Lorilei's Tees & other artistic endeavors

Hunting Easter designs at Artist at Work

2011-04-09T16:18:00.002-05:00

Clockwise: "The REAL Easter Bunny" men's pajamas, "Happy Easter" water bottle, "He Is Risen" infant/toddler one-piece bodysuit, and "Peek-a-Boo Bunny" heart necklace.

Good news!

Not only is there fresh new merchandise at Lorilei's Artist at Work shop, but there's also a special sale going on this weekend.

Now through Sunday, April 10, get 20% off your order!

Fill your basket with t-shirts, tote bags, keepsake boxes, Easter ornaments, hats, hoodies, buttons, magnets, stickers, mugs...

... or simply go hopping mad with our new necklaces, earrings, pajamas, iPhone covers, and more!

To save through Sunday (the last day for Easter delivery with economy shipping), order $50 or more and use this secret code word in checkout:
BUNNY
So don't be late! Sunday is the last day for this offer!

Two Day T-Shirt Sale - July 7 & 8

2010-07-04T19:49:00.001-05:00

At Lorilei's Artist at Work shops at CafePress, there's going to be a t-shirt Sale for 2 days only, on July 7 and 8!

Save $3 on all t-shirts - coupon code : TMINUS3

Sale details:

$3 off* all T-shirts in shops only
Coupon code: TMINUS3
Sale starts July 7, 2010 and ends July 8, 2010

Save $3 off all T-shirts from CafePress shops, excluding shipping
charges, gift wrap charges and applicable sales tax. Coupon code
TMINUS3 must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on July 7, 2010,
at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on July 8, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. (PST). All
orders must be from CafePress shops.

Offer cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions and may change,
be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.

Erin, No Pinchy!

2010-03-12T15:34:00.016-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day. What are you wearing on March 17?
How about a P.L. t-shirt with Erin Go Bragh! Or perhaps a No Pinchy hoodie!

Recently, P.L. was studying up on her Irish ancestors when she came across the phrase "Erin go Bragh!" with a vintage illustration of an Irish maiden raising a traditional Irish flag. In the spirit of the coming holiday, P.L. donned a green dress to reenact the event.
Ireland forever!

There's also an interesting yet obscure tradition that involves pinching the hapless people who forget to wear green on this day.
Hey, we say they are already missing out on the fun. Why inflict physical pain as well?
Especially since seeing how fun and cool you look in one of our "No Pinchy" t-shirts will undoubtedly fill them with envy.

The Artist at Work shop has both designs on a variety of apparel and other merchandise, including our newest items, kitchen mug sets and fun undies in different styles for both men and women.

Erin Go Bragh!

No Pinchy

Our shop at WhimsicaliTees has more new stuff, from baby clothes to adult tees, a sports spirit rally towel, and plushy bears.

Erin Go Bragh!

Hey, No Pinchy!

Don't get yourself in a pinch -- literally!
Hurry over to Artist at Work or WhimsicaliTees for fun and fabulous St. Patrick's Day gear!

WhimsicaliTees

2010-02-07T00:39:00.006-06:00

Announcing a new member of the Artist at Work family: WhimsicaliTees.com

Notice the ending -- Tees, not -ties, because it is filled with tee shirts and other cool stuff.

One of my problems with my older shops has always been the concentration on apparel for adults, with relatively fewer items for children, especially infants. WhimsicaliTees contains clothing for a variety of family members, but our focus was clothing for infants, toddlers, and youth, as well as shirts for expectant mommies.

What can you find there?

T-shirts, creepers, rompers, Onesies, layette sleepers, beanie caps, sweatshirts, bibs, and diaper-covers -- and that isn't all.

More designs are being added to the shop. Stop by to check them out soon!

WhimsicaliTees.com

Seasons Greetings

2009-12-25T15:29:00.004-06:00

From Lorilei, PL, Lil' Brown, and all the Elves at the Artist at Work shops, Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Ninja of Love

2009-12-12T02:47:00.009-06:00

It's nearly Christmastime.

P.L. is anxiously anticipating the season. It isn't just about the presents anymore. It's the feeling she experiences when she sees twinkling lights, smells the scent of evergreen, hears the refrains of familiar holiday music.
The tradition of Christmas season has created a comfort zone for the soul.

New ideas, symbols, and practices always make their way into the world. Sometimes they become part of our traditions, whether public or personal.
One new program will definitely become part of our family holiday celebrations. P.L. has fallen in love with the Disney television program "Phineas and Ferb," and we have followed her into this divine madness.

The cartoon show is a combination family sitcom and spy thriller, with teenage romance, fantasy, science fiction, and lots of fun music thrown in.

We follow the Flynn/Fletcher blended family throughout the course of a summer in Danville, a town somewhere in the US. Parents Linda and Lawrence operate an antique shop. Linda also participates in several community activities.

The ten year old stepbrothers use their creativity to fill their time in the back yard. Teen sister Candace is a bit bossy at times, trying to keep her younger brothers from doing things she thinks their parents would disapprove of, if they only knew. But Linda never catches the boys doing the absolutely impossible things we have come to expect from them. Some mysterious twist of fate usually causes the fantastic projects to vanish before Mom gets to see them.

This isn't a show only for kids. There are a lot of in-joke nuggets for older viewers. For instance, the music that so often accompanies Candace's indignant attempts to follow and "bust" her brothers is a snippet of the Wicked Witch of the West theme from "The Wizard of Oz." Pop culture references, witty dialog, and interesting cartoon art contribute to the entertainment.

The family owns a most unusual pet -- a duck-billed platypus named Perry. He is turquoise, a color most probably never seen in marsupials in the wild. The family know that Perry frequently disappears for periods of time, but they generally see no reason for concern. They are completely unaware that their pet is an undercover agent known as Agent P, who periodically wrests the fate of Danville and, indeed, the entire Tri-State Area (again, no clue which three states) from the evil clutches of Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, his personal nemesis. Their adventures usually manage to destroy or in some way cancel out the boys' masterpieces of creative technology, but not before most of the kids in town (and frequently many of the adults) have enjoyed or otherwise benefited from them.

This year, there is a Christmas special about our favorite suburban family and friends. Apparently, Doofenshmirtz has caused the town of Danville to be declared a Naughty area. It's up to the boys to think of a way to save everyone's Christmas spirit, while Perry attempts to foil his nemesis. We're sure they'll have help from not only the very cute and smart Isabella (who crushes on Phineas), but also from brainy Baljeet, bully Buford, the entire troop of Fireside Girls, and even Candace. Candace often obsesses over making her brothers behave, but she really has a heart of gold, and she loves her weird family. (We do too!)

Which all brings me to this design. A couple of months ago, I got the first Phineas and Ferb soundtrack CD. It contains 26 songs, all of which I at least like very much, and several of which I love. The final song is from an episode celebrating Linda and Lawrences's anniversary with a tribute to the concert where they first kissed. The band, Love Händel (got to love that name!), must be reunited by Phineas and Ferb. The band plays their big hit, "You Snuck Your Way Right Into My Heart." One of the lines in the song refers to the "you" of the title as being like a ninja of love, an image that made me laugh out loud.

Why not? We hear that all is fair in love and war, that love is a battlefield. So why not use the ancient martial arts to attain the prize of true love? The idea of creating a cute ninja of love was even appealing to P.L.

So now we are getting the jump on a future holiday, too. After all, it's only two months until St. Valentine's Day will be here.
Arm yourself to go after your heart's desire!

The Ninja of Love design is available now, in the Just for Fun section of Lorilei's Artist at Work. You can find our lovable ninja on hats, t-shirts, coffee mugs, tile keepsake boxes, tote bags, babywear, and a variety of other products.
Wear the ninja yourself, or send it to someone who needs a smile. You might just sneak your way into their heart.

Special Pre-Season Holiday Sale at Lorilei.com!

2009-11-04T09:16:00.008-06:00

Before your holiday shopping becomes a chore, make a stop online at Lorilei's Artist at Work for savings on great gifts for friends and family!

Save 20% off your purchase from the Lorilei shop

(http://www.cafepress.com/lorilei),
excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax.

This coupon code must be entered at check out: lorilei20

Promotion starts immediately and ends on November 9, 2009, at 11:59 p.m. (PST).

Excludes any other CafePress shop or marketplace purchases,
Gift Certificates, Flip Minos, SIGG bottles,
CafePress Groups purchases and bulk orders.
Offer cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions
and may change, be modified or cancelled at anytime without notice.

Remember:

Your coupon code: lorilei20
20% off purchases from this shop only: http://www.cafepress.com/lorilei
This promotion ends on November 9, 2009 - so hurry!

