Seven Up

Okay. I admit it freely. I’m now totally addicted to the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

I just finished Seven Up.

Thankfully, Janet Evanovich has published 18 books in the series. I don’t know what I’ll do when I finish them all. I hear there is #19 coming out in November…

I ordered the #7-9 set recently, and when I got into #7, I panicked and went to order #9-12, in case they were out of them or something.

Janet Evanovich has become one of my favorite authors.

I would love to really know her. From her Stephanie Plum books, I know she would be fun, with a great sense of humor. And she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She values her family – quirks and all – and doesn’t take anything she has for granted.

Stephanie Plum is the least probable bounty hunter I can imagine. Yet she doesn’t give up, even when she’s scared right down to her toes. She’s learned to roll with what she can’t control, which in Stephanie’s life is a LOT, yet she retains a healthy sense of the ridiculous, living her life to the fullest – honest in her feelings however ambivalent they might be.

She’s the type of person you’d want for your friend. Not for all the calamity that surrounds her, but because she would be there for you. No excuses, she’d be there, doing whatever was necessary to help you. And you’d return those feelings.

So – I’m reading one Stephanie Plum novel, and then re-reading one of my favorite Robert B. Parker books, and then trying out a new author – this time Chrissie Anderson Peters, who has had her first book published. It’s called Dog Days & Dragonflies.

Am I rich, or what! :0)

“Strength and Courage” Calligraphy

“Strength and Courage” – Matted Calligraphy Print by Irene Konig

This beautiful calligraphy says, “Strength and Courage – I was always looking outside myself for strength and courage. I found them within: they were there all the time.” Anna Freud.

Calligraphy and artwork by Irene Konig. Custom matted with finished size of 11×14, signed by the artist, and enclosed in a clear sleeve for protection. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for delivery.

GOOD NEWS! Irene Konig has lowered the prices on her beautiful calligraphy prints! You now save $10.00!

Take advantage of this offer to get really stunning, memorable gifts for yourself, your family, or good friends.

Beautiful quotes

Beautiful writing

Beautiful artwork!

See all of Irene Konig’s calligraphy prints on Creative Artworks HERE

A Really FUN Sale!

I always dance around the room, grinning like an idiot, when I sell something I’ve made.  I’m always elated – and humbled – that someone likes my work enough to BUY it. There is no higher compliment, in my world.

Today, though, I had a really FUN sale! :0)

I received an email that I had sold an extra large hand painted tote bag through Etsy. There were 4 tote designs available in that item, so I wrote my customer to find out which tote she wanted.

Tote-Bag-Extra-Large-Hand-Painted by Linda Lewis

She wrote back promptly, saying that she wanted the “Glittering Dragonflies” tote.

When I discovered WHY she liked that one, I was THRILLED!

She wrote,

“I just published my first book, entitled Dog Days and Dragonflies, and I plan to use your gorgeous tote to carry books and other materials related to the book to places where I might get to talk about the book or sell copies.”

WOW! I immediately went to Amazon to look for the book by Chrissie Anderson Peters.

Chrissie Anderson Peters

The cover illustration is by Beth Jorgensen.

Beth Jorgensen

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that a new author with her brand new FIRST book will be carrying the tote bag that I painted when she goes to talk about her book, or for book signings, etc. :0)

I just downloaded the Kindle version of it, so I can’t give you a review yet. I’ll start it as soon as I finish the book I’m reading now, and then will tell you what I think.

Right now, I’m walking about 3 inches off the ground, still grinning!

Teen-Room-Personalized-Sign

The Creative Artworks Featured Piece of the day is  a “Teen Room Personalized Sign” by Jane Loedding.

Teen-Room-Personalized-Sign by Jane Loedding

The above samples give you an idea of Jane’s creativity.

You can browse through her samples on Creative Artworks, choosing the one you like for YOUR teen – or, if your teen has an interest not shown on the website, just email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc and I’ll contact Jane. All of the samples you will see on the website were born out of someone contacting Jane to create something wonderful that would be perfect for THEIR teen.

I would have LOVED to have a sign like this on my door when I was a teen. Mine would have had a girl playing a guitar and singing. (I earned my way through college in a combination of working in a restaurant and performing in a group called “Student Entertainers” through the college. )

Want to show your teen that you value their uniqueness? We can help!

See all of Jane’s samples of hand painted room signs HERE

Getting the Lard Off

I’ve told you that my husband and I found an elliptical machine on Craig’s List a couple of months ago. We set it up in our garage because it has to sit on a non-carpeted surface and is way too large to go anywhere in the house without our having to crawl over it.

My husband made a holder and attached a box fan to the wall in front of the elliptical so that when we turn on the elliptical, the fan comes on, too. AHHHH! There’s a holder for a bottle of water. I hook my MP3 player to the front of my shirt and stick the earphones on and I’m good. :0)

When we first started, I was lucky to do 5 minutes on Level 1 (of 2o). My legs felt wobbly and I was out of breath.

My husband decided to do 5 minutes, but went faster than I did, and as fast as he could go the last 30 seconds.

