1000 sales x 24 bookplates per set = 24,000 bookplates, hand-cut by me.
I would like to thank my brilliant, sage Mac G4, my hard-working-never-say-die Epson printer, my stainless steel ruler that I've had since art school, and my trusty yellow X-acto knife.
And you. To anyone who has ever bought something from my little shop: thank you.
A new art store is born in Finland: hooray for Joutomaa!
When Reetta Isotupa-Siltanen contacted me a while back with her plans to open a store of her very own, I was very excited. Her plan was to feature her art, as well as other artists and crafters that she admired. When she told me I was one of those people, I was doubly excited! Reetta's artwork is fun, nonsensical, and playful, and her shop reflects her personality perfectly. And she's got this crazy thing for polka dots; I wasn't a bit surprised to see them all over the walls and on the floor.
Some of Reetta's prints, above...
.. and here are my prints, next to beautiful prints by Marjorie Liucci. They look great, don't they?
Joutomaa also carries work by Amy Earles, Tilly Bloom, and Barbara Rodruguez & Marcos Suarez, as well as finnish artists Kajsa Wikman, Maija Onnela, Mia Jauho, and Markette Eerikainen.
Joutomaa has its own blog, where you can see how the shop evolved (it's in finnish, but there are tons of great pictures) and if you happen to be in Finland, stop by and say hello to Reetta: Joutomaa, Kellonsoittajankatu 8, 20500 Turku, Finland, Phone: +38 50 362 8003
I am seriously avoiding work right now; I have a project that needs to be finished soon, and I have no idea how to get there. This is supposed to be the time where I buck up, right? Put on some coffee and trudge through?
But alas, it's cold in my house and my mind turns to the holidays.. and beautiful things.. and "me shopping". "Me Shopping" is what I used to do before I was a mom, and when I had a lot more time to actually go to stores where they sell things that I like. My favorite time to "Me Shop" was in December when I was supposed to be choosing gifts for people on my Christmas list.
So in order to waste time and avoid my project while my daughter is having a nap, I've done some virtual me shopping. Santa, this is what is on my list this year:
I've been getting in the mood for the holidays and fancied a little photoshop today.. this is a take-off of a holiday illustration I did years ago, recreated with clip art. My favorite is the Santa Hair.
Last year I participated in Sofia Barão's Autumn Swap: I put together a surprise package for Kate in Australia, and received one from Danielle in Ohio, and in the process gained two new brilliant, creative friends.
This year I signed up again, and was so occupied with pulling together a package for my new recipient (more on that later) that I completely forgot I had a package coming to me. I was just returning from the post office with Beau when we drove up to find a big box on top of the mailbox. Beau said, "Look, Mommy, it might be from Santa!" and we ran inside to open it up.
The package came from Liz Kalloch, and talk about rampant joyful generosity! It might as well have been from Santa... a really cool, artistic Santa...
.. and I've been having a lot of synchronicities in my life lately, and Liz's package was full of them.
First of all, Liz lives in San Rafael, CA, where I used to live as a little girl.
Secondly, I open up a card from LIz (one she designed) and the message on the card is exactly the same sentiment as two pieces of art I've been working on.
Then I open up a custom-made aromatherapy oil blend that LIz made herself ("for Joy & Creativity") and a beautiful burner.. I open up the oil, and the scent is a dead ringer for one of my favorite aromatherapy candles that's been discontinued for years!
The rest of the box is like Christmas morning:
At this point there was paper and bubble wrap everywhere, and Beau's attention had been happily diverted when I noticed there was a secret trap door at the bottom of the box, and in it was a beautiful matted piece of art, entitled Song of Revival!
Such incredible generosity.. I was so humbled.
Liz is an exceptional artist and designer, with two blogs: one for design and one for knitting. She also has an etsy shop that you must visit. I so look forward to enjoying all of her gifts, and for getting to know her better.. I am already a fan of her blogs.
***Thank you, Liz!!!!!***
.....................................
Add on:
Jennifer from Odette New York just received my package, you can take a peek here! And check out her beautiful jewelry, I have a few items already on my Christmas list.
I found the most gorgeous children's book from 1917, and now there are two new bookplate designs coming to my shop:
and a set of Blank Mixed Bird bookplates, to boot:
Holiday presents, anyone???
:)
What perfect timing to receive this issue of Harvest Magazine in my mailbox the other day! I'd just gotten home with pomegranates and a tiny pumpkin (autumnal faire) when I found this waiting for me. The magazine's lovely editor Imogen Stubbs contacted me several months back about using some of my artwork for this issue, and I had completely forgotten that I had a copy on its way. Serendipitously enough, Dan-ah Kim's beautiful work is also in the magazine, and I'm such a fan of her work. If you live in Australia, please hunt down a copy, I can't wait to read mine.
Also, I just came across Jess Gonacha Swift's mission statement on her blog. I was completely bowled over. I'd never even considered coming up with a mission statement for myself as an artist... until now..
These little beauties are heading to South Pasadena to be a part of Zinnia's 350 Show, opening Saturday, October 24th. There will be 350 panels in the show, all selling for amazingly affordable prices, with a portion of the proceeds going to 350 Carbon. If you are in Los Angeles, please stop by for a peek, and grab a piece of gorgeous, ridiculously easy-on-the-wallet art!
(I will be there, too.. buying early Christmas gifts and helping the environment at the same time)
Here are close ups of my panels:
Angel Wing, mixed media on panel, 4.75 x 4.75 inches
It's the Year to Fly, mixed media on panel, 4.75 x 4.75 inches
Good Omen, mixed media on panel, 4.75 x 4.75 inches
Tide Flower, mixed media on panel, 4.75 x 4.75 inches
