Two very talented ladies (”very talented” doesn’t even begin to describe them, actually) are coming out with new craft books this year.  I’m very crafty myself (um, yea?) but I don’t own very many craft books.  Nowadays I tend to only get the ones I really, truly want; too many craft books in my collection have ended up on the local library steps (figuratively speaking) and that can get expensive (although I’m always happy to donate useful things).

And the books I’m referring to are about two of my favorite things: embroidery and paper dolls!  Both so dear to my heart, perhaps because they remind me so much of my childhood art-making.

My friend Alicia’s “Embroidery Companion” is such a beautiful book, due out August 10th.  I mean, look at the cover!  Sheesh, I love that skirt.  I want that skirt.  We need to embroider more, don’t you think?

Emily Winfield Martin (I just had to mention her middle name, as it is the best ever), also has a book coming out on November 2nd called “The Black Apple’s Paper Doll Primer.”  This book looks like so much fun for both little and big kids (I.e. moi).   I bet you could get lost in it (which is fine by me, especially if that sweet little white bunny led the way).

Both books are available for pre-order if you want to make sure you get a copy.  And don’t forget to click the above links to find out more info and see some sample projects!

Where the Cardinals Sleep; 8.5 x 11 watercolor on paper

This is one of those pieces that had a very humble beginning.  I’m acquiring a much better habit of sketching to just draw and see where that takes me.

The other night Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow was on TV and with hot chocolate in hand (seems like there’s almost always hot chocolate involved any task I do!) I drew this lass, a cardinal friend.  Can you see references to the movie?  I think they kind of snuck in there unconsciously.

This watercolor and its sociable birds remind me of the time when I was younger…I was outside on my parents’ porch while my mom watered her garden.  The birds always liked to come by when she was doing this, perhaps because the fresh water was so much better than any standing pools they could find.  A house finch flew down from the birch trees and landed on my arm, Sleeping Beauty-style.  I was in a state of delight and concern for I had never experienced an encounter such as this - was this bird really friendly or was she trying to tell me something?  She looked at me and chirped and hopped from side to side a bit.  She jumped onto my shoulder just before tweeting her good-bye and flying back up into the trees.

A wee burro (burrito?) friend found at Porchlight, a lovely shop in Portland, OR.

It’s pouring rain and it’s really nice.  I love waking up on the weekends when the weather is like this: the interior of the house is grey and a little chilly.  I make myself a cup of cocoa and pull out the warmest, loftiest blanket I have.  Sometimes I’ll read, watch a movie I’ve seen a hundred times or up date my to do list.  (That sounds incredibly dorky, about the to do list.  But I’m obsessed with it and have about 50+ things listed at the moment.)

Speaking of reading, have any of you read The Mysterious Benedict Society series?

I just finished the first book and I’m onto the second one (above).  I find the cover illustration pretty thrilling!

So, I know I’ve been a little bit scarce around these blog parts.  I’m like the friend that thinks about you but gets really bad about calling.  ;)  A couple of reasons include me taking on more hours at work, and a sudden and unignorable (not sure if that’s a word but it works for me) Tendonitis/carpal tunnel flare up.  My husband and I even made a trip to Ikea to buy a new desk hoping that it would help.  (My old one is currently in the middle of my office.  Totally in the way but what a nice place to pile stuff on. [It's better than the floor.])  And I’ve been keeping off the computer as much as I can when I’m not working.   At first I was really bummed about it but I’ve resolved to find a solution.  I’ve been reading up on things, exercising and trying to keep my mind in a positive space.

Oh, there are a couple of things I wanted to mention before I forget:

• I’ve installed a “subscribe to comments” plug-in in this blog.  You’ve probably seen them elsewhere; when you leave a comment you can click on a box to subscribe.  Then you’ll receive follow up comments in your email.  I’m going to start to respond to comments by leaving reply comments since I’ve been so bad at responding in the last few posts (and you all have left such thoughtful and helpful comments too! ) and I hope this would remedy that, plus perhaps make it easier for you to touch base with each other if desired.
• Spoo Kee got a twitter account!  I know, it’s about dang time.

Ok, it’s cocoa time.  I hope you are all having a cozy weekend so far!

xoxo

…Illustrator. It’s kind of addictive actually.  I’m often torn between doing more traditional, pencil drawn illustrations and computer/vector stuff.  For a long time I had resisted computer-generated art but I can’t seem to pull myself away.  So, why can’t I do both?

Winter has really only begun and I’m thinking of spring, my favorite time in L.A.  Maybe because we’ve had some lovely weather lately.  Or maybe the recent  foggy evenings led my mind to inky waters, sea monsters and such.  Which made me think of the beach.  WHICH made me think of summer and warm weather and sundresses.  WHICH THEN led me to start planning my warm weather wardrobe, inspired by Summer Finn. (JUST saw that, if you can believe it.  Loved every second and every stitch.)  Oh, and a new pair of clog sandals.  How’s that for stream of consciousness?