Ten Minute Warm up Thursday....

Hi Everyone....and thank you for popping in to say hello!!!

I am sharing today's 10 minute warm up with you....I just finished reading a magazine before I started my coffee and 10 minute warm up....can you tell....I guess we can find inspiration in just about anything around us!!

I hope you will join me in this super fun challenge I started for myself in 2013....it really doesn't take away from your day...if anything it it the perfect warm up to a creative day filled with inspiration.....It also is a little time just for you to sketch and relax....I am already addicted....

and in case you missed any of my warm ups...here they are....

Party Birdies

Hearts

Sheep

Cute Heads

Piggy Chef

Sock Monkey Love

and more.....

It is simple....What is 10 Minute Warm up all about.....it is about taking 10 minutes of your day to breathe, relax, open up your mind to possibilities and then create something....you can be inspired to sketch your coffee cup....something on your desk....you table....anything....try it....it is a great way to start the day....then pop back here and share it so we can all see and be inspired by each other!!!

Join us!!! 



Happy Thursday and Happy Creating Everyone!!!

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A little Hedge Hog for Sunday Sketches.....

From Sketch to Colour.....

Hi Everyone...and Happy Sunday....I am a little late today because our BBQ pool bon fire party was so much fun lastnight.....We enjoyed sleeping in today and taking it easy....so I guess the quote of the day would be ...better late than never...so here it is....a little Hedge Hog I created for my Sunday Sketches....Can you help me figure out a name for him?

Have a wonderful day!!!

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I just can't stop!!!!!!!!!! Addicted to this vintage Dictionary series

I have been having so much fun with each new vintage dictionary page...so many words to inspire and who knew that a dictionary could be so much fun...I created these two new pieces....one for the word bird and one for the word poppy.....I have a whole 593 pages to go through...so this should be a fun project to see come to life....

I also thank all of the sweet people that have commented on my past pieces and left me some words for inspiration of new pieces....I am working away on the ideas you left and will have more to post each and every day...

Happy Creating and Thank you for popping by!

These are my Sunday Sketches....and finished pieces....

the 1940s Dictionary Series.....

1. Fashion - a piece inspired by Fashion week 2011
2. Doll - a piece for If's theme "toy"

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Illustration Friday - Afterwards.....my latest picture book is now available!!!

Hi Everyone....the theme over at IF this week fits perfect with Peanuts the Pony as he juggles all this yummy food....we all know that AFTERWARDS it will all be in his tummy.....

At the same time my latest picture book with Author Carla Burke is finally out and available at all bookstores....Follow a little girl names Penny and her Pony Peanuts as he raises awareness of the seriousness of Peanut and Tree Nut Allergies...

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

oh and don't forget to be part of the 2011 100 Illustrations and Book Marketing Project...it is a great way to market your work at an affordable cost....Head here to read all about it.....

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Theme Thursday - your favorite letter

To sleep perchance to dream...that is the question!

I have always loved the letter D...not just because it is my first initial...but because it is the first initial of the word "Dream"....I have been and will always be a dreamer........without dreams we can't imagine new things in our lives and without dreams we can't strive for something out of this world...are you a dreamer....a hopeless believer that dreams can really come true? I know I am....and I know that I am the only thing stopping me from living my dreams...so I work hard every day and I dream a little more each day too...I figure there is no harm in being a dreamer....

I also love having good dreams at night...you know the kind where you really don't want to wake because they are so great....oh how I love those!!!

Live each day as a Dream...and you will get closer to having your dreams a reality....

Hugs
Diana

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Illustration Friday - Propagate

Hi Everyone....

Tulip and Daffodil bulbs are perhaps one of the easiest plants to propagate as they do all the hard work themselves. I am loving the winter with all the fun festivities...and the Olympics too....but now I just want to see Spring at my door....and I love the Spring bulbs...every year they surprise you when they pop up after winter.....

Have a wonderful Friday!!!

Hugs,
Diana

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Lady Liberty comes to life...and my art creations friday piece....

Hi Everyone....I just finished the latest doll ....you remember the sketch from yesterday...well this is Lady Liberty completed....

