She loves it!

All done and she says she loves it!

I did a scan of it with blank dream bubbles and plan on offering it as a print that you can customize with your own words (i'll add them digitally). If anyone is interested and if Valerie doesn't mind. Maybe, as a Zazzle card too.
Here's an example of how you can turn it into a wedding keepsake.

Two more commissions to go and then I'm going to take a break from them for awhile.
I have too many ideas of my own that NEED to be painted. Of course, I say that and when I sit down to actually paint them the inspiration is gone. I keep a separate blog with my ideas . I really should refer back to it. It's just like the shopping list I make and then never look at.

Also wanted to finally thank these beary , beary talented girls for bestowing this award upon me.


"The authors say that blogs who receive this award are exceedingly charming. This blog invests in proximity in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends .They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandisement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these awards are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give your kind attention to these writers! Deliver this award to 8 bloggers who will choose 8 more, and include this cleverly written text in to the body of the award."
Thanks girls!
I'm passing it along to the first 8 who visit here.

In progress

Here's what I'm working on. Aren't they cute?
This is just a crop. The actual painting is bigger. I still need to add words and do some work on the background.
For now though, the snow seems to have subsided so I'm going to head out and do some restocking. The kids are at school. Two hour delay, but at least they went. They were all ready.
Big weekend coming up what with the Super Bowl and all. Eli turns 16 on Monday. We'll probably celebrate on Sunday since he has a hockey game monday night. Only 3 games left before play-off games start.
I'm hoping he's in no hurry to start driving. I don't think I can take it. Aaron's been driving on his own for two weeks now. Will I ever get used to it? I'm sure I will, but for now I get this panic-y, helpless feeling every time he leaves. Plus I give him a giant hug each time he returns safely. I don't think I can take that X 2 just yet.
Anyway, I better get moving before it starts snowing again.
My swap item will be going out today and if you stopped by my Etsy update on Monday and made a purchase that will be going out today too.
Happy Thursday!

Snowed in.

So I took advantage of being snowed in yesterday to finish this up for a VAlentine Swap that I am participating in.
But now it's day 2 of being snowed in and I'm anxious to get this and my etsy orders out the door.
It's not a problem getting to the post office (it's within walking distance) but I need a few packing supplies and I'd rather head to Wal-mart for those.
The kids have been home for two days also and we're gettin' the cabin fever.
And it's snowing again now.

I already received my swap package and had hoped to post pictures and a link to Angela's blog...but JOsh just informed me that the cat barfed on the couch. So I'd better tend to that. :( yuck.
For now you'll have to take my word that my little heart ornament and box are just the loveliest!
Gotta run! Life is calling!

Update today at 1:00 EST

Just dropping in to remind you about today's update. Here


There will be 11 of these sweet little handmade brooches. Each come with a coordinating 4x6" soft gloss photo print. The pins are attached to little "postcards" that read "Here's My Heart".
There are 11 of these in all. You can see the rest here




Also, there are 6 of these VAlentine DAngles. I will make more, but probably not before Valentine's Day since I have a few commissions to get done. So if you want one get it now! Some hang from hemp twine some from sturdy wire. All have a wonderful crackle finish. They also come with a coordinating 4x6" print.
You can also see the rest of those at my flickr.
My camera was being difficult this weekend so I mostly have only scans of everything. Sorry. :(

I did not get a painting done this weekend. The fourth Twilight book is mostly to blame. Well, I'm almost done with it and then I can get back to my normal (mortal) life. :) Just imagine how much I'll get done!
See you at 1:00!

I need a bit more time.

Yeah, so I didn't get everything ready for the update today, although I did work on it pretty much all day.
I'm slow.

So now the official update time will be 1:00 PM eastern on Monday, January 26.
I'm going to spend tomorrow taking pictures of everything and writing my listings so that I can upload them quickly when the time comes around.
I think I have about 6 dangles (see previous post)
and 10 of these little pins. The pins come with a 4x6 glossy photo print. Way cute.
Maybe I'll try and paint a little painting tonight as well to include in the update.

So that's the scoop. Enjoy what's left of your weekend and I'll see you on Monday!

Almost!

Here is a sneak peek at the little valentine dangles I've been working on!
I just love how they are coming along. Now I'm just trying to find the perfect ribbon or wire to add. I really don't want to have to go out and buy any so I'm trying to work with what I have.
I'm hoping to have my little mini update tomorrow. I'll let you know when I know.

Everything will bring a chain of love

UPDATE:
"Chain of Love" all crackled and ready to go!
Heading over to add it now.



I guess I didn't have my fill of penguins yet. :)
This one will be in my etsy shop in a few hours. I still have to paint the sides and add the crackle finish.
I also baked up a batch of VAlentines last night...dangles, pins, charms.
I'm going to work on those today too and hopefully have a little mini update in the next few days.

Anyone else excited about LOST tonight?!?

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Just wanted to promote the fact that I've added a lot of Valentine themed items to my Zazzle shop.
This includes boxes of 100 business cards turned VAlentines that will only be available for a limited time.
They can be customized and just happen to be aceo/atc size. Sooo not only are they great for the kids to hand out at school they are also perfect for your aceo collector friends. (try this promo code for 1/2 off - BIZCARDSAVER. I just tried it today and it was still working.)
There are also postcards, stamps, stickers, magnets, mousepads... I think I plastered those Penguins on almost everything!

