tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-132072442024-03-16T13:53:13.005-05:00A Little Hut - Patricia ZapataA Little Hut is written by Patricia Zapata, a graphic designer and author of Home, Paper, Scissors. She posts about her creative work that is simple and contemporary. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1050125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-1545109155576643962016-01-18T21:33:00.004-06:002022-11-15T10:05:16.343-06:00a little hut has a new website!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh7MQgXe38hv8-HYq7OLwI3tJCBiEavVstNqe_Sar6u5JestSsJjksCPSChjLnw-zxbIeY2nOptU4pJ4OjQfA72wiWskeCnGqCbBE34E1Tt3LiIeEvkD0bLY5Zpz2Jo7KHHma/s1600/alhnewsite-postedonoldblog.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh7MQgXe38hv8-HYq7OLwI3tJCBiEavVstNqe_Sar6u5JestSsJjksCPSChjLnw-zxbIeY2nOptU4pJ4OjQfA72wiWskeCnGqCbBE34E1Tt3LiIeEvkD0bLY5Zpz2Jo7KHHma/s1600/alhnewsite-postedonoldblog.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned in my previous post I will no longer be updating this blog. However, I wanted to quickly pop in and let you know I have a new <a href="http://patriciazapata.com/" target="_blank">online home</a>. Please visit my new <a href="https://patriciazapata.com/blogs/news" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="http://www.patriciazapat.com/" target="_blank">site</a> to keep up-to-date on all my products.<br />
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Thank you so much for visiting this blog (10 years flies by real fast) and I hope to see you on the new one.<br />
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Best wishes,<br />
Patricia<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-80994223737883926402015-12-31T15:22:00.000-06:002016-01-02T15:30:41.142-06:002015 - A year in illustration<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/23464163183/in/dateposted-public/" title="EndofYearMosaic2015-PatriciaZapata"><img alt="EndofYearMosaic2015-PatriciaZapata" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5624/23464163183_7210d06fa1_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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This is my 9th and last year of posting a mosaic on this blog. Now don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'll still be online but not on this blog. I'm working a new home for 2016 and I can't wait to show you. For now, this will be the last time I post on this blog. Sadly, I haven't had time to keep up with it. So my 10th year here was more of a fizzle than a going-out-strong — which in the end has made it easier to let go. Everything has its time and place.<br />
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I cannot sign off without saying that the experiences that I had and the people that I met through this blog are unforgettable. I will forever be grateful for everything and for all of you that visited throughout the years. Thank you, thank you.<br />
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2015 was the year where I got more confident with my illustration. I will always be grateful for headed in this new direction. My paper creations will always be my first love but it was time to stretch myself in something new. I'm so very grateful to those of you that embraced my new work and supported me with the publication of my new coloring book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-Volume/dp/0692489452" target="_blank">Flower Nook</a>. Who knew that self-publishing would be something I'd do this year? Who knew that I'd go back to what got me interested in art to begin with?<br />
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My paper projects where fewer but I can see how my illustration started affecting their style. I like that too. I think combining my graphic and organic styles is an interesting angle that I'll be exploring further. I'm working on a new site and new products so I'm ready for 2016 to get started. I can't wait.<br />
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If you're curious my previous end-of-year mosaics are here: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/2160972046/in/photostream">2007</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/3151237674/in/photostream">2008</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/4228640305/in/photostream">2009</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/5310005315/in/photostream">2010</a>, <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2011/12/2011.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2012_12_01_archive.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-last-look-at-2013wow.html" target="_blank">2013</a> and <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2014/12/2014-look-back_31.html" target="_blank">2014</a>.<br />
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Farewell Blogspot and hello new shiny site, that's in the works! (I'll post on Facebook and Instagram when it's ready). So excited to show off a clean slate!<br />
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Thank you so much to those of you that have been around for so long be it here or anywhere where I happen to land online. Here's to a wonderful and shiny new 2016! Cheers and Happy New Year everyone!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-7707338780983684942015-09-09T02:29:00.004-05:002015-12-31T15:24:08.153-06:00daisy duo gift set<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/21238532916/in/dateposted-public/" title="Daisy duo gift set"><img alt="Daisy duo gift set" height="600" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5699/21238532916_fecac329c0_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I finally got my hands on some paper! It felt strange to be away for so long. It doesn't help that my studio looks like a bomb hit it. I started a purging process mid-summer and I haven't quite gotten around to finishing the job. The mess is not very conducive to any creative endeavor at this point. I need to move this decluttering to the top of my to-do list asap.<br />
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I was reading an article on stamp collecting when I was sketching ideas for this <a href="http://alittlehut.com/daisy-duo-gift-set" target="_blank">Daisy Duo Gift Set</a>. I put the two things together and this is what became of it. The set includes a gift box with a gift card holder, an accordion style card, a simple card and three different flower stamps. The negative spaces in the single flower designs allow for the addition of a stamped sentiment if needed.<br />
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Below is an idea of a triptych that would be a very easy project to complete with the help of some frames. I favor Ikea frames for something simple like this.<br />
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The subtle difference in pinks of the two flowers is something that I would keep in mind when selecting paper for this project. If the flowers were equal shades of pink the illustration would look very flat. By making the flower that is in the 'back' darker, a bit of visual dimensionality is added.<br />
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You can now order the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/daisy-duo-gift-set" target="_blank">Daisy Duo Gift Set</a> in the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/daisy-duo-gift-set" target="_blank">A Little Hut shop</a>.<br />