I have to say that these painting a day projects are making me so happy as an artist ....I feel like I am in my own little world when I create these and it is so much fun to sketch the idea first and then create the art doll...I hope you love her!!!

In this shot of her...I used one of Cole's paintings as a back drop!! his art is so inspiring isn't it...

I also haven't had a chance to participate in Art Creations Friday for a while now...but this week I thought I would...so I had to use the photo on their site and this is what I altered it into...

Happy Friday Everyone!!!!

Hugs

Diana

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Theme Thursday - Pink and Black ...and my latest doll design...coming soon!!!

HI Everyone....here is my latest design for a mermaid pendant...for little girls who love to be different.....and the rough sketch below......She is the first mermaid that is all pink and black...very rare in the seas off of the Coastline of Croatia.....It is said that she is pink like a flamingo due to her strict diet of sea shrimps......

I also wanted to share my latest sketch for a new wooden peg doll that will be coming out this week...so be sure to pop by so you can see her come to life......I love New York and this lady reminds me of freedom....so I thought she would make a perfect art doll .....

Have a wonderful day!!! night!!!

hugs

Diana

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From Sketch to art doll....my submission to the Three Muses Challenge this week....

Hi Everyone....what a fun start to the week,....I am having so much fun with these ideas in my head...and my new arty medium...wood dolls....I love to come up with crazy ideas in my mind...then sketch them out and create them....here are my latest two dolls....one for the Three Mused Challenge blog this week.....since the theme is "birds" ....one of my favorite birds...the wise old owl.....and my updated piece from yesterday's post...the Queen Bee...Fiona Honeybee....I have to say that I am also having fun placing these around in fun photo shoots....I feel like a kid again!!!

hope you enjoy my latest dolls....and you know I will be working on more this week!!!

See you soon!!!

Hugs
Diana

Queen Bee Fiona among her sweet treats....cupcakes!!!!

Have a Sweet Day!!!!

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Illustration Friday "wilderness" and a painting a day - vintage memories

Hi Everyone....It's Friday already...wow...time sure does fly when you're having fun.... I did a quick piece for IF this week...the theme is "Wilderness" and I love going to the forest and seeing some cute wild animals...even though these guys look very cute and not wild at all..I thought they would get my love of the outdoors across....

I also added a tribute piece I did a while back for Beatrix Potter....she was an amazing lady...Helen Beatrix Potter (28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943) was an English author, illustrator, mycologist and conservationist best known for children's books featuring anthropomorphic characters such as in The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

I am also happy to report that I am on track with this project...." A painting a day 2010" is going full steam ahead....I also think that this vintage camera saw some pretty cool things in it's prime.....and of course it also fits the "wilderness" prompt...because I always take my camera on all my wild journeys.....

Wishing you a wonderful Friday filled with inspiration and creativity!!!

Hugs

Diana

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CAC - Dance with me....

Hi Everyone....meet the Holiday Triplets....they love to celebrate the Holidays and they love to dance....they are he hit at any party....they always ask everyone to "Dance with me" and are here to visit the Crazy Amigos Challenge this week....they are all festive in their attire and enjoy decking the halls too...

Have a wonderful Tuesday!!!

Hugs

Diana

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Art Creations Friday - Marilyn Monroe

Hi Everyone...I just found a blog called Art Creations Friday through my blog friend Amy....and they host a weekly challenge every Friday where they provide a picture or background and you have to create something with it....This week's theme is Marilyn....and I created this illustration of her and have always been a fan ....she has always embodied Hollywood Glam for me...so I added my illustration and modified the original piece from the site....and here is my submission!!!

Have a wonderful Friday!!!

Hugs

Diana

Fun Challenge!!!!

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Crazy Amigos Challenge - Happy Birthday - sending Birthday wishes to everyone who had a Birthday in 2009!!! Happy December 1st!!! boy does time fly!!!

Hi Everyone....I just spotted the theme this week on the "Crazy Amigos Challenge blog" ...it is Happy Birthday...so I created one of my favorite things about any Birthday ....cake...

