Saturday, October 31, 2009

Don't feed alcohol to your pumpkins!

My daughter sent this to me and I love it, so, I thought I would share it with you! :)


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!


Don't Feed Alcohol to your Pumpkins!!!!


Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, October 30, 2009

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very happy to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community.


This week it is a wonderful Artist,Vanessa from; http://www.designsbyvanessa.etsy.com/


She has kindly answered some questions for us :)


Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I come from a long line of creative people and I just think it is in my genes. My talented tin artist dad encouraged me to express myself and I was never forced to color inside of the lines. I spent many summers with my grandmother, who taught me how to make something fabulous and new out of something ordinary and old.



http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29456437


Tell us a little about your creative process.

For me, my creativity comes in waves. Once an idea pops in my head I feel like I have to create it at that moment and I have been known to pull all nighters in order to finish a project.


What do you love about creating?

Creating is definitely therapeutic for me and I appreciate having an outlet after a stressful day.


What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now, I love my felt little birdie cards. I just think they are so cute and perfect for any occasion.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27983031


Why Etsy?

Before I was a seller I was a shopper on Etsy and I just loved it!


What do you love about Etsy?

I love the people! The handmade community is absolutely amazing and I have met some fabulous artisans who have been so helpful to me.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28114011


What do you do in your spare time?

I love hanging with my husband and our 2 furbabies in my spare time. Other than that, I enjoy photography, writing, reading, traveling and working out.


Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

I don’t think I could quickly list 4 things that define me so I will give you 4 random facts instead:
1. I’m a family counselor by day and crafter by night.
2. I love pickles, like looooove them lol!
3. I hope to publish a book someday.
4. My favorite ice cream flavor is coffee.


If you could, what would be your dream life?

I think it would be so much fun to be a boutique owner!


Here are the fun places you can find Vanessa;

Etsy Shop ♥ http://www.designsbyvanessa.etsy.com/

Blog ♥ http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/

I hope you enjoyed meeting Vanessa! I certainly did. Go check out her shop on Etsy or maybe leave a comment on her blog. :)

Have a wonderful weekend! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Lovely Things!

Good Morning, it is Hump Day for some, for me it feels like the week hasn't even started yet, maybe that is Hump Day? Who knows! What I do know is that I won the October giveaway at http://www.dutchtouchbeads.etsy.com/ I am a lucky girl. These are gorgeous! Thanks Jenni! :)

To see Jenni's blog click HERE :) and her Etsy Shop HERE :)


Then last week in the forums I came across http://www.frenchrevelation.etsy.com/ and couldn't resist buying these tags from Jane. They are amazing and I love, love them and even though we are a few continents apart they arrived in less that a week. (how come it doesn't work the other way around USPS?)


So, if you would like to check out Jane's Etsy Shop click HERE :)


Happy Painting/Creating! :) T

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Sharing the Love!

I love to do things for others. I really believe that if we all share a little Love everyday with someone new to us, people we don't know (outside of our immediate Love circle), just to let them know they are part of something bigger. We all have times in our lives when we need to know that the universe really does care. So, here are the 2 things I felt drawn to the past week and thought I would share them with you. :)


I love the simplicity and the creativity in both. If you feel inclined to share the Love too or have others you would like to share let me know :)

Cards for Dads

1000 Cranes

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Santa came early to our House! :)

YAY ME!!!!!! Here I go again! I am SOOOOOOOO excited :) I have been looking at upgrading my camera for a long time. But the guilt of spending a large amount of money on myself kept getting in the way of actually getting down and purchasing a camera but this weekend, as I am in a wonderful, blissful creative mode, I decided to bite the bullet, thru caution to the wind (ok, that would be sense!) and go ahead and buy a really good camera. One I will keep forever (that is me justifying the expense, can you tell? :) So here it is. My new Baby! (and yes, I am going to name her :) She is so pretty and has so many gadgets, buttons, instructions, it might be a while before I take any actual photos, let alone that will be worth viewing. So, I will keep you posted on my progress and if anyone has any advice on using this camera I would love some pointers to get started. Now, I have to find the Dummies guide, seriously, at the bottom of the bag that should help me in switching the camera on, right????

Don't forget to enter the 2 giveaways on my blog that end this week, just follow the links and post a comment :) HERE! and HERE!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

SALE/BOGO ON FUNDRAISING PRINTS!

I thought I would reduce the price on my Art Prints "Pretty in Pink" that are listed in my Etsy Shop. I also am offering a buy one get one free until the end of October. I listed these prints with the hope of raising a little to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. :) So, now they are a very favourable price, so let's do some fundraising! :)

Check out the listings HERE and HERE! :)

Also, don't forget to see the "Friday Features" post on my blog and enter to win a beautiful piece of Art by the amazing Artist Stacey Merrill.

