Monday, November 29, 2010

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

Sunday, November 28, 2010

My Etsy Christmas list








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

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Paris Videos

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



Saturday, November 20, 2010

Good Morning

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

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

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 ;)


Friday, November 12, 2010

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!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

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.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Mediterranean Pot Roast

One of my favorite recipe's is a Mediterranean Pot Roast. The Herbs de Provence really make this recipe "Mediterranean" with dried Lavender, Thyme, Basil, and Fennel.

Ingredients
1 2- to 3-pound boneless beef chuck pot roast
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 medium onion, sliced
1 14-1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes with basil, oregano, and garlic, undrained
1/4 cup sliced pitted ripe olives
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dried herbes de Provence, crushed
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2 ounces)

Directions
1. Trim fat from meat. If necessary, cut meat to fit into a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. In a large skillet brown meat on all sides in hot oil. Drain off fat. Set aside.
2. Place onion in cooker. Place meat on top of onion. In a medium bowl stir together undrained tomatoes, olives, Worcestershire sauce, herbes de Provence, and pepper; pour over meat in cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Remove meat from cooker. Cut meat into 6 serving-size pieces. Arrange meat on a serving platter. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to serving platter, reserving juices. Spoon enough of the juices over meat and vegetables to moisten. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Makes 6 servings.