Dressember 2017: Art Giveaway

I am excited to tell you about a new initiative I am doing for Dressember 2017! It's called #LetterForDressember, and it's an art challenge + art giveaway. If you want to participate in the challenge, creatively letter each day's prompt and share it on social media using the hashtag. I am also giving away my challenge artwork to those who donate to my Dressember page. Keep reading to find out how to receive a piece of my lettering art.

Here's how it works:

  >   Anyone who donates $15 or more to my Dressember campaign is eligible* to receive a piece of lettering art. Donors are eligible to receive one piece of lettering art for each $15+ donation made to my campaign. So if you snag one piece of art, but see another one you want later, you can always get two!

  >   Each day I will post a new piece of art on my Instagram account, @elm_creative. The first person to comment "claimed" has 24 hours to make their $15+ donation to my campaign. If someone has already commented, comment "next" to be the next in line. If the first person doesn't donate within 24 hours, the next person in line will be able to claim the art, and so on. I'll reach out to you if you're next in line!

  >   If you donate $15+ ahead of time, comment "claimed" first and you will be sent the lettering art as soon as possible.*

  >   If no one claims a piece of art within 24 hours, I will share the art on Facebook for someone to claim there. The art will also still be available on Instagram, so I will go by the time the first "claimed" comment is posted.

  >   If art pieces remain as of January 1, I will attempt to distribute them to donors.*

  >   All donations of $30 or more are eligible for a piece of custom lettering art. If you would like a custom piece, please contact me after making your donation with the word/quote you would like lettered. Custom pieces must be 5x8" or smaller.

* I will need to receive each donor's address in order to send the lettering art.

If you have a question, please contact me! I am so excited to combine my love for lettering with my passion for Dressember. And I can't wait to share what I create with you!

My 2015 Etsy Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is coming and now is a perfect time to start planning for thoughtful, hand-picked gifts. Let my gift guide help you with some one-of-a-kind ideas from my Etsy shop!

In my shop, I specialize in custom creations. My listings feature examples of product designs as well as some pre-made items. With this gift guide, I hope to show you some things that are ready to buy, or give you ideas for something totally new that I could make for you.

When I talk to friends about what they want for Christmas, most say they want something thoughtful. What better way to give a thought-filled gift than a completely custom creation from my shop? I will work with you to design something that reflects the style and personality of whomever you are shopping for.

When you shop through my Etsy store, you are not shopping alone! Consider me your personal shopping assistant, who will also make the items you're buying! Together we can create personal gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Plus, they'll be delivered right to your door!

These journals are perfect for the writer, note taker, or artist in your life. They're also great for anyone who wants to begin keeping a journal but may need help getting started. These notebooks are perfect for women or men of any age. Plus, they can be gift wrapped so they'll arrive ready for gift-giving!

My art options are perfect for home decor and make a great, personal Christmas gift. Plus, if you order a custom piece, I will work with you to create a design that fits the style of whomever you are shopping for. Once you've settled on a size and design, why not purchase a coordinating frame from another Etsy vendor or local store to make your gift complete?

If you don't see exactly what you're looking for here or in my shop, please send me a message or custom order request. I've done paintings, signs, and made various other products for my shoppers. Just because it's not listed doesn't mean I can't do it.

Finally, top off your gift order with a few finishing touches like a card, gift wrap, or a bag tag. When you purchase something through my shop, you will be able to designate if your item is a gift or not. If it is a gift, you will receive a free, hand-lettered tag. On select items, you will be able to add gift wrapping for only $2. Your item will arrived wrapped and ready to go!

If you want more than a swing tag, order a custom card or my pre-made Christmas card set (one set is available, it comes with 3 cards). These cards ship free when you add them onto an order with another item.

As a thank you for checking out my gift guide, use the code "BLOG10" at checkout to receive 10% off your order! Come over to Elm Creative Designs and let's make this holiday season one to remember!

Etsy Shop Grand Opening Party + Giveaway!

