Seedplanter Designs

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Sunny Yellow

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:42:00 +0000


We'll Sing in the Sunshine by bbrunophotography

Oops. I've been an absentee blogger for the past month. No earthshaking excuses, other than I caught a bug that's been circulating our community. Oh, and I signed a contract with a fantastic art licensing agency who happened to run across my work online and liked what they saw. It's been a whirlwind of activity, sending them samples for their presentations, and anticipating upcoming trade shows. In the midst of it all, I've spent time with our four grandkids, baked and ate too much, and kept one eye on our backyard for signs of Spring.

It's time to dig out of winter (if only our temps would rise and the rains would stop) and look towards a long-awaited warmth. Didn't I just say this same thing a few months ago? Seems this year has flown faster than any other...or is it just me?

Today's Friday Showcase is all about yellow. Yellow is the sunshine I haven't seen in days. It's the excitement that accompanies a seasonal shift, and the reminder that yet another Summer waits on the horizon. I've found six Etsy artists who use the color yellow beautifully. I hope their artwork will warm your weekend!
Bonnie


Lemon on Yellow Background by Helen Lowery

Butterfly Effect by Lydia Gee

Yellow & White Daisies by Cheri Wollenberg

Paris Graffiti Yellow Heart by Nichole Robertson

March Madness by Sylvia

Goldenrod by HOomen

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Tangerine Tango

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:08:00 +0000

Multitasking by bbrunophotography

If you're knee-deep in snow like my friend Sue from Colorado, or fighting the winter blahs in a rainy corner of the world, take heart. Color has arrived! Tangerine Tango--that warm, vibrant orange-red, chosen as Pantone's Color of the Year--is showing up everywhere, from decorative pillows and clothing to furniture and art.

Today's Friday Showcase features six Etsy artists who are incorporating it into their work in such beautiful ways, I just had to share. Enjoy the tour!

Bonnie

Turquoise & Tangerine Tango by lauratrevey

Tree Wall art by mimistudio

Aqua Peacock by HappyBrat

Flower Art Print by artbytrudy

A Day in the Life by amychirinosphotos

Sea Creature by WunderWalls

Jumpstart Your Creativity with Geometric Fractals

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 04:04:00 +0000

 For the past several years, I've toyed with the creation of geometric fractals, but most of my art still involves photography and digital art created from original nature photos. This week, however, I decided to add a few new fractal prints to my Etsy shop. 

I've experimented with a couple of really good programs - Ultra Fractal and Apophysis, but today I played with one that I've used in the past for creating seamless tiles. Tiles are great for email backgrounds and web pages.  The deeper I delved into SeamlessMaker for Mac, the more I realized its fractal-building possibilities, as well. Beginning with an original digital art image, I was able to experiment with colors and design to my heart's content, eventually coaxing it into the floral image shown here.

 A second image on my hard drive withstood a few minutes' worth of tweaks, and was transformed into this swirly tangerine art print. Not bad for starters, eh?

Sometimes it's not so much the results that thrill me, as the steps towards achieving something unique and totally unexpected.

American poet, lecturer, and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson got it right when he said, "In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire." A creative spirit can run into roadblocks. Each of us probably remembers a time when we felt like our quota of inspiration had dwindled like a pocketful of loose change.

When ideas shrivel and there doesn't seem to be a creative horizon within view, try something different, such as experimenting with fractals. A little something extra is usually all it takes to jumpstart our creativity and get us back on track.

Happy Monday!
Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Rainbow Promises

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:39:00 +0000

Somewhere Over the Rainbow by bbrunophotography

Rainbows have always tugged at my heart.  I believe the promise behind each colorful ark, and I trust the Maker of rainbows. When I see one, it means many things--the end of a storm, hope for a brighter day ahead, and the wonder of realizing that rainbows are so much more than prisms of light.  

 Today's Friday Showcase offers a display of beautiful rainbows. What better way to launch us into our weekend?

Happy Friday, everyone!

