Fischtales

Don't forget my giveaway! Just leave a comment to enter!!

2012-01-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

Pinwheel love! Working on a pinwheel mobile for a customer, these papers make my heart skip a beat!

2012-01-30T11:53:00.001-08:00

Don't forget to enter my Fischtale giveaway! Closes shortly!! Http://fischtaledesigns.blogspot.com

2012-01-29T15:04:00.001-08:00

My little girl at art class, I haven't tried to help once! Letting someone else teach!

2012-01-28T09:02:00.001-08:00

2012-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

Ok Ladies, girl's night with Fischtales on Feb. 10th at my house!! I can't wait! We are going to have a great night making this adorable project and eating dessert with friends... I don't know about you but that is worth $20!! I will prepare everyone's project and provide all supplies and the profits will go to a GREAT cause, the UMDF! So, think about it and get a friend to come with you! RSVP by Feb. 6th so I can prepare for everyone who is coming... it's going to be fun! Email me, or leave me a comment here or on facebook if you want to come!

Love bugs and cupcakes for a GOOD cause!
email me at: fischtale@gmail.com

Time for a Giveaway!

2012-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

We appreciate all of you so much! I absolutely love what I do and I wanted to give away a little gift to someone special! Friend us on Facebook, join our mailing list, or just leave a comment on the blog or facebook! Each one you do.... I will add your name to the drawing! So, do all three and I will add your name in 3 times! If you friend us on Facebook please leave me a comment on Facebook so I know. This would be a sweet gift for Valentines, Easter, or birthday.... Or keep it for yourself! Thanks for supporting us!

Do you have a friend that would Love our stuff? Refer them to our giveaway and get another chance to win! Tell them to mention your name!

Go here to join our mailing list http://www.fischtaledesigns.com/
and here for Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Fischtale-Designs/380821895358?sk=wall

Glitter makes everyday better!! Even when you have to clean up the studio!

2012-01-19T08:51:00.001-08:00

Well, finished the day with Muddy cupcakes! Pretty good birthday!

2012-01-14T21:33:00.001-08:00

2012-01-12T08:52:00.000-08:00

I am so excited about this print! I feel like God has blessed me with a gift and the least that I can do is share that with people! I believe that everyone has some sort of talent or gift that they are best at and we should all use them to better the world around us. Weather that is helping a neighbor out in a time of need or donating our time to make someone else's life better. Do something this week to lift another person up, and you will see a difference in your own life. God calls us to love one another with our words and actions. My prayer is that through my art I will show the blessings God has put in my own life because with out Him there is nothing.

Robot finished

2012-01-11T09:36:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone is getting back into the swing of things after Christmas break... ours was such a whirlwind! Believe me my children got more stuff than they needed! They are definitely good on toys for the next year!

On a serious note.... I wanted to tell everyone thank you for supporting Fischtale Designs this last year! Scott and I work hard to try and make every customer happy. So, thank you for keeping me busy this last year and hopefully this year will be even better! We do enjoy working with each and every one of you! Here's to a new year!

Working on this guy today... Lots of projects running through my head!

2012-01-10T08:42:00.000-08:00

Color color color... Working on orders and Elias's birthday surprises!

2012-01-05T11:31:00.000-08:00

Just made these for our hit chocolate Christmas Eve! Yum!

2011-12-23T15:21:00.000-08:00

Another gift done... Delivering it today! Hope everyone is having a great Christmas!!

2011-12-18T10:36:00.001-08:00

Still working on Christmas gifts... This is a lego bag for Elias

2011-12-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

Working on Christmas gifts... Are you making anything for your friends and family for Christmas?

2011-12-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

Watched Alice in Wonderland with the kids last night... Love those moments!

2011-12-05T08:05:00.001-08:00

2011-11-03T10:25:00.001-07:00

A new mobile added to the shop, eye candy!

New use for cotton candy...

2011-10-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Art Party

2011-10-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

So, last weekend I went to my nephew's birthday party and we had such a good time. They are all growing up so fast, it's really unbelievable! My sister-in-law put together such a neat party for him and I was so glad that I actually got some pictures to share. Everyone got to choose their favorite colored cupcake to eat, we made crayon art, and of course opened some presents. I made this bag... you know I couldn't pass the opportunity up to celebrate art, that would be so wrong of me!
Oh, and for that fun canvas project go here http://pinterest.com/search/?q=crayon+canvas it was so much fun watching those crayons melt down the canvas.

Out of control in here!!

2011-10-11T11:26:00.001-07:00

New Nursery Rhyme Prints...

2011-09-26T08:34:00.000-07:00

I have six new nursery rhyme prints to show you! These were created for a sweet new baby coming into the world very soon, and I know her family is very excited to meet her! They are a play off of my original nursery rhyme canvas that I did over a year ago, but there are a few new ones too! I have my personal favorites but I am anxious to see which ones are your favorite. These can come in canvas or in 8x10 or 11x14 prints. I think they will be a nice addition to any classic nursery! I hope the new baby that gets the first copies enjoys them too!

