Design a life you LOVE

Just a quick shop update, I added three NEW card prints to my store yesterday. These are prints, I had fun with in photo shop. I thought they would be cute cards, this one is a cropped print from an original painting I did a few months ago. The original went to Ireland :0) I changed the colors a bit to give it a fashionable "grungy" look and added text. This was the text I used originally, but it was cropped out of the photo. I went in and added it digitally, I think it has a twilight look. The girls have wine colored eyes and pale skin......that is vampire-ish......don't you think??? These are available in my ETSY store------->

New painting and MORE

I was up before the sun this morning. My new furry friend, who decided he was going to live with us needed to go have his "situation" taken care of this morning. Lucky for us, our county is having a spay and neuter program this year. I was able to take Enzo (new cat) to a drop off this morning, where they will transport him to a vet and have him neutered and shots for $20. Thanks to the kindness from a private donation, Kenton county residents can help curb our cat population, with this low cost treatment. I have only lived in this city for a few years, one of the first things I noticed about this area were the cats, EVERYWHERE, it was like something I have never seen before. Wild cats all over. I was not the only person who thought this was problem, many rescues were to the limit with cats. The shelter put down so many cats last year, that someone decided to help with this program. I have three cats, I did not need another, but what can you do when they find you?? now I have four. I will pick him up tomorrow, and then he will meet the rest of my cat crew.

Next up, I had a great weekend at an art show. I love to meet people and show my work. The feedback was encouraging, and overwhelming. I want to thank everyone for all the kindness. It really helps me gain focus and see what people like.

My latest project was something I created originally to add text to digitally. I left an area free, photographed it and added the text in photo shop. I am using it to create affirmation cards in the future. The original however, is too cute. The blonde girlie, is wearing a dimensional dress created with tissue and glitter. I think it is perfect for a teen/preteen/tween room. I am going to list it in my ETSY store, the buyer can have the option to add whatever text they want to the original piece. I usually paint chipboard and add the word or name to the piece. I can add a phrase, or really whatever the client would like. The only thing I cannot do, is change the color of hair, dress and background. So if you are interested in a semi-custom piece. Click here to see the listing.

Jon Isherwood 1997 'Jonah's Passage', Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton Ohio

Jon Isherwood 1997 'Jonah's Passage', Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton Ohio
Originally uploaded by hanneorla

This is going to be a quick post, I am still unpacking from this past weekend. I was luck enough to be invited to share space with a great new friend at Pyramid Hill this past weekend. Our tent was in front of this fantastic piece of art. I forgot my camera so I poped over to Flickr to find one :)
The weather was perfect, the weekend was fun. I will be back tomorrow to give you a better recap.
For now, I need to inventory ETSY.....sold a bunch of originals, but I still have Halloween pieces.

Party Plans

I am still creating 3d dresses in my paintings. Here is a peek at my latest, pink confection. Her dress was created with black tissue and glitter. I think it may be a little too early for prom, so maybe she is going to homecoming. She has crystals in her hair and is dancing under more party lights :)

I have not added any words to the actual piece, the text was added in a photo program. I may not add text to the actual piece, still a work in progress. I did order a few prints with the text added to see if I liked the way that worked better than adding my own handwriting.

Just a quick update, I will be at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park for an art show. This one is a two day event, Saturday and Sunday. The weather is suppose to be nice, I am sharing a space.....come see us:)

The Pixie Cottage is having a fundraiser for Autism. A budding new artist has designed a couple of cute stamps and they are selling them to raise money. Click here to read about Sienna and her unique stamps.

Dreams We Share

This is a peek at a new painting I created this week. I just finished it last night. I used the Graphic45 Steampunk paper again (totally LOVE) This won't be my last creation with that wonderful collection. I love the color scheme of this set, so you will see it in my work again. I wanted to try something different with the background. I used a paper punch and created a wall of squares or maybe we can say a paper quilt?? I punched different elements of the paper to create a base and them added paint, ink and distressing.

This piece is 11x14 on a wood box panel, I left the sides natural wood. The girls have hair created from the print of paper. I added scrabble tiles and few left over metal gears from my last steampunk project. Available here....although it will be hard for me to let this one go :)

Party on......

I still LOVE the look of party lights...... with this in mind, I created a second painting. This one has my favorite saying/quote, I'm not sure where it came from, "Life's too short, keep your party dress on"

Inspired from a fashion drawing I came across last week, I created this piece. I painted the background on a 9x12 wood panel and then sketched and colored a "paper doll" separately. I had a piece of kraft tissue paper, so I decided to create a faux leopard print with markers. I layered the tissue over a piece of pattern paper and finished with bronze glitter stickles. I think she has a Barbie doll look, which I love. For more photos see the listing- Original available here

I think this will add a fun touch to any girls room/office/studio-- Would be a great Christmas gift, it's not too early to start shopping :)

Dance like no one is watching....

So here is quick insight to my creative path... don't worry its a short path. First I found this song that is playing on my blog player. I thought what a fun happy song.......next dinner at a Mexican restaurant.....ooh I love the hanging lights! ............my vision: Young girl in a handmade dress... dancing as no one is watching, carefree and happy on a warm starry night. Maybe she is in love or has had too many margaritas.....WAIT that last girl is me.......scratch that.....back to happy young girl dancing.

I started this wanting a 3d effect on her dress. I remember an article I read in Somerset (issue Jan/Feb08) I found it, and tried the technique from Vanessa Valencia. After painting my background and using collage papers to create the town, I adhered my doll and started to create her dress from crumpled vintage atlas paper. I also added vintage sheet music and a bit of German glass glitter. I built the dress around the ruffle train, by placing cut pieces of print paper. I finished her dress with a couple of tiny handmade flowers that were given to me by my friend Sandy Vint.