Don't forget to enter my October Giveaway of 2 "Pretty in Pink" Prints!

And, lastly, check out "Almost Precious" she is having her first Blog giveaway, a beautiful brooch!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, October 23, 2009

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!" I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful Artist from Florida. Stacey from http://www.artsnark.etsy.com/

Not only did Stacey answer questions for us this week but she also kindly offered a Giveaway as well. Here is the Giveaway first! "Waiting for Spring?" This one of a kind piece is a mix of painting & drawing on scrapbook paper. It measures approx 5.5" x 7.5". There is an extra 1/2 border on top (not shown) to make matting easier. You can use a standard 5"x 7" mat. It was inspired by an Emerson quote: "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." and the idea of Waiting.

Just leave a comment on this posting by Friday 30th October and you will be entered to win this amazing piece of original artwork.

And now the fun interview with Stacey from http://www.artsnark.etsy.com/

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.


I have always enjoyed working with my hands. My mom had a craft/sewing room where I spent a lot of time. I didn’t study art until high school. My friend told me it would be “an easy A”. Boy was she wrong! But it peaked my interest. I tried Art School for a year but it didn’t take.Over the next 10+ years I didn’t do much art. I did get a job in antiques restoration which kept my hands happy for a while. Around 2001 I started drawing again & began painting (I’d always been afraid of color). Joined some local arts groups, had some shows & sales, won a few local awards. In 2003 I stopped again when my son was born. I used to work very big & very slowly – not easy with a new baby. In 2008 discovering ACEOs on ebay was a big turning point for me. That led me to Etsy. Seeking to feed my new ACEO addiction, I started making them to swap. I found the online art group, Variazione (ZNE). There I met the most supportive group of talented artists who gave me the confidence to start creating again.If you are curious, I’ve posted about ZNE here: http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2008/11/toot-toot-toot.html


Tell us a little about your creative process.


There’s about a dozen unfinished projects going on at any time. Plus several more outlined in my head, clambering to get out. All day while I’m at work & running errands, a part of me is thinking about designs. As soon as I can, I rush to my studio & jump into an unfinished piece or start something new. Other times, I’ll be cleaning my room & pick something up (say a scrap of printed paper or a broken pocket watch) & am overwhelmed by the desire to turn it into something else. I let random chance dictate things & see what happens.The last few months I have been really into online art challenges, like IllustrationFriday.com or Mix it Up with Melange.


What do you love about creating?


I love working with my hands. Everything else falls away & I’m able to focus.


What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?


Probably my watercolor, A Sinister Gentleman. He was so much fun to make & practically drew himself. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14342282


Why Etsy?


I started on Etsy as a buyer. I liked the feel; It is very window-shopper friendly. I also like the idea of buying directly from the artist. I had a lot of my artwork lying around so I figured I might as well open shop.


What do you love about Etsy?


#1 People I’ve met there. There are so many creative, wonderful artisans discussing all sorts of fascinating topics. The forums & teams are a great resource and many people are just so darn nice.
#2 I love browsing on etsy. There is literally something for everyone.
#3 It is so easy to set up and maintain a shop that even a neo-luddite like myself can do it.
#4 The fee structure is simple & fair.
#5 Each day I tune in, I learn something new.


What do you do in your spare time?


I’ve been struggling with time management this year. Most spare time is spent playing with my son. I also love baking bread, reading, blogging, and of course making stuff.


Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.


1). I love to travel.
2). I am an art-addict. If I had the $ I’d be buying art constantly. Since I can’t do that I’ve been having fun posting artist interviews & behind the scenes studio tours on my blog.
3). Don’t drive. Never have. I love to walk.
4).I try to learn something new everyday.


If you could, what would be your dream life?


In my dream life, I’d have the freedom to spend all day in my studio until school lets out. Then hang out with family & friends. My house would always be clean & I’d have a sales/marketing/PR crew to deal with getting my art into the world. I’d also be able to go globetrotting on a whim.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19462767 "Icarus who?" mixed media collage ooak.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32636069 "Red’s walk" mixed media collage ooak.


Here are the fun places you can find Stacey ;

Other Shop on Etsy - http://www.SteamDreams.etsy.com/

Hope you enjoyed meeting Stacey! I certainly did. Go check out her Shops on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Lovely Blog Award!