NEW!! Circus Party

2011-09-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just listed this cute little trio up in the shop! Doesn't it make you want to bake a cake and have a party!They are a circus seal cake topper( base not included)for your home made cake,circus tent party hat, and a circus peanut party wand with place for name! I have always made such a big deal about my own kids birthdays, making elaborate decorations. I have always been at the brink of pulling out my hair right before a party but I always get "Mommy, that was the best party ever!" and that makes it all worth it! Love those babies!! My family has always told me that I should do birthday parties but I really just enjoy making all the decorations! So, here is my first shot at doing that for my customers... we will see how it goes! Enjoy!

She's no help at all in the studio! Sleeping on the job!

2011-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

I love these new yellow blooms in the studio!

2011-08-31T17:56:00.000-07:00

Watch out bad guys.... It's Elias the spy!

2011-08-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

Slow going...

2011-08-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Good morning....it is slow going around here today! I have plenty of work to do but my computer is being a little stubborn today. So, time to readjust until my hubby gets home to save the day. He is my computer guy... free of charge! I received a call this morning from my sister, Christie and all the kids in her 5th grade class, and I wanted to say hello! Glad to now that you all check in to see what I am up to time to time... nice to meet you all. Christie said that some of her students were getting ready to enter in an art contest and they were interested in my process. Well, I thought I would give them a small glance into my studio today. Humpty is still hanging on the board today but as you can see I don;t start a project blindly. I sketch and research my subject before I start. You can see on both sides of my board- one side is my original sketch and on the other is a color reference sheet. Since this piece is for a client I have to work within a certain color scheme, but they are very close to what I usually use so that is great. So, that was a small glimpse... maybe I will get to share more with you another day! You are always welcomed to drop me a question and I will try to answer it the best way I can. Have a great day guys!

Sneaky peek! Follow me on Facebook to see all of it!

2011-08-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

New Start

2011-08-15T07:38:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about a new project I am starting today and it includes this adorable little guy! Yes, that is Humpty Dumpty and he has five other new prints that will follow him. I start painting him today and I can't wait to jump in feet first. New fresh paint, fresh new ideas on the board, and music playing in the studio. Maybe I will get to share some of my progress as I go... well see.

New Mobiles in the Shop

2011-08-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

I was very productive yesterday... my first full day of work in the studio after the kids started to school. I have had these pieces sitting around my studio and yesterday I finally had the chance to put them together, so excited! They are up on my etsy store this morning and I feel so productive! Now to finish a few things around the studio and off to the paper store, have a great day!

My Baby Started Kindergarten

2011-08-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

My baby started Kindergarten this week.... talk about a shocker! Today is his second day to go and believe me, it is very quiet around here! I have had babies under my feet for over 7 years and for the house to be empty during the day is such an odd feeling, something I will have to get use to. But, they eventually had to leave and start school so now it is time for me to put my art to work. Hopefully you will be seeing me here more and I will now have time to get those orders done. It is a good thing! So proud of them.... isn't he just too cute in that tshirt, totally fits him. Well, guess it's time to get to work!

Summer Love

2011-07-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can imagine I haven't had much time to blog lately because of the summer. I have tried not to let work things consume me since both of my babies are home for summer break...plus my baby is starting kindergarten in less than two weeks. I am trying to spend as much time with them before they both go to school. But, orders still have to be filled and believe me I am not complaining. Thank you to all of our customers who are loving our mobiles lately! They have been such a hit and I am so grateful to get to do what I love! This mobile is headed to Little Rock, Arkansas to a sweet store called Tuck and Cover http://www.tuckandcover.com/! You should see the pictures of this lovely store online... can't wait to visit them one day. I hope everyone is enjoying the end of your summer break!

Working on this cute little owl today!

2011-06-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Mermaid Chandelier Mobile

2011-06-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

Here is my new Mermaid Chandelier Mobile I just created and sent off to a fun photographer in Texas! I sent this one and a Pirate Chandelier Mobile for a summer photography shoot! Hopefully we will get some great shots back with some cutie pootie kids dressed as mermaids and pirates! I love creating these sweet pieces of art! The Mermaid Chandelier acyually took me alot longer than I expected because I hand shaded everything to give it that extra pop! Love it though! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and that you are getting to pretend you are a mermaid or pirate sunnimg on a sandy beach somewhere!

Our garden

2011-06-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here they are ready to string up

2011-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

Working on a Seahorse and Mermaid chandelier mobile today

2011-06-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Butterfly tree limb

2011-06-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Morning sketch

2011-06-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Just Brainstorming...

2011-05-31T19:24:00.000-07:00

I was just brainstorming about some ideas....canvases to go with my mobiles. This bottom image is a canvas idea I came up with to match my owl chandelier... do you like?? It is very bold, graphic, and different than what I usually design. Should I personalize it or leave it just this great pop of color with no name? Let me know what you think!

