Merry Christmas to everyone!!! I can’t believe that the big guy is almost here. This has been the hardest one for me to wait for BY FAR. I found the PERFECT addition to our Christmas celebration (can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet though) but it’s killing me to keep it under wraps!!
I hope you all have a magical, beautiful day full of family & fun & all of the important things in life…
xoxo
~S
sunriver | OR
December is my favorite month of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some sunshine and long days but December… twinkling lights, bright eyed kiddos, Bing Crosby singing to me everywhere I go… too magical not to love ;) I’ve also made it tradition to take December off each year (took two years of crazy photography holiday seasons to make me run and never look back. highly recommended). So, while there is always catch up & those ‘exception’ shoots, I really get to just play & do whatever I want this month. Crafty creations have been the time passer the last week or two so I thought I’d share some of it!
We moved this year so we have a different area to decorate (plus doing the same thing year after year just isn’t very fun) so the kids and I created some new garland for the mantle… we figured out how to make these cool snowflakes (saw one at the antique mall and instantly came home to google/make my own)… and we saw these cool little trees at the craft store- easy kid project…
I found a tutorial online how to make these beads out of origami paper… my own little take on it with extra ribbon and buttons sitting around the house…
they look WAY cuter on… very Anthro meets Crewcuts :)
One of our sets at the 777 Kids Shootout will be a tea party/forest/ZoZo creation of awesome decor so I decided to try my hand at making some props for that… Not perfect but I felt a great sense of accomplishment making them without a pattern!
And lastly… I am taking a leap and sending some of my work to one of my favorite companies (can I get a simultaneous fingers crossed from everyone… pleeeeease!!) so I created this little antique box, filled it with my images-candy-good vibes ;)
k- off to start on some more… on a roll and I think I have 9 shoots I need to be making stuff for… maybe I should be blogging an assistant for hire position!
Happy Holidays everyone!!!! ~S
Kara Layfield: Holy cow everything looks amazing!! What a great way to spend December...all cozy in your house crafting and spending time with your kids. (12.20.2010 08:26pm)
amy: you have such a fantastic eye for design and creating, my dear . the little wooden box with the fabric trees & banner is absolutely darling . (12.20.2010 08:37pm)
SunnyD: Stop being so amazing! Just kidding. Don't stop. I like looking. So glad you are finding time to do projects for you. I hope the kidders are enjoying all of the crafting fun. Have a Great Christmas!!! (12.20.2010 08:38pm)
lesley: How delightful! I wanna come enjoy Christmas at your house! I hope the receiver of your promo sheets appreciates all your hard work, I know I would! :) (12.20.2010 09:01pm)
ryan: you are ridiculously talented. i've very much enjoyed following your blog this year and can't wait to see what you come up with in 2011. happy holidays! (12.20.2010 09:06pm)
Tj Aneca: So not only are you the worlds best photographer BUT you are the New and improved MARTHA?!!! Oh to be you. ;) (12.20.2010 11:44pm)
Ashley Sisk: OMG - this is so creative - I am absolutely in love with your little bird house and the owl? WOW...I want one! (12.21.2010 12:21am)
kelli taylor: You are so creative I can't stand it! (12.21.2010 03:42am)
Sara: Oh I love the mantle! It is all super cute but I love the mantle the best. Can you give us some directions to make the stars? (12.21.2010 04:33am)
Kathy Carlisle: You HUGE talent never seizes to amaze me! Who wouldn't hire you after getting a little gift straight from the employee Gods put into the most perfect box. Everything your artistic mind gets set on turns to gold...no Platinum! You can do anything you set your mind too...go rock this world with your passion my friend! You have a lot of fans backing you up:) K (12.21.2010 05:57am)
