sketches

Trying to do some actual design work between all the Surtex follow up and admin work.

I need an assistant so I can focus on the fun stuff - painting!

collecting leaves & looking for hobbits

After NYC and Surtex, this girl needed a break. Steven and I headed to the mountains for 3 nights (thanks to Bonnie and Richard for lending us your cabin!)

Walks through the forest, collecting leaves, drinking champagne (we don't rough it too much) and roasting marshmallows made the weekend absolutely perfect!

I kept looking for a hobbit;)

Surtex 2013 recap

WOW! What a week. Suretx was fantastic, exhausting and promising! I met several potential clients and connected with current clients.

This was my first Surtex and I was unsure what to expect. The show had its ups and downs. The first day was slow--a lot of nail biting wondering if this was how the whole show was going to be. Then day two and three were non-stop.  In the end, I can confidently say it went very well.

My booth went up quickly except for re-covering the chairs.  A HUGE thank you to my BFF Emily for sewing chair covers, listening to me freak out, and for telling me every morning that I rocked. I don't know how I would have done the show without her.

And another HUGE shout out to my other BFF Josephine Kimberling! Josephine encouraged me to show at Surtex.  She gave me excellent advice on what to do, not to do, be prepared for and what to expect.  Only lessons learned that a veteran Surtex artist would know.  Thank you, Josephine!

Now for the follow-up:  phone calls, meetings, proofing contracts and making some big decisions.

This is a paper model I made of my booth - 8 inches tall.

The real deal - 8 feet tall.

It looked so empty and blah when we arrived.

Two of my awesome neighbors! Melissa Ybarra from Iza Pearl and Nicole Tamarin. It was so cool to meet so many talented artists. And the best part is how supportive everyone was to each other.  I made some good friends.

Yes, I look like the jolly green giant standing between them.

The National Stationery Show was happening at the same time.  

And guess whose magnets were front and center at the Ipop booth!

And lets now forget the Group Four booth. I have been working with them for years and the support and encouragement they gave me before, during and after the show is appreciated more than words can say!

last minute designs for surtex

It is 11pm Wednesday night and I just finished my 900 print for Group Four! I have been drawing and drawing and finally hit my goal - its the little things. So, when you are at Surtex be sure to not only swing by my booth #747 but also Group Four's booth #921.

island folk & evening field

Surtex is less than a week away and the anticipation is killing me! I am ready to go and the only thing left to do is pack my bags and get on the plane.  I thought I would give you two more designs on Society6 before I leave.

A bit of folk and a lot of color, this pattern was inspired by Muhu folk patterns.  Muhu is one of the islands of Estonia.  I have traveled to Estonia many times but have never made it to Muhu. It is definitely on my list of places to visit!

Island Folk

update....it is also available for Samsung Galaxy S4!

Evening Field is a bit more feminine and sweet. From my Nostalgia collection, the pattern is reminisint of childhood memories of wild flowers blooming in the open fields of Ohio.

Evening Field

painting

Painting with watercolors. It has been a long time.  

my design on product

Check it out!  My Group Four Design print for Fit and Fresh found at T.J. Maxx.

 Here is the original design that they purchased.  

It is so rewarding seeing my designs on product!

painted plaid and tulips in bloom

I am on a roll!  Another new design for Society6! The bright florals that are blooming around me are inspiring bright color stories!  I am happy.  Happy Saturday!

Ingenue Painted Plaid

a glimpse into the color inspiration...a visit to the Tulip Festival last month.

this is real!  totally amazing what nature can produce!

2 week countdown...

I leave for SURTEX in 2 weeks - OMG!!  Everything is coming together and I am putting the final touches on the artwork!

DID YOU KNOW...

• I have 25 collections available for license
• I will be selling 50 pieces of art outright (you own the copyright!)
• I am availbale for custom client work.

below is a sampling of artwork that will be for sale

Ingenue

After a month in Ohio, a birthday celebration and digging myself out of Surtex preparations, I am back!

A new design and new look!  My heart is in painting so that is where this pattern came from, straight from the heart!  Introducing "Ingenue". This is one of my favorite designs I have done in a long time.  I love the colors, the overlapping shapes and the big bold flowers.

Ingenue 

available at Society6