Pretty {much} Art

a pretty giveaway {digital scrapbooking software}

2012-01-31T09:00:00.000-06:00

Admittedly, I've never been a scrapbooker. You know I'm not "crafty". Anything involving cutting a straight line with a pair of scissors is entirely too difficult for me. However, I've always loved the idea of scrapbooking. I love journals, sketchbooks, blogs – anything that allows one to document life. And what's a prettier way of documentation than scrapbooking? So, when My Memories contacted me about doing a review/giveaway on my blog of their digital scrapbooking software, I decided to give it a try...

The Review:
Like I said, I've never been into scrapbooking, but I am a graphic designer. Therefore, I think the digital software is a good fit for me. Personally, I liked how all of the key commands {or keyboard shortcuts} are the same as what I'm used to {in Photoshop, for example}. This made the software super duper easy for me to use. And even if you're not a Photoshop geek like me, overall I think the My Memories Suite is very easy to figure out.

I liked that all of my fonts transfered over to the program. I don't know what the Suite initially provides you with, but being a graphic designer I have a lot of fonts on my computer that I was glad I could use.

I also liked that the software came with a lot of embellishments. And, downloading the templates and kits you want from their website is much cheeper than buying all that pretty paper in stores {not to mention that with the use of a kit, much of the work is done for you!}

Below are two examples I did using my favorite of the templates provided in the My Memories Suite:

One thing I didn't like {this is an honest review after all} was, once I added large pictures to my pages {see the angel statue in the background of the second page?} the program slowed down a bit. Although, this could have just been an issue with my computer.

Overall, I think the My Memories Suite is an excellent digital scrapbooking software. With the software you can make scrapbook layouts, photo books, cards, calendars, even videos – get creative! Then, easily share your creations! Visit these My Memory links to learn more : website, blog, facebook, twitter, and youtube.

Luck You:
Interested in trying out the My Memories Suite for yourself? My Memories is offering Pretty {much} Art readers a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store – a $20 value! Simple enter the code: STMMMS89448. Purchase it here!

The Giveaway:
That's not all! One lucky Pretty {much} Art reader will win a free download of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software!

How to enter: {mandatory to win}
1. Visit the My Memories website. Leave a comment on this blog post letting me know which digital scrabooking kit is your favorite.

Please note that if I can't get to a working email through your profile you will not be contacted, and therefore won't win! It's not a bad idea to post your email in your comment to be sure I've got it {I'd suggest writing out (at) and (dot) in your email address to avoid spamy-spam}.

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Like My Memories on facebook.

3. Follow My Memories on twitter.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

That's four chances to win! A winner will be chosen and contacted next week.

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Full disclosure: My Memories provided me with a download of their software for my honest review. All content of this review/giveaway was left up to me. I was not financially compensated for my opinions of the My Memories software.

be {pretty} happy

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

I must remember this. That is all.

P.S. I'm doing an awesome giveaway tomorrow. Be sure to come back and check it out!

{image via : Pinterest}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-01-27T09:30:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This bed spread. – I'm not really sure why, but I love it.

Love her style. – I could spend hours browsing this fashionista's blog.

These apple turnovers. – Look amazing! I'm dying to try these.

Bow cuff DIY. – I'm loving bows lately, and this leather cuff seems super wearable. As in, I'd wear it with every outfit.

Geometric diamond necklace DIY. – Yes, that's a DIY! From the same lovely lady who made that cuff. I know I'm not much of a crafter, but I have a feeling I'm going to give this one a shot.

Camouflage artwork. – This isn't a new concept... in fact I'm watching an episode of Face Off right now where they're doing the same thing. This one, however, is just really pretty.

Chanel in a machine. – I'm not kidding. Those cheesy claw machines {that, incidentally my dad used to be really good at and is how I got many of my hundreds of stuffed animals as a child} now carries high-end, no knock-off Chanel!

A post on Transgenderism. – Angie wrote a couple of personal and very insightful posts on Transgenderism. Definitely worth a read.

a pretty color combo {summer ready}

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

My dreams are dark. I'm someone who distinctly remembers my dreams each night. The setting for which is usually nighttime, itself. Dark, dreary, with streetlights and lamps being my only glow. But last night was different. Last night, my dream was set in the afternoon of a summer's day. I was sitting on a low wall near the beach, with sunshine so bright it hurt to look up at the sky. It was warm. There were boys and girls lounging around in glaringly bright bathing suites of red and pink. I know, it isn't even February yet, but I think my subconscious is trying to tell me something.

{images via : Pinterest 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5}

pretty {february} friends

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Hey you! Do you have a blog you'd like to advertise on Pretty {much} Art? While P{m}A isn't currently accepting paid sponsorship, all of those ads on the right are from sweethearts who've swapped with me. Now, it's your turn! If you're interested in swapping ads for the month of February, please email me or leave a comment {providing your email address} below.

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This print. – A saying I need to remember.

Missoni nails. – Too ambitious for me, but so cool.

A fun necklace.

Rain boots. – Rain boots I actually like.

This font. – I love it.

A baked grapefruit recipe. – Baked grapefruit? I need to try this.

Tangled Ever After. – Rapunzel and Flynn get hitched! You know how much I loved Tangled, right? This is the most exciting wedding since that royal one.

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-06:00

{pretty awkward}
Watching a woman breast-feed a monkey on Human Planet. Yep.

Driving up to the drive-up at the bank, only to realize that my car window has frozen shut. Panic strikes. There isn't enough room between my car and the wall to open my car door and explain to the teller what's happening! So I continue to drive through with, what I think, is an apologetic look on my face. I get inside the bank, still feeling flustered, thinking I'll be able to tell the teller what went wrong, but I can't find her. She will forever wonder what that strange girl was doing... driving through the drive-up... just staring at her.

When I drop off deliveries at the Co-op I always go inside, grab a cart, take it outside, load it up with the delivery and bring it back inside. Only this time... I went in, grabbed a cart, and the guy behind the check-out looks at me a bit strangely and says, "Have a nice day." As I'm taking an empty shopping-cart. Did he think I was homeless and was just going to let me take his cart? If so, I guess that was nice of him.

My year-end review at work. It went something like; The Boss: "You still happy with working here?" Me: "Yep". It's never a big deal, but it's always awkward.

Crying during the movie War Horse in a theatre full of people. I take comfort in knowing that I certainly wasn't the only one.

{pretty awesome}
Miss Wisconsin is now Miss America! Represent.

The customer at work {an older man} who told me I was "all spiffed up" and "look'n good". Normally, I would be embarrassed by such a statement, putting it in the "awkward" category, but this time it was just funny and sweet.

The Golden Globes officially kicks off awards season! It's my favorite season after autumn.

Apple pie made with my mom's home-made crust.

Actually going to the movies with my grandma. We always say we're going to go to the movies, but we never do. We went to War Horse. We both cried.

{images via : Pinterest 1&2}

pretty {blurry} beautiful

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

We all have a hard time focusing from time to time. As it turns out, sometimes that's just fine. Trever Hoehne's series "blurry things" blurs the lines between what most people would consider bad photography {the "oops, the camera moved!" moments} and truly beautiful art. I'm leaning well on the side of "truly beautiful" myself.

{images via : Trever Hoehne + Blurry Things, found via : Pinterest}

pretty {me} pt. 2

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-06:00

I wear glasses... when I'm in my home. Rarely in public.

I eat Nerds candies one Nerd at a time.

I'm left handed.

In my 8th grade yearbook it was predicted that I'd become a cheerleader when I grew up.

I was cheerleading captain in high school (am I predictable or what?)

I was voted "Most Spirited" in my high school yearbook.

My favorite movie quote is, "Paging Mr. Herman. Mr. Herman, you have a telephone call at the front desk."

I hate the word "tasty". Also, "slacks" is a weird word. And, if you're obsessed with Gilmore Girls as much as I am, you'll have already known that.

I love brushing my hair. I keep a hairbrush in my purse and use it multiple times a day. The messy hair look is so not for me.

I always introduce myself as Stephanie, but I like it when people who hardly know me call me Steph. I always notice when someone calls me Steph for the first time.

Currently reading Will Grayson, Will Grayson.

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2012-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Cuuuute wallpaper. – For a nursery... or for myself.

A sour apple + caramel Sunday. – Must remember for summertime.

20 smoothie recipes. – Again, must remember for summertime. Which could come along annnnytime now. I know! It's only January!

Designspiration. – Thank God. Just when I was beginning to really lack for design inspiration, (I think I'm always in a bit of a design funk during winter) I find this website. Now, if only I could get off Designspiration long enough to actually work on something...

Simple Desktops. – A collection of simple desktop wallpapers... for when I get sick of looking at my cat on my desktop. Which actually doesn't happen often.

Camera lens SHOT GLASSES! – I want.

Rich Wold Problems. – I didn't think I was rich until I realized I can relate to everything on Rich World Problems. "Pours cereal in bowl. Goes to get milk. No milk.", happens to me all the time.

The Lion King Rises. – A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I thought the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises looks good. It, however, can't even be compared to the awesomeness that is The Lion King Rises faux trailer. Note: watch the actual trailer first.

And if those last couple of finds didn't get you smiling, just go check out this vid. It almost makes me want to have a baby. It's that adorable.

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

{pretty awkward}
Driving around a lumber mill trying to find where I'm supposed to drop off a delivery for work. I drove all the way around this building twice before seeing the word office {written in marker} on the side of the building. I'm sure the mill workers got a good laugh at my expense.

Then having to unload five large and very heavy boxes in front of about six lumber mill workers, none of whom offered to help me. They just stood there watching. Chivalry is dead, I tell you!

Seeing my aunt dance on a bar stool. Not awkward so much as bizarre.

That same night, seeing my brother sing Sweet Caroline at the top of his lungs while swaying with said aunt, my mom, myself, and a couple of other girls. Alright, that was more awesome than awkward. I need to go to the bar with the family more often.

{pretty awesome}
Spending quality time with best friends. This includes a homemade pizza making session that could have turned into an episode of My Drunk Kitchen. Pseudo-italian accents were involved.

