Momathon Blog

She Believed She Could

It's final exam time. This saying is for my darling daughter:

She believed she could...

So she did!

 

You can find more quote and sayings artwork here.

Image above by me, Chris Olson

 

Remembering Maurice Sendak

But the wild things cried, “Oh please don’t go - we’ll eat you up - we love you so!”
And Max said, “No!”
The wild things roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth
and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws 
but Max stepped into his private boat and waved goodbye.” 

~Maurice Sendak
Where the Wild Things Are

 

Maurice Sendak's books will live forever, but we still miss him so!

(Image by Chris Olson featuring the fern photo by the awesome photographer D Sharon Pruitt.)

Money Can't Buy Happiness

 

If you can still remember how to think like a kid, then marshmallows = happiness.

Image above by me, Chris Olson with photography by the Luke Roberts.

A wonderful whimsical birthday card by my big brother

 
My brother Eric has been creating amazing illustrations since he was in kindergarten. My mom says one of his elementary school teachers loved his work so much she let him draw all day instead of doing his schoolwork. Not sure if this was the best teaching method, but fortunately he managed to pass that grade and go on to excel in almost anything he tried. Fast forward a couple of decades and he makes his living creating amazing things in his art studio. And one recently landed in my mailbox—a wonderful whimsical birthday card featured in the photo above. Since he knows I am a slave to several adorable dogs—even providing special doggy car seats for my canine crew—the card he created makes me smile.

Eric's illustrations have been featured in so many places I've lost count—from designer clothing sold at Target to fine china at Pottery Barn to book covers like A Book of Ages and Role Models. His illustrations have appeared in the New Yorker, McSweeney's, Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, Spy, Oprah, the Atlantic, Harper’s, the New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Gourmet, Wig Wag, the Believer and other publications. You can check out his work on his blog er-h and his illustration website.

Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake (and Hug a Puppy)

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Remember to keep a happy thought in your heart.

Photos/Images by me, Chris Olson.

Wordless Wednesday: A teeny tiny world in stop motion video

 

 
Nokia 'Dot'

What happens in a microscopic stop motion adventure? Well, it's strange and beautiful--a sea of pencil shavings, a flower parachute, and knitting needle nails. If you like Wallace and Gromit videos, you'll enjoy this clever video by Sumo Science. 

Nokia 'Dot' from Sumo Science on Vimeo.

 

Photos: Screenshots from the lovely Nokia 'Dot' by Sumo Science.

Purrrfect design starts with a sketch (video)

The smartest--and smallest--details start with a sketch. Watch the design for a new fashion line come to life with a whimsical cat in the Jason Wu promo. Purrrfect!

 The sketch of Milu the cat comes to life on the desk of fashion designer Jason Wu. 

Equal parts mischief and cute, Milu the cat is the muse for this new line at Target. Perhaps his feline inspiration comes from the two cats Wu adores at home named Jinxy and Peaches.

The new Target collection by Jason Wu will be available from February 5 to March 6. His stylish and affordable items range in price from $19.99 to $59.99 for clothes and $19.99 to $49.99 for accessories.

(Photos from the Jason Wu for Target promotions.)

Are you in a creative slump?

 
My creative vision is big. I have no shortage of "great" ideas. Probably too many. And I tackle them all at once. This is not a time saver. This is a time waster. By three in the afternoon just when my creativity seems to be peaking, I have to slow down and juggle all those after-school activites. Working on so many creative pursuits often means my completed projects don't match my ambitions. Unfortunately, this is exactly when creative types like me end up procrastinating--or worse, quitting.

Here's the first truth about my creative process that I rarely admit: I am too easily distracted, but that is also how I think I get so many "great" ideas.

Here's the second truth: Even though I think I have good taste, I can't be an expert on everything. (Remember Nora Ephron's line from her movie Harry Met Sally: "Everybody thinks they have good taste and a sense of humor but they couldn't possibly all have good taste.") 

Sweet things you can print

Valentines come in all shapes and sizes. My faves are easy-to-make cards. This year I decided to make printables--easy to print PDF files that make it a snap to make as many as you want. 

Do you like to use printable cards and gift wrap? Here are the two newest items at my Salt and Paper Designs shop on Etsy:

Valentine Eiffel Tower PRINTABLE Pillow Box and Valentine HELLO LOVE and HELLO Printable Note Cards

DIY: Epsom Salt Snow Candles

After such a mild start to January, I am ready for some snow! I am hoping the storm this weekend brings a layer of the white stuff. Even if it doesn't snow, this sparkly DIY candle craft will create a shimmery winter mood in your home.

