Monday, August 28, 2017

Meet the Maker: Carolina of 30 Minute Crafts & Always Expect Moore!

Happy Monday! I'm back with another installment of my "Meet the Maker" series. Today I'm introducing you to Carolina of 30 Minute Crafts and Always Expect Moore!
Meet the Maker: Carolina of 30 Minute Crafts & Always Expect Moore!
I first met Carolina when I was working for Cricut at SNAP! Conference in Utah. She is the most kick ass go-getter I think I have ever met in my life. She has a can-do attitude and a "lets get this done" personality that I just adore. And on top of it all, she is insanely sweet. I really can't say enough great things about this girl. Oh, and if there is a themed party you better believe she's coming decked out! I got to see her again recently at the Cricut Mountain Make-a-Thon in Salt Lake (it's funny I keep seeing her in Utah because she lives in So Cal too haha). I can't wait to introduce you all to her!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

I’m a Dutch Girl raised mostly in Southern California. I grew up in California’s High Desert, then moved up the the Bay Area for college where I got my BS in Advertising. After marriage, my husband and I moved to Las Vegas for 8 years, where we had two boys. The whole family moved to San Diego a little over 2 years ago.

We live in a 1950s Bungalow that has an honest-to-goodness bomb shelter under the master bedroom. I love to volunteer at the boys’ school. My favorite is to hang out on the playground at recess to play kickball or foursquare. It only took me 30 years, but I’m finally one of the “cool kids!” On weekends, we’re often homebodies, but we love a good trip. This summer I took my boys on a 2-day road trip up the California coast, and we had the best time!

I love all things crafting. Jewelry making, metal stamping, quilting, paper crafting, beading, embroidery, scrapbooking, card making, Holiday crafts… I love it all! I almost always have some English Paper Piecing (hand sewing) with me to work on if I find myself with some extra time. I’m an award winning quilter, and have taught quilting classes to both children and adults. You might have seen me on the PBS show “It’s Sew Easy” this summer teaching a bag pattern and English Paper Piecing. I also appear in videos on FaveQuilts.com, and created a Block of the Month quilt for them this year.

Online, you’ll find me at 30 Minute Crafts and Always Expect Moore

What is it that you make and how did you get started?

I grew up crafting. I’ve never found a craft medium that I didn’t want to try! I started quilting when I was 12. In college I was the girl with a sewing machine and a box full of craft supplies under her bed. After college, crafting and quilting became hobbies. After my oldest son was born, I started crafting while he napped to have some “me time”. I found the craft blogging community and started my own craft blog. A short while later I started working at a quilt shop, doing Marketing and Special Events. Being surrounded by fabric every day helped me rediscover my passion for quilting. You’ll find lots of my sewing and quilting projects over on Always Expect Moore. But, since I always have an itch to create, and don’t always have time for big projects, I started 30 Minute Crafts to share quick and easy projects.
Meet the Maker: Carolina of 30 Minute Crafts & Always Expect Moore!
LoveSnuggles. Googly Eyes. Chocolate. Fabric. Trips to the craft store. Teaching new crafters. Carbs. Butter. Pajama pants. Sleep. Deep conversations. Secrets. The Beach. Harry Potter. Lounging in the hammock. Binging on Netflix.

Hates: 
Glitter. Judgy People. 

Any Guilty Pleasures: 
Yes! My kids love Pokemon, so I started playing Pokemon Go with them a little over a year ago. I’m now at level 31! Sometimes I’ll drop them off at school, grab a Starbucks, and go hunt Pokemon by myself for an hour… it is the only video game I play, so I indulge every now and then. And for those who are curious, I’m team Instinct!

Cocktail (or mocktail) of choice
I love mudslides and margaritas. I won’t say no to Coconut Rum and Dr. Pepper, either. I’m not much of a beer drinker, but I love a good hard cider!

