Join the Masquerade on EHAG Emporium

 

My offering for November's EHAG Emporium is a Vintage-Inspired Art Doll with antique fabrics, lace, porcelain doll parts and head, and the page from a french book.

Her torso is a wooden picture frame that I've embellished, textured and given a golden hue. Attached are her legs, arms and head, all moveable. 

She wears a felt mask trimmed in gold dresden, with a dresden star. Inside the frame, reads an aged banner, "Join the Masquerade." The piece measures 15-1/2" tall by 10-1/2" wide. It can hang from a ribbon or two picture loops in back. She is $85, plus $6 shipping. Please email me to purchase.

Don't forget to see the other wonderful Halloween pieces on the EHAG Emporium!

Cyber Monday Coupon for All Items in My Etsy Shop

To get into the holiday spirit, I'm giving a Cyber Monday discount to any and all items purchased in my Etsy shop today! Enjoy a 10% discount, when you plug in the coupon code CyberMonday2010 during the payment phase of your Etsy purchase. Enjoy the kick off to the holidays!

Halloween Costumes ~ What will you be?

Our annual Halloween costume party is almost here and I've been playing with costume ideas. I am so intrigued by the makeup of Dia de los Muertos festivities that I thought I'd give it a try. I think I found my costume. What do you think?
 

 

The decorations outside and inside are all ready for our guests.

Now, add some spirited folks, food and drink, and Halloween 2010 will be a positively eerie night to remember! Don't forget your costume! What will you be?

My Halloween Art Up for Grabs on the EHAG Emporium

Halloween is almost here and that means GIVEAWAY time, not to mention the newest update of the EHAG Emporium. On the 31st of every month, the artists of the Eclectic Halloween Artist Group offer for purchase spectacular Halloween art valued at $75 or more. And there's always a giveaway before the big day. 

This month two pieces of my art are up for grabs! A limited edition "Haunted Mansion" watercolor print (8" x 10" and no. 8/50) will be given away, along with an original, vintage inspired Halloween mask ornament. And there's several other pieces of art to be gifted to a lucky few.

To enter, head on over to the EHAG Emporium blog, leave a comment telling about your favorite decoration or piece of Halloween art! A winner will be drawn on Saturday, October 30th.

And, if you're interested in seeing more of my original Halloween watercolor prints available for purchase, check out my "Buy It Now" listings on eBay and my prints in my Etsy shop. Lots of Halloween images to choose from.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Smiles

I'm busy decking the house, inside and out, for my favorite holiday! It always makes me smile when I  break out the decorations! I take special pride too when people walking past tell me they always love my Halloween yard display.

So still smiling, I managed to complete another original Halloween-inspired watercolor. It tells you how I feel at this time of year! It's painted on 140 lb. waterolor postcard and bears all the necessary postcard markings on back...except postage! What better way to say Happy Halloween to someone than to send an original painting! I have finished it with a special spray coating for protection. It's available now on eBay and ends Friday, Oct. 22.

My Watercolors Featured in Celebrate365 magazine!

 

I am so proud to be in the Halloween issue of Celebrate 365, a journal for the ornament enthusiast. There are many other Halloween artists featured too, as you can see from this two-page spread of the quarterly publication. The magazine also offer artist interviews and many photos of ornaments and October 31 inspired art.  Another large watercolor of mine also was featured, in addition to my Victorian Paper Doll Witch wall decor. Publisher Connie Porcher does a great job finding the best in the industry and I'm humbled to be a part of it.

Say Hello at Glitterfest Saturday, Oct. 2

Come see me this Saturday at Glitterfest, 212 South Elk Lane, Santa Ana, CA, from 10 am - 4 pm. I'll be celebrating Halloween and Christmas, with a few seaside goodies as well. Please stop by and say hello!

All Smiles for Fall

After a long summer of cool temperatures, we're getting a bit of Indian summer here. The thermometer has reached close to 100 degrees for the past two days and we have another hot one in store today. But thankfully, I know it won't last. You can see signs of the approaching fall. The leaves are starting to change and flutter to the ground. It inspires me so much to try and capture that feeling of cooler temperatures and brilliant colors in my watercolors. The painting above is now listed on eBay and ends tonight. It makes me smile knowing that fall is on it's way!