Now my husband is doing the same 5 minutes, but is on Level 20, with the last 30 seconds really fast. It’s a good workout for him and he’s losing weight and gaining strength. (He’s losing weight faster than I am, even though he cheats :0(  )

I’m now doing 10 minutes on Level 20 slowly, and have recently gone to doing it twice a day. I’m hoping that this change in regimen will get me over the hump on playing with the same 2 or 3 lbs over and over that I’ve been doing for a bit.

Today I was happily singing along while working hard when the phone rang. I still haven’t been able to locate the ‘pause’ button, so abandoned my session to get off as quickly as possible and run across the garage to the phone.

I said a very breathy, “Hello?” After a hesitation, the caller said she needed more information from my husband on something and wanted to give me a phone number and ID #.

I croaked out, “Just a second, please,” desperately trying to find something to write with – onto a wadded up paper towel on the work bench. I finally found a magic marker, and laboriously wrote both numbers. When I read them back to her, I couldn’t read the numbers in a couple of places and had to correct them. (When I explained what I was trying to do, she laughed. )

I was a good girl after that, not using this as an excuse to call off the second session. I did my 10 minutes as usual, actually having done 12 with the 2 minutes I had done before the phone rang.

Since it’s 104 degrees out this afternoon, I’m sipping a TALL glass of ice water as I’m typing this, and turned on a box fan across the room to get the a/c flowing toward me as fast as possible.

I have all appendages crossed that my new ‘twice-a-day’ regimen will help me make some good progress over the summer.

Wish me luck? :0)

Let’s Have a “Tea Party!”

20 CARDS – “Studio Teapot & Flowers” – Signature Cards by DiVoran Lites

“Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.”  ~Catherine Douzel

DiVoran Lites offers 4 wonderful new signature note card designs called, “Tea Party Cards.”

These come in packages of 20, 50, and 100, and with larger discounts the more cards you purchase sent to the same address.

20 CARDS – “Pink Heart Pot & Cups” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites 

“There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea.” ~Bernard-Paul Heroux

For the many people who would like to have one note card design to call their own – and plenty of them.  The size, 4.25″ x 5″, is just right for an invitation, a thank you, or a quick note. You will receive 20 note cards printed in this design with envelopes included. Personalization of the cards on the back is offered at no extra charge! It will say, “Your Name Note Cards”

 

20 CARDS – “Tall Bouquet in Teapot” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

“Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of  things.” ~Saki

You can choose your design, have them personalized, and then enjoy the comments about how beautiful the note cards are, with questions of, “Where did you get them?”

 

20 CARDS – “Tea Party With Brownies” – Signature Note Cards by DiVoran Lites

4 different “Tea Party” Designs!

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” ~C.S. Lewis

See all of DiVoran’s Signature Series Cards HERE

New Creative Artworks Header – June 29, 2012

This week’s new blog header on the Creative Artworks blog features the work of Ines Miller, Kim Burford, and Nora Ruth.

“Healing-Hands”- Print by Ines Miller

The picture print is so rich in color you can actually admire the brush strokes from the canvas and the paper texture from the original painting! Print is from an original painting by Ines Miller. Unframed print size is 8″ x 11.5″ printed with archival ink on 71 lbs. Kodak photo paper. Please allow approximately one week for delivery.

Ines has other prints,  key or leash holder racks with digital artwork of animals,  personalized wooden dog signs, and computer generated digital art portraits of people and pets, stained glass, hand painted purses, and printed note cards.

You can see all of Ines Miller’s work on Creative Artworks HERE

16×20-Pencil-Portrait-2-Subjects by Kim Burford

Send photos (jpgs via email or photos via mail) to Kim Burford and he’ll create a beautiful portrait you can treasure and pass down in the family. The drawing here is only a sample of Kim’s talent.

Kim offers portraits of people, pets, and homes. Actual photos will be returned with the finished portrait. You’ll have final approval online before it is mailed. Kim will provide a mat (his color choice unless you specify) for the drawing.

If you would like details such as hands, or changes from the photo, please email us before ordering so that we can discuss. Please allow approximately two weeks from Kim’s receipt of your photos for the finished drawing.

See portrait sizes and samples by Kim Burford HERE

“Independence-Day”-Handmade-Wreath by Nora Ruth 

This is one sample of a beautiful handmade wreath by Nora Ruth. She offers wreaths for all times of the year so you can welcome your guests to your home in style.

You can have a beautiful wreath on your door that will welcome guests for each season or holiday during the year. These wreaths will last for years out of direct sunlight.

See all of Nora’s summer wreaths HERE

Nora’s main art focus is on pastel paintings. She also loves to do pet and people portraits.

See all of Nora Ruth’s work on Creative Artworks HERE

Another nice header for the Creative Artworks blog thanks to the beautiful work of Creative Artworks’ artists!

ENJOY!

“Bird-on-a-Bench”-Matted-Watercolor

DiVoran Lites provides our Featured Piece of the day on Creative Artworks -

“Bird-on-a-Bench”-Matted-Watercolor by DiVoran Lites

I love the colors and the texture in this painting, and the mat is perfect!

