PAPYRUS FALL 2013 BABY COLLECTION

PAULA PRASS for PAPYRUS

It was almost a year ago in October that I was cleaning out emails and seriously had my finger on delete when my eye caught the words Art Director and Papyrus.  I read the email a couple times before I realized it wasn't spam.   One year later we walked into a Papyrus store over the weekend and there it all was.  The sales people were so excited to show it off which was fun.  Looks so much more glamorous in person than all those flat digital files I stared at for way too long (which, by the way, were so large they crashed my computer!)  I bought a gift bag and gift enclosure, then took Tim out to dinner to make up for us sitting at the computer last Thanksgiving all by ourselves; no turkey, no mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie.  In fact, on Thanksgiving night I literally laid my head down on the computer desk while Tim was trying to figure out CS6 and fell asleep without any dinner at all.  I'm sure other licensing artists find themselves under huge time crunches and just like childbirth...it takes about a year to know it was so worth it.  Here's a few proud shots:

 The collection is embellished with tags, ribbons, glitter, rhinestones, layers and includes 3 different size bags, a gift enclosure, thank you notes,  counter card and tissue paper.  Will you let me know if you see them and where?  

THAT'S MY DOG IN YOUR FRAME

A few weeks ago I was in a local Home Goods and headed towards checkout when something familiar caught my eye.  I turned and what should my wandering eyes see?  My Wing Study fabric on down filled pillows!!!!  Even had zippers.  Guess how much?  No, guess again.  Yup, $19.99!  Okay, so even though it's my fabric design I was thinking the down pillow form and zipper would cost more than that.  I bought two for my house.  Crazy, huh?  Oh, and  that pillow on the lower right was just sitting there and not my design.

Then if that's not enough, I was just in a store, MG Tate's, in Indianapolis with Jennifer and lo and behold, there were my Demdaco frames.  I took a quick photo hoping no one would notice.  I'd have a hard time convincing them I wasn't trying to "copy" or anything.

I am known to do weird things in stores.  A few years ago I was designing a room in a Decorator Show House in Indy and had picked up a bunch of accessories and frames at Pottery Barn for the finishing touches.  Once I got everything in place I packed up the items I couldn't use and returned them to the store.   Then a couple weeks later I was walking through Pottery Barn and stopped to look at the frames.  Sitting right there, front and center, was a photo of my dog in a frame I had returned.  It was the same cute photo I used each year in the show house rooms I designed, but in my rush to finish up I forgot about the photo.  I kinda freaked because I had to have that photo back since it was before everyone had digital cameras and stored images.  I tried to be sneaky, but there seemed to be about 50 employees meandering and talking into tiny microphones.  I also imagined cameras and security all watching me try to steal a dog photo.    Finally I decided the only thing I could do is buy the frame.  I took it to the checkout counter and placed the frame front side down, which I hoped would work since the tag was on the back anyway.  Sure enough the one gal flipped the frame over and seeing the photo she started to remove it from the frame.   I panicked and quickly asked what she was doing.  She said they reuse the photos!  Okay, here goes...."Could you leave the photo in?  It's my dog".  The other gal behind her swings around to get a good look at the lady with the loose screw in her head, then they looked at each other as if to wonder about calling security.  Finally, after me going on and on with my tall tale and a line forming behind me, she reluctantly gave in.  I didn't shop at Pottery Barn for a while after that.  

SPRING BREAK

Flowers from the yard are adorning the house.  I just realized that I have not taken photos of my new Demdaco line as I was taking this photo of the tray.  I'll just need to take more photos later.  Not now because Jennifer and the kiddos are here for Spring break!  The weather is beautiful and we are taking full advantage. 

My two favorite guys heading in

THE CREATIVE CONNECTION 2011

I just returned from a packed few days at The Creative Connection.  I had no idea what to wear, but one thing I knew for sure is I had to have one of the clutches that Simone creates out of my Botanika fabrics.  She whipped this baby up just in time.  LOVE!  Go check out some of the other ones.  Simone rocks Botanika.

