orange you lucky!

botanical current clash . . .

2012-01-29T12:00:00.009-05:00

This pattern is something in between above and under water. A botanical current clash. A mix of wind and water moving organic matter.

oh, the blues . . .

2012-01-27T00:08:00.011-05:00

I'm back... in body. In spirit I'm still knee deep in the ocean. Post vacation blues I suspect. From now until summer the only diving I'm going to do is into work. Well, no matter! Better make the work as fun and colourful as possible:)

see you soon . . .

2012-01-17T01:23:00.005-05:00

Kids, passport, gravol, advil, sketchbook... I'm ready! Ready for a little family vacation. Hope the weather favours us with it's best. See you all sometime next week:)

woodland flora . . .

2012-01-15T03:42:00.013-05:00

I've been ignoring the snowstorm outside. Thankfully Michael and the girls love the snow and enjoy all it has to offer (snow fights, snow people, snow angels, snow castles, snow shoeing behind the house, etc.,). I, on the other hand, am failing as a northerner in every aspect. I'm a total houseplant... and (until I bloom in the summer) I will live inside my head... well, and I'm also going on a little vacation next week to a sunny (hopefully) tropical place.

Oh yes, and the pattern above is what it sometime looks like inside my head:)

a wee cluster of butterflies . . .

2012-01-11T00:28:00.010-05:00

How do you like this new pattern I've just cooked up in my pattern kitchen? For a person terrified of insects I sure draw a lot of butterflies:) Well... they look like summer, and that's a big plus.

inside the rainbow . . .

2012-01-10T03:54:00.009-05:00

A new print to show you today. Full of color toomuchery and fun characters. A break from the grey and white outside.

botanical asylum...

2012-01-04T04:16:00.009-05:00

First pattern of the year! Driven by the ever colder weather into botanical asylum inside.

Here comes the new beginning...

2011-12-31T17:33:00.004-05:00

To all of you from all of me - Happy and Prosperous New Year! May all of your champagne wishes and caviar dreams come true in 2012!

Love,

Helen:)

blue pears. . .

2011-12-23T04:11:00.010-05:00

Wanted to leave you with some blue pears before I went on a little holiday break.

Green and red have been hogging the spotlight lately:)

a bit of light. . .

2011-12-21T01:28:00.004-05:00

Made a couple of new bright watercolors (to part the dark winter sky and let some light in).

thank you for playing!

2011-12-19T17:14:00.004-05:00

Thank you all so much for playing along and leaving me a comment on my little Mudpuppy Mermaid Castle giveaway. I loved reading them! As it is Monday already, I went to random.org and it has generated #29 for me... therefore the winner is Shivani (My Owl Barn). Please contact me (dardik@sympatico.ca) with your address:)

mermaid castle for mudpuppy . . . giveaway

2011-12-15T19:43:00.009-05:00

Today I had the pleasure to receive samples of the Mermaid Castle Playspace that I've designed for mudpuppy. It turned out great! Me and the girls had fun playing the underwater merfamily that lives in a four room castle with its octopus doors and coral clocks. I've got a few, and so I've decided to give one away! Leave me a comment before Monday afternoon for your chance to win this fun castle:)

Wishing . . .

2011-12-12T03:08:00.009-05:00

Wishing I could print my own wrapping paper. Wouldn't that be great:)

escapism . . .

2011-12-08T16:23:00.012-05:00

Watercoloring... The colder and gloomier it gets, the more I want to paint flowers and happy people. My little escape:)

little wolf prince and his garden . . .

2011-12-06T04:03:00.010-05:00

A new pattern. Two colours. There's a little story in there... somewhere... about a little wolf prince and his wondrous garden:)

2011 holiday gift tags . . .

2011-12-03T03:35:00.006-05:00

As per my annual holiday tradition - I've designed and am sharing these gift tags with you:)

Hope they come in handy!

FEEL FREE TO COPY:

• click on the image - it will open in its own window at high resolution (300 dpi)

• copy that to your desktop.

