Artists I like: Il Lee

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York

New York-based artist Il Lee creates beautiful works of art on paper and canvas using only ballpoint pen.  In many ways, Lee's pen drawings remind me of traditional Asian ink drawings.  The simplified subjects are captured by spontaneous, yet well-practiced strokes.  And negative space plays a significant role in compositional balance. 

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York

It's always difficult to assess art on a computer screen, so here is a photo of Lee's large-scale works hanging in a gallery space.  This should give you a better idea of the magnitude of his ballpoint pen handiwork. 

© Art Projects International; Courtesy of artist and Art Projects International, New York

There is also this short video of Lee's art put together by San Jose Museum of Art.  I have to say that it does make my hand hurt just watching it.  It's amazing to think that Lee has been using ballpoint pen in his art for over 30 years! 

FREE stories at paws and Tales to download for your kiddos!

Free Paws and Tales stories to download!
Click on the above link to sign up for free podcasts of the Paws and Tales stories my kids love.  We download them in Itunes put them on an ipod but you could burn then to disk if you like.  Great bedtime audio!

Dream Big Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

Stars: *****

Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (2011)
Illustrations by Tim Bowers
Picture Book
4 and up

Summary: Poppy the Pig has big dreams - lots of them! But following her dreams isn't always easy, and whenever Poppy thinks it might be time to give up, her family reminds her to "Dream Big!"

Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi has created her very first picture book. I am normally reluctant to read picture books by celebrities as it feels to me like they just aren't happy being famous for TV, movies, music and/or sports and want to be great at everything.

The summary of the book is what drew me in and made me want to check it out and I'm glad I did. It can be very disheartening when you try something you like only to be told you are no good at it and should try something else. The book is all about realizing your dreams with practice and enjoyment of what you do, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.

The illustrations are absolutely adorable and the cover has sparkles, which according to my girls, is the best thing ever. We will be revisiting this book when my children express interest in a certain activity but then feel discouraged.

About the Author:
Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic gold medalist and world champion who knows about dreaming big. The motto "Always Dream" serves as Kristi's personal inspiration, as well as the name of her charitable foundation for children.

Links of Interest: Always Dream,

Other Reviews: Chronicle of an Infant Bibliophile, For Immediate Release Reviews - Kids,

Buy Dream Big Little Pig! at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of this book to review from the publisher.  All opinions are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Sibling love!

Twinkie I see you grabbing Bellas headband! I am on to you!



Dahlias quote of the day....

During a yummy dinner of pancakes..."Me and pancakes are best friends"  I will have to post that recipe for the oatmeal, whole grain pancakes we had that were quite delicious!

Free Pretty Menu planner forms to download

                                  Download these good looking hard working menu planning forms here.

New works, "Winter Cabin" and "Skyline"

My birthday is in a couple of days, and all I want is a good dose of vitamin D via sunlight.  It's officially Spring, but it's been unseasonably cold and wet, even for Portland.  We have yet to hit 60 degrees in the new year, and I'm still flipping on our gas fireplace every day. 



So, all this to say, it doesn't surprise me that I'm still painting snow-dressed mountains.  This painting, Winter Cabin, is one of my latest works.  The outline of the mountains were created by carving away wet paint with the end of my paintbrush. To see more detailed pictures of the work, go here. 

Skyline is the second wood panel piece I completed this week.  I love using blues in my art, and, next to white, they're the first colors to be used up.  Even the cyan ink cartridge in my ink jet printer is replaced at twice the rate than the other colors.  Lately, I've been trying to branch out and use more reds, but I keep coming back to the calm and cool effects of blues. 

Need help with healthy meal planning? FREE healthy meal plans already done!

Here is a link to some great meal plans.  These family friendly delicious meal plans use hardly any red meat, and are easy to prepare.  So save some time and money putting these delicious meal plans to work for you.

Get these healthy delicious meal plans here.

Get fully dramatized storys of Jesus' life on CD sent to you FREE!! plus listen to or download FREE stories for kids!

Here is a great way to get your kids to learn more about the Bible and have fun doing it.  You will also be able to get FREE story Cd's so read on!

We love listening to the stories you can download free from "Your Story Hour".  We put them on an ipod for the kids to listen to at night or you could burn them onto Cd's.  You can also get free Cd's of fully dramatized stories of Jesus' life by signing up and participating in a free fun mail in Bible class.  Once you sign up they send you the first two lessons and quizzes and when you send them back they send you the next 4 quizzes and YOUR FREE Bible story on CD.  We just got our first one and it is really fun to listen to. 

