Little Fairy Sisters

Once upon a time, there were two adorable fairy sisters in Shanghai...
...who won the Coco & Co. gift certificate at the Annual Shanghai Mama's Picnic!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE my job?
Not only do I get to paint dreamy art for wee ones all over the world, I often have the privilege of sharing tea parties & show-and-tell times when I go to meet their folks for portfolio meetings. I assure you, these two tiny fairies did not disappoint! After a tour of their royal pink quarters, I was introduced to loads of their treasured toys and was treated to a tea party!
(Lovely spread, Angelina Darling;)
The eldest of the two fairies was even so kind to share a baby book with my growing bump;) How sweet!

To match the decor, we decided on a palette of primarily pink with pops of purple and blue. Each scroll is unique (sisters need to be seen as individuals) but fit together side-by side (..and sisters want to be treated equally!) Their names on the banners are curly, girly font by specific request. These tiny girls have a real flair for style!
Cotton candy diamonds fill the backdrop and satin ribbons are tied at the top to complete the whimsical pieces.

I truly love how kids treat newcomers like old friends;)
Thanks I & A for a smashing time!

Little L (a lotta cute in a little package!)

Little L is about to be a Big Sis!
To commemorate such a cool job, mom has ordered a little something for L's own nest, here in Shanghai. To be honest, her room is already a blast of pink perfection with gorgeous white furniture that gives L's sleep space a crisp, clean edge. So creating this Big Sister Scroll was a piece of cupcake!

In order to compliment the white furnishings, the finial ends and wall brackets tie in with a solid, smooth white finish. The canvas scroll hangs 2.5 feet long by 1.5 feet wide, adorned with a creamy name banner & curly central "L" in fuchsia-coloured font. Each end of the banner is 'bunched' with wildflowers; watermelon & white Stargazer Lilies, alongside tangerine poppies. A dainty fairy with purple petaled dress stands beside the large "L" while turquoise, fuchsia and purple dragonflies swirl around the banner tails. Large white and bubblegum pink diamonds dot the background and finish the piece off with a royal trim.

Sending lots of warm wishes to the Big Sis-to-be as she preps for the family's latest addition!
What a lucky little newborn on the way!

Italy-Bound Safari

Two little cuties living in Shanghai are soon set to return to Italy with their parents. Before their big move back home, they have ordered some personal pieces for their shared bedroom. Mom has chosen a unique colour scheme; lavender, camel, white, cream, chocolate, periwinkle and cinnamon heart red, to flow throughout the three piece set.
Each of the two name canvases measures 12x24" and sports the childrens names in Gigi font, with stripes or polka-dot backgrounds. Chocolate-coloured Coco swings in with an apple to greet the birdie perched on the 's', while a not-so-ferocious lion takes cues from the red birdie for her hair accessories.
The large focal canvas measures 3x4 feet; safari friends include a monkey, giraffe, zebra and several tiny birds atop the tree of crispy white Asian blossoms. Once framed and ready for shipment to Europe, these pieces will offer a whimsical atmosphere for quiet nights and play dates alike.
Wishing the beautiful family a safe journey home & happy trails always!

And Baby Makes FOUR!

Portfolio meetings are one of the perks of my job. It gives me the chance to meet the family, see the nursery-in-progress and basically just be able to witness the amazing time before baby arrives, when there's a lot of love and emotions on overdrive!

I have been especially fortunate when a family invites me to return for baby number two...or three! Then I get to see the family at several stages from bumps to babes and beyond. This is the case with the "C" family of three, about to be four! Months ago they announced that Baby Number Two is on the way and they are ready for a new set of Pottery Barn inspired canvas.

A beautiful choice of baby bedding titled, Cottontail Friends led to this set of five canvases; complete with Daddy Lamb, Mommy Bunny, sibling ducks and chicks. A banner scroll at the top and bottom of the center canvas makes room for baby's name and birthdate information.

The little bundle's grand arrival is expected this month!
Looking very much forward to returning for a delivery visit (in our favourite Canadian town!) and congratulating the growing family of four!

Safari Bebe

Animals are the most popular pick for gender-neutral nurseries. Safari animals have also become a favourite for baby boys rooms specifically.

This name canvas, on it's way to Italy, serves as the perfect personalized birthday gift, guaranteed you will not be getting doubles of. Little Federico will celebrate the big three in style with his new friends; monkey, giraffe and zebra, not to mention some little birdies waiting to share the news of his party.