This is an original watercolor by DiVoran Lites. It comes matted to a size of 8×10, so you’ll be able to easily find the perfect frame for it. This is super for your own collection, or a very affordable, unique, beautiful gift for that lucky someone! Will be shipped right away!

You can see all of DiVoran’s matted watercolors and “Bling Blots” HERE

“Floral” Hand Painted, Personalized Stationery

Stationery-Personalized-”Floral”-Pkg-of-10 by Linda Lewis

Some of my hand-painted, personalized floral stationery is the featured piece of the day on

Creative Artworks!

When stationery is painted by hand, rather than printed, it FEELS different. It’s FUN to use stationery that you love, and that has your name or your initials on each piece. Sometimes, the recipient of your letter will call or write you to comment on the stationery!

I paint each sheet of stationery by hand, and then paint a coordinating envelope flap. There are 10 DIFFERENT designs in the package of 10, plus 10 extra blank sheets for longer letters.

Each sheet and envelope will be personalized with your first name or initials at no extra charge.

Since each piece of stationery, with correspondingly painted envelope is painted and personalized by hand for you when you order, please allow approximately two weeks for delivery.

You can see all of my stationery and note card designs and packages HERE

HAVE FUN WITH THIS!

Hog Heaven

When I can get my mind off chocolate, I think of books.

Having books to read is a quality of life thing. Having lots of really good books to read is my idea of Hog Heaven.  I am always reading at least one, if not several.

I have “upstairs books,” which I read before going to bed. I have “downstairs books,” which are mainly ‘how to’ or informational books, including magazines.  I have hardbacks, paperbacks, and Kindle books. Some of my books have lately been carried up and down stairs, since it’s WAAAAY too hot to be working in the yard except for early morning and at dusk.

Right now I’m in the Hog Heaven category. I have a LOT of really good things to read.

1) I’m working my way through a plant catalog – dreaming of new things to add to my brick planters that go all the way around our home;

2) I have several issues of magazines that I love to read, but can’t keep up with;

Robert B. Parker

3) When Robert B. Parker died last year, I was in a funk for awhile, since he’s one of my all time favorite authors. Then I decided to give myself a huge present, making a list of all his books, buying the ones I didn’t have, numbering the members of each series in order, and then happily re-reading them. I’m currently on #35 (out of the 42) in his Spenser series, loving every minute of it.  Then I’ll start rereading those in his other two series…. :0)

Janet Evanovich

4) My husband introduced me to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. After reading the first 20 pages or so of the first book in the series, I was hooked, as are a gazillion or so other folks. Currently, I’m reading Hot Six (the 6th book in the series which currently includes 18 books that have been published, and #19 to be published this November. )  I’m buying the next 3-book set at regular intervals to be able to dive into the next one when I’m ready.

A.K. Alexander/Michele Scott

5) Actually, I’m reading a Robert B. Parker book, and then a Janet Evanovich book, with another new author to me, A.K. Alexander (aka Michele Scott). So far, I’ve read Mommy May I? (a scary thriller by A.K.) and The Grey Tier (a dead celebrity series book) by Michele Scott.  I’m really enjoying getting to know this author, and will buy another Kindle book soon.

6) I’ve had some good friends suggest new books and new authors lately, too! So I’ve printed them out and will enjoy finding new wonderful authors when I can make the time!

7) Some authors who have Kindle books allow you to lend the book to one other person for a period of 14 days. My good friend, Sandi, lent Mommy May I? to me recently this way, and I LOVE the program. (*If you have a Kindle, you can look at the books you have on Amazon, and under the details of the book it tells you if it’s okay to lend it to someone or not. )

What a rich lady I am!

Who are YOUR favorite authors, and what are YOU reading now?

Money talks. Chocolate sings.

“Money talks. Chocolate sings.” – Unknown

I admit it. I’m addicted to chocolate.  I’m not a huge dessert person, but if I’m offered chocolate ANYTHING, I can’t resist.

“Bumper Sticker:  My favorite color is chocolate.”

I think we ‘chocolate people’ are a unique breed. We tend to be decisive. An example of this is, given the 31 flavors offered at Braum’s, the only ones even in CONSIDERATION are the ones with chocolate. I’m even MORE ‘decisive’ in that I don’t want anyone messing with my chocolate. I want PLAIN chocolate ice cream. And, since I’m eating healthier now and only get ice cream once a week after bowling, I don’t want to ‘waste’ my “ice cream choice” on anything I might not like as well.

 

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” 
Charles M. Schulz

You can tell a chocolate lover at a buffet right off. They zero right in on whatever is chocolate and plan the rest of what they eat around the dessert at the end. Some will even get that dessert first, even if they have to start over, waiting in line to get the rest of their dinner, so that it isn’t all gone when they’re ready.

“Chocolate is the answer. Who cares what the question is.” – Unknown

At a restaurant, if you’re close enough, you can hear the people next to you discussing the dessert choices, or listening closely to the waiter. A chocolate lover will instantly sit up straighter, smiling in anticipation, maybe even rubbing their hands together as they wait. There eyes dilate if they’re reading a menu….

“Inside this body lies that of a skinny lady. But I can usually shut her up with chocolate.”

