Pinterest Pics

Today's "Pinterest Pics" are inspired by the rain, or sun, but mostly just umbrellas, colorful, patterned, and so cute.

Heart Umbrella, Red Umbrella Mobile, Pink Striped Umbrella, Red Umbrella Illustration, Umbrellas on the Beach, Umbrellas in the City

A Picture A Day

Good morning Sweets and Happy Monday!

I'm sorry for the delay in posting. But this is how my morning started:

www.myrustichouse.com

In work at 6am. Prepping and assembling at bid to go out by 8 am. Then I had a marketing meeting and status update at 9am so I sped from the bid to meeting prep then into the actual meeting. And I'm just finding time to breath!

So at any rate, to get my mind off of my whirlwind morning and onto fun art for each of you to see, I have an exciting reveal for you today! (These are probably some of my favorite posts when I get to share the final product and another successful project!)

Do you remember this sketch for a blog header? Well I can finally tell you who it was for and show you it live! The wonderful Maryanne contacted me for a custom illustration. She was looking for a fashion illustration, that looked like her, with the skyline of Melbourne in the background. This was going to become the header for her blog Domestic Divinity. This was such a fun project and it was so nice to meet, get to know, and create an illustration and design for Maryanne.

Below is the new header and you can take a look at Maryanne's wonderful blog, Domestic Divinity, and see it live.

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A special Thank you to Maryanne for this fabulous project. I hope you, and all of your readers, love it!

Have a wonderful Monday Sweets, and here's hoping for a calmer one then how it started with lots of smiles and a little relaxation!

xo

A Picture A Day Feeling Like Cotton Candy

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo

Fashion Friday

Good Morning Sweets! It has been one crazy week that's for sure, but it's finally Friday and my mind is definitely onto the weekend, relaxation, and having fun. And so with all of that in mind it's time for Fashion Inspiration!

Today's post is inspired by the Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 ad campaign. Have you seen them in Vogue, and other fashion focused Magazines lately? They are pastels and remind me of French Pastries and lots of other delicious candy treats. Here are some pics in case you haven't seen them yet.

 

Both found in Vogue Magazine

So today, for "Fashion Friday," I'm feeling like Cotton Candy! What do you think!?

Jenny Packham chemise,tan hat, mini orbit necklace, Melie Bianco clutch, Hannah skinny jeans, and Quip patten leather espadrilles.

11 Fun Facts About Me

Tag, I'm it! Special thanks to Jamie at I Look Good Today for tagging me in this latest round of getting-to-know-you blog questionnaire. This is so hard for me so I hope you enjoy. Take a quick glimpse at the rules, and then check out my answers below.

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about herself on her blog.

3. Answer the questions the "tagger" listed for you in her post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post.

5. Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged her.

Questions:   

1. What is your motto in life? 
This is a hard one. I have no idea. I want it to be you never know unless you try and don't let fear get in the way of progress ... but I fail at those sometimes.  

2. Are you a morning or night person?
Definitely a night person. I never used to be that way but since my freelance work is done after my work that pays the bills it's almost 8 or 9 by the time I start illustrating or putting Etsy orders together, so night, but more by default then actually what I want to be.

3. Favorite childhood story? 
Trips to North Carolina, the Outer Banks, every year from the time I was six until about eighteen with my entire family. Twelve of us, six adults and six kids, in one house on the beach. To many great stories to pick just one. The Outer Banks will always have a special little place in my heart :-)

4. What is the farthest road trip you have ever taken?
Florida. We drove once when I was a child to visit my grandparents. My parents with two kids under the age of five and driving straight through the night. It wasn't the best time lol and as a result we never drove to destinations more then about eight hours away again. Flying became the way to go. 

5. What collection do you have right now?
Do clothes and shoes count? If so, that's it. O and books!

6. Coke or Pepsi?
Diet wild cherry pepsi!

7. What is your favorite table or board game?
Uno, Clue, and monopoly, although I haven't really played any of them in years and the last time I played Uno I was told I'm to competitive lol!