Wishing him and his family the very best as they mark another milestone; three is such a good number to be!

April Showers bring Spring Babies!

With Spring just around the corner, we can look forward to all the wee ones that will be welcomed into their families, as the flowers bloom and the winds warm up.

There is a mom with a little bump in the USA who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first-born. Without knowing whether they will welcome a baby girl or boy, they have designed a gender-neutral nursery with a Dr. Seuss theme; Seuss-classic reds, greens, blues and yellows in the baby bedding & a three part scroll mural by Coco & Co. Currently the mural is complete, minus the wee ones name, with both outer scrolls slightly shorter than the centerpiece scroll and hand-trimmed with a gentle scallop. All three paintings side-by-side match up to form a hilly background; Kangaroo and Joey (or Joette;) tucked happily in her pouch. A bold white & red kite soaring, further implies the arrival of Springtime. In the far scroll, Seuss-signage points NEAR in the direction of mother and baby, while FAR points away in the distance.

NEWS UPDATE...

IT'S A GIRL!! To welcome baby Elise Joy is proud mom dad and big sister V!

Congrats to the growing family!

Pretty Little Piper

Coco & Co. is very pleased to announce the birth of Sweetie Pie Piper, May 1st, 2009. Despite the distance, we are very lucky to hear about all of her leaps and bounds in the first 6 months of life. This kid gets cuter with every picture and has a personality to match.

Tickled pink, proud Mom and Pops prepared the perfect hues for a little bundle of girl to arrive. Her nursery is a sweet mix of soft pink walls and fresh white furniture. Stretched 'Robins Egg' canvases were painted in a set of 4; one tall giraffe on a focus piece and three smaller canvas for entertaining little peepers. Monkey Dad, Birdie Mom and a little girlie turtle floating on a name bubble amidst garden vines, flowers, mini mushroom and wee pink strawberries.

It is truly a treat to watch one of your bestest friends of all time, blossom into a proud Mama.
Wishing Piper & family a very Merry First Christmas and many more to come.
Love always...xo

A Little Birdie Told Me...

..that our old pals are back in town!

Two years ago, during our first year in Shanghai, we had the pleasure of making dear friends with my British colleague and his sweetheart (of a girlfriend, at the time.) Since then, we have all been married and they have had a beautiful baby girl, Mia who we have only known through photos and phone conversations. Tomorrow is the big day when we will get to meet the little toddler; a visit long overdue!

The Birdie Family is a 16"x 40" canvas scroll complete with fringed edges and ribboned top. It's dark turquoise background lends to the gentle blue, pink and lilac colour scheme, with two-toned greens for the foliage. Wispy branches bend and curl while chubby birds bounce on their tips. Sparkled sequins line their wings; Mama and Baby Bird touch beaks as Daddy Bird looks on from above. "Mia" is written in flowing font to blend in with the branches.

Wishing a healthy, happy 2009 to a very precious little girl!

Almond Blossom Princess

How appropriate that Sweet Pea's last piece before flying off the China is for one of my all-time favourite wee customers...Miss Giuliana Lucia.

Over a year and a half ago, I was introduced to her family and four projects later, I continue trying to convince them to add to their art collection...mostly so I can return for a delivery visit;)
Miss G is Sugar 'n Spice in a tiny little package.

Exclusively designed with her in mind, this 2x3 foot scroll is made to match her bedroom and serves as a keepsake for her to grow with. With a flower blossom theme, it is mature enough to last her for years to come. Charcoal gray branches jut out to display bursts of candy pink almond blossoms with lemon chiffon centers. Two-tone sequins frost the tips of the flowers to mimic sparkling dew drops. Giuliana's first and middle names are painted in Gigi font, with a faint tiara placed gently on the "g".

There is still more to come. Once a wooden dowel rod is secured to the top of the scroll, black finial endings and satin ribbon will be added for hanging. The pink that dominates her room along with the black accents will blend nicely with her new scroll.

Looking forward to seeing the little munchkin and her doll of a baby brother before heading overseas...and hopefully hooking up in the future for more fun projects.

Big Brother D

This set of letter canvases is meant to compliment the mural of little E's big brother, D. Diamond and square shapes alternate with a blue, red and tan coloured pattern. The letters are painted in a two-tone chocolate; dark and cocoa with a solid, masculine font.

