Always Adorable in Action

My New Adventure

2010-04-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I must make this quick but I have a new adventure in mind.

I have always wanted to be a children's book illustrator, like Beatrix Potter. I love that style but something a bit modernized. Therefore each month I will attempt a true ink and watercolor illustration, most likely of my children on our mini farm, seeing as that is what I have the most emotional attraction to at this moment. Hopefully that will draw some life and whimsy into my attempts. Wish me luck.

Now how to figure out how to keep my camera handy without getting it dirty...maybe Ree has some suggestions.

Update

2009-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy sometimes and many things happen at once. Life is good, just beyond crazy busy. I am still here are will hopefully be posting more soon. I have discovered some wonderful techniques and new things that I want to try. I will most definitely be taking pictures of and tutorials for once I have them mastered or at least given them a good try. Hang in there my fellow followers!

Scheduled Programming

2009-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

We interrupt the scheduled program for graduation. Woo Hoo! Friday is the day my husband graduates from college. Thrilled does not cover it. :D Also my baby is turning 2. *sigh* I will probably have to stop caller her that now. I am looking forward to her party though. Things are going to be crazy here.

photo courtesy of TulipPhotographicArt Shop

That said I am a little short on time for blogging. Don't worry, I will be back shortly! I will have tons of pictures and a few surprises when I get back next week! See you soon!

Obsession...for paper?

2009-05-04T20:38:00.000-07:00

Who knew that it was possible to fall in love with a paper? But it is true.

I did a custom print for a client and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge that came with trying something new, albeit a bit scary at first, the exileration at the end was totally worth it. I found out about Somerset Velvet paper from www.iprintfromhome.com. Just saying those words has me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Now I am obsessed trying to find the best supplier so that I can start my own velvet watercolor paper colony. Well, all right, I wouldn't leave my life behind for a paper, but it is close.

The print I had placed on it looks gorgeous and creamy, but still translucent like a watercolor dream. I truly had a hard time parting with it. I am sure my client will find a bit of shock over the super careful packaging. Damage just was not an option!

Take a gander!

go ahead click it for a closer inspection...I know I did. :D

Mix-it-up Monday Recipe Reviews

2009-05-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

I am not sure when the aversion to Mondays started or came from but it probably has to do with not being able to sleep-in or goof-off. :D Nothing better than a new recipe to spice up a Monday, wouldn't you say?

This last week has been crazy busy with my husband less than two weeks away from graduation (insert squealing here). It has been a long road but you can see why during crunch time our dinner fare may be more pizza and sandwiches than new and exciting culinary adventures. So I am pulling out one of my oldies but goodies that never fails in wow-ing a crowd!

White Sauce Chicken Enchiladas
1 package tortillas (corn or flour)
2 cup cooked chicken, shredded (can used 2 cans of chicken as a timesaver)
1 small can of green chilies-diced
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 small green onion sliced
1/2 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped

*put all of the above ingredients into bowl 1 of 2. Except the tortillas. In the next bowl place:

1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can evaporated milk (never, never condensed milk...made that mistake one, never again!)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp. cumin

* this makes up the white sauce.

Now with your two bowls side by side there, get your tortilla stack ready for assemblage. Place about 1/3 of a cup of chicken filling down into the top third of the tortilla topped with 2 TBS of the white sauce. Roll up the bad boy and place in a greased 9x12 baking pan. Repeat till all of the tortillas and filling are up. I always place my tortillas in the microwave first for about 30 seconds to make rolling much easier.

Once you have a nicely lined pan of enchiladas take remaining white sauce and pour over your tortilla bundles.

For a bit of kick and color mix, 1 small can of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of salsa, (change this amount to your spice tolerance). Pour this down the center of the pan on top of the covered enchiladas.

Bake this uncovered for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees farenhuit. If you start to see to much browning on the edges feel free to cover with foil towards the end.

To serve, top with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes with a dollop of your favorite sour cream or guacamole. This makes about 8-10 adult servings depending on how hungry everyone is by dinner time. :D

Now if you have a recipe you would like to share on your blog let Mr. Linky know or give us a run down in the comments section!

**assorted herb recipe cards by kissandtellcards on Etsy.

And the Winner IS?????

2009-05-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all who played in the $50 Gift Certificate Mother's Day Giveaway and gave me such great feedback about my work and Etsy shop! It is truly appreciated! Now on to the juicy part...the winner!

The random generator picked number 63. That comment is lovely little dear! Congratulations!

I will send your electronic code through your email provided.

Thanks again for playing everyone, and keep coming back. This was so much fun I will be doing it monthly, different prizes, different sizes, and sneak peaks!

Growing Flower Garden

2009-04-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

I love receiving a Growing Flower Garden Kit back from my customers. The ity bity hands and feet just make my day. Plus then it means I can make another keepsake.

I am working on a tutorial for these, hopefully one day soon, to post! But for now here is the progression from the cut out hands and feet to the finished original watercolor painting.

This order was for a hot pink and orange flower. To find these kits click here.
And the $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway is still going on for only a few more days! Click here to see the details.

Mix-It-Up Monday Recipe Review

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

First off can I have three cheers for the first edition of Mix-It-Up Mondays! Hip-hip-hurray! Okay, calm yourselves...back to our scheduled programming.

