Just Say No!

ENOUGH! I am tired of looking at the geometrical neon colored everything! Please stop putting this on and in everything. Neon should have died in the 80's were it came from. Every design blog I read anymore is dripping with it. I feel the market is flooded with bad taste and it has become the norm, not because any of it is actually any good.

Thank you. This has been a public service announce to stop bad design.

There is a reason they have sad faces.

Treasury Tuesday

Gathering a wish list for kitchen goodies on Etsy.

Latest Painting - Rocket Ship

I'm excited to brag about my newest painting. I know I need to work on it, but for my first try I am very excited and proud! So here goes. . .

Print is available at Society6.com!

Work in Progress - Interrupted

With my recent inspiration from fonts, typography, and hand lettering, I decided to sit down and give it a whirl. I was looking through quotes to ignite an idea to be able to write out and illustrate with no luck. Then I thought about quotes that have been a staple in my life and of course Calvin and Hobbs pops in my head immediately. I drew out the sketch of words and picture and decided I needed to stretch out for awhile to do the layout for the final version. Granted, I know better than to lay on the floor to try and accomplish anything with kitties around. My body was hurting from too much sitting and I decided to take a chance. As you can see from the photos below I was successful for only a limited time in diverting my cat from laying all over my project. As I was posting the first photo, he took the opportunity to go in for the kill and proceeded to lay directly on top of my work.

After the current quote this will be my next project, "Cuteness always wins over productivity!" You can quote me on it!

My view from the end of my sketchbook.

Cuteness winning over productivity!

Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

I haven't been inspired to create art in a while, but lately I have been wanting to get back into calligraphy and the art of hand lettering. I have been feeling the pull on my heart to create and to feel the rhythm and flow of the drawn line. This weekend I took the opportunity to decorate a few envelopes and write some letters to friends and family. It is a good excuse to catch up with people I haven't spoken to in awhile as well as feed my artistic need to create. I have done enough drooling on Pinterest collecting pictures of lettering, fonts, and beautifully crafted words over the last few days to finally kick my butt in gear to create something of my own. As much as I would love to show the entire envelope, I am refraining due to maintaining the privacy of those I am writing to.

Here is a little peek at how I am decorating my envelopes with flowers and script.

Stationary by DCWV Inc.

Pinterest and Inspiration

I have been noticing that I am pinning a lot of jelly fish lately. I have been drawn to the majestic and surreal nature of these creatures. I love their shape and the movement of the line in them and their graceful tentacles. The colors are out of this world! I love organic shapes and thought I would show you a current favorite. Dying to figure out a way to incorporate the jellyfish into a painting. The color palette of this photo is definitely inspiring.

New Products Offered at Society6.com

I recently found out that stationary is now offered at society6.com where I sell my prints. You can now purchase notecards with envelopes! So much fun! I sent out two hand written cards yesterday! If anyone is interested in becoming pen pals just let me know!

You can always access my shop by clicking the tab "My Prints" at the top of the page.

Treasury Tuesday!

I have been looking for accessories for my kitchen and stumbled across this treasury done by elysumkitsch on Etsy. I love the colors and the vintage items in this collection. I'd like to make a treasury of my wish list for kitchen stuff when I have more time. Stay tuned for more and until then have fun checking out this fun treasury!

Box Bags

My friend who taught me to knit has gotten me completely addicted to box bags. She has various ones she uses for her knitting projects. I had been searching through Etsy to find one that I couldn't live without, since there are so many cute fabric patterns to choose from! Well I found the one I had to have! And like all addictions, I can't wait to find another one I can't live without! The turtle bag below is my first box bag and I look forward to showing off the next one to you as well! The cuteness factor is almost unbearable!

I bought my turtle box bag from Ginger at  AbsoluteWonder on Etsy. She had some cute surprises in my package that made my day and excellent customer service! I love my bag and it is very well made! There is a lot of love that was put into making this bag. She also makes the cutest stitch markers. Please stop by and check her out!

Knitter Beginner

Last year I learned to knit and have been an addict ever since. Knitting for me is a way to unwind. I love how I can sit back and relax while catching up with my Hulu shows while being productive at the same time. I prefer little projects like scarves and such. This gives me the sense of accomplishment, while they are simple patterns so as not to take up too much mental capacity. If it is complicated and I have to keep track of the counting, then it isn't relaxing for me. I am currently working on a scarf for my friend which I have named Neapolitan dream, made obvious because of the colors. If you want to loo me up on Ravelry.com I am TheConnie. I am not very good at taking pictures of my work and posting the completed results, but I do frequent Ravelry frequently for pattern ideas and inspiration.

If you're interested the pattern I used to make this scarf is the One Row Lace Scarf and you can find it over at Give Me a Purl. The yarn I am using is Bernat cottontots and the color is Doll House. It was on clearance at Michael's craft supply the last time I was there, so if you're interested I'd hurry on down there.

Color Addiction Treasury

I felt inspired so I created an Etsy treasury with my latest color combo addiction. So cute, so cozy!

New Look!

With all the work I have been doing to the Clay Arts Vegas website and all that I have learned in the mean time has made me feel my social media sites are little lacking. I decided to do some spring cleaning to my blog and give it the much needed update it deserved. "So fresh and so clean, clean!" I had so much fun creating a new header as well!

I don't know if you feel the same way, but a fresh coat of paint, a good cleaning, or a little reorganizing always make me feel rejuvenated and refreshed. I was feeling quite claustrophobic in my office studio and decided it was time to gut and redo. My office is organized now and more open with the new furniture arrangement. I don't feel like a am buried in a clutter cave anymore!

I am saving the redesign of my art portfolio site for this summer. I would like to make new art for the site as well. New site and new work is a lot of time, love, and energy and I hope I will be able to accomplish this fete. With the ceramic studio taking so much of my time currently and the horizon seems filled with more of the same, I can only hope.

I'd love to hear your feedback and thoughts on the redesign!

Spring is in the Air

My Barbie girl was featured in an adorable and uplifting treasury on Etsy. Please stop by and check it out!

I want to thank Ryan and Amanda Alizarine from eclecticCosmos for the feature in their treasury!

Taking the Time to Paint

It has been awhile since I have written and an even longer while since I have made art. I haven't been feeling well and decided I needed a time out from the grueling schedule I have had. The weather is beautiful this weekend and I am taking the time to paint. I have been experimenting with my newest addition to art supplies (toys). I decided to try to paint my latest commissions using gouaches. I suggested she paint on wood and she suggested gouaches. The perfect blend of awesome was created! The picture below is all the base colors and I have to add all the tiny details. I like the shape and size of this wood, but I HATE the texture and surface. It is almost impossible to paint on without bleeds! I am determined to make it work, but will never paint on this wood again. I have three more paintings to go and then a dog double portrait to do. I think I will save the dogs till Spring Break.

Clay Arts Vegas: Nevada Clay Guild Meeting

Clay Arts Vegas: Nevada Clay Guild Meeting: Clay Arts Vegas held its first event yesterday! Please check out my other blog for details. We had the honor of hosting the Nevada Clay Guild's monthly meeting. Each meeting incl...