Just a quick note that today and tomorrow (Sat., Dec. 9th, and Sun., Dec. 10th) are the last days you can order my hand-painted Christmas cards this year. 6 cards (5×7) and envelopes to a package. $19.99 for the package with free shipping to the contiguous U.S.
I had lots of fun getting started yesterday on my Christmas presents idea for my friends. I’m painting themed tote bags, personalized for each person.
These totes are large enough to use as grocery bags, shopping bags, hobby bags, beach bags, travel bags, etc. They can be washed by hand and dried flat. I’m doing painted drawings on each side, personalized to each person.
It’s really fun to gather ideas for each person, reference pictures, scheming and planning, and finally spending the time to create each one. At least these people will know I thought of them a LOT and love them. :0)
Yesterday I ironed them and started the drawings. I’ll continue to do the drawings as I can find blocks of time. I’m doing the drawings in our office, where I can stop and start as I need to. (I can also work in the ‘cool’ of the a/c. I can only manage short sessions, so I don’t want to turn on the a/c upstairs. This way I can have the best of both worlds.)
I’ll work upstairs when I start the painting.
Filed under Friendship, Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays, playing in my art room
These are one-of-a-kind, hand-painted wooden ornaments. They are made to look like ‘gingerbread cookies’ decorated with icing. The back of each ornament is personalizable with a name and date. This is a fun, affordable way to make your Christmas more personal this year to put on your own tree or to give as gifts. You can see more information about these HERE.
Kanno Hisao
Yesterday I had a wonderful massage, exchanging gifts with my massage therapist and friend, Lynn. It was special for a THIRD reason – she had a CD of Christmas music playing.
I have discovered that I have a HUGE pet peeve – jazzed up (screwed up) Christmas music. I want people to just play or sing it the way it was written. I guess that’s limiting for the artists, but it’s my opinion they should be singing for the listeners, not for their own amusement or amazement. The really beautiful thing was that the CD she played was a series of instrumentals, with different instruments used for different verses of the songs, but played straightforwardly, purely, BEAUTIFULLY.
Lynn and I shared that one of our gifts to each other was that we were singing along MENTALLY, rather than aloud. :0)
I enjoyed every minute of the massage – as I always do – but this time was truly special with the absolutely lovely traditional Christmas music. I felt joy in my heart along with the easing in soreness. Those are true gifts.
You might be interested in these hand-painted journals for yourself or as gifts. They have heavy cardboard fronts and backs with large spiral. The top design is called “Purple Petals”
The inside has 10 manila type ‘envelopes’ which are great for keeping things organized, saving mementos, pictures, lists, etc. You can write on the back or front side of each ‘envelope.’
This is the plain heavy cardboard back.
This design is called, “Purple Bliss”.
And this one is called, “Swirling Fall.”
If you’re interested, these are $9.99 each. They are available on ArtFire with free shipping to the contiguous United States, or at our booth, “Blasing Bright” at Rags & Roses Collective, 100 North Main Street. Greenwood AR. Hours are Tues – Friday 11:00 – 6:00, Saturday 10:00 – 4:00, and Sunday until Christmas 1:00 – 4:00.
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
My friends were griping, asking why I wasn’t making wooden earrings for people without pierced ears, so I decided I would gather materials and give it a try. The ones in the picture above are 3/4″ in diameter, having clip-on hardware.
These earrings are much larger – 1-1/4″ in diameter.
These are a clip-dangle, with a 1-1/4″ disc at the top with a 3/4″ disc attached. The earring length is 2-1/4″.
This picture shows the comparative sizes of the three designs – 3/4″ –    1-1/4″ and      1-1/4 wide x 2-1/4″ long.
If you would like to see more, I’m adding about 17 pairs to my ArtFire shop today. I also have the pierced earrings displayed there.
Each pair is $9.99 with free shipping to the contiguous U.S.
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays, Lewis Art
I’m selling these on ArtFire for $9.99 a pair, if you’re interested.
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas
Niki Firmin – Swift
Alina Ciuciu – Zack and Duke
Gary Wing
Niki Firmin
Niki Firmin – Jack
Rags ‘n Roses Collective
I arrived early to help set up in any way I could. Things started with a bang at 1:00 pm and were still going strong at 5:00 pm at the end. The weather was perfect and we had a LOT of people.
A wonderful man named Mike played a 12-string guitar and sang in the back. I kept wandering back there and listening to another song as many times as I could. He’s a nice, talented man, and I could listen to him for hours.
