Chalkboard Art...finished for now

 Here we go...this is how my project ended up
but just to be sure....

I thought I would just sleep on it and see how I felt about it in the morning

It's only chalk right?

I wonder If Dana Tanamachi does that?

Hmmm

Just as a reminder this was my original graphic design

 about 1/2 way through...
I do like the banner
and Dana uses lots of banners in her work

 and this is the final project...the next morning, I removed the little knives I had added, re-worked the area where the banners was

 and enlarged the lettering on 

"petit cafe"

 I put my basket of bread boards underneath it 

but it just needed something a bit higher

 I have a nice little collection of old bottles 

that I use for vinegars and oil for cooking

 This is a great little bamboo shelf...a nice size for a smallish space...so I gave it a try here

just in case you are wondering about the old bottles...I actually sterilize them like you would a canning jar prior to using them and if there is even a question about cleanliness I don't put any thing in them except maybe a flower for the garden

 a few little dishes, some fresh lemons 

and an old baguette basket on the chalk shelf

Here is a little peek of the kitchen with the new chalkboard

this little sign reads:

the daily bread

petit cafe

olives

cheese

champagne

open daily

I hope you give this a try....
it is so much more fun 

than spelling and arithmetic 

Cheers

Kelley

PS

I didn't seal it 

because I have a feeling I will find some new things to draw 

as Spring approaches...
and I agree with Dana
that there is something interesting and simplistic
about just erasing it
and doodling a new idea

Chalkboard Art Project

Last year at some point, I remember seeing so many wonderful images of art and typography used on blackboards.  

Some were themed for the holidays, others were inspirational quotes or messages

 about family and friends.

all of them have that wonderful quality 

of being made by hand 

and

 perfectly imperfect 

as only chalk can be

via

Even Oprah

 and Time

hopped on board with a magazine covers

The incredibly talented person behind some of these images is Dana Tanamachi

seen here with Oprah

Dana initially worked for a Graphic Design firm, 

but found her calling in the interesting world of chalkboard art and Typography

while doodling on a blackboard with friends...

and the rest...as they say...it just plain amazing

 

She has worked for quite a few firms in the Silicon Valley...
a made a mark on the Fashion world with store and
window display chalkboards

She has created labels,  

home decor products, corporate office slogans 

and event signage

All of which feature her hand created typography

that is beautiful, thought provoking and original

and to some degree

temporary...which she finds part of the creative aspect of using chalk

here is a clip of Dana:
sharing the process of creating and designing for her clients

and her website 

here

event and magazine graphics

 magnets for West Elm

Ralph Lauren windows

private interiors

what I love about her work is how freely 

she designs and completes a project without grids and templates 

She is really inspirational!

I purchased a vintage slate chalkboard

and would like to have a little art like Dana's in my kitchen

 I doubt it will be all that impressive  

but it's a fun idea 

and there is always and eraser near by!

Hope you enjoyed seeing Dana and her work....

Cheers

~Kelley~

Doug Strickland: Artist

I'm not actually sure how I stumbled onto this amazing artist

but his work is simply wonderful.  I have a framed print of the work above and it is stunning...even as a print!

 His name is Doug Strickland 

and he lives in North Carolina.  

He is a portrait, landscape and still life painter 

who is deeply in touch with rural America

 He paints primarily the every day comings and goings 

of small communities...which are probably not far from where he lives.

 There is a really magical touch to his work 

and he draws you into the location 

 When I look at these, I get a true sense of the moment in time 

that the painting is capturing.

You can almost hear those little chickens clucking....

 The simplicity of the subject matter is what I really love 

 He does commissions of family members and pets as well!

 You can view his web site and more of his work here

Hope you have enjoyed a little sample of Doug's work.

Have a wonderful and simple weekend!

&

Thanks for stopping in....

kelley

Old French Gardening Magazines

I picked up a bunch of these funny old French Gardening Magazines the other day...

They are colorful newsprint, with articles,
pictures, crossword puzzles and classified ads.

Love the name:  Rustica

I like them because of the bright vintage front and rear covers
and of course that fact that the language is French...
 Hey these might be fun to frame!

The ones with the flowers and vegetables are especially pretty...
the bright colors would be great in a child's room or a mud room,
or how about a garden shed?

Peter Rabbit or the Easter Bunny....

your guess is as good as mine

I know very little French actually,
 but it was fun to see if I could somewhat read and comprehend a few of the articles

 A crossword puzzle in French?  

Nope....I can't even do them in English

These might be wonderful to wrap a little gift in... 

Scrap-booking maybe?

What would you use these for?
I have a few more ideas

How about you....?

Have a wonderful weekend

~kelley~