Danita Art

Unplanned studio remodel....

2012-01-29T22:17:00.002-07:00

I spent the weekend cleaning and remodeling my studio... It was totally unplanned, I meant to do other stuff... but I brought a new drawer chest and there was no way I could fit it into my already crowded craft room... Just take a look.

So I tried to move a bookcase, and It collapsed (I know, I know, I should have removed the books first but you know me... I'm impulsive like that...). Anyway, with no bookcase there was plenty of room for my jewelry station! I've wanted one ever since I started making jewelry and I didn't have the space... but with no bookcase there was enough space If I moved the red polka dot cabinet somewhere else...so I did and guess what? My table was exactly the same size as the empty spot!

So I moved the table that used to be behind me when I painted... put all my little drawers on it, and ta-da! Jewelry station ready!

I'm still organizing all my beads and jewelry-related stuff, but I had the great idea of adding colored labels instead of names to the drawers, being extremely visual, it is a lot easier for me to find what I'm looking for just by looking at the color in the drawer label.

And the polka dot cabinet fit in the empty spot and I still had some space to add other stuff.

So now with a jewerly station I still had the problem of where to put the other drawer cabinet... so I had to make some more moves around here...

Some stuff here, some there, books here, books there... and finally the drawers had their space.

I think that some things are just meant to be... because that drawers fit magically where I used to had 2 bar stools that were holding the canvases!

Now I have so much free space in the middle of the room that I can't believe it! I want to lay down and make some snow angels hehe... but I think a tall chunky table will be the next step...

What about you? How did you spend your weekend?

I LOVE The New Me =)

2012-01-27T11:31:00.001-07:00

I Changed my profile picture yesterday and I Love the new me!
What do you think? You Like?

13 pounds.. just 13 pounds!

2012-01-24T11:44:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for the overwhelming response to the sale!! I'm really grateful right now! And not only because of the sale, but also because I'm re-taking control of my life. The Holidays made a dent, or better said, I made a mess during the Holidays to my diet and my life... I get off the train very easily. But now I'm following my diet again, and I joined the gym and I'm 13 pounds away of my goal!
And you know what? It feels great being in control. Every time that I want to slip off and eat something I'm not supposed to or skip the gym I remind myself of certain things that are a great deal to me. To name a few:

I can sit on the floor and stand up easily to play with my children.
I can go shopping now and look for what I like, not what fits.
All my shoes are loose... and this year I used below the knee boots!!!
I'm not dying for lack of oxygen at the gym... or when I walk fast or a lot.
I can do a lot more stuff and still have energy at night, before I used to feel tired all the time.
My rings are not longer tight.
Heat doesn't affect me as much (although cold does!)
And the best one? My overall mood is a lot happier than before!

So next time that I'm tempted to grab a cookie instead of a healthy snack, I will remind myself of all this and how good it feels to go in life not carrying extra weight with me :)

Feeling SOOOO Coy and blushing right now :)

2012-01-24T10:08:00.000-07:00

Kathy from the PBJunkies blog contacted me me last week to write about me on their blog, she's very nice and friendly and called me an "Internet Art Superstar" on her post :)

I'm blushing just from reading it and want to hide my face with my braided hair like a little girl. Give them a visit, read her post and tell me what you think... I'm too shy to keep typing now.

Happy Week!

Weekend blowout!

2012-01-20T12:13:00.001-07:00

I'm so thankful to read your comments to my previous work I want to make something to give you back the good vibes, so... this weekend I'm having a super sale at my Etsy Shop! A never before sale: Buy ONE Aceo woodblock, get one free. Just purchase as many as you want and write me in the message to the seller the ones you want. (Buy 1 get 1, but 2 get 2, but 10 get 10... you get the idea).

This offer is valid this weekend only! If you already have a collection and want it to grow it, or if you haven't started yet, now is your opportunity!!!

I'll also be listing new artwork beginning today. So watch out for it! (Yes, it's a Valentine's Frida there).

Thanks again for the great comments and response to my art... and be happy, it's Friday!!

On change....

2012-01-19T22:56:00.001-07:00

The other day I was asked if I ever get bored of doing the same thing all the time and work in the same style all the time and you know what? I do. As much as I love painting some days I just want to do something different... like today. I don't get bored of doing creative stuff, it's my favorite activity. But some days I just want to change the medium I'm working on. Maybe that's why I do so many things... Maybe one day I will change my style and go in a different direction. But right now I'm happy doing what I do in the style I do it and I will welcome any change that comes naturally with open arms. It may be soon, it may not, but in the meantime I'll keep enjoying what I do the way I do it. And I hope you will to.

3 new originals now in the shop!

2012-01-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

This three beauties are looking for a home right now. They promise to behave and bring lots of love an good vibes to the lucky person who takes them. They're all sweet, colorful and loving... and they're all available right now at my Etsy shop.

The Queen of Hearts. 6x12 inches on Canvas

Angel of love 8x10 inches on Canvas

Love. 6x8 inches on Canvas.

New prints in the shop!

2012-01-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

I made several pieces that you wouldn't get to see in my shop because they got sold before I had a chance to list them, but now they're available as prints and some also as ACEO woodblocks. For example the "Heart Angel" that was a encaustic piece, I had stopped working with encaustic until last month that I got a new slow cook machine, I also made "Everybody needs an owl", both with lots of texture!

"You have my honey" a very sweet piece with a girl and a bear was other piece you didn't get to see, but here's the print now. And something I don't usually do, revisit a past piece, but I did with this one: "Dream catcher" and I liked the result a lot!

Some of the latest Valentine's ones are also in the shop now, ready for you to take home :)

And speaking of home... I'm going to take down the Christmas decorations this weekend.. I promise! I've had them in the dining table the whole week but I just haven't made myself take them away... the tree is so pretty with all the lights :( Anyway, I'm going to do some Valentine decorations too... maybe a garland too? I want to fill the empty spaces. What about you, any projects for this weekend?

Charity wings

2012-01-11T19:14:00.001-07:00

Doing charities is something very rewarding but doing them through art is a double joy. Not only are you helping others but you're doing it through something that you enjoy since you're doing it. That's the case of Charity Wings, a non profit organization that, in their own words "use art and creativity as a vessel to raise money and awareness".

A couple of weeks ago I was asked for a contribution to this wonderful organization and I said yes right away! It's fantastic what this group of women have done and I'm grateful they let me be part of it.

The angel Elena is holding was my contribution to them. It's an angel bringing a gift. A gift of hope for the ones who are in the receiving part of the charity and a gift of satisfaction for the givers. And of course, a gift of love for everybody.

When you join Charity Wings, you won't be only giving, but also receiving goodies! Like a signed print of my Angel. To find out more about them go to their website and learn more about them and join the cause!

Never too early for love...

2012-01-11T00:38:00.000-07:00

After the Holiday break I had a hard time going back to my usual working routine, not feeling inspired enough, watching too many TV shows instead of doing creative things, until I found the inspiration I was looking for: LOVE!

Valentine's Day is near (yes, only a month away!) and it used to be a day I hated (before I met my hubby) but now I really enjoy it. I'm fortunate enough to have a husband and 2 kids that I love too much and they love me back. So I got carried away with the theme and here's the first part of the series of Love paintings I'm doing!

If you're subscribed to my newsletter you may already seen them, if not, check your inbox they're waiting for you there!

If you're not, you can join us here!

So, what do you think? Love-ly?

Creative Pilgrimage

2012-01-07T23:11:00.000-07:00

I got 2 big extra fluffy, fuzzy, big pillows the other day and I've been spending time reading on them all the magazines that I get (I got a fantastic offer of 5 subscriptions for 10 dlls, Real Simple, I finally get you!). Anyway, as much as I enjoy flipping through magazines, nothing like a great, colorful, inspiring book to get my creative juices flowing. And today I got exactly what I was hoping for: Creative Pilgrimage, by Jenny Doh. It's been a while since I read a book that wanted to make me start doing something, anything, as long as it is creative.

And I'm so excited about this year's art and crafts books! My wish list in Amazon is getting longer by the second and I hope they keep motivating me to make stuff!

It feels so good

2012-01-06T09:13:00.001-07:00

Working again after the Holiday break feels soooo good! If only I started exercising again :P

I'm working on a batch of new paintings. I have so many more ideas that I want to turn into paintings and
Collages I know I'll have a busy weekend.

