Blog Give Away & Snow

So last week I was featured on the Primitive Peddler Blog and this week it's Home Spun Annie.  Annie is giving away some cute ornies.  If you leave a comment (follow the instructions) you can be eligible for the give away. It's up for a week (until Next Friday).

I tried to post a photo of what was giving away but it won't let me copy it so  go click on this link to go to the give away. http://theprimitivepeddler.blogspot.com

Well how do you like the snow....the timing sucks. I have to go to a wedding this afternoon in this mess.....UGHHHH....the DH is working so I have go to myself. I'm thinking maybe I'll just do the wedding and skip the reception since the church is close but the reception is near Baltimore. I guess that will depend on the roads.

AND remember I told you I bought a snow blower last snow storm? Well guess who's DH hasn't put it together yet. He's at work and I'm at home with a snowblower that I'm having a hard time assembling

Oh well I guess it could be worse............so how much snow do you have?

Annamarie and Cocky Poppy

Today my feature is an old friend from Ebay, Annamarie Armstrong. Annamarie is also a member of the DAWG Team. I met her through an ACEO group on Ebay way back when.

I love Annamarie's art. . She says in her interview that she's looking for inspiration but her parrot has seemed to always be an inspiration to her. She paints the most adorable pictures of Cocky Poppy.

Here's a link to Annamarie's web page: http://mrsvalpique.tripod.com/

1) Tell us about yourself.
I'm a 38 year old self taught artist. I love painting parrots and flowers. I like to sail. I have a little sailboat called the Pirate Kitty. I am a big Alabama football fan!

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
My favorite medium is watercolors. I love painting ACEO's. I only do larger works on commission.

3) What are your inspirations.
Right now I'm searching for inspiration.

4) Describe your art style.
My style is realism.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
I play around with polymer clay and jewelry. I also like to sew.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.
Not a big blogger

7) Where do you sell online?
Etsy, Ebay and GCU

8) Are you opened to commission work?
yes

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
My favorite painting is Cocky Poppy. (My parrot )

8) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where?
No

And the sign says..........

Don't you love signs? 

I do and if they are funny, 

even better. Today's feature

is Ice House Crafts. I was looking through her shop and 

this sign caught my eye. I used to work in a cubicle 

and I can definitely relate to this sign! And the one 

below is beyond funny! So read a little about one of 

my OFG Team members, Ice House Crafts. 

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you 

choose that name?
My etsy shoppe is called Icehousecrafts. I choose that 

name as when I started selling and buying online we lived 

in an old farmhouse of which was once an icehouse for 

the farm that we lived on. The walls in the icehouse 

part of the house were 24” thick stone. The farm was 

established in 1905. 
 

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
I’ve been selling on etsy since February 2008. 

3. What type of items do you offer?
Mostly on etsy I offer hand painted stenciled wood signs. 

I have also offered hand painted vintage pieces from time 

to time.  

4. How long have you been crafting?
I’ve been doing crafts since I was a young girl...

from crochet to macramé and finally to decorative 

painting. I’ve been painting fulltime since my 

middle son was a toddler so about 18 years for 

painting. 

5. Who or What inspires you?
Customers are a great 

source for inspiration. 

They give you  the framework 

for an idea and things 

just go from there.

6. What is your favorite item 

in your shop and why?
I have to say my favorite things 

in my etsy shoppe right now are 

my ouija board sign and wrong answer sign. The ouija 

board sign because as a young girl I was fascinated

with “how” it worked.  The wrong answer one, well 

it’s just obvious from looking at it as to why! LOL!
 

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, 

blog)
www.icehousecrafts.blogspot.com
www.artfire.com/users/icehousecrafts
www.stores.shop.ebay.com/icehousecrafts__W0QQ_armrsZ1
www.icehousecrafts.etsy.com

February Fun Facts & Recipe

Taking a break from my features today to talk about February. I was just thinking this morning that it seems like it was just Christmas but here we are a few days away from February.

I like February for a number of reasons....chocolate involves one of reason and love the other.  In fact my wedding anniversary is in February on the 28th. We will be married 34 years! 

