Good Eggs for you!

Many thanks to those you on my Mailing List and beyond who have adopted a set or two of my Good Egg Sitters! These are truly sweet and unique folk art characters for spring. Line them a across a shelf or nest them in an Easter basket for smiles and delight. Developed from my illustrations, these guys are authorized licensed designs from my new 2017 Transpac, Inc. line. Only available this year, collect them while you can! I've ordered extras, and each will arrive signed and shipped directly from the artist (that's me!)  EMAIL ME to adopt your "Good Egg Sittin' Set Quartet"...

Happy Spring & Thank you for your support :)

~ Johanna

Johanan-Parker-Good-Eggs-Quartet-for-Blog

Workshop Peek-a-Boo!

It's about time for an artist update! My workshop is beginning to look a lot like Halloween! As I have decided to exhibit at 2 Halloween Art Events this year, I figure it's best to begin building my collection of October-themed originals now versus later. Before I forget, please mark your calendars for these 2 special events:

* 2nd Annual Hallowbaloo in Redmond, Washington
SEPTEMBER 19th, 2015 

* 10th Annual Halloween Trunk Show in Denver, Colorado
OCTOBER 10th, 2015

I know I have been a little distant and distracted with gardening projects around the house and designing art for licensing. So, I have not had much time to blog. However, I have been juggling my papier mache sculpts with all the rest. Here's a current sneak peek from the workshop of my one of a kind characters in the works. Keep in mind, these guys are unfinished as many need painted accents, trims, and other final touches. But, I thought I'd share my process. And yes, there are many more to come! So, if I disappear again, know I'm busy creating :)

Happy June to you, and I hope to see many of you this fall at my Halloween Art Shows!

Best Wishes,
~ Johanna 

Halloween-Busts-in-the-Works

* A couple of Halloween character busts in the works, pose with unfinished party hats....

Halloween-JackoLantern-ball

* A sweet jack-o'-lantern ball character dons a lovely aged green hue.... The hand-sewn vintage crepe paper collar will soon decorate his neck, and maybe a thin bead of black glass glitter will trim the base of his stem...

Halloween-Illustrated-Hats

* For this year's hat, I hand-illustrated a version of my flying witch design that appears on some of my graphic-designed products from my Primitives by Kathy collection. A variety of hat sizes, glued and sealed, are now closer to being ready to top some of my folk art sculptures!

Halloween-Painted-Cat

* My ball characters are always a popular choice. This black cat ball is trying on a 2-toned vintage crepe paper collar for color-matching and size.

Halloween-Rabbit-Character

* A black bunny here and there always adds more variety to my Halloween mix! This guy dons a medley of painted sweets on his round-bellied base... I think he needs a collar too...

Halloween-Hat-Cluster

* Just another view of my handmade party hats! It looks like a conical parade is coming to town!

Halloween-Naked-Bat

* Cover your eyes! This bat is bare! Sans his wire wings, he still needs an appointment with JP for final sanding, and then we'll take it from there!

Halloween-Owls-Sculpts

* An owl with no eyes and missing wire wings and feet is wondering when the heck I will allow him to see! Looks like his buddy is one step ahead, but still cannot fly. I have my work cut out for me....

Thanks for stopping by!

ALSO Follow along with me on:

Instagram   Follow Me on Pinterest  and FACEBOOK!


Spring Folk Art Delights...

My spontaneous Spring Folk Art sale debuted this evening, only via my e-Newsletter, and I want to offer my THANKS to all of you that adopted a collectible original. I know some of you were anxiously awaiting for the sale to start with eyes peeled on the 'ol inbox! Thank you for your perseverance and your patience. I wish I had made more pieces to go around, but I appreciate the interest of so many art-loving friends hoping to acquire a special piece! For those of you that missed this sale, you can peek at my "Spring it On" Newsletter for links to more photos of each piece. Prior to the sale, I snuck a few artsy photos of these blooming delights. So, Enjoy!

Happy Spring,
~ Johanna

Bloom-Tulip-by-Johanna-Parker

* A sweet tulip egg cup blooms from a vintage flower-shaped ice cream bowl! I love mixing my old pottery with my folk art....

Spring-Trio-by-Johanna-Parker

* A trio of spring folk art characters nestle together on an old green serving tray. McCoy pottery finds, turned upside down, make the perfect pedestals...

Earth-&-Sea-Owl-by-Johanna-Parker

* More pottery, in various shades of blue and green, complement the painted earth and sea hues of this sweet owl egg cup....

