Big Eyed Kitty

While on one of my thriftin' expeditions, I came upon a pair of plaster cats from 1972. Hmmm, more like I felt their gigantic eyes staring at me from the shop shelf...I brought them home, and while my original intent was to paint the actual pieces, I decided to utilize my mold making supplies. I thought I'd like to have the option to make more of these little creatures with variations in color and floral designs, and that's where having a mold is awesome. :) The first of these painted kitties is in my Etsy shop, and here's a shot of the original and my painted version:

Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Erin! She is the winner of my "Amor Eterno" print! Thank you to everyone for taking the time to participate and for following my blog, I couldn't do it without your support! xx

"Amor Eterno" Valentine Giveaway!! - CLOSED

Yaaayyyy, giveaway time! Up for grabs is my newest 8" x 10" print, "Amor Eterno":




How to enter:

Please leave a comment on this post stating who your valentine will be this year, or whom you'd like your dream valentine to be! Mine will be my sweetie, Dave (although, my new puppy, Edward, may replace him this year, lol!). :) Also, if you do any or all of the things listed below, you'll gain additional entries (Those that already follow the sites below will be entered for each, but please still comment on this post that you do):

*Start following my blog for one entry.
*Become a fan of Illustrated Ink on Facebook for one entry (I'm also having a separate giveaway on Facebook for a print!)
*If you Tweet about this giveaway or blog about it-you'll be entered an additional time for each link (please limit these to 4 links).

The winner will be chosen at random from a magical hat. ;) This giveaway will end on Friday, February 3rd. Please leave a way for me to contact you, in case you are the winner! This giveaway is open to my International friends, too. Thank you in advance for entering!

The last month in a nutshell....

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Chinese New Year! Ha, ha - okay....missed about 5 weeks of blog posting, and I have truly been longing to return to my little blog world. :)



Taking care of Edward (see last post) has truly been a full time job! I've always had kitties, and never a dog, let alone a puppy. Wow, are they different to care for than kittens!! I had NO IDEA what I was in for. Between potty training, snuggling, playing, crate training, washing his bedding, giving him baths, taking him for walks, feeding, training, taking him for puppy play dates, vet visits, watching his every move, and more training...I'm exhausted. Did I have a baby and miss it?! I always knew mothers worked hard and constantly, but I have a new found respect for them, because I can barely care for a puppy properly. Despite my moments of feeling completely overwhelmed, I'm also completely in love with my new fur baby. :) He is worth it, and I'm slowly learning how to adjust my daily life around Edward and his needs.



I love my new studio space in our house, the light is just fantastic, and I can look out the window at the birdies and squirrels (and Edward bounding after them!). I haven't been able to get too much painting done lately due to my new puppy Mommy status, but I did just complete and list this dresser tray/dish on Etsy, a bit of cherub love for Valentine's day! ;)


Lastly, I'm thrilled to announce that I just became part of the Blue Genie Oasis Texas store! I love participating in their Holiday show every year, and I was honored when they asked me to join their shop! :) If you live in Austin, you should go check out all of the goodies they offer (also the Oasis is a beautiful spot to catch the sunset over Lake Travis while sipping a tasty beverage). Austinites check out the Blue Genie Oasis Facebook page!

Edward!

Moved into our new house a week ago (which was more of an ordeal than anticipated, involving a few all nighters and two U-Haul truck rentals)! It was all worth it though, I LOVE our new place and we are almost all settled in. :) Today was even more exciting though, because our new Corgi puppy came home with us! I love little Edward already, and he's full of sweetness and kisses. xoxo Our kitties even seem to be pretty tolerant of him (thank goodness). We kind of got a new world overnight, with different surroundings and a new little buddy to love.

Unfortunately, that has left me unable to paint new pieces, but my studio is set up again and I'm eager to get back to it! I hope everyone has a very merry season!

Kitty Rocker!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! While I question the "happiness" of the origins of this Holiday, I am always happy to spend time with my family and eat my Grandma's delicious mashed potatoes. :)

Just listed this vibrant "kitty rocker" on Etsy! It's a hand carved piece from Thailand, that I completely painted with a new look. The previous paint job left much to be desired (if I do say so myself), and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.



Countdown to our move continues...and my Holiday show opens on the 1st! Please come by if you live in Austin, it's always a fun time! My booth will be on the back wall of the main room. Please click here for more details:



Enjoy your Holiday time!

Changes...

Oh my, where to begin? First, Dave and I are moving to a new house! :) While I love living in a quirky older house and enjoy our neighborhood, there are many things that I'm ready to change. We've lived here 5 years, which is the longest I've lived anywhere in my adult life. There's definitely something to be said for having roots and creating your home just as you want it. However, there's something to be said for change, a fresh perspective, and room to breathe! Our new home is over 500 sq feet larger than our current, small pad. It has enough space for Dave and I to each have our own work rooms, and two bathrooms (omg, this is such a luxury if you don't have it).
There are too many perks to list, but one of the biggest, is that Dave and I can finally have a dog! :) I know, I know, - you're thinking, how many animals can you need, Leila? Well, we currently have 2 kitties and 6 chickens. Unfortunately, we are having to re-home the chickens. That is the major downside to the move. They are going to a friend though, so we'll get to visit our girls anytime. We'll soon have our new Corgi puppy, and he'll be ready to live with us come mid-December. I have wanted a Corgi for so long, I even decided on the name long ago if I ever got one. Isn't Edward sweet? :)


Meanwhile, during the packing and craziness of moving during the holidays, I'm trying to get ready for my annual Holiday show, the Blue Genie Art Bazaar. I have so many new ideas and pieces waiting to be painted for the show and Etsy! Can there be more hours in the day please?
Here's my newest creation, a "Day of the Dead" nutcracker! I will also be painting one for the Blue Genie show. Allow me to introduce "El Rey", he's available in my Etsy shop:




Off to pack a box, paint, and run around like a crazy person! ;)