Do you ski?

I've been working on this...
Do you ski?

Have a great weekend
Char.x

Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Alexandra Hedberg

GOOD MORNING lovelies...I sometimes think that by having this TELL all Tuesdays weekly it solidifies to me how fast time is passing...Tuesdays creep up on me WAY too fast...BUT on the other hand, I really enjoy introducing all these wonderfully creative people weekly.

Today we are travelling all the way to Sweden (my mother's homeland) to meet an incredibly talented artist who obviously knows in which direction she's going.
Her work is SO full of energy...she's someone I would one day LOVE to meet...(hey, you never know! Sweden is NOT that far!!! ) I think I first came across Alexandra when I was visiting Esti's blog and saw their collaborative brilliance together: We are a Happy Family Card Game.(of course I have a set...bought one as soon as I saw it)
So, adding this fabulous painter/artist/screen printer to our list of T.A.T(tell all Tuesdays) please...let me introduce to you... ALEXANDRA HEDBERG ::

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?

I live in Gothenburg (Sweden’s second city) which is by the coast and more of a big small town. I can bike more or less everywhere; it’s close to nature and a good place when you want to live out of little money. I was born here and grew up here, but I have also lived in Aix-en-Provence, Paris and London.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

Paris.

How structured is your day usually?

Super structured in some ways and in some ways not. As I am a mother I need to plan ahead and be ready in good time before deadlines (children get ill), but I like the liberty I have anyway not being an employee. I work in concentrated periods with different things. For example I planned all autumn in August; when to work in the studio for my exhibitions, when to work on a commissioned public art piece and when to give my workshops. While in the studio I let creativity reign (just go with the flow) and the only “structure” I follow is time to leave to go to preschool and pick up the kid. If I on the other hand have a day of screen printing at KKV (artist run collective workshops) I write a time-plan; what to do exactly when and estimated time for every step. I’m very good at following my time-plan and thus become super efficient.

What did you do today?

Today was the first day working on my sketch for a Public Commissioned Art Piece to be on the façade of a new built school. I made a sketch of the part of the school building where my art is to be in scale 1:10 and painted it in the right NCS colours (it’s greenish with orange doors). Then I sat looking at it for a long time and checked some books on public art – and wrote down some thoughts. Tomorrow I will taste some ideas.


At night I wrote a post in my Art as Business series for my blog and fixed with photos for my website.

Are you a cat or dog person?

A cat person. Cats are like being in love the way it should be; independent and wild. Cats have style, grace and don’t take no shit. Dogs are needy, can be smelly and eat shit. [Seriously; when it comes to dogs of course I like some of them. But it is more based on sometimes making a connection]

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?

At breakfast: I’m sleepy.
At lunch: I’m so into my work (be it painting, doing administration or screen printing) I barely notice I’m eating or I eat while working.

At dinner: I’m all there. I love to cook it, to enjoy all the flavours while eating and to drink a good wine – and the best of all: to do it in the company of others. So the answer is: A dinner girl!

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?

As autumn is here I would make a warming fish soup with saffron, wine, vegetables, salmon, shrimps and mussels. Bake some bread to go with it and serve some white Bourgogne.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?

I’ve known I wanted to be an artist (painter) since as long as I can remember. I’ve never doubted my path, though teachers constantly tried to talk me out of it (I was the very best of students – why should I waste my life on becoming an artist?).

Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?

I think creativity is in my blood, but my father’s constant encouragement and belief in my art and me while growing up must have been what gave me the strength to take drawbacks. I get what I wouldn’t call inspiration, but input to my art, from popular culture and mass medial imagery and stereotypes.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.

I used to have this extra job as a fitness instructor (aerobics, step up, body toning etc) for 8 years. I gave 2-5 classes/week. I quit 2 years ago.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?

Flats because it is practical when you are on the run, but I love high heels…

What was the last book you read?

I’m in the middle of reading Murakami’s anthology “”Birthdays Stories” and Dear Dad (poems by Australians about Fathers with artwork by Gracia and Louise)

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Advice no 1: Ask yourself what is your goal. Be honest to yourself (no one needs to hear your answer). Then ask yourself what you are willing to give up and what you will not sacrifice in order to reach your goals. Work from there.

Advice no 2: don’t forget to enjoy life and take time off!

Name 5 blogs (or more) you love visiting, and tell us why.

I love visiting friend’s and colleague’s blog:


Camilla : friend and talented Fine Art artists (not that many blogs by Fine Art artists out there). Seeing the little magic things in daily life, dark humour.


Tiny red :  friend and a totally gifted illustrator/graphic designer. Always full of creativity, playfulness and colour.


vejacecilia : friend and fantastic pattern designer. Pattern is more than what you might think – will be interesting to see where she is going.


