Diana Evans - Illustration and Design

love doors......especially ones like this.....

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

oh this door makes me so happy!!!!!

http://pinterest.com/pin/58828338852321593/

Sweet Saturdays - Week 43 - Come join in the fun.....

2012-01-28T00:14:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 043 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturdays week 43 post.....taking a sweet breather!!!!

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!!!!

I am having the Sweetest week ever....will fill you in more once I take a breather and enjoy all of the wonder around me!!! Hope you are all having a super amazing weekend.....may it be filled with family and friends and new wonderful Memories!!!! Here is a little illustration I did to remind us to enjoy all of the sweet little things around us!!!!!

Happy Sweet Saturdays!!!!!

"Bee" Mine Valentine's Day download...... and some flowers in colour....Enjoy!

2012-01-24T10:15:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone.....I have been getting into the spirit of Valentine's Day as I plan some fun art stuff for class and thought I would share these cute Valentine's with all of you....you can click here to head to the PDF download and create these for your little ones or for yourself....These would make any one's day sweet as honey!!!!

Pin It

I also coloured in the flowers I created the other day.....here is a bouquet for all of you!

Happy Tuesday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!!

Monday Cake Decorating Class....Cupcakes!!!!!

2012-01-23T13:55:00.001-05:00

Another super fun day at our Cake Decorating Class.....this week we focused on creating flowers for cupcake tops....It was a super fun class and I love making cupcakes so these will be the way I decorate them from now on.....We will be learning all sorts of amazing things in the coming weeks.....we also signed up for the second set of classes.....Course II will be amazing.....all about intricate flowers and design!!! can't wait....

This week I made some very yummy vanilla cupcakes that I filled with a most scrumptious pistachio custard....these will be all heading to work with Brad....so the boys can have some sweets with their coffee....

....we learned all of these in our class today ....

super fun and a great way to start the week....

Well Happy Monday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!!

Sunday Sketch.....flowers!

2012-01-22T12:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

Tomorrow I am back at Cake Decorating Class....this time all ready to learn about flowers and fun ways to decorate cupcakes....and you know me and cupcakes!!! Love them and I am really enjoying this class.

I have been practicing before class and created some florals....so here are some of my samples....and in light of the flowers on my mind I decided to do a floral sketch for Sunday Sketches.....

Happy Sunday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!! I will post what happens at our Cake Decorating class tomorrow!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 42 - Come join in the fun.....

2012-01-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 042 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturdays week 42 post.....oh these just make me so Happy!

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!

Happy Sweet Saturday....today I am sharing a super sweet site I found that has Vintage Valentines for you to download and enjoy!!! Just in time for the Season on Love....Imagine what fun it would be to mail some of these to some special friends just for kicks!!! I love them!!! Just head to Tipnut

They have two posts.... Here is the first one and Here is the second one......

Enjoy!!!

Spring in Paris........and a baby tooth for the Tooth Fairy!

2012-01-20T00:33:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!!!

What a wonderful week.....we have been working on all sorts of projects and enjoying quality family time....I have a new Watercolour I just finished all about Spring in Paris.....so I am sharing it with all of my friends over at Paint Party Friday.....

Cole was super excited Wednesday when he lost his first baby tooth.....He could hardly wait to leave it under his pillow but I had to make a little tooth holder for him....so I quickly designed and sewed up Toothy.....he has a mini heart pocket in the front for teeth and a big pocket in the back for the Tooth Fairy. She was very sweet to leave him $10.00 for a fun shopping spree....I think he will end up buying some cars with it....even though the Tooth Fairy hinted to get a new tooth brush.....lol

Happy Friday and Happy Creating!

Meet the Croatian dancers....I had to make her a partner too....

2012-01-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

The other day I worked on the girl dancer sketch and finally finished her and her friends in colour...then I had to make them some boy partners so he came to life lastnight....and today I finished colouring him and his friends.....so now I have a whole line of these super fun prints in my Etsy Shop.....I am also going to make these prints for my parents....they will be so proud!!!

Well Happy Wednesday Everyone!!! and Happy Creating!!!

My Paper Rose Heart Wreath.....what a fun project!

2012-01-17T13:20:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone.....as you may have figured out I am in love with making paper flowers....so the other night we finished up our Heart Paper Rose wreath and I love it!!! It will be used to help with our Valentine's day decorations....I may hang it or use it as a centerpiece.....Imagine what you can make with paper...

Love this!!!

Happy Tuesday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Cake Decorating Class week II - Decorating our first cake in class....what fun!

2012-01-16T17:07:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! I am having such a great time at Cake Decorating School....today we learned all about technique and decorated our first cake in class....it is a very simple design ....but it was so much fun....

If you can take a cake decorating class with some friends it is a wonderful way to learn and enjoy some fun times together.....

I am a very good baker....but never focused on the decorating so this class is exactly what I need to make my cakes pretty!!!!

For today's class I baked a double chocolate cake.....from scratch and made a Chocolate Mint pudding for the middle....and then added mint to my icing....I love Chocolate and Mint....but I am not having any cake for a while.....so my boys will be enjoying all of these treats I bring home from class.....

Happy Monday Everyone!!! and Happy Creating!!!!

Sunday Sketch.......remembering Croatian folklore dancing .....

2012-01-15T10:40:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone....and Happy Sunday.....

When I was growing up I was in a Croatian folklore dance group and we used to perform all over the place....it was so much fun to wear intricate designed garbs and learn all about dance....So I whipped up this sketch as I remembered those years of dancing.....so these dancers came to life in my sketchbook.....

I am sharing these with all of my friends over at Sunday Sketches.....

Happy Sunday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 41 - Come join in the fun.....

2012-01-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 041 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturdays week 41 post.....

2012-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! I always love to create with my sweet Niece and this is what we just worked on.....Paper Roses!!! We had the most fun creating these amazing flowers and we will make a ton of them for a special Valentine's Day Heart wreath....It was the sweetest time getting together to create so I am sharing these beautiful paper roses with all of my friends for Sweet Saturdays!!!!

Happy Saturday Everyone!!! and Happy Creating!!!

Every Baker must prepare magic!

2012-01-13T14:04:00.002-05:00

Just making a fun little piece all about addition and the fact that every Baker must prepare something amazing....Prepare being the theme this week for Illustration Friday....I just couldn't help myself!!! these are all little sketches I did as inspired by my cake decorating class!!!

Happy Friday Everyone ....and Happy Creating!!!

Would you take the last cupcake?

2012-01-12T09:42:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

You all have heard about this year being a "all about me" year....and that is why I am picking up things that I find that may inspire me to think about things more....things in my life and around me....In light of the fact that I am all about celebrating the Present Moment....I had to pick up this cute card set...called 50 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment.....I am only on card one....but it is very interesting and I love the art on each card.....very inspiring.....

The first card is all about our fears and inhibitions that may hold us back .....so a perfect focus on seeing why we haven't followed our hearts and our dreams to achieve something.....well this year I am throwing out all of my fears and inhibitions and taking a leap of faith in all aspects of my life....

so for fun I created this little cake stand piece with one cupcake.....