New Tree Limbs

2011-05-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are about to get over the cough and sniffles that both my kids have had, and now we are trying to get through the last week of school. These are two new tree limbs about to leave the studio, aren't they lovely. I hope the people they are going to love them! The first one I call my "Spring Bloom" and the second one I call "English Garden". I love making them but shipping has been a monster, but I think I am finally getting it worked out. If you know of any great children's stores in your area that might be interested in our new mobiles, drop me a line! We would love to send them some info!

Zoo Trip Today... Hooray!

2011-04-28T08:57:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes for Elias's Easter Party

2011-04-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

What I'm working on today- party wands!

2011-04-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm on a Roll This Week...

2011-04-08T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have felt so productive this week, I am wrapping up a bunch of project I had started and starting new orders. These are two I just listed on etsy, and I have to say my pictures are getting a little bit better. I LOVE this new flower design for my tree limbs! I have flower fever now- I have plans to create at least two more different flower designs to have as options for my customers. The top mobile with the owls is so fun too- i can't wait to do it in other colors. Let me know what you think of these two new pieces! Have a great weekend!

What I'm working on today... New flowers for tree limbs

2011-04-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

New Tree Limbs

2011-04-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

These tree limbs are definately a labor of love but I always love them when they are done! I recently found these sweet little nest for my chicks to sit in and I adore them. This tree limb and another one with a tealy blue bird are headed to a store in Nashville called Giggles (it will be another week or so before I can get it up ther though). So, if you are in the Brentwood area- stop by there and see alot of our new stuff hanging up in their store (and when you go by there tell them I sent you!- hahaha they will love that!) I am always taking custom orders to make one in the colors of your room- so drop me a line if you want to talk about it!

This is what I'm working on today... They make me happy!

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

2011-03-31T07:28:00.000-07:00

Ella's sweet mermaid party was featured on Design Dazzle blog www.designdazzle.blogspot.com today. This is the second time, that was such a fun party! She still talks about that party sometimes. I made the blue seaweed out of strips of blue plastic table cloth, the fish, seahorse,bubbles, and green seaweed was cut out of card board boxes I had saved. Then I draped Christmas lights from one end of the room to the other- so much fun! Oh, I also added a touch of glitter to all the cardboard cutouts so they would shimmer- you know me and my glitter! Don't leave home without it!
To make the card board cutouts: I used left over boxes and drew my creatures on there with pencil. Then I used a serrated kitchen knife to follow the lines I had drawn. It's actually not that hard to cut card board with a knife, scissors don't work that well. I also found that the little knifes that come with a pumpkin carving set worth great to cut into little areas. After I had it all cut out then I painted and glittered them- and hung them with fishing line. It looks expensive but it cost very little because it was all time, card board boxes, a little acrylic paint, and a package of blue plastic table cloth! It was a project, I won't lie, but it was a night Ella will never forget! Birthdays only come once a year, and in our house that is your special day.

Glittering flowers for tree limbs today!

2011-03-29T10:10:00.000-07:00

Do You Get So Frustrated???

2011-03-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get so frustrated? I do- I hit a wall! I feel sometimes like I am just spinning and spinning in the same spot, never getting anywhere. Just staying the same, makes me want to scream! I need redirection, creatively put back on track! So frustrating, just needed to vent. Thanks!

Thats it...change no more!

2011-03-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, here it is! I will not change it again. If this doesn't make the top 75, theres nothing I can do different. I have fussed over it so much and I am calling it done. I'm nervous though, there are some designs that are very beautiful. I already have a few favorites I must admit! It will be a hard contest- there are already over 800 entries and the day is not even over. Well, wish me luck!

Don't you love this display at Pottery Barn Kids! I love these sweet little chicks, I think I need them!

2011-03-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

update

2011-03-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

I think I like the stripes better!

It's Done....

2011-03-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

It's done.... and I had a blast designing this! This is my fabric design for the "Project Selvage" contest on www.spoonflower.com I may not make it into the top 75, but it was a learning experience that I truly enjoyed. I will let you know if my design shows up in the contest on Thursday...i will need lots of votes if it does. Thanks for all the great input I recieved from my family and friends, I so appreciated it. Wish me luck!

Rocket Ship Mobile

2011-02-17T11:44:00.001-08:00

This mobile always makes me smile, I think it is the vivid reds and blues. Perfect for a little boys room. Soon you will be able to find our mobiles on our website. We had such a good response to our mobiles at our shows this last Fall, but it so much work trying to remake things and take pictures of them. Back to work!

Take Two

2011-02-17T11:41:00.001-08:00

!Reworked that last image.... thank goodness for Photoshop! I think this looks better!

Aghhhh... taking photos!

2011-02-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

As with many artist, the biggest battle we have is taking pictures of our work. I struggle with this! I love it when people can see my work in person because it is so much more beautiful in person, then I get home and try to take pictures. Such a headache! Plus my poor daughter can't figure out why her room is always used in my pictures. She is such a good sport! I don't know, maybe one day I will get the knack for it, we will see!