Santa sat at the front of the shop, patiently having his picture taken again and again with all who wanted to. There was a little girl who simply melted my heart when she was so ecstatic that Santa gave her a present and let her take a picture with him. She danced around and thanked him over and over. It was beautiful.
There was food at various places around the shop. A nice couple handed out samples of their wares. I ate a sample of apple butter and another of some French onion-y type dip. Both were delicious. I also found a chocolate chip cookie that was to die for. I made a serious effort to stay away from both the rest of the time I was there, but 5 hours is a LONG time…
I saw people I hadn’t seen in years. I hugged a bunch of wonderful necks and enjoyed catching up. I met new people, some of whom had booths in the shop. I looked at their booths, they came to the one I share with my friend, Carla. I met a lady who does really nice watercolors. It was NICE.
I did whatever I could to try to help during my time there. Mostly I just wandered around. I answered questions, helped people find things, applauded Mike for another song, picked up trash occasionally, finding a place to sit for a couple of minutes – ahhhh! – before getting up and wandering again.
Joanna, the owner of Rags n’ Roses Collective, was everywhere at once. There were two lines for payment – one for cash only and the other for credit and debit cards. There were still lines, but everyone chatted, seeming not to mind that at all.
It was a wonderful experience.
Our next thing is Ladies Night Out, December 5th, 6 – 8 pm. Rags ‘n Roses Collective, 100 North Main, Greenwood, Arkansas.Â
Hope to see you there!
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
Rags ‘n Roses Collective
Today from 1:00 ’til 5:00, the city of Greenwood, Arkansas will enjoy a Holiday Open House. Participating shops will be open so that people can enjoy shopping and good times all afternoon, kicking off the holiday season.
I’m lucky enough to be sharing a booth with my good friend, Carla, in a shop called Rags ‘n Roses Collective. The address is 100 North Main Street, right across the street from the Greenwood Cleaners. Joanna Brandt owns the shop and is a pretty, tireless lady who is seemingly everywhere in the shop at once, helping booth renters and shoppers.
At Rags ‘n Roses Collective, there will be finger food, door prizes, a musician playing guitar/fiddle/mandolin, photos with Santa, conversation, laughter, and – of course – wonderful things you will want to purchase for yourself or people on your gift list.
If you’re in town, come join us!
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
I’ve had a great time creating flat wooden Christmas ornaments painted with Unicorn Spit Stain/Glaze. These are some samples. There is a total of 16 different ornaments right now. I will add a name and the year on the ornaments at no extra charge. You can order multiples, but please understand that, though I will use the same colors, the blend will turn out differently on each ornament. Even the two sides of each ornament are different! :0)
In addition to the Unicorn Spit, I’m using black webbing paint. The finished ornaments are then sprayed with polyurethane to set the colors.
The ornaments are different sizes, as well. I’ve drilled a hole in the ornament, if needed, to attach a shiny silver cord for hanging.
If you are interested in looking at the other designs, please click on this link for my ArtFire shop.
I’m offering free shipping to the contiguous United States. If you live elsewhere, please contact me at lwlca47@gmail.com and we can figure out shipping.
Thanks for looking!
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays, Lewis Art
Lucky Shamrocks are hand painted on this one-of-a-kind journal by Linda Lewis. The outside cover is linen type off white with nice texture. The inside has 100 blank pages for your thoughts, dreams, lists, memories – Dimensions of the journal are 3-3/4″ wide x 5-3/4″ long x 3/8″ thick. A great size to put in your purse, tote, glove compartment, school bag. Make this YOUR lucky year with a “Luck of the Irish” hand painted journal!
St. Patrick’s Day – Hand Painted Basket
“St. Patrick’s Day” is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted wooden basket by Linda Lewis. The oval basket is 11″ long x 9.5″ wide x 7 ” tall. (The basket is about 13.5″ tall with the handle extended straight up.) The dimensions of the inner basket at the base are approximately 8″ x 6″. The “squares” created by the weaving are painted a deep green and then have a layer of clear glitter paint on top. The picture shows the front and back of the basket, with a different Irish saying on each. There are silver and gold shamrocks on both sides of the sayings. If you’re not Irish, try to be adopted by someone who IS!
One-of-a-kind heavy paper memory boxes. Please indicate your choice of “3 Shamrocks” or “Multi” when you order. May the luck of the Irish be with you!  “Painted Shamrocks” is 9.5″ in diameter and 5″ high. It has shamrocks ribbon around the lid plus feathers as accents.  “Foam Shamrocks” is 8″ in diameter and 4″ high. It has several different sizes of foam shamrocks, plus gold paint as accent. The boxes and lids are painted with varnish for extra protection. Initialed and dated. Please indicate your choice when you order.