Espom Salt Snow Candle

Supplies: 

• Epsom salt
• Modge Podge
• Pillar candles--any color works, I like white or a light creamy color
• Shallow baking pan or a similar pan with edges

Directions:

1) Pour a layer of epsom salt into a shallow baking pan.

2) Use a sponge brush to coat the side of a candle with Modge Podge.

3) Before the Modge Podge dries, quickly roll the candle in the epsom salt to create a light snowy layer on your candle.

4) Let candle with snowy coating dry completely before using the candle.

5) To help the candle burn evenly, place the candle in a cylinder vase suitable for candles.

(Photo by me, Chris Olson.)

My new blog banner for December

 
Hello, December!

Are you counting down the days until the holiday break? December is always such a busy time at my house. The kids are putting the finishing touches on school projects and studying for exams before vacation begins. I just try to keep my head above water with work projects. Turning on some Christmas music usually makes the day less hectic and more relaxing!

Merry Christmas!

(December blog banner designed and illustrated by me, Chris Olson.)

Sweetest Postcard App: Great New Option for Holiday Cards

The new Cartolina Postale iPhone app is a visually beautiful iPhone app that turns screen eye candy into glossy postcards.

Here's the fun part, browse through the lovely design templates (32 styles to choose from) included in the iPhone app. Select the design you like and your customize card by adding your own photograph. The app is free, the fee for printing and mailing one one card is $1.99–a nice price for a custom card that is mailed in the U.S. (To have it mailed anywhere in the world the price is $2.99) The 4x6 cards are printed for you on glossy, heavyweight card stock and mailed directly from the app to anywhere in the world. Delivery times are about 3-7 days in the U.S. 

For more information, Cartolina Postale iPhone app.

(Photo: Cartolina Postale iPhone app via Cartolina)

It's so Etsy: New Esty App for the iPhone

If you love handmade crafts and vintage stuff, then the new Etsy app is a must-have app. Fun app features include: amazing photos of popular items in Treasury Lists, search function that almost reads your mind, access to your personal Etsy account, and much more. I just opened a new Etsy shop yesterday with another designer so this app has perfect timing!

My thoughts on the app:

• Easy to use.
• Sleek design.
• Eye candy for crafters.
• Addictive window shopping.

You can watch the clever Etsy video about the new app here.

Photo: Etsy promo photo on Etsy.com.

DIY: Ice blue collage

I created this ice blue collage above thanks to the artistic genius of Idée Labs. Below is a warmer collage with tropical blue hues.

I'll warn you, once you try Idee Labs for collages, you won't be able to stop making them. How does Idee do it? Just pick a color and Idee will use Piximilar visual search technology to extract your color pick from 10 million of the most "interesting" Creative Commons images on Flickr. Check it out!

On my desk

I am starting a new "on my desk" photo series to be posted each Friday. The photo subjects will vary, but each will feature items I am using in my illustration and design work.  

 

Hello, November

November is all about crisp almost wintry days. Blue skies and flying leaves. And of course, time to gather with family and give thanks. 

What are you thankful for?

(November blog banner by me, Chris Olson)

Aspens after the big snow

 

Yesterday we had a chilly and snowy October storm. The Aspen leaves were amazing encrusted in ice and snow.

Art by me, Chris Olson

After the snowstorm: What do you see?

 

Could this be a Rorschach snow-blot?

I see a horse. What do you see?

Although it's just random snow patterns on a piece of wood, it made me think of a Rorschach inkblot test.

Photo by me, Chris Olson

 

DIY: Vintage holiday ornament tutorial

Brrrrr! The snow is falling and even though the calendar says October it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas outside. Blame the snowflakes on my holiday craft mood. I found a sweet vintage Christmas ornament tutorial by Julia Stainton. Love the fact the project uses Studio Multi-Medium Gloss and Studio Artist Brushes by my art instructor and DIY guru Claudine Hellmuth. Check out the vintage ornament tutorial here.

Playful JumpFromPaper Handbags: 2D Whimsy

 

The innovative handbags by Taipei-based design duo Chay Su and Rika Linseem may look just like paper drawings but they are real. The whimsical JumpFromPaper bags are illustrations first drawn on paper and made into real handbags to imitate a 2D illustration of a handbag on paper.

      

 Photos: JumpFromPaper

Decor Crush: Rice Paper Lantern on the show White Collar

 

I believe in love at first sight. Especially while watching TV or a movie.

Let me explain...

Almost everything looks better on TV–especially home decor or cars or clothes. So it is only natural to see something even for just a second on your TV and instantly feel that connection. But where can you find it? Magazines and blogs do a great job of doing the sleuthing for the best in celebrity and pop culture clothing.

