Harrilu

okay--- I just hd to post this b/c its just another reason why I heart StaceyRebecca (staceyrebecca.etsy.com)-- she did a music video for the new Bare Naked Ladies Album for kids--

And, I'm a serious lover and owner of several of her great puppets!

my bathroom plan

my bathroom plan, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

I'm looking forward to another weekend of working in our master bathroom. We're redoing it all-- including tub, shower, floors, walls, ceilings, etc.. My husband and I are doing it as much ourselves as possible! So, I'm trying to be patient-- but it is hard living with a dusty cement eye sore attached to your bedroom ;)

Here's kind of my plan so far (though it has changed a few times now)-- a cool broken-faced stone tile from behind sinks all the way up the wall w/2 mirrors -- the 2 vessel rectangular sinks, travertine tile for the shower walls and tub surround (to keep it neutral) and dark cork floors to warm it all up (and be kind of fun).. the hardware and faucets in a brushed steel/nickle finish with the long cabinet pulls-- sort of blending modern and a more traditional look together. I definitely love the whole sea & sand color scheme-- so I'm going to try to get it with adding a soft green-blue paint.. but we'll see when its all said and done-- there is still wayyyy too much time to change my mind! And right now, with just studs, bare wires and copper pipes everywhere, its super easy to imagine it a billion ways!

Harriet & Pippa First video test with camera

Harriet & Pippa First video test with camera
Originally uploaded by muttsywonder

I am busy on working on a few little bits and pieces for YouTube and here on printing and other things-- but had to share my first little bits of video on my Flip -- I love it!

This also gives you a peek into my world of Terrier-ism--- they are loud and crazy. :)

Our Bathroom Remodel

IMG_4161, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

We've decided to go ahead and remove the redwood deck that was in our bathroom (I guess it was Spa-Style via 1979) and now we're down to the studs and the pipes-- its pretty gnarly looking now, but I'm hoping it won't be too long until I see wall again (rather than insulation and concrete).

We're debating what to do with things (when you get down to inches & mm I'm not as helpful) so its a bit slow going for now, but the dusty dirtiness is definitely VERY very very motivating to get it done. We've bought or picked out most of the things going in, so I'm excited. It will be fun though to do the last bits -- and I'm not a patient gal, so its going to seem like forever before I get to do it!

This is our big project for the year-- I'm going to try to do a little before and after images as I go-- b/c believe me anything is better than a redwood deck from '79 in the middle of your bathroom!!

I'm using my new video camera, but need to edit things down a bit-- no one needs 20minutes of a lame bathroom video (getting bored just thinking about it)

 

Cloudy Shirred Cap Sleeve

Cloudy Shirred Cap Sleeve, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

This one has been a long time coming-- available in my shop now! :)
Design continues onto side/back of shirt-- big circle of clouds--

First Tries Can be Funny

an idea gone wrong..., originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

This is one of those things that when I look at it, it makes me LOL even when I'm by myself.

I have a hat press and thought I'd experiment with some vintage heat transfers I have to see what I could do-- it ended up wrinkled and cracked-- expected for my first try-- so I don't mind it.. I'm perfecting it and hopefully will have some hats of some sort soon..

But what makes me giggle is when I think I of one of my macho male friends/family members mowing (in conservative TX) with this hat on... I'm sure some neighbors would stare....

I secretly love the sparkly rainbow (I think its my inner Punky Brewster)...

Moving Picture Shows!

I'm so excited-- I just ordered my first ever camcorder. Sure, I have home movies and music videos from when I was 12-- dancing to Madonna and showing off my Dorothy Hamil haircut, but this will be my first ever purchase for the purpose of making 'moving pictures'--- I feel fancy!! And, this time, there won't be any lip-syncing or insulting use of Dippity Do-- I'm actually buying it for a purpose.

I got the super affordable and easy to use (point/click) Flip Ultra-- I can't wait to start using it. I have a few ideas and how-to's I am planning for my blog and flickr--  Even if I fail miserably (which could mean I just hate hearing my own voice-- thank goodness for voicemail vs answering machines-- ).. it is a super fashionable way to show off my new fancy digital self-- I got the orange one with matching usb cord and accessories.. I figured I may as well have fun with it!

Now, I just have to be patient enough to wait for it in the mail...

Show Pony Show

Show Pony Show, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

I love new projects-- and I've been letting the Show Pony take over my brain... I was working on some new designs and it just sort of came-to-be.. I guess you could say I'm excited about it!