Couldn't find my business cards (you know my moving saga), then realized my info would have been all wrong anyway.  Didn't want to lug my large camera and intended to borrow Tim's smaller one, but geez, somehow I forgot that in the middle of the night. So, I'm about to reveal a few really bad photos of some awesome ladies.   

Us sewing gals quickly found each other like moths to flame.

 From Left: Kim and Kris (The DIY Dish); Patty Young; Jana Nielson; me; Betz White; Lizzy House. 

Here is one of the reasons I participated in The Creative Connection.  The particular roundtable I  was involved with was packed, both with experts and women hoping to glean invaluable information.  Several women were able to pitch their ideas and art to the top gift companies and ask questions to some of us licensed designers working with these companies.  What an incredible opportunity, certainly one I would have loved to have had myself many years ago. 

I took a few classes.  Two classes from Traci Bautista.  Funny, because her style is so very different than mine, but I was there to stretch myself.  And boy that stretched me.  I ended up in the same classes and at the same table with Brenda Pinnick a couple times.  We became fast painting buddies, sharing supplies and fabric scraps.  We quickly realized the fabrics we were sharing were our own designs and complimented each others.  What fun!  My hair gets wild when I get creative. 


Brenda Pinnick and me

Me and Traci Bautista

I was quite happy to meet Holly Becker of Decor8, finally.  She has sent some love my way over the years and I've followed her design blog since 2005.  Studied her new book DECORATE from cover to cover on the flights home. 



Me with Holly Becker

 Okay, that's all I can talk about today, but I will be picking a winner of the Pillow Giveaway this week.  If you haven't already, click here and leave a comment for a chance to win this pillow from The Paula Prass Collection for Demdaco:

MOVING MADNESS & GORGEOUS GIVEAWAY

You have to admit I do have good excuses for why I haven't blogged.  When I last posted I promised gifts and giveaways galore once things settled down after Quilt Market.  Ready?  Here comes my latest. 

Things have been on-again, off-again for the last year as to whether we were really moving to San Diego. Tim has been working there the majority of the time and I haven't felt comfortable announcing that I have been here by myself.  Well, it was definately on-again when I got home from Quilt Market and a Pod was in the driveway to make sure it sunk in.   

MY POD

Next thing I knew we were racing to get our house ready to sell.  Finishing up all those odds and ends that we always intended to tackle ourselves.  Tim flew home and we quickly had a mega yard sale...literally opened the garage door, stuck out a couple signs on Thursday and Friday while painters, carpet installers, roofers and landscapers (I'm sure I've left out a few workers) were here doing touch ups and repairs.  On Thursday early evening our real estate agent came by with the paperwork and a For Sale sign for the yard.  By Friday morning we already had people wanting to view the house.  I had made it clear that I intended to get the workers out and the house cleaned before it could be seen.  Sunday morning we planned to do some finishing touches, but a couple from Chicago wanted to see it first thing and stayed for 2 hours!   We barely put the finishing touches in place and had to quickly  find someplace to hide out (we ran out of time to even take showers).  My real estate agent happens to also be an incredible friend and neighbor.  Her house was just up the street and is currently vacant, so we took our very old and sick dog over there to sit for 3 1/2 hours. 

I was so stinkin bored.  Did I mention her house was totally vacant?  I sat on the floor and cleaned out all the old emails on my iPhone, tried to learn to use apps I previously ignored and threw out old gum wrappers from my purse.  All I could think about was how the Open House was going.  Tashi and Tim were layed out on the living room floor snoozing so I decided to put on my baseball cap and sunglasses and go for a little walk.  As I turned the bend there were cars up and down both sides of the street and up the side street next to our house.  I seriously thought someone was having a graduation party, but as I got closer it appeared the party was at my house.  My next door neighbor was out working in the yard so I snuck up on him.  Startled, he said he didn't recognize me with the hat and glasses, to which I told him, "Shhh, I'm incognito!"  He verified that all those cars were at my Open House.  I skipped back to the hideout and waited until 5:15 when we thought the coast was clear.  As we pulled up our drive we realized people were still walking around in the yard and one couple was visiting with the next door neighbors. 



