Hippity hop

Yep, Easter is definitely on its way, and here at home I've been busy organizing a few little decorations to make the break more festive.

I whipped up this little Easter egg tree - nothing too elaborate of course, just a little something to set the mood.

 source unknown - sorry

And then my good friend Martha called, and we had a little chat about what she could do to decorate her little farm.....she always likes the place to look nice, and I was only too happy to give her a few tips. That's how I roll.

My bestie - Martha

But by far the most taxing job I'll be tackling over the next few days is the yearly Easter Egg Hunt. It's a family tradition that we've carried on since the crew were babies, and in spite of the fact that they're all well into their teens, each year we hide a stash of eggs in every conceivable place throughout our two-plus acre property. That's the easy part. The hard part is making up more cryptic and clever clues every year, and finding new places to stash the eggs. 

my favourite chocolate - Haigh's. Delish

Our biggest shed is always a great place, but not sure the eggs would last too long this year....we have a visitor:

He's a carpet snake - completely harmless, although not if you're a possum...or a chook. This guy left us a little present a week or so ago - a newly shed skin. It measures 11 feet from head to tail, so he's a reasonable size. Our neighbours have lost a few of their chickens lately, including their rooster, and they found the culprit at the scene of the crime, with a suspicious rooster-shaped lump in his belly. So I'm guessing a few easter eggs wouldn't stand a chance. 

Anyhoo, I'm off to make a start on the clues. What do you guys have planned for the Easter break? Any fabulous family traditions? I'd love to hear all about them.

Happy Easter to you and yours,

In the Press.

As I mentioned in my last post, the lovely Paddy Hintz wrote an article in Saturday's Courier Mail newspaper, on my Martha Stewart Living feature. Paddy has been wonderful since I started my blog and Etsy shop, and so supportive. Thank you Paddy, it's very much appreciated.

  

...couldn't figure out how to Photoshop myself out of the picture without losing the prints!!

I must thank you all again for your many comments, emails and messages of support - to say it's been overwhelming is a huge understatement. My Etsy shop has sold out many times over, and I'm working non-stop to keep things ticking along. A big thank you must go to my wonderful family, as it's been all hands on deck to help print, pack and post orders. My mum has even been cooking dinner for us (I think she's concerned the kids may end up with scurvy if she doesn't!). Thanks guys, couldn't do it without you :)

Before I go, I must mention Paddy's fantastic blog, Shop Smart with Paddy Hintz, where she shares her inside info on where to find the best bargains around. And you don't have to live in Brissie either to take advantage. Check it out here or the link on my side bar, but be warned - your wallet will definitely be a whole lot lighter after your visit!

I'll be back soon with some brand-new paintings to add to my shop, so I'll catch you all then. 

Have a great day,

Guest post...and in the press

I'm chuffed to have been asked by my namesake Kerry to guest post on her lovely blog today, as she swans around New York - totally jealous. As part of a series of guest posts, I'm in very good company - the lovely Tina and Anna are also taking part, so you can be sure they'll come up with their usual fabulousness! You can can check it out over here. I'm posting on coastal style today - my absolute fave.

courtesy realestate.com.au

As for the press, Paddy from The Courier Mail (you need to check out her blog - she has the lowdown on all the BEST bargains) has very kindly interviewed me on my recent Martha feature. I'll share pics as soon as I can, but for those Brissie bloggers, it's on page 35 of today's edition. Thanks so much Paddy, you're a gem!

The blues

This morning, my art studio had a super-fast mini-makeover, ready for some glamour shots. I thought you might like to see how it's looking nowdays, complete with a couple of blue and white paintings you may recognise. Although I didn't have the time (or the team of stylists) to pull off a re-do anywhere near as fabulous as Martha's, it's nice to change things up once in a while. And while blue is the order of the day now, it will probably sport pinks and oranges next week. Which is half the fun of course.

 hmm, should have ironed that cover - if only I had some minions to do that for me. Note to self - put teenagers to work pronto. 

 these particular prints are approx 11" x 20" , and framed without a mat in a 15mm profile frame. I'll be adding another three to the wall as soon as I can add more hangers - these ones promptly fell off as soon as these photos were taken!

I also want to thank each and every one of you for your lovely messages and emails about my Martha Stewart feature. You're all absolutely fabulous and I'm so happy to be able to share it with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

all photos and artwork copyright Kerri Shipp 2011

My good friend Martha Stewart...

..has featured my blue and white paintings in her little magazine. Just sayin'.

the iPad edition launched today, and it's sensational as always. Couldn't love it any harder if I tried.

A few months ago, I woke to an email from the lovely Scott, an editor for Martha Stewart Living Magazine. He said they loved my blue and white paintings, and would I be interested in sending some to New York for a feature in the magazine? Oh, and they had to be there in under four days. After I picked myself up off the floor, of course I said yes, and then spent the next few hours in a state of panic. Did I mention it was December? Or that the US had extra security in place for checking mail over the holidays? Anyway, I sent them on their way, and today I saw the end result. So thrilled. The editors used large-scale prints for the shoot, and I'm pleased to say they're now available in my Etsy shop:

'Ming in Indigo'

20" x 28" (510mm x 710mm)

available here

'Dynasty in Ming'

20" x 28" (510mm x 710mm)

available here

'Ginger Jar in Ming'

20" x 28" (510mm x 710mm)

available here

My paintings were part of a feature on blue, and the whole story is stunning - take a look:

So thank you Martha (and of course Scott!), I'm thrilled beyond belief to have my work featured in such an iconic magazine. It was sooo worth the nervous breakdown! Still pinching myself :) 

Have a great day everyone,