living a creative life at PERIWINKLE PASS

New Work

2012-02-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

things have be really hectic around here and that is an understatement.....
my way of regrouping
making more messes and painting

Bring me more Daisies, please

2011-11-07T21:43:00.000-05:00

as most of the leaves have fallen

and as my surroundings are turning very gray

i definitely need more daisies

(painting available soon at the RiverCross Market)

CoCo, French Linen and Pure White - Oh My!

2011-09-20T20:33:00.002-04:00

The new colors have arrived and are in the store and on-line shop!

Pure White

Pure White: Quite simply a pure clean white

Coco: An warm greyed brown, the colour found on old French woodwork.

French Linen: A cool neutral khaki grey inspired by bleached deep neutral of old pieces of French and Italian furniture.

click here to order.

Experimenting

2011-08-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

The week was filled with many new experiments.

Collage work has taken a back seat to this new textured look.

Don't you love experimenting?

Before and After

2011-07-27T20:46:00.000-04:00

Graphite and Country Grey

Before

After

Inspiration:

Some Things Don't Come Naturally

2011-07-19T22:32:00.001-04:00

Today was a day to try something new.

To step out of my normal style

Some things don't come naturally

SOLD

Arles and Scandinavian Pink

2011-06-27T13:29:00.000-04:00

Layers and Layers

Primitive Shelves

Arles layered over Scandinavian Pink

Duck Egg Blue over Old Violet over Old White

Sunlight

2011-06-14T12:10:00.000-04:00

There are so many people in my life that I feel this way about.

This is to all the girls who try to keep me focused, help me muttle through, try to organize me and deal with all the clutter in my head and my surroundings.

Michelle, Cheri and Amy you are my sunlight.

Vintage Finds

2011-05-22T19:22:00.000-04:00

Recently, the auctions have been good to me. I have found some great things for the shop.

This colorful chocolate tin.

A shabby serving pot

A pair of perfect hob nail candle holders

well, they were perfect until I drop one of them after this photo. So, we will say one perfect Hob Nail Candle holder

Hanging at the Metro

2011-05-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

All weekend (Fri - Sun), I am hanging out at the Metrolina Collectibles and Antique Show

with various pieces of painted furniture and chalk paint.

Stop by and say hello.

New Ventures with Chalk Paint

2011-04-20T17:35:00.008-04:00

CHALK PAINT!!! After hearing about it here, reading about it here and trying it for myself, (and loving it - I might add) I have signed on as a stockist for Annie Sloan. A couple of weeks ago, I drove 2 1/2 hours to pick up my initial purchase of yummy colors such as Provence and Antibes Green and now I am in love. So far most of the pieces only needed one coat due to the creaminess of the paint. I will be posting befores and afters soon.

Here is a sampling of the colors.

All items are in stock

If you are interested in ordering,

You can send me an email
@
periwinklepass@yahoo.com or call 828-963-5187

or order online using our shopping cart. Here.

Birds and Owls

2011-02-27T21:31:00.000-05:00

My latest obsession......................

Birds and Owls

A Great Way to Start the New Year

2011-01-03T16:02:00.000-05:00

Two mentions in two different etsy treasuries!!!

thanks girls.

'Things to do on NEW YEAR: keep calm and..' by Chromantication

Keep Calm and Carry... TakeFlightBout... $25.95	Maison de Stencils ... maisondestenci... $40.00	Recycled Dryer Pill... zJayne $12.75	Keep Calm Craft Par... theboldbanana $9.00
keep calm and carry... livingferal $17.00	FREE SHINY SILVER C... wickedlymodpen... $6.95	Keep Calm and Carry... KeepCalmPoster... $14.95	ART TEA LIFE Keep C... onecrabapple $3.95
Keep Calm and Grow ... elementalshop $19.50	NEW - Grow Your Own... happyfamily $20.00	Keep calm and eat a... SistersDecal $7.90	Square Necklace, Je... aswedanceaway $25.00
Keep Calm Print periwinklepass $15.00	Keep Calm -:- 5 x 7... bloomprint $10.00	KEEP CALM AND ROCK ... Hoooked $35.00	Time for a Tea Part... gigglebot $6.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

'My Hammered Heart' by Meiniac

Beautiful hearts. But sometimes mine takes a beating...

My Hammered Heart -... nikkisuniques $22.00	Hearts In Sepia - 8... TheLittleRoost... $18.00	Distressed Heart in... missficklemedi... $5.00	Vintage Belt Buckle... vintagebuckle $6.00
Night Air LuxuryMarleyPr... $15.00	Vintage 1905 Heart ... CoopDeVilla $6.00	the hammered heart BeJoyfulVintag... $12.50	VINTAGE Double Hear... heyirememberth... $12.00
You Make My Heart T... folkartvision $45.00	Custom hand-painted... artangel $10.50	Heart ring, contemp... ChrisMuellerJe... $42.00	Lowing heart, Smell... HOLIWOOD $75.00
Heart Tin DesignsbyFM $23.00	set 6 Heart dishes ... firecat $49.00	New Year SALE - 25%... BestArtStudios... $11.25	Keep your Heart Pu... periwinklepass $15.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Parisian Friend

2010-11-09T20:14:00.000-05:00

Just finished this custom piece for a dear customer's friend

Spent the weekend at Metrolina and found many french influences there also.

I NEED MORE FRENCH BOOKS for collage!!! EBAY here I come.