8. Do you have any piercings/tatoos?
Earrings and a belly button ring.

9. Favorite smell?
The ocean.

10. How do you feel most loved?
Another hard one. I'm not sure. My husband always makes me feel loved, even by just looking at me. LAME, I know :-)

11. When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Hmmmm... I made doughnuts for the first time I guess around thanksgiving. I loved it. I also got the babycakes doughnut maker for Christmas and now I'm going to be the doughnut making queen! I know you want to try one :-)

My Tags:

Diana at exPress-o

Dawn at The Alternative Wife

Nuha at Habibi

Melissa at So About What I Said

Mae at Lili and Mae 
Amanne at Urban Bedou Girl
Lauren at L.A. In the Bay 
Kelli at Klicious Cupcake
Gabby at  Visually Delicious
Roxy at A Spot of Tea
Mary at Little Bit of Class Little Bit of Sass

My 11 questions are:

1. Valentines Day, like or dislike?

2. What is your all-time favorite movie?

3. Who is your favorite designer?

4. What is your ideal vacation destination?

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

6. What color will you be wearing most this spring?

7. Do you carry a clutch or huge handbag most often, and what does it look like or who is it by?

8. What are you currently reading?

9. If you were only allowed to wear one item of makeup what would it be?

10. Favorite nail polish brand and color?

11. How would you describe your personal style?

A Picture A Day

Good morning Sweets! Today I have a little sneak peak for you at a project that I literally can't tell you anything about, but really liked this drawing and hope you will to! More on the super secret project in June, but for now enjoy the tease.

xo and happy Thursday!

Copyright Michelle B. All rights reserved.

Designer Inspired

I'm so excited to introduce this new post to you today.

It was developed because I love to shop but my favorite designers are of course expensive and a bit out of my budget. I will occasionally splurge but it's usually for a special occasion, or I have been saving for one particular item, or a coveted piece goes on sale. Aside from those circumstances I do try to be reasonable and stick to my budget when shopping and will use the designers style as inspiration but look for similar pieces that I can afford.

I know I've mentioned this before, but one designer in particular that I love is Kate Spade. I love their classic and modern at the same time vibe, their color palette, and their style. I would wear it everyday if I could, but since I can't I used Kate Spade for my first Designer Inspired look.

Kate Spade Pieces: eat cake for breakfast tote $248, sequined caroline sweater $298, caroline cardigan $198, farrel wedges $250, anchors away bracelet $98, double bow hinged bangle $78 -

found on KateSpade.com
Total: $1,170

 
Get the look for less pieces: striped bow top $44,  shipwreck necklace $4.80, colorblock tote $44.95, bp classic cardigan$34, coral steve madden wedges $49.99, marc jacobs bow earrings $38
Total: $215.74

What did you think of this topic? I'd definitely like your feedback. Is this a topic you would like to see regularly like a Wednesday Designer Inspired topic? Are there designers or outfits that you would like to see as inspiration? 

A Picture A Day

Another project, another blog header, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Below is a sketch that I did for a certain blog. Again, I can't tell you who it's for, and this sketch looks nothing like the final, but I'm hoping you enjoy it.

I will give you more information later, and I'll even let you know who it's for and where you can find the final once it's live, but for now, enjoy the sneak peak :-)

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Pinterest Pics *HEART*

Did you ever put a picture on Pinterest but when it came to the caption you didn't know what to say, so all you typed was <3 (which translates to a heart)? Well I do that quite often and so I was curious, what other people "heart."

Below is a selection of my favorite images that people simply "hearted."

lovely books, Laduree, umbrellas, sun kissed, winter love, wedding, green dress, brick exterior and a golden retriever

A Picture A Day

I have a new baby shower illustration to show you. A little mod, a little fun... Enjoy!

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Currently Reading: A Secret Kept

barnesandnoble.com

Back in May I read the book Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay and absolutely loved it. So while browsing the shelves at Barnes and Noble I came across another book by her, A Secret Kept, and had to read it.

The book begins with the main character Antoine Rey and his sister Melanie taking a short vacation for her 40th birthday to a place they used to go as children. While there memories from their past continually come to them including a very unsettling event from then that they did not understand or remember from childhood. Through the book they deal with finding out more about this event and the people in their past and they struggle to find answers that they were not told as children.

The book asks the question about how much the past can effect your future. It also deals with the issue of tragedy and how it can effect a family and how different each person's method of coping is.

Antoine deals with so much that I am not familiar with tragedy, divorce, children... and yet Tatiana DeRosnay writes in such a way that I was able to feel sympathy for and fully understand his character.

The book is a tangled web of relationships that continually evolve in unexpected ways. I really enjoy the way Tatiana De Rosnay writes. She is not overly upbeat or overly depressing. She writes truly and honestly about life. The good and the bad and you enjoy every minute of Antoine's journey through it.

A Picture A Day

Good morning Sweets! How was your weekend? In honor of the weekend I thought a party themed image would be a nice way to start the week. And maybe help us forget that Monday, and the workweek, are here again.

