Tara Reed Designs Blog » Product News http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Fun and Sassy Art! Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Play in the Sand Fabric from Tara Reed Designs in stores now! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/#comments Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:00:20 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=659 Rumor has it, it is summer… You wouldn’t know it if you lived in the Northwest lately.  I think we’ve had one sunny day in June and lots of low 60’s and very wet weather.  But I’m not complaining – I have been very busy in my studio following up on new leads and requests [...]]]> Rumor has it, it is summer… You wouldn’t know it if you lived in the Northwest lately.  I think we’ve had one sunny day in June and lots of low 60’s and very wet weather.  But I’m not complaining – I have been very busy in my studio following up on new leads and requests after coming home from my annual trade show in New York.

I’m so excited to tell you that my latest fabric collection from South Sea Imports should be available at your local quilting store  – ask for it by name!

I’m sure the sun will come out in the Northwest and I will find some time to play with this fun, summer fabric.  If you make something with it, send me a photo, I’d love to see and share!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/09/play-in-the-sand-fabric-from-tara-reed-designs-in-stores-now/feed/ 0 Hop on Over to Lowe’s for Easter & Patriotic Garden Flags by Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/#comments Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:37:52 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=589 I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be [...]]]> I’m getting quite a collection of cute garden flags for my backyard!  Here are the latest – now available in Lowe’s stores… Hoppy Easter is available in the small size shown and the Patriotic Poultry is available in both small and large formats.

Can you believe I’ll be working on designs today that will hopefully be in stores this time next year?  Such is the life of the licensed artist – usually working 12-18 months ahead.

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/01/hop-on-over-to-lowes-for-easter-patriotic-garden-flags-by-tara-reed/feed/ 0 New Kitchen Textiles Hitting the Stores Soon! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/#comments Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:53:26 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=526 I spent the first weekend in January walking the Gift Show in Atlanta – boy was  I tired when I got home!  3 tall buildings, tons of things to see, people to talk to, trends to look for, a product signing and more… FUN!

A few of the new products I was able to see for [...]]]> I spent the first weekend in January walking the Gift Show in Atlanta – boy was  I tired when I got home!  3 tall buildings, tons of things to see, people to talk to, trends to look for, a product signing and more… FUN!

A few of the new products I was able to see for the first time were designs licensed to kitchen textile manufacturer Kay Dee Designs.  I have a set of two flour sack towels featuring my “Fashion Forward” art and humor as well as a line of 8 western motif products now available.

It is always exciting to see the art finally on the products – this process can take 6-12 months on average.  The next excitement will hopefully be to see them in stores!  (If you see them, snap a pic and shoot me an email, ok?  Always makes my day!)

As well as working, the Atlanta Show is always a great place to meet and see celebrities as well. 

I met Meredith Baxter (remember her from Family Ties?) – she has a skin care line and was as nice as she seemed on TV.

During my signing with Thirstystone, where I was giving away “Walk on the Wild Side” coasters, I had the pleasure of meeting author Patricia Cornwell – who was surprised that I recognized her. (She looks just like her photo on the books and we had been talking about enjoying her Kay Scarpetta books at dinner the night before, so she was on my mind.)  When I asked why she was at the show I learned that she not only has a gift store, but a turkey farm as well!

Marie Osmond was there but I didn’t see her and Mary Engelbreit had a ‘meet and greet’ for the launch of her Christmas ornament line with Katherine’s Creations.  I didn’t get to meet her either, as I had to get 10 flights up to my signing with Thirstystone.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/25/new-kitchen-textiles-hitting-the-stores-soon/feed/ 0 How and Why to Save your Digital Photos to DVDs http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:42:46 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=516 If you are like many people, you plug your digital camera into the computer, transfer your photos and delete them from the camera.  You share a few on Facebook or by email… but do you back them up?

Backing up your photos and saving them in multiple locations (as in, physical buildings – not all in [...]]]> If you are like many people, you plug your digital camera into the computer, transfer your photos and delete them from the camera.  You share a few on Facebook or by email… but do you back them up?

Backing up your photos and saving them in multiple locations (as in, physical buildings – not all in your home) is essential if you want to ensure you have your pictures for years to come.  Lane Hill of Lasting Impressions, the makers of the Memory Mixer Digital Scrapbooking Software that I design for, got me thinking and taking action.

Here is a video showing you how to export your photos from iPhoto to jpegs, so you can burn them to DVD’s (CD’s only last about 5 years but DVDs have an average life of 60) and store them off site.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to the safe preservation of your memories!