So what do you know about February....here are some facts:

• The Romans and Christians believed it was the start of spring. (guess they disliked winter as much as me!)
• The early Roman calendar was once only 10 months long. February (and January) were added by Numa Pompilius.
• It comes from the word Februa which means cleansing which was a ritual before spring.
• Anglo Saxtons called it Sol Monath which means Cake Month because cakes were offered to the Gods during that month (Thank GOD someone got smart & changed that to Chocolate to your loved one)
• During Shakespeare's time it was called Feverell  and 100 yrs later during Issac Newton's time it was Februeer.
• Valentine's Day was not celebrated in England until the 15th century and not until the Civil War in the USA.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

-- 1 Corinthians 13:13

About St. Valentine.   The Golden Legend, a medieval book of stories about saints, says that Valentine, a priest, was imprisioned by the emperor Claudius II for leading people to Christ. While Valentine was being interrogated by a Roman officer, the priest preached Christ as the "one and only Light". The officer, who had a blind daughter, challenged Valentine to pray to Christ for her cure. The girl was cured, and the entire family were converted to Christianity.   According to legend, while awaiting execution, he wrote notes of instruction, affection and encouragement to the Christian community in Rome, which were secretly delivered by a boy who visited him in prison. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Valentine the courage to witness to the gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it. Help us to endure all suffering for love of you, and to seek you with all our hearts; for you alone are the source of life and love. Grant that we may have the courage and love to be strong witnesses of your truth to our friends and family and to the whole world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Recipe - Love Knots
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
a few drops yellow food coloring
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
Yellow sugar sprinkles
Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, the eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract and yellow food coloring (to make the dough more "golden"). Sift and stir in the flour; add the lemon rind.
Chill the dough for several hours and only remove it from the refrigerator a little at a time: this will make it easier to handle.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Shape the dough into ropes about 1/2 inch in diameter and 12 inches long, and twist these into figure 8s. Place the twists on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes. About halfway through the cooking, "gild" with yellow sprinkles.
Yield: 12 to 14 "love knots".

Jen aka Aloquin

Meet my friend Jen. She's a member of the DAWG Team.  I have a number of her ACEO's. She has a real creative streak. Jen has been through a lot in her life but has always kept the faith and trusted in God.

Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. (Psalm 37:3-5)


1) Tell us about yourself.

My name is Jennifer Morrison. I am 34 years old, and currently live on Long Island, in NY. I live with my wonderful husband of almost 2 years and our beautiful 9 month old baby boy, Kyle, who is the pride of my life! I graduated LIU Southampton with a degree in Graphic Design, but haven't really had the opportunity to use it YET. I am a Born-Again Christian who loves God. I have been drawing nearly my whole life, and am addicted to Etsy. :)

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)

Mainly, I make ACEOs (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals). They are 3.5 by 2.5, or vice versa. You can make them with virtually any medium out there, and they are highly collectible, and loads of fun to make! I also make barrettes, and several other items, depending on the time of year. My Etsy shop is always being updated.

3) What are your inspirations.

God, Art Nouveau, Frank Lloyd Wright, the city, and lighthouses! :)

4) Describe your art style.

I basically... can't. I really do not have a cohesive style. Every thing I make looks different from the piece before. It's always been that way. Frustrating sometimes, but it also sets me apart.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)

I do anything crafty! From knitting to beading, if I can get my hands on it... I'll do it. :)

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.

http://www.aloquin.blogspot.com

7) Where do you sell online?

http://www.aloquin.etsy.com

8) Are you opened to commission work?

Absolutely.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.

I like so many ACEOs that I've done, it's impossible to choose. So I'll post this picture of a barrette I made that I'm particularly fond of how it came out.

8) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where?

Nope!

Apple Tree Cottage

Today's feature is one of my OFG Team members.  She's from Alabama and quite a talented decorative painter of prim!  I absolutely adore this watering can from her etsy shop. After raising rabbits for years while my children were in 4H I seem to have a soft spot for things with bunnies on them!  Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the interview.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?

