Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Watercolor Illustration

Just in time for Spring and the arrival of the Ruby-Throated hummingbirds back from their migration journey. To me hummingbirds are one of the most amazing creatures we have on this planet. I'm always amazed at the super-sonic speed of their little wings and their intrepid force to retrieve the nectar, dive-bombing the other hummingbirds to feast. These little birds are voracious when it comes to the luscious red nectar! Oh how I love watching them, so beautiful, so tiny...

nature is brilliant!

My original piece was created in watercolor. Prints are now available in my Etsy shop.

cottage room makeover

We spent the past week at the cottage. My husband did some hunting and I did some illustration and together we both tackled painting a bedroom. It took about 5 days to complete the project. There's a lot of prep involved when painting old paneling -- but totally worry every minute spent. I would have taken some before photos but I didn't. I always forget to take them because I'm so excited to get into my project. Anyway, at our family cottage we have a lot of paneling. Most of the paneling is wood paneling but in the upstairs it's not a natural color and over time it has yellowed and needed a little update. It hasn't been changed since it was built in the early 70's so I think it's about time for a change, don't you?

(This dresser will be refinished soon & artwork on this wall too.)

This room is the smallest bedroom in the cottage and since we have never painted there yet I thought we should start with the smallest room to see how it would turn out. At some point the red carpeting will be replaced and I'll be working on refinishing some of the furniture in the room (hopefully this Summer) as well as adding some more art work and decorative touches.

I painted this bedside sconce black and found a small black shade to fit. It used to be brass and wood with a burlap weave looking shade in brown with gold trim.

I painted these two framed embroidery projects glossy white done by my husband's Grandma many years ago. The frames were a light gray and the update sure has freshened them up. I think they look great and almost kinda modern especially since handmade work like this is so hip again.

My Mom crochets animals so I asked her to make us a baby owl.
She surprised us with the momma and baby. I think they look so cute perched on the bed.

(New gray and white lamp from Target - match the new curtains and bedding)

(Vase & flower from IKEA)

red pop mini button samples

i was testing out my "red pop" illustration on some mini buttons today. i can't decide if i should make them with the tiny bottle, or the cropped. maybe i should do both? maybe they could come as a set or maybe not? any input from anyone who loves red pop would be great! thanks so much!

valentines day : oh, how i love you!

I love Valentine's Day! What's not to like about a holiday that has solely to do with love? It doesn't necessarily have to just be about that special someone. There are so many people in my life that I love and that I am truly thankful that they are in my life. I love them with all of my heart. There are things, places, and memories to love too!

Here's a few new valentine cards I've posted to my Etsy store and will be available at Yellow Door Art Market, starting Saturday, January 14th. I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day!

Dancing Cups

A2 size card: 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" with red envelope

micro-fine glittered details on eiffel tower & lamp posts

front: be mine

inside message: happy valentine's day

Also available in an 8x10 customized print!

Valentine Owl

A2 size card: 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" with red envelope

micro-fine glitter details on heart

front: hoo love u?

inside message: i do! happy valentine's day

Also available in an 8x10 print!

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Also, I'm bringing back my Puppy Love card!

Puppy Love

A2 size card: 4 1/4 x 5 1/2" with red envelope

digital illustration with microfine glitter details + stitching

inside message: with love

winter berries : original watercolor painting

A few weeks ago I finished up a new watercolor painting called "winter berries" but, because I've been so busy working on my new studio space and getting ready for the opening of Yellow Door Art Market I haven't had a chance until now to take photos of this new piece.

We're steadily approaching my least favorite season, but over the past few winter seasons because I still walk regularly in the winter months outdoors, I've become more in tune with my outdoorsy side. I love seeing the glistening snow and in the midst of winter, bright red winter berries hanging on the tree branches. I think this little birdie is happy about the berries too!

Archival prints in 8x10 and 5x7 are now available in my Etsy shop. The framed original watercolor will be available at Yellow Door Art Market in Berkley, Michigan as well as archival prints and holiday cards (coming soon). The grand opening is Saturday, November 13th!

what color are you?

One of my favorite stores, online or in person is Paper Source. They have tons of delicious looking colors of stationery, all kinds of magnificent do-dads for us creative types and so much more. Sadly, we do not have a store yet in Michigan, "maybe someday." Hint, hint!

I was looking at their blog (great place for inspiration by the way) this morning, and noticed that they had a Colorscope of their special Paper Source colors on what color best describes you. So, pick your favorite color from the chart and see if your personality matches up with your favorite color.

If you check it out, please comment back to the blog.  I'd love to know what color you are too and if you think your color matches your personality. I'm red and I think it's right on the money!

Happy Saturday! :o)