Two More with Great Hair...Really It Is Quite Unfair

I have to admit, I am having way more fun than I thought I would reliving my childhood through fairy tale illustrations. Each night I have found myself snuggled up with the kids reading fairy tale bedtime stories only to find myself anxious to draw my findings as soon as I know they are tucked in as snug as a bug in a rug.

So last week, after coming to terms with my jealousy over the luxurious hair bestowed upon such creatures in these stories, I read Hans Christian Andersen's tale, A Little Mermaid.

Definitely not the glamorized Disney version with Ariel, which I have to say is what I love about the classics! Such a torn, and thoughtful being the mermaid was! My favorite part of the story is her courage to choose good no matter the cost and do it with great hair.





We also read Rapunzel, by the Brothers Grimm. I just can't imagine what hair washing day must have been like! But I could see a day spent air drying her golden locks while singing with Mr. Blue Jay for voice lessons. I mean she had to do something to pass the time away!



And here is a tidbit I found out in my research of these wondrous stories, Hans-yes we are a first name basis now, actually found the story of the princess and the pea silly! To quote his word towards the ending of the story,

" ...though for the life of me I can't understand why the silly Prince wanted a wife with such tender feelings."

Yes, yes...to be so tender as to be battered and bruised by a sweet pea. Can you image?

Once Upon a Time

My four year old is into fairy tales as of late.
R.e.a.l.l.y into fairy tales.
She wants to hear them over and over, with enthusiasm each time. This got me thinking, a dangerously crafty pastime of mine I know.

I should put down in illustration what my favorite tales mean to me. I always envisioned each fairy tale, whether it be Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, or Lewis Caroll in my own vibrant way. These are the beginning of my fairy land excursions.

*Careful, you just might become attached that you won't be able to part with them. In that case, just click on the picture to make all your dreams come true.*

Alice in Wonderland:

Alice in the Flower Garden

In all her adventures, I like to think Alice spent the longest in the flower garden amongst her favorite pink and purple tulips.



Little Red Riding Hood:

Little Red Riding Hood Pauses to Chat with Mr. Robin

On her way to Grandma's cottage in the woods, Little Red Riding Hood finds time to pause in her walk, to chat to Mr. Robin. His news is not good!



The Princess and The Pea

The Princess Tries to Sleep A Loft the Mattresses In Spite of the Dreaded Pea

Mattress galore and down comforter tucked, the lovely princess desperate for a wink of sleep, nestles in, trying to resume her beauty rest. The Pea will have none of it!



And if you so choose they are available at my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Thursday Sweet Treat : Rainbow Chaos

Wow! Every week I anticipate the grown up version of show and tell over at Natasha's blog, Thursday Sweet Treat . Each previous week seems to out do itself and I wonder if it could happen again. Let me repeat myself...

WOW!

I can't post my favorites this time because well there were to many, it would just be easier for you to click THIS link, and see for yourselves! You won't be disappointed and you will surely leave with a smile on your face and joy in your hearts!

I will post mine here as it gives a good indication of the brightness of the vivid entries:

This is a preliminary digital painting and hand drawn butterfly collage, that I will eventually make into an acrylic painting and collage.

"Partly Cloudy with a Chance For Rainbows"

Enjoy the rainbow spectacle you are going to see!

Snarky Sells

I have noticed a trend in online venues. The value of snarky.

Here is one definition of snarky: Adjective - Any language that contains quips or comments containing sarcastic or satirical witticisms intended as blunt irony. Usually delivered in a manner that is somewhat abrupt and out of context and intended to stun and amuse.

Take WryandGinger , staceyrebbecca and mincingmockingbird for examples.

