Paintbrush wonders...

Hello, out there!

How are you?

All is silent here on the prairie. After having my nephew and his sweet girlfriend here for a few days...

Dashing here and running there, all in which we absolutely enjoyed. It's now back to quiet moments with a paintbrush in hand. Soaking up Summer skies revealing their own special brush strokes of color.

Back to commission work...

but also some "fun" projects.

I began by painting a variety of paintbrushes. Yummy colors!

Wondering what would evolve from each one, as I studied their sizes and shapes.

Then, it came to me!

One of them anyway, would become a mermaid from the sea.

I added some molding paste and sculpted some of her most interesting features such as her hair, scales, and fin.

Acrylic paints to make her really pop.

Isn't she lovely?

Now this is what I call super FUN art!

I am already looking forward to the next.

I do hope that you are taking some time to admire your pretty painted skies!

XO

 

Treasures of the Sea...

Around here lately...

It seems that I am surrounded in water, as it has been raining. Big rain.

That's fine with me because I adore water.

I am especially fond of the sea...

it's hues of turquoise, blue, green, and white.

Tranquility.

Sea creatures fascinate me...

even if they really only live in my head....

or not?

I like to believe that they do exist.

Sunken treasures below.

I ponder all of these things while sculpting clay heads and tails.

While painting tiny fish.

I have enjoyed several sea theme art projects since returning home from our vacation.

The mixed media mermaid doll was a fun project for an art doll swap! She is being shipped to New York today. In return, I will receive a handmade art doll from my swap partner in New York!

This is what I refer to as my "play time" art. My hobby. Art with no instructions!

This big guitar case was my most recent commission. Although it came to me with instructions, I absolutely loved doing this piece!

"Bugs" is a pet dog who has passed on. My lovely client hired me to paint this case as a tribute to Bugs...

a gift for the doggie parents. Isn't that sweet?

I feel as if I am still on vacation with all of these sea projects...

I even added some ambient lighting to the tree, right outside of my studio window.

Fireflies in a sea colored jar? Oh yes!

It makes me smile!

Sending some tranquility your way!

I'll meet you back here again soon!

XO

 

A Country Fall with Mr. Pippin...

Oooooooh, don't you just love Fall?

Although we still have some 80-degree days in our forecast this week, the Fall festivities have begun here on the prairie.

Country living is simply wonderful.

Neighbors and friends live fields apart, but still remain close should one need a helping hand or wish to share a cup of coffee.

Every Fall is welcomed with the annual Bon fire, a few dirt roads South of us. Many of the town folk gather, with a covered dish in hand...

for a night of visiting, eating, and a live band for some dancing, for those who desire to do so.

This goes on until 1:00 in the morning...

but hubby and I could never last that long!

It was a nice evening.

 

I have completed, "Mr. Pippin". Doesn't he look festive in his orange and black?

I am now eager to decorate the house for Halloween!

It's always so much fun digging those boxes out of the basement and admiring each decoration, one by one...

deciding on it's placement for this Fall year.

For now, "Mr. Pippin" hangs from the fireplace mantel. He needs more friends, and once that I get caught up with commission work... (Or in between),

I will sculpt a Mrs. Pippin, for him.

At last!

This piece will ship to it's new home tomorrow!

A painstaking piece of art that has undergone many transformations.

Mistakes were made...

and layers of acrylic paint were added to fix them.

I'm doing the happy dance today because it is time to move on to the next!

I hope that your weekend has been wonderful as well.

We will meet right back here again, real soon, ok?

Xo

 

Welcome Fall... and a pumpkin doll!

The past two days have been cold, wet, and grey here.

My morning walks now require a jacket.

And a few stops to snap some photos, of course!

My pumpkin patch fizzled out so I had to pluck the six pumpkins that did grow, even though they were still rather tiny.

That's okay though because as far as I am concerned, Fall has arrived and I'm feeling very inspired by it!

Even our country cow friends are enjoying the cooler temperatures.

They came out to greet me after I wrapped up my walk....

Snap, snap.

And then I dashed into the house, dampened by the misty rain.

More coffee to brew, for warming my bones.

I was on a mission.

I had sketched my ideas onto sticky notes.

For days, thinking about pumpkin dolls...

but commission work must come first.