Bonnie

Somewhere... by artbyerinleigh

Rainbow Vortex by OlenaBacasArt

Land of Promise by VickieWadeFineArt

Rainbow Glicee Print by ArtEnchantedWoods

Double Rainbow Print by lisachow

Woven Rainbow Watercolor by Chandra Larocque

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Abstract Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:32:00 +0000

Colorful Concentric Circles by bbrunophotography

Say the word "abstract" and I used to imagine oversized canvases splashed with a mish-mash of patterns and colors I couldn't understand. Abstract art has long been associated with deep thought. Comedic scenes from movies and sitcoms have featured visitors sitting on benches in front of gigantic works of art, studying the piece until their eyes practically rolled back in their sockets. My favorite art-related scene came from Seinfield's tv show, when Ellen decided to leave her purse on a museum display pillar while she used the restroom. Kramer was supposed to be watching it, but an artsy crowd soon gathered. They oohed and ahhed at the modern interpretation of...purse. When Ellen returned, snatched her purse and walked away, they thought she'd stolen a display!

Today's Friday Showcase steals the show. I've selected six abstract art prints that caught my eye for color, pattern, and flow. I've learned to appreciate abstracts because the interpretation is left up to the viewer. Each person will see it a different way, which is fun.

Wishing you all God's best in this coming year. Hard to believe we're stepping into 2012! (Does anybody out there remember the Y2K fiasco, and all the folks who stocked up on buckets of rice, beans, and other non-perishables? Do I need to remind you that it has been TWELVE years already? Just a few blinks....)

Bonnie

The Change by AeropagitaPrints

Original Modern Abstract by FlowerArtPainting


Carnival Wheel in Paris by SarahGiannobile


Collaberation by StudioMarlene

Blue Abstract Painting Seascape by LoriMarie

4-canvas Abstract by pjartgallery

Friday Showcase: Love is in the Air

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:07:00 +0000


Love by bbrunophotography

A store manager told me that the Christmas season is drawing to a close. Oh, really? It's December 16th and it's over? Well, I suppose that's true in terms of the retail world. They're already moving things to the sale aisles, rearranging and making room for Valentine's Day and beyond.

Today's Friday Showcase is a look at love and how it shows up in the Etsy marketplace. I hope you'll enjoy this collection, because of Christmas, because of the many blessings we've enjoyed throughout this past year, and...well, just because.

With love to each of you as you celebrate this beautiful season!

Bonnie

Te Amo by theloveshop

Love Never Fails by amyleeweeks

I Love New York by eyepoetryphotography

First Love Cards by Emmalynne

I Love You to the Moon and Back by PaperArtOriginals

Song Bird Love by blupenny

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Let it Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Snowy Firs by bbrunophotography

I didn't grow up in snow country. In northern California, if we wanted to play in the snow we had to drive 3 hours. In sixth grade, though, I remember glancing out my classroom window one January morning in time to see snowflakes falling. It frosted trees, driveways, and roofs for about an hour. We were ecstatic. It was the talk of the valley.

Today's Friday Showcase features snow-themed art. Bundle up, grab a cuppa whatever you like, and let's savor the beauty of these fine artists' work together. To visit their shops, click the link below each image.

Happy weekend, everyone!
Bonnie


Winter Photography by moonlightphotography


Winter Landscape Art by Shawna Erback

Snowy Hideaway by VickiWadeFineArt

No. 1 Mountain Church by PapillionArts Shop

Whimsical Winter Landscape by betsymclellanstudio

Winter Snow Blossoms by GeorgiannaLane

Remembering Thanksgivings Past

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Thanksgiving always sends my thoughts hurrying back through time to the sights and smells and sounds of that special day. I’m grateful for parents who provided all we needed as a family, but most of all I’m grateful that they taught me that material possessions aren’t what life is all about. Our Stuff is just that – stuff. Things wear out and need repairs. They eventually stop working and get tossed out. Stuff is temporary.

The most precious thing my mom and dad passed on to their six children was a strong faith in God’s ability to see us through any situation. I grew up knowing that He loved me and had a special plan for my life; that friends and even family might fail us, but God would always be there, steady and as predictable as the ocean’s waves rolling in each morning.

