Michelle Palmer

Vintage Style Quilt Labels...

2012-01-25T07:39:00.000-08:00

Valentines... Hearts... Love...

February is just around the corner~

These little friends of mine are wishing you loads of love...

Bringing little flowers to remind us that Spring is just around the corner...

Momma & Pop birds will begin nest building soon...

For all those fuzzy babies we love to peek at!

All with a sweet little message~

... a message of love to share!

Hope your day is filled with love, Sweet Friends!

Antique & Vintage Pen Tips...

2012-01-24T07:26:00.000-08:00

My most favorite pair of shoes~

They don't make that style anymore!

My favorite tea~

It wasn't selling well... so they discontinued it!

Through the years the list of favorites slowly disappear...

I find new needfuls & treasures that keep me content!

Except.......

When I find vintage & antique pen tips...

I try to stockpile them!

Perhaps a little hoarding when it comes to tips...

There is something about the way they write~

The new pieces work just fine...

The used & new "old" ones~ are amazing!

Hope your day is amazing, too~

January Whites...

2012-01-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

We have had a burst of winter!

I have had a burst of catching up!

This past fall was filled with days of mourning,

out of town commitments and falling behind...

I'm beginning to catch up on promised treasures...

These studio pals are on their way home today!

They're traveling to a much warmer home~

I'm a bit jealous!

I've been enjoying time in my studio.

Still catching up on licensing deadlines...

Winter songbirds come near the windows~

I think they enjoy my movie & music selections!

More winter white linens will be in my Etsy store~

Just a few more special orders to finish for special friends.

Wishing you a creative & joy-filled day~

Needle Felted Scottie Dog...

2012-01-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

This wool Scottie pup belongs to our sweet Alaina!

One of my Christmas Eve gifts to her~

She has more photographs on her blog Avery Hill!

Alaina has a way of picking out the perfect button eyes...

Needle felted from white/natural wool.

Once I get my basic shape close to perfect~

I add thin layers of professional dyed wool colors!

Raw/plain wool is much less expensive than colored wool.

When I make larger pieces I always start with a plain base.

Puppy peeking out the window~

LOVE her choice for eyes!

Can't wait to share more art adventures of this little pup~

He's more than a little felted friend!!

Hope your day is cozy and creative~

Studio Storage Favorites...

2012-01-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

In keeping with my promise to share little tidbits of my studio...

and with the missing chill of the wintry "Jack-Frost" himself...

One of my favorite stack-able storage solutions!

~Wear-Ever aluminum Jack-Frosters~

These vintage containers are not as air tight as my plastic trays...

Natural treasures that I find on my walks are saved here.

The contents dry & stay preserved without becoming musty.

Drift wood and cones from Lake Ontario...

This piece of drift wood looks like a duck head!

I think vintage stamps are fun!

They're fragile... so they stay safe inside my frosters~

Jack Frost will be nipping at our nose, eventually...

I miss watching our pup dance in the deep snow...

But I'm not complaining :)

Wishing you joy!

Feathered Friends with Wishes...

2012-01-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

Some of my most favorite feathered friends here to wish you

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

I have been sketching while my watercolor paints dry...

Trying to keep little treasures in my Etsy store~

Cardinals have been perching in the Honeysuckle bush

beside my studio window~

Just begging to have their portraits sketched!

They find a perfect spot and fluff-up~

In my mind, there is always a need to dress them~

In our travels to family Christmas celebrations we passed

by Montezuma Wildlife Refuge where we saw hundreds of

Canada Geese resting on thin ice, shallow waters and swamp...

Shiver to the bones!

Would love to dress them cozy warm~

Hope your New Year is filled with supportive dear ones~

Hope your New Year is filled with friends, family & the like~

Times shared & wonderful new memories made!

Wishing you joy and happiness throughout!

Made with Love...

2011-12-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

Handmade Christmas gifts have all been given~

Now I can share a peek with you!

Had these light weight wooden boxes.

Knew they would come in handy someday...

Alaina and I took a black Friday road trip!

With so many stores opening in the wee hours~

We decided to skip our 5am dash for treasures and go sight seeing!

We headed toward Ithaca, New York.

Just outside of Ithaca there is a sweet town called Trumansburgh.

Little shops, the best NY style pizza and a candy store.

"Life's So Sweet" had these adorable finger puppets!

We have three great-nephews and one great-niece.

There must have been 30 different choices!

We picked out animals & birds that best fit each child...

I drew the animal friends on each box to match...

That way when play was finished there wasn't any mix-up

of who belonged to which puppet friend!

I used a medium tip Sharpie pen for a coloring book style outline...

Colored in the illustrations with colored pencils...

Dated and signed the back...

They liked the little blankets and "put them to bed!"

I added felt to the bottom to protect furniture surfaces~

Must admit...

I named them all while I was sketching and removing tags!

I wonder what names the little ones will come up with...

It's so fun to play pretend!

Favorite Things...

2011-12-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

A peek inside an artists world!

Their favorite colors and art mediums...

How their studio is set up...

Their favorite things~

It is great fun when my favorite artists share their world!

So I thought I would share bits n' pieces of my

Favorite Things throughout this next year!

Made in America!

Heritage Lace licenses my designs and they

sent me these WONDERFUL artist samples for approval!

They have taken several of my designs and made the most

beautiful wall art with them.

Heritage Lace design each piece~
They marry my art with their lace, their words...

I LOVE what they do with my art!

They are one of my new FAVORITE licenses!

This treasure arrived a few days before Christmas...

My mom loved this painting!

Iris were one of her favorites~ as were Chickadees.

When she would visit she loved to sit and watch

our feathered friends visit the feeder.

I'm sharing this sample with a very special aunt~

For all she shares with me!

Hope your day is wonderful!

Vintage Doll Dress Winner!

2011-12-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

Laura, from 52 Flea

won the Vintage Doll Dress!

Congratulations!!

Please stop by and visit her blog... one of my favorites!

Thank you all for your sweet comments...

Another giveaway is just around the corner~

I've been adding treasures to my Etsy store...

I've been very busy with art deadlines...

A new fabric line~ that I can't wait to share with all of you!

Two new companies developing large art programs!

I'm so thankful for new opportunities~

I will share as soon as my Copyrights are protected~

I've also been making oodles of Christmas gifts!

I have one more week... so the cookies will wait!!

I am taking photographs before I package and wrap them...

I will share them soon!

Hugs to all of you who are missing a loved one~

Either through passing...

Perhaps away~ serving our country...

Those kept in another part of America, with money tight...

Mom is in our memories!

We laugh and share... we cry and embrace~

Hope

Love

Give

Receive

His love is there for all of us!

Wishing you joy~ Sweet Friends!

Christmas Vintage Giveaway!

2011-12-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

To say thank you, Sweet Friends~

My Christmas Giveaway!

I drew two cardinals... perched on Holly branches.

One of dearest hand made vintage dresses!

~Found at an antique store in Canandaigua, NY~

17" long from neck to hem...

approx. 5.25" at waist from seam to seam...

10.5" wide at base hem...

A beautiful long gown for the sweetest of friends!

I drew a sprig of holly on the chest...

Close ups of the stitching details...

You can see my pen lines bleed through...

The doll dress has wear, light stains...

There is LOADS of love hugged into this collectible!

Please comment on this post if you would like to have

your name put in the basket for a chance to win!

My Sweet Girl will pull the name on December 10th!

That way I can have it to you before Christmas~

If you do not have a blog where I can leave a message for you...

Please leave an email with your comment~

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... hmmmmm...

The lack of snow has me itching to draw, paint and design snow friends!

Once I shovel inches, feet... heavy stuff~

I'll be ready to draw fuzzy, cuddly teddy loves!