Tarnished Gravy Boat

2010-08-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

Still collecting many vintage items for a new space.

I found this lovely thing along with many goblets and champagne flutes.

Before and After

2010-06-10T09:22:00.005-04:00

The furniture painting has begun.

Something new for me... am I enjoying it??? still questionable.

Before:

6 drawer chest from auction

3 chairs from the dump

(my children were mortified)

During:

After:

new milky color with pewter finished handles

"burlap" like seat covering (no shedding)

Inspired

2010-04-13T10:40:00.000-04:00

I am definitely feeling very inspired,

Maybe it is the deadline of this looming in a couple of weeks.

Maybe it is the beautiful weather and the desire to plant a garden.

Maybe it is this cute dollhouse...

Can I possibly make it into something this spectacular?

New Family Members and rules

2010-03-30T12:27:00.000-04:00

we have five new family members here at periwinkle pass

2 bantams and 3 rhode island reds

egg production is back up thanks to a little bit of sunshine and warmer weather (it is still cold, but warmer)

and yes that is poo all in the hen house... just keeping it real.

i remember when i painted those walls a pretty butter yellow a few years ago. now they are a poo yellow.

Heather has the most amazing hen house. I am envious....

on to other things

along with new family members, there are family rules

this family rules piece is now for sale. completely inspired by all of the scrapbooking family rules out there.

Time Flies

2010-03-25T13:36:00.001-04:00

Life is going too fast.....

I can't keep up....

too many ideas

too many obligations

after a long business week, a coworker and dear friend looked at me

and said in a lovely Jamaican accent.-

"take some time to care for yourself tammy"-

his statement is still playing in my ears.

The next few weeks, I will continue to do the things that need to be done

just as all mothers do,

but I am going to take the time to care for myself,

actually listen to and play with my children

and cherish my husband.

Days Past

2010-02-21T14:54:00.000-05:00

The weekend has been filled with a lot of creating.

My collection of old books always provide new inspiration and great backgrounds,

but today they provided a little chuckle.

One of the previous owners wrote this old poem in the back of one book.

Then I remembered our much warmer summer here at Periwinkle Pass.

I hope your weekend has been full of chuckles.

2010-02-01T09:38:00.001-05:00

Love the first day of a new month.

It was a quiet weekend here at Periwinkle Pass - lots of snow and painting.

and cats napping.

2010-01-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

Mermaid Dreams

2010-01-25T16:10:00.001-05:00

These great vintage buttons were a recent find at an eclectic local store - Aunt Samantha's Attic.

They will be perfect for interesting magnets and flower centers.

Using what you have for Curtains

2009-11-08T16:50:00.005-05:00

Donna over at Funky Junk has great ideas for window treatments.

My home has two rooms that are in need of new "duds" .

I created the curtains above for hubby's house out of flour sack drying towels from walmart

and fabric I had on hand - just added two ruffles to the bottom.

Total cost about $5.

I really love these

but the men in my house would probably have a problem with all the frills.

Matilda Jane

2009-11-05T19:14:00.002-05:00

Some of my inspiration is coming from this site .

The photography is amazing and the clothes are adorable.

I had to get this skirt

and this skirt

and they look great with these.

Ok. I am back on a budget!!! no more spending.

Well, maybe after I get these.

Hopes for next year's garden

2009-11-03T20:35:00.006-05:00

Click on the image to see the detail of the painting.

With the season change and everything turning brown and gray here in the mountains, I find myself already making new plans for next years garden at Periwinkle Pass.

The growing season was much too short this year. The inspiration for this painting - if flowers and veggies can be cultivated here maybe it is a time to grow more joy, gratitude, blissfulness, contentment, happiness and love.

Moving

2009-11-02T20:12:00.001-05:00

Periwinkle Pass has now moved to periwinklepass.com. You should be redirected if you go to the blog, but if not... just click on this link.

Today I will start listing items for the holidays on Etsy. Hopeful, there will be a few new items each evening. If you are interested in purchasing something you see in a posting and don't want to go through Etsy, just send me an email or leave a comment.

Breakfast Room Transformation

2009-08-31T19:12:00.009-04:00

A little history - dear hubby has his own house. The house is in desperate need of repair. The Brinkley Bungalow has been in his family for 3 generations, but hasn't been lived in for 3 years. Still decorated the same as it was 40 years ago. (Except for some black lacquer furniture he moved in back in the 80's or 90's - we won't discuss this - it is too scary.) Anyway, I think it will become our "final" home when the kids are in high school or college. It has good bones and is paid for... so, that is the plan.

About a year ago, I decide to remodel a room every quarter. However, the breakfast room was dragged out over a year. My hands are in too many pots with kids, job, art, etc. I set a small budget, but ended up costing about three times the amount it should have. Enough said here it is.

Before

AFTER

Here was my initial inspiration

(Country Living)

But after reading the Daisy Cottage blog, I new I wanted red in the room. She has red through out her home and it is beautiful . The Brinkley Bungalow has the same front porch and look to it.

Then I found this photo and I had a vintage screen door that I use in my art festivals. So, I had someone make the casing for the cabinet.

(Cottage Living photo)

Purchased our anniversary numbers from My Sweet Savannah

Dishes - Target $35 for 4 place settings

Made the curtains above from cotton dry towels.

Need more accessories and a table mannners painting and it is finished.

Now I need to focus on all the other things in my pot.... KIDS, ART and WORK ( in that order).