May this Thanksgiving give you much to celebrate and ponder. Have a wonderful day – wherever you are!
Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Be Still and Know

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:37:00 +0000

A few of you know that the past 2 1/2 years have been challenging. Like thousands of other Americans, unemployment hit our household at a time when we least expected it. When a company closes overnight, it leaves hundreds of people in limbo. The job hunt has been grueling, with lines of people in similar situations snaking around buildings. One of the jobs my husband put in for had 3,000 applicants.

We don't lose hope. We haven't given in to despair. And although we've run through all our savings now, we know from experience that God is faithful. His promises are true and steady, his love deep and wide, and through it all, he continues to bless us.

Psalm 46:10 has been a favorite of mine for years, all the way back to my early teens. "Be still and know that I am God."
It says a lot. In fact, that single verse of Scripture says all I need to know right now.

Today's Friday Showcase will focus on that verse, because I suspect there are others who are experiencing similar plights. Whether it be a case of unemployment, worries over a sick child, or other concerns that keep you awake at night--God loves you and wants to comfort you in the midst of it all. Be still and know...

Be sure to click on the caption below each image to visit the shops of these amazing Etsy sellers. Their work will inspire and encourage you.

Happy weekend, everyone!
Bonnie

Scripture Art by artbyerinleigh

Be Still Hand Stamped Fine Silver Fatih Necklace by cinnamonsticks

Psalm 46:10 Framed Original by CreativitybyKatie

Be Still and Know Autumn Watercolor by kimbade

Be Still and Know...Wall Decal by decorexpressions

Hand Stamped Spoon Bracelet by sassy2225

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Lovely Neutral Throw Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:03:00 +0000

Neutral may sound boring, but in these colder seasons it just feels right. Now, you might think I'd chase after bright colors and patterns to add some zing to November. After all, if we take a look around we have to admit that yes, those fiery Autumn leaves are now mostly scattered across the lawn. Bare branches are returning and here we are, faced with another shift.

Like it or not, Autumn will give way to Winter. And wouldn't it make perfect sense to haul in those bright colors to spruce things up?
Well, yes. It might. Except, reserve your judgment until you see what I have in store for this week's Friday Showcase.
I've veered away from the usual art parade. Today I'm featuring Etsy sellers who deal in pillows--lovely neutral toned throw pillows that made me gawk when I came across them. I think they add a nice warm touch--unique tones and patterns that beg to be hugged.

Enjoy the pillow parade...and let me know what you think.

Happy weekend, everyone. (And to my U.S. friends...Happy Veteran's Day!)
Bonnie

Back to Earth by TheHomeCentric

Gold Solar Silk Linen Cushion by bestillshop

Modern Grey and Gold by couchdwellers

Pair of Decorative Pillow Covers by decorate23

White Starfish by bazordesigns

Throw Pillow Cover Beige Ivory by asmushomeinteriors

Welcome, Sweet Baby Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:46:00 +0000

Today I visited my four-day-old grandson. Sterling Weston Bruno entered the world on October 30th at 11:30, barely missing Halloween (thankfully).

We have three precious granddaughters and now a grandson to add to the mix. What could be sweeter than that nice round number FOUR?

I really should be working on tomorrow's Friday Showcase, but tonight I am too full of sweet baby smell and warm cuddleyness (is that a word?) to focus on art.

More tomorrow, when I sleep off the happy dose of adrenalin.

I know you Grandmas out there will understand.

Blessings,

Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Six Etsy Artists

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:43:00 +0000

Pine Cones by bbrunophotography

Have you noticed the changes taking place in your area with cooler weather? Leaves are turning orange, red, and gold from coast to coast as Autumn sets up camp. On the road leading to our street, rows of maples point to a Creator whose plan for our world surpasses anything you or I could have imagined.

And so the seasons roll on, from fresh green sprigs poking their way through Spring soil to blustery breezes separating leaf from tree in this merry-go-round cycle that never stands still.

Today's Friday Showcase is a random sampling of Etsy art, borrowed from six sellers whose work I've admired for some time now. It's a feast for the eyes, and I like imagining the work that went into perfecting each image.

Enjoy your weekend and the beauty of this special time of year--Fall, my favorite season of all.

Blessings!