Painting my nails a fun new color while watching The Bachelor. 'Cause I'm a girl. No shame!

Also, The Vampire Dairies is back! And they kissed! And if you watch that show, you're undoubtedly as excited about that as I am! And if you don't watch that show, ~~um, you should be!~~ just ignore me. I'm a geek.

The sunset on my way home from work. That's right. On my way home from work. The days are getting longer, people. And it might just be because it's been so long since I've actually seen a sunset, but they've been exceptionally stunning lately.

The full moon the other night. It almost caused an accident – I couldn't stop staring at it as I was driving. It was huge. And golden. And sometimes nature is just awesome.

The above picture cracks me up every time I see it. Every single time!

{image via : Pinterest}

{more} pretty blocks

2012-01-10T11:06:00.000-06:00

Hi friends. If you've visited the Pretty {much} Art shop recently, you may have noticed that, more Pretty Blocks have hit the virtual shelves! Learn more about our blocks here, and see all of our designs in the shop!

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

pretty gifts {for friends}

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my two best friends and I, celebrated our annual Christmas party. Now that all of my holiday gifts have been given, I'd like to share with you some of the handmade gifts I gave this year. After all, here on the P{m}A blog, I like to practice what I preach. And that's that giving handmade rocks!

Sarah – Sara likes urban and modern, with a touch of artistic quirk. For her birthday, I got her this necklace as well as an initial pendant from Son of A Sailor. For Christmas she received this Madison signage collage from local artist, Marcia Sparks.

Lacey – Lacey likes vintage, eclectic, and whimsical. For a birthday, I gave her a set of humorous collage note cards from Madison artist, Artsy Fartsy. For Christmas I gave Lacey this wristlet gadget pouch from Antique Basket Lady, and a vintage typewriter-key ring from The Apple {both Wisconsin artists}.

{via : Son of A Sailor, Marcia Sparks, Artsy Fartsy, Antique Basket Lady, The Apple}

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2012-01-05T09:20:00.000-06:00

{pretty awkward}
Crying at the end of Toy Story 3, and hoping no one sees me.

Sobbing uncontrollably, and loudly while finishing The Book Thief, and hoping no one hears me.

Buying tampons in front of people I know. That's why I've been so emotional lately!

Delivering some boxes for work and hearing two people say, "Your're so small to be hauling around all those boxes!" Not sure what to say to that.

The dude who has parts to deliver to the auto shop next to my office. They weren't open yet. They don't have set office hours and kind of open whenever they feel like. When I told dude this and told him it could be an hour yet, he says "ok, well, I guess I'll just wait around." He proceeds to stand there in my office... waiting around. Naw, dude, you are not waiting in my office for an hour. So I go back to my work and ignore him. He leaves.

{pretty} awesome
I'm well into the stack of books I received for Christmas. And they're awesome.

Three day weekends. Two weekends in a row.

Not going out on New Year's Eve. Instead, spending the time at my best friend's house playing bingo with her loud and crazy family.

Giving myself a mental pat-on-the-back after every time I remember to write "2012" instead of "2011". Go me!

My mom and I walking laps around the school, then jogging every time we went through the gym where all of the guys were playing basketball. All of those guys now think that we're really joggers and are impressed with how in-shape we are.

Eating left-over Christmas cookies guilt free after "jogging".

The Book Thief. This was the saddest and most amazing book I've read in a long time. Maybe ever. It has henceforth set the bar for every other book I will ever read. Ever.

a {pretty new} resolution

2012-01-03T10:10:00.001-06:00

I have a secret. One that I've never told anyone... until now. Don't worry, I didn't shoot a man in Reno just to watch him die, or anything like that. It's my new year's resolution. I make the same resolution every year and, like a birthday wish, I'm worried that if I tell someone my resolution that it won't come true.

Truthfully though, I feel like the real reason I've never told anyone my yearly new year's resolution is because, I'm a bit embarrassed by it. So here it goes... Every year I resolve to be more outgoing. Every year I say, "This is the year I will come out of my shell." I'll learn how to talk to strangers and acquaintances. Learn to open up. Learn that it's ok to voice an opinion.

The reason I'm embarrassed to admit that, for my entire life I've wished I could be more of an extrovert is that, it seems so easy for some people! It started when I was young. When other people would tell me "You're so quite! You're so shy!" and I would think, "Oh, I guess I am." That's what everyone else has labeled me as, so that must be what I am. So this year, I finally have a different resolution. I'm not going to be what other people label me as, or what I think they want me to be. I'm just going to be me. Quite and all. Or, outspoken when I want to be. I'm what's been holding me back all these years. This year I resolve to remember...

{image via : Pinterest}

a pretty {blingy} mini

2011-12-28T09:00:00.000-06:00

currently crazy about...

I'm always a little sad once Christmas is over. But, this year, I'm also a little glad that it is. My Christmas holiday was very nearly perfect, and I fear that one more day of festivities could have done something to ruin that.

I'm not, however, ready to let go of the sparkle of the season. Tis still the season for sparkle, ya'll. I'm particularly loving the sequined mini trend. And really, New Years Eve is the one night a year when a girl can dress up like a total ~~slut~~ disco-ball, and no other girls can say anything about it.

{images via : Pinterest; 1, 2, 3, 4}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-12-23T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week – the holiday edition:

These free, downloadable holiday knit gift tags. – The closest I'll get to the whole "holiday sweater" thing. Or so I think.

DIY cupcake bath bombs. – If I were to give this as a gift {a great idea BTW} I'd be sure to make real cupcakes to give with them. Absolutely no disappointment that way!

This glitter bow DIY. – A DIY gift wrap idea that I can actually do myself? This looks to easy to be true.

This DIY mini wreath wrapping. – A DIY gift wrap that I'd just make a mess of, but it's pretty, nonetheless.

These Christmas light nails. – Way cute! And way too time-consuming for me. Adorbs though.

On a non-holiday related note, The Dark Knight Rises trailer was released this week. – And it looks chillingly good... thanks in large part to the fact that Christian Bale's Batman voice isn't heard in it.

Also, this is my Christmas card to you this year. Have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-06:00

{pretty} awkward

Trying to talk to my dad while he's on a cell phone. My dad: "Hello? Is it... is it on speaker phone? Or... or what? What's going on here? Hello?" Me, meanwhile: "Dad? Dad! I'm here! Dad, stop talking. I'm here!"

Putting up the Christmas decorations in my office with packaging tape. Like MacGyver. Kind of.

I just had to Google how to spell MacGyver.

Changing from a skirt into jeans in a Buffalo Wild Wings bathroom stall.

Wearing tights under said jeans, for the rest of the day.

Wrapping Christmas presents. It basically takes me an hour to wrap a gift that could easily be mistaken for having been wrapped by a 5 year old.

Getting to sing a solo, or two, in my church choir's rehearsal. Not sure how that happened, but I don't want it! And let's just say, I'm hoping the actual Christmas Eve performance goes better.

{pretty} awesome

SANTA! It's SANTA!

My younger brother graduated from college this past weekend! I bet those 5 1/2 years felt like forever ;)

My mom and I having a major giggle fit, thanks to something my dad said. And I don't think he got why we were laughing so hard. Go figure.

Going to bed at 8:30 last night. Yep. It's the little things.

Wearing new, pretty underwear. P.S. I hate the word "panties", and refuse to say it.

Getting a couple of unexpected freelance design jobs lately. Yay, extra moneys!

It is snowing. Right now. My cats are watching intently out the patio door, like they've never seen it before. That's how long it's been since we've seen snow{actually, I guess, this is how long}. And, while I'm not a huge fan of the white stuff, I am wishing for a white Christmas. Here's hoping it sticks around.

Having the exact right amount of candy canes to last me through Christmas day... I hope.

Oh, and you guys, this weekend is Christmas weekend! Eeeeee!

Anything awkward or awesome you'd like to share? Do so in the comments. Yay!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-12-16T09:30:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This still from the 2012 movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby surfaced this week. – And my God, do you see how gorgeous Leo looks? It reminds me 6th grade/Titanic era Leonardo {be still my heart!}. This movie will be perfection.

Cute felt ball garland. – A DIY for you DIYers.

These shoes. – I literally gasped when I saw them. And, you can use them as mirrors to check your lipstick! 'Cause that wouldn't be awkward, when you're sitting at your desk, or walking down the street, or driving...

Kitten Covers! – Puurfect... I had to. {found via : Milk}

Pom Pom scarf. – At one point I would have thought scarves with pom poms on them were for eccentric, older ladies. The ones who wear red and purple together. You know who I'm talking about? But this one is just pretty. {found via : coco+kelley}.

This is what Emma Watson's younger brother looks like? – And he's ~~officially legal~~ 18? Booyah! Just kidding. Really tho. He is pretty.

This pretty dress. – Needs to be mine.

The Rock of Ages movie trailer was released this week. – Have I every fully expressed my love for ROA on my blog? Best. Musical. Evers.

Discover anything interesting lately? Let me know!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Typographic quilling. – I'm pretty sure I need to try my hand at quilling.

A scalloped felt wreath DIY. – Simple {and pretty} enough for me!

Just a pretty room.

Hot cocoa cookies? – Yes, please!

Leggings. – I like.

Hamburger wrapping paper. – Although, technically, I think that's a cheeseburger.

This video is too well done not to share. Chills, you guys. Chills. Harry Potter fans will surely like her videos.

Old love. – A little sad. What is it about celebrity couples that intrigues me? {via : A Cup of Jo}

Discover anything worth sharing this week?

pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

I couldn't come up with awkward things that happened to me this past week. I know. I suck. Or maybe it was just a good week. Anyway, here are some pretty awesome things...

{pretty} awesome
Spending some time, however brief, with one of my besties this past weekend.

Florence + The Machine radio on Pandora.

Eating at Noodles & Co. twice in the past two weeks. Magical.

Candy canes.

Candy canes on my coffee. "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup."

How my world turned into a winter wonderland this past weekend.

