Robin Pickens

Zulily Today- Cookin in Veggie Color!

2011-12-19T10:34:00.000-08:00

Today my colorful veggie recipe keepers and placemats are for sale on Zulily! Check them out! If you are like me, I print out a lot of recipes from online sites and Orange Circle has come up with a great format to keeping track of all these recipe printouts. It is a vertical format with pages you can put your printouts in and wonderful divider tabs with cooking information like a cooking glossary, substitutions, common recipes, etc. The binder holds up to 70 pages and stands upright on your counter so it's easy to see while you are preparing your meal.

The placemats come in a tear-off pad with 50 sheets of paper placemats. Be inspired to get in your veggies everyday in a colorful and fun way!

On Zulily, go to the Orange Circle Studios Sale and enjoy!

Seize the Day Calendars 2012

2011-12-18T13:07:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the new year?
Perfect time to seize the day in a colorful way... with new 2012 Seize the Day calendars from Sellers Publishing. I am honored to continue the line and am excited for a new year of inspiration and fun!

There is a wall, mini and daily calendar with inspiration and illustration to brighten your day. For 2012 Sellers added two more formats to the line- a planner calendar with a monthly grid that allows you to keep track of individual family member's activities (or you could break it up into different tasks, like a line for exercise, a line for appointments, a line for scheduling in your goals). The other new format is a three year, checkbook sized calendar, perfect to fit in your purse or tote.

Barnes and Noble carries the Seize the Day line in stores and you can order online
Barnes and Noble http://tinyurl.com/84bgvnb
Amazon http://tinyurl.com/73khusv
Calendars.com http://tinyurl.com/735o6l6

Little Red Tulip is UP!

2011-11-08T20:43:00.000-08:00

So excited that Julie's on-demand site is up and running! Little Red Tulip, www.littleredtulip.com

I have two lines up that I love- Suki, a modern take on asian patterns, and Mixed Modern Fruits from my Seedlings collection for kitchen stationery items. I also have double-sided coasters in my "Nature's Inspirations" images I use for my "Seize the Day" calendars with Sellers Publishing.

Suki comes in your choice of three colorways- fresh bright red/orange/chartreuse, warm brown/orange, or lively purple/chartreuse combinations. For office products and desk sets I've designed a couple different tear-off pads, perfect for keeping track of the whole family's commitments for the week or with weekly grid and a notes and to-do section. If you are like me, you make lots of notes and lists during the week and I need a central place to keep my rambling thoughts... Suki currently has 3-ring binders, journals (with interior pages that can be personalized as well), notebooks, clipboards and coasters. Stationery to come...

Mixed Fruits are designed for bright and lively kitchens with binders (I use my binders for keeping recipes and printouts), recipe cards, canvas wall art, coasters, and notebooks. There are other binders for modern kitchen girls like me- a more contemporary take on our favorite- the roosters, as well as modern veggies and kitchen gadgets.

Please check out www.littleredtulip.com for personalized products. More will be added daily!

brand new obsession

2011-10-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted lately. The kids went back to school and I dived into being lead room mom, meetings for girl scouts, meet the teacher nights at two different schools, music lessons for kids, and my newest obsession... healthy eating! It is a big culinary shift at our household to VEGANISM. My daughter has been a vegetarian for almost two years and after seeing the CNN show "the Last Heart Attack" about vegan diets and heart disease and President Clinton, I was convinced to give it a try. It started out as a 30 day experiment and the 30 days are up today. The result...I am won over, I am on board, and I am ready for the next 30 days and so on!

This new passion requires some time and scheduling. It takes planning and time to prepare healthy meals, not so processed, closer to the source. More trips to the grocery store. New information. More reading. Arming myself with a new "toolbox" of foods. All our old patterns and foods are basically out the window. But I feel great and am immensely happy with the change.

Now I am debating how I marry my love of design and my love of good healthy food. When I design for the kitchen with colorful veggies and juicy fruits I feel inspired and energetic. It speaks to my passions and makes me want to stay the course. I LOVE nicely designed things in my kitchen, from an eclectic cup from Anthropology to vintage mixing bowls to new, modern colorful knives and high tech coffee makers. The kitchen is about senses... visual, colors, textures, smells, tastes, sounds... It is about coming together in celebration, in community, with nourishment and health, comfort, joy, family...

Design + health + food + senses + enjoyment. I feel a new group of designs and creative inspiration is around the corner, marinating and percolating, cooking up in my mind... a great big emotional yum!

72-Hour Sale on One Kings Lane- My Certified International Dishes!

2011-08-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to have my Certified International dishes for sale on One Kings Lane! They write, "We love a tabletop that's festive, fun, and full of flavor even before the food gets there." So do I!

For the next 72 hours the appetizer and wine collections are featured sale items, but things often sell out early. One Kings Lane is a great destination of top-brand and designer furniture, decor, art, gifts and vintage items at up to 70% off - please check it out!

www.onekingslane.com

This is what summer looks like

2011-08-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

My son is a gardener. He doesn't like to eat tomatoes but he sure likes to grow them. That's fine with me as I love to eat them. Simple slices with a little salt. I just can't get over how much flavor is in vegetables you grow at home- it's amazing! So sweet and juicy.
Bountiful! Yum!

Freshen Up Color

2011-08-05T23:03:00.000-07:00

It all happened because I decided to dust the upper shelves. It's one of the drawbacks of open shelving in the kitchen- dust and gunk builds up. (Oh, the maintenance involved with some design decisions...)
I was taking the dishes down, thinking how I'd like to use these more if they weren't so high, so hard to reach. If I rearranged things and put the dishes in another cupboard, what would I put there? As I thought of my options, I felt none of them would look right with the spicy orange we'd painted on the wall a couple of years ago. I was ready for something fresher, something lighter, more summery...

And as quick as that, off to the hardware store and a day of painting. Behr Blue Cypress. I love changing the color on an accent wall and how it transforms the mood of the room immediately. I like the light and happy feeling I get when I walk in the room and am thinking of painting this color in my studio too. I feel like I'm at the beach and things seem calm and peaceful. I'm loving the change!

After moving the dishes to a more accessible place, I still haven't used them yet!

Simple Pleasures

2011-07-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

My wonderful neighbor brought over some cut lily blossoms. They have brightened up the foyer and every time I walk by them I feel cheered up and optimistic. Amazing how something as simple as some fresh flowers livens up the space and brings a sense of calm and beauty to the house. I believe they are Stargazer Lilies. Whatever they are, they are spectacular.

