On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me... potatoes, bacon, and a mexican egg scramble. That sounds awfully unhealthy, but it sure was good! Dan and I got home from work, changed into pajamas, and cooked dinner together. Sweet and simple.
Today is day three: Take food to a local food pantry. Why didn't we put this on the weekend?
Every year around October, while we're in the thick of creating holiday cards for others, I realize that I'll need to order our own cards soon... and that I have no design ideas whatsoever. Then, I wonder why it's fairly easy to make things for others, but so incredibly hard to make things for myself. The process repeats until mid-November when I know that I'm almost out of time and I'm still searching for that perfect idea.
This year, we had a few different ideas and one kept taking the lead. It took some extra steps to plan and implement, but once we ironed out the details and knew we could do it, we just had to. I was so excited to assemble the cards with Dan and get them ready to mailAlso, since I've wanted to make an advent calendar for a while, this card was a great compromise and a fabulous way to share the daily activiites with others. Check out the makings of our card with our version of the 12 Days of Christmas.
Our first day of Christmas was yesterday, December 13th, and the activities will go through Christmas Eve. If you didn't get a card and would like to play along, here are the activities:
12/13: Make paper snowflakes and decorate with them.
12/14: Make breakfast for dinner and eat in your pajamas.
12/15: Take food to a local food pantry.
12/16: Have a holiday movie night.
12/17: While shopping, buy something extra and donate it to charity.
12/18: Buy a new ornament to place on the tree.
12/19: Write 10 things you are thankful for this year. Tape it to your mirror.
12/20: Make a special treat and deliver it to a neighbor.
12/21: Drink hot chocolate.
12/22: Take a drive to look at Christmas lights.
12/23: Have a game night.
12/24: Fill a small stocking. Drop it off on someone's door as a surprise.
Tailor these activities to your own home. If you don't want to buy something on the list, then do something handmade. If you don't like hot chocolate, then have hot cider. Live in a cozy, little neighborhood? Instead of driving, bundle up and walk around to look at Christmas lights. Everyone's results are going to look different, and that's what I love most. To start us out, here are the paper snowflakes Dan and I made last night. We haven't decorated with them yet, but we will. Let's see your snowflakes.
By Vicki | Posted on 12/14/11 | Posted in Design, Personal | 0 Comments | Post Comment
One of the goals on my 101 in 1001 list was to sew myself an apron, and I'm proud to say that I can cross this goal off the list (as of February, actually). Not only was this my first "big" sewing project—big compared to the few simple pillows or curtains I've made over the years—but as far as I can remember this is my very first apron. I used a thicker home decor fabric because I didn't want the apron to be thin and frumpy, but I'm not sure that was the best idea. I think the apron turned out a little too stiff, so I just need to wash it a dozen times or wear it in somehow. I love the cheerful fabrics, though, and I'm amazed that I made all of those ruffles.
After the apron, I decided to make a yoga bag to hold my mat, which turned out super cute, and then I took a big leap... I decided to make a purse. I got through 3/4 of the directions, to the point where I had to put the inside and the outside of the purse together, and I failed miserably. Again, I used a home decor fabric for a sturdier purse, and the purse became too thick to work with toward the end. A different style of purse may have worked better with the thicker fabric, and after I stuck a finger with a pin for the 100th time I threw in the towel. Sadly, I haven't touched my sewing machine since then, but I have been spending my time on other creative things. There are still more sewing projects I want to do for the house, so hopefully I'll get back to my machine soon.
What projects have you done recently? I'd love to hear about them in the comments.
By Vicki | Posted on 07/17/11 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
After I painted my first canvas to complete #6 on my 101 in 1001 list, I quickly moved on to my second. Now, when it comes to home decor—especially wall decor—I usually go back and forth, mull over different ideas, and end up with the same blank wall. That has been the process since we bought our house more than three years ago, with a couple exceptions. So, you can imagine my surprise when I saw a Pottery Barn inspired DIY on Pinterest a few weeks ago, and within a few days I found myself at the local Hobby Lobby buying a huge canvas. I had a couple different walls in mind for the art, and decided on the wall above our bed. Let me show you the "before" image:
Our bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and, while this shelf is large enough to span our king-sized bed, our wedding decor just wasn't commanding a presence against the high ceiling. Sorry, wedding stuff. After I decided on the spot for the new canvas, I had to decide on the paint colors. Since I laid out the design in Photoshop, I was able to place it on a brown background and try different combinations. The colors I liked best included the pebble color we have as the neutral in our bedroom (the brown is an accent wall), and white to match the trim and ceiling. See some of my process—for full instructions, check out this post.
