New Digital Prints and the Cure for Wanderlust

Well, I’ve been back from the big trip home for just over a month and I’ve already gotten a case of island fever. It’s amazing how quickly it sets in, isn’t it? Luckily, I was able to get away last weekend to visit a longtime friend out west. Breaking out of our routine for a few days is all I really needed to hit the refresh button, and once again I find myself glad to be home.

Ocean_1_P36Inspired by my recent travels, or perhaps more accurately, by my return to this little island paradise, I added some new digital prints to my etsy shop! The “ocean” print above is completely hand-lettered and then vectored and placed over an image of Bahamian turquoise water. I actually couldn’t decide which I liked best though—so I’m also offering it in a watercolor version (in the small frame below).

The “Beach” print below is actually one of the first digital prints I ever made—it just took me six months to get in it up in the shop! It’s something a little different for me, as it has no illustrations and offers a much cleaner look (and a fabulous shot of a Bermuda beach, if I do say so myself!).

beach_P30As you know, I’ve been painting a lot lately, and in addition to the finished paintings I recently listed, I usually work on a few little nature-inspired bits and bobs each time I sit down to paint. Since I often have to wait for paint to dry between colors, it’s nice to have several in the works at once. I combined a bunch of those flowers and leaves into what might be my new favorite print—with a hand-painted quote that will motivate you to get shit done to boot! You can find all of these and a few more here!

Gardens_P23

New: Handmade Scarves and Cowls!

The temperature is still hovering around 80F in Bermuda, but fall has officially begun everywhere else. Last year, I got really into crochet and developed original patterns and stitches for several cowls and scarves (remember that bit about inspiration coming in waves?), and now they’re finally available in my etsy shop!

orange-KJ5 group-6080Beautiful photography by Laurels & Stars :)grey-6069Each piece is made from super chunky wool-acrylic blend yarn completely by hand. I wasn’t so sure about sourcing the yarn on the island, but as it turns out, one of the department stores here has a better selection than the craft shop back home! I can’t wait to start making scarves and cowls to order—get in touch to order!

shrug-KJ2 purple-6047

Photo shoots

In the day job that I had for the last seven years, I often styled people, food and product for photo shoots. However, I rarely put that kind of effort into my own photos—until now. I’ve started the massive task of reshooting all my merchandise with two goals in mind: First, higher quality images, truer color and consistency across my etsy shop. The second is to convey style—to further appeal to the type of personality who might want to purchase the piece.

Here are a few of my favorites—can’t wait to hear what you think!

Oh, and of course, if you’re interested in any cards, or just want to see how they look in the shop, find them here!

Bermuda in photos

What’s that? More pretty pics of my new home, please? Ok, if you insist!

On the Road, Again

Creative types have a reputation—deserved or not—of being flighty. I’d like to introduce you to a couple artists who have spent the past year on the road… but have learned more about the commitment of seeing a project through than anything else.

Madison-based photography studio Paper Antler is about halfway through Fifty Nifty, their effort to shoot a wedding in every state to raise money for She Dances, a non-profit organization that provides holistic restoration for young girls who have been trafficked and sexually exploited. The Fifty Nifty donation will support a safe home in Honduras for one year. They still have dates available… book your wedding, let them stay at your place or donate directly today!

Power and Light Press, a letterpress studio based in Portland, has spent over 10 months cruising through 47 U.S. states and a few Canadian provinces in The Type Truck—a 1982 Chevy step van equipped with built-in type cabinets and workspace, a mid 20th century sign press and an 1873 Golding Official No. 3 tabletop platen press. The goal was to spread awareness of letterpress, renew interest in the artform and have a great time doing it! Mission accomplished.