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Nov 23, 2015
Happy Mermaid Monday!
Nov 6, 2015
Oct 29, 2015
Impressionable Portraits
Long ago, in a land far, far away (okay, like a few streets away...literally) I used to sit and draw conté portraits in a mall. My boyfriend at the time worked for a shop, who allowed me to sit right in front offering my services. At the time I did it because I could and it made me a little money during high school. But to be honest, I didn't see it as something to rave about or be excited about.
Fast forward almost 20 years, and I can tell you that my view on portraiture has changed...dramatically.
Hand drawn portraiture brings a perspective, quality, and etherial impression a photograph lacks without professional editing. And this is exactly what I hope to bring to you. The act of drawing a portrait is very personal, challenging, and a HUGE honor and gift given to me as the artist.
I have this daydream to hand draw children, friends, and family into fairies and angels. I am starting this new service using colored pencil while I build my watercolor techniques in this subject matter. The idea behind Impressionable Portraits is they are lifelike, and look very close to the realistic photo, but with a hint of whimsy and sketchiness found only in drawing. They are not intended to be photo realistic, but definitely to look a lot like the person being drawn.
I am currently taking commission requests for these portraits, and still have room to get some done before the Christmas holiday. They take about a week to create. Please visit my request page, fill out the information form, and in the subject line write "Impressionable Portrait".
These are 5x7 inch colored pencil drawings for a flat fee of $200. Sprayed and matted in a white mat, ready to be placed in an 8x10 frame.
All I need is the photo, if it's fairy or angel wings, color palette, and something of interest to the individual.
It's my wish to provide an image filled with wonder, joy, and light around a person you love dearly. As a gift, or for yourself.
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| c. 1999 |
Fast forward almost 20 years, and I can tell you that my view on portraiture has changed...dramatically.
Hand drawn portraiture brings a perspective, quality, and etherial impression a photograph lacks without professional editing. And this is exactly what I hope to bring to you. The act of drawing a portrait is very personal, challenging, and a HUGE honor and gift given to me as the artist.
I have this daydream to hand draw children, friends, and family into fairies and angels. I am starting this new service using colored pencil while I build my watercolor techniques in this subject matter. The idea behind Impressionable Portraits is they are lifelike, and look very close to the realistic photo, but with a hint of whimsy and sketchiness found only in drawing. They are not intended to be photo realistic, but definitely to look a lot like the person being drawn.
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| c. 2015 |
I am currently taking commission requests for these portraits, and still have room to get some done before the Christmas holiday. They take about a week to create. Please visit my request page, fill out the information form, and in the subject line write "Impressionable Portrait".
These are 5x7 inch colored pencil drawings for a flat fee of $200. Sprayed and matted in a white mat, ready to be placed in an 8x10 frame.
All I need is the photo, if it's fairy or angel wings, color palette, and something of interest to the individual.
It's my wish to provide an image filled with wonder, joy, and light around a person you love dearly. As a gift, or for yourself.
Oct 26, 2015
Happy Mermaid Monday!
Limited Edition Print Here:
My biggest inspiration ever was Ariel from Disney's The Little Mermaid. She sparked my interest in fairytales, challenged me in drawing, and has always made me swoon to the endless possibilities through dreaming. I created this piece a while back thinking of her, she is timeless to me.
Which mermaid has inspired you throughout the years?
★ Comment below and I'll enter you into a drawing to win a handmade bookmark of this piece! ★
Oct 15, 2015
What Would You Color?
I want to know your opinion for my next project. I'm designing and submitting a proposal for a new coloring book, but I can't decide which theme to go with. This would be for adults, and I know I want to include all things with wings, but how??
Halos I adore all things pattern, and placing the circles behind a lovely lady are representative of her personality and purpose. The halo is the radiating circles behind her. When I first heard this concept of patterned halos it was through a Mucha exhibit, where he himself called them halos. It forever changed how I saw them and the stories they tell.
Enchanted Gardens A narrative starting with the garden gate, entering into a world full of florals, landscapes, fairies, angels, and the songs of nature around them. A story unfolds as you wander through the pages, helping to create the mood through your choice of colors.
Will you help me? Vote!
Which theme would you prefer to color in my next coloring book?