• print as many as you'd like in any size you'd like:)

Goodbye November. . . Hello New Print . . .

2011-11-29T22:01:00.007-05:00

November cantine has only got a few drops left in it (although it is using all of it to make as much rain as it can over at my end of the world). Gloomy and chilly. I've chosen a strong, contrasty and cheerful palette for my new print. Begone rainy gloom!:)

pattern uphill . . .

2011-11-25T19:08:00.012-05:00

Life is a mountain... and I'm a mountain goat. Well, at least that's the way I've been feeling about it this week. Steep climb uphill.

Hope this pattern brightens and lightens your climb:)

early snow angels . . .

2011-11-22T00:53:00.004-05:00

I know, I know... It's too early to think of Holiday. I usually wait until December (for Holiday posts)... but this year I started getting e-mails about '2011 gift tags' and 'festive embroideries' middle of November... Therefore, I feel that you are ready to see my latest Target Card!

sweet little cards . . .

2011-11-20T17:38:00.007-05:00

I've designed these little cards for Japanese Otto Trading Stationery Products company. Sadly, only available in Japan.

November Foliage . . .

2011-11-17T16:12:00.006-05:00

Well, this is it, no more leaves on the trees. Days are getting shorter and gloomier. November... at least the leaves in my pattern are bright and cheerful.

wildwood . . .

2011-11-16T03:03:00.005-05:00

How often, when you are trying to shop for other people do you come across unexpected treasures that you must have? For me, it's an 'every time' kind of occurrence. Last time it happened I was in Toronto, in a little 'hipster type' store (full of expensive little nothings) when I came across 'WILDWOOD'. I have not read any reviews (or even heard of it) but the illustrations (by Carson Ellis - and the book is peppered with them) were just so good - I had to buy the book by it's cover! No regrets. It turned out to be a great read, and I can't wait until the girls read it (ages 9 UP) and we could have a little chat about it:)

wheat, straw & color pencils . . .

2011-11-14T15:50:00.006-05:00

It's been a long while since I've used a color pencils... a very long while... but, here I am. Like riding a bicycle (also, haven't done that in a while:).

Color pencils - Reeves (a gift from my friend Rigel).

Paper - 100% Wheat & Straw from Ecojot (Thanks Carolyn!:)

Exciting news!

2011-11-11T02:43:00.008-05:00

I've got some exiting news to share with you! Today, a lovely new wall graphics company Kowallaa opens the 'doors' of it's online shop! The store is full of fun decals (including 3 of my own designs) that would make any kids room instantly funner:)

P.S.: 11 just happens to be my very favourite number:). Good day to start something new!

OK . . . or maybe even awesome . . .

2011-11-09T01:29:00.013-05:00

I hope you are all having a great day... but, just in case you aren't, maybe my new print will cheer you up:)

still green . . .

2011-11-07T01:23:00.011-05:00

I took a little break from real life. Flew to Toronto for a few days. Spent time with a couple of dear friends (Rigel Phillips & Carolyn Gavin (ecojot)). Had a great time! Caught my breath and had a few peaceful thoughts. It was greener in Toronto. Their winter comes a month later and leaves a month earlier. I'm green with envy:) Sketched a bit over that green.

Jungle Folklore . . .

2011-10-30T02:39:00.007-04:00

I know you've seen jungle animals before... but not like this! My girls haven't been babies for a while now, but I can still picture them in onesies with this pattern all over:) What can you picture?

party invitation. . .

2011-10-27T04:01:00.004-04:00

Lately my house has turned into a flu and cold headquarters. One exits only to welcome another... thus I haven't had much energy for fun side projects, but... Margo's birthday is coming up and I couldn't resist designing an invitation to her little party:)

weekend watercoloring . . .

2011-10-22T21:16:00.008-04:00

Watercoloring. Taking a break from vector magic this weekend.

Wild Horses . . .

2011-10-19T19:38:00.010-04:00

Wild horses couldn't drag me away from making patterns.

brew happy . . .

