Graphic Gratitude-week 15-my girls

Posted on May 17, 2013 by AprilHeather

Hi there! Its seems my Friday Gratitude post has quickly become my ONLY post each week. I actually love blogging more frequently and have SO many things I’d like to share with you! But I’ve sprouted a pencil and paintbrush from my right hand (like Edward Scissorhands!) and I’ve been painting and drawing every single day, and LOVING every single minute of it!

There are so many things I’m grateful for that come to mind this week-martinis with my hubby, this for my sore neck, my etsy shop being busy busy, and my upcoming trip to NYC for the Surtex show, to name just a few. But what I want to share with you today specifically is my girlies. I’ve talked to you about them before. But they are truly amazing. And what’s so interesting to me is that I am enjoying them at the ages they are right now, even more than I did when they were little. Seeing their personalities blossom, getting to know each of them in their own uniqueness and wonderfulness is really exciting. They make me laugh-both of them! They are hilarious. Which leads me to my drawings. Their teenager sayings have fueled a whole series of art! I keep writing down what funny things they say-I have notes all over the house on little bits of paper, on the white board, and in my sketchbook. Here is Eliza- it says “Don’t make me snap my fingers in a Z form-a-tion”

They way she says it is so funny too-with her hip and her attitude. Plus she can’t snap, so she makes a clicking sound with her mouth while she tries to snap. Its just so stinking cute.

Then I have Bella who says “sighs forlornly” and “I’m not even kidding”. I drew her with her new short & chic do.

These girls inspire me!

Here is a post card I made for my trip to NYC. Bella wants an anime wig-she showed me all the different styles and colors…and when she was scrolling through all the variations this image popped into my head. I’ll share more of my teenager collection with you soon! I think they would make great cards. Its so hard to buy a card for a teenager isn’t it? There really isn’t that much available. Until now!

What do you think? Do you have a teenager that says funny stuff? Do tell! Maybe I’ll put it in an illustration!!

Thanks for stopping by darlin’s-I really do appreciate your being here. xo-Heather

Graphic Gratitude-Week 14

Posted on May 10, 2013 by AprilHeather

I’ve been meaning to get to my blog all week! I want to show you all the stuff I’m working on.

Lots of new work happening here this week-much of it has been dancing in my head for years. I’ve been honing my skills, practicing, sketching, learning, taking classes–all in hopes of liberating these ideas & bringing them to life!

(can you tell I’ve been inspired by The Great Gatsby? going to see it tonight with my girl! I’m thinking these 20′s gals would make adorable embroidery patterns!)

But when the sketches don’t match what is in my head, I do them over. And over. And over again. How many times can a person draw 3 girls at the beach. *sigh*

I realized this week, I do way more sketches that I hate, than ones I love. To think that I used to be afraid of making a bad sketch! Its a necessity. You absolutely will do sketches that are not right, but it just gets you closer. Some of my best sketches are quick and loose-and have come AFTER warming up.

SO this week, I’m grateful for time. Time to flesh out my ideas, to do them repeatedly until I’m pleased. Time to indulge my need to create. Time to spread my wings and fluff my feathers, if you will. (After lots of sketches and 3 attempts at painting this image, I am finally sorta happy with the one on the top.)

When the bus pulls away in the morning I used to feel like I was hitting a stop watch-GO! But I am working towards relinquishing that feeling and thinking of it differently. Efficiency and time management are important, of course, but artists need fluidity too. I get some of my most favorite ideas when I’m doing something unrelated. And then I run around like a chicken with its head cut off looking for paper and a pen.

I’ve been telling myself “I have plenty of time. I have all the time I need” in hopes that the thought will manifest. Say it with me now “I have plenty of time” “I have all the time I need”-there now, that helps doesn’t it?

What are you grateful for this week? Hmmm?

(in lieu of a quick drawing today I’m including a bunch of drawings that I did this week! )

Cinco de Mayo

Posted on May 3, 2013 by AprilHeather

Cinco de Mayo is Sunday! Read more about it here-its fascinating! In celebration how about stitching up Frida?

Do you love Frida as much as I do? I’ve always been entranced by her paintings, but even more so by her story. One of pain and suffering, but ultimately survival. And beauty. Did you see the movie? I highly recommend it!

