Bowie Style in Print...

Hooray! The long awaited Print & Pattern book has finally made it's way to me.... and, it doesn't disappoint. Beautifully put together and full of fun patterns and designs - it's a lot to take in in one go. It's a fine addition to my inspiration library.

A lot of people whose work I admire are in this book and it's such an honour to be a part of it:)

Here are just a few of the fabulous designers that have contributed:

Sukie, Heather Moore, Julia Rothman, Mike Lowery, Jillian Phillips, Carolyn Gavin, Sanna Annukka....

imaginarium...

Sometimes, simultaneously, two ideas pop into my head and they both want to be brought into life at the same time. So... I put the two together... and than, put the two apart (which resulted in 3 patterns). The abstract shapes serve as good visuals for kid-imagination... and the animals... well, they are kids.

in a nutshell...

Good things that went down this week...

• Lola got obsessed with 'Calvin and Hobbes' comics.

• Fibreglass kitty chair (a.k.a. Herman Miller arm shell chair) arrived and has been a huge success with the girls:) .... and no, for a change, it's someone else that drew on the furniture...

• I've adapted two more teak monkeys. I'm turning into a 'teak monkey lady'. That's a little scary. These are the last ones.

I've promised.

HAVE A SUPER WEEKEND, EVERYONE!

sunshine hopes...

I love spring... because after spring comes summer... well, and because the flowers and the birds really help to 'shoosh' away the blues:) There's a lot of grey and brown outside my window today, so I added it in. And the yellow... that's so more sunshine comes my way. Some sacrifice goats to please the weather maker... I make patterns:)

a whole new week...

Last week was full of action... chores... kids (who were on their march break - no school for a week) , taxes, failed watercolors... more chores... etc., Not enough peaceful time to gather my thoughts and blog. Well... this is a whole new week - and I'm super exited to find myself alone with my computer:) My new computer - may I add:) Yes, Mama got herself the 27 inch iMac and is very happy about it!

Above: Trying to spend more time with my old friend - gouache:)

green it up:)

I'm nor Irish, but... I'm adding some green to my gin & tonic tonight:)

magic birds & crazy kitties..

So glad I cut out some time for water-coloring this weekend. Really needed some time away from the glowing screen.

loud flowers...

I'm not against understated... or neutral... or monotone... or even muted and calm, but these do not cure boredom or yell at your retinas... and that's why the new patter is so loud... so bright... so SPRING!

today...

Today is dedicate at large to the administrative work I dread so so much (but it needs to be done and gone).  The silver lining, however, is that I decided to read 'Desing as Art' book by Bruno Munari (in between all the boring monotonous paper organizing). 

Very interesting so far:) I wish I had this book 10 years ago...

strength in numbers...

New square print! An excuse to draw numbers (that's right letters... you had your day in the sun... step aside and let others enjoy the spotlight) and fun characters. 

I keep waiting for the day when I get bored with bright colors. It hasn't come yet. There must be some connection between bright colors and serotonin in your (my) brain.

good to see you!

I've been on a pattern kick lately. Relaxes the mind. Some people take a bath... I make patterns. Wish I could combine those two:)

high hopes...

For me, any winter is a long winter... (although, this winter was pretty mild by Canadian standards). I start waiting for spring in the autumn and I don't stop until mid April ('cause that's how long it takes for it to get itself together and grace this frozen land with its presence). But, this year seems to be a little different. We just stepped into March - and... boom! - 3 days of sunny spring like weather! 

Editorial illustration for Today's Parent magazine on how to help your child develop internal motivation.

Found while in line at the grocery store:) Good times:)