Summer Pears bag and wallet

2011-07-16T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just in time for summer, wonderful Crazylady (a.k.a. my mother Ruth, and the nickname is one of love and fun, not a statement of her mental condition- which happens to be great!) sewed up these projects with my modern pear fabrics! Thank you Mom! I love that on the shoulder bag she made the pear the pocket design and used it for the lining as well. I think this is the perfect size to carry my money and phone when we go to the farmer's market. Both of these look light and summery and are great when I don't want to be lugging around heavy bags and wallets- generally lightening up for warm weather.

Both of these projects are from the book Free-Style Handmade.
The wallet is their Zigzag Pocket Wallet and the purse is loosely based on the Pocket-Sized Shoulder Bag. The book has lots of cute bags, skirts and projects that are easy to understand and modify to your specifics.
Have fun!

Refreshing Modern Pears

2011-07-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

My juicy modern pears and seedling coordinates are in at Hancock Fabrics. I loved working in a summery light palette just like a cool, crisp pear, ready to bite into on a hot summer day.

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/index.htm

3171444 Allover Pears
3171477 Thread Stitches on Yellow
3171469 Blue and Green Dots
3171451 Yellow Flowers

Mid-Year Resolution

2011-07-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

Today health is on my mind.

Recently we've had bad news. Over the last couple of weeks, a variety of tragic things and news to ones we love deeply. It's the stuff that makes you stop and re-evaluate how you are living and what is important to you. I understand I am fortunate to be looking through the window and not the one receiving the news. What a crime it would be if I did not do something to respect and appreciate my life and health more in the knowledge of what can happen, what can change...

So a new day comes and the resolve to get healthier, lose the weight, exercise more.
To live with balance. To appreciate the moment more. To tell your friends and family just how much they mean to you. The sky seems bluer to me. The birds chirp more sweetly. I feel like my senses are more alive and wanting to soak up every beautiful sensation, every still and silent breath-taking moment.

Health... health in mind, body and spirit. I am on a mission to improve mine. Are you with me?

Look Down

2011-06-24T15:52:00.000-07:00

When I'm not busy looking up at the amazing art ceilings at the Bellagio, I'm looking down at the pretty floors. I know most people go to Vegas for gambling and good times but my good times involve looking at little pieces of tile and stone made into swirls, bugs, flowers, patterns and all kinds of lovely decoration. I must not be the only one as other people stop to ohhh and ahhhh at the grand rooms too. But I must be some kind of oddball that I'd rather take pictures of the floor vs us standing in front of the dancing fountains. I even wanted to take pictures in the hotel spa because I loved the furniture and decorating and wanted to remember the ideas for when we redo our bathroom. There was an elegant and calming shimmer of the iridescent tiles there. However, I didn't think the other spa patrons would appreciate me lurking with my iphone to take a picture. I do know when to respect privacy. So I'll stick to floors and my memory.

Look Up!

2011-06-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

I recently was in Las Vegas for my sister's birthday. It was a lovely surprise organized by my brother-in-law and he graciously brought us there to celebrate with them. We stayed at the Bellagio and had a wonderful time! Vegas has so much busy energy everywhere so it is nice to take a moment and enjoy the quieter moments of beauty. The hotel was full of inspiration and interesting eye candy when you simply looked up! Ceilings adorned with the colorful, translucent and expressive Chihuly blown glass in the lobby as well as the garden atrium with balloons of all shapes and sizes. Walking to lunch, I enjoyed the dome with beautiful flower paper umbrellas. Colorful, inspiring...

Licensing Show Coming Up!

2011-06-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

Next week (Tues-Thurs) is the International Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. My agent, Julie Newman, will be showing my lines in booth 2174. I attended the show the last two years and there is great stuff to see. Since I was just in Las Vegas last weekend, I've had my fill of blinking lights and chiming slot machines, and am staying home to get some work done.

Speaking of work...I have more to do to prepare for the show and will write more next week!

Happy weekend!

Inspirations - ICFF International Contemporary Furniture Fair

2011-06-02T08:43:00.000-07:00

A couple things from the International Contemporary Furniture Fair that I loved...

in the Deutch Design area, the concept microbus Volkswagen Bulli. The front and rear seats are benches (when was the last time I saw a new vehicle with a bench front seat?) and there is an integrated ipad holder near the steering wheel so you can control the vehicle's entertainment system. Sigh...just one more sign the Universe is giving me that I must have that ipad! But what blows me away is the Bulli is an electric microbus that is expected to go a 186 mile range! Oh, and I love the white/red two tone body.

Where is the waiting list to sign up?

And of course, lovely eye candy at the Johathan Adler booth. This is the visual aesthetic I was raised on so I love the retro inspired hip designs and his pops of wow color! I especially love the lamps and bright blue laquered desk.

Inspiration - Paper Runway Dresses

2011-05-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

More New York inspirations...there was a great display of paper dresses created to showcase creative ideas and papers, hosted by the National Stationery Show and Kate's Paperie. I loved the full length black dress complete with paper mache dog a and paper chain leash. Details on the dress that really impressed me- the cut lace texture of the bodice and skirt with stripes from white typography on black background- just gorgeous!

I want a coat like this! Also thought the skirt back details on the middle dress were wonderful with elaborate folds and a single pink flower, and the fresh and fun color combos of this right outfit won me over.

For the girly side of you, ready for a summer garden party... I expect the butterflies to take flight in a beautiful flutter of color and light...

I am impressed by taking this paper to a more organic, leatherish state. The stitching detail was great!

SURTEX 2011

2011-05-24T12:42:00.000-07:00

I returned last week from the Surtex Show at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. My agent had a booth there and I went for meetings with current and potential clients. I exhibited for three years on my own at Surtex before joining with my agent and I still have quite a few memories of the thrill, nervousness, anxiousness and stress of doing a show. It requires a lot of new work, creating displays and banners, marketing, getting your display materials TO the show, set up, and many many days and weeks of designing and analyzing what you are presenting, and then three high-adrenaline days of hoping it's all good and people love your work. When the show is busy, you feel like you are flying and love meeting manufacturers...when it has it's slow moments you wonder why, why, why did you come and do this and question the very crazy career path you've chosen. Such a roller coaster ride. It's a very different experience for me when my agent has a booth and I come to the show but I am not singularly responsible for the booth and manning it. I do miss having a booth that is all mine and a bigger showing of my lines and styles. But for the first time at Surtex I actually arrived without being sleep-deprived for the week prior and a result, enjoying the time more. After meetings I wanted to attend, I was able to see the National Stationery Show and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, both of which are happening at the Javits Center at the same time and are lovely and inspirational!

