Author: Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

Christmas cookies

| Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but boy is there a lot to do. I wasn’t able to finish painting my cookies (day 3 of my Christmas countdown) yesterday because the day was filled with Christmas preparations – buying a wreath and tree and other outdoor decorations, decorating inside, shopping for gifts, and seeing the Nutcracker at a local college.

I was very excited to see the Nutcracker as I’ve just designed my first pin – a Nutcracker – and I didn’t remember that much of the story. The production was a blend of amateurs and professionals and I really enjoyed it.

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Interested in buying a pin? Click here to purchase through PayPal (U.S. only). I appreciate the support!

Today’s prompt is ornaments which is perfect because today we will be decorating our tree. Want to paint/draw along with me? Here is my prompt list. All mediums are welcome! Use #adventmcr when posting.

Marion is doing a great job, see her adorable day 3 drawing here. On Instagram see moxiemisfitblues’ posts here. Jill Kuhn created mixed media sugar cookie sprinkles.

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30 Days of Food In Watercolor

| Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

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Pomegranates – Day 30. Thank you to Charlie of World Watercolor Group for the food November prompts. I didn’t think about it when I started, but painting food everyday is out of my comfort zone. I would never have painted a turkey or a plate of mushrooms or leeks! But I was often happy with my results. It’s good to have a push in a different direction sometimes.

Here are my favorites from the month:

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I’m excited to really get into the spirit of Christmas and created my own prompt list to follow in December. Everyone and all mediums are welcome to join in. Use the hashtag #adventmcr when posting.

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Of course Charlie is inspiring everyone with a December list of prompts. Click here to see it. I’ll definitely be painting a Christmas sweater from his list!

BTW if you haven’t read it, I had the pleasure of interviewing Charlie, founder of the World Watercolor Group. You can read the interview here.

Creative prompts Advent Calendar

| Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

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I’ve been on a roll the last 2 months creating everyday. In October I participated in InkTober, drawing in ink in my sketchbook. By the end of October I was adding watercolor to my sketches. This month I followed the World Watercolor Group’s November prompts which were all food. I was so happy to be back working in watercolor. Other than fruit, I don’t really paint food so it was out of my comfort zone. I appreciated the push because other than my pathetic brussel sprouts, I was really happy with many of my paintings.

For December, I’m getting into the spirit of Christmas! I created this prompt list for myself, but welcome anyone who wants to join in! All mediums are welcome! Let me know if you do and tag your work #adventmcr so I can see. I’m on Instagram too @eileenmckenna.

I’ve done holiday countdowns before – Valentine’s Day (twice) and St. Patrick’s Day. The challenge with those was always what to paint. This time I’ve created a prompt list to follow. I’m a little nervous about committing to creating everyday in the busiest month of the year, but I know overall I won’t regret it. In both October and November challenging myself has led to some pieces I’m really proud of.

My watercolor cherry pie

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A fall ink illustration

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15 products you’ll love if you’re nuts about Nutcrackers!

| Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

15 products you'll love if you're nuts about Nutcrackers! #nutcrackers #christmas #holiday
1. Nutcracker Enamel Pin. My first pin design! The perfect way to show your holiday spirit on your hat, scarf, sweater, coat or bag! 
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Click here to order a Nutcracker Pin.
Currently shipping only in the continental U.S.

2. Nutcracker patterns available through Spoonflower as fabric, wallpaper or gift wrap. I used gift wrap to line the shelves in the photo above! Click here.
screen-shot-2016-11-09-at-11-53-25-am show_imageNutcracker pillow. Fabric by Eileen McKenna

3. Finished products available through Roostery. Don’t want to sew? Order finished pillows, tea towels, placemats, duvets, chairs, and more through Roostery.
34-80-52-52-2600-2600-1024-1024-l-1 34-80-52-52-2600-2600-1024-1024-lNutcracker sheetsNutcracker duvet cover

4. Nutcracker canvas by Ryan at Native Vermont Studio. Elevate your decorating this holiday with this gallery wrapped canvas.
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5. Nutcracker cookies by Heidi. Beautiful sugar cookies made with the finest ingredients.
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6. Paint your own Nutcracker Kit. Create your own nutcracker!

7. Nutcracker Nesting Dolls. A unique spin on nesting dolls.

8. Nutcracker Glass Ornament. This Kurt Adler ornament is a beautiful addition to any tree.
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9. Nutcracker Wreath. Perfect for your holiday door.

10. Nutcracker Pint Glass. Eat, drink, and be merry with these adorable glasses from World Market.

11. Nutcracker Stocking holders. Perfect for your mantle. Click your favorite to purchase.
  

12. Nutcracker Party Supply Bundles. Plates, napkins, tablecloth!

13. Nutcracker Card. 
Nutcracker Holiday Card by Eileen McKenna

14. Nutcracker Candles Holder. Perfect for lighting your holiday meal.

15. Nutcracker Table Runner by Teri. A fun and festive quilted Christmas table runner.
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Note: Items 1-3, and 13 are my own designs. This post contains affiliate links to products/brands I use and recommend. I earn a small commission whenever you buy using these links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Happy Thanksgiving!

| Eileen McKenna {my creative resolution}

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I don’t think I’ve ever painting so much food, as this month. Following along with the World Watercolor Group’s prompts, I’ve painting a 3 course meal, plus dessert!

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Except for fruit and some sweets, food is not something I normally draw and paint. It wouldn’t occur to me to paint a turkey! I’m only painting one this year. I’m not the one responsible for cooking the turkey. I’m making the sweet potatoes and baking pumpkin bread and a dessert.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!