Lisa Orgler Design

Chef Herman's Food Adventures

2010-08-26T21:51:00.005-05:00

I just finished this fun banner and have fallen in love with Herman the cat. This blog's creator, Stephanie, had Herman as a child and now proudly uses his name to showcase her family's recipes from around the world. take a peak here.

2010 August Newsletter :: Your Food, My Drawings

2010-08-09T12:02:00.003-05:00

I am so excited!

This month I get to draw recipes from your food blogs!

Check out my newsletter to find out more or just jump over to The Lunch Box Project to follow along.

2010 July Newsletter :: Gnome-Made Treats

2010-07-16T13:10:00.003-05:00

Did you know the largest {concrete} gnome in the world is at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa? Okay, I know that because I work there, but nonetheless it's been gnomey madness this summer.

We've had a lot of hubbub over these little creatures, so I thought it would be fun to pair them up with food this month.

Take a peak at my newsletter to get started...then head over to The Lunch Box Project for more.

Paper Towel Banners

2010-06-25T18:05:00.006-05:00

These are the cutest banners.

Our neighbors had a party for their one-year-old, so their kids (with the help of my daughter) made these delightfully simple decorations.

They used paper towel sheets and dyed them with food coloring. After hanging them to dry, they were attached with masking tape to yarn strings.

They are even more beautiful in the sun.

2010 June Newsletter :: Strawberry Circus

2010-06-05T15:24:00.002-05:00

This month I'm planning a party around the theme "Strawberry Circus".

I'll create invitations, thank you notes, cup cake toppers, banners, stickers and whatever else comes up. If you'd like to participate, please comment on my posts and visit my facebook page. I'll be asking for advice along the way.

And...if you'd like to take a peak at my June newsletter just click here. Hope to see you at the circus!

2010 May Newsletter :: The Tomato Chronicles

2010-04-28T17:04:00.010-05:00

In May I'm sharing my quirky relationship with the tomato.

Why? I need to prepare a presentation and the lucky tomato is my first subject. If you'd like to help along the way visit my Facebook page or just check into The Lunch Box Project.

Visit my 2010 May Newsletter here.

What's happening with The Lunch Box Project in 2010?

2010-01-01T08:06:00.003-06:00

I've accomplished my 2009 new year's resolution...to post a food painting every day. Three-hundred and sixty-five days later I'm ready to start my next resolution...focusing my food on monthly themes. Why? Ironically, narrowing your focus actually expands your ideas. Let's see what happens.

Oh, and I'll be posting three times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday), rather than everyday. That will allow more time to work on other projects. My first is creating a food alphabet poster, then I'll finish my book proposal. A new website is in the works too.

Please visit The Lunch Box Project here.

A Few Mentions

2009-11-10T16:37:00.005-06:00

I'd like to thank some fellow bloggers for mentioning The Lunch Box Project on their sites:

Candy Critic (You'll have to search a bit...he's been kind enough to include me a couple of times in his blog)
Delightfully Sweet
Gourmet Girl Magazine's Kitchen Rap (she has me in the side bar!)
Mixed Media Artist
I Came, I Saw, I Concurred

You are all fabulous and I appreciate the extra boost!

Notecards and Prints Now Available

2009-10-24T09:12:00.002-05:00

After much prodding I finally have notecards and prints available of my Lunch Box Project illustrations. You can enter my shop here.

Wow! Free Foodie Calendars and Newsletter!

2009-08-24T12:11:00.004-05:00

I finally have a suprise to share...each month I plan to send a free food calendar to those on my newsletter list. If you're interested find out more here.

"I Resolve to..."

2009-08-18T13:46:00.003-05:00

I feel very honored to be featured on Kim Simpson's "I Resolve to..." blog. Take a peak here. Please read beyond my interview...she has many inspiring articles! {thanks Kim!}

Cut the Mustard

2009-07-26T08:56:00.007-05:00

Alas, the orange is gone and replaced by a mustard yellow. I really like the change (as does my husband), but I also liked the orange. As a compromise we painted the garden shed orange instead. Our garden is now popping warm colors all over - a yellow house, orange shed and red barn. Let's just say we make our neighborhood glow. {Please note we're still remodeling, so ignore the messy roof, yard and other misplaced objects you see}

The Orange Controversy

2009-06-17T21:57:00.008-05:00

My husband has started to work on the outside of our house...the porch in particular. He opened it up, moved the stairs and made beautiful columns. Our dilemma...the final colors. We love our chosen trim colors, but have disagreement on the main color. Basically, its orange. I love it, though I think it needs to be a couple shades darker. He can live without...though would like to leave it for a month, then discuss other options. In the meantime we have a large old house with a bright porch and old cream siding. Until the next color chapter...