I am so excited to throw a virtual party to celebrate the grand opening of my Etsy shop, ELM Creative Designs! Everything starts bright and early August 7!

Product Giveaway

Friday at 12 a.m. the giveaway is open! Enter to win this product bundle valued at over $35 by completing the tasks at the end of this blog post. The giveaway will be open through Sunday.

The product bundle includes (clockwise from top): Two nautical-themed mini (3.5 x 5.5") hand-stamped Moleskine notebooks in brown and navy, filled with blank paper; hand-lettered 5 x 7" quote card on archival quality bristol paper, lettered in mint watercolor ink; hand-lettered minimalist hello greeting card in mint; gold color block hand-painted canvas wristlet clutch (approx. 7 x 4"), features detachable wrist strap and zippered opening; hand-lettered happy birthday greeting card in mint; bonus roll of metallic gold triangle print decorative masking tape!

Promo Code

Start shopping tomorrow morning and use code GOPARTY to get $5 off $10 or more through August 14! Plus, for every purchase you make this week, you will receive another coupon code to use on a future purchase through September!

New Shop Products 

I'm excited to reveal some new shop products in connection with the grand opening party! These new products are one-of-a-kind and available now!

Hand-Stamped Gold Arrows Canvas Clutch // Hand-Stamped Bicycle Blank Mini Moleskine Journal Set
Hand-Drawn Minimalist Hello Greeting Cards // Hand-Stamped Nautical Blank Mini Moleskine Journal Set
Hand-Painted Explore Canvas Panel // Hand-Stamped Turquoise Anchor Canvas Clutch

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coming Soon: A Party!

This is just a quick blog post to invite you to an upcoming event that I am super excited about!

To spread the word about my new Etsy shop, I am hosting a grand opening party online! It will be lots of fun for all with some great offers, new products and a giveaway! It all starts August 7.

Join the official invite on Facebook for the latest details. I'll be sharing things like new product photos, giveaway details, and some sweet discounts! Plus check back here August 6 to preview exactly what I'll be giving away and when you can enter to win!

This party is for everyone so please pass the word and tell your friends!

Art: It's the Best Thing

So by now most of you have seen the shop that I opened on Society6, and if you follow me on Instagram, you've seen the daily drawing challenges I'm participating in. Pushing myself to get back into regularly creating art is one of the best things I've done lately.

 
Art has been a big part of my life since I can remember. I grew up drawing, painting, sculpting, taking pictures, and writing. I had a legacy of artists who went before me, including my grandfathers and my parents. I was surrounded by inspiration, and encouraged to pursue different artistic projects.

In high school I took pottery classes, art, textiles, and different writing classes that further fueled my love for creativity. I never thought of myself as a great artist, just a kid living life through a creative lens.

Sometime after college I slowly stopped doing a lot of the art that I loved. I began to forget what it felt like to make something, to enjoy the process of creating, to share my work with my family and friends. I think I lost the ability to appreciate the little things, to see the details and capture them.

Then last month I heard about this thing called #DoodleADayMay and thought it sounded like a fun project. Each day there was a different one-word prompt, what you did with it was entirely up to you. Forcing myself to make a new art piece each day quickly reminded me of why I used to love art so much.

It sounds strange to say, but I feel more like myself now. The little girl who loved to draw ponies and rainbows and live life in stories is back. I'm excited for each day, excited for the prospect of making something, of challenging myself, of imagining. When I'm not creating, I'm thinking of new ideas, wondering what I will draw next. And my art supplies are never very far away.

I'm thankful that God gives us things, shards of who He is, to use in this life. I know God is a master artist, a creative Being. His designs are before us every day; the veins in a leaf, the colors in a galaxy, the beauty of the human body. He took joy in everything He created, calling it good, and we, human beings, were the best. We are small representations of His image, and we get to share in aspects of who He is. I'm thankful that I get to make small shadows of the things He has created.

I'm also so thankful for the support I've received from all of you! I've already sold some items from my shop, and I've been getting such kind feedback on my artwork. It means a lot to have your support and encouragement!

