image from my Instagram Feed

I just LOVE Mondays!!
Especially when I've dedicated much of my time on the weekend to my family.
I always feel ready to tackle the projects for the week when I've taken some time on Saturday and Sunday to step away from the computer and unplug from social media and just "BE".

As soon as the sun comes up on Monday though…you better believe I'm just itching to dive back into work. Which most of the time seems completely unlike work at all since I'm fortunate enough to be able to focus on what I love most… CREATING!!

I'm about to make some "pretty" happen today - how about you?

For those of you who are curious...
The above image was created from a photo I took of a rose in my backyard.
I then used the NEW Rhonna Designs MAGIC App to add the "lace" texture to the image and then used the regular Rhonna Designs App to insert the text.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've got TONS of pretty to make happen today and photograph.
Be sure to come back here tomorrow for the HUGE project I've been working on and will be sharing!!
You're going to LOVE it!!

LIFE | The calm before the storm

I've got a tight grip on Summer you guys…I just DON'T want to let go.

I keep thinking about the fact that Ella starts Kindergarten, Clara starts college and my sweet Ema is smack dab in the middle getting ready to begin her Sophomore year in High School.

Things have been pretty chill this Summer including a small but steady stream of orders from my shoppe...so I've definitely been grateful for the sense of calm.

In fact, the Summer lull has allowed me to dive into some fun side projects like this Surprise 80th Birthday Party Save-the-Date I'm working on for a friend's mom. I just LOVE the color scheme we came up with based on her mom's love of Salt Water Taffy.

And you already saw the Baby Love Collection I was able to help whip up for another friend who was hosting a baby shower. (hoping to post pictures from the shower soon).

I've also been able to sneak in some fun at the beach, a backyard sandcastle, cherry pitting, lazy days with Ella, AND…for extra fun…the family and I enjoyed a mini staycation this past weekend…

I REALLY needed to unplug and just soak up some sun.

But you know that saying…"The calm before the storm"???
Yep…it's about to get crazy over here.

And I'm not just talking about the fact that school starts on Monday…
I'm referring to some REALLY exciting projects I'm working on.
Two of which have super tight deadlines…I MAY be freaking over a little.

BUT…again…I'm holding onto every minute of Summer I possibly can.
So…until it's Monday morning…and the kids are off to school…there will be no freaking out over deadlines and work stuff.

It's still Summertime in my book.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I'm having some girls over tonight for a Jamberry Nails Party!
Have you heard of these adorable shrink-wrap, nail designs?
Not only are they cute but they are organic, gluten-free, non-toxic and safe for kids! Yes!!

SHARE | FREE Monthly Printables Blog Hop :: St. Patrick's Day

I just LOVE this Art Print because it's a such a simple reminder of our self-worth and the power we have as women to truly be the gold at the end of the rainbow! I hope you love it too because this is the FREE printable I've designed for February as part of the MONTHLY BLOG HOP I'm participating in this year with 7 other fabulous bloggers. (See January's collection of FREEBIES right here).

Not only does this printable come in Color as well as in Black and White…
I've also created a .pdf for you to easily create a stencil to add a little sparkle to your art print like I did to the one below...

I really can't decide which one I like better. The simplicity of the art print without the glitter is just as appealing as the "show-stopper" quality the sparkle adds to it. You decide what works best for you.

Use the stencils to trace the letters and hearts onto Shiny Gold Card Stock, Gold Glittered Card Stock, or Gold Glittered Adhesive Backed Card Stock and cut them out and glue them right over the word "Gold" and the little heart accent. OR…use the free .pdf I created with your favorite cutting machine like I did. The Silhouette® or the fabulous new Cricut Explore™ will make the job a piece of cake!

To download this Free Art Print (and Stencils), use the preferred link(s) below:
8x10 Black & White .pdf or .jpg
8x10 Color .pdf or .jpg
11x14 Black & White .pdf or .jpg
11x14 Color - .pdf or .jpg
Art Print Stencils 

Now it's time to participate in the "Blog Hop" portion of this post by visiting each of these other fun FREE printables posted today from some of your favorite bloggers! Click on each of the links below!

1. NoBiggie  2. Pen N' Paper Flowers  3. HWTM (Hostess with the Mostess)  4. Nest of Posies 

5. Catch My Party  6. Living Locurto  7. Paper and Pigtails  8. Skip To My Lou

Hope you are having as much fun using these FREE monthly printables as I am creating them!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've been doing some real "Navigating" over the last few weeks and I've made baby steps towards the direction I'm trying to go. There are many areas I'm coming up short but I'm determined to not make those shortcomings my focus. Darn it! *wink*

RESTYLE | Chalkboard Popcorn Bar Collection

At long last I am finally posting the pictures of the re-styled Rustic Popcorn Bar I created for our Neighborhood Fall Family Picnic. (See the original version HERE).

I'm loving the versatility of this new "Fancy Chalkboard" Edition Popcorn Bar.
I've had so many people purchase the original Rustic Popcorn Bar Printables for weddings…
I decided to create this chalkboard version specifically for brides (and party planners) to be able to incorporate this fun idea into the wedding details, (or birthday party, anniversary, family reunion, fall festival), while still being able to tie in the wedding/event colors - or at least have it blend nicely. 

I did a few simple things to alter the look of the original cart...

DESIGN | Sweet Love Bridal Collection

I thought I'd send you off into the weekend with Love on your mind...
thanks to this really cute "Sweet Love" logo I recently designed.

Last month I was approached by my friend, Carmen to create a printable mini wedding suite.
If you don't already know, Carmen owns a super cute party shoppe called The Flair Exchange.
She creates fun hand-made party decor and she has recently stepped into the "wedding" side of celebrations.

Carmen challenged me to create a mini wedding suite including an invitation and matching treat flags
using her Rose Tissue Paper Tassel Garland Kit.
Drawing inspiration from the neutral color palette of...
copper metallics and soft pink rose gold, here's what I came up with...

I loved the design so much...(and felt like there would be many others out there who would like it too)
I decided to create a few more coordinating elements to create a complete "mini celebration" package

There's now a 24x36 printable Chalkboard Poster, Banner, Cut-Outs and Thank You Cards to go along with the invitation and party flags.

The Cut-Outs are one of my favorite elements since they are so versatile.

Create cake toppers, chair signs, stickers, lawn stakes, clings and more!

Here's the best part of this entire collection...

although it was originally intended for a wedding/bridal shower...

it's also perfectly fitting for a baby shower...

anniversary celebration...

or even for Valentine's Day! (pin it now to remember later)

The entire collection is now an INSTANT DOWNLOAD available in the shoppe.

If you prefer to have just the party flags and Fill-In Invitation...visit Carmen's site for the FREE download.  

While you're there - be sure to browse her selections of Balloon Tassels, Confetti-filled balloons and Tissue Tassel Garlands. 

But hey...

before we all head out to enjoy our weekend...

How about I randomly choose 3 winners to receive the entire "Sweet Love" Collection?

That's what I'm talking about!!

Enter now using the Rafflecopter Widget below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The contest starts NOW and the winners will be announced on Monday! (June 24th)
Tell all of your friends who are planning bridal showers, weddings, baby showers, etc.

They'll love you - I promise!!

I hope you have a great weekend everyone!

KEEPiNG it REAL
I will soooo be using this collection myself.
I'm in love with the turnout and my creative mind won't stop churning with all of the possibilities!

FEATURE | Curious Cami's 3rd Birthday Party

I absolutely LOVE when passionate customers reach out to me with a design idea for a party they are planning...
I just KNOW the creative results they come up with are going to be good.

Such is the case with Michelle Knox, of I DO Invitations by Michelle.
She approached me about designing an exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic...
for her daughter's Curious George themed birthday party.
I can't begin to tell you how amazing the party details turned out...
and here's my small contribution...