Carpe Diem -- or "brain engaged... please call back later"

2009-07-29T00:42:00.027-05:00

Among the many stories you no doubt heard while growing up is one from Aesop's fables, "The Ant and the Grasshopper." (The illustration shown here is from a book retold and illustrated by Amy Lowry Poole.)

The characters, hard-working ants and a laid-back grasshopper, demonstrate different philosophies of life. The ants collect, save, and store for the months of not-so-plenty while the grasshopper takes it easy.

The idea behind this story is that you must plan for the future. Even when life is good and the going is easy, you should plan ahead. Make sure you have the necessities of life for the times when the going gets rough. Because you can probably guess who was watching out for the grasshopper's well-being, come winter.

On the other hand, we also have stories like that of Frederick the mouse, as told by Leo Lionni.

Frederick's family is gathering food to prepare for the hardships of winter. Frederick, in the meantime, spends his time observing. One fears for the little fellow, seeing a parallel to the above mentioned grasshopper.

Yet when winter comes, Frederick is with his family, sharing their stores. When food becomes scarce and the future seems cold and bleak, Frederick shares what he has been gathering: memories, the colors of spring, the warmth of the sunlight, the smell and feel of a kinder environment. He transports the others through words, imagination, and hope, helping them all to survive until spring returns.

And so we see both sides of the story: planning and practicality are necessary, but imagination, creativity and hope are no less essential.

As we in the northern hemisphere reach the middle of the summer season, parents and children alike are nudged to get ready for school. Autumn will be here before we know it! Get those books and pencils, notebooks, school clothes. I begin to have mental images of leaves changing color, football games, and plaid skirts and knee socks. Hmm. P.L. needs a new sweater, and maybe a different winter coat, this year. I wonder if it's too soon to go shopping.

Yes, we need to be thinking ahead. But it's still July. Summer thunder rumbles through the windows some nights as we go to sleep. During the day, the sun is shining through the leafy green trees. Squirrels are playing in the back yard. Wild strawberries are blooming, and honeybees are buzzing through the clover growing along the path. And in the evening, we sit on a swing in the back yard to talk, listening to the gentle chorus of crickets and cicadas, complemented by the occasional young frog.

This season has certainly not been all fun, but it will never be here again. This will be our last chance this summer to dig in the garden, splash in a kiddy pool, wash the dog in a tub with the garden hose. It'll be the last chance to walk to the library down the street to check out a family movie and/or a storybook before it's time to worry about homework and soccer practice. It could be the last time to get away from the phone and the TV, and to read Pride and Prejudice on a quilt under the old oak tree.

Be an ant and collect the tangible treasures of the season. Be like Frederick and store the best memories of another beautiful year in your life. But don't be pressured into wishing your life away. Today is the only day you can be sure of having, so don't forget to live it.

As you can see, on this sky blue t-shirt from Artist at Work, our girl P.L. is planning to seize the day by reading a book out under the tree, smelling the freshly-mown grass, listening to the mockingbirds in the branches nearby. She says it's a good vacation for her brain. And I know it's a summer memory she plans to savor for years to come.

We have our standards....

2009-07-02T01:26:00.023-05:00

Welcome! Y'all come on in and have a seat. Or we can sit on the swing out on the veranda and enjoy the breeze coming down from the hills. Have a glass of frosty lemonade and a delicious slice of strawberry shortcake.

Where I come from, gentility and manners are commonplace.
Ah, southern hospitality.
But not everyone gets it, you know. Some folks have the strangest notion that if you come from the hills, you haven't got much sense.

Oh, pooh. That's hogwash. Where I was born and the way that I speak have no influence over my I.Q. And even if I am not a Nobel Prize winner, I'm still a nice person, deserving of some respect.

One of my favorite personal stories to tell is of a college trip to Washington, DC, a few years ago. We were all art students, headed to see the museums and architecture of our nation's capital city during cherry blossom season. It was sunny and eighty degrees (F) outside, perfect for sightseeing. Somewhat unfortunately, feminine fashion at that time included jelly shoes.
After a day of walking, I had to take them off as we walked back to our hotel. I jokingly told my companion, "If people give us funny looks, we can just tell them I'm from Kentucky."

In my time, I have been called a Beverly Hillbilly, a Kentucky Fried Chicken, and a resident of Dogpatch.

Very funny, guys. Only did you ever think that maybe I would rather be associated with brave Scarlett O'Hara or the sassy Designing Women?

So please forgive the dreadful language found on the front of this lovely summer top from Lorilei's Artist at Work. Sometimes strong language seems almost appropriate under the circumstances, and this was just one of those times. We shall not abide insults.

If someone ridicules you for your accent, or calls you a hick or a redneck or a hillbilly, just tell them that frankly you don't give a -- I mean, tell them even if they think you are from "Hillbilly Hell," you have a sense of class, dignity, and respectability. You have your own standards, and they simply don't make the grade.

Y'all can acquire elegant tops, t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, hats, and myriad quantities of other gear from Hillbilly Hell at Lorilei's Artist at Work, in the Just for Fun section.

Don't be a stranger!

Choices: Edward or Jacob?

2009-06-09T20:22:00.011-05:00

It's at least another month before "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" comes to P.L.'s favorite theater. In the meantime, she's been keeping herself occupied reading the Twilight series. There are only four books, and she just finished book three, Eclipse.

The series is strange and moody and supernatural, yet it has a down-to-earth feeling that appeals to P.L. A teenaged girl who loves Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights, Bella Swan is comfortable telling a story -- in first person, in this case. Set in the woodsy little town of Forks, in the north-Pacific state of Washington, her story tells of her life as the new kid in town. Bella is a quiet girl and a bit of a clutz, yet she is a fresh face that appeals to several of the local residents. One of them is Edward.

Without giving away too much of the storyline, we'll just say that Edward and his family are amazing (even at playing baseball!), they lead us (through Bella) to heart-stopping adventures, and Bella would give up anything to spend the rest of eternity with Edward.

Not everything is as it seems, though.
Bella and Edward are separated early in book two, and she becomes dangerously depressed. Of course, we know she'll be fine, because she's the one telling the story. But we feel for her as she describes a kind of madness she experiences and finds one ally to save her -- Jacob.

By book three, we become torn between these two young men. They are natural enemies, supernatural beings doing their best to protect Bella from danger. That includes each other. Both represent some kind of threat to Bella's well-being, family, and way of life, not to mention (possibly) her very soul.
They could both be the bad guys, yet they are both the good guys.

So, if we had to choose one guy for this Everygirl to love and live with forever, would we choose Edward Cullen? He is handsome like a Greek god, cool beyond belief, with a family whose close-knit love extends to Bella. Or would we choose the noble young Jacob Black, whose father is Bella's dad's best friend, and who loves Bella like a brother until he is mature enough to vie for her heart?
(No spoilers, please!)

Yes, based only on this information, P.L. asks you -- which team would you choose? Cool blue Edward, or vibrant red Jacob? The crystal heart or the wolf from the woods? Vampire or werewolf?

Choose a t-shirt that supports your team. One for Team Edward or one for Team Jacob.

But what if you don't want to choose? Just keep rereading this romance with two young men who love the girl enough to give up everything for her... and get yourself a t-shirt commemorating both of them. What a team!

For more gear about your new favorite hometown, Forks, remember to visit Artist at Work.

Three Horses Neighing at the Moon

2009-06-03T00:49:00.017-05:00

It's true, a t-shirt sold on Amazon.com became a sensation when testimonials began to appear, attributing fantastic powers to it. A college humor website picked up the story, and the news spread all over the internet.

The garment in question is a black t-shirt bearing the image of three wolves howling at the moon. Ah, such mystique. How could we ever hope to capture the romance of this scene?

Then we knew. The ultimate chick magnet is a horse, of course! Just ask Nell Fenwick, of Dudley Do-Right fame, seen on the left with her true love (Dudley's horse).

The horse is a beautiful and strong creature, noble, majestic. The grace of a running horse racing across the plain -- ah, it makes a girl long to be the young Elizabeth Taylor in "National Velvet."

Seriously, at a horse racing track, many of the patrons are male, but there is no shortage of female mutuals tellers. And what are these women thinking about? The horses, of course!

I mean, the horse is undeniably the supermodel of the animal world -- but it's the Ferrari, too! Rippling muscles, a coat like satin, beautiful eyes. Fast, strong, beautiful, sexy.

Inspiration.