Here is a prime example, of using your actual product with the snarky factor by WryandGinger:

And here we have a witty title by mincingmockingbird

It Is Folly To Assume My Awesome Lies Dormant - A Book Of Mincing Mockingbird Paintings

and last but not least a snarky listing description by staceyrebbecca from her "Bees are the new Owl Finger Puppet" listing:

That's right! Bees are the IT! They say spring, they say fashion, they say "I make your honey and keep your earth entirely sustainable and without me, you best consider figuring out how to pollinate thems crops all up with your bad selves--and ya know what? We're goin all KINDS of extinct on your face, so you best watch yourself the next time you complain that 'earmarks' went to fund our species alive..oh, and the rest of the ecosystem as well, which, last I checked included humans? Yeah, that's why we get less than the cost of just one Senator McCain's houses to fund the repopulation of YOUR survival. mmmk?thxbye!"

wow, bees can be snotty.

That's right, friends, 1.7 million dollars was awarded to fight the unsettling continued disappearance of honeybees in the world.

why are bees so necessary?

Because they're ADORABLE, of course!

man, you people are dense sometimes.

/!\ CAUTION: small parts. Bees kill babies and irresponsible people who decide to swallow things they shouldn't. This is not a cat toy. seriously. It is also not a bedpan or a mop.

Honestly the list can go on and on! Now granted, they have a price range that the average buyer could purchase an item, and the item is specialized, saying they make one particular thing with variation and make it well and the photos are smashing good! But the addition of their wit and ability to entertain sets their shops apart. Much can be learned by combing their shops!

So my tip of the day, if your shops warrants a bit of snarkiness, give it a go!** Let it shine in your listings for a better chance to sell. Not only does a buyer get a great item, but entertainment as well.

**by no means I am I endorsing or condoning the use of your snarkiness towards others...just for the things in your shop. :)

Because Two Heads Are Better Than One

Yesterday after posting my Giraffe Portrait,

I just felt that she seemed a bit lonely. SO I drew her a buddy. A playful little guy full of spunk and spontaneity....just don't let that monkey baby face fool you or become entranced with those glistening eyes.

He is sure to keep her on her toes!

Peek-a-Boo Monkey Portriat and Safari Spice Giraffe Portriat Prints available in my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Thrusday Sweet Treat...Be Inspired

Such wonderful artists and creative minds participated this week over at Thursday Sweet Treat. I loved the theme, "African Safari" and joined in the fun! I haven't been able to for a couple of weeks now and was having serious withdrawls. ;-) So last night, at about 12:30 I was able to send my entry, in the nick of time. I am always so thankful to Natasha for including my work...I am usually one of the last to get it in.

Here are a few of my favorites that joined in today:

Allover Art's Pendant is simplistic, but stunning! I think that is what I love about it. The imagination roams so freely with the image she created, "Safari Sunset"(available in her etsy shop, http://AlloverArt.etsy.com)

Another of my favorites has to be Theresa from http://www.woodngoods.blogspot.com who created this awesome zebra puzzle :

For more pictures head over to her etsy shop: http://www.woodngoods.etsy.com.

And finally what I created. For now I am calling it "Giraffe Portrait" which will most likely change when the inspiration hits me for a better name! Hopefully later this morning I will be able to list it over at my etsy shop, http://alwaysadorable.etsy.com.

I have always had a fascination with giraffes and couldn’t help myself with the African safari theme. The giraffe is hand drawn in pencil and highlighted with color pencil with a digitally colored background.

I love her eyes, they say everything.

These are only a handful of the amazing and creative ideas that sprang from those two little words, "African Safari", so head on over to Natasha's blog, for your Sweet Treat this Thursday.

Tid bits.

In my efforts to be positive in this economy with the added bonus of starting up a new business, (not sure what was I thinking two years ago when I procrastinated!) I decided to list some tidbits of good news.

• being featured in my third treasury, feel free to take a peek, make a comment, make my day...;-)
• having an etsy mini window placed on an admirers blog, thanks so much gracies-eggies!
• getting 2 more positive feedbacks racking my total up to a whopping 9...:-)
  
• finally getting around to replacing some awful washed out photos of my plush dolls with these photos that hopefully do the trick.

What do you think? Do they 'pop'? I would love to know what you all think!