HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM FLORIDA!!

While celebrating Christmas last weekend at my sister's home, I snapped this photo with a 10 foot marlin that hangs in her entrance hall - I loved the Santa hat on its fin.

Decorating ceases to be fun when it gets too serious.....

Thanks to all of you for your support throughout 2010. I so enjoy sharing life with you and getting to know so many of you! Here's to 2011 and a lot of fun, ideas and camaraderie ahead. 

 Have a safe and Happy New Years celebration!

See you in 2011!!!

50% OFF SALE EXTENDED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR!

Due to an overwhelming response, my 50% off sale is being extended and I am "hanging on" for the rest of 2010. Sale ends at 12:00 am EST Saturday morning. Until then, keep those orders coming, my friends. I am a busy girl! Includes all prints, canvases and originals left in my shop.

Thanks for all of your support!!

50% OFF SALE!

DON'T MISS THIS ANNUAL SALE!!

Everything left in my shop, including PRINTS, CANVASES, and SOME ORIGINALS IS
 50% OFF HERE
Type in code: CMAS50
at checkout to automatically tabulate discount

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Rembrandt

As I celebrate Christmas, I am reminded, once again, what it's all about. The music, the food, the decorations, the sales, the times with family and friends - all are a great part of life. I hope to take away something much more, though. I want to remember what I was put on earth for, and why my Saviour humbled Himself to become a baby. It's a time to forgive the people who abuse and take more than their share, to extend grace to the unloveable and weak, to live giving out unselfishly to others and to embrace deeply the people who have loved us. In short, to exist for a purpose much greater than ourselves and our own ends. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for reading this blog and being a very important part of my life. May the Source of Christmas be a reality in your life and may this Season make a lasting impression on your hearts!!

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

PAUL SMITH + MINI + CORGI = CLASSIC COOL

Ok, I know you're probably thinking, not ANOTHER post on Mini Cooper!!  

Please indulge me for a second - I couldn't resist showing this miniature Mini with Paul Smith's signature stripes. I can't help thinking what a kicky little accessory it would be to have around to "up" the fun factor at home - forget the fact that I don't have kids. It combines 3 things I love, Paul Smith's design, stripes and Mini Cooper. It's made by classic British toy brand Corgi and available here. What a perfect stocking stuffer!

YA'LLTIDE

I spotted this wreath in Living, Etc. and thought it was refreshingly different hung horizontally. I like. I also dig the weathered green table and antique bird cage with candles. What is your take on it?

BLING FROM BALTIMORE......and A SALE AT ANNECHOVIE!

Thanks to fellow blogger Nelle Somerville, my little Christmas tree now has some dignity. The bare stand is gone, and a little bling is definitely increasing the holiday cheer factor. Nelle wrote and offered to send some silver lame' fabric to dress up the base. Goes with my flashy pink tinsel tree perfectly. Aren't fellow bloggers the best? Enjoy 20% off all items in my shop today with the code: TREE20

Enjoy your last weekend before Christmas and I'll see you back here on Monday!!

IVY AND PIPER GIFT GUIDE

I'd like to thank the fabulous new online magazine Ivy and Piper for featuring my topiary painting (lower right hand corner) in their holiday issue gift guide. Click here to see their fabulous Mini Issue for yourself. It's full of fabulous decor and gift ideas!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING....

I am a huge fan of Australian gourmet/lifestyle guru Donna Hay. She takes anything Martha Stewart has done to an entirely new level with way more artistic panache. I love these pop-up gift wrapping ideas and her recipes are nothing short of incredible. If you aren't already familiar with her lifestyle site and magazine, please follow the link above and check out her offerings for yourself - you won't be disappointed!

IF CHARLIE BROWN WAS A GIRL......

the tree might look something like this......I can't decide whether to cover the base of my little tree with a blanket - Linus-style - or to leave it alone to enhance the pitiful effect.....what do you think? Cast your vote!!

HAVE A COZY WEEKEND!

KELLY MARKET

I'd like to thank Atlantan Kelly Ottinger and her cool site Kelly Market for including my "Do Not Trifle With Me" poster in her gift guide for foodies. Being a foodie myself, it was fun being included. What little time I spend watching TV, is usually on the Food Network and eating is one of my greatest joys in life. I would love living abroad in different cities, painting nothing but the unique culinary offerings of each place.

This time of year I look forward to roasted chestnuts, brie, home-made shortbread, roasted turkey (mostly for the golden skin) and butternut squash, heavy on the butter! What delicacies do you enjoy this time of year?

