The MAGICAL HOLIDAY ARTISTS' GIVEAWAY!

The Magical Holiday Artists group is having a fabulous Giveaway contest!
Yall must go check it out by following this link! I'm a member of this group also! :)
http://magicalholidayartists.blogspot.com/2009/12/some-sweet-christmas-treats-giveaway.html
The Best of Luck to everybody!
Linda :)

Art Festival I'll be in This Saturday!!!

Two Contests at Indiesmiles and Cat Article Ends Today at Midnight!

ADD A C A P T I O N……
and you could win a basket full of handmade goodies!

http://www.indiesmiles.com/shoppers-cartoon-contest/
Follow this link to enter these contests to win a bunch of goodies!!! You will see all of the prizes on the page you go to including this contest below!!!

Shopper’s Cartoon Contest!
Choose a cartoon, either #1 or #2 and write a caption for your submission.





Attention Cat Bloggers!!! This is the last day of entering your kitties to my Cat Article I will be writing!!! Please scroll down my blog page to see all the details!!!

New Article about Meghann

www.Indiesmiles.com has just put up my article about Meghann aka Fibro Diaries, Little Studio Photography and Jewellry, and LittleStudioJewels.Etsy.com
I started the interview with Meghann about herself and then started the article about Fibromyalgia. Please go to www.Indiesmiles.com to see and read and also make comments! It's a way to get to know Meghann better as well as getting to know about Fibro and how it affects people's lives.
Thank yall so much!

I also wanted to remind yall Cat Bloggers that I am still going to write an article about yall, so scroll down my blog to see my post about that!

And here are pieces I'd like to share with yall that I just finished! More info about them are in my shop at http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com

HAPPY DACHSHUND


GREEN TRIMMED HOUSE


PEACE BUTTERFLY


JOY BUTTERFLY

My New Brown House

Here is a picture of my new brown trimmed house, that is similiar to my pink house I already made. I am finishing up the green trimmed house and then on to other projects. I have sold a lot of my butterflies, so I am going to make some more of those too, and have many more ideas that just keep coming. I also sold some older pieces, like my cats, angel ballerinas, cards, flat magnets, dogs, and fish. I continue to make more and more of those as they sell fast. Yet I sure am happy to have my newer style of artwork to do and have sold a few of those too. None of my work ever looks exactly the same, but if people like certain things I do, I will try to make more. The collage/mixed media work is more difficult to reproduce. I'm afraid December's fest may be the last one I do, as I can't afford to do it alone and most of my booth buddies are very burnt out now. So the December fest is an important one!

I am about to go revise my post about the cat article because some of yall are confused so please remember to visit that post again! I really look forward to hearing from yall so much!

The Texas Renaissance Festival

Hi Yall! I need comments on my new article!
It's about the Texas Renaissance Festival and it just went up on www.Indiesmiles.com!
Please visit there and the article, as of now is on the 1st page...scroll down a bit and click on "read more" and you will see the slide video show that I had so much fun making. I would love for yall to keep scrolling down and fill out the form to leave a comment too, as long as it's positive of course! :)
Thank yall so much!!!
Linda :)

PS: And to those of you that have cat blogs, please read the post I wrote before this one! Your cats and dogs too can have an article written about them in the article I plan to write about Cat Blogs!!!
These articles don't stay on the front page but for a couple of days, but then they are always found in the website, so you can always look them up! I will continue to keep adding the symbol on the right side of my blog screen too, so yall can click on those to see them. The cat blog will be the 5th one down or so. I still have another article waiting to be published, which I'm not telling about until it's published! :) Then the Cat Blog will be out in December and I'll let yall know! Just keep following or check back and scroll down to you get to the post that announces it!

Attention Cat Bloggers!!!

I am going to write my next article for www.Indiesmiles.com on all the cat bloggers I follow, and I would love for you all to participate, even if I don't follow you as I know there are so many more I don't know about and would love to! I have to turn it in by the beginning of December! This way you will get more traffic and some of you give so much to cat charities,I know Peggy with her beautiful rugs, etc. & all of you that entertain me, for one! with yall's darling pictures and comments about them. I hope this will be a way to help the kitties. All you have to do is send me a convo at: http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com with what you would like me to say about you, brag away as I will be the one that is narrating the story, give me your blogsite address and shop site, if you have one, and at least one of your most darling pictures of EACH of your cats, with thier names as well, of course. You may then take this award I have put up and post it on your blog! I will be putting all the pics I receive in video form with their names and yall's blogsites too, if you approve! This is a mission for yall but mainly for our loved ones we adore so much and that bring so much to our lives. I truly hope this will be easy enough and not take too much of your time. Once 2 of my articles that are still waiting to be published go up, this one will go up hopefully in December and I would truly love a big turn out! After the article is up, I will post about it and I'm only allowed to lead people to it, rather than copy the whole thing on my blog and yall may do the same. A great opportunity for our felines. Oh, the deadline is November 30th midnight!
Happy Thanksgiving and
Purrs to everybody!
Linda & Kenzie....(my little fur ball).

PS. Some of yall are confused with what convo means. I didn't know either until I had a shop in Etsy, but it's a term they use for contact me. If yall go to that link http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com, yall may have to register for free and then you can leave me a comment. Yall can also leave 3 photos, and if you need more room, just send me another convo! If all is too confusing, after yall convo me, I can send yall my e-mail address. Just keeping it on the safe side! Oh, and if you participate, don't forget to grab the award I made!!!

Artisans of Houston Art Festival

I just finished the very first Festival of my mini team Artisans of Houston, and it just so happened to be held at the church I went to when I was a baby until I was around 11! I was even Babtized, well Christianed, there! It surely didn't look the same to me as it did when I was a kid! I remember it being so much bigger!!! :) It was a beautiful day, kinda slow, and none of us really made much money, but I did some wonderful trades and did make enough money to be happy with! By then, I was extremely exhausted. You can tell it in my face. But to share a small gym with all these extremely talented artisans, I had a blast! It was as if our little family was having a great big party to celebrate our friendship and talents! I can not tell you of one person that did not shine at the show more than another. I only got some pictures of my little section and the church, and now I wish I would have been able to have had the time to have taken more pictures of everybody else. You get so busy at these festivals, and usually you are so very tired, and when you walk around you just want to look at the other people's work and blab!







I also ended up trading and discounts with a gorgeous dark brown bag purse from Http://akatdesigns.Etsy.com The picture does not do it justice though. It's a gorgeous dark brown with a black and white checkers fabric in the inside. Yall must gp visit her shop! She has a sweater I want so bad, but a bit bigger, maybe a different color, but I LOVE it!!! It's the pink one.


I had to have these earrings too! They look like wood but are actually a bead! Gorgeous. I wish I could send yall a site to see all of her gorgeous work but she doesn't havg a shop! Her name is Andi though.


Now how cute is this winter hat?!?! I love wearing it, I get so many compliments as well and I feel like a Who from Whoville in the "Grinch that Stole Christmas" and it makes me feel like I have a long ponytail. I am so into hats! I did get her card but it appears that she doesn't have a shop to send yall too, unfortunately.


I fell in love with this little guy below! The girl that made it has an Etsy site that yall must go visit! Http://VMGCeramics.Etsy.com


Both of the below pieces are last but not least!!! I got these from http://CottonEyedJo.Etsy.com Aren't they cute?



Well,now I have a few weeks off, yet with many more projects to make, but at least I can relax a bit now.
Hope yall have a fabulous week!!!
Linda :)

In the Houston Chronicle!

Here's a blip of an article about me at the First Saturday's Art Market I was in this past Saturday! My moment of fame! :)

Let's discuss: ARTS MARKET: Artist Linda Gay Jones of Visual Smiles
Nov 12 2009 6:18PM
Thomas Nguyen / For the Chronicle
ARTS MARKET: Artist Linda Gay Jones of Visual Smiles Gallery shows off her papier-mache fish creations for sale at the First Saturday Arts Market Holiday shopping at 548 W. 19th Street.

Artisans of Houston in the local Newspaper!

The Artisans of Houston ad for our Festival this Saturday made it to the Houston Chronicle newspaper! Please go to www.Chron.com and click on Entertainment! Scroll slowly down looking at the right side of the page and you will see it! Click on the picture to enlarge it!!!
I'll be sure to get some pictures of our fest to show yall next week. Now I need to make more items this week! I told yall this was a very busy time of year for me! Just as long as my body keeps up. To tell yall the truth, I'm feeling kind of exhausted, but it's not too bad. I do these festivals mainly because they are so much fun!
Have a wonderful week!
Linda :)

First Satuday Arts Market

Well, I had a great time at the First Sat. Art's Market yesterday with my jewelry artist friend, Ginnie....I'd put her shop name in, but she doesn't have a shop yet. I'm wearing her gorgeous Necklace that I own! and her earrings that you probably can't see.









We did ok, but it was slow, yet a beautiful day, just perfect and I was so happy to be out. My boyfriend stayed all day too. Boy was I exhausted when I got home, I started to fall asleep when I was eating dinner. That's what happens when you are working all the time with my fibro condition. I know I've overdone it, but that is the only way to get things done! I have another Festival, which I talked about too much, I suppose, with the Artisans of Houston next Saturday! How cute is that kitty praying though? :) I wanted to show yall a few pics of Ginnie and I that Rick(my boyfriend) took of us and our display.
I still have tons to do for next week's festival along with a huge Etsy order, and I hope I can get pictures for my next fest too to show yall!
Thank yall so much for those of yall that commented on my Artisans of Houston article on www://Indiesmiles.com & if you still want to comment, it is still there but it is one the write corner of the page on top of the row where yall can scroll down.
Hope yall have a wonderful lazy Sunday!
Linda :)

Please Leave Comments!!!

On my article below, if you visit, please leave comments to help my article stand out more, if you get the chance that is!!!! People are visiting, which I truly appreciate but I need comments. You never know, I may be writing about one or some of yall someday! I wnat my articles to be noticed. Also, if you are an artist, please add an add if you want to. It's only 1.00 a week! Meghann just did! I'll be writing about her as soon as I finish my Texas Renaissnance one. I want to eventually write about a lot of yall. I was even thinking of a kitty theme, and dogs if yall have them, of the ones I follow. Wouldnt that be fun? Here's the link: www.Indiesmiles.com
Thank yall so very much,
Now off to do the Heights festival today!
Hope yall have a beautiful day!!!
Linda :)

Artisans of Houston Article

Hi Yall!
I just wrote another article for www.IndieSmiles.com! It's about the "Artisans of Houston" who I am a member of. It's on the main page now, but if yall wait later on, it will be in the column, most likely will end up in a row on the left side of the page with vertical arrows. I just wanted yall to see it and please make comments if you'd like to! I think there are thumbs down and up for it as well. I've got a couple of adds running on top of the page, and they are only $1.00 a week! I think that may be why I've been making a lot of sales lately. Who knows? Please feel free to share this site with anyone you know that loves to read unique articles and if they are looking for inexpensive ad space. This site is growing!
My other article is the one about "Magical Holiday Artists" I will be making my next one on the Texas Renaissance Festival!
Remember to click on the little video box at the bottom to see it enlarged! Enjoy the eye candy!
Thanks yall!
Linda

New Award Given to me Twice!

I already have this award, but since Sarah gave me another one, why not have 2? I adore all Sarah's blogs, one being Cottage Garden Studio but she also has a photo blog and I'm a proud member of her Magical Holiday Artists blog! I even wrote about it on www.Indies.com You'll have to scroll down there on the Home page at the top left where all the articles are stored! Her art work and blogs are all fabulous!!! And so is she!!! I even won a couple of her art illustration prints that are displayed always, but look great with my Halloween Pumpkin Patch display. You can scroll down my blog to see it!
Here are my answers which are required with this reward!!! I'm sure some have changed since we all change daily, don't yall think so?

1. Where is your cell phone? Just lost one, so just bought an upgrade yesterday,so it shouid be in my purse!
2. Your hair? Red
3. Your mother? Fiesty and loved very much, I was adopted!
4. Your father? Funny and also loved very much, also adopted! I wouldn't trade my adopted parents for anybody!
5. Your favorite food? Pizza and Pizza
6. Your dream last night? About all the art work I need to get finished!
7. Your favorite drink? Starbucks Coffee Frappachinos....YUM!
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness, To have more people be exposed to my art work, celebrating & promoting other artists,collecting other art work, Spiritual growth.
9. What room are you in? A very messy but workin' in progress Studio room.
10. Your hobby? arts, crafts, traveling, creating and promoting other artists.
11. Your fear? Anyone getting hurt or passing away, especially those I love.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? successful & spiritually grown.
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren't? lazy
15. Muffins? apple
16. Wish list item? Being able to do a million things at once! :)
17. Where did you grow up? Houston, TX
18. Last thing you did? Trying to finish a few pieces for the festival this Saturday.
19. What are you wearing? Robe and Pajama bottoms.
20. Your TV? Lost, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Project Runway
21. Your pets? My darling white kitty, Kenzie.
22. Friends? Many and very loved.
23. Your life? Happy and busy.
24. Your mood? Motivated and Happy...a bit exhausted.
25. Missing someone? Oh yes...many.
26. Vehicle? Red Cherokee Jeep
27. Something you're not wearing? Something sexy!!! :)
28. Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby
29. Your favorite color? greens and browns, but love all depending on the shade.
30. When was the last time you laughed? This morning
31. Last time you cried? hmmmm....watching a movie last night.
32. Your best friend? Sharon
33. One place that I go to over and over? My Studio in my condo.
34. One person who emails me regularly? Sharon
35. Favorite place to eat? Still Luby's because I have a choice depending on what mood I'm in.

Next, I have to pass this award on to six other bloggers.
This is too difficult to do! I hate this part because ther are so many I follow and admire. I have to say, whoever reads this deserves this award!!! So please feel free! It sure is a cute award too!

First Saturday Art Market

Saturday, November 7th from 11am - 6pm
Next weeks market artists are up on the website too!
www.FirstSaturdayArtsMarket.com

This is the Art Festival that I'll be in this Saturday! I have been swamped with work yall! But I had to take the time to post this! The video below show's a lot of art that will be there and after the words, "Whimsical Art too" yall can see my Jack Russell. But if you blink you'll miss it! :) The song on the video, will also be part of the entertainment! If only I could have gotten a few more pieces finished! Oh well, next time!


I miss the time spent with yall's posts but this is a crazy time of year!
Wonderful thoughts to yall!
Linda :)

Design Challenge

Shame on me, but I just entered my Gothic Fairy on the Etsy Team Crafter's Design Challenge. I need all the help and support I can get! If yall get the chance, could yall vote for my Gothic Fairy?
Thanks yall a million!
Linda :)
http://etsytx.ning.com/page/october-design-challenge-day

Talking Cats!!!

