The Messenger

The Messenger, mixed mediums

my dear sweet golden bird,

fly for me into the sky

and tell the world of my woes and wishes

spread your wings and soar

while the moon hides behind the shadows

and the stars shy away from your eyes

I love you, my sweet golden bird

you sing my tales 

and cast away my burdens

with you I will keep on singing

until dawn rises and shadows disappear

~A.K~

****************

Thank you all my wonderful friends for staying with me all through the year
and letting me share with you pieces of my mind and my heart.
I hope the next year will be another blessed one.

May all your nights be filled with stars above.

Amalia, oxx  

'Tis the Season to be Knitting

I must admit that knitting fascinates me. Besides the fact that it's harder than it looks and I failed miserably at my only attempt years ago, I also find it incredible how so many ideas are born and people are able to transform these ideas just by knitting them. It's amazing how I could type in the word "knit" on Etsy alone and end up with thousands of options, from sweaters to art, from scarves to toys, even socks to knitted beards. Now, how on earth would we ever survive without knitted beards? :)

Kitty Knitting, pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

Well, here are some gorgeous items I found on Etsy under the word "knit"....

1 - Little Bear Hat by SaraLagace
2 - Yes to Yarn by TrishaBrinkDesign
3 - Knit Stitch Knitting by pspress
4 - Marine Neckwarmer by Stylishknitting
5 - Mohair Fingerless Gloves by LoveandKnit
6 - Ecru Knit Bag - by Nzlbags
7 - Knitty, knitty by ashleyg
8 - Blue Knitted Pillow by MissWool

So if  the weather is cold where you are and now the festive season is just around the corner...maybe it's time put on the fire and knit your dreams away! :)

Amalia, oxx

Drawing Away

 Hello Yoyo, colored pencils on paper, 5x7 inches

Sleep Tight My Bear, colored pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

 Fly Home Birdie, colored pencils on paper, 6x8 inches

Hello lovelies! Is December flowing smoothly for you? As you can see, I've gotten carried away making these mini drawings with my pencils... It's so meditative, especially because I can start one in the morning and have it done after sundown. Somehow I feel happier knowing that I've accomplished something for the day. I don't know if you've noticed, but I'm also enjoying these simple childish theme...everything is just uncomplicated and straightforward, unlike life in general. Wouldn't you agree? :)

And on an even much happier note...guess what the postman brought me the other day!

...Yes, yes, Oona is here!! If you remember, I won a giveaway from Jess Quinn not long ago and I'm so excited now that it's finally here. Thanks again, Jess, for this wonderful gift. She will be treasured always.

Okay, back to my drawings... a lovely December to you all!

Amalia, oxx

Dear Anne

Cloud Dancing, colored pencils on paper, 2010

My dear Anne,

This is a special note for you… I’m so terribly sad to learn about your news, and it makes me mad to think that this horrible disease has entered the life of so many of my friends and beloved ones. But I know that you will fight it with all your might because you are without a doubt, one of the strongest people I know with a huge passion for life.

Please keep in your mind and in your heart that your friends will always be there to hold your hands, whether near or far. Never lose faith because I know you have plenty and even so much more to share as you have been doing all this time.

Just keep dancing, my friend, even when the clouds hover above your head.

Hugs and kisses,

Amalia oxox

A Small Reunion

In case you're wondering... No, I haven't disappeared into thin air. Just got a little lost inside the woods and had some struggle coming back. I must admit that I felt like I was racing round and round in a circle for the last few weeks and all I wanted was to find a way out of the cycle just so I could take a long deep breath. Well I did. With the help of some very, very old and loyal  friends I have put aside inside the cupboard for too long... My colored pencils.

