Thursday, July 30, 2009

what else can grow on trees...



I have no explanations for this one... It just happened. A cross breed between animals and a tree. Well... I don't know why either... Put your own story here......................:)

Wednesday, July 29, 2009


A little while ago I turned out to be the lucky winner of the Sophie & Lili & Baby Star giveaway... and today my wonderful prize arrived in the mail! I'm pleased as punch:)
I've ordered a couple of more dolls from Sophie & Lili in order to avoid fights over the one doll I won. I'll have to hide them until a special occasion presents itself.
Thanks Baby Star and S&L!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

hiding in the flowers...



Here kitty, kitty, kitty.... 
Sshhhh... He's hunting for the birds in the backyard... hiding in the flowers...
A new pattern to show you. I think I'm developing a crush on a warm grey and pink color combination:)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Some days I spent so much time sitting at the computer... that I could almost feel my behind giving roots into the office chair. 'This can't be good' - I think to myself while drinking coffee and going through my favorite stops on the internet. I'm procrastinating exercise like one would a visit to the dentist.
This weekend, as I was attempting to help my husband with moving of some furniture, I've realized how out of shape I actually am:( Today, I'm signing up for yoga. I am! Enough is enough:)

Friday, July 24, 2009


An illustration of a free floating thought... kind of like doodling - only with watercolors.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

My 'happiness and fun' print reincarnated into a 'happy birthday to my sister' musical card for Hallmark. My favorite part - it plays "Thank You for Being a Friend" (golden girls theme song) when you open it.... and you could record your own message:)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

summer...





The trouble with breaks is that they never last. I'm back... working and trying not to think of all the summer that I'm missing out on.

Friday, July 17, 2009




Sit down... stay a while:) Have some tea. Alice is coming. I made cupcakes. Life slows down a bit while you drink tea, doesn't it?
I'm leaving for a long weekend in the country. See you on the other side of the rabbit hole on Wednsday:)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

The blanket of due dates has covered me whole. I try to stay focused on target in-front... "No time for personal work" - says the goody two shoes Helen (inside) to the 'I'll stay up all night if I want to' Helen. Oh, what's the use arguing with the second Helen. She always wins:)
Above... little gouache on the subject of thinking green:)

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

organic geometry...




Flowers - endless source of inspiration and a reoccurring motif in many of my patterns. "Just keep looking pretty and you'll end up in one of my patterns." - I tell them every time we get the chance to see each other outside. I think they are enjoying these past couple of rainy weeks much more than I do.
...I wanted to bring a bit of masculinity to this design with a few geometric, angular bits.... and I think it worked.

Monday, July 13, 2009


Some new watercolors to show you:)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

crazy about...

This penguin and cat are both designed by Aldo Londi for Bitossi in Italy circa 1950 in the famous Rimini Blu color combination of blue and turquoise glazes . This two are the beginning of my collection. 
They both like fish. They both reside on my desk... looking beautiful and making me happy:)
I had to take them outside for a tiny photo-shoot - since it's too dark in my house ... and this dreamy mediterranean blue deserved better.

Friday, July 10, 2009

temple vs amusement park...

Some of us see our bodies as a temple and some see it as an amusement park. I'm down with both points of view!
This photo of a brand new tattoo has been forwarded to me by the awesome folks from BlueQ. I had to take a second and a third look. Yep, that's the owl from the pattern I did for BlueQs overnighter bag. Someone loved it enough to give it a home on their back. Here's their original message:
(I just wanted to share some new ink with you guys - we at Acme LOVE,  

LOVE, LOVE the new stuff!  The photo below is a little raw still and   

combination of the overnight tote and the catalog cover.  My tattoo  

guy is a genius...

-nina)

Well, if anyone else wants to tattoo something I made...  let me know - I'll help with the process - make the lines clean and  help with colors - 'cause this is a serious commitment!

Thursday, July 9, 2009




I got another idea for a wallpaper... or upholstery fabric. What do you think? It would go fabulously with mod furniture. Did a little collage work so you could see what I see:)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

in grandma's forest...

My daughter Margo is absolutely crazy about the unicorns. A few days ago (during dinner) she informed me that while we'll be visiting grandma, her and daddy are going to hunt for unicorns in grandma's forest. I thought -"There's a concept worth illustrating."

Monday, July 6, 2009

spirtits...

This is how I imagine good spirits around you when you're happy.

life is such a circus...



I hope you all had en excellent weekend. The school is over and the kids are home. Days of the week lost almost all of their meaning. The only time I can hear myself thinking is if the headphones are on:)  A lot like a circus and this new pattern:)

Friday, July 3, 2009

sweet anticipation...

I just wanted to say - "I'm soooo looking forward to Tim Burton's version on Alice!" I'm sure it's going to be a visual feast!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Foxy Friend...

I don't know why I've never painted on a colored background before.... but I'm loving this! Step aside white or off white... cream, grey and other neutrals are in town. So glad I tried something new.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009





Aaahh... summer...my favorite season of them all. It's here. Hooray for good weather and the color green!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!! Happy Canada Day to all!