Hoyden Designs Original Artwork

'Melody Joy' and 'Butterfly Kisses'

2012-01-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a sketch I did several months back in my sketchbook, I recently painted a commission for a very sweet friend, a gift for a beautiful baby girl for her baptism.'Melody Joy' ~ 5x7 acrylics on antique music sheet circa 1890's and canvas board

And now that I'm working in watercolors again I wanted to see if I could get the image down on watercolor paper as well, with some changes so it reflected my vision for the original sketch more closely. This is the result:'Butterfly Kisses' ~ 5x7 pencil and watercolors on 140 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper

Beginning Illustration for 2012

2012-01-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

As part of my New Year's resolution I have made a promise to myself to work on my illustration skills. Illustrating children's books has been such a dream of mine in recent years, and I would so love to enter this field of work. Here is my first attempt (obviously a work in progress):

I didn't base it off of any story, I just wanted to convey a sense of story with the painting initially. I had forgotten how much I enjoy watercolors.

New Pieces

2011-11-26T21:39:00.001-08:00

Apparently I've been quite remiss in posting pics of my latest pieces here to my blog! Here is a bit of everything I've been creating over the last month or so:
I've been having so much fun with the framed jewelry. The artwork in the small square pendants measures only 1/2" by 1/2", and I love testing myself to see how much detail I can fit into them. My poor pencils are being ground down to stubs, as I need to keep them constantly sharpened to extract the detail I need.

I also created these polymer clay Christmas ornaments, each with a small bit of hand-painted goodness and protected with wonderful glossy varnish.

Last is this small 5x7 acrylic painting in my "Dreamer" series, painted on canvas board. She sold at Jingle Fest...hurrah! So happy when my paintings find good homes. :)

If you see a piece you like above but don't see it for sale in my shop please e-mail me at hoydendesigns@gmail.com. With the Craft show last week and Thanksgiving just days ago I haven't had a chance at all to list them, but most are available. And there's still time to get your U.S. shipments in time for Christmas!

Jingle Fest 2011

2011-11-26T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here's my table at Jingle Fest 2011! Thank you to everyone who came out to see me! Despite being a rainy and cold day it was a great success, and so much fun.

JingleFest Art and Craft Faire!

2011-11-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

In 9 days I'll be at the 'JingleFest Holiday Art and Craft Faire! I'm so very excited, and hope that if you're anywhere near San Jose, CA on November 20th that you'll stop by and visit me!

There will be 80 vendors, with something for everyone on your holiday list. If you do manage to come please be sure to stop by my table and say "hi!". I'll be right inside the entrance, one of the very first tables on the right.
I'll also be having a giveawy at my table. Anyone who signs up to be on my e-mail mailing list will be entered into a drawing to win this original mixed media piece:

She measures 8x10 and is on 140 lb. cold-pressed watercolor paper. I hope to see you there!

'Still' - Mixed Media Piece

2011-11-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

The word "still" embodies all that is peaceful and quiet to me. That's why my newest mixed media piece is named that; I couldn't think of a better word for what this woman seems to be feeling.

'Still' measures 5x7 and was created using pencils and watercolors on 140 lb.cold-pressed watercolor paper.

Two New Alice Paintings

2011-11-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

Once again Miss Alice has cauht my fancy and my imagination. Here are the two newest of my paintings inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and there are several more in my little sketchbook just waiting to be brought to life.
'Such a Long Way to Fall 2' 8x10 acrylics on gallery-wrapped canvas (currently for sale at EniThing boutique at Westgate Mall in San Jose, CA - see side bar to the right for a link to their website):

'Drink Me' 8x10 acrylics on canvas board (to be kept in my private collection for my illustration portfolio):

The Sweetest Thing mixed media painting

2011-10-27T16:57:00.001-07:00

I'm still fiddling around with new methods of painting. Here's the latest, entitled 'The Sweetest Thing'. This is a 5x7 piece, done on 140 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper, with pencils and watercolors.

The Dreamer 3 - New Acrylic Painting

2011-10-27T16:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a small 5x7 acrylic painting on canvas board I completed a short while ago. It seems I've been drawing and painting quite a few of these flowing haired ladies lately, and so have decided to create of series of them called The Dreamers. I have another on my desk nearly finished that I'll be sharing with you soon.

'Feel My Love' - Mixed Media Painting

2011-10-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

While discussing a possible commission for a dear friend's daughter, I had a sudden image in my mind of working a pencil likeness over a music sheet. I wasn't sure if it would work, so I took an antique photo that touched me emotionally and began working. This is what I was able to come up with:

'Feel My Love' ~ 5x7 mixed media painting, utilizing acrylics, pencil and watercolors on an antique music sheet circa 1890, attached to a canvas board painted a deep purple and protected with a matte varnish.

Wearable Framed Paintings

2011-10-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to come up with a new way of doing pendants, and after the last batch of Halloween goodies I was really and truly inspired with the pendant frames I'd found. But I didn't feel I'd get the detail I truly wanted by going with acrylics, so I switched to pencil and watercolors. And here are the results:
Before framing...

And framed and varnished:

I loved doing these, though I think I may need to get myself a good magnifying glass soon!

Happy (Early) Halloween, Dearies

2011-09-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

I was asked by the wonderful woman at EniThing to do a display window for her store. Imagination churning, my thoughts turned to the upcoming Halloween holiday and I fairly threw myself into several new pieces for it.
I found these lovely pendant frames, and used 140 lb.watercolor paper inserted into them. Too much fun, and I love the new look. I can't wait to create more.

This paper mache witch's hat wat a "hoot" (pardon the bad pun) to paint:

This mysterious witch took on a life of her own. She's quite ready for trick or treating:

And here is the display itself. I added a small crow sculpture I made last year, as well as a lavendar wand created from the amazing smelling lavendar in my own yard. With mini hay bales, a spider-web stamped piece of muslin and halloween-y bunting, I'm quite pleased with it.

Teeny Tiny Houses

2011-09-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

There is just something about teeny little houses that I absolutely love, which you may know if you've visited my blog and seen my tiny house pendants. When deciding to give paper a try as a base, I just couldn't help picking these as a subject matter. The smooth surface lends itself well here to the delicate lines of the windows. (The bottom piece is especially close to my heart; I'm an avid veggie gardener, and this image is a particular dream of mine)
'Five Little Houses' ~ 5x7 acrylics on paper

'House on the Hill" ~ 5x7 acrylics on paper

Alice and the Flowers - Triptych Painting

2011-09-02T12:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a 3 panel painting I recently completed:

It was commissioned by a wonderful lady who loves all things Alice (she is a woman after my own heart! How could I resist?). Each panel is a gallery-wrapped canvas that measures 11x14, with antique music sheets circa 1890, and painted in acrylic paints. Here is each panel separately:

Such a Long Way to Fall!

2011-06-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Now is the time again, my dears, for a fantastically magical Mad Tea Party! Thank you to the lovely Miss Vanessa at 'A Fanciful Twist' for hosting such a splendid event! Please be sure to visit the 'A Fanciful Twist' blog and check out all of the other participants in this yearly fun event!
Here is the piece I created for this year's event, and such a fun time I had creating it, too!

It is entitled "Such a Long Way to Fall", and measures 9x12 on canvas board, painted with acrylics on circa 1892 music sheet. Please contact me at hoydendesigns@gmail.com if you've a wish to own her for yourself!
I wish you an amazing time visiting the many Mad Tea Parties on the web, and hope you come back soon to my own little corner of the cyber world!
Ta-ta for now, ny sweets!
Christina

Let The Wind Take You - Acrylic Painting

2011-06-19T22:16:00.001-07:00

This image popped into my head one day and I couldn't rest until I had her brought to life on canvas.

She looks quite content to let life take her where it will, don't you think? She's painted on an 11x14 gallery-wrapped canvas with an antique music sheet circa 1890.

Stars of the Summer Night

2011-06-13T23:19:00.000-07:00

Here's a small painting I created recently. I found this incredible little song in my 1913 songbook, and was so inspired that I decided to try something new. The blacks and blues were fun to work over the surface; they do some amazing melding on the antique page that I couldn't get on a straight canvas texture. It measures 5x7 on canvas booard.

Rosalie ~ Acrylic Painting

2011-06-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

A bit of a Parisian twist with this one. I read the lyrics to this lovely song and was so inspired, I just couldn't help myself.
'Rosalie' is an 8x10 acrylic painting with antique music sheet circa 1913 on a gallery wrapped canvas.

Mini House Pendants

2011-06-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

A baker's dozen of teeny little house pendants that I just finished. Handmade from polymer clay and hand-painted with acrylics by myself, each is one of a kind and unique. They measure about 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches tall. I won't be posting the majority of them to Etsy, as I'll be bringing them to shows, but if you see one you like please e-mail at hoydendesigns@gmail.com and I'll get it to you!

After 6 months...finally a painting!

2011-05-20T11:29:00.000-07:00

"An Ocean of Tears" 11x14 acrylic painting on canvas board

Welcome Spring...and Inspiration!

2011-04-02T11:36:00.001-07:00

This winter for some reason truly destroyed my creative spirit. I can't even explain why, I just could never bring myself to pick up a brush and lay my soul on canvas.
Now the weather is warming, the flowers are blooming, and I'm feeling the faint stirrings of that wonderful spirit returning. I suppose my creativity needed to hibernate. I picked this bouquet of inspiration from my garden to fill my antique silver water pitcher - and myself - with some much needed color and joy. Hopefully it will breathe some life back into the dusty corners of my mind!

Belated Happy Holidays!

2011-01-05T22:19:00.001-08:00

I've been so busy with family things for the holidays that I'm afraid I've left my wonderful blog friends in the lurch! I wanted to keep you updated on my newest pieces and how the Handmade Holiday Gift Fair went...so here goes:

The new ornaments came out wonderfully, just as I imagined they would. I even brought some fresh pine branches in a weighted vase to the fair to display them:

Here are my newest pendants, many of which sold the night of the fair!:

I didn't have a huge assortment of mew pins, earrings or hairpins, but they did very well regardless:

These rings are my new passion; I had a blast making them, and they are so fun to wear.:

I also managed to create 2 new paintings. Here is the first, which is an 8x10 acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas, with antique music sheet circa 1890:

Here is the second, 'The Heart Bowed Down', also an 8x10 acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas, with antique music sheet circa 1913:

Here is my Christmasy little display; it was too much fun!:

I hope all of you had an amazing holiday season, and that this New Year has all sorts of wonderful things in store for you!

New Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-14T20:13:00.001-08:00

The newest additions to the pieces I'm bringing to the Holiday Gift Fair on Saturday!

Holiday Gift Faire and Christmas Jewelry

2010-12-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

This coming Saturday I'll be doing a Holiday Gift Fair at EniThing in San Jose, CA! So if you're in town please stop on by. It's a small venue, but with some great and talented crafters and artists. Anyone who comes up to me while there and mentions that they saw me post about this on Facebook or my blog will get a free mini bookmark. :)
Above are some of the pieces I'm working on right now. These hand-painted (by yours truly) polymer discs will be turned into pins, pendants, earrings and rings!

A Chill in the Air

2010-12-12T12:29:00.001-08:00

Yes, even being in the San Francisco Bay Area it gets chilly from yime to time!
The amazing tree in our backyard is finally shedding it's crown of leaves. The bed of gold that carpets everything makes our yard look as if it's a fairy land. Right now I'm seated at my kitchen table (which also serves as a makeshift computer table for me!) gazing at it in complete wonder. This time of the year it's the best seat in the house. :)

Shop-wide SALE!

2010-11-27T11:19:00.001-08:00

Who's in the mood for a SALE?!
Now through Cyber Monday you can get 30% off of EVERYTHING in my Etsy Shop! Does that include Clearance items (which have already been marked down 50% or more)? It sure does!
Simply use the coupon code 'DICKENS' at check-out and the discount will automatically apply. Happy Shopping!!!

Sorry for the lack of work lately...

2010-11-20T21:30:00.000-08:00

...but it seems I've got some nasty carpal tunnel in both hands, and the thumb on my painting hand sometimes get so painful I can't hold a pencil. :(
I'm hoping to finish a couple of paintings in the near future, though, so please keep checking back! I'll be starting physical therapy soon, so hopefully it will help. Keep your fingers crossed!

EniThing Fall Art Bazaar!

2010-10-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful time last friday at the Fall Art Bazaar! I met a bunch of wonderful people, and was actually pretty successful!
My biggest sale of the night was also my very favorite painting; I am so very happy she went to a good home!
I finished her just 2 nights before the big day. Here she is:

She's entitled "The Dreamer". I was inspired by this incredible thrift store frame I found; she was painted specifically for it. The painting itself measures 5"x7", and is acrylics with antique music sheet circa 1890 on canvas board.

Two New Paintings

2010-10-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

These are my 2 newest paintings, which will be at the bazaar tomorrow night:('Protected' - 8"x10" acrylics with decoupaged antique music sheet circa 1890, on gallery-wrapped canvas)

('All Roads Lead Home' - 8"x10" acrylics with decoupaged antique music sheet circa 1890, on canvas board; will be framed)

More New Items!

2010-10-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

More goodies to share with you as I prepare for the Art Bazaar this friday, each one hand-painted: earring posts, hair pins, art boxes (decoupaged with circa 1890 sheet music), and a paperclay crow sculpture. More still to come!

New Pieces for October

2010-10-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

Trying new things again!
Here are new pins, pendants, rings, hair pins, as well as a paper clay house and a paper mache box. Each piece is one of a kind and hand-painted!:

The nest rings in the bottom right are made of actual acorn caps, and the eggs are hand-formed out of paper clay and hand-painted, and securely adhered inside. These are for the Fall Art Bazaar I'm attending this friday; I'll be posting more pics as I finish them!

Do They Think Of Me At Home - Acrylic Painting

2010-10-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a new painting, added to my Etsy shop! It measures 8x10 on gallery-wrapped canvas, with a circa 1913 music sheet from a song book decoupaged for a background. These are too much fun to do! I'll be adding several more shortly!

Hurray for Rings and Earrings!

2010-10-03T07:35:00.000-07:00

With my venture into little art shows I decided to add to my jewelry by making rings and earrings! They are so much fun. The ring I wear is really an eye-catcher; people comment on it wherever I go. And with the earrings I've made them tiny little posts (sometimes I think I like to dare myself to make something as tiny as possible to paint on to test myself; this time I believe I went overboard!)
Right now I only have them in the little shop I consign with. But look for them soon in my Etsy shop! And please don't be afraid to contact me at hoydendesigns@gmail.com should you like one for yourself before I get them up for sale. :)

First Boutique Show

2010-10-02T22:40:00.000-07:00

There's a local boutique I sell at called EniThing (you can find a link to the shop's website on the right sidebar) that had a small sidewalk jewelry show one evening a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be asked to join, and this is the little display I set up. It's the first time ever I've done anything like this, so though it was a small venue it was a HUGE deal to me. I was surprised (seeing as how introverted I am) how much I truly enjoyed it!

Fox Illustration

2010-09-09T11:32:00.000-07:00

I've been stretching my wings a bit lately, carefully testing myself in new avenues of art. One thing I've been trying to broaden is my style for illustration. This fox painting is the latest in my quest for a better understanding of illustrative techniques.

Where Has the Time Gone!

2010-08-26T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was truly in shock when I realized I haven't posted to my blog for an entire month! I suppose it's been much more hectic here than I realized. As far as art goes, I've been keeping myself busy, exercising my fingers with sketches in the children's illustration type, which I will post here once I complete one of the myriad paintings I've begun and have yet to finish. And I've managed to also create these bits of hand-painted jewelry:

It's been several years I believe since I painted one of these little garden pendants. Each measures about 1" by 1"; so tiny! They are such fun, though I think I'll be needing some new glasses, as I don't remember having quite this hard of time seeing such small details up close!

I also had a bit of fun with some heart shaped polymer pendants I created a while back during the makings of a couple of custom pieces:

And I utilized some small pieces of wood for some little pins, my very first of their kind!:

Here you can see the back of the pins; so enjoyable to make!:

Lastly, I created this display from a garage sale frame, muslin, and some nails. Off to the consignment shop it goes!:

If you don't see the piece you like in the shop please feel free to contact me; I'll be happy to re-create it for you.
Hope to see you soon!

Cutting and Sewing and Painting, Oh My!

2010-07-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

There are times when my fingers need more to do than work a paint brush. In times like those I pull out my trusty sewing machine!
Needing a protective pouch for my iPod, that's what I turned my attentions and energy to. So after some trial and error (and a few uselessly small pouches), I finally came up with these. And in typical Christina Fashion I had to put a bit of hand-painting on each to give them my own spin. Each also sports vintage buttons as a final touch.
The first is my little Alice, once again making an appearance on my own pouch:

The second I created for my husband, with a hand-painted dragon, and very long necklace cord added so he can hang it around his neck:

Rivers of Tears Acrylic Painting

2010-07-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I get disconected from art for a while. Eventually some strong emotion will need to manifest itself, and that's when I express myself in a painting that is completely different from the normal pieces I paint. These paintings are done very quickly with no pre-thinking; I basically let the brush do what is wants to do.
Last night I completed one of those "emotional" paintings, and this is the result.

A bit of Romance....

2010-07-12T10:38:00.000-07:00

I found this lovely and very romantic dedication in the first page of my 100 year old copy of Jane Austen's Letters and my heart skipped a beat. Who owned this book? Who were these people? What was THEIR love story? So very sweet, to have this viable connection to the romance of two people who lived and loved so very long ago.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-07-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

2 weeks ago I celebrated a pretty big birthday. My sweetheart of a husband (and my incredible mom-turned-babysitter) gave me a wonderful date night out. After a lovely romantic movie (Letters to Juliet - I so loved this movie) we went to a local outdoor hot spot where I took pictures to my heart's content:

For dinner we went to a wonderful Louisiana style restaurant.

The food was amazing...etouffe, gumbo, jambalaya...and best of all, these fried green tomatoes with a mouth-watering remoulade sauce and juicy prawns...yummm!

To top it off, I had quite the shopping spree at our local art supply store...I have enough blank canvas now to keep my imagination ecstatically happy for quite some time...

I was so spoiled...and I loved every minute of it!

And The Winner Is....!

2010-07-03T19:16:00.001-07:00

First off, I would like to thank everyone who attended my little tea party here last weekend! I would also like to give a special thanks to everyone who left such sweet comments about my artwork; that meant so much to me! (And to answer one lovely person's question, yes, I did create all of the paintings and pendants specifically for the Mad Tea Party.)
And now, to announce the winner...!
("Off With Her Head" acrylics and collaged playing cards on gallery stretched canvas, 16"x20")

The wonderfully sweet person who won the Mad Hatter hand-painted pendant is Scrap Vamp! Congratulations!

Thank you again to everyone for visiting my blog! I hope to see you back here soon!
All the best,
Christina

Mad Tea Party - and GIVEAWAY!

2010-06-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

Now is the time, my sweets, for a fantastically magical Mad Tea Party! Thank you to the lovely Miss Vanessa at 'A Fanciful Twist' for hosting such a splendid event!

Please be sure to scroll all the way down to see the very very mad and cunning little pendant that you can WIN by leaving me a comment on this post! And be sure to visit the 'A Fanciful Twist' blog to visit the amazing array of participants in this, the maddest of tea parties ever...!

Was little Alice dreaming, or was that a White Rabbit she saw, sporting a waistcoat and a pocketwatch! Down a rabbit hole it went...

("Ready to Follow" - 8"x10" acrylic paints with circa 1890's antique music sheet on canvas board - RESERVED)

"In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again."

("Alice Where Art Thou" - 9"x12" acrylic paints on circa 1913 antique music sheet and canvas board - RESERVED)

..."Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end!"..."'Well' thought Alice to herself, 'after such a fall as this, I shall think of nothing of tumbling downstairs!'"

("Falling Down the Rabbit Hole" - 5"x7" acrylic paints on canvas board - for sale here.)

With a bit of a detour at the White Rabbit's house, she's off to explore this magical Wonderland...

("A Bit Too Large" - 8"x10" acrylic paints on canvas board - for sale here.)

How strange this place is, to be sure! Perhaps a rest before seeing which side of this mushroom will make her large, and which will make her even smaller...

("Which Side to Eat" - 8"x10" acrylic paints on circa 1890's antique music paper and canvas board - for sale here.)

But what is that emerging from the garden? A large top hat, in the most alarming shade of green! She must get to the clearing to see who belongs to that ridiculous hat...

("We're All a Bit Mad" - 5"x7" acrylic paints on gallery-wrapped canvas - for sale here.)

But what should our Alice find when coming upon the clearing? A fabulously mad tea party, and with more than enough room for her!

And such a table it is! There is almost enough here to make up for the madness of the host - almost...

Such loveliness as she's never seen!

Surely chilled watermelon is just the thing on such a warm summer's day. And the scent of lavendar is enough to bring a bit of peace to such madness as this!

Such delectable treats were there! Enough to tempt even the fussiest child. Banana bread still warm from the oven, beautifully blue-sugared vanilla biscuits, and - of all things! - pink champagne truffles!

Surely there's enough tea for all! I think I'll take a nibble of those lovely tea-sandwiches, as well. And a bite of fresh fruit is just the thing to finish it off.

But would she ever find that White Rabbit?

Time to leave the tea party and continue her search! Off into the garden she scampers...

("Alice in the Garden" - 9"x12" acrylic paints on gallery-wrapped canvas - RESERVED)

...Only to find the most wonderful display of pendants! Oh! That she could own one to adorn herself, she would be the happiest creature on earth!

(hand-painted pendants on polymer clay and wood, for sale in my Etsy shop here.)

But what's this??? The Mad Hatter is feeling particularly kind today it seems, and is offering up this cunning little pendant for you, my sweet guests! Yes, leave me a comment on this post, and you could WIN this sweet hand-painted pendant!

(acrylics on wooden pendant)

You have until Saturday July 3rd at midnight EST for your chance to win! Please don't forget to visit the other amazing participants, and thank you so very very much for your lovely visit!

We're All a Bit Mad.....

2010-06-23T16:16:00.001-07:00

Only 3 days until the Mad Tea Party...
Be prepared for many new Alice themed paintings, as well as a fantastically mad giveaway! Hope to see you here!

First Flight - Revisited

2010-06-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

As I'm still busy at work on more Alice in Wonderland paintings, that will be unveiled this coming Saturday, I've decided to revisit a favorite of mine that wasn't properly shown here on my blog when it was completed.
I've re-taken the photo now, and am much happier with it:

What is more exciting than a child on their first airplane flight? Especially when accompanied by her very best friend.

Delicate Strength

2010-06-19T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am constantly in awe over the delicacy, intricacy and strength of spiders' webs. And when I caught sight of this beauty, the sun was glinting off of the silk in amazing rainbow shimmers.

Celebrating Summer With a Bit of a Dance...

2010-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

Several days ago I saw two incredible yellow butterflies fluttering wildly around each other in my backyard. Hoping to get a picture, I ran to get my camera, but they were flittering about so erratically that I couldn't get a decent shot. Finally I snapped this, and I realized that what I thought was erratic was really an aerial dance. Looking the species up online, I THINK these are Western Tiger Swallowtails. What a beautiful entrance to summer!

Hidden Treasure

2010-06-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

I found this chair at the top of a rubbish heap that had been piled in my neighbors driveway after they had moved out. Now, I'm not typically a dumpster-diver, but this chair had incredible bones. It looked sturdy, and the potential caused me to save it. It's been hidden away in my shed for several years now, and I finally was inspired to try my hand at refurbishing it.
And here's the finished chair! I am so proud of this piece. For the seat, I removed it from the frame and recovered it with an amazing french inspired tapestry material that I found several years ago and just never knew what to do with. The frame I primed, painted, and hand-painted sweet climbing roses to the top to mimic part of the pattern on the seat material. Then I gave it two coats of matte varnish.
A detail of the painting I did at the top of the chair:

Here's my newly painted chair, in it's new place at my little sewing-turned-painting desk, a very comfy place to create!

Finding Peace Close to Home

2010-06-11T15:35:00.001-07:00

Being in the San Francisco Bay Area we don't have a rural home, with miles of undulating green hills and quiet forests of slumbering evergreens in our backyard. Despite this, and the nearly constant hum of traffic surrounding us, I can still find an oasis of peace just a few steps from my back door. The drone of cars melts away, the whisper of the wind becomes serene and melodic, the shrill calls of the birds rise above it all. And a small moth sipping nectar can seem like a bit of heaven on earth.

Every Pebble Causes a Ripple......

2010-06-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

The oil spill in the Gulf is a catastrophe of massive proportions. Looking at the pictures of the marine life dying from this makes me feel a helplessness that brings me to tears.
But now there's a way, through art, to help these poor creatures! All thanks to an incredible lady named Kelly Light and her blog Ripple. For a $10 donation to The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies or The International Bird Rescue Research Center you can own an original art card by any number of incredible artists! It's that easy!
Below are the two art cards I've donated to the cause; you can find them HERE. Or click HERE for a look at the entire blog! So please visit and give your support!

You can find me local!

2010-06-05T11:11:00.001-07:00

I am very very excited to now have my artwork in a local boutique in San Jose, California!
It's called Eni-Thing, and it's a wonderfully sweet shop full of the most incredible handmade items I've seen. Here are some of the items I've placed in the shop; if you're in town please stop by and check them out!

Dolce

2010-06-04T22:51:00.000-07:00

A sweet little silhouette painting I've added to the shoppe:

I've been working furiously on not only a group of Alice in Wonderland themed paintings for the Mad Tea Party coming up in a few weeks, but also several items that will be sold in a local artisan consignment boutique; be on the look-out very soon for pictures of the pendants, bookmarks and paintings that will be available there, as well as the location of this sweet shop!

Soak in the Sun

2010-05-29T21:31:00.001-07:00

...there you are Sun! We've been waiting for you!
We took advantage of the lovely weather to take a trip to the beach today. I am mesmerized by the beauty of the surf. I could sit there for hours, listening to the steady rush of water and the shrill cries of the sea birds.

I'm actually busy with artwork, though I haven't posted any here in some time. I'm getting ready for the lovely blog-wide Mad Tea Party, you see, and my mind is awash with wonderfully whimsical visions of Alice and her friends. But, alas, I won't allow myself to unveil my new pieces until the party on June 26th...so I have to be patient and hold them close to my heart until then. :)

Spring Fights Back!

2010-05-22T22:15:00.001-07:00

This week we're falling back into more wintery weather. The chill in the air is unpardonable as I gaze up at the delicate white wisps high in the sky. Never before have I so wanted the warmth of the sun to shake off the past season's chill. And so, as I and my little ones wander about, we keep eagle eyes open and our camera ever ready for those all-important signs...
Honey bees sipping at baby-soft lamb's ear buds, translucent wings thrumming happily:

The ever traditional sign of Spring, a robin, always gives my heart a joyous leap:

Our resident hummingbird, quick and nimble as he protects his territory, was finally caught by my patient camera as he took an unusually long, sun-soaked sip from our flowering maple:

Tiny white flowers reach high, soaking in the warmth of the sun while braving the bite of a chill wind:

As we've meandered along, watching as Winter continues to greedily push Spring back, we rejoice in any new sign we find that shows Spring to very soon be the winner. Bright purple blossoms quickly become a child's gift to his mother...

There is nothing sweeter than a gift from the heart, something that was given with nothing expected but a smile...

Fiddling with Photos

2010-05-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

So I finally downloaded Picasa to try and help my photos a bit, and I've been fiddling with the effects. For those of you unfamiliar, Picasa is a great tool that can lighten, crop and sharpen your pics, as well as many other uses. And you can download it free from Google. I thought I'd share with you one of my first attempts as manipulating an image.
Here's a picture I took in my backyard last week:

Here's the picture after I fiddled with it a bit in Picasa:

What do you think?

Adding a bit more...

2010-05-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Two more acrylic paintings on vintage book pages that I'll be adding soon to the shoppe! Both of these have also been collaged with hearts made out of music sheets from the 1890's:

Twitterpated Treasury

2010-05-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was able to create this Treasury on Etsy last night!:

Recycled Art!

2010-05-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

My oldest and I have been scouring garage sales for unusual pieces that we can transform into yard art. Here we found a ceiling medallion (as well as a 1905 songbook that I'm using for paintings, as well as some hinges I'll be using for art table displays)...:

...that we transformed into a sweet sunflower, adding a broken and forgotten hummingbird, once from a wind chime but now painted brightly and sipping from our metal blossom!:

And these random lighting fixture pieces (also note the unusual plate cover and the 10 album collection of big band music I found for only $3!)...:

...we turned into these bright and cheerful metal flowers! And best of all, we never have to water them!:

My Mother Dear

2010-05-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

A present I made for my own "Mother Dear" for Mother's Day; a page from a 1905 song book, decoupaged onto a black-painted stretched canvas, and then painted with a bright red heart. Hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day!

Sweet Lavender Sachet Tutorial!

2010-05-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made these very sweet and simple lavender sachets for Mother's Day gifts, and thought I'd pass on the instructions to you!

Here is a simplified version of the instructions; I took probably 50 pictures while I was making the pouches, but didn't want to post that many to my blog. I'm hoping to make a much more detailed pdf file available soon! I've uploaded small images, but you can simply click on them to enlarge them if you'd like. Also, I want you to know I am NOT a seamstress. I have very limited sewing skills, and you certainly don't need a sewing machine to make this, though I used one. It won't take you much time at all to complete. And, lastly, I don't recommend washing these as I'm unsure how well the plant dyes will hold up.
Please be aware that some steps require the use of dangerous materials, such as a mallet or scissors. Please use caution and common sense, especially if doing this project with children.
Speaking of children, this is certainly something they can help with! Smaller children can help pick flowers and leaves, and fill the sachet insert with lavender. Older children with some minor sewing skills can help complete the rest of the project. But keep this away from young children, as there are small parts.
Now, to start, you'll first need a rubber mallet and two pieces of muslin. This will be for part of the decorative pouch the sachet will be inserted into. You can cut them any size you like; I didn't use a pattern for any part of this. My pouches are between 4 and 6 inches in size, but you can certainly make yours smaller or larger as pleases you.
Next you will need flowers and leaves. You'll be actually transferring the natural dyes in these onto the fabric with the use of a rubber mallet; no paint required! Some work better than others, and you may want to do a test piece first to make sure the colors of the plant will transfer nicely when you pound them into the fabric. For the flowers, I find it's best to remove the petals and individually place them on the fabric in the proper shape. For leaves, remove the thick part where the stem meets the leaf. Place the first piece of muslin somewhere that can withstand alot of pounding, like concrete, and arrange the flowers and leaves on the first piece of muslin. Sometimes the dyes can seep through the fabric when you're pounding, so if you don't want a stain on your work surface you may want to put down an old towel or scrap piece of fabric first to protect it.
Place your second piece of muslin down over the top of the first. Now here's where you have to be especially careful - pound the muslin with your rubber mallet. You may want to tape the pieces to the ground first; I used my hands to steady the top piece from dancing around from the mallet blows, and my poor finger got in the way...it was not a pretty sight. I had no idea a rubber mallet could do quite so much damage. So please be careful!
This part can also be a GREAT stress reliever!:

After you've pounded every inch of your fabric with the rubber mallet (now don't you feel better?), peel your pieces of muslin apart, and you should see something similar to this. If both pieces have a good impression you can actually make 2 pouches:

Now it's time to peel or rub off any plant and flower pieces that were smashed into the fabric. If you use your fingers make sure to wash them really well afterward:

Cut a piece of decorative fabric for the back of your pouch. At the same time you can trim your front piece of any raw or uneven edges. Now you have a front and a back of identical size:

Fold down toward the wrong side of the fabric the top edge of each piece a quarter inch and pin in place to hem. On the back piece slip the raw edges of a looped ribbon under the hem, then fold it up and over so it sticks straight up and pin securely in place. Then stitch each piece across the pinned hem:

Place the two pices of your pouch right sides together, then pin and sew around the bottom three sides with a quarter inch seam allowance. Turn right side out through the open top:

Time to choose a button for the front! Here is my great-grandmother's buttons; it was hard to choose just the right one, much like a treasure hunt:

Hand-sew the button of your choice to the front of the pouch, positioned so you can slip the ribbon over it to hold it closed:

Cut two pieces of a light colored fabric just slightly smaller than your decorative pouch with pinking shears for the sachet insert:

Pin and sew three sides with wrong sides together (you won't be turning this; there's no need to with the pinked edges). Leave a quarter inch seam allowance and keep the top open to stuff with your lavender:

Fill the sachet about two-thirds of the way with dried lavender. This batch is from my garden:

Pin the open end closed and run through your sewing machine:

Slip the sachet into the decorative pouch:

Ta-da! Here is the finished product, smelling sweet and ready to bring lovely dreams:

If you make one yourself I'd love to see pictures! Just post the link in the "Comments" section of this post.
Thanks for visiting!

Welcome Sun!

2010-05-03T18:45:00.001-07:00

Finally! Winter is loosening it's hold on us and the sun is warming the earth!
All around I can see the world rejoice in the change. Babies begin to bravely peek out at the world in anticipation...
Spiders abandon cold weather homes, leaving them to drape like veils...

Flowers blush in pleasure at the wonderful warmth of the sun's rays unhampered by gloomy clouds...

And innocent summer games take on a magical quality...

What wonderful things have you done lately?

Yard Sale Season Commences!

2010-05-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

My family and I love to spend the weekends in the summer scouring neighborhoods for incredible yard sale finds. Last year the piece that made it all worthwhile was a 1777 copy of Robinson Crusoe in french that I purchased for just $5...I was over the moon to discover it!
Here is part of today's haul; some great antique doilies, a Victorian fashion plate, and 4 books of music ('The art of finger dexterity for the piano forte') from the 1890's...so far 2010 is a great year for yard sale finds!:

3 more for your viewing pleasure...

2010-05-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I've been so very inspired by this poor little book that I'm tearing to pieces!
Here are 3 more little paintings that will be making their way to my shoppe:

Two more...

2010-04-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Two more little acrylic paintings on vintage paper.
The first is another sweet Regency miss, already in the shoppe:

The second has a short 1920's era hairdo with a large blue flower, very romantic and in love:

And now off to my little painting table, where I have 3 more paintings on vintage paper in the works and 6 brand new pendants!

'Crossed in Love' Original Acrylic Painting

2010-04-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Another little painting done on a page from a vintage copy of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. These are so very fun to do! I added this one to my shoppe as well.

Pride and Prejudice Painting

2010-04-19T15:38:00.001-07:00

A new little painting I've added to the shoppe...my first attempt at painting directly onto a page from a vintage copy of Pride & Prejudice. I had a ton of fun doing this one!
***EDIT - This item has SOLD!***

The Healing - Completed Acrylic Painting

2010-04-16T14:09:00.001-07:00

She's complete!

In the aftermath of a great sorrow, she is allowing her heart to finally heal. Two small goldcrests meticulously stitch up her broken heart, making sure the strings are pulled tight. She wears the colors of half-mourning and her hair is loose and free as she emerges from her pain.
I've decided to offer this piece up for sale in my Etsy shop! I'm also planning to offer her up as affordable high quality fine art giclee prints. Please contact me at hoydendesigns@gmail.com if you're interested.
Thank you so very much for following along my process as I painted this piece; I am so very proud of it. I'm hoping to start up a new piece soon, and that you'll follow along on another work in progress of mine!

I won!

2010-04-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

I was so blessed to win this gorgeous necklace from Sissy Sparrows!:

It came all the way from beautiful Australia to me, and is an amazing piece of art! The quality is incredible; I am tickled pink to have won such a wonderful pendant! Please make sure to check out the Sissy Sparrows blog and give them your support!

The Healing - WIP part 6

2010-04-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

I finally got up the nerve to add my little goldcrests. Next up: final shadings and shadows. Then I'll finally be done!

The Healing - WIP part 5

2010-04-11T20:34:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek at my little surprise...
I roughed in two small goldcrest birds in the process of stitching up the broken heart. With lighter backgrounds and not quite so detailed pieces I typically sketch in the subject of the painting in pencil. But now that I'm using such dark backgrounds and much more detail I find that roughing in the subject with watered down white paint is really helpful.

Birdies everywhere...

2010-04-08T10:42:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this little mobile here and there, in between painting. I'm an avid crafter, and love to try my hand at most things at least once. It's been a good bit of color and fun in between the darker mood of my latest painting. Do you find you need that balance, too?

The Healing - WIP part 4

2010-04-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here is part 4 of my work in progress (see below for more pics). I added her dress and started on the heart a few nights ago...no it's not done yet! The surprise is yet to come...
I have the next bit pencilled in. Once things calm down from the Easter holidays I'll be picking up that paint brush again to try and finish this piece.
It's taking me longer than anticipated. I seem to be coming at it in a very cautious way. Now if I can just get over the next hill!

The Healing - WIP part 3

2010-04-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Here is part 3 to my work in progress (see below for more images of this painting in various stages of completion). Last night I finished her hair; tonight it's on to the dress!

The Healing - WIP part 2

2010-03-30T21:41:00.001-07:00

Here's what I completed last night (scroll down below for more pictures of this piece in different stages of completion). I added the mouth and brows, and am starting to put down the base color for the hair. I'm trying to figure out her gown color. As the heart will be a deep, dark red, I'm thinking two shades of grey will be good. Grey is also the color of half mourning, so it goes along with the meaning behind the painting. I can't wait to show you all what I have in store for the heart! Quite excited to get to that portion of the piece...be sure to come back to see how this one turns out!

The Healing - Acrylic Painting Work in Progress

2010-03-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

As I love seeing paintings in various states of completion, I decided to turn my latest acrylic painting, 'The Healing', into a WIP (Work in Progress).
This first picture is the base flesh tone (I usually choose a medium color, then add shading and highlights), with the facial features pencilled in:

Now here's the skin with shading added (a bit creepy, as my little one pointed out!):

The last picture for today's post is with the eyes added...getting better, and certainly less scary!:

I'll post more as I add to it.

'Sophia's Garden' - Mixed Media for Sale

2010-03-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a bright little mixed media piece I created to kind of balance the dark art I've been delving into lately. I created it using pencil, pastels and acrylic paints, and it's now for sale in my Etsy shop!

Toupee...duck???

2010-03-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this duck at our local park and laughed out loud. What a silly looking little guy! His strange little toupee was such an oddity that I had to snap a pic to share with you all.

In the Works...!

2010-03-23T10:18:00.001-07:00

A sneak peek of the background and preliminary outline of my newest painting. I'm struggling with it emotionally, so I've had to take several days away from it recently. I'm planning on adding sweet birdlings to this one as well (see the 2 posts below for an idea of the species I've decided on).

Goldcrest Acrylic Painting

2010-03-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Another goldcrest, this time as a painting. I did this little guy with no preliminary sketch, just straight white paint on black, a little 5x7 canvas board.

Bird Study

2010-03-13T20:51:00.000-08:00

A quick sketch I did in preparation for my next painting. This is a Goldcrest, a sweet and very tiny little bird found in England.

'Wounded' - Acrylic Painting

2010-03-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

I am so very excited about my newest acrylic painting! This is 'Wounded', a 9x12" painting on gallery-wrapped canvas. My lady's dress is of deepest Victorian mourning, with a background of gothic sadness. The mockingbird perched upon her brow, however, is a symbol of hope.

Work in Progress - Wounded

2010-03-06T10:40:00.001-08:00

My first acrylic painting in almost 6 months. A very big break from my norm, and only partially done, but I was too excited about it to keep it under wraps any longer.

Honoring the Bride

2010-02-27T09:43:00.000-08:00

I did this acrylic painting last September as a present to my my sister-in-law. She had been married a couple of months before, and was so elegant and gorgeous that I couldn't help but paint her.

Spring is Emerging...

2010-02-26T22:26:00.000-08:00

Last week this daffodil showed her brilliant head in my garden. It may have been pouring rain today, but the wonderful spring flowers and buds and fresh green leaves just starting to grace my yard have washed the world in a bit of hope.

Nature's Children

2010-02-25T22:41:00.000-08:00

Two new sketches, with just the barest hint of colored pencil. I'm getting into the groove again!

First Sketch in 5 Months...

