Soldier and His Bride

Yesterday started a little rough at work, but the day ended so beautifully. I was fortunate enough to accompany my daughter on a photo shoot of a special wedding on the beach. The most beautiful bride and handsome groom...it couldn't have been more perfect. He in his dress blues and she in her Cinderella gown. Operation Open Arms helped make this possible for the bride and groom and spectators as well.
http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florida/2011-12-09/Soldier-marries-bride-in-Operation-Open-Arms-wedding-

Sunday with the family

Today is the last day of Thanksgiving Vacation.  Back to the real job tomorrow.  I love this time at home with my husband and kids, even though the kids are a Seniors, one in High School and one in College; they still love to be around ole mom and dad.  I'm very blessed.  So between all the things they had going on with friends and school they still had time to go and pick out the tree and help decorate the house.  I will miss them when they are gone doing their own thing, but for now I will enjoy every minute and be thankful.


P.S.
I was also delighted to see that I sold a Tree Skirt off Etsy last night.   Great way to start the day.

Have a wonderful day everyone,
Susie

Decorating time is here!

Early to rise again today, everyone is still sleeping.  Enjoy a cup of coffee (or two) before opening the attic and getting Christmas decorations down.  I have high hopes of getting all decorated by the end of day tomorrow.  Then I can work on the outside of the house and plant some red flowers and add a few lights here and there.  I just love this time of year. 

Wishing everyone a blessed day, and hope you are doing things you love.

The day after Thanksgiving means getting the house ready for Christmas Decorating.  No black Friday shopping here.  I don't enjoy the stress of all that mess, and there really isn't anything that I need to purchase in the craziness.   I enjoy a nice day at home with my family and then later on in the weekend go shopping with my daughter in Naples and out for a nice lunch together. 

So I am signing off for today to transition my home from fall to Christmas.  I hope everyone has a blessed day doing what ever makes you happy.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Florida.  What a beautiful day the lord has made, let us rejoice.  It will be strangely different today, as our family is missing a member this year.  My grandmother went on her Heavenly journey several months ago to join my grandfather.  It seems every time our family gets together (and there are a lot of us), I'm always waiting for grandma and grandpa to show up.  I am thankful that I have been so fortunate to have my grandparents in my life all the way to my adult life and in my kid's life.

Today we will go to mom and dad's house to celebrate.  It's also mom's Birthday!  Happy Birthday to my mother and best friend. 

2011 Christmas Ornaments

Here a just a few of my 2011 Hand painted Christmas Ornaments.  I sold several the other night when I was invited to bring my items to a Sorority fundraiser gathering.  Along with a couple other guests, one selling "Thirty One" and the other selling "Park Lane Jewelry".  What a good grouping of items to choose from.
We had more fun just visiting and laughing.  There's nothing quite like getting together with good people and just relaxing.

Thank you friends:)                         Ornaments are available for sale on ETSY and my Selling Blog

 Today I remember why I paint.  Work has been very stressful for several weeks and I feel into the habit of going home and doing anything but be creative.  Today was finally a turning point.  Not sure how it happened but glad it did.  With I pod attached to my head, I started painting some projects that need finishing....I literally feel the stress roll off my shoulders. 

I know I keep showing you sneak peeks of my Christmas items I'm working on.....but I had to show you my work table today with several projects going at once.  Two floor cloths a table runner and a table square.  I've finally got a good flow going and will post pictures of finished products soon.  By that time I hope to have some more Christmas tree skirts started.

Work in Progress - painted ornaments

Starting my hand painted ornaments.  Here they are just hanging around drying so it's a good time to update the blog.

Work in Progress

After all the canvas prepping - stretching, hemming and priming it is finally time to get to the fun stuff.

Tree Skirt in progress

Table Runner in progress

  These are not complete just yet, but getting close.

Custom order

I did this table square for a customer just the other day.  She liked the one I made previously, but isn't into crows like I am.  So we decided on a few pumpkins and bittersweet.  She loves it. 

Custom order - table square

Getting closer to painting the design

Just a few more steps left while preparing canvas for paint and design.

