mcgdesigns

Comfort food

2012-02-08T12:45:00.000-08:00

Comfort food

We go way back. In the early 60's on cold days, Ritz crackers and the theme song to "The Days of our Lives" playing in the next room. Just out of college, the early 80's, I worked in Campbell Soup's Design Center. Drawing many cans of soup back then. Here we are 2012 stocking my shelves with comfort food for cold days.

Totusmel

2012-02-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

totusmels wunderkammer.blogspot

Thank you so much for feature Totusmel. Your work on Etsy is beautiful.

Canon AE-1

2012-02-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

an old friend.

so many memories.

the possibilities seemed endless.

black & white film.

color.

grainy, smooth, 400 ASA.

dark room.

Depression Era Feed Sack Oil Painting

2012-02-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

I love fabric.

I was going through some old fabric, my mom is a quilter. I found these rather coarse pieces of cotton. She told me they were feedsacks. They may have had flour, cornmeal, or sugar in them. My imagination ran wild...what could I make with these? Then it became harder to see myself cutting the fabric, some of them are still sewn together as bags.
So this is how they became the subject of my latest painting.

This was painted in oils on an 8" x 8" RayMar archival museum quality panel. It is signed and dated by me.

It is varnished and will be ready to ship after Feb. 17th.

See this painting for sale in my Etsy shop mcgdesign.

begin anywhere.

2012-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

The stairs to my studio. When I am feeling a bit defeated I have to remind myself I can begin again, anywhere, anytime. Thanks to fellow Etsy sellers Amie and Karen at Willow Creek Signs for a quality product. As a graphic designer, anytime I can use typography in home decor it makes me smile.

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

Today...Candlestick Maker

Visit my shop mcgdesign at Etsy.com to see more designs.

Inspiration

2012-01-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

Inspiration.
When I am having trouble getting starting in my studio I browse through the painting section on Etsy where I find so many talented artists. Today I would like to share the work of David Lloyd. There is something mysterious in the dark, richness of his work. I like his quick studies. In this peice I enjoy the retro subject, it takes me back to the 70's and the hours I sat facing this heavy monster of a typewriter struggling with my 7th grade research paper on Atlantis. To instill a connection and bring an emotion to the viewer is a worthy goal as a painter.

Back to Work 2012

2012-01-06T13:41:00.000-08:00

It is time to get back to work in my studio. I found a stack of depression era feed bags in with my mom's quilting fabric. I hesitate to cut them up into other projects, yet. I want to make the most of them. First thought, paint them. One of my favorite drawings from college was a folded pile of my clothes. The different patterns, colors and textures were so interesting. This is going to be my springboard into my next group of paintings. Working in the afternoon light. Good thing the days are getting longer.

A Very Terrier Christmas

2011-11-30T16:25:00.000-08:00

We will be having a very Terrier Christmas this year. My daughter's new Westie puppy will be visiting over the holidays. I have quite a few of these terrier ornaments for sale in my etsy shop. They are made from vintage fabrics and a love of terriers. It's a nice gift for the dog-lover in your life.

Wooden Spool of Green Thread

2011-11-05T12:13:00.000-07:00

This is an old spool of mercerized thread...loving this subject...so much to see in the morning light.

Green Thread
6" x 8" Oil on canvas board

Wooden Spools of Thread

2011-11-03T07:05:00.000-07:00

Wooden Spools of Thread

6" X 8" Oil on Art Board

Little Pumpkin at Sunset

2011-10-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

Little Pumpkin

2011-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

Fall is here, Halloween is coming!

Vulture

2011-09-28T08:37:00.000-07:00

Every morning I wake up to these birds lurking around our home. Sometimes they are drying their wings out in the morning sun. Other times circling overhead in groups closing in on their find.They seem to prefer sitting high among the trees in dead branches and even sometimes on my roof.

Here are two new necklaces found in my Etsy Shop. Each are a miniature oil painting framed in a silver charm. I used my own photos for reference.

Miniature Framed Oil Paintings

2011-09-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

I am working on new Miniature Oil Painting Pendants for my Etsy Shop. I chose some of my favorite flowers. I am also working on some smaller ones with Black-eyed Susans and Violets. I think they have a romantic old world feel. These should be ready to list in about 2 weeks. Oil paint requires a bit longer to dry before it can be varnished.

