Check out this great video review by Kristina @ Two Peas in a Bucket That shows of the beautiful So Sophie line designed by Deena Rutter & Myself for My Mind’s Eye. I have been meaning to do some cute projects with this line, but have been swamped with some other things! I can’t wait for CHA though… I have a gorgeous line releasing there
If you’re interested in purchasing these papers/embellishements, they are available at Two Peas:
So Sophie Collection
This was my very first time at Quilt Market and boy was it a whirlwind of a day. I had such a great time meeting lots of people. The market itself is big and full of inspiration. My favorite inspiration was all the beautiful quilts and projects which just made me want to REALLY learn how to sew. There were so many great ones, here are just a few that I was able to snap shots of…
I also saw the most beautiful fabric including Poppy Patterns by Laura Gunn. I actually met her and she was so nice. I really can’t wait to get my hands on this fabric! So different from what I have on hand.
Speaking of meeting people……. drumroll please…. We met Heather Bailey and best of all Carina was brave enough to actually talk to her and bug her for a photo so that we actually have proof of this meeting. She was so sweet and kind and actually a little shy which only makes her more sweet and kind. It was pretty awesome. (that’s Carina Gardner and Deena Rutter on the other side of me)
We also met Lizzy House who designs some super adorable fabric and also wrote a great book on breaking into the quilting industry.
I feel silly because I forgot to actually take a picture of Riley Blake‘s booth, which is the awesome manufacturer that I am designing some fabric for as well as work with through My Mind’s Eye on a lot of projects. But they are amazing and you should definitely check out all their great fabric. Well we’re exhausted here but had a great day at Market.
Okay, I know I have not done a Blog of the Week in MONTHS, but I’ve been meaning to share my dear friend Deena Rutter’s blog with you for awhile now. Deena is an amazing artist and designer. She also designs paper and digital scrapbooking supplies and fabric — ooh and she’s even done a couple Cricut Cartridges!. In fact she and I just finished designing a paper line for My Mind’s Eye called So Sophie! In addition to all that crazy designing, she makes some pretty cute crafts and projects and shares them on her blog. If that’s not enough reason to visit her blog, she’s also doing an insanely huge giveaway with a smattering of paper, fabric, digital, and those cricut cartridges!
She’s definitely been busy! I also wanted to do a quick interview with her so you can learn more about her and what she’s up to. So without further ado, here’s Deena!
What is your favorite color?O, how I love color. A deep burnt red seems to have stayed my favorite for quite some time now…
Is there a color that you don’t like to design with?probably black. I always would rather use a really dark brown.
What is your favorite thing to doodle? Well, if I open up my MANY notebooks ( I collect them and switch between them all way too much), I see lots of swirls! I also see lots of plans for new ideas for designs and projects. I am actually a much better listener when I am doodling, so don’t be offended if you see me with a head in my notebook while you are trying to talk to me. Just know I am absorbing everything you say.
How long have you been designing?Officially I have been selling something that I have designed for about 15 years. I started making wallhangings with uplifting thoughts, to hand-painted notecards, then to hand-painted children’s frames. Stickers, cricut cartridges, and paper collections came next.
Did you want to be an artist when you grew up? Oh yes. Luckily my parents didn’t mind me putting thumb tacks all over my walls with characters I had drawn. I would have about 50 different drawings up in my room all at once.
What is the most fun project you’ve had? The most fun project I have had was probably Abbey Road for My Mind’s Eye. They gave me so much creative freedom with it. That made the designing really come together so easily.
If you could give one piece of advice to people trying to make it as a designer, what would it be? Take risks and don’t be afraid to get out there. The only reason I get to have this amazing job is because I took one little risk at a time and I tried to improve myself with each step. Also, be inspired by the world around you. There is enough creativity in the world to go around.
What is something that you try and teach your kids about creativity? There are so many ways to be creative. It took me a while to realize that my husband, a hard core science guy, was actually really creative at his job. He has to really open up his mind to think of all the possibilities. Whatever my children are interested in, I want them to be innovative and creative. I don’t compare my children with one another, so I point out specifics when I notice their unique creativity. I am trying to give my children a framework, and then let them create their own unique worlds.
Do you design on paper first or only on the computer? This one depends on the project. Sometimes I want a really clean line (like the bird in Happier) so I will design it right in Illustrator. But other times I want a hand drawn, right off the paper look (like the cutest little Halloween Collection I have coming out later this summer).
Thanks Deena! I’ve seen the Halloween collection and it’s to die for! Here are a few crafty projects from Deena:
I was visiting my friend Deena’s Blog and she has the CUTEST Christmas card posted. Not only is it posted, its a freebie! So you can go download it, add your own photo, customize the text, and then voila! you’re own cutest Christmas card!
Go check out Deena’s blog to get the download link.
