Springish.

Spring break starts tomorrow. The weather is going to be lovely. 70's and sunny, bliss. I'm looking forward to homemade ice cream, pizza on the grill, trips to park, and long bike rides. I also have a few more paintings in the works and a pretty exciting collaboration to share. Also, I updated my frequently asked questions post. You can find the link under my profile or here. Registration for the kid's art swap ends Saturday April 3rd, so shoot me an email if you're interested in participating!

Image via Limbics.

Art Swap & New Crafty Girl Print.

New Crafty Girl Print now in shop!

Spring break starts this week for my kindergartner and she really wants to participate in an Art Swap. She did this last year and enjoyed it so much. I looked around, but can't find one going on, so I'm going to try and round one up for her.

Anyone have kidlings that would like to swap art with my daughter and other munchkins? Do your kids love getting their own mail? Here's how it works. If you'd like to participate, send me an email (linzbrackeen@yahoo.com) with your child's name, age, and address. Depending on how many participants we have, I will divide the names into groups of 6 or so (this means your child will be making & recieving 6 pieces of art). I will provide you with the info you need to swap and mail your art. The art should be standard ACEO size, which is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. This makes them easy to slip into a note card, and they can be mailed with a single stamp, to keep postage down. Anything goes, paint, crayons, coloring pencils, collage, stickers, whatever your kiddo can dream up! This swap will be open to kids ages 4 -7. If you have questions, leave them in the comments, and I'll answer them there to clarify.

Feel free to link to this post if you know someone who would like to join the fun! The last day to sign up is Saturday April 3rd!

Little Red Fox.

I finished a new painting this weekend. Little Red Fox is now available here. Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

Alice Series Now Available.

The Alice Series is finished and in the shop! Alice, The Mad Hatter, The White Rabbit, and The Queen of Hearts are now available as prints. The originals will also be listed. I really enjoyed working with softer colors in this set. I think they turned out so springy and sweet! I have another print I'll be posting shortly...stay tuned.

Frequently Asked Questions + Answers!

When did I start painting?
I started painting after my first daughter was born in Nov. 2003. I went back to work when she was 6 weeks old and quickly decided I'd rather be home with her and my husband. I started painting as a hobby and upon the suggestion of my husband put the first one I did on Ebay. It sold and things evolved from there.

Why did I start a blog?
I created my blog to catalog my art projects and to have a place to collect things that inspire me.

Did I format my own blog?
Yes. In the beginning I found it challenging to make changes to my blog, but figured it would be best to learn how to do it myself, rather than rely on someone else everytime I wanted to make a change. I simply googled html code when I couldn't figure something out. I found Quackit.com helpful.

What do I use for picture layouts/editing?
I use Photoshop Elements. It's the most basic photoshop you can own. It was free with my scanner when I purchased it.

What kind of scanner/printer do I use to make prints?
I use an Epson 4490 Scanner and a Epson R1900 for making prints. I also use archival Epson paper and inks.

Where do I buy packaging supplies?
Mostly from packagingsupplies.com and uline.com. USPS provides free boxes if you're shipping Priority. They can be ordered online from the USPS website. I print labels through Paypal.

Where do I buy art supplies?
All over the place:) Michaels, JoAnns, Etsy, Utrecht, JerrysArtarama (online), & some vintage things my mother-in-law finds for me.

How long have I been on Etsy?
I believe since the end of 2007. Before that I sold on Ebay for about 3 years. I sold originals there (no prints) and sold about 400 paintings during that time!

Where do I create?
At home! Usually at the kitchen table. My supplies are housed in a cabinet my Grandad made for me & on Ikea shelves in the laundry room! Inspiring huh? :) Because of the lack of space here, I briefly had a studio. It was large, and swallowed me whole. I had floor to ceiling windows and tons of space, but my view consists of other brick buildings and the freeway. Not for me. I decided to bring my things back home with a new appreciation of what I already had.

How do I balance creating art and family life?
It's a challenge. I limit what I take on to preserve my sanity. :) My girls are 3 & 6. The latter is currently in 1/2 day kindergarten. Otherwise, they've never been in daycare, etc. When they're both in school I hope to pursue art full-time and take on projects I've turned down in the past because of time constraints. For now though, I'll enjoy spending all the time I can with my babies!