Winner and new additions to the family

2009-08-17T22:19:00.005-04:00

My dear son drew Jennifer as the winner of the giveaway. Jennifer, I will send you an email for your address.

Other news... We have these two new family members from the Human Society.

Welcome Skipper - 6 weeks

and Sampson - 13 weeks

100 Posts and a Give Away

2009-08-03T10:31:00.010-04:00

Realizing I have a small obsession with pink here at Periwinkle Pass, today is the day to admit and share it. That is the first step to recovery, right?

All handtools' handles had to be painted pink due to their unexplained disappearances. Now most of the guys who come to help here at PP bring their own tools and I have had the same set for full year now.

This handy tool box was given to me for Christmas last year.

A beautiful pink mower (my boys look so cute driving this thing)

Look she is even smiling at me.

And all chores have to be done in these light pink boots

And the chickens have a nice pink nesting box.

This is my 100th post! The items (a handmade journal that I created and the handmade hand towel created by Michelle) below will be given away Monday August 17th. Please leave a comment to win. Reference the giveaway on your blog I will enter your name twice. If you don't have a blog, just leave a comment and your email address. I will draw a winner next Monday.

Quick 15 minutes at Periwinkle Pass

2009-07-24T14:26:00.012-04:00

After feeling a little sorry for myself (see previous post), I decided to walk around this beautiful place and be thankful for a few things.

Spent a few minutes watching a mother.

Read this and admired my new towel (purchased yesterday from this gal)

While sitting in front of this

Wished these would grow (shiitake mushroom spores)

Walked past the garden

Opened the garage and felt sorry for myself again. HELP!

But instead of taking care of the above, decided this great little $3 apron...

Needed some of this

I do have my priorities.

Missing You!!!

2009-07-24T10:20:00.002-04:00

Satisfied

2009-07-21T17:57:00.007-04:00

After reading this blog today, I decided to be satisfied and I am.

Even though I am garden challenged right now. There are some veggies, not many, but there are some.

Other decisions had to be made also. I had to make a decision to take the remaining eggs to the incubator. This little guy (or gal) is giving my broody hen a run for her money. She can't stay on the other eggs for very long before chickie is running all over the place again. She won't let it roam without her. So, I had move them to the incubator. After candling the eggs, some do seem to be forming little chicks, so we will see.... (children, please remind me to turn the eggs a few times every day)

New thrift finds:

Great mirror - paid too much for it ($25), but I love it. I have no place for it, but I love it. Notice the pink mower in the reflection. I love it too.

2009-07-20T20:11:00.006-04:00

The day flew by. So much to do. So many thoughts.

As suggested by Heather at Audrey Eclectic, I started and finished this book last week. Every night I read it by the light of my itty bitty book light. Candle light would have been more appropriate, but as I am getting older my eyesight isn't getting any better. The author, Jenna, has so much tenacity. It is amazing. She gets up every morning @ 5am to do the homestead chores and then works her 9-5. Doing all the work herself.

If only I had more hours in the day and no signs of ADD. My current obsession is with the "non-growing" garden and and my broody hen. A new baby hatched Saturday morning and my curiosity has lead me to walk to the chicken houses at least 60 times in the last few days. Pictures will follow tomorrow.

On to other things, we have had two deaths at the Farm at Periwinkle Pass - the rabbit my son blogged about earlier and another chick was born with some deformities. I will spare you the gory details. Apologies to my immediate friends and family who have heard the details via phone.

The Festival this past weekend was great. I have learned the mermaids are a favorite. My three mermaid paintings sold in the first few hours. Only 4 more weeks until the next festival, so I need to get busy.

And finally, one more thrift find - a $3.00 light fixture. A glazing of blue and new candle sticks -I love it. (notice there is no mention of how much the electrician cost to install the $3 light fixture). Note to self: learn some basic electrical skills.

Have a great week. Only a few more posts and I will have another give away.

GIve Away WInner

2009-07-18T20:44:00.004-04:00

My handsome 13 year old son picking the name from our famous pink hat. (pimp hat)

The give away winner is Kath. Kath I will send your prizes out Monday afternoon.

This was fun!!! I think I am going to do another give away on my 100 post. It is coming soon.

Milly The Rabbit

2009-07-18T20:30:00.005-04:00

Today Mrs. Willow our cat caught a rabbit, unfortunately I was too late to save her. The cat must have broken it's back, and paralyzed it's back legs. We named it Milly. Trying to give it the best death possible, we put it in cardboard box and wrapped it in a towel.

R.I.P Milly

Post By: Wilson Clark Eury,

Son of Tammy the Artist

UPDATE: Mrs. Milly PASSED AWAY MINUTES LATER. BURIED NEXT TO OUR GREENHOUSE.

Cleaning and Thrifting

2009-07-15T10:06:00.007-04:00

This week consisted of cleaning out a storage building I've been renting for 4 years. It was like Christmas in July. So many things no longer have a place in my life or home, but so many do. Such as....

These great linens were given to me by my children's grandmother Mary and her sister Shirley. They loved looking for these type of treasures and bringing them to me. I miss those days.

So much detail....

Great colors.....

Saturday, my time was spent thrifting. Are you found it harder and harder to find good deals in the thrift stores? I have - furniture has gotten very expensive in our local Restore and Thrift Stores. However, I did find some great aprons for $3.

I can't wait to open new boxes this evening.

Give Away!!!

