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Count-down to Surtex show in NYC
May 2012
With 32 artists in our group, Cruise Creative fills a double-booth. This year we display in 502-504 both on the wall and on iPods. Liz sent photos from 2011, my first year at the show. My art is bottom center, and I am surprised and very pleased to say that 3 of these 4 images are already licenced (more on that later).
A successful artist wrote anonymously in a forum that, in her opinion, an artist was likely to be taken more seriously in this industry when they take the time to invest in a booth, secure a contract with an agent with a presence in the show, or at the very least "walk the floor" at shows like Surtex. Food for thought, I'd say.
Art in April
April 2012
It's been an art-marathon this month—getting ready for the Surtex convention in New York, May 22, where folks will see my new designs at Cruise Creative, booths 502-504.
I might have the smallest portfolio of our group, maybe of the whole show. Even so, I revel in being part of the action.
I'll actually be in my studio the weekend of the show … while the agents, artists, and manufacturers make plans for new products … it's a joy to work with these kinds of professionals, like modern-day wizards.
Here in the quiet of the country , I'll be wandering the gardens both here and at the old house studio … making bouquets, designing gardens for overgrown spaces …
I'll make magical things like dandelion and violet salad … watch the landscape grow brilliant …
Of course, with a tripod and a timer, we could jump into the picture now and then!
But flowers are my usual models. It's been a wildly wonderful season for violets. I never get tired of seeing their vivid faces!
I'm coaxing them to take over as much of my hill as they can. When they bloom, I play around with preserving them.
This is a blackberry and violet spritzer with floral icecubes. There's no extra sweetener in my soda (I'm sweet enough, thank you)—but you could easily stir in some honey!
Most days now, the sun sets with an apricot glow, lighting up the spring bouquets. Soon the morning will come around and bring fresh inspiration!
Leanin' Tree and me
March 2012
Pure joy with glitter on top! My cupcakes and ginger cat birthday card design is now at Leanin' Tree, and I promise you it is rich with lots of rainbow glitter. (You will be amazed at how much it has! It's the glitter-iest card I've ever seen.) Called The Sweetest Day, it will soon be sparkling in stores and can also be purchased on line at LeaninTree.com
Flea Market Gardening group online
Welcome to my garden! I've conjured up two original and easy garden crafts and made a virtual tour of my flea market garden crafts, and it'll be online at the end of March at Flea Market Gardening, Meet Our Flea Folk:
Favorite photos visiting Ireland
Red boat and altar to Mary far off on the right … see the bit of blue?
The rainbow came right down to the front door!
White horses in a meadow …
March of the seasons
When I visit the old-house studio this time of year (where I am practicing painting techniques), my challenge is to keep focus in rooms touched with winter gloom … cold, dark, and silent since my iPod went on the fritz. No wonder I look forward to distractions like local cats stopping by for treats and to watch the progress.
Here's the gas stove in the front "gallery" I rarely stray from on studio days. In the foreground are a few of my my paint brushes … and the upholstery sample I stitched together to carry them. It's little luxuries like these that brighten the winter shadows.
The secret garden (my name for the overgrown space behind the barn) yields branches that bloom early in vases this time of year, transported back to the warm cottage that is my day-to-day home, looking bright against a painted armoire.
Also, another cheery winter treat I invented this year is baked squash disguised as a sort of fortified chocolate flan. I combined carob, vanilla, maple syrup, and eggs. Vitamin rich and fine taste … it disappeared quickly! Check out the full recipe here.
Winter planning and designing the garden
This was my montage comparing plants I'd like to try in my garden. I've had no luck so far sprouting the African Iris, but both of the sages, the yarrow, columbine and campanula (plus ever so much more) are in baby stage on my balcony, as of April. It's been a long Spring so far, and I like it!
... From upper left: Aristea-South African Iris; Salvia Farinacea; huckleberries; pink petticoat columbine; Baltimore Belle climbing roses; campanula blue bellflower; Salvia Horminum Marble Arch Rose; Achillea yarrow mixed pastels. Center: Maggie on the meadow path.
RAZ Imports, Ltd. Spring '12
from the Birds and Blooms Collection
Bird nest detail by bird-loving me ... this is a finch nest ...
... and a robin's ...
The images published by RAZ, blend flowers and birds, of course, but also lace and some lyrical looking script ... and, oh yes, I have always loved sparkling cobalt ...
RAZ Imports are beloved everywhere. These four matching prints were on page 87 of the Spring 2012 catalog, but are already SOLD OUT. Luckily, I've learned that my bird images and more will be available again before long.
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Pardon my elf …
He's marking things that are not all thereyet, and a reminder that we all need nine extra hours in the day!