Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Season's Greetings


Merry Christmas to 
All Our Family and
Friends, far and near,
Each of Whom to Us 
is very, very dear;
May Good Old St. Nick,
Your cherished wishes hear,
And May You All be 
Blessed with Holiday Cheer!
Love to all,
The Humming Belles and One Humming Beau...


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

New Christmas Outfits!

The Christmas Season is surely upon us ... only 11 more days until Christmas Eve lights will brighten the nite and our spirits as well!  The Humming Belles and Beau are extremely excited to participate in their first ever Christmas Holiday!  This week they realized they had no special outfits or Christmas decorations!

So, today we all sat down and began to design something special just for Christmas!  After much consulting we finally agreed the following outfits and props are just what is needed!

And Set #27 for our Humming Belles!
If you order a Humming Belles or Beau Paper Doll Starter Kit during the month 
of December, a Christmas Outfit set will be included with each set!

Merry Christmas!
Karen Anne

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

And the Winner of the first ever "Humming Belles" Giveaway is .....

I want to thank all of you who entered in this first ever "Humming Belles" Giveaway Drawing for your enthusiastic responses and participation!  Thank you also to the many who let their blog followers know of this contest by posting a sidebar or mentioning it in a post on their blogs,  I truly appreciate your support.

We ended up with a total of 20 entries, as each entry came in I listed your names in numerical order; ergo, each entry was assigned a number.  The following are the list of entries....
  1.  MagicLoveCrow
  2.  Jane S.
  3.  Cheydrea
  4.  GeckoStone
  5.  Drew of FairyTaleFibers
  6.  Deborah
  7.  GotHartGirl
  8.  Teri
  9.  SunshineShelle
10.  Vivienne
11.  Linda in NM
12.  CraftyMoose
13.  Ann
14.  Mina
15.  MistyBoston
16.  NewEndStudios
17.  DebbieS
18.  Michelle
19.  Margie
20.  Linda


Today I placed the corresponding numbers into a bag, shook it virorously, and had my husband reach into the bag for the winner .... the number he pulled out was the"Number 5" which had been assigned to "Drew of FairyTaleFibers"!


CONGRATULATIONS DREW!  I will contact you for your address shortly. 


May you always have
Love to share,
Health to spare,
And friends who care.....


Karen Anne


Friday, October 21, 2011

New Boy in the neighborhood and a Give Away!

The "Humming Belles" have a new kid in the neighborhood, and this new addition has the "Humming Belles" all aflutter and giddy with delight!  It is "Paper Doll G" and he is a handsome young boy!

In honor of his arrival the "Humming Belles" got together and decided it is about time they sponsor a "Give Away" of a complete "Paper Doll Starter Kit"  of the winner's choice to some lucky person!  All you need do to enter is to post a comment, stating you want to be included in the "Give Away" drawing, on this "Humming Belles" blog posting.  It's as easy as that!  You can begin entering today and a lucky winner will be chosen on November 15th, 2011.

In the meantime, we'd like to introduce "Paper Doll G" and some of the outfits that have been designed for this newest "Humming Belles" member.............

 
We just may need to change the name from "Humming Belles" 
to "Humming Belles and Beaus".     What do you think?

Don't forget to enter a comment for a chance to win!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

New illustrations and fairy paper doll outfits fit for a Monarch (Butterfly)!

I recently finished a couple illustrations of a Monarch Butterfly for a special acquaintance and the "Humming Belles", of course, were on hand to lend their guidance, council and support.  When the drawings were completed the little darlings loved them so much they beseeched me to create an illustration, that could also be used as a coloring page, as well as Monarch Butterfly fairy wings and matching outfit for them to wear!

Well, looking into those sparkling little eyes and sweet smiles ... how could I deny them!  Now they have asked me to post them on the "Humming Belles" blog and share them with all of their friends.  So here we go .......

This first illustration  and coloring page are titled "Monach Butterfly Fairy II"


The second Illustration  and coloring page are titled "Monarch Butterfly Fairy III"



And finally we have the Monarch Butterfly Fairy Wings and Outfit  that are ready to be colored, cut out, and worn by the "Humming Belles"!
The little sweethearts just love these latest illustrations but they are especially delighted with their new set of fairy wings and matching outfit and tiara!

What you think of these latest additions?  
The "Humming Belles" would love to hear from you!

Take care and be happy!

Friday, September 23, 2011

Camping Adventures with the "Humming Belles"!

The weather has been wonderful these past several weeks in the great Pacific Northwest, we have finally been blessed with summer!  Since late August we have gotten in some good camping times starting off with White River, then  to Trask River, onto Kilchis River, and ending up at Whalen Island.

On our latest excursion to Kilchis River the "Humming Belles" asked if they could tag along on our adventure.  Of course we were delighted to have their charming company and they happily made themselves all comfy in our mini-motorhome and off we all went!

