Do you think she'll LOVE it?

It was my  honour and privilege to be invited to one of our best friends' daughter's first birthday party.  I was the official photographer.  When I asked Mom what sweet little Ava needed, she assured me that her wardrobe was full and toys were plentiful but a book would be great.  Well, could I get Ava just an ordinary book?  No, I had to make her one, her very own alphabet book.  I think she will love it and cherish it for many years to come, what do you think?

Decorating the Dr.'s Office

When Dr. David Hammond of Glover Road Chiropractic here in Langley sent me an email over a year ago, I honestly thought it was spam.  He was telling me he had found my business card in his new office and wanted to see some more of my artwork.  Sounded a little suspicious to me (only because I've been approached on numerous occasions via email by scammers about my artwork) but soon enough I figured out that Dr. Hammond was the real deal.  He really was interested in my photographic art.  I met with David at his office and we discussed art.  Much to my surprise, he wanted me to give him some decorating tips along with my art consultation.  Well, not being a designer, I was a little nervous.  My first thought was, can I pull it off?  My second thought was, surely all these years of watching HGTV is finally going to pay off.  Well, like most things I tackle in life, I jumped in with both feet and started sharing my ideas.    Turns out the decor part was far easier than I had originally anticipated.  There would be no painting, new furniture nor decor items.  Re-arranging his office was more like the game plan.  Here are some of the before and after shots.  I'm still waiting for a plant in the waiting room for some organic presence.  My suggestion for moving the diplomas out of the reception area to the blank wall in the hallway has yet to be completed but overall, I think the space looks pretty great.  Small changes DO make a difference. 

Before





After





After





Before





After

Before, that bulletin board was such an eyesore.



After, a nice black and white canvas print
and some vinyl lettering, what an improvement.



Check out the ugly Electrical panel to the far left.
My favorite project was to create a magnetic board that
served as a cover and
promotional piece.

Here it is, it turned out so great.  Had my art shop make up a frame, my sign shop a
vinyl reverse lettering cover for some galvanized steel and voila
a magnetic board covering up the ugly electrical panel.
Thanks to 3M products this cover is just velcroed to the wall
and is easily removed when necessary.

No one would ever guess there is an electrical panel behind this.











Vases are sooo yesterday!

I'm always trying to think outside the box, in this case, the vase.  I never seem to have the right vase for those endless bouquets of flowers I receive (ahem, buy for myself, that is, lol).  Here are some ideas for alternative containers to put your flowers in.  I love them all.

An absolutely gorgeous vintage teapot with Gerberas, what a statement!

Vintage Silver teapot, what else would you use it for?

Copper teapot, on a wooden table, so Country Chic!

For Japan, a fundraiser

I created this piece to help send some funds to the Japanese disaster relief. I am donating profits to World Vision Canada's fund #100719 set up exclusively for Japan's earthquake relief. You may purchase this print through etsy as a photographic print on archival fine art paper or giclée on canvas .



$20 8x10 paper print
8x10 fine art photographic Paper Print


$40 8x10 stretched Canvas print
8x10 Fine Art Giclée on Canvas


There are all kinds of ways to help the Japanese relief efforts, please help where you can.

Floral Day Color Palette I created for Pantone

This photo is called Floral Day

myPANTONE

Super Soft Swirly Pinky Minky Mocha Mitt

If you love pink...

White Rock Beach 2 - by Sari McNamee

White Rock Beach 2, Art Prints by Sari McNamee

My favourite art Teacher

In drawing class this week, Bob Barrett of the Neighbourhood Art Studio was teaching us how to draw a nose. By the time I was done my first draft I managed to make the nose look more like a guppy. How does he do it? He was even instructing the gal beside me by drawing upside down.  Drawing will forever remain a mystery to me.  It is fun studying something creative instead of just wondering what it would be like to take a drawing class.  Thanks Bob, I'll be back for more.



The awesome Jennifer Findlay

Last night I had the privilege of listening to online Home Decor diva, Jennifer Findlay talk about Blogging for Money.  I love her personality and appreciate how she was willing to share her knowledge.  According to Jennifer of Nicole Jane, the trick to making money today is get into the social media thing and get in there good.  Jennifer spends up to 2 hours per day on social media and it has paid off big time.  Jennifer will be doing more sessions in the future on websites for  online businesses and other interesting subjects.



Jennifer Findlay of  Nicole Jane and I at her Blogging forf Money Seminar