I just listed eight new canvas totes in my Etsy store...

I'm shipping Christmas treasures the same day~

Or first thing next morning through December!

My mom would build snowmen with our son.

They would stand at the window and holler when they finished...

I took pictures every time!

We would tell stories all evening~

About what our new snow friends were doing outside...

When no one was looking!

I was very sure they kept our songbirds cozy and shared hugs~

Thank you for your friendship, comments, purchases & laughs!

Hope you like the giveaway~

Bold Fabric Sketches...

2011-12-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

We have been taking advantage of our mild December weather!

I planted more fall bulbs~

Pruned all of our pines, shrubs etc. and made Christmas swags...

The greens, inexpensive and abundant, add the perfect touch outside!

Winter cozy... while we wait for our blanket of white~

My hands are a bit shaky after garden work...

I decided to try some darker sketches~

I like the look!

Not sure if they're more masculine or if the free style is more hip?

...I will always make the more detailed pieces!

Every line a softer, warmer friend~

I'm keeping the prices extra low throughout December...

Want to thank you for making 2011 so wonderful for us!

Tomorrow... I'll post a new a giveaway!

Wishing you joy, Kind Friends~

Needle Felted Birds...

2011-11-28T08:13:00.000-08:00

A batch of wool songbirds to share with you~

We have had very mild weather...

I was walking my pup yesterday morning and a bird

perched in our hedgerow and sang a large song to me!

It actually hurt my ears!

I took visual notes... had never seen this beautifully LOUD friend!

She turned to the left for the perfect profile...

Tilted her tail up...

Flew up high so I could check out her tummy colors...

My new friend is a female Orchard Oriole!

I wonder what she was telling me all about...

A male & female Cardinal perched nearby to hear her story~

She chased them off and then came forward in the tree

to share more with my pup and I!

Perhaps she likes the new suet flavor?

I keep notes of my feathered friends visits...

Especially new birds!

How fun it would be to translate her story!

Such a beautiful girl~

I'm off to list my new felted birds in my Etsy store~

Hope your holiday was wonderful and that your

new week is off to a great start!

Vintage Enamelware ...

2011-11-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Children's enamelware set...

Treasured, weathered and worn!

I collect pieces with character to use as snowman hats...

...vintage treasures and wool compliment each other nicely~

Blue will look so hip on my felted friends heads!

These are very heavy...

My wool friends will need a shore stone in their bottoms!

Hope your Friday is wonderful~

Needle Felted Crow...

2011-11-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

Sugarplum danced in my head!

I made her hat and collar out of wool felt...

Then tacked her tail feather to the vintage letter!

S is for SugarPLUM...

Our daughter has wanted me to paint our front door

or fireplace deep plum~ She is amazing at selecting colors...

I was able to get my plum fix from this felt stitching!

No purple for me~

Look at these fun colors!!!

"They're so FLUFFY!!!" (love that movie....)

Wool felt sews so neatly...

It also "feathers" nicely...

Sugarplum's collar has a soft edge~ just a few easy steps!

Snip the edge...

Stretch it out a little... pull, push... but not too hard~

Little by little pull the the loose snips off...

TaDa! Feathered edge...

Some of these needle felts will be in my Etsy store soon~

For now they're my studio friends...

Hope you have a wonderful evening!

Teacher gifts...

2011-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

This sweet little wren is from a collection of 12!

I could paint wrens all day~

They're so very chipper and have a colorful song!

Fabric transfer from one of my original watercolors...

on a very old piece of sage colored linen~

Fun cotton fabric...

Wool felt...

Plain muslin...

Before I started my super skilled stitch work

my tool of choice was the hot glue gun!

(giggle)

One dress-up day I took a mint green bridesmaid gown...

Cut it into several pieces (with an evil laugh and joy!)

Then hot glued it to Alaina!

Well... she had a footie-pajama on~

I didn't want it to be toooo permanent! ha! ha!

Back to our project...

Wool felt is so much fun! I love to make little outfits for

my needle felted friends. I felt them together~ or a few stitches.

It is a nice way to add a bit of strength to these patches.

I hand sign each treasure~

Stitch a pin back, so they can be easily removed.

I stitched one of these to a blue jean tote bag...

It looked so sweet!

These make wonderful teacher gifts~

A friend stitched one to her laptop case!

Another gal shared that she stitched it to a blazer pocket!

Hope you have a wonderful evening~

Thank you for so many fun comments, Friends!

Christmas gift ideas...

2011-11-13T05:06:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I have started our Christmas projects~

Handmade guarantees one of a kind for us...

Some have shared that they love my little Etsy treasures,
but are never quite sure what to do with them.
Over the next several posts I will share what we do!

The color transfers that I began making from my original

watercolor paintings have so many possibilities!
You can make transfers from your own art or photos
by purchasing the transfer materials from sewing & quilting stores.

I've made several framed pieces for a local gift store~

They sell very quickly... which is perfect, but I can't keep up!

I purchase empty (glass-free) frames from a local frame shop.

They often make tiny frames~ sometimes in odd sizes,

from left over moldings. Most of these frames were $5. or less.

My primitive stitch-ability! (eh-em... or lack of...)

Thankfully, my simple sewing talent adds character!

(giggle!)

I keep little totes of fabric scraps...

They make perfect backgrounds~

After I size them to fit a frame

I add buttons to dress up the empty areas.
We have also added vintage keys, charms, pieces of
worn, fabric measuring tape... feathers, shells etc.~
That way your frame doesn't have to be the perfect fit.

Alaina and I LOVED this chunky little frame~

Have had it in our stock for a few years...

This little owl is a perfect fit!
He's stitched to an upholstery fabric sample~

Made some new tags yesterday~

I love to add a little thank you tag to my Etsy orders!

Red and pale blue are so fun together... touch of vintage.

Hope your weekend is wonderful and filled with creative things!

Thank you, Veteran's!

2011-11-11T05:33:00.000-08:00

No matter where I see~ Red, White & Blue...

I ALWAYS think of you!

THANK YOU!

I've been working on new art!

I've dusted off the shelves filled with my sketch books...

They've waited patiently for my return~

Discovered fun tidbits inside that will lead to exciting programs!

A small addiction to antique & vintage pens...

I began collecting these pointy treasures while in college.

Everything looks MUCH "arty-er" when I draw with them...

Perhaps like a man driving a vintage car.

The landscape changes from skyscrapers to small towns...

High tech fades to simple and relaxed...

A step back in time~

Hope your Friday is wonderful, Sweet Friends!

Original Fabric Sketches...

2011-11-08T09:58:00.000-08:00

Little friends getting all ready for holiday parties!

Little winter caps...

Party mice!

Adding these to my Etsy store... more to come soon!

Hope your day is sunny~

Quilt Labels...

2011-11-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

Our feathered friends have winter hats for these

chilly, chilly nights...

They dug out their winter woolens to prepare

for the fall snow storm...

We dug ours out, too!

Wondering what kind of winter we will have...

The lake is ready to serve up a few extra inches!

I have not started my Christmas shopping...

Summer road trips are typically good for a few treasures...

This year we found more scenic trips to take.

I added these quilt labels to my Etsy store~

I have mounds of original gift ideas/treasures to share...

Hope to add a few new pieces to my shop each day!

Hope your day is wonderful~

Harvest Sketches...

2011-10-31T13:27:00.000-07:00

I hope your day has been filled with sweet treats!

I thought I would share a Harvest image from my portfolio...

Ideas come to me on walks, while watching TV...

In restaurants, in the shower, in church~

Everywhere! All the time!

I make quick illustrations so I don't forget.

Sometimes my sketches sit for years...