So I have been painting like a mad woman!

Getting closer to be finished...

(and closer to making pumpkin dolls)...

when I get another commission just yesterday!

Friends, I must pinch myself often because I can't believe that at last, I really am living my dream. I always have work now.

The only problem that I seem to have is finding the time to create for fun, with no instructions, and to use whatever mediums that I may be in the mood for that day. You know, that free spirit stuff that artists have.

After painting all mid morning, I decided that I was going to make it all work! I was indeed, going to start bringing Mr. Pumpkin doll to life, afterall, October will soon be here!

And so, the sculpting has begun!

Yes!

I can do it all,

With practice, of course! (Time management).

Tell me what you are doing to welcome Fall!!!

Until next time,

Blessings!

 

Where did I leave off?

Oh, dear!

Where did I leave off?

First, a big HELLO to all of you!!!!

How have you been?

 

It's been awhile, I know.

My world has undergone many changes and adjustments! (All good, I might add), but trying to find "balance" has not been easy since I resigned from my day job in November.

I have discovered that working from home, does indeed, come with a whole set of new challenges.

Time management being the biggie for me!

Friends, I have been richly blessed with consistent commission work, and it always keep my art work at the top of my priority list! No problem there. I love being responsible and dependable. My biggest thrill and form of payment are the praises that I receive from clients and recipients of my art! I love waking up to an email or a Facebook message from someone who is overjoyed and so grateful after receiving a piece of my art! This makes my heart so very happy!

Yes.

I'm doing what I love and I do it passionately.

I've had orders for anniversaries...

And surprise gifts to friends...

Birthday gifts, a child's bedroom (the decor in planets & space)...

Day after day, I paint.

Some days I find myself feeling restless. Is that the word that I'm seeking?

I miss doing personal art, especially my art journaling.

Some days I really have not felt all geared up to go into my beautiful art room and paint.

I am one who needs variety and I do like to create on a spur of the moment.

So, I added another "for fun" job to my life.

I signed up to be an independent consultant with a nail wrap company. I seriously did this, as a hobbiest, and only to give me something fun, yet still creative, to add to those days that I needed a break from art work.

Oh my!

This HAS indeed been fun...

And yes, creative.

But then suddenly, I became crazy busy!

Once Facebook friends caught wind of the nail wraps, I found myself running more errands, delivering and shipping nail wrap samples, doing nail wrap parties! Oh. And of course, keeping my own nails pretty!

I honestly did not expect all of this! 4 recruits.... Helping them, orders arriving... Advancing to "senior consultant"! Giggle. Giggle.

Once again, I'm so happy in all that I'm doing but I am now working on balancing my art, Jamberry Nails, house, husband, travel.

This is why I have been absent from blog land!

I seriously, have had no extra time for taking and editing photos let alone, sitting down to type up a blog post.

I also adore blogging.

I will get it all figured out!

I will say, that out of all my jobs...

My favorite is, and always will be, my art.

When I'm painting...

Something unexplainable happens.

Even on those days that I did force myself to pick up that paintbrush...

Within minutes, I realize that I am smiling. I even dance a little to the radio! Shhhhh.

I diffuse the lovliest essential oils. It's such a slice of heaven...

In my art studio.

Oh!

Do you remember these?

 

Well, since we last visited, I have also made oodles and oodles more! They have shipped to Shops and stores in different states! No kidding! I have reveived some very nice checks in the mail for these guys!

Happy heart. Happy life!

My wonderful husband has supported all of my jobs. He even builds odd shaped boxes for my big canvas paintings to ship in. How did I ever get so lucky?!!!!

We've planted our garden here on the prairie. He even built a wonderful fence all around it.

In August we are going back to the East coast for our big vacation!

Life is good.

I hope that you are savoring every moment of yours!

God bless and I will certainly do better at blogging!

Yes.

I will.

Xo

 

Sugar Skulls & Sugar Skulls...

Hello!

How are you?

All is wonderful here on the prairie!

No true Spring weather yet, but that's okay because I have much going on in the art studio.

This week I am filling an order for sugar skull necklaces!

This has been my biggest commission yet!

A place of business has ordered dozens of the skulls for a May art event in Iowa, celebrating the Mexican culture.

