Love Fragrance Candles but in a Location where they're not allowed?

Celebrating Home introduces the new Ooh La Lamp c…: http://youtu.be/awh3CzonI_0

Let's Decorate for Autumn!

For the holidays I'm always looking for something fun and creative to do.  I was on vacation in Houston and I saw this on the local news station.

Click on picture above for how-to video

 

So this is definitely something that I will be trying this week (or as soon as I can get my husband to go pumpkin shopping with me!)

I thought I'd also share another decorating tip for my clients that purchase Celebrating Home décor, candles and more from me: 

 

How cute is this?  So basically with a little ribbon, burlap ribbon, and the Bernard Hurricane, and the Scarecrow Lantern, you can have a cute tabletop decoration, centerpiece, or even something for your front porch down by your jack-o-lanterns or pumpkins!  Then check back in a few weeks and I'll show you how to use this same Bernard Hurricane for your Christmas décor, so it's very versatile and you'll get a LOT of functionality out of it, not just for candles any more! (Of which, all of my candles are now marked down by 33% off! Just in time for that snowy holiday season too--never know when you might lose electricity or have to have a last minute quick gift on hand for those unexpected parties or guests...)

 

Here's another use for the Bernard Hurricane as well!

 

(I'm a very thrifty and frugal shopper, so I always like to find different ways to use a single product!)  If you have an idea on how to use it outside of the usual, definitely take a photo and email it to me! (Who knows, you might then be a recipient of one of my RAK!!)

 

Well, that about kicks off my favorite time of year! The decorations, the Autumn baking, etc, just always puts a smile on my face! 

 

~Elise (aka Sosa's Wife)



Atmospheric Perspective in Illustration

Here are a few photos that I've taken over the past couple of weeks with my newest camera for school.  So far I am having a wonderful time with both my Foundations course and my Illustrations course, learning different techniques and "rules" so to speak for drawing things according to size and perspective.  I will be posting a few other photos from our many trips between running to and from helping my dad through his chemo/radiation treatments, my classes and certifications, and just much needed weekend getaways to try and "de-stress" to start another chaotic week!!

These were taken to show the different Atmospheric Perspective, that is typically used in illustration, painting, etc.  Enjoy!

Sasha and Niko playing outside in the backyard

Of all places! We found a "Texas" Barbecue joint in Loveland, CO!

Chicago City Skyline... isn't this gorgeous? Definitely has a "Horizon Line"

Well, that's about it for now, but I'll definitely be posting a few samples from my Illustration class, and I have a few upcoming Copic Coloring class samples to share too!  Leave a comment if you enjoy taking photos or drawing!
May you have a blessed Sunday!
~Elise

A Bouquet of Flowers through the mail...

I wanted to share a card I have been working on for a friend of mine and possibly my next Copic Creative Card class.  This digi stamp can be purchased at Power Poppy by Marcella Hawley.  I encourage you to purchase this stamp prior to the class and print it out on the paper of your preference.  This stamp will not be provided in class, but we will be covering the same technique used in the card below.

 

Gladioli Digital Stamp Set by Marcella Hawley
at PowerPoppy.com

Here is the alternate stamp set used in the class project if you do not have the one above.
Same coloring technique will be taught! So, not to worry if you don't have the other one.

Set of 13 My Acrylix CTMH stamp set (D1602)

I'm looking forward to you joining in the class! I know you're going to love it!

~Elise

Cricut® Artfully Sent

Have Markers will travel...

Nothing like being able to blog, color and enjoy a Passion Tea Lemonade from Starbucks while waiting on an early flight in the airport!

Thought I'd share my latest Saturated Canary Stamp. Please forgive me for not being able to list the Copic marker color numbers this time, I was just so excited to share these two sweet cards that I had to post it during my layover! (And I was being stared at while I was trying to take the photo! I can practically McGuyver anything when it calls for it! Especially making a tiny light box for photography!)

Thanks for stopping by! More to come!
~Elise

Sosa's 10 min Southwest Sunday Soup

Homemade Southwestern Sunday Soup

Earlier this week I noticed Williams-Sonoma was having their "Celebrating the Harvest: Apples" technique class today, so last night I called up and snagged us a spot for 10a.m. this morning. (And anyone that knows me, knows this would be a challenge for me.) So, we got up and out and we were there 40 min before they were even open!  The class was wonderful, and my next attempt after our vacation will be homemade apple sauce.

