Snow Days ...

These snow days are throwing my schedule all off track. With the kiddos taking off for school 2 hours later than usual ... it's been hard to get into my painting groove.

Good news is that all custom orders of scarves have been completed - WOOT! WOOT! - as well as the wine glasses - WHEW!!

Now, I'm onto the paintings of family trees & home portraits - - paintbrushes, don't fail me now! :)

I thought that this photo captured the slight chaos that I put my family through ... drop cloths on the counters amid brushes, palettes of paint (which had just hit the floor prior to this pic, sending paint in all SORTS of directions!), drying canvases and the like ... all among Christmas decor! Helps keep up the cheer & stamina, I say! - LOL Yes, I could be doing this in my little studio space upstairs, but it's already cramped with supplies and jewelry curing with resin all over my workspace. Thus, I take over my kitchen. Now that I think about it ... probably not the best place to work since I always get the munchies while painting. Hmmm. Good thing that I haven't begun my baking yet - - I have a feeling that I would be sneaking one too many frozen cookies! :)
Enjoy the day ....

Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.

- Picasso

It's Friday - - that means we need a WINNER!!

My daughter, whining because her nails are chipped & I have a camera :) , has pulled from our bowl of wonderful gals our winner for the Christmas Giveaway ...
And - - the winner is ... (drum roll, please ...) ...

Catherine! ... Catherine, who? Why, the incredibly talented folk artist, Catherine Holman!! Congrats, Cathie!! :) Please forward to me your address, and I will package up your handmade necklace & earrings to be shipped right away.
Many thanks to all of you who took the time to stop by my little Etsy shop, welcoming it and passing the word along. Your thoughtfulness & kindness has been so heartwarming. I appreciate you all so very much.
This giveaway business is so much fun! I think that I'll be doing this again real soon :)

How beautiful a day can be,

When kindness touches it.

- George Elliston

A Very Pleasant Day ...

So, yesterday was my birthday. I was not very much looking forward to it ... birthdays are starting to bug me a bit as I climb closer to 40. How does time fly so QUICKLY??

But, the day started out with tears of joy in my coffee cup (see prior post! :), which I believe lead my day with a little skip to my step and a smile on my face.

Then, when daylight broke across the sky and revealed a snow covered lawn with flakes frolicking through the air ...

we celebrated with our "snow day breakfast" of hot cocoa & toast. I do not know what it is about dipping buttered toast into hot chocolate - but the gesture & taste is so very comforting!
Once my son left for school and my daughter was taken care of in her little germ haven upstairs with movies, breakfast & a LOT of Vitamin C, I kept myself busy with my paintbrush and tried tackling some of the custom orders that have a due date of Christmas :)
A popular style of scarf that sold out at the show and followed with orders was the winter tree design ...
It's a funny thing how I can be working, lost in paint & design, and COMPLETELY forget about a child to be picked up, a shower that was needed, and teeth that needed brushin' ... yes - I left my painting mess all over the kitchen, scrambled to throw myself together (yes, I did brush my teeth!!), and ran out the door to pick up my son for his loooooooong-overdue haircut appointment. As you can see ....
...it had been quite some time since his last visit to see Miss Chrissy :)
I do believe the topper to the day was the incredible dinner that my husband created for me ... Wild Sockeye Salmon, Pan-seared Scallops, Wild Mushroom Trio Pasta & chilled white wine to toast the day. A lucky girl am I :) And, get this gals ... he even drove to a little bakery that we found in my favorite, day-trip town during our anniversary getaway, to purchase my birthday cake -- which we saved for tonight when our family comes to visit. So, of course, he also pulled out a little chocolate tort for dessert, because apparently a birthday cannot be acknowledged without a million calories! LOL
Afterwards, while my girlie rested up for school the next day, I helped my little guy with a school assignment ...
A Christmas tree decked out with his favorite football team :)
My sister and I closed the evening by heading to the movies for our Wednesday Date Night - which hasn't been happening a whole lot lately. And, let me just say .... if you enjoy films such as Chicago & Moulin Rouge ... you will L-O-V-E Burlesque! I have never been a fan of Christina Aguilera - yes, the girl can sing, but she tends to come across as so trashy. Well, in this film, you can't help but like her. It was as if this part was made for her. And Cher? Who doesn't love Cher??? That sassy spunk is in her bones! Love, love this film - definitely one to own :)
So ... agenda for today? More scarves - thus, more sanity. (I get flustered when my to-do list is double paged!) And, it seems ... more cake - thus, more me! Oh, well. Tis' the season, right? That's what January is for - - promises of exercise & no junk. LOL Yeah. We'll see ...

All of the world is birthday cake; so take a piece, but not too much.

- George Harrison

An early birthday present ...

