Owner: French Toast Girl URL:http://www.frenchtoastgirl.com/weblog/blogger.shtml Join Date: Mon, 05 Mar 2007 07:31:05 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: Art, inspiration, and why life is like french toast. Featuring original artwork by illustrator Elena Nazzaro. Site statistics:Click here
every day in may: twenty-nine 2007-05-29 20:39:00
When my incredibly talented friend Allyson posted this photo for her Every Day In May project, I told her I had to paint it. So Ally, this one's for you!
Read more:every
, twenty
Hello, Beatle People 2007-06-06 07:38:00 While I'm going through and trying to tag each post for ease of finding artwork so that you can search for things like "Illustration Friday" or "fairies" and making myself a form (not to mention hanging out in the hammock in my pjs), make sure you check out these goodies:
♥ It was 40 years ago today: Macca Radio is playing "Breakfast with the Beatles" showcasing Sgt. Pepper with commentary from George Martin and Paul McCartney. I loved George's book, "All You Need Is Ears" which breaks down everything you hear on the album, from the calliope music and the alarm clock to the air conditioning system in the studio. I even learned that "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields" were originally supposed to be on Sgt. Pepper but they needed to rush out a single...
♥ Memory Almost Full: Unless you have been living under a rock :) you know that Paul McCartney has a new album out, which you can listen to here! Annnnnnd, iTunes FINALLYhas Paul McCartney's entire back catalogue! (u Read more:Hello
Thursdays in Black (yes, on a Wednesday) 2006-11-29 07:27:00 This summer I worked on some awesome posters for a good cause... so here are the final versions of them, both flat and being held by the lovely Jennifer from NZUSA, all the way from New Zealand!
See the paintings in progress here and here.
Read more:Thursdays
, Black
, Wednesday
Tigerlily 2006-11-03 19:15:00
This is another painting using only wine. (interestingly enough, my last painting with wine was also in November. Hmmmmm.... )
I tend to doodle in front of the tv. Actually, it had been a really long time since I painted or even drew anything, since I'm still getting over being perpetually exhausted, and I know that if I try to jump in on a project I'm supposed to be working on, I will ruin it. I need to warm up first. So I had a glass of wine (not in any way a regular occurence for me), some good Thursday tv, and children in bed. I started doodling.
Left to my own devices, I will almost always doodle people. I like people. I like faces, and I like to draw hair. Half the time my doodles turn fantastic, which is not at all strange if you know me. Girls sprout wings or antennae or are tinier than a teacup. So in this case, the doodle started with the eyes, and I wanted really dramatic, vampy eyes. So I did huge eyelashes. When it started to come together for me was when I realized
Swatches! 2006-10-03 20:10:00 As promised from this and this post, a swatch page to try out watercolour techniques. Winsor-Newton (my paint), Crayola (my kids' paint), windex, salt, crayons, and plastic bags all make an appearance. These were on watercolour paper, and I actually like the way they come out on plain old copier paper just as well.
Enjoy, go experiment, and let me know how it all works out!
(Click image to enlarge)
More paint, please! 2006-08-24 21:28:00 More work on the posters ... you can see how they go together both facing and back to back. Please excuse the paintbrush holding the corner down and my fuzzy camera skills.
Not beating myself up anymore, part one. 2006-03-16 15:39:00 A post from Penelope (3/10) recently echoed something I've been thinking lately - it's time to be nice to myself
and stop being so super-critical. Among other things this past weekend, I needed a new photo for my work's new website. I'm not photogenic, and I've written before about how disappointed I've been when I get pictures back from an event I thought I looked pretty nice at only to see how goofy I look in the pictures. So. To start out with a proper attitude of self-forgiveness, I gave myself permission to take lots of pictures, and to retouch the photos if I wanted to. HA! Let the airbrushing begin!
When I finally had all the new photos up on the screen, I could barely look at them - it felt so odd to me to be staring at myself. When I get ready to go out somewhere, I usually only have 5 minutes, I put on a little makeup, and it usually ends with me sighing at my reflection and saying, "It'll have to do" and running out to the car because we're late. So scrutinizing my Read more:beating
2006 Bloggies 2006-01-06 10:08:00 It's time for the 2006 Bloggies
! If you feel so inclined, I'd love it if you wanted to nominate this one. (hee!) So far I think my best bet is "Best Undiscovered Blog" and "Best Tagline" but hey, who knows? :) And don't forget to vote for your other favorites as well!
ps ~ Thanks for all the butt-kicking, please keep it coming! I hope to have a fresh illustration up this weekend. In the meantime, I finally compiled all my Illustration Friday paintings into one gallery... check 'em out!
Cheer me up, buttercup... 2005-10-04 07:41:00 Someone out there didn't want me to be creative last night.
