Tara Reed Designs Blog http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Fun and Sassy Art! Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:57:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 National Media Coverage for PrintYourOwnBunco.com by Tara Reed Designs http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/24/national-media-coverage-for-printyourownbunco-com-by-tara-reed-designs/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/24/national-media-coverage-for-printyourownbunco-com-by-tara-reed-designs/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:57:46 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=713 My feet barely touched the ground yesterday when I discovered THIS IS THE WEEK my website, PrintYourOwnBunco.com, is in Women’s World Magazine!!!

In case you don’t know about Bunco, it’s a dice game that got its start in the Victorian Era.  Played by an estimated 7 million women in the US on a monthly basis – [...]]]> My feet barely touched the ground yesterday when I discovered THIS IS THE WEEK my website, PrintYourOwnBunco.com, is in Women’s World Magazine!!!

In case you don’t know about Bunco, it’s a dice game that got its start in the Victorian Era.  Played by an estimated 7 million women in the US on a monthly basis – Bunco serves as the cornerstone of girlfriend gatherings.  12 players. Rolling Dice. Taking chances. Keeping score. Beyond a dice game of chance, Bunco gives women throughout the U.S. a reason to get out and have fun with neighbors and friends.

I created the website, PrintYourOwnBunco.com last year after a friend complained that it was hard to find fun bunco score sheets if you weren’t crafty enough to make your own.  LIGHT BULB! Why not use the art I have and created fun, themed, inexpensive party kits for Bunco players?

To learn more about how to play, to get a free bunco score sheets with a “Bunco Queen” theme, or see the many themed kits available – head to www.PrintYourOwnBunco.com right now!

Let the good times roll!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/24/national-media-coverage-for-printyourownbunco-com-by-tara-reed-designs/feed/ 0 Anniversary Card by Tara Reed Designs now available at Trader Joe’s http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/23/card-by-tara-reed-designs-now-available-at-trader-joes/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/23/card-by-tara-reed-designs-now-available-at-trader-joes/#comments Mon, 23 Aug 2010 15:43:24 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=704 I love Trader Joe’s!  Even though 2-buck-Chuck is now about $3 a bottle, they have great food in a fun atmosphere.  I’m excited to announce that I have a new card design on the rack of 99¢ cards as well.  (Have you ever bought cards at Trader Joe’s – such a bargain – and great [...]]]> I love Trader Joe’s!  Even though 2-buck-Chuck is now about $3 a bottle, they have great food in a fun atmosphere.  I’m excited to announce that I have a new card design on the rack of 99¢ cards as well.  (Have you ever bought cards at Trader Joe’s – such a bargain – and great quality!)

If you have an Anniversary coming up or need a card to send to another loving couple – head on over and check out my “Cheers!” wine design.  Inside it says “Here’s to Love, balanced, complex and perfectly aged.  Happy Anniversary.”

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/23/card-by-tara-reed-designs-now-available-at-trader-joes/feed/ 2 Music Quilt featuring Play Your Song Fabric by Tara Reed and South Sea Imports http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/16/music-quilt-featuring-play-your-song-fabric-by-tara-reed-and-south-sea-imports/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/16/music-quilt-featuring-play-your-song-fabric-by-tara-reed-and-south-sea-imports/#comments Mon, 16 Aug 2010 23:40:18 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=697 I was so excited when I went to my mailbox yesterday to find a note and photos of a quilt using my fabric.  The woman who won the free fabric samples at Craft Warehouse in Vancouver, WA was kind enough to share her creation.   Margaret told me that her mother was a piano teacher so [...]]]> I was so excited when I went to my mailbox yesterday to find a note and photos of a quilt using my fabric.  The woman who won the free fabric samples at Craft Warehouse in Vancouver, WA was kind enough to share her creation.   Margaret told me that her mother was a piano teacher so the fabric has extra special meaning to her and she had it quilted with a musical motif at Just for Fun Quilting, also in Vancouver, WA.  Great job on the group effort and thank you so much for sharing!