Last year when he was waiting for his baby sister to arrive, his mom ordered a hockey canvas for him that now hangs above his bed. These letter canvases, with a colour scheme to match his mural will hang vertically to spell out his name.

Here's to Big Brother D's new room, in his new house where he will make many more great memories with his growing sister.

B is for Baby

Nearly a year ago, I was lucky enough to be part of a chic nursery in-the-making as little E's family prepared for her arrival. With the furniture on order and walls painted a soft sage, I added a creamy white bow with ribbon tails that centered over the crib (that was coming) and onto the connecting walls. This year, when I returned, the nursery was complete right down to the gorgeous details..and most importantly a smiley baby girl!

To keep with the colour palette and feminine accents, this year little E's mom opted for 6 12x12" canvas with alternating shades of cream, pink and sage. Each canvas represents a different letter of baby's name with a flowing ribbon font. Puffy daisies and rounded baby butterflies are scattered around the letters. Maintaining a simple palette (in this case, three colours plus a creamy cocoa for the butterfly bodies), round and graceful images emphasize the delicate nature of the baby girls room.
Stay tuned for glimpses of the chic nursery all complete.

Wishing Baby E and family all the best as they make their move into their new nest;)

Happy Un-birthday Gift

Little N is cute enough to receive an un-birthday gift 364 days a year;) Since her cousin is turning two, months before her it might be fun to celebrate being almost two with a trendy piece of Sweet Pea art.

This mini 6x12" name canvas has the shabby chic allure of today's top designs; silhouettes are back. Silhouettes are adorning greeting cards, pillow cases, aprons, wrapping paper (just check out your local trendy card shop!)...and Sweet Pea canvas, but for a modern twist, they are set on bold and funky colours (hot fuchsia, lime green and here...dark turquoise). A perfect demonstration of how simple sometimes says more.
Mama and baby bird are beak-to-beak at the branches end while curly cues reach out towards them. The toddlers name is written in Gigi font with a fresh lime green; a gorgeous contrast with the blue-green background. Darker hues find their way as gentle shadows around the script and designs, to bring them to the forefront.

Little N's Mama J is the QUEEN of un-birthday gift-giving...so it will be delightful to finally give a little back. (But don't tell them yet...it is our little secret.)
Happy un-birthday, almost two-year old!

Little Monkey on Safari!

Little Stefan will have loads to look at from his crib!
It will feel just like he and his jungle pals are going on Safari.

This giant 2.5 x 5 foot horizontal canvas, with the baby boy's name and birthdate is based on a soft sage background. Chocolate and lime dominate the painting in the palm tree, monkey, giraffe and script while little bursts of colour in the form of chubby birds perch on the numbers & alphabet. Sweet Pea's signature Cheeky Monkey with outstretched arm presents his friends...or waits for a falling banana! Peek-a-boo style Spotty and Stripey tuck around the corner to see what is going on in the wild!

Sending happy trails to baby & family as they depart for a little real-life adventure!
Your new jungle friends will watch over your nursery until your safe return.

Two comes but once a lifetime!

VERY VERY Happy Birthday wishes go out to the best little two-year old in town..Miss Sophia; the Sweet Pea spokesbaby is turning into our spokestoddler!

She doesn't actually hit the big numero dos until next week, but Sweet Pea has prepared for her this wee little canvas set; two 4x4 cotton candy canvas for her big girls room (as she graduates from the nursery where her twin siblings!!! will take over in September.)

These 1 1/2"deep gallery canvas are adorned with sequins, chocolate branches that twist around the edges and pink almond blossoms with lemon chiffon centres. Sounds good enough to eat and almost as sweet as the birthday girl herself.

To this very cuddly, kissbable, hug-worthy little munchkin...may your days bring you all the happiness & laughter that you give to all of us. Lots of love and snuggles....xoxoxo.

Greased Lightning!

"Why this car is automatic...

It's systematic

It's hydromatic"

...It's Lightning McQueen, geared up and ready for the open road.

(This canvas is a 12x12" replica of Pixar's Lightning McQueen from CARS.)

Kiss 'N Tell

A little baby girl is about to be welcomed to a very special nursery.

Two (not including the family pets!) are about to become three in Guelph. They have gone Pottery Barn on the baby bedroom and it is looking fabulous. Currently it boasts gorgeous dark shades of cherry wood, sage green and ruby and now the bedding, custom canvas as well as other choice accents are bringing out the soft palettes of yellow, creamy white, baby blue and tangerine orange.

