Priscilla Burris

2012-02-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Kelly froze. She'd been saving her chewed bubblegum for so long just for today and now it looks like there'll be red hairs all over her collection. Just great.

i heart birds!

2012-02-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

Listening to birds singing outside is just awesome and a favorite part of my day! i have this little wooden (as of yet unpainted) bird that i took out for a look around.

she wanted to sit in the shrubs, listening quietly to the singing going on all around . . .

another leafy bush to rest on and listen some more. . .

and finally right by a few sweet little birdhouses that are a bit too small for her, but still fun to visit.

2012-01-16T17:52:00.000-08:00

Throughout today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, thoughts of the preciousness of people no matter what shade of skin they wear have been floating through my mind as I work.

These little best friends popped into my brain and wanted to be here.

That's how illustrations sometime work ~ most especially with character development. Sometimes there is a need for a specific character, and sometimes there isn't.

Characters we create, whether written or illustrated can often rise up from experiences, or places we've been, or emotions we've noticed or felt, or from amazing people who care. The kind of care that makes a difference.

Onward into 2012!

2012-01-05T16:21:00.001-08:00

2011-12-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

2011-12-30T23:43:00.000-08:00

2011-12-12T15:44:00.000-08:00

Snowy Characters!

2011-12-07T17:37:00.001-08:00

You just never know where characters, full of expression, will show up! I came across this snowy family in a dept store, and before gift-wrapping it up, I just had to take this photo of this cuddly bunch. (Well, they are sewn together, after all.) Mom's lipstick I added after the fact. Just being honest.

The three little ones in this snow family immediately caught my attention with their very individual personalities.

From the left, I can just hear their thoughts ~
"Wait. What's that over there?"
"My brother's not looking at the camera AGAIN, tsk tsk"
"I can't wait to throw this snowball up in the air, higher than ever!!"

2011-11-28T17:05:00.001-08:00

2011-11-22T13:07:00.001-08:00

Sketchy Thoughts

2011-11-21T14:30:00.001-08:00

Artistic Math Lesson

2011-11-15T13:02:00.001-08:00

....and happy to be so!!!

Character Development Thoughts

2011-11-14T11:47:00.001-08:00

When this little face came through from my sketching, i knew immediately a few things about her ~ A little quiet but definitely a confident little girl. Very comfortable with how she brushed her hair this morning before school. Wearing her most favorite earrings, so her outfit will have to be a favorite as well.

Another thing i noted was that she looks like she will be letting someone in on an important fact they should know.

Once i knew she'd be the main character in my "Harvest Fun" image for the Sketchables Blog, it came clear just what wisdom she would be 'sharing' with her classmate.

Sweet Little Fall Thoughts

2011-11-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

Fall Day Cheers

2011-11-06T07:29:00.000-08:00

Itsy Bitsy Spider Cake Art!

2011-10-30T14:53:00.000-07:00

For a sweet little guy in our family turning two this past weekend, I was invited to create a 'smash cake' ~ (a celebratory cake intended to be destroyed, especially by a child.)

"The Itsy Bitsy Spider" being the theme for his birthday party made it all the more fun to try and create a cute spider and the other elements in the song - all edible and yummy!

The cake was was baked in a 6-inch pan, frosted, placed on a sweet little doily, then on a fantastically appropriate spider web plate I happily found in the Halloween section at Target.

After some trial and error ~ (Oreo Cakester's too crumbly, Ding Dong's too big), the spider body was created by painting a marshmallow with AmeriColor black food coloring. Spider legs were Australia's Darrell Lea liquorice, sliced into thin strips, then bored into tiny holes in the marshmallow. Spider eyes were yellow M&Ms with black dots painted on with the food coloring, glued on with dabs of frosting.

Then, on to color frosting to 'paint' the sunshine, spout, raindrops, and some green grass to complete the scene.

2011-10-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoying this fall season which involves one of my most favorite colors of all ~ Orange!
Hope your fall is going well and you are loving the crisp air, cooler weather and pumpkin-y treats of all kinds.

2011-09-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

sweet memory doodles

2011-08-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

sometimes remembering through doodles can be so sweet.
   i was 8. double pneumonia and in the hospital for a week. our uncle Harry Damato and his wonderful wife, Catherine, brought this puzzle gift that i just treasured. so delighted with all the colors that made up our United States!
   our Uncle Harry is in heaven now, but when i remember this gift i am again grateful for him and his big heart, his humor, and his loving soul.
   just shared this memory with Catherine recently, and she (90+) told me she remembers when they bought that puzzle for me, and how she was trying to find just the right gift for a second-grader. =)
   it was Perfect.