Click here to go to your story hour for free story downloads!

Free budget forms to download from Dave Ramsey or go to this online link to set up your starter budget in 60 sec!

Many are resistant to a budget feeling that a budget will tie them down or be a bummer but the reality is that is brings freedom and a plan brings the result you are looking for.  It simply means spending your money on paper before hand so that you tell your money where to go not wonder where it went at the end of the month.  Come on be brave and change your financial future starting now!

Here is the link to Daves downloadable FREE budget forms.  These forms provide more detail than the online quickie budget.

http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms/

Here is the link to the quickie budget that will take less than 60 sec to fill out.

http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-lite/

Enjoy these free tools, and I hope they help you to get your debt paid off head you towards financial freedom.

If you pay extra on your mortgage how fast could you pay it off? Use the mortgage calculator and see!

We found out that if we started next september paying an additional $600 a month we could pay off our house in 7 1/2 years!!  How's that for motivation!  Click on the link below and put your numbers in to see how it can help you.  Hope it encourages you to pay it down faster.  Thanks Dave Ramsey.

http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/mortgage-calculator/
leave comments to let me know if you tried it and how it will help you.

How do I get started on an envelope budget system & what is it?

This arcticle helps to explain the envelope budgeting system that really works and how to get started.


Dave Ramsey's Envelope System - Budgeting - daveramsey.com

We have found it very helpfull and currently use this type of budget.  Let me know what you think.

C'mon Papa: Dispatches From a Dad in the Dark by Ryan Knighton

Stars: *****

Knopf Canada, a division of Random House (2010)
Nonfiction: Memoir/Biography/Parenting
272 pages

Summary: C'mon Papa is Ryan Knighton's heartbreaking and hilarious voyage through the first year of fatherhood. Becoming a father is a stressful, daunting rite of passage to be sure, but for a blind father, the fears are unimaginably heightened. Ryan will have to find novel ways to adapt to nearly every aspect of parenting: the most basic skills are nearly impossible to contemplate, let alone master. And how will Ryan get to know this pre-verbal bundle of coos and burps when he can't see her smile, or look into her eyes for hints of the person to come? - from Random House

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be blind AND a parent? Wonder no longer. Ryan Knighton tells us the good, the bad and the ugly in his most recent memoir. The book switches from educational, to humourous, to breath holding moments, to sympathy inducing.

I learned about blindness in general as well as parenting while blind. I already knew that blind people keep things in their house in a certain spot so they can maneuver around but it never occurred to me that a blind person could have a job. (I apologize to all blind people who work.)

I think this is a much needed memoir that more people should read. Most of us don't really know what it's like to live with a special need let alone how to be a parent with a special need. Ryan Knighton is the perfect author as well, he tells a great story.

However he does include just a few swear words.  I am turned off my swear words and could have done without them but there were only a few so it was easy to just ignore them and continue reading.

Links of Interest: Ryan Knighton, Ryan Knighton on Twitter,

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy C'mon Papa at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

DIY lint modeling mixture

Recycle your dryer lint into fun for kids?  Why not! 

3 C dryer lint
2 C water
2/3 C flour
3 drops oil of cloves (optional)

Combine the lint and water in a saucepan.  Slowly add the flour and oil of cloves if using, stirring to prevent lumps from forming.  Cook slowly over a low flame, continuously stirring until the mixture forms peaks.  Use like paper mache or press into a mold.  Dries hard and durable in 3-5 days.  You can paint if you wish.  Great for Christmas ornaments or rainy days.

DIY Silly putty

Silly putty is so much fun and now you can make it at home!

1/4 C White glue
1/4 C liquid starch

Mix the ingredients in a bowl and knead till it becomes the consistency of putty.  Alow it to dry 30 min to an hour before it will be workable.  Silly putty should bounce and pick up newsprint.  Store in an airtight container. 

DIY Window Paint

Geat for the holidays or if you have a car for sale.

washable paint (like tempura paint)
dishwashing liquid

The more paint you use the thicker and harder to clean it will be.  Use a basting brush or other paint brush.  Wipes off most surfaces when wet but only comes off glass easily when dried.

Kitchen tips and tricks

To keep potatoes from budding place an apple in the bag with the potatoes.

Brown sugar getting hard?  Throw a piece of bread in with the hardened sugar to soften it up.

Soup or other food turn out too salty?  Throw a potatoe in to soak up some of the salt.

