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!

excuse me, I just arted :P

I'm such a geek.

I spent the day in the bunker (aka studio) fooling around with some gouache I just bought a few days ago. My first time painting with them. I really like it, watercolour always frustrates me so this is a nice alternative.

I seem to be obsessed with flowers right now. For this I used gouache and ink on paper. I would like to silk screen this on to some fabric. I'm happy with the way the colours turned out. We'll see.

I also created this little bird...it's ink on canvas.

I also made this, it's gouache and ink on canvas. It kind of has a Japanese feel to it.

Anyway that's it for now. I'm all arted out.

Things are happening...or not.

In my studio that is. Yeah, so did I ever mention how great I am at procrastination? Ha. Yeah I'm a pro. I completed my homework for tomorrow night but then got distracted by the mess in the ole studio, so I decided to clean up a little (not too much, wouldn't want to scare anyone). I know you can't tell from this picture, but the bunker is actually quite large. This is just my "creating" space. I'm really lucky!

The Best Kind of Monday.

The Monday of a long weekend! YAY! I feel good this morning, after not sleeping for the last few days, I actually had some really great sleep last night. I woke up this morning feeling rested and relaxed. Although it's really sunny outside (still a little cool where I am), I'm going to spend the day in the studio working on some pieces I started. I also have some homework to do.

On my morning stroll through etsy-ville, I came across Ola Designs. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5050217 The shop has some really great pretty pieces of ceramic. Check out the colour combinations in the set pictured above. Beautiful! And her prices are so reasonable.

Alright, time to head down to the studio.

**yawn**

I was up way too late last night and then got up way toooooo early this morning. Total number hours of sleep: 3! Ouch.

But I did take advantage of my insomnia and worked in my studio on some new stuff. Mostly I was just testing out some images and colours for my silk screening class but I'm happy with what came out of it. The piece above was done with india ink as well as block printing ink. The leaf is something I carved out for a new design of cards that I'm selling in my etsy shop. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6004409

Alright, maybe it's time for a nap (or another cup of coffee).

Birds!

I really can't get enough of birds. In fact, as I'm typing this there is a little birdie in the tree just outside my office window. The birds are going nuts right now. I even have some lovely nests in the pine tree in my backyard.

For a while now there is this "bird trend" happening on everything from jewelry to fabric to pottery. As I was scooting around etsy this morning I am across Mordenti Pottery

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5118768

Really pretty pottery in this shop. Hope you'll check it out!

Alright, time for me to hop into the shower. I'm on the look out for a nice vintage table or desk for my studio or office. Wish me luck!

Marimekko

Happy Friday everyone!

It's the best kind of a Friday, one before a long weekend (Monday is a stat holiday in Canada :) Yay!

I was putzing around the interweb and hit up Marimekko's website(http://www.marimekko.com/eng). I love ALL the stuff on the site, especially the wallpaper and textile designs. But what really struck me were these cute little coin purses. Adorable.

Clay and Glass Gallery

Tonight I went to the Empty Bowls event at The Clay and Glass Gallery. I love this event and try to go every year. The money raised goes to our local food bank. Not only is it for a good cause, but you also get to pick out a one of a kind bowl and then get to fill it with yummy soups and bread from local restaurants. Check out my bowl! :) I loooooooooooove it!

http://www.canadianclayandglass.ca/

Another Showcase Today

I am on showcase again today on etsy. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php

Above is a set of note cards that I have in my shop. These are pretty popular, I even made a bunch for someone's wedding which is cool!

Wednesday Morning

Yesterday was chaos. Not only was I busy at my day job, but I also had class last night. That really does make for a long day but the class was fantastic! I'm really happy with what I'm learning and the ideas that are coming out of it. I promise to post pictures soon.

I also checked etsy on my lunch break and had a nice surprise, one of my little hand stitched notebooks made the front page! Yay! I was super happy about that :)

AND this morning I checked my most absolute favourite etsy shop and there were some new earrings posted...so pretty. Check out Anabella Designs.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5030693

Vessels and Wares

On my morning stroll through etsy, I encountered this lovely shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5110319

I really love all the pieces she has listed. Really pretty.

Wild Summer Pie

Check out this beautiful brooch! I love the little amethyst on it. I don't know much about the person who made it since there is no profile in his/her shop but check out the shop anyway, there are some really nice things in there.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5052219

A Quiet Sunday Morning

After the chaos of yesterday, it's nice to be able to sit here in my pjs, post to my blog and check out all my usual websites (etsy, design sponge, poppy talk, etc...) all while sipping on some organic, fair trade coffee. *sip* ahhhhhhhhh...

Last night I went down to the bunker and made a couple of things.

I posted one on etsy last night...here is a pic. I love the shape of the envelope, it has draw string closure (as well as normal envelope glue). So using the shape of the envelope as inspiration, I designed a long flat note card to go along with it using Japanese linen paper (one of my favs!). The card measure 3 3/4" x 9". Fabulous! This note card is also available in a green and chocolate combination.

Hope you're doing something wonderfully relaxing. Don't forget to call mom today :)

Saturday Morning

Yeah so I'm up early this Saturday *yawn* I have so much to do before drawing class. Man oh man, I'm tired.

I worked on sketching my hand last night, yeah it went ok but harder than I thought, I couldn't sit still *bad model* Probably didn't help that I was trying to eat a bagel at the time.