– Tara

P.S.  Want to do more than have folders of jpegs lying around?  Check out Memory Mixer Software – it makes scrapbooking quick and easy – it will change how you think about scrapbooking!

P.P.S.  Have the software and want to see the designs I have currently have available? (I hope you do!)  CLICK HERE

(disclosure: I have no vested interest in your purchase of iPhoto or Memory Mixer software, but do earn royalties on the sale of Memory Mixer kits featuring my art.)

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/03/how-and-why-to-save-your-digital-photos-to-dvds/feed/ 1 Wrap up Wine This Season with Wine Tubes featuring the art of Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/12/wrap-up-wine-this-season-with-wine-tubes-featuring-the-art-of-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/12/wrap-up-wine-this-season-with-wine-tubes-featuring-the-art-of-tara-reed/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:30:15 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=502 Tis the season to be social and travel about, bottles of wine in hand. Hostess gift for the dinner party, holiday thank you to friends and staff at work, the neighbor down the street who helped when your kids were locked out of the house, that hard-to-shop for relative who never seems to be without [...]]]> WineTubes-ACMooreTis the season to be social and travel about, bottles of wine in hand. Hostess gift for the dinner party, holiday thank you to friends and staff at work, the neighbor down the street who helped when your kids were locked out of the house, that hard-to-shop for relative who never seems to be without wine in hand…

There are so many people to give wine to this season… why not make your bottle stand out by presenting it in a fabulous wine tube?  There are many designs and styles to choose from but of course I think the best wine is wrapped in this tube… featuring art from my “Wine Cellar” collection and available now at A.C. Moore stores.

Licensed to Tri-Coastal Designs, I was quite excited to learn that I only got 1 of the 12 samples promised because they sold all the tubes they made!  This is my first foray into the ‘wine wrap category’ and hopefully not my last.

If you have an A.C. Moore near you – head on over and grab a few!

– Tara

P.S.  Like the look of my “Wine Cellar” art?  It is also available on the following products:

Melamine Dishes
Absorbent Coasters
Wall Art
Rubber Stamps

disclosure: these are links to purchase my products, on which I receive royalties for sales but not for the clicking and purchasing via these links. (except the Wall Art, that is an affiliate link so I earn an extra % if you click and buy)

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/12/wrap-up-wine-this-season-with-wine-tubes-featuring-the-art-of-tara-reed/feed/ 0 Hanukkah begins at sundown tonight… why not send an eCard to show you care? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/11/hanukkah-begins-at-sundown-tonight-why-not-send-an-ecard-to-show-you-care/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/11/hanukkah-begins-at-sundown-tonight-why-not-send-an-ecard-to-show-you-care/#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 14:45:27 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=499 Tonight is the beginning of Hanukkah.  My ’special someone’ and his family celebrate so I am much more aware of the dates than I used to be!  (I’m an “Santa Girl” myself.)

If you know anyone observing the holiday, why not hop over to my website and send them an eCard?  It’s free!  Then crank up [...]]]> Tonight is the beginning of Hanukkah.  My ’special someone’ and his family celebrate so I am much more aware of the dates than I used to be!  (I’m an “Santa Girl” myself.)

If you know anyone observing the holiday, why not hop over to my website and send them an eCard?  It’s free!  Then crank up the Adam Sandler Chanukkah Song and have a fabulous day!

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

– Tara

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/11/hanukkah-begins-at-sundown-tonight-why-not-send-an-ecard-to-show-you-care/feed/ 0 More digital scrapbooking kits for Memory Maker Software http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/#comments Mon, 30 Nov 2009 04:51:35 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=484 Two weeks ago I spent a few days with Lane & Justin Hill at the Quilt, Sew and Craft Show in Washington.  I’ve been designing scrapbooking kits for their software, Memory Mixer, and have played with it a little.  More time has been spent putting the art together than digging in and really working with [...]]]> MemoryMixer-MeAndLaneTwo weeks ago I spent a few days with Lane & Justin Hill at the Quilt, Sew and Craft Show in Washington.  I’ve been designing scrapbooking kits for their software, Memory Mixer, and have played with it a little.  More time has been spent putting the art together than digging in and really working with the software.

Well I was AMAZED at all the things it could do and how quickly and easily people picked it up. I watched as they showed people who were savvy with the computer and those who weren’t all exclaim, “Wow!  That’s not so bad!”

My first “art job” was designing scrapbooking papers with EK Success back in 2001.  Scrapbooking was my creative outlet for years and I have bookcases of albums to prove it!  But as my life evolved and I began working more-than-full-time building my business, the art of scrapbooking has fallen by the wayside.

