Brenda Walton

Crafter's Paradise

I recently had the good fortune of attending a Craft Soiree at French General in Los Angeles. The evening was hosted by proprietress Kaari Meng and Jo Packham, editor of Where Women Create. It coincided with the winter Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) show in Anaheim. 

The wonderful evening provided a unique opportunity for designers, stylists, authors and artists from all over the country to meet, mingle and craft. I have admired French General from afar for many years, but this was my first opportunity to visit in person. It was like having an E ticket at Disneyland!

French General is an artist’s dream come true. Reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century Parisian general store / millinery shop / fabric shop, with something for everyone to love. Kaari’s exquisite aesthetic sense is visible everywhere you look…

corsage pins, made with French General fabrics, natural linens, silk ribbon and buttons

 

sparkling displays of colorful beads from France

 Kaari’s patchwork quilt, made with French General fabrics for Moda

Kaari’s Dad, Kaari, and daughter Sofia

 

crafting with treasures from French General

Thanks to Kaari and Jo for an unforgettable evening! 

(from left) Tina Higgins, Dena Fishbein, me, Kathleen Francour, and Del Gregor

 

Love Me Do

When our dear friends Kendra and Ryan announced their engagement, I had the honor of designing the typography for their wedding invitations, monogram and event signage. An evening wedding was planned at the beautiful Ebell Club in Southern California. I chose fonts that reflected the elegance and spirit of the celebration. 

The bride and groom performed an awesome dance at the reception, on a floor illuminated with their personal monogram. It was a truly magical evening…complete with whispy clouds and a full moon! Our congratulations, love and best wishes to Kendra and Ryan.

Evergreen Cheer

‘Tis the season to be knee-deep in papers, glue and ribbon, creating wonderful things in the studio. Here are some card ideas that are fresh, uncomplicated and totally inspiring, all made with goodies from my new Evergreen holiday collection for K&Co.

 
 
 
 
Talented papercrafter Jody Ferlaak is making some holiday magic happen with the Specialty Paper Pad, Alphabet Chipbox, Icon Chipbox, and Pleated Paper Medallions Grand Adhesions…and a sprinkling of fairy dust! Personal touches like machine-stitching and distressed edges add oodles of charm and sweetness.

Thanks, Jody, for sharing your beautiful work!

'Tis (almost) The Season

I’m very excited to announce the unveiling of my new Christmas Collection for K&Company! Evergreen will actually be in stores and available online at the end of October, but I wanted to give you a little sneak peek today.

 

With over thirty products in the line, Evergreen has loads of glitter and sparkle and magical touches. Inspired by the classic, timeless style of Victorian design, Evergreen brings whimsy and sophistication home for the holidays. I had so much fun working on this collection (earlier in the summer), and hope you have loads of fun combining these goodies to spread some holiday cheer!

 

Here are a few highlights from the collection, pictured above:

* Specialty pad with twenty-eight double-sided papers, some with glitter and flocking. I love this pad because you can cut up the papers to make cards, tags and banners.

* Die-Cut Cardstock Borders, with Santas and snowflakes and fleur-de-lis. Embellish envelopes and wrap around candles to create a fabulous holiday centerpiece.

* A whole pad of Gift Boxes and Tags…261 pieces total! These boxes are perfect for hostess gifts and little treats. Printed on beautiful quality stock, so they are easy to punch out and assemble and embellish with coordinating holiday tags. Gems, ribbon and directions are included.

* Chipbox Icons are all a-glitter and perfect for decorating and making gifts extra-special. Icons include Santas, stars, prancing reindeer, festive trees and more.

* Chipbox Alphabet letters are printed with a beautiful metallic foil and work great as monograms for gifts. Punch a hole in them and string them up in your living room with a cheery holiday message.

These are a few of my favorite things (from left to right):

* Journal Pockets Grand Adhesions, with little messages tucked inside

* Clearly Yours Alphabet

* Icons Grand Adhesions

* Medallions Grand Adhesions, with satin ribbon, glitter and rhinestones

* Cardstock and Acetate Die-Cuts

* Paper Tape, with two holiday designs

* Botanical Grand Adhesions, with glitter and rhinestones

* Snowflake Grand Adhesions, with glitter and rhinestones

* Adhesive Chipboard Words, with glitter and rhinestones

* Designer Mat Pad, with 18 two-sided papers

* Tags Layered Accents

 

And there’s so much more to the collection. These photos don’t show all the delightful little details in everything, so hopefully you will have a chance to see Evergreen in person. Happy holidays…a little bit early!