Michelle Kane: Ok, you are making me feel bad for not getting more creative this year, but making me insanely inspired to get off my duff and craft my heart out with my kids like I used to. These projects look so dang cute and I love your presentation on the submitted work. Bet of luck to you!!! (12.21.2010 07:04am)
stephanie mcbride: Shannon, what a fine idea... not working in December... will remember that for next year. My kiddos are all home and driving me crazy because im trying to work. not fun. I should be playing. Prayers and fingers crossed. How could anyone not love and hire you on the spot?!! we are rooting for your next adventure. love everything you touch... it's magical. Merry Christmas! (12.22.2010 11:19am)
Jenni Wise: OH!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! (12.22.2010 11:02pm)
ajja: your house looks like a blast. good for you for taking December off and I love the risk you are taking(: they will love it! my favorite quotes lately is 'risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of' (12.23.2010 05:02am)
janice: gosh, i guess i'm lucky to be your friend. look at all the talent here!! i mean, there are so many levels to your talent - photographer, designer, fine arts, communications, saavy business woman and marketer. where does it all come from and how did one person get it all?!? so not fair. again, my luck is that i know you! have a great christmas. see you soon!!! --janice (12.24.2010 03:19am)
Erin Perkins: 2011 !! Cant wait to see your creations Shannon! Happy to hear you take the month of December off.. i'm not alone! Rejuvenation!! This holiday i spent more time at the craftstore than any other ;) love this .. love your work;) (12.26.2010 11:56pm)
zalaine: A group of holiday eye candy, love it! (12.30.2010 12:35am)
cindy: You don't need it, but my fingers, toes and hairs are crossed. Unbelievable talent you have, girlfriend. It's one thing to rock a camera...but these crafts are true artwork. GO TEAM SHANNON! :) (12.30.2010 05:22am)
megan clausen: Oh my gosh! Love your work! So amazingly, ridiculously talented! :) Happy Christmas and Happiest new year to you and your family! AND if you are looking to hire an assistant I would totally move from IOWA to Oregon for that position! No kidding! (12.31.2010 05:32pm)
Janee: WOW!! You always amaze me with your talent. I think you need to out up a couple tutorial of your fine projects. Anyone who doesn't hire you is CRAZY c: I cant wait to see what this year brings. I'm still hoping you get out to AZ sometime. (01.02.2011 05:32pm)
Showed off the boys… can’t leave the girls out ;) Here’s a sneak peek at Hula Mula’s winter line for your perusing enjoyment…
and yep- the girls line will be at the Triple 7 shoot as well. We brought on butterfly spArks to design one of our seven sets for your shooting enjoyment… I WISH I could give you a little hint at how adorable its gonna be.
ok ok… RockySpunkyGlittery goodness and Hula Mula might just make an appearance ;)
portland | OR
Hélène: I love your work Shannon. Settings, outfits, poses. You make studio photo being cool and fun. :) (12.16.2010 08:43am)
Kara Layfield: Seriously cute!! Love, Love, Love these clothes! (12.16.2010 03:07pm)
elizabeth pellette: These are awesome Shannon.. so fun... Hope you and your family have an amazing Christmas (12.17.2010 06:26pm)
jean smith: LOOOOOOVE these Shannon! Everything is always just so....PUT TOGETHER...in your shoots. The colors, the design, the clothing...the freaking adorable kids...love them all! (12.18.2010 03:11am)
Kate Craft: Ahhh Love. SS you amaze me with your talent.!!! (12.18.2010 04:02pm)
zalaine: Orther than the obvious, the colors are so cha cha! The combination jsut is yummy. Out of the park again, my friend...fabulous (12.19.2010 03:50am)
oneshotbeyond: awesome shots and clothing line! :-) (12.19.2010 07:28pm)
Jackie P: this makes me even more excited for the workshop!!! (12.20.2010 07:23pm)