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Have a great day everyone—and enjoy the short week!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/20642371344/in/dateposted-public/" title="Framed - Daisy Duo"><img alt="Framed - Daisy Duo" height="612" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5762/20642371344_8265fbc708_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-22257170839917091782015-08-04T20:06:00.001-05:002015-08-04T22:21:17.254-05:00the making of flower nook<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/20112716860/in/dateposted-public/" title="Trio of leaves"><img alt="Trio of leaves" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/20112716860_ef5ae2498e_z.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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The way my Mom tells it, it was my Dad who was the most concerned with keeping us stocked up on crayons and coloring books. That's where my love of artwork started. I loved coloring and drawing before I even started going to school.<br />
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There's one thing that I haven't shared about how my coloring book came about. It's on the personal side of things – something I've never talked about – but I figure, why not share it?<br />
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I've always known and believed that my artistic abilities are not my own. I was born with them — they are a gift from God. I draw, create, design because I'm compelled to, but also because, with time, I've come to understand that sharing my gift is a must. That's how I approach all my work but for whatever reason I had it more present than ever with the creation of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">Flower Nook</a><span style="color: inherit; font-size: inherit;">.</span><br />
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Coming up with 50 illustrations for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">t</a>he coloring book was challenging because I wanted each drawing to be unique but still feel like it fit in with the others in the book. When I couldn't come up with a fresh idea I started a little ritual of just closing my eyes for a moment and asking God what I should draw. I'd open my eyes and jump in. The images and ideas would just flow. It was as simple as that. It was like it was all meant to be.<br />
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So, yes, this is a special <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">book</a>. I feel like I've come full circle with a destined purpose fulfilled. But it isn't the end of a path by any means. It feels like a new beginning – the start of a new phase of my work. Very exciting!<br />
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So there you have it. Sorry for the mushiness. I just had to get this out.<br />
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Back to more creating and for now the reality of putting clean laundry away. Haha!<br />
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<a href="http://www.keepforevercards.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a> and <a href="http://birdylegs.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kjansma,</a> you are the winners of the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">Flower Nook: A Coloring Book</a> giveaway. Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly.<br />
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Thank you to all of you that participated and shared your thoughts on coloring. I loved reading every one of your comments and kind words. Too bad we all don't live close enough to have one happy coloring group — wouldn't that be fun!?<br />
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Maybe an online version? Hmmm....<br />
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<b>Cards</b><br />
These are three new cards I made for my stash. My Mom liked my previous three (last post) so much I gave them to her, so I needed some replacements. Lol! -- I drew these illustrations on Borden & Riley Boris Layout Paper for Pens and then attached to A2 sized card stock. I used the Borden & Riley Boris paper to create all the originals for my coloring book. It also takes the marker ink really well. I will definitely be getting more of this paper soon!<br />
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<b>One more thing</b><br />
I am revamping my newsletter. I haven't been terribly creative with it and some of you may have unsubscribed from it (I don't blame you!). I have a new plan in mind and look forward to creating a weekly treat for your inboxes starting next Wednesday. If you'd like to join in the fun subscribe <a href="http://alittlehut.us2.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=ea4ea60de668b7ce63557834d&id=d297a9a447" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-52120348322793626162015-08-01T23:43:00.003-05:002015-08-04T20:13:42.783-05:00happy national coloring book day!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/19594260034/in/dateposted-public/" title="national coloring book day"><img alt="national coloring book day" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/378/19594260034_99a86a4701_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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Tomorrow is National Coloring Book Day. Who knew? I just found out by chance a couple of days ago. I celebrated a day ahead by coloring one of my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">Flower Nook</a> coloring pages and then turning it into a trio of note cards.<br />
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This weekend also marks the end of our vacation (insert sad face). We stayed home this year and I took a very close to 100% internet and work sabbatical. It was a fabulously relaxing week and now I feel energized to take on the end of the summer and the start of school in a couple of weeks (ahh! too soon!).<br />
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I'd been wracking my brain to see how one the illustrations from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Book-1/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1438020875&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook" target="_blank">Flower Nook</a> could translate into a paper craft project and I just couldn't come up with anything. I want it to be a bit like what I did with the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/fantasy-bloom-gift-set" target="_blank">Fantasy Bloom Gift Set</a>. The week off gave me the mental space to finally come up with an idea that I think will work. We'll see!<br />
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To celebrate National Coloring Book Day I'd like to give away 2 signed coloring books (and a few other suprise goodies) today! All you need to do is leave a comment below (include your email address or a way to contact you) by answering one little question: what do you like the most about coloring and what is your favorite coloring tool.. or just say hello!<br />
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I'll pick a random winner from the comments that are posted from now until Monday (August 3rd).<br />
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That's it. Good luck, happy Sunday and happy coloring!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/20222663771/in/dateposted-public/" title="coloring cards"><img alt="coloring cards" height="600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3798/20222663771_04c2b05001_z.jpg" width="600" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-11019850103009885582015-07-22T08:42:00.001-05:002015-07-26T12:29:23.275-05:00color and frame - part 2<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/19887918886/in/dateposted-public/" title="Flower Nook - A Coloring Book"><img alt="Flower Nook - A Coloring Book" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/322/19887918886_4062879d0f_z.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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I posted this photo on <a href="https://instagram.com/patricia_zapata/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> yesterday and I thought it would be a good idea to answer some questions about using my coloring book.<br />
