a day. To add extra whimsy I made these cute little owl family (daddy, mommy, and baby)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2BLqcQLrl6sfUV4yGZKvKkfWhaMbjZwmyw2EHlyWORJSPBiG4XS1xL7ll4y9NGFyY0nmAKwegJLhMOZyys63haUFZlaG5ZzSpjLWN2T7EcSLfULJwEJBDnONZzxGxulHaaSRiuaLLam7/s1600/IMG_4663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2BLqcQLrl6sfUV4yGZKvKkfWhaMbjZwmyw2EHlyWORJSPBiG4XS1xL7ll4y9NGFyY0nmAKwegJLhMOZyys63haUFZlaG5ZzSpjLWN2T7EcSLfULJwEJBDnONZzxGxulHaaSRiuaLLam7/s640/IMG_4663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not into gore, but note the blood drop rolling off of papa owl's beak. It was just a nod to the vampire addiction in all of us.<br />
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Baby owl is a smaller version of his parents. He is super cute!<br />
I will be making 30 of these for the launch party. Come back for a future post on that. ;)<br />
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I'll be making one of these for the party as well. This one was a kit from Target last year.</div>
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Now, how easy is it to add a little hairy spider to a store bought wreath ( I found the wreath at Tuesday Morning)<br />
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This cute little witch is getting a makeover for the party. Think glamour, baby!!!<br />
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On Halloween I added some black crystal to my carved pumpkin. Awesomeness!!<br />
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What's Fall without mums? Right?<br />
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Here are some super strong superheros ready to T or T.<br />
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/squirrel-wars-the-191st-metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a></div>
<a href="http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="homework" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYZGCXvunVUUJ_7Y7VLplbpcRJBor4lzP5wWX4QQVnDE6k38cUa2FcqsLy8QYSYYzv8iVW_6LB6YZYIMzIAQx4M90qjfba_lqNpzRwLRzEoiMudvl6ZbGZ6FZtF7toqxbZeJa3IdbkU22_/s1600/Homework+Blog+Logo+Square+outline+2-1.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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My Etsy Shop:<br />
<br /></div><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new Etsy.Mini(7192501,'gallery',4,4,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-91889149799561040222012-09-12T18:18:00.000-05:002012-10-01T02:35:41.063-05:00Yummy Cupcake<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk2kWW0lrjT0lAsYsWzuRIceFutUgIURGJZDlFuY6UZ2fjdR0g2Xs-LHkJxrXPS_8A3GmMnpwPFpyiMoyAgasxjB7LZGFw1vTH03mdETKPMOjaHoM-0TI7UCeD8SeSmB2ABna1diFXz5K4/s640/IMG_1057.jpg" width="426" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?section_id=12007177" target="_blank">My Etsy Shop</a></div>
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I just tried the Fun da-middles cupcake mix from Betty Crocker and it was pretty awesome. It is a yummy chocolate cupcake mix with a creamy vanilla filling. After they came out of the oven I topped them off with tiny marshmallows and put them under the broiler for a few seconds. Awesome! I am sending these to school tomorrow to celebrate my son's birthday. I hope the kids like it. :)<br />
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The topper came from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?section_id=12007177" target="_blank">Explore. Dream. Discover</a> collection. I have drawn four adventurer's hats inspired by Mark Twain's quote:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171616; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171616; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></i></span></div><script type='text/javascript' src='http://www.etsy.com/assets/js/etsy_mini_shop.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>new Etsy.Mini(7192501,'gallery',4,4,0,'http://www.etsy.com');</script>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-66471438362521368572012-09-08T22:27:00.000-05:002012-09-10T08:55:38.604-05:00A Baby Shower<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i> I </i></span>had the honor of showering a dear friend for the birth of her baby girl. Having only boys at headquarters, it sure is fun to think girly once in a while. When I found out I was having a boy, I waddled myself as fast as I could to a quaint little housewares shop in Tulsa and bought me a beautiful tea set. I was committed to keeping some sort of </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">femininity in my life and a tea set just filled that need. So the opportunity presented itself right here. It was settled, I was throwing a tea party!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple;">My tea set is the blue and white peacock one in the back. I made all labels with my cricut machine<span style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPN8Qupn9kmSDHgB9-CJxU241RuxHdpYct2J2HYpAhSTNV1XNJEOTSVETPGkxWVlMR3GCBBd89OM0cTnnmrEREfd9sR00TbPjuEJMfrl7iMOTeyGpsn_pGoGVArn53xB3ARtLJsduSjGg/s1600/P1090163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPN8Qupn9kmSDHgB9-CJxU241RuxHdpYct2J2HYpAhSTNV1XNJEOTSVETPGkxWVlMR3GCBBd89OM0cTnnmrEREfd9sR00TbPjuEJMfrl7iMOTeyGpsn_pGoGVArn53xB3ARtLJsduSjGg/s640/P1090163.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><br />I used tea canisters as containers for my flower arrangements.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: purple;">A wide variety of teas were served to appeal to every palate. Accoutrements such as lemon slices, honey, cream, and sugar cubes were also available.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Pink stripped paper straws added just amount of blush to the arrangement.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-VLm73BeVwKF4FhG60Q32PYYgxR-wrypjqcEACS0kZFDwFe9SlUXoMoo9nhAh5YMtFcC_3ojOAhPiERuVBsQKJ3sJe_v4wICzkMeAFMsTvCeCCvcIIP28WQ8hr8UXYzEqur4WdRJ8rzD/s1600/209458_215231795155008_3602237_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-VLm73BeVwKF4FhG60Q32PYYgxR-wrypjqcEACS0kZFDwFe9SlUXoMoo9nhAh5YMtFcC_3ojOAhPiERuVBsQKJ3sJe_v4wICzkMeAFMsTvCeCCvcIIP28WQ8hr8UXYzEqur4WdRJ8rzD/s640/209458_215231795155008_3602237_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Amongst the activities we made paper flowers that mom later used to decorate the nursery. The large prints in the back were my gift to the baby and made a beautiful background for this table.