If you were out at a big gathering.....and there was only one cupcake left....Would you take the last cupcake?

Do you care what other people think? ask yourself how you would be different if you didn't care......

Happy Thursday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Had a lot of fun in Cake Decorating Class .....and here are some inspired sketches...

2012-01-10T13:48:00.002-05:00

Oh what fun!!! I am so happy that I joined my old High School friend Linda at Cake Decorating Class....we had so much fun at our first lesson where we learned all about icing and tools and cake stuff....it was a laugh and a half and we had a great time.....I have always done things my way when it comes to cake decorating so this will be a nice way to learn the proper methods......

I also was inspired to create some new sketches after taking our first class!!! and I left my icing in the piping bag so Cole could have some after school fun....he was so cute the morning of my class...."Mommy....you are going to school just like me...."

I can't wait to make these roses for my cupcakes!!!!

or this coffee cake....lol

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!! and Happy Creating!!!

Move over cake boss.....lol...here we come!

2012-01-08T18:51:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone!!!!

I wanted to share some new sketches with you today....but I have been busy getting ready for a fun Cake Decorating Class that starts on Monday morning!!! How exciting is that....I almost feel like a kid in the candy store....I can't wait to head to this fun class and hook up with one of my High School Friends....Linda!!!!So move over cake boss!!! here we come..........

So today I had to pick up my kit for the course and it is jam packed with some amazing tools...I can't wait to create with icing......

and you know I had to make some homemade stickers to embellish my cake decorating kit....so I did and I love it!!!!

All ready for a fun day tomorrow!!!

Happy Sunday and Happy Creating!!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 40 - Come join in the fun.....First one for 2012!!!!!

2012-01-07T00:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 040 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

Sweet Saturdays - week 40 - thinking about hearts.....and cake decorating!

2012-01-07T00:00:00.003-05:00

My Sweet Saturdays Post!!!

Hi Everyone.....I was just thinking about what I will be making for Valentine's day desserts....

and came across this fun idea...cute little mini cakes...how adorable it this!!!! I love it....

I also have some sweet news...This week an old friend of mine from High School....and I are taking our first week of cake decorating classes!! how sweet is that!!! I can't wait to take the class....and share what we learn with all of you!!!!

Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

Hugs

Diana

I also wanted to share this cool cake I found on Pinterest

imagine the children's faces when this thing comes out!!!! SWEEEEEEEET!!!!!

Paint Party Friday.....how about a classy bird!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday Everyone.....I am sharing this bird piece with you all even though I am not too thrilled with the way it turned out....I will have to work on a new one till I get it right....I am sharing this with all of my friends over at PPF this week and can't wait to see what everyone has been working on!!!

I am having a wonderful week....this year is going to be all about me....One night over dinner we were all talking and I said it out loud....this year will be all about me....It was quite funny ....the first thing my husband said to me was...."Isn't every year about you" lol......

I am going to take a lot of time to focus on me and the things that I love....I find sometimes as Moms and Wives we get too wrapped up in taking care of everyone else...so I am deciding to take care of me for a change.....

Happy Friday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!!!

Brrrr......it has been pretty chilly around here.....chilly enough for some bunnies to go skating that is!!!

2012-01-04T22:39:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

it has been a really chilly few days here....I think all of the water is frozen on all the ponds and this makes it perfect for some fun skating.....I loved skating as a kid....we used to have a little pond in our forest when we were growing up and it was so much fun to head out there and put on our skates and go around and around....what a great memory....How is the weather where you are? are you into skating this winter? We were just talking about skating and so this skating bunny came to life in my sketchbook.....

I also remember all of the fun skating we did at the local arenas....and the taste of hot cocoa and sponge toffee....what fun!!! I loved it....

Happy Wednesday Everyone....and Happy Thursday....since my post is a little late tonight......and Happy Creating!!!

Let's head to Hawaii....for some coffee cake......

2012-01-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

I have been sent this Hawaiian Coffee Cake recipe and it was mentioned that this recipe is one of the top ten recipes in this category........but I need you all to try it since I started my diet on Monday!!!

Cooking Time: 45 min

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 ounce Hawaiian coffee liqueur (or any coffee liqueur)

2 ounces softened chocolate (semi-sweet)

3/4 cup milk

3 1/2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat oven 350 degrees F.

Cream together butter and sugars.

Beat in eggs.

Add salt, vanilla, soda, liquer, and chocolate.

Add in milk and then flour, beating alternately. Beat for 3 minutes.

Add baking powder. Beat 30 seconds.

Add coconut.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. You can also bake 30 minutes for regular layer cake. Makes a 9x13 cake.

Icing

3 tablespoons butter (softened)

2 cups powdered sugar (add more if too soft)

1 ounce rum or coffee liqueur

1-1/2 ounces heavy cream

Blend and beat for 3 minutes. Spread icing onto cake.

So let me know if you try it out and what you think about the cake!!!

Happy Tuesday Night and Happy Creating!!!!

My word for 2012........

2012-01-02T18:57:00.000-05:00

I was visiting one of my blog friends yesterday, Cathy Bueti and noticed she picked a word to represent 2012 ....just one word.....so I though this was a great idea....and I thought about many things in my life and what word would best suit my plans for 2012....and with all that pondering my word was picked....

I will let you know how this word will be my focus for 2012....in all aspects of my life....

If you had to pick one word for 2012 ....what would your word be?

Happy Monday and Happy Creating Everyone....

Some of my Bee Sketches wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!!!! Happy New Year Everyone....

2012-01-01T11:56:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

I always love the start of a whole new year.....so many things to put on lists....so many opportunities...so much time.....I love it....it is like getting a new sketchbook and starting on a clean fresh page....there is something very special about that.....

Well today I doodled my favorite bees and they are here to wish you all a super sweet and wonderful 2012......May you all be Healthy, Happy and very Prosperous this year.....

I am sharing these cute little bees with my friends over at Sunday Sketches....

Pin It

Happy New Year and Happy Creating!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 39 - Come join in the fun.....Last one for 2011!!!!!

2011-12-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 039 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

Happy Sweet Saturday!!!

http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/

My last sweet Saturday post for 2011.....Sweet Reflections and looking ahead.....

2011-12-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....Wow....Today is the last Saturday of 2011.....New Years Eve 2012.....for my Sweet Saturdays post I am sharing this illustration I worked on to reflect on the last year and look into some of the things that I want to accomplish in 2012.....I love the start of a whole new year.....so much to think about and so many possibilities....like a fresh new canvas....a fresh new sketchbook....it is the start of something and a time to focus.....I will be writing up all of my 2012 Business plans and hopes and dreams....and also will work on updating my Vision Dream Board.....I have some things to change and things to add....and it is always nice to focus on our Dreams.....

Wishing you all a wonderful New Years Eve!!! and A Healthy, Happy and Very Prosperous 2012!!!

Happy New Year and Happy Creating!!!

A few new paintings to share right before we end 2011.....what a wonderful year!

2011-12-30T00:02:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

Again...I can't believe it is Friday already.....and that Christmas was last week....and that a whole new Year is upon us.....I wish time would slow down just a little bit so we don't miss anything.....

