Art Is Therapy

Where am I?

2011-12-31T17:07:00.000-08:00

I must apologize for being so negligent. I don't have a very believeable excuse other than time. Too many things going on in I worked on Halloween lamps this year and did quite well on ebay with them - not so hot with the Christmas offers however. Once we all feel a little more secure with our present financial situations I suppose there will be more buyers and less lookers. I do the same thing. I look and look and look and then decide I shouldn't spend the money yet....( that is if it is something most folks would consider frivolous ) I've included here a shot of my last lamp this year that sold AFTER the ebay auction was over. I'll have to come up with some extra special ideas for new lamps come 2012 ( tomorrow). Any suggestions?

I'm Published!

2010-09-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, so exciting. Connie Porcher was kind enough to inlcude my two art deco lamps in the newest Celebrate365 magaine. It is a fabulous publication with tons of wonderful pics of ornaments and other super pieces by well known artists. Great articles as well. You won't find it on a magazine rack. But look it up and subscribe. Its well worth it. Thank you Connie.

I have a large Halloween double armed lamp on Ebay now. A very time consuming project but it turned out great, if I do say so myself. I am pleased with the intense colors and the black spooky silhouettes. Take a look.

This summer's 7 day a week, 8 hour a day schedule is finally over but it paid offf in the long run. Our gift store is now a highline liqour plus gifts and art. Quite an interesting combination but it seems to work. I sold quite a bit of my arty items this summer and also a few orginal paintings as well as prints etc. I loved "staging" the gift items and found it a worthwhile challenge to my sense of space and style.
I have added some liqour related pieces and included some of my handpainted glassware which is becoming a very fun thing for me to do. When I get a minute I will show some of it here. I hope to be adding to my blog soon.

Work work work

2010-07-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I have been working seven days a week, eight hours a day. Yes I am tired.
I am running a gift shop which includes all of my art as well as small ticket gift items. It is very enlightening to say the least. Since I live in a small artsy town on the Oregon coast, most of our business is tourist oriented and lasts from June till September usually. So with such a short time to create any income it is essential to sell merchandise that will be if interets to the summer people. Surpriselying enough, I have sold many of my Christmas handpainted sanddollar ornaments. Who would have known? I hjave also sold a couple of Halloween lamps and some fine art prints of mine. The economy has dictated where the average tourist will spend his hard earned dollar. Items of most interest have been crystal jellyfish with rotating colored light bases. They range from 15 to 36 $ They ARE quite pretty I must admit and a great buy. Another big seller are the "vintage" looking tin signs that express everyday feelings and situations.
such as, "today's menu, take it or leave it" or "what happens in the gargage stays in the gargage" ( a hot item for men). I learn something new about human nature every day.

The only good thing about all of these hours spent at ETC ( the name of our shop) is that I can paint while I am there. However it is very hard to concentrate and be congenial and same time . I have had most luck painting sanddollars as they take less time and it is easier to stop in the middle of the painting.
In September when the liquor commission gives us our license for a satellite liquor store I will be able to get back to my old routine at home of painting painting and painting. We will maintain some of space in the store for gift items so I will still have an outlet for some of work and a few jellyfish (lol). In the meantime, its keep on keepin' on.

Ehag Emporium

2010-06-30T22:42:00.000-07:00

Wow there are some truly great items listed this month on the EHAG Emporium. I am offering this vintage tole lamp handpainted with vintage designs. I love the way this one turned out and I love the colors and shape of this one Lots and lots of detail which is my forte. The beads accent this lamp perfectly. The little handpainted ornie is a freebie that goes with it. If you like it here is my email address- susie.pastor@gmail.com. I can send you more info and more pictures.

2010-06-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

AHQU Bootique pieces

2010-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I need lessons ? I still cant figure out how to place my pictures in a row for viewing. So just scroll down and down and down. lol This next AHQU Bootique will feature these items- the witch goodie box and the vintage tole lamp. Get em' while they're HOT! They of course are original of course and there will never be another made like them. Detailed ( I thrive on detail ) and bright with Halloween colors.
If you want more pictures or description, email me please at www. susie.pastor@gmail.com.

2010-06-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

2010-06-27T10:25:00.000-07:00

2010-06-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

2010-06-27T10:17:00.000-07:00

Sandcastle Contest

2010-06-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the annual sanddcastle building contest. It drew thousands of participants and viewers. For once the sun was shining and weather was perfect to stroll along and take pictures of all the magnficent creations. Guess what? I didnt go. But then I never do. Isnt that awful. But the crowds are horrendous and its impossible to even get close to the sculptures to take photos. You either have to wait your turn or wait until its just about time for the tide to hit them and wash them away. I can see the results of the labor in the newspaper without the hassle. Hah! Instead I painted for awhile and then worked in my yard for awhile as well. I felt very productive yesterday. Glad I decided to stay home. I have added pic of a lamp I am going to have on Ehag Emporium that starts on June 30th. I actually put two up for sale. If you see anything you would like to have more pictures of I can always send more. Ebay hasnt been very exciting for me lately so I am going to try other venues as well. AHQU, another great ebay halloweeen group I belong to is also having an emporium. I need to get more info on that one as I believe I have sent them pics of a couple of items. Gad I cant keep track these days.
I am praying for a GOOD SUMMER for everyone and a for business to pick up as well.

