For all you Star Wars fans...

I dedicate this to all the die hard Star Wars nerds (like myself), who will be the only ones who can appreciate how funny this really is...

Star Wars: Retold on Vimeo.

Blue on the Brain...

I've been busy...and as a result I have my weekly designs done in the first half of the week instead of the last half (miracle). So since I was done early I wanted to share my latest...

This is my new Catch 52 kit - I wanted to do a calendar/journaling kit so I made 4 circle journaling spots and 6 calendar rings that can hook around the edges of the lined circles. My inspiration was a vintage plate I liked...

Something about the look of the font (retro) and the idea of the months circling a central design inspired me. I love this plate...and anything with vintage calendars. I am always on the lookout for fun finds!


It's like blue week over here...lol.Feels like everything I do is in shades of blue this week.

Our sales were pretty good last week. We were getting our envelopes ready for the post office, and Matt started to bag them up in a Target bag (we're overrun with them). When it became apparent they weren't going to fit, we both muttered "We're gonna need a bigger boat" - and that was the moment I knew...Our next set HAD to be a Jaws tribute. I LOVE this movie. These were SO much fun to put together & I got to listen to Jaws while I was doing them.

CLASS KIT UPDATE: I still have some $5 mini album kits available! Help me spread the word...these kits are worth $15, but I'm clearing them out for $5 because Matt says I HAVE to get them OUT of the house!!!! More details & photos on Monday's post...

Got Snoofy?

The Soofy Travel Project on Vimeo.
I ran across this on vimeo & fell in love with the idea. Much like a flat stanley or a circle journal, Snoofy will go from person to person in 2009...all over the world! Entries to get on the list are due by the end of the month, so there's still time to submit. I know I'm going to submit something!!!

Class Kit BLOW OUT...

OK...I've decided to BLOW OUT a bunch of old class kits!!! I have A LOT of different old class kits in my house, but I'm starting with my two favorite mini classes. Originally when I taught these classes they sold for $15.

I'm selling the kits for $5 and when they're gone, they're gone!!! Go to TheBookie to purchase the kits.

Mini Me

This kit creates a fabulous tag album - ready to fill out to make a little book about yourself. It includes: a 6x6 transparency, a 6x6 piece of ivory ledger, a 6x6 piece of Color Me paper, four 6x6 pieces of double sided patterned paper, 10 ornate patterned journaling blocks, 2 manila tags, red patterned grosgrain ribbon, a piece of printed cardstock I designed to be cut and used as embellishments for your book and written instructions with a link to an online photo album so you can see each page to help you recreate it.

Birds of a Feather

This is a mini album built on library cards - it's whimsically charming & great to add quirky little black and white photos to or leave as is. It includes: a 6x6 piece of retro catalog ad paper, a 6x6 piece of pink grid paper, two 6x6 pieces of double sided patterned paper, four library cards, a partial rub on sheet with rectangular frames & designs (patterns vary), a blue silk flower, a pink silk flower, black satin ribbon, gingham ribbon, bead chain, 4 Maya Road chipboard birds, googly eyes, a piece of printed cardstock I designed (with the bird sayings) to be cut and used as embellishments for your book and written instructions with a link to an online photo album so you can see each page to help you recreate it.

You can tell from the lists - these kits are worth way more than $5...but consider it spring cleaning! Matt says it's time for a big special and THEY ALL MUST GO!

I have enough of both classes for you to buy and teach with - or you can buy them for yourself or for your friends. Email me or convo me through etsy to see what quantities are still available if you want to buy more multiples than I have listed. I will have different class kits (bigger ones) to put up after these sell out, so stay tuned!

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

BTW...if you're want more frequent updates on me, I'm spending a heck-of-a-lot-of-time on facebook. So add me & lmk you're a blog reader!

I SEE: Gran Torino

Where do I begin...this movie was not what we expected. Here's an opening statement - not only did my husband stay awake through it, he wants to see it again (if you know Matt, you know how significant that is!).

