On The Surface

Welcome Baby Emma!

2012-01-23T10:10:00.001-05:00

Happy 2012 and Happy Chinese New Year! Emma Elizabeth has finally arrived! (which is why the blog has been so quiet). :) She was born January 8th at 10:45am weighing 7lbs 1oz and measuring 20.75 inches. She is my third Hypnobirth and the most successful one at that! She came into the world just two hours after we checked into the hospital with no fuss and no intervention and after just 4 birth breaths. My husband even commented on how great I looked after the birth, not tired and worn out. I am so grateful to the two amazing midwives I had attending the birth..they truly gave me what I needed...support, peace, and calm. Yay for Hynobirthing! I had such a great experience that I am seriously contemplating becoming a certified Hypnobirthing instructor and Doula. I want to help other expectant moms achieve the birth they deserve and have always dreamed of. My midwife even told me she would send lots of clients my way. Who knows? Maybe this is a new path for me. :)

I hope you are all having a great New Year so far! I will be a bit busy with baby and trying to juggle 3 kids, housework and design work so posts may be few and far between. Let's all hope baby sleeps through the night at six weeks. Hey, I can dream, can't I? ;)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Etsy Shop Holiday Sale!

2011-12-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

I am having a 25% off sale in my shop - discount applies to EVERYTHING in my shop from now until December 21st. (Prices already reduced) I will be closing the shop for at least a month, maybe more after the 21st for Christmas and then for Maternity Leave. Here are a few of my newest listings:

2012 Pattern Desktop Calendar - available with or without the case - orig $20 now $15

Mr. Darcy portrait earrings available in gold and silver finish - orig $12 now $9

Mini OOAK Hand drawn Doodles Moleskine - orig $15 now $11.25

Mini OOAK Hand drawn Paul Arden Quote Moleskine - orig $15 now $11.25

Stock up while you can! Items will return to full price if not sold after I return from Maternity Leave!

I've also relisted my most popular moleskine! Now $22.50 from $30!

Happy Holidays!!

xx Liz

My Art Licensing Interview and Christmas Bag for Target

2011-12-10T22:52:00.001-05:00

Been dying to share this with you guys! It's my Christmas Tote designed under Pink Light Design for Target and it's in stores NOW! My family and friends have been scouring their local Targets looking for it so they could snatch them all up. Thank you guys!!! I found one at my local Target and I can't tell you how THRILLED I was to see it hanging next to all these awesome totes and to see my name on the bottom! WHOO-HOO! Licensing is a looong process with delayed gratification but sooo worth it! Thanks again to Pink Light Design for representing me and for all the support!

And if that wasn't awesome enough I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Alex Colombo on his blog The Moon From My Attic: An Art Licensing Chronicle recently. If you have ever wondered how I got my start in licensing, read the interview! It's filled with lots of tips and will probably answer a lot of Art Licensing questions you may have. Alex does a great job interviewing licensed artists. I recommend you follow him and keep up with his interviews. You never know who might meet or get inspired by! =)

Custom Hand Drawn Stationery

2011-12-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

Want to know what I've been up to? Custom work! Below is a hand drawn greeting card illustrating a Dr. Seuss quote I finished today. The next image is a custom kids birthday invite I did for an Etsy customer that loved my Rock n Roll print so much she wanted me to use it as the main focus off the invite. Love the way it turned out! Think I may just throw my kids a rock n roll themed birthday party!

I have so much more to share with you...hopefully before the baby is born! Stay tuned!

OMHG Holiday Wish List

2011-12-01T09:39:00.001-05:00

The lovely Jessika Hepburn, Editor of Oh My! Handmade Goodness just informed me that my hand painted ceramic plate made it into their Holiday Wish List last week! See what you miss when you are lacking a working computer?

I love that the other plates she chose also happen to be in my Etsy favorites! How cute is that bunny one?? You should head on over there and check out the list. I am loving ALL the picks. Wish I had unlimited funds!! My favorite? I can't pick one. EVERYTHING is so cool! See for yourself. =)

While you are there check out their awesome giveaway!! Thanks to Jessika and OMHG!

Dog collar designs for Savannah Tails

2011-11-15T21:15:00.001-05:00

So excited to share this wonderful news with you all!! I just found out that the dog collar designs I did for Savannah Tails have been picked up by Amazon.com and will be available on their site in 2 - 3 weeks! Here are the designs Savannah Tails decided to add to their line - don't they look fab!? Would love to see a dog modeling them though. The owner of Savannah Tails told me her dog was actually wearing one of my designs when we were chatting on the phone. =)

Woofy Collar $25

Woofy Collar Detail

Molly Collar $25

Molly Collar Detail

Max Collar $25

Max Collar Detail

I will definitely keep you all posted as to when they launch on Amazon so you can all swarm to the site, make your purchases and leave rave reviews! You would all do me that teensy favor, wouldn't you? ;) In the meantime..if you CAN'T wait another 2-3 weeks they are available NOW at the Savannah Tails site. Just click on the collar name below the photos and it will take you directly to that collar on their site. And please, please, please be sure to let me know what collar you buy and send me photos of your doggies in them? I would love to feature them on the blog. Much love! =) TTFN!

Christmas Photo Card designs for Photo Affections

2011-11-10T20:12:00.001-05:00

New Christmas Photo Cards are finally up at PhotoAffections.com! Going to have trouble picking out the one I will be using to send out to family and friends. Thinking I may just order a small amount of each like I did last year. Which design would you pick? =)

Links can be found at the end of the post.

From the top: 1. Christmas Quilt 2. Lights Galore, 3. Mistletoe Wrap, 4. Santa's Hat

5. Holiday Vine, 6. Christmas Presents, 7. Everyway Holiday

David & Goliath - Cute Kids Tees at Zulily

2011-11-10T10:15:00.000-05:00

I am a member of Zulily.com and a big fan of all their sales. When I saw these David and Goliath kids tees in my inbox I had to share the cuteness! The first one is my favorite! Word of advice: if you like these snap them up right away! I held off on purchasing some adorable boots for my daughter at a steal and when I went back they were ALL snapped up. I did manage to get snowsuits for the kids at $27.99 each! Yes, you read that right. So what are you waiting for to sign up? =)

Moo Mini Cards are my favorite

2011-10-27T00:26:00.001-04:00

So glad I signed up for Klout when it launched. My klout has earned me so many perks - these Moo Mini Cards being one of them! I was in need of a fresh new pack of business cards and the perk came just at the right time. All I paid was shipping and for the mini card holder. Of course I had to get bright pink. Why not make a statement on my key ring? Plus I think the color goes well with my cards.

I'm a BIG fan of packaging and presentation. You can see in the photos above how how my cards arrived. The box is sturdy and definitely not a throwaway, and I loved that they came with extra cards with all these cute sayings promoting Moo and their products. If someone handed me one of those and I didn't know about Moo I would definitely order from them! Matter of fact, I already sold See Emm Cee on the mini cards and the card holder after giving her one.

How cute is the very first card in my box? Make your customers feel special, like they are your best friend? Seriously smart move, Moo! Clearly it made an impression. The box even has these dividers labeled Mine and Theirs. And just LOOK at my cards! The quality is great...I love the size and I LOVE that I can print multiple images. So helpful when you are in licensing and don't want to pigeon hole yourself. I show a variety of my work with my cards. Seriously, Moo.com? You ARE my best friend now.

My first magazine feature! - Flow Magazine

2011-10-23T13:57:00.002-04:00

A while back I had been approached by an editor at flow magazine, Netherlands about featuring my Sketchbook Project moleskine in an upcoming issue. I had forgotten ALL about it until I received my copy of the magazine yesterday!! Can you imagine how excited I was to open it up?? First of all, the overall design of the magazine is FABULOUS. SO much eye candy. But, unfortunately, I can't read Dutch so I was forced to just admire the pretty pictures. My featured sketchbook project spread is pictured below, on page 15 of issue #6.

It's just a little blurb about The Sketchbook Project, what it's all about and how much it costs to join. but the coolest part (aside from the photo of my book, obviously) is the credit line. (see below) My very first credit line in a magazine! Yay me!! I am soooo international now. LOL.