Animals on Parade baby bedding by the popular Pottery Barn inspired mom and dad-to-be to have custom canvas created to match. Using a slightly lighter shade of green than baby's quilt as a backdrop, elephants, leopards, birds and alligators come to life. Baby elephant and daddy touch trunks, mommy leopard and her little one nuzzle under the sun, Al(ligator) daddy carries around 'cargo' while he gives mommy a clover and tangerine birds are caught kissing on treetops. The centre canvas serves as a focal point, where banners wave in a birds beak, waiting to be adorned with baby's name and birth date.

Now all the room needs is the baby.

All the best to this little family as they await her arrival;)

Springtime in December

Those falling blossoms

all return to the branch

when I watch butterflies

Japanese Haiku

by Moritake (1452-1540)

For those of you who like me, enjoy the snow for Christmas and then wait patiently for Spring to return, I offer a little glimpse of the warmer days to come. Julia's Cherry Blossom, as pictured here, is a tiny 6x12" made-to-order gift for a little sweetie's 12th birthday. Candy pink blossoms and chocolate brown branches, stretch out over the tops of the canvas, adorned with glimmering fuchsia and pearl sequins.

These pieces are popular with parents for birthdays & baby shower gifts especially. Colours can co-ordinate with the child's room and accents reflect the child's interests; butterflies, ballet slippers, ribbons, frogs, fairies, pirates... They range in price starting at $15 and vary in sizes; 6x12" & 12x36" are most frequently requested. Of course, there are more options than simply the child's name as the central focus; perhaps a single word (Baby, Sweet, Prince/Princess..) or small quote from a well-loved poem or song.

Very Happy Birthday wishes go out to Miss Julia in her last year as a tween;)

To all of Sweet Pea's customers, wishing you and your wee ones a very happy, healthy holiday.

Thank you for your continued business and I look forward to the painting challenges ahead!

Good Things Come in Small Packages

...and grow up too fast!

Lovely Little Miss Colleen's parents will have a chance to chart just how quickly their little bean sprouts with their personalized Mr. Men & Little Miss height scroll.

Carefully parent-selected characters have been painted on this primed canvas with fringed bottom. The scroll stretches to slightly over 6 feet tall and boasts a rainbow of silly storybook characters performing a balancing act. Combining colours, shapes, numbers & expressions, this becomes a fantastic early learning tool and keepsake for years to come. To top off the piece? The lovely Little Miss perched on Mr. Funny's top hat with a butterfly landing on her bow. Though I am afraid that Little Miss Tiny simply cannot do this baby justice! Just look at the Sweetie Pea!

Sending best wishes to this friendly family of three as they celebrate baby's first Christmas!

Once Upon a Time...

...in a castle on a hill, lived two little Princess sisters; Keira & Brookie!

These scrolls were designed exclusively for the Savelli sisters of Ancaster; two tiny fairy tots with big eyes and pretty smiles. Inspiration for these scrolls was certainly not a difficult task considering the highest quality of cuteness that resides in their home.

The backgrounds of the girls initial scrolls are painted pink diamonds adorned with sparkly sequins at all of the points. Keira's initial is lavender with pansies and a pixie in a petal dress. Brookies art is pink, white and yellow all over; daisies, roses and a fairy tot sliding down the letter B. Each of their names are written in script on a banner; bunched at the corners with ribbons and flowers. The bottom edges are cut in diamond scallops.
The Castle is the centerpiece scroll with two S banners (Savelli Sisters) hanging outside the drawbridge door. Candy-coloured flags wave in the breeze along with a whirl of butterflies and sparkles. To frame the corner, a patch of daisies and roses lie in the foreground.

These were fun to create and I am sorry that I have to give them away now.
Thanks to the Sweetie Pea Savelli sisters for letting me take part in the decor of their playroom;)

CAUTION: Cuteness in Milton

Last weekend I had the pleasure of painting for a princess; Miss Chloe. Between her and her two-year old sister, I was well-entertained at work! With a girlie room to die for, I created a little cartoon version of this blonde beauty near her window seat, right onto the wall. Included was her Webkins cat, who happens to be named Sarah, some butterflies, a ladybug, flowers and the ever-famous flowing ribbon; a popular choice this year in girls rooms and nurseries.
On the front of the window seat box, the script reads "..in a world where you can be anything, be yourself."
A big thanks to Chloe for letting me hang out in her room for two days and to a nice family for an enjoyable weekend at work!