A Hauntingly Fun Halloween Treasure Keep

Just a sneak peek at the newest creation to come out of my studio. I've been storing this box for years, but never got around to painting it with the scene I had intended. I tried ebaying the box plain in order to get it out of my way, but that didn't work either, so I finally said, okay, this just needs to be painted with something fun and frightfully Halloween. This is a large paper mache box, about 12 inches in diameter so it can be used in a variety of ways besides just displaying. You could store Halloween collectibles in it, use the box as a base to stand a Halloween tree in and hang the lid above it for decoration, or even a treat box. For more photos on the painted details stop by my ebay listings here: Halloween Treasure Keep

I Love Halloween! A new jewelry collection from Simply Sheryl's

 I have a new addiction...... the good thing is there are no calories, harmful chemicals or weight gain involved! Okay, there is a down side, it can be a bit costly unless I put a limit on my spending, but I am really really enjoying making jewelry. It's sooo hard to just buy one thing when I run in to find some jump rings, or a tool or something. I was walking through the bead aisle of my favorite local store and spied some black ceramic hearts, which led me to the orange ceramic beads, and then to the off white shell beads and on it went. I immediately saw Halloween when I saw those hearts, probably because a good number of my contemporaries love creating Halloween. Thus my I Love Halloween collection was born.

 My first piece includes OX brass findings and an adorable owl charm, along with all the afore mentioned beads.

At 24 inches long it will be perfect for the colder weather clothing, I can see this dressing up a very cool sweater or cowel neck top. Perhaps something layered but what ever you wear this with you are sure to get attention. Stop by Simply Sheryl's at etsy for more information.

A Running Jump At Art

 Last night I attended a Fireside at church that was quite uplifting. I got there just as the meeting was starting though so I ended up on the back row with a family who has a toddler who loves to color. It was interesting watching him as he would lay his paper on the floor and then back up quite a ways. He would then run towards the paper and jump just before he bent down with his crayon to add color to his picture. He did this over and over again and was quite entertaining. No, he wasn't the best part of the night, but a fun part none the less and got me thinking.

 Is this how I and others sometimes approach our art? I have a tendency to have an idea, but rather than sketch it out I will often rush right into the creating. I will have to back up and jump in again and again until I have a finished piece.

 Sometimes I'm pleased, and other times I have even better ideas after the fact. Is that how it is with you or do you always sketch your ideas out to see whether they are what you are wanting? Some folks like the spontaneous feel of just going at it, but is that a good thing to do?

As part of a challenge we were given last night we were asked to think of a bad habit to give up and or a virtue we want to develop. We were told to write it down, but not to reveal it until Christmas day as a sort of gift to the Savior. So I want to apply this to my ability to create. I'm wondering if I can improve and grow if I'm willing to slow down and really think and sketch my ideas out. I believe our talents, what ever they may be are a gift from God, and that we have a responsibility to develop them to the best of our ability, and then learn to rely on divine inspiration to fill in the gaps of our human shortcomings. Am I saying that this will be a part of my challenge response, well I'm not sure yet. I will say this, each of the pieces above were done on the run so to speak without a real plan. I just wonder......
So how do you approach your art? Are you always on the run, or do you plan each piece with careful deliberation. As an FYI all of these are now on ebay. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Whoo-whooooooo you lookin' at?

On all Hallows Eve the owl took flight....

To see what he could see.

 An unusual perch appeared that night

with a smile filled with wicked glee!

 My first Halloween painting of the season. An OOAK by me for American Holiday Artists
If interested you can find this fellow at Mother's Dream Artworks

I accept Paypal so just click on the button and you can make this piece a part of your Halloween collection. Thanks for stopping by.

Vintage Style Owl and Moon

I wanted to post a Memorial Day note but the day got away from me. I was up at 5am spraying the field of dandelions that have cropped up in our yard this year. Then Kent and I went for a walk and I fixed breakfast before he took off for Utah. I cleaned outside windows and went to a surprise birthday party for a friend at church, and then came home and built garden boxes. So here I am, later in the evening, wishing there was more time in the day. We just had Family Home Evening via the telephone, with Kent in Utah and Annie and I here in Oregon. We shared our thoughts on why this day is important.
Now I'm going through all the venues I have for advertising my newest piece. I've really enjoyed sitting down and designing these little owl paintings. Done on chunky gallery wrap canvas, this mini painting will sit or hang in so many spots that you can move it around if you choose.
He is available in my Etsy shop. Click on the link to the side of this post. Hope you have a wonderful week!