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