Sailing Through Summer

We had a beautiful summer hope you did too. Today I'm posting bits from another collection I made for Two Peas in a bucket (digital downloads). It's got a folksy, americana feel that I love to paint, highlights about home, family & connections along with some nods to the nautical world.

Take a look, Happy Labor day - we sailed through summer!

Wedding Wishes

I'm almost out the door to my brother Kris's rehearsal dinner. He's getting married this Saturday to a lovely, sweet, smart lady - Ashley. I feel like my heart is getting bigger as I grow up. I understand the importance of of commitment more. I want to savor the sweet moments of celebrating those I love & can say I'm seeing the big picture so much more clearly. (before this would of been an excuse for a cute new dress) Being his Big Sis I couldn't be happier to see how his new in laws have embraced him, how he's stepped up to the plate & grown through the crazy planning a wedding process. I hear them talk about their future plans & dreams, see the twinkle they have for each other in their eye & that newly wed/ newly engaged need to kiss way to often. All this makes my heart sing! Here's to LOVE, Dreams & new beginnings as ONE! (can you tell I'll be a sobbing mess at the wedding)

My Great Adventure

Antonio & I are off for a day long business adventure tomorrow. That said I thought it was appropriate timing to share this Travel collection (My Great Adventure) that's now available on the Two Peas site. (see yesterdays post for the link) I've featured a few of my favorites. My approach to scrapbooking papers is highly illustrated & everything but the kitchen sink. Makes for a great paper but takes forever. Bon Voyage for today!

Jill McDonald Collections at Two Peas

Hello & Happy Monday! Our little Luca had a wonderful 2nd Birthday pictures coming soon. We've had a crazy exciting summer & on that note I'll share the first of several digital collections my studio has created for Two Peas in a Bucket (www.twopeasinabucket.com) I'm showing a couple formats from the baby collection called My Blooming Belly. I wanted to create something that celebrated the Mom to be, remembered her journey & cravings, gave her a few spots to feel that sweet Ahhhhh but also didn't give her a toothache by being too sweet. Tara & Liz (our two talented designers at the studio) were a huge help with bringing this collection to life. I hope that if you are a Mom to be, know a new Mom or are planning a shower you'll check it out. It's our little bundle of joy!

At this time all four collections are live on the site, Take a look at all of them!

A VERY special weekend

What a week! We have a very celebratory weekend planed. Luca is turning two on Sunday. Seems like someone waved a magic wand & poof he was two. (although he seems to have hit the terrible twos a couple months ago) He's found his determined spirit. We have Antonio's family in town & my family will be stopping by for the party. Keeping with the party theme today I thought I'd share a sneak peek of these cute bags. We've been licensing lots of great work to All wrapped up. They do such a wonderful job with the end product. We're continuing to work with them more bags & wraps so stay tuned. Wish we had The Old McDonald one for this weekend. (you hit a button on the front of the bag & it sings the song) * The Christmas bag has an advent calendar front. So much fun. Some Birthday photo's next week. Luca is really into pretend cooking so the party theme this year is Cooking up some hot stuff.

Happy Friday!

Good Find

While rummaging through the flat files at the studio this evening I found this floral I painted a few years back. It made me happy as most the time my color is more intense & vibrant. This was quiet but I liked it. Somehow it mentally gave me permission to go there again. I've been in a haze of work all summer. The projects are SO exciting but it's been a little bit of a designathon around here with out much time to play or experiment. This was a nice thing to stumble upon today. Remember to step out of my box.... (not a one trick pony)

Little Rugrats!

We went to Luca's Montessori school open house last night. He started attending the school this summer. He goes two mornings each week to break up the monotony of being stuck in the studio all day. I'm SO impressed with the school & just love the spirit of community there. The teacher went on for about 2 hours describing the kids day & year. At one point Antonio looked over at me surprised & asked me if I was going to cry. I was emotional, there is just so much beautiful effort & heart that goes in their first glimpse of learning. We got to meet the fall group of kids & parents. Such excitement & energy. Their class photo is next Friday. Somehow- I imagine them like this little pack of characters. Not to far off from the illustration I've included today.