2011-06-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

. . . .took a short break today from sketching (deadlines happily don't know summer) to create this image that was drifting through my mind. we can dream, right? turn the fan on, put on some beach boys, and you're THERE! . . . well, at least i seem to be. ha! Cheers for a wonderful, lazy (?) summertime for you all!!

2011-06-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Father's Day at the Sketchables blog all week long! My post includes a fun recipe you might want to try out ~ 'Father's Day Chocolate Chip Cookies". Thanks for stopping by here for a peek!

Welcome June!

2011-06-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

~Berthold Auerbach

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

It always amazes me how a subtle line change can alter a character's personality or attitude.

This little girl on the left was the first doodle of the sketch that would become the finished image below.

Once she was created, the idea for what would take place around her began to take shape. I knew it would be an image of Mother's Day, and that she is watching her mom from a somewhat hidden place . . . Her expression tells me what's just happened, what's about to happen, what promises to be happening soon.

The second doodle of her has a change in the line of her mouth. I was contemplating ...should she be just plain ol' happy or something else? Turns out she was just trying to hide from her mom until the Mother's Day breakfast she made was discovered.

Of course, then, what would be her mom's response to the lovely greeting awaiting her early today?

What emotion would she show on her face? body language?

Oh, the joys of being an illustrator. =0)

Aloha to spring breezes and a book launch this week!

2011-04-26T01:00:00.000-07:00

This month, Marimba Books releases Aloha for Carol Ann, a picture book about an eight-year-old who moves to Hawaii and struggles to feel at home in this new place until she discovers the true meaning of aloha, a Hawaiian term that means "hello," "welcome" and so much more!
Also, a fun interview. . .
http://www.marimbabooks.com/modules/content/index.php?id=13
Here is the spread I mention as a favorite, in the interview, as a sketch:

. . . and the final image before text placement:

partial wording from this spread ~

"Carol Ann felt her face turn warm with happiness. She tucked the flower behind her ear, just like Maile's."

Great News! Marimba has a special introductory price of $5 for this book through the rest of the month. (This is valid for purchases through the Marimba or Just Us Books web sites only)
A teacher's guide for the book is also available for free downloading at Marimba's web site:
http://www.justusbooks.com/modules/content/index.php?id=280
Also! ~ Check out my wonderful art agent, Christina A. Tugeau's blog!

Celebrating Librarians (every day in my book!!)

2011-04-04T08:17:00.000-07:00

A slightly small holiday I found for this day ~ April 4th!

love peanut butter?

2011-02-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

Why not have a peanut-butter-in-the-jar party, right ?

Come by The Sketchables Blog, and if you have a minute to comment ~ it would be great fun to hear your answer to my question about these two busy friends above in their sketch outfits.

. . . and here, below, in all their finality . . .

Heart Greetings!

2011-02-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the initial sketch, including a bit of background . . . as if she is catching up with him on their walk home from school on Valentine's Day. Or... I guess she could do this every day ..?

And the finished illustration with caption. . . Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Let's Do This!

2011-01-06T00:43:00.000-08:00

Merry Cheery Yummy Christmas Week!

2010-12-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

Cheers and Joys!

2010-11-29T08:23:00.000-08:00

The time is here again for decorating, singing, gathering, shopping, eating (!), laughing, sharing, and visiting with family and friends! Cheers to each of you as you move forward in your creative lives and cherish this time we have of experiencing the joys and the giving.
Come over to The Sketchables Blog ~ we are posting our Decorating and Shopping themed sketches this week! =0)

seriously

2010-11-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Thankful Thoughts

2010-11-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's always a great time to gather and share thankful thoughts and memories. Really, though, isn't gratefulness threaded throughout the days, weeks and months all year round as we go about living our lives out?

On The Sketchables Blog this week, our theme each day is to share what we are thankful for, and as you can see from my sketch, the list goes on and on and on. . .

I would love to hear from you ~ what's on your Thankful list ?

Penguin Pumpkin-y Cheers!

2010-10-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

The cheeriest of pumpkin greetings to you today! Wishing you gobs & gobs of imaginative fun and cool, sweet treats!