What advice do you have for fellow makers? 
Do what you love! ❤

Thank you Carolina for being a part of this Meet the Maker series! 
Be sure to check out her Instagram: 30 Minute Crafts & Craft Moore
Facebook: 30 Minute Crafts & Always Expect Moore
And at 30 Minute Crafts & Always Expect Moore

Friday, August 25, 2017

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday friends! We survived another week! And a solar eclipse! And as always, another week means another batch of favorites, here are this weeks!
Check out this weeks Friday Favorites!
1. Pendant Light- As I've mentioned, ever since getting our new couch I have been on a revamping rampage through our house. Next up is our dining room light fixture. Right now we have something similar to this (except mine was like $67 not $468). Gross right? I'm loving the minimal and modern look of this fixture... and that price tag ain't bad either! // 2. This bar sign- This totally reminds me of the labor of love that was the chalkboard bar signs I created for my wedding but with a fun modern twist! I love the idea of putting it on glass or acrylic! I'm thinking about using this idea for signage for my upcoming craft fair. // 3. Cake Stand- I'm a sucker for cake stands, just ask my husband. I have a collection and we store them in a series of cabinets that I can't reach so every time I need to take one down or put one away he has to be involved. Not sure how he'd feel about adding one more to the collection haha.  // 4. These Towels- I know these are super trendy and I have a tendency to gravitate to things more trendy than timeless but... I want them! // 5. These PJs- I don't think I've ever spent $42 on PJs but how cute are these?! I may just put them on my Christmas list. 

And that rounds out this weeks favorites! Have you spotted anything around the web this week you'd like to share? I'd love to see!

Monday, August 21, 2017

Meet the Maker: Erin of Laurel and Olive

Happy Monday! I'm back with another installment of my "Meet the Maker" series. Today I'm introducing you to Erin of Laurel and Olive!
I first found Erin while down the rabbit hole that is Etsy. If you didn't know, I am an alumna member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and I look for fun items from time to time. There is SO much more out there than there was when I was an active member! And some of that is thanks to Erin! She creates fun and totally unique sorority items! Not gunna lie, I have several in my cart currently. Let's get to know her!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

I was born and raised in Southern California and only live a quarter mile from my parents. Family means the world to me, which is why I started my business; to raise my kids and provide a little extra income. I am an alumna of Phi Sigma Sigma at Chapman University. After I graduated, I was the recruitment advisor and then chapter advisor for a total of 12 years. I am still actively involved in the international organization as the Awards Committee Chairman.
I met my husband Cory, a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, at Chapman. The Greek blood runs deep. We got married on St. Patrick’s Day in 2007 with 200 of our closest family and friends and green beer, of course. We have two kids that are the loves of our lives, daughter, Elliott (7), and son, Avery (4). On the weekdays, you’ll find me helping in their classes and on the weekends, on the soccer field watching their games.

What is it that you make and how did you get started?

After I graduated college, I went to work in the fashion industry. My career has included running the t-shirt lines for little girls at Roxy and being an Art Director at a private label. In 2009, I became the swimwear designer and the little girls clothing designer at Quiksilver for the licensed brand Hang Ten, sold at Kohl’s. I have taught courses at Chapman University in the Art Department, as well as freelanced for various companies.
After being laid off in 2011, I decided to work from home so I could raise my daughter and start designing freelance income. I soon figured out that I would love to work for myself, but also create some amazing things! I decided to combine my love for fashion and my passion for Greek Life and sororities. In 2011, The Greek Supply was born. I saw a need for on-trend clothing for sororities that could be bought in bulk or online individually. I wanted to provide sorority women with affordable and fashionable items that they could wear while in college and after. I recently changed the name of the business to Laurel & Olive so that I wasn’t limited to just sorority items. I sell t-shirts, other apparel, water bottles, buttons, hats, and a variety of other items. I also sell my signature floral tanks which are some of the Pinterest-famous items from my shop.

Love: Jesus
My kids, my husband, my family
Vacation
Any type of sweets
Photography
Water, because I’d like to think I am really a mermaid

Hates
Mean people - being nice goes a long way in life.