Step 1: Outline the numbers. Our living room windows were perfect for this. I used our anniversary and birth dates—05/27/07, 05/06, and 10/22. 
Step 2: Have curious kitties check out the canvas and approve the outlining.
Step 3: Paint, paint, paint. The white was BASICS brand acrylic paint from Michael's and it only took one coat with some touch-ups. The pebble was a half-and-half mixture of flat and satin Valspar wall paints to match the sheen of acrylic paint, and took two coats to cover. 
In between painting the canvas, I also hand-brushed the word "irie" and placed it in the same type of frame as our wedding picture. The word irie—meaning "it's all good"— came from our honeymoon in Jamaica, and has a magical way of transporting me right back to that time. Here's the shelf before and after. Pay no attention to the horrible lighting in our bedroom.
The canvas size is 48" x 36" next to our wedding image that's 20" x 20", and the 9" x 9" irie print. I can't lie, there were some frustrating moments painting in and around the numbers, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I expected. I suppose that's why I'm the designated edger whenever we paint a room. If you try this project yourself, I'd love to see the results.
And if you're on Pinterest, find me here!
By Vicki | Posted on 06/29/11 | Posted in Personal, Projects | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Michelle Adams : You MADE one!!!!! LOVE it!!! 06/29/11 10:29pm
Growing up, my parents (generally) indulged me in whatever I set my mind to. Painting is one of those things that began early and never faded. My mom would take me to the local ceramics shop, and I would eagerly scan the aisles for my next painting project. One time it was a jewelry box for grandma, another time it was a Jesus statue for grandpa, then it was a musical snowman for mom, and there were many others. I dabbled in different kinds of arts and crafts through the years, but one thing I never tried was painting a canvas—until now. I was so inspired yet so intimidated. I just wanted to go at it and see what would result. I didn't want to "decide what to paint" or try to make any decisions that would slow down (or halt) the process of JUST CREATING. If it turned out decent enough, I could hang it and paint some more!
So, I'm posting my results for the world to see. I liked the way it started out with the brown, beige and yellow, but I don't like the way it ended. I think I used too many colors—for my house anyway, because only the beige and teal match—and tried too hard to fill the space. But I'm calling my first attempt super successful. I painted my first canvas, and I've already moved onto a much larger canvas project. I can't wait to post pictures when it's finished.
Since I won't be hanging this one, I'm considering selling it. It's 11x14" and about .25" deep, so it could be framed. If you're interested, shoot me an email at vicki@ryedesigns.com or fill out the contact page. It's a V.Rye original, and if I'm ever a famous artist it might be worth money as my first canvas ever—kidding, kidding. If no one is interested, I'm just going to paint over it.
By Vicki | Posted on 06/13/11 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
Maybe it's my obsession with lists. Maybe it's the gratification from crossing items off my lists. Maybe it's the fact that I get an idea one minute and forget it the next, so I have to write down everything. Regardless, a few years ago I got the idea to do a 101 in 1001 list for myself and I couldn't say no. I remember reading several different ones around the Internet, but I'm pretty sure I got the original idea from the lovely Melissa Jill. If you've never heard of a 101 in 1001, it's simply a list of 101 goals that you compile and (hopefully) complete within a total of 1001 days.
I only completed about 35 goals on the list I created back then, which ended on May 28, 2010, but it was such a great way to account for the things I wanted to accomplish. Having a relatively short time frame also kept me thinking about my goals. I learned a lot the first time around, though. With my first list, some goals spanned the entire 1001 days and I got bored, got too busy, or forgot they were in progress--they weren't easy to measure. Like most people, I also included goals that didn't interest me later or couldn't be completed for some reason.
This time around, I want to make sure all my goals are measurable and/or within a reasonable time frame so I'm motivated to complete them. For some goals, I chose to complete them in one or two months with the hope that I'll create habits and continue them on my own. Also, some goals overlap so I can try to build habits into a weekly routine, like using our elliptical three times a week and practicing yoga twice a week. You'll notice I haven't completed my list... on purpose. I've left room for my life and goals to evolve and change, and I will revisit this list and revise as needed.
