​Let’s chat about aprons – not just any aprons, but the kind that save your outfit when you’re bravely facing the splatters of homemade spaghetti sauce, or when you're knee-deep in glitter on your latest crafting adventure. They're the unsung heroes of the kitchen, and if you use them professionally, have probably saved your wardrobe more times than you can count. And the best part? They come with a personal flair, created out in designs that scream 'you'!

​An apron in your home coffee bar protects your outfit from spills & stray coffee grinds, plus as a bonus, gives a pro barista vibe. One that matches your hobby or style gives is a great way to round out your personal home café. But lets not forget the arts and crafts - I spent many days working with charcoal as a student, and I can safely say that the charcoal did not stay on the page! An apron could have definitely benefited me, and a cute patterned one would have been even better.

​So, whether you’re the master of macarons or a wizard with a glue gun, an apron is your trusty sidekick. And when it comes to gifting, nothing says, “I get you” like a piece of fabric that’s got your back. Let’s bring the humble apron into the limelight, one splash, spill, and splatter at a time. And hey, if you’re getting crafty with one of my designs, don’t forget to show it off! Snap a pic and tag me @tanya_draws – I’m here for all your stylishly shielded shenanigans!

What’s your apron story? Are you a fan of the classic pinstripe or are you all about bold prints? Let me know in the comments below!

Exciting Updates and Fresh Creations in My Art Shops!
Hello, art lovers and dear customers! It's that time again when I get to share all the exciting developments happening in my creative world. It's been a while since I have updated this blog, but I've been busy behind the scenes, making sure your shopping experience is even more delightful. This year has had its unique set of challenges so far, but with it comes a few upgrades to the platforms I sell my art on - some of which you may have noticed already! So, let's dive right into the updates and new additions to my art shops.

1. Zazzle Shop: A Fresh Look and New Designs
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm giving my Zazzle shop a makeover. I've been hard at work making back-end improvements to enhance your shopping experience. Zazzle has a new tool that I've been pretty excited about, where we can add our own product images and mockups. These are fantastic because it allows me to share a more detailed image showcasing what the product looks like in real life. Rather than just seeing a flat picture on a white background, you'll see what a duvet cover looks like laid out on a bed, what the body pillow looks like in true size on a couch, what to expect from a custom designed mug... and so much more. I've been going through my new and best selling products, so you'll start to see my own product photos appearing throughout my product collections.

​I'm also giving my shop a little bit of a navigation overhaul! I've been working on making sure that every pattern and design in my shop has its own design collection. You are able to easily shop by design - making it even better to explore and purchase your favourite products and designs. As ever, all of my products are customizable, and if my design is not available on a certain product you want, I have made it possible for you to transfer my design to any product of your choice. Other than collections, my categories need a bit of work - I'll be sorting out my thousands of products and this side of the navigation will be more clearly usable soon too! :)

But that's not all; I'm also adding brand-new designs to the mix. Keep an eye out for fresh creations, as well as some classic designs making a comeback. Zazzle has always been the biggest time investment out of all of my shops, but this is only because of the unique way we can design our products to have custom elements. I'm a bit backlogged with older designs because of it - but I want to take my time designing these so that they look beautiful on Zazzle. If you would like to stay up to date on my newest creations, check out my Pinterest account, where I post my new products daily.

2. TeePublic Debut: Discover My Designs
In addition to Zazzle, I'm excited to share that I've expanded my presence to TeePublic! Now, you can find a selection of my designs over there. TeePublic offers a diverse range of products, so be sure to explore and see what's available. As an artist running a print on demand business on 3rd party platforms, it's always been important for me to diversify. I don't have control over the products that these websites choose to sell or discontinue, but if I'm listing at a bunch of places, you're sure to find my design on what you're looking for. :) 

View my TeePublic Storefront here. ​

3. Pinterest Page Revamp: Let's Connect!
The world of Pinterest is a treasure trove of inspiration and creativity, and I've recently relaunched my Pinterest page. I invite you to follow me on Pinterest, where you can find a curated collection of my work, design inspiration, and more. As I sell on multiple platforms, I wanted a place where I can showcase my unique range of custom products all in one spot. I've sorted my Pinterest by my most product categories, so you can shop my products across all stores! I'll be sharing my newest created products here first, whenever I create them. So if you want to see what I'm creating as I create it, this is the place to be!