Have fun!

And I'm back!

2012-01-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

I'm back from the Holiday break with many ideas in my head! My studio is clean (really! that's clean for me ha ha) and waiting for me to start creating.

By the way, I made a few changes in my blog, how do you like them?

I hope everybody is having a great year!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:10:00.001-07:00

Now that 2011 is almost over I am reflecting in all the amazing things that happened and I told you about on My Christmas post.

New Year's resolutions? Well, be more Me!!!! Before I did not dare to dress how I liked (mainly because I didn't find clothes that fit, but also because I felt like a huge piñata).

I am going to be more me, do what I want, dress how I like and create what I want, because I am worth it.

Going trough this change has taught me a lot about myself and the only thing I regret about it is not doing it sooner.

Reflecting at the end of the year, I am truly happy about what the year has been and concentrating on this instead of what could have been brings beautiful memories.

I hope your year was full of beautiful memories, great achievements and many more nice things. I wish you the best for this New Year Approaching, may it be great, and I wish that everything you do is blessed with success and happiness.

Here's to a Great 2012!!!!

Merry Christmas To One And To All

2011-12-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

This year has been full of surprises and changes in my life, so many that literally I am a different person with many many things to be thankful for this Christmas.

I've watched my son grow from being a tiny little baby to a toddler storm of energy and love... Who knew I could love him so much!

My daughter learned to read this year and she is now discovering the wonderful world of stories that she finds in the books we read together, I feel so proud of her!

I truly became a new person after I finally decided to loose my extra weight when I went under the knife. So far I've lost... Drum roll please.... 66 Pounds!
Literally took off a weight from me! I love the way I feel and look, free and ready to take over the world. People say I look very happy and I really do feel like that!

My little shop sold a lot of things thanks your never ending support, and I keep on growing as an artist, getting better and more creative by feeing on your love and comments.

What's coming for next year? Well, to be sincere... I don't know! You know me, My Artful Me is quite unpredictable and never knows what will come next, but I can tell you that everything will be more beautiful that what came before.

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU ALL FOR A WONDERFUL YEAR. I hope that you get to spend your Christmas day with your loved ones and Santa brings you love, health, joy, happiness and everything else on your list.

Merry Christmas From Danita.Art!!!

New Originals Just In Time For Christmas

2011-12-17T14:51:00.001-07:00

I have been very busy this last season, and I finished a series of paintings just in time for a last show before Christmas. If you order them from my Etsy Shop before Dec 20th, they will arive just in time to give them away as Christmas presents.

FRIDA AND THE BLUE HOUSE

Let me show you the crown jewel, a very large (for me) Frida portrait.

It measures 12x24 inches and has a stunning face with beautiful, lively eyes

and beautiful skin.

THE DREAM CATCHER

Another rarity for me, a revisit of an old painting.

I made the original some time ago now, and I decided

to reimagine it with new techniques.

HUMPTY DUMPTY

He has been sitting on my mind for some time,

and now he got a chance to come out.

EVERBODY NEEDS AN OWL

I love Harry Potter and the rich world he lives in... The other day I was daydreaming I was accepted at Hogwarts and I realized I was going to need an owl! So here I am, getting an owl.

And just because I like to paint cute little woodland creatures I made

these three cute little paintings:

THE HEARTY FOX

THE HEARTY OWL

THE HEARTY BUNNY

All of them, along with ACEO Prints and soon jewelry

and paper prints, are available at My Etsy Shop for

you to take home today.

Danita's Christmas Blowout Sale!

2011-12-14T11:56:00.002-07:00

The end is near! (For the holiday season) and I am holding a great Christmas blowout sale on my Etsy Shop!! Get 20% off your entire order using coupon code BLOGEND20, you will also get a priority mail upgrade for all US orders so your gifts arrive in time for Christmas! Starting today Dec 14th and until I feel like it.... Visit my shop and see the latest stocking stuffers :)

More ornaments from the swap

2011-12-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

More fabulous ornaments have been opened in the last few days. Every time I open one I'm amazed at the creativity, the craftsmanship and the love poured into each of them. I still have a few more to go, but for now, I leave you with the pictures. Aren't they lovely?

On gifts and blessings...

2011-12-08T15:06:00.001-07:00

I've been thinking about lately about this Holiday Season, about the gifts and the blessings that we receive every year. I want my children to enjoy their gifts but I also want them to value what it's really important: love, health, family. So I was making this painting here:

Santa's gifts (6x6 inches on Canvas)

And I was thinking about the gifts we get on Christmas, the joy of opening them and the good moments we spend as a family all together around the Christmas tree. But then I thought something was missing, and I made this one:

Angel's Blessings (6x6 inches on Canvas)

For Christmas to be complete, we should also have blessings. A warm home, a family, love in our hearts, health and many, many others.

So now, the 2 of them together make the perfect Christmas for me.

What about you?

(Both pieces available at my Etsy)

Speaking of traditions...

2011-12-07T00:57:00.001-07:00

My Christmas tree is up! I can´t be happier... I said this year that I was going to decorate the house since the beginning of November because the decorations are up a very short time and December is here and my stuff was still in boxes hiding in a closet... but now we finally finish! And now we have our little tree full of ornaments to gather around and talk about pretty thing and memories or just to sit there, enjoying a warm cup of cocoa and look at the lights...

The Christmas Tree (6x6 Inches)

It reminds me of my Christmases as a child... so many good memories. I remember helping my family decorate the tree with the nice smell of cinnamon and fruit punch in the background... still I can´t get in the Holiday mood if I don´t prepare some "ponches", so I did and with that sweet smell we finished our decoration night... Now I can start adding the new ornaments to my tree as I open them :)

And if you haven´t finished your Holiday decorations either, I have a suggestion. Another tradition of mine that I started a few years ago is making a small set of dolls that can be used as an ornament but that you can display all year long.

This year the batch consists in 5 dolls one in a different color and with a different personality. They will make great gifts and are perfect for a collector. If you feel like having one, you can click here.

More about the Christmas swap tomorrow!

Christmas ornament swap

2011-12-06T23:02:00.001-07:00

And this is again that time of the year when I get to open presents like a little girl! If you´re new to my blog you may not know about this swap (Read more about it here). If you´ve been following me you know I´ve been in an annual Christmas swap since 2008 with a fabulous group of talented ladies and we exchange 12 or 13 ornaments and we get to open one each day during the month of December. This year we started a little bit late and yesterday I opened the first present!! It is always very exciting because I´ve had the little packages for many days and I just can´t guess what it´s inside... want to take a look with me?

The first gift I get to open was from the super talented Ruth Rae. I´ve always loved her work, but this year´s ornament will be a true treasure because of the circumstances she´s been through. You can read more about it in her blog, and send her good wishes too :)

I love my new ornament. And I love the heart, I´m so into hearts lately!

Ruth´s distinctive work always incorporates fibers and it is one of my favorite details. Thank you Ruth! It has now a special place in my home!

The second turn was from the not less talented Kelly Snelling.

She was inspired by her sister and childhood when she made her ornaments and you can see it through the humble materials and the playful details, but you can also see her skills and her artistic eye in the finished piece.

Houses are a recurrent shape in my work and I´m always looking for new ones. This one is definitely a keeper.

Can´t wait ´til tomorrow to open another one! Thanks so much Kelly and Ruth. I love my ornaments!

New batch of ornaments!

2011-12-05T10:35:00.001-07:00

I hope everybody had a great weekend! We dared going to the mall... oh my! It's so full already! And it's just the beginning of December! I don't think I want to go again on a weekend this month :P

I also managed to finish a new set of ornies! This time they're a little bit different but still charming, covered with beeswax and mica flakes that will reflect the lights of your tree beautifully!

And I use some vintage style tinsel garland to add an extra festive touch in the top. They're one of a kind! I love to hunt for extra special ornaments each year to celebrate something special that happened during that time or to remember a person or an event, that's why I love making my own ornaments and I wanted to share that with you. I hope you find one that makes you happy!

Get them at my Etsy shop.

Happy week!