Inside the issue are also some really awesome freebies! I really need to learn Dutch so I can subscribe to this mag! The first is a pull out calendar and a little notebook with beautiful flower illos, and the second is a free vinyl sticker of a lasercut illustration. Isn't it pretty?? Don't know if you can get your hands on this magazine here in the States, but you can peruse the flow magazine English site and subscribe from there if you so wish. You have to call them direct of you live overseas. They have some really cute downloadables (is that a word?) for personal use too on their site and the Dutch site has a shop! It really is such a well done magazine - so happy I got to be in it! :-)

You can also follow flow on You Tube and Twitter.

Menagerie Collection for Robert Kaufman

2011-10-15T17:10:00.001-04:00

A while ago I worked on a black and white animal theme for Robert Kaufman along with other Pink Light Design artists and happily enough they chose to produce my Panda Bear designs! Here are the fabric samples via the Pink Light Design blog. Nina Seven's chicken design was also chosen. Yay us!

The fabric collection will be available in stores starting December so keep your eyes peeled! For now you can view the whole collection over at Robert Kaufman.

Fabric Samples on Pink Light Design's Blog!

2011-10-10T14:49:00.000-04:00

Just received an email from Pink Light letting me know about all the samples up on the blog. Two sets of those samples are my fabric samples from Robert Kaufman! Oh happy day!! I can't tell you what a thrill it is to see my name on there!!! Thanks to Pink Light Design for representing me and my work!

The last set of samples is another fabric collection for Robert Kaufman called Garden Walk. So glad it's going to be fabric..I can totally see this as gorgeous throw pillows, can't you?? Now to just teach myself how to use my sewing machine! Hooray for samples! Cannot wait to get these in the mail!!

Hope you are all enjoying the Columbus Day weekend here in the States and for those of you in Canada, Happy Thanksgiving! =)

Inspired By: Jannie Ho

2011-09-27T13:11:00.001-04:00

Did you all know that On the Surface has a Flickr Pool where you can submit images for blog features? Well now you do. I started this pool awhile back but haven't paid much attention to Flickr lately with the pregnancy, kids, and project juggling in my (not so) spare time.

I checked the pool today and Ta-da! New art from one of my favorite illustrator buddies I met on Twitter: Jannie Ho, AKA Chicken Girl. She specializes in children's illustration. I love her style!

My son would LOVE the Transportation ABC's poster. It contains all his favorite things to play with. My daughter of course would prefer the Animal ABC's one. I would like to see her do a similar one to the Transportation poster but with girly items..like ballerina's, frilly cupcakes and fancy mirrors.

These amazing prints are now available in her Society 6 shop.

New designs for MeebleMail

2011-09-20T12:58:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update to inform you that new patterns for MeebleMail are now up and live on their site. You can personalize, purchase and download these right away for use in your email. If you send a lot of email why not make it pretty? More patterns coming soon. Trying to come up with some Holiday/themed ones. Suggestions are always welcome! And if you use MeebleMail let me know which patterns you have purchased. Would love to hear what your favorites are!

Happy E-mailing! xx Liz

1000 Lovelies Giveaway at Ever So Lovely

2011-09-20T09:07:00.001-04:00

Have you been over to Ever So Lovely Blog lately? Brandi is hosting an oh-so-amazing giveaway with GORGEOUS jewelry! My favorite is the vintage necklace shown above - isn't it pretty?

Lots of chances to enter! Giveaway ends September 26th so get a move on!

From sketch to print

2011-09-19T13:50:00.000-04:00

What a difference color makes! I recently took another page from my 2011 Sketchbook Project and digitally colored it in Photoshop to add it to the shop and Poppytalk Handmade. My 'I love tea' moleskine was so popular I thought this tea/coffee theme would suit a lot of people. After all, who DOESN'T love tea, coffee or both?

Here is the final, digitally colored piece. I could probably do a million color versions of it since I love playing with color so much. It really does wonders to liven up a doodle and even change the 'feel' of it. The doodle features tea and coffee paraphernalia. My favorite being the espresso maker. Reminds me of my grandmother.

Did you know that I have been drinking Cafe con Leche (espresso with steamed milk) since before I was in Kindergarten? True story. Coffee and kids is a normality in the old school hispanic home. Used to have a cup every morning before being sent off to school!

This print can be seen and purchased through Poppytalk Handmade through October 7th. Or you can pick up a print at my Etsy shop here. Cheers!

Dog Collar samples for Savannah Tails

2011-09-14T22:11:00.000-04:00

Remember the dog collar designs I worked on a while back? Well here are the samples! Didn't they turn out great?? So pleased with them. I just got word from Savannah Tails that they have scheduled a photo shoot Oct 1st in Maine so hoping these will be available by the holidays. Yay! Still waiting on a sample of the doggy lingo one. I will share as soon as I get my hands on one. =)

Temp Tats for the designer in you

2011-09-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

Loving the new online shop Tattly created by Swiss Miss featuring tats by designers such as Julia Rothman, Jessica Hische and Frank Chimero, to name a few. Now THESE are some temporary tats I would love my kids to sport! I LOVE Julia Rothman's doodles. And much respect to her for growing up in a very little known place called City Island in the Bronx. I grew up not to far from there in Co-op City and used to visit City Island and Orchard Beach all the time, especially in summer. GREAT seafood restaurants there! There is also a movie starring Andy Garcia about City Island which you all must see - great acting, great cast and funny storyline. Watching it made me all nostalgic. =)

You can purchase your own tattoos at tatt.ly and you can follow them on Twitter here.

From the top: Type Nerd by Jessica Hische, Knucks by Frank Chimero, You're Very Very Late, Instant Camera and Popsicles by Julia Rothman

Poppytalk: New Market Today! Mix Tape

2011-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:00

I'm taking part in the Poppytalk Handmade Market: Mixtape this month and today is the launch! Check out the front page. You may see a familiar print. =)

poppytalk: New Market Today! Mix Tape: Today we launch our next market - the start of our fall session! Mix Tape is a compilation of all things handmade (and vintage). Like a...

Bridal Shower Invites for Simply to Impress

2011-08-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

Shared some Save the Dates I did for Simply to Impress yesterday and thought it only made sense to keep the Wedding theme going and share the Bridal Shower invites I designed too. Sweet Floral (see last photo) is definitely my favorite of the group! I have Kid's Birthday Invites to share too but I will save that for another post. Hope you are all having a fabulous week!

Currently Addicted to: Voluspa Candles

2011-08-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

Bought myself a Voluspa candle from the Anthropologie in Montclair a few weeks ago and I have to say it was the best $18 I ever spent. I am ADDICTED to it! Not only does it burn clean, it lasts long, makes my whole living room smell delicious, and it comes in beautifully patterned tins! They are perfect for gift giving. I sure as heck wouldn't mind getting one (or two) as a gift.

My favorite scent? Champaca Bloom, shown below. It smells fresh and flowery but soft, not too overpowering. They are available online too if you don't have an Anthropologie near you. I count myself very lucky mine is less than 5 miles away from where I live so I can frequently get my fix. I will definitely be trying all the other scents too! What's your latest addiction?

Save The Dates for Simply to Impress

2011-08-24T14:31:00.000-04:00

New Save the Date designs are available now at simplytoimpress.com! Which is your favorite?

Bright Lights Date

Peach Date

Yellow Roses Date

Pies Fabric for Robert Kaufman!

2011-07-29T22:02:00.000-04:00

Remember that pie print I told you about I was working on for Robert Kaufman? Well I just got word it is going to be available in stores in September! It will be part of their confections collection. Previews are already up on the sight under Pink Light Design. My name is not on the website because I designed it under Pink Light Design for RK but it will be printed on the selvage. It will be available in three yummy colors: strawberry, berry, and banana.

Would love to hear what your favorite colorway is and if you purchase the fabric and make something with it PLEASE let me know because I would love to share it with my readers! Maybe I will add a flickr pool later where you guys can add the photos of your craftiness. I know Jenni 20 Designs is already planning on making something with it. What would you make?

2011 Sketchbook Project - Now digitized!

2011-07-21T11:17:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! My Sketchbook Project has been digitized! If you didn't have the chance to view it on tour you can check it out in it's entirety at the new Art House Co-op site. Unfortunately, I will not be participating this year with a baby on the way. I have enough on my plate! Thinking of doing my own sketchbook just for me to share with you. Would be nice to keep it instead of say goodbye to it forever.

Happy Sketching! =)

The Big Reveal: Custom Plate for an Awesome Scrapbooker!

