what else can grow on trees...

I have no explanations for this one... It just happened. A cross breed between animals and a tree. Well... I don't know why either... Put your own story here......................:)

A little while ago I turned out to be the lucky winner of the Sophie & Lili & Baby Star giveaway... and today my wonderful prize arrived in the mail! I'm pleased as punch:)

I've ordered a couple of more dolls from Sophie & Lili in order to avoid fights over the one doll I won. I'll have to hide them until a special occasion presents itself.

Thanks Baby Star and S&L!

hiding in the flowers...

Here kitty, kitty, kitty.... 

Sshhhh... He's hunting for the birds in the backyard... hiding in the flowers...

A new pattern to show you. I think I'm developing a crush on a warm grey and pink color combination:)

Some days I spent so much time sitting at the computer... that I could almost feel my behind giving roots into the office chair. 'This can't be good' - I think to myself while drinking coffee and going through my favorite stops on the internet. I'm procrastinating exercise like one would a visit to the dentist.

This weekend, as I was attempting to help my husband with moving of some furniture, I've realized how out of shape I actually am:( Today, I'm signing up for yoga. I am! Enough is enough:)

An illustration of a free floating thought... kind of like doodling - only with watercolors.

My 'happiness and fun' print reincarnated into a 'happy birthday to my sister' musical card for Hallmark. My favorite part - it plays "Thank You for Being a Friend" (golden girls theme song) when you open it.... and you could record your own message:)

summer...

The trouble with breaks is that they never last. I'm back... working and trying not to think of all the summer that I'm missing out on.

Sit down... stay a while:) Have some tea. Alice is coming. I made cupcakes. Life slows down a bit while you drink tea, doesn't it?

I'm leaving for a long weekend in the country. See you on the other side of the rabbit hole on Wednsday:)

The blanket of due dates has covered me whole. I try to stay focused on target in-front... "No time for personal work" - says the goody two shoes Helen (inside) to the 'I'll stay up all night if I want to' Helen. Oh, what's the use arguing with the second Helen. She always wins:)

Above... little gouache on the subject of thinking green:)

organic geometry...

Flowers - endless source of inspiration and a reoccurring motif in many of my patterns. "Just keep looking pretty and you'll end up in one of my patterns." - I tell them every time we get the chance to see each other outside. I think they are enjoying these past couple of rainy weeks much more than I do.

...I wanted to bring a bit of masculinity to this design with a few geometric, angular bits.... and I think it worked.

Some new watercolors to show you:)

crazy about...

This penguin and cat are both designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi in Italy circa 1950 in the famous Rimini Blu color combination of blue and turquoise glazes . This two are the beginning of my collection. 

They both like fish. They both reside on my desk... looking beautiful and making me happy:)

I had to take them outside for a tiny photo-shoot - since it's too dark in my house ... and this dreamy mediterranean blue deserved better.

temple vs amusement park...

Some of us see our bodies as a temple and some see it as an amusement park. I'm down with both points of view!

This photo of a brand new tattoo has been forwarded to me by the awesome folks from BlueQ. I had to take a second and a third look. Yep, that's the owl from the pattern I did for BlueQs overnighter bag. Someone loved it enough to give it a home on their back. Here's their original message:

(I just wanted to share some new ink with you guys - we at Acme LOVE,  

LOVE, LOVE the new stuff!  The photo below is a little raw still and   

combination of the overnight tote and the catalog cover.  My tattoo  

guy is a genius...

-nina)

Well, if anyone else wants to tattoo something I made...  let me know - I'll help with the process - make the lines clean and  help with colors - 'cause this is a serious commitment!

I got another idea for a wallpaper... or upholstery fabric. What do you think? It would go fabulously with mod furniture. Did a little collage work so you could see what I see:)

in grandma's forest...

My daughter Margo is absolutely crazy about the unicorns. A few days ago (during dinner) she informed me that while we'll be visiting grandma, her and daddy are going to hunt for unicorns in grandma's forest. I thought -"There's a concept worth illustrating."

spirtits...

This is how I imagine good spirits around you when you're happy.

life is such a circus...

I hope you all had en excellent weekend. The school is over and the kids are home. Days of the week lost almost all of their meaning. The only time I can hear myself thinking is if the headphones are on:)  A lot like a circus and this new pattern:)

sweet anticipation...

I just wanted to say - "I'm soooo looking forward to Tim Burton's version on Alice!" I'm sure it's going to be a visual feast!

Foxy Friend...

I don't know why I've never painted on a colored background before.... but I'm loving this! Step aside white or off white... cream, grey and other neutrals are in town. So glad I tried something new.

Aaahh... summer...my favorite season of them all. It's here. Hooray for good weather and the color green!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!! Happy Canada Day to all!