Looking Forward

Getting ready to welcome 2013.   This floor cloth was inspired by another quilt design.  I love quilts, but would rather paint than stitch.

21/4'X 4' floor cloth - heritage red, black and bread basket make up the colors of this quilt inspired floor cloth.

Floor cloths are very durable, easy to clean and pet friendly. They are a wonderful way to add more art to your home....art you can walk on. I personally use floor cloths in most rooms of my home, including under the kitchen table. They all still look great!

I use a heavy weight canvas that I prepare for paint by preshrinking the fabric and hemming with mitered corners. These floor cloths lay flat.

I prim both sides of floor cloth and add two coats of base color to decorated side. Sanding is done between coats and finally the design is painted. After paint cures I apply several coats of polyurethane to both sides. This will protect from moisture and traffic. The finishing touch is rubbing on and buffing off some Johnson's floor wax for extra protection.

Teddy for all Seasons

Spring Cone flower costume is made from a mixture of green felt for stem (that holds the flower hat on), homespun fabric for flower and the butter fly that has perched itself on top of the butterfly net.

 This little bear just loves to play dress up. I am currently creating more "costumes" for him and will update as soon as possible. So far I have three different seasons prepared; fall, winter and spring.**

The bear itself is a pattern from Sweet Meadows Farm.
He sits about 12" tall and made from brown loopy fur.

Available now on my Etsy and soon on my Selling Blog

Fall Pumpkin costume is made of warm homespun colors and has been slightly coffee stained. The felted pocket on the front of his suit is hand stitched and has a bunch of Sweet Annie stashed inside.

Winter Snowman costume is made from a chenille bed spread, two big buttons, a warm red scarf and I top it off with a "snow" covered felt top hat. Candy cane also included.

New floor cloth designs

 Here are a few pictures of my new floor cloth design I just listed in my selling blog.  Go to my selling blog for size and color availability.  Willow Hollow's Selling Blog

It's a new year

Wow I can't believe it has been so long since I last posted anything.  It was important to me to take the time away from the web and Christmas orders to be able to concentrate on hand made gifts for family and family time.  Now we are back from our annual New Years Camping trip and I ready to get organized and start working on new items for my shop.  I'll be in touch more often...promise

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

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.

Saltbox Houses

I love Saltbox Houses.  I made these for the shows a couple of years ago.  Always thought I take the time to make one for myself.  Maybe this year!

Willow tablerunner

Willow Tree tablerunner. Simple color and design.

Gourd Art

Gourd bowl with fall leaves that I used a wood burner to create. Then painted and used wood stain. I really enjoyed working with gourds....very messy work, but well worth it.

Fall floorcloth. I liked how this one turned out. I really like doing the painting on a crackled background. Finished it with some wood stain to really make it blend.

I sold all of my stock last year but would make more if you are interested. Email me at Susiewhc@gmail.com

Worn Quilt Floorcloth

This piece is inspired by an old quilt a dear friend gave me. It is 44" x 32" and is very durable and wipes clean as needed.
Email me with requests or questions at Willowhollowcreations@embarqmail.com


$75.00

This is a new floor cloth I'm currently working on. It is inspired by an old quilt a friend just gave me. I plan on keeping a distressed look
with this one and use some antique on it. So here is a preview
of the work in progress.

It's almost craft show time! I gearing up for the "Folk Art Shows" in October here in the Fort Myers area. Last year they canceled so I hope all will go well this year. Here is a picture of my booth 2 years ago. This is how I display my floor cloths and table runners. Boy it was a great show.

Lilac Tablerunner. 47" X 13" is available on my Etsy site. http://willowhollowcreation.etsy.com/ for 35.00.

If you are interested in this item or maybe a different size, please email me at Willowhollowcreations@embarqmail.com

More little Rag Dolls

I call her Maggie. I had to finish these gals up for a custom order. Now I can get busy on some new floorcloths. I will post and share real soon.