Yes there is very strong language. For once, I can honestly say it was integral to character development and the story line. And, yes, sometimes the violence was so painfully real it was difficult to watch. With that said, this story had so many well crafted layers and lessons in it we think every parent with a teen child should go see it to start a real conversation about prejudice, inter-generational relations, respect, violence, faith, friendship, love & family. Now - parents, we recommend you go alone first and make the independent decision your child is "old enough" to handle it...but it has been years since a movie generated such genuine conversations about morals and values between me & my spouse. It was awesome. And poignant. And in its own way beautiful.

I HEAR: The Bad Dog
Yes, I've picked a favorite. My parents have 2 dogs - Lady & Curly. I told Lady she was my favorite this week and Curly officially is in my "dog house". When I was over there on Wednesday they got out. Lady surrendered herself in their front yard and submitted to being put on the leash. But curly the little...fur turd...barked and yipped and RAN over two blocks before I caught him. (stop-sprint, stop-sprint, stop-sprint) And of course, I was wearing the worst shoes possible for an impromptu dog marathon & as a result I still have sore ankles.

I TASTE: Fresh Blueberry Muffins

When we ran to my aunt & uncle's Saturday morning to pick up our weekly coop box (which, btw included - apples, carrots, nectarines, mushrooms, blueberries, lettuce, grapefruit & sweet potatoes this week) my aunt was just taking some fresh blueberry muffins out of the oven. We got a KILLER deal on blueberries last week at the market (.50 a pint!!!), so we've been eating them a lot lately. But these, these were so good it was almost sinful!

I TOUCH: SewGoods





One of the IndieFrenzy services we offer is etsy shop management. One of our clients is SewGoods (OK, I confess, she is my mother-in-law, but she is a paying client), who does beautiful machine embroidered towels & novelty pillowcases. I've been doing a lot of photography for her & setting up her shop. Her work is lovely! You should go check out her full shop...I will be adding more all week.

I SMELL: Ocean Salt from LUSH

I get really dry skin when it's cold & I really try to take care of it. I love using the Ocean Salt as an intense scrub to remove dead/dry skin & refresh my hands & elbows. It's so abrasive you can't use it more than once a week - but the results are amazing! It is made up of a combo of sea salt, vodka & grapefruit juice (kind of like a Salty Dog) along with avocado & coconut oil, so it's all natural. My hands look 10 years younger for a few days every time I use it! If you have a LUSH in your area they always have it out for people to sample, so you can do your own treatment for free! You'll use the Ocean Salt first, then the Lemony Flutter & Dream Cream to rehydrate. It is so worth the trip to try it out! (I swear, some day I'm gonna work @ LUSH...I feel like I know their line as well as any employee!)

On My Desk Thursdays...on Friday

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday (although this week I'm a day late). This week it's...

...projects in progress for StitchSlap! I haven't played much this week, even though the stuff has been staring me in the face. I really want the chance to sew some this weekend, so I made my embroidery box the pic of the day...

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

I SEE: Principal's Office

I've discovered a hilarious new show...Principal's office. Matt & I caught a marathon when Meg was over & we laughed SO hard.

I HEAR: My phone ringing...constantly
Why is it everyone wants to call when you don't have a voice? LOL...it seemed like it rang nonstop last week.

I TASTE: My aunt's soup
My Aunt Carol really came through for me the last couple of weeks while I've been sick. She brought me over some of the best potato & chicken noodle soup I've EVER had & I'm eternally grateful!

I TOUCH: Felt

Meg & I worked on ideas for StitchSlap! on Saturday. We've decided to make itty bitty wearable softies for barrettes, rings & pins. Even though I was still a little sick, it was good to see the Megster...I've missed her.

I SMELL: Cilantro
It was my week to buy for the coop & I had Mexican food in mind and I loaded us up on cilantro, corn, onions & garlic. This week I also picked up potatoes, mangoes, bananas, tangerines & blueberries...yum!

New Creations for Catch 52 & ManHandled

So here's what I've been doing when I'm not coughing up a lung...I created this digital calendar set for Catch 52. I'm loving the challenge of designing a calendar a week...it should be a fun year and a line of digital products even traditional scrappers will want to use!