Today I finished up my last two watercolour paintings for 2011....wow....what a year for paintings and books and illustrations and fun.....I have learned so much this past year.....and I also hope that I have grown as an artist over the last 365 days.....seems like I was just telling you all about my 2011 business plans and now I have to start planning my 2012 business plans....wow is all I can say.....

These two latest paintings were so much fun to work on....tonight I am bringing this Baby painting to it's new home......I hope they love the way it turned out.....I think this little boy is as cute as can be! and the Pug is another special painting that I will be sharing in my Etsy Shop for Pug Lovers everywhere.

Finally....I am sharing these two paintings with all of my wonderful friends over at Paint Party Friday....it has been a wonderful time with all of you and I hope 2012 brings us more great times.....

Happy Friday and Happy Creating!!!!

Pin It

It is a little bit late....but you know what they say....better late than never....

2011-12-28T19:01:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone....it finally feels like Christmas!!!! Lastnight the snow started falling and it was the perfect snow....you know the kind, big slow falling flakes that stick to everything.....the trees looked amazing and we couldn't help but head outside even in the dark to participate in some fun Snow Angels ....snowball fights and just plain fun.....

So today I thought I would share a quick little skater girl sketch inspired by lastnight....and some of our photos from our first snowfall!!!! not enough to build our first snowman of the Season....but enough to make everything feel like Christmas......

Happy Day and Happy Creating Everyone!!!!

Time for a break.....

2011-12-27T11:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!!

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday with your Family and Friends.....We enjoyed an extended long weekend of festivities and fun with our Families and Friends.....now I am a bit run down from all of the rushing around and fun.....so I am keeping my pyjamas on all day and doing nothing!!! sounds pretty good doesn't it....we have all indulged and enjoyed all kinds of yummy treats this Holiday too.....so now it is time to just relax and get back into the swing of things.....

Today I think I will do something.....I have a date with my sketchbook that I have ignored for a few days....we have a lot to catch up on!!!!

Happy Tuesday and Happy Creating!!!

Wishing You and Your Families a Very Merry Christmas......

2011-12-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Wishing you all the most Merriest Christmas ....may you enjoy wonderful moments with your families and friends that will become treasured memories to last a lifetime....

Hugs!!!! from all of us!!!

Christmas Eve was amazing.....we always have our little family traditions.....we head to a park that is all lit up for the Holidays and we walk around and drink hot cocoa....then we feed the ducks and geese by the river and share some great laughs along the way....then we head home for a cozy night of appetizers and our favorite movies for the Holidays....every Christmas Eve we watch "It's a Wonderful Life" and I always cry at the end.....such a great message that we are all important in some way...love it....Then we let Cole open some gifts and play and finally he gets some cookies ready for Santa.......it is a wonderful time of year....and we are so blessed to have our families and friends....Merry Christmas Everyone.....

Cookies for Santa all ready!!!!

I made this plate for Cole's first Christmas and he uses it every year for Santa!!!

Even our dog Minnie feels special during the Holidays.....so cute!!!

Now off for another round of fun and festivities!!!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 38 - Come join in the fun.....Happy Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T02:11:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 038 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

Today is Christmas Eve.....what a wonderful time of year to be with your families and friends....wishing you all the best as you celebrate your Holidays....may you have an amazing time and make new memories to last a lifetime.....

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/

My Sweet Saturdays Post......some Christmas baking ......

2011-12-24T02:10:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!!

Our Holiday baking is done and we thought it was perfect for this week's sweet Saturday post....Our festivities started tonight with a fun appetizer party at our home....and it was a wonderful night that ended in the wee hours of the morning....

Wishing you all the most Merriest Christmas ....may you enjoy wonderful moments with your families and friends that will become treasured memories to last a lifetime...

http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/

Look what I painted.....I just love bees and Ba"bees"

2011-12-23T00:03:00.001-05:00

Everyday I enjoy some sweet honey from the local bees and I am very fond of bees as many of you know...so this past week I worked on some new bees....I call the wee little guys Ba"BEES"....they make me smile every day and they are as cute as can be and a reminder of how important these little creatures our to our planet and our lives.....

So this week I am sharing my new paint projects with you and my friends over at Paint Party Friday.....I hope you all enjoy these little painted delights.....

I know all of my friends over at the hive will love these!!!!

Wishing you a wonderful Friday.....and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Pin It

join me everyday...... http://dianaevans.blogspot.com/

Custom work for one of my clients....Even though I love the beach...I am dreaming of a white Christmas!!!

2011-12-21T17:07:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

Just sharing one of my latest paintings for one of my special clients...I have been so busy that I almost forgot to post this piece.....and since the piece is all about the beach I thought I would also share a piece I did for a meeting with Macy's and Target about a Nautical Christmas.....Santa at the beach soaking up some sun and having one of his favorite tropical drinks.....I know many people head south for the Holidays....but I only did this once and even brought a little Christmas tree....but it wasn't the same....so as always I am dreaming of a white Christmas....but it has been a little too warm here.....fingers crossed!!!!

I don't know where the start of the week went....but it is flying by and I have so much to get done!!! Baking is next on my agenda.....

Happy Wednesday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!!

Pin It

Had to share the work of Fideli Sundqvist with you all...paper art always blows me away.....

2011-12-20T19:50:00.001-05:00

I just stumbled upon the art of Fideli Sundqvist......The young Swedish artist was just featured in Plaza Magazine and I am delighted to write a little about this amazing paper art....it is gorgeous!!!! and so clever....none of my paper food ever turned out like this!!!!

I am working away on some new pieces and getting my last minute Holiday projects complete....so I am feeding you all with this amazing art in this virtual blogland....amazing the talent you can find all over the world!!!

you can also check out her blog here

Thanks to Uncle Beefy for sharing this artist on Pinterest......

Happy Tuesday and Happy Creating!!!!

an invite turns into an addiction....holy inspiration.....

2011-12-19T19:12:00.001-05:00

Source: wowglowingbride.com via Elena on Pinterest

Hi Everyone.....I have been invited to join this whole new craze called Pinterest and today I joined the site....wow....it is a feast for the eyes....and your inspiration....I have been pinning and looking at all kinds of interesting pins from people....

To say the least it is very appealing and I love it....you create your own boards and pin things on your boards....
Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.
Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

So you can find me on Pinterest!!!! I hope you add me to your list if you are on there already....

Sunday Sketches......Some Holiday birds.....

2011-12-18T12:46:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday Everyone......

It has been one Holiday party after another and lastnight we had so much fun at a work Christmas Party for my husband's company.....the children all saw Santa once again and sang songs and then received special gifts that he delivered....it was a wonderful night and Cole always looks forward to Daddy's party.....

Here is a little piece I created with some sketches....a bird, some holly and some poinsettias....Sharing them as my Sunday Sketches this week.....

Happy Sunday and Happy Creating

Sweet Saturdays - Week 37 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-12-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 037 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturdays Post......some Candy in New York.....

