AT HOME IN LAKE FOREST

Having spent a large part of my childhood in the Midwest, I have great memories of the older homes and leafy lanes in Summer. This vintage Tudor style home was commissioned by a client in a beautiful, forested suburb of Chicago. I enjoy the diversity of being able to capture all types of homes in many different locations, but all with two things in common - beauty and the comfort of familiarity that is found only at home. Why don't you let me make your home my next subject? Contact me here for more details.....

BROOKISH

Is this mug adorable or what?

 I will forever be a sucker for Jane Austen's phrasing. Austen-inspired Etsy seller Brookish has immortalized Mr. Darcy's words and turned a simple coffee mug into something that could bring a smile to the recipient's face every morning! They also carry a lot of other uniquely charming items. I thought it was a great Valentine's Day gift.....

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

FIRST THURSDAY IN KEY WEST

The best shopping in Key West, Florida is found in the Caroline Street Art and Design District and they are featuring their "First Thursday" Event tomorrow evening, February 4th. The shop keepers and gallery owners provide hors d'ouevres and drinks from 6-8 PM for your refreshment while you are able to leisurely stroll the neighborhood.
Thanks to the introduction of fellow blogger and friend, Kate Coveny Hood, I am very pleased to have Style Key West now carrying my cards and prints and they will be introducing my work in their shop tomorrow.

Jo and Terry Coveny are the owners of this charming design and home furnishings shop that exudes the very best of island style. You can check out their blog here. If you are nearby or know someone who is down that way, stop in and tell them I sent you! The shop's address is 313 Margaret St. just a few doors in from Caroline St. at the Historic Seaport in Old Town Key West

SWEET MONDAY

I hope that you had a good weekend! February is here (today!) and I am offering the first in a series of prints on canvas from a grouping of original dessert paintings that I have done in the last few years. It's a colorful collection that would look great in your kitchen or anywhere, for that matter.

The first (pictured above) is my 2007 version of a traditional Parisian "Religieuse" pastry on an orchid colored background complete with finished edges and ready to hang (no need for frame).

Available now in my shop. Look for more to come very soon.

HAPPY WEEKEND!!

Thanks to Tampa-based blogger and designer Jaime Rogers for the post a couple of weeks back!

and Ashlina at Domestic Bliss

Jules at the Diversion Project 

and Style Key West once again!
Thank you! I hope that everyone has a great weekend. Can you believe it's almost February?  I've been so busy, the month has flown by. See you next week!!

NEVER A DULL MOMENT - SIXX DESIGN

The Novogratz family seems to be everywhere these days and with their new show on Bravo, slated to air in April, I don't think we'll be seeing any less of them anytime soon. That's a good thing. I am fascinated by this couple who seem to possess an endless amount of style, creativity, verve and above all, ENERGY! Recently, their company, Sixx Design, sent me their book "Sixx Design - Downtown Chic". I found it a refreshing departure from a lot of typical, dry and scholarly tomes on renovation and design. This book is colorfully and heavily illustrated with great photos, not only of their amazingly ambitious and eclectic projects, but also of their adorable brood of seven children.

The Novogratz's have a way of turning the sometimes downtrodden concept of a large family on it's ear and they seem to infuse everything with a great deal of life and enthusiasm. Perhaps it's the way they refuse to do anything "by the book", but reading their book definitely piqued my interest in becoming more familiar with Sixx Design and watching their upcoming reality TV program. Are they designers? Renovators? Actors? Models? A family or a brand? I think they are all that and more, but check out their website and book and judge for yourself.

HAPPY 92ND BIRTHDAY, GRANDPA!

(photo by Bilde)

I just wanted to send out my very heartiest and most sincere "Happy Birthday" to my beloved Grandfather on his 92nd birthday!! As some of you know from this post, it's an extra special blessing that he is still with us and I want him to know just how much I love, appreciate and admire him for the exceptional human being that he is, both in public and private. I am so proud of you, Grandpa, and sending you all my love on your special day!

NEW ORIGINAL WORK - TOUCH OF SPRING

Here's "Queen with Chevrons", an original mixed media piece.

