Idea Savings Bank

Twice this week on Twitter, I heard the frustration of creative moms yearning to create, but can't because they have young children and no time. I so remember those days. With my first, it wasn't a big issue, but by the time the Little Guy arrived with his own agenda, I had no time to create. If you're creative, you know that it's as necessary as bathing. You can get by without it, but you and everyone around you suffers.

I nursed both of my kids and they would hang out forever if I let them. I'm probably one of the few moms who got a LOT of reading time;-) This was also a time of amazing idea generation for me. I was planning what I would focus on with my illustration career when I got back to it.

To keep from losing all of these ideas and going crazy, I started pasting pics from illustration magazines, color swatches, sketches (thumbnails, really), color studies, quotes from O magazine, and catalog pics. If I had an idea for an illo, I'd write it down in the journal. I wrote things about the kids, too, like when Little Guy started walking at 9 1/2 months on vacation. My kids don't have baby books, but they do have these memories written down in my journal.

If you are going through early Mommyhood or an illness that keeps you from creating, give this a try. It sure saved me.

Happy November

I just wanted to pop in and say hi. This is an old watercolor I painted. It hangs in my kitchen where I seem to have a slight Halloween theme going on. You can purchase a print of it here.

I can't believe it's November already. I'm taking it easy today in anticipation of all the business to come over the next two months. Hope you all enjoyed your Halloween!

Pre Halloween Goodness

The kids wanted the dog to wear a costume for Halloween. Little Guy really wanted him to be Batman because of his ears. I wanted to make him a poncho. I didn't want to spend any money, so I hit my fabric stash. I used an old t-shirt for the body of the costume and some leftover scrap of satin and felt for the cape. It's not my finest craftsmanship, but it'll do. By the way, I don't think the dog appreciates my creativity.

The principal and vice principal had the most creative costume. They're dressed as the old man and Boy Scout from the movie Up. Too clever!!!

Collage Portrait: AJ

I just finished this Semi Custom Collage portrait. This little guy is totally fearless and loves baseball with a passion. He's so adorable, too! This is the first one in which I've used the green option. You can get your portrait done here.

I entered the PS Print Holiday card contest. Please vote for my Christmas Chihuahua here.

I just had to share this Christmas card by my Twitter buddy, Elizabeth Caldwell. Don't you love it? You can purchase this and many other designs here. Be sure to follow her on Twitter, you won't be disappointed.

Fall Bounty and a Win

I received my prize from Swirly Designs today and I love it!!! This handmade, polymer clay ornament will be out year round. I love Halloween decorations, and have a few that are always on display. I love them too much to put them away. Thank you Lianne & Paul!! Be sure to check out their Halloween and Christmas ornaments, they're beautiful!

My favorite time of year and my favorite fruit — persimmons! My mom has an amazing tree. No matter how many we pick, there's always more.

The boys helping with the harvest and pruning. The big guy wasn't too excited about picking, but when my mom suggested pruning, aka: destruction, he was hooked.

Mural Project

Yesterday, we created murals in honor of National Drawing month in 7th grade. The kids had a good time and the murals came out great! I urged them to draw for fun, as a means of expression, and as a form of communication. At this age, their always saying, "I can't draw." I tell them they can.

Illustration Friday—Frozen

Just because they're frozen, doesn't mean they can't be colorful! The coat and flower were inspired by Bari's embellished coat which is actually yellow, but it still inspired me.

If you haven't already, please check out my Semi Custom Collage Portraits here.