Fairytale Circus...

Once upon a time... there was a girl who liked making patterns so much, she didn't need a reason to do it... Every chance she got she'd put aside her real work and give virtual life to characters and objects that would have otherwise stayed inside her mind with little chance for escape.

Help me write the rest of this story:)

lil' discovery...

Sunday market discovery - fresh hazelnuts! I had no idea they they came wearing these little green skirts and were so delicious without being roasted or salted.

part two... Muir Woods...

I visited Muir Woods (while in San Fran) and the old redwoods have left a deep impression on me. It's difficult to convey the feeling you get while there through photographs. You should go see it for yourself. You'd like it:)

deco vs folk...

Cute is not one of the words I'd use when describing Art Deco style... but trying to incorporate 'cute' into Art Deco was fun. I think I've come up with the Folk Deco...

San Francisco... part one...

I'm back... I don't really want to be back tho... that's how good I felt in San Francisco. I wish I could have stayed and enjoyed the smell of eucalyptus trees for a few more days.

printable fun...

September is on the doorstep. My girls are starting school in a week. The school supplies are purchased and awaiting to be used. All is ready for another year of yellow buses, backpacks, holes in the jeans and homework. So... before I left on my little vacation I wanted to share these printables with you.

These would look good on folders, books and duo-tangs. Feel free to use these for your little students:)

To copy: click on the image - it will open up in its own window at a high resolution (300dpi-true size). Copy that to your desktop and feel free to use:) You could make them smaller if you'd like.

my little find...

Wanted to show you this little vintage (1920s) ceramic necklace I found on etsy a little while ago. Or, maybe it found me. A little family (just like mine - minus the dog and the hilarious black moustache)... I wear it whenever I can. Better than silver and gold it is...

folk bliss...

Good to be back:) I've been away in the land of 'working without breaks' and the blog (and many other things) has been simmering on the back burner. Trying to finish all the projects before the 31st - which is the day I leave to San Francisco for a tiny 4 day vacation! Super exited about that... dizzy with anticipation! If you know of some exiting places in SF I can visit - please share!:)

What do you think of the new pattern? I've been thinking of Upper Canada Village while making it. Mike (my other creative half) has been invited to present (his guitars and his process) there in October. I might come with him... a taste of the simpler life.

a squirrels dream...

Behind my house the ground is covered in acorns. Crunching underneath my shoes... reminding me that autumn is just around the corner.

my tile factory...

You can tell I was thinking of ceramic tiles while designing this pattern. I wish I had my own tile factory right here in my office.

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A little doze of blind optimism for you today:)

avian flora...

Summer makes me want to spend all the free moments outside. It's difficult to find time for personal work lately... but not impossible:) Here are some birds and flowers to prove that...

made for me...

These two pretty mugs have joined my 'awesome mug' collection today. They are AWESOME for two reasons:

• Charlie and Lola is a great kids show.

• One of them says 'I will Probably STILL be perky at even midnight'

I believe they were made for me.

summer school...

Things I've learned this summer:

• Beets have a large family and taste good on their own (thinly sliced and uncooked)

• I love nature as long as it doesn't buzz around me or bite.

• My girls are going to be better artists than me (if they choose it as a path)

• Free time comes at a price:)

yard play...

Despite the heat and humidity, kids are spending almost all of their time outside with the little neighbourhood gang of 4-8 y. olds:) By now they earned a nice tan (I look like a queen of snowflakes beside them) and a dozen scrapes and bruises. They've grown so much in the last two months. Wishing the summer never ended.

lil' editorial fun...

Editorial spot illustration I did for the 'Family Fun' magazine.