Tulip-Folk-Art-by-Johanna-Parker 


* Folk art tulips blush while posing for another photo. A primitive garden trellis adds design interest to the background...

Tulip-Bust-by-Johanna-Parker

* And, this sweet tulip bust was the perfect topper for a lovely antique Roseville vessel...

Connie-Cocoa-by-Johanna-Parker

* A chocolate brown bunny looks delish on this vintage pink serving dish...

Choco-Cats-by-Johanna-Parker

* And a pair of chocolate brown folk art cats take a spring sun bath together......
Purrrrfect :)


Follow along with me on:

Instagram   Follow Me on Pinterest  and Facebook!


Spring it On!...


Hi Friends,

It seems that my blog posts are fewer and farther between these days, Although I have had good intentions to post and share here, time has been slipping away. For some reason it seems that the hours are speeding up, and my to-do list often falls short! I hope I am not alone! Lately, I have favored the convenience of snapping a quick photo with my phone while I work and simply posting with a touch of the button to Instagram and or Facebook. So, for those of you that follow me there, these photos will be yesterday's news. I must admit that there's nothing quite like choosing a camera lens, adjusting the lighting and styling a photo. But sometimes I just do not have the time... especially when my fingers are covered in papier mache and paint!

Well, spring has just about sprung, both outside and inside my workshop! And my excuse about time speeding up also extends to my art. I feel like I have been working on this small collection for months, as I have been juggling other projects as well. But, with Easter just around the corner, it's time to wrap it up! While I had hoped to schedule a spring web sale, I have now decided to simplify things a bit by "springing" a spontaneous newsletter which will include links to these items. So, please keep an eye on your inbox during the next few days. I still have to add trims to each piece, and take their individual photos with a real camera. So, don't hold your breath just yet. But, thank you for your patience! And when my newsletter arrives, and if you see something you like, please EMAIL ME with the name of the piece you are interested in. I will be reserving each piece in the order of inquiries received. If you have not joined my Mailing List just yet, you can do so HERE...

For now, I am sharing a sneak peek at my spring original works in their various stages of progress.....

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Spring-Originals-almost-complete

* A peek from above of my spring originals in the works, all laying on their sides...

Spring-Originals-in-the-works

* An earlier photo reveals my rather random process of painting these whimsical characters... This is the first time I have added a flower character into the mix! I had fun making a few tulips.....

WIP-Spring-Tulip-&-Bunny

* Included in this small collection of eight pieces are busts, ball characters and egg cups...

Spring-Palette

* And, here's a look back at one of my colorful palettes where I continued to mix my colors of spring!


Teasing Spring...

Yay! I finished my collection of spring originals, soon to debut on March 26th! They each posed for the camera last night, and I snapped a few teaser pics to entice you to join me for my Spring Web Sale, later this month. In total, there are 10 little sweeties, and I want to thank all of my collector friends for your little push to make some spring delights this year. It has been a fun diversion :)



* A sweet bunny, painted in chocolatey spring hues, peeks into the frame...

Spring-Friends-Tease

* A creamy-white mouse with rose-colored undertones, smiles amongst a gathering of spring folk art friends...

Cream-Bunny-Tease

* Looking up, we see what appears to be a perky rabbit in vintage pinks and greens.... Look at her wee little mouth!

Chickie-Tease

* And an adorable buttery-yellow chick waves a wiry wing and invites you all to take a closer peek on Monday, March 26th, when I will release these unique characters. Please Join my Mailing List for more details, including the start time and more.

Think Spring!
~ Johanna


Follow Me on Pinterest

6 Ways to Bestow Spring in a Mug!...

Spring is certainly a time of celebration and smiles as mother nature slowly wakes up from her long winter's nap. I always look forward to the warming of the mornings and the chance, to at last, take my hot cup of coffee or tea outdoors and explore the latest buds and blossoms in the garden. It's a lovely way to wake up and start the day. As the two go hand in hand, I thought I would have a litte fun and share with you 6 Sweet Ways to Give the Gift of Spring in a Mug! I currently have 2 illustrated mugs available in my Zazzle Shop that promise to make the perfect spring gift to both family and friends (or yourself!). Whether it's in celebration of Easter, the changing of the seasons, a birthday, a thank you, a hostest gift or just an act of simple kindness, these suggestions promise to bring smiles to those you share them with. The mugs are certainly custom and unique and serve as a functional base and vase for whatever you choose to fill it with in your presentation. The ideas are certainly endless, and if you have more, please feel free to share them here with our readers. Enjoy and THANK YOU for spreading smiles through my art!