2009-07-13T15:27:00.007-04:00

Cindy at Romantic Home has a give way on the second Monday of every month and invites other bloggers to join her. Realizing I have yet to have a give away - I decided today is the day to start!

The giveaway includes a new colorful felted purse (recently purchased - I only wish I could make a purse like this), a funky vintage brooch and hand crafted "delighted" ring created by me for you.

All you have to do is leave a comment by Friday, July 17th at midnight. You don't have to have a blog to enter, just leave a comment with your email address included. If you don't want your email address to appear leave a comment and check back in on Monday the 20th to see if you win.

Also, hop on over to Cindy's to sign up for her give away and all the other's who are participating.

Glimpses of Periwinkle Pass

2009-07-06T12:08:00.016-04:00

Feeling thankful for my little slice of heaven here at Periwinkle Pass.

Loving my "completed" House of Glass (4 years in the making).

Can't wait to fill it full of plants of very type....

Praying this indoor fig tree makes it through the winter.

Hopeful for warmer days to get things growing around here.

Silly chickens enjoying left over watermelon.

A greedy bantam who is stealing all the eggs. ( she can't even cover all the eggs she is sitting on)

and praying the rain ends soon...

Have a great Monday! I hope you are enjoying your slice of heaven.

Swimming Along

2009-06-29T21:07:00.006-04:00

Back at Merlefest, a gentleman bought a couple of my paintings for his wife and daughter. He had said that his wife was an artist also and owned a shop called the Mellow Mermaid. I love that name, it is so clever. Anyway, realizing I had never painted a mermaid before, here is my first attempt or should I say attempts. Of course I had to do three. Never one or two - always three of everything.

Brooding

2009-06-26T08:59:00.003-04:00

Periwinkle Pass has its first brooding hen. She is such a cute little bantam girl. Sitting on eight eggs of the larger Buff Orpingtons, it is amazing to see her small body cover and protect the eggs. She is very dedicated to this process, only coming out of the nest one time a day to get a small amount of food and water.

This is the first time we have let a hen start brooding, we usually continue to remove the eggs and they will eventually give up on the process. This time we decided to give it a try. Hopefully, there will be a fee additions to the family in a couple of weeks.

Pure

2009-06-15T19:09:00.007-04:00

Working on a few small pieces for upcoming shows and festivals. Full of hope, magic and love.

I hope everyone has a week filled with all of the hope, magic and love possible.

Conserving

2009-06-09T07:44:00.006-04:00

Today's goal - a day of no driving. Yesterday was the last day of school for the kids, so there is no reason to drive today - right? Probably for some people, this would not be a difficult task, but for me it is very hard. I can't even see another home from any of my windows (well, there is the hen house), so to do anything outside of the home requires travel. A trip to the grocery store is easily 30 minutes away, gas station is 25 minutes, park is 20 minutes, so you can imagine I do a lot of driving.

There is plenty to do here - lots of art, work and home care. I recently subscribed to this group. It is really helping me take care of my house. You should check it out, it provides wonderful 15 minutes suggestions. I have also bought most of their products and the Sink Reflections book. It has great information.

Sparkle

2009-06-06T14:17:00.008-04:00

Don't you love things that sparkle and dangle? My focus this week has been on jewelry. I can't even remember the last time I created any jewelry pieces, so I decided to replenish my stock.

Some of the pieces were created from hand crafted clay, others from sterling and precious gemstones. This was a lot of fun.

Today, I hope to make some eclectic pieces from some old enamel brooches I have found. Even had to purchase a dremel holding dock to drill the small holes..... this should be interesting..... me and power tools?

2009-05-25T08:09:00.003-04:00

Don't you love it when women help women? Art in the Park was like the last three weeks here in the NC mountains - very wet. It rained 5 out of the 8 hours of the festival. During that time, I met a great woman who offered me so much advice on the set up of my space, etc. She participates in over 30 shows a year. Carolyn also setups and breaks down everything alone. That is amazing to me. She taught me so many tricks. She works in mixed media with inspirational quotes and messages. Her paintings have a metal look but are created with acrylics. Aren't they great?

Thanks Carolyn.

MerleFest!!!!

2009-04-26T23:02:00.003-04:00

Merlefest was a great success!!!! Thanks to all who showed an interest in my art!!

I need a baby girl!!!

2009-03-28T15:48:00.004-04:00

(SOLD)

I really think I need a baby girl. With all the testosterone running around the house, I find myself escaping to paint pretty princesses. This painting was so much fun - acrylics, watercolor, collage.

Reach - Carmen Is Having a Giveaway

2009-03-26T09:47:00.004-04:00

Charming Carmen is having a giveaway. She is giving away a print of her REACH piece. She creates fabulous collage pieces. Go take a look at her blog and etsy shop. Here is a peak of her cropped portion of the painting.

Always Happy

2009-03-19T17:04:00.005-04:00

Hi, long time no see. Busy Busy here. Getting ready for Merlefest - having to create a lot of art for this one.

Also, I am very happy - Because I won the lovely painting from Monica. My first time winning anything. The painting is so beautiful and I love the words "I am the source of Love " Lucky me.

Love Love a Swap and a giveaway

2009-02-22T11:22:00.009-05:00

Look at all the goodies I got from Terisa at Running with Scissors. She sent me a box of fun items to use in one of my mixed media pieces and a beautiful crazy quilt heart. She sells similar treats at her etsy shop.

These velvet leaves will be great wings for one of my Angels and the vintage hanky can be used on one of the fabric dolls. Thanks for the new inspiration Terisa.

Also, Victorian Lady is having a giveaway.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!

2009-02-14T09:31:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful valentines day. Being a newlywed, I wanted to create something that reminded me of my marriage, my great husband and the vows we took.

Waxy Angel

2009-02-11T20:51:00.003-05:00

Here is a little 4x6 painting. It has so much wax on it that the scan is impossible to get clear. She really is pretty in person. Very dreamy.

Monica's Blog Anniversary and Give away

2009-02-11T13:07:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone check out Heart's and Hand's beautiful work. She is having a give away to celebrate her anniversary.

Here is the piece she will be giving away. Isn't it beautiful?

Flying Pigs

2009-02-07T22:18:00.005-05:00

The symbolism for flying pigs is an impossible event coming to pass or as we always say " when pigs fly". Don't we all need to reach for the impossible?

The Farm at Periwinkle Pass

2009-02-03T13:08:00.012-05:00

It has been a while since I found a blog that I wanted to go back and read all the posts from beginning to end.

The first time I did that was with Wyanne and it started me on a new path with art. I can't thank her enough for sharing herself.

Last night, I found another....Farmgirlfare. When I first moved to the NC Mountains, a few years ago, I was on a determine journey to make this a working farm. I had a magnicificent garden and too many chickens to count. But all of this was with the help of a husband who loved the same concept. Here is a look at the 90 x 90 garden and my precious purple chicken coop. There were 3 other coops in the woods.

After a divorce and too many real job responsibilities, I decided it couldn't be accomplished by myself. Farmgirlfare is giving me new hope. Maybe "The Farm at Periwinkle Pass" will be back in motion soon. I may have to hire people to help, but I will make it happen again.

Gratitude Angel

2009-02-01T14:53:00.007-05:00

Today, there are so many things that I am grateful. A son who helped in the front lawn, both boys having their home work done, 3 hours of art time this evening while the men watch the game..... I could go on and on.

Here is my gratitude angel. She was created on wood, with collage elements and acrylics.

invite magic

2009-01-29T09:37:00.003-05:00

latest painting. i need some magic. not enough hours in the days to do it all. send some magic my way.

I used some of the background techiques taught by Wyanne.

Tiny Pillows of Love

2009-01-18T16:58:00.006-05:00

Been sewing up some little pillows of love. These little valentine goodies could be used as present toppers or tree ornaments (don't we all need a valentine tree?). I think I will add some buttons and twine to hang them.

When embroidering these rustic hearts, I thought of words that reminded me of my valentine.

And then there are some going to the new baby girls in our family's (Lily) and friend's (Syndey)lives.

Renea at Pocket full of prettys is having a valentine swap - if anyone wants to join in the full.

Home Care

2009-01-17T22:42:00.003-05:00

Remember my new goal to take better care of my home. Well, how about just sewing up a new home. Here is a new little pillow creation. I will really do anything not to not clean.....

With All My Love

2009-01-15T20:34:00.006-05:00

(SOLD)

Here is a new little painting completed tonight. She was created with acrylics, pastels and fabric. After painting her, I gave her a grungy look with sand paper and then coated her in beeswax.

Today is my lucky day

2009-01-15T11:29:00.005-05:00

Or atleast I choose to believe it.

Most mornings, I have 3 eggs whites with Feta for breakfast. This morning. 2 out of the 3 eggs had double yolks. Some say this is good luck and today I choose to believe this. Here at the Farm at Periwinkle Pass, we used to have chickens - lots of them. So I know that a double yolk really means the hen released two yolks at the same time and they traveled down the oviduct together and are surrounded by one shell. It doesn't really matter how it happened - it just happened for me twice this morning. So today, Iwill have really good luck.

It is snowing right now and the sun is shining. It looks like glitter falling down from the sky.

"BE" - word for 2009

2009-01-12T11:35:00.006-05:00

It has taken me many days in this New Year to decide what my word for the year would be. After thinking through all my options, nothing but "BE" fits.

1. With my recently marriage, my new last name starts with "B" and my childrens last name starts with "E" So our blended family - "BE".

2. I painted a piece a long time ago with "Just BE" as the title.

3. And I live in an area with the initial's BE. Our town tags say "Just BE"

What "BE" represents to me???

Being where I am suppose to be

Doing what I am suppose to be doing

To stop questioning why and just be

comfortable

happy

content

I know a lot of other bloggers have picked the same word or words. Maybe we all are striving to just be.

Snow, Rain, Maybe more Snow

2009-01-11T16:06:00.006-05:00

The weather is keeping us guessing this week. We had snow....

Then it got really warm and the snow melted .....

Now it is freezing again and we are expecting more snow.

My son called me out this afternoon to look at the tiny ice mohawks on the chicken wire. He took the last photo.

My artwork is going in the same direction as the weather. I am having trouble focusing and completing anything.

Headbands

2009-01-09T11:52:00.005-05:00

I love a headband, so here are a few that I have whipped up. Finally, a way to use all those fabric pieces. The headbands are reversible and made with various Anna Maria Horner (I am still having trouble finding her fabrics) and Amy Butler fabrics. My wardrobe is mostly solids - black, taupe, white and brown except for the spatters of paint here and there. These bands are my little way of adding some color to my drab wardrobe.

If I decide to put some makeup on today or tomorrow, I will get my sons to take a photo of me wearing one.

Slowly sewing again

2009-01-07T13:10:00.005-05:00

Remember a few posts back, I was going to start caring for my home more. Well, I am just making more of a mess.

Now there are strings everywhere...

Inspired by Donna Downey's art journal, I attempted to create my own. I had a roll of canvas given to my son after some art classes, so I cut 10 5x7 pieces and sewed them to various pieces of fabric. As usual, I started to over think the whole process and thought there was a need to learn how to bind a book. But, I stopped and told myself to just sew and not worry about it being perfect and here it is in less than an hour.

Now, if I had really been thinking I would have painted on those 5x7 pieces of canvas first - lesson learned. The goal is to now make this my inspiration art book.

Donna has a class on creating an inspiration journal from various papers and fabric. After completing the canvas book, that is my next project.

It is sleeting and snowing here. Nothing to do but create.

Had to Share this

2008-12-16T20:28:00.004-05:00

wanted to share this...

Anna Maria Horner Inspiration

2008-12-16T14:55:00.006-05:00

I picked up Anna Maria Horner's book a couple of weeks ago and I am loving it. The painting below was inspired by her "right off the cuff" photo in the book. Today I went to the only fabric store in my little town. No Anna Maria there. I prefer to touch and feel the fabric before I buy it, so I will keep looking. If you are into sewing projects, this book is great - check it out.

Today I mailed out my last commission for the holidays and my plan is to switch gears for a couple of weeks. I am going to focus on my home. Over the past few months I have been having a lot of work done here - an addition of a new bedroom, bath and studio space. The end is nowhere in sight. My house is in complete disarray. It is becoming very depressing. So............ I am going to tidy up and redecorate the untouched spaces.

I forgot to mention

2008-12-08T17:28:00.002-05:00

Oh by the way....Yesterday was my 2 week anniversary. I got married to a wonderful man on the 23rd. We were married in Captiva, FL. It was beautiful.

My Dear Sweet Son

2008-12-05T22:19:00.002-05:00

I just posted all the 6 x 6 canvas pieces on Etsy.

My dear sweet son just made me laugh so hard. He said " mom, you should stop labeling these painting with "FACE IT". They don't have any faces".

More Facing It

2008-12-03T14:25:00.004-05:00

YEAH!!! The kids went back to school today. YES!

Completed this little 6x8 "Face it with Grace". I really like the way the acylics washes show the music sheet and paper pieces.

I need to start working on Christmas decorating and such.

Oh by the way.... it is my oldest son's 13th birthday, but he won't let me post about him. Fixing his favorite dinner and cake this afternoon.

I am rambling today.

Later.

Face it with Hope and Faith

2008-12-02T13:15:00.008-05:00

It continued to snow through out the night. I am officially stuck in the house - "hibernating" so I am "Facing it with Hope and Faith". You don't have any idea. My drive is 1/2 mile long and never see's the sunlight. Driving down it can be an adventure.

The good news is I am painting up a storm - a snow storm. It feels good to be using the supplies on hand. I am notorious for going to the art supply store because - I HAVE TO - to start a new piece. Today I used some 6 x 6 canvas sheets to create some partial girls. Tomorrow, I need to go out and find some 6 x 6 frames. In the mean time, I mounted one of them on burlap and placed it in a large matted frame from Target. What do you think?

Also, today I started a commission piece for a special "Memaw". I am really excited to start this one. The painting will be created using old photographs that were saved from her home during Katrina.

Until tomorrow.....pray for school to be in session tomorrow. These boys are getting stir crazy.

Winter Wonderland

2008-12-01T07:46:00.004-05:00

Well, I have been out of town for 10 days and I come back to a winter wonderland. It is beautiful!!!! You can't see the snow blowing in the photo, but is is really coming down.

I am in a crunch to feed the kids because I didn't go to the market after returning from the airport. Milk was the only staple I picked up at the convenience store. I thought I would have plenty of time to go today during their school day - but No School today. I am sure there is some cake mix and icing stuffed some where in the pantry. They probably wouldn't oject to cupcakes for breakfast, would they?

So many exciting things have happened over the last ten days. Visited Captiva, Key West and Marco Island. I will post about them later. I need to feed these children.

Peaceful Sunday

2008-11-16T12:36:00.003-05:00

The kids are at a ballgame today. It is peaceful and quiet - and I am so grateful for this time to get things done.

Here is another crackled angel - Blessed.

Faith Angel

2008-11-14T21:32:00.002-05:00

New distressed angel..... She is on a 8x10 chunky canvas with lots of collage papers, vintage hymn sheets and crackle.

Going to go post her now.

Seasons of Life

2008-11-08T17:53:00.014-05:00

Hi Everyone, After finishing these pieces (using the Taking Flight techniques), I noticed they had the colors of the seasons. So, I collaged the Season words and some phrases I thought represent what we should do during those times.

Living here in the NC mountains, we definitely get to experience all of the seasons. During my previous winter months here, I usually don't joy myself. It is cold, snowy and gray here. This year, I have decided that Winter will be a time for me to reflect and create as much as possible.

This collection is 4 little 6x6 inch canvas with acrylics, oils, collage papers, vintage music sheets and pattern pieces. I will be placing them in my Etsy shop tonight. Here are some bigger images.

New Little Commission - Bee Angel

2008-11-07T14:49:00.004-05:00

Here is a little commission piece. The bee angel is created on a old piece of repurposed wood with scripture collaged in the background. She is painted with acrylics and has fabric pieces added to her dress.