Look at this! Oh I am really excited. (Do I seem to start most blog posts like that?) Well, I am what can I say. Jenni, from http://dutchtouchbeads.blogspot.com/ has awarded the "One Lovely Blog Award" to me (and a few others) and I wanted to say a big "THANK YOU." She is such a sweetheart to do this. I love blogging! :) And I love that others love my blog! :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


Don't forget to enter the October Art giveaway on my blog! ENTER HERE!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

New Art Prints In My Etsy Shop!

Oh, I have been busy. It is so much fun to immerse myself in being creative. :) So, along with making new pieces of art I decided to offer prints of some art pieces that we have in our home. All are from original artwork created by me. Here is one of my favourites "Cathedral Window".

CLICK HERE to see the description of this art print :)


Happy Painting/Creating! :)

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New Artwork in my Etsy Shop!

Here are a couple of new Art pieces posted in my Etsy Shop. It is so much fun to work with the Fall colours. Enjoy!!!!!!

"FALL SERIES IV"

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32894738

"FALL SERIES III"

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32893712


These pieces are very versatile and can be hung upside down if you desire. Being more of an abstraction sometimes lends itself to different interpretations. I used to be pretty adamant about all my artwork being hung the way I decided until I realised I could let go of the control if someone wanted to buy the piece and hang it upside down. No worries. :)

HappyPainting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Decorating For Halloween!

I love Halloween. :) I thought I would share some of the photos I took after decorating our front entryway yesterday!
















HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Don't forget to enter my Blog Giveaway :)

Friday, October 16, 2009

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am very excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is an amazing girl from Chicago.

Here is Rachel from http://www.raspberrykidz.etsy.com/

She kindly answered some questions for us :)

"The piggy bank was based on the drawing" (below),

Before;

After Rachel's magic :)

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

Trial and error. I've dabbled in airbrushing, silkscreening and computers. For me, computer art worked the best in my limited space. I'm also a big fan of James Rizzi's work. He uses bright colors in such a free style. His pictures remind me of children's drawings. I think it's very difficult to draw like a kid. Luckily I have two of my own that supply me will all the subject matter I could need!

Tell us a little about your creative process.

I love every step of my process:
1. First I take a digital picture of the artwork and upload it onto my computer.
2. I import it into Illustrator where I create the outline.
3. In Photoshop I color it in, mostly with the airbrush tool.
4. Next I print it out, printing certain areas twice.
5. I then cut out those areas with a nail scissors or x-acto knife and reapply them to the piece, using poster tape to give it a 3-D "pop."

What do you love about creating?

Like I mentioned, I love every step of the process, but in general I love getting lost in the work—not thinking about the time or anything else. I especially love how happy kids are to see their original drawings transformed. They inspire me, and hopefully I inspire them in return.

What is your favorite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now, I'm liking the "Ballerina Pig." My daughter drew it of her piggy bank, and I just added some color and moved some flowers around. As I said, I think it's very hard to draw like a kid. If I had drawn her bank, it would have never turned out as cute!

Why Etsy?

My sister told me about Etsy. She's at http://maybeads.etsy.com/ and does very well there. I haven't been as successful as her, but it's a different way to be seen, so I tried it.
What do you love about Etsy?

That's easy—the community! I love meeting other artists. When I finished college, I found I really missed being around other artists as much as I was used to. Etsy is a great way to stay connected to the art community. Everyone I've met is very supportive.
What do you do in your spare time?

I am involved at my kids' school in many ways. I lay out the monthly newsletter. I started a magazine there, and this year I'm starting another one that will reach multiple schools. I'm teaching an art class. And I'm working on a community cookbook.

I've started my own blog (http://raspberrykidz.blogspot.com/), and one of my goals is to cook more meals for my family this year. (I'm posting my progress on the blog.)

I'm also an exercise junkie—can't really go a day without it. And I enjoy a good book.
Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world or that you think define you.

1. I have 2 turtles, named Sushi and Tofu
2. I love to bake (usually using substitutes to make things healthier—did you know you could replace butter with avocado in some recipes? I learned that in Shape magazine. It's been great for my kids. My husband still doesn't want to know about the substitutes I use because he just wants to enjoy the goodies)
3. I sometimes log onto my kids' Webkinz accounts to play 'Cash Cow' or 'Goober's Lab.'
4. I love living in the city.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

I really love my life right now. I just wish I could make more sales and continue to do what I love. I don't need to be in a gallery; I'd be happy to hang my work in a coffee shop. To have my art life help support my family would be ideal, but for now I will settle with paying for a dinner out every now and then!
Here are the fun places you can find Rachel;
On Etsy- http://www.raspberrykids.etsy.com/



Hope you enjoyed meeting Rachel! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!

