Giraffe Art Galore

Giraffes are one of my favorite things to make out of paper and paint. I like to emphasize their expressive faces. Each giraffe also appears with long eyelashes to enhance their whimsical appearance.

“Sticking My Neck Out” is currently available online at Seaside Art Gallery This giraffe is made out of meticulously hand cut paper and paint. It took many hours just to cut the fur out of paper. Even though it is a very time consuming process to cut the fur out of paper, I also find it to be a calming and relaxing process. I like the challenge of creating three-dimensional mammals out of paper. This giraffe was especially challenging, because it is also a miniature fine art piece, measuring only 3” tall by 2.5” wide.

Flower Wall Art - Monarch Butterfly on Thistles

Flower Power - 3 Thistles and Monarch - Wall Art

This series is comprised of three distinct, yet harmonious, 6" x 6" artworks, each vividly capturing the enchanting dance between purple thistles and delicate monarch butterflies on a lush green stage.

These three paper sculptures are a part of the Florals: Hello Spring! show at Seaside Art Gallery!

My inspiration for this series emerged during a walk in a local park, a transformed golf course now blooming with natural plants and wildflowers such as thistles and milkweed. As I wandered, I was struck by the vivid green and purple thistles swaying alongside fluttering monarchs. It is an amazing contrast. Delicate butterflies fluttering all around the thick thorny stems of these thistle plants, looking for a purple puffball flower to land on.

Creating this series was a compelling journey, drawing me deeper into the delicate intricacies of nature. Each piece in the series stands on its own, yet together, they form a narrative rich in life and resilience. Whether you decide to grace your space with one, two, or the complete trio, each piece shares a unique story woven with precision and care. All three of these paper sculptures are available at Seaside Art Gallery Seaside Art Gallery

While the butterflies gracefully perch on thorny hosts, this artwork serves as a subtle reminder of life's persistent beauty amid trials. It invites you to embrace a moment of stillness, to see the grace in obstacles, and to marvel at nature's choreography.

This series is more than a collection of paintings; it's a celebration of life's vibrant dance, offering a glimpse into the world’s silent symphony, waiting to be discovered and cherished."

Please subscribe to Melinda’s Monthly Newsletter to stay up to date on my latest work and to receive a discount in my shop.

Everything's Coming Up Flowers!

Florals: Hello Spring! is a new show at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC! You can view this show online or or in person. This beautiful show welcomes in spring with the wonderful array of colorful flower paintings and sculptures in a variety of different mediums and lots of different flowers.

These cone flowers, iris and thistles all have one two things in common. They all have monarch butterflies visitng them and all six paper sculptures are a part of the Florals: Hello Spring! art show. I am thrilled to have all six of my paper sculptures be a part of this show.

"Please Don't Bug Me!" - a 3D Paper Sculpture

I'm thrilled to share my miniature paper sculpture titled "Please Don't Bug Me!" This piece is a delightful dip into the whimsical and lively world of nature, all brought to life through the meticulous medium of hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache.

Imagine leaning in to inspect a small 1.5" x 1.5" creation, set within a minimalist dark brown frame measuring 6" x 6". The artwork features two realistic, three-dimensional acorns with textured brown caps, nestled against an oak branch with vividly detailed green leaves. These elements are so lifelike, you can almost feel the texture of the acorns and the veins on the leaves. But wait, there’s a delightful twist—peer a little closer, and you might spot a curious praying mantis engaging in a playful stare-off with you!

When crafting "Please Don't Bug Me!", I embraced the joy of bringing together realism and whimsy. The title plays on this charming duality—the praying mantis and the viewer both staring at one another! Having a praying mantis amidst the serene acorn-and-oak composition cheekily demands a smile from the viewer.

The intricate process of creating this miniature sculpture was indeed a labor of love. Every detail, from the acorns' caps to the tender veins of the leaves, was carefully crafted to ensure an authentically natural feel. The small size posed its own challenges, requiring precision and patience, but it also granted the freedom to pour my heart into each delicate component.

This piece, (and five other paper sculptures), was entered into the Miniature Art Society of Florida’s 2025 International Miniature Art Exhibition. The journey with “Please Don’t Bug Me” has been incredibly rewarding, especially as it has brought me the honor of receiving the Sculpture and Scrimshaw Award. With "Please Don't Bug Me!" selling right on the first day of the show, it just adds to my excitement and nurtures my passion for paper sculptures that enchant and amuse.