vanessa warren: LOVE these [how did i miss this post?!?!]! i am so pumped about the Triple 7 shoot AND even more thrilled to be apart. RockySpunkyGlittery goodness pretty much sums it up! love Hula Mula ... adorable ... SO excited! (12.28.2010 02:41pm)
My Dallas trip this time around was amazing… I got TWO days with the lovely Vanessa. Two days that I had someone by my side to consult, collaborate & have fun with :) I really can’t emphasize enough the importance of collaboration in what we do. Sure, I can pull a shoot together all on my own and it can turn out great… but when you add another creative mind? another person to keep pushing you? In my little old humble opinion it is a MUST to keep that fire going ;)
This session’s inspiration all started when Connie mentioned she had a couple of (spectacular) crowns she had been wanting to use. When I saw them I knew we had to go sparkly & girly & a little rough around the edges. Vanessa, of course, found the perfect location & little props… Connie brought in our beautiful models… and the collaboration was born ;)
styling | butterfly spArks CREATIVE
dallas | TX
zalaine: What a find! Those crowns are OTT gorgeous and the girls. Love the edge you brought out. You are the Queen, Miss S. Today and forever more - insert me bowing down... (12.05.2010 03:12am)
vanessa warren: you. blow. me. away. always. you're simply the best & i count it an honor to collaborate with YOU. xoxo (12.05.2010 03:51am)
Audrey: Shannon, your work seriously blows me away!! I'm envious!!! Don't forget about us if you come to the atl!!! :) (12.05.2010 04:48am)
Shauna: It's so FUN and the CROWN! Where can I find one?!! Will you tell? As always this is amazing! (12.05.2010 05:42am)
connie: oh, shannon thanks for helping my crowns and me find our way! you've truly inspired me and you are so generous! love how our captured the girls close up! (12.05.2010 06:06am)
Rose: The girls are so beautiful, the crowns are exceptional! Your work never cease to inspire, to impress. Wonderful work! (12.05.2010 10:07am)
Kara Layfield: Amazing images!! Love the styling and your shooting in full sun is killing me. Seriously - I've just got to push myself to try. Beautiful work as always...just so inspiring! (12.05.2010 01:20pm)
AmyC: WOW! Love! (12.05.2010 01:41pm)
Gail Zeak: Absolutely love this shoot, Shannon! (12.05.2010 01:52pm)
Ashley Sisk: This is an incredibly awesome shoot and those crowns are awesome. I want one! (12.05.2010 04:05pm)
connie: ladies, crowns to be had from ballard designs! aren't they great? but a bit tricky. . (12.05.2010 06:58pm)
Whitley Pollet: Love love looooove the crowns! Looks like you had a blast in Dallas!! (12.06.2010 04:16am)
Whitley Pollet: And the styling is total gorgeousness! (12.06.2010 04:17am)
kyla hornberger: Ummm..*dying* again. When can we be best friends???? Please do tell where to find such perfect crowns. I think I need one for around the house... (12.06.2010 05:35am)
jennie: LOVE the dramatic lighting on the dock!! (12.06.2010 01:51pm)
Jennifer Leigh: WOW! Stunning as always!! You have some amazingly creative visions. Thank you for always inspiring. Now, when are you going to hold a workshop?? :0) (12.07.2010 12:57am)
stacy t: i want a crown and i want to wear it all day. amazing job S! (12.09.2010 03:37pm)
Kate Craft: these are perfection (12.09.2010 06:18pm)
Lauren Larsen: I CANNOT get over how amazing these images are! These are absolutely breathtaking. You have SUCH a gift. And Vanessa IS amazing. I'm so glad that you guys are friends. She's a saint... Looking forward to hopefully meeting you next time you're in Dallas. (12.10.2010 04:26am)
elizabeth pellette: Ohhh Shannon.. I love these.. so fun (12.10.2010 04:51pm)
Tammy: These images are stunning. I love them all. (12.16.2010 09:59pm)
Kate Craft: beautiful ....love the styling. (12.18.2010 04:06pm)
I just shot the latest line for Knuckleheads Clothing. Gonna give you all a little sneak peek… and yep- they outdid themselves. Again.
