Pop the Champagne to Celebrate Pantone and DIY!

It has been quite awhile since I posted.  I kind of took a mental holiday break from everything.  Instead of digging myself out of snow, I'm trying to surface out of a pile of catching up which means I have a bunch of content to share with you….all in due time of course.
For starters, I want to go back to about a week and a half ago when a styled shoot I worked on was featured on Style Me Pretty Illinois.  Once again, myself, Jennifer Gaudreau of Jennifer Kathryn Photography and Meghan Andalman of Lovebird Events took on the Pantone color of the year: Emerald Green.  I'm kind of sad to see this one go since it still seems so in season and fresh.  Alas though, I think we paid tribute to this color quite well with our shoot.

Hosted at The Boarding House in their 3rd floor dining room, we couldn't have asked for a better setting and source of inspiration.  From floor to ceiling, myself and the rest of our team used the space as our muse for our individual projects.  I took the wine bottle ceiling and inverted it to create a centerpiece for our table:

Another project I took on was a custom painted table runner.  We decided against the over done chevron and went with a simple wide diagonal charcoal gray stripe.  At the ends I recreated the single letter monogram that was used in several other details.  How appropriate that the letter "L" was chosen too!

You'll have to visit Style Me Pretty Illinois to view the full gallery of images taken by Jennifer Kathryn Photography and to see all of the amazing details our team took on.  Everyone worked so hard:

Photography: Jennifer Kathryn Photography | Wedding Dress: Bella Bridesmaid | Floral Design: Dilly Lily | Cake: Elysia Root | Invitations: Nico & Lala | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Event Planning: Love Bird Events | Event Design: Reenie Rose | Hair & Makeup: Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists | Groom's Attire: J. Crew | Boarding House Chicago: Boarding House | Linens: BBJ Linen | Sweets: Veruca Chocolates

So with one more day left to enjoy this color of 2013, I thought I might inspire you going into the new year with a video on how to cut your own wine bottles like the piece in our shoot:

Maybe you are looking to create a fun centerpiece for a NYE party or are want to get a bit more creative in the new year.  Whatever your motive, I hope you put all of those champagne bottles to good use!

How to- Cutting Wine Bottles from Reenie Rose on Vimeo.

Happy New Year!!!

How To: Personalized Notebooks

What is everyone talking about right now…the cold and the holidays.  They kind of go hand and hand, and while I'm not a big fan of this extreme cold right now, you've got to make a snowman out of snow (my parallel to making lemonade out of lemons).  I feel like a caved bear with my blinds and shades closed to keep in the heat, but all this coziness plus the holidays makes me crafty too.

If you are still trying to check some people off your list but want to give a gift with a personal touch, say no more.  Welcome to Loreen's craft corner….

I did this project toward the beginning of the year and kind of forgot about it till now, so I thought I'd share.  The Chapel Designers florist group gets together every year for a field trip to the New York flower markets, and this year member Trish Van de Merkt wanted to give each member a little something special.  She approached me about personalizing notebooks with the Chapel Designer's logo, and the game was on!

How cute are these…

Do you love the added Reenie Rose floral touch?

So this is a really easy project to do yourself in an effort to spice up a classic notebook.
Here's your supply list:
-Notebook (with a cover that is compatible with your chosen writing tool…don't want things to smear)
-Graphite paper
-Removable Tape
-Tracing instrument (I use a mechanical pencil without the lead)
-Fine point markers or pens to trace over/color in your design (make sure they won't smear on your cover surface).  For this one I used a black Micron pen and a gold gel pen.
-Ruler
-Eraser

Step 1:  Choose your design and print it out to scale.
Step 2:  Cut a piece of the graphite paper to fit underneath your design.
Step 3:  Place your design where you want it and tape it down to hold it in place.

Step 4:  Use your tracing instrument to go over your entire design.  If needed, use a ruler for straight lines and curved elements for any organic items (I used a glass for the circle).

Step 5:  Once everything is traced in, go over your entire design with your desired marker choices.

And that's it!  Add a fun pen, and you have the perfect gift that says you cared more than just a lil notebook.

