Animal Whisperer....

I name all my prints -Animal Whisperer is what came to mind for this one.

The color is there but, kind of soft like a whisper.

(sound that's there but- quieted)

And the animal part well that's pretty obvious.

Spring Fling

I'm liking this pastel palette.

I'm looking forward to spring buds & blooms soon!

Artful Rebels

February 1-3 my husband Antonio will be in New York to

exhibit my work at the Artful Rebels show.  This show is going on at the same time as Surtex

(the large surface design show) at the Javits Center.  The Artful Rebels show is a more intimate gathering at Shop Studio- 528 W39th St on the 3rd floor. (just a few blocks from the Javits)

I won't be at the show this time- no surprise but, NYC is no treat in February!

Antonio & I have a son who needs someone to stay home & frankly I'm 

exhausted from months of pushing too hard.  This January marked 17 years of me

& my small business so,  at this point I feel less guilty not trying to do it all!

The way I've been able to grow my business over the years is dipping my efforts

into a little bit of everything.  Trade shows, commissions, fabric collections, wall art, gift lines I create & license, children's books.  It's all been a good way to keep growing & keep making money but, sometimes it makes my head spin.

A short break is needed & hopefully it's on the horizon!

*My break will NOT involve hot air balloons- which I like to draw

but would never willingly get in.

Hello, World! Rainforest Animals

Rainforest Animals is a new title in my Hello, World! series.

It's such a nice honor to get the chance to share a few of the amazing animals that call it home. 

There are many magical places on our planet & the rainforest is definitely one!

Learning about it spreads the word that this is a special place with plants & life that need protection & care.

I started with things you'd find on the ground- we see a variety of insects & slowly worked our way up the foliage & treetops meeting new creatures along the way. 

 I decided to take the same approach with the color- keeping the opening spreads darker towards the ground where there is less light.  Then slowly getting brighter as we head up & the sun light begins to peek through.  The effect is a crescendo of color!

I hope you & the little ones in your life enjoy exploring Rainforest Animals!

Homemade Flower Field

I covered one of the cork boards in my studio with my florals.

It's a bright, cheery way to bring in some color until 

spring arrives.  

I struggle with the grey winter months & found little things like

this really help.  

The dream....someday I'll get a greenhouse so I can 

grow things all winter long.

Until then I'm forcing amaryllis bulbs & growing my green thumb with houseplants.

Photo by Suzanne Corum-Rich Photography

Warm Wishes

On a cold winter Monday.

Animal kindness & respect

Animals show up a lot in my work- they are near & dear to my heart.

I've always loved the following quote & it seems more relevant than ever.

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Spring dreams

as we brace for 6" of snow.

I miss the chirping birds but know it won't be long.

Quiet

Enjoying the quiet after a busy, boisterous holiday season.

I never feel out of my routine due to deadlines but,

did end up layering more activities than usual due to December.

(tricky for an introvert)

Relishing the extra space I'm now feeling.

Posting this floral because it gives me a sense of calm &

blue always feels settling to me.

Hope you are doing well & breathing a little sigh of post holiday relief!

Construction Site

A new title in my Hello, World! series dropped today.

Check out Construction Site it is a bright, busy read!

This book reviews a variety of different machines used 

to build something special.

Peeking around the corner...

These are some of my hand puppets that I made for The Land of Nod about 10 years ago.
When my son was still a baby I made the dog puppet for him.  We'd read stories as the dog,
have the dog tuck him in for a nap & even put on puppet shows.  I took the dog with me to a meeting I had years ago & the client asked me to make a whole crew of characters.
Sharing something that was so close to my families heart ended up being one of my favorite
projects of the last decade.

Have you had a puppet show lately?
(you don't need a fancy puppet you can even do it with socks)
Photos by Suzanne Corum- Rich Photography