Boo!

I'm having so much fun making Halloween goodies this week. From signs, candles, treat cones and more orange and black paint is everywhere. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because there is no other time that kids can knock and everyone's door in the neighborhood and be greeted with candy! I think I might even dress up this year to give out the goodies.

Fall Show Preview

I have been working furiously in the studio on items for the Hearts and Hands Emporium at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Ga. The show dates are September 18 & 19. As a bonus if you mention this blog I'll give you $5 off any purchase of $25 at the show. My focus is on holiday items right now with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner. The signs, bottle wraps and frames would all make great teacher and hostess gifts and are all priced $20 and under. I'll also have some of my large frames there along with cards by Annie VanAmberg (my sister) and maybe some of my mom's items as well. Yes, my entire family is right brained. I'll have more items updated as we get closer to the show and after the show I'll post remaining items in my etsy store. If you can't come to the show and see something you like, just post a comment and I'll get back with you.

Well back to painting and creating!

fun shopping

So here are the promised photo's of my favorite store in Newnan The Vintage Flea. They carry a mix of antiques and new home accessories, clothing, jewelry and art.

This donkey we found outside a great antiques/garden store in Senoia, Georgia (just east of Newnan). I couln't afford a $500 piece of garden art so I opted for a picture instead!

I'm recycling bottle caps into my art for some fun whimsical items. I'll try to take some photo's this week to share with you.

Last Days of Summer Break

I can't believe summer break is almost over. The boys and I have had so much fun this summer and I'm disappointed to see it ending. We're in Newnan right now visiting my parents and I'm enjoying the antiques and shopping offered here. We're headed to one of my favorite stores today in downtown Newnan, The Vintage Flea. I'll take some pictures to post later so you can see why I love it so.

Downtown Newnan, Georgia

With school starting next week I will have more time in my studio to get ready for the upcoming fall shows I'm doing. Did I mention my studio is finally completed? I'll post those pics too when I get back in Gainesville. My first show will be in September at the First Baptist Church of Gainesville Hearts and Hands show and I'm starting to book any home shows for November this month. If you are interested in hosting a show, and yes there are benefits, let me know.

Enjoy these last few days of summer, I know I will.

Mushrooms and Dragonflies

Well, just to name a few. I've updated my etsy site and my new items are now available. Also, my frames are on sale-marked down to $75. I'm discontinuing the frames so get them while you still can.

postcards from life

With so many new ways to communicate the art of writing has been on the way out for some time. I think it's fascinating to read an old postcard, letter or just hand written notes by a loved one. Better yet a love letter in the midst of new love. I don't think reading text messages is going to have quite the same effect.

So a postcard from my grandfather to his wife and girls inspired this piece. He drove a greyhound bus for some 30 odd years and was on the road writing notes home to assure them of his safe arrival and such. Such a simple act done with love and now documented for my generation to look back on and get all sentimental about (and let me tell you I am really sentimental).

first of many

I'm working on a series of collages that I hope to turn into prints, notecards and more. This is the first version and it's still in progress, Eventually I work it out into a larger size, this one is just a 5X5 canvas. It's been fun learning new techniques and trying them out.

I've also discovered that SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) Atlanta offers community education classes and workshops and I'm so excited that I'll get to take classes in the future. I'm also looking for other creative folk to start a group with so if you're in the North Georgia area and looking for some creative fun let me know.