This keeps me inspired to keep designing fabric – I love seeing what people do with it!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  Look for fabrics by Tara Reed and South Sea Imports at your favorite independent fabric store!

P.P.S. If you’ve created something with any of my fabrics, email me photos so I can “share them with the group”! :)

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/16/music-quilt-featuring-play-your-song-fabric-by-tara-reed-and-south-sea-imports/feed/ 0 8 years of anticipation… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/12/8-years-of-anticipation/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/12/8-years-of-anticipation/#comments Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:31:10 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=692 I LOVE my new Beetle!  I have wanted a red bug for more than 8 years.  Before I got my last car – a practical silver, Honda Accord – I wanted a bug. (Don’t get me wrong, loved the Honda, but not like I love my bug!)  My husband at the time said “No way” [...]]]> I LOVE my new Beetle!  I have wanted a red bug for more than 8 years.  Before I got my last car – a practical silver, Honda Accord – I wanted a bug. (Don’t get me wrong, loved the Honda, but not like I love my bug!)  My husband at the time said “No way” and the practical side of me said, “A bug would be completely impractical with a 10 year old boy about to grow.”  I also realized it could cause some teasing for a boy to have to be driven around and learn to drive a bug.    These practicalities stopped me from getting it about 5 years ago as well.

HOWEVER… now my son is driving and we’ve been sharing the Honda.  VW is discontinuing the New Beetle and has rolled the last of the 2010 models off the production line – it’s now or never.  So my friend Angela and I decided to head over to the car dealership (Herzog-Meier in Beaverton, OR – very friendly!) and take a bug for a test drive.

My sister has been renting Beetles while on business in FL and texts me photos each time.  I swear she started trying them to make me jealous but then decided they were fun cars to drive.  I couldn’t find any in Portland to rent for a reasonable cost – trust me, I tried a few times!

It just so happened that the dealership had exactly what I was looking for.   They were also offering 0% financing for 60 months – that’s like free money!  So I crunched some numbers and decided it was time to get a car that would make me giddy and heck with what anyone else said!  For once my car was about ME – not carpools, or teen drivers, or how much I could haul home from Home Depot.

To me, the bug represents independence, freedom and fun.

It also completely matches my business – what better car for an artist who creates “Fun & Sassy Art”?  I can’t think of any.  I put paint brushes in the flower holder – I’ve had that planned for about 8 years as well.  It’s what belongs in an artist’s bug.

A male friend has teased me over the years and said if I got a bug I might as well grab a neon-sign that says, “Divorced, middle aged woman having a crisis” – to which I now reply, “What do the red and yellow Mustangs and Camaros being driven by middle age men say?” :)

I think it might be illegal just how much joy this car is bringing me.  So if you’ve been wanting a bug – now is the time – get yours while the getting and financing is good!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/12/8-years-of-anticipation/feed/ 8 It’s time to think about 2011 Calendars… how about some Green Inspirations? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/01/its-time-to-think-about-2011-calendars-how-about-some-green-inspirations/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/01/its-time-to-think-about-2011-calendars-how-about-some-green-inspirations/#comments Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:58:38 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=688 I am very excited about my second green-themed calendar, published by Trends International.  Last year it was about Green actions – play green, shop green, act green, etc.  This year, I combined quotes with art that includes either recycle symbols, the earth or some other green related elements.  Now available in stores and online – [...]]]> I am very excited about my second green-themed calendar, published by Trends International.  Last year it was about Green actions – play green, shop green, act green, etc.  This year, I combined quotes with art that includes either recycle symbols, the earth or some other green related elements.  Now available in stores and online – get your copy today!  (Click here to buy from Amazon.com*)

– Tara Reed

P.S.  The beach image is one of my favorite places on the Oregon Coast – Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach.  Be sure to visit if you are in the Northwest!

