DesignStyleGuide Holiday Giveaway Winner

I am excited to share with you that I am the winner of The 10th Day of Christmas Giveaway from DesignStyleGuide. There were a total of 12 winners. I hope you joined in the fun and entered the contest. If not...there's a giveaway every month on the DesignStyleGuide Blog. You could be the next winner.

I won a $25 dollar print from Scott Trillium of Trillium Studios on Etsy.

I chose this gorgeous print, Big Red Buffleheads, and am anxious to hang it in my studio.

Scott Trillium is an acrylic artist, and he and his wife, Jean run their etsy shop together. Jean creates jewlery from Scott's artwork and does the updating and posting of new items. Looks like a winning combination.

So be sure to bookmard the DesignStyleGuide Blog and enter the contests every month. Shipping is included in the contests so you've got nothing to lose, but beautiful home decor items from DesignStyleGuide Artists.

Pointsetta Original aceo

Christmas is a special time, full of beauty. It's not about shopping or gifts, but love and the celebration of Jesus Christ our Savior.
This is an original aceo done in colored pencil on cardstock. ACEO's are the size of trading cards and make an adorable, not to mention an affordable mini work of art. They can be framed, matted and framed, displayed on a mini easle or collected.
You can find this piece and others at my Etsy shop.
Will soon be found on products at my Zazzle Shop.
Follow me on Twitter.
Become my friend or fan on facebook. I'd love to hear from you.

May God keep you safe today and always.

May His angels watch over you.

hugs,

Brenda

Mr. Snowman aceo

The day after Christmas it was nice to be able to relax and watch Christmas movies. I stayed in my jammies all day and was cuddled up on the recliner and had a great day crocheting and sketching. This is one of the drawings I came up with, so I made it into an aceo . This is colored pencil on watercolor paper.

You can find this artwork and other small paintings, pendants and magnets created using my artwork on Etsy.

You can also find quality merchandise such as stickers, tshirts and mousepads and so much more at my Zazzle shop and my Cafepress store.

Follow me on Twitter.

Find me on Facebook. You can also become my fan on facebook.

My daughter decided to put a little jacket belonging to a teddy bear on her guinea pig, Cinnabun. Of course Dusty had to get in the shot. Aren't they cute?

Thank you so much for stopping in. God Bless your day.

Christmas Dog

My dog has been doing this every day since the tree went up (it's an artificial tree by the way).
So last night I snapped a picture of him. Now doesn't he look like he wants to be a Christmas dog?

Many people love cardinals, and this is my most popular design, Winter's Serenity. This design is from an original oil painting of mine and can be found on many different products from tshirts, sweatshirts, cards, stickers, mugs, pillows, coasters, clocks, keepsake boxes, mousepads, calendars, posters, prints and so much more.
This sweatshirt can be found in my CafePress shop. I also have many other products in my Zazzle shop such as Keds shoes, pet bowls, pet clothing, Binders, keychains and postage stamps.
Please stop by my shops, look around and say hi. Come back often and be sure to tell your friends.
I hope you are able to slow down every now and then and enjoy this beautiful Christmas season.

The Design Style Guide Holiday Giveaway Event

We're doing it again, be sure to enter to win!

DesignStyleGuide have 12 sponsors and that means there will be 12 winners!
Just click on the link above to enter.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!!!

Forever God is Faithful

I want to share with you today what's in my heart. God NEVER fails me, whatever it is that I really need, he always provides it. Whether it's strengh, a kind word from someone, or the courage to do what I need to do. I am always amazed and in awe of his loving kindness.

I don't know if you know this, but I have a muscle weakness called Slow Channel Myasthenia Gravis. I've been doing real well with the medication I am on through the Mayo Clinic. I am a wife, a mother of 2 grown children who are still at home. I am an artist and I work part time (2.5 hours a day) in the lunchroom at an elementary school. I wash the tables after each class finishes so it's clean for the next class on my half of the lunchroom. We have over 1,000 kids in our school. I also make sure there's enough silverware and replenish that. For 2.5 hours I am very busy washing tables.

