Cute Flower & Animal Cards

I recently purchased some happy printed scrapbook papers full of whimsical spring and summer fun. Colorful pieces, flowers, and cute animals make up the bulk what I like, and I knew these prints would make the perfect cards. All I have to do is punch a few circles, add some decal, and we're set!



Simple tree.


I think the pearl decal and stripe textured blue paper give this card good layers.


Deerly card.


The deer has a heart on it's butt. Too cute. And some pink rhinestones bring in extra femininity.


You're foxy, my deer.




And some cute critters!

I am trying to build a bulk collection of my favorite cards for a summer project, and these will be a great addition.

Hope everyone is having a good week. Hooray for a new month and the 4th coming up :)

Current & Upcoming Photography Exhibits

Photography is one of my favorite art forms and there are two exhibits that I am really excited about seeing this summer, one in LA at the Getty and the other at the SB Museum of Art.

Source: From the series Girl Culture. Lauren Greenfield, negative, 2001; print, 2002.

Engaged Observers: Documentary Photography Since the Sixties
June 29 - November 14, 2010
The Getty

"Engaged Observers looks in depth at projects by a selection of the most vital photographers who have contributed to the development of this approach. Passionately committed to their subjects, they have authored evocative bodies of work that are often published extensively as books and transcend the realm of traditional photojournalism."

Source: Sungsoo Koo, ‘Tour Bus’ from the series ‘Magical Reality’ (2005-2006), 2005.

Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography
July 3 - September 19, 2010
Santa Barbara Museum of Art

"The first major exhibition in the United States of photographs made by contemporary Korean artists presently living in Korea, Chaotic Harmony: Contemporary Korean Photography opens a window to the dynamic photographic scene in the Republic of Korea, known in the West as South Korea. Bringing together work by 40 contemporary photographers, this presentation of 42 large-scale images surveys the range of contemporary issues through the themes of land and sea; urbanization and globalization; family, friends, and memory; identity: cultural and personal; and anxiety."

It sounds like a lot of great pieces, photographers, perspectives, and with the Getty being free and SBMA having free Sundays, budget friendly.

Are you looking forward to visiting any exhibits this summer?

Herbert Bayer. Chromatic Gate.

One of my favorite bauhaus artists is Herbert Bayer. I recently found out he was a Santa Barbara resident for the last 10 years of his life and has a piece at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. He also has a huge sculptural installation, the Chromatic Gate, in East Beach in Santa Barbara. After driving by this piece for years, we decided we must stop by and check it out up close.


It stands 21 feet tall in the "Arco Circle" right by the Fess Parker Double Tree on Cabrillo Boulevard. I love the colors and size of it.










I love the angles, order, how the shadows change the look, and how each inch is art.




The colors of the sides that face the sun are quite faded compared to the sides without sun.


This section has brighter, more vivid colors.


I love public art. You can walk right up to the Chromatic Gate, touch each color and section, walk through the middle, and just take in the scene. It is like you are part of it, even for a few minutes.


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My summer project is to find and experience the other art installations around Santa Barbara :)

Weekender: Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show

A favorite weekend activity of ours is going to the art walk on Cabrillo Boulevard in Downtown Santa Barbara. Located right on the waterfront, local artist showcase their works, art, photographs, and crafts to locals and tourists alike. The vendors span about 4 blocks and it is fun to see so much creativity just steps from the ocean.


Palm tree lined streets are my favorite.




Paintings and photography make up one section of the art walk.


I love sunset photos!


Crafty creations make up the other section of the art walk. These wind driven spinning metal spirals with balls is one of my favorite things to stare at.


It is like the ball is moving, but the metal spiral portion is actually moving.




Recycled glass turned to jewelry. So pretty and just one of the many jewelry vendors.


And there was pottery.



Lots and lots of pottery.




I love all the original, stimulating, and creative energy the art walk provides. So many friendly vendors pour their hearts into their works, sharing treasured pieces. You must visit if you are in SB. There is nothing like enjoying Sunday in the sun.

Of course a weekend would not be complete with out some yummy treats.

Baked brie, walnuts, roasted garlic, pear slices, and bread from Pascucci is our favorite appetizer.


Chicken sandwich, tortilla soup, and a cookie from Silvergreens is always a treat :)


And hello to Pinkberry watermelon. Love this new and refreshing flavor for summer!

Hope you all had a great weekend!!

Weekender: Observatory

Last weekend was the first since Christmas that my whole family has been together. To extend the fun, we celebrated Father's Day on Sat & Sun, took a fun trip to the Griffith Observatory, and ate food :)


The parking lot was full so a little hike was in order.


Hollywood Hills.




I love the architecture.


An interactive periodic table of elements.


The different stars.


The heat sensing camera was a favorite.


I love a gorgeous LA day with minimal smog.












The new addition was full of models, planets, and stars.






There was a time line of the universe illustrated by an impressive jewelry collection!


It was probably my favorite part, until we saw the Leonard Nimoy Theater...


Live long and prosper!


And an NBA championship is not complete without a few congratulatory signs. I love the one at Pink's! If only their line was shorter...