Two Commissions

2009-04-23T09:05:00.003-05:00

In the last couple of months I had the honor to create banners for two fabulous websites. Check them out: BukoPanden and Palate-to-Pen. Make sure you read their fun food posts too!

LBP on Signature Dish

2009-03-27T20:40:00.002-05:00

Big thanks to Signature Dish for including The Lunch Box Project on her blog. Take a peak - and don't forget to try some of her great recipes! Thanks Kate!

Writing for EmptyEasel.com!

2009-03-13T21:27:00.003-05:00

I am delighted to now be writing weekly "Featured Artist" articles for EmptyEasel.com (EE). Its been a thrill reviewing so many talented artists' works. For those budding artists, I encourage you to visit EE for great art business and marketing tips.

A Glass Jar

2009-02-19T15:12:00.014-06:00

I love glass jars. There is something really nice about a pretty jar holding something very special. We have jars all over our house...antique ones, oddly-shaped ones, beautifully-fancy ones, simple ones and the list goes on and on. They hold buttons, cotton swabs, pencils, antique ornaments, plastic fruit, and craft supplies. I even change my jar contents with the season. While shopping on Etsy.com I also found an artist that stores live plants (moss to be exact) in her pretty jars. Please click on the photo below to visit her site - its too neat to miss (http://www.madebymavis.etsy.com/). Save a special jar and fill it with something dear to you.

B Chronicles: What's with the three-six-five?

2009-02-12T14:42:00.002-06:00

Thanks to "Who's B" for including The Lunch Box Project on her blog. She highlighted "365 project blogs"...those that highlight something each day of the year. Take a peak at her favorites:

http://www.bchronicles.com/2009/02/whats-with-three-six-five.html

Notecards on Timothy Adam Design's Top 10 Monday!

2009-02-02T12:43:00.005-06:00

I want to send a big thank you to Timothy Adam for including my lunch box project notecards on his Top 10 Monday list! Number one no less!

http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-10-monday-2209.html

LBP Featured on EmptyEasel.com

2009-01-28T21:15:00.005-06:00

I was so excited today to see my other blog, "The Lunch Box Project", featured on emptyeasel.com. Check it out!

http://emptyeasel.com/2009/01/28/whimsical-food-illustrations-by-lisa-orgler/

Big thanks to the EE editors! What an honor!

Virtual Design :: The Bird Room

2009-01-10T15:00:00.007-06:00

Many people struggle with starting a new design project. The simplest way is to pick a theme. Its like writing a paper and choosing a subject. Once you pick the subject, its time to create the outline and contents. Let's design a virtual bedroom focused on "birds". To simplify my life I'll use the talented artists from the Etsy website to fill our room. Below is a great selection of items to energize a room around my bird theme. I've choosen a light gray for the walls and white trim, with a little red for punch (with this neat throw pillow). Don't forget to pick some beautiful pillow cases and a blanket too. On your desk hug those important papers with this pretty paperweight.

Try this nifty plate on the wall (a nice touch) or use to collect jewelry on a dresser (throw in that cute little nest necklace). Consider other unique pieces for your walls like this bird wallpaper mural, photograph (yes, it really is!), or grow a tree!

Lighting is important. Keep it soft and special. One option is a table lamp so you can read in bed. Another is a nice overhead lamp to spread a soft light over the whole room. Pick a beautiful side table like the one below to place your lamp. Flip those lights on with a neat switch.

I want to thank all these generous artists for allowing me to use their photos and I encourage you to click on the image to visit that artist's shop. They have many lovely items. Now pick a theme and design something unique!

The Lunch Box Project Begins

2009-01-01T12:40:00.007-06:00

Forget dieting, my new year's resolution is to eat big! I love food, I love art, I love journaling...so I plan to combine all into one big event - The Lunch Box Project. My goal in 2009 is to create three to five food masterpieces a week - each on a playing card. Some will look great, others dull, some probably hokey - but its my meal and everything is a go. I'll need your support. Its difficult swallowing a goal like that.

Please visit The Lunch Box Project at http://lunchboxproject.blogspot.com/

Lunch Starts in Two Days! Check back!

2008-12-30T23:48:00.002-06:00

Grand Opening Jumpstart Sale!

2008-12-21T15:48:00.006-06:00

You are invited to visit my Etsy.com shop on December 28, 29 and 30, 2008 for my big three day grand-opening jumpstart sale. Pick any item for 50% off. Prices listed those three days will reflect the 50% discount.