The Show Pony Show

The Show Pony Show, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

The Dallas Craft Mafia is hosting a show! I've been working the last few days to get a blog and the application information up and running.

The Show Pony Show will be in Dallas on August 17th in Deep Ellum at the Continental Lofts (so we're inside! hooray!!).

For all the details or to apply as a vendor please check out the blog
http://showponyshow.blogspot.com
(we also have some great sponsorship packages available!)

Style Bakery Contest/Vote

I just added a little blip on the side of my blog about the Style Bakery contest-- it asks you to vote for your favorite independant designer in different categories including clothing and kids/baby-- I'm campaigning for votes for either the clothing or the kids/baby section. I hate asking for things like this, but then I guess its the only way to get a vote!

This would mean so much to me personally and really help me to move forward with Harrilu.  I would sincerely appreciate your vote! The winning designers will be featured on StyleBakery.com and in the November issue of Metier magazine. In August, they will announce the top choice in each category based on readers’ votes. They will also award a Readers' Choice to the designers that receive the most votes in each category.

The winning designers will be featured on StyleBakery.com and in the November issue of Metier magazine.

AND-- in addition to my gratitude for your vote, you could also WIN a $500 shopping spree at Ravinstyle.com!):

http://stylebakery.com/stylerecipes/spring08/ontherise_awards/ontheriseawards.html

mmm... Limeade

 

In my opinion, limeades and cherry limeades are perhaps the greatest sugary drinks ever.
On a hot summer day when the air seems humid and still, there are few things that I like better than a limeade. I have been known to run to Sonic for a colossal-sized limeade from time-to-time or when I was in high school, I'd go with my friend to grab one at the local Braums (ice cream shop)... Now that I'm older and wider, when I have cravings, I make them myself-- there are true limeades that are not carbonated-- but, that is just too muchwork for the lazy me of summer-- instead I go for the carbonated concoction.

Its really easy and simple-- just get a Sprite-type drink-- can be any brand diet or not, a splash of Rose's Sweetend lime juice and ice--then I add two or three drops of real lime juice and stir (or limes if we have them).. for Michael (who isn't as into sour as I am)-- I make him a cherry limeade by adding just a dash of Rose's Grenadine-- .. mmmmm

Anniversary Winners

Well after so many nice comments, I felt so loved and thankful for all the experiences with Harrilu. I can't say thanks enough to everyone.

There were two winners picked at random-- I printed and cut out all of the names and comments and through them in a hat, 2 were picked at random to be fair and both have been notified. As soon as I hear back from both, I'll post their names (just want to ask permission first).

Thanks again to everyone!

:) Megan

A couple of new items!

Blue-Vneck-Branches-Short-Sleeve, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

I posted a few new items to my shops -- all short sleeve-- these are some of my favorite style shirts-- super soft :)

HOORAY! 2nd Year Anniversary Givaway

I'm so excited that today is my official 2 year Anniversary of Harrilu! In honor of my anniversary, I will be giving away a $50 Gift Certificate to a randomly chosen person who leaves a comment to this posting. In addition, I will be giving away a 2nd prize of $25 gift certificate. I will announce the winners a week from today-- so please just leave a comment and be a winner!

Thanks to everyone who has supported me through the last 2 years-- it has definitely been a life changing adventure that I hope continues and grows.

I will be announcing another contest/promotion soon, so please be sure to subscribe to my blog! :)

and now-- a little dance to celebrate...

my first logo for my shop

my first logo for my shop, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

tomorrow will be 2yrs officially since my first sale! I can't believe what a ride its been...

this is my original logo and why my name on etsy is muttsywonder.. the scared one is Harriet and the crooked smile is supposed to be my other dog Pippa Lou-- which is now Harrilu...

I'll have details up tomorrow with a fun contest/givaway :)

Two Years & Counting

June 4th will be my official 2 yr mark printing and selling my own designs online. It all started one day with just one little doodle that I put up on Etsy, not expecting too much, and to my surprise, someone actually liked it & bought my first tee. I'm so happy that I could spend these last 2 years pursuing my own path and future with this business. It's been one amazing ride so far, and I really hope I'm able to continue it onward! Keep your eyes peeled over the next few days-- I'm working on a contest, new items and more for my blog in honor of my 2 year anniversary!

Thanks for everyone who has supported me along the way for the last 2 years-- I feel very blessed and honored to have gotten this far and really hope that I can make this little dream a thriving business.

