Shop Spotlight: perpetU Mobile

As a child, I remember making dream catchers in Girl Scouts - wrapping the string into a spiderweb pattern and decorating it with beads and baubles.  I don't remember what happened to all those dream catchers - I may have one tucked away for a future dream.  Perhaps it's the nostalgia of youth, or the inherent romance in her pieces, but Hungarian artist Zsofi Toth of the lovely shop perpetU Mobile creates dream catchers of, well, my dreams!  I could see her work at home in a living room window or over a child's bed.  I think a cluster of them would be simply stunning. 

love the tiers - this is my favorite!

skyblue dreams - rust and teal with a touch of black

magic colours - a dreamy color palette

olive green nights - reminds me of spring

exotic green - the golden touches make all the difference

old orange days - a quiet autumn harvest

summer sunshine - with a burst in the middle!

nightly sky - like the day's final bursts into evening darkness

Be sure to check out more of these dreamy pieces here.

Stay creative,
A

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behind the scenes: Lucky #13

It was 13 and then I did a recount and the number was 14.  Fourteen!  That's how many paintings I have in progress right now - yowzers!  Six are custom pieces that already have homes they will be settling into soon.  The rest are for the shop - most replace recent sales, but I do have 4 new pieces that I'm excited about (hint: you can see one right there in the top picture, do you see it?)!

So if you ever wonder what I'm up to, it's probably painting (actually, it's probably parenting, the painting happens in the quiet moments!)

Stay creative (and have a lovely weekend)!!

A

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neon: a GO or a NO?

a new twist on classic milk glass (here)

As you may already know, I'm drawn to bright, bold, saturated colors.  I'm often inspired by nature and pattern.  This year, one hot trend is neon...and I'm just not sure how I feel about that!  On one hand I love it - the eye catching yellows, pinks, blues and greens are being used unexpectedly.

not the paper mache of your youth! (here)

little houses with big colors (here)

Vintage doily with a neon touch of paint! (here)

I love that these loud colors can be inserted into quiet places, like a salad bowl or piece of driftwood, and transform the feel of these natural pieces instantly.

ho-hum bowls go bold! (here)

driftwood done up (here) and (here)

And touches of neon on jewelry adds a fun pop to otherwise neutral outfits.

this pretty piece would brighten the greyest outfit! (here)

would you wear all 4 at once? (here)

reminds me of a bright watermelon!! (here)

On the other hand, I cannot help but remember my own pair of neon multi-colored stirrup pants that I rocked in the 80s.  I'm not sure if neon has a place in my already-bright paintings, but that won't necessarily stop me from trying out a bit of neon in my home.

Balloon scarf destined to be a wall hanging in my house! (here)

Want more neon?  Look here: one. two. three. four. five.

So what do you think about neon - is it a go or a no?

Stay creative,
A

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Shop Spotlight: Euro Vintage

Euro Vintage is a shop with a straightforward name and equally simple, but beautiful items.  Their vintage pieces are East European and Russian and, well, I could probably buy half the shop!  Take a look at these fun finds...

candy apple red alarm clock (color love!!)

a radio to go (to the beach?)

space age 70s alarm clock (fun!)

enamelware has a special spot in my heart (tea love!)

a favorite combo - functional and beautiful (new sewing box?)

sure to brighten your office (time to work!)

those bells will make sure you AND your neighbors wake up on time (ring-a-ling!!)

our 50s globe (where's Waldo now?!)

Russian camera from the 60s (vintage shots for sure!)

time for your memoirs? (writing will be fun)

black bakelite phone (a simple phone)

Yes, I could certainly see many of these in my house - that sewing box in my studio, the shiny red alarm clock by the bed - yes please!  What could you see in your house?

Stay creative,
A

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behind the scenes: Sketches

Is there anything more beautiful than a well organized box of crayons?  I'm not sure how long I've had these (probably 20 years, wow!)  Grouping them by color has always been both efficient (no more hunting around for that specific shade of green) and satisfying.

I've been working on sketches for a couple of custom orders this week - it has been both fun and challenging coming up with new designs.

I'm excited to start on the actual paintings!

Stay creative,
A

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Kitchen Inspirations...

My E.

In my house growing up our kitchen seemed big - now that I am grown I know that it was a modest size, which is why it seems my poor mom was always shoeing us out (that and our propensity for snacking on whatever she was cooking).  In my imaginary house, I dream of a kitchen that acts as the heart and hearth of the home - a gathering spot, warm and welcoming. 

I am drawn to the light brightness of white kitchens with natural woods mixed in (a departure from my younger self that was enamored with cherry wood cabinetry).  

Love the white cabinets, beautiful open wood shelves, and apron sink! (source)

The pretty sink, the aqua paint, the subway tile and open shelves...can you sense a theme?? (source)

Nearly perfect - though I would prefer a gas range that is not situated on the island.  Love the butcher block tops! (source)

The glass shelves with plants are perfect - I would have a year-round indoor herb garden. (source)

More and more I am becoming a fan of interesting but neutral(ish) backgrounds with bold pops of color.  I'm drawn to whites, greys and shades of teal/aqua for paint colors.  I like accents that can change with the seasons or my tastes.  Vintage pieces are great not only for their uniqueness, but often are well crafted and are more economical AND ecological than buying new.  Also, I *heart* enamelware...but that is for another post!

I love the pops of red and big beautiful sink!  Such a bold color palette. (source)

All the color and vintage glassware, pretty much a dream come true! (source)

I am on the lookout for these...seriously. (source)

I like the mix of classic and modern styling with a touch of vintage - especially the new wave of ovens and refrigerators that combine retro styling with modern functionality!

Love this slender and colorful fridge - the hard part would be picking what color. Aqua? Cream? (source)

These are the touches that can change the whole look of the room. (source)

 You can see more of my kitchen inspirations here.

What do you dream about for your kitchen?  Please share - I'm always looking for more inspiration!!

Stay creative,
A

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Shop Spotlight: Cosas Minimas

One of the first purchases I made through Etsy was from Cosas Minimas, a shop out of Spain.  Blanca Gomez, the illustrator and designer of the shop, creates masterful prints which are both graphic and whimsical.  Touched with color, when you see one, you cannot help but smile!

Rainy Night Print (My first print from her; it's still my favorite!)

City Scape Print (I love love this new one!!)

Guitarist (How sweet is he?)

Monsieur set of four (This grouping is hanging in my kids' room!)

Freewheeling (you cannot help but smile, no?)

On the Roof (everything seems better from up high)

City Prints set of three (for those with wanderlust!)

I may need to add one or two more to my collection!

Stay creative,
A

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And the winner is...

The bonus entries were added, the numbers thrown into the pool, and the winner is...

Entry number 22!!

B wrote: "I am glad for fabric and art. I am glad that there are artists and designers out there for me to see and learn from. I am especially glad that the internet puts them right in my little paws!"

Now isn't that the truth!  I love all the virtual creativity I'm surrounded by - you never know what it will spark, inspire.  So congratulations B - you have a lovely painting headed your way.


A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in my very first giveaway.  I have read your comments many many times already - and each time I smile.  I guess I'll just have to do another giveaway in the future, yes?

Stay creative!
A

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