I like “chocolate people.” They know what they like and they want it now! :0)  If they’re deprived, they get cranky. No one is more appreciative than a chocolate lover. You give them a ‘kiss,’ and they’re in heaven, closing their eyes in pleasure.

“Researchers have discovered that chocolate produces some of the same reactions in the brain as marijuana. The researchers also discovered other similarities between the two but can’t remember what they are.” Matt Lauer

As addicts go, chocolate lovers are the cream of the crop. We might go overboard in our efforts to enjoy some, but we usually don’t get violent…

“Anything is good if it’s made of chocolate.” Jo Brand

One of my favorite things is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. My mom used to make me one for my birthday when I was young. I can’t justify making a whole cake for myself for my birthday – I should only eat one, glorious piece. My husband likes anything BUT chocolate, and the rest of the cake would make the pets ill. I still THINK about it each year…

 

“Every time I hear the dirty word ‘exercise’, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.” – Unknown

Chocolate not only tastes good, it calms you down. It makes you feel better if you’re depressed. It gives you energy. That makes it a ‘health food,’ doesn’t it?

 

Bottom line -

“When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.” Regina Brett

“Happy are the Painters” – Calligraphy Print

Irene Konig brings us our Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today -

“Happy are the Painters” – Calligraphy Print by Irene Konig 

“Happy are the painters for they shall not be lonely; Light and colour, peace and hope, Will keep them company to the end of the day.” Winston Churchill.

Calligraphy and artwork by Irene Konig. Custom matted with finished size of 11×14, signed by the artist, and enclosed in a clear sleeve for protection. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for delivery.

“Calligraphy” means beautiful writing.

Add to the beautiful writing a wonderful quote, and you have even more.

Add distinctive artwork to the beautiful writing and wonderful quote and you have created a new artform!

Irene Konig has gathered wonderful quotes, her beautiful calligraphy and her unique artwork to create a beautiful variety from which you can choose.

These make a wonderful addition to your life, or a thoughtful gift for someone else.

See all of Irene Konig’s calligraphy on Creative Artworks HERE

JULY 2012 PRIZE – “Rose” Beaded Watch

The July prize on Creative Artworks is a “Rose” Beaded Watch by Robyn Soules!

JULY 2012 PRIZE – “Rose Beaded Watch” by Robyn Soules

Please email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc with

• your full name,
• full shipping address,
• daytime phone number (optional) and
• email address to enter the contest.

Beautiful “Rose” watch is copper and brown. The band is created on 1 mm stretchy beading material. The beads are acrylic and metalized plastic in most cases to be light on the wrist and durable. Bands are also created from stone and glass beads.

Please specify your choice of

• SMALL (5 1/2 to 6″),
• MEDIUM (6-6-3/4″), or
• LARGE (6 3/4 to 7 1/2″)

Winner will be announced the last day of July. Best of luck to you!

See all of Robyn’s watches and beaded jewelry on Creative Artworks HERE

Winner of June Creative Artworks Contest

Cornelia from Macomb, Michigan, is the winner of the June contest on Creative Artworks for the cute “Stars & Stripes Angel Bear” by Debbie Garrett!

Congratulations, Cornelia! Have a wonderful Independence Day!

Thank you, Debbie, for providing such a wonderful prize.

See all of Debbie Garrett’s wonderful bears on Creative Artworks HERE

Placemats – Cross Stitch – “Southwest”- Set-of-4

Isn’t this beautiful? This is a “Southwest” design cross stitched on a set of 4 placemats by Angela Kiefer of Creative Artworks – our Featured Piece of the day!

Placemats – Cross Stitch – “Southwest”- Set-of-4 by Angela Kiefer 

The dimensions of each mat are 13″ x 18″. Since these are cross-stitched by hand, please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

See all of Angela Kiefer’s cross stitch products HERE

How Hot Is It?

After my last blog post about the temperatures here in Arkansas, I found this photo I just had to share. The source of the photo was Drew Michaels 40/29 Weather and the person sharing it on Facebook was Cindy Basnett Thurman from Fort Smith. Isn’t it GREAT? :0)

Oh, Joy.

Okay. These are usually temperatures and no chance of rain that we see in August in Greenwood, AR.  I figured that, with the mild winter we had, we’d probably have a record-breaking summer this year, but this is ridiculous!

I’ve been doing my rain dances, but you can see how effective I am…..

On the Way Home from Errands…

My husband and I had the best time Friday!

It was a beautiful, though too-hot day. Thankfully, we have air conditioning in the house and the car. I’m sure they’ll both get quite a workout this summer!

We met two of our long time good friends for lunch, as we do each Friday. We call it the “Lunch Bunch.” The participants vary from week to week, but our core remains the same. We love this time to share a lunch and catch up on what has happened the previous week or what we’re looking forward to soon.