The 12 foot snowman seen on my way to work. And the gigantic cardboard top hat that's atop his head. I salute the ambitious people who made him. And I hope to God he doesn't come to life like in that freaky song, 'cause I feel like we'd be in some trouble.

My pretty fur babies posing for the camera. Sorry to go all "proud momma" on you now that I have a good camera on my phone. But there you go.

And, this freaking cute video, that I cannot. stop. watching. "We love pink, and we like the fluffy dresses!"

{pretty freebie} winter wallpaper

2011-12-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

Heeey December! For those of you who procrastinate {like me} and have yet to change your desktop background to something wintery... here you go. Some wintery prettiness for your desktop, designed by yours truly... inspired by the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest and the sea of swirly twirly gum drops.

If you don't know your screen resolution, you can find it out here.

2560 x 1440 • 1920 x 1280 • 1680 x 1050 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 800 • ipad • iphone

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

pretty {me}

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-06:00

Some things you probably didn't know about me...

Barns and Noble is my favorite store.

When I go into Barns and Noble, I head straight to the YA section.

I'm currently reading The Book Thief. I'm only admitting that because it's a book about Nazi Germany and not about vampires or princesses... Um, I'm also reading this, and this.

When I sign my name, I save my middle initial for last.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when people use the word literally wrong, like "that literally scared the crap out of me." Eeeew. However, it's only when people don't know that they're using the word literally wrong, that bothers me. At least use it ironically, like I do. Or just say it {literally} all the time. Like Rachel Zoe.

I don't usually tell people I have a blog, because I'm worried they'll judge me as being self-absorbed.

I like blogging because I'm really shy in real life, and never open up to people I don't know well.

I'm 26 and am living at home with my parents. And I only find that weird when other people find that wired.

I have a hard time spelling "wired". I love to write, but I hate to spell.

I hate cutting my nails.

I always count down backwards in my head when microwaving something. Actually, I count down backwards in my head for a lot of random things; how long I think it'll take for the light to turn green, how long I think it'll take for my computer to boot up... basically anytime I'm waiting for something.

Sometimes I think I have a slight case of OCD.

This little list of random things you didn't know about me will probably become a {somewhat} regular feature on my blog. I want to be able to open up to people more. And I want to make this blog more of a documentation of my life. Not that that makes me self-absorbed.

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

A DIY Christmas banner. – And it sparkles.

This. – Currently tiled as my desktop background.

Just pretty makeup.

Pretty poppies made from coffee filters. – I love coffee, I love poppies, I love pretty things.

Pretty baby blankets. – I'm not having a baby, and I can't knit {or whatever it is I'm supposed to do in order to make one of these}, but I want this baby blanket kit.

Tiffany & Co. – Actually discovered last year, but this Christmasy ad campaign is just about perfect.

The U.S. needs more ads like this. – It's so sweet. {via : A Sweet Release}

10 Things 90s Kids Will Have To Explain To Their Children. – Long before he was spending his days foisting his mediocre children on us, Will Smith was actually the perfect human specimen. Also, Lisa Frank.

90s TV Characters As Roommates. – As long as we're having fun. The 90s where the best!

Texts From Bennett. – More fun.

Discover anything worth sharing this week? This weekend is Pretty {much} Art's last craft show of the season! Come see us!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-06:00

{pretty} awkward
Calling a customer, asking if it was Jerry, only to find out it was Jerry's wife. Sometimes it's hard to tell if a person is a guy or a girl when all they say is "hello"...

People named after their parents. Is this not confusing to anyone else? Especially when I've only ever talked to Kevin Sr. over the phone and then Kevin Jr. answers and I didn't know there was a Kevin Jr. and therefor didn't know that Kevin was a Kevin Sr. and therefor didn't know which Kevin I was supposed to be talking to?? Like I said, confusing!

P.S. My job shouldn't allow me to talk on the phone. I'm too awkward for that.

I couldn't use the bathroom at work because the shop guys {my office is connected to an auto shop} already shut the lights off and couldn't find switch. Hey, it gets dark out by 5:00 now! I had to hold it for 45 minutes!

I couldn't use the bathroom at our other office because the toilet was plugged up and the co-worker who was supposed to unplug it {can you "unplug" a toilet? What am I trying to say here?} didn't. I had to hold it for two hours!

My bladder must be expanding, 'cause I'm getting good at holding it. Annnd that was too much information. And that was awkward. Oh awkward and awesome Thursdays, how I've missed you.

{pretty} awesome
Hey! We have a tree in our house! And it's pretty! I love the time of the year that is "tree time".

I finally got frames for the amazing prints, sent to me by oh-so-talented ara133photography. You'll have to trust me that they look prettier in person. Mr. Raccoon thinks so too.

I took all of the above pictures on the new phone, that I got for FREE on Black Friday – which shall henceforth be known as the greatest almost holiday of the year. P.S. I'm sure many of you have some {pretty} awkward stories form black friday {and I'd love the hear them!} but my black friday was just awesome. So there.

Thanksgiving. The fam. The Packers {winning}, and enough food to feed an elephant... if elephants ate turkey and pumpkin pie and stuffs.

I just saw an ad for the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon. Heck yes!

Our paper delivery guy bringing us pizzas at lunch yesterday. Just because he's a nice guy and wanted to do something nice for us. Are you kidding me?? There really are genuinely nice people in this world, who perform random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return? Pretty awesome.

free shipping is {pretty} nifty

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hi friends! I hope your holiday weekend was fantastic. I just wanted to remind you all that today is the last day for FREE SHIPPING* in our shop. Just enter coupon code PMABlackFridayTreat upon checkout.

Everything in the Pretty {much} Art shop is between $8.00 and $24.00. With prices like those {and free shipping!} you can't go wrong! View our 2011 gift guide for some ideas as to who you can give some pretties to this holiday season. And don't forget, we have holiday cards available!

*Free shipping offered to US residence only.

Also, this is the last call for the December AD SWAP! If you're interested in swapping ads for the month of December, please contact me today!

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

pretty gifties {the 2011 quide}

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome, a Very Merry Indie Christmas readers! Without further ado, here's Pretty {much} Art's guide to giving handmade for the holidays!

{ via : Pretty {much} Art, KeoniDesign & Rare Bird}

{ via : Pretty {much} Art, Kosmika & tovicorrie}

{via : Pretty {much} Art, Bliss Monkey Studio & Sewing Amity}

{via : Pretty {much} Art, Stephanie Cole & Sweetnature Designs}

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

{via : Pretty {much} Art, Pearenthetical Press & Poprocks Design}

And, now through Monday, November 28th Pretty {much} Art is offering FREE SHIPPING* with coupon code PMABlackFridayTreat.

* Open to domestic {USA} customers only.

{A Very Merry Indie Christmas link-up made possible by : Casey Leigh, Changing Lanes, Scathingly Brilliant & Run With Scissors} Click the button below for more Indie gifty links!

{pretty} blessed

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

How truly, incredibly, fortunate are we? I'm so thankful for all of the above... and much more. Happy Thanksgiving.

P.S. Be sure to come back tomorrow for Pretty {much} Art's pretty holiday gift guide - including a little black Friday treat!

{image via : Pinterest}

{pretty} friends

2011-11-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

Do you know the name of my favorite band? Learn it {and other random facts about me} over on brideblu's blog, here. It's part of brideblu's Sponsor Meet & Greet. Speaking of sponsors... see all of those {Pretty} Friends to the right? No?

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Over there! Scroll down! While Pretty {much} Art isn't currently accepting paid sponsorship, all of those lovelies have swapped ads with me. If you have a blog, and are interested in swapping ads for the month of December, please email me or leave a comment {providing your email} below.

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-11-18T09:30:00.000-06:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This print. – I like it.

Paint swatches wall art. – A DIY.

Dexter designs. – A poster for each season.

THE HUNGER GAMES TRAILER. – I've decided Cinna will be my favorite. {image via}

Marcel the Shell is back! – You guuuuys! Remember him? And now there's a book?! I need it.

How blogging became my boyfriend. – Cute. {via A Sweet Release}

Lastly, I saw the Footloose remake this weekend {and actually liked it... don't judge}. Now, I'm sort of in love with this song {also a remake} from the movie.

Holding Out For A Hero - Ella Mae Bowen by Ella Mae Bowen on Grooveshark

What are you up to this weekend? Pretty {much} Art has two craft shows. Come see us, if you can!

I'm {pretty} thankful for...

2011-11-16T19:06:00.001-06:00

Today, as part of the Give Thanks Link-Up Party I'm supposed to acknowledge what I'm thankful for. Turns out, this was a hard post for me to write. Not for lack of thankfulness, but because the list of things I'm thankful for is soooo long. Seriously, can't I just write a post about things that are bugging me right now, and we'll just assume that I'm thankful and grateful for everything else? That would be... I'm kinda hungry right now... um, Jake Gyllenhaal and I aren't engaged yet?

Since, I'm guessing that's not how this thankful thing is supposed to work, here's a little list of things I'm thankful for.

My family.

My best friends. {and, yes, we are always in that order when we take pictures}

My ol' cat is still kick'n.

My health.

My family's health.

My job.
My dreams.

My mac.

The brains in my head.

The feet in my shoes.

Successful craft shows.

Third Eye Blind released a new song today.

Good music.

Good movies.

Good books.

The freaking Packers.

Mmmm... apple juice.

Mmmm... coffee.

My mommy buying me the last Harry Potter movie on DVD this weekend.
People's Sexiest Man Alive issue comes out tomorrow.

This morning's sunrise...

... and my ability to see it.

All of you.

My general happiness.

My belief that God, or a higher power, has made all of the above possible.

What are you thankful for?

