Happy Thanksgiving

What a nice day I've had, Good friends and good food to share.

I took some time to add some of my favorite Christmas music here for everyone to enjoy.

I didn't get to paint today but that's OK I'll get back to that on Sunday. I hope that you have had a special day as well and added to the good memories that you will think back on in the years to come and remember fondly.

I've been noticing that when people find their way to this blog most of the time they are searching for Snowman paintings so I'll show you one I finished last week. This is a Jamie Mills Price pattern. I've have the book for some time now but just got around to painting this cutie.

Her snowmen have the sweetest faces and the softest look.

If you want to paint a cute snowman give this one a try you won't be disappointed. Would be a great piece to paint for someone who collects snowmen.

Until next time happy painting.

My Craft Show Weekend 2009

Every year I do two craft shows at two different locations and they happen to fall on the same weekend. You know that saying what doesn't Kill you will make you Stronger well it must be true.

Cause I'm still here after a very long two days.

I've been reading reports from other crafters for the last two months and lets just say most of the reports didn't sound promising. So I went out this year with low expectations. But it turned out not to be so bad after all. The show on Saturday was pretty good. Yesterday's show the sales were down but with this economy it was no surprise. But I'll say I'm grateful for the sales I had and want to thank all those that came out to shop with us. It's so great to get to see everyone from year to year and visit with other crafters that I've known for many years.

My ornaments made a big hit this year. I spend many hours making dozens of each style of ornament so I'll have enough for the two days.

There were so many nice items sold at this years show, my friend Mary makes floral arrangements and wreaths and she did very well this weekend to. There are a few fine artist Mary Lou Troutman and Alan Paganhardt that feature their work at these shows every year and they had a good weekend as well. So if you have a good product that the people want you can still make money out there.

Now that the shows are behind me it's time to get myself ready for Thanksgiving. Yes I have to put the boxes away and prep my house and shop for all the trimmings for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is such a nice day that's if you don't let yourself get caught up in all the black Friday frenzy that makes people crazy every year.

I plan on making a nice dinner to share with friends and relaxing and thanking God for His Grace and Favor in my life. Than because I work retail I'll be going to work nice and early Friday morning, OH Yipeeeee ;)

Remember while your out there shopping for that perfect gift over the weekend be kind to the folks behind the counter, we are not the ones that buy the stock that goes on the shelfs and we have no control over what the stores have or in most cases don't have.

And pay attention to your surroundings and be safe on the roads and in the malls. I hope you find that perfect gift you have in mind for the special person. Happy Shopping.

We painted pears in class yesterday and they turned out really nice. I really need to remember to take a camera with me so I can post pic's of what my wonderful students paint.

This is a Debbie Cole pattern and I enjoyed painting it , love the colors.

I know it's November but the weather has been so nice, yesterday it was 78 degrees in Southern MD. and today looks like a repeat of the same.

I think it will be a good day to get the boxes out and start pricing and packing up everything for my craft shows. Only two weeks left before the shows, and with work days that leaves very few days to get it all done. I'm still working on ornaments and a few last minute things to add to my display. I do two shows back to back in one weekend, take it from me that's a lot of packing and setting up and repacking and work for two days and on Monday I can't even move...LOL. But I do enjoy the shows and getting to see the other crafter's and my regular customers from year to year.

I'm seeing more decorative painter blogs and that makes me happy I always like to see what others are painting, lots of times I'll see something that someone else has done and it will inspire me go back and look through my patterns and find something similar to paint. Or challenge me to paint on a different surface that I had not thought about.

If you have a decorative painting blog don't be shy bring it to my attention so I can check it out.

I don't always have the time to sit here and search blogs to find them but I really do like seeing what everyone is doing. Also if your doing craft shows leave a comment I'd like to know what everyone is selling and how they set up their displays. Good luck to those doing the shows I hope you sell out everything.

Yes It's hard to believe it's October already and it will soon be time for the spooky ghouls of Halloween to be out and about. We painted this cute spooked cat and pumpkin in class yesterday. Kim Christmas designed it, very cute.
It's starting to feel like fall here I even turned my heat on for the first time today, it's gray and dreary here and a light breeze. The leaves are starting to change colors. Before long they will be floating down to the ground and the trees will go to sleep for the long winter. Halloween is the kick off to all the great holidays that I look forward to.

Also October is the month I was born so I have a birthday coming up, not something that I look forward to but it's coming no matter what....LOL

Now that the weather is getting colder and it gets dark so early in the evenings I hope you'll have time to find a great pattern and sit with you paints and brushes and enjoy some painting time. Hey, instead of carving a pumpkin why not paint one to display on your front steps. Not only pumpkins but you can paint gourds to, just use your imagination. All the little goblins that come to your house this Halloween will be impressed.

Until next time Happy Painting everyone.

Lighthouse

It's been a while since I've been here, I hope your having a great summer. It's really going to be hot on the east coast so I look at it as a good time to stay inside and paint.

I'm starting to get back to painting, gotta really stop playing around and start getting ready for the fall craft show season. Classes are doing well this is the lighthouse piece the students started yesterday. The designer is Linda Lover and you can find this pattern as a free download at Artist Club. Now who doesn't like free, go check it out.

Crank up the AC, get a cold drink and spend some time with those brushes.

Happy painting.

Sad Day in the Music World

The world lost a one of a kind performer Michael Jackson passed away today.

Growing up in the seventies I grew up with the whole Motown sound. The Jacksons where a big part of the music that I listened to every day. I bought Michael's music each time an album was released and still have it today. His music and videos will live on forever.

Rest in Peace Michael.

Happy Memorial Day

I'm guilty of neglect, yep that's right I've neglected my blog. Shame on me. But in my own defence I've been busy doing all the spring things that everyone does each year. Spring cleaning and getting the yard in shape here are some of the pretty flowers from my yard this season.

So painting has been on the back burner for a while. Once everything around the house is done I'll be back in my studio painting away getting ready for the shows again this year. In the mean time I keep notes of the things that I plan to paint and always stay alert looking for new things to paint or paint on.

If you have any suggestions feel free to leave a comment here for me. And it would be nice to hear what everyone is painting or plans to paint this summer.

I hope you have your flag out front and center today. In remembrance of all the men and women that have given their lives for the freedom of our country.

God Bless This Country Land of the Free Because of the Brave.