How to Choose Art for Your Living Room

Do you want to have great artwork in your living room?  Great artwork does more than simply add to your decor.  It can reflect your interests, which will invite your guests to learn a little more about you.  It may also inspire thoughtful conversation.  So how do you find the right art for your home?  There are so many choices out there it can be overwhelming, and making a commitment can be scary.  It doesn't have to be though.  Have no fear, I can help you envision the perfect piece for your living room.  Are you ready?

First you should determine where you want to display a painting, then figure out how much wall space you have available.  In my living room, I have a 7' x 10' blank wall behind my couch that I would like to fill.  Next, you need to decide what size art you want to fill that space.  Think about whether you want to make an impact with a 24" x 36" painting or invite people to look closer with a moderate 11" x 14" painting.

Now consider your color palette.  Do you want to match the existing color scheme or create some interesting contrast?  My living room is a very neutral combination of ivory, beige, and chocolate brown.  I could look for something that incorporates these colors to maintain the neutrality of the room, or add a pop of color.  There is no wrong choice here, its all about what you want.

With size and color scheme already determined, you are ready to think about the painting's subject matter.  Do you want a painting that reflects who you are?  I am fascinated by space so my living room has a painting of the Orion Nebula.  This painting is a great conversation starter, inviting guests to use their imaginations to explore what lies beyond our atmosphere. 

Once you've decided on what you would in terms of art, you just need to find it.  Do not buy prints, invest in a real piece of art that was handmade with care.  Be ready to invest in a painting you will treasure for years to come.  You don't have to spend a crazy amount, but factor in the time and talent that went into creating your piece when deciding what you can afford. Please visit my Etsy shop, Hotjavva Studio where many paintings are available for purchase.  I can also do custom orders, just contact me on Etsy if you are interested.

birth announcement

Perfect Gift Baby Announcements

Turn your favorite photo into a birth announcement.

View the entire collection of cards.

Spice Up Your Baby's Room with Indian Decor

If you want to see something different from the traditional girly pink and little boy blue decor, look no further.  There must be options for those of us who crave a little exotic spice!  How about the cheerful colors, playful patterns, and sumptuous fabrics of India?  I did a little research on the web and could not find much of anything for an Indian nursery, but I didn't let that stop me!  I dreamed up some fun kid-friendly paintings with a South-Asian feel, and listed them for sale on Etsy.  Of course, you will want to continue this decor theme with bedding and other accessories so I did a little shopping and created a collage of my recommendations.


I've got a couple of fun paintings inspired by India in my shop right now that you should definitely check out, but here is my inspiration piece for this room-

Available at http://www.etsy.com/listing/33002218/indian-elephant-named-henry-original

What I really love about this painting is the vibrancy and the gender-neutrality.  Why limit girls to pink and boys to blue when there is a rainbow of colors they are just beginning to explore?!

To continue the theme, check out these handmade items from the talented artists on Etsy:

1. Swaddle your little one cheerful color with this Orange and Pink Paisley and Pink Minkie Paisley Blanket and Burp Cloth Set by LaurelWhite.

2. This coconut was skillfully drilled to show a beautiful Mehndi pattern when illuminated.  Nighttime isn't so scary with a pretty light like this!  Lace Paisley - night light (Made to Order) by Ultraviolet Cosmonaut

3. Baby can meet that other baby in the mirror with this cute Tangerine scallop mirror or frame by Uncommon

4. This sweet little doll was made to play with IndiraHanuman-Mumbai, India by Meoneil

5. Show your little one that mommies love their babies with Naani's Lullaby PRINT by Deezden

6. This orange damask fabric can be custom ordered for a darling crib set to compliment your Indian decor.

The Early Bird Custom Baby Bedding Set by Babylovin

7. This tiny elephant is adorned with beads and sequins that twinkle like your baby's eyes.

Vintage Framed Unique Fabric Stuffed Sequin and Beaded Elephant Picture by Paris2nc

8. Available in a variety of colors, these stuffed elephants are too fun to pass up!

Turquoise blue elephant with rhinestones and embroidery by PINKSUGA

9. The sari side is cool to the touch while the minky side is warm and cuddly, and these blankets are machine washable too!   Indie Blankets by BohoHaute

So what do you think? 

Would you spice up your baby's room with Indian decor?
On the topic of global chic, are there other cultures that you'd like to see in nursery decor?
Are there other themes you would like to see for a baby's room?