2010-06-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Time out for sunshine

2010-06-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

Cannon Beach is typically overcast and ugly in June. True to form, this year! So far not a whole heckuva lot of nice days. The ones that are beautiful give me hope for more to follow. Yesterday was one of those. So instead of working on my art projects I set about attempting to clean up our yard. I say ATTEMPTING, because its an overwhelming job at this point in time. I am the gardener in our family. My husband mows thank God and I am grateful for every bit of help. I haven't torn out all the dead and nasty old weeds and plants from all last winter. It just never was done. I always had other things on my priority list. I should take pictures but I am ashamed to have let it go for so long.
With COPD ( tho' not an excuse) its very difficult to do much without having trouble breathing. Consequently, I work slowly and try not to lift anything heavy or pull out something with too much energy. Its the pits! I used to be such an avid gardener. People would walk down the street and stop to see all my gorgeous flowers ion the summer. This summer I will be lucky if I finish cleaning up from last year. I need to put some weed and grass killer on a lot of areas but I am afraid to because of my kitties. I would hate to have them become ill or worse from having come in contact with something poisonous to them. A lot of products don't tell you. Any suggestions anyone?????

Spookytimejingles

2010-06-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

Spookytimejingles , the Halloween and Christmas art site is now on ebay. It offers another venue for those of us who need one. So check it out . There are so many fabulous artists in the group.

Summer is herew

2010-06-05T10:16:00.000-07:00

I was beginning to wonder if I would ever see the sun again. We haven't had many nice days in awhile. I have to admit I am influenced by the weather. My moods change, my creativity suffers and sometimes I want to just stay in bed when I awaken to another grey day. I would rather have it rain than be overcast and grey. That's the worst for me.
Thankfully today is one of those beautiful days here at the coast. I should be able to accomplish much but I may play hookie and go out and take pictures of people on the beach to use later in a painting. I love the shadows a bright sunny day offers.

I am just about finished with another Halloween lamp. This is purple , black, acid green and white. Sounds awful doesn't it? But those colors are working for this piece. I'll share pics when I finish.

I am wondering how one finds the time to do their art or their work and still keep up with blogs, ebay art groups, selling sites, Facebook etc. I just love to read what everyone has to offer but then when I have not made time to paint I feel empty. Some artists I know seem to be able to work it ALL into their days. I haven't been successful at it yet. Any secrets anyone?

0510

2010-05-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

My pieces at the downtown store

Art is therapy

2010-05-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

It's an excruciatingly gorgeous day. Excruciating because I am stuck here inside with too many chores staring me in the face. You know, those everyday tasks that somehow get shoved to the background when other things need your immedaite attention.

I have been painting for hours every day as therapy. And yes, it DOES work. Without my art I would have been a robot just going about my daily business without seeing or feeling a thing.

The past few weeks adversities having taken their tremendous toll on my ususal good nature ( not to mention my confidence), and making me a prime candidate for the proverbial funny farm, I HAD to do something in order to crawl out of the muck and mire of the depression cesspool;.

I picked up my brushes for lack of any better idea and began to paint another lamp.
Sure enough , before too long I started to come around. Had it lasted any longer I would have been in danger of losing my dear patient husband to any woman who would have him.
Two lamps and a few other pieces have accomplised what no amount of antidep-ressants and trips to the therapist could not. Although I am not 100% my cheerful self I AM much better and can face what come next with less fear. So yes Art can be Therapy if you need it.

Check out http://www.spookytimejingles.com/ on the 13th to see those lamps and other goodies.

osing my husband to any woman 50-80 who would have him. lol

Well that went well!!!!lol

2010-04-30T10:09:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I am technically hampered???

As I was saying, ( What was I saying?? Oh yah )
The Living Doll Sculpey seems like a good product so I will try it.

In the meantime , feeling like sh--, I decided to send in some pics of my work to the owner/editor of the Celebrate 365 magazine - a glossy ,gorgeous publication full of only the greatest seasonal ornaments and other fabulous goodies- a collectors dream come true.!

She emailed me back and said she would love to include some of my Halloween lamps in the fall edition. I am tickled pink. It is indeed an honor for me to be included among the prestigous artists represented in her magazine. So that news helped lift my spirits.

The thing is, I can't NOT paint. I can't even imagine one day without doing something
artisitc- whether its out taking pictures of scenes I want to paint, or wokring on a lamp or even browsing the internet for inspiration .

Again thank you all who responded to my situtation . It truly helps.

Thanks

2010-04-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

Thanks for commiserating with me guys. I almost deleted the post after I made it but decided I had to get it out of my system by writing about it. The convention is happening as we speak and I haven't a clue as to how many piece survived or which ones made it to the show. Maybe the few that did will sell and I can recoup some of the loss financially. Dani said she would send them all back in one box. That way I can see exactly what the damage was and perhaps repair and resell some of the pieces.

She said that the pieces I made from Sculpey shattered and shouldn't have so perhaps it was the particular Sculpey I used or the way I built the piece or whatever. I have since found a product called Living Doll by Sculpey and it will try it. I know I was very very careful with the packing. It took along time to do and ZI used everything ujder the sun

Sad sad sad

2010-04-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Boy has the wind been taken out of my sails!!!!! I was informed that 75% of the pieces I sent back east for Halloween Convention are broken! I think of all the time and love that went into each piece and I am just sick! So much for making my "debut" at the big convention.. That'll teach me to be optimistic wont it?
. I won't be able to duplicate any of them.
I had insurance on them and perhaps I can recoup some of cost but I cannot replace the uniqueness of each item. So much time-- so much enthusiasm.
Gotta go, I think I am going to weep.

Never gonna' stop painting

2010-04-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I finished up my projects for the National Halloween Convention. Now I can get on with other pieces. I want to offer a piece or two to the 365 Magazine for publication. I have some ideas but may not be able to offer anything for the summer issue as the deadline is in early May. But I would love to have a few shown in the fall issue in time for Halloween and even Christmas. That would be an honor I would love to brag about. Its a great magazine that showcases only the best in holiday ornaments and other items.