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone....I know you are all busy getting ready for the Holidays and I bet many of you are creating some amazing yummy sweet treats....We will be starting our Holiday baking this coming week....what fun!!! in the mean time I thought I would share some sweet photos from our New York trip last week.....and these are literally sweet!!! So grab your toothbrush and check these out.....

Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

The Windows of New York Part II - and Paint Party Friday......

2011-12-16T00:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....I am thrilled to share my latest piece in this super fun series all based on the Shop windows I saw on my trip to New York last week.....this window was so glam for me and I love the mosaic mirror pieces and that antique mirror hanging behind the red lipped lady with attitude.....This project is so much fun....take something you love and get inspired to create something new with a nod to the inspiration piece...Try this out next time you are out.....take a photo of something that caught your eye.....and then work with the colours and the art in the photo to come up with something new....it is so much fun!!!

To check out the first in my series you can head here.......Windows of New York Part I

I also created this special painting for a new Mother.....She just got it as an early treat from me and she loves it...I always love to surprise people with art.....feeds the soul....

I am sharing this with all of my friends at Paint Party Friday this week....so if you need some inspiration....pop by and check out everyone's work.....

Happy Friday and Happy Creating!!!!

My latest series.....the Windows of New York - Part I

2011-12-13T14:04:00.002-05:00

What can I say.....the whole reason I head to New York city during the holidays is to get inspired and the windows along the main streets always blow me away....so I am starting a whole new series of pieces as inspired by some of my favorite shop windows......I located this amazing window on 5th Avenue and was blown away by how much was happening in this window....it was very inspiring to create my first piece in this collection.....and I am happy with the way it turned out.....I think these would be so amazing hung next to each other so I am selling these in sets....photo print and art print......

I think the windows in New York this Season all scream one thing....."More is More"

Well off to get inspired by my next window....

Happy Tuesday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!!

Back from the Big Apple....what a wonderful trip filled with inspiration.....

2011-12-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!!!! we are back from our trip to New York....I love going there during the Holiday Season and head there when I need a little inspiration.........there is so much to see and so much to get inspired by....

The only difference this year was that Cole came on the trip and this was his very first time in New York. He loved it so much that he is already planning his next trip to the big city!!!

I am always a huge fan of the Christmas decorations and the amazing shop windows....not to mention the great food too....it is a place that I am drawn to each year during the Holidays....and this week I will take you on a little journey with me....I will show you some amazing shop windows and some places we enjoyed....and some illustrations that are inspired by this fun little escape....for me New York during the Holidays is like walking into a life size snow globe filled with Holiday Cheer......

Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 36 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-12-10T00:01:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 036 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

Welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturday..........

I am having the Sweetest Weekend.....As you read this post I am in New York City....enjoying all the sights sounds and treats.....I will have a truckload of inspiration from my trip and I will share it with you this week!!!!

Happy Sweet Saturday and Happy Creating!!!

Paint Party Friday .....a trip and some free gifts.......

2011-12-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

It is Paint Party Friday...where did the week go? I am planning a little inspiration trip this weekend....but in the mean time I just finished this painting....I call it "Sunny in Paris" because even when it rains in Paris....there is something to enjoy and look at...simple things that are like sunshine.........so as weird as the title is...this is what I came up with today for my Painting......

This Holiday I have been writing about some free gifts and tutorials for all of my blog friends...so to recap I have included a whole montage of some freebies for you all to enjoy.....Below you will find links to free printable tutorials, free gift tags and illustrations for free projects ....wishing you all the best !!!!

Gift Tags

Gift Tags

Santa Gift Tags

Snowman Gift Tags

Illustrations for your IKEA Cookie cutter ornaments.....

Ikea Cookie Cutter Illustrations

Cupcake Ornament Tutorial

Snowman Treat Boxes

I hope you enjoy creating this Holiday Season....I can't think of a more wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends.....

I am heading away for some inspiration!!!! Just a quick little trip to one of my favorite places during the Holidays!!!! I will fill you in....in the mean time you can leave a comment and guess where I am planning to go!!!

Happy Friday and Happy Creating Everyone !!!!

I am in the giving mood....The Holiday Season makes me so happy....

2011-12-08T00:01:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone....I have created the tags above to share with all of you....you can click here on my Free Gift Tags to get your very own PDF so you can make these super cute Gift Tags for all of your gift giving this year....I hope that you are creating a lot of handmade gifts or purchasing handmade....it really makes a difference.......

In light of the Holiday Season....I am also placing all of my Art Prints on sale in my Etsy Shop.....
There are about 92 Prints in my shop to choose from....I hope you find something perfect for a room in your home.....I frame mine in Ikea Frames with large mattes and they look amazing.......and their frames are cost effective......and can change a room......I love art!!!

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!!!!!!

Made some new Box templates....inspired by Paris....

2011-12-07T00:05:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone....

I have no idea what my fascination with little gift and treat boxes is but I had to make one that is tall and perfect for some of my watercolour Paris Art...so here it is.....a cute little template that I created that would be ever so sweet at any party.....I started creating PDF templates that I sell in my Etsy Shop.....

I design some free ones that I share here on my blog and once and a while I create ones that I sell......

I love creating my boxes and then use stickles to add some glitter......

Well off to work on a new project....

Happy Wednesday and Happy Creating!!!

Making our Gingerbread House........what a great time!!!

2011-12-06T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone....what a wonderful day.....Every year we make a Gingerbread house and this year we made a huge house that is filled with candy!!! Cole was so excited when he came home after school to see a kitchen full of gingerbread, icing and candy.....so we had the greatest time listening to Christmas Music and decorating our 2011 Gingerbread House.....

We have so many laughs and fun when we do this each year....so for fun I thought I would also share a little montage of past years.....so here they are.....we even used our sign, snowman and Santa candy from last years project in our 2011 piece.....

Happy Tuesday Everyone and Happy Creating!!!!

Make sure you create one of these free Calendars for December!!! so cool!!!

2011-12-05T00:22:00.002-05:00

oh how lucky was I to locate this super cool site called " Scout Creative" They have the coolest desktop calendars ever...and you know me and how much I love to create 3D stuff....so this site just made my day....I am happy creating cool stuff with paper....and you know mine will have glitter!!! plenty of glitter!!!

I am off to print this baby up and put it together!!!!

Happy Monday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Some sketches.....for a Happy Pugmas!!!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone.....I have no idea how we thought about pugs today....but here are some sketches I worked on ......I had the phrase Happy Pugmas on the brain and out of it came these illustrations.....I have the initial sketches on watercolour paper so I will be painting them too.....

I am sharing these with all of my Sunday Sketches friends....so Happy Sunday and Happy Creating!!!

Sweet Saturdays - Week 35 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 035 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

My Sweet Saturdays post......Week 35

2011-12-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

what a wonderful week....and it all ended with the most amazing time at our son's school where they had me in for Author's week....The children were as sweet as can be and really make me grateful for what I do each and every day.....I talked about some of my books with them and read a story to them and then showed them my sketch books and walked through my process.....they were so into the whole presentation and my heart was so thrilled with this amazing event.....Every time I see children and their excitement over a book and illustrations I am even more inspired to work harder at what I do.....it is the Sweetest gift anyone could ever ask for.....and I am so inspired with all sorts of new ideas for my future books.....