We did our usual errands after lunch and then my husband took the ‘scenic route’ home, as we often do, either driving somewhere we haven’t seen in awhile, or to look at the really lovely homes in a particular addition, discussing many of them as if we might actually trade them for ours…

As we got closer to home, we had quite a nature feast! A road runner darted across the road in front of the car! Since there wasn’t anyone behind us, we stopped and watched as he made his way across the yard in front of a house. I love the way road runners put their heads down to run, tails straight out behind them. Then suddenly they’ll stop, heads and tails up, frozen in time for a moment, before running again – over and over as they make their way across the grass.

 

Next, down the road and around a curve, a doe ran across the road – again right in front of the car. She made it across safely, thank goodness. We had stopped again to look at her and avoid any problems. Two spotted white tailed fawns suddenly appeared to the right of our car. We waited awhile, but they didn’t move. We inched forward, watching them and their mother carefully – and with delight – the whole time.

 

 

And finally, around another curve we saw something fat and brown running beside the road beside a lake. At first we thought it was a beaver, but his tail wasn’t broad and flat. It looked like it was furry and about 6″ long. Maybe a badger? (These pics are stock pics from the net, but you can get an idea what this animal looked like.)

 

 

How RICH we are to be able to spend a slice of time with friends, beautiful homes, and stunning animals !

 

New Life

A couple of years ago, when my husband and I were making lots of wooden plaques, I painted one of them to hang on my husband’s shop door. It was a nice surprise for him and he put it on the door at once, grinning the whole time.

The sun and rain were hard on the plaque, though. Here’s a picture of the sign when we took it down a few days ago.

The wooden letters were coming off the sign one layer at a time!

I brought the sign up to my art room, carefully scraped off the old letters and removed the thumb tack I used for the ‘apostrophe’ and got to work.

I refurbished some of the background paint, though the sign as a whole was in pretty good shape for two or more years out in the weather. I glued new wooden letters on the sign and carefully repainted them with several coats of model airplane paint.

We had found some huge thumbtacks, but my husband said he wanted the old one used again.

Here’s the refurbished sign. My husband was really pleased with it. :0)

So now the two signs are back on the shop door, ready to greet all comers!

 

“One Subject 8×10 Pencil Portrait”

The Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today is

“One-Subject-8×10-Pencil-Portrait” by Bethany Kerr

Bethany Kerr can take a .jpg or photograph and turn it into a treasure for your family!

Bethany’s pencil portraits range from 8×10 through 18×24, and from one subject (including a portrait of a cherished pet) to two subjects. If you need more than that, please email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc and we’ll see if we can meet your needs!

Enjoy browsing through the samples of Bethany’s work and then decide the size that meets your needs the best.

I can’t imagine a nicer present for new parents than a pencil portrait of the new addition to their family. Remembering a favorite pet or having a portrait of each child at a particular age is a special heirloom. Honoring the memory of family members gives us a special place to go when we want to feel close.

You can see all the samples of Bethany’s wonderful pencil portraits HERE.

Let us help you create a treasure for YOUR family!

The Grey Tier

Several days ago I wrote about one of my friends, Sandi, lending me a book via Kindle called,“Mommy May I?”  by A.K. Alexander.

I was unfamiliar with this author and found it hard to put the book down and difficult to sleep after reading until I finished it.  Thrillers are not my favorite genre, but I found the writing compelling.

I was totally blown away when a day after I wrote a blog about the generosity of my friend, a short review of the book, and the fact that I loved the whole idea of being able to lend books via Kindle, I received a comment by – A.K. Alexander, aka Michele Scott!

The combination of the compelling writing and the wonderful experience of having the author take the time to write to me  ( I’m still amazed and thrilled ), made a trip to Amazon to find another book by this nice author mandatory.

I wasn’t disappointed! I found and bought “The Grey Tier.” (On this new series, she uses her real name, Michele Scott, rather than her pseudonym, A.K. Alexander.)

The blurb on Amazon asks, “What happens when a small town girl moves to Hollywood to pursue her dreams and winds up smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation, haunted by famous dead celebs, and working for the biggest pop star in the music industry?”

I had a little bit of trouble getting into it, probably because of having to suspend reality to get my arms around the premise, but as I read, I found I LIKED the main character, Evie Preston. She really grew on me. I liked her quirkiness, her sense of humor, and her ability to laugh at herself (while talking to herself, her animals, and dead people.) I even grew to like her daytime, pay-the-bills-job, spoiled pop star boss. Again I found myself reading late into the night, neglecting things I really meant to do during the day in order to read just a few more pages….

I guess you won’t be surprised that I’m going to buy more books by Michele Scott and/or A.K. Alexander. I can’t wait for the sequel to “The Grey Tier.”  

I feel rich! I’ve discovered a new, wonderful author, and there are a lot of books from which to choose!  HOOORAAAAAAAAAAY!!

WARNING:  The writing of Michele Scott/A.K. Alexander is addictive. You might not want to start one if you have anything pressing to do or you really need to get your sleep. :0)

 

“Sunny-Day-at-the-Beach”-Hand Painted Glass

Rebecca Kelman provides our Featured Piece on Creative Artworks -

“Sunny-Day-at-the-Beach”-Glass by Rebecca Kelman

Isn’t this the ‘happiest’ glass design you’ve ever seen? Bright sunshine, adirondack chair, beach umbrella, sand, and even flip flops on the base!

