Thanksgiving Post: What Am I Thankful for this Year?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Looking back over 2014, there have been so many blessings! 
I thought it would be good to take a moment to list a few of the things I'm thankful for! 

1. A thoughtful and adoring husband who loves God even more than he loves me!

(photo by Leah's Opus Photography)

Definitely the biggest thing in my life this year was getting married to Martin. I constantly become more thankful for how God put him in my life and the man that he is. He has so many characteristics that I appreciate  -- a GIANT heart, very steady, always serving others, quick to forgive, compassionate, and so loving. But I'm most thankful that he loves God so much. I know we let each other down at times, and we do not always see eye to eye (surprise!). But I always know that he is seeking the Lord, and so I can trust that God will lead both of us. I'm so thankful for that.

 2. An encouraging and supportive family

(photos by Leah's Opus Photography)

The older I get, the more thankful I am to have such a loving family (and new family). We don't get to see each other all the time, but they are such a joy to be around. I am thankful for the example they set for me and for Martin. We hope to follow their lead, and love on and encourage other people like our families have done for us.

6. Genuine friendships that survive long distances

The above picture was taken at my bridal luncheon. It makes me smile because the photograph is full of incredible, genuine, loyal, and thoughtful women. Another thing I'm learning is that great friendships are worth holding on to and working to keep/build. A lot of the ladies in the picture don't live near me, but it has been so cool to keep up with them as life takes us different places. It requires being intentional to call, email, text or send a note. Intentionality is definitely an area I'm trying to grow in, but I'm so thankful for the friendships God has placed in my life!

3. The opportunity to do what I love!

I love being creative, and I'm so thankful for the chance to be creative in my work!  It has been exciting to watch new opportunities open with Texture Design Co. this year! Who knows what directions God will lead the company next year, but I can't wait!

4. The opportunity for Martin to go back to school
Sorry, don't have a picture for this one. (Just picture someone sitting at a desk and reading). Martin was able to go back to school this year to get his masters. To be honest, it was a hard transition because it meant we wouldn't have as much time together in the evening. Weekends are now filled with tests, quizzes, or homework. However, I'm SO proud of how hard he has worked and how much he has learned. I know it is a blessing that he is able to go back to school right now, and I do think it has made our relationship stronger as we figure out how to set time aside for our relationship. So I'm thankful!

5. Our humble home

We currently live in a little one-bedroom apartment. Most people walk in and say it is very cozy...translation "it is tiny". Ha! But I've come to love it! Yes, some day I dream of having an office in our home or a guest bedroom or more than one bathroom! But right now, it is perfect. The best part, is there is little to clean. So we have more time to focus on other things. But we also learn to be content in all things. So as silly as it sounds, I'm very thankful for our little home.

6. God's grace
Well, I guess since getting married, I see more of my selfishness. And therefore, I see more of my need for God's grace. SO THANKFUL that He forgives and redeems!

"This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:22-24

There is a lot more on my thankful list, but that is my short list for now! Happy Thanksgiving! What are you thankful for?

-Emily

Brown Paper Packages Tied up with Bows

_________________________________________________________________________________

Brown paper packages tied up with bows, these are a few of my favorite things....

We had a little gift wrap party with Texture friends! It was definitely a few of my favorite things: good friends, great conversations, yummy snacks and pretty packages.

O U R   G O A L

To brainstorm some fun Christmas gift wrapping ideas. We used the Texture Design Downloadable Christmas gift tags, various craft supplies, and some leaves from the yard. It was definitely more fun to wrap gifts with friends and get a little "out of the box" with our gift wrapping. Hopefully some of these ideas will inspire  you!

(Texture Design Downloadable Christmas Tags)

First, I scoured the yard for some fun leaves and berries. I also bought a few fake berries in case the real berries weren't looking too good. Then I picked up some different yarns, bakers twine, and ribbon.

Our supplies also included different markers, white gel pen, white stamp pad, cookie cutter for possible tracing and wasabi tape. Since we were using kraft paper, the options were endless!

We just sat down and started brainstorming, and I would say we were pretty excited with the results. (not to mention we had a great time chatting while wrapping).

For the gift below, our friend Emily paired two tags together for added pattern and color. She created a very elegant package with the use of the sheer ribbon and berries. The twine gives it a little added texture as well. Note, we did use hot glue to keep the leaves and berries on most of the gifts. That seemed to work the best for us.

For the package above, two tags were stuck together and hole punched on the sides for looping the twine through!

I love how this package turned out. It was like the kraft paper was a blank canvas. Our friend Kait used yarn to create a pattern on the left of the package. Then she added wasabi tape and a leaf with a hand written note. So many textures! Who wouldn't smile if they received this in the mail or under the tree?! (see close up of the multi color yarn below)

For this package, I used the eraser on a pencil as my stamp and created a little polka dot design on a package. It looks like it took me forever, but it really only took me a minute or two! Pretty cool look in just a few minutes. Add a little green yarn and tag...boom!

If you're thinking these look a little complicated or too time consuming, it isn't true! We did each gift in minutes! I'm excited to put them under the christmas tree!

If you're interested in using tags like ours, check out the Texture Design listing for Downloadable Christmas Tags. You can immediately download three pages of gift tags to use however you like! It is around 35 tags that you can print as many times as needed!

Feel free to leave comments or send pictures of how you've decorated your Christmas gifts in unique ways! Have a a great day!

(We do need to thank our friends, Kait and Emily for their gift wrap help and hand modeling!)

2015 Fashion Calendar Preview

_________________________________________________________________________________

We debuted our new calendar last week. Here is a closer look at each month!

View last week's post to learn more about the process of designing the calendar!

http://www.addalittletexture.blogspot.com/2014/11/theyre-finally-ready-our-brand-new.html

Click HERE to view our calendar in the shop!

Have a great day!

-Emily

Our New Products: The Story Behind the Drawings

_________________________________________________________________________________

You know when you can't wait to check the mailbox everyday to see if your package has arrived...even though you have a tracking number and know the package isn't set to arrive for two more days?

Yeah, that has been me the last few weeks. I have been patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for our calendars, notecard paper, new labels, and super chic envelope liners! Finally it is all here, and I can give you a look into our new product line!

{ HELLO UMBRELLA NOTECARDS }

{ PERSONALIZED FASHION STATIONERY }

  

{ NAVY STRIPED BAG WALL ART }

{ FASHION PRINTS }

You probably noticed that this new product line looks a bit different from the previous listings. Well, you're right! That is what is so exciting about it! My original degree is in interior design, and for our projects we would spend hours upon hours creating renderings of rooms. And secretly I loved using the markers and pencils to make the paper come to life. Soooo, a few weeks ago, I got out my supplies and started drawing again. I wasn't really sure where I was headed with it, but it was so refreshing to get away from the computer and be creative! So I did some more drawings...and before long I had a set. 

{ 8.5" x 8.5" FASHION CALENDAR  }

The set of drawings inspired the calendar. Each month has a different drawing and a Bible verse from the book of Psalms pointing back to the ultimate Creator.

My favorite thing about the fashion prints is that you can mix and match them! Do you want a casual look...go with the boots and plaid. Do you want a chic look? Go with the skirt and red shoes. There are so many options! They are just fun...like the notecard sets. Hopefully they add a little smile to your day! :)

I tried to take a few pictures during the process. I wish they were a little more in focus...but oh well! ha! I start by tracing the design, then adding the color and shading.

If you want to see the rest of the new items, please check out our shop!

www.etsy.com/shop/TextureDesignCo

Thanks for checking in! Have a wonderful day!

-Emily