Here, with the charming Phyllis Dobbs, at the Jewel Branding booth. Phyllis and I roomed together in Manhattan and walked the show together. It's great to see the show with another artist and see what they notice first and like. It's the first time we've roomed together and with hotel rooms the size of tiny postage stamps, that is a lot of close together time. It was fun and I think she actually survived my snoring...

Phyllis and myself

The Opening Night Party for Surtex was at Battery Park and a good chance to relax, eat, drink, be merry and connect with new and old friends. We did notice the Stationery Show people got the indoors area and the artists were sent to the covered tent outside... hmmmmm....oh well, more scenic views of the park for us! I about died when I saw a rat run across the sidewalk that was the size of a small cat. Oh, New York. That rat's home is probably larger than my hotel room.

I loved getting to know Corinna Buchholz of Piddix and Erin Sarpa and Ilene Guy of Simon and Kabuki more over cocktails. And Amy Medhurst, the Licensing Manager Goddess for Mary Engelbreit always makes me laugh so hard I want to pee my pants!

Corinna, Robin, Phyllis, Erin and Ilene

Robin and Amy

New York Moody Rain

2011-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Ah, New York. What a fascinating city. The three days I was there for Surtex, (and I'll write more about that after doing some needed follow-up) it was damp, cloudy, rainy and grey. Fog and clouds covering the tops of buildings, everything dark and shiny with the wet reflections of the moody sky. It didn't matter so much as I was indoors all day in the Javits Convention Center, but it did remind me of living in Chicago and the midwest with damp spring weeks and thunderstorms. I felt cold and wet a lot.

The view from our hotel was the spectacular view I usually have when in New York. Other windows. It is interesting to see the buildings come to life, workers arrive, lights and computer screens glowing... makes me wonder what life would have been like if I had moved here after college. I considered Boston, New York and Chicago and at that time, Chicago won. I love my life and where it has taken me but it is still interesting to be reminded of the other possibilities of where I might have gone.

Monday night Phyllis and I took the subway to SoHo and Little Italy. It was quite empty, probably because of the weather. I had a great dish of pasta (Paglia-something-something-Mamma) and fantastic time walking the neighborhood streets.

New York, you are beautiful in your dark, mysterious, moody ways. But I was ready to leave you and the damp rain. So back to LA I flew last night. Hopeful to be back in warmth and sun. As I walked up to my car in the long-term parking I could see I left the car window down (yikes! I am lucky I still have a car!!) and while I was gone, it had rained. Inside seat and carpet wet and soaked. So I guess I'll be living with my damp, rainy grey New York state of mind awhile longer.

Couldn't we all do with a trip to Paris?

2011-05-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Paris...my recent project took me there in my mind! I am so excited to share I have done my first novel cover for print and ebooks for my immensely talented writer and friend, Corine Gantz. Her novel, Hidden in Paris, is out now and is a story about three American women running away from their lives and starting over in Paris. It has already received over a thousand requests on the goodreads.com giveaway and there will be more giveaways coming.

As a side note, Corine's blog, http://hiddeninfrance.typepad.com is one of my favorite reads. She is a native of France and shows lots of beautiful international design and decoration inspiration and has a truly authentic voice and perspective. Luckily for me, she had beautiful pictures of France that she took on one of her trips back there. Please check out her blog and book. I'm very excited for her and wanted to share!!

http://hiddeninfrance.typepad.com/hidden_in_france/2011/05/hidden-in-paris-the-novel.html

http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Paris-Corine-Gantz/dp/0983436614/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304450085&sr=8-1

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11094417-hidden-in-paris

now I need a croissant...

Things I love... Mom's Mushroom Bowl

2011-04-14T16:51:00.001-07:00

The other day I was looking through a West Elm catalog and my heart almost stopped when I noticed a bowl mixed in with the table items. It was a white enameled bowl with line drawings of mushrooms going around the top. I grew up with that bowl and loved it! I've never seen anyone else have it. Countless salads of crisp lettuce with mandarin oranges and glazed almonds were tossed in it by my Mom. It's one of my favorite serving pieces of hers. So when she visited a month ago I showed her the picture, laughing at how her artistic taste is still in fashion!

And a couple weeks later, a box arrived at my door and she had sent me the bowl! (thanks Mom!) I am so excited to use and enjoy the mushroom bowl. I was pretty shocked when I put it next to my own appetizer ceramic platter and saw the similarities in line and character of the drawings. Just goes to show, with the discussions of inspiration, how deeply rooted our inspirations are. Years of seeing a style, an illustration, a color... it influences the way you see things. It also makes me realize how much I like to have some sentimental touches in my kitchen. As they say, it is the heart of the home, and it's full of memories from smells and tastes and favorite recipes and... the mushroom bowl.

What do you love in your kitchen? What puts the smile of good memories on your face?

Fantastic Friends

2011-03-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

My friend Lorri emailed me today. She had read today's calendar quote (today's was by me) which was about how life is richer with a fabulous mixture of friends. Thank you Lorri...a giant hug to you! I just don't know if I really take enough time to thank my friends for their important place in my life and for how they enrich everything I do.

I am really fortunate... and I mean REALLY fortunate... to enjoy the companionship of such smart, funny, witty, together women. I have mom friends that I met through my children and their schools. We do carpool together, cover for each other with watching kids when meetings and such arise, research the next school, share notes on the latest article on education, etc. We met through classes, being room moms, scouts, karate, dance, soccer and all those other miscellaneous sports and activities. Then there are the women from my Master Mind class, the kindred spirits who support and encourage self discovery and business and entrepreneurial growth. There is my dear neighbor friend who will be over in a second if I need her. And my old college roommate friend, who years later, with both of us settled in LA with families and houses, still connect like we did when we were 20. Time has changed us, but we have found our paths continue to wind and twist in a similar dance. She is a fabulous sounding board, a calm voice on a rocky day, a kindred spirit. Another friend I met while working in Chicago (where I happened to meet numerous long-time friends), also out here on the west coast now, is like family. We proudly call her "aunt" to our children. And my licensing art buddy, while she lives up in northern California, feels like she is in the cubicle next to me, as we work away with the speaker phone live, chatting about the new designs we are working on and sharing an unexpected inspirational discovery.

To my dear friends, all of you, I can not thank you enough for the beauty and unique perspectives you bring to my life. Giving, caring, compassionate. You make my life full and colorful and hopeful and vibrant. I hope I am able to give back a fraction to you of the support and friendship you have given me. I am blessed and rich beyond measure from all of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Inspiration Origins - Blog Hop

2011-03-03T10:20:00.001-08:00

Lately there has been a lot of talk amongst artists I know about the difference between using something for inspiration and using something for copying. How do you see a world of fascinating visual ideas but still craft something special of your own? When we start out learning we look to other artists. We learn from them but it’s important to evolve and find your own voice, your own look on the journey- something original and unique. There is a big difference in being inspired vs copying someone else’s work. Unfortunately it has become more common for people to confuse the two, especially when images are so available on the internet. As a creator of art, I am the owner of it. My rights to my images- my copyrights- are necessary for my very livelihood. I’m happy to take part with other artists in this blog hop, examining the issues of inspiration and using it to evolve your own style.

