Ink Blots e-Book Now Available!

Remember that time I had an online class?? Well the e-Book for Ink Blots is FINALLY HERE! Get all the prompts, lessons, assignments, and inspiration that was in the class in the convenience of a PDF!

Included in this PDF class are:
*supply list
*lessons
*example pages
*DIYs and tutorials
*guest artists
*bonus prompts
*assignments
*and endless inspiration!




Here's what some of my students said:

"The class was awesome! Thanks so much for your time and talent!! The assignments were challenging and the lessons were packed with information! You did an awesome job!! The giveaways, clutch tutorial and the guest artists were unexpected bonuses!"

"I absolutely loved this class! thank you so much. it was super fun, & worth every single penny."

"This was a class that I not only enjoyed doing, [but] I learned some different techniques from the other journalists who posted their work in Flickr. I also enjoyed your new and different prompts that I haven't had in previous classes. I did alot of drawing where I haven't done before. I really enjoy drawing now than ever."

"I was totally impressed with this class. it surpassed my expectations! I liked how there were so many options on the prompts. how you gave examples, but also suggestions, mini lesson topic ideas, inspirations, etc. I felt creative freedom to express my ideas without the pressure of do it this way, or it's not right. i didn't feel like i was simply taking a class all by myself with just assignments & a computer. it felt like we were all on this journey together."

So go grab an e-BOok to have for forever and ever and start the New Year getting creative and improving your relationship with your sketchbook!

Feel free to email me at kelainedavis[at]gmail[dot]com! (brackets not included... for the spambots, you know!)
Love to all!
<3
E

Craftcake Design Re-Brand

I've been meaning to write this post for so long, but I was waiting to get my etsy update under way. Since I've been so busy and the update just isn't happening for me right now, I thought I could still rave about my new commissioned re-brand for the shop by Alexandra Rae Design.

Allie Bandy (soon-to-be Allie Trumpower) is owner and operator of Alexandra Rae Design. and Yellow Paper Friday, an awesome personal design business, and there couldn't be a more spirited person behind the genius!

I knew I wanted a complete re-brand which involves SO much change, designing, and WORK. I just didn't have the time and I wanted it done right away, so I opted for the Alexandra Rae Design re-brand package. I contacted Allie, we discussed design, theme, palette, and feel. She ended up emailing me proofs and rough drafts and I loved everything she sent!

I told Allie I wanted something pretty, simple, and earthy, involving a feather design. I gave a few color palette visions I had in mind and she really delivered! The package I chose included a custom logo, etsy banner, avatar image, side bar button, and a multi purpose image to use for packaging, labels, etc. Overall, the design package included everything I needed to re-brand and all I had to do was upload! Her designs are fresh and personal, and her design packages are so AFFORDABLE!!!


Check out her blog and shop to contact her about a blog design or re-brand!

<3
E

Fall Update!

I'm pleased to announce that my fall update in my etsy shop, Craftcake Designs, is now open!

In this update, there are all sorts of warm and wonderful things that will make your fall time shine! Included in this update are the ever-popular apple cozies, some vintage pretties, and even some consignment items!




I will be adding more things to this update as the weekend goes on, so keep checking back! I'm excited to finally have some pretty products to ring in the new inspiring season!

The Magic of Projectland

So despite being so busy and being absent from this blog in the past few days, I've at LEAST been able to get around to some miscellaneous projects lately which i LOVE. <3

revamping my old ballet shoes from when I was a dancer. I thought they needed a studded edge to them.

hand embossing my wedding invitation envelopes. Whew.

Making cute fall crafts for my etsy update coming this weekend.

Drawing up a storm in my moleskine.

Learning to knit some way cute slouchy hats for the fall!

Packaging up orders from Red Door Vintage

So many pretty things happening that I can hardly contain myself. I never want to go to school or work because I just can't concentrate! Too many pretty falltime things in my mind to be made and not enough hours in a day. All I want is to lock myself up in my own imaginary studio for like... 3 days and just create everything in my mind right now. It would be incredible. Fall is SUCH a magical time for me. :)

I declared this past Saturday the first official day of my personal fall. The leaves are falling, the weather is changing and Starbucks has all it's falltime drinks out, so to me it means autumn. :) Magics.

