Mandolin

I saw this Mandolin on Etsy this morning, I love it!

Mandolin by celentanowoodworks

This day in History...

December 23rd in History...

1823 – A Visit from St. Nicholas, also known as The Night Before Christmas, is published anonymously.

You can Purchase this lovely Folk Print at Stitchintimepatterns

1893 – The opera Hänsel und Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck is first performed.
 

You can purchase this lovely vintage hand painted plate at BlueRoseRetro

Finally, a Facebook fan page!

Bonjour my friends!

I finally have a Facebook Fan page for my creations, come "Like" me, the link is at the top left side of my blog :)  [Bow by Jessica]

I'm not engaged, but...

While my friend Holly and I were goofing around looking at dream wedding gowns, I found 4 of mine. From Lazaro's Spring 2010 collection. One word to descrive these masterpieces, Breathtaking. I would have a hard time choosing! Jason and I have a vision of a destination wedding, really intimate, not traditional in any way...so maybe I will be able to afford the Lazaro price tag? A girl can dream! My day will come! :)

And I want her hair!

What's on your bookcase?

Our living room had stacks and stacks of books, and it always felt so cluttered. Our coffee table, TV stand, side tables, underneath the couch, underneath the coffee table are just some of the places we had stacks of books..so we finally put in a bookcase and I'm loving it. Here are a few books of mine that I treasure! What is on your bookcase? I will post a picture once we finish the bookcase!

December Artist of the month: Shellsherree

While browsing Etsy one day for some paintings of Paris, I came across a gem. Shellsherree! Each image is so charming, and so European. I chose her for the Artist of the month of December! Here is a little interview with the Artist;

{Original ShellSherree illustration of the iconic Tour d'Argent restaurant in Paris, dressed in black and white for an extra touch of Paris chic and Je Ne Sais Quoi }

What inspires you?


I'm a bit of a homebody, so browsing interior decor/fashion/lifestyle/travel books, magazines and blogs is my way of getting out and about, and a key source of inspiration. And animals make my heart sing ~ anywhere, anytime.

{Original ShellSherree illustration. Nothing could hold a candle to the whimsical Venice street lamps with their pink glass. Maybe she was looking at things through rose-coloured glasses..}

What is your technique?

Pen/ink drawing with watercolour painting on cotton rag paper.

{Original ShellSherree illustration of some French macarons. Lovely for sweet toothed Paris lovers.}

How is your art different from other artists?

I don't really stop to think about how my work might be different. I love seeing what other artists are doing but try not to focus on it, otherwise I tend to start doubting myself.

{Original miniature by Shell Sherree, of serene and majestic stone lions in Venice, standing guard while watching the canal below.}

Can you take me step by step through a piece?

Mostly I work from photos that appeal to me, adding or changing details, characters and/or animals depending on my mood/inspiration or the specifications of a commission. When I sit down to work, I'll browse through my inspiration folders {unless I already have something in mind}. Whatever leaps out at me the most at that particular time becomes my starting point.

{Signed print of an original Shell Sherree illustration. Whoever said black cats are bad luck was never graced with the presence of one.}

Why do you do your art?

I draw and paint because I love it. Once I've started a piece, time vanishes and I'm absorbed and lost in this little world I'm creating.

{Signed print of original ShellSherree illustration. A beautiful print for animal lovers and those with daydreams of Paris apartments}

Why do you do this particular kind of art (or use this particular technique)?

I've had some fun drawing with pastels and painting with acrylics over the years, but I love ink and watercolour most of all. I don't intentionally draw whimsically ~ it's just the way it is, and I'm glad for that. There are enough intense and troubling things in the world already; I'm happy to create on the lighter side of life. I treasure the drawing process, and I love the transparency, immediacy and delicacy of watercolours. {As an added bonus, they happen to be beautifully neat and tidy to paint with. I'm not a great 'messer'!}

 

You can purchase Shell Sherree's beautiful paintings here!

Cinque Terre, Italy

The Cinque Terre consists of 5 small coastal villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso. Except for Corniglia, each town slopes down to sea-level, each with a picturesque old world charm. The closest airports are Pisa and Genova, I am definitely adding these to my destinations list!

Riomaggiore

Corniglia

Vernazza

Manarola

Monterosso

Eat Pray Love

Love you!

Calendar for 2011: Check!

Is it just me, or is picking out your calendar for the year a very personal thing to do? It is for me! For 2010, I had a Versailles calendar, for 2009 I had a 365 days in France calendar, and for 2011...

So excited to get it in the mail! :)
Xoxo

My Etsy Christmas list

Crochet neck warmer 

This print of a Van Gogh quote for my desk

This adorable fabric, so I can make some pillows!

