2011 Ocean Gardens Series..

Click on the pictures to make them bigger! :)

I love doing these fun little ocean gardens. Little tide pools of ocean life. So here is my series for the summer of 2011. The first two and the last one are larger pieces...approx 6"x5". The rest of these are ACEO's..2 1/2"x 3 1/2".


This year I created them in pen and ink and colored pencil.


I will be posting them in my Etsy Shop tomorrow morning!!

I do so love the little fishes and bitsy crabs.

Bits of treasure laying about!

I think I will create a couple more of these on canvas fabric..to create tote bags with..with permanent markers for easy washing! Next up though..I think I will do an ocean scene with a mermaid or two and lots of sea life...hmmm maybe a humpback whale..what do ya think??
Have a wonderful week all!
Hugs, Sarah

Complete Bohemian Bean..and A Nude..sorta...

Click to see the larger view!

Whooot..I finally finished it.."The Bohemian Bean"..I was happy with the season..finally and will list it in my Esty shop here in a bit! Click here!

I also did a commission piece..no worry I have covered her unmentionables with a digital bunch of flowers:) Now and again I get a request for nudes. Now..this is not really something I tend to do..so it is a fun challenge. So here is my "Skyclad Witch". If you want to see her in all her glory..you will have to go here..cause I don't do adult content here on the blog! Cause well..my kids read it..and some of yours might too. So we will keep it clean..sorta..basically..well yeah..you know. Can you see me blushing from there..giggle..geesh! Anywhooo there she is...



I am still happy dancin' that Ree Drummond chose one of my photos for her latest photo contest!! Still wearing a huge silly smile! Yup...still am! If you missed it yesterday..or you have never visited her wonderful blog..she is a hoot really! Click here to see my photo in the first group..and then check out the rest of her blog!! I am guessing you will love it!! Thank you all of you who went and looked and those that left a comment there..you totally made me cry...thank you!!

Have a wonderful weekend all!!
Hugs, Sarah

OMG OMG OMG Ree Chose one of My PHOTOS!!

OMG OMG OMG OMG I am over the moon...happy dancin' crazy happy excited!! Ree Drummond has chosen one of my photos for her latest photo contest!! ONE OF MINE!!! Sweet Tink's picture! I love that it was one of her..I love that!!! I adore her blog "The Pioneer Woman" with thousands of others...she is hysterical and I visit her daily! I have entered pictures in so many of her contests..for a couple years now...and well..I just kept trying. Thousands of folks enter shots each time! I cannot tell you what this means to me....WHOOOOOOOT! So if you have a second..please pop on by and leave a comment..or just take a look. Here is the link...Click here! Thank you guys...ok off to do more happy dancin' whahahahahahahah!!!!
Hugs, Sarah

Of Smoking Computers and Wonderful Hikes....

K....last weekend my computer rolled over put it's little legs up in the air and died. Quick, very little drama and took all my pictures and documents with it. I will be honest..I had not had time to back them up of late...I am paying the price. Panicking in a huge way...I rushed to the rent a center and got myself a replacement. It was nice I could..I got a good deal. But....then there was the loading of programs and printers and camera programs..sigh. Of course my new little beast is a bit temperamental still. Needing a bit of wrangling and loving attention. We will make peace with each other in good time. So for now...I am pictureless..I have to float around and steal back my photos from several places here on line..ackkkkkk! But am feeling blessed to have been able to be back online with a new computer.

Jim was able...finally to get back home for a few days!!! Whoot! So last week was completely taken up with visiting with Papa and doing Father's day BBQ etc.. Was good to see him home..we missed him so!! We hope he will be back again sooner than last time!!!



I am on vacation this week..another WHOOT. So I took the kids on a hike. We are close to the lake and next to that is a large..well..hill. Tubbs Hill. About a three mile hike around it. The trail overlooks the lake..really is like being in the woods! I love that! Only a short mile from our house and into the woods you go!! I love where I live!! I really do. We had a good time.


Believe it or not I got a little work done too!! Some fun gloves..I love yellow (these are in my Etsy Shop). I also completed a commission piece which was dear to my heart!!