DIY sweetened condensed milk

Save money and avoid all the unnecessary processing. 

1 C Sugar
1/2 C water
1/3 C butter
1 1/3 C dry milk

Combine sugar, water, and butter in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil and cook 1 minute stirring constantly.  Cool slightly.  Combine in blender with dry milk and process until smooth.  Refrigerate until needed.

DIY pancake syrup

Ok so it is not healthy by any stretch of the imagination but it sure beats buying the over processed store bought kind with all the added ingredients.

1/2 Cup white sugar
1/2 Cup brown sugar
2 Cups water
mapel flavoring (optional)

Put both sugars in a sauce pan on high.  When the sides start to puff out add water.  Leave on high not forgetting to stir and cook it at the hard boil stage till it starts to thicken. Pour into a beautiful bottle and your done!

DIY recipe for long term Super Bubbles

Here is a recipe for long term Super Bubbles that you can use to make a batch that will last.  If you are wanting to make bubbles to use today make sure and see the other recipe for Super Bubbles as this one requires a week of sitting before use. Enjoy!

4 Cups water
1 Cup Dawn dishwashing liquid
1T glycerin (find at your local pharmacy)

Mix together in a jar and let it sit for one week before use. 

DIY recipe for Super Bubbles

Here is a recipe for Super Bubbles you can make for your kiddos or the kiddo in you!

3 Cups warm water
1/2 Cup corn syrup 
2 Cups dishwashing liquid

Mix it up and have a ball! You can refill your old bubble container and use the old wand or make one from wire. This won't store for long periods of time so if you don't to use it right away and would rather make one that will store use our Long term Super Bubbles recipe.

Artists I like: Jelle Martens

I don't swoon at the sight of diamonds, even if they are all over the face of a vampire heartthrob.  I am a simple girl, really.  I don't need flowers or chocolates, just some triangles and trees, please. 

Cue girly sigh.



For more weak-in-the-knees art, check out Jelle Martens' flickr and website.

A Read-a-thon with a 2 week old???

I am officially signing up for the Spring 24-hour Read-a-thon but I will have a two week old baby to take care of and will be recovering from a c-section so I'm not setting any goals or anything. You are supposed to take it easy after a cesarean anyways so when the baby is sleeping or nursing, I can read. We'll see how it goes.

My experience as Etsy's Featured Seller

The ultimate goal for any Etsy shop owner is to be featured on the front page of Etsy.  So, in early February, when I was contacted by Etsy admin about being a Featured Seller, I was ecstatic.  The admin team gave me some helpful resources and information about how to prepare for the feature, and being the big planner that I am, I started filling out a long to-do list for the next month.



First on my list was to find a photographer.  It is the responsibility of the Featured Seller to submit photos of themselves and studio, and, even though I have a decent camera, I wasn't about to have my husband snap some pictures.  Sorry, honey.  One of my favorite photographers in town is Anthony Georgis, and he was kind enough to take some photos of me with little lead time.  The photo above was one of several pictures Anthony took that I submitted.



Two weeks before the interview reveal, I started amping up my production pace.  Etsy encourages Featured Sellers to have a "well-stocked" shop.  Of course, well-stocked is quite objective.  Seeing that I primarily create original art, I could only create a handful of works a week.  A couple of days before the interview went live, I sold three original works in my Etsy shop.  A good problem to have, I know, but then I spent the rest of the weekend creating a few more pieces, including these two shown below.

On the morning of the interview,  I was uploading new works into my shop when I started getting the first of many pings- the sound my iphone makes when I get an email.  Within the course of the next several days, I received over 60 convos (Etsy emails) and sold 85 items. 



20,000 visitors landed in my shop while I was on the front page of Etsy, a number I probably won't see again unless Charlie Sheen tweets about me.  It just goes to show how much traffic there needs to be for a peak in online sales, which is why increased exposure (i.e. marketing) is key for an online business.

The first of several trips to the Post Office.

There were many late nights this past week, but I managed to send all my orders out on time.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that a quarter of the orders were international, mostly from Australia. Although half of the followers on my blog are international,  I wasn't expecting to see such a high number of sales overseas.  It makes me happy to know that people are willing to pay international shipping rates even for an art print of mine. 



As mentioned in the prior post, I was extremely touched by the flood of encouraging comments I received.  I was also flattered to be invited to be part of art events, artist collaborations, and blog features.  My art may even be part of a TV show set- exciting stuff! 