2011-07-18T22:23:00.000-04:00

If you are a fan of mine on Facebook and follow me on Twitter you may have caught me mentioning a special custom plate I was working on that I could not share until it was in the hands of the buyer due to the surprise nature of the design. Well, that buyer is my cousin's wife (whom I have never met in real life but I adore her more than some of my real family!) Teri of TeriBeri's Creations.

She saw my post with the first hand drawn plate I did and loved it so much she commissioned one for her brand new scrap booking room. Which is so cute and I am so jealous of her amazing little creative niche in her home! It is my goal to have a studio in my home but I am waiting until we move to a bigger house - no room in this little tudor and I have wayyyy to much stuff!

Anyway - she received the package today and she LOVED IT! I am SO HAPPY too because she gave me 100% creative license. Didn't even give me a quote to use or anything. All I had to go on were the lovely photos of her space and where the future home of the plate would be. She has already uploaded a video to YouTube and blogged about it. I think it looks GREAT on her shelf, don't you?? I love how CUTE her reaction is when she opens up the box - you have to see the video. The quote I thought was perfect considering her love of scrap booking. I had a few runner-ups but this one I think suited her sunny personality and the room. =)

Loving Teri's plate? I am now taking custom orders over at my etsy shop!

Experimenting with Chalkboard Ceramic Paint by Pebeo

2011-07-08T16:47:00.000-04:00

Tried out the Pebeo Chalkboard paint for ceramics last night. Here's the plate I made. I used a metallic bronze and a teal paint for the border, alternating each color. Still have to bake it to set the paint, then I can try chalk on it. Pretty neat and fun project. I just wish the chalkboard paint went on a bit smoother. Wondering if baking it will change the texture a bit. I'll let you all know. =)

I think this plate would be cute hanging in a hallway, kitchen, or little nook above a table to write little love notes or reminders.....don't you? Or maybe as a decorative name plate? A wall of them would be nice too! How would you use it?

News, Venting and MORE Mr. Darcy!

2011-07-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

You may or may not have heard the news...but I am expecting my third child January 2012. Crazy, I know. I'm a glutton for punishment. My life has been crazy, upside down, and stressful since I found out for so many reasons. Stressful, mainly, because my pregnancy has been so debilitating which is so frustrating for me. (Round the clock morning sickness anyone?)

Much of my work has been put on hold and I have been forced to turn down new opportunities because - quite frankly - I have lost my design ability. It's like invasion of the body snatchers. I find myself now in this strange body that has all these ailments, that can't think straight or draw to save my life. It's like I have FORGOTTEN how to or, better yet, am a completely different person! And those of you that know me will know how annoying that is for me because I am a bit of a workaholic...always juggling a million projects at once. Nowadays, simply making up a shopping list is too much for my little pregnant brain to handle. Try making said list with a 5 year old and 3 year old fighting in the background - it becomes IMPOSSIBLE.

My concepting/designing self may have up and disappeared but I have found that my ability to use my hands is still intact. Thank God for that. Luckily, I had some jewelry making supplies handy and made these pendants over the period of a few days. You have already seen my hand drawn plates. I think my next thing will be trying embroidery. Anything creative, that will keep my hands busy.

Like most creatives, I get depressed when I am not making something. There is something 'lacking' when I can't design or create. Since my designing skills have come to a halt, (you should see me trying to come up with a Christmas card concept - like pulling teeth) I have taken up crafting. At least I am making something. I am still dying to get my design brain back because it's been ages since I have made a pretty pattern or invitation and it's killing me. But for now I will be content with crafting.

These aren't listed yet, but they will be soon. Keep checking the shop. Hope you like them. =)

Have a great weekend!

xx Liz (or someone that used to be her)

Barnes & Noble Classics covers by Jessica Hische

2011-07-06T13:53:00.000-04:00

I've always loved the work of Jessica Hische....but since seeing her work on the covers of these B&N Classics I think I am now crazy stalker obsessed with her. Especially with these new covers for my favorites - Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre. Seriously, Jessica.....I would totally leave my husband for you. Same sex marriage is legal now in NY.....we'd make a great couple. Do you like kids? Call me! ;)

See the rest of the collection here and buy them here.

Hand drawn ceramic plates using Pebeo Porcelain Pens

2011-07-01T09:41:00.001-04:00

I have had a bunch of Pebeo Porcelaine 150 pens in my art supply box for months now. A while back I tried the black out on an Ikea mug I had and loved the results. Then I used them to create a gift for my daughters Pre-k teacher. I bought a ceramic travel mug to school and had the kids sign their names all over it - the teacher LOVED it! I highly suggest this idea for a unique gift. But last night was my first attempt at hand drawing a design in color on a plate. I doodled a bit in my sketchpad first to warm up then just went for it. I've seen a few blog posts out there were people use carbon paper to trace a design first and then go over it with a pen but I, as you may or may not know, love to live dangerously! I wasn't sure what exactly it was going to end up looking like. I just went where my pens led. And here is the result!

I started out from the bottom up with the flowers and vines then filled in the dead space up top with the type. I was originally going to draw the outlines in black and then fill in but neither black marker was working. Might have to return them as there is no reason they should be dried out if they have never been used. I like the way the full color turned out though. Really excited to try out the paints that I received in the mail now! I bought some metallic colors and chalkboard paint! Soooo many possibilities!

Hoping to make some more soon and list them in my shop. Just have to find a packaging solution first! If you have any suggestions as what kind of designs you would like to see in the future feel free to let me know in comments. Love to hear from my readers! Happy Fourth of July! =)

xxoo Liz

UPDATE 7/12/11: Just listed this plate but I don't know how long it will last! Here's the link.

I Love Rock 'n Roll Print hitting the shop soon!

2011-06-28T13:48:00.002-04:00

Original Doodle done in Illustrator using the blob brush

Here's a peek at the new print I have been working on for my Etsy shop - you know, the one inspired by my kids? Believe it or not, my kids made up this lyric to the ever popular Joan Jett song "I Love Rock 'N Roll". We rock out to it at home quite a bit. One day, we were listening to it in the car on the way home and being silly, the kids replaced 'put another dime in the jukebox' with 'put another straw in the juicebox'! Pretty amazing and brilliant of my 5 and 3 year old, don't you think?

I changed the Baby typeface - I thought it worked better

I've received lots of great comments on this since I uploaded photos to my Facebook page and have decided to offer it in several color versions. Will hopefully have it listed today or tomorrow. I think these would be perfect for a rockin' kid's room! What's your favorite color version?

Going to change the Baby typeface on this one too

A Girly version for all the Rock 'N Roll Princesses

Happy to announce the prints are officially listed! You can purchase one of the 5 colorways here.

New print coming soon to Etsy!

2011-06-27T15:39:00.000-04:00

Guitar pick By Beadsoul

Guitar Strap by FunkyMutt

Lightning Bolt Earrings by Chrissy Gemmill Jewels

45 Adaptor Tea Towel by Elizabeth Caruso

Rock Star Wall Sticker by Chickadee Vinyl

Working on a print for my Etsy shop inspired by my kids! Here are a few Etsy finds that will give you a hint as to what my print might be. Love the guitar strap! =)

Mix Tape Traveling Journal :: Next stop - PA!

2011-06-22T21:32:00.000-04:00

I'm taking part in this traveling journal suggested by Jessica Mack @brownpaperbunny from Australia along with my dear sister from another mother Sara Carns @PlainSaraJane22. I met these two lovely ladies via Twitter and The Sketchbook Project last year - and so glad I did! After we mailed in our sketchbooks we talked about how much we missed it and Jessica suggested starting a traveling journal and Sara and I were totally on board. Jessica started the project off and created the lovely cover (don't you love that the elastic that wraps around the book looks like tape ribbon??) as well as all in the inside pieces for us to fill out with our bio's for the next artist. She did an amazing job. =)

The above two spreads are Jessica's. Check out her blog for all the details on the journal.

The above two spreads are Sara's. Can you guess what the theme is yet?

Finally...here is my entry into the journal. Recognize the song I illustrated? It was a popular circle time song. =) We would make windows with our arms and a child would be tapped on the shoulder and would weave through the windows for the first verse.

So glad I took part in this and happy to pass it on to the next artist! (Helen @Red1332) Thanks for including me Jessica! And thanks for the lovely handmade card you sent with the journal Sara. You are a sweetheart! Happy journaling!

New OOAK Moleskine's listed in my shop!

