...a day for love ...

Just in time to welcome the upcoming holiday of Valentine's Day, dressed up with heartfelt words, decadent chocolates & XOXOs, I am hosting a sale in my Etsy shop! Why not forgo the expensive flowers, which will undoubtedly wither away, and express your love & gratitude to that special lady in your life with a gift of original WEARABLE art that will can be cherished for a lifetime!

My necklaces are each painted by hand, overlayed with resin (3x), and embellished with sterling silver, as well as adorned with freshwater pearls or faceted crystals. Each pendant is suspended on an 18" sterling silver ball chain with a lobster clasp - a perfect length to showcase your original design :)

Your necklace will be received in a white slide-style box, enclosed in a protective bag and nestled among shredded tissue, along with an artist card designating design & inspiration for the piece.

From now until Valentine's Day - I am offering 25% off all handpainted jewelry + FREE SHIPPING! Shop now to ensure delivery and selection!!

So, stop by my little shop - - I would feel blessed to share my art with you.

Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!

- Thomas Hood

... my wishes painting ...

It was time to begin tackling the two remaining painting orders that were requested to be held for after the holidays. The first is for Elaine ...

As soon as I pulled out our old plastic table cover to set up at the kitchen counter (you would too, if you saw my studio! LOL), my son immediately recognized the task at hand and grabbed some cardboard and his brushes. :)

I just love when my kiddos get bitten by the artsy bug!!

After setting up a movie for us (you know me & my painting routine ... ), pouring a cup of creamy vanilla coffee and grabbing my painting tools ...

... the canvas began to come alive in hues of green, blue.

This painting was challenging in that it was to duplicate a prior painting that I had sold at the show. Knowing that there may be differences in the sky's light and shadows, because painting a sky always takes on it's own flow of color and personality, I felt it most important that I create the same inspiring feeling overall that the original painting possessed ... that to search your soul with whimsical wonder. :)

Next at hand was to add "the girl."

This girl represents each and every woman who feels that tug on her heartstrings and a flutter in her soul of ideas, promises and dreams of who she is, who she wants to be and what she wants to accomplish in her life. I believe, wholeheartedly, that every woman experiences this during her lifetime. Mine is currently ongoing and really blossomed when I became a mother.

When painting the original, my initial thought was "first snow." I have always found the first snowflakes to fall so magical and delicate .... much like wishes that I would send up to the night sky. But when I added the "flakes" to the upper sky, they reminded me more of twinkling stars on a brisk night when the overcast is clearing ... and one's dreams become more formed and possible in her mind.

So, I give you my wishes painting ...

Should this painting speak to you as well ... prints can be ordered on my Etsy :) ... or perhaps you may wish for a painting of your own ... :)

Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves.

We must learn to respect them.

We must learn to listen.

- Sarah Ban Breathnach

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 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!!!

... 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!!" :)