Daniel Milton  not really a friend yet (haven’t met), but maybe soon – and he’s a great Fine Art Artist (blog in Swedish though). Sharp, entertaining and not afraid to brag. And I don’t just want to read blogs by women.


Wooster collective : because street art really interests me – that’s the real Public Art!


Ikea hacker : alternative use of Ikea furnitures or adaption. Not always good, but sometimes genial. Here I found for example how to make a home screen printing unit.


The Selby : always nice to look into people’s home.


CaiLun : I don’t know why, but I would love to bind my own books.


THANKS Alexandra for taking time out of your busy schedule...and if any of you read Alexandra's Blog, you'll know she has a couple of exhibitions coming up...so her hands are deep in paint right now!
I'm sure Alexandra will be checking in today...so leave a "hello" or a "Hejsan" for her in the comments below...
AND you can visit her:
BLOG
and her
WEBSITE

I hope you all have a great day...I am almost finished the boy's room I am painting...will show you all on Thursday(that's when the client comes back from China).
HUGS and I really appreciate you stopping by and supporting these fabulous Artists we have with us weekly!
Char.x

Luxray the GREAT

good morning everyone,thank you dearly for all the sweet comments....last week was a SUPER busy one,so if I haven'y replied or visited your World yet...I will try tonight

...it's the start of a new week...and it's going to be a busy one!

late last night I finished Luxray for Vincent. He's turning 7 and loves Pokemon...so I found Luxray who's one of the characters...this is my first non-real animal which I have painted. As an artist you have to bend to others sometimes...kids grow up...we have to grow with them!

the binders of my watercolour pads are filled with colour tests...I keep them as a memory of the paintings I did...is that wierd?

What do you keep that not too many people know about?

have a great Monday.

HUGS,

Char.

TELL all TUESDAYS :: Vicki from Lilliput Loft

Good morning to you all, we're back with our Tell ALL Tuesdays...today's plans were shifted a little as we have down pours which means no parks this mornng...
SO let me introduce you to a multi talented and ever so kind and thoughtful artist,sculptor,seemstress...her name is Vicki and she has an Etsy Store called Lilliput Loft which is stocked full of handmade creations...here's a little interview with her::

Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?

I live with my very own knight in shining armour, my husband of 36 years. Our neighbourhood where we have lived for the past 15 years, is pretty nice. There is a small lake with ducks, water hens and sometimes visiting pelicans, a short stroll down the bush land pathway across the road from our house. My three little granddaughters (2, 3 & 5) have all enjoyed feeding the ducks with bits of bread…even though there are council signs forbidding this. (Some experiences in life should not be outlawed.)

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

It would be hard to leave here, but I could live anywhere (not too cold or too hot) in the world, so long as I was with my hubby, and with my family.

How structured is your day usually?

No real structure nowadays. Just so long as I can get some house work /gardening done, and hopefully create some items for Lilliput Loft. I always make time to drop everything and be with my family if needed.

What did you do today?

I spend at least one day a week with my daughter and 2 year old granddaughter, but most of this day will be spent ironing. (probably)

Are you a cat or dog person? 

I have always been more of a cat person. But that is not to say I dislike dogs.  

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?

 I can’t start the day without breakfast, which is usually just a bowl of cereal and a cup of tea.

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?

I am not so fond of the kitchen and my cooking skills are nothing fancy, but, it would be some thing edible.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
I knew I needed a Saviour (Jesus Christ) when I was about 7years old, and I knew I wanted to marry my husband when I was 17years of age.

Who /what drove and inspired your love to create?

I just knew what I enjoyed doing, and proceeded to do it. Over the years, I have enjoyed drawing, painting, pastels; working with clay creating whimsical creatures, and firing them in my gas kiln; sewing; decorating…I have done 27 weddings at various church halls.

Tell us something not too many people know about you
I have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and many perfumes/scents that other people think of as nice to smell, I find unbearable.

Shoe choice::flats or heels?
Love the LOOK of high heels, but prefer flats. I own a comfortable/expensive pair of sneakers that I bought for walking, and they would have to be my favourite shoes.

What was the last book you read?
Funny thing is that I do love to read, but really can’t remember the last book I read. Maybe a Catherine Cookson…?

What advice would you give others just starting out?

Do not take things too seriously. Do not rush your grandchildren, but take the time and savour everything they do. Enjoy each and every day you are given. Make the most of good health when you own it, as you might not always have it.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

I have just discovered ‘A Fanciful Twist’ and it sounds like my kind of blog, as there is a lot of fantasy. They are hosting their 3rd Mad Tea Party soon, and I can’t wait to be a part of the fun.