Amazing couches, lovely lamps, and impressive bookshelves rarely get ID'd in the media. That's why every Friday I am going to post one TV (or movie) home decor crush on my blog and my new Tumblr blog Decor Crush. Feel free to send me your ideas for identifying an item featured on Decor Crush. And send me suggestions for Decor Crush items. Together we will solve the puzzles. 

 

Friday's Crush:
The lamp in the apartment of the charming criminal mastermind Neal Caffrey (Matt Bomer) on the show White Collar. I love this rice paper lantern because it is not the typical round shape.

So where can I find it?

 

Follow Decor Crush on Tumblr.

Draw a monster today

 

It's hot! It's stormy! Perfect time to draw a monster.  

I call it monster therapy. Gather a bunch of markers or crayons and some paper--any size. Even Post-It Notes work.

Now here is the fun part. Pretty much anything goes. Expert doodlers and newbies will enjoy this project. All you need to do is scribble, doodle or draw the craziest monster you can think of. If you want, add some glitter, feathers, and stickers too.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the monsters on the blog by my friend–and bestselling children's author/illustrator–Nancy Carlson.

* Monster doodle above by me, Chris Olson. You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles. 

 

Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play

 

 

Looking for decorating ideas for a nursery or a child's bedroom? Susanna Salk's visually exciting book Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play is a stunning treasure trove of decorating ideas and a fun read. Kelly Wearstler, renowned interior designer and author of several books, writes the foreword.

Is it possible to design a room that pleases both the parents and their children? Salk has found a way. Page after page of lovely photography by some of the industry's top photographers–Pieter Estersohn, Paul Costello, William Abranowicz, Melanie Aveced, and others–makes me want redecorate a few rooms at my house. No matter your style–modern, formal to whimsical–you will find a room that fits your mood. The book showcases a variety of decorating styles for bedrooms, play spaces, and study areas created by a talented group of designers including Kelly Wearstler, Charlotte Moss, Alessandra Branca, Amanda Nisbet, and Thomas Jayne, among many others.  

Salk is a leading design maven with many publishing success stories. Here are just a few: author of Weekend Retreats, a contributing editor for Bon Appetit Magazine, 1STDIBS.COM, and iVillage.com, as well as a former special projects editor at House & Garden. In the book she features an assortment of rooms that will appeal to a variety of ages. Her book has a sophisticated take on decor for children according to the LAtimes.com: 

The book suggests that just because a room is designed for a kid, that's no reason the design can't be all grown up. There is nothing DIY about "Room for Children," and no sense of trying to do more with less. Two-dozen-plus rooms in the book differ in style, but few could be described as "cute."

 

Anne at her blog The City Sage says: 

In the world of interiors books, the subject of decorating for children has been sorely neglected. Until now! Renowned author and editor Susanna Salk has released Room for Children: Stylish Spaces for Sleep and Play, and I'm rolling on a serious sugar high from all the sweet, sweet eye candy!

Julie at her blog Remodelista calls the book required reading:

Salk rounds up spaces by designers such as Kelly Wearstler (who wrote the book’s foreward), Amanda Nisbet, Amy Lau, Sixx Design, as well as J. Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons’ edgy charcoal-walled nursery. 

 

This room makes me want to plan
a trip with my family...

The beach can't be too far away here...

A cozy space for a girl or boy to call home...

A little bit of elegance and fantasy...

Comfy and creative space for parents and baby...

Photos above feature the stylish pages from the book Room for Children by Susanna Salk. 

Note to my readers: I did not receive compensation from the author or publisher for writing this book review

Daily Doodle: Don't forget to be awesome

 

 

Happiness is a direction, not a place.

~Syndey J. Harris 

 

 

Doodle by me, Chris Olson. You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Best Advice from Mom: Stand Up Tall

In my countdown to Mother's Day, today I'm remembering the best advice from my mom whenever I was feeling down: "Stand up tall."

In honor of Mother's Day, this week my "Mom Says" doodle art features my favorite sayings from my mom. You can find all of my "mom says" art here. You can see even more of my doodles at Momathon doodles. 

Illustration above by me, Chris Olson.

 

Daily doodle: baby bird

A bird does not sing because it has an answer.
It sings because it has a song.  

~Chinese Proverb

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles. Illustration by me, Chris Olson.

Valentine doodles: Puppy love

“I don't wish to be everything to everyone,

but I would like to be something to someone.” 

~ Javan

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

Daily doodle: Walking in a winter wonderland...

 

Gone away is the bluebird,

Here to stay is a new bird

He sings a love song,

As we go along,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

...

