Painting of the day - "Odette" by Ryan Pickart

I discovered Pickart when someone pinned one of artist I like on pinterest. Isn't pinterest lovely?

Ryan Pickart is an artist from Lowell, Indiana.  He started off by showing in local art shows and then became a HUGE sensation on Pinterest! He’s been compared to Klimt and Egon Schiele.  His images have spread like wild fire and I’m sure his career has as well.

Odette, 22" x 28" oil on canvas

One more by this artist.... I think you can see more of Klimt and Schiele influence in this painting.

Regina

2012 christmas card

Here is this year's Christmas card. We spent Thanksgiving at my brother-in-law's folks place this year. The photos were shot around their beautiful property in Harwood, Maryland. A perfect backdrop for my wonderful kids, Hannah (14) and Jake (11). What a true blessing they are! You too, Bear.

Happy Holidays!

DIY - cute fox dolls

Saw this DIY on one of my favorite blogs - A Beautiful Mess. I made a few for the holidays and then decided to make more for my open studio. I used white velvet, faux fur and gold lame for the backing. I think they are adorable and have a more seasonal feel. 

Here's what you need and how to make......

PLUSH FOX DOLL D.I.Y.

A few years back I made and sold these cute plush fox pillows through Red Velvet. Since it's a retired product now, we decided to teach you how to make them! These foxes are a fun one-evening sewing project that you can do with even the most basic sewing skills! Enjoy! 

1: Supplies Needed- Simple solid, print, and white cotton fabric, scissors, card stock, plush stuffing, sewing machine/needle and thread and child safe snap on button eyes and noses. (You can find them in the doll section at your local craft store.) 2. Cut out the back and front of the fox. We made ours an estimate 1x2 ft. 3. Cut out and trace a circle from card stock on the back of your patterned fabric. This will be for the fox's belly! 4. Next, sew on a triangle shape for the snout with the white fabric. For the eyes and nose, make a tiny hole with scissors, poke the eyes and nose through and secure it with the back snap. 5. After you've sewn on the snout, sew on the belly! You'll always want to sew on the snout first, guaranteeing that the belly won't be too high or too low. 6. Once you've decorated the front, place both sides together with the outsides facing in and sew them together, leaving a small gap at the bottom. After you've sewn your fox together, flip him inside out and fill with stuffing! Last, hand stitch the opening. All done!

Try adding different details and embellishments to give your foxes cute personalities! Have fun. XOXO. elsie

DIY - fun holiday tote

I was recently in Sephora and was given this cute cinch gift bag with my purchase. I thought it was so cute and I wanted to get better use of it. Here is what I came up with.....

Cut the top of bag off and remove the silver string that cinched the bag. I will use the cut pieces for my handles later. I found this tan suede fabric in my fabric box that would work great with the design of the bag.

On the reverse side, sew the suede to the other fabric. Iron the top to fold down nicely when handles are sewn on.

Finished in about 20 minutes. It really was quick and easy and I love it!!!!

painting of the day- "portrait of a lady serving a meal" by haley Hasler

I haven't posted a "painting of the day" in so long. Here is a good one.

 Haley Hasler's painstakingly rendered self-portraits often depict her balanced at the precipice of chaos. For many women, these scenes of frenetic domestic life may be exaggerated, but they are also familiar. Hasler’s paintings offer a knowing look into womanhood and modern feminity through narratives and metaphors on identity.

Few more by this artist..... I like Hasler's facial expression, which remains the same in her portraits.

Portrait as an Allegory of Fidelity

Portrait of a Lady Bearing Snacks

all things small and wonderful open studio

Just sent out an invite to an open studio show on Sunday, December 16th. I'm so excited!

Since I was a kid, I have been enchanted with small and wonderful things. I have created a collection of miniature paintings and other adorable holiday surprises. Locals welcome.

tiny home in Chile

Came across this amazing home built on a cliff in Chile. I have to admit the drop terrifies me but I'd get used to it. Story cred here. 

Cliff Top House

Today I found this house built in Chile by Alvaro Ramirez and Clarissa Elton.  It is about 500 square feet and has an amazing view and emphasizes outdoor living through it opening window walls and a deck that is almost as big as the indoor space.  It is heated with a wood burning stove, was built in 3 months and cost $15,000 USD to build.  The house is divided into two sections divided by patio space, a sleeping area with bed and bathroom, then the other side is a living space with couches, kitchen and table.

skeleton ghost for the mantel or anywhere

I had a little styrofoam skeleton head I wasn't sure what to do with. I love decorating for halloween and  I needed something for the mantel. This creation was done in minutes....

Here's what you need:

styrofoam skeleton head

cheese cloth ( 3 pieces to layer)

plastic skeleton hands

white wire hanger

glue gun (optional)

I was going to attach the hands but wanted to see finish effect right away so I placed them as if the ghost were seated. You can attach cheese cloth to the top of the head with glue gun or not. Ooh, creepy.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

update a mid century table lamp

I purchased this lamp for $6 at a thrift shop and had the plug rewired at my local hardware store for $11. Found glossy white paint in the basement and painted over old base. Ordered a black drum lamp shade (8"x 11") from lampsplus.com for $20 and I have an awesome new lamp for less then $40 bucks!

super cute on the bar!

Check out a very similar makeover by Navy Bean Blog.

evening look -black and nude

black and nude by sabrinacabada featuring lip makeup

Miu Miu peplum top, $725 / J Brand jeans / Alejandro Ingelmo platform heels / Kate Spade quilted tote bag / Yves Saint Laurent black gold necklace / Lip makeup / Gucci fragrance, $51

painting of the day: "Crown" by Will Cotton

I have admired Will Cotton's pink cotton candy cloud paintings way before Katy. Below is Katy Perry's California Gurls video which is greatly influenced by Cotton's paintings. My kids love Perry's music but me.... not so much.

Will Cotton, CROWN, 2012, oil on linen, 80 x 68 inches. Courtesy of the artist and Mary Boone Gallery

Will Cotton is an American painter. His work primarily features landscapes composed of sweets, often inhabited by human subjects. Will Cotton lives and works in New York City.

so excited to share my new website

          

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