New Zoom Lens

I was trying out my new zoom lens for my Canon camera today. I've been noticing just how many birds we have around our area and this past weekend my husband and I created a bit of a bird haven in our backyard. We set up different bird feeders including a hummingbird feeder and a bird bath. These are a few of the photos that I got today.

 I have no idea what kind of bird this is.

 This Robin was just trotting around the yard before finding a worm.

 I love the bright yellow color of this Gold Finch. He's so pretty.

 And rather silly too! He hung out here a while before making it onto the feeder.

I think this hummingbird was a bit confused. The hummingbird feeder we set up is close to our deck, but it didn't stop her from trying.

I've always had a love of birds, I'm not entirely sure why. I suppose it could be a combination of their beautiful colors and sounds. I've been wanting to build up my reference library and even start doing some wildlife in watercolor. I've been overwhelmed with custom quilt orders, but I'm going to make an effort to make more time for painting. The only paintings I've done this year are 4 custom pet portraits, and I miss it terribly.

Sale Item of the Week

"Cosmos" is this week's sale item on Etsy. "Cosmo's" is a watercolor painting, size 5 by 7. It's being offered at a reduced price with free shipping (within the U.S. only) until this Sunday.

Don't forget about my Charitable Item of the Month, my Bloom and Grow Baby Quilt. 100% of the sale of this quilt will be donated to Feeding America. This offer ends in 2 days!

I hope you have a great week!

Family Tree Quilt & 300th Post!

I've been working on this custom quilt for the past couple weeks and it's finally complete! This couple contacted me on Etsy and said that they needed a quilt with 40 embroidered names (a memento for their parents). The thought was a bit daunting since I had never made anything like it before. It was a lot of work but I'm very happy with the way it turned out. In fact I'm so happy with it that I've decided to make it into a custom listing in my Etsy shop. I'm calling it a "Family Tree Quilt." I will have it listed soon.

By the way, this is my 300th blog post! Not too impressive considering I've been blogging for years, but it's still a big number. :)

Have a great weekend!

Hibiscus Watercolor Paintings

 "Hibiscus" 9 by 12

"Tropical Hibiscus" 9 by 12

I decided today to list my two hibiscus watercolor paintings on Etsy. I painted "Hibiscus" and "Tropical Hibiscus" a couple years ago. They were experimental doodles I guess you could say, but I ended up liking them a lot. I've also sold several prints of each. I've had them hanging in my studio, but I think it's time to let them go.

If you're interested in either of them please visit my Etsy shop. :)



Custom Memory Quilt

I just finished this custom memory quilt for a customer who will be giving it to her daughter as a graduation present.

This is a little bit bigger than the custom memory quilts that I have for sale on my website. This customer really wanted a lot of photos so I made her a twin size quilt with 27 photos. She sent me scans of pictures, poems, letters and story book covers.

I wish I could see the look on her face and her daughters when they see this quilt in person! It really is special to see these photos that mean so much to you, printed on fabric.

If you're interested in a custom memory quilt please visit my website or email me at: angela292@hotmail.com

Hope you're having a great weekend!



New iPad

When I saw what the new iPad could do, I was sold! I have an iPhone and never thought I'd have a reason to get an iPad too. However, when I saw how crystal clear the screen was and how you can zoom in while still maintaining the clarity I knew it would be perfect for using for painting. I can put all my reference photos for painting on it and use it instead of printing photographs. It will save me money in paper and ink, plus photos never look the same once you print them.

While at the Apple store I discovered the Square. It's a little card reader that you can use with an iPhone or an iPad. It's awesome! I can take it with me to the gallery or art fairs as a way to receive payments with credit cards. The fee is very reasonable and the money is deposited directly into your bank account.

As hard as I try I just can't keep up with technology. :)

Charitable Item for May

Here is this month's new charitable item. It's an adorable tied baby quilt. If this quilt sells, 100% of the sale will be donated to Feeding America.

Feeding America is a great charity that is trying to end hunger in America. They help feed over 37 million Americans through food banks all over the country. I heard a statistic recently that 1 in 6 Americans go without meals everyday. Which means that you likely know someone who is suffering from hunger. Isn't that hard to believe?

If you or someone you know is looking for a baby quilt, please consider this one.

I hope you're having a great week!