Day 3 of 21 Day Creative Exercise - I am addicted to ATCs now!

Hi Everyone....

Today is Day 3 of this wonderful 21 Day Exercise....and I am having so much fun with these ATCs....

I take them everywhere I go...they fit in any purse...today I was at an appointment and while I waited I drew some new mini art....when I got home I watercoloured them and because they are so small it is easy to get these finished .....
You know I had to make a cupcake for all my sweet friends in blogland....hope you enjoy and pop by daily as I create new things....
Have a wonderful day and take some time to do something fun!

Cheers,
Diana

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Day 2 of 21 Day Creative Exercise - Some fun with Watercolour ATCs....

Hi Everyone....

Today is Day 2 of my 21 Day Creative Exercise...I created 3 watercolour ATCs and had a lot of fun working on these mini paintings....I am also using these for my Arty Girlz Challenge Blog submission this week as the theme is open.....

I actually cut a bunch of watercolour paper so I have these handy for my 15 minute sketches...and I love just coming up with silly things to draw...

and you know me...I think I draw a cupcake a day ...just because they make me smile...

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

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Day 1 of 21 Day Creative Exercise - Orchid and King of Cupcakes

Hi Everyone...



I have found some wonderful friends on-line and am taking part in a "21 Day Creative Exercise"... The whole premise is take 15 minutes out of your day to challenge yourself to be creative, think outside the box. To experiment with new things, subjects, materials. I think it is the greatest idea ever...to read more about it head over to Alicia's post.



Today is day one and I started with my first 15 minutes doing a sketch of my orchid...them some watercolour...but man oh man ...it is hard to get things done in only 15 minutes...so I have two 15 minute projects here today...



The second is based on Mixed Media Monday's theme this week...."Playing Cards" I created a 15 minute mixed media King of Cupcakes card...lol...



Have a wonderful day and take the time to do something fun!



Cheers,

Diana

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A visit to the CreativFestival in Toronto....

Hi Everyone!

What a busy and fun weekend....On Saturday my friends and I headed to the creativfestival at the Toronto International Centre.

There were so many wonderful booths all filled with great people and friendly demonstrators....and not to mention all kinds of great goodies to purchase....We participated at many booths with the demonstrators to learn new techniques. It was a lot of fun!

I picked up some great finds for some new projects...as you can see...All of these treasures are sitting on a black denim apron I will be painting on later this week....it was a steal at the show! I found some great beads too for my wrist candy....

We also found several local shops that offer free demonstrations on weekends. What fun!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Cheers,

Diana

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Illustration Friday "Wrinkles" her secret is out...

Hi Everyone....

Happy Friday...Today's theme on IF is "Wrinkles" and I heard a story a long time ago....

I ran into a mermaid who looked fabulous...I asked her what her secret was...and she was hesitant to tell...but after a while she told me her secret to no wrinkles....

She has a weekly soak in some vanilla vodka...

so shhhhhhhhh...don't tell too many people about her secret....lol

Have a wonderful day....

Cheers,

Diana

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What a wonderful surprise...

Hi Everyone....today was one of those crazy busy days ....then I got the mail and Fannie made my day....

She sent me the sweetest package filled with kindness...she has a heart of gold and her fiber art is amazing. This is the first fiber ATC I have ever received and I love it....the detail and fine work with her stitching is impeccable....

I am so lucky to have met Fannie through blogging. I pop by her blog daily for inspiration and her writing is wonderful...it really makes you think about life and art....



Her site is called Imagine, Create, Inspire and you will love her daily posts....


Fannie also has some amazing cards that feature her fiber art...she sent me the most wonderful card filled with the sweetest messages...

Fannie was born and raised in Hawaii....and her spirit and kindness is priceless....

She also added a box of Hawaiian chocolates to my package and Cole couldn't wait till the weekend to sample these treats....

well...either could I ...lol...

They are very Yummy!!!!!!!


Cheers,
Diana

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More fun Paper Fashions

Hi Everyone...

Have been outside enjoying the wonderful weather and the early spring blooms...and what better way to have fun on a day like this .....creating more fun paper fashions....

Today I feature our Chanel inspired metalic pink suit...

I have to admit I feel like a kid again making all these mini fashions...this is way too much fun and I highly recommend it to all of you...I am thinking of having all the girls over to make mini fashions...what fun!

Thanks for popping by....and have a wonderful day!

Cheers,

Diana

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Arty girlz Challenge....Happy EARTH DAY! with a celebration at the beach....and thank you for your visits!

Hi Everyone...

On the Arty Girlz Challenge Blog...the challenge this week is Handmade Backgrounds ....and here is my handmade background...it is a canvas and will become something soon....


Happy Earth Day!
We spent most of the day at the beach collecting rocks and fun stuff for more art projects...It was lovely...the weather is so warm and sunny...


I drew this special girl for all of you...a girl with a yummy ice cream cone...you all make my days with your visits and comments...so thank you!

