Fall is in the Air

Oh my...where has the time gone? Summer is slipping away, I feel a nip in the air which means fall is just around the corner and I need to shift into high gear to prepare for my upcoming show Tinsel and Treasures, Sept. 12, for lots of Halloween and Christmas folk art.

And then, I'll be off to teach some special classes Sept. 26 & 27 in Southern California at Gilding the Lily with my friend and dollmaker Colleen Moody. (Details soon to be announced.) Next, I'll lead a Haunted Halloween Beeswax collage class Saturday, Oct. 3, in Walnut Creek, CA, as part of a one-day, two class event Mistresses of Macabre Part I with Daniela Costa, of The Art Life. Busy, busy, busy!!

So I keep on painting and creating. Just added a couple new original ACEO watercolors in my Etsy shop. Hope your summer has been grand!

Are You Afraid?

What happens on Halloween night to those old houses that give a fright?



Is it a chance for the boogie man to sneak about?



Or are the monsters in the closet waiting to jump out?




Do ghosties and ghoulies come alive....



To scare trick or treaters out of their hide?


Or is it a chance to imagine a place, where the mystery of Halloween fill the space.



Hope you're having a hauntingly good summer!
More haunted house watercolors, like this one on eBay, are in progress.

~ Iva

That's What Friends are For

Now if I could conjure up some ghosties to help me with ironing, cooking and cleaning! My latest little original watercolor art card, "Rise My Friends," is now available on eBay. Working on some larger format haunted houses now too!

I Spy with My Little Eye...

...more Halloween goodies on eBay listed tonight. This curious Eye ornament really should be in the study of an eclectic professor. But instead, it's available now on eBay and in my Etsy shop, where I've added new pieces and have listed others at a special sale price. Meander over and see if you spy something you like with your little eye. I'll be seeing you!

Inspiring Images

My husband and I recently went to Santa Cruz for the day. What an inspiring little beachside town, complete with a Coney Island-style theme park, Victorian mansions perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific and lighthouses with intriguing histories.

As we drove along the cliff road, I spied many a home that I would love to incorporate into my pantings. This one has gorgeous, unobstructed views of the ocean. My imagination began to run wild with stories behind the mansion. It is ripe for a watercolor with maybe a ghost or two hiding inside.

Thankfully, my eyes were filled with all sorts of imagery and the camera clicked away for future use. For now, I have made one tiny abode available on eBay. It's another version of the mysterious pumpkin house. This one is a pen and watercolor collage.


I hope you are finding inspiration around you this summer, whether it be in art, cooking, gardening, or spending quality time with your family. If you'd like to read more about my Santa Cruz trip, head over to my mixed media blog, IvasCreations.typepad.com.

Happy Summer to you!

Watercolor Trick or Treat

Have I mentioned that I love painting Halloween watercolors? Here's another little art card I have listed on eBay. You'll find the listing here. This one really has an innocent feel, don't you think?

And be sure to check in just before July 13th, when I'll have some more Halloween art up on SpookyTimeJingles.com. We're celebrating our 1st Year Anniversary and there are all sorts of door prizes and fun for our collectors. Stop by and take a peek, but remember it's July 13!

The Haunt

Beware of the house at the end of the street! It's called, The Haunt, because of the many other-worldy creatures who call it home. Original watercolor ACEO, now available on eBay.

In Stone on eBay - My EHAG Challenge Piece

What's inside? A skeleton, mouse, spider, what? Let's slide it open and see!




Now available on eBay as part of the Eclectic Halloween Artists Group Tombstone Challenge.

Join the Halloween Party!

The Halloween celebration has begun on PFATT Marketplace, where you'll find Jack O Lantern June! So many talented artists who love to create for All Hallows Eve.

This wee pixie is on his way to the party! He's getting a lift from his paper mache black cat friend. I've created this piece on an oval paper mache box, which you can use to hold candy or that special Halloween ornament.

And a Halloween party just wouldn't be the same without Mr. Jack! He's a jolly sort and is just ecstatic that's he's risen from the pumpkin patch to join everyone!

I've created him from paperclay and painted muslin. His arms and legs are poseable, as they are bark covered wire.

This is your invitation to step into fall for a while, make some spiced cider and window shop from your computer at all the wonderful offerings from the artisans of PFATT Marketplace.com. Happy Haunting!

Spooky Goodness

Watch for some spooky goodness from me come June 10 at Pfatt Marketplace.com.