a BIG sign for my book signings

I thought it would be a good idea to make at least one BIG sign that could be seen across a fair or other large venue so I painted this one. It was really fun to work in a large scale. Wouldn't it be an absolute blast to be able to paint a HUGE something on the side of a barn! Ah, a girl can dream. Until then, 3 feet by 5 feet will have to do. :)

Walk in Your Own Footsteps Cards

I've been working on some beautiful cards to support my book Walk in Your Own Footsteps. I used original photography I've been collecting for years! It's so fun to share images that I've been enjoying for so long. Here are a few of the cards...

Kindle Pouch

I just love the Kindle I got for my birthday this month. When I shopped for covers, however, I found that most cost more than third the cost of the unit! And, since I've been inspired by Magnolia Pearl for a while, I decided to make my own! Using scraps I made this pretty bag and an extra little sack to keep the charger in. I just love having everything in one place!

I used fabric that was a sample from an upholstery shop. The green trim is left over from a quilt, and the hand-made lace doily I picked up at a thrift shop. I used seam binding tape fused to itself for the closure and the button is from my stash.























Here's a view of the back showing the doily. I used free-handed quilting to applique the doily. There may be a better way, but I didn't want to use glue.

Finally, the Kindle and charging cable tucked in their safe cozy home. I made the extra little fabric bag to keep the screen safe from the prongs on the charger. I think this is a much more fun and creative solution to keeping my Kindle safe from harm. :)

Sandwich boards to promote the book

I've just finished these panels to use to promote my book. I took a couple of days to think it through, then my sweetie cut the wood on Sunday and tah dah!!!! They're done. Jim will put the legs on and I'll be able to take it with me when I do book signings and such. I'm pleased with how they came out. Here's the two together....

 

I like that the two pieces are different, shows I made 'em myself! 

Cupcakes!

A cakeplate of Cupcakes!

I've been having so much fun lately creating these little cupcake pin cushions. I've collected the bases over time. Some are molds, others are vintage measuring cups. Working up the design and getting it out of my head and into reality has been fun! I especially like the way the beads look like sprinkles.

I hope your projects are bringing you joy, too!

close up of cupcake pin cushions

Blessings!

Upcoming Line of Pendants for ETSY

original painting titled "sunshine"

original artwork titled "mended heart"

daisy picture taken in Gilroy, CA

Shamrock

Sunflower picture taken in McCloud California

Hey, all! I've been slaving away working on new designs to place in pendants that I plan to list on ETSY. I thought it would be fun to post a few of the art pieces here to give a preview of the jewelry to come. I just love creating iconic images. These pieces lend themselves perfectly to darling little pendants worn simply or adorned with charms and beads. Gosh, the creative process is fun!This process starts with creating original artwork, taking pictures, and collecting vintage images. Then, I use my computer to make them the right size and print them out. For fun, I like to add some glitter and extra brush or ink strokes to the images. Finally, it's off to the glass studio to create the pendants. I hope you are having fun with your process, too.

Lovely blue cupboard



finished blue cabinet




When I was decorating our guest bedroom, pouring over magazines for the perfect combination of elements, I fell in love with an antique blue cupboard. The piece in the magazine was had been made from old stairs and painted many times over the years. Despite the fact that the original is a one of a kind, and way out of my budget anyway, I was dreaming of bringing such a piece into my home. So... I asked my sweetie if he could make a cabinet for me that we could turn into a similar piece. He was game so we worked on the project together. We live in a development with pretty small bedrooms, so I asked Jim to make it shallow so that it wouldn't take up too much room. He did the carpentry, and I did the painting and lined the inside with a 40's inspired fabric. I thought it would be a fun thing to share here. Art takes many forms and this little cabinet is art in my book.



a peak inside



TV show idea

Woo hoo! I just suggested a show to the Discovery Network. I hope it comes to life. I know many of us creative types would love it! Here's my idea:

Hi! I have an idea for a show I'd love to see. As far as I can find there is nothing like it on the air now. I'm not sure which one of your channels would fit best, but I'm sure you guys are the right place for it. My idea springs from what I love which is creating. I make quilts, paint, sew, make jewelry, stained glass, write, etc. I know that many people are like me and there is nothing on TV that shows people explaining their creative process. If we are open to many forms of creativity, we can include profiles of glass blowers, architects, artists, sculptors, artisans, musicians, writers... and many more. It would include elements from some your most popular shows including "How it's made" and even "Dirty Jobs" because we'd be interviewing people about what they do (even better, what they're passionate about) Obviously, I'd love to be a part of the show :) But, seeing it come to fruition would be a real blessing, too. Thank you for considering my idea. Please contact me if you'd like. Blessings,
Laura Pallatin

Doesn't that sound like fun! I'd love to watch a show about people realizing their creative visions. Let's keep our fingers crossed. 

My first birdie ornament

I've been working on this design in my head for a few weeks now and it is finally in the real world! Oh, I just love it! Soooo.... cute. I've been playing with exactly how to sculpt, paint, and finally what to use for the hanging loop. I wasn't sure what to put on the bottom, but I really like to little organza pouf of a tassel.

First birdie ornament all finished!

I'd love to know what you all think. I plan to offer this on my ETSY site, so feedback is welcome.

I'm off to Mount Shasta, CA to celebrate the new year with my folks. I hope that your new year's eve is a wonderful celebration!

Blessings