2011-10-17T17:15:00.006-04:00

It's been grey, rainy and we all went through a cold:( Boooo... But, enough starring at the half empty. On the light and bright note I made this new print to cheer you and me up!

my rainbow office. . .

2011-10-12T16:11:00.008-04:00

Here's how I'm keeping things bright and cheery in my office.

The Fundamentals of Printed Textile Design - by Alex Russell

2011-10-11T02:14:00.013-04:00

I've got a little review for you today of a pretty neat book I just got. Hot off the presses... that is AVA publishing presses: The Fundamentals of Printed Textile Design by Alex Russell. I wish I had this book 5 years ago... as it is a sea of information for anyone who is interested in becoming a professional textile designer (or a surface pattern designer). I found many answers to questions I had no one to ask (about screenprinting for example). It reads like a well put together textbook and would be perfect for a textile design student (working on their portfolio) or anyone else curious about the process behind the printed textile.

I love this moto (last line) from the introduction: Work hard, don't mess with copyright, have fun.

everyone loves autumn, but. . .

2011-10-07T13:40:00.009-04:00

Many people love autumn (my father, Alexander Pushkin, my friend Rigel... almost everyone). I try to love autumn, but it's just so close to winter that it gets a bad rep by default. Although... I love it's colors (just as long as I'm looking through the window beside the heater). Naturally, I look forward to spring the second that first orange leaf hits the ground. This time I'm looking forward to it with kittens, butterflies and vibrant palette.

the results are in. . .

2011-10-05T14:41:00.003-04:00

Huge THANKS to you all for leaving me such terrific comments!!!

Number 44 (Alexandra P.) was picked by Random.org. Please e-mail me (dardik@sympatico.ca) with your address:)

birds of same feather. . .

2011-10-03T20:10:00.010-04:00

October. Damp and Cold. If I was a bird I would start packing my little bird suitcase today. Destination - South (I'd say to my little bird-friends)... Let's go!

new print . . . and a little giveaway. . .

2011-10-01T16:19:00.005-04:00

Life is a balancing act, and Mr. Leo knows all about it. He's the King of the Circus!

I'm giving away the very first print! Leave me a comment and I'll randomly pick one awesome blog reader on Wednsday afternoon, Oct 5th.

adding fire to the rain. . .

2011-09-28T17:31:00.009-04:00

I'm on fire... watercoloring... between work... trying to give the clicking fingers some rest:)

avian rainbow . . .

2011-09-27T03:24:00.011-04:00

I'm forever in search of interesting color combinations. Wanted this pattern to make chirping sound in your head:)

weekend painting . . .

2011-09-25T16:30:00.010-04:00

I've been indulging in selfish pleasures... watercoloring my heart out this weekend:)

Goodbye Summer Butterfies . . .

2011-09-20T13:01:00.010-04:00

I made this pattern to capture my feelings about the ending summer...

the 'color of it all'!

2011-09-15T23:46:00.009-04:00

I've had very little time lately for anything. Hoping I could get a few days without deadlines next week... and just paint, drink green tea and be present:) I quit coffee (again!). This time, like a good girl, I'll follow through. We have a complicated relationship, me and coffee - I love it and it thinks we should just stay friends:)

I put together a few pictures for you. Just for the 'color of it all'!

Last one is of Margo watercoloring on the deck.

fun editorial job for Family Fun . . .

2011-09-12T20:58:00.013-04:00

I was so happy to find the Special Edition Family Fun magazine yesterday... as I did 6 full page spreads for it (bonus features) - and couldn't wait to see it 'live'. It turned out great! Vivid colors and fun reading. Lots of crafty education.

*Thanks to Margo for helping me with the pictures:)

Yarn Attack . . .

2011-09-09T00:15:00.008-04:00

For all of you knitting ninjas out there... yarn attack pattern:)

Quiet September . . .

2011-09-07T14:10:00.011-04:00

September came and brought the cool air and showers with it. The girls are back to school now. The house is quiet... working is going to get easier... now that I don't have to wear headphones all the time to drown the happy squeals and sibling squabbles.

