"My Chinese Mudmen" - days #1 and #2

I discovered my first "Mudman" back in 1968.  Jim and I were married in February of that year and one day I was going through some of his "stuff" and I came across this curious yet charming little figurine, removed him from the box and placed him on the window sill in my kitchen.  I later learned that Jim had received Chang (I had to give him a name and Chang seemed to suit him well) from his beloved Aunt Bess.  Chang used to sit on Aunt Bess's piano and when she passed away, Jim inherited Chang.  I learned from Jim that Chang is actually a Chinese Mudman and was probably created sometime in the 1940's.

I have had Chang in my garden plants, in a bonsai (that I killed), in a fish bowl, but he always seems to end up back in my kitchen window.  I have grown very attached to Chang over the years and I think he has become attached to my kitchen window.  A few weeks ago we had gone treasure hunting (my term for rummaging through second hand stores) and lo and behold I came across three Chinese Mudmen!  Of course I had to purchase them, Chang needed some friends to hang out with in my kitchen garden window.

As I would pass them, they would bring a smile to my heart and I finally named Chang's three new found friends ~ Chung, Ching and Chong.   As I was looking for inspiration for my next art piece I kept stopping at where Chang, Chung, Ching and Chong were congregating in front of a piece of amethyst crystals and finally thought "I'll do my Chinese Mudmen!".

I had done a rough pencil sketch and then inked over them, erased the pencil marks and began coloring Chung with Prismacolor Verithin colored pencils when my husband came over and suggested I scan the work in progress at the end of each day and share it with my friends on my blog.  Thus began the latest post of my blog.

Allow me to introduce Chung, Ching, Chong and Chang (he is the little guy in the middle) to you...

From left to right, Chung, Chang (little guy in the front middle), Ching and Chong.

I began my drawing on Monday, January 24th, and this is where I stopped that evening:

On Tuesday, January 25th, I colored in Ching and began defining my border....

Today is Wednesday, January 26th, and before I begin working on my illustration I decided to take out some time and get my post started ... will share with you tomorrow how productive I've been today!

Til then,

Take care and God bless,

Karen Anne

"Zentangle Design for mounting a favorite ACEO"

I am always trying to find a unique and unusual way to showcase an ACEO.  When I began this latest design I thought it would be interesting to try my hand at a border and see where that would take me.  Over the days that I worked on this piece I became intrigued with the idea that it might serve to make a nice background on which to mount a favorite ACEO.  So, as the work progressed, that overall idea became my theme.

Once I had completed my objective, I scanned the art piece to my computer and printed out a copy to see how it would work.  It was printed on an 8.5"x11" sheet of acid free paper and the printed area measures 8"x10.25".  I took one of my "The Letter B" ACEO's (with white background), placed a piece of double-sided tape on the back of the ACEO centered it on the blank center of the print and affixed it to the top of the print.  I then trimmed off the edges of the print to fit an 8"x10" frame and the result is what you see in the example I photographed and included here as a sample.

I also included some additional examples to show how versatile this ACEO zentangle design for mounting ACEO's actually is.

I think it turned out rather well and plan to list it in My Etsy Shop.  I would really like to hear what you think about this idea.

"Zentangle Design for mounting a favorite ACEO"

"Framed example with ACEO affixed to the center"

"Another example with Basket Full Of Posies"

"Example with Buffalo Skull ACEO"

"Example with Fantasy Mushrooms ACEO"

I am not sure what I should call this, do you have an idea or thought?  A mounting design for an ACEO?

Thanks!

Karen Anne

"A Zentangle Sunset"

After I had completed "A Zentangle Sunrise" my hubby asked that I illustrate a tree with more personality and friendly mushrooms. Of course I was simply delighted to fulfill his request, especially since his birthday is just around the corner! The finished result is titled "A Zentangle Sunset" which I am happy to share with you as well.



The original drawing was executed on a size 9"x12" sheet of art paper and took about 4 days to complete.  I have listed it in My Etsy Shop as an authorized art print (printed on 8.5"x11" sheet of acid free paper) and in the reduced ACEO format size (2.5"x3.5").  


I really like how this piece turned out and hope you like it as well.

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

A Zentangle Sunrise

Happy New Year!

I have been so busy during the holidays that I had very little time for art work or even getting on the internet to see what is happening in the lives of family and friends.   After the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities I finally made time to pick up my pen and see where it would take me.