My Pixie Fairy Coloring Book has be so much fun to share and create, I want to do more, with more pattern and detail. Something I truly love doing.
What's your favorite subject to color?
Answer in the comments below. :)
Sep 28, 2015
Fall In Monday
I just had to share the excitement that I am feeling right now! I ADORE fall! The wind, the crunch of leaves, the colors, the cozy sweaters, boots, boot socks, jackets, all of it! I could go on and on about what is so fantastic about fall.
I looked at our forecast for the week and today SHOULD be the last day of 80 degree weather. Granted, I may be a minority for not wanting the warm temps. I'm sure in a few months I'll be begging for spring. I've had my fill of it tho, and I'm ready for something cooler.
In anticipation for the 60-70 degree weather on the horizon, I'm having a sale.
Sales are just fun on Mondays, because....well....it's Monday. :/ We have SO much to focus on, get back into order, meetings, its the start to a long week, and we all could use some good news or smiles (wish I could make donuts magically appear before you, but alas I ran out of pixie dust).
So I hope you find YOUR LIGHT for the week, today, on a Monday of all days, and purchase yourself something encouraging and inspiring.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
If you purchase 2 prints from my shop, I will give you a third one, of your choice, free. All you need to do is buy the two and note to me which one you want as a third.
I looked at our forecast for the week and today SHOULD be the last day of 80 degree weather. Granted, I may be a minority for not wanting the warm temps. I'm sure in a few months I'll be begging for spring. I've had my fill of it tho, and I'm ready for something cooler.
In anticipation for the 60-70 degree weather on the horizon, I'm having a sale.
Sales are just fun on Mondays, because....well....it's Monday. :/ We have SO much to focus on, get back into order, meetings, its the start to a long week, and we all could use some good news or smiles (wish I could make donuts magically appear before you, but alas I ran out of pixie dust).
So I hope you find YOUR LIGHT for the week, today, on a Monday of all days, and purchase yourself something encouraging and inspiring.
FIND YOUR LIGHT
If you purchase 2 prints from my shop, I will give you a third one, of your choice, free. All you need to do is buy the two and note to me which one you want as a third.
Sep 24, 2015
Art in the Barn
This afternoon I'm framing and prepping using my favorite lost and found frames.
There's a wonderful event happening tomorrow night, and I am so happy to say that this year I will be a part of it. A fundraiser for a local library using art, music, and of course food and drinks. This event highlights local talent while raising funds for the library, I'm so excited! AND it's happening right as autumn begins, awesome kick off to the holidays right around the corner!
If you are in the central Iowa area, may I suggest a date night or social gathering with friends at this annual event. Hope to see you there!
There's a wonderful event happening tomorrow night, and I am so happy to say that this year I will be a part of it. A fundraiser for a local library using art, music, and of course food and drinks. This event highlights local talent while raising funds for the library, I'm so excited! AND it's happening right as autumn begins, awesome kick off to the holidays right around the corner!
If you are in the central Iowa area, may I suggest a date night or social gathering with friends at this annual event. Hope to see you there!
Art in the Barn
Friday, September 25th
Cost is $20
5:30-8:30pm
6169 Northglenn Drive
Johnston, Iowa
Sep 8, 2015
Mark Your Calendar
Monday, September 14th
I will be launching my new coloring book "Pixie Fairy" on Amazon and on my website sarabillustration.com.
I was so excited about my new coloring book coming out that I just had to share some pages with a couple of my closest friends and see how it went!
The first 10 orders will receive
FREE SHIPPING!
Aug 6, 2015
Head of Bees
Ever feel like your head is swarming with the busyness and buzzing of a bee hive?? That's me, today, present.
After an amazing weekend at the World of Faeries Festival -
Where I got to meet so many followers, see first hand how my work impacts others, hear the stories that come with learning people, making new friends, and watching little children in awe of fairies in the flesh walking about (adults dressed up of course). Not to mention all that Brian and I learned as vendors, the time away from Norah, and seeing old friends on our way back home...
- I am so full of ideas and have the feeling of NEED in regards to getting my business into order. We are on a new path, one I never thought I'd do. One that has changed many things. Including what products I sell and which ones I need to provide.
