Thursday, May 29, 2008

Oh, baby!

I came across the sweetest French blog-shop for children online called Little Circus. They have a perfectly edited variety of incredible handmade goods, wooden toys, books, and more- and from some of my very favorite artists such as Apolline à Paris, Tamar Mogendorff, The Small Object, Le train fantôme, and Lotta Jansdotter to name a few! Take a look- and don't miss their separate blog-blog here. Wish I knew someone who could still wear a onesie!

Chat31 Chat32 Chat33
Poupée chat #3, Apolline à Paris.
(I am devastated by this Cat doll! Those whiskers!, the bow on her tail!)

Decorative Fabric Bird Cage with Three Birds by
Tamar Mogendorff

Lumi doll (#9), Le train fantôme

Screen-printed onesies by Bookhou

Decorative Mobile, original creation by Apolline à Paris.

Grande poupée #6, Apolline à Paris.

Limited Edition Handmade Pillows by Apolline à Paris.

Julia Bereciartu Illustration

Following leads from Etsy's front page I discovered the fantastic illustrator, Julia Bereciartu and her super spiffy website- visit here! She lives in Spain and sells some of her small works in her Etsy shop. Oh, how I love all the cool sound effects and use of her work in the layout! Someday....someday....
Home Page of Julia Bereciartu Illustration
or www.juliabe.com

collage
copyright Julia Bereciartu


collage
copyright Julia Bereciartu

collage
copyright Julia Bereciartu
I Love My Dog- print available on Etsy
copyright Julia Bereciartu

I Love My Cat -print available on Etsy
copyright Julia Bereciartu

I wish I was a Moleskine Girl!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

What's going on around here...

I've been busy trying to concentrate on organizing this little ship I've created. The hardest thing for me to do is to take time from creating to get organized - especially the finances! Thanks to many of you and your generous support of my work I've been able to get by month to month-but just barely- and its my own fault! I don't have a plan and I'm not organized- so I can't expect to earn a living without this-so here I go. I've had to close the shop side of my studio b/c I was spending too much time chit-chatting with customers and not selling much! I've decided its best to stick to the internet for now (Thanks, Amy!) I wish I had a lick of business savvy-but I don't. I've paid attention to my mentors in the past but have never actually had my own rear on the line. I've learned so much from reading all the creative business books that I've mentioned here-and then some.

I found a fantastic guide to the creative type's Business Plan on Design for Mankind's Blog! Erin Loechner has created a series for confused, entrepreneur wanna-be's- like me!- called Roadmaps- and see here for her insightful business plan model. Thank You for all your help, Erin!

I've also been trying to work on a new website. I had decided on using Aeolidia (Thanks for the tip, Liz!) as their portfolio of work is incredible, clean and creative, and they receive super kudos from their customers! Check them out here. But reality has set in, as did a teeny-tiny scratch I made on our new car, and I have to put working with them on hold. I'm hoping I can have them start by reworking the design of this blog- while I do my best to put together a temporary website here. I need to slow down and save up a little more--so until then I'll be up here soon- www.theconstantgatherer.com- but Not YEt!! I'll let you know!

Thanks so much for all your kind comments and support! I read all comments but feel weird about responding to them in the same place (as if I expect you to take the time to come back here and see if I've responded). But please know I read them, take them to heart, and if Blogger includes your link I usually go peek around your world too!!

Thanks also to EZ- the amazing designer behind Creature Comforts who has not only collected my work-but shares it with her readers from time to time- and today! I have to pinch myself every time! I can't thank her enough!
xoxo

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Busy Birdlings in a Bell Jar

Here is a new piece I added to
my Etsy shop today!

Assembled with two vintage chenille birds I purchased from
The Wonderful Secret on Etsy here!

Bridget Davies Pillows

Did you catch these incredibly charming pillows by UK artist, Bridget Davies on Etsy today?? She sells her handmade cushions in her Etsy shop -along with other small goods. She says her work, "is a mix of applique, machine embroidery, hand embroidery and then usually finished of with a smattering of beads or swarovski crystals." I'd love to see how she creates such delicate line work!

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day Thanks!

A big thank you to those who served and are serving our country all over the world. I cannot begin to imagine the bravery, heartache, hard work and sacrifice that these men and women and their families endure. All I can do is offer my love and deepest gratitude! I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Vintage postcard available here.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Amanda Blake Art

Here's another artist I've long admired on Etsy- but never realized what a prolific painter she really is until I visited her blog! Her Etsy site is where she sells her smaller works- but she is actually represented by the incredible Wexler Gallery in Philadelphia. Visit her blog for so much more!

the day the winchester children finally left home
oil painting on birch panel
24 inches square

18 people and the objects they hold most dear
oil painting on wood panel
30 inches square


Mary Ellen and Irving
oil painting on birch panel
6 inches square

vivian and emily in the garden at night
oil painting on birch panel
10 inches square


mary prepares colin for his journey into the snowy night no. 2
oil painting on birch panel
10 inches square


oliver always wore a costume
oil painting on wood panel
12 inches square

emily and alice in the fall no. 3
oil painting on birch panel
12 inches square

*above images copyright amanda blake

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Middleburg Folk Art Studio

I love to check in with Middleburg Folk Art Studio's shop on Etsy. Artist Susan Havens-Morris creates original and limited edition papier mache and fabric sculptures. I love her vintage sensibility and pale chalky colors. Visit her Etsy shop or website.

The Swan
OOAK (Orginal One-of-a-kind)

Friday, May 23, 2008

Camilla Engman

Camilla Engman's work makes me really happy. I am really envious of her amazing drawing ability! I especially like the works that feature her women and her new "collections" pieces. Here are some of my favorites from her portfolio which can be found here(click on menu at right)- or on her lovely website here.

Just Thinking of Sensual Pleasures

She was Losing the Plot
acrylic on board, 23X16 inches

It's Complicated
drawing, acrylic on board

Collection 1
paper collage

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Etsy Update

Here's a few new pieces! I'll be out of commission tonight and tomorrow-but back Friday! I'm having a sleep study! Anxiety Theater presents....how will I ever fall asleep with all those wires! Wish me luck! I could be so much more productive if I wasn't always sooo sleeeepy!


Bird Candy Yarn Wreath
The colors in this one turned out so candy good!

I was going for French General, but it ended up
a little more Stars& Stripes!

Love Forever

I'm smitten with the blog This is Love Forever and its artist/designer creator, Kayte Terry. I believe she does work for Anthropologie and is a member of The Department of Craft- which explains why everything she makes is so darn cool! I just found these earrings she handmade on Etsy- visit her shop here and read her blog here!