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EQIpJAJb_p3YENUaap6gCcbz50Bo8Kg74MFfxjujz2lVxYdJ7CWSjRMGTYxYX7UAx-dZjGSlNj834glksqCdjkdB4nS1IjMg6w0wgy9Eb5O71KegDOCke5ToLULLsPDGEPKMnBrvfpYW/s1600/P1090189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EQIpJAJb_p3YENUaap6gCcbz50Bo8Kg74MFfxjujz2lVxYdJ7CWSjRMGTYxYX7UAx-dZjGSlNj834glksqCdjkdB4nS1IjMg6w0wgy9Eb5O71KegDOCke5ToLULLsPDGEPKMnBrvfpYW/s640/P1090189.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">A diaper cake set atop a wrapped box added just the right height to the table display. The tissue filled vases were an inexpensive way to re-inforce the pink and green color scheme.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthtKOS3Dev9M4VVTmwgp144oagiUuZ19KBOBy1wWPY2cTh_h4zJ3cmZkEsz2tEhRdMvBv2fTPjcDCa5UpCteAL3JuXO05eKvbt2sMo54XGfTmocmALJx8UZpPil2BtdEYQIKEExqe9fB9/s1600/P1090200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthtKOS3Dev9M4VVTmwgp144oagiUuZ19KBOBy1wWPY2cTh_h4zJ3cmZkEsz2tEhRdMvBv2fTPjcDCa5UpCteAL3JuXO05eKvbt2sMo54XGfTmocmALJx8UZpPil2BtdEYQIKEExqe9fB9/s640/P1090200.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">What would a party be without a delicious sweets bar. I set it in the middle of the room where all the guest gathered to play games and easily access the yummy candy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi8gKbvy6XmNgluCZfNxwy6dYRKS_lRz0sCr-BSqDSDuoK1DfQmW6qD7auE6dpM6_AHrs4vVVpJdSkw7bR0NO913ZbY99nkGA8jgPP8l40MnVEWLwVjGZ5UNUdeM_XdOtOmSFjRdSyE2T/s1600/P1090205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi8gKbvy6XmNgluCZfNxwy6dYRKS_lRz0sCr-BSqDSDuoK1DfQmW6qD7auE6dpM6_AHrs4vVVpJdSkw7bR0NO913ZbY99nkGA8jgPP8l40MnVEWLwVjGZ5UNUdeM_XdOtOmSFjRdSyE2T/s640/P1090205.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Little butterfly finger sandwiches with cream cheese and herbs, cupcakes, flower shaped cookies, chocolate covered fruit, pineapple and skewers and homemade strawberry syrup, cheese sticks and nuts completed the menu.</span></div>
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If you have a minute, please visit my Etsy shop at: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop">http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop</a> or by clicking on any of the images below. Thank you for visiting! :)<br />
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-42527217602219632122012-08-31T09:00:00.000-05:002012-10-01T02:34:38.521-05:00A Hopping Away Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello blogfriends,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjWj9NHmgyO2OIETXr_pdZ5u63jmDWyzJtqFUryIkUQQUzlWj0Z80EGzjhG_8yrbzUQyre0bIGsHEGr4up3sFsyE2fuPeUrZM4jisO7PbkZbwmIC8nnTJgjr6jnsiGWRP0q8F5nebpNYp/s1600/Scan+1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjWj9NHmgyO2OIETXr_pdZ5u63jmDWyzJtqFUryIkUQQUzlWj0Z80EGzjhG_8yrbzUQyre0bIGsHEGr4up3sFsyE2fuPeUrZM4jisO7PbkZbwmIC8nnTJgjr6jnsiGWRP0q8F5nebpNYp/s320/Scan+1.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div>
I wanted to share one of my parties with you. It was a moving away party for some dear friends. Pretty much everything I do involves kids, but my challenge is to make it interesting for the adults as well. This party was created based on a Serena and Lilly room that I knew my friend would love!<br />
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Of course I didn't run to buy Moroccan lanterns and custom fabrics, but I knew I could pull it off using the stuff that I had around the house and maybe find some inexpensive paper goods that might reflect the mood of the room. Obviously green was the color of the day and what kid friendly motive would be more appropriate than a cute little frog hopping away (remember it was a moving away party).<br />
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I found napkins with a similar print as the fabric on the bed!</div>
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The kids got little frog eggs filled with goodies, and the adults took home frog notecards to keep in touch with the family once they move.</div>
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I set the kids' tables out back and we had a frog piñata full of froggy related treats. The kids had a blast at the hopping race with the kid sized bouncing balls out in the yard. </div>
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Here is my handsome boy hanging out!</div>
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At the end of the party, the children sent off balloons with messages of goodwill for the family that was moving away. It was beautiful and quite moving!</div>
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And here I am with my froggy green dress next to my cupcake toppers. I should have made some of them sit halfway up the stick for a hopping motion display, but it will have to way for the next party. :/</div>
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I hope you enjoyed the brief look at my hopping away party. If you would like to see some of the paper goods I offer at Etsy, please go here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop . </div>
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Please keep all communication shop related through Etsy by clicking the Contact button at the shop or send me an email at <a href="mailto:catherinehopkinsdesigns@hotmail.com" target="_blank">CatherineHopkinsDesigns[at]hotmail.com</a></div>
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Hugs and Kisses,</div>
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Catherine<br />
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<a href="http://betweennapsontheporch.net/metamorphosis-monday/" target="_blank">METAMORPHOSIS MONDAY</a><br />
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-71070641698877443352012-08-27T20:25:00.000-05:002012-08-27T20:34:09.860-05:00A new begining<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/280x250pixel1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/280x250pixel1.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It all started a little over a year ago. While planning my son's 3rd birthday party, I ran into the loveliest of party blogs. <a href="http://www.thetomkatstudio.com/blog/" target="_blank">The TomKat Studio</a>. Through the pages of her blog the perennially preppy Kim Stoegbauer inspired and compelled me to produce the most adorable pirate party ever. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>This past year I have been hosting a kid friendly party at my house at every opportunity I could find. Here is a link to the party book I've put together:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AbM2rlozbuGbkY&eid=118">Click here to view this photo book larger</a></div>