Follow my Pinterest to see the latest & greatest! ​

4. New Designs Galore: Winter-Themed Dobermans and Woodland Owls Pattern
I've been busy crafting new designs that will soon be available in all my shops. This season, I've added two new designs. First, I've conjured up a winter wonderland featuring elegant Dobermans wearing adorable winter scarves. Who doesn't love a dog in an outfit? :) It's the perfect way to embrace the season's chill with style. Additionally, I've recreated one of my classic illustrations in a warm and inviting brown woodland owl pattern. These designs will be the perfect addition to your collection.

I can't express how much I appreciate your support and enthusiasm for my art. Your feedback and love for my creations inspire me to keep pushing my artistic boundaries. I hope these updates bring a smile to your face and spark your creative spirit.
Thank you for being a part of my artistic journey. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and as always, your feedback and comments are greatly valued.
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Wishing you a world of creativity and inspiration,
Tanya Draws

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QR code business cards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a number of benefits over traditional business cards, while still maintaining a lot of the look and feel of a traditional business card. With all this in mind, I've designed a new QR code business card template for customers to personalize at Zazzle.

But what is a QR code business card? Simply put, it's a business card that includes a QR code, which is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or tablet. The QR code can contain information related to your business or profession, like a link to your website, LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or even a video. 
So why should you consider using a QR code business card?

Here are a few benefits:

1. They're more convenient for the recipient.
​Traditional paper business cards can be easy to lose or misplace. With a QR code business card, the recipient can simply scan the code and save your contact information directly to their phone's address book. This eliminates the need for them to manually enter your information, which can be time-consuming and error-prone.

2. They offer more space for information.
Traditional paper business cards have limited space, which means you have to be selective about the information you include. With a QR code business card, you can include much more information without worrying about running out of space. This could include a brief bio, links to your social media profiles, or even a video introducing yourself or your business.

3. They're more engaging.
A QR code business card can be a conversation starter. When someone scans the code, they'll be taken to a landing page that could include a video, a portfolio of your work, or other interactive content. This can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression on potential clients or partners.

4. They're more versatile.
QR codes can be used in a variety of ways beyond business cards. You could include them on your website, in your email signature, or even on promotional materials like flyers or posters. This means you can use the same code to provide contact information, direct people to your website, or share other types of content.

If you're looking for a modern and effective way to share your contact information and promote your business, a QR code business card is definitely worth considering. Paired with an eye catching design, your business card is sure to catch the attention of potential clients! 

Creating Your QR Code Business Card

​My pre-designed business card design templates are easy to personalize, and you can even remove or change the elements if you want more of a personalized look.
First, choose the design for your cards. With over 70 designs to choose from, you're sure to find one that suits your businesses unique style. I've showcased a few of my QR code designs below!

The other thing you should consider is the size of your business card. The majority of my cards are designed on the standard 3.5" x 2" by default, but you have a few other card size options to choose from. If you choose a larger size than standard, you can move around all of the elements on my layout to make it your own. 

Next, personalize the card! In the "Personalize this template" section, you'll be able to add your name, profession, social handles, contact info, and a URL to create your QR code. Try to pick a link for your QR code that provides extra information relating to your business - a link to an intro video, store location page, or about me page on your website are all good options!

Once you are satisfied with how your business information looks on the card, you can choose the paper type & corner type of your cards. On Zazzle, you have the option of choosing rounded or classic corners. 
There are also 12 different paper types you can choose for your card, including standard matte, semi-gloss, UV gloss, cream, premium silk, premium linen, premium pearl, premium Kraft and more!​

When you're ready to check out, be sure to check the offers page on zazzle! They often run sales on their product, so your purchase may be eligible for a coupon or additional discount. 