You can always find my latest creations on Instagram and Tumblr, and find my shop designs organized newest to oldest here. If you like what you see, please share my shop with anyone else who may be interested! Also, there is FREE worldwide shipping going on through June 7!

Grand Opening: ELM Creative Shop + Sale

I am so excited to announce the GRAND OPENING of my shop on art-hosting site Society6! And what better way to celebrate than with a sale?! Get free shipping + 20% off all apparel, tote bags, phone cases, and mugs!

This shop has helped to fuel my creativity as I have been working hard to fill it with new designs and art pieces. I launched it with a soft opening several months ago, but wanted to add more of my original work before the grand opening. Now I have not only my photography for sale, but also some of my painting and lettering designs!

Please come check out what I currently have to offer! Also, if you sign up for my ELM Creative email updates, you will be the first to know about new designs and sales! (Updates are only periodic and definitely NOT spammy, I promise!)

I'm so thankful for the support and encouragement I have already received. I've always wanted to have a shop of my own and now I get to! My goal is to create unique designs and also meet the requests of my shoppers. So, if you have a particular design you would like to see, let me know! The sky's the limit!

>> Shop at ELM Creative now! <<

My Summer Beauty Picks

With warmer days right around the corner, spring is a perfect time to get your beauty routine summer-ready. I don't know about you, but winter leaves me feeling sort of bleh. I've usually over-indulged in heavy foods, worn thick sweaters and long pants, and haven't seen my toes for months.

Along with getting active and eating healthier foods, I want to use some great beauty products to help me get ready for summer. I created this board with 12 of my top picks to share with all of you. Whether you're planning a stay-cation or going on a vacation, get your skin and beauty routine summer-ready with these products.

1. Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Scrub - One of the first steps to getting your skin ready for summer is by exfoliating. Bath & Body Works' scrubs will definitely help with that! Find one in a new summery scent (like this one!) and make sure to get the corresponding Ultra Shea Body Cream for hydration and the Fragrance Mist to lock in the scent.

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist - Tanning in the sun is fun, but isn't always safe. If you're looking for a good self-tanner, I recommend Airbrush Color from Banana Boat. It's easy to apply, and doesn't turn you orange. You can get a little color from one application or build a deeper color over several days.

3. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanse - I recently started using this cleanser and I love it. I'm adding it to my summer beauty routine because it not only keeps my skin clear, but is lightweight and will be perfect for cleansing away chlorine, dirt and sun screen.

4. Clean Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I'm always on the lookout for facial products that have SPF built in, especially during the summer. I recommend starting with this moisturizer, it's light and will brighten your skin.

5. Garnier Fructis De-Constructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray - Whether or not you're actually at the beach, you can still get beachy waves with this texturizing spray. You can scrunch it into damp hair before you dry, or twist your hair up and leave overnight for extra waves. Who doesn't love an effortless hairstyle during the summer?

6. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo - I almost never wash my hair two days in a row, so dry shampoo is a staple. I recommend this one because it leaves hair looking fresh and not greasy. Use it to extend the life of your blowout or save time when you're getting ready for the day.

7. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - Summertime and the activities that come with it can definitely dry out your skin. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and protected from the sun with the SPF 20 in this balm.

8. Neutrogena Naturals Cleansing Towelettes - I'm a big fan of makeup remover towelettes, especially when I'm using waterproof products. I really like these from Neutrogena because they are free of parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, and dyes. They're great for when you're on-the-go, or times when you might be tempted to go to bed without washing your face.

9. Bliss Spa Fat Girl Slim - I got turned onto this product when I was looking for a skin-firming cream with caffeine before my wedding. After one application I noticed the skin on my arms looking firmer and smoother. It's not a weight loss tool, but it's great for giving your skin and confidence a boost.

10. Bath Body Brush - Another great exfoliating tool is a bath brush. This brush can be used on dry skin, but I prefer to use it in the shower. I apply body wash and use it to scrub dry skin and cellulite problem areas.

