SHINY BLACK SHOES!

http://theshinyblackshoes.blogspot.com/

hello hello! I just wanted to post the link to my new super delicious blog :) I will be posting over there from now on so please make your way over :)

Thanks and big airport *smooches*

Guess whhhhhhhhhhhhhat?

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaack :P Lucky you! :P tee hee

So my move went extremely well, better than I expected. Everything is really falling into place for me. I'm still unpacking and trying to set up the ole studio but it's coming along. High 5s all around! Yay!

Soooooo hang tight!

Also some news: I will be starting a new blog called The Shiny Black Shoes (which is also the name of my new etsy shop), so stay tuned for that. The new blog will be used for any new work, new projects and basically anything I'm loving :) (note: I won't be updating this one anymore after I start posting to the new one so I will post a link here so you can head over).

Well my darlings, that's it! *Smooches*

Update

Hi All, So I'm in the middle of my big move so I won't be able to post for a while. I apologize for that but I do have some new tricks up my sleeve as soon as I can get my s*** together. So hang in there, check back often.

*smooches* and will post soon.

Thursday night

Ola! I wanted to post a few of my favourite things right now on etsy. Here they are :)

Tile Moka Pot by Circa Ceramics

Fused Glass Rings by Paper Bombshell (my favourite is the red and black :)

Gocco Serigraph by Turtle Papers

*smooches*

Tuesday morning

I've been feeling a tad lazy lately when it comes to the ole blog. I have really had to force myself to post. My problem seems to be that I struggle with content. I mean, I always find great artists on Etsy to write about and for the most part like to write and share my own work. But the truth is there is so much going in my life right now, lots of change that I'm finding it difficult to get into the right frame of mind.

Anyway enough belly aching...things will get back to "normal" probably by the end of next week...soooooo...hang in there :)

*smooches*

Sunday Afternoon

Happy Sunday all. So far it's been a lazy one for me. I did have an early start to the day but I'm in slow motion. I suppose that's what Sundays are for :)

My mission to finish packing is complete. Just a few things left, but that is stuff I need up until my moving day.

So I watched the first 3 movies in the Harry Potter series. I actually hadn't watched any of them (nor have I read any of the books despite the fact of receiving one from a friend). I'll put that on my 'to do action list'. I actually quite enjoyed them, although I did find parts to be a little scary (how do kids watch that? ;)

Right now I'm sipping a fabulous cup of organic chai tea with some agave nectar in it for sweetness. Next, well, I'll probably do some more sketching. I've been playing with a few different ideas so that when I get my new studio set up (after my move), I can just get to work.

Oh I found something I really like on etsy this morning from Glory Daze I love the screen printed fabric pouch pictured above, so lovely. Please do check out her shop.

That's it kids. *smooches to all*

Mojito anyone?

My new obsession...the mojito! :) I've decided that everywhere I go, I'm going to try their mojito :) That should be fun.

I've got nothing really to post today. I haven't had time to look around etsy. I've just been continuing to pack as I move in a week and a half.

Sorry for the boring short post, I promise there will be more interesting things to come.

*smooches*

der

That's red spelled backwards :)

The earrings above are from Aran Made. She creates enameled jewelry as well as letter press cards. She attends the Penland School of Crafts (nice!), and really does some nice work.

It's Wednesday, half way through the week (wow, time is going by supah fast!), I started sketching last night, I'm playing with some ideas around the Blue footed booby. In the past, I block printed these super cute seabirds on to greeting cards but I think I'm going to get more into illustrating them. Honestly I just think they are so damn cute. Anyway it feels good to be drawing again after a few weeks of feeling uninspired and a little sad. But things are looking up now and I'm feeling really great and pretty happy these days :)

Anyway, enough of that, I suppose I should try to get some work done around here. Day job time. Ciao. *smooches*

Lovely shop

This morning as I was checking out etsy, I came across Cate Angel's shop full of print goodness. Totally affordable art and I must say all the women Cate has painted, stunning.