For those of you who have been following my blog since the beginning, you might remember that I started off as a pencil artist and in time I got weary of how time consuming working with pencils seemed to be. So regretfully, I ventured off to explore other mediums and my pencils were neglected. What really strikes me is that now I actually have found a way to slow down with these old friends. Somehow time seems to walk in slow motion when I draw, and each  layer of color proves to be therapeutic. It's wonderful how I can comeback to my drawing table in between the chaos and sneak in a few minutes each time while the drawing just waits there patiently. :)

So yes. I'm still exhausted, overwhelmed sometimes. But now I have a little time capsule that shuts out all the noise and craziness outside.

Five minutes at a time is good enough for me. For now. :)

**********************

After thinking through many sunsets and cups of coffee , I've finally decided that my blog needs a new name. So as you can see at the top, my header will tell you just that. Hopefully it will bring me many more happy moments with all of you. Thank you for being such great company and sticking around all this time.

Love you guys! 

OXOX

Star Blogs - Jess Quinn (Making, My Way)

Do you believe in serendipity? Isn't it just sweet when you have a special encounter and be lucky enough to receive a hug, a kiss, and in my case a gorgeous gift? Well, that's exactly what happened to me. You see, I have been a great admirer of Jess Quinn's art ever since I found her on Etsy. There's just a deliciously fun quirky way in every single one of her creations and I fell in love instantly the minute I saw them.

Of course, finding her blog was the next cool thing. I love watching the way she works magic with her incredibly strange yet lovable characters. Not to mention that I'm lucky enough to win one in her recent giveaway! What's even more cool is that I received an e-mail from her about winning it just as I was writing a post about her blog. Now, wouldn't you call that serendipity with extra icing on top???  (^_^)

Fantastic art, don't you think? Well, if you like these adorable faces, you will love seeing a lot more on Jess Quinn's blog. And maybe take a little peek into her life as she manages her role as an artist and a mother of three lovely children (something I could definitely learn from her!).

Happy blog hopping!



Amalia, oxx

PS: Sorry for being a little bit on the down side these days and thank you for all the wonderful supportive comments you left me. I'm still working hard to cope with everything and hopefully I'll get my act together soon. (The gift sure made my day, so thanks, Jess!)

In My Island

In My Island, pencils and digital mediums

Hello darlings, how are you today? It's been a long one for me and I'm just exhausted. Sorry for not picking a more cheery note to start this post, but I guess I'm really writing to myself this time. If that makes sense at all.

Do you ever feel like days go by like a blink of an eye? As if you've just gotten used to sunrise when suddenly the sun already sets outside? Daylight, nightfall. Daylight, and nightfall again. My brain is telling me to pick up the pace while my body is growing sluggish every minute. And my heart? Well, it won't answer when I asked. Probably still trying to figure out what's all the commotion my brain is shouting out. Am I sounding more pathetic now?

Well, I was thinking about this and I realize that I'm probably in some kind of mental shock. Not just from taking care of the baby and getting used to the new chaos I have to face each day, but especially from losing a heap amount of time for myself. Mind you, "my time" is the only thing that keep me sane through everything. I sure wish there was a secret switch somewhere in the closet that I can push so I could travel from home to another place and back again in a flash. Yah. Wouldn't that be swell?

Of course, I hope you understand that this is just a little whisper to myself, so I could make a mental note that after this I will have to take a deep breath and start again with a smile on my face. So go and have a wonderful day out today. Meanwhile, I think I'll go look for that special switch in the closet. :)

Hugs and more hugs,

Amalia, oxx

Angels in Winter

When I was thirteen years old, I saw snow for the first time. Growing up in a place where the sun blazed almost everyday half through the year and rain poured consistently the rest of the months, seeing snow was definitely one of the most wonderful moments for me. I still remember the first scent, the first touch, even the first smack of snowball behind my neck..they're all safely planted in my memory even until now. Well, I guess it's true. Winter is magical. I know that the only chance of seeing snow for me now is probably by watching Jack Frost with the kids (for the zillionth times), but that shouldn't stop me from daydreaming, right? :)

 
Anyway, these are my Snow Angels, lively and bright to add some color to a cold white winter season. Of course, you're probably wondering how on earth did I manage to make them while I have a baby who cries every half an hour and two little kids who seem to need something every time I finally have the chance to take a break. :) Well, to be honest, it took me over a week to make these...and it was sheer torture each time I walked passed my desk and glanced at them, wishing I could get my hands all dirty with paint and glue so I could finish them! I'm sure many of you recognize that kind of torture. Haha!

