wellerwishes

Danita Art

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:24:00 +0000

I do not usually cross-post here with the Picture Book Junkies blog, and I'm not starting to today. :D But I *do* want to give a shout *here* about today's Friday post *there*, because I am featuring one of my all-time favorite "artists I discovered on the internet", Danita Art.

I have mentioned Danita in passing blurb here and there, but I have never featured her actual work here. So today, I said "enough, already!" and I decided to feature it on PBJ's! Please hop on over to the Picture Book Junkies blog to check out my post on the lovely work of Danita Art.

Have a wonderful Friday (...and is this painting too cute, or what??)

Guess what I did this weekend?

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:50:00 +0000

Oh, how I wish I time-stamped these photos..

Can you believe I finished???

I'm still pinching myself! (and nursing my sore neck, which just comes with the territory of obsessively doing a puzzle, doesn't it?)

I found it interesting that the puzzle was so challenging for me. Even though I haven't done a jigsaw puzzle in forever, I did do the art! So of course, I thought that I *might* have a little bit of an edge. Well, got the answer to THAT... WRONG! NO WAY! NO HOW!

There are just SO many colors and patterns going on in this thing, it never lets up on your eyes or your brain. No breaks. I was actively engaged the entire time because of this. It was an experience! Definitely an accomplishment after a lot of work, but really, really fun. I have not been so alert and focused on a singular task for such a prolonged period, in a very long time. I'm a big multi-tasker. Concentrating on ONE larger, focused task for an extended period of time is not in my day-to-day. I usually focus on one thing for a few hours, then focus on something else, and so forth. But doing so with this puzzle (and obsessively... I might add) until the work was complete, is, in hindsight, kind of fascinating—flexing some long-dormant mental muscles. And it felt really good. I feel a little more brainy right now. And even though I need to take a little break from puzzles in the name of time, I am definitely itching to do the Community Bridge puzzle now, too.

I discovered many tips and tricks during the puzzle. I guess this is only natural when you spend 20+ intense hours with something like this. Staring at it... dissecting it... figuring it out. Things to look for, things to look out for, ways to look at things differently in order to find the correct spot for a given piece. But in the end, I can say that just being aware of these tricks do not make accomplishing the puzzle any easier. No matter how you slice it, this puzzle is a BEAST!! I am SO PROUD that I completed it. Hey, I took the "Jive Cats puzzle challenge" and, I won! Woo hoo!! Yaaaay!!!!

I have completely and geekily put myself "out there" and created a Flickr group for everyone and anyone to share their puzzle process pics. (I could not help myself!) So, if you do the puzzle too, please share your process pics on the Jive Cats Puzzle Share Flickr group. I want to see your puzzle pics—your cat standing on the puzzle (or giving you the stink-eye for doing the puzzle instead of petting them), or your dog checking in on your puzzle progress while visibly thinking "Why aren't you doing the dog puzzle instead? In fact, why are you doing a puzzle at all instead of taking me for a walk?" So please, post away. And, if you plan to buy the Jive Cats puzzle from B&N, please make sure to Google "barnes and noble coupon code" first, and save a little cash that way!

Now, off for a little two-day nap (and maybe some yoga too!) Aaahh!! :D

Jive Cats Puzzle: process in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:05:00 +0000

Today I would love to show you some of the process of the creation of the Jive Cats puzzle art. Nothing formal, just a few screen grabs. Hope you enjoy the peek!

Add caption

And, of course, I am doing the Jive Cats puzzle myself! I cannot resist the challenge. (And believe me, it's a challenge!) I have not done a puzzle since I was a kid. I enjoyed them then, but I've since completely forgotten that feeling of doing a puzzle... of needing to find that one specific piece, of obsessively continuing to work even though your tummy is grumbling, your back is sore from leaning over, and (true confessions) maybe you even need to pee real bad... but you can't stop!

approximately 2 pm

...Yes, that was my day today.

approximately 8 pm (don't worry, I didn't work straight through!)

If I have piqued your curiosity, give it a try! Relive your childhood (and that weird, puzzle-obsessed feeling while you're at it)! You can purchase your own Jive Cats puzzle at B&N, and if you do, save a little cash with a fresh coupon code.

A Family Affair in Las Vegas

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:45:00 +0000

A month ago (12/11), my sisters Julie, Nancy and I along with our hubbies all took a trip out to Las Vegas. My dad was the featured artist at a large-scale five-day convention event which was part of the National Finals Rodeo week, an annual event held in Las Vegas every year.

Dad's art was on display everywhere! There were standing promo boards in the main hotel area, the large inviting display banner above the artist section, table top cards, and more.

(pretty cool..)

My dad is not only an artist, he is also a cowboy who does a sport called cutting horses. He and my step-mom Cha Cha live on a big ranch in Utah with horses and buffalo and dogs and cats. (They are also renowned for their illustration and design work, but that is definitely another story for another day.)

The booth looked great!
(Just ask Matt!)

~~~~~

So, what else did I see at the show?

Lots of cool cowboy boots...

Classic western shirts with fab appliques and stitching, with those cool mother-of-pearl-like snaps..

(real cowboys wear Wranglers, dont'cha know!)

Clothing with lovely retro tags inside the collar (like this Rockmount shirt).
Hey, maybe this is not even retro—maybe this is just the original classic tag design!
I bet that's the case here.

Some Cowgirl BLING! Ooh la la!

Some beautiful saddles, and some with bling of their own (top saddle: inlaid purple rhinestones) ...

... and, last but not least, we saw a little action in the ring!(Ride 'em cowboy!)

One night, we had dinner with the folks and we went to see Circue De Soleil's KA!
~~~~
Other time was spent just enjoying the sights, and catching up with old friends...