Loves to all.
<3
E

Spring Blowout

Ok so Craftcake Designs is positively bursting at the seams with leftover merchandise from updates gone by. I'm trying to sift through everything and get some room in my "warehouse" and make room in the shop for new fresh designs. And for that reason, Craftcake Designs is having a massive SALE from today until next Friday (maybe longer if necessary) where almost EVERYTHING in the shop is marked down! I have put discount on almost every item and a discount on shipping costs as well!

Hand painted trinket box


Hand painted raindrop love



Catalog Postcard sets

and more!
Other bargains include items from:
*Winter 2009 Valentine's Update
*Spring 2009 Wishes and Secrets update
*Summer 2009 Neverland Line Update

I'm also going to be adding a few brand new listings at a discounted price for the first few days! (hint: vintage, paper products, and more!)

And you're thinking, "It can't possibly get better than this!" But you're wrong, my friend.

With EVERY purchase from now until Friday April 16, there will be a FREE original ACEO (Art Card) included! ACEOs are a fantastic way to collect original art at an affordable price!

So get on over to Craftcake Designs and adopt the cutie crafts you've been waiting for! Now's your chance!

<3
E

afternoon Q & A

I'm back to answer a bunch of questions that readers have been asking me lately and I've been meaning to answer!

Q: How much would a custom carved wooden ring cost?
A: I spoke with Ian about this and he's thinking about $7-12 depending on what you wanted and how far it needs shipped to. If you would like a ring, please email me at keread(at)bsu(dot)edu and he will make it to your specifications and we will list it in my etsy shop.

Q: What do you want to do when you grow up?
A: Well. It's a little sketchy right now. Ideally, I would love to take my photography full time. I'm very passionate about photography and I think I have a lot of new ideas and could work really well independently. If not photography, I would love to work at a magazine doing graphic design or design promotional items and logos for a small business. I'm in the process of developing my photography business a little more before spring including a full website, logo and really just my own...brand. Lots in the works!




Q:Have you thought about making any of your sketchbook pages or drawings into prints for your etsy shop?
A: I have definitely thought about it. I have ideas brewing and I would say in the next month I will have prints available for sale. My newest development with my drawings and original art are my craft pattern sets: Instant Love and Adventureland. They're super cool and you can do almost anything with them! Even print them out and color them for layouts or to hang on an inspo wire! <3

Q: How do you find time for your art while still going to college?
A: Actually, I just do what anyone else does and MAKE time. Many times I just have to REALLY hustle to get my homework done because I pretty much refuse to let myself craft when there is school work to be done. I feel guilty and uninspired if there are obligations hanging over my head. PLus I'm very strict on myself about making the Dean's List, so I just have to make crafting and time with Ian my number one priority after schoolwork. :)

Q: Do you plan on making more headbands (like the braided one) for your etsy?
A: I do! RIght now I'm working on a cute line of knitted bow headbands and then I think I will be making some braided stretchy headbands too. Anything else you'd really like to see as far as accessories and original art go? I'd love to hear it!

Q: What kind of journal and journaling pens do you use for drawing?
A: I use one of the Molskine Plain Large notebooks. They are about 5.25"x8.25" and the perfect size for lots and lots of room to draw. If you're less ambitious, there's always the Pocket Version too! For pens, I used to use the Pilot BeGreen pens, but recently switched to Sharpie Pen. They're very fine tip, pigmented, don't bleed through the page, and smear resistant! Highly recommend!



ALSO! I made a blog button! YAY! I've been wanting to do this for awhile now

Grab the button for your sidebar! -------------->
I love all my readers and I'm excited to share all these questions and answers with you! I have many fun post ideas coming at ya in the next week!

Check below for an awesome Style Crush post!
<3
E

end of weekend updates

Well peeps-- here's a summary of my weekend:

1. battled SERIOUSLY awful flu/cold/sinus stuff since Thursday night. It's still going on and I still don't feel very well, but I tried to make the most of my weekend.
2. Friday night Ian, Tori and I battled the snowstorm and went to town to retrieve some cold medicine, cough drops, and a quick thrift trip too. Tori found me the BEST thermos to add to my collection: an Aladdin woodgrain!!! I die!

photo via etsy
3.Ian and I watched the Office on Netflix pretty much all night while making various craft forms. I made this awesome wire glasses pendant and Ian carved me a ring out of wood. <3 Best fiancé ever? Probably. :) PLEEEAAAASE leave him some love about the ring! He's willing to do custom orders for etsy! (and really excited about it!)


