So way back in late 2008, I created my very first crocheted project: an elephant. The elephant is from Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts Amigurumi by Tomoko Takamori. I didn’t want to bother with switching colors since I was such a newbie and I think he turned out pretty cute anyway! The boys have loved him and he has survived two moves since then. Mostly I get a little teary-eyed at how much Ben looks like a baby then (unfortunately, we still baby him now - consequences of him being our last, I suppose!). It seems to me, in hindsight, I had my act together back then…what happened? Can I blame my current bout of flakiness and lack of energy on two moves. Why, yes, I think I can!

I’ve been keeping this part under wraps for a bit but I think it’s safe to show you some of the work I’ve been coordinating and creating for Kara’s Party Ideas. Party goods are so. much. fun. to create compared to my more business-oriented clients like dermatology and politics! Check her site out: she is so the next Martha Stewart except she’s much more beautiful (inside and out)! Kara just launched sales of party goods on her site and I know she’s adding more so be sure and stop by Kara’s Party Ideas and you just might see something I helped design. The Superhero set is being printed in fabric and will be for sale soon! Adorable, no? Be sure to check out the Native Amercan themed party - so cute!

In 2006, a good friend asked me to redo the NMDEA black and white ad that had been running at their annual convention. It was a quick job so I agreed. I have now been doing their annual ad since 2006 and through two long distance moves! She approached me again this Spring for the 2012 ad and I thought it would be a good time to compile and compare past versions before I make something new. Sometimes I find an effective black and white or grayscale ad is much, much more difficult than a full color one. You have to really try to stand out from the crowd! My favorite was 2011, with the Nebraska outline used in the center. It’s funny how I can see a definite progression over the years to a better design - something I hadn’t noticed until they were side-by-side. Thanks to my friend, Marilyn, for the annual one-color challenge.

Here is a book cover I did a few years ago (and finally read when I got asked to teach Old Testament to the high school sophomores this year). I highly recommend the book for anyone who teaches youth and especially love the bright green cover.

Here is the finished selection: