Day 21/30: The Orient

Day 21/30

I will be extending WEEK 3 until Saturday, Nov. 23rd. I've been so busy, juggling other business such as getting ready for my art show in Lee's Summit, Missouri, prepping artwork to ship out before the holiday schedule gets too hectic AND taking commissions for new projects! WHEW! Just typing all of that got me a little exhausted..just kidding!

Because I've been getting in my studio later and later in the day, it's prevented me from showing you the illustrations during a timely manner. I've only been able to work on them in short bursts of time (10 minutes, max) before I head off to do another task.

PLEASE, don't panic! I'll be uploading the missing illustrations from DAYS 17, 18, 20 and 22 tomorrow!

Today's illustration was inspired by the beautiful, ornate decorations of the Oriental style. I've always loved this style and many people who have seen my work, often tell me how much of an Asian influence is present. It's not something I set out to do when I'm creating, yet, it somehow, transcends through it! I really don't mind that at all because I believe that it's a spirit of oneness with who I am and one who seeks peace and healing through meditation.

So, I felt the need to create something that evoked that same concept.

Here are a couple of progress pics:

It's barely noticeable from the pic, but the sides were beginning to curl upwards. I had to stop working for a few hours to press it flat, under a stack of art history books! (Those are the heaviest books I own and I often use them for dual purposes: to research AND to use as a press!) 

I often apply the "Wabi-Sabi" philosophy, which loosely interprets as embracing imperfections and celebrating happy accidents.

The photos below are detail shots of the finished card. You can see through the cut-out areas and there are two separate layers that are raised, away from the background.

detail of plant grid, behind bonsai tree

Here's the finished card!

Do you like making handmade gifts for your friends and family? If so, what kind of occasion do you like to celebrate with a unique card?


Peace and love,

**side note**: I will be EXTENDING MY GIVEAWAY until Wednesday, Nov. 27th! Don't wait to get your free entries...get them in now!

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