In this illustration I had nothing in particular in mind and just began putting pen to paper, the finished result is an amusing little piece I call "A Zentangle Sunrise".  I will be posting it later in My Etsy Shop as an authorized art print (8"x10") and reduced ACEO format size of 2.5"x3.5".

Happy New Year All!

Karen Anne

Merry Christmas!

Hi Everybody!
I have been so busy making gifts for my kids, grandkids and friends that I have been neglecting my artwork.  But soon I hope to get back into my art groove and share more "stuff" with you all.

In the meantime, if you happen to purchase something from my Etsy Shop there is a 20% discount on all items!  Simply enter the code XMAS20 in the Shop Coupon Code Box on your order and you will be credited when you check out.

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas blessed with love and good cheer!

Your friend,
Karen Anne

My Etsy Shop

"Christmas Stocking" PDF or JPEG Print Your Own Stationary

Here is my latest design for Print your own stationary .....

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64075748/christmas-holiday-stationary-pdf-or-jpeg

A Second Design for PIY(print it yourself) Christmas Stationary

I posted my first Christmas Stationary listing yesterday and decided it would be nice to have a design that was a bit simpler with Christmas colors. The end result is this delightful three ornament PDF or JPEG file in red and green holiday colors! Each ornament is filled with its own holiday zentangle design.

I am offering this to you in PDF format (3.7MB) or JPEG format (3.8MB), please comment in "Note from Buyer" which format you prefer; if no comment is made, the PDF file will be sent. You'll be able to use the file for years to come!

In this listing I have also included an example of how adding a monogram can make the stationary personalized. So many people now days like to send Christmas letters to family and friends letting all know what they have been doing the past year. This design would make your Christmas greetings really stand out!

Happy Holidays!

Karen Anne

Something New!

The other day I was doodling away on nothing in particular, after awhile a design began to emerge and I realized I was creating a unique pattern for Christmas Stationary! I decided this is a nice time of year to make this available to others to print out stationary using their favorite paper. So I am offering this to you in PDF format (5.3MB) or JPEG format (7.9MB), please comment in "Note from Buyer" which format you prefer. You'll be able to use the file for years to come!

I am using this to create a unique Christmas card this year and have included a copy in this listing as an example of usage. So many people now days like to send Christmas letters to family and friends letting all know what they have been doing the past year. This design would make your Christmas greetings really stand out!

If you choose the PDF format you will need PDF reader to open the file. Please make sure you have a PDF reader software installed before you purchase. 

Once payment has been confirmed, the PDF or JPEG file will be emailed to the e-mail address that appears in your Etsy. The PDF or JPEG file will be mailed within 48 hours of receipt of payment. Upon receipt, simply download to your computer and use!

Happy Holiday Season!

Karen Anne

"Nine Christmas Santa Elves"

Over the past several days I have enjoyed the pleasure of creating nine ACEO Christmas Elves, each has their own unique personality and derive joy from their chosen Christmas profession and helping to spread happiness throughout the Holiday Season. As I was looking at these nine charming little individuals, I thought "Wouldn't it be delightful if I could combine them all on one page?!" and so, with help of my handy dandy scanner, I created a unique art print complete with all nine Christmas Elves! 

This charming authorized art print is made on an ink jet printer using 140 pound weight white acid free card stock, size 8-1/2" x 11". The print size is a non-standard 7" x 10", and the individual elves images are slightly smaller than the regulation ACEO size of 2.5"x3.5". But for those of you who would like all nine elves, this is a unique way to do so. Besides being able to frame the entire print, one can cut them apart and use them in a variety of creative ways.



You can find the "Nine Christmas Santa Elves"  for sale in My Etsy Shop as an authorized art print.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Karen Anne Brady aka IrelandBrady

"Three New Elf's have arrived!"

Merry Christmas!  Three new elf's have arrived and become part of the Christmas Elf Family!  They are:

"Bell Ringing Elf"

"Santa's Wish List Elf"

"Gingerbread Decorating Elf"

Merry Christmas to All!

Karen Anne

"Candy Cane Elf"

We are now up to six members of the Christmas Elf's Family!  "Candy Cane Elf" has just arrived in time to share his candy canes with you!

Happy Holidays!

Karen Anne

"Wreath Decorating Elf"

Hello All!  I enjoyed making the elfs so much so that another just popped up and is joining my Christmas Elf Family!  Introducing the latest edition to the family ....  "Wreath Decorating Elf"!