The graphite paper is key in this project for giving you the extra umph of confidence to know that you can handle the design you chose no matter what.  Imagine all the fun designs you could use….different fonts, something from a magazine or picture.  It's like going back to tracing in kindergarten!  Easy peasy.
Let me know if you try this and send me a pic of your finished project!

Etsy Sticker Art for Everyone

While I haven't been painting as much lately, I have been keeping myself very busy hustling my notecards and calendars, and setting up my Etsy shops.  If you haven't visited my Reenie Rose Etsy page yet, get on it.  My other shop is for my Reeniebeans sticker art.  These pieces are so fun for the holidays or everyday.  Take a look at some examples, and visit my shop to browse additional items and buy buy buy!

Customizing a sticker project is always an option and so easy.  Let's work on creating a totally new piece together!  Email me to start your project now to have it in time for Christmas.  Holiday shopping made easy:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/Reeniebeans

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ReenieRose

Black Friday Deals from Reenie Rose!

Everyone needs a calendar, a few notecards and some awesome art this season! View this email in your browser Even Reenie Rose has Black Friday Deals! I'm diving into the retail escapades this holiday season and giving thanks to all of the amazing Reenie Rose support that I have been given this year.  As my "thank you" to you, use the coupon code BLACKFRIDAY2013 on my Etsy site to receive 50% off of your online order…that's buy one get one free! Notecard sets, calendars and prints of original Reenie Rose art are all available!   I hope you'll except my thanks for a really wonderful year, and treat yourself and those around you to some Reenie Rose retail therapy. Happy Thanksgiving! ~Loreen Click to visit the Etsy sale! For Small Biz Saturday, receive $200 off a custom bouquet painting when you click below to Get Started.  Let's get you a painting this year!! Click to receive the Saturday Special! Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram Pinterest Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved. *|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|* Our mailing address is: *|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|* unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences  *|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

Grand Opening Not to be Missed!

I started a new painting.  Kind of crazy, but it's been about 2 months since the last one.  I'm back at it again and with a different outlook on future projects.  Honestly though, this post is not about the painting.  Don't get me wrong, it's truly a special painting, and I have lots to say about it, but right now I want to talk about you coming out to see me working on this painting at the Grand Opening of Andrew's Garden.  This shop is classy and homey and full of art and flowers….all of my favorite things.  So here are the details because it is not to be missed:

Mom and I will be there supporting Tonya and Andrew while showing off something old…and new for Reenie Rose.  Here's a hint:

That's all I'm saying.  You have to stop by to see the rest….

Andrew's Garden

204 W. Wesley

Wheaton, IL 60187

Opening Thursday, November 21st

from 4pm - 8pm

Day of Wedding Inspirations

You may have noticed that I've been a little m.i.a. lately…especially with my painting.  Don't worry, I have something really special in the works that you'll hear about next week, but in the meantime, I've been keeping myself busy with other projects.  Calendars sales (do you have yours yet?), meetings, working weddings, a wall painting project, and a solo day of have had me occupied.

This solo day of service has my focus this week.  Definitely be sure to follow me on Instagram this Saturday for all of the details.  Here are a couple of items I've put together for Kristen and Charlie's big day:

My hand in this is the painted lettering!

Super easy diy project…painted wood letters, ribbon and some hot glue.

Though I'm not doing any extensive bouquet paintings, it's projects like this that keep me on my creative toes.  This wedding is bound to be gorgeous….I'm working with Petal Play Design!  If we can curate an 8 x 8 ft. space at Indie Wed, imagine what we can do with a Downton Abbey feel and Cog Hill as the venue!  Stay tuned!

53 Days till Christmas

Wholly crap, it's November!  Where did October go?  No, seriously.  I love the month of October for many reasons, but it's over.  Poof.  Done.  I don't like this one bit, but alas, I must move on.

So, I guess the holiday season is upon us now.  I mean, November 1st kind of kicks it off, right?  Well it's a good thing, because I am stacking up some holiday items for everyone out there to get a headstart with.  You've already seen my calendars…but in case you haven't….

 

Even a preview of November 2014!

Calendars are only $18 each!

Another great gift idea this year are the Reenie Rose notecards.  Lots of beautiful sets available in quantities of 8 and 12 cards.