12.5″ wide x 13.5″ tall x 4″ deep, with open gusset in the bottom. Each tote bag is hand-painted with fabric paint, signed and dated, then sprayed with several layers of Scotchgard to prevent stains. Hand wash. Please indicate your choice of “Luck of the Irish,” “Irish Rainbow,” or “Kiss me!” when you order.
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays, Lewis Art
The Salvation Army has a program called the Angel Tree program at Christmas time each year. The trees go up in your local town and people who qualify come and asked for their child to be added to the tickets on the tree. People choose a ticket and go and try to buy as many things on the list as possible for that child. The gifts are returned unwrapped by Dec. 7th to the people handling the Angel Tree and they and the Salvation Army handle the rest.
The child’s name, age, and gender are listed at the top of each ticket. Practical gifts, such as clothes (with sizes) are listed, plus a few ‘fun’ gifts on the wish list.
Each year we peruse the tickets and decide which one fits well with our ability to buy the things on the list. We have visions of an ‘idyllic’ beautiful boy or girl happily opening all the gifts, ecstatically happy with the choices with a wide open grin and whoops of joy. Reality is far different, probably, but we LOVE the idea of brightening a local child’s Christmas each year.
Last year we didn’t know where the tree was in time to participate. We were both really disappointed, so I wrote on my calendar this year to call City Hall in Greenwood to see if they were sponsoring the tree this year and when the tree would be up.
KVC West VA – KVC Health Systems
This year our choice was “Braden,” a 10-year-old boy. We got clothes – pants (jeans) , a shirt (Flash), a puffy blue coat, boots, and then a remote control car and batteries. He’s into “paleontology stuff,” so we got him a big fierce-looking dinosaur. The “pokemon” cards he listed featured dinosaurs. We also got “Jurassic” hat, scarf and gloves set.
We took all the bags and the ticket, plus the receipt so that the mother would be able to exchange anything that wasn’t right back to City Hall and left them with the nice lady from the water department who is handling things.
It seems weird that we’re doing the Angel Tree before Thanksgiving. I guess that’s why we missed out last year. I guess they need the time to post all the tickets, gather the gifts, deliver them wherever they go, etc.
I love that the Salvation Army thought of this program and runs it, making it easy for local banks or government offices to administer it. I love that families can provide for their kids at Christmas will a bit of a boost from folks in the community. I love our ‘visions of sugarplums’ and the chance to give.
Filed under Attitude, Bright Ideas, Dreams, giving, Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays, kindness
I’m making decisions and changes in my Etsy and ArtFire shops.
The first is that I’m moving toward only listing paper products on Etsy. I want to spend more time hand painting personalized note cards and stationery. To this end, I’m having a sale on Etsy.
Please come look if you’re interested in
Each page of stationery in a set of 10 is different – each painted by hand. I paint a coordinating envelope for each page. Extra blank sheets are included in the set. Each page and each envelope can be personalized with a name, initials, or…. A box with transparent lid is included, all tied in a bow with a nice ribbon.
Hand-painted thank you cards are fun to send. They come in a package of 5 cards, each with a different painting. these can also be personalized.
Note cards come in packages of 5 and 10. These can be painted in watercolor or acrylic paint. Each one is different, and can be personalized.
I honestly cannot paint the same thing twice, so each set is truly one-of-a-kind. The sets are fun to use, or to give as gifts.
Please visit Creative Artwks on Etsy when you have the time.
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healthyplace.com via begin with yes
If you’re lucky enough this year to be surrounded by friends and family, happily buying and wrapping presents, secure in your home and finances, thinking of what you’ll serve, how you’ll decorate….
Take a moment or two to realize how very, very lucky you are, and that many people – people you know and don’t know – might be feeling bad. Many things may have happened – Mother Nature type things, like losing your home in a wildfire (or those who have recently lost everything in the hurricanes and flooding.) They may have lost a job or are having trouble finding work that will pay the bills. A death in the family has left a humongous sink hole threatening to swallow them up. There may be sickness, they may have lost a beloved pet. Their family members may be too far away to be home with them.
Whatever people might be dealing with, it’s harder during a holiday – especially one as big as Christmas and New Year’s. Everyone asks you if ‘you’re ready for Christmas.’Â It’s almost expected that you’re bubbling over with joy and thinking only of the frantic rush to get everything done.