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First of all my favorite tools for coloring:<br />
- Right now I’m into markers. I got some Prismacolor Double-Ended Art Markers for my birthday and I’m really hooked. O<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">ne end has a flexible brush tip which is wonderful to give strokes a more organic look. The other side is a fine tip which is great for more detailed work.</span><br />
- I’ve always been partial to Prismacolor colored pencils. Thery're just the best.<br />
- Pastel pencils - My dad had a set when I was little and I was so careful with them. I just thought they’d crumble under the pressure I used back then. I've loved them ever since then because the blending options and soft look is just beautiful. I want to give them a try again with these coloring pages.<br />
- Good old regular lead pencils. Sometimes I keep a drawing in black and white and just add some shading. That’s a lot of fun too and less decision making.<br />
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The coloring book has illustrations on only the right hand side of each spread - so the backs of all the drawings are blank. This makes it safe to use markers. Just remember to place an extra sheet of paper behind the page your working on so that the ink doesn’t bleed onto the next image.<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/19727567569/in/dateposted-public/" title="color and frame"><img alt="color and frame" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/393/19727567569_8ba137c6a3_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I move my paper around a lot when I’m coloring or drawing. Sometimes I want a stroke to be just so and the angle of the page is just wrong if I keep it straight in front of me. That's why I like single sheets. My coloring book pages aren’t perforated (it would’ve made the book much more expensive!) but you can cut them out with a few simple steps.<br />
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1. Place a letter-sized sheet of chip board or cardboard (a cut out of a cereal box would be perfect) behind the illustration you’d like to cut out.<br />
2. Place a ruler at the point where you’d like to make the cut. Make sure the ruler is covering the image to protect it (in case your blade goes in the wrong direction!).<br />
3. Make sure the cardboard is pushed in as close to the spine as you can get it and under the area you’re going to cut.<br />
4. Hold the ruler steady and cut. Done!<br />
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As you can see in the photo I also used the cardboard to protect my clipboard from the ink bleeding through the page.<br />
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I hope these easy tips help you out. If you have any other questions feel free to ask below.<br />
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Thanks again to all of you that believe in my work and have been ordering my coloring book. It’s been an exciting week!<br />
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If you don’t have a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Patricia-Zapata/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437327394&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Flower Nook: A Coloring Book</a> just yet you can order one on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Patricia-Zapata/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437327394&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. If you do - thank you! - if you have a few minutes I’d appreciate you leaving a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Patricia-Zapata/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1437327394&sr=1-1" target="_blank">review</a> on the. I’d love to see what you think!<br />
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Have a great day everyone!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-28663329396771908112015-07-20T22:06:00.001-05:002015-07-22T11:43:13.557-05:00color and frame<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/19253608113/in/dateposted-public/" title="Flower Nook: A Coloring Book (4 flowers)"><img alt="Flower Nook: A Coloring Book (4 flowers)" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/545/19253608113_0e93465075_z.jpg" width="600" /> </a><br />
Here is a mock-up, inspired by vintage botanical illustrations, of how you can display some of the images in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Patricia-Zapata/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437447730&sr=8-1&keywords=flower+nook+a+coloring+book" target="_blank">Flower Nook: A Coloring Book</a>. I kept the color to a bare minimum just to see what a limited color palette would look like. Full colored versions of these would really pop against the white background. Why not display your handy work?<br />
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I'm still pinching myself because I can't believe this project is finally complete. Thank you so much for all your kind messages on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ALittleHut" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/patricia_zapata/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and for all your orders. I've been smiling all day long. Now onto the next big thing. I'm already thinking of the theme for the second book and I'm sketching ideas for another A Little Hut set. I need more hours in the day!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-80676391656703655102015-07-19T21:15:00.002-05:002015-07-20T11:36:07.748-05:00flower nook: a coloring book is now available!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/19836969982/in/dateposted-public/" title="Flower Nook: A Coloring Book by Patricia Zapata"><img alt="Flower Nook: A Coloring Book by Patricia Zapata" height="600" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/411/19836969982_a2fbab7b6d_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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Look what I have to show you today! I'm so happy that Flower Nook: A Coloring Book is ready to go into the world. I still marvel at the idea it all started with some simple sketches I posted on <a href="https://instagram.com/patricia_zapata/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Several people asked me if my illustrations were available for coloring and here I am.<br />
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The process of creating the 50 illustrations in the book took about two months. My sketchbook was my main source of inspiration and if you've been following me there you'll see the connection right away. I also remembered childhood fantasies where I wondered what it would be like to be tiny (like Thumbelina) and walk through blades of grass that were twice as tall as me and being surrounded by enormous flowers. That's why I included about 5 illustrations that have little girls enjoying the flowers and tending to them.<br />
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I truly hope you enjoy the book as much I did creating it. I got silly excited when I got my proof copy in the mail. Ha! It reminded me a bit of what I felt when I got my first book. It never gets old.<br />