~ Johanna

Daffodil-Chick-Mug

* Idea # 1 gets top ranking with me as it is probably the easiest and most cost effective to produce. Plus, the results are so dear! Spring invites a whole host of flowering bulb plants that often pop up all over the landscape. Snip a few from here or there. Daffodils are always a favorite, so just trim them to height and place in water. If your flower-filled mug must go on a journey before it is gifted, then anchor your flowers in wet floral foam, cut to size. This keeps those pretties fresh and firmly grounded while eliminating the splashing of water and potential spills.

Bunny-Lollipop-Mug

* Although Idea # 2 takes a little more work, the results are too sweet for words! A tuft of fresh wheatgrass spells out spring, and health-minded folks love to juice it in their smoothies. Wheatgrass can be found at most health food grocers in the produce section. Purchase a square of it and cut it to size and stuff it into your mug. Alternatively, with more time and patience, you can grow your own with organic soil and wheatgrass seeds. With a little care, your grass will be perky in 10 days or less. I poked a pink lollipop in for pizazz, but again the ideas are endless. The recipient can keep the lively mug in their windowsill till the grass is used or fades, or they can even share it with their feline friends who also adore this green treat. In the end, they are still left with an adorable mug. Just wash well and enjoy!

Bird-Cocoa-Bean-Mug


* Idea # 3 is the choice for your chocolate & coffee loving friends! I chose dark chocolate covered coffee beans to go with the coffee mug theme. A simple cellophane bag and pretty bow will do the trick. Other suggestions may be chocolate covered nuts or other cocoa-themed sweets. Take it a step further and fill a cellophane bag with homemade chocolate chip cookies ~ YUM! Now, that woud certainly taste quite delightful with a cup of spring coffee in one of my sweet mugs :)

Bunny-Carrot-Mug

* Idea # 4 is certainly for those with a sweet tooth! Fill carrot cellophane bags with orange jelly beans and ground them in a base of spring green paper packing grass. These bags are easily found online. Do a search for "cone shaped cello bags" or "carrot cellophane bags" and you should find a variety of vendors offering cone shaped packaging, perfect for this sweet application!

Bird-Peep-Mug

* Idea # 5 takes sugar to a higher level of sweetness! Make a bouquet that celebrates the well-known "peep"! Poke these marshmallow bunnies or chicks into wooden skewer sticks, cut to length if necessary and anchor them into a mug fill with spring-hued candies, such as M&M's. What an adorable hostess gift this would make at a spring party. Suddenly, your unique gift takes center stage!

Chocolate-Bunny-Mug

* And Idea # 6 showcases the traditional chocolate bunny. Make sure to purchase one that will fit snuggly in your muggly :) With a little spring green construction paper and scissors, cut a continuous strip of zig-zaggy paper grass. Cut to fit the diameter of your mug, tape it end to end and tuck it down & around your bunny. If you find him wiggling around too much, tuck a little tissue paper down below and around him to set him just right, and add those decorative blades as your final touch!

I hope I have inspired you with these 6 Sweet Ideas to Bestow Spring in a Mug! As I said earlier, please feel free to comment with more fun ideas. Sharing is caring, and it is always FUN to hear from you.

Now, go pick up a SPRING MUG or 2 from My Zazzle Shop!  Thank you for your support & kindness...

Follow Me on Pinterest

Postage with a Spring Flare...

Spring will soon be in the air, and I look forward to its arrival! Due dates for spring 2013 licensed products have been my focus this month, and the imagery I have been creating inspired a new series of 6 spring-themed postage stamps. I know that the USPS is in decline, as we all become more and more computer savvy with our communications and correspondence. But, I personally dislike the thought of losing its service. I always enjoy receiving cards, notes and parcels from family and friends. And sometimes, opening the mailbox can be quite a treat!  The very way a letter can be beautifully addressed with the personal touch of a dear friend's penmanship is like nothing else. The color of the envelope, feel of the paper pressing against your anxious fingers, along with stickers and sweet postage stamps complete the package and raise the level of anticipation to open it! In celebration of this centuries-old tradition, I am now offering to you, a whimsical collection of my illustrated postage stamps, now available in my Zazzle Shop. Apply them to your Spring & Easter cards and correspondence or to seasonal party invitations, promising both smiles and lots of fun. These butterflies, bunnies and birds will bring frolic and cheer to those lucky recipients. Make your messages memorable and sweet while also keeping the history and tradition of sending and receiving postal mail alive.

Than you!
~ Johanna



To Purchase my Illustrated Postage Stamps & more delightful products, click HERE...

Follow Me on Pinterest