For those who'd like to experience this creation in person, it is available as part of an exhibition at the Gallery at Creative Pinellas in Largo, Florida. The show will be open from January 19 through February 9, 2025. I'm displaying a total of six pieces, each ready to spark wonder and joy. Whether you visit online or in person, there's always something special to discover in the colorful realm of my artwork.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird Visits A Morning Glory Garden

Welcome to Hummingbird’s Paradise, my latest artistic endeavor! Picture this: a kaleidoscope of colors where nature's tiny acrobat, the hummingbird, flits and dances amidst a riotous assembly of morning glory blooms. This vibrant artwork is an invitation to pause, breathe, and revel in the wonder of the natural world.

Now, let's talk about the dazzling diva of this piece—the hummingbird. With its iridescent feathers flashing shades of green and blue, and a splash of red trimming its head and throat, this critter isn’t just any bird; it’s nature’s very own flying gem! The flashy feathers almost sparkle, promising to catch your eye wherever you display this slice of paradise.

And those flowers? They're not just mere blooms; they are the essence of joy personified in petals. With shades ranging from blushing pinks to regal purples, each flower boasts an intricate design topped with sunburst yellow centers. The lifelike, textured green leaves weave a tapestry of verdant serenity around the blossoms, grounding the scene with just the right amount of earthy calm.

The inspiration for this lively tableau comes from the seemingly magical moments when nature and art collide. There’s something uniquely fulfilling in capturing a fleeting moment—like the split-second twinkle of a hummingbird’s iridescent coat shining in the sunlight. By bottling up that magic on canvas, I hope to offer a bit of paradise that viewers can experience and revisit anytime.

Creating Hummingbird’s Paradise wasn't just an exercise in painting; it was an adventure in exploration. Embarking on this creative journey meant paying meticulous attention to each flicker of the bird's wings and the delicate curl of every petal. As I worked, the piece demanded a playful balance between the wild spontaneity of nature and the disciplined structure of detailed artwork. It was art meeting nature, and, dare I say, they shook hands with a wink and a promise.

So, take a moment to get lost in Hummingbird’s Paradise. Let your imagination wander through the vibrant hues and intricate details—and who knows? Maybe you'll catch a tiny glimpse of paradise, too! To purchase “Hummingbird’s Paradise, head over to my Shop for all the details.

"The Lost Years" - Sea Turtle Paper Sculpture

Let's dive right in and explore the intricacies of this mesmerizing piece. "The Lost Years" is a three-dimensional sculpture that creates an enchanting underwater scene within a transparent cylindrical vessel. Imagine being immersed in an underwater wonderland, with a vivid representation of a coral reef at the base. The diverse range of colors – from pinks and oranges to yellows and greens – brings this underwater ecosystem to life. With textured details and granular touches, the reef truly resembles the complexity and diversity found in nature.

As you gaze upwards inside the clear vessel, you'll discover elements that mimic marine life, aquatic plants, and coral formations. These vibrant colors – greens, yellows, pinks, and blues – are arranged in vertical patterns, creating a sense of weightlessness and movement, as if you're exploring the depths of the ocean.

Now, let's talk about what inspired me to create "The Lost Years." Have you ever heard of the mysterious first decade in a turtle's life? Once these tiny turtles make it to the ocean, scientists don't know exactly where they go or live during this time – hence the term "The Lost Years". I found this concept intriguing and decided to capture their journey and story through my artwork.

In my imagination, "The Lost Years" serves as a beautiful, colorful, peaceful, and safe world for these turtles. This underwater sanctuary is filled with fish, seashells, starfish, and coral. It's a hidden place, away from the rest of the world, where these young turtles can learn, grow, and thrive. This artwork reminds us of the importance of preserving our environment and protecting these mysterious under-the-sea worlds for these little sea turtles.

Now, let's dive into the unique process of creating this artwork. "The Lost Years" is made entirely from hand-cut, acid-free, and archival papers. From the intricate details of the sculpture to the sand-like texture on the base, each element is carefully crafted from painted papers to create a lifelike appearance. The vibrant scene on the base is also painted using watercolor and gouache, adding an extra layer of depth and beauty to the artwork.

