Best of Zazzle – Gifts For Her

 

Christmas is almost here, and while I put a big dent on my shopping list, I am like many of my friends, not completely finished picking out something special for everyone. And because I prefer to give something as unique as the people whom I share the holiday season with, I stop by my fellow designers on Zazzle for that different, out of the ordinary gift.

Here are my 5 favorites for the women on my list:

 

 

Classic and elegant.
I am biased – I have a Welsh-Gorgi/Beagle rescue, so I can not resist anything that resembles her.
Now I love eye-catching designs, and this case is hard to ignore. What a stylish way to dress up and protect your iPhone!
A beautiful and unique personalized platter, that fits with any decor. I love the simple elegance of this piece.
No favorite reading corner is complete without a puff to rest my upon.
Aren’t these beautiful? I hope this made your shopping a little easier. Remember that the above products are designed by independent artists, who truly appreciate your support.

Have a wonderful week!

Claudia

(Disclaimer: The above links to my fellow Zazzle designers are affiliate links. Any profit made from sales does not take away from the designers profits and helps me to continue to promote their work and offer advice for their creative endeavours. )

 

Fitbit Product Family - Activity Trackers

Best of Zazzle – Pillow Edition # 2

I love how easy it is to add accent colors to our home, by simply adding some pillows. It is an inexpensive way to freshen up your living room or bedroom and add an extra creative touch. Here are my current favorites available at Zazzle.

As always, thank you for supporting independent artists.

Have a wonderful day!

Claudia

Featured Artist Of The Week – Octavi Navarro

 

Pixels Hu by Octavi Navarro features fun designs that drew me in because of the artist’s unique ability to draw from video games, and bring that inspiration to life in digital applicable art. I had a chance to connect with him over the last few days and allowed me share some insights into his work and life as an artist.

 

 

What is the main inspiration behind your art?

I don’t think I can point out just one source of inspiration. The ideas behind my works always come in a very natural way, sometimes while watching a movie, playing a video game or reading a book. It’s really important for me to tell an interesting story in my illustrations, something that feels touching to me in some way, so these kind of sources are always useful.

 

What are the techniques you use and why?

I try to get as close as possible to the classic pixel art feeling of the early 90’s video games, but mixed with my own painting techniques. I’m pretty obsessed with lighting and shadows so I use the techniques that allow me to achieve the effects I want, even if it moves away from the “purist” idea of pixel art.

This charming technique is actually one of the aspects that drew me to your art in the first place, so I think you succeeded with your mission. So, how did you get started as an Artist?

As far as I remember I’ve been drawing and painting all my life. I was a very shy kid so I always used my drawings as a way to express myself. While working as a graphic designer in a technology company, I started looking for illustration clients and that’s how I started my career as a freelance children’s books illustrator. I had lots of fun those years but at one point I wanted to make something more personal. Something that really talked about my personality and my feelings. Pixel art was the best medium I could think of to make that possible.

How can people get in contact with you?

I can be contacted from wy website: www.pixelshuh.com
Also, I try to be pretty active on the social networks too, so people can find me on Twitter (@pixelshuh), Facebook (www.facebook.com/pixelshuh), Behance (www.behance.net/onavarro), Dribbble (dribbble.com/pixelshuh), DeviantArt (octavinavarro.deviantart.com), Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/octavinavarro), and of course Redbubble (www.redbubble.com/people/pixelshuh).
Those who like my work can also support it on Patreon: www.patreon.com/pixelshuh

Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me today!

As always, please remember to support independent artists. Independent artists create a unique variety of creative art pieces, that are always worth a second look. You can find something for every taste and in every style. Thank you!

 

Redbubble.com

Winter Holiday – A Haiku

Winter Holiday - A Haiku

twinkle in their eyes
cold winter celebrations
sweet magic abounds

Copyright Claudia H. Blanton 2014

This post was inspired by the Daily Post prompt: Getting Seasonal.

This season is special to me out of many reason. A few, I want to mention here are my daughter’s and son’s birthdays, and our Yule celebrations, which all fall together within a matter of a week and a half. So while hectic, it is a beautiful time to share and spend time together. I am currently drying some apples and oranges for the table decorations for the Winter Solstice celebration, and will purchase the last few candles needed to be put on the altar.

I wish you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season, however you choose to celebrate it!