Do I do freelance work/commissions?
Yes, as my schedule allows. Email me at linzbrackeen@yahoo.com for rates. For private commissions I generally charge by the square inch. Most of the prints in my shop are based on originals that were 8x8, 8x10, or 9x12. I prefer to work with these sizes or larger. I retain the copyrights to all privately commissioned work.

Do I allow others to use my images as their online avatars/icons?
No. My images are copywritten and are not available for your personal use.

Do I allow others to post my images on their blog?
Yes, given that you link back to my blog/etsy shop. If you don't know how to link back, then no, you may not use them.

Additional questions can be sent to linzbrackeen@yahoo.com.

Gone Weekending.

I've been meaning to post pics of the pooch for a while now, but the truth is, she's so hard to photograph. For one, if she sees you with a camera she wants her nose right up at the lens, and two, she's so jet black and furry that you can hardly make out any of her features. Maybe after her summer cut huh? Anyway, take my word for it, she's so adorable, and soft, and such a BIG lapdog. When we brought her home at 10 weeks old and she weighed 11 lbs. She's now 18 weeks and weighs in at 45lbs! Of course she still expects you to pick her up and share a chair. Hilarious scene, let me tell you. :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo,

Lindsay

Stir Crazy.

Today is rainy and after enjoying the nice weather for so many days, I don't feel like staying indoors. So...the 3yr. old and I will go shopping for running shoes. Which is technically indoors, but it's different when you're not home, ya know? Mine have pounded the pavement one too many times and it's time to go see what the world has to offer in a size 11. That narrows my choices significantly, just so you know.

Image via Golberz @ Bluebird Vintage.

Riding Along.

Ick. We are auto shopping. I wish I could say it's as much fun as hunting down the finds above.
It's not. The mom wagon is giving us grief and we need something a little meatier to pull our lil' camper this year. I've spent several nights scouring Craigslist for something suitable, but I'm at a loss. What I've learned while google-ing Expedition vs. Tahoe vs. Durango (over and over again) is that everyone hates the car they currently have. Just look how happy Kermit is with his wheels. What a lucky fella.

Images via SundayTimesMarket, ReUnited, MatteArt, & Hindsvik.

Grow Baby Grow. Part I.

Okay, I know I've already pitched my gardening fever here once, but I'm going to do it again! I'm a huge advocate of growing your own food. Why? It's relatively easy, it inexpensive, and it's good for you. There's a lot of satisfaction in knowing exactly where your food came from and how it was produced. Look at what this cool mama did in a rental! Have a look at what Nicole did on a balcony. Cute container gardens, very do-able. In other words, work with what you have, don't make excuses. As I walked the dog last week, I saw several houses starting seedlings in coldframes...some made from wood and glass, others from clear storage containers, and two made from aquariums. My neighbor gets a jump start on the season by putting her seeds in clear discarded milk jugs cut in half. Be creative and resourceful, it doesn't have to cost you much. My favorite seed source is Johnny's Selected Seeds, but you can pick up organic or heirloom seeds at your local nursery, Target, Etsy...the list goes on and on. Simply find your gardening zone and follow the directions on the back of the packet. If you 'd like to start them early, utilize a coldframe, growing lights, or a sunny window sill. I currently have a dozen types of lettuce, broccoli, swiss chard, garlic, spinach, snap peas, onion and leeks sprouting under ours. (I'm in Michigan) Google your gardening questions, ask me, read books, following local gardening blogs, etc. If you do decide to start a garden, on any scale, send me pics. I want to show them off here on the blog! I'd love to inspire a "if she can do it, so can I" attitude. Get on it ladies!

The Artists' Date.

That's right. A date, with myself. I'm whipping up oatmeal brulee with berries and toasted pecans for dinner, (quick, easy, and tastes like dessert) then I'm heading out to look for new art supplies. I spent all of last week cleaning out flower and garden beds, now I'm ready to tackle a few canvases and wrap up those Alice paintings! New paper and a few tubes of paint are sure to spark inspiration. Hope you are having a swell Monday. :)

Smencils via Stubby Pencil Studio.

Gone Weekending.

What are your plans this weekend? Good weather in your neck of the woods? I believe it's cooling off here and we have rain coming our way. That's fine with me, (as if I have a choice) my seedlings could use a little drink. There's a date night planned and we might even go see Alice. I've been dodging reviews as much as I can, but I'm getting the impression that it doesn't live up to all the hype?! Eeks. Have a lovely weekend.

xo,

Lindsay

p.s. Read a little interview with me here.

Image via Svengalis.