So, anyway, if you need some small tokens of affection...you now know where to go.

Also, due to my impatient nature, you can find "Whistle While You Work" on ebay at a much reduced starting bid. ( It will disappear from my etsy shop if I get a bid on ebay)

Penguins (and Steelers!)

Yeesh! It's been so cold here in southerwestern PA. I have barely left the house these last few days.
But that's okay. There has been a lot to entertain us in these parts. The Penguins have started winning again and now, as I'm sure everyone has heard by now, Pittsburgh's going to the Super Bowl!
Yep, that's "The Flower" showin' some Steeler love!
And here is me showin' some "Penguin Love".


You can find "Penguin Love" in my shop. MOre affordable than my Snow White painting, but just as sweet. :)

IF - Pale

Here's my funky little Snow White.
Wasn't she known for her pale, creamy skin?
Anyway this is "Whistle While You Work"
You can find it here.

Go-togethers

So while thinking of Valentine ideas this year I came up the with the idea of go-togethers. You know...hugs and kisses....milk and cookies...peanut butter and jelly. I don't know how many of these will actually make it to canvas, or wood in this case, but I did get this one under my belt.
It will be a card (and more) in my Zazzle shop. (link in the sidebar)
And I'm going to go list the original in my etsy shop now.
It is on wood with red and white striped sides. It stands on its own. I've given up on adding sawtooth hangers because I'm bad at it. :(
I also finished up another commissioned piece yesterday.

She liked it. :)

Just a few words

I'm busy working on another custom piece so am not yet able to get to the many new valentine ideas i have.
In the meantime, i've gone ahead and added the words "take it. it's yours" to this cute little print and added it to my etsy shop.
(you can also find the "unworded" version there too)

I don't think i mentioned what an amazing show Flyght put on the other night! By the end EVERYONE was on their feet singin' and dancin'! Ya'll should try and come next time!
Okay, back to work.

Etsy Favorites - Red and Green

Etsy Buy Handmade DUDADAZE

psssst!

There's a new original over in my etsy shop






The sides are dolled up with "patchwork fun". They say fun things like "just us 2" and "it had to be you".
You know you want it. :)

done!

I guess it's really over.

The gifts have all been opened and most are put away.


Buddy's gone back to the North Pole.


The tree has been taken down and all the ornaments packed away.




So good-bye 2008. You were pretty good to us. We give you 2 thumbs up.

It's time to move on to what comes next. For me it's a few more commissions...

Here's the one I hope to work on today. It features a Wood Elf and Snow Fairy who are very much in love.
As you can see, I'm no paper-waster and do my rough sketches on the back of whatever scrap is handy.

I'm also startin' to "feel the love" with February just around the corner. I've added a few VAlentine themed prints and print sets to my shop. Yesterday was the first day this year that I didn't make a sale in my etsy shop so I thought it must be time to add some new stuff. :)
I've also added some new cards and stamps to the Love/VAlentine section of my Zazzle shop. (click the link in the side bar if you want to browse around.)

Okay, I'm off to salt the sidewalk, brush my teeth and get to work on that commission.
Looking forward to:
Eli's hockey game in Morgantown tonight.
Flyght show at "The Hot House" in Monongahela on Saturday.
"Lost" in 2 weeks.
New Demitri Martin series coming to Comedy Central.

An Ebay listing and a 17 year old son!

I have a lot to accomplish today before going to pick Aaron up for his Dr. visit.
So I'm just stopping in real quick to let you know that I have a new painting over on ebay. Now that's something that hasn't happened in awhile!
I'm thinking this girl and her dog may become regulars around here. Kinda my version of what it would have been like if Penny had been my dog when I was a girl. NOt that I didn't love all of the "Brandys" and "Mimis" and "Dukes" and "Shastas" that were around when I was growing up, but Penny IS accidentally the best dog in the world!


In other news, we have a 17 year old in the house now. 17! That's just about as old as you can be and still be a kid.

But not as old as you can be and still be "my baby".
We love you, Aaron!

Taking a second

to sit down and show you what I've been working on. This is the first of a few custom pieces I need to work on this month.
As you may have noticed, I've stopped selling on WSOAPP and The Pfatt Marketplace at least for now. First in an effort to simplify and also to reduce costs. We still have that transmission to pay for. My parents lent us the money and we want to pay them back just as quickly as we can. I really thought we would be done relying on our parents by the time we were 44! And for the most part we don't, but it is good that they are there when we need them. Thanks Mom and DAd!
What was my point? Maybe I didn't have one. Anyway, I hope to slip a few new originals onto ebay and etsy in between commissions so that you all don't forget about me. :)
I also would like to do an etsy update with some mounted prints. I planned on giving some mounted prints as Christmas gifts and then changed my mind, so I have a bit of wood sitting around.
Anyway...that's the plan. We'll see how it all goes down.

Has anyone seen In Bruges? I really love it! If you are not easily offended by foul language and can stomach a bit of violence it's a really funny, original movie.
And also, please keep your fingers crossed that the Pens will win a game soon!

IF - resolve

In 2009 I resolve to follow my heart!
Oh, and to start making original pieces for IF again instead of rehashing old images. :0
Not this time...but soon. ;)

2009!

Here's hoping that your 2009 is full of adventure and dreams-come-true!