I also painted her- photos link to the shop!

available in my shop!

Graphic Gratitude-week 13

Posted on May 3, 2013 by AprilHeather

I think today’s post requires some music!

I’ve missed you leaves on trees! I’m so happy to see you!!

and you, dappled sunlight, I couldn’t wait for you to return;

and lets not forget the beautiful and beguiling twilight. I may be most happy to see you! All of these wonderful things have come back into my life! Hallelujah!

Here’s my quick 3-5 min sketch–I’m imagining a nice looong bike ride!

I haven’t actually gone on a nice long ride yet, but I am really looking forward to it! For now I am taking my benedryl–scratching my eyes and sneezing my head off, but I don’t care! The good outweighs the bad. (and isn’t that the case for most things, if we just choose to see it that way?)

Oh-and run out and get yourself a copy of Mollie Makes May issue! They are now here in the states at Barnes & Noble. My Downton Abbey pattern is in it!!

The Graphic Gratitude Project-week 12

Posted on April 29, 2013 by AprilHeather

HI there y’all! Miss me? I missed you. Did you have a good weekend? How about your allergies? Are you in a pollen fog like me sniffle sniffle?

SOoooOO were you wondering where my gratitude post was? I’m a little late this week. Originally I started out doing these on Fridays, and then it moved to Saturday morning. But this weekend shot past me like a bolt and I didn’t get to it. But I am really enjoying the weekly drawing challenge so I will not let if fall by the way side, I promise.

This week (last week…) I am grateful for yummy food. I like to eat. There I said it. Its one of the reasons I work out. So I can eat what I want. For the most part, though, I like to eat healthy-it makes me feel better. It seems like a small thing, but its really not.

Good food can nourish your soul as much as your body. Plus I think food can connect us to different times in our lives. Certain smells can bring back memories, certain tastes can even unlock experiences from the recesses of your mind. A kind of “remember when we had that special —-” fill in the blank with a meaningful meal or recipe. Childhood dishes, regional delights, delicacies from your culture, first meals, celebrations, recipes shared–all can hold so much meaning.

There was a time in my not-so-distant past when we couldn’t really afford to buy raspberries or blackberries. Now I happen to love them. It was a real treat to buy them and I savored each and every berry. But now I get to have them on my yogurt (my yummy greek yogurt) every single morning. It still feels like a treat to me. SImple pleasures.

We don’t have to worry so much about the grocery bills, not like when we were first married or when my husband was in grad school. We still try to be frugal, but we can afford to buy the healthier options, when we couldn’t before. And that is something that I am not sure people realize. Its expensive to eat healthy. We were out with some friends this weekend, one of whom works in the pharma industry (like my hubby) and he was saying how diabetes is on the rise in China and India. Those countries where poverty is epidemic are seeing an increase in diseases like that. People eat what they can afford-and that often means a lot of bread & rice & potatoes. All cheap foods. I mean I know I’ve said to my girls “Eat that spinach, there are children dying of hunger in India that would love to have it. DO NOT WASTE FOOD.”

The other thing about eating really healthy is that it takes time. It takes effort. I plan out our meals on Sunday, researching new recipes, & then head off to the produce market where I load up on fresh goodness. I’ve been making these green smoothies, but I prep all the ingredients ahead & store in the freezer in ziplock bags.

But you know what, if you’re a single mom living on a very tight budget you probably do NOT have time to be fussing around with that sort of thing. Often it means eating what’s easy, and what’s cheap. When I make beans & rice (which is at least once a month) I jokingly refer to it as good “poor people” food, because I was raised on it, as were my parents. Neither of them grew up with any money, nor did their parents. Some of those recipes that have been passed down were essentially all they could afford. And most of them are really yummy, but they are not usually that good for you.

So enough of my Monday morning ramblings….what I really want to say is that I am so grateful that I can have healthy foods, and that I have the time to cook that way for my family. And I want to be aware of opportunities to help those who get by on cheap and often unhealthy options, whether that’s through our local food banks or other local orginizations and churches. Last week there was food drive at my daughter’s school and I volunteered to help organize and collect. I am telling you there was a MOUNTAIN of food donated. This truly is a very generous community. (side note: when she was little & we were just learning our way around here in good ‘ol Bucks county we did Meals on Wheels. It was a wonderful experience-one that she enjoyed as much as I did!) Here’s my sketch (and a great opportunity to practice drawing hands!) And here’s the recipe I made. Like the bowl?