Just take a moment or two –
Pay attention to those around you. For friends and family, be aware of each person’s situation. Give an extra hug. Help them smile. Reach out and show them in any way you can that you care. The best gifts there are – love, caring, hugs, kindness, friendship are all free. Take time to give each of these freely and in abundance – and then make a point of BEING THERE throughout the new year.
Filed under Attitude, Encouragement, Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
I love the idea of grouping several photos of something you love as a focus of your office, your den, or your living room. You bring gorgeous photos together, don’t spend a fortune, and create a happy place you and anyone who visits you will love.
Here’s an example –
I love lighthouses. I’ve been fascinated by them since I was a child. Living in Arkansas, I don’t get to see lighthouses very often. But look at these!
Using a variety of layered effects filters, Joe has created a unique artistic rendition of these photographs. These are open edition prints, printed on archival card stock with satin finish. The prints are 8×10 with 11×14, acid-free, white mats that are ready for framing with a standard 11×14 frames. Of course, no watermark on actual prints. Signed on the mat by the artist.
If you love pretty windows, sailing ships, flowers – see more of Joe Parskey’s photos – to make your own collection!
Filed under Awe-Inspiring Photography, Holiday Gift Ideas
I finished painting my “Gingerbread Cookies” Wooden personalized ornament collection this afternoon!
Cookie Plate 1 – “Angel,” “Bell with Clapper,” “Ornament,” “Fancy Snowflake,” and “Rounded Snowflake.”
Cookie Plate 2 –Â “Teddy Bear,” “Moose,” and “Christmas Cookie.”
Cookie Plate 3 – “Butterfly,” “Rudolph,” “Starburst,” and “Small Christmas Tree.”
Cookie Plate 4 – “Rounded Christmas Tree,” “Christmas Stocking,” “Snowman,” and “Birdhouse.”
Cookie Plate 5 –Â “Rounded Bell,” “Dove,” and “Mitten.”
Each of these is made of light weight wood, perfect to hang on your tree. The back is painted brown, like the front, with a white band across for personalization. You can have the name of the recipient and the year, “to _____ from _____ and the year,” “_____’s First Christmas and the year,” etc. at no extra charge. The size of the ornaments ranges from approximately 2.5″ across to 5″ across. You can order as many ornaments as you like. They can be made to look like the ones above or each one can be different. I’ll work with you to make these just the way you want them. As each one is painted by hand, please allow approximately 3 weeks for creation and delivery. If you would like to order several of the same ornament, please email me at linda@creativeartworks.cc to check quantity in stock, as more time may be needed if you need more than I have on hand.
You are the first to see these. They aren’t listed on Creative Artworks yet. I’ll have them up soon. “:0)
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
If you order quickly, you can still have the following in time for Valentine’s Day –
“Love is a Verb” Wall Art by Jane Loedding
“Valentine Candy” Hand-Painted Basket by Linda Lewis
“Memory Box” – Hand-Painted – “Heart” or “A Rose is a Rose” by Linda Lewis
“Be Mine” Hand-Painted Journal by Linda Lewis
“Love is All Around,” Hand-Painted Tote Bag by Linda Lewis
“Be Mine” Hand-Painted Tote by Linda Lewis
“Lovely Thoughts” Hand-Painted Journal by Linda Lewis
“Valentine’s Day” Hand-Painted Placemats by Linda Lewis
Order right away to be sure you have these items in time for gift giving.
Happy Valentine’s Day – Last Call!
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Two one-of-a-kind pairs of toasting goblets for you and your love. The one above is called “Entwined Hearts”. Â
This one-of-a-kind pair is called, “Tied with a Bow.”
Each pair is frosted in a sand-blaster and then painted with metallic paint. The paint is cured in an oven so these are dishwasher safe.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
“Butterfly” and “Fancy Angel”
“Two Trees” and “Fancy Snowflake”
“Rudolph” and “Peace Dove”
“Christmas Bear”, “Candle,” and “Rounded Snowflake.”
I’ve had such a good time working on these custom Christmas cards, even though it’s the wrong time of the year, and I won’t see any sales for quite awhile. Now I’m working on wooden Christmas ornaments in the same theme. I’ll show you pics when they’re finished.
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
As I told you yesterday, I’ve had a lot of fun creating these “Gingerbread Coolies” Custom Christmas cards. I’ll be listed them on Creative Artworks soon, but I wanted to show them to you and see what you think. The design on the left above is “Christmas Bell,” and the one on the right is “Gingerbread Girl.”