...like the Bellagio Penguins!

(I'm SO HAPPY they came back this year... JUST FOR ME!!)

And...

I also ESCAPED from IMMINENT danger!!
Flower polar bears can cause suffocation from fragrant hugs! TRUE!

We like seeing what is new, since our last visit
(such as this completely ridiculous and marvelous ladies' room entrance at the Cosmopolitan).

We visited a favorite restaurant, and had so much fun!
(We love Border Grill!)

We even got a chance to visit the Peppermill Fireside Lounge, a long-time favorite.
(Dear, sweet Peppermill, please, please, PLEASE, NEVER get torn
down like most everything else in LV.)
~~~~
And on our second and last night, we hit Fremont Street. Say what you will but I believe that Fremont Street is an essential ingredient to any truly authentic, well-rounded Las Vegas experience.
(You don't have to go every time you visit. But you gotta go at least once.)

We got caught in a mob scene of a Fremont Street Facebook Santa Meet-Up. (Not kidding.)

No surprise that our good friend Miss Hello Kitty is right around the corner... Always!

More lovely novelty swag. What can I say? I cannot resist the bright and shiny.
~~~~~

Matt and I only had a whirlwind 48 hours for this trip, so we made every minute count! Can't say we got any real "down time", but we had so much fun family time, it was SO worth it! I'm so glad we were able to play "jet-setters" (ha ha) and make the trip.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the play-by-play!

