Art Archives - Page 3 of 5 - Phyllis Dobbs Blog

PS to my “Pinterest – Love It and Do It Right” Post

By Phyllis March 1, 2012 March 1, 2012 Art

Pinterest does seem be paying attention to all the bad press its been getting in the last few weeks. I wrote the “Pinterest – Love It and Do It Right” post a few days ago to give tips on how to pin an image to avoid copyright infringement as well as to provide a clear link back to the image source.

Copyright issues are at the heart of a big problem with pinning and repinning images. After a photographer, Kristen with DDK Portraits, wrote a blog post on why she was tearfully deleting her Pinterest boards, she received a phone call from Ben Silbermann, the owner of Pinterest. A REAL LIVE PHONE call. Please read the blog post on Kristen’s phone “Date with Ben Silbermann“. It does sound like he genuinely wants to address and correct the problems with Pinterest. Yea! DOUBLE YEA! Fingers and toes crossed because I do love Pinterest.

So stay tuned and to quote Bob Dylan with a word change – “the Pinterest, they are a-changin”! (We hope!)

And remember – protect you images always with a watermark, an id with your name or url, or all of these.

Phyllis

1 Comment

It’s Wine Time! – New Products on Little Red Tulip

By Phyllis February 22, 2012 February 25, 2012 Art, art licensing, Product Design

I love Little Red Tulip, a new online store from which you can get assorted one-of-a-kind personalized products for kids and adults. My Wine Time! art images are now available on products including notebooks, binders (for notes, recipes or your favorite wines), coasters, and clipboards featuring both red wine and white wine art. These are perfect for you wine lovers.

More Wine Time! products will soon be available on journals, note cards and invitations. All of the items can be personalized with your name or initial. The coasters and notebooks have designs on both sides, with one side available for personalization.

Please check Little Red Tulip out for a wide assortment of gift, stationery, office, baby, and home accent products, all with unique art from various artists. I will also have more of my art collections coming soon. And while you are at it, please check out my bio on the Little Red Tulip blog along with the bio’s of the other artists.

Bottoms up!

Phyllis

1 Comment

Happy Valentine’s Day!

By Phyllis February 12, 2012 February 15, 2012 Art, Holidays, Paper Crafts

Valentine’s – a day that love is in the air! And a day that we express our love, love from our heart. The heart represents our feelings of love and I want to share my heart with you. I doodled this simple heart on an art journal page I worked on recently.

Express your love, but not just to your significant other – share it with your parents, your children, and friends along with a Valentine hug. And don’t forget to hug your pets – they give us so much love too!

These other talented artists are participating in a Valentine’s Day international blog hop. So please check out their blogs for extra Valentine art –

Chris Chun (thanks Chris for organizing this!)

Barbara Johansen Newman

I wish you a happy Valentine’s Day!

Phyllis

1 Comment

Atlanta Gift Market was buzzing!

By Phyllis January 17, 2012 January 18, 2012 Art, art licensing, Artist Friends, Travels

I just returned from a few days at the Atlanta Gift Market and was thrilled with how exciting, upbeat and busy market was. Market was really busy all 4 days that I was there and I consider it a good sign for the gift industry.

Its always fabulous to walk market and see all the new products (many of which are designed by my artist friends). And its always fun to meet up with these friends. I can’t take pictures of the product displayed throughout market but its fun to take pictures of friends.

I went to several artist’s signings, where they were autographing some of their products. Robin Davis adorable new line Blessings with Wings is with Carson.

Lori Siebert was autographing her new products with Carson as well. I have to tell you that Lori was wearing the most fabulous and colorful boots (much like her art). I did try to take a picture of them but it turned out really blurry but take my word, they were great.

The fabulous Giordano brothers, Greg on the left and Bob on the right were both autographing some of their many flags at the Custom Decor showroom. I’m doing a pretty wimpy job of holding the flag.

My agent, Jewel Branding and Licensing, was exhibiting in the License and Design section that is held at the January markets. On Thursday, after the License and Design was set up, several of us met for an impromptu photo op – Robin Pickens, Brenda Pinnick, myself, Shelly Comiskey, Karen Embry and Sue Zipkin.

And for a period to get together and talk a bit, there was an artists gathering at the Westin on Friday afternoon. You may see several of your favorite artists here – Teri Conrad, Paula Joerling, Joyce Shelton, BJ Lantz, Gina Wilder, Jane Maday, Sharon Himes, Robin Davis, Beth Yarbrough, Beth Logan, Audrey Jeanne Roberts, Karen Embry, and on the front row, Cherish Flieder, Janet Wecker Frisch, Shelly Comiskey, myself, Sue Zipkin, and Robin Pickens. Getting us all together for this photo was like herding cats and several got away. (Thanks to Shelly for this photo as mine didn’t turn out!)

As I was walking through Building 3 of the market, I saw this giant red and white helmet. I’m assuming it was due (or I’m attributing it) to Alabama’s win of the BSC bowl last week. There was definitely a lot of Alabama items showing throughout the showrooms.