The one on the top is “Giant Gingerbread Cookie,” and the one on the bottom is “Starburst.” The customer can choose any combination of 8 cards in a package, and then can customize words on the front and on the inside at no extra charge.
Since each card is made to order, customers will need to allow approximately 3 weeks for delivery to be sure I can fill the order in good time. The one on the left is “Angel,” and the one on the right is “Blue Bird.”
The one on the left is “Snowman,” and the one on the right is “Christmas Tree.” I can do the same design as you see in the picture or I can customize it further by changing color accents if you like.
The design on the left is “Christmas Ornament,” and the one on the right is “Christmas Bird.”
I used cookie cutters for some of the designs, and wooden ornaments for others, painted them the gingerbread cookie brown, and then had fun decorating the cookies! :0)
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
(Please allow approximately 10 days for delivery).
(Allow approximately one week for delivery.)
(Allow approximately one week for creation and delivery)
(Last Day to order Valentine’s Day Bears using Cross stitch is January 30th. Last Day to order other Valentine’s Day Bears is Feb. 3rd.)
(Ready to ship)
Order today from Creative Artworks! to make this an extra-special Valentine’s Day!
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Be-Mine-Bear” by Debbie Garrett
Be-Mine-Cupid-Bear by Debbie GarrettÂ
Gentleman-Bear-With-Rose by Debbie Garrett
“Panda Sweater Bear 1” by Debbie Garrett
“Panda – I Love You” by Debbie Garrett
Panda-Love-Bear by Debbie Garrett
“Prisoner of Love 2” by Debbie Garrett
*Last Day to Order for  Valentine’s Day 2017 for items using cross-stitch is January 30, 2017
*Last Day to Order is February 3, 2017 for all other items.
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Wright-Hennepin Co-op Elec. Assn
“Christmas gift suggestions:
Filed under Favorite Quotes, Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
High quality hardback. Limited Edition. Signed by the illustrator! Jane will also include 5 die-cut detachable images your child can hang on the Christmas tree or play with at no extra charge.
Go to http://www.janedaniell.info/tnbc to see the beautiful illustrations. This will be an instant classic you can enjoy year after year with your children and grandchildren. Wonderful as a gift, too! Please allow approximately two weeks for delivery.
This exquisite nativity scene is made from hand-painted gourds by Linda Faber. The size of the pieces range from 7.5 to 10 inches tall. The width ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 inches. The baby is just a bit over 3 inches. 9 pieces in all. The bottom picture shows a closeup so you can see more of the detail. Exquisite detail and top quality workmanship.
This is an original watercolor painting by Martha Dollar Efurd. The dimensions of the painting are approximately 10 x 13. This painting is triple matted with a medium blue, and then dark blue mat, plus a beautifully texture linen mat, as well. With the gold frame, the dimensions are 12.5 x 15.5.
LAST DAY TO ORDER IS TOMORROW, DECEMBER 9TH! A ornament for the teacher! Say “thank you” to a wonderful teacher by giving her this cute ornament she can use from year to year. Wooden heart attached to the bear’s bottom for personalization, such as to: (teacher’s name) from: (student) (year). Please indicate your choice of “tan” or “white” bear, plus personalization desired in the special comments section of the order form. THIS IS A DECORATION ONLY AND NOT A TOY. NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 13. Please allow approximately 2 weeks for delivery.
Each mitten is handcrafted by Linda Lewis. The base is wood. Some of the mosaic pieces are stained glass, and round glass beads for accents. The piece is approximately 3″ at widest point and is approximately 4.5″ high. 1.8 oz. It has a shiny metallic silver ribbon hanger attached. This decoration could be hung on a wine bottle, drawer pull, window pane, door knob, lamp switch; affixed as a decoration on a present, and of course, hung on your Christmas tree. Nice as a gift. 4 are available. Please indicate your preference: “Light Blue,” “Turquoise,” Red Orange,” or “Deep Red” in the special comments section of the shopping cart. Please allow approximately one week for delivery.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Filed under Decorating Ideas, Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
“Winter Dawn” – original painting by Martha Dollar Efurd
Lightbulb Santa Ornament by Linda Faber
Note Cards – “Christmas-Shopping”-Set/8 by Lenore Garnhum
“Mosaic Christmas Bell Ornament” by Linda Lewis
Filed under Holiday Gift Ideas, holidays
creativeartworksblog 