Ladies - do you remember Jean Nate ?

This is a great blog post from WendiWinn. If you were around in the 1970's/80's you'll appreciate the humor of this post & the replies.
Check it out here

Having a Holiday SALE? post your link Here

Hello Artisans & Crafters.
Are you having a Holiday Sale in your shop? I am. All of my jewelry is on sale for $4 to $22. You can view my sale here.

Feel free to post links to your holiday sales here. I'd love to see what you've got.

have a great day, happy shopping, happy selling

Jewelry SALE $4 - $22

I've just reduced the prices on all of my jewelry on Etsy for the holidays. Priced at $4 - $22 for earrings, bracelets & necklaces. Most have sterling silver findings. Lots of gemstones & crystal beads. Happy Shopping.

what have you been up to ?

hello dear reader,

I took a class on making collages this week. It was fun and informative. You know me, another thing for me to get addicted to. LOL
I've also been making some wire wrap rings, not the ones with a big bead in the middle. These are swirly with small beads & stones. I'll post some pics soon. I have an arts/crafts show this Saturday & I'm trying my best to get some more rings made.

what have you been up to? busy artsing or crafting? shopping for the holidays? my curious mind wants to know.

have a great day !!

Paper CD Cases & other craft ideas from Contrariwise

I just read a great blog post about making paper cd cases. My fav are the ones made out of paper bags - super cool idea. You can read about these & other craft ideas on Contrariwise's blog post.

Taking Photos of your Art

I just read a very useful blog post about taking photos of your artwork. You can get better photos by putting something light or dark (or both) next to your artwork. I've not heard of this technique & I'm going to try it soon. Read the post by Kristina Laurendi for more information.

Fish School Painting Featured in Main Treasury

Thank you very much LowBridgeArtworks for featuring my original watercolor painting "FishSchool" in your lovely treasury.

Kala Pohl Studio: Copy Cats

This is a beautifully written blog entry about copying other artists work.
Kala Pohl Studio: Copy Cats

Crochet Dog or Puppy Sweater, You Pick Colors and Size

As the weather gets colder and we unpack our winter clothes we need to remember our furry family members get cold too.
I've just listed my crochet dog sweaters. You can pick the size & color. Girly elements can be added if you'd like. Sizes XXS - M. Priced $10 to $18. Lovingly handmade for your sweet furbaby.
The "model" in the photo is my boy Elvis Lee (he's a Maltipoo, 1/2 Maltese 1/2 Poodle). He doesn't like modeling girly clothes but he did a good job for his Mommy ♥

Original Watercolors - just listed

good morning dearest reader,

I've listed a few more of my original watercolors. Prices range from $7.50 to $40.
Why buy prints when you can own originals ♥

Let me know what you think. I learn a lot from your comments about my art.

wishing you a wonderfully creative day,

Bridget

1980's Concert Programs for your crafts

Hello darling reader,

I've got a bunch of Concert Programs from the 1980's...Genesis, John Cougar Mellencamp, Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Rolling Stones, Prince, just to name a few.
Do you have a need for these for your craft? Let me know. If there is a need, I'll list them for sale on Etsy.

hugs & good karma,Bridget

Turtles Splash & Fish School - 2 new original watercolor paintings

Hello darling reader,

I'm trying to list a few paintings every day or so. I did a bunch of paintings in my deco design series last month. I just listed 2 watercolor paintings which measure 6" x 8" each. For sale on Etsy for $20. What do you think of them? Would you like this in a larger version? smaller?

have a wonderful Sunday,
Bridget

Turtles Splash

detail

Fish School

detail

2 new original watercolor paintings - deco design series

hello dear reader,

I've listed two 4" x 6" original watercolor paintings on Etsy which are part of my deco design series. What do you think? Your opinion matters to me.

hugs & good karma,
Bridget

"Out on a Limb"

detail


"Butterfly Garden"

detail

Abstract Landscapes - just listed on eBay

Hello dear reader,

I'm going to try listing a few paintings on fee-Bay. I closed down my store on eBay months ago due to the increase in fees. I figured with the Holidays coming up, I'd try listing a few paintings there. Most of my art is still for sale on Etsy. and remember, Why buy reproduced art when you can own an Original? You will rarely see a print of my art for sale, I prefer to sell the originals.

Let me know what you think of these two paintings. Your opinion matters to me.

hugs & good karma,
Bridget

click here to view the eBay listings

(detail)

Deep in the Woods (11" x 14") - sorry for the flash in the lower left corner


(detail)

Autumn Breezes (6" x 8")

Love Notes - Happy Day - Everyday - Notes with matching envelopes

Hello Dearest Reader,

Love Notes, Happy Day Notes, Everyday Notes, with matching envelopes. Just listed on Etsy.

