Inspiration

Recently, I was reminded by Patience Brewster, the artist behind these adorable Christmas ornaments, that August is Artist Appreciation Month! I thought I would do a post about who/what inspires my work to celebrate. I have given it a lot of thought over the past several days and come to the conclusion that color is probably my biggest inspiration. I get so excited when I squeeze new paint onto my palette and working with fun colors is almost like a therapeutic experience. 

I not only like to create art, but I love admiring others work as well. I seem to be particularly drawn to loose, colorful watercolors. I have always thought of color, especially in paintings, to be healing in some way. I have been known to soak up the beauty in paintings in galleries and in nature that invoke a positive emotion in me. What I hope to achieve is create works of art that cause others to feel something, like I do when I'm admiring a really beautiful painting or taking in a breathtaking scene. And, in a way, this extends to my quilts and other handmade items as well. I love the way handmade quilts, decorative items, and artwork make a home feel. 

So, in general, I am inspired by color and the beauty around me. If I can put that love into my work in a way that extends to the person admiring it, I have done my job. :)

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!

Textile Show

 I was asked last minute to submit some quilted items to a textile show happening at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery this month and next. Luckily I had just made 35 rice bags, and I took a few things off Etsy in order to have them in the show.

 

Here are some of the rice bags I made. I used a variety of different fabrics. When I was there setting up I couldn't believe how many people didn't know what a "rice bag" was! I've been using them ever since I was little. I love to use them if I have a headache, but mostly to toss in my bed at night.

 The photo quilt on the wall is the first photo quilt I ever made (using my own pictures). Obviously it's not for sale but I thought it would look nice there.

 

I definitely wanted to include some baby rag quilts. I only had a couple already made and I hated to take them off Etsy, but I didn't have enough time to make new ones.

 

If you live in the Stillwater area be sure to check out the show! There are all kinds of different items and it's really something to see! We're going to be having a reception but I'm not entirely sure on the date of that yet. I'll let you know when I know!

 

Hope you're having a great week!

Free Shipping on Etsy

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! Mine was pretty quiet, as it was just my husband and myself. He even did the cooking!

In the spirit of "Black Friday" I thought I'd have a sale on Etsy this weekend. Now through midnight on Sunday, I'm offering free shipping on all handmade items (this excludes pre cut fabric). Just use coupon code "freeshipping" at checkout.

Happy Holidays!!

Free Shipping Weekend!

An Apple A Day

Available at the Stillwater Art Guild Gallery

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop this weekend. Free shipping on everything!! If you shop my "reduced" section you can get some last minute gifts at a great price!! This sale will go until Sunday night at midnight. All items purchased this weekend will ship Monday, priority mail and should arrive just in time for Christmas. I also offer free gift wrapping but you need to ask for it.

Have a great evening!

Puppies and Update

I thought maybe you were all missing the puppies, so I thought I would put up some pictures of them and update you on what has been going on with me.

Bentley posing nicely for the camera.
Cooper says, "Bentley, do you want to come down here and play with me?" Bentley says, "Can't you see I'm being photographed?"

Cooper has no idea why Mom is running around taking pictures of them.

" Mom, I don't know what you find so difficult about Biology, I find it rather stimulating."

I wish I had a new painting to share with you today, but I'm afraid I don't. I really haven't had any time to paint lately, and it's been frustrating. I'm at the end of another quarter in school, so I have final projects and finals due by the end of next week. I'm also trying to get a jump on my Fall and Winter quilts for Etsy. I made out pretty well the last holiday season with my quilted table runners, so I thought I would give it another try this year. Although, I'd much rather be painting than sewing right now.

As far as my painting goes.. I'm still getting everything ready for my gallery representation. Little did I know, this incredible opportunity was going to turn into phone calls to the IRS and appointments with an accountant to try and figure all the legal stuff out. So, I'm officially a small business owner, or self-employed according to the government. I'm excited about being able to write off my art supplies and all my other "business related expenses." Ha-ha... it just seems funny to say that.

Anyway, I hope to finish up these classes, get ahead with my quilting and finally have some time to paint. I'm gathering many beautiful reference photos for future paintings!

I hope you all enjoy what's left of Summer!