Every once in a while, a project comes along that you're so excited to create, but so worried that it will be just right. The idea floats in your head for some time and you draw out your plans.

It slowly begins to take shape, as you work adding layer upon layer of creativity. And happily, you see that it's going in the right direction. And then....









...the magic starts to take over.










This is one of those projects, but shhhh......I can't tell until it's complete and the customer is happy. So, watch for more news. In the meantime, here are some more sneak peaks.

Among Halloween Pumpkins

An Original Halloween ACEO Watercolor Painting

A young witch naps among Halloween pumpkins, while her little cat snoozes nearby. They are framed by the orange, green and yellow fall-tinged vines. She needs her rest before the big night...All Hallow's Eve! This is a standard ACEO size of 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" on high quality watercolor paper, now available on eBay. I also have been listing limited edition prints of some of my original Halloween watercolors. Thank you for your wonderful support and enthusiasm. Happy Haunting!

Take A Ride in the Halloween Hot Air Balloon

Across the moonlight sky on All Hallow's Eve, you can take a ride during the most magical time of fall on the Halloween Hot Air Balloon! And, your traveling companions are three little Halloween fairies. These are the front and back views of this one-of-a-kind piece. Be sure to check out my latest Halloween and Christmas offerings on SpookyTimeJingles.com tomorrow the 13th, when the new release takes place. Remember, new items are in store every 13th of the month!



Up, up and away!

A Sweeter Halloween

Sometimes I like the less gothic sort of Halloween, and it comes out every once in a while in my watercolors. I just listed this sweet 5x7 original watercolor painting on etsy. It's on heavy 140lb watercolor paper, unframed and unmatted, but at an oh-so-great price, and you will find it here. I'm working on more watercolors and can't wait to finish them. Sometimes I am surprised by what appears in my paintings. Maybe it's those little Halloween fairies sprinkling their October dust on everything!

And, back by popular demand, I've listed another Glittered Curious Eye Ornament on eBay. It really does follow you around the room and is perfect for those who love art that looks like it came straight from a Victorian cabinet of curiousities! You'll find the listing here.

It's never too early for Halloween, right? Happy Haunting!...Iva

A Halloween Surprise

"The time is nigh, when ghosts and skeletons dance across the sky."

The Witching Hour - midnight - is when the Halloween mischief begins. Slide open the box, and be surprised!

Now available on my Halloween gallery page on SpookyTimeJingles.com.

Master of the Macabre - Now on eBay

As part of the Eclectic Halloween Artist Group (EHAG) three year anniversary, we are holding an art challenge on eBay. "A Frightful Fete" is the theme and Master of the Macabre is my contribution. He's dressed in his fine wool top had and silk stripes and ready for the party! You can find him here now on eBay. Don't forget to enter EHAG as a search term to see all the Halloween art from my fellow members. Let the Fete begin!

Three Curious Ornies for a Third Anniversary ~ the EHAG Blog Giveaway

The Eclectic Halloween Artist Group, or EHAG, has planned a blog giveaway starting on Monday, April 6 to celebrate it's third anniversary. Since I'm a member of this group of stellar Halloween artists, I decided to create something special for the giveaway, three Curious Halloween ornaments. These vintage-style ornies are adorned with vintage crepe paper, old-time images, black dresden and fine, vintage crinkle wire in gold.

Head over to the EHAG blog, ehagart.blogspot.com on April 6, submit a comment and gain a chance at winning one of the many giveaways! You have until midnight on Monday, April 13 to enter. Winners will be drawn on the April 14.

Give it a try, and while you're at it, take a gander at all the art from this group listed on eBay. The group decided an art challenge would be fun to acknowledge the anniversary so the theme of "A Frightful Fete," is quite fitting for the occasion. Simply enter EHAG into the eBay search window or click here to see what wonderful creations are available.

Happy Anniversary EHAG!!

Halloween Treasures from Skelly Swap

What a delight to find this cute little guy grinning underneath the tissue paper in a package I received from the talented David Everett of Chicken Lips Folk Art. We both participated in the sculpted Skelly Swap hosted by Dani Nelson of Ambitions Design. This is the second swap I've been in and I'm acquiring fun little Halloween treasures from creative fellow artists.

David's whimsical style in his paper mache sculptures makes you smile. And I love the curly wire hanger he created at the top of the skelly's hat. Thank you David! Your little guy is smiling down at me from above my desk!


Here's a photo (courtesy of David) of the skelly ornament I sent him. His little body is cotton batting and he holds the tiniest of umbrellas.

If you'd like to see more of David's fun creations, head on over to his blog to see photos of his work.

Have you been in a swap lately? I'd love to hear about it!

Keeper of the Bats

I've begun my Halloween watercolors again and this good-natured lady found her way onto the paper. Who else could love flying, furry creatures than one who is related to them? She is the standard art card size, 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches and full of love for her batty friends. You can send her flying to your home here.

An Awarding Good Time

My friend and fellow EHAG artist Chris Klinger awarded me with this little gem, "Kreativ Blogger Award." I am so proud, especially since my Halloween blog is so new! Thank you Chris! Don't forget to check out his truly creative blog here.

I have several others I'd like to pass this award on to:

1. Joyce Stahl, Enchanted Productions
2. Melissa Valeriote, The Holiday Queen
3. Lori Rudolph, Retro Rudolphs
4. David Everett, Chicken Lips
5. Carolee Clark, King of Mice Studios


Next, I was given another special award recently from the sweet and caring Lyndy Ward of Today's Gold. Thank you Lyndy! Her blog is chock full of interesting Q and A's from a variety of people. And her sage advice is always spot on!

As part of this award, I must list five addictions. Um...only five? Well, here goes:

1. Tennis: yes, I love being outdoors and smacking a ball around!
2. Halloween: ya think?
3. Flea market finds: from Alameda Antiques by the Bay, Addison Endpaper Sales, thrift stores...items from these are everywhere in my studio and multiplying!
4. Gardening: in containers right now with scented geraniums, begonias, petunias, and lots more including herbs such as chives, thyme, basil (red, curly leaf, too early though), and mint.
   
5. My Latest Salad: mix 3/4 teaspoon Dijon with 1 Tablespoon of Kraft Fat-Free Ceasar dressing and drizzle over Spring Lettuce Mix, sliced hearts of palm, quartered artichoke hearts, carrot shreds, sliced red onion, and chopped tomato - YUM!

Thank you again Chris and Lyndy for including me in your awards!!