I have to give the credit to my sister-in-law and my sister for finally convincing me grape jelly belongs with beef. I know! When I heard the words grape jelly I automatically thought, peanut butter sandwhich or toast or sticky kid faces at lunchtime recess, but not meatballs. Oh how glad I am to be wrong. So without further ado here it is, under 5 ingredients and faster than a rolling meatball:

Secret Sauce Sweet 'n Sour Meatballs.

4 heaping tablespoons of grape jelly, (please fight the urge to be stingy!)

1 8oz bottle of cocktail sauce (hang in there...this is as weird as it gets)

1 24oz can of crushed pineapple, juice in all...go ahead toss in...

54 meatballs (half of a large bag of frozen meatballs)

Pick your most non-staining pot, and have a cooking party. All the above ingredients are invited. Crockpot would be a killer time saver! Stew for 25 minutes for the pot, 2-3 hours in a high cooking crockpot, 4-5 on the low setting. Laddle over some lovely fluffy rice some freshly steamed greenbeans and ta-da, dinner is served.

All my kids loved it and asked for seconds. In fact it was gone before I could even think about taking a picture.

I loved how fast and easy it was to make, with the added bonus of getting some counting practice in with my 4 year old. She wanted to know why her older brother and sister got 5 meatballs and she only had 3. Her counting and comparison seems to work just fine.

So what did you venture to make this week? Share your recipe and review with all of us!

Please remember to link directly to your post and not just to the home page of your site. So let's see 'em, people!

**P.S. My cutest ever thumbs up model decided today was not a good day. We were just doing our best to turn her frowny face upside down and didn't want to push our luck. Toddlers can be spunky! Instead I featured another great Etsy Artisan's craft and love of cooking, nelladesigns' Print Your Own Retro Recipe Cards-Perfect for Mother's Day.

Like a Suspenseful Movie

2009-04-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

As usual I stayed up way to late because I have the hardest time stopping once I start an art project. It would be like stopping at the climax of a superbly suspenseful movie to go to bed. I just have to see how it turns out. But it was worth it. Here they are the three custom Tulip name and monograms.

Now on to another custom of the cutest baby hands and feet flower painting! I am already in love and I only have the watercolor done so far. More on that on Tuesday!

Don't forget Monday will be the first Edition of Mix-It-Up Monday Recipe Reviews. I am reviewing Secret Sauce Sweet and Sour Meatballs. You won't want to miss it...I have the best thumbs up picture to show or thumbs down if the recipe stinks. :D Plus all of you can join in...click HERE to read the post.

And my $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway in honor of Mother's Day is still going strong. I have to thank all those so far for such great feedback and participation. What would you do with $50 at my Etsy shop? Read HERE for more details. Contest ends next week so don't delay!!!

AH-HA! Moment

2009-04-21T10:20:00.000-07:00

You know the moment that your brain clicks with an idea that has just been surfacing enough to tickle your imagination but not showing enough to be an actual tangible idea? This has been me for weeks with my Flower Letters. They are so versatile but I just couldn't quite put my finger on what I had planned next. And as luck would have it, a custom order came along that was just different enough to push me outside of my usual.

Here is the picture show of my progress...

My first sketch did not go over to well. It was way over done and simply to busy.

So I gave it another shot with the words 'organic' and 'understated' rolling around my mind.

This went over much better, so much so she had me proceed and here was my 'ah-ha' moment. I need to make sure I am still open to all the styles that are mine, not just the current style my mood might be in. This work is still very imprinted with my artwork stamp, but it is given a chance to not be my normal thing either.

The first complete of the set of three color pencil Tulip Name Drawings:

Looking for the $50 Giveaway to my shop? Click here.
Want to exchange and review your new recipe of the week...read here.

Mix-it-up Monday Recipe Reviews

2009-04-20T10:41:00.000-07:00

Update: First Edition posts 5AM Pacific Standard Time, Are you ready?

Tired of my same old routine of staple dinners, I want to branch out! I decided the best way to mix-it up and benefit all of mankind, would be to share my culinary experiences along with my children's reactions to the new food journey my family is going to embark on. Come join me. Won't it be fun?

Every Monday we can list our experiment here and give it the good ol' thumbs up or thumb down, Ebert and Roeper style. Tell us what you liked, disliked and could do differently the next week in your own blogs along with the recipe for any other adventurous types. I will have a Mr. Linky available for link-love.

So get busy this week and try something new! Next week the Mix-it-Up Monday Reviews begin.

As for my house, let us see what the kids do with Secret Sauce Meatballs. Doesn't sound to scary, till you hear grape jelly.

*featured Letterpress Recipe Cards and Recipe Box by 1canoe2.etsy.com

Looking for the $50 Mother's Day Gift Certificate Giveaway Contest? click here.

$50 Mother's Day Gift Certificate Giveaway and Saturday Sales

2009-04-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday All Day Sale!
FREE shipping on all orders over $14!

BOGO - Buy one flower letter 5X7 ABC print, and receive one free! Can be Requested as postcards with envelopes included! No limit to this kind of order, 1 purchase = 1 free, 2 purchases = 2, 10 purchase = 10. I think you have the idea. :)**

All 8 1/2 X 11 prints are now printed on the finest canvas paper that produces a print so close to the original you will have a hard time telling the difference, it is also similar to museum archival papers.

