The Joys of Giving...

Hello, dear ones!

How have you been?

All is wonderful here on the prairie.

Slightly cooler days, morning dew on the grass.

I'm getting so very excited for Fall, aren't you?

Before further ramblings, I want to remind you to get on over to my Facebook business page, (click here), give me a "like" (pretty please), and post a comment on the giveaway post!

The drawing is tonight...

I will be giving away this 9" x 12" acrylics on canvas, "I love you to the moon & back"!

Hurry!!!!

I so enjoy giving things away and will be doing this more often!

Speaking of giving...

I must share with you, something that has touched my heart in a big way.

I have a special client who gives so much.

Possibly you have read my blog post about this generous lady who has commissioned me for the entire 2014 year. Each month, she chooses someone for me to paint for. I then, secretly send the painting to the recipient, never revealing who the gift is from. I simply enclose an angel card, explaining to the recipient that someone is thinking of him or her and wanted them to have a gift of art.

Well, to my surprise...

This thoughtful client sent me a box in the mail.

You see, my Birthday is just around the corner...

but I do not expect gifts at my age! (Except maybe from husband), *giggle*.

I opened the box.

Filled with such goodness...

I carefully pulled out one gift after another!

Amazed. Happy. Squeeling...

Yet my eyes began to tear up.

"How can one person do so much", I wondered.

Not just for me...

but for oh, so many others.

 

I loved every single item in that Birthday box.

The following day I went into my art studio and the first thing on my to do list was to paint a special "thank you "card...

Just for her.

I will certainly be thinking of other ways to surprise her, but what this person has added to my life is a reminder of the joys that come from giving.

This wonderful person inspires me to be more giving.

Hey!

How about a peek into our forest?

Husband has been trimming the trees and we can now see the pond better!

Won't it be so beautiful in the Fall?

We hope to be spending much time here.

We are already thinking of family get-togethers, Bon fires, night fishing, and even overnight stays in the house, on the property.

I will also be watching for magical creatures.

A couple of weeks ago we were fortunate enough to find a nest of these darlings...

who grew quickly and hopped away!

Life is good.

Sending many blessings your way!

Xo

 

Hello peeps and pretty nails!

Hello, peeps and Happy Spring!

Oh, it feels so good to say that!

At last, Spring has arrived!

We are still awaiting warmer temperatures here, but officially, it's here and I have heard that lovely sound of birds singing outside my window.

Easter is next and I have been having a blast squishing clay into sweet Easter treats to wear!

These are my very favorite Easter treats! I feel like such a child, sucking all of the sugar off of them...

and then savoring the gooey marshmallow in my mouth!

How about you?

Do you have a favorite?

And chocolate bunnies are just the cutest! (Not as easy to sculpt though)!

And now I have a story to share with you!

Last weekend I participated in a local fundraiser event, as you know from my previous posts. After setting up my art displays, I began to roam a bit and visit other participating vendors. I met a charming new friend who was selling her finger nail wraps, along with hand care products and nail lacquer. I made it very clear to her that I don't do my nails (as you can always see in my photos like the ones above). Yuck! Why bother when I work with messy paints, gesso, gel mediums all day. I even clip my nails whenever I begin working with clay so that I do not leave finger nail imprints on my projects.

However...

I was still quite curious about these nail wraps that shrink to one's finger nail with a heat source... and her finger nails were so darn cute! After spending long hours at my booth, and she at hers,... I finally agreed to trying these nail wraps by having one put on with her tiny tabletop heater. I was even more curious after watching the vinyl "melt" onto my natural nail... With such a beautiful design. I went ahead and placed several of the raffle tickets that my hubby had purchased, into her giveaway basket.

At 3:00 pm the raffle began...

And I won that basket filled with hand care products and TWO packages of nail wraps!

So, I'm going to jump ahead a bit to shorten this story.

Once home, I realized that I could now really put these nail wraps to the test and not be out any money by doing so. That was a relief. It's somewhat like a brand new art journal. That first blank page is always a little intimidating. I never want to ruin the pricey new journal! (It takes a little mental preparation to convince myself that it's my journal is to play in and mess up.... That's what it's for)!