Front Ptyerodactyl-womens poofy sleeve

Front Ptyerodactyl-womens poofy sleeve, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

I just added this sample (I have only made I think 6 of these in the past-- 6 for 2 different shows I've been in) and I have 2 more-- if they do well, I can add more-- I love this design. Its kind of quirky and fun with one of my new favorite color schemes-- kelly green and charcoal gray. The design continues onto the back shoulder-- check it out in my etsy shop, or contact me for more information. http://tinyurl.com/4ft3gl

DIY weekend

old paint/new paint and yucko , originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

The past long weekend I spent painting my house with my hubby-- here's a photo of our old paint, the brick, and the new paint-- the last person who painted the house was soooo sloppy-- there are huge drips in the old paint and lovely lines of messy paint (see the blue/gray line next to the new paint) on the brick... I just can't decide if I should just paint over the mess so that the mess at least matches the new color-- or let it be. I hate messy painting.. ugh.. and-- after hours and hours of being outside in the 95+ heat, I really think I understand why people should just pay to get it done.. ah, well-- I guess we are DIY to a fault.
:)

A Print on Maple

waiting-for-spring- print on maple, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

This is a new item for me to offer-- my first print on maple (I have a few in my own house and finally got brave enough to list one on etsy, just to see what a few people may think. Its 3 color print (2 different colors of green-- a light green shadow used for dimension) along with the translucent birds.

I really love the wood grain showing through and layering the colors to create new textures.. and of course, I'm a sucker for birds..

Check out my etsy shop to see all the views! http://tinyurl.com/6qp3cg

Sometimes I love Free Marketing Info...

I thought I'd share my cheap little tip, as I have to watch every penny and I know that lighting your photos can make such a difference-- whether it be for product or for a family portrait. Tons of advertising and marketing offers free tutorials, etc and they convince you that you need their items in the tutorial, but you can also find a ton of great tips in what they provide.

I would love to be able to have all of the lovely photography products PhotoFlex provides, but sadly, my budget just will not allow it. So, I take the free emails and utilize them in my own MacGuyver-ways.

Check out photoflexlightingschool.com-- I love all of their advice and tips on photography. I just got the best email with advice on shooting fashion-- which is something I'm very interested in! I am definitely searching the internet for not only helpful blogs but also helpful marketing/advertising on sites for any and all info I can use!

Stay Cool!

Dreamy Popsicle Onesie, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

It seems like summer hit my area so early-- near 100 degrees here in the Big D....

Trying to keep cool and get a lock-down on energy/electricity costs can be tough for me, especially when its like a sauna outside (and I live with a polar bear who has to have it super cold). I've done a few things to prepare-- switched as many lightbulbs to flourescent (they don't heat up as much or use as much energy), unplug my appliances (I guess they can use a ton of energy and not be on)...and decided to work and live in the dark as much as possible without feeling like I'm in a cave. .. but keeping cool is definitely going to be tough this summer.

The only thing I like about this heat is that it gives me an excuse to make ice cube tray popsicles ( just did vitawater ones for quick pick-me-ups in the day). Just an ice cube tray filled with juice, a piece of wax or parchment paper and then toothpicks stuck in each one-- I know everyone's seen these or made these before.. but they are soo much better when you know you're too old for them ;)

oh and a favorite snack-- frozen grapes, those are great and super cold! yummy!

Large Recycled Cotton Tote Bag: She's Got Legs

Large Recycled Cotton Tote Bag: She's Got Legs, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

First new bag is in my etsy shop!
I'm making these one at a time to see what everyone thinks.. I love this one because its like you're a secret dancing queen and the bag is like a little x-ray window showing the inner you.. or maybe that's just me.. I dream of being a mambo queen when, in reality, I can barely do the electric slide....heh ;)

My Lillies

today: Lily 1, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

I love them! They are just coming in bloom-- they are the one plant that I've grown that I really and truly just get giddy over. I can't believe I can grow them, I guess-- when we first got our house, we had a huge rose bush and somehow it just would live for me.. but these are so hardy for me (I guess its hard to mess up a bulb)... each year I have more come up-- different colors, etc... I just love them!

White Birds on Slate Vneck

White Birds on Slate Vneck, originally uploaded by muttsywonder.

Yay-- finally got this one posted to my Harrilu site. In the process, I created a new section "New!" so it will be easier to tell as I add new items to the site... check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/6387d3