greener grass

 How gorgeous is this? 

As the old adage goes, "The grass is always greener on the other side."

I have long admired the artwork of Fairfield Porter and the use of green.

The green lawn in the background provides such calm to the couples awkward silence. 

 The crossed arms say so much.

 This wonderfully chic vignette also has a very special work of art, Made by Girl.

More green.  Greener grass.  I can never get enough green.

This week will be all about green.

gorgeous green

 Green does happen to be one of my favorite colors.  I had a professor in college (long ago) who said that green was one color with the most hues.  So many beautiful and glorious greens, emerald, sage, chartreuse, hunter green, mint, loden and on and on.

I spied some lovely pots of clover at a local florist just the other day and started to think of all the gorgeous gardens, lush and green.

the above artwork by pve design

custom monograms

 Custom monograms add just the right signature style to one's life.

 Profess your stylish flair in your own color and motif.

Flowers, fruit, animals, ropes, bamboo....

 I truly have the best clients who radiate signature style and kindness in everything they do.

No two are ever alike as the many choices are endless.
Select your font color and motif and I shall personally illustrate one for you.
Clients use them for note-cards, on mugs, on note-books, totes, embroidered towels and for needlepoint designs.

Order via my pve shop on etsy here.
or contact me directly via my pve design site.
Feel free to contact me and I would be delighted to create a custom monogram for you or for a special personalized gift.

Thank-you to Elizabeth over at Pretty Pink Tulips who has a passion for pretty pink tulips and stylish flair for everything she does.

java

I'd like to take a java break moment to thank Mustang Web Designs for all the help over the years with the design and development of my site, pve design.  The above artwork was a sketch I created for her to send out to clients along with a gift card for java.  If you are thinking of launching a site on the web, contact Kristi at Mustang Web Designs.

I find it hard to believe that it was 6 years ago when my site launched as a spot to show case my artwork.  To think it all started over a cup of java.

celebrate knowledge

How fun to pay a visit to my printer's shop and to see the above proof ready and approved.
The above invite will be used for an all girl's boarding school celebration to gather past alum along with current and prospective students to spotlight this schools stellar and unique niche in the educational arena.

Education and knowledge by themselves do not bring inner peace to individuals, families or the society in which they live. But education combined with warmheartedness, a sense of concern for the well-being of others, has much more positive results. If you have a great deal of knowledge, but you're governed by negative emotions, then you tend to use your knowledge in negative ways. Therefore, while you are learning, don't forget the importance of warmheartedness. ~Dalai Lama~

Since Spring is right around the corner, I chose to show the school in a Spring time setting.

Perhaps your school is having a Spring event that needs some custom artwork.

Education is so important at any age and what better than to have a warmhearted celebration to honor your school, alum and students and staff.

What could be more beautiful, than to celebrate learning and produce positive results.

homework

Just last night as my daughter was doing her homework, she quipped - "I mean what is the point of all this homework because it just gets tossed in the trash later!"  As any good Mother would reply, "Why dear, it is elementary!"  All apart of learning, just like exercise, we have to go through the repetition to learn or to benefit from the homework.

A dear friend asked when I had the most "homework" and I had to stop and think.   What she really meant was when I am the busiest with commissions.  I have never done an official study because it seems that I always have a steady stream of "homework" or artwork to be done.  I guess one is never too old to learn or to do one's homework.  The above artwork of this home was sent last week to a client to give as a gift.

Thank-you to each of you for supplying me with more homework for which I shall never complain.
I am grateful for more work and with each and every work, I continue to learn and to grow as an artist.

monday motivation, imagination

It is Monday folks and yes, we return to our jobs, or to school - but set aside some imagination time. 

 Is there something that you imagine or perhaps needs a little dreaming up in order to make it happen.  Part of my mission is to inspire, design and to create an artful life.  I think without the ability to imagine, none of what I have accomplished would be possible without something left to my imagination.  

This mosaic "imagine" shot is from "Strawberry Fields" in NY City, in Central Park.  

Make sure you imagine today, carve out some dream time.

Let your imagination run wild.

Don't save it all for Friday.  

Start imagining now what you dream and draw it.

Imagine how many dreams plant the seed to start something beautiful.

reading

 This weekend, I have to spend some time catching up on my reading list.  

I have created a Pinterest board with many books, some I have read and some that are on my list to read.

My sons gave me a kindle and I have noticed that my reading has gained momentum and speed.

I love the convenience of being able to highlight a word, look it up immediately and save it.

There is something nice about a real book and old fashioned book shops that I adore but anything to keep me well read is a plus.

Love to know what are you reading now?

keeping it real

Allow me to share with you this one woman show, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone.  She has inspired many a do-it-yourself projects.  She works full time and keeps a blog and always seems to have a paint brush at the ready or some impressive project that keeps me gasping for air.

Here is her kitchen.  Have look over here at this wonderful interview 

at diy forum.

Thanks Ruth for a wonderful interview.

I remember when Stefanie began her journey restoring her Brooklyn Limestone.

She warned me, yet inspired me just the same.

I admire her ability to keep things real and to do so much on her own.

chic coiffeur

If I lived in Paris, I would imagine myself hopping off to this chic coiffure.  I love imaginary friends and places.  I especially love that it is for Dames et Messieurs.  Can you imagine how special you would feel going here.   I am off to my coiffeur today for a cut and color.  I have put it off for far too long.