2011-06-21T21:47:00.000-04:00

You spoke, I listened. It took me a while...but I finished two moleskine's and listed them tonight. One is a copy of my original one that got rave reviews. It sold and I was still getting requests so decided to make another with the same Ralph Waldo Emerson Quote. A little different, but still the same. =)

The other moleskine is a completely new design with a Tea theme. I love Tea. Literally. I love it. And needed to share that love because I know there are a lot of you out there that agree with me. Tea is more than just a drink, it is an experience, a lifestyle. If you do it right, that is. You Brits know what I'm

talking about. ;)

Hope you guys enjoy these and I hope I can make some more soon. They take a bit of time as I work on them little by little. They are a labor of love that I thoroughly enjoy!

You can purchase the I Love Tea Moleskine here and the Emerson Moleskine here.

xxoo

Liz

Father's Day Crafts for kids

2011-06-16T11:38:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is on Sunday - can you believe it? I've been searching online for a Father's Day craft project I can do with the kids that is cute and simple yet challenging enough to keep a 3 year old and 5 year old engaged.

Martha Stewart never fails with her cute craft ideas for the holidays. This paper shirt and tie origami style card is perfect to do with my 5 year old, but not sure my 3 year old has the patience to fold paper so precisely but I'll definitely give it a try!

This Notepad craft by Martha Stewart is also really cute and easy to make. Perfect for my husband to display on his desk at work.

This handmade gift wrap idea I got from Better Homes and Gardens is perfect for any age and it makes the gift that much more special. Both my kids would definitely enjoy this!

I was also thinking of making use of my ceramic markers and having the kids draw on a coffee mug. Are you doing anything crafty with your kids for Father's Day?

Meeble Mail is Live!

2011-05-16T13:32:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Meeble Mail yet? I have partnered with them recently to bring you fresh designs you can use in your email. Think of it as "stylish personalized stationery" that you insert directly into Yahoo, Gmail, and Hotmail. You can customize all your info ( like your name and contact info) and it gets built right into the stationery! Doesn't that sound awesome? Who wouldn't want to make their email stylish? And for FREE! For a limited time they are offering the customizable service for free, yes FREE. So give it a whirl, will you? Spruce up that drab email with some pretty florals or some stylish geometrics. Once you go Meeble Mail you will never go back. =)

Here are a sample of my designs available through Meeble Mail:

Be sure to take advantage of this free offer to take Meeble Mail for a test spin. Let me know which pattern you tried out! =)

Surtex 2011 Promo Pieces

2011-05-13T18:35:00.000-04:00

Yes, it's about that time! Surtex starts up on Sunday!! Can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. Seems like only yesterday I was at the 2010 show, meeting some Twitterati face to face for the first time (like Artist Tara Reed, Khristian Howell and Jessica Swift). I may or may not be walking the show this year. Luckily I get a badge from my old job which I still freelance for but this year has been filled with lots of ups and downs and hectic schedules. I didn't have time to make new promo postcards or even business cards to hand out as I walked. Oh well. At least I got my Pink Light Design promo featured on Print and Pattern! The other artists being shown by PLD are pretty amazing. It's humbling, really. Let's hope I get to make the trip over the Hudson on Sunday at the very least. I'm dying to see how my promo buttons turned out (see second image). Pink Light Design will be adding this and other artist buttons on to a tote for clients. Lucky clients, right? ;)

If you happen to be going to Surtex be sure to stop by Pink Light Design's Booth and check out all my new collections as well as the other talented artists they represent. Some AH-MAH-ZING art! So glad to be with Pink Light. Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed for lots of sales! Wishing my Surtex friends who are exhibiting LOTS of luck and sales too! Have a great show!!

xx Liz

Vote for your favorite Dog Collar Design!

2011-04-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

Hello and Happy Thursday! I currently have some dog collar designs that are being considered and I was asked to poll my followers and readers as to which designs they prefer - which they would buy if they had a dog. I would love it if you could help me out and participate in this poll! Just comment with the number or numbers of your favorite design(s). Who knows, your favorite could make it into production! I will keep you all posted on the outcome.

Thanks to all my readers and have a lovely weekend!

xx
Liz

A Friendly Reminder...

2011-04-15T14:08:00.000-04:00

I've been so busy lately with a million things to do that sometimes I take life just a little too seriously and I forget to laugh. Thank God for my children that poke me every now and then and remind me to laugh. They are too silly and cute. Can't help BUT stop and giggle!

So forgive me for not blogging....I'm catching up on my laughter. (And prints too - Surtex is right around the corner!!)

Hope you all have a fun and happy weekend FULL of laughter! =)

xx
Liz

P.S. BTW that image is taken from my Sketchbook Project...I have so many pages left to share for those of you who can't make it to a show. Look out for them!

Greatest Circus Party on Earth

2011-04-02T12:58:00.000-04:00

The Invite: My Circus Show Design for Tiny Prints

And now...the moment you have all been waiting for...James' Circus Birthday! My sweet baby James was 3 on March 15th and we threw him a big birthday bash with all the Circus trimmings before we went away for vacation on the 19th. (Literally, the day before we drove down to Florida - crazy, I know). We even took James and Sophia to Barnum and Bailey's Circus the weekend before as his birthday gift - we had a BLAST!

Bottles courtesy of Starbuck's Frappuccino; Striped Tablecloth from Oriental Trading

I spent weeks before preparing, researching, and online shopping for favors, decor and game ideas. I even bought a vintage looking cotton candy machine from Buy.com. I am very happy to say I shopped quite a bit on Etsy for some of the goodies. Ideally I would have made everything myself but I had NO TIME to spare. So I had to outsource for my own sanity.

Pinwheels from Paper Polaroid Blue Barber Stripe Cupcake Liners from Hey Yo Yo

I did manage to make his birthday pennant banner for his cake and the large one for hanging... AND I spent a ridiculous amount of time opening and fluffing those poms! That counts for handmade by mom, right? The banners were pretty easy. I used grosgrain ribbon for the large hanging one (see last few pics below) and baker's twine for the cake one. It was so much fun putting it altogether, albeit hard work! Thanks to my best friend Raquel and my hubby for help with the set up and decor. =)

Poms from Sweet and Savvy Designs Stripey Straws from Hey Yo Yo

Believe it or not I got the edible letters for the cake from Stop and Shop. They even came in the perfect red and orange color combo. Saved on the cake by buying a non decorated cake and just decorated it myself. Was planning on baking it myself too but my husband put the brakes on that idea, and rightfully so! Sometimes I add just a LITTLE too much to my plate. {curse of the perfectionist}

Balloons and candy were purchased from Party City and some candy was purchased from a little independently owned sweet shop in Montclair on Church Street. {love Montclair!} We had a face painting station, a cotton candy station, a candy buffet, carnival games and hubby made animal balloons.

Garland and Games from Oriental Trading.

Mustache's on a stick purchased from My Creative Side Face Painting was done by me

Vintage Popcorn and Peanut bags from Hey Yo Yo Treat Bags & Clown Noses from Oriental Trading

Pennant Banner by moi =)

I don't have a personal picture of the Big Top crayon favors that I purchased from My Little Otter on Etsy but I had to mention this particular seller because she was very good about replacing the broken ones for me at the last minute. They were so cute! Had to keep the kids from eating them though - because at first they thought they were chocolates! So beware! LOL

I have a new respect for event/party planners. It is HARD work and very time consuming! But all worth it in the end when you have it all put together. Hope you guys enjoyed the pics. Hope it inspires you to throw a Circus party for your little ones. =)

New Look for Etsy, Facebook and New Big Cartel shop!

2011-03-12T11:25:00.000-05:00

I was up late last night working on new logos and identity for my shop and creating a brand new shop on Big Cartel. I can't tell you how excited I am that I finally got around to doing this. It has been months since I've wanted to do a new look but I have just been so busy. I'm a designer but never have time to work on my OWN projects - it's crazy! SO here it is - the big unveiling! What do you all think??

My Big Cartel will have more things listed soon - so make sure you are following the feed!

Next up on the revamp list - my blog! Now to get some business cards and postcards made! =)

Etsy Shop Revamp

New Big Cartel shop!

A Treasury Made up of Nautical Trend finds on Etsy

2011-03-12T10:32:00.001-05:00

Here's the Link!