Not too convincing SpyWear

 I wish I had a picture of our agent Teresa when we walked into our kitchen.  She had thrown  her torso and arms out  on the island pretending she had collapsed from exhaustion.  That was only temporary because she started talking 90+ MPH, telling us she couldn't keep up after 80 people but she was sure there were at least 100 that came through.  I wouldn't have believed her if I hadn't seen it for myself.   No sooner did she leave when she called on her cell to say she just received an offer.  By bedtime we had two offers over the asking price and more promised for the next day. 

Next morning we had people and realtors lined back to back starting at 8 a.m. with appointments to see the house.  Our heads were spinning.  We really had no place to go so we hung out at a couple restaurants until  Tim needed to pack and get to the airport.  We also needed to get our Tashi in to the vets.  After lunch we intruded on a showing at our house and felt obligated to say excuse me to the strangers looking in our closets.  We quickly packed Tim's bag and rescued Tashi from his indoor kennel.  He was not well and this added stress was taking it's toll on him.  When we got to the vets, it wasn't good news.  Long story short, we left without our Tashi.  He has been our friend and companion for 16 1/2 years; our other son.  One minute we are on a mountaintop with all the interest in our house and the next minute down in a valley as Tashi is being put to sleep.  Tim and Tashi were very close and Tim had to walk away from that to catch a flight for San Diego.  It was heartbreaking.

Our Tashi Bear as a pup

My Three Teenagers

As I said my goodbye's to Tashi I whispered in his ear to go find Jonathan.  

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 By that afternoon we had two more offers and appts. booked out the rest of the week from morning to night.  When Teresa stopped over I suggested that while this was crazy good, I wasn't sure why I'd want to keep this up. So I chose an above the asking price offer (surprised?) and by the time Tim landed in San Diego the house was sold.  I think that's a good sign, even a record, don't you? 

Wherever you want us to go Lord.  Where?  San Diego?  Oh, if you insist!! 

All kidding aside, moving across the country after just losing our son and leaving the only other family we have here was a huge decision and one we did not make on our own. 

Next task was to quick find a house in San Diego.  I had been looking almost daily since last August on the internet, flew out there previously to house hunt and always disliked the choices.  So many of our options were short sales, foreclosures, houses left vacant, bank-owned or just plain ugly. I flew out again with a list of potentials, most of which were quickly crossed off the list once I saw them in person, or saw the neighborhood, etc.  One of our "must-have's" was some private outdoor living space to make up for the much smaller interiors we were accustomed to in the South and Midwest. There were other things we hoped for, but this one thing was non-negotiable.  I am excited to say that the last place we viewed was "the one".   And it wasn't because I was blurry eyed and everything started to run together (which it did), but because we couldn't see inside the neighbors houses or even their yards, and likewise.  We put an offer on it, did a bit of countering and by the time I got off the plane back in Indianapolis I had a contract to sign.  That, my friends, is amazing. 

I had workers inside and out doing repairs and touch-ups and in some cases they actually made things worse.  For instance, a young guy was up in the attic and poked his foot through a bedroom ceiling.  It was much more humorous when the hole was open and the insulation was falling out.  But they made it much less conspicuous once they taped it with royal blue and black masking tape.

The guy that came to repair the hole didn't do a good job, got ceiling paint on the walls and after returning 3 more times the repair patch kept getting larger. When the owner of the company came to inspect the patch I told him the new homeowners would need to sign off on the job and I didn't think they would be happy with the workmanship. He walked over and closed the blinds in the bedroom and suggested I leave them closed as to not draw attention to the ceiling. Are you freakin serious??  Bye-bye Mr. Ceiling Man.

