Design Study: Oh My, Oh Ombre

Ombre

n. A French term meaning "shaded." Usually a multicolored stripe, with colors graduating from light to dark. The color effect is woven into the fabric. Generally produced by arranging different tones in the warp.

Fabric Circlet from Odd Egg Out

  

Wall Art from Sometimes I Swirl

  

Gradient Cake from Nine Cakes

Fabric from Marimekko

Beaded Necklace from Sarah Robin L
even spotted some in my own shop.....Hoop Handle Bag in Moss to Fuchsia

Hope this study in ombre provided a bit of inspiration for your Friday. Look for more studies in design and a giveaway here soon!

Shops That Shine - Thank You Book Contributors!

It's been a wonderfully joyful launch for my e-book, Rise & Shine. I love all the feedback but really am happy that it is finally out there, hopefully inspiring others on their creative journey. As you may know, I included bits of wisdom from a select groups of artists, designers, and creative industry experts in addition to my own insights and perspective. These lovelies generously contributed their time and thoughts- adding a valuable aspect to my book. I am so appreciative and want to highlight them here! 

{clockwise from top left}
Gift Tags from Mayi Carles 
Ceramic Houses from Little Red Door 
Stationery from Ashley Pahl 
Earrings from Courtney Rian 
Personalized Stationery from Perideau Designs 
Necklace from a la mode 
Noisette Marketing 
Embroidery from Merriweather Council 




Thrilled to share that my e-book will soon be available through Barnes & Noble and the Apple Store! (psst. it's already formatted for pdf download and e-reading devices). Also, stay tuned for stops and dates for my blog book tour!

Jubilee

A month ago I shared my custom design process for wedding bags...while creating the post I happened upon a lovely little felt shop- Benzie Bazaar.  Pure jubilee! 

In fact, I was so taken by the shop's gorgeous selection and fantastic color charts...I just had to place an order. And look! It arrived so charming - an old school library book card...brilliant. 

And one of the aspects that totally drew me in....her color collections:

 

I'm hooked! Thank you Benzie Bazaar for the lovely order & gorgeous shop! 

Beautiful Place

I fell in the love with this quote the moment I saw it! It arrived just when I needed it....


Sometimes I get blue thinking about all the things I hope for...a light-filled studio, a big back yard, a new website....a home to call our own.  And I think it's ok to keep wanting (and working!) for those things, but there's no reason I can't make now a beautiful, wonderful place too. 

{image courtesy blimpcat, a truly lovely shop!}

Shelving Dreams - Guest Post at The Academy

Today you can find me over at The Academy {an awesome business resource blog from Noisette Marketing} where I share my take on dreams...the ones that die anyway. Sometimes they're meant to be shelved away - how freeing that feels to recognize that! 

Pop over and say hello, I'd love to hear your feedback :)

I'll be sharing my businessy thoughts there once a month as I'm lucky to be one of the new monthly writers!

Wheeee, That's Me!

The celebrations just keep coming! Our little guy is doing a bit better, my e-book launched, and just found myself in the latest edition of Mollie Makes!

See look! There's my little kisslock bag! 

Ok, here's a closer view :) 

This magazine truly is one of the most charming I've seen, plus it's just chock full of lovely ideas and tutorials. I may just have to subscribe. 


ps. A big thank-you to Isa from Noisette Marketing for sending me this copy straight from London, making it even more special! xoxo

Woo Hoo! E-Book is Published!

Positively cannot contain myself! It's been a long time coming (10 months and a baby in between...) my e-book, Rise & Shine, is finally here! 


It's available for preview & purchase in a variety of formats on Smashwords. 

A little teaser: 
Rise & Shine empowers creative people to find their path in a handmade world. There are so many places and ways to build an online shop; how does someone stay true to themselves and at the same time break through all of the noise? Allisa Jacobs went from hobbyist to handmade business several years ago, and she hopes to help others find success and happiness in their own journeys. 
Stay tuned for more excitement and upcoming book related events! 


And..... humongous thank you to all my readers and colleagues who kept me motivated and inspired! 


xoxo

Thankful

A quick little note to say thank you for all the kind words & encouraging messages for our little Luke! We are still trying to find solutions to help with his discomfort and feeding issues...I'm sure I'll post more later but I just wanted to say that as a family we are so appreciative of all the support!

{image via one of my favorite shops, dazeychic}

Accuquilt Fabric Cutter Giveaway - Seriously

{Giveaway closed! } 
Congrats to Christine, Lucky #97!

Woo hoo! Have I got a doozy for you....

Remember how I posted the modern bird wall art tutorial and mentioned a fancy schmancy machine called the Accuquilt Cutter? Well, how would you like one of your very own?! 

For reals!

Plus, three die cuts to get you started. 

The machine really is a snap...the hardest part was choosing my fabric. These cute birds were my practice round. And they turned out perfect. All you do is load up the machine,  turn the crank, and out pops super crisp cut perfection. I have birds, stars, and flower die cuts....and there are so many more to choose from!


My brain just spins with all the possibilities- ornaments, placemats, wreaths, holiday decorations, pillows, wall quilts. I've actually dreamed of different ideas for this machine.


Details: 
Up for grabs:  One Accuquilt Go Baby Fabric Cutter  + 3 Go Baby Compatible Die Cuts of your choice


To Enter: Leave a comment below with what projects you'd love to make with this machine


{extra entries: follow my blog, follow on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or sign up for my newsletter, or post about this giveaway ....then report back and comment below}

Giveaway ends Monday, September 19th at noon PST, winner chosen by random

Fine Print: this is a sponsored giveaway from the lovely folks at Accuquilt, they will ship the cutter & dies directly to the luck winner- international entries welcome!

Finding Your Ideal Role - Guest Post at Oh My Handmade!

Thinking about what direction to take in business or personal life? Check out my guest contributor post about The Hedgehog Concept over at Oh My Handmade today! Includes gorgeous printable from Perideau Designs to help you find that special intersection between your dreams & talents. Stop by and say hello! 

{cute little hedgehog from stephanie fizer}

32

We turn not older with years, but newer every day.
                                                                                                              - Emily Dickinson

Tending

It's late evening and quiet here. I'm sighing a big sigh and praying a big prayer.


Our little Luke is facing some health challenges. And nothing pulls on a mother's heart quite like seeing her baby in pain. The last week is a blur- a mix of anxiety, worry, relief, more worry, angst, and gratitude has left me in a giant knot of emotion.  


After a big trip to the children's hospital for some diagnostics, it looks like everything will be manageable... but fine.  More appointments to come and specialists to meet, but hoping answers will follow. 


xoxo

{image by the beautiful artist enrouge}

Hello September - Desktop Calendar

I love September....

my birthday month

warm late summer evenings

new school supplies

a fresh start

Check out this desktop calendar found over at Smashing Magazine, it's a super charming way to celebrate this month!

And the winner is......

...Twillypop! 

Congratulations to Sara from Twillypop for being lucky #28 in the consultation giveaway with my hubs! 


A BIG thank you to everyone else who entered...I really appreciate you throwing your name in the hat...and we just might have something else to jolt your brands soon :)