Stitches, Stitches

I had only one goal here, to cover the entire piece with tiny, very primitive stitches.  This is one of those projects that I made for my own pleasure, with no consideration of the amount of time I would put into it.  I really just wanted to dive into one large project and experience the process. 

I am inspired by antique textiles, often the ones you find in museums or old hand stitched quilts.  This is also little reminiscent of the time I spent in England.  I feel especially sentimental about this piece.

Available in my Etsy shop.

Available in my Etsy shop.

Inside My Sketchbook

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A weekly update dedicated to revealing the pages of my sketchbook.

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A Doll With a Portrait

This particular doll that I am featuring today is lucky enough to have her own portrait.  You may have seen her in one of my sketches, take a peek here, if not.  She is a little more dark and simple than my other paintings.  Bare branches peek out from her shoulder and hair.  I decided to give her a simple and practical black dress, something that in her time was considered every day wear.

Available in my Etsy shop.

Available in my Etsy shop.

Inside My Sketchbook

. . .

A weekly update dedicated to revealing the pages of my sketchbook.

. . .

Almost Forgotten

Today I would like to share with you one painting in particular.  At some point it was set aside in a pile of failed gouache paintings for the day, ready to be thrown out. Some days are just a little frustrating, the ideas  in my mind don't always interpret so well on paper, canvas, or whatever I am using that moment.  I decided to take a break, but after a few hours I went back to my desk and pulled this one out of the stack.  For some reason , it didn't look so bad and seemed salvageable.  So I added a few more details, and eventually it turned into something I really love and cherish.

Available in my Etsy Shop.

I have been relying on my cups of tea for comfort and warmth these days, hence the tea cup in her hands.  The bare branch as a reminder of the cold, yet provides her with shelter.  She really has become one of my favorites.

Inside My Sketchbook

. . .

A weekly update dedicated to revealing the pages of my sketchbook.

. . .

Studio Sunday

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A monthly update, dedicated to to showing you my process, sneak peeks inside my studio, and previews of works in progress turned into finished products.

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Work in progress, still life.

Available in my Etsy shop.

My hanging sachets were my best selling item last year, so i am restocked, this time with lavender filled sachets.  The designs are simple and feature hand painted designs.  I have combined acrylic paint with textile medium to create these.  Along with a new medium comes many new ideas, too many to keep up with.  How do I turn off the creativity switch?

Staying Inside

Portraits and still life paintings have taken over my studio recently.  New lavender sachets, like miniature art pieces, provide a welcoming scent, reminding me that the cold months will not last forever!

I would like to share with you today one of my recent works.  The cold months are here, and I find that most of my time is spent indoors.  Not only does this effect how I work, but my subject matter as well.  With this particular painting my goal was to capture the warmth our home provides.  I chose a neutral color palette to bring in the sun's warmth.

Available in my Etsy shop