Who needs a shirt covered with furry carnivores? A real chick magnet wears a t-shirt with three horses neighing at the moon. Think of the possibilities.
We just happen to have just such a garment, in a variety of colors and sizes, from a baby tee to a size 3X-Large. We also have this nobel trio of animals on buttons, hats, throw pillows (for the couch or the bed in your crib), and more memorable gear.

Men, you need to get this shirt to attract women. Or get one to give to your lady love. She'll know you really understand her!

The Three Horses Neighing at the Moon t-shirt can be found in the Just for Fun section at Lorilei's Artist at Work. Better get one now, before you get stuck wearing those wolves all summer.

Organic tees and a refreshing new SIGG

2009-05-29T12:33:00.026-05:00

Organic t-shirts? Yes, of course!
We've had those before -- well, we had one. But now there are more. Seven styles for adults and six for infants, toddlers, and youth. They aren't all the familiar french vanilla color, either. As you see, we have added a touch of color to our palette.

Go green, and go in style, with American Apparel and Econscious organic cotton tees from Lorilei's Artist at Work.

Organic tees seen above:

"I Brake for Kangaroos" Organic Women's T-Shirt (dark) in wasabi

"You're Not the Boss of Me" Organic Women's T-Shirt (light)

"I'm a Lil' Wildcat" Organic Kids T-Shirt (dark) in galaxy

"Fun Police" Organic Men's T-Shirt (dark) in pacific

"Don't Mess with the Tiger" Organic Men's T-Shirt (dark) in olive

"Needs to Sort Her Priorities" Organic Women's T-Shirt (dark) in black

"Baby Wants Ice Cream" Organic Toddler T-Shirt (dark) in black

"I Give Bear Hugs" Organic Toddler T-Shirt (light)

"Team Cullen Vampire Baseball" Organic Women's Fitted T-Shirt (dark) in galaxy

"Lil' Darlin" Organic Baby Bodysuit (light)

While you're being environmentally friendly, take a delicious sip from one of our new SIGG one-liter water bottle. Made from a single piece of aluminum, it is lightweight, yet rugged and crack-resistant. To minimize unwanted tastes and scents, the inside is lined with a water-based, non-toxic epoxy resin that exceeds FDA leaching requirements. The handy ring on the top makes it easy to attach to a D-ring, a belt, a backpack.... Great for taking along cold water on the hot days ahead.

Get ready for summer now. Stock up on comfortable, practical, artistic gear from Artist at Work and its sister shops!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-16T22:38:00.023-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

P.L. is getting into the spirit of the holiday by dressing up like a leprechaun -- or somewhat like one, at least. She's wearing a spiffy green t-shirt here, unlike the garb of most old-world leprechauns. You can try to catch her, but you'd better be quick about it!

Emerald green t-shirts are new at the Artist at Work shops. They're available in three styles for adults: a Hanes unisex style, and two more fitted styles from American Apparel.

Our leprechaun P.L. herself makes an appearance on this women's fitted green t-shirt from American Apparel. She's peeking out from behind the words "Catch me if you can!"
This 100% organic cotton shirt is 4.3 oz. of softness.

"The Luck of the Irish" brings its own charm to this t-shirt, with a heart of shamrocks on it. High quality 100% pre-shrunk cotton, 5.6 oz. of casual fit.

The "I'd Sooner Catch the Blarney Stone" t-shirt shown here is printed on the American Apparel men's fitted t-shirt. It's 4.3 oz. in weight, 100% organic cotton. Ahh.

But how long, you may ask, will this fetching green garb be around Artist at Work and its sister shops? Even the wee folks cannot say. Just the same, Lorilei and P.L. are putting other designs on them in hopes that they will stay for quite a while.

But just in case, better go get one of these green tees now --
else you'll be pinching yourself all year!

"Of Course I'm the REAL Easter Bunny" - unisex green t-shirt
"Earth Day" - women's fitted green t-shirt
"Have a Beary Merry Christmas" - men's fitted green t-shirt

A Bouquet of Sharpened Pencils...?

2008-08-09T01:31:00.008-05:00

1998. Ten years ago: it was a simpler time, the end of an era.
(Work with me; I'm trying to set a mood.)

The story is a timeless one, of competitors caught up in the rat race of the business world, who fall in love in their own spare time. (See? People had spare time, ten years ago, I promise!)
The tale has been passed along by many skillful storytellers. This particular one happened to be from a very talented movie screenplay writer and director, Nora Ephron.

In the story "You've Got Mail," the protagonists are both in the book business, something very close to my heart. They are also really into their personal computers. (Need I say more?)

Yet the way they become involved in one another's lives is by sharing things that have so little to do with the A/S/L-type chat room talk. They share thoughts, personal moments, humor. The philosophy of Starbucks customers, the mysteries of bagel flour, the love of the small-town-within-a-city where they both live, the anticipation of opening email from a dear friend.

One of my favorite email exchanges is near the beginning of the story, when Joe (NY152) is saying how he loves New York in the fall (autumn). It makes him feel like buying school supplies. Joe tells Kathleen (Shopgirl) that he would send her a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils, if he knew her name and address.

A man after my own heart! As an artist and a writer, I have a special love for pencils, myself. But he really had me at "school supplies."

Who doesn't love getting new paper, new notebooks or binders, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, erasers? Years of memories crowd into my mind.
As an adult, and especially as a parent of three children, I saw Back-to-School season in a different light, too. Yet when I went back to college and got my degree in elementary education with my minor in art, I went to a whole new level. I could have spent hours in the College Heights Bookstore, looking at acrylics and oils, Arches watercolor paper, bamboo pens, sable brushes, drawing pencils, painting canvas and stretcher bars, mat board... ah. Even now, a dream-like feeling of contentment steals into my psyche as I remember browsing the art department. There were so many things to see and dream of, I felt happy just looking, even if I couldn't afford everything I liked.

Wouldn't you love to send that bliss to someone you know?

I drew pencils and added colors, then tied them up with a red ribbon to create a bouquet. The scent of the freshly-sharpened wood is exquisite.

I created more than one text option by using one cursive font for a more grown-up look on some items, but a hand-drawn manuscript font on others, for a fun graffiti effect.

If it hasn't yet, wherever you are, school will be starting soon. You can get or give these happy colored pencils with either Our Favorite Teacher or one of the Happy School Day designs.

Pencils are a tool of creativity. Remind teachers, students, and parents that school is a time of new beginnings and infinite possibilities.

Some parents may even be so happy at the prospect of school that they would consider putting this sign in their yard to celebrate the season.

In the meantime, I'll be using my pocket-sized journal --

-- to draw and to make notes of new ideas for TeachersPets.com ...

Parking Wars and other games -- you're addicted to WHAT???

2008-07-20T01:14:00.007-05:00

P.L. is not yet the owner of a car. She doesn't even have her driver's license. But she routinely parks vehicles of varying shapes, sizes, and colors in streets -- often illegally -- and then attempts to move them before they are ticketed or impounded. Even stranger, she takes delight in writing tickets on her own friends' cars!

What madness is this? It's Parking Wars, an online game she plays through the social networking site Facebook. The game was inspired by the A&E television series by the same name. P.L. has several friends and a few unknown neighbors who compete to get badges and higher scores by outwitting each other. (They also help each other, as P.L.'s best friend Emily could tell you!)

Of course, P.L. has now adopted Pet Pupz and Cute Catz, and the Hatchery Eggs which turn into funny little monsters when she and others nurture them.
She has planted a Lil' Green Patch so she can tend environmentally-friendly plants and help friends with their own virtual gardens. She sends hugs, wild animals, and SuperPokes to others, so she always has a lot to keep her busy when she gets online.

But probably the most annoying thing she has done with all these social networking games is to infect me with the darned things. Weren't Solitaire and Bejeweled II Deluxe enough? Now I have to check my account, even before I open my email, to see if someone's parked in an illegal zone on Lorilei Street. Worse yet, I have to worry that the parking signs will have changed while I was away, and someone may have ticketed one of my cars. Oh, no! Another violation!

What can be done? I'm sure the fever for the game will cool after a while. In the meantime, it's all good fun that keeps us off the streets -- so to speak.

I'm making a new mousepad for P.L.'s computer desk with the Addiction to Online Games design on it. In fact, she's getting a t-shirt like this, too. You can get one to remind yourself (or your roommate) to get back to work! You can check your cars after a few hours, as a reward for keeping on task.
(That's right. It's only a game....)

Now Accepting Applications for New Daddy

2008-07-17T16:14:00.010-05:00

It's a fact: more and more children are being raised in single-parent families.
Most custodial single parents are female.
You can say kids get married too soon, you can say children shouldn't give birth to children... you can say any number of things regarding this fact, but it will not stop it from being true.