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Shutterfly <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books" style="color: #6666cc;">photo books</a> offer a variety of layouts and cover options to choose from. <br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>It just so happened that when one of my new Facebook friends and the owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CruHome" target="_blank">Cru Home,</a> Allyson Huth, saw this photo...</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>... She asked me to join in her new venture: Cru Home Events. Wow! After that, things snowballed fast into several fun and fabulous adventures.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>1. I have joined Cru Events under the kids division and I am in the middle of developing a super cool Halloween party for them.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>2. I have officially incorporated, thus the <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2012/08/hello-long-lost-blog-friends.html" target="_blank">Catherine Hopkins Designs, Inc. logo</a>. (See previous blog entry).</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>3. I have developed a line of trademarked "My Party Box" boxes, where a whole party is tucked away beautifully in a box to be sold at Cru Home (I will feature these on upcoming blog entries.)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>4. I have opened an Etsy shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/CatherineHopkinsInc?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Catherine Hopkins Inc.</a> where a few of my handmade, original art creations will be offered to the public. Please, go take a look. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>5. I am in the process of designing beautiful fabric that you may purchase at Spoonflower very soon. :)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Well... that's the news for now. I will try to keep The Shiny Pebble rolling for a while. Check back often. The next few posts will be pretty. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Hugs and Kisses,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i>Catherine</i></span></div>
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The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-9273490103752264832012-08-22T10:56:00.001-05:002012-08-27T20:15:14.360-05:00Here is a logo...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V6rN0zqmMRyIBK8qToD3wGCHEa3UWoihb46K3sjGK3C2_LA6RM8RkHp7Wg-rvYBhgq3O4swOXru0_UktR9A8gK-MYfociA40-UWsOBO7zWXD-CDojKcLxCgBmx0_2EQJAR3bTzGGmfWJ/s1600/Catherine+Hopkins+Designs+Green+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V6rN0zqmMRyIBK8qToD3wGCHEa3UWoihb46K3sjGK3C2_LA6RM8RkHp7Wg-rvYBhgq3O4swOXru0_UktR9A8gK-MYfociA40-UWsOBO7zWXD-CDojKcLxCgBmx0_2EQJAR3bTzGGmfWJ/s640/Catherine+Hopkins+Designs+Green+Logo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>H</b></i></span>ello long lost blog friends. After a much too long stasis, this Shiny Pebble has been picked up and flung in a new direction. Please, check back for more details soon. ;)<br />
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Hugs and Kisses,<br />
Catherine</div>
The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-1851425503735418492010-07-27T10:29:00.000-05:002010-07-27T10:29:47.528-05:00Taking a Little Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNnmZea6wcVh-QuBLVPjl8VnhJodhXmMQLVX85n7cn5XHiivQLyTrqwt9HcjXD-ZbQfH51rk_t3TUfYCmwIdD9awfct49Lp0ayhGNaX9Qu8qXU4-q2kUB25LcLa00-xWWxj4iFWARdwNg/s1600/beautiful-summer-daisy-orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNnmZea6wcVh-QuBLVPjl8VnhJodhXmMQLVX85n7cn5XHiivQLyTrqwt9HcjXD-ZbQfH51rk_t3TUfYCmwIdD9awfct49Lp0ayhGNaX9Qu8qXU4-q2kUB25LcLa00-xWWxj4iFWARdwNg/s640/beautiful-summer-daisy-orange.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">(<a href="http://images2.layoutsparks.com/1/240923/beautiful-summer-daisy-orange.jpg">credit</a>)</div><br />
Hello friends!<br />
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I will be taking a little vacation from blogging just to smell the flowers. I hope you all are enjoying the Seasons. I won't be gone for long -- and probably won't be able to stay away from some of your blogs. :)<br />
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See you all in a couple of weeks.<br />
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Hugs and kisses!<br />
CatherineThe Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-46177231343610220752010-07-21T00:01:00.001-05:002010-07-22T07:03:27.656-05:00Welcome Will from Bright Bazaar<div align="center"><strong><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEXz99R0IwI/AAAAAAAABgo/ZKLXv4aTxws/s1600-h/will%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="will" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEXz-fwaEZI/AAAAAAAABgs/W3bux8nZdi4/will_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="will" width="423" /></a> </strong></div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Help</span></em><strong> </strong>me welcome to The Shiny Pebble <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/shiny-pebble-designer-challenge-or.html" target="_blank">Designer Challenge</a> Living Room Edition, the super handsome and stylish Will, from <a href="http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Bright Bazaar</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span> I first ran into the blog of this English vibrant writer a few weeks back while he was reviewing one of the bazillion shelter magazines he covers. What a treat, let me tell ya. The energy of his blog keeps me coming back asking for more. I am so happy to present a guy’s vision for my room. Enjoy!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">~~~</div><br />
<strong>My background</strong> <br />
