so much to say...

well, this is what my life looks like today....

piles, boxes, to-do lists and sooo much excitement! i love the new loft so much... here are a few shots. i still have *lots* of unpacking to do....




(i know... these are just a bunch of photos of "stuff"... i'm saving the wide shots for when it's more lovely... don't worry. just a day or two! i made sure to get "before" pictures of every room before we painted!)

my dad is super awesome!!!! jeremy and i's parents have been so kind and helpful in setting up my new home and our new studios. i couldn't be more thankful... i think we owe them unlimited gatorade, chocolate chip cookies and dr. pepper forever and ever.  seriously. :)

and a pretty place to rest... :)

i'm working on a home for all things gocco... i love the packaging soo much. always have had a soft spot for japanese... :)

this morning when i woke up i was dying to play with the gocco (moving does that to you! i always have to set up my studio *first*!!)
and this is what i made.....

a little fall print (i used aged book paper that i collected a while back from a flea market....) the back to school/fall mood in the air is so exciting to me. These prints will be extra goodies for my etsy shop orders for a little while (as long as they last... :)). making fun extra goodies for my shop orders is something i've wanted to do for a while. moving to a new home seems like the perfect time to start things like this that i've been "intending" to do. great feeling.
by the way, my shop has opened again (i took a break during moving week) and i have added some new items. ACEO originals (basically little cards with original designs on them) they are SOOO much fun to create. here are a few...


and i finallllly got around to taking a real photo of my underwear postcard set today. i've been wanting to make a mini book (something about a week of daily life) with these....


oooh... and one more etsy related thing. i finally finished testing new papers (i've been wanting to switch to a different paper for my prints for a little while) and found the most perfect one. Velvet fine art paper. It has the most amazing texture. Here is a photo where you can really see the texture...

in other great news, i have finally hired a new assistant and i could not be more excited! in the past few months my ideas and projects have been getting out of control and it's simply become too much for me to get done each day by myself. Miss Brittany Denbow (yes, sister-in-law to the lovely rachel will be working with me starting next week). excited! can't wait to introduce you!

And another thing that I have been wanting to talk about...
For the past two years I have been working exclusively for KI Memories designing the Love, Elsie product line. It was truly one of the most fun and challenging experiences in my life. Your response and support for the products were so amazing. I really had a wonderful time.
Anyway, to make a long story quite short I resigned from my position with KI this past month. I have mixed feelings about that choice. On one hand, I loved the product line (both the designing process and the actual product) and I will be very sad not to see it coming out again. It was a very fun season in my life and certainly a huge learning experience!
I have some new dreams that have been taking over my mind and heart this past year. Some things I will share very soon. I am also very excited to work independently again on projects like books, designing and occasionally some teaching.  In fact, I haven't been so excited about the projects I was currently working on since I started writing my first book. There is one project in particular that will easily be the most ambitious and challenging that I've ever taken on. I'm tempted to tell you now, but don't worry, it's not too far away!
So, there is my version of bad news/good news. Goodbye to Love, Elsie.... hello to new opportunities! I feel like a new season of life has started and I am really looking forward to it!

I don't tell you enough how much I appreciate you. Each day I read so many kind comments and e-mails. Thank you.
Elsie

 

Comments

[Lana]

ohhh... first post.

Sorry ??? to hear about you leaving KI, but I suspect it'll be right and good for you in the end. I'm really looking forward to whatever else comes your way.

*hugs*
Lana

[nikki]

I am SOOO sad to hear that I will not being seeing any more Love Elsie! That was one of my favorite product lines and I assure you it will be missed. : )

[Brenda McGowan]

It's fun and inspiring to hear about other artist's dreams and ambitions and excitement... thank you for sharing! P.S. I love the colors you pick out for your spaces and am looking forward to seeing your completed loft :-).

