A birthday gift to myself: "Drawings Inspired by Life" by Dorian Vallejo

When I saw that artist Dorian Vallejo had released a book with limited Collector's Edition copies including original sketches inside (!!!) I had to have one :) A strange looking package arrived the day before my birthday. I was as excited as a kid on Christmas morning!

The postman delivered this giant mail bag. Quite possibly the weirdest package I've received. LOL

Once I got into the bag, I opened the box to reveal the book with a hand-written "Thank-You" inside. Very nice touch, Dorian!

Signed on the cover. 

If you haven't had a chance to see Dorian's work, here's a link to some of his work. Drawings from Life Gallery I'd love to see them in a real-life gallery setting. They are so dreamy. Lithe, languid, voluptuous and practically swimming/floating across the pages. Can an illustration convey stillness and movement at the same time?!

Had to take a pic with the book to show you the scale (It's a big book!) and also you can see the original sketch that was included inside (looks like ink, marker and paint were used)

Care to check out some of the other sketches included in the Collector's Editions?
You can find some HERE

Details, details :) 

I am so thrilled with the book - - going to go hover over the pages again ;) If you enjoy figurative drawing, anatomy, the feminine form or just a glimpse into a working mind - - this book is for you. Full of flowing, ethereal forms, it's a pleasure to look through.

Lily & Gus Giveaway

Another Giveaway for you!

This time, I've done a collab with that awesome Lily & Gus and Shanna's Tie Dye.
With Shanna's magical rainbow skills and Ashley's imagination and talent at work, the tie dye whales were brought into being. A while ago I was asked to paint some of these beautiful creatures, and now you have a chance to win it all!


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Floating Feathers Giveaway

I am so thrilled that my "Floating Feathers" print was chosen to be included in Canada's July Issue of Style at Home magazine! My print appears on page 118, in the workbook section titled "Best of the Canadian Etsy-verse". To celebrate, I am holding a giveaway. The lucky winner will receive three archival prints of their choice from my shop!



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Gifting Renée Zellweger

It's not everyday that I get the opportunity to send my art to an Oscar-winning actress. When the chance came up within The Artisan Group to gift Renée Zellweger, I jumped at it!

Photo of Renée at the Miss Potter Premiere 2006

Renée Zellweger has been in so many great movies. One of my favorites is "Miss Potter", a film dedicated to telling the story of Beatrix Potter. An amazing British woman, born in the 1800's who became one of the most popular authors and illustrators in Children's Literature. She was also a naturalist and conservationist credited with preserving most of the land that now comprises the Lake District National Park in North West England.

Inspired by the film, and the hope that, as a country girl herself, she may like a touch of nature, I decided to send Renée a small collection of my feather studies.

Snowy Owl, Blue Jay, Northern Flicker and Magpie Feather studies

Gift wrapped especially for Renée 

Needless to say, I was not the only one who was excited to send something special to the Oscar winning actress. Here's a peek at some of the other creations members of The Artisan Group gifted Renée. :)

Chiffon Rosette Clutch by GirlByAileen

Goat Milk Bath Soak and Blissful Balm by Simply Caprine

Swarovski Knotieties Bracelet and Knotieties 5 pack 

Set of two stack bracelets by SassyBelleWares

Kumihimo Braided Bracelet by KathsElegantAccessories

Hand Pleated Clutch with wristlet by SugarRushCreative

Boho Cuff Stck by HeidiLee Design

Hammered Organic Oval with Chalcedony by AndreaWysockiJewelry

Hand Stamped Bar Necklace by TheSilverDiva

80 page notepad by Galaxy Eyes

Brass and Druzy Cuff by Ten2MidnightStudios

Now, I have only revealed about a quarter of the amazing pieces that were gifted to Renée by some of my fellow artisans at The Artisan Group. Valerie, the founder of the group just received a hand written note from Renée herself, thanking us all for the "beautiful things". :)

Local News Articles

My feature spots in some local papers this week. Very exciting!

I've been learning a lot from my fellow artists and business people in The Artisan Group, so I recently took the initiative to send some information about my work and my upcoming shows, to some of the local papers. I had three interviews in the last two weeks, which turned into three "feature" articles and one mention in the local papers!

I would like to thank the reporters who responded to my phone calls, and who wrote the articles:

Thank you to Tom Wilkinson for the article about my participation in "Art in the Village".
Thank you Katie Mueller for answering my plea for last-minute photos!

