Tracy Bull from Happy Owl Glassworks, also a new decor8 sponsor as of today (welcome, Tracy!), has some new prints up on her site that I really like, especially the owl shown below. It's almost like he sat for this portrait, but like most owls, was a bit ticked to be bothered with the whole art thing. His expression reads slightly annoyed, which I think is quite cute because it reminds me of little boys when they're asked to sit still for their school photo. The girls don't mind being photographed one bit, but the boys hate every moment of it. I'm also very fond of the colors, lots of blue with touches of yellow, perfect for the Spring season.

Tracy has also prepared a collection of watercolor illustrations on various woods, all available at Paper Boat Boutique. You can contact them via email at paperboatboutique{at}gmail{dot}com if you see a piece on the Happy Owl website that you're interested in. Here are a few below.

Quick story: I gave a Happy Owl classic badge to my favorite Starbucks barista a few weeks ago and she loved it. She always spotted the one I wear on my winter coat and kept telling me how much she liked it, so I gave her one I had at home that I was saving for my Spring coat. I can't even begin to tell you how happy she was when she unwrapped the little package. Have you badged your favorite cashier or barista lately? These make the best gifts and they're only $7! It's such a nice gesture to give pretty little things to those you see on a regular basis - maybe the girl who makes your coffee or that great bookstore cashier that is always happy to see you. In today's world, these personal touches make life more meaningful, don't you think?

Thanks Tracy for your work, the heart and soul you put into it, and how much happiness it brings to those that appreciate the natural world around them.

(images from happy owl glassworks)