After a harrowing day (which comes after a harrowing week), I try to take advantage of the kids all being in bed to do some art. I'm going to save time because I have a great pic already done for this week's Illustration Friday; all I have to do is scan it. Except all my watercolour sketchbooks are on the shelf, except this one. I look again. Can't find it, anywhere.
In my house-wide search (so much for time-saving!) I take a second to check my email and get a note about my art that really, really bothered me. (not a critique; I may write more about it later.) While I'm upset from reading this, I hear Sophie getting louder and louder and louder. So I abandon my search, go put on the mantle of mom (did I ever take it off?) and go see what's up.
Sophie has somehow leaked a full sippy cup of water into her crib. Which means a full change of sheets and pajamas in the dark, because the lightbulb burned out on her dresser Read more:Cheer
So busy, I can't sit still.
Well, here's another F... 2005-07-22 11:29:00 So busy, I can't sit still.
Well, here's another Friday without an illustration to my name. In addition to the usual work/family stuff, I'm now working on having a poster and journal for sale on the site, I'm redsigning a large website, and am in the process of designing 4 CDs. Not to mention doing the Artist's Way and all that involves. So new illos are out until I can finish up all this other stuff.
I do have to say that God/the Universe is sending LOADS of opportunities my way, one of which is so exciting I can't talk about it, and I have been welcoming them all with open arms. Bring on the blessings!
Click here for image: ENVY
I've moved the image of... 2005-05-31 14:39:00 Click here for image: ENVY
I've moved the image off the main page because as it was a personal sketchbook image from earlier days, it was making me uncomfortable to look at it every time I came to the site. You can still look at it, but I don't need to right now.
Illustration Friday: Envy
I work out a lot of anger and frustration in my sketchbooks (you who think I'm mild-mannered knew it had to go somewhere!) A few years ago, I did a number of paintings about not being able to get pregnant and how jealous I was to see expectant mothers everywhere I went. You know about synchronicity - when the universe sends you messages - I felt like all I saw were babies and happy families and big bellies. And all I felt was hollow inside.
Well, a couple of years and three babies later (three babies in two years - not a recommended for the faint of heart), I'm realizing that any kind of jealousy can eat you away inside, and leave a hole that needs filling. In my case, love, my faith, and lots Read more:Click
Projects. Process. Progress.
So as a number of peo... 2005-02-21 08:50:00 Projects. Process
. Progress.
So as a number of people wanted to know, "just how in the world does she do this?" I figured I'd periodically do a brain dump and explain to the best of my ability, how it is I do what I do.
Currently, I have these projects on board:
Illustrating Spirit House (completed last week)
Illustrating Spirits Unwrapped, cool fiction collection
Making three puppets for the kids (Sophie is 2/26; Petey and Angela are 3/3 and their big birthday shindig is this weekend)
Making snowglobe party favors for said party
Overhaul and redesign of Paul's site in time for spring recitals
New prints/items in my store
Possible site redesign for me to focus more on illustration
Knit kitty cat hat for nephew Jude (done)
Wedding present for Snowflake (and HA! I'm not going to describe it, S., you and Lucky will have to wait till you see it, hee hee hee)
All of these items need to be completed before MAY.
The way that I'm doing it is mainly by doing two things:
1. I keep list Read more:Projects
Illustration Friday: Balance
(keep going, ther... 2005-01-13 19:08:00 IllustrationFriday
: Balance
(keep going, there are two this week)
My life is all about balance. I don't like to call it that; I would rather call it everything working in harmony because balance sounds to me like too much of a juggling act. Which, believe me, it is anyway. I seem to have learned how to have quality time for my family, working, cooking healthy meals for the week, and creative time (without which I would, definitely and beyond a shadow of a doubt, curl up and die). I learned the hard way, but it's ingrained now.
The Lord of Green
Well, I did my original painting, and then I read this marvelous blog entry from A Cup Of Rich... he notes that a calendar he has equates green with balance. "I could use a lot of that peace, balance, harmony, and restoration right now. And if green is all those things, then Jesus is the Lord of Green." God, I love that! The entry says it 9 gazillion times better than I do... please check it out (it's been inspiring me all week!)
......
Illustration Friday: Home
Paul and I went to ... 2004-12-23 07:45:00 IllustrationFriday
: Home
Paul and I went to Italy about 7 years ago, and it was just like coming home.* I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that at some point in my life I will live in Florence for a time. I've just finished reading Under The Tuscan Sun, (thanks, Jill!) which only makes me more determined and sure that I belong there. There's a saying about the Duomo (that's it above, painted on location) that it makes your heart lighter and that you never want to be out of the sight of it. Darned if it isn't the truth.
