Cyber Monday

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that I'm having a Cyber Monday "sale" in my Etsy shop today. Free shipping on every item! Simply enter coupon code "CyberMondaySale" at checkout. Only within the U.S. please. Offer ends tonight around midnight! :)

Black Friday Sale

Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend. Simply use coupon code "BlackFriday" at checkout to receive 25% off everything in my shop! I've never offered such a large discount before so if you've been eyeing something up, now is the time. :) This sale will run until Sunday at midnight.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

New Rice Bags

I just added a bunch of new rice bags to my Etsy shop. The weather is getting colder and it's the perfect time to start making use of these bags. If you're not familiar with rice bags, they can be heated in the microwave and used for aches and pains, to keep warm, or to toss into your bed at night. They can also be kept in the freezer for "boo boo bags."

 

I have loved using these bags since I was a kid, and all the adorable prints make them even more fun. They're reasonably priced and would make great gifts and stocking stuffers.

 

Have a great weekend!

New Scripture Paintings

 "Fruit of the Spirit"

"Psalm 139:14"

 

I know there is nothing complicated at all about these scripture paintings, but I'm having a lot of fun with them. Doing the lettering, and masking it out is incredibly tedious, but I'm loving the outcome. "Fruit of the Spirit" is 12 by 16, and "Psalm 139:14" is 11 by 14. I want to do some even larger.

 

I was inspired to do these paintings from a love of wood signs done in a similar style. I was looking into making my own signs (which I still may do at some point) but got the idea to do paintings instead. I just love them. And they look spectacular framed. So, they can be more of an elegant addition to home decor, compared to a wood sign. It just all depends on what style you like.

 

Here's an example of one I framed for myself:

 

Anyway, I have prints available of all 3 of these paintings, and I will list some originals soon. I may even take some custom orders.

 

Hope you're having a great week!



Chocolate Macaroons

I made these delicious chocolate macaroons last week and promised on Facebook to share the recipe soon. So here it is:

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup organic shredded coconut

1/4 cup organic melted coconut oil

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

3 tablespoons organic maple syrup

1/2 organic vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

 

First mix the shredded coconut and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Then add all the other ingredients and mix well. Form approximately 10 balls using a tablespoon and place on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. Store in the freezer.

 

These are fantastic because they're gluten free, vegan, and you can play with the recipe. If you're allergic to nuts, omit them. You could also add more nut, or add flax seeds or chia seeds, just whatever you like. They're super good!

 

Definitely try these! :)

Remembrance III

"Remembrance III" Pastel Painting, Size 5 by 7

 

Starting with the 10th anniversary of 9 -11, I have completed a "Remembrance" painting each year. I barely made it, but I was able to complete another one this year. I don't know about you, but the anniversary of 9 -11 is always a somber day for me. I can't help but go back to where I was when I heard the news (in my senior year of high school, in advanced biology class). My heart also aches for all of those who lost loved ones, or even survived the attack. I couldn't help but notice how little news coverage is being given to the ceremonies today. The more time that goes by, the less people seem to reflect on that day that changed our country in such a significant way. They will all be in my prayers today.



New Watercolors

I've been having some fun with some new watercolors. I was somewhat inspired by all these wooden signs I saw on a recent trip to Duluth.

 A few watercolor cards I did to test out my new ideas. I may put some of these on Etsy.

I absolutely LOVE this painting! It's one of my favorite verses and I'm just so pleased with the way it turned out. Honestly, it doesn't look good on here at all. It was tough to take a good picture and then change the colors to get it to look as close to the original as possible (original watercolor paintings, or paintings in general, always look a lot better in person). This painting is 11 by 14, and I painted it for myself but I might make prints. I may even do another one to sell.

 

For a long time now I've been planning to make embroidered wall hangings with scripture, but I think I like this idea a lot better. Any excuse to paint. :)

 

I realize that this new style of work isn't exactly complicated or even considered "fine art," but I don't care. I really enjoy producing these types of paintings, and am happy to bring glory to God through my work. After all, this is a gift given to me by Him, no matter how small it might be. You can be sure to see many more of these in the future. :)

 

Have a great weekend!