Our family portrait

2011-12-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since I the last time I make some art for my home. The last piece I made was for to celebrate the arrival of my boy to this world (that's a little more than a year ago!) and it was a small piece (5x7 inches). I've had this large canvas for ages that used to be a painting I did many years ago that I repainted because It not longer matched my decoration, and being always so busy I didn't have time to do something else until now. I decided I never have extra time so I had to take some time to make it.

It's a portrait family that includes us and our home.

Me and my husband are holding the house meaning that we're the ones who support it and keep it in one piece while holding our kids in a shape of a blue dog (my daughter's favorite color and animal) and a lion (my son's name in spanish starts with leon=lion and we often call him that). We're standing in a patch of flowers, meaning that our family is thriving and full of life.

I think it matches our family and our decoration pretty well now.. what do you think?

And the winners are...

2011-11-28T20:48:00.001-07:00

(Oh you shouldn't have! 8x8 on Canvas)

I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving day!

I spent the weekend at my parent's home. I had such a great time, I had the opportunity to see one of my best friends who lives in LA and was visiting his parents too... I don't realize how much I miss them until I see them again... Anyway, I'm here to tell you who the lucky winners are, so I went and use the Random Number Generator and here they are!

BLISSFUL PUMPKIN

CHRISTINA CARNOY

FRANCHESKA

Thanks a lot for participating!!!

PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESSES TO SEND YOU YOUR CALENDARS :)

On being thankful....

2011-11-24T11:12:00.001-07:00

This year has been very good and special to me.
I'm thankful for many things (that we are healthy, that we have food in our table and are a family, etc) but there are some things that happened this year that will only happen once:

* My daughter learned to read.
* My baby boy learned to walk and turned 1.
* My surgery went well and I've lost about 50 pounds already (yay!)
* After a long absence for work-related stuff, my husband came back home.
* During his absence, my parents stayed with me and my kids.
* I was published in several magazines and had a group show in NY.
* I reached the 6,000 sales goal and people keeps supporting my dream so I can keep on creating.

And the list can go on and on. But now, since many of the things I've done are because of you I thought a GIVEAWAY was in order :)

3 calendars will be given to 3 lucky readers this Monday!
Just leave a message in this post and tell me, what are you most thankful for this year?

And also enjoy Free Domestic Shipping in my store from today until Monday, just apply the code FREESHIPPING at checkout and...

Have a great Thanksgiving!!!

Shop update and new journals

2011-11-21T11:47:00.001-07:00

My shop has been updated with lots of new creations, the newsletter has been sent (Thank you!) and I'm still adding new work, like these fabulous journals that were available just to newsletter subscribers before.

They're a true, one of a kind journal, with lots of layers of work and finished with a layer of beeswax. They're filled with heavyweight watercolor paper and they're not bounded, so you can keep adding journal pages to your heart's desire. I made rectangular and house shapes and every one of them is special in their own way. Different images, different shapes, each one special.

Grab yours here.

My biggest dolls ever!

2011-11-19T17:13:00.001-07:00

They just came back from a show in New York and now they done traveling and are looking for a forever home. Would you like to adopt one of them?

They'll be in the newsletter as well!

(I'm putting the finishing touches, will be on its way soon!)

Some more....

2011-11-17T23:47:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist making more paintings. The first pic is a set of 5 mini collages (3x6 inches) and the second one it's a 5x7 inches painting...

This is going to be a huge update!

Ornies! Ornies!

2011-11-16T22:41:00.001-07:00

I Wish you could visit my studio and enjoy the smell! I Looooove beeswax and now that I am in winter holiday mode I want to pour beeswax everywhere.

This series of ornaments have a very heavy texture and a rich, old world feeling to them. I carved figures on them and embossed found items inside the beeswax.

See how beautiful they look together? Now imagine how beautiful they will look hanging from your tree! Keep an eye on my Etsy Shop and my Newsletter, we are photographing them and they will be available for you very soon!

2012 Calendar is here!

2011-11-15T16:37:00.001-07:00

I'm still busy, busy, busy working on Christmas stuff (like some yummy ornies that I'll show you tomorrow) that I almost forget about my 2012 calendar!

This year I made 2, one just for Frida Kahlo fans and this one, with some of your most loved images from yours truly :)

You can grab yours here... and you can choose it with or without the vintage woodblock.

They make excellent gifts and great stocking stuffers!

Holiday Paintings 2011 Preview

2011-11-14T21:26:00.001-07:00

As promised, more pics of the upcoming paintings for this Holiday Season. I'm in love with each one of the paintings I made and I hope you will too. Since Starbucks offered their Peppermint mocha latte I'm officially in Christmas mood! (There's something about that flavor...) I even started taking out the lights and the ornaments. And since I'm in Holiday mood, I made different paintings in different shapes and sizes and all look well with one another. I chose one palette and start working from it. My wall looks lovely with all of them together.

The pre-sale will be through my newsletter that will go out in a couple of days along with some more pieces that I'll be showing you here in this week. I can't wait to show you all I've been working on!

If you're not part of my Newsletter yet, you can join here!

And I'm off to work again... to many lovely things to do.

Where have I been?

2011-11-10T23:50:00.001-07:00

I haven't disappeared... I'm working.

More pics soon!

The artwork in Somerset and Celebrations is here!

2011-11-05T11:18:00.002-07:00

Remember these beautiful collage paintings from the 2011 Somerset Holidays and Celebrations Magazine Feature I was In?

They're back from the publisher and up for grabs in my shop now!

Happy Weekend!

Happy Birthday my little one!

2011-11-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

One year ago I saw your little face for the first time. You were so little and helpless. And now you're here, having your first birthday, already walking and saying grandpa's name. You are my sweetest surprise. I never expected having you here and now I can't imagine my life without you.

Happy birthday my little one. I wish you a happy, long life.

I love you.

Day of the Dead...

2011-11-01T23:44:00.002-07:00

Luckily for us, it's not over yet.

After Halloween we get to celebrate the Day of the Dead... with yummy hot chocolate and sugar bread.

Oh and a cute dance from my toddler daughter and her classmates.

Happy Day of the Dead!

Mummy Monday Feature At Little Brown Rabbit

2011-11-01T20:55:00.002-07:00

Ever wondered what my typical day is like? Cute Blog Little Brown Rabbit runs a feature called "Mummy Monday" and I'm featured this week. Even when I go trough it every day, Reading it made me wonder how I manage to navigate day after day... LOL

Happy Halloween!!!

2011-10-31T10:35:00.003-07:00

Wishing you a very happy and safe Halloween!

Danita Art at Artful Blogging Winter Edition 2011

2011-10-26T12:36:00.001-06:00

When I discovered the wonderful world of Blogging back in 2006 and I was shocked. I couldn't believe there was so many people out there with whom I could relate and who had the same tastes and interests that I did (and still do!). I decided to start writing my own in April 9th, 2007. It's been a while since that first post and I've been gone through a lot of stuff since that day.

My blog is personal. It's the place when I share with the world what I do, what I like and what I've been through. I like to show the world the work that I make and the things that I enjoy.

And today I received my copy of this Winter's Artful Blogging issue, and I'm there! Now even more people will know about my blog and hopefully will join me in this adventure.

Thank you Somerset, and thank YOU for being my reader and my companion in this journey.

And as a token of gratitude, my gift to you:

Buy one print, get one FREE!

This week, mention that you saw the offer in my blog in the comments to the seller at checkout and let me know your choice of free print.

It's all about Frida!

2011-10-16T10:33:00.000-06:00

I've been obsessively working with just one theme in mind:

Frida Kahlo. With the Day of the Dead approaching it's the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Mexico and its calaveritas (well, besides day of the dead sugar bread, but that's another story).

Want to know what I've been up to? Take a look:

Frida Mini Calendar 2012

Frida pouches.

Frida Handmade Journals

Frida Mini Paintings

Frida Original Paintings in 6x12 inches

And watercolor ACEOS...

Wow! No wonder why my back hurts!

But it was so worth it!

Want to know more? I'll be sending my newsletter with the info and the preview sale shortly... already signed up?

Goodies!

2011-10-11T22:41:00.000-06:00

Got new goodies in the mail today...

Time to play!

