APRIL FOOD DAY

I'd like to encourage anyone who reads this and is interested in helping to make a donation to assist those less fortunate, right here in America. With times being tough, more and more people are finding it a struggle to get their most basic needs met. Food banks are getting depleted, but are a vital source for those in need. Today is April Food Day in the blogging community and if you'd like to help, you can contribute here.

Thanks so much for your consideration!!

NEW HOMES FOR MY PRINTS!

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA:

 My blue "Keep Calm" print on an art cluster wall created for a client by amazing Australian designer

Anna Spiro (photo courtesy Absolutely Beautiful Things - see how she does it)

HOUSTON, TEXAS:

I always love seeing how my clients and friends incorporate my work into their homes. I want to say thank you for the recent posts and kind mentions to the following friends.  Check out my Blue Chinoiserie Plate print in blogger Averill Conn's new powder room.

CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY:
 My "You Make My Life Incredibly Sweet" and pink "Keep Calm" quote prints in blogger Christy Casimiro's little girl's room .

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA:

Several of my silhouette collages and a canvas print decorate Beth Connolly's kitchen and "blogging spot".

Thanks for letting my work be a small part of your surroundings!

LIBERTY OF LONDON + KEEP CALM

I took one of the new Liberty of London for Target photo frames and put a mini version of my pink

 "Keep Calm and Carry On" quote posters inside. It's available today in my shop - click here for more info. or to purchase.

THANK YOU!

I want to thank so many of you for featuring my work or posting a mention on your blogs over the past few weeks!

Carol Harris at Designs for You

Holly Becker at Decor8

Sarah at Monaco Interiors

Louise at Table Tonic 

Marina at Iced Vovos 

Rachel at ShopBug

 Maureen at Inglenook Decor 

 Rita at A Refocused Life.

Beth at Chinoiserie Chic

and Kirsten at 6th Street Design School 

Thanks to all of my fellow bloggers, readers, clients and customers for your support and kindness. You make my job a joy! I want to wish all of you a very Happy Weekend!!

HAPPY SPRING!

I know that I am a few days past the "official" beginning of Spring, but in celebration of it's arrival, I wanted to introduce a new print to my shop. It's actually a vintage work, since it was completed before I was born (and I'm not exactly a preschooler anymore!)

It's my Father's work in pastel and I have always loved the bright florals and seaside setting. The couple depicted is supposed to be he and my mom.....back when they were carefree newlyweds. Mom is partially obstructed by the shrubbery and parasol, but she's enjoying the scenery! I am framing the original- given to me by my parents, and adding it to my gallery wall.

If you like it you can get your own giclee print, available here.

CUSTOM NOTE CARDS

Have you ever wanted cards with an image of your own home on them?

I recently completed a home portrait commission for my client who also wanted the painting turned into personal note cards. It makes your correspondence unique! It's also a perfect gift idea for the person who has everything.

Contact me here for details. 

ENGLISH ROSES ON AQUA - NEW ORIGINAL

  I have decided to start painting with oils and acrylics and in a larger format than many of my previous pieces. This original 16 x 20 inch acrylic on board painting is titled "English Roses on Aqua" and doesn't require framing, as it has 3/8 inch sides that are painted.  Loaded with color to brighten its new home!

It's available in my Etsy shop here.
Have a relaxing weekend!

GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH.......

Well, don't take that too literally, but I am very fond of Liberty of London prints. I don't usually go in for shopping crazes/product debuts but for the past couple of days, I have been stalking my local Target stores as the line has been very slow to come out. I have had the fuschia "Dunclare" print uploaded to my Blackberry screen for a couple of weeks now... so I guess you could consider me a "Liberty Groupie".

 My first glimpses over the weekend were of some children's clothes, then womens clothing and a bedding set.  The Liberty for Target line is almost completely sold out online already, with many Ebayers putting up listings for almost double the original prices. It reminds me of the Cabbage Patch doll hoarding craze when I was a kid.

I was first introduced to Liberty prints in the 70's, when my dad wore the floral ties, then I visited the AMAZING London store as a teenager and came away with a classic Tana lawn cosmetics bag and a beautiful capiz shell dish that I have kept to this day. I have been curious to see how the iconic designs would be translated by Target and have yet to see the items I was interested in (pictured above) so the jury's still out. I have to say, most of the pieces I've seen have not tempted me to buy, as they looked much better on the Target site than in person and many items had a slightly cheap look or more muted colors. I guess the old adage "you get what you pay for" can apply in some senses. I have to say, a couple of the women's tops, the photo frames and reversible cushions did not disappoint in person. Has anyone seen the duvet covers or canisters? What are your thoughts?

Oh, and Happy St. Patricks Day to you!

SNOW REMOVAL IN DC

A valued client from Washington DC recently contacted me to create a second commission as a gift for her husband on Valentine's Day. Even though the photos she had just taken of her home included falling snow and a wintry wreath, she requested that I make it look like Spring had arrived already. It's fun to be able to delete snow and make Spring come early with a paint brush! Her two King Charles Spaniels are seated on the front steps enjoying the warmer temps. I'd love to paint your home in any season!

Contact me here for details. 

SPRING HAS SPRUNG AT CLAYTON GRAY HOME

In the vein of my ongoing pink and yellow obsession, Clayton Gray Home has some sunny new pillows by Trina Turk. Owner Wendy Garraty has an unerring eye for the best and brightest! Check out all of her new picks here and have a terrific weekend. I am going to be saving my strength to raid Target on Sunday as the new Liberty of London line debuts!