Plus, and here is the cream of the sale crop, every item purchased starting today till the end of April is an entry into my super fabulous $50 Mother's Day gift certificate giveaway! This certificate is good toward any item in my shop, as a combination of items or one large purchase*! The winner will be chosen and announced Saturday, May 2, 2009.

There is no limit to entries but you have to follow these guidelines:

1. To gain unlimited entries you can purchase items from my shop. Each item purchases is worth two entries.

2. You can twitter, blog, facebook, myspace, or announce the giveaway in your own shops making sure there is a link back to my etsy shop, http://alwaysadorable.etsy.com for one entry each link. Send me the links to each of your efforts as separate comments for this blog entry. These must stay up till the month is out.

3. Follow my blog and/or twitter for additional entries each. alwaysadorable twitter

4. Earn another entry by heading over to my shop and voting your favorite item by leaving a comment here at my blog in this article!

5. Put another entry into the mix, by also leaving me a separate comment regarding your least favorite item in the shop and why.

6.One entry for a suggestion on shop improvement put as a comment in this article.

7. One entry for something you would like to see that I do not have in my shop but that you think would go with my current items.

So many chances to win this generous gift certificate for you or someone you love! Tell everyone and spread the word. This is going to be a fun giveaway party!

*Excludes monies for shipping.
**Free items do not earn entries as they are not actually purchased and are already a promotional gift.

Tips and Tricks to Tags of Etsy

2009-04-14T23:24:00.000-07:00

Update: QuirkyDolls so kindly added a great link in the comments, but I wanted this front and center. The information is invaluable! Click HERE to read the article on tags.

A big thanks to those who put on the Virtual Labs in the classrooms on Etsy. I always come away with such good information, that really helps my shop improve. Now I want to share my notes with all of you!

A week ago in the Tags Critique I gained a few tips and tricks to help your buyer really find you and want what you are selling. So crucial. Your tags might be pulling traffic, but if it all fluff traffic you aren't going to make a sale. You need those truly interested in what you have to sell to make the sale.

*hops off soap box*

Okay now to the tips:

-Having trouble finding enough to fill all 14 slots??? Never fear, you probably already have a passe in your description. Take a peek and see what you can't borrow from there as a new word. Say you have a listing with forest hills and cute bunnies. Try to sum them up into another word, like woodland. Ta-da, another tag.
-Here are a fews tags that might not get enough use: "sale" if you are having one, handcrafted, your location, "free shipping" when applicable, "world wide", "international", and your user name in a few of your shops listings.
-Always use your main color as a tag. This is how most treasury hunters find their items! Plus in another workshop where I played 'search guinea pig', the more specific, e.i. color I could get with my adjectives the better my results were. So get those color tags in there!
-and last but not least, try to go all the way to a sub-sub category in your tags. The farther you get within a category the better your chances are to be pulled by the relevance search engine.

Now, for the cream...the tricks:

The best way to test out your new tags are to search like a buyer. Imagine you knew nothing about your listing, but wanted to find it. What is the basic search word(s) would you use? See what page your item ends up on.
Then add the color you want, and a specific characterisitc of your item, that makes your item stand out...did you come up?
Finally, think about where you would use the item, and who would be using it. This will help you brainstorm your target market.

After reading this I hope you feel ready to tackle those tags and see if you can't improve their usefulness.

If you are doing great already, feel free to add your trick and tips in the comments!

Excited Like Christmas

2009-04-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

After many suggestions and bunch of research, I have decided to start printing on Canvas Digital Rag Fine Art Mould Made Paper . It is what museums use, but besides that, it has an amazing feel and look. I ordered mine early this morning and cannot wait for it to show up. I feel like a kid again, anticipating Christmas day. I just want it to hurry up and come!

I do have to admit, shopping for paper was way to much fun. I seriously had to empty my cart five times to not buy things I want right now, but don't necessarily need. The iron on transfer paper was almost left in though. Oh the fun I could have with that!

Series Smorgasborg

2009-04-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Spicing up my series with flower letters with some more custom goodness. So many choices so little time. :)

Silhouettes are so elegant and Victorian that I couldn't resist.

Then I gave Spring Butterflies and Cherry Blossoms another whirl. More margin for framing, a better crop, and a few more depth techniques really helps this piece out.

With another reading with Hans Christian Andersen I was spurred on to recreate a rendition in more muted tones than usual for me, but thought it a worthy subject.

Thumbelina found in her Tulip. One of my favorite things about her is the flowy red tulip dress with those deep green eyes.

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

2009-03-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-19T11:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-18T14:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-13T10:45:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-03-02T19:08:00.001-08:00

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!

Growth.

2009-02-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

Change is in the air for me. How little did I know, this adventure would cause me to take a deeper look at myself. Many questions fill my head these days:

Who am I?
What do I represent?
Do others see the real me?
Am I allowing myself to shine through my desire to be known?
Am I staying true to myself?

Some days, the glimpses I catch of the artisan within me, are comforting and expected. Other times though, I am caught unaware, maybe being a bit shocked at first to see what surfaces in good and bad ways, allowing me to reach outside of my comfort zone, albeit slowly at first, to delve deeper into the artisan and person I crave to be.

I have come to one conclusion though...finding oneself can often feel like scraping years of habit and routine off with coarse sandpaper but what I find underneath is so shiny and new.

Why I Look Forward to Thursdays!