When I was a little girl, my family moved. I was very lonely but found a library near our home, so I would walk there every day and spend hours browsing at books. I found a book titled Apple Tree Cottage and I was absolutely swept away by it. The cottage was a magical place where peace and love was found. I decided if I would name my shop in honor of this book that has such an impression on me when I was young.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
I joined Etsy in January, 2008.

3. What type of items do you offer?
I offer an eclectic mix of vintage, folk art and primitive items. I love to paint on old pieces that have a story to tell when they come my way.

4. How long have you been crafting? FOREVER!
I have been fortunate to be surrounded by people who have encouraged me since I was small. My husband and my daughter are my two biggest fans.

5. Who or What inspires you?
I love things that come to me with a history. Old boxes, drawers and coffee pots have a story to tell and I like to add just a little “prim” icing on the cake when I find a piece that longs to be reinvented.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I can’t say I have one favorite piece. I love everything I paint… each item in my store is something that I would place in my own home.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) I sell only on Etsy.

You may visit my blog at appletreecottage.blogspot.com.

Brenda's Wildlife

 Meet my friend Brenda from my DAWG Team. Brenda is an awesome wildlife painter.I have known her for sometime and have always admired her paintings.

I love her lighthouses and she also does "House Portraits" for realtors as well as pet portraits. Brenda is really diverse in her art. I am not usually an abstract lover but she has 2 abstracts on her website that are awesome. 



Her website has a wonderful bible quote that I'd like to share with you. "For God has not given you the spirit of fear, but of power, of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

So here is a little about Brenda. I hope you enjoy it.

1) Tell us about yourself.
My name is Brenda Thour and I am a Wildlife and Landscape Artist. I started painting in 1999 and am loving the incredible journey. I am also a wife and mother of two grown kids. I have a muscle weakness called Slow Channel Myasthenia Gravis (I know it's a mouthful). I also have a fused spine from having scholiosis growing up.

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
My favorite medium is water soluble oils. I also use acrylic and watercolor. My preferered scale is miniature to 18x24, although I have done larger.

3) What are your inspirations.
My inspiration comes from one of our precious gifts from God, nature, especially animals.

4) Describe your art style.
My style is representational.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
I do make some magnets and pendants featuring my paintings. I also love to crochet in the winter.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.
http://brendathour.blogspot.com

7) Where do you sell online?
http://brendathour.com
http://luvs2paint.etsy.com
http://zazzle.com/bmthour
http://cafepress.com/brendathour

8) Are you opened to commission work?
Yes, definately.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
My very favorite piece is an aceo called Hiding pictured above.

8) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where?
No.

Peace Begins With A Smile

A friend gave me a magnet and on it appeared "Peace Begins With A Smile" underneath it was in small print Mother Teresa.

This morning I'm watching all the Haitian devastation on TV and the looting going on and then the next thing is a little 5 year old who was rescued yesterday after being buried in rubble for EIGHT days! He was so skinny and covered in dust. He was smiling which made me think about that magnet.

So then I was thinking about that magnet, as with all things related to Mother Teresa there is always, "The rest of the Story!" so I went and Googled the saying.


"Let us thank God for his gift of peace that reminds us that we have been created to live that peace and that Jesus became man in all things like us except in sin, and he proclaimed very clearly that he had come to give the good news. The news was peace to all men of good will and this is something that we all want – peace of heart.

"Let us preach the peace of Christ as he did. He went about doing good. He did not stop his works of charity because the Pharisees and others hated him or tried to spoil his Father’s work. He just went about doing good. Cardinal Newman wrote: ‘Help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go – let me preach thee without preaching, not by words, but by my example.’ Our works of love are nothing but the works of peace.

Let us not use guns and bombs to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile – smile five times a day at someone you don’t really want to smile at at all – do it for peace. So let us radiate the peace of God and so light his light and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power.

- Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta"

So today as you go along your daily life.  If you come across some unpleasant situation  or person that angers you, instead of a frown turn it upside down and flash that smile. You know they say that smiles are contagious!


And as Andy Rooney would say, "and that's the rest of the story." 