Teenage pregnancy aside, this can still happen to anyone, at any time. It happened to me, after several years of marriage and three children. Now it is happening to my daughter. Although she is a mature young woman, with nearly 10 years in the US Army, and she first met her husband when they were in grade school together, she has recently become the single parent of her own little boy.

My daughter is braver than I am. When my marriage ended, I said I would never love anyone again. She is in no hurry to be romantically involved, but she isn't going to hide in a shell the way I did.
This design is inspired by my daughter and my little grandson, who both deserve to have someone else to love them. -- Maybe not tomorrow, but some day in the future.

Now accepting
applications for
new daddy.
Please send current
resumes to Mommy

Generally speaking, this design shouldn't be taken too seriously!
But, still, you never know when the right person might see this and arrange for you to meet their husband's brother, or whoever.
There are good men in the world, too, you know -- the kind you want your son to be someday.

Jr. Jersey T-Shirts sale!

2008-07-15T18:26:00.003-05:00

Artist at Work offers t-shirts in a variety of styles. From time to time, we add different styles, replacing others we currently use. One such tee is known as the jr. jersey.

We'll be replacing this item soon, so it's available for a limited time at a $4 savings off the original price.

Coupon code: 4JRJERSEY
Sale starts: Immediately!
Expiration: While supplies last*

Stock up on these sweet tees now, before school starts!

InfiniStitch™ embroidery

2008-06-21T03:40:00.004-05:00

This is not your mama's embroidery.
Oh, no. It's new. It's different. It's cooler than even PL imagined it might be.

It's the new InfiniStitch™ embroidery process from CafePress, available at Lorilei's Artist at Work and other shops.

Currently, the gear available with this new process includes two types of caps, lightweight performance jackets in men's and women's styles, black mesh polo shirts for both genders, and a long-sleeved denim shirt in a unisex style.
It looks like a patch or appliqué with the design stitched in, yet it's printed.

Trust me, PL was skeptical, as usual, but she's impressed. She loves the stonewashed raspberry cap shown above at the left.

I love the Lil' Brown "Feeling My Oats" design on my black polo shirt, too.
PL and Lorilei are going to be very busy for some time, tweaking designs especially for these new items.

In addition to the new InfiniStitch™ embroidery products, there are also two new stoneware bowls in Lorilei's shops. These bowls are suitable for pet food, of course, but they are also dandy for human food! They are microwave- and dishwasher-safe. You can serve ice cream, cereal, or ramen noodles in them. Just don't try all three foods at once, like PL's little brother did. (You don't want to know, trust me.)

Stay tuned for more pictures and reports. Or order something yourself. After all, you deserve the best!

New for Military Mommies: Baby's PCS Date

2007-11-18T23:06:00.000-06:00

Attention, all personnel! All mothers-to-be should be aware that the newest troop has a PCS date coming up soon. -- At least within the next nine months.

Yes, incredible though it may sound, you aren't going to be pregnant forever. That tiny recruit will have a permanent change of station . And that's a good thing, because your maternity gear just ain't gonna be big enough for the two of you forever, no matter how snug that little soldier may seem now.

Time to make plans, prepare to mobilize the troops. Let everyone know when you're expecting this military maneuver to take place. There's a selection of comfy women's tops and more with the Baby's PCS Date design at AmeriColors.
You can choose the month that corresponds with your due date.

Give the gift of a Keepsake Box

2007-09-06T15:35:00.000-05:00

Keepsake boxes -- even more beautiful than before!

Artist at Work's keepsake boxes are beautifully crafted from hardwood, in either in black or mahogany high-gloss lacquer finishes. The inside is fully lined with velvet, the bottom protected with felt.

These 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.25" keepsake boxes can hold jewelry and mementos, or can be enjoyed as art themselves, with a 4.25" x 4.25" ceramic tile in the lid.

Choose from a variety of designs at Artist at Work.
These will make wonderful gifts for anyone on your list.

RAH, RAH, school sports!

2007-09-04T12:30:00.001-05:00

Forget the fact that it's 90+ degrees outside, and that the football field turf is a lovely shade of brown. Time to return to school! We are so excited.

In this great land of ours, team sports have always been a popular form of entertainment. Millions of dollars are spent on football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, and other competitive pastimes each year.
Teams with names like Warriors, Tigers, Indians, Lions, Vikings, Dragons, Senators, and various other scary people or animals, meet on a field or court to knock the stuffing out of each other.

But all good things must come to an end.
There is a new trend toward instilling in our youth the idea that good competition is clean, wholesome, and non-violent. Certain war-like names are quickly dropping out of vogue.

One of the first new teams is Daisy Meadows High School's Butterflies.
P.L. is pleased to show her support of this team this year. You, too, can support non-violent contact sports (and other pastimes) by wearing , carrying, or giving away (as gifts) these mementos of these courageous folks.
Makes your heart swell up with pride, doesn't it?

Did they say the horses are coming...?

2007-08-14T23:53:00.000-05:00

Where are the horses?
They aren't here yet, but it's only a month until....
the horses are coming to Kentucky Downs!

Lanie and Bree are waiting for the horses, but they are anything but patient, as you might guess.
In the meantime, they're stylin' in Horses Around t-shirts.
Lanie is wearing the Somebody Went Horsing Around kids tee in white. Bree chose the Feeling My Oats kids tee in red.

While you're waiting for September 15th, you might want to check out the limited edition Kentucky Downs Thoroughbred racing gear at Horses Around. These shirts will be disappearing soon.

If you're passing through south-central Kentucky, drop in and see the horses for yourself. There's nothing like it for excitement!

Happy Birthday, America

2007-06-29T15:21:00.001-05:00

We aren't just America, of course, but the United States of America. I know we often gripe about our beloved nation, just like kids grumbling, riding together in the car:
Don't push... You're on my half... Mom, she's touching me!

But we are family, and we all matter. And no matter where we roam, this is home, the place that we love. I'm celebrating by rounding up some of the designs that show this patriotic spirit, including this new spin on one of my old favorites.

From everyone at Lorilei's Artist at Work, have a great July 4th!

Harry Potter and the Final Chapter

2007-06-27T01:31:00.001-05:00

No, that isn't the name of the upcoming book. A good thing, too, as that sounds so very -- final. Yes, it's the end of an era.
P.L. has been waiting in agony for the publication of book seven. She needs to know how it will end, but she desperately wants it never to be over....

Will the Trio survive? Will Voldemort (oh, stop, Ron!) be vanquished? What about Malfoy -- will his be the next death?
And, of course, there's the matter of Severus Snape.
What a sniveling, sneaky, two-faced, evil sorcerer he is. But Dumbledore trusted him implicitly, so that should be good enough for us....

As we look back on our good times, reading all the books in this series, we have several favorite moments.
One of our favorite bits came from one of the movies, rather than the books, when Ron makes the observation that Hermione "needs to sort out her priorities."
Hermione had just made a statement that was a bit over the top in itself, but Ron's was a classic. After all, how many boys think that girls have a tremendously skewed perspective on life? If they're smart, they eventually realize that girls pretty much have a handle on reality and what matters most.

Then there's a big black dog that we miss greatly -- Snuffles, more commonly known as Sirius Black. We think he's gone, but we're not sure. (And didn't Luna think she heard him, too?)

Everywhere we go, we still expect to see him. And, taking into account the mysterious ways of the magical world, would we be surprised if we saw him again someday?

In the fifth year, we met a teacher we might actually have detested worse than Snape. The so-called "Professor" Dolores Umbridge was a real joke, politics interfering with education at its very worst. She tried to coerce and brainwash students, punishing independent thought and action, forcing the government's agenda on everyone in the school. When Harry rebelled against her propaganda, he was called a liar. The mark he wore on his hand branded him in more ways than one: I must not tell lies. Instead of an admonition, it became his mantra. He must represent truth, fighting the lies and misconceptions.

In book six, the truth about Voldemort became widespread. Amidst the fear and unrest, rumors circulated about Harry. Was Harry the Chosen One, the wizard who would end Voldemort's reign of terror? We know the truth of the prophecy. We despair over the obstacles that must be overcome if Harry is to rid the world of this mass murderer. How will he find the Horcruxes he needs in order to break the dark magic spell? What will be sacrificed -- and who will make those sacrifices? Dumbledore was so very right... "dark and difficult times...."

Throughout it all, we love reading about Harry and his friends, whether they are happy, sad, triumphant, or grumpy. He has become one of our best friends, too. And as long as we have him on our bookshelves, we'll never have to tell him goodbye.

This July, be sure to get a copy of J.K. Rowling's book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Don't miss the excitement of the concluding book. The series may finish, but the adventure will never end.