The exclusively designed "Girly Monkey" I created for Michelle...

You may have even already seen the party featured on HWTM...

or perhaps you were one of the people who voted it a "Reader's Favorite" on Project Nursery?

It's even been featured on Catch My Party...

and has been a favorite "Pin" on Pinterest.

I'm honored to have worked with Michelle...

and I'm thrilled to finally feature it here on Pen N' Paperflowers...

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Party Host: Michelle Knox of I DO Invitations

Celebration Type: 3rd Birthday Party
Party Theme: Girly Curious George
Inspiration: Her daughter's love of Curious George
Color Palette: Red, Pink, Yellow, Green and Blue
Party Style: Fun, Whimsical
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

PARTY iNViTATiON

Michelle took the graphic I created for her and whipped up an adorable invitation

PARTY DETAiLS

I'm certain you are going bananas over the vibrant color palette...

and the super cute details in every nook and cranny!!

MY FAVORiTE PARTY DETAiLS

• The trendy chevron pattern used throughout all of the party details

• Those amazing "girly monkey" cake pops

• The use of the fireplace as a backdrop and focal point for the fabulous dessert table

• The adorable DiY cake topper

• The super cute custom cookies

• The incredible "Curious Cami" wooden sign Michelle's husband made. Wow!!

Michelle went above and beyond...

There couldn't have been one detail that was overlooked...seriously!

I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Michelle.

Her sweet little Cami is one lucky girl to have such a talented mom.

VENDOR CREDITS:

• Exclusive "Girly Monkey" graphic: Pen N' Paperflowers

• All Paper Designs + Styling: I DO invitations by Michelle

• Photography: Photos by Vitella

• Custom Monkey Shirt + Curious Name Tees: golden shop

• Cami’s Headband/Clippie: AMK’s Boutique

• Cami’s Necklace: Miss CoCo Designs

• Cupcakes/Cake Pops/Desserts: Lillycakes & Desserts

• Curious Cami/Yellow Hat/Banana/Chevron Cookies: The Cookie Jar

• Monkey Cookies: Allyson Jane

• Cake: Polka Dot Bakery

• Billboard Cake Topper: The Purple Pug

• Chevron Pennant Banner: Paisley Handmade

• Painted Chevron Name Plate: Aedriel Originals

• Red Chevron Table Runner: A to Zebra Celebrations

• Wooden Chevron Spoons/Balloons/Chevron Treat Bags: Shop Sweet Lulu

• Gumballs/Tubes: Polka Dot Market

• Flowers: Town & Country Gardens

• Boxes (stuffed with Tissue Poms): Blumebox

• Large Frame with Cami’s Photo: Poppy Tree Frames

• Monkey Signs/Tree/DIY Ribbon Wreath/Fabric Garland: I DO invitations by michelle

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I would've liked to have posted this right after Michelle sent me all of the photos...

which would've been a few months back. *sigh*

Nonetheless, it's never too late to share the details of an amazing party...

DESiGN | Fun in the Sun Collection

I've got several new collections coming to the shoppe...
So today...
I thought I'd share with you the fun design process that took place while creating one of those collections...

THE CREATiVE BiRTHiNG DESiGN PROCESS
Introducing the brand-new Fun in the Sun Collection
conceived from a GREAT foundation of inspiration.

I was approached by the talented Morgan Wiebke of Made by Morgan...

remember those adorable aprons she made for Ella's Pocket Full of Posies Party?

Morgan was preparing for her son's birthday party and she needed some

custom designed party printables that would coordinate with the fabric she'd already purchased.

She also had some sketches she wanted to incorporate into the printables as well...

HAND-DRAWN SKETCHES

The sketches Morgan designed and sent over to me are SO cute.

SPECTACULAR WITH COLOR
I was super excited and up for the challenge of recreating someone else's artwork...

