Pumpkins and owls and leaves...oh my!

 

Fall is right around the corner and I've been painting a collection of work to deliver to Prairie Hearth in Fremont, Nebraska.  Stop in to experience their wonderful fall open house next week---September 3-6th.

 

Here's a sampling of what I've been creating...

 

 

 

A lil' robins egg blue always puts a smile on my face...

 

 

P.S.  This week I started painting PuMpKiNs!  'So funny to be painting all-things-fall when it's so hot and humid outside.

Welcome SUMMER!

(I think it is official....we've been to the sprinkler park, t-ball is in full swing and today we are filling up the pool.)

 

The past several weeks I've been painting my lil' heart out.  Most of the time was spent creating for Prairie Hearth's (located in Fremont, Nebraska) Summer Open House.  This time I focused on subway art....(lots of text...different fonts...different sized print.....all coming together to convey a common message).

Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest?  What a wonderful resource for what is trending in the world.  With a simple search or follow you can find the most interesting and inspiring people and creations......not to mention fun activities for the kiddos and some pretty tasty recipes.  :)

Well, for a long time now I'd been seeing some of my favorite artists switching gears to incorporating patterned paper in their paintings.  I had tried this in the past, but was too controlled about it....cutting out patterned paper to make flower petals, etc.  This was not the look I wanted and so I put this idea to the side- -chalking it up as a 'nice try'.  Well, I took the plunge and decided to try this again.  This time I would apply several patterned papers as an all-over base.  I would paint on and around it...allowing portions of the scrapbook paper to peek thru. 

Oh my goodness did I need this?!  I was shocked at how this technique forced me to slow down and really think about where I wanted things placed, what patterns I wanted to expose, etc.  While I was painting I noticed interesting things 'appearing' and chose to either cover them up or highlight them.

Although I'm not convinced that this new painting method is my next 'go to' technique, I do think that I'll be visiting it again to challenge my creativity and thought process.

 

Geez, Louise!  I am so embarrassed at the amount of time that has gone by without a post.  Isn't it funny how we think that things will slow down tomorrow...or next week.  Things never slow down. 
I still haven't figured out how to juggle it all.  I think one of my life lessons is to come to terms with the fact that I can't juggle it all.

The past few months have been filled with family, friends and creating....my three favorites. 
I recently finished my latest collection of designs for The Hearthside Collection.  It was fun to work on a new 'blank'...paper mache nesting boxes!  Check out my latest available designs on-line that include chalkboards, paintings with burlap accents and magnetic photo holders.  I love my job!

Since the weather finally started to warm, I was able to fire up the sander in the garage and prep the many wood boards, farm doors and cabinet doors that were patiently waiting for me.  I have many nearing completion and within the next week or so will have a new collection of work available at Prairie Hearth in Fremont, Nebraska.  Stay tuned for photos.

This summer I am hoping to paint like I've never painted before!...and I'll need to.  I have added another show to my fall roster.  This October I will be showing at the Clarinda, Iowa craft show.  If you have never been....mark your calendars because it is worth the drive.  The Chamber of Clarinda hosts this event that takes place at multiple locations in town and offers free transportation from location to location!  You pay a few dollars admission fee at your first location- which allows you entrance into all locations.  The event makes for such a fun day.  Loads of handmades, friendly people and walking tacos (tacos in a Frito bag)....you can't go wrong.  I have to admit that committing to this new adventure gives me some butterflies.  Those butterflies are an indication that I'm pushing myself to do something out of my comfort zone.  That's exactly what I need to do- - keep growing.

'Wishing you a great day-
Michelle

copyright 2013

 

I am excited to announce that my latest designs are complete and off to The Hearthside Collection!

 

The next few weeks will be my time to regroup.  When I finish any large scale project, I like to spend some time cleaning up the studio.  It allows my mind time to begin switching gears to the next project.  I'll take all 'used' thumbnail sketches and file them away, go through the stack of sketches that are waiting for the right moment, and pitch anything that I don't feel confident about.

 

I've also started hanging large black poster board (using binder clips) on one studio wall.  I then use each poster board to help me categorize projects- -either by season or job.  This was especially helpful in the fall when I had our family boutique, Fremont's Prairie Hearth shop and my licensing work for The Hearthside Collection to create for.  I am so visual and an organization nut. 

 

Going through my files of thumbnail sketches will also trigger ideas.  So, I'll begin placing those ideas/sketches on the poster board for 2014 work.  The next big project on the 'to do' list is creating inventory for Prairie Hearth.  I'll focus on everyday product and spring.  It's always funny to me that I'll be painting flowers and such when we have snow on the ground outside. 

 

Wishing you a very happy holiday!

All the best to you.

Michelle

A huge 'THANK YOU' to my brother- and sister-in-law.

Before taking down their 100+ year old farmhouse, they relayed that there were some incredible wood doors, large wood closet shelving pieces and such that I may want to paint on.

I was so tickled to get these pieces that had so much history and character.

sections of 100+ year old farmhouse door

upcycled large wood shelving from farmhouse

 

Many thanks to all of you who visited the 8th Weeping Willow Boutique.

As always, it was so good to see so many familiar faces, catch up and have some fun.

I think my sister would be proud to see how the show has grown.

 

After the big event I felt exhausted....moving around furniture and hauling heavy props can zap my energy.  I must admit that I am jealous of those arts and crafts people who create jewelry or paper goods.  I think I would skip into show set-up if my creations were light-weight.  I know...the grass is always greener....

 

There is no time to pause however.  I've got to kick it into high gear because a major work due date is just a few days away.  I will be photoing and then e-mailing my next collection to The Hearthside Collection for design review. 

 

November I will switch gears again and concentrate on winter/Christmas items.  Mark your calendars now for the Prairie Hearth (in Fremont, Ne.) Christmas Open House, scheduled for November 20-23.

 

Many, many thanks again for your support and encouragement.

I am so blessed.

XoXo

M-