A little get away

2011-08-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

I spent a week at the beach and devoted one afternoon to painting. I love my little portable easel box. I didn't actually take my paints to the beach...a bit too hot this week. I found inspiration in the bathing suits on the clothesline and a little pink geranium.

July in Photos

2011-07-29T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have a couple paintings in progress but didn't want to neglect my blog followers. Here are a few of my July moments in photos. Always appreciating the world in my backyard.

Enjoying a beautiful night. We watched the fireworks from under the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia.

Entertained by the feeding frenzy of the seagulls on Long Beach Island New Jersey.

Realizing the backyard is quite overgrown while relaxing with my morning coffee in July.

Painting Workshop in Yardley

2011-06-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

I painted this yesterday. Thanks to the Artists of Yardley for hosting a workshop with artist Abbey Ryan. I had a great time and was truly inspired.

Photos from Brooklyn during my trip to ETSY

2011-06-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

I ventured out of the NU Hotel and enjoyed a walk around Brooklyn

I strolled across the Brooklyn Bridge and took in the views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan

Found a colorful street in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) which promises to be a beautiful creative community

Maybe I left my mark in Brooklyn...I may be seen on Google maps!

Back to the the NU Hotel which supports the work of local artists

Love the graphics outside of my room with this quote from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Invited to join in the artwork by the chalkboard wall in the room, thanks Brooklyn, I'll be back!

A visit to Etsy Brooklyn NY

2011-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

I was honored to be asked to participate in The RISD Alumni NYC Lecture series. I had the opportunity to visit Etsy who hosted the event at their Brooklyn home.

I had the pleasure of meeting Vanessa and Danielle, two Etsy administrators. Now I see why it seems like such a fun and friendly website. So glad I am a part of it.

Thanks for inviting me to join in!

A Lovely Spring Day for Painting

2011-04-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

Works in progress...
It was a bit chilly to go outside, so I set up a still life. I worked on two paintings today. One from a favorite photo of a tulip. The other a stack of old books from my bookshelf and a sweet peice of vintage fabric.

Three week portrait

2011-04-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

We were so fortunate to have a model, thank you Gail!

This is the first time I have painted a figure in oils. I have worked in chalk pastels, that was back in college. I still love pastels.

I would still like to put a little more time into this portrait. Our class is over for now. I have plans to continue painting. As soon as it warms up a bit more, I will be outside with my plein air easel.

Dogwood

2011-03-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

Just finished this small painting in time for Spring. It is oil on a 6"x 8"canvas board. It will be listed in my Etsy Shop shortly.

2nd week of the seashell and water

2011-03-07T11:16:00.001-08:00

First week of the seashell and water

2011-03-07T05:13:00.000-08:00

This was very challenging. A two week painting with a difficult subject and composition. However, I enjoyed working with a different palette of colors. This is quieter than most of my work.

This would be amazing to win!

2011-02-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/?p=2686

A Rockin’ Tamron Lens Giveaway!

Abbey Ryan Painting demonstration at Arcadia University

2011-02-15T14:42:00.001-08:00

a little closer...

2011-02-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

mid-week painting

2011-02-11T06:21:00.000-08:00

I worked on this at home mid week. The lighting is different every time I photograph it. I have class today so I will update tomorrow. I think this is our last day in studio for this painting.

Week 2 of the Mandolin

2011-02-05T09:16:00.001-08:00

Mandolin and Tangerines

2011-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

Week one of this painting. I bought a couple new tubes of oils today. I usually paint with a very limited selection of colors. I added a Prussian blue and raw umber. Yellow ochre and Ultramarine blue are my favorites and I am trying to branch out a bit. I have to pick up a larger tube of white.
Today we worked with Liquin. A very nice medium to thin the paints. We are hoping the painting dries a little more quickly so we have the option of glazing.

Painting week 2

2011-01-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately the still life changed from week one to week two. The plan is to have a camera for reference from now on. Loving the time I get to paint. Will be learning how to glaze soon.

Painting class

2011-01-15T08:26:00.000-08:00

I am taking another painting class. The instructor is Bob Bender. Starting in very quickly this week. 2 hours on this painting, will finish next week and onto a new painting. Celtic music playing in the background surrounded by so many talented painters, great day!

Organ Donation Charms

2011-01-06T19:27:00.000-08:00

I have added something new to my Organ Donation Bracelets.