As you can see from the picture, you have your choice of goblet or martini glass. Priced per glass.

Party on!

See all of Rebecca Kelman’s hand painted glassware HERE

JUNE PRIZE! – “Stars & Stripes Angel Bear”

Winner for this criminally cute “Stars & Stripes Angel Bear”  by Debbie Garrett of Creative Artworks will be chosen this Monday, June 25th.

Enter today to have a chance to win!

Send an email to me at linda@creativeartworks.cc

with

• Your full name
• Your full mailing address
• Home phone number (0ptional) to be used only if I can’t reach you via email about your win

Best of luck to you!

 

“I Do, I Did!”

Getting married is one of the largest steps you’ll ever take in your life. With hard work, a commitment to share the rest of your lives, and a lot of luck, you’ll one day be celebrating your 50th, 60th, and maybe even 70th wedding anniversary. And, OH, the memories you’ll make together! :0)

From the wedding plans, to the first good wishes, to years and years of glorious anniversaries, Creative Artworks can help you celebrate!

Lenore Garnhum has created some wonderful cards to send to ask best friends to be your bridesmaids, celebrate a ‘bachelorette’ party, wedding announcements, thank you notes, and more.

Here are three samples of cards by Lenore. They come in packages of eight cards.

See all of Lenore Garnhum’s wedding cards HERE

Buz Williams offers personalized calligraphy to commemorate your special day!

“Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall become one.”

Calligraphy includes:

• Bridemaids
• Congratulations
• Irish Wedding Blessing’Love
• Maid of Honor
• Silver Anniversary
• Therefore A Man
• Tribute to Mom and Dad

See all of Buz Williams Wedding and Anniversary Calligraphy HERE

Wedding and Anniversary cards tell the couple you’re thinking of them and celebrating their happiness with them.

Cindy and Christy offers love and wedding congratulations cards that are perfect for a new couple or one celebrating a lifetime together.

See all of Cindy’s and Christy’s wedding and anniversary card designs HERE

Cynthia Barnes offers the most beautiful bracelet for the bride, called, “Wedding Day!”

Bracelet – “Wedding Day” by Cynthia Barnes 

Charlene Bodero creates hand made wedding and anniversary cards one at a time when you order!

This is one sample of what Charlene can create for you!

This gorgeous handcrafted wedding card by Charlene Bodero is a unique, beautiful way to wish a new young couple well. It’s called “Tri Step”: The first step is the greeting. The second step is the bride and groom with the saying. The third step is the section into which money is inserted.
Stamps are designed by Stampin UP. Card is designed by Moosetwinkle. Envelope included. Dimensions of the card are 8.5″ x 5″.

The TOP picture shows the card folded up. The BOTTOM picture shows this beautiful card opened up, showing the very top of the money. Help a young couple start their life together with a generous send-off from you! Since this is handcrafted especially for you, please allow approximately one week for delivery.

See all of Charlene Bodero’s wedding and anniversary cards HERE

Indian Crafts offers beautiful pressed flower bottle bags for the festivities! They can be ordered in groups of 6 bags.

Pressed-Flower-Bottle-Bags-Set-of-6 by Indian Crafts 

Kim Burford can create a pencil wedding portrait or anniversary portrait from your .jpgs or photos. Just send him a photo and he’ll create a personalized heirloom!

This one was created from 2 different photos as they never had a wedding picture taken!

16×20-Pencil-Wedding-Portrait by Kim Burford

Mary Frey will create custom wedding pots – “the two shall become one.”

Custom made Wedding Pots (the two shall become one). Mary Frey’s are unique in that they are lidded for wedding rings storage or other uses. This one is a Raku fired piece, but you may order in regular Raku, stoneware, horse hair, saggar, etc.. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks depending upon size.

Custom-Wedding-Pots  by Mary Frey

Debbie Garrett creates wedding and anniversary bears you’ll love.

Separate 3″ high (in sitting position) “bride” and “groom” bears, plus elegant 5×7 frame make a nice wedding gift.

See all of Debbie Garrett’s wedding and anniversary bears HERE

Rebecca Kelman hand paints glasses that’ll really make you feel like celebrating!

 ”Lovebirds” is only one sample of a wonderful selection of hand painted, personalized glasses for the wedding couple,  bridesmaids, maids of honor, father of the bride, and more.

See all of Rebecca Kelman’s wedding and anniversary glassware HERE

Lisa Richey will create a “Wedding Memories” custom wedding or guest book.

For couples who are planning their weddings Lisa Richey has created “Wedding Memories.” This book is a wonderful way for the couple to record everything from why they are getting married, to the details of their wedding, and of course, plenty of space for photographs and mementos!
The image is an example of the handmade, pastel cover papers Lisa uses for this very popular 9″ x 12″ book. The options for beautiful custom handmade covers are as unlimited as any bride’s imagination. Lisa will work with you to create your perfect “Wedding Memories” book! Please see the “Wedding Guest Book” listing, too! The perfect partner for “Wedding Memories.” Please allow two weeks for delivery.