New on Etsy

2011-01-27T07:44:00.001-08:00

All these yummy pieces are up on my Etsy store... go over and check them out! If you are looking for something special for your child's room, drop me an email. These are just some of my favorite themes, whats yours?

First Print of the New Year

2011-01-07T13:57:00.001-08:00

Well, here is the first print of the new year.... just something fun. He is over in the Etsy shop as we speak. A new year means a new clean canvas... right! Hopefully there will be great things to come!

Lego Party

2011-01-03T10:22:00.001-08:00

So... it was my little boy's 5th birthday and we decided to have a lego party!

Someone gave me a huge box they were throwing away and we started planning

My little boy helping mommy paint the castle!

The castle all ready for the party! The torches on the front are made out of flashlights, so they light up! They were so fun!

We used some of his lego sets to decorate with and I found foam swords for every child and a shield for the birthday boy... it couldn't have turned out better for my little man and all his guest!

They walked through the door to get into the party room, and they had a blast pulling the drawbridge up and down.

Mimi and Grandaddy bought each child a little lego set to put together and take home.

Green lego cake

My sweet family before the party started!

Now.... I am so excited because the castle fit around his bed perfectly and now he has a castle bed! I think I was more excited though because ... it has a good home after the party! Happy Birthday sweet boy!!!

Pink Paisley Photography

2010-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

Ok people! I have found a new blog that I simply LOVE! Look at this drop dead gorgeous photography! I just found this site today and I am already posting about it. These beautiful images are the creative work of a young mother named Cassie from Pink Paisely Photography http://pinkpaisley1.blogspot.com/

Go visit her site, you'll love her work!

Paper Birds

2010-11-22T08:52:00.001-08:00

These are my new favorite things, paper birds with a feather tail. This little birdie was a custom order with three other friends to go with him. I just love how the colors came out , they are much prettier in person! Well, if I don't get back on her before Thanksgiving, Please have a great Holiday weekend!

Fall Show Season is Over

2010-11-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

We are back home, Hooray! Here are some of my favorite pieces from the shows- the mermaid chandelier found a new home too! I'll miss her!

We met alot of great people and saw alot of our old friends! It was great seeing everyone again! We had a great response to our new chandeliers and mobiles, so hopefully you will see them soon on our website. I have a ton of new ideas running through my head- I can't wait to work on all those new ideas! Thanks to everyone who came to see us and I hope to share new things with you soon!

Pumpkin Coach

2010-10-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Look whats new! I love it! Just listed up on etsy too!! Pumpkin coach and all the mice you need to pull it to the ball. Alice in Wonderland inspired mobile is coming soon, can't wait to finish it!

We have a Winner!

2010-10-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

(I love this picture from last year- they will be with me at Christmas Village this year, They are so excited to go! My little helpers!)

Well, we got back from Little Rock Arkansas totally exhausted! I have been trying to catch up on daily work and orders to start all over again. We just added a new show to this falls agenda, we will be at Holiday House in Little Rock Arkansas the first weekend in November! So all the great people that we met at Mistletoe Merchants come back out to see us at Holiday House! We also had a drawing for a bird and the winner is........

Faith M.

Hip Hip Hooray!!! Congrats Faith!

I will be contacting you to see what color bird you would like! If you want to be included in one of our bird drawings, come visit us at one of our fall shows!

Holiday House in Little Rock Arkansas- first weekend in November

and

Christmas Village in Nashville Tennesee- second weekend of November

I am working on some new products that are absolutlely adorable!

That Time Again!

2010-09-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have been a little absent from my blog lately, sorry! BUT, that is because it is almost that time of the year again! This coming up weekend we will have a booth at Mistletoe Merchants in Little Rock Arkansas. I am so excited! I love show season- making new things, filling boxes with lots of goodies to sell, getting to meet all the new people. Can't wait! If you are in Arkansas or close to the the Little Rock area, we would love to see you there. I have some new pretties to hang from the ceiling and new canvases to decorate your walls. So come and see us- visit here to get directions and find out all the good info: http://www.mistletoemerchants.com/MMLittleRock.html

Thursday, September 16
Shopping - 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday, September 17
Shopping - 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
Martinis & Mistletoe (Girls' Night Out )- 5 p.m. - 9.p.m.
Only $5 After 5.
Silent Auction - 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 18
Shopping - 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Admission
Adults $8 1-day pass, $12 3-day pass
Friday - Girls' Night Out $5 after 5
Children 12 & Under FREE

This show and Christmas Village in Nashville will be the only two shows you will be able to find us at this year- so come on out!

Circus Elephant Mobile

2010-08-01T14:57:00.001-07:00

I had so much fun designing this new mobile. I have a couple more hanging in my studio waiting for me to come and finish them. One is a mermaid mobile and the other a cupcake mobile. I can't wait to see how those turn out too! Anyways, this new circus elephant mobile will be going to one of my upcoming fall shows- so if your interested , stay tuned for the shows we will be going to in September and November!

