editorial fun...

FamilyFun magazine Halloween issue is out... and if you skip to page 43 you will find my editorial illustration for the 'Royal Road to Manners' article. Look at these two, being all sweet and polite to each other... of course... it's only an illustration:)

pattern theft!

Yesterday, while visiting a lovely french blog I've noticed that one of the fabrics newly in stock in their store is very familiar. In fact, so familiar that I couldn't believe that I didn't do it. 'That's my dog' - I thought... 'and this is my bird and my elephant... and my shapes... and...' Anais was standing beside me and asked 'Mommy, is that your fabric?' ... and she's 4!

It feels awful. I've been trying to get a fabric like this out there for years... so unfair!

The blog owner informed me that she bought this fabric at KOKKA - a japanese company with a large choice of fabrics.

I'm still waiting to hear their explanation. Stealing is never OK!

I encourage everyone who feels that this is wrong to write an e-mail to KOKKA and let them know: info-os@kokka.co.jp

*In answer to some of your questions dear friends:

Yes, I'm aware that the problem might not lie with Kokka, but with the outside designer, and I fully understand that they might have purchased this design unaware. I haven't got an answer yet, but as soon as I do - I'll let you know:)

Sept 24th update:

Good news!

The fabric was purchased from a contracted outside designer and KOKKA was unaware of its origin.

KOKKA has decided to destroy any of the remaining stock and discontinue this fabric all together.

Thank You!!!

join my circus...

I've got a new print to show you!

meeting Kristen...

While in SF, for the first time, I got to meet Kristen Tracy - the author of one of the books I've done the cover art for. I never get to meet the author... so this was a treat! Turns out, she's just like her character Camille - only a little older:)

By the way - the book is great and I really enjoyed reading it. Can't wait to see what my girls would think of it (since Kristen presented me with a copy of the book... a copy that will be well loved and treasured).

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...