Maybe yall have seen this before, and I've watched it a million times, but I still wanted to share it with yall. The last cat has subtitles as to what he is saying and I think he must be talking to a dog!
Enjoy!
And have a great weekend!
Linda :)

Kenzie & I Found another Contest!!!

Hi yall,Kenzie and I found a new contest! This one is for www.Indiesmiles.com
Yall could win a 20.00 add for free! Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6325392&page=1
I wish yall the very best of luck!!!
Linda:)

Laser eyes and a Question

Kenzie spooky laser eyes for what she must have seen on my Halloween Pumpkin Patch below this one. She should be included in my Pumpkin Patch. Don't yall think so? :)

What is the best place to make a video slide show and how do I upload it on my site and others. I can't seem to get my URL's to work on my blog, only add pics on my left side column. What am I doing wrong?
Thank you!
Linda :)

My Halloween Pumpkin Patch!

Check out my darling Witch doll named Prudence! She was made by Chris Thompson and she even made me the apple and pumpkin.Also a cinnamon roll that I thought was real, but it is used to give off a wonderful cinnamon scent that is so yummy smelling! Her main shop is: www.primcountryfarms.com and she has fabulous items that yall must go check out!!!





The framed pictures you see are prizes I won in a contest on thier blogs! The left one in a glass frame was from: www.RonByrum.com
And the last 2 were from: Sarah Sullivan: Cottage Garden Studio, but I think her URL to her blog is: (http://rowenleaf.blogspot.com/ & of http://Cottage Studio.Etsy.com

I sure am in the Halloween Spirit!
Can yall tell?
I am anxious to look at all of yall's blogs and make comments, but I've been so busy. I will try to get to them tomorrow!
Linda :)

Indiesmiles!!!

I just wrote an article on http://indiesmiles.com
This one's theme is Halloween and I had such a difficult time just picking out 15 artist's pictures to show! I took them all from http://MagicalHolidayArtists.blogspot.com that Sarah Sullivan just started! It's such a wonderful site and the people are all so friendly and talented. I joined her site as well! I hope yall go check both of them out!
The idie's article is on the front page and is in a slide format so make sure you see all the slides and start from the beginning! The links should all be corrected now, so if you click on each one of them they will take you to the artists that are shown' sites.
I also must say that Indiesmiles is a great place to promote. Sue, the owner is such a fabulous lady and her ads are really inexpensive to put up an add and as time goes on she is getting more and more exposure! I have my Visual Smiles Gallery add up there at the top and the adds up there only cost 1 dollar a week and to get to those sites you just have to click on the adds!
I had so much fun doing this article that I will be doing more.
I also have to show off a darling witch I got from MaqicalHolidayArtists, btw, but that will have to wait until the next post!
Oh, it's a gorgeous day here in Houston!
Hope yall have one too!
Linda :)

Halloween Contest I Found!!!

I found a fun give away contest I wanted to shsre with yall! The link is: http://sophismpress.blogspot.com/2009/10/headless-halloween-party-n-giveaway.html

To get your hands on these treats, see below. Don’t forget to leave a separate comment for each entry.
1 Entry – Leave a comment on this post
1 Entry - Follow this blog
1 Entry - Follow Mich’s blog
1 Entry – Visit one of Mich’s Stores, either Mich Vanetta or Koot and leave a comment with a link to your favourite item
3 Entries - Blog, tweet, facebook this giveaway and leave a link. Getting the word out gets you 3 entires! Go ahead and leave three comments. You can do this as many times as you want.
This giveaway is open worldwide and the winner will be chosen by random number generator on October 24th at 11pm etsy time.

My new Pink House!

My friend, Linda Hardy(Mamapainter.Etsy.com & When one door closes another Door Opens.blogspot) gave me 6 house shaped paper mache boxes to work on. They are
6" x 8" in dimension. I wanted to make a take off on my larger house and started with pink, black and white! I want to do more colors if yall think I should, same theme but different colors. So here it is! Maybe not everybodies tastes, but what suggestions on the colors I should use and if you like the subject matter? I'm thinking of the distressed turq color I made on the bigger piece next.
Any ideas would be so appreciated!
Thanks and hope yall are are having a wonderful day! It's in the 70's here after in the 90's yesterday!
I adore this weather right now!
Linda :)

Ruth Rhadcliffe

This outstanding photo was taken from Ruth Rhadcliffe, one of my very favorite artists & I own one of her watercolor prints that hangs proudly on my wall. Here is what she said about this photograph she took: "One of my favorite Halloween shots. And I carved them all. My first date with my husband was on Halloween. He wasn't sure he was getting a trick or a treat. I think he is still wondering about that." I have told yall about Ruth before, but this photo of her's caught my eye as I had never seen it before and it was just posted on her blog! Yall should definately go see my favorites of her Etsy shops which are: http://rhadcliffedesigns.Etsy.com and Elephantdreams.Etsy.com! You will not be disappointed at all!


Thanks to Sherry from http://byrumart.blogspot.com/ for this fun award!!!
Yall must go check out her fabulous blog!

Here's
what you are suppost to do:
Post the award to your blog.

Nominate 10 blogs you love. (It's hard to pick just 10 and I know not all of
you have the time to do this)
Link them to your blog include the person who gave you the award.
Let them know they got the award.
Sharing the love here is my 10:

Well, that is what you are suppose to do. I surely tried to pick out 10, then I thought, hmmmm....I love all the blogs I follow equally in a different way, so I am giving it to all of yall that I follow! This may sound like a cop out, but it really is the way I feel. Every blog I follow brings something into my life that is special in my heart! Thanks to all you bloggers, you know who you are!

And thanks again to Sherry!

A Great Opportunity!

Hi Yall!
I wanted to let yall know that I have volunteered to write articles about my artist friends on a site: www.IndieSmiles.com Check their site out! It's mainly for people buying space for advertising but it's much more than that as they also promote artists. They promoted me when they first got started because the lady was a fan of my work! I have a questionaire at the bottom of this post too if yall are uncomfortable at writing.

This is what she said to me that they are looking for:
Some people ask me what they should write about, it can be almost anything handmade related. We are mainly interested in "How-to" articles, marketing and business tips, and off topic articles concerning how artisans help their communities and charities. You can also promote your own shop!!

Please don't be shy about this. Write to me about yourself mainly, then add a "How to", charities you share your proceeds to, business tips, one of all of the above, and of course send me pics of your work via attachment and your website or Etsy site, blogs, etc. I will then form your stories as if I was talking about you. I hope yall will respond to this. If I can get a load of people wanting to do this, all of yall will get a chance to be featured! And they get a lot of traffic there too! The more the merrier! Of course they will put the article up for a couple of weeks, but every single article I send I hope will be featured!
Now get yall's heads together and send me an article about yourselves! Even if yall don't have a website, but pics of your work and how they can buy from you. All of yall have something to offer. You may have an illness, like me for instance with my fibro, so tell what it takes to do your art with a disability! Any tips of how you do something? Advice about how to sell, etc?
Ok, I think yall get what I'm talking about!
Thanks yall,
I hope to hear from yall really soon!
I am going to reword it like an article, but here is a questionaire if yall would feel more comfortable doing it this way & leave the question blank if you have no answer:
1. What is your name?
2. What kind of art do you do?
3. What are your hobbies besides art?
4. Are there any special techniques or tips you can share with us?
5. Anything special that you do for charities, etc you would like to share?
6. Is there an artist you would like to share? Tell me about this artist and what is there shop or website where we can go look at their work and can you send me any pictures of this artist's work? What is special about this artist?
7. What is your shop or website or blog where we can find your work?
8. Will you send me pictures of some of your favorite art pieces and let me know which ones are yours if you are sending another artists work as well?
9.Where do you live?
10. Do you have any pets?
11. Please share anything else you would like for us to know about you.

Contact me at:
Linga713@sbcglobal.net
Linda :)

The Kenzie Tail Curl

Kenzie told me it is time to show off her talent in curling her tail!
Happy Weekend!
Linda :)

Thank you Sonia!!!

Sonia of Dark Ravens Nest gave me this award!
Thank you Sonia! I love these!!!

The rules are: Answer the questions with only one word, award six people the award and notify them that they won... It is that easy!!

1 Where is your cell phone? purse
2 Your hair? curly
3 Your mother? fiesty
4 Your father? funny
5 Your Favorite food? icecream
6 Your dream last night? dreamless
7 Your favorite drink? frappacino
8 Your dream/goal? sales
9 What room are you in? office
10 Your hobby? crafts
11 Your fear? unispired
12 Where do you want to be in six years? success
13 Where were you last night? home
14 Something that you aren't? healthy
15 Muffins? yes
16 Wish list item? house
17 Where did you grow up? Houston
18 Last thing you did? project
19 What are you wearing? panties
20 Your Tv? on
21 Your pets? cat
22 Friends? yes
23 Your life? fabulous
24 Your mood? great
25 Missing someone? yes
26 Vehical? jeep
27 Something your not wearing? clothes
28 Your favorite store? Hobby Lobby
29 Your favorite color? greens
30 When was the last time you laughed? today
31 Last time you cried? days
32 Your best friend? Sharon
33 One place that I go over and over? artroom
34 One person who Emails you regularly? Sharon
35 Favorite place to eat? Luby's

My 6 choices are:
Mishkat
Annette Quirke
Beaded Tail
Cotton Eyed Jo
An Angel at my Table
One of a Kind Art by Catherine

New Houston Halloween Treasury!!!

Please visit my new Halloween Treasury I made for Houston! I think it's a bit spooky!
I hope yall will click on the link, comment, and click on all the pics to help my treasury step up the ladder and also help support my fellow Houston artisans!!!

Thank you so much!

Linda :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=86908

At the Fall Bazaar!

Here are a couple of pics at the Fall Bazaar I did with Julie! There wasn't much traffic and it ended up raining and being quite windy but we stuck it out until the end! I had so much fun browsing around and literally most of the people were from Houston and I recognized them from their items because I am always doing Houston Treasuries. Come to find out the lady that held the Bazaar looked for her artists from Etsy! I also saw my friends I told yall about in my latest post!
http://jewelis2008.Etsy.com Now here is a photo of Julie and all her gorgeous jewelry. I should have taken a close up of her jewelry. I think of these things too late, but I did buy that fabulous ring I am displaying! I've had my eye out for it for a very long time! And what is cool about it is I can wear it with my hand brace that I cover with black and the ring really stands out and looks really awesome!
I did pretty well for me, considering the weather, and I find I get way more sells at the end of the day!
So...today it's raining and I am going to take the day off and relax! Hope yall have a wonderful Sunday!
Linda :)

Autumn Bazaar

This is what I'll be doing Saturday, but as all of us well know that do festivals, it's not just a one day thing. It's making enough pieces to sell, loading the car, then the small amount of time they give you to set up your tent and goods and I never think they give us enough time to do that. I always need a break after setting up! I just hate that part.
I will be sharing my booth with http://Jewelis2008.Etsy.com Her work is awesome and she makes her own silver, brass, whatever...
Here is a piece of her work which was very difficult to choose! Yall must go visit her Etsy shop to see what I mean! She has very high quality jewelry at decent prices!

Also there will be 3 other ladies I know that will be there:
http://MamaPainter.Etsy.com who is known for her mixed media birds & crosses, but she has a new line of doing flowers & yall must go visit her shop!

Another person I know that will be there is http://BeckyBrocato.Etsy.com who is known for her very realistic watercolor paintings. Once again yall must go visit her shop!

And last but not least is http://dsullivancr2.Etsy.com and yall must go check out her beautiful stained glass and her husband's wooden pieces. I must say I know Diane very well and she is not showing all her items in her shop, but it's well worth the visit!

Ok, that is my show and tell of these fabulous artists that will be at the fest Saturday!
Yall already know my stuff! LOL!
Happy October and to us Houstonian's... finally getting a little break from the high temperatures. We are now getting teased with mid 70's temperatures, yet the next day will be in the 90's, but that is so much better than everyday being in the 100's!!!
Have a Fabulous Weekend Yall!
Linda :)

I Feel Like that Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland

Hi yall!
I think the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland says...I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! No time to say hello goodbye...I'm late I'm late I'm late!!!
Well that is how I feel! The flier is something I made for our mini Etsy group's
1st festival in November. Along with that, I've been trying to produce art as well as a group of artwork for a gallery in Dallas. Also I have my dr appointments and meetings with the art group, and house chores. Oh my, yall should see my mess. Laundry also needs to be done. Plus I have a fest to do this Saturday amongst many others. Also I am in a lot of pain. I missed my dr. appointment this morning. I just couldn't get up. I wanted to at least post so yall don't forget about me!
My best wishes for all of yall that follow my post!
Linda :)

Funky Little Shack

These 9 picture views are my new 3d mixed media piece. It involves so many things, it would be impossible to name them all, but I'll try! You will find wooden pieces, clay and paper mache, glitter, beads, watercolor paper, fake flowers that are painted and arranged in a clay/paper mache pot, and 2 flower boxes on the sides, trees made of beads and wire, fabric....the list is endless! I narrowed my pics down to 9, but if I were to sell on Etsy I would need to narrow it down to 5 pics. I would love any suggestions!!!
Now I must go back to work. So much work...It's good to have alot to do, but my fibro is acting up and I don't have the time to be on the blogs, and I truly miss that yall!!!

New Fall Houston Treasury!

I've been non stop creating so I haven't been able to get on my blog or even look on other blogs. I can't wait to show yall my newest piece once it's finished! Also I've been busy making items for a Dallas Gallery that will open Oct. 2nd! More info on that later!
I did manage to make a new Fall Houston Treasury and I would so appreciate if yall checked it out! Please click on the link, sign in, make a comment, & click on each pic to support our Fabulous Houston Artisans!
Thank you so much!
Linda :)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=83669

I'm Featured in a Treasury!

It's very seldom that I get featured in a Treasury, but this one was made with all me! Wow! I was chosen as a featured artist for the Etsy Texas Crafters Team. I would so much appreciate yall go visit the link, sign in, make a comment and click on each item to help it step up the ladder. It means a lot to me and I wanted to share!
Thank yall so very much!
Miss yall but back to work.
Linda :)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=82181

Friday Catching up Day!