SCBWI Nevada ~ Thank You!

2010-10-18T18:17:00.000-07:00

Just back from the very amazing SCBWI Nevada Conference on the Comstock in Virginia City. Inspired and very thankful for the unique opportunity to join in and participate in their awesome Mentor Program!

Our cozy lodging, workshops and part of our sessions were held in this historic (1876) beautiful building. Formerly a hospital, now, St. Mary's Art Center!

Wild horses roamed and grazed right behind us early one morning, much to our delight!

This historic building below is where part of our sessions were also held. It's the Fourth Ward School, Virginia City's 'Pride and Glory', which debuted in 1876. (Photo credit from this blog)

A delicious, old-fashioned bag lunch was provided by the hard-working SCBWI NVconference staff. It was SO great to experience walking through the old school rooms!

. . . another great and fun find in this old school house . . .

Fall Fun

2010-10-10T23:31:00.000-07:00

Orange is probably my most favorite color of all, so I always enjoy the fall season with hues and shades of orange everywhere!

Along with writing and illustration projects this time of year, I am also really having fun posting themed drawings on The Sketchables Blog, where I am among some very talented illustrators!

Monday is my day to post each week, so I invite you over to see what's going on there! Your comments are welcome any day of the week, as well.

Enjoy this season!

Middle Grade Ghoul Friends Heading Off To School

2010-10-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Love of Coffee and Art

2010-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Today just happens to be National Coffee Day, so in celebration of this world commodity that is second only to oil ~ and for just the love of both a hot, steaming cup of coffee and works of art, thought I'd share this sketch and finished image with you. So, as you work and create...

HAPPY COFFEE DAY!

(which I think applies to each day, of course!)

let's enjoy this day.

2010-09-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

Here is one image from the picture book, "La cancion de Gabriela", which I was delighted to illustrate. It was written by Dra. Isabel and Eric A. Vasallo (HarperCollins/Rayo). Little Gabriela enjoys the view from her home by the river.
I love the challenge of trying to convey just the right expression without full-facial features in view.

fall 2010. i'm ready.

2010-08-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

2010-08-26T15:18:00.000-07:00

I confess that I had a blast painting this Fiesta-Themed Happy 3rd Birthday cake for a precious little boy!

. . . and a Happy 16th Birthday to a Sweet Girl!

Cake Art Fun!

2010-08-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Just started painting on another type of canvas ~ an edible one! and quite a delicious one, at that!

one of my talented sisters, Ms. Chocolat, invited me to join her on this new and very fun adventure!

We have a sweet and fun niece who is a rock star ~ attending a rock school, along with her regular elementary school classes. Her recent performance warranted a special cake just for her and her cast. . .

Am I having fun yet or what?! Stay tuned for more cake art fun . . .

art~work. pure joy.

2010-08-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

summer memories

2010-08-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

2010-08-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

I love birds and tweets!

2010-08-08T22:44:00.000-07:00

just had to share this sweet shot i snapped in a cozy backyard garden over texas way. a good friend noticed this sculpted bird laying on it's side by the cage, and propped it back up where it should be ~ greeting us from it's little home ~ just before i happened over to see it. Every time i see this pic, it makes me smile. simple. serene. beautiful!

SCBWI Summer Conference

2010-08-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

The 39th Annual SCBWI International Summer Conference was held just a week ago, and the Portfolio Showcase was another wonderful success! This annual event offers a unique opportunity designed specifically for our illustrator participants.

Not only are awards presented, but each year illustrators share success stories of being contacted after the conference by editors, art directors, agents, and other publishing professionals who viewed their portfolio at our event and have expressed an interest in working with them on children's books and/or other related materials to be published!

At this year's conference, I was delighted to present an Illustrator Workshop, along with David Diaz, with my part focusing on Expression Techniques. Illustrators worked diligently on worksheets I prepared for them, which included head shapes with blank faces for them to create, showing various expressions. Sketching a child and an animal character from behind, showing expressions without any facials visible was the highlight of my part of the workshop. I really enjoyed seeing those illustrations!

Ripple Expressions

2010-07-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

When illustrating, it's intriguing to me how the smallest line or mark can be so subtle, but may make such a big difference in the emotion displayed in a character's expression.