So for Sweet Saturdays this week, I have a little Gingerbread man watercolour and ink to share with you all along with my Sweet Author Week Story......life just couldn't get any sweeter than this....

Thank you for all of your visits and your support....you all make a big difference in my world....

Happy Sweet Saturday and Happy Creating!
Hugs
Diana

Author Week....Paint Party Friday .....and we are longing for snow!

2011-12-02T00:02:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!! it is Friday already....I have no idea where the week went....but it has been a wonderful week....This week is Author's week and I am attending our son's school today to read my books, show my illustrations and talk about what I do!!! How exciting is that....I always love to visit the children at school and I love to share with them my passion for working on books and art.....I feel very blessed to create each and every day........

It snowed here for the first time this Season....and it was so pretty outside....but it didn't last....so we are longing for more snow so we can make our first snowmen of the season....so today I am sharing these ink a watercolour paintings with you for Paint Party Friday.....Nine times out of 10 our son will ask me to paint a snowman for him...so I painted three......

Well wishing you all a wonderful day filled with creativity......Wish me luck at my Author Event and I look forward to see what you all have been up to.....

Happy Friday and Happy Creating!!!

Hugs, Diana......

Thanks for popping by my blog....and be sure to pop back here tomorrow for Sweet Saturdays!!!

Felt like making some cupcakes today....the zero calorie kind....

2011-11-30T14:06:00.000-05:00

I know I should be working on all sorts of things right about now!!! but what can I say....I had an idea for some really cool treat boxes for a dinner or any party and these cute boxes were born today!!!

I love working on designs that turn into boxes and cute little packages....

What are you working on today?

Happy Wednesday and Happy Creating!!!!

Hugs
Diana

Who says you need snow to make a snowman!

2011-11-29T13:12:00.003-05:00

I was out shopping today and found a cool project to work on.....so here he is....my lantern snowman!!! I had to add some of my favorite green to him so he would fit in with all of our decorations this year!!!

Update!!!! When Cole came home from school....we decided to add some lights to the inside....and now it is even more magical at night......we just need to take a better photo to share....but here it is...

It is rainy and windy here .....but inside we have the fire going and a snowman that will last all year long....
just like the snowman in one of our favorite read these days...

Snowmen all Year ...it is such a fun book to read and I love the work of Author Caralyn Buehner and Illustrator Mark Buehner.....

I am surprising Cole with this special lantern snowman that is hanging in our kitchen.....We both love snowmen....and this one won't melt.....so I can't wait to see his reaction after school!!!!

I also had a request on my Facebook Page about these special treat boxes...so here is the updated link to the template....

Happy Tuesday Everyone!!! and Happy Creating!

Hugs
Diana

Are you skiing yet?

2011-11-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

We have been having very mild weather here.....the other day we beat our record set in 1932....for teh warmest day in November.....so I feel bad for all of the snow lovers that are longing to ski.....

I am enjoying the balmy weather but i sure hope that is snows for Christmas....I love having a White Christmas....

Anyways....today I am sharing a custom commission I worked on for a client this weekend.....this is all about snow and skiing.....it is a gift for someone that is moving to Collingwood....and loves to ski...so I hope they love this ink and watercolour piece......

What do you think? Are you longing for snow yet?

Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!!

Hugs
Diana

Sunday Sketches and Getting into the Holiday Spirit....I love this time of year!!!!

2011-11-27T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!!

What a wonderful week it has been and what a super fun filled weekend....We finished all of our lights outside and enjoyed light up night this past Thursday....and Saturday night we listened to Christmas music, ate treats and started decorating in our home....
I am all about adding my favorite new colour to the scene this year...this lime celadon green just makes me so happy.....and I always love white and black....so this year I had so much fun with my additional green decorations.....

I even had my special Holiday oil burning that smells like candy canes...it was warm cozy and amazing.....so this week for my Sunday Sketches I have Christmas trees as inspired by our decorating and fun!

I hope you pop by Sophia's blog for Sunday Sketches and see what all of our friends have been up to ....

Happy Sunday and Happy Creating!!!!

Hugs
Diana

Sweet Saturdays - Week 34 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-11-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 034 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

Please make sure to add Sweet Saturdays to your blog post and post the URL address of that post and NOT your blog home page URL address as there are many late visitors who get confused as to which post is for Sweet Saturdays when they arrive at your website.

Sharing some fun for Sweet Saturdays!!!

2011-11-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

This week I thought I would share some of the sweet things we have been doing as we get in gear for the Holiday Season....

We have been working on all sorts of fun Holiday Ornaments....you can check out our Cupcake Tutorial here and our Cookie Cutter Ornament tutorial here...

We also attended our Annual Light up night and it was so much fun....we love seeing the light show and walking and drinking cocoa....and ending the night with a stop at Jone's Bakery....yummy! and we were lucky enough to see Santa twice this week....once at the Light up night with Mrs. Claus and again yesterday.....and here is a montage of photos to share for Sweet Saturdays....we sure had a blast!!!!

So be sure to participate every Saturday....

Paint Party Friday....some cookie cutter ornaments all finished and ready to share....

2011-11-25T00:31:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone....as promised...I finished up these fun cookie cutter ornaments I created from IKEA Cookie Cutters......Yesterday I shared with you all of my sketches for this project.....and today I finished the pieces and then cut them out and glued my cookie cutters to the fronts....This project was so much fun....I am sharing the designs with all of you to create your very own cookie cutter ornaments....you will have to swing by IKEA to get a set of these and then you can print off this PDF from my website and enjoy a fun afternoon crafting with your family and friends.....

here are the cookie cutters I picked up from IKEA......the name of these is SNODRIVA

here are my designs...I printed them out on thick matte paper.....cut them out

glued the cookie cutters to the front.....and then all you have to do is add a string or ribbon and voila...some super fun and super unique cookie cutter ornaments ...........

the Snowflake snowman is one of our favorites!!!!

Sharing these with all of you and my friends at PPF!!!

Happy Paint Party Friday Everyone....and Happy Creating!!!!

See you back here tomorrow for Sweet Saturdays!!!

Hugs
Diana

Cooking up more fun Christmas Craft ideas for you.....These are on my desk today.....

2011-11-23T11:45:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone....so great to see you back here at my blog today.....

I don't know about you....but I am a sucker for cookie cutters....to the point where I end up buying way too many of them....so I was out at Ikea the other day with my Mom and we found this cute box of cookie cutters there and I automatically threw them in the cart....My Mom said..."you don't need any more cookie cutters"....but I said I think I have an idea for these.....don't worry Mom....

so here is my idea....

As you can see I did illustrations for each of the cookie cutters above...I traced the cutters basic shape and then worked on some fun Holiday inspired illustrations ......so I wanted to show you my sketches today and I hope to have these all coloured and ready for show and tell right here tomorrow!!!

I am having so much fun with these.....so please pop back!!!! I will also have a freebie download available so you can craft these up with friends and family too......

Happy Creating Everyone!!! Be Creative Everyday!!!