Have a wonderful weekend :)

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Oh We Could Have One Big Party!

Well, we were in Napa Valley, California as few weeks ago to get some much needed R. & R. Waking up every morning to the view of the hills nearby in the sunshine and going for a morning swim in this wonderful pool, having breakfast made for me, I truly felt like I was in heaven.



And then of course, there are the wonderful sunsets, after a beautiful day of sunshine, like this one taken over Lake Hennessey.

And so to the grapes, of course one of the fun things to do in Napa is to go wine tasting, but too much of a good thing.................

I find that some of the wineries are just way over the top, too pretentious and it becomes a chore rather than a fun experience to wine taste there. So, we go out of our way to find smaller places that are really excited to have customers and often you are talking to the actual people who make the wine and have a true passion for what they are doing. These are the great moments on a vacation when you hit on the "off the beaten track" locations.



I couldn't resist adding this photo, isn't he adorable, of course he thought I had food for him, so when he had finished his photo shoot I did buy some pellets ( from the conveniently placed goat food vending machine - those tourists will do anything for a photo!)


The landscape in Napa Valley is a mixture of rugged terrain and pristine vineyards. I love the combination and never tire of seeing it. :)



Did I mention that we love wine? So, we got a little carried away and last week these boxes arrive and I have nowhere to put it all. (I still have a few cases of wine from last year's trip) Now I have to go and buy a wine fridge. Well, this will last us a while, I think. :)

So, if you are ever in the area (Oregon) and fancy a glass of California's best don't hesitate to stop by, we have plenty to go around.


Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

New Art Listing In My Etsy Shop.

I wanted to share with you my latest original art piece listed in my Etsy shop.

"PINK SPLASH."

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32511883


Don't forget to enter October's Giveaway!

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Time for another Giveaway!

Here we are another Month, another Giveaway!


Please don't think I am a broken record but don't forget to get your mammogram! :)

This Month I am following on the "Pink" theme. I am going to give away 1 print each to 2 separate winners! I am so excited to do this Giveaway. It is more than a giveaway to me, it reinforces my commitment to being aware and of the great strides that have been made in breast cancer research.

So, "Pretty in Pink" print on cardstock is the Giveaway this month. Just leave a comment here on my blog about how "Pink" affects you!


********** These prints are also being offered this month as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation, 20% of each print sold will be donated. So here are the links to my Esty shop and the prints available :) **********
Prints at $15.00 on Laser 24lb paper.
Original Painting "Pretty in Pink".
Happy Painting/Creating. :) T.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

My Art Studio Tour on Artsnark's blog!

Check out my Art Studio tour and my sewing/computer room on Artsnark's Blog.

http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2009/10/saturday-studio-tour-8-artist-teresa.html

And also, check out the interview and giveaway on Artsnark's blog I gave on Thursday, there is still time to pop over there and enter the giveaway for a beautiful print of one of my pieces of artwork which isn't on my website yet! :)

http://artsnark.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-giveaway-art-print-by-teresa.html

Hope you are having a great Weekend.

Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.

Friday, October 9, 2009

"Friday Features"

It's Friday so that means "Features Time!"

I am so excited to bring you another talented member of our Etsy community. This week it is a wonderful girl from Seattle, Wa.

Here is Theresa from http://www/Prayers4Theresa.etsy.com She kindly answered some questions for us :)


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24124692

Tell us a little about how you got to where you are creatively.

I started making rosaries in 2001. I was visiting a crafty friend who had recently gotten into beaded jewelry making in addition to her already successful stained glass business. She had made rosaries before and had all the parts available to show me. After she showed me how to use the wire tools to string the beads I was hooked! And the funniest part about it all...I wasn't even Catholic! I've long collected religious kitsch including vintage rosaries, prayer cards, statues, and such. I always loved reading about Saints, especially those who had documented their memoirs and autobiographies. Catholicism was calling to me for many years and learning to make the rosaries was just another step in the right direction. I went through RCIA in 2003 and was Baptized at Easter in 2004. I made rosaries as gifts for the other 24 people who were being Baptized with me that year. I also make about 100 rosaries a year which I donate to my church to give to those in need of a little Grace. I started my Etsy shop in December 2007.

Tell us a little about your creative process.

While traditional rosaries are my main focus I have branched out to offer other fun items which also have that Catholic flavor. Holy medals play a large part in my store. I want my items to be useful in a practical way and allow others to show their Faith and their individual Flair. I'm especially fond of the bookmarks, purse fobs/zipper pulls, and little kilt pin/brooches with colorful medals. Rather than focus on prayer like the rosaries do, these little pieces are silent and beautiful reminders that we are always surrounded by the love of God and we can call upon his Angels and Saints to help us through our day when we need them.

