Monday, August 15, 2011

The Big One-O-O & One Last Giveaway!

That's right, friends!  Today marks not only the day that Art By HLM celebrates its 100th post, but also its 3rd year anniversary, and on the same day!  Wohoo!  Yeehaw!  Yippee!  (Imagine fireworks, if you don't mind.)

Three short years ago, I started this blog with some hesitation.  I had no idea what kind of a commitment it would be, or how much I might like it.  The fact that I've been posting regularly for three years is a testament to how valuable this tool and experience are to me.  Not only does the blog help me to be accountable and create more stuff more often (no excuses!), but I just love sharing my work each and every time with you.  If you're at all interested in a moment of nostalgia, you can read my first month's posts, from August '08, here

A friend asked me this week how I was going to celebrate.  I wondered, should I do something different? In the end, I don't think I will, with exception of a few ANNOUNCEMENTS (see below)!  But before that, let me show you one of my recent projects: a pillow.  This is not just any pillow, I tell you.  This little thing taught me two big lessons regarding piping (that yellow line around the edge) and buttons--specifically made just for this project!


My friend Haley & I made this excellent set of flags to hang in her little one's room.  She conceptualized and designed the whole thing--I just helped with the sewing.  You may recognize the fabric from the quilt project we did together here.  So as a gift, I wanted to make an accessory to the flags, and in doing so I tried out the new techniques on this pillow.  This side of the pillow reflects a similar design to the flags (in between the letters).




The piping is something I've never done before, and thank goodness my aunt (whose birthday is coincidentally today--HB Annie!) was visiting just during that week, who had done piping before.  She had some great tips, and reminded me that pins can be your best friend.  I really love how it turned out, and will do piping again for sure.

I made the buttons using two wooden buttons I already had, then put a fluff of batting over them before wrapping them in the yellow fabric and sewing them closed.

The pillow matches the flags (and the baby's room) brilliantly!  Hooray for a fun and unique baby gift!

Alright, onto the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
  1. Announcing the winner of the 99th post giveaway!  Tara, you are the one! Please email me indicating the one you like best in the photo, and the bike band is yours.  
  2. Announcing the OPENING OF MY ETSY SHOP!!!  I have actually had it for awhile, but in honor of this occasion, my 100th post, I have packed it with fun things for you to peruse.  Please come by soon and often for more that you can choose from.
  3. Announcing a feature article about me and my work on another blog!  Please pay a visit to Brittany's Best to read it and see what another great Fort Collins artist is doing in art and online.
  4. Finally, announcing my last giveaway for awhile!  There is only one way to win this one, and everyone who participates wins something!!  Please visit my Etsy Shop, then come back here and post a comment with what your favorite thing in the shop is.  If you do this, I will send you a hand-made surprise goodie, made specifically for this particular giveaway.  I won't show you what it is--I hope you're ok with being surprised.  But I'm sure that you will like it.  :)
Before signing off, I want to say thank you to everyone out there who follows my blog and appreciates my work.  It means so much to me that you are out there and that you care.  Here's to another fruitful and productive and meaningful next three years!

Thanks for everything,
Heather Matthews, aka HLM

16 comments:

Sedna-is-my-own-last-name said...

Hi Babe,

Definitely love the aprons, esp. the blue one! Also the whimsy of the juice, pinwheel and cake cards are fun. Congrats for a lovely shop and your 100th post.

Love you

Phuong Nguyen said...

i'm so proud of u heather!!! congrats on the big 100. way to make your dreams come true. u're an inspiration. so my favs on your etsy site are the aprons, the giraffe bike band, and the advent calendar. big hugs and much love, phuong

Brittany said...

The juicy cards are my favorites--for now. I am always keeping my eyes open for something new from you. Congrats on the 100th!
Brittany

Nessa said...

I am so proud of you! You are so talented and your commitment to your passion is impressive.
So many delightful things in your shop! Hard to choose between the small framed collage (love the colors & textures), the amazing Advent Calendar, the spring & juicy quilt cards... but I'm going to say the poppy cards are my favorite. They're sweet and colorful, and just the right mix of detailed & simple. Moreover, I still have the small version you sent me last summer sitting on my coffee table and I look at it everyday. :)

Kara said...

So much beautiful art to choose from.... Let's see, I guess I'd say I like the rainbow apron the best, followed closely by the giraffe bike band and the pinwheel quilt card. The upcycled envelopes, especially the butterfly one, are awesome too. Everything is so colorful, so cheerful, so full of life... it's a true reflection on your spirit. Thanks for sharing all this with us!

Sarah Ryan said...

I'm a big fan of the bike bands--especially the giraffes!

katie said...

My favorite is definitely the advent calendar. Mark me down for one this year. LOVE YOU! :)

Diana said...

Hey, Heather.
Congrats on the 100th post! I just love all of your art work, but what really stood out to me were the Small Quilt Art pieces. I just love the colors you chose for those! I hope all is well!
Diana

adam said...

a century post! congrats! it looks to have been a great decision 3 years ago to start your blog. I checked out your etsy site, and while I am typically a fan of what I would say is "functional" art (giraffe bike band was great, and the ice pack pouch caught my eye)... I have to say I love the "Cake!" card the best. That is one word that definitely deserves an exclamation point!

Haley said...

Congrats on your 100th post! It's been so fun to watch you blossom as an artist. You're quite prolific now.

It's hard to identify a fave. I really love my advent calendar. And the aprons are gorgeous. I like the white one best (although, I'm too messy to own a white apron).

Anonymous said...

I totally dig that pink/red apron on the first page of your etsy site. Good work!

-Bryan

Anonymous said...

Ooh la la! This is a great post, kind of makes me feel like I am sitting on the edge of my seat!

1. it's a tie btwn my faves: the rainbow apron or the card with the kite. Love kites and love you backgrounds.

2. i am so excited about that interview with Brittany. It really presented you well for someone who is just getting to know you and visually it was really great (love the special advent birthday card there too!)

3. the pillow is darling. it has so much personality and is as inviting as a huge fluffy pillow! I can imagine it lasting years, for dolls and little toddler play time :)

YAY!!!! 3 years :))

Anonymous said...

Oh and there was one more thing....I gave little one the pop up card. she loved her little pocket city, and decorated it with sticky sequins. You may have something for children with that...

Anonymous said...

I am a big fan of the "Simple, Pretty Apron." That is a very good description of it also, though it does have some bazaaw (no idea how to spell the sound I was making) too.

micah

Ashley said...

Heather, Congratulations on your 100th post! You've come a long way in three years. Your art is colorful, interesting, and definitely a reflection of your beautiful spirit. I love the pillow you made for Harper -- gorgeous piping and quilt piecing. You are honing your skills and it is amazing to watch you grow in your love & dedication to your craft. Love A

Ashley said...

Btw, I love your collage cards the best... I probably wouldn't ever write in them though -- I would keep them so I could frame & hang them in my house! xo