I've just created a few sets of my Love Notes. These sweet little sets are great to keep on hand for a quick note to put in your loved ones lunch, great for a last minute birthday gift to use as a card/tag. Keep them at work and jot a note to brighten up a co-workers day. The uses for these little notes are endless. Love notes measure almost 3" square. Matchbook notepads measure 2" x 2" and 3.25" x 3.25

here are a few photos of my Love Notes.....





Visit my Etsy shop to see more.

Have a great evening,
Bridget

I'm taking a Watercolor Workshop this week

Hello Darling Reader,

This week I'm taking Sterling Edwards Watercolor Workshop at the Studio in Calabash. I attended his workshop last year and I'm getting much more out of it this year. I can see where I've grown as an artist since last Octobers workshop but I can also see how much more I have to learn. Considering I've only been painting for three years I think I'm doing splendidly well. My friend Tom is there with me as well as my Mother. She's a super controlled, detailed painter so the freeflowing loose watercolors Sterling is demonstrating are very frustrating for her to try but at least she is trying. Tom & I tore up a few disasterous attempts. Mom did too.

Sterling's watercolors shine with light and he uses bright bold colors with big brush strokes. His abstracts are my Favorite. We'll be working on abstracts friday. I'll post some pics of my workshop pieces over the weekend.

I hope all is well with you & yours.
hugs,
Bridget

P.S. please go out and vote early, I voted yesterday
.

Happy 3rd Birthday Elvis Lee (my sweet pup)

Hello dear reader,

Today is my Elvis Lee's 3rd Birthday. He is a Maltipoo - Maltese Poodle mix. He is the love of my life. Elvis is my first dog & I never knew how wonderful puppy love was until I got my boy. I met him at 6 weeks & brought him home at 8weeks. He is super smart, funny, very loving and loyal. Here are a few pics of my baby.

I hope you have a wonderful day,

2 weeks old



6 weeks old, the day we met Elvis & his Daddy Lee. Lee is now one of our closest friends.


Elvis at 8 weeks with Daddy Lee. We brought him home on 12-21-05



18 months old....all grown up



My boy at the beach a few weeks ago. Elvis loves the beach, lucky for him that we are only 6 miles from the beach.
.

words to live by - Reiki Principles

I saw this on an Etsy listing & thought these principles are so simply yet so very lovely. I wanted to share them with you.

The Reiki Principles:
~*Just for today, I will not worry.
~*Just for today, I will not be angry.
~*Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
~*Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

~*Namaste

PIF ACEO featured in a Main Etsy Treasury

My PIF aceo "Tropico" was featured in a Main Treasury today. Thank you Sophie'sBeads.

New Watercolor Series - Deco Designs

good morning dear reader,

I just wanted to let you know, I've started a new watercolor series titled "Deco Designs", inspired by the Art Deco period. I love the lines in Art Deco design, especially the tropical & floral elements.

The paintings in this series range insize from 2.5" x 2.5" up to 16" x 20". All are painted free hand with a brush only, no pencil or pre-planning. These are done as a stream of consciousness paintings. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoy painting them. I am selling originals only, no prints.

I'd love to know what you think of them. I'll be listing more this week.

Wishing for you a beautiful, creative day,
Bridget

I was featured in a Main Etsy Treasury

Good morning dear reader,

My ACEO "The Day Before the Storm" was featured in a Main Etsy Treasury "Landscapes in Watercolor". Thank you Ulixis for including my artwork in your beautiful treasury.

Video I Made - Maltipoos

I've been playing around with some video software. I made a video of Maltipoo Puppies for my darling friend Lee. Could you please check it out and let me know what you think? Thanks.
Hugs & Good Karma to all.
Bridget

any Gone with the Wind fans out there?

Hello darling reader,
It's sweltering here in North Carolina today. The record breaking heat wave is not letting up so I decided that while I'm staying cool in the AC and working in my studio, I'll watch Gone with the Wind. I love tons of old movies & this is one of my favorites. Especially Mammy. Mammy is my favorite character in this movie. Hattie McDaniel is a wonderful actress. Of course, I love Vivien Leigh (her husband Laurence Olivier is also one of my favs) and who can resist Clark Gable and his strongwilled southern charm. Olivia de Havilland is also spectacular as Melanie. I appreciate this movie more now that I'm a southerner. Born and raised Carolinians don't even refer to the Civil War as a "war", they call it "The conflict". The cinematography is stellar as is the musical score. What's your opinion on this movie? My inquiring mind would love to know.
hugs & good karma,
Bridget

Spiritual Triage

hello dear reader,

I'm talking with my angels today & got my Zen set to "play random all" so I've been listening to a wide variety of music & lyrics today....which lead me to the liner notes on a Velvet Revolver album, and whilst reading them these words popped off the page at me....