DOG JUDO

Over the last few years I have become a fan of these little Dog Judo video skits with their British and quirky sense of humor.  They become addictive.....You can find more here.

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE!

I hope that some sun and warmth are coming your way!

In celebration of the people who brighten up our lives, here's my latest quote print in a buttery shade of yellow. It's perfect for cheering up someone you love and letting them know how special they are to you (even if that someone is yourself!!)

Available here AT HALF THE REGULAR PRICE FOR TODAY ONLY!

GOTTA GET OOMPH!

I am generally known more for my love of chairs than anything, but a girls got to have a table or two to balance things out, right?

Lately, I've been spotting these hip little side and coffee tables everywhere. After a little curiosity-driven search, I found the source. OOMPH. A great name that's perfect for what these pieces inject into a room!

There are a wide variety of styles and color combos, not to mention very cool choices for top surfaces. Check out all the options and search for a source near you here. 

Have a fantastic weekend!

C&C CALIFORNIA

I don't know about you, but I am ready for Spring clothes and sunny colors! I am loving the color yellow lately and ideeli is having a C&C California sale today - check out the selection here.

NEW CHINOISERIE PRINT!

I hope you had a nice weekend! I can't believe March is here already. Time flies when you're having fun or busy (or both!)

Today I am debuting a brand-new print - the Blue Chinoiserie Plate. I know there are a lot of blue and white fans out there who have requested more, so this is for you! Check it out here. 

ANNECHOVIE IN PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Thank you to The Neo-Traditionalist for posting my "Queen with Chevrons" original painting on sale here.

Jesse at Good Girl Gone Glad

Beth Connolly at Chinoiserie Chic

Averill at Odi et Amo 

and lifestyle writer Caroline Tiger at the Philadelphia Inquirer. A big thank-you to all of you!!

I hope that everyone has a terrific weekend - see you here on Monday!

THE CURTAIN OPENS.......

and there's just a window, but the curtain is the star! Pink and yellow are an incredibly cheery combo.

I have white plantation shutters that I love, but this new Anthropologie design could almost convert me to curtains. Does anyone else love it?

ELKINS IN BLACK

Here's a new version of my Elkins Chair print for those of you who like black and pink together. The seat also features a floral design for extra personality. It's available today in my shop. If you would prefer it on canvas, you can order it by emailing me here.

NEW SILHOUETTE CANVAS PRINT

Today I am introducing a new print on canvas in 2 different sizes.

It's a reproduction of my Aqua Louis Silhouette on Chocolate Brown.

This is a giclee print on matte canvas, stretched and mounted with finished edges (no visible staples) and a 3/4 inch profile. You can hang it directly on the wall, with no need for a frame.

More details are available here.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

ARTIST'S PORTRAIT * CARLENE HELBLE

Artist and shopowner Carlene Helble

Where were you born?

I've been a northern Virginia girl my whole life!

What would you take if your house was burning down?

If my house was burning down I would be too concerned making sure my family and animals were safe. Material items can be replaced. If I had to pick something it would be my Levenger leather agenda. Sometimes I feel like my whole life is in that little thing!

Your favorite book?

My favorite book is "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. I am actually a junior in college studying to be a dietitian, so I related to what the author was saying very easily. I have to say though, I also love the imagery and setting of "The Great Gatsby". Classic.

If you could have only 1 last meal, what would you want on the menu?

Can it be a buffet? I would have salmon,fried pickles, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream sandwiches...Although I don't think they would taste good together unless you happen to be pregnant.

Do you prefer hot weather or cold?

I'm torn! Hot weather means you get to wear sandals and have outdoor parties but your hair gets poofy...cold means you get to layer gorgeous knits but your hair gets static-y. Temperate it is!

Favorite artists?

Absolutely Monet. I'm lucky enough to live near the National Art Gallery, so when I get the chance to go I could literally spend hours in the Monet room. No one can blend colors like he did!

Pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve are 'one-uppers': people who aren't really listening to what you are saying but are formulating in their head how to one up your story. Play nice and listen to the person you are with!

Best childhood memory?

My Dad used to set up miniature golf courses throughout our house and we would all putt. They even cut the clubs down to little kid size for me and my two siblings (Grayson and Saige are their middle names).

Favorite travel destination?

St. Thomas, U.S.V.I is amazing. The weather is beautiful, the scenery gorgeous, and the island time hilarious. It always takes me a while to slow down and not be so schedule oriented when we go. Dinner can take several hours!

Favorite shop?

For clothes: J Crew

For home decor: Really Great Finds, which is a local antique store.

Food:Wegmans, the only place you can buy a 30 pound wheel of cheese!

Most visited links?

My google reader page for blogs, Lonny Magazine, Etsy, Twitter, and Pottery Barn.com!

What is, to you, the best thing about being an artist?

You decide how things should look! I have an inspiration board over my desk where I hang anything that strikes me. I get to look at these things and decide what aspects to make into products.

This polka-dotted crayfish is my favorite piece in Carlene's shop, Grayson Saige.  The whimsical quality puts a smile on my face. I want to thank Carlene for sharing some of her work and a little bit more about herself. If you haven't already, take a few minutes and check out her shop here.