C is for Cupcake...

2010-07-21T10:59:00.000-07:00

Some new sketches I have been working on... wish I had a cupcake right about now. That would top my day off! I have been working on some ideas for my own alphabet inspired canvases

and prints- this is one of my ideas for "C". I don't know, well see where it goes. I have been in such a funk lately and I can't shake out of it. Hopefully I will soon! My babies go back to school soon- BOO!! I have enjoyed them being home- they are something else!Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend- I plan to.

Chandelier Mobile- New Piece

2010-07-14T18:05:00.001-07:00

I am so proud of this new mobile, I was afraid it was going to be a flop when I started it. I get these grand ideas in my mind and I can't get it out of my head until I at least try to make it. It is really a sickness I have! This mobile was inspired by my LOVE of chandeliers. I thought, I wish I could make something that looked like one with out all the electrical issues- so I mixed that concept with the idea of a mobile. I am glad it is done and looks wonderful, because I worked on it off and on for two days. I want to list it on etsy but I am a little worried about shipping- any suggestions?

Hello There...

2010-07-12T18:34:00.001-07:00

I have been a little of a slug this summer- trying to balance kids at home for summer and working. As you can tell the kiddos have taken most of my time, plus the house that stays crazy since I have two at home all the time making messes. Some days I feel like I just walk behind everyone picking up all day- BUT I wouldn't change it for anything! I am so enjoying the kids in the little kiddie pool, tent making in the backyard, and my baby's playing pretend all day long. In a year, both my babies will be in school and I will have all day to work on this little business of mine! So, I have listed two new prints in the etsy shop- one that I painted last year but gave a new look to " the Pirate" (originally painted for my son) and one that is completely new!

This is a new print for me- I actually completed it last night! I so enjoyed getting to sit and paint last night, I have been wanting to complete a new piece for awhile. I have been so drawn to this vintage storybook look and I actually have another piece in the works. I have a small collection of vintage books and toys that always inspire me to make something new. I sketch alot but there is a kind of frustration that an artist has when all you get to do is sketch- but nothing ever feels like a finished piece. So, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and jump over to the shop if you get a chance!

Little Girl's Mother Goose Canvas

2010-06-12T15:47:00.001-07:00

I am so excited!! My new Girl's Nursery Rhyme canvas is finished! I can't tell you how great it feels to post tonight because I have been working on this new canvas for a long time. This one is for girls and I have sketches started for the one for the little boys. This canvas has the moon and mother goose at the top with the old woman in the shoe then in the middle is little Miss Muffett and Mary had a Little Lamb and last across the bottom is the farmer's wife chased by the Three Blind Mice. The detail in this canvas has such a storybook feeling with a little bit of a vintage twist. I love it! AND if you look close my new moon mobile in the last post matches this new canvas perfectly. I hope you all love it and I am so excited about sharing it with you!

New Handmade Moon Mobile On Etsy

2010-06-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well I finally did it- I listed my moon on Etsy! Handmade when you order yours and pick your color choice for the stars and ribbon. They are such a labor of love but so gorgeous when they are finished. Jump over there and check it out http://www.etsy.com/listing/48995590/handmade-moon-and-star-mobile

Want to come to a party???

2010-06-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy busy girl! I hope you don't think I am ignoring you! I am enjoying the start of summer with my babies and working in between those moments. We just got back from a show in Atlanta and we meet some great new people- overall the show was a little disappointing but that's not going to slow us down. I wanted to thank everyone who came by our booth and talked to us- it was nice to meet new people! I have been playing with a new idea for Fischtale Designs and if you are in the Memphis area and are interested drop me an email! I am thinking about having an Art Party! An experimentally party opened to my Fischtale friends to see if it would be a good fit for me. I have been asked by many people to give art classes but I think a party would be fun! I am still working out the details but we would make a piece of art by the end of the night that you could take home for yourself or a friend with cupcakes and tea half way through our work session! It would be a trial run with a $20 supply fee for each person. A great girls night out- invite a friend too! I haven't set my dates yet but I am looking at Friday June the 18th or Friday June the 25th- let me know what you think!! Check us out on Facebook for more details and details to come. It could be a fun night- and I love to have a party!!

Three Blind Mice

2010-05-11T07:16:00.001-07:00

Well, I am in a mad dash to try and finish my latest canvas- The girl's nursery rhyme canvas. I had every detail planned out except the bottom section and now I am trying to fill that part in without it looking like an after thought! So here is my sketch for the last nursery rhyme- now to test it out this morning on the canvas. Other news, we will be heading to Atlanta this coming up week. We will be at "The World's Largest Baby Shower" show in Atlanta. So, it has been crazy around here trying to get ready! I will try to post when I get back- wish us luck!