I have a variety of Living Donor, Donor Family and Donate Life sterling silver charms available.

Check them out in my Etsy Shop.

The Fort, Pine Barrens NJ

2011-01-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here are the finished paintings of The Fort.

Pollyanna

2010-12-23T19:20:00.000-08:00

Every year we do a family handmade/homemade pollyanna gift. One for my husband's side of the family, 10 people, and one for my side of the family, 22 people. We have done this for the past 15 years. It is so much fun. Some of our most original ideas have been born. The candlesticks I make came from one of my husbands original late night, last minute projects. I have tried to make mine some way to keep my hand in my painting.

This year I have my husband's brother and my husband. I was able to do two very similar paintings for them. We live on quite a few acres of land in which paths that we wander on flow through our neighbors property, and on to the Wharton Tract. There has been this old abandoned milk truck in the woods since my husband was a child. The pine needles have been piling up around it and on it for decades. Some kids painted "The Fort" on it.

Wee Scotty Dogs!

2010-11-24T06:44:00.000-08:00

These precious Scotty dog Christmas Ornaments are available in my Etsy Shop. Stop in and pick one up for your favorite dog-lover.

Tweeds and Buttons

2010-11-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

So I found myself with some lovely vintage buttons and vintage wool tweeds. After sewing the adorable Scotty Dogs I had some scraps of plaids. So I came up with these. I think they would look smashing on a blazer, coat, hat or purse. So fitting for Fall

Honoring Veterans

2010-11-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to visit Olde Towne Alexandria Virgina last week. Thursday was a bleak rainy day and I headed out on foot with my camera in search of Alexandria National Cemetery.

Alexandria National Cemetery is one of the original 14 national cemeteries established in 1862. The first burials were soldiers who died during training of from disease in the numerous hospitals around Alexandria. By 1864, the cemetery was nearly filled to capacity, which led to the planning, development and construction of Arlington National Cemetery. Many of the headstones in my photos are engraved with UNKNOWN US SOLDIER.

It is surrounded by many other cemeteries. One other person, younger than myself, showed up to look around, contemplate history and honor our veterans. I couldn't help but feel like I was in a scene from Harold and Maude. He made this photo.

The Torpedo Factory, Alexandria VA

2010-11-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

Peeked in on a painting class. I love wandering in all of the studios.

Painting lesson

2010-10-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

My eight year old asked me to give him a painting lesson. He chose an apple as his subject. He worked in acrylics. He was very relaxed and enjoyed mixing the paint. Pretty awesome!

Apple

2010-10-28T19:12:00.000-07:00

I did another apple painting in oils. This time on a smooth board using a brush and a palette knife.

Another Cute Scottie Dog

2010-10-24T18:51:00.000-07:00

He is sooooo cute!

2010-10-13T17:24:00.001-07:00

Keeping busy

2010-10-12T06:39:00.000-07:00

The weather was magnificent on Sunday. I took my oils outside. I think I have fallen in love with oils again. Last week I worked in acrylics. Mixing the oils was so much more satisfying. They seem more lively, are richer in color....oh... and the smell, nothing better.

I picked up some alpaca yarn at a local fair. Got to meet an adorable alpaca too. I am trying out some possibilities during my son's baseball practices.

Buttons!

2010-10-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

We salvaged a large amount of these brass buttons. They were on the marching band uniforms from my mom's elementary school. They are from the late 1940's. We rescued them back in the 70's when I attended the same school. They were white wool uniforms with gold braid. I know we have a picture of her wearing the uniform somewhere, I will share when I find it.

So in the mean time we are cleaning out and offering some of our supply for sale in my Etsy shop.

Accessory Required

2010-10-01T06:13:00.000-07:00

Today I am thinking about the approaching fall weather. I have found a great way to look great and keep warm. Check out these wool scarves. They are hand felted by my very talented cousin Amy. A brilliant blending of design, color, and love of texture comes through in all of her pieces. Visit her Etsy shop Accessory Required today.

Thanks Christine!

2010-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Please visit Christine's blog, Christine, by hand. She featured rich warm copper pieces and included my candlesticks along with other great finds from Etsy.

Recycled Crayons

2010-09-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't got anything new of my own to post. I am starting new projects now that the kids are in school. Ahhhh, time to think.