So here's to a white magical winter to you! Even if you don't get to see snow, at least you can daydream...like I do. :))

Amalia, oxx
 

**********

A little shop update

Throughout November and December, all shipping for purchase of $50 and over will be automatically upgraded to Express Mail for fast delivery with no added cost!! If you plan on buying a gift from my shop for the holiday season, best to do it soon so your orders will arrive right in time.

Missing the Parade

It's early here. 4:15 am to be exact and I've just put the baby to sleep (for the third time!). Funny, it just dawned on me that days go by so quickly after I've had the baby and now I don't greet Saturday as happily as I used to. Why? Because then I'd realize that my half done drawing for Illustration Friday is still sitting nicely on my desk, probably collecting dust as I write this.

Ah well, maybe next week... (^_^)

Anyway, at least now I get to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time! You see, the first time I took part in IF, the first thing I thought was...What? Only one winner?? But there's so many good ones to see! And such teeny weeny thumbnails to do them justice!! Well, grumble no more because at least some of them will be available to see here for all of us to ooh and aah over. Here are a few of my favorite submissions for the past topic, "Stripes"...

Nelleke Verhoeff

 Tanya Maiboroda

Azadeh Tajvidi

Rebekka Mann Seale

 Leen De Pelseneer

Nina de Polonia

  

Lizzy Hallman

Aren't they all fabulous? I just love how each illustrator brought up their idea in such different ways. I wonder what they'll come up with for the next topic... And as for me? Well, lets just say that I'm learning new ways of stealing time. :)

Ciao!

 Amalia, oxx

Stolen Minutes

Psst. The baby is asleep. Big Sister is still at school and Big Brother is outside playing. Quick! I have only 20 to 25 minutes tops to post this before the chaos starts again (^_^). Just a little update of what I have been doing in those stolen minutes during the day.

A couple of original hand painted nursery art available in the shop, inspired by my youngest bundle of joy...

And a little update of my Etsy shop. Some recent items have been added, some older ones are still waiting for a new home...

But most importantly, there's a 25% OFF SALE on all items in honor of Baby Rayyan that will end on 15th November (coupon code CELEBRATIONSALE).

Well, I best be going now. I think I hear someone stirring in the nursery... :)

Amalia, oxx

Monster Abduction (Scary!!!)

Now who would post about Halloween on the 2nd of November? Hmm, I don't know... maybe a cranky, sleep deprived mommy who had planned on doing it before the actual Hallow's Eve, but got abducted by the diaper monster right before she did? Hehe. Yeah, she would be it (make that me!). I'm sure the sight of the beautiful dark circles around my eyes alone would scare the bejiggers out of everyone, but I'll spare you just this once. :)

So instead I'll show you this drawing I made while the diaper monster wasn't looking...

Beastlings, graphite on paper

...which was something I thoroughly enjoyed! Especially because I haven't been drawing cute characters for a while now. It's always fun to play, isn't it? In fact, I think it would be a good therapy for me, considering the load I'm taking right now. Believe me, it's serious business to raise children, and so far the best advice I've been giving myself is to stop, inhale, exhale, count to five, then carry on.... well, it works for me. Most of the time, anyway. The Beastlings itself is inspired by my three kids, of course. Salma the calm and self reserved, Kinaya the bubbly easy going boy, and Rayyan...who is still too tiny and in need of protection from big brother and sister.

And speaking of Halloween, here are some of the cutest spooky themed treasures I found on Etsy...