Viva Las Vegas!
~~~~~~~

Submit and commit

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +0000

If you don't submit, you can't gripe about it later if your work doesn't get picked.

If you don't submit, you will never know if your work would have gotten picked.

You have trouble justifying the $35 entry fee, yet you'll think nothing of spending the same $35 on an impulse buy (for narrative purposes let's just pretend it's this).

If your gut is nagging you to submit a particular piece, just submit it. In the end, your work might get picked, it might not. But at least you know that gave it your best shot, and you can feel good about following through with it. (And that is worth more than the entry fee.)

You can't succeed if you don't try!

You just never know.

Just Do It!!!

A puzzling mystery...

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:55:00 +0000

Hey everyone! It's been a crazy week in the vortex, and I actually feel guilty that I have not been able to post some very special news yet to my dear beloved blog.

It's been a whole DAY! One day since I've been at liberty to share the news. And here I am, feeling downright remorseful that I was not able to share the big news with you FIRST, dear reader...

But, you know that I like to put on a good show for you. And truthfully, yesterday I simply didn't have the time to give this special news the proper respect it deserves here, on my blog.

..So, I did the right thing and I waited 'til now to post about it.
I knew you'd understand. (You always do.)

Oh, wait!
(...Did I not tell you the news yet?)

The news is...

We've got puzzles!

I'm so happy to announce my partnership with Andrews & Blaine! Two 1,000 piece puzzles are now exclusively for sale at Barnes and Noble. They are currently available online, and should be in the stores fairly shortly. Yes, that's right. My Jive Cats™ and Town Tails™ characters are now the stars of their very own puzzles. That's pretty cool!

> Community Bridge (Town Tails)
> Jive Cats

You may remember "Community Bridge" from last year (the blue box above). This illustration started out as one of my Sketchbook Project 2010 spreads which I shared with you here and here. And now, almost a year and a half later, it's a big, colorful, fun puzzle for everyone to enjoy!

If you visit here with any regularity, you are fairly well-versed (and at least familiar) with my love for the Jive Cats. They are my well-dressed and charming, sometimes smarty-pants, sometimes geekathon, but always barrel-of-cuteness kitty cats. and now, all this crazy cute-kitty-cat joy can be shared with you in this awesome pop-art puzzle.

I can only describe Jive Cats puzzle as, well, challenging. Maybe even very challenging. Okay, the words that really comes to mind is madness. Truth—this one is lying out on my dining room table... and to be honest, it is a bit intimidating... So by now, you are either running scared, or, you're running straight to Barnes and Noble.com to order one! If that is YOU—you enjoy a fulfilling, heavy-duty (and yes, very entertaining!) puzzle challenge—please do dig this Jive!

If you would like to buy one or both of my puzzles, please take advantage of the Barnes and Noble coupon codes in my most recent newsletter here and save a little dough!

Also, there is Facebook "Like" button on both puzzle product pages. If you LIKE my art and LIKE these puzzles, please do press that little LIKE button on the product pages! Every little LIKE click helps to get the word out about my puzzles and my work. And, completely seriously, I could not be more grateful for your support and your enthusiasm for my work. It means the world to me. I am grateful for each and every LIKE. :) ...and every Tweet, and every +1.. but I digress.
You know what I am saying!

Here's to one great big puzzling mystery —solved! :D

KEEP AT IT 2012 Giveaway -- Winners Announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Thanks to everyone who joined in my Keep At It 2102 Giveaway this past week. I hope you are all motivated to make your own magic happen in the new year! (I know I am!)

I assigned every entry a number (if you commented only, you received one number. If you commented and then also tweeted or facebooked, you received two numbers. If you did all three—commented, tweeted and facebooked, you received three numbers!). I used a random number picker to choose four winners.

And the winners are...

Shirley (commenter #2)

Andi B. (commenter #14)

Kerrie Jones (commenter #18)

Jennifer Meyer (commenter #21)

Congratulations, Winners! Please email or Tweet (Direct Message) me your mailing address!

twitter: @wellerwishes
email: kathy(at)wellerwishes(dot)com

Thanks for joining in the fun everybody! Let's have an AWESOME 2012!!!

KEEP AT IT in 2012... a Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:31:00 +0000

Historically speaking, I've never been one to make extremely specific goals for the new year. It's because there are just so many variables in life that take the best-laid plans out at the knees without warning. And, I don't like to make promises I can't keep.

But... the truth is that life is all about having faith in what lies just around the corner, and totally working toward this—the things which you cannot see (yet) but still pour your everything into, anyway. This year has taught me a lot on the subject. If you believe in the possibility, you do the work, you are iron-clad committed, there is magic in that and it is possible to make your dreams happen. And to top it off, if all those boxes are checked, you really cannot ever lose faith or stop trying, either—it's just simply impossible to.

Lately this has been on my mind, and it's been the focus of a body of work I've just created. Movers & Shakers™ speaks directly to this mentality-shift. The art depicts some pretty cute, independence-minded characters who are earnestly working on their own goals, a peaceful palette created for calm focus, and inspirational sayings (written by me).

As a big "Thank You" to YOU for continually popping in and sticking around on my blog here as I continue on my own journey, I want to share some happiness and thanks with you to help ring in 2012! I'm giving away four packages of "Movers&Shakers: sunny side-up sentiments" art print postcards (four different prints per pack).

To enter ONCE...
just comment here (below).

To enter TWICE...tweet this post, then comment here letting me know you also tweeted it (please include your twitter handle in your comment).

To enter THREE times...
Share this post on Facebook + do the once and twice instructions (To do this, you can simply hit the Facebook "like" button at the very top of this post. Please mention in your blog comment that you FB "liked" this post).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Please leave your comment by Sunday, January 1 at midnight.
I will announce the winner here on Monday, January 2!
Thank you and good luck!! :D

Happy Holidays 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 02:31:00 +0000

Hey, are you as busy as I am lately? This holiday has thrown me for a loop-de-loop! I'm not kidding! I am looking forward to winding down a bit (just a bit, though! I'm not much good at "winding down") for the holiday weekend and enjoying some quiet time, after extended family time, Matt and I might even catch a movie (in an actual theater, no less) and/or spend a day just walking around and enjoying the city! That is the plan. I hope you have some relaxing holiday plans as well!