Happy Holidays!

Karen Anne

Ushering in the Holiday Season with Karen's Christmas Elfs!

Happy Holiday Season to All!

I just completed a set of Christmas Elfs that I'd like to start off the Holiday Season by sharing with all of you!  Here they are .....

"Gift Wrapping Elf"                             "Tree Trimming Elf"

 

"Christmas Stocking Elf"                         "Ornament Painting Elf"


Happy Holidays!
Karen Anne

"Christmas ACEO's"

Hi!  I finished my Alphabet Series and decided to try some holiday ACEO's, here are my latest creations for the Christmas Season!  Enjoy!

"Christmas Goodies"

"I DO Believe!"

"Snow Globe SnowMan Family"

Happy Day to All!

Karen Anne

Eureka! "The Letters E & U" ....

EUreka!  With the completion of "The Letter E" and "The Letter U" I have finished "The Alphabet Series"!

I began my quest to complete a zentangle alphabet series on 9/18/2010 and finished this project on 11/21/2010.  One letter takes approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.  Many a day I would wake around 6AM and be so drawn to the letter I was illustrating that I would work on it until 5 or 6PM that evening.  Each letter has been lovingly drawn using India Ink on plain white paper, then carefully cut out.  After which I painted a water color background and applied the completed letter to the dried water color.  

I have listed the letters "E" and "U" in My Etsy Shop available with color backgrounds and plain white backgrounds as authorized art prints (8"x10") and Open Edition ACEO's (2.5"x3.5").  

So, with no further ado, I happily share with you ....

          

"The Letter E"

"The Letter U"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter K"

OK! - I'm on my way to the finish of my alphabet series with completion of "The Letter K"!  This is the 24th letter, leaving only two more to illustrate!  I have already listed "K" in My Etsy Shop as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Sandie of Arizona, one of my Etsy Shop's loyal patrons, was the first to guess that I was working on "K" and I am now working on another letter for her.  Out of the two remaining letters, which do you think I am working on right now???


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the only letter remaining but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter K"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter V"

I feeling victory coming on with the completion of "The Letter V"! This is the 23rd letter in my alphabet series, only 3 left!  E, U, and K.  I have listed this in My Etsy Store as an authorized art print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").  In addition to that, I am now making all the letters available with a white background as well!  


Chris, Paint1Chris, was the first guesser of "The Letter V" and she has kindly chosen from the vast amount of remaining initials, the letter of her choice.  What letter do you think Chris chose?  


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter V"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter F"

It is just fabulous to finally finish and feature "The Letter F"! With the completion of this letter I am left with only four letters to illustrate ... E, K, U, and V.  I have recently listed this in My Etsy Shop as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") as well as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Stacy, MagicLoveCrow, has once again been the first guesser (I am beginning to think Stacy is psychic!) and has very kindly selected the twenty-third letter for me to illustrate.  Please venture a guess as to which letter Stacy has chosen!


Once again, if you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter F"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter I"

I invite you to inspect "The Letter I", the latest addition in my alphabet series! "I" is the twenty-first letter to be illustrated, leaving only five initials to be completed!   I have listed this in My Etsy Shop and it is available to you as an Authorized Art Print (8"x10") or as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").


Sandie of Arizona, one of my Etsy Shop's fantastic customers, was the first guesser of this initial and she has favored us with her choice of a new letter to be illustrated.   There are now only five letters left to choose from, they are E, F, K, U, and V.  Which one of you will be first to guess which letter Sandie favored us with?


If you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter I"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne

"The Letter P"

Proudly presenting "The Letter P"!  This is the twentieth letter in the alphabet series, leaving only six letters to complete - E, I, U, F, K, and V.  I have listed "The Letter P" in My Etsy Shop today as an authorized art print (8"x10") and as an Open Edition ACEO (2.5"x3.5").

Stacy, MagicLoveCrow, was first guesser of this letter and has chosen her next letter and stated she wanted to keep everything interesting.  Stacy has done a fine job of keeping things interesting!  Can you guess which letter Stacy chose?

If you are the first guesser of the letter I am currently working on, you will not only be able to choose the next unknown (to others) letter but you will also receive a complimentary Open Edition ACEO of your alphabet choice upon completion of the entire series!  Please limit your guesses to one per day.

"The Letter P"

Happy Day!

Karen Anne