What is your favourite item in your Etsy store right now?

Right now my "Shepherd's Hook" bookmarks are my favorites. I love making them and I love using them. I have many I use at home. I really enjoy that I can still see them when I put books back on the bookshelf because they hook right over the spine and let the charms and beads dangle down. Adds an adorable sparkle to an otherwise cluttered and dusty bookshelf!

What do you love about Etsy?

I love the Etsy community as a whole. The support from the other sellers in the forums and chats is amazing. The teams are delightful for getting to know local crafters in your area and other people who share your passions. I find it absolutely amazing that belonging to a team of rosary makers we see each other as friends and peers instead of competitors and share promotions and sales with each other. The handmade community is so special. Like with cooking, the first ingredient/supply is always Love.

What do you do in your spare time?

I really love to just lay on my couch with a blanket, my cat and watch TV. I'm a sucker for bad reality shows, nutty comedies, and the occasional suspenseful drama. Sometimes I'll craft while I'm lounging around and sometimes I'll just fall asleep. Sleep is another one of my favorite things. I love a good nap!

Tell us 4 things about yourself that would let us peek into your world.

1. I was born and raised in WA state and I live right in the heart of downtown Seattle. My apartment is just a couple blocks from the famous Pike Place Market where they throw the fish. I can see the Space Needle outside my living room window. I love living in the middle of a busy city with all the hustle and bustle. I get way too bored out in the suburbs.

2. I'm not what most would consider a typical Catholic good-girl by looks alone. I have 12 tattoos, a couple fun piercings, and usually have bright-red hair, sometimes with funky streaks. Most of my tattoos are of a religious nature (angels, crosses, Virgin Marys). I get some interesting looks by some of the folks at church, but I don't mind. I love showing my Faith and my personal Flair.

3. My boyfriend of 8 years is a self-proclaimed Athiest who still stuck with me through my conversion to Catholicism. We have some really fun debates. I really appreciate his love and support even though he doesn't believe in my faith - he still believes in me.

4. I have a full-time "day job" in a call center. My boss lets me craft at my desk between phone calls so I do most of my crafting at work! I keep a stash of beads and supplies under my desk.

If you could, what would be your dream life?

My dream life would be that of a housecat so I could sleep all the time. LOL! I swear my cat wakes me up on the weekends just so I'll get up and she can have the whole bed to herself.


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26222234


Here are the fun places you can find Theresa ;



Hope you enjoyed meeting Theresa! I certainly did. Go check out her Shop on Etsy or leave a comment on her blog!
Have a wonderful weekend :)
Happy Painting/Creating! :) T

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pink All The Way Baby!


I have been asked so often by people "Why don't you sell prints of your art work?" I guess I have been holding out in a purist fashion in the hope that some wealthy person will buy my art work and make me famous (jk). I guess part of me thinks it is selling out but part of me is a realist and if I want more people to see and appreciate my work then prints it is. :)

So, on that note, what better way to start then to offer prints of "Pretty In Pink" as the first. I am so excited. These prints will be offered this month as a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen foundation, 20% of each print sold will be donated. So here are the links to my Esty shop and the prints available :)

Prints at $25.00 on Cardstock.

Prints at $15.00 on Laser 24lb paper.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32214628


Happy Painting/Creating. :) T.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

First Friday in Portland.

I thought it would be fun to show you some photos of the "First Friday" at the Launch Pad Gallery in Portland, Oregon.

Portland has a very active art scene, we have "First Thursday", "First Friday", "Last Thursday", "Last Friday", "Middle Tuesday", (jk) but you get my point. Lots of places open there doors and make art accessible to everyone who wants to stroll on in. It definitely makes art more available and less intimidating than in the old days. :)

With so many areas around Portland becoming destinations in themselves on these nights there is a broad range of art to choose from. Last night, as I had entered an art piece in this particular gallery's "Family Show" I dragged my Hubby to see what it was all about. Well, it was certainly a happening place, very much a hang out place, a very young crowd, mostly art students, I am guessing, loud music, dancing, well it was a party in a gallery. It had a very positive vibe, lots of people seemed to know each other and if I hadn't been old enough to be the mother to pretty much everyone there I would have joined in the dancing, well maybe not.

So, here are a few photos from last night, the piece below was my favourite! "Departure"'09 by Matt Di Leo. Hope you enjoy!















Happy Painting/Creating! :) T.