So here is my holiday greeting to you...

I wish you hot toddies (or hot chocolate, or hot cider, or hot holiday beverage of your choice), singing carols by the fire (badly? no problem!) or having (or attending) a fabulous latke party... and, last but not least, I dare you to break out your FUNNEST, funniest hat and wear it all day long!!

~HAPPY HOLIDAYS & A MERRY NEW YEAR 2012~

In-a-Nutshell Book Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:26:00 +0000

I was in the bookstore last weekend shopping for some last-minute gifts. For one reason or another, these following books caught my attention..

Hark A Vagrant: Excellent art! Thoroughly funny! Might need it.

Anticipated entertainment value: A

Awkward Family Pet Photos: Needs no explanation. Some sweet cats and dogs in here too. But it's the humans who are the punchline in this book (as it should be)!

Anticipated entertainment value: B

100 Secrets of Happy People: I love books like this. If that makes me a sap or a softy, be it. (Speaking of which, it does kind of remind me of ye olde Reader's Digest magazine a little.)
Entertainment value: B+. Yes, it's a bit didactic, but you know that going in. And it's formatted so you can read a bit of it quickly.

The Happiness Project: Read above. (Except for the last part.)

Anticipated entertainment value: B (The book is denser, and therefore you have to work harder for the entertainment value. That's why there's no + on that B.)

They Draw And Cook: Yay! Such a fan of this project, the site, the art. I flipped through it, and, no DOUBT, this book WILL be MINE! ALL MINE! Mua-ha-ha...(Rubbing hands together with one arched eyebrow and bad posture)

Anticipated entertainment value: A+

I Judge You When You Use Poor Grammar, More Badder Grammar: I have to admit, dear reader, that I didn't even open this one. That's how much I dislike bad grammar. (Well, I also had some real shopping to do.. But I digress..) That said, I am guilty. I HAVE to admit to using text-speak on occasion, while texting ("u" for you, "r" for are, etc.) and I am not even a member of The New Power Generation. Seriously. Loaded topic! Now I need therapy!

Anticipated entertainment value: A

Illustration Friday: Sink

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 18:42:00 +0000

A Little Square

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:42:00 +0000

A drawing I did of a little town square, bustling with activity.

Notebooks!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:35:00 +0000

Lately, I've been experimenting with making these spiral-bound notebooks (or journals, or sketchbooks). It's so much fun to have a new, FUNCTIONAL way to share my art work! I've always wanted to have my art on note books and the like. So, while I work on finding a partner with larger manufacturing abilities than myself, with a wider distribution than I myself can provide, it's exciting to make it happen all by myself. I really love these books.

This one features bunches of pages of speckled paper alternating with bunches of pages of lavender paper. I also added several pages of 100# watercolor paper at the front of the book for extra variety! (Maybe I should add a lavender scent, too? Hmm...)

The cover and back are a very rigid, acid-free matte board in purple. On the front and back cover, I adhered my art prints, printed on an acid- free 100# fine invitation paper.

The place holder ribbon is recycled - cute, eh? I originally received it from my pet-art buddy Christine Throckmorton of I Heart Dogs Studio. (We did a custom pet portrait trade awhile back, and I did her doggie Rosie. Check out all the process posts here.)

I've been using them and it is SO MUCH FUN for me. I'm a notebook-a-holic and sketch book-a-holic, and I have been wanting to make them for such a long time, so I can't get enough of them. I'm experimenting with different ways to add variety, embellishments, separators, and different papers within the books. I hope you like them! Once I have the time to really get into it, I will be creating some to sell in my Etsy shop. As always, if you feel so inclined, I'd love to hear what you think. :)

A card for Ruby

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:17:00 +0000

On Saturday, I thought a lot about what I could to mark the moment of Ruby's passing, and to help honor her memory in some way. Finally, I decided to create a card that we could send out to all of her family, friends and caretakers. So on Sunday, I did just that. It was hard to do. There is no question about that. A few times, I even thought "I'm not ready for this". But, I was. And in the end, the process was way, WAY more healing than it was hard. In illustrating the card, it not only accomplished all that other stuff, but it also has helped us to heal more. And the process of going through making the cards, deciding on the (small) list of recipients, addressing the cards, and writing some of them out.. it has been extremely beneficial. Plus, I know that Ruby would be so proud to be honored in this way. For being the unassuming, sweet little dog that she was, she truly was the most physically affectionate, huggy little dog I've ever known. So this is also another way of giving more love back to her.

I did pet portraits for five years— so many intimately studied portrayals of other people's dear dogs and cats, but I'd never done my own little Ruby. I've drawn her hundreds of times in a more simple, caricature-like style—so many paintings and illustrations featuring her and Daisy. But to capture a true likeness steeped with the affection, emotion and unconditional love I had for this little pug, now that is something I hadn't done. So, that is what I set out to do with this card.

Her likeness in the card illustration is a little looser in style than the style in which I did pet portraits back in "ye olde pet portraiture" days, but I love how it came out. It's so Ruby. For all it's looser qualities, there is no less purity, impact and spirit in it. It's innocent, unstudied, and delicate— just like her. It also showcases her physical likeness—her quirky little body, her extra tiny, cute little head... Boy, do I miss her.

I made postcard-style cards, as well as full greeting cards in a vertical format. I love the quote "All dogs go to heaven". Religious reference aside, I just think it paints such a broad, true stroke in just a few well-chosen words. I used it for the front of the greeting card as well as for the flip-side of the postcard-style card. I designed it with Ruby in mind—Ruby was baby pink, sweet and innocent. She just was. I know that many pet parents project their own taste upon their dogs, but I absolutely channeled Ruby for this one. She would have loved this.This is who she was, our baby girl.
All dogs go to heaven.

"Romantic" color stories

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:40:00 +0000

The Art of Romance: Harlequin Mills & Boon Cover Designs
By Joanna Bowring, Margaret O'Brien

I discovered this great book at Amazon, while I was looking for something else. Lucky find!

The cover art from romance books fills me with nostalgia. My grandma would read them and

she unloaded bags upon bags of them on my mom. I was drawn to the art on the covers then,