Time is Running Out Before Halloween

The Third Annual Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show in Alamo, CA, has come and gone! So many talented artists and eager shoppers in one place, all for just one day. It was so nice to say hello and visit with supportive collectors. But time is running out to see me again before Halloween! The little witch shoe, pictured above, was one of the treats shoppers were greeted with at my table display. She flew home with shoppers, as did all the pieces pictured here. But more art is coming!

Sandy Wood did an amazing job photographing our event! All the photos here are courtesy of Mrs. Wood and 8amPhotography. Thanks Sandy!!!

Now I'm busy preparing for Glitterfest, Saturday, October 2, where I'll have a chance to say hello to my friends and fans in Southern California!

I'll leave you with more photos from my table at Tinsel and Treasures, and what I will have in store at Glitterfest. Halloween and Christmas will merge at my table. See you soon!

 

The Spell Has Been Cast on SpookyTimeJingles.com

Her haunting eyes beckon...and then the spell has been cast! Find all the details about this beeswax collage wood block September 13 with the newest edition of SpookyTimeJingles.com art release. I also have a Christmas item on the next page of the site, but it's on the sweet side rather than spooky. See the artwork of other amazing artists too! Remember, September 13, or better yet, sign up for the e-newsletter and get the scoop beforehand. Have a spooky good time!

The Finished Work

As promised, I completed the  9"x12" Halloween watercolor I showed in my previous post. Compare the "before" in my last post to the finished painting here. I've added layer upon layer of detail. I just love getting lost in these! I've listed it on eBay, and will be selling prints soon! Let me know if you are interested!

Also, I'm so excited to be featured in two of Stampington & Company's magazines this month. I wrote an article, "Away to Halloween Town," which featured my Halloween Hot Air Balloon for the Sept/Oct. 2010 Vintage Halloween issue of Somerset Studio. That issue also included a Haunted Masquerade beeswax collage I created.

Next, two of my projects were featured in Somerset Holidays & Celebrations 2010. My whimsical hot air balloon Christmas ornaments graced the pages of the magazine, as did my Halloween Witch's Shoe project. I am thrilled with both!

If you are planning on attending Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art show, Saturday, Sept. 18, I'll be signing copies of Somerset Studio's Halloween issue. So much happening now! Wheeee!

A Work in Progress - Painting Halloween

I am painting several more 9x12 watercolors, and I thought it would be fun for you to see some of my works in progress.  Here's my latest I hope to finish today and will most likely list in my Etsy shop by tomorrow. Once complete, I'll post the finished piece and you can see how I've added more texture, deeper colors and a few more characters. I hope to video a painting so you can watch me from start to finish! So off I go to finish this and continue preparation for the Third Annual Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Saturday, September 18, in Alamo, Ca. You can read all about the details on the website or head to the blog for photos of the participating artists work and the four make and take projects lead by Dede Warren.

I'll also be at Glitterfest Fall, Saturday, October 2, in Southern California. Hope to see you at one or both of these delightful shows!!

The Black Cats Have It!

I miss having a black cat. Long ago, as a young adult we had a black cat named Sasha. She was a handful, all wirey and spry. But I loved her yellow eyes, sleek body and fun-loving nature. Now years later, we have a German Shepherd and at nine years old, he isn't too keen on sharing the household. One day we will have another black cat. I guess that is why they keep finding their way into my paintings - wishful thinking!! This little ACEO has three feline hopefuls for me. One day....*sigh*! You'll find my latest original ACEO on eBay. Hope you're enjoying the slowly changing season!

Moonstruck for a Spooky House

I am really getting into the fall mindset, with the season's bright orange, yellows, reds and browns, the rustle of leaves and the smell of a fire - despite our 100+ degree weather this week! The full moon last night was spectacular. I sat in front of the window sill and stared at the glowing orb hanging in the night's sky, just marveling at its beauty. It gave me more momentum to finish this original watercolor postcard, "The Spooky House." It will be listed tonight in my eBay auctions. Hope your last weeks of summer are pleasant! Happy Haunting!

Budding Halloween Artists Can Win Big!