1 - Original art by moonandlion

2 -  ACEO print by DanitaArt
3 - Skull decoration garland by RawBone Studio

4 - Art print by atpalicis

So anyway, how was your Hallow's Eve? Was your party a huge success? Well, I hope you all had monstrous fun and came home with your bags full of treats!


A BIG hug from the monster's lair,

Amalia, oxx

Star Blogs - Mir Dinara

 

Well yes, I do. And quite ravenously too, if I may say so myself. I even have a long (make that super long) list of blogs that have remained my favorites over the time. Some about art, photography, craft, and literature... some about home living, motherhood, fashion, food and travel. Not to mention the interestingly different angles and perspectives taken on each of these subjects. Somehow I find blog reading to be a pleasure I don't think I could ever be deprived of! To me, blogs are more open and honest, many times to the level of being personal that some are able to reach far deeper within than others. It's like reading someone's thoughts and feelings that are generously given for others to see. Now tell me, how lucky are we, eh? :)

Anyway... one of my favorites is a lively fun blog run by an equally lively lady named Dinara Mirtalipova. As a wonderful illustrator and loving young mom, I always find her blog, Mir Dinara, to be a refreshing place to be. I love seeing her fantastic work there, her fun doodles and the delightful way she shares her daily life with her readers.

So if you're looking for a refreshing start of the day, make sure you visit her fantastic blog and I have no doubt you'll fall right in love as I did! :)

Have a lively day, my sweets!

Amalia, oxx

Tending to the Tangled Yarn

Hello my lovelies, how are you? I hope life is kind and pretty dreams are filling your slumber at night. First, let me just thank everyone who had been so wonderful and generous with their best wishes for me and my newborn. It's so good to come back blogging and find that you can always find great friends here. :)

Life, I must say, is a huge different book for me now. Nothing is the same. Seriously, my mom wasn't kidding when she said that I'd have a big amount of tangled yarn to tend to once the baby comes and having three children to take care of. Yep, I've had good days and not so good ones too...but I'm hanging in there, trying to take one step at a time, even when the last one I took left a huge mess to clean up after.

Off She Flew, pencils and digital mediums

Despite all that, I've been trying to sneak a few minutes of drawing here and there just to keep my hand (and head) from getting rusty. Funny how these moments mean so much now, especially in between diaper changing! Haha! I suppose things will work out better once I've mastered the new rhythm. :)

Anyway, I've also promised myself that having a new baby won't keep me away from blogging and running my online shops. So here are a few updates I'd like to share with you...

  New prints at The Wish Forest... (including Off She Flew above)

A special promotion still running...

...and a few discounted items for everyone. All available at my shop!

Well I'm off to tend to my tangled yarn. Hopefully I'll be able to have everything flowing smoothly very soon.

So wish me luck! (I know I'll need it).

Hugs to you,

Amalia, oxx

A New Prince

Meet my little miracle. Weighing only 2.6 kg the day he was born, this tiny prince battled long hours of a difficult delivery with me a few days ago and made me see that life is even more precious than I've ever seen it before. We named him Rayyan, after the gate of heaven, as a prayer that one day he would grow up spreading beauty and hope to those around him.

I cannot be more thankful than I am today.

Sunshine kisses to all of you,

Amalia, oxx

Alice and the White Rabbit

Dear Alice was in for a remarkable adventure, the minute Curiosity twinkled in her spine...

Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, `and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice `without pictures or conversation?'

So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. 

There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, `Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!' (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural).

But when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.  

~ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Chapter I ~

Well, as you can probably see, I have been revisiting one of my very favorite books lately and getting all sorts of urge to spill the characters back into life. This duo is actually something I created on a very, very hot and boring day (ask Alice how excruciating that is!). But instead of just drawing them on paper, I decided that it would be more interesting to make miniature paper dolls to play theater with! So here they are, and now already happy frolicking in The Wish Forest, going down the rabbit hole and into Wonderland.

Have you read anything inspiring lately? Do tell! :)

Amalia, oxx