I’m back in full work mode, but will be leaving next week for Anaheim for the Craft and Hobby show (CHA). Check back as I can show lots of product from this show.

Phyllis

1 Comment

Interview by BluPenny for Sketchbook Story

By Phyllis October 27, 2011 October 27, 2011 Aprons, Art, art licensing, Artist Friends, Fabrics, Free Patterns, Guest Appearances, Sewing

One of the best things about traveling to trade shows and events is meeting people who I’ve talked with via social media and forums. At the Surtex show last year, I met Cindy Ann Ganaden in person. She is a fellow artist and author of the BluPenny blog. She publishes a Sketchbook Story series in which she interviews artists on their inspiration, how they use it to create sketches and finalize into art. The art is then licensed for various products.
Cindy Ann just interviewed me and posted the interview for the Sketchbook Story in which I show my inspiration and results. I used my cat for inspiration to create an art collection which was then turned into a fabric collection for Quilting Treasures. Everyone has different techniques and ways they use to create their art. I hope you will check out mine.

The apron shown in the interview can be downloaded – free half apron pattern.

I’m off to Houston for Quilt Market. Please check back as I will post pictures of Market next week.

Phyllis

1 Comment

New Patchwork & Quilt Art on iPhone Cases!

By Phyllis October 24, 2011 April 22, 2013 Art, Quilts & Quilting, Zazzle Store

I upgraded to the new iPhone 4S and wanted to create my own case! Since I’m headed to the International Quilt Market in Houston this week, I wanted something “quilty”. So I used patachwork quilt art that I created to design my iPhone case. While I was at it, I created several more quilt iPhone cases along with several other items including the mug below for my Zazzle store. The bottom iphone case shown in black comes in several color choices of background colors.

Red Patchwork Quilt Design Mug by phyllisdobbs

I bought the top case. It was the first one I designed and I ordered it immediately afterwards so I will get it in time for Quilt Market. I can’t wait to get it so that my iphone is not “naked” any more and is protected with bright colors. I will be creating more quilt inspired products so please check back.

I hope you have a bright and cheery color filled day!

Phyllis

3 Comments

Classes and More from The Creative Connection

By Phyllis September 27, 2011 September 27, 2011 Art, Artist Friends, Crafts and Crafting, Travels

This has been a busy week, unwinding and getting back in the flow after attending the amazing Creative Connection Event held in St. Paul. Days 2 and 3 were devoted to classes, various panels, and other speakers and panels at breakfast and lunch. (My prior blog post detailed the first day with exciting BlogHer panel discussions.) I chose to take 4 classes on these 2 days although there were several panel sessions I would have loved to attend.

Its always fun to have some arts and crafts play time and to work in different techniques than I’m used to. There were many classes to choose from but I chose to take all 4 of Traci Bautista’s classes with different focuses of art journaling.

There are so many surfaces you can journal on and, as shown by Traci, fabric is one of the surfaces that can be used.

Our table early during first class with our basic journal pages in process.

Karen Embry and Brenda Pinnick are very intent on their journal pages.

In another of Traci’s classes, she is explaining different page techniques and the binding of journals.

Our table in another class – lots more more product and lots of swapping between tables.

A journal page I was working on during one of the classes.

Art journaling can get messy so its best to cover up both surfaces and clothes. Its amazing that I didn’t get any paint on the shirt I brought to protect my clothes. If I had been in my studio, I would have had paint in my hair, on my face and all the way to my feet. But it was impossible to keep my hands clean!

On Friday evening, the event had a cocktail party with book signing by the authors in attendance. I didn’t pass up a chance to have my picture taken with several of the authors.

Jo Packham, although the same height as me, is a giant. She is not only the editor for Where Women Create and Where Women Cook, she is the co-founder of The Creative Connection Event. I know TCC event took a tremendous amount of planning, but Jo pulled it off to perfection.

Holly Becker is the author of the popular decorating blog Decor8 and her book Decorate is an international best seller. Holly is a tremendous speaker and was the dinner keynote speaker Thursday night along with Christina Ferrare.

Kelly Rae Roberts, author of Taking Flight, was also part of a very informative breakfast panel of speakers.

And I love this group photo at Crafty Chica’s (Kathy Cano-Murillo) signing, left to right – Eileen Hull, myself, Ann Butler, Kathy – Crafty Chica, Karen Embry, and Brenda Pinnick.

I remain inspired from this event and am already looking forward to next year’s. If you are thinking of attending, you won’t be disappointed!

Have a inspiring day!

Phyllis

1 Comment

Back from The Creative Connection Event – Inspired and Amazed!

By Phyllis September 20, 2011 September 21, 2011 Art, Artist Friends, Crafts and Crafting, Paper Crafts, Travels

Back from The Creative Connection event held in St. Paul last week, I returned home inspired and amazed (plus exhausted!). Not wanting to miss a minute of it, I attended everything from early morning until late at night and then met friends to talk even later (meeting in our PJ’s with a glass of wine in hand). Everyone I spoke with was just as thrilled with the events. Women attended from all 50 states plus 6 countries. I talked with a talented artist from Slovakia and a woman from Melbourne Australia. Both visited the US just to attend TCC.

