Spotted Canary Blog

I don’t know about you dear reader, but I sure am enjoying that sound. That echo of emptiness. That hum of silence. That blissful quiet that comes after the first school bell of the fall has rung.

Ahhhh. Peace at last.

Peace at last.

Then there’s that wonderful sense of liberation. That freedom from those painfully long last two weeks of summer vacation. That feeling of emancipation that overtakes you as the school’s reflection in your rear view mirror gets smaller and smaller.

Freedom.

Sweet, sweet freedom.

Now, I do recognize that there are a few of you out there who can’t quite yet hear the silence and/or feel the freedom. Maybe your “I-just-sent-my-baby-off-to-Kindergarten” sobs are filling the air with mournful refrains. Or you’re possibly paralyzed by the “I’m-not-sure-what-to-do-with-my-day-so-I’ll-just-sit-here-and-wait-in-the-car” notion.

Either way, I promise that soon, very soon, the sniffling and paralysis will subside and you too will be able to relish in this special time of year called … “Back-to-School”.

And speaking of Kindergarten (we were weren't we?) … here’s a little photo to get ya smiling.





Yep, that’s me in the blue and white checkered dress with the white socks and sandals.

Yep, white socks and sandals … a fashion disaster even for 1974.

I mean seriously. Could my mom have made it ANY easier for the kids to tease me?

Nope.

Not at all.

Anywho … back to school … and rejoicing in its much anticipated arrival … I suggest we throw a party to celebrate!

That is, after all, my blogging life’s mantra … All things are better when celebrated!

So, let’s parrrtaaay!


Course of Study

The inspiration for this party came from a simple chalkboard apple that a friend found for me. I knew from that piece that I wanted to incorporate the quintessential back-to-school icon, aka the apple, into the party plan and to also use the chalkboard element as well. To further the academic theme, I decide to use flashcards, pencils and lunch bags … not only thematic, but cheap and readily available in my stash of stuff.


Class Roster

Don’t worry if school is already in full swing. There’s no finite window of opportunity for hosting a B2S shindig. It’s not like the “No wearing white after Labor Day” rule. In fact, waiting until the second or third week might be best … that would give mom’s with kids going to later starting mother’s-day-out programs a chance to get EVERYONE settled into school.

For a non-traditional spin, how about making the invitations from lunch bags?





I simply folded the lunch bag in half, punched the open end with a decorative edger and added the party details to the inside. The apple cabochon stickers, chalkboard label and flashcard mat on the cover are all inspiration elements and, as I always say, are key to building the guest’s anticipation and expectation of the event.

Seriously. Who’s not going to come to the party after getting this cute invite in the mail? Uh, no one!

(Btw, click the picture to link to a supply list and a few more specific instructions.) 


Lesson Plan

Now whether the party will be outside or in, greet guests with a small welcoming area that will add one more layer to their already burgeoning anticipation level.





I pulled this small glass console table out from my foyer onto the front porch. I added a lamp to give the area a touch more light and some additional height … varying heights = greater interest.





And here’s the catalyst for the party motifs … the apple chalkboard. Elevated on a couple of wrapped books, the welcome sign directs guests’ attention to the name tag bag which they will hopefully take from, fill out and wear. The photo tree? Just some kindergarten snap shots to set the mood and, because I’m kinda mean that way, to embarrass my hubby and son. It’s a two-fer! And you know how I love those : )!





The name tags didn’t take long to make. I notched the bottom edge and punched a hole in the center top for a safety pin to be inserted. The ribbon tie and apple stickers add a splash of color.





This pencil vase is inexpensive to put together so go ahead and make a couple. You can always gift them to a teacher after the party. Use a straight cylindrical glass vase from the dollar store for the base. Two boxes of pencils and a gazillion hot glue sticks later, your vase will be ready for a ribbon tie and chalkboard label (which, btw, is made from punched chalkboard adhesive paper ... my newest love).