I've already closed on this house and packing has started!!!  Our friends  didn't want us to leave, but still had a Farewell Fling for us which will make us miss them even more than we thought possible.  I think I only know a couple people in San Diego, and one of them is our real estate agent.  Skype and unlimited calling will make the transition easier. 

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I am so, so very excited about my next decor line with Demdaco.  In the midst of all this moving madness, I have been receiving both images and some boxes of product for approval for the 2012 Paula Prass Collection.  I was squealing over the images, but when the boxes arrived I was screaming and doing back flips...okay, just screaming.  I can't talk about the new products for another 6 months, but I am beside myself delighted.  The new line coordinates so nicely with my current line. 

So, since I can't share with you next year's line right now, I certainly can share my current line for Demdaco.  How about I share one of my pillow designs with you? This one is a 16" square in pinky coral, greens, creams and brown accents.  The saying: It is not only fine FEATHERS that make fine birds, it's also how those birds DECORATE their nests.  Just leave a message.  If you happen to know some highly creative artists, sewers or places I should know about in San Diego, I'd appreciate passing that along, but it's not necessary.  I'll be picking a winner around Thursday or Friday before the moving truck pulls down the driveway.  Ready.  Set.  Go.

INTRODUCING THE PAULA PRASS COLLECTION

I try almost daily to write a post to all of you who have sent me such incredible love this last month.  But the right words just escape me.  I sit with a blank stare, then eventually give up.  I try to figure how I can possibly transition from that knock at the door to the awesome things that were just about to be unveiled in my creative world.  You have been so awesome to share that doing life is not always pretty or easy for you either.  But we try our best to find the beauty where ever we can, because that's what we do, right?

Thank you for asking how I'm doing; much better, I think.  Well I'm not running into walls so much anymore.  Seriously; not strange or unfamiliar walls, but the walls in my own house that haven't moved for the last twelve years.  Then it was such a relief to be able to get through the memorial for Jonathan.  I was so extremely focused on the details of that memorial and Tim, Jennifer and I getting through it still standing, that I actually felt a bit of short-lived euphoria.  However, Thanksgiving was only a few days later and no longer were we cleaning up from that dinner that the Christmas season officially began.  I forced myself to put up the tree.  It took two days.  I still have the ornaments that Jonathan made as a child, then I find myself rolled up in a fetal position.  So many memories during the holidays feels like salt poured on a fresh wound.  Anyone that's been through trauma or rehab, etc. knows how magnified those memories become.  But each day is better and while I'm not quite at full speed yet, I am finding much comfort in getting back to being creative again.  

So, speaking of being creative....did I tell you I designed a new home decor line for Demdaco that will be available after January 1st?  Here's just a sampling of what to expect:  

  

There's lots more picture frames, so we will no longer be making each and every frame right here.  That, I might add, is a HUGE deal! It has been such a delight to work with Demdaco and can't wait for you to see the entire collection.  If you know of any stores in your area that you know NEEDS to carry my line, just send a note and I'll see what we can do to make that happen.  And can you believe, I'm already at work on the 2012 designs for Demdaco and I am VERY excited about that next direction.

Oh, and did you notice I finally changed my blog header?  About time you say?  I do have more exciting things to share with you soon, my dear friends.  Thanks for sticking with me and coming back to see what I'm up to. 

A MIDNIGHT POST

Right now I am furious with Blogger.  I have wasted hours today and this evening just trying to do a simple post.  Haven't been able to get any pictures to download properly or at all.  Now at bedtime a totally different way to download images suddenly appeared.  So what kind of post was worth me pulling my hair out, you ask?  Nothing that important really.  It's out of pure stubborness that I  finally have 4 images to show you.   Oh, I did have some entertaining stories, but right now that would be like trying to tell a joke in the middle of an argument.  Not tonight dears.

