4th Annual Glens Art Walk!

It's official! We have a Date for this year's Glens Art Walk! Mark your Calendars for Saturday, October 13th in historic Lakewood, Colorado. Join us for another round of Halloween delights, both signed reproductions and one of a kind original sculptures. Find all the details along with photos from last year's show on our Events page.



Until then, have a Spooky Summer!

Cheers,
~ Johanna

A Peek at Art Licensing & How Products Take Shape...

Ever wonder how a licensed product takes shape? Well, I have devoted a whole BLOG Post to explaining my experience, sharing the steps from A to Z. To illustrate the process, I am showing how we developed last year’s Black Cat Mug from rough sketch, to clays, to revisions to final. Many of you have asked how an idea becomes a licensed product. So, I hope this post sheds some light on the mystery as well as how you can help to ensure that our designs do make it all the way to production. Read the entire article, now posted to our New Blog on our Website!

ENJOY!
~ Johanna

Happy Halloween!

.... October 31st is here once again! We hope it's hauntingly purrrfect for you! Enjoy a medley of pictures from black cat Jack's Halloween photoshoot over on our NEW BLOG! 

Bugs & Hisses,
~ Johanna, JP and Jack



Get the look! Download my illustrated Vintage Style Halloween Garland from our Store's DIY Printables page. Happy Haunting & Crafting!

A Glimpse at the Glens Art Walk...

Hey All! Hop on over to our

NEW BLOG

on our NEW Website for a medley of clickable photos from this year's 3rd Annual Glens Art Walk! It's a Halloween feast for the eyes :) Enjoy!

View fullsize

Happy Haunting,

~ Johanna ~

Pattern Pleasures with a Burst of Color!

Hi Friends!

I am excited to share my 2nd round of pattern designs with you! Included in the mix is my new and very colorful "Garden Delights Collection"! I must admit that I do love color, so this group really brought me smiles and joy. The swatches just arrived, and I've been marveling out how close the colors match  my original designs. I also added a medley of accent hues to the doodle patterns that accompany the whimsical hummingbirds in my "Nature's Frolic Collection". I look forward to seeing what lovely projects some of you makers out there will dream up with these designs. And, lastly, I added a couple new Halloween patterns that are oh so fun! You can find all of these designs and more in my JohannaParkerDesign Spoonflower Shop! Hop on over and look around...

Thank you for your support & Happy Creating!

Now, I really feel like we are creating together :)



* That's me holding up my latest sheet of fabric swatches :)



* Then, it was time to slice 'em all up!



* Here's a quick and colorful glance at the swatches of my Garden Delights Collection! It's a wide palette of many colors, but they bridge across each other, offering coordinates for your crafting.



* I just added the two front designs to my Halloween grouping. I designed the Halloween Cat & Owl Checkerboard design to fit just right on a standard 8" x 8" swatch!



* "Nature's Frolic" ~ It's one of my favorite groups... I used the same color palette throughout in order offer coordinates for your projects. Don't forget that these come in gift wrap & wallpaper too. And, the Roostery has lots of pretties over there, just ready to be ordered and made to enjoy!



* Jack played a little hide & seek with the fabric swatches...



* A closer peek at my Halloween checkerboard design shows the depth of detail that is achieved in these prints. Yay! This is the kinda thing that makes an artist sing :)

I hope you enjoyed the peek! I need to take some crisper pics with a decent camera as most were captured with a cell. But, I was anxious to snap some photos!  There will be more to come. I hope you enjoyed the peek. Please feel free to share your feedback, and I hope you'll think of my Spoonflower Shop when dreaming and designing your next projects. I can't wait to see, and I hope you'll share a photo or two.

Happy Creating!
~ Johanna

Halloween Blog Sale Round 2...

Here we go again!.... HAPPY HALLOWEEN dear collector friends!  :) Please scroll down to see the last of of my signed reproduction delights that I am offering this season. Some characters cross over to other sets, so make sure you peek at each image before selecting your fave.

Please EMAIL ME with the name of the set or single you are interested in. We will be preparing your orders and sending out e-invoices after your package has been weighed and measured for a shipping estimate. Boxes will begin to ship out next week!

Many thanks for your interest in my 

Signed Reproduction Collectibles!

~ Johanna ~

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Collect all three Jacks @ $80 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

-  1 Jack Box from Johanna's Transpac line.

 Approximately 9" tall

- 1 Glass candy jar with jack /cork lid from Johanna's Transpac line.