My latest - a paper and acrylic on board painting. Features an aqua hand-cut silhouette of Queen Elizabeth 2 on an pink, orange and white chevron-patterned background. Great graphic quality! Measures 12x12 inches with a 2 inch profile that is painted with a pink wash, gallery style. Complete with protective finish and wire and groove on back for hanging. Signed and dated by artist on back. A great piece to banish the Winter doldrums and brighten your room or office - more photos and price here.

FAMILY HEIRLOOM

One of the things I love most about my job is the opportunities I have to be in on surprising loved ones with special gifts. This settee was commissioned by a client in Houston as a gift for her sister. She sent me the scan of an old polaroid and asked that I immortalize this delicate family piece. How's that for a thoughtful sister? I'd love to collaborate with you on a special surprise for someone - please contact me here for details and pricing.

TALES FROM AN ACTIVE IMAGINATION

Return of the hippos from Capucha on Vimeo.

I couldn't resist sharing this from my favorite little French girl. I hope it makes you smile!

ANNECHOVIE AND THE SKIRTED ROUND TABLE

I now have a still photo of my print that was featured in this scene in "It's Complicated". The same print is available here.

I want to offer a huge thank you to the ladies of the Skirted Round Table (Joni Webb, Megan Arquette and Linda Merrill) for their very kind mention during their interview this week with Academy Award nominee, Set Decorator, Beth Rubino. I also want to thank Nancy Meyers, Beth Rubino, and super-nice assistant

Kate Yatsko for including my print in the film!!

If you get a chance, go and listen to the podcast and get the inside scoop on the design/decoration side of movie production with one of the most prominent professionals in the industry. Beth decorated the set for  many blockbuster films, including "Something's Gotta Give" and her latest, "It's Complicated".

I hope you all have a great weekend and I will see you on Monday!

THANK YOU!

Thank you to Pink Preppy Partygirl for featuring my matchboxes from Shandell's

Elegance Redefined  for featuring my new "Domestic Bliss" print

and new blog Style Key West for the props!

then, there's California-based art teacher Tisha Smith who based an art lesson on my chairs.

and once again, Sarah at Flourish Design & Style featured my new print in her "Hint of Pink" post.

Thank you!   
I SO appreciate all of you.

I would also like to thank Yvonne Rosenfield of La Petite Gallery for nominating me for a "Kreative Blogger" award. I am supposed to share 7 things about myself and nominate 7 more bloggers.
I so admire Yvonne for her spunk and for being adventurous enough in her 70's to take up blogging - she's amazing!
Ok, here in no particular order, are 7 things about me:

1) I do not have much of a sweet tooth, but I definitely have a fondness for Bob's peppermint sticks
2) I know I am hardly any paragon of hipness but I still can't wrap my head around the whole "Twilight" craze. I just don't get it - it creeps me out, esp. the wolf bit. End of rant.
3) I am fairly opinionated, but try to keep it to myself most of the time (unless asked!)
4) I once ate an entire deviled crab, shell and eyes included. I was 4 and ate whatever was set before me. Ouch.
5) I generally open doors in public with my foot or a paper towel. Yes, I am a germaphobe, too. I have been called "Howard Hughes" on more than 1 occasion by a rather unkind person. I promise I am not that bad. Am I?
6) I still like McDonald's french fries once in a while, with plenty of salt.
7) I never sneeze just once.......9 times in a row is my all-time record.
I am going to nominate the following blogs for a Kreative Blogger award:
Design's for You
Sound of Lace
79 Ideas
La Dolfina
Swoon 
Today
Southern Comfort in a Northern Life 

SOUTHERN TRADITION

A client from Raleigh, North Carolina commissioned this home portrait and I fell in love with the traditional American facade and beautiful landscape. I would love to capture your home as well - contact me here for details.

INCOGNITO

My 5 year old nephew loves nothing more than a good disguise. This kid asks for teeth, wigs, glasses, etc. for birthdays and Christmas. Here's his latest ensemble....I hope it makes you smile.

 Have a great weekend, everyone!!

DOMESTIC BLISS CAN BE YOURS!