Hugs
Diana

Tutorial Time - Create some Cupcake Ornaments!

2011-11-22T00:40:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone.....yesterday I shared some fun sketches I worked on for this super cute and fun tutorial. As the Queen of cupcakes....I needed to create more cupcake ornaments this year....so I decided to create a super easy tutorial so you could make these. I am sure you will love to craft these with your friends, children, or all by your lonesome.....I am creating boxes of these to give out to special people.....they will make some sweet ornaments on any tree....so Enjoy!!!!

Just click here to head to my Tutorial.....

Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Sunday Sketches....working on a tutorial and wishing my amazing Brother Ignatius a Happy Birthday!!!

2011-11-20T09:34:00.001-05:00

The Art show was so much fun yesterday!!! I met so many wonderful new Artists and enjoyed sharing my art with everyone.....today I am working away on a tutorial so I created some fun sketches for it....and thought I would share them with you here......for Sunday Sketches....

Pop back tomorrow when I will share a fun tutorial for the Holidays....

Today is my wonderful Brother's Birthday....he is the most amazing brother and uncle in the world....Cole sang him a Happy Birthday this morning...and it was the cutest....we video taped it too...and posted it on his Facebook page....adorable.....I made him this card....because him and my husband are avid water skiers....and he loves to ski all summer.......

Happy Creating Everyone....and Happy Sunday!!!

Hugs
Diana

Sweet Saturdays - Week 33 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 033 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

This week for my Sweet Saturday ....I will be spending the whole day at my Art Show....I am so excited to participate in this event......so to share something sweet....I thought I would show you a Spun Cotton Doll I just created lastnight.....this one is all in white....and she is my all time favorite....

I hope you think she is sweet!!!

My Latest Spun cotton Doll....my Sweet Saturdays Share .....

2011-11-19T00:00:00.001-05:00

This week for my Sweet Saturday ....I will be spending the whole day at my Art Show....I am so excited to participate in this event......so to share something sweet....I thought I would show you a Spun Cotton Doll I just created lastnight.....this one is all in white....and she is my all time favorite....

I hope you think she is sweet!!!

Wish me luck!!!! Happy Saturday!!!

Paint Party Friday.....Art Everyday Month......birds anyone....

2011-11-18T00:05:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone....it is that time of year again....I am working on so many new ornaments and created some of my clay birds to go into mini Paris scenes in special birdcages....so here they are as I get them all painted....

I have been so swamped this week....so after the weekend....I will be able to breathe again!!!

I am sharing these sweet tweets with all of my friends at Paint Party Friday and Art Everyday Month.....

Wishing you a wonderful Friday!!!!

Hugs
Diana

Starting to get the Decorations up....and some new wooden projects on the go.....

2011-11-17T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!!!

Happy Thursday.....I am so busy this week that I wish I had more days before the weekend....but I am happy that the sun is shining and I am working away like a busy bee.....Today I thought I would show you some of my Holiday Decor that is coming to life .....I created two gorgeous huge urns that flank our front doors into our home.....I used all of the stuff around our garden to create these and they turned out exactly as I had hoped....

I also created these wooden hearts that will be burned with designs for special ornaments this year....I will update you right here on my blog once I get these started.....

Well off to work away for the Art Show this weekend....so I wish you a wonderful and Creative Day!!!

Hugs
Diana

I can't believe how warm it is....and it is mid November.....

2011-11-16T10:27:00.001-05:00

What a beautiful week it has been....we usually experience colder weather in November....but lately it has been wonderful....We put up our Christmas lights lastnight and it was so much fun without having our fingers all freeze up.....

So here is a special snowgirl....made of sand...so I guess it is a Sandgirl....instead of our usual Snowmen and Snowwomen.....hopefully it stays warm so we can pick more driftwood at the beach for some of our art projects!!!

Well....off to get some more supplies today....I love love love shopping for art supplies.....so I wish you all a wonderful day!

Happy Wednesday and Happy Creating!!!
Create everyday!

Hugs
Diana

Update on my Vintage Spun Cotton Dolls...

2011-11-15T11:48:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone!!!

I am having the greatest week....creating new Holiday things....getting organized and packing up a lot of art for my art show this week.....I love being busy as a bee.....I love creating things that were created over 150 years ago...like these Vintage inspired Spun cotton dolls.....

I prop these up on glasses and things so they add a little touch of fun to a special vignette in any room....

Over 150 years ago in Germany cottage industries produced handmade ornaments spun from cotton. Each was unique. Later, the craft expanded to Occupied Japan and Russia. Today these ornaments are highly prized and collectible but little information is available about how they were made.

This is the way I think they were made...and I enjoy creating each piece.....My favorite part in the whole process...is the embellishing....I have all sorts of amazing fabrics and floral pieces that really make me happy.....

Happy Tuesday and Happy Creating Everyone....

Creative Every Day!!! art every day month....I participate and love this!!!

See what I will be working on all week.....

2011-11-14T12:42:00.002-05:00

I have an art show coming up this week...so I had to work on some of my Spun Cotton Dolls to add to the mix....I love these dolls...whether they are used as ornaments or decorations propped up around the house...they sure make me smile....so here is one I started working on today.....she is inspired by an angel.....I just glittered her wings and her halo and will add the final touches to her once this dries.....I create these every year ....it is a little tradition for the Holidays.....

Then I will be off to create my next one....I am trying to make one or two a day ....wish me luck!!!! These will be my Art Everyday Submissions this week.....Pop back tomorrow to see her all complete and meet the next one!!!

Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!!

Hugs
Diana

I made you a special singing bird....from sketch to colour...here he is....

2011-11-13T09:59:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone......Happy Sunday....

Today I share this special bird to entertain you all....he sings and dances....and wants to get a gig on Broadway of all places.....so here's hoping someone out there spots him and offers him an audition!!! He is heading over to Sunday Sketches....and Creative Every Day to visit all of our friends there....so get to know him before he makes it big!

We are having a wonderful weekend....Saturday we spent the whole day out and about....hiking by the river, shopping and enjoying the huge crowds for Christmas.....and then a stop at the beach to pick up some driftwood for an art project ......

I don't know what it is about driftwood....I just love it....and can't wait to create something with it.....

Here is our big stash we picked up at the beach.....

Happy Sunday Everyone and Happy Creating.....

Hugs
Diana

Sweet Saturdays - Week 32 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-11-12T00:01:00.012-05:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 032 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

This week for Sweet Saturdays...I thought I would share something special with you....This past week....Cole and I were painting with watercolours....and I started him early with his painting....I think he started painting with my big girl paints when he was 2...my good papers and everything.....

He has created a whole series of pretty neat abstracts and some pieces that have truly amazed us.......anyway...the sweet part of my week was lastnight....when he turned to me as we painted and said...."Mommy, I want to paint with you every day" the sweetest words I ever heard.....the best part of my day every day is when we sit together and paint.....

Happy Sweet Saturday Everyone.....

Come for a stroll with me...and then we can stop at the flower shop....