Experimenting with Taking Flight Techniques

2008-11-02T15:23:00.002-05:00

Hidden Message

2008-10-23T09:47:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone, today I was doing a little cleaning in the studio. While dusting I found this little carving on my chest. This chest was purchased at a second hand store over a year ago. Today was the first time I noticed "tenacious". I prefer the "willful" definition as opposed to "bullheaded".

Anyway, then I noticed the "D". Wondering who D is - I googled it? A satirical rock band with Jack Black in it. So obviously this chest belong to a teenager.

I think I am just going to ignore the "D" and just focus on the tenacious piece.

Wooly Worm was Wonderful

2008-10-18T20:53:00.004-04:00

The festival was a great success. More than 40 of my paintings have sold and a few commission orders have been placed. This was surprising to me because it was so cold on Saturday - I really didn't think people would come out. It is amazing how many people still come out to race the worms!!!! I heard there were over eight thousand people at the festival.

I met so many interesting people and thanks to everyone who was interested in my art. You really made me feel great and inspired.

I will have an Etsy update this afternoon of some originals and prints.

Thanks again.

Preppy Princess

2008-10-12T12:57:00.006-04:00

(SOLD)
Life is busy here at Periwinkle Pass. The paintings are mounting up - this festival is making me finish a lot of "unfinished" projects. The scanner is humming and prints are being made. Love the fact that I finally figure out how to do the piecing together of my larger pieces.

I am creating a couple of series - Some angels, some princesses (inspired by so many of my friends are having baby girls these days, some houses (inspired by an ongoing addition to my own home - will it ever end!!!) and some halloween goodies.

Finally, below is a photo of a tiny wooly worm. Just in time for the festival.

WOW!!! It has been a long time.

2008-10-03T14:35:00.005-04:00

(SOLD - thanks lisa)

It has been forever since I last posted. Apologies to my friends out there. I was accepted into the local festival and I have been crazy trying to get enough paintings, etc for it.

Here is one of the larger pieces I have been working working on. I saw a cross stitch pattern with the 8 table manners on it once. I have saved the clipping for years - knowing I wanted to make it into a painting. How many times have I told my boys these things.

I promise to catch up with everyone as soon as I get my head above water.

Here is a link to the Wooly Worm festival. Yes, we race worms. It is so much fun. Over 1000 participate in the race.

The Witch Has Arrived.

2008-08-30T14:31:00.005-04:00

(SOLD)

Hey...Can this count as a clay creation and a painting in order to meet my goal for the week? I have included the two in one piece. The canvas was collaged with tissue paper and the sides were covered in fabic.

I am really getting in the mood for Halloween. I even promised the kids they could have a Halloween party with 20 guests!!!

Tricky

2008-08-23T20:40:00.008-04:00

(SOLD)

Getting ready for Halloween.

Angels and Witches

2008-08-22T17:18:00.004-04:00

Today, I made use of some scrap building materials. I am having a greenhouse built out of old windows I have collected over the years and there is lots of scrap wood around here.

After covering the wood in torn sheets from books, I painted angels and witches. Maybe I am feeling a little bi - polar today. hahaha!!!

Notice how one eye on every girl is smaller....My son James has one eye that is smaller than the other. Maybe I will never be able to correct this in my painting.

New Goals

2008-08-20T09:09:00.004-04:00

Recently, I have found myself not really creating alot. New interests have been coming my way. There are way too many thoughts in my little head. My mother always called me a "wanderlust". Well, I am definitely roving around in my thoughts - in my head.

So to get focused, I am setting the goal of creating one painting, one doll and one clay goodie each week..................... Wish me luck.

Can I take a class on how to operate my Scanner????

2008-08-18T16:34:00.007-04:00

(SOLD)

Here is my latest piece of work. It went very fast. Last night in less than a hour, I drew the angel and painted her. The background was already complete - it was a canvas collaged with a vintage sewing pattern instruction sheet and then cover with Golden Liquid "Gold".

I really liked the way it turned out, but here is my dilemma. The first photo is from my camera, the second from my scanner. First of all, I work on computers all day and don't know how to piece together an entire painting in Photoshop. I am challenged. I would like to begin making prints, but until I get through this learning curve...........

Any suggestions??? Do I need to go take a class??? HELP ME!!!! Do you make prints from your photo's or your scans?

Working in 3's

2008-08-14T12:20:00.008-04:00

(SOLD)
I have a horrible habit of 3's. I buy things in 3's - same 3 pair of shoes or shirts, etc. - just in different colors. It is a slight obession.

Over the last few weeks, I decided to incorporate it in my art. Here is a painting, a clay creation and a painted fabric doll. This is an "everyday angel holding your heart". The words are on the clay creation and the painting (in French). The fabric doll is not going to be finished. Her hair is annoying me and I don't want to finish her.

The photo isn't great. I am having trouble with the lighting again. Oh well.

A little note to Heather and Heather - Berkeley's painting will go out in the mail tomorrow. I tried to get it out on Monday, but had to leave town for a few days. So, tomorrow I promise!!!

Clay and Cloth

2008-07-30T12:10:00.004-04:00

Well, I definitely need some detailed instructions. After reading Mystele's post about adding paper clay over one of her fabric dolls, I thought....I can do that.