To showcase this captivating sculpture, it can be placed on a tabletop or displayed with a rotating, lighted base. The electric base offers a color-changing option or can be set to a solid color. The choice is yours to create the perfect ambiance and highlight the intricacies of "The Lost Years."

If you're as captivated by this awe-inspiring artwork as I am, "The Lost Years" can be yours for $950.00. The glass aquarium measures 4" in diameter and 7.5" high, while the rotating base is 4.5" in diameter and 1" high.

"The Lost Years" invites you to get lost in the enchanting world beneath the sea and raises awareness about the importance of preserving these mysterious environments. Let this sculpture serve as a reminder to protect our oceans and their incredible inhabitants.

That's it for today! I hope you enjoyed learning about "The Lost Years" and the inspiration behind it. Don't forget to keep an eye out for future creations that transcend the boundaries of art and imagination.

4.5” x 7.5” (Includes the rotating, lighted base)…………………………………..$950.00

“The Lost Years” is available for purchase at my SHOP

Until next time!

Jellyfish Aquarium

As an artist, I am thrilled to introduce my latest creation, the Jellyfish Aquarium. This intricate piece of art measures 4.5" x 7.5" and is made using a combination of paper watercolor and gouache.

The Jellyfish Aquarium features a stunning sculptural representation of a jellyfish, elegantly showcased within a clear cylindrical enclosure. This unique setup gives the impression of a sample collected for scientific observation or display, adding an element of curiosity and wonder to the artwork.

The jellyfish sculpture itself is a sight to behold, with a translucent, ethereal quality that captures the delicate nature of these mesmerizing creatures. The dome-shaped bell and detailed tentacles cascading downwards are finely structured, showcasing the intricate beauty of a jellyfish's anatomy.

Resting atop a textured base that resembles a coral or underwater environment, the Jellyfish Aquarium is brought to life with vibrant turquoise hues that contrast beautifully with the neutral tones of the jellyfish and the clear cylinder. The base is adorned with sea-life motifs, such as starfish and coral, further enhancing the aquatic theme of the piece and creating a captivating undersea tableau.

What inspired me to create the Jellyfish Aquarium was my fascination with marine life and the ocean's mysterious beauty. I wanted to capture the essence of these otherworldly creatures and create an immersive experience for viewers to appreciate the intricacies of the natural world.

The process of creating this artwork was truly unique and challenging. From meticulously sculpting the jellyfish to carefully designing the base and selecting the perfect colors, every detail was thoughtfully considered to bring this piece to life.

I hope that the Jellyfish Aquarium will inspire awe and appreciation for the wonders of the ocean and spark a sense of curiosity in those who view it. With its intricate details and vibrant colors, this artwork serves as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of marine life, inviting viewers to dive into the depths of imagination and exploration.

The Jellyfish Aquarium can set on a tabletop or it can be displayed on the electric, rotating lighted base that can display a range of rainbow colors, or be fixed on one color.

Double Trouble

Hello, art lovers!

"Double Trouble” is a stunning artwork that creates a mesmerizing display of hand-cut paper, watercolor, and gouache, showcasing two jellyfish sculptures that are truly a sight to behold.

Measuring at a size of 4.5" x 7.5", the under the sea themed aquarium sculpture features a cylindrical glass container mounted on a patterned, conical base in a beautiful turquoise color. Notice all the different scenes that takes place on the base. Inside the clear cylinders are delicate white filaments or tendrils that support white jellyfish-like forms at different heights. The jellyfish appear to be floating within the ocean, creating a dynamic and ethereal visual effect. The lighting within the glass aquarium adds to the quality of the artwork, highlighting the intricate textures and transparency of the paper filaments and jelly-like creatures.

Inspired by marine life, "Double Trouble" is a stylized representation of jellyfish in their natural environment, inviting viewers to interpret the narrative behind the artwork.

What makes "Double Trouble" unique is the meticulous process behind its creation. The jellyfish and teal-colored base are hand sculpted from acid-free and archival papers, painted in watercolor and gouache. The sculpture can be displayed on a tabletop or with a rotating, lighted base that changes colors, enhancing the overall visual impact of the artwork.