2 New Halloween Pieces...

2011-10-10T13:16:00.001-06:00

Hall-OWL-ween art doll

And Ghost Girl

You know where to find them ;)

Somerset Holidays and Celebrations

2011-10-04T11:08:00.000-06:00

After a few rough nights with my sick baby (he got the flu... I think it's the season) he's thankfully getting better and I got great news in the mail: My issue of Somerset Holidays and Celebrations 2011... and my work is there!

For this issue I participated with some collages for the "Through the year" Section. I think every special day deserves a special piece of art, so I made some pieces specially for the magazine celebrating other special days (not the usual Valentine's, Christmas or Halloween).

I'm very happy with the article and the pictures are beautiful. If you want to read it don't miss this issue. You can get it directly through their site or at your local bookstore. It's a beautiful issue full of ideas, don't miss it!

More Halloween...

2011-09-27T23:23:00.002-06:00

A little cat girl doll, A girl and a pumpkin counting the candy they got and sharing their part and a ghost girl... which one is your favorite?

Chickens and craft shows....

2011-09-26T20:14:00.001-06:00

Oh my! It's me again not posting for a while... sorry about that but life gets hectic sometimes (very frequently lately). Anyway. One of the reasons I was away was that It was my turn to read to my daughter's class at school and I had to prepare an activity for them to do after the book reading. The book she chose was "The chicken of the family"by Mary Amato and illustrated by one of my favorite artists: Delphine Durand.

We got to make funny chickens at the end and the children had a very fun time... specially when they got to glue the colored feathers and the sprinkles.

Here are some of the ones I could photograph... they were all running around with them and I couldn't make them stay together to snap one with all of them. It was so much fun!

And the other reason I've been away is that I was preparing for the last "Arte en el Parque" of the year (it runs from April to September only). It was a good day and I really thank all the people who went there and visit the booth :)

Oh and yesterday I went to a concert! One of my favorite rock bands in spanish, Los Enanitos Verdes. Listening to them made me go back to my days in high school... so many good memories! It was really, really good!

But this week I'll be a better blogger, I promise!

Tomorrow, a new Halloween painting. You'll see it here ;)

Halloween Preview

2011-09-18T12:41:00.000-06:00

Want to see more?

I'll be sending my newsletter with the ready to purchase pieces very soon.

Have you joined yet? If not, you can join here.

New Frida Paintings and Autumn Prints!

2011-09-08T22:21:00.000-06:00

Today I wanted to show you my latest Frida paintings, but first, let me thank you for all the comments you left here and in my Facebook about the new me. Today was a specially rough day and reading all your comments and support made it easier.

I've been sending my new art lately through my newsletter mainly, but this time I decided to post my new two Frida paintings here first. This one is titled "Viva la Vida. Viva la Frida" and it's full of color, texture and patterns. It's like the whole painting is screaming it: Viva, Viva!

The second one is a bit more subtle and in a different mood. It's titled "Arrullo de luna" which means something like "Lullaby for the Moon" and it has deep blues and iridescent colors. Frida's face is more tender and the whole painting has a different feeling, more melancholic look.

Both of them will be available at my shop, as well as prints of my other newest autumn paintings (which are all sold, thank you very much!). The new prints will look lovely in your walls, specially if you decoration has deeper colors or if you change it through the seasons. They're so autumn-y!

The new, updated me!

2011-09-07T22:54:00.000-06:00

Hello! Have you noticed that I just changed my profile pic? I've been meaning to take pictures of my weight loss progress and time has gone so incredible quickly lately that it's already 2 months since my surgery and I haven't taken them! I remember that before taking the big decision, I used to browse for hours the before and after pics of people who had lost weight, and the thing that amazed me the most was not the difference in the weight, but the happy they looked. I used to tell my husband that I wanted to look like that, not skinny, but super happy and comfortable in my own skin. Many of you would say that I should be comfortable no matter what's my size, but I wasn't healthy anymore, and nobody can feel good in a sick, tired body... But look at me know... I see my eyes and my smile and I notice the big difference in me, I see myself pretty. It's not just that the double chin and the big cheeks are gone, it's my expression what makes me feel sure I took the right decision. I'm still half away from my goal weight, but inside me, the change has been done, nothing can stop the sunshine inside. And that makes me very happy :)

Tara Brach

2011-09-01T11:03:00.004-06:00

I just discovered Tara Brach through the Zencast podcast that I listen while I take my morning walk, and started to read her page e and she really speaks to me in a way that I feel a connection and understanding. I love her sense of humor and kindness, listening to her makes you feel better about anything instantly. Living in a very troubled city, I've been feeling a special need for reassurance that everything will be alright and I've found through the Zencast and Tara that it's not what happens to you, but how you react to it and it's helping me a lot. If you have a chance, listen to any of her podcasts. I highly recommend them to you and I leave you with this mantra from Tara:

May I be filled with lovingkindness.
May I feel safe from harm.
May I accept myself just as I am.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.

Halloween Is Getting Closer And Closer!

2011-08-30T21:08:00.008-06:00

My most favorite time of the year is getting nearer, and to start celebrating I revamped a set of prints with a new vintage look that I love. If you like to decorate your home for Halloween, these are GREAT to create accents for this wonderful time of the year!

All the images are available as paper prints and wood blocks, and I will be listing new images every day this week starting today, so be sure to come back every day to see new prints! You will be able to order them from the Halloween section from my Etsy Shop to get started early... So come on and join me in celebrating Halloween, the best day of the year!

Pretty Hot Mini Purses To Be Cool In School

2011-08-27T11:50:00.008-06:00

I received a new shipment of cute purses just in time to star your classes in style. The last batch was very popular and everyone made them fly away from my Etsy Shop =)

The new purses have beautiful patterned fabrics, new images and they are great to store your make up, pens and pencils, your ID or any other small items you can think of.

I will start listing them on my Etsy shop beginning today and I will be adding new ones every day. Each one is hand made and unique, if you see one you like, grab it!!! Because each one is unique and special as your own style, and like you.... Can't be repeated ;-)

Everything started with a new color...

2011-08-21T00:04:00.016-06:00

Since Mr. Danita is not home and my parents are home visiting me and my father is a very handy man, I said to him that I wanted to re-paint the studio. When I told my husband he gave me that "Are you crazy?!" look and I think he actually said that words. If you have seen pictures of my happy place you can understand why he said that. But I was tired of the pale blue on the walls and wanted something more me... aqua was perfect! But just thinking about moving EVERYTHING and then putting it back again in it's place makes me wonder what was I thinking when I said to my dad: Can you help me paint my studio?

I know where I got the craziness from, because he said yes! I definitely thought that he was going to say no because he's always complaining that I have too much stuff in one little place (which I do... how can I accumulate so much stuff in so little time?). So we have been moving and cleaning and painting... and since we're already moving everything I thought it may be a good idea to change a few things around.

For example, the bookcase on the right originally was on the wall with windows, in it's place there was a black bookcase that I didn't like so I moved the white one to the place where the black was and I got rid of the black one. I also want to move the big table on the center against the windows and I needed the space.

I also got rid of the jewelry table and now I'm wondering where I'm going to put all that stuff...

Things are everywhere (and this picture was taken before we finished painting half of the room, imagine how it is now!).

And here's my corner before...

And here's after, almost ready. There's still many things to do but so far I'm loving it! I feel I will have more space to work and things feel more organized and comfortable to work with. I'll keep working on it and I'll show you the progress soon. I can't wait for everything to be in place again so I can work again with so many ideas that are popping into my head with the new space! I already feel the creative energy flowing and building up...

So far, what do you think?

Danita at 100 Proof Press!

2011-08-18T00:12:00.003-06:00

Today I wanted to share with you something I just made with my new stamps from 100 Proof Press!

Things have been hectic here and I've been very tired lately traveling a lot to my parent's town and taking care of my children and still running in very low battery (I just had surgery in my stomach a month ago, remember? I get to eat very little). My husband has been away for almost 2 weeks now and I'm think I'm going crazy doing everything, so not much time for me to paint, but when I got a few free minutes I ran to the studio and started playing with the new stamps. I think that is what I love most about them, instant gratification. A little ink and maybe some color and you're ready to go!

I used my stamps to make bookmarks. What are you going to do with yours?

New things in store!

2011-08-10T00:22:00.016-06:00

Summer is almost at it's end, and I'm thinking about fall, and when I get in fall mode I start thinking about forest critters that scurry around enjoying the last warm days of summer. And being me, I decided to make a few paintings about the forest and the creatures that dwell in there.