To fill in the corner of the porch, I placed a tall topiary tied with flashcards and pencils. It was a nice way to add one more layer of thematic detail.






The Cafeteria

The apple motif comes to full fruition on the buffet table.

The table itself is constructed of two well used sawhorses topped with a door wrapped in mailing paper (and hey, no judging the less-than-immaculately-manicured lawn … the weed eater broke halfway through the backyard’s last grooming).





A twin pencil vase takes center stage on the table and is flanked on either side by a glass candle tower filled with apples.





The left side of the table serves apple streusel muffins, yogurt covered raisins and doughnuts.





On the right side of the table, guests can dish up apple slices with caramel dip and pour themselves a bottle of apple cider. Milk would be another drinking option … especially if you wanted to cut back on the amount of sweetness being offered. Milk, unfortunately, was not an option for this party because by 10AM the thermometer was already reading 90 degrees … and milk, as we all know, does funny things at that temperature … like stink : ).





Now, not only is the apple theme strong here, but so too are the number references. There are the flashcard food labels and banner, and the numbered bottles and plates (recognize them?).





And that black chipboard confetti? It started out as multi-colored magnets from the dollar store … don’t you love how a can of black spray can transform anything? Yep, I’m addicted. That’s why I buy it in bulk. And why there’s a large rectangle of black overspray in my garage … which is strategically (and thankfully) covered by my mom’s car. Thanks mom!





So last but not least to mention are the subtle “lunchy” details. Things like the waxed paper basket and box liners, the metal water bottles instead of cups, and the lunchboxes to hold napkins and food. Each thoughtful element helps to make the party experience more delightful and memorable.






Homework

I remember years ago reading about someone in the scrapbooking industry who has a dedicated kitchen drawer just for lunch box love notes. The drawer contains everything she needs in order to pen a few quick lines to her kids; things like paper pads, sticky notes, index cards, stickers, pens and tape.

Don’t you just love this idea? Yeah, me too! So why not send guests home with their very own portable version of a love note drawer? Hmmm … I see no reason why not. In fact, I think it’s brilliant!









Yeah, yeah. I know. Brilliant is kinda strong …

How about genius instead? : )

So dear reader, get out a stack of lunch bags and invite your friends to celebrate the sound of silence and the sense of liberation that back-to-school brings. And don’t forget to include the moms of new class members. They most of all will appreciate the opportunity to get to know others in the community.

Now … before the din of piano practice, the ruckus of video games and the clamor of “what’s there to eat”, I am off to savor a few more hours of quiet freedom. I wish the same for you dear reader!

Have a great school year!

~ Elizabeth (ekb) 

Having an organized workspace is an important component to being creative when you want to get your fingers messy AND have a limited amount of time for it. Simple things can make your creative time more productive – but pawing through boxes, drawers and cubby’s to find that little embellishment or stamp can be frustrating and ruin the creative moment.

I’ve learned the secret to loosing that frustration the hard way – I’ve gone from being unorganized and having all my creative supplies thrown all helter-skelter around my studio to knowing where every little button is over the last year. Yes, it’s taken me a long time to complete my studio re-organization – but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Making small changes here and there and then living with them has been the best way to get comfortable in my new space – and it’s also helped me to know exactly what I want.

I started saving for the big overhaul about 2 years ago; because I knew I wanted to have a built-in counter with drawers for organization and a countertop workspace so I could have a lot of different workspaces available to me. That was the expensive part – and I really needed to save for a long time to get that part done the way I wanted. Everything else I did to organize and make my studio was definitely done on a budget, but I did splurge here and there for some must haves! Here are a some of the creative touches I did that helped organize my supplies and make my studio pretty!

