Is it vacation time at your house? I'm thinking about all those relaxing--and magical--summer vacations at the lake with my brand new digital wallpaper download fresh from my studio for iPhones and other smartphones. This mixed media design features two of my favorite things--the beach and flowers. Don't forget to stay magical! Enjoy! xo Chris Click here to download the Stay Magical wallpaper by me, Chris Olson. Continue reading

Life is so fragile... I’m finding it hard to wrap my mind around the fact Kate Spade the person and her brand always represented so much joy and whimsy. Kate’s passing is a reminder that we always need to support each other. Checking in and listening to our friends is so important even when on the surface everything seems so blissful. Although things look fine on the outside, we don’t know what’s going on inside other people’s lives. 💔 #ripkatespade Continue reading

Is it sunny and warm or a chilly day in your neighborhood? Whatever the case, I'm hoping my sunny art will add some cheer to your day. The quote "bloom where you are planted" has always inspired me to see the best in the world around me. xo Continue reading

Hi friends! Hope your week is going well. I know that every day something crazy appears in social media. And the past few weeks have been filled with breaking news that is really heartbreaking... I was reminded by a friend that we need to spend more time chatting with our friends and family in real time. So today I am encouraging you to meet a friend and go have a cup of coffee--or an ice cream cone or a glass of wine. Friendship matters. Together we can be stronger and happier. Take care. Continue reading

I can’t begin to imagine how difficult this time is for the people of Houston and all the surrounding areas affected by Hurricane Harvey. I’m grateful there are so many ways we can help those affected by Harvey. Here are just a few: RedCross: Visit http://redcross.org , call 1-800-RED CROSS or text HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Salvation Army: Donate online at http://helpsalvationarmy.org . SPCA of Texas: Visit http://www.spca.org/news_hurricane-harvey . This organization rescues pets and farm animals, and provides equipment and shelter in emergencies. #HurricaneHarvey #RedCross #SalvationArm #HoustonStrong #Houston [art by @chris_coco_olson] Continue reading

June makes me excited about summer and vacations. The weather is warmer. Canoes, swimsuits, and flip flops are the perfect choice. This month's pattern collection is all about Lake Life. Some of my favorite places to stay on vacation are in a cozy cabin by a lake. There is something about the peacefulness and simplicity of the lakes and canoeing in the north woods. Maybe it's the absence of reliable wifi? I love hanging out on the water--in a canoe, a sailboat, and even an inner tube. My new pattern collection Lake Life was inspired by my love of the water. Today I'm sharing a little glimpse into my new designs. If you'd like to follow along, I would love to meet you over on Instagram or Pinterest! Fresh designs added weekly. xo Continue reading

Today’s post is all about gifts that give back. It's December and I've got the perfect holiday gifts that also give to charity. In fact, I donate 100% of my proceeds from my Society6 shop to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Here you'll find my artwork on pillows, iPhone and laptop cases, hoodies, t-shirts and more. http://bit.ly/2gVQjiO Continue reading

From sea to shining sea... A heartfelt THANK YOU to all the men and women who have served this country and continue to serve. And thank you to their families. Continue reading

One thing I know for sure: #everyvotematters. Vote today if you can. And if you are going to vote tomorrow, MAKE A PLAN. Like, what time, know where to vote, how are you getting there, etc. Continue reading

How has your week been so far? Here's hoping you have a lovely weekend. And just to make it even sweeter, why not throw a little kindness around too. xo Chris (Quote graphic by Chris) Continue reading

Flowers always bring me so much joy. I grow them in my garden and scoop up bouquets at the market. I'm loving this bunch of blooms from Whole Foods. Hope you are having a lovely weekend. xo Chris Continue reading

Dreams demand hustle. Some days I feel like I'm pushing harder to get everything done than I want. However, I can say confidently that in the end, all that hard work does pay off. Each little step towards your dreams is an important part of the journey. That said, part of my journey has been supporting a cause near and dear to my heart. I donate 100% of my proceeds from this Society6 shop to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Check out my Society6 shop for gifts that give back. You'll find my artwork on pillows, iPhone and laptop cases, hoodies, t-shirts and more. Continue reading

A huge thank you to all the veterans and active duty servicemen and women who keep this country safe. God bless. Continue reading

Time to take charge of your happiness. I'm in charge of how I feel and today I'm choosing happiness. Sending positive vibes your way. xo Chris Continue reading

What makes us fall in love? The clues may be in some of your favorite movies. My favorite romantic quotes below, including Harry Burns, When Harry Met Sally; Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice; Sam Baldwin, Sleepless in Seattle; Melvin Udall, As Good As It Gets; Mac MacGuff, Juno; and Augustus, The Fault in Our Stars. Continue reading

Hi friends! How has your week been? Are you doing anything special this weekend? I'll be hiking with my dogs, checking out the farmer's markets, and going to the Colorado Rapids soccer game. Maybe I'll test a a new recipe... Continue reading

Looking for a fun craft for Valentine's Day? This heart pin is easy to make. Wear the heart as a pin or attach the heart to a postcard to create a personalized Valentine's Day card. For this craft I use felt as the heart structure and add embellishments using embroidery thread, beads, more felt hearts, sequins, and even recycled jewelry. Continue reading

Celebrating the wisdom of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the blog today: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" (Artwork by Chris Olson over at Pattern Bliss.) Continue reading

Can you believe it!? It’s almost time friends—and I'm sure you didn't need me to remind you or anything! If you’re at all like me and a bit behind on the whole gift wrapping front, then this post is for you. I’ve designed a free printable holiday gift tag for you to download. Just click this link below, download the love, print the tags—card stock paper works best—and get wrapping. Happy Holidays! And let’s all keep the merry going! xo Chris Continue reading

I have a wonderful opportunity to team up with a foundation close to my heart. This December I am donating 100% of my proceeds from my Society6 shop to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Continue reading

THANK YOU to all veterans and active duty service men and women for your service and sacrifices. Blessings to you and your families. Continue reading

Gratitude seems to be the common element that makes life the best. So here are seven ways to share gratitude—family tested and approved. Continue reading

Looking for Halloween party ideas? How about an easy last-minute costume? Check out my Halloween Pinterest board for party ideas and costumes including: an easy costume DIY Spider Shades, Coffee-Filter Fairy Godmother No-Sew Halloween Costume, Chocolate Marshmallow Ghost cake, Scaredy-Cat Brownies, Pumpkin Mouse Motel, Pumpkin Carving Templates, and much more. Continue reading

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and your local shelter invite you to visit a shelter and meet your new best friend. Continue reading

a perfect handcrafted playlist for baking cookies, eating lots of pie, or doing dishes. Go ahead, pour a glass of pinot grigio and dance around the kitchen—it's the weekend! Continue reading