* In the Bow Zone *

I am participating in an upcoming Craft Fair on December 12th for Rivier College in Nashua, NH. In preparation, I have been making a bunch more bows. Needless to say, I'm in the "Bow Zone". Here's a sneak peek at some of the bows in process (over 100 so far!).

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* Sunday Sketch to Final Product *

Here are some Save the Date's I did for my friend's wedding. It's so much fun designing invitations, and I love that this one was so different from what you typically see for weddings.

* Sketch *

* Final Product *

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* Happy Thanksgiving *

Hope you all have a wonderful and filling Thanksgiving. The benefit of hosting it is waking up to a house that smells DELICIOUS.

Here are some shots of what is happening here:

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* Painting with a Grid *

One of my favorite ways to make a small picture into a large one is by using a grid. I've done several paintings this way. Last year I painted Stevie Wonder for my boyfriend's birthday.

This year I did another one of Bill Withers for him.

I started with a picture found on google.

I photoshopped out the mic stand to simplify it.

I traced the image and drew a 1/2 inch grid over it.

I multiplied the grid by 5 and penciled it on the larger paper. I drew over the grid, following the smaller grid as a guide. This way you can look at the shapes in each square instead of being stuck on what it's supposed to look like. When it was done, I inked in the lines, added some color, and erased the grid.

You can use this system on just about anything. It just takes a little patience and some math.

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* Buttons Buttons *

This is the start of my Maebella bow week! During the week I'll be sewing a BUNCH more bows for my online shop to prepare for the holidays.

Just a little preview of my button stash as it stands now...

(Check out this huge button! I think it's the biggest one I have so far.)

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* Outfitted *

When layering a monochromatic outfit I usually like to have a pop of color. In an outfit like this you could add color in the tights, a bright skinny belt, or a bold necklace.

I added my pop of color in my lipstick. I don't usually wear lipstick, but I found this $0.99 bright pink and had to try it.

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* Mini Cards *

My mom recently went on a vacation to Vermont and brought me back these three adorable mini cards. What a cute idea for the holiday!

I think this would make a great DIY for your own little cards. I might have to try one myself!

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* Art Opening Postcards *

My mom has her oil paintings in the North Hampton Library for the month of November, so I designed some postcards for her.

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* Outfitted *

I recently bought this pretty dress on sale at Target. It is very ballerina-y, so I matched it with a dark brown jacket, boots, and some hardware to add some weight to it. Blending the hard and soft pieces achieves a more casual look than if I wore the dress alone.

P.S. I found these blue silly bands in my yard!

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* A Walk on the Beach *

Here are some photos I took on my phone from a chilly fall walk on the beach. Cold but beautiful.

Hope you have a great day!

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* October in NH *

After living in New York City for 6 years and Boston for 2 years, living back in New Hampshire is alarmingly different. There are good and bad things about both kinds of places when you live there long term. Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable parts of New Hampshire is driving down adorable back roads in the middle of peak leaf-turning season, October.

Today is November 1, and there are already noticeably less leaves on the trees. I took some pictures of some great little spots. Unfortunately, nothing compares to the feeling you get seeing it all in person. New England is certainly a beautiful place. If you can, come experience the fall here for yourself.

(some of these images I took while driving...not the smartest idea in the world!)

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