My Summer Garden

Today I thought I'd share a few photos from our summer community garden as well as some garden art. Having this close by was a nice source of inspiration when I was working on the garden book for Barefoot. We have the help of some neighbors with some great gardening knowledge. (that I'm lacking) I guess I make up for it with admiration & appreciation of what a wonderful thing this summer garden really is! The art includes a little song I put together. A small tribute to the summer garden. (layout like my favorite part of a Little Golden book- song at the end)

Ahhhhhh SUMMER...

Now in full bloom & you can't beat it! (paintings & patterns pieced together from my sketchbook)

Thanks Dad!

So we all know there's a very important day right around the corner.

I think I have the greatest Dad in the world.  He's been right by my side for all my big & small moments.  He's generous, honest, tender, energetic, kind, playful, wise, patient, silly, manly but not macho, a mentor and most of all my Daddy.  He's always made me feel so safe & like the sky was the limit.  He's been a true gift in my life.  

When I met Antonio I saw so many of the qualities I admired in my Dad in him too.  This sealed the deal!  I take in the special moments I see between Luca & Antonio.  The beauty of it is hard deny.  It's so obvious to me I'm watching the circle of life.  So Thanks Dad & Thanks Antonio for being a real man & a wonderful Dad.  

Express Yourself

While I was looking for a file today I ran across this Art Studio piece Liz & I made about 2 years ago. We had a morning of NPR discussing the loss of Art in school. That day this was our attempt to save the arts. (however we completely left out music- I don't think clearly when I'm all riled up, also a little selfish & unfortunatly not musical)
I got a kick out of it when I saw it again today. We had taken it to a show or two & clients always seemed a bit baffled by it. (I always thought it would be a fun kids puzzle) Thank God for art I would be in big trouble with out it. It's my happy place! Wish I had more time to dabble in all the different categories. Guess that's were Luca comes in. I can re-explore with him. He's recently taken to drawing & painting with us. (with a very limited attention span) I love his little creations. (he also likes to art direct, which is SO sweet he knows what he likes)

Purple Garden

Today I thought I'd show an older piece but one I still really like.  We're part of a community garden this summer.  (I'll share some photos soon)  It's been such fun to explore the scents, the critters & the new eatable goodies with Luca.  (He really enjoys running his fingers across the basil & tomato plants & there's still some much more to come)  All the line-work vine in this piece make me think about the garden.  I can feel lots of great inspiration coming from our summer efforts in the garden.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game!

Hope everyone has had a great week! I'm particularly excited about our evening plans tonight. We're off to see a baseball game. My brother & sister -n- law are in town my other two brothers have driven in from other parts of mighty Mo. & my parents are thrilled. It's going to be a BIG family outing just like old times! I can't think of a better night, the beauty of a baseball game, the smells of the different food, the sun going down over the field & a night with my entire family! Doesn't happen everyday. *This will be Luca's first major league ball game. I think he'll be fascinated by it all. I bet he loves the wave.

Bloom

Sprinkle, imagine, tend, allow.....GrOW!
A summer floral.
Enjoy.

Target Circo Mix & Match bedding

Happy Monday to all. Hope your week is off to a good start! Today I thought I'd share a fun project myself & Liz have been busy working on the past year or so. We have the good fortune of designing the Target Circo brand infant bedding. You've probably seen it at your local Target. This is a wonderful collection as all the pieces are designed to be interchangeable. (not all seen here & I'm missing a good visual of the girls butterfly collection) It's particularly nice because it's great design at a great price. We're part of the next 3 updates to come & hopefully more after that!

Ahhh Friday!

Wow- what a week!  It's been a bit of an illustration athon around here lately.  This is a wonderful thing but I'm beginning to feel like I need an iv of coffee.  I just finished a book for Barefoot.  Who's in the Garden out Spring 2010.  I'll share much more with you when that time comes.  I'm pleased with the outcome & think it will be a great book for little (& old) eyes to explore.  We're working on a big scrapbooking project & again I hope to share more soon.  I just completed a gift set of 4 seasonal place mats for The Land of Nod & we're preparing for a client visit we're all looking forward to next week.  So keep the coffee coming!