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This project confirmed (yet again!) that I love working on ideas that my customers can take to the next level. Whether you're building something out of paper or adding color to pages, you're contributing your own dose of creativity and that thrills me. Hopefully, you're also having as much fun as I have when I'm working on all this – it truly is a joy to do what I feel I was born to do.<br />
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Thank you so much to those of you that have been so encouraging during this process. Special thanks go to my amazing (patient!) family, to <a href="http://jeneanmorrison.net/" target="_blank">Jenean Morrison</a> for sharing her expert advice and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=natalie+barsalou" target="_blank">Natalie Barsalou</a> for helping me name the book.<br />
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You can order your copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Flower-Nook-Coloring-Patricia-Zapata/dp/0692489452/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437358265&sr=8-2&keywords=patricia+zapata" target="_blank">Flower Nook: A Coloring Book on Amazon</a>.<br />
As always, thank you so much for supporting my work!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-18083242240797319652015-06-19T04:07:00.000-05:002015-06-19T04:22:15.680-05:00cover to cover<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/18326113384" title="sketchbook by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="sketchbook" height="620" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/428/18326113384_eb0b02c048_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I finished this sketchbook yesterday after working on it for a little over a month. It has been an unexpected fun routine to work on these small pieces in spurts of a few minutes here and there. Each illustration took me about 15-30 minutes to complete. As many of you know, the paper in Moleskine sketchbooks is fairly thin so the ink did bleed through the pages. I skipped a spread in between each illustration to keep from ruining my previous work.<br />
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I was inspired by many of the flowers that I saw popping up this spring. For the most part I tried to interpret them in my own way without being entirely accurate. They're my made up versions of flowers. I liked that by working that way I could draw at leisure and just go with whatever was happening — very relaxing!<br />
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I have larger sketchbooks I can jump into right now but I think I'm going to get another small one like this, to start this process again. The size is just perfect for quick ideas like these.<br />
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What I used:<br />
- 3.5" x 5.5" Moleskine sketchbook<br />
- A variety of black ink pens (Staedtler 0.5 and 0.7, Micron 0.5, Sharpie) - I just used whichever was closest but my favorites (for this size of a sketch) where the Staedtler and Micron 0.5.<br />
- For shading: pencil and a gray double ended Prismacolor marker (love the brush end!)<br />
- One day I used a red LePen that a friend of work gave me. The tip is tiny and really smooth to use.<br />
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For now I'm back to working on my coloring book which is coming along thanks to this sketchbook. I used these illustrations as ideas for that book. The opposite is true too. Some nights I'd work on something for the coloring book and it would influence a sketch the next day. It's been great to go back and forth between the two projects.<br />
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Needless to say my work with cut paper has taken a back seat right now. If only there were more hours in a day! The good news is that I have ideas for my next A Little Hut set which I think will be a lot of fun. Stay tuned!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-65048184192763292742015-05-27T22:16:00.000-05:002015-05-28T08:14:14.778-05:0010 petals for 10 years!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17994530198" title="10 petals for 10 years of blogging! by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="10 petals for 10 years of blogging!" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8837/17994530198_44e32581f1_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This blog is officially 10 years old. How?! My babies where 5 and 2 when I started this. That seems like a lifetime ago. I've been about ready to shut the whole thing down several times and in the most recent I even took down almost all my posts—then almost immediately regretted it. I guess I'm not done yet. I feel like a new chapter is coming on.<br />
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My work has seen such a transformation over the years and I've learned so much professionally and personally. I'd never finish this post if I listed every lesson, every unexpected opportunity and every kind message from friends and total strangers alike. Needless to say, it's a privilege to live in a time when I can make a living doing what I love and sharing it here with those of you that kindly visit.<br />
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Right now, my illustration is getting stronger and my confidence in moving down this new path is going full force. So much so, that my current projects and ideas revolve around this. I can't wait to see what happens. My birthday was a little over 10 days ago so that seems to have put some fire under me too. I'm giving myself a year to see these new ideas develop and take stock next May.<br />
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For those of you that still stop by, <b>thank you so much</b> for sticking around. I know that I haven't been consistent in recent months but I decided to be gentler on myself. I think my work and more importantly my family have benefitted from this new stance. Slower but better. It only took me 10 years to finally make that stick! Live and learn.<br />
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Onward!<br />
xo<br />
Patricia<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17562603213" title="sketchbook spread by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="sketchbook spread" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8896/17562603213_299db3cecc_z.jpg" width="600" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-46788273371584823362015-05-23T22:51:00.001-05:002015-05-23T22:51:21.547-05:00fantasy bloom gift set<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17405688703" title="Fantasy Bloom Gift Set by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Fantasy Bloom Gift Set" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7772/17405688703_1d5725e6c6_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This one took much longer than expected. It's been in the making since I translated a hand drawn sketch into a much larger paper cut version. I'd been wanting to get back to it and it just hadn't happened until today.<br />
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We're having a spectacularly uneventful holiday weekend because both kids are studying for finals (read: a lot of long faces around here!). So... in between going back and forth asking questions, I got to finish this.<br />
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I really like that I stayed very close to my sketch. It gives the piece a little more of an organic feel that translates well in any size.<br />