I found this video while making my visits in blogland this morning. Kaybe of The Essential Beachcomber posted this video and truly? - - I had tears in my coffee cup! My heart soared with thanksgiving, just knowing that within this moment of time, at a crowded food court, among busy shoppers, cell phones and the like ... God was there. Not a doubt in my mind ...

Watch it - - if your spirits need a lift, if your feeling a bit blue ... this will surely shake your spirit up and land you on the bright side of things.

It gave me a lovely reminder this morning as I settle in to another darn year tacked on to my age - - BLAH!! :) Although, this does mean cake is in the forecast ... The sugar rush should ease the pain.

Enjoy a very blessed day ...

For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.
- Author Unknown

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

Well, the tree is up, twinkling with color & light, waiting for our cherished trims to be added. Our tree decorating tradition of hot cocoa and Charlie Brown's Christmas is on hold until my daughter is feeling better. She has certainly had the illness this school year. Tis' the season, I suppose. Right now she is quarantined in her room, watching Elf and eating chicken noodle soup.

The good news is that our home is trimmed with holiday cheer to perk up our spirits, and the outside is lit before the upcoming cold snaps kick in ... In other words, all is well. Now I just need to get my girl well, keep up with the custom orders, send the cards, bake the cookies, buy the gifts, wrap the gifts and before long, Santa will arrive! :)

Here's a little peak as to what has us singing carols 24/7 & pining for a snowfall ...

In all seriousness, carols are a constant stream in our home. My son found the station that has a fireplace glow and plays carols all day, every day. He was so proud of himself!!

I'm dreaming of a white christmas ....

Just like the ones I used to know.

Where the treetops glisten,

And the children listen

To hear sleigh bells in the snow ...

- Irving Berlin

A Special Giveaway Starts Tomorrow!!!

Cyber Monday is tomorrow ... and to it kick off, as well as the opening of my Etsy Shop :), I am hosting a Special Giveaway.


All you need to do to enter is stop by the Shop, peruse the specialties and place a comment on this post with your thoughts, suggestions or list a favorite item, and you will receive an entry. Should you have an account with Etsy or wish to sign up, make jlc studios a favorite and receive another entry! Receive an additional three entries by posting a link to this giveaway on your blog or facebook page! That's FIVE possible chances to win .... :)


... a lovely pair of handmade swarovski crystal & sterling silver earrings ... AND ...

... the Childlike Wonder Necklace!
This handmade necklace features a hand painted pendant with multiple overlays of resin; embellished with faceted glass & sterling silver. Attached to an 18" sterling silver ball chain.
What better way to adorn yourself with a bit of whimsy Christmas cheer, than some sparkle & originality!!
Drawing will be held on Friday, December 3rd!!!
The cause of inspiration for this piece? ....

Winter came down to our home one night,

quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,

And we, we were children once again.

- Bill Morgan, Jr.

Introducing .... MY ETSY SHOP!

So very excited to share the news that I've finally opened an Etsy Store! There, you will find original hand painted necklaces

hand painted scarves

and prints from original paintings.

And, for the Christmas season, all shoppers will receive FREE US SHIPPING & 15% off! Please use coupon code: christmas15 when checking out.

Stay tuned for a super giveaway to kick off the opening of my store on Cyber Monday!!!

WHEW!

I have survived my first art opening!

hand painted wine glasses & canvases

What an amazing experience these last five weeks have been ... and to have it all come to a close at a lovely barn on a chilly Saturday in November was such a gift. My thanks to the Ward family for their generosity and support in welcoming this event to be held at Gap Creek Farm. I am ever so grateful.

Well - the weatherman was right on the temperature (a bit brisk...), but thank Heavens he was wrong on the precip! The day remained dry - which was a bonus, since our sign was on a dry erase board! LOL!! After a morning of setting up (thanks to my crew!) and a number of coffees to warm the toes, the barn doors opened and one of my dreams became reality. I'm on a slight high that I have crossed off one of my five-year goals within a year! WOOT! WOOT!

Many thanks to all who came out to share the day! It truly meant the world to me.

hand-painted scarves

hand painted jewelry

my gram :)

handmade earrings

friends :)

buying customers - Yea!

browsing...

my sweet girl & friends

part of my crew!!

my hubby chatting with the gals

my sunshine

A day that I will never forget. Thank you...

And now, back to the drawing board - - literally! I have a LIST of orders for Christmas! I'm happily a busy gal! :)

Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.

- James Allen, English author & poet

... still adding to the list ...

My husband walked past me this evening and nearly fell over ... no, I did not bounce him off my ever-growing rear (damn that Halloween candy!) ... I was making more jewelry. See, he thought that since I had cleaned off my work space and began to make some sense of the madness that has been consuming our home - well, that I was done "creating."



Nope.