I just started another lamp. I cant get seem to go too long without doing one. I love it so.
This one has art deco Halloween tally card designs of pretty ladies. I adore these old vintage designs. Ive been wanting to do one like this for ages. It will be time comsuming but then it seems everything I do takes too long. lol The deco style is simple and very colorful.

I wanted to mention that http://www.spookytimejingles.com/ ( my Halloween and Christmas sale site) is now offering their fully decorated Halloween tree on ebay now. Everyone in the group donates handmade original ornaments for the tree. They last one we did before Halloween was just fantastic. I have a couple of ornies on it too. Yea
Now if I could just figure out how to offer the link here for the "raffle" I would but as everyone knows I am challenged in that area.

I had better get back to work before I lose my drive. More later.

Whew!

2010-04-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

I have been working feverishly on items for the National Halloween Convention in Pennsylvania at the end of this month. I just sent off 19 pieces to the spookytimejingles
site owner, Dani Nelson. She is going to show off the groups wares at the convention.
God bless her. I hope my things sell as it has been hard work and was no cheap endeavor counting shipping and insurance. I have shown one of my pieces, The Piano Witch, here. She took the most time and caused the most stress and frustration. I am fairly new to this sculpture medium. ( and to boot am a darned perfectionist) But when I finished I felt like I had really accomplished something!

I have been added to the roster of one of favorite Halloween ebay groups, EHAG.
I am very pleased to have been invited. Some of the most talented artists belong so I am among the elite.
I love all my groups and only wish I had more time to spend chatting with everyone and making my blogspot unforgettable. As I wrote last month, I am technically challenged to the "NTH degree and find everything so difficult.

My nest challenge is to see if I can add my group banners here. Should be easy right> Well not for me. LOL

Presently I am trying a piece for the EHAG April challenge. The theme is "Black and White Fright Night". Check it out this month is view the entries.

I will take a pic of my project when I have completed it.

Why am I so technically challenged?

2010-03-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

I sure hope there are more folks like me out there. I could spend 24 hours a day trying to figure what to do technically on ebay, facebook, here, NING, etc etc etc. I just took some pics of my newest creations for the National Halloween Convention at the end of April. I was anxious to share them with my friends on Facebook and when I attempted to post the pics they were "sideways" . I tried rotating them in edit and they remained as they were. Same thing happened on ebay when I uploaded my photos from my Picassa ( where I have all of my photos) . They were all correct onb Picassa but when I uploaded them on ebay and also on facebook they werent. It is very frustrating for me . I read and read and try to follow instructions etc but to no avail. Trouble is I dont want to take all day fussing with these sorts of things when I could be painting or sculpting something fun. Tis as pity that I "JUST DONT GET IT"! For most it is very simple but for me its a real dilemma.. I am going to attempt to add the same pics here and see what happens. SIGH Bear with me please. In the meantime let me tell you I have been a busy busy fool, trying to have lots of goodies to send to the convention. My STJ group will be representing Halloween artists and I anxious to see how my hard work will pay off. Later---------

Halloween Queens new site

2010-03-01T12:55:00.000-08:00

My ebay group AHQU has introduced a new selling sit called Castle Bootique. Get it?
BOOtique. You will find many wonderful and creative Halloween themed item for sale there. Pretty cool. When I get some more time I plan to get busy on more items to sell there. In April and May I have many obligations. For one, my small town of Cannon Beach, OR. has its yearly "Spring Unveiling" art event. I would sure like to be able to be involved this year and have completed three new paintings but thats not nearly enough.
Sigh
And then, another biggie for me is the National Halloween Convention back east and spookytimejingles, my other selling site is a main outlet for my Halloween goodies. I would love to be able to send a lot of items there as its major exposure. So with all thats going I wont have a minute to waste. Seems EVERTHING I create is time consuming. There isnt any such thing as "whip something out" as far as my work is concerned. Of course it would help if I werent so obsessive compulsive. LOL Its hell being a perfectionist.

Congrats to Janell Berryman

2010-02-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

One of our talented Spookytimejingles artist is off on a new adventure. She not only will be creating for Enesco but alos Dept. 56!!! Wow. Janell of Pumpkin Seed Originals
has been recognized by these manufacturers and we are so proud of her. Of course its the dream of any arts and crafts artist to be chosen as a conrtibuting artist for these well known companies.   So good for you girl- YOU GO!!!

In the meantime I plod away at my craft and pray for a sale or two now and then. I can become so excited over one of my creations and of course I end up spending way to much time perfecting them. SIGH   I will never change though.

I have completed an incredible ( if I do say so myself ) Easter lamp all done up in Easter colors (YUMMY) and complete with my usual additions of beads .But this time I have added a small music box that you can wind underneath that plays "Here Comes Peter Cottontail".   Also, a first for me.... I have created a little Easter "scene" on a oval base.
It includes, a sculpted Momma bunny and a baby , an large egg broken in half which looks like Mother Bunny has just hatched from it. There is a sculpted Easter basket with eggs and lots of other tiny sculpted and decorated eggs all around. Behind the large egg is a little sculpted flowerpot with posies and a tiny chick sitting by it. This one too has a Peter Cottontail music box. Whew I outdid myself but since its first of this sort of item I figured it HAD to be perfect.   I will have these offerings on STJ on March 13th.   I think you will like them.

Where have I been?