[Rachel Denbow]

A time for new dreams to become realities. I am so proud of you and behind you with every new undertaking. It only means good things for the rest of us, too!
Love you, Elsie.
Rachel

[Chrystina Ann]

it totally made my day that you had a new post today! I'm so excited to see pictures of your new place. You are so creative and you inspire me! I look forward to seeing the new projects that you have coming up! kudos to you miss elsie

[lilith]

I wish you great success in your coming projects! I know how frustrating it can be not to be "physically" able to realize all the ideas that come to mind! can't wait to read what it is all about:)
by the way I made a dream last night and you were in it lool! I am french and so all that happened in this dream was in original english version! that's nice for practising:)

[katie]

awww... that's the saddest thing i've ever read. i felt my heart crush... i *love* your products! and i'm so so soooo sad that nothing new will be coming out... i was really hoping for a halloween line... i could've died with happiness if you would've made a halloween line.

oh well. good luck with everything.
<3katie

[Holly Neufeld]

your new loft is looking great!! The gocco desk is awesome. I'm the same way, with wanting to set up the studio stuff first. :)
I'll be sad that Love. Elsie won't continue (I'll have to find a new favorite!) but at the same time, so so excited with you, and for you!! I wish you all the bestest with your new opportunities. Can't wait to see all the successes you'll have in the future!
You'll always be my creative hero, and I'm thankful to the Love Elsie products for introducing me to you. <3

[Jamie H]

Yay! Pictures and you're back! You've been missed! Can't wait to see the "finished" loft shots! Awwww...so sad about Love, Elsie but completely understand! Can't wait to see what the future has in store for you and your wonderful, inspiring art! You need to have a contest guessing what you have in store soon!!! ;) I have my guesses...
I finally just ordered my underwear postcard set and can't wait to make "a week in the life" mini book. :)
Three cheers for your new season of life! Your excitement is contagious! And what better season to welcome it in!!!
xoxo -j a.k.a. Inspired Mess

[Mandy Ford]

So excited to hear about your new projects...and see your new space. I'm already loving all of the fun colors.

[Susan Westberg]

I can't wait to see your new space ... and what you have up your sleeve for your new products. Love what you have done in the past, looking forward to more greatness in the future. Oh, and I'm jealous of your new assistant. If you ever need some Minnesota help, let me know! LOL!

[Amber Ulmer]

Hey Els... Love the new peeks of ur place... must come for another visit... maybe w/baby in tow... :)
I posted snippets of our new place too...
excited for a new season for you deary... fall brings out the best in stuff i believe... i love fall so much... xo

[Amy Garigan]

Oh Elsie,
It is bitter-sweet (no more Love,Elsie),but;I am happy for the new direction for you. Will you still be designing scrapbook papers and embellishments? Your products are so unique; I hope you design and market scrapbook supplies somewhere.

[F-RoseScrap]

SO cute

[Krista Lamb]

I am a proud owner of Love Elsie product, and I will miss it BUT I am so happy for your new season of ideas and projects. Congratulations and I am excited to see pictures of your new space. I love your decorating style. Thanks for sharing :)

[Mandy]

Thanks for this post. My family and I are in a transition period in our lives as well, and it's encouraging and inspiring to hear about your doors closing and your doors opening. Heres to chasing all the new dreams your heart is calling you to!

[Chunling]

Elsie, i am really REALLY SAD to hear that there will no longer be any Love, Elsie products! I have a whole folder in my online gallery and albums in my scrapbooking space specially dedicated to your designs, and i don't think anything can fill that void now! But i sincerely wish the best for you, and i'll be looking forward to more great stuff in your Etsy store, and more great news about your new work. Lots and lots of love!

[Victoria]

Good luck on your new endeavors, Love, Elsie will be dearly missed.

[lizee]

I am so crushed Love Elsie is coming to an end! It is my favorite scrapbook line. :(

sooo sad :(

[Amy Pruden]

Good luck with whatever you do, remember to keep yourself first and foremost. You are doing a great job. I can't wait to see what you have planned.