If you're captivated by the beauty of marine life and enjoy art that tells a captivating story, "Double Trouble" is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss the opportunity to bring this exquisite piece of kinetic art into your space for $950.00. Check it out in my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic journey, and I hope "Double Trouble" brings you as much joy and wonder as it has brought me in creating it.

Under the Sea Themed Print

"Aquatic Harmony" is a vibrant and colorful representation of marine life, featuring sea turtles, fish, shells, and sea anemones. The background is a beautiful shade of blue, giving the impression of water and creating a serene underwater scene.

One unique aspect of this artwork is that the sea turtles, sea anemones, seashells, and fish are all created from hand sculpted paper and paint, giving them a three-dimensional quality. Each element is meticulously crafted to showcase intricate patterns and textures, adding depth and movement to the composition.

The process of creating "Aquatic Harmony" was a labor of love, as I carefully painted and assembled each piece to bring this underwater world to life. The combination of paper and paint allowed me to explore different techniques and textures, resulting in a dynamic and cheerful artwork that is sure to captivate viewers.

I hope that "Aquatic Harmony" brings a sense of tranquility and joy to all who see it, and that it serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of marine life. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my artwork, and I look forward to sharing more of my creations with you in the future.

You can keep up to date with my latest paper sculptures I am working on by subscribing to my newsletter. Newsletter Sign-Up Link Sometimes I will share a glimpse into my studio for a behind-the-scenes look. ALl captured in the email newsletter.

"Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" - Highlighting the Life of Sea Turtles

Introducing "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," an extraordinary paper sculpture that delves into the awe-inspiring journey of sea turtles. At the heart of this captivating artwork is the story of these marvelous creatures and the mysterious first decade of their lives.

As you gaze upon "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures," you'll be immediately drawn to the enchanting sight of a tiny baby turtle hatching out of its shell. Ready to embark on an arduous journey, the baby turtle sets foot on the long, difficult sandy path that lies ahead. These little creatures make their way down the beach, desperately yearning to reach the ocean as quickly as possible.

In this intricately handcrafted sculpture, the baby turtle must find a small opening, its gateway to the breathtakingly beautiful ocean world. The entire scene is situated on a wooden base, meticulously textured to represent the sandy beach.

Every element of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is meticulously made from hand-cut paper, including the minutely detailed grains of sand. Enclosed within the coral reef aquarium, you'll discover a plethora of exquisitely textured coral, starfish, seashells, and fish - all lovingly created using paper and paint. This vibrant and colorful world is the new home for the turtles, a place of safety and wonder once they reach their destination. Take note that one lucky turtle has already found its way to this spectacular undersea haven.

During my research, I stumbled upon a fascinating fact that adds another layer of intrigue to the story of sea turtles. For the first decade of their lives, scientists know very little about their whereabouts. After the tiny turtles make their way to the ocean, their exact location and journey remain a mystery. This period is often referred to as the "lost years." This very notion ignited my imagination and served as my inspiration while creating "Turtle Adventures."

In my vision, the undersea world represented in "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures" is a safe and peaceful sanctuary. It is a hidden realm, imbued with vibrant colors and brimming with life, where the turtles can flourish. This place emphasizes the importance of preserving these mystical undersea worlds for the sake of the newly hatched sea turtles.

I invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating saga of the sea turtles by exploring the intricate details and vibrant colors of "Baby Sea Turtle Adventures." Let the artwork remind you of the delicate balance of our environment and the crucial role we play in ensuring the preservation of these mysterious undersea realms.

“Baby Sea Turtles Adventures” is available for purchase at my SHOP

Thank you for joining me on this artistic voyage, and stay tuned for more stunning creations!

Sandcastle Surprise - Paper Sculpture by Melinda

The paper sculpture “Sandcastle Surprise” is a nod to the summer fun at the beach. Because every castle needs a horse, what better creature to highlight inside this under-the-sea aquarium than a seahorse.

I wanted to draw attention to this fish, to show off his unusual shape, prehensile tail and large eyes. I also wanted to showcase this special paper sculpture adding light to emphasize a day at the beach. 

 Hopefully this paper sculpture will bring you a smile and remind you of the simple pleasures in life, such as building sandcastles at the beach.