Cuckoo Clock
(Sold)

Fox Girl
5x7 on Deep Wood Panel, ready to hang.

Owl Girl
5x7 on Deep Wood Panel, ready to hang.

I also work with my cousin to make this ultra cute little pouches, perfect to keep your makeup, crayons, change or camera and carry with you everywhere!

And finally, I got to photograph the new earrings I've been working one, and let me tell you, I want to keep every one of them! Every time I made a pair I thought it was my favorite! Here's a sample below. To find them, go here.

Danita Art at Lalaland!

2011-08-09T13:43:00.005-06:00

My friends from Australia, I have great news!! Lalaland, the super high quality and beautiful printed goodies online store is now carrying some of my images in form of cards and mini cards!

They're super beautiful! Check them out here!!

It's been a long time...

2011-08-07T16:12:00.003-06:00

It's been a long time since my last post, and I apologize. I know you come here frequently to see if there's something new and I haven't do my job well. So many things happened that went in the way. I was out of town recovering from the surgery and It took me more than I was expecting. It's not the same being at home with all my stuff and my husband helping than in another house, even if it used to be my home. Then I returned and was my baby son got sick and then my daughter and now me. And now my husband it's out of town and my parents are here, but they get tired and I have to take care of many things at once that by 9 or 10 pm I'm exhausted! I also want to take some pictures of myself to show you the progress... so far I've lost more than 40 pounds! Can you believe it!?!?! I think that's what my daughter weights... anyway, I'll try to take some and show you.

But enough of excuses, I still have managed to do a little work and I wanted to share it with you.

First, I made some ACEO size woodblocks. They're the perfect size to collect (2.5 x 3.5) and they come with a hole in the back for hanging and they can also stand on their own on a shelf or at your desk.

And I finally got the 1 inch mini pin back buttons! I've wanted to get some for some time now and I'm very happy with them. They're extremely cute!

Happy week!

A fun dinosaur hunting weekend

2011-07-24T11:25:00.002-06:00

I'm getting ready to return home after 3 weeks of staying at my parents home to recover from my surgery. Since now I am feeling much better, we decided to take a trip to a dinosaur themed water park and enjoyed dipping my toes in the pools (I can't jump in the water just yet!)

It was a fun weekend, there are fish ponds for you feed and enjoy relaxing while you see the fish swimming about.

Small merry-go-rounds for the kids to enjoy themselves, and pools and water slides to have water fun.

Little Danita and Mr. Danita went dinosaur hunting after they spotted a long neck having lunch in the tree tops.

They found a nesting dinosaur mommy

But looks that after a while, their hunting expedition went a little awry....

But they managed to safely return to base camp.
All and all, it was a very fun weekend!

4 New Paintings!

2011-07-19T12:16:00.007-06:00

Every day that goes by I feel better, and as I grow accustomed to my new body, my creativity has been blooming as well, and I have four new paintings available for you on my Etsy Shop... Two new Fridas, A set of Twins and one for all the music collectors out there. Enjoy!!

Frida In Blue (Sold)

Blooming Frida (Sold)

Gemini

The Music Lover

2 weeks later....

2011-07-18T15:33:00.005-06:00

It's been 2 weeks since my surgery and I'm feeling great! I can't believe how much one can change in so little time. I thought it would be harder but I've been taking things slowly and managing to focus in the present moment. It's weird when I'm trying to eat and I'm stopped by my stomach when my mind and my mouth say "keep eating", but I'm learning. The other thing I have to learn again is to recognize myself in the mirror. It's funny to see your reflection and think it's another person! Anyway, I will continue with my journey and I'll keep you posted (pics soon!).

Have a great weekend!

New Jewelry and Art Coming To My Etsy Shop

2011-07-12T09:03:00.014-06:00

Thanks again for the wonderful positive message you continue to send, you really make me smile! =D I'm still recovering from surgery, but that does not mean I've been sitting still =)

My creative me has been busy and I have new stuff coming to my Etsy Shop starting Today.

Lovely Earrings

Delicate Brooches

New Pendant Styles

Resin Filled Charms

Art Boxes

New Originals And Prints

Shop around my Etsy Shop today and remember to drop by every day, I will be adding new lovely, unique handmade items everyday!

Some Bunny Loves You!

2011-07-08T15:50:00.001-06:00

♥ ♥ A Million Thanks! The BOGO Sale was a big success thanks to YOU! ♥ ♥

Today is the first day of the rest of my life

2011-07-05T11:19:00.002-06:00

Today is the first day after my life changing surgery. I feel terrible and I feel great at the same time. I feel pain and I have a strange feeling of a knot tying my stomach, and I can only suck on ice cubes and take tiny sips of water before I feel my stomach full to the brim. But I also discovered a lot of good things about myself during the days of preparation for the surgery.

I tought that fasting was going to be an excruciating experience that I was going to go trough, with lots of difficulty and hardship. And what I discovered was amazing, I discovered that I CAN control my body, and that my mind can excerpt an incredible amount of control over my body. I realized that by focusing in the present moment it was not hard at all, and that as time passed by It mattered less and less that I was not eating anything for 4 days. It is an amazing feeling of power and control that I did not know it was in me and I am thankful I found out about it.

Yesterday the surgery time came and during the night I had my doubts about what I was about to do, I wondered if it was the right thing to do and all that, but I convinced myself that it was going to be for the greater good... And off to the operating table I went in the early hours of the morning. Surgery went by without complications and when I woke up I was starting a new chapter in my life...

Right then, panic settled in and I truly realized what I had done to myself, and my mind started playing tricks on me. My body felt an intense desire to throw up, trying to undo the stitches the doctors had done, in an attempt to reject the surgery and the change I had my mind into going trough. It took all the control I had learned to calm my body and my mind and stop sabotaging myself. I have my mind set on becoming a new person and nothing will get on my way, not even my own fear of changing and becoming a better me. Like Bridget Jones said, "I'll Do It!"

I look at my tummy now and the wounds and stitches from the surgery and I know I may have some scars in the end, but look at them with love, for they are symbols of my commitment to changing my life, to my family because I want to run with my children and grow old and see them grow.

Today I imagine myself wrapped in a cocoon like a caterpillar, ready to go a transformation that will completely change my life. Out of it will emerge a new me, beautiful, strong and ready to enjoy every day as it comes.

Thanks a lot for all the well wishing messages I received your support means a lot to me!

BOGO SALE!!!!!!

2011-06-26T16:05:00.003-06:00

Enjoy a BOGO Sale! From today until July 6th, purchase one print from the shop and get another one FREE! Let me know in the comments to the seller which are your free prints and they will be on their way to you.

New rings just added to the shop!

2011-06-23T16:32:00.003-06:00

I'm updating the shop with new jewelry, perfect for this summer... you can wear less clothes and more accessories!

Cloud making lady...

2011-06-21T08:32:00.003-06:00

"Cloud making lady" 6x8 on Wood

This is been one of the driest season in 40 years in my country, and this is rather sad.
I wish there was a cloud making lady who would be around spraying the sky with her cloud making mist and she would come and make things green again.

The beauty is in the details...

2011-06-20T11:00:00.003-06:00

It's been a while since the last time I worked only in my jewelry, until yesterday...
Coming soon!

Thank you!!!

2011-06-16T22:48:00.002-06:00

I have two reasons to be thankful today. The first one is for you guys, and for your support for my surgery. I feel so lucky for having you.

The second one, it's my birthday. It was a beautiful, peaceful one. And I got the perfect gift at the end: Dancing balloons.

It was weird and beautiful at the same time. We were at the bookstore and we were about to leave but Mr. Danita had to do something and we have to wait a while. When we finally went out lots of balloons were approaching to the street where we went, floating just a few inches from the floor. More and more were coming and they started dancing and the air picked them up one by one and took them away. It reminded me of that scene in American Beauty where the plastic bag is moving, remember that? It was such an lovely thing to watch. A perfect finishing touch for my birthday. Thank you for that gift. It's been one of the best.

Mr. Danita says....

2011-06-16T07:44:00.002-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANITA!!!!!!!

4th of July is the date!