Bonnie

Pink Grevillea by moolric

Three Little Birds by TheFawnAndButterfly

Past Harvest by jeremymiranda

Woodland Dreaming by 88editions

POPPI giclee by pcartercarpin

Shadows of Prague by lancerika

Before Your Next Quote Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:19:00 +0000

This morning I am doing the Happy Dance. If I don't share this news with you, I might burst. I can't afford to burst, because tomorrow I have to post another Friday Showcase of amazing artists on Etsy. So consider this a therapeutic post from someone who can't contain her excitement.

Some of you know that I started out many eons ago as a writer. For thirty-something years, I have written magazine articles, curriculum, and books for children and families. My publishers have been wonderful, and I can't imagine myself doing anything else. I've added photography to the mix, and now - writing for Kindle.  In case you've just awakened from a long nap, Kindle is the top-selling e-reader. Mainstream publishers are creating e-book versions of their books, and those of us who are willing to work through the e-book formatting can create directly through the Kindle publishing platform online.

I didn't start out to write an e-book. I simply wanted a collection of quotes that I could download to my Kindle and carry with me on trips, campouts, and wherever I find a few spare minutes to read. (I love my Kindle because it's lightweight and I take in in my purse everywhere.) I wrote 365 Quotes to Go and copied the file to my Kindle. A friend said she wanted a copy, then another...and I decided, Why not upload this for Kindle users?

I priced it at a reasonable $2.99 and it did well for a few months. This past Monday, I decided to drop the price to 99¢, and that's where the fun began. It hit the bestsellers list in three separate categories of Kindle's Reference section yesterday, and this morning it sits at #19 (Research), #24 (Quotations), and #29 (Fun Facts). 

There must be a lot of others out there who love a good bargain, plus feel as I do--a day is not complete without a good quote!

Happy Thursday!

Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Creative Collages

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:49:00 +0000

Along the River by bbrunophotography

When I was a little girl, winter days were never a source of boredom. I don't remember feeling restless by downpours that lasted for weeks. Mama would spread a jigsaw puzzle across the dining room table, or pull my grandmother's old scrapbooks off the closet shelf in the hallway.  Grandma died when I was four, but her scrapbooks were such a treasure to me.  Inside were snippets of her life that I never had the opportunity to know--poems and funny stories, photos of places she dreamed of visiting someday, and pretty garden pictures cut from magazines. Her scrapbooks didn't have a central theme, but were like a colorful collage, layers of life captured between heavy etched covers.

Today's Friday Showcase reminds me of Grandma's scrapbooks. They're fun to study, but most of all they tell stories that spring from each creator's heart. I've learned that it's impossible to assemble a collage without pulling from my storehouse of memories, life experiences, joys and yes--even sorrows. A collage is a beautiful reflection of life as we know it.

I think you'll enjoy the work of these six collage artists. No two are alike and that's really the beauty of it, isn't it?

Many blessings,

Bonnie

Apple Tree by BrightDay


Digital Download Collage Sheet by LiveURPassion

The Cat Channel by art collage


Botanical Nature Collage Print by BreatheDecor

Original Collage Art Painting by contemporaryfineart

Harmony by 3WishesCreations

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Branching Out

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:40:00 +0000


Stately Oak by bbrunophotography

In case you haven't noticed, I photograph a lot of trees. Flowering branches, leafy branches, bare branches--each is beautiful in its own right. With fall squarely upon us, I thought it would be fun to see how many other Etsy artists gravitate towards trees as well.

Boy, was I swamped with choices! Oak trees, pine trees, scrubby trees on hillsides, towering fir swaying in the wind. Narrowing it to six choices was akin to choosing six chocolate samples in a store of 300 bins. It can be done, but I kept looping back to favorites.

I hope you'll enjoy the results. Visit the sites because there's a lot more beautiful art where these trees come from!

Happy weekend, everyone.
Bonnie


Sense of Scale by Nestahome

Winter Branch Series by bicressey

Love Bird Painting by PainterNik

Carefree Days by papermoth

Interwined by groundwork

Blue Tree Branches by moonlightphotography

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Goodbye, September!

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:59:00 +0000

Alpine Lake by bbrunophotography

So you may have noticed, I've been absent for a few weeks. Just got back from a wonderful trip to the Yosemite area, where we got to housesit for my brother while he and my SIL were out gallavanting around on their own trip.

