Pages

▼

Monday, January 31, 2011

inspiration monday


when i go to the bookstore, i make a beeline for the children's section......i always find the most wonderful little books there......


with the most fabulous illustrations.....and this little board book is no exception! how could i possibly resist this sweet little makes-me-happy-pastel-doodle-elephant?!



so when i got home, i decided to try that same "elephant technique" in my journal.  i took a piece of paper and randomly stamped some images using some hand-carved stamps.  then i put some splotches of pastel here and there......and cut out three free-form heart shapes.  next i added some doodles to the hearts.......



and glued them onto a journal page that had been previously watercolored.  add some flower petals, some stems and a few leaves.......and voila, those seeds of inspiration have grown their very own garden!

materials used:  watercolor, uniball signo white gel pen, charcoal white pencil, watersoluble pencil 8B, hand-carved stamps, chalk pastel
click on image for larger view


at

28 comments:

  1. ShaliniJanuary 31, 2011 at 8:49 AM

    this is beautiful... this is simple yet very very striking... love it..

    ReplyDelete
  2. HeatherJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    i like how you interpreted it your own way, and the hearts are adorable! xo

    ReplyDelete
  3. EdenJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Lori, this is so creative!! I love it and to think those cute little heartsy-flowers came from an elephant idea :D Just perfect :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. DodaJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:13 AM

    that is gorgeous! I love how you have been inspired. Now I feel inspired too! Thanks x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cynthia SchelzigJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:20 AM

    Cute book and love what you created too!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Silke PowersJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Beautiful!! I just love those colors!!! Hugs, Silke

    ReplyDelete
  7. Cristi Baxter ClothierJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    Wow! That book looks beautiful! I love your creation.

    ReplyDelete
  8. SaraJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:36 AM

    Inspiration truly is everywhere! and I love that you head straight to the kids section. The books are truly far more whimsical there, aren't they?!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Martha LeverJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Now that is just too cute for words!!!!! But I will say just a few..adorable, precious, happy, darling, brilliant as always..oh, i could go on.. ok, one more...fabulous !!

    ReplyDelete
  10. MaryJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    what a wonderful idea, so glad you played!!

    i adore children's books. just purchased two. one was on Sara's blog, "sarasarthouse". i liked it so much i bought another with the same illustrator.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Marie aka GramsJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    You continue to amaze me with your unlimited supply of creativity.
    wahoo!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. DoloresJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:40 PM

    What a wonderful little garden. I feel we are kindred spirits (as Anne of Green Gables has said) for I too love children's books. I have many that I have purchased that are just for me because I love the illustrations.

    ReplyDelete
  13. LuckyDogJanuary 31, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    What a great idea! I never would've thought of children's books. And you were able to capture the same "look" so perfectly! What a beautiful page!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. wvJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    before i was not inspired
    but now i know i am!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Alexandra MacVeanJanuary 31, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    That's it. I'm packing my bags and moving to wherever you are!!! :D hee hee I love your magical pastel creation. (and children's books, too!) :)

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kelly WarrenJanuary 31, 2011 at 3:58 PM

    very cute! i adore children's books. my girls will go through theirs and say "we don't read this one anymore" but i can never bear to part with them! the illustrations are so wonderful. i also have quite the collection of vintage/antique children's books that i continue to pick up here and there.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Patty SJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    i love your flowers!!!!
    and i am the same way with children's books - i always look for what medium(s) was used to create the illustrations.
    happy creating lori!!!
    xo, patty :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Becky ShanderJanuary 31, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    A garden of hearts...I love this idea. Seeing these beautiful, blooming hearts make me wish for an early spring.

    ReplyDelete
  19. DawnFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    beautiful as ever lori! I just discovered this series of books all about "SkippyJon Jones" (i think!). I was babysitting and read about 5 of them to this little boy.

    #1: AWESOME stories. They are all about this cat's imagination AND are hysterical.

    #2: The illustrations!! I just flipped the pages and stared in wonderment. You should check them out if you haven't already seen them

    ReplyDelete
  20. Patricia WilliamsFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:59 AM

    Once again, Lori! Our lives seem to often mirror each other but this is crazy!

    Case in point:
    This weekend, I went to Pottery Barn (which I haven't been to in about a year). And right next to PB? Barnes & Noble--where I promptly went into the children's section and walked around, mesmerized and inspired by the colorful books on display! And... came home and played with my watercolors after so inspired!

    ReplyDelete
  21. KFebruary 1, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    I love the idea!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Kim HambricFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    Your inspiration garden is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  23. rachel awesFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    oh my heavens,
    what DEAR inspiration.
    you are a treasure finder,
    to be sure, & maker, indeed.
    xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  24. BeedeebabeeFebruary 1, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    Gosh, that's so darn pretty, Lori!!! You know...YOU should be illustrating children's books!...I love them too, and one son is always bringing me home new ones! :D Have a happy day up in Elvie Studio! xoxo Paulette ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. LeeAnn@Encouragement Is ContagiousFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:33 PM

    Your garden is so beautiful Lori! Love those colors in the background. Love the little arms/leafs that compliment your heart flowers. Made my heart smile.

    ♥Lee Ann

    ReplyDelete
  26. UnknownFebruary 1, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    Lori,
    I am blown away by your creativity! I always love my visits to your blog!! You amaze me.

    ReplyDelete
  27. UnknownFebruary 3, 2011 at 4:21 AM

    This is just amazing and would make a gorgeous little stamp.

    I love the contrast between the darker background and stunning little heart flowers - so beautiful

    ReplyDelete
  28. DymphieFebruary 8, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    you did your inspiration right, love the decorated hearty flowers, such a wonderful idea.

    ReplyDelete