Putting the fun back into Functional...

A new concept for customizing your art work ~ paintings that feature a unique chalkboard space on the back for personalized messages and love notes.  The following two paintings are the first in my new theme of functional art...

Chalkboard Art

Original Painting

Little Swimmer in Pink

This original painting of a young girl swimming is backed with 3 coats of chalkboard paint for adding your personalized messages:

As a parent who, for many years sat on a hard bench, in a chlorine induced atmosphere, for hours on end waiting for my children to swim 2 laps in 1 heat because I was incredibly proud of their dedication to the sport and inordinate amount of time spent practicing, it wasn't hard to think of what to write as an example for the back of this painting.  Of course, these are my feelings thus easily erased.  You are free to add your own personal love note or message.

Custom Portrait Painting:

Custom Painted Portrait of cousins at play

Add your own handwritten message to the back of a hand painted portrait as a playful way to personalize your keepsakes.

The images are hand painted with acrylics on primed canvas, signed, sealed with a protective gloss varnish then carefully mounted onto sanded wood blocks. The back of which is painted with 3 coats of chalkboard paint for your personalized messages and love notes.  Just click on the images shown above for more information or to order your own customized portrait.

I love creating custom pieces, so please don't hesitate to send me your ideas! 

Valentine Gift Ideas for your Guys

As Valentine's Day approaches I would like to suggest a few  gift ideas for the special men in your life.  Today's selections focus on the man who enjoys the sport of surfing.

Cuff Links

A great gift option for the man who, when out of his board shorts and dressed up for an evening out, wants to show off his love of surfing and passion for the ocean

Winter Surf Cuff links

Custom Surfer Cuff links

Longboard Surfer Cuff links

Wood Block Triptych

An original painting, inspired by your photo, hand painted on canvas, cut into 3 sections, mounted onto 3 natural wood blocks and sealed with a protective gloss varnish.  

Individual blocks measure 7" x 2.5" x 1.5" ~ together they measure 7" x 7.5" x 1.5

Custom Painted Surfing Portrait Triptych

Three Surfers 

Original painting of an early morning board meeting between three surfers. 

Surfing Prints

Three Surfers

  In the Sea

Surfer Flask

 Vintage Blue Ocean Hip Flask

If you are interested in and would like more information on any of these surfing gift suggestions, simply click on the image.  

Custom Painted Pottery Portraits

Hand painted pottery portrait

Fresh from the kiln.  

Custom painted pottery portrait  plates.  A keepsake handmade from your photo with personalized names and date make a unique gift for Valentine's Day, Weddings, Anniversaries or as a special plate for those milestone birthdays.  

Each pottery plate measures 10.25 inches round and is hand drawn, hand painted, outlined, coated with a non-toxic, lead-free glaze then fired in my kiln. Food and dishwasher safe - but I recommend hand washing.

Hand drawn portraits are inspired by a photograph.  The image above and below were from a 50th birthday wine tasting tour.

 

Each portrait is a unique piece of art signed by the artist, Cathie Carlson.  The portrait plates can be displayed and used year round and make a wonderful way to commemorate a special day.
I love creating custom pieces, so please don't hesitate to send me your ideas.  You can view more of my custom work and get in contact with me by clicking here  I'd love to hear what you think!

My Reason's for Celebrating...

Happy Valentine's Day to my wonderful husband and children.
I Love You Guys with all my Hearts!

Valentine's Day Cards for Your Sweeties...

A few ideas - just in case you are still searching for
the perfect Valentine's Day Card...

Click on each image for more information.


Let your special love know they are
"The wind behind your sails" with this vintage
Valentine's Day card and attached 2 1/4 inch round magnet.


Send this Valentine's Day card and
2 1/4" pinback button to your favorite single sister or
girl friend who is fishing to find that someone special.

Send your special loved one a card and matching magnet
to let them know they are in your thoughts.

Toast your gal pals with this whimsical martini card
and matching pinback button. Because what would
life be like without our best friends!

~*~ Each card is packaged with love in a protective
cello sleeve and carefully shipped to your loved one. ~

Share your talent - Share your love...

This is a wonderful opportunity to open your heart, share
your talent, and bring smiles to those served by the "Citymeals-
on-Wheels" Program. On Valentine's Day volunteers will be
working with Citymeals-on-Wheels to bring nutritious meals,
handmade cards and companionship to the elderly of N.Y.C.
The deadline for volunteers to receive your cards is Tuesday,
February 9. If you would like more information, click here:
SPECIAL DELIVERY: SHARE YOUR LOVE 2010
or here if you would like to find out more about Meals-on-Wheels
in your area:
Meals on Wheels Association of America

A Very Funny Valentine Gift

I saw these funny little "Lovemongers"
on the Scrumptiousdelight Flicker site,
fell in love with them, and had to share.

Are they not just the most adorable,
laugh your panties off,
stuffed goodness you've ever seen?

All 16 of them, created for the Schmancy Exclusive,
will be available beginning February 3. Check them out
and let me know which ones are your favorites.

Hold your loved one close, and your panties
even closer. Happy Almost Valentine's Day.

Brand New Button Making Machine = Too much Fun..

I just received my new button maker on
Monday afternoon and have been having a
field day creating pinback buttons using
reproductions of my original art work. I designed
matching card backs to go along with them
so the pins can be given as artistic alternatives
to traditional cards. The images below are a few examples:


Personalized Pins
Made from reproductions of my
Hand Painted Portraits. A fun
addition to an original custom
portrait.


Toast your gal pals with this whimsical
martini pinback button featuring a
reproduction of my original painting "Blue Martini"


This classic button features a print
of my original painting "Fishing for Love".


and this whimsical Valentine's Button is from
another one of my vintage beach paintings.

So now you can wear your heART
on your sleeve, jacket, hat, book-bag, t-shirt, notebook
or wherever you desire.

All of these are available in my shop -
MagicMarkingsArt.com

Coming soon...Magnets and Little Pocket Mirrors
featuring more reproductions of my paintings! Yup - I
think I'm on a roll! Let me know if there's a special
image or picture that you would like custom made into
a button for your own little valentines cuz' you know I'd
be more than happy to create another pin :)