When it snows, ain't it thrilling,

Though your nose gets a chilling

We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,

Walking in a winter wonderland.

 

~ Winter Wonderland, lyrics by Richard B. Smith

 

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

 

Daily doodle: California dreaming

 

 

"I'd be safe and warm
if I was in L.A.
California Dreamin'
on such a winter's day"

 ~ California Dreamin', 
The Mamas & the Papas

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

Signs of new life in winter

When life gets tough, consider the hardy plants outside. Somehow, defying all the odds, the magical rebirth of plants continues even on the coldest days...

Photographer Tracey Clark says it so well: "Mother Nature works miracles during every part of the year. It's merely a matter of remembering that what is going on beyond what meets the eye is sometimes even more wonderful than what we can actually see. This intangibility might be a challenge today. But sometimes, the challenge is half the fun."

 

Photo taken for an assignment in BigPictureClasses.com, Chris Olson © 2011

A little sunshine in winter

My "Picture Winter" photo for today is all about finding a little sunshine even on a chilly January day. My instructor, Tracey Clark at BigPictureClasses.com gave the class a fun assignment: "Today, keep your eyes open for signs of the sun. Polka dots, symbols, colors, shiny things…whatever helps you remember that the sun will come out tomorrow (or sometime soon, no doubt)."

Photo: Chris Olson © 2011 (Camera: iPhone)

Winter photography

Back in August at the BlogHer10 conference, I met some amazing photographers including the gals in Shutter Sisters. I already have devoured their cool new book Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart.

I guess I caught the photo bug from these talented gals. Now I am taking Tracey Clark's online photo class "Picture Winter." According to the course outline, Picture Winter is a "photo centric guided e-class that focuses on the many wonders of winter and will in turn act as a catalyst to creatively jumpstart the brand new year." 

Should be fun. I will be checking in here with updates on my progress.

Your big adventure in 2011 begins today

Happy New Year!

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Simply brilliant: Cut paper animated Christmas video

Gorgeous holiday video from papercut artist & Chronicle author Rob Ryan. Watch it below.

Seasons Greetings from Rob Ryan from MR. ROBERT RYAN on Vimeo.

Daily doodle: O Christmas Penguin, O Christmas Penguin

 

 

O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,

Much pleasure dost thou bring me!

For ev’ry year the Christmas penguin,

Brings to us all both joy and glee.

O Christmas penguin, O Christmas penguin,

Much pleasure dost thou bring me!

(Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.)

 

Blog for Digs: My childhood bedroom was...

My blog post today is part of Blog for Digs--a great charity blogging event for the non-profit Dwell with Dignity. This non-profit group of interior designers and volunteers is dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty". Learn how you can help make a difference, click here.

My childhood bedroom was...

If I close my eyes and imagine playing on the floor with my dolls in my childhood bedroom, I can almost feel the warm summer breeze coming in through the windows, hear the crickets chirping in the meadow grass outside and taste the sugar cookies baking in the always busy kitchen oven. I loved looking outside and my windows were a favorite feature of my tiny corner room. In the winter I would fall asleep warm and cozy under my pillowy comforter while listening to the snow machines rumbling as they magically blew man-made snow across the runs at the ski resort down the street.

Although my super organized parents might disagree, my childhood bedroom was very neat. Every toy, gadget, and doll had a special box, shelf, or drawer to call home. On one wall my parents added shelves to create a large dollhouse. In my closet they built another shelving system to house my other toys. My desk, my bed, my dresser and my chair were all antiques passed down through the generations. As a child I always wanted a bean bag chair, but when I grew up I realized the beauty of restored wood and handsewn cushions.

I will always be grateful that my parents neatly boxed up and saved many of my toys when I went to college. Here are just a few of my favorite childhood things that I photographed in my studio yesterday:

  

More childhood bedroom posts to come!

Sending special MOMMY HUGS to Claudia and Beth who organized this event and, of course, to everyone at Dwell with Dignity.

If you can, please donate so that we can help create special memories for some great and deserving children.

A talented group of bloggers will post about their childhood bedrooms and one decor item they wished they had. Claudia's Blog for Digs schedule over at StoneHouseLove features a few bloggers for each day.  

Passing the blogger keyboard over to blogger Emily at Notorious MLE. She will be posting her stories about childhood bedrooms tomorrow. Looking forward to reading all of the posts of blog for digs over the next few weeks. You can see the entire schedule for bloggers here.

 

Daily doodle: Be part of the cure on World AIDS Day

Approximately 2.6 million people each year become infected with HIV worldwide. 56,000 become infected each year in the U.S. Today is World AIDS Day 2010 and the perfect time to be part of the cure.