and I still am today. The color stories used in the cover art can be a great jumping-off point.

I use this book in that way—as an inspirational tool for color palette experimentation.

It's also cool to see how the color palettes change through the decades.

This one from the early 60's above, feels very very late 50's, just as

I understand the early sixties were (thank you, Mad Men!)

These from the mid-sixties are stylistically more textured, more
painterly, looser and the palette features more citrusy acid brights.

Turning over again, from one decades' styles to the next...

There are some marked differences style, color and hues in just five years!

I'm really digging the palette from The Wolf Man. It is from '82

but to me, the palette feels like a throwback to the late sixties. I think
the art and palette on The Pagan Island are right on-trend for '72, though.

You can try this method with any picture-heavy book.
Hey, maybe you already do it, but without the colored circles!

What is your favorite book to look at for color inspiration?

Sweet Ruby, Rest In Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:29:00 +0000

Ruby was a big, huge, bright light in our lives.
Ruby and her sister Daisy were completely attached at the hip,
ever since we brought them home together at eight weeks old.

Daisy might have been the alpha, but Ruby was the brave one.

For a dog who was dealt some tough physical challenges in her life,
she was a very athletic, tough little pug.

She was also the sweetest, most loving, most huggy dog I've ever known.
In fact, I know she would have been thrilled if I wore her in a Baby Bjorn 24/7/365.

She was really our sweet little girl, a true innocent.

Words cannot express how deeply and how greatly we will miss her.

Rest in peace, little angel Ruby.

Wish. Dream. Plan. Goal. Guts.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 03:53:00 +0000

Recently, a long-held goal of mine came to fruition.

I've worked a long time for this.

It is a happy moment to celebrate.

Horray! Okay... Now, let's get real.
I'm at the base of Everest. I've gained a ticket to entry (yay!). But now, there is brand new, large and gigantic mountain to climb. Because with each goal reached, there are 100 new ones to conquer.

(But that's what it's all about, isn't it?)

...Here I go!

Edited to add: You can purchase this painting here

Bil Keane, 1922 - 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 02:15:00 +0000

Bill Keane & The Family Circus. Mirror UK image

On November 8, Bil Keane, creator of The Family Circus, passed away. I was so sad to learn of this. His syndicated single-panel comic strip, "The Family Circus" played such a big role in my life, for a time when I was young.

I discovered Family Circus in the Sunday funny pages when I was 9 or 10, and I was hooked. Over a period of time, I collected several (actually, quite a few) of the paperback book collections. I read them over and over and over again. I was drawn to the wholesome and simple but super-sharp humor—I greatly admired his writing. The well-rounded character development was a feat for a one panel strip. And last but not least, Bil Keane's art and awesome line work. His style was just flawless—I never got tired of looking at his art.

In the strip, the interpersonal relationships were a highlight, as were the humorous moments that sprang from them. I have three older siblings myself, so in many ways I related to Billy, Dolly, Jeffy, and P.J. and their situational conflicts... the pecking order.

The Family Circus has its share of detractors. Though generally snark-free, there are aspects that some find distasteful. Overt religious themes showed up fairly often. The strip could be didactic at times. And, even at it's edgiest, The Family Circus was still extremely earnest and uber-traditional— G-Rated to a fault.

But, therein lies its magic. Looking back, I now actually have a better handle on why I was initially so drawn to The Family Circus in the first place (great line-work and one-liners aside). The traditional aspects helped me feel more centered in my own (disrupted) young life. The Family Circus was a safety zone for me, a life preserver of sorts. I appreciated the wholesome, simple stories told with a just little dash of flavor but never even remotely facetious or flip. I found a sense of comfort in the consistent dependability of the family portrayed in the strip. I liked that any conflicts always landed softly. I liked how the sibling relationships may have had a little bit of zing sometimes, but never, ever were they acerbic or bitter. Aside from all these emotional aspects, I liked the fact that art played a big role in the family, as a profession and as a part of life. The father, Bil, was a cartoonist. I especially loved the days when Billy takes over the strip—my favorite!

So, thanks to Bil Keane. The Family Circus world that he created gave me such a gift of great childhood memories and enjoyment through his simple (and simply wonderful) stories and art.

`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-`-

> Bil Keane obituary
> Family Circus official site
> Wikipedia

Bill Keane tribute articles
>Mirror UK
> A.V. Club

Signature devices Bil used in Family Circus
> Billy takes over the strip
> Dashed line humor (shows the steps one takes to do a task) Examples: 1 2 3
> Thought bubbles
>Not Me & Ida Know
>Vignettes Examples: 1 2 3

Bil Keane 1990. Photo: Wikipedia

Monkeys for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:51:00 +0000

I've been spending lots of time with my little pug elves in my studio, working to provide you with some great options for your holiday needs. I've got many neat ideas I want to execute, but simply just not enough time to do everything. (Hey, doesn't everyone have that problem? It sure seems that way!)

While going over this conundrum, it really boiled down to a few questions: What could I create that would provide great visual entertainment for you, deliver on emotional impact (because I love when you love my characters! They love YOU, too), and have plenty of functionality (because while I like things to be super cute and unbearably un-let-go-of-able, I'd also like for them to be surprisingly handy for a multitude of uses)?

New Discovery: Christmas Monkeys!

Fun facts about these monkeys:
They are easy to get along with. They do not argue amongst each other, and they do not cause (too much) monkey business for you, either.

They especially enjoy:
hanging out on your tree, on your gifts (they will even allow you to write out a gifty note on their back and attach them to a present). They can hang with your Christmas cards, near (or on, or IN!) your Christmas stockings. they take well to making new friends, which means they are great office buddies. They are happy to double as a Christmas card (they are very sure of themselves) or they make a great small new surprise little buddy for a friend, stashed inside a Christmas card.

Other monkey benefits: they will eat whatever you fix for them (no special dietary needs, unlike the pug elves), nor do they need a special sleeping place—they are happy and comfortable just "hanging out". And they will love you and will continue to visit you every year. All they need is a safe place to hibernate with your other Christmas decor (a cigar box, a cardboard box, a used, stiff envelope from a mailing, or a ziploc bag with a piece of flat cardboard inside for support) and they will be with you for years!

