Free March Calendar Wallpaper Download

It's time to change your desktop calendar! : )

To download the 1600x1200 wallpaper, click here.
To download the 1920x1080 wallpaper, click here.

I submitted a design to Threadless.com

After I posted the "I ♥ Doodle" print, I've been getting suggestions from friends that they want it on T-shirts! So last night I did something else and submitted it to Threadless.com for voting. It's pending right now, so nobody can vote for it yet. But I just want to get the words out there: I will need your vote once it's up for scoring!!! If you want to see it printed, vote for it so it will have a chance to be made into a real T-shirt! So just keep it in mind and wait for my cue! Thank you so much!!! : )

I ♥ DOODLE

A little print I did today. And I ran into this article online, even though it's from a year ago. Yeah, doodling is good! : )

Stuffed Doodle Brooches In The Shop

I made 12 more stuffed doodle brooches over last week. They are all hand drawn and hand stitched. It's a lot of fun for me to make them, as each one of them has its own personality, from my brain directly to the fabric, and I don't quite know how it would turn out until it's done. Here are some of them. To see all, visit my etsy. :)

Sweet craft by a sweet girl

I've known Alely and her family for many years, back in the days when I was still a student in San Francisco. During the years, every holiday and celebration, her family has always welcomed me as one of their own whenever I visit; really just one of the sweetest and closest family you can imagine. Alely is a wife, a mom of three, and most of all, a sweet, strong woman of faith. She just recently started her Etsy shop, Sweet Lee Designed, offering personalized handstamped jewelry, sewing goodness, and fine art photos. I love this little sweet necklace in the photo (and also one of my favorite Bible phrase). She can put anything you like on it, and that makes the perfect personalized gift. She also runs a blog called "1 Random Girl" where she writes about her family, her craft and the journey in life. So why don't you take a look and say hi to her? I know she'll love it!

I like making these!

I am thinking about adding doodle brooches into my Etsy. I have lots of fun making them. Each one has an original hand-drawn doodle (with fabric markers), and I like how the edge frays a little bit and the shape is organic. It's like a little piece of wearable art. What do you think? Do you like it? Any suggestion? (They are about 2.25" to 2.5" tall.)

Fu Doll Print

It's Chinese New Year right now (Valentine's Day was actually the New Year's Day also), I tweaked the kokeshi doll from my previous post and turned her into a Fu doll in Chinese paper cut style ("Fu" means "blessing and good luck" in Chinese). I hope she will bring you lots of happiness and good luck! She is in the shop right now. Happy New Year!

Color Career Counselor

Jeanee at Dirty Laundry posted about this quiz from careerpath.com. I thought it's interestingm and the result it gave me seems pretty accurate in my situation. Looks like I am on the right career path. Here is my result; what is yours? :)

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Keywords: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a ORGANIZER
Keywords: Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

Doodle Brooch

I got some fabric pens after work, so I made this owly doodle brooch.

Illustration Friday: Adrift

A drifting hobo dog...

Check this out!!!

My good pal Sarah and her daughter Michel have opened their Etsy shop "Petit Reve". Sarah is a designer/illustrator in my company and also the vocal/bass player in our band "Softee". She is super talented, and I've introduced her book to you guys before. Come on and take a look! I am sure she will stock up her shop with more and more yummy goodness as time goes by.

From Petit Reve, artwork by Sarah Anderson

From Petit Reve, artwork by Michel Anderson

Happy Valentine's Day!

I drew a little kokeshi to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! Any special plan? : )

Hallmark Holiday - ABC News

Check out this ABC News Nightline's coverage on Hallmark; take a glimpse into the world where I work everyday. Click this link to watch the full footage.

Not a tattoo

My friend Amanda drew it on my hand with a Sharpie during a meeting today. (Bad camera, can't take a decent photo without the flashlight... I swear I am going to replace you real soon!!!)

Here are some of the awesome "Sharpie tattoos" Amanda drew on herself. She is GREAT in hand lettering, too!!! Check out her blog and see more photos of her hand arts! : )

Mr. Friendly from Japan

(photo from Mr. Friendly Cafe Blog)

I can't believe that I ran into Mr. Friendly again. I remember when I was still a teenager, I loved Mr. Friendly and I owned a couple of Mr. Friendly goodies, but as years go by and I moved to a different country, I forgot about him. I am so happy to see that he is still around. Check out the website and blog (in Japanese); the blog has more photos to look at.

PS: I just found Mr. Friendly's English site! (Part of it still under construction and in Japanese.)

Bedtime Owly Sketch

A little page of bedtime sketch from the other night. : )

Wet fat snow flakes today...

... and LOTS of them. I heard the east coast is going to get pounded; be safe guys if you are getting lots of snow too!

Worms In Love

So adorable!!! Found via Rainbow Box

Great Clasp Purse Tutorial Found

I love clasp purses and have always wanted to make one. I found a really good tutorial here. You can also download the PDF file too.

Friends Print

Just added to the shop.
Hope spring will come soon. I am missing all the birdies... brrrrr