The Chevron Dog

Most recently, I have been inspired by those cute little chevron prints. You know the zigzag patterns with fun colors and a silhouette of a popular dog breed.  I was wanting a fun hook for my dog's leashes, so I thought: "Hey, I will make a Chevron Dog painting of my dog, Java, add a couple of hooks and there I go!"

For those who know me...usually when I want something, I want it yesterday. So, I broke out a 12 x 12 canvas board and got busy!

First step: Draw my chevron pattern.

Second step: Select my paint colors and paint!

Final steps: Sketch my silhouette and fill it in. For super clean lines, I used a sharpie to outline all of it.  Spray with polyurethane, then brush on a thick coat and it's done! This literally took me a couple of hours. The only thing left to do, is purchase some little cup hooks and screw them into the bottom for hanging the leashes on.





So, my girlfriend saw this and said: "Oh, I would love one of those of my Manny!".  Hmmm...Christmas idea??? PERFECT!  I wanted to spend more time on hers and really personalize it to her tastes and colors.  I remembered that I took a picture of Manny months ago in their living room.  He is a funny little Boston Terrier with lots of personality.  Here is the pic.

I drew out my chevron pattern, then sketched Manny.  This is really what took the longest.  I do not draw people because it truly does take an extensive amount of time to capture personality...same goes with pets (except their bodies are easier). It's all about the eyes, really.  Painted him in with black, then shaded him with various shades of gray.

Then, I painted the chevron pattern, using colors that coordinated with my friend's home.

I also wanted her painting to have more depth, so I added some shading to the colors and of course, added Manny's shadow so that he wasn't floating! :)

Then, I sprayed it and brushed on a heavy coat of polyurethane to seal and protect the painting. This one took me a few days vs. a couple of hours in one sitting.

She loved it! Even said "I knew you were an artist, but didn't know you could do something like this!" Ha!

You can see the difference, here.  Just depends on what you like and personal preference. 

Cost for a 12 x 12 custom realistic "pet portrait", I would charge $75-$150 depending on the amount of detail (just for reference, "Manny" would cost $75).

Cost for a 12 x 12 silhouette, I would charge $50

Black and Cream

I love the simplicity of a bird on a branch and the contrast of black and cream!  You have to see what I found first...These are drawer fronts from an abandoned house that my sister and her husband purchased in an auction.  They are plastic and were adhered to drawer fronts of a dresser. Old, dirty, yellowed...UGLY, etc...BUT, I liked the look of them and knew I could make them pretty! ;)

So, I cleaned and painted them a flat cream color (to match a frame that I already had made).

Then I sketched my birds on a branch.

Then I painted in my design.

Next step was to sand off some edges. It can't be too perfect, right?

Then, spray polyurethane to protect & hang them on my wall!

I love them soooo much!

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Trendy Turquoise

Trending now is this really great blue-green "turquoisey" color that is a great accent color or even a neutral background color that anything goes with! It adds a fresh, clean look to any space that I just love! In fact, I just ran into a friend at Pier One who was looking to redecorate her bedroom in...guess what...Peacocks! :)  Great colors!

Nels Johnson - original painting

Studies have shown how colors affect our moods, so I thought I would share what was said about Blue & Green (since turquoise is a combination of the two):

How the color blue affects us physically and mentally
* Calming and sedate
* Cooling
* Aids intuition


How the color green affects us physically and mentally
* Soothing
* Relaxing mentally as well as physically
* Helps alleviate depression, nervousness and anxiety
* Offers a sense of renewal, self-control and harmony

Here are some items to check out (click on the links for more info.)!

Festive Home Decor - pillows

Macys - glass vase 

Knit Happens - felted handbag

Minnie Grace - tiny bracelet

Kirklands - lamps

Pier 1 imports

ORANGE you glad I didn't say Purple?

Remember that "Knock, knock" joke...Knock, knock. Who's there? Purple. Purple, who? Knock, knock. Who's there? Purple. Purple, who? Knock, knock. Who's there??? Orange! Orange, who??? 

Okay...see punch line above in title. I know, I know...sooo obnoxious, I'm a dork!!! :)

In the spirit of Fall, I thought it would be fun to share some orange goodies! I love the feel of a vibrant orange, don't you? It just adds an unexpected "pop" of color to one's life! 

Enjoy my picks!

Oh, and remember to just "click" on the links for more info.! :)

 Joom sells really great graphic pillows!

Visit Dime Store Vintage for fun, colorful "word art" and vintage finds to add something special to your room.

I really liked the look of these hooks from The Shabby Shak!  Orange is an unexpected color for a wall hook...kinda fun, don't ya think?!?!?

How about a cute little cardigan sweater (also available in other colors)? Check this one out from Eddie Bauer!

Whipped Style shows some great decorating ideas with pumpkins...Just LOVE this one!

Who couldn't use an organic, homeopathic Home Remedy as we go into the winter months? This one varies from the one I typically use , with the addition of honey.

For handmade perfumes, visit Piixl Wix Candle Co.!

If you journal or sketch, these handmade leather notebooks from Conduit Press are amazing!