In the Works...

Some pictures of projects in the works. The ornament and ornate swirl Christmas tree images have already been burned into screens and will be released into the Birdcage Cards' shop this upcoming week. The birch trees you may already recognize from this card set. While, the flying birdcage (a possible new logo) and the bows I'm still playing with and have been on and off for a month now. I'm debating size, color, and whether or not some will have sketched tags hanging from them. I also have a few more cards coming out this week but those will have to be a surprise! I'll give you a hit think classic ladylike elements inspired by the John Dillinger film Public Enemies staring Johnny Depp and Marion Cotillard.

It's All About The Process

I love when writers and artists share their process. Afterall, what's that phrase? It's not where you end up but how you got there that matters. Its the journey, the discovery - that's the fun part. So, when I came across the preliminary sketches of, children's book author and illustrator, Madi's new book I'm A Little Bit Scared Of... you can imagine my excitement.

The book is amazing! I mean I adore mixed media in general, but her use of collage work in this children's book is just stunning. Here take a look and see what I mean...

Madi's use of fabric, paper, and original drawings all meld perfectly together to form a cohesive world for her characters. Speaking of, let's take a look at some of the behind the scenes work that Madi was kind enough to share on her fun website. As I browsed through, myself, I couldn't help but wonder what the weight of each page in her sketchbook must feel like; with all the layers of fabric and paper glued around and on top of her sketches. It's definitely one sketchbook that I wish I could finger through personally.

Finding Madi's website reminded me to enjoy the process. I'm always in such a rush to get the mundane things done and out of the way with that I often miss the beauty in them. So, this weekend I'm tasking all you fabulous ladies with a little challenge - try something new just to see what it feels like. If you always need music on when you clean the house, try it in silence instead; listen to the sounds of the activity at hand. Try a new food just to process the smell of it. Take the kids for a mystery ride just to enjoy getting them ready and loading up the car.

Whatever it is just be mindful of the process and enjoy the journey. Don't just rush and hurry up to get things over with so you can start the "fun" stuff. Life and everything in it is the fun stuff. Take the time to notice all the little things. Afterall, we only get this one chance, this one life to experience. So soak it up while you can and enjoy each and every moment. Besides, even if its painful or boring you're lucky to have it.

Baby It's Cold Outside...

Brrrr! Its so cold this morning, but one of the things I love most about Fall weather is getting to cozy up inside while the world remains chilly on the other side of the window pane. So, on this very brisk weathered Fall afternoon I'll be transferring the rest of my winter sketches onto transparencies, burning three new screens, making test prints of said screens while munching away on the yummiest golden delicious apples I've ever gotten from the market, reading this book (hopefully) with my legs curled up under a warm blanket, and trying to round up a copy of Fringe as I missed the premier last night.

And now that I've sufficiently procrastinated by sharing my play-by-play with you all I think I'd better get back to work...

Wishing you all warm and cozy weekends with a good book and a thick sweater!
-Kate


{first image: doorknob curtain tie-back via Urban Outfitters}