MONDAY GRATITUDE

Driftwood Interiors 

Table Tonic 

Oliveaux

Hello Lover

Jenesequa 

Barefoot in the Orchard 

French Essence

I hope that you had a great weekend! Can you believe that Christmas is less than 3 weeks away? I am working feverishly to get my work out to clients in time. I'd also like to wish a very Happy Hanukkah to all of my wonderful Jewish readers!!

Many thanks to all of the bloggers above who have written on my work recently. I am continually amazed at the support and kindness that I have met with from my fellow bloggers, readers and customers. Words cannot express how appreciative I am for each of you.

(Click on the titles of the blogs to read each post.)

MY SUNNY SPOT

This is a corner of my cozy little cottage where I work and live. I love all of the light that comes streaming through the windows.  I wish you all a sunny, relaxing weekend!

MARISKA IN MIAMI

Fellow artist, designer and blogger Mariska Meijers is coming to Miami during Art Basel.

She will be exhibiting her colorful and chic paintings beginning Friday, December 3, 2010 at Bobby Berk Home in the Design District Miami at 53 NE 40th Street . Contact phone is 305 603 7495. I encourage anyone who will be in town to stop by and support this extraordinary artist and wonderful person!

FREE SHIPPING FOR CYBER MONDAY!

Just in time for Cyber Monday/Holiday Gift-Giving, I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders from my shop!!
Also, many original paintings never before offered for sale are at a reduced price today. Several of my original chair paintings are in the shop. Original art makes a great gift for the holidays.

The piece in the photo above has been discounted from $250 to $150. Shop all originals here now! 

THIS SAYS IT ALL......

I caught a bug. I am in a cold-induced stupor. That and the Thanksgiving Holiday have combined to = lack of a real end-of-week blog post. Hope you stay well and enjoy your weekend!

PETER PENNOYER

I don't have a lot of time to go into detail about this new Vendome book right now (as I am slammed with work) but all I can say after reviewing it is "WOW".  It's full of eye candy for the architecture buff and would make a perfect gift for the Holidays. Peter Pennoyer creates spectacular homes and spaces for a discerning clientele and he is a monumental figure in his field. Talk about great inspiration if you happen to be designing or building a home - you won't want to miss it! Buy it here

A VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO MY U.S. READERS!!

SALE NOW!! AT ANNECHOVIE

It's time to save!! I am NOT waiting until "Black Friday" to start the discounts rolling on prints, canvases, cards and originals. Just enter this code: black25 at checkout. It all starts here NOW!

DOWNTIME, DESIGN-TIME

Another week....gone! 

I have gotten a lot accomplished and am ready for a little down time this weekend - what about you?  One of the things I love doing is checking out some great online home decor mags. Lonny is one that never fails to inspire me. Here, talented stylist Lilli Dialo helped Lauren Goodman up the punch factor in her NYC apartment. I am loving the color of these chairs, as well as the colors on the books and those gorgeous Smythson boxes on the shelf. I am a sucker for great boxes + color.

Hope you relish some down time this weekend!

BLUE and WHITE GINGER JAR MUG

Ginger Jar Mug by Anne Harwell by Annechovie features 3 chinoiserie ginger jars.
(Click on photo or name of product to purchase)

NEW POSTAGE STAMP!

Ginger Jar Stamp by Anne Harwell by Annechovie
(Click on photo or name of product to purchase)

NEW HOLIDAY STAMP

Holiday Fireside Stamp by Annechovie
(Click on photo or name of product to purchase)

JEWEL TONES

When it comes to jewelry, it's so nice to see something distinctively different. I thought that these

 Paolo Costagli rings in exquisite color combinations were especially beautiful. Do you like? 

FRIDAY, AGAIN!

Inspired Design

Wishing True

Aesthetic Oiseau

Wow, another week has flown by and it's time to wish you a terrific weekend. If you get a chance, check out these great blogs who have featured my work recently! Thanks again to all of you who have graciously blogged your support. I truly appreciate all of you fellow bloggers, readers and customers who inspire me to keep at it. Have a SPEC-TAC-U-LAR WEEKEND!!

IVY & PIPER

Another fabulous online design mag, Ivy and Piper, has made it's debut and you can check it out here.

The photo above is taken from their feature on Kimberlee Brown's charming home and you can spot my chair print in her gallery vignette above.