Lovely Clusters

2010-04-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

My name is Melissa Fischer, mother of two great kids and the artist behind Fischtale Designs. My first love is painting children's canvases, but I also enjoy working with paper clay. I hand make birds that hang from the ceiling, cakes, cupcakes, vintage toys, and any other little whimsies I can come up with to make out of clay. My biggest inspiration is my two babies- their interest, their creative play, and the crazy things they come up with inspire allot of what I do. I assume if it appeals to my children- it will catch the attention of someone else's!

Thank you for visiting my blog today and a BIG thank you to the "Lovely Cluster" blog http://lovelyclusters.blogspot.com/p/lovely-blogger-list.html for allowing us to share a little snippet of our creative talent with her bloggers! For more

Fischtale Designs: http://www.fischtaledesigns.com/

Mother Goose Sketch

2010-04-19T09:38:00.001-07:00

This is a sketch for a new canvas I am working on as we speak- My version of some of my favorite nursery rhymes. I have been working on these sketches for awhile and I can't wait to see all of them come together for a new canvas. Sketching is the fun- but it is when I start putting paint to it on a canvas, that is when I get anxious! Everything is so final then! I hope to have the finished canvas up for you to see soon!

Mommy and Baby Elephant Canvas- NEW!!

2010-04-08T07:33:00.001-07:00

Love this new canvas! Chocolate colored elephants- perfect for an elegant but masculine nursery. My favorite is the tiny little chocolate buttons painted between each harlequin point. So Cute!!

New Dolls on Etsy

2010-03-26T13:51:00.001-07:00

I just listed new dolls up on Etsy today- BUT they have been moved to my mother's Etsy store at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/grammyrose?ga_search_query=grammyrose&ga_search_type=seller_usernames She is the master mind behind sewing them up so pretty! We have more up in the store so jump over and check them out! Have a great weekend!

Frequently asked question?

2010-03-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

One of my most frequently asked questions is about what kind of supplies I use. Believe it or not I don't use the expensive acrylics you find in the painting section of your local art store. I use the little bottles of "Anita's" and "Americana" paint that you can find at Hobby Lobby (craft store). I also buy my canvas by the roll so I can cut it to what ever size I want or need. I also love beautiful hard bound sketch books and I have a few sitting in my studio BUT I never use them! Ha! I love to look at those sweet little fancy books but I don't sketch well in them. I actually use three ring notebooks that I can put clear page protectors in. I sketch on printer type paper and then when I am happy with it I slid my sheet into that page protector- makes it easier on me. Then if I need to I take the sheet in and out of my book- or throw it away if the sketch didn't work out (nothing is permanent)! I feel so restricted by a bound book- it makes me CRAZY!! I also love mechanical pencil ( you never have to sharpen) and I always keep a separate eraser ( those that come with the pencil don't last long!) Anyways, Those are a few of my little tricks- nothing fancy! You just have to find what works for you and go with it! If you ever have a question, drop me a line. I will always try to answer them.

I am Finnished!!

2010-03-18T08:31:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the "Bug Ball" Canvas and I am so glad! I stayed up late last night and knocked it out- this canvas has taken me longer to paint than any canvas I have ever done. I finished it just in time because I was starting to get burned out! I didn't mean for it to get too busy but I wanted allot of detail- as if you were looking at a page in a child's storybook. Now, I have to get caught up on other orders because I have two more great canvas ideas that I just can't wait to get to work on- I see allot of fun canvases in my future for 2010! I can't wait to share them with you! Now, I have to make a trip into town for more paint and to see the new "Alice in Wonderland" movie- I am so excited!!

Baby on the Way!

2010-03-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

My sweet cousin, Caroline, is having her first baby in about 4 weeks. I am so excited for her and I know she is ready for him to get here. I have been working with her for a few weeks now to come up with some artwork for the baby, and this is the first piece finished. She had a baby shower Saturday and I was able to give her this fun watercolor- I hope it matches Caroline! I really like this design- I may have to repaint it for a new boy print. I know it will do well- there is just something about new mommies and frogs! They always catch their attention! It's a mystery!!! Anyways, congratulations Caroline! We can't wait to meet baby Harrison, love you both!

Meet an Artist Friend- Stella Jane!

2010-03-05T10:20:00.001-08:00

I first meet Julie over a year and a half ago, and I am so glad our paths crossed! Julie is the designer behind the fabulous clothes of Stella Jane. She works out of her home studio (like me)- making these classic and timeless children's clothes. Her clothing line is never "Trendy" but something you could pass from one child to the next. I invite everyone to jump over to her website and check out these handmade duds! She is such a nice lady and she would love to hear from you!
http://www.stellajane.com/

Bug Ball Sneek Peek

2010-03-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

Before I started printing my canvases, one of my most popular designs was my "Bug Ball" canvas. It was a magical scene of a carriage pulled by a grasshopper on it's way to the Royal Bug Ball in a wee little castle. I have been putting off painting a final copy of this design for print

for awhile- I just wanted to make sure I had it just the way I wanted it! I think I finally have it. After weeks of drawing sketches and reworking them a couple of times- I think I have it the way I want it. So, this is a small glimpse of one little part I have finished. Hopefully I will get to work on it some more soon- If I can keep everyone well around our house! All the creeping crude and stomach viruses have hit our house lately- I am so ready for SPRING!!!