2010-01-28T22:25:00.000-08:00

I finally found the time to sketch after almost 5 months. I can't believe it's it's been that long since I've picked up a pencil...
I call this "In a Mother's Arms"; it's a simple pencil sketch with a bit of colored pencil. It's inspired by what it feels like to be a new mother and to hold your child in your arms for the very first time.

Calendar for the Young 'uns

2010-01-05T13:56:00.001-08:00

Here's a great calendar idea I fished up while wandering around the world wide web the other day, a wonderful way to teach small children not only the seasons but the months as well. A traditional calendar means nothing to the little ones, but this one helps them see not only all the months at once, but catergorizes them by season, making it even easier to learn them. The trees give a great visual. I did this entire piece out of foamcore for the base, with fleece and felt glued on and the words written in puffy fabric paints. You can change the months around depending on where you live to customize it for yourself.

Merry Christmas and Happy 2010!

2009-12-28T22:30:00.000-08:00

I have to apologize; I've been away from my blog, my Etsy shop, and even art in general for far too long. But let me assure you all, it has been for a VERY good, very wonderful reason.
So here's a painting from last Christmas to cheer you while I try to get back into the swing of creating again; I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and I hope everything amazing happens for you as we ring in 2010!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:32:00.001-07:00

Here's the smallest surprise pumpkin that popped up in my veggie garden this year...so cute that I couldn't help sharing with you. I hope you all had a fantastic Halloween! Now, what ARE you going to do with all that candy???

Angelina - New Acrylic Painting

2009-09-04T15:36:00.001-07:00

Here's one of my latest acrylic paintings, 'Angelina', 9x12 on a gallery-wrapped canvas. She'll soon be posted for sale in my Etsy shop, so keep an eye out for her!
I can't believe it's been over a month since I posted. I really apologize for that. I have a couple other paintings to share, so I'll be back soon!

"Expectant" - New Sketch

2009-07-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is my latest pencil sketch, as I take a break from my acrylic painting (see last post) and try to figure what to add to her to make her more complete. Thank you to everyone who posted such wonderful comments about her, and to all the wonderful suggestions I received both here and on Etsy!
I've been working very hard on a slew of bookmarks, pendants, and even notebooks to add to my Etsy shop. I'm hoping to have a wonderful update very soon!

Work in Progress 7-24-09

2009-07-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

I finally sat down and worked on this painting, which has been haunting me for quite awhile! I still have some work to do on it. I feel like she needs some type of adornment, but I'm not sure what. Maybe a string of pearls? A flower in her hair? Any suggestions would be welcome!

Happy Birthday Papa!!!

2009-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Here's my handsome Grandpa, back when he was a sailor in World War II. This last week would have been his 85th birthday...I miss you Papa! Happy birthday!

Sweet Garden Dreams...

2009-07-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Every year I get positively giddy planning out my little veggie garden. This year was no different. A couple of months ago I dug and scraped at our hard clay soil in the little vegetable bed I had built years ago and added some wonderfully rich organic compost. Then began the planting...
Now my plants are taking off in the most wonderful way! Most of my veggies, like the beautifully blooming green beans at the top, were grown straight from seeds. The tomatoes, which follow, were put in as little plants which are now growing heavy with their bounty. It looks as if I'll be having some sweet red cherry tomatoes soon!
The pumpkins in the second to last picture is my rogue plant. It popped up from last year's halloween leftovers, which I had fed into the resting autumn soil. I have several fattening beauties that will make our Halloween bright this year!
Lastly, I had to add a close-up of our lovely lavendar bush, which burst forth with a virtual firework display of fragrant blossoms this year. I managed to capture a sweet little honey bee as it sipped nectar. Lavendar flavored honey...? If I could only follow then back to their hive and sample some!

IF - Drifting - 6-19-09

2009-06-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

I love how this one turned out...just may have to turn this sketch into a painting!
I have an image sketched out on one of my canvas at home; she's growing impatient with me. Hopefully I'll be able to give her some life soon!

IF - Unfold - 6-12-09

2009-06-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

A quick pen sketch for today's Illustration Friday, "Unfold"!

New Sketch - 6-12-09

2009-06-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

A new sketch for the end of the week, untitled and done in plain old ball point pen on a glossy cardstock. I have several paintings at home waiting impatiently for me! Unfortunatley time does not seem to be a friend right now...I just don't have any to spare for my poor neglected paints!
But I do have some amazing goodies I've managed to get my hands on recently. Scraps of mounting boards and rolls of spare raw canvas are finding their way into my little house. I'm hoping to create some unusual pieces with these treasures!

New Pendants!

2009-06-04T09:13:00.001-07:00

I have a batch of brand new pendants that I just completed! I tried something a bit different this time around with shapes and poses. They won't be posted to the shop for a little while, but if you see one you'd like (lady on purple in teal gown is spoken for!), then please e-mail me and I'll get her ready for you right away. :)

New Acrylic Painting Completed!

2009-06-01T12:16:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest, a small 5x7 acrylic painting on canvas board inspired by the elegant actresses of the 1950's. I haven't named her yet; any suggestions will be welcome!

New Acrylic Painting in Progress!

2009-05-28T09:29:00.001-07:00

Here's the latest batch of paintings I'm working on, with a deep purple/blue background. You can see from the top painting basically how I work them, slathering on thick bits of paint in several different colors, then pouncing it all over with a wadded paper towel until I get a nice flow to the colors. I do more than one at a time, since I'm such a cheapskate and hate to waste paint! The bottom painting shows the background after a thin coat of glaze mixed with the barest hint of white to mute it a bit. With this particular canvas I then took a couple different leaves with good strong veins from my backyard (I think I used wisteria and rose leaves here), painted the backs with the white glaze and then pressed them in a framing pattern up and over one side. I'm hoping to use my swirly twirly dress sketch from a few posts back for at least one of these!

Sweet Dreams - New Painting!

2009-05-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here's the other new watercolor I promised, called "Sweet Dreams". I used to cuddle like this with my little one in the 'baby days', and it was the best feeling in the world. :)