A set of 8 notecards is $16.00

A set of 12 notecards is $24.00

Each set comes with 4 different Reenie Rose paintings that are sure to brighten anyone's day!  

Do you need ideas on who to get these for?  Check back on THIS blog post with a whole supply of ideas!  You can email me now to place your order (Loreen@ReenieRose.com).

Your welcome.

**Prices do not include tax or shipping where applicable.**

Do You Know What Day It Is?

Can you feel that briskness in the air?  Yup, times are a changing.  You know what that means....the 2014 Reenie Rose calendars are here!  Who says it's too early to get a jump start on 2014 and your holiday shopping?  Not I!  Take a look at these beauties all ready to go:

So here are 12 free ideas for these calendars and who to give them too (one for each month of the year).  You can thank me later:

1.  Stocking stuffers (obviously)
2.  Hanukkah surprise....there are a lot of gifts to give for that holiday.
3.  Clients...show your appreciation with a lil something.  This will have them coming back in the new year!
4.  Gift baskets...they are the perfect backdrop to your holiday cookies.
5.  City employees (i.e. postal worker, garbage man, newspaper deliverer)....they need to know when to pick up and drop off.
6.  Household employees...cause some people have them (i.e. nanny, cleaning lady, babysitter)
7.  Co-workers...shows your excitement to work with them in the upcoming year.
8.  Your employees....bonus checks fit perfectly inside the cellophane wrapper.
9.  People who deserve a thank you....nurses, dog groomers/walkers, your accountant, front door attendee
10.  Teacher gifts....HELLO!  They don't need another apple ornament or something your kid made (only you can appreciate those things).
11.  Hostess gifts...you know you'll be attending some holiday parties this year where a bottle of $12 wine is soooo typical.
12.  Secret Santa...$20 limit...done and done!
13.  Bonus...Yourself!  Don't forget to get at least one for you (or every room in your house).

There you have it folks.  Calendars are available for $18 a piece unless you purchase 6 or more...then they are only $15 each!!

So, tomorrow's my birthday, and I only mention this because I have 200 calendars to sell and know that some of you may be looking to get me an awesome gift.  Purchase a calendar or 6 of them and consider my gift checked off your list.  No, really...

Now, who are you giving a calendar to this year?  Most thoughtful giver could win an extra free calendar for their generosity!  Spread the love and cheer!


*Calendar pricing does not include tax and shipping if it applies.

Do You Want a FREE Print?

You know what I love most in this world (besides ponies and kitties)?  Referrals.  Particularly booked referrals.  There's nothing better than someone loving your business so much that they pass it on to someone else and are able to pass it on successfully enough to have this client book with you without ever really encountering you or your product in person.  I always feel minorly guilty because there isn't much work for me to do in the "sales department" when this happens.  I just sit back and let the clients come to me.  Ok, not really, but it is such a treat to have clients fall into your lap via the nudge of someone who's work you already admire.

In order to show my thanks and appreciation to the vendors that support me in this matter, I gift them a print of the painting when a client books with me.  I'm really killing two birds with one stone here: I get some business out of the deal while they receive a complimentary piece of art that shows their own work.

I recently had two print deliveries to a couple of my sweet vendor friends.  Having them unwrap this gift was almost as exciting as seeing the client with their painting.
First up was Sharokina of City Girl Weddings.  Besides working Anna and Wade's wedding, Shar also suggested my painting services.  You'll remember Anna and Wade's painting and the reveal:

This print is going to look so pretty in Shar's office!

Love!

Last week I delivered a print of Kaitlyn and Mike's painting to Jenna at Avant Gardenia.

She was busy making pretties for that weekend's wedding.

I was delighted to receive a text from her later that evening all excited about having found the perfect spot for her print at home.

These ladies have some seriously awesome style in their homes and offices...and now I am an added bonus!

So, if you are a wedding vendor of sorts, you can't lose with a simple referral.  If you are not a wedding vendor and still want to pass on the Reenie Rose love, by all means, DO IT!!!  I am most certainly not against rewarding anyone that supports my business.  I tend to give sets of note cards because they are pretty and super handy.

If I can ever share your business love, please let me know.  This world needs a little more back scratching and sharing, and I will be the first to support it!