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I hope you enjoy working with this set as much as I had making it!<br />
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Have a wonderful weekend!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17838702120" title="Fantasy Bloom Gift Set by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Fantasy Bloom Gift Set" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5348/17838702120_973893cf1b_z.jpg" width="600" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-48614950787365452522015-05-22T16:55:00.000-05:002015-05-22T16:57:23.967-05:00my coloring book<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17981189485" title="coloring book - in progress by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="coloring book - in progress" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7722/17981189485_fbd16cd7b0_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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These are two spreads in a mock-up of what could've been my coloring book. I was testing the paper (a lot of markers and coloring on this!) and it's perfect because it took the ink really well. I say 'could've been' because today I found out the costs behind trying to go down this path — not feasible. I want to make a quality book but at the same time it needs to be affordable and this option, however awesome, wouldn't be. I was really disappointed when I found this out just today.<br />
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But...<br />
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As luck would have it I have received information from a very generous, sweet person (thank you!!!) that will make my project a reality. The book will be reasonably priced and even though it won't be designed exactly how I had planned it, it will work well for everyone — my customers and me. Double-yay! I couldn't be any happier!<br />
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So... now to continue drawing, drawing, drawing. I'm surrounded by sheets and sheets of flowers, leaves, and many other garden pretties. I can't wait for the reveal. I'm not sure of my timetable quite yet but let's just say that the beginning of summer (no homework, more sleeping time, etc) will be very helpful! :)<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-11695363206694106362015-05-19T23:42:00.002-05:002015-05-19T23:50:18.223-05:00to and fro<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17857415326" title="flower arches - sketch to pattern by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="flower arches - sketch to pattern" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7666/17857415326_1211ef7480_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I always move between two worlds with my work. I go from very illustrative and loose to more graphic and simple. If I had to pick one I'd stick with the latter but I enjoy working both ways. I find that lately I've been craving the work with the loser illustrations and sketches. I've been working on them during the week as a warm-up to my day. It's been a great practice that keeps my design mind nimble.<br />
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Typically, I look at my lose sketches and imagine them in a more graphic and reduced format. Today is a great example of how my sketch inspired a pattern that I'm really loving at the moment. Behind the scenes I've also been working on an adult coloring book. I'll show you some spreads when the time comes. Cant wait!<br />
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• • •</div>
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Most of these products can now be found in my <a href="http://society6.com/patriciazapata" target="_blank">Society6 shop</a>. I haven't had time to update my <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/patriciazapata" target="_blank">Spoonflower shop</a> but that will be forthcoming as well.<br />
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Ta-ta for now!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17883751275" title="flower arches - applications by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="flower arches - applications" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5345/17883751275_68b7b5fc97_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-26643653980494328792015-05-10T14:24:00.004-05:002015-05-10T14:25:21.044-05:00happy mother's day!<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17472239986" title="Happy mother's day! by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Happy mother's day!" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8722/17472239986_dcdc79be69_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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Have a wonderful day everyone! I'm enjoying it tremendously with my family and my babies (not so babies anymore, but in my heart they always will be).<br />
<br />
XO<br />
Patricia<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-32949440296487655552015-05-05T22:19:00.003-05:002015-05-05T23:39:50.381-05:00who wants to color?<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17198764230" title="Floral medallion - coloring page by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Floral medallion - coloring page" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8749/17198764230_34852880c1_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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I was going to take the sketch at the top as inspiration for some 3D pieces, but now I don't have time to do that. Another project has taken the front seat. I may tackle it down the road, but for now I decided to share the image with any of you that would like to color it in or for those of you that would like to try some paper cutting. This would look amazing cut out by hand! Just make sure to print it on some sturdy card stock.<br />
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Get the free download <a href="http://alittlehut.com/blog/2015/patriciazapata-flowermedallion.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Feel free to share your creations on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ALittleHut" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page or Instagram. I'd love to see what you do with this. More importantly, have fun!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-46689406776447871932015-04-30T08:54:00.001-05:002015-04-30T09:41:36.304-05:00the other side<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17133965318" title="garden sketches by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="garden sketches" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7793/17133965318_fa892efa75_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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These are just a few examples of ink illustrations that I've been posting on my <a href="https://instagram.com/patricia_zapata/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> feed. It's a direction that I've been headed towards for a long time. Until recently I hadn't really considered this something I wanted to pursue more seriously. But I can't seem to stop. Whenever I pick up my pen it just appears on the paper. None of these drawings are preplanned. I just start. Always in ink and no pencil.<br />
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My work has tended to be more graphic and clean, so adopting this loser style is something that has taken time to get used to. As I've grown more comfortable with it, I've had several friends tell me that I need to illustrate a coloring book. So, that's where this is all headed. I consider these the warm-ups and the illustrations for the book will be inspired by everything I've done so far.<br />