Above: Anais getting her first piano lesson from Mike... and a couple of sketches I did while enjoying the quiet:)

lantern designs . . .

2011-09-03T02:35:00.016-04:00

I've been looking forward to seeing these puppies for a while now... and (although I haven't held one in my hands yet) they are making me proud on the BlueQ site. I'm talking, of course, about the paper lanterns (that I had a hand in designing for BlueQ). I'm pleased as punch that these are available! Hope you like them too:)

here's HEAVY LIFTING & here's LITTLE VISITOR

it's time . . .

2011-09-01T03:06:00.004-04:00

For me, when I was a kid, school always started on Sept. 1st. It didn't matter wether it was Thursday or Monday - it was the day every kids across country was living through the first day of school. White ribbons, fresh uniforms, new backpacks... and for me (personally) wishing that summer vacation wasn't over.

My girls are growing up in a different place. They are starting on the 7th this year. I wouldn't have to braid white ribbons into their hair or iron uniforms, and they are actually exited to go back (which me as a kid can't relate to at all).

In any case - Here's to a new school year! The adult me is going to have a quiet house for a few hours a day... soon:)

Last weekend in August . . .

2011-08-31T00:05:00.010-04:00

Last weekend in August is behind us. Me and my little family spent it at a cottage (Prince Edward County). Girls swam and kayaked in lake Ontario. I read O.Henry and fed fire (once, I fed it apples wrapped in tin foil and fire made apple sauce of it all:). Mike went fishing and caught part of our dinner (the first night). Summers are made of such fun. Short Canadian summers.

among the flowers . . .

2011-08-26T01:04:00.011-04:00

These are my garden spirits. They look like tiny elephants. The spirits only come out at night. They watch me work through the window. They shake their heads. -'she should be sleeping... ' spirits think...

I watched way too many Miyazaki movies... you can tell, can't you:)

wild cuties . . .

2011-08-24T21:26:00.008-04:00

Dear blog,

I've had so much work to do this week, I almost forgot to do something for fun... and show you. I will remedy this negligence with these two watercolors (right now). I hope you aren't cross with me.

Yours truly,

helen:)

party wrap . . .

2011-08-20T14:32:00.011-04:00

I love wrapping presents (even more than unwrapping them), and having parties (silly hats or no silly hats). I hope this design will materialize as wrapping paper & make somebodies celebration all diamonds and colorful fun!

Mmmm . . .

2011-08-16T23:17:00.006-04:00

A reminder... just in case you forgot to go outside today... were stuck in-front of the the computer all day... worshiping at the altar of air-conditioned walls - SUMMER IS AWESOME!

And if I didn't have so much work to do, I'd be lazying around my backyard with a book and an alcoholic beverage... and... well, maybe even family:)

HB

2011-08-14T15:16:00.006-04:00

My plate is full... but a little sketching never hurt anyone:)

fruit girls & other lunacy . . .

2011-08-10T19:26:00.012-04:00

It's been a delicious summer so far. I've been living on watermelon and cherries. Even had a dream about buying a second refrigerator to accommodate my watermelon habit.

Kids planted cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs. It tastes so much better when it's from your yard:) Wish the yard was bigger and the summer never ended.

editorial illustration . . .

2011-08-08T18:03:00.008-04:00

I did these illustrations for Family Fun magazine (Aug 2011 issue). The article is about family routines and how to make them funner. Loved drawing the cat bushing his teeth. Wish the whole article was about cat's and their bed time routine :)

ceramic dreams . . .

2011-08-05T00:41:00.013-04:00

Silly ceramic t-pots and coffee cups. Colorful business. Five o'Clock. It's always time for a new pattern:)

adding water to the colors . . .

2011-08-03T16:38:00.010-04:00

Sneaking in some painting time in-between work:)

beautiful weirdos . . .

2011-07-30T17:21:00.013-04:00

It's all about the colors, shapes and the beautiful funny weirdos who where (only a little while ago) inside my head and now are in this blogpost... looking at you, and, hopefully, brightening your day:)

just add water . . .