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/08/01/its-time-to-think-about-2011-calendars-how-about-some-green-inspirations/feed/ 0 The College Search Begins! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/07/12/the-college-search-begins/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/07/12/the-college-search-begins/#comments Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:44 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=681 How did this happen? I vividly remember researching pre-schools and then *POOF* – now it’s time to look at colleges? Since he will be entering his Junior year and not want to spend every 3 day weekend going on road trips, we [...]]]> It’s official! It’s time to start thinking about colleges for Kyle…

How did this happen? I vividly remember researching pre-schools and then *POOF* – now it’s time to look at colleges? Since he will be entering his Junior year and not want to spend every 3 day weekend going on road trips, we decided to check out a few schools this summer.

Today we took our first college tour – starting nice and close at Portland State University. A mere 20 minutes from home, I drive by the campus regularly when I head downtown. But when we were on the tour, I could have been in another city. Apparently in my 16 years in Portland I had never ventured to the many blocks that are made up by the school.

True to the environmentally friendly reputation of the state of Oregon, Portland State is quite green. The new rec center uses rainwater for toilets and when students run on treadmills, they help power up the backup generators. Pretty cool! The new science building has sensor activated lighting and other green features I can’t remember.

A bike friendly school – there are bike lockers all over and for $12/year you can belong to the “Bike Hub” – where they have tools and people to teach you how to fix and maintain your bike.

The main problem, from where Kyle stood, is that it is TOO CLOSE TO HOME!

Apparently any school within the state of Oregon is too close. He yearns for new frontiers… I have decided to interpret this as my raising an adventurous, confident and independent child and not that he just can’t wait to put many miles between us.

The tour was great and gave a good feel for the campus.  We learned what to look for online before visiting our next school and we decided to try and visit some of the departments of interest next time as well. Next time will be next week – when we head to Pullman, WA and visit Washington State University.  It’s a 7 hour drive but I’m not sure that is far enough for Kyle either – he may require planes… time will tell.

Just thought I’d share the beginning of a new journey for me and my son… we’ll keep you posted!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/07/12/the-college-search-begins/feed/ 4 Traveling the coast and learning about oysters… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/30/traveling-the-coast-and-learning-about-oysters/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/30/traveling-the-coast-and-learning-about-oysters/#comments Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:08:33 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=667 I’ve never really thought about oysters and how they exist before being topped with lemon on the half shell… but this past weekend Craig and I headed to the Oregon coast, met up with Paul and Lana Jane Brent and the four of us took an excursion north.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect [...]]]> I’ve never really thought about oysters and how they exist before being topped with lemon on the half shell… but this past weekend Craig and I headed to the Oregon coast, met up with Paul and Lana Jane Brent and the four of us took an excursion north.  The weather couldn’t have been more perfect – blue skies and about 70 degrees – a nice change from the cool, wet weather we’d been experiencing to this point.

We went up the Washington coast to a little town called Oysterville.

Aptly named, Oysterville is where the oyster industry began in the northwest.  The Brent’s friend, Sydney Stevens, had a book launch party and was talking a bit about the book, the area and the history of the town.  Her great grandfather was one of the founders of Oysterville and she lives in his house today.  At the height of the oyster trade – which coincided with the Gold Rush – there were 250 residents in the town.  Today there are 14 full-time residents.

I never knew that oysters are free floating until they are about 5 days old, at which point they need something solid to attach to to build their shell. (or something like that)

In Oysterville, the bay is sand so there is nothing for them to attach to.  To keep the oyster business thriving, old shells must be put back in the bay for the new oysters to attach to.  That is why they have these huge mounds of shells around the area and get upset when unsuspecting tourists stop and take them for souvenirs. (They do NOT smell good!)

To learn more about oysters and Oysterville, I encourage you to get a copy of the newly released book.

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/30/traveling-the-coast-and-learning-about-oysters/feed/ 1 Summer in the Northwest… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:22:36 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=663 …doesn’t actually start until July 5th.  It’s common lore and very often feels like a fact!

I remember the first year I lived in the Northwest – way, way back in 1994, we were wearing long sleeves and celebrating the 4th of July indoors – it was cold and pouring rain outside.  This was a far [...]]]> …doesn’t actually start until July 5th.  It’s common lore and very often feels like a fact!

