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

 

Developing Your Brand: Spending Time on Pinterest, Facebook and Google+

When people started talking about being addicted to Pinterest, I knew this social media platform was quickly becoming more than a passing fad. For many of us pinners, spending time of Pinterest is like a shopping addiction without the guilt of a mounting credit card bill. That said, I have heard many pinners also refer to the phenomenon of a Pinterest hangover—unable to even remember what they did the last three to four hours after they crawl out of Pinterest. 

Facebook still appears to attract more valuable user time than both Google+ and Pinterest. But recently Pinterest passed Google+ in time spent per month on the platform. An Ad Age article today reports ComScore data shows that "the average Google+ user spends three minutes on the platform every month, compared to 405 minutes for Facebook users. The average time spent by each Pinterest user per month is 50 minutes."

Part of the attraction of social media is the ability for users to follow the pros who make the brands we love. For example, the savvy editors at Real Simple magazine have developed a growing following on Pinterest with boards like Problem-Solving Products and Daily Thoughts & Inspiration.

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.)

Think Happy

Hello, friends! Hope your week is going well. It's finals time in schools here and around the US. I created the rosy graphic above as inspiration for my kids to think positive. Testing is never fun. But summer vacay is right around the corner.

Think happy. Be happy.

xo Chris

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

To download the free printable gift box I designed for my blog readers, click on link.

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.

Kindness Is a Language

Hello, friends. I've been thinking about acts of kindness lately. Even the smallest gestures—opening a door, inviting a friend for coffee, giving a hug—can make a big difference. As Mark Twain said, "Kindness is a language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see."

Do you think kindness can be taught? I hope my kids learn kindness from even the simple gestures from the heart that happen everyday at home. And when my daughter or son clears the dinner table without me asking, or they walk the dogs, or even send a text to me with a funny photo—that's when I know kindness is alive and well here. 

Share your thoughts in the comments, or on MomathonBlog on Facebook.

xo Chris

Quote by Mark Twain. Image by Chris Olson. 

Free Printable: Easter Bunny Gift Box

 

Hello, friends. Today I'm offering a free printable Easter gift box file for you to download. The digital PDF file includes one Easter pillow box designed by me and featuring a vintage card. Great for filling with candy or other surprises for an Easter basket. 

Printables are easy to use. All you need for this craft is the free downloadable PDF file, 8.5"x11" card stock paper, glue or double-sided tap, and scissors. You can also embellish the box with glitter. After I printed copies of the boxes at home, I added a hint of white glitter to the bunny ears. 

 Link to the downloadable PDF and directions for printing and assembling the box in the steps below.

Go Ahead, Be Awesome!

Are you a perfectionist? As a card-carrying "over thinker" I know my tendency to be self critical happens all too often. I need to tape the message above to my mirror. 

If you are looking to get out of a rut and reclaim your awesome-ness, check out these inspiring links:

I believe awesome-ness is contagious. Look at the awesome collections Erin Loechner features daily on her blog Design For Mankind.

Creative awesomeness needs to be shared. Do you like to create things and dream of turning your craft into a career? Check out the the books Craft, Inc. and Creative, Inc. by the super creative Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Deangdeelert Cho.

Gretchen Rubin's best-selling book and her blog The Happiness Project offers insights on how to find happiness in your life.

Image above by me, Chris Olson. 

Happy Thoughts from Winnie the Pooh

Wisdom by Winnie the Pooh. Art by me, Chris Olson. The role of Pooh played by my handmade and much-loved Honey Bear.

Lovely Links: Lemonade, Chalk Lettering, and Zooey

 



Hope you are having an AMAZING and lovely spring weekend. Sunny and warmer here makes me think spring is almost here. 

Lovely links:

• Just in time for spring and Mother's Day, the "Lemonade Roses" fine art print above at Etsy.

• Perfect musical pairing with a tall glass of lemonade, listen to the music of Zooey Deschanel (She & Him) and similar artists on Pandora Radio

• Lemonade and sidewalk chalk is a warm weather fave. If you like the chalk lettering you will enjoy the WSJ.com interview with Dana Tanamachi. Check out the WSJ video below.

 Lemonade Rose image by Luna Blue Studio on Etsy.

Wordless Wednesday Bouquet

Hello Wednesday! Woke up a bit tired today even though I know I got more sleep than yesterday. I think a little tiara bling would be a very nice way to start the day. Or better yet, a nice purple bouquet.

(Image above by me, Chris Olson with photography by the amazing D Sharon Pruitt.) 

Photos: On My Desk Today

Thinking about the 5" inches of snow that came as a fluffy surprise yesterday. Plus Mardi Gras and those amazing masks. The book on my desk is a childhood favorite: Snow by Roy McKee and P.D. Eastman. Here is what’s on my art studio desk today—a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection. 