“Wedding-Memories”-Custom-Wedding-or-Guest-Book by Lisa Richey

And finally, if you really plan ahead (You need to plan WAY ahead, as Angela will need ONE FULL YEAR to complete the piece for you!) Angela Kiefer will make a “United In Marriage” Personalized Cross Stitch for you!

“United-in-Marriage”-Personalized -Cross-Stitch by Angela Kiefer

If you’re planning a wedding, we wish you a long, happy journey through life with your loved one.

If you’re celebrating an anniversary, we wish you many more years filled with love!

Encouragement

 

My husband and I set out to lose a bunch of excess lard and get more fit in order to hopefully increase the amount of years we can spend together happily. (We celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary June 14th, and we both feel that is clearly NOT LONG ENOUGH!

 

 

I told you recently that to date, my husband has lost 33 lbs and I’ve lost 28. We’re eating in a much more healthy manner and we’re exercising daily on the elliptical trainer we bought.

Some days are easier than others to stay on our healthier lifestyle.

I received TWO much-needed-and-appreciated boosts this past week!

We go bowling on Wednesday evenings with long time good friends, the Taylors. I’ve been hearing good things about my husband’s weight loss for quite awhile now. This past Wednesday, though, my friend said she noticed that “I” had lost weight recently. She said my jeans looked looser and that she could tell a difference in my mid section. :0)

 

Yesterday, my wonderful massage therapist did her magic. AHHHHH! As we were gathering her equipment together, she said she could tell my weight loss in my face.

With these two kind comments, I’m feeling SO encouraged! I had been down because I had lost almost 30 lbs and no one seemed to notice there was any less of me….

When the scales are showing a difference, and the tape measurer is confirming there is less of me, it really doesn’t COUNT until people start NOTICING.  I can’t tell you how MUCH it means when you’ve been working hard to change the bad habits of a lifetime, that someone actually SEES a difference and cares enough to let you know.

 

I know. I’m an adult and I shouldn’t NEED the encouragement of others when I KNOW I’m doing a good thing for myself, but I have to admit that IT SURE FEELS GOOD. :0)

I’m very lucky to have NICE folks around me.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. Focus on the process.” Unknown

 

“Ocean Flowers”

“Ocean Flowers”-11×14-Matted-Photograph by Ed Immar is our Featured Piece on Creative Artworks today.

“Ocean Flowers”-11×14-Matted-Photograph by Ed Immar

This unique copyrighted 11 x 14 photo will be shipped in a method which can be tracked and insured, matted with a 16 x 20 white mat ready for you to frame. Limited Edition to 200 prints. Please allow 10 to 14 days for delivery.

Doesn’t this ‘take you away?’ I’d like to fly right over the luscious blue hydrangeas into that spectacular aqua water!

A photograph, or a specially chosen group, can transform your home or office. It’s an affordable way to show the things you love!

See all of the photography by Ed Immar on Creative Artworks HERE

36 drops

Not long ago I told you I was doing a rain dance here in Arkansas. It worked! That evening we got some rain. Not a LOT, but enough that all the plants were saying, “AHHHHHHH!”

We have the same problem now, but my rain dancing isn’t impressing anyone. They got rain in Fort Smith. They got rain in Hackett. They even got rain in Greenwood, but only in the city limits or something. We got 36 drops on the windshield as we drove to town to get the mail. Nothing on our property outside of town. :0(

More even than our lawn and plants, our DRIVEWAY needs rain. It’s 650 feet more or less, and STEEP. We can’t afford to do a concrete or asphalt driveway, because it would cost an arm and a leg, if not a whole body. We have ‘slag’ – a type of crushable gravel on it.

This picture shows a part of the driveway toward the top where it’s pretty flat.

We try to maintain the driveway by using a device created by my husband. I call it “Arkansas Skiing,” because we attach this heavy metal thingie my husband made to the back of the truck and drag it up and down the driveway while my husband stands on it. I wish I had a picture, but I’m the one driving the truck while my husband ‘skis.’

This works pretty well in filling in the holes created by the heavy UPS truck driven by Glen, our wonderful delivery man. We love him, and love being able to get things via UPS, but don’t love the big ruts and hollowed out places that the truck makes as it comes up the driveway. Then, as time goes on, it gets worse and worse, despite our best efforts, and we have to call the pros in.

We have a wonderful man who will come with a tractor and a blade and work his magic on the driveway. When he’s finished, for about 48 seconds the driveway is pristine and SMOOTH. AHHHHH! Then we start the cycle again.

Now, with the lack of rain, the blading helps in some ways, but makes things worse in other ways. It’s not so bumpy, but it’s more ‘skiddy,’ causing trouble for folks with older tires, ones without 4 wheel drive, or ones without enough weight in the back, like many pickup trucks…

As I type this, the son of our driveway man is on his way to see if he can do anything to help us. We’re afraid the slag will basically turn into powder, making traction more difficult, though the driveway will be smoother. It’s been suggested that we WATER the driveway. We really don’t have any way to do this on a 650 foot steep driveway without just making long ruts and running up our water bill. :0(

So, we’ll do another rain dance, hope we get more than 36 drops this time, and hope the driveway guy can create a miracle.

