New Idea For Antique White Frame

Today I'm just not in the mood to paint, so................while being lazy and doing nothing.....I ran across this frame that I've had for years. I bought this tall frame at a neat little yard sale years ago and stashed it away until I could decide what to do with it. I thought about a mirror, fabric covered bulletin/memorabilia board, or frame for a painting. None of these seem to fit into my home anywhere, so there it sat for years. Today I decided to use it in my dining room since it matched the painted trim and I hung it over these blue and white mismatched plates. I think I like it! I've got another idea to embellish it. If this idea works, I'll share it with you.

Bliss Cottage Folk Art Painting

Here's another little "dream" home that I listed on eBay this evening. Remember there are only two days left on the February lower listing prices on eBay.

This painting is about "bliss" which in the dictionary is decribed as gladness, joy, delight, and happiness. This delightful scene is all that and more. The checkerboard chimney and pink polka dot roof gives evidence to the happiness and joy of the family within. Black and white checks line the roof and cute decorative shades in the windows add the finishing touches. The word "Bliss" is glued in the center of the painted bracket and then a dimensional glaze is applied over the lettering. Pink satin ribbon is tied around the edges of the canvas and can be removed if you prefer.

Shady Lane Folk Art Painting

Tonight I added my second painting in my "Dream Homes" series to my eBay auctions . These are turning out to be so much fun. I don't have to play by any rules and can simply be creative or possibly creatively challenged. Don't forget,

my "February Freeze" sale on eBay. Starting bids are at an all time low through February. We've created quite a bit of activity on them and the prices are still low.

Dreams homes come from my imagination. You won't find them in reality. Polka dot and checkerboard roofs are common in "Dreamland", where a child swings with pigtails flying beneath a giant shade tree as carefree as a summer breeze. Window boxes are always full of fanciful flowers and three story houses are the norm. There is a white picket fence in every yard. A turquoise with brown polka dot grosgrain ribbon is attached below the fence.
Hope she doesn't kick the glass out of that window!

Chocolate Chips and Pepsi!!

You probably wondered what prompted the hyper activity in that last post. Well, if you'll simply scroll down and check out the items on my drafting table you'll find your answer. I've been caught........ that simply can't be my lunch........ I promise next week to eat fruit and drink water......... sure I will! How do you think I get so many paintings done each week? I need the caffeine!!!

Dream Home Paintings

For the remainder of the month of February, I'm continuing with my lower opening bids. I've started this new 16" x 20" painting on eBay at $29.95. I will be adding another on Sunday evening.

Real estate agent (not really, but I did used to be) and "house painter" (not walls) Catherine Holman presents "Dream Homes" wall decor. Want to own a piece of real estate but can't come up with that down payment? No down, payment, no closing costs, no monthly mortgage......(I'm rambling now) Snaz up your decor with a funky cottage, an ornate victorian, or a quaint New England salt box.....Just keep watching!

Big Winter Sale!!!

I was going to have a big "March Madness Sale" on eBay , but have decided to go ahead and have a "Freezing February" (it's supposed to be 7 degrees tonight) sale. Check out my eBay auctions. I've been cleaning out my studio and I've listed several paintings with an opening bid of $1 with no reserve. Now's the time to bid if you've never tried before!

Nest...

So many of my favorite blogs have the word "nest" in them. I guess I'm drawn to this particular word because it really describes me. Working at home tends to make me nest in my little corner of the world. So this new eBay painting is dedicated to all of my readers who like to "nest"! This painting is about "nesting" and making your house a home. Each house has it's own unique style and reflects the homeowners personalities.
The edges of the canvas are covered with scrapbook paper that looks like newsprint. The word "Nest" is glued in the center of the painted bracket and then a dimensional glaze is applied over the lettering. Black grosgrain ribbon is tied around the edges of the canvas.
Happy nesting!

Perk Up Your Day...

Good morning! This is my favorite time of day. I love sitting and relaxing with that first cup of coffee while everything is nice and quiet.

Every once in a while I like to throw my customers for a loop and paint something completely different from my usual village scenes. Honestly, it doesn't usually work for me and they flop. But, I just have to test myself. I've always had this fear that I can't paint anything else.

I've always loved a challenge even though this really wasn't all that challenging. But, it was a nice break from all those clean straight edges of buildings. I love the loose and free painting of other artists that I admire and have always longed for the ability to "loosen up" a little.

Yesterday while I was enjoying my morning coffee, I was flipping through an old magazine that I checked out from the library and there was a picture of a flea market table with all these lovely vintage, colorful percolators. Thus the inspiration.....
Perk up you day ladies!!!

Imagine Cottage Folk Art Painting

I'm married to the best man in the world! So, around here everyday is Valentines Day. We've been married for 34 years and have known each other since we were little kids. We lived in the same neighborhood when we were little and were in the same class in school. Rick asked me out on a date in high school and we've been together ever since. Our two grown children, Amber and Eric, have brightened our lives even more. God has truly blessed our lives. I just hope we can be worthy of His grace.I've had this old frame forever and recently painted and glazed it. A piece of masonite was cut to size and then painted with chalkboard paint. I've added handmade Valentines that my friend Chrissy makes for me each year. She's just so talented!
This little painting was added to my eBay auctions last night. Two pink crystals accent the top border.
A sheer pink ribbon wraps around the edges of the canvas and is tied in a bow at the top.

Custom House Portraits

I've had so much fun painting house portraits lately that my eBay auctions have suffered. But, I promise to get them going again this week. I have one auction ending this evening, Wild Rose Crossing , which was pictured in my last post.

Jenn and Jacqui, mother and daughter team, from The Bowers Bird Nest asked me to paint two house portraits for them and I just shipped them out today. The first one, "Woodend" was an old house that they loved that was in disrepair and they asked me to spruce it up. The beauty of the Australian countryside is quite amazing!

The second one was a quaint "Lake Cottage". You should take the time to visit with Jenn and Jacqui at their wonderful blog where they share lots and lots of wonderful photos of their life in Australia. Jacqui just celebrated her 18th birthday and the photos of her celebration are so much fun. What a great mom Jenn is! Happy Birthday Jacqui!

Wild Rose Crossing Folk Art Painting

This evening I added another small painting to my eBay auctions. I had way too much fun painting this one. My mother gives me a hard time about all the big hills in my paintings and I thought it would be fun to add this cute gal rolling out of control down this slope.

Paula realized, a little too late, that she had outgrown her bike from the previous summer and keeping her feet on the pedals was no longer possible.

Wouldn't it be fun to live here along the water where you can cross over the bridge to visit with neighbors. I'm so ready for spring and as I type this, it is sleeting and the wind is blowing wildly. We are supposed to get 3-5 inches of snow by morning.

I have so many blogs that I love to read and Penny's from Lavender Hill Studio is one that I go to daily. She does the most beautiful mosaics and is one of the sweetest bloggers I've come across. She has presented me with this "Spread The Love Award". Thanks Penny!

"When you receive it you are in turn supposed to award it to someone else. The award is for spreading love, support, and blogginess to those people and blogs that make you happy and in turn, make others want to spread some of that good stuff around too*!* You are to then go to leave them a comment letting them know that you left them a little tidbit on your blog”.

I am passing this award on to:

Rose at Classic Charm for her "charming" blog with decorating tips and "charming" wit. She has a lovely family too.

Cindy at Rose Haven for her healthy eating/cooking tips, gardening, and for saving that cute little kitty, Lucy!

Melissa at The Inspired Room for her "inspiring" words on decorating and life in general. Thanks for letting me do the "Dragonfly Cottage" painting from your photo!

Thanks ladies!!