[kim smith]

i never want fall to end.
but everything in moderation, i reckon.
sad and glad about you stopping love, elsie.
i think it's right for you.

i'm really excited to see what you're coming up with now!

it gives me the happy butterflies to think that you're embarking on something new at the same time as me. :D

love, kimkimxxoo!!

[Jamie W.]

So So sad to say goodbye to Love, Elsie. But I am so excited to see what you come up with next. You are so talented and creative. I am continually inspired by you. Thanks and good luck!

[Carla Tarrou]

I loved your book - so fresh and fun. Enjoyed the Love Elsie line and so, can't wait to see what this new chapter in your life brings.
Much luck to you!

[Paula Clare]

Hi Elsie,
I am so glad you are following your artist's heart! I know it means saying no to some things, but saying yes to others can be SO exciting!

Good luck and continued success in ALL you put your hands to!

You're an amazing and brave soul!

[heyjenrenee]

i love the way you write about seasons and change and opportunities and dreams - your approach to life is refreshing and admirable. and while I'll miss love, elsie, I'm of course dying to see what you do next! you're awesome (and your new pad looks RAD so far...!)

[Charin :)]

Your house is looking soooo cute!! :) I can't wait to see the rest. :)
I love you, and I'm so excited to see you being able to do whatever you want creatively! :)
Charin

[Jari Spry]

Elsie... you are an incredibly talented woman & I am so happy that I am a Love, Elsie collector! I didn't ever miss a line! ;o) I am sooo looking forward to your new work and ideas. You are VERY inspiring to me.. in all that you do. photos, scrappin, crafting, and how you are such a great friend to your friends. I look up to you and Rachel! I will look to both of you when I need inspiration and creativity. Good Job, Good Luck! Can't wait to see what your next chapter has in store! ;o)

xo!
Jari Spry

[Kate Walsh]

No more Love Elsie OMG :-( but I do wish you the best of luck in your new ventures!!

[smauge]

Selfishly, I'm spewing about Love Elsie's demise too. However ya gotta do what ya gotta do!
I'm hoping that maybe in the (not to distant) future there will maybe be an independant Elsie Scrapbooking line. I hope so.
I'm now going off to my favourite scrapbooking shop to buy up big on LE!!

[kinzie]

so will the love, elsie products not be available anymore? do i need to run to the scrapbook store and buy them all 'cause i won't ever be able to buy them again?

[Michelle Quinn]

I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving KI, but I would guess that no matter what you choose to do next artistically, it will work out well for you. You have so much creativity bursting at the seams that your next venture in the world of art is going to be out of this world. I am so confident of that! Good luck to you and I can't wait to hear more about what you will be doing next! Hugs and best of luck to you always!!!

[Michelle Quinn]

I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving KI, but I would guess that no matter what you choose to do next artistically, it will work out well for you. You have so much creativity bursting at the seams that your next venture in the world of art is going to be out of this world. I am so confident of that! Good luck to you and I can't wait to hear more about what you will be doing next! Hugs and best of luck to you always!!!

[Michelle Quinn]

I'm sorry to hear that you are leaving KI, but I would guess that no matter what you choose to do next artistically, it will work out well for you. You have so much creativity bursting at the seams that your next venture in the world of art is going to be out of this world. I am so confident of that! Good luck to you and I can't wait to hear more about what you will be doing next! Hugs and best of luck to you always!!!

[Christie]

Hey, I am so proud of you. You truely are an inspiration to me and I can't wait to come and see your new place!!! - Christie Cunningham *

[Michelle Clement]

Oooh...I'm sad to say goodbye to love, Elsie but so, so excited to see what you're up to next!! :) It'll be something amazing, I know...happy new home and new season!

[Ladybird]

Good luck in your new adventures!!

[Sharon]

I'm glad to see you are doing so well. Your loft looks wonderful (can't wait for the next pics). I'm definitely going to miss Love, Elsie though.

