tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68874709511496009332024-02-06T23:56:39.612-05:00nikkiMdesignIllustrator and designerNikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-39111511429228784502015-06-26T12:29:00.000-04:002015-06-26T12:29:00.738-04:00The Weary Traveler and his trusty sidekick.<div style="text-align: center;">
WIP </div>
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I'm making my finishing touches on this guy and gal. </div>
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♥ I'm loving how this is turning out. ♥ </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZPm5O5cEjf8hXsqkpOTZdhQ47mZ1h518wvYlwXu83wR-7YFWan4fARP1Gj5ns54BTv8SiqjX4_hTq5Mir2zFVDyB5k0Zksh3MH2WZRdWlk5i1LDMZGAD8VglzRHe1gcmlFkw2ezLDGey/s1600/WP_20150626_002+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZPm5O5cEjf8hXsqkpOTZdhQ47mZ1h518wvYlwXu83wR-7YFWan4fARP1Gj5ns54BTv8SiqjX4_hTq5Mir2zFVDyB5k0Zksh3MH2WZRdWlk5i1LDMZGAD8VglzRHe1gcmlFkw2ezLDGey/s640/WP_20150626_002+%25282%2529.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-83549311638208060992015-02-25T21:04:00.000-05:002015-02-25T21:07:22.066-05:00Comic: Broken Heart, Part Two<div style="text-align: center;">
Finally! The second panel to <a href="http://nikkimdesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/comic-broken-heart.html" target="_blank">this one</a> that I posted in November is complete.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A29CLS88GxVlLeDqkVBJV6JI54kkWl2kpgbp-jrSgiR3IThNNY85hx5lXPyrs7yAG9I3V1Bj-2ZsLoNi2BS1I2u-VqQDScCU9FYHnVRnfmHiO-f3sYDfxPX0SBvt2te_ZYAGVjsTjfcT/s1600/Panel+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A29CLS88GxVlLeDqkVBJV6JI54kkWl2kpgbp-jrSgiR3IThNNY85hx5lXPyrs7yAG9I3V1Bj-2ZsLoNi2BS1I2u-VqQDScCU9FYHnVRnfmHiO-f3sYDfxPX0SBvt2te_ZYAGVjsTjfcT/s1600/Panel+2.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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He really wants to fix that broken heart. :( </div>
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Now, I need your help. </div>
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I would love for you to decide this couples future. </div>
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Choose one of the scenarios below and leave it in the comments section. </div>
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The most popular choice will become the final comic panel. </div>
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A. He fixes the broken heart and offers it back to her. He asks for her forgiveness and promises that he will never hurt her like that again. She accepts his apology and they live happily ever after. </div>
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B. He fixes the broken heart and offers it back to her but the damage is already done. She isn't able to forgive him and they part ways.</div>
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C. He can't fix the broken heart and realizes that he never really cared that he broke it in the first place. He decides to have a beer and watch TV instead. </div>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.699320299999989 -79.2024654 43.073573299999985 -78.5542724tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-90842442293217604772014-11-15T15:49:00.000-05:002014-11-15T15:49:13.179-05:00Building Spelunking done wrong.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH_KVjcBAHQVBfvVHdmUVXcevVcV0VV585g3HGkVXiUHJFQU70f8XjTewOVAXRq9ltGbQwrOzS7VLYF00drPkbo09K-Hbp3cfKpDNGTDpMgvIJKR97mcqvD2LRUAODGlSpiSSrDePLHPb/s1600/WP_20141022_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH_KVjcBAHQVBfvVHdmUVXcevVcV0VV585g3HGkVXiUHJFQU70f8XjTewOVAXRq9ltGbQwrOzS7VLYF00drPkbo09K-Hbp3cfKpDNGTDpMgvIJKR97mcqvD2LRUAODGlSpiSSrDePLHPb/s1600/WP_20141022_005.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot Coffee, Buffalo NY</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago, Mark and I decided to have a date "day" instead of a date night. Our plan? To explore an old, abandoned building. So, we packed ourselves up and set off on our adventure.<br />
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Here is what you <i>shouldn't </i>do if you are going to "explore" an old, abandoned building:<br />
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<b>1. Don't go during the day, during the week.</b><br />
This was my first time and I was <strike>terrified</strike> scared. I scare easily and I just spent last year watching American Horror Story Season 2 <i>Asylum</i> (<span style="font-size: x-small;">I know, I'm way behind</span>), so I know exactly what happens in a decrepit, ghost-ridden building. It was bad enough that the interior was going to be dark and creepy, I most certainly did not need the outside world to be dark and creepy too. The problem with daytime exploration is that people are out and about, you know, working and stuff. They see you. They ask you questions. They want to know what you are doing on private property. They follow you in there big, work trucks to be sure you don't come back. It is all very complicated. Go at night.<br />
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<b>2. Don't wear bright red sweatpants when trying to enter an old, abandoned building during the daytime.</b><br />
Again, this was my first time, you know, breaking and entering (<span style="font-size: x-small;">which never happened so just relax</span>). Wear all black or brown.<br />
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<b>3. Don't pick a building that is near a populated area. </b><br />
See number 1 above.<br />
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Anyway, despite our failure to actually do any building spelunking, we had a great date day. We walked some pretty trails during a beautiful season, we ate good food, we laughed, and best of all we were together.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6UeBBL6wDNJF1edFjmaIfwJBLyDAqst5aV-9SjVPyQFQZkw1NaBG3sQGkG6ECJAP0oZ3mOXiWCjHBR7QMT7EN4bSAQ5EYvn19BKK3huSP9Yki1k7ABtmguTdaqVz8pqYpjOOBr9xy-4r/s1600/CAM01244+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6UeBBL6wDNJF1edFjmaIfwJBLyDAqst5aV-9SjVPyQFQZkw1NaBG3sQGkG6ECJAP0oZ3mOXiWCjHBR7QMT7EN4bSAQ5EYvn19BKK3huSP9Yki1k7ABtmguTdaqVz8pqYpjOOBr9xy-4r/s1600/CAM01244+(2).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo NY</td></tr>