Sketch Study 2

2010-02-27T16:39:00.001-08:00

February has been such a busy month! I had in my mind that I would post more often but I have already dropped the ball on that one. I can say that I have been spending allot of time in my sketch book- so I guess that is really good! Here is my second sketch to share- I have really gotten on a kick with drawing girls. I adore this little girl, I guess because she reminds my of a little Indian girl, and that is so different from what I usually sketch. She just evolved that way one night and I guess you could say it was a happy accident. I love happy accidents!

Sketch Study 1

2010-02-04T11:19:00.001-08:00

One of my goals this year is to work more on my sketching. To work everyday on it if I can! I really want to focus on the beginning stages more- the preparing to paint a canvas. One of my weaknesses is children- their facial features and their body movements (capturing that in an image). So, some of my new ideas for canvases include children in them so that means I need to get it right before I even put the first brush of paint on the canvas. I hope to share some of that here- with you. I can always tell growth in my work when I take the time to sketch- if you are an artist I encourage you to try it!

Our First Birds Out to Stores

2010-02-02T07:02:00.001-08:00

Well, here are our first birds before they were shipped off to their new home in our first retail store. We have had our canvases in stores for awhile now, but this is a first for our birds. We have been working for awhile trying to get them fine tuned and the packaging together. We finally decided on a clear box wrapped with ribbon and a silver embossed sticker on the top- simple but it was a job putting it together. We also took shredded white tissue paper and made them each a nest to sit in- how cute did that turn out! That was a happy accident! Now, we work on getting the images up on the website and keep introducing them to more people. We hope they have a great response! It is something when you put your heart and energy into something that you created and try to take it to sell- exciting but nerve racking!

They are going to be offered in 10 different colors and 2 different glitter types- Fairy Dust (which is very fine) and Frosted Sugar.

We will keep you updated on how it goes!

Off to Market

2010-01-01T16:18:00.001-08:00

Well, it is that time of year again! We will be leaving for Gift Market in Atlanta this coming up week. We are excited because we are taking a ton of new stuff! New canvases and our one of a kind hanging handmade birds! Yes, that is what I said, soon you will be able to find our handmade birds in retail stores!! This is our new postcard we are taking to Market and I can't wait to bring back pictures of our bird display for the showroom. I am trying to make a handmade tree limb to hang them from- it's not finished yet! We also have fabulous packaging for our sweet little birds- when they are perched up in their new boxes they look like a million bucks!! Wish us luck! Retailers, please come visit us in the "Stella Jane and Friends" showroom in children's world (13th floor) at America's Mart, Atlanta- we will see you there!

Sketching

2009-12-08T08:34:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to work on a secret project for my children- particularly my daughter who loves to draw like me! My sweet little girl is constantly drawing up in my studio and bringing pictures home from school that now I have a stack of papers that are getting out of control. I can't bring myself to weed through them and throw things out! So, I thought, what if I started keeping a sketch book with a collaboration of her work with mine- super fun!! This is my first attempt, and it has been harder to cut up her work than I thought it would, but I think she will love it! I thought I would play on the whole kindergarten learning technique- "C is for Cat" idea. Because, that is all I am hearing lately as she learns to read. This project would also look great on a stretched canvas to hang in a child's room- like their own masterpiece! I am using a watercolor sketch book and just layering pieces of paper on the page and thinning out my paint to get that water color effect. I also used sharpie markers to draw in details. I have found that the drawings she has done with black marker (like the outline of a drawing) work wonderfully because I can go back in and gently add color to her drawings as I add them to the collage. Do you have extra little drawing like these lying around your house? Try it for your little one! This might be a Christmas or birthday gift for my little girl.

New Dolls In The Shop

2009-12-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

I have new dolls in the etsy shop! I have more to list too!! Run on over http://fischtaledesigns.etsy.com and check them out! They are super great for that last minute Christmas gift too! I personalize them too- doesn't get much better than that (you won't find that at Wal-Mart!!)

The Calm after the Storm

2009-11-27T09:11:00.001-08:00

Well we are back home! Hip Hip Hooray!! After many cups of coffee and many many late nights we pulled off the two fall shows we had this year, and they went wonderfully! I want to send out a BIG THANK YOU to all of our friends we meet in Nashville and Jackson. We heard more kind words and "oohs" and "ahhs" than we ever expected! The best part is that my babies got to come up and help out in Jackson. They see me run like crazy for about two months and it is nice for them to come and see what it is all about. My daughter really loved it- I'll give her a couple more years and she might be a great partner in crime! The top picture- Elias is showing everyone exactly how I have felt for the last month- CRAZY!!! Now, I am back home and I am enjoying the calm after the storm. Snuggling more with my babies, watching a little t.v. with my feet up, and creating art for the fun of it! I think I will be rested up by the time Christmas gets here! So, thank you to My Mom- you always do more than what is expected of you (and the pay stinks!). For our Mimi and Granddaddy, thank you for hugging our babies while we were gone and keeping them happy and safe! thank you for all the family that helped out to pull this off- Pops, Christie, Jen! I really appreciate the help and always asking to do more!! And, last but not least, thank you to my hubby! Thanks for bearing with me!