I just didn't feel right offering "jewelry" with really only one style - necklaces. So, I put together some earrings to be added to the mix.



I really love the irregularity of the freshwater pearls and the jasper stones are full of beautiful earth-toned colors. I hope that ladies will fancy them ... :)

Two more days (well, actually only one - since it is about 1:30 Friday morning.). The idea of opening my very first art show is beginning to dwell heavy on my heart. I keep doing my breathing exercises that my sister insists on (thanks, Miss!) and many ... many prayers. I'm excited, and yet a little hesitant too. I am so ever grateful for the outpouring of support and encouragement that I've been receiving from my incredible friends & family. Thank you - my cup runneth over.

Did I mention the snow in the forecast? Yes. Snow. And, where is the show? In a barn. Actually, a very nice barn, and I do believe that my dear friend will be turning on the heaters - Thank Heavens! God Bless, Penny!! Otherwise it would just be the source of wine for warmth ... and that could be scary by 5:00!! LOL

Speaking of which ... too bad there are no cocktails in sight right now. I could use something to calm me to sleep, other than sheer exhaustion. Have you ever gotten to the point that you've stayed up too late and now it is terribly hard to quiet the mind and fall asleep? I'm there. :)

Happy Friday!!

... Three Left ...

... that is days AND canvases ... Art in the Barn is this Saturday (a small reminder to those attending!!).

I just wrapped up three paintings, which took me all day. It's funny. Despite the size - whether 8 x 10 or 16 x 20, the paintings take the same amount of time!!
This has been a dangerous time for me to be planting my bee-hind in one spot for days ... chocolate is everywhere!! Darn that trick-or-treat tradition .. looks like my kiddos will be upset - yet again - that more is missing from their stash!! LOL
Well - off to scratch the last bit of art off my list ...

Make a list of important things to do today. At the top of your list put "eat chocolate." Now, you'll get at least one thing done today.

-Gina Hayes

"CHECK!!" :)

Two weeks left!

... and if I allowed myself, I could fall into a heap of panic. But. I will not.



Consciously, I am breathing in peaceful breaths with every stroke of the brush. Telling myself that with each finished piece, I am crossing more off my list; getting closer to the day that I stand before those graciously attending the show ... buck-naked - figuratively speaking, that is - saying, "well - here I am, and here is my soul." It's a bit nerve wracking. I have wonderful family and friends who have been lifting me up in beautiful ways of kind words and encouragement. I am blessed. And, that is what keeps me pushing ahead with paint-spattered clothes and a messy house. :)



So, what have I accomplished thus far? (20) Pendant necklaces, (23) wine glasses-one broke during shipment; (3) varieties of note cards; (5) framed prints; (5) painted scarves and (1) lonely painted canvas. (soon it will be a partridge in a pear tree .... )



What's left? (10) scarves; (14) canvases; (maybe some) note cards; (a few) Pendants; (possibly) earrings; (many) painted bags/boxes for purchases ... and well ... I'll just have to see how much time's left! :)



Here's a sneak peek at the scarves ...
What do you think?



Well - off to do more. I'm hoping to bust my rump and finish them all today - - Positive Thinking. :)

Let everything about you breathe the calm and peace of the soul.

-Author Unknown

Wine & Bubbles ...

... some things just are meant to go together!

Tiny bubbles in the wine ... Makes me feel happy ...

Makes me feel fine.

- Don Ho

Toasting simple living ...

Here's a sneak peak at the autumn wine glasses that are waiting patiently to be baked.

I am finishing up the winter collection, as well as a few celebration themes, and will be moving onto the hand painted scarves ... hopefully by Monday. The clock keeps ticking, reminding me that my deadline is fast approaching. (sigh)

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed right now - and my body is definitely screaming at me for rest. Any mom out there knows exactly what I mean - actually, with the crazy flow of this world - we all know it - mom or not. The great treadmill of life ... I don't know about you, but I'm sweaty, out of breath and ready to drop just keeping up with the pace of it all. Whatever happened to the days of Mayberry?

There I go again ... wishing for a simpler time. One that didn't have conversations constantly interrupted by cell phones and texting or schedules that permitted children to relax at the end of the school day. Everyone seems to be in a rush, heading this way or that, with a Blackberry in one hand, an expensive coffee in the other, and their children trailing behind with the same. Now - don't get me wrong ... I love the expensive coffee (non-fat white chocolate peppermint mocha with whip, to be exact!) ... I just feel as though we live in a world that is supposed to be so "connected" with all of the electronic gadgets (mind you, I'm using one right now ....); yet, I can't help but feel that we are completely "disconnected" to one another as a community or even within our home, at times.