"Eight million people die every year for the price of going out with your friends to the movies and buying an ice cream. Literally for about $30 a head per year, you could save 8 million lives. Isn't that extraordinary? Preventable disease - not calamity, not famine, nothing like that. Preventable disease - just for the lack of medicines. That is cheap, that is a bargain."

~ Bono

 

 

(you) RED

Product (RED) was created by Bono and Bobby Shriver to raise both awareness and money to help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The parenthesis is "the embrace." When companies become Product (RED) Partners they put their logo/name in the embrace--elevated to the power of red. You can be (RED) too.

The World AIDS Day 2010 illustration above by me, Chris Olson.

 

 

It's so Etsy: new Etsy apps

Thanks to clever writers over at the blog Handmadeology, now you can find all the new ETSY apps in one place. To find out more, check out their post, New Etsy App Gallery.

Photo: Tools4Etsy and Handmadeology.

Creative kickstart

Inspiration for my illustration and design projects comes in many forms. Before I go to my studio each morning, I check in on my favorite blogs and see what they are talking about.



Victoria over at the blog sfgirlbybay always features something interesting--photos, artwork, interviews, or reviews--to get the creative juices flowing. 

And sometimes the luscious imagery makes me hungry...

Anthology Magazine featured on sfgirlbybay.

 

Found this lovely wallpaper by illustrator Julia Rothman on sfgirlbybay. I adore the wallpaper's rich colors and the heavenly drawings of birds in the clouds. The wallpaper is also featured on grain edit and includes Victoria's interview with Julia.



Julia's new collaborative book The Exquisite Book is on my wish list.

(photos via sfgirlbybay and grain edit)

via my style blog Luna Blue Studio: Creative kickstart

Week of VOTE doodles: Day 6

 

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."
~John Quincy Adams

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.
Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Gorgeous designs in Cartolina card app makes emails and texts print-worthy!

I love getting beautiful cards via snail mail, but I admit I can't wait to receive a personalized email or text from a friend using the Cartolina app. This app includes an assortment of Cartolina artwork perfect for birthdays, special events, and holidays.

Cartolina app features:
- allows you to send to multiple recipients--useful for announcements and invitations
- includes a calendar with automatic reminders so you don't miss a birthday or anniversary
- syncs with your iPhone or iPod touch calendar
- graphics are retina display ready for the latest generations of the iPhone and iPod touch
- supports multiple languages
- app costs $2.99

Here are just a few designs you can select. A Christmas card design is coming soon!

 

Have a snappy Sunday!

 

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

 

The great Pup-kin

"On Halloween night, the Great Pumpkin rises from his pumpkin patch and flies through the air with his bag of toys to all the children." --Linus

 

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010.

Daily doodle: Go get some Happy Friday flowers

 

No excuses... Today you have to treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. Happy Friday!

Check out more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Enjoy a latte with your favorite dog breed

I saw these adorable 3D coffee mugs you can customize with over 120 dog breeds in the most recent O, The Oprah Magazine. Half mug and half sculpture--my favorite part of each mug is the sweet face of a dog popping out to say "hello." The hand crafted ceramic mugs are available for $39.95 each at BlueWitchCeramics.com.

Check out my other posts about dogs and cats.

Hooray for the weekend!

 

What's your favorite thing to do on the weekend? I love the fact I can sleep in--even if it only means staying in bed 30 minutes more. Taking a walk or going on a bike ride with my family tops the list too.

 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

 

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

Yummy blogs: Design Love Fest blog

 

It's Friday. Take a break, sit back, and drink in the lovely blog Design Love Fest by graphic designer Bri Emery.

 

 

 

 

Photos: Screenshots from the oh-so-sweet Design Love Fest blog. 
  

Daily doodle: peace

For more doodles by me, check out Momathon's daily doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010

It's so Etsy: Down2Earth handmade jewelry

   

I have two relatives with birthdays coming up and I'm thinking of buying them each a piece of hand-hammered and hand-stamped jewelry created by Michell Mathis, an Etsy artist and mother of two. The handmade jewelry is available at down2earthjewelry at Etsy. All jewelry is made of natural and vintage materials and gift packaged in an earthy brown box made of 100% recycled materials.

For more beautiful handmade items at Etsy, check out Momathon's Etsy faves.

Photo above is a screenshot of the Mathis online Etsy store, down2earthjewelry. Sending a special shout out to my best bud and a craft guru, Kathy, who introduced me to this jewelry. 

Daily doodle: little red dog

I grew up with two dachshunds in my family. Both of them could zig and zag through an obstacle course of living room furniture as fast as a bunny rabbit weaves between the trees. For more doodles by me, click on Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2010