I don't know about you but I am ga-ga over the Nautical Trend. I LOVE bold red and white and navy and white stripes. Love the brass button details, the anchors...everything! Maybe it's because I'm a closet pirate...maybe I secretly love the Navy..I don't know. What I do know is I want all of the goodies I found on Etsy that represent this trend. I ESPECIALLY adore the Skipper Bikini Bottoms!! Check out the shop that makes those and you will find a matching red and white stripe bikini top that would make you a retro siren on the beach this summer. Another favorite is the Large Nautical Clutch by dear friend at Itty Bitty Bag Company. I saw her post a pic of it before listing on FB and it totally inspired this collection. So chic!

Let's give this treasury lots of love in the form of clicks and comments, shall we? It really deserves front page status! Thanks everyone! Have a lovely Saturday. =)

Spring Sale in my Etsy Shop!

2011-03-11T13:21:00.000-05:00

Psalm 23 print from my Sketchbook Project

To celebrate the coming of Spring, my son's 3rd birthday and newly listed items I am having a Spring sale in my shop from now until March 15th. (That's my son's big day!) Just use SPRING15 at checkout. The discount applies only to full price items. Happy Shopping! =)

I <3 Mr. Darcy earrings

New Bridal Shower Designs for Wedding Paper Divas

2011-03-09T22:43:00.001-05:00

Vibrant Summer in White, Custard and Chenille

I have been waiting (rather impatiently) for these to be available on Wedding Paper Divas. So happy they finally are! Can't wait to order samples. I think these invites are perfect for the gardening bride or a tea party or garden party theme.

My favorite Vibrant Summer colorway (above) is the first one - named white because the background. Forest Grove (below) for me is a tie between Bright Green and Iris. Which colors are your favorite?

Forest Grove in Bright Green, Sunny Yellow, Blushing and Iris

Makes me wish I was getting married. Anyone have a time machine I can borrow? =)

I'm Featured!: Sketchbook Stories on Blu Penny Blog

2011-03-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

So excited to be a part of Cindy Ann's Sketchbook Stories Series on her blog, Blue Penny. Read all about how we met, my process and how I got started in this crazy freelance surface design business. Make sure you bookmark her blog. She features a new artist every week. So inspiring!!

Etsy Shop Update: OOAK Illustrated Moleskine

2011-03-09T11:09:00.000-05:00

I did it! Took all of your feedback and advice and listed it! You can find it in my shop here. There is only one of these in the world! It's actually hard to let it go but it's my job to make and your job to enjoy and love what I make. =) I am working on some more moleskine's...a tea time one and another edition of the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote since it was so well received. It is not exactly like the first...which I love. Each one will be different and unique. They come lovingly wrapped in a kraft paper bag, sealed with a bit of washi tape. There will be a hand drawn Thank You on the bag with my business card attached with the same washi tape, then it is securely shipped in a kraft mailer.

I hope the new owner (whoever you are) enjoys it as and is as inspired by it as I was making it!

Etsy shop update: New Mr. Darcy photos

2011-02-24T11:31:00.000-05:00

My Mr. Darcy print has been needing some new photos. The ones I had in the shop just did not do him justice. Now that Spring is on it's way we get plenty of sunny days and plenty of photo opps. I bought this frame at Target. I think it suits Mr. Darcy, does it not? I took the photos in my bedroom in case you are wondering. Yes, I have amazing wallpaper in my room. Lucky me the previous home owner had an appreciation for vintage florals. You either love this wallpaper or you hate it.

What side of the fence are you on? And while you are at it how do you like the new photos? =)

FREE Valentine's Day Printables!

2011-02-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

Download Here

Thought I would share the love with my readers and offer these Kid's Valentine's as free printables. If you are anything like me you have probably waited until the last minute to get Valentine's for your kids to give out at school. Have no fear: EC Design is here! Your kids will be the talk of the class, for sure. ;)

Hope you enjoy them! Happy Valentine's Day, sweeties!

P.S. Please be kind and give credit or link back if you blog this!

{Images owned by Elizabeth Caldwell Design and not to be re-sold}

Drool Worthy: Chalk Lettering by Dana Tanamachi

2011-02-10T19:33:00.001-05:00

This is what I am currently drooling over. I got the link from a friend on Twitter a little while back and I just can't stop staring at these gorgeous images. You all know how much I love type. This is just AH-MAY-ZING. I want to be BFF's with Dana Tanamachi. Seriously. And I want to paint all my walls in chalkboard paint so I can practice and hopefully - one day - be as amazing as this.

Spring is in the air at MillaLove

2011-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Paper Flower Cupcake Toppers - $28.00 for 12

Hair Accessory Bow and Clip holder - $24.00

Strawberry Bloom Flower Custom Cupcake Toppers - $34 for 24

I stumbled upon an Etsy shop called millalove today that I had to share with you. Not only are the handmade paper goods in this shop adorable but the photos are lovely too. So reminiscent of Spring and renewal. I can almost feel the warm sun and hear the ice cubes clinking in my glass of lemonade as I sit on my porch. Maybe I am just imagining it all because I am so over winter!

Whatever it is, I'm glad I found this shop - just the sunny, cheerfulness I needed today. =)

OOAK Hand Drawn Moleskines - To list, or not to list

2011-02-02T12:45:00.002-05:00

Worked on this Moleskine recently. I was itching to get back into drawing after mailing my Sketchbook Project and I had some blank ones lying around. I was thinking of doing OOAK moleskine's like this with different sayings and quotes, similar to my Sketchbook Project pages, and selling them on Etsy.

I would scan the art of course so it's not completely lost to me forever. It's hard enough to let go when you have a copy. Would you like to see these in my shop? =)

*Update* I have since listed this lovely moleskine and it sold to a lovely customer that is raving about her purchase. So glad it went to a good home. Stay tuned because I will be making more!! =)

**Update The original moleskine has long since sold in my Etsy shop but you can now own a print of the middle photo available at my Society 6 shop. Get yours here. I will also be making more of these moleskine's so stay tuned! Thanks for all of your feedback and love! xxoo Liz

Desktop Calendar Giveaway & Interview on Paper*Cakes Finds!

2011-02-02T12:28:00.000-05:00

Have you had your eye on my desktop calendar for a while but were hesitant? Now you have NO excuses! I am giving away THREE yes, THREE calendars to three lucky winners and the lovely Chelsea at Paper*Cakes Finds is hosting. Wheeeeee! Love her blog, don't you? Always filled with delicious pink things and awesome Etsy finds. While you're there you can learn a little bit more about me. =) Good luck!

New Baby Shower Invite Designs for Simply to Impress!

2011-01-26T14:36:00.001-05:00

These designs are all available now through Simply to Impress. They come packaged in a gorgeous box with a thank you note. The box is so pretty - you won't want to throw it away!

Will be doing lots of new designs for them for the next several months so keep your eyes peeled - I'll be blogging about them for sure. So excited about this new business relationship! Yay!

Sketchbook Project: Lovely little mention on Made by Nelle!

2011-01-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

Just ran across a lovely blog post by Nelle of Made by Nelle about her Sketchbook Project and a few of her favorite participating artists and I was included in her list!! Her sketchbook is amazing....LOADS of texture, collages and beautiful color. Love this next one in particular.

Her theme was "If you lived here." She also mentioned some other artists {totally fascinated with the sketchbooks of K at A Place to Dwell and Kim at Art Equals Happy} that are worth a peek and a definite check-out if you are going to be seeing the books on tour. I am. And I can't wait! So many sketchbooks to check out, so little time! How will I ever see them all?? Think I will have to spend the whole day at the Brooklyn Art Library. Fine by me!

So who are your check-out worthy Sketchbook Project Artists?

Tiny Prints Blog - Red and Aqua Birthday Inspiration

2011-01-15T09:44:00.001-05:00

Love this Red and Aqua Inspiration Board via Tiny Prints Blog. They featured my Velvet Cupcake Birthday Invite too!

Sketchbook Project: Catching Up

2011-01-10T13:54:00.000-05:00

Haven't blogged about Sketchbook Project in a while so I have tons to show you. Here is a page that I did a while back and I have since then gone back and colored the right page. I do this a lot. As you can see I never finished the page on the left hand side. I do that a lot too. Considering this Sketchbook Project is 'A Day in the Life' of me I thought why not? SO many things go unfinished in my life anyway!