2011-06-12T22:33:00.007-06:00

"Miss Independence". Mixed Media. 6"x12" on Stretched Canvas
Available here.

I made a new painting. It's titled "Miss Independence". She's celebrating her freedom. 4th of July is very near. I'm counting the days. Really. I have the calendar marked. Only that this year I won't be watching the fireworks or hosting a BBQ. This year I'm going to do something more radical: I'm going to change my life forever.

I've been struggling with my weight since I was born. First I almost died when I was a few days old because I was refusing all types of food. Then somebody found out that I could eat soy milk and my weight started to pile up. I went from being compared with a Somalian baby in the newspaper by my cousin to be an overweight baby in just a few weeks. Then an chubby child. Then a big teenager. And then a fat adult. The problem got worse when I had my first child and I was in bed rest. My weight just went up and up. I managed to drop some pounds with the intragastric balloon and exercise. I still was overweight but I was happy and enjoying my body again... I enjoyed it so much that I got pregnant :P and I was put on bed rest once again... and now I am in the same place as before: extremely depressed, fat and tired all the time. Having 2 kids is not the same as having one and I have to admit, I let myself go.

So Independence day it is. I'm having weight loss surgery. It's called Gastric Plication and it's not as radical as a Bypass or a Sleeve, there's not cutting, just folding (There's also not covered by any insurance). The main idea is to get a smaller stomach so I don't eat so much. It's a decision I made a few months ago and I'm still struggling with it. Some days I feel like a failure for not being able to control myself and lose the weight by my own means. Someone even suggested that It was "Just lack of willpower" what keeps me like this. But willpower only takes you so far. I needed something extra, a tool of some kind that helped me. Yes, I need help. I need help like someone who needs a loan to start its own business. It doesn't make that person a bad business person. What she does with the money is what counts. If she goes and makes a successful business and pays the loan, does she have less credit than someone who saved money just because she got help to get started? Some may think she does, but what matters here is not how she started the business, it's what she made out of it. The same here. Maybe the surgery will help me to eat less, but It won't do all the work for me. It won't control what I eat (I can eat any type of food, just less quantity with my surgery, unlike the bypass). The surgery won't make me exercise. The surgery won't control my cravings. The surgery it's a tool. You can do whatever you want with it. It won't make me skinny just by having it. I will make myself thin. It's something I owe to myself. It's been almost 33 years already. Time to change.

On my table...

2011-06-07T22:53:00.003-06:00

This month's newsletter just sent with the latest pieces...

Not in the list? Sign up here!

Happy Birthday my baby!!!

2011-06-03T11:35:00.002-06:00

She's 5 today. She's the reason I've been away all this days (organizing a party takes too much work!). Yesterday was her party and everything went great. It even rained! (Yes, that's a good thing for us, we love rain around here). I can't believe we have been blessed with her for 5 years now.

Happy 5th Birthday my little girl!

La Casa Azul of Frida Kahlo

2011-05-24T16:10:00.005-06:00

La Casa Azul. 8x10 on Wood

You know how some people seem to infuse everything they do with their personal style? 4 Years ago I made my first visit to Frida Kahlo's home: La Casa Azul (The blue house). I was shocked. That house is so beautiful and it screams "Art" in every room and in every corner of the big patio. I can easily imagine her painting and working in her journal in one of the beautiful corners of the patio. This house was her. This place is pure magic. And you could spot it from miles away. Frida was one of those persons who really had style and she imprinted in everything she touch. And that just one of the reasons of why I like her so much. And this painting means just that. She is her paintings. She is her home. She was pure art.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil and wear a ring.

2011-05-20T09:00:00.004-06:00

"Three wise monkeys" 8x10 on Stretched Canvas

In a Japanese temple, an image of a meditating Buddha is seated on a lotus blossom. In front of him are three little monkeys, one with its hands over its eyes, another over its ears, and the third covering its mouth. What do these three monkeys signify? By its gesture the first one says: " I do not see evil and folly." The second one says: "I do not hear them." and the third: "I do not speak them."

In the same way, the wise man is prudent in what he looks at, in what he listens to, and in what he says. He considers the consequences, thinks of the morrow, and if he does not know his way, he asks.

From TheThreeMonkeys.com

Me and my dog... or the story of my daughter and her little friend.

2011-05-18T00:19:00.012-06:00

Me and my dog. 8x8 on stretched canvas.

When my daughter was a baby, we gave her a plush cow. It was her favorite toy for a while so we decided to get another one just in case something happened to that one and then another one to leave at my mom's so she had one there when we traveled and stayed with my parents. That only lasted for 1 and a half years. In her second Christmas, my cousin gave her a little dog that looked a lot like my parent's dog (which she loves). His name is Buzz.

The moment she saw him she totally forgot the cows and Buzz has been her faithful companion ever since. He's seen a lot of action from all the adventures they have together and has been trough the washing machine and under my needle too many times, his eyes are in the brink of falling off and his filling is almost gone, but she would not change him for the world. We even made him a real dog tag with our phone number and a money reward in case he gets lost, and all the other animals in the house are named after him (Buzz Fish our Beta fish, Buzz Whale a plush toy, Buzz Bird, Buzzy (a pink dog my husband gave her in Valentine's day) and so on. So in my series of "Me and my animal" something was missing, and I think this is it. Me and my dog. I'm sure most of us have some special animal. Buzz is the one for her and no other will ever replace him. What's your most favorite toy of your childhood? Do you still treasure it?

Crochet classes...

2011-05-16T09:00:00.002-06:00

I've been having lots of fun at my crochet classes. I mainly go because I spend a lot of time alone in the house and I was craving company and there I have the girl talk , but I also go because I think crochet is so fun! So far I've made some scarves, a hat, an amigurumi water drop and my biggest and more complicated project, this super cute dog! My mom says that I'm crazy, I work making stuff and my hobby is making more stuff haha.... but it's the way I am ;)

It was originally a panda bear but when my daughter saw it she immediately said she wanted a dog (she's a dog lover since she was a little baby)... so a dog it is. She then took a look at it and said it needed a tail, so I added a tail. Now she wants a collar and a dog tag. She reminds me a lot of the Little Prince when she does that... (like when he was asking for his little lamb) ... anyway, she's called Blue and it's the new favorite toy. Now I need to make one for my little baby... a lion perhaps?

It's late, it's late!: Alice au pays des merveilles!

2011-05-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

I'm super happy with my mother's day gift from Mr. Danita! It was a belated gift because it came all the way from France but it was so worth it! It's Alice in Wonderland (in French) illustrated by the great and unique Rebecca Dautremer! She has been one of my favorite artists and I already have a book from her and I like it a lot... but this is ALICE illustrated by HER!!

I love everything about her work, but I think that what I admire the most is her skills to draw absolutely everything and make it perfect and dreamy.

Another thing that I loved about the book is that she drew the actual Alice instead of the usual blonde... This book has revived my love for Alice and I think I'll have to paint her myself too ;)

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T07:00:00.001-06:00

5 years ago I had the blessing to become a mom for the first time of a beautiful, healthy, funny and smart girl. Last year my second child was born, this time, a happy little baby boy who brings a smile to my face every time I see him. They are the butter to my bread and I love them dearly. I can't imagine life without them and now that I am a mom I finally understand my own mother and I love her even more and give thanks for all she has done for me.

So for all the mothers out there and for the ones who are not longer with us but live still in our hearts, I hope you enjoy this day and celebrate.

Love, Danita.

On my desk...

2011-05-05T00:08:00.002-06:00

This is my latest work. Any favorites?

Arte en el Parque

2011-05-02T00:09:00.003-06:00

I just realized I haven't posted anything in about 10 days.. and that's a lot! I hope you haven't forgotten about me. I have a good excuse for being absent: I was preparing for my first selling booth at a local event called Art in the Park. It is hosted the last Saturday of each month from April to September in a park and there a lot of events for people of all ages. There are crafty things to do for kids, lots of yummy food, music and an array of different vendors. I've been a visitor to those events for many years and this one I finally decided to be part of it and invited my cousin who make the bags to come with me. We didn't know how much work it is!

There were lots of difficulties and we weren't prepared for everything but it was a great experience to be our first. The main problem was that we were told we were going to get a 10x10 feet space and we got a 7x5... the canopy didn't fit. Do you see the tree? Well, from there to the bush to the right was all the space we had.