Below, for my A Picture A Day, I have an illustration I have been working on for a Sweet Sixteen card design. What do you think?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Friday

Joe's Jeans stillwater, Coral jeans and a Frenchie, Hudson Jeans in magenta with blue and purple, Mustard, Teal, Madewell in coral, and Sevens in Kelly green

Well Sweets it's another season that has colored denim as a major trend, and so I want to know, how do you feel about it? Is this a style trend that you are loving? Or are you are staying away from them? I'm torn, I love it in photos but on me I'm just not sure. Maybe by the time spring rolls around I'll be brave enough to purchase a pair. And then, If I do purchase a pair, what color will it be!? Decisions Decisions :-)

Have a wonderful Friday and an even better weekend!

xo!

A Picture A Day

It's finally Friday Sweets! How has your week been? Any fun plans for the weekend?!

I know all of my posts have been "springy" lately but I just can't help it. I hate the winter, I hate the cold, and with snow, sleet, and rain coming tomorrow all I want to think about is spring; corals and mints, pastels and brights, cigarette pants and wedges, sundresses... So with all of that in mind, one of the major trends that is showing up again this spring is colored pants and so above is my illustration inspired by that trend.

Check back later to see some of my favorite picks! And let me know what trend you are looking forward to this spring.

Have a great Friday!

xo

A Picture A Day

For today's A Picture A Day I thought it might be cool to show you my process from start to finish. My goal is always to create a final product that is even better then the vision my clients saw in their head and exceeds each and every expectation.

Below I used the examples from the blog illustration that I first showed you here. I still can't tell you who it is for, I'm waiting until it is unveiled on their site, but for now, here is a sneak peak.

I started with phase I, the sketch phase, and hand drew very quick gestural images. Each sketch probably took five to ten minutes and is literally just to get my thoughts on layout and figure out on paper. I select my favorites from the group I sketch and send them to my clients for review.

Based on the discussions I will create a more refined illustration, usually one, but sometimes, like the case below, if we are working through an idea I'll create a few.  I also like to include the color palette that I think will work best for approval before I move on to the final.I consider this Phase II.

We will discuss thoughts on the refined illustrations, talk about the palette, and then the final illustration, phase III, will be created.

The total time to create a finished piece takes about two to three weeks.

I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peak of the upcoming illustration as well as learning more about my process.

Have a happy Thursday Sweets!

xo

All images are copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved

A Picture A Day

I've continued to work on more bridal and baby shower illustrations. The first baby shower sketches I showed you were here and here. Below is a baby shower one that I'm hoping comes across as a little classic and a little contemporary and also a little fun.

What do you think about this one?

Pinterest Pics

Mix and Match Stripes, Mod Stripes, Flirty and Fun Stripes, Classic Stripes, Relaxed Stripes, Feminine Stripes, Parisian Stripes

A Picture A Day

Happy Tuesday Sweets! How is your week going so far?

Below is a little preview of what is to come later for Pinterest Pics Tuesday.

Also, Check out a great blog  Lili and Mae for a Sweet Musings Giveaway. Enjoy!

Sweet Muse

Diane Kruger,Yellow sweater and layered bangles, Beautiful pattern fabric, Grey upholstered bed and yellow comforter, Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, Yellow top, Pillows

I normally shy away from pastels, they always remind my of Easter, but this year I'm starting to rethinking my objection to them. They seem to be showing up in stores and glossy mags everywhere and the more I see them the more I like them. And maybe in this part of winter, where everything just seems so cold and blah, these colors are letting me pretend I'm someplace warmer. My favorite combination right now is pale yellow mixed with medium and light almost blueish grey. It's so pretty and springing.

What colors are you loving right now?

A Picture A Day

Happy Monday Sweets! Over this past weekend I launched a few new products on my etsy site that I wanted to share with you today. A little Fashion Illustration thank you card set for your viewing pleasure.

I hope you have a wonderful week.

xo

All Images Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day Fashion Friday Edition

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Fashion Friday

I love it when Target joins with famous designers to create a special line for their stores. The designs are always incredible and this February will be no exception! February 5th at Target the Jason Wu collection will be out for sale and I have to tell you my calender is already set and I will be there!! Take a look at some of my favorites from the preview.

All images were found on Instyle.com

A Picture A Day

Another bride I created. Since this post from Fashion Friday, back in November, my obsession with bows has not gone away.  I want to incorporate more whimsy and a more contemporary feel in this drawing but it's just another sketch exploring the idea of a white gown with a large flowing bow down the back.

What do you think? 