I can't wait to hear what you have to say!  Leave comments, ideas, suggestions....here and I will try to respond to all.

Creative During Recession

This month's blog entry is about being creative in a different way.  Instead of talking about painting or giving props to other artists, I want to explore the creativity that comes with living during a recession.  I am seriously lacking in funds, and sometimes that gets in the way of having a great time.  If you can relate, then read on!  I have compiled a list of creative ways I've kept myself entertained lately.

1. Check out your local roller rink for specials- mine has dollar skate night on Wednesdays!
2. Go to the library- you won't have to pay unless you forget to return your books on time :)
3. Teach yourself to hula hoop, juggle, or jump rope like a pro
4. Bake something from scratch- it will make your house smell wonderful
5. Go for a walk in a different town for a change of scenery
6. Check your local bowling alley for deals
7. Mail an old-fashioned love letter to your sweetie- even if you live with him :)
8. Visit a museum- look into free days or check your library for city passes (they get you into museums FREE)
9. Go for a walk in your neighborhood and take the camera with you- catch the blooming flowers
10. Plant something and help it grow
11. Keep a sketch journal- try drawing with your eyes closed, or without lifting the pencil from the paper
12. Do your grocery shopping at an ethnic supermarket and try something new for dinner- recipes are so easy to find on the internet
13. Rearrange your furniture so it feels like you redecorated but didn't spend any money
14. Take turns hosting a game night or dinner with a group of friends

What can I add to this list?  I am always on the lookout for great new ideas!

HOT HOT HOT News!

What's new in the Hotjavva Studio?  Lots!!!  I now have a facebook fan page that is exclusive to proud owners of my artwork for one.  Owners of Nicole Javvaji's Art on Facebook   There is a contest happening right now for all you competitive types who love the thrill of winning free stuff.  All you have to do is submit a photo of my artwork in your home, then wait patiently til Sunday.  The winner will be selected randomly.  Have I peaked your interest?  Wondering what you might win?
Well you will have to become a facebook fan to find that out ;)

So what else, what else...  I created a giant (24" x 36") space painting!  I've had this Hubble photo of the Orion Nebula for a while and I finally got the courage to attempt it.  I think I will be adding some sparkle to it ala glitter and crystals, but I am pretty happy with the way it looks.  You cannot imagine how many layers of translucent color I've got here.  I used makeup sponges to blend and I actually wore my fingers down til there was bloodbeneath my nails.  I know- eww!

If you really like my painting click http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41131454 to go to my Etsy shop where you can see more of it.

If you haven't seen the original Hubble photo, here it is.

Thanks always for taking the time to read my blog, I love being able to share with the world!

Sweeeeit!

 At the start of every year there is a renewed interest in improving our selves.  For women this almost always means dieting and exercise.  I am no different, I made a promise to myself that I will take better care of myself.  Of course, sweets have never looked as appealing as they do right now!
  Here is a collection of great items that will satiate your saccharine cravings without messing with your diet, and a theme-appropriate song to rock out to. All of these items were found on www.etsy.com. To visit the item featured, just click on the image. Enjoy the eye candy!

Here's a little buttercream rose from Hotjavva Studio (that's me!) for your desk to remind you of the sweeter things in life.

Pin on a sweet beaded felt cupcake pin by RitzeeRebel!

Pamper yourself with dark chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, and coffee with this luxe gift basket from Posh Bijou.

Wrap yourself in this cotton candy short wrap by PinkPolishDesign.







Which item do you think is the most satisfying for a sugar-craving?

Gift Ideas for Book Lovers and Readers

Maybe its just my family, but it seems like there are a lot of avid readers out there to shop for this holiday season.  If you are shopping for someone who enjoys reading, a gift certificate to a bookstore is nice.... but pretty anticlimactic.  To show that you really put some thought into a gift, why not try one of these fun items?  Whether your budget is big or small, there is something in this collection worth considering.  All items shown are found on Etsy (just click on the picture to link to the shop) and are handmade by talented artisans around the world.  No overcrowded stores, no waiting in line, no worries about giving the same gift as someone else!

This lovely antiqued brass locket necklace by DayDreamDesigns09 is called "Love Stories".  I love that the swallows appear to be holding the book up, wouldn't this be a charming and romantic gift for a literary lady?

Here are some beautiful canvas bookmarks printed from original illustrations by Studiomme.  Do you recognize Hamlet in the center?  Choose from several original designs.  The perfect size and price for a unique stocking stuffer.