Back in Bloom

"Back in Bloom" Original Watercolor, 5 by 7

 

If you can even believe it, I've finished a new watercolor painting! I started it about a week ago, and forgot to post a WIP photos. I thought I would ease back into painting slowly with a small piece (5 by 7) and with a subject that I'm comfortable with (flowers of course). I had so much fun working on this, even though I was slightly worried that it would be a disaster and that all my painting skills have gone out the window. I'm rather pleased with the way it turned out though. The pencil lines are a little dark though, and because of the fixative I used, I couldn't erase them. Oh well, now I know for next time. :)

 

This painting is available on Etsy if anyone is interested.

 

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Duluth Rose Garden

This past weekend my husband and I took a day trip to Duluth. I had never been there before, but my husband was sure I would love it. I did a little research and learned that they had a rose garden, so I definitely wanted to check that out. It was gorgeous! Because of my love of flowers, it felt like heaven on earth... I could have stayed there forever. These are a few photos I took:

 

I could easily have spent hours there taking pictures. I think I'm absolutely going to make a trip there every summer to take pictures. You can never have too many! I'm feeling very inspired to paint after visiting such a beautiful place, so hopefully I can do that pretty soon.

 

I hope you're having a great week! God bless!



New Toy

I was so excited to receive this Artograph LED 300 Digital Projector today! It's a very belated graduation present from my husband. I never thought I would be interested in a projector, but this one is great! Because it's digital, it can be hooked up to the computer, ipad, smartphones and flashdrives. I've been wanting to start painting larger, and I think this will really help. I can use my smaller drawings to create larger pieces. Of course I can also project my photographs. What I really love about this projector, aside from the fact that it's digital, is that it can be used in daylight. Many projectors only work in complete darkness. This projector will also project movies and play music. I have yet to actually play around with it, but I'm excited to see what it can really do, and how it will aid me in my work. :)

 

I hope you're having a great day!

Sale Item of the Week

Hi all! I have a new sale-item-of-the-week on Etsy and it's this totally cute Prayer Flag table runner. I don't know what it is about these fabrics, but I just love them. I've made a large luncheon cloth for my grandmother with it, and I've even made a table runner for myself using the fabrics. They're colorful and fun for spring or summer, without being too bright.

 

This runner is on sale this week for $25 with free shipping.

 

Have a great week!

Cheesecake Anyone?

"Drizzle" 5 by 7, Original Pastel Painting

 

 

This week's sale item on Etsy is this original pastel painting, Drizzle. It's $10 off with free shipping.

 

It feels like ages since I last blogged... School has been keeping me incredibly busy, plus my brother and sister were visiting this past week. Time to get back in the swing of things.

 

Have a great week!

Bentley's Birthday!

My little sweetheart turns 6 today! I'm a mommy in denial. I just can't believe it. We got Bentley just months after moving to Wisconsin. I was spending a lot of time alone and thought it would be a good time to get a dog. He's been just the perfect little companion.

 

Well, no special treats for Bentley on this birthday, just a few new toys. He tossed them around for a few seconds and that was it. :)

 

Have a great day!

Bleeding Hearts

"My Bleeding Heart" is my sale item of the week on Etsy. It's $15 off and shipping is free! (For the U.S. only please).

 

I hope you all have a lovely week!

Available Kitties

I'm not quite sure how it happened, especially with all my kitty collectors out there, but I still have 5 original kitties left.

 

"A Visitor"

"Bird Watching"

"Can You See Me?"

"Hiding Spot"

"In the Garden"

 

Each of these paintings are size 5 by 7 and are done in pastel, which means they will last a very long time (longer than an oil or watercolor). I hope someone can give these kitties a home! :)

 

Have a lovely weekend! God Bless!

More Photo Quilts

Just before school began again a customer placed an order for 2 photo quilts. I remember thinking, "Eek! How am I going to do these.." Well, that was 4 weeks ago and I actually managed to get them done on time.

 

 This one is made with the Indian Summer line.

This quilt is made using the Back Country fabrics.

 

I'm very pleased with the way these turned out and I hope the customer is too!