Other ideas are so fresh and fun I paint them immediately!

These little kitty sketches...

We have three cats.

When we bring ANYTHING into our home they

immediately believe in their hearts... it is for them to sit on,

climb on, sleep on... rub, scratch etc. etc.

They find their way into many of my originals~

Hope your evening is safe and happy~

Time heals...

2011-10-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Sweet Friends~

For sharing your hearts with me.

I know time will ease the pain of missing my mom.

Your comments are part of a journal I started.

When I write, I sketch...

When I sketch, I am filled with joy~

My heart is happy to be dabbling in art again...

I have collected old watches, time pieces, alarm clocks...

Both the front and back of the enamel faces are beautiful!

I like the graphic numbers for my Steam Punk designs.

So many many graphic elements & gears!

Ooodles of possibilities waiting inside

each of these tiny treasures!

Art pieces as they are~

I LOVE how they add dimension and fun to my birds...

As soon as I finish painting my 2014 calendars

I will share some of my latest Steam Punk friends.

Wishing you joy and peace~

My mom...

2011-10-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

Rose Marie Newtown May 29, 1929- October 4, 2011

My mom and dad are together again~

We said goodbye to mom on Tuesday.

An amazing woman... an amazing life.

Her obituary

I will write more soon, Sweet Friends~

His gifts...

2011-10-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

"...it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty

of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

1 Peter 3:4

I was working in the garden and saw this little snail friend...

I trotted up to the house for my camera~

To capture a simple beauty...

When a friendly guest stopped by...

The bee stayed on one side of the blossom...

The snail was quite cozy in its sunny nest~

Shared space in the late summer sun.

We have soggy, rain-soaked days~

I hope your Sunday is sunny & bright!

Something for baby...

2011-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sailing along in an enamelware cup...

Protected from the sun by a large daisy blossom~

Both friends so fuzzy and cuddly!

Early bird wide awake with the Morning Glories!

I found this garden pot years ago...

I use it as a reference to plop one of my babies in.

Ladybugs make the best of friends~

Mouse and Lady love the garden as much as I do!

Another garden pot that sits on my shelf...

Little bear is wide awake while the moon sleeps...

Our children didn't want to sleep when the moon was bright!

A bunny...

Forget Me Nots...

And one more bucket from my eclectic collection~

Sweet little miss nestled in~ one of my favorite tiny crocks!

I keep white seashells in this aqua crock...

There is a pale blue companion crock that I

have filled with smooth river stones~

I don't see the dust when I look at all of the misc.

goodies I have collected through the years...

They're nesting spots for my friends!

The next time you see a lone, little container sitting

on a shelf... picture your favorite friend inside!

To make her smile...

2011-09-28T11:30:00.000-07:00

More long hours in hospital rooms...

More fabric sketches to share~

My heart wasn't into drawing~ but I wanted to make mom smile.

These little friends found her smile!

As I was sitting in my studio listing them...

They all seem to have the same little faces...

Little concerned hearts...

Worried looks...

They seem to reflect my heart~

Mom rests in a hospital two hours away.

I know she is cared for... safe... near her siblings.

It's different when you can see her for yourself.

I came home to a yummy peach cobbler that sweet Alaina made...

Hubby and Will took care of getting the whipped cream!

Our home was tidy, dishes done... laundry caught up...

I have to get into home & work groove again~

While my mind is hours away...

Hope your day is filled with love~

Giveaway Winners!

2011-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying a very warm and sunny fall day~

Our milkweed plants have huge seed pods on them...

This little friend caught my eye and I thought

it would like to share the great news!

Two names were pulled from the bucket of 72!

Judy from Penelope's Beehive and

Donna from Brynwood Needleworks

You each won a Santa!

Our caterpillar friend couldn't pull the names

so Alaina helped with the paper tags~

My transfer paper arrived this morning and I will be

making Santa's and other full color transfers for my Etsy store.

Another giveaway is just around the corner~

Thank you, Sweet Friends for all of your comments!

Wishing you joy~

Vintage Santa Giveaways!

2011-09-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

We have two reasons to celebrate today...

So we have two giveaway treasures!

Santa transfers from my original watercolors on vintage linen.

The first is to celebrate 700+ AWESOME followers...

The second... is to celebrate 1500 Etsy sales!

All because of your friendships and support~

My way to say Thank you!

I hope you leave a little note on this post to have

a chance to win one of these linen treasures!

I don't mean to be rushing the seasons along...

Just thought it might be nice to have Santa early

because many of you make beautiful holiday gifts!

~Two names will be taken from the hat Sept. 20th~

Thank you, Friends...

Thank you giveaway coming soon!

2011-09-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

A little note to say Thank you for following along!

I love to share some of the artsy fun I have...

With over 700 followers!!!

We need to celebrate together...

With a giveaway!

I'm trying to decide what to make for the thank you!

One of my new full-color transfers?

A vintage linen pen and ink?

A needle felted friend?

I know there will be buttons attached...

Alaina just discovered a new tin of buttons and she is sharing

a little load of mother of pearl cuties with me!

My button girl turned 18 yesterday... she is a treasure!

Thank you, again Sweet Friends~

You make my heart smile!

Sonnenberg Gardens

2011-09-13T06:01:00.000-07:00

Sonnenberg Gardens in Canandaigua, New York

A journey through time that will fill every sense~

Alaina and I enjoy summer drives...

Summer gardens...

Historic places...

The glass houses filled with succulents...

Orchids...

Tropical treasures...

If you click on the link above you will be teased by the

story, history, architecture... gardens... fountains...

Our visit of this historic mansion and gardens left us~

Restored...

Inspired...

Relaxed...

Hope your day is wonderful~

Bunnies... Teddy Bears... Linens & Labels!

2011-09-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

I hope your Monday is off to a sunny start~

We had a dear bunny friend munching on an apple

near the bird feeder this morning!

Little nibbles...

Taking his time...

Until a Chipmunk began moving in!

Then he nervously chowed down...

Laundry is hung on the line...

My art palettes are wet down and ready to go...

Thankful for the little things~

After a weekend of remembrance and reflecting.

I'm going to list these treasures and more in my Etsy shop

and then get to work on calendar deadlines!

Hope you have a wonderful day, Sweet Friends~

Sweet Smellin' Friends~

2011-09-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Just outside our kitchen window~

This little friend is on a mission to get home...

We have not found where home is yet!

If he could see inside my sketchbook "he" has an

adorable bonnet on... the cutest Victorian boots...

He has a little bird on his shoulder~

Hmmmm... I'm sure payback wouldn't smell too sweet!

Hope your day is filled with SWEET visitors~

Written in our hearts~

2011-09-11T07:15:00.000-07:00

September 11th

Hearts filled with gratefulness...

Hearts filled with remembrance...

Harvest Owls...

2011-09-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Whoooooo is stopping by to say hi?

Sweet harvest friends...

Hoping your weekend is relaxing...

Filled with fun memories...

I have been in an owl-drawing-mood during our

family movie nights!

Last night, when I took our pup out for one last potty stop~

My storybook owl was perched in our White Pine.

So I had storybook dreams again~

Hope you do, too!

Owl Theme Hand-Carved Stamps...

2011-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I need to move away from my palette

and stand in a different position... straighten up a bit.

With traditional watercolor, an artist paints flat.

No easel or angled surface to help with back fatigue.

Puddles of color would occur!

Very pretty... but not very practical~

While I was warming my lunch yesterday...

I stood at the kitchen counter top and carved these little friends.

I have wanted to try Moo Carve. Available at hobby stores.

It is VERY soft. Many will enjoy the ease of carving...

I prefer the pink carving medium I have previously blogged about.

I've been trying to purchase a Staedtler carving block.