Any Guilty Pleasures: 
Netflix
Big Brother Chocolate of all kinds

Cocktail of choice: Wine

What advice do you have for fellow makers? 
Work to fine tune your business in all areas (photography, marketing, product, accounting, etc.). No one can be an expert at all things when running a business, but learn as much as you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

One of my favorite quotes is “Nothing is a failure, it’s just not supposed to work out that way because something better is supposed to come along.” - Sandra Bullock

Thank you Erin for being a part of this Meet the Maker series! 
Be sure to check out her Instagram // Facebook // Etsy 

Friday, August 18, 2017

Friday Favorites

Happy Fri-YAY! I've got another glorious plan-free weekend ahead of me and I cannot WAIT! 
I'll probably spend some (read: a lot) of it sleeping in and the rest working on my merchandise for the craft fair I'll be selling at in a few weeks! If you're local, come see me!
Check out this fun roundup of (mostly DIY'd) items!
But enough about this weekend, lets jump into this weeks favorites, shall we?
One: DIY Colorblocked Geometric Vase- I created something like this recently but using only gold on a white vase, I love the idea of adding another color, I may have to try this this weekend. // Two: Mid Century TV Stand- Ever since our new couch arrived I've been wanting to change EVERYTHING and our TV stand is next. I'm currently crushing on this one. // Three: DIY Pom Pom Beach Towel- I love how adding a few pom pom strands can take a regular towel from drab to fab! I may have to make one of these before summer is over! // Four: Peach Bath Bomb- How adorable are these?! Lately I'm obsessing over everything Melissa over at Design Eat Repeat creates. These DIY Peach Bath Bombs are no exception. // FiveDIY Mid Century Plant Stand- I've jumped on the houseplant train and I don't plan on jumping off any time soon. These plant stands are the perfect extra touch for some of my new leafy friends. (Reminds me of Phoebe "Both fine answers, but we were looking for leafy, leafy.")

And lastly... I would be remiss to not mention that THIS SUNDAY (starting at midnight!) is the official launch day of the NEW Cricut Maker!!
Check out the new Cricut Maker in all it's glory!
Isn't she beautiful?! You guys, I got a chance to see this baby in action and... WOW. It's no secret that I love Cricut. Even before I started working for/with them, I loved them. I pretty much don't do a craft project that doesn't involve my machine in some capacity. The only time I didn't was for my sewing projects but now... it can even help me with THOSE! I'm so stinkin' excited to get my hands on one of these bad boys!

Hope you all have a great weekend and if you get yourself a Cricut Maker, let me know!

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Clear the Shelters! August 19th!

As most of you may already know, Sam and I have two adorable dachshunds Scully and Mulder that we got about a year and a half ago from Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles
Not every home deserves a dog, but every dog deserves a home! Consider adopting from your local shelter!
My vet recently told me about this awesome event called Clear the Shelters and I wanted to share with you! NBC and Telemundo owned stations are teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive to help find loving homes for animals in need. Over 50,000 pets found their forever homes in 2016!

Sooo if you're looking for something to do this weekend, on Saturday, August 19, more than 700 animal shelters and rescue organizations throughout the country will open their doors to find new homes for homeless pets. Adoption fees will even be reduced for the event!

Adopt a Pet!
VCA expert healthcare teams will be on-site, and all pets adopted during the event will receive a VCA limited health guarantee and a gift bag filled with pet essentials!

Show Off Your Furry Friends!

If you're anything like me, I know you love your pets and are a great advocate for pet rescue and welfare. You're encouraged to come out for the day to show your support! In addition, you're invited to post photos of you and your pets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #CleartheShelters. 

Find a Shelter!

For updates, stories, and a map of participating shelters, visit www.cleartheshelters.com. Your local NBC station's new social media campaign will engage the broader community throughout the campaign period by inviting them to post photos of their pets on all social media platforms and share why they love them using #LoveMyPet and #CleartheShelters.