I adore ‘Cart before the horse’…loads of creative talent.
 ‘We Blog Artists’ … full of creative drawings and whimsy.
 A friend down south, in Canberra has a blog that I keep up to date with, called ‘Grace Designs’.
 And another friend has a blog, ‘Claire Rose’ that I keep an eye on…but am always dismayed that she has added nothing …(I keep hoping she will have something lovely to share…)

THANK YOU Vicki for taking part and sharing your Life with us...
Please go and say hello to Vicki at  Lilliput Loft
AND visit her BLOG

I hope you've been having fun with the SUMMER time Game we started playing in our last post!

Have a great day, see you tomorrow.
HUGS
Char

Tell ALL Tuesdays :: Jennifer of Noodle and Lou Studio

Hurrah...it's TUESDAY!
I'm really very excited to introduce you to Jennifer from NOODLE and LOU STUDIO...
These Tell ALL Tuesdays are so special to me...we get a glimse of our Fabulous Readers and they have all been great with me and responded SO positively to letting go of their daily ongoings...so that all of you (and I) can enjoy their stories.(Thank you!)


So...without further adieu...let us introduce you to the the lovely Jennifer, from one of my fave blogs (I know I have many)...Noodle and Lou Studio... make sure to go over there and say hello.
 
Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?
I live in the suburbs of Chicago…Naperville to be exact. It has a great little downtown with a beautiful river walk. It’s lots of fun to take the boys there in the spring and summer…just to walk and eat ice cream and enjoy the lovely outdoors! We have lived here almost 2 years. I grew up in south Florida. Yes, I am so cold.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?

I adore San Francisco. I get a bucket of money too, right?

 How structured is your day usually?
I have 2 boys, ages 9 and 5...so some things are sort of structured. Like getting up for school and breakfast, homework after school and dinner around the same time, bedtime at 8. Besides that…it’s slightly chaotic! I work out of my home studio, so I’m always juggling work with home stuff and kids yelling for my help. We just kind of deal with it as it comes. One day I’ll catch up with the laundry!

What did you do today?

I took photos & uploaded and resized them for my shop update tonight. Answered emails, played with Henry (my kindergartner), ate dinner with my family, had my shop update, answered more emails and watched American Pickers (love that show you guys!) with my hubby! Shop update days are pretty busy and I’m usually held up in my studio all day.

Are you a cat or dog person?
Dog. But I love cats too. We can’t have a dog right now, but we have our sweet rescue cat Mazzy. We have had her for the past 13-14 years!

 Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
Dinner!

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
Tacos. And of course we would then need margaritas.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
Probably early 30’s. My family was growing and I was starting my business.

 Who /what drove & inspired your love to create?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to create…I think it’s just in my blood. My Nana and PopPop were very creative. My Nana with sewing and gardening and cooking…I wanted to be just like her. And my PopPop made fabulous things out of wood like my childhood dollhouse. I saw the value and importance of making things with your own hands.

 Tell us something not too many people know about you.
I have 2 tattoos.

 Shoe choice::flats or heels?
Flats. I’m tall and I always feel like an amazon when I wear heels!

 What was the last book you read?
The Principles of Uncertainty by Maira Kalman. I’ve read/looked at it a billion times. I adore her.

 What advice would you give others just starting out?
 Be true to yourself and your own style. Be patient. Be caring and giving. Be sweet to yourself and don’t give up! Love what you do!

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.

 

1. My sweet pal Catherine at Red Shoes (redshoesllc.typepad.com) because she keeps it real…she has a fab style and she is so funny and talented.

 

2. Carissa at The Brown Eyed Fox because she is such a fabulous photographer and always has something gorgeous to look at and something inspirational to read.

 

3. Poppy Talk for the awesome eye candy and to see all the cool things people are creating and designing!

 

4. Elsa Mora http://elsita.typepad.com/elsita/ …elsita is so amazing. She is incredibly prolific and an unbelievable talent. I adore her work and style.

 

5. Anna Maria Horner http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/ because she has a darling family and an inspiring career and I SO wish I could sew like her.

THANK YOU so much Jennifer...I so enjoy reading about your everyday Life...I SO know the feeling about "One day I'll catch up with Laundry!"

You can visit Jennifer at:
HER Blog
HER Etsy Store

Go take a browse...I'm sure she would LOVE to hear from you...

Thanks for passing by here...I know I made promises yesterday(which I didn't keep) that I would be back with some news about our Fabulous Sponsors...things came up...and so I'm shifting it to tomorrow...hope you'll understand!