If your gift recipient is into comic books, check out Gabriel Hardman's shop.  He is selling the original illustrated pages from the "Agents of Atlas" series he drew for Marvel!

  If you own a cat and want him or her to read, why not order the Frogbag's cat toy which appears to be a Fossil Guide!

The 20minutegift thought of everything a reader might enjoy with this gift bag.  The set includes a hand-painted bookmark, soothing piano music, and gourmet tea in a lovely gift bag at a great price!

Getting snuggly in a luxurious afghan with a good book is heavenly.  Everytime your gift recipient uses this ecru boucle afghan by Northernlodge, he or she will think of you.

How about some jewelry for that book?  Birder1 has a whole collection of Bling bookmarks for the booklover who enjoys a little sparkle.

Australian Feathers Bookmark by NaturesArtMelbourne

A Lovestory Set of 4 Frameable Notecards by Crescent Creations

Airplant Terrarium Bookends by LBrandt

KazyKreationz makes this silver turquoise glass beaded bookmark









Please comment on this collection, and if you would like to be featured in my next blog you must do the following:
1.  Leave a comment about your favorite item from this blog
2.  Go to this Etsy forum thread http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6373159 and share your item for next weeks' theme- Celebrating Winter!

Thanks for reading and happy holidays to you!!!

My Creative Process

I am always interested to know how people create their art, so I thought I would start by sharing mine.  In the comments, please share how your process is the same or different than mine.

  My process for creating an acrylic painting begins when I am sleeping.  My dreams are typically set in fantastically beautiful locations.  I've been underwater, in space, amongst fantastic creatures, and most recently a peach orchard!  These adventures are born of late night conversations and books I fall asleep reading.  My dream life is really quite incredible, and I love those first moments after waking when I can actually remember what transpired.




  When I wake up, I like to write or sketch what I have just experienced.  I set it aside for a little while so I can eat and do all that other boring but necessary waking life stuff, then come back to it with rolled up sleeves and a positive attitude.

   The Hotjavva Studio is where I create all of my art.  Its a wonderful little corner spot in my house where I am surrounded by all the materials and inspiration I need to get to work.  Magazine clippings, doodles on scraps of paper, photos and children's books populate my space.  There is always a fair amount of glitter dusting the bookshelves and drying station.  Paintings in various stages of completion hang on every bit of wall space, waiting for their final brushstrokes.  A broad spectrum of paint tubes stand ready in a loosely organized fashion.  I try to keep it clean, but when I am in full creative mode I am like a whirling dervish and before long I have to be very careful where I step, sit, or lean.

  I gesso my canvas, then choose a few colors to wash the background with.  I like to just barely mix them so the results have a streaky rainbow-like effect.  Drying time is dancing time, laundry time, make a call time, or work on another painting time.  Depending on humidity and the size of my piece, it takes a few hours to a full day for my canvas to completely dry out.  After 2 coats of background, I am ready to add a simple outline of my subject with pencil or a very fine point marker in a shade similar to the paint I will be using for that object later so it won't show through.

  Now I can start blocking in color for my shapes.  I like to work wet-on-wet, meaning I don't let the base color fully dry before adding highlights, shadow, and additional color.  There is always extra paint left on my palette, and I hate to waste so I find ways to use that paint.  I add details to my other paintings (even the ones I thought were done), paint base coats on canvas paper or mini canvases.  Sometimes I even smear it on my face.  Word to the wise, this blue stained and I am glad I did not have a job interview that day!



  Days or weeks go by before I have a finished piece ready to sell.  I like to work on at least five different projects at a time because its more enjoyable, not to mention more economical (better use of time and paint).  When I finally decide something is finished, I coat it twice with varnish to lock in the color.  This is my least favorite step because varnish is stinky, it takes a long time to dry, and unless my area and brushes are completely free of dust I get an imperfect looking glaze.  Can you imagine how that feels to have irreparable damage happen to your work after all the time you've invested?!

