Late Summer Inspiration

We have a small, landscaped fish pond in our backyard and every year we buy a water hyacinth to add a little ambiance for our gold fish. This year was no different. One water hyacinth. And for the first time I can remember, it actually bloomed...

Isn't it gorgeous? The top petal is almost like a peacock feather with the deep blue and gold eye. Apparently they don't like to be alone, because one water hyacinth turned into about twenty water hyacinths. They completely took over the pond—and they're all blooming! The frogs are happy, but I can hardly see the fish any more.

Girls and More Girls

New pattern...

Fruit Prints

At the end of this summer, we're embarking on a kitchen renovation—which alternately excites and terrifies me. So many possibilities! So many large and minute details, at times it's a bit overwhelming. The other day I found myself daydreaming about what kind of art I'd like to put on the walls (or should I say wall, because we're hoping to tear down a couple). Wondering in front of the computer usually leads to designing...

Vote Early (and Often)!

Every year I really look forward to designing our family holiday card. Coming up with a new concept, searching for that perfect photo, realizing we don't have one where everybody looks good and then changing my concept to fit 3 different photos where the girls look, well, let's just say they look slightly better than if they brushed their hair with a pillow.

This year I jumped at the chance to design a few holiday cards for Minted. What's Minted, you say? (Or maybe you don't because they're pretty well known in the custom cards and announcements industry). Minted is an online store that features beautiful, customizable cards and announcements designed by talented graphic designers from around the globe. Would I love to be part of that community? You betcha.

The best part is that they supplied gorgeous family photos for me to work with—ones where everybody's eyes are open and no one has a double chin. I submitted 8 holiday designs for voting. Here's where you come in: If you're inclined to help me become a part of the Minted community you can vote for me! Here are my three favorite designs:



holiday photo cards - Ho Ho Ho!



holiday photo cards - Simply Peace



holiday photo cards - 'tis the season to be jolly

Or visit all of my designs on Minted!

minted.com

Every vote counts!

Fruit Faces

I've been working on some cute fruit for a new collection. Here's a little sneak peek at their healthy faces... Anybody need a pineapple prince?

Island Life for Me...

A recent trip to beautiful Nantucket and the lovely Whaling Museum is the inspiration behind this new print. I'm working on some related patterns for a collection—so stay tuned. Walking along the beach, we also came across a gray seal. It didn't move as we approached and we were able to get pretty close. Many phone calls later, the New England Aquarium assured me that it was most likely resting, and not injured or stranded. Apparently they can come onshore for up to two days. Who knew?

The Happy Veggie Collection

The warmer weather's got me thinking about gardening and I've been diligently working on my Happy Veggie collection. I see so many applications for these cute little buggers—fabric, stickers, baby t-shirts, greeting cards, nursery prints. Here are a few of my favorites.

Yam I am is a nod to one of my heroes, Dr. Seuss. I'm seeing this on a baby onesie, bib or feeding bowl...

I envision Count Your Veggies as a nursery print. Or so sweet as a fabric for children's clothes.