noodle and lou studio

Just Start Now

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:04:00 +0000

It has been a long time between posts and instead of starting all over, I have decided to just start here and now. I am not looking back because I am not headed that way!

I am excited to be back in the swing of things to be able to creatively inspire you to not only create, but live your best life despite the ups and downs of life.

Here is to fresh starts, new beginnings and moving forward.

Be sure to keep an eye out for new girls, upcoming retreats and more by following me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/noodleandlou/

may you always have flowers

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 21:12:00 +0000

happy summer!

i wanted to share these with you... flowers for your wall. one of my favorite things to do with my art is to incorporate vintage things. i combined some awesome vintage wooden blocks and some vintage enamel pins to make some happy art. the little messages i stamped are different on each one.... something to hopefully make you smile and give you a pat on the back. sometimes it's hard not to focus on the bad... i truly know. consider this my hug to you... a little encouragement that you are doing a good job!! xox..jenn

meleen and charlotte's vermont getaway

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 15:16:00 +0000

hi there! i am SO thrilled to share the news with you... i will be a guest artist at meleen and charlotte's vermont getaway this fall! september 24 - 27 you can come share in the beauty, fun and friendship these sweet ladies create at meleen's gorgeous homes in vermont. i can't wait to taste meleen's divine cooking and visit tammy's farm and sit with sweet charlotte on the front porch.

i borrowed some photos from the hashtag on instagram... #meleenandcharlottesvermontgetaway to give you just a taste of the retreat...

meleen and charlotte!

tammy's famous pies!

if you are interested in joining us and/or need more info, email the gals at fallvermontgetaway(at)gmail.com

and hey... it's the first day of summer here! we celebrated by sleeping in. and that's as far as we got so far:) xox..jenn

when you wish upon a star

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 18:45:00 +0000

a new little collection of original paintings are now in the shop! inspired by dreams and wishes and looking at the night sky...

xoxo..jenn

shop small

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 22:51:00 +0000

hey y'all! hope you had a lovely thanksgiving... filled with joy and thanks. we spent the day at home... just the 4 of us... cooking and eating and relaxing. very nice indeed.

to celebrate shop small saturday, i added a coupon code to the etsy shop! it's valid through sunday (tomorrow) and you get 20% off anything and everything left in the lil' shop! use coupon code SHOPSMALL at checkout and the discount will be applied!

happy weekend y'all. i'm sure thankful for each and every one of you! xo..jenn

this and that

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 19:17:00 +0000

'tis the season where i am making stuff like crazy. the holidays. they sneak up on you... quick, quick, quick. feel like i'm pretty prepared this year. but, we'll see!! i hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

louie and the cooker say hi! they'll be hibernating until spring:)

xox..jenn

love you

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:48:00 +0000

hope y'all are having a good week!
we had a little cold snap here and it's been completely rejuvenating! such a treat to not sweat to death every time you walk out the door. yep. what are you up to this week?

xox

***little village is in the etsy shop now. an original from the mwcbk line! have you seen it in a store yet?? tell me, tell me!***

trick or treat

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 18:35:00 +0000

fun halloween treats have been popping up in the shop! hope your week has been just what you needed it to be! xoxo..jenn

famous last words

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 14:31:00 +0000

i really should know by now... not to make any grand exclamations about finishing work and organizing my life. (couple posts ago). often times, life has another plan for ya! immediately after saying that last week... one of the boys got sick. ugh. and then i went down. I've been dealing with chronic hives for a long time and i sometimes get huge swelling on my hands... (delayed pressure urticaria... so fun, not). if i pull weeds (with gloves on obviously) or work with my hands for an excessive amount of time... my fingers and palms get huge, itchy swelling. i'm painting a lovely picture for you, aren't i? sorry:)

but the point is... i got it big time last week... after moving furniture around, etc. and i couldn't work for days. so all the custom orders i was finishing? didn't happen. i have to catch up this week. and that's okay! you have to listen to your body and go with the flow! so i got some unplanned calm and relaxation and i'm easing back into this week.

and i get plenty of help from these two...

hope y'all have a great day! here's to a brand new start... we get one everyday! whew! xox..jenn

i like old blocks

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 14:54:00 +0000

one of my favorite things to paint on is OLD wood. just something about it.... adore the texture. i painted up these cute halloween houses using some of my vintage blocks stash. all hand painted and distressed. have i mentioned i'm kinda obsessed with wonky plaids lately? in the etsy shop now!

let's go...