If you're inspired to create your own 101 in 1001 list, send me a link so I can read it. Use this cool tool to calculate your time frame.
Maybe you can help with some of my goals, and I can help with yours!
Start: November 1, 2010
End: July 29, 2013
By Vicki | Posted on 11/03/10 | Posted in Personal, 101-in-1001 | 0 Comments | Post Comment
A couple weeks ago Dan and I were able to put down our task lists and deadlines (for the most part), and take a little trip to New York City. We were mainly there to celebrate the wedding of our friends, Sonya and Eddie—you may remember them from their Save the Dates, but since Dan's birthday and our anniversary also fall in the month of May we decided to extend our stay. Our hotel was in a wonderful, little historic district within walking distance of the reception, and even though we spent a lot of time relaxing (me) and working (Dan) in the hotel, we also took some time to see the sights and eat delicious food. Oh my, THE FOOD. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. There were tourist spots that we didn't get to see, but that simply means we'll have to plan another trip there.
The first place we visited—besides the baggage claim at LaGuardia Airport—was Sonya and Eddie's apartment. Eddie took us to the top of the building, and the next three images are what we saw. It was an amazing view. I see some new wall art in my future.
On the second day of our trip, we went to see a taping of the Jimmy Fallon show. Cameras weren't allowed, but I have great mental images of the Rockefeller Plaza and the guests. The full show is online, too, if you want to watch it and see us in the audience. We were sitting in the fifth row, smack in the middle, and Dan was wearing a light green shirt.
Next is the church where Sonya and Eddie got married. The camera came with us to the rehearsal, but not to the wedding. I can't even put it into words, but their rehearsal and wedding were fabulous. They did a tremendous job with the details. If the sun would ever come back to Cincinnati, I could take pictures of the stationery pieces we worked on with them. I'm excited to post everything.
Normally I don't post images of myself because 1) I'm behind the camera, or 2) I never like pictures of myself. This time I'm included in a few shots that I actually like, and I'm so glad that Dan took this one in Times Square. I don't have the best expression, but I can't get over the movement. I can totally remember being there with the hustle and bustle and lights.
We also visited Central Park on our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There were some beautiful bridges and trees.
This is the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art). It was pretty neat to visit in general, but my favorite area was the modern art. As much as it fascinates me that jewelry and statues were made centuries ago, I'd much rather see paintings by Dali, modern sculptures and funky furniture. I would've liked to visit the Modern Museum of Art, but we'll have to do that next time.
After the MET, we walked down Madison Ave. (hello shopping district!). We eventually ran into the cube Apple store. It's an underground store made from a LOT of glass. This was the view from the elevator, looking up to the ground level. Starting at the top and going to the right, you can see people on the stairs. It's a good thing that both Apple stores we visited that week were sold out of 3G iPads. We would've had a major decision on our hands—to buy an iPad or not to buy an iPad...
Overall it was a great trip. I'm glad we took the subways and walked everywhere, too, but it was ex-haus-ting! I could get in shape in no time... as long as I don't see any gelato shops.
By Vicki | Posted on 05/19/10 | Posted in Personal, Travel, Shoot | 4 Comments | Post Comment
Tom Tanner : Amazing pictures!! 05/21/10 6:33pm
Susan Craig : Great shots! You guys really captured some beautiful parts of the city!! Isn't it an amazing place?! Can't wait to go back again! 05/20/10 12:37pm
Lisa Edwards : LOVE it!!! Beautiful pictures!! 05/20/10 11:32am
Michelle Adams : GORGEOUS! I love the 2nd shot! I'm going next month and you've made me even more excited to get there!!!!!!! 05/19/10 10:09pm
It's no secret that I love snow. It always brings back memories of snow days and my mom's snow ice cream. So, when I heard that we were getting the first White Death of 2010 last week, I was ready and waiting. I happened to work from home the second day of the storm and was able to get some shots through the windows. I may love the snow, but I had no desire to bundle up and brave the cold that day.
By Vicki | Posted on 01/10/10 | Posted in Personal | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Kal : I love snow more than I love summer! 01/16/10 7:20pm
By Vicki | Posted on 12/15/11 | Posted in Design, Personal | 0 Comments | Post Comment