Janna Wilson

I'm moving...

not far...just over to Wordpress...finally. I hope you'll follow over there... jannawilson.net. Its still somewhat experimental, but I miss blogging and I have a lot of fun projects I'd love to share!

It's actually been over a year in the planning. So please come visit won't you. I'm still feathering the nest-- but I know y'all won't mind a little bit of a construction zone. Would love some feedback- please say Hi! Plus I have a couple of great posts up that might inspire your Fourth of July holiday...go check it out-- here's one!

Creative Snowball

 

#484296151 / gettyimages.com

I often refer to my life as a "creative snowball." Something creative is happening here in our home continually...in the past few days Abby has baked dozens of cookies, Sara has sewn some new clothes (upcycled of course) while pinning and dreaming of her new room decor. I've been working on my blog and reeling from Alt Summit. I met so many like minded creatives, ladies in a similar season of life- juggling family, jobs and dreaming big dreams. I told my sister I came back completely inspired and depressed! Right now, all I know to do is keep working towards finding success. 

Just keep swimming, just keep swimming!

I would love to feature some of the amazing ladies I've met- and I will...someone that really caught my attention is the super-duper talented Ciera Holzenthal. Wow. That girl just oozes talent. Serious. Graphic designer, crafter, influencer, social media wizard and blogger...must visit...

I was giddy when I met Melissa Esplin - fantabulous, talented calligrapher and all around creative lady. We geeked out talking about ink and nibs, oh my! And she's sews...just saying.

Another something I discovered...is WhimseyBox! --even got to meet the founder, Alicia!!! I especially love this recent post- how to host the best Crafternoon ever! Hello...speaking my whimsy! I get so excited looking at this site and all of the crafty-goodness!

Well, discovering and exploring these three treasure troves ought to keep you busy for a bit! I'll check back in later- let me know what you think!

 

 

Housekeeping- NOT (just some blog updates)

Morning all! It's Monday and I'm still on fire from attending Altitude Summit this past week in Salt Lake City. Yep. reeling...just check out the Alt Flickr stream if you really wonder if its as fabulous as reported. Because it totally is. I definitely plan a more thorough post on that but first things first. 

I've been blogging since about 2005- and I've been here at Typepad since 2006. I've always used it as a place to share my passions there have been moments when I wish I had realized the value of the traffic beyond just personal connections. There are folks I've "met" through blogging that hold a special place in my heart and its really pretty amazing. As I often say...my mantra- my words...

Everyone that crosses your path can change the direction of your life. (Janna Wilson) Want a printable of this quote? Bookmark me on BlogLovin-- I'll have a special treat later this week!!!

So now that I'm finished with school I feel as though I'm back living life again. It's absolutely glorious. It feels like life was on hold and there's no holding back now!!! Watch out world.

With that said--blogging is actually something I want to focus on because its a great way to share my work, speak my mind and connect with like minds and creatives. I'm so excited. So I've spent a little time over the weekend updating, doing a little bit of housekeeping getting the blog headed in the right direction. Check out the sections entitled...Craft It, Sew It and Eat It. I'll be adding thumbnails that link to some of my (and your) favorite posts. Still A LOT of work to be done...I'll be organizing the treasure trove of scrapbooking inspiration into similar pages...so stay tuned! 

Be sure and connect with me on Instagram...that's my drug of choice as far as social media...I'm janna_wilson both there and Twitter.

 

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!

I'm Ba…aaaaaaaaack...

Well, after a four year hiatus (insert crazy middle aged lady decides to go back to school to finish graphic design degree) from the blog...I'm back. 

Working on freshening the visuals, content, creating regular content...making plans and sharing more of our creative adventures from here at Wilsonville. I feel better when I write. And it helps me sort out thoughts. 

So my life is a dream right now. Being done with the grind of attending college full-time is akin to that feeling when you think you are missing a kid. You get real scared at inopportune moments (like when your head finally hits the pillow at night) OMG did I do my online class homework? When was that due!?? -- Not having to have those little panic sessions has definitely extended my life span.

A typical week for me now is three days working at the print shop and two days working in my office on freelance projects-- or now that its summer, running kids to and fro and working on projects in the evenings/weekend. Its nice to have a few days in the office/public setting and working with fellow creatives is energizing...and --keeps my mind sharp! And its even nicer to be able to work from home. Trying to find balance is really difficult. I've been hired on as a freelancer with DaySpring...so that is SUPER DUPER exciting. DaySpring is a division of Hallmark and it is like Heaven on Earth in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. I should be starting some projects next month for that sweet gig! 

I've had some super fun freelance projects the last few weeks this shirt for Luke Pruitt's first single release...love the song, Your Man that inspired the shirt design. Here's some of the work in progress...

I created a very unique save the date that incorporated a Hereford bull that I watercolored. I'm hooked on watercolor now. 

 In fact I went on to finish the custom commissioned piece below with a wreath of watercolored elements. It was my first time to paint with watercolors. IN LOVE! You can purchase a digital print of the design below in my Etsy shop. 

 

I would like to thank the chickens...for the omelets

If you don't know it...I grew up on a farm. And as much as I wanted to get away from farming, ironically I find myself enamoured with it once again. Scott (more than me) has been gardening for a few years, has turned into sort of a self-sustaining, homesteading wanna-be. He cans, he makes soap, he's always hunted and fished, but more now just for our food and he's raised these from baby chicks...

Abby could name them...but all I know is Hershell is the wild eyed Banty rooster and Ellie is one of the black ones. We've had three hens and Hershell for almost two years now and the others he and Abby raised since last spring. Its a wonderful thing to see this little hen house growing...and producing. We are enjoying the fruits of their labor everyday. Heck its entertaining just to watch them!