I didn't think it was possible with the income I make, that it was possible for ME to handle! So many little things to get into order, so many people to give my energy to....but it was so F U N!! I felt satisfied with my work, like it served a purpose, aspiring little girls to be artists as they watched me paint, and then older adults sparked by inspiration to pick up the brush again. Wow, just wow! Did I mention the joy of little girls with fairy wings dancing about?? I couldn't help but walk around with a huge smile on my face. Pure joy.
So to the buzzing in my head I say this, I need to get you out.
I will be taking a time of leave, starting next week, and returning August 24th. I need to have time to sit and give my business some serious attention. I am always scattered in a million directions, and I am overwhelmed with this sense that I should just sit down, write it all out, and make a plan for the rest of the year. To do this I need my other busy bees to visit a different garden.
With the holidays right on the horizon, and with so many ideas to execute by then, including two more shows (Oy!), it hurts now, but will be well worth it later to take this time off. It's so scary to leave the social media for two weeks, processing orders, and connecting with my followers. A lot of "What ifs" begin to fill my head. Fear. Lots of fear that my business will suffer for it. But the doubt and fear only makes me want to do it more, as I know that is how it usually works.
The more I'm afraid of it, the more I want to go through it. Things will always be hard, things will always turn out unexpected, but if I just fly and keep my eyes on the light, I can not fail.
After an amazing weekend at the World of Faeries Festival -
- I am so full of ideas and have the feeling of NEED in regards to getting my business into order. We are on a new path, one I never thought I'd do. One that has changed many things. Including what products I sell and which ones I need to provide.
I didn't think it was possible with the income I make, that it was possible for ME to handle! So many little things to get into order, so many people to give my energy to....but it was so F U N!! I felt satisfied with my work, like it served a purpose, aspiring little girls to be artists as they watched me paint, and then older adults sparked by inspiration to pick up the brush again. Wow, just wow! Did I mention the joy of little girls with fairy wings dancing about?? I couldn't help but walk around with a huge smile on my face. Pure joy.So to the buzzing in my head I say this, I need to get you out.
I will be taking a time of leave, starting next week, and returning August 24th. I need to have time to sit and give my business some serious attention. I am always scattered in a million directions, and I am overwhelmed with this sense that I should just sit down, write it all out, and make a plan for the rest of the year. To do this I need my other busy bees to visit a different garden.
With the holidays right on the horizon, and with so many ideas to execute by then, including two more shows (Oy!), it hurts now, but will be well worth it later to take this time off. It's so scary to leave the social media for two weeks, processing orders, and connecting with my followers. A lot of "What ifs" begin to fill my head. Fear. Lots of fear that my business will suffer for it. But the doubt and fear only makes me want to do it more, as I know that is how it usually works.
The more I'm afraid of it, the more I want to go through it. Things will always be hard, things will always turn out unexpected, but if I just fly and keep my eyes on the light, I can not fail.
Jul 31, 2015
Road Trip Time
Right now as I type this using my iPhone we are heading to Elgin Illinois.
Brian and I have teamed up to provide a tent, product, and whimsy to the World of Faeries Festival. Funny, we used to joke about running our own business together. It seems as God's plan has done just that!
Honestly this is just something I could not do on my own. I feel like this is right where we, and me, need to be. We are also taking a four day vaca from our daughter (so scary!!).
I'm way beyond my comfort zone, being out from behind my computer screen. Yet we can only truly connect with others face to face, and I do t want to loose that ability out of fear.
http://www.sarabillustration.com/#!product/prd4/3566029401/songs-of-summer---5x7
If you're near the Elgin area, I encourage you to leave the computer screen and come say hi. ^_^
Jul 24, 2015
Fairy Sewing Project
About a month ago I started a project, a sewing project. I decided to create my own costume for the World of Faeries Festival, something I've always wanted to do, but never felt I had the know how or guts to do.
I decided it was time to just "do it".
Although each step took several deep breaths, I am very happy to say I know how to use my machine well enough to sew without a manual, and I am way more confident in using the foot and speed. :) The costume is coming along too. It'll be interesting to see it all come together in the end.
When designing, and as I continue to create this costume, I keep asking myself "What would one of my fairies wear?". I want to personify one of my own creations. When do we ever get that opportunity!? It's way fun!!