Now, I've had my ups and downs, and this is the first time that I've been able to do my job where I always wash the tables and not take volunteer kids to help. I've been truly blessed.
This week by the time I am finished, once I get out to my car I can barely catch my breath. I have to sit there to get my breathing back to normal.
Today was tough. I don't know why today seemed so much harder and crazier than other days, but there were times that I had to stop for a minute while washing a table to catch my breath. I haven't had this problem for two years. I'm thinking, how am I going to get through tomorrow, today is only Thursday. If I'm this tired today, I'm going to have to go home and do absolutely nothing but rest to make it through tomorrow. My job is physically hard for me, but I am able to do it.
Then as I am putting the bucket and rags away, my friend Carol, who works on the other side of the lunchroom says, "Have a good weekend, I'll see you next week."
I looked at her and wondered what she was talking about, wasn't she going to come to work tomorrow? Well, she saw the confusion on my face and said, "Don't you know there's no school tomorrow? We have a 3 day weekend."
I didn't know, oh joy! A great big smile broke out on my face, praise God! Here I am so tired and wondering how I'm going to make it through tomorrow, only to find out that I don't work tomorrow, I have the day off. Hallejuia! What a gift, it's exacly what I need. I just started laughing with joy and am so thankful. Then a bit later I got tears in my eyes, because only my Jesus knows what I need before I even know. He is always faithful to get me through whatever lies ahead.
I know these are tough times for so many of us, but when I put my eyes on Jesus and praise Him, and stop focusing on the negative, He always either calms the storm, or He calms me.

Print On Demand Greeting Cards

I wanted to share with you a great article about Print On Demand Greeting Cards written by Bobbi Holmes.

Bobbi is a very talented artist on Greeting Card Universe. She has two shops, Lady and Spooky, and Painted Flowers. I fell in love with her cards immediately! Bobbi Holmes has a real talent for creating greeting cards. Check it out and you'll be glad you did. Why buy at a store where your selection is slim, when you have an unlimited selection right at your fingertips?

Bobbi Holmes also has a Zazzle shop

Christmas is coming and she has alot of great and unique items for gifts. Get some shopping done early.

Picking a Pumpkin

Here's a fun little 5x7 oil painting I did for the fall. I just had to put a cute little critter in there. I love wildlife. Will be posted in both my etsy shop and on my website soon.

this is a pic of me and my dog Dusty. He wasn't too cooperative on posing with me, but this one came out ok. He's a sweetie, and when he wants to eat he starts to talk. It sounds like he's saying 'I love you' with a lot of grunts in there.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
The sun finally decided to come out today, yah!!!
Tonight is my 25 Class reunion. I can hardly believe it. Think people will have aged somewhat? It's funny how we always imagine people how they were when we last saw them.
hugs,
Brenda

Rhino's

My Rhino painting is being featured in a blog post by Betsy Seeton about the illegal poaching of black rhinos. Did you know that their numbers went down from 65,000 in 1973 to a mere 2,300 in 1993? I'm not sure what their numbers are today. I still have alot to learn.

Betsy Seeton is a Private Investigator/Writer/Activist/Artist, and has a website about Ending Animal and Human Trafficing, http://livehonestly.com

On a lighter side, if you like chipmunks and ground squirrels, you have to take a look at this.

Her photos and blog of the little critters are adorable and really made my heart feel light.

This is a direct quote from Betsy's blog. "It's hard to even express how something so small is so delightful. People see birds everyday. Why or how could that be special? But it was. It is. It's okay that others might not get it. Experiencing it is enough. Just thought I'd try and share -- maybe plant a seed. Maybe remind you to go a little slower sometimes. Maybe then you'll begin to notice the smaller , simpler, joyful things in your own life and it'll add some good stuff the way it does to mine."

This is quoted from the last paragraph on this page of her site.

This is also one of the reasons that I paint.

I wish more people could take her advice and do this. I do not know what or how Betsy believes, but if you add to this, Faith in Jesus Christ and a personal relationship with him, life is worth living.