What is the most creative way you've used a QR code? Are you currently using one on your business cards, or looking to switch to using one? Let me know in the comments below.

​Gifting family recipes is a unique and meaningful way to share a piece of family history with your loved ones. These recipes have been passed down through generations, and by sharing them with your family members, you are preserving your family's culinary traditions and creating new memories. In this blog post, we'll explore why gifting family recipes is a special idea and provide some tips for doing so.

Why gift family recipes?

They connect us to our past: Family recipes are often tied to memories of special occasions, holidays, and family gatherings. By sharing these recipes, we can connect with our past and keep our family traditions alive.

They create new memories: When we share family recipes with our loved ones, we create new memories and experiences that can be cherished for years to come. Cooking together, sharing stories, and enjoying a meal are all ways to strengthen family bonds and create new traditions.

They can be personalized: Family recipes can be personalized and adapted to suit individual tastes and dietary restrictions. By sharing these recipes, we can inspire our loved ones to get creative in the kitchen and put their own spin on traditional dishes.

They are a thoughtful gift: Gifting family recipes shows that you have put thought and care into the gift. It's a personal and heartfelt gesture that can be appreciated by all.

Tips for gifting family recipes

Organize the recipes: Before gifting family recipes, it's a good idea to organize them into a format that is easy to read and follow. This could include typing them up in a Word document or creating a scrapbook with handwritten recipes and family photos.

Include a personal note: Along with the recipes, include a personal note explaining the significance of the recipes and why you chose to share them. This will add a personal touch and make the gift even more meaningful.

Add context: When sharing family recipes, it can be helpful to provide some context and background information. This could include stories about the family members who created the recipes, or how the recipes were traditionally prepared and enjoyed.

Consider the recipient's interests: When selecting which recipes to share, consider the recipient's interests and tastes. If they are vegetarian or have dietary restrictions, consider sharing recipes that align with their preferences.

Encourage experimentation: When gifting family recipes, encourage your loved ones to experiment and put their own spin on the dishes. Share tips for adapting the recipes and encourage them to make the recipes their own.

Gifting family recipes is a wonderful way to share a piece of family history and create new memories with your loved ones. By organizing the recipes, adding personal touches, and encouraging experimentation, you can create a meaningful and memorable gift that will be cherished for years to come.

Creating your Recipe Book

When I saw these notebooks from Zazzle I immediately thought they would make beautiful recipe books. I could imagine them being filled out with some delicious family recipes, and shared with loved ones and friends! With the extra pages, the recipient can add in their own favourite family recipes, which can then be passed down to future generations. With this in mind, I begun designing, and have been adding my patterns to them for years.
These books can be customized by you to be the perfect personalized gift. You can change the name on the front and the colours. On the inside, you can choose the paper format of choice, whether you want lines for writing in your recipe, half lines for adding in your own family photos, or grid or blank if you're doing a collage format. Whatever you choose, this is sure to be a gift that will be enjoyed at future get togethers and family dinners to come! 

Check out some of my available patterned recipe books. Don't see the pattern you want? Let me know and I will add it for you. 

Have you ever received a family recipe as a gift, or do you have a cherished family recipe that everyone always asks for? Let me know what you think of gifting recipes in the comments below! ​

​Ties are a classic accessory that can add a touch of style and sophistication to any outfit. But who says they have to be boring? Whether you're looking to spruce up your office outfit, or you're a teacher or professor looking to bring a bit of fun to the classroom, or just want to stand out and express your personality, fun ties can be a great way to do it. Here are some tips on how to wear and style fun ties.

Start with a simple outfit
When wearing a fun tie, it's best to keep the rest of your outfit simple. This will allow the tie to be the focal point and prevent your look from becoming too busy. A plain shirt and suit or blazer are ideal for pairing with a fun tie.