I will do a shout out for my 18 yr old daughter's shop. She is recycling old, used, broken crayons into beautiful crayons. They can be used for party favors, party bags, stocking stuffers, etc. She left me a supply as she is away at college. She has created some gorgeous color combinations. Please stop by her Etsy shop payingforcollege and check them out.

A Copper Heart

2010-07-13T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a new piece my Dad has been working on. I am still working on the photos but I am giving you a sneak peek.

FREE SHIPPING IN JULY!!!

2010-07-04T05:08:00.000-07:00

Stop by my etsy shop "mcgdesign" and take advantage of the free shipping on my hand painted totes and purses. All feature one of my original acrylic paintings on canvas.

Loving Lavender Season

2010-06-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

Gems in Paint

2010-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

These are my latest pendants. They are about 5/8" square and sterling silver plated. Coming to my Etsy shop soon!

Thanks for the mention...

2010-05-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you Angie from "A vintage love affair" blog for featuring my candlesticks. Planning a wedding? Check out her some of her other vintage inspired finds.

www.vintagestylebible.co.uk/2010/05/crafty-candles.html

More work in copper

2010-05-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

I am not the only one in my family who works in copper. My father loves to create these figures from nuts, bolts and copper wire. About 25 years ago he made this banjo man for me. It is so special because my dad plays the banjo. For this year's annual family handmade Pollyanna, he drew one of his granddaughter's name. He met the challenge with this pin carved in ebony. He then created the wire artist and easel to complete the presentation.

Lady Bird

2010-05-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to Washington DC, I was inspired by the these amazing tulips. We walked from The Lincoln Memorial to the Arlington Metro Station. An undiscovered adventure for me. Rows and rows of tulips planted at an overpass. Thank you Lady Bird Johnson for these beautiful flowers surrounding the highways.

So I came home and started painting. So far I have laid in the groundwork. I will be interested to see where it goes from here.

...continued work on the oranges

2010-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Tightening up the light. Don't want to loose the brush strokes.

I Love Lilacs

2010-03-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

I painted a series of 9 of Lilac Bookmarks.

These are acrylic paint on previously painted canvas.

I stitch the painting to watercolor paper.

They are topped off with embroidery floss.

I just listed some of them in my Etsy shop.

Oranges in oil

2010-03-14T23:03:00.000-07:00

Spent a little time painting today. Worked until things became muddy...

Working in Oils Today

2010-02-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

I am back to oils today. This painting is on a wooden Baroque Artist Panel.

...and Lilacs...and Poppies...

2010-02-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

Just a few teeny tiny paintings I have been working on...

...and a Sunflower.

2010-02-06T12:16:00.000-08:00

Portrait of a Tulip

2010-01-12T08:17:00.000-08:00

My latest project, teenie tiny paintings. This is acrylic on canvas. Today...Portrait of a Tulip. I have to work out a clasp for the satin ribbon, then I will list them in my shop.

Tulips on Green

2010-01-10T11:27:00.001-08:00

These tulips are reaching for the sun. They stand so straight and tall. This acrylic painting is on gessoed and previously painted canvas (not stretched). I am still waiting for inspiration. I am not sure, it may become the front of purse or two. Loving the colors...

Mountain Pinks in the Rock Garden

2010-01-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Still working on this little one.

Painted in acrylics on a 4" x 4" wrapped canvas.

Poppy in the breeze

2010-01-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Poppy in the warm sunny breeze

Acrylic 8" X 8" painting on wrapped stretched canvas. 3/4" depth, sides painted.

Signed

Art Coasters

2009-12-05T19:59:00.000-08:00

I am working on more coasters. These are tumbled marble tiles. I am using my own artwork and making transfers. These are waiting for another coat of varnish.

A Touch of Brass

2009-12-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

I will be listing this new candlestick soon. Changing it up a bit I used brass fittings.

Thank you designworks!

2009-12-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

I spotted my candlesticks in a gift guide here. Take a look, they have a great list of holiday gift suggestions.

http://www.designworklife.com/

A Feature!

2009-11-13T10:27:00.000-08:00

My candlesticks were a pick by Eddie Ross for a virtual shopping trip on Nov. 11th! See them in a featured gift guide on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/266?page=1

See the post on Etsy's blog

Queen Anne's Lace

2009-11-03T16:37:00.001-08:00

For the nature-lover. I just finished this purse. Inspired on a hike in the Ohiopyle State park, I painted this queen Anne's Lace to be featured on a canvas purse. It can be purchased from my Etsy shop.