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I see a face, do you?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rp3jt6OiBxkq_7nLl6OiQpwGoB3tlq_p8DIDDeNuKJVwIDvA5Sl-X_QINV2099mmt_BYqohe9hNrvdUQbeceuFzSSIepsaLdmLjbYzW_oGTBK68p1GQRAL61Nu6SmOdMs4M9UBqXMJHE/s1600/CAM01251+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rp3jt6OiBxkq_7nLl6OiQpwGoB3tlq_p8DIDDeNuKJVwIDvA5Sl-X_QINV2099mmt_BYqohe9hNrvdUQbeceuFzSSIepsaLdmLjbYzW_oGTBK68p1GQRAL61Nu6SmOdMs4M9UBqXMJHE/s1600/CAM01251+(2).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tifft Nature Preserve, Buffalo NY</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw5_UIWuJsxNXghgYEjXxbz6jlI1bkz2zIsvfWT1DWOHz8jtB4i2VkulL5OeSmYVYRVAkXEy2f7P2sdS_daijcnhSS4LVCjRU9mzQ77-fohwUD13dgg1i_VFdn40QkNTgzNGIDC4_3pX_/s1600/CAM01252+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnw5_UIWuJsxNXghgYEjXxbz6jlI1bkz2zIsvfWT1DWOHz8jtB4i2VkulL5OeSmYVYRVAkXEy2f7P2sdS_daijcnhSS4LVCjRU9mzQ77-fohwUD13dgg1i_VFdn40QkNTgzNGIDC4_3pX_/s1600/CAM01252+(2).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot Coffee, Buffalo NY</td></tr>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-63532041279991858572014-11-07T11:55:00.004-05:002014-11-07T11:55:40.510-05:00Comic: Broken Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
We have all done it and we have all been on the receiving end of it...the broken heart. </div>
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Why do we hurt the ones that love us the most? :( </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1Fl8ZgwG2kjNft4W5JNVh9UUzRBNqPLsELHyPcI2iRk5y-F4DcIvIYjzR_QEfjW6NHX0xjNVcHPAuDutouzzz1n7iF5xzHh_SmOc7qGw92iXIHppNF-KQoeESiUgLbSCQc9IaTU5rfg6/s1600/panel-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj1Fl8ZgwG2kjNft4W5JNVh9UUzRBNqPLsELHyPcI2iRk5y-F4DcIvIYjzR_QEfjW6NHX0xjNVcHPAuDutouzzz1n7iF5xzHh_SmOc7qGw92iXIHppNF-KQoeESiUgLbSCQc9IaTU5rfg6/s1600/panel-1.png" height="568" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was hoping to get this done for inktober but I've been <strike>learning to knit</strike> making a big mess with a ball of yarn and some needles, and well, starting my SIMPLE, BEGINNER knitting project over and over again because I didn't know how to fix my mistakes mixed with my OCD took up a lot of my time.<br />
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Anyway, this is the first panel of a three panel comic. Their story does get better, I promise. Time really does heal everything. :) Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.699320299999989 -79.2024654 43.073573299999985 -78.5542724tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-46852173641067892012014-10-11T18:44:00.001-04:002014-10-11T18:45:20.011-04:00#inktober #MineIsBroken #Week 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Poor elephant, why aren't his working?</div>
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#inktober #week 2</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9-2Isj_lP3hch61wYTQZ6U8XtO9S4o23_Mw441kkvUyNYks_7MzVr20QlU_g5fD9rlcOAPPGNe8vwNf__-NpUtd4zvUJfl9Ur1v_v34O8D4pfHyO6MFUtgwAFiktII_iKhp2kTYi9Olq/s1600/Mine-Is-Broken.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9-2Isj_lP3hch61wYTQZ6U8XtO9S4o23_Mw441kkvUyNYks_7MzVr20QlU_g5fD9rlcOAPPGNe8vwNf__-NpUtd4zvUJfl9Ur1v_v34O8D4pfHyO6MFUtgwAFiktII_iKhp2kTYi9Olq/s1600/Mine-Is-Broken.png" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.699320299999989 -79.2024654 43.073573299999985 -78.5542724tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-60628451312526892712014-10-06T13:23:00.001-04:002014-10-06T13:23:57.671-04:00#Inktober #Mine Is Broken #week 2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Idea for week two sketch for #inktober. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one is titled, <i>Mine is Broken</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I think I like the second sketch better. Your thoughts?</span></div>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0Buffalo, NY, USA42.886446799999987 -78.878368942.699320299999989 -79.2024654 43.073573299999985 -78.5542724tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-73462587048009637072014-10-05T14:12:00.000-04:002014-10-06T11:16:06.869-04:00#Inktober #Love Giraffes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4uKIgwFjq7NARSA-SLKo2RdRcyyzQyYg-GfY-q9NSw9JWczBs4a596koqkYYmZVQoWPBWolR2sMqqVNq4D7GOBsIrKZc_p3S1pXAW2bHA3kenhYcLliILLNX78VzZPTIeCRo_ip2X-Lc/s1600/CAM01207+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ4uKIgwFjq7NARSA-SLKo2RdRcyyzQyYg-GfY-q9NSw9JWczBs4a596koqkYYmZVQoWPBWolR2sMqqVNq4D7GOBsIrKZc_p3S1pXAW2bHA3kenhYcLliILLNX78VzZPTIeCRo_ip2X-Lc/s1600/CAM01207+(2).jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The month of October in the art world is known as <a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober" target="_blank">Inktober</a>, it is a 31 day drawing challenge created by <a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/inktober" target="_blank">Jake Parker</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Anybody can participate. Here are the rules:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1) Make a drawing in ink (you can do a pencil under-drawing if you want).</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">2) Post it on your blog (or tumblr, instagram, twitter, facebook, flickr, Pinterest or just pin it on your wall.)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3) Hashtag it with #inktober</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7600002288818px;" /><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4) Repeat</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been wanting to work on some ink drawings to create greeting cards for my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/206121311/greeting-card-love-giraffe-4x6-art-print?" target="_blank"> Etsy shop</a>, so this challenge comes at the perfect time for me. It is time to get off of my butt and ink some pictures! </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know that I will have the time to create one drawing a day but I will do my best to ink at least one drawing a week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But if my Midnight love doesn't give me some room, I'm not sure I will be able to complete much of anything. He is too sweet. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ecogKd2F2zGT5gIlmZcExHE4MZVbB1IKh7hpmLNEyvhk8ljR_AfBOSwVyOtKa_YO9v7PKQqBwd7-FPBGPod5w9jxTVevriHm2iv-nKqb1tHXukostYNc8P3wNFtOYnTkxp5mzSPC37Qj/s1600/CAM01210+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ecogKd2F2zGT5gIlmZcExHE4MZVbB1IKh7hpmLNEyvhk8ljR_AfBOSwVyOtKa_YO9v7PKQqBwd7-FPBGPod5w9jxTVevriHm2iv-nKqb1tHXukostYNc8P3wNFtOYnTkxp5mzSPC37Qj/s1600/CAM01210+(2).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">♥ <i>Love Giraffes</i> is my first drawing for the first week of October ♥</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWH1toykOdEnu7Q10XnNlk0GT_a8N9iKW8fZwYpYSQk2yvzr0I6sHitvHWeNaGvLevdyWfqxl4JXkea1QYFrbXpLVbxOalCZC9iEcBk3ZuZ-S2rjwaVayb0kiAgdGF2ePHt-BYALdIqEG/s1600/Giraffe-Love-web.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWH1toykOdEnu7Q10XnNlk0GT_a8N9iKW8fZwYpYSQk2yvzr0I6sHitvHWeNaGvLevdyWfqxl4JXkea1QYFrbXpLVbxOalCZC9iEcBk3ZuZ-S2rjwaVayb0kiAgdGF2ePHt-BYALdIqEG/s1600/Giraffe-Love-web.png" height="640" width="463" /></a></div>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-91353867083267217652014-09-28T19:51:00.001-04:002014-09-28T19:51:46.863-04:00Sharing is caring is love.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure if you can tell what has changed in my drawing studio. </div>