Growing up I was hugely influenced by colorful, beautifully illustrated children’s picture books. I could stare at the pictures for hours. Maurice Sendak, Hilary Knight, Rosemary Wells capitavated my attention. I loved line drawings, whether loose and carefree or exact and detailed. Characters with personality, stories shared in colorful pages- this inspired me to draw and create my own characters. And many of the works of art I saw every day, pieces by my mother and father, left a permanent impression in composition, line and character. My mother silkscreened cards with hand drawn type and a contemporary illustrational style. I was surprised to see her winter trees after all these years and see the lines and structure that has found it’s way into my own trees in my winter landscapes and my Deco Park fabric line. Truly the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree... still, the feeling of the linear work is a jumping off point that a whole new composition blooms from. Inspiration from my environment was a starting point in my visual language and my work expands beyond it.

I shared my mother’s love of Charles Harper’s clean and modern view of nature, beautiful creatures shown in the simplicity of their forms. His geometric interplay of shapes make orderly and striking compositions. My BFA education heavily favored a Swiss Bauhaus design approach and I think I didn’t use a typeface other than Helvetica till well into the 90’s! I do numerous pieces with a clean graphic design aesthetic. In my Modern Garden line, I can see the influence of Charles Harper by seeing nature in clean graphic forms. Solid bold color reflects back to many compositions I enjoyed by him, although my own color combinations are more fanciful and less realistic.

Creating something of your own requires time to experiment, thinking/listening, and following your own instincts. It takes self confidence to put something uniquely you out into the world vs copying something. Our discoveries, our mistakes, our repetition of work starts to bring out subtle ways that we find ourselves gravitating towards a visual language that is our own voice. Have the courage to evolve your own look and follow that voice. Craft the pearl that is uniquely yours from the grain of sand that is your inspiration.

Please read more from this blog hop and artists who share how they use inspiration while keeping the integrity of their own work:

http://joannezsharpe.blogspot.com/2011/03/find-your-beautiful-voice.html

http://sharynsowellartblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired.html

http://embellishmentskids.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop-aaron-christensens.html

http://chrischunart.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop.html

http://www.vickieleastudios.com/art-licensing/so-what-inspires-you-a-discussion-about-originals/

http://monicaleestudios.com/blog/

http://www.brendapinnick.com/2011/03/02/be-inspired/

http://itsmollysmith.blogspot.com/2011/03/be-inspired-designer-blog-hop.html

http://www.droozdoodles.com/2011/03/be-inspired-blog-hop.html

http://phyllisdobbs.info/2011/03/02/creative-inspiration/

http://www.jgoode.com/its-about-inspiration-not-duplication/

http://suezipkin.typepad.com/blogging_with_dyslexia/2011/03/be-inspired-create-from-your-heart.html

http://bethparkerart.wordpress.com/

http://janemadayblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/sweet-inspirations.html

http://www.terriconraddesigns.typepad.com

Modern Garden at Hancock Fabrics

2011-03-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

Exclusively at Hancock Fabrics... My Modern Garden fabrics in butterfly, dragonfly and flower motifs. The fabrics are in jewel tones on purple, fuscia, green, orange, etc. I can't wait to make up some placematts to go with my Modern Garden plates!

If you are interested in ordering fabrics from this line, go to www.hancockfabrics.com and search items numbered:

3079746

3079795

3079761

3079787

3079753

3079779

Happy gardening!

Atlanta Gift Show 2011 continued

2011-01-26T17:25:00.001-08:00

I'm happy to have rugs with Jellybean and Homefires Accent Rugs. I just wish we had the Tiki Bar to go with the luau/Tiki designs! Here are three designs and accent pillow with Jellybean and the Black Hen is with Homefires.

I was also thrilled to see my new "Fruit Salad" collection of dishes at Certified International. Fresh and juicy with lemons, limes, oranges and yummy summer watermelon! I have a spot on my counter, waiting for the canisters...

Also new with Certified is the holiday grouping "Holiday Floral" which focuses on modern poinsettia flowers and snowflakes. I love the little 3-dimensional flower bowls. I'm already making my Christmas plans for next year and it involves entertaining and decorating my kitchen!

Atlanta Gift Show 2011

2011-01-26T17:12:00.000-08:00

Got back just over a week ago from the Atlanta Gift Show. It was a great time to see my agent and other artist friends and manufacturers. I love visiting showrooms and seeing new products. It is always exciting to see a design come to life in a new form on a 3 dimensional surface. Here I am in the Gregg Gifts Showroom, a part of Enesco, with my Bee Happy giftware and new Nativity garden banner.

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-25T15:44:00.000-08:00

Lovely this Christmas morning to have sunlight streaming in the windows. After days of rain and grey dampness, finally the blue sky and rays of light were just in time for celebration. Even after having spent 16 years in Southern California, I still find it hard to really believe it is Christmas without the snow and cold that I grew up with in the midwest. My daughter has made replacement snow to decorate the house with hanging cut paper flakes, all unique and different. I think they are my favorite decoration this year.

Don't you have some favorite ornaments or decorations that you get out just for this special time... something from your past or childhood that puts a smile on your face? Every year my sister and I put milk and cookies out for Santa, using the little Santa boot mugs. Now my children use the same Santa boot to leave the milk or eggnog out. Amazing how a little red ceramic cup holds so much memory and is so cherished.

Enjoy this time and having traditions... tiny little memories can stay in your heart for a lifetime.

Peace!

My Modern Family Thanksgiving Treat!

2010-11-25T10:24:00.001-08:00

I was watching one of my favorite shows, Modern Family, last night with my daughter when she started screaming with excitement. There on the screen was Cameron holding a tray for tea and the teapot and mugs were my design, Modern Garden! Wahooooo! I am so thrilled to have my dishware from Certified International included in the so very stylish home of Cam and Mitchell. Thanks so much Modern Family!!

Not too early to plan for New Years!

2010-10-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

I was excited to see this ad for Unique Industries, Inc. partyware with my New Years design! There are square plates, cups, napkins, and glitter accessories in the "Bubbly New Years" collection.

So start making those resolutions and plans! Holiday season is upon us!