Being the Featured Seller on Etsy has been an amazing experience.  If you have recently been asked to be the Featured Seller, congratulations! And here are some tips I have for you:

1. Accept the offer!


2. Have exceptional pictures for the interview and your shop.  This is not the time to experiment with the latest Photoshop filters. 


3. Try to at least triple your production the weeks before the reveal.


4. If you sell one-of-a-kind pieces, wait to upload new products until a day or two before the interview.


5. Make sure your product descriptions and store policies are very descriptive.   Also, do you have a policy about trades, layaways, custom work, and holds?


6. Be prepared for an untimely incident with your internet connection.  Our modem died two days before the interview, and we had to drive out of Portland to buy a replacement.


7. Re-list!  When a reproducible item (like an art print) sells, you'll need to re-list it.  So plan on being attached to a computer device while your interview is on the front page.


8. Keep your orders organized.  I printed out all my orders as customer receipts and kept them on a clipboard.  


9. If things go better than expected (i.e lots of orders), you will be sleep deprived for several days.

Feel free to contact me with other questions you may have.  I know that it's supposed to be a secret, but I promise I won't tell.

Welcoming Spring with Picture Books

Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand

Stars: ****

Holiday House (2011)

Summary: Excited that spring has finally arrived, Mole tries--unsuccessfully--to wake up Bear, but then he comes up with the perfect plan.

This is the first book by Will Hillenbrand I've read but I'll be on the lookout for more (and he's certainly written a lot!) It's very simple but very cute. It contains some sound words, "Toot, Swish, Knock" that kids love and the illustrations (also by Will Hillenbrand) are adorable.

Since it's not too long, a two year old should be able to stay interested but it's not so simple that a five year old would be bored.

Links of Interest: Will Hillenbrand,
Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy Spring is Here at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer

Stars:  ****

Holiday House (2011)
Illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully

Summary: In this exuberant, rhythmic story, March, personified as a lion, enters a boy's cozy home and leaves a trail of snow flurries and muddy footprints. The boy calmly observes the pouncing, howling, growling lion until in comes the lamb on the crest of a huge sneeze. Escorted by grass, flowers, sunshine, showers, and animal babies large and small, the lamb brings forth spring.

This was a cute book but involved a lot of explanation to my three and five year old on what Spring has to do with a Lion and Lamb and that the Lion and Lamb don't really roam around when Spring comes. However everyone learns the meaning of the saying eventually and explaining while reading a story helped them understand better than just an oral explanation.

The illustrations were created with pen, ink and watercolours and have a nice Spring look to them. I like the combination of ink and watercolour. The story is very poetic and includes great vocabulary words.

"Or will he skulk through the greening grass,eyes scheming,teeth gleaming,waiting for the lamb to pass?"

I always like picture books that increase my children's vocabulary.

Links of Interest: NONE

Other Reviews: NONE YET

Buy In Like a Lion Out Like a Lamb at amazon.com and support SMS Book Reviews

*I received a copy of these books to review. All opinions are honest are are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Luck of the Irish

Additional photos taken for the Etsy interview.  Photos by the talented Anthony Georgis.

I feel lucky today for many reasons.  First, there's the Etsy feature.  I truly feel like I won Willy Wonka's golden ticket on this one! Thanks to all of you who left congratulatory notes.  I was extremely touched by all your comments, and I plan on sharing details of my incredible experience early next week.  

As many of you know, it's St. Patrick's Day.  This also happens to be the day my husband proposed to me 16 years ago! Seeing that we both have Irish in us, maybe we've just been lucky all these years together?



When we first got married, we talked about all the places we would love to visit one day.  High up on that list was Ireland.  Well, the long wait is over!  A dear friend of ours is getting married there this Fall, and we'll be part of the celebration.  My husband is officiating, and I'm actually a bridesmaid- a title I haven't had since the 90s.



As part of our travels, we're planning on heading over to Liverpool and Manchester for a few days.  I know I have some readers in England and Ireland.  So, if you have any great ideas on what to do and where to go, I'd love to hear it!

What I Do With The Books I Receive for Review When I'm Done

I do various things with the books I receive:

• A select few I keep.
• Some are passed on to friends and family.
• Some are donated to the Public Library.
• Some are brought into my local playgroup for other parents to pick through.
• And some are donated to my children's school library.

I don't have the money to giveaway my personal stash whether as a blog giveaway or to other book reviewers or even BookMooch like some other bloggers do.

I decide what to do with the book based on what book it is. If it has a very specific focus I donate it to the public library so it can help as many people as possible. The parenting and fiction books I get go to playgroup. The children's nonfiction and picture books go to the school library.