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day

I've been working on more bride drawings as well as experimenting with line weight and getting images to be more fashion focused and finished. I'm not saying the whimsy and gestural quality won't be in my work anymore, it will, it's me, but I'm trying to see the other effects I can create and how deliberate I can be with each drawing.  What do you think of this one?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Pinterest Pics

To continue the daydream I started this morning, and maybe, just maybe, feel like I'm living it I've dedicated today's Pinterest Pics to all things comfy and cozy.

What's your ideal way to spend the cold winter months?

fireplace and the perfect socks, adorable frenchies, soft patterned throws, hot cup of tea, scarf and a sweater, lounging around, perfect comfy bed

A Picture A Day

It was one of those mornings, you know the ones, when you wake up / are forced to wake up way to early and it is still dark and cold outside and the bed is so cozy and you could just stay there forever (or at least until the sun comes up!) And when you do get out of the comfy bed you just want to slip on some leggings, the thickest pair of knit socks you own (most likely with a ridiculous pattern) and a super soft cashmere wrap sweater and curl up with a hot tea and good book... Well that's how I feel today. But since I have to be at the office I'll just pretend I am the girl below. 

A Picture A Day

Happy Monday Sweets! How was your weekend? I don't know about you, but mine went by way to fast and I'm a little sad to be starting my first full week since Christmas.

Below is a quick sketch I created for a client that I'm working with. The project was to create a fashion illustration for a blog header. The final looks nothing like this, and we didn't end up using this sketch at all, it just wasn't right for the project, but I like the sketch itself. It's so gestural and quick. What do you think?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day I Need to Get Away

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

And this is how I would wear it :-)

I hope each of you have a wonderful weekend!

xo

Fashion Friday

Tote, white shirt dress, Marc Jacobs heart earrings, bracelets and watch, Juicy Couture sundress, striped jacket with bow, sandals, and Kate Spade sunglasses

There is just something about the weeks following the New Year. I always get a little sad the holidays are over and a little winter depressed. I crave warm weather, the sun, and some relaxation. So with that in mind here are my "Need to Get Away" fashion picks.

Currently Reading: Madame Tussaud

Last week I read the book Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran. It is probably one of my favorite books. Filled with Parisian imagery, so much history, and a great story line, it was all of my favorite things wrapped into one.

Madame Tussaud was a wax sculptor during the French Revolution. In that time period seeing the latest news and most popular people in wax was the best way to actually learn about what was going on in the city and the world. Marie (Madame Tussaud) was constantly making new models and changing the displays to show what was currently going on in the city of Paris as well as with the Royal family in Versailles and the Americans who had just signed the Constitution.

The French Revolution was a very scary time in Paris. If you weren't in favor of the revolution and didn't support the cause and their views you were killed or sent to prison. It was similar to a witch hunt where everyone was considered guilty until proven innocent. It reminded me of books like The Other Boleyn Girl or The Virgin Queen but was a little darker and focused more on the war. You end up sympathizing with King Louis, Maria Antoinette, and the Royal Fmaily for what the French Citizens did to them. And, if you are anything like me, the mob aspect was almost unbelieveable. One person would come up with an idea and good or bad the entire crowd would follow it. Thousands of people running through the streets of Paris on one mission. Marie was a royalist sypathizer but was also constantly trying to maintain allegence with the republic in order to keep herself and her family safe but as people around her keep dying for a cause she finds it hard to continue to show support of the revolution.

If you like history and books like The Other Boleyn girl you will really enjoy Madame Tussaud.

Has anyone read this too? What did you think?

A Picture A Day

Do you remember the Best Friend Illustration last shown here? Well I finally have an update for you. What do you think of the finished print?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

A Picture A Day

I worked with my cousin Nikki over the last month or so to create a custom calender for her Mama and my Aunt Karen. Nikki wanted to create a calender with custom illustrations of her dog, Tucker, for each month of the year. Here are a few I really liked. What do you think?

 

All Images Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.

Pinterest Pics

Err these short weeks are confusing me! I missed Pinterest Pics Tuesday, Again, because I thought it was Monday, Again. So for the first thing on this Wednesday morning I have Pinterest Pics for you. Enjoy and later I'll post the Pic of the Day.

Lately I have been missing Paris. I've only been once, but I literally fell in love with the Architecture, cultural, and of course, the Fashion and since I can't go back right this minute, I'll settle for the next best thing, a little Parisian imagery from Pinterest. Enjoy!

Stripes, Eifle Tower, Hermes, Interior, Macaroons, Bow, Rain, More decor

A Picture A Day

Happy New Year Sweets! I have a new puppy creation for you today. This is Puck.  Really fun project, adorable dog, what more can I say. What do you think!?

Copyright Michelle B. All Rights Reserved.