Choose a tie that reflects your personality
The great thing about fun ties is that there's no shortage of options. Whether you're into sports, music, animals, or anything else, there's a tie out there for you. Look for ties that reflect your interests and personality. This will make it more enjoyable to wear and help you feel confident.
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Coordinate with your outfit
While it's important to keep the rest of your outfit simple, you also want to make sure your tie coordinates with the colors and patterns you're wearing. If you're wearing a patterned shirt or suit, choose a tie with a complementary color. If you're wearing a solid-colored outfit, you can be more adventurous with your tie and choose one with a bold pattern or bright color.

Experiment with different knots
The knot you choose can also make a difference in the overall look of your tie. The classic Windsor knot is a popular choice, but there are many other knots to try, such as the four-in-hand or the half-Windsor. Experiment with different knots to see which one looks best with your tie and outfit.

Wear it with confidence
The most important thing when wearing a fun tie is to wear it with confidence. If you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, it will show in your body language. Embrace your unique style and wear your tie with pride.

Fun ties have been a best seller in my shop for a reason! They're the perfect way to add personality and style to your outfit. Remember to keep your outfit simple, choose a tie that reflects your personality, coordinate with your outfit, experiment with different knots, and wear it with confidence. With these tips in mind, you're sure to rock any fun tie you choose. 
Check out my fun tie collection below! Ties are available in most of my patterns at Zazzle, and I'm always adding new ones. Many of my ties have the option to choose your own color too, so if you're looking for a blue cat tie to match your outfit, it can be a possibility!

Choosing your Fun Tie: Unique & Quirky Patterns

At the end of 2020 I decided to gift myself with a new laptop sleeve from my RedBubble shop! I like to order designs from my shop so I can showcase what my designs look like in print, and also test the quality of the items I'm selling for myself. Since my bad cats pattern became so popular in 2020, I decided this would be a good pattern to go with! This is not the first time I have ordered from RedBubble and not the first laptop sleeve - I ordered my first one back when I started my shops in 2015. I had been using that one for the past 5 years, and decided it was time for a change of design. So this isn't just a new laptop sleeve review, it's also a "check in" to show you how my old laptop sleeve has held up over the years!

A bit of background image on RedBubble laptop sleeves! First, they are available in 3 standard sizes for MacBooks (or any kind of laptop that is around the same size of a MacBook - they have a sizing chart on the product page so you can check!) - MacBook 12", MacBook Air / Pro / Retina 13", and MacBook Pro / Retina 15". I purchased the 15" size. The sleeve is made of polyester, with foam padding on the inside to protect your laptop from scratches and minor impacts. The inside of the sleeve is super plush and soft too. The sleeve closes fully with a black zipper, and features high quality print on the front, and a black panel on the back. The outer stitching and sides is all black, and the plush padding on the inside is black too. 

I mentioned that I had purchased a laptop sleeve from RedBubble in 2015 too. You might be wondering - how did it hold up over time? How does it compare to the new 2020 one? I can tell you that over time my original sleeve has held up beautifully. The quality of my original sleeve matches the quality of the new one, so if you purchased one a while back and are unsure if a new one would be similar, rest assured that the quality has remained consistent over the years. I've brought it back and forth to work, with me on trips, and generally used it in the house to protect my laptop from any kinds of accidents. The print has not faded and remains crisp and vibrant through all this. The padding has slightly become more compressed over the years, and my new sleeve has much more of a cushion than my old sleeve. There are a couple of catches in the top design from cat claws, but other than that, no major rips or anything (my cat loves this sleeve lol). If it hadn't been for a want of a design change, I would go on using my original 2015 sleeve for many years to come!

The main draw of these laptop sleeves is being able to print completely unique designs on them. And the printing is top notch - despite being printed on fabric, the design is crisp and has minimal bleed. This means the smaller details that I added to my artwork are still visible in the printed product. My 2020 purchase features a simple black and white artwork, which printed as expected (the blacks were black thank goodness! :P ). My original 2015 laptop sleeve featured all the bright peacock blue tones that were in my original artwork, very accurate to the original!