Well, to start with, I certainly can't take credit for being a real life proper designer! I'm a young guy in my twenties who has a serious love of good, colourful design. I studied Journalism at university and have since been working in the corporate world in the UK, but let my creativity surface in a number of ways...Firstly, I write a <a href="http://brightbazaar.blogspot.com/">daily blog</a> on all things colourful in the world of interiors, and then I write freelance on interiors on an ad hoc basis. I'm an advocate of making rooms fun, personal and unique - often through colour (and bright hues at that!). I have met so many wonderfully creative, talented and inspiring people through blogging and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to be here creating a fictional space for Catherine's living room! <br />
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<strong>How do you define style? </strong><br />
Style for me is all about letting go. I guess that's why Jonathan Adler is my favourite designer; I like how his creations and interior schemes are fun, relaxed, tongue-in-cheek, but all the while ever-so stylish. That said, I don't think style can be defined, well not to me personally, because each and every day I see new spaces that inspire me and scream style! <br />
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<strong>What inspires you? </strong><br />
I am inspired by shelter magazines, stationary designs, fashion, patterns, fresh flowers, the colours of the sea and sky, photography and music. <br />
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<strong>What life experience has shaped your design aesthetics?</strong> <br />
This has to be when I was a child; I had a bright yellow cover for my bed and I remember how happy it used to make me - especially seeing it when we returned from family holidays. Given I was always rearranging the furniture in my bedroom, I think it was a dead cert that I was going to love design. Once I left home and went to uni, this was when I finally fell in love with this great world of creativity. <br />
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<strong>What is your go to source?</strong> <br />
It has to be Etsy, especially for the beautiful photography and prints that some of the sellers stock. I love vintage, colour enhanced images - their warmth and uplifting nature always appeals to me. <br />
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<strong>What were your thoughts for my room?</strong> <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEXz-vdrwdI/AAAAAAAABgw/j4MeAv401fE/s1600-h/Living_Room_1%5B7%5D.png"><img alt="Living_Room_1" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEXz_5tAWWI/AAAAAAAABg0/DqffuA7xKd0/Living_Room_1_thumb%5B5%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Living_Room_1" width="564" /></a> <br />
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Catherine explained that her favourite colour was blue so I knew that I wanted to incorporate some blue hues in the scheme. The starting point for the room was the <a href="http://www.minimoderns.com/products/bouquet-rug">bouquet</a> rug, which featured the fab blue and pink colour combo, which I felt was perfect for the living room. From here, I added bright pops of pink in form of a high gloss <a href="http://www.habitat.co.uk/fcp/product/browse/Table-lamp-base/962548">table lamp</a>, which I echoed in the striped <a href="http://www.habitat.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/browse/textiles/cushions/">cushion</a>, with simple grey hues to ground the scheme. I echoed these softer, grey hues in the second throw cushion and chose it for the delicate illustration it held. This was to ensure their was visual interest in the room beyond the bright colours. I think the <a href="http://www.minimoderns.com/products/different-strokes-wallpaper-powder-paint-blue">wallpaper</a> would look great on two of the four walls - I like the causal nature of the blue stripes, with the splashes of paint, it creates a laid back and unique look, which is perfect for a living room. <br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEX0ASr0qLI/AAAAAAAABg4/eOhnh5Wek_A/s1600-h/Living_Room_2%5B3%5D.png"><img alt="Living_Room_2" border="0" height="772" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEX0BEEPG6I/AAAAAAAABg8/ChM21tV8w9M/Living_Room_2_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Living_Room_2" width="554" /></a> <br />
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I chose a simple grey<a href="http://www.habitat.co.uk/fcp/categoryhome/browse/upholstery/"> sofa</a> to tie the blue and pink colours together. Plus, it also acts as a base through which to add pattern - namely in the form of some fun, graphic <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/home.php">cushions</a> and <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/hot-Pink-and-natural-Nixon-Throw/?cat=564&initial=">throws</a>. I chose graphic patterns to add a touch of masculinity and balance out the poppy pinks. The vibrant <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com/Lacquer-tray-table/?cat=369&initial=5963">coffee table</a> has a detachable tray, which I thought would be practical for guests and when Catherine's little one wanted to play on the floor! Plus, the lacquer nature of the piece ties in with the high gloss pink table lamp. Graphic notes are continued with the <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/Mirrors/Deknudt-Decora-Silver-Nugget-Mirror/invt/459246&bklist=icat,5,shop,home_accessories,mirrors,mycatref?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D">angular mirror</a> and 50's style <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/Clocks/Newgate-50s-Electric-Wall-Clock/invt/710717&bklist=icat,5,shop,home_accessories,clocks,mycatref?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D">clock</a>, whilst the deeper blue hues from the 'links' cushion are drawn out in the <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/Occasional-Tables/Daphne-Teal-Lamp-Table-by-Johnny-Egg/invt/895672&bklist=icat,5,shop,furniture,occasional_tables,mycatref?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D">side table</a>. To finish things off I felt two of the <a href="http://www.heals.co.uk/Pendants+Chandeliers/Silver-String-Pendant-With-Multi-Drops/invt/893653&bklist=icat,5,shop,lighting,pendants_chandeliers,mycatref?htxt=PsAGyAqy%2FDSGVBgOHPBfATKVETOKIWHcwqoICuDrG%2FxTcDPfxIrYzUvEu76RzzM6wutKTeo9AOCB%0AtDs76aYYKg%3D%3D">chandelier pendants</a> would look fantastic hanging side-by-side in the middle of the room - their subtle pops of different colours add interest and prevent the room from looking too set. <br />