Hope you have a wonderful day and may you take a moment to take in everything around you and be grateful! Cherish this wonderful world we live in and do something to make it a better place....

Cheers,
Diana

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Mixed Media Monday - Hats...

Hi Everyone...

I have been running around all morning and thought I would take a break and post....

Today's theme on Mixed Media Monday is Hats...and I have a piece from a while back and also created a quick new sketch for fun!

Hope you're all enjoying the wonderful weather....

Cheers,

Diana

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Fancy New Book! and some baking....

Hi Everyone...

I was out with my Girlfriends lastnight and on our shopping trip I found a book one of my blog friends worked on...Andi Butler....

This book is the cutest thing ever...the illustrations are wonderful and I love making these mini couture dresses....

The book comes with all kinds of wonderful supplies and even mini hangers....

I had some fun this morning creating my first mini dress....here is my pink wonder...hope you enjoy it! and I can't wait to make more....

This book is such an inspiration to me....I have so many ideas going through my mind....great work Andi!


I also baked up some yummy cupcakes...these are dark chocolate cake with a creamy milk chocolate frosting and ganache on top....cupcakes and dresses and jewelry...so much fun these days....

I used some of this stuff on each cake too...the flavour is amazing....

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Tonight we are having a bon fire!

Cheers,

Diana

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Illustration Friday - Primitive

Hi Everyone....this week's was a tough one...I had dinosaurs in my mind...or the primitive cupcake...lol....but then it all worked out...

I think the style of Hollywood Glam years ago is primitive...you will never see everyone done up the way these ladies were always done up...

It would be unheard of for anyone to head out without looking fab!

My Series highlights these women and is inspired by that Glam...

from Ginger Rogers, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe to Audrey Hepburn ......

Have a wonderful Friday!
Cheers,
Diana

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Artists just can't sit still...back into my Jewelry Making...

Hi Everyone...

Even on my day off yesterday I ended up getting back into my jewelry making. About 5 or so years ago I got into making bracelets. It was so much fun and I'm happy that I am making them again...I just got back into this fun hobby and have opened up my new Etsy shop dedicated to handmade bracelets....I called the shop "Wrist Candy"

Hope you pop by and take a look....
Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

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Food Art - yummm!

Hi Everyone...

Most people who know me know that I have another passion besides art....and that passion is cooking...

I love creating tasty treats each and every day....it is so much fun!

Lastnight I cut up a few pork tenderloins and spiced them up with garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil etc....then let them marinate ....

I then skewered them with onions, red peppers and green peppers...bbq'd them ....I made a larger version of my potatoe flower and also an endive and kidney bean salad...oh yes and my homemade special sauce inspired by tzatziki sauce...
It was very delish! I also took most of today off and played hookie....went outside to enjoy the great weather and visited my parents...My Mom also has a passion for cooking and she made a wonderful lunch.....

Back to the Drawing Board now...Hope you pop by again tomorrow for some art...

Cheers,
Diana

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Arty Girlz Challenge Blog - Hollywood Glam - Third in the series...Bette

Hi Everyone...

I just finished the third in my "Hollywood Glam" series and wanted to use this print today for the Arty Girlz Challenge blog....today's theme is Ribbons...so I added ribbon flowers to Bette's hat...

This piece is inspired by Bette Davis....

Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for popping in and pop by daily for more...

Cheers,

Diana

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Mixed Media Monday - Girls and Dolls

Hi Everyone...

Mixed Media Monday's theme this week is "Girls and Dolls" and I created this canvas using some of my artwork, acrylic paint, and gold leaf...

Trees are my favorite and adding the "Women of Spring" and a cupcake made me think of Spring and these girls are happy to be part of this doll tree...even though the trunk doll is a bit scary and worn out...

Hope you enjoy it!

Pop by all week...I have more of my Glam series coming too...

Cheers,

Diana

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Sunday Breakfast - New Traditions!

Hi Everyone...

Our tradition is to have special Pancakes every Sunday...

Over the last few weeks we have been getting together with friends to enjoy a nice late breakfast...Well today I hosted a Special Breakfast with all of our friends....we had 20 people and it was the greatest time...I had a blast cooking....from 5 pounds of bacon, a 12 pound ham, 40 eggs...and 50 pancakes....it was a lot of fun and this new tradition keeps going....we decided to have it hosted by a special group each time...what fun...so I am back to working on some projects and will have some new fun artwork all week...so pop by and say HI!

Cheers,

Diana

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Illustration Friday - "Fail" I failed to get this on the February cover of the New Yorker

Hi Everyone....

Today's theme was a tough one...at first I was going to do something fun like a little kid with a failing grade...but then I thought about the cover idea I submitted too late to the New Yorker....

The true meaning of fail was me not getting it there in time....

Hope you enjoy it!

Happy Friday Everyone...