And don't forget to visit the Cupboard Under the Stairs....

T-Shirts for Every Body

2007-03-16T15:15:00.001-05:00

Aha! They're here! T-shirts for everybody. Well, almost every body. We won't get too grandiose with our promises, but we will keep trying.

P.L. wears adult sizes now, but she is still delighted by the colors we've added to our kids' cotton apparel. Sizes range from 6 months to 4T in the infant/toddler shirts, and S-M-L in youth/kid tees (up to the adult sizes).

There are also new Plus sizes for women in black or white, with the choice of a scoop neck or v-neck. They are available in sizes from 16/18 to 32/34, in comfortable 100% ring-spun cotton. (Oooh, cozy.)

There are murmurings of more styles to arrive soon. Listen... can you hear them?...
Keep watching here, then. We'll let you know when new styles, sizes, and colors arrive.

Want to earn 20% of Artist at Work sales through your own website? Click here to sign up, and affiliate our great gifts and apparel.

A wonderful world of COLOR

2007-02-26T14:10:00.000-06:00

They're here! First, into the masses of white tees at Artist at Work came black tees, followed by more dark colors -- and now an even greater variety of colors!

Women's t-shirts come in a fitted (but not snug) style, with round necklines, in the following colors:
white
light pink
light blue
light yellow
black
red
carribean blue
violet

Additionally, there are three women's v-neck tees in white, heather grey, and black.

As always, we carry a unisex shirt with a crew neck, appropriate for the masculine figure as well. Colors include the following:
white
natural
ash grey
light blue
black
cardinal red
navy blue
military green
charcoal grey
red
brown
royal blue

Additionally, there's a new ringer tee in white with red trim.

Now you can find your favorite designs, printed on tees in a rainbow of colors. But it doesn't end there.
Stay tuned for more sizes, more colors, more styles.

Want to earn 20% of Artist at Work sales through your own website? Click here to sign up, and affiliate our great gifts and apparel.

My monster is bigger than your monster

2007-02-20T12:31:00.000-06:00

Phillip is still in the dog house for this one.

A few years ago, when he was still in college, Phillip gave his niece P.L. a cute, fluffy, fuzzy toy as a gift. She carried it everywhere. He was like a protector from unidentified sounds in the middle of the night.

She called him her Baby Monster.
Yeah, that's his picture. Go ahead, laugh. Yeah, Baby Monster does look a lot like the dreaded Cthulhu.

But P.L. maintains the innocence of this critter's character. He helped give her comfort when she had trouble going to sleep. No monsters dared to skulk behind furniture, in the shadows of night, when Baby Monster was on the watch.

Okay, he is kind of -- fluffy. And pink. (P.L. disdainfully ignores this pink quality, no matter how much others may point it out to her.)

Now, thanks to P.L.'s generosity, Baby Monster can protect you from unknown scary stuff.
Got gremlins under your bed? Is that dripping faucet starting to sound like the tapping of menacing little feet? Or even worse -- is that much-dreaded test coming up tomorrow?

Never fear, the baby monster is on your side. So rest assured, whatever monsters are lurking, watching you, they're even more afraid of this guy than you are of them.

Here's the baby monster, dressed in blue,
with a little monster we call Fuzzball.
They're both available, too, with the phrase
"My monster is bigger than your monster."

If you'd like to affiliate Baby Monster at
Artist at Work, click here for details. You can
earn 20% of sales coming through your own website.
(Don't be afraid! It's only money.)

Don't tie me kangaroo down, sport

2007-02-05T09:18:00.002-06:00

P.L. doesn't really like everyone to know she has a soft side. She doesn't understand why I feel the need to inform the world, either, but I think someday she'll understand.

One of P.L.'s admitted soft spots is for animals. Not just fluffy kittens and wiggle-nosed bunnies, but animals she's never actually gotten to touch. Koalas, dolphins, penguins, tigers, kangaroos.... ooh, kangaroos. That particular love goes back a long way, even before visits to the zoo, back to the flannel pajamas she used to love to wear as a tot. They came with a kangaroo cap and a pouch/pocket to carry an adorable toy joey.

We recently saw a picture of a road sign that tickled her fancy. It reminded me of our Tank Xing design at AmeriColors. But instead of warning of deer crossing, falling rocks, children crossing, or even tanks crossing, this photo showed a kangaroo crossing sign.
P.L. loved it. She even wants one in her bedroom. I reminded her that it's illegal to swipe road signs, and it's inconvenient to go to Australia to do so. And it won't help the kangaroos, either. She had to concede on that point.

So we decided it was time for a sign. We created our own, along with the words, "I brake for kangaroos."

P.L. now has in requests for even more kangaroo designs. I'm trying it with different colors, but I know that there will be more detailed illustrations of these fascinating marsupials in my near future.

And when it gets to be a little warmer, maybe we'll even go visit some kangaroos and their friends and relations, at Kentucky Down Under.
I haven't been there yet, but I think it'll be a terrific place to draw.

For now, though, maybe P.L. will be happy with this t-shirt.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel from your website.

Lorilei's Palette: the News from Painters Bluff ~ the newsletter

2007-01-23T16:04:00.000-06:00

In This Issue:

1. Valentine's Day Shipping Special
2. New Designs at Artist at Work
3. New Styles and Colors
4. Painters Bluff Blog
5. Coming Soon...

Only a few days remain before Valentine's Day arrives. Whether you love the Big V Day or hate it, you'll find something fun to give or get at Lorilei's Artist at Work. And from now through February 14, there's free basic shipping for most orders $50 or more. Use the coupon code VDAYSHIP when you check out.

Link: http://www.cafepress.com/lorilei/6860

New Designs at Artist at Work

* Pro-Valentines -
"I Love You With All My Heart"
"How Do I Love You?" (for more mature Valentines)

* Anti-Valentines -
"Out of Order"
"Valentine Blues"

* Animals -
"Would You Please Be Sirius"
"Penguins On Ice!"
"Who's Your Crawdaddy?"

* For Fun -
"The Pickle Conspiracy"
"You're Not the Boss of Me"
"In a Handbasket"
"The Artist at Work Shop"

Link: http://www.cafepress.com/lorilei/2406220

New Styles and Colors

Recently added products include more dark t-shirts! In addition to the classic black unisex tee, we now offer a ladies-cut black t-shirt, long-sleeved uni-sex tees in navy and black, long-sleeved ladies-cut tees in cocoa brown and black, and short-sleeved uni-sex tees in cardinal red, military green, and navy blue.

A stylish long-sleeved white tee for ladies has also arrived. These classy tees look very nice worn to work or school.
Our fleecy pullover sweatshirts (hooded and crew-neck) are now offered in both ash grey and white, ready to keep you cozy until the days become long and warm.

Link: http://www.cafepress.com/lorilei/2368201

Painters Bluff Blog

Our intrepid assistant and fashion model P.L. lives in the quaint little village of Painters Bluff. (A view of the town square can be seen in the header at the top of the shop.) You can now read about small town life at Lorilei's new blog, PaintersBluff.com. P.L. has agreed to add her perspective from time to time. This journal joins our other shop-related work, Lorilei's Tees & other artistic endeavors, which chronicles Lorilei's designs of interest, sales specials, and related arty ideas. Remember to bookmark these blogs, or add them to your Google or Yahoo pages with Feedburner.

Link: http://paintersbluff.com

Coming Soon...

Dark T-Shirts: Red, Royal, Brown, Charcoal
Light T-Shirts: Natural, Light-Blue
Women's Dark T-Shirts: True Red, Teal, Violet
Women's Light T-Shirts: Light Yellow, Light Blue, Light Pink
Women's V-Neck Tshirt: White
Women's Dark V-Neck Tshirts: Black, Heather Grey

Thanks for reading the newsletter for Artist at Work, the shop for gifts for your Inner Child.

Let's all get Sirius for a moment....

2007-01-19T10:08:00.000-06:00

One thing P.L. and I share is a love for J.K. Rowling's novels.

What starts out as a fun kid's story, a kind of magical "Leave It to Beaver Goes to Boarding School," turns into something more. More intricate. More compelling. More heartrending. With each successive year at the fantastical castle, it becomes more apparent that it may not end, "and they lived happily ever after."

The characters become our family. We adore both Ron and Hermione. And Harry is part of us, our soul and our spirit. We see the world through his eyes.

Likewise, we suffer their emotional ups and downs. The last three books have sent P.L. into rounds of ecstactic joy and grief. I will try not to spoil the story plots for anyone who has not read them.

"Rosebud."