2010-01-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

I really dont know how I get so caught up in so many things I would rather not do. someone asks me to participate in an event in some way and instead of politely saying, " I'm so sorry but I just don't have the time right now," I answer, "Sure, I'll help out" ( even though I may not sound very enthusiastic.)
Well that is what has been going on with me besides my usual trying to finish projects to sell on ebay and spookytimejingles.com.

As so many of us are aware, there hasn't been a whole heckuva lot of selling going on. I fear the economy has eliminated frivolous purchases such as one of a kind original art.
Even the known artists who usually sell everything they produce haven't been doing as well. It's very discouraging. But we can'y give up can we?
I find that I still MUST create or die. If I am not painting or sculting or whatever I am not happy. So even if I may not be selling as much these days I still find it
absolutely necessary to be busy creating at all times.
I do have however, one last obligation for outside interests. Then lookout! I intend to produce tons of new goodies this year. Watch for them on ebay and STJ.

Some of my Christmas lamps etc.

2009-11-08T20:06:00.000-08:00

Guest Artist

2009-10-12T14:21:00.000-07:00

Spookytimejingles.com will reveal a superstar Halloween artist tonight at midnight. We are all anxious to find out who that is. So go to the STJ site after mignight tonight ans find out for yourselves. There will be some great items this month there and I have listed a lamp for Halloween and one for Christlmas as well.
I have been so busy I have'nt had time to do much networking since Sept.
Now I have to do some fine art patinings to show in the Cannon Beach "Stormy Weather Arts Festival"- November 7th thru the 9th .
On the 13th of November I will do a workshop in "How to Make Xmas Ornaments out of Sanddollars". That will be a very fun thing to do and I am looking forward to it.

What I need to do when things slow down is to have someone come to the house and give me hands on technical computor instructions . I simply must learn how to do all of the things that are necessary today to stay in touch with the world. Maybe I am too old but I think I want to give it a TRY.

Dont forget to check out http://www.spookytimejingles.com/. You won't be sorry.

AHQU GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-09-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

ArtisticHalloweenQueens blogspot is having a super giveaway for this month. Go to their blog to see all the neat items that the artists have donated for prizes. Its certainly worth taking a couple of minutes to enter your name.

My spookytimejingles debut is tomorrow and I am anxious to see how it goes. I wasted several frustrating days attempting to create my pages for the site and couldn't have done it without help from the lady of Huckleberryarts ( Annette) My gosh. I thought I could just whip in there and have them done easily but NO. I am so very tired of being so computor illiterate. I have until the 13 of Oct. to make the next pages so perhaps I can figure it out eventually. STJ also has a giveaway! So folks, its the time to get your name in for these goodies.

Spookytimejingles

2009-09-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Come Sunday I will be a bonafide member of Spookytimejingles! It's a fabulous website founded by Dani Nelson of ambitiousdesigns . It's a juried site that offers to the buyer wonderful pieces from very talented artists who particularly create for Hallowen and Christmas.   Check it out. You won't be sorry!
I have personally put up for sale some great ( if I do say so myself ) items for those holidays. The lamp I did took forever to complete and the handbeaded stranded I added are perfect for the extra sparkle. I was inspired this time by the old Halloween cards that featured the pumpkin head children. I have painted them all arounnd the shade.

For the Christmas page I found a cute stepstool and have painted a vintage Christmas scene on the top of Santa and a line of children all dressed in vintage snow clothes. Santa is handing out gifts.   I love it. Not wanting to leave the legs plain I have added bright green holly leaves with red berries here and there.

I am working on another lamp now. This one for Christmas. the ideas just keep coming and I only wish I had more time.   Remember to go to STJ on the 13th.

Mothers and teachers

2009-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well mothers will finally have a little time for themselves very soon. Once the kiddles are off to school they can sip coffee, read then paper or a book, actually watch TV if they are so inclined or indulge in any other seemingly worthy time consumer.
If they have a hobby that has been put on hold for awhile they once again enjoy the fruits of their creative leisure. Hah Leisure? I know that housework and all the other housewifely duties cannot possibly be eliminated but perhaps just achieved with fewer time constraints.
Now it's the teachers turn to stimulate and educate the hungry little minds of their charges and care for them in so many other ways.
As for me? When I was a teacher AND mother I looked forward to those first days of the school year as a challenge to my sanity. I discovered ways to cope with insuing problems that I never thought had a chance of being successful.
It's been many years for me now but I still look on these fall days an feel a little meloncholy as they hold some dear memories.
So mothers enjoy your relative freedom while you are able. Trust the teachers with your offspring and give your kids an extra hug when they arrive home from school.

Good evening all

2009-08-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

One of my very favorite sites on which to see some of the most excellent and unique holiday art around is SpookyTimeJingles. They have a panel of artists that create for both Halloween and Christmas year round. I look forward to the 13th each month because that is date that the site updates the listings . You will never become bored pouring over all the fun and exceptional new items each month. And they are all for sale!
Now that I have told you about this site let me share my good news. I have had the honor of being accepted to join their panel of artists. I am soooo thrilled. It is of course a juried site and to be considered is indeed a wonderful surprise for me.
So on the 13th of Sept. be sure and "tune in" to see what I have been able to create for my debut. I hope you will enjoy viewing all of the amazing art there.