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I have several projects ready for another paper craft book but somehow they weren't coming together the way I expected. This new project on the other hand is something I can see completed in my mind — something that always happens to me when a project is really the path I should follow —I'm following my heart. Like many of you, coloring was my first introduction into art and paper and I LOVED it. I could color for ever when I was little. This makes this project feel like I'm coming full circle. Pretty cool.<br />
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So, there you have it. A coloring book is coming. Yes!<br />
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Have a great weekend everyone! I'm off to a church retreat today and will be back on Sunday. I think the time away from everything will be awesome.<br />
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See you on the other side! :)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-82346328399542856752015-04-08T10:13:00.005-05:002015-04-08T10:23:30.737-05:00buds & stems - a feeling of connection<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/17076684702" title="Buds & Stems Collection by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Buds & Stems Collection" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7616/17076684702_3a3fc348f8_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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This is my new Buds & Stems collection (coming soon to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/profiles/patriciazapata" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a>). Just three simple little patterns that I love so and came about through the work I've been posting for my shop. It's like spring truly invaded my work (not a bad thing for sure!). I tried coming up with another pattern to make it a balanced set of four but it wasn't happening. So I let the group stay as is. I notice that I've been doing that with other parts of my work — I'm not forcing things. I'm just letting them be.<br />
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This year in particular I've been letting things develop more naturally and working on truly listening to my inner creative voice. You'd think that I'd have that well taken care of by now. But I can tell when I'm falling off the rails my work doesn't feel as genuine. One thing that has helped me a lot is that I've been conscious about staying offline for longer periods of time. The less I look at Pinterest, random web sites and blogs, the more I can see myself in what I'm designing. Don't take me wrong — I love seeing what other artists are creating (specially when it's in a medium I don't work in), but time away is time to recharge and it really works.<br />
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So, here's to more work that is truly me.<br />
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Have a great day everyone!<br />
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• • •</div>
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<b>TIP</b>:: I didn't have dark blue ribbon so I made one out of thin strips of blue card stock. I wrapped the gift with one piece, used another one for the bow and third tiny one for the center of the bow. I was going to make a typically symmetrical ribbon but this lopsided version seemed more interesting to me. That's it!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-35787554663707579002015-03-30T00:27:00.002-05:002015-03-30T12:43:31.794-05:00slow (on purpose) week<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16973978061" title="Square cross card by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8736/16973978061_eb583d4d2e_o.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Square cross card"></a><br />
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Easter is just around the corner so I had to squeeze at least one small project before the holiday is here. I wish <a href="http://alittlehut.com/square-cross-card" target="_blank">square cards</a> where more of a standard format—love them.<br />
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Thank you, thank you to all of you that ordered the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/lush-garden-gift-set" target="_blank">Lush Garden Gift Set</a> over the weekend! It's always so fun to see that my projects are so well received. I truly hope you'll enjoy it.<br />
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This reminds me of a conversation I had with a friend not too long ago. We were talking about how a lot of what we do as artists is taking risks and how scary it can be to show our work after pouring our souls into the process. The work can be well received or not but somehow we always come back with more to show —and let me tell you it can still be a bit nerve wracking. Every single time I press publish I feel a bit of angst — every single time — still. I'm always proud of what I show (there are plenty of bombs that don't make the cut/see the light of day!) but ultimately it is my customers who will tell me whether a design is successful or not.<br />
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Yes, I can make art and not care about what people think. But here's the thing I want to love what I do while earning a living with my passion. Since I'm fallible and not everything I make will be a hit, the whole thing feels like I'm rolling the dice with every project. The important thing, like my friend told me is that I do come back, and I do press the publish button.<br />
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Last year, after taking on a full-time job, everything at A Little Hut slowed down — way down. It had to. I had to get used to the new routine and to put in plainly, I was burnt out. I feel like I'm back again. Slowly but surely my designing rhythm is here again and it feels great! I'm so glad I gave myself some time off to renew the energy that is needed to fully engage in meaningful work. We'll see where this new chapter takes me.<br />
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• • •</div>
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I will be quiet for the rest of the week just soaking in some family and reflection time. It'll be nice to slow down for a spell. I'm trying really hard to be more purposeful with my time. It's amazing how quickly it flies by and some days I feel like I'm not focusing on the most important people in my life. So yes, I love my work but I love my peeps even more — as it should be.<br />
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For now and a little ahead of time... Happy Easter everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16973626932" title="Lush garden tote by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Lush garden tote" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8695/16973626932_cb901fb0de_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://society6.com/product/lush-garden_bag#26=197" target="_blank">Lush garden tote bag</a> now in my Society6 shop!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-66012050150550319082015-03-28T20:10:00.002-05:002015-03-28T21:25:41.076-05:00lush garden<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16960657225" title="Lush garden gift set by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Lush garden gift set" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8684/16960657225_95f84a0715_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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This week I gave you a tiny preview of the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/lush-garden-gift-set" target="_blank">Lush Garden Gift Set</a> in the image for the <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2015/03/paper-hut-idea.html" target="_blank">cover</a> of the quarterly that I have in the works. You can see most of the set in the photo (only the full size images of the card designs are missing). I'm still working along the lines of making projects that can be used for your own decor or to be given as gifts—those are the best.<br />