What a blessing, to be able to care for their plants and occupy their cozy home in the woods, in exchange for days of amazing photo ops! It did my heart good and we returned a few days ago relaxed and rarin' to leap back into our regular schedule.

Today is the last day of September...can you believe it? I, for one, LOVE the cooler days and nights of autumn, so it's a perfect time to share the work of Etsy artists who feel the same. Enjoy!


Autumn Cardinal silkscreen by strawberryluna

Autumn Wood wall sculpture by Orangutate


Autumn Stems by EloiseRenouf

Original Folk Art Farm Autumn by waltcurlee

It Was a Gorgeous Autumn Day by joystclaire

Fall Road by ARTbyDanaC

Etsy: Two Years Later

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Daisies to the Rescue

My fine art print shop on Etsy has gained momentum this year. Photo prints, digital art, and canvas gallery wraps are selling weekly now. To say I'm pleased is an understatement. 

 Best of all, though, is the privilege of connecting with people I would never have met otherwise...like the seamstress whose sweet daughter has cerebral palsy; the man who creates amazing wooden bowls from (for lack of a better term) tree knots; and the lady whose passion for Etsy rooted itself during a time of grief, when she needed something to occupy her thoughts and help her to focus on a future. Any income I generate from Etsy is wonderful, but it's the people who have planted me in that creative marketplace and grown me as a person.

To celebrate almost two years as an Etsy seller, I am offering a 15% discount on all items in my shop throughout the month of September. I currently have over 580 listings, indexed by colors to make browsing easy. 

To take advantage of the discount, simply use this coupon code at checkout: SEPTSAVINGS. Share this link with your family and friends (hint: Christmas is not that far off), shout it from the Facebook rooftop, and tweet it to your followers, please! 

A big thank-you to all who have blessed me with your friendship, Etsy expertise, and purchases. Etsy is a fantastic marketplace, but it's YOU who encouraged me to work hard in those early months when sales were few and far between. 

Thanks so much!

Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Shades of Aqua

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Aquamarine Dream by bbrunophotography
Aqua is a trendy color these days, but even if it weren't, it's one of those colors I've loved for as long as I can remember. Aqua is soothing. Calm and sweet and a throwback to days that were longer, lazier, and less structured. It's a shade of blue that's hard to harness because it flows into other hues that are similar yet don't convey the same mood.   

Looks like I'm in good company, too. I found so many wonderful aqua art listings, it was hard to choose. Here are six gems that stood out as the main course. Visit their shops for dessert. You won't be disappointed.

Have a happy & safe weekend, all.

Bonnie

Family Rules by SignsofVintage

Surreal Trees by VisualEmotionism

Sea Urchin Original by karingrow

Pink and Aqua Carnival Swing by polkyanddot

Perennial Moment by papermoth

An Aqua Escape by aliherrman

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Papercrafting

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:11:00 +0000

I'm a klutz when it comes to papercrafting of any sort, which makes today's topic extra-special for me. The six artists whose work is featured below must have been born with the papercrafting gene. Their work is fresh and bright, with amazing twists and turns that stopped me in my tracks.

I did try papercrafting once, at a gathering of craftsy women who seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do and set about doing it. I wandered over to the Christmas card table, where five or six ladies were turning paper into cut-outs or tiny paintings, embellishing them with woven-ribbon edgings, sparkles, and such. I had a hard time just deciding where to place my reindeer stamp. 

 All that creative energy in one room made me realize how beautifully unique we all are. No need to lament the skills we don't possess, or envy those who can handle a pair of craft scissors like a surgeon with a scalpel. Appreciate their gifts for what they are--talent they've worked hard to achieve. 

I used to tell my kids that if all of us were alike, it would be a very boring world. We'd dress alike, talk alike, and nobody would stand out in their field.  I prefer life the way it is, with gifted people who wow my senses and make me want to try new things (even if I fall flat on my face).

I know you'll enjoy these six papercrafters. Their sample doesn't convey the whole picture, though, so when you have time take a look at each shop or website. Variety truly is the spice of life!

Happy weekend, everyone. God bless.

