Janna Wilson

Silhouette Portrait…freebie for me, freebie for you!

After a long week- I came home to a very sweet find on my porch...

Yes, a brand new - cute as a button, Silhouette Portrait courtesy of Silhouette America, a sponsor of Alt Summit Salt Lake City (yes, I'm attending!!!)

 

I've used Cricut, Pazzle and Silhouette cutters...I even did a video demo for Scrapbooks etc. magazine back in the day (when I didn't even own one- LOL!)...don't laugh that was 7 years ago and I hadn't lost baby weight..and well, I still haven't ;) lol! I can tell you if I were spending money on a cutter it would be the Silhouette even though I've actually owned and used a Cricut Expression for about 5 years (because I caught it on a deep clearance). I've been sold on the Silhouette ever since I did that video-It was my favorite back then and if you watch the video...you'll see they have made updates to improve it moreso. It's super compact. A cinch to get set up and works great. The software/interface is very easy for the average computer user.

Here's a card I made that mimics the luxe look of gold foil using the Silhouette. 

Prior to applying the gold vinyl lettering, I watercolored the heart on a 4" x 5.5" piece Crane Lettra- by Neenah (also a generous sponsor of Alt Summit) thick cotton paper. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE paper? Swoon. The card is very on trend with the hand-lettering, foil-look and the scrumptious paper makes it over the top! Ready to write a quick note on the back and put in the post...with a calligraphed address of course...

I also did a matching card and tag with the gold vinyl...love this look on Neehah's shimmery Metallic Premium Cardstock.

For me as a crafter and graphic designer, I like to create my own designs in Adobe Illustrator (like the handwritten word Thank You I did a few years ago) and I can do that and export the .dxf
files for use with the Portrait without any additional software. Awesome! But they do have a crazy amount of fun designs you can purchase at their shop for just .99 cents each. Some of my favorites are any and all by Lori Whitlock. She's amazing :)

A big THANK YOU to Silhouette for this generous gift! I will share the love here by giving you all this file for use with your machines! Follow me on Bloglovin or bookmark me-- there's more cuttable freebies to come! Plus I'll share my tips on cutting fabric and crafting with the Portrait! 

Download Thank you SVG

Download Thank you DXF (for Silhouette)

I'd love to see what you do with the "thank you" -- send me a shout out if you can use it! 

Interested in the supplies I used- they are available here at my affiliate, WhimseyBox!

12 {Handmade} Days of Christmas

Today I have a fun project to share! 

This was a fun goodie I designed last year-- but sold through some local craft fairs and bizarres. I thought it would be fun to make this available as a printable for you!

 

Easy assembly just print the file, cut out the cards and punch holes in the corners to tie up with string or ribbon. A great project to do with the kids!

 

You can download this FREE banner design and use it a bunch of festive ways! The PDF includes full size banner cards and a mini version which I used on this plain wreath.

I just love adding the wreaths to my old windows in the kitchen...this kitschy little banner is perfect!

Use the small banner cards as tags also-- very fun little additions to holiday gifts and treats! 

You can down load the PDF file here: Download Noel Banner

• Size of Large Banner Cards: Appx. 6.5 x 9 in.
• Size of Small Cards: 2.25 x 3.5 in.

Use these cute cards for:
Gift tags
Package Decorations
Scrabooking or Project Life
Holiday Cards

The fun vintage Santa was curated by The Graphics Fairy - she has tons of wonderful vintage images available for sharing over at her website:
http://thegraphicsfairy.com

Terms of Use:
Please use these designs for your personal use only or for making gifts. No selling or redistributing these files or derivatives of these graphics. Play nice :)

Random Acts of Craftiness...and togetherness

This last week Sara and I got excited. She was making shirts for her cheer team -- then as usual-- we had a million ideas and it went from there. So needless to say she's been busy and I've appointed myself her graphic designer and great things have happened. We've created some fun patches/pockets for School Spirit apparel. You buy the iron on and put it on YOUR favorite tee. Easy!