We had to move everything to the side because other person was going to use the space next to us and we used the tree to display most of the bags and the person next to us was very rude :(
But luckily everything fit in that small space!
We're going to ask for the promised 10x10 ft space for next month and we are already planning how to decorate better and add a banner (which we couldn't use because of the space). There were lots of things we didn't consider even though we planned it very well and we're going to be prepared for next time. Things you only get with the experience.

I was a little nervous because nobody knows me here and it was so nice to hear the feedback from the people and the nice comments. Everybody had a great time and I was dog tired by the end of the dead but very happy!

Now I'm going to resume my normal activities and I'll be back next month. If you have suggestions or ideas please share!

Have a great week!

Spring break is here!

2011-04-20T15:34:00.006-06:00

Piano girl 8x8 on deep craddle wood. (Available soon)

At least for us. 14 full days. People in my street is out on vacation too and children is playing outside... who am I to stop my daughter from enjoying her vacation outside with her friends? So my little baby and I go out too... and spent most of the day outside enjoying the nice weather and talking and playing cards.

As you can see, I haven't been working much, but I managed to make a painting in the last couple of days. I usually finish it in one sitting, but this one was made in several nights and it's about music and color! I love music. I don't play any instrument but I can paint them! I think I will form a band. She will play her red piano and I'll have to paint some other fellows that make her company... but for now she's all I've got and the weather is so beautiful I think I'll head outside again!

The Little Prince...

2011-04-19T14:21:00.002-06:00

Available here.

"For millions of years flowers have been producing thorns. For millions of years sheep have been eating them all the same. And it's not serious, trying to understand why flowers go to such trouble produce thorns that are good for nothing? It's not important, the war between the sheep and the flowers?... Suppose I happen to know a unique flower, one that exists nowhere in the world except on my planet, one that a little sheep can wipe out in a single bite one morning, just like that, even without realizing what he's doing - that isn't important? If someone loves a flower of which just one example exists among all the millions and millions of stars, that's enough to make him happy when he looks at the stars. He tells himself, 'My flower's up there somewhere...' But if the sheep eats the flower, then for him it's as if, suddenly, all the stars went out. And that isn't important?'" Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Greetings from the moon!

2011-04-12T22:40:00.002-06:00

Mr. Danita and Little Danita love space stuff, and they told me that today we're celebrating 50 years from Yuri Gagarin's First Space Flight... So a painting was in order!

It's me, sending you a post card from the moon =)

A crazy week...

2011-04-11T21:13:00.004-06:00

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post already. This last week was crazy! We had to represent a book at my daughter's school and we made a puppet show (originally we wanted to make a shadow puppet theater but at the end we chose basic puppets) and preparing the whole thing and between the normal activities and this and my parents here it was all running from one place to another. But everything went great! Unfortunately I just realized that I don't have any pictures to show you, but I do have pictures of the new stuff I'm working on:

Magnets!

They're about 1 1/4 inches wide and are pretty strong.

You can collect them, and display them together or individually.

I still have to take many, many pictures but they will be available soon.
I'm also working on new jewelry: Necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, the whole thing!

Pretty, right? I love how everything looks together!
Now I'm off to work again... there are plenty of beads calling my name!
I'll let you know when they're ready at my shop.

New Free Gocco Print for you

2011-03-31T22:53:00.002-07:00

Cleaning my studio the other day I found my Gocco Printer and an idea came to my mind: A free, collectible and limited edition print for you, my dear customers!
I'll be shipping one with each purchase beginning April 1st!

Want to see the process? Please follow me.
First you have to make the illustration in your computer and print it in a laser printer. After that the screen is burnt using bulbs. You see a big flash and if you're lucky, you'll have your screen. If you're like me, you open the Gocco printer to find out that you burnt 4 one-time-use bulbs and you forgot to remove the blue screen. Bleh! ... You do a little research on the internet. You try again. This time, you get your screen.

Then you ink it.

Mount it in the Gocco Printer, add one piece of paper and press.
Lift it. Marvel at your creation. Change the paper and let it dry.

Repeat until you have enough and add one to each purchase.

Enjoy it.

I decided on a crafty bunny for the illustration for the first run because of many reason.
This one has a lot of meaning for me. I'm the bunny, the maker of things. The yarn is my daughter who made possible for me to be a full time artist. The little bunny is my baby. The moon is there because she's with me every night while I work. And the heart is for them, for me and for you.

It was a lot of fun to make and I hope you enjoy it when you get yours :)
Have a great week!

New Frida painting with a 100 Proof Press stamps!

2011-03-31T19:11:00.003-07:00

Recently I received a package from my friend Sara from 100 Proof Press with some of her lovely and well crafted stamps (Thank you Sara!). Of the ones that I received there's one that inmediately caught my attention and brought an idea to my mind. I usually use patterned paper to make my collages but this time I thought to stamp on the papers and used them instead.

First I used it in a very ordered way and used yellow paper underneath.

Then I tried a different approach and used the stamp in a more random way and used blue paper. I also used vintage paper from a book to stamp the flowers and used them to adorn her hair. The result? See it for yourself:

Beautiful, right? I liked the fact that I can change the paper to my taste and coordinate the whole thing just with one stamp. I also got this dress and I already have some ideas... let me work on them and I'll show you later.

And the final painting? It for pre-sale in my newsletter that went out today.
If you are subscribed check your inbox, if not, you can do it here.
You not only get a preview of my upcoming work, but a discount coupon to use in the shop!

Paper doll Owl free printable and some more stuff...

2011-03-28T23:54:00.004-07:00

Love Owls? You're not alone! In fact, there is so many people out there who loves owls that there is a blog dedicated just to owl stuff. It's called My owl barn and they featured me yesterday. The best part? I designed this Paper Doll Owl that you see here for you to download totally free!!
Want yours? Head over to the Blog and get it!

Meanwhile I'll be putting the finishing touches in the new boxes I'm working on and some new paintings. I spent the weekend cleaning the studio and I felt refreshed and ready to work.

And don't tell me this isn't the cutest owl you've ever seen?
If my son was a owl, it would be like him. So plump and cute.
I will have to make this into a doll because I just want to hug him!

Everything will be available here... just in case you were wondering ;)

My Plastic Heart dolls

2011-03-28T10:12:00.003-07:00

They're Apple, Marie, Ann, Sue and Vanilla and they're at the SOFT show at My Plastic Heart. They may be in New York right now, but that doesn't mean that you can't take them home right now.

They're my biggest plush dolls so far, in beautiful colors and with movable arms and legs, which is so much fun because they can hold things and you can make them pose for you. And you can get them online at My Plastic Heart.

Danita's Spring 2011 Stamps Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-26T22:45:00.003-07:00

And the winner is:

MJ!!

Congratulations!!!
Please send me a message with your address so I can send you your stamps!

Didn't win? Don't be sad... there's another gift for you:
FREE SHIPPING
in everything from my store!!!
(in the Continental US and reduced shipping for my international friends)

Starting Sunday morning until Wednesday at midnight!!

And for the ones asking me to make some Frida stamps... they're done already!
And they're available at Crescendoh too. It was actually my first set and it's still available in case you want that one too ;)

Hope everybody is having a great weekend!

Welcome Spring Giveaway!

2011-03-21T18:26:00.004-07:00

Spring has finally arrived and I want to celebrate it!

I just got my latest set of stamps from Crescendoh: "Woodland Parade" and I couldn't be more happy with them. I already started playing in my art journal and I'm in love!
I designed them so you could mix them and arrange them in different settings and use the little elements to add nice little touches to them and It worked!

Not only that but you can paint them because the stamps include only the outlines and a few filled details (like the hair and the boots in the girl) so the rest of the fun its for you!

Want to get your own set? You can get it from Crescendoh.com or you can be the lucky winner of my giveaway!

To enter, just leave a comment saying what you'd like to see in the next set of stamps and you're in! You have until friday 12:00 A.M. EST. to leave a comment. Posting this giveaway on your Facebook or Twitter and leaving the link here gives you an extra entry ;)

The winner will be announced this Saturday.
Good luck!
(I'm off to keep playing with my stamps!)

Got a New York Minute?