So you say what do apples have to do with a Southwestern Soup? Nothing, other than the fact that I bought my Professional Series 750 Vitamix from Williams-Sonoma, and the manager was asking me what all I've made in it, and we started talking about soups and afterwards my husband said, let's try it when we get home!

So...

Within 10 min of getting home and only using 10 common ingredients found in most pantries, we were eating a healthy, filling and most importantly a quick soup!

Servings: Makes 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Hot Water (Boiled if not using a Vitamix with the preset "hot soup" feature)
• 1 Celery Stalk
• 1 Tomato 
• 1 Carrot
• 1 tsp Better Than Bouillon - Organic
• 1 tsp Southwest Spice Blend (I used Blend it Up!)
• Tortilla Chips (about 6-7; and then some for garnish)
• Cilantro (I pinched off a small handful because we like it; can also be omitted)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Put first 7 ingredients in the Vitamix, no chopping necessary, it will blend it all up!
2. Turn dial to  preset Hot Soup function and start cycle.
3. Add a handful of tortilla chips and desired amount of cilantro, along with fresh grated black pepper and salt and turn dial to 1 and pulse just enough to chop and integrate the chips and cilantro.
4. Serve with additional cilantro and chips to garnish.  Enjoy!

Variation Note:  Add chicken, corn or even black beans for a more chunky soup.  You can also add jalapenos for an added kick!

I'm not [usually] a fan of soups, but boy was this really good!  If you like tortilla soup, this is "kind of" like it only there's no chicken, no cheese and very quick and healthy.  I'm already thinking of my next soup will be! (Although, hubby hinted I need to try making a pumpkin soup... hmmm...)

~Elise

A little bit of humor...

So, I tried updating/recreating a blog that strictly showcased my artwork.  Um, that didn't work one bit! New blog, couldn't remember how to set up feedburner so you could sign up for email updates, and next thing you know I've got about 10 windows open all with Blogger and one window leads to another, which in turn wants me to set up my Picasa to link with my phone, to link to who knows where else, so guess what? I'm going to cook dinner and revisit this fiasco another day! Maybe when I get back from my vacation and then think a little more clearly.  How does that sound?  And if you have any tips or tricks for me, Puh-LEASE help!! :)
Cheers!
~Elise

Delicious Side Dish (or great GF meal!)

I'm not usually one to try recipes from what I've found on Pinterest, but I found this one and had to try it right away since we've been getting our produce delivered right from the same dairy farm that delivers our dairy and eggs! (Absolutely the best to get fresh milk, fresh cage-free eggs, and now organic locally grown produce!?! Yum!)
So, I've been on a total zucchini kick and of course different ways of cooking it other than steamed or grilled, and happened to come across this recipe for Garlic Lemon and Parmesan Oven Roasted Zucchini over on the Cooking Classy blog.  Why not serve something healthy and delicious to your family? Takes less than 20 min to prepare and cook! 

Now that it's Zucchini season, what do you prefer? Savory or Sweet Zucchini dishes?
~ Elise

Upcoming Intro to Coloring with Copic Markers

So now that I'm an official Certified Copic Designer, I'll be teaching and doing demos throughout the Denver area! I'm excited, the owner of the local crafts store I frequent is excited and she already wants me to come up with 3 classes!

So... here's a sneak peek at one of the projects in the beginner course.  If you're interested in signing up, keep an eye out, I'll be posting class dates soon!
~ me

Accepted to be a Certified Copic Instructor!!

I am elated! Lots of new things happening this year after practically a whole year of being on a hiatus.  Originally due to my illnesses, I had to incorporate digi scrapbooking into my repertoire and then having your computer crash tends to make you look for other alternatives to your craft/hobby to keep yourself sane, so.... while visiting a friend of mine in Colorado for a Scrapbook Expo, I found a new love...
Wait for it...
Yes! COLORING WITH COPICS!  (Copic Sketch Markers that is...) So 2 years later, and after being approached by a local store owner to come in and teach classes from time to time and then every time I go into the local Michael's and have other coloring enthusiasts ask me what I've been working on and how they wish they knew how to use the markers, I decided why not? Yep, why not get certified.
I am so excited that I've been accepted into the program and I'm totally looking forward to attending the course! I will be posting samples soon! Or you can find me on Pinterest where I've already pinned a few projects.
Cheers!