Shopping Research- Modern Natural Mix

2010-09-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Macy's/Marshall Fields on State Street in Chicago...remembering my vacation and shopping...

More dishware and tablescapes I like. One of the things that make these table settings so nice is the design plans include a strong voice in the central light fixture. Like the pink setting I showed earlier, this modern table has a great light with the globe of branches embracing it. The branches make a great pattern of light and shaddow on the ceiling.

I grew up with numerous Bertoia butterfly chairs and the armature is beautiful. I've never thought of using them for end chairs at a dining table and they make a great end statement. I love this mid-century modern styled table for it's modern clean lines, various textures, and mix of metal and natural materials. This table highlights Lenox's Tin Can Alley dishes.

Modern Garden grows at Ralphs

2010-07-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

My friend Corine sent me a text with a picture of my dishes at the Ralph's grocery in Calabasas CA! Of course I had to go see for myself- what a great display they did! Thanks Ralphs! This is one of those moments of happiness, knowing I am doing work that makes me so happy AND I get to share it with others... even better.

Greetings Today!

2010-07-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks Jeanetta for spotting my cards and letting me know!

Some of my new greeting cards by Marian Heath are available at CostPlus World Market. The new summer line has 9 cards including birthday, comfort, friendship, congratulations sentiments. Look for the little bluebird of happiness!

Shopping Research- Pink Party

2010-07-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Macy's/Marshall Fields on State Street.

Dishware. Beautiful tables designed to create atmosphere and celebrate the occasion.

I'm in heaven. Shopping research has begun...

I love theses Lenox dishes! I wish I had designed them myself and they actually do remind me of some other dishware designs I have. Lovely modern leaves sparkling in platinum. Pattern, borders, so yummy! These dishes look great with any color and I love the mix of this contemporary line with the pink feminine petal fabric for the table cloth. The fabric-draped chandelier sets such a dramatic statement. Just lovely.

Marshall Fields on State

2010-07-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have a unique way of traveling and sightseeing. It includes visiting stores and turning over countless products to see who manufactures it and who designed it. I know I am not alone and other licensing artists do the same thing. We are like a secret cult of the product-checkers. Beautiful displays, store windows, colorful environments... it is all inspiring on my trips. Ah, new cities, new research!

In Chicago, one of my most favorite places to go for "shopping research" is the Marshall Fields building on State Street. I know, it is now Macy's, but that particular building will always be Marshall Fields to me with the signature clocks on the corners and spectacular architectural environment inside. I used to shop there quite a bit since I worked two blocks away at WLS TV, the abc station. The glass and mosaic ceilings are spectacular and shopping there feels more special and unique. You can still get Frango mints (okay, I love the giant flowers in the display cases...chocolate and flowers...who needs anything else?) and eat at the Walnut Room. On vacation, we met my friend Susan for lunch on the seventh floor and looked out at the busy, bustling streets below. This will always be one of my favorite shopping places.

Summer in Chicago

2010-07-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation. Chicago. Family and friends and seeing the city.

It has been numerous years since I have been back and it was great to see my mom, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew. It's been too long. We had a lovely time visiting family, taking a break, watching the kids discover the excitement of fireflies and the drama of lightning and thunderstorms. Southern California kids miss out on some things like a white Christmas and the special crisp smell of Fall in the Midwest and East, humidity and rainstorms in the summer, lush green everywhere. And because we live across the country from our families, our kids have a very different experience than we had growing up. They see relatives every couple of years vs every week or month. Family trips are about rediscovering each other and enjoying being together for a few precious days.

It was especially sentimental for me to go into the city for a couple days and show my kids where I lived, things I did, what life was like for me when I lived in Chicago. It's been almost 16 years since I left that spectacular city to try out a new life in Los Angeles. I love my life in California. But it was also wonderful to remember why I loved living in Chicago. As bittersweet as it sometimes was, the eight years I lived there were full of self-discovery, heartbreak, adventure, friendship, growth, dating and love, more heartbreak, tons of work and finding myself. It was about growing up and my twenties. It is a significant part of the journey to who I am now.

Some of what I revisited...my old neighborhood of Lakeview and Ann Sather's restaurant for brunch with giant, gooey cinnamon rolls. We saw a Cubs game at Wrigley field (Cubs won!) and went to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory. German food at The Bergoff downtown. Shopping on Michigan Avenue. Busses and "L" trains (the mosaic with modern faces on the train is from the Belmont Station). The old Marshall Field's building in the Loop. What a beautiful and unique city, vibrant and full of character. When I lived there, Grant Park did not have Millenium Park with the new sculptures and music pavillion by Frank Gehry. The Cloud Gate sculpture (we like to call the giant silver jellybean) is fascinating. You just can't stop staring at it and the reflections. I love the optical illusions you get with warped reflection upon warped reflection. At The Crown Fountain we waited for the water to spit out with children laughing and squealing under the arch of water. Magical summer in the city...

I may be a California girl now, but I still love you Chicago.

Seize the Day calendars have arrived!

2010-06-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share...I'm so excited that my Seize the Day wall calendar is now out in Barnes and Noble stores! Also coming out for the 2011 calendar year will be the Seize the Day theme with different images and inspirations in a mini calendar format and a daily calendar.

I am so fortunate to work with the people at Sellers Publishing on this project. It has been a wonderful experience with encouraging and professional people who are so good at what they do. I am truly grateful for having the opportunity to share my art and thoughts through this medium. This is the type of work that fills me up with happiness and I hope it brings that to others.

Already busy on the next year's calendar...keep an eye out and seize the day!

Licensing International Expo 2010

2010-06-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Just returned this past week from the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. My agent Julie Newman, shown here and with Tiffany Cullinan, had a fantastic booth that I just loved! It was a fresh and inviting space and a beautiful structure that was lovely to have meetings in. After numerous years of exhibiting on my own, I really appreciate all the work, thought, time and preparation that goes into getting ready and doing a show.

I had some good meetings with companies I currently work with as well as met some new ones with great potential. An unexpected brainstorming session was the highlight of one of the days...you never know when and where the creative idea grows wings and takes flight. Some of the best parts of exhibiting are the chances to meet other artists and designers and this trip offered a number of new contacts. My agent now also represents Jessie Steele, the brand of wonderfully chic hostess aprons, and it was lovely to spend some time with one of the founders, Claire Steele. And how fitting that Monday night, as I watched "The Bachelorette" on tv, there was one of the Jessie Steele aprons in the barbeque date scene! Another artist I was thrilled to meet at the show was the tremendously talented Kathy Davis. I admire her work and ability to reach so many people with her beautiful designs.

