WOW…the time has really slipped away…

The good news is that summer is here!  Time for sleeveless dresses, adorable jean skirts and brightly colored short sets!  Goodbye cold…bring on the sun!

The updated show schedule will be posting soon.  I am hoping that you will be able to visit me at one of the fabulous shows on the list…There is really nothing more enjoyable than experiencing all of the wonderful arts and crafts created by hand!  Oh…and don’t forget the great food, too.  Lots of unusual treats at these summer events!  Summer shows are great places to bring the kids, as there are usually kid friendly zones packed with crafts and games for your little ones…

So…if you have the chance, please add a show to your summer itinerary!  If I am lucky enough to be a part of a show that you plan to visit…please stop by for some chit-chat!  I can hardly wait…

Enjoy the warmth of the sun with a smile in your heart…

I don’t know about you, but I certainly get excited when I learn something new on the computer, and I didn’t have to depend on the kids to teach me!

To celebrate, I want to pay it forward…something you might be able to use and mostly, something you can impress your kids with!  Yes…a celebration in and of itself!

The program I want to share with you is called paint.net.  You can download it for free, and then pick up simple tutorials on YouTube (welcome to this century!) 

This program is a simplified photoshop program with wonderful benefits.  It is free.  It allows you to try your hand at photoshop-like software and see some great results.  It gives you the ability to create some pretty wonderful artistic images by removing backgrounds and then layering them in your own creation.

As you advance, you will see that you can perform all sorts of neat tricks with your pictures!

Have fun…let me know how it turns out!

Don’t forget…as you are getting ready for spring, there is still time to take advantage of FREE SHIPPING at www.kateandbudscloset.com

It’s hard to say when the snow will stop…seems like it has been snowing for weeks now.  I was thinking about the things that bring sunshine to my days.  Kate and Bud top the list!  Here is a pretty recent picture of them, taken when Bud was home from China…the end of December 2009.  Of course, what would a picture be without our little furry friend Addie…got to love it! 

Bud is now back in China.  He did return to lots of snow when he flew into Beijing.   We are happy that Kate has relocated to Cleveland post college!  We just love when she comes home for dinner!  Addie…well she will stay put…she knows… that there is no place like home!

Hope that you are having an enjoyable day!

Yes, it’s another day of snow, however, what could be more cozy than to cuddle up with your little ones and enjoy Valentine’s Day!  Perhaps after breakfast you can bundle up and enjoy the beautiful snow by building a snowman or making snow angels…and then back inside to eat some of those lovely goodies…chocolates, cookies, cakes…and hot chocolate!  Enjoy…

I will spend the afternoon working on some of the newest entries for the website so that we can begin to “Think Spring”… You will soon find your favorites such as Birthday Boy/Birthday Girl, Big/Little Brother and Sister, and ”I love you…a bushel and a peck”…as well as some holiday shamrocks for the little leprechaun!  I won’t give away all of the surprises, but I say, “Bring on the snow!”  It keeps me home and working in the studio!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you…

It has been a long time coming, but there is now a place where I can share great info with you, and you, in turn, can let me know what is going on in your world!  For some of us, we have grown as friends over the last 22 years.  Many of your children now have children who are wearing original artwork from Kate & Bud’s Closet!  I love it!  For those of you just starting out, I am glad to be a part of your journey…

Many of you were aware that I had hand surgery this past December.  Thankfully, the hand injury was not work related…and I am working very hard to build up my hand and arm strength!  The month of January was devoted to a visit to the Atlanta Apparel Mart and creating the new designs for spring.  During the next few weeks you will find several updates on the website.  Look for featured outfits similar to what you see at the many craft shows at which we meet.  Let us welcome spring together…a little couture…fun accessories…and jeans!!  What would a wardrobe be without wonderful, creative jeans…big bows and lots of happiness!  You can count on Kate & Bud’s Closet…I am here for you!

Please spread the word…Kate & Bud’s Closet is opening the door and can’t wait to invite you in!