Looks like the shoe theme may be here to stay for awhile. They're like mini-sculptures and the design and color combinations are so enticing that I can't help myself. Orange is making quite the comeback. Here's a link to the profile card template I applied the illustration to.
Safire Designs
I don't often strike up conversations with seat-mates on airplanes, but I'm so glad I did on a recent trip. I met a jewelry designer who works with fine silver, artisan lampwork & borosillicate glass. These are quality materials people, not the cheap beads and baubles you pick up at the local craft store. I fell in love with these silver earrings which are completely handmade. Sally-Ann Flak of SAFire Designs is also adept at the art of chain maille creating intricate woven designs from small rings and loops of silver. Check out her Etsy shop for a small sampling of her wares—send her a message to find out which show or festival she'll be at next so you can see her full inventory.
Finished painting of yellow high heel pumps
Well they're done. Not exactly as I envisioned them, but not too shabby. High heel, patent leather, yellow pumps with magenta soles.
Sketch of the Day(ish)
I thought it might be interesting to see a little more "before" since my illustrations are only posted "after" they're painted. The next painting will be a study of some pretty fabulous high heel pumps. I love looking at shoes like this, but I do not enjoy the wearing of them. Achi wa wa (which basically translates to "ouch"). Anyway, here's the sketch of my next project. Hopefully I'll post the finished product tomorrow.
Painting of the day(ish) — Vintage Ring
Today's study is a ring that reminds me of "mood rings" I used to see everyone wearing in the seventies. Simple and kind of groovy. I used to love trying on all of my moms trinkets from her jewelry box. My absolute favorite piece was a magenta, faux velvet choker with a black embroidered butterfly in the front.
Back to the trinket at hand. I think it'll live as a business card template for an antiques dealer or estate jeweler.
Deco Lady Profile Card
I then created a graphic representation instead which is the reason I'm a graphic designer and not a full-time illustrator. I think she works much better as a strong silhouette.
She's perfect as a personal calling card or business card for a boutique.
Typewriter Conversion to USB Keyboard
While I love my new low-profile keyboard that takes little force to strike the keys and is nicely quiet, I miss the clickety-clack of a typewriter. I've often wondered how kids learn typing these days. I'm sure it's on computer keyboards rather than the dinosaur typewriters I grew up with. There was an oddly soothing quality to the rhythm of those machines and the sound of the bell when you pushed the carriage across at the end of a line.
A clever Etsy seller has modified this Smith-Corona Super Sterling typewriter to work as a USB keyboard that you can hook up to your Mac, PC or iPad. Genius. If other typewriter models are more your taste, don't despair—there are several more options to choose from.