2009-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

This amazing blog is chalk full of inspiration, genius, and delightful artistic fun, whatever medium you choose to express yourself in! Every Thursday Natasha, (also known as DoodleStar on Etsy) posts all of the artists' work that fit the theme she gave the prior Friday. I am telling you this is the best grown up version of show and tell, that will inspire your creative genius to come play!

Besides having a fabulous Thursday post, she also does completely thought compelling posts the other days of the weeks! Please go over and take a peek and support what art really is all about!

This week's theme is "Dreaming in Color". Our inspiration pictures that Natasha found are of the Aurora Borialis, Notherns lights shimmering along a night time sky.

I loved that flowing idea of color and also wanted something to represent myself as an artist. This is my entry:

"Imagination's Slumber"-16x20 Acrylic Original Painting

The mind is an amazing and intricate place, where imagination and dreams roam free; where color takes to life with great sweeping motions to reach the deepest secrets and the brightest memories and pour them out one dream at a time.

I imagined a face in the night sky, but stars didn't seem right, so I used her features in sparkling white detail to imitate stars. Her hair starts out normal and spreads and becomes vibrant as she dreams, sometimes wild, sometimes calmly, rolling like the waves of an ocean.

The first shot is the full painting, and the second is the up close of the face at night.

The third and fourth picture are photographs taken of the original painting during the day. Help to see how the painting would be viewed through out the day. I hope you all enjoy!

Not all about the Business

2009-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have to say, promotion is my least favorite aspect of running a business. Don't get me wrong, I love chatting it up with the best of them...just not so much about my store. I make a bad craft pimp. ;)

I need a space where I can think out loud, discover the process of my art and craft, display my mistakes, my achievements, those things that I love, and more about the life that inspires me. More of what intrigues me as an artist and all that makes me an artist will be surfacing.

So feel free to pull up a chair, and muse with me for a while about the life of this artist.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've always been a people pleaser, for better or for worse. This aspect of me comes out a lot in my work. I want the image or item to be something that someone loves as much as I do. So much in fact that they can't live with out it. I find myself thinking to much of what a buyer would want versus what I am trying to express. Finding that happy medium is tricky. To love what you do, but also have others love it too. I think this is why I like custom work so much.

Custom work is the art of merging two imaginations together. I love working with an idea sparked by an other's imagination and working it until it meets me with a grand hello. My vision and the original idea combining into something unique, singular, and individualistic is an amazing process. Albeit challenging and even difficult at times, the payoff of making an other's dream come true is my artist's high. Plus the joy that the individual will feel over the creation made is just an added bonus, to say the least.

I look forward to this week, because of just such a task. I received back some tracings to do my first non family Garden Keepsake painting. I already feel connected to this painting just by handling the little hand and feet tracings put into my care. Such a privilege.

Drumroll Please....The Winners Are.....

2009-02-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Soapdeli Soap Giveaway this last week! And the winners are as follows:

Yuzu Goat's Milk Soap: purango

Falling For You Soap: windycindy

Coconut Cream Pie Soap: carolasar

Each of you should have received an email to contact Soapdeli with your shipping information!

Stay tuned for more giveaways in the near future Fridays!!!

Last Chances and Good Cents

2009-02-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick pop in today.

But I had to share some fabulous sites with my crafting community. This past week I have been Indiana Jones of the lost Craft seeking out sites that are all about handmade goodness. So with out further ado get your bookmarking fingers ready:

TryHandmade's add your link page: uploads your RSS feed with your shop ID's into their random shop generator for Etsy and Artfire shops. Cool, huh! Also make sure you check out the home page to see just how great your blogsite is!!! It will blow your mind.
Mady By Hand. By Me. (https://www.byhand.me): is a fresh very new, but promising site for handmade artisans and membership is free!
Handmadeology: is a blog type site run by Timothy Adams whose knowledge of online venues is quite extensive. Go padawan, you will learn much.
Plaincraft: quite free and entertaining. You submit items you would like voted on. If it is popular enough it stays at the top of the list. Free advertising was never so much fun.
Do a giveaway for a seller on your blog, or offer a giveaway on someone else's blog that is close to your target market. For the price of what you give away you will be astounded by the traffic! And speaking of giveaways...

Last chance to get free soap from soapdeli! The winner will be picked tomorrow.

Follow this link to take you to pamper heaven!

Fun Giveaway Friday

2009-01-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

Fridays are a day I think a lot of us look forward to! What makes a Friday even better??? Free stuff! (huzzah!)

Soapdeli is giving away the following: Yuzu Goat Milk Soap, Falling for You
Soap, and Coconut Cream Pie Soap.

Look at those luscious bars!

To enter simply visit Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen http://soapdeli.artfire.com and pick your favorite item from her shop. Then leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is!

Contest is open to the US and Canada, 18 and up. Limit one entry per

Contest ends next Friday, February 6, 2008 Winners will be announced on Saturday the 7th!

Good luck, everyone! And don't forget to leave us a link or email to get a hold of you if you win. :)

CPSIA...It's Coming...

2009-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

I Hope You Left Room for Dessert!

2009-01-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

One of my weaknesses would be sweets and everything involved, therefore when someone wants to give them out for free, I am all over that. ;) Etsy's Edible Arts Team is having a bake sale giveaway! Um, YUM! This is what they offer:

2 grand prizes, worth over $100 will be given away!
2 runner ups will receive a prize worth $20!
Prizes will arrive to you just in time for Valentines day!