What: A Kid's Halloween Art Contest
Who: Children ages 10-14
When: Now thru August 31st, 2010. The winner will be announced by September 7, 2010
Where: Online at the EHAG Facebook Page and EHAG Blog
How: Parents email an image of your little ghoul's Halloween themed artwork to ehaagartists@hotmail.com along with the young artist's name, age, date, contact info, title of piece and medium used.
Prize: $100 gift certificate for art supplies from the winner's art supply store of choice.

Be as creative as possible and all artwork must be completed solely by the young artist. We ask that no gore be depicted. Artwork will be judged based on originality and use of medium, and all mediums will be accepted. (All EHAG family members are excluded from participation.)

The members of the Eclectic Halloween Artist Group (EHAG) are obviously not the first generation to create Halloween art, and we certainly will not be the last. So, we decided to sponsor a kid's art contest that both celebrates our most favorite holiday and nurtures their creative spirit! And as we know, there must be children out there who love to create Halloween art as much as we do! So why not encourage them today!

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your creative Halloween art entries!

Halloween Manor ~ Won't You Come In?

Maybe Halloween Manor is a bit too scary on this night! 

Who is behind that tree?

Is that a ghost on the roof? 

Look, there's a witch in the window!

 Holding hands, the three children might have enough courage to pass the black cats and maybe the ghosts. But a cemetery too? They may just stand and stare for a while and then run home! 

 My original 9" x 12" watercolor painting is now available on the EHAG Emporium, tonight, July 31, for $150, plus shipping! Please email me to purchase this one of a kind original art created on 140 lb. Arches watercolor paper and Windsor Newton watercolors. 

Then, head on over to see all the spooky art from my talented friends of Eclectic Halloween Artists Group, EHAG. It will be live tonight at 9 pm Eastern. Happy Halloween!

 

Climb Aboard the Halloween Hayride!

I have always wanted to climb atop a wagon filled with hay for an old fashioned hayride, especially on Halloween! The fall colors surrounding me while enjoying the crisp country air. Now, I've finally gotten my wish...at least I can dream. Take a peek at my latest watercolor now on eBay.

Enter the EHAG Emporium Blog Giveaway!

All of you Halloween art lovers will find another outlet to get your fix, only this one is free! The EHAG Emporium is giving away three awesome Halloween ornaments to ONE lucky winner! You need to leave a comment on the blog to enter and there's opportunities to be entered multiple times. What are the prizes?

The three giveaways this month come from Sheila Bently, Chris Klinger and Allen Cunningham, respectively. So hurry over to the EHAG Emporium to be entered. The winner will be announced the day before the Emporium unveils the next selection of art offered by EHAG's juried artists. So remember, one giveaway winner will be selected July 30 and the EHAG Emporium art unveiling takes place on July 31. Sounds like a spooktacular couple of days! 

The Haunted House on the Hill

The moon is bright and fall is here. By the looks of things at this house, it's Halloween! Three young trick or treaters stand outside the gate. Do they dare head in for some candy? This is a 9"x12" watercolor celebrating my favorite night...Halloween! Lots of detail in this piece, which can be framed to an 8x10 if need be. Available now on eBay. It's always Halloween in Wilcox Manor!

Happy Birthday STJ!

Don't forget to stop over at SpookyTimeJingles.com to see what the celebrating is all about. Fabulous artists selling Halloween and Christmas all year round for two years running! The festivities also mean lots of door prizes this month. Drop your name in the hat for a chance to win, or make a purchase for even more chances at grabbing a prize. I donated a little Christmas ornament for the event. Remember, it's the 13th of every month, which happens tonight Eastern! Grab your favorite beverage and take a stroll through all the delightful contemporary folk art. See you there!

Spirits Rise!

She calls to those who have crossed over, asking for their guidance and for answers. What spirits will she awaken using her crystal orb? Find out as she makes her appearance on July 13, when the original mixed media art becomes available on SpookyTimeJingles.com. The spirits have told me there will be much art to be had! 

Stay Close

It's Halloween and the moon is full. Stay close while we tour the town cemetery. Who knows what lurks in the shadows there. You don't want to be left behind! An original Halloween watercolor  available on eBay, starting Sunday, 6 pm, PDT. Happy Haunting!