Here are some progress shots. :)
I decided it was time to just "do it".
Although each step took several deep breaths, I am very happy to say I know how to use my machine well enough to sew without a manual, and I am way more confident in using the foot and speed. :) The costume is coming along too. It'll be interesting to see it all come together in the end.
When designing, and as I continue to create this costume, I keep asking myself "What would one of my fairies wear?". I want to personify one of my own creations. When do we ever get that opportunity!? It's way fun!!
Here are some progress shots. :)
Pockets!
Took apart a beautiful skirt to make my own "artist" apron. It will also allow for no cashbox.
A crown of course!
My parents bought me a beautiful costume for the ren faires this past Christmas. I decided to modify the chemise to make it longer and more like my fairies' design.
Apron on the chemise. The idea is to have a half bodice in the future, but for now this will do.
Also, HUGE shout out to my mom, who did all of the hemming and sewing for the apron!!
Also, HUGE shout out to my mom, who did all of the hemming and sewing for the apron!!
Jul 20, 2015
Peek A Boo
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I haven't forgotten about my blog or my newsletter, or Facebook for that matter, but working out new schedules, system for what I offer where, and how to find "me" time in it all. Because let's face it, when you can't take care of yourself, what you give out is no where near what you hoped it would be.
Wings are getting a bit clipped over on my end, but all for the better. Thank you for all of your patience and support. :)
Jun 22, 2015
Tea Fairies Time Lapse
It's been a couple of weeks since I've been present on my blog, so many things to do! Summer is a very busy time, how do families fit in vacations and outings?! Maybe it's my profession and the start of attending faires that makes it feel like a lot.
I played in iMovie today to see how much I could learn in an hour, the video below is the result. Unfortunately while filming the painting process my phone continued to run out of space, so there are steps missing, like the entire painting of the middle fairy, and the completion of the third fairy.
Yet, alas, it's a time lapse video nonetheless and I learned a lot about iMovie!
Enjoy.
I played in iMovie today to see how much I could learn in an hour, the video below is the result. Unfortunately while filming the painting process my phone continued to run out of space, so there are steps missing, like the entire painting of the middle fairy, and the completion of the third fairy.
Yet, alas, it's a time lapse video nonetheless and I learned a lot about iMovie!
Enjoy.
Jun 8, 2015
I Think I'm Flying Now
I will also be at the World of Faeries Fair in Illinois this August, having been invited from the Times Faire. AND there is the possibility of doing two more fairs before the end of the year!
I have also committed to submitting my work to three SciFi Fantasy conventions; DemiCon, which was this past May; CONvergence in July, and ICon (Iowa Icon) in October.
It is crazy to think that I would be setting up tables and doing in person selling. I have been selling online for over 10 years because of my fear of small talk. Yet, I found selling in person rewarding in a new way...I got to meet the people, and they got to meet me!
I had a couple customers say they had either seen my work or bought my work online, and now they got to meet me! I would be so excited if I could do that with an artist I admired.
Once the weekend was over, I came home to this, the reality of life in the art studio. I too am a huge fan of looking at artists' studios....so preen and airy. But I fear in real life, it's a bit more like this....more often than not.
Flash Sale Summer 2015
This Friday, June 12th, I will be having my second EVER flash sale. How many times until it becomes tradition? Well, I plan to have one every six months to help clear things out. So far, here are some peeks into what I have going up on the site.
What's different about this flash sale is it'll be on my website, www.sarabillustration.com, and everything will be listed at the exact same time. The page will go live at 3pm CST. There will also be special "peek a boo" items that will not be advertised, but available during the sale as well.
So mark your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, tac up a sticky note, and get ready for a week of sneak peeks, and a fun sale at the end of the week! What a great way to start the weekend. :)
May 9, 2015
Friday - In the Artist Studio
Everything else typically gets pushed to Monday. Because of our weekend schedules working on Saturday or Sunday nights becomes quite difficult, so it becomes easier to just not work and give my loved ones my attention.
