It's blooming!

It's funny how a simple thing in life could lift my spirit just like that! Last week I planted some succulents in the pots I made from my pottery class, and not only I haven't killed them yet (I am the infamous Black Thumb when it comes to growing plants), one of them is now blooming some sweet small yellow flowers! I am a proud mama!

Creative Lettering

I have a new book to show you. I am very honored to be one of the 16 participating artists for the latest lettering book, Creative Lettering, by Jenny Doh, published by Lark Crafts. With 16 different artists, this book is packed with various lettering styles, pictures, ideas, and step-by-step instructions. Some of my favorite artists in this book are: Aimee Dolich, Madeline and Diane Tompkins, and Rhianna Wurman. On top of the pieces created by each artist, the beginning of the book talks about the language of typography; there is also a list of materials and supplies to help the readers to create their own letterings.



Here are a few spreads of mine. When I am at work, I do a lot of digital lettering using Photoshop and Illustrator. But as most projects in this book, every piece I did here is strictly hand-lettered, no scanner, no computer, so it's easy for people to learn and follow by using simple tools like pencil, ink with dip pen, and markers.  





Jenny has made a YouTube promo for the book; it will give you a better look of its contents.



Complete list of participating artists (according to the table of contents): Flora Chang, Jessica Swift, Pam Garrison, Francois Begnez, Karyn Denten, Aimee Dolich, Andy Ainger, Linda Schneider, Lori Vliegen, Madeline & Diane Tompkins, Stine Kassa, Lisa Engelbrecht, Philippe Debongnie, Barbara Close, Rhianna Wurman, and Martha Lever

Illustration for Ouders van Nu #3, 2013

It's always exciting to receive the latest issue of Ouders van Nu in my mail box. This is issue #3 of 2013, which I have illustrated a piece for its editorial column called "Liefde en de Luiers" ("Love and Diapers"). This issue's topic is a wife's complain about her husband being funny and charming to everyone else outside of his house but grumpy and not nice once he is at home with his own family. And the husband's reason why he is behaving this way is because he is not feeling appreciated and respected by his wife at home. Sounds like anybody you'd know?

Sketchbook Page

Really want to go to the studio to practice throwing some pots and bowls, but I set a goal to finish one of the projects for the upcoming book and I refuse to go out unless I am done with it. Maybe I will be able to go in the evening.

Here is a page from my sketchbook. Hope you are all making or doing fun things this weekend. Let me know what you are making if you'd like to share. Happy weekend!

Illustrations for Ouders van Nu

Last year I got an invitation from Ouders van Nu, a Dutch magazine for young parents, to do some illustrations. Last night when I got home, I was so excited to see their lovely magazines arriving in my mail box. Here are the two issues containing my illustrations. The first one is a special bonus gift for their readers, a set of 4 postcards by different artists, in celebrating the magazine's 45th anniversary.



The second illustration is for their monthly editorial column called "Liefde en de Luiers" ("Love and Diapers"), which discusses relational issues between couples, and this one is about financial problem.




Ouders van Nu is such a lovely client to work with. I've since illustrated a few more pieces for them and will be published soon.

Bowl & Pebble

Stayed late last night to work on something for another book I am participating. While I searched my garage for materials to be used for the project, I found one wooden bowl tucked away on the shelf. I had to pull it out and draw on it (it's not going to be included in the book so it's ok to show you.) I might add more details on the outside of the bowl later. I also did a pebble to go with it. Taking about the pebbles, they remind me of summer, because last year I went to a garden center and dug those pebbles out from a giant pile of landscaping rocks. I had to pick and select the perfect rocks under the sun in 100+ degrees (how fun! ha!) Looking at the snow we have outside, I can't wait for summer to be here.

Succulents

Bought three little succulents today and planted them in the small pots I made from my wheel throwing class. I am infamous for killing plants, even the easiest succulents. I really hope these three would make it this time. (The sweet little bird in the middle pot is made by Makiko Hastings.)

New Tool

Tried some new drawing tools today. I can't believe I've never used this pen before, and now I am in love! It feels very similar to nib pens which I love and use often; its ink runs smoothly and bleeds nicely on paper. I did this really fast doodle as a test run with this pen, scanned it into Photoshop, and added some color, at the same time deliberately preserving the bleeding from the ink. It's definitely going to be one of my go-to drawing tools in the future.

PS: I apologize for not updating my blog as often as I update my Facebook page. It's just easier to post and connect with people on my Facebook wall then editing blog posts here. But I will try my best to update both as much as I can. Come visit and like my page if you haven't done so. :)

Free Owl Lover 2013 Calendar

Shivani, the author of My Owl Barn, has just informed me that our Owl Lover 2013 Calendar is now available on her lovely blog for free download. This is my third year being part of the ever-growing group of contributing artists for this project, and there are 43 artists in total this year! Come take a look at all the lovely artworks, it will be hard to pick just 12 for each calendar, but that's a good problem, right? : )

2012 Hallmarket

Whew! Hallmarket is done! It was such a great event and a very successful one, too. There were over 100 Hallmark artists showing their works. It's so neat to see what people create, and it's truly humbling to know that I am surrounded by so many talented folks every day. A big thank-you to all of you who made to the fair and shopped at my booth, I am so grateful. If you couldn't make it, I've organized a Flickr album for you to see. Just click here.

Now I need to get ready for the next two art shows; the work is never done. : )