The next few spreads are pages 24 - 29. The dance spread was done while waiting for my daughter to get out of tap class. I illustrated all the tap steps she has learned so far. The others were inspired by The Beatles, as if you couldn't tell. So many of their songs are so relevant to different stages of my life. This stage happened to be a bit of a rough patch and I really felt I needed Help. Thank you Beatles. =)

I can't believe my sketchbook is due January 15th already! Five days to finish up 6 or so spreads. Can I do it? Have you shipped your sketchbook out yet??

Sketchbook Project Featured on Doodler's Anonymous!

2011-01-04T14:03:00.000-05:00

My Sketchbook Project has been featured on Doodler's Anonymous! What a lovely way to start the New Year! In case the name of the site still leaves you pondering what the heck DA is, it's a site dedicated to doodles and doodler's of all kinds. Some really lovely drawings and artist's are featured. That's why it's such an honor for me!

They have a lovely little community you can connect with there too. By signing up it enables you to create a profile with an avatar and a little bio. This enables you to 'like' posts and comment on them as well. They are also on Facebook and Twitter if you care to fan them up or follow. They tweet all their new blog posts.

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday and a very happy New Year. I had a wonderful few weeks off, myself. Although it's never really a vacation when you have kids and a million things to do. Still nice to catch up with family and really enjoy each other's company though. Looking forward to posting LOTS of Sketchbook Project pages this week! Deadline is fast approaching and I'm not even done! (Cue Panic Attack)

Happy 235th Birthday Jane Austen!

2010-12-16T19:21:00.000-05:00

What better way to celebrate Jane Austen's Birthday than with an Etsy Treasury and a short story written by a fabulous Austen Fan Fiction writer? No better way, in my opinion.

Mr. Darcy is truly honored to be featured amongst so many lovely handmade Austen-inspired goods. Jane would be proud.

Jane would be especially proud of my favorite Twitter friend and authoress Jane Odiwe. How fitting that her name is also Jane? I love that! You can read her lovely little short story on her blog. And if you are looking for some reading material why not pick up one of her books? These are both on my wish list. =)

Desktop Calendar SALE in my shop!

2010-12-14T21:13:00.000-05:00

From now until December 24th Desktop Calendars are 30% off in my Etsy shop! Get them while they last at this price and before the New Year hits! Use coupon code CAL30 at checkout.

{ ecdesign.etsy.com }

Mr. Darcy Print Featured on Re-Nest: Wall Decor

2010-12-14T08:26:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning to the most wonderful news via Etsy convo! My Mr. Darcy print has been featured on Re-Nest in an article titled Wall Decor: Men of Literature. What a perfect place for the proud Mr. Darcy to be featured. He is very well pleased, indeed! And so am I!

Printsource 2011 NYC Promo

2010-12-12T23:50:00.000-05:00

January 10 - 12th, 2011 in NYC!

Black and White - Gifts for the Monochromatic

2010-12-12T20:26:00.000-05:00

Another Treasury! This one goes out to the lovers of the simple elegance and beauty of black and white. Now there is a color combo that will NEVER go out of style!

See this treasury here. Be sure to share the treasury love!

Gifts for the Typophile - An Etsy Treasury

2010-12-12T19:10:00.000-05:00

Just created this lovely treasury of handmade goods for type and design lover's! Being a designer and lover of type myself I would love anything in this treasury (hint, hint). Hope Santa reads my blog. ;)

Make sure you click on the items and share the link! Let's see if we can get this on Etsy's Front Page!

Click here to get to the treasury.

New Holiday Party and Baby Shower Invite Designs!

2010-12-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

Some of these are already available for purchase through SimplytoImpress.com. Working on some Thank You cards for them at the moment. Will be sure to share when I'm done!

The Bird's Nest design will be available in blue as well as green. The Baby Buttons will also be available in pink and green.

Christmas Designs

2010-11-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

These were Holiday Designs that I did for Tiny Prints that were not accepted...wish I had remembered I had these before. Maybe add them as digital downloads to Etsy? Save them for next year?

Holiday Greetings for Tiny*Prints!

2010-11-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

Numeral Tree Flat Holiday Card

Numeral Tree Folded Holiday Card

Numeral Tree Folded Holiday Card Alternative

Pressed Delight Folded Christmas Card

Pressed Delight Flat Christmas Card

Pressed Delight Flat Christmas Card Alternative

Holly Wrapping Tri-fold Holiday Card (outside)

Holly Wrapping Tri-fold Holiday Card (inside)

Marvelous Mistletoe Flat Holiday Photo Card (also in folded)

Candy Bowl Flat Holiday Photo Card

Candy Bowl Flat Holiday Photo Card Alternative

I love this time of year! Time to plan Thanksgiving Dinner, take family photos for holiday cards, and prepare for the Holidays with lots and lots of shopping! So excited to have some holiday designs available on Tiny*Prints this year. Problem is I can't make up my mind which I am going to send out myself! I think I'm leaning toward Candy Bowl - although the type lover in me wants to send out the Numeral Tree design or the Mistletoe Frame. See? Indecisive! Which would you choose?

Spotlight: Yellow Owl Workshop

2010-11-11T21:17:00.001-05:00

The folks at Yellow Owl Workshop in San Francisco make limited edition paper goods other items for the home. Stumbled upon their work while doing some research and had to share. Their rubber stamp sets have that nice, uneven, handmade look to them. Love the way they are packaged too. Gives the customer an idea of what they can do with the stamps. They have a Landscapes collection that come in packaged in a wooden box with sliding top that you usually find Dominos in.

Don't even get me started on the Correspondence Sets. I am a paper freak as you may well know and I just love the look old school air mail envelopes. They took that a bit further and created themed sets. These would make great stocking stuffers for a paper addict like me. *hint hint*

But my all time favorite thing is this Analog Postcard set. That and their Serigraph greeting cards. I could just buy one of everything in this shop. Seriously, someone needs to put a hold on my credit card.

You can find all this and more (yes, there is MORE!) at

Yellow Owl Workshop. Tell them On the Surface sent you.

Trend Alert: The Fantastic Mr. Fox

2010-11-02T09:25:00.001-04:00

Woodland creatures have been around a while but foxes are of particular interest lately. Is it their gorgeous red color? Their cute faces? Maybe it's all to do with The Fantastic Mr. Fox. They do seem to make really good studies for illustration and stuffed animals. Something whimsical yet magical about them.

Foxes can be seen a lot in illustration right now but also textile design, jewelry design, and home decor. Even Pier 1 Imports had a cute fox illustration in their window a few months back. Need more proof that foxes are in like Flynn? Just do a search on Etsy for Fox and you'll see what I mean. Here are my fox faves:

Yee Von Chan on Flickr

I just love Yee Von Chan's Illustrations. They are so dreamy and fairy tale like. Her foxes are the cutest.

Hand pulled Gocco print from Deebeale on Etsy

Print by Traceface on Etsy

Sleepy Woodland Fox by Sleepyking on Etsy

Screenprinted Fox pillows by Sass and Peril on Etsy

One of my favorite people on Twitter and Etsy - Sweet Harvey Letterpress =)

From one of my favorite illustrators on Etsy - Helen Dardik

2011 Desktop Calendars and Pre-order Sale!

2010-10-19T20:53:00.000-04:00

They are finally listed! It took me all day today to get the perfect photos, retouch them in Photoshop, and list on Etsy, but so worth it! Sold one to Teri Beri within MINUTES of listing! I just love her. =)

As you may have noticed I changed the layout of the calendar. (see this post for the original) and I like it much better. More pattern, and the bottom of the jewel case doesn't interfere with the days of the month. These are going to be a limited edition of 50 so if you want one come and get one!

Pre-sale is going on NOW! Get them here. I am offering 20% off until Oct 31st. Calendars will ship November 1st. After November 1st they will be $20 - so get one (or two!) for $16 before they're all gone! These make a great stocking stuffer or gift for a co-worker who loves pretty patterns and paper. (Sounds like a good name for my new Etsy shop!)

Here are all the months laid out. Twelve months of pretty patterns! I know you're swooning right about now. I am actually getting requests for a wall calendar too, so stay tuned!

Sketchbook Project 2011: Back to School Night

2010-10-18T15:40:00.000-04:00

Inspired by my daughter's first day of school and our first back to school night. Time sure flies when you have little ones. Seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital!

2011 Desktop Calendar Sneak Peek

2010-10-13T22:48:00.000-04:00

Wanted to give you a sneak peek of a 4 x 6 desktop calendar I am working on for my shop! Twelve months of patterns and a jewel case to display on your desk. Can't wait to print these beauties and list them on Etsy!

Sketchbook Project 2011: Letting Go (pages 14-15)

2010-10-10T13:56:00.000-04:00

I have finally finished my new pages and took advantage of the sunny days we had recently after all that rain and took some photographs. I will also be scanning the pages and yes, I know what you are thinking, I could have scanned and posted but what's the fun of that? I prefer pretty photos to a digital scan anyhow. Takes a bit more time and planning, but I think it's worth it in the end, don't you?

I've also decided to do something new in regards to my photos and artwork, considering I have recently had some of my work pirated. I will, going forward, be adding a copyright and credit line to my photos and art. I hate to do it, as sometimes it's just distracting - but I feel it's really necessary to protect myself and my work. I think ALL my fellow artists should do this as well. Yes it's a pain, yes it takes more time, yes it's tedious. But definitely worth protecting our work from the miscreants out there that like to steal people's work, call it there own, not give credit, and even (as it happened to me) offer it as free downloads to bring traffic to their site. Yes, this actually happened. Long story.

Enough talk about pirating! Let's talk Sketchbook Project! These are the finished pages for the sneak peeks I posted recently. I was struggling at the time with anger and resentment toward someone. Then I ran across a quote by Buddha: "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." There is so much truth in that. How many of us have done this? Held on to anger and all it does is hurt US? Well I am done with that. Not to say I will never get angry, but I refuse to hold on to my anger. All it does is breed resentment and make me miserable.

I'm not going to lie to you. Forgiving is NOT EASY. If it were, more people would do it and the world would be a better place. But I will say that it is less detrimental to your state of well-being. It is peaceful to forgive. It feels GOOD, even though it's hard to do. So try it sometime. Instead of getting angry and staying angry make peace with the person that made you angry; forgive them for the wrong they did you. They (and your soul) will thank you later. Oh and when in doubt, PRAY or meditate. I'm learning to do this to control my anger and reactions to things that make me fly off the handle. When I'm going through a really tough time then I recite Psalm 23. (Illustrated in the photo above) It helps to know that when I fall and I am at my most imperfect I am still loved and protected, and will always have someone there to catch me when I fall.

Namaste. =)

I love my bag

2010-10-07T17:05:00.001-04:00

I love my bag, originally uploaded by ecdesignz.

Thank you Target for carrying Poketo. I love you more and more each day for it.

Sketchbook Project Sneak Peek

2010-10-05T14:26:00.001-04:00

I have been working on my sketchbook project in between all my other little projects but have been lingering on these four pages. It's that nagging feeling of "not quite done" that's been keeping me from photographing and blogging about them. That and the crummy weather. But I am determined to have them done and photographed by Thursday, which is when the sun is supposed to make an appearance here in North Jersey. But I thought instead of waiting I would blog my "sneak peeks" that I have tweeted. Wait until you see the finished pages! Question to my readers: How do you determine when your work is "finished" and ready for the world to view?

Published with Blogger-droid v1.5.9

Rainy Day Inspiration

2010-10-01T11:21:00.000-04:00

It's been raining in the Hundred Acre Wood (aka NJ). Nothing like rain and a grey day to suck all the inspiration out of you. I don't know about you but on rainy days all I want is to drink tea, cuddle up with a book and nap! I'm sure many of you East Coasters are experiencing this rainy weather and I thought I would cheer you up with some fun rain gear! Nothing makes me want to go outdoors in the rain more than cute rain boots and pretty umbrellas. With these accessories I'd bet you would be more than happy to stand out in the rain. =)

And if you thought these boots were cute wait until you see these umbrellas! LOVE Marimekko but I think my fave is the lace parasol. So dainty and ladylike! Not sure if it's meant to keep you dry or in the shade - but who cares?

From top: tokidoki Discoteca Rainup Boots $48; Joules Adult Patterned Welly Multi-Stripe; Poppy Wellies £32; Rain Level Modello Bianco Boots Euro 69; Marimekko Unikko Compact Umbrella Red & Pink $40; Battenburg Lace Parasol in black $54.95; Bernard Maisner Umbrella Sale $60.00; Sprig Basil Umbrella Tray 6 $49

A Branding Makeover and My First Giveaway! - Winner announced!

2010-09-22T22:47:00.001-04:00

Do you know Jenni20 on Etsy and Twitter? You should. And if you didn't before you will now. I just gave her a branding makeover which included a logo, business card, banner and avatar's for her Etsy shop and blog! Aside from being a teacher by day (and a Janeite like myself) she also makes the most adorable travel accessories; everything from passport covers to travel laundry bags and shoe bags in really cute fabrics!

Pictured above are samples of her passport cover design and lingerie bag. In celebration of her new look the lovely Jenni20 Designs will be giving away a lingerie bag in a fabric of your choosing AND a passport cover in a coordinating color/print. Isn't that FAB? I know you want these.

Here are the ways you can enter to win:

Visit Jenni20Designs on Etsy and tell us what your favorite item in her shop is.
Follow Jenni20 Designs Blog
Follow Jenni20 Designs on Twitter
Follow On the Surface Blog
Become a fan of EC Design on Facebook
Follow @ecdesignz on Twitter
Mention this giveaway on Twitter (be sure to mention @ecdesignz and @jenni20designs so we can see your tweets), your blog, or facebook.

Be sure to leave your contact info and entry (for each) in comments below. Winner will be chosen by random on Monday evening Sept 27th and notified by email. Good luck!

The drawing is now closed. The winner is....

Erin according to the Random Number Generator! Congrats Erin!! Thanks to everyone who entered and commented!

Sketchbook Project 2011 Day 12

2010-09-17T13:33:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd do something different this time around. Instead of working on a single page in one day I decided to do a spread. This was completed on Labor Day in Central Park whilst lying on the grass with Belvidere Castle in my view. It was a perfect day. Not too warm, not too cool and not too packed. Not to mention there was no traffic going into the city and free parking on the street due to the holiday. All these things made for a wonderful day out with the kids, despite a few hiccups.

In case you are wondering I used My Sakura Pigma Sensei, and Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, along with some watercolor for this spread. The pens have been my favorite to use so far. It's no wonder they are a favorite of Manga artists. My next purchase will be waterbrushes that I hear from Wendy Wright are amazing. I also want to give Copic Markers a try since I read Kathy Weller's post about them - I just love her progress so far! Cute cute cute! Anyhooooo...hope you are enjoying my journey. I sure am. =)

Trend Alert: Lace

2010-09-16T11:04:00.000-04:00

Lace Evening Bag - MoMa Store: $54.95

I am loving lace at the moment. It's everywhere you look. Being an Austen fanatic it's no wonder why I love that lace is back. Yes, even those lace kitchen curtains your grandmother used to have in her house are trendy so why not raid her attic? Scan in some old lace and make a nice overlay in photoshop for your photos. Wear it, hang it around the house, craft with it, print it - the limits are endless!

Chanel Lace Sunglasses - Spring/Summer 2009

Rockett St. George Lace Tape: £6.50

Nanduti Lace - Karen Barbe Blog

Gretel - Set of 4 White Cake Lace Coasters: $19.00

Large Lace Carpet - Matteriashop: 230.00 EUR

Doily Coasters by Uncommon on Etsy

Lace Duet Stamp Set by Karaku on Etsy: $9.00

Here are my contributions to the lace trend for Wedding Paper Divas. Just had to get on the bandwagon. The lace was time consuming to draw in Illustrator, but very relaxing and meditative. Thank goodness for my Bamboo tablet and pen! =)

Chic Boudoir Invitation - Wedding Paper Divas

Bridal Lace Invitation - Wedding Paper Divas

Something to Inspire you: Hand Drawn Type

2010-09-11T22:55:00.000-04:00

Type on fruit by Sarah King. Type on napkins and toilet paper by SHCH Graphics Group.

This is some of the most amazing hand drawn type I have ever seen. I just love that the 'canvases' are a bit unconventional too. Talk about inspiration! Hope this gets all you Sketchbook Project artist's off your butts and drawing - I certainly have the itch after viewing these!

My new obsession - Japanese Masking Tape

2010-09-10T17:20:00.000-04:00

I am in love with Japanese masking tape lately. I have some rolls that were given to me by my friend Melissa that I still have in the packaging because they are just too pretty to open up and use! Silly, I know. Melissa and I both have an obsession with stationery. We always joke that we both have accumulated enough stuff that we could open up our own shop. Hmm....maybe I can twist her arm?