They are having a HUGE sample sale at their warehouse this Saturday from 9am- 2pm. See you there ;)
Aaaand… they will also be sponsoring us at the Triple 7 Kids Shootout in Vegas. That means these little outfits on your models and fun little KH gifts in your swag bag to take home. I can’t even properly describe in text how excited I am for all the cool stuff we get to give away!
portland | OR
janice ordal: you're the best...little miss talent!! hope finn & i get to join you in vegas. see you soon. --janice (12.01.2010 08:32am)
Rose: Awww, love the Mohawk! :) Wonderful photos, you are magic! (12.01.2010 09:28am)
Kara Layfield: They look great! That last with the mohawk is killing me...cutie!! (12.01.2010 01:11pm)
Tj: Cute!! My boys LOVE knucklehead brand clothing. You did a fabulous job!! (12.01.2010 02:30pm)
shannon: but I'm still an animal... <3 these (12.01.2010 05:50pm)
Jean Smith: Shannon...I have FOUR boys. Yes, four. That means I am drooling and DYING over this clothing. Thank goodness for Knuckleheads to provide the cutest boys clothing out there. Of course, your images are adorable!!! (12.01.2010 10:43pm)
zalaine: Little Mike Tyson is quite the guy. Mohawk is killer. It is all about the dudes. FAB Miss S! (12.02.2010 12:55am)
Angela Hubbard: you never cease to amaze me. kudos to another beautiful shoot! x (12.02.2010 04:20am)
PhotoDude: honey, thistle dew!! (12.02.2010 06:41am)
ajja: i love every time you post. i am stopped in my tracks. so fresh, all the time! (12.03.2010 07:42am)
jennie: so CUTE!!! I wish I had a boy!!! (12.06.2010 01:50pm)
Renee Hindman: Merry Christmas Shannon. These pictures are wonderful! Love the sign, love the snow, love it all! (12.24.2010 05:22pm)
Kathy Carlisle: Now it's killin me! Spill the beans right now or I will start spreading rumors that you are pregnant....or adopting...let's see "new addition", what else could this mean....I am staying with preggers:) (12.24.2010 07:10pm)
Jayme: Same here... Christmas can't come soon enough and I am so happy it is finally here. Our cat passed a couple weeks ago and my daughter (7) has had the hardest time dealing with it. So guess what Santa is bringing this year... I got the kitten a week ago and its been at a friends this whole time... I AM DYING to bring it home and to see my daughters face! (12.24.2010 07:18pm)
Nataly Harris: Merry Christmas to you! I'm loving these beautiful winter images... so inspiring! (12.24.2010 07:53pm)
wrecklessgirl: so beautiful as usual! hoping to get some in the mail this year again! always so exciting! :) (12.24.2010 09:54pm)
wrecklessgirl: ps. it's a CAT! i knew it. (12.24.2010 09:55pm)
Amy Hall: it better be a persian is all I can say! ;) (12.25.2010 02:19am)
Amy C: What beautiful models you have :) Surely you speak of a pet! I hope you have a Very Merry Christmas! (12.25.2010 03:34am)
elizabeth pellette: Hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday season... I just love these photos your kids are so adorable. Wishing you much success and happiness in the new year. (12.27.2010 01:08pm)
angela hubbard: gorgeous :) (12.27.2010 03:01pm)
vanessa warren: beautiful images ... beautiful children! hope you had a [wonderful] christmas ... meow. xoxo (12.28.2010 02:34pm)
Megan Muse Schutt: You probably hear this all the time but your stuff (all of it, not just images but homemade craftiness and simplicity) is delicious. I'm a beginner for sure and I've added you to my blogroll for inspiration. (12.28.2010 06:28pm)
Kara Layfield: I hope you are having a very Merry Christmas and enjoying lots and lots of family time!! I love these shannon...especially the last...they are growing up so fast! (12.29.2010 03:12pm)
zalaine: They are beautiful. Merry Christmas Miss S! (12.30.2010 12:33am)
stephanie: awesome. beautiful. magical ;-) (12.30.2010 03:41am)
Julie Parker: These are enchanting!! (12.31.2010 05:29pm)
Charlene Plagens: Hello Shannon, Can you please send me a reminder once registration begins for the Chicago group workshop in 2012? Thank you, Charlene Plagens ps...love your work....really really love! (10.13.2011 10:21am)