I thought I'd share one of our favorites...the perfect omelet. No I'm no Pioneer Woman, but my daughter thinks this is delish...and well, if your 15 year old daughter thinks you did something good...it MUST be good!!!

THE Perfect 2-Egg Omelet:

Ingredients:

2- farm fresh eggs (literally one of mine was still warm :)
1 tbsp milk or half and half
1/4 c. diced onions
1-2 c. fresh spinach
cheddar cheese (or whatever you like)
1 tbsp bacon bits 
butter or olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Cookware:

You'll need a non-stick skillet to be successful with this. I found this little treasure at Ikea for like $5 bucks. Its the only thing I use this skillet for because I like to cook in cast iron mostly.

 

Melt about a tbsp butter and saute your onions over medium heat for about 3 min or until transparent and just starting to brown.

 

Add spinach. 1-2 cups depending on how much you like spinach and how many omelets your cooking up.

 

 

Saute spinach about 2-3 minutes till just wilted. It cooks down alot so you'll end up with less than half than you started with.

 

Remove your cooked veggies to a plate. Beat two eggs and milk or half and half with a fork till well combined. I use milk because the fresh eggs are so rich it mellows them just a bit. Turn heat down to med-low. Add the egg mixture to the skillet. You don't want to FRY the eggs. You want them to silently and slowly cook. You really don't want to brown the eggs-- just cook slow and steady. This only takes 3 minutes or so.

 

 

Before the egg is cooked through (stil wet on top) add the bacon bits if you like.  Now here's where I do different than most folks...I flip my omelet. Yes. I flip it. I want my egg cooked thoroughly before adding fillings...so flip. (enter BIG SPATULA)

 

Ooops...a little brown there. Adjust the heat according to how your stove/skillet work together. It doesn NOT need to cook for more than a few seconds on this side...just go ahead and remove from heat at this point.

Fill with the veggies, sprinkle a few tablespoons (or cups) of cheese and enjoy this beauty...I like salsa with it too. MMmmmm...

Calories...I estimate around 220 +/- for the two eggs (70 ea), cheese and fat (butter or olive oil). Spinach and onions barely have any. Such a great way to start the day!

Again...I'd like to thank the chickens...for making this breakfast possible.

 

 

 

Countdown to 2014

Two days left. 

So much to think about.

So much to do.

Sara's birthday is the 31st. 

Fifteen. What?

Lots of wonderful memories from the holidays this year. So fun. And this little guy will be 7 in two weeks. Hello. Seriously?

I've got two precious weeks before my final semster of school commences. Just 12 hours of classes to complete my degree. I CAN NOT WAIT to be done. Can't wait. I think I may be fibbing to myself - whispering, things can be normal again when you're done. Life will resume. I hope that is true. I dream of having normal evenings and weekends and no worry of trying to juggle the family, a home PLUS homework. Weekends free to craft or bake or just be lazy instead of stealing away too many hours to catch up on school work.

2013 has been good. We made it- blessed with health, happiness and contentment. No regrets for 2013. I had to make a few hard decisions, and looking back, I know that I was moved to do the right thing (thanks to many prayers). There were so many wonderful blessings...too numerous to list. Thankful and humbled.

So many things to look forward to in 2014.

No resolutions but I do have a few wishes for the new year. I wish I could do it all.

I wish I could be a better mama and homemaker and earn a living and finish school and design meaningful things and capture all the moments and keep the house and cook good dinners and be a good example and be a runner again and lose 50 lb. and be healthy and have it all together.

What I know- 

...that God has made my journey (school) possible for me to something good for others- small or great, I know it is for a reason.

...I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. I have no doubt. 

...that I will NEVER be able to do it all.

...a little hustle will help conquer what's gotta get done :)

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 :)

12 Days of Christmas- Handmade

I've got about a week of school left and I'm free from its reins for one glorious month. No homework. No going to class everyday. Ahh...yes, freedom, well, sort of :)

This year I'm making/crafting about 75% of my gifts--whether its baking, making, crafting. These creations are meaningful, expressions of love and CAN BE less expensive.  Plus if you're like me the joy of giving is just that much sweeter when you have hand-crafted a gift.

In an effort to spread some Christmas Cheer! ..and revive my own Creative Spirit-- I give you

I'll revisit and remake some old favorites and show you some fresh, fun ideas to get your hands busy and make your heart happy and spread some handmade joy this season! Be sure and follow me on Blog Lovin' so you don't miss a beat! The fun starts this Friday night just in time for weekend crafting! 

Busy hands, happy heart!

 

what about...

Praying about my beautiful young niece, Faith -- who started chemo this week at MD Anderson in Houston. Faith is Bigger than Fear...

If you're local be sure and come feed your family on December 7th. Chili supper, pie and baked goods auction, silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. 

^^^From sketch to poster.

Glad about that fact that we are done with the craziness of football and volleyball x 3 kids. Whew! Next year, I will not be juggling so much. Just a normal mama with a job. How cute is Cash and his pretty homecoming date!

Happy about the fact that there is only 4 weeks of this semester left. YAY!!! (insert cartweel)

Feel good about this logo...finally! It's a school identity/branding project that is close to my heart so I really want it to be fabulous. It's taken a few iterations, but I think I've got it where I want it. All hand-lettered type (except the tag line).

Excited about Christmas and the holidays. I'm going to do some things different this year...I might actually send the Christmas card I design...here's a fun sketch I thought about?

Thought it might be fun to do little custom house illustrations and watercolor them like I did this...

So relieved about the fact that I don't have to cook supper! YAY! Wednesday night supper at church. It's really fun because we all rotate and a couple of us will cook each Wednesday night. It's a great time and we love the fellowship before Bible Study. 

What about you???