Item of the Week

I'm now featuring an Item-of-the-week in my Etsy store! This item will be offered at a special discount price, and will be shipped for free. A new item will be named on Monday morning, and the sale will go until Sunday. This week’s item is a set of adorable greeting cards embellished with layered, 3-dimensional flowers (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30233792).

At this time my "Falling-Into-Fall" sale is still going on as well! Take advantage of these amazing deals!

Have a great week everyone!

Trick-Or-Treat

I made these adorable trick-or-treat bags for my nieces and nephew. After realizing that I had purchased way too much fabric, I made 5 more bags to list on Etsy. Since they're personalized, I listed them for $15 each.

There is just something about Halloween that I love. I love it even more than my birthday! I always have, and I'm not entirely sure why, but that might explain my motivation behind these trick-or-treat bags. I just couldn't resist the print on the fabrics.

If you're the type that loves to give gifts for all occasions, including Halloween, this bag is perfect (especially if you feel guilty giving candy). My hope is that my nieces and nephew carry these bags year after year, or use them for something else. Maybe they will just be a treasured keepsake. Whatever the case, I just love giving personalized one-of-a-kind gifts.

Goodbye Lilies and Bees

That's right, I sold my very first original watercolor painting yesterday on Etsy. I know to a lot of people that seems insignificant, but I think every artist remembers the very first piece they've ever sold. I have sold other hand made goods, but this is my first actual painting. I was so excited! I thought it would be difficult to part with one of my original works, but I know it's going to a good home. To think of my painting in someones home is amazing! That someone would want to own a piece of my art is just an honor to me. Of all the incredible artist's out there! Anyway, I am thrilled by this sale, and wanted to share my excitement with all of you! Have a great weekend!

Falling Into Fall Sale

At my Etsy store, I'm having a Falling into Fall sale! When you purchase any one of my hand painted cigar boxes, you get the 2nd one half off! You also save on shipping, on the second box! All you have to do is contact me and let me know which boxes you're interested in and I will adjust the price for you. The sale goes until September 30th. Happy shopping! :)

My New Cricut

I recently purchased a Cricut electric cutting machine, and I love it! It was featured as a Today's Special on HSN and I just had to have it. I'm really into card making and I thought this was a must have for me. I've just been cutting away with it. I have managed to put together 2 sets of greeting cards as well, that I've just listed on Etsy.

I'm having so much fun with this that I plan on making my own holiday cards this year and whatever else I can come up with. I have about a million ideas :). I'm even thinking about starting to do custom cards and invitations. The sky's the limit!

Abstract Art

I've been working on some abstract art lately. Nothing really complicated, or time consuming, but it's a lot of fun. Abstract art isn't something that I thought I would ever be interested in doing, but I thought I would give it a try. I like the bright colors of my latest work. I think my favorite items are the greeting cards. I'm tempted to just keep those for myself! In fact I am working on a set to keep for myself. For those who are not really into abstract artwork, I am working on some flower paintings and I have about a million cigar boxes that need to be painted :).

I also just bought a new Singer sewing machine and a Futura embroidery machine, so I will be adding sewing and embroidery goods to my store very soon! Pretty soon I will have a little bit of everything, literally! :)

The Shack

I read this book yesterday (yes in 1 day, because I couldn't put it down) called "The Shack," by William Paul Young. I know it's a very popular book and it's been out for a couple of years, but I just learned of it recently. It was given to me by my Grandmother, who was sure that I had already read it. She told me that it was fiction, and I hesitated on taking it, because I haven't been reading any fiction books lately. Well, after reading "The Science of Getting Rich," by Wallace Wattles, "No Matter What" by Lisa Nichols, "The Passion Test" by Janet and Chris Attwood and "Happy For No Reason" by Marci Shimoff, I yearned for a break from non-fiction (although all those books were terrific). So anyway, I decided to read "The Shack" as my fiction book.

You probably know the plot already.. a man loses his daughter.. she was kidnapped and murdered in this cabin out in the middle of no where. Four years later he gets a letter in the mail inviting him back to that cabin, from God. I don't want to give too much away, if you haven't read it. I just wanted to say that it's an absolute must read book!! If you're a believer, you'll just love it, and if you're not I think it will change your life.

I'm so grateful to my Grandma for giving me this book. It's one that I will treasure, and read again and again. I can say that my life with God is forever changed thanks to this book. It's that good! :)

Update

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted! Oops! :) I've been on break from school, and I had every intention of spending as much time in the studio as possible when I was on break, but that just hasn't happened. I went to Michigan for a week to visit family and since I returned I haven't been able to get my head out of a book! I've been a reading fool. :) I do have some ideas for some more cigar boxes (possibly with inspiring quotes as well as little paintings), and some new watercolor paintings as well.

I spent a couple days up in Mackinac, Michigan on my vacation and took a ton of pictures! (literally over a 1000 pictures), and so I have some great inspiration for some new paintings. I just need to get them printed out. :)

I'm going to be making a special post about a book that really touched my heart. If you're interested, the book is called, "The Shack" by, William Paul Young.

Sale!

Today is my 1 year anniversary with Etsy! To celebrate I'm having a sale for the next week. Everything is half off! I'm not going to adjust all the prices, so if you'd like something please let me know so I can change the price for you! Happy shopping!