The greatest thing that has happened-- is we've had a this one week out of this whole summer that I wasn't working --and we spent it together. Making. Creating. Laughing at ourselves (mostly me.) Doing what we love most. Yes, there are plenty of other things I should have been doing, but this was the last week before school started. I can look back on this and remember these happy times, the togetherness. Time well spent with my girl who is growing up way too fast.

Then I made some fun things for Emmy- my niece :)

And this linen towel for a special friend. 

If you are interested in purchasing any of our little goods- check out the Etsy Shop or email us :) 

 

Note to self: Finish Some Projects

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Coming off of the holiday high, today it was back to reality. I REALLY enjoyed the 4 day weekend...I gave myself permission to do nothing, well sort of. You know that I did not do "nothing", right? We had family and friends in and out over the course of the holiday and so it was busy but I also had a nice relaxing time. I even got in the pool-- TWICE! The kids made flag shirts (masking tape, $4 mens tee and acrylic paint, oh, and a star punch) which turned out super cute. Here was the making of Cash's shirt-- 

So I've got a few (dozen) projects going...and when I have a lot of projects I'm working on --for some reason that makes me want to start new projects! LOL! How weird am I!?!? I guess I get inspired and overwhelmed and all giddy and I lose my mind...and think of MORE things I want to do.

I thought while I drink my tea and wish I was reading my new book, I better sit down and make a list of what I need to FINISH before I start ANYTHING else! And why wouldn't I post my to do list here for the world to see and keep me accountable!? LOL!

• Need to update my Etsy shop with this new print and some others. Also, need to photograph the art and get that looking good. Tomorrow is a shipping day. Also wondering about selling to local boutiques...need to approach some more locals/handmade shops and see what might come of that.   

• Need to finish a collage project for a special friend. 

• Finalize my entry for the Global Talent Search and submit it by the end of the week. I've made a bit more progress...you can see my first three concepts here and now I have this...I've got to work out the colors and I believe it is just missing something...hmm...

 

• Need to wrap up the logo project I'm working on. This one is my favorite I think.

• I have a pretty cool trip coming up and I'm trying to work out a concept for a letterpress book project that I'll be working on for that. I'm percolating on that while I'm stewing over everything else! LOL!
• I really do have plans to get some more printables up here on the blog this summer. If all goes well, I'll have a special treat available on Friday! I think it will be really useful and fun for all the crafty readers. Hint... I'd love to know what printable items you would be interested in?
• Must update my portfolio site. Again, need to do some photography to accomplish this. 

Okay, I'm thinking I can get these things whipped by the weekend? Maybe?

On another note-- Are you using BlogLovin? I am and I'm loving it! Up until just recently I just gave up all my blog reading and lost touch with some of my favorite creatives. Not anymore! I love this app-- easy access from phone or iPad. Definitely try it! Click on the icon up by my profile pic to follow! Yay!

 

 

 

Writing, rambling and quilts

I'd like to think I'm a decent writer. Don't judge based on my blog stats, or by proper useage/grammar, etc.-- lol... but no matter if folks aren't interested in what I have to say, I really do like writing and reflecting. Speaking from the heart. Its good for my soul and maybe another soul might find a blessing in what I have to say. I think that as a designer that its a benefit to have some decent writing skills so I try to expand my copywriting skills by practicing here and there.

I'm writing some content for a project I'm designing for my Fine Printing and Book Making class at UAFS and its been interesting. I'm basically writing a little bit about how a quilt is a metaphor for life. I think its an interesting concept and I've enjoyed exploring it. 

In considering the design, I've really tried to engage my thoughts--even watched How to Make an American Quilt! I got to thinking about this quilt--used and a little abused, loved by us all...it stays on the couch or somewhere thereabouts ready to warm on a chilly day. Its threadbare in some parts. I don't know exactly how old it is, but its very pretty. Hand quilted, all hand stitched, by Scott's grandmother. Its really a beautiful thing...on many levels. 