When I look at her dress I remember the movie Pretty in Pink. Molly Ringwald's character creates her own prom dress with scraps and pieces from other dresses. Didn't everyone think that was the coolest? We all wanted to try making our own trendy clothes for a short while, the 80's were great :)

12x16 Birch wood box panel. 1.5 wide natural sides. mat finish. If interested in purchase please feel free to contact me.

New Print Listed-

Good afternoon! This is just a quick post to let you know I will be offering prints of my 6x12 and 12x24 wood collages. The first one up is "Are you a GOOD WITCH or a BAD WITCH?" This is a print of the original painting featured in Somerset Studio. The print is on 8.5x11 mat photo paper, the image measures about 5x10, it has a white border. It can be matted and framed or left as it and popped into a quick frame.

Celebrate!!

This week marks our two year birthday with Dixie! She is a tiny 10 pound ball of fire, who is creating a tornado as I type. She was rescued by an angel ( a volunteer who works endlessly to save the dogs that cruel humans disregard) and came to be adopted into my furry family. She was rescued by Lisa a volunteer at Bluegrass Boxer Rescue, although Dixie is not a boxer by any means :) they do not turn their back to any animal in need. She was so scared and under weight when she came home.....but now she is plump and feisty! Dixie rules the house, and rules a kingdom of cats that is ever increasing. We celebrated with organic pizza cookies, which are a new favorite, found here at the Celtic Canine Cafe This picture of Dixie was taken her first week of rescue......now she won't hold still for photo. All she wants to do is give me her kisses and dance for treats!

Next up! I am selling my Cricut and cartridges-- great deal on ebay Click here I have the small one and 6 great cartridges PLUS the deep cut blade, 2 sticky pads and a spatula! Make me an offer! I want to remodel my studio and I have my eye on a great table, so I'm selling my toys :)

Monday Morning Update!

Hey stampers I wanted to let you know about my digi stamp! I created a South-End witch for all my stamping friends! Check her out at the Pixie Cottage Please be sure to let me know if you create a card with her and I will post it right here! I think she needs some black and white socks!

Through the rain....

Good SUNDAY morning! We had a great day at Art in the Park, but we did get wet. The first down pour was a mess. I had to pull everything to the center of my tent. After that I was completely unorganized. Cards here, there,...... everywhere! Luckily, the ground has been dry for weeks. It soaked up all the moisture so we weren't standing in mud all day. Funny thing about art shows, you never know what the people will want. I expected my fall and Halloween to be the seller, but it was mermaids and birds! I love fall, but I'm not ready for summer to be gone quite yet, I guess I'm not the only one :)

My latest Halloween is listed, another spooky little witch! Click here to see her listing

"Best Witches" is done on 6x12 wood. Dark hair and light aqua eyes, her kitty cat is watching the stars with her on this dark night.

Friday UPDATE!!

Just a quick update! If you are local please come see me at Art in the PARK tomorrow! I am packing up EVERYTHING and setting up a tent by the beautiful OHIO river, Saturday Sept 11 from 11t0 5 My online stores will be closed Saturday (actually late tonight) I will try to reopen by Monday after I take inventory. Please pray for a clear day :)

SteamPunk LOVE

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a great week, I am :) This week I finished a large 12x24 wood entitled "Discover". Why discover?? because I discovered steampunk!!! actually I discovered Graphic45 Steampunk Debutante I used the paper on this entire piece. I combined the fabulous prints with acrylic paint, charcoal, inks, and my illustration. I finished it in mat spray and added Tim Holtz metal gears to her hair and trees as more 3d embellishments. The word "Discover" was stamped with vintage wood stamps. I love the colors, deep teal greens, terra cotta, black and golds. This piece is going, to Art in the Park this weekend. I'm praying for great weather.

Monday Morning Update

Happy Labor Day! It is a beautiful weekend. I had company yesterday, we had a great time at a picnic and concert. Hope you all are having a great holiday!

I will be at Art in the Park this Saturday, riverside in Bellevue KY. I will close down my stores this weekend, and re-open Monday after I have adjusted my inventory. If you have your eye on an original get it now :)

This is my latest "Autumn Sunrise"

12x24 wood. Full of crisp colors and wistful breezes, this beauty stands among the leaves and plump pumpkins. My favorite part of this are the flowers with the ruler and alphabet stems. I added vintage buttons and ephemera. Gold leafing outlines the leaves. Opalescent chalks give a glow to the tree. This is one of favorites by far. This piece will is going to the art show, contact me if you are interested.

Thank you EVERYONE!

I want to THANK EVERYONE for all the wonderful emails and comments on my Somerset artwork! I am so excited to see it out in the stores! I'm getting ready for art in the park next weekend, so most new artwork is on hold. I am currently taking custom orders, there is about a 3 week turnaround. Please contact me through either of my two stores. Links to the right :)

I just found Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante. LOVE it. Had to have it. Bought it all. I am excited to add a little steampunk in one of my pieces. I have the vision, now I just have to gather up the supplies. Thank you again!

If you are in the Northern Kentucky/ Cincinnati area, I will be in Bellevue, Sept 11 for Art in the Park. My items are also available in the Creative Hands Artisan studio, located in Fusion gallery in Bellevue. Shop hop is TONIGHT, they are open late. Have dinner...shop Bellevue.....buy handmade. :)