art is my compass

My Sketchbook is now on its way to the Brooklyn Art Library.

These are the words I will carry with me in the coming year. May you also find your center of happiness in 2011.

the ornaments that inspired it all + etsy shop sale

These hand-stitched bear ornaments hung on my Christmas tree this year. I've cherished them ever since I was a little girl when my mom fashioned them out of an old coat lining. They also served as the inspiration for my eco-friendly wreath ornaments. Now that the holidays are over, I'm offering all remaining ornaments and balsam sachets in the shop at 50% off. Cheers and happy 2011!

my sketchbook - final entry

My final sketch is now complete...and just in time as the deadline is fast approaching. The next time I see it in person will be June 2011 at the Form/Space Atelier gallery here in Seattle. There it can be viewed alongside 28,832 other Art House sketchbooks on tour.

This sketch pretty much sums up why I chose to participate. It's forced me to practice my craft, and in doing so, has reminded me just how much happier and hopeful I am when I'm creating art. Yes, most images are simple black and white doodles, but a gal has to start somewhere, right? Thank you dear Rikkianne for inspiring me to join you in this journey. xo!

In the coming days I look forward to continuing work on my first-in-a-very-long-time series of oil paintings. Cheers!

my sketchbook - no. 8

My youngest daughter attends a Japanese-immersion school. Lucky for us, we are exposed to the beauty of Japanese culture and traditions.

Quite often I find my oldest daughter curled up with a book or two or three. My sketchbook project wouldn't be complete without a nod to her obsession.

weekend paper garland

Spent the morning with my girls cutting and stringing snowflakes made from the pages of a Chinese booklet I scored at Goodwill. Time well spent.