4. Saturday morning we slept until...uhhh... NOON! ah! But well worth it because I was still sick. I made some new Prize Ribbon Brooches for my etsy shop, Craftcake Designs. They're WAY cute and I even made one for myself and my new vintage makeup case I scored:



5. Overall I just got to spend a lot of time with this gorgeous man:


Altogether, I feel that it was a pretty good weekend. My room is clean, my bag is packed, outfit is layed out, homework is done, and I'm all ready to start a new week this week. Go team.

Manifesting the seasons

My current quest is to manifest springtime. :) I really really really want it to be warm! I've put efforts in the past few days to really make my life very warm and comforting, like a spring hug. :)

I bought a new candle for the candle warmer in our dorm. I got the Yanlee Candle Beach Party and it smells SOOOOOO good! Like a mixture of warmth, sunscreen, and ocean breeze.


I've also been brightening up the room with pretty colors and wearing gorgeous vintage florals. :) They're just so girly and quirky. love!

I got this cardigan at Goodwill this week, took the buttons off, and sewed on new pretty ones. I've been streamlining the wardrobe, trying to make it very... me. I know that sounds silly, but so much of the clothes I have, I don't even wear! So I've been purging, donating things, and just...make it more cohesive. It feels good to simplify and get rid of things that I truly won't use.

Been doing a little art journaling too which is unheard of since about July! Pretty spring colors:



In other news, my Fuji Instax came today! I about DIED! So much fun!

I'm excited to take all sorts of fun little pictures! New favorite hobby I think. It needs a name though. I'm thinking Wynn. What do you think?

OH!!!! Everyone should go check out my mini Valentine's etsy update too! I put in a few new things this weekend including some cute fun soft bangles!



alright. Out for the night. Hopefully back for some Valentine's inspiration tomorrow afternoon!
<3
E

post--hardcore

Ok so I NEVER post in the morning. You're witnessing something extra special here. :]

Not a lot going on around these parts, but I know that this weekend is going to be "Do-whatever-i-want-to-do-because-i-can" weekend. :] Some things I have planned from Friday-Monday:

*drawing
*catch up on Elsie's Autumn is Love class projects
*my darn Scrap Outside the Box layout. Go check out the latest CHALLENGE!
*thrifting on Saturday. 50% storewide at GOODWILL, baby!
*a photoshoot with my dear friend Jessica.
*scrap scrap scrapping!
*painting
*maybe making a few lovlies for the ole neglected Craftcake Designs shop!
*If I have time, re-designing blog and etsy banners as well.
*writing a Spanish paper

It will be a good weekend, indeed.
Has anyone ever been to the flickr group Wardrobe Remix!? Ok I know I've talked about it before, but I can't stress enough on how awesome it is! I get tons of wardrobe inspiration from that place. Here's my wardrobe remix shots from a few days ago:



white shirt=Old Navy
button down shirt=Wal-Mart... holla!
jeans=Target
shoes=Target
ring=handmade from a flea market
necklace=handmade by me a few nights ago
bag=vintage luggage

As you can see, I tried making some fun new necklaces for me the other night, but I just wasn't in the right mood. I made 2. Kind of liked one, and didn't like the other. I think I might tear it apart and start over. The one you see here is the one i KIND OF liked. Some days I feel it, some days, not so much. haha

I've been thinking a lot about doing a few more paintings for the etsy shop but my last ones I did didn't go over so well. I always take these things with a grain of salt, but I want people to love my paintings as much as I do!

I'm thinking of doing a few fall-inspired paintings on cardboard. Just some earthy recycled low profile paintings and posting them. What are your thoughts? I just hate when my paintings are orphaned for so long! haha

annnnnd a few wonderfuls from the last few days:
+This embroidery hoop album from tallynt. Courtesy of the Autumn is Love class!


+ thisssss:


+this Bonsai Party print on etsy:


Sorry I didn't have much to share today. I promise pictures and posts and inspirations this weekend. :]



<3
E