Approximately 7.75" tall

- 1 pumpkin scented Candle from Johanna's Aunt Sadie's, 

made in Vermont, candle line

Candle is 4" tall

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ Only 1 pair available

Two collectible Owls @ $110 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Hooty Owl Candy Bowl from Johanna's

 2016 line of Bethany Lowe Designs

Candy Bowl is approximately 7" tall by 4" wide

Rustic fit, handle with care

- 1 Standing Owl figurine from Johanna's 2015  line of 

Bethany Lowe Designs

 approximately 9.25" tall by 8.75" wide

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ Order soon! Low on stock...

Choose a single or any combo @ $50 each plus shipping

~ CHOOSE FROM ~

- 5 different  Candy Bowl characters from 

Johanna's 2016 line of Bethany Lowe Designs. 

(Frankie, Bride of Frank, Happy Cat, Hooty Owl & Sweet Jack)

Each is approximately 7" tall by 4" wide

Rustic fit, handle with care

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Collect all four Franken-Love characters @ $125 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Bride of Frank Candy Bowl & 1 Frank Candy Bowl from Johanna's 

2016 line of Bethany Lowe Designs. 

Each is approximately 7" tall by 4" wide

Rustic fit, handle with care

-  1 Frank Sitter & 1 Bride of Frank Sitter

from Johanna's new "Punkin Peep" Transpac line.

Each approximately 6.5 " tall

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Collect the Purrfect Pair @ $74 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Black Cat Candy Bowl from Johanna's 2016 line of 

Bethany Lowe Designs. 

Each is approximately 7" tall by 4" wide

Rustic fit, handle with care

-1  Black Cat crepe paper ruffle ornament

(ONLY 6 pairs were made by Primitives by Kathy, and

then the product was discontinued. This is one of the few samples)

Approximately  4.5" wide

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Collect three Jacks @ $88 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

-  1 Jack Sitter from Johanna's new "Punkin Peep" Transpac line.

approximately 6.5 " tall

-1  Jack Ball character ornament  from Johanna's

2014 line of Bethany Lowe Designs. 

approximately 5.75" tall including hook

- 1 Jack-o'-lantern Candy Bowl from Johanna's

 2016 line of Bethany Lowe Designs. 

Each is approximately 7" tall by 4" wide

Rustic fit, handle with care

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Collect these festive figures @ $45 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

-  1 standing black cat & 1 standing skelly

from Johanna's Transpac line.

Each approximately 7.5 " tall

CLICK image for a larger View!

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Quantities Limited

Collect all Five Illustrated Charmers @ $70 plus shipping

- 3 Fall Scented Candles from Johanna's Aunt Sadie's, 

made in Vermont, candle line

SCENT LIST: 

Black Cat = pumpkin

 Jack o' Lantern = pumpkin

Skelly = Cinnamon Spice

Candles are wrapped in Johanna's whimsical illustrations

 and signed on the underside. Candles are 4" tall

-2 Double-Sided Halloween Ornament Charms

from Johanna's retired line of Primitives by Kathy designs

(featuring an Owl/BOO & Crow/Jack)

Charms are 2" square

CLICK image for a larger View!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

~ Each Signed by the Artist ~ SOLD OUT!

Two collectible Ornaments @ $48 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Black Cat & 1 Jack crepe paper ruffle ornament

ONLY 6 pairs were made by Primitives by Kathy, and

then the product was discontinued. These were samples.

Approximately  4.5" wide

CLICK image for a larger View!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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Later Today, Halloween Reproduction Array!.....

Stay tuned friends! I'm working on the photographs and graphics for my Blog Sale of Signed Halloween Reproductions that will be launching here, later today! The sale will commence with a newsletter announcement which will also include details about my Web Sale of originals next week on Oct. 13th. If you have not done so, please Join my Mailing List for ALL the details!

I'll be baaaaaack as sooooon as I can!  :)

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Halloween Original Sneak Peek...

Hi Friends..... It's been a frenzied last few weeks, and now we are so close to this Saturday's Art Walk in the Glens Neighborhood! Thankfully, I have finished a fun medley of originals, and I even took some pretty photos of each :) I am posting a sneak peek of these one of kinds which will be up for adoption at the show on October 1st. I will also have a variety of signed reproductions for Halloween lovers to collect along with my candles and notepads. I hope to see you at:

The Glens Art Walk
Saturday, October 1, 2016
10 am  - 4 pm
Find me & my Halloween at 1690 Glen Dee Drive, Lakewood, CO 80215
More Details HERE

Enjoy & Happy Halloween!
~ Johanna

























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Collector Candy Bowls for Halloween ************* Pre-Order by March 15th!