• Open shelves on the wall instead of cupboards were a big savings. The biggest expense was the long wide shelves! These shelves help keep common supplies together and close at hand.
• I looked for 3 years for locker baskets that were reasonably priced – and finally found 6 of them at a large flea market this spring for about $12 each. I was also lucky to have a great friend find 4 at a lawn sale for $1.00 each, WOW – that was amazing find on her part and what an amazing friend for letting me have them.
• I bought one sheet of bead board paneling at Home Depot ($18.00 and had them cut it to size – it then fit in my car and I didn’t have to worry about having someone cut it for me). It was easy to install with heavy-duty construction glue and nails to tack it in place.
• I bought an old ratty quilt at a yard sale for $8.00 and turned it into valances for the windows, a sewing machine cover, curtain and a chair cover – and I LOVE the way it looks. 

• I bought an old dresser at a yard sale for $50.00; painted it white and added fancy knobs to the drawers and wheels on the bottom – it makes GREAT storage and I can move it around easily if I want to re-arrange furniture! I keep all the things I use all the time stored there.

• I searched high and low for fancy iron shelf brackets – and found a vendor on Ebay that sold me 10 factory seconds for $38.00. A couple coats of white paint and some distressing and no one will ever know they aren’t very old. Antique brackets sell for $38 or more EACH!

• I just HAD to have a fancy light switch – and I knew when I saw one made from clay and alphabet stamps that I had to have it – but at $38.00 it was a bit much. When I couldn’t stop thinking about it weeks after I saw it – I knew it was going to come home to my studio and make me smile every time I saw it. I also knew I could make it from Polymer Clay if I wanted – but splurging made me a lot happier!

So let’s talk about organizing. The easiest way I have found to organize is to keep like things together – yeah a no brainer, right??  Sometimes that is easier said than done when you have a small space and nothing to organize with.

• All those drawers and baskets help me keep like items together.
• I use the cabinet drawers to store like items like inks together in one drawer
• I store buttons, flowers and other small embellishments in jars on the shelf over the bead board so I can see them and know what I have
• Magazines stored on shelves are easy to flip through when I need inspiration
• Paints and glues stored on shelves close at hand – the metal shelves I found on clearance at 2 Peas, they are perfect when put on a dowel and suspended through holes in the brackets
• Punches organized on hooks so I can easily flip through and find the one I’m looking for, common punches are stored in a drawer
• Clear stamp sets are kept in baskets so I can find the set I need quickly and easily

And, don’t forget – have some of your creations and favorite collections out so you can see them and be inspired to use your beautiful and organized studio! 

My studio is living proof that you can re-organize and re-make your studio on a budget! My creative space is still evolving, as I have a new light fixture/chandelier I want to have made from barn lights I found at a yard sale for $1.00 each and other little things here and there. I’m also looking for a farm table that I can slide drawer units underneath to keep more common items organized in. But then, when you are creating – nothing is ever really done.

Thanks for stopping by – I’d love to hear from you so make sure to send me a Private Message (CMScanlon) and let me know if you have any questions about my re-organization or studio space. I’d also love to know what your favorite organizing ideas are!    

Buttons make me happy.  They are colorful and pretty to look at; some have carved patterns, old and new – and they are plentiful. When I look around my studio I realize I have them stashed everywhere – and knowing I have them all makes me happy.

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of projects using buttons – monograms mostly. They look so elegant and pretty – with different shades of the same color of buttons glued to a pretty canvas.  I thought since I have such a love of buttons – that I should do something to show them off – and actually USE them for a change – and you might like to know how to make your own too – and add a few blingy embellishments to jazz up your button art! 

The biggest challenge in the button monogram is how to get the buttons in the shape of the letter and have it look so perfect. But not to worry, I will walk you through that, let’s get started.