{link-up party made possible by : Julie Ann Art, adelynSTONE, After Nine to Five}

pretty blocks {of art}

2011-11-15T11:05:00.001-06:00

Hi friends! Just popping in to point out that Pretty {much} Art has a pretty, new product! Do you want to give unique, handmade art this holiday season, but are afraid you can't afford it? Well, now you can! Our brand new pretty art blocks are a very affordable way to share real artwork. Each piece is {per usual} designed and completely hand-drawn by yours truly. No "scrapbook paper art" here {not that there's anything wrong with scrapbook paper craftiness.}

While they're meant to be bought in sets {'cause come on, they look freaking cool hanging on a wall as a collection} they're cute gifts {under $10!} individually. Their price makes them perfect for secret santa gift exchanges, or for a little Pretty {much} Art for yourself. Hang 'em on a wall. Set 'em on a shelf. Put 'em in a box with a fox, or in a house with a mouse. I don't know. Paperweight? Doorstop? Weapon*? Whatever floats your boat! Buy them here!

* Not recommended.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-11-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

Happy 11/11/11! Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Sevenly tees. – A new t-shirt is introduced every week, and for every shirt purchased $7 is donated to that week's charity. I particularly like the design of this week's shirt, where the donations are going to War Child {protecting the rights of children in a war-torn community of Northern Uganda.}

These DIY chalkboard gift tags. – Perfect for Christmas presents!

Customizable fortune cookie necklace. – This would make a great gift... for someone to give me. 'Cause I kinda want one.

This Kissing Checklist. – Not gonna lie, I want to check off this entire list. But then again, I am a hopeless romantic.

Adorable fawn make-up! – Who would have thought a deer costume could be so cute? Do you think I could pull this off for Christmas as a reindeer kind of thing?

Tell Her You Saw Me, online shop. – So many pretties! Found via Lovely Clusters.

Cool, eclectic shelves.

Arthur recreates scenes from classic movies. – Some. Parents. Are. Awesome.

Discover anything interesting this week? Have a super weekend, and If you're in Madison, WI this Sunday, stop by and see us at The Crafty Fair!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-11-10T09:30:00.000-06:00

{pretty} awkward

My two best friends and I babysitting. I'm pretty sure we're all older than our moms were when they had us, but the three of us are so not mommy material right now. "I gotta change a poop diaper?!" "Distract him!" "Ok, it's crying. It's crying." It was sitcom type comical.

Eating lunch with four guys at work, talking about deer hunting. Just because I'm from central Wisconsin, doesn't mean I hunt. I DON'T hunt. And I don't need to hear about the best way to kill an animal while I'm trying to eat, thank you. Don't worry, we later changed the subject... to how to stop a person from bleeding to death. Uhggg. Pleasant.

Totes swerving my vehicle while driving in the snow/slush yesterday. Then thinking, "man, I hope no one saw that" only to see that someone did, indeed, see that. Yes, I am the idiot who can't drive as soon as the first snowfall hits.

Having that "This is the song that never ends..." song stuck in my head for an hour yesterday.

The CHRISTMAS SONG I heard on the radio last Saturday!

{pretty} awesome

Seeing my two best friends this weekend; awkward babysitting troubles and all.

Buying a Halloween costume for next year at 90% off! I'm telling ya, get your costumes now my friends.

Seeing the old men from the VFW hanging up American flags all over town for Veteran's Day. They were smiling and laughing, and in that moment I felt proud to be in small-town America.

They have coffee filters at Kwik Trip. That's probably not so awesome to you {I doubt you even know what Kwik Trip is} but I was pretty excited.

Seeing my old high school represent at the state volleyball tournament this weekend. They didn't win their final match, but to see my school be the state runner-up was cool. Plus, my brother and I looked pretty badass. Kind of. Right?

As evident in the picture above, I basically dressed like a pirate two weekends in a row now. Awesome!

he's just {soooo} pretty

2011-11-08T14:10:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I think I write blog posts based on what I think others want to read on my blog. And sometimes that's ok. But ultimately, this blog is meant for me and my interests. And this is something I'm verrry interested in :)

So, my best friends and I were sitting around this weekend playing MASH {BTW I can't even tell you how great it feels to write that sentence! It had been months since I last saw my besties and our, rather impromptu, slumber party this weekend was just what I needed}. When they told me to pick out my future husbands, they actually had to remind me about Jake Gyllenhaal. Jake Gyllenhaal, my ultimate celebrity crush since about 10th grade. When his name was mentioned, I said, "You know, I haven't thought about him much lately." My friends were shocked, and so was I. So here it is. My Jake fix. Don't judge. After all, this blog is usually about pretty things, and helllo! If he ain't pretty, I don't know who is. Who's your celebrity crush?

P.S. For those of you wondering, I will end up marrying Jake Gyllenhaal. We'll live in a house in Chicago. We won't have any children, but we will have goat. MASH is never wrong, is it?

{images via : we heart it}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This killer DIY owl costume. – So cool, right? I'm definitely keeping this in mind for next Halloween!

A pretty horizontal bookshelf. – Another possible DIY? For someone much handier than me?

Animal shaped "sculptures" made from...wait for it... water droplets.

This print.

Pretty hand-painted travel mugs. – Kinda want one.

Cupcake ipsum!

Every Tim Burton movie in two minutes. – Mr. Burton is is pictured above with Johnny Depp, because there just isn't enough Johnny on this blog. And they're kind of a perfect duo.

Finally, I like this advice about what to do when you're worrying.

Discover anything cool this week?

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-11-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Most of my awesome and awkward adventures are Halloween related this week, because I've discovered something this past weekend; Halloween is awkward and awesome. And there is no way for it to be just one or the other.

{pretty} awkward

Going back to my alma mater to party for Halloween. I thought I could pretend I was still in college, but I found that I'm definitely too old for that shizz. Feeling old is awkward.

Watching Buddy the Elf {and I mean he looked JUST like him} sandwiched between a slutty devil {girl} and a construction worker {guy}, grinding at the club. I was like, "BUDDY! NOOOOO!"

The drunk-slutty-pirate-girl who decided to sit with us at the pizza place because we were all dressed as pirates {this was unplanned, BTW. Pirates were huge this year}. It went down like this. Drunk-slutty-pirate-girl: "Heeeeey! You are alll pirates! I'm a pirate toooo! Imma sit here and we'll be best friends toniiiight!!" Followed by awkward silence from the rest of us.

The little boys {yes, boys plural} who were dressed up as cheerleaders for trick-or-treating. Wait. No, that was pretty awesome. I just didn't understand it.

{pretty} awesome

Doing the DIY bloody nails I showed you last week for Halloween. Being a bad blogger, I didn't take pictures, but trust, they looked freaking cool! I just wish I didn't have to wait another year to do them again.

Catching It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on TV without knowing it was going to be on.

Leftover Halloween candy.

Halloween.

The UPS delivery guy greeting me by my first name. I've only signed for him a couple of times, so it made me think he's just a really considerate person.

Someone asking me if I have any kids. It was awkward when I shouted, "WHAT? NO!" in shock. But, it's awesome that some people think I look older than 18 {I'm assuming}.

I'm sure more awkward and awesome things happened to me this past week because, you guys, Halloween is just... bizarre. Like, people dressed up as slutty monkeys and slutty garbage cans and crap. It's insane in the membrane! So, if I think of more things, I'll be sure to share. Got any awkward and awesomeness of your own to share?

pretty {fall} favorites

2011-11-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

currently crazy about...

It's been a while since I've done a "currently crazy about" post, so for those of you interested in my latest obsessions, here's a mash-up of things I'm loving this fall.

Ponchos. Seriously. And big, oversized sweaters. Cozy things I can wrap around myself, blanket-like, in. The great thing about leggings and jeggings being in style, is that you can pair them with massive sweaters and still feel feminine... and completely comfy.

Chevron necklaces. I know chevron is pretty popular right now, but I'm digging this trend in a more subtle way; in pretty geometric necklace form.

Knee high {or higher} socks. Preferably knitted and warm. And I'm loving the look of socks peeking out above boots. Cozy and cute. By the way, the characters of Clueless were pretty much my idols growing up, so thigh highs paired with shorts skirts will forever be in fashion as far as I'm concerned.

P.S. No calendar download {as of yet} this month, 'cause well, I'm lazy. Also, for those of you wondering what I was for Halloween, be sure to check in for tomorrow's awesome and awkwardness – the Halloween edition, as it's turning out.

{via : Pinterest, necklaces via : prairie oats, Gather Jewelry, & AMiRA jewelry}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-10-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Toasted marshmallow milkshakes?? – At the risk of a tummy-ache, I'd add chocolate and a graham cracker topping for some s'morey goodness.

DIY bloody nails. – I think I have give this a try for this Halloween weekend.

Living in: Practical Magic. – In the spirit of the upcoming holiday. Also because Practical Magic is my favorite movie evers!

The Sketchbook Project. – Sounds kind of amazing. Sign up by Monday!

I am loving this album art.

This video. – True artists at work. Inspiring on so many levels.

Have you discovered anything worth sharing lately? Let me know! Have a spooky weekend!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

{pretty} awkward

When I asked two people how old they thought I was turning {FYI, I turned 26 on Sunday}, they both guessed 18. The fact that I look much younger than my age has bothered me since adolescence. But, I supposed this will be considered "awesome" in about 10 years.

Stepping out of the shower to see there's no towel in the bathroom...

Seeing someone I went to high school with at work. There were 4 other customers, and that isn't exactly the place to catch up after 7 years so... we both kind of pretended that we didn't know each other.

This video. I'm just kidding. It's really AWESOME. I watch it once a year around Halloween, and well, that's enough.

{pretty} awesome

The cute boy who gave me a big smile and wave on my way home from work. He was driving a tractor. On the other hand, this could be considered awkward as he was hot... and I was ~~probably~~ definitely staring.

The random friends and old classmates who keep finding me on Pinterest. Man, I love how the internet allows us to never lose track of people.

Putting Nerds on my birthday cake instead of sprinkles. It was fruity, crunchy, nerdy awesome. And it was pretty.

Leftover birthday cake. It's been like my birthday for 5 days. Though, the Nerds aren't as crunchy anymore.

Glee on TV instead of the World Series last night. Suck it baseball fans.

Finding out from the vet that my cat's organs are 100% healthy. She's got to be on her 9th life but, her resilience constantly amazes me. You go, baby!

Tomorrow will mark my 300th post on this blog! Wow, that makes it sound like I've been doing this for a while.