I first want to say the painting above is a piece I was making on the day of 9-11 for my little children's book, "The Itty Bitty Kitty from New York City" as I was also still working only part time as an art teacher, due to being on chemo. The painting ended up being a Memorial to 9-11 and to those I had loved & had lost & I call it "I Love New York". I will never forget that day, it still haunts me to see the videos and will remain in my heart always. This is the day no one should ever forget & I don't think it takes living there for 12 yrs. to have a huge impact on anybody, especially here in America. I was in NY last year and we couldn't see ground zero as the place was fenced off. New York City did not feel or look at all the way it was when I lived there. It had lost part of it's charm in a way. I was told that the rich were moving in & the poor and homeless were moving out. All the neighborhoods looked the same somewhat to me, no character in all the nooks and cranies like before. Of course I was only there for one afternoon, but it just felt different after living there all those years in the 80's through the early 90's.


On a lighter note, some of yall may remember when my precious neice was just a pup in the 2nd picture, well here she is all grown up with her precious new hat on! I just had to share. Doesn't she look like she is posing for the picture!!! :)



Here is a beautiful shawl peggy made for me and I want to get another one from her for a friend that also has fibromyalgia. Are yall wondering what the heck is that huge white cotton ball whir on the top of the shawl is? It's Kenzie going all crazy about it being hers!!! It is actually mine, but she can share from time to time. It will be so snuggly and soft for winter and now it is thrown over my green couch & it looks gorgeous! Thank you so much Peggy!!! I know a lot of you pet lovers have a blanket from her and all she wants is for us to give charity to her animal cause. Unbelievable nice lady. I think we are keeping her really busy! :) Her blog is called Peggy's Place at: http://asti009.blogspot.com/


Here are some of my new pieces of mixed media collage art! You can check out more details on my Flickr which is on the heading of my blog.










And last, but not least: Here are a couple of fabulous contests I found today!

Follow this link for all the wonderful details. http://artisticthalloweenqueens.blogspot.com/
Their prizes are fabulous!!!


Byrum Art is Having a Giveaway!!!!
Want a chance to win? The first prize will be the first printing of our "Golden Harvest" Print. Signed, dated and numbered by Ron Byrum!
Follow this link to see all the details and good luck!
http://byrumart.blogspot.com/?widgetType=BlogArchive&widgetId=BlogArchive2&action=toggle&dir=open&toggle=MONTHLY-1230796800000&toggleopen=MONTHLY-1238569200000

Still Creating!!! But wanted to say Hi to yall!

Hi Yall, I miss my blog and yall so much. I'm still creating and making new old stuff as well as new mixed media collage art! I am working on a bunch of pieces at the same time. My first show is the 1st Saturday of October and so far 2 shows in November! Why do the days go by so fast? I'm having so much fun producing but it seems to take so long!!! I sometimes get stumped on how to make things work. I have the ideas but making them work is very difficult at some times.
I feel like that darling kitten on the computer! But I just keep working and hopefully I will get everything done in time. For the mean time I'm taking a refreshing break and want to visit some of yall's sites through my dashboard to see what yall have been up to!
So this is me just checking in to tell yall I have not forgotten yall!
As I enjoy yall's artwork and house pets so....very much!
Hope yall are having a wonderful day!
Linda :)

Festival Season is Coming up!

Since I can't handle the heat here in Houston, I start my festivals in the cooler weather. I also have discovered a new way to express my art through mixed media and collage type art and I am so excited about this! I still need to do some of my usual stuff that always sells, but in my shop, I have gradually gone down on prices and I am going to discontinue some of the items. In the 90's my work sold four times more than what I sell them for now. No more mass production, especially since I don't use molds. I will be doing original collage and mixed media pieces and trying to sell them at a price that is affordable to the economy. I'm high as a kite producing my new art and there are too many ideas for the time I have! So this is the busy season and I am getting ready for it! Less blogging for me at this time, but will check in every so often to read other posts and leave comments. I may even post a blog sometimes. Ok....off to work now!
Best wishes to yall, don't forget about me!!!
Linda :)

Blabla Dolls Contest!!!

I just found another wonderful contest to win a blabla doll! Just follow this link to enter! There are many dolls to choose from as well. The blue kitty is my favorite, but I was forced to pick out a favorite, because all of them are so adorable, I would love all of them!!!
http://www.fivemonkies.com/2009/08/blabla-dolls-review-and-giveaway.html

This is what their blog has to say:

Home > blabla dolls review and giveaway blabla dolls review and giveaway
9:35 AM Posted by fivemonkiesreview

I have always had a love affair with stuffed animals and dolls. Maybe it stems from the softness of them. Or the fact that you can take them anywhere you want with you. You can sleep with them comfortably. Oh so many reasons. My children have the same love of stuffed animals and dolls.

blabla offers a great place to purchase the most wonderful dolls. The stuffed dolls are soooo very soft and so adorable. When we received our dolls for review, the kids latched on to them immediately. Connor and Colton can't sleep without them, and carry them around constantly.

The reason the blabla dolls are so soft is because of the materials they are made from. Everythig is made from natural fibers that grow in Peru and hand knitted by Peruvian artist. The lne is designed by Florence Wetterwald. You can get more than dolls though at blabla. You can get blankies, rattles, finger puppets, and clothing! All of which are made with the same care and consideration that the dolls are made with.

You can purchase the dolls in two different sizes, and many different styles. They are very strong (the twins have pulled them every which way they could).

Want your very own blabla doll? Well, you can purchase one from the blabla website for starting at $34. But WAIT!!! The wonderful people from blabla have offered one winner a doll from their collection.

Mandatory entry:

Visit blabla and tell me which doll you would get.

Extra entries:
Follow this blog
Suscribe to this blog
Grab the button or add me to your blogroll
Fav this blog on Technorati
Follow me on twitter AND tweet this giveaway
Blog about this giveaway linking back to both me and blabla for 5 extra entriesBecome a fan of Five Monkies on Facebook

Giveaway will end on September 3rd @ 11:59 pm. Open to US only!

Thank you so much Sarah!!!

I was just given this beautiful award from Sarah of Cottage Garden Studio! It's so beautiful and I wish I could pass it on to so many people! But that is my problem, I can't choose, as all my blog buddies are so wonderful, I want to give this award to everybody that follows me. Everybody is so special in different and awesome ways! So, if you follow my blog and make comments to me and I have made comments on your blog, you are deserving of this award too! Yall all inspire me!

These are Sarah's words:

A few months back I met Ces and Bella. I was lucky enough to be given their wonderful award for Renee by Ces personally (she is an amazing woman). I was quite touched by this. Bella popped into see me then too and I got to know her sweet self. Not to long after that, as Bella was preparing to move her family from Japan back here to the states her husband suddenly passed away. Heart wrenching to say the least. Bella has been back a few times to check in..but as you can well imagine she is busy with her life. Our hearts and prayers are with you Bella!!

Bella's partner in crime and dear friend Ces, created this beautiful award in honor of Bella. I have been blessed twice this week by two wonderful women. Sherry and Becca both offered this award to me and I take it with deep gratitude! Thank you both!!

In Ces's words...
"I designed this award to celebrate art in the blogs and to honor the value of friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. It is to be awarded to the gifted, accomplished, eloquent and talented blogger whose friendship and influence inspire us to do our best. That I named it after Bella Sinclair is because she epitomizes all of these things. She is an inspiration to many of us."

What a wonderful sweet gal Sarah is, I must say, just meeting her in the past couple of months and a very talented lady to boot!
Thank you with all my heart Sarah!

Article about Dewey

I told my friend, Sharon, that I was reading Dewey and she wanted to know if I was reading Dewey, about the library cat and I asked her how did she know about it? Well then she sent me this article! For all you cat lovers, I thought yall might enjoy reading it! It's kinda long, but I thought it was really cute as it relates to all kitty cats!!! :)

Dewey Readmore Books was the resident cat at Spencer Public Library. He was put in the book return one cold January night in 1988. When the staff found him the next morning, they decided to adopt him. After the library's board of trustees and the city council approved, the kitten was declawed, neutered, and given the proper vaccinations. A contest was held to pick a name, and Dewey Readmore Books was officially added to the staff. The staff cared for Dewey and donated their pop cans to feed the kitty. Patrons and friends from as far away as New York have donated money for Dewey's food.

Dewey generated lots of publicity for the library. He was featured in the local paper, Country magazine, Cat Fancy magazine, on the Sioux City television stations, in books, and on postcards. He was a video star in Puss in Books, a documentary about library cats. Of course, Dewey was already the star of the library. Many people came in just to see him. Dewey even had his own job description. Check out Dewey as a supervisor of our staff.

Dewey passed away on November 29, 2006 due to complications from a stomach tumor. He had become very frail because of hyperthyroid disease for which he was receiving medication. He died in the arms of the library director, Vicki Myron. He had just celebrated his 19th birthday eleven days before he died. Although Dewey is gone, he will be remembered by thousands of people whom he cheered by simply being a loving presence in the library. Although we may get another library cat, Dewey will never be replaced. The library won't be the same without Dewey.

DEWEY'S JOB DESCRIPTION
Reducing stress for all humans who pay attention to him.
Sitting by the front door every morning at 9:00 am to greet the public as they enter the library.
Sampling all boxes that enter the library for security problems and comfort level.
Attending all meetings in the Round Room as official library ambassador.
Providing comic relief for staff and visitors whenever possible.
Climbing in book bags and briefcases while patrons are studying or trying to retrieve needed papers underneath him.
Generating free national and world-wide publicity for Spencer Public Library. (This entails sitting still for photographs, smiling for the camera, and generally being cute.)
Working toward status as world's most finicky cat by refusing all but the most expensive, delectable foods---and even turning up his nose at those most of the time.
*RECENTLY UPDATED!*
Dewey is an official member of the Library Cat Society and has been a contributing author on several occasions using Vicki Myron, the library director, as his scribe. Vicki has written an adult book about her life with Dewey at Spencer Public Library, published September 24th, 2008. Vicki has retired from the library, but you can contact her at:
Vicki Myron
P.O. Box 1155
Spencer, IA 51301

For a description of the book, click here and to read an excerpt from this best-seller, click here. Dewey is also available on audiobook. For more information, click here.

BASIC RULES FOR CATS WHO HAVE A LIBRARY TO RUN
(according to Dewey Readmore Books)
STAFF: If you are feeling particularly lonely and wanting more attention from the staff, sit on whatever papers, project, or computer they happen to be working on at the time---but sit with your back to the person and act aloof, so as not to appear too needy. Also, be sure to continually rub against the leg of the staff person who is wearing dark brown, blue, or black for maximum effect.
PATRONS: No matter how long the patron plans on staying at the library, climb into their briefcase or book bag for a long comfortable sleep until they must dump you out on the table in order to leave.
LADDERS: Never miss an opportunity to climb on ladders. It does not matter which human is on the ladder. It only matters that you get to the top and stay there.
CLOSING TIME: Wait until 10 minutes before closing time to get up from your nap. Just as the staff is getting ready to turn out the lights and lock the door, do all your cutest tricks in an effort to get them to stay and play with you. (Although this doesn't work very often, sometimes they can't resist giving in to one short game of hide & go seek.)
BOXES: Your humans must realize that all boxes which enter the library are yours. It doesn't matter how large, how small, or how full the box should be, it is yours! If you cannot fit your entire body into the box, then use whatever part of your body fits to assume ownership for naptime. (I have used one or two paws, my head, or even just my tail to gain entry and each works equally well for a truly restful sleep.)
MEETINGS: No matter the group, timing, or subject matter, if there is a meeting scheduled in the meeting room---you have an obligation to attend. If they have shut you out by closing the door, cry pitifully until they let you in or until someone opens the door to use the restroom or get a drink of water. After you gain entry, be sure to go around the room and greet each attendee. If there is a film shown or slide show, climb on any table close to the screen, settle in and watch the film to conclusion. As the credits roll, feign extreme boredom and leave the meeting before it concludes.
And the library cat's golden rule for all time....

"Never forget, nor let humans forget, that you own the joint!"

Be sure to "see" Dewey by ordering some of his postcard pictures. The Friends of the Library are raising funds for the library by selling four different poses of our famous feline which we will mail to you.

Visit Dewey on the net: Dewey's Facebook page

Kenzie Day! She's Jealous and wants me to Brag about her!

Kenzie is so....jealous that I am following so many darling animal blogs that she wanted in on the deal! So I promised I would put in some pics of her and a post about her at least once a week! I will gradually tell you about her. I rescued her at age 9 more than a year ago. She hated me at first. I felt like the "cat whisperer" and slowly she grew to trust me and now we are so in love! She never had a steady home and at one time I think she was abused. These pictures are not great, but they tell the story of her getting used to the bed I bought her, which she took to it immediately and was kneading it & purring at the tops of lungs. She had a lot of trouble at first and this bed, yall may think, is too small for her, but I didn't have the heart to take it back as she loved it so.....much! When I first got it she was so happy! & I left the room for a second and came back to find her upside down, with only her hind feet in it! Darn, I didn't have a camera on hand to capture that pose! She looked up at me and said "Meeeeeeooooow...? Mo....m?"









She eventually figured out how to fit in with her very long legs and tail.



So that is part of the story of Kenzie and her bed. She has been attached to that bed ever since, yet she has her favorite other spots which I'll tell yall about later!
Hope yall have a Fabulous week!!!
Linda:)

I Found another Contest!

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

Sarah from Cottage Garden Studio announced today that another blog that she is a member of is having a contest! The prizes are wonderful too!
To get to the site please follow this link:
http://yeoldethymeprims.blogspot.com/2009/08/delicious-giveaway.html#comment-form
Their blog is called Ye Olde Thyme Prims.

This is partly what Sarah said!
For one chance leave a comment here on this post and make sure you tell me you want to enter!
For a second chance..become a follower of our blog.
For a third chance.. post a link on your blog. Either a post or a side bar link to the giveaway here and come back and let me know you have posted it!!

I will do a random drawing for the three items we are offering here on Saturday the 29th of Aug. at 9am. No entries will be accepted after that. The winners must email me with mailing information(Sarah) within 24 hours or your treat will be passed on to the next person drawn. It is open to all, you don't have to live here in the States to win. Good luck all!
Prim Blessings, Sarah


So I hope yall visit there and take a chance on winning a prize!
Good Luck to all!!!
Linda:)

I Feel Like a Prize Winner Today! Lots of Thanks are in order!

Mishkat sent me her copy of Dewey!!! Isn't she the sweetest? Just the other day at the dr's office, a lady was holding the same book and really giving it a sales pitch! She was gleefully, if that's a word, bragging about how wonderful this book is and that it's such a "feel good" book! So today, I go to the mail and lo and behold, there is this package from Mishkat with this very book, "Dewey" in it!!! Sorry about my photography! I am so excited to read it and once I finish it I have to give it to my mom because my parents are so crazy about cats too!
A HUGE GIGANTIC THANK Y0U SO MUCH KATIE, from Mishkat's blog!!!