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:16:00 +0000

hello monday, i have big plans for you!
it seems I've had more projects and work than i can keep up with, lately. but today, that changes! i'm getting this house organized and i'm getting ALL my current customs FINISHED this week. i might even catch up on laundry. i think that better be the end of the list. that's a lot:) it just seems everything takes me longer than i thought it would originally. and that's okay! sometimes it takes a little while to get into the groove. that has certainly been the case with the new house. but i think i'm on a little roll... moving some stuff around... i think it's working!
definitely the case with my custom work too. i can stare at custom notes for 2 weeks and just not even know where to start... and then it will hit me... and i do it! my last round of doll orders has been like that. i'm usually really good with deadlines. they push me in a good way. but with these dolls... they are so personal and special to the recipients... i want to get them right! i still have a handful to finish and i'm excited to finish them up this week. enough rambling... here are some recently finished gals. (this is only a portion of them!)

aren't they fun? love their little personalities.
well, i better get to it!
hope you have a super monday... sending you xoxo

you and i

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:46:00 +0000

happy monday! i'll be adding some halloween treats to the shop all week... enjoy! xox

displaying little photos

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:10:00 +0000

do you guys order the little square prints from prinstagram? they are some of my favorite little things! i just choose my photos right from my instagram and poof... i have tiny prints. i love sticking them in little bowls or jars around the house. they are just really fun.

so, i had these 2 original paintings that were used in my midwest-cbk line as artwork for traditional square frames. they were just solid wood (no hole/opening for a picture) and i wanted to still use them as frames! voila... the painted center got a little piece of wood attached... and now you can use a bit of tape or ticky tack to stick a little photo on it! that's one of the little prinstagram square photos on the "love lives here" painting. perfect! and it can be changed out weekly, daily, shoot... hourly if ya wanted!

little old photos look so darling too!

isn't it cute!? i put these couple in the shop. these are a little more expensive since i used the original artwork from the beautiful soul line! but i'm thinking of making a little series of them and they'll be a bit more affordable. what do you think? xox..jenn

hello friends

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 19:27:00 +0000

hi everyone! i know. i have not forgotten you! life just got super busy and the summer flew right by and well, here we are! i'll catch you up...
we moved. it was hard and hot and not fun. at all. but we did it! and though we have had no money and no time to do anything to our new house since we moved... we still love it! it has a lot of potential and we think it's so charming.

it even has a little studio in the back that will be my new 'noodle and lou' space. it needs some minor tweaks... a ceiling, drywall, electricity. yeah. those things would be a super start! trying to be patient in this season of change. i would love to have EVERYTHING done and beautiful all at once. but it's not going to happen for quite a while. so, something to look forward to!!

the boys started back to school a couple weeks ago. we were able to stay in our same neighborhood and the same schools. jake started high school. yes. HIGH SCHOOL. it's like we are on fast forward over here y'all! so grown up and smart and just a good kid. we are very proud of him! and henry started 5th grade. big man on campus! and it's going to be a GREAT year!!

oh! let me back track for a second... at the very beginning of summer, right before we moved... the boys and i went to maine to attend my nephew's high school graduation! yay, rowen!! maine was so fun and beautiful. we stayed right near the beach and it was such a treat to be near water again! a few pics for ya...

let's see... what else... how about louie and the cooker? they would like to say hi to all of you! they hated moving... poor things! whenever we move furniture around in the new house they start freaking out like we are moving again. i'm here to tell ya... you can bury us here. i never ever ever want to move again!! :)

and on to my work... i'm still making originals and sticking them in the shop here and there! if you follow me on instagram, i usually post there before i list something. and i will start posting here way more often too. i've received so many sweet emails and notes... thank you for checking on me! thank you for still following along (or trying to!)! and thank you for your crazy awesome support!! the new licensed products for midwest-cbk are starting to hit shelves and the 2nd line is getting ready to debut as well!! i can't wait to show you!!