With the sketches recreated and the addition of color...everything came to life.

A COLLECTION BROUGHT TO LIFE
Once the artwork was finalized, the rest of the collection came together almost effortlessly.

I LOVE the mix of colors Morgan chose to use...

The combination of the color palette, patterns and Morgan's adorable sketches 

made for an adorable collection altogether.

I give us both an A+ for a fantastic collaboration. *wink*

I can't wait to see the photos from the actual party.

I promise to share those as soon as I get them.

And guess what?

Morgan gave personalized embroidered beach towels as party favors...

USiNG THESE ADORABLE GRAPHiCS. 

Pinch me please. 

Can.

Not.

WAiT to see those!!

Hugs to you my sweet, sweet friends.

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I had SO much on my plate this Summer...

I really didn't have time to squeeze in this extra project.

Remember...I was going nuts with orders and could barely find time to blog?

However...

When Morgan shared with me her vision...

which was precise and exact, by the way...

I couldn't help myself.

And I'm so glad I said "yes"!!

I hope you are glad I took on the project too...

it'll be available in the shoppe soon.

If you need/want it sooner,  just shoot me an email: pnpflowers@live.com

SHARE | Dadisms

As I've been collecting ideas for Father's Day...
I remembered a Christmas gift my older girls made for their dad last year.
It was a collection of sentiments that described him...
Basically a summation of words that pegged his character and personality...
put into a collage format...
printed...
and framed.

We decided to call it "Dadisms"

Although the idea is brilliant...
It was NOT my idea.
It was actually my then-twelve-year old, Ema's idea.
I assisted with the creation on the computer...
but my role was mainly as her assistant.
Ema picked the fonts...
the phrases...
the texture/overlay added to it...
and the final color.

I loved watching her eyes light up as she thought of something else to add...
Or when she laughed as she remembered something funny...
and finally as she sat back and looked at what she had created.

The collage included:
quirky, often-repeated phrases...
favorite movie lines he's famous for quoting, (or he and the girls quote together)
and silly sayings he's known for.

It was a gift that was...
simple...
thoughtful...
and inexpensive...

Most importantly...
it is a keepsake...
and a reminder of the things the girls love about their dad.

As many of you know...
I didn't grow up with a dad.
However, I had an amazing grandfather that filled my life with goodness and laughter;
An incredibly intelligent, funny man...whom I adored.

I decided to create one in his memory, this week...
soliciting family members to share their specific memories of him.
I love the way it turned out...

"Grandpaisms"

I love that it's not just things I remember about him...

but rather a collection of memories from different family members.

As I received their responses via email...

my heart was touched as I read through their remarks.

There were definitely things I had forgotten...
details that made me smile...
memories that transported me back in time.

I feel so very fortunate to belong to such a beautiful family.

Really.

I do.

I'll be emailing this finished print to my family...

If they'd like to have it printed, they can.

I think it'll look beautiful as a canvas...don't you?

I want YOU to have something like this too!

So I've decided to offer up...
THREE customized "Dadism or Grandpaism" Digital Art Prints...

just in time for Father's Day!


You'll tell me what you want...
I'll create it and email you the digital file...
and then you'll print it onto whatever medium you prefer.

Winners will get to:
• Pick the size
• Pick the color
• Provide the phrases, words, etc. you'd like included
• Pick the background - patterned or solid
• Pick either "Dadisms" or "Grandpaisms"

I'll be picking 3 random winners...
TOMORROW!!!
That way I can have the customized digital art prints ready to email to the LUCKY WiNNERS at some point this weekend.

Good luck everyone!
I hope you are excited about winning something to help honor the male figure in your life.
Even if you don't win...
Perhaps you've been inspired to create your own?

CONTEST CLOSED

If you participated, you'll be able to see the
THREE WINNERS ANNOUNCED BELOW!!

Thank you to everyone who participated

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

The emails I sent to my family members?

