Nature on Nature

It's that time of year again! The cherry blossoms have already come and gone and now I get to post my annual photoshoot with the trees. Although this time, I brought something of my own...

I've been anticipating these awesome blossoms for months so they could meet my Art Scarves. It seemed like the perfect juxtaposition—to combine the scarves' nature-inspired artwork with nature itself. The artwork was created from fleeting experiences immersed in nature during my travels—just like the blossoms only last for a brief period of time during the whole year.

The delicate blossoms were as soft as the silk.

Together they danced in the long branches,

and waved hello in the breeze.

The scarves hugged the tree trunks,

and petals sprinkled to the ground.

We'll have to wait another year for the cherry blossoms but Art Scarves are here to stay!

Now available in Toronto stores at Craft Ontario (Yorkville) and Distill (The Distillery) and on Etsy.

Mountain Mirage

Now I get to wake up in the mountains—every morning!

I don't even need to set up a tent or take a long flight to a distant land... the mountains live right here, permanently, in my bedroom.

Within a week, my bedroom radically transformed, from a blank wall to a complete mountain scape. The mural is like a mirage—it seems like the real thing and then draws you in to look closer. The multiple layers create visual depth, like you can actually see over each mountain ridge. The gradation in colour looks calm and creates a peaceful feeling that fills the entire room.

All it took was a vision, 2 gallons of paint and a lot of fun. Here's a glimpse at my process in making this mural:

I used string to grid the wall, then transferred a pencil outline of the image

Pouring the paint into more manageable-sized containers

The solid colours used at the top and bottom complete, time for a break!

Adding the first layer of mixed paint

Each mountain had a bit more grey (Kendall Charcoal) added to create a gradual layering effect

Yippee, only 1 more colour to go!

All done... time to enjoy the view and my cup of tea

Photo-shooting the final mural

Would you like to see these mountains painted in one of your rooms? If so, which room would it go in? If not, what mirage can you envision?

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