After checking in, I was delighted to see the view from my window of the Mississippi River across the street. I meant to walk over to it, but there wasn’t a spare minute to leave the hotel.

The 3 days of the event were filled with panels, speakers, classes, and social activities. I have so much to write about, I am going to present my coverage in two parts – BlogHer with technology and then the creative part with classes and much more.

The first day of TCC was sponsored by BlogHer Handmade and was focused on technology for blogging and social media. I learned so much from the panels. I thought I had already learned a ton from past conferences/seminars that I have attended, but so much more was presented by BlogHer panels. Please check out the links to the blogs for these talented women.

The panelists from the first panel I attended are from left to right Marie LeBaron (Makes and Takes), Mena Trot (Sew Weekly), Corinne Leigh (previously on ThreadBanger) and Megan Jordan (Velveteen Mind).

It was tricky taking pictures with all the various lighting types in the hotel so the photo for another panel did not turn out. The presenters were fabulous – Alicia DiRago (Dismount Creative), Anne Kuo Lukito (Crafty Diversions), Megan Auman (CraftMBA) and Tara Gentile.

Two of the 3 founders of BlogHer were the panel for the Keynote luncheon Friday. Elisa Camahort Page (right) and Jory Des Jardins (center) told of founding BlogHer. Nancy Soriano (left) led the panel discussion. The third founder, Lisa Stone, was unable to attend.

It was interesting to hear each of these women tell of how they started their businesses as well as the technology they presented.

Here I am with friends at a table during one of the panel discussions Karen Embry, myself, Brenda Pinnick and Eileen Hull.

The Creative Connection event was co-founded by Jo Packham, editor of Where Women Create and Where Women Cook and Nancy Soriano. I extend a huge thanks to them for their starting this event!

Check back for part 2 of The Creative Connection of classes, author signings and more. The classes were fun – I love to work in a new direction or medium than I am accustomed to.

Phyllis

No comments

Chick Power – Sassy Chickens and Roosters on New Products

By Phyllis August 23, 2011 April 22, 2013 Aprons, Art, Zazzle Store

“Chick Power”, a whimsy art collection of chick and roosters was created to bring smiles! I painted this series of four chicks and two roosters with humorous word sayings to go with their activities of having a good time. Painted in bright colors, the series features “Kick up your Heels”, “Wine a Little”, “Live It Up”, and “Queen of the Hunt” for the chicks. For the roosters there are “Strut Your Stuff” and “Play a Little” (How many of you have seen a golfing rooster?).

These whimsy chick and rooster images are now available on over 80 products in my Zazzle store and can be fully customized. Below are samples of the products available from my “Chick Power” collection.

Kick Up Your Heels Ladies Tee by phyllisdobbs
Make your t shirts custom at zazzle.com.

Wine a Little Chick Power Tote Bag by phyllisdobbs
Design a custom beach bag at Zazzle

Play a Little Chick Magnet Travel Mug by phyllisdobbs
Browse other Play a little Mugs

Live It Up Chick Power Greeting Card by phyllisdobbs
Shop for more greeting cards online at Zazzle.

Strut Your Stuff Chick Magnet Mousepad by phyllisdobbs
Create photo mouse pads at zazzle.com

Available products include stationary (cards, invitations, etc), aprons, mouse pads, tee shirts, shopping bags, mugs, aprons and much more.

Put a little Chick Power in your day!

Phyllis

15 Comments

Creative Inspiration – Be Inspired!

By Phyllis March 2, 2011 August 3, 2011 Art, Artist Friends, Crafts and Crafting, Fabrics - Ballerinas

What is “inspiration”? As a noun, it is the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. The Thesaurus lists similiar words: example, muse, motivation, encouragement, influence, stimulus and catalyst.

Artists, designers, and anyone creating something derive inspiration from numerous sources. We use it to influence what we create with our own interpretation – it sparks a creative impulse that goes through a thought process in our minds and souls to create something unique. I especially like the word “catalyst” because what we see that inspires us is just the beginning. Our end result is totally different and uniquely ours. It doesn’t matter what we create and it doesn’t have to be a “Mona Lisa”, its ours!

I’m participating in a blog hop “Be Inspired”, the wonderful idea of Brenda Pinnick. Check out the artists listed below to see their inspirations. The purpose of the hop is to illustrate how to create using inspiration instead of copying someone elses work.

My inspiration is based on something I saw in my brother Nick and sister-in-law Lyn’s kitchen. Lyn loves black spotted cows and has collected many different ones. While I was visiting a few years ago, I saw this cow catching a Frisbee.

It triggered a new idea for me and I painted a collection of animal ballerinas, starting with a black spotted cow ballerina and added a frog and cat.

It was then licensed for a fabric collection with Cranston Printworks in both this aqua color and in a pink color collection.

Be original in what you create based on inspiration. Don’t copy (verb meaning to imitate or reproduce rather than creating something original). And when you create something original, you are protected by the copyright laws, rather than being a copyright infringer from copying what someone else has created.

Please check out these artists’ blog for their wonderful inspirations.