3.30.09

Newest additions to my etsy shop...
Do you like them?
I thought they'd be perfect for filling Easter baskets...

3.27.2009

I guess one of my favorite groups of paintings are those from the Hudson River painters.
I love the magical look of the light in those paintings.
The light here in Southern Mississippi sometimes has similar qualities.


I imagine there must have been more than a few folks irritated with me this morning
as I meandered around trying to find a spot to take THE picture.
Needless to say, I didn't find IT.

These will have to do.
Bear in mind that they don't do the morning light justice.


I really wish, though, that I could have found a decent shot of the trees
as a palette of greens against the storm clouds to the West.

Had to include this shot of the back of an 18-wheeler!
Doncha just love it!

Two finished prints...

These are short editions, but having been out of printmaking for so long, it's about all I could manage and be happy with. I hope to get some framed and in my booth at Southern Treasures soon.
The top one is the Coffee Pot. It was a cafe many years ago, but is vacant (I think) now.

The second one is what I have only ever called The Smokestack of course. It is an old factory that the city wants to refurbish and revitalize as a transportation hub.
I would love to get up close with a camera before they do!

So here's the corrected - unflipped cut

This is an artist's proof that I made quickly last night. If I am very careful I may get 7 or 8 final prints out of this. I printed all the blue plates last night. Pardon the terrible photo. Oh and if I haven't mentioned it, the size of this is 2 inches wide be 2 5/8 inches tall.
Teeny Tiny!

I've started a second tiny print of the "Coffee pot". You'd have to be from my home town to know what that means. Maybe I can get it finished tonight...

As if I didn't have enough going on...

I whipped out a new, small block yesterday, and printed it quickly to see how it looked in the ink nearest my hands.


The image area is only 2 inches wide.

I'm pleased with how it turned out except for one small detail...

It's backwards.

Silly me, I flipped the image!


Oh Well...
Cutting again.

EtsyforCharity!

I've just joined a really neat shop on Etsy...
http://EtsyForCharity.etsy.com

From their storefront...

Etsy for Charity (EFC) is a group of artists all fueled by the passion of helping the community with their crafts. All items listed at EFC Shop are donated by Etsy sellers and they will be shipped direct from their country to you! Sales proceeds (less shipping and other expenses) for this month will be donated to EFC March Charity of the Month Save The Children http://www.savethechildren.org Search tags for "efc team" for members of Etsy for Charity (EFC). Register at http://etsyforcharity.ning.com to be a member of EFC Team.

Be sure to stop by and look at all the wonderful wares to be had!
Here's what I've donated:

We have a Winner - um make that WINNERS!

So, everything was prepared and I was ready for my daughter to draw a name for the winner of my giveaway, and what happened? Well, my son would not be outdone and snuck his hand in the pot, too.
The TWO winners for my giveaway are.....
(insert drumroll here...)
munecita and Jaime!
Congrats!!!!

So, I got busy last night mixing ink and printing their notecards! (As it turns out they both liked purple! How did I get that lucky?!?!?!)

Your packages will soon be winging their way to you! :D
...with a few other little "Happies" to brighten your days!











I didn't manage to make any progress on the aforementioned WIP.
But there's always tonight, or tomorrow night...

I did manage to start a new WIP! Who wants just one iron in the fire?









These are the first two blocks for a 4 color print. I've got a LOT of cutting to do to cut away everything that isn't black in the image.
If this works, it'll be the most involved linoleum block print I've ever done! Wish me luck. I'm rusty!

What a cool giveaway!

The Fabric Shopper

is having a wonderful giveaway!
Be sure to check it out!

"5 Weeks of Amy Butler (Week 4) Bag Pattern & Fabric Giveaway!

This week's giveaway is the Nappy Bag pattern from Amy Butler paired with 2 yards of Stenzo European fabric from Bunte Fabrics. Click on the pattern photos above or follow this link for more information about the pattern: Amy Butler Nappy Bag Pattern"

My giveaway winners to be announced later today!

Who doesn't like to get mail? and WIP

Especially if the mail comes in a box or a lovely large padded envelope?
Well, Nyah Nyah! I got both yesterday!!!! LOL!
Who's jealous?

My first package was a lovely large box from
http://www.mainstreetseedandsupply.com/
This was my first order from them and I must say I am more than pleased, I am delighted.
I'm planning on planting ALL these lovely sunflower seeds. The small packets are special varieties of sunflowers. If you haven't guessed Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. (Queen Anne's Lace is the other.) FUN FUN FUN!!!


My next package was a wonderful happy from
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5830139
I WON these on her blog:
http://www.inklore.blogspot.com/
They are fabulous!!!!! My daughter has already claimed one and I am trying to talk my son out of another or I won't have one to keep after I share...
They are very well made, BEAUTIFUL and smell delightful. THANK YOU, SAM!


Don't forget that tomorrow (Noon - central) is the deadline to sign up for my giveaway!
http://knotaway.blogspot.com/2009/02/sky-outside-is-lovely-blue.html
I've already got a number of folks signed up, so don't miss out on your chance to win!

I am determined to finish a WIP (work in progress) this weekend. I started this project in November (ducking in shame!) and really need to finish it. It is going to be (already is!) a coffee table. It is on 3/4 inch birch plywood and sitting on a metal frame. I'll snap a shot of the table when it is finished.
Tell me what you think...
This is really just the underpainting. I've got a lot to do to finish it.
Below is the photo it is based on...

(And yes, I know a coneflower is not technically a sunflower, but they are close enough for me! :D )

LuvHandmade.com

I happened upon this really neat website through the etsy.com forums not too long ago.
http://www.luvhandmade.com
They were offering some free "promotion" and I was quick to reply that I'd love some!
My etsy shop is now one of the shops they are featuring in their minibrowser! WOW! I am among great company. Everyone should check out the many shops that they feature!
THANKS luvhandmade.com!

Don't forget if you haven't already signed up - I have a giveaway ending this Friday at Noon (Central time)! Don't miss out! I'm feeling generous!
http://knotaway.blogspot.com/2009/02/sky-outside-is-lovely-blue.html

Red River Road...

I've just listed this earring and choker set on Etsy. I almost hate to part with them, as my daughter has a similar set, but I can always make myself a set.
Red River Road

Don't forget about the giveaway. There is still time to leave a comment and get your name in the drawing!