Good Old Canadian Hockey Lovers

Nothing says Canadian like true blue hockey lovers (true blue RCMP hockey lovers!). Undoubtedly, hockey is my most requested theme from the North. When it comes to nurseries, dads usually let moms take the lead. However, when hockey becomes an option, they know exactly what they want! Often dads are thinking way beyond the nursery (or at least want two on order; one for juniors room & one for the ‘study’!)

Though I have seen my share of Maple Leaf fans, this particular fan roots for our country’s capital. The back view of this Ottawa Senator’s jersey is complete with fan’s name and favourite number, draped as if to hang on his own ‘locker room’ hook.

Though children’s illustration is my all-time passion, it’s always a good idea to keep the hockey fans happy;)

Coming soon to the True North.

Ponikarovsky!

Alexei Ponikarovsky requires one, extra wide jersey;)

This canvas takes the cake for the longest names yet on Sweet Pea jersey sets. However this true, blue Canadian Leafs fan knows who he likes...and as it turns out it is two players who both began with Dynamo Moscow. Ponikarovsky is a Ukraine-born Maple Leaf player with a very long last name; 12 letters actually. Alexander Ovechkin (Alexander Mikhaylovich Ovechkin) from the Washington Capitals dons the 2.5x5 foot canvas as well.
I would be in big trouble if jerseys required any more than last names!

Lucky Number Thirteen

Thirteen is not an unlucky number this time around. Lucky #4 is turning lucky #13 this Sunday and what a surprise it will be.

This 5x2.5 foot canvas was designed especially with the birthday man in mind, right down to the details of his very own hockey stick, gloves and helmet. Not to mention the fact that he gets to share the locker room with two of his biggest sports idols; Sid the Kid and the NJ Devils goalie, Martin Brodeur. What hockey fan, young or old wouldn't love to be thirteen?

Primary colours; red, blue and hints of yellow are set on a neutral background to help to lend to the timelessness of this piece.

Wishing a lifetime of dreams-come-true and the happiest of birthdays to the newest member of the NHL locker room.

Thirteen is as lucky as you make it.

Mini Fan ROCKS

Let me introduce you to a mini Oilers/Cowboys fan. He doesn't know it yet, but these are his all-time favourite NHL/NFL teams. As you'll notice, he has already started the art of the one-handed wave!
A year ago (this month actually) I was up at his 'crib' painting the helmet and hockey puck you see flying overhead. Above his closet, another swirl of Cowboys stars and Oilers jargon, "YOU'RE IN OIL COUNTRY."
To start this year, and serve as the main attraction for his sports-themed room, his parents (who happen to also be fans of these teams;) have requested this double jersey canvas. They have included their lucky numbers and name of their favourite little fan, making this a keepsake for years to come.
Though I predict a strong wave of jersey-themed rooms, based on the number of requests that pour in, it is always nice to see that every family caters their custom work on the individual canvas' and in this case, by complimenting wall accents to make the room complete.
I also predict that this little guy will be a heart-breaker by the age of two;)
The kid ROCKS!

Chocolate Pirate

With the countdown to Christmas speeding up, Sweet Pea is on the homestretch to completing the last of the pre-holiday orders.

This has definitely been a hockey jersey year with a hearty handful of families requesting this specific theme and several already booked for 2008.
Creating chic spaces for boys has been a learning experience for me, as I am used to preparing petit boudoirs for princesses. So it is nice to add these sports jersey canvas' to my portfolio. Despite their growing popularity, each piece is a one-of-a-kind creation that caters to the wee one it is designed for.

The canvas pictured is a 30x40" and fits two jerseys nicely, complete with shelf and quote from Guy Lafleur, "Play every game like it's your last."
The shelf is made to match the colour of the childs furniture, as best as possible and the neutral background in tan lends nicely to any wall colour. By keeping the background neutral, the canvas will grow with the child even if their room matures in colour and styles over the years.

As I understand, this piece will be revealed to its new mini owner on the big 2-5 next week. Fortunately, during my home consultation with his M & D, he was too busy counting down with several chocolate advent calendars to notice what this painter lady had come over for;)

Previously, I mentioned my wee customer that likes to don his Superhero cape when I come over, but this little guy turned out to be a chocolate (advent calendar)-eating Pirate, all decked out in his swashbuckling gear! My job is just that much better when I get to meet the wee ones; little Superheroes & Swashbucklers always remind me what dreams are made of.

This One's For the Boys

...or the girls.

The most requested mural this year has been hockey jerseys. From dads-to-be to hockey moms, everyone has a favourite team and player that they want customized to canvas or walls.

It all started when the V family of Hamilton asked me to paint four child-sized jerseys hanging from a wooden shelf in their son's room. He is an avid hockey player and they catered the mural so it was personal for him; favourite players and teams, his own hockey stick and skates painted in the corner, his gloves hanging from a small painted shelf in the opposite corner and over his bed, four jerseys including one with his name, helmet and his goggles resting on top. Since, I have had many customers request similar murals or canvas. Some other samples can be seen on the website http://www.sweetpeamurals.com/ which features the main portion of the V families order; the original jersey mural by Sweet Pea (see the "Testimonials" page).

There are several reasons why I think this has become so popular. The obvious; Canadians like their ice wrestling. Number two; it is a theme that lasts and grows well from childhood to the teenage years and lastly it is a classy way of bringing sports paraphenilia into the decor of the home. Many an adult hockey fan has easily convinced his wife that his recreation room could use a painted jersey or two... maybe a vintage locker...a logo...pair of stinky gym socks.

Pictured above is this weeks canvas order, requested by a first-time mom-to-be for dad-to-be's Christmas gift. I would reveal the other half of the 30x40" canvas, but it shows baby's name on the back of the jersey...and some things need to be a surprise.