To re-create this project you will need:

• 10” x 10” Canvas board, stretched canvas or wood panel
• Two different patterns of patterned paper
• Acrylic paint
• Gel Medium, Craft Glue
• Paint Brush
• Buttons
• Rhinestones and other pretty embellishments
• Computer, printer and word processing program    

Putting it all together:   

• I started this project using my word processing program. I chose the letter I wanted to monogram (E for the E in EK Success) and typed it into a new document.  Change the size to 800 points and font, it will be huge but that’s what we want.
• Change the type properties to “outline” and lighten the font color to a medium grey.
• Print on regular printer paper and check to see how it fits on your canvas. Adjust the margins if you need so the letter is in the center of the paper.
• Trim a piece of patterned paper to run through your printer and print the letter on it. Trim it down to a square, mine is 8 ½” x 8 ½” and set aside for a moment while you prepare the canvas.
• I didn’t have a light enough pink to paint the canvas and seal the canvas board in the color that I wanted, so I mixed two together to get a pretty delicate color. Paint the entire surface of the board and let dry.

• Meanwhile, trim a darker coordinating piece of patterned paper to adhere to the canvas underneath the monogrammed sheet.

• When the paint is dry, brush an even – thin coat of gel medium over the entire surface of the canvas and adhere the darker patterned paper down first – be sure to center it on the canvas. I like to use gel medium because the water content is very low and the chances of getting bubbles are much less with the thicker medium. Use a paper towel to smooth the paper and remove any air bubbles.

• Follow the same process and apply the paper with the monogram printed on it over the top, be sure to center it on the canvas and use the paper towel to smooth out the paper.
• As the canvas is drying – place your buttons in a bowl and start picking through to find the ones you want to use on the monogram.

If you look close you can just see the light outline of the letter E in this photo.

• Glue the buttons to the monogram with a good quality craft glue, filling in the letter and staying in the lines. This may be a bit tricky if you don’t have small buttons. Use small coordinating rhinestones to fill in those tiny spaces. When the entire monogram is filled in, go back and add a second and third layer to better fill in those empty spaces. Add some pretty embellishments to jazz up the monogram – continue adding until you have a pretty monogram that you can hang on the wall or lean on a shelf.

You don’t have to limit yourself to letters – work free-hand and make a series of canvases with apples, sailboats or other kid-friendly shapes to help your child learn the alphabet. There are so many ways you can use up all those buttons you’ve accumulated over the years – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned next for my next post as I share with you how I keep my studio organized!

when I was much younger, much blonder and much less cranky, my parents and I drove the 10 hours from our home in California to my Aunt and Uncle’s house in Eugene, Oregon. It was a beautiful drive up the picturesque coastline, edged with towering pine trees and blanketed by a fine sea spray mist. Absolutely lovely.

And the loveliness was furthered enhanced by our internal excitement of the opportunity to spend a week with some of our most favorite people during our most favorite time of year. Absolutely thrilling.

When we arrived at the doorstep, the greetings were filled with smiling faces and welcoming embraces.

The joy was palpable.

Well … that is until my little cousin turned to my dad and with all sincerity asked “When are you leaving?”

At that point, the silence was palpable.

But only for a slight second.

The foyer soon filled with laughter as we all considered the source and recognized the reason behind the question. You see, my cousin adored my dad. Absolutely enamored.

So really, the inquiry was all about my cousin preparing himself for the dreaded and eventual day when my father would have to climb back into the car and drive away … leaving him alone without his train buddy to play with.

Poor fella.

The week came and went and even though there had been much preparation for that sorrowful but inevitable day, there were still many tears shed when Uncle Al, under cover of early morning darkness, pulled out of that Eugene driveway.

And my little cousin was tearful too : ).

Now … isn’t that how we want all our visits with favorite guests to end? Maybe not with a deluge of waterworks, but at least with a tinge of sadness, a hint of melancholy if you will, that the time together is coming to a close?

At least that’s how I hope people react when I leave after a stay! Deeply remorseful that I will no longer be around. Sniff. Sniff.

Well … I can only hope they’re not doing a happy dance as soon as the door shuts behind me.

But then again, who could blame them if they did. I am pretty cranky … less blonde … and way old these days : ).