I didn't feel like being in my studio (aka the bunker) so I took things above ground and brought my supplies upstairs to my dining room. Here's a picture. I just picked those three tulips from my garden. There are a ton out there :)

The empty front room...yeah...haven't decided what I'm doing there yet. That's an upcoming project.

Alright time for coffee **yawn**

Silent Goddess

Happy Friday everyone!
I came across this beautiful copper cuff...I really love it when artists and crafts people work nature into their art.

Check out her shop here:http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=91200

Alright day job time.

Thursday night...

So instead of going down into my studio and creating a couple things, I went out for dinner...ha-ha. I was just so tired from the day job that I needed to relax. Guess I'm feeling a little guilty. BUT tomorrow is a new day :) Another day to create and sketch. I need to sketch my hand for Saturday's drawing class. Good times ;)

I was strolling through etsy again (big surprise) and came across Cabaret Voltaire's shop (love the name!). It's a group of 4 individuals who go around photographing aersol art. Some really fantastic prints are available. Check them out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5050168

I think I'm going to order me a little art :) Night night. Don't forget, tomorrow, showcase on etsy...be there! Smooches.

Showcase Tomorrow...

I have a showcase tomorrow on etsy. I hope you'll check it out.

In the meantime, check out today's showcase http://www.etsy.com/showcase.php lots of great stuff there!

I haven't been posting much of my own work this week, mostly because I've been working away on my courses. Lots of thinking about design ideas and such, which is fantastically fun but time consuming. I hope to make a couple more notebooks tonight for my showcase tomorrow. We'll see how it goes!

Happy Thursday everyone!

Amelie!

Amelie has got to be one of my most favourite movies. Imagine my delight when I came across Almost Famous' shop on etsy (where else?)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=96200

I love love love all three Amelie prints! Check it out.

Yasmine Louis

I've been a big fan of Yasmine's for a couple years now since I saw her at Toronto's One of a Kind Show. She does fantastic silkscreening on shirts and pillows.

http://www.yasminelouis.com/index.htm

Aussie Patches-Love it!

On my morning stroll through etsy land, I came across Aussie Patches. I really love her prints, she draws illustrations of girls on wallpaper and other textured paper. She also does other illustrations (check out the bird cage, so lovely!). She has a blog as well ..YAY! I love it when artists have blogs!

Here is a link to her shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5034795

Something I'm loving right now...

Feist's new album called The Reminder.

I *heart* Leslie Feist.

Monday....again

Didn't we just have one of these last week? Sigh. Back to the day job...when will it end? When? ha-ha. Ok, enough drama.

I was taking a quick peek at etsy this morning and came across this glass shop (Striking Glass): http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5097608

Such amazing colours! And the pieces are so affordable. Check it out.

ohhhhhh ahhhhhhhh

Look at this most delicious lantern. This is from Peking Lounge, an antique Chinese shop in Vancouver. http://www.pekinglounge.com/index.html

They have too many great items on their site to mention. Check it out!

Lilac Notebook

I was down in the bunker and made this little lilac notebook. I posted it to my etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5033974). I really love the soft lilac colour of the cover paper. I also carved a nice flower. Hope you like!

B-day painting framed and ready to go...

Yay!

Just Posted...

I just posted this flat notecard set to etsy. Hope you like it!

Tulips and Acorns

What a combo! The tulips I picked up at the local grocery store, I couldn't resist, they looked too pretty. The acorns are from my garden, I found some squirrel's secret stash when I was cleaning up one of the garden's in the backyard. Together they make a pretty combo as a center piece on my dining room table.

I see a design idea here :)

Saturday Morning

I managed to finish the watercolour (and ink) painting for my mom's birthday tomorrow. All I have to do is buy a nice frame for it today after my drawing class. It looks a lot like the cover of the notebook I made my best bud, even though I tried to make it look a little different. I guess those colours were just calling to me again. I know mom will love it (she always does, ha-ha).

Busy day ahead...

I have lots planned for today (of course nothing is happening until I get out of the day job). I have a watercolour painting that I need to finish for my mom's birthday on Sunday. That will hopefully happen tonight (oh and by finish, I mean start, ha-ha). It will be similar to the cover of the notebook that I made my best bud.

I have to work on my silkscreen assignment. Sigh. I tried, oh did I try last night but nothing was hitting me. Maybe tonight.

I also have some yummy paper in my bunker (the studio) just screaming to be made into another notebook. So yeah, I would love for that to happen as well.
Wish me luck!

Alright, now time to get this day job thing out of the way.

Happy Friday!

Friday is finally here! Yay!

I was surfing etsy this morning and came across this most fantastic bowl of ceramic goodness. The artist's name is Shoshona Snow. She is out of NY. Check out her shop, it's full of beautifully designed ceramics with great pattern and colour.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=82299

Made this tonight too.

This one isn't in my etsy shop. I made this one for my best friend in the whole wide world who I went to visit about 4 weeks ago in Vancouver. There is story behind this one. My best bud and I went out and had a few too many drinkipoos, then came home and made some "art". Actually I just took ink to some watercolour paper she had and painted some flowers.

Well when I got back home from my visit (I live in Ontario), I watercolored the flowers, the background and made a notebook for her. The pages inside are a pastel blue. It's supposed to be a surprise, but I guess she'll see it here. I'm going to ship it off to her tomorrow. Hope she likes it. Smooches bella. Miss you LOTS!