Have a GREAT day everyone...we're being blessed with the most beautiful weather today...time to take the girls for a walk!
HUGS
Char,ON

 

 

Tell ALL Tuesdays:: Stefanie Beyeler

Every week on Tuesdays we introduce to you another one of our *Fabulous Readers* who I have gotten to know through Blog Land over this past year.(that's right...it's been 1 year)
When I first stumbled across Stefanie and her amazing talent...I was in awe. She has a very unique style which I just wanted to see more of.
It's a wish of mine to one day get to meet her in person...and another to own one of her originals...or to commission a painting from her.
So...without further adieu...
I welcome...Stefanie Beyeler
Tell us a little about the Town you live in... & have you always lived there?
I live in Thun, a city with about 42’000 inhabitants in the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. It’s very pretty, with a medieval castle, a lake and a beautiful view on the Swiss Alps. Before that I have lived in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, which is not that much bigger, with only 122’000 citizens.

If you could move anywhere tomorrow, where would it be?
I don’t want to move at all, we live in a wonderful old house and have such perfect neighbours! But if I could take them with me, maybe to the Arizona desert or the south of France. Or Hong Kong for the food?

How structured is your day usually?
Not as structured as I wish it were, but I’m working on it: I’m a fanatic list maker. I work 60% as a graphic designer, paint, and work with my sister, a journalist, on an illustrated book about a fairy tale princess who gets anorexic. My boyfriend who is also a graphic designer, has lost his job because of knee problems and he couldn't do anything for a year. But now he is getting better and he is really spoiling me with cooking and doing housework.

What did you do today?
It’s Monday, so I worked at my day-job this morning. Then I did some work for the princess book. Mostly research, we will send out the manuscript to agents and editors soon. I like the drawing part much more than the organizing part.
Monday evening I go figure drawing in a lovely old house in the park of a castle at the lake Thun. It’s a magic place and such a beautiful studio. When I come home I go for a late walk with our neighbours’ labrador.

Are you a cat or dog person?
Both, my two cats love our neighbour’s dog and I would love to have one or two dogs of my own. And a donkey, goats, rabbits and a lot more animals.

Are you a breakfast, lunch or dinner girl?
All three of them, I need to eat regularly or I get so unhappy and grumpy.

If you had 6 friends over for Dinner what would you make for them?
Lots of salad, sushi (I make the ugliest sushi worldwide, but it’s delicious) or rice with spicy vegetables and for dessert my brownies. Nobody goes hungry after having eaten my brownies.

How old were you when you knew you were on the right path in your Life?
I knew I wanted to be a farmer or a graphic designer at age thirteen. At art school I was very, very bored and our teachers were not at all encouraging, so I stopped to draw entirely. As a graphic designer I work mostly digital.

At 35 I developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I could no longer do what I wanted, even the smallest things were exhausting and going out became impossible. But I still worked part time as a graphic designer. So I began to draw and paint again, because I was quite desperate. Doctors couldn't help me and didn't believe me. I changed my diet and this really worked, but there’s no more Swiss cheese and chocolate for me. And no more coffee, that’s a hard one!

Who /what drove & inspired your love to create.
My parents have always been fascinated with art. My sister is the clever one, but I was the girl who could draw well. I am inspired by everything that I see or feel, but for working I have to start without waiting for inspiration. Not thinking too much and just let it flow.

Tell us something not too many people know about you.
I love carrots! Maybe that’s why my teeth look a bit like Bugs Bunny’s.

Shoe choice: flats or heels?
Both, but they seem to get flatter with age…

What was the last book you read?
I love books, they are the best things ever! Can I mention three I’m reading currently? There is Middlemarch by George Eliot, which is wonderful, a collection of really quirky German fairy tales and I’m trying to figure out my Style Statement (McCarthy & LaPorte).

What advice would you give others just starting out?
Be nice, work hard and have fun.
And don’t be intimidated to get paid for your work.

Name 5 blogs you love visiting, and tell us why.
http://www.designspongeonline.com/ I’m addicted to interior-things.
http://www.swiss-miss.com/ Such a wonderful and positive collection of interesting things.
http://camillaengman.blogspot.com/ She’s my favorite illustrator and Morran is the best dog ever.
http://www.modishblog.com/biztips/ Because you can never know enough about business.
http://inkonmyfingers.typepad.com/ink_on_my_fingers/ I’m currently doing the Unravelling e-course ((http://www.susannahconway.com/unravelling )) and just love it! I do recommend it highly.

Thank you Stefanie for a wonderful insight to getting to know you a little better.(I can't wait until your book is finished-I think it will help many people)

Make sure to go over to Stefanie's Blog and Website to see more of her brilliance!

Thanks for passing by...and leaving comments for Stefanie (and us..heehee)

Until tomorrow...hugs.x.

Char,On