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</div><div align="center">~~~</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></em> think that coming home to a pair of those fabulous chandeliers would evoke the same feeling of happiness that Will described about his Yellow bed covers. I hope you all enjoyed seeing my room thru the brilliant eyes of a shelter magazine addict. I was also glad to see stripes being used, Will’s signature pattern. He did a fabulous job carefully selecting just the right print and scale with the perfect balance of color throughout the room. Very youthful, very energetic, very Will.</div><div align="justify"><br />
</div><div align="justify"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks</span></em> to all my readers for stopping by today. If you would like to view the other entries in the challenge, including the Dining Room designs, please click on the names of the designers at the top right corner of this page under the Designer Challenge buttons. You will be taken directly to that designer’s post. Below I have also included the designs done so far for your convenience:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><u>Designer Challenge – Living Room</u></strong></div><div align="center">Kellie Cashon’s (<a href="http://cashonandcompany.blogspot.com/">Cashon & Co</a>.) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-kellie-cashon.html">Continental Eclectic Chic</a></div><div align="center">Elie Fournier (<a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/" target="_blank">Punctuation Mark</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-elie-fournier.html" target="_blank">Elegant Flexibility</a></div><br />
<div align="center"><strong><u>Designer Challenge – Dining Room</u></strong></div><div align="center">Raina Cox's (<a href="http://ifthelampshadefits.blogspot.com/">If The Lampshade Fits</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-raina-cox-to-shiny-pebble.html">Boho Contempo Style</a></div><div align="center">Christina Fluegge’s (<a href="http://greigedesign.blogspot.com/">Greige</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-christina-fluegge.html">Transitional Eclectic Mix</a></div><div align="center">Beth Connolly’s (<a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/">Chinoiserie Chic</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-beth-connolly.html">British Colonial Style</a></div><div align="center">Amy Forshew’s (<a href="http://www.pemberleystyle.com/">Pemberley Style</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-amy-forshew.html">Soft Tones Traditional</a></div><div align="center">Charlotta Ward’s (<a href="http://spaceforinspiration.blogspot.com/">Space for Inspiration</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-charlotta-ward.html">Elegant Nordic Conceptualizations</a></div><div align="center">Leigha Oak’s (<a href="http://elleohblog.blogspot.com/">Elle Oh</a> ) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-leigha-oaks.html">The Belgian Look with a Twist</a></div><div align="center">Kellie Collis (<a href="http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/">Ada and Darcy</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome-kellie-collis.html">An Aussie’s Interpretation</a></div><div align="center">Gwen Driscoll (<a href="http://gwendriscoll.blogspot.com/">Ragland Hill Social</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome-gwen-driscoll.html">Dramatic Glamour</a></div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.splenderosa.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Splenderosa" height="125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xE581t29CVY/TD08P12dBJI/AAAAAAAAFt8/gvDbAdZzo8o/s512/None.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="125" /></a></div><div align="center">Hurry over to <a href="http://splenderosa.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">Splenderosa</span></a> to see what a fun post and gorgeous outfit she has picked up for this room!</div>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-67634719379596945632010-07-16T09:10:00.001-05:002010-07-22T07:07:12.443-05:00More About Lacquered Walls<p><strong><em><font size="6"></font></em></strong></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEBoXdhktjI/AAAAAAAABgU/Dv2g1Vh0TlI/s1600-h/hallway-walls-ceilings-floors-in-black-and-white-stripes%20via%20jordanguidedesign%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="hallway-walls-ceilings-floors-in-black-and-white-stripes via jordanguidedesign" border="0" alt="hallway-walls-ceilings-floors-in-black-and-white-stripes via jordanguidedesign" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ziuBlBEd9gtsuB-w1APuDmc8AErHGFo-3C23ZEZ5OvurhJJ3oQqItgG6yZrBjYV-Se952ntxMqTR_ioEbDYSt7vTCPCgD6jQEdJSyJqWhJZQS52pb1fgc2UC7Hyz_2otRmTuq1EuE-p9/?imgmax=800" width="358" height="379" /></a></p> <strong><em><font size="6"></font></em></strong> <p><em><font size="5">L<font size="3">ast</font> </font> <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/07/wall-treatment-for-my-private-oasis.html" target="_blank"><font size="3">Friday’s post</font></a></em> sent emails a-flashing in the background here.  Apparently not only are lacquered wall hot right now, they are also by most people’s opinion, the hardest wall treatment to get it just right.  There are different options, however, that might not be ideal, but will give you some bang for your effort buck.</p> <p><strong>Option 1:  Add Swirls</strong></p> <p><em><font size="5">M</font></em>arty from <a href="http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Stroll Thru Life</a> added texture over her imperfectly lacquered walls and came up with a texture that she found was quite pleasant.  Sorry, no pictures.  </p> <p>“What I used was just a water based semi gloss poly that I got at the hardware store.  This was several years ago, but I know there are a lot of products out there.  I don't have an exact product name.  We used a large brush and applied it in a swirl pattern on the wall.  We practiced on a board first to get the pattern that was pleasing to us and then just went for it.  We had already painted the wall, so this was an attempt to salvage it, and the result was really pleasing.  I know you see a lot of cross hatching, however, I didn't like the effect of that, so we just applied it in a swirl pattern.  I've even seen them do similar things on HGTV with a rag and swirl it around.  Sorry I'm not more help than this.  