When we finally arrived at our destination the little darlings took off and began exploring and found some delightful spots just perfect for having some fairy fun!

This was a magical little spot they found where two trees roots were intertwined forming a delightful area for the wee ones to climb over, under and discover wonderful hiding niches!

This was an area they chanced upon that was like a miniature forest, made just for the spirits of fun seeking little fairies.

After a day of exploring and new adventures the "Humming Belles" came trooping out of their newly found "Fairy World Forest" filled with tales of new discoveries and hidden little treasures.

Several of them wanted to help me set up my portable art studio and help me along with my latest illustration.  We had caught three cute little crawdads earlier in the day and they thought I should capture them in a drawing before returning them to their river home.

So here we are, starting a new drawing and wondering how it will progress.

We've gotten off to a nice beginning.  We have our images drawn, shaded in just a bit with colored pencils and beginning to add details.  We all agreed that zentangle inspired designs would work well in this illustration.

They drawing is beginning to take shape, the crawdads are completed and the background design and border are needing to be added.

  Here we are about half way finished with the background and border designs; we are pleased with the direction this piece has taken and are looking forward to it completion.

Finally!  The completed illustration!  We like it!
We titled this piece "Kilchis Krawdads"

We all had loads of fun on this expedition and hope you liked our sharing this time with all of you.

Happy day!
Karen Anne and the "Humming Belles"

Saturday, September 3, 2011

25% Discount offered in both Etsy Shops!

I'm currently offering a new 25% discount on your entire purchase (doesn't apply to shipping and handling) in both of my Etsy Shops, just use the code SALE4U in the coupon box of your order form when checking out.....
IrelandBrady Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/IrelandBrady?ref=si_shop
HummingBelles Etsy Shop:
www.etsy.com/shop/HummingBelles?ref=si_shop

Happy Day!
Karen Anne

Friday, August 12, 2011

Undersea Coloring Panel Number Three

Hi!  I just finished the third panel in the Undersea series of coloring pages.  This one is complete with jellyfish, a sea turtle, a sunken ship, a lobster, relics and a sunken treasure chest.  Next I will color in the original drawing and share that with you later.  In the meantime, I hope you enjoy panel number three .....


Hope you are all having a good day!
Karen Anne

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

"Roses For Norway" Movement

I recently learned of the world wide "Roses For Norway" movement and was very touched by this article I read, http://flowersbyterica.blogspot.com/2011/08/92-of-my-reasons-i-blog4peace-roses-for.html.

As a result, I am sending over three original rose illustrations as my contribution to the bouquet of "Roses For Norway".




"Roses For Norway", in my heart and in my prayers.
You are invited to participate.


Karen Anne


Sunday, August 7, 2011

The "Humming Belles" Had A Magical Day!

Hi Everbody!

Wow!  The "Humming Belles" had an wonderful day at the August 6th "Hip Happening" Arts and Crafts Show!

I awoke Saturday morning with a sense of foreboding and did not feel at all like setting up our displays for the day, I wasn't sure it was worth the effort.  A feeling of gloom seemed to foreshadow the day but, never one to give up, I made sure "Danny Boy" was all set up with treat balls hidden for him to find throughout his day and off we set with the "Humming Belles".

We arrived at the hall and set up our tables and arranged our displays, one table for the "Ireland Brady Etsy Shop" and one for the "Humming Belles" Etsy Shop.  We had the background pictures framed and stood the little belles in front of their scenes complete with matching outfits and props.  A gentle breeze blew through the hall and their little wings fluttered and they looked like they were ready to take flight in happy delight!

We had settled back in our chairs as customers began strolling in, seeking out new discoveries and one of a kind treasures.  Forty-five vendors were scattered throughout the inside of the hall and outside along the front and down the side.  Beautiful creations and ideas over flowed the tables welcoming patrons to come and explore.

We noticed in unison that something a bit unusual was occurring; as people walked into the hall and looked around, to get their bearings before beginning their explorations, many would stop in mid hall, look over at the "Humming Belles" and slowly walk over as if magically drawn to the little fairies on the tabletop with their gently fluttering wings.  We sat back and watched as they slowly scanned over the display and would finally look up and begin asking questions with sweet smiles of  past remembrances shinning on their faces.

Some would relate tales of their first paper dolls, others would share stories of family members and friends who loved paper dolls, many just marveled at how our little "Humming Belles" were beyond what one expects.   The "Humming Belles" were in their glory  and had a hard time trying to just sit still and smile.  Inside they were bubbling with excitement, people loved them!  They were giddy with delight!

People were pleased with the concept of being able to choose their own favorite scenes, outfits, and wings; plus the fact that this is a collection that will be ongoing and ongrowing.  They favored being able to color the pages, completing what I had started, and thereby making each set of wings, each outfit, and each scene personalized.