I had a soft cloth doll I had the intention of creating for my friend Heather's baby - Sydney. She was made of fabric strips and I was going to paint and embroider on her face, but I made the head too small.

The process was fairly simple, but my painting on her face is a little scary..... a little Angelica Houston 'ish. Scary Angelica!!! Oh well, on to the next one...... maybe a little more sanding and some arms and legs?????

Here is my second attempt today. I decided to focus only on the faces. This time I just made a circle of fabric and filling, then painted it. This is so fun.....

Lovely Mystele

2008-07-28T18:53:00.006-04:00

Hey guys, Mystele is having a great giveway. You need to go visit her blog or her youtube videos and leave a comment. You can also visit her Etsy shop or Ebay listings. The drawing will be Thursday evening.

Her latest painting on Ebay is gorgeous - Wade in the water.

I have one of her paintings and it is wonderful. She is full of inspiration and hope and joy.

Organizing - Cleaning

2008-07-27T16:12:00.007-04:00

I am sooooo messy. Most of the day, I have been organizing my supplies and cleaning. How do things get so out of control in a matter of days?

This week I am home taking vacation with no plans to go anywhere. I am in heaven. Just time with my boys and my art supplies. My brushes were overflowing the holders I was using - so I took a couple of cans and repurposed them with a little spray paint. This was in some magazine a couple of months ago. I think they look cute. One was used as a flower vase.

Over the last week, I received a couple of treats. I will post them tomorrow.

Funny Thing Happened

2008-07-20T17:05:00.002-04:00

Funny thing happened while I was out of town. I live in the middle of no where on about 18 acres. While I was out of town, I get a call from my boyfriend saying there is a herd of cows on the lawn late one night. So to my delight, when I got home, my lawn is covered in piles of cow paddies and they ate all the flowers. Good news is I won't have to weed eat for a week or so.

Anyway this is the one of the few remaining flowers growing in the crack of the patio. My sole surviver.

Finally some work done

2008-07-18T15:27:00.003-04:00

(SOLD)
This is a painting I started a long time ago. I reworked her face 5 times. Maybe I will name her angel with many facelifts.

Lovely Mystele

2008-07-12T08:35:00.008-04:00

First, the lovely Mystele has sent me an award of encouragement. It is completely the other way around. Everyday, I touch base with her blog to see what she is up to, fill uplifted and inspired. My son is even wanting to know what Mystele is creating today.

Second, I received a beautiful painting of hers today. (it probably came a while ago, but you can see from the lack of posts, I have been away for a while) I love love love it.

So on to people how encourage and inspire me. Many of you have already been sent this award, so thanks again for great words and works.

Wyanne (a wonderful mentor)

(The rules for receiving this award are:

1) Put the logo on your blog.

2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.

3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.

4) Add links to those blogs on yours.

5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs)

From James to Donna

2008-06-23T17:49:00.004-04:00

My son James has just made this stamped painting for his Aunt Donna. He used gel paints, stamps, ink and ribbons to create this 4X6 on canvas. Donna, he will give it to you this week in Pineville.

Thanks to all who put instructional u-tubes out there (mystele, suziblue, wyanne). He sits with me all the time to watch.

New Friends

2008-06-23T16:15:00.004-04:00

James, my youngest son, found this guy in our atrium this afternoon. We had been hearing him a week or so. James rescued him and took him to the pond.

SMILE

2008-06-19T19:25:00.004-04:00

(SOLD)
Here is today's painting. My children's father brought me some outdoor lanterns this past weekend. They had the tags from the shop they come from in Banner Elk named Pleasing Mona. I love the tag so I decided to create a painting around them.

So, this painting has various papers, the letters I referred to in an earlier post and dictionary clippings and the tag.

More Word Paintings

2008-06-18T11:39:00.005-04:00

Here are some new "little word" paintings that I created yesterday. I had a great weekend where I found lots of old teasures. Old letters, stamps, paper dolls.

I spent almost 3 hours reading some of the letters I bought. They were all to a Mary back in the 1920's. She had a friend, Florence, who stated she wished she could be like Mary and stick to one guy - but couldn't because she had so many choices.

This painting "So Many Choices" has parts of her letter, the dictionary clipping of choice and a children's poem "Choosing". I found it funny that the words "choice" and "choke" are both on the same page in this dictionary. How many times have I choked when making a choice? Too many to count. Anyway this was fun.

The other painting says "Just Ask". I included various papers and a jewelry piece. It is small 4X6. There is a little glare from the sun light. I will work on better pictures later.

I hope to have time later tonight to catch up with everyone. Summer is crazy - jugging full time job, full time children, gardening, painting, fitness, grass to cut. Speaking of I have to get pictures of the pink mower on here.

Later.

Tammy

Invasion of the moths

2008-06-14T09:48:00.003-04:00

We are being invaded by many varieties of moths this week. Here is just one example.

Long week of travel

2008-06-13T23:33:00.005-04:00

I am finally home from a long week of work travel. Feeling a little jet lag. There won't be a lot of creations here this weekend. I am hitting the road again for personal reasons. I will make sure to pack my camera. Maybe I will get some new IDEAS or inspirations.

I am going to post a couple more items on EBAY and ETSY tomorrow.

Friendship

2008-06-08T15:19:00.002-04:00

This is for you Heather.

Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask; "because you are my friend".

Friendship is like peeing in your pants, everyone can see it, but only you can feel the true warmth.

I got this poem from Seeking Simplicity.