What do Puffy Paint, Chalk, and Stickers all have in Common?

I am currently in painting limbo.  I don't have any projects going on, but there's a lot of potential on the way.  So, what is a girl to do whilst she waits for a painting to come her way?  Sleep till noon and and rewatch the whole Sex and the City series...bah!  Not I!  No, I create work for myself....and I catchup on work that I've been wanting to do for ages.

For instance, I originally bought one of those "paint your own" pressed board picture frames from Michaels to paint for my best friend's daughter when she was born.  Well, she just turned one a few weeks ago.  Missed the newborn boat, but not the first birthday one!  I started painting this frame and then scraped the whole design idea and looked to Martha Stewart for inspiration.  Her scrapbooking line is unbelievable.  Some paper and stickers were purchased along with a bottle of trusty old puffy paint, and voila:

Norah's mom liked it, so hopefully Norah comes to appreciate this gift from Auntie Lo.

I've also been expanding my chalkboard art portfolio, but this is all I can show you for now.  You'll have to wait to see the rest when this photo shoot is published!

Finally, I'm also sprucing up my Reeniebeans Etsy store with some new sticker art.  Here's a preview:

Something a little different going on here.  Get ready for some more exciting things....and new paintings soon!

Bridetoberfest: Beer, Brats and Brides

You don't necessarily need to be a bride to go to an event that has the word in its title.   For instance, for the upcoming event, Bridetoberfest, you just have to like beer!

Come out, tomorrow,  Thursday, October 3rd 2013 from 6 pm – 10 pm at Dank Haus for the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance's First Annual-- Bridetoberfest!

Learn [and taste] ways you can support local Chicago breweries and eco-friendly businesses for your wedding or next event. There will also be a casual planning lounge where you can meet, greet, and 'prost!' with CGWA members and consider aspects of your wedding beyond the beer.

Who: Sponsored by the Chicago Green Wedding Alliance (www.greenweddingalliance.com) in coordination with Barley's Angels Chicago (https://www.facebook.com/groups/524900247524644/)

Local breweries including Goose Island, Half Acre, Revolution Brewing, Tighthead Brewing, Begyle Brewing, 3 Sheeps Brewing, Two Brothers Brewing Company, Metropolitan Brewing, Finch's, and more.

Beer-worthy food by FIG Catering, Goose Island, and more.

Tickets are on sale NOW! Price includes a commemorative CGWA tasting glass and 5 samples of local brews including seasonal Oktoberfest offerings. There will be plenty of beer and brats for purchase too!

Buy tickets at http://bridetoberfest.brownpapertickets.com/

Who wants to toast with me over a brew?  I have discounted tickets available!!!  Contact me today!

The Warm and Fuzzies of Gift Giving

At the beginning of the week I simply delivered a painting.  Three days later, I have had so many sweet accolades that I don't know what to do with myself, a client that now feels like my long lost fairy godmother with a daughter I've never met but have a feeling we could become bff's and even more pictures to share.

Lynda sent these pics to me of Kaitlyn and Mike receiving their painting.  I'd advise printing them all out and making your own flip book....I know I did.

Adorable, right?!!!!

If I'm going to introduce you to Lynda, I might as well give you a little insight into Kaitlyn:

 I'm small peas and carrots when it comes to blogging.  I mean, readership has gone up since getting in contact with Lynda, but I am by no means "a blogger".  Kaitlyn is A BLOGGER.  So much so that her blog, Sisters Marie's tagline is "Because we love blogging."  Filled with fashion, trends and Pinterest inspirations, Kaitlyn and her sister-in-law keep this blog consistently fresh and a great lead into their other businesses: BISTM (Because I Shop To Much) and BTGTF (Because They Grow To Fast).  Both sites stem from the concept of buying, selling and swapping clothes with others...it's social and economical!  Brilliant!  Take a look at all of the sites mentioned and watch their about video...I love that they are two girls just chillin in the sun at a patio table chatting like you and me would.  So fun.  We are totally on the verge of becoming bffs...until Kaitlyn realizes that my fashion sense is mediocre!  At least I have painting in my corner!

Enjoy your new piece of art Kaitlyn and Mike!!!