The Funky Side of Mary

Today I'd like to introduce you to Mary Fox one of the newer members of our Designing Artists Women's Group (DAWG Team) on Etsy.  She can be very eclectic and I just love her style...sure hope you enjoy her as much as I do!

1) Tell us about yourself.
My name is Mary Fox. I live in Long Beach Washington, which is a peninsula on the SW Washington coast. I am married, have two children, three grand children (so far) and Molly...our dog. I started doing art and craft projects when I was in my early twenties and have continued ever since. I have to confess...I do get spread out on what I like to do. The beach inspires me to make things out of what I find. I do a lot of that. I love to recycle and recreate...that is a favorite of mine.

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
I am thoroughly enjoying doing ACEOs. Those little canvas items are so fun to do. I think I am getting hooked on them. Years ago, I started tole painting...that lead to jewelry making...to sewing...to making things out of other things that would have been thrown away...to beach crafting...to starting a running the largest art and craft fair in the Columbia Gorge for 13 years (till we moved)...to quilting and art quilting...to all of the above and more. I have just always kept my hands busy...that's me.

3) What are your inspirations.
My inspirations are very simple...I count God as the #1 artist. All I have to do is look around at His creation and see inspiration everywhere.

4) Describe your art style.
Boy...that is a hard one. I would have to say a little on the funky side. When I do art quilts, I tend to do more realistic than extreme. I don't tend to go "out of the box" much, but am learning to and have been enjoying that. I get bored with making the same thing over and over and very seldom make two of the very same thing.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
I haven't done painting in years and have just started doing that again. I have mostly been doing jewelry, quilting, quilting art hangings, and recycled crafts. I tend to give most of what I make away and wish I had taken more pictures of things done in the past. I do that now.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.
Actually, this blog follows six of my creative friends who meet each Tuesday and not only solve the problems of the world, but create at the same time...I love this group and hope that some of you will follow along with us on our blog. We have a blast!

http://foxontherunarts.blogspot.com

7) Where do you sell online?
eBay using seaside_fox (selling mostly vintage items)
Etsy using longbeachfox (selling jewelry, ACEOs, vintage items

8) Are you opened to commission work?
Certainly.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
I have a couple of favorites. The first is my part of a round robin our group did. My 12 x 12" piece was called Wind...my part of wind, water, earth, & fire...Elements. The second is a recycled vintage clear glass rolling pin now partially filled with Long Beach, WA sand, shells, and driftwood. I love using recycled items to create. The 3rd is a turquoise and red beaded necklace now listed on Etsy that uses a turquoise donut bead and silver turtle as it's focus.

8) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where?
No, I don't.

Ewe N Me!

I always appreciate those who can do artistic things with the computer.  Here's one of our OFG Team members who is sooo computer talented! Check her out!

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
I have two etsy shops.
http://ewenmeprintables.etsy.com - I sell my printables there and
http;//ewenmegraphics.etsy.com - I sell etsy shop and blog banners there

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
I started in August, 2007

3. What type of items do you offer?
Digital and printable craft projects. All can be easily downloaded and printed on demand. I also sell etsy shop banners and other graphics.

4. How long have you been crafting?
All my life. I can't remember a time when I wasn't crafting.

5. Who or What inspires you?
Everything!! LOL Sometimes just seeing something while I'm driving my kids around will spark an idea.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
Probably my printable feedsack logos. They're what I originally started with when I first started making printables.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog).
ewenmeprintables.com
ewenmeprintables.etsy.com
ewenmegraphics.etsy.com
ewenmeprintables.artfire.com
alteredstuff.blogspot.com

Haiti & My Reality Check

So this morning I'm whinning to God...well wait a minute I guess I should back up. Those of you who know me, know that my Dad has recently had congestive heart failure and been in the hospital. Well yesterday Mom couldn't walk. She was in such pain that I told her she needed to go to the hospital.

I called the ambulance for her and off she went. I made Dad stay home because he couldn't walk around the hospital and I went with her.  It was late when I got home and this morning I awoke thinking gee I can't go to the Basilica with my friend today and I have to miss my regular time of  Mass this morning because I have to go get Mom's meds. I'm thinking...I just don't have life anymore...........ok now you are caught up.

