I got to go to my beloved Chelan again this year.

We camped & enjoyed some great fun with our friends the Talls.

It was a bit cool in the evenings, but I didn’t mind too much. As you see, I parked out on the dock, accompanied by the seagulls and “the Hunger Games” and soaked up some much needed peace & quiet!

I’ve been out of the loop with surface design of late! Working on…drumroll…..Zumba Fitness site for my Zumba business! After working morning to morning for the past 5 years in pattern design, I found it so hard to tear myself away to take care of my fitness and health.

Nearly a year ago, I walked into my first Zumba Fitness class and quickly became an instructor. With a dance background and experience teaching dance as well, it has become an obsession. One that merges creativity on all levels! Dance, fitness, choreography, marketing, designing collateral and merchandise, while creating an amazing atmosphere for people to enjoy and benefit from.

Check out my site and if you happen to be in the neighborhood, drop by for an amazing class!

This was posted on Print & Pattern today. I’ve been watching the rioting in London, the famine in Somalia and of course our own mess here in the US with great concern. It was a breath of fresh air to come across this illustration that hits a perfect note. Bravo to Emmeline Pidgen for her work!

Very cool gifts to me from friends on my birthday. Thank you!!!!

Top: Sedums and succulents from my super cool and creative friend Becky. The Queen of upcycled vintage/industrial that reads Anthropologie. I don’t have the heart to break the cool tool box container of succulent starts apart! I will keep it just as it is!

I had started some pots around the yard with a few starts in them already, but got to B’s house and well, she knows “what’s up” would love to feature her yard & home. Just gorgeous!

Bottom:

My sweetie bought me a feedbag! Well that just sounded too funny slash horrific to his friends, but one of his co-workers, knows what they are!

You can check out additional bags here: http://www.feedprojects.com/the-bags

He is in a little trouble because it was the spendier bag, but then he justified it with “half the proceeds go to the care of Kenya”

Well ok then! I am thrilled with my incredible bag. I am so tough on my bags though. I think I will reserve it for special sketchbook outings! I really love it!

Two super special gifts! Thank you so much!

Motivating myself to start creating for Printsource 2011. I’ll be tearing myself away from MyLemonpie to do so. I’m a little obsessed so far!

Here’s a great article on Marketing I went through this morning from HandMade Spark. They have lot’s of inspiring and insightful blog posts for any of us out there starting out with online shops:

http://www.diymarketers.com/2011/05/27/11-easy-ways-to-jump-start-your-diy-marketing-strategy/

Meanwhile, I’m thinking of taking this design and making a fabric on Spoonflower. I think it would make a great tote!