It was mentioned on Twitter that I create a fairy delivering coffee. I couldn't let it go, being a big coffee person myself, and on a weekly basis wish there was a coffee delivery service here in Des Moines. At that, I just got started and let other projects go to the side. When you feel it, you must go with it. That's how you know it's from the heart. :)
It wasn't raining either, so Norah and I did some errands to Hobby Lobby, Target, then some weeding out back to get some vitamin D. Loved watching her play in the dirt (helping mom weed) and pick dandelions.
I worked on the coffee fairy during her morning nap (2.5 hours) and in the evening (2 hrs). Brian and I finished the night off with an episode of Dr. Who. ^_^
Have a great weekend!
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May 7, 2015
Thursday - In the Artist Studio
As I grow older, and spend more time finding my true heart, my true spirit, and how to reign in all of the emotions I was gifted (yes, I believe they are a gift, not a curse), I have discovered how important it is to take time away from it all.
All of it. Shut off, close the door, sleep, and rest.
I fly so much, so often, that I always forget to stop and take a rest, and then the emotions take over and I have no control because I'm too tired. By taking a break, I regain my energy and my mental stability. It seems so simple, but so hard to do!
Every week it's a different day, but at least one day a week I give it up and just rest. It always looks different in how I rest too, but the important thing is to allow my mind a break from the "to do" list and the weight I place onto my shoulders in serving others, work, and realizing my responsibilities will still be met the next day.
Thursday, today, was my day. Last night was a deep, dark night within my heart, and when I was given the opportunity to have time alone from caring for Norah, and with hubby at work, I laid down and slept all afternoon, 3 hours! This time renewed my sore heart, gave my brain a break from all of the chatter, and my body time to heal.
As a creative soul, an introvert, a mom, a wife, a friend, and care taker of our home, I need to step away and rest. We all need this, and it is why I have been commanded to. Out of love for my soul I was told to take a day of rest.
It truly does amazing wonders when you allow yourself to be FREE from this world, and FREE to roam the heart and breath given to you. The day continues, life doesn't fall apart when we aren't attentive to EVERYTHING, ALL the time. I need that reminder, or this world will run me, instead of me running me as I walk this world.
All of it. Shut off, close the door, sleep, and rest.
I fly so much, so often, that I always forget to stop and take a rest, and then the emotions take over and I have no control because I'm too tired. By taking a break, I regain my energy and my mental stability. It seems so simple, but so hard to do!
Every week it's a different day, but at least one day a week I give it up and just rest. It always looks different in how I rest too, but the important thing is to allow my mind a break from the "to do" list and the weight I place onto my shoulders in serving others, work, and realizing my responsibilities will still be met the next day.
Thursday, today, was my day. Last night was a deep, dark night within my heart, and when I was given the opportunity to have time alone from caring for Norah, and with hubby at work, I laid down and slept all afternoon, 3 hours! This time renewed my sore heart, gave my brain a break from all of the chatter, and my body time to heal.
As a creative soul, an introvert, a mom, a wife, a friend, and care taker of our home, I need to step away and rest. We all need this, and it is why I have been commanded to. Out of love for my soul I was told to take a day of rest.
It truly does amazing wonders when you allow yourself to be FREE from this world, and FREE to roam the heart and breath given to you. The day continues, life doesn't fall apart when we aren't attentive to EVERYTHING, ALL the time. I need that reminder, or this world will run me, instead of me running me as I walk this world.
May 6, 2015
Wednesday - In the Artist Studio
Made it to the middle of the week, and we're all still alive! Norah is getting some rest, and hubby stayed home, now sick too. Thankfully, I still haven't been hit with it, just a scratchy throat and runny nose..... allergies?
Wednesdays I try to make into web work days and painting if I can squeeze it in. I work on my Etsy shop if it needs attention, my personal website, and the Iowa Watercolor Society website...which I volunteer my time to do.
Today it was updating my Etsy shipping profiles to now allow calculated shipping costs. Yay! I really hate over charging people for shipping, and now I don't have to worry. Thank you Etsy.
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I have also discovered today that I may need to invest in covered trash baskets. >_<
Wednesdays I try to make into web work days and painting if I can squeeze it in. I work on my Etsy shop if it needs attention, my personal website, and the Iowa Watercolor Society website...which I volunteer my time to do.
Today it was updating my Etsy shipping profiles to now allow calculated shipping costs. Yay! I really hate over charging people for shipping, and now I don't have to worry. Thank you Etsy.