Believe it or not, it's actually cold here in Florida, although I have nothing to complain about, knowing that 3/4 of you have it much colder than I do! I have even been forced to wear closed-toe shoes this week. I know - unheard of for me. I have been staying in and cooking up a few new things in the studio.

This print is my first new release of 2010.  This quote print features a rich geranium pink background with white text. Perfect to add a punch of color to your walls anytime, BUT it also makes a great Valentine's Day gift as well (hmmm, wishlist, anyone?) You can find it in my shop. Stay warm and have a great day!

THESE ARE GRAND NOTEBOOKS......

I received a very cool package in the mail the other day from Sweden. It was from Therese at Archie Grand. Archie Grand is a company that creates these brilliantly colored and conveniently sized notebooks with witty titles. But, don't let the titles fool you - the notebooks all come with 160 blank pages for you to fill in with your own juicy contents. The paper is made to absorb lots of ink - which is always a good thing for me - my pens tend to bleed. You just get to choose the title and hue that best suit your mood. Personally, I thought that 3 of the best titles were "Brats I Met and Liked", "Suffragettes I Met and Liked" and "Pawnbrokers I Met and Liked". I share their sense of humor, quite frankly. Check out the whole selection here. These make great gifts for friends - real conversation starters, indeed.

ANNECHOVIE IN "IT'S COMPLICATED"

It was a thrill to see my "Orange Chair Silhouette on Aqua" print featured in the new Nancy Meyers film "It's Complicated". It appears in the INFAMOUS guest bathroom scene that took place at Lauren and Harley's cottage during the graduation party.

Last March I received a message from someone identifying themselves as a set designer for an "untitled" Nancy Meyers film that was in production. They wanted to purchase 2 prints from my Etsy shop that had been specifically requested by Nancy Meyers herself and have them overnighted in time for Nancy's final walk through on the set before filming. Honestly, at first, I thought someone was trying to scam me! Turns out, after emailing back and forth, it was the REAL deal and I sent the prints off to Universal Studios in Brooklyn and they forwarded me the legal release forms to sign, etc.

I have been a fan of Nancy's work for years and remember my borderline obsessive study of the interiors in "Father of the Bride" back in the 90's when I was still a teenager. The fact that she would request any of my work for one of her films was a real honor, to say the least. I was excited, but know from past experience how these things can go, so didn't really think my print(s) would make it into the actual final cut. After 9 months and having almost forgotten about it, I was contacted a week or so ago by a lifestyle editor friend in Washington DC who didn't know anything about me sending in my prints. She had seen the film and thought she recognized my work on the set. This email was followed by several others from various people and so I thought it was time I should see for myself. Sure enough, it did end up in the second half of the movie in the infamous bathroom scene involving, ahem, some reefers and a few people stuffed into a very small space (it appears directly behind Meryl Streep in the scene). This is one instance where giving someone the benefit of the doubt and cooperating certainly paid off in a big way! I want to thank Nancy and her production team for including my work as a tiny part of one of her signature "beyond fabulous" sets. You can buy the exact same print here.

I'd like to wish you a safe, joy-filled, prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Painting by Federico Fiori Barocci 1597 - Del Prado, Madrid

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

This time of year, I am reminded of all of the blessings in my life and, for me, the Greatest Gift that was ever given, Jesus. I'd also like to include my very best wishes for those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza or something else entirely. I am grateful for all of you readers who take the time to visit this blog throughout the year and leave your supportive comments.  I am taking a few days off to celebrate with my family and friends, but I look forward to seeing you in the New Year and wish you and yours all the best!!

HOUSEBOAT

I am loving this colorful houseboat on the Thames River that I saw a photo tour of here. It belongs to author Josie Curran and revolutionizes the concept of the dreary, damp, spider-laden houseboat. Lots of fun.

TGIF

Thanks to Shannon for including me in his gracious  post recently.

Also talented stationer Amanda at Tart Paperie.

and Sarah at Flourish Design in Calgary.

So kind! If I am missing anyone who has posted on my work recently, please let me know. I cannot believe it's only a week until Christmas - it's been a whirlwind here wrapping up everything to get shipped to my wonderful clients and customers. Thanks to everyone for making this such a great year.

Have a terrific weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday!