Sketchbook blog

In January 2020, I sent off another series of hand painted ornaments to Artomat . Each wooden round is cut from either maple or oak wood. Every ornament has an original watercolor flower,  a vintage stamp (usually international),  and an inspiring word or phrase because these are from my Little Inspirations series:  floral fun + an inspiring word. I hope you enjoy these little delights.

In fall 2019, I created a series of wooden egg people called Wee Forest Folk . These little gnomes are based on people I actually know in real life or names my family has made up around the house.  We all have special names for each other, with a Dickensian twist. All of these natural, sustainable, & non-toxic toys have sold at the Owl & Rabbit Gallery in Burlington, NC. Elmer Oakenhurst has my Dad's handlebar mustache.  I hand-painted little gems from the forest floor on his body. Niven Evensong was named for a man who worked for my Dad when I was just a child.  In real life, Niven gave me a Western Barbie when I was just 3 years old.  This Wee Forest Folk Niven is in charge of constellations and the magic of the outdoors during the night. Lovey McDuffins is a name that we call my youngest child, Nate, our baby who is just 2 years old.  Just like Nate, Lovey spreads love and cheer to all who know him.  He name is also a throwback to Lovey H

I recently sent a new batch of updated Endearing Young Charms to Art-o-mat . Fall and winter berries and leaves feature prominently in this small ornament series of Endearing Young Charms.

I sent off another 50 small wood rounds to Art-o-mat at the end of September 2019. You can see my packaging in the background of this shot.  I tried to limit my color palette and focus on tropical flora inspired by Matisse.  I really enjoyed painting this red coral. My goal has been to finish 100 pieces of work per month, but lately I've experienced some family tragedies that have taken over my time and emotions.   So to highlight the positive, here are some cute pictures of the family having fun in September.

In August, I sent 2 more batches of 50 pieces to Artomat HQ. Here are some Matisse coral and 2 tiny plums. I also included some black-eyed Susans and some more coral. I love painting this small still lifes on wood rounds.