[KARI]

this is me crying ----> :*(**********

A LOT of tears because there will no longer be
any love, elise* papers to obsess over.??!!!

what the heck :(

where will i be able to find such inspiring papers and such now... :(

okay no more crying! :) i HOPPPPPPE you will be doing a new book (fingers crossed) and something even better than the love,elsie because you ROCK and i cant WAAAIIIIIIT to find out all about it! :D

yay! ps. FALL/HALLOWEEN = the BEST* time for a new fresh start! rock on*

[jeremyk123]

now i'm gonna have to go out and stock up on love, elsie so i'll always have some fun goodies to add to my page.
i remember the first time i saw one of your pages in CK and i've been captivated ever since. you were ultimately the person who got me into scrapbooking and still are one of the most inspirational people to me.

so i need to tell you that i appreciate you and everything you do.
thank you elsie.
good luck with all you do in your future, it is looking very bright.

jeremy

[Angela Christenson]

Love the new pictures of the new loft/studio Elsie. Cant wait to see the rest.

I kind of had this feeling that you had left KI....I really did. And your love, Elsie will be really missed.....On that note you are a very talented young lady with lots of Dreams, and I cant wait to see what lies ahead for you. You are off to a great start. Keep it up Girl!!!

Angela

[Elaine R.]

I'm so sad that there's going to be no more Love, Elsie
but I'm wildly excited to see coming projects that I'm sure I'll love even more!!!!

Thanks for all teh inspiration i get from you!!!
you're amazing!

[meredith]

Now I'll have to stock up on your stuff!
Sad to see it go, but thrilled for you. Can't wait to see all the new creations that come from your heart and mind!

[JenniferT]

Ooooohhhhh NOOOOOO!!!! Love, Elsie is my FAVOURITE, I have all of the ranges, everyone who knows me knows I LOVE Love, Elsie. What will I do now?
I'm seriously seriously quite sad :o(

[Amber Scurlock]

I guess it doesn't seem so "stalkerish" to tell you this since it is being discontinued...I have almost every single thing that's Love, Elsie related. I even use the packaging. (It's true!) Love it all!...but knowing you, you'll have something even better! =) Congrats & lovely work on the new place!

[JenniferT]

ooooohhhhh nooooo! What am i going to do now without Love, Elsie?? I feel terrible for saying it but I'm seriously seriously quite upset by this news
:*(

[carmen]

i'm sure anything u do will be amazing. I cant wait to see whats next and the final look at the new loft, carmen

[JenCoen]

You have inspired us with your amazing work, and your passion for art. Life is full of changes, and I can't wait to see what's next!

[D'Nese]

Aww Elsie-as much as my heart truly hurts for the Love Elsie line (which I have EVERY SINGLE piece of) not longer being created, I am very eager to see what you have in store for the near future. What ever it is (and I can't wait to hear about it and see it) I wish you nothing but the very best and with tons of success. To be, you are truly a unique and special person. I have grown in so many ways because of your free spirit amazing style. I hope that this set of opportunities is just what you dream them to be and even more.
On another note-I can't wait to see your loft complete. Oh, and that fall print, SUPER cute. Love the apples, love the idea of fall. Here's to many more dreams coming true and life full of blessed moments....
D

[D'Nese]

Aww Elsie-as much as my heart truly hurts for the Love Elsie line (which I have EVERY SINGLE piece of) not longer being created, I am very eager to see what you have in store for the near future. What ever it is (and I can't wait to hear about it and see it) I wish you nothing but the very best and with tons of success. To be, you are truly a unique and special person. I have grown in so many ways because of your free spirit amazing style. I hope that this set of opportunities is just what you dream them to be and even more.
On another note-I can't wait to see your loft complete. Oh, and that fall print, SUPER cute. Love the apples, love the idea of fall. Here's to many more dreams coming true and life full of blessed moments....
D

[gretchen]

well, crap. i love your products! :)
good luck in your new adventures!