So speaking of guests ... we were weren't we? ... lately I’ve been seeing some interesting and out-of-the-ordinary ideas for guest books. It all started with the three wedding receptions I attended last year. Not a single bride used one of those traditional guest books I have come to expect. And none of them were anything like my circa 1988 fabric-covered-with-a-large-silk-flower-surrounded-by-some-ruffled-lace book.





Nope. Nothing like that vintage bit of loveliness : ).

Today’s guest books are not bound (heehee) by the stiff formality of leather edged with silver leaf trim. They are creative, highly imaginative, personable, unique and interactive. They are thematic and generally have more than one purpose. They not only register people’s attendance, but provide a further look into the personality or life of the event’s honoree(s).

Modern guest books are not subject to an afterlife of dust collecting. They are not shoved into drawers, hidden under beds or boxed up in attics. They are enjoyed, cherished and in some cases displayed for all to see.

Now, there is a caveat to these more unconventional registers. Guests do need to know what to do when presented with the opportunity to sign and/or leave a message. So make sure that when you use one of these non-traditional ideas that you include a note of clarification, an example or even a cute little cousin to verbally explain how and what to do.

As I was looking for pictorial examples, I found that most of the cyber world ideas fall into one of three categories: pictures, paper and props.



Pictures

Photo Book of Pictures. Order a photo book from one of the myriad of on-line sites: use engagement photos for a wedding shower or reception; first pix of baby with family for a baby shower or baptism; collection of photos through the years for an anniversary party.

Polaroids. Set a Polaroid camera next to a blank book. People can glue their picture into the book and write a quick message next to it. Have a box of props available for some hilarious out takes.
Photo Booth. Same concept as the Polaroid idea, but have an old fashioned photo booth delivered to the event.





Past Pix. Ask guests to bring photos of themselves with the honoree(s). Provide pens for them to write messages of congratulations on the backs. Pix can later be added to a photo book for the honoree to keep. This idea would be perfect for an anniversary or retirement party.

Picture Book. Purchase a coffee table type picture book of a place or theme that is special to the guest of honor. Have visitors sign it and then it can be an active part of the honoree’s book collection. For my hubs and I, a book about Salzburg would have been perfect … someday dear reader, when you’re older, I’ll tell ya the story ; ). For a baby shower, use a story book, like Goodnight Moon.





Pictorial History of Past House Guests. Whew! That’s a mouth full … but I was trying to keep the “P” thing going … anywho … how about a small mini-album to house pictures and stories of all the people who come to visit your home? I made this one in about an hour and now I’m totally excited to have someone come stay so that they can fill in the first pages. Anyone interested?













(And just in case you might be interested, click on one of the pix to go to the instructions and supply list.)



Paper

Note Cards. Guests can write their thoughts on note cards and either put them in envelopes (to ensure curious eyes don’t read other people’s messages) or tuck them into some sort of container like a fish bowl, decorated box or a garden trellis. The guest of honor(s) can later read the notes and store them back in their original container or have the loose ones bound together at an office supply store.





Paper Rolls. Same idea as above, but guests would roll notes up and drop into jar. Jar can later be displayed on honoree’s shelf.





Paper Chain. Channel the inner kindergartener with this idea. Guests write message on strip of paper then roll into loops and staple onto each other. How fun to have this hanging in a baby’s nursery. The new mommy could undo a strip and read it whenever she might need a bit of encouragement or words of advice.

Wish Tree. Provide guests with tags that can be tied to a table top tree. When the event is finished, keep the tags together with a binder ring.





Handmade Book. Place handmade books at each table for guests to write in throughout the event. This will allow them to comment on the happenings as they occur. If doing this for a wedding, double up the purpose and have the table number prominently displayed on the cover … it’s a two-fer! You could also leave blank pages on the table (or even Mad-Lib style fill-ins) and collect them for later binding.




Postcards. Collect blank postcards of a special place and have guests fill them in. Postcards could then be mailed to the honoree(s) in bulk or sporadically. Think of the joy newlyweds would have after returning home from their honeymoon to find a mailbox full of “love” notes from their wedding guests.