HAPPY SUMMER!

 

“Clown Trio” – Clown Creations Note Cards

Leon Holecheck provides today’s Creative Artworks Featured Piece -

20 CARDS – “Clown Trio” – Clown Creations Note Cards by Leon Holecheck 

If you love clowns, you’ve come to the right place! If you’d like to adopt one of Leon Holecheck’s clown designs to use as YOUR ‘signature’ note card for all occasions, we have exciting  offers with special savings when you buy 20, 50, or 100 cards sent to the same address!

Leon has card designs in color, such as the one above, or in black and white. I think the black and white designs would be great fun for your kids or grandkids to use when they’re writing thank you notes or just trying to keep in touch with relatives and friends. They can color the card and then write a note on the inside. :0)

See all of Leon Holecheck’s clown designs on Creative Artworks HERE

“Earth Metal Rock Horse” Etsy Treasury

Lady Ly of Lady Ly’s Boutique created this beautiful Etsy Treasury called, “Earth Metal Rock Horse.”

Earth Metal Rock Horse Etsy Treasury

She kindly included my Hand painted “Bronze Leaves” Journal!

Hand Painted Journal – “Bronze-Leaves”  by Linda Lewis

Lady Ly has an Etsy shop called “Lady Ly’s Boutique” where she sells carefully collected vintage objects, especially jewelry. She says she is “inspired by the past and fascinated by the future.”

I especially liked this cameo pendant

Cameo Pendant Signed Fragonard Painted Porcelain French Painter – Vintage

Take a few minutes out of your day and give yourself a treat by browsing through Lady Ly’s beautiful boutique!

THANK YOU, Lady Ly, for including my journal in your nice Etsy Treasury!

New Creative Artworks Blog Header – June 21, 2012

This week we feature the work of Derek McCrea, Marianna Bellantoni, and Linda Faber!

Sienna-Boat-Marina-Print by Derek McCrea

Limited Edition 11×14 prints by Derek McCrea are a wonderful way to change the focus of a room. Hang one print, or several on the same theme, or similar colors for a spectacular display at home or at work!

Derek does landscapes, seascapes, still life, florals, animals and more!

See all of Derek’s prints on Creative Artworks HERE

Marianna Bellantoni, “The Sea Glass Lady,” creates beautiful products with sea glass she gathers on the beach near her home.

Single-Sea-Glass-Beaded-Anklet-Bracelet by Marianna Bellantoni 

A single genuine sea glass bead is flanked by 2 silver tone metal beads. All are strung on a 10 inch steel ball chain. Length of chain can be adjusted to bracelet or anklet length or other preferred length. Please indicate your choice of: “White,” “assorted shades of Blue,” “assorted shades of Green,” “assorted shades of Brown” in the special comments section of the shopping cart.

So feminine and fun for the summer! Paint your toenails, put on your ankle bracelet and hit the water!

See all of Marianna’s beautiful sea glass products on Creative Artworks HERE

Linda Faber, “The Gourd Lady,” also does beautiful, historically accurate paintings of the Civil War era. She offers prints of the original on canvas or on paper, in several sizes.

“Deputy U.S. Marshal: Ft. Smith, AR” – PAPER 8×10 Print by Linda Faber

Linda paints gourds, light bulbs, ostrich eggs, plaques, and more.

See all of Linda Faber’s work on Creative Artworks HERE

Creating new blog headers is such a joy. I have so many products from which to choose! I hope you enjoy seeing a new sample of the talented artists on Creative Artworks each week!

In summer, the song sings itself.

“In summer, the song sings itself.”  William Carlos Williams

I love the summer because flowers are blooming all around my yard. I can reap the bounty of all the work I did in the spring!  The irrigation system is doing its job. All my husband and I have to do is monitor things occasionally to make sure everything is getting enough water.

“As a major celestial event, the Summer Solstice results in the longest day and the shortest night of the year. The Northern Hemisphere celebrates in June, but the people on the Southern half of the earth have their longest summer day in December.”

I think this summer will be a record-breaker in Arkansas. We had 115 degree days last year, but we’re already up to 100 degrees here, either in actual temperature or in heat index. We only work in the yard in the early morning or at dusk. Anything else is suicidal.

“Dirty hands, iced tea, garden fragrances thick in the air and a blanket of color before me, who could ask for more?” – Bev Adams

I love the beach, and sandpipers, in particular. I’m a Pisces, so I guess that’s no surprise, but I’ve only been to the ocean a couple of times. My husband took me to San Diego several years ago to see where he trained to be a Marine. He was upset that there were no signs proclaiming that he was there, and no Marines were outside exercising in the hot sun. We did drive on the highway near the ocean, stopping several times so I could laugh in delight as the sandpipers skittered across the sand on their long, long legs.

“The perfect summer day is with friends & flip flops.”- unknolwn

Ice cream is still one of my favorite things any time of year. I think all the other flavors after chocolate are wasted effort. :0)

“A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.” — James Dent

“Being a child at home alone in the summer is a high-risk occupation. If you call your mother at work thirteen times an hour, she can hurt you.” Erma Bombeck