Despite ordering over the Christmas rush, shipping was really quick. I got it within 12 days of ordering. It came via Canada Post too, so I was able to get it from my community mailbox instead of having to drive down to a depot because I missed a delivery.
Shipping is usually a pain point for me here in Canada. Some print on demand websites charge exuberant fees to deliver to Canada. Not only that but I've also been hit with duties and fees at the border - which is especially painful after paying large amounts of shipping. RedBubble is one of the only print on demand websites I have ordered from that have not resulted in me having to pay extra duties & taxes upon delivery, on any of my orders. RedBubble calculates their shipping costs based on the items that are being shipped, and where the order is being shipped to. They do not have a free shipping minimum or anything like that, so you will be paying shipping. I find the shipping costs are fair, and paired with the fact that I was not charged duties or taxes, I can't complain.
Rather than using USD they let you choose which currency you will be shopping with too. I like this because I was able to see what my purchase price will be in Canadian dollars. If any of my Canadian friends or family wants to purchase something from my shop, I always recommend they go through RedBubble because I find it more Canadian friendly for shipping (and I can stand behind the quality of their items).

Overall, I am incredibly pleased with my laptop sleeve purchase and am thrilled to have something in my bad cats knocking stuff over pattern! I've been using this sleeve for a month now, and I am confident that it will hold up as long as my original 2015 laptop sleeve has. 
Have you purchased from RedBubble before? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments below!

Cats are great pets. They are fun, cute, often cuddly and have such personalities. But... they can also be jerks! Cats have a sassy streak to them that isn't shared by their popular pet counterpart, the dog. When a dog chews a couch or a pillow, they look at you ashamed, sorry to be in trouble, giving you those super sad eyes. When a cat is knocking a glass or your favourite plant off the table, they stare you right in the eyes like "TRY TO STOP ME, FOOL!!". Not sorry at all. This makes for very funny internet cat videos. I could watch cats knocking stuff over for hours. I love it. It just makes cats more awesome in my eyes. :P
 
Why do cats knock stuff over? 
It is thought that cats do this when they are not getting the attention that they desire at that particular moment. So, if you're busy doing something and your cat appears and you don't acknowledge it, this could be the moment they decide to stare into your soul and knock your shit over! 
I do believe this is true. On one occasion where my lovely black cat Darcy came down to see me. I pet her for a while then stopped to do some work. She then proceeded to bite my favourite cactus! I brushed her from the table and got mad at her. She never listens (and I probably just made her angry by telling her no), so she knocked the cactus over, completely defiant and not guilty whatsoever. As cats do. Less funny when it happens to you, more funny in the cat videos.
Another funny cats being jerks moment that I find hilarious. My grandparents had a siamese cat named Sukie that loved my mom. One day when she went to visit, she hadn't pet Sukie when she came in, as she usually did. Out of revenge, Sukie peed in my moms shoes. LOL. So yes, I really do believe that when cats don't get the attention that they want, they will act out! 

So in celebration of this hilarious feature of cats, I drew it! It was an idea I had for a while, and when I finally sat down to create it, I was pretty happy with how it turned out. The original drawing was done with Procreate on the iPad, with a very sketched and hand drawn technique. I thought this light & playful sketch look would add to the fun subject matter. I drew these black cats knocking a variety of stuff over, a potted cactus, a vase of flowers, a mug of coffee, a TV remote, and a glass of water. I even drew some of them staring back, because I find this to be the funniest. Also I mentioned I have a black cat and I love them, so I decided to feature black cats in this drawing. I've made this drawing into a seamless pattern, and added it to a variety of home decor and accessory products! I've also created it as a fabric, so if you are crafty, you can turn it in to whatever you want! (Side note: if you do use it as a fabric, I would loooooove to see what you make! tag me @tanya_draws on instagram!) It is available at my Zazzle, RedBubble, and Society6 shops. I hope you enjoy this pattern as much as I do!