Sorry -- I couldn't resist. (See the movie "Citizen Kane" for clarification.)

One of P.L.'s favorite characters is the lovable Sirius Black. The black sheep in a family steeped in Pureblood tradition, Sirius was Harry's father's best friend from childhood. At school, he became a Gryffindor instead of a Slytherin, a fact which disturbed his parents, but delights the reader.

As an adult, Sirius was falsely blamed for horrible crimes he did not commit. Without granting him his right to a trial, a Ministry of Magic official banished him to Azkaban, the wizarding prison. For twelve years, he lived stranded somewhere on a rock in the North Sea, imprisoned in a cell with bars, by the creatures who kept watch, the spectral Dementors.

After an amazing escape, he was finally reunited with his godson, Harry, but was forced to remain in hiding. The only way he could hide was by using his Animagus talents to transform into a huge black dog.

Though Harry's Patronus is a silver stag (his Animagus father's animal alter-ego), our guardian protector is a great black dog with intelligent eyes. Loyal, brave, loving, he will be there for us at all costs.

(Does this big fella deserve a hug, or what?)

If you would like to affiliate Would You Please be Sirius? (or any of our other Valentine and Anti-Valentine designs) through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Valentine's Day Promotion ~ Super Shipping Savings

2007-01-13T23:02:00.000-06:00

Buying a Valentine's Day t-shirt for someone you love? Or maybe a snuggly sweatshirt, or a ceramic tiled-adorned wooden keepsake box. With so many nice gifts from which to choose, it's nice to know that there's a shipping special to make it even easier to give gifts from Artist at Work.

From January 14 through February 14, 2007: Free Super Saver Shipping on orders over $50 (before tax and shipping)
Coupon code: VDAYSHIP

Just copy and paste the coupon code when you check out. Don't forget to check our other shops, since this code is valid for purchases in any of them. Hurry! There's only one month until Valentine's Day is here. Have you chosen gifts for your loved one yet?

Valentine Blues

2007-01-12T15:53:00.000-06:00

Ah, young love.

You've heard the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."
Regardless of the eternal truth of that sentiment, we know young P.L. thinks it's a lot of hooey.

When you're young, a lot of the wisdom of the world sounds like something that only applies to someone else. That is so wrong!
Sure, the cutest boy in your class has been sitting next to you on the bus, and behind you in history class, all year. He even laughed at your jokes.

But then he asked that spoiled brat Deidre to the school Valentine's dance. And he thinks you should be pleased about it! What does he think you are, one of the guys? -- Oh, that's right. He has pretty much thought that, ever since you rubbed his nose in the dirt after school in the second grade, when he called you a sissy.

But that was so long ago....
Time will pass, and this will, too. But for now, it just really, really... stinks.

Love stinks. It's definitely for the birds.

If you would like to affiliate Love is for the Birds (or any of our other Valentine and Anti-Valentine designs) through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Penguins (purple and otherwise)

2006-12-08T02:36:00.001-06:00

Penguins -- they are the new Cabbage Patch Kids. I know Tickle-Me Elmo is waxing nostalgic, and Wii is making a grand appearance for Christmas. But these cute little fellas from down south (way down south) grab your heart strings in a special way.

Remember the waiter penguins who danced with Dick Van Dyke's Bert in the movie Mary Poppins? Remember Chilly Willy in Walter Lance's Woody Woodpecker cartoons?

Even if you see these little black and white birds in person, penguins seem cute, perky, and full of fun. At wildlife parks and zoos, you can watch them slide on ice and dive into their cold pools of water. With movies like March of the Penguins and Happy Feet, it seems more people are really getting to know these natives of Antartica.

I'd been meaning to draw some penguins for a long time. You know how I am -- unicorns, owls, pandas, and other adorable animals.
(P.L. rolls her eyes here!)

I put some ice skating penguins online early Thursday morning. They went "live" later. I struggled with tweaking the section a bit that night, and finally rebooted the computer. When I came back into my store area, I found someone had already ordered a white hoodie bearing this speedy skating penguin.

Wow! Someone was just waiting for this little guy to appear. What luck for both of us!

I believe these talented penguins have been especially commissioned by Saint Nick himself to deliver messages and what-not around the Big Toy Shop. Who wouldn't enjoy a work break with a steaming cup of cocoa from one of these cute little guys? After all, I'm afraid the climate wouldn't suit actual gophers there.

I'm dreaming up stories about Santa's penguin assistants at the North Pole. Poor P.L. is groaning and hiding her head under an Artist at Work throw pillow. (Ooh, my penguin pal will look so cute on one of those!)

I'm already ordering one for a friend. I think I need penguin buttons or magnets to give out in lieu of cards at work. It would be fun to have one on a long-sleeved shirt or hoodie. I wish I knew how to make plushy animals....

P.L. says I'm getting a bit carried away, and she will be forced to pretend she doesn't know me. Ha! Wait till she sees the picture of her wearing her latest tee, with a lavender penguin on it. I can't wait.

If you would like to affiliate Penguins On Ice through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

The Eerie Darkness....

2006-11-26T01:12:00.000-06:00

All was quiet in the tiny slumbering town of Painters Bluff, in the heart of America. When no one was expecting it, a strange darkness had fallen where it had never been before. Some folks were frightened. Others took up the new challenge with determination.

What did it all mean? From whence came this -- darkness?

The darkness had arrived in silky-softness, in colors of rich black, midnight blue, dark olive green, cardinal red, and cocoa brown. Such rejoicing there had been among the elves! For they had seen and felt the new darks in October, in San Francisco, where the elves had gathered in preparation for Christmas, Hannukah, and other events.

Yes, my children, new dark t-shirts from the elves at Artist at Work. Short-sleeved unisex tees in black, red, green, and blue. Long-sleeved unisex tees in black and navy. Plus more feminine tees in black (short- and long-sleeved styles) and brown (long-sleeved). More styles and colors will be made available in the coming months.

Lorilei and P.L. have been redecorating the halls with new t-shirt designs. Check out the Christmas Shop for ideas that are sure to bring a twinkle to someone's eyes!

Hurry, hurry! Make your selections soon, while the shipping special is in effect (through December 20). And make sure you allow enough shipping time, in order to avoid disappointment.

Not sure what to get loved ones this year? Feeling frazzled by family visits during Thanksgiving weekend, and the push to go to the mall to avoid the shopping rush?
Take it easy. Go read this page -- Operators Are Standing By -- for some calming words and a few ideas.
It's less than a month to Christmas, but if you use your time wisely, you can still make time for the important things. -- A little elf named P.L. told me so!

Pickle Mania

2006-09-01T02:14:00.000-05:00

It's official -- people are crazy. But I love it!

Remember in July, when someone ordered Pickle Conspiracy black t-shirts (very stylish) and 40 buttons? That was only the beginning.

In August, another person ordered 10 khaki caps emblazoned with the nefarious Pickles.
"Someone in Nigeria likes pickles!" I said. But, no, the order shipped out without a hitch. I was astonished.

Then, on Thursday, yet someone else ordered 21 Pickle Conspiracy buttons. Not 10, not 20, but 21.
It was a sign. The die were cast. The writing was on the wall. The clichés were flying, fast and furious.

Pickles must be -- the new black. Or something. Why else would so many people be wearing them this season? A fabulous trend, I must say. Only time will tell if onions or ketchup will join them on the fashion runway.

The only other answer is the Conspiracy Theory: We are compelled to pursue the elusive Pickle because it wants us to. It's part of a plot, like the great wooden horse in ancient Troy. Only smaller, and kind of crunchy.

Have no fear. I will keep my vigil and report my findings. In the meantime, I may have to get myself a Pickle Conspiracy cap. I wouldn't want to be seen wearing last year's hat as I search for the truth.

Time in a Keepsake Box

2006-08-28T02:59:00.002-05:00

I'm warning you now, there's a story behind this one. Well, there is always a story. Sometimes it's just more fun to tell than others.

I used to do a lot of driving around my home town. I had a part time job delivering pizza. Yes, pizza. I don't really eat it, except for -- well, that's another story, for another time.

Delivering pizzas can be a very cool occupation. In your car, listening to your music. Finding houses and businesses on streets and roads, like a knight on a quest in a role-playing game.

But sometimes you find more than hungry people who have ordered food. Sometimes you find sunsets, starlit nights, banks of daffodils, knarled trees with craggy bark, deer leaping away across fences into the darkness. Sometimes you discover the perfect stone cottage surrounded by a green woods. And one day, I found a meadow clearing with beautiful horses inside. My favorite one was a lovely Appaloosa mare, mostly white with dapples of grey. I asked the retired veterinarian who owned the horses if I could come back some time to photograph them.