The fact that I really wanted more awkward and embarrassing things to happen to me this week, just so I could share them with you guys. Embarrassment will be a little more bearable now that I have people to share my total awkwardness with.

Anything awkward or awesome happen to you this week? I want to hear about it!

a pretty tattoo {anew}

2011-10-25T14:23:00.001-05:00

The fake tattoos we wore as ~~twenty somethings~~ kids have been taken to a whole new level, thanks to Ink Illusion. I'm delighted to say, fake tats are back. Whether you're afraid of commitment {me} or just afraid of pain {also, me}, pain-free pretty ink is now possible. And now, you could win a set of these exquisite temporary tattoos over on Oh The Lovely Things!

Speaking of winning, the winner of the ara133photography pretty giveaway {chosen through random.org} is... #77 Whitney! Congratulations Whitney!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-10-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Another week has gone by already? I'm turning 26 this weekend. I'm not sure how I feel about that {other than, woohoo! I made it through another year!} I'm not a big birthday celebrator, so, to quote Forrest Gump, that's all I've got to say about that. Now some...

... Pretty neat things I've discovered this week:

The 365 Polaroid Quotes project – found via Silver Sand.

This article by brilliant book cover designer, Christian Fuenfhausen – For design geeks like myself.

DIY spray painted flatware.

Coffee Joulies to cool your coffee. – So smart! I want.

A type kerning game. – For type geeks like myself. My score was a 93. What's yours?

DIY braided clay bracelet.

He is Galla. – And isn't he a cutie?? What's the term for a male fashionista? I think I'm in love? What? Never mind.

Let me know if you've discovered anything interesting this week. Have a fab weekend!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-10-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

{pretty} awkward

Talking to a customer while they had me on speaker phone. I unconsciously paused after every word so I could hear myself talk back to me. The... con... ver... sa... tion... went... some... thing... like... this...

My boss telling me I need a boyfriend. Sure he was joking, but my reaction was still like, "Excuse me? What did you just say?" Followed by that most awkward of all awkward, uncomfortable laughs.

Watching Black Swan. Followed by two days of persistently checking my fingers for hangnails.

Accidentally beeping my car horn at the bank drive-up. The two tellers behind the window jumped about a foot high. Theeeen they wouldn't stop talking about it.

Turning into the wrong lane in a construction zone. It wasn't an on-coming traffic lane. Still, I had to weave through those barrels like it was a freaking obstacle course. Luckily, only one other car saw me. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

So I'm printing a job at work when the customer walks in expecting to pick it up. I tell him it'll be another half an hour or more and that he should come back later. He decides to wait. While he's standing there, he does nothing but periodically ring the service bell. For fun. Apparently. Then almost 30 minutes later he decides to leave and tells me to call him when it's done. Oh, ok. I'll call you in a few minutes then. Weirdo.

{pretty} awesome

Coming home from work after a long day to find this pretty package waiting for me. My giveaway sponsor, Oia Jules sent me this beautiful necklace. {Ignore the plaid shirt, if that's possible. I'm no fashion blogger.} Trust, it is gorgeous in person.

Getting my Print mag in the mail. I haven't subscribed to Print Magazine since college. Sweeeeet.

Watching The Hot Chick. That sounds kinda lame, but this was one of our go to movies at slumber parties in high school. {You guys know how cool I was in high school right?} Anyway, this movie is nostalgic and hilarious. It's meeeee, Jessicaaa!

HOCUS POCUS IS ON TV TONIGHT! I have purposely never owned this movie, just so I can wait in giddy anticipation for it to be on TV every October. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

I got almost all the lyrics of The Bang Theory theme song yesterday. One goal almost accomplished! {p.s. Can you guys tell I watch a lot of TV?}

Totally reenacting this video on my drive to work this morning. Word. For. Word. It's pretty awesome how easily I amuse myself.

Share your awkward and awesomes in the comments!

a {pretty} project of goals

2011-10-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've decided to participate in Oh, hello friend's Twelve by 2012. Mind you, I have absolutely no intention of actually getting these things done. I'm awful at setting and keeping goals. So to keep this easier on myself, there will be no disillusionment here. This list is more for curiosity sake. I'm curious as to whether or not I will even attempt to do any of these things before 2012. This will be interesting... or not.

Twelve by 2012

1. Visit some of my friends, who live in various parts of the state.

2. ~~Clean my room. No joke. This includes getting rid of half of my clothes, some of which are circa 2000 or so.~~

3. Make a new portfolio. I bought the book for said portfolio a year ago. See? Master Procrastinator. Call me No Goals McGee.

4. Attempt a gluten-free diet... for, like a day.

5. Incorporate some sort of physical activity into my daily life.

OMG, you guys. I was getting bored writing this so I signed into MSN messenger for the first time since high school, and guess what the quote by my name is? "Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today." WHAT? REALLY? So at one point I wasn't a Master Procrastinator? I can't believe my quote wasn't a Goo Goo Dolls song lyric or "Oy with the poodles already!" {both the Goo and Gilmore Girls are listed in my MSN messenger "interests". Other interests include; cheerleading, The O.C., and dogs and cats.} Also, no lie, I spelt "tomorrow" "tomarrow". Because I literally couldn't spell tomorrow in high school. Ok, back to the goals.

6. Finish the boring book I'm reading. And finish its sequel I bought thinking I'd like this one. And read some other good books too.

7. Try cooking a couple of meals I've never made before.

8. Work on new Pretty {much} Art designs/projects.

9. Do some creative writing.

10. ~~Put music on my phone. Again I've been meaning to do this for about a year.~~
Technicaly, I got a new phone. And it was much easier to music on it than my old one.

11. Create an "about me" section and add a "buttons" page to my blog.

12. Learn the lyrics to The Big Bang Theory theme song and be able to sing along when it's on TV. Ok I just ran out of goals.

Do you have any goals you're trying to accomplish? I'd love to hear!

{via : Oh, hello friend}

P.S. The winner of the Julie Ann Art blog ad space giveaway {chosen through random.org} is...#2 Annika! Congrats, Annika! I'll be contacting you soon.

a pretty {photo} giveaway

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Speaking of inspiring color combos...remember this one? Well that pretty Willow print is up for grabs in this pretty giveaway!

Husband and wife duo, Michael and Amy are the pretty people behind ara133photography. They specialize in surreal, abstract, rustic, nautical, autumn inspired and whimsical, original fine art photography prints for interior design and home decor. Ara133photography also offers unique photography gifts, like pendants and calendars. Want to learn more about this dynamic duo? Visit their shop and facebook page.

Win this day-dreamy 8x8 photo, great for a gift or in your own home. Soft yellow willow leaves sway in the breeze, against a pale aqua and cloudy sky in this vintage style photograph – and it could be yours!

How to enter: ** CLOSED **

1. Leave a comment on this blog post {mandatory to win}. Please note that if I can't get to a working email through your profile you will not be contacted, and therefore won't win! It's not a bad idea to post your email in your comment to be sure I've got it {I'd suggest writing out (at) and (dot) in your email address to avoid spamy-spam}.

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Visit the ara133photography shop and let me know what your favorite item is.

3. Like ara133photography on facebook.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

There you go! You have four chances to win this gorgeous giveaway. The random winner will be announced one week from today. The last chance to enter will be Monday, October 24th.

P.S. Don't forget, today's the last day to enter the Julie Ann Art ad space giveaway!

pretty color combo {gray/tan}

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I'm so in love with neutrals right now... I must be ready for the dreary cloudiness of winter. Honestly though, I'm finding this color combo more soothing than dreary. There's an inspired sophistication in neutrals. Plus these colors remind me of my Honey bear. Does it sound depressing when I say gray is my favorite color? Or does it just remind you of the song Mr. Jones?

{images via : Pinterest}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This Vogue photo shoot of Michelle Williams channeling Marilyn Monroe. – So beautiful. This one is currently set as my desktop background, and it looks fab.

A Paint By Numbers wall. – Ambitious, but awesome.

Adorable origami pins. – I'm adding these to my birthday wish list. Wook at da wittle bunny wunny!

Air plant pods. – A plant I could maybe keep alive? I'll take ten.

DIY fabric covered vintage suitcases. – In case vintage suitcases aren't cool enough.

This watch. – Also going on the b-day wish list. Everyday chic.

This skirt. – A modern day bustled skirt? I love.

Finally, "I'm going to be a dad!" – Candid captures of one man telling his friends and family the big news. The phrase, "a picture is worth 1000 words" was invented for photos like these.

Did you discover anything cool this week? Please let me know in the comments!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-10-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

{pretty} awkward
That random picture of me, found in the Photo Booth folder on my computer. Oh, the things I share on my blog... for the world to see.

Me having a ~~blond~~ tired moment and exclaiming loudly, "birds don't lay eggs!"... in a public setting. And it took me a few seconds to realize I was wrong. Yes, I know, birdies do lay eggs.

Sitting a certain way at the craft show this weekend, so that every time I looked up I was looking directly at the vendor next to us. How was it that we caught each other's eye every time I looked up?! I swear I'm not trying to stare you down, lady! You're looking at me too!

Having to weed the dirt around the building at work. Me? Do the weeding? They know they hired me as a graphic designer right? I then spent the rest of the day pretending not to be sore. 'Cause apparently, after three years of working there, my wimpyness is still unknown to them.

{pretty} awesome
Did I ever tell you about the time I met John Stamos at a bar? And he told my I was pretty? No, that last part's from Mean Girls. I really did meet him though. The proof is in that pretty awesome photo.

Finding the third Princess Diaries book at Goodwill for like a dollar. Let's pretend you don't know I read girly young adult books, ok?

Shopping for a halloween costume at Goodwill.

Goodwill.

The Halloween Party Radio station on Pandora. {thanks to Think Priddy for sharing!} It's playing The Nightmare Before Christmas score as I type this! Definition of awesome, right there.

My brother coming to visit my mom and I at our art/craft show this past weekend. Let me rephrase that... my brother and his four college roommates coming to visit us at our art/craft show. His male roommates. Big dudes. Into sports and beer-pong and other college guy stuffs, and looking completely out of place at an art and craft show. But they came, seemed genuinely interested in what it is we do, and left. It was kind of sweet...