The Staedtler consistency is similar to a white art eraser.

It is a very popular product... frequently sold out.

More owl designs will be in my Etsy shop tonight~

Thank you for all of your sweet comments... they mean so much!

Hope your Friday is sunny and warm!

Blackbirds... Crows... Pumpkins...

2011-09-08T05:15:00.000-07:00

When cool air and damp clouds hover...

I want to paint everything honey brown or cinnamon red!

I spent part of the weekend soaking, washing, scrubbing

old linens and fabrics~ stain-free, crisply ironed and bright.

I sat down with six of the linens to draw

crows and pumpkins...

The linens got dirty again!

(giggle)

They just didn't look right all pressed and pretty!

My hands smell like coffee...

The house smells like coffee...

At least a few times a year!

It smells so delicious~

We keep a jar in the house for our coffee-drinkin' friends...

When the jar expires it becomes a natural stain!

Hope your day is warm and cozy~

Songbirds in color...

2011-08-31T11:36:00.000-07:00

Feathered friends in full color on natural muslin!

Some of the designs are on a darker~ tea stained muslin.

I selected several friends from my original watercolors...

Printed them onto Strathmore brand transfer paper...

I couldn't resist adding a few pen and ink details!

They can be framed, used as quilt pieces...

Little patches to add to fabric purses~

Oh the fun!

My sweetest Wren friend perched next to a

basket of Forget Me Nots~

Sweet Chamomile surrounded this Purple Finch...

He is from one of my original watercolors selected for

the 2012 Outside My Window calendar!

Thank you for so many sweet comments!
~Artists love to bring joy to others~
You bring joy to me!

Owls

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Little owl faces that sit in our white pine tree at night~

Well, at least my interpretation...

We have not been able to see the owl that

shares a long story with us from time to time.

There is a little round profile...

A silhouette against the moonlit sky.

We've been checking his song to samples to identify.

I'm convinced it is a rare, storybook owl.

The little friend that lives inside my children's stories~

Hope your day is filled with wonder!

Outside My Window Calendar 2012

2011-08-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

"Outside My Window 2012"

A little peek at my new calendar!

Artist samples arrived last week and local shops

have started selling them already!

I have not purchased any of these to offer for resale...

...I hope to in the years to come.

Most of our friends and family purchase them from

shops that carry Legacy products or Ebay.

I have my 2014 designs all sketched and ready to paint...

Little feathered friends at our feeders have been

holding on tight with these hurricane edge winds!

We're praying for all that are affected by Irene.

This image is April!

My birthday month... and favorite flow blue~

I set one of my pins next to the calendar page

to show you which original watercolor I worked from!

These boxed Christmas cards are also from Legacy...

I love how they bring my watercolors to product!

Another box of cards... and this is the December image

for the 2012 calendar, too!

Hope you have a wonderful evening~

Thank you for stopping by!

Quilt Labels...

2011-08-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

When I saw this piece of fabric I fell in love!

I didn't know they were quilt labels...

They are the most beautiful vintage frames...

Just waiting for empty spaces to be filled!

The fabric frames so beautifully...

I'm thankful for the piece I found...

I have been searching for more~

The local quilt shops had a few labels...

They are Christmas theme!

They had never seen this fabric pattern.

This music frame was perfect for a songbird friend...

I'm still working on a few special orders...

We're enjoying the last few weeks of summer~

School will begin in two weeks...

That is when I will begin working on my watercolor calendars!

Deadlines this fall for the year 2014!

I will share pictures of my 2012 calendars in my next post.

The samples arrived last week and warmed my heart.

Hope your August days are sunny and peaceful~

Wishing you every joy!

Pins & Purse Patches from Originals...

2011-08-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is a great time to play!

I love having our children home from school~

Alaina LOVES to try new art materials...

She is the courage in my designs!

(I hope you have stopped by her NEW BLOG)

These pins are made from my original watercolors!

There are several transfer materials on the market...

Strathmore allows the fabric to feel natural, soft and washable!

Use with Ink Jet printers... permanent and vibrant~

I printed the images onto the transfer paper...

Ironed the image onto muslin, linen etc.

Washed the little pictures in Tide...

Pressed them...

And then HAND stitched each piece!

I treasure every hand sewn, machine sewn piece I own...

People who love to stitch~ you're amazing!

Not my strength... but I love the folk, prim look of these~

The little print is stitched to a beautiful piece of color fabric...

Then I stitched them to a piece of wool felt...

Then I stitched a piece of natural muslin to the back...

(to cover up my messy work...)

Stitched a pin in place and hand signed them!

These sweet purse pins will be in my Etsy Shop... tonight!

Hope your day is perfect!

Surprise Giveaway on our daughter's blog!

2011-08-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Please stop by Avery Hill Art for a sweet journey

into our daughter's kind heart!

Alaina has started her own blog and

she is having having her first giveaway!

A sweet little something she made and one of my

small 2012 Outside My Window calenders!

Please visit her adorable Etsy Shop named Avery Hill...

Little peeks of my 2012 calendar...

If you post about HER BLOG giveaway on your blog~

Your name will be put in a special bucket

for a chance to win my signed calendar!

We're hoping oodles of folks will find her blog & Etsy!

Time passes so quickly...
Alaina will be 18 in less than a month~
She has been working on her college portfolio all
summer and making these adorable Canvas Button Cards.

Collecting buttons since she was in elementary school~
There are a lot to share!

Thank you for sharing her blog~
Wishing you joy!

Drawings from Nature...

2011-08-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

I'm so tickled to show you this GORGEOUS original

painting by Eileen Postlethwaite!

"Milly" had a giveaway on her blog~

Drawings from Nature

I had left a comment... and I won!

Please stop by and say hello to Milly...

You will be inspired!

Milly takes walks...

Collects the most beautiful treasures...

Brings them to life again with her creative touch!

Milly has an Etsy shop, too!

Drawings from Nature

"A picture is a poem without words"

Horace

My heart has been a little heavy with

thoughts of mom~

The miles between us...

There are many miles between Milly and I...
Yet she seems to live, just 'round the corner!
When I opened her package my
heart danced with delight!

I hope you have a moment to visit her blog~
Such a joy!
Wishing each of you sweet surprises!

Simple joys...

2011-07-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

A wee little Monarch...

Busy as a bee...

The Ladybug pictures are blurry...

This patch of weeds is the place to be!

We allow it to take over one side of our garage...

Our own little Monarch Village!

Hope your day is sunny and sweet~

Loads of Fabric Originals...

2011-07-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Our Crow friends are hoping for a rain puddle!

The storms and rains are all around us... nothing here~

This post is filled with new art treasures!

I had fun photographing them... I have not seen

the little bear faces and buzzing bees for weeks!

These are waiting room pass-times~

Honey Bees were enjoying our Milkweed blossoms...

I even found a wee baby Monarch caterpillar!

I never made it to the fields to pick strawberries...

They will taste twice as good next year!

Ooodles of bear hugs...

More beary~loving hugs!

The bears and bees will have Vegetable Ivory buttons

included with my little gift tags~ a way to say Thank You!

A little something different... I love the warm colors!

Hope you will visit my Etsy Store to find

these treasures and more!

I'm on my way to list them now!

Wishing you all the best, Sweet Friends~

He knew...

2011-07-24T06:31:00.000-07:00

When I was away, daytime would roll into the wee hours

of nighttime without much notice.

The hum of moms air conditioner replaced the sounds of

my feathered friends who wake me in the morning~

I read a scripture that caught my heart.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped..."

