Blogging Bonanza

So, I briefly mentioned one of my new jobs about a week or two ago. So here's the gist: I work as an online advertising-marketing person for my favorite quilt store called Valli & Kim in Dripping Springs, Texas. I've been learning loads, as I research and do the job. The cool part is that I get to write, photograph, interview and illustrate for them. So, if I'm not blogging here, chances are that I'm blogging there.

Here is a link to their blog and website: http://valliandkim.blogspot.com/ & http://www.valliandkim.com/ (website)

More Notes

As I've mentioned once before, I've started taking notes at church more illustratively....because I seem to fall asleep otherwise. It challenges me to pay attention AND and compose images on the go. There is no thumbnailing or reference to look at. I've started doing this note taking method with my scripture study too. Its a lot more fun to look over past entries, that's for sure. I encourage ya'll to try it in your classes or study! I've found my recall is better when I've drawn an image to associate with concepts. If you send me your notes, I'll post 'em here on my blog too!

Cinnamon Rolls

I am finding that the busier I am, the more I accomplish. Isn't it funny how it works out that way. I have two part time jobs, and I'm a housewife and artist. When I had AAAAALLLLL the time in the world, it seemed impossible to finish anything! Now that my personal time is more limited, I feel like I'm cranking out finished stuff! It's so exciting and fulfilling to be working and have deadlines again.

Speaking of finishing stuff... I am 3/4 through that monster quilt! I'll update you more as it draws nearer.  I've got an oil painting in the works, but I think I'll post that Monday and.... I did end up making those cinnamon rolls! I made a huge mess, and they looked ugly, BUT they tasted great!

...we totally ate a couple.....

AAAAWWWWweeeeeee.....

Isn't that sweeeet??? yeaaahhh... This was towards the end of the cards. I was getting a little worn out, but it still works. You should'a seen the ones I did last year! I was crazy! I should go find those pictures.....

Not Strictly Illustrative

I'm a kid who can't decide which interest to pursue 100% of the time. I juggle about three projects over the course of a week. For example, this week's docket includes Oil Painting some fruit, The Quilt (that may just kill me), aaaannnnnd.... whatever I feel like. I might work on one of my comic books, or my website or maybe I'll just go make some cinnamon rolls. Who knows. 

Anyway, I made these little gems. I call 'em "Snifflelopes" (sniffle+envelopes). The fabric protects and hides those ugly plastic pouches for travel kleenex's. Mine always get thrashed in my backpack or purse, so my sister and I came up with these.

Peppers

I thought you kids might like to see my process a bit. So I pick out some luscious peppers at my favorite local grocery store. 

I did a quick sketch to solidify my composition. 

 As you can see I don't do a pencil sketch on my canvas. I thin some oil paint with turpenoid and start going at it!

 Mixing oils with a palette knife instead of on your brush keeps it from getting muddy.

Background first, of course....

 ...then a rough underpainting for the peppers.

This is what I call the ugly stage...

Can you see that little brown spot on the yellow pepper? Yeah... the peppers were starting to go bad (literally molding and wrinkling), so I HAD to finish. Rotting fruit creates quite the deadline. I'm pretty pleased with it though.

Fools and Spools

With my new job with Valli & Kim (quilt store), I'm constantly thinking about fabric, quilting, tutorials and how to market it. A card like this would be perfect for any sewer in your life. This one is going to one of my sisters... I think.