Bonnie

Chocolate Brown Embossed Card by GinaK

Vintage Children Silhouette Card by DanaesCraftyDesigns

Butterfly Notecard by aidforabby


A Dozen I Love You's by danamazing

ArtLover/School Supplies Paper Flower Bouquet by Penelopeinmypocket

Elephant Papercut framed wall art by candyspotting

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Textured Art

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:15:00 +0000

Unforgettable, by bbrunophotography

So today I realized how much I love using textures in my art work. I guess you might say that I am not a purist when it comes to photography. I play around with photos like a kid with a new set of Playdough, tweaking light and shadow just a bit, upping the contrast, and discovering how certain images almost beg for drama.

Enter digital layering and textures.
The grungier the better.

Whether you're a big fan of textured art or just like your images nice and simple, perhaps this week's Friday Showcase will encourage you to take a long look at this idea of taking art a step further.

I don't use texturing on every photo, because sometimes an image needs to be left as is. But turn me loose on a textures website and you could probably steal my purse, my chocolate, and my coffee grounds in the freezer before I'd even glance up.

The following six artists turned my head with their textured images.

Happy weekend, everyone!
Bonnie

Dahlia by JudyStalus

End of the Day by jmbarlay

Grace by joyfulheartphotos


Story Time by elr104

Carnivale by JKPhotography

Set of 4 Bird Photographs, by TheCamerasEye

And the Winner Is...

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 04:17:00 +0000

...ME!

Not that I'm bragging of course. Oh no. My parents didn't raise bragging kids. But can I just say that I NEVER win anything. Almost never, anyway. I did win a big basketful of pasta, sauce, cloth napkins, placemats, glasses, and a really good bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil at the county fair fifteen years ago. And in third grade, I won a drawing and got to scoot my desk over next to the beloved classroom aquarium. For the next few weeks, I was in charge of the chubby praying mantis, who happened to be expecting babies.

Do you know what happens when a praying mantis gives birth? These are not eggs, but hundreds of wiggly, almost-invisible little babies that scurry off to meet the world within seconds.  I won't waste your time describing how I didn't check the aquarium lid, and how I forgot to snap it securely in place. And...well, the rest is wiggly history.

So back to my current win.  Dianne over at Campbell Kids Farm held a drawing recently. I tossed my hat into the ring, and the winner was selected from a website that specializes in managing drawings for blogs and websites. It's a great way to keep things fair and easy. No reaching in a fish bowl for scraps of paper.  Imagine my surprise when the results came back bearing my name! And imagine my thrill when I received a boxful of country-themed goodies yesterday! 

I have to say, Dianne did a great job of choosing items that make me grin every time I see them...especially the adorable chicken duo. See them? They're even cuter in person. And that flower candleholder! It's chubby and holds a delicious green candle.

The apron is a beautiful design of layered polka dots and flowers. It's perfect with the Country Cooking recipe book, which (ok, I am bragging a little here...) I intend to use happily for the rest of my life. I am 61, and I'd better hurry, because that baby has 2,151 recipes.

Thank you, Dianne, for making this Friday a little brighter!

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Breezy Beachwares

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:12:00 +0000

Our summer here in the Pacific Northwest has been cool and breezy for the most part. Today's Friday Showcase features beach house items listed by Etsy sellers. Each reminds me of a cool breeze and plenty of time to enjoy it. We're approaching August and before long those yellow school buses will head back to school. Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Bonnie

Visit my art shop on Etsy


Gulf Coast Sand Dollar Coastal Decor by SlippinSouthern

Let the Sunshine In by CoralDesign Co

Vintage End Table Painted Distressed Provence by HarrisMarksHome

Vintage Seashell Towel Ring by CoopdeVilla

White Weathered Trug Tray by castawayshall

Beach Decor Vintage Wooden Letters by Seastyle

Happy to Announce...

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 03:56:00 +0000

My prints on archival paper have been well received, and I'm currently working with an art agency to select art that will work well in a new medical center currently under construction. In the midst of this busyness, I've received four requests for my work on canvas. I believe it appeals to those who don't like the challenge of finding a frame that will work perfectly with a certain type of art. The fact that it's ready to hang right out of the box is a big plus, too. (Can you spell "instant gratification"?)