“Sandcastle Surprise” is created from acid-free and archival papers and painted in watercolor and gouache. This sculpture can set on a tabletop, or it can be displayed with the rotating, lighted base as shown here. The electric base changes colors or can be set to stay on one solid color such as red, white, or blue.

 The paper sculpted base with glass measures 4” in dia. x 7.5“ high.

 The rotating base is 4.5” in diameter x 1“ high.                                                                            $950.00

 “Sandcastle Surprise” is available for purchase - Click the Link to my SHOP.

 “Sandcastle Surprise”

Capturing a World of Color

I am so excited to share with you my paper sculpture titled, “Capturing a World of Color”. It is also currently a part of the Animals in Art Show 2024 at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC. You can view the show online or in person at the gallery. 10% of the proceeds from the art bought at this show, will go to the Coastal Humane Society in the Outer Banks, NC.

This piece is truly a labor of love, and I can't wait for you to see all the intricate details. Let me start by giving you a visual description of the artwork. “Capturing a World of Color” is a three-dimensional piece that features a cylindrical clear glass container as its centerpiece. This aquarium is surrounded by a beautifully textured sculptural base, which has an organic form with stunning pink, orange, and yellow hues. The textures resemble coral or exotic plant life, with starfish adding a touch of life and nature to the piece.

 Inside the glass aquarium, you will find a mesmerizing assemblage of colorful elements. These elements mimic aquatic flora and fauna, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. The underwater scene includes a variety of aquatic plants and creatures in different shades of blues, reds, and greens. Notice the sea turtle swimming among the plants. The colors and textures really come alive when the light interacts with them, thanks to the clear glass.

Now, you may be wondering what inspired me to create "Capturing a World of Color." Well, I've always been fascinated by the beauty of underwater ecosystems. I wanted to see if I could recreate that beauty using paper and paint, but with a twist. Instead of creating a traditional aquarium, I wanted to place the fish and coral reef inside a unique glass container, making the paper sculpture appear as though it is an actual underwater scene. The challenge of capturing the essence of an aquarium with unconventional materials was truly inspiring to me.

One of the most unique aspects of creating this artwork was the process itself. The entire piece is made by hand-cutting paper and then meticulously painting it with watercolor and gouache. The level of detail required was both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, the glass aquarium is placed on a sandy beach, which is also made out of finely hand-cut paper resembling sand. The colorful coral reef is not only displayed inside the glass aquarium but also on the sandy beach outside the glass, creating a cohesive and dynamic composition.

"Capturing a World of Color" celebrates the beauty of natural forms, textures, and the vibrancy of aquatic ecosystems. Through this piece, I hope to convey a message about the importance of biodiversity and the wonder of underwater life.

 I can't wait for you to experience “Capturing a World of Color" in person at Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head NC., or online at Seaside Art Gallery

It truly is a unique and captivating artwork. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check out my other creations!

8” high x 4” wide…………………..$895.00

Part Eight - Organized Undersea Paper Sculptures!

This is how I organize all of my under the sea pieces. It is a collection of meticulously hand-made paper sculptures inspired by the vibrant biodiversity of the ocean. Each piece is carefully hand-cut and painted in watercolor and gouache to create a lifelike and three-dimensional effect. I arranged these undersea creatures and plants in a variety of storage containers, not only keeping them neatly organized but also allowing for quick and easy access when creating the under the sea themed artworks. From graceful sea turtles to delicate sea anemones, every creation is primed for use in framed pieces or as standalone sculptures, demonstrating the artist's impeccable attention to detail and boundless creativity.

Part Seven - Time to Make the Seashells!

Seashells

Next, I wanted to make some seashells for my series of Under the Sea themed paper sculptures. I have a lot of seashells that I can use as my reference material in order to make shells out of paper.

After creating lots of sea-grasses, sea plants, and seaweed out of paper, I was ready to start making three-dimensional paper seashells. I’ve made other seashells out of paper in the past and always enjoyed if. Her is one of my photo realistic paper shell pictures.

One of the best things about making paper seashells (besides the fact that I think seashells are so pretty), is that it was very easy to find reference material for this part of the project.