And one more thing I must share with yall! For goodness gracious, Meghann at http://FibroDiaries.bogspot.com is having a contest, prize give-away! Who would pass this up? I already own one of her gorgeous rings that I posted on my blog and yall can see throughout my posts I've shown some of her gorgeous pieces! She is having a give away that should not be ignored! Her jewelry and photographs are to die for!
They are outstanding and so beautiful! Yall must visit her blog and sign up! She has 2 contests going on actually and this one I speak of is just today, but the one below this contest that I speak of, I believe goes on longer! I have already picked out my favorite piece, which is really not my very favorite, because all of her items are my favorites. I just chose this piece because I wear a lot of browns and I do love this ring so much! It could look fabulous with some of my other jewelry and attire!
I already wear her light green ring she customized just for me so much!
I am sharing this with yall because I don't want yall to miss out on this great opportunity!
Thank you Meghann for giving us the opportunity to get a chance to win one of your precious items!!!

Hope all of yall have a wonderful Wednesday evening!
Good night and pleasant dreams!
Linda :)

Help me out with the New Houston Treasury!

I just made a new Houston Treasury! If you can please follow this link, sign in, make a comment & click on each shop to help promote my fellow Houston Artisans!
Thank yall so much!
Linda :)

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=75800

Thank you Annette Quirke!

Impatience

Summer Breeze

Above is a couple of Annette Quirke's pieces I love! and she just gave me
this award and I'm accepting it with glee! LOL! All I have to do is name 7 things I love. And also link it back to the person that gave it to me! Hey no problem there! http://Annette Quirke.blogspot.com is one of my faves as her style of art always makes me smile! She lives in Gilbralter! I have never met or known anybody that lived in Gilbralter! I'm sure she has a story to tell!
Thank you Annette!
My 7 favorite things are:
1. My family and friends and pets!
2. Arts and Crafts! Doing it myself and also seeing other's work!
3. Nature, & animals of all kinds too.
4. Traveling!
5. Rainy days and watching movies in bed!
6. Coolish days outdoors like at Art fests or sitting outside on a porch or restuarant.
7. Music and theater!
8. I have to add, my relationship with God as well. I wouldn't be able to get through this life without my Faith!
I'd also like to give this award to:
If you are a follower of mine, yall all deserve this award! So I am giving it to all that want it as it is well deserved! Please accept it and put it on your blog! If not, fill in your favorite 7 things in my comment section!!! I would love that!

Another 2010 Diary Page!

Most of us know about the Fantasia 2010 Project. Well I got to do another page incorporating my collage mixed media art in this one. All her pages are taken now and I can not wait to purchase this diary! As I've said before, I bought 3 small ones last year and kept one for myself and gave 2 away as presents. I will say that this one hasn't been approved yet, but hopefully it will. If not, I'll yall know!!!
Have a fabulous Tuesday!
Linda:)

New Pictures

Hi Yall on Monday!
I get to go to the dr's again today! Nothing serious, just routine, but it's a waiting room for hours. Arg. Hopefully it will be my last dr. appointment for awhile.
My boyfriend was over this weekend and he took some new pics of my collages. I will need them when I put them up on my Etsy shop. I still need to make a few more collages though before I reveal them to the world. They look so much better in real life. I guess that's why my work sells at art festivals better than on Etsy. But I don't do festivals except for the the cooler months. They are so...difficult for me to set up and tear down as well. But I LOVE doing the art festivals so much! I always meet such great people! I have to have a partner sharing my booth, but I've done it before by myself and it takes me all day practically to set up and then the day is over! LOL! I keep all my supplies for fests. in my Cherokee jeep because I live in a highrise and it's ridiculous to bring everything up to my apartment. It's also ridiculous having a jeep filled with art fest stuff and I have no room for a passenger!!! If people only knew what I go through for them at these art fests! LOL!
So here are some new pics and although they still don't look perfect, I think they look a lot better than the pics I took!
I promise to scroll around and visit yall's blogs soon and make comments! That gives me something to look forward to because yall are so much fun!!! I wish I had a laptop to bring with me while I wait at the dr's!!!
Have a beautiful day!
I must go now!
Linda :)


My swap Gift for Etsy Texas Crafters Team

Awake at 3:00 am this Morning!

It's very late and I need to go to bed but I have been so busy with projects and just can't seem to get things finished!!! I decided to take off the contest as no one seemed interested. But that's cool, maybe a later date would be better anyway. I just am in the mood to give for some reason!

All of yall that wrote about the photo of the tree, well it is a photo I took when I went to Maui over a year ago. I made a photo story and it's an hour long, but it's got some really pretty pics and I couldn't even put all of them in! I added music to it too. I wonder if I could figure out how to insert it in my blog. It may be too long to fit though. But it sure is pretty and it tells the story of what happened when I was there. I am not in many of the pictures. But in case I get a chance to put the video in, I don't want to give it away. But I put up another pretty pic for yall to see. I didn't take this picture though.


So... I have taken 100 pictures of each of these collages and can not get a good picture of either!!! The landscape here is one I started to make for my Etsy Texas Crafter's Team "one on one" swap, and when I finished it, it just didn't seem right for her. I was trying to do something not to frilly, but I do kinda like it and maybe someday someone will buy it. I promise it looks so much better when you see it in person where it's not all blurry!


Here is the one I finally made for her as her favorite book is the Bible, & her favorite color is purple. I needed it to be simple and meaningful too so I put the quote from Psalms 23 on a scroll. I wish I could get a better pictrure for it though.
It also looks much better in person where it's not blurry and everything is crisp. You can't even see the folding in the dark leaves hardly and there is a touch of glitter on the light leaves and the rods for the scroll. I will try to take more pics of both and replace these.




And last but not least! Ruth of Rhadcliffe Designs, I follow her blog and she follows mine so you can go to her blog if you can find her pic by scrolling your mouse over my thumbnail pics, and http://RhradcliffeDesigns.Etsy.com is her shop....yall must go see her work! She does beautiful paintings! I own the watercolor print above!



She also has another shop called http://ElephantDreams.Etsy.com where she has gorgeous photos! I'm showing yall a couple of my favorites. She's a Houstonian also, actually lives in Katy just outside of Houston. That is where Renee Zellweger is from. Well...she sent me an invite to join in on a fun thing to do in this Blog Land......this is what it said......

Friday, August 07, 2009
Liz Edgar tagged me with this little meme

Here are the rules:
1) collect the book you most handy
2) turn to page 161
3) find the 5th complete sentence
4) Cite the sentence on your blog
5) pass it on to other blog friends

here's Liz's: "A lavender haze was setting over the hillside, and the air seemed unusually sharp, causing Alex to shiver in her wool suit, sheer stockings, and low heeled shoes" (Manhunt by Janet Evanovich)

here's mine:"The SQ is responsible for all parts of the province not under the jurisdiction of municipal forces, of which there are many in the Montreal suburbs" (Grave secrets by Kathy Reichs) Sorry mine isn't very exciting.

I have chosen:
Liz: LavenderLizard.blogspot.com
LindaGJ: LindaGJones.blogspot.com
Jackie: Jacqueline'scraftycreations.blogspot.com

So.....
Here is mine...in honor of Katy, Texas and Renee Zellweger I picked...

From Bridget Jones's Diary...Actually I cheated and picked out the best sentence on the page...If you have not read this book, well there are 2 books and 2 movies... I highly recommend both of the movies and books! The other book and movie are called:
Bridget Jones:The Edge of Reason.

Friday 4 August
Thigh circumference 18 inches, negative thoughts 600 per minute, panic attacks 4, crying attacks 12 (but both times only in toilets and remembered to take mascera), lottery tickets 7

I'm suppose to pick out people to also do the same! Any volunteers? When you write a comment, if you want to, you can write it on your comment! That would be fun! But you don't have to at all.

Anyway, I'm going to be sick tomorrow as it's so late and I have to get some more stuff done before I go to bed and tomorrow will be going to wish my Uncle Happy Birthday. I think he's 95! So much to do and so little time! I really wanted to also browse through yall's blogs today and leave comments! That will have to wait though for another day.

Good night to yall & thanks to everyone that made such sweet & nice comments!
Makes my day!!!
Linda :)

I Feel So Blessed Today!!!

Yipee! This month or so I have gone through a lot of dr tests and being afraid of them finding something serious and I have passed all of the tests, and I'm healthy, except for the fibro!!! The fibro won't kill me! I feel so relieved and very blessed and just had to express this on a post just because!!!
One thing I have to also say is that I am so embarrassed as I put up this contest in my blog and the dashboard posted all of my drafts!!! Many times! Good grief. I don't know how to get rid of them all. I would kinda feel like crawling in a hole and hiding out for awhile, but I am so happy and relieved, that I just feel oh well...no biggie...it's time to celebrate and be happy to be alive!

My new Gorgeous Ring and more!!!

www.LittleStudioJewels.Etsy.com, Meghann, made me this customized ring I bought from her. I fell in love with her red ring that is similiar, but as I don't wear much red, I needed something in green, sea green, or brown. As you can see this is a dream ring....well, it is too me!!! I just LOVE it so much!!!


And if the gorgeous green "makes me feel like a princess" ring wasn't enough, she sent me this fabulous pendant as well!!! I will be hanging this piece as an art piece with other fine art work. And she said if I didn't like it to give it to someone else that would!!! No way! That baby is mine!!!
Thank you Meghann!!!
Linda :)

The Etsy Texas Crafters 'one on one' Swap!

I just had to show off the gift I got from www.PuzzleBoBuzzles.Etsy.com !!!
She knew I loved collage art so she picked a puzzle that she made for me that is a print of collage art with a gorgeous butterfly by www.kathypanton.etsy.com! I put it together and framed it and it's now hanging in a perfect place in my apartment and I LOVE IT!!! Go check out her fabulous shop too! She's a fellow Texan like me!!! I still am working on my gift for someone else! I'm having a difficult time too.:( but I hope she will like it!
Thank you so... much Jill!!!

The Good + The Bad = LIFE

Hi Yall!
I didn't really go into it all as it's not really fun news or anything but my 2nd health issue was horribly painful at the hospital, but I think I'm ok, & there is only one more health issue to go, get through the procedure and then find out the results. This all is happening in one month along with 2 huge window acs breaking and major plumbing which cost way too much! I have to deal with a dispute with the plumbing too. Poor me! LOL!
Grrr...
But not all has been scary or bad news! I finished my 2nd collage called "Mermaid's Palace in the Sea" I don't know if that will be the name of it, but for now I suppose it will do! I used real driftwood I found at the Gulf, and had some big shells in my stash. The mermaid and fish & her top are made from clay and papermache along with her hair. Colored Tissue paper, paint, gorgeous purple beaded ribbon and hand beaded on the bottom. The top was a green ribbon with beads already on it. I covered the green ribbon with the beaded purple ribbon like on the bottom. Every single jewel, shell, pearl, etc. on the mermaid's body is glued on with super duper holding glue. It's very 3d although the pics don't show that as much. In fact the pics never does art justice. The stretched canvas is 11" by 14" and 11/16" deep. So wallah! I have my 2nd collage made!
Also, I entered a "one on one" Gift Swap on the Etsy Texas Crafters Team! No one knows who their handmade gift giver is! I know through e-mails the lady that I'm suppose to give a gift to and I know my whimsical items in my store will not be appreciated, so I thought to be on the safe side, possibly a landscape collage could be the answer, plus it will be so fun to do....I hope! :) That's all I can say about it as I think she is a follower of my blog. When that one is finished I'll be sure to take pictures of it. I did go out and buy some fun frills because I want it to be beautiful and I don't trust my own skills yet. In other words, I want her to love it!


Remember this 1st prize giveaway that I wrote about below from http://byrumart.blogspot.com/ ? Well I won it! It's so darling and framed in a clear beveled frame with moons and stars on it. I love it so much!!! I can't believe I won it!!! I wish yall could see the details! It has cats and fun witches and a huge tree house, very whimsical and so much fun!
Thank you so much Carrie!


I also won the drawing at Cottage Garden Studio I wanted to win, was the first prize but there was a secret prize given to the 175th follower and that was me! She also sent me a print of these fabulous owls! I still need to find a frame for each one of them. They too are so wonderful and very whimsical! Just what I wanted to add to my art collection!
Thank you so much Sarah!!!

I never did receive the Star Wars Mouse stickers from the "House of Mouse". They must have gotten lost in the mail. Oh well. All in all, I think my luck for these last couple of months has been really good! And the not so good luck, well....oh well! LIFE!!!

Special Souls will Never be Forgotten nor Lost

I just wanted to thank yall for all your kind words about Anthony. I won't go into details because it would take too long and it's a sad story. I did become even more enlightened through the pain, and even more spiritual. I felt God and his angels around me so strong, yall can not imagine. I became slightly more aware of miraculous spiritual things happen to me, if I told yall, you'd think I was crazy! I am at peace now, literally with the help of spiritual healing. I feel the presence of Anthony all the time and he comes to me in many ways. That is what got me through it. I can't explain it really. I could I guess, but it sounds kooky and you would just have to be there to know the feeling. I will tell yall one thing though, it always feels wonderful and I am left with a total serene feeling, at peace, truly loved. Everyone has their own special relationship with God. Mine may be totally different than yall's, but all I know for sure, is that there is something more than this life. Something more than we can understand. I would tell yall my philosophy, but that would be wrong to do that, as it would interfere with yall's beliefs.
I think about Ant every single day, but I have moved on and have lived my life and made the best of it. That is all you can do. Just remember, this life is not all that there is...think of it as school, and when it's our time to go "Home" we will be welcomed with all our loved ones, including our precious animal loves.

Diary Project 2010

I got the chance to add another page on the diary. The date is for my Mother's birthday. I tried to get one for my Dad's birthday but it was already taken.


The meaning of my 1st page is my fiance's Earth's birthday. He's in Heaven now but I never forget his birthday or him. He passed away by a drive by shooting from a very young gang in 1989 in LA & I was with him. He will always stay in my heart forever. This is also a tribute to his dad both being from England.

New Houston Etsy Treasury!

I just grabbed a new Houston Etsy Treasury!!! I hope yall will sign in, comment, and click on each shop to help promote our talented Houston artisans!!!
Thank you so much!
Linda :)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=71505

Thank you Lynn for passing the award to Me!!

What great way to get to know people better. Http://LolaLynn.blogspot.com sent this to me and I wanted to share it to a few of my faves too! Lynn is the one that painted my darling Kitty in the City Aceo that I've written about below.