2009-08-10T15:03:00.001-07:00

2009-08-10T15:03:00.000-07:00

Summer is winding down

2009-08-10T14:29:00.000-07:00

I hate to think of the summer being almost over. Seems as though it just began.. I have shut myself in the house most of the summer painting or sculpting or whatever creative process rerquires my attention. One thing I DID manage to help accomplish this summer however was a new lawn. In and ahalf years ago a huge ancient spruce tree toppled about 6 inches from the house. The "yard" surroundig the tree was a horrible mess with long roots poking up and rocks flower beds torn apart. It was an absolute disaster. Granted, the house was untouched ( thank you Lord). But what to do about our landsdcape was a real dilemma.
Finally this last spring my husband decided to get busy and chop up the tree. What a chore!!! The root ball was higher than the roof of our two story house!
It took the next couple of months to do what was necessary to replant the entire lawn on that side of the house. Rototilling---pulling out roots and more roots--rolling and racking---- and finally fertilizing and seeding. It wasn't cheap either!

But today as I sit here and gaze out the window I see the fruits of that labor. Little bright green soldiers stand at attention from the driveway to the back fence. Hip Hip hooray!!!!I cant tell you how rewarding that is! Maybe I will take a picture

In the meantime I am trying to finish up another Halloween lamp. I DO love doing them especially with vinatge designs. This one has designs reminiscent of Beistle die cuts. I love it! Stop by and see the finished product or look for it on ebay under HA31 or AHQU.

A Plug for STJ

2009-07-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

If you buy something from Spooky Time Jingles artist's , part of the sale price will be donated to Animal rescue. Its a drive to collect money to help the neglected and abused . A good cause! Also I have been clicking daily on the AnimalRescue site. One click a day donates kibbles to hungry cats and dogs. How can you go worng and it only take a minute. I have them send me a daily reminder and when I open my email message box I automaically go their first. Please help and thanks in advance.

Back to art----I should have my little table done today but as I said in an earlier post I cant seem to get away from adding more details when anyone with a brain would consider the piece FINISHED.

Tomorrow it will be

2009-07-24T16:20:00.001-07:00

100 days until Halloween. I saw that in discussions in my new group AHQU. Thank you for asking me to join. Lots of very talented folk in this group.
I am still working on that table. I dont know if anyone else does this except Tammy from Light and Shadow but if something isnt "perfect" in my eyes I simply "erase" it which usually entails painting over the whole dang thing. I painted thr dancing witches on the hexagonal top and drew in some smaller designs with witches on each side ( in pencil). After drawing them in, I didnt like them because I think it would take away from the nice top design and would look too "busy". So I had to erase with an actual eraser but then I had to paint over each side as the erasing removed a little of the shaded paint. Long story. So now I am reworking the area from the top down. I think I will add a bit of fun to this with some hanghing Halloween colored beads from the rungs on the legs. Darn beads are so spendy. Anyone have any ideas where I can buy glass beads on the cheap. Aint no such thing!!! lol I think you'all will love the table though.

Another project in the making

2009-07-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

I will have to take a picture of my workspace. It is on the living room flowwr like always. I have just started a darling table. I found it on ebay and though I paid more than I wanted, it was just too cute a shape NOT to buy. It will lend itself well to a Halloween theme. I am trying to do one of those dark to light fades of color on the sides. That is soooo difficult unless you use an airbrush. I also have a had some luck using pastels to fuzzy the lines between colors. It works well most of the time. Then you just spray with a matte sealer over the pastels and go on with the rest of the designs. Think I will post a couple of pics here so you can see what happens with that process on this table. Anyway, thanks for looking. Talk atcha' soon.

Too many ideas- not enough time

2009-07-12T21:16:00.000-07:00

I have posted a couple of pics of my latest painting that was commissioned by a lady who wanted a "portrait" of her home. Actully I do like architetectural subjects- basically buildings with interesting features and have done a few of downtown Cannon Beach businesses. The town is a unique little artsy community with lots of nice galleries and good restaurants and beautiful cedar shaked establishments with lots of ginberbread and fun details.
But now that I am through with her piece I have several items that I have collected to "do up" in Halloween colors and designs- probably vintage since I love the old Halloween postcards etc. I have a great little side table I found on ebay for a song. It will lend itself quite nicely to witchies and ghosties. The top is octagonal. I also found a darling gumball slot/machine bank that is dying for a redo. Gad, I have tons of great items that I would love to finish in time for Halloween. I sure hope I can work faster than I usually do. Unfortunately I am easily distracted so I will have to take the phone off the hook and refuse to answer a knock on my door and send my husband out for pizza if I want to get anything done. Oh and, I won't hear the garden crying out for attention. Good luck

New Stuff

2009-07-09T09:04:00.001-07:00

I have been very busy. That's good I guess but it, leaves me precious little time to do the blog thing. I am working on a 16 by 20 painting of a house. Yes I said a HOUSE. Sound exciting? Well I DO like to paint architectural beauty and this house is very picturesque. The owner wanted a painting of her home and I needed the money so-----. I am enjoying it though and am pleased with my progress. I just listed a couple of goodies on ebay for Halloween. The big lamp is really quite nice if I do say so myself and the little table turned great. I had sold it before on ebay for a good price but the buyer had what some call "buyer's remorse" whatever the After I finish my lastest painting I think I will do a table. I found a small ornate side table that will lend itself well to my favorite vintage Halloween designs. More later

New Projects

2009-06-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,
I'm posting in orange as I am feeling more Halloweenie as the days pass and we approach our favorite holiday. I have so many ideas floating around in my head - too many , to be honest. I have a commissioned painting to do. If of someone's house. Doesnt that sound like fun. Actually I like painting unique architecture and have done paintings of some of the unusual buildings in town and they have been well accepted. I will however work on my Halloween items along with the house piece. There are three pieces I want to offer for sale by Halloween. They are items I found on ebay and are going to be very time consuming but quite fun I think. One is a slot machine that I have had for ages an ages. Another is a republica vintaghe gas pump that would be darling if it dispensed witches brrom fuel. It is a liqour dispenser now. I also have a wonerful cabinet with drawers and shelves and mirrors. So you see I have a lot on my plate and hope to accomplish everything I want by Halloween. So I dont dare get sick again!!!