Work in Progress

2009-11-03T06:41:00.000-08:00

I think a little bit more work and we will have a painting. It is too wet to work on today.

Another Thursday in Painting Studio

2009-10-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

Some of the areas on this painting are still wet and appear as highlights. We have just one more week left in this class. I will be working from a photo to move it along this week.

Pair of Copper Candlesticks

2009-10-28T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have just added this pair of copper candlesticks to my Etsy shop. I think they would look great on your Thanksgiving table! They are all polished and ready to ship.

Thursday in Painting Studio

2009-10-22T09:32:00.001-07:00

Featured on Etsy's Front Page

2009-10-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday's Studio

2009-10-16T05:43:00.000-07:00

Sunflower Purse

2009-10-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

Sunflower Purse

Combining fine art, applique, crochet, and a few buttons, I came up with this warm, sunny purse. Can you smell the apple pie baking in the oven?

I would like to mention that I purchased beautiful crochet flowers from AnnieDesign.etsy.com. Please visit this shop from Ireland, Carmen does beautiful work!

Another design in copper

2009-10-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

I just listed this new single copper candlestick on Etsy.

Inspired by Sunflowers

2009-10-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

Even though many of my sunflowers were a little spindly I found great inspiration. They are full of warm yellow and orange tones. They have attracted every bug in town. I found the bees looked as if they were sleeping on the brown centers in the evening.

I am creating two felt purses and I used my quick paintings for bookmarks. I will be posting these on my Etsy shop in the next couple days.

Thursday in Painting Studio

2009-10-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

Two hours in studio is not enough time. I enjoy this teacher, he mixes colors in his head and speaks vividly about it. He has a quiet, soothing manner about him.

Featured on The Eclectic Element

2009-10-06T05:46:00.000-07:00

Detail of Birch Tree Tray Table

http://theeclecticelement.blogspot.com/2009/08/usable-works-of-art-mcgdesign.html

Thank you to Kayla for the great feature. Watch for a mcgdesign giveaway on her blog.

Oil Painting Studio

2009-10-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am taking a Master's painting class with Jim Jackson http://www.jsjacksonstudio.com/pages/about.html

You can watch and see how it progresses. We are starting with a still life in the studio.

Sunflower Painting

2009-09-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Only Flower in Town

2009-09-23T08:26:00.001-07:00

We have a sunflower!

2009-09-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

So, I spotted the yellow petals from my window today. It may be small but it is beautiful. Looks like it just started unfolding its petals this morning.

I was in Philadelphia on Sunday strolling through Love Park. There I found some giant sunflowers. Somehow they grow bigger and better in the city???

I helped myself to a couple seeds that the birds had left behind. Maybe next summer I will cultivate one of these beauties out in the country.

Art Coasters

2009-09-17T14:01:00.000-07:00

...and today...coasters...

This set of coasters would make a great housewarming gift. Each coaster has a reproduction of one of my poppy paintings. The coasters are tumbled marble tiles. They have a protective finish, and are cork backed to protect your furniture. I listed them in my Etsy shop today. I am stocking up on gifts for the holidays, come have a look.

2009-09-16T05:02:00.000-07:00

Looking good!

There is hope for a couple of my sunflowers. The weather has been perfect. Warm sunny days with just enough rainy days in between. These may just barely make it to three foot tall.

In the Spotlight

2009-09-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

I just finished a new purse. This a a tribute to Edgar Degas. This was inspired by "The Singer in Green". A perfect companion for the theater. Look for the listing in my Etsy shop.

Two studies Queen Anne's Lace

2009-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Two studies in acrylic...

Queen Anne's Lace

2009-09-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

My next inspiration...I was hiking in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania in August. I came across this beautiful flower about the same time this bee discovered it.

I know, I know...

2009-09-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

I know, I know....

I have got to weed! But look, a few sunflowers may make it!

In the mean time

2009-08-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well, on the groundhog news...I haven't seen him. My battered sunflower plants are trying to survive. I have to get out there and weed because the wild morning glories will pull them down. It is just so darned hot...maybe tomorrow.

In the mean time, I created another candlestick, maybe more of a candelabra?