I sent them this morning. *blushing*

Although I had started working on this earlier this week...

my thought to get feedback from my family didn't come to me until late last night. (duh)

Wish I could've posted this sooner to give more of you a chance to win...

But this also makes this giveaway a little more "on-the-edge-of-your-seat"...

don't you think? *wink*

in the studio | Quilted Blooms Collection

This adorable design was inspired by the quilt I shared with you last week...
The one lovingly sewn by a mother, for her daughter...
The quilt used as inspiration for the baptismal program I designed for her daughter's baptism...
(One of the most beautiful, intricate quilts I've ever seen)?











I'm in LOVE with the results of the final design...



(last names/personal information removed)


I'm calling it the "Quilted Blooms Collection"...
and it will be available in the shoppe later this week.

I hope you love it too...
 and that it added a bit of "lovely" to your Monday!!

 Ila...thank you for letting me play a small part in Ava's special day!
I'm amazed by your quilting talents!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I worked all weekend getting caught up on orders.

It's been QUiTE a busy month.

Lots of celebrations going on!!

Seriously getting closer and closer to the need for an assistant.

coming up | color inspiration

Since I took the day off yesterday to spend with my girls...
I'm working overtime to catch up on all my orders...

In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you some beautiful COLOR inspiration

I photographed this quilt as inspiration for a customized baptismal program I just designed...
The details are amazing!! One of the most beautiful quilts I've ever seen!!

I'll share the whole scoop on it later...

but it turned out A. dorable!!!

Have a great Tuesday!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

We had the most wonderful Family Night last night...

A "pizza picnic" followed by a game of football...

finished up with roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

I, of course, am sticking to my vegan "promise ME" goal...

which means I couldn't partake of the s'mores.

But...

it was still fun roasting them and just having good...quality...family time!!

the Pastry Pedestal™ | Creative Styling - Pink Trim

If you follow Pen N' Paperflowers on Facebook or The Pastry Pedestal™ on facebook...
You'll recognize these photos I shared last week...








I mentioned these would be perfect for a ballerina party...
Afterall...
the trimming I picked up from JoAnn's resembles a little tutu...
doesn't it?




But then....
after creating this Carousel-Themed birthday party invitation for a customer...

I immediately thought of how perfect

these would be for that party too!
Especially if you wrap The Pastry Pedestal rods with some pink ribbon to mimic the pole of the Carousel horse...

SO cute!!

What you'll need to recreate this look:

• The Pastry Pedestal™ Starter Kit (12 lucite rounds, 12 lucite rods and 12 rubber rings)

• white and pink petit fours or petite pastry of your choice. (store bought or homemade)

• pink fabric trim from JoAnn's

• white paper doily (like these)

• pink and white polka dot wrapping paper (or coordinating paper of your choice)

• styrofoam square or rectangle (similar to this from Hobby Lobby)

• double-stick tape

Directions:

1. Assemble The Pastry Pedestal™

2. Cut pink trim to fit around perimeter of The Pastry Pedestal round.

3. Use double-stick tape (folded in half lengthwise) to wrap and secure trim to the edge of The Pastry Pedestal Round.  

4. Wrap styrofoam with wrapping paper. (Just as you would a gift).

5. Poke a hole in the center of doily using a toothpick.

6. Place doily on wrapped styrofoam base and insert The Pastry Pedestal, (already assembled and decorated), through the pre-punched hole in the doily.

7. Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the bottom center of your petite pastry of choice.

8. Push petite pastry onto The Pastry Pedestal rod to secure.

9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until you are satisfied with your display.

I hope you feel inspired to dress up The Pastry Pedestal for your next event.

The endless assortment of trims available make it easy to change up the look SO easily!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL

I was going to photograph a cluster of these together...

but after realizing the petit fours had a rough ride home due to poor packaging from the bakery...

I could only salvage one to photograph.

(and even that one was questionable...if you look closely)...

But hey...

you get the idea...

right?! *wink*