*We're both Italian, and I'm 100% Sicilian. Don't mess with me. ;)
Illustration Friday: Adoption
dear me of Marc... 2004-12-16 13:47:00 IllustrationFriday
: Adoption
dear me of March this year:
It takes a really long time for an acorn to become an oak tree. Right now, all you can see is that acorn you're holding in your hand, and I remember what a scarred, beat up, run over by a steam roller and smashed open like roadkill acorn it is, too.
But out of that mess, I promise you, will come a little tree. Not all at once, but first as a tender shoot pushing its way up tentatively into the sky, and then putting down some brave roots, and then growing stronger and taller and branching out into a leaf or two. It's 9 months later, and I can promise you to just be patient and just hang in there, because it will actually get better. Just trust in healing and nature and time and let those things work their magic.
And I'm sure that 9 months from now, I'll be writing myself another letter, talking about how much better it's gotten once the babies are walking and talking and don't need specially prepared everything and t
Illustration Friday: Security
One thing I reall... 2004-12-09 14:43:00 IllustrationFriday
: Security
One thing I really want for my children is to feel so secure in their parents' love for them that they feel the freedom to try their wings. I see it in the way Sophie unselfconsciously experiments with music and art, how Angela tries out all the sounds her little mouth can make, how Peter has just begun to crawl and there is nothing that will hold him back now. Imagine what they'll try when they're 18...
Toast aplenty, everywhere!
* Holiday cards are still available online, and now are also appearing at the lovely shop Heidi's Cottage in Dunellen, NJ.
* I'm in Penelope's Advent Calendar- but I have no idea what day I'll be featured, so check back often!
* And feeling the love at Michelle's...
Illustration Friday: Cling
This has been Sophie, ... 2004-11-25 19:40:00 Illustration Friday
: Cling
This has been Sophie
, all week. It's really amazing how sensitive kids are - not only has she had a little cold herself, but she could tell that I was acting differently all last week, since I was sick. And she knew something was wrong. Now she tugs on my leg, yells, "UP!" and hangs on like a koala bear in a torrential windstorm. If I dare suggest that she gets down so that I could do something mundane but necessary, like, say, take dinner out of the oven, she collapses into a sobbing heap. Only many hugs and reassurances that Mama is there for her can make it okay again. One thing I'm thankful for this year is my family, and the unquestioning, unconditional love we all share for each other. And the fact that I have the power to make a little girl's life happy by just loving her.
* * * * *
Thanks for all the suggestions and questions in Tuesday's post - I'm doing my best to answer every single one of them. And will I ever have a great list to take to t Read more:Illustration
Holiday Cards aplenty.
I've been sick all week, s... 2004-11-18 19:18:00 Holiday Cards
aplenty.
I've been sick all week, so I didn't have a chance to do an illustration for Illustration Friday, at least not an illustration I would feel was worthy of sharing. What I do have is lots of gorgeous cards for the holidays, and your chance to help me out with #29 on my list.
Last year I wrote a play-by-play of how I was getting the cards ready for the printer, holding myself accountable in my blog. The comments are gone now but I received so much good feedback and encouragement that really helped make the project happen. If you want to read about the whole process, you can see it here (scroll down and start with October 13, and then read up.)
And you can read the stories behind the illustrations here:
Read more:Holiday
Illustration Friday: Vintage
Inspired by justco... 2004-11-11 19:36:00 IllustrationFriday
: VintageInspired
by justcoffeeart.com, this illustration was done in pencil and wine. Yes, that's right, washes of wine. I had a little to drink and a little to paint with and on the whole I like the way it worked out. Why don't people do this more often? Because (a) wine is better to drink with than to paint and (b) it smells like feet while it's drying. I kid you not.
"Vintage" reminds me of good years in the past, and it's memories that have been playing a big part of my week. I found out (within a half hour!) that two different people I knew had heart attacks unexpectedly and passed away. One was Dodie, a woman I used to sing with in my old church choir. She was on vacation this week when it struck. The other was Ed, a sweet co-worker of my mom's who used to scout around the conference rooms for untouched food and send me all sorts of snacks via my mom - large coffee cups filled with M&Ms, bags of potato chips, you name it. I was pregnant with the twins
Illustration Friday: Search
And it's so appropr... 2004-11-04 20:10:00 IllustrationFriday
: Search
And it's so appropriate, because Friday night Paul and I are going OUT ON A DATE. That's right - a real date, for the first time in over 8 months! We're actually leaving the house and going out to our favorite restaurant for dinner, without children. And I have no clue what to wear! I'm just now taking out winter clothes I haven't been able to wear for the past two years (since for the past two years, I've been preggers this time of the year). I'm gleeful, twirling around in sweaters and slacks I haven't seen myself in, in ages. Will I glam it up or wear something fluffy and lush and warm? Who cares - I won't have to cook and I'll be swoony over Paul.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The dinner was super-nice - I had something with shrimp and asparagus and sundried tomatoes and mushrooms..... and our dessert was this great chocolate cake that I can't even describe but I was looking forward to it all day. And I was glam (silvery long scarf in my ha
Illustration Friday: Snazzy!
