The Meaning of a Pear Tree

Recently, I updated my site header to include a pear that I painted as a part of my “Partridge in a Pear Tree” art licensing collection. It is now going on my Directory of Illustration ad for 2012 as well as a new run of business cards. So, I got to thinking, what does a PEAR or PEAR TREE symbolize anyway? Since it is an embedded part of my updated branding I just had to find out.

READ MORE

Bring in the New Year with a “Tangerine Tango”

Tangerine Tango

Get ready for 2012 to be the year of the “Tangerine Tango.”  No, we are not talking about dancing, although that could be fun too, we are talking about COLOR. Pantone just announced this spicy citrus to officially set the retail temperature for the coming year and to dominate all other color trends at market.

READ MORE

Sock Monkey Designer Blog Hop Challenge

Here is Little Miss Sock Monkey sitting pretty for her very first picture. I just finished patching in her stuffing and attaching her adorable accessories. Check out her embroidery stitched ribbon flower for her little hat and her “Something to Cherish” designer heart flower ribbon heart flower belt from my Dala horse collection. I was so pleased that I could find two buttons almost the same color in my massive button collection.

READ MORE

A Time to Unplug

Is your digital life beginning to overload you to the point of overwhelm? Perhaps it is time to unplug.

READ MORE

Dala Horse Wall Hanging

A quaint little Swedish Dala Horse Wall Hanging designed by Cherish Flieder with embroidery and button accents featuring her illustrated Dala Horse Ribbons.

READ MORE

Lovey Dovey – In Studio Process

After sketching the desired image for Lovey Dovey in my sketchbook, I re-drew my line work onto the watercolor paper. This picture shows the watercolor/embroidery process at stage 2. You can see the sketch lines on the Arches paper and the palette is mixed and ready to go. The color is washed on to the paper in steps until the desired depths and forms are developed. Stage 3 is embroidering the art and the final step is to scan and edit the finished piece so it is ready in a digital format for reproduction.

READ MORE

Mini Button Ribbon Votives — Designer Crafts

Mini Button Votive Candles with Artwork by Cherish Flieder

I don’t know about you, but the renewal of spring always brings a hectic schedule with its beautiful blossoms and buds. So, today I want to share you a great looking upcylced DIY craft that you can complete in a number of minutes.

READ MORE

Interview on being a children’s book illustrator

Do You Want to be a Children’s Book Illustrator?

Recently I was interviewed by Carolyn Edlund of Artsy Shark about my journey into children’s book illustration.

Check out this article to find out:

How I got started on the path of creating children’s book illustrations
9 basic steps in the process of illustrating a children’s book
5 top suggestions for artists interested in becoming children’s book illustrators

READ MORE

Adobe Illustrator Tricks Event – Repeat Patterns

CAI-Cherish-Illustrator-Repeat

Tonight at the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, I am honored to be on a panel of Adobe Illustrator expert illustrators of all genres with the Colorado Alliance of Illustrators. I will be teaching how to make a seamless repeat pattern in Adobe Illustrator CS5.

READ MORE

Dark Chocolate Almond Wedding Favor – Designer Crafts

Dark Chocolate Almonds Wedding Favor

Our Designer Crafts blog hop theme for today is “Wedding.” Most everyone loves a good wedding and something else we might have in common is a love for chocolate! I decided to create a batch of dark chocolate almonds so you could see how this yummy treat could be used to add an extra measure of delight to such a special occasion.

READ MORE

CHA Memories & Craft Month Designer Blog Hop

As a CHA designer member, I have been privileged to attend and show my art licensing and design work at five of the recent shows in Illinois and California. Each show has brought me unique insights on trends and introduces me to new products and techniques.

READ MORE

Love Letters Are Key

Here is a charming vignette I created with watercolor paper, embroidery and Sizzix ScoreBoard Pro Frame & Frame Back w/Stand Die by Eileen Hull. I accented the design with a lovely little key and my brand new Love Letter Embroidered Ribbon by Renaissance Ribbons.

READ MORE

1st Monday Blog Hop – 365 Days of Crafts

A new blog ring of professional designers and crafters has launched! The theme is 365 Days of Crafts: “A totally cool new website with year round inspiration.” I am honored to be asked to participate in the ongoing display of creativity. Just look for the logo on our blogs and that will keep you hopping right along with us.

READ MORE

Ask Debbie Mumm

Debbie Mumm’s story could be lifted from a textbook for success. Start small, find a niche, and promote yourself. Study the market and connect with everyone from the manufacturer to the consumer. We had the chance to listen and learn first hand from this very successful licensed artist.

Debbie Mumm will be a part of the monthly Art Licensing Ask Call Series on February 16, 2011.

READ MORE

Photoshop CS5: Painting & Mixing Brushes

This Thursday Evening at the Community College of Aurora, I am honored to be on a panel of Photoshop expert illustrators of all genres with the Colorado Alliance of Illustrators. I will be presenting tips on using the new painting and mixing brushes now available in PS CS5. The new oil-like painting features are simply amazing. If you are in the area, I would love to catch up with you then. Best!

READ MORE

Cherish your Valentine

Valentine's Day Ribbons, Cards, Journals

Here are some of the special things Painting for Life has to help you cherish your loved one this Valentine’s Day. Select from fine quality ribbons, cards, pins and other delightful gifts.

READ MORE