Shoe Inspiration

 

So in the beginnings of Cid Pear stationery, I painted many shoes and handbags... And they were modern and hip and current and fab! And when shoe stationery was in they did well. Over the years they have waned and we get very few orders for shoe stationery... So recently was asked to design a new shoe collection for one of my special licensor clients who shall be nameless for now... not for paper but for a new gift program.... and I thought 'WHAT?' no passe.. n'est pas?

So I dabbled about online and found I was, naturally, drawn to VINTAGE shoes. Big surprise.... so in gathering all these little gems I started to get excited and have begun sketching based on the above inspiration panel! Are they not delicious! Who doesn't love shoes and who doesn't love vintage shoes? I must return to my painting desk right away... enjoy these for now, but wait and see their transformation into Tina'er-ism! 

Maybe we should have a fabric of shoes? Yes? or No?

Kisses

t

Exterior space color

Thinking of painting the new studio exterior this turquoise? Thoughts?

Titbits

 

Found on http://carriecan.blogspot.com

New Fabric Collection

Pernilla's Journey is debuting this May... There are 3 colorways I will share with you beginning with this warm and cozy group I called 'Sweet Treats'. Watch for the other 2, they will surprise you!
Pernilla's Journey was inspired by a childhood book, Ms. Z... I used to read the book over and over again. Last time I remember the book I was about 9 or 10 living in Africa.
Well, we lost many childhood items when we moved to Canada in the early 1980s.. I guess just because we couldn't take much out of Zimbabwe... emigration laws. So recently, I reacquired the book and my 8 year old Mellie read it to me out loud... you can't imagine the memories and images this conjured up for me.  And so I took of on a journey myself and illustrated the story in fabric. I hope you enjoy, the parrot jungle, elephant run, unicorn herds and overall Chinoiserie take I seemed to inject into the collection. Enjoy.

Pernilla's Journey, Sweet Treats Colorway....

Inspired by
Miss. Z. The dark young lady by Angela Carter 1970

Cid Pear: Wedding LUXE: Chloe's Imagination

Cid Pear: Wedding LUXE: Chloe's Imagination: " The first in a series of our new bridal series we're calling Cid Pear LUXE because it is just that! Printed on 100% rag cotton paper, ..."

Haven's Edge

Available at your favorite fabric store....

Crumpets debut in Atlanta

Crumpets on display in Atlanta

The collection debuted in Atlanta this last week and last Thursday I walked into the showroom to find them displayed so beautifully. The fabulous team I work with at Enesco's Department 56 are so talented and after much time and effort, they have finally come to life. The collection was presented so well and I was giddy to see my little figurines all looking back at me.

The detail is amazing and so well done revealing the characters little outfits, crowns and wings; the glass ornaments are gorgeous and flocked in their pattern and decoration, topped with swirled rope finials they truly are unique. Three little nested birds are too cute for words and the disc ornaments are a fun adaptation to a vintage ornament. I am so proud and happy with the collection.

The chair is upholstered in my 'woodland' fabric from the Opal Owl collection. Isn't it the cutest?

For more info on the Crumpets collection, go here!

Ornaments / Crumpets by Tina Givens

Oh my! These have been in the works for a while now, and finally we are launching my ornament collection with Department 56 / Enesco this month in their Atlanta showroom. We created 3-d ornaments of some super little critters... Here's just a sneak peak. The collection includes glass ornaments, patterned and like these with the little creatures, 3-D creatures to hang in your tree and larger tabletop pieces. There are banners and wall art in a set. I'll be posting more on these little treasures.

The collection is called Crumpets by the way!
Kisses this New Year...
tg

Caramel Pavlova

No, not this kind!

So we're off for a festive and relaxed dinner party this evening with some very good friends... I am taking the infamous Caramel Pavlova... simple to make but takes a long time. 2 hours to cook, 3 hours to cool and prep prior to serving! So a while... but all worth it!

 

Ingredients ~

6 eggwhites
1½ cups delicious dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract/essence
2 teaspoons white vinegar

2 cups whipped cream
2 cups strawberries, sliced
Bar dark or milk chocolate.... I use Cadbury's Chocolate bars because I luv them!

The Pavlova can be made one day ahead; just store in an airtight container. Assemble up to three hours before serving.

Instructions:~

Preheat oven to 400°F (or 200 C). Mark a 10" circle onto baking paper and place on a large oven tray.

Place the eggwhites, sugar, vanilla extract and vinegar in a large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on high speed for about 10 minutes or until firm peaks form. Spoon the mixture into the marked circle, the guide is just that - just plop it into the middle of the circle. Place pavlova in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 200°F (100°C). Bake for about 2 to 2½ hours or until the pavlova is dry to the touch.

Cool the pavlova in the oven with the door ajar. Top with cream and strawberries. Using a vegetable peeler on the chocolate to form loose curls and sprinkle them over the pavlova to decorate. Could use a cheese grater too.

Don't freeze or microwave this desert!

~~

And this is how I will look at dinner.... lol! Love those earrings Anna!

Anna Pavlova (1881 - 1931 ) 

So while writing this post I asked myself, why is the Pavlova named the Pavlova, and found that no one knows who first created the desert. However, the name and recipes first began appearing soon after the Russian ballerina Anna Matveyevna Pavlova toured Australia and New Zealand in the late 1920s. She was considered the greatest ballerina of her time and her visit abroad from Russia was an enormous event! It was said "... she sours as though on wings." Thus the light and airy desert!

~~~

 

Lottie Da Baby - by Amy Routh

Lottie Da Baby again... couldn't resist this image.