Psalm 28:7

That afternoon I set out for my new palette~

This expense was not in my budget.
I gathered a hand full of tubes, just the basics...
Trying to think quickly, so the attendant could lock the case!
As I started down the isle a woman touched my arm
and asked if I had the coupon. I smiled and said no...
She sorted through a small collection of papers and
handed me a coupon. It wasn't a typical 40% one item...
It was 40% off your ENTIRE paint purchase!
I choked up!
Gave the woman a hug!
The kind woman asked if painting was a way to relax.
I tried to explain briefly about my projects & deadlines~
That I was visiting from out of town...
It is difficult to describe my job in one sentence.
When you share that you're a professional artist
some people nod and smile...
Others laugh and comment, "Aren't we all..."
Others are intrigued.
This woman was genuinely interested...
So I shared.
She was very kind. We talked for 15 minutes or more.
The scripture floated through my mind as we wished
each other a pleasant day...
I was helped.
God knew my needs.

I couldn't forget the woman.
I trotted back into the store to see if I could find her.
She hadn't left! I asked if she would permit me to send
her a small gift~ to thank her for the $50 she saved me!
Not sure I would hand out my address to an odd duck...
She did!
I think a mini 2012 calendar might be the perfect gift~
I hope she will be reminded of how much she
touched my heart... each time she peeks at the date!

Thank you, Sweet Friends... for so many uplifting
comments and for all of your prayers~
The world is good.
People are good.
God is so very good.

Hope your day is filled with joy and love~

Winner and Make-do Palette...

2011-07-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I returned home...

My mom has been fighting stage 4 breast cancer for

almost four years now. I have been out of town caring

for her after she suffered a Pulmonary embolism.

She lives in the city... a pleasant place to visit~

However I am a country girl and there is no place like home.

I think my flowers all waved to me when I drove in!

We have a winner!

Megan Chamberlain

The little vintage dress has been waiting patiently

for my return... eager to find a lovely new home!

Do hope you will visit Megan's blog~ a treat!

I knew this trip might keep me away for a while.

I thought to pack folders of reference material,

Several sketch diaries, pens, fabric squares, ink,

watercolor paper, triangle... ruler... but forgot the palette.

That is an expensive tool to replace...

As time passed and deadlines grew near, paint was needed.

While mom was napping I set out to pick up her meds.,

a few groceries and make a quick trip to the art store.

The palettes were all plastic.

You can see from the first image, my main palettes are

well worn, loved, messy... plastic. It takes time to break

in the plastic surface where I mix the pigments. I was hoping

to find an enamel tray or ceramic plate. Nothing.

I gathered a basic collection of Winsor & Newton tubes...

They had most of my favorites: Perm. Alizarin Crimson,

Cadmium Orange, Quinacridone Gold, Winsor Yellow,

Green Gold, Hooker's Green, Cerulean Blue,

French Ultramarine, Indigo and Sepia...

...and I needed basic brushes 6 round, 4 round,

a flat and a liner... I added a few extras for good measure!

But what to put them on?

An antique store... maybe they would have an enamelware

plate or old butcher tray! I only knew of one store...

The perfect palette was found!

The cover to this little container has a troth around the rim...

Held the paint away from the water & mixing area~

Success!

Mom is very weak but stable~

Can never express exactly how much I LOVE nurses.

They work wonders and their compassionate hearts

are a gift from God.

Wishing you joy, Sweet Friends!

I will blog when I can~ always thinking of you!

Vintage Dress Giveaway!

2011-06-23T12:50:00.000-07:00

Summer has arrived!

I hope your days have been filled with wonderful

memories... fun projects... creative moments and joy!

Thank you for your messages and emails~

I was away from my Blog and Etsy to care for family...

Also finished working on a very fun & exciting project!

My studio is back in order...

I'm catching up on special requests...

I have Oooodles of goodies to list later this afternoon!

But first... we have a new GIVEAWAY!

This tiny vintage dress caught my eye

last summer when we were in Madison-Bouckville.

Seems a bit too large for a Barbie type doll...

A bit too small for a teddy bear...

But JUST RIGHT for a Giveaway!

It measures approx. 3" wide at the tummy.

It is 7" long from shoulder to hem.

I drew the baby bird on this delicate piece~

Anyone can enter to win this little treasure!

Simply leave a message on this post and

your name will be put in the hat~

We will pull a name one week from today...

June 30th!

I look forward to visiting your blogs and catching up!

Etsy treasures will be listed later today~

Wishing all of you joy!

Reference material...

2011-05-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Many things have kept me from saying hello and adding

new treasures to my Etsy shop~

I've tried to stop by and see what you have been up to!

My blog wouldn't allow me to sign in for several days~

We have that resolved and I can post about my latest

reference photographs!

I will share my finished designs once Copyrights are filed~

I have oodles of botanical books...

Late 1800's illustrations through present day~

There is nothing like gathering your own photos!

This common Dandelion was a wonderful model...

I need to find several seed heads to complete my series!

I don't have to search too far~

They LOVE to pop up in my flower beds...

Peering taller and bolder than the rest!

This spring I have added several studies to my collection...

With so much rain and growing family needs I have had to

take extensive notes, sketches and photographs for "someday."

No matter how careful, I break the root...

I'm convinced weeds grow to the center of our Earth!

Praying for all of you through these violent storms~

Sending love... You are not alone...

They're all flowers to me...

2011-05-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

Sweet yellow polka dots are scatterd all about...

They're all flowers to me!

Hope your weekend is perfect~

All the Buzzzzz...

2011-05-09T09:26:00.000-07:00

Our flower gardens are all a'buzzzz!

We have had a few days of sunshine~ colors are popping!

I drew these a few weeks ago...

Finally a few minutes to take pictures and list them in

my Etsy store~

Our Lilac trees are loaded with blossoms!

They're all simply waiting for a few days

of warmer temperatures to spring open!

The bees drift by them, pause a bit, making note

of where they'll need to return to next week!

I have tried to move a few clumps of our

English LAWN daisies~ back into a garden scape.

They keep the Wild LAWN Violets and Grape LAWN Hyacinths

company until the lawn mower needs to tame the area.

Gardening with no boundaries...

There are more blossoms in the grass then in my garden beds!

Confuses my pup as to where her potty boundaries

start and stop (giggles)

Hope your week is off to a wonderful start!

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T08:25:00.000-07:00

Wishing you joy, fond memories and love~

Around the studio...

2011-05-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

Favorite little things fill studio shelves...

I found a tidy spot to share!

My mom tucked $25 in my birthday card.

When I receive "cash" I try to purchase something

special... often it is spent on a needful item.

I hit the perfect shelf in a local antique shop!

Old botanical books, nature books...

Flower reference books...

With so much rain this is a bit of a tease!

I designed book plates that I glue in with ph safe products...

I make little notes on the plate~

The year I added it to my collection, who it is from...

Where I found it~

Hope your day is perfect!

Don't let the grass grow...

2011-05-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

This past week was filled with joy, tears, uncertainty

A little sunshine... a lot more rain...

Violent storms have torn through many American lives.

We're praying for you!

We're praying for miracles!

A bright, talented and kind young man perished in a

house fire... he was 16... we heard the news Easter morning.

Almost 18 and Adorable 15 were numb...

Hubby and I have listened, talked, hugged, cried...

We are all blessed to have known him~

He lived each day!

He didn't let grass grow under his feet...

He was the early bird that got the worm...

We attended a memorial service to celebrate

the life of my husbands grandmother.

She loved to travel... the Red Hats... playing cards...

Family and friends... Forget-me-nots...

Oh! the full-life she lived~

Dearest Evy did not let grass grow under her feet!

I have fallen behind on a few very special orders...

Exciting collections are waiting for finishing touches...

My schedule is written in ink...

There have not been enough hours.