Friends Friday

"The Premio Meme Award didn't come with an explanation but I suspect its a tool to encourage us to share a bit about ourselves so that others will get to know us a little better. I'm game", says Lynn!

Now that I've accepted the award, I need to tell you 7 little known facts about myself, says ME!!!
1. My hobby: Creating art.
2. My favoite city to visit in the US: New York City
3. My favorite city to visit abroad: Rome
4. 2nd favorite city: Vancouver
5. I'd move to Hawaii or the Northwest Pacific. So beautiful!
6. I'm not sure what this question was, but I'll just tell yall that I love to travel so very much!!!
7. My favorite meal: Kentucky Fried Chicken, but I can not allow myself to have that very often!!! :)

And, as requested, I pass on this award to 4 other bloggers whose blogs I enjoy: Bellaviotta, The Trinket Trunk, Peggy's Place, Becky Brocato watercolor

Just Trying a New Blog Traffic Solution

uk46"http://widgets.technorati.com/t.js

I have no idea what this means either. I was just experimenting on Etsy's advice on how to get more traffic to your blog and this was one of them and also this is what I had to do to be approved. I have no idea what I'm suppose to do now either! :)
Just an experiment yall!!!
Linda:)

Feels like my Birthday!!!

Hi Yall,
I just had to show yall all the wonderful special packages I got in my mail today!!! I don't know where to start out first so I just picked the Etsy Texas Crafters Swap I participated in. There were 27 people including me that got involved! I am really overwhelmed by this one because there were so many wonderful things! You can use these to help promote other artisans by adding little extras to the orders you get, send them in the mail to friends, give them out when you are in an art festivals, get to know new artists as well as one's you already know, be lured into buying from these shops, and the best part is to keep some of the goodies for yourself!!! :)


http://Peculiar Parchment.Etsy.com has 3 Etsy stores and a blog. I got on her mailing list and the other day she had a 10 hr. sale. You buy one and get one free! I went to all 3 of her stores and picked out of Peculiar Parchment some darling tags, and also purchased 2 sets of bracelets and earrings, so hardly spent any money at all and wallah....above is what I got!!! I love the fun beautiful jewelry and the tags are precious. I use them a lot for orders I get or making fun cards for friends and family. The one with the paw is 3d, which makes it extra cute! I love them all!


Oh...and how cute is this ACEO made from http://LolaLynn.Etsy.com! I have already framed it and took some pics of it, but decided to use Lola's pic because it was the best. How darling this is too! It even shimmers during the day and there is something very sentimental about kitties looking outside the window to me. I have another painting an Etsy gal made where a cat is looking outside the window. It just reminds me of Peanut's brother, Domino that went to Heaven when he was 11. The great thing too is that Lola gives 10% of her payment to Animal Charities! I love it Lola!!! :)


And last, but not least Kenzie received her new blanket from Peggy's Place Blog and she just LOVES it so much!!!
I have mentioned this before in an earlier post:
Go to this link below, but only if you are an animal lover!
http://asti009.blogspot.com/2009/07/hairy-blankets-for-donation-to-cb.html
Hairy Blankets for donation to CB


As you can see Kenzie was a bit leary at first about getting on the blanket, so she is easing herself onto it, little by little.


I think she was thinking..."Hey this is a toy!!!Cool!"


Now... what does she look like she's thinking? Wow, this is really comfy and soft Mom! Thank you so much......purrrrrrrrrrrrr.....

I Found Another Fun Giveaway!

I am so delighted to go on people's blogs and find new artists to follow, as yall know I love to collect art & handmade pieces from living Artisans. Those that I admire of course! There is nothing better than handmade! I also love to share my artwork to people that like my art, but that's a different story. I have to also try to sell as well, but the best feeling is that something I handmade, always made from my heart, makes people that receive a piece happy! Every piece I make is like my child! My other passion is promoting other artists!
Well...I just found another giveaway on a site. She makes darling art and is a photographer as well, as far as I can see. I need to get to know her better, so I just now started following her!
Here is where you need to go to enter her contest and also this is what she says:
And by the way, the drawing I picked to show is the one I want to win the most! And there are other wonderful prizes as well!

As Promised..a Giveaway
http://rowenleaf.blogspot.com/

Soooo...finally here is the giveaway I promised. So I am giving a few things away this time, a mix of things really. You all know I have been playing with the photos, so I have added a couple here today and of course the artwork. This is my way of say a great big THANK YOU to all of my wonderful followers and welcoming some new folks I hope too!!
So here are the rules....comment on this post and tell me clearly that you want to be entered for one chance to win. For a second chance..post a link on your blog to this post & come back and let me know you have. I will randomly choose three winners on July 14th @ 9am PT. I will not count any comments after that point. I might throw in a surprise gift also - ya never know. I will post the winners and post a comment on their blogs - you will have 24 hours to respond. If you do not I will go on to the next person drawn. If you do not have a blog please leave me contact information on your comment. ***oop forgot....if you are not a follower you can get another chance if you would like to become a follower.**
Please go to her site by going to this link: http://rowenleaf.blogspot.com/

I'm Featured on the Etsy Blog for Texas!!!

I just had to say that, by a whim, I got featured on the Etsy Crafters Team's blog! I want yall to go check it out!!! I am so excited and just had to tell yall about it!
My itty bitty moment of fame & I wanted to invite yall to my little celebration in my head!
Just follow this link: http://etsytx.blogspot.com


Another exciting news is that I am getting this fabulous blanket from Peggy's that she made. I know my kitty, Kenzie is going to love it!!! And I will too!
Peggy's Place is her blog site and this is what she posted!

Thursday, July 9, 2009
Go to this link below, but only if you are an animal lover!
http://asti009.blogspot.com/2009/07/hairy-blankets-for-donation-to-cb.html
Hairy Blankets for donation to CB
If you've seen any of my Hairy Blankets and want one, I'll try to make one for you
with colors in my stash. I only ask you make a donation to the CB. The paypal button is on http://furriendsofcb.blogspot.com/
Email me if you are interested mar123 at gmail dot com.
Here's one that is finished. It's heavy, 4' x 2'. The yarn must have been thick. It's white hair with some black and tan.


When I get it I'll take a pic of Kenzie on it. It may be too hot right now, but I bet she will pose for me. You know how cats are!
Have a great weekend!
Time sure does seem to go by fast these days!

Ever Had one of Those Days?

This week I've been going through some scary stuff with my health, but so far....real good! The good news came yesterday!
And what made it the best day ever is that I received a package from Katie from Mishkat! She had sent me 2 collage books and that very same day I had gone to the bookstore and had browsed through the collage magazines...well mainly Somerset's one because I was looking up The Melange Blog's feature. I also noticed how very expensive the books were as well as the magazines! Now I have been given 2 collage books from Katie!!!! and she also gave me a gorgeous photo card of a yellow hibiscus, one of my favorite flowers and it was made by Lynn of Lola Lynn!!! I just bought the cutest little painting of a kitty from her shop, btw...http://LolaLynn.Etsy.com
She gives 10% of her earnings to animal charities & her shipping in the USA is free!
What a happy day!!!
Linda:D

Byrum Art's First Give Away!!

First Prize!!!


Byrum Art Give Away!!
Byrum Art is Having Their First Give Away!!!!!!
We want to thank all the people who follow us, support our art and have become our friends!

So here are the rules ....comment on this post and tell me clearly that you want to be entered for one chance to win. For a second chance..post a link on your blog to this post & come back and let me know you have. I will randomly choose three winners on July 18th @ noon Central Time. I will not count any comments after that point. I will post the winners and post a comment on their blogs - you will have 24 hours to respond. If you do not I will go on to the next person drawn. If you do not have a blog please leave me your contact information.
The first prize is a 4" by 6" Print in a glass frame with stars and moons 7 1/2" by 5 1/2" with our popular Haunted Tree House Print!
Second Prize!

Third Prize!


Visit their blog at:

http://byrumart.blogspot.com/

A New Houston Treasury!!!

I just got a new Houston Treasury! Please log in, comment, and click on each shop to help support our fellow Houstonian Artisans!!! Yall will probably find a piece you can't resist! If not you will be going on a great ride!!! I just wish the Treasuries were much bigger! But I'm trying to support Houston Artisans in my Treasuries as a mission I've chosen! :)
Thanks so much!!!
Linda :D
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=69214

Thank you Mishkat!!!

http://mishkathryn.blogspot.com/2009/07/christmas-in-july.html
If you click on the link above you will find a post Mishkat made about my Peanut kitty cards. What a sweetheart she is for doing that! Yall should then go check out her wonderful blog and become a follower. Her blog is all about her darling kitty cats, starring Franklin,Dobby, and Tasha! Her photos and stories about them are so much fun that if I get the chance I try to visit her blog everyday to see what her kitties are up to! I must mention that they are stars in the blog kitty world!!! :D


This next pic is the "true love of my life", Peanut, that lived to be 20 years old. She is also displayed as one of my very first posts that is on the bottom of this page. It tells her story! Practically every single painting I've done of her is a pose or what she actually would do! I keep her alive through my art. Every single piece I have made, including a couple of illustrated books about her are dedicated in memory of her. Such a sweet soul will never be forgotten.


This picture above is my darling kitty cat that I have now named Kenzie. She is also featured in one of my posts below. She's a rescue kitty like Peanut was, yet I got her when she was 9 years old. We have lived together for a bit over 1 year. She hated me at first, but now we love each other so much! I have tons of pics of her in her funny poses, but I am repeating this pic because it's the 4th of July and she is showing her patriotism by saluting the flag! Yes, I found that to be quite unusual & oh so smart, that a kitty cat would be so patriotic!!! :)
Happy 4th of July everybody!!!
Linda :)

Unclutter by Using a Quilt!

Do yall have a bunch of t-shirts that have special meaning but you never wear anymore? Tons of wasted space in your closet or drawers? Well, I did!!! All the swag I got from working on costumes with music celebrities...I had so many I never would wear nowadays. I also had messed up t-shirts, shirts, concert shirts I'd been to, along with plays, tourist t-shirts etc. that had darling pics on them that I never wear anymore. Well if you haven't already heard of this, a great way to save those precious memories without throwing them away is to cut out the pics on the shirts, etc...and hand sew them on a quilt. My quilt goes underneath a blanket so you can't see it, but you have a special keepsake! Fortunately a friend gave me an uglyish quilt that I could use and I have been filling it up on the front and back of the quilt for a few years now. That way you have your memories and the piece is a useful and cozy quilt!

Plumbing Disaster!

I want to write about something fun, but I just have to mention these last few days have done a number on me and my fibro. Plumbing issues, 3" of flooding in my kitchen and onto the carpet, a ton of towels, and anything I could find to sop up the flood, all the time worried that the condo underneath me would be flooded. Days of plumbers, too much money spent, washing, collapsing with exhaustion,....and It's over now! Yay! Now, I just had to speak my mind a bit, thanks for listening. Got that out of system and here is some fun news!!!

I won the "House of Mouse" Star Wars pins! http://lifecraftinessandeverythingelse.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-giveaway.html
I entered the contest a month ago and all of a sudden I couldn't get into her blog to leave more messages, and I really wanted to win a mouse! :) But I won a prize! Hip Hip Hurray!!! It's always fun to win a prize! Eventually maybe I can buy one of her precious mice. Too...cute! And well...winning sure brought up my spirits! Also I got my car inspected and it passed even though I need new tires!!! Don't yall love a happy ending when a "kinda" disaster happens?

Oh and my last Etsy Treasury for Houston made it to the 1st page and that was fun! It's no longer there but I keep all my Treasuries in my Flickr pages and I love to add all their shops names so hopefully that may bring some sales to them.
I hope I can visit again this week with something great and explore all yall's blogs to see what yall have been up to, but for now, I have a lot of work to catch up on!
Organizing my art supplies, finishing a Gothic Fairy, and I sent out Mishkat's card choices for her prize and also almost sent out Annette Quirke's choices that lives in Gilbraltar!!!! of all places!!! Wow...but I noticed I had her address wrong when I got to the Post Office. Oh, I also have to make the "I'm Fabulous" Peanut kitty drawing on the pillow that is going to have a pink background and be a tapestry pillow eventually!.....Some dr appointments....hmmm....then I am seriously going to continue making many new collage art pieces. I think my next one may be a mermaid. Before I display them on Etsy, I should have at least 8 pieces to show.

Yall have a fabulous day!!!
Linda :D

New Houston Treasury!!!

Please visit my new Houston treasury! Please click on the link below, sign in, make a comment, and click on each item to help support us fellow Houston Artisans!
Thank you!
Linda :)
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=67493

Mishkat and Annette Q

Since only 2 people gave me their suggestions on my Peanut Pillow, I'd like to offer the gifts I suggested to Annette Q & Mishkat! Just let me know what you would like!!
I think I've decided on the Fabulous painting with a pink background and a biggish black ribbing border with black on the back. I think pink and black are the trend and even though it won't be until the colder season when it will be completed, I am so excited! I hope I live that long! LOL!!!
So now I am going to comment on their blogs about it, in case they don't see this.
And congrats to the winners!!! :)
Smiles!
Linda

SERENDIPITY

Well, I've talked about venturing into a new technique to express my art and I have been obsessed with collage art! I have fibro and my work is getting very difficult to do, the sculptures especially, even painting....I not only love the look of collage but it is a blast to do using all my skills, I learned in my different art jobs before I got sick. Well, The Melange Team is a blog site I came across that has a few very talented collage art. I found that through http://mamapainter.Etsy.com. Her work is awesome and she suffers from arthritis and told me this would be a fabulous medium to use as it would be less stressful to my pain. So I saw on The Melange Blog that they were having a collage contest for everybody, not just their team and the subject matter's theme would be "Serendipity". I had other subjects I was going to do, but what a great way to get started on my very 1st collage!!! I played around with ideas in my head, maybe having a sick girl with no hope and then showing how there is indeed light after a very long tunnel, but then I thought that would be too much. I wanted to make something original that I could sell without having to sell the expensive prints. I used my clay and paper mache, ribbons, jewels, and cut out paper along with painting on a 8" by 10" stretched canvas board with 1 1/2" sides, that you don't have to frame. I had a blast making it and hopefully I have found the beginning of a new artistic experience! I need all the critiques yall can send to me. Be Honest! I also wonder what I could sell it for in my Etsy shop as an original. I have a tendency to go overboard and put way to many details in my pieces so I am trying to simplify.
EEEEEEeeeee.....So here goes!!!!
BTW...I took tons of pictures of it and these are the best pics that turned out. The words on the paper says: The Events that happen to a person are never the result of Chance, but of his own Thoughts and Choices. New Age Philosophy teaches that there is a Greater Power at work in the universe, & it is attributed to the God-like Powers within each person. Not Coincidence...
Linda :)
Please click on this link for more fabulous collage artists!!! http://melangeonetsy.blogspot.com/2009/06/mix-it-up-with-melange-challenge_16.html

Mishkat's CAT IN A BOX day

I just had to mention a darling blog site that is dedicated to us cat lovers! She's having a post a photo of your cat in a box day....yall must go mosey on over to her blog to see her's!!! Become a follower too! You never know what her kitties are up to!
Oh, and BTW...that is my kitty Kenzie in a box. Well, I had a big box out at some point but I had to use it, then I had left out a tiny box...I entered the room one day and Kenzie looks up at me and says..."What have you done with my big box"?