Vintage Map. Again, a reference to a special place or the destination of the event.




Books. Is the mommy-to-be an English major? How about having guests sign a copy of her favorite novel or even a parenting book. Maybe even try one of these new K&Company SMASH books. Guests sign it and then the honoree can add bits and pieces to the other pages … like gift wrap, honeymoon ticket stubs, invoices for hospital stays, etc.




File Card Drawer. Addresses on front of card. Messages on back. Easy and practical. Will make writing thank you cards a breeze!


Typewriter. In. Total. Love. With. This. Idea. No explanation needed.


Non- Paper Electronic Guest Book. (Yeah, I know, this one is sans the paper ... but where else was I going to put it?) Hire a kiosk and have guests video their messages. Might be a pricey choice, but how wonderful to have Grandma’s message IRL (well, sorta real life).






Props

Ceramic Platter. Sign a blank platter with porcelain pens from your local crafts store then bake it for durability. Charming display piece for the newlywed’s shelves.

Etched Silver Tray. Same concept as the platter, but have an etching tool available for penning signatures.




Quilt Squares. Love this idea for a baby or wedding shower. Baby can come home in the completed quilt and newlyweds can cuddle up in their finished piece during their first winter together … when they’re too poor for heat : ).

Artist Canvas. Set out paints and pens and let guests get artsy. Canvas can then be framed and hung in honoree’s home.

Framed Onsie. Same idea as above, but have guests decorate a Onsie for baby’s room.

Wooden Letters. Ditto the above and the above that. Spell baby’s name, couple’s last name or even year family established.




Magnum of Wine. Painty pens. Bottle of wine. Open on special occasion like anniversary or celebration of first house.

Instruments. This is way fun!




Ball. Maybe the couple met playing in a city softball league. Or playing volleyball in college. Cute idea also for a baby boy who has a ball-themed nursery.

Ski or Baseball Bat. It would be repetitive if I explained these. You get the idea.




Game Board. Know a couple who adores games? Sign the back and every time they get it out to play, they’ll think of all the happy memories.

Doll. Think baby shower or birthday party for a little girl.

Shells or Rocks. Try this especially if it’s a destination event. The shells could come off the beach the couple is getting married on or gather pretty rocks from a meaningful place. Once these are signed, display them in a large glass vessel for everyone to admire.

So do you feel inspired dear reader? Ready to WOW everyone at the next shin dig you host with your amazing guest book creation? Just think and do something outside-the-proverbial-box … get people talking and interacting.

But most important of all send the honoree(s) away with a memento that they will cherish … something meaningful and if possible with a dual purpose … better yet, something they’d be sure to grab if they had to leave their home in a hurry because of impending danger.

Let’s see, Aunt Gertrude’s crocheted toilet paper cover or the signed Salzburg picture book?

Hmmm … not so much the TP cover for me … unless … Aunt Gertrude was a world famous TP cover artist and her pieces were worth thousands of dollars to The Antique Road Show … then the choice just might get tough. LOL.

Well, either way, have fun imagining and creating new and interesting guest books dear reader! LMK what you come up with!

~ Elizabeth (ekb)


Resources:

Polaroids - Martha Stewart

Photo Booth - Off Beat Bride

Notecards - Martha Stewart

Paper Rolls - Martha Stewart

Wish Trees -  Create My Event & Martha Stewart

Handmade Book - Martha Stewart

Postcards - Martha Stewart

Vintage Map - Off Beat Bride

SMASH Book - EK Sucess Brands

File Card Drawer - Martha Stewart

Typewriter - Aisle Dash

Non-Paper Electronic Guest Book - Create My Event

Etched Silver Tray - Real Simple

Wooden Letters - Off Beat Bride

Instruments - Off Beat Bride & Create My Event

Sports Equipment - Wedding Window & Off Beat Bride