One day at a time~

I haven't been letting the grass grow under my feet...

They simply don't have time to touch the ground!

There was a very special celebration early Friday morn.

With a stretch and a yawn I cut a piece of

left-over birthday cake... sat with a hot cup of tea~

Shared with the world... A Royal Wedding!

Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

I hope your week is filled with joy and love~

Easter Blessings

2011-04-24T05:15:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all the love, hope and promise

Easter brings... His gift, His heart, His ressurection.

For all of us~

Thank you for your comments, prayers, well-wishes

for my mom and our family... you're such special friends.

Wishing each of you joy and love~

Bushels of Bunnies...

2011-04-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude is when a memory is stored in

the heart and not in the mind.”

Lionel Hampton

When we watch the news there are very few

reports sharing the positive nature of people.

We are good.

We are kind and caring.

We share our hearts.

We help.

We hope.

We pray.

We give.

As I sat drawing oodles of bunnies to busy my

mind, heart and hands...

I once again witnessed what I have always

believed in and trusted~

People love.

Cancer units are difficult for me.

I don't do well with medical stuff...

God has given each of us our own strengths & talents...

I am so very grateful for the nurses, staff, technicians...

doctors... secretaries... etc. that are caring for my mom.

Everyday these AMAZING hearts walk into

offices, hospitals, hospice, exam rooms to make a difference.

They have compassion, strength and understanding...

...to take over where family can't.

I am so very grateful for that.

I hope your day is sunny and filled with great memories!

Vintage~ Spring Baby Dresses...

2011-04-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Each little bunny with a face, personality and

loving heart of its own~

I have never had a pet rabbit... As a child, they were "wild."

As an adult, we have three cats.

Our children ask~ can we have a hamster?

"No, because of the cats"

What about a Chinchilla?

"No, because of the cats"

Maybe a rabbit?

"No, because the cats would stalk it..."

We have a bird cage... could we have a bird?

"No... because of the cats"

Perhaps someday...

When our current furry loves have gone~

I will have a bunny!

Until then, I will draw them~

Some of these little dresses are on their way home...

Others will be listed in my Etsy shop.

Hope your week is off to a fantastic start!

Doing good...

2011-04-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

Hope you have a wonderful week~

Prints of my Fabric Illustrations...

2011-04-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

I hope your Friday is off to a great start!

Remember the pen and ink sketches below?

They have been colorized!

I sketched my little friends in colored pencils...

Then watercolor brushes danced about!

Limited edition prints will be available of these~

My Etsy store could use a little color!

They have made baby shower gifts a lot of fun!

I purchase inexpensive framing materials from a

local craft store. Once I have it framed I use a small

box filled with baby socks (my type of re-usable bubble wrap)

...then wrap the entire box with receiving blankets!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Garden Flag Winner!

2011-04-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you for so many sweet comments!

The name selected from the goodie bucket

to win my Spring Garden Flag is...

Cynthia!

Her blog is great fun~ Cynzplace

Pup and I picked these lawn Crocus on our morning walk.
Lawn Crocus because they refuse to grow
in my flower beds, much preferring thick green sod!
The way they lay in the ink bottles they look like hearts...

...the studio is bright and cheery this morning and
a pile of deadlines are waiting for me~

Hope your day is sunny and sweet!

New Giveaway & Bouncing Baby Bunnies!

2011-03-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

A New Giveaway!

To thank you for your sweet comments...

For all that you share~

This is one of my watercolor designs on a

garden flag... size 11" x 15"

New in the package...

Just leave a quick hello on this post and

your name will be put in the basket!

Drawing this Friday... April 1st

Going to add some bunnies to my Etsy shop!

Can't stop drawing these little furry friends~

Wishing you joy!

Sunday sketch~

2011-03-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hope your week is off to a great start!

Wishing you grand smiles and loads of great news~

Spring Tote Bags...

2011-03-24T07:26:00.000-07:00

I just brought a bowl of peels, stems and cores

to our compost pile for our wild bunny~

Perhaps a SPRING cap, scarf and mittens would have

been a better treat for our little friend!

The Robins are hoping for a quick melt~

Added some Spring totes to my Etsy store!
Vintage dresses are almost finished...
They will be pressed and photographed soon~

I leave my sketch journals open~
They're always stacked in messy piles...
Sketches, jots, ideas and notes fall out when I flip through...
This little friend was sketched while I waited in a
doctors office... on the back of an atm receipt~
His little face makes me smile!

Hope your Spring day is filled with joy~

Feathers Flying...

2011-03-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

Mild days have warm, brisk winds whipping up

dried fall leaves from the flower gardens...

Our cats are running from window to window

trying to catch them! Knocking over everything in

their way of "the big catch!"

I took our pup outside to brush (more)

MOUNDS of hair off... I already saw a little bird

pick up a tuft of it and zip away...

Better lining their little nests than ours! (giggle)

I find some of the most beautiful little nests

on windy days... tossing across the yard like tumbleweed.

I have been promising vintage baby dresses

and linens... I must apologize...

We have had several crazy-busy weeks.

I am thankful for every crazy moment with our teens...

For I know so very soon~

They will leave the nest and there will be

plenty of empty moments and time to catch up!

I have oodles of notes to write back to, so many of

your sweet blogs to visit and catch up on...

I am hoping for studio time this weekend!

Hope your weekend is sweet, sunny and fun-filled~

Thank you for all of your comments and cheer!

Sunday sketch and prayers...

2011-03-13T09:26:00.001-07:00

Praying for Japan...

Praying for miracles!

Wishing you a wonderful week, sweet friends~

Treasured Friend...

2011-03-04T07:12:00.000-08:00

The best part of blogging...
Making new friends!
Some are a few towns away, or other states...
I've met people all around the world!!!

This dear teddy belongs to my friend
Ellen (Netherlands)
She purchased this vintage dress from me
for her treasured childhood teddy-love...

Thank you for sharing a picture with me, Ellen!
I hope you will visit her beautiful blogs~
(please click on the picture or her name)

A small collection of Spring-themed
Vintage dresses are almost done!
I'll share pictures here before I list them on Etsy.

Wishing each of you friendships around the world
and a wonderful weekend!

Dance of the Teddy Bears & Birds...

2011-03-01T11:31:00.001-08:00

We have bright blue skies and sunshine!

I love being in my studio again~

It was an addition... a summer porch.

We converted it into a studio.

Winter winds and frigid temps. keep me

at the dining room table, living room chairs... etc.

Most of the time from December through March.

This morning, in the cool shadow of the house,
there was a little bird perched atop an icy snow pile.

Sitting very still, looking up at the larger birds...

If I could sew (and keep her) I would dress her

in a little polka dot piece...

They could have a spring fling...

Teddy friends would be invited...

Tea and seeds would be served!

My favorite soundtracks playing...

Miss Potter, Finding Jane,

Pride & Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Secret Garden...

Hope the sunshine has inspired you!

Here a bunny... there a bunny...

2011-02-25T19:32:00.001-08:00

Dressed up bunnies!

With every snow storm I seem to become a little

more determined to rush spring~

We have enjoyed a little bunny friend all winter.

Our furry visitor lives near our garden compost...

Beneath the Forsythia shrubs~

Carrot ends, celery bases, cores... rinds...

All tasty snacks that we toss out a back window

to share while the winter winds continue to cover.

Our friendly rabbit will visit our gardens...

As long as I plant enough~ we can share!

My Etsy store is brimming with little faces!
...at least one tidy spot!
My studio has been a disaster for weeks as I have
been researching, painting, mixed media, carving...
A touch of mad-scientist in my blood~

Hope your weekend is perfect... and a bit messy, too!

Little Feathered Friends in Dresses...

