2015 - A year in illustration

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.

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.

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 Flower Nook. 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?

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.

If you're curious my previous end-of-year mosaics are here: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

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!

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!

daisy duo gift set

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.

I was reading an article on stamp collecting when I was sketching ideas for this Daisy Duo Gift Set. 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.

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.

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.

You can now order the Daisy Duo Gift Set in the A Little Hut shop.

Have a great day everyone—and enjoy the short week!

lush garden

This week I gave you a tiny preview of the Lush Garden Gift Set in the image for the cover 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.

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.

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.

You can now order the Lush Garden Gift Set in the shop. I hope you enjoy it!

paper hut idea

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.

What would you like to see inside? What do you think is missing out there?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. There are no wrong answers or ideas. So how about it?

reaffirmation

I was challenged by Nikita Prokhorov (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).

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.



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.



Now my that my work has become a bit more illustrative you may see more work like my latest Spring Embrace — 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.



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?

Happy Monday!

bits, pieces and patience

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.

This is an edited version of the hummingbird from my Spring Paper Quilt. 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.

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!

Have a great week everyone!

bits, pieces and patience

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.

This is an edited version of the hummingbird from my Spring Paper Quilt. 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.

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!

Have a great week everyone!

spring paper quilt

I really don't have any right to complain (no snow here but a lot of rainy/gray days) but I'm so over the cold and ready for Spring. A little designing and paper quilt making got me distracted for a few days.

Believe it or not one of the hardest parts of this project was picking the colors. These designs can go in so many directions—pinks and greens, blues and lime greens, neutrals (like taupe and brown or even black—not very spring-like but very appropriate for a sophisticated feel). I had all sorts of color trios in my hands until I finally decided to go with this turquoise and red combination. I think it may have been inspired by a flower I made a few weeks back (posted on Instagram).

Just as my other Paper Quilts these boxes can be used individually or as a group. I hope you have a lot fun with them!

You can order this Spring Paper Quilt for free with purchase until March 6th.
The coupon information for this project is on the A Little Hut home page.


Have a great weekend everyone!

spring paper quilt

I really don't have any right to complain (no snow here but a lot of rainy/gray days) but I'm so over the cold and ready for Spring. A little designing and paper quilt making got me distracted for a few days.

Believe it or not one of the hardest parts of this project was picking the colors. These designs can go in so many directions—pinks and greens, blues and lime greens, neutrals (like taupe and brown or even black—not very spring-like but very appropriate for a sophisticated feel). I had all sorts of color trios in my hands until I finally decided to go with this turquoise and red combination. I think it may have been inspired by a flower I made a few weeks back (posted on Instagram).

Just as my other Paper Quilts these boxes can be used individually or as a group. I hope you have a lot fun with them!

You can order this Spring Paper Quilt for free with purchase until March 6th.
The coupon information for this project is on the A Little Hut home page.


Have a great weekend everyone!

just checking in

Have you ever had several books on your night table and you tackle all of them bits at a time? That's where I'm at with some of my projects. My work space is a complete disaster zone.

I've been chipping away at getting files together for different collections and sketching and experimenting with other styles and ideas. I started another Instagram account solely for my sketching (@pzexplorations) and the boxes above are the result of an idea that came to fruition while watching the Grammy's (which weren't completely holding my attention anyway). I'm still waiting for sample from Spoonflower so there's that too. So you see, I've been quiet but not altogether sitting still. 

While I come back with something completed here are a few of my favorite Instagram feeds that you may find interesting:
- Rachel Ryle - If you find animation and illustration interesting at all you should really check out this artist's Instagram feed. Her work is amazing and so fun.
- Kelly Ventura - The way she works with watercolor is wonderful. Her style is free and vibrant.
- Crystal Wagner - I met this amazing paper artist when I was in Connecticut last year for a paper show. She is equally vibrant in person as her work appears in her photos. So much talent!

Have a great week!

just checking in

Have you ever had several books on your night table and you tackle all of them bits at a time? That's where I'm at with some of my projects. My work space is a complete disaster zone.

I've been chipping away at getting files together for different collections and sketching and experimenting with other styles and ideas. I started another Instagram account solely for my sketching (@pzexplorations) and the boxes above are the result of an idea that came to fruition while watching the Grammy's (which weren't completely holding my attention anyway). I'm still waiting for sample from Spoonflower so there's that too. So you see, I've been quiet but not altogether sitting still. 

While I come back with something completed here are a few of my favorite Instagram feeds that you may find interesting:
- Rachel Ryle - If you find animation and illustration interesting at all you should really check out this artist's Instagram feed. Her work is amazing and so fun.
- Kelly Ventura - The way she works with watercolor is wonderful. Her style is free and vibrant.
- Crystal Wagner - I met this amazing paper artist when I was in Connecticut last year for a paper show. She is equally vibrant in person as her work appears in her photos. So much talent!

Have a great week!

3D paper embroidery revisited

Have you ever had an idea or a project just nagging at you and just wanting to come out? This is one of those projects. It's a like a little tap, tap, tap that my brain makes every now and then. This is not new. I've shown it a couple of other times in the past two years (yes, that's how long it's been). This time it will be different because I want to take it further. For now this is my latest iteration and more will be coming — where you get to join in the fun.