So I'm whinning to God, "Gee God, I'm not sure how much of this I can take. Please give me your Grace to get through this. This is so difficult." And I'm also asking Him basically to take away my cross.  AND THEN CNN REPORTER is talking about Haiti and he's saying it's remarkable because everywhere in all this tragedity people are just spontaneously thanking God. Praising God JOYOUSLY...he said it's amazing.

And I think to myself, you have NO cross compared to the people in Haiti and they can stop and praise God in the midst of their horror..............TODAY. I'm just going to look in my parents eyes and see the eyes of Jesus & thank God that I have 2 parents and that I can spend time with them even if it's to spend it in hospitals or in service to them.

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

Thanks4Lookin Art by Myrna

Meet my friend Myrna Migala.  I met Myrna on Ebay. She sells there as Thanks4Lookin. 

We were both doing ACEOs (miniature art) and were in the same Ebay group.  Over time I became a real fan of her art. I have a number of her ACEO's. Her paintings are always uplifting. Many are very whimsical.  Myrna is a fellow Roman Catholic who likes to paint religious art as well so we had a lot in common.  Right now she has a beautiful ACEO on Ebay of Infant of Prague...just lovely.  I hope you enjoy her interview and enjoy her artwork as much as I do.

1) Tell us about yourself.
I was born in 1940, in Chicago, the middle child of 3, my parents did not spoil me, I had to work for whatever I wanted. The best thing my parents did for me was to send me to a Catholic school. I loved it and always knew it was a treasure. Today I am married almost 50 years, together we raised 6 children and now enjoy our 23 grandchildren.

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
I enjoy painting any size, and just love watercolor because it is so unpredictable.

3) What are your inspirations.
My inspirations go with my mood, sometime I want to paint something that will bring a smile, sometime I paint to make people think and othertimes I just want to express myself and exercise my imagination. I do say a little prayer while I am painting at times, especially if I am painting something religious.

4) Describe your art style.
My style, is my own, just like handwriting, sometime I feel free and loose other times like my handwriting I try to be very neat. For some reason whenever I try a new style by going out of the box, I always seems to drift back to a more realistic style little by little.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
Not really at this time, in my past I have tried different needle works, sewing, clay, painting on rocks, and writing.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.
No I do not blog, except on our shared art group blog with designing artist ning, once in awhile.

7) Where do you sell online? I sell mainly on Ebay, Etsy, and Artfire at this time.
http://thanks4lookin.etsy.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/thanks4lookin/
http://www.artfire.com/users/MyrnaM

8) Are you opened to commission work?
No I don't encourage it; not sure why, however I have been asked several time to do a special painting and have not refused anyone, yet. In fact I am just getting ready to do a large painting someone requested from an ACEO, that I created. I think the reason why I am not really opened to doing commission because I am very particular about the subject I paint.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
I really love my paintings, little ACEO's of the Catholic Saints, I list them as handpainted holy cards on Ebay and most of them sell. The most recent one that has a bid currently is that of St.Christopher. Can't really say this is my favorite because my favorite happens to be whatever Saint I am painting at the time.

10) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where?
Years ago I sold many of my painted rocks in a near-by shop but now that I have stopped painting on rocks and moved on to watercolor paper I haven't tried selling in a brick/mortar shop, nor any craft shows, nor have I ever shown or entered my work at a gallery.

Ravens Colts - Sweet Revenge???

So I'm not a big sports fan but ocassionally I will watch a game or two. I generally don't like to watch it on TV because the screaming of the fans in the background drives me nuts. I'd rather be at the game - for some reason the noise doesn't bother me there.

Generally I get a little more interested in the games if it's near a championship and its the home team (Orioles or Ravens).  Many of my friends go ape wild for any game but especially when they are winning.

This weekend is the Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts.  For those of you who don't know the history the Colts were once the Baltimore Colts until the left town (actually were stolen in my opinion) under the cover of darkness. I remember that day as if it were yesterday...it was kind of like remembering where you were when the first man stepped on the moon!