Speeding up this story even more...

With full manis and pedis (with these things called, "nail wraps"), I went about my normal tasks of showering, putting on lotions, painting, scrubbing mediums off of my hands and cuticles, doing dishes, laundry, opening pull tab cans...

Now on day 4 with the entire sets (manicure and pedicure, in which I solely applied).

My conclusion:

First- complete joy! I can have pretty nails and still do art!

Second thought- I want more of these!

To my own amazement, I signed up to be an independent Jamberry Nails consultant!

 

This is my art blog so you will not find me promoting any other products here, other than my own creativity....

and if this weren't something that just totally has me in "aaaaaahhhhhh", you would not be hearing about it at all. Friends, this is the reason why I have not blogged in a week! Seriously. I have been setting up my pro pay account, ordering product, visiting with my girly friends who are now flipping over it and anxious to try!

So, I will leave you with this:

Check out my link to my new personal consultant site, Boho Nails.

If you wish to try the wraps they are "buy three, get one Free".... But I insist on helping you apply them the very first time, via messages or in person for local friends. I used a method and a few tricks that has kept my wraps perfectly in tact, so please, please, message me if you order!!!!! Why? Because it's so worth trying but only if you apply them correctly! I want you to love them as I do.

Now I find myself kinda wishing that they would fall off...

Because I can't wait to slap on some new designs!!!!! Giggle giggle!

My toes and fingers are welcoming Spring and sandals!!!!

 

Goodbye ugly nails!

Hey...

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you soon! I'm currently working on several commission pieces and can't wait to share!

Xo

 

Visions of Sugarplums Danced in Her Head...

Hello, my friends!

I do hope that you had a wonderful Christmas!

Ours was very different this year since we did not travel or have time with our families. We stayed home, just the two of us....

Watching movies, snacking, sipping our usual java. It was quiet.

My family will celebrate Christmas in January, here in our home. We are very much looking forward to that!

I still felt the Christmas spirit, despite the fact that I wasn't with family...

A holiday ham has served us several yummy meals, gingerbread men were all gobbled up, and Christmas lights are turned on each morning and bounce off of the walls through the night. Visions of sugarplums have danced in our heads.

Much clay sculpting while sitting here in our recliners!

Joy, joy, joy!

Hubby even helped me "frost" more faux cupcakes. He likes being needed!

Aren't these kissing bunnies adorable?!!!

I made only one. It was very involved.... But oh, so worth it!

The creative ideas just kept on coming as we sat through Christmas... eating popcorn and chocolates (in addition to the ham and the home baked treats from a neighbor).

I thought to myself, "Alice In Wonderland"!!! I want to do a series of Wonderland sculptures!

So, let me introduce to you, the very first in the series...

The white rabbit titled, "Sweet Wonderland". There are only seven available. Love the gift box in which each one comes with! (I ship anywhere in the United States, message me if interested).

I've really had fun creating these!

Are you ready to ring in the new year?

I'm ready!!!

Remember, I'm posting frequent studio updates and photos on my "Missy Trent Art & Offerings" Facebook page! I do hope that you'll drop by and give me a "like"!!!

Stay warm, darlings!

I'll see you again very soon!

 

White rabbit on my work table...

Hello, friends!

Are you as excited as I am, that tomorrow is Friday?

I have completed my first full work week (with students). I must say that it's been quite enjoyable getting to know each and every one of them! When one spends nine months with kids, Monday through Friday, 7:45 am until 3:00 pm...

A very special bond develops. Although it's not always easy, and every day is different with so many unique personalities...

We do laugh often and try to make learning fun!

We have a great group of students this year!

Just as them, our schedules change with each school year so it takes us adults awhile also, to adjust and to know which classrooms to go to once the bell rings.

Dash, dash, dash.

All day long. (Good exercise)!

Still, I come home...

Brew the coffee.