2011-07-27T17:40:00.010-04:00

It's really hard to work during summer. School is out... kids are home... the weather is good... the food from the market is fantastic... Working just can't compete with all the distractions that form SUMMER. I have the attention span of a 3 year old - and that doesn't help either. The only time I tune the summer out is when I watercolor (creating my own summer on paper).

P.S.: I know I abuse the punctuation rules (dot dot dot), but I'm sure your inner literature critic could deal with it:)

cover and editorial illustrations . . .

2011-07-24T15:03:00.010-04:00

A book cover (Just Add Magic) and a couple of editorial illustrations (Today's Parent & Baby Talk) I did... and completely forgot to show you.

green memories . . .

2011-07-21T21:07:00.013-04:00

In case you didn't believe me... here are some pictures I took of the flowers in Paris (except the one of me... taken by my friend Abby). I've been stuck inside for a couple of days now trying to avoid the heat wave... worrying a bit about my little garden wilting under the scorching sun.

blooming pattern . . .

2011-07-19T02:47:00.011-04:00

I expected amazing architecture, wonderful museums, delicious food, interesting people... but I didn't expect so many flowers! Turns out Paris is full of well manicured gardens and flower adorned balconies. Great surprise:) Here's my 'Paris in Bloom' in pattern...

my week in Paris...

2011-07-14T22:54:00.016-04:00

Just as you are suspecting... my week in Paris was full of wine, cheese, walking, museums, strange smells, beautiful people, unbelievably beautiful architecture, rude waiters, parks, weird tourists, crazy pigeons, sketching and a bit of shopping. If I didn't have family to come back to - I probably wouldn't come back. I'd just live with the pigeons (on the grounds of Pompidou Centre)... and listen to funny touristy conversations, steal their baguette sandwiches and make friends with elegant Parisian women. I already miss the daily wine and the amazing coffee everywhere.

bright symmetry . . .

2011-07-05T17:55:00.009-04:00

Bright symmetry is the theme for this little blog entry. It's a sunny day and all is in balance... Well, I'm a bit out of balance, because the seed of excitement just turned into a ball of stress... as I am finishing up projects while packing for my trip to Paris... Although, if stress could be good - this would be the good kind:)

I'm vibrating with anticipation. Always wanted to see Paris! See you guys in 10 days or so:)

Henry & June

2011-07-03T15:49:00.009-04:00

New little love print.

squirrels like to picnic . . .

2011-06-29T21:34:00.011-04:00

A few editorial illustrations I did for GuidePost magazine (animals and angels feature).

watercoloring . . .

2011-06-27T15:35:00.005-04:00

A couple of watercolors I did on the weekend. Bringing the summer brightness into my work:)

wild girls . . .

2011-06-24T14:23:00.008-04:00

Hunting for new cuteness... pointed my arrow at some wild girls:) How do you like 'em acorns?

5. . . already. . .

2011-06-21T13:07:00.003-04:00

Anais is turning 5 next Monday... and so, here goes another little party... for which of-course I've designed these little invitations. Hooray for sugar, mayhem and endless screaming! You only turn 5 once!

toomuchery - new fabric collection for P&B...

2011-06-20T01:52:00.016-04:00

I've been waiting to show you this collection for a while now... and here it is! Toomuchery - for all your crazy quilting ideas! Sew fun! Too much demask, butterflies, flowers, leaves... and also a 12 illustrated squares panel.

Available at Hawthorne Threads!

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-18T01:33:00.005-04:00

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful daddy and all the other daddies out there!

crazy bird party . . .

2011-06-15T17:46:00.008-04:00

Still walking on the bright side... but now with the birds, rather than abstract shapes. Hope your retinas are taking it well:)

summer moment . . .

2011-06-12T00:56:00.005-04:00

Look what I've baked in my 'easy art oven':)...a new print.

a little contrast . . .