Mishkat
MAGGY at Zoolatry & ROMEO at Peggy's Place
have officially declared that
Friday, June 19, 2009
is INTERNATIONAL BOX DAY - and are announcing their
International Box Day Challenge. They say:
On June 19, 2009, let's all post (or re-post)
all the cats in boxes photos we can.
No prizes, no awards, just a box full 'o fun!

I must add to this by saying that Mishkat mentioned to me:
Thank you so much, Linda - but I can't claim credit for this! International Box Day was actually the brainchild of Ann at Zoolatry http://zoolatry.blogspot.com/ and Peggy at Peggy's Place at http://asti009.blogspot.com/ Ann made my banner and the box day graphic - she is very talented!

Kudos go to all these women!!! :)

What do yall think?

First of all, this is not a ploy to get sales, this is for real, I really need yall's advice!!!
I've been offered a present of a tapestry pillow from http://CottonEyedJo.Etsy.com of one of my kitty illustrations. Now I think the less detail the better when it comes to a tapestry pillow. She may try to make another pillow just like it to sell in her shop. If yall check out my shop, http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com you can take a look around and see all my illustrations I have posted as cards and prints. I am thinking of the "I am Fabulous" and "The Face" as what would stand out the cutest on a pillow, but what do yall think? I need to make a sketch for her around 16". Just think, if yall would buy a pillow featuring a cat, what would you want? If yall help me on this one, I will pick out my best suggestion and send you a box of 7cards & envelopes printed by my computer and a laser print of one of my legal sized illustrations, all of your choice! Since I am going to start laser printing all of my cards, I have a batch of cards left from my computer prints. They are still good quality, just they look a lot better printed in laser, and are more durable that way. Or you can have the choice of purchasing one of my items in my shop and I will give you a gift that is more high quality. I just thought for your effort, I'd like to give something back as I have decided to do with all of my "Advice" postings!!! We can decide what the gift will be if you decide to purchase an item. I'm just giving yall a choice just in case yall don't want the cards printed from my computer!!! :)
And by the way, if the pic you pick as a fave for a pillow, I am going to enlarge and cut out most of the background so the cat looks larger.
I appreciate your help so much as I need an opinion of the audience, rather than me. I would like for Jo to be able to make something that she can sell.
Hope yall have a fabulous Wednesday!
Oh and Happy Birthday Mom!!!
Linda :)

Collage Contessa

I just happened to stumble on this wonderful blog from a comment in one of my blog posts. I love her work so much and wanted to share. She also has a shop you can visit at http://CollageContessa.Etsy.com
I hope you can find her blog at Collage Contessa as that is the title! I can't seem to reach her unless I click on her comment left in my post about "I need help"! & it's left under Contessa Kris.
I wanted to share one of her beautiful pieces of work that has a lot of special meaning to her and to me! Her blog page is awesome!!!
Linda :)

Thank You Meghann!

FIRST OF ALL...I checked Meghann's Etsy shop!!! She sells gorgeous jewelry and more! Yall must go check out her shop at http://LittleStudioJewels.Etsy.com
I have chosen only 3 of my faves in the above pics! Out of this World Fabulous!!!

Well, I have decided what to do about my cards and prints, thanks to Meghann's advice! She helped activate my brain with her suggestions! I've decided to give a choice on each one of my postings about my prints and cards. I've decided to add a choice that you can buy 5 cards & envelopes without a print and magnet, just to let me know in the buyers comments when they check out. I have also included an extra card with my customized deal of (Your choice of each 8 Cards, a Print, & a flat lamenated magnet). Of course one can customize their own orders anyway. Just contact me and we can make a deal and I can make a posting reserved for that particular customer.

Have an awesome Wednesday everybody!!!
Linda :)

I NEED ADVICE!!! Prize winner is Meghann!

I am announcing my new cards will be printed with a laser printer. My cards already look high quality printed with my regular printer, but I wanted them to be printed so they would not run and the quality is much better. At the moment, I have changed their posting as one regular sized paper, laser printed on cardstock, a flat lamenated aprox. 3" to 4" magnets, and one card with an envelope in a sealed plastic sleeve all for 9.50. I also have posted an item that is (Your choice) of 7 cards & envelopes, print of your choice, and magnet of your choice for 18.00. I wanted to show all my cards, so people can see them so hopefully they will just go buy the variety of your choice. Should I add more cards to my single card, print and flat magnet, mainly to show the choices, or should I add more cards to those posts.

I am also, this year, getting into doing collages. I have so many ideas and the skills to do them. I am so excited about this venture, but I must get all organized before that endeavor!
Look forward to seeing my 1st piece which hopefully will be in the next couple of months.

I'd really appreciated yall's opinion on my cards and print thing, so the best advice I get will get a box of 7 cards (printed from my printer) and 7 envelopes, a print, and a magnet of your choice for free!!! Just go to my shop using this link: http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com

Albino Peacock ... Spectacular!!

I got this in my e-mail and had to share!!!
Linda :)

"HE LOOKS LIKE A GIANT SNOWFLAKE!!!"

Update on PURPLE SONGS CAN FLY

June 3, 2009 -
I wanted to update on what's happening with Purple Songs! I wrote about this mission below in a post. Yall can scroll down a few posts to see it too, so in case you missed it, you'll know what I'm talking about!

Texas Children's Cancer Center
Purple Songs Can Fly has now reached the top of Mt. Everest! NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski carried Purple Songs with him on his climb along with a Purple Songs Can Fly/Texas Children's Cancer Center prayer flag. Parazynski is the first human being to both fly in space and climb to the highest point on Earth!
Purple Songs Can Fly is a unique project that provides a musical outlet for the many children being treated for cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer Center and their siblings. In this program, which is the first of its kind, the children work with Anita Kruse and other professional composers to write and record their own songs. Using the latest technology in an in-house studio, composers work with the children individually or in small groups to compose, record, and burn songs to disc within short sessions.
Read the blog, "An Astronaut Atop Everest"...
Learn more about Purple Songs Can Fly...

From The House of Mouse!!!

This is from The House of Mouse Blog. I just had to share this darling shop with yall, and give yall a chance to enter the contest if you wanted to! I just love her little mice! Monday, June 1, 2009
June Giveaway!
Last month I announced that
I will give away a FREE MOUSEevery month for the next year!You commented in your HUNDREDSto try to win a mouse for your very own!733 comments were left for the May Giveaway and you overwhelmed me with all the love you have for my little mice, thank you so much for all your kind words.To show you my gratitude I amgiving away even more this month!In the June Giveaway there will be FIVE winners!! First PrizeChoose ANY mouse frommy store worth up to $40Second PrizeChoose ANY mouse frommy store worth up to $353rd, 4th and 5th Prize Both sets of Star Wars Mice pinsTo enter for the June Giveaway all you need to do isleave a comment under this post! Easy!Here are some other ways that you canimprove your chances to win:
When you leave a comment, tell me about your favourite mouse or mice from my store The House of Mouse (you can choose more than one)
Leave a comment in my promotions thread on Etsy HERE
Mention and link to this give away on Twitter. Let me know in the comments that you tweeted.
Alter your “Status” on Facebook to mention this give away. Be sure to include this link http://lifecraftinessandeverythingelse.blogspot.com/2009/06/june-giveaway.html to it so that your friends can visit too. Don't forget to post a comment here telling me about your Facebook mention. You can enter the June competition as many times you want, the more comments you make under this postthe better your chances of winning!The winners will be announced on June 30th.My Store: The House of MouseGood luck!

Lovely Blog Award

Avlor's Imprints nominated my Bluebonnet Blog as a "Lovely Blog Award" Thank you so much! Not only did I get a beautiful poster from Tiny's, but now this darling award ! I'm having a great week!!!

Here is how it works:
Rules of Blog Award Acceptance: 1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. 2. Pass award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Now I am going to pick some blogs that I think deserve a "Lovely Blog Award"!
I've listed below the ones I've chosen!!!

Etsy Texas Crafters - "Your Favorite Place in Texas"
Pets Jubilee - "Congratulations to the Winner of our May Photo Contest!"
Becky Brocato Watercolor - "Summer is on it's way - Caladiums!"
Annette Quirk - "A Mermaid"
Rhradcliffe designs - "Inside Out"
The Viluna Tea Gardens...a sweeter, gentler place I go - "Pardon me for knitting...in Hooters"
Fantasy Whispers - The Art of Vania Cruz - Perez - "My Work Studio"
Door No.2 - When one door closes, another door opens.... "Beauty in the Most Unexpected Places"
The Sea Babe - "Our Trip to Chinatown"
The Trinket Trunk - "New Items"
Suzan Buckner - "TWO PAINTINGS - PROTOTYPE FOR HUGE PAINTING!!"
Door No.2 - When one door closes, another door opens... "Pretty in Pink"
The Dark Ravens Nest - "Grand Opening"
He Lives - "The beautiful of birth!"
Nancye's art and beautiful... - "Here's another doll class that starts at the end of March"

Introducing Tiny's Etsy shop and Blog!!!

Well, I must share a new friend I made on these blogs!!! Not only is she a full time art director of a Children's magazine but she also has a shop on Etsy that yall must go visit!!! Her items are so precious!!! Her Etsy shop is: http://tinys.etsy.com/ but she also has a blog called: http://www.tinysandtea.blogspot.com/ I follow her Blog site,

she lives in Australia!

I won a 16" by 20" poster from her blog because I was the only one that entered! Yay for me, so I have also am showing my poster I picked out. It has so much meaning to me. I love the different textures, but the most important part is my personal meaning behind the photo. As yall know, maybe, that I went through 2 years of chemo which left me with a severe case of fibromyalgia, and other stuff. The fibro ruined my body to where I have to be on disability after having such a fun career that I mourn and have to deal with every single day. I manage today and a do the best to keep my spirits up through faith. This photo I chose as my poster represents the aged, yet beauty from age, and the rose represents the flower inside of me that is FAITH and the beauty inside that will never die. I hope yall like it and also give a Thank you to Mel that made this all possible !!!! Thank you so very much to Mel and be sure to visit her shop and blog!!!

Texas Bluebonnets and one Lonely Indian Paintbrush

I just had to add a couple of pictures of our Bluebonnets here in Texas that we discovered a couple of months ago! How breathtaking! Isn't that strange how our shadows made the bluebonnets show up? And what is that lonely Indian paintbrush doing there right in the middle of huge field of bluebonnets? I bet he felt like an alien! There's a sight to be proud of, living in Texas about an hour northwest of Houston! It was a very sunny that day, but not hot at all. Now comes the heat and it's time to make a trip to the beach!

Have a beautiful Sunday!

Linda:)

Purple Songs Can Fly!

I just wanted to share some of my friends that I consider angels. I just posted 2 of my friends. (The one on the left side has been like family to me since we met when I we were 10 years old! The blonde on the right is Anita and is the founder) Below explains what they do for the Children's Cancer Hospital in Houston. I also wanted to mention that these songs are now on a Continental Station while on the plane!

This is all done by donations and my friends donate their time to do this! I painted the little table and chairs for their studio. They told me what to do, and so that is what I did! Anita is also an extremely talented classical and new age piano player and is quite successful with her cds and shows. I have a lot of wonderful musician friends that are very successful, but this "Purple Songs Project" is what I consider their greatest success!

The link to this site is: http://www.purplesongscanfly.com/

Please visit! It has a section of the children's songs that are so cute. They are coached but they write their own lyrics and music and sing!

Purple Songs Can Fly Project: Mission
Purple Songs Can Fly Project
Purple Songs Can Fly is a unique project that provides a musical outlet for the many children being treated for cancer and blood disorders at Texas Children’s Cancer Center and their siblings. In this program, which is the first of its kind, the children work with Anita Kruse and other professional composers to write and record their own songs. Using the latest technology in an in-house studio, composers work with the children individually or in small groups to compose, record, and burn songs to disc within short sessions.These children are given a highly creative, much needed musical environment to express the many and varied thoughts and feelings that will surely emerge during this time. The children are then able to share their music with friends and family in the form of individual CD recordings of their songs. Because music and singing are known to be beneficial in the healing process, it is the hope that the process of creating, singing and recording original songs will provide health benefits in addition to a sense of pride and joy.Purple Songs not only can Fly, but do fly. The children’s songs are copied on purple CDs and flown by participating passengers, pilots or astronauts to places on earth and into space. The CDs then fly back to Houston, signed, with all flight information included.As the dreams, wishes, thoughts, feelings, and imaginations of these children take wing through the creativity of music, it is the vision of Purple Songs Can Fly that soaring, flying, and rising above the obstacles of illness can truly become a reality as each purple song that flies creates a tangible symbol for the hope of healing.The Purple Songs Can Fly Projectis a 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationincorporated in the state of Texas.All donations are tax deductible.Purple Songs Can Fly Founder & Executive DirectorAnita Kruse

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends of Purple Songs Can Fly,
At 6:15 Houston time, dawn in Nepal, May 19th, Scott summitted Mt. Everest making him the first human being to both fly in space and climb to the highest point on earth.
We are all so proud of him and feel so blessed that he was carrying the children's Purple Songs with him on his climb.
We look forward to seeing him soon back in Houston and hearing about his amazing adventure!
Sincerely,
Anita

Crossties from Etsy and Texas!!!

Do yall remember the scarf I posted from http://crossties.etsy.com ? If you scroll down this page you will see it. She's another fabulous Texan that was in the Esty Texas Crafters Team swap we participated in! Well, I ordered 2 scarves from her in black with green flowers on one and purple flowers on the other one. I added beads to the flowers and I wanted to show you what they look like! Although I couldn't get a great picture, and you can't really see the sparkle... Oh well, so much for trying at least! These scarves are so.. me! The white sweater I'm wearing is a bit conservative as I do love to dress kinda artsy. I can wear them in the summer as well as the winter. I don't know about yall, but when you are in 90 and above temperatures here in Houston, and you go into a shop of any kind, usually it's freezing, so I always have to wear a button up sweater unbuttened or wrap it around my neck with the sleeves, and these scarves are also an added addition so I don't freeze!!! And they are cute too! You can order any color from her and then add pretty beads to the flowers if you want to, just to give them a little more pizzaz!!! OH!!! and they will look fabulous with my long black coat that has a gorgeous hood, in the winter, as well!