The feeding frenzy has begun with people wearing beat Indianapolis shirts, Bmore bathed in purple lights on high rises and purple clothing everywhere...even Raven jerseys at church!  This game will be a kind of sweet revenge if the Ravens win for all of us in the Baltimore area.

And,  likely I will watch with the rest of the town in hopes that we will whip their butts.

Today on Facebook one of my friends had a Raven Prayer...you gotta love this...hope God doesn't strike us down or make us loose because of heresy....At the risk of this I will repost it for your reading pleasure:

Our Flacco, who art in Indianapolis, hallowed be thy name. Thy bowl will come, it will be won, in Miami as it is in the Dome. Give us this Saturday, our weekly win. Give us touchdown passes, but do not let others pass against us. Lead us not into frustration, but deliver us to the Super Bowl. For thine is the MVP, the ...best of the NFL and the glory of the purple and black, now and forever. AMEN! Let’s go RAVENS!

Cindy of ArtByMe

Another OFG Team feature today is Cindy of Artbyme.etsy.com

The photo to the left is a heart pin.  I just love this little pin..just in time for Valentine's! 

Cindy also has some cute snowmen things in her shop...and you know how I love snowmen...

There's no man like a snowman!  Here's her interview.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?   
   Artbyme    That is my name on Ebay and wanted to keep everything the same.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
   Little over a year

3. What type of items do you offer?
   Primitive Folk Art Dolls

4. How long have you been crafting?
  Over 20 years

5. Who or What inspires you?
   I can get inspiration from just about anything. I do get a lot from other    creative people. 
      
6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
   Halloween items. I love creating Halloween items.


7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)
    http://www.artbymecindy.blogspot.com
    http://www.artbymecindy-soatp.com
    http://Artbyme.artfire.com
    http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/artbyme_W0QQ_nkwZQQ_armrsZ1QQ_fromZQQ_mdoZ
    

Jan's Pets to Posies!

 Jan Gibson is my DAWG Team feature of the day. Her website is called Pets to Posies....is that an adorable name or not?  Jan does equisite animal art.  And I just love her florals.  Here's what Jan has to say about herself.

1) Tell us about yourself.
I'm a self-taught artist and have been drawing and painting since I was a child. I'm married with a daughter, a step-son, 3 granddaughters and a grandson. We live in the country which is very inspiring.

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
My preferred mediums are pastel and watercolor, but I like to experiment with various mediums - there's so many out there that it keeps you from getting bored. I generally work from about 5x7 to about 11x14 but also do some aceos/atcs and much larger sized paintings.

3) What are your inspirations.
I would have to say my surroundings. We live in the country and have an abundance of wildlife (sometimes too much!), wildflowers and beautiful scenery plus there's room to have large flower gardens.

4) Describe your art style.
Definitely realism for the most part. But, I don't like to limit myself and experiment frequently.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
I do but don't offer any craft work for sale at this time.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.
http://petstoposies.blogspot.com/

7) Where do you sell online?
http://petstoposies.com/
http://www.zazzle.com/pets_to_posies*

8) Are you opened to commission work?
Yes, most of my sales come from commissions. I do custom pet portraits from photos and will also do custom flower paintings.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
Wow, that's a tough question! I tend to be super critical of my own work and can always see things I don't like. But, I guess this one (Lion) since it was very difficult for me to even gather courage to start! I'd had the reference photo for this for ages and was prompted to finally paint it for a contest. I won first place with it which was quite a thrill!

Painted Kreations

Well hello everyone. It's hump day (Wednesday) and it's time to feature one of my OFG team members
So I must be hungry this morning because I was thinking who to feature from OFG and I thought of Kris
and her absoluely adorable gingerbread men.  They are so cute I just had to share them
with you.  The ones pictured are her original signature design. She also has some other awesome 
decorative painting in her shop. So on to the interview.

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?
Painted Kreations........chosen because I paint. The K in Kreations because of my name starting with a 
K and I wanted to be original.