If you're looking for a new furry friend or know someone who is, head to the shelter this weekend to find your new best friend!

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

New Mom Gift with Cricut! (+ free file!)

I've got a super fun Cricut DIY today! 
I don't know about you, but it seems like everyone I know is pregnant or just recently had a baby. Seriously though, in my Bachelor/Bachelorette fantasy league alone, 3 of the 10 girls have had or are having a baby in the last six months alone! Funny enough, they are all girls so we are already saying they are the next generation of the Bachelor/Bachelorette fantasy league. Haha. 
Anyways, that being said, I wanted to create a fun DIY for all the new moms out there! 
Although I'm not a mom myself, I thought about what I would want as a new mom and the answer was simple... booze!

So I created this simple DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!

Supplies

-Booze! (mini bottles or cans)
-Paper Mache Box
-Basket Filler
- Printable Sticker Paper
-Cricut Explore Air 2
-Standard Grip Mat
-Gold Adhesive Foil
-Cricut Transfer Tape
-Champagne Flute
-Inkjet Printer (this is the one I use)

I found these adorable Babe Rosé with bubbles cans at Total Wine (my fav spot for adult beverage shopping). I loved that they were a simple shape and color so I could create anything I wanted for the labels! You can pick up a paper mache box at your local craft store, Amazon, or, if you're like me, you may have a few just laying around. Same goes for the basket filler
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
I created each label in Cricut Design Space. The software is so simple and user friendly that I actually do most of my designing there, even for non-Cricut projects! Not to mention, it's free! 
I came up with some funny little sayings to go on each one. 
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
After creating the labels and putting them on each can I kind of just felt something was missing... a custom champagne flute! Luckily I bought this box of stemless champagne flutes earlier this year to have on hand for just this occasion! After discussing with one of my mom friends, I decided to simply put "Mom Life" on the flute. I thought that perfectly summed it up. 
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit!
The very best part of this project is, I've done all the work for you! 
All you have to do is open the project in Cricut Design Space and hit go!

To open this project in Cricut Design Space click here

Check out this adorable DIY New Mom Survival Kit! (With FREE cut files!)
Print then cut labels have quickly become one of my favorite type of Cricut projects (you can see other's that I've created here, here and here). It makes customizing anything so easy! 
Check out some of these other great label projects in Cricut Design Space!

As always, if you try out this project, I'd love to see it!
If you post it to social, be sure to tag @notsoclishea and use #notsoclishea
Also, if you have any questions about the project, don't hesitate to ask!

I'm also SO excited to announce that for the month of September I'm going to be doing a 
Back to School Cricut Basics series where I'll be sharing tips and tricks to using your Cricut! So keep an eye out for that!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut . The opinions and text are all mine.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Meet the Maker: Elaine of InkLane

Happy Monday! I'm finally back with another installment of my "Meet the Maker" series! 
Today I'm introducing you to Elaine of Ink Lane Design! 
Meet the Maker! Elaine of InkLane Designs!
I first came across Elaine last year when I was deciding on Christmas cards. I knew I wanted to do something different than the traditional photo card that we'd been doing for years. I found her Etsy shop and loved her work (especially of pets). Since it was our first year with our new little additions (Scully & Mulder) I definitely wanted to include them. Luckily, with a print, vs. a photo, you're guaranteed to have your pets cooperate. ;) The card ended up PERFECT, I even had her incorporate some red with Sam's favorite University of Alabama hat. 
How awesome is this custom Christmas card from InkLane Designs!
Our dogs are somewhat unusual looking so, the fact that they looked so spot on was incredible! Truth be told, that's all I really even cared about! I loved the card so much I even ordered a print for our home.
How awesome is this custom print from InkLane Designs!
But enough about me, let's introduce you to Elaine!

Tell me a little bit about yourself. 

I'm a Canadian-born illustrator living in San Diego county! I moved to California after I got married and fell in love with California's people, food, weather, and endless things to do. I have my Bachelor's in Graphic Design but have since gravitated toward illustration. For as long as I can remember I've had a knack for all things creative and am always in search of a new outlet! My work is mostly digital based but I also love painting and crafting.