From the top: Japanese masking tape Set of 3 by PrettyTape on Etsy; Have a Nice Day Jumbo Deco Tape by Charmstore on Etsy; I love Paris Japanese Decorative Tape Set by KawaiiTape on Etsy; Petit Jumble Decorative Tape by Petit Collage; Petit Garden Decorative Tape by Petit Collage; Wild Flowers Decorative Fabric Tape by Cute Tape

Sketchbook Project 2011 Day 10 & 11

2010-09-07T15:21:00.000-04:00

Medium: Pitt artist pens, Sakura pens

This spread is A Day in the Life...of every mom I know! We all find ourselves sounding like our mother's from time to time (admit it). It can't be helped. It's our full-time job keeping our little ones safe and happy and teaching them how to be model citizens. Let's hope it's worth all the screaming and yelling and scolding and they don't live to resent us. =)

I'll bet any amount of money you mom's have said all of these phrases in just one day. I know I have! =)

Which is the one that is MOST familiar to you?

Sketchbook Project 2011 Day 8 & 9

2010-08-27T13:52:00.000-04:00

Medium: pen and ink, india ink markers

I was just coming out of having a tough time at home when I drew this. I reflected on the past few days and the emotional roller coaster I was on and this is what came out. Literally. I had NO IDEA what I was going to draw. It was very meditative and therapeutic. Who knew a moleskin could replace a therapist?

P.S. This is a page my daughter decided to add her artistic touch to. The filled in mouth and hearts were all her. Guess she felt they needed to be black.

The Sketchbook Project - Day 6 & 7

2010-08-27T13:03:00.000-04:00

medium: pen, ink, graphite and colored pencil

This spread was done while we were still in Toronto. James fell asleep on my Mother in Law's couch and I was trying to keep Sophie quiet while he slept. Naps are so vital to a mother's sanity, especially on vacation. Tim Horton's and Second Cup are coffee shops we frequent daily while in Toronto. Coffee is a blessing and a curse to me. I need it to feel complete in the morning but then I suffer from the jitters afterward! Makes my mind race too...hence the insanity.

In other news, I recently blogged at Sketchbook Project Doodleheads about the fear sketchbook artists (and artists in general) experience when faced with their first blank page. Check it out and comment if you can. Sketch you later!

New Designs in Encore Studios Holiday Book

2010-08-25T00:31:00.000-04:00

Love is die-cut and stamped in a pale bronze shiny foil

Complete message: Love, Joy, and Everything in between

Joy is stamped in deep red shiny foil to contrast the lighter color of the first stamping

If you follow me on Facebook you might have seen my update about some good news I had to share with you all. So here it is - Encore Studios has chosen 5 of my designs for their Holiday 2010 book! I just paid a visit to my old Art Director there today and saw the dummy book and picked up some samples. They look GORGEOUS! So much better than my mock-ups and flat print-outs. So nice to see the actual die-cuts and foil stamping on the right paper. When I design these cards I design them in Illustrator with die-lines and flat colors to represent foil stamping. There is obviously no way to make an inkjet mock-up look anything like a finished piece. I'm good, but I'm not THAT good. Which is why I am so excited about these. I get so attached to my designs and I love to see them come to fruition and get the treatment they deserve.

New Year card with Fireworks stamped in silver and gold

I took lots of photos to share with everyone but I am terribly disappointed with how they turned out. Not much I can do with overhead dining room lighting. I usually take my photos using natural light but I did promise to share my news tonight and I knew tomorrow would come and go and I would never get to this post, so I just bit the bullet. Wish you all could see them in person - the photos don't really do them justice. You WILL be able to see them in person when the book launches and is displayed by Stationers all over the country though! Go to Encore Studios' website and find out who carries their holiday book in your area and pop in and see them in person. Maybe order some? =)

Thanks for sharing in my wonderful news! Hope you like the designs! Which one is your favorite?

This card uses holographic foil on the hanging ornaments to give it sparkle

The Christmas Tree is stamped in red foil while the topper and the stars are shiny silver foil

Snowflakes are knocked out of the red foil to show the paper underneath

A Polar Bear family cuddling under the falling snow - this one is my favorite!

The papa bear's paw 'hugs' his family while the baby bear's ear works as a slot and tab to hold the card closed

Papa bear tucks underneath baby bears ear. I just love what you can achieve with die-cuts.

Inside message fits the artwork on the outside of the card

The bears are outlined with a shiny silver stamping and die-cut from a duplex paper

This card uses die-cuts, foil stamping, and peekaboo flaps

Each present has a different pattern stamped in an array of golds and bronzes

The paper used is white with a gold iridescent sheen

Each present holds a holiday 'gift' inside

Sketchbook Project 2011 - Day 4 & 5

2010-08-23T11:08:00.001-04:00

Sketchbook Project - Road Trip, originally uploaded by ecdesignz.

This spread was completed while on my Toronto trip. Second Cup is a popular coffee spot there. The Russian dolls are from my mother in law's place - my daughter always goes straight to them and loves opening them up and putting them back together. The flowers were drawn on a day we went to the park. Oh yeah and the bed? The four of us stayed in a queen sized bed our first night. I wouldn't advise you try this. Especially if you have a rather large husband and 2 very tossy-turny toddlers. =)

On the Road Again...

2010-08-19T18:45:00.000-04:00

So as you may or may not know I was in Toronto last week visiting with my husband's family. I didn't have much time to do the tourist thing but I did manage to take some shots with my Droid from the road. Mostly in the car, on the road. We had a very busy week with visiting people and catching up. The kids had a blast. It was stressful, as almost every trip up there is because we are pulled in so many directions, but fun nonetheless. It was more time than we have spent together as a family this whole year so we really needed that, even if most of the 'relaxing' time was in the car when the kids were asleep. A twelve hour drive with a two and a four year old is not for the faint at heart, let me tell you.

Most of the photos here were taken in my car o the way back home along I-95. The last shot is a bit blurry but it was a sight for sore eyes - New York City 90 miles. That was when I knew we would be home sweet home soon. It's always good to come home.

All photos taken using FX Camera app for Android using the Toycam or Polandroid. FX Camera is free from the Android Market.

Sketchbook Project 2011 - Day 2 and 3

2010-08-19T13:42:00.001-04:00

I did this spread quite a while back, but with my trip to Toronto last week my blogging was put on hold. I actually have more pages to blog about that I did while in Canada - hoping to get to that this weekend. Hopefully I can squeeze in some more sketching too.

Remember my theme? A Day in the Life? Well these represent a day at the beach and obviously what I am currently reading at the moment. Which, if you know me via Twitter, will come to NO surprise!

If you are wondering it is all done freehand with my Sakura pen which I LOVE. It doesn't bleed or run and it's smudge proof. Writes beautifully on the thin moleskine paper too. I mentioned using this pen on the Artist's Participating in the Sketchbook Project Group on Facebook run by my high school friend Mary Beth. I have an addendum to my claim that it does not bleed through the pages. It doesn't BLEED but you CAN see the drawing through the pages. (See the image below) The paper is unfortunately thin so I expect anything would show up. It doesn't really bother me though. I like the imperfectness of it all. The spontaneity. That is my life, after all. Nothing planned, fly by the seat of my pants, constantly experimenting. So it works for me. =)

What have you drawn in your sketchbook lately? Leave me a link in comments to your blog if your blogging about it! Also be sure to join the Facebook group to get in touch with other participating artist's from all over the world. There is also an official group here that you can 'like'.

Happy sketching!

Retro Camera App - Photo of the day

2010-08-05T19:29:00.001-04:00

Taken with the Pinhole camera on my Samsung Behold II Android

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Tiny Prints Blog Feature!

2010-08-04T12:32:00.001-04:00

You can find my invitation on tiny*prints by clicking here - also available in green & pink

I was just on Facebook and saw a post from Tiny Prints about their weekly Inspiration Boards and saw that my Stork invite was featured in this board! I love little surprises like that! I love the Stork cookie and antibacterial lotion with the Stork label. Kind of wishing I was planning a baby shower for someone right now because I really love this theme. What's your favorite baby shower theme?

Photo of the day

2010-08-03T08:31:00.001-04:00

Taken with Retro Camera app for Droid

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8

Photo of the day

2010-07-31T10:32:00.001-04:00

Taken with FXcamera Toycam for Droid

Published with Blogger-droid v1.4.8