I have also discovered today that I may need to invest in covered trash baskets. >_<
May 5, 2015
Tuesday - A Week in the Artist Studio
Monday officially sets the week in motion, and by Tuesday, I feel like I can best determine what kind of week it's going to be. Granted, things unexpected always happen, but this week Norah has a cold, which means a lot of play and a lot of snuggles. I need to keep my to do list simple and not expect to get everything done.
If she has a cold, I'm not too far from one, so self care (napping when she naps, eating well, etc) is just as important for me too.
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Today I'm excited because I get to paint three lovely ladies sipping tea. I was going to do coffee (since I'm a coffee fanatic), but I wouldn't have been able to draw the wee tea flags that I adore so much. ^_^
Tuesdays are a day for creating. I do my best to reserve this day for painting or drawing. Sometimes if I am able, I will paint or draw Monday night to gear me up for Tuesday. Somehow that works for me.
Last night I was able to put 4 hours in (!!!) and got some Christmas art finished, and today is the reward by painting something fresh and new!
If she has a cold, I'm not too far from one, so self care (napping when she naps, eating well, etc) is just as important for me too.
Today I'm excited because I get to paint three lovely ladies sipping tea. I was going to do coffee (since I'm a coffee fanatic), but I wouldn't have been able to draw the wee tea flags that I adore so much. ^_^
Tuesdays are a day for creating. I do my best to reserve this day for painting or drawing. Sometimes if I am able, I will paint or draw Monday night to gear me up for Tuesday. Somehow that works for me.Last night I was able to put 4 hours in (!!!) and got some Christmas art finished, and today is the reward by painting something fresh and new!
May 4, 2015
Monday - A Week in the Artist Studio
I am always wondering how other artist moms, especially those with toddlers do it. This is my attempt to document what a week in my studio looks like on a day to day basis (thought I didn't have enough projects going).
MONDAY
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Beware the land mines. >_<
Did I mention we listen to Kidz Bop most of the time? Norah loves to boogey, and so does mom.
MONDAY
I process all of my orders on Monday, it's my main goal. I set a few goals, but this is always #1. Our weekends are usually very full, so this is a recoup day for us, and orders are the easiest to do watching Norah.
Beware the land mines. >_<
Did I mention we listen to Kidz Bop most of the time? Norah loves to boogey, and so does mom.
Apr 6, 2015
SBI Website Revealed
A big project that's been underway since December, my website.
I have many goals for what it can provide my customers and potential clients, yet until all those goals are met, there are a few that have been reached and I feel the site is ready to be revealed.
Visit the new SaraB Illustration site ☛
I have many goals for what it can provide my customers and potential clients, yet until all those goals are met, there are a few that have been reached and I feel the site is ready to be revealed.
What Does My Site Offer Now
- My watercolor book and coloring book
- Shop etsy while still within my site
- Request form and details on private commissioned work
- Contact form you can reach me at
- A comprehensive portfolio showing my range of work
Goals For the Site
- List all of my original artwork for sale, paintings and drawings
- Move prints from Etsy to personal site
- Offer more licensed gifts such as figurines, mugs, puzzles, etc.
It would mean so much if you could take a visit and see what's new. Enjoy! :)
Visit the new SaraB Illustration site ☛
Apr 1, 2015
A Fairy's Garden
As a fairy artist you'd think I would already have like, ten fairy gardens. Nope, not even one, although I adore the thought of them and used to have an obsession anything miniature when I was younger (although I didn't really have dollhouses, just Barbies).
Fairy gardens are all the rage right now, and as always, I try to not follow too close to the trend. There are places throughout my yard where I can envision little fairy spots nested. They fly, so wouldn't all of the 'parts' be scattered about? Like bird houses, feeders, and flowers are for the wildlife that can fly?
I decided to start with the very front of our yard, near our new mums (praying they made it through the winter). I visited Hobby Lobby today, never a healthy choice, and saw the fairy garden accessories on sale. I have a sweet spot for bird baths, and saw one I just fell for. Also, mushrooms add that little bit of British flare I miss so much.
This will be called Mushroom Park, where the fairies can come and sit for a rest and enjoy looking out into the rest of the neighborhood. There will also be dahlias planted behind in the flower bed, so it'll be a hot spot for bumblebee friend meet ups.