On My Desk Today: Castles, Crowns, and Frilly Things

Thinking about castles, crowns, and frilly things. Here is what’s on my art studio desk today—a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection. 

And, yes, I really do wear that tiarra! It's very effective in getting the attention of my kids.

It's almost the weekend. Looking for some DIY inspiration? Check out my book reviews--loads of photos--featuring a selection of decorating books here. 

Some sunshine love on a Monday

Hovering around freezing in my neighborhood today so I thought a little sunshine love would brighten the day. The best part of January is the days grow a wee bit longer. Spring arrives in 55 days, Summer begins in 148. 

Heart art me, Chris Olson.

On my desk today

 

Here is what’s on my desk today... Okay, I admit I do not literally have a chair on my desk today. But this chair is in my studio and the patterns of light playing with the patterns in the pillow often become part of my artwork. Check back next Friday for another collection.

A few things:

I have some fresh postcards with envelopes at my Etsy shop LunaBlueStudio.

All photos by me, Chris Olson. 

 

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

Happy New Year: Counting My Blessings

 

As a new year begins, I am counting my blessings. And you, dear friends, are just the ones who make my days so sweet. Happy New Year!

For auld lang syne. 
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne, 
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
~Robert Burns

("Counting My Blessings art above by me, Chris Olson.)

DIY: Free Vintage Santa Pillow Box Printable

Hello Friends! Hope you are having a nice Monday. I created a little Christmas DIY gift for you. Just click on this PDF link to download my Vintage Santa pillow box printable. Directions for assembly in the steps below.

On my desk today

 

Here is what’s on my desk today—I am assembling photo cards for holiday gifts. Check back next Friday for another collection.

Photo by me, Chris Olson. 

New watermark logos for photos at my Etsy shop

Just added a new collection of custom watermark logos. Available at my Etsy shop Salt and Paper Designs. The original LUNA Design above by me would be the perfect watermark for any photographer or small business owner. Includes three file formats PSD, JPG, and PNG. The Photoshop (PSD) file features a slightly transparent white background with softened edges so your photo below is visible. You can adjust the watermark size to fit your needs. See photo samples above. Photo watermark is designed to use with dark or light photos and in vertical or horizontal format.

Also available is the GIDGET Watermark Logo Design personalized with your initial.

••• If you like this, PIN it:  •••

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.)

On my desk today

Here is what’s “on my desk” today—a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection.

Photo by me, Chris Olson.

If you like this, PIN it:  

Custom banners and more at my new Etsy shop

 

     

Hi friends! I opened a new Etsy shop with my friend Carolyn. The new shop is Salt and Paper Designs by on Etsy. We create personalized stationery, business cards, blog banners, Etsy shop banners, avatars, online ad graphics, and more.

My newest item in the shop is Penguin Etsy Shop Banner & Avatar Set featured in the photos. I would love to have you check out our store, and drop a note and tell me what you think.

Want to know what new items we are adding? You can follow our shop on Twitter: @saltnpaperetsy.

 

On my desk today

 

Here is what's "on my desk" today--a collection of items I am using in my illustration and design work. Check back next Friday for another collection.

Photo by me, Chris Olson.

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.  

 

Remember to Vote Today

 

 

Art 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

Make it a great weekend mantra

 

The days are getting shorter and fall is right around the corner. Time to soak up the last rays of summer sunshine and enjoy the day any way you like! Here's a weekend mantra to boost your mood and energy level. 

 

Go ahead, waste a little time. It’s good for you!

The quote in my illustration has been attributed to several people including John Lennon, Bertrand Russell, T. S. Elliot, Soren Kierkegaard, Laurence J. Peter, and others.

Text illustrations by me, Chris Olson. I do custom artwork with your favorite quotes, if you are interested go to my illustration website.

 

It's the little things...

 

 

Have a wonderful holiday weekend.

And remember to enjoy the little things!

Mixed media art by me, Chris Olson.

Watercolor Wednesday: Doxie Moxie

 

Happy Wednesday!

Watercolor art by me, Chris Olson.

Best Advice from Mom: Listen Carefully

In my countdown to Mother's Day, today I'm remembering the best advice from my mom whenever I was in too big of a rush: "Listen carefully."

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.

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: Pugs do not like windy days

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

Daily Doodle: Happy Birthday, Dad!

My doodle today is dedicated to my dad on his birthday. A bit of nostalgia, this doodle features my brothers and me at a local ski area back when tow ropes and lace-up ski boots were the thing.

One of my fondest memories from my childhood in Minnesota was going skiing almost daily from December through March at the ski hill conveniently located about 2 blocks from my house. As soon as I jumped off the school bus after school, I would grab my ski boots and skis and head to the slopes. I think a season pass at the ski hill back then only cost about $25. When my family moved from Indiana to Minnesota I was nearly five. The only thing that made the move tolerable was the promise of lots of snow. I admit I was a bit disappointed the first year because as a kindergartner I imagined the Minnesota snowdrifts would be higher than my house and instead the drifts were only hip high. The snowfall the first year was below average. However, each year that followed we had more than enough of the white stuff to ski–and shovel!