Quilting now is a lot different than it used to be. Used to folks had to quilt because they didn't have the money for or access to yards of fabric. Quilting is about taking bits and pieces and processing it into a whole, creating a greater good and useful thing. Isn't that a lot like life? If you've ever sewn, you know that it takes a great deal of consideration and its quite meticulous. Life is definitely a lot like making a quilt-- I can't wait to share this project when I'm finished. Here's a peek...

This has been a process that I've really enjoyed building upon and simplifying. I've edited my thoughts into short bits to relate the ideas. This particular page relates the stitches made in a quilt to a person's works in life...dedication, love and concern make resilient stitches while a sloppy job yields a poor outcome. Just a little glimpse. 

The closest I've actually come to making a quilt is this bag I made last summer...which I love. Its still upstairs hanging where it was when I finished it-- maybe I'll carry it to keep my mind on quilting and trying to design a good life.

 

 

 

Jenny's Baby Shower

What a week this last one was-- it culminated in a wonderful, precious time with many of our extended family. My baby sister Jenny is due in May and only has a few short weeks until we will meet her little bundle! Without Sara and Abby I would have never been able to pull off getting the house ready for the shower. We worked a bit all week, cleaning and prepping and Sara and Abby crafted most of the pretty decor.

I tested recipes on Thursday...and ended up baking five quiche and 3 dozen orange cranberry scones.Quiche was a hit...you seriously can't go wrong with Paula Deen.

We also made Pig'n Blankets (little smokies and crescents), chicken salad sandwiches and had a couple of yummy cheeseballs and fresh pineapple. The shower was a drop in from 10-1 so I wanted to include a brunchy selection.

All of the decorations can be used in the baby's room or for photo props later so Jenny gets to keep all of that. These roses are some of the most beautiful silk roses I've ever seen (from Wal Mart of all places $2 each). Most all of the decor we pulled from things we had with the exception of purchasing the different pink fabrics.

You can check out some in progress pics of the garland on my Instagram.

Parents to be Jenny Beth and Tim

My sister in law made probably the best cupcakes I've ever had and the prettiest pink! So good! We sprayed candle sticks with gold spray paint for the cupcake stands. The scallop tops are a Wilton product that was silver...sprayed gold and glued onto the top of the candle stands. Little holders for forks were from Glade flameless candles...a little spray paint and voila!

The baby's room is light pink and gold...so we went with that. Invitation design by Paper Belle.

 

A quick project to personalize the decor a bit...appliqued an E to linen and framed with something I already had. Needs a little more work but I made it at like 11:00 the night before :)

Sara made this cute little diaper cake for Jenny.

And its back to boringsville. The best tip I can give you is that $5 flat sheets (also WM) make the best tablecloths! We live in a small town so when you need something -- WM is your only option to run to, unfortunately. I happened onto a clearance set of black sheets at Target a while back and was needing a black table cloth for something...worked perfectly.

My hubby has a special sweet spot for Jenny, as he has gotten to see her grow up into a gracious, beautiful, successful woman. And seeing her make this step into Motherhood is pretty wonderful. He made her a rocking chair just like he made me...pretty awesome.

Wanna see more from the shower...check out Jenny's Instagram.

Precious memories...

 

Seven days of making...starting now.

I'm alive! My last semester of school was probably the hardest yet...long story short I overextended myself. Why haven't I learned yet that I am NOT superwoman??? (I still managed a 4.0 :) Whew...I've been off for break since the 9th and I have one more week of "freedom". I'm getting ancy now :) I'm dreaming. BIG. I finally have had time to get making.

I told Sara today, I've got to take action. I'm tired of standing on the sidelines and letting people around me have all the fun and make my dreams their reality. I had to write a paper this past week reviewing my semester (for a scholarship I have) and it really got me to thinking about where I came from, where I am and which path I'm going to take from here. I said I wanted to go back to school to enable me to be independent as a designer, a creative, a maker. I wanted to be taken seriously. I wanted to get serious. Somewhere along the way I lost that thought. I just figured I'd have to get a "real" job. Get more experience. I have just 10 classes left till I graduate and honestly, there's not a great big job market for me locally. I'm not totally discounting that options but why not stay the course...continue my original plan of action. I know that the Good Lord is guiding my way. I will not worry. But I must keep trucking. I'm not going to be paralyzed in fear or worry any longer.