At the Sketchables blog today, I share this sketch and the final painted image, which shows the emotion that I wanted to evoke in this artcard illustration. This artcard, and the one below, were created for Kelly Light's ripple sketches blog. Such a great blog chock-full of gorgeous and inspiring art images, all donated to help the animals most affected by the Gulf Oil Spill tragedy.

Golden Kite Golden Dream Exhibit at the NCCIL

2010-07-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

NCCIL is The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature

in beautiful Abilene, Texas

"Golden Kite Golden Dream"

Celebrating the Art of the

The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Golden Kite Award

This beautiful exhibit of about eighty individual original works of art from children's books that have been presented with the distinguished Golden Kite Award from 1974 - 2010, are now on display at the NCCIL until October of this year. The full exhibit will then begin touring around our great country for the next three years!

The exhibit opening festivities included a Gallery Speaking Event, an Opening Gala Dinner (a superb live mariachi band to serenade us all while we dined!), Talks and Art Demonstrations by Golden Kite Award winning illustrators, and a very fun visit to the Abilene Mockingbird Branch Public Library!

Several guest illustrators read their picture books, and then illustrated for the visiting children and families in attendance. Larry Day started off this event that was filled with art, listening, laughter, and pure enjoyment. The children created their own artwork, as they watched the illustrators draw and teach a few pointers in illustrating faces, and characters. Here, on the left, is the cover of Larry's Golden Kite Awarded picture book. Later, I got such a kick to find that the photo I took outside of the library captured this child up on the sign post, quite similar to what's going on in Larry's book cover image!

Visit The Sketchables Blog!

2010-06-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Children's book artists and illustrators,

Heather Powers, Kelly Light, Diandra Mae, Joy Steuerwald, and me ~
happily invite you to stop by for a visit to a new group blog that we've created and named,

The Sketchables!

We'll cheer, celebrate, and explore the fun of sketching ~ something that we all share a common passion for, along with hopefully featuring other artists' sketches!
Today is our launch day, and next week we'll begin our introductions, sketch style. Stay tuned!

Join in ~ the RIPPLE is happening!

2010-06-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

You can join in, either by creating a little original or two, or three!

Do some shopping for little originals for $10 each,

which will be donated to helping the Gulf Oil Spill animals!

As promised, here are the three art sketchcards I've created so far for the RIPPLE BLOG ~

http://ripplesketches.blogspot.com

(This creative little crab original is on the way to its new home far, far away to a kind and generous soul who donated for this very worthy cause!)

My daughter, Laura, has joined in and donated these beautifully illustrated images...

Visit the ripples blog to see many more beautiful little masterpieces from all over our country and the world !!

Children's Book Creators, Take Note!

2010-05-21T11:26:00.000-07:00

Along with other great programs for creatives, I love passing along information that is specifically designed for illustrators and writers of children's books! (Go here to read more about this great passion of mine) =0)
One incredible opportunity to check into for yourself, or someone you know who might be interested, and could benefit from this, is the Mentor Program offered through the Nevada SCBWI.
Some past participants of this program share. . .

The mentor program far exceeded my expectations. This was a life-changing experience for me. Without this program, my manuscript would be mouldering in the drawer. - Andrea Mock, 2008.
Loved it, loved it, loved it! It broadened my writing world 100 fold - geographically, by networking and meeting amazing writers and illustrators, and by giving me incredible support and feedback on a project very close to my heart. - Fran Slayton, 2006

Daddy All Day Long", written by Francesca Rusackas, illustrated by Priscilla Burris (HarperCollins)

Watercolor Pencils Fun!

2010-05-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

2010-05-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's always a good idea to try our artistic hands out, using mediums not terribly familiar, or even comfortable to us, which is what I experimented with in this image. Using watercolor pencils, I doodled with nothing in mind but to create and have fun in the process, trying out these new-to-me tools. Finishing up the illustration digitally was an enjoyable blending of both worlds!

It's enlightening and inspiring to visit other artist's websites and blogs to see what they've created, especially with the vast array of mediums and tools out there! Check out my good friend and colleague, illustrator Heather Powers' portfolio at her website ~ she creates beautiful hand-carved images for her children's book illustrations.

I'm off to create something else maybe not terribly familiar that's been swirling around in my brain. . .

Hope soon you are enjoying a new-to-you medium or tool, and loving the outcome!

Artists and Crafters Sweet Opportunity!

