About Me

My photo
I've been an artist my whole life and have had so many exciting art related jobs, which makes me kinda of a jack of a bunch of trades. I'm also college grad with a BFA and went to the High School of Performing & Visual Arts here in Houston. Visit my shop at Etsy and I promise you'll most likely receive a Smile to take with you! I decided to mention that about 10 years ago I was on chemo for 2 years. The chemo worked, but left me with other Heath issues, such as a case of Fibro which left me with having to get disability.Sad news, since I had a great career, that I can not work anymore. With my Faith and determination, I am determined to still do my art. My art gives me inspiration and thank you God! Oh, and please follow my blog! I'd love to have yall join me in my show and tells and also would love to hear what yall have to show and tell!:)

Monday, November 30, 2009

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!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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

Friday, November 20, 2009

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!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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!!!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

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 :)

Friday, November 13, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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 :)

Sunday, November 8, 2009

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 :)

Saturday, November 7, 2009

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 :)

Friday, November 6, 2009

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

Thursday, November 5, 2009

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!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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 :)