inspired by...

I'd like to introduce you to one of my very favorite illustrators - Toshiyuki Fukuda. What an awesome source of inspiration! When I grow up I'd like to be like Toshiyuki... in the mean time... does anyone know where I could find these amazing stuffies modeled after his illustration?

holiday cards...

While I'm waiting for the snow to melt, I figured, it's time to show you my christmas cards for this year. Well, I know I'm in a serious minority here, when I say - I love a man with a beard.... but you must agree.... these 3 wise man are adorable:) 

I had fun staying away from the traditional red and green. There's going to be plenty of that anyway...

instant winter...

Getting out the door this morning was an epic production. I've lived here for 15 years... and still... I'm surprised every time. It just couldn't wait 3 days (until after trick or treating). Oh, well. Good thing I work inside:)

crazy bananas weather.

Captain's journal...October 28... a snowstorm. 10-15cm of snow. Expecting a school bus cancelation and a big stay at home with the family day ahead of us (the silver lining). 

sugar zombies...

Purchased enough candy yesterday to please a small village of children, fill a pinata for Margo's birthday and have some leftovers. As a child, I would have lost my mind  knowing that there's so much candy in the house:) The variety and the packaging alone.... Boy! Lucky 'trick or treaters' better start saving money for a dental plan:)

the magic of babbu...

I'm a huge fan of babbu and it's about time I introduce you to it! I fell in love with this little Italian brand since I first saw the pop corn bag (that I am still inseparable from) on makool loves you online store (sadly, they don't seem to have them anymore). Babbu has some of the funnest accessories I've ever seen and is powered by an awesome designer and a very interesting girl Christina Onofri. Loved going through her blog and I'll definitely be back for more babbu magic:)

all hands on deck...

Made this painting of a little elephant with big dreams. No reason, really... just wanted to paint. I guess I'm going through an oil phase. It's addictive. 

Maybe it will complete some little sailor's nursery ... one day. Who knows:)...

HAVE A WARM AND COZY WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

Home & Garden - diet editorial...

These illustrations were made for an article (in Home and Garden Magazine) on dieting. I think I gained a pound just drawing the donut. Mmmm... donut:) I think I'm gaining one just thinking about it.

painting sneak pic...

The painting is all done... drying in the basement. I'll show you the whole thing properly once it's ready to take it's rightful place behind the couch:)

This, of course, is a portrait of my girls and a reminder that time flies and they are this way only for a short while. I'm happy with the way it turned out:)

a fine day for painting...

It's cold and miserable outside. It's been raining... and raining. Perfect day to do some painting in a basement. Some music, some coffee. Mmmm...

That's my color palette ... not a painting. Although... it could be:)

I'll post a sneak pic of what comes out tomorrow:)

friends in different area codes:)

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend!

Are you good at keeping in touch with all your friends? I find it easier to make up a pattern than keep in touch. I finally put some money into my Skype account and now I no longer have that excuse going for me. It will be a phone day today.

This pattern was a lot of fun! I think that one day it would make a great cover for an address/phone book.

Margo's birthday invitation:)

Margo is turning 5 in a couple of weeks! Time to invite a few snotty friends to a little party:)

For me, making the invitations is the best part. This one turned out very "alice in wonderland". It suits her very much.

procrastinate now!

one fine autumn day...

New pattern to show you today. My inspiration is the green belt forest located 10 meters from my house. I often see the neighbors cats headed that way. Maybe they have little cat meetings there:) or a little hunt... (who knows).

At the moment, these colors are my favorite and my best, so there was no experimenting with other combinations.

See you on Wednesday, as I'm buried under a pile of work.

canadian thanksgiving:)

To all the Canadians: happy and delicious thanksgiving weekend!

I  am abuzz with preparations for a little family feast. It should be fun:)

Above: A thanksgiving card I made (could be found here), and a prototype dish/napkin set.

retro nursery must...

Vintage puzzle is a must for every retro nursery. If I had to do it all over again (no thanks...tho) these would definitely be a part of my nursery decor. Some hot glue, string on the back and ta da - instant charm! 

I found all these on Etsy:

1.Timmy Time and the Scunk puzzles from silocurb

2. Vintage puzzles from Vintage Bethany

3. 50s wooden puzzles from VintageWorks

4. Vintage Playskool puzzles from goodlookin

5. Vintage Wood Puzzles from DragonflyStitches

birthday card:)

I've been doing a lot of cards lately. Most of them I can't share with you until the publishing date, but this one didn't get picked up... so here it is:) I'm not sure how much 2 y. olds care about warm wishes, but they might like the kittie and the horsie (everything ends in ie when you are 2).

random fun finds:)

Just wanted to show you some bright cheerful things that I admire from the JosephJosheph and Alessi.

Well, maybe Mr. Suicide (tub stopper) isn't so cheery... but at least he's bright:)

H is for Halloween...

Watched the awesome Tim Burton film "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with the girls last night. It really got me into the Halloween mood:) Soon, I'll get to put the pirate flag in front of my 'castle' and fill the secret places with candy! Yeah!  

I came to Canada when I was 16... so I missed out on all the sweet gloomy fun as a kid. No worries, I'm making up for it! I'm not taking it nearly as seriously as some of my neighbors, tho.

These are some of the Halloween cards I've done in previous years. The top one could be found here:)

burst of autumn...

I'm really starting to feel the fall... The heater has been coming on all night, the kids left the house wearing gloves and hats, and the tree in-front of my office window that blocks the sun during summer is loosing  it's colorful glory. The beautiful leaves is my second favorite thing about autumn (right after the wonderful fruits and vegetables). This pattern is all about the amazing carpet of fall.

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND:)