here's a peek at the 1st line at the atlanta market this summer! isn't that the cutest idea to display the wall girls on clipboards!?

eek! i still pinch myself over this line. now i just hope that some shops bought it and that people love it!

loved catching up with you guys. thanks for being here!! and thanks for the love. i sure love you right back! xox...jenn

originals for sale

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Wed, 28 May 2014 17:27:00 +0000

lots and lots going on around here...

the end of school is QUICKLY approaching. the boys and i are heading to maine for my nephew's high school graduation. we are moving. uh. yeah. we are MOVING. again. you read it right. it's a long story of how it came to be... but the bottom line is we are moving. it is in the same neighborhood... so that is AWESOME. the new place is darling and full of possibilities. we are excited. it's a good thing!! it's just the 'getting all our stuff over there' part. ha! i'm tired thinking about it.

i'll share more when it gets closer:)

on to current events... as in today! i'm listing a handful of original pieces from the new beautiful soul line! you can find them in the ol' etsy shop. the collection is available this summer... so, this is a great opportunity to own one of the originals! thank you for all your excitement over the new collection!! it is such a THRILL to share the joy with each of you!

have a great day, y'all! xo..jenn

big, happy news!!!

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Fri, 09 May 2014 20:27:00 +0000

i've been bursting at the seams to tell you this happy news... but i wanted to wait until it was 'real'... until i had something to actually show you... and here it is!!! midwest cbk is launching a brand new line of inspirational gifts and art... called Beautiful Soul. and guess who is part of it? ME!

***running around in circles with hands flying in the air****

these new products (way more than pictured here!!) will be hitting shelves this summer. pinch me. thank you to all my tried and true pals... you support me through thick and thin. i appreciate you!!!!

i'll share more soon... but i wanted you to celebrate with me! go have a cupcake and a glass of wine!! xoxo..jenn

p.s. the original wall girlies will be going up a bit in price... if you want to grab one at the current price... do it before next week:):):)

auction for catherine

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 17:44:00 +0000

hi everyone! most of you know my sweet pal catherine...her fun spirit and her HAPPY, inspiring art. maybe you've already heard the news... she was diagnosed with breast cancer in february and is currently fighting through procedures and surgeries and treatment. but if you know cathy, you know she is a force to be reckoned with! we are rallying around our fellow artist, our dear friend and running an art auction to benefit her in her time of need! i've been brought to tears so many times by the kindness of this community. so many amazing artists that have given their time and talents... so many generous, loving people who have donated money to the fund we have set up for her! okay... here are the details you guys...

the auction is this saturday... april 26th. the auction is ONLINE... on instagram. user @auctionforcatherine. (not super savvy with all these crazy phone apps? you can access instagram from your computer too! just go to instagram.com ... making an account is super easy... search for @auctionforcatherine ... "follow" @auctionforcatherine ... tune in on april 26th for the auction items and you can bid on anything you want!)

bidding will last for about 24 hours. you bid by leaving your name and dollar amount in the comments. EASY peasy!

i will notify the winners at auction end. all proceeds will be directly paid to the youcaring.com site that jenny elkins and i have set up for catherine! (click on the link above!) there's lots of info there... photos, a place to leave notes for cathy... and of course you can donate if you are so moved. we have already raised over $1800... SO BEAUTIFUL!!! thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

after you've paid for your auction winnings...your new art will be shipped by the artist.

here are some peeks at some of the amazing pieces...

and there's MORE... lots more. it's going to be pretty freaking awesome.... for a pretty freaking awesome cause. let's do this!! xoxo..jenn

*** have questions or comments? you are welcome to email me! just click that contact button up there! ***

hello spring

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 03:27:00 +0000

a new painting for spookytime jingles tonight ...