So I returned to the woodsy road and found the horses grazing in the sunny field. Later, I used a few of the resulting photos to create a composite drawing with soft pastels. Its working title was "Critters on the Landscape," but it later came to be named "In the Meadow."

I used a part of that drawing, featuring the mare, for the scene on this box. The box is a 5 1/4" by 5 1/4 by 2 1/8" box of laquered Alderwood. There is an inlay of ceramic tile in the hinged lid.

I had heard other shopkeepers who own or handle these boxes describe them with some awe. They say people handle them like precious objects of art.

The boxes look nice with a variety of different designs, but they especially lend themselves to fine art. They can hold change, jewelry, love notes, paperclips, or any number of small objects. I think they can also hold dreams and imagination.

Yes, I am in love with a box.
But I have a feeling there are destined to be other boxes in my life.

This keepsake box is on display at Kentucky Downs Race Course, where people are reminded that Thoroughbred racing on our European-style turf track will be taking place in mid- to late September. Three limited edition Kentucky Downs t-shirts from Horses-Around.com, an "I Love Exotics" cap, a ceramic stein, and a "Feeling My Oats" mug are also on display there. Although I will be working as a pari-mutuels teller during Live Races, there will be a Horses-Around booth selling various products to the visitors. I'll write more about the booth as time for the event draws nearer.

I'm told that there are several people already asking about prices on the merchandise. I'm creating a printed order form for people who want to get something ahead of time but don't go online. (Yes, there are still such people in the world, Virginia!)

One of my managers has expressed a keen interest in ordering an "In the Meadow" keepsake box for her own. I have a feeling I'll be getting one for myself, too.

What will I keep in it? The smell of the fresh woods after a spring rain. The burning blue of a sunny September sky. The graceful beauty of a long-limbed white and grey horse with liquid brown eyes.
That's all I really need it for.

If you would like to affiliate "In the Meadow" and other Horses Around wares through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up. You can link to art, apparel, drinkware, and other gifts from your site.

Back to School, Dudes!

2006-08-02T03:27:00.000-05:00

I can just picture Bill and Ted saying something like that. I wonder what they would be doing right now? Oh, yes, making music. And probably buying some really historical t-shirts!

I had nearly forgotten to post the reminder about our latest sale. From now until August 14 (yes, this year), get free shipping on orders totaling $50 or more. That isn't just for kids, by the way. Teachers deserve t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and coffee mugs made especially for them, too.

In fact, there are not many people I know who aren't worthy of these. They're good as gifts for lots of folks. And that's great, because this sale is not only good at TeachersPets.org -- you can use it in my other shops, too.
(See the Links sidebar to your right.)

So browse Black T-Shirts, AmeriColors, Horses Around, and find something you like, for yourself or someone else. Then when you reach the checkout page, use the COUPON CODE BTS2006 -- your discount will show up on the screen. So just copy and paste the code from this blog. It's so easy, even Bill and Ted could do it.

Recap:
BACK to SCHOOL SALE
Free Shipping on orders over $50
Use Coupon Code: BTS2006
Sale discount expires August 14, 2006
Maximum discount $5 (flat shipping fee)

My Heart Belongs to My Teacher

2006-07-30T05:34:00.000-05:00

It's nearly time for school to start again, in my part of the world. Parents are stocking up on school supplies, kids' clothes, and a number of other items. There is a feeling of newness in the air. Soon-to-be students are anxious to see who is in whose class.

I have noticed an increase in traffic to my education-related site, TeachersPets. Once a part of my main store, this shop has branched off on its own and is acquiring its own following.

What can I say about this, my newest design? Well, I could start by using the description I have included in my new promotional area at TeachersPets, the "BONUS POINTS: Featured Design" section.

The latest design from TeachersPets contains a simple, childlike phrase with heart.
My Heart Belongs to My Teacher

Is there anything happier than a child (or an adult) who loves to learn? Loving one's teacher is very closely connected.
Maybe you love your teacher because he makes history vital and interesting, or because she opens the door to a place in your mind you never knew existed.
Maybe you love your teacher because he's your grandfather, who showed you how to create models, or your aunt, who taught you to play Mozart with pleasure and confidence.
Or maybe you love your teacher just because.

The teacher to whom you give your heart is the one who gives it back to you.
Get a gift that keeps saying "I Love You," whatever the season, whoever your favorite teacher.

By the way, "whoever" is the correct case in that sentence. I looked it up, as an afterthought, just to be sure.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

A Tale of Two Pickles, a.k.a. the Pickle Conspiracy

2006-07-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

While I am on the subject of the bizarre ...

One of my favorite author/artists was Scarry -- Richard Scarry. I loved his illustrations in Little Golden Books. Even as an adult, I loved his big picture books. Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, and all the other residents of Busy Town.

The Head Start group I used to teach loved finding characters, making their own observations, hunting for patterns in these storybooks. One book contained a fleet of typically fun Scarry vehicles, including a truckload of pickles. The cargo was so large, pickles were falling out into the street here and there. All the way through the pages, we followed a trail of pickles.

Another character we loved was silly Mr. Frumble, a fuddy-duddy of an old pig with terrible luck. He was chasing his runaway hat all over town. Probably the only breeze in the entire town was catching up his hat and dancing around with it, teasingly keeping it just out of reach.

Years later, a conversation about conspiracies and paranoia inspired this design. The idea that something as common and silly as a pickled cucumber might be responsible for a plot of any kind was fraught with implausibility and humor. In tribute to Mr. Scarry, I created an author by the name of William Frumble for this stylish mystery. The reviews and the introduction are fun, but it's really all about the pickles. -- Yeah, they just fell off a truck? A likely story!

In the time the Pickle Conspiracy has been sitting in my "just for fun" section, I'd only sold one item before. Some strange and funny person bought a throw pillow bearing one of my pickle designs. (Obviously someone with great taste and a rapier sharp sense of the absurd.)

That was up until Wednesday, July the nineteenth, 2006. When I made my way to my computer, I found myself lured by the tantalizing promise of an email - a notification of a transaction.

My pulse quickened as I opened it to read. Who was it? What did they want? I was determined to find out.

I skimmed the email, paused, thought, "No way!" and read it again. An order for two Pickle Conspiracy Black T-Shirts? And four 10-packs of 2.25" buttons with the infamous veggies. It must be a scam order made with a fake credit card number. One of those weird people from the Capital One commercials, no doubt.

But, no, it's true. The merchandise is in production, and it should be finished this week. It might be on its way to its new owner mere days from now. But who? Who would place such an order? I think there is far more to this than meets the eye.

This is obviously all part of a plot.

Keep the mustard and relish handy. No telling when they could be needed.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Totally Off-Topic

2006-07-19T00:04:00.000-05:00

For the person who was searching here in my blog for information on "march to the beat of a different drum" -- the song you were looking for was "Different Drum," by the Stone Poneys. Linda Ronstadt was the lead singer. The song says "You and I travel to the beat of a different drum...." I believe it was written by Mike Nesmith, of the Monkees fame.

Oddly enough, people also come here seeking:

the Beatles
that line from the Everly Brothers song "Bowling Green" (and I thought I was the only one who remembered that song!)
the Cowsills
beautiful girls
horses
daffodils
t-shirts

I include bits and pieces about music I love, but t-shirts with girls, horses, and daffodils are the only things on that list which you might purchase here.

Then again, I am inspired by the music of those artists to create my own art, so that should count for something. Also, it's emotionally satisfying to read someone else's memories of favorite songs, old TV shows and movies, places, and people.

Folks have Googled for some fragment of a memory from their youth and found - my memories.
P.L. painting the day to Barry Cowsill's song. A barefoot summer girl basking in the Kentucky sunshine from Phil and Don Everly's song. I even have a painting in my gallery section which I haven't featured (yet) of a sleepy cottage, named "Golden Slumbers," after the lullaby-like song by Paul McCartney, from the Beatles' Abbey Road album.

Keep "listening." There'll be more.

A Family Tradition - the American Vacation

2006-07-14T12:32:00.000-05:00

Whatever happened to "the American Way"?
It must've gotten lost in the shuffle, somewhere between here and the cold war.

But be of good faith! We've found it. While some Americans are defending their way of life by threats of force and violence, others are still opening their arms to the homeless, the lonely, the poor, tired and huddled masses -- and to the occasional lost animal who is just too cute to ignore.

This is the real world, and we know that wild animals are meant to remain wild. But moments like this make you long for the purity of a child's heart.

Whether you enjoy the parody of "Lock & Load - Board the Seal" or the charm of children adopting a sea lion on their own beach, take an American Vacation today.