PS the photos link to my pinterest recipes if you want em! Go get em-they are GOOD!

Gotcha Kolache?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by AprilHeather

Have you ever had a kolache before?

They are yummy, I’m telling you. Soft and sweet…but not too sweet.

Its a traditional Czech pastry that usually has a little dollop of some kind of fruit or cheese in the center. I had my first kolache in West, Texas, which has a large Czech population. Texas is actually a many faceted and diverse state, just in case you weren’t aware. : ) West, as y’all know, has had a terrible tragedy. Its location on I-35 smack dab between Austin and Dallas meant that for the 10 years I lived in Austin, I drove through West once every 4-6 weeks on my treks home to see my folks. We didn’t stop every single time for a kolache, but we hit it pretty regularly. When we went back to Texas this past summer we introduced the girls to that yummy treat too-in our ploy to indoctrinate them into the ways of the Texans.

I’ve been so incredibly saddened to see that little town suffer. To loose so many brave firefighters. Its just devastating. And again I am asking the question “what can I do?” I realize its not much but every single little bit helps so I’m listing my Texas print (5×7) in my shop today for $10, with 100% of the proceeds going to the West, Texas fund through the Salvation Army. Don’t want the print? That’s cool-click on the link to donate directly to the fund. Every little bit helps.

I read that the President will be visiting the area and attending a memorial service today in Waco. Let’s keep them all in prayer.

I really like the 5×7 format. I think this size works great for a bulletin board…look at all my Texas stuff together. Makes me happy. If you’d rather have the 8×10 just send me a note-I’ll be happy to make one for ya ($25).

Also-in a follow up to this post, I am listing the Hope and Run print as a 5×7 for $10. Its a better size, I think, for this piece. You can hang it on your bulletin board as a little reminder. Thanks to a very sweet friend who ordered a bunch of my notecards (only 1 left!) I now have $21 to donate for the victims of the Boston bombings. (If I can figure out how to do it, I am going to list the card as a PDF download so you can print it at home on card stock-cool, huh?!) That money will go to the Salvation Army as well. (click on the link to donate directly) They supported the first responders during the manhunt and will continue to support the victims and their families. This is another great charity if you’d like to make a direct donation-its called the ONE FUND and was set up by the Massachusetts Governor and the Boston Mayor.

Wanna try a kolache? You can make ‘em yourself! Here’s a great recipe I really want to try! If you’re in PA-this looks pretty interesting too. But of course, if you’re in Texas you know where to go.

Earth Day

Posted on April 22, 2013 by AprilHeather

About a month ago, when it was cold (not that different here today...), and snowing (thankfully not doing this today),

I took my baby thrifting at the local Salvation Army. We stopped off for Starbucks first. Wanna get a 14 year old’s attention? Mention a stop off at Starbucks and they’re in.

Now I’ve loved thrifting since high school. I shopped at the Goodwill. I bought a men’s jacket and wore it proudly. I loved the pawn shop in town too. Garage sales-check. Estate sales-even better. Antique stores-couldn’t get enough. So naturally I had to pass on the thrill of the hunt to my girls! With our Starbucks handy and humming “I’m gonna pop some tags,” (that’s the clean version folks) we took our minds off the snow and went on a treasure hunt.

We started in the jeans section and pulled all the ones that fit her teeny tiny little frame. Methodically we proceeded to each section and loaded up our cart-I mean LOADED it.

she found a “leather” jacket she LOVED. And she got a million compliments on it…

and I found a jacket that was weird…but I felt like it was “weird cool” instead of “weird weird” Was I right? hmmm…I’m more willing to take a risk when its only $5.

We looked at shoes, but no luck –not our size.

(Find shoes you like? Turn em over and look at the soles and the heels. I’ve bought shoes here that have never been worn.) These were too worn on the heels-

We came home with a big bag o’ goodies (we did spend more than $20-we spent $40-because hello, the green tags were half off baby!) See the seriously long lines on Saturdays!