What is it that you make and how did you get started?

I run an Etsy shop with a variety of goodies, but my biggest seller is illustrated family and pet portraits! The first one I ever made was a Christmas gift for my brother and sister-in-law's family a few years ago. I was still working a full-time design job and never intended on selling portraits but my husband encouraged me to put them up for sale and voila! A year later I was able to quit my job to run my business full-time. It's been a whirlwind ever since and though it seriously pains me to look back on my early portraits, it is so cool to see how far I've come.
Check out this incredible work from InkLane Designs!
Loves: My husband, dogs and kitty; national parks; sunny days; soft serve ice cream; wine-tasting; thrifting; road trips.

Hates
Paperwork and peas.

Any Guilty Pleasures: 
Carne Asada fries when I'm in California and Poutine when I'm back in Canada!

Cocktail of choice
Ordinarily I'd say Savignon Blanc or Moscow Mules, but I'm 7 months pregnant so I make a mean glass of lemon water these days.

What advice to you have for fellow makers? Make goals for yourself and keep yourself accountable! Especially when you have some initial success, it's easy to become complacent and forget to push yourself. And even more important is to have people in your life to encourage and challenge you.
Thank you Elaine for being a part of this Meet the Maker series! 
And for creating a wonderful print that I absolutely adore!
Be sure to check out her  Instagram // Facebook // Etsy Shop 

Friday, August 11, 2017

Friday Favorites!

Hi friends! Sorry I've been a little MIA... After spending the first half of last week at the Cricut Mountain Make-a-thon, I spent the rest of the week playing catch up which was immediately followed by my dog spending three days at the emergency vet. I think I am finally recovering from it all and thankfully, I have a weekend ahead of me that is free of plans! It's sad how excited I get over NOT having plans. Haha. I have found some awesome things around the web this week though that I wanted to share with you so here's another installment of my Friday Favorites! 
Check out these Friday Favorites from Not So Cli-Shea!

1 DIY Copper Pipe Wardrobe Stand: Technically this is a "bridal DIY" but... how great would it be just for your daily life?! I love the industrial/modern look of the copper piping. I may have to try this DIY out for myself. // 2 Sputnik Chandelier- I've been trying to modernize my space lately. I started by getting a new couch and now everything else is looking extra drab, like our dining room chandelier that is probably about 7 years old and is looking its age. I have this little beauty sitting in my Amazon cart waiting to come home with me. // 3 Coffee Table- I had to get a new modern looking coffee table to match my new modern sofa. Truth be told, this coffee table matches its price. It's not the most sturdy, but I love the mid-century modern look of it. It definitely brightens up the space. // 4 Moroccan Pouf- I've always loved these and they go with the new "vibe" that I'm going for. They're another one sitting in my Amazon cart. // 5 Succulent Gift Card Holders- are these not the CUTEST?! I'm planning to whip a bunch of these up this weekend just to have on hand in a pinch. Such an adorable way to jazz up a simple gift card!

And that's it! That rounds out these weeks favorites! Have you come across anything this week worth sharing? As always, I'd love to see it! 

This post does contain affiliate links – which means that I may get a commissions if you decide to purchase one of these items, at no extra cost to you!

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Cricut Mountain Make-a-Thon!

I am back! You guys! I spent the first half of the week in Salt Lake City, Utah for the Cricut Mountain Make-a-Thon and saying it was amazing is the understatement of the century! I met some wonderful people, learned some incredible things and MOST importantly, learned all about the new products! I did a Facebook live showcasing all of them and wanted to share it with you guys! It was my first live video so I was super nervous (as you can tell) but it was so much fun!  

I can't wait to get my hands on these amazing new tools and look forward to sharing projects with you using them! Thank you so much to Cricut for inviting me out to this incredible event! I plan to share more from the event but wanted to start by giving you this exclusive sneak peak!

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