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I'm killing two birds with one stone here because I'm using the framed piece for our own home which is in need of some artwork. I used a 12" square frame for the piece that is cut out of one piece of paper. It's gracing one of our walls now and now I'm thinking that it needs some company. I'll be working on that for the next few projects.<br />
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The illustrations are direct copies of sketches that I worked on when I was just doodling one day. Sometimes the work that you start without an end in mind seems more genuine and more joyful. That's why the more I worked on this the more I fell in love with it. The final touch was adding spots of color that don't match up with the outline illustrations. I think that offers a bit of a contemporary edge that seals the deal.<br />
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You can now order the <a href="http://alittlehut.com/lush-garden-gift-set" target="_blank">Lush Garden Gift Set</a> in the shop. I hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-78748207108111389382015-03-26T18:01:00.002-05:002015-03-26T18:01:38.339-05:00paper hut idea<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16914398336" title="paper hut by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="paper hut" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8695/16914398336_35894df5bd_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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So... here's an idea I've been tossing around for a very, very long time. I haven't gotten into detail as to what would be on the inside but the idea would be some sort of quarterly (?) book/magazine about paper (maybe other mediums that include paper) projects, ideas and inspiration.<br />
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What would you like to see inside? What do you think is missing out there?<br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts. There are no wrong answers or ideas. So how about it?<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-17492792411556060712015-03-23T04:00:00.000-05:002015-03-23T04:00:05.701-05:00simple wins<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16277862174" title="simple monday cards by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="simple monday cards" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/16277862174_aff1a566c3_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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I've been sorting, filing and just cleaning up a lot of my files. I went through my photos too and I don't know why but I felt very connected with this old photo. Remember my Simple Monday posts? These cards are definitely great representations of how simple can totally work and be used for so many different occasions.<br />
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These cards can be made with simple flower designs and portions of background shapes. The card full of leaves is by far my favorite. I made it using a portion of my <a href="http://alittlehut.com/backgrounds/just-leaves-lattice" target="_blank">Just Leaves Lattice</a> file. Groups of leaves are still one of my favorite things to draw — they are therapeutic to work on. <br />
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Look at your patterned embossing folders and background SVG files in a new light. Instead leaving them in the back, why not making them the centerpiece of your cards?<br />
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(The cutting files are part of my <a href="http://alittlehut.com/backgrounds" target="_blank">backgrounds</a> and <a href="http://alittlehut.com/flowers-and-nature" target="_blank">flowers</a> files.)<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-36693932367811812332015-03-16T14:30:00.002-05:002015-03-16T14:30:16.771-05:00reaffirmation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBSprh4UkY9QBbXGb9co-R4ElAAw5e3KmRflHFJb_D7BDgwHheKxU9cWuwLJ69lATdnuAmXZvvryGMOKsgMEiozyDYh8x5QWC-KOfCa9h4aHxIUQ24KvqBXfmL9pDYE3yi-P7/s1600/patriciazapata-2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBSprh4UkY9QBbXGb9co-R4ElAAw5e3KmRflHFJb_D7BDgwHheKxU9cWuwLJ69lATdnuAmXZvvryGMOKsgMEiozyDYh8x5QWC-KOfCa9h4aHxIUQ24KvqBXfmL9pDYE3yi-P7/s1600/patriciazapata-2007.jpg" /></a>
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I was challenged by <a href="http://nikitaprokhorov.com/">Nikita Prokhorov</a> (who is brilliant with ambigrams) to "Post Your Art" for five days. These are the photos I included in the challenge (the brown cards that I posted a few days ago was my first image).<br />
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I knew it would be a fun exercise to look back and select what I wanted to highlight. The unexpected was how this reaffirmed just how much I love working with paper and coming up with new designs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16648770810" title="2010-2013 by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="2010-2013" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8613/16648770810_0a18bc22e4_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I continue to expand my horizons by using my designs for other applications but the reality is that paper is my first love. Whether it's a two-dimension or three-dimensional design the work is the same. I use an initial sketch as an inspiration and the rest just flows—if it's meant to be. I do run across some ideas that simply don't take off. I've learned to let them go at quicker pace now. Three-dimensional projects like mobiles, boxes or decorative items rank highly in the fun department.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16836134565" title="2010-2011 by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="2010-2011" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7610/16836134565_883feb2dfa_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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Now my that my work has become a bit more illustrative you may see more work like my latest <a href="http://alittlehut.com/spring-embrace-gift-set">Spring Embrace</a> — and it seems many of you don't mind that at all. I have to say that the success of that set (based on the sales from this past weekend) really took me by surprise. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you to all of you that support my work! You have no idea how happy it makes me to imagine some of my spring scenes popping up in your homes.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16213800014" title="just christmas by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="just christmas" height="600" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7648/16213800014_360a91c517_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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I realize that for those of you that follow me on Instagram and FB, these images are all repetitious. I apologize for that but I wanted to add these additional thoughts.