Feeling Defeated

2009-08-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

It is not going well. Most of the sunflower leaves have been eaten. Somehow on Saturday evening when I checked the trap the blueberries were gone. This guy is good. I put out another handful of berries and added an apple. I can tell he was already here this morning. Some of these plants had at least one leaf left, but today are just a stalk. What really gets me is that I haven't seen him. Could it be I have a stealth groundhog?

Two down...

2009-08-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

He called for back-up.

I let my guard down, quite satisfied that it was just one. Well I looked out and there was another. Standing and looking around like he owns the place. He looks larger than the first.

I set the trap. A nice pile of blueberries waiting. By the way they are fresh and right off my neighbors farm stand.

This one has out smarted me. He got some of the blueberries by pushing the trap aside . Some fell through the bottom and he helped himself.

Hmmm. I set it up again...meanwhile sunflowers are disappearing. I think I know how Mr. McGregor felt.

I got up this morning made my coffee, sat down at the computer and he popped out of his burrow. I got my camera, and slowly, quietly I moved out onto the porch. He spotted my pink stripped pajamas and ran. A little more patience, I‘ll go back in and wait, maybe change to my camo jammies.

It has only been 20 minutes as I am writing this he is in the trap. Uh oh, he looks a bit smaller than the first. How many are living in that burrow???

Someone has been eating my sunflowers.

2009-08-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Got 'em!

All in one day, I saw the damage and snagged the culprit. Here he sits with a belly full of blueberries thinking about what he did.

Don't worry, he was caught in a "havahart" trap. He was driven about five miles away by my brother-in-law who was doing his best Bill Murray impersonation. He is in a more remote location where he will have plenty to eat, there is even a pond nearby. Think of it as a vacation home.

My latest project

2009-08-02T18:22:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers...I hope.

So I use my own homegrown flowers for the subjects of my paintings. It is a bit late in the summer, but I finally planted the seeds I bought in the spring. With the heat of the days and the amazing amount of rain we have had they are up!

Now I am watching them like a hawk, so to speak. Actually I am watching for the ground hog that has taken up residence in my backyard. I can see this flower bed from the window next to my computer and from the kitchen window over the sink. It is the first thing I check on when I get up in the morning, I can see it from my bedroom window as well. The kids have a good laugh when mom goes running through the house yelling, "Oh no you don't!!!".

The challenge is to get these past seedling size before my groundhog eats off the leaves. I have lost many gardens to these guys. My neighbor, a blueberry farmer, is upset that Mr. groundhog and friends are eating at his profits.

note: The first photo is the entrance to his cozy home inside my fenced in yard.

Tsk, Tsk, Emma!

2009-07-28T08:05:00.000-07:00

The original

Repairs being made...

I have a repair to make. A very good customer contacted me and asked if I could do some repair work. Her dog, Emma, was attracted to the buttons on this purse she had just purchased from my Etsy shop. Fortunately the painting was not harmed in Emma's attempt to remove the buttons. She left a significant hole in the felt and stole a couple buttons. I made a new front to the purse. I am piecing it back together, adding a couple new leaves to hide Emma's handiwork. I am searching through my button jar for a couple colorful replacements. It will be as good as new in no time.

In the end, we still love dogs!

Handpainted Bookmarks

2009-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

I purchased so many gifts on Etsy this past holiday season. Most of them included a small bonus gift. What a great surprise!

I am making more bookmarks. I have been including these as a free gift on purchases of my artwork on Etsy. I want nothing to go to waste. I am using canvas from old projects. I am painting over the old painting. This one is from a back drop I painted for southwest themed dance at my daughter's school. I just didn't need the cactus at sunset painting anymore. These are great when I don't have a lot of time to spend on a project. I am looking for more places to applique these small painting. I have sewn a few onto tote bags.

These are sewn with a zig-zag stitch onto watercolor paper, then tied at the top with a complimentary colored embroidery floss. The corners are rounded...not yet in this photo. They are sweet little details of a larger painting and are signed by me.

Coming in for a landing

2009-07-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

We had lilacs, tulips, tiger lilies and now it is time for the yarrow to bloom. I am stocking up on reference photographs today. Impressed by the hardiness of this plant. I planted a few pots of these when we first moved in twenty-some years ago...they are still blooming but have chosen there own locations nowhere near the original planting spot.