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Can you see it? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Mrqo5_zj38kmGVX7zxmkz1DD-2wRzLQAbruo4UmcZ6Ivv6F6_swl0OrOpB_BJifMQe3uxG_X2-fg-C5_tei1Y1_NERlc16angHniEUhuIByOUkNUa4cBHMH9kym5kTDV-NM8ZbxwyLl/s1600/DSCN3350a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7Mrqo5_zj38kmGVX7zxmkz1DD-2wRzLQAbruo4UmcZ6Ivv6F6_swl0OrOpB_BJifMQe3uxG_X2-fg-C5_tei1Y1_NERlc16angHniEUhuIByOUkNUa4cBHMH9kym5kTDV-NM8ZbxwyLl/s1600/DSCN3350a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I will give you a clue. Ready? </div>
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I drew a big heart around it because it is my new favorite thing in the room (besides Teddy and my cat, Midnight).</div>
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That's right! It's my handsome husband. :)</div>
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I have a large room and it gets lonely hanging out in here all by myself, so I asked Mark if he would move in and he said Yes!</div>
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This is going to be great fun! </div>
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Working side by side, talking with each other, and thinking about one another. I'm a very lucky girl. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEcIET1_U5MaFG1M3wJkioko6mGiRgiw8G-w-cig_Ibc3uft8VfvK2mWl-VyhPqa2BcQFZL3DqyUk1fNzQ00Y2vdSMabzGtKCyOS5cRk9im9Y2R0c58yhiujUJAR6Bi2FB92xEww7V_jI/s1600/DSCN3358b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFEcIET1_U5MaFG1M3wJkioko6mGiRgiw8G-w-cig_Ibc3uft8VfvK2mWl-VyhPqa2BcQFZL3DqyUk1fNzQ00Y2vdSMabzGtKCyOS5cRk9im9Y2R0c58yhiujUJAR6Bi2FB92xEww7V_jI/s1600/DSCN3358b.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 7 year old son took this picture of us. I think he did a pretty good job.</td></tr>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-6421222402916378892014-09-26T11:35:00.000-04:002014-09-26T11:37:23.803-04:00Working on...I'm still working on this guy...but I'm thinking of switching gears to sort of reboot my creative flow, cuz' I haven't had one. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBn8WgZv80pSHHG_JBvZQ7fUlf9Nz42vKR7PHCpHWwM39_kfJAdJX0QvmqG_QavkA6LBiRJeEzQymEAf1pgV-iS0zilFsONupfprA73rPXrlTI4s57yyikVSswB0xMZlmtoSWcgDGm7vP/s1600/DSCN3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPBn8WgZv80pSHHG_JBvZQ7fUlf9Nz42vKR7PHCpHWwM39_kfJAdJX0QvmqG_QavkA6LBiRJeEzQymEAf1pgV-iS0zilFsONupfprA73rPXrlTI4s57yyikVSswB0xMZlmtoSWcgDGm7vP/s1600/DSCN3337.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, I started sketching out this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8XKwMYM3dHrBvU_KVLoAfhXNjiy81Tv4IzaS5GlZaNfBz6_Gf_f8GETa23bSpIPS6La4k1LyYHZuRWzET-OJm_wIJzCfFhrIkBBbKsGa0_Ov4vdD8y-Bo89g275jiMtVS4CfdXfssNKS/s1600/DSCN3332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8XKwMYM3dHrBvU_KVLoAfhXNjiy81Tv4IzaS5GlZaNfBz6_Gf_f8GETa23bSpIPS6La4k1LyYHZuRWzET-OJm_wIJzCfFhrIkBBbKsGa0_Ov4vdD8y-Bo89g275jiMtVS4CfdXfssNKS/s1600/DSCN3332.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQSU9pKgW0-Xgb3ppoEJgf40EqZZ6ObsLArkmRlP4aqastff8BhmafVgNT_5wWPQubIyhMd5E7yre3GViYv9x_NhiUPd3FM02nE1ATcK0KNFiTyNXK01tlfmipDUZEqI38B7pfRs1o9-/s1600/DSCN3333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRQSU9pKgW0-Xgb3ppoEJgf40EqZZ6ObsLArkmRlP4aqastff8BhmafVgNT_5wWPQubIyhMd5E7yre3GViYv9x_NhiUPd3FM02nE1ATcK0KNFiTyNXK01tlfmipDUZEqI38B7pfRs1o9-/s1600/DSCN3333.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LhKh4C2dL_w_qWjX3uWOzWHIsWAFjqQ5mZ8odZCJxBnnpzplKXmR-g53uW63xdgwzapMDDTEJlCOhaSCMmZ6Hm-iFN5JMjaJGI2J-trC1hhIiDmO7-lNDvLLqwiKHFg6DB2gFBIerIsg/s1600/DSCN3334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LhKh4C2dL_w_qWjX3uWOzWHIsWAFjqQ5mZ8odZCJxBnnpzplKXmR-g53uW63xdgwzapMDDTEJlCOhaSCMmZ6Hm-iFN5JMjaJGI2J-trC1hhIiDmO7-lNDvLLqwiKHFg6DB2gFBIerIsg/s1600/DSCN3334.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I realize these sketches are very rough, my frog needs much improvement. They're more about getting a vibe to see if it is something I want to pursue. I'm thinking a steampunk style to the drawing. The top sketch is the one that I'm leaning toward.</div>
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What do you think?</div>
Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-74679206982088284202014-09-23T18:42:00.000-04:002014-09-24T10:04:29.733-04:00Weathering the Storm<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow! Where has the time gone? I am sorry that I have been absent for so long, I have been dealing with personal issues...nothing that I can't handle though. ;-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's see, back on July 29th I wrote a post about <a href="http://nikkimdesign.blogspot.com/2014/07/following-your-inspiration.html" target="_blank">following your inspiration</a>, but I never followed up with the finished painting to that post. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY00g6RttqFGDUghIgACBVq5M9LV8Yx14fJQJS9EAIZB9d80lVyE7OxtOv4esOSiWXHBZsTik4BN99C4oj-ITLqW42BAw6AmGNhqftyY85txzCoakEPQ6UMcaj62NrBP6Y8WDjjZA8-sK/s1600/small+8-9-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY00g6RttqFGDUghIgACBVq5M9LV8Yx14fJQJS9EAIZB9d80lVyE7OxtOv4esOSiWXHBZsTik4BN99C4oj-ITLqW42BAw6AmGNhqftyY85txzCoakEPQ6UMcaj62NrBP6Y8WDjjZA8-sK/s1600/small+8-9-14.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This painting is dedicated to my husband, Mark. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Together, we can weather any storm.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a moment defined by a feeling. That moment of happiness, sadness, hurt, joy, pain, surprise, anger. It is that minute of uncertainty, that hour of doubt, that year of struggle. It can be fleeting, and other times it decides to settle in and stay for a while. Some moments we can see approaching on the horizon, other moments strike quickly and wildly on a random Thursday. However the moment arrives or why, slow down, take solace in each other, and be still. Storms will come and go, there will always be bright days and dark days, the one constant will be love. Embrace the love and hold on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Share your most memorable moment in the comments. I would love to hear about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">♥ Follow me on ♥</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nikkiMdesign" target="_blank">facebook</a></span><br />
<a href="https://www.tumblr.com/blog/nikkimdesign" target="_blank">tumblr</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/nikkiMdesign" target="_blank">twitter</a></div>
Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-16751867867868298572014-07-29T12:22:00.002-04:002014-07-29T12:23:07.000-04:00Following your inspirationSo often I wake up in the morning and I have this great desire to draw or paint, and so often I put it off feeling obligated to get the chores done first. The problem is that when I do my "other" work first, by the time I have the opportunity to be creative, the inspiration has vanished. <br />
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It has been this way for as long as I can remember. I blame the fable <i>The Ant and the Grasshopper. </i>That story terrified me when I was a child. I don't want to starve to death! <br />
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Don't get me wrong, there isn't anything wrong with "work before play". It is a good lesson to teach and to live by, but once in a while you need to break the rules and chase after that inspiration. It is good for the soul. :) Sort of like having pancakes or cereal for dinner.<br />
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Starting today, I'm going to change the way I prioritize my time. I am going to "give in" more often to my whims and follow my inspiration.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m9YikZTH0YB-q12MmxVaukZ3J-N3xMZlHfjlmJMt4TgxA3tYcmkf_ULw45HfSFxqIaVNrPKeC-tCqyxAFt7pbgv89U0HShYSTgZ8PxWHlW2GcF-dVRsZW8si-b9tGqcD3iSv7KnkbQ6a/s1600/7-29-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4m9YikZTH0YB-q12MmxVaukZ3J-N3xMZlHfjlmJMt4TgxA3tYcmkf_ULw45HfSFxqIaVNrPKeC-tCqyxAFt7pbgv89U0HShYSTgZ8PxWHlW2GcF-dVRsZW8si-b9tGqcD3iSv7KnkbQ6a/s1600/7-29-14.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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I haven't done a watercolor in almost four years. I woke up this morning and all I could think about was <strike>coffee</strike> painting with watercolor. The dishes aren't done, the cats and my son are hungry <-I'm kidding, what kind of monster do you think I am? I fed the cats! :-P, the laundry isn't folded, and that's okay. ♥ I'm too busy giving in to my inspiration. ♥<br />
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-60653638116062468142014-07-28T21:15:00.001-04:002014-07-28T21:16:01.139-04:00Tada! Last week, I posted the below images to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nikkiMdesign" target="_blank">nikkiMdesign Facebook Page</a>. I was hopeful that this past weekend would bring me lots of time to work on turning this heaping mess of a bedroom into my art studio.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuff, stuff, stuff, and more stuff, and toys, and...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that dirty underwear on the floor?! Haha! Made you look!</td></tr>
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I had old furniture to dismantle and move out, shelves to hang, things to organize, and a very large, heavy table that had to be hauled from the basement to the upstairs (sorry honey!) to create a space that was all mine.</div>
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After several hours of hard work and a lot of assistance from a very patient husband, there was progress.</div>
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One of these days I will paint the walls, add some better lighting, and put up some more shelves, but for now, this ♥ will do perfectly ♥ </div>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-45217277701808359522014-07-24T15:13:00.001-04:002014-07-24T15:13:18.586-04:00Struggling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF1MNjH0h-2K5HKkZSQA-QtWjiVm7BvUkHWPFZbL3Uv4q9bW1NXuya4XNLVfdudfSX65Pkwq3D_nQrNQ7HRVsD5XGQvV4frkscoh1Dv9vTXO1OZnX6_4JuN05YVk1A9Vwv4poymUbhJ8P/s1600/Hitchhiker+7-24-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfF1MNjH0h-2K5HKkZSQA-QtWjiVm7BvUkHWPFZbL3Uv4q9bW1NXuya4XNLVfdudfSX65Pkwq3D_nQrNQ7HRVsD5XGQvV4frkscoh1Dv9vTXO1OZnX6_4JuN05YVk1A9Vwv4poymUbhJ8P/s1600/Hitchhiker+7-24-14.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I am struggling with the facial hair. I've added quite a bit more but I feel as though it is losing its definition. I'm worried that if I keep going it will become one big black blob. At the same time, I don't feel as though it has enough depth. Grrr. Any of my illustrator/artist friends want to give me some advice? </div>
<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-52712342592655069892014-07-18T11:24:00.001-04:002014-07-18T11:24:14.042-04:00Making progress WIP The Hitchhiker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXg2malx6Y7uYIROd5LZH4t0AOuAwgYUE2FJtrasQFqCdK5SHnwk8yoeGYIKxRIPn3Co3VnUYE5dGhUiowzEIssg3asHgqLbM4QQXHxtotS_hCnWXiPii7swRw8EUEDQYx2qz_wusshiZ/s1600/CAM00867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXg2malx6Y7uYIROd5LZH4t0AOuAwgYUE2FJtrasQFqCdK5SHnwk8yoeGYIKxRIPn3Co3VnUYE5dGhUiowzEIssg3asHgqLbM4QQXHxtotS_hCnWXiPii7swRw8EUEDQYx2qz_wusshiZ/s1600/CAM00867.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I added his pipe and I have started to fill in his beard! </div>
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Sorry about the photo quality, I am a horrible photographer!</div>
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According to the tutorials that I have read, the first step to drawing facial hair is creating the skin tone beneath the beard by making circles at varying sizes and shades and then using a stump to blend them. Then using a kneaded eraser, you lift some of the graphite to create lighter areas. </div>
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Next you begin to layer in dark areas and light areas with different leads to begin creating the fullness. Do not press too hard because later you want to add highlights with your eraser by removing some of the graphite. I am rewording what I have read, the tutorials available via an online search will go into much greater detail than what I have listed.</div>
Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-61732466264592304202014-07-16T11:36:00.003-04:002014-07-16T11:55:43.696-04:00The Hitchhiker WIPI have been busy lately and haven't been able to do much drawing. So this morning I decided that instead of doing the usual <i>cleaning up the house </i>work, I would get busy on the Hitchhiker. I also carved out a little bit of time to do some reading from <i><a href="http://www.taprootmag.com/" target="_blank">Taproot</a></i>, a wonderful, ad-free magazine filled with stories, poems, art, and crafts.<br />
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I should start everyday this way. <-Wishful thinking.<br />
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My experience drawing beards is very limited. I found several great tutorials for drawing facial hair, now I have to put that knowledge to paper. Eeek! I'm nervous! </div>
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Notice the left eye, yeah, I overworked the paper. I shouldn't have drawn him on sketch pad paper, there isn't any substance to it and I like to erase, a lot. I'm not too worried about it though. You don't notice it as much in person, it is far more noticeable in a photo. Lesson learned. :) </div>