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * KERRI SHIPP

I want to introduce to you the lovely and talented Australian artist and blogger, Kerri Shipp.

I met Kerri online via blogging and asked if she'd like to share with us her creative space, work and a bit about herself. She graciously obliged and took time out of her busy creative life to be featured here.

Where were you born?

I was born in Sydney, Australia, and lived there until I was 22. The day after my husband and I were married, we packed up our campervan with all our worldy possessions and moved to Brisbane, Queensland. We’ve been here for the past 21 years and absolutely love it!

What would you take if your house was burning down?

Besides my family of course, without a doubt it would be my gorgeous Labrador, Darcy, and our bird, Storm. Besides a few pieces of my grandmother’s jewellery, which mean the world to me, everything else can be replaced.

        Your favorite book?

That’s such a hard one for me, as I’ve always been an avid reader. From the age of five, my mother used to buy me Enid Blyton books, and I’d lose myself in the characters for hours. I do love ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, but choosing a favourite book would be like asking me to choose a favourite child!

If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?

Living in Queensland means we have access to fantastic seafood, so I’d say a banquet of fresh prawns, lobster and reef fish, followed by crème brulee for dessert. Divine.

Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

Definitely hot weather – summer can’t come soon enough for me.

Favorite artists?

Another really hard question to answer! I love Claude Monet’s use of colour, and I love Australian artist Ben Quilty’s unique style. Again, there are so many fabulous artists out there, and each one is so individual with such an array of talents. You only have to browse through Etsy to realise that the world is full of very talented people.

Pet peeve?

Injustice, and ignorance.

Best childhood memory?

Summer holidays. No school for six whole weeks, lots of trips to the beach and hanging out with friends. I went to school with the most fantastic group of girls, and we’re still friends all these years later. I’ve come to realise how lucky I am to have such wonderful friendships.

Favorite travel destination?

Whitehaven beach is in the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland, and would have to be the most beautiful place on earth. Crystal clear water, the whitest sand imaginable, all set on an island in the middle of the reef. Stunning.

Favorite shop?

Again, such a hard one! In Queensland we have some amazing designers, and I have to say I love visiting Anna Spiro’s stunning shop, Black and Spiro. Lily-G and Magnolia Interiors are also favourites, as is Signature on Hastings in Noosa.



Kerri is featuring a great give-away until November 10th on her blog and also 20% off sale at her Etsy shop, Driftwood Interiors until December 21st, so head over to check them both out now and let her know you read about her on Annechovie.

Thanks so much, Kerri!

A RECENT COMMISSION



This is a custom commissioned piece that I recently completed for a Chinoiserie decor-loving client in San Francisco per her unique specifications. This piece was larger than most of my commissions at 30" x 40". 

If you have interest in commissioning your own special piece or giving a one-of-a-kind work of art as a gift, please don't hesitate to contact me here.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend!

ARTISTS ARE EVERYWHERE.....

Check out this great MSN video: Artist's 'Staple City' comes to life

Staples could use this phenomenal video capturing artist
Peter Root with a slogan something like

"It's amazing what can be done when you have the right supplies"

STAPLES.
Have an amazing Wednesday and Happy Birthday to my terrific Dad!

BLUE EYED BAKERS

I'd like to introduce you to some clients of mine who love to bake and happen to have a fabulous blog as well!

BLUE-EYED BAKERS is the creation of two sisters, one based in NYC and the other in London. They grew up in a home with a British mum who was an expert baker and so baking is in their genes. Both LOVE to make sweets and have some pretty mouth-watering recipes. They hired me to create the illustrations for their blog and it was great fun to work with them, since I am quite the food-lover myself. I hope that you will click the link (in orange) and let them know I sent you!

CHICK LIT

My artist/blogger friend, the talented Jamie Shelman and her fashion illustrator husband, Tom Meyer, have kindly featured my favorite children's book in their series "Chick Lit". It's on a new project blog they have started called "Chick Likes Meatball" that incorporates both their great sense of humor and Jamie's witty illustrations. Thanks Jamie and Tom!

Hope that everybody has an enjoyable weekend!

HARRISON HOWARD PRINT SALE!!

Here's a rare opportunity to aquire some amazing artwork at a substantial discount from my friend and distinguished colleague, Harrison Howard. Harrison's colorful, fanciful and amazingly detailed artwork is found in the homes of some of America's most distinguished families. He's offering 25% off his limited edition prints for a whole week! 

Take advantage of this great offer HERE.