So home again. My head is full of thoughts, notes, ideas. Much to do and it's time to get back to work!

Norma's Quilt

2010-06-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much Norma Carter for sharing this image with me. Norma's quilt top is pieced with fabrics from Deco Park and I am so excited to see it! I love the way the large panels show off the fabrics. It is an incredible thrill to see things that people have made with your designs and so touching when they share it with me.

Thank you Norma!

Dishware

2010-03-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some pictures from the Certified International showroom at the Atlanta Gift Show. This was such a highlight of the trip for me, walking into the showroom and seeing my new collections with them on an endcap and center display table. It was a moment when I felt my heart racing with excitement as I saw the dishes for the first time myself.

I've always wanted to design for dishware. I love setting a beautiful table with personality and color. I like all things 'kitchen'- especially a good meal! My sister and I used to regularly check the sale area at Hudson's for our favorite dishes on clearance. Then we would piece together place settings from the bargains we would find. I think it feels festive and fun to have different moods to my plates for entertaining and eating. I've had to purge out many dishware collections through the years due to lack of storage. But now I think it's time to splurge and have fun with them again!!

The new collections I have with Certified are Modern Garden and Vino/Appetizers. Can't wait to get my own sets and toast to life, color, flowers and friends!

Atlanta Gift Show- Gregg Gifts

2010-01-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Meet "Bee Happy" with Gregg Gifts! The Atlanta Gift Show was my first chance to see the pieces all together- tote bag, bible cover, coin purse, ceramic keepsake box, hanging plaque and mug. The bee is embroidered on the cloth pieces to give it that added pop. And the colors on the ceramics are rich and vibrant! The people at Gregg Gifts have all been so nice to work with- they have such great quality and beautiful products. I'm honored to be included with the wonderful range of artists they work with.

And here are two of my garden flags, also with Gregg Gifts. What a happy day to see these in their showroom!

Atlanta Gift Show

2010-01-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

Wow! New year and it feels great already! The holiday season feels like a blur, partly because the time was filled with kids home all day for the winter break (3 weeks off school) and my husband with vacation time and I was trying to get ready for 2 shows in January while doing a freelance project. Very full December. Still, I got to see some great movies (Avatar, It's Complicated, Julie & Julia, Alvin the Squeakquel) and spend some delicious time with my family.

So into January and a new decade. It started off with a great trip to Atlanta for the Atlanta Gift Show. It was my first time ever in Atlanta and on my visit they have a freak winter storm, complete with snow, more snow and iced-over roads. And cold...yes, I am a wimpy Southern California girl and remember clearly why I live someplace warm now. But it was a lovely city and a fun trip. My agent had a booth in the License and Design section of the Mart and I really enjoyed meeting some other artists who I know from our licensing community through shows or online forums. A couple of them shown here...Ellen Crimi-Trent and Carol Eldridge and one with my good friend Darci Phillips of Phillips Allrich. I am constantly impressed with the creative ideas and enthusiasm of the artists I meet through this work. They are an immensely talented group of people.

More to come on Atlanta...dishware and giftware!

The Seasons of Decoration

2009-10-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

I spend so much time cleaning up and trying to clear things out...the big declutter. Then October hits and it is all out the window. We have entered the Seasons of Decoration. The kids could hardly wait for October and now that it is upon us the house is full of stuff.

Fall is the time of decoration. First Halloween with spooky delights. Then Thanksgiving harvest and then of course the Grand daddy of holidays- Christmas. For Halloween we do simple decorations but the house still feels different to me. It can be as simple as the focus on color palette- adding black, playing with orange, rearranging and combining. And of course sometimes it's the treasures hidden away for 12 months, waiting to come out and play. I have to admit I really love some of my specially selected holiday decorations. They have personality. Pedro my Day of the Dead skeleton keeps me company while I cook. I'm tempted to keep him out all year.

Simple. Warm colors. Fall harvest, October oranges...enjoy...

Halloween Stamps

2009-10-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

October is here...time to get in the Halloween spirit! Thanks again to the great designers with American Art Stamp for all the creative delights with my stamps!! Top to bottom, the designers are Janine Orchard (top two pumpkin cards), Amy Rohl, and Christina Fischer. Check out more of their great creations at American Art Stamp!

My Young Seamstress

2009-09-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

My daughter finished a quilt making class and this is her quilt. It is actually not the first quilt she's made. My mother, an avid sewer and quilter, has worked on numerous projects with her, but they have been the size for her American Girl doll. She has her own sewing machine and supplies and is quite motivated to create things. I couldn't be prouder. My grandmother loved Vogue patterns and making fashionable clothes. My mother made many outfits for us, whirring away on her Pfaff sewing machine, an early gift from my father. It was sturdy and made from steel, like the kinds you'd see in a factory. It was a scary machine with the middle speeds burned out so it went from barely moving to full race car. It had a tempermental knee pedal and that is the machine I learned to sew on. Now I am not a great seamstress by any means. To me, sewing is a creative activity for exploring stitch and texture on quilts, fabric or paper and mixed media. I sew up the binding on a book mock-up, make bags and totes, and shorten jeans, basic stuff. But I do know the difference between a raglan sleeve and a set-in sleeve and some parts come back to me with just a little reminding. And as for the old Pfaff, well today my mother does most of her sewing with her smooth-purring Bernina on numerous creative and contemporary quilts, making colorful, textural art pieces.

So I am very happy to see my 10 year old daughter have an interest in sewing. When some friends were over for dinner the other night, her friend had a small rip in her dress that started to spread. My daughter got out her sewing machine and fixed the dress while the rest of the kids were swimming in the pool and having fun. Sometimes I think she is 10 going on 40. She looked satisfied that she could do it and I didn't help her at all. She creates projects in her mind to make. Is this something that is passed down and is in your blood? I can feel the influence of generations of women in our family that have sewn and created with fabric and thread.

And all of it made with love.

Gentle Pushes

2009-09-21T19:50:00.000-07:00

my dear friend Corine...my friend whose writing makes me laugh and sigh and opens a door to the soul- you feel like you KNOW her when you read her posts. And I am blessed to actually KNOW her, to know the real person and know the she is as spendid as the writing would entice you to believe. She is a gift.