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

Daily doodle: you are beauty full

 

 

You are so beautiful ... to me, 

You are so beautiful ... to me, ... can't you see?

 

You're everything I hope for

Everything I need...

 

~ Billy Preston & Joe Cocker

 

 

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

 

Daily doodle: singing in the rain

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

Daily doodle: She believed she could

 

 

 

"Always act like you're wearing an invisible crown."

~author unknown

 

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

Valentine doodle: love blooms

 

 

"Love comforteth like sunshine after rain."

~ William Shakespeare

 

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

 

Valentine doodle: keep me in your heart

 

“If there ever comes a day
 when we can't be together
 keep me in your heart,
I'll stay there forever."

~ Winnie the Pooh

 

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

 

 

Valentine doodle: Love actually is all around

"If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around." 

~ The Prime Minister, the movie Love Actually

 

You can see more of my doodles at Momathon doodles.

Illustration: Chris Olson © 2011.

Daily doodle: Love letter

 

A kiss is just a kiss,

until you find the one you love.

A hug is just a hug,

until you find the one you've always been thinking of.

A dream is just a dream,

until it comes true.

Love was just a word,

until I heard it from you.

 

~unknown

 

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: Violet heart

 

Ever thine 
Ever mine 
Ever ours.

~ Ludwig van Beethoven

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

Daily doodle: The hardest part of moving forward...

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

Snow day

Weather never takes a vacation, but it might give you a day off.

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

Daily doodle: Give joy

“First we’ll make snow angels for two hours, then we’ll go ice skating, then we’ll eat a whole roll of Tollhouse Cookie-dough as fast as we can, and then we’ll snuggle.” ~ Buddy the Elf (Elf, movie)

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

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.)

 

Me and some reindeer

I found these friendly reindeer in my studio. I think even they were surprised by my new hair color. No worries. They told me Santa promises he will help me get my blond hair back.

Illustration: Chris Olson

Holiday safety tips for pets

Holiday decorations and food and even new holiday toys are very tempting chew toys for pets just like they are for children. And we tend to put the holiday items in places dogs and other pets can reach easily. We might remember to baby-proof our house if we have young children, but we also can use the same concept for dog-proofing the house for the holidays. 

Toys (and holiday decorations) that are not designed for dogs are not safe for pets. Small parts--even the squeaky part inside a child's or dog's toy--can spell trouble if your pup chews up the toy and swallows the choking hazard. Instead give your dog indestructible toys to keep him occupied like a "Kong" dog toy filled with dog treats. 

Some types of "people food" can be toxic to your dog. I know it's hard to resist giving your pooch a snack from the dinner table. Especially during the holidays. Unfortunately some foods that people love--even healthy foods such as grapes or raisins--can harm or kill your pet. 

We know chocolate and candy is bad for Fido, but did you know that meatloaf with onions is very harmful because of the onions? When my Rhodesian Ridgeback got pancreatitis after eating the turkey meat with the skin on it, I found out how quickly a healthy dog can become gravely ill from greasy foods. Also, you should avoid any candy or other item sweetened with xylitol. See my list below for foods to avoid. Plus, for more information on pet safety during the holidays, check out the ASPCA Holiday Safety Tips.

 

 

Common signs of poisoning include:

• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drooling
• Redness of skin, ears, and eyes
• Swelling and bleeding

 

Foods to avoid

For a detailed look at poisonous foods and items for pets, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Here's a quick overview of just a few people foods dogs and other pets should not eat according to the ASPCA.

• Avocados
• Alcohol
• Greasy foods like turkey skin
• Nuts (especially macadamia nuts and walnuts)
• Chocolate
• Candy or anything containing the sweetener Xylitol
• Coffee and Caffeine
• Grapes or Raisins
• Onions, Garlic, Chives
• Human Medicine
• Yeast Dough
• Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
• Milk
• Salt

 

Plants to avoid

Many of your favorite household plants are poisonous to pets too. Check out the ASPCA: 17 Common Poisonous Plants

Here are 17 plants that are poisonous to pets:

• Lilies
• Marijuana
• Sago Palm
• Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
• Azalea/Rhododendron
• Oleander
• Castor Bean 
• Cyclamen
• Kalanchoe
• Yew
• Amaryllis 
• Autumn Crocus 
• Chrysanthemum 
• English Ivy 
• Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) 
• Pothos 
• Schefflera

 

Illustration by me, Chris Olson.

Photo image by digital_image_fan

(You might notice that a version of this post is familiar, you can read it also 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.