2010-04-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Coming very soon is a truly fabulous online course packed full of ideas for each of you artists, designers, crafters, and illustrators who want to take a serious look into generating income with your art in a variety of areas!

Professional Artist, Designer and Businesswoman, Laura Bray is offering her ecourse called
Multiple Streams of Income: An Online Course. It will take place from May 3rd to May 15th!

In Laura's ecourse,
you’ll receive:

Access to the private, online community on the Ning network.
7 Lesson Plans about the various income choices you have as an artist/crafters
Live chats with experts in: Blogging, Product Design and Print On-Demand
Blog posts from experts in art licensing, children’s book illustration, selling online and teaching.
A free copy of Laura Bray’s ebook, “Multiple Streams of Income: Getting Started”.

There’s so many ways you can earn money as an artist, this course will provide you with information you can use to move forward and start increasing your art related income to reach your goals.

Find out more and Sign Up Today!

Multiple Streams of Income: An Online Course

Illustrator Inspiration!

2010-04-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

As an illustrator or writer of children's books, the same is true ~ we need to find our unique voice in our creative works! This spring, I'm so delighted to have attended a couple of amazing SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) events where I gleaned so much from the speakers, and this was one of the encouragements I came away with, and just had to share it with you all!

The first SCBWI event was the Western Washington 19th Annual Conference. Fun, and truly insightful, educational, inspiring, challenging, and motivational!
From this conference, a note. . . ~ "Never be boring. Amaze them."

The second SCBWI event was just this past weekend, at the Ventura/Santa Barbara ARTbeats day. A Portfolio Workshop for Illustrators! Go to this wonderful blog by writer & illustrator, Megan Frances, where you'll find a great overview of this incredibly informative and invigorating event!
From this day's notes. . . ~ "Create a picturebook with a 'read it again!' feel".

Now, on to revising that picturebook manuscript of mine, and finding my voice in word and art!

Name Badge Doodles

2010-03-30T13:26:00.000-07:00

So, while listening and taking notes on what the editors and authors are speaking on during a conference or retreat, what does an illustrator do with a simple white name badge and a black pen? . . .the above.

Had so much fun doodling this around my name, and a few minutes later one of the editors asked if I would do the same for her name badge. Fun turned into true joy in creating something sweet for her!

Truth be told ~ any blank area, be it on a name tag, note pad, folder cover, envelope (see previous blog posts about this!) or even wall space, is an open invitation to create a doodle and draw to one's delight!

Spring Writers Retreat Peek

2010-03-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is one of the refreshing, breezy walkways throughout the winery resort & spa where our Spring Writer's Retreat was held. A wonderfully inspiring and sweet place to get away for a weekend, hear editors and authors speak, teach a dummy workshop, and focus on writing for the children's book market.

A quiet little nook near our villas, where one can sit and read, write, or think over those much-needed revisions to our manuscripts. The only sound were the bird melodies, and the water trickling through the stone fountain just beyond.

An artist sometimes bakes, too!

2010-03-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

So, at my daughter's request for her birthday cake (for the second year in a row!) , I took a break from creating art to creating this freshly baked Olive Oil Almond Cake. Found this great recipe over at Sassy Radish! Amazingly delicious and not terribly sweet, but wonderfully moist cake within, while the outside is delightfully crunchy with the roasted sliced almonds and glaze. Naturally, it goes perfectly well with a steaming hot cup of coffee!

Now, back to the drawing board. . . !

Why Not?

2010-03-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

Fun Inspirations

2010-03-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

So, back awhile, when I was in the gorgeous state of Montana to present a workshop for children's book illustrators, I took a walk down the road and found these friends gathered near a small pool of water. The air was crisp, the sky blue, the morning quiet, and I was inspired by their friendship and how they would huddle together. Okay, I'm assuming they're friends, and that they were gathering to catch up on the local gossip, etc. I'm a children's book writer and illustrator, so it's totally fine for me to assume so much.

Fun inspirations come from all over the place in our lives, our worlds, where we live or where we visit. So this week I am sharing this photo, which inspired some character friends who gather, again, near a 'pool' of water to spend time together! and here they are. . . . . .

2010-03-12T14:53:00.000-08:00

As an illustrator, it's great fun to create characters who can enjoy what we might or might not want to enjoy. Of course, these friends are toasting marshmallows over a bonfire at the beach at night . . . which is definitely a favorite activity of mine! However, this has started me thinking and wishing for summer evenings already, and it's only the very beginning of springtime!

