Toys and Quantum Physics

This week I'm working on some vintage toys! I'm thinking I might make them into a growth chart, but I haven't decided yet. Angela is going to help on this one. We're trying to get a system down, so we can both have some work time. We'll see how it goes. Babies are unpredictable.

I'm also reading a great business book entitled "The Answer", by John Assaraf. It's absolutely not the typical business book and it's really helping me get my goals for the business together. It's great for applying in the rest of your life too, not just in business. He talks a lot about how your brain works and how to re-wire it in order to be successful. He writes a lot about quantum physics too and how it plays into manifesting whatever it is you want. I'm absolutely riveted and can hardly put it down. Hard to believe about a business book, but it's true! I know, I'm a freak, but if anyone out there has read "A New Earth", or "The Secret" and are into that sort of thing, this is the book for you. It explains how the law of attraction works scientifically and how we can tap that power that Eckhart talks about in his book. It'll be interesting to see what happens from it!

OK, gotta get to work-time to write my business goals!

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Creating a Sanctuary

I went and heard a great speaker the other night that helped me get some direction with my business. I told him what I did and he graciously gave me some really good advice. He told me how important art is in creating a sanctuary in your home, which everyone needs. He went on to say that art actually can change a persons energy, which makes it really powerful, not just nice to look at. He said if I want to do well, to make sure my clients know how important their environment is and how my art can improve it. It really made me realize how important what I do is. Not everyone is good at or even wants to create art and those people need artists like me to bring it into their lives. They need to have the same sanctuary to come home to that I do. I often joke about living in "the hood", but when I get inside my home, I really do feel wonderful in the space. It made me realize how important it is to get my site going and up. Others need to have what I do.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Rocket To The Moon!

Anyone for a little space travel? I was listening to some of the old soundtracks for the old Tomorrowland rides at Disneyland for inspiration and came up with this design. I've always been fascinated by outer space and really wanted to be an astronomer or astronaut as a kid. Of course I realized my handicap in math would hinder me greatly, so I decided I'd be a better artist. Of course I'm still gonna dream about going in space and if this mural business of mine does well, I'll be one of those space tourists one day!

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Blocks

I love vintage children's blocks and vintage children's book illustrations, so I combined them for my next piece. I'm currently working on some vintage looking toys. Thought they'd be nice for a nursery. Not sure what's going to be next. Possibly animals.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

I wish I were in Switzerland

Ever since I was a little kid and went to the Swiss Miss Ice Cream shop, I've fantasized about going to Switzerland. They had all these beautiful landscape photos that I could stare at for hours. I also had it in my head at 5 years old that that was where fairy tales lived. After all, the buildings had the same designs in Pinocchio, right? I still haven't made it there yet, but it's at the top of my travel list, as soon as it becomes possible! In the meantime, I decided that in honor of my wish to travel, I'd do some european postcards. I found one that had beautiful handwriting and stamps, which I replicated for the front card. The others were done using photo reference, since I obviously can't go there.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Ahhh....Disneyland!

Got some great inspiration at one of my favorite places in the whole world! I'm toying with the idea of doing some carousel horses, so I sat down and drew from a couple of busts that were attached to a little kiosk, just inside the castle. Haven't really got much experience with horses and quickly found out I know nothing about their anatomy. Might wait a while before tackling that project. I really need to understand them better, so I don't make myself nuts over it. No one wants a cranky artist hanging around, esp. my husband!

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Seahorses

I love the ocean and anything to do with it. Always have, since I was a little kid in New Mexico, where I couldn't have been further from it. I've always found seahorses especially beautiful, because they're so delicate. That's why I chose to create these guys. I want to make some bubbles for them too. Maybe I'll get that done this week.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com



Ok, off to Disneyland for the day!

Shelly

Of course I had to have a brunette too! She's the last of the mermaids for now, as I'm not really inspired at the moment. I might add another one later. I've always had a thing for drawing pretty girls. I used to draw little princesses on my desk obsessively in the 3rd grade, until I got in trouble enough times and got moved to the front of the class.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Veronica

Here's Veronica. I have a friend who has great hair, which was my inspiration for her. She should really be on the side of a can of tuna!

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Mermaids

My first series is of mermaids. I designed them to have a vintage feel, as if off the side of an old billboard. I chose to do vintage, because I love anything old and have a hard time finding much decor in that style. The first in the series is called "Odette". She is a removable mural and I can print her in any size! She is not printed on paper or vinyl. It's actually a fabric with reusable adhesive. She will stick back on the wall as many times as you want, provided no dust or dirt gets into the adhesive back. The adhesive won't damage the walls either.

Jennifer
www.castleberryds.com

Ok, I'm an artist with a blog......now what?

Took a big step today and got myself a blog. I'm not much of a technical person-I was the last to get a cell phone, email and I just barely signed up on Facebook (after several years of friends pestering me). Guess I'm a bit behind in that respect. I'm getting back into my art after talking a break to spend time with my kids and I'm starting my own business. I am in the process of putting together enough designs to start selling my murals on line and I'm just waiting until I get enough together, so the selection isn't pitiful for would-be buyers. I'll be posting the designs here, as I complete them (I have some done already). Although I haven't officially set up shop, I do have a business paypal account and anyone interested in purchasing any of the designs is welcome to contact me. I don't mass produce, so you can get them in pretty much any size you'd like! I charge by the square foot and I'm happy to give quotes to anyone who requests!

Be sure to check out my website at: www.castleberryds.com