We live and learn ( I hope)

2009-06-25T17:46:00.001-07:00

I was so excited to list my new witch music box. I think it's one of the best things I' ve done especially since I am NOT a sculptor or dollmaker. Naturally it took way too long. But boy oh boy did I screw up when I listed. I evidently ran out of spaces and only managed to HA3 in the title instead of HA31. So no one who follows my Halloween artists group will see it. I have a few bids on it thank goodness because the bidders must have looked at "see others items by this seller"when they brought up the coffin music box. So folks I have certainly learned something today and that is be very very careful when I list to include everything I need so that the most viewers will see my work. If they dont see it, they cant bid on it. DUH. I have all but finished a small lamp and I am very much pleased with this one. I love the colors this time. They are a little different for me. I will post it tonight. I hope you look at it.

2009-06-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

2009-06-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

My newest offerings.

2009-06-24T13:21:00.000-07:00

I have neglected my blog for far too long now. Shame on me. An email from someone who commented on my latest ebay piece prompted me to get off my behind and do something other paint .
I am going to try and post some pics of more of my wokr here. Bu as most of you know from HA31, I have absolutely NO technical skill whatsoever. Things that come naturally to most when it comes to computors are like PAINFUL for me to attempt. I think I may try to have a blog designer help me out. Course' I will have to be the one who does the posting after the designing. UGH
So here we go with a couple new pictures ( I hope).

Losing a friend

2009-04-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting my spot here for awhile. Not that anyhone will miss my witty posts but nevertheless I thought I had better explain. Roise, our dear 18 yers year old long-hired calico kitty had to be put down and I can tell you it really tore me up. Why is it we get so attached to our pets? I miss my some of my pets who have passed a lot more than some of the people I know who are gone. I guess part of it the unconditional love thing. They love you no matter what. It always seems when I am blue or depressed or sad or just i need of a little kindness that my kitties sense this and gove a little extra love- or is it my imgination? I don't have a clue but I do know that they are a comfort to me in bad times. It has taken me longer to recover from her passing than I thought it would and so I have been rather unproductive for many days now.
And now on a lighter note, YEA, we didnt owe anything come tax day and I was sure we would. I cant believe it. Its a first. So with a good thought in mind I am staring another Halloween lamp for EBAY even though it does'nt seem that anyone is buying these days. Can't say that I blame them. Things are tight. Severaol of the smalll businesses here in our small town are having to close their doors and its a cryin' shame. Friends and folks we have known for years are going under. So far we have been able to stay aloft but that certainly doesn't men we are safe forever. I will pray for our nation and for our leaders and hope that God will forgive us our greedy pasts and save us from ourselves.

What's Next?

2009-04-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

Once the stage is set the creative thinking is supposed to kick in. All that is necessary to begin a project is right in front of me. I've had my morning coffee and completed all the little morning chores.....

My mind is a blank! I am just recovering from a bout of COPD ( chronic obstructive pulminary desease) . It takes a while to feel back to normal, whatever that is...What with shortness of breath and coughing, not a lot of sleep and it does take it's toll.

I think I will take one more day to fully recover before I attempt to be an artist!

Setting the Stage

2009-04-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

Clouds the color of old t-shirts scud across a cold gun metal sky. The rain is the kind that soaks you even though it looks like just a light mist. I stare into space from where I sit with my back against the couch and my legs crossed in front of me. The tools of my passion are spread around me. To my left in front of the window seat that faces south are boxes and bags of supplies, hundreds of bottles of acrylic paint, three different sizes of empyt cans holding paint brushes from size 30/0 to #10, A large empty plastic Kirkland Macadamia Nut container for water, flat tins of pastel pencils and boxes with stick pastels, things to hold erasers, charcoal, scissors, carving tools, colored pencils, crepe paper, wooden objects of various sizes and shapes, beads ( every variety and color), stacks of papers with pictures and ideas procurred from the internet, mod podge, glue, spray varnish, a bag with glass beaded fringe and on a small desk type shelf unit in the corner a new HP printer with fax.

The above items gobble up a 6 by 11 area in my living room and another 6 by 10 ft bump out off of the living room sags under the weight of more art stuff!
In the secondary supply "room" are boxes of all shapes and sizes, lamps, a couple of different music boxes, canvases from 5x5 on up, wooden plaques, small chests and cabinets, a slot machine replica bank, a cool old fashioned gas pump that disperses liqour when filled, small noisemakers, a wooden truck, a jack in the box, a doll sized chair, a small walnut coffin with brass handle carriers, wooden trays, and various other paintable items.

So here I sit on a stained sheet spread out under me and under my paint area
still staring into space. The TV is on ( I like to "listen" to scarey movies ) as I work. Everything is in place and as it should be.

( stay tuned for the next installment )

Right address

2009-03-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

The address for the halloween blog spot is http://halloweenartistblogspot.com/

Some good stuff over there.

New Halloween Blog

2009-03-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Halloween Artists.com has a new blog. It should be fun to share all things Halloween. Check it out.

I have finished a new shelf unit that I will post soon. I think it turned out well.
Sold a lamp today and am pleased with the sale. Sort of a surprise as things have been slow lately. I have decided to include a "surprise gift" with each item I sell. A little thank you I guess you'd say.