Read the article

Thank you to Amanda Moore for the great article with more mentions of Art in the Village. Many people who came to the show in Jordan today, mentioned that they saw the article and that was what made them come out! :)

Read the article here

Thank you, especially to Angela Scappatura. Angela returned my message, set up an interview and came to my house (twice! LOL) She was amazing. I was so nervous about doing the interview. She was so easy to talk to - - I really had nothing to be anxious about. Then  - whammo! I open the paper and find this fab BIG article, which I hope will get some more people coming to the Art by the Lighthouse Show on August 4th and 5th in Niagara-on-the-Lake!
She included a link to my on-line shop (Thank goodness!) and added info about The Artisan Group!

Read this article HERE

So - - here's what I've taken away from what's happened this week.

Self-promote by using the media to your advantage.

I've been working hard and have had these great opportunites, but haven't used the media to my advantage...until this week. I had a show today and have a show next week. I figured I could present my work appearing on CSI and a few of my Celebrity gifting opportunites and mention I had a couple of shows coming up. Perfect small story.

I don't know if I'm just an idiot, but I realized - - You need to take the stories to the reporters. How else are they going to know about you? You have to be your own cheerleader.

The worst thing that could happen is they don't call you back, right? Right.
3 out of 5 reporters did call back, and I received some great articles from those interviews.

Hard work pays off.

Most importantly, I am very blessed to have such supportive family and friends.
Thank you all so much!!!

The Art in the Village show was a success today. Beautiful weather, Gorgeous location, wonderful artists and great turnout. If you haven't made it to any of the Niagara Nights of Art events, I urge you to check out the next one. They are FREE. Show your local artists you support them, learn more about them and their work as they engage you in many different ways. You will be happy you did!

Gifting Mila Kunis

Mila is finally back on the big screen with her new movie, "Ted". The film was written by Seth MacFarlane, of The Family Guy fame and stars Mark Wahlberg, Mila and a teddy bear voiced by Seth himself. Apparently, it's about Mark Wahlberg's character and his teddy, who, by some magical childhood wish, has come to life. Mila plays his girlfriend.

Definitely not for children, the movie likely has lots of crude humor and sexual innuendo - - wait, likely no innuendo at all. I figure it's full of sexual content and offensive jokes. After all - Seth will be able to get away with much more vulgarity with an R-rated movie, than he can with any television show.

Now, if a teddy bear with a potty mouth doesn't reel you into theatres, I'm sure the acting chops and eye candy alone of Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis could get you in!

Recently I was one of several members of The Artisan Group chosen to gift Mila! So exciting!!
I couldn't resist painting a few feather studies for her. I'm sure she's seen quite a few feathers since Black Swan, but I had an idea.

The Key to Great Acting

"...whether you are playing the antagonist or protagonist role, the key to great acting is ..." 

Well?! Can you guess what the key to great acting is?

While you're thinking about that, I'll give you a peek at some of the other things made exclusively for Mila!

My packaging. Will not get mistaken for anyone else's.

Anatomy Naturals

Oh, my goodness! The descriptions alone on these handmade, natural products makes me want them.
Listen to ingredients in the body oil: Contains grapeseed, rice bran, sweet almond oil, Vitamin E and grapefruit seed extract. Scented lightly with essential oils of citrus fruit and bergamot.

Mmmm!!! I want!
You should really check out their website. It's awesome. Also, the packaging design is so good. Love it!

Moisturizing Body Oil 

100% Natural Mint Lip Butter

Mercury's Glass Lampworking

"M" is for Mila.

This little "M" pendant is made of shimmering silver reactive glass and strung on a sterling silver snake chain. So unique! I bet it feels really nice against your skin.

Shanna's Tie Dye

It has already been quite the hot summer and I would love, love, LOVE one of these 100% cotton tie dye sarongs from Shanna's Tie Dye!

You could use them as a cover-up, sarong, cape(!!) or beach towel. Probably at the end of a day at the beach (or in my case, Splash Pad) I would tie up all the stuff I brought for the kids and use it as a makeshift bag as well. LOL. Definitely going to have to get a few made ;)

100% Cotton Tie Dye Sarong

Firefly Myst Artisan Jewelry

A one-of-a-kind piece, this bracelet features a sun/moon focal bead hand crafted and signed by the artist. Silver tube beads and toggle clasp complete the look.

Moon Face Bangle Bracelet

Squeaky Clean Soaps

Exfoliating and nourishing, this salt scrub has notes of Red Hibiscus and Acai berries.

Island Pearl Salt Scrub

Jewels of Saraswati

I am totally crushing on these stacking bracelets. Made with Pyrite, Lava Rock and Crystal Quartz beads - - she'll be able to rock these with any outfit. Awesome!