... Probably a little awkward for them though.

Please share your own awkward and awesomeness in the comments!

a {pretty awesome} ad space giveaway

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Surprise! So, it turns out I couldn't stay away from hosting more giveaways. Especially when they're as amazing as this one.

Not gonna lie, I just spent about 30 minutes reading this blog. Julie Ann's blog, Julie Ann Art, is totes adorable and full of DIYs, tutorials, and overall inspiration. Did you see the new "Pin It" button on my blog posts? Her blog taught me that. It's Blogsome! {"Blog" plus "awesome"? I don't know. I tried to make that work.} Anyway, I bet her 986+ followers would agree. And you can be a part of that!

Julie Ann is offering one lucky winner a medium size ad space on her blog for the month of November! With 214,000+ page views last month alone, this is legit, you guys.

How to enter: **CLOSED**

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Become a follower of Julie Ann Art.

3. Like Julie Ann Art on facebook.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

There you go! You have four chances to win this blogsome giveaway. The random winner will be announced one week from today. The last chance to enter will be Tuesday, October 18th.

P.S. Check out Julie Ann Art on Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter!

a pretty color combo {pink/gray}

2011-10-11T13:23:00.000-05:00

October is breast cancer awareness month. As if I needed a reason to do a post about the prettiness of pink. But, as the pink ribbon has taught us, pink is more than pretty. It's power. So here's to the survivors, the fighters, the women of the world, and the girls that are the future of it. Plus, if I were to pick a color combo to represent me, it'd probably this one... girly, calm, quite, with a subtle strength hidden in its pretty colors.

{images via : Pinterest}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-10-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This blog... especially the pancake pillows – Fun fact: I can never spell the word "pancake" right on the first try.

I scream. You scream. Exploding ice cream! – From the same blog, but too cool to ignore. No special effects here, people.

How cute is this little hipster stud?

This pretty bed. – In an ideal world, it would also be my office.

Grilled cheese. – Nuf said.

Branding 10,000 Lakes – Crazy if you ask me. Crazy cooool.

I ♥ NY – and illustration.

A pretty lace scarf DIY that I actually want to try. – 'Cause it wouldn't be a weekly wrap-up without a DIY!

Discover anything interesting this week? Let me know in the comments! And, come visit us here this weekend!

pretty awkward, pretty awesome {Thursday}

2011-10-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

My favorite things about Thursdays are TVD, and reading Sydney's awkward and awesome posts on The Daybook. So I decided I might as well start participating myself!

{pretty} awkward

• Planking. Don't get me wrong, planking is actually awesome. Especially when it's done with your aunts and your mom in a town where no one knows you. It was finding out later that day that we had done it wrong that was awkward. Your arms are supposed to be at your sides. Did you know that? 'Cause we didn't.

• Wearing a brown sweater with a white collar, then spilling chocolate milk just on the white collar. What? Really? I couldn't have dribbled my milk like an idiot onto the brown {majority} part of the shirt? I have great stain aim.

• Watching Youth In Revolt. That's it. That movie is awwwkward.

• Watching Dexter with my dad. Again, normally awesome. But, if you saw Sunday's ep, you know what I'm talking about. Without getting too graphic let me just say, boobs and a bj. What? Too graphic? Try watching that with your dad.

• Getting "adult toys" as a gag gift at a family event. Yeah, it was funny. I'm sure my parents and grandparents thought so too.

{pretty} awesome

• Planking. Come on. Finding places for my pregnant aunt's belly to fit into for her planking was just awesome. Rules schmules!

• Playing The Alphabet game on the long ride home from the family event mentioned above. It was fun, but the awesome part was when both of my parents lied to me about where highway "Q" was located while we were all stuck on the letter. Me, "Are we anywhere near highway Q?" Parents, "Nope. No. Don't think so. Where is that? Pretty sure it's up north somewhere." Parents simultaneously upon seeing Hwy Q, "Q! Geez, we've been waiting for that!" I didn't know my parents had it in them. I was both shocked and proud.

• A new ice cream scoop that I've dubbed "the magic scoop!" It makes perfectly round balls of ice cream and makes me feel like a professional ice cream scooper.

• Seeing jack-o-lantern decorations pop up all over our house.

• Indian summer.

• Driving with the windows rolled down and smelling both fresh-cut grass and dried leaves. Again I say, Indian summer.

• Raising Hope was on last night when I didn't know it was going to be on and just happened to be watching that channel. Booya!

Share the link to your own awkward and awesome Thursday post in the comments!

a pretty fall {phenomenon}

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Indian summer. Any other time of year those two words wouldn't mean much to me. But right now, while we're in the center of an Indian summer, those two words seem sort of magical. The heat of Indian summer is different from that of regular summer. It's somehow still fresh, not sweltering. It's just a pleasant warmth. And everything is golden. It's almost a reminder – cold days and long nights are on the way, so bask in this golden light while you can. The photography of Fernanda Montoro is as close as I can come to sharing that feeling with you.

{via : Fernanda Montoro}

pretty portraits {of objects}

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Do you like the pictures? 'Cause they're freaking paintings! Contemporary realist painter, Christopher Stott's work is described as being "almost object portraiture." From Stott's website,

The banal and ordinary subjects of his work are painted in a celebratory way, turning them in to iconic vestiges of the not so distant past.

And check out that yummy muted, retro color scheme. I'm in awe.

And the winner of the Oia Jules giveaway {chosen through random.org} is… #17, AmandaSue! This was my most entered giveaway yet. So, congrats Amanda! I'll be contacting you soon.

{via : Christopher Stott, found via : Anthology Magazine}

{pretty freebie} October wallpaper

2011-10-03T08:30:00.000-05:00

Heeeeey October! Don't tell the other months, but you're my favorite.

Welcome to the heart of fall everyone. As I write this, I'm watching Sunday football as a cool breeze flows in from our slightly ajar door. My mom's chili is cooking on the stove. The colors of the leaves are changing from green to vibrant shades of yellow and red, right before my eyes, in the bright autumn sunshine. I am munching on candy corn. And all of this greatness is happening because it's October. I'd love to bottle up this fall feeling and share it, but since I can't, I'll settle for sharing a free desktop download I've created just for you. If you don't know your screen resolution, you can find it out here.

2560 x 1440 • 1920 x 1280 • 1680 x 1050 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 800 • ipad • iphone

Feel free to share this download, but don't try to sell it or take credit for designing it in any way. Also, don't forget that today's the last day to enter this gorgeous giveaway.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Can you believe September is over? Thanks to everyone who helped Pretty {much} Art turn 3 with a bang! I "met" many fantastic bloggers and artists this month. I'm very happy with the success of the giveaways, and am sure there will be more to come! Now for...

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

Country cute window screens made from old lace curtains.

This artist's work – Can you feel the fog?

Hand-painted wooden bangles from Noonday Collection – Fashion for a good cause.

Adorable and simple DIY hair bows – That little girl is pretty cute too.

Song lyric wall art – Another simple DIY. Why can't I think of this stuff?

This wooden frame artwork display – This post has more great decor ideas as well.

A pretty apron – Makes me wish I could bake.

Demi Lovato covers Lil Wayne's "How To Love" – Loving her right now. Dang, she can sing! Also loving this song. This is what we call "the best of both worlds".

And finally, this picture give me hope.

Discover anything interesting this week? Share it in the comments!

pretty {city} lights

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

In case you missed it, our Pretty City series has recently been added to the shop! Acknowledging that I'm from a small town in central Wisconsin, some of you would probably consider me a "country girl". No, I've never seen a cow being milked. Are you kidding me? Ok, I did see a cow birth a calf once. It was on a farm... at a 6th grade birthday party. Scarred. For. Life.

I like to think that I'm not all that sheltered, but in all honesty, I'm fascinated by cities. Particularly cities at night time. I'll never forget my mom and I walking back to our hotel in New York City at one in the morning. Let me tell you, Time Square is just as crowded at 1:00am as it is a 8:00pm. Perhaps my City prints were inspired by this event. I’m captivated by New York City and why it isthey call it “the city that never sleeps”. Where do people go in the middle ofthe night, when the world is still awake and wide open to them; when it’s soeasy to forget that with those bright lights comes shadows?

As evident by the titles of my prints, the series was also inspired by this song. Sara Bareilles, please don't sue me.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a pretty {pyrite} necklace giveaway

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

It's the final giveaway of our Pretty Giveaway Palooza! I think I'll leave it up to you to decide if we've saved the best for last.

Oia Jules is the story of long time friends Elizabeth Schricker and Courtney Alexander, who first met in Brooklyn, NY while attending art school at Pratt Institute. Elizabeth studied graphic design and Courtney fashion desgin. Years later, after both relocating to Los Angeles, they decided to pool their talents and design a line of jewelry.

The concept for Oia Jules came after an inspirational trip where Courtney was taken by the rich and natural beauty of Greece. Their design aims to combine the vibrant colors of the ocean, the skies, and the rich landscapes into a unique piece of modern, elegant jewelry. Oia launched its collection featuring the stunning vibrant colors of Agate. All of the necklaces are hand crafted using unique and one of a kind stones. Each stone is carefully chosen for its individual beauty. Oia is the most famous of all villages of Santorini, Greece. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset, and is certainly the most beautiful and picturesque village of Santorini.

Find Oia Jules on their website and facebook page.

Up for grabs is this pyrite, leather & chain necklace. Made of metallic charcoal grey genuine leather, gold hoops, polished pyrite stones with white & gold draped chain; this statement piece is described as "Elegant Rocker".

How to enter: **CLOSED**

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Visit the Oia Jules shop and let me know what your favorite item is.

3. Like Oia Jules on facebook.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

There you go! You have four chances to win this gorgeous giveaway. The random winner will be announced one week from today. The last chance to enter will be Monday, October 3rd.