ANY season is monkey season.. But if you ask me, Christmas Monkeys are probably the most cheery, most cutest monkeys of all.

Girls Rule.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Sarah Fortune (Harvard School of Public Health), Jill Becker (Cambridge NanoTech), Erika Ebbel Angle (Science from Scientists), Jennifer Chayes (Microsoft Research New England)

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a day-long conference focused completely and solely on inspiring and empowering professional (or aspiring-to-be-professional) women. The Successful You Women's Leadership Forum is now in its second year. It's perfect for women professionals from all walks of life, in any stage of their careers, to come for a day of skill-honing, tool-discovering, and otherwise genius-crafting... plus a whole lot of networking (with good catering)!

Sarah Fortune (Harvard School of Public Health), Erika Ebbel Angle (Science from Scientists), Jennifer Chayes (Microsoft Research New England)

The line-up of speaker talent was full of ladies who have had amazing, path-paving, maverick careers in STEM fields, as well as beyond. Spilling forth were life lessons and stories of professional victories and "failures" (quotes because there are no REAL failures! Right! :)). We listened intently to concentrate and fully remember what was being said. (It was a packed house and, most of the time, you could almost hear a pin drop!) I took MANY notes. I didn't want to miss any hidden gems from this group.

Suzanne Bates is an electrifying speaker, and she knows of what she speaks! She helps to open up pathways to understanding branding and thinking about your own branding in a whole new, fresh way.

Throughout the entire day, there wasn't one speaker who held back. Each was extremely generous and thorough in their knowledge-sharing, both on and off the stage. All day, everything I listened to captivated me in some way, enlightened me, or educated me about something new... and sometimes, all three at once!

Suzanne Bates (Bates Communications) rocked the house! She not only showered attendees with smarness, but also with a copy of her book, Discover Your CEO Brand. I was pretty psyched to receive the book, (and signed, too)! If you get the chance to hear Suzanne speak, don't think. Just go.

Susan Getgood of BlogHer gave an excellent seminar on professional blogging. She also keeps her own blog on marketing called Marketing Roadmaps.

I also got the opportunity to attend a seminar given by BlogHer's VP, Sales & Marketing Susan Getgood. She talked about professional blogging and offered many resources, tips and insights. I really enjoyed her seminar a lot and picked up a lot from it. I was really happy to see that she had written the book on it and I snapped one right up myself right then and there! I find it to be an excellent resource on its own as well as a great compliment to the Blogging Your Way e-course which I recently completed.

All in all, pretty incredible day. I'm going to do my very best to attend the conference again next year. It's not just for techies, scientists, or math-heads. It's for any woman (or girl, for that matter) who wants to grow up to rule the world. (Like ME, And maybe like YOU, too!)

Fan Slam: Lucky Things

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 05:21:00 +0000

Today's Fan Slam is ALL about... my favorite! LUCKY THINGS!
Hey, I'm a symbol nut, and I happen to *love* lucky charms. I can't get enough of them. And we're off...

The Lantern and The Shovel - Vintage Lucky Charm bracelet

This lucky charm bracelet (brought to us lucky people by Etsy shop The Lantern and The Shovel) is basically, well, just what I've always wished for in a charm bracelet. Chunky, vintage, a little banged up, and chock-full of those classic (and classically designed) lucky charms. Hmmm, this would sure look nice on my wrist for my next Vegas trip. Oh, the sweet torture! (Do you think, if I wish hard enough, it will magically "charm" it's way onto my wrist?)

RandPapele Jewelry - Sterling Silver Tribal Arrow Necklace

Here is a lucky love arrow necklace by RandPapele Jewelry that's just pretty darn adorable. It's mini, it's tiny, and it's personalized. (I'm crazy about this trend. What a world we live in!)
I know that an arrow may seem a stretch for a lucky charm, but when it is a *love* arrow, now THAT'S a lucky symbol, if there ever WAS one. If you like this one, they have way more way-adorables in their shop.

Auryn Design - Maneki Neko "Lucky Cat" charm necklace

(Aside from lucky charms, are you sensing a trend here?) How sweet is this little lucky cat from Auryn Design? I sure wouldn't mind this guy spending some quality time on my neck.

Printed Wonders - Lucky Bag

Ahhh, more old-timey symbols, this time in a nice little shopper you can stw in your purse for those last-minute shopping trips. I like that is a really a "statement" bag, but it cost only a fraction of the cost of the "statement" bags I see in department stores (har har)! :)

Love that this one by Printed Wonders features some symbols that are a little bit more unusual— the key, the ladybug, the hand. If you know what they hand is about, please do chime in—I am curious!) Overall, I love the vintage-flavored, simple, stark look very much.

Printed Wonders - Lucky Wrapping Paper

..And here we have another item from the same seller, Printed Wonders! They earned two spots this week due to this spectacularly bizarre yet strangely comforting Lucky Wrapping Paper. Really reminds me of something from when I was about three. That's all I got. But I do appreciate it, in all it's claustrophobic creepiness.

ERMoriginals - Sterling Silver clover and peridot necklace

Let's end this post on a non-creepy note, shall we? How 'bout a cuter-than-pie note? A stylish and sweet note? Dainty cluster clover necklace by ERM originals comes with your custom initial and a choice of stone. AND, a cute little genuine pearl, too. This item is on sale, too... so... no time like the present!

7 reasons to NEVER give up.

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 02:27:00 +0000

"Dreams come true". "Hard work pays off." Do these words fill you with happy thoughts, or do they make you want to click off this page (and you can't click soon enough)? When we are in the trenches and getting muddy in our creative careers, trying so hard to start our own parade or working to increase the momentum of the little one we have already started, it's not always easy to feel that Disney feeling. In fact, sometimes it can be downright hard to even look at those words. You know what I'm talking about? It is not always a sunny ride with the top down.

Well, I'm going to argue for the other side. Rome was not built in a day. Read on. Here are my...

7 reasons to NEVER give up.

7) Free school
Guess what? You WILL get smarter. Win or lose, if you are continually moving forward and taking chances, you will learn new and fascinating things about yourself, what you can offer, and the particular sandbox in which you play. This is a stone-cold fact—100% assured. And knowledge is not only priceless, but it's measurable, and applicable. So, by not giving up, you continue to get sharper and shinier!

6) You WILL acquire clarity.