My painter also suggested that we could tape it off and do a strip in the gloss and this would help to camouflage the imperfections in the wall, however, if the gloss hit a spot that wasn't perfect, it just seemed to enhance the imperfections.  The swirl pattern just gave the overall appearance of sort of clouds if you can picture what I mean.  Hope this helps.”</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Option 2:  Add Stripes or Patterns to Minimize the Impact of a Imperfection</strong></p> <p><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="via apt therapy" border="0" alt="via apt therapy" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEBoYVzWaTI/AAAAAAAABgc/WfVqD55eVdU/via%20apt%20therapy_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="344" /><strong></strong></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><em><font size="6">A</font></em>nn Onnusko</font>, from<em><strong><font size="5"> </font></strong></em><a href="http://allthingspaintandplasters.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong><font size="5">Rose et Lis</font></strong></em></a>, a professional faux painter (see a previous guest post <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/art-of-decorative-painting.html" target="_blank">here</a>) has a few recommendations:</p> <ul> <li>“Measure the stripes with metric. It's easier to divide and is smaller increments than inches. </li> <li>After you tape off the stripes, seal the edge of the tape ( inside the stripe) with either a fast drying glaze ( like they sell at HD) or the base color. This provides a barrier for the stripe color that prevents feathering and leaking under the tape- a real bummer when you remove the tape. </li> <li>I usually use the same paint color in a semi-gloss or gloss rather than a gloss poly- it looks richer. “ </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><strong>Option 3:  Apply a Similar Treatment</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEBoYlCOAFI/AAAAAAAABgg/SJFaDnQMXYQ/s1600-h/IMG_0920%20%282%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_0920 (2)" border="0" alt="IMG_0920 (2)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TEBoZRgOtDI/AAAAAAAABgk/ZdHMWuWGomU/IMG_0920%20%282%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="644" height="484" /></a> </p> <p><em><font size="5">I</font></em>f you have textured wall, like I do, there is a treatment that is quite pleasing.  Of course you will not get the watery feel of a truly lacquered wall, but the effect of being enveloped in a gorgeous casing, like my friend <a href="http://splenderosa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Splenderosa</a> so beautifully puts it:  “it is like being inside a jewel box”.  This is a closeup of our WC walls.  Multiple shades emphasize the imperfections and the glossy paint adds a touch of glamour to the treatment.</p> <p><em><font size="5">I</font></em>f you would like to see the actual how to on lacquered wall, please go visit the pro.  Ann has written a post on it today over at <a href="http://allthingspaintandplasters.blogspot.com/2010/07/truth-about-lacquered-walls.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><font size="5">Rose et Lis</font></strong></em></a>.</p> The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5030321330133573582.post-37685487730493101492010-07-14T00:01:00.002-05:002010-07-22T07:03:27.658-05:00Welcome Elie Fournier<strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<div align="justify"> <strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Please</span></em></strong> help me welcome to the Living Room Edition of the <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/shiny-pebble-designer-challenge-or.html" target="_blank">Designer Challenge</a>, Elie Fournier. This powerhouse is quite the entrepreneur. She is the force behind <a href="http://www.thepunctuationmark.com/" target="_blank">Punctuation Mark</a> (a blog), <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/eliefournier" target="_blank">Fournier Papel</a> (a stationary collection designed by her), Vanille (a patisserie business of sorts) and the label <a href="http://www.1000markets.com/users/eliefournier" target="_blank">Elie Fournier</a> (accessories line designed by her). Last year, Elie’s stationary made it to the Secret Room Events 2009 <a href="http://academyawards.41614.free-press-release.com/">Academy Awards</a> Red Carpet Style Lounge gift bags. </div><div align="justify"> <img alt="banner2_copy" border="0" height="218" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0laZE_T8I/AAAAAAAABdw/ZUt5NjmXJVU/banner2_copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="banner2_copy" width="644" /></div><br />
<strong>Background:</strong><br />
I am a licensed interior designer (in the state of Florida you cannot call yourself an interior designer if <br />
you don’t have a license) and have practiced commercial design for about 8 years mostly hospitality and <br />
some corporate because I like the environment in which these types of projects happen. I’ve been very <br />
lucky to say that I’ve worked with some of the most influential designers in the world on boutique hotel <br />
projects and some of the largest hotel companies. Additionally, I am a LEED Accredited Professional <br />
which has helped in the way I design because the products that we put out there have an impact both <br />
on our planet and on the people that get to live in them.<br />
<br />
<strong>How do you define your Style?</strong><br />
My personal style is simple and light. My home has large windows all over and the whole layout centers <br />
around letting it coming into the house and being able to see outside. <br />
At work my style is the style of my clients and all I do is translate their style into a tridimensional space. I <br />
have worked on traditional projects in which I have given the clients the possibility to adapt their space <br />
to different situations and to change it easily or if their personal style changes. The modern project I’ve <br />
been involved with had the characteristic of looking that they don’t feel cold allowing the people living <br />
in them to always feel comfortable.<br />
<br />
<strong>What designer or life experience has influenced your design aesthetics?</strong><br />
I am heavily influenced by the local environment of where a project is located. When I work on a project <br />
I like to talk to the people who will be working there and take a good look at what city or place it will be. <br />
