wildwood . . .

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 . . .

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!

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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. . .

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 . . .

Watercoloring. Taking a break from vector magic this weekend.

Wild Horses . . .

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

brew happy . . .

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. . .

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

The Fundamentals of Printed Textile Design - by Alex Russell

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. . .

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. . .

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. . .

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. . .

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.