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!