It seems most people are wrapping the shopping up and all that is left is to fill the stockings by the chimney with care. Last year, I shopped at this wonderful spot "Barneche" located in the Catskills of NY and found some lovely items, soaps, creams, and handmade things. I love filling stockings with thoughtful items and old fashioned things too, like oranges, peppermints. Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care?
I have always loved fancy writing and those that have "got it." Way back in elementary school, I became obsessed with script and just how fancy I could make my own writing. Well this gal (Jessica Hische) has got the most spirited script over here.
Holiday greetings to each of you. I am busy sending out greetings, finishing art, polishing the place and preparing room in my heart for a Merry and Joyous Holiday here. Unfortunately, I took on way more than I could do this year, some happy clients and some not so happy and I have learned that for the new year, I will pace myself. Anybody else feeling (sad) side affects of the stress of trying to please everyone. My apologies to those of you that I promised art. I promise to be better, faster, stronger! Thanks to those of you who have been so encouraging over the years which makes me so very happy!
Autumn enters with cooler air, crisp apples, colorful leaves and lots of raking, and Fall celebrations. Hay rides, harvests, halloween and a display of pumpkins and costumes.
One of the best things about being an illustrator of client's holiday greeting cards are getting the actual card in the mail. There is a certain sense of "all is calm" in knowing that my art has a way of making things bright in each greeting. My client sent me several photos to work from and I just could not resist the urge to illustrate this charming home all lit up for a silent night.
But wait a minute, remember these fine four legged creatures, they live in that house, see them sneaking a peek out the windows upstairs to see if Santa has anything in store for them. I imagine a home full of spirit and magic and all things bright!
When asked to illustrate a button to promote peace, I jumped at the opportunity to do this for Deidra, from Jumping Tandem. During the holidays it is so important to find the peace, by making a list of all the things that you are grateful for. Simply visit her blog and grab the "peace" button and spread some peace.
I have always been drawn to those who have a positive attitude and a certain knack for spreading peace. Deidra is one of those gals, who was born to inspire, to push and to provide support.
How fun it is to see this holiday blog banner appear during the month of December. I illustrated this for Ronda at "All the Best Blog" several years ago and it was before I even had a blog or much less really knew what a blog was all about. Now I am a believer as I have been busy posting nearly every day on my blog. Do you believe that a blog can bring about all the best to you?
Emily (faithful blog reader) sent me this wonderful photo of a latte that her dear husband made for her. I would love this right now as we had a 2 hour delay due to some nasty weather, snow, icy and rain. I drove my husband to the train, took in a neighbor's daughter to bring her to school and had 3 shifts of breakfast, french toast topped with powdered sugar, hot cocoa, fresh fruit and juice. Making lunches, delivering to school and respective buses. 
One of my favorite scenes from the Nutcracker is the dance off against the Rat King and his comrades. How touched was I when the above illustration arrived. This was a gift to me from artist, Maia Chavez Larkin. She illustrated my daughter Amelia and titled this "Amelia takes a stand." If you know my girl, this work captures her fearless smiling self. I can just see her laughing during this dance as she protects the Nutcracker. Surely, Rat King has no idea who he is up against. 
This illustration was done for J.McLaughlin, exclusively for Dillard's and every time I look at it, there is something that makes me want to rush out and shop for something new. As a child, I loved riding my bike to a wonderful shop "Bycks" located in St.Matthews in Louisville. I would look at all the pretties. I would feel the fabrics, look at the way things were made and dream of being all grown up and having lots of money to shop for something new. Truth be told, I really love to scout at thrift shops, find bargains and bring home an oldie and make it look brand new.
It is that time of year, Holiday greetings, photo cards and the opportunity to see how families have grown and how they have changed. The addition of a pet, or a new family member is always such a treat to see. I am in awe of those who give birth, adopt or become a foster parent.
Sandra, you should be smiling at your incredible performance, you rock! The role she played of "Leanne" was touching and empowering. I left the theatre feeling stronger, hopeful and proud of women who plow ahead, stand tall and live fearlessly. Have you seen it and what did you think? Did it make you smile or cry?
I was honored to illustrate the door of this stylish lady to be used on her holiday greeting. It was the first card to arrive at my door yesterday and how proud was I to see how she had utilized my art along with a photo of her four smiling children. They look so excited for Christmas! My illustration was like a little tiny treasure on top! Read below for the history of the wreath.
pve design illustration for style chronicle
The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing.
Laurel Wreath, Wikepedia
Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.