2011-06-11T02:03:00.008-04:00

Bringing a little contrast into your life... and hoping your summer is going great. Don't let it pass you by.

♥Today I'm celebrating 12 years of being married to my sweetheart. Hope it's a warm and sunny day:)

finally . . . summer . . .

2011-06-08T01:47:00.008-04:00

Couldn't resist taking pictures of my girls looking all summery and happy (on the way home from friend's birthday party). So glad to see summer dresses and green again.

my printable birthday invitation...

2011-06-06T00:26:00.008-04:00

Anais is having a birthday in a few weeks. As I was working on an invitation for her little party I thought - 'it's been a while since I've had a 'blog reader appreciation day'...

So here it is! I really appreciate you guys blog-visiting me and my work and I thank you with these FREE for you birthday invitations that you can use for your little one's birthday parties:) Hope they come in handy!

Oh, and the illustrations in the circles could work well as cupcake toppers if you cut them out and tape them to toothpicks.

Just promise me you wouldn't use them commercially... OK:)

To copy:

1. Click on the image.
2. It will open in it's own window.
3. Hold Control key while clicking on the image.
4. Find it on your desktop.
5. Open in photoshop.
6. Image size... whatever square size is good for you:) (true size 6in at 300dpi) Feel free to make them smaller or larger...

These would go great with colorful square envelops.

summer watercolors . . .

2011-06-01T12:40:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was the first hot summery day this year! Loving the heat, the kids with their waterguns and the house full of open windows...

I watercolored the whole day. Mmmm... summer:)

and the rainbow exploded ! . . .

2011-05-28T01:56:00.011-04:00

So... I was listening to Gnarls Barkley, and... KABOOM! the rainbow exploded in my head! Love it when it happens. Hope your eyes aren't hurting:)

summer fields . . .

2011-05-24T12:24:00.007-04:00

Summer brings the green grass. I love the green grass! Not the manicured weed free kind. Not the 'stay off the lawn' kind... but the free for all, slightly wild and alive kind! I want to see the bugs and weeds among my grass. It means it's REAL. Please, if you love all things living - don't use pesticides (weed killers) on it. It's not astroturf. It's alive!

Dedicating this pattern to 'all things alive' friendly lawns:)

surtex trip . . .

2011-05-23T18:58:00.016-04:00

This year the trip to Surtex was full of adventure. Bad and good. On the way there we (me, Mike and Lola) got stuck in Toronto for a whole day (due to the heavy fog). It rained almost non stop the entire time. A bottle of perfume exploded in my suitcase. I had forgotten to eat on Sunday... but did not forget to drink... which was followed by a 'fun night' ( I know you know what I mean:)... but that's the not so good part.

Here's the good part: I got to meet a bunch of people I have been loving from a distance... like Sarajo Frieden, Hsinping Pan, Lisa Congdon, The BlueQ crew... not to mention the old friends I only get to see once a year - like Mike Lowery, Suzy Ultman, Jillian Phillips, Alison Cole, Susy Pilgrim Waters and Carolyn Gavin. Phew... really, a lot of wonderful people. Plus, a surprise meeting of Lotta Jansdotter! Worth waiting all year just to meet this group of super creative fun people:)

The show itself went well. I had a chance to walk around and see what's floating in the surface design stratosphere. Some new, interesting and creative things inspired me to start painting more. I'm going to try and bring more texture and chaos into my art.

On the down note... I've noticed that the trend of copying has reached it's peak. A lot of people can't make out a difference between trend and stealing. Very sad about that. Hope it's temporary and everyone would find their own style and blossom:)

On the up note: Lilla Rogers Booth was one of the best!

Aaaaaah . . .

2011-05-19T11:55:00.010-04:00

I'm back from Surtex... before I get into telling you all about it... I've decided to relax and make a floral pattern first. Sort of like cleaning the palate:) Nothing like summer blooms to start anew...

off. . . off . . . and away . . .

2011-05-14T00:22:00.003-04:00

I'm off to NYC to attend Surtex. Hope to see some of you there!

