39 Easy Decorating Ideas

Sometimes I hate when people (Trading Spaces, anyone?) try to create DIY "art" in about 5 minutes. Usually, you can tell that's exactly how long you spent on it. Sometimes though, you come up with some really cute stuff.

39 Easy Decorating Ideas

I especially like #3, #7, #13, #19, #20, #25, #26, #34, and #35. Maybe if I ever get bored again (I don't think I've had time to get bored in years) I'll take the time to make some of these things ;)

A Memory of Light Cover

I recently started re-reading The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, in anticipation of the last book coming out next January. I had forgotten how addicting a long epic fantasy series has been. I recently finished a batch of commissioned shoe designs, and with nothing else on my workbench at the moment, I've been lounging on my couch and reading quite a bit more than normal.

At first glance, I wouldn't have fallen in love with this cover, but after reading Michael Whelan's notes I find I like it a lot better. Though I love fantasy novels and the intricate covers that are so specific to the genre, sometimes I feel that they can get so overworked and cheesy that I can't stand it. But I love seeing the work in progress, because there's just so much good stuff in there. Getting the right model and the proper costuming is a nightmare, my least favorite part of working in a realistic style. But I have to say, it makes a difference in the end. And all those colors, in the detail of the rocks! They get covered and passed over with the title and author text on there, but the background is my favorite part of this jacket. There's just more than meets the eye, perfect for this dense and detailed series.

Well done, Michael Whelan.

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2013 Women Artists Datebook

The Syracuse Cultural Workers have started producing their 2013 Women Artists Datebook personal calendar. Each month features a different female artist, quotes by women, and focuses on issues personal to women. Can also make a lovely gift.

You can order your Datebook here:

Women Artists Datebook

Is Young Adult The New Chick Lit?

I don't know if Anna North thinks this was a "novel" idea (har, har) because reading/publishing trends have really been heading this way for years, but this article goes into some pretty good detail about the rise of the YA genre. It's not just for young adults (and teens) anymore. Some highlights to think about, for those of us who really don't want to do too much heavy reading:

"Young adult and children's fiction was the fastest-growing category in all of publishing last year..."

'Kraus thinks escapism may be another factor in YA's crossover success. "We're living in a scary time," she says, "and I think there's something really comforting about reading about innocent problems."'

"And young adult fiction may offer authors greater freedom of subject matter than chick lit, which has traditionally focused on love and relationships. YA novels often feature romance too, but Twilight and The Hunger Games have made mythology and the future fair game, and authors are taking full advantage."

I have in the past, and will continue to enjoy, children's and YA fiction. I sometimes find it hard to read a YA novel that is written too simplistically, even if the story is very good, because I can feel that it was written for a younger audience with less "sophisticated" tastes. However, the really successful YA novels do not dumb down their style or message, but instead write about themes that we can all identify with, young or old. The message is simple enough to understand to appeal to younger readers, but it has layers of meaning that go deeper, for those who are able. The broad appeal and adventurous nature makes these books so appealing, and that's a winner in the market today.

Young Adult the new Chick Lit?

Remington Museum 2012 Juried Exhibit

Two drawings in this exhibit, join me for a reception in a few weeks.

Andy Warhol

Why hasn't Campbell's thought of this before?

Campbell's new (old) look

Vote For Me Today!

Voting starts today! Everyone please remember to rush over and vote for my Fraggle Rock design!

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