Not much going on over on my end. I'm getting ready for my move (I've mentioned a few times now) so I haven't been painting or posting to my shop. It's empty :( So sad. BUT after my move, I have some new tricks up my sleeve. I created a new shop on etsy which I'm really excited about. I wanted to change the name of my current one, and for those of you who are familiar with etsy know that once you pick that name, you're pretty much stuck. Anyway, I will post more information as soon as I get the new shop up and going :) It's so exciting!

Alright, day job time. *smooches*

Seriously, do I have a problem?

I keep looking and looking for red! Red! Red! Mwaaaaaaaaa...

So I'm a little crazy this morning. It's Monday. *YAWN*

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Studio M's shop. There is a lot of great art work at completely affordable prices. Check out her profile while you're there, it's super cute. It put a smile on my face :) <---like that, yes. Above is one of her prints, it's lovely and yes, it's has red in it.

Oy, I have a problem.

*smooches*

And more red...

What an awesome sushi plate from Jennelle! It's fantastic.

The last few days I've practically lived off avocado maki. I'm addicted. I can't seem to get enough.

Hope you had yourself a great weekend. Happy Sunday night darlings.

*smooches*

The obsession with red continues...

as does my quest for a red toaster. Apparently they are popular little buggers since every store I've been to seems to be sold out (well except for one display model that looked like about a million people put their greasy paws on it ;) Sooooooooooo...I'm still looking for a red toaster.

In other news, I was surfing etsy for more red goodness and came across Ola Designs beeeeeeautiful pitcher and cups summer set (pictured above). It's so lovely!

Alright, that's it for now :) *smooches*

Red toaster

I'm on the lookout for a new toaster. I want a red one this time! No more boring white or fancy pants stainless steel....I want RED :) Here is one that I'm contemplating. It's from Cuisinart and it's beau-ti-ful. (Pic is from their website).

*smooches*

Turquoise and Red

I've used these two colours together in my own stuff (paintings, greeting cards, etc...), but I don't know, I'm so in love with them again. I went on a mini shopping spree for my new place. I bought a bunch of turquoise and red items for my kitchen (pictures to come).

So while I was touring around etsy, I noticed that one of my favourite shops Simply Modern had a set of 4 prints for a very affordable price using these exact colours. Ohhhh I want them so baaaaad! :)

Sweet dreams darlings.

*smooches*

Check this out

What a beautiful print from Lily Moon. She has tons of great prints in her shop and all at very reasonable prices.

So it's a stormy night where I am, it's super HOT though. I hope the storm helps cool things down a bit. I'm all for hot weather (I love it!) but this is insane!

Time to read a bit, this is perfect reading weather.

*smooches*

The cutest little bag...

This purse comes from Little Odd Forest. It's so totally adorable, it's taking everything in me to resist buying it right this second! :)

I haven't posted in a few days, for that I apologize...it's been busy on my end. I'm preparing for yet another move (hopefully the last this year), and am recovering from a little minor surgery (no worries, I'm fine and I have three little stitches, so that means I'm going to have another cool scar! ;)

Happy Sunday night everyone, hope you had a good weekend.

*smooches*

New Series

Above is the latest painting in my little flower series I'm working on. The inspiration came from a while back when my best bud and I decided to paint some flowers using ink. I took it a little further and used gouache to add lots and lots of bright colour. I really like the simplicity of the series so far (I will post more as I finish), but most of all I really love the colour. I've been a little down lately so I've been trying to use extra bright colours to cheer myself up (it works, trust me). Hope you like!

*smooches*

New Pattern!

As promised, here are pictures of my pattern assignment. I designed and printed everything myself. Let me know what you think! :)

*smooches*

Wednesday

Happy July 4th my American friends :) Hope you enjoy your day off! In Canada, we had Monday off for Canada day.

Sooooooooo...I found this beautiful blue bowl on my morning stroll through etsy. It's by J. D. Wolfe Pottery. I'm a sucker for bowls, I have lots hanging around my place. Check out J. D's shop.

So last night I had my last silk screening class, it was fantastic and I'm SO happy with the results of my repeat yardage assignment. I did take some pics which I hope to post tonight.

Alright, time to get this party started.