I even put my new bead baking rack to use and loved it!

I'm getting closer to completing this order and have nicely wrapped each cord around my business cards. I thought that the white background showed off the skull better, having all of my colorful info on the backside.

It's been a nice break from canvas painting, which I did all weekend and most all of last week. (I will show that project soon, as it's on it's way to Virginia and I do not want to blow the surprise)!

For now, I'm off to string more beads and then get these babies boxed up for shipping!

Wishing you all a fabulous day!

Until next time...

XO

 

It's A New Year!!!!

Hello, dear ones and Happy new year!!!!

It's pretty calm around here. Last night as well. Hubby and I sat in our new recliners, in our lounge wear, watching a scary movie! I tend to work on something creative as I sit because I'm really not a good sitter and my attention span is short. My mind never rests and yesterday I was just a bit excited about an accomplishment! A goal in which I had been pondering for awhile now. I decided to go ahead and begin the new year by re-stocking my etsy shop, now that I am settled into a permanent home and my vagabond has stopped and unpacked! It's tough after a divorce and not really knowing where home will be. Starting all over. Roaming. That was me a few years back. One certainly cannot maintain any kind of business in such chaos. I let go of many things during that time, including goals and dreams. Art supplies were in plastic tubs that traveled from Southwestern Kansas to the East coast, then Eastern Kansas!

Aaaaaah. At last I am at peace and have my life back...

A much better one than before, in fact!

So, I'm back up and running on etsy. I may never succeed there...

But I won't ever know until I do give it my time and commitment, right?

Here's the link to my shop, "La La Vagabond". I do hope that you'll stop by for a visit!

I like variety and will continue to list everything from original paintings, ACEO's, sculptures, greeting cards, holiday goodies, and always surprises! Always!

A pretty princess original watercolor painting that comes with a chocolate matt!

I try my best to price my art at reasonable prices that will allow everyone to afford, if they desire to purchase a piece.

My shop accepts credit, debit cards, paypal.

All is up-to-date, confirmed and verified! Yay!!!!

All of that alone took many hours, so for me, it's something to shout about!

Don't you just love that magical feeling that seems to arrive with the new year?

It's as if we have been given yet another opportunity to challenge ourselves and continue to create the lives that we so want.

I do not do resolutions. I just continue to improve and grow. It's always important to me to live a creative life, every single day.

I like to keep things colorful and make believe!

(A lot of glitter too)!

 

So, on that note, I shall say goodbye for now...

 

Wishing you a magical and wondrous 2014!

May dreams come true, goals achieved, and love shared!

Until next post,

XO

 

To Chalk Things Up...

Hello, my friends!

I haven't much to write about today, my apologies. I have been enjoying extra time with my love since he has been home more due to the holidays. It's been so nice! On Saturday night night I put on my cool new boots...

(A Christmas gift from hubby), and we went out! We tried the new Chineses restaurant, here in our prairie town. We were very pleased, and our usual comment after the meal was, "I hope that they can stay in business". Sadly, in small towns such as ours, businesses and restaurants come and go quickly.

Ok. So... What gift did I give to him for Christmas?.....

Ta Da!

I gave him a set of three canvas wedding prints!

Shhhhhhh.

It was also my way of ridding of the hideous wall decor that has been hanging on the walls ever since I moved here.

Friends, that's another story all in itself.

Another gift from hubby was this amazing globe light for my studio! He got it hung for me.

My work table is loaded down again with a variety of of projects...

I've been dabbling in Bombay Inks, my art journal, and clay.

I can't seem to put they clay down lately! Funny, I go through these stages. A few months back it was basket weaving... Every single evening! I never get bored in my world. If I do get a bit restless, I switch to other supplies in my play room!

Watercolor and my art journaling are just a part of me. I do and prefer these nearly daily, like taking vitamins. It's routine.

I'm currently working on two secret projects that I'll show in a future blog post!

Much snacking and movie watching around here lately! The most delightful cheese balls and pita chips...

along with some scary movies that even made hubby squeal a time or two!

I'm also playing with chalkboards. He and I are designing a large, vintage style chalkboard for the kitchen...

But until then, my tiny board is nice to practice with...

And to wish YOU and your loved ones a Happy New Year!!!!!

Embrace 2014.

XO