A few things…

when you go thrifting, smell your potential purchases. Sounds weird, I know but I bought the most adorable pink hand bag from the 60′s at an antique store, but got it home, opened it up and it reeked of cigarettes. Bummer.

Always try the stuff on. I mean it seems like why bother because you’re only spending a couple of bucks, but its better to see them on. We gravitate to things that are a little quirky, but these were a bit too quirky for my girl. They really looked different on the hanger.

Next if you are buying sweaters look at the wear around the collar and under the arms. If it has a lot of piling it might not be your best bet.

Always check the tags (before you pop em) to see what the garment is made of. We found cashmere in excellent condition.

Look for the unexpected-the fun & funky. I found this really cool “old man” sweater. I love it!

And my girl got a men’s jacket. She rolled the sleeves up and wore it with her doc martens and a cute skirt. I’m telling you she looked like a million bucks. (For only a couple of bucks!)

Most importantly -HAVE FUN! Buying used, vintage, or old takes a little more time & patience but its well worth it-helps the planet AND the pocket book.

Have you been thrifting lately?

Graphic Gratitude-week 11

Posted on April 20, 2013 by AprilHeather

Tough week, news wise. However it was absolutely joyous to see the crowds in Boston cheering & appluading the police last night. Wasn’t it? And that is what I’m grateful for today. First responders, police, firefighters, military. True heroism and bravery in the face of unthinkable danger. That is not an absence of fear. That’s courage.

My brother is police officer in Dallas. It has always been his calling, from an early age. He was the rule follower. I teased him mercilessly for it. Its his passion though–and I’m very thankful he has it. He has served the greater Dallas area for 15+ years and Dallas is better for it. (Remember folks-the drawing is just a sketch completed in under 5 min-this one was more like 2-3 min-so…not perfect by any means.)

And I am just grateful for people like him, who go to work everyday not knowing for sure if they will come home again. (Below is a sketch of a soldier mama I did last Memorial day and I think its fitting her too)

Maybe an interest in the law just runs in the family. My grandad was a county judge. We visited him at the court house. He showed us around. He knew everybody in town and they all called him by the same name I did, “Judge.” (he’s the one in the middle with the vest & pocket scarf-dapper huh?)

With his seer sucker suit, cowboy boots, and hat he was a true southern gentleman. Upholding the law in that little corner of East Texas.

Thank you to all the brave souls that keep us safe. What are you grateful for today?

Just for fun-here’s my very favorite painting featuring a police officer~c. 1958 Saturday Evening Post by Norman Rockwell

incredible photos from yesterday’s bravery here. Video of cheering crowds here.

Hope and Run

Posted on April 17, 2013 by AprilHeather

I was stunned on Monday. Like everyone else. And so sad, profoundly sad. My heart and my prayers go out to the victims in Boston. And my prayers also go to all the brave and heroic helpers. The angels called to duty.

When tragedy strikes I immediately wonder, “what can I do?” When someone near and dear is suffering, has surgery, or is sick my first instinct is to bake them a pie or make their family supper. But what about things like this? I feel helpless. And I pray.

When I woke up this morning I decided to take my cue from so many other talented artists before me who use the gifts they possess to raise funds to help, and I am listing my Hope and Run print in my shop, with 100% of the sales going to the charities set up for Boston Marathon victims. The print is 8×10 and printed right here in my studio. I have also listed the card of the same design.

Keep running, keep praying, keep hoping. Love always wins.

Mollie Makes Magazine

Posted on April 13, 2013 by AprilHeather

OH MY GOODNESS Y’ALL!

My Downton Abbey Embroidery Patterns are in the new Mollie Makes Magazine!

Can you hear me shouting? Did you hear that loud POP? It was the champagne!

I’m so excited about this, but I can’t get my hands on a copy yet. I got an email with confirmation and these great graphics. It was released in the UK on Friday, so I am not sure when we get ‘em here in the states. I know my mom will be the first one to find it though–she’s been to the book store twice already looking for it! (Thanks Mom!)

I will post more pics as soon as I have it in my hot little hands.

Would you just look at how cute that cover is!