I ran into Corine today. We had a brief discussion on the walk up to the school to pickup kids, and it was a fun moment laughing about the HOARDERS show on A&E. She had just blogged about it. I had just watched an episode my husband recorded this weekend (strategically left in the recorder in hopes of motivating me). It was the first time I had seen it. I sat up watching past midnight while everyone else slept...horrified, not by the people, but by the similarities I shared with them. My heart was pounding in an uncomfortable way, exposed, uncertain, shaky. Yes, I can walk through my rooms. Yes, most of my house is pretty normal and streamlined. But my office...well, it is my territory of cluttered, saved, stored, smooshed, piled and lost items. And a lot of other hidden spaces are as well, including the coat closet, my clothes closet, the laundry room, the pantry, the linen cupboard...ANY cupboard. The show ended and I got up. 1am. While everyone else slept I cleaned out the space under the bathroom sink, wishing instead I had a dump truck outside and could start on my office, knowing I needed to go back to sleep so I could tackle more with the early morning light.

And tackle more I did. 8 bags of recycling later and finally finishing some badly needed paperwork. My friend Susan came over and helped me go through some piles and a milk crate of papers that I have been carting around for over a year. It was uncomfortable to have someone else go through MY stuff. She commented that I started working faster because of the panic at having someone else do it. Yes. Sometimes a kick in the butt is what we need. A flame to the fire. Getting out of our comfort zone.

The clean-up is still in progress but it is so incredibly motivating. I believe you do need to make room for the new. If your space is too full, then you don't have breathing space to let the new wonderful prospects come to you. Every time I declutter I find money, gift cards, unexpected surprises and treasures. And wonderful things happen...the call about a new project, a submission gets excepted, something good comes to fruition. The space makes new things bloom. It's like I am asleep under a warm and heavy wool blanket and when I throw the covers off I find Spring has come and it's glorious.

So back to Corine and today. We talked about how the Universe can give you that push to move you forward when you can not do it for yourself. It comes in uncomfortable ways like losing the job that was crushing your soul so you can move into work that makes your heart sing. Disappointment from a friend so you become stronger on your own. And even having a hard drive crash so you don't waste time in the past but work with what is new and fresh in your mind. Ouch. It all hurts. But there is a valuable push in there somewhere. It is part of releasing the clutter, clearing the space and more importantly, clearing the mind.

Ah, and now I must listen to my own words. No, my hard drive did not crash, thank goodness and knock on wood. But I have felt the push. As I visited Corine's site, I saw the images of my fabrics, ready for the world to see.

And my heart about stopped.

Yes, they are out in stores and I am proud of them. But I have been waiting for the time to show them more, to send them to other blogs, when I have sample items made to REALLY show the fabrics more. Waiting for...waiting for what? Why not now? Corine, you have given me a needed push I had not given myself. Show it more to the world. Get out of my comfort zone. So I am going to try to live according to my own advice (ouch again!) and be living what is new and fresh in my mind and not hoarding my gifts to share and stalling in my "someday" cluttered talk in my head.

Thank you my dear friend for my needed push.

Hugs...

Facebook Birthday Gift

2009-09-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

Social networking. Today was the “social” part, the part about reconnecting with old friends and colleagues. I’m on facebook but haven’t really used it regularly and explored all the options. It was my birthday yesterday and I had the loveliest flow of birthday messages through facebook- it really warmed my heart. But the best surprise of all was a chat window open with a “Hi Robin” from an old friend I haven’t talked with much for years. She lives in Chicago, a place I called home for 8 1/2 years before moving to Los Angeles. We also were both in the School of Art at the University of Michigan and that alone bonds us in a lasting and unique way. A simple answer back and we were chatting away, catching up on what we’ve been doing for the last number of years, what is ahead, big life plans and little ‘what is for dinner’ plans. I forgot how large her vision is and how deep her thoughts. Little bits reminded me. And we had a laugh about a life theory of mine that she still quotes, that sometimes you have to close your eyes and run blindly into the light.

Yes, honeydew, it brings it all back. And I can close my eyes and remember a life I used to live in a different place. The smells of fall, living in the same neighborhoods, meeting at the Melrose for brunch, drinking lots and lots of coffee, wind whipping our cold faces downtown, the metal stairs at The Reader, little Camerino, Albert and Vera, heated discussions, laughing till it hurt and we couldn’t breathe. The moody seasons, the spectacular architecture, music and plays... there was always something to go and do. The busy, thriving pace of city life. Life there was often so very intense.

And I love my life now, in a very different place and a very different existence. But what a treat to be transported back to a girl I used to be. It’s like finding the book you lost and remembering why you liked the characters so much, why the writing touched your heart and why the thrill of it made it hard to put down. So in a very unexpected way, a little facebook chat turned out to be the best birthday gift I could have imagined. Thank you girlfriend.

Deco Park Trees

2009-08-11T08:58:00.001-07:00

I saw this image on the Robert Kaufman Fabric website. I love how they put the Deco Park patterns into the tree shapes! How cute! I think this is a great idea for handmade cards or wall art. I think I'll try one myself...

And Robert Kaufman also has bundled Deco Park into fat quarters and roll-ups for fun with a whole color family.

Big Bear Camping

2009-08-04T12:22:00.001-07:00

Summer vacation. Camping. Kids singing, running, riding bikes and making s'mores. We went camping with a mixture of friends, some of whom we know well, others we met for the first time as friends of friends. Late discussions around the fire. Seeing night sky so dark and deep that the stars come alive in symphony. Birds squawking and tweating and mocking. Squirrels who scope out the scene then zig zag up to steal food. Sunshine making lace patterns on the ground. The pace of life just slows down.

One of the families brought up art supplies and the kids drew and painted in their "ladybug club." They hung their masterpieces along clothesline strung through the trees. They had an Open House to show us the art one night when it was dark, the pictures illuminated by lanterns and flashlights. It was magical and beautiful.

How nice to be a couple hours drive to the mountains. A lovely break. I must admit it feels good to now be back home, clean and showered, well rested in my own bed. Laundry buzzing, clothes to put away, activities to get back to...

birthday wishes

2009-07-22T13:47:00.000-07:00

Michelle Giraud created these cards using one of my birthday cake stamps from American Art Stamp. The pink card uses paper from K&Company with smooth metallic paint. I love the pink scalloped edge and ribbon with buckle. On the yellow card Michelle popped up the cake portion for more dimension. Check out more great ideas at the American Art Stamp blog.

Namaste

2009-07-17T21:23:00.000-07:00

I think the yoga girls are my favorite stamps. I did the poses showing flowers and vines flowing out with the direction of movement. I love taking yoga classes. When I leave I am truly peaceful and I have such great energy. I think of breathing beauty in and out when stretching and I wanted to capture that radiant feeling through the flowers. I look forward to adding more poses to this group of illustrations. Gives me motivation to do more yoga!

Amy Rohl and Michelle Giraud did these cards with the yoga girl stamps. Amy's card uses a blender pen for coloring in the girl. Michelle paper pieced the outfit together out of a cute polka dot paper for hers. Wouldn't it be clever to use theses stamps to make identification tags for your yoga mat carrying bag? Or to encourage your exercise partner in an inspirational way?

