Recently my accountant, Sharon Perry, Chartered Accountant asked if she could choose a couple of my greeting card designs to create her own greeting cards for her business.  Of course I said "Yes".  Because the printing company I use (Minuteman Tri-City) has all my images and they also know exactly how I like my work to be printed I suggested she have her cards printed there. Sharon took my advice and all the cards look fabulous!  Below are a couple of the designs chosen by Sharon with her Sharon Perry Chartered Accountant branding on the inside along with words she chose and my branding is on the back per usual.  It's a great way to show client appreciation and wish them a happy birthday with the bonus of having that personal touch most people seek.  

If you are interested in using my art for your client greetings, just send me an email and we will work out the details.  If you need a fabulous accountant who will make tax season somewhat painless, call Sharon. 

Just when I thought things couldn't get much cooler Society6 went and put my art on duvet covers!  Holy hotcakes do they ever look fantastic!!  I wish they came in a twin size but alas they are only fit for kings and queens! To view them all click HERE.

The constant need to create was not always alive inside of me.  Sometimes when I am spending time with those who have known me for a long time the question of how and when and who would have thought comes into play. I don't even know the answers to those questions and often ask myself the same questions. There are those in my inner circle who think my life now only makes sense given my love of stationary products growing up.  Of course, you are making your own now, it's a full circle moment.

At times it is baffling to look back and see the transformation. I look back and see myself sitting across the table from my former neighbour and remember her showing me how to make cards like she did.  I remember her saying "it's really however you want to do things."  I also remember that first push to sell from my dear friend Glamma and his words "you should totally sell these" after I gave him a sketch book designed by me using various papers I had torn into pieces. I also remember reaching out to Linda Woods and being thrilled she answered back and then learning how we had many things in common. A friendship was build and she taught me a lot about art. She taught me to think outside the box and challenged me in more ways that she likely knows to find my style and to create using my own voice. I learned the hard way that your own voice is harder to find when you think it needs to look a certain way. Mistakes were made but out of those mistakes was a lesson on passion and by following that passion the voice you were searching for reveals itself.  Sometimes it takes someone pushing you off the diving board so you are forced to sink or swim. There was no question in my mind I was going to swim I just wanted to make sure I swam well.

As I look back I can see how my art has changed right along with me. I can see growth and with each day I become more daring. The one thing that has remained constant is knowing I am on the right path. To see my designs staring back at me on the walls of a trade show in the UK is surreal to me in ways I can't explain.  The amount of gratitude I feel to my agents for understanding my art and taking a chance on this Canadian girl is huge. I always hope my work is well received ~ it is never something that is taken for granted. To learn the Artizan** card line is off to places like Edinburgh and Dubai is just magical.  One day I dream of getting off a plane in the UK and being able to walk into a shop and purchase one of my own cards. What a thrill that will be for me.  The gift of art is a healing one and it is one that keeps giving to those who receive it. 

I encourage all artists to appreciate the works of other artists but to always strive to find their own voice in the techniques and styles they learn from.  When you finally find your voice the possibilities can be endless. 



**the Artizan line has been created using my licensed art designs. The line is published and distributed through ©RUSH Design throughout the world (excluding North America)

Today, being Sunday, July 13th is the start of the Harrogate Home and Gift Show in the UK.  My licensed work is on display and waiting for shop owners to scoop them up!  I am so grateful for the opportunity to have my work being seen in a land I have never set foot on.  I hope they are well received. I also hope that one day I can get over to the UK and walk into a shop and purchase one of my own designs.  Here are a few pictures of the lead up and final display.