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I'm thinking about making him a smoker. What do you think he is... a pipe or cigarette smoker?</div>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-77874485046512072552014-07-07T08:38:00.000-04:002014-07-07T21:24:45.406-04:00Dreams WIP Completed <h1 class="quoteText" style="background-color: white; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 15px; padding: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea that I hope to convey is to dream big, believe in your dreams and they will become your reality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each of the elements in the drawing represent something from my childhood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Moon</i></b><i><b>.</b></i> As a child, I daydreamed about someday meeting the moon. I talked with him often and thought that the moon was special to <i>me </i>because everywhere I went, there he was. He was there when I looked out of my bedroom window before falling to sleep, he was there when I played outside at night whether in my own backyard or somewhere else, and he was there when I looked out the window from the backseat of my parents car while riding home from the days activities. The moon was a huge part of my childhood. He was my friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Giraffes</i></b><i><b>.</b></i> I wanted a pet giraffe when I was little. Ah, who am I kidding, I want a pet giraffe now. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The Monkeys</b></i><b><i>.</i></b> They are from the game, Barrel of Monkeys, and I used them a lot in play but I don't think I ever used them as intended. They made great "ropes" for my toy soldiers to escape from impending doom. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">The Mushroom Village. </b>I was a smurf lover. A dedicated watcher of the television cartoon series in the 80's, the little blue creatures found their way into my heart, and into my drawing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Teddy. </b>My teddy bear went everywhere with me. We walked, talked, and ate together. He was always close by. In fact, I still have him. ♥ He is an old timer now but as loyal as ever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">The Creatures or Aliens. </i>These guys were my protectors. As a child, I scared easily and I was anxious. My bedroom was on the second floor and my parents bedroom was on the first floor. This posed a problem because when I would wake up from a nightmare, which was often, I was too scared to walk into the darkness through the long hallway and down the stairs to my parents bedroom. So, I created these guys to watch over me. They "lived" in my bedroom window and when I would wake up terrified from a dream, I would "hand" it to them and they would take care of it for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Tree</i></b><b style="font-style: italic;">. </b>I have always had a fondness for trees. They are strength, beauty, and providers. If you look closely in the drawing, you will find faces in the branches and trunks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time spent:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">150+ hours</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Size:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12"x18" drawn on smooth bristol board</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medium:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2H, 2B, 4B mechanical pencil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">kneaded eraser</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prints available:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195529244/fine-art-print-illustrations-childrens?">https://www.etsy.com/listing/195529244/fine-art-print-illustrations-childrens?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Original available:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">email me for pricing - nicole@nikkimdesign.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #181818;"><i>“Dreams are illustrations...from the book your soul is writing about you.”</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-Marsha Norman</span></span></h1>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-1389709043746895492014-07-03T09:14:00.000-04:002014-07-03T09:14:35.713-04:00Comic Strip<br />
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I have a bin full of scrap pieces of paper with ideas for drawings sketched on them. A few of those scraps have ideas for a comic strip that I've been kicking around. This morning I had the opportunity to sketch out one of the characters. These aren't great by any means, they are just rough ideas. I need to do some research on comics and character development; drawing consistently, how to develop a character, expressions, etc., before I really start to plan the comic strip. But, it's a start. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFPpwgQKh0ORH_Bscu4vxwiihI9zUqgnppJdsIVcZ8f_7k087xwAtgVy1hGJzjFLnRaoaw8fVmO54lVILjxf41qF5n9QrEvFQVQGJ2mR_9rRZL1TRtEf9T8SCqTT08-24xxZj8Qo_gfxl/s1600/conceptual+cat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFPpwgQKh0ORH_Bscu4vxwiihI9zUqgnppJdsIVcZ8f_7k087xwAtgVy1hGJzjFLnRaoaw8fVmO54lVILjxf41qF5n9QrEvFQVQGJ2mR_9rRZL1TRtEf9T8SCqTT08-24xxZj8Qo_gfxl/s1600/conceptual+cat1.jpg" height="400" width="332" /></a></div>
Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-1677169785839716772014-07-01T17:51:00.003-04:002014-07-01T17:52:40.630-04:00Transitions<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">Two weeks ago, I gave notice to my employer. As of last Friday, I embraced my new profession as a full-time artist and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">stay-at-home mom</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">. The idea is very foreign to me because I have always worked outside of the home. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">The plan is for me to </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">purue my interests in art and illustration while being home</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;"> with </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">"the baby" (he is six now but I still find the need to call him that, I guess I'm not ready to admit that I'm getting older :-P) and manage the home.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">I'm elated and terrified all at the same time. I have dreams of success--a career in art, my artwork being published, illustrating books, participating in art shows and art fairs and a schedule that works for my family. I have fears too. What if I'm lonely? What if I can't find work as an artist? It's exhausting to think about all of the possible failures that are lurking out there waiting to get me. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15.600000381469727px;">This blog will be evolving as well. It will be more personal, journaling the ups and downs, successes and failures. </span></span></div>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-75180998765872109092014-06-24T22:32:00.001-04:002014-06-24T22:33:50.543-04:00Tips for a great tablescape<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Last month, nikkiMdesign had the honor of designing three tables for the 2014 Lewistion Tour of Kitchens. In the spirit of summer and all the parties that come with it, we have put together a few tips to help you create beautiful table settings for any occasion. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tablescape Tips:</span></b></div>