2011-02-20T20:29:00.000-08:00

These sweet little girls are in my Etsy store...

All dressed in little spring dresses!

I remember getting a new dress each Easter~

This little tomboy would clean up for one day each year!

Mom would dress my sister and I like twins.

(She is four years older than me)

Tall, thin... olive skin... hazel eyes...

My chubby cheeks are covered with freckles~

We're as opposite as they come!

The pictures look sweet... my oldest sister

made most of our Easter outfits.

I was always tickled to have a new stuffed bunny!

(Even more tickled when the dress was put away...)

These feathered friends seem to like

their little dresses~

Hope you like them, too!

Wishing you a wonderful week~

Giveaway Winner!

2011-02-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hooray!

Deb... Garage Sale Gal

Won my latest original pen and ink giveaway~

Thank you for so many wonderful comments!

More original art will be in my Etsy soon...

Hope you're enjoying this little winter warm-up!

Melting~ smells like spring!!!

Happy Valentine's Day & Sunday Sketch...

2011-02-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

Wishing you love, friendship... laughs and joy!

Happy Valentine's Day~

I will draw a name from the hat later this evening

for the giveaway in my previous post...

You're not too late!

Giveaway! Baby Bird & Nest Art...

2011-02-07T09:03:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

~Sweet Springtime Bird and Nest~

Two original pen and ink illustrations on fabric!

Please leave a comment on this post to enter.

Name will be selected on February 14th!

I know our feathered friends will soon be

building cozy nests...

I feel as if our winter "nest" is getting a touch

of cabin fever... yet another snow "event" on the way.

"Event" does make it sound a bit more chipper...

...I think it's time to begin sketching nests,

songbirds and all things fresh & spring-like!

Ooodles of new sketches will be in my Etsy shop soon!

Hope you have a wonderful week~

A new sketch... a gift & planning a giveaway!

2011-02-01T09:36:00.001-08:00

A little late with my Sunday sketch...

My Sweet 17 is a joy!

She has a way of making the young, old and

everything in between smile... with her smile~

Little Man 14... well, he gets them to belly-laugh!

I'm a bit behind because as the snow piles high,

So do my deadlines! I'm having a great time

painting several new watercolor programs!

Or as a close-artist-friend stated...

"More goodies for the lazy artists to copy?"

I keep painting because it is what I love to do.

I license my designs because art should be seen.

I have not figured out why other artist

steal ideas, designs... programs... not just mine!

I feel sorry for them.

The joy of art is in the uniqueness!

I LOVE that MY art is one of a kind~

FRESH from my mind...

From my heart...

If certain artists try it too many more times~

My lawyers will be filled with joy!

Onto happy thoughts!

This GORGEOUS TREASURE arrived as a surprise~

A mug mat made by Donna...

Please visit her creative blog Brynwood Needleworks!

I wrote a little note to Donna that I will be framing

my gift~ we have kitty cats that adore

finer things in life and they would consider

this beautiful treasure a perfect nap quilt!

They have cozy beds...

Our laps in the evening...

This mug mat is a masterpiece for my studio!

Thank you, Donna!

A GIVEAWAY!

I've been trying to figure out what to do...

We have reached over 1,000 Etsy sales, Sweet Friends!

I will announce the new giveaway tomorrow...

I'll try to make this one extra-special!

Hope your day is safe!

This has been a very...

eh, what's the word...

very...

PERSISTENT!

Winter........

(smiles!)

Sunday Sketches...

2011-01-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

POST UPDATE:

Many of you have asked...

YES!

These have licensed and will be in stores!

As always, sweet friends~ thank you for your

sweet comments, support and for respecting

my original designs...

They are copyright protect... and published.

I will post about the cool products soon!!!

I have a sketch book for this...

A Moleskine journal for that...

This is a special diary that helps to keep me focused.
I want to hear the message~
I wish I could sit nice and make eye contact~
There is so much to see!

The gorgeous sage scarf with the pale mustard polka dots...
Three rows up~
The light patterns on the walls that begin
to look like design elements... or is that an elephant?
The sweet, rosy cheeked, baby that adores his momma
and cannot stop looking at her loving eyes!

I am visual.

When I draw...
I hear the message and learn~
because I'm not distracted.

I'm sure the top of my head is not all that fun
to look at. I try look up. I am interested in
everything the speaker has to share!
I will hear and retain more... if I draw.
I doodled in my notebooks all through
high school and college...
The teachers were not amused...
I tried to break myself of it...
I hear more this way.

So thankful our children
are able to focus better than their mum!

Thought it would be fun to share my Sunday Sketches...
Each Sunday I'll post a new scripture~

Hope you have a fantastic week!

Love banners...

2011-01-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

I hope your weekend is filled with...

Love...

Love...

Love!

Sharing some love...

2011-01-17T09:43:00.000-08:00

Hope all of you had a wonderful weekend!

Sweet 17 and I were at a friends house, helping her

sort through years of treasured collections...

As she prepares to move into a very small apartment.

We always love visiting with her...

Listening...

To where she found some of her favorite things.

How she risked life and limb at auctions!

Traveled states away to dealers...

Her visits in Shaker communities...

The most amazing, odd, rare and unique goodies!

We have purchased from her through the years...

She shares with so many~

She is finding her way through this downsize.

"These boxes for the college... this one for the antique

dealer... this one here to a brother, that one a niece...

Libraries... nursing homes..." she is a treasure!

The greatest treasure~

Her love!

We will have to find new projects in our future

visits... perhaps we will scrapbook, organize & journal!

Her heart and mind are filled with stories

we want to preserve for a very long time~

Hope your day is filled with love~

Valentine Illustrations...

2011-01-14T08:31:00.001-08:00

Sweet little cheeks and big bright eyes...

All ready to wish someone you love...

A Happy Valentine's Day!

These are a few of my new Etsy treasures~

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Giraffes!

2011-01-12T09:56:00.001-08:00

Thank you for your sweet comments!

Our Sweet 17 loves Owls and Giraffes...

These were fun to make~

Just to see her smile!

Hope they make you smile, too!

Birds and mice!

All these new pieces are going to be in my Etsy store!

Do hope you're warm and cozy!
Wishing you all the best~

New Art for Etsy...

2011-01-09T15:08:00.001-08:00

Little friends with big hearts...

Feathered friends with little hearts...

Cold hands... warm heart!

Hope your weekend has been perfect~

Carved Stamps...

2011-01-08T06:24:00.000-08:00

Somewhere in the hustle and bustle of the holidays~

I was playing.

I'm sure there was a list of things needing attention...

Maybe it was the day the roast was very dry?

Distraction is the cause of many a dry or burnt meals!

Or maybe I was playing on the day set aside to dust...

Ah, keep the lights down low if someone stops by!

Laundry piles indicate I was busy with "other" chores...

When I was in high school I enjoyed Linoleum Printing.
Carving those slippery, tough blocks...
Who needed aerobics?
By the time I had a design hacked out
I was sweatin'!

Through the years they have manufactured the
linoleum in a softer block... I prefer these new
ultra-soft carve blocks for little fun projects that
keep me from my housework.
I could however use the aerobic workout (giggle)

There are several soft products...
Some artists even use white erasers~

Tools n' such

I draw on the block with a soft pencil.

Working in negative space is fun!

Simply leave what you want to print~

Most craft stores carry a starter kit.

Many of the tips and one Speedball tool are from my

college supply box... they haven't changed much.

Hope your weekend is wonderful!

Play time... plan time...

2011-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

Little Valentine banners...

Teddy bears have all the fun!

I was able to find a few minutes to needle felt.

Play time has turned into plan time...

I have injured my wrist... again.

So this little fella is waiting for finishing touches!