More to Show

2009-10-22T09:16:00.001-07:00

Here is a few more pieces! A hanging moon and star mobile, Moon King table top piece, and a snowman in the works. Don't mind the JUNKY work table! Believe me when I say that I truly have a real working studio- very rarely is it perfectly clean. Especially this time of year!!!

Show Crazy

2009-10-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have been working non stop for the last couple of months and I am about burned out! I am so excited though to pack up and go to the shows again this year! I love making new pieces, meeting new and old friends, and seeing all the vendors set up their wares! I love show season even though it is a long haul to get there. I have some great things waiting already to be boxed up for the trip and they are some of the best work I have done! Some of my favorites I don't even have a picture of yet! These are a few that are waiting to be boxed up- patiently waiting! I love the grasshopper pulling the cherry carriage on the right and the circus seal in the front. I have WAY too much fun- BUT you have to have a passion for it because of the work involved in each piece. Well, I don't know if I will get to post again before the shows start, but I hope I can see some of you there! I will post below the two shows I will be at this year and I would love to see you guys! Now I have to go and work some more- there is a studio full of glitter, clay, and canvases waiting for me! See you soon!

Christmas Village in Nashville Tennessee
at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds
Nov. 13-15 tickets can be bought at the door
www.christmasvillage.org

Holiday Mart
University School of Jackson
Carl Perkins Center
Nov.19-22 tickets can be bought at the door
http://www.usjbruins.org/parents/holidaymart.html

New Prints for Fall

2009-09-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

4New Prints for Fall! These are a few illustrations that have been riding around in my notebook for awhile and I finally got them painted this weekend. I hope to make them into Christmas ornaments in the near future, hopefully for the shows I have coming up. I hope everyone is having a great weekend, and I hope to have more to show you soon.

Working like a MAD Woman!

2009-09-26T09:36:00.001-07:00

I have been working non stop trying to get ready for some art shows I have in November. These are some pieces I have finished in the last week. I took a break from painting canvases for awhile and worked on clay pieces. Now, it is back to painting! I hope to work on new ornament ideas this weekend, but I have been sick for a few days and I am not moving really fast! I hope all of you are staying well and maybe I will see some of you come November. I promise to have lots of new things that you just can't live without!! I will have more info for you as we get closer.

2nd weekend in November- Christmas Village in Nashville Tn

3rd weekend in November- University School Christmas Show in Jackson TN

another sneak peak

2009-09-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a snippet of two new canvases to come! I don't want to show it all because there is going to be a third little girl in this soon to be trio- a sweet little red head! They will be some of the smaller canvases that I will be offering soon- this fall. I am still trying to decide what the third little girl will be holding- a green frog, brown monkey, or a kitty cat! Any suggestions?

Sneak peak for one of our new designs! Coming soon!

2009-08-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to try this for sometime now! Create my own Fischtale video! I hope to add more in the future, but for now this is a sneak peak of an up coming design. We hope you enjoy watching- let us know what you think!

Picture taking-YUCK!

2009-08-07T10:11:00.001-07:00

The hardest time I have is getting those perfect shots of my products! You see these beautiful photographs on Etsy and other people's blogs- I struggle with that! I have things sitting around that could be put up on different websites but getting that perfect picture is killing me! So frustrating! The right angle, the right setting, making it interesting, keeping the junk out of the background- so hard! These were the best photos I got after working on it half the day with two kids- I am done for the day! Calling it quits! Know one of those days?

Kindergarten Princess

2009-08-06T07:26:00.000-07:00

Well, her she is , my Kindergarten Princess! Left her this morning in the little red school house- after I had to shake her off my leg. Not to bad! There were no tears- so that is good! We had a "Hooray for Kindergarten" dinner last night and I gave Ella her crown I made for her- since she is now a Kindergarten princess! How fast they grow!

Birds Have Taken Over the Studio

2009-08-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Birds have taken over the studio! I have been slowly stocking up on my birds, getting ready for the fall. I love this time of the year when the studio starts filling up with pretty little things- all kinds of color hanging from the ceiling and wee little treasures sitting around. The Fischer household is getting ready to start school- first day of Kindergarten to be exact! BOOOO- I feel like we all are starting school (not just my little BABY)!! As you can tell I am trying to be positive but it is hard! I hope everyone else is finishing up their summer with a bang, be back soon with school pictures!