Talisman

Going with me on my book-making journey this year is a

gorgeous ring from Satory Designs.

When I was little I had a costume jewelry "ruby and diamond" ring

that meant a lot to me and looked a little bit like the photo above.

I wore it happily and like a lot of other little girls,

anything seemed possible, everything was beautiful.

Well, now I have a new talisman that is merry (the ruby)

and bright (white sapphire) to travel with me.

Engraved inside with a reminder to be "Merry Bright."

(thank-you Kami!)

 I'm wearing it on my right ring finger, the hand that does most of the

painting, writing and picture taking... to remind me to keep going.

The left hand?  Well, I have a favorite ring for that one too :).

My Ingredients

 

It helps to figure out what art ingredients you bring to the table...

Bold colorful art style + picture book design + journaling techniques

+ Christmas imagery + a message about art = a book! :)

Valentine Inspiration

 Valentine's day has so many beautiful moments that inspire.

The colors, shapes, icons, emotions... there is a lot to celebrate.

Some things familiar, some things new, most things delicious.

 Luscious landscapes and vistas to explore the rest of the year.

 Today jogged loose and reignited my old art-show-to-go ideas.

Page Layouts

This week I've been working on the general page layouts for the

"Art of Christmas" book.  Somehow its climbed up to 42 pages :).

 The layout possibilities are endless, this will take some time.

There are so many eye-catching holiday scenes to work in.

New Journal

Starting a new journal is one of my favorite things.

This one is a violet silk Moleskine from the 2006 Van Gogh set.

All of the pale yellow empty pages are exciting and a bit daunting.

For a month or so, this beauty will keep me company everywhere.

Sensational Stars

 

There was a flash of sunshine between clouds today, so I practiced
taking photos of my colorful models: stars from Little Love Letter Arts.

The grass green of the glitter is gorgeous with amethyst crystals.

As delicious and beautiful as a bowl of hard candies.

A cast ammonite, stunning surrounded with royal blues.

A pink bubblegum dream with dollops of topaz.

 And a jewel fit for Barbie (or me in Vegas!).

The Art of Christmas

After a lot of studying, journaling, and planning,

I picked a project for 2013, the Year of the Snake.

A picture book for all ages that is tentatively titled:

"The Art of Christmas: An Illustrated Journal of Little Joys"

Five "chapters," all pages of watercolor and ink illustrations,
approximately 42 pages, possibly printed through CreateSpace.

I'm following the structure of a traditional children's picture book,

beautifully explored in the three volume set by Eve Heidi Bine-Stock.
Next step?  Rough lay-outs for each page.