Before diving in to make any shells, first, I had to look through my seashell collection. Well, it isn’t really a collection, I don’t seek out to find seashells to add to the ones I already have, but I must admit, I do have a lot of shells that I’ve somehow accumulated over the years. I am not even certain where they all came from.

A large variety of seashells that I can use as reference material to make paper shells.

I have some very pretty, dark magenta scallop shells and tan and ivory scallop shells. These are some of my favorite-colored shells and some of my favorite type of seashells to make. Can you spot the real scallop seashell in the photo below? I made a bunch of paper sculpted scallop seashells.The magenta colored scallop shells are my favorites of this variety. What colored scallop shell is your favorite?

One real, deep magenta scallop seashell amongst paper sculpted scallop seashells.

It did take me quite a few tries to figure out how to make the scallop shells. I wasn’t happy with the first couple of scallop shells that I made, but I kept working at it and discovered a way to make them so they looked realistic. 

I liked the challenge of trying to make the seashells out of paper and making them look so realistic that you can’t even tell which is the real seashell and which seashells are made out of paper.

Below are photos of my paper sculpted photos. Some of the photos include the real photo alongside of the paper sculpted seashell.

Paper Sculpted Starfish - Part Six

Starfish

Over the years I visited a couple of aquariums, some on the east coast and some on the west coast. Visiting different places, such as aquariums, different beaches, can really inspire you to create new art pieces. The best, most inspirational areas I’ve been to were beaches in California. The rocky beaches were home to sea urchins, sea anemones, a variety of starfish, teeny tiny crabs, snails and seashells. It was amazing!

Like many artists, I have so many ideas of things that I want to create. Sometimes it takes literally years, to work it into the schedule. Although, other times, I think it takes a long time for that idea to really “work” (or maybe a better word may be “percolate”) its way to the top of the list. Even though I have an idea for a series in mind, and even though I am not actively working on the project, I do think your mind is working and thinking through the project in a much more passive way, and eventually, when the time is right, the project will come forward and reveal more of itself when it is ready.

Eventually, I came up with the idea of creating an entire series of Under the Sea Themed Paper Sculpture Aquariums. This series will all have a common, cohesive look to the paper sculptures due to the fact that the sculptures will all be made inside similar glass containers.

From time to time I have made quite a few ocean themed paper sculpted art pieces. Even though my original three-dimensional brightly colored coral reef paper sculpture has sold, you can still purchase that coral reef image on a spiral notebook.

I also made a very photo realistic paper sculpture, appropriately titled, “Paper Shells”. Even the sand is made out of hand cut painted paper.

Inspired from when I would go crabbing in Maryland, ere are just a few photos of some of the blue crab themed paper sculptures I made.

So far, I’ve been making a lot of the individual pieces that will go into this new Under the Sea Aquarium final pieces. So far, I made coral, seagrass, seashells, and sea turtles all out of paper and paint.

Now I needed to make some colorful starfish. Did you know there are over 2000 different starfish species around the world in a variety of different colors, styles and shapes. Most starfish have five arms, but some starfish, also known as sea stars and can have as many as 40 arms. That’s a lot of arms! As you can tell, I enjoy researching the items that I am going to make. Those  are just a few of the facts I learned.

Above, is a photo of a very interesting starfish I saw in a beach in California. At first I thought it was a little octopus. I didn’t know that starfish could have such long skinny arms. It was so interesting to watch it move all around and in between the rocks.

The starfish I made for the Under the Sea Aquariums are very colorful and vibrant. I wanted to stick to the color palette I had chosen for all of the aquariums. Pictured below is a sampling of my color palette - magenta, purples, gold, blues and greens. Vibrant and colorful.

To create the starfish, I started out with white paper. When I liked the size, shape and dimensionality of the starfish, next I added texture to them. I also wanted to emulate the rough texture a lot of starfish have.The final step was to paint them in the gorgeous purples, oranges and golds that you can see in the photos below. The finished three-dimensional starfish are colorful and have lots of texture as shown in the photos below.

Creating Sea Anemones out of Paper and Paint - Part Four

Sea Anemone

Sea anemones are unusual creatures and a joy to watch. They look so peaceful and graceful as they move their tentacles over their bodies. But, don’t be fooled by the graceful dance of this under the sea flower, because they will sting to catch their prey. Looks can be deceiving.