Follow Your Heart

I did another abstract yesturday, an 8x10. This one I am calling Follow Your Heart. As I was working on it I noticed a heart shape in there, so I defined it a bit more. I used my palette knife for the first time, and really had fun with it. I'm using some colors that I don't often use, such as the yellow, orange and red.
You wouldn't believe how many times I've wanted to paint so bad, but since I didn't have anything planned, or an idea I could not. Now it's so great knowing I can do an abstract during those 'must paint' feelings. I love getting the paint on the canvas and cover all that white!

I also worked on Hearts Cry a bit more and defined the heart and tear drops more, and changed other areas that I didn't like.

I hope you've enjoyed looking at my first two abstracts as much as I enjoyed painting them. Looks like I'll have to add a new category on my website for them. They will soon be posted at my etsy shop and website.

You can follow me on facebook, and I'd love it if you became my fan .

I am also on Twitter.

Until next time,

Be safe always, and have a great day!

Love,

Brenda

Abstract

This piece I am calling Heart's Cry. My first real attempt at abstract. I just needed to get something out, something unplanned that just flowed from within. So I put my Hoku cd in and this is what I ended up with. Sometimes, even if we seem to have it together, if we don't take the time to communicate with God, the one who will always love us, you can come to a loss, a tearing of the heart...my Heart's Cry.

This is 12x16 oil on stretched canvas with the sides painted as a continuation of the painting, so no frame needed.

I thought it was about time I showed you what I've done in my studio. That floor lamp was my parents, probably back in the 50's. I removed the ugly shade and this works great for lighting up my studio. I still haven't moved alot of my stuff in here yet, I want to keep it clean...atleast for a little while. Most of the drawyers are still empty, but I know that will soon change.

This is another treasure, my painting table. I grew up with this table, and I just love it. It has alot of meaning to me, and yes, it is blue.

Here's my easle. I am really enjoying it. It is a true blessing.

Beneath the table is an old black metal book rack that I grew up with until it was replaced with something newer, and this baby was banished to the basement. It now has a use again.

In the drawyers is now where I keep my oil paints. Very handy.

Peggy''s Cove

My daughter wanted me to do this painting for her of Peggy's Cove. This is an 8x10 oil painting, reference photo by my daughter, Jessica Thour.

You can find some of my paintings, pendants and magnets at my etsy shop. I would love it if you became my friend on facebook and my fan on facebook also.

Follow me on twitter.

Check out my zazzle store and CafePress shop.

My New Easel

Ever since I started painting, I've been using a table. For the past year I have wanted to get a floor easle and the other day I went on craigslist and found this beauty for an awesome price. Yesturday I went and got it and I already did my first painting on it.

The easel is a beautiful cherry wood and has two drawers. Good for both small and large paintings.

Yes, I use old clean holey socks for my painting rags. Don't tell my husband, but I am never sad when he gets a hole in his socks. : )

Here is the first painting I did on my easel. It is entitled Purple Petals, and is done as a gift for my foster daughter as a house warming gift. She will be moving into an apartment with a couple of friends and is very excited about it. She has been living with us for two years, and has now graduated from Highschool, will be starting college and ready to start the next chapter of her life.

For the last two years I have been using part of my living room as my studio to paint, and even though I am sad to see her go, I am very happy for her and I will be getting my studio back. She promises to visit. I certainly will have no problem turning my studio back into her room if she changes her mind and wants to come back home.

DSG giveaway #4 featuring Joan from 'thegifthutch'

Visit Here to enter

Nights Garden

This is an original 6x8 inch oil painting. Took me 2 months to finally paint it, but here it is.
Can be purchased through my Etsy shop along with other paintings, magnets and pendants with my artwork on them.

