29 ways to stay creative

I believe this list has circled the internet a few hundred times over, but today was my first time finding it. These are lessons I need to be reminded of on a daily basis. Perhaps they will resonate with you as well.

I think I've got number 19 pretty much in the bag this last couple of weeks. We'll see how long that lasts!

[from Life on Michigan Avenue] --very cool site I might add!

counting down

During my last visit to The Salvation Army Select I stumbled upon this handsome pair of books published in 1960. You know how I love a good vintage illustration...and the timing and subject-matter of these couldn't be any more perfect.

This pretty much sums up the anticipation I'm feeling these days. My official due date is even the same as the one marked on the calendar, June 9. However, because we're having twins, the babies are predicted to come about three weeks earlier. Oh...and that look of nighttime discomfort...I'm totally, totally there!

Edgar, on the other hand, is busy making arrangements for the babies' arrival...

...and coming to the realization his space in the house is getting smaller and smaller by the moment.

He is ahead of the game in the sense that he already has his clothes picked out in the case of a mid-night run to Labor and Delivery. He had this task complete several days before I had my own bags packed :)

Despite all the planning, I'm sure we'll look more like this when the time finally comes. Afterall, can you ever be truly ready?

[books written and illustrated by Dick Barry, copyright 1960 by Ink-A-Toon, Boonton, NJ]

handsomely handy

I'm working on an illustration project this afternoon inspired by a gift from my friend Liz. Liz is the manager of The Salvation Army Select [the store I'm proud to say my students designed and constructed last spring year] and always has her eye out for vintage goodies with me in mind. How lucky am I?

A few weeks ago she stumbled upon this...the 1957 Better Homes & Gardens Handyman's Book...which is about as good as it gets for me. Ahhhhh...the inspiration. I especially love the illustrated divider pages. There is something so wonderful about picking one color and making it work for the entire composition. Simple, understated, gorgeous.

Look at that pegboard organization! No lost hammers in this house!

There is one thing that is a bit odd though... I didn't know one must smoke in order to be handy around the house. Just look.

Even mom lights one up, though at least she has the courtesy to go outdoors.

Ah, the times...how they've changed.

Here's wishing you a happy [and handy] weekend with those you love.

these look good enough to...paint with

LOVE the colors of M&M's Harvest Blend. Must borrow for future illustration!

some much needed perspective

It's a big day around these parts. The latest issue of Perspective magazine is out and guess whose hands are on the cover?!?

And more importantly, whose friends are too?!?! From left to right, my partners in Community by Design : Edgar, Matt Jones, Addie Brown, Patrick Lee Lucas and Debbie Nestvogel.

Layout by Creative Director for Perspective : Tiffany Mehnert

As I was sharing with a friend earlier today, the opportunity to work on this magazine came at a very low-point for me early in the summer, when my confidence and motivation levels were practically non-existent. However, completing this project, and, much to my surprise, having my initial rough sketch accepted as the final cover art, marked a significant turning point for me. This experience has helped me build the confidence to say, 'I can do this...I can make a living doing what I love." It's truly poetic that the name of this publication is 'PERSPECTIVE' as that was just what it gave me.

P.S. And one more reason why this blog is my friend...I can travel back in time...seven months ago to the day...and see how much things have changed. I am so, so fortunate.

it's like having a conversation with the artist

A little inspiration to get the day started...

Um...yes! Couldn't agree more.

[found via the art of curiosity...thanks for sharing jennifer!]