lantern designs . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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

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

fruit girls & other lunacy . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

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 . . .

Sneaking in some painting time in-between work:)