Well today I received a nice letter in the mail I'd like to share:

Dear Mrs ___________,

On behalf of **school name**, we would like to extend a very hearty thank you for the donation of books that you have provided to our school's library. We are certain the students will enjoy reading the books.

We sincerely would like to thank you for your donation as our school is in an area where today's economic times have created added stress on our families. While **school name** does everything we can to help support the need of our community, your donation allows us to make an even greater contribution. 

Your time, energy and kindness are greatly appreciated. Thank you for thinking of our students and for your support! Your donation will be put to good use.

Sincerely, 

Mr. __________
Principal

I'm not sharing the letter to brag but because it means so much to me that I want to encourage others who receive children's books to review to donate to a school library and because I want those that sent me the review books to know where they are going.

My interview on Etsy

It's been my secret for the last few weeks, but I finally get to spill the beans today . . .  I'm the Featured Seller on Etsy!  I am incredibly flattered that my artwork, as well as an interview, will be showcased on Etsy for the next couple of days.  It all went live this morning, so you can check it out here.



In a week or so, I'll post a follow-up on my experience as a Featured Seller.  Until then, it might be a little quiet on the blog front.  (I'll at least pop in on St. Patty's Day to spread some Irish cheer.) 

Six new works and more to come

I've been revving up my art production.  This week alone, I created six new originals, and I'm currently working on two more wood panel pieces.  Why the exponential pace you ask?



Check back Monday morning and you'll find out. 

Upcoming Giveaway from CSN Stores

CSN Stores is a set of 200+ online stores that sell many things from LCD TV stands to chairs, outdoor playsets to a new dresser and everything in between. Even a new set of dishes or a rocking horse.

The review I mentioned coming up many months ago will still be coming up, I just received the item (it was out of stock). However there will be a $100 CSN Stores Giveaway coming up very soon too. I know it's not book related (unless you buy a book shelf!) but I know book lovers like to win things other than books too so be on the lookout!

Artists I like: Megan McIsaac

You know when someone is talented when their creative work makes you want to be a better artist, which is exactly what happened when I came across Megan McIsaac's photography.   Currently residing in Portland, Megan shoots exclusively with a Mamiya c330.  Browsing her tumblr site makes me want to grab my Autocord and head to the streets!  I absolutely love these two black and white shots she recently took in New York City.  (Incidentally, that's artist Mark Warren Jacques.)  Some of her work reminds me of renown French photographer, Henri Cartier-Bresson. 

McIsaac's color photography is just as compelling.  I didn't think I was a huge fan of yellow until now!

I also admire folks who can take really good pictures of themselves- I am not one of them.  Is it just me, or do you see a little bit of Audrey Hepburn in the first photo?

Swaps 2011

from the latest swapathon . . . 

lovely handmade paper from Jennifer Allison

yummy jam,  homemade lip balm, and a cute owl hairpin from moodymama

adorable recycled wool elephant made by Kate of The Chic Chickadee

a boy on a rainy day print by Couve Illustrations

vintage glass bird vessel from Richelle of Modfolk Vintage

:: thanks everyone for such wonderful and thoughtful trades ::

New work

first signs of spring, 4 x 4 mixed media on birch panel

The 4" x 4" wood panel is my favorite size to work on.  The small surface area is not at all intimidating, and I can casually work on the painting over the course of a few days.  Anything larger than 8" x 10", and I'm toiling over every little mark and decision. 



One of my goals for this year is to work on larger pieces, but I don't intend on moving away from the smaller compositions any time soon.  I enjoy creating original pieces of art that are easily accessible and affordable.  Whenever I sell one of my works, it's so rewarding to know that someone's personal art collection has just increased by one. 

Grove, 5 x 7 mixed media on birch panel

My art now in Portland shop, Tilde

Located in Portland's Sellwood neighborhood, Tilde is one of my favorite local shops.  The well-curated store is full of modern accessories and art from independent designers and artists like Leah Duncan, Shira Sela,  and Michelle Maule.



Every month, the shop hosts an artist and their new collection of works.  This month's show features Lisa Golightly and her small acrylic paintings (shown in the upper right photo).  I'm excited to announce that my original art will be showcased in Tilde for the month of July. Yeah! I'll be sure to post information about the art reception when we get closer to the date. 



And, as of yesterday, my eco-friendly prints are now at the shop.  There are nine different print designs available, including the newest, Cascade.