Best Wishes for Mr. & Mrs.

I just finished this new greeting card featuring an original watercolor illustration.

Perfect for the happy newlyweds in your life.

Available for purchase in my Etsy shop.

Pretty Discoveries: Summer Breeze

Well I broke 10,000 pins on Pinterest last week so I thought I would start sharing some of my boards here. I'm currently loving this color palette. Reminds me of summer beaches, warm breezes and tropical flowers.

See more Summer Breeze inspiration and image sources on my Pinterest. And feel free to follow me too!

Palm Springs

We are home from Palm Springs and I thought I'd share some photos I took while we were there. It was a very fun, very quick trip (we arrived home yesterday morning). It was so special to witness his grandfather being honored on the Walk of Stars and to be there to celebrate his 80th birthday. 

Me and Marylin. "My, what long legs you have!"

James' grandfather's star on the Walk of Stars, Palm Springs.

James with his dad and grandfather.

A Quick Trip

James and I are on our way to Palm Springs today to celebrate his grandfather getting a star on the Walk of Stars! His grandfather, Don Luster is a singer/songwriter and long time performer. During the Korean War he wrote 'The Lonely G.I.' which drew the interest of Elvis Presley and made the charts in Boston in the mid-1950's.

To prepare for the trip I decided to make a Palm Springs mood board. Can't wait to feel the heat of the sun and join in the festivities.

Sources: 1. Vintage Pinup 2. Sunset 3. The Saguaro 4. American Airlines 5. Palm Springs Girls

Also check out my Palm Springs inspiration board on Pinterest.

My First Pattern

This week I decided to try and learn how to make a repeating pattern! I purchased Michelle Fifis' class, Ultimate Guide to Repeats months ago and finally watched the videos and gave it a whirl. I chose to create a pattern based on my Mother's Day card design. It took way longer to do than I had originally anticipated, but I guess that's what happens when you are first learning anything. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out and that I was actually able to get it to repeat. I downloaded a trial version of Illustrator CS6 which has an amazing new 'pattern maker' tool. I'm sure I'll be so spoiled once the trial is up that I'll have to break down and make the purchase.

I've been really inspired by Helen Dardik's work and love how she creates beautiful patterns based on her illustrations. This might be something I continue to experiment with too!

Sketchbook Doodles

I took a break last week from working on specific projects and did some doodling in my sketchbook instead. It's feels good to draw without a plan and just see what happens. I sorted out my markers and chose just the pinks and purples to work with and had some fun.

Vintage Stationery

I decided to dig out my vintage stationery to share with you all today! This is one of my favorite collections. I just love finding colorful new pieces when I'm out thrifting.

 

 I was so excited when my mom found this piece of Lisa Frank stationery.

 Saving the best for last - here are my three favorites! Love the retro floral patterns.

Rock-A-Bye Prints

I've added two adorable new "Rock-A-Bye" prints to my Etsy shop!

Perfect for a child's nursery.

Available in both 8x10 and 11x14 sizes.

Current Obsession

Those of you who follow me on Pinterest, I'm sure know by now that I have a bit of a 'pinning' obsession. Collecting inspiration is one of my absolute favorite hobbies and Pinterest has become an incredible resource. With over 9000 pins (eeek I may have a problem!) I still can't keep myself away from it. Since it's been a while since I've shared some inspiration here, I thought I'd post some of my current 'pins'....

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Life Lately

It's a cold and rainy weekend here in Portland and so far I've spent my time making art, doing some spring cleaning, reading and thrifting...

 I just finished two Rock-A-Bye paintings based on the greeting card designs I created. I'm excited about these as art prints, would look so cute in a nursery!

 Another piece in it's beginning stages....

 Reading Lilla Roger's book is making me super excited for her studio school in June!

 Dusting and rearranging our living room... Listening to records and burning incense helps me get in the 'cleaning' mood.

Crafty Wonderland + Other News

Come one! Come all! To the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Spring Sale!

I will be there on Saturday, May 11 selling my colorful art, cards and other handmade goodies. If you live in Portland, be sure to stop by and pick up a Mother's Day gift!

The sale will also include a new wedding section AND real live (and adoptable) kittens wearing bow ties! Don't miss it!

In other news, Camp Smartypants cards are now sold coast to coast! If you live in Englewood, New Jersey be sure to stop into Pretty In Pink, a spa and party place for girls!

Here in Portland, you can now find my cards at the independent, neighborhood bookstore, Broadway Books located on NE Broadway.

Mom & Dad Cards

Happy April! Hope you all had a wonderful Easter. We had our first weekend of beautiful weather here in Portland. And it was also the first weekend in over two weeks that I've been feeling good! (I've been dealing with a painful pinched nerve in my neck. Ouch!)

I've added two new cards to my Etsy shop!

Mother's Day is right around the corner with Father's Day quick to follow.

I'm also having a Spring Sale the entire month of April! Select items are up to 40% off! Be sure to check it out.