I've also done 2 new button sets this week. We've goaled ourselves to add at least one new button set a week to ManHandled this year & these New Moon sets kick it off.

Jacob's Choice - $4

The New Moon Collection - $12

It might not seem like a ton, but it's kept me busy. I've also been working on my mother-in-law's new online shop {but that's a post for tomorrow}. For now I need to get back to work on some other little projects & maybe make some biscuits to go with the stew I made for tonight...

Call off the search party...

I am ALIVE. Thank you for your calls & emails...I know I haven't missed a Shop Etsy Saturday or Sense-ational Sunday in over a year - until last week. That should give you an idea of how sick I've been. I've really just had the energy to do what I "had to" do and spent the rest of the time coughing or sleeping.

I'm somewhat better, but still have a barking, bone shaking cough. The Z-Pack did nothing for me so I'm on a new antibiotic now {I'm allergic to all the penicillin drugs so I have a hard time when I catch something that needs big gun antibiotics} & I'm regularly taking Robitussin. I will get back on the blog soon...I promise! But for now...maybe a nap!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

...a cup of hot tea. I might also add it's a 2:50 AM edition of On My Desk Thursdays. I'm sick. Coughing & sore throat. I'll be headed to the doc later today as a matter of fact! My mom got me that mug...Matt made me tea before he went to bed & I just refilled it. It's a little thing, but I love that it is such a good memory of my mom & it was really sweet for Matt to do for me.

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)

Get organized with this adorable book!

I ran across this How-Tuesday video through etsy & loved it so much, I wanted to share it with you today! The book is by YourSecretAdmiral & here is a link to the template & instructions to make your own!!!

Calendar Clock Giveaway on ScrapScene!!!

ScrapScene is hosting a giveaway from my new digital calendar line, Catch 52. To win this set of "Calendar Clocks" click here and post on that thread . For more information on Calendar Clocks click here.

Thanks for entering & good luck!

"Sense"-ational Sundays...

Our senses tell a story. I've committed to recording my 5 senses for the past week - every week - as an exercise to explore my sensory world. I challenge you to do the same. If you choose to do so, just blog your 5 senses every Sunday & let me know - I'd love to read along!

And - yes. This is the midnight version. I've had a couple of late nights & am wiped out, but couldn't bear to miss a Sunday, so this week it will be short & sweet!

I SEE: Blood
I was with my stepmother @ Primacare on Saturday where she was getting stitches after a nasty fall. It's the first time I got woozy from the sight of blood and before I knew it I was on a bed in Primacare too...We're both fine. We just filled our drama quota for the weekend.

I HEAR: Friends
This week Ashley, Ben, Kate & I had our first IndieFrenzy meeting. Martha joined us for dinner another night. I had lunch with a high school friend. I spent the day with Amy & Meg one day and went to a party at Kandice's on New Year's. My brain overflowed with conversation, gossip & chatter.

I TASTE: Pinot Noir
Between Kandice's & Ashley's I think I set some kind of personal red wine consumption record this week. Which, face it, is not very impressive because I don't drink that much...but it was enough to merit my taste of the week.

I TOUCH: Old books & magazines
Another trip to the big Half Price Books Saturday morning yielded some great finds. I went through a zillion magazines & found some old Highlights for a project I want to do. I also picked up an Engrish book & a couple of manga books in Japanese.

I SMELL: Melted Carmex
I'm a Carmex addict. In the winter I keep one in the center console of my car because my lips get so chapped. {If you're a regular reader, you know I even have a crocheted Carmex cozy attached to my purse!} Well, yesterday we got up to 84 degrees...and bye bye car Carmex. It was oozing out the lid. Ugh. Texas weather...if you don't like it wait 24 hours. Tonight we're going to have a freeze. Unbelievable!

Shop Etsy Saturdays: Julie Meyer

I believe in Etsy and in the spirit of independent craftsters everywhere. I love to buy handmade and unique items for myself, my home and as gifts. As someone who sells on etsy as well as shops there, I have found hundreds of talented craftsters and amazing creations while I have been online.

