An "ABC with Me" Shower

After I make a crib collection I like to think about what kind of baby shower could go with it.
Here are my thoughts for what could go with my ABC with Me collection.

1. pom pom balloons

2. wooden dolls you buy plain & then customize as the happy new family

3. alphabet cookies   psst... you can even personalize the name

4. lots of white with pops of bright color

5. I love the color & when was the last time you jello anyways?

6. napkins with that pop of color

7. a simple, cheeky invite... Ready to pop!

8. colorful, patterned straws because drinks just taste better with them

9. wooden blocks 

*One more shower gift idea I love a first aid kit.

You can always pretty it up- something like this...

Ok, maybe this is because I'm a bit of a worrier but

it is super useful.  

ABC with ME!

I am excited to share with you my latest crib bedding collection under the Nojo by Jill McDonald brand "ABC with Me" This collection is available in stores at Buy Buy Baby.  This is the first time I've have crib bedding available at Buy Buy & I am SUPER excited!  I love the variety & range available at this store.

My latest collection is right in my design comfort zone with the Alphabet theme. (I swear I never tire of an adorably decorated alphabet)  Here's a closer view of the comforter.  You get a better feel for the special details.

Here's the original fabric sample that the buyer saw.  Yes, friends to sell things to

a mass market most of the times the original design change.  I wanted to share this to visually explain it's a evolution of changes to get something into the world.  I have to admit that I am 

pleased this really maintained it's basic vision. * I think that's the trick!

This collection is equipped with all you need for a fun, engaging nursery.

(wall decals, changer pad, lamp, wall art, mobile, diaper storage & more)

I wanted it all to coordinate without it feeling too matchy and create more of a 

decorated look.

A few of my favorites... The wall art, the plush characters & icons for the mobile,  and the 

crib sheet.

Here's the wall art, shot on the floor :0

Sorry no fancy photo shoot here!

Above are the super cute plush characters & icon plush items for the mobile.

Me holding the crib sheet.  It's happy & fun!

Ok, & why not the wall decals.  

Again when you design something for the mass market personalization becomes an obstacle.  The alphabet included with the oversized decals allows the customer to personalize the nursery any way they can dream.

This makes me SO happy because let's face it, there is really nothing more personal than having a BABY!  Hope you enjoyed my little show & tell.

Painted Parisian bits

Have you been seeing the Eiffel Tower pop up on all sorts of kids products lately?

Me too!

These are some painted spots I did for a girl's stationary project.

This could be a very sweet look for a Valentine!

Peanut Update

Yesterday was the 100 day of kindergarten for Luca.  If you follow the blog you may remember that I was a nervous wreck before school began.  Luca is severely allergic to peanuts & kindergarten presented a new environment that we would have to adjust to.

I am happy to say that so far... so good!  When you have a child with a severe allergy, I have learned that communication becomes the key.  We continue to work with Luca to let him know what he can & can not eat & to be VOCAL about his allergy.
I have also worked to inform everyone in his environment about the allergy & action steps needed.
(I can get a little ridiculous about this one but my motto is... GO shout it from a mountain!)

Taking it one step further.  I join Luca's class for lunch 3 days a week & help with the clean up. (they eat lunch in their room/ no cafeteria)  At first, I have to admit I was a little worried about taking the time out of my schedule.
But, I have been so pleasantly surprised. After almost 6 months helping with lunch, this has become something I really look forward to.  I love seeing his kindergarten community grow & getting to know everyone in his class better.  Most of all it's great to know he's safe!

Frozen Earth

These are some florals I painted over ten years ago.  I have an affinity for flowers.  Right in the middle of winter"s grasp I always start to long for them.  I think I may need a greenhouse... & in that case a green thumb.

Printsource

Back from the Printsource show.  Was nice to spend a couple days in New York. (best cup of coffee anywhere!) The show was good- lots of traffic & fun to meet some new & existing clients.

Here's the booth.

My freshman year I went to Parsons & I love to walk to Time Square at night. 

Antonio & I go each time we're in the city to take in all the sparkle & lights- quite the spectacle!

On the way back to the hotel I found a pack of giant red snails tucked away in the side of a church.

I later found out they were part of the REgeneration Art Project.  These guys use to be in Central Park.
(before that Paris, Milan, Rome & Venice-they get around!)
I loved just randomly finding them.  That's my favorite thing about N.Y.  You just never know what you'll run into!

World Playground

Oopsy Daisy has 2 new pieces of my art.  The World is Your Playground wall canvas. (Available in a variety of sizes to fit your decorating needs.)  Going Up which is the growth chart.  Both pieces are a celebration of culture, unity & exploration!

Surprise!

Surprises are the best... (at least the good ones)  Last night I was flipping through the channels & stopped on E News.  I saw Nick Jonas & his adorable wife Dani talking about getting ready for their baby & with my wall art in the back ground.  So fun to see!!!

This lead me dig around the web this morning looking for a way to see it again.  I ended up at dreft.com amazing baby stories. I got to see my Amazing Animals wall art & also learned about this cool app dreft offers. You enter your little one's landmarks throughout the first year & when baby turns one you have a customized digital baby book.
What a great idea!

Printsource

Next Monday & Tuesday we'll be in New York exhibiting at Printsource.  I have lots of bright, fun, prints available.  Be sure to stop by!

Wish I Had Wings...

Right about now is when I start wishing I could head south.  It has been bitterly cold here! Cold enough for Luca's school to be canceled today & his never ending holiday break extended.  Daily we hear the geese fly over.  Being 3 blocks from the Missouri river I think we're a destination spot.  (for a silly goose, a smart one would be out of this cold)  Another observation... What happened to the V formation?  The geese we've encountered this winter have a lack luster, dare I say sloppy formation followed by a few sad stragglers.  Maybe they are thrown off by the arctic cold too?

Photo taken before the river became a giant block of ice.