meet the crawleys...and the buchanans?

The current obsession around our house: Downton Abbey! If you haven't seen this PBS Masterpiece Classic yet, consider it recommended. Love, love, love, love.

I believe what I enjoy the most about Downton Abbey is how the drama revolves around so many strong female characters, including three very different daughters. In fact, the Crawley family kind of reminds me of my own...minus their fancy titles, social standing, estate, servants, formalities....

What show can you not get enough of at the moment? We always love a new series, so suggestions on what to watch next greatly appreciated!

spotted bananas spotted down under!

We're super-excited to have our Spotted Bananas print appear in the June issue of Australia's Shop Til You Drop magazine.

A big thanks to the GnomeAngel [author of one of the most beautifully curated blogs I visit], for sending us a copy!!!!

the art of living

In my web-surfing today, I ran across two things I found exceptionally inspiring.

The first, a quote via Swiss Miss. I decided to jot it down to post as a reminder in our studio...especially on those days when I feel lazy because my work doesn't really seem like work.

And second [via Design Mom], a video about The Satorialist: a person who exemplifies the above quote. I thought he was cool before, but even more so now that I see how down to earth he is. No need for bravado. Love that.

two of a kind...but not really

The United States was founded on the separation of church and state.

My husband believes nearly as strongly in the separation of toothbrush and hairbrush. You should see how he cringes every time he looks in my drawer to see the two co-habitating. It's this quirkiness that keeps me on my toes and makes Edgar such an interesting character...one I'm happy to welcome aboard!

Yes, that's right. The new year is bringing big changes...not the least of which is a new voice at 'an open [sketch]book'! Edgar and I are going to need to work as a team more than ever with two little ones on the way and the practice starts here.

We've carried over some of Edgar's past posts from his old blog to get you acquainted, so read away here! Welcome E!

'twas the week of thanks giving

sketch by Edgar :)

As I mentioned last Thursday, I've been hard at work for a few months now on a VEEEEERRRY exciting new project...one that's just in the beginning stages! You can learn more about it over at my illustration website, under the SPECIAL! tab.

put your best flair forward

To follow up with the picture accompanying yesterday's post...I have a confession. I was a brownie-drop-out. Yep, it's true. While I adored the uniform, I stunk at peddling cookies [my parents ended up buying my entire share] and preferred not to sing songs in unison. So, after a year in brownies, I called it quits and ended my career in girl-scouting.

As a result, I hardly earned a single badge...by far, the COOLEST part of being a brownie. But, luckily today, I can create my own.

I'm still working on this one:

Please feel free to accept any and all of these special badges as my treat. You can take a screen shot and use them on your own blogs and websites [in posts or on your sidebar]...all I ask is that you kindly link back here for credit. Cheers!

and it was all yellow...

Lately I've been on a real organization kick. It all began with my studio...which if you remember, looked like this not so long ago:

I sorted and donated and tossed and sorted and donated and tossed some more. Eventually, I was able to pair down my supply closet to this. I have to say, it gives me goosebumps every time I need to reach for a sharpie!

[thanks for the gorgeous flowers Nikki!]

I think the crowning achievement here was the realization that I could cover the closet's less-than-attractive wire shelving with paper borders from the teacher supply store and completely change the look for next to nothing!

After this, I moved on to organization of activities, dates, times, etc. Having tried for the last year to use my phone for all this info, I realized the electronic format wasn't cutting it. I like something tangible. Enter Megan (my organized-friend-extraordinaire) who recommended I look into the SmartDate system by Russell + Hazel. If you're not familiar with this company....oh, you should be.

I'd purchased the super sleek executive jotters before...which I've loved.

But...the planners! Oh, the planners! Last week I received the Apricot Mini Smartdate Set in the mail and am already sooooo organized...or at least pretending to be soooo organized. Makes me feel like I'm back in school---with the supply-shopping, withOUT the homework.

In all fairness, the set is a little more expensive than what I'd typically allow myself to spend...but perhaps it will lead to more clients...AND it is completely up-datable, reusable AND stylish! Totally worth it.

Phase three of the organization frenzy has led me to a new website...but that's a story for another day. Stay tuned later this week for the big reveal.

wishes do come true

You're not going to believe what we found on the ground while walking the dogs this weekend...really...

a wish released nearly four months ago via balloon:

It seems this message chose to hang out in a nearby tree, rather than fly away, and, after a few days of heavy rain last week, fall to the ground with the shower of leaves.

Isn't it poignant that with heavy storms comes unanticipated beauty?

To the friend who released this wish, may the same joy that has replaced the sadness in my heart, fill yours.

Learn more about the balloon release here.

go with the flow

[Designed by Alex Koplin + David Meiklejohn]

clever girl troupe approved

Love, love, love this stop-motion video created to promote Creative Inc., the new book by Meg Mateo Ilasco and Joy Cho.

Want more? Check out the 'behind the scenes tour' here.

some are silver and the others gold

You may remember a while back I warned that I can't be cushy all the time...well, forgive me because today I'm not cushy, I'm gushy.

[Cue the somber music...a little R.E.M. might be appropriate.]