Love of Nature

I just wanted to share a sweet story with you... I was driving home today from running errands and when I got downtown, I noticed that everyone was stopped at the railroad tracks but there wasn't a train coming. As I got closer I saw a duck and 4 baby ducklings (tight to their momma's side) crossing the road, on the railroad tracks. I almost couldn't believe my eyes, it was so sweet. I watched them safely make it to the other side of the road and I realized I had tears in my eyes. First, it was really nice to see people stop, because I know not everyone would have (I don't even want to think about that). Secondly, it was just a reminder of how precious nature is. I have a very soft spot in my heart for animals, but this just really touched me today. I encourage you to just sit and be present for a moment with nature today - admire it's incredible beauty.

Lilacs and Butterflies

This is a painting that I completed yesterday and I really like it. Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a very good scan of it. For some reason the scanner just wasn't capturing the correct colors. However, it's just bright and refreshing in person. I love lilacs and butterflies too, so naturally I adore this painting. I like it so much that I think it's going to turn into a series! I even completed a drawing for another painting. I think I will take that with me to the studio tomorrow to work on. I hope everyone has a great week!

Recent Doodles

Hi everyone! I know it's been a long time. My wireless router is no longer working and it hasn't been easy for me to use the computer. However, I've got some time today, so I thought I would show you some of my latest paintings. They started out more like experiments, but I like them.

I joined a local art studio, The Dragonfly Spirit Studio in Hudson, WI, and these are some paintings I was working on there. I still haven't quite developed my style of painting, I'm trying out a bunch of different things and eventually I'll find a place where I'm comfortable. For now, I'm just enjoying trying out different techniques and styles.

I recently planted some roses and a hibiscus plant (which I decided to put in my studio) and all these paintings were inspired by those flowers. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Dragonfly Spirit Studio

I recently became a member of the Dragonfly Spirit Studio in Hudson, Wi. and I'm so thrilled about it! The other artists that belong to the studio are all so wonderful. Everyone has their own unique style and they're all so friendly. I don't think I've ever met a more lovely group of people! They're all so supportive of one another and you can't help but feel right at home. The above painting is one that I just finished - my first since joining the studio. The website is: http://www.dragonflyspiritstudio.com/ if anyone is interested in checking it out. Have a great week everyone!

Abstract Watercolor Cards

I just love sending cards; often for no reason. I painted these small (4x6) abstract watercolor paintings and thought they would make great greeting cards. I've put together two sets so far, and have others in the works. They're in sets of 6 with matching envelopes. If you know anyone that is always sending cards (or if it's you) you have to check these out. :) They are listed on my Etsy page (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/). Have a great week everyone!

Black and White Photography

There is something about black and white photos that I just love. They're just so classy and sophisticated. That and they go with any decor! :) I added some black and white photography prints to my Etsy page today (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/). My favorite is the Lonely Train Bridge. I loved being there one evening last summer. Such a beautiful place.

Butterfly Gardens

This is a painting that I'm working on. I'm not sure if it's done yet or not. I'm going to let it dry and have another look at it tomorrow. I went to the Minnesota Zoo last year, and took a ton of pictures at "Butterfly Gardens." I loved it there! It was so heavenly being surrounded by flowers and butterflies flying around everywhere. I could have stayed there all day long. I was looking back to those pictures and feeling so inspired. So, that's what let to this painting. I think a series may arise! :)

Cute, Fun Little Prints

These two little 4 by 6 prints are from original watercolor paintings of mine. One is called "Spring in the Park," and the other is "Balloon That Got Away." I painted these back in the Fall of last year. I had a lot of fun with these and I plan to do more. The originals were drawn with ink on 7 by 10 watercolor paper. I wanted to keep the originals but I'm willing to part with them if someone is interested. They are listed on my Etsy page, http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/. Have a lovely weekend!!

Got a Thing for Roses?

I happen to love roses - the smell, the way they look, and I love painting them. I've just posted 12 new cigar boxes to my Etsy page. These four are all different colored roses. Purple, blue, red and yellow. These boxes are so adorable. The boxes themselves are very sturdy and high quality. I also listed some boxes with daisies, other roses, metallic blossoms, bees and ladybugs. You can see these at: http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/. Have a great week!

A lot of work to do!

I recently purchased all these cigar boxes!! It's so much easier to buy a lot of them then to purchase just a few here and there. It's also so difficult to find good quality cigar boxes. I was so lucky to find these! There are 30 total and I think it's safe to say I have my work cut out for me!! But I have many ideas and can't wait to get started. These boxes are relatively small, but sturdy and are going to be great. I have so many unique ideas for the black boxes! I painted a black one with white blossoms and embellished it with a little glitter (it was a gift for my Grandma). She loved it! I have to admit it did look very sharp.

Anyway, I will get started painting these boxes right away, so keep a look out for them! Hope you have a nice weekend!

Metallic Dragonflies

I love dragonflies! (I actually have a tattoo of one). These wooden boxes are painted with black and gold metallic paint. The dragonflies are a combination of pink, blue and gold metallic paint. The smaller box has four different dragonflies, and the longer box has two dragonflies. These boxes are cute and make a very nice pair. These are for sale on my Etsy page (http://www.angelasexpressions.etsy.com/).