Wonderful, wonderful!

Just did the most wonderful spur-of-the-moment trade with k. smith! In exhange for my little "If ONly" painting I received the utterly charming Miss Carrie-Anne Progmouse.

I just love everything about her...the smoothness and simplicity of the wood background....her oh-so-long and slender neck, that tiny little hat perched just-so on her fancy up-do. But mostly it's those eyes! I wish I could do eyes like those!!!
Anyway, you should certainly pop on over to her etsy shop, UNCONVENTIONAL IDA. I'm sure you'll find a character that you just can't live without. I feel like I need a few more already.

In other news...I finished up the first of my Pfatt pieces last night. Christmas in July is this month's theme.


I wanted to do something Christmas-y, but not too Christmas-y. I was inspired by my own Teddy Bear Princess that I revisited for Illustration Friday last week.




The only thing that makes her Christmas-y is the delicate wreath of holly that she wears on her head. I cut each leaf from paper and added tiny red beads for the berries. The sides are painted with black and white stripes and the bear has a scrap of gingham for a bow in her hair. I thought of adding some words...Twas the night before Christmas...or maybe, All i want for Christmas is a teddy bear...but I think i'm just gonna leave her be.
Besides I only have a few days to create her male counterpart.

I'm showing her early because I will be out of town from July 12 - 19th. I'm hoping she will sell the first day so that I can get her shipped off before I go. I'll show the other piece as soon as he exists. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister, Karen! She's had a rough birthday week, what with sleeping at the hospital with Roni (who finally got to come home yesterday). My sister also works at the hospital which made it extra weird for her.
And also Happy Birthday! to my nephew, Brant, who turns 17 today! Yikes!

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend. I guess I should stick with tradition and include this link of my son, Aaron, singing "There She Stands".
(be sure to stop my other music before listening)