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<b>White dishes are classic</b><i>. </i></div>
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<i>You cannot go wrong with white dishes! They create the perfect backdrop for any tablescape from the very simple, understated design to an elegant, formal setting. They can be used by themselves or paired with other dishes for beautiful color combinations. </i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8We9hoHcP6uf19ZUenepza2ybJFfd9hQ9hjd5-s2Qw-Po33eaQDTLftLZDqwFSJn1FrylGVEUTYr-_6qXnDPLz6E5Exce9DyzJvt90p2z5UAddlkn_jWb7s-tBQ0g2HhpnBZQg1Yitspg/s1600/10351740_10203908334409198_7692733111449511620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8We9hoHcP6uf19ZUenepza2ybJFfd9hQ9hjd5-s2Qw-Po33eaQDTLftLZDqwFSJn1FrylGVEUTYr-_6qXnDPLz6E5Exce9DyzJvt90p2z5UAddlkn_jWb7s-tBQ0g2HhpnBZQg1Yitspg/s1600/10351740_10203908334409198_7692733111449511620_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nikkiMdesign uses white dishes paired with green and brown dishes to create a simple, geometric design for this tablescape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyLhsy7rUCYjSklj7z_vGF4cNqSpyYTb32K6xYhn2OXRmOwmDI40mUhqjkWw4OPEjXzn_3my1hK2k5aMwzJnTk6-EhbowFWHGQfOco4Bn-CUXdrBllKo57msXsczgSnpA2ags0KYe81DT/s1600/10178098_10203908331969137_7847967344291482009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyLhsy7rUCYjSklj7z_vGF4cNqSpyYTb32K6xYhn2OXRmOwmDI40mUhqjkWw4OPEjXzn_3my1hK2k5aMwzJnTk6-EhbowFWHGQfOco4Bn-CUXdrBllKo57msXsczgSnpA2ags0KYe81DT/s1600/10178098_10203908331969137_7847967344291482009_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Engage all of the senses.</b><i> </i></div>
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<i>Use candles or cut fresh fruit to fill the air with a pleasant aroma before the meal is served, set the mood with appropriate lighting and music, incorporate our sense of touch by using different textures with your linens. </i></div>
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<b>A Grass Centerpiece. </b></div>
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<i>This is an easy and cost-effective centerpiece and it can be done anytime throughout the year, however you do need to plan for it ahead of time. Fill your container bottom with some gravel and then some potting soil. Sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil and then apply another thin layer of soil. </i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Place the container in a sunny location and water. Within a few days you will start to see the grass growing. Allow for at least 2 weeks of growing time to get the best length. </span><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Embellish your centerpiece with </span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">candles, flowers, note cards, ribbon, or just leave it be. For added texture and color, plant the grass in a clear glass container. </span></span></i><i style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Growing grass centerpieces is great for the winter blues as well...it's nice to see green grass in the house in the middle of winter. </i></div>
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<b>Mix your centerpieces to create different heights.</b><i> </i></div>
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<i>Mix tall and short arrangements to create visual intrigue. Always remember to keep the centerpiece as an accent to your table and be sure that when your guests are seated they can see each other. Want to raise up a centerpiece item just a little bit? Stack some books, or turn a bowl or plate upside down and use that as a stand. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4ELYPYHyMghtzZ7Kh1hDg6mDpy0yfrCPIA4pHsy0O8ilqB_ZbH63r_kg9A69CQp-aZHGZjvz55x80jBoWkeFKbIQAA9oFLG6lPCDNMNiedG-yZ_TzoQIP309l4RiR2Rnd9xfn0yYe0DQ/s1600/10296977_813468195331243_5168609974703268755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4ELYPYHyMghtzZ7Kh1hDg6mDpy0yfrCPIA4pHsy0O8ilqB_ZbH63r_kg9A69CQp-aZHGZjvz55x80jBoWkeFKbIQAA9oFLG6lPCDNMNiedG-yZ_TzoQIP309l4RiR2Rnd9xfn0yYe0DQ/s1600/10296977_813468195331243_5168609974703268755_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nikkiMdesign used a small white bowl to "lift" up the charger and plates in this romantic vintage tablescape.<br />
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Remember, the centerpiece doesn't always have to sit in the middle of a table. You can move it to one end of a table or create two arrangements at opposite ends of a table. It can run linear down the center of a table, or perhaps to one long edge of a table. Rather than one large centerpiece, you can create smaller arrangements that sit in front of each plate setting. It is always a nice gesture to place a small arrangement on each place setting as a gift for the guest to take home with them. </i></td></tr>
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<b>Use what you have. </b></div>
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<i>Shop your home. Look at what you already have on hand and use it in your tablescape. This is a great way to be frugal, eclectic, and bring some personality to your table. Vases, baskets, books, photos, frames, canning jars, artwork...the sky's the limit for what you can use in a tablescape. Don't forget about your backyard. </i><i style="font-size: 15px;">Go outside and grab some sticks, stones, or cut some plants/flowers for a quick and natural tablescape. </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_aC5kOhtkia44yY01uQ8gJpVjVhu3jHoxBq2wQnfvlsnnu5NS3N9pG4KXPng_Qr8v1f-n9rWyKqyM-v7N-9oAelUzcceX41iJrONAiYLzgqbvlQoYPRB40ziYPRrhVTNWFLh_ehOr1_e/s1600/10411740_813468145331248_437453324001912447_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_aC5kOhtkia44yY01uQ8gJpVjVhu3jHoxBq2wQnfvlsnnu5NS3N9pG4KXPng_Qr8v1f-n9rWyKqyM-v7N-9oAelUzcceX41iJrONAiYLzgqbvlQoYPRB40ziYPRrhVTNWFLh_ehOr1_e/s1600/10411740_813468145331248_437453324001912447_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nikkiMdesign uses old Ball canning jars to plant herb centerpieces in this nature themed tablescape.</td></tr>