I'll be sitting underneath this banner ( see above)

I will be back in a week:)

Tuileries at LAGOM . . .

2011-05-13T13:22:00.012-04:00

I've got some fabulous news to share with you today! My card collection is now available at lagom! The collection is titled Tuileries and includes 12 cards that feature some of my favourite patterns. So happy to be a part of the wonderful lagom shop!

virtual letters . . .

2011-05-10T00:18:00.010-04:00

I'm sending you all a 'virtual snail mail' letter. When you open it in your mind it would read:

This week is going to be great!

Love,

H:)

p.s.: stop looking so grown up and start smiling a bit more...

sweet little forest . . .

2011-05-06T02:11:00.009-04:00

A shower of forest animals coming at you... destined to entertain babies while they are drooling on their onesies... I think. Or, maybe, this is future stationery. Hope it's both and then some...

my surtex flyer 2011 . . .

2011-05-04T01:33:00.007-04:00

Made a little flyer for the upcoming Surtex show in NYC. I'm dizzy with anticipation.

color study . . .

2011-05-02T15:14:00.010-04:00

It's been raining... and raining... and raining... but it's warmer. Brings in the warm grey feelings. I decided to do a little bright color study on top of some photographs I took recently... to cheer up the greys... a little:)

opaque and vibrant . . .

2011-04-27T14:30:00.005-04:00

I've been watercoloring again... for fun... treating it a bit like gouache. It comes out opaque and very vibrant:)

not now now . . . but, later later . . .

2011-04-25T17:29:00.013-04:00

Dear fabric lovers and all awesome blog readers and followers!

It appears that I've let the cat out of the bag (toomuchery fabric)... way too early:(

Looks like I'll have to wait a bit longer until 'toomuchery' show and tell, and replace my excitement with patience for the time being:)

easter bunny at Walgreens . . .

2011-04-22T11:12:00.009-04:00

Look who is hopping in the isles of Walgreens ... my Easter bunny:)

party animals . . .

2011-04-20T14:21:00.011-04:00

I think this pattern has a future in a wrapping business:) Present wrapping that is... My girls love this one!

colors revisited . . .

2011-04-17T14:16:00.013-04:00

Combing through all that has been done in the past 12 months (in preparation for Surtex) I found a few patterns that were asking for me to change them:) ... not too much - just a little on the color side of things. Sort of a spring facelift.

Sometimes, when you work on something for hours, your color perspective gets clouded... but a few months apart brings on a new, clearer vision.

impression . . .

2011-04-12T21:57:00.007-04:00

Here's my impression of yesterday. Warm, bright and happy:)

more green, please . . .

2011-04-11T01:08:00.007-04:00

So, all I've been watercoloring lately are girls in gardens...but you'll forgive me - because it's my birthday and because I know you are looking forward to green grass and bright flowers as much as I do... right?:)

forest critters . . .

2011-04-09T00:50:00.009-04:00

For all of you crafty scrapbookers out there - here's my latest collection with Creative Imaginations! Ta da! Forrest Critters. Hope this makes you want to make friends with the racoons:)

Yin & Yang . . .

2011-04-07T21:21:00.011-04:00

Nothing is black and white . . . not on this blog:) . . .

spring patterns for Family Fun magazine . . .

2011-04-04T18:55:00.010-04:00

Instead of April showers I woke up to April snow today (melted already... but I'm whining about it anyway:)... However, in the good news department: patterns and illustrations I did for Family Fun magazine a couple of months ago are now out in the spring craft issue.

big eyes & sweet talk . . .

2011-04-01T13:15:00.006-04:00

As I was working on a banner for surtex this print... well it just came out. It must have needed to come into existence.

in anticipation of sunny days . . .

2011-03-29T00:44:00.009-04:00

I've had the same pair of sunglasses for 12 years. They just wouldn't break or get lost...:) I think I'll have to get a new pair without a good excuse...

goldilocks and two friends . . .

2011-03-25T17:00:00.006-04:00

Watercoloring (in-between projects) is a marvellous way to relax.