I remember the first year I lived in the Northwest – way, way back in 1994, we were wearing long sleeves and celebrating the 4th of July indoors – it was cold and pouring rain outside.  This was a far cry from what I was used to growing up in Pennsylvania – by the 4th of July it was usually hot and sticky and I was pretty much ready for fall to arrive!

Today, on the second day of summer, I sit in my studio in Portland, Oregon and look out at an overcast sky (we did have sun for a few hours) and feel the 72 degree air coming in and smile!  It’s been a wet spring with lots of rain and days in the 60s but you know what? I love it!  I prefer cooler weather and even a little rain to the heat and humidity I knew growing up.  That’s why I say I’m a poster child for the Northwest – this weather rarely gets me down!

That’s a little about me I thought I’d share today and all you heat lovers – you have the rest of the country to bask and sweat! :)

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/22/summer-in-the-northwest/feed/ 0 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 Flat tires, friends, seafood and a dead bird… how was your Memorial Day Weekend? http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/01/flat-tires-friends-seafood-and-a-dead-bird-how-was-your-memorial-day-weekend/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/01/flat-tires-friends-seafood-and-a-dead-bird-how-was-your-memorial-day-weekend/#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 01:37:27 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=649 Hopefully slightly less eventful than mine! I was heading to the Oregon Coast on Saturday for Lana Jane Brent’s birthday party and all of the sudden heard a weird sound… I found myself 10 miles from civilization, on the side of a narrow road, with a major flat.  No problem! Get the cell phone, [...]]]> Hopefully slightly less eventful than mine! I was heading to the Oregon Coast on Saturday for Lana Jane Brent’s birthday party and all of the sudden heard a weird sound… I found myself 10 miles from civilization, on the side of a narrow road, with a major flat.  No problem! Get the cell phone, call AAA… oh shoot!  No cell coverage.

Now before some man wonders if I changed the tire myself, I will tell you that had a man been with me I wouldn’t have let him either.  The road was too narrow and cars going too fast – it would have been so dangerous!

So think… now what? Look for a police car… I got lucky and saw one coming towards me within 5 mins – waved my arms like a lunatic and he stopped.  He called for a tow truck.  Now the 1 hour nerve-wracking wait, on the side of a narrow road, seat-belt on in case someone hit me and I flipped into the ditch.

Focus on the positive. I got help quickly – for the call, the tow-truck took an hour to arrive.  It happened to me and not my 16 year old. It was daylight. It wasn’t too hot or too cold or pouring rain…

When the tow truck arrived, we realized my spare was also flat so I was towed to a gas station to pump up the spare. (That made the gas attendants day – he got a good chuckle.)

LESSON: Check the air in your spare AT LEAST every 6 months.

I made it to the party and luckily had planned to stay the night so I had some clothes. I met an amazing woman, Sydney Stevens, who lives in Oysterville, WA and writes books.  I plan to go to her new book launch on June 26, 2010 – let me know if you will be in or around Long Beach / Oysterville, WA and I’ll give you all the details!

I ended up staying 2 nights (thank goodness Paul and Lana Jane are very welcoming hosts!) since no tire places were open on Memorial Day.  But the beautiful part of this story?  I had THE BEST seafood dinner on Saturday night – fresh mussels, oysters and crabs, all caught by the Brent’s son & friends.  So yummy and such great company!

Tuesday morning I was at Les Schwab the minute they opened and found out my tire was ruined by some random piece of metal on the road.  Now the proud owner of 2 new tires, I headed back to Portland.  On the way, a bird hit my windshield, scared me and didn’t survive to tell the tale.  As if we needed more drama!

So… all’s well that ends well but wowie!  A little more excitement than I need on a regular basis!  I hope your weekend was filled with good friends (mine was) but less stress!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/06/01/flat-tires-friends-seafood-and-a-dead-bird-how-was-your-memorial-day-weekend/feed/ 0