Is it a mole?

A mouse?

Poor little guy waits...
Wonders what he will be...

Must keep my wrist stationary for a wee bit...

I am not very good at holding still.

What do you think this little fella should look like?

Hubby found another black kitty (or Black Lab)

whisker the other day... so I know the whisker color!

Hope your day is sunny!

New Friends to Welcome 2011...

2011-01-01T05:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

The morning sky was bright sherbet orange and pink...

Our home glowed for about an hour!

Unseasonably mild temperatures...

Ice jams melting all around us...

The feeder is filled with little feathered friends~

Especially this special little one!

Just before Christmas our Tiny Tim,

A Chickadee love that tried entering through a window,

...needed a little assistance.

After Tiny hit the window he flew down to a

small bush in a little L cove. He was perched/hanging

upside down like a cave bat...

I brought a hand towel out to protect him from

the whipping winds... and had him sitting upright again.

He watched me the whole time...

I pet his head, down his back... he turned and faced me...

After 3-5 minutes another Chickadee flew near my head

and began calling to the injured friend.

He took a small hop to the next bush...

Where they sat and had a pep talk...
He flew off to the feeder and then on his way...

I pet a Chickadee!
I know there are several trails nearby where they
have trained the Chickadees to perch and feed
from your hands...
I think that is very sweet... but this was special.

Wishing you sweet surprises for 2011!
Hope your year is filled with laughter, joy and
ooodles of creative moments~

Thank you for sharing your time with me~

Giveaway Winners & Treasures I Received...

2010-12-21T14:43:00.000-08:00

Thank you for so many wonderful comments!

Our giveaway winner...

Ellen (Netherlands)

Ellen will receive the signed pocket calendar...

I searched through my sample boxes and

found 12 more little treasures to share!

Please click on the tree to see if your name is there~

I will try to leave a note on your blogs...

Please email me your address and your

treasures will be on their way to you!

While I was having a giveaway...

Look at these wonderful treasures that I received

from a VERY generous, fun, playful, vintage giveaway!

Little Grey Gardens

Nita Jo
Opening this box was as fun as the little

candy shop I went to as a child!

Each surprise more beautiful...

I hope you will visit her sweet, sweet blog!

Thank you, Nita Jo!

Click for a closer peek...

...

The linens so soft, so loved...

BUTTONS!

You know these beauties will be packaged

with some of my pen and ink illustrations!

The colors are beautiful~

I was able to take a few pictures of new baby

dresses... Do hope to have them listed soon!

Hope your evening is perfect!

Winter Visits...

2010-12-19T05:41:00.000-08:00

Peek a boo!

A quick hello to thank you for your comments

on my pocket calendar giveaway!

I wish I had one for everyone...

...but I do have other samples!

So I will share 12 gifts on December 21st!

I will post the names & gifts on Tuesday!

You can leave comments on this post, too~

A few vintage baby dresses to share in my

Etsy Store later today...

I have put everything in the store on sale!

Must make room for more!

So many goodies... so little time...

I hope each of you are enjoying this

beautiful, blessed~ Holiday Season!

Special Giveaway!

2010-12-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

A New Giveaway!

One of my Pocket Calendars

Just in time for 2011!

I signed the front and inside~

Sweet friends we have reached 900+ sales!

Thank you for all of your comments, purchases,

special orders... encouragement... praises...

A little peek inside...

For a chance to win this calendar please leave
a little hello in the comment area of this post.
I will have Sweet 17 select the name
December 21st!
The first day of winter
We have been enjoying the winter weather~
Over 42" of snow since Dec. 1st brrrrrr...

I just listed more treasures in my Etsy store...

Little vintage dresses & journals coming soon~
I am trying to finish my Christmas cards... How I love to play!

Wishing you joy!

Christmas Birds & More...

2010-12-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you are staying warm and cozy...

Such blustery weather!

Our children have a snow day today~

Yummy chicken soup for lunch...

Fresh baked cookies...

I just listed oodles of new treasures in my

Etsy store...

Each piece comes with a little bag of

vintage buttons...
Any excuse to play with buttons & share!

Love these little bird pieces...

Oh the fun our feathered friends would

have if they were indoors...

Oh the fun our kitty dears would have if songbirds

were flying about our house!

Wishing you joy!

Not even a mouse...

2010-12-10T11:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your sweet comments about our

feathered friends... I have been sketching them!

Some are dressed in scarves, others have their hats

or snow boots on...

I am finishing up some special orders~

As soon as I have those treasures completed I

will begin listing the birds and more mice!

Hope you're staying cozy warm...

... and having a wonderful Friday afternoon!

Feathered Models...

2010-12-09T06:20:00.000-08:00

It has not stopped snowing...

Perfect time for new reference material!

This little friend sat perched like this for so long

I thought it was frozen in place...

Snow began sticking to its little head and shoulders...

Mr. & Mrs. were hanging out together...

Chickadee-dee-dee...

Tufted Titmouse...

New positions to add to my Titmouse files...

Very primitive photos... but perfect for layouts!

Triple the fun!

Wishing you smile-filled days!

Little Journals...

2010-12-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Took a break from shoveling...

The perfect winter sport...

To list new little journals!

Snowfriends...

Featheredfriends...

Both wink at me as I shovel to left...

...shovel to the right!

We have close to two feet...

My pup LOVES to dash through the snow...

My vehicle~ on the other hand, does not!

Back out to shovel some more...

Smiles and Best Wishes!

Pen and Ink Tote Bags...

2010-12-04T05:36:00.001-08:00

With Christmas movies rolling...

Hot cocoa steaming...

Christmas lights glowing...

I'm playing!

Fifteen new canvas bags are almost ready to list!

Several are packaged with fun buttons...

Photographed...

Ready to list...

The ones pictured here are just waiting for me to

pull out a different tin and find the perfect extras!

Through all of my need-to-do's today

I get to play in buttons at some point...

Buttons... no matter how many times I look

through my bins and tins~ seem fresh and new!

Please sign up in my past post for a chance to win

the little mouse journal!

Hope your day is filled with joys of the season~

Giveaway!! Brown paper journals tied up with strings...

2010-12-03T07:08:00.001-08:00

Please celebrate another giveaway with me!!!

This "Tender Mouse Star" journal is the prize~

Please leave a quick comment and your

name will be entered to win!

Drawing will be Sunday evening, December 5th!

Eleven new small craft journals for my Etsy store!

Each cover is an original pen and ink illustration~

I travel to the post everyday in December~

Making sure to get your packages to you as soon

as possible to help you plan your gift giving!

These little journals make perfect hostess gifts!
We have given them as teachers gifts, too~

I found this string at Anthropologie...

Have you ever thought about getting
locked in a store at night?
Anthropologie would be so much fun!
(Art stores are fun...
...but I could just lock myself in my studio for that!)
Anthro.... oh my... I would try a different perfume
every couple hours (it would smell delightful by morn)
I would read all of the cool books...
Pretend I was having 50 dinner guests...
Sleep in an elegant poofie bed! (just a cat nap)
Oh well...
Back to reality!

I love the red & white against the brown and ink!
Thought it would make a pretty page keep~

Hope your Friday is fantastic!

Flow Blue...

2010-12-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

I love all colors...

By far~ blue on white is my favorite!

Flow blue and watercolors...

Close relatives...

Best friends...

We find plate pieces buried in our gardens...

Hubby will be digging and I'll toss myself down

to rescue a chip! Perhaps that is why I enjoy gardening!

It's one big treasure hunt~

We found a new little tea cup at a local antique shop.

Chipped, cracked and stained~

It cost less than a candy bar...

Much fewer calories, too!

Hope you find some fun finds~