CONTRACT WITH MICHAEL MILLER FABRICS

It is with a great deal of excitement that I announce my agreement to design fabrics for Michael Miller. The contract is signed and our office is strewn with last minute tweaking. What an exciting time around here.

This is something I had really wanted to do for some time. But running a business didn't give me the time to do much else. Then I had my chance this last September while enjoying an unexpected one month (don't hate me) in Hawaii. My husband had a short term business assignment there, so I packed my sketchbook, paints and swim suit and headed for inspiration in Paradise. But don't expect palm trees and hibiscus. You'll see.

I'm really looking forward to working with Kathy Miller and the team at Michael Miller Fabrics. And Sandi Henderson has been so encouraging and supportive. Hey, I'll be in Portland, OR on May 16 & 17th for the International Quilt Market and can't wait to meet everyone. It will be refreshing to finally TALK to other TEXTILE PEEPS and TEXTILE LOVERS until we're all talked out! I actually have folders on my computer w/ those titles.

Expect sneak peaks on my blog soon. In the meantime, talking about Hawaii has made me very nostalgic, so let me sign off with some of the beauty that fueled my creative juices. This was honestly our view every evening. Always a variation of color combos, as if God was saying, " So you thought last eve was the best sunset? I'll top that". A few steps to this small, mostly private beach. In the morning I would spend an hour collecting beach glass. I had never seen beach glass and soon became addicted to collecting the beautiful aquas, greens, whites and sometimes a surprising yellow or cobalt blue find.

The flowering tree met me each morning on my walk. It had the most brilliant coral petals that looked like they were dipped in oranges and pinks. I would come back from my walk with a fallen petal or leaf and just stare at the incredible detail. The petals, upon close inspection, were really more of a red with orange or fuchsia veins which gave it an iridescence that was spellbinding. What attention to detail! What an awesome God. What an awesome designer. Everytime I see my collection of fabrics I will remember the small or magnificent creation that inspired me. I hope you will enjoy what I dreamed up as much as I did designing it all.

WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE?

What's this Woodrow? What are you trying to say? You're trying to show everyone a canvas bag full of ...what's that? Fabric designs? Woodrow, I told you to be tight lipped about this. Oh, what's that? You don't have lips? Woodrow, quit playing around and hand me a pen so I can sign this contract!

MY FIRST EARTHQUAKE

We were awakened suddenly at 5:38am to the bed shaking, the windows rattling and Tim instantly identified it as an earthquake. We went downstairs to check on the dog and turn on the TV. All the news stations just had the same shaking so eventually it was confirmed to be a 5.4 quake. Exciting morning here. How about you?

BIRTHDAYS, FRIENDS + CHOCOLATE!

Jennifer, Me (Paula), Kelly and Missy

I'm having a wonderful birthday, and it's not even over yet! It's a beautiful day outside so we have the windows open while we work. Kelly makes the best dark chocolate cakes for our birthdays and was so kind not to put the candles on mine. So after sugaring up at lunch I got a picture with my peeps. I love these girls. Cindy was off today, but I have to say I have the best people in the world working with me. It's really like family...oh yeah, Jennifer IS family. Seriously, I am so blessed. I swell with pride when I think how hard each one works to make us as successful as we are. Last September I was gone for a whole month and these gals ran everything flawlessly. I can't say enough.


I guess birthdays for me are about the people in my life. Yesterday I got a birthday card from a friend of mine that I've had for 40+ years. I was instantly filled with so many memories and called her last eve. Oh my, we talked and laughed so hard I almost peed myself (and in fact I did many times in the past...that's why we were laughing as we reminisced). So good to catch up.

I'll let you know how the rest of my birthday goes. I'm waiting very impatiently every day for a special something to arrive in the mail that will involve my signature. Sure would make my day extra special if I just happened to get it today. It's my birthday wish Kathy.

THE DAFFODILS ARE COMING!

Here's Mia checking out the daffodils peaking up from the leaves a couple days ago. Now today there are even more blooming. So I thought I'd treat Woodrow, my office buddy, to a fresh bouquet. He gets Spring Deficit Disorder too. He's so happy he's dancing on the table (you should see him at the office party; gets a little crazy).

APRIL GIVEAWAY

It's a Monday morning, the sun is out and my daffodils are blooming!!! That Spring Deficit Disorder Thingy that I've had seems to be fading away. I'm feeling giddy and springy and so generous. So let's have a Giveaway!!! Anyone buying canvas art on Paula Prass or mimi's collection will get a free picture frame in April. Let me show you some additional ideas:
If you order any 12x12 or 11x14 canvas art you'll receive a 3x3 frame of your choice (a $28 gift). And if you order a 16x16, 16x20, 18x24 or 10x40 you will get a 4x6 frame of your choice (a $34 gift). After you make your canvas art purchase just email us with your frame selection and we will include your free frame when we ship your canvas order. How fun is that? This is just a special for my blog peeps. Even if you don't take advantage of this deal, drop me a line anyway. I'd love to hear from you. paula@paulaprass.com.

IT'S SPRING SOMEWHERE, RIGHT?

SPRING. Clean; crisp; fresh; hopeful. What seemed lifeless comes alive again (usually)....you get the picture. But my longing isn't making it happen. I see other bloggers photos, so I know it's happening elsewhere. I think I have that Spring Deficit Disorder thingie. So, as to not fall into the gloomy, I'll post some images of my own that will maybe make my Spring Envy subside momentarily.

I join my husband occasionally on business trips. Here is a trip to the La Paloma Resort in Tucson the end of February. We left behind lots of snow for 5 days of sun and warmth. The photo of the moon was right off our room at night and the same view of a dove every day. I always take a sketch pad, journal and camera to record ideas, thoughts and inspiration. It's a beautifully relaxing place in February, and it sure beats shoveling snow.