Recycling WIP

I really dislike throwing away cardboard and glass or plastic if I can find a way to use it. I do love inspiring artists who can use "found" items to create beautiful gifts for others. One such is Diane Knott's over at Diane Knott's Musings. She has the master's touch when it comes to creativity so I like to visit her blog often. She has been creating lovely pocket tags, so I've decided to follow her lead.  I took a shampoo packaging box and used it to cut some tags as I really loved the scroll work on the box. The image is beautiful as well so here I go trying something new. Stop by Diane's blog to see what I mean. Oh, she was the inspiration for the new hand painted border on my blog.

Primitive Crow Raven Pastel Painting AHA pwgl ADSG - eBay (item 150416784676 end time Feb-27-10 08:00:37 PST)

Primitive Crow Raven Pastel Painting AHA pwgl ADSG - eBay (item 150416784676 end time Feb-27-10 08:00:37 PST)

Primitive Rabbit Easter Bunny gourd ornament AHA PWGL - eBay (item 150416994664 end time Feb-27-10 09:31:19 PST)

Primitive Rabbit Easter Bunny gourd ornament AHA PWGL - eBay (item 150416994664 end time Feb-27-10 09:31:19 PST)

Billboards and marketing design.....

My husband and I make several road trips a year. We often see billboards that give you no clue as to what they are selling because they are so busy with an overloaded message. When I saw this photo above I about fell off the chair laughing as it leaves no doubt about the message though simply stated. A perfect example of good marketing no matter how you feel about George W. Bush. Simple, to the point, and not cluttered with too many graphics or text for people to try and read as they drive by. It gets your attention and makes you laugh or get angry depending on whether you are still waiting for the whole "hopey changey" thing to happen.
When I worked for an endodontist in Alaska we spent many hours peering into patients mouths so we would pass the time in one of two ways. We had a code system set up with fake names for office personnel that we were discussing. Little Napoleon was the son in law, Goldilocks was the receptionist in the Anchorage office, there was momma bear and poppa bear, Tinkerbell and so on. The other way we passed the time was to listen to the radio. Our favorite part of that was the commercials. We would talk about the voice over talent or no talent depending on the ad, the copy and so on. We would try to see if we could come up with better ideas as well. I love commercials TV or radio as they can be so creative. Marketing and advertising have a lot of ins and outs that business owners don't think about and are usually not told when being sold an ad campaign. Tips like never give a laundry list of what you sell. Pick out the "hook" item or service that will bring people to your business. Never start an ad with a question. For instance, " Are you tired.... of being sick and tired, being ripped off, being overweight and so the list goes. Most ads that start with a question are quickly silenced as the listener moves to the next station or mutes the radio until the 4-5 minute commercial break is over. Unfortunately most folks haven't figured out that most stations are all on the same schedule. A clever ad is fun or enjoyable to listen to, and will remind you that you haven't tried this or that yet, or wow that sounds great! The purpose of radio ads are to remind folks of what they either need or want and where to find it. It's called controlled word of mouth. One of the most satisfying work experiences I had was in creating an ad campaign for a flooring store that not only helped them grow, but gave them confidence that advertising does work when done correctly, and helps them grow some more. I really miss working in radio, the reporting, voice over work, copy writing and sales, all of it!
I got to thinking about this as I worked with a fellow artist to re-do her blog. She wanted a fresh look, new banner and set up. We had fun perusing images and so on and I had fun trying out new things with photoshop. As I was putting her banner together I was struggling with the placement of text and so on. It didn't come together until I changed one simple thing.... the message. Here's what I mean. We went from this

to this

Of course I've come a long way since I created her first banner two years ago. The message is simple, elegant, the text flows and the design fits her personality so well. If you get a chance stop by and see what her blog looks like now at  Seasonal Whimsies . I would love your feedback!

Bunnies and Ravens and Signs and Things....

 

It's a sign of the times.... literally. Easter is fast approaching and this sign is ready to display anywhere you would like to add a touch of Spring. Inspired by Victorian ephemera, this one of a kind original will be a great center piece for your Easter decor.

  

 Buddy Bunny Pull Toy is a little egg gourd creation I put together using air dry clay. It's a two part creation with a little pull cart sculpted from clay. Buddy's friend Charlie Chick Pull Toy will be featured in Celebrate365 Spring issue.