Hello friends! A while back on social media, I posted a teaser photo of this year's Halloween Candy Bowl collection that I created for Bethany Lowe Designs. Response was very enthusiastic for these sweet ball characters that also double as 2-part trinket treat bowls! Your inquiries for these special pieces have prompted me to offer you a chance to Pre-Order them before they sell out for the fall season. If I receive your orders by March 15, and all goes as planned, you'll be the proud owner of one or more of these collectible delights when they ship mid summer! Visit my Halloween Candy Bowl page for more details, price & payment info! EMAIL ME soon to place your Pre-Order and thank you for your interest...

Have a BOOtiful Day!
~ Johanna ~





* See more at my Folk Art Reproductions page..




Don't forget to follow me on .....

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and feel free to...

Happy Halloween!

'Tis that haunting time of year again! May you and yours have the Happiest of Halloweens, and may it be a wild rrrrride!

Halloween Hugs,
~ Johanna, JP & Jack














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Happy Hallowbaloo...

We're finally back from exhibiting at the Hallowbaloo in Washington! It was a long journey's drive across beautiful mountains and valleys, but we made it to and fro, thanks to JP and his mastery behind the steering wheel! THANKS to ALL my dear collector friends who made their own trek out to see us and adopt some special Halloween folk art characters. It was a pleasure to see you! It was also a treat to reconnect with fellow Halloween artist friends and meet others that I had only chatted with online. Big Hugs to the guys that wove the big Hallowbaloo web and created a memorable day for both artists and collectors alike! And, another big thanks to my parents for hosting us at their lovely home and for letting me borrow all those cool antique props! There's no way we could have stuffed all that into our VW beetle! hehe! As shows are always such a frenzy from A to Z, I did what I could to document the event from behind the camera. Below is a small collection of images along with a couple of photo collages that offer a glimpse of the Halloween magic at the Hallowbaloo. ENJOY....

(And don't forget.... I'll be exhibiting at the 10th Annual Halloween Trunk Show in Denver on October 10th! I hope to see you there!)

* That's me smiling big before the start of the show!



* A trio of jacks with overhead bats topped off my mom's cupcake stand. These guys were popular, and fortunately I made a few more for the Denver show! (I still need to paint them!!)



* More of my Halloween originals were displayed in rustic antique cubbies...



* BOO! An original ball ghost character and other sweet friends awaited collectors...



* An arrangement of my pressed paper illustrated owl ornaments were popular at the show! I made a few more for the Denver show too...



* Here's another peek at my Halloween folk art originals, perched and waiting to meet and greet!



* That's me and mom all decked out for Halloween! She was truly donning the orange and black from head to toe! After all, she's my Halloween Mommy as I was born on October 31st!



* JP sneaks a peek from behind the spooky window!



* More Halloween characters brought smiles and delight!



* Here's one of two collages, depicting fellow Halloween artists and their creations... I sure hope I captured everyone!



* And this second collage captures more of the enchanting creations...



* Lastly, here's a peek from Friday night after we set-up! Mom & Dad, living just minutes away, came to help!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to all of YOU!






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Hallowbaloo Peek-a-BOO...

My oh My! My last blog post was 3 months ago! I guess it's about time I popped in for an update. It's evident that scheduling 2 Halloween art shows this year has kept me rather busy!! I think I spent my whole summer, crafting in the workshop! Now that September is here, the Hallowbaloo Show in Redmond, Washington is just around the corner.... I have been adding the final touches to this special collection and photographing them as I go. Although I have a few more to finish up, I thought I'd share a sneak peek-a-boo at some of these unique guys. I am taking over 30 one of a kind Halloween folk art sculptures as well as some handmade ornaments featuring my pressed paper illustrated designs. With my parent's house so close to the show, I will have my pick of some of mom's antique treasures to help prop my table and add interest to my display! (Thanks Mom!) So for now, I am focused on completing this collection and preparing for the journey. I look forward to seeing old friends, meeting online friends (finally in person) and making new friends too! See you soon!!!

For now, ENJOY this PEEK-a-BOO....



*  A sweet cat plays Peek-a-Boo, peering out of a pumpkin jack...



* A quartet of Jacks are topped with illustrated paper bats...



