This and That

I've added a link to my sidebar for everyone to use to send a card to our Troops. Now that Thanksgiving is just a few days away please take a minute to let the Troops know your thinking about them and say Thank You. Really it only takes a minute I promise.

Now my shows were this past weekend, I think I've been talking getting ready for the shows since June. I would like to say Thank You to all the shoppers that came out in the cold to shop and spend their hard earned money with all of the crafter's.
All crafter's have been so concerned with the economy like it is right now and wondering would the people come out to shop for the Christmas season. Well the numbers were down a little bit this year and thats understandable.
I enjoy the shows, yes it's a lot of work but well worth it. You meet so many nice people and you get to see your regular customers from year to year. They are the best.
If your wondering what sold well for me this year, What else, ORNAMENTS!!!
Everyone loves the ornaments.

Now it's time to get ready for the big weekend. I know everyone is sorting through those old recipes handed down through the family over the years. There's probably a lot of cleaning and making everything nice for the family and friends coming in from out of town.
But don't forget to take some time for yourself. Don't run yourself ragged to the point of getting sick. That's no fun, trust me I know from years of experience. Your family is not coming to visit your house they are coming to spend time with you.
You know there is nothing better then everyone sitting around the table telling stories from the past that makes you laugh till your in tears, and just catching up with whats going on in one another's lives.

And if your a painter like me find yourself a pretty Christmas pattern and a turn on the Christmas music and enjoy a warm evening at home painting to your hearts content.
Home is where your heart is.

New Etsy Shop

It's been a while since I've been here, I've been getting ready for my shows and yes I am now the proud owner of a new Etsy Shop. It's brand new just listed my first items last night. If you have a minute go check it out http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6424813

Right now I only have some ornaments listed but once my shows are over I'll be adding more items. The Santa Bells and a few of the Snowball face ornaments that you see in my slide show are listed there. This is a new learning experience for me I've never had an online shop so there are still some kinks to work out and some tweaking to be done. But I'll learn as I go. They have a very nice site and the Etsy people try to provide you with a lot of information to help you get set up.

Country Church

This picture reminds me of the pretty glittery Christmas cards and the song Silent Night, it just looks so peaceful.

This is another of Betty Caithness's patterns done on a old silver plated tray. If you've never painted any of her patterns this would be a good one to start with. Most of her works have a lot of detail that can get over whelming for someone just starting out. This one took me a day to do between loads of laundry and a few other things I did around the house yesterday.

Ho, Ho, Ho Time for Santa

Trash To Treasure

This proves you can paint on anything. This piece is an old silver plated tray. I really like the look of the pretty edge around the tray. It looks like you have a framed piece. It's almost impossible to find trays with a smooth surface to paint on so I had to come up with a way to go around that. This tray had a pretty flower and leaf design in the bottom and I knew I had to fill that in so I would be able to dry brush my highlights on. So I put several coats of sealer. Still you could feel the etched design in the bottom. Then one day while out in my work room I saw a can of wall Spackle. I thought what the heck give it a try. So I put a thin coat over the bottom of the tray, let it dry and did a light sanding.
Then a few more coats of sealer and a few coats of base coat and it was as smooth as a babies behind...LOL,,,ready for painting.
I have gotten my hands on a few more trays so I plan to get a few more of these done with different designs. I've seen other trays and even bowls done, they work up really pretty. So the next time your cleaning out the basement or the hall closet take a second look at what your about to throw out. Because with a little time and your paints you can have a heirloom piece that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Christmas Stars

Yikes it's October and I'm painting Ornaments like crazy right now.

I gotta share these stars with you.

This pattern you will find in the Winter 2009 of Quick & Easy Painting magazine.

Designed by Chris Haughey.

I just thought they were so cute. You can buy the rusty tin stars from Cabin Crafters.

They work up really cute.

I'll be back with more ornaments later.

Cheaper Then a Therapist!

That's the joke around here, each week when the gals show up for class. It's not just coming to paint but it's their therapy. When I think of all the stories that have been shared around the table while everyone paints. There have been some crazy stories and jokes that have made us laugh till we cried. And then there have been heart breaking experiences that we've all shared. So I guess it is kinda like therapy. But what better way to spend an evening then with friends and a cute design and your paints. With all the bad news and stresses of the world we live in I find that's my way of getting away from it all without leaving home. When things are weighing heavy on your mind try getting out your paints, brushes and a design that maybe a friend would like and painting something for someone else. It's a good way to relieve the stress of the day and clear your head, it just good for the soul. With the economy like it is right now painting is still one of the crafts that's affordable. You need to invest in three or four good brushes that you can use coupons to get an even better price on. And the paints are are still a good deal even though the prices have gone up some. Those little bottles of paint last forever less you painting something huge. Right now you can find lots of pre-cut ornaments to paint on. Look around for some painting magazines like Quick & Easy Painting or Painting, or Paint Works you can order then online and you'll find all kinds of patterns for some really cool things to paint for the holidays. So my challenge for you is to get a surface to paint on and spend some time relaxing and clearing your mind and see what you come up with. It's a nice way to spend an afternoon and you might even end up with some cute gifts for family and friends.