 

Last but not least, I've decided to let the original pastel of this painting above to go. You will find all these pieces on ebay so visit my link to the right.

Dressing Up....

I've spent the day playing with paint and now have a new sidebar for my blog! The actual painting will be a wrap for a glass candle jar, but I created it with my blog in mind. What do you think?

I recently had the opportunity to sign up for 2 Valentine swaps. The lovely Valentine card and ornament you see above was created by Ashlee of The Paper Heart . Isn't this just darling?! So pretty and feminine! I love it! This event was sponsored by our PWGL team. Stop by our blog to see all the other creations sent out.

Christine Edwards of A Work in Progress sponsored a secret admirer swap. Angie of Hopemore Studio overwhelmed me with such wonderful generosity! I had to take 3 photos to show all the delightful creations and trinkets she sent my way. I will be having a blast using some of the things to create my own pieces of art. Take a look at the hand made box, the card and the pin and charm. Amazing work! I will be doing this one for sure next year if Christine hosts it. Thank you Christine, this was fun!

AND THE WINNER IS......

Lauren! Congratulations to Lauren for being the winner of this fun give away! Thank you so much to all who stopped by and left such nice comments. It is inspiring to read them and will give me the incentive to keep trying and improving. Thank you so much to Lisa for this wonderful event.

Sheryl

PFATT for February

We are so ready for Spring around our house that it pushed me to share some of my favorite pieces with you. Here are my latest works available at the PFATT Marketplace for February.This is an acrylic painting on a 9 by 12 inch gallery wrap canvas. Original art ready to hang.
Just in time for President's day, an Uncle Sam ornament that can be hung anywhere year round. Hand sculpted over an egg shaped gourd.
I lovingly call this Roadtrip Roses as it was done on a trip to Idaho to pick up some bunnies. I have several of these prints available right now. They come on high quality heavy duty print paper in a 8.5 by 11 inch size with a white border. To see how to purchase these click on the PFATT banner to the right.
A huge thank you for all who have entered the OWOH give away so far! I so appreciate all the uplifting and inspiring remarks! As always, thank you for your support of what I do. If you haven't yet, scroll on down and get in on the give away!

Primitive Rabbit Easter bunny ornament AHA ART PWGL - eBay (item 150412666380 end time Feb-13-10 16:49:11 PST)

Primitive Rabbit Easter bunny ornament AHA ART PWGL - eBay (item 150412666380 end time Feb-13-10 16:49:11 PST)

One World One Heart

A event that has taken on monumental proportions, One World One Heart links bloggers all over the world. Artisans everywhere have joined in and it's been so popular that folks can't wait to participate each year. Click on the banner at the top left to stop by and see what this is all about.

What's in it for you? A chance to win a wonderful piece of art from some very talented artists! What you do is leave a comment here on this post with a way for me to contact you in case you are the winner. One winner will be randomly drawn on and announced on February 15th.



Here's my offering for the giveaway part of this event. This is an 11 by 8.5 print with white border of a pastel I've done. It will come signed and dated and it's the last one of a limited series.
I am a primarily self taught artist that picked up my art tools when all my children grew up and flew the coop. I love to dabble in a variety of media, from clay and paper mache to painting on canvas and art papers. Stop by my website at Mother's Dream Artworks to see more of what I do. I also do web graphic design, and am working on cover art for a magazine. A big thanks to Lisa at A Whimsical Bohemian for sponsoring this event. For more artists blogs to visit click on the banner above.
If you like what you see here, don't forget to sign up below by leaving me a post with a way to contact you. Thanks!

Spring Things

A few years ago now, I was sent some gourds with the challenge to see what I could do. this lady bumble bee was started back then, and has been hanging out around my studio without her limbs attached or being painted and dressed. She finally had enough and told me that if I didn't get her finished she would find someone who would. She's quite happy now so all's well that ends well. She was created using a bottle gourd. Her wings were hand cut and glittered as well as her "petal" skirt. She is really much more darling in person.
Bunnies and chicks pull toys are these adorable little egg babies. Both are hand sculpted, painted and dusted with glitter.
Not sure if these will be ebay, etsy or my website. Send me a note if you are interested. What are you working on these days? Right now, one of my little charges is demanding my attention, so off I go for my daily mashed sweet potato shower. Have a nice day!