Saturday, March 20, 2010

Matryoshkas Families



In celebration of the maternal bonds between mothers and daughters I have created these 3 families of matryoshka- Indian, classic Russian doll, and Tuareg family. Paying homage to these beautiful women and their cultures from around the world. They are now available in my shop! :)

Friday, March 19, 2010

Matryoshkas


This series of matryoshkas (which also includes the HanFu Chinese doll from my last post) was inspired by these culture's ultra feminine costumes and their wrapping and draping of luxurious fabrics.

Is there anything more feminine than the traditional sari silks of India? The beautiful fabrics and colors rich with the spices of their culture. Truly intoxicating. Indian cuisine is one of our family's favorites too!

I first learned about the Tuareg people in an article years ago. The women's fingers were stained with indigo from dyeing their fabrics. I have always found them fascinating. When researching I found many beautiful indigo blues, purples and reds in their clothing.

All 3 matyoshkas are now available in my shop! :)

Thursday, March 18, 2010

HanFu Chinese Girl Matryoshka Print

Hi Everybody! This Pink Sweetie is modeled after my sweet daughter who loves pink! Pink and purple are her favorite colors. So she has a room painted lavender and a playhouse painted light pink. I don't know what it is about lavender rooms but I had one when I was little too. Anyway I digress, back to the point this HanFu style matryoshka doll is modeled after my daughter (who whenever she sees it says, "Look! That's me." which makes me smile), and in honor of her origins. Our daughter is a Chinese American born in China and adopted by Eric and me at 11 months old. She is the Sun and the Moon and her Chinese name is Yun which means "Cloud". It's all celestial which is as it should be because she was sent from heaven.

Also, if you are interested in sponsoring an orphan in China Half the Sky Foundation is such a wonderful organization. They see to it that every orphaned child they care for is loved and nurtured. In honor of our daughter we have been sponsoring for years and I can tell you it is the most fulfilling thing I have ever done second only to adopting our daughter. Love to you all, Amy :)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Available Now! Portuguese Girl Matryoshka

As promised in my earlier posts my Portuguese Girl Matryoshka is now available in my shop!

This illustration was inspired by these beautifully embroidered aprons and table cloth that my Grandmother brought back with her when she and my Grandfather returned home from being stationed in Portugal in the late 1960s. She gave the black one to me and the red one is my Mother's. The mint Green table cloth is small but quite lovely and even has matching embroidered napkins. I am uncertain of the origin of the orange, black and white table cloth underneath. They also lived in Ethiopia during the 1960's so it may be from there. I really treasure these and they have always stirred a great curiosity in me about embroidery.

The Tibetan, Peruvian and Portuguese matryoshkas were all inspired by the similar colors used in their elaborate traditional costumes.


Now Available! Tibetan Girl Matryoshka

As promised in my last post my Tibetan Girl Matryoshka! The Tibetan, Peruvian and Portuguese matryoshkas were all inspired by their similar colors used in their elaborate traditional costumes.
In case you missed the last Post: Finally, I am able to make my new series of matryoshkas available! I had drawn 9 illustrations exclusively for a shop that was opening in April but that fell through yesterday. It is hard for me to just sit on illustrations and wait, so I am very happy that at last the time has come to make them available. Yippee! I will be posting them here for you to see as I upload them to my shop. I hope you like them! :)

Now Available! Peruvian Girl Matryoshka

Finally, I am able to make my new series of matryoshkas available! I had drawn them exclusively for a shop that was opening in April but that fell through yesterday. It is hard for me to just sit on illustrations and wait, so I am very happy that at last the time has come to make them available. Yippee! I will be posting them here for you to see as I upload them to my shop. I hope you like them! :)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Eric Perrotti's Music!


Today is my and my husband's wedding anniversary! So I thought this a good day to introduce you all to Eric. He is a wonderful husband and father and a fabulous musician composer. We are very excited to finally have him on YouTube. He is also here. His latest album will soon be available online and I will keep you up on his news. Take a listen. :)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

NEW- Embroidery Pattern PDF - Sweet Escape!

Introducing my very first embroidery pattern now available in my shop!! I am crazy about smiling fruits and veggies and embroidered kitchen towels! This is my first attempt at a pattern using my "Sweet Escape" illustration. I haven't had allot of experience embroidering but I'm really wanting to take it up. Wouldn't these make sweet kitchen towels? Maybe I'll get industrious and make up a bunch before next Christmas to give as gifts. I'm hoping someone will buy it, make it and send me a photo so I can post it here. ^-^

Monday, March 1, 2010

My face hurts from smiling! :D




I love Etsy and I love @Etsy on Twitter. I was sitting at my computer working on an embroidery pattern I'm making using one of my drawings when I decided to check Twitter and saw @Etsy had tweeted, "Circus front page right now is excellent!" I thought, "I have circus illustrations" and then clicked on the link to find YES my Dancing Bear Circus print was featured! Exciting stuff.

Last week I about fell out of my chair when I checked my email and saw my Russian Doll and Snowman Coloring/Activity book featured along with a bunch of cool books in the Etsy Finds: Burn After Reading article in The Storque, Etsy's blog. I'm happy to report that was very good exposure and I sold a number of coloring books as a result. Thank you Etsy people!!! :)