It won't happen overnight, but after focusing on your specific goals for a long time and working on all the various different things that come into play in order to support it, you WILL eventually (and continually) gain clarity and focus. As you continue try and and have times when you fail, you will gain more clarity, bit by bit. Though these moments are not awesome, they are moments of potentially rich growth. Try to get past your issues at this moment, and don't waste this opportunity.
After I reach a milestone (be it a big, positive one or a major bummer), I stop, take a breath and give myself the moment to process what happened. I reassess my goal (and sometimes, I really, really reassess my goal) and I look at how I am working to achieve it. What's working? What's NOT? What can I do more effectively? What new, fresh idea can I try, or what older idea can I revamp and re-try? Hey, I can wallow for a few minutes with the best of them! But then, that's IT.
Just don't be afraid to tinker—there is no perfect one-size-fits-all formula for success, so keep trying. Besides, variety is the spice of life! Everything in life is in either a state of evolution or stagnation—always. You're either fresh or your moldy. (Eww..) But, take your pick. Reassessing your goals and remapping your route is NOT failure. It's simply taking stock, and taking stock is really important in order to continue moving forward with clarity.

own your guts.

5) The odds are in your favor, the longer you stick it out.
The more you try, the better your odds. "Perseverance has been shown to be the #1 barometer of success." Have you heard this before? I don't know if it's a somehow-tested truth, or an urban legend. I've decided that I don't even care. Because, when you think about it, it's just common sense.
As an aside, I recently went to an a conference where I listened to several (highly successful) scientists and mathematicians speak specifically about success. And you know what? They talked at length, and with a lot of insight, about their failures and how important they were. In fact, they all seemed to embrace failure.
Failing comes abundantly with the territory of success. So if we fail a lot, we need to start looking at it as progress! Which brings me to...

4)There is no REAL failure, if you don't give up.
Yes, you can lose on the battle level. But battle scars build character. Plus, when you never give up, you never give in... and, when you don't give in, it means you haven't lost yet. You have gained some valuable ammo, though— the experience and knowledge that you can take with you into your next round. So keep at it.

3) The journey IS the destination.
I first read this quote on the cover of the book of the same name. The quote captivated me with raw truth (as did the book, which I ended up buying).

Ok. So... the journey and the destination they are not one and the same. But, looking at the big picture, would you agree with me that they are equal in importance? You can't get to one without the other. And, on top of that, the journey itself never ends. Let's hear it for the journey.

2)You WILL toughen up.
You cannot buy a thick skin. You have to earn it. This is an absolute truth, and it's one of the great equalizers of the universe. Things certainly don't get EASY when something doesn't go your way. But things certainly get easier, and as a bonus, you will acquire new and exciting coping mechanisms! Soon, you will find yourself knocking on the next door, knocking on several doors at once, standing on your head, balancing a plate on your toe while knocking on a door... (see where I'm going with this?)

1) IF you decide to give up, You WILL be miserable.
This is a tough pill to swallow I know. But this, I can promise.
You might not be miserable right away. But eventually, you will become enshrouded in the shadow of gave-upness, like an invisible cocoon that slowly grows over your entire body, eventually paralyzing you. This will most certainly turn you into you a miserable and unhappy person. Which you are not. So don't go there. Life does not get any easier when you quit. The disappointments just change.

you're going places.

So don't give up.

a work in progress

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Have you noticed that I've been trying some new things around here? (Rearranging the furniture, so to speak?) I've been working to make this space more organized, more comfortable, just a nicer place for you (and for me) to visit. I have been spending more and more time here, so it is only natural. Any place is more fun to visit when things are a little bit better organized and are a bit more spruced up, anyway.

I've also been collecting my thoughts, experiences, some of my objectives, writing them out and putting them in some of the links to the right sidebar at the top, under my photo. I'm hoping that helps you to get to know me better and to understand my goals more clearly. I've also added information about how I run this blog and what my blogging intentions are. This is a first for me—I've never written those things out for public consumption, so bear with me. It is a work in progress (like everything in life). Ultimately, I want you to really enjoy your time with me here and I am committed to that. In fact, I am so happy that you choose to spend time on my blog—honestly, it is an honor! So, with that, I'm vaccuming up, laying out a nice tablecloth and pouring you a cup of tea and I will explain the catalysts of the evolution here...

I had a couple of "a-ha" moments over the past three months or so...

In August, I went to see Holly Becker of Decor8 blog at her Boston book signing event for Decorate. Holly runs an e-course called Blogging Your Way (BYW), which I had learned about last year and, at the time, was very curious about. But I sat on that interest, and did not partake in the class during that session. Instead, I took a wait-and-see approach. I figured there would eventually be another session. Then I started thinking I may not have another chance, and I wished I'd jumped on the first opportunity.

Life went on as it does, and I waited for another BYW session sign-up period, but I wasn't holding my breath. (Let's face it, Holly's a busy lady.) Then out of the blue one day, my friend Monica Lee (a BYW alum herself), invited me to attend the August 2011 Decorate book-signing event and private mood board seminar! Wow—I jumped at the chance to attend!

Though I knew it would be a fun, networking, "talking shop" day, I received deeper value from the day then I had originally anticipated I would. I had some helpful interactions in which I gained insights into what I WAS doing, but just as importantly, what I WAS NOT doing, to assist me in helping me to reach my goals. Immediately, I decided to switch things up a bit. In some ways, I took my own power back that day.

The next session of BYW began about five, six weeks or so after that Decorate day. I signed up for the class IMMEDIATELY. Whiplash, but I was not going to let that opportunity pass me by again! Today marks the last official day of my BYW class— the bittersweet "bon voyage" to the official class sessions. It's been a very intensive month, and it's been an amazing period or introspection and growth. BYW is so much more than just an e-course on blogging. The class is full of very deep content. I totally expected the class to be comprehensive, but it has completely blown my expectations out of the water.

