CB2 ARCHITECT DESK AND A HACK

This desk from CB2 really appeals to me with the clean lines and "lightness" of the frame. The only thing I might be compelled to alter is the color of the chalkboard desk surface.  It's no secret I am a girl who loves color and now that chalkboard paint has witnessed a color revolution, I might have to hack this little number with some brightly colored horizontal stripes. I am just considering the possibilities - but on sale at $199 it may be sucking me in! Check it out here.  

NEW CHRISTMAS CARD!

It has become a tradition now for me to create a new holiday card each year. I have already been bombarded with loyal clients asking me when this year's cards would be available, so today marks the debut of my 2011 Holiday card on my Etsy site. These are also available with personalized printing. For more info on personalization, feel free to contact me here. Also, the cards from previous years (below) will be available as well, so order now and get a jump on the Season!

Have a wonderful weekend, Everyone!

PALM BEACH GLAM REVISITED

Loving this burst of color via a vintage necklace from one of my fellow Etsy dealers here.

This gives me ideas......inspiration is everywhere!

BERMUDA SWIRL - NEW PAINTING

I am not one of those people who subscribes to the theory that certain colors have to be confined to certain seasons.  I like color and don't think it necessarily needs "muddying" for the Fall and Winter months. 

Someone bitter and critical once told me that I liked what they resentfully termed "Circus Colors". That was probably the truest statement that ever came out of their mouth and I am not about to argue with it! 

So, I like circus colors......to each his own!  I will live joyfully with my circus colors and they can live miserably entombed with their "morgue colors". 

It's ironic to me how people that attempt to manipulate by insulting or tearing down others often times just have the opposite of their desired effect. More often, they cause you to become even more established in whatever preferences or behavior they are fighting against.

My mantra is "Live and Let Live". It's so important to let people be who God created them to be. I once heard someone say that the greatest key to influencing people is ACCEPTING them, just the way they are. That doesn't mean you deny the existence of their weaknesses, shortcomings or areas that can benefit from discipline and growth, it just means that you extend credit and grace to them, giving them latitude to be individuals and you don't try to mold them into what fits your own selfish desires. 

This is my goal: not to be a cringe-inducer, but a person who causes other to sigh with relief when I ENTER a room, not EXIT it! Ok, off my soapbox now. 

This original painting is available now in my online shop here. 

KEEP CALM MATCHES ARE HERE!

My "Bermuda Swirl" Keep Calm design is now available in matchbox sets. Great for stocking stuffers or as accompaniment to a chi-chi candle as a holiday hostess gift!

Get them here! 

EXOTIC TASTE - ORIENTALIST INTERIORS

Vendome Press recently sent me new release"Exotic Taste - Orientalist Interiors". I had to set aside some quality time to look over and visually digest the lush photos and fascinating text. It was a bit like sitting down to a 6 course meal. Most definitely not the kind of experience you want to rush through, as you couldn't possibly appreciate all the details in the photos and the wealth of information contained in the pages.

For those interested in Chinoiserie, you will especially enjoy this book as author Emmanuelle Gaillard provides a rich and educational background on design influences from not only the Far East and China, but India and the Islamic world also. The above photo of the porcelain cabinet at Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin gives a mere glimpse into just how amazing and sumptuous most of these interiors are (and I thought my mom was into her blue and white china!)  You will thoroughly relish feasting on the wonderful photos by Marc Walter and adding this to your personal design library for ongoing reference and enjoyment. Ask for it at your local bookstore or find it for sale online here.

KEEP CALM GETS A NEW SPIN

Here's the latest spin on my Keep Calm design.  A colorful swirly background from one of my original paintings, "Bermuda Swirl" capped off with the familiar slogan and my own version of the crown.  I like to think of it as a colorful infusion of optimism in whatever space it inhabits. This is available on stretched, gallery-wrapped canvas in my shop here.    

CHANEL BY ANNECHOVIE

The fourth painting in my "Luxe-Fumes" series is here!

This is Chanel No 5 by popular demand and the large print, 

as well as the original, below

both are for sale now in my shop!

These join the other 3 fragrances and there are more to come!  

These would make a charming collection of originals here or the prints here.

Hope you have a fabulous October weekend!

MORE MONOGRAMMED MATCHES!

I am introducing another new design for personalized monogram matches! 

The popular blue and white ginger jar design with blue monogram. They come in sets of 9 boxes each and are perfect to have around the house or give as a one-of-a-kind gift!  Get yours here 

MUSE INTERIORS

Muse Interiors is an Interior Design firm based in Greenwich, CT and founded in 2000 by Lauren Muse.

I love her ability to pair clean lines and bright spaces without sacrificing warmth or ambience.  Muse Interiors has been published in numerous design publications and recently chosen for an AtHome Magazine A-List Award.

Lauren also happens to be one of my customers and sent me a very thoughtful email with a photo of some of my prints she has framed in her office!  Thank you, Lauren!!

To find out more about Muse Interiors click here to go to their site. 

FALL FASHION?

Even dolls can be sporting the latest designer togs this season.  I thought this was adorable.....British Etsy seller "Wooly Rockers" makes these hand-knitted dresses for Blythe dolls designed to look like Orla Kiely's patterns.  Find this here. 

Have an AMAZING weekend!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * JOEL PENKMAN

Today I'd like to feature a fabulous artist who has been popping up all over the internet lately. Joel Penkman is a native New Zealander now living in Britain. His work caught my eye the first time I saw it and his attention to detail is amazing. I love this recent series celebrating trademark British delicacies as it combines 2 of my favorite things, food and art. He has been gracious enough to take time out and answer a few questions so we can get better acquainted with the man behind the work. 

Where were you born?

The South Island, New Zealand

What would you take if your house were burning down?

If James and Molly were ok, I'd grab our 2 teddy bears and my laptop.

Your favorite book?

Wuthering Heights

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

That's tricky as I love so many things - probably something creamy.

Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

Hot, because I always feel cold.

Favorite artists?

 Edward Hopper, Richard Estes, Wayne Theibauld, and Andrew Wyeth

Pet Peeve?

Peple telling me what I want (how would they know?), litter and unscrupulous people.

  Best childhood memory?

Nothing comes to mind immediately, but I was always very happy making things from bits of rubbish.

Favorite travel destination?

I'd rather go somewhere new than return to a favorite place because you never know what you're missing out on, but Tokyo was amazing and I loved Morton island, just off the coast by Brisbane, Australia.

Favorite shop?

It's not exactly a shop, but I love going to our local carboot sale. Every week is different and you never know what great thing you'll pick up.

Most visited links?

Design Sponge, The Guardian, BBC iPlayer and does Google count? Google has the answer for everything.

What - to you - is the best thing about being an artist?

There are so many things. I love seeing a painting coming together, I love that there is something to show for my time, I love working for myself and I love making something that can make others happy.

A huge thanks to Joel for his time and for giving us a peek into his creative world. Be sure to check out his fabulous website here and his etsy shop here.

YOUR PLACE - MY PAINTBRUSH

I just wanted to remind anyone who may be thinking of giving a home portrait commission this holiday season that I am taking orders now for delivery in time for the holidays.  This watercolor of a charming Georgetown townhouse is just as sample of how I can work from photos.  A custom home, pet or "favorite things" portrait makes a unique gift that will be cherished for years to come!  You can even order custom note cards with the commissioned image as well. Take a look at my Flickr site for more ideas and please contact me here for more info and pricing.