Envelope Embellishing Fun

2010-02-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

Guess I see every envelope as a blank canvas... so here are a couple of envelopes embellished before they headed out into the world, on their way to their intended destination. Make some fun today -- whether paying bills or sending a card to a friend... doodle or rubber stamp up something on the envelope you send out ~ Just do it! =0)

2010-02-06T23:12:00.000-08:00

Moving forward into 2010

2010-01-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

Among other projects I'm moving forward on currently, I am happily busy working on my table design for the Designer Showcase at the CHA Winter Show coming very soon. Looking forward to posting more about this, as well as an upcoming new-blog announcement I'll be sharing soon that will focus on some fun, wacky friends like these three taking a walk together through life. . .

Stay tuned, and happy creating in your little corner of the world!

A New Fresh Start

2010-01-05T13:35:00.001-08:00

. . . . Just thinking about this new year we've begun. . .

Planning. . . brainstorming. . . . creating. . . . thinking. . . and then off and running!

Here's to a great new beginning for you in all you are working on and planning to work on!

Speaking of doodling. . . .

2009-11-23T13:12:00.000-08:00

Inviting you to stop by for a visit at The Doodle Diner!

Keeping Creatively Busy

2009-10-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

Sweet tiny canvases created to convey and remind us of the warmth of family love and care throughout the years. . .

As I continue to create illustrations on assignment or for promotional purposes, I just had to share a few other areas that are keeping me creatively busy as well. I enjoy both!!

2009-10-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

A home~made button & patterned paper Flower Bouquet, anchored with fragrant limes, made for my daughter's birthday gathering. A thoughtful and creative friend donated a fresh yellow flower to go with the bouquet =0)

Beading Day Fun! Skeleton Key Design

2009-10-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

A good friend, and beading jewelry expert, kindly invited me to join her in a beading day adventure, and this skeleton key charm design was what I created after figuring out what colors and elements to include. After this photo was taken, I added a necklace chain to it, making it fun and wearable at the same time!

Working on this design really brought to mind how amazingly close it is to creating art in any other forms ~ color, hues, design layout, balance and skill all are important to our creations!

This was so incredibly fun to work on, and I can't wait for the next opportunity to do so!

Candy Corn Month

2009-09-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

October is a happy, favorite month of treats! As September winds down today, I'm cheering each of you on to a great new set of weeks and days to treat yourself to creating something new, artistically, and or literary, and share your masterpieces with us! National Candy Corn Day isn't until October 30th officially ~ but why put off the enjoyment?!

Let's get going with fresh, sweet, fun, yummy creative treats, and I'm not just talking about the kind we chew, but new images and stories and works of art and craft we are bursting to create!

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen sketch

2009-09-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

Fall 2009

2009-09-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

Welcoming in the first day of Fall 2009! Looking forward to a busy season of creating new illustrations, writing and revising, crafting new projects including jewelry making ~ and continually networking and learning from talented illustrators, designers and writers! Hope your Fall brings you a very productive and creative harvest!

Writing and Illustrating for Children

2009-09-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

Two little girls with heart shaped lollipops and sunshine giggles,

sharing secrets on the steps.

This sweet image reminded me again of who our audience is, when we write and illustrate books for children. Their world is where we want to create from, and we want to give them words and images to hold and treasure. Some of our stories will make them laugh, and some of our stories will bring comfort.

What a privilege and honor it is to continue on in our striving to write and to illustrate for them.

An Art Journal

2009-08-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

I was delighted recently, to create an Art Journal for someone special to me, who is a talented artist, and I wanted to give her a relaxing 'fun' place to doodle, draw, paint, and write to her heart's content! It was fun gathering colorful items that would come together as the embellishments for the binding.

What I found quite interesting in the 'staging' of this art journal~ with a bit of art and illustration, mixed media and altering going on to make it a sweet gift, I continually reminded myself to hold back on including too much of my own artwork. This was, after all, for the recipient to fill with her own creative thoughts and designs! Along with the art journal, I packed in some necessary tools, such as pens, brushes, and paints that every artist delights in!

2009-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

This is the free-spirit, bright and colorful wash intro page for her art journal. . .

Illustrating and Designing and Writing

2009-08-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss

A great quote to remember while we move forward to meet goals in our illustrations, our designs, art images, and stories we are writing! Happy creative weekend!

