Would you be interested in commissioning a house portrait for the holidays?

This gift card design project completely blew my mind, and inspired me so much! As you can probably tell...

(Gift Cards out in the wild!)

Just a wee bit COMPLETELY inspired!!!

Oh Jellybean! Watercolor and gouache pin up painting. 

If you have not tried this yet, it is time to get on board! The spiced cider and sparkling apple cider are from Trader Joe's. This recipe will knock your socks off and will be a hit at any fall gathering! Created by the one and only Kylie Brummitt (Cucinotti).

I thought following pictures were a great evidence of lettering progression. The first image was from March of 2018, and the second was from September of 2019. You can see have the letter forms have both evolved, and become more consistent over the last year and a half.

Yes, I am still absolutely OBSESSED with podcasts!

Fashion Illustration

Just some backyard petroglyphs.
I did them in chalk first, but below you can see I painted them a light salmon color.

And then one day, the pupper notices!

This was a fun before and after. Technically super challenging, just the way I like it!

This permanent chalkboard sign was made for the Fermentation Farm.

It is weird, but it is also real! ;D

Main take aways: Target brand Up & Up fine point permanent markers are the jam. AND, if you have not played with a Tombow Calligraphy Brush Pen, you need to Amazon Prime that immediately! Trust me once you start, you can't stop!

Compiled over the last couple of years. Made with paint pens, pastels, paper, glue, foam core, and chalkboard goodness.

When you plan on doing a three part series... but only get one in.

This year, I participated in Karline Pietriwski's #MerMay where you drew her mermaid (below) in your style. @karolinepietrowski in Instagram

This Girl! 
I also had a tiny bit of time to do a couple other (finished) mermaids:

#MoodyMaid

#KittyMaid

Well, if you have ever done any painting you know rule number one it is all about the prep!
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• So first make sure you have a clean wall.
• Second, tape off the area that is going to be your chalkboard wall. I have always gotten the cleanest lines with green frog tape. Just make sure you "seal" the edge (I've used rulers, and credit cards in a pinch), and remove the tape S-L-O-W-L-Y. Otherwise you can pull the original paint off the wall. Why yes, yes I have done this. 
• Third, check out your surface. If it has any sheen to it, you are going to want to prime your wall in order for the chalkboard paint to adhere to it better. I like Kilz brand but I am sure anything will do.
• Fourth, roll on at least THREE coats of well-shaken Rustoleum brand Chalkboard paint. Wait for the paint to dry between coats. Yes, patience is a virtue, that's why it is second rule to painting. Once you get that third coat on you can slowly begin removing your tape. 
• Lastly, wait at least 24 hours before you begin working on your wall. I have found that when you let it dry fully, erasing in the future is much easier.

That's it! Have fun!

My favorite primer and paint. Always make sure you have then shaken before leaving the store!

I had to use it up before I could clean up for the day, and then you know I got distracted :D

#GouacheGirls

I suppose this post should be called "The Proper Care & Feeding of your Chalkboard," but I figured google would just file me under another crazy cat lady so I tried to keep it professional. Any-who! Chalkboard erasing depends a whole bunch on what kind of chalkboard you have, and what you are trying to erase. But, in general, these practices are my go-tos:

For Store Bought Chalkboards (super smooth and almost plastic-y feel, chalk has a hard time sticking to it) AND Chalkboard Painted Surfaces:     

You are trying to erase Chalk/ Pastels:           
     Light Duty: wipe with a dry microfiber cloth.
     Heavy Duty: 1. Wipe with a damp (with water) microfiber cloth. Then a wipe down with a clean rag. If that doesn't work: 2. Wipe with a damp (with 50/50 vinegar-water solution) microfiber cloth. Then a wipe down with a clean rag. If that doesn't work: 3. Scrub your chalkboard surface with a slightly damp (50/50 vinegar-water solution) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Then wipe down with a damp (with water) sponge, then a dry clean rag. If that doesn't work: 4. Dip your Magic Eraser in a bit of Cola (Coke/ Pepsi) and scrub your chalkboard. Then wipe all of the sugar away with a damp (with water) cloth. If that doesn't work: 5. Time to repaint! Go get your green frog tape and Rustoleum brand chalkboard paint (in a can, well shaken).

You are trying to erase Paint Pen:
     Light Duty: Spray your surface with 50/50 vinegar-water solution and scrub with your microfiber cloth.           Heavy Duty: Dampen a Mr. Clean Heavy Duty Magic Eraser with your 50/50 vinegar-water solution and start scrubbing what doesn't come off. You can also use alcohol (like a sanitizer spray) at the stage BUT it can scrub off the black shiny coating. If you have done this step several times and still have paint pen remnants it may be time to consider a repaint.

You are trying to erase Acrylic Paint:
Repaint with a can of Rustoelum brand black chalkboard paint (don't forget to have it shaken). 

Old School Vintage Chalkboard (Porcelain Enameled Steel)
     You are trying to erase Chalk: Light Duty: wipe with a microfiber cloth.
     Heavy Duty: wipe with a damp (with water) rag, then wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. Then re-season your chalkboard.
Do not use anything else to write on a porcelain enameled steel chalkboard/blackboard. 

*I am not sponsored by Rustoleum, but I have tried several brands, and this brand seems to hold up better and erase easier in my experience.

Wendy was making over a camper trailer (my most favorite thing in the whole world besides my cat). I asked if I could contribute, as I was completely in love with the design! She said yes! Beep bop boop! Massively exciting all around!

The Mood Board! Are you drooling too?

The Rough

The Final!

And it is real!!!! Thank you @flippinwendy This was amazing to be apart of!