If you've been reading between the lines of my sketchbook, you probably know that this has been a trying year for me. I've had several difficult blows, some I've openly shared here [i.e. job loss] and some I've dealt with privately. Throughout this struggle there have been so many people who have surrounded me with love. So many! In fact, at the beginning of these trials, I'd describe myself as only having one or two close friends...now I feel so very different.

Of course, Edgar is my number one supporter---I can't imagine life without him.

He's constantly around to make me laugh when I'm on the point of tears, reassure me when I feel like there is no hope in sight and sing with me when times are good. He's the best partner I could ask for.

And then there is Addie.

Simply put, Addie is my best friend--and one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. She's empathetic and optimistic, a great listener and a thoughtful advice giver. On top of all this, she is so, so creative and fun....and did I mention clever? This is why it was no surprise when Addie suggested ending this difficult year with a party. A party she would throw.

I've already shared photos from the balloon release, but there was much more to the festivities, in many parts thanks to Addie---but also to the many new and renewed friends I've opened myself up to in the last year. Here, have a glimpse.

And cheers to you as well. Thank you for being one of my friends. We may not live in the same town, or even on the same continent, but your kind words and visits mean so much to me! Here's to more happy times ahead!

See more photos from the party...including lots of mustaches here.

[all photos by Tim Robison]

come fly with us

With each balloon, a wish floats into the sky.
[all photos by Tim Robison]

apparitions of ducks : more happiness

Check out the little duck that prefers watercolors over ponds. Discovered and documented by my past student Kathryn Frye. Do you see it?
How cute is this?!?

speaking of drawing

I'm lovin' Chipotle's illustrated bags and cups:

...and vegetarian burrito bowls...but that's another story.

clever brand identity created by Sequence, images via Lovely Package

cereal with a side of comments

Thank you for your wonderful feedback regarding yesterday's post. There seems to be an overwhelming consensus that Dr. Mills was speaking about more creative minds than his own...and mine...thank goodness! They say misery loves company, but I think the same goes for lack-of-focus :)

As I mentioned before, it is my hope to share more of these thoughtful journal entries, but first, I'd like to get Dr. Mills permission. And, as you'll see in yesterday's comments, I now have a way of getting in touch! More to come...

serendipity in a binder

My sister Betsy recently stumbled upon this nondescript three ring binder at a local library book sale. Filled with the illustrated journal pages of an art teacher by the name of J.C. Mills, Betsy picked it up, thinking I might like to flip through it.

Might I say that THIS is one of the best gifts my sister has ever given me? A journal...illustrated...by an art teacher...dealing with everyday struggles...trying to see the bigger picture. Sounds familiar.

self-portrait by J.C. Mills

With each page I read [and I'm just a few pages in, mind you] I keep thinking this is so me... Especially this bit. Especially today:

The ability to pay attention...oh how I wish I had the mental discipline to focus absolutely. That ability to cast out the 10,000 things and deal with only one. Successful artists seem to do it...the ones who thirst for an intense probing that reveals the purity of the present moment.

The world of art is so vast, so complex...what a struggle to simplify and focus. You have to fight like hell! You cannot deal with art in a logical, linear, sequential, left brain way. There is simply too much information to process. Take over Mr. Right Brain...teach me to simplify; to focus; to travel intellectually light; to raise the tent flaps of my mind and let the wind blow all the mental clutter away---to pay attention to one thing in a delicious, sensory way. The secret seems to be in allowing---in accepting. Put yourself into action J.C. Mills. Express your uniqueness. There is only one of you..in all of time...record that uniqueness in a special way.

Activities That Help Me Focus:

making a pinch pot

drawing from nature

looking at a painting

a walk alone

playing the harmonica

milking a cow

writing in my journal

being snowbound

repetitive activities

rituals/chants, etc.

listing (such as this)

I believe this gem fell in my lap at exactly the right time. Perhaps you feel the same. If so, let me know and I'll share more. In the meantime, thank you Dr. Mills. I look forward to the time spent opening your sketchbook.

love notes tied up in string

an extension of Felicia Dean's design happiness project

Wow, wow, wow. Yesterday, a day I've been dreading for weeks now, turned out...remarkably...to be one of my happiest. I feel very inspired...and loved. It is beyond incredible. I have so much to share, but that will have to happen another day. I'm still reeling...

I owe many rounds of thanks...

two reminders

1. it's spring
2. it's friday

Finding these facts incredibly inspiring today. Hope you do to!

quacking up

Spotted near campus:

This fashion-forward goose is always changing her clothes and always making me laugh.  But this ensemble tops anything I've ever seen before.  I think Spring is here.

Thanks to Patrick for the quick iPhone photo action!

desperately seeking inspiration?

Then the time is right to head over to the gallery at Mail Me Art. Following the success of last year's Mail Me Art, a second community art project invites creatives (both professional and amateur) around the globe to take ordinary envelopes and turn them into extraordinary works of art. The results will be exhibited, and cross your fingers, turned into a 2nd book. The submission deadline is tight [entries must be postmarked by January 31] but worth a try!

Learn more about the ins and outs of this project here.