Part of me always feels a little guilty about just using black and white because in my creative world color is "everything". Part of me feels absolute delight. Color is harder for me than I care to admit. I LOVE black and white — more than anyone knows.

3D paper embroidery revisited

Have you ever had an idea or a project just nagging at you and just wanting to come out? This is one of those projects. It's a like a little tap, tap, tap that my brain makes every now and then. This is not new. I've shown it a couple of other times in the past two years (yes, that's how long it's been). This time it will be different because I want to take it further. For now this is my latest iteration and more will be coming — where you get to join in the fun.

Part of me always feels a little guilty about just using black and white because in my creative world color is "everything". Part of me feels absolute delight. Color is harder for me than I care to admit. I LOVE black and white — more than anyone knows.

valentine's day flashback

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it! Make has posted a flashback (circa 2011!) project I designed for them. It's a matchbook card/wall art piece that includes easy to follow instructions and a downloadable PDF. Check it out here!

Typically I don't like revisiting old work but this is a rare project that I still like very much. Enjoy!

joy collection - svgs and printables

The first collection of the year is called Joy. It includes SVG cutting files and printables in two colorways — yellow and red.

I wanted to create a group of patterns and shapes that would coordinate all the way through different product lines. This collection is included in my Society6 products as I showed you the other day and will be coming soon in the manner of fabric and gift wrap on Spoonflower (still waiting for samples).

My ideas for the printables (8 letter-sized sheets of each pattern):
- To wrap small gifts
- Make envelope liners
- To make cards and hangtags
- To decorate scrapbooking layouts (including pocket scrapbooking like Project Life)
- Anything else you can come up with!

I'm pretty proud of this collection and if truth be told it does make me joyful when I look at it.
I hope you enjoy it too!

---

The Joy Collection is free from now until 1/11 with the purchase of $5.98 and above.
Code: thankyou
Important: Make sure to add the code to the GRAY Shopping Cart link at the top of the website home page.

joy collection - svgs and printables

The first collection of the year is called Joy. It includes SVG cutting files and printables in two colorways — yellow and red.

I wanted to create a group of patterns and shapes that would coordinate all the way through different product lines. This collection is included in my Society6 products as I showed you the other day and will be coming soon in the manner of fabric and gift wrap on Spoonflower (still waiting for samples).

My ideas for the printables (8 letter-sized sheets of each pattern):
- To wrap small gifts
- Make envelope liners
- To make cards and hangtags
- To decorate scrapbooking layouts (including pocket scrapbooking like Project Life)
- Anything else you can come up with!

I'm pretty proud of this collection and if truth be told it does make me joyful when I look at it.
I hope you enjoy it too!

---

The Joy Collection is free from now until 1/11 with the purchase of $5.98 and above.
Code: thankyou
Important: Make sure to add the code to the GRAY Shopping Cart link at the top of the website home page.

start your own paper goods business!

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be a guest on Creative Live this Dec. 12th during Kari Chapin's class called Fast Start Your Paper Goods Business. If you watch it live is free. If you don't have time to watch it during the live broadcast you can order it for a very reasonable price during and after the broadcast. Check out all the details and RSVP here.

SALE!
Use the discount code merry (make sure it's all lowercase and input in the gray Shopping Cart link) to get a 20% discount on your entire A Little Hut order until Dec. 14th!

Have a great week and see you Friday!

start your own paper goods business!

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be a guest on Creative Live this Dec. 12th during Kari Chapin's class called Fast Start Your Paper Goods Business. If you watch it live is free. If you don't have time to watch it during the live broadcast you can order it for a very reasonable price during and after the broadcast. Check out all the details and RSVP here.

SALE!
Use the discount code merry (make sure it's all lowercase and input in the gray Shopping Cart link) to get a 20% discount on your entire A Little Hut order until Dec. 14th!

Have a great week and see you Friday!

Advent calendar SVG

 

The Thanksgiving holiday break is over and I hope the merry-go-round of illnesses we've had at home is too! I would've posted this sooner but fever and other 'lovely' symptoms kept me away from any work related activities. 

So here it is... I gave a peek about this about a week ago on Instagram. It's a small token of my appreciation for all your support throughout the year. I hope you enjoy using it with your families and loved ones. 

TIP!

Use the wreath square as a box cover or frame it along as 3D art. ;)

I'm keeping this short and sweet because I'm still in recovery mode.
Have a great week everyone!

Download the SVG files here.

Advent calendar SVG

 

The Thanksgiving holiday break is over and I hope the merry-go-round of illnesses we've had at home is too! I would've posted this sooner but fever and other 'lovely' symptoms kept me away from any work related activities. 

So here it is... I gave a peek about this about a week ago on Instagram. It's a small token of my appreciation for all your support throughout the year. I hope you enjoy using it with your families and loved ones. 

TIP!

Use the wreath square as a box cover or frame it along as 3D art. ;)

I'm keeping this short and sweet because I'm still in recovery mode.
Have a great week everyone!

Download the SVG files here.