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)
On our little WA/OR/NV/CA road trip we made a short stop in Ranco Cucamonga, CA for some fuel & Pinkberry (mmmm….) as we were walking back to the car a store caught my eye… I’ve fine-tuned my spidey- senses to pick up on random things I’ve never seen before (ie: stuff that could be used in a shoot). What I had found though was WeAreProud Clothing Co. First off- nicest staff EVER (and I think he even said he wasn’t being paid to be there, just watching the store cause he believed in the cause. Amen). Second- amazing shirts, tees & sweatshirts at every turn. Third- each item you buy gives back. The shirt I bought supports the Waterproof Blanket Project…
The WeAreProud Waterproof Blanket Project is an in house charity created in early 2008. Through the process of direct donation, every WAP product that supports this cause pays for a fifth of the manufacturing cost to produce one blanket. These blankets are then given to individuals without shelter. Each waterproof blanket is made of a highly durable 100% fully waterproof nylon barrier that can act as an umbrella during harsh weather conditions while the flip side is made of a comfortable 100% polyester fleece. Another unique feature is the zipper opening on the side that allows for the blanket to be insulated for further protection against the elements. The intention behind donating such an expensive yet purposeful item is to help those without shelter with something tremendously useful, a high quality survival tool.
Not too shabby, eh?
And their mission statement…
WeAreProud® is a small company with big plans.
Our goal is simple: to change the way other companies do business by leading through example.
At its heart,WeAreProud® is a movement.
Unlike other businesses that focus only on a profit margin, WeAreProud® builds everything on the ideology of giving back to the world we live in.
This is accomplished through a term we like to call “direct donation” which means, that instead of giving a percentage to charity, your donation pays for an actual “whole” product that is then given to someone who’s in need of your support.
We take this a step further by making it our trademark that every product we sell donates directly and you the customer pay for only the product being donated and we take care of the rest.
But perhaps the most exciting aspect of WeAreProud® is the idea that as it grows, so does its influence, which is the proof that there is a company, that’s business, is to make the world a better place.
By making charity a statement, we are all capable of sending the message to others that there is a population that’s conscientious and coming together to make a change.
WeAreProud®, WAP clothing®, “Clothing With a Purpose.”®
Long story short… I was so impressed with what this company is doing & the route they are taking that I just wanted to share/spread the word/ask you to jump on the bandwagon (you won’t hear that out of my mouth too often so go for it!!!).
Michelle O: Okay...I'm going to check this out next time I go down to Rancho to shop! This is the town the mall is at that we hit up. I'm off to find an address...this sounds awesome, thanks for sharing! (09.22.2010 03:08pm)
Michelle O: Okay, I just looked it up and it's at Victoria Gardens! That is where we do our "mall shopping"! And I've never seen it before...so I'll seek it out next time we are there. Very cool concept. (09.22.2010 03:10pm)
Kara Layfield: Love their message...and the picts!! Off to check them out in detail. Thanks so much for sharing! (09.23.2010 08:04pm)
zalaine: Ok Girl, you got my attention! Gonna check it out! We all need somewhere to invest ourselves it. Besides these stunning photos ( everything you had and what was left after that too is my favorite post ever!), life has to be lived out. Thanks my friend... (09.23.2010 08:21pm)
I’m not really sure what is going on over here… seems my head is spinning 100mph 24/7. The old ‘too many ideas, not enough time’ has hit me full force. And I don’t like it… when inspiration strikes, I want to do it right then & there. Get it ALL done but… alas, it isn’t happening. Last week was spent stringing 167 (but who’s counting?) origami cranes and painting sticks on my patio by porch light. This week is workworking & sewing. Yep- I am a party animal. It’s all worth it in the end though… love how it turned out and I think I’ve found my newest muse. This little girl kills me with cuteness…