(there's a spring hootenanny going on!)

created on an old piece of salvaged barn wood.

i love the layers and history...

a one of a kind piece... so special and sweet.

the site updates around midnight EST...

stop on by if you can!

here's a little peek at some other fun things i've been working on!

these have all sold but i'm already working

on more for y'all! these vintage spoons from around the world,

inspired me SO much! they just looked like they needed to be turned into spoon people. i'm tickled to bits that everyone loves them so much. big smiles!!

have a great weekend you guys! xo..jenn

catching up...

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 17:40:00 +0000

hello friends! well... i've been a bit under the weather. crazy hives and allergies among other bizarre ailments.... so lovely. i had great intentions to finish some more easter goodies but that flew out the window. the good news is that my parents came for a visit and that was a very nice distraction. the boys really enjoyed spending time with their mia and pappy... very special! they left to head back home this morning... we will miss them a bunch.

i'm going to work on catching up. getting back into the groove. feels like i say that a lot lately. life can throw you some curveballs, that's for sure! but you just get back up and move forward! grateful for that!

i hope YOU are all doing just super!

xoxo

bonjour!

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 15:51:00 +0000

bonjour you cuties!

i do love a striped shirt and beret.

so why not make a couple french artists!?

(that is pronounced ar-teeeeests, of course)

madeleine and jean paul are now in the shop!

happy thursday! xox

who is ready for spring!?

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 20:39:00 +0000

happy tuesday to you!

it's about 80 degrees here today (i know... i'm sorry! it will be back to cold weather tomorrow... crazy texas!) and i'm thinking springy thoughts. my newest lulettes are thinking spring too. they just hit the shop! i used a crackle glaze this time around. hadn't used it in forever and i think i missed it! i love the slight crackle the girls wound up with. think i'll order the golden crackle paste next. because i do love everything else golden makes!

thanks for stopping by today! sending you each a warm spring hug! xox..jenn

hi there.

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 13:49:00 +0000

well, it's been an embarrassing amount of time since i said hello.

sometimes so much time passes that you just don't know where to start? life gets crazy busy and something has to be put on the back burner. there's something about social media as well. it all just seems to replace blogging. kind of sad! i've said goodbye to facebook for almost a year now... my page is still there but i can't even access it anymore... nor do i want to... adios time sucker. of course i still adore instagram and some of you have been following me over there. i love the community there, i really do. and it's not like i haven't been working. i've been busier than ever. working on some SUPER exciting projects. growing my lil' business. i really am so fortunate and i know it! i appreciate each and every one of you... to the moon and back!!

the boys and chris are doing great. the doggie boys are doing great. how about i'll just share some photos from the last few months to catch you up. and i'll see y'all real soon!! and thanks for never giving up on me!! xox... jenn

thankful

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 23:08:00 +0000

i hope you all had a lovely thanksgiving! we spent the day at home, just the four of us, and i cooked some yummy food and we watched movies and did nothing! my favorite!

and in the spirit of thanksgiving and this happy season, i would like to offer a little treat for you! now through monday 12/2... take 25% off your entire purchase at noodle and lou!! hooray! use coupon code THANKFUL at checkout. i will be adding new things starting now (the little house paintings below!) and all through the weekend. and you get 25% off all of it! ***coupon is NOT available for custom orders***

no set times for the listings... sorry! but i always post a preview over on my instagram account if you are on there or want to look at it on the computer! (just click on the link)

thank you so much for your continues support and for being the absolute best of the best. i appreciate you all to the moon and back!! xox...jenn

p.s. take 35% off everything in my neglected little vintage shop! use coupon GIVETHANKS at checkout!

p.p.s. the new issue of inspired ideas is out! and it's incredible. so many good things to make for the holidays! and look who's on the cover:):) i'll be doing a bigger post soon... but had to share real quick with ya! xoxo

elf party

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 21:37:00 +0000

some new little pals added to the shop today!

i love making christmas goodies!! xoxo

the snowmen

noreply@blogger.com (noodle and lou) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 23:14:00 +0000

happy friday!

first day of thanksgiving break and i am THANKFUL for that!!

woooohooooo!!!

just added these cute snowmen to the shop.

i crocheted their tiny scarves! aren't they fun?!

also added a few christmas-ey bowls

i hope your weekend is filled with good cheer!

xox...jenn