Revamped Old Lamp

This is a lamp from my childhood. I resurrected it from my dad's basement, I thought it was cool. I love the design but some of it was pukey looking, definately needed help. I forgot to take pics of it before I finished it, but let me give you the lowdown. This lampshade was a light yellow with Dark green and yellow swirls. I took it apart, cleaned it up and gave the lampshade several coats of Delta Ceramcoat Pearl Finish. The swirls are now dark brown, light brown and white, much better. The cord that fastens the shade to the wiring was dark green and was literally falling apart as I was removing it. I replaced it with brown cord. It's actually the stuff you can make necklaces out of.

The base is ceramic and light green with white splotches and I just love it! All it needed was cleaning.

The very bottom of the lamp was black and peeling, so I sanded it and spray painted it dark brown. My husband helped me put in fresh wiring, and when we plugged it in to try it out, I got tears in my eyes because I was so happy. It looks great in my family room, where the recliner is forest green and the couch is off white leather.

This lamp just really takes me back to my childhood, and it's a good feeling. Thank you mom and dad, Ronda and Paul. I love you all.

Oh, and this lamp is NOT for sale. : )

Come join in the Design Style Guide #3 giveaway, you could win. Felicia Kramers work is just beautiful! http://designstyleguide.blogspot.com/2009/07/giveaway-3-featuring-felicia-kramer-of.html

I'm Up Here

Here it is, finished! My husband came up with the title, I'm Up Here, and we decided to take out the post on the left side. Planning on posting it on etsy tomorrow.
I posted the cougar painting (entitled Watching) from the last post on etsy today. I still need to get these newest paintings on my website. There is always so much to do!

Cougar

I sketched this newest painting out last night out on the deck, it was such a beautiful evening. This morning, before I even went online I started painting. I actually remembered to take a pic of it before I finished.

It is pretty well finished. I will probably add a few touches here and there. The reference photo was taken by my brother-in-law, Curt Reimer on a recent trip to Como Park Zoo. Take a bow Curt! It sure is true, that the better the reference photo, the better the painting.

For those of you who are old enough, remember the zoos back in the 1960's and early 70's? What a difference. I remember when the big animals were kept in small barred cages lined up in a row. I love how they make their habitats more natural for the animals now.

I also sketched out this giraffe I am planning on painting next. They are both 8x10's. This one on canvas board, the Cougar is on stretched canvas.

Visit my etsy shop for my paintings, magnets, pendants and aceos.

Until next time,

stay safe!

Fuchsia aceo

This is a colored pencil aceo I started in June. I am still not quite sure that it's finished yet, but it almost is anyway. It is from my Fuchsia hanging basket I have in my yard. It's suppose to attract hummingbirds, but so far I haven't seen any. But then again, maybe they are there when I'm not looking.
I will soon list it for sale in my etsy shop

It would look excellent matted and framed and added to your home decor.

Patriotic Zebra aceo

Technorati Tags: dawg team,aceo,original,patriotic,watercolor pencil,red white and blue,dawg quest,brendathour,zebra,wildlife

Last October I did a pink tiger aceo for a charity auction for Breast cancer.  I figured, if I can do a pink tiger, I can do a patriotic zebra.  It’s a little crazy, but fun

I created this aceo yesturday for my DAWG (Designing Artists Women Group) Quest.  It’s just a fun little competition, between us artists.  It would be great if you ‘became a fan’ of our dawg group on facebook.  Then you can vote too when it’s time.  I just ask that if you do, be sure to vote for the images you like best.  You can pick your top 3 choices.

I’m planning on posting him for sale in my Etsy Shop tomorrow. 

My 4x4 inch Hibiscus painting is now for sale at my Etsy Shop.

My Nutty Dog

This is my dog, Dusty. Dusty just turned 2 and is such a sweetie and a very good boy. I was just wondering if anyone else has a dog who 'sits' on the furniture? Dusty will actually back up to a couch or chair, if it's the right height, and sit his but down. Sometimes he has a leg down, sometimes both back legs are off the ground. Sometimes he'll back up to the couch sideways, and sometimes straight back. Dusty sits on the furniture alot! If you are laying on the couch, he seems to think that you want his rearend by your head. I think he loves his booty, and thinks everyone else does too.