I never would have imagined I’D say this but… there simply aren’t enough hours in the day.  My creative outlet shifted to art for licensing and away from scrapbooking.

Well now I’ve come full-circle and am designing for scrapbooking again – but this time for the digital realm.  And I was so excited to see just how quick and easy it could be!  Even I will find the time to do this! They aren’t lying when they say you can create an album in as little as  2 minutes with a “Quick Mix”.  (Their term for a pre-organized album.)  Pick your Quick Mix, choose your photos and let the software do the rest.

I’m very excited to be working with this great company and product so you will be hearing more about it. For now, here are two new Christmas collections featuring my art that you can find online.

MM-SunnySnowmenMM-JoyfulNoise

CLICK HERE to see all of my designs that are currently available online.

CLICK HERE to take a look at some of the videos and examples showing just how easy this software is.

“There’s not enough time” is no longer a valid excuse… off to give this a try!

– Tara

disclosure: Although I never recommend anything I don’t like, for the purposes of full transparency, I receive no compensation from your purchase of the software but do earn a royalty on purchases of kits featuring my art.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/29/more-digital-scrapbooking-kits-for-memory-maker-software/feed/ 0 "Black Friday" bargains on Rubber Stamps and more at Janlynn.com! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/25/black-friday-bargains-on-rubber-stamps-and-more-at-janlynn-com/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/25/black-friday-bargains-on-rubber-stamps-and-more-at-janlynn-com/#comments Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:37:31 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=477 If you are like me and the thought of fighting the crowds on Black Friday puts a knot in your stomach, check out this great virtual deal you can access at Janlynn.com without looking for parking spots, standing in line or clipping coupons!  They even remind you of the 25% off savings code on the [...]]]> If you are like me and the thought of fighting the crowds on Black Friday puts a knot in your stomach, check out this great virtual deal you can access at Janlynn.com without looking for parking spots, standing in line or clipping coupons!  They even remind you of the 25% off savings code on the site in case you lose it from here to there!  Even better, the sale is longer than just Friday – get 25% savings Thursday thru Monday!

Of course I recommend you stock up on rubber stamps featuring my art but won’t blame you if you grab some of the other great deals as well!

Here’s to the official start of “Holiday Season ‘09″ – may yours be full of fun, joy and stress-free shopping!

– Tara

JanlynnBlackFridayJanlynnHollyStamp

Holly Stamp is by Tara Reed Designs and available online or in Michael’s stores nationwide.

disclosure: I receive no extra compensation for telling you about this sale, apart from my normal royalties paid on my designs.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/25/black-friday-bargains-on-rubber-stamps-and-more-at-janlynn-com/feed/ 0 Tara Reed's "One Green Thing" art is now available on checks! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/24/one-green-thing-checks/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/24/one-green-thing-checks/#comments Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:43:21 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=466 I was so excited to receive my new checks from The Check Gallery yesterday!  Now both my personal and business accounts have checks with my art – how cool is that?

If you are looking for some green for your green – look no further than the “One Green Thing” collection now available online.  Great for [...]]]> I was so excited to receive my new checks from The Check Gallery yesterday!  Now both my personal and business accounts have checks with my art – how cool is that?

If you are looking for some green for your green – look no further than the “One Green Thing” collection now available online.  Great for yourself or a truly unique holiday gift!

– Tara

OneGreenThingChecks

P.S.  To see my other green check option, Green Living, CLICK HERE.

P.P.S.  Technorati – here’s the code so you know it’s me! YDR4FG3RADEA

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/24/one-green-thing-checks/feed/ 0 Christmas Tissues available at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/16/christmas-tissues-available-at-joann-fabric-crafts/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/11/16/christmas-tissues-available-at-joann-fabric-crafts/#comments Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:40:24 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=453 With the colder weather and sniffles coming on, what better stocking stuffer for that hard-to-buy-for person that Christmas Swankies™ from Creative Converting?  I just spied my Santa design at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts – who knows where else you might find them.  Ho! Ho! Ho!  Christmas will be here before we know it!

– Tara

Bookmark It Hide [...]]]> NaughtyListSantaWith the colder weather and sniffles coming on, what better stocking stuffer for that hard-to-buy-for person that Christmas Swankies™ from Creative Converting?  I just spied my Santa design at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts – who knows where else you might find them.  Ho! Ho! Ho!  Christmas will be here before we know it!

– Tara

JoAnn-SantaSwankie

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