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<b>Dress up your napkins.</b></div>
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Don't forget about your napkins! An easy way to make your tablescape pop is to find interesting ways to tie your napkins. Vintage pins/brooches are a great way to wrap your napkins in style. Looking for a cost effective napkin ring? Try cutting a toilet paper roll into smaller widths and wrap them with fabric. Click <a href="http://www.brightsettings.com/BrightIdeas/diy-toilet-paper-roll-napkin-rings/" target="_blank">here</a> <u> </u>for a DIY Toilet Paper Roll Napkin Ring tutorial by Jinnie Templin.</i></div>
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<b>Fabric stores. </b></div>
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<i>If you can't find the right color or pattern for your napkins or runners in a store, head to the fabric store. You will have a larger selection and more control over your design. </i></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoi9AemVbaelCkLcXk_Pmi2Dx6I5dNrEVRBDu7oGS4RmB2MeWG3UiAFrlM2bLiOnEM656W0MTaq0gqH6xqRQn4yktXsB_ZvV1_NSsOLVg7zQEXuuUB_-uG5Fp2L0IQhgENe_6u4ejsFDp/s1600/10409731_10203908336409248_1441645247437067066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFoi9AemVbaelCkLcXk_Pmi2Dx6I5dNrEVRBDu7oGS4RmB2MeWG3UiAFrlM2bLiOnEM656W0MTaq0gqH6xqRQn4yktXsB_ZvV1_NSsOLVg7zQEXuuUB_-uG5Fp2L0IQhgENe_6u4ejsFDp/s1600/10409731_10203908336409248_1441645247437067066_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dining chairs wrapped in burlap fabric and tied with a stem of leaves.</td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: 15px;">Keep your table functional. </b></div>
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<i>If you plan on eating at or using your table for anything else other than a display, be sure to leave the appropriate space so that people are comfortable. You don't want your guests to have to move items out of their way or knocking things over because they don't have enough room. </i></div>
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<b>It isn't just about the dining room table. </b></div>
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<i>Tablescaping can be done on any flat surface. Don't forget to scape your dressers, desks, coffee tables, end tables, etc. Have fun and be daring!</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0odgytF1Gxh9wmvw8FLLXkVluOUSRmblRlv6uLTEJ78vghGTnfBy_N0RJDAUp1vPtg5jSG5GslwUumSeTaYQl3VUUypoM_aNTzt8gSmTz6TSnwRuqCndkE-iUDxzIeV_zA1anBRM6nuD/s1600/10437561_10203908352569652_3151914592068481827_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0odgytF1Gxh9wmvw8FLLXkVluOUSRmblRlv6uLTEJ78vghGTnfBy_N0RJDAUp1vPtg5jSG5GslwUumSeTaYQl3VUUypoM_aNTzt8gSmTz6TSnwRuqCndkE-iUDxzIeV_zA1anBRM6nuD/s1600/10437561_10203908352569652_3151914592068481827_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nikkiMdesign romantic, vintage tablescape</td></tr>
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Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-13497750821715776462014-06-22T21:06:00.000-04:002014-06-22T21:14:03.305-04:00♥ Summer Love ♥<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome back Summer. It's been a while and we have missed you very much.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzSwVH1kVQSe_iIGq3WDIVVhdBUbXTAMhLYSiMhAF5cn_9EnwmF4YDdcm1DI25VJ11sOcZi6bcbojTuMA0r_rkwCfO9-fS9Pl_onvAiEmvr9R2fhA9cjesiXwXbZtxf2-6Avh9oabfIIc/s1600/DSCN3143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghzSwVH1kVQSe_iIGq3WDIVVhdBUbXTAMhLYSiMhAF5cn_9EnwmF4YDdcm1DI25VJ11sOcZi6bcbojTuMA0r_rkwCfO9-fS9Pl_onvAiEmvr9R2fhA9cjesiXwXbZtxf2-6Avh9oabfIIc/s1600/DSCN3143.jpg" height="491" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strawberries are in season and what better way to celebrate the <strike>first</strike> second day of summer than with a deliciously light and fresh strawberry salad. All ingredients provided by the family-owned farm down the road, <a href="http://www.coulterfarmsllc.com/" target="_blank">Coulter Farms</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Honey <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Vinaigrette</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Salad Ingredients:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-Bunch Fresh lettuce </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-4 (or more) Fresh radishes</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-1 cup Fresh strawberries</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-3 (or more) Fresh leeks</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-handful of raisins</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-handful of Almonds (optional)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-Garlic Salt to taste</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-Pepper to taste</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-Bacon bits (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette Ingredients:</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-1/4 cup balsamic vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-2 tablespoons honey</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">-1/2 cup of olive oil </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">Mix your salad ingredients in a large bowl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">Stir together the honey and balsamic vinegar in a bowl, slowly whisk in the olive oil into the bowl. Continue to whisk until thoroughly mixed. Add salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad when ready to serve. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;">The next time I make the vinaigrette, I'm going to only use 1/4 cup of olive oil. I will let you know how it turns out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;">♥ Yum. Seriously. Delicious. ♥</span></div>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-33941480626025900692014-06-04T23:34:00.000-04:002014-06-16T20:37:37.493-04:00Crochet Fish Soap Saver Pattern now available for download<div style="text-align: center;">
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Something you may or may not know about me is that in my spare time I love to crochet. At any given moment I have several crochet projects going and I am always playing around with different crochet ideas. Which brings me to the reason for my post, sometime last year I was looking for a simple, cute crochet pattern for a children's soap saver but I wasn't finding the right pattern, so I created my own.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191948787/crochet-pattern-soap-saver-children-fish?" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNj-_jkuXTiWid1x_4gTVpux53fryKaAlh0S5TLGuI_OLAacUB5NdMaPskBKpZ1VQH26j4Fz95eTHDDAuUm-LfzB_lYS07y7uHdCXA4e9zDLRPMYRZywdSWs8tfNtKmlV2lMbUozy7Kio/s1600/CAM00659+(2).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can purchase it at my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191948787/crochet-pattern-soap-saver-children-fish?" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a></div>