So...I'm happy to announce that I'm able to customize any listing in my Etsy shop for those of you who would rather order canvas gallery wraps than regular prints. It's a step in a new direction, but one that I'm convinced will help meet the needs of a broader audience.

All the best,
Bonnie

FRIDAY SHOWCASE: Summer Delights

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:56:00 +0000


Gift from the Sea, by bbrunophotography

What have you been up to this summer? With the recession in full swing, many have chosen to spend their R&R closer to home. I kind of like the idea of teaching our children and grandchildren that fun can be found anywhere, and doesn't have to cost a fortune. Maybe it's a throwback to my own childhood summers, when we'd find things to do out in the country, and didn't need travel agents or a bulging bank account to have fun. Picnics and camping were the norm.

Etsy is filled with seashore themes and I had fun collecting these six to share. I love their mood they convey, and the reminder that the fun of a vacation isn't the amount we spend or the distance traveled. It's being with the ones we love, and making memories together.

I'm sure you have a few photos, found objects, or memories of your own to add to these summer delights.

Happy weekend, everyone!
Bonnie

Sea Beach Nature HUGE Photo Print by NatureonCanvas


Sea Treasure Necklace by Aodesigns

Sea Glass Window by beachcreation


Recycled Chenille Sea Urchin Pillow by hepstyles


One Beach Hut Key Holder by castawayshall

Summer at the Sea Shore Original by TheLegendofNow

Works in Progress

noreply@blogger.com (Seedplanter Designs) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:26:00 +0000

"Gift from the Sea" by bbrunophotography

So far, it's been one of those two-week stretches. You know, the kind that feel like you're caught in a whirlwind of activity but never quite caught up? I thought I'd give you a sneak peek at what I've been up to, artwise.

After losing the entire contents of an 8MB memory card, I opened my handy-dandy copy of Photo Rescue, and put it to work. Let me tell you, this program is a real workhorse when it comes to retrieving "lost" files. It rescued not only my latest photos, but dozens of others that were from way back in 2010. Who would've thought, after reformatting a memory card, that you could still find old files lurking there? Well, it's true and I couldn't be happier. If ever you've returned home after a big outing and can't get your card to behave, it is such a relief to have a software like this just waiting to be your knight in shining armor. I don't usually share links to products I've purchased, and I have no personal interest in this company other than I LOVE their product. Here's their website if you'd like to check them out. It's worth every cent.

So bright and early this morning, I worked on a few new photos for my Etsy shop and my other gallery. I've recently begun offering my prints as beautiful stretched-canvas gallery wraps now, too, in a wide variety of sizes. They're not available at Etsy, but via my "other" gallery linked above. (I ordered a small gallery wrap for myself a few months ago, because I wanted to ensure that the work is high quality. It's good to see what customers will see, and I love their work. Here's the one I treated myself to. It hangs above a little side table in my dining room. I've always been a fan of rustic wooden trellises, so the coneflowers against that trellis really appealed to me.


"Elegance" by Bonnie Bruno- print or canvas gallery wrap

Here in the Pacific Northwest, clematis are a popular flower for home gardening. Using a 100mm macro lens, I captured this gorgeous, fully bloomed purplish clematis one morning in all its glory. God sure did a good job, and this is the fun part of my work - trying my best to capture those intricate details He placed in nature.

I'm now offering photo art greeting cards as well. Any image in my FineArtAmerica gallery can be purchased as a card. Boxed sets are also available.

Now for my really EXCITING news! I am working with an art agency on a project that I am hoping will bear fruit. Her agency won the contract to provide art for a big, new hospital. Following her guidelines, I've been submitting art according to the color palette - walls, carpeting, and so on. The agency will hold a meeting in a few weeks and I'll know then whether or not my images will be included in their plans. Imagine 30x40" prints! See why I'm excited?

Toss a couple of writing projects in the mix, playtime with granddaughters, and that's my life in a nutshell right now. Trying to keep wheels spinning but get enough rest, too.

Look for a Friday Showcase this week. I am eager to share the work of six wonderful artists with you.

Until then - have a wonderful week!
Bonnie