*smooches*

Tuesday morning

I'm back to work today after a loooong weekend...I'm a little tired but I feel pretty good :)

I was looking around etsy this morning and came across The Art of Miles Histand. He's out of Portland, Oregon (I *heart* Portland), and the colours he uses are really beautiful. Check out his work.

Alright, day job time.

*smooches*

My apologies!

I'm so sorry for not updating the old blog the last few days, my home computer has been acting up again so I had to call in the big guns to fix it (my bro, thanks!! :)

Tomorrow I will be back up and running, posting all kinds of my favourite goodies. Until then, tons and tons of smooches!

Yay!

I just noticed that my most favourite shop on etsy, Anabella Designs, listed some *new* enamel pendants! BEAUTIFUL! I I love the colour combo of turquoise and green and the Mehandi inspired designs is stunning! Check her out :)

*smooches*

Check out the beautiful picture above. It's from Lanita. The colour is stunning.

So I had my class last night and I'm alllllllmost finished my repeat pattern assignment. I'm super happy with the colour pink I mixed (I do have a swatch and a strike off which I will take pictures of and post). I started to print on the tan linen but didn't get finished so the finished fabric won't be completed until next week. I can't wait! It's really looking good.

Have a good day! It's another really HOT day here. I love it!

*smooches*

The link to my treasury :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=444

Hope you'll check it out :)

*smooches*

I got a treasury!

Yay! Unfortunately because I'm at work, I can't get to it so that I can grab the link, but if you go to etsy, into treasury and look for the one called "Got one"...that's me :D Above is actually one of the things listed in my treasury. It's by Print Maker Jen. Really lovely, bright watercolours.

Alright, day job time. *yawn*

Good morning and happy Friday!

Feels great that it's Friday! We're getting some really lovely weather right now and I think it's going to keep up for the weekend, so that's cool! :)

So this morning while I was checking out etsy, I came across Michelle Brusegaard's shop. I can relate to her, she does tons of different things. I love the place mats and napkins pictured above. Beautiful!

*sigh* alright, day job time.

*smooches*

Wednesday

Good morning all. Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and emails on my last post. I had my class last night and decided to work on the first design idea. It's changed a bit but I still kept true to the original. I'm still working on the layout of it (lots of measuring and such) but I promise to post the end result! I may be able to get it printed next Tuesday if all goes well.

In the meantime, here is some eye candy. Check out these leaf bowls by pottery artist, Lynn Cardwell. I love the shape of them as well as the colour combination she used. So lovely!

Alright, I suppose it's day job time.

*smooches*

3 design ideas for yardage assignment

OK, so I completed the story board for each of my ideas. The fabric I will be printing on is a tan coloured linen, as well as a tan coloured cotton. Here they are:

#1. The inspiration for this idea came from Gustav's "the kiss". It's my interpretation of a small portion of the pattern on the woman's dress. I would print this on the tan linen using the hot pink colour you see in the pictures.





#2. The inspiration for this idea came from, well... my own sketches. I use this image (the three flowers) for greeting cards. I would print this in the avocado green you see pictured here.





#3. The inspiration for the last design idea came from one of the exhibitions at the Portland Art Gallery during my April visit out west (Oregon). I can't really remember what piece it came from but it was my interpretation of something that was carved into wood. I would print this using red, again on the tan linen.









Well, I only have time to print just one of the patterns above. I think I may go with the first one but who knows...we'll see when I get to class. That's just the type of girl I am.

*smooches*

Monday morning

Happy Monday All. *yawn*

It was a crazy weekend full of bbqs and father's day chaos. BUT I survived! Unfortunately I didn't get a lot of work done like I had planned but c'est la vie.

SO tonight I have to get going on my design ideas for my repeat yardage assignment. I'm excited about that, I have some ideas, so hopefully they translate well on to paper so that I can shoot my screen tomorrow and start printing (silk screening).

Oh one more thing, I've posted about her before but I have to tell you the work that Ali J has been posting in her shop, Aussie Patches...SO awesome! I love it. Check out one of her newest illustrations above.

*smooches*

A couple of things I'm loving right now...