2011-11-11T00:01:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone.....seriously....just going for a walk and looking at Boulangerie windows and Magasins de fleur in Paris would be all I need to make me Happy.....so today I ask you to take a stroll with me .....perhaps we can start at the most famous street in Paris......Avenue des Champs Elysess....and make stops at our favorite Bakeries and Flower Shops....

I think it would be a great idea....don't you......Well today I share with you my latest Parisian Painting inspired by one of those gorgeous street florists.....I could sit right here on the curb all day and sip a latte......

I am sharing this with my friends and Paint Party Friday and Creative Everyday......

I hope you enjoyed a little virtual Paris with me....

and now let us remember.......

Today is Remembrance day.....

I would like us all to remember all the wonderful people that have made our lives better with their service...
Remembrance Day is not just about people from wars of the past. It's about men and women of our communities that have made the ultimate sacrifices for the greater good. It is also about appreciation for the work that they do today and every day to ensure that we all enjoy the special life with freedom. May we all take a moment to reflect....The 11th Month, The 11th day, The 11th hour....and this year....the 11th year....

So please wear your poppy and take a moment of silence to remember ......

Happy Creating......Arevoir!!!
Diana

Won't you join me in Paris......grab a chair!

2011-11-09T16:12:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone....

It was a rainy afternoon here and I decided to head to a warm cafe in Paris....so here is my latest watercolour...I have ordered all kinds of goodies for all of you to join me....if you have ever visited Paris you may have stopped at La Maison Angelina....and enjoyed some warm drinks and sweet treats.....

La Maison Angelina, is a well-known tea room and patisserie located adjacent to the Louvre...so not only can you see the Mona Lisa...you can stop and enjoy something special at this place...( so I added one of my old paintings of Mona Lisa with her cupcake)

Well I am off to work on two tattoo illustrations....and then perhaps another painting....

Happy Creating!!! Be part of Creative Everyday!!!
Hugs, Diana

I am always in the mood for snowmen....are you?

2011-11-08T16:53:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone.....

I am always in the mood for snowmen as many of you already know....they just make me smile!!! I was going to spend the whole day in the Studio today to finish off several of my paintings....but ended up taking a me day and spending the day shopping with my sweet Mom....so we went out and found that all of the shops are full of Christmas spirit ......actually bursting at the seams with Christmas spirit.....

I bought some new things that just made me smile....I will share some with you all this Saturday as I host "Sweet Saturdays" right here on my blog....I also hope you will pop by and share something sweet with us.....

I also came home to some wonderful mail....I just got this banner in the mail for an Art Show that I will be in this month....it made my day ....and Cole loves it too....

Thank you for popping by and I wish you a wonderful day....night,......

and Happy Creating!!! and don't forget to be Creative Everyday!!!

I have a lot of painting to finish tonight.....

Hugs
Diana

I finished my reindeer piece....what do you think?

2011-11-07T12:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday Everyone.....

I have always been a huge fan of the cute reindeer....so when I created the initial sketch yesterday you can see here....I spent some time colouring them in till they made me happy....so here is the finished piece....What do you think? I think I may use this piece on some Holiday Cards .....just add some sparkle like my favorite Stickles from Ranger Ink.....they can add so much to any piece and I love sparkle during the Holidays......I have used many of the colours....but I love the Diamond one and the traditional Gold and Silver ones...I find that the Diamond one is perfect to add sparkle and keep the colour of your piece....so go ahead and glitter something today......

I have 11 more paintings to complete this week....so as I finish my trip to Virtual Paris in these paintings I will post them on my blog.....

Thank you for popping by!!! and Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!

I am playing along with the Sweet Bloggers at Creative Every Day......

Hugs
Diana

It's beginning to look a lot like.........

2011-11-06T08:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Sunday Everyone.....

I was sitting with our son the other day and he asked me why we haven't started decorating for Christmas....I told him it was early.....and not to worry ....we will be decorating before you know it.....It is so sweet how my love of the Holidays has rubbed off on this wee little man.....he really makes me love the Holidays even more....so great to have someone around with the same love for the holidays as me....

You see....I love love love Christmas time.....it is my favorite time of year...
Spending time with Family ,decorating , Listening to Christmas songs on the radio, baking treats ...it is never too early for me....I love everything about it....

So this week....our son inspired me to start thinking about the Holidays and this illustration came to life....It is my Sunday Sketch submission this week.....so join in and share some of your work with Sophia and her Sunday Sketches weekly link up......

I am off to enjoy a Family Breakfast......then a blog hop......and finally back in the Studio tonight to colour this piece and create a few snowmen!!! This whole turn the clock back thing makes me think I got up way too early for a Sunday....lol.....but gaining an hour is always a good thing!!!

Happy Sunday and Happy Creating....

Hugs
Diana

Sweet Saturdays - Week 31 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-11-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 031 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

This week for Sweet Saturdays....I am sharing this Garden Angel I created....I just planted over a hundred tulips in our front garden and also worked on my Holiday Urns....I will take photos of my urns...I am so happy with the way they turned out....What are you up to today?

Happy Sweet Saturday!!!

Let them eat Macarons!

2011-11-04T10:47:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone....I am a bit early to the Paint Party Friday event this week....but can you blame a girl....I just got a shipment of my watercolour paper from France and I was so excited when the courier came that he thought I may have lost my mind....

So what better things to paint on French paper....than a special Ladurée window featuring some colourful and fun treats....so here is my latest watercolour painting....these colours just make me so happy.....

Have you been to Paris and enjoyed a treat at Ladurée? ......and did you know that Ladurée is a luxury cakes and pastries brand based in Paris, France. It is known as the inventor of the double-decker macaron, fifteen thousand of which are sold every day. (That is amazing) They are still one of the best known makers of macarons in the world. I am selling the original painting in my Etsy Shop and prints too.....if you want to see some cute illustrations you have to check out their site....adorable!!!!!!

I am also working on a whole bunch of new watercolour cut out Paris inspired cards.....my shop is running low so I had to!!! these are so much fun to create!

amazing how some special art supplies can make ones week so happy!!!! oh and if you read my blog and love it....you can vote for me.......

I have been nominated....but anyone can also vote for me by heading to the site link here.....you can vote for my blog each and every day till the contest ends....what a wonderful day indeed!!!

Thank you for reading my blog and thank you for your vote....

Nice to know I have visitors!!!!

Hugs and Happy Creating!!!
Diana

Sharing two sweet gifts........

2011-11-02T14:34:00.000-04:00

It is amazing how many wonderful people you can meet in this virtual world of blogging....we may never meet face to face...but we are always sharing ideas and learning from eachother. It is also a nice thing to know that people are reading our blogs and sharing in special friendships....

Today I got a few fun things in the mail....one in my physical mailbox and one in my inbox....

Kat over at her blog Kat's Nature has been creating all sorts of fun things and sharing them with us....she even had a special giveaway hosted on her blog when she reached 100 followers....and the giveaway was to get one of these amazing bird sculptures she creates.....well once the draw was over....what did she do!!!!
She sent every single one of the comment owners a special bird....can you imagine....she sent every single guest a special bird....Thank you so much Kat!!!! I will cherish this special bird always!!!