Hibiscus

This morning it was so beautiful outside that I decided to paint my hibiscus plant that is sitting on my deck. I sadly have to admit that this is the first time I've painted outside without using a photo for reference. Which means this is my first plein air painting, and I loved it!
The paint is still wet, that's why there's a glare. It is a 4x4 inch oil on stretched canvas.

Once the paint is dry I will post it for sale at my etsy store, where you can find other paintings, aceo's, pendants and magnets.

I will also be listing it on my website.

You can find me on facebook, and myspace

I'd be delighted if you'd follow me on twitter.

Also, come and check out my Zazzle Store and Cafepress Shop.

Another DesignStyleGuide Giveaway

Our second DSG (Design Style Guide) giveaway is here.  Watch the video for details. 

You can read the original post here

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, and tell your friends!!! 

Good Luck

Featuring Georgina Soojian

Technorati Tags: floral,design,wreaths,arrangement,floral design,floral arrangements,georgina soojian,designstyleguide,home decor,floral wreaths,silk flowers,planters,cross,planter

I want to share with you a talented artist who designs wreaths and floral arrangements.  Her name is Georgina Soojian, or Georgy for short.  Her shop name is Wreathmic Creations. 

All of Georgy’s creations are her own original designs, some of them being one of a kind that cannot be duplicated.  wreathmiccreations are handmade in her smoke free and pet free shop.

This one is called Celtic Cross.

 

Georgy Soojian lives in a small suburban town in Northern New Jersey.  Her family has been vacationing in Cape May, New Jersey for the last 15 years.  Cape May is a beautiful Victorian Era seashore vacationing spot that is famous for it’s Victorian homes that have been turned into Bed and Breakfasts.  Georgy loves visiting these beautiful homes, with their gorgeous flower gardens and learning about the people who once lived there.  It is from memories of her past vacations in New Jersey and nature that Georgy gets her inspiration for her beautiful designs.

This beauty is called  Cardinal Swirl Wreath

Georgy started making floral wreaths as gifts for friends about 15 years ago.  She is a self-taught floral designer, and a couple years ago she took an online Floral Designing course and got her Certificate.  

Georgy spends most of her time gardening and watching the birds that come to her feeders and of course, making her beautiful floral creations.

Visit her etsy shop

You can visit her website at www.wreathmiccreations.com

You can find her listings on Design Style Guide here.

Summer Geranium Planter

A faux silk geranium plant on a charming metal bicycle planter.

A Look At My Flower Garden

I took these pictures last Friday, and it’s taken me this long to finally post them.  Thought you’d like to see my flower garden with the painted rocks and tiny bird bath.  This is the prettiest little bird bath I’ve ever seen, can you see the lily pads?  Thank you honey!  I can’t figure out how to make the pictures bigger yet, so sorry it’s so small.

Here’s another shot of my garden.  Oops, I have to still remove that brick in back.  Funny how I didn’t notice it until now.  Out on my deck I have this beautiful Hibiscus plant.  It looks like a little tree.  I am hoping I can bring it in the house for the winter.  I’ll have to do some research since this is the first one I’ve ever bought…I just couldn’t resist it. 

This is my flower basket that’s suppose to attract hummingbirds.  (Hoping and praying)  I guess it’s called Fuchsia.  That’s what the tag says and when I googled the word, this is the same flower I came up with.  I also have a little Fuchsia in my side garden right in

Technorati Tags: flower,fuchsia,hibiscus,birdbath,bird bath,garden,flower garden,dog,tandem,bicycle built for two,rocks,painted rocks

front of the birdbath. 

Thought I’d throw in a shot of Paul and I on our tandem.  Running beside us is Dusty, our almost 2 year old dog.  He loves going for runs with the bike!  We’ve had a tandem for 16 years now, and love going riding on it. 

Well, that’s it for now.  I am hoping to do some painting tonight, yikes – it’s already 4:22.  What’s for supper?  Who knows! 

Visit my etsy shop for my paintings, pendants and magnets.  Also, stop by my website, sign my guest book and say hi.  And don’t forget to smile : )