A LINDEN FAR AWAY & CLOSE UP

Though we've lived in our current house for over five years, this is the first summer I noticed the beautiful seeds on our linden tree (I'm embarrassed to admit).

I've always noticed lindens from FAR AWAY...for their beautiful pyramidal shape, but really never looked at it close up.  The seeds are simple little spheres attached to small stems, but the stems are attached to the middle of a narrow, light green leaf.  It's a beautiful contrast against the dark, heart shaped linden leaves. I'm assuming the seeds are attached to this additional leaf to help them glide farther from the tree. A functional element, made so beautifully.

For those that would like to take a stab at learning plants through drawing, I've created hedge note sheets for everyone that signs up for my newsletter. You can print these templates, then fill in each one as you take note of favorite plants. It's my way of getting you to love plants more.

This post is part of Susannah Conway's August Break.  Everyday she inspires us with one word.  

Today's word is FAR AWAY.

Oak & Gourd

The beautiful weather and bright leaves made me want to draw some autumn images...so you'll see some pop up over the next few days.

Dining with Dachshunds

One last pattern inspired by our furry little dachshund.

Birds & Lemons

I seem to pair up birds with everything...why not lemons too?  You can find this postcard here.

Pumpkin and Leaves

This month flew by...and here is my final black and white illustration. Next month I'm back to color while collecting herbs.

Mangoes and Leaves

You know, I think I've only had mangoes one or twice in my life.

Flowers and Pomegranates

I just tried chocolate-covered pomegranate seeds...oh my!

Pie and Apples

Fruit pies are nice, but add a cream cheese base and wa-la!

Pickles and Leaves

You can't go wrong with a jar of pickles...though our jars empty fast.

Bird and Pears

There is something really lovely about a sliced pear.

{Take a peak at my fabric design here}

Ketchup and Mustard

One of the most popular couples around.

{Take a peak at my fabric design here}

Pear + Tree

Here we are at the end of January and the end of pairing pears. To end it all I must combine pears with a tree. Of course, if I'm to have a pear tree, then I must have a partridge.

Thanks to everyone for their input. Next month I'll be focusing on black & white...check in tomorrow to find out more.

Record all thoughts. Creativity comes from good and bad experiences. Journal during both. A friend recently gave me this hint and you know what, it's a great idea. It might be your next inspirational book.

{print available}

Pear + Owl

I was in a woodland theme today. Owls are everywhere...a fun resurgence from the 1970s.

Not all ideas are good. Don't worry if you don't come up with a good idea right away. Creativity is a process. Even the most creative people in the world have a lot of bad ideas...it's their one fabulous idea that makes them stand out. Make lists and lists and lists....and somewhere in that big pile of words will be the next great thing.

{print available}

Pear + Quilts

I got the double whammy request to whip up a pear quilt from Sandy and Leila from Sewn. I almost want to design a pear fabric pattern now too.

Jot down your ideas. I always carry a small sketchbook with me. New ideas come at odd times...and I can guarantee that even though you try to remember that spark, 9 out of 10 times it slips away hours later. Catch them as soon as possible.

{print available}

Lemon Drop

When I asked my Facebook followers what cocktail I should draw today, Danielle from Delights from Danielle chimed in with "lemon drop". Well, here you go!

If you want to chime in sometime you can join my fan page here. {print available}

Lemons and Limes

Here we are on Wednesday with lemons and limes tucked in a bowl.

In order to sift through all my illustrations, I finallly added a search function over there to the right. Go ahead, type in your favorite food and see if it pops up. {print available}

Apples and Leaves

I seem to have an apple trend this week. My favorite season is sprinkled with a beautiful fruit.

{print available}