So if you also have been known or know someone who loves them some sugar head on over and check their divine giveaway HERE.

*photo of Ooey Gooey Caramel Truffles by ooeygooeygoodness.

Featured Sellers, Mixing it up! Dolls

2009-01-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

I love our newbies and undiscovered beauties, but with the CPSIA and the new enforcement of lead testing for everything under the sun I couldn't but help wonder if some of these items will no longer be available, not for lack of being safe, but because the cost of testing is so prohibitive! Most pieces including my own would end up costing over thousands of dollars for one doll! So in a show of support for all the is good and handmade I give you all of these fabulous creations. Enjoy!

QuirkyDolls AmyRoseDesigns minelolly laraandmedolls opheliamcphee zouzoudesign

Featured Sellers Not Forgotten!!!

2009-01-20T20:49:00.001-08:00

Except my apologies for not getting the featured sellers up today. Life is crazy as a stay at home mom of four kids and a husband in college! But it will be up promptly tomorrow at noon MST! Set your clocks, it will be great as always!

Today has Been Good to Me

2009-01-19T17:48:00.000-08:00

Another feature this time for Artfire! Shine Your Hiney Soaps Co. so graciously featured my Bee Happy ACEO today in her Bzzzzzzzzz post today. Thanks ShineYourHineySoaps!

I Love When My Email Says Congratulations!

2009-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

I feel very privileged to be featured by Jillian, known as eternalimages over at http://jillianspencer.blogspot.com.

She was kind enough to feature my listing Flower Letter Names over at Etsy

They come in all colors, and the letters come from my Flower Alphabet Print.

Thanks so much Jillian! Now all of you go head over and check out her amazing things and leave a little blog love!

Itty Bitty Romance

2009-01-14T09:29:00.000-08:00

After chatting with a bunch of fine sellers over at Etsy chat, the topic of Valentines Day came up and the question, "Will you be making anything for the holiday?" Not sure that I had it in me to do something more for this lovers' holiday I decided to just work on another ACEO for my floral collection. But whether the message subliminally sunk in or it was just on my mind, this itty bitty romantic ACEO, named "Lady in Red" happened.

This striking itty bitty hand colored art comes with a big statement of a rich deep red intricate primrose dancing her way through a midnight black background. The original drawing measures 2.5 by 3.5 inches, perfect for collecting as a treasure of art.

Drawn and colored with Faber Castell Design Spectracolor Pencils on acid free, heavy weight vellum paper, specifically for drawing and color pencil artworks. Each original piece has been sprayed with fixative to preserve the intricate and vibrant flower.

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Feature #4

2009-01-13T20:21:00.000-08:00

It's that time of week again! Albeit a little later than usual. But I ended up scouring all the wonderful shops and lost track of time. But let's get on with it!

A Newbie, Seller: Camsoaps at http://camsoaps.etsy.com

She did establish her shop early last year, but now really seems to be in the groove this last month of so! I wanted to introduce her here as an awesome soap maker and person! Here is one of her soaps I am dying to try!

Raspberry Lemonade Goat's Milk Soap 5.5 oz

"Scented with a beautifully bright, fresh, tart yet sweet fragrance oil.
With almost 9% cocoa butter plus added castor oil, this is a super smooth, bubbly bar. Goat's milk makes the lather silky and moisturizing. Made using the cold-process method, in small batches, and allowed to cure for at least 6 weeks.

Ingredients: Saponified oils of olive (infused with chamomile and calendula), palm, palm kernel, coconut, condensed goat’s milk, almond, cocoa butter, castor, sesame, wheat germ, avocado, jojoba, fragrance, and shea butter, organic aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Undiscovered Beauty: Baroness Bijoutery's Duchess's Delight Necklace OOAK (one of a kind)

"Keishi pearls, swarovski crystal cascade from a beautiful delicate sterling silver lace chain. A truly regal piece for a special evening out where formal attire is a must. This is a unique ONE OF A KIND piece. The white Keishi pearls have silver sheen to them that sparkles right along with the dark teal and clear swarovski crystals and the sterling silver chain and wire. A piece to be kept and handed down to the next generation. Necklace measures 19" with a 4" strand drop in front, closes with a delicate sterling silver "S" hook."

To see this beautiful piece and others like it go to http://BaronessBijoutery.etsy.com.

To be featured next week:

You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
Leave a comment with a little bit about your shop and your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.
follow my blog and twitter! http://twitter.com/alwaysadorable
tweet about the feature post!!!

Any seller can be featured whether you are a brand new seller with no/few sales or a seller who has had some success!
Thanks!

Patience is a Virture and it Might Be in Short Supply

2009-01-13T12:14:00.000-08:00

Smack dab in the dead of winter has me dreaming of warmer days filled with the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms and warm sunlight streaming in my windows at every angle! I know I should be patient, but here is the thing...I tend to lean towards not. :) With that said I decided to spread the spring and summer love with three little sultry sisters. My very own ACEO Orchid babies.

Here they are all in their summer splendor:

Photo updates or I might be getting the hang of this

2009-01-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today I noticed the impeccably wonderful light streaming through my front window which I have ignored before and just now paid attention because I have had 'photographing yourself to the top' on my mind. So here is what I was able to achieve. Maybe they will improve the look of my site as well. One can only hope.