Prepping Canvas

Prepping canvas for floor cloths and table runners.  Getting ready for Christmas items.

Hot water, sponge and wallpaper tool

Home Shows?? Pros and Cons

I'm toying with the idea of doing a home show for Christmas items.  I realize I don't have a lot of time to contemplate this, but since I have depleted my Fall stock I'm going to start concentrating on Christmas.  I just don't want to end up with items that I have to keep storing.  So doing a show I could take orders on items that sell out..................I just don't know.  Has anyone every done this before?

Antiquing Day

Fun day of Antiquing in Arcadia with my mom, Aunt Peggy and Linda.  We started in Punta Gorda at a small shops Harvest Gathering.  Managed to purchase a Ball jar filled with clove scented candle. Then off to Arcadia for the Antique street sales.  All of the shops were open as well.  Picked up a few more items, but wanted much much more.  We had a very nice lunch in a cafe where a gentleman was playing guitar and singing.  It was very nice.  Great Day!

39 Days till Halloween

Wow how time flies. I just sold my little bear today at work, now I really need to start working on Christmas items.  I seem to do this every year, I think I have time to relax and just sell the fall items and then BOOM it's time to really have some Christmas inventory ready.  One day I will learn....maybe 

Pumpkin Bear

Pumpkin and Crow Table Square

More pictures on my Selling blog

36"X36" Table Square

I love the idea of a table square as an alternative to the table runner. This option gives more room for the art.
36"X36" is all hand painted by me on heavy weight canvas and sealed with several coats of polyurethane.  Just like my table runners and floor cloths, table squares are easy to care for.  Just wipe clean.
$45.00 plus shipping

New Selling Blog

I'm trying out a new Selling blog. Opening day today! I've posted several fall items. Wish me luck.

Yellow Butterflies

Today my family says our final goodbyes to my grandmother.  She lived a strong and full life for 90 years.  I could never explain to anyone who didn't know her that although she was 90 years old she had the mind and body of someone many years younger.  She loved her family, was a great cook, and pretty lucky when she gambled.  She and my grandfather, who passed away 4 years ago, would travel cross country in the trailer and finally Class A motorhome.  They love life and live a full and happy one.  I know that grandpa is so happy to have her with him once again. 

Saturday

It's a very hot and humid morning in SW Florida, but I'm not going to let that take the Fall spirit out of me. This is the time of year that I create a Fall space in my home that takes me to a place in my mind where there is a change of seasons. You would think that I would be okay with the Florida seasons since I've been living it for over 40 years, but I have to work hard not to get depressed...is this strange?

Right now on my painting table is a table topper that I'm creating. Full moon, crow and pumpkin. I'll post the pictures very soon.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Work in Progress

Just finished, but will get a better picture tomorrow with more natural lighting.

Here is a before picture, still have a few things to do with this scarecrow.

Labor Day Weekend

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I really am loving having 3 days off. I'm working on a pumpkin scarecrow doll and hope to have some pictures posted before my weekend is over. I'll be back soon...

It's been way to long.

What better way to get back to blogging than posting a new product. Looking so forward to Halloween.

I have wanted to make these sconces for some time now, but had a hard time coming up with a way to make it work. I'm so excited with the way these have turned out.

This posting is for ONE sconce. I have sculpted the Jack-o-lantern using paper mache' and paper clay. 100% handmade even his little leaf. They will vary slightly in size, color and facial appearance. Each sconce includes a battery operated flicker votive that has been covered in a grungy mixture.
The sconce hangs easily on a wire loop located at the base of the stem. He is so light he could be hung by a small tack or nail. Approximately 9"X9" stem not included.

I have shown him in both light and candle light. I love the soft glow he gives off. Would be so cute in an entryway for Halloween.
$18.00 each plus $8.00 for travel.
SOLD - if still interested please email me directly at Susiewhc@gmail.com  

It's been awhile

I've neglected my blog for sometime now. I'm busy getting things completed for my WSOAPP.org site and ETSY. I will start posting them as soon as I can, hopefully by the end of the week.