And the winner of the Spread The Love giveaway {chosen through random.org} is… #91, Shasaphire! Congrats! I'll be contacting you soon.

find our {pretty} products at Maiden Wisconsin

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hey pretty people. Just a quick note to announce that Pretty {much} Art products can now be found in another brick and mortar location! Maiden Wisconsin {located at 124 N. Water St. in Sparta, Wisconsin} is a charming little gift shop that sells handmade cuteness from lots of Wisconsin artists. Stop by to see our Pretty {much} Art pretties, and be sure to ask if Deb is around. Trust me, she'd be happy to give you a tour of the shop and dish out all the dirt on Sparta's interesting history.

We put our heart and soul into Pretty {much} Art, and we wouldn't sell our goods just anywhere {yeah, we're picky like that.} We're so excited to be selling at Maiden Wisconsin. If you like our products, you'll like this shop. They sell some awesome taffy.

Don't forget; this lovely print giveaway ends today! Enter now!

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-09-23T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy fall, y'all!

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

These collages – Groovy, right?

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe – Mmm, perfect timing.

A squash vase for fall – That Martha thinks of everything!

This bed – all tucked in.

Fluff Around the Edges jacket – be. mine. now.

Yarn letters, DIY – A cute project for a rainy day.

This song.

Let me know if you've discovered anything worth sharing lately. Have a great first weekend of fall friends!

a {pretty} hello

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Can you feel it? Autumn officially arrives tomorrow. Hot chocolate. Pumpkin spice. Sweaters. Socks. Cinnamon. Hocus Pocus. The Nightmare Before Christmas. Corn mazes. Caramel apples. Chilly air. Falling leaves. Fall. I love it.

P.S. The winner of the Kristin Noel Designs giveaway {chosen through random.org} is… Tyler and Karisa! Congrats Karisa! I'll be contacting you soon.

Another giveaway starts next week, Tuesday. And it's something gorgeous!

{images via : Pinterest & We Heart It}

a pretty color combo {mint/yellow}

2011-09-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

It's be a while since I've done a pretty color combo post, but there's something about the changing seasons that always brings me new color inspiration. Though pastel and seemingly spring-like, there's a surprising transition to autumn with this green and yellow color combo. It embodies that refreshing feeling of summer fading to fall. Deepen the yellow to mustard and darken the green, and you’ve got the shades of shifting leaves.

And perhaps it’s no coincidence that green and gold is also the color scheme of the Green Bay Packers. Just sayin’.

P.S. Don't forget that today is the last day to enter the lacey hoop earrings giveaway. Winner will be announced tomorrow!

{images via : shannon blue photography, ara133photography, and Pinterest}

a pretty {lovely} giveaway

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-05:00

I’m literally spreading thelove with this next Pretty Giveaway Palooza giveaway. Melanie, creator ofSpread the Love says, “Spread the Love is meant to doexactly that—spread the love—one little doodle at a time. I work in a quiet,humorous sort of way that keeps me incredibly happy and humble. Starting withmy trusty Sharpie or Staedtler ink-pen I doodle away and then scan and color myillustrations to perfection on my computer.”

Find out moreabout this talented artist by visiting her blog, facebook page, and website.

So, what’s the prize? Well, you can win this cheery “BlessThis Home Sweet Home” 11”x14” print! It’s uber cute for any household. And, as a bonus, Melanie is throwing in one of her Folk Garden cards... 'cause she's awesome like that.

How to enter: **CLOSED**

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Visit the Spread the Love shop and let me know what your favorite item is.

3. Become a follower of Melanie's blog.

4. Like Spread the Love on facebook.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

That's it you guys. You have five chances to win this lovely giveaway. The random winner will be announced one week from today. The last chance to enter will be Monday, September 26th.

And the winner of the Olive and Ruby and Shabby Life giveaway {chosen through random.org} is… Amber! Congrats Amber! I'll be contacting you soon.

pretty much {fiber} art

2011-09-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hello dears. How was your weekend? Pretty {much} Art spent the weekend makin' moneys honeys {for the most part}. We also officially turned 3 yesterday. But our party isn't stopping! Yes, we get a birthday month. We'll be continuing with giveaways and whatnot until the end of September. And maybe even into October {October is my own birthday month, BTW. Although, I'm considerably less excited about joining the "upper twenties" crowd than I am with P{m}A turning 3. I mean, 26? When did that happen?}

Anyhoo, in continuation of the celebration, fiber artist, Jill Verbick {hey, fellow Wisconsinite!} is offering my blog readers 20% off in her shop {excludes items already on sale} for the rest of the month! Just enter code: JVTheBig20 at checkout.

Jill has been an artist for as long as she can remember. Jill says, "My art is a reflection of my curious outlook on life and my love of diversity and individuality." For more on Jill, check out her blogs, here and here. And, take a peek at her website, here.

And don't forget, this giveaway ends today. The winner will be announced tomorrow along with another giveaway!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-09-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, this would have been a longer post, but I was way to distracted by The Vampire Diaries season 3 premiere last night to think about much else...

Also, I was busy answering lots of questions about myself and my business. Pretty {much} Art is being featured on the Wisconsin Street Team blog! Check it out here.

Pretty neat things I discovered this week:

This editorial for October's Marie Claire – The Seventies and the sweaters. Love 'em both.

These camouflage-ish campaign photos.

This DIY for cute tiny envelopes. – They'd be cute to package jewelry in, no?

minted's Notebook Challenge winners. – Lot's-o-talent here, people.

And, these galaxy animated gifs – totally rad.

That's it for this week. Like I said, I was distracted! I could use some inspiration. Let me know in the comments if you've discovered anything interesting this week! Oh, and if you're in the central Wisconsin area, look for us at Marshfield's Fall Fest this weekend!

a pretty giveaway {lacey hoop earrings}

2011-09-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

On to the second giveaway in our Pretty Giveaway Palooza! Kristin Noel Designs is a handmade jewelry line that focuses on quality as well as fashion. Kristin's classy gemstone and pearl jewelry is made with recycled gold and silver.

Want to learn and see more? Like Kristin Noel Designs facebook page. Also, check out Kristin's upcycled vintage items jewelry shop, Adornable Vintage.

Up for grabs are these Lime Green Chalcedony Lacey Hoop Earrings! These fun and flirty gold lace hoops are adorned with bright Lime Green Chalcedony gemstones. The earrings are hand wire wrapped using 14/20 gold filled wire and finished with a pair of handmade 14/20 gold filled french earwires.

How to enter: **CLOSED**

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Visit the Kristin Noel Designs shop and let me know what your favorite item is.

3. Like Kristin Noel Designs on facebook.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

You've got 4 chances to win these beautiful earrings. Sweet! The random winner will be announced one week from today. Last chance to enter will be Wednesday, September 21st.

say {pretty} cheesy!

2011-09-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried yearbookyourself.com? Yes, time was wasted on that website this weekend. But these pictures of me as a band geek/cheerleader/1960's senior totally crack me up! I can't even post the one of me from 1978 because I look way too freakishly like my mom did at that age.

You guys! I have an idea! Go yearbook yourself. Then send me your pictures. I'm putting together a yearbook! Come on! I was co-editor of my high school yearbook my senior year. For real. That's why the picture of me as "Best Matchmaker" made me lol; sitting at a ~~computer~~ typewriter, all accessorized. That's so what I would have looked like in 1988!

P.S. No, I was not endorsed by Jostens to write this post. Yes, I was only kind of kidding about making a yearbook with all of our pictures. And I can't believe I just posted these pictures for the world to see.

{via : yearbookyourself.com}

{two} pretty giveaways

2011-09-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Day one of the Pretty Giveaway Palooza and we're starting it off with a double feature! First up, Stephanie is offering one lucky winner a 2012 calendar of their choice from her shop Olive and Ruby.

Stephanie says, "I love and am inspired by vintage children’s books, animals, pattern and designs, and all of the things found in nature. I strive to make art that is an extension of the things that I love, and I hope that you love them too!" Her calendars feature popular illustrations from her Olive and Ruby shop.

For more from this talented artist, take a peek at Stephanie's other Etsy shop Cabbages and Kings, featuring her cute and quirky prints. Also stop by her blog.

Part two! Lauralee's etsy shop Shabby Life is currently closed for updating. But she is still graciously participating in this giveaway by offer our winner three 5x7 prints of her lovely photography. These make a great little collection, don't you think?

For more prettiness from Lauralee, visit her pinterest page or check out her shabby chic blog.

One winner will receive both pretty prizes! How to enter: **CLOSED**

For more chances to win: {please leave a separate comment for each one}

2. Visit the Olive and Ruby shop and let me know what your favorite item is.

3. Become a follower of Shabby Life's blog.

4. Tweet this giveaway.

That's it kids. Four chances to win these two fab prizes. The random winner will be announced one week from today. The last chance to enter will be Monday, September 19th.

pretty {turns 3!}

2011-09-12T07:30:00.000-05:00

Ok, let me just start by saying, you guuuys! 300+ blog followers! Really? Are my posts really that interesting? To other people, besides me? You all are the best, and I'm SO grateful to each and every one of you. Your comments always make my day, and it makes me so happy to know you enjoy this little place I call my blog.

Alright, so this week begins our Pretty Giveaway Palooza! To kick things off, Modern Buttercup is offering a 10% shop discount to Pretty {much} Art blog readers... all 300+ of you!

Modern Buttercup sells "whimsical handmade jewelry with a hint of quirkiness to it. Simple, unique jewelry you can wear to dress up or wear casually." That owl is adorbs right? I shall call him Hooty. Just kidding... I don't want to get too attached.

So click here to get your shopping on. Just enter the code: PRETTYTURNS3 at checkout. Code good through September 30th, 2011. Speaking of checkout, be sure to checkout Modern Buttercup's blog and twitter account.

Our first giveaway starts tomorrow with a giveaway from Olive and Ruby AND Shabby Life. Woot! See you then!

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-09-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Pretty neat things discovered this week:

These nails. – Perfection.

A cute and simple Polaroid magnet DIY.

An adorable old picture of my boyfriend and his sister – What? You guys didn't know that I'm dating Jake Gyllenhaal? In my mind?

Free Crappy Portraits – That's literally what they are. I'm so getting one done.