Painted Bikes.

Has anyone tried painting their own bike? The girls have outgrown theirs, and I feel a little bad about buying new one for the eldest, and then giving the little the hand-me-down. The bike needs a new seat and tubes, and if I could pull off a fun paint job like the ones above, perhaps it would feel "new" after all. She also really likes this one.

Images via Zeis66super and AlbanyTim.

Currently Crushing On.

Spring Wishlist

I want a closet full of lightweight button up shirts (nice and long with pretty prints please)...a field full of daffodils (is that too much to ask?)...homemade cold drinks served from pretty pitchers (this print comes with a recipe!)... and roomy cotton tote (perfect for trips to the farmer's market and going to the beach). What's on your radar this spring?

Sleepy Head.

Late night. Early morning. It's 7:00 a.m. and I'm already dreaming of a nap. We went to the Pistons vs. Cavaliers game last night. Two little girls ate loads of dippin' dots & cotton candy, one came home and coughed all night. Junk food never sets well with my girls. Our daffodils and tulips are breaking ground. (And yes I will probably unintentionally bore you with the details of my backyard for the next 2 months!) If I can find a dry spot in the grass, that's where I'll be. :)

Image via LaraJade.

The Makeover. Rylee's Room.

My 6 yr. old has been asking for black walls since last spring. I told her we'd paint next year, and well, it's time! We comprised on doing just one wall, the longest wall, and I used chalkboard paint, which she didn't even know existed, but she's so happy about it. Her room also has chair rail molding, it's white above and pink below, so the black isn't at all overwhelming. I'd love to slowly update her whole room, hence the mood board I created above. She currently has the bed, the dresser (in pale yellow), the bedding (green/white polka dot), and the baskets. I found wood laminate flooring on clearance at Lowes this weekend, so I think that will be our next project. We have it in other parts of our house, (the commercial grade), and it's practically indestructible, therefore perfect for kids. The bookshelf, rug, and wall mount table are all from Ikea. Chair from Little Nest. Frame via Etsy. ( I love the look of a serious frame with child's artwork in it!) Hang it all via Amazon. The hang-it-all is a piece I'd love to have, but also very pricey, so it may get substituted with brightly colored spray painted hooks. I think this decor could last her well into her teens. What do you think?

Gone Weekending.

I've been a bit lazy with the ole blog this week. The weather has been so nice though...so I figured it best to close the little laptop and stay outside. We planted our first lettuce seeds, took our first bike ride, and saw our first pair of robins! What are your weekend plans? I'm putting a second coat of paint on our front door and buying paint for our shutters. I didn't realize we have rain in the forecast for the next 5 days, so we're temporarily stuck with a blue door and maroon shutters. :) It looks ridiculous and I'm sure our neighbors are laughing their boots off. I'm also going to try my hand at homemade granola. The girls love it, and I'm sick of paying mega$ for a tiny bag of the organic stuff. I'll let you know how it turns out. Have a great weekend!

xo,

Lindsay

Image via Miss Moa.

Hearted.

Have you seen the work of TushTush? Tali uses oil pastels on brown packaging paper to create these mini masterpieces. Aren't they just beautiful? I love how she captures the moment much like the photograph. She takes commissions (hooray!) so this is definetly on my radar to have done. Now all I need to do is throw some striped shirts on the kids and snap a good photo. (I heart stripes, what can I say?) Tali also has 2 other shops, Tosya and ChinChie, for her illustrations and animal portraits. She really does it all, and does it very well I might add.

Sweet Tooth.

I made some triple berry bars this weekend and they certainly hit the spot. So good the next day with a steaming cup of jo. I used this recipe...but altered it as follows: I used 3 cups of mixed frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), and added 1 tsp. vanilla + 1/2 c. of chopped toasted pecans + 1 tsp. cinnamon to the oat crumb mix. I also baked the the whole thing in a 8x8 pan instead of a 9x13, so I'd have thicker bars. I love berry desserts and can't wait until the upick farms open. Something else to look forward to in the spring.

Hello Monday.