Jennifer was on a trip she won last week with Missy.  Both of them worked with me before they took off to make millions with Stella and Dot jewelry.  Well, Missy pulled out a makeup bag and a jewelry bag made out of my fabrics.  Jennifer sent me pics from her iPhone with instructions to get to Stein Mart.  Sure enough I not only found these makeup bags (the one hanging to the left is a folded up version), but curling iron and flat iron bags!  What I couldn't find is that jewelry bag in the second photo.  The lady at Stein Mart thinks they sold out.  Well, yeah!  It was just a fun product find that I blissfully wanted to share with you all. 

Then, have you seen this tut for a lingerie caddie from Sew4Home?  It's made out of Woodland Delight fabrics.  Don't they do an amazing job? I could see this used in a craft room, too.

And finally, Sew4Home did a post to remind people about the free downloadable pattern I have on my blog. 

Well, there you have it.  I really had more to share, but it's past my bedtime and I don't want to push my luck. One wrong move and POOF, I could lose it all.  O, that would not be pretty, trust me.  Is anyone else having fits with Blogger?  Please say it's not just me.

SHOW + TELL DIAPER BAGS AND MAGAZINES

One of my friends emailed to show me some Kalencom Diaper bags she was carrying in her store.  Out of curiousity I got on the Kalencom website and was a bit confused because the bag she showed me wasn't on their website.  So I did a bit of research and look what I came up with!  I found 17 diaper bags and Midi bags using my fabrics.  I don't know if that's all, but I was very happy.  Pretty cool huh?  I have to wonder what I'd do if I spotted someone with one over their shoulder.  I'm pretty sure I'd make a fool out of myself.  I put large images of each bag in Flickr.  Thanks Kalencom!

So, if that wasn't enough fun, have you seen This magazine?

Thanks to Christine at Michael Miller, I have now.  Sew Wow offers an upscale and sophisticated approach with awesome photography, ideas, patterns... and it's all online!  And look at this adorable project using my Flights of Fancy fabrics.  Just want to know if that baby is included...should be.  Just saying.  Go over there and see what I mean.

SO MUCH TO SAY + GIVEAWAY

I've been a busy girl, but oftentimes have nothing to show for it. Most of what I do seems like it takes forever to get completed. I've started a quilt for my Amelia in hopes to have it finished for Christmas. Since that isn't happening, I'll show you at least the start. I'm using fabrics from my Summer Soiree. I have appliqued the flowers and leaves onto the pieced vase and background. It's the first time for me to applique, and I think I did pretty darn good. I'm having so much fun planning it out. I'll share more as I get further along, but don't hold your breath. I wouldn't want you turning blue on my account.

Okay, I just had to show you another sighting of my fabric on TV. This is from the CBS show, Accidentally on Purpose, starring Jenna Elfman. I have never seen this show, but emails had me checking it out. Sure enough, it is indeed my Par Avion from my Flights of Fancy fabric collection that Jenna is sitting on (instead of wearing). Gee, my doctor uses paper, but I'm sure that will change now! Not exactly what I had in mind when I designed it. Hope they used the laminate for easy cleaning (eewww, did I say that?).

I have several projects and deadlines spread out here, there and everywhere, some of which I can't wait to share with you, but most as I mentioned are not complete. I find that I have no trouble coming up with ideas and designs, in fact, I can't turn them off. The problem is all the behind the scene details slow me down. I have no time to play with my new Woodland Delight fabrics right now. I'm sitting here today with a long list of what I should be doing, but find myself "daydreaming" (another word for procrastinating) over a fresh stack of Woodland Delight. Oh what I'd love to make with these new fabrics. Hhmmm, maybe you can help.

Whatya say I give you a choice between these two stacks and you tell me which one you'd choose and what you'd make with them. Easy enough, right?

PINK WOODLAND DELIGHT

GREY WOODLAND DELIGHT

On Tuesday the 15th I'll randomly pick a winner for the PINK and one for the GREY. Each stack contains 1/2 yard of the fabrics shown; enough to make something birdalicious, wouldn't you say? Can't wait to hear what your ideas are. You just might speak them into becoming reality. Fun, huh?