JulieMeyer
Maybe it's because I have cleaning on the brain...or it just feels like a practical week, but this week I decided to feature Julie Meyer's shop. It is the ultimate destination for your inner desperate housewife! Check out this stylish oilcloth lunch bag...

...or you could try {my favorite} a pair of fashionable waterproof gloves. You know me - I love everything oilcloth!!!

2009: A Year of Beginnings

2009: the beginning of a new era in EmilyWorld...

I no longer work full time. I am thrilled to still be doing some consulting work for Luxe (love them), but am really excited to pursue some of my own creative goals & passions this year. Here's a breakdown of what 2009 has in store...

CATCH 52
One thing I have figured out through my years in the scrapbooking industry. I love designing practical product. I am fixated on calendars, word art and clean, elementary graphic design because it is timeless, classic and can be used to compliment any style.

Now, I personally haven't converted to digital scrapbooking, but I use brushes and other digi elements and consider myself a hybrid girl. So the opportunity to create for PolkaDotPotato was just too good to pass up!

Catch 52 is a calendar line with attitude! I will be releasing a new piece of digital calendar art every week in 2009! (exclusively available at www.PolkaDotPotato.com) This line will have something for everyone - from funky & unusual to ultra traditional. I'm designing it as a hybrid user - so there will be brushes & printables as well as pure digi elements.

The first kit came out today...



IndieFrenzy
IndieFrenzy will offer website support and marketing services on a level that is affordable to individual artists selling their own creations.

We are so excited to be helping independent artists in a market that's more locally focused, globally friendly and uniquely original. IndieFrenzy is handmade marketing for a handmade world.

If you're already on Facebook or Myspace JOIN FOR MORE INFO:
Facebook - become friends with Indie Frenzy
Facebook - join the group IndieFrenzy
MySpace - be our friend www.myspace.com/indiefrenzy

Or you can visit our site www.indiefrenzy.com
Or email us at info@indiefrenzy.com

I'm starting I.F. with Ashley Smith & Kate Lynch. If you remember the names...YES, we are the "3 Amigos" from the original Magic Scraps. Back in the day, Kate & I worked for Ashley creating, educating, marketing, & selling Magic Scraps.

ManHandled

The button business is booming! Matt & I are having more fun than ever churning out new designs and look forward to having more time to devote to our shop. We've added a second ManHandled site on ArtFire.com for 2009.

The Bookie

As the button business picked up, we realized we needed ManHandled to be a specialized site - which meant no more mixed shop. Matt & I love making journals {and he's especially good at it} and we both wanted a paper-anything-goes store...so we just opened TheBookie.

StitchSlap!
As we talked through our shop specialization plans with the family, Meg came up with a shop concept she wanted to be the primary on that she wanted to do with me. StitchSlap! will be a softie toy, pin cushion & embroidery/miscellaneous punk sewing shop on etsy. More details coming soon...

Sign up for updates
So I'm *finally* dusting off my email newsletter list and will be starting a newsletter this year. So if you'd like details from on any of our new businesses, Luxe, PDP and occaisional coupons, special offers and exclusives please email emily@emilyadamsonfire.com and put "the list" in the subject line.

And if you're on facebook...so am I {a lot!}. It's a great way to keep up with my day-to-day. When you request me as a friend just let me know you're a blog reader & I will add you!

Well...that should keep me busy this year!

On My Desk Thursdays...

Inspired by one of my favorite sites, On My Desk, I have decided to share a photo of whatever is on my desk {whether it's art in progress or a gigantic mess} every Thursday. This week it's...

Technically this is a Friday picture (note the date). I got so wrapped up in my news yesterday I forgot. So here we have: Twin Peaks & a bunch of sewing stuff...In an effort to develop a routine (now that I'll be home so much), I've committed to walking on the treadmill every morning whether I want to or not. I've decided the best "timer" would be watching something I enjoyed & wouldn't take the time to watch otherwise. So I'm starting each day with an episode of the Peaks...the sewing stuff has been gathered to work on projects for StitchSlap! which I have been procrastinating.

So, what's on your desk? Post a link & let me know if you're playing along - I'd love to look at your desk too! Or just hop on and say hi. I know you're reading. :)