If you would like to affiliate "American Vacation" through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Summer Sale!

2006-06-22T00:41:00.000-05:00

The Summer Sale has begun! Stock up on summer gear at all of Lorilei's shops:

* small mug : $2 off

* kids baseball jersey : $2 off

* men's sleeveless : $3 off

* women's tank top : $3 off

* green t-shirt : $2 off

* trucker cap : $2 off

This sale ends June 30. You'll see the discount applied automatically to the products in the shopping cart. No coupon is required.

A pretty girl is like a melody...

2006-06-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

Maybe that's just the way I am - a song invokes pictures in my head. And sometimes visual art reminds me of a song.

This design was inspired by old-fashioned tattoo art. The beautiful girl with the long tresses and long legs, gazing dreamily at the sky. She's a country girl, down home and down to earth. She likes dressing casual, running barefoot, daydreaming. She's a Kentucky girl, and she's proud of it.

That's where the songs come in. One that comes to mind is Neil Diamond's tribute to a "Kentucky Woman." The other is from the same time period, an obscure but happy song by the Everly Brothers.

My junior high school years were spent in Kentucky. I attended a lab school at Western Kentucky University. Most of the students were "faculty brats" like me. Our parents were teachers or staff at the university. There were only around 40 kids in each grade, so you knew almost everyone in your class, at least by sight. And the same building on the hill housed all the classes, from kindergarten through the twelfth grade.

Western (WKU) is located in a small city named Bowling Green, between Louisville and Nashville. Coincidentally, the name of the Everly Brothers song is also "Bowling Green."

"Way down in Bowling Green, prettiest girls I've ever seen. A man in Kentucky sure is lucky to live down in Bowling Green."

I can still remember the slumber party at Michelle's house. Becky, another of our friends, played that song on her acoustic guitar while we sang along. Only we all knew that girls in Kentucky were lucky, too.

"Kentucky sunshine makes the heart unfold. It warms the body, and I know it touches the soul. Bluegrass is fine. Kentucky owns my mind...."

This design naturally says "A girl in Kentucky sure is lucky!" Wherever I go in my life, I'll carry that sunshine and the sweet smell of summer. Kentucky isn't just around me, it's in me. And now it'll be on me, as well.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

testing

2006-06-17T03:44:00.000-05:00

This is only a test.
In the event of a real emergency, you wouldn't be reading this anyway.

The Horses Are Coming!

2006-05-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy, busy! That may sound like an excuse, but it's more, honest. Because now there's a new shop in Lorilei's stable (if you'll excuse the pun).
The name is Horses Around. It features art about horses and the people who love them. So far, there are not so many designs that one could get lost, but more designs and products are being added almost daily.

One section of Horses Around will be devoted to Kentucky Downs, a Thoroughbred race course located in southern Kentucky. Look for our official KYD gear online.

In the interest of being fair to both real and fantasy horses, I'll also be adding designs with such creatures as unicorns and winged horses. The featured design is one of these. I'm thinking about getting a similar license plate frame for my car....

If you would like to affiliate this design or other Horses Around products through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Mother's Day Shipping Promotion

2006-04-24T16:15:00.001-05:00

From April 25 through May 5, there will be a CafePress.com promotion that will discount shipping prices for Lorilei's Shops.

Free Shipping On Orders Over $50 (Max discount $7)
Code: MOMSHIP
Date: April 25 - May 5

Whether you're shopping for Mother's Day, graduation, or another occasion, visit Lorilei's Shops for great gifts.

http://artist-at-work.us

I Love Spring - Daffodils on a Tee

2006-03-18T14:59:00.000-06:00

Wow! I just got a new black t-shirt. I was nervous about how it would look, since it's digitally printed, not screen printed. UPS took longer delivering it the last twenty miles than it had from my CafePress printers, but the order finally arrived this morning.

I had lightened the graphic you see here significantly from the original drawing to allow for the darkness of the printing surface. Then I created my transparent PNG version, uploaded, and hoped for the best.

The shirt is gorgeous! I love it. Although the yellow is not the pale, almost fluorescent color of the graphic in my store, it is more the clear, soft yellow I wanted.

I drew the daffodils two years ago. Now they're blooming again in our yard. Why wait till spring? Now I don't have to wait for spring, either.
I can hardly wait to wear this.

Want a shirt like this? You can find it at I Love Spring. Find related daffodil designs on shirts, bags, framed prints, and more at ... Mellow Yellow.

If you would like to affiliate "I Love Spring" through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

Lorilei

Painting the Day

2006-03-11T15:41:00.000-06:00

When I was a kid, I loved listening to the music of a family of singers.The music group was begun by brothers who wanted to be like the Beatles (an excellent choice!). Later, their mother and their sister joined them on stage and on recordings. They performed a kind of pop-rock that was fun to listen to in the sixties and seventies, including songs like "Hair." My very favorite song was "The Rain, the Park and Other Things" (think "I love the flower girl -- oh, I don't know just why, she simply caught my eye...."), but I had a few others I really loved. "What is Happy?" and "We Can Fly." A haunting song written by David Gates (of Bread) called "Can't Measure the Cost (of a Woman Lost)." Great memories.
These were songs that evoked memories, emotions, pictures in my mind.

One such picture was from a song called "Painting the Day." It's an optimistic piece about changing the world through perception. I always wanted to do a painting or drawing based on it. Finally, in 2005, I did just that. I have several versions of this whimsical graphic, which depicts a young girl (yes, P.L., my inner child) with a palette and brush, painting the sky. The sun is smiling off to her left, appreciative of the sentiment.

Not long ago, I heard from Vicky, the shopkeeper for the Cowsill's online store, that Barry Cowsill was one of the people who died in New Orleans in the aftermath of Katrina. His remains were not identified until January of this year. Since Barry was the person who sang lead on this song, I felt even more affected. Barry's older brother Bill passed away in February, making this winter a sad time for fans.

The "Painting the Day" art will always remind me of happy times and feelings. When they aren't happy, when your world is dark, paint some sunshine and change the way you feel about life.

Thanks, Barry.

I traded my crummy tonsils for...

2006-03-05T04:12:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine has a six year old grandson who was getting his tonsils removed. As the day approached (and he was becoming more apprehensive), she was trying to put a positive spin on the experience. She wanted to make a t-shirt for him with a message like "I traded my crummy tonsils for this cool t-shirt." I offered to do an illustration for it.

This design is the result of that venture. The little boy's grandmother says he is delighted with the shirt, and that he's glad it's all over but the ice cream now.

"I Traded My Crummy Tonsils for..." is available on the white youth-size t-shirt, as well as the toddler-size (if your child is a little smaller than average, up to 4T), plus the youth-sized baseball jersey, hoodie, and crew-neck sweatshirt. It's also on the junior ringer tee and other apparel. A similar design is offered on mugs, mousepads, the journal, magnets, buttons -- even a plushy white teddy bear wearing its own t-shirt.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, and earn 20% of sales, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel.

"March to the Beat of a Different Drum" Sale

2006-02-25T14:54:00.000-06:00

Beginning March 2, there will be a new sale at all of Lorilei's shops.

Your savings: $4 off a $40 order
Your coupon code: MARCH4
Sale dates: March 2 - March 14

This discount applies to any merchandise from the shops, not just specific items. Your order must total $40 or more before sales tax (California and Kentucky residents only) and shipping. Discounts will appear in the shopping cart when you enter the code above in the space provided.

Need more information?
Find it online here: artist-at-work help

Need help by phone?
Call toll free 1-877-809-1659
Monday – Friday,7:00 am – 6:00 pm PT
Saturday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm PT
Local (Foster City, CA)/International1-650-655-3000

It's a sign of luck! So go shopping for that St. Patrick's Day gift!

Fun, fun, fun

2006-02-23T00:40:00.000-06:00

You've probably heard the saying. "Uh-oh, someone call the Fun Police...."
Someone is having so much fun, it should be illegal.

Or someone else is such a spoilsport, he or she is labeled the Fun Police because they always put a stop to others' enjoyment.

The Fun Police design was inspired by such a situation. The wearer of this shirt can remind everyone of the ever-present danger. Shh! It has to be kept quiet -- but the fun must go on!

The Fun Police shirt and other gear are available at Lorilei's Artist at Work.

If you would like to affiliate this design through CafePress.com, click here to sign up, and link to great gifts and apparel. You can earn 20% of sales to shoppers who buy merchandise through your site.

Lorilei's Gear

2006-02-22T15:41:00.000-06:00

Watch this space for news about products, designs, and stores from the fertile imagination of Lorilei!