2011-03-17T12:14:00.006-07:00

If you are in NYC This Friday, make some time to visit the "soft*" show at Myplasticheart NYC where I will be showing 5 beautiful handmade plush dolls along with other artists. The exhibition will be running from March 18th to April 3rd, 2011 with the opening reception running from 6 to 9 PM. Drop by if you are around and send me pics!

New work!

2011-03-16T22:00:00.004-07:00

Can you say I'm in a Candy-craving mood?
Just click on them and they will take you directly to get them ;)

Popsicle

6x8 inches mixed media on canvas

A home for me

6x8 mixed media on canvas

The Sweetest Girls

Mixed Media Kokeshies on Wood

Sending you love...

2011-03-14T00:23:00.003-07:00

We wanted to thank you for the support during this though days... we had many rough nights but also peaceful, quiet ones and she's doing so much better now. Tomorrow we have an appointment at the doctor's again to see how she is doing but we're positive she's healing fine. A week of rest has done wonders (or so we think!) and we're hoping for a quick recovery.
Sorry for not answering personally to each of you who had left a comment (here and on facebook) but this week has been so crazy that I barely did a thing.
Anyway, thanks again and happy week!

Accidents happen :(

2011-03-05T21:17:00.002-07:00

I'm very sad today. My poor little girl has a broken ankle :(

We were riding my bike yesterday and she was on the back and her foot got caught in the back tire, she lose a lot of her ankle skin and it broke. I feel so guilty. I know accidents happen but it's a weird mixture of feelings... First we were having so much fun, laughing and enjoying ourselves. Getting some alone time just for us and the next moment she's crying and screaming and injured. And I can't stop thinking that it's my fault. She's sleeping now and I hope she will feel better tomorrow but it's so hard to look at those sad eyes. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of this but it's the first time something like this happens and she's my daughter and I feel her pain.
This was supposed to be a very different weekend but we can't control what happens next so now we'll have to change plans. I bet there should be a lot of activities to do sitting. Besides painting, drawing and watching tv... any other ideas?

Spring is in the air!

2011-03-04T15:05:00.005-07:00

Here spring is very near... we are having sunny, beautiful cool days and I got a new bike and some new colorful work! I'll be posting this new originals soon, if you get my newsletter you'll be the first to know when and where! Besides, you'll get a 10% off coupon.
(Newsletter will be email tomorrow morning, if you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam folder, maybe it is there).

Sign up here.

Have a great weekend!

Woodland stamps now in Crescendoh!

2011-03-01T15:58:00.003-07:00

What does a girl with a hood, a fox, an owl, a bear, a raccoon, a mushroom, a bird and even a little lady bug have in common? They are all part of my new Woodland Parade set of stamps at Crescendoh!

I'm super excited about this set... I can't wait to get mine and start playing with it. The possibilities! I'm thinking not only a parade, but also different combination of girl and animals (like in my "Me and my animal" series). I'll show you some ideas as soon as I play with my set.
Want yours? Get it here!

Danita Blythe!

2011-02-26T14:15:00.004-07:00

So you know how I am. I like to do things and then read the instructions... and I can't wait, I like things to happen NOW and waiting is hard... specially when waiting takes so long! When I ordered my Blythe I ordered the same day 3 sets of eye chips to change her eyes to brown (just like me) thinking it will be just receiving the doll and changing the eyes... boy I was wrong!
Once you try it you start wanting to change all!

Luckily I had most of the things needed to customize her. After trying to remove the eyes following this tutorial and just being able to change one and then I decided to remove the shine of her skin with a very soft sanding paper because I had read somewhere that you could do it that way or apply matte spray.. I didn't like the idea of matte spray so I went for the sanding. I couldn't do it properly with her head on so I had to open her. It seemed so easy! I couldn't... so I went and checked another tutorial, following the instructions carefully (which I don't do very often!)

And I did it!! Since she was already opened I thought I should do some lip carving, I don't like the standard lips they come with. The yellowish makeup wasn't entirely of my likeness so I change that too for a dark brown.

I repainted the lips and I even added a beauty mark that I have below my lips, a little bit of shine and blush and closed her head. I tried again with the eye chips and this time I could do it!! (I realized you have to really let the silicon cool before attempting to remove the eyes). After closing her I read that you could get her lazy eyes by letting the spring loose and attaching a cord.. but I was to lazy to open her again. I may do that another day.

So here she is before the transformation... and how she is now. What do you think? Not bad for being my first time, right?

I didn't have that fun in years...

2011-02-25T22:36:00.003-07:00

Last weekend I made a super quick trip to my parent's home. They live about 4 hours from here and I wasn't there since my sister's wedding in September (5 months!!!). I missed being there. And I had promised my daughter to take her in a ride in a public bus when we visit them (a big adventure!) oh and we did had fun. She even suggested we change our car for a bus because you can ride standing up and don't have to wear your seat belts. Oh and don't forget that you get to purchase a great variety of candy and listen to all kind of music interpreted by people with guitars and accordions. It is fun if you don't have to do it everyday to go to everyplace for 23 years, right? So my cousin and I took her for a ride downtown.

When we returned home we had to cross a park in where I used to play as a kid and went to talk to my cousin as a teenager and eat ice cream from the ice cream shop just across the corner of the park... but I don't remember when was the last time that I actually went and play in the slides... I was as happy as a kid! First racing my daughter and then we together in the same slide... after that followed the swings and then went to the fountain to finish off with a delicious lemon fresh water and some mexican nachos (the real deal!). One of those weekends to remember!

I hope this weekend is just as fun. Enjoy!

Some new work...

2011-02-24T08:23:00.003-07:00

I've been stitching like crazy for an upcoming show that's why I haven't post much work related stuff lately, and since the sewing machine was already on I had a chance to make this little cute ACEOs with my latest images embellished with free motion stitches and beautiful papers and they will be listed today along with some pretty glass tile necklaces.

Find them here.

Hope you're having a great day!

She's here!!! My Blythe is finally here!!!

2011-02-22T20:02:00.002-07:00

I'm super excited today because I finally got my Blythe!!!!

She's all I expected and even more... her hair is soooo soft and long and her face is beautiful.

I still need to name her... I have to think about it... my daughter is crazy over her as well... more since she found the eye mechanism (oh-oh!)

She's kind of shy (like me) and doesn't say much.. I think she will open up when she feels more like home.. she's just beginning to meet everybody here at the studio...

What she discovered was the drawers where I keep the beads in... I think that will be another think we share ;)

We are just starting to get to know each other better... I hope to take her out for some fun pics soon... Can't wait to start playing with her!

And the giveaway winner is...

2011-02-20T22:48:00.006-07:00

I'm away from home now visiting my parents on an impromptu trip, so I took longer to report the winner =) Sorry... I was having so much fun that I lost track of time!

Well, the giveaway winner is Malissa!!! Congratulations!!!!

Please let me know which is the print you want and I'll have it on it's way to you.

Enjoy!!

Happy Valentine's day GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-14T12:57:00.006-07:00

I hope everybody is having an excellent Valentine's day!

I used to hate this day to my bones (long sad story that I will share in another time) ... but now that I have my wonderful family I love this day and I enjoy it a lot! We've been celebrating since yesterday (A free Sunday sounds much better than a busy Monday) and both my daughter and I received chocolates and LPS Blythe dolls... now we can play together with them! We also baked yummy chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and pink sprinkles... the frosting HAD to be blue (my daughter LOVES blue and she insists everything she makes or gets is that color) and she took them to share with her classmates. So to continue to the giving spirit... let's have our first GIVEAWAY for the year!! (yay!).

I'm not sure if you noticed but recently I introduced to my shop new sizes of Wood Mounted Prints. First I had 5x5, 5x7 and 3x6 inches, now I also have 8x8, 6x8 and 5x10 and very soon 2x2"! The winner will get to choose the image and size of Woodblock she desires! How cool is that? If you want to participate just let me a comment from today until Friday 12:00 pm East telling me how you celebrate Valentine's day and your choice of image and size (you can take a look here to see what's available, but It can be any of my available images). The winner will be announced this Saturday. If you tweet it, mention it on your blog or facebook and paste the link here you'll have an additional chance for every entry.... Let's spread the word and start picking your favorite!

And have a beautiful, wonderful, filled of love day!