I bought this cute cameo pin from The Black Apple. I love it. Presently it resides on my purse, guarding the jewels :)

This gocco print I purchased from Sugar Loop. *I really need to get me a gocco*

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, things have been really busy and well, you know how that is. More to come over the next few days. *smooches*

moonswallow

I'm really loving the art created by Briana Lamar (moonswallow). Really cool stuff at affordable prices (I've said it before, I love affordable art). Check out her shop.

Super cute!

Check out the clutch pictured above. I love flower embroidered pattern on it. The craftanista is KM Stitchery. Check out her shop today!

Have a great day!

No good can come of this...

So...10 sketches, right? Right. I must warn you that I got into the port wine (my favourite Taylor Fladgate), so they are messy but I'm happy with them. Messy seems to be my personal style of drawing (and other things too, ha-ha).

1. Brayer Roller, graphite on paper

2. Port wine glass, graphite on paper.

3. Scissors, graphite on paper

4. Tape, graphite on paper

5. Nail Polish Bottle, graphite on paper

6. Pendant (anabella designs), graphite on paper

7. Water bottle, graphite on paper

8. Digital camera, graphite on paper

9. Pen, graphite on paper

10. Purse by Persnickity Designs, graphite on paper

Fantastic Artist: Isabelle Tuchband

I originally saw some work from Ms Tuchband in a decor magazine. It really appealed to me because of all the colour and the real Latin flair of it. So I googled her (love Google) and found her website. Love her work, very inspiring, I hope you like it too.

On another note, my back is ever so slightly better. I do feel I'm on my way to a full recovery. It seems I bounce back quick, which is great.

Tonight I have to work on 10 sketches for my drawing class tomorrow (if any good comes out of it, I will post them).

Happy Friday All! Day job time.

Smooches.

*the yumi yumi shop*

is soooooooooooooo delicious. Check out her shop there are some really beautiful pieces in there and they are totally affordable. *three cheers for affordable art*

In other news, my back still feels horrible but I'm back at work today. Sigh. I really need a weekend right about now.

Day job time. Chat later.

My lady all coloured

Yeah since I can't do much, I have all the time in the world to draw which is nice (if there is any benefit to being laid up, it's this one).

Last post I posted a sketch of a lady, here she is all coloured.

Ouchie

Well, I'm at home today, not for fun stuff either, my back pain won't let up so I'm trying to concentrate on getting rid of this pain in the..er...back. Send me happy, healthy back thoughts PLEASE.

I did go to my silk screening class last night since I had t-shirts pinned to the table in the middle of the whole process so I had to get it done. As promised, here are some pics. They aren't the best, I'm still experimenting on how to take a decent t-shirt pic without wearing it. The t-shirts above are my first batch. I will be printing on American Apparel t-shirts, I just need to get them ordered.

Below is a sketch I created while lying flat on my back, trying to get better. It was inspired by a book I just bought on Art Deco fashion called just that, Art Deco Fashion by Suzanne Lussier (a beautiful little book full of coloured pics). And of course this new obsession of mine stems from the movie The Painted Veil I mentioned a few posts ago. Hope you will watch it.

Alright, time to rest. Ciao and smooches.

A whole lot of awesomeness

OMG, I was just checking out etsy and came across Evian Design I LOVE her stuff! Check out the illustration above...fantastic!

Ok, day job time. Later.

Too many cute things to mention

I love this shop called Repurpose. The artist makes things out of vintage finds. Check out the super cute pics above.

I apologize for the short post, I haven't been feeling very well lately. I seem to have hurt my back so I'm trying to concentrate on getting better. I will post more soon. Be well.

Summer colours

I apologize for being MIA the last 3 days, my home computer has been acting up and I've had a ton to do. Overall it was a nice weekend, especially the nice hot weather....love it!

I seem to be inspired lately by summer colours. Check out the picture above. I have lots of jewel tones in the studio. Included in the pic: paper, envelope, a mug I picked up at Starbucks on sale that looks like a little flower pot and a monoprint I created using a technique that includes a screen, silk dyes and wallpaper paste, weird, no? I like the end result.

Hope you all had a nice weekend!

Just got home from the symphony...