2. How long have you been on Etsy?
Since February of 2008

3. What type of items do you offer?
I have handpainted items on a variety of surfaces. I paint in different styles, and also create and 
paint my own gingerbread designs.

4. How long have you been crafting?
Probably 25 years, more so in the last 10 years, being involved in craft shows and such.

5. Who or What inspires you? 
I use painting as a stress release, inspired by designers such as Terrye French, Maxine Thomas, 
Monika Brint, Renee Mullins, etc.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
The angel tub with bath items.........love the soft colors and lavendar scents

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog) 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/paintedkreations
http://paintedkreations4u.blogspot.com
http://paintedkreationsbykris.blogspot.com
http://paintedkreations.artfire.com
http://myworld.ebay.com/paintingkreations4u

I hope you enjoyed the feature. Tomorrow look for a member of my DAWG Team! :)

Marlene Aka Lazy Hawk

Marlene Hawkins is a long time friend from the DAWG Team. We met on Ebay in an ACEO group. She sells under LazyHawk.  Marlene does some wonderful work. Here's here interview! I hope you will enjoy it and check out her at Http://etsy.com/shop/lazyhawk

1) Tell us about yourself.
I am a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to paint in many different mediums, embroidery, needle felt, scrapbook, and just about any other craft that comes along. I love to experiment with new techniques and play with colors. My favorite subjects are landscapes and florals, I do have fun with cartoon type subjects as well

2) What are your preferred mediums and art scale (miniature, large art, etc)
I love to work in the ACEO size format as it is easy to carry along with me. I also like working on any size up to appx 18X24. I have painted on saw blades both straight and round and enjoyed that very much. I mostly like to work in Watercolor which included watercolor crayons and pencils, and Acrylics. I love to do drawing in graphite. I have done oils but I am too impatient for those. I also love working with fibers be it needle felting or embroidery.

3) What are your inspirations.
I get my inspriation from nature, and from challenges and themes issued in the artist groups I belong too.

4) Describe your art style.
I don't know that I have a "style" I am still trying to find myself as an artist. I am not so sure if I want to be defined with a specific "style" anyway as I get so much enjoyment from trying new things.

5) Do you do anything other than painting (jewelry, crafts)
I make jewelry, do mosaics. I have also made several porcelain dolls and enjoy that, and have done ceramics in the past. I enjoy making my own Decorative paper also, which I use in making journals and mini albums.

6) If you blog, what is your blog link.

http://marlenes-musings.blogspot.com

7) Where do you sell online?
I sell a little on Ebay under the username lazyhawk
My Shop on Etsy is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lazyhawk

8) Are you opened to commission work?
Yes, I would love the opportunity to work on some projects for others.

9) What was your favorite piece of work? If you have a photo, include it.
I have a lot of favorites, here is one of my graphite sketches and one of my watercolors



8) Do you sell in a brick & mortar shop? If so where? No I don't.

Snowman Collector

If you know me well, you know that I am a snowman collector so it just seemed appropriate today to feature SnowmanCollector on Etsy.com.  She's one of themembers of my Old Farmhouse Gathering.

Isn't this snowman couple adorable? You can visit the listing here....check it out and browse through her shop when you have a minute. If you love snowmen, like I do, you will love her shop.

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25667637

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name?

The name of my shop is SnowmanCollector and if you have a look around you will see that the reason I chose that name is obvious I have developed a great love for all things Snowman!

2. How long have you been on Etsy?

I have been on Etsy only since April, 2009. I am fairly new but am learning more every day and loving it!

3. What type of items do you offer?

I offer mostly seasonal items stuffed snowmen, santas, ornies, etc. I also have a few wreaths and wallhangings mixed in to keep it interesting, both for those looking at my shop and for myself as a crafter.

4. How long have you been crafting?

I have been crafting for close to 20 years. I started doing quilting and things just kind of evolved. I started doing local craft shows about 10 years ago. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to branch out a little but didn¡¦t know how or where (I live in a very rural area) and then I discovered Etsy!!!

