omgoodness

tulips in sunshine - terracotta gardens

OK - so I'm trying to not spend so much time on this blog but still keep it an everyday visual (+more) journal of my (our) life. Uploading 20 photos (after spending too much time sizing, editing, tweaking etc ... ) cannot happen that often anymore. I'm tres busy with deadline driven projects - all kinds of them. Hallelujah ! (uh huh you hear them too -,that chorus of angels singin' in the background). I recently began blitzing the world, my dream client world, with a 3 page promo PDF of my illustrations & a bit about moi. Big dream clients like Chronicle Books, Madison Park Greetings, Anthroplogie, Lilla Rogers etc - about 18 submissions to begin les blitz. I heard back that very same day from the first "hey ! we love your work Susan" & then a few others continued to arrive over the next 2 weeks ll with assignments & projects. Bonjour happy as can be !! Bonjour newly found, once again, confidence !! Hello !! stack of audio books to listen to as I while away the hours drawing, painting & collage-a go

• jewellery project - 24 necklaces & 6 bracelets
• several freelance greeting card designs for UK client Em at the PaintBox
• oh my - 6 garden flags & 6 doormats (a licensing deal - oh boy ! les understatement)
• writing an article (with photos) for well known crafty magazine about my work & the process :-)
• keeping amazing retailers Inkwell and Dots & Loops well stocked with product
• 2 custom collage owl pieces (more on that later)
• 4 new collage typography pieces of my own
• creating the new photo club blog the Passionate Observer

I'm sure I'm leaving something out ... so you get the gist, lots on the go - I need to be as efficient & productive as can be so that all this new work can be pleasurable + fun - no holding of the breath s'il vous plait.

Also had to share this amazing lil' book with you Make Your Place - Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills. I bought it at the Halifax Crafters Spring Fling from Alicia. The book is chock full of wonderful info, tips, tutorials & tons of recipes for homemade salves, lotions, potions & all-natural cleaners. The book is written by Raleigh Briggs & available to purchase here.

Almost All-Purpose Cleaner

(smells so good ya can't stop cleaning - true fact !)

1 tsp. liquid castille soap (i.e Dr. Bonners)
I used grated ivory soap
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp borax
2 cups hot water
1/4 tsp each eucalyptus & lavender oils
3-5 drops tea tree oil

I doubled the recipe & it just fills a large spray bottle.
Aromatherapy housecleaning - it's a good thing !