MARYSOL'S Etsy Shop!

OMG!!! I just couldn't choose, once again, what to show from this darling Etsy shop!!! So I just chose a couple of my favorite pieces this artisan has to offer! Yall MUST take a visit at: http://marisolmarysol.etsy.com/

You will not be disappointed! So.........CUTE!!!

DEB HILL ART

This is not my favorite pieces of http://debhillart.etsy.com/ because I do not have a favorite. Her work is outstanding. I love her style and subject matter and what a fine acrylic and watercolor painter she is! She also uses other painting mediums as well. You must go check out her amazing shop! I someday will own one of her pieces! :)

Little Ballerina Fairy

This is http://serendipityrose.etsy.com/ 's darling grandchild, Emily. She was in her first ballet recital yesterday and she was a STAR!!!! :)

Becky Brocato's Watercolors

I just noticed that I have a new follower and had to share one of her beautiful pieces!!! She's from Houston and I have featured her in a few of my Etsy Treasuries!!! I love her work so much!!! I got to meet her at one of our Houston mini team meetings!!!

Please check out her Etsy shop at: http://beckybrocato.etsy.com/

2009 Houston Fringe Festival

2009 Houston Fringe Festival
18th Feb 2009, by admin, filed in houston fringe festival No Comments
BooTown presents the second annual Houston Fringe Festival, May 15-17, 2009 to support the growth of new artistic endeavors and to develop new audiences. All works presented at the festival will be totally fresh to the Houston scene. There will be theatre, film, dance, performance art, music, and whatever else we can get our hands on, all culminating in a general ‘good time.’
http://www.houstonfringefestival.org/
-------------------------------------------------------

Well, here I go again! I'm going to be in this festival Saturday! http://mammapainter.etsy.com/

who is one of my most favorite artists offered this invitation to me, and well, I'm going to do it! Sounds like a lot of fun! I just wish my disability with a severe case of fibromyalgia didn't have to get in the way of me hesitating to do it, and my last couple of festivals where we were flooded and I was stranded and the next day try my car wouldn't start, and then the Katy fest before, my car wouldn't start......I must pass this fear and go for it!!! So here's to a positive additude!!! :)

My Gothic Fairy

I told yall about the Etsy Crafters Team (Texas) one on one gift Swap. I posted about it below on this same page and showed you the darling gift I got. Her wonderful shop, well shops..you can visit them both through: http://kokodiablo.etsy.com

Well, I now get to reveal the gal I got to make my gift for! She was so perfect for me too because at her young age she is into fairies, wearing black, lace, etc. Very similiar to my stage of life when I was into Soft Punk back in the 80's. I still have a little punk in me, but would look silly dressing like I used to at my age of 51! Don't you think? :) For one, her shop is darling & I hope yall go visit it as she continues to add more precious handmade items. http://lilliesandlace.etsy.com/

I have posted the picture of the Gothic type Fairy I made for her and am now selling one in my shop with different colors if you want. This Fairy is covered in black lace that is glued above layers of tulle. Very difficult to take a picture. When you visit her shop, you will see a few additions on my Fairy that was inspired by her items!!! I offer many colors of angels and take customized orders! This one is the most unique one ever! :)

Giveaway Contest for May!

Yall must go visit this blog to enter a fabulous contest that is going on until the end of May! Some of you may know her as SimplyRaevyn.Etsy.com or PeculiarParchment.Etsy.com

I adore her shops, by the way and have purchased darling little thank you tags from her that I have posted before that you can see if you scroll down my blog. So far all my posts are on the same page! I have also included the photo above! I use them all the time!

Visit this link for the FUN CONTEST!!!

http://raevyn77.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-giveaway-for-may.html

Me, being a member of Houston's mini team as well as Etsy's Texas Team, I am supporting Houston Etsy artists in my Treasuries. Most, but not all are members of the Etsy Texas Crafter's Team.

Visit my Flickr Page to check out all these wonderful shops this Treasury holds at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/VisualSmilesGallery

Please visit the Etsy Texas Crafters Team's blog to check it out!

http://etsytx.blogspot.com/

I give a big shout out "Thank You" to http:// MiaSophia.Etsy.com for writing this article about me and my Treasuries in ETC's blogspot!

The Indian Summer Lodge

Yall have to go see my friend's web page about his Indian Summer Lodge. I could only nab the small pic you see above. You must look at the before renovation pics and then visit all his pages. He uses this as a Special Events place that is so dreamy, you really can't get a clue how fabulous it is without seeing it in person! Jeff Law is the founder of this project and he is involved in so many charity organizations, he's an extremely talented artist of all trades including fantastical landscaping. I can not say enough about this God given talented man, except for he is one of the most intelligent, talented, and probably the nicest, most down to earth person I know! He used to have an art gallery on 19th street in the Heights where I sold my art, called October Gallery. Wow, yall should have seen this place!!! It even had a bridge in it as you entered it's beautiful shop full of fabulous art work. He definately supports handmade art!

I was just informed that The Indian Summer Lodge is for sale. Such a beautiful place should never be forgotten. The memories will remain, and Jeff is biting at the bit to do another one. Sigh... Hopefully one day he will open up another storyland place like he has now, called The Indian Summer Lodge. http://www.indiansummerlodge.com/ISL_Home_Page.html

The Etsy Texas Crafters Gift Swap!

My Texas Etsy Team just had a Gift Swap with one person, so that meant it was suppose to be a really nice gift. None of us knew who would be making our's, so it was so exciting!!! I got this adorable scrap book and wonderful necklace made of Vintage buttons, and a bottle top, with silver beads that feel nice and heavyish. I love them both, but the Scrap Book is so full of surprises as you flip through the pages and the pages are made of white paper bags so you can put things inside them, as well as there are secret pockets inside the book. I just love it!!! Yall should go see Karly's shops! She has 2 and they are:

http://jachlomi.etsy.com/

http://kokodiablo.etsy.com/

Thank you so much Karly!!!! :)

Diary Project 2010

This picture of my Miss Peanut Jones turns out to be the chosen page for the Diary I mentioned below! As yall can see this Diary is in 3 languages, English, French, and Spanish! I hope yall will think about doing this project also! International publicity along with a darling Diary for 2010!!!
Please go to the post below this one and you will see a green box with red writing and that is the link to the site where you can be a participant of this 2010 Diary Project!

Diary Project 2010

The new Diary Project from 2010 is happening right now! I did the Project last year and it was a blast. I ended up getting 2 pages & you get to design the date of the page you choose and then put your website or shop's title and address on it! It's great publicity! All you need is a website or an Etsy page.
I am showing you to the 2 pages I did last year and the dark green cover above with an open page of the diary. I bought 3, 2 as gifts and one for myself! When I finish designing the paqe for the 2010 diary, I'll post it. Lucy Baribeau came up with this great idea!!!
Here is the link to get to the details about this fabulous Diary project.

Howdy on Tuesday (Sign in Problems?)

Are some of yall trying to make comments and can not? Maybe you have to register again or something. I've had word that some people have tried to make comments and are not able to. They aren't even able to sign in. I guess you have to go through the process of filling out the login and if it comes up with wrong password, you have to just click on forgot password and then go through the motions of what it tells you to do. At least you can read my blog, and possibly you may have to register, like making your own blog, to at least be able to sign in.

By the way, I'm feeling better and made an Etsy Treasury and also got in a Treasury! Yay! That always feels so good. I will post these treasuries here, but they will also be listed in my Flickr page as well eventually with all the shops names.

After I do that, I am going to go to an Team Etsy Texas meeting online!

So, I'll catch yall later!
Until then, have a Dreamy Evening!
Linda :)

Sunday in Bellaire..Let's try again!

I made it back to the Bellaire Art Fair Sunday, only 1 hr. to set up. I unloaded all my stuff, and sopping wet stuff,grrr... and layed everything out to dry! I needed all day to go through everything and find out what got damaged and I was surprised that everything was in pretty good shape, especially my 3d pieces that got soaked, didn't get ruined once they dried out, but I would not recommend my pieces to survive a thunderstorm,(I was lucky) but they are definately durable to moisture!
My friend and fellow Etsy pal, Diane (http://dsullivancr2.Etsy.com) turned up and helped me get up my tent, thank God for her! She had brought a few of her precious items & also set up her tent. I never had the chance to even mosey on over to see her for the rest of the day.
Everything kept blowing over due to the wind and also I was sorting out all my things. It was a gorgeous day though. Some of the things that I use to hold up my prints got pretty messed up, oh well, I used them that day anyway as customers kept coming up & those pieces kept falling down & I kept putting them back up and then they'd fall down again.....I finally got finished setting up & it was time to go home! What? Geez. Oh well..."Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!"
Anyway, I actually did pretty good with my sales, considering! Then, Diane helped me load all my stuff and helped me with my tent!!! What a sweetheart!!!
Then everybody had driven away and I got in my jeep and my car wouldn't start....No problem...... "Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!" Compared to Saturday, nothing could have bothered me. I mean nothing like my car not starting. What's the big deal? I called Diane as she just left & neither one of us knew how to jump a car.. exactly. I then called my Dad & he came right over. And he didn't know how to open his hood, and I couldn't figure it out either. "Happy Face...Happy Thoughts! Tra la la!"
Well all of a sudden an angel appeared disguised as a young man and helped us. My car started right up and wallah!!! I be headin' home to my ranch in a concrete building!
All is well now, except for me. I kinda, well I really couldn't move this morning when I woke up. Felt like an 18 wheeler ran over me. I had bruises, blisters, & ant bites all over me. So what did I do today? Stayed in bed the entire day and slept. I'm feeling a bit better now, and decided to visit my computer before crawling into bed again.
So...Night yall!

Ceramics by Tina Lewis

Tina Lewis from Etsy was just added to my blog as a follower, so I must show off a piece of her beautiful work!!! Then please go visit her darling shop at:
http://TinaLewis.Etsy.com

This is just one of my favorite items she has that is my fave!

In Tina's words: This two piece set consists of a lower rounded pot with an oil lamp lid. I like to use the oil lamp with citronella for outside or fragrance for inside. The top can also be used for a nice single stem/Ikebana Vase. The combinations and uses are endless.

Isn't it fabulous?!?!

The Bellaire Festival Nightmare

My partner Pam, poor thing got sick as yall know and my 2 friends that would have been our neighbors couldn't go, so I thought I'd brave it alone.
Ok, I was told that there would be many volunteers to help us. It wasn't raining this morning so I got up at 4am and got there at 5am. Nobody there yet. Hmmm. Finally the people showed up and I got my Festival package that told me where my booth would be. No problem setting up, but very time consuming. I had a couple of helpers that really did more harm than good, as what they tied up for the wind, fell down anyway. I would have done it differently anyway. I saw AnaMaria, which was so nice and her friend gave me a delicious muffin. By the time I parked my car and got back to my tent everything was getting sprinkled on, but not damaged and I pulled things more into the tent. There were hardly any tents there, and really no customers, but I almost immediately got a couple of customers and sold 6 things. Yay to that. Then it was time to leave, around 10:30am as NOW they tell us we can come back tomorrow from noon to 5pm. Everyone scurried around and left. I was stranded having to fend for myself. A lot of things I had were damaged with the rain. I also have many heavy pieces. I nearly killed myself as I had to try to dash things into my jeep at a rapid pace while I was getting drenched through my rain coat, coat, and clothes. Everything was drenched actually. I could not pack my jeep to save my life. Then the tent had to go in first. I got my neighbor to help me at the last part of the folding down of the tent, but I did not have help to lift and carry to & put things in my jeep. I'm starting to hate everybody at this point. All would've fit, but as it was pouring down rain in buckets & I needed a special way to pack, that was impossible.
So there I am drenched, my stuff is drenched, and needless to say I had stepped in a huge ant bed where I got about 10 huge ant bites. Good grief. As you can see, I finally made it home and had to vent. so venting I just did. A frapachino in one hand & a dry warm cozy robe I have on. I almost need to go back tomorrow to the Festival again, it's suppose to be beautiful weather, naturally.... because I need to air out my stuff. I brought some items in to try to save.
Moral of this story?
Never Trust Mother Nature.

The Bellaire Arts Festival

I will be in this wonderful festival tomorrow. Although it looks like it will rain. What to do about this weather. Well, it's already paid for and is suppose to be so much fun!!! I missed a small Katy fest. a couple of weeks ago due to my car not starting. I really look forward to these festivals as they are a way for people to see my items in person, and that is so much more alive and better seeing my work that way than seeing them in a photo. I've been in several shows and never take pics because I am always so busy. A photographer took a picture of Pam White and I at the 1st Saturday's Art Market held in the Heights once, and I grabbed it from Mitch that runs the fest. You may see that pic on my Flickr page. Pam White was suppose to be my partner but she is feeling so sick. Let's all pray for her recovery. Diane and Paul, who I have posted about will be my neighbor's and Ana Maria, the one that I posted about her jewelry will also be there! I guess we are all going to suffer the storm. It's been such perfect weather here in Houston....maybe the weather man is wrong! He has been wrong before. Right? Fingers crossed that he's wrong now! :)

Cotton Eyed Jo!!!

Oh I just discover that Jo (Who plays a big part in our Houston Team) has only one bunny left from 3, which were all unique, so you better grab one of these before it's gone!!! Also I have included a gorgeous kitty pillow. Her webshop address is: http://CottonEyedJo.Etsy.com

In Jo's words about the bunny: This particular bunny is Cabin Craft Chenille on one side and is backed with a hand embroidered and quilted side. At approx 9 inches in height by 12 inches at widest point, they are just the right side to tuck into a basket for decorating in cottage or country style homes. This item is not intended for use by children 12 years or under.(cspia) It is sturdily made, and washable/dryable by machine. But these are vintage textiles so should not be washed weekly.

In Jo's words about the pillow!!! The backing of the pillow and cording are made with a tapestry fabric. It comes complete with a 18 inch bamboo fiber pillow form inside. The 100% wool strips are either up cycled wool from the thrift store that has been felted by me, or hand dyed colors from my PRHG(Primitive Rug Hooking Group) friends.