5. Who or What inspires you?

What inspires me? Everything! There are so many ideas floating in my head, I will never do them all. Plus there are so many new things I want to learn, like rug hooking.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

I can't pick. Usually whatever I am working on at the time is my favorite item.

7. Other places where you can be found (Ebay, webstore, blog)

At the moment I am only on Etsy. But I am trying to overcome my fear of CyberSpace and hope to at least be on Facebook shortly.

Work Place Humor

http://jywheeler.etsy.com/

So I was doing my usual surfing thing today...not really looking for anything in particular. That's when it seems I find the weirdest stuff on the internet. Well anyway I found this post and found it quite humorous....I may just try this with the people I used to work for! That is if I could disguise my voice well enough:

"Try this on a Friday afternoon for a bit of fun….

Phone up someone in your business that is in a different office (or out of hearsay). Ask for Mr Walls, when you get the response no one called Mr Walls work here ask for Mrs Walls. When they reply that Mrs Walls doesn’t work there ask if they have any Walls. Once the person on the other end of the phone says we have no Walls in the office, quickly scream with a panicked voice, “quick get out the roof will collapse!”

Putting on a different accent and making sure no one called Walls works at your business helps the joke to work!"

Meet Lisa

My feature today is Lisa Parker. She's the TEAM leader and driving force of the Designing Artists Womens Group (DAWG TEAM) on Etsy.  Lisa is a wonderful photographer and artist. I particularly like her whimsical ACEO's.  This is one of her pieces called Matilda the Witch.  Her photography is absolutely breath taking.

You can find her on Greeting Card Universe at http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com/Papermoondelights
Check out the photography on the cards. It wouldn't let me link to the pictures.

You can also find her on etsy at
http://artbylisak.etsy.com/

She has a new blog too: http://lisasbetterlife.blogspot.com/

Moment of Thankfulness

"give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Inspite of the personal nightmare of the week, I have so much to be thankful for:
1) That my Dad is still with me.

2) That there was no fluid around the heart.3) That the heart had no blockages and that the bypass graphs were working great.
4) That there was no significant fluid around the lungs.
5) That all the hospital staff at both hospitals were so caring, loving and highly competent.

6) That the doctors could control this with medication.
7) That my brother was here the whole week to help and support me.
8) That the horrible cold I had over the past couple of weeks was gone this week.
9) That Dad's doctor is on the ball and takes no chances.
10) That again, I was able to learn the lesson that it's in God's time not mine.
11) For the intercessory prayers of  the Blessed Mother and St. John Newman.

12) And finally, for all the wonderful friends and family who prayed for him and gave us love and support

Jamaican Dreams

I was thinking this morning as I was listening to the weather, that I need another Caribbean Cruise!  This cold weather sucks. I'm so tired of it.

My friend Charmaine invited me to go to Key West next month. She goes very year for a month. Last year I went. We had such a good time.  I stayed for almost a week.  This year I turned her down because I was worried about Dad after the stroke. It looks like with all that's happening with him and the congestive heart failure that I probably made a good decision.

But after all this is over I need to go south. In the meantime, I will just keep having my Jamaican Dreams...I painted this little  mixed media ACEO a year or so ago. It's me (okay so I made myself a little skinnier!) having Jamaican dreams....maybe one day soon when life returns to normal and my Dad is in good health I can turn the dreams into reality.

Now for the commercial...for more miniature art and handpainted porcelain, visit my online shop:
http://jywheeler.etsy.com/

The Old Farmhouse Gathering Treasury

It's been quite a long time since I was on Etsy in time for a treasury. So today I just happen to go there and I hit an open treasury. My Old Farmhouse Gathering Team (OFG Team) on Etsy is always getting treasuries and many times I'm featured in them. I was tickled pink to be able to get one to help repay all the kind ladies who have promoted me in the past.

I was lucky. Most treasuries only last for 2 days. Mine expires in 3 days. It's active until January 7th.

I call this Treasury - The Farmhouse Blues.....check it out and see why I call it that! :) There's a lot of talent in the Old Farmhouse from primitives to cottage there's something for everyone.

Here's the link be sure to drop by before January 7th!