 

Also, for anyone who might also print photos on fabric, I've found that using the EQ Printables fabric is far easier than using the Bubble Jet Set. Definitely give it a try if you're looking for an easier way to print on fabric.

 

Have a great day! God Bless!



Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

Not long ago I posted a recipe for a Strawberry Shortcake Smoothie, and I recently tried it with blueberries... Yum! You would think because of the color that the blueberry taste would be overwhelming, but it's really not. It's quite subtle and it tastes very similar to the strawberry smoothie (because all the ingredients are the same except for the fruit). Here is the recipe:

 

2 cups of organic frozen blueberries (you can use fresh but then you need to include some ice cubes)

1 cup organic raw cashews

1/4 cup organic gluten free oats

2 cups of almond milk

1/4 teaspoon organic cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

2 tablespoons organic maple syrup

You can tweak these amounts to suit your taste. Put all these ingredients in a blender (I use and recommend a Vitamix) and blend away!

Keep in mind that this smoothie, although healthy, contains just over 1000 calories, so you might want to split it with someone.

 

Oh, and make sure to brush your teeth after this one! :)

Fabric For Sale

In an effort to downsize my home business I've listed some fabric for sale. I have over 100 bolts in my sewing room and that's just too many for my part time business. This fabric is also available in my Etsy shop, but perhaps some of you do not have Etsy. These are the fabric lines:

 

 Sew Cherry by Riley Blake

 Decadence by Riley Blake

 Fly a Kite by Riley Blake

 Farm Fresh by Riley Blake

 Promenade by Riley Blake

 Indian Summer by Riley Blake

 Back Country by Riley Blake

Fox Trails by Riley Blake

 

The price for half yard bundles is $36 plus shipping (except for Fox Trails which is $45).

The price for full yard bundles is $72 plus shipping (except for Fox Trails which is $90).

 

I price my fabric at $9 a yard and retail is $10+. I would be willing to discount even further if someone where to purchase a substantial amount.

 

Let me know if you're interested and please spread the word! Email me at - angela292@hotmail.com

 

Have a great day and God bless!



Donations to Charity

 

As some of you may know I was offering a new "Charitable Item" every month in my Etsy shop. The proceeds from that sale would be donated to a specific charity. Well, unfortunately only one "charitable item" sold in about a 6 month period of time. So I decided to just begin donating a set amount of money to charity every month. This means that approximately 5% of every Etsy sale will be donated. These are the charities/causes that I will be donating to (I will rotate every month) -

 

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

American Red Cross

Wounded Warrior Project

Feeding America

ASPCA - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

United States Fund for UNICEF

American Cancer Society

The Miracle Foundation

Susan G. Komen

Joel Osteen Ministries

Joyce Meyer Ministries

Praise FM Radio

K-Love Radio

Life Today

 

These are some of the charities and causes that I am passionate about. I will likely be adding to this list.

 

I already made a donation this month to Life Today and their Mission Feeding cause. Our $50 donation will feed 5 children in Africa for 3 months!

 

I believe our lives are about serving others who are less fortunate. Thank you for your support!

 

God bless!



Custom Wedding Quilt & Update

I've been working on this custom quilt for the past couple days. My customer had the guests at her wedding write messages to her on fabric squares to later have made into a quilt. Isn't that a cool idea? There were a total of 143 five inch squares and it made a lap size quilt. What a treasured item this will be.

 

With the customers permission I may turn this into a custom item in my Etsy shop.

 

Now for an update... I know it's been a while since I've posted and it has been much longer since I've posted a painting. I planned on having some time to paint before starting on my master's, but it hasn't happened. I start graduate school on Monday and the only thing I've painted the past couple months were some abstract watercolor cards. I truly miss painting, but the line up of custom quilt orders has been almost never ending. Once I complete this custom quilt I will be caught up.

 

I can only imagine that I will be ridiculously busy with school once it starts again, and I have no idea how much time I'll have for either painting or quilting. I do intend to at least set aside as hour or two a day for painting/quilting but school has to be my priority. I'm not sure how frequently I will be blogging, but I hope you'll all stick around! I've appreciated all your support and kind comments over the past couple years. :)

 

God bless.