This cute Print to hang in my Kitchen

Some Roman/Greek statue heads similar to this one!

A wooden clock for our living rooml

My newest treasury

I love making Etsy treasuries, it's a lot of fun and helps other sellers! My most recent treasury is here. Gifts for Art History enthusiasts, I love each of these items, of course! (including my own Mona Lisa earrings ;) )
Check it out!

Mona Lisa Earrings by me (BowbyJessica), $18

Paris Videos

Here are a few video's from our trip to Paris in 2008!

Good Morning

My favorite kind of Saturday. Watercolor, Peach incense, Travel Channel and beautiful weather!

Love Megan!

I think Megan Fox is stunning as it is, not matter what else anyone says, and this outfit is one of the cutest I have seen her wear. I think this outfit it worth getting skinny for ;)

Interview with the Artist: Bumbleboohandmades

Bonjour Frenchies!

I have decided to begin a Monthly Artist spotlight! Each month I will choose an Artist to spotlight. Bumbleboohandmades is the chosen Artist of November! Kailey (Bumbleboohandmades) is a 23 year old college student, just like myself. I was drawn to her nature-fairytale aesthetic and her colors. Here is an interview with Kailey;

What inspires you?
I'd have to say natural subjects. I love the beauty in nature, and think that oftentimes people forget about it with this digital, cell-phone infested world we've gotten ourselves into. We need to slow down sometimes. :)

What is your technique?
My technique for my paintings is usually a combination of watercolour, ink and gouache. I like using patterned papers in more crafty things that I made - I find making handcrafted things to be satisfying.

How is your art different from other artists?
I'm not really sure. It's very hard to be unique these days because you're always gathering inspiration from other artists. I like to think that my colour schemes and "style" are unique and recognizable, but I could probably be proven wrong! I am still learning, and don't feel I'm 100% "there" with my style yet, but I am getting comfortable slowly.

How did you get started?
I started drawing horses when I was about 5. Ever since then I've been pretty obsessed with drawing! I sort of took a "break" from doing personal art during highschool, and only did it for my art course. But then after that I got back into it.

Can you take me step by step through a piece?
Uhm, sure! This one here... it started of course with some rough thumbnails to get the composition down. Then I did a pencil sketch of it. I did a carbon transfer of it onto 300lb watercolour paper. Then I threw down the watercolour and rubbing alcohol for texture, then the gouache for the fishes, some highlights on the face, and the lilypads. Then I did the lines in ink. :)

Why do you do your art?
Well, I'm hoping to become a professional illustrator one day. And because I enjoy it, of course!

Why do you do this particular kind of art (or use this particular technique)?
Well, my subject matter is because I like nature of course, and I like to show what I think is beautiful, I suppose. It's like sharing how you "see" the world, sort of. (Hopefully that doesn't sound too corny, but I think it does). The technique is just something that I liked the effect of and have been sticking with it for now (not to say I don't experiment and use other media as well!)

Can you describe your creative process?
That's a hard one. Basically I can only do it when I "feel" like it. Unless it's for school, then I have to do it of course. Basically lots of thinking, listening to music, visuals for inspiration... things like that to get the creative juices flowing. That's a hard thing to describe, so I hope I answered that all right!

Check out Kailey's Etsy Site!

5 ways to display your books!

Books are too often stashed away in random places around the house. Here are some ways to display your books rather than hide them away! Courtesy of styleathome!

1 Bracket shelves Decorative metal brackets add architectual flair to sleek wooden shelves. These particula

r polished metal brackets come in three intriguing designs: circular, flat or square. $120-$160 US, West Elm.

2 Woven rattan bowl Store your books by piling them into a handcrafted rattan bowl. The delicate weave is meant to evoke the image of a bird's nest and gives this unique book display an organic, textured appearance. $150 US, Restoration Hardware.

3 Room divider Use literature to help create privacy in an open-concept loft, bachelor suite or large room by displaying books in an eco-friendly bamboo bookcase and room divider. Inspired by Oriental joinery, this large storage and display case is simple, elegant and convenient. $1500 US, Room and Board.

4 Hanging wooden trays A rustic, swing-inspired hanging tray can conveniently hold all reading materials while you lounge in or outdoors. This set of two mango wood trays will bring a little taste of relaxed, island-life to your home. $89 US (set of 2), Pottery Barn.

and my favorite...

5 Conceal bookshelf Don't just display your books -- use them as functional, floating shelves. Powder coated steelhardware disappears behind a stack of books that provide a decorative display and the ability to help you show off other accessories. $14, Umbra.