New Format, New Format, & A Teaser

Still working on our reorganizing, rearranging, redecorating projects around our little apartment. This time, we remembered to take a before photo so the after photo was a bit more impressive.


---------------BEFORE/AFTER---------------
(amazing how, afterwards, everything seems brighter...happier...)
*Our printing/Etsy supplies station made from four little Ikea drawer units and 2 boards. I'd say it's quite an improvement.*

Also, starting now all my prints are 8"x10" rather than 8.5"x11". I've found it's much easier to find cheap, cool 8x10 frames which hopefully encourages people to buy and hang more art.

ANNND...though I won't totally believe it til I actually see them online, my prints are soon-to-be available through a certain magazine's online store. I'm really excited about the opportunity because I've been reading this magazine, listening to their podcast, and admiring their website for a couple years now. I'll let you know as soon as my work is in their shop so check back here soon.

Under (Re)construction

A new cover for his notebook...

Thanks to a long and fruitful Ikea trip this past weekend we're in the middle of several reorganizing, rearranging, redesigning and other general re-ing projects. (Trips to Ikea seem to take just as much time and planning as a trip to Disney World, though I think their meatballs are cheaper). Plus we've been fighting colds and stomach bugs and the urge to just sit on the couch eating chocolate donuts and watching episodes of 30 Rock til the baby comes.


Re-organized Art Chest-- a "before" picture would have made this more impressive but trust me, it's a major improvement.


So handy! I think I'll keep this guy around.

I've got a new card design on the way as well as a greeting card version of this print for your handyman or handywoman this Valentine's Day. Oh, and Happy New Year!

Blood:Water Mission

For the next couple months, 10% of my Etsy earnings will go toward building clean water wells in Africa through the 1000 Wells Project of Blood:Water Mission. According to their site $1 is enough to provide clean water for one African for a year. $1! I'm sitting here sipping on my ice cold glass of filtered water with lime that I had to walk 10 feet to get. Let me not take that for granted!

Sheep and Pigs and Chickens, Oh My!

A BIG THANKS to everyone who made purchases from my shop any time between August and Christmas. As promised, 25% of my sales went toward providing nourishment and income to poor, Dalit families in India through livestock. We were able to buy 2 sheep, 2 pigs, and 6 chickens! Thanks again for your support!

Creative Inspiration

I had a coffee shop date night with Hudson this past weekend. We spent the time sipping our chocolate drinks (his cold, mine hot) and "journaling". For him it was scribbling in his new notebook he bought with some of his birthday money.


For me, it was finally getting a start on my creative inspiration journal. I'm always coming across cool ideas in various magazines but can never remember them when I need a creative pick-me-up. So I finally got around to cutting them out and putting them in a notebook, making notes and sketches in the margins as the juices start flowing. It's great. I'm hoping my sister will start doing something like this. I'd love to trade notebooks at some point to see what's been inspiring her--a good way to stay in touch across the miles : )

Owl Magnets!

As promised, here are the latest additions to the shop--my first stab at housewares. Check them out it in the shop and let me know what you think!

"First" Family Christmas

We missed our big family this year at Christmas but were so glad for the chance to see almost everyone recently at Thanksmas and in North Carolina. And, though we hope it's not the norm on Christmas, our first Christmas as just the (soon-to-be) four of us was a good chance to establish some of our own traditions.
Here are some of the highlights of the little Armstrong Christmas....


A fun new french toast recipe that uses bananas and vanilla yogurt instead of eggs.



First family gingerbread house party :)



New toys!


Another little tree.


This picture was actually taken two days before Christmas but I had to share it. We went out to make a snowman and Hudson was so worn out that he just laid his head down and fell asleep a few bites into dinner.

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, whether you spent it with just a few loved ones or a whole gaggle of relatives!