I handpaint sanddollars that I collect from the beach ( a block away) They are meticulously detailed and take hours to complete. I have a set that I have done for the Christmas tree that are wonderful. The ones I will include with my Halloween items will be in Halloween colors of course and can be hung on a tree or wherever. I think it will be a nice touch

2009-03-21T15:13:00.000-07:00

Still reeling from turning 71 I decided to take a day off so to speak. Its a day to gather thoughts and make lists and just get it all together. I must do this every once in awhile for sanity's sake. I become so deeply embroiled in projects that I forget the day, the date, the time, the weather etc etc etc. You know how that goes?!
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it is actually springtime outside. The sun is shinning warmly and the birds are chirping, my kitties are chasing and the fragrance of budding trees and flowers is heavenly.
I DID take advantage of this day by spreading newspaper on the deck and bringing a load of goodies out to be spray painted primer white. I have shelves and cute boxes, clocks, candleholders and many other great little items picked up over the last few months. Once they are primered I can chose which one to
start a new project with. Now I am excited about all of the possibilities.
EEnie meenie minee mo-!!!! Its good to have a choice.

It's Snowing

2009-03-09T12:42:00.001-07:00

The Oregon coast doesnt usually see much of the white stuff so it is always a treat when it happens. Big fluffy flakes blown about by a moderate wind today!!!
Some friends visited this weekend and the husband helped me with some technical computor stuff. Wow he has made it so much easier for me. All I needed was a patient teacher who was wil ing to wait while I wrote everything down. Unfortunately its the only way I am able to recall these days.
I am packaging the little table with the kids painted around it to send to the winning bidder from ebay. I have decided to include in ALL of my packages a little token of my gratitude for the sale. I gather tons of sanddollars from ou beach here and have in the past painted them with Christmas design for ornaments. They are exquisite . Really. Very detailed. I hate blowing my own horn but these are truly OOAK in the truest sense of the word. I think if I paint them in Halloween colors they would look adorable on a Halloween tree so I intend to do some to include with the items I sell. Actually they do take an awful lot of time- anywhere from two to five hours depending on the design. But
I can paint up a few in between projects to have on hand. I'll see how it goes. It will depend on the response from the buyers. HI ho HI ho its back to work I go!!

Mood swings

2009-03-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

From meloncholy to euphoria in 24 hours. All it took was a great sale on ebay to lift my spirits. I have been hoping for such a miracle for several months now. Some of the folks in my art groups have had some terrific sell prices for their work and I have been dreaming of the day that would happen for me. When that day arrived I simply couldnt believe it!
I am so tickled. Now I am anxious to come up with more pieces that people will find interesting and /or beautiful enough to purchase. I woul;d love to have a reputation like Cali Lee, my favorite Halloween artist. Sigh Maybe some day.

Melancholia

2009-03-07T11:56:00.000-08:00

Dont know what's the matter with me but I just can't get started today. I feel a bit melancholy. I looked up melancholy in the dictionary to be sure that it espressed my feelings. It says, nostalgia, angst, distress, ,disconsolate, cheerless. and on and on. I dont know if my mood truly reflects angst or distress but I surely dont feel like kicking up my heels. Now if I want to dissect the reasons behind this "malaise" I might start here---- Recently an old friend of ours returned from out of state to the family "ranch" a little ways out of town from us. My husband has been out to see him a few times. They have always been very close buddies. Yesterday they were talking about "old times" and the subject of age raised its ugly head . Our friend is only in his fifties, a lot younger than us. When my husband reminded him that he ( my hubby) was 62, our friend was shocked with disbelief. It hadnt occurred to him that so much time had passed. But then when my age was mentioned (70) he couldnt beleive it!
Well neither can I. Most of the time though, my age isn't a concern .
When it really bothers me is when I have to do something physically demanding and I can't because of my C.O.P.D.. ( chronic obstructive pulminary desease) which by the way, I brought upon myself by smoking for too many years and not giving it up soon enough. It is very depressing when I can't garden without becoming breathless very soon. I can do very little without having difficulty breathing. I pi--es me off! I have the will to do it all but not ability. Now THAT makes me feel old! I have always been "young at heart" but some days its so hard to think youn when I dont feel that way. Enough of this whining. My message for today when it all comes down to it is IF YOU SMOKE GIVE IT OR DIE! no kidding

I Should Learn My Limitations

2009-03-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

This silly little witch thing I'm trying to do for the group challenge is driving me up the wall. I decided to sculpt a witch and have her sit in half of a L'Eggs egg
with her striped stockinged legs hanging over the edge . She will hold a tiny chick and bunny. I am now considering this project a learning process. I may never finish it at this rate. Using 3 types of clay trying to figure out what is going to work best. It would take two or three pages to try and tell you all the problems I have had. Suffice it say, I am FRUSTRATED! If this turns out it will be a miracle. Plus I discovered I am developing a little arthritis in my right hand and by the end of day it is pretty uncomfortable. Geezz I hate getting old. lol

WOW

2009-03-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

I actually was able to read the instructions and add music to my blog. I feel so smug. lol I really cant believe I was able to do it. (I am so very technically impaired. )

I am trying to sculpt a witch and have the head done and arms and legs. I must sew an outfit for the poor thing and as poorly as I sew she may have to go naked.
I learn something new every day and that is what keeps me going and helps ,me stay "young". So I will make an attempt at a black witchy style dress for her.
The sun is shining and the door to the back deack is OPEN! Yea The fresh spring air floats in and clears my winterized brain. Its about time.