Now I need to get back to work and leave the daydreaming to you! xoxo

OKAY. I STEAL

Maybe while others have moved on, I'm still thinking about Houston Quilt Market 2009. What a blur it seems now that I'm back and still cleaning up the debri. I somehow didn't get my fill, so recently looked around and found more photos I wish I had. Well I do now. I asked Mary, er, I mean TOLD Mary I had to have this picture of us two being so good. Love that gal!

Now who wouldn't want this photo? Found it on Patty Young's blog. Thank's Jon for a great shot of fun at the Michael Miller 10th Anniversary Party. What a happy evening.

I snatched this from Kathy's blog. Only I know just how much is missing in this photo. I had big plans for the booth. Oh well. Let it go Paula! Just let it go.

I took these on my iPhone of my Tim (MacGyver) Prass doing what he does so well. By the way, I'm sure you're wondering how many husbands can actually fit their entire bodies inside the frame? No pictures of me that evening because I was literally lying on the floor staring into space after way too many hours without sleep. Every once in awhile I'd say "Lookin good, hon," or "Great job, MacGyver (yawn)".

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On another note, in a very short time I found these three items made from my Flights of Fancy fabrics. Jona told me at Market that JoAnn's had sewing baskets using my Papillon fabric. I kind of didn't believe it at first, but then realized Jona sells all my fabrics and uses them herself, so she could spot the real deal. When we all got back home, Jona Twittered this picture of the basket. Yup, that's mine, sittin right next to my buddy Sandi Henderson. How fitting. So, I made a trip to the JoAnn's here and they didn't have it...yet?


Then I was clearing out the stacks of mail and flipped quickly through a trade magazine and found this diaper bag with my Zinnia Path fabric (Flights of Fancy). How fun was that?


About as much fun as running into these pj's from The Cat's Pajama's! They are flannel, but that's definately my Fretwork Stripe. Darned if I wouldn't love to be wearing these while using that coordinating sewing basket (above). You can see that, right?

THE END!

TRENDSPOTTING MY CIRCLES

A SHOW + TELL: Look what I found in housebeautiful.com. They posted one of my frames in an online article about Circles. SWEET, huh? It puts a smile on my face to see my sunny yellow frame on yet another grey and stormy day in the Midwest. Hope it's bright and cheery wherever you are!!

On the fabric front, I'm glad I didn't succumb to some pleadings to give early sneak peaks. We eliminated one pattern and enlarged another. All done for now and hope for my first strike-offs to appear in several weeks (trying to be realistic, but really hoping for a package to arrive sometime in July). July and especially August are busy months around here with the Atlanta and New York Gift Shows. It's out of my hands now. So excited though, can you tell?

Have a glorious weekend!

HELP, I'M BURIED UNDER DESIGNS

I'm here. I have so much I want to post about and show you. I'm making last minute changes to the fabrics. Also designing my Fall/Winter Collection for both mimi's collection and Paula Prass. I'll be back as soon as I see the light....I'm bursting to SHOW + TELL.

APRIL GIVEAWAY

It's a Monday morning, the sun is out and my daffodils are blooming!!! That Spring Deficit Disorder Thingy that I've had seems to be fading away. I'm feeling giddy and springy and so generous. So let's have a Giveaway!!! Anyone buying canvas art on Paula Prass or mimi's collection will get a free picture frame in April. Let me show you some additional ideas:
If you order any 12x12 or 11x14 canvas art you'll receive a 3x3 frame of your choice (a $28 gift). And if you order a 16x16, 16x20, 18x24 or 10x40 you will get a 4x6 frame of your choice (a $34 gift). After you make your canvas art purchase just email us with your frame selection and we will include your free frame when we ship your canvas order. How fun is that? This is just a special for my blog peeps. Even if you don't take advantage of this deal, drop me a line anyway. I'd love to hear from you. paula@paulaprass.com.