Cheers,

Diana

The soldiers are giving Lady Liberty Valentine's in their longing for freedom....

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More Black and White Glam - Marilyn...and more wonderful things in the mail...

Hi Everyone...

Thanks for popping in today...I seem to be on a role with my "Hollywood Glam" series...this is the second in my series...her name is Marilyn....as she is inspired by the wonderful Marilyn Monroe...

I started this series off in more of a plain Black and White and I think it fits the Glam effect perfectly...I really like the contrast....

I also received another wonderful package in the mail today....what fun!

Honor from Galahouse sent me these really cool badges with her glamorous artwork...They are beautiful...Honor is from Australia...and creates the most amazing artwork themed around women....

You have to pop by her blog to check out all of her wonderful work....



Here are the badges and the cool postcard....

I will enjoy wearing these and will hang the postcard in my studio...

I am so inspired by my talented friends on-line...

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

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Arty Girlz Challenge Blog -theme... Black & White and another wonderful surprise in the mail...

Hi Everyone...

I was blog surfing and located a new place called "Arty Girlz Challenge Blog"....well I had to see what it was all about and I just can't pass up on a weekly challenge...and this one is updated every Tuesday...

This week's theme is "Black & White" and I started my fun "Hollywood Glam" series... and you know I just had to add the red lips and the eyes...

This one is titled "Tiffany" as it was inspired by the movie...Breakfast at Tiffany's....




I was also pleasantly surprised Tuesday when I received this cute little bird pin hand made by Candace .....the wings have sparkles and beads and the eye is a pearl...it is lovely....I posed it in my topiary tree...how cute...

Pop by her wonderful blog to check out her artwork...I pop in daily....

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers,
Diana

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Mixed Media Monday - "Paris"

Hi Everyone...

I just happened to check out this site called "Mixed Media Monday" and the prompt this week is Paris....and I couldn't resist doing a fun mixed media painting....It is full of fun with a hint of gold leaf...I especially love the golden croissant......

Hope you enjoy it!

Cheers,
Diana

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I just received my mouse...how cute

Hi Everyone...

What a wonderful day...the sun was shining and the weather just makes you want to stay outside all day...

I just received something sweet in the mail today...

Roberta Baird sent me one of her mini mouse sculptures...Emma has a new home in my Studio where she can help me with my art and cheese snacks...she is so cute...with her pink ears...and cute little eyes...

What a cute little box and so nice with the cute ribbon...

Be sure to pop by her wonderful blog...she is a wonderful artist with all kinds of treats...

Today Cole and I spent the day at my parents house and then some shopping and ofcourse some art...I was inpired by the topic on "Mixed Media Monday" this week so I will be finishing off that mini painting...and posting it tomorrow....

Hope you have a wonderful day...

Cheers,
Diana

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Inspire Me Thursday "Peace Symbol" and some Sunday fun...

Hi Everyone...Happy Sunday...

Inspire me Thursday's theme this week is "Peace Symbol" .....

"This week, our creative prompt is the Peace Symbol. This universal sign of peace turns 50 years old this year (although there is some controversy that it has been around for much longer); whatever its origins, let us be inspired by what this symbol represents — to you personally or to others.
One option for this week’s prompt is download the Peace symbol template from HappyBirthdayPeace.com. Art it up, then you can upload it to their gallery, as well as share with us here."




I created a special illustration of Brie holding up a "Peace Symbol" and also added a template from the site above and added some fun clip art and shapes to art it up....

Today was a wonderful day...the sun was shining and we headed over to Mary's place for Brunch...it was a lot of fun...so much so that we will be doing this again next week at our home...

Have a great day and I wish you all Peace and Love...

Cheers,
Diana

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Oh how I love getting mail...snail mail that is...

Hi Everyone...

What a pleasant surprise ...getting all these wonderful things in the mail...

I am interviewing a wonderful illustrator, Mike Motz in an article for my on-line column for a web site that will be launching later this month. The author of the book "Learn Along With Lily" Donna McNaughton, was sweet enough to send me a copy of the book he picked for me to include in his interview....what a great read and his work is wonderful in this book. You can check out details about the book and purchase your own copy at Raindrop Books .

I was also pleasantly surprised when I received my Pug Pal from Melissa Langer of Pugnotes.com. She has so many wonderful prints and items in her shop. You have to check it all out. You should also pop by her blog daily for some fun treats and great projects she has on the go. I was lucky to be one of the recipients of her "Pay it Forward" fun...she gave away 3 prints!!!


And to top off my wonderful day with Snail Mail...Jannie Ho...of Chicken Girl Design...a wonderful illustrator from New York sent me some fun artwork too...I will be framing all these wonderful art pieces and placing them in my studio for inspiration and a reminder of the wonderful friends I have met through art and blogging.

Thank you for being such wonderful friends and for visiting me here on my blog...

Cheers,
Diana


Jannie's work is so much fun!

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