Two Worlds, One Artist

2009-01-07T18:18:00.000-08:00

I think I dream in colored pencil where life is vibrant, cheerful and colorful. Everything emanates a joyous vibe. You know all that peace, love and happiness. No rules to live by, no schedule to keep. Drumming to my own artists beat. ;)

But then you have the more serious and dedicated side of me, that wants a window into that crazy colorful world with just a splash of color. Like a smoldering red lipstick next to that perfect black dress to keep things interesting, but never veering to far from the side of elegant, sophisticated, and regal.

One of these days I will meet the artist that makes up both of them, equally balanced. Until then I treasure the journey.

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Feature #3

2009-01-06T15:13:00.000-08:00

What an awesome newbie with such an unique craft! This is silentlaunguages Custom Map Drawing.

Custom 9 by 9 inch multi-media drawing on either watercolor or premium drawing paper. In the past I have used watercolor, tea, coffee, tissue paper, dried flowers, india ink pens, drawing ink, and thread.

I will work with you as to what sort of landscape you would like. Ideas for shapes are free-form or anatomy. Your suggestions for color will also be applied to the custom drawing.

I love special requests, so feel free to ask for something different than what you see here!

Perfect gift for doctors, students, cartographers, and travelers.

Please allow 2 weeks for completion.

Send me a conversation or an email at cathedralanatomy AT gmail.com and I will be happy to start your piece for you!

So please check out Cartography of the Imagination!

Please let me introduce you to my undiscovered beauty, Pinka's Productions! A wonderful little shop full of sparkle and talent. Her new shop is delightful and she is working on some necklaces that will show soon!

This happens to be my favorite item in my favorite color!!!

Description: It's not for your toes but for your wrist, just like any other bangle bracelet. The difference is that this bracelet is made with a sock yarn called Tofutsies! :-) You can see the magnificent colors through the clear beads just enough and with enough sparkle to show off the focal bead in the middle. The bracelet measures a standard 7” around, but because its sock yarn, there is a chance of slight stretching with normal use. I can make a smaller bracelet if desired.

All purchases come in an organza bag perfect for storage or gift giving.

FREE 1ST CLASS SHIPPING! Delivery confirmation and insurance optional. Deliver confirmation: $.65 and insurance:$1.70 :-) :-)
Flat rate, Priority Mail shipping for $5 regardless of how many bracelets is also available and will include delivery confirmation. Insurance is optional.
Will ship internationally but please email for shipping quote.

To be featured next week:

You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
Leave a comment with a little bit about your shop and your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.
follow my blog and twitter! http://twitter.com/alwaysadorable
tweet about the feature post!!!

Any seller can be featured whether you are a brand new seller with no/few sales or a seller who has had some success!
Thanks!

Keep 'em coming!

2009-01-05T09:11:00.000-08:00

The comments and views are great for my feature that runs on Tuesdays for artisans trying to make a living in the crazy world and economy right now! Keep them coming.

As always, tomorrow is Tuesday and I will be featuring a new thing/seller of something has hasn't been seen for a while! Go to:

http://alwaysadorable.blogspot.com/2008/12/newbie-and-undiscovered-beauty-featured_29.html

to play as well! No artisan will be overlooked! I take time to look at each and everyone, you never know if I will pick you so leave a comment and follow my easy list of to-dos.

AMARYLLIS ACRYLIC ORIGINAL PAINTING-11X14 INCHES

2009-01-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

The stunning Red duo of Amaryllis have been painted as an acrylic original painting on heavy weight 140 lb cold pressed, archival watercolor professional paper in watercolor style with professional grade Winsor Newton acrylic paints.

A photo did not seem like enough to capture this pair of Amaryillis after spending so much time growing them. Just as the blooms came into peek bloom, I set an evening aside to capture their beauty.

Measures 11 by 14 inches (27.9 by 35.6 cm) and has been signed, titled, dated and numbered. Ships in a protective plastic covering, wrapped in tissue paper as a gift from my shop to your home, in a priority box.

To purchase head over to Always Adorable Artfire.

Bubble Love- Sweet Heart Valentine- ACEO

2008-12-31T09:28:00.001-08:00

Heart bubbles floating aimlessly through this sweet pink illustrated ACEO. Delight someone with this whimsical ACEO measuring 2.5 by 3.5 inches for Valentines day! Capture their heart with this ity bity treasure of art.

Printed on luminous cardstock for a hint of sparkle with Vivera professional inks that are guaranteed to last up to 75 years plus when properly protected.

ACEO comes signed, dated, titled, and numbered on the back and shipped in a protective plastic sleeve and cardboard mailer designed for photos and small artwork.

Limited Edition of 100.

To purchase go to Always Adorable Etsy or Always Adorable Artfire

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Featured #2

2008-12-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

My newbie for the week is from Cowrie Girl Designs, eclectic innovation. Her new earrings display a fabulous maroon recycled bead, and beautiful lines! Go visit her lovely Etsy shop to see more great jewelry. Her views are pretty good, so don't wait...it would be a shame if they were gone before you could see them!

I am thrilled to show off eternalimages photo notecards as an undiscovered beauty!!! I had to pick these because I was blown away by the loveliness of all her photos and honestly could not pick just one! This was the best of both worlds. Take a moment and browse her shop at eternalimages her Etsy shop.

