Put on Your Party Hat!...

May 22, 2009 Johanna Parker

Cheers, it's Friday, and time to put on your party hat!... You'll notice that I sorta goofed off a bit today, but all in good fun. I just received the party hat samples I designed for Bethany Lowe's 2009 Halloween line, and what FUN they are!... There are 4 festive conical hats, each depicting an illustrated Halloween scene. Enjoy the silly photos and scroll down for more info on how YOU can have your own set.....

~ Johanna

* I'm looking a bit mischievous here in my dancing black cat hat!...

* What a goof I am, taking these photos all alone ~ at least I can laugh at myself!...

* Ahh, thinking about which hat I'll wear on Halloween..... maybe ALL of them!...

* Uh-HA, I can decorate with these hats too...multi purpose!...

* Hmmmm, what sorts of hats will I design next.......

So, you might be wondering where you can acquire your own set of these delightful Halloween hats.... Well, I know you can pre-order them from Christmas Traditions , Bayberry Cove and A Vintage Holiday, three wonderful websites offering a delightful array of holiday collectibles. If you are an online seller of Halloween collectibles, including these festive hats, please let me know, and I will include your link here too!..... Let the Halloween party begin!

PS... Remember my artist feature in Better Homes & Gardens Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine?... Well the photo below inspired this current line of wearable hats. Originally designed to be worn by my sculptures, I adjusted them graphically to fit our heads!... Remember, they look whimsical both on your head and in your home for Halloween..... Love that multi-functionality :)

It Starts with Black & White...

April 29, 2009 Johanna Parker

Today, I thought I'd mix things up a bit, and I don't mean papier mache this time! I spent the majority of the day designing, sketching and illustrating Halloween party hats. Like the title of this post states, it all starts with black and white! My ink pens and illustration board were my main focus, and I began illustrating fanciful jack-o'-lanterns, expressive moons and stylized bats. These whimsical images will decorate the one of a kind party hats that my sculpted Halloween folk art characters will be wearing this fall. It's all part of my signature mixed media look that I began dabbling in back in 2003. I was looking for a unique way to apply my love for illustration with my fascination for sculptural work. Now, it's a tradition for me to make 2 - 3 new illustrated hats each year. Stay tuned for their finished look in full color!...

~ Johanna

* A series of thin arched lines reveals the darkened wings of a bat....

* Jack-o'-lanterns from my imagination take shape on illustration board....

* You can see the hats slowly come to life, anxiously awaiting a warm wash of Halloween hues...

* I look up to stretch my neck after hours of intensive drawing.....

Hope you enjoyed the peek in my studio!.... By the way, I have good news! As a token of my appreciation for all of my supportive collectors and friends, I will be hosting my first ever Blog Giveaway soon! I'm working on a special one of a kind to share with one of my lucky fans... In order to enter, I ask that you do one or all of the following (for multiple chances to win) = Follow my Blog.....Follow me on Twitter.... Leave me a nice comment on the upcoming Blog Giveaway post. So, stay tuned and keep checking back. :)

Shake...Shake.....Shake!...

February 10, 2009 Johanna Parker

Peek-a-Boo and shake shake shake!... Here are a couple of fun illustrated Halloween shaker prototypes that I just designed for Primitives by Kathy. My fingers are crossed that she likes them and makes LOTS for me to share with you :) Stay tuned for more teaser pics from this fresh new product line. If all goes well, these designs will be out this fall!

~ Johanna

* Peek-a-Boo from two happy Halloween characters that I illustrated!...

Halloween Labels for YOU!...

September 5, 2008 Johanna Parker

For those of you that like to cut and paste, play and create collages and add pizazz to everyday objects, I have something fun to share with you! Pick up a copy of this year's Better Homes & Gardens Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine, and go to page 14... There, I have shared a trio of fun Halloween label ideas with you to try! This How-To article features an illustrated label of mine, applied to various items and also includes a web link for you to visit and download my graphics (for free!) So, look for this cover at the store, get out your scissors and tape and enjoy!

PS.... For those of you who have had trouble retrieving these graphics on BHG's website, try this instead:
http://www.johannaparkerdesign.com/images05/BlackCatCards-1.pdf
(It may take a few minutes to load, but the resolution is high and your print output should be good quality!.... Let me know if it works!)

~ Johanna

* This annual publication is a great resource & idea guide for any Halloween fan!

* A peek at my how-to article with fun ways to dress up everyday objects...

* Here's that silly Halloween kitty!...

PS.... Don't forget to visit pg. 91 and read Scott Smith's (Rucus Studio) article on his fabulous Halloween art & decorated home! We'll both be at the Halloween & Vine Show this month & hope to see you too!

Labels, designed by Johanna Parker, Copyright 2008, Meredith Corporation