Pour a cup.

And paint...

Or not!

Some nights I prefer to tidy up our house and just sit! (With coffee, of course).

Other nights I may read, as I did last night while eating a yummy bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt.

Tonight I resumed my mini "Wonderland" series. Those itty bitty canvases and acrylic paints.

 

Mr. White rabbit has been the most challenging character so far. Strange, but true.

Layers and layers...

And more to come. It's okay. I paint to relaxe and to clear my mind.

My sweetheart and I will be traveling this holiday weekend. I look forward to that and playing "miss photographer" for a couple of days, in a different state and new cities to explore!

How about you?

Any plans for the Labor Day weekend?

Whatever you do, enjoy and be safe!

Until next time...

XO

 

More Tea... With Three?

This morning while out in my herb garden, I sensed someone present. Do you know that feeling? A bit creepy, it is.

I peeked out of the corner of my eye.

 

Then I heard, "tick tock... tick tock".

 

I saw the white rabbit, glaring at me...

That's when I remembered that I failed to include him in yesterday's "Mad Tea".

Oh, dear. Oh dear.

In the midst of my wedding planning and all,

It simply slipped my mind to deliver his invitation.

I quickly began gathering some chamomile flowers to brew...

 

When through the branches and leaves,

I could see

The rest of the crew!

""Hello, Alice and rabbit", I said with a smile!

"Is that you, Mad Hatter"?

"Please, do come on in...

It's been awhile"!

"I do hope that you all can forgive me", I pleaded.

There was a long silence.

"I am a newly wed, with my head in the clouds...

So, do join me for tea, it's very much needed"!

So Alice winked and gave me a grin.

The others followed

And one by one,

They came in!

Much of this story is very true.

It's been a crazy, busy Summer...

With so much to do!

I hope that you enjoyed yesterday's tea.

Have another cup today

And spend some time with these three!!!!

Xo

I created each character used in this post! Quick sketch, micron pen, one quick coat of watercolor on watercolor paper. The clay clock wasn't so quick! (the only baking that I did on that day)!

Cut, cut, cut!

Much enjoyed!

Tea time!

 

 

Tea Teasers...

Ooooohhhhhh, my head is filled with visions of polka dot tea cups and oversized hats.....

Fluffy frosted pastries, linens, banners, bows

And frilly placemats!

I shall jot down my ideas in my journal each day.

Starting Summer school this morning,

Not much time to play. (Whine, whine).

 

 

It's not all bad, really, it's not.

Half days only and Fridays off (after today)!

I must confess, I so love having the spending money.

Hey! How about another tutorial soon? Maybe we should draw a teacup together...

And paint it too?!!!!

Coming soon!

Have a blessed day!

 

Where Is Spring?

As my Spring break comes to an end, I realize that I have not done much in the way of art, and I'm okay with that. I have all Summer long to paint and play! It's been a wonderful, relaxing break. Much needed.

I spent one morning decorating our home for Easter!

Oh, how I adore these soft, Spring colors...

Bunnies, eggs, and magical mini scenes!

I remember making this tiny shadow box, one evening, with two of my girly friends in Dodge City! Oh, how we laughed and had such a great time! I do miss those friends, indeed!

Just after I danced around the house, joyfully putting the Easter decorations out ...

My sweetheart came home sick, with a cold.

I spent much time cooking.... Making soups and stews, in hopes to get him well.

Yesterday I treated him to a lovely day date!

Although we are not gamblers...

Once in a great while we like to eat at the nearby casino. He played a game... And I was so happy to see sick boy smile again!

Coffee and hot cocoa for starters.

But the desserts are one of our favorite things about the casino buffet! We sample nearly all!!!!

After our outing we were back in our cozy nest. Napping. I love naps!

No regrets over a lazy Spring break. Especially now that I am sick with that dreadful cold! We are sick together....

It's been kinda fun! We take care of one another!

This crazy "Spring" weather.

Today we have SNOW!

It's so pretty...

But where is Spring?

Blessings to all!