K- more crafting to do… ;)
AmyC: I'm thinking you work to hard ;) But WOW!!! These are absolutely stunning! Beautiful girl and great concept! (09.16.2010 01:37am)
KELLI TRONTELL: Are you kidding me? I can't even deal with this CUUUTENESS. You nailed it. FABULOUS job!! (09.16.2010 02:03am)
janice: i think i said this recently to one of your shoots: love!! just love!! love all that you do. you're amazing, and i feel so lucky that you are my (extremely talented) friend. (09.16.2010 02:24am)
Sherry Mescher: A M A Z I N G. Now I wish I could have stayed and caught a later flight to witness more of your amazingness. Can't wait to see what you are crafting this week. (09.16.2010 03:46am)
Kathy Carlisle: I know Larry's heart is on fire....I know mine is and she's not even mine:) It was so uplifting to see your smiling face today! See you next week. Have an amazing trip. (09.16.2010 03:47am)
Chrissi Richards: Oh My Holy Cow. So great, I whispered a cursed word. (09.16.2010 04:16am)
zalaine: This must be what soul food is like. Wish I could copy your brain into my iTunes library and study it. Whatever you call it, it is stunning. She is the perfect muse but the twinkle in each photo makes me think I have ADOS - attention deficit oh shiny. Happy crafting! (09.16.2010 04:46am)
Rose: Could she be cuter than this?? Oh my Lord, she is totally adorable! :D I understand you saying she is a muse. What a doll! Love the photos, the concept is great, the 167 origami cranes and all. It was all worth it! In love with photo no. 3. (09.16.2010 06:47am)
PhotoDude: Thanks for a most excellent road trip :) :) (09.16.2010 07:41am)
stephanie mcbride: SHEESH-LOUISE!!! goodness gracious. that's all i can muster ... :) (09.16.2010 08:36am)
Susan Dodd: Seriously. That is the coolest, in some ways...creepiest, most cool location. And the origami cranes? Perfection. Oh, and the photos aint too shabby either!!! :-) (09.16.2010 11:56am)
Kyla Hornberger: You still kill me everytime. In a good way! You make my stomach feel giddy and I want to run and grab my camera and PLAY!!!!! Thank you - I need a little of that! (09.16.2010 04:08pm)
amy: dude, can I steal this location? Email if it's ok! Great work you origami makin madwoman! SO FRESH! LOVES IT! (09.16.2010 04:41pm)
Paige Butcher: I wish I had your crafty talents! This set is absolutely magical. Well worth the hours spent creating, I'm sure :) These are stunning. (09.16.2010 05:10pm)
Lesley: Wow, I honestly thought I fainted from this cuteness! Amazing again, stunning. And yes, she is ADORABLE! (09.16.2010 05:22pm)
Brittany Stover: Just when I think you couldn't get any more clever, you go and do this....HOLY CRAP! You are AH-MAZING!!! (09.16.2010 05:26pm)
Hannie: LOVE IT.......These pictures are absolutely beautiful, fresh and sparkling. Love the crafting and the grafitti and naturally this gorgeous little girl. Can't wait to see the results of your next crafting session........ (09.16.2010 05:33pm)
Kara Layfield: Um yea...it was all worth it!! Totally amazing Shannon. This little girl is just the sweetest...such a perfect model!! (09.16.2010 06:19pm)
Kelly: You never cease to amaze - LOVE this shoot (and your little 'muse' is ADORABLE) (09.16.2010 08:49pm)
Paula W: gorgeous Shannon - can't wait to go exploring again! (09.16.2010 09:32pm)
Jenni Wise: Okay seriously, you come up with the best ideas! I've said this before and I'll say it again, I love your stuff! (09.17.2010 05:01am)
Kate: Killer, killer, killer. Fantastic idea, beautifully captured. Such an inspirational use of location and light. (09.17.2010 01:30pm)
Gail Zeak: OMG, Shannon! These are incredible, and she is just a little doll babe! Love these, and of course the graffiti! I miss that place! (09.17.2010 05:20pm)
Scarlette: See... love the paper crafts. LOVE them. I'm pea green with envy at your paper skills. (09.17.2010 09:33pm)
Courtney Moses: Love, Love, Love it Shanon! You continue to amaze and inspire me. And yes she is a doll!! (09.18.2010 04:20am)