This is my childhood friend's business and I wanted to share it with yall! I would love for yall to visit her website and also sign the mailing list. She sends out very helpful organizing tips which have helped me so much!
I posted a picture of a crafty closet's before and after picture! Thought it to be quite appropriate for all the artisans out there!!! :)


Clutter Roundup provides calming and stress free
home and business environments through de-cluttering and organizing services.
With our proven customized solutions and time management techniques,
you'll have more time to do what you really want to do
and enjoy a better quality of life.
www.clutterroundup.com

Congratulations to Pam White

Pam White from http://serendipityrose.Etsy.com is about to be a new grandmother to a grandson!!! Congratulations to Pam and her daughter, Shannon!

Diane,(stained glass and mosaic artist from http://dsullivancr2.Etsy.com & I are getting Shannon a darling and oh so soft and well made to perfection, baby blanket from a fellow Artisan, Cindy Joy. It will be dark blue with gold fish as the pattern and the inside will be the same as the pic's but will be a blue color!

Yall must take a look at her shop! http://CindyJoy.Etsy.com
She used to be a part of our little Houston Artisan Team, but had to move to Lake Tahoe. She really helped so much in getting our group together!

About her blanket: The portrayed picture is not the one I'm getting, but it is similar.
From Cindy's words: Minty vines with cheerful blue flowers scroll up this blanket, ready to twine around your little one, fending off cold and drafts. All bundled up and ready for giving, this blanket is ideal for tucking around your little one in the car seat or the stroller or as a play mat or just for cuddling or napping. It also makes a great impromptu changing mat. When they turn into toddlers, it will be a great security blanket.

This super cuddly Stroller Blanket of approximately 20" by 30" is made with Mint Green 100% Polyester Dot Minky on the back and Chocolate Brown with Mint Vines 100 % Cotton Flannel on the front. This flannel is a sturdy, high quality quilters flannel. This blanket is top-stitched for durability.

All Bundles of Joy products are:
- Pre-washed with dye free, perfume free detergent,
- Machine washable and dryable (Wash Cold, Tumble Dry Low),
- Require no ironing,
- Created in my smoke free, pet free, dust free studio,
- Handmade for your Bundle of Joy with the utmost care and craftsmanship, and
- Comprised of the highest quality materials.

Sea Babe Jewelry

I just discovered this talented jewelry artisan, since she just made herself a follower of mine! She lives in Hawaii as well. Lucky gal! I used to live there in the 70's in Oahu, and went to Maui last year of 08. LOVE THE PLACE!!!
I found her jewelry to be very unique and you will have to go to her shop to see more! She also has a blog which is listed if you click on her thumbnail pic under my followers, yet her Etsy shop's address is: http://seababejewelry.Etsy.com
Although it was difficult to choose, I picked this ring to show, as I've never seen one like it. Find out all the details about it in her shop! And there are many more pieces that rank as fine unique jewelry as well.

Creatures by Chase

Your fairy is called Bramble Iceglimmer

She is a bone chilling bringer of justice for the vulnerable.

She lives in leafy dells and bluebell glades.

She is only seen when the sun sets on the day of a completed harvest.

She wears bluebell-blue dresses. She has icy blue butterfly wings.

Get your free fairy name here!

I nabbed this fairy name fun from Cotton Eyed Jo's blogspot.

I think you have to buy a fairy to show what it looks like, so that leads me to adding a couple of pictures of this wonderful shop in our Houston Team who makes fairy, butterfly, angel, whatever you want it to be... WINGS!!!! You have to go visit her shop on Etsy!!! She also has a website and I've used her in a couple of my treasuries you can see on my Flickr, which is mentioned at the top of my page!!! Her Etsy shop is http://creaturesbychase.etsy.com and her website is www.dualfantasystudios2.com
Her wings are totally handmade! And I got to see them in person at our last Houston Artisan's meeting. Totally awesome. Used in weddings, for babies, costume for theater, she's growing and we all felt honored to meet her. Very sweet gal!

Friendly Banter

This is another shop from MiaSophia. I love these flowers she makes! Go to her shop to see even more choices!
http://FriendlyBanter.Etsy.com

Mia Sophia

I know MiaSophia from her stained glass work, but she has just started making gorgeous pendants, so I wanted to show off one of her pieces! You can see her entire shop by visiting http://Miasophia@Etsy.com. She is also a Houstonian!

Grandma Marilyn

This beautiful 7 inch (17.8cm) bracelet was created using net weave with Miyuki Silver Lined Gold seed beads and Copper Luster 4mm Czech Fire Polished Crystals.
I just had to add this beautiful bracelet. Marilyn has such a precious style working with small beads. I think this is just gorgeous! Don't you think?
http://GrandmaMarilyns.Etsy.com

My New Purchase!

I just purchased this awesome photograph from this lady I met at one of our Houston Team meetings! As a thumbnail it looks like a photo, but when you see it bigger, it looks like a watercolor painting! I just had to have it and will be getting it tomorrow at our meeting! Yall will have to visit her shop, http://everythingdear.Etsy.com

Another Favorite Artisan!!!

I just love Pam's jewelry and own some of her work. I even have a gorgeous beaded string with a turtle at the end of it on my cell phone. She also makes bookmarks and lamp or fan pulls. Her jewelry is awesome!!! I love the greens and charms bracelet she made for me.....I just love it!!!

Some more of my favorite Artisans 2

These are a few of Diane's stain glass pieces. Just gorgeous and so worth visiting her shop!!! I own a fabulous stained glass & mosaic piece of hers. Love them!!!

Some more of my favorite Artisans!!!

Here are some gorgeous wood pieces. I own one of them actually. Paul is married to Diane so they share the same Etsy shop! I have to post Diane's next, but wanted to include Paul's work as well! Amazing work, I think!

Covering a Big Box (Tip)

I just had an order for a mermaid mobile. I only had one box that it would fit in, so I decided to cover it with beautiful colored paper, & over & over again, it just looked awful. Smaller boxers never gave me problems. So I got torn pieces of the brown paper you use to ship in, and made a camouflage over the entire box including the inside using a glue gun! It turned out awesome! I then braided a rafia string and wrapped it around the box into a bow and put a knot on each end and spread out the rafia on the ends as well. So if you are ever in a dilemma, I promise you, what a delightful way to make your box look professional! I wish I had taken a photo of it, but it had to go in the mail ASAP!

My Kitty Kenzie

I had to introduce you to a member of my family. She is my daughter and a rescue kitty that was 9 when I got her. I've had her around 1 1/2 yrs. We both hated each other the 1st couple of weeks and now we are in love. I wanted to share some of the darling pics Rick took of her!!!

Happy Easter Eve!!!

There has been a traditon in my family where they always gave me a magical Easter since I was a little girl! My mom even made some frilly Easter dresses to wear that had many petticoats! Well for the last several yrs., me being an only child with no brothers, sisters, or even children except my kitty Kenzie(a rescue kitty) who stayed in my closet for 2 weeks hissing at me....we finally fell in love. I've had her for 1 1/2 years now so she is around 10 yrs old....My parents decided no more Easter baskets, so I made one for my boy friend Rick!!!! He doesn't like sweets but he loves coffee and nuts. So I made him a basket with metalic colored easter eggs to put the mix of nuts in from Walgreens & got him some chocolate covered coffee beans, & also a 20.00 gift certificate from Starbucks (Which, by the way, I'm addicted to the Venti Mocha Frapachinos without the whipped cream, & chocolate syrup) Anyhoo, I made Rick a fabulous Easter basket!!! I wanted to show you!!! Hey the Sunflowers are in a vase behind the basket and also I wanted to mention that I got him an Easter card!:)

The Etsy Texas Team Swap!

I just participated in the Etsy Texas Crafter's Team promotional swap. I learned about wonderful Texas shops and had to share some of them. Some have more than one shop and some are not available right now to show their unique items, but here are a few at least, worth checking out!

This one is of a doe doe bird. You must go visit her shop to see how she makes them. They are so fabulous! http://bellavioletta.Etsy.com
I just have to purchase some of these. I got 2 in the swap, but I'm keeping one for myself and giving the other one to a customer!

The Artful Flamingo / Swap

This shop was also a part of the swap. I just happened to buy this print! I can't wait to get it! Please check out these delightful shops, as she has 2 listed at the top of her front page at:
http://TheArtfulFlamingo.Etsy.com
http://beachcomberscove.etsy.com

Sump'nSassy/ Swap

This shop is a must see! I picked out one of my favorite pics to display! You must go visit her shop at http://Sumpnsassy.Etsy.com

Peculiar Parchment/ Swap

Oh these little thank you tags are just too cute! I hope you make a visit to this delightful shop! You won't be disappointed! I am displaying one of my favorites!
http://PeculiarParchment.Etsy.com
http://raevyn77.blogspot.com/

Crossties/ Swap

I think you will love the knitting items this shop creates! The pic above is one of my favorites from her shop! Her shop's address is:
http://crossties.etsy.com

amaria

Another fellow Houston Artisan with "To die for" jewelry!!! I am just adding these couple of pieces as these are some of my favorites of her gorgeous pieces, yet there are many more to see at her fabulous Etsy shop, a must see!!! And a truly genuine, nice gal to boot!
http://amaria.Etsy.com

STEEL / The Swap

Oh! Love this shop too! Another goodie I found out about in the swap! I had to show of one of her items and tell yall you must go check out this fabulous shop!!!
http://Steel.Etsy.com

Itsmecheri/ From the Swap

Wow, What a beautiful shop and she went all out for this swap of many goodies! This list can't be complete without it! I know you are going to love her shop and this picture is one of my faves!
http://itsmecheri.Etsy.com

Texas item from a Shop of the Swap!

This lady has more than one shop, but I had to show off the one I bought from her. She is an amazing artist, photographer, & jewelry maker! This actual piece is a watercolor made into a beautiful high quality print. I just love it so much!
Just another awesome artist in Texas! You may want to check out her other 2 shops on Etsy as well. It will tell you where to go on the top of her page on this link:
http://rhradcliffedesigns.Etsy.com

Dachshund Mania!!!

So my friend, Pam, who has an Etsy shop...(http:SerendipityRose.Etsy.com)just adopted a miniature dachshund she named Carly. OMG!!! She is just too cute for words. I put a couple of pics of her in my Flickr site & someone asked me to use the photo on her blog about puppies & their need to find homes. You can find this gal's story by going to: http://my.nowpublic.com/import/49c7f23a2deee7.58415368
Whew!That was a long one! Well I had to show at least the 2 pics I posted on Flickr. Along with the celebration of my new niece, Carly, I also found a wonderful shop on Etsy that sells dachshund magnets as well as other items, (http://doxiedoodles.Etsy.com) This "oh so nice warm lady" also has a few sites/blogs & she finds homes for animals! You will see them listed if you visit her shop, but here is one she told me to go to: www.dailydachshund.blogspot.com
She also takes animals in that don't have homes. This week she lost a kitty to cancer. Not a good week for her at all. I am showing 2 of the magnets that I bought from her. I hope yall will enjoy these pics as well as visiting these shops & sites & blogs I've mentioned!

Some of my Art & More to Show Off!

I suppose now I should show yall a bit of my art & tell yall about other artisans I show off as well as favorite pets. I have said before, my site or shop actually is http://LindaGJ.Etsy.com so if yall want to mosey on over there, you'll be taken good care of. You will, at least, leave with a smile on your face. If not while leaving that you experience a smile, I am willing to bet most of you will have the experience of at least one smile! Maybe yall have figured out that I also made the fish that is in my title as well as the picture I showed with my very 1st post.
This particular painting above is an illustration I did of Miss Peanut Jones. It's taken from one of my unpublished children's books, Miss Peanut Jones, The Itty Bitty Kitty from New York City. I was working on this particular painting during 9-11 of all days! It then became a memorial and has little messages within the painting that mean something to me. Loved ones that have moved on to Heaven. Peanut was alive at the time, but this was a such a sad time as she was from NYC & I had lived there for around 12 years. We'd been in Houston for a few years but NYC was still fresh in our minds. The original painting is around 22" by 18", but I sell 8" by 11" laser prints of them, and notecards printed from my computer. Yall may also go check out my Flickr page which again is: http://www.Flickr.com.photos/VisualSmilesGallery
On my Flickr pages, I have collected some of my art as well, along with some purchases I have made from other people that are from Etsy, as well as pics of some of my favorite housepets, and Etsy Treasuries I have made as well as the ones I have been in. Treasuries are hand picked items grouped together and shown on the Etsy site itself. They stay up on Etsy for 3 days, yet I save them and also list the shops that the items are from. I eventually made this a project and feature Houston artists! I also have a show off section where I've been shown elsewhere on the internet on other sites. From now on, I will share the pics I show on Flickr along with showing them here. To tell you the truth, I don't know where this blog is going, so I am taking it one day at a time to see what direction it takes me.

Wow, we're having delicious weather here in Houston. Wish I could save it all in a bottle & use it to mend our upcoming 'hotter than hell' days that we get here. I had to show yall Miss Peanut Jones whom was my favorite muse with a mighty lot of my art explorations! This here kitty cat that yall see above was born & raised in NYC, a runt of the litter, as her head, legs, and tail stayed small, her body did not, yet she lived to be 20 yrs old! My illustrations and 3d characters color the traits of her fabulous personality.

Visual Smiles Gallery

This being my first entry, I must say that I stay really busy with my Flickr page (http://Flickr.com/photos/VisualSmilesGallery) and especially my shop on Etsy (http://lindagj.etsy.com/) . I am an artist of mixed media & when you enter my etsy shop you will find whimsical fun art with dogs, angels, fish, sculptures & prints of my featured feline, Miss Peanut Jones, cards and magnets, as well as illustrations of differerent subjects! On my Flickr, I just have fun showing other people's art work, my own, and pets I love, along with some "show off myself" things about my art featured elsewhere. I do a lot of Treasuries for Etsy featuring Houston artists and post them in my Flickr! I also enjoy doing art festivals, my favorite being the First Saturday's Market in the Heights. I don't take pictures of myself much on those but have done quite a few fests. I will say, I don't visit here often as my art production keeps me very busy! So you can keep up with me mainly through Flickr and Etsy. I joined a Texas Team on Etsy and also a mini team here in Houston called the Artisans of Houston. I met these talented people through Etsy & through festivals! I hope yall will visit my sites often to see what I'm up to as I keep producing. The next fairs I'm doing is one in Katy on March 28, 2009 at The Village at Old Katy 1512 Ave. C. You may call them at 281-391-4480 to find out more details and the next one will be the Bellaire Artisan Festival & Spring Market on April 18, 2009. Their location is 4800 - 5000 blocks of Bellaire Blvd. on the esplanade of Paseo Park!

I am new to doing blogs, but you have to start somewhere! Right? :)