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Interested in purchasing the product rather than the pattern? You can do that too, click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/61515044/childrens-fish-soap-saver-washcloth-toy?" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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♥ Happy hooking! ♥</div>
Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-74823786720555807982014-01-26T10:59:00.000-05:002014-01-26T11:51:10.376-05:00Before and After: Transitional Bedroom<i>nikki </i>M. redesigns a bedroom and bathroom by blending modern style with warm neutrals to create a sophisticated retreat.<br />
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BEFORE:</div>
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The room was cluttered, outdated, and did not accommodate a reading area which the homeowners desired. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyi6ayObYw09HTUnMF4lsBO7bscihnHwjurAjguKNuD4W2GSLE_5qWWjUKlYPymBKZHBWj0fR00nOFEQr0mt_bS9nYCfKMBARamPY0sX5v3m7RhdDwN_u9kaJTqH1jsb8B2SJU8ePsXo0/s1600/Before-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyi6ayObYw09HTUnMF4lsBO7bscihnHwjurAjguKNuD4W2GSLE_5qWWjUKlYPymBKZHBWj0fR00nOFEQr0mt_bS9nYCfKMBARamPY0sX5v3m7RhdDwN_u9kaJTqH1jsb8B2SJU8ePsXo0/s1600/Before-1.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglpx3D0YOr8s-UIwlsary8i80ZF-aYE8Qhqqz54QkBKOkaTLbJNwqDFudwUynUXwYrq5EfDznqPa2vELhWpPQqaWBOOB0gukrDKdk_6ZkHFpm2EgmxqTOwEq3FCG62pYwFuWb0JGEp-0L/s1600/Before-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglpx3D0YOr8s-UIwlsary8i80ZF-aYE8Qhqqz54QkBKOkaTLbJNwqDFudwUynUXwYrq5EfDznqPa2vELhWpPQqaWBOOB0gukrDKdk_6ZkHFpm2EgmxqTOwEq3FCG62pYwFuWb0JGEp-0L/s1600/Before-3.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkhnSVYAWwutkU_F_hsydzfziU6GlPiAOOz7S7lfOE6wFqkt4aFa8TUXiRts-y4pGhyphenhyphenKQ08p6Ve0CCxZbodVnzVNgt1SmMvWU6ek4uH2oXoLiDZ3uQVCtav0FNIQWaOw3XRH_HRPwxS7x/s1600/Before.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggkhnSVYAWwutkU_F_hsydzfziU6GlPiAOOz7S7lfOE6wFqkt4aFa8TUXiRts-y4pGhyphenhyphenKQ08p6Ve0CCxZbodVnzVNgt1SmMvWU6ek4uH2oXoLiDZ3uQVCtav0FNIQWaOw3XRH_HRPwxS7x/s1600/Before.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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AFTER:</div>
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Clever redesign by <a href="http://www.creativestoragebuffalo.com/" target="_blank">Creative Storage</a>, of the homeowners walk-in closet allowed several pieces of furniture to be removed from the bedroom freeing up much needed space. Gorgeous wood flooring and a tin ceiling were added to create warmth and architectural interest. Subtle paint color created a cozy feeling while keeping the space open and bright. Modern and traditional items were carefully combined to form a transitional style, enhancing the overall design. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2aLtUuZES93QIU0M87Kxo3QvC_lhTYGMGzdw-3tn2ZV28pAUUqleNvfn2LxgLNPztw_FPtDowso_ytPoua64Eol4qRzly_GcbuXIX0jIUskCz0-lnpETeU79JC_1ktf1ewIQvtIv6Gd8/s1600/After-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2aLtUuZES93QIU0M87Kxo3QvC_lhTYGMGzdw-3tn2ZV28pAUUqleNvfn2LxgLNPztw_FPtDowso_ytPoua64Eol4qRzly_GcbuXIX0jIUskCz0-lnpETeU79JC_1ktf1ewIQvtIv6Gd8/s1600/After-1.png" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>After </i>photographs by <a href="http://www.katieschneiderphoto.com/" target="_blank">Katie Schneider Photography</a></div>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0Lockport, NY 14094, USA43.1706128 -78.69030980000002343.1240383 -78.771333800000022 43.2171873 -78.609285800000023tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-2544588217615989082013-11-30T18:55:00.000-05:002013-11-30T18:55:29.093-05:00IDA of WNY decorates the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo for the 2013 holiday seasonDeck the halls with boughs of holly<br />
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'Tis the season to be jolly<br />
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Don we now our gay apparel<br />
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Fast away the old year passes<br />
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Sing we joyous, all together</div>
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Fa la la la la, la la la la!</div>
<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0780 West Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA42.915839 -78.87157200000001517.2607675 -120.35594700000001 68.5709105 -37.387197000000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-79845479617493050132013-11-24T18:17:00.002-05:002013-11-24T18:17:32.770-05:00I am thankful for....what about you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwV8DmzKj4JTcFvJmOn8-pHq8eMiuvtOmXtXht3r_K5uagksLgy-U8oWuI5POeoZJTdXMk5UsKvOb5-uztddKC12YsVn_WofV5iG5DGY4ZmtVQpcOYmHmlLupH7u1wHnAzqbKSUf2Mo0T/s1600/i+am+thankful+for+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxwV8DmzKj4JTcFvJmOn8-pHq8eMiuvtOmXtXht3r_K5uagksLgy-U8oWuI5POeoZJTdXMk5UsKvOb5-uztddKC12YsVn_WofV5iG5DGY4ZmtVQpcOYmHmlLupH7u1wHnAzqbKSUf2Mo0T/s1600/i+am+thankful+for+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6887470951149600933.post-3662725230732371582013-11-10T12:36:00.001-05:002013-11-10T12:36:45.159-05:00Donut Kraze gets an update<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friends of mine own Donut Kraze, a delicious doughnut shop on Dingens Street in Buffalo. Last fall, a car ran through the front of their establishment causing significant damages to the exterior and interior of the store. Since they were going to be making repairs to the building, they decided to update the space and asked me to assist with the design.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Their doughnuts are delicious, which made this project especially enjoyable. ;-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Before:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After</span>:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">♥ Support local! Swing by for some of their doughnuts. You won't be disappointed! ♥</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Donut Kraze</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">406 Dingens Street</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Buffalo, NY 14206</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">716-824-4527</span></div>
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<br />Nikki M.http://www.blogger.com/profile/04983969621523067801noreply@blogger.com0