The reason for this is that this project will create an impact on the local community and it is up to the <br />
designer to make a positive or negative impact.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your go to resources?</strong><br />
I have sooooo many that I don’t think there is enough space here to name them all. I do have to say that <br />
I usually start the process with images of anything that is related to the project… cities, flowers, art <br />
work, maps, city grids, fashion, etc… so I guess one of my first sources would be Flickr. <br />
As in material resources they are a collection of manufacturers that I have worked with time and time <br />
again throughout my career that usually deliver good product value at the right budget so the client is <br />
always happy.<br />
<br />
<strong>What are your thoughts of my room?</strong><br />
<div align="justify">My idea for this space is to open it up and create groups of seating that can be changed depending on <br />
the occasion without altering the total look of the space.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0laksqgpI/AAAAAAAABd0/RmL9Y6piF0U/s1600-h/FLOOR_PLAN%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="FLOOR_PLAN copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0layGmWzI/AAAAAAAABd4/bz9Qnztnotc/FLOOR_PLAN%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="FLOOR_PLAN copy" width="502" /></a> <br />
The colors used are neutral but also have a touch of elegance in them. Leather is the material of choice <br />
for the sofa because it is the largest piece of furniture in the space that ties it all together using one of <br />
the fabrics used in the other pieces as accent cushions. Also, it is used for the ottomans that can be used <br />
as side tables and seating.</div><div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzqemtEpCntucKhdMo1TXQqW5cM9xDsFDyK9hj3vQlBhJEpde9ORhM4SKePCHE2sHZkMjLdBhrulP0qO3GINTHL22BgeuF51nv9SVpbGZoQahsY4QZLOZRm_F1KqiVd8pL3_dJc-AkaD6/s1600-h/ottoman%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="ottoman copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lbx15OYI/AAAAAAAABeA/U3EWzcQmvdE/ottoman%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ottoman copy" width="484" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lcAOsZsI/AAAAAAAABeE/mSWjbzZi0OU/s1600-h/sofa%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="sofa copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lcZrrERI/AAAAAAAABeI/MPq3VoHpYaA/sofa%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="sofa copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
The fabrics have dynamic prints with dark backgrounds and accents in blue and tan picking up the colors <br />
from the area rug and the leather. The chairs that are upholstered with these fabrics are smaller in scale <br />
and allow free flow in and out of the living room area. Additionally they create small intimate spaces <br />
within the larger space itself making conversations amongst people easier.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lco-BETI/AAAAAAAABeM/Rkt5V_z1J68/s1600-h/side%20chair%20copy%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="side chair copy" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU57V2dUEJqfvhxhyqAfBJg9985kW2x2h5N-zlRhjEtGATL5NFurF-Hxvu_-l_9aPwUA2Ncx9LR2RyL9FBCdQbpr4YzPE5GUsr99P__HCBxB8BPMeH1n65-bAypOsAZVF-jD5dtg1uYj4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="side chair copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
The area rug is made with wool and silk to give it both body and luster taking advantage of the stripe <br />
patterned in which it is woven.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0ldf_UfaI/AAAAAAAABeU/s_gTdwVtyG8/s1600-h/area%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="area copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0ldr0xYvI/AAAAAAAABeY/X2tXhcGMsyI/area%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="area copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
The furniture selection is contemporary with a retro influence so each piece can blend with each other <br />
but also stand on its own. The lines of the furniture are soft and have unique accents like the lounge <br />
chairs that have a back with a wood piece carved in a sort of wave bringing added comfort to whoever <br />
sits on them. The same can be said about the side chairs that feature a rounded back and low arms <br />
enhancing the comfort level of the chair.</div><div align="justify"><img alt="lounge chair copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0ld12-5iI/AAAAAAAABec/J5FycPlUgjg/lounge%20chair%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lounge chair copy" width="484" /> <br />
The niche next to the fireplace will be filled with a bar/credenza type of piece that will serve as <br />
additional storage or as a bar to fix drinks to the people seating at the living room. Above this piece will <br />
be a mirror that will make the space look bigger but will mainly reflect the outdoors and the <br />
environment from the windows facing the covered patio.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0leNF8FQI/AAAAAAAABeg/gDYyIVwcXWs/s1600-h/bar-credenza%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="bar-credenza copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lef6hp7I/AAAAAAAABek/eVNyM_ELq6Y/bar-credenza%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bar-credenza copy" width="484" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0leqIP_KI/AAAAAAAABeo/biYXkPingDY/s1600-h/mirror%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="mirror copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0le5rE96I/AAAAAAAABes/G_jZr1bQqgw/mirror%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="mirror copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