Namaste!

Halloween Stamping Fun

2009-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Amy Rohl and Janine Orchard at the American Art Stamp blog for coming up with these cute halloween treats using my stamps!!! Janine's card is stamped with Memento black ink and colored with Copics. She embellished with glitter and sparklers for a really cute Halloween card. Amy's treat bag uses the cat trick-or-treater on green cardstock, matted and button-secured to this bag and decorated with ribbon and ric rac. Halloween trick-or-treaters are available through American Art Stamp.

Thanks Amy and Janine!

American Art Stamp

2009-07-13T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have samples of my new stamps with American Art Stamp! They are rubber stamps available mounted on wood block or as clings for acrylic stamping blocks. I am so excited! I just got back from the craft store and buying some clear blocks so I can try the clings.

American Art Stamp makes all their stamps here in the USA, in California. They've been making stamps for about 30 years and have great lines with artists including Emerson Quillin, Karen Stolper and Marsha McCarthy. I am thrilled to be included with their group of creative artists. Currently there are about 25 different Robin Pickens designs available including my yoga girls, Halloween images, birthday cakes and Christmas birds. You can order them directly from American Art Stamp.

Robin Pickens Stamps: http://tiny.cc/PFE1Y

And check out their blog with talented designers showing you great cards and ideas with stamps

http://americanartstamp.blogspot.com/

Happy stamping!!!

Life is a blur

2009-06-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Where has time gone? It's been a while. Awhile since I posted. Awhile since I had fun like this dancing and laughing at blurred pictures the next day. This is how my life feels- active, colorful, fast-moving- moments of time rushing by...

Life has been very busy. I'm working with an agent now, Julie Newman of Jewel Branding and Licensing, and yes, she is in these blurry pictures out on the dance floor. These pictures were taken in Las Vegas, after the Licensing Expo, on our last night. It was a fun time and a needed celebration after the long hours, the stress, and work of getting ready and exhibiting at the show. It is exciting for me to be working with Julie. I have another person to bounce things off of, she sees things with a fresh set of eyes and thinks of areas for my work that I never considered. She has strengths in different areas than I do and I am able to focus more on doing my creative work. Julie had a booth at Licensing Expo and it was great to meet new companies as well as see people from other companies that I already enjoy working with. I've exhibited at Surtex in NY for the past three years and this was my first year at the Licensing Show. Just being there was exhilarating and left me filled with enthusiasm. Since I've returned home the pace hasn't changed too much. Only now the kids are out of school and I am finally, finally, finally getting a full night of sleep. And I have some exciting new projects I am working on. Stay tuned...

It's good to be back!

Right-brained quiltmaking

2009-04-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

I have a variety of projects in various stages of progress. I'm a great starter but a bit more challenged in the completion part of the process. Ah, but part of creativity is the DOING, the joy of the activity. And with quilting I love the piecing. Being a right-brained, intuitive kind of designer, I like to randomly cut and put together and cut some more, replace, lay it out and see how it feels. I don't follow a pattern because my life has enough logical rules and instructions. For me, this is a time to be free and play with color and blocks and pattern. This grouping of blocks (and I don't know if there is a name for such a rectangular pattern/random piecing as this) I started in the hopes of making a quilt for our king sized bed. I'm scaling down my vision a bit because I would like to get to the sewing part someday. So a bit smaller but probably big enough to wrap up in while watching tv. I usually spread my pieces out on the floor to get some perspective and see how I am balancing the composition overall. Of course the downside to this method...my dogs. I believe Roxy thinks I'm making this for her.

Voice

2009-04-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

A friend commented on her learning to "find her voice" while writing for her blog. It makes me think about how we, as artists, express ourselves through words when we are so used to doing it in images. Certainly I made it through school and can do the basics of writing. But it is a strange world to be in- this blogging world- where images abound but the expression of self is just as important through word. I rely on my skills as a visual artist to communicate. Perhaps the visual images give me something of a crutch, a comfortable place where I am confident with my abilities and in a safe range.

Drawing comes easily to me- words make me work.

Writing seems like a zipper that can slide down without my realizing it and expose a bit too much. Brave new world of expression for me...living out loud in excited, emotional, crazy mixed-up words. Looking for my voice, wondering if it always coexists with image and color. Is it possible to extricate the words from the visuals in my mind and allow them to grow on their own? Would they even be the same if I did not dream them in color?

Spring in the air

2009-04-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was walking the other morning and rounded the corner to these flowers covering the bushes across someone's front lawn. Same block I am on every day but today it was splendid and announcing itself in color and glory. Did I not see this yesterday because my mind was too busy thinking about getting my tax paperwork together (yes, I know, a little late for that thought)? Or did all of these blooms really come out, perfectly timed, to greet me today? I'm not sure how long they have been blooming, how many days I missed seeing them, but I guess what matters is I saw them today and it stopped me in my tracks. Bright, happy, full of life and color...dancing in the sun, perky in the morning crispness. Any worries seem to melt away when you see something as lovely and simple as that. I know they won't stay forever, so enjoy now. Take a moment, slow down, and enjoy.

Colorways

2009-03-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

So here are snippets from two of the other colorways of my Deco Park fabrics for Robert Kaufman. It's impossible for me to pick a favorite color group because, just like children, they are each unique and beautiful in their own ways. I think I will first work up some projects with the Autumn-toned group. There is something warm and calming about them. Perhaps it is because I love Fall and its crisp woody smell. I am imagining a table runner since I have some great green and black dishes and a lovely Walnut dining room table. I can picture candles softly picking up the glint of the gold. Today I'm off to look at some patterns and imagine what could be...

Gloriously Happy.

2009-03-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

Gloriously happy is how I feel when I get new product samples of my designs. I take the samples out of the box and rub my fingers over the smooth new surface, smell the fresh printing ink and lovingly inspect the items. It is such an exhilarating feeling to have your work out there in the world. Sometimes I'm so thrilled that I do a little happy dance. I'm glad no one is here at the time to see it other than the dogs because I'm not the most coordinated, but the dogs get excited, jump and bark and think they are getting a treat. So when I opened up my box from Robert Kaufman Fabrics I expected to be happy, but was surprised at how truly emotional it felt. My fabrics, 7 designs in 3 different colorways, took my breath away. They did a beautiful job taking my designs and crafting them into colorful repeats, glinting with gold metallic ink and saturated with color. The quality is excellent and I am so proud to have my name on them. My line is Deco Park and it will be shipping in July. Thank you Robert Kaufman Fabrics!