Thursday, November 29, 2012

Folk Art and Cupcake Art Sale


I'm still decorating, but wanted to take a moment to let you know that even though Cyber Monday has gone and past, my blog readers can still get a 25% discount in my Etsy Store through Christmas.  Use the code BLOGREADER12 at checkout.  We offer a variety of personalized prints that make great gifts.   Just look under shop sections in the left sidebar of my store and scroll down to personalized
Remember that after Christmas the discount goes back to 15% and that savings is good for all my blog readers all the time. 


Catherine Holman

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Our Christmas Tree

It snowed the other day.  Great big fat flakes fell from the sky and ended pretty quickly.  I was so shocked to look out the window while putting lights on the tree because it had been rather warm the day the day before.  I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.  How about you?




Late Sunday afternoon our daughter, Amber, and son in law, Scott, were going to a tree farm to cut down their tree and invited us along.  We had already decided we were going to use our artificial tree like we have for years.


I took this photo of our son, Eric and Amber taking their own picture. 
See all those trees behind them?  It's always magical to walk through a tree farm with a saw in hand ready to make the perfect choice. 
This one's too crooked,
too fat,
way too tall.....


Victorious!  Amber and Scott loaded their tree up on the sled and pulled it back to send through the shaker, where loose needles are shed and then the tree is bagged in red netting.
My husband was concerned that he was being a scrooge about this whole tree thing and told me to pick one out.  Did we cut one down?
No, they had some beautiful frazier firs that had been shipped in and standing up around the barn where you go for hot chocolate and pop corn.  We found what we were looking for there.  They bagged it up and hoisted both trees on top of the vehicle.
Realizing we no longer had a tree stand, we make a quick trip to the store,
then returned where we worked at removing the red netting.  That tree was wrapped so tight that we had to work at pulling the branches down just like an artificial tree.



Once we had all the branches shaped we stood back and proclaimed, "It's so perfect that it doesn't look real.  It looks like an artificial tree, but smells great! 

(perfection)

My husband decided it would look more real if we used the big old fashioned colorful lights.  I think he's right.  It reminds me of the trees of our childhood.  It may not be fashionably cool with tons of white twinkly lights, but it sure is nostalgic.  Now I have to figure out what kind of ornaments to use. 


For some reason this tree scared our dog, Lady who went flying up the stairs when we brought it in.  This is her first Christmas tree.  She seems to have adjusted today.
Hopefully the cat doesn't decide to give it a climb. 

Below is a new recipe card, my gift to you.  You can print this on 4 x 6 index cards.  Jot your favorite Christmas cookie recipe on it and slip it in a package for a friend.
Enjoy!


Catherine Holman





Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Holly Jolly Christmas Cupcake Painting

I started this little painting before Thanksgiving and finished it today. 
 This little 6 inch x 6 inch painting is now up for auction with "free shipping"  on eBay.


A snowy white cupcake decorated with holly leaves, has thick white frosting piped around the edges. Red non-pariels give a polka dot look to this festive Christmas treat.


We have a real tree this year and I'll share it with you soon.  I have to get back to decorating and cleaning up pine needles. 
Are you doing a real tree this year?

Catherine Holman

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Cyber Monday Folk Art Sale


Too tired from all that turkey on Thanksgiving?  Just grab your favorite chair, put your feet up, and
come join me for a Cyber Monday Folk Art Sale in my
Etsy Shop  (use the discount code CYBER2012)
eBay Store (prices are as marked)
and
FineArt America Store (use discount code VKAEFB). 

Since each and everyone of you are my favorite blog readers, you can get this discount now through Monday at midnight. You do not have to wait until Monday for this sale. Shop now and you will receive a 25% discount in my Etsy and eBay stores.

FineArt America will only give the 25% discount on my portion of the sale.  (No discount on framing, canvas, etc.).


I just wanted to share my "Pumpkin Rolls" that I made for Thanksgiving.  You can go to Thistlewood Farms for KariAnne's quick and easy tutorial for these cuties!  These are made with Rhodes frozen dinner rolls.

Did you risk life and limb today for any sales in the stores?
Not me. 
Too tired, too full, too old and ready for a nap.....

Catherine Holman

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Thanksgiving Wish


Groceries to get...
House to clean...
Food to cook...

Wishing you and your family a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Faith Country Church Autumn Folk Art Painting

I painted this scene several years ago on a very tiny, tiny piece of wood.  I wanted to be able to provide prints of this scene, so I painted it once again today and listed it on eBay:


Leaves gently drift floating and piling upon the ground creating a colorful palette of autumn beauty. Faith Country Church is celebrating Thanksgiving and will enjoy a hearty meal after the service with friends and family. Everyone knows there is nothing better to eat than a potluck dinner including Thelma's homemade pumpkin pies!


Have you planned your Thanksgiving dinner yet?  After burning our dinner last night, I hope I do a better job for our company.  I've come to realize that I can no longer multi-task. 


Catherine Holman



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Tinsel Town Christmas Folk Art Painting

Well, here it is Tuesday evening and I'm several days late finishing this painting.  Life has a way of taking over and my mind can't seem to stop making changes to the scene as I work.  But, tonight this painting is now up for auction on eBay.



Holly Flake, the choir director, hugs each of the children before they leave to head home for the night. On Christmas Eve parents will sit expectantly in the pews celebrating the true meaning of Christmas as the children of Tinsel Town recreate the scene on stage.




I just burnt my supper, so I'm out of here!




Catherine Holman




Thursday, November 8, 2012

What's on my paint table you ask.....

Well, maybe you didn't ask, but here it is.  I'm working on a new little (8 x 10) Christmas painting.  I just had to.  I adore painting Christmas scenes.  I also have plans for a 16 x 20 Christmas scene soon.  Hopefully this little painting will be up for auction on eBay on Friday evening, or sooner. 
Each morning I get up bright and early and then the day takes a completely different turn from what I had planned.  Am I the only one this happens to?

Catherine Holman

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Proud to be an American!


We are so lucky to live in a country where we have a voice.  Get out and vote!  Oh, and check to see if you have a neighbor or someone who needs a ride.


Thursday, November 1, 2012

Wickford Village Halloween ll Original Folk Art Painting

This painting is one of my most popular prints



But, I painted this a few years ago before I had my new camera and I'm not very satisfied with the quality of this photo.  I'm not sure who bought this painting, so I decided to repaint it.
As I was painting, I made a few changes because I hate dislike painting the same thing twice.

Thus was born:
(for sale on eBay)

Nothing like the movie, this quaint little painting includes smiling jack o lanterns, loving neighbors, and a safe place to trick or treat. 



Smoke stirs in the air along with the scent of crisp autumn leaves in the Village of Wickford. Tired children drop off to sleep after a busy evening going door to door for treats. Another Halloween has come and gone as jack-o-lanterns burn one last time lighting up the cold crisp evening. Mrs. Prittle has freshed up the outside of home with a lovely shade of dusky purple paint. Her neighbor, Anne, not having quite the courage of her dear friend, decided to use the same color on her front door.


I would love to rephotograph the original if possible because I used the same greens on the hills in both paintings.  As you can see, even the color didn't photograph true to life in the first one.  I'm amazed at what my new camera can capture.  When I look at the photograph of the new painting on actual pixels (huge) in photoshop, it shows little imperfections that can't be seen in the actual painting.  I love my new camera!  I use a tripod and manual setting when photographing my artwork.

Witch Which one do you prefer Wickford Village Halloween or Wickford Village Halloween ll?

Catherine Holman