Beware of Odd Encounters in the Woods

As you may know from my last post, I met a tree gnome and actually snapped his picture. What I didn't tell you was the old witch we met during our meanderings in the forest. She was a bit creepy and invited us in for tea. Thankfully, my husband and I had to get back to our visitors, so we couldn't accept her invitation. I don't know if her disappointed expression was because she was lonely or because she had something unfavorable in mind! You'll find her art-card-sized watercolor portrait on eBay, here. You never know who you'll meet in the forest these days! Happy wanderings!
 

Homecoming and Graduation

For the past few weeks, we've been focused on our son's high school graduation. Not only was there the ceremony, but a senior picnic, senior photos, senior barbecue and grad night, in which directly following the ceremony the students were whisked off to a USS destroyer docked in Oakland and outfitted with all sorts of games and activities. The night culminated in the 200+ recent grads hopping onto a boat and crusing the San Francisco bay with more music, games and lots of food and espresso. They didn't get home until 6:15 am the next day!

While our son was off having a good time, we had family and friends staying with us. So we took a day trip to Muir Woods in Marin County. If you've never gone, it is one of the few remaining places in the world where giant redwoods still tower above the land.

Some reach as high as 260 feet and are as old as 1,000 years! They are magnificent sentries near the coast and are among the oldest living things on earth. We even spotted a few deer that came down from the hills to feast on the lush carpet of greenery.

And...I even found a tree gnome!

Do you see his profile? He is looking to the left of the screen, with his button nose and big chin! I just knew the forest there was enchanted!!

With all the entertaining, sightseeing and celebrating, I managed to finish a watercolor "Halloween Homecoming," and post it as a "Buy It Now" listing on eBay.

I hope you are enjoying the start of your summer.

A Window to Your Soul

...at least that's what they say of our eyes. I've created a few more of these handmade ornaments with black glass glitter and a vintage image of an eye that follows you around the room. A bit creepy? Yes. And there is something about these little gothic pieces that makes me feel as if someone truly IS watching. Because they are made by hand, each is unique in its own way. And you never know if this is a window to a magical world with someone looking in on the other side! Available now on eBay and in my Etsy shoppe.

We Can All Use a Bit of Halloween

Wow...Glitterfest was here and gone in a flash! But I used my little Flip camera to share a bit of the experience with you. And even though it was Glitterfest spring, I brought some Halloween to share with the shoppers. As many of you love October 31 as I do, it comes as no surprise that I sold many pieces celebrating All Hallow's Eve, in addition to my mermaid inspired art.

I hope to have a few more pieces up on eBay in the next week. "Hope" is the key word. Our son is graduating from high school next week and lots of family and friends will be staying with us. Soon, our son will be heading off to LSU for college. I am so happy for him, with a merit scholarship to boot. But of course, I will miss him so! Life is full of change, and we can only hope for the best.

Hope to See You Soon!

Every so often I imagine that fall is here. It is my favorite time of year. If the breeze is cool enough and the sun is low in the sky, it's no longer turning in to summer. Instead...the seasons are moving directly into fall! I take advantage of those special moments, when you smell wood burning and hear leaves rustling, to work on Halloween pieces. Watch for more listings on eBay, as we head into the warm days of summer, on our way to fall!

Glitterfest Fun with Paper and Fabric

I love mixing paper and fabric to come up with original folk art for Halloween. My Victorian paper doll witch is the perfect example! Her skirt is filled with tulle to make it full and then I've used vintage-style millinery netting over it. Don't you think it gives it the perfect gothic feel? And she is a favorite image of mine from my collection of Victorian scrap books. This spooky gal is about 17" tall, and has a unconventional glass glitter witches hat. She is the perfect door greeter for Halloween! (She has a hook in the back for easy hanging.) If you like her, visit my page on SpookyTimeJingles.com where she is currently available.

Also, if you're in Southern California, look for me at Glitterfest on Saturday, May 22, 10 am - 3 pm, at the Elks Lodge in Santa Ana. I always have a bit of Halloween available, no matter what time of year. Hope to see you there!