So, that's the story of my bloggy changes. Maybe more than you bargained for, but hey, I'm *nothing* if not thorough! Though I've made some changes around here, I am a work in progress, like everything, and if we aren't evolving, we are, simply put, stagnating. (No thanks to that!)

I'd love to hear what YOU are working on, with YOUR work and life. What are you doing right now to help you grow while also reaching your goals?

Fan Slam: Wear It

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:40:00 +0000

Picking up my Fan Slam series, pre-empted from my Quilt Market trip last week!

Today I'm featuring some fun things to wear from Etsy sellers I have just recently discovered. I will make the prediction now: at least a couple of these items will end up in my closet, my jewelry box, or both..

© vaivanat

This shop has the most beautiful and inventive wool things to wear. Truly inspired! Please, please check them out. This flower brooch above is but one of the many items I covet from vaivanat.

I love Mexican art, and, I love charm bracelets! A match made in heaven thanks to Donna Elizabeth Design.

When I see the accessories from Button Soup Jewelry, I just think of the word "Darling". As in, everything is just (say it like a fifties housewife) "simply darling"!

I might have to splurge. Oh, and get this— there are button bobby pins, too. And the green ones that match the above set... well, let's just say they might be on my head very soon.

Do you not adore these cute little glasses hanging from a necklace? Librarian glasses necklace from Elmwood Ave.

Crazy lightning bolt headband! Be a superhero in your own mind! IWANT. Available from Janine Basil.

© Phlirt

This skirt by Phlirt is THE. PERFECT. CUT. And, custom made to order so it comes in LOTS of fabric choices. The sewing pattern, shape, and that cool little iphone pocket (which they clearly designed with ME - and maybe YOU - in mind) are just the thing. A-line, low waisted (horray!), and—hello I'm gonna say it again— CUSTOM MADE to your height and particular needs. Gotta get me a Phlirt skirt. (The black floral in my upcoming Jive Cats fabric collection would be just PERFECT..)

Which do you like best?

Fall Quilt Market 2011: Friends, Fun, and my New Fabric Family Northcott!

noreply@blogger.com (Kathy Weller) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Welcome to Part Three of my Fall Quilt Market 2011 blog post series!

Need to catch up on my Fall Quilt Market 2011 posts?
See Part One: Schoolhouse Day ••• See Part Two: Beautiful Booths

After attending an early (cock-a-doodle-doo-early) Northcott sales meeting, and then Schoolhouses most of the day Friday, I headed to the main trade show floor to see how it was shaping up. I couldn't wait to find Northcott's booth.

LOOK what—or WHO, rather— was waiting for me? My new stuffy buddies! It was love at first sight. I can't wait to finally get some of these fabric panels and go to town with creative ideas for embellishing them! SO excited..

>Want to see what the panel looks like before they became stuffies? Click here

This wall on the Northcott booth featured a group of Northcott designers—head shots with little pics of our latest collections. Called "The Northcott Designer's Hall of Fame" (love it :D), the panels were placed in a very prominent spot—front and center of the booth, on the side of one of the main columns. I liked that!

On Saturday, Northcott was busy the entire day. Jam-packed busy. I'm so glad they had such a FANTASTIC show. It was so nice to witness the chops of the sales force and of the company at large, first-hand. YES, I am proud to be a Northcott designer!

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On Friday night, I attended the Fabric 2.0 party with my good buddy Monica Lee as well as her friends (and my NEW friends) Tara Kordich of Sew Amelia's Garden and her mom, Paula! They were so much fun to hang with! Though I have no photos of the party, I had a GREAT time. (Hey, maybe that is why I have no photos!)

I'll post links to pics here as I discover them, but for now, here's links to other places with photos of the party:

>Pic me and Stephanie Brieger (Fat Quarter Shop) at Fabric 2.0 party (Thank you Kimberly Jolly!)

> Stash Books Fabric 2.0 blog post

>Jolly Jabber (Fat Quarter Shop's blog) blog post

>>>Have any links to party pics? Please post 'em in the comments... Thanks!

That lovely lady is Kim Kight. Kim is the creative dynamo, marketing wizard, and fabric review & preview queen behind the comprehensive, consistent and just-plain-awesome fabric blog True Up. I met Kim very briefly in passing at last year's Fall Quilt Market. I was not familiar with True Up at the time. Yes, sad but true, especially when I think of all I was missing. (Isn't it nice that blogs have archives?)

This time around, I am not only familiar with her blog, but I've become a bona-fide fan of True Up and I read it regularly. (Please check it out if you have not already.)

So here is the deal... Kim wrote a book. Yes, that's right, and a book is a big deal, in and of itself.. But, this is not just ANY book. Kim has now, yes, written the book on fabric design. When you think about it, it's kind of the coolest thing ever. Totally full-circle-y. Yes, I'm Oprah-ing out over this. But really, can you blame me?

This woman is passionate about fabric design. She has been tenaciously, diligently, (and yes, passionately!) blogging fabric since 2008. And now, she has literally written the book on it. Does it get any better than that? (When does the sequel come out?? :D ) Dreams and goals come true, and though I know this to be true, I always appreciate a reminder. It takes tenaciousness, consistency, plain good old hard work, and it takes GUTS! One of my favorite sayings is "Nothing worthwhile is every easy". This book was clearly a labor of love to write and create.

The second coolest thing ever is that all of us lucky folks in line at her packed book signing were gifted with a copy—signed. Yup. So by NOW, you are probably thinking that Kim is a pretttty awesome girl. You would be right! Congratultions Kim!!

My super-duper talented fabric peeps!

From Left to Right: Me, Rashida Coleman-Hale (I Heart Linen), Khristian Howell, Leah Duncan, & Alexia Abegg. I love these gals!! So much fun, such cool girls! Not pictured, but on the other side of the camera, is Monica Lee (see HER group photo here :D )

Top pic L-R: Michelle Scott, Tricia Maloney, Deborah Edwards, Cheri Strole & hubby David, Pati Fried, Debra Gabel

Bottom pic L-R: Pati, Debra, Northcott's awesome Marketing Maven Hania, litte ole me, Jane Spolar, Michelle Scott, the top of Tricia's head, Northcott Design Director (and fabulous Northcott Designer in her own right) Deborah, & Cheri.

So... how could my trip get EVEN better? Dinner with my Northcott family, of course. And in Texas, do as the Texans do—TRUE Tex-Mex (and Margaritas, too). Giddy up, little dogie! I don't think it gets any better than that.

These ladies seriously rule. LOVED meeting the members of my new Northcott family. We had SUCH a great time! We will just *have* to do this more often...

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Well, that's it for Fall Quilt Market 2011!

>>>If you have posted about Quilt Market to your blog, I'd love to see it!! Please post the link in the comments :)