man, a bit of a break ends up stretching itself out. I'm back to being under employed again so the computer time has waned since I've got other things on the go. I've been working on tons of cards for the Craft Cabaret in Waterloo on Feb 7, 2007.

Valentine cards have abounded and I'm about to start my easter cards... figured if I have time off I should put it to good use!

A Sassy peekaboo card as well...

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall ... or in the pocket

I've been on the look out for a small pocket mirror for a bit now ... something to help check for spinach between the teeth and such. Through my searches, I found the perfect site - My Favourite Mirror.

They have a whole bunch of different designs to choose from, including designing mirrors with your own images. They also have mousepads & coasters for sale too.
Here are some of my favourites so far:

Town pocket mirror by The Little Friends of Printmaking.

Early Birds by Eleanor Grosch Pocket Mirror

Finch Tree Pocket Mirror by boygirlparty

Miss Cora Pocket Mirror (vintage French fashion illustrations set on top of true Art Nouveau wallpaper)

Tuff Pocket Mirror by The Little Friends of Printmaking

... I"m thinking this one is my fav.

ohhh art... beautiful art

My friend, the lovely Heather S., gave me a heads up about this artist. There are bird silouettes so I was on that like a... hmmm can't think of a simile so let's just say I really really liked Arleigh Wood's work.

She's a Vancouver artist who uses encaustic, acrylics, oils, collage, etching on metal and found objects to create multi-layered compositions. Check it out:

http://www.arleighwood.com/

Ahh, the end of the holidays... now for some down time.

A colleague from work has introduced me to something new and addictive... luckily the only place you seem able to get them are Costco or online so I think I'll be safe.

Hawaiian Sweet Maui Onion Potato Chips are pretty incredible... soooo crispy. Enjoy if you dare break the new years resolutions.

Beautiful and Enviro Friendly Wreath

So excited to head north and see my folks! And with my xmas holidays in mind and my love of all things paper, I found this BEAutiFul wreath while perusing Absolutely Beautiful Things blog http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/ You can find it from etsy seller Haru

Wishing you all the best for what ever you're celebrating!!! All the best in the New Year.

Amazing Art & Jewellery

So flipping through the WWW I came across an artist whose work I love!

Designsponge, the site I have a "crush" on, has a guest blog http://www.designspongeonline.com/category/guest-blog

Different people are invited for a week to share things that they like or find interesting and this week it is artist Julie Baker.

One of her postings (http://www.designspongeonline.com/2007/12/wearable-art.html)

is about wearable art and features works by:

Michelle Stitz

Faryn Davis (I'm completely in love with the one on the right)

I decided to explore each of their websites and discovered they create art as well.

Definitely worth checking out.

Cool lowkey recycling revamp

http://tania.blogs.com/tania/2007/12/multi-packet.html

I found these recovered coasters on Tanya Howell She's a Toronto based blogger (http://tania.blogs.com/) and has a shop online (http://www.taniahowells.com/shop.html). She draws lovely birds. and I'm always a sucker for that!

I want this mug

http://www.cafepress.com/taniahowells.11218055

I love the paper that she used. Think I might try it... can't wait to get more paper from the Paper Place at 887 Queen Street West. http://www.thepaperplace.ca/ I like to pick up their scrap bags. they give me a big selection for my cards.

Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op

In downtown Toronto, there is a fantastic complex called 401 Richmond. It's home to lots of non-profits and artist studios ... one of which is the Contemporary Textile Studio Co-op in Studio 109. www.textilestudio.ca

They have a whole bunch of workshops... email me if you want to find out about any of them or email the Co-Op info@textilestudio.ca.. The one I'm thinking about is:

Mixed Media 1
Sharon Epstein: Sharon@textilestudio.ca
8 Weeks: Thursdays 9:30 – 12:30 pm
January 10 – February 28
$270 + $65 material fee

This popular course is designed for those who enjoy experimentation and process. It will include non-toxic print-making processes suitable for work on both paper and fabric. Experimental drawing and traditional print-making techniques will be explored using water-based pigments and dyes. A variety of techniques will be introduced including polychromatic screen-printing, brushwork, mark-making, resists, transfer printing and collage.

New pics of cards on my Flickr site

Hallo.. with all the snow yesterday, I took some time to load up pictures of all of my new cards from the Sassy Little Craft Show on Flickr. I even marked if the cards are still available in the card's title.... Enjoy!

www.flickr.com/photos/painted_tree_designs/

winter wonderland

Winter has definitely hit Toronto! Yesterday I hibernated as I watched the snow fly by on the horizontal. Lovely Heather was a doll and didn't berate me for being too chicken for leaving my apartment. Thank you!

I don't know if it's normal to have a crush on a blog ... however I feel it's been well established by now that I'm pretty okay with not being normal in the traditional sense.

I love the blog Designsponge.

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

It's pretty and always has amazing things to check out. It's updated throughout the day. There are different sections too: sneak peaks into peoples studios or home; guides to different citys; mini trends; diy examples; before and after make overs for things like bookcases etc.

A great source... if only to find things that I would love for birthday presents!

image from http://www.photolib.noaa.gov/historic/nws/wea00957.htm