What a great start to my day!!! and then once I logged into my e-mail I found that someone nominated my blog as one of the top 25 Mom Blogs....what a surprise indeed...

Some Halloween 2011 Memories....while I get rid of my Halloween Chocolate Hangover

2011-11-01T14:27:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone!!!! What a wonderful night we had....Halloween Night was so much fun....we have our family visits and a special dinner at my Mom and Dad's then off into night we went.....I created one last illustration for Halloween 2011....a little Candy Corn Princess.....I hope you like her.....This will be a costume I make in the future.....

and I added a whole montage of some photos from our cute little Pirate's Voyage last night!!!! ARRRRRRRRRRR!!!

Today I have a Halloween Chocolate Hangover....too much good treats for me...I have one weakness...chocolate.....so I enjoyed some treats lastnight....or maybe a few too many.....

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday !!!

Happy Treats and Happy Creating!!!!

The Pirate sure found some treasures!!!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!!

2011-10-31T12:00:00.001-04:00

We carved our pumpkin,
roasted our seeds,
created some grab bags and
tossed in some leaves.....

We made special cards,
and painted our hair,

now off to school for a special affair.

Tonight we enjoy a spooktacular trip!
Costumes and dinner
and a Pirate that's hip!

We wish you and yours a bag full of treats...
be back here tomorrow to see what we've seen!
and in the mean time ...Happy Halloween!

Wishing you a wonderful time...

Happy Halloween and Happy Creating.....and in case you need some free Halloween stuff to download you can head here.....

Hugs
Diana

Arrrrr!!!!! How about a Pirate Sketch Matees...and a little Halloween Collection....

2011-10-30T10:03:00.001-04:00

Ahoy me Matees!!!!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Today I was having fun with our son Cole and he loves his Pirates....he wanted to be a pirate this year so as we chatted over breakfast I sketched this little pirate for him.....

He was a pirate two years ago....and he loved walking up to housed saying Arrrrrr!!!! it was very cute indeed....Here he is as his pirate!!! how sweet.....The Sketch of my little pirate is my submission to Sunday Sketches this week....and I also added a little Halloween Montage below to share with you all....

Happy Halloween and Happy Creating!!! oh and don't forget your
free Halloween downloads

Hugs
Diana

Sweet Saturdays - Week 30 - Come join in the fun.....

2011-10-29T00:01:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!!! and welcome to week # 029 of Sweet Saturdays.....Sweet Saturdays is all about blogging about something sweet in your lives...it could be art, illustrations, food, a recipe or a sweet photo....or a sweet find in your favorite shop...so create your blog post and pop back and share your link with all of us....

So welcome and we look forward to seeing your posts.....
Happy Sweet Saturday!!!!

For my Sweet Saturday share this week....I wanted to share two things....Friday I spent most of the day in our son's class working on art projects and it was the most amazing day....I had so much fun with all of the children and we made some memories that will last a lifetime....My second share for this week is my latest Paper Doll to the collection that will be in my book coming out in 2012....you saw the sketches yesterday and today they came to life.....I guess there must have been some magic in that old silk hat I found!!!!

Thank you for popping in!!! and I wish you all the best today and always....

Happy Sweet Saturday and Happy Creating!!!

Hugs
Diana

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it Snooooow.......in the Studio that is......

2011-10-28T00:02:00.003-04:00

Just kidding.....it is no where near snowing here....but I have been working on my 2012 Snowmen ornaments....every year I come up with some new ones....so I thought it would be fun to share these with all my friends over at Paint Party Friday.......they are all created with wood....paint and liquid pearl paints.....I created the pieces I call "snow angels" as inspired by our son Cole...who loves snowmen and making snow angels.....

The initial Illustration at the very top of this post is going to turn into my latest Articulated Paper Doll....so be sure to pop back tomorrow for Sweet Saturdays and see the snowmen come to life....I hope there is some magic in that old silk hat I found....and when I place it on their heads...I hope they dance around!!!! Ohhhhhh.....

Wishing you a super Friday....filled with all of the comforts that make your heart happy....

Happy Friday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

Hugs
Diana

Halloween Downloads.....enjoy! sorry I had to move the original locations....

2011-10-27T12:42:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone....my free templates have made a move so I am adding this new post to let you know where you can get these fun freebies from my website....

I have added these to the middle section of my website...so just scroll down....pick the piece you want to use....and click on it....download, print, cut and enjoy!!!

In cleaning up my main website...I decided to have everything on the main page!!! easy access....

Enjoy!!!!

Sharing some photos we took while we enjoyed the Autumn Air.....We love this time of year!

2011-10-26T13:55:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed some after school outdoor fun ......and are taking in all of the wonder around us.....There is so much to see this time of year.....all of our gardens are at their best.....and they are giving us one last encore performance before the final curtain call when Mr. Frost will visit us.....

So much colour and so much we are Thankful for....I am enjoying every single moment ......
Wishing you all a wonderful day....may you take a moment to stop and take in all of the wonder around you and your families....

Happy Wednesday and Happy Creating!!!!

Hugs
Diana

Here they are!!! my latest Blue Bird Paper Dolls.....what do you think?

2011-10-25T18:17:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone....well here are the finished art dolls....they are so much fun to create and I am working on a whole new series of these....I also painted ornaments all morning and will have to show you them this week!!! they are all about our favorite snowmen....and snow angels......

Here you can have a look at the initial sketches....

Here you can see them coloured.....

and above you can see them as paper dolls...

and the coolest thing that ever happened was last night.....Brad and I went for a walk and what to our wondering eyes did appear.....the Norther lights in red....all dancing across the sky....it was amazing .....we could not keep our eyes off the sky.....the only time I witnessed the Northern lights ....they were green and blue....never red...so this was like a special gift!!!

Have you ever witnessed the Northern lights?
Happy Tuesday and Happy Creating!!!

Hugs
Diana

Added Colour to my Bird Paper Doll Design......tomorrow I will have the dolls ready!!!

2011-10-24T16:35:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone....today the weather started out rainy and cold.....and this afternoon the sun came out and smiled and warmed everything up.....it is a perfect day to plant some tulips and enjoy the last of gardening season.....

Yesterday I showed you my next Paper doll sketch....well today I coloured the bird design and will be making my paper dolls later tonight....

So I wanted to show you these birds in colour and be sure to pop back tomorrow and see them as my latest paper dolls.....

Thank you for popping by....your visits always inspire me to do more....

Happy Monday and Happy Creating!!!

Hugs
Diana

Working away on a new Bird Paper Doll....here are my early sketches....

2011-10-23T00:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Sunday Everyone.....

It is with great pleasure that I report that I am on the mend...thank heavens....and I have been busy as a bee getting ready for an art show coming up in November and also busy with new ideas that pop into my head for my Paper Doll Book....and here you have it....the inspiration for my next Articulated Paper Doll.....I had to add a bird to my collection......I will be finishing the colouring and getting this bird back on my blog in it's finished state Monday.....but in the mean time I wanted to say hello to all of you and share this with my friends over at Sunday Sketches......

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and Happy Creating!!!

Hugs
Diana

***Diana Evans - Illustration and Design ***