"Spiritual Triage"

I've never heard that before but Wow, those two little words speak volumes to me. I can completely relate to giving spiritual triage to my darling friend Lee & receiving it from him, my Dawnie and others.

how do those two words affect you?

my inquiring mind wants to know.

much love and good karma to all,
Bridget

Doll House Art - Tiny Art Just Listed

hello dear reader,

I joined the Etsy Street Team MiniMakers, a group dedicated to miniature items for doll houses. This past week, I painted 5 original watercolor teeny tiny paintings. Let me know what you think. I learn & grow as an artist from others view of my art. Comments & critique greatly appreciated.



DOLL HOUSE ART.
You can prop these paintings up on a little easels, frame them or leave unframed. I paint my minis on thick 300 lb sturdy paper which will not curl on the edges. These little beauties will brighten up any doll house room.

TINY ART.
Teeny tiny itty bity orignal paintings are a fun, affordable way to collect original artwork! Tiny Art is also a great way to add some cheer to a boring cubicle office or an empty space on a bookshelf.

I curated a TWest featuring MiniMakers

I'm featured in two treasuries

Treasury West and the Main Treausry

Thank you althena12 and artbydarla for featuring me ♥

new selling site for me: iCraft

hello darling reader,

I LOVE ETSY & will still focus most of my energy on selling there. Since I'm soo friggin frustrated with eBay's new fees & I've removed all my art from eBay, I decided to try one new selling site. After doing some research today, sparked by a forum post on Etsy, I decided to try out iCraft. No fees at all for one year if you sign up before March 31.

I have one painting listed there so far & will list some more art & jewelry in the next few days. Could you please take a moment out to check out my shop there, poke around the site & give me your opinions on the site?
thanks, your input is much appreciated.
Bridget

p.s. I was going to also try SilkFair, however I think they are associated with eBay. They have an option to pull your eBay feedback over to their site. Plus you need to set up a tax profile, so I decided to not venture into SilkFair.

Want to take better pics for Etsy? Make a light box

good morning dear reader,

I've found that a small to medium size light box makes a world of difference in my photos for Etsy. I use a small one 8"x8"x7" for jewelry, aceos & other small things. I have a medium size one 12"x12"x11" for larger items. They are super easy to make.
Here's How.
I use my OTT light (natural light) lamp that I use for painting & jewelry making as my light source when I take photos.

have a wonderful day,
Bridget

Morning on the Marsh II ACEO featured in Main Treasury on Etsy

Thanks to curator: mostlyart

blog readers 10% off SALE on Etsy

good morning dear reader,

I'm having a Welcome Spring Blog Sale. March 18 to 23. Mention the code SPRINGBLOG in the "message to seller" at check out and get 10% off your purchases from my Etsy shop (excluding shipping).

Please don't pay the original invoice, I'll send you a revised one.
Happy Spring & Happy Shopping.

afterburn or afterglow ? (energy vampires vs suppliers)

Hello dearest reader,

Have you noticed that some people either replenish or drain your mental, creative & physical energy supply? Most people seem to have no affect on my energy reserves. But the ones that do...being around them can be blissful or nightmarish. I'm referring to people who are in your physical presence, not those who affect your mood or energy via phone, email etc.

There are individuals I refer to as energy vampires. While I'm a fan of Ann Rice & love the characters in her Vampire Chronicles, I lothe energy vampires. The few that I happen to know sap my energy & creativity the moment I'm in contact with them. I cringe when I realize I'll have to be in the same room with them. While I don't think these energy vampires are conscious of what they are doing, I do think they almost always tend to be very self centered individuals. These energy vampires start draining me as soon as I’m around them. When they leave my presence, it feels like an afterburn. I feel weak, tired, cranky, uncomfortable for hours.

Then there are those individuals that I give me a jolt of energy or a creative spark just being in their presence. It's almost like our interactions re-charge my batteries. It’s a wonderful spiritually uplifting experience being around these energy suppliers. When the energy supplier leaves my presence, it feels like an afterglow. I can still feel their positive effects on me hours after they leave. I feel more alive, clearminded, free.

Have you experienced this afterburn or afterglow with anyone? My inquiring mind wants to know…Do Tell.

mini lanyards for cell phone, pda, mp3, jeans & more

hello dearest reader,

I've just listed some uber-cool mini lanyards, a black & purple bracelet and some destash supplies.

I love these mini lariats. Some of the cool ways you can use these little beauties are to hang them off of your...
cell phone
pda
camera
mp3 player
wallet
purse
jeans
zipper pull
notebook
journal
window shades
fan pulls
light pulls
etc

LDphotography featured one of my ACEOs in a TWest

Thanks Linda ♥ for featuring Shelly the Snail.

ACEO Treasury I Curated

my Solitude Retro Flower ACEO is in a Main Treasury

good morning dear reader,
thanks juneblue for featuring my art in your Reds and Pinks treasury

new art & jewelry moved from eBay to Etsy

hello darling readers,

I spent the day moving the my art & jewelry from eBay to Etsy...here's some of what I moved over.