Norah and I did it together, she adored the bird bath as much as I did, and didn't want to let it go. Then after all was set she found a mushroom she thought would look better in her room.....or her tummy. Not sure which.
I can't wait to find more items that can be reimagined into fairyland charm. I also look forward to Norah growing up with magical spots throughout our yard and use her imagination to give the fairies wings.
Fairy gardens are all the rage right now, and as always, I try to not follow too close to the trend. There are places throughout my yard where I can envision little fairy spots nested. They fly, so wouldn't all of the 'parts' be scattered about? Like bird houses, feeders, and flowers are for the wildlife that can fly?
I decided to start with the very front of our yard, near our new mums (praying they made it through the winter). I visited Hobby Lobby today, never a healthy choice, and saw the fairy garden accessories on sale. I have a sweet spot for bird baths, and saw one I just fell for. Also, mushrooms add that little bit of British flare I miss so much.
This will be called Mushroom Park, where the fairies can come and sit for a rest and enjoy looking out into the rest of the neighborhood. There will also be dahlias planted behind in the flower bed, so it'll be a hot spot for bumblebee friend meet ups.
Norah and I did it together, she adored the bird bath as much as I did, and didn't want to let it go. Then after all was set she found a mushroom she thought would look better in her room.....or her tummy. Not sure which.
I can't wait to find more items that can be reimagined into fairyland charm. I also look forward to Norah growing up with magical spots throughout our yard and use her imagination to give the fairies wings.
Mar 25, 2015
Spring Tulip Fairies
Working to incorporate the patterns I have so much fun drawing into fairy dress design. With spring upon us too, tulips and little weed flowers inspire me.
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New Originals On Etsy
Tomorrow I'm listing these cute original watercolor pixies for sale in my Etsy shop. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to see the exact time they'll be going up!
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Mar 23, 2015
Spring Headdresses
A page in my sketchbook I'm proud of. There are many times I wished all the pages in my sketchbook were this full. I'm praying this is the light of something new. :)
Mar 11, 2015
When In Doubt, Search Out Joy
As I came to the end of the Sweet Easter collection yesterday, doubt started to overwhelm me. It had already begun creeping into the space of my heart, but yesterday I was submerged and left bobbing for some kind of clarity. Did I do ok? Was this strong enough?? Is it what my agent wanted??? Will it sell????
The art licensing realm is quite different than what I'm accustomed to. I had a system to my art, always got great feedback, and I thought I knew what I was meant to do! I thought "I'm going to paint fantasy, and that's that. That's me! It's what I do!". I am learning, quickly, that nothing, NOTHING, is "That's that.". EVERYTHING is changing, all....the.....time.
That includes my art. What I'm accustomed to is, as my friend put it best, being comfortable. Art for licensing is stretching me so thin that I'm being redefined, challenged, pulled out of my box. I am usually the one teaching my students to get outside of their comfort zone, and to get outside of the "box" we choose to place ourselves in. Time to take a big bite out of my own teaching! I'm comfortable with my subject matter, my compositions, and techniques. I'm not playing anymore.
This has led to doubt. I feel helpless, lost, without faith, no trust, and begin to think I just don't have what it takes. But doubt is a LIE. It's the biggest lie out there that you'll ever find. It just takes a grain of doubt to bring your entire soul down. At least...that's usually how it rolls with me. That doubt must, I repeat, must be replaced by JOY.
Tonight, after teaching another watercolor class about getting out of your comfort zone, I decided to continue searching for words of wisdom, insight into the world of creating art for licensing, and found this amazing interview by J'Net Smith with Joan Marie.
This! This is just what I needed to hear! If you have any doubt, this simple yet compelling interview resounds all the advice and wisdom I have found thus far, on creating art for licensing. I thrive on constructive feedback, and have found very little in the licensing community so far. But there are TONS of information and interviews. These are the keys to gaining feedback. Read. Read. Read. It's just different then what I'm accustomed too. That's okay!
And...
TRUST
LOVE
Find your JOY. Your VOICE. Your SPIRIT.
Then share it to the world.
This is the key I must continue to remind myself. To remind others as I teach. To remind yourself.