And as always, there links will stay located in the sidebar under featured sellers till next Tuesday! And if you want to be featured next, this is the criteria:

You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
Leave a comment with a little bit about your shop and your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.
follow my blog and twitter! http://twitter.com/alwaysadorable
tweet about the feature post!!!

Any seller can be featured whether you are a brand new seller with no/few sales or a seller who has had some success!
Thanks!

Bee Happy little ACEO

2008-12-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

The last few months of learning the ins and outs of business and maintaining a craft that I enjoy and love has been quite the discovery. For one, I have learned that I am a workaholic to my family's dismay. The new year comes with goals of balance and hardwork! But just recently I found a way to do what I love, within a time frame that leaves peace and harmony within my life for well, a life. The answer has come in the form of ACEOs.

These are mini delights of art that the aspiring collector, other artists, and admirers can attain through purchase with minimal investment. In other words, great art at great prices! Just my thing.

With that said, this is what inspired me today to create. My first ACEO of a quirky little bee that lives life with skies the limit! This collectible 2.5 by 3.5 limited edition ACEO print of 10, with its bright and cheerful colors, 'Bee Happy' will be a cherished little treasure of art available at Always Adorable Artfire.

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Featured Artists/Crafters of the week

2008-12-23T08:47:00.000-08:00

With the new year rolling around I would love to start featuring items or artists that are new within that week or have not had a sale within that month! It is so easy to be buried in the masses of wonderfully created items. Your link will also be listed on the sidebar under featured sellers. If you would like to be featured next, this is the criteria:

You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
Leave a comment with a little bit about you, being a newbie or and undiscovered beauty, with your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.

So as an example I will use my shop for starters.

A Newbie: Spring Dream Print from Always Adorble at Etsy

Breath in the fresh crisp air and sweet cherry blossoms. Hear the soft whisper of butterfly wings in the spring dream. Everything gleaming from a hint of sunshine delight!

What room wouldn't be brightened and cheered up with this beautiful print. Every hand drawn and colored butterfly and blossom has been expertly formed for whimsy and lightness.

Printed on an 8 x 10 professionaly printed glossy photo paper that will last for 75 years plus when properly protected!

Comes titled, signed, dated and numbered on the back making it a valuable art piece and shipped in a protective plastic sleeve.

Undiscoverd Beauty: Live Love Laugh Print from Always Adorable on Artfire

Vibrantly cheerful way to brighten a home. Each flower letter was drawn and colored by hand then digitally grouped together.

Professionally printed on glossy or lustre finish photo paper.

Print is 8 x 8 inches and comes signed, dated, numbered, titled, and shipped in a plastic sleeve.

Ships within 1-2 business days of email preview approval.

When placing order, comment to seller colors for background and borders and page finish (glossy or lustre).

Okay so this is how it is done!

A Dollar for shipping you say?

2008-12-22T08:42:00.000-08:00

I am delighted with Artfire, a new handmade sellers and buyers venue! Their site is phenomonal even in it beta stage. I decided to take the plunge and sell all my wonderfully handcrafted items and beautiful designs there! And just because I love Artfire, I am sharing the love with all my buyers. When you buy two or more items shipping is a dollar on each item, instead of usual shipping costs! I send first class and priority so you only pay a few dollars for almost instant gratification! Talk about love.

To choose all your favorite things feel free to browse my shop, Always Adorable Artfire

P.S. My etsy shop Always Adorable is still in full swing and is fully stocked as well.

Marble Alphabet Print -Limited Edition

2008-12-20T20:27:00.000-08:00

It is finally here. After about 100 hours of hand drawing and pencil sharpening it is finished, the complete marble alphabet. It was so fun to relive a childhood fascination and transform it into something tangible! So without further ado:

To see more details on this go to my Artfire shop!

Craft Show and Dolls and Tutus, OH MY!

2008-12-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

My first craft show happened this last weekend. I learned so many valuable skills and gained a lot experience in this five week process. The fire has been lit though and I truly love doing this.

It was great to mingle and share what I have to offer with people from all walks of life. I loved watching their eyes light up every time they picked up a doll and then fell in love with her sleepy side surpise. I loved knowing that I was brightening someones home with joy and beauty. This I will be doing again.

And for your enjoyment all the photos and new items from the show!

You can meet all the dolls individually at my etsy shop HERE.

Tutus will be listed by the end of this week!

P.S. There is no way it would have been as much fun if I hadn't been next to two of my funnest ladies and shared a booth with a Stephanie from Sweet Pea Designs.

New Items

2008-12-12T09:38:00.001-08:00

Monday I will be showing off all my things from the craft show! This should be fun!

Girls' Growing Flower Garden

2008-12-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

Girls' Growing Flower Garden

A Darling way to capture your growing bud with paintings made from a tracing of your child's hands and feet. A beautiful and unique way to display a keepsake of your child's milestones that will bring joy into your home everyday!

Each painting is made with longevity in mind. Only the best archival acid free artists paper and materials used. Click on kits to buy or go to my etsy shop directly HERE.

Basic single kit includes: -1 child-1flower
Deluxe single kit includes:- 1child-2 flowers
Premium single kit includees:-1 child-3 flowers

Double Child kit includes: -2 children-2 flowers total
Triple Child kit includes: - 3 children-3flowers total

(Size of finished product will vary due to hands and feet of child.)