Recreating the gently moving tentacles out of paper was a challenge and it took some experimentation to discover which type of paper to use. I feel I captured the feeling of these interesting, but sometime dangerous creatures.

Part Three - Under the Sea Plants

Sea-grass, Sea plants, Seaweed…

The next items I started to make for my under the sea themed aquariums, were sea plants, sea-grass, and seaweed. Some of the grasses are textured,

Textured sea grass made from hand cut paper and paint.

some are cut out of flat papers, some are cut and then twisted into different fern-like shapes to form the sea plants. Some of the plants are painted in light lime green colors, some are dark greens, some of the grasses are dark greenish blues, and some plants are very colorful and flexible.

I made a variety of plants, many are realistic and others are imaginary. After all, who really knows for sure what types of things are growing in our ocean worlds. (Did you notice the little blue crab crawled into the photo? More about this little critter later on.

Ruby the Hummer

About two years ago we decided to hang up a hummingbird feeder in our back yard. I was so surprised how quickly a little hummingbird discovered the feeder hanging on the black metal hook on our deck. It was literally only about fifteen minutes.

I was also very surprised that the hummingbird was not at all afraid to come to the feeder when we were sitting on the deck, only a few feet away from it. I was startled the very first time the little hummingbird flew right passed me to zoom in on getting some food from the bird feeder. It made a very loud humming noise as it zipped passed my left shoulder and I knew immediately why they are called hummingbirds. I just couldn’t believe that this tiny bird wasn’t more shy about coming to the feeder for its supper when there were people sitting nearby. After the hummingbird feeder was out for a few days, there were soon three hummingbirds coming to the feeder regularly.

A friend even told me she had a feeder that she can hold in her hand and the hummingbirds will come right to her hand to feed. I don’t think I am ready for that. The thought of a bunch of little birds flying around me at close proximity, well, lets just say, just the thought of that, makes me feel very uncomfortable. But, after watching a YouTube video of someone else doing that, it does show you how amazing and outgoing these little feathery birds really are.

I would love to see one of their little nests. I tried to watch where our little hummingbirds were flying back and forth from, following them with my eyes, tracing their flight, but they would quickly get lost in the leaves of the trees. Then, just as quick as they would fly into the foliage, it seemed as though they would fly back out into the open space and back to the feeder, barely stopping to rest in between their flights.

I was thinking it would be nice to plant flowers that would help attract hummingbirds to my garden. After doing some research to discover what type of flowers hummingbirds enjoy, I learned one of their favorite flowers are morning glories. They grow on a vine and are bright and colorful, which helps to attract hummingbirds to the flowers. I have since relocated to Pennsylvania, so next spring, I plan on planting flowers that hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are attracted.  

In the meantime, I decided to paper sculpted a hummingbird out of tiny, little, individually hand cut feathers and then paint the bird in watercolor and gouache. The paper sculpted hummingbird, Ruby, is very small, measuring in at only 1.25” from head-to-tail! Morning glories sounded like a perfect match for my little hummingbird picture. The custom, wood frame measures 4.5” high x 5” wide x 2” deep.  

Can You Find? Fun for the Holidays

In the past 30-plus years of my illustration career, some of my favorite projects to work on are hidden object puzzles. I illustrated these games for Nature Friend Magazine for years before creating a line of Can You Find® hidden object greeting cards. Featuring full-color illustrations of everything from a green frog hanging in a tree to a barnyard celebration, I was always asking my family what else I could hide in these fun illustrations.

My Can You Find? greeting cards earned two awards — a Dr. Toy Award and a Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence in 2006. They became the featured illustrations for other family-friendly, playful products such as jigsaw puzzles. I have also illustrated a series of hidden object books, called “Invisibles” for Carlisle Press.

My love of playful artwork with an element of surprise is something I have carried with me into my paper sculpture designs as well. I always want to add a touch of humor or an unexpected visitor — like a ladybug passing through — to give those who look carefully a fun surprise to discover.

All this said, because I always associate the holidays with family, I am reminded of all the hidden object puzzles I have done over the years. They’ve given my own family so much joy and laughter, and I want to share that with all of you, too. So, Can You Find? all the objects hidden in these three holiday-themed illustrations?