New Scarf

I just sewed this new scarf using linen, chenille, and some fabrics from the On A Whim 2 fabric collection coming to stores in another month.

Picture-book.com Contest

I decided to enter the first ever Picture-book.com contest. I am a little speechless and overwhelmed after receiving an e-mail tonight that I am one of two winners with a prize of a year's subscription in Picturbook 2011 and a free online portfolio page as well.

I entered with my jellyfish illo and was surprised when I got to round two. Then sent three more illos for the final judging.

This was a good lesson in you can't win if you don't enter. I am really surprised, flattered, grateful, etc. etc.

I am going to go celebrate now :))

On A Whim 2

Here is a preview of the entire line of On A Whim 2, my next collection with Robert Kaufman fabrics due in stores March (ish).

Some birds and cats -

Some more animals including more owls, of course -

Some fun geometrics -

Here are photos of the whole collection -

(click on photos to see enlarged images)

Redefining Success

I have had several conversations with close friends lately about this topic. This photo was taken in Charleston, SC on a recent trip there. I love how these air plants choose life in such an unlikely place, a cracked brick wall in a darkish alley. Not only surviving, despite the odds, but thriving.

I relate to these plants and feel their struggle and success just looking at them. Yet they are designed for such conditions and adapt to them as well, with grace and style and little complaint.

One can learn something from a plant. We all have our stories, obstacles, hardships, challenges, whatever you want to call them. And we all have our goals and our desires. We live in such a success oriented society where what is accomplished is more important than how. I like to think of the how a bit more - I think it deserves some applause. We succeed everyday when we show up, when we lend a hand, offer a smile, listen to a friend.

When I was in my early thirties and a young mom, I had to battle a diagnosis of Hodgkins Disease and all that goes with that (all is fine now). I was so frustrated at the time with all the things I had to put on hold and felt like I was watching everyone else get a shot at life while I only prayed for mine to continue. I remember my dad saying to me that if I didn't accomplish anything else in my life that I had already done so much at 32 years of age. What a gift that was!! He settled me down and I started to slow the engines, take stock, and appreciate the littlest things. I learned so much at such a young age and sometimes I look back and think I was wiser then than I am now. I hope I have used what I learned.

I can't speak for others, but I can share that one of the biggest things that I learned is that it is not the destination itself, but the getting there that holds the most importance. None of us know how much time we really have to get there anyway, so it is always wise to take a good look at the now.

Like the air plants, we are finding our way - thriving - adapting - and succeeding each and every day.

Painting Excercise

Why are pears so much fun to draw?

Here is my painting of a plate of sliced pears. It started off as a bigger plan for a bigger painting but it wasn't really working and well all I really cared about was drawing and painting the pears so that's what I stuck with. It was fun focusing on yummy greens and yellows.

New Year - New Goodies

Because I love seeing your creativity and the lovely things you sew using my fabrics, I will continue to post your creations throughout this year. So without any hesitation, here are a few:

Confections baby blanket

On A Whim bandana bibs

All My Heart skirt

Animal Party coloring wallet