I'm also going to CREATE!!! The past six months were rough. I literally had NO time to do anything beyond family, school, work and an internship I did for the semester. It was a wild ride. My schedule is back to some sort of normalcy and I'm so excited about having a bit of time to squeeze in creating and exercising again. Creating --not just for self...but creating and making my original plans happen- who knows what might unfold! Creating is what I do. It makes me happy. It makes everything better and wonderful! Look, I'm a dreamer...and I believe anything is possible. I'm a living example that dreams do come true and the Lord can bless us with MORE than we ever expect. So I'm just gonna work like everything I want can and will happen. No biggie, right! Just a little FAITH.

Starting today...I'm going to bring a project or idea to fruition for seven glorious days! YAY!!!

This was a project inspired by a Pinterest trend...here.  Looks a little blah here but it is stunning IRL. I wanted to gussy it up more with some flowers, crocheted lace maybe,  but I really like the simplicity of it. My print is on canvas mounted on a 16 x 20 fabric (b&w dot) matboard. I'm going to be offering these for sale soon. I'm excited. What a precious gift for Valentines or Mother's Day.

Come to think of it...I've been creating all week! From my biscuit baking day...

...then there was much doodling and sketching ideas in my sketchbook...(potential baby girl name for my sister's bun in oven)

Saturday, I made this fun design at work with vinyl. And yes, I LOVE Instagram! Follow me! janna_wilson I'm totally addicted. I don't FB or tweet...but love my IG.

So much to do and so little time! I took my vitamins way late and I cannot sleep. Whew!

One more thing I want to mention.  I want to get back to blogging regularly. I also want to start designing some fun printables. Any special requests? Check back with me...I'll try to share something this week! Freebies! YAY!

Y'all have a great Monday!

ttfn!

 

Free Class - PS Top 5!!!

Summer school...YES!!!

You'll definitely want to check this out:

puzzled...

(papers from Echo Park Note2Self at Jessica Sprague, note paper a freebie kit by Erica Zane, stitches by Carina Gardner)

Well, since I have been working on my craft/scrapbook website, I have been so rejuvenated by all my old projects...its really made me want to create...something, anything. I never really embraced digital scrapbooking-- I love the whole tactile aspect of paper, textures, etc. --plus I just didn't have time before. But given my experience as a designer, my limited time and the face that I REALLY have needed a creative release...well, here I am! Digital Scrappin'! LOL!  No, its really fun, and the best part is that there is absolutely NO mess! If you don't count the external hard drives, flash drives, cords and sketchbook!  LOVE getting these Instagrams on these pages.

You know me...I'm always dreaming of something, looking forward to a new adventure even though I really don't ever go anywhere at all LOL!!! I've had a lot of things going through my head. I love to learn new things and be challenged. I'm experimenting with some things right now, learning some new things (outside of school), and we'll see what happens.

I mentioned my craft website...want to visit? I may never get done because I have so much content but I thought it would be a good chance to practice my web skills.  Go peek at this...

Remember its a HUGE work in progress...but I'm excited to share-- Happy Sunday!

 

Butterfly Valentines {FREE PRINTABLE!}

I've had the wonderful opportunity to team up with Heather that writes and publishes the awesome site-- PASSION FOR SAVINGS --to and create some fun printables to share with her readers! This past week she shared my Valentine freebie from last year, which I still LOVE :) but there's something new for this year! I'm so excited about this...I wish I had time to just crank out fun freebies all day- I enjoy it so much! Heather made the suggestion that we share a Valentine treat printable and this is what I came up with--

Head on over to www.passionforsavings.com or click below the image to pick up this free printable Valentine and you can make these for your sweeties :) Who knows- you might just find a deal on some lollipops to go with your printable Valentines for a fabulous, frugal holiday treat!

Click here to download the pdf file: butterfly valentine