Artists and Crafters!

2009-08-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

Enthusiastically suggesting that you to check out Laura Bray's Online Course!

Her class will be filled with ways you can create income by doing what you love. This course is specifically designed for the creative personality. Plan to learn how to develop a successful business and how to have fun while doing so!

This week, Laura shares on her blog about my participation in this valuable online course.

So Pretty and Sweet!

2009-08-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

A close~up peek at what I first thought was a pretty little design with flower petals! . . . . . .

A Beautiful and Elegant Birthday!

2009-08-21T15:05:00.000-07:00

Laura Bray of katydid-designs created this refreshing little birthday celebration tablescape, themed with her beautiful designs and art images! From her "Let's eat cake!" ladies on giftbags, cards and sparkly gift tags, to her sweet cupcake picks ~ the feeling is refreshingly elegant! and the sweet little cake with flower petals-like frosting? Scrumptious!

Artists and Crafters! Inviting you to an online course! see below Ducky. . .

2009-08-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Artist and Crafters Opportunity!

2009-08-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Are you struggling to make a living doing what you love?
Do you feel like you are working all the time and getting nowhere?
Do you feel overwhelmed and confused about all the ways artists and crafters can make money?
Are you always jumping from one idea to the next without following through on anything?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this online course is designed just for you!

From the whimsical art world of Laura Bray, katydid designs presents and invites you to -

The Multiple Streams of Income Online Course!

This ecourse will be filled with lessons on everything from deciding which revenue opportunities to pursue, to creating a plan to ensure that you take

action and successfully market your business choices.

The class starts on September 7. Sign up today!

My Angelic Sketch

2009-08-13T12:50:00.001-07:00

So happy to learn that I won a marvelous Pentel Pocket Brush pen, after submitting this angelic image sketch to Pentel for their drawing on Twitter!

Twitter, I'm finding, is a great venue for many areas as an artist, author and designer. I love learning and discovering what other creatives are working on or accomplishing, and finding great and wonderful drawings or submission requests are just absolutely a blast!

I will create a new sketch with my new Pentel Pocket Brush Pen, once it arrives ~ and will post for you all soon!

Retro TV and an Amazing Birthday Cake

2009-08-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

My sister, Ruthi (aka 'Ms. Chocolat'), surprised me with this very creative and amazing birthday cake she created for me!

Leave It To Beaver is truly my all-time favorite tv series growing up - and even now I can indulge in the series with a dvd gift set - so this cake was absolutely a big treat!! Even the photo stills all around the tv were edible! Of course, you will notice there is no remote present. Those were the days one had to actually get up and change the channel manually!

The down side was, of course, I didn't want to cut into it! Could you blame me?

Though currently under construction, take a visit to Ms. Chocolat's for a peek at her other sweet treats she creates! Yum!!

This Puppy Loves You!

2009-08-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

This handpainted puppy at the fence is one of my new additions in my etsy shop!

Hope your day and week is filled with creating new images and having some fun with it!

My Etsy Shop !

2009-08-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the handpainted creations that you'll find in my Etsy shop!

I've titled this painting, "Cheery Cows and Iced Mochas". I mean, cows need a break, too.

I do have oodles more where these came from, and will be continually adding, so please feel free to visit often! Etsy has so many amazing and incredibly beautiful handmade items! If you find your way through there, and buy something wonderful, please share about it!

New and Fun Art With A Treat!

2009-08-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Cows sipping iced mochas, Doggies cracking each other up , and a Cat lounging on her beach towel are just a few of the new and fun artworks I've created that will be featured and available at my Etsy shop, very soon! Here is a peek into one of the images. . . .

The unique treat for the buyer of these originals will be the option they will have to choose a saying or caption to go with their selected image.

In just a few hours I'll be posting a link to take you there!

These will definitely be one-of-a-kind, original handpainted works of art! I'm so excited!

I Just Won A Humblebeads Treasure!!!

2009-07-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well, color me bright sunshiney-yellow and over-the-top thrilled to learn that I won these simply gorgeous creations by Heather Powers of Humblebeads today in one of her drawings!!

I'm a devoted fan of Heather's artwork and jewelry, as well as her blog! I cannot wait to proudly wear these beautiful ear fashions very soon! And, I just might need a new outfit to go with them!!