Until then...happy holidays!

Pigs & Poppies

2008-12-08T13:00:00.009-06:00

Seven years ago I started my design company under the name "Pigs & Poppies", inspired by a fiberglass pig I painted for a Des Moines fundraiser. About a year and a half ago I changed it to the broader name "lisaorgler design", but I just couldn't let go of that original name. The right time has finally arrived to use it again. For several years I've been asked to make children's products and finally began. This was the time to resurface the "Pigs & Poppies" name. Its a better fit and hopefully connects better with kids. I even try to recycle items when possible...using old jeans, belts, vintage fabrics, etc. You can find my new items at The Octagon Shop in Ames, Iowa and eventually find them on my online store (http://lisaorgler.etsy.com/ ). If you have ideas for future children's games, cards, or other items, please let me know.

The Perfect Turkey

2008-12-01T11:12:00.007-06:00

If you're not much of a chef, but have a green thumb, try this on for size...create the perfect turkey out of styrofoam. Betsy Eness, Reiman Gardens' talented indoor horticulturist, recently learned about the artform of carving this synthetic material. With her new hot tools in hand, she created this fabulous turkey covered in magnolia leaves and "stuffed" with dried flowers - for Reiman Gardens' current holiday display "A Christmas Carol". Other styrofoam sculptures in the display include a ham, t-bone steaks, and tombstones. Sounds odd, but they are all integral to this horticulture story. If you're in central Iowa I encourage you to visit - now through December 31.

Collage Journaling

2008-11-23T13:35:00.011-06:00

A couple of years ago I was inspired by a woman that created a mini-paper purse everyday for one year - to show commitment to the arts in her life. That was when my collage journaling began. On January 1, 2006 I started making daily collages on playing cards. Each card is inspired by that day's emotions, happenings, or just an artistic whim. Some look nice, some look horrible - but in the end they are a collection of me during a set period of time. Collage journaling is a great way to keep personal history if you prefer to not stash a diary. Oh, and you don't have to do it EVERYday...I started fizzling out about four months into the project, but nonetheless, still have a great collage journal set in which to reminisce.

Art Right Under Your Nose

2008-11-15T13:09:00.009-06:00

Art on your wall adds a great splash of color, creates a focal point, and most importantly personalizes your space. The best art is right under your nose. Rather than buying prints at a local department store, frame your own...yes, your own. Art is just bubbling out of your home through kids, photographs, artifacts, etc. My favorite is using my kids' school art projects...backpack wrinkles and all. I espcially love to pick colors in their work that compliments wall paint or picks up other colors in the room. Frame it beautifully - using matt board, an ornate frame, or just a simple high quality black frame. If you need change in a couple of years, just switch out the painting for one of their new ones. Its endless.

Hot Cocoa Party

2008-11-05T19:38:00.007-06:00

You will find out soon enough that I love having themes for everything I do - whether its designing a garden, creating a painting, or even planning a party. Themes are a great way to start any design project. It helps keep you focused, narrows down the thousands of material choices, and it generates fun ideas. This has inadvertently rubbed off on my 7-year old daughter. A couple of weeks ago she decided to invite a few friends over for a "Hot Cocoa Party". It didn't end there. She wanted to make invitations, use our "fancy" dishes, and have pretty food. We set up our round coffee table and surrounded it with pillows for seating. The tabletop included a double-tiered plate filled with sugar cookies and brownies, small matching plates, a dainty bright-colored glass filled with white carnations, a flowered tablecloth and to top it off I made hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles. The party was small, just my daughter and her two friends. A little trick to make it easier...I bought all the food, but used our special dishes to spruce it up. Chocolate and sprinkles can make anyone's day a little more special.

Recycle Big

2008-11-05T19:02:00.007-06:00

Some people recycle paper. We like to recycle houses. Its our big way of giving back to the environment, plus it has the added benefit of preserving local history. We have been fortunate to find two beautiful old homes in the same town...well actually, right next to each other. The photo to the left was our previous house. It is referred to as the "Dobbe House" named after the family that lived there for 40 years. We worked on it for 12 years (mostly my talented husband, Mike), then moved to our new old house this past May (FYI...our previous house is for sale if interested!). Our current home (right picture) was the former parsonage for Fjeldberg Church. We feel honored to be the first family to buy it from the church. This house willl be the setting for future posts as we remodel, decorate, entertain, garden, and create art in my small studio in the depths of the basement.