Hello Monday! How are you and how was your weekend? Mine was very full. We visited lots of family, did some spring cleaning, and I got started on painting the doors. You can see the colors I picked above. A mustardy yellow for the back door and a fabulous rich blue for the front. The eldest kiddo and I also tossed around the raised beds, checking to see if the great thaw has begun. It has. It's officially mud season. We dug around the flower gardens to see if there were any signs of life. We spotted little green chives and sedum making their debut. The approach of spring is so exciting isn't it? I have to say it makes me so proud to hear my 6 yr. old talk about how excited she is to work in our veggie garden. How many kids that age can identify swiss chard, broccoli, spinach, rosemary, carrots, and asparagus in various stages of growth and decay? She is aware that our food comes from the earth, and that our cooperation with nature yields us a buffet of goodness to munch on. As a result, she's already a conscious little eater, who questions where our store bought food comes from and how it is processed. So all in all, it's a mindset that will help her make healthy choices, and that's what all parents hope for with their children, no? It's a beautiful day here, so I'm going to abandon my computer as much as possible, and go enjoy the fresh air! Have a wonderful Monday!

Images via Decor8 and Yokoo.

p.s. Two prints currently in the Treasury Sale section in my Etsy shop!

Gone Weekending.

It's the weekend! Sunshine and springlike weather...of course I'll take it. I'm painting our front and back doors, gearing up to start seedlings, and visiting with family. Hope your weekend is swell too! See you on Monday.

xo,

Lindsay

Image via RidingPretty.

Around here.

Thrifted, found , or free.

Brass apple, 99 cents, Salvation Army. White frame, free at curbside. Mod lamp, $12, Ebay. Starburst mirror, $1, garage sale. My favorite woven blankets, perfect for camping and lounging in the grass, $4 garage sale & $7 Salvation Army. Framed art, made by the eldest kiddo. Blue mystery rock, found in Tennessee.

I found a new thrift store via Craigslist. I'm tempted to head over there after I drop the little off at kindie. I don't really need anything, but maybe I'm considering new end tables. Then again, it's warming up outside, people will be cleaning out their garages soon, and I might just find something really cool at the curb on trash day. Oh the dilemmas of a real cheapo like myself. :)

On Making Friends.

Yesterday as I cleared coloring pencils and crayons from the dining table I stumbled upon this lovely illustration. I asked my 6yr. old what it was about. "That's Uma making a friend", she said. Kids are always good for a giggle. :)

I won. I won. I won.

I received the most fantastic email the other day. I won the fab lamp over at Sunday Times Market giveaway! (Which, I found via Twitter, btw.) Seriously, I said to myself. Me? So excited to see it in person and find just the right spot for it. " Dear children of mine, if you even think about throwing your mini basketball anywhere near it, I will not bake cookies for a month!" How's that for a threat? You can find the Sunday Times Market here, here, and here.

p.s. If you happen to like adding widgets to your blogroll, I have created one in two sizes for you. You can find them at the bottom of the left-hand sidebar! Simply copy and paste the code into your html gadget. Easy peasy.

The Entryway.

Do you have one? I do not. It's on my wishlist. Having a front door that opens directly into your living space is dreadful let me tell you. The melting snow from tiny shoes, the gloves, the overstuffed backpacks. Ugh. Constant clutter control. For now everything gets taken to the laundry/mudroom which is located by the back door. I should be grateful I have that, and quit complaining. I'm looking for a vintage set of these to put back there, to keep things all tidy and out-of-reach from the puppy. Guess who's grown from 11lbs. to a whopping 40lbs. in just 6 weeks...more on that later :)

Bottom two images via Domino. The first one eludes me. Any idea, please post!

The Polka Dot.

I'm pretty crazy for polka dots, (stripes too), but have you seen this house? The photograph looks fairly old...and I'm guessing this was a very interesting family. I wish I knew the story behind it. More exterior craziness here and here. Do you have a unique aesthetic that tends to raise some eyebrows? I'd love to hear about it. :)

Image via Evencleveland.

In Progress.

Sneak peak of the little Alice inspired set I'm working on. The originals are on 8x10 canvas panels, in acrylics and graphite. Obviously unfinished at the moment, but you can see where I'm going. All portrait style, depicting some of my favorite characters!

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

Happy Monday.

This image makes me smile! Can you image walking along the hillside and stumbling upon these? It's pretty clever. So, how was your weekend? I was pretty productive despite the evil germs still lurking around our house. We had a mini celebration for my husband's birthday, I picked up paint chips for the front door, and I got started on my little Alice inspired group, which I will share with you later. Also, I created my first ever treasury over at Etsy. So much harder than I imagined. I have so many favorites, and well, it's just so hard to choose. You can see it here. Hope you all are having a happy Monday!

Image from here via allthemountains.