Melissa Weicker: Love the concept! I know how hard you worked on those cranes. A few months ago I decided to make a mobile for my daughter's room. I used sticks, fishing line and colored tissue paper for the origami cranes. I was up until 3am...and I only got 34 cranes done. I can't imagine how long it took to fold 167! You rock! :) (09.18.2010 07:46am)
angela hubbard: perfection! (09.18.2010 01:30pm)
Hannah R.: Magical! These are literally "out of this world". (09.19.2010 12:43am)
elizabeth pellette: oh my goodness Shannon.. wow... these are incredible (09.19.2010 09:25pm)
becky: awesome!! thats crazy a lot of work, but made for an incredible setting! (09.22.2010 09:53pm)
Marjolaine: the origamis came out sooo cute.. you rocked that session for sure.. super cool all around..My goodness you just have an amazing powered mind...so creative ! (09.23.2010 03:19am)
laurel: LOVE. (09.23.2010 05:37pm)
Janee: Seriously...so freakin cute!! I love love love your stinking creativity....where are you located?? I really need to plan a trip there for some killer family pics! (09.24.2010 05:07am)
becky: You're a genius!! Looooove this shoot! And that location is to die for! (09.24.2010 12:57pm)
Jessica: OMG. So adorable!! Love the cranes. :) (10.03.2010 05:18am)
jennie gaskins: WOW!! What an enchanting location!!! (10.08.2010 11:54pm)
Abra Michelle: You have the most amazing children's images. They are so clear and whimsical and lovely. (10.11.2010 03:36am)
cari Berry: wow, you are a master of the paper art. These are beautiful. Love that first shot, and that little patch of sun you have her feet in on that concrete block where she's holding her violin - magical! (10.14.2010 04:49pm)
Gina: The location is really fabulous and the light, wow. Just incredible! Your styling is so fun and vibrant, every bit of it. (10.22.2010 04:28pm)
Lisa (Tout Petit Pixel): Absolutely gorgeous... this is truly inspiring!! (11.04.2010 02:46pm)
In this day and age we all have a lot of friends. A lot. Hundreds (some of you even thousands)… Facebook. Twitter. It’s amazing though… all those friends & there are days I feel so lonely. I crave hearing another voice give me more than 140 characters to fill in the blanks to.. hear the stuff that is just too special to post on a wall. Those are the days that I am grateful (blessed-loved-thankful-heartwarmed-kinda-grateful) for the ‘real life’ friends. You know the ones… you can call day or night, happy or sad and they are always there to be your listening ear and comfy shoulder. I can count those kinda friends on my fingers so when one of them came for a long anticipated visit it was time to capture that moment. Grab a few images of her beautiful face to tide me over til the next time…
ps… she is an amazing photographer btw (I try to stand really close to my friends in hopes their talent oozes onto me) Gonna take her to Detroit with me next month for some styling yumminess at my workshop… can’t wait!!
vancouver | WASHINGTON
oneshotbeyond: Beautifully written. Gorgeous shots of your friend. (09.08.2010 06:08am)
Stephanie P: very beautiful! also went to her site and clicked on her blog. did you do her holiday card in December? Those images are incredible and the styling is out of this world phenomenal!! The images have a painterly quality to them. I'm totally in love with them. In. Love. Period. (09.08.2010 11:39am)
Rose: You are so right, I can't believe it! In this era of social-networking sometimes we do feel all alone. And then, the real friends come to the surface. They are so few, and yet so important. Love this ode to friendship of yours. Amazing photos too. :) (09.08.2010 03:44pm)
zalaine: I so hear you my friend. unplanned but had my computer off for most of Labor Day weekend and makes me wonder what the future will be like. I have been obsessed with sunflare all summer and this just makes me happy. So glad we all have friends with skin that we can talk with. I have made some wonderful internet friends and with cell phones, the world is alot smaller but still...I hear you. (09.08.2010 04:19pm)
Anna: Sweet Shannon! I understand the feeling of loneliness, too, but goodness me--there are certainly women out here in other parts of the country loving on you and wishing you well. ♥ (09.09.2010 03:37am)
Ronnie: i so feel this too sometimes. actually, tonight is one of those nights. thanks for sharing, it has lifted me the little bit i needed :) (09.13.2010 05:27am)
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)