Mark Giarrusso Photography

These strong, classic images by Mark are timeless and beautiful, don't you think?

Time for a Mila Break

Did you know Mila has already filmed the movie Oz: The Great and Powerful, which is a pre-quel to the original story, explaining how the wizard came to Oz and became the ruler?
It was directed by Sam Raimi and features a stellar cast, including: James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Zach Braff amongst others. Mila's character is Theodora, the Wicked Witch of the West. Currently in Post-Production, I can't wait to learn more about the film. With Sam Raimi at the helm, the film is sure to be a box office smash!

Nature's Images by Design

Look at the beautiful, fresh photography used to embellish this mini pouch and matching compact!

Cherry Blossom Purse

Cherry Blossom Compact

Elegantly Eclectic

Mila can add a bit of flair to her morning coffee with this Stainless Steel Coffee Scoop that has been hand-beaded with jewelry grade copper wire, gemstones and beautiful glass beads.

Unique Coffee Scoop

Metalmorphis

Amazing detail in these Fine Silver Metal Clay earrings. Handcrafted using an antique button as a mold, painstakingly textured -- each tiny stud made by hand, these earrings are gorgeous! So much heart and soul and talent used to craft these lovelies!!

River Valley Jewelry

Here's a lovely little personalized charm necklace. I think that gold detail on the initial charm adds a little something special and the silver orchid is so sweet.

Garnished Girl

This is a romantic style headband made with satin fabric, braided ties and silky rosettes embellished with vintage style pearls and crystals.

Jewels for Hope

How awesome are these? Two bracelets, both sporting the colors of Maya's Hope.
Jewels for Hope creates unique, handmade jewelry, donating part of the proceeds of each sale to different major organizations.

Shaka Soap

Made on the Big Island of Hawaii, these treats for your body are made of natural ingredients and smell amazing! Can you believe the colors in that five layer Ombre Coconut soap bar? So cool!

Jasmine Bloom Lotion

Ombre Coconut Soap

Trinkets N Whatnots

Wowza! Look at this Mother of Pearl layered button necklace. Luxe, creamy, smooth buttons with swarovski crystal beads added for embellishment. So classy and regal. Can anyone say red carpet?!

Mother of pearl layered button necklace

Autumn Bradley

Not only does this necklace have an amazing style and energy about it, but it has wicked length as well. Everything going for it.
Each charm was created by hand. Featuring a horseshoe and coin for good luck, a Hamsa for protection and a tiny piece of turquoise to dispel any negative energy. This was personalized with Mila's birthstone.
I want one.
Seriously.
Husband? Take note. LOL.

Talisman Necklace

Diana Ferguson Jewelry

14K yellow gold filled. These are extra long Petal Dangle Earrings with a vintage botanic theme, they are gold and cream in color. I really want to see Mila wearing these! I think the movement and flash on them will be beautiful.

Ecru and Gold Long Dangle Earrings

Chloe & Maddie

Here's a pair of vintage - inspired silk and satin bloom hair combs. They are so romantic with a bit of netting, some French blue ribbon and swarovski pearls and crystals.

Silk and Satin Bloom Hair Combs

Soga Soap and Cupfakery

This is " Blissful Nectar  " Artisan Soap. The name alone makes me want to try it, then, I look at that beautiful soap and it reminds me of a landscape painting. That's soap?! Crazy! This is a vegan version of an Oatmeal, Milk and Honey Soap, but contains : Oatmeal, Coconut Milk, and Agave Nectar. Yum!

Blissful Nectoar Artisan Soap

Hoshii Designs

This fabulous clutch is made of reclaimed fabric and recycled leather! Isn't that amazing?! Recycled, fashionable, useful and sexy! Very cool!

Venicia Creations

Approximately 45 inches long, this necklace is made of wire-wrapped aquamarine and glass beads. With the matching bracelet, this is a gorgeous pair!

BragAboutIt

A Hand Stamped Sterling Silver necklace with a sterling silver key and Swarovski crystal
May I say we might be on the same wavelength here, with the key symbolizing the "key to great acting"
Either way, I think this is a real darling of a necklace!

Jolio Design

This stationery was designed exclusively for Mila. Classic black and white polka dots with a bright, cheerful contemporary floral motif, I'm sure she'll feel very special writing some heartfelt letters and notes on these. Now, she just needs to find the perfect pen!

Hopefully, when Mila gets finished promoting her movie, she has a chance to slow down and enjoy her summer!