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!!" :)