Featured Artist/Etsy Shop: PaperFields! Shop here for Mother's Day!!

If you haven't already discovered this shop, let me please encourage you to take a minute and treat yourself. This lady's work is simply a feast for the eyes! She designs and creates a unique line of greeting cards using digital collage and a variety of beautifully elegant ephemera. These cards almost defy description! I ordered a set of these and can personally tell you they are among the most beautiful cards I've ever seen! They are just perfect for that special person in your life, when a drugstore card just won't do. An added bonus to the quality of these products is the opportunity to do business with such a lovely seller! I promise you won't be disappointed by the time you spend with Jana at PaperFields!
The images above are a sampling of the cards that Jana offers in her Etsy shop. The link is http://PaperFields.etsy.com


Jana also has a website, called Serendipity Collections, that is an absolute "must see". We all find ourselves needing something a little special for those people in our lives that mean the most to us, and this website meets that need in such a delightful way! The first time I visited the site, I found myself wanting to visit the place in real life! It has the atmosphere of a charming tea room, where good friends sit down to visit. The images below represent just a sampling of the items offered at http://serendipitycollections.com

I have some of these adorable little pendants, and I just had to showcase them here! There are so many cute varieties that I had trouble deciding which image to display.



Opening one of Jana's boxes is a treat for the senses! The scent of lavender wafts out and I find myself just stopping for a moment to take in the experience!

Thanks for reading about Jana's shop and website. Hope you visit soon!

Tribute To Janis Joplin

I sat down a few weeks ago to watch the Woodstock documentary on VH1. I wanted to see Janis Joplin sing "Piece of My Heart". Well, who knew that Janis was cut out of the original documentary? All I can say is thank goodness for YouTube! This was a person of incredible talent, but so misunderstood. I had no idea of the sadness and rejection that she experienced in her personal life, even after she achieved fame. I drew this card as a tribute to the many faces of Janis.

Learning Stretch! Premio Polymer Clay

I love the work that I've seen on Etsy from polymer clay artists, so I thought I would give it a try myself. My son had some Premio polymer clay, so I sat down to create an ACEO using that. I thought I would show it here, because it is probably the only one I'll ever make!! This is a spring garden, but I discovered that, either I don't know enough about working with this medium, or it's just not my forte'. I did this without benefit of a brayer or a pasta machine. Apparently one or both of those items is necessary in order to properly condition the clay. I conditioned all of this by hand, and my hands are still sore a day later!

Think Spring

I'm sick of winter! It's time to put away the heavy coats and sweaters, throw open the windows and breathe in some fresh spring air! I love bright colors, and I guess that's why spring is my favorite time of year. In that spirit, I created this happy little orange day lily. It's for sale now in my Etsy shop, so click on the small image on the right to go there. I am planning to list more items similar to this one.

I've have several art cards marked down to half price now, so check those out too! If you are a collector, this would be a great opportunity to clean up! If you are not a collector, this is a wonderful time to start! ACEOs are such versatile little pieces of art. They are affordable, so go ahead and splurge! Put them in little frames and set them up in groupings at home, or take them to work with you to spruce up your cubicle. ACEOs also make great, affordable gifts for birthdays, weddings, Easter, or almost any occasion.

Featured Artist: Jean Levert Hood

Today it is my great pleasure to feature the talent of Texas hill country artist, Jean Levert Hood. Jean's work is available in several galleries across Texas and Louisiana. She also has a wonderful website and blog where her art is available for sale, or you may visit her Etsy shop to make purchases. Jean showcases the natural beauty of the Texas hill country in her paintings. She loves color which is obvious when you see the beautiful, vivid details in her work. Jean's primary mediums are oil and watercolors. She has recently begun painting small format ACEO sized pieces, as well as hand-painted greeting cards. Make sure to click on all three of these links to see the wide variety of art that Jean creates! The following is just a small sampling. All images on this website are copyrighted and cannot be reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the artist.

http://www.JeanLevertHood.com
http://www.JeansArtBlog.com
http://www.JeanHood.etsy.com

Plumbago
10" x 8" oil



Red and Green
16" x 12" watercolor

I just finished this watercolor portrait of my friend's little boy. This photo was taken on signing day at our local university and he was beaming because the football players and the coach had signed his football! I painted the football on a separate sheet of watercolor paper and mounted it, which gives the portrait a nice 3D effect. I thought this little guy was way too cute not to share!

I am thrilled to be participating in the first edition of "Create, Collect, Trade!", a collection of art cards from adult and student artists.

Since deciding to take part in this book, I have had time to reflect on the influences, both positive and negative, that shape a child's attitude toward the arts. My children were both fortunate to have had a caring and compassionate art teacher who knew how to guide and foster their development without squashing their creative spirits.

This card is a tribute to those unique educators who are blessed with dual talents: to create and also to inspire. Thanks Deanna and Nicole! You touch lives and change them for the better. Added on Mar 2, 2008