Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Flamingo Feeding Frenzy

Flamingos are one of those birds that seem to defy logic or more specifically gravity.


I'm amazed how their bodies are supported by such thin legs that look like they could snap at any moment.


They can often be found just balancing on one leg, although the reason why is not fully understood.


Some suggest they have the ability to have half their body go into a state of sleep and when one side is rested they then swap legs.  Others think it's more to do with flamingos conserving body heat given that they spend a lot of time wading in cold water.   Hhhhhmmm the second seems a little more logical to me but who knows?

These photos were taken during a recent visit to San Diego Zoo.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Seahorse Mixed Media Canvas

You may have seen in one of my previous posts that I recently had the chance to visit the Birch Aqarium in La Jolla.  I was so inspired by the magnificient seahorses I saw there that I felt compelled to create this new piece.


You may have noticed in my other artwork that I have a thing for texture and I think it works especially well in this piece.  What do you think?


This Seahorse Mixed Media Canvas can be found in my shop

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Bubble Bath Bliss

Whilst I live in the US I'm originally from the UK and one of the things I really miss is the vast array of wonderful bubble baths they have over there.

Since one of my greatest pleasures is soaking in a tub full of bubbles I make sure that my family bring me plenty of my favorites when they come and visit.


Imagine my delight when I found that Target stocks a small selection of items from Boots in the UK.  I almost danced in the isles when I saw this wonderful bottle of bubble bath and in such beautiful packaging too.


It smells absolutely gorgeous in the bottle but the proof is in the bubbles so excuse me while I go and take a soak, aaaah life doesn't get much better than this.

Signs Of Spring


So excited to see the first signs of Spring.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Raven On A Tree - Mixed Media Canvas

This piece of artwork was inspired by my sister.  She loves birds and Raven's happen to be one of her favorites.


Her nickname is 'twig' so the tree branch that the Raven is resting on has significance too.


I love creating texture in my work and I had really enjoyed working on this piece.


This Raven On A Tree canvas can now be found in my shop DycheDesigns.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Jonathan Seagull

My husband and I just spent a couple of days in San Diego.  I can't tell you how good it was to feel the sun on our faces after all the snow we'd had here in Virginia.


While I was there I made a new friend that I named Jonathan.  Each morning I would put out some crumbs from my breakfast and he would come and eat them. 


I'm not a huge seagull fan but he was just so cute with the little tuft he had on his head.


He wasn't the least bit afraid of me or my camera either.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

'Branching Out' Mixed Media Canvas

Over the last few years I've had fun creating canvases for my own enjoyment and pleasure and have pieces of my work up throughout my home.

Recently I decided that I would create some smaller scale pieces that could be shipped more easily and sell them in my etsy shop.


Here is the first canvas I have listed which I've titled 'Branching Out'.  I love nature and playing with texture and that is what I have tried to capture in this piece.


It's always a little strange for me when I put myself out there with something new but I hope people love this as much as I enjoyed creating it.

Don't forget to stop by for your last chance to enter my FREE GIVEAWAY.  A winner will be drawn at random first thing tomorrow, Wednesday March 10.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

New For Today - Cream Rosette Fur Cushion Cover

I have had so much fun creating my new line of cushion covers so here's my latest that I'd like to share with you.


It's in a pretty cream fur fabric with a heavy duty cotton back.  If you look closely you'll notice a rosette pattern to it too.

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Don't forget to stop by and enter my FREE GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a Lemongrass Natural Soy Candle.

A winner will be randomly selected on Wednesday 10 March.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Licorice Spice Herbal Tea

While most herbal teas promise great infusions to tantilate your tastebuds I often find myself disappointed with what boils down to (excuse the pun) nothing more than a mug of hot water.

That all changed when I stumbled upon this Licorice Spice Herbal Tea by Stash.  The taste was phenomenal and the best part was that it didn't cost and arm and a leg.

 

I was so disappointed when I found out that the grocery stores were no longer carrying it but thankfully after a little internet browsing I was able to order some online.


Are you into herbal teas?  Feel free to leave me a comment and share your favorites.

Don't forget to stop by and enter my FREE GIVEAWAY for your chance to win a Lemongrass Natural Soy Candle.

Have a great weekend.

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Black Fur Cushion Cover

I was feeling overwhelmed by the craziness in my sewing room (aka dining room) so the other day I spent a few hours restoring order and putting everything back in it's rightful place.

It was upon doing this that I stumbled upon this black fur fabric that I'd completely forgotten I'd purchased.


Don't you just love it when that happens? 


You may have noticed that I've been adding cushion covers to my shop recently and this fabric was just crying out to become one.



The fur is so soft and deep and super snuggly.  You really won't want to take your hands off it.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

St David's Day - Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant


Being Welsh I couldn't let St David's day go by without celebrating in my own small way so yesterday I bought myself a small bunch of daffodils which are a symbol of this national holiday. 

These bright beautiful flowers are like a little tonic in a vase, banishing the winter blues and uplifting my spirits.