autumn, you may let go of summer now

Autumn is officially here in technicality but not in weather. Yesterday the Los Angeles area set an all time record high (it was 112 degrees out here). I've started my walks again in the mornings but it's crazy that at 8 o' clock in the morning it's already in the '80's. Before I really begin to boil here in the house and set out to do some errands for dual purposes (1. to get some things done. 2. to find some relief in air conditioned places), I wanted to share a few things first:

This is not the greatest scan but just to share. Here is a piece that was commissioned to me by a old friend. It's a 'portrait' of her and her husband and it's in celebration of their recent anniversary. I really enjoyed doing this for her and doing it in just black india ink. I think I need to do some more work like this!

We went to one of my absolute oldest childhood friend's wedding a couple of weekends ago. It was such an amazing celebration. She is Ethiopian and being a witness to how they celebrate weddings is such a refreshing experience. This was actually my third Ethiopian wedding I attended but the first for Rick and Nat. He mentioned how this was the first wedding he has been to in a long time that didn't feel like a funeral. I was so happy to be there and to see a few other old time childhood friends. I didn't get to take photos because my camera's battery was low but I did manage a few shots of Natalie prancing down the steps of the church they got married in.

One of my favorite local places to visit is the Grand Californian Hotel in Downtown Disney. The architecture is in the Arts & Crafts style that Rick and I are completely drawn to. The place really is grand and I never get tired of being amazed when looking at the ceiling. I may find myself going there alone during the day for drawing, inspiration and respite. I really encourage looking up the link to really see how amazing this place is.

Other things to share (that are also on my pinterest):

• a tutorial on how to make paper maiche black birds from 'that artist woman'
• miniature rhino's post about a pen pal swap
• speaking of pen pals, adding a new one to my list, miss polly bland (letter is in the mail)!
• a cute animated vintage dancing duo blog badge up for free grabs by 'just something i made'
• this awesome vintage illustrated owl book mathyld shared with me from 'vintage kid's books my kid loves'

More later, but now time to move on....
:)

lovelies from milla

It's always nice to receive mail and packages and I was very thrilled when I got one from the lovely Milla. I had won a giveaway on her blog and these are the lovely things she sent me:

The giveaway was a poster her husband designed. Along with this, she also sent:

• three blouses
• a floral dress (and/or top also)
• a vintage smock
• a dovekins album 
• a vintage book 'nature through the seasons'
• a leather butterfly hair pin
• a delightful framed art work (I wish I could remember the artist. she told me in her letter but I put it away and can't remember where I placed it)
• navy blue saltwater sandals for Nat
• a very pretty feather!

I feel very blessed but all this niceness sent my way. The album is awesome, the artwork from the vintage book is amazing, my favorite new little top is the floral dress and I love when Nat gets a little something too! Oh, I also forgot, she sent me a blast from the past with a Care Bears mug complete with hear tshaped handle! Of course that now belongs to Nattie too. Thanks so very much Milla!!

the end of summer comes...

"September's Baccalaureate
A combination is Of Crickets -- Crows -- and Retrospects
And a dissembling Breeze
That hints without assuming --
An Innuendo sear
That makes the Heart put up its Fun
And turn Philosopher."
-   Emily Dickinson, September's Baccalaureate 

Time has been busy. It has been both too short and too long. It's nice to get away for a few moments to rest and to refresh too. I have to be getting ready for new things. The 'have to' is because I want to motivate myself more than any other time before. I need to manage my time, my efforts and my creativity with discipline and ambition. There are things I need to do and things I want to do. So, here's to the end of things and to the beginnings of new things!

(After note: Anyone one pinterest? I'm there now too, come by and peruse if you like...)

tree fruit friends, an underwater treasure hunter and a ghost party

Fall is approaching and I am looking forward to having moments to grow creatively. Sometimes I have ideas for things that take a long time to 'be' and other times I can get it out quickly. Lately I've been feeling myself head back into when I first began littlebighead on etsy, the whole feel that I was having then. I am grateful to be able to say that I have seen progressions when it comes to my art. Because of these progressions, it's nice to visit familiar feelings and bring it about in a new way.

With all this said, I have put up two listings that are actually some of the first illustrations I did once littlebighead was started.  A lot of the illustrations that I did during this time I had digitally colored and used for buttons I once sold. Others just became a part of illustrations I had up on flickr. Now I am bringing some of those out from the archives so to speak, coloring them in and offering them in the shop. The first two that I am offering are my 'Bartlett Pear and Golden Apple'. I always thought these where sweet and shy and has been an all time favorite of mine. The next is 'You are invited' that features a girl I named Violie with a few ghostly pals. She brings an invitation to come along to a friendly ghost party complete with cake! It's really nice to see these pieces colored by hand and in the shop.

The last piece I included in the shop today is 'She collects all the pretty treasures'. Mermaids are a constant love and I have done them several different ways. This one especially speaks to me because you can not judge the coldness of her heart being a mermaid and all. She appears fair and sweet but also aloof. She collects pretty and forgotten treasures and adorns herself in with her favorite finds. Of course, a mirror is one in which to admire herself in. I like how she chooses to use a tea cup as a hat. :)

friday's a hoot!!

 

Today I received my hootenanny trade package from the awesome Lisa of 5 Orange Potatoes! She sent Natalie and I two custom hootenannies that we are so pleased and honored to have! She also makes other cute critters made from upcycled materials and sells in her etsy shop.

Since I've started blogging here a couple of years ago, I have met some truly wonderful and genuine people. Lisa is one of those people I have been blessed to get to know. Her blog is one of my favorites! It's so beautiful & creative, filled with natural wonders, science, the great outdoors and family. Her daughters are sweet little dears that are in the making of becoming two truly wonderful persons themselves.

We had been organizing a little trade for awhile and I am so happy we did. Her eldest daughter Fauna, took a particular interest in my artwork and Lisa shared with me how much it inspired her. I can not express how much this warm and gladdened my heart! Art is so much of who I am, so much apart of me and for anyone to like what I do is always a great compliment. When a child takes to my art, it takes it to a whole different level of happiness!

In the package we received a hootenanny for each of us: a brown and purple owl for me and a pink one for Natalie. Since I have begun watching one of my favorite shows of all time again, I've decided to name mine Lorelai (yes, of Gilmore Girls fame)! Natalie is going through a major Disney Channel love and so named hers Hannah Montana :)

Along with our owls was a cute little flirty rock girl I've named Cheeky because she just says 'cute & cheeky' to me! There was also a tiny little real rock complete with googly eyes made by her youngest Araina. She sent peppermint and lemon balm for tea and a herbal mix of plantain, clover & calendula to mix with a carrier oil for the skin (can't wait)!  

The best part was an original drawing by Fauna herself. How sweet is this sleepy little dear in a tree, surrounded by toadstools and stars! There is even a sweet little hedgehog 'hiding' in the corner but I found him! This is such a blessing and privilege to have, truly.

 

Last but not least, was a handmade pink coneflower for Natalie's hair. I promptly put it on her and of course, she looks adorable in it! More adorable too, when taking photos with her new Hannah!

Lorelai and Hannah are most welcomed by us and our little handful of handmade owls. Here Lorelai says 'cheese' with my handmade owl Bourbon along with Serena, my handmade owl by Mathyld. :)

Thank you so very dearly Lisa. It's a honored to get to know you and your family and am blessed to be able to get to know you more and more ♥