Several accessories and decorative elements will be placed all over the living room. </div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lfeuTPuI/AAAAAAAABew/L8NmbDYRD00/s1600-h/Accessories%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="Accessories copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lfpgc_vI/AAAAAAAABe0/T4k5225v1Mc/Accessories%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Accessories copy" width="484" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lf5XFtoI/AAAAAAAABe4/eXwZTPKCdlc/s1600-h/coffee%20table%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="coffee table copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lgB5dGZI/AAAAAAAABe8/LiMszE-QK3o/coffee%20table%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coffee table copy" width="484" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lgQnTQsI/AAAAAAAABfA/ttoTSBQxuAc/s1600-h/side%20table%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="side table copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lg9-pIvI/AAAAAAAABfE/QZ6VrrzOmbM/side%20table%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="side table copy" width="484" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lhGxUikI/AAAAAAAABfI/D7Q0eKHe4yQ/s1600-h/screen%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="screen copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lhc_HFyI/AAAAAAAABfM/vyvGbojdeZE/screen%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="screen copy" width="484" /></a><img alt="lamps copy" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3YO5T70-IQG_KqYBrnWHuW3JEx0aNCCQqGZBnmZxGwlIZ7fxIS52sqE-mGO7fDY70ntrq7Km7ccb3V5vP0qeMChWqN0pbB5L1eOzu7kf5ZtH9G8RUztfGtOZrw-JdgP4gtfM_hFdQmWh/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="lamps copy" width="484" /> </div><div align="justify">The wicker lamps will add warmth and texture to the space but also have a color similar to all the colors used on the other materials.</div><div align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lh3bC_0I/AAAAAAAABfU/RaXP3BvbYY0/s1600-h/wicker%20copy%5B7%5D.jpg"><img alt="wicker copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0liO88pqI/AAAAAAAABfY/opSbHDE6Tvo/wicker%20copy_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline;" title="wicker copy" width="484" /></a> </div><div align="justify">The artwork above the fireplace will be more modern to add dynamism to the space.</div><div align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lisVr5_I/AAAAAAAABfc/QVBuwjuSask/s1600-h/art%20copy%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="art copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0lizDBxOI/AAAAAAAABfg/ZI3efz6vuuE/art%20copy_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="art copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
Finally, barstools placed on the bar area connected to the kitchen allow the space to become part of the <br />
dining and kitchen area but also serve as sculptural pieces because of their unique construction and use <br />
of materials.</div><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0ljKIPT-I/AAAAAAAABfk/oJGQocLqjGE/s1600-h/barstool%20copy%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="barstool copy" border="0" height="484" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xs95FUhRLFE/TD0ljSDvPbI/AAAAAAAABfo/DGzc3n5n1kk/barstool%20copy_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="barstool copy" width="484" /></a> <br />
<div align="center">~~~</div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thank </span></em></strong>you Elie so much for contributing to this series. I am particular impressed by two ideas: the mirror reflecting the outside and the bar!!!! Fantastic.</div><div align="justify"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thanks</span></em></strong> to all my readers for stopping by today. If you would like to view the other entries in the challenge, including the Dining Room designs, please click on the names of the designers at the top right corner of this page under the Designer Challenge buttons. You will be taken directly to that designer’s post. Below I have also included the designs done so far for your convenience:</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><u><span style="color: #ff8000;">Designer Challenge – Living Room</span></u></strong> </div><div align="center">Kellie Cashon’s (<a href="http://cashonandcompany.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cashon & Co</a>.) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/07/welcome-kellie-cashon.html" target="_blank">Continental Eclectic Chic</a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><strong><u><span style="color: #ff8000;">Designer Challenge – Dining Room</span></u></strong></div><div align="center">Raina Cox's (<a href="http://ifthelampshadefits.blogspot.com/">If The Lampshade Fits</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-raina-cox-to-shiny-pebble.html">Boho Contempo Style</a></div><div align="center">Christina Fluegge’s (<a href="http://greigedesign.blogspot.com/">Greige</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/04/welcome-christina-fluegge.html">Transitional Eclectic Mix</a></div><div align="center">Beth Connolly’s (<a href="http://chinoiseriechic.blogspot.com/">Chinoiserie Chic</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-beth-connolly.html">British Colonial Style</a></div><div align="center">Amy Forshew’s (<a href="http://www.pemberleystyle.com/">Pemberley Style</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-amy-forshew.html">Soft Tones Traditional</a></div><div align="center">Charlotta Ward’s (<a href="http://spaceforinspiration.blogspot.com/">Space for Inspiration</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-charlotta-ward.html">Elegant Nordic Conceptualizations</a></div><div align="center">Leigha Oak’s (<a href="http://elleohblog.blogspot.com/">Elle Oh</a> ) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-leigha-oaks.html">The Belgian Look with a Twist</a></div><div align="center">Kellie Collis (<a href="http://adaanddarcy.blogspot.com/">Ada and Darcy</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome-kellie-collis.html">An Aussie’s Interpretation</a></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Gwen Driscoll (<a href="http://gwendriscoll.blogspot.com/">Ragland Hill Social</a>) <a href="http://theshinypebble.blogspot.com/2010/06/welcome-gwen-driscoll.html">Dramatic Glamour</a></div></div><div align="center"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.splenderosa.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Splenderosa" height="125" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xE581t29CVY/TD08P12dBJI/AAAAAAAAFt8/gvDbAdZzo8o/s512/None.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hurry</span></em></strong> over to <a href="http://splenderosa.blogspot.com/">Splenderosa</a> to see what a fun post and gorgeous outfit she has picked up for this room!</div>The Shiny Pebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12517491723434964702noreply@blogger.com12