Take this for instance - I don't know about you, but blogging a post takes me forever, which is probably why I do not get to it as often as I'd like. When I post, I am distracted and tend to ignore my surroundings, which -at times- has been my 5 year old asking for a snack, then whining for a snack ... and yes - I am not proud to say, there has been a time or two that it actually took tears to tear me away from this machine. I know. Don't judge!

So, I resort to posting when I am alone; thus, not too often! LOL

Okay - I don't know how I got started with all of that other than my mind is fried and seems to be on autopilot and just might go in any direction that it desires. So, I should take heed and sign off ...

Well, I'm off to do what I've been doing for weeks - - pull the paintbrush from behind my ear and dip it in a bit of paint! Hopefully my eyes don't cross and I end up painting my nose ...

Happy Weekend, All!

It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

One down ... 15 to go ... :)

Canvases that is.

I started this yesterday, but was detained in finishing it as my sweet girl came down with the stomach virus - No. 2 Victim of this nasty bug. My son had it last week. I surely hope that this is not how our October is going to roll. Please, Dear Lysol, be effective!!

So, painting yesterday ...

... and finished today ...

Note: The soft circles in trees are glittered - a whimsy bit of sparkle :)

Inspiration:

Nourish your eye and spirit with inspiring things. They will bloom with your tending.

-SARK

Back in the saddle ... yet again ...

Well, autumn is officially here and my posts have missed an entire season! There really is no rhyme or reason for it, other than just took a break from the computer, focused on the kiddos and painted when my schedule permitted.

Our summer was filled with book club meetings, field trips, house painting, some swimming and a few picnics scattered here and there.

Book club was especially busy this year, as we had something going on nearly every week. The girls covered six books, five art projects, including poetry, oil pastels, and acrylics, as well as a community service project. They also toured an art museum where they took a class on color theory, and received cake decorating lessons at a bake shop. An artfully, busy summer.

In closing our summer, it was decided that our group would host an Evening of Poetry for the community at our town's riverside park. The girls recited original poetry, displayed their artwork, served their homemade cupcakes and collected donations for the local food bank. The evening turned out to be so very heartwarming; seeing the girls so poised and gracious to one another, as well as serving the guests while wearing their adorable vintage aprons! Too cute for words. Definitely, one of my Norman Rockwell moments in life. (I tend to strive for those ... can't help it - would love to live in a Golden Book if I could or at least create that world for my children. Trust me. It doesn't happen often!)

The whirl of summer activities kept the days flying off the calendar, and before long ...

my children were riding that big, yellow school bus destined for long school days. It was difficult at first, dealing with my empty nest, but after a week or so, I adjusted. It helped that we were heading to the beach three weeks later ... the beach tends to have that effect on people - - makes everything better! :)

My in laws invited us to South Carolina with them and it took less than a second for our family to jump on the chance to pile ourselves and a ridiculous amount of gear into a vehicle with a map, and leave our home for the first time in five years!!! Oh yeah. A vacation was looooooooong overdue!!

We sunned ourselves, built sandcastles, enjoyed the waves, rode the water slides, ate incredible seafood, stayed up late, studied schoolwork (will not do this again during the school year!), and - the most memorable - spent time with family. My husband has a number of relatives who live in the area, so we were blessed to spend time with family that we rarely see.

We even had a Girls Day Out and made our way to Pawleys Island (a check mark off my Bucket List!). My mom-in-law, Aunt Marsha, Cousin Tami (who I like to refer to as my soul sister - as we share a love of painting, glitter!, reading, and chocolate!, to name a few :) and I enjoyed -

roaming the All Saints Cemetery

visiting Alice Flagg's grave

attending a Healing Service,

perusing the eclectic boutiques and galleries, hearing Gullah stories at a museum (the first few at least ... the curator tended to be a tad long-winded ...LOL), chatting over lunch, and most of all ... catching up with one another.

It was a time that I will treasure in my heart always.

So, since we've been home and back to the fall schedule, I've busied myself with a new goal ... some call it an Art Show - others call it a Trunk Sale - I call it, Art in the Barn. :)

I am hosting my very first show/sale/fun gathering with friends in November, and boy - when I say that I am a procrastinator and tight deadlines are the only way that I can work - I ain't lyin'! I have given myself exactly 5 weeks (one of which is already gone) to produce the following:

hand-painted:

• jewelry
• canvases
• scarves
• wine glasses

as well as:

• photography prints
• framed art
• note cards

So, needless to say, things are a little busy around these parts. :)

I am just wrapping up the jewelry - hand-painted pendants with sterling silver chain and embellishments, accompanied with either faceted glass or jasper stones. I have approximately 20 designs to offer and hope to put together a catalog and a new website following this event. We'll see how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed! :)

With all of the projects going on, I figured that this would be a good time to get up on that bloggin' saddle again ... hopefully making a better effort - - I know, you've heard it all before! :)

Well - off to the studio ... Happy Tuesday!