I am dedicating these virtual cakes to all of you .....every one of you had or will have a Birthday this year...I am really really bad with remembering dates ...so here is an open Happy Birthday to everyone....may you enjoy some virtual cake and have a really "Sweet Day"

Hugs
Diana

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New Handmade Clear stamps....I am having so much fun with these...and a new contest

Hi Everyone....I am having a lot of fun creating new designs for my stamp line each week...I hope you enjoy the latest addition to the line....If you use these to create special cards, scrapbook pages or anything ...please send me some photos of your projects and I will be thrilled to post them and share them with all of our friends in blogland. I will also send you free gifts when you help create ...so join in the fun!!! You can click on the pic above to head to the shop to see the whole line....

CONTEST II!!! one more for this week...now all you have to do is leave a comment with a new idea for a stamp design... leave it here in the comments section and when we pick a new design from the bunch ...we will send one of the new stamps to the person that inspired it....pretty cool eh!!!

Happy Creating....

Hugs
Diana

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A look at the past....wow...

Hi Everyone...I have been so busy with the latest book and some events around it...on top of that I got a cold that lasted for about 2 weeks now....and I guess everything is catching up with me....but I will keep moving ahead....even with the extremes ( title of this old piece) ....I just sold a print of this piece and it reminded me of my work ages ago.....wow...amazing how we change as artists...we grow and change and get into our own styles...I still love this piece...but wow!!! where does the time go......

I have a few more days of work and catching up to do...so I hope you all know I am thinking of you ....I will visit you all as I get some moments....I do miss your blogs !!!

140 hours of Fame starts today!!! what a wonderful Art Auction to be part of....Pop by and check things out!!!

Have a wonderful Thursday!!!

Hugs

Diana

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Illustration Friday - "Flying" Meet Scary....his one dream is to be flying with the birds....and Happy Thanksgiving to all ....

Hi Everyone....

This weekend is Thanksgiving here in Canada...so I wish you all a most wonderful and Happy Thanksgiving....may you all take some time to think about your lives and be grateful.....

The theme on IF this week is "Flying" and I created "Scary" the Scarecrow....he always dreamed about flying one day....and the birds loved to sing for him and always flew by to say hello...he wasn't very scary...he was a Happy Scarecrow who loved when the birds would visit.....

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Hugs
Diana

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Busy busy busy!!! I am starting a new business...and I am so excited....

Hi Everyone...Tuesday's post a bit late.......but better late than never....I have been busy working on a 2 new business ventures....I am starting a stamping company and will be manufacturing art stamps!!! what fun....the second venture is on hold till I get some patents out on the product....but I am very excited about this too....I will visit you as I get a chance....and catch up with all of my wonderful blog friends....thanks for being so supportive and for the inspiration I need to keep dreaming big!!!

Hugs
Diana

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Illustration Friday - "germs"

Hi Everyone....I just finished a fall promo for some huge postcards that will be heading out to clients....and the theme for it was the fall and all the fun Fall Fairs....We have been attending some local fairs and we got some germs from it and ended up getting sick....so for me as soon as I saw the prompt I thought of the last Fair we attended and the germs we picked up there...

You have to love this time of year and it wouldn't be the same without some fun times at the Fair....

Happy Friday !!!

p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway for a custom watercolour....

Hugs
Diana

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Wednesdays in Paris - A Paris inspired piece...that will become a custom necklace.

Bonjour mes Amis! ....here is a commissioned piece of art that will become a special necklace. I am so happy that the client loved it....

So for Wednesdays in Paris I thought it was a perfect fit....

Have a wonderful day!!!

Au Revoir

Hugs
Diana

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Illustration Friday - "Strong"

Hi Everyone!!! you know when I am illustrating something just for fun I always try to include some yummy cupcakes...so as soon as I got the e-mail for this week's prompt...I right away saw someone lifting some heavy duty trays of cupcakes....I know pretty silly....but that is what I saw....

Initially I was going to create a cute animal looking like he is lifting some barbells with cupcake trays on the end...but once pen hit paper I changed it to a baker with some really cool tiered cake trays filled with my favorite treats!!! So please meet Phoebe...she is one of the strongest bakers around...and she never goes to the Gym...she works out at the Bakery each and every day.....

Happy Friday and thanks for popping by!!!

Hugs
Diana

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