We listened as people spoke up and let us know what they felt we should also have to offer.  Many were disappointed that we did not have illustrated short stories about "Humming Belles" adventures for each doll; BUT the biggest item we are missing are Boy Fairies!  Well, this is an ever growing collection so I guess over the next few months you'll be finding stories and boy fairies joining in on the fun!  We may just have to change the name to the "Humming Belles and Beaus", what do you think?!

As the day grew to an end, we realized it had been a wonderfully magical day and the gloom of the morning had been sent fleeing by the sunshine of loving acceptance and charming new friends!  Eight "Humming Belles" and many coloring pages of scenes, wings and outfits have been taken to new homes were they will share their lives and adventures with new families and friends!  One "Humming Belles" Starter Kit will even be flying overseas to a young girl in Croatia!  Imagine that!

The "Humming Belles" have taken flight!


PS   I had meant to bring along my camera to take pictures of the displays and the many new friends we met yesterday but it sat, fully charged, on the seat of the old oak hall stand next to our front door.  Other than that, it was indeed a grand day!


May you always have
Love to Share,
Health to Spare,
And Friends who Care!

Karen Anne aka IrelandBrady aka HummingBelles
MY FIRST ETSY SHOP:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/IrelandBrady?ref=si_shop
MY SECOND ETSY SHOP:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HummingBelles?ref=si_shop
MY BLOG  - "IrelandBrady - Musings To Ponder":
http://irelandbrady.blogspot.com/
My "Humming Belles" Blog:
http://hummingbelles.blogspot.com/





Tuesday, August 2, 2011

The "Humming Belles" will be presented to Portland Society!

Hi!  This coming Saturday the "Humming Belles" will be attending their first Art & Craft Event and they wanted to be sure to invite you to come on over if you are in the area!  So consider this your personal invitation!

This is a big Sellwood/Westmoreland Passport Day Neighborhood Event in Portland, Oregon, that they are delighted to be able to participate in this year! 




If you can make it, we'd love to see you!  Our tables will be located at the "Hip Happening" inside the Masonic Hall .... plus the Mason's are putting on one terrific BBQ that is super yummy!

Happy Day!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Whoo Hoo! The "Humming Belles" had their first sale!

We are delighted to say we had our first sale of 10 "Humming Belles" ACEO's today!  The "Humming Belles" are overjoyed and elated!  The "Ice" has been broken and they look very forward to more wonderful visitors and patrons to their Etsy Shop. 

On August 6th the "Humming Belles" are going to be introduced to Portland, Oregon society at their very first "Hip Happening" event in the Sellwood/East Moreland neighborhood "Passport Day"; a day where the neighborhoods open their shops with all kinds of specials and discounts galore!  A wonderful array of delights, treats, activities, music, wonderful food await those who join in.  The "Humming Belles" are are primping and preening so as to look their very best when they meet many new friends and, hopefully, find new homes and families to look after them. 

Once we receive the e-flyer from "Hip Happening" we will be sure and post it so that, if you are in the area, you can come by and meet the "Humming Belles" in person!  They would dearly love to meet you....

Thursday, July 14, 2011

"Humming Belles" Starter Kits - a $15.80 value for only $9.98!

The "Humming Belles" have asked me to show you what you will be receiving in your "Humming Belles" starter kit (with your choice of doll) so here we go!

1. A hand cut laminated "Humming Belles" Doll with complimentary set of dragonfly style wings in the Humming Belles trademark color of golden rod yellow. 
Featured in this example is doll "F"....

2.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a regular girl at the beach, set #9.
 3.  One scene coloring page, "A Day At The Beach".
4.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a fairy, set #14.
5.  One coloring page with a set of fancy fairy wings, wings #1.
6.  One scene coloring page, "Fairy Garden Fairy Home".
7.  One coloring page with an outfit and props for a mermaid, set #15.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77017867/humming-belles-mermaid-fairy-paper-doll


 8.  One undersea coloring page, #1 with sunken fairy castle.

9.  One hand cut laminated paper doll mannequin with mannequin use instructions plus a blank sheet of paper for designing your first outfits.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/77022994/humming-belles-fairy-paper-doll
10. One customized "Humming Belles" storage folder.
(cover only shown here)

The "Humming Belles" wish you the happiest of days!


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

New! Undersea Illustrations and Coloring Pages

The "Humming Belles" wanted an undersea scene added to their portfolio and requested I create a two part set to give them more space to play in.  In the first scene, a sunken fairy castle, a clown fish and a sea horse are featured; in the second scene we find an octopus, an angel fish, star fish, mussels and much more!  These illustrations are listed in the "Humming Belles" Etsy Shop in full color, as pages to be colored by you, and finally as full color ACEO/Trading cards.