Now I'm off to continue dreaming up new projects. It's like riding a new wave without knowing how it will end. But the fun is the ride, right?
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Happy Monday!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-83723420400561861322015-03-14T15:52:00.000-05:002015-03-14T16:29:44.337-05:00spring embrace gift set<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16628810249" title="spring embrace gift set by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="spring embrace gift set" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8685/16628810249_c827608fb1_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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I've been giving some in-progress images on <a href="http://instagram.com/patricia_zapata/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> regarding this project. It started with the simplest of little sketches that I drew one night right before going to bed. It developed naturally after that.<br />
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Here are some additional ideas for using this <b><a href="https://alittlehut.com/spring-embrace-gift-set" target="_blank">Spring Embrace Gift Set</a></b>:<br />
- Table numbers<br />
- Rectangular shaped banner pieces<br />
- Cut the illustrations out of white paper and place over colorful paper (pastels?) for a nursery<br />
- Frame the 3D flower in a shadow box to use as artwork<br />
- Use one of the illustrations on top of a gift wrapped in solid colored gift wrap.<br />
<br />
I decided to turn this into a gift set because there isn't anything more fun than to give someone you've made. Right? Cards are not only a great gift but they're small (fast to make) and so useful for the person that gets them. The larger rectangular piece and the card illustrations are great to give someone framed artwork. I'm about to make more of these myself as gifts (Mother's Day is on my mind ;)).<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everyone!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16195009353" title="spring embrace gift set by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="spring embrace gift set" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/16195009353_bcbc33eec4_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-67793165252482746462015-02-23T07:39:00.002-06:002015-03-24T17:47:01.289-05:00bits, pieces and patience<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16623472855" title="Hummingbird by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Hummingbird" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8593/16623472855_8bb3275afa_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br /><br />I'm the type of crazy person that stays up until crazy hours of the night (err... morning) to make something like this. All I have to say is I'm so glad I married someone that really gets me.<br /><br />This is an edited version of the hummingbird from my <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2015/02/spring-paper-quilt.html">Spring Paper Quilt</a>. The making of the bird was part cutting machine and part handmade. I cut the large pieces with the machine and all the 'feather's by hand. Adding all the hand cut pieces took much longer than I expected but it was something I'd been wanting to try for a while. A good movie kept me company. I have a habit, when I have a production heavy project, to have a movie on (one I've seen before) to keep me company. I don't know why, but it helps pass the time.<br /><br />It's pretty amazing what a little texture can do to an image and it's the best way to use scraps. You can use any shape and it will just feel like it's popping off the page. Try it!<br /><br />Have a great week everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13207244.post-48594558623707006502015-02-23T07:39:00.001-06:002015-02-23T07:39:05.143-06:00bits, pieces and patience<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/58475647@N00/16623472855" title="Hummingbird by Patricia Zapata, on Flickr"><img alt="Hummingbird" height="600" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8593/16623472855_8bb3275afa_z.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
<br />
I'm the type of crazy person that stays up until crazy hours of the night (err... morning) to make something like this. All I have to say is I'm so glad I married someone that really gets me.<br />
<br />
This is an edited version of the hummingbird from my <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2015/02/spring-paper-quilt.html">Spring Paper Quilt</a>. The making of the bird was part cutting machine and part handmade. I cut the large pieces with the machine and all the 'feather's by hand. Adding all the hand cut pieces took much longer than I expected but it was something I'd been wanting to try for a while. A good movie kept me company. I have a habit, when I have a production heavy project, to have a movie on (one I've seen before) to keep me company. I don't know why, but it helps pass the time.<br />
<br />
It's pretty amazing what a little texture can do to an image and it's the best way to use scraps. You can use any shape and it will just feel like it's popping off the page. Try it!<br />
<br />
Have a great week everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0