Keep on Pluggin' Away

2009-03-03T13:05:00.000-08:00

Thats what my sister and my friends tell me all of the time. "Just keep on keepin' on".
Well thats what I am doing. Today I repainted a couple of little details on the photo cube I was working on. My husband tells me I am way to obsessive when it comes to wanting everything I do to be prefect. He has actually taken brushes out of my hands to keep me from doing more ( and more and more).\
It's become sort of a joke cause' he realizes I can just wait till he leaves and do it anyway.
I am thinking about starting on the challenge theme of Eerie Equinox for my Halloween art group HA31. I have a couple of ideas and they include processes I havent tried yet. That ought to be interesting.. I will keep you posted.

Sculpting- a real challenge

2009-03-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

I admire all the ladies I know who sculpt. There really truly is a trick to it that I have yet to learn. Maybe I am too impatient for results as good as the ones I see and like. Then too perhaps I will NEVER learn to do it well. I am trying to finish up a little photo cube box and have sculpted a tiny black cat with a tiny camera in his hand and a witches hat on his head. He is turning out OK but not like I invisioned when I began. Usually --( this is a profound statement) - IF I CAN VISUALIZE IT I CAN CREATE IT. Do any of you seem to be able to do that also? Well, I could sort of see with my minds eye the kitty but the finsihed kept changing. Poop! I will put him up for bid never the less. I am happy to ahve a bid on my table. Boy oh boy there sure are a lot of hours in this one.

I feel better

2009-02-28T20:06:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I decided to get out of my funk and go to lunch with my long lost friend. She made me feel vital, useful and gratful to be alive. ( even if she is only 40) Some of her youth must have rubbed off on me. I even splurged and had delicious marionberry cobbler for dessert. Yum
I was able to have liver and onions for lunch .My husband would never have it in the house ( like most sane people) My friend, being a very noraml person screwed up her nose and said"yeeeewww". Ah it was glorious!!!

Facing the facts

2009-02-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

The fact is that I dont have all that much time left to finish everything I planned to do before I die. I am not trying to be morbid ( although I admit that does sound a bit creepy ) But realistically at almost 71 with C.O.P.D. I could pop off at any time. I did so want to make a name for myself in my chosen field- that of artisitc expression. So I guess my point is that I had better get off my butt and get busy ! Which brings me to today's agenda.
1. Wake up
2. Get out of bed
3. Clean the cat box
4. Say "good morning" to David
5. Take my pills
6. Pour a cup of coffee
7. (if it was a weekday I'd check out the stock market on CNBC)
8. Cry, because the markets stinks
9. Suck it up and start thinking positively
10. Check out the progress on my latest Halloween art project which is a photo cube with little Halloween scenes painted on each of 4 inserts which can be removed and replaced with the owners own Halloween photos. I sculpted a tiny black cat and a tiny camera to glue to the top but I am not happy with them so far.
11. Rethink the ideas for the top of the cube
12. This is where I clear my head and put the project on the back burner .
13. Now is when I finally open my PC and check out my messages- answer or delete depending on my mood. Every day I click on the animal rescue site to feed the kitties and doggies. It only takes a second and I feel I have helped feed some poor little thing. Next I click on the Human Society site to do the same thing.
14. Here's where I visit my groups on ebay or if I have something up for bid I check that first. I read what I want on Ha31 and BWBA and add comments or not.
15. That done, this is where I am suppose to "get off my butt" and get busy. but far too often sit in a daze with thoughts whirling around in my brain and mindlessly staring at the TV or looking out the window.
16. Today I know I have to ( or GET to) go meet a friends I haven't seen for over 20 years for lunch. In a way I am looking forward to seeing her and in another way I am just wanting to stay home and be a hermit. What is wrong with me?

21. For now I guess I will just sit here and stare ou the window until I can come up with an answer for that last question.

Sleepless in Cannon Beach

2009-02-27T10:37:00.000-08:00

I squinted in the darkeness to read the time on the digital bedside clock. Egad, it was 2.00 am and I had't slept a wink. I even took a Tylenol PM to help me
with the process.
My mind was a busy highway last night--rapidly conjuring up the best ideas to post here and just as quickly tossing them aside. I can see where I will have to read a lot more in order to do this blog thing with any success. More later

Starting over as a senior

2009-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well I never thought I'd be comtemplating blog designs at 70 years old. If truth be told, I never thought I'd survive this long. I was pretty wild as a young'un.
But the only thing in life we can be sure of is, "things change". Now if that isn't a profound statment I dont know what is.
Things changed for me a few years ago when I set up a still life consisting of items found along the beaches here in the northwest where I have lived for 39 years. A large aqua green Japanese glass float, some small ones, shells, ropes, from ships and driftwood arranged and ready to capture on canvas. Little did I know what was follow when I finally picked up my brushes after so many years creative abstinence.
To make a long story short, that 24" by 36" acrylic interpretation of the still life setup shoved me in the direction I had been seeking since I was a wee child.

Since then I have been joyously painting , creating and using my imagination
for whatever came to mind without hesitation. I have had two successful one woman shows here in Cannon Beach and recently developed a website where all of my serious paintings may be seen. http://www.susiepastorart.com/.

A few short months ago while browsing ebay I discovered wonderful Halloween
artwork and since I love that season I decided to try my luck with Halloween
creations. I have a lot to learn about ebay and about listings etc. but the folks on ha31 are more than helpful and encouraging. I plan to be a prolific member of that group as well as the newly created BWBA ( Because we Believe) for all holiday artful offerings.

In the meantime I continue to paint the things that inspire me here and will offer those works as well on my site. I am just getting started and Ill be da--ed if anything is going to hold me back now.