The art licensing realm is quite different than what I'm accustomed to. I had a system to my art, always got great feedback, and I thought I knew what I was meant to do! I thought "I'm going to paint fantasy, and that's that. That's me! It's what I do!". I am learning, quickly, that nothing, NOTHING, is "That's that.". EVERYTHING is changing, all....the.....time.
That includes my art. What I'm accustomed to is, as my friend put it best, being comfortable. Art for licensing is stretching me so thin that I'm being redefined, challenged, pulled out of my box. I am usually the one teaching my students to get outside of their comfort zone, and to get outside of the "box" we choose to place ourselves in. Time to take a big bite out of my own teaching! I'm comfortable with my subject matter, my compositions, and techniques. I'm not playing anymore.
This has led to doubt. I feel helpless, lost, without faith, no trust, and begin to think I just don't have what it takes. But doubt is a LIE. It's the biggest lie out there that you'll ever find. It just takes a grain of doubt to bring your entire soul down. At least...that's usually how it rolls with me. That doubt must, I repeat, must be replaced by JOY.
Tonight, after teaching another watercolor class about getting out of your comfort zone, I decided to continue searching for words of wisdom, insight into the world of creating art for licensing, and found this amazing interview by J'Net Smith with Joan Marie.
This! This is just what I needed to hear! If you have any doubt, this simple yet compelling interview resounds all the advice and wisdom I have found thus far, on creating art for licensing. I thrive on constructive feedback, and have found very little in the licensing community so far. But there are TONS of information and interviews. These are the keys to gaining feedback. Read. Read. Read. It's just different then what I'm accustomed too. That's okay!
And...
TRUST
LOVE
Find your JOY. Your VOICE. Your SPIRIT.
Then share it to the world.
This is the key I must continue to remind myself. To remind others as I teach. To remind yourself.
Mar 10, 2015
It's Official
My very first intentional collection, from start to finish. A sweet Easter lamb surrounded by tulips, joyful bold colors, and a hint of earthy textures.
Feb 25, 2015
Shamrock Pixies
New Art!
Created for Creative Design Outlet and Crafts and Me digital stamps. Coming soon!
Created for Creative Design Outlet and Crafts and Me digital stamps. Coming soon!
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Feb 23, 2015
Christmas Bear Sketches
A very small and sweet story unfolded as I drew these.
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Feb 16, 2015
Stamping Beauty
Have you ever Googled yourself? I do. It might look pretentious, but it really gives an insight to where your name is being used, and for me that includes my art. Thankfully I never find much of anything except for my own posts AND these gorgeous cards!
I license out my images to an online craft store called Crafts and Me based in the UK. She sells digital stamps and some rubber ones too. On her blog they host challenges for those who love to make their own cards and paper crafts.
You can find all of my digital stamps here ☞ http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/-c-218_240.html
Find my rubber stamps here ☞ http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/-c-290_211.html
It always gives me the biggest smile when I see these. Be sure to visit their blogs for more lovelies and inspiration!
Fantasy Stampers Challenge Blog - http://fantasystampers.blogspot.com/
Your Next Stamp - http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog - http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/
Treasured Times Rubber Stamp Challenges - http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog - http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/
I license out my images to an online craft store called Crafts and Me based in the UK. She sells digital stamps and some rubber ones too. On her blog they host challenges for those who love to make their own cards and paper crafts.
You can find all of my digital stamps here ☞ http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/-c-218_240.html
Find my rubber stamps here ☞ http://www.craftsandme.co.uk/-c-290_211.html
It always gives me the biggest smile when I see these. Be sure to visit their blogs for more lovelies and inspiration!
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| Into My Happy Space |
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| Stamptacular Sunday Challenge |
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| cre8tively yours |
 |
| Crafts and Me |
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| Crafty Urchins |
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| In My Quiet Time |
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| In Rosie's Book |
Here are some places that you could make cards and enter into challenges, how fun is this!
Fantasy Stampers Challenge Blog - http://fantasystampers.blogspot.com/
Your Next Stamp - http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Simon Wednesday Challenge Blog - http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/
Treasured Times Rubber Stamp Challenges - http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog - http://stamptacularsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/
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Have a Blessed Monday!
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