  I keep myself motivated by remembering that I am almost done and ready to share my work with the world, and my favorite and final step is fast approaching!  The last thing I do is add sparkle to my paintings with glitter, crystals, pearls, and iridescent liquid acrylic.  I love the way a little bit of sparkle catches the light just right and allows my work to really shine.
<----  Here's an example of one painting I embellished with opal glitter, pearlescent liquid acrylic, and crystals.  To see more, please visit my Etsy shop www.hotjavva.etsy.com








*Next week I will be featuring shops that celebrate reading.  I am a reader and have many readers to Christmas shop for, so this will be a nice way to promote reading-related gift ideas for holiday shoppers.  
If you would like to be featured in my blog next week, please do the following:
1.  Comment on this blog.  If your shop name differs from your blogger ID, please include your shop name.
2.  Go to this  Etsy Forum Thread and share your shop item that celebrates reading.
3.  If your item is chosen, I will contact you.
Thanks for participating!

Stocking Stuffers for Saint Nicholas Day

Saint Nicholas Day is December 6, which isn't too far off!  My family is German-American, and we consider this day a pretty important precursor to Christmas.  Its a nice way to start the day with a treat, spend some time together as a family, and get into the Christmas spirit.  Our stockings would hang on the mantle, and overnight by magic they would be filled with all kinds of goodies like chocolate, coloring books, holiday jewelry, and tiny stuffed animals.  There would also be a little reminder in our stockings that my sisters, brother and I had not always been good throughout the year.  Traditionally it would be coal, but we got onions instead.  Onions still have that power to make me reflect on how I behave and treat others.

I still believe in the magic of Saint Nicholas Day, and am looking forward to filling my husband's stocking with goodies this year.  Since I am shopping for stocking stuffers, I thought I should share my findings with you.  Here are my recommendations for a well-packed stocking:

1.

Winter Kids Love Snow Coloring Book
A great product for children young and old.

2. Lump of Coal Glycerin Soap 
to remind that certain someone to mind their manners.






3. 
Posh Cranberry Ginger Jam  
because everyone likes something sweet and the color is so festive!

4.Gingerbread Girl Pin
Totally adorable :)

5. Unicorn on a Cotton Candy Cloud Mini Painting and Easel 
Perfect for the desk or dresser of a little girl.

6. Set of 6 Marbled Little Men Crayons 
paired with the coloring book- too perfect!

 7.  Watercolor Bookmarks 

perfect size for a stocking and you can never have too many!

Leave me a comment, let me know what you think about this selection or share what you will be using as stocking stuffers this year :)

 

Inspired by Fairytales

I recently created this piece called "Watching the Meteor Shower".  It shows Cinderella and Prince Charming on a date, watching glittering streaks of light fall to Earth.

It got me thinking, I wonder how many artists are inspired by fairytales.  I found so many wonderful items, please take a look and comment on your favorite one!

This one is also inspired by Cinderella.  It is called The Lost Shoe by Mollyandmagic.

This one is called Land of Many Tales Fairy Tale Map, created by paintandink.

This fragrant soap by Posh Bijou is called Summer Palace, and it was inspired by The classic tale of the Snow Queen!

Also by Posh Bijou, this refreshing and beautiful peppermint soap is named for the Snow Queen.

 These little made-to-order cuties by Bloomsburygroup can inspire children to act out new fairytales!

 

Here's a fun take on the "Mirror, Mirror, on the wall" scene from Snow White by Householdwords.

Princesses, castles, knights on horseback.... Sounds like a recipe for a fairytale! This mosaic was created by Artsyphartsy.

This Christmas toadstool by Elineof would look right at home in a forest scene a la Snow White!

DycheDesigns is working on a legion of fairytale bad guys. This one's name is Quigley!

Even the Mad Hatter's getting represented by Cartooniecatdoodles.

Rolanddesigns created this fabulous princess necklace!

 

Sybile created this unique interpretation of the fairest of them all, ready to bite into the poison apple.

A bracelet fit for a princess made by Belladonnabeads.

What teachers really want for Christmas!

Hey parents, want to know what teachers really want for Christmas?  

Not that you have to give a gift- we really don't expect it!  However, if you would like to thank your child's teacher this holiday season please read on.  I want to share my insight as a teacher and hopefully help you with your holiday shopping this year.

*  Gift Certificate to a teacher store (so many of us spend money out of pocket to improve your child's learning experience)

*  Gift Certificate to your local bookstore (we keep a classroom library and new books are always welcome)

*  A thoughtful note about how he or she has made a difference in your child's life

*  A group gift.  Talk to the other parents in your child's class about pooling your money to give a gift from all of the students.  This will expand your possibilities and you can really treat the teacher to something special, like a piece of fine art for his or her classroom!

The Whole World Acrylic Painting

 Solar System Acrylic Painting

I hope this has helped!