Quote from Humblebeads blog:

"Brass earrings with golden branch beads. This design was also inspired by the book 101 Wire Earrings. Visit the Art Bead Scene for a review of the book."

Inviting You to an Online Studio Tour!

2009-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

Aren't these earrings amazingly beautiful?

They are just one of so many wonderfully inventive creations by my friend, Heather Powers.

Today she is hosting an Online Studio Tour and Open House and I invite you to check it out at her Humblebeads blog!

Treat Yourself To One Pretty Thing

2009-07-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

This happy summer weekend, I am thrilled to share that my Beach Sunset Jar in the post below, was just featured on One Pretty Thing, a blog that features DIY projects and indie creations! It's full of tutorial and project links sought out and gathered from all over.

Read an interview with Rachel, who started One Pretty Thing, on Crog Zine - The Blog,

"A Blog Devoted To Crafts And Indie Business".

I treat myself to One Pretty Thing regularly, and it's one of my absolute favorite links here on my blog!

Enjoy going there for a visit and finding something great to make for yourself or for a gift!

But do prepare yourself ~ it's addictingly fun!

Beach Sunset Jar

2009-07-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Capturing a great memory of watching the sun set at the beach is what I had in mind for this gift idea. Some of the items used were recycled, such as the mini wooden bead bracelet, and the mason jar itself! Collected sand and a few little shell pieces from the actual beach, then printed out a small cropped photo of the actual sunset to tuck in with the sand.

A great sunset memory, and a fun gift to make for a friend or loved one! Or for yourself!

Bee Cupcakes

2009-07-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

One of my sisters loves bees, and for her birthday I set out to make cupcakes for her, with sweet little edible bees as toppings.

Now, I love any excuse to browse through food and craft blogs, and it was fun to see how others may have created their own bee-themed goodies. I couldn't find what I was exactly looking for, so I enjoyed coming up with my own 'design'.

Here below, is my simple 'recipe'. . .

Bee Creating

2009-07-06T20:44:00.000-07:00

Assembling these cupcake bees is a real kick! Start with Yellow M&Ms and Black Decorating Icing as the ingredients for the bodies of the little bees. The Icing can also be used to dot little bee eyes.

The antennae were created from slivers cut from Black Licorice Twists, and if you can find Black Licorice Laces, that would work as well!

The wings are crunchy Almond Slices applied right up against the bees once ready to be nestled up on the cupcake.

Swarm

2009-07-06T20:38:00.000-07:00

The whole swarm of bees sitting on their cupcake hills were a delight to behold! ...and quite deliciously sweet as well!

Wrap It Up Personally!

2009-07-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Have a great time creating your own wrapping paper by copying as many images as you can onto 8-1/2 x 11 size paper - or larger, if your printer permits. Then, just tape the backing of all sheets to the size you'll need for the gift you are wrapping.

Simple, yet precious.

Cheers!

2009-06-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here is something very easy and fun to make for any special occasion!

Re-label, and even re-name, a favorite beverage to give as a hostess gift, shower gift, birthday celebration, anniversary, or a new-baby congratulations ~ for either new parents or new grand-parents!

Happy Graduation!

2009-06-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

This time of year we celebrate many events which allow us more reasons to send cheerful greetings! This card was created for our good friend's daughter recently graduated.

. . .and a cool side-note about this sweet graduate is that her dad and my husband graduated together from their own high school many, many years ago now!

My Father's Card

2009-06-18T23:08:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed creating this card for my father, who I dearly love, respect and admire. So thankful for his influence in my life. He is also an artist, so that must be where my love of art came from!

One thing I absolutely treasure about him is that he enjoys humor. He is 88 this year. My mom will be 77. They crack each other up all the time - and that is such a treat to watch. I love it when he saves comic strips he has cut out of the newspaper or magazines - and brings them out to show us. The image for this card truly represents his enjoy-life spirit.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

This card was created for my wonderful father-in-law in celebration of him and how much he is valued in our family. This weekend he will also celebrate 60 years of being married to my mother-in-law! Well, we'll all celebrate with them!

I am very grateful for my in-laws, because they provided my awesome husband for me to enjoy!

Note on the creating of this card:

Recycled our son's graduation name card for the 'Happy Father's Day!" greeting.

Summertime's Just About Here

2009-06-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bubble Popping Joy

2009-06-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hands-down, this was the best part of gift-opening time!