Would you like to see a different version created with another type of cat? What kind of cat would you like to see?

I've always loved the simplicity of my pineapple pattern, so I've recoloured it on many instances. This version takes my original collage - like pineapple drawing, recoloured in a shimmery looking rose gold glitter texture, with a pretty blush pink background. Rose gold is one of my favourite colour trends, so I just had to add it to one of my favourite patterns!

Since I added this to my Society6 shop it is now most popular designs, becoming a top seller across my home decor line. I think it would be fantastic for a pretty tropical themed room - with matching curtains and duvet cover, you could definitely make a relaxing and comfortable summer feels space! 
I have also since added it on Society6's new lineup of outdoor decor items. Chair cushions, picnic blankets, foldable chairs and even sun shades form the lineup, so you can create a whole matching pattern themed set up on your patio or backyard area. This would be so cute for a rooftop patio! 

I've recently started working on my RedBubble shop more, so this pattern is now also available there too on products. I love Redbubble, I find it to be a very international friendly shopping experience - living in Canada, I've personally never had to pay extra duties or shipping fees on products from RedBubble and the print quality (and products) have been excellent. So, it's always the first place that I recommend to my international friends and customers! :)

Below is my pineapple pattern on some of my favourite products. 
If I were to recolour this design again, what colour theme would you like to see? Let me know in the comments! 

This snail pattern is an oldie, but a goodie! :) I had originally drawn this back in 2014 in markers and ink, before I even started an art shop! I always thought snails had a quirky cuteness to them, so this little illustration became one of my very first patterns in my shop. Flash forward to today, and it's one of those niche drawings that I have that many of you have enjoyed, and purchased on a variety of products.

Looking back at it, one thing I would have done differently is kept the traditional look of the markers. I actually turned this drawing into a vector in illustrator, so that I could resize it for large products like duvet covers and curtains. It was a nice thought, but I could've just as easily scanned and used the original in a repeating pattern such as this! Ah well, you learn as you go. The original marker drawing actually has the snail sliding along amongst tall blades of grass. Now that I know a lot more than I knew then, I plan on revisiting this illustration and making a new pattern, keeping more of it's original charm. 

While I look back at my oldest pattern I can't help but think of how I would do it differently now - but regardless, it is still an important piece in my portfolio, marking the first pattern I completed where I really felt myself falling in to a style and workflow. And more importantly, I see this pattern and think of how fun it was to draw this with my markers, and it inspires me to break out my traditional tools once again and do more like this! I plan on taking some time off from work this summer to give myself time to work on new pieces, and the light charm that this pattern brings is the direction I want to focus on.

Here is my snails pattern on a bunch of stuff - it is on the entire range of products at RedBubble and Society6, and on select products at Zazzle. Recently in the midst of COVID-19, I added fabric masks to my RedBubble product line up, and masks in my snail pattern are by far my best seller so far!

If this pattern wasn't clear, let me tell you... I am Canadian, and yes, I love maple syrup. My love for maple syrup runs deep. Love it on my pancakes, my bacon, in my coffee instead of sugar, AS my coffee (if you love flavoured coffees but haven't tried a maple flavour yet, I highly recommend!), and I love those little maple sugar candies, the ones that are melt in your mouth pure sugary goodness. Every year I've taken a trip down to the sugar bush with family or friends, and we enjoy a nice hike through the forest, savouring freshly made maple syrup candies, and taking in the smell of maple sap boiling down into maple syrup. It's something I look forward to doing each March! Unfortunately I wasn't able to go this year due to COVID-19 and missed out on this fave tradition, which reminded me of my maple syrup pattern. 

I drew this pattern as part of my daily draw challenge a while back, and for a while decided to focus on patterns of some of my favourite foods! I came up with a creme brûlée pattern, a pancake pattern, and this maple syrup pattern. The maple syrup pattern shares the love of a Canadian favourite in a fun and casual way, through a doodle lined and simply coloured design.

If you were to draw your favourite food... what would it be? :)