Yup, even had my fancy pants on :) It was loads of fun, the symphony actually played KISS songs, although I'm not even a fan of KISS, it was totally fun and interesting to hear their songs played that way!

Just a reminder that tomorrow I am on showcase again :) Please check it out.

Time for bed...sweet dreams.

I had a pretty productive night..

I made 5, yes 5 journals last night (one isn't in the picture because it was mailed off)!

Check them out, they look super cute! They are all sold. Although there is another one of the cream coloured notebook available in my shop.

We're almost over the hump...

Happy hump day! We're half way through...hang in there!

Last night's class was fabulous. I'm super happy with the way things are turning out. I know I've been promising pictures for a while now, they are coming, I swear it. I just need to finish up this project.

The above piece is by artist Sean Hennessey http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=29098 I love sculpture pieces like this. He cast the gocco bulbs in concrete! Brilliant! I really love the look of this. Check out his shop, he's got some amazing pieces in there for very reasonable prices.

The coolest spice rack ever!

Check out this spice rack from Purpose Design http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5043307 It looks great and it's handy. Super cool!

Another busy day ahead. I know, I keep saying that, but it's the truth. I go from my day job right to school until 11 pm, which is the time I get home. Anyway, I'm not complaining, I love the silk screening course I'm taking so it's totally worth it!

Simply Modern

What a day today. I headed to Ikea today to buy some frames for all the artwork I have lying around (my own and other pieces that I purchased). I picked up 5 frames all different sizes. I still have to figure out what piece will go where. I do need quite a few more frames though so I suppose another trip is in order.

During my usual stroll around etsy, I came across the most delightful shop full of colourful and gorgeous prints. Check out Simply Modern's shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5152656 You'll adore it as much as I do.

I seem to be loving pink right now. I can't get enough of it. Check out the print above! Lovely.

I also watched the movie The Painted Veil tonight. The story was brilliant. I couldn't get enough of Naomi Watts. The story takes place in the 1930s, which is a period of fashion I especially love.

Do watch it.

What a day!

I'm so bloody tired. I can't seem to shake this fatigue thing I've got going on. Sigh. What's a girl to do? Rest? That's almost too easy.

I'm a little late with my posting today but I think you'll like these. A set of super pretty coasters from PDA Collection. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=32189 A good mix of goodies in this shop, check it out!

weeeeeeeeeee...it's Friday!

Even though this has been a short week for me (with Monday being a stat holiday), it felt soooooooo long. Last night's party was good but I'm exhausted. Anyway.

This morning I took a run through etsy (need to get my exercise) and stopped at Kim Westad's ceramic shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=85947

Some really lovely pieces here with pretty colour. Above is one of my favourites, a hand-thrown porcelain vase.

Have a good day everyone. Weekend is in sight.

Vintage Linen Clothespin Bag

I really adore this bag. It's made from vintage napkins. Ahhh...vintage napkins, LOVE that. You'll find more goodies like this in k8ty kat's shop on etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=3080

I think I'm just feeling a little needy right now. I've been on the hunt for a nice vintage table or desk for the office (or my studio). I lucked out when I found my current studio table. It used to be used in a police library way long ago (and it's even numbered which apparently is something institutions did). But I need more space, hence the search for another.

Busy day today at the day job, we're throwing a party. Yay. And the weather here is so HOT right now, I love it! For once, I'm not cold. Feeeeeeeeels good.

block printing goodness

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5120972

Check out Perla Anne on etsy. Her shop is full of beautiful prints of block printing goodness. I think because I also block print, I really love seeing other people's work. I'm especially fond of the print pictured above (which is why I ordered it, tee hee).

Last night's silkscreening class was great! We got to print our group project (I promise pictures to come, I just keep forgetting my camera at home). Next week we get to print our t-shirt design (which is our second assignment). I'm super excited!

Alright, well, time for the day job. Ciao.

I can't get enough of this shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=92511

Birdie, London. She has such amazing artwork on there. I love it all. And she makes the cutest wooden books...check her out!

Back to my day job today...it's going to be a long one since I also have school tonight. Time for a big cup of coffee.

Have a good one!