11. e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach - I love using a shimmering bronzing stick to create a sun-kissed glow. With this color stick by e.l.f., a little goes a long way, and it only costs $1!

12. NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder - Set your summer look with this super lightweight finishing powder. A little goes a long way and leaves a soft finish.

What are your favorite summer beauty products? Share them in the comments!

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

Today I'm sharing 12 of my top beauty picks from this year and all time. I'm including the items that have gotten me the most complements and have made me feel my best. I'm also answering the questions I am most frequently asked about my beauty routine and my hair. :)

My Top 12 Beauty Picks + Secrets

1. L'Oreal Feria Wild Ombre Hair Color - People most often comment on my hair and this is how I create my ombre look (yes, my hair is DIY). I started using this kit over a year ago and I love how my hair looks with it.

My recommendation is to follow the directions until it comes to actually applying the dye to your hair. In the included instructions, you put the color on from mid-strand moving downward. If you want a subtle fade, you want to apply from the tip upward.

I recommend applying in two- to four-inch segments (depending on how long your hair is and where you want your ombre to fade out), every five to seven minutes moving from the ends upward. Follow the included instructions for how to part your hair for dying and how long to leave the dye on your hair (start timing from your first segment application). If you want to get a little more creative, you can add in a highlighting-effect by covering longer sections of hair for more time as you dye.

If you have more questions about this, contact me!

2. L'Oreal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray - I follow up every ombre dye-session with a generous helping of this nourishing oil, which I also apply daily. It protects against heat damage and color fade. Plus it makes your hair feel hydrated and less static-prone in the winter.

3. Too Faced Primed and Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer - This primer is amazing. It has a slight tint, so you can wear it alone or under foundation. It goes on smooth and makes your face feel soft while holding your makeup in place throughout the day.

4. Revlon PhotoReady Makeup - I originally tested this foundation for my wedding makeup since I was using tinted moisturizer and BB creams for daily wear. I fell in love with it right away and have been using it regularly since. People often comment on how my skin looks (it's been called "peaches and cream" before), and I owe it all to this foundation. (I use 004 Nude.)

5. Mary Kay Concealer - For those times when a bigger, more visible blemish needs to be covered, I recommend Mary Kay's concealer. (I use Beige 1.)

6. Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer - I love Too Faced's chocolate bronzers. They go on smooth and smell amazing too. Bronzer is quickly becoming another daily makeup item I use for contouring and I also use a little on my eyelids.

7. Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner - Another thing people sometimes comment on is my eyeliner. I've tried lots of different kinds over the years but most recently I've stuck with Maybelline's Unstoppable Eyeliner. It glides on smoothly and you don't have to sharpen it, just twist for more. My trick for a smooth line is to use a conical sponge tip to smooth and straighten after I apply the liner.

8. Dove White Beauty Bar - I've dealt with skin conditions like eczema for most of my life and the only thing that's consistently kept my skin clear is Dove's bar soap. I used to use Dove body wash, but even that didn't give me the consistency of bar soap. So I'm sticking with it and recommending it to you!

9. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask - This mask can also be used as an exfoliating scrub. It always leaves my skin looking better than any other face cleanser I've used. Plus I love and recommend regular exfoliation. 

10. Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray - For the days I don't wash my hair, I use Suave's dry shampoo. It's good at eliminating oily spots and it smell like grapefruit.

11. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance - Any time someone tells me I smell good, I'm always wearing Amber Romance. My tip is to spray body mist onto your hair, which holds the fragrance better than skin and it'll be the first thing someone smells if they give you a hug.

12. Crest 3D White Vivid Whitestrips - Finally, I recommend Crest Whitestrips for a whiter, more confident smile. I started using Crest whitening products in college when I noticed yellowing on my teeth. Since then, I periodically use the strips to maintain whiteness, but mostly just use whitening toothpaste. Crest Whitestrips really do work and are less expensive than whitening treatments you can get at the dentist, so I always recommend them to anyone who asks.