Hoping your week is going well too!! Happy Summer Solstice!!
Namaste, Sarah

We Have Winnnnnnnnerrrrrrs!!! Whooot!!

We have winnnnners for my 100 mile giveaway!! Because I walked 120 miles now! Because it is the first day of my kiddos summer vacation. Cause I love you guys! Cause...well it is fun to do! Would you like to know who our winners are?????????????????????????
K......................
The winner of my $25.00 gift certificate to my Art and Photo Etsy shop..is........................... Trisha!!!! Trisha you have 48 hours to email me at cottagegardenstudio@gmail.com so I can get you instructions about your treat!! Congratulations!!

Our winner of the custom created ACEO is....................Sherry!! Congrats!! Email me and tell me what you would like me to create for you hon!!! In color of course:)

Thank you all for participating!! I am thinking I might just do another really soon..stay tuned!
Hugs all, Sarah

Giveaway Reminder...

Just a quick reminder today...two more days until I pick a winner. First prize is a $25.00 gift certificate for my art and photography Etsy shop. Second prize is a custom created ACEO by me:) So pop on down to my giveaway...click here and add your name to the hat!
Good luck all!!!
Hugs, Sarah

Wishcast Wednesday...

Our dear Jamie has asked us this morning.."What do you wish to begin?" As always..she touches something in my heart. So I am going to put it on out there. Here goes....

I wish to begin a children's book. One I will write and illustrate. I wish to pursue this with passion and joy! I have had a story rolling around in my head for a bit now..about a little dragon. About a year ago I attempted a story here online..and life happened and I found it hard to continue for many reasons. But this time..I want to begin and complete this one. This sweet dragon story for children. In color of course! So there it is my simple..and oh so complicated wish. What do you wish to begin today?

I am feeling better as summer approaches..thank you all for your sweet wishes for me! It helps so much!
Pop on by my giveaway this week..it ends on Saturday! I am up to 112 miles this week..whooot!
Happy Wednesday all, Sarah

Giveaway and Field Day!! Feeling more myself too!

Pop on by my 100 mile giveaway! I am offering up a $25.00 gift certificate to my Etsy shop..or a custom created ACEO!!Click here!!

It has been an interesting week. Fox has a new hair cut...I love it! He went for a Doctor Who cut..the 10th Doctor of course! I think he looks wicked handsome in it!!


Nonni had field day today! The end of school fun and games at the park!



Beautiful..I know...I am her Mom! But I think she is!!

Having a better week...starting to feel like my old self again. I think the walking and the care of dear friends has helped me get back on track! You know who you are..huge hugs!
Happy Tuesday all!! Hugs, Sarah

100 Mile Giveaway.....

Because it is June...and I love you guys..and I have walked a full 100 miles in the last four weeks, I thought a celebration was in order!! So...in honor of losing 12 pounds and several inches...rather than treat myself..I thought I might treat you!
Soooooooooo....

I am offering two treats...a $25.00 gift certificate for my Etsy Art Shop! The winner of the first treat can use this certificate to purchase $25.00 worth of fun stuff there..or add it to the purchase of something that costs more. Shipping is on me of course! Click here to visit my Etsy shop!

I will send the winner a code to use for their purchase!
Maybe you would like some larger art, or a couple smaller pieces. My ACEO's are all on Spring Sale right now!


The second prize will be an original little ACEO (Art Card Editions and Originals - 3 1/2"x2 1/2" in size!) The winner will get to choose the subject matter and I will create a little piece of artwork, pen and ink and colored pencil just for you! Please keep in mind that it will be in my style.

So here are the rules...
1. If you would like one chance to win..please add a comment here!
2. For a second chance to win..become a follower! If you already are..you are good to go!
3. For a third chance to win..add my giveaway to your side bar and a link to my giveaway post and let me know that you have!!
If you do not have a blog..please leave me an email address!!
Easy Peasy!!

I will announce a winner at 9am on Saturday June 11th!I will let the winners know and you will have 48 hours to get back to me with your snail mail..or the treat will go to the next person!! Good luck all!!
Hugs, Sarah