I'm just curious, ... 2004-10-28 22:04:00 IllustrationFriday
: Snazzy!
I'm just curious, how much time do people spend on these? And what size do you print/scan? (As in, able to print, or just for web?) I take about 4-5 hours (over several nights, while the kids are asleep) and my process includes character/idea thumbnails, final pencil drawing (that's usually one night), painting (that's usually another), and then scanning and Photoshop stuff, and posting (the third night). And I usually scan at 300 dpi and save down from there, so that I can print them if I ever want to use these for something in print.
Fairies aplenty 2007-06-13 08:40:00 I realized I never posted final versions of that EDiM fairy reading a book - she was meant for a banner for the awesome Notes On Design blog. Here she is atop the newsletter:
And here's a closeup of the finished piece, which, by the way, you can get a print of! (Currently, I'll only be doing prints in the US, but I'm looking into overseas as well, so fear not.)
Read more:Fairies
In search of... 2007-06-15 07:32:00 We are cleaning house with a vengeance - books, CDs, clothes, and other stuff is getting set up to be either garage sale or eBay-bound. It's cathartic; cleaning house is good for organizing your mind as well. In the midst of getting ready for the garage sale (where Paul will not be parting with any of his beloved Macs), I find myself thinking of things I can actually use.
Does anyone know where I can find....
A skort that looks like this. Sophie has a bunch from Target, handed down from a friend (as far as I know, Target's not making them anymore). They are made out of sweatshirt material, in bright colors, and look like a full skirt with a pair of shorts underneath in the same color. The link above is the closest thing I could find to what one in my size would look like, 'cept that's a skirt (no shorts). I love the wide waistband and would love it even more if it were closer to knee-length. This is my problem: I fall in love with clothes that were designed for a 4-year-old. Foo
Gerb-o-matic 2007-06-14 07:20:00 We're officially on vacation this week, which means lots of fun day trips with the kiddos. Tuesday they saw an exhibit of Steve Gerberich's work that mixed machines and art, with buttons at kid height to push to get them going. The sculptures were full of toys and everyday objects that the kids could recognize; they loved pointing things out and seeing them move. Angela and Sophie's favorite was a machine that played music and contained the inner workings of a cuckoo clock. I really dug a sculpture where everything in it was blue - rubber ducks, hair curlers, flip flops, and the centerpiece - a child's chair in the shape of Cookie Monster. You can see a clip of an interview with him here. The sculptures look scarier than they really are - more zany than anything else. The kids also really dug that they could spot a doll of James Brown - yes, what discerning kiddos I have!
Note: as cool as this exhibit was, I was rather annoyed that the museum's website did not mention that due to
Go pick your prints! 2007-06-20 07:14:00
The order form's up and ready for action! If you've already emailed me, I'll be writing back to you tonight about your order.
Most requested so far:
♥ The reading fairy (detail here, and many more fairies to be found here, btw)
♥ Edgar Allan Poe/lar Bear
♥ Balance (which I have hanging on my fridge!)
While I am still trying to go through and tag all my posts, in the meantime, if there's something you remember, go to Google and type in "french toast girl" and whatever you remember. That's what I do!
Other quick note: I've gone through my Yahoo Groups list and deleted any members whose messages have bounced or email address is out of date. If you think you might have gotten lost in the shuffle, please check (or sign up!) here to make sure you're included in news and announcements.
Read more:prints
The Strong-Willed Child 2007-06-18 05:36:00 I have been trying to put into practice two tenets of "The Strong
-Willed Child" (which mostly applies to Miss Angela). One is that I pray for the strength to be able to SHAPE her will, and not BREAK it. God gave her this amazing spirit, and entrusted me to be her mama. I want her to be the unique person she is meant to be, but not at the expense of everyone's else's sanity. I'm in charge, not a three-year-old, and she knows it, but she's the one when everyone else is playing nicely, will look around and decide things aren't quite exciting for her and need a little stirring up. (I have seen her say, sweetly, "Oh, Peter?" and when he turned to look at her, smiled while she punched him in the face.) Not that Angela is a bully, far from it. Most of the time she's quite sweet and kind-hearted. But when there's trouble, she usually is the one stirring it up, and then is difficult to stop.
While the book recommends spanking the child with a paddle, and then putting it up on display s
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