Reusable eyeliner stickers.

These refreshing looking berry ice cubes.

This knotted belt. – I want it.

DIY vintage sheet cocktail napkins. – Pretty and easy to do... um, unless you're like me and can't sew a button onto your pants.

Discover anything interesting this week? Let me know in the comments! And, don't forget, our Pretty Giveaway Palooza starts Monday. See you then!

pretty {big}

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

currently crazy about...

Big round balloons! I know, who isn't crazy about balloons right? Balloons make everything better. But I'm not talking about those wimpy normal-sized {weirdly shaped} balloons. I'm talking 'bout the super big, mumbo-jumbo, carry-me-away-huge-humongous-colossal-gargantuan {whew, thanks thesaurus.com} 17+" round ballooons! And my current big balloon enthusiasm is particularly apropos today, because we are celebrating! It's Pretty {much} Art's third birthday! Well, technically I think our birthday is on the 18th, but heck why can't we celebrate all month long? And such a celebration requires big girl balloons, worthy of our worthiness.

Such a celebration also requires presents, presents and more PRESENTS! Pretty presents, 'cause that's how we roll. Introducing Pretty {much} Art's,

I'm excited to announce that I'll be offering many pretty giveaways for the rest of the month. Starting next week, pretty presents will be buzzing your way. Stay tuned...

P.S. I love the idea of using these balloons at weddings and/or as props in wedding or engagement pictures, like this one and this one.

{images via : Pinterest & We Heart It}

pretty pop-culture {flower powered}

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-05:00

Oh, now these are just pretty. Take my love for vintage florals and my love for collage work... put 'em together and what have you got? Bippity-boppity-boo! Or, tea party with Oscar Wilde. This work is somehow both feminine and kind of rock and roll. You know? Pop-culture, collages with flowers; pretty-boppity-boo!

{via : tea party with Oscar Wilde's flickr, found via : SF girl by bay}

{pretty freebie} September wallpaper

2011-09-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

pretty freebie

Fall! Fall! Fall! Fall! Fall! Fall! {sung to the tune of Shots}*. Can you tell I'm excited for autumn? After this past weekend {mine spent huddled under blankets out on the porch of my friend's RV... don't worry, it was more fun than it sounds} it feels like fall is just around the corner.

Not only does September mark the beginning of fall, but it's also Pretty {much} Art's birthday month! We're turning 3 this month. And to celebrate, I'll be offering our pretty friends some pretty freebies. First up, this desktop wallpaper. Yeah, I'm a few days late with this... but it's free. Beggars can't be choosers friends. Also, feel free to share this download, but don't try to sell it or take credit for designing it in any way. That's just not cool. BTW, if you don't know your screen resolution, go here.

2560 x 1440 • 1920 x 1280 • 1680 x 1050 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 800 • ipad • iphone

* My brother once told me you can sing any one syllable word to the tune of Shots and that word will sound more exciting. Umm, I'm glad he's learning these valuable tidbits of information in college.

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-09-02T06:30:00.000-05:00

The color pallet of this week's finds, sort of fits September nicely. Don't you think?

Pretty neat things discovered this week:

This vintage inspired styling.

Posters for well known fairy tales done in a minimalist style – Clever and stylish. P.S. I watched Tangled this past week and absolutely LOVED it. It's going to be one of my all time faves for sure.

studentshowcase.net – Finally some recognition for all of the brilliant {and hard} work churned out by graphic design students. Where was this when I was in school?

16 year old photographer Ann He – I can't even remember my hobbies at 16, but they were probably something like making mix-CDs and watching TV {meh, not much has changed apparently}. So I love it when young girls take their passions and make something of them.

What do you think of when you see a major brand's logo? Well, if we're being honest... – Funny. And true.

Discover anything interesting this week? Let me know in the comments! And, have a fantastic looong weekend!

pretty {new} business cards

2011-09-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I just wanted to share with you our brand spankin new business cards! They're a bit more modern looking than our old ones. And they're just in time for our upcoming fall art/craft shows.

P.S. Have any of you tried the new blogger layout thing yet? Maybe I'm just not good with change, but it's kind of messing with my mind right now. Everything looks different = me thinking, What am I doooing?! How do I write a blog post?? That's why I'm keeping this one short and sweet.

{via : Pretty {much} Art)

pretty {orchard} pics

2011-08-31T08:36:00.001-05:00

pretty pictures

Some pretty pictures from this past weekend, which BTW will hence be known as Pretty {much} Art's Adventures In Orchardland, or something. The humongo sunflowers were literally the biggest I've ever seen; totally Alice In Wonderland-esque. Dreamy.

I don't have one of those newfangled, fancy phones that allows you to edit pictures and make them look like vintage polaroids. I edited these pics using the Poladroid project - a free download that lets you turn your pics to polaroids in one click and drag of the mouse (you even have wait for it to "develop", or you can wave it around with your mouse to make it "dry" faster). It's super fun!

{via : Pretty {much} Art}

a {pretty} weekly wrap-up

2011-08-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Some pictures from the last week {or so}. In an effort to make my blog more personal to me, you may start seeing more pictures of, well, meeee! You've been warned. But then again, maybe you won't. I just want my blog to be a bit more of a documentation of my life. So here's a start. Now some:

Pretty neat things discovered this week: a rather amusing assortment

Zombie engagement photos.

What happened? Bandages. – My favorite is "Dance Off".

Anderson Copper loses it video. – Giggle fit!

"Overheard" art. – A cute idea. And eavesdropping on strangers is fun!

These videos of "The History of Rap" – Gaah, so talented and cute! I heart Justin & Jimmy :)

Discover anything interesting this week? Let me know in the comments! And don't forget, Pretty {much} Art will be in an apple orchard this weekend! Visit us if you can.

pretty {repurposed} books

2011-08-25T08:27:00.001-05:00

OMG you guys. I thought the DIY book planter was cool, and now just a couple of days later, I discover this?! That shiz is kismet ya'll.* Introducing, The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects That Give Old Books New Life.

As I've mentioned, I'm a designer, not a crafter. I can't cut a strait line. I eat paste. Not really. However, I do love me some books, and these projects are too cute not to give a try. So if someone wants to buy me this book, and then watch me turn it into a tree house or something when I'm done with it {what? that's not one of the 33 projects?}, then feel free. Or maybe I'll give this free download a go first.

* Sometimes I wish I lived in the south, if only for the fact that I could say "ya'll" without people thinking I'm weird. Well that, and for the notoriously big hair.

{via : oh, hello friend}

pretty {plant} pieces

2011-08-23T09:31:00.000-05:00

This adorable DIY combines my love for reading with my love for ~~gardening~~ ~~crafting~~... ok I don't have a green thumb or crafty skills, but I do love plants! And handmade things! And, come on, I think even I could handle this DIY. Perfect for center pieces, a house warming nifty gifty, or sitting on a quaint book shelf {or on one of the two dozen, sky high shelves covering the walls of my majestic, book-overflowing library... that I will someday have... given to me by a prince. Beauty and the Beast pretty much mapped out my future; minus the Beast part.} Anyway, full instructions here.

{via : Green Wedding Shoes, found via : Ruche blog}

a pretty {weekly} wrap-up

2011-08-19T08:02:00.000-05:00

Check it out! Our P{m}A 2011 Catalog is now online. Click above, or on the new link in the sidebar to flip through! And, our website has been updated with a complete list of upcoming fall art/craft shows. Click here to view where we'll be. Onward to...

Pretty neat things discovered this week:

Chalkboard skulls – Yes, skulls. I must really be on a chalkboard kick this week.

These social media propaganda posters – Just clever.

Amazing cakes – ...and a pretty blog too.

These beautiful 3-D posters {be sure to view the video as well} – Each structure took about 35 hours to complete, and to think, I get frustrated when my printer takes more than a few minutes to print!

Discover anything interesting this week? Let me know in the comments! And have a great weekend. I happen to be going to a PACKER {a.k.a. SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!} game today and am totally stoked!

a pretty page {per month}

2011-08-18T08:30:00.001-05:00

I know, I just mentioned Rifle Paper Co. on my blog last week, but the newness in their shop is just too pretty to pass up. I'm dying for their 2012 botanical calendar. I'd want one, if I had a pretty enough space that were worthy of its pretty prettiness that is.

{via : Rifle Paper Co. found via : Design*Sponge}

more {pretty} chalk talk

2011-08-17T09:19:00.001-05:00

Etsy Artistry

While I love the lovely look of Dana Tanamachi's chalk lettering, could I afford to fly her to my home and cover my walls in custom chalk designs? Probably not. So, Mary Kate McDevitt's just as lovely lettered chalkboards will more than suffice.

McDevitt's Mini Goals Chalkboards are cute as can be. That "After Coffee" one is calling my name. Plus, hey! Fun with chalk that won't involve me ruining an entire wall! Actually, all of McDevitt's typographic goods are majorly McDivine.

P.S. Check out this article about my upcoming art show {upcoming as in tomorrow!} Hope to see you there!

{via : Mary Kate McDevitt's Etsy shop}

pretty {much} chalk

2011-08-16T08:37:00.001-05:00

Speaking of unconventional art... "Chalk lettering" certainly seems extraordinary. And temporary, but that's part chalk's appeal, isn't it? Dana Tanamachi, works for Louise Fili Ltd by day {of course, right?} and as a custom chalk letterer by night. I'm finding her exquisite works of chalk totally inspiring.

If I had a place of my own, you know one of my walls would be chalkboard paint. Yeah, I'd be all over that. Of course, after about half an hour of writing stupid crap on it {i.e. "for a good time call 867-5309", "SS + JG FOREVERS!!" - a few of you may get that one} and drawing pigs all over it {idk, I was good at drawing cartoon pigs when I was a kid; it was kinda my thing}, I'd start complaining that the chalk is ruining my hands and wonder why it doesn't look anything like Dana Tanamachi's work! Chalk it up to me lacking a knack for chalk, especially in comparison Dana's rocking chalking skills.

{via : Dana Tanamachi, found via : Design*Sponge}