Fairy Dust Tutus -

2008-12-03T10:10:00.000-08:00

A whimsical Fairy Dust Tutu with just the right amount of magic from the second star to the right, filled with make-believe delight!

Raspberry Lemonade is one of the sweetest faeries with a heart full of fun. Every summer she takes charge of the growing of each and every plump raspberry until the picking can begin. At the end of the harvest she throws a party only she can. End of summer parities just wouldn't be the same without Raspberry Lemonade.

Perfect for hours of playing dress up, birthday parties, photos shoots, and dance recitals.

Comes with a matching hand sewn sequin flower the color of the perfect ripe raspberry. 1" no twist elastic wrapped in satin ribbon for the waist. The detailed sculpted petal shape comes in the most delightful colors of raspberry pink, a touch of sunshine yellow and of course lemon yellow.

The finest tulle is used for extra softness and double and triple layered for fluff that your fairy would be proud of! Also it is 13 inches long in length for perfect twirling.

Holiday Prices include ribbon and flower:

Please specify waist measurement with size!

Purchase HERE at my etsy shop.

Play or Dream Doll - Pixie the Princess

2008-11-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Besides being one of the most huggable dolls with her soft plush body;
Surprise! she has a sleepy side.

Two adorable painted faces, one awake and ready to play and one full of sweet dreams. One-of-a-kind ribbon hair for texture and sensory for little ones. And who could resist those striped socks!?!

Her dress has a Velcro opening on the back for ease of removal from her day wear dress to her evening nightgown. (Nightgowns coming soon). Also the ribbon accent is all the doll fashion rage.

All sewn with extra attention to being hugged for years to come. Made with the softest cotton fabrics for delicate washing and hang drying. Painted face from non-toxic Polymark fabric paint pen. Face won’t wash off, rub off, or pick off.

Doll stands 20 inches tall.
Stuffed with 100% premium fiberfill.
Comes from a smoke free, pet free home.

Click HERE to buy from etsy.

Missing Your Marbles

2008-11-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

Marble Names!

Personalize and delight your favorite boy with his very own name in some vintage charm.

A print with any color background. Specify color behind word choice, (example: Jacob, red).

8"x10" Print (1-10 letters):

Professionally printed by Costco on glossy photo paper. Also signed, titled, and dated on the back and shipped in a protective plastic sleeve. Ships within 24 hours of purchase.

When placing order comment to seller, word choice and background color choice. (sample: Mike, orange).

Print orders purchase HERE at my etsy shop.

Flower Alphabet Print Now Available

2008-11-14T23:15:00.000-08:00

Cute, huh!

Vibrantly cheerful way to brighten any spot (Girl's nursery perhaps?). Each flower letter was drawn and colored by hand then digitally grouped together.

Background only samples, you choose what you like!

Limited edition 25 prints, makes this highly collectible.

Professionally printed by Costco on glossy photo paper.

Print is 8x 10 inches and comes signed, dated, numbered, titled, and shipped in a plastic sleeve.

Purchase HERE at my esty shop.

Custom Flower Names-

2008-11-09T21:00:00.000-08:00

Flower Names are a brighter more adorable way to personalize your home whether it be a child's room or any room using any words you would like. The finest materials are used to ensure a lifelong love of your Flower Name.

(charcoal samples)

(Design Spectracolor pencil samples)

Custom hand drawn and colored either using Design Spectracolor pencils or charcoal with wash with up to three choices in flower colors. These will be original artworks signed, titled, and dated on the back and shipped in a protective plastic sleeve and tube packaging.

11 1/2"x16 1/2" Custom (1-10 letters):

Please specify the following below:

a name/family friendly word/initial,
medium type (pencil or charcoal)
if custom order, choose up to three colors for flowers

To order a custom colored pencil go HERE to purchase.

To order a custom charcoal go HERE to purchase.

Acrylic Canvas Painting

2008-10-29T00:25:00.000-07:00

Bashful Baby Orchid
24"x36"

After spending time caring for these orchids I fell in love with this calm and captivating duo with a story hidden beneath the beautiful forms and dimension. The one blossom the flowers and I felt was worth waiting for.

Original painting with professional quality acrylics and wrap around canvas. 24x36 inch (No need to frame).

Ships in a special art crate so there will be no damage to your beautiful painting.

International interests contact me for shipping information.

Price: $250

Purchase HERE at my etsy shop.

Picnic 'n Tulips

2008-10-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Picnic 'n Tulips
ACEO

Mary, Mary Never Contrary, how does your garden grow?

In a picnic field with tulip blossoms upon rows and rows and rows!

Whimsically brighten your favorite girls room or play room with this delightful and collectible 2.5 by 3.5 limited edition ACEO print of 10, with its bright and cheerful colors, 'Picnic 'n Tulips' will be a cherished little treasure of art.

Professionally printed on lustre photo paper.

ACEO comes signed, dated, titled, and numbered on the back and shipped in a protective plastic sleeve and cardboard mailer designed for photos and small artwork.

Ships USPS 2-3 business days from payment.

Purchase from HERE from my etsy shop.

2008-10-25T13:32:00.001-07:00

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2008-10-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

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2008-10-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

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