Painting Update: Courtney and Shawn

Time to catch up on another painting I recently cranked out.

The thoughtfulness that went into this piece is what makes my art so special.  The parents of the bride wanted to give their daughter and son-in-law something memorable for their first anniversary, and discovered me through one of my previous clients.  I love when that happens!  Having gotten married out in Aspen, the bouquet was not transportable to their home in D.C.  In comes me to produce a one of a kind anniversary gift!

Check out this pretty....

Photo by James Christianson

And the finished product....

Special thanks to Lauryl Lane for producing such a gorgeous bouquet and to James Christianson for supplying me with the photos to work from.

For more images from this beautiful wedding, check out the feature on Elizabeth Anne Designs!

Photo by James Christianson

Baby Butterflies

It's springtime and the babies are popping up everywhere!  Like most things I do, I can't keep it too simple. So, when it comes to giving a baby shower gift, I look at the registry just to get a decor idea and then take matters into my own hands.  Who doesn't like a personalized gift?!

My dear friend Suzy of Lily Red Studio is expecting a baby girl this June and I couldn't be more excited for her and her hubby.  Being a creative type that is a stationer, I knew I wanted to tie her decor to paper.  I found these great butterfly gift tags in the sale bin at Michaels as well as some pretty sheets of scrapbook paper.  To get the pretty paper into the shapes of the butterflies, I simply used spray adhesive on the cutouts and then traced around the cutouts with my x-acto knife.

Supplies

For my shadow box frame, I wanted a simple background to place the butterflies on.  I covered a board with canvas using fabric spray adhesive and some hot glue for the edges.

I simply gave the lil butterflies a soft fold to their wings and used hot glue to adhere them to my canvas board.  Nine butterflies later and I have a sweet gift for a sweet baby.

I just got Suzy's thank you note in the mail and word on the street is that this piece is already hanging perfectly in the nursery! Can't wait to meet Baby Rohan!

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

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!

Painting Reveal | Allie and Tom's Group Gift

My goodness there is so much to share.  I might have to post a couple times this week!
Let's catch up from last week with the other Labor Day delivery I made....Allie and Tom's painting.

This was a different painting presentation than I've done so far because it was not only Allie and Tom seeing the painting for the first time, but also the 22 other people involved in making this piece possible.  I'll be honest....I was a little nervous to present it.  Alas, all went well, and Allie and Tom are now the proud owners of this piece of art:

Our dads admiring my handy work

Allie sent me this photo of the painting next to her "guest book" from the wedding.  How fantastic is this for a usable wedding guest book that you will see daily!?  I love that she captured two pieces of meaningful wedding memorabilia in one photo.

Many years of happy marriage to Allie and Tom!!!  xoxo  And thank you to my lake family for helping me produce this painting!  Loving group gifts!

New Sticker Art for Eleanor

This weekend was full of special deliveries of custom Loreen work for dear friends of mine.  If you peaked on Facebook/Instagram, you may have seen me tapping back into my sticker roots.  Some of you may not know how deep those roots go.  Well let me tell you....back to bad perms and glasses deep:

At my cottage in Wisconsin, besides crafting when the weather was icky, we traded stickers.  We would take an extensive amount of time to setup these elaborate "sticker stores", trade a few here and there and be done in a fraction of the time it took to setup.  All the same, we loved it...so much that I still have my collection to this day.

Mostly this was done with a couple of neighbor girls, but we did have one boy in the group because his sister was also in the trade.  It was only appropriate that when Brian and Rachel had their baby girl Eleanor that they get a special sticker piece for Eleanor's room.

I was so thrilled to get to meet Eleanor for the first time too!

I am so lucky to be able to put my little stamp on Eleanor's life and get to watch her grow up...and eventually share stories with her about sticker trading with her daddy.

Xoxo

The Perfect Album: BrideBox

Second to having a fabulous painting as a daily reminder of your wedding are your photos.  While a painting fully encompasses the whole feel of a wedding, a photo album really captures the play by play of your entire wedding day.  It should be done well, and it should be done by the people who know you the best...you!  In comes BrideBox to assist you with making your wedding day photo album everything you wish it to be.

Wedding albums tell the story of your special day

Usually it is just a few large prints that get framed; slideshows requiring your family to huddle around a computer screen; flipping through a stack of proofs by hand and passing them around; or worse yet, a disc sitting in a drawer that is never used. While there are many ways to share your wedding photos, anything less than a wedding album doesn’t tell the whole story of your special day.

What is BrideBox? A company that helps brides and grooms capture the narrative of their wedding day with elegance and ease.

This is a new offer in the wedding industry. The idea of taking the photographer out of the album is scary to some brides. But DIY trends have opened up paths for couples to personalize every aspect of their wedding.

When it comes to something as personally meaningful as your wedding memories, why would you want someone else to create that for you?

The design of an album sets your photos apart, reflecting the personalities of you and your spouse. Most designs use a chronological narrative –showing your special day as it unfolded, from getting ready and the first look, to the ceremony and reception. This helps to remember the sequence of events. But as a couple the most important thing to reflect is what the day meant to you, and showcasing your images in a flush mount wedding album gives you the most out of your wedding photography. It’s an intuitive way to relive the memories of your special day.

As long as you have photo memories to protect, BrideBox is a great gift option. Not just for newly engaged couples but newlyweds and even just ‘weds’. All you need are digital photos, and you can showcase the photographer’s stunning work.

BrideBox albums are produced in a lab alongside professional photographers’ products. The only difference is, the time you put into deciding how your photos best deserve to be displayed. The photographic paper allows for smudges and fingerprints to be completely wiped away, just with a soft cloth. The pages will not fade, rip, tear or damage. All of your pictures are kept looking their best and available to display.

Be proud. Show off your wedding.

The best reasons to create your own wedding album:

-You know best how your photos should be displayed. You have your favorites and should display them how you want them.

-You control the design. This doesn’t mean it’s labor intensive; just your personal style and taste are able to shine through.

           -It’s all through a simple, easy-to-use software application. Download it for free, and pay nothing until you are ready to print.