* A pair of Halloween hued bulldogs promise not to bite....



* Spooky fun egg cup characters raise their arms in Halloween glee...



* Bees can Bee for Halloween too!



* An autumn hued owl strikes a perched pose for Halloween...



* We've got a few sitters, just sittin' around!



* This Halloween carnival cat can balance!



* A jack-o'-lantern's container base is painted with a jolly melon man & face...



* Oh Bats!



* Two black cats grin with illustrated hats. "Happy Frank" in the foreground is my first "Folk Lantern!" I had visions of making an entire family of these folk lantern characters. But, after realizing how much time it took to create this concept, I only made two. An owl folk lantern counterpart will be headed to Denver's Halloween Trunk Show in October. (He still needs paint!) WISH me LUCK!

I hope to see you at one of my Halloween Shows this season!

Happy Haunting,
~ Johanna






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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 

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



* 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...



* 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!



* 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.



* 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...



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



* 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!



* 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!

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Happy St. Catty's Day!

OH, I mean "Patty's Day!" hehe... Double the black cats, double the green and double the jolly St. Patrick's Day scene! We are wishing you all a festive and fun March 17th! Don't forget to wear your GREEN  :)

Best Wishes,

~ Johanna, JP, Clover Clovis & Jack

Happy Halloween, Enter In...

My OH my, friends so dear,
HALLOWEEN is now here!
The hour is bewitching,
and Jack is itching (to show off his conical hat)
I also took photos by evening candlelight,
of vintage novelties and Halloween delight.
An October 31 birthday is ever so sweet,
as I'm often gifted a vintage Halloween treat!
We placed our corner cupboard inside for fun,
to fill it with pieces from my collection.
I also snapped a few photos during the day,
to share a small peek at my Halloween display.
I wish I had more time to festoon the whole place,
with orange and black decor, filling the space.
But, I have been quite busy making my art,
So, with limited time, this is a start….

Best Wishes to you for a Halloween so jolly!
May it be filled with smiles and sweet folly.

Happy Haunting,
~ Johanna



* Jack perches on a stool, wearing his new hat! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!



* Our corner cupboard at glance…. And yes, this is the same cupboard that we take to our shows to showcase my one of a kinds! It's typically stored away, but we decided to bring it indoors and fill it with Halloween delights. I have so many more Halloween pieces in my collection that I will just have to find myself an additional curio cabinet to display them all in!



* A peek up close reveals one of my original owl ball characters that I gave to JP as birthday present a few years ago. He's surrounded with vintage Halloween finds.



* Down below, a cloth pumpkin man with a walnut shell head was created and gifted to me by my mom! She also made the sweet woolen stitched pumpkin above, left. Vintage horns, noisemakers and other delights have appeared in packages at my doorstep by dear friends and thoughtful collectors who know that I love antique Halloween novelties.



* An old orange bird cage reveals one of my reproduction crows roosting inside. A vintage owl clicker suspends along the edge.



 * A grouping of my original candy containers that I have collected over the years, traipse across the top shelf. Below, a sweet papier mache "Bewitched" cat candy box was gifted to me by a dear artist friend, Kitty Nikolai of Sweet Invocations.



* Vintage jack-o'-lanterns grin and glow next to an old orange ceramic cat that I found at a garage sale.



* A closer peek reveals my cat, witch and crow trio tucked in the corner of the cabinet.



* An older original spider of mine sits atop a timeworn candy tin. Behind, vintage tin noisemakers are mixed with some of my Halloween art.



* A creepy cool Spooklight lantern suspending from a stylized bat are both designed by my fellow Halloween designer friend, Bindlegrim! I was lucky to snatch this set at this year's Halloween Trunk Show!



* Below on a stack of old suitcases, you'll find an original owl bust that I created a few years ago… "Wise 'ol Owlexander"



* And, here's another peek of our corner cupboard from the side… It's tempting to keep this out all year, as it's all eye candy to me...



* Looking across to the mantel, we see Jack wearing an orange crepe paper bow tie. To bring in a little Halloween cheer, I added some orange accents to the decor.



* I quickly turned my new "Trick or Treat" bag from Primitives by Kathy into a pillow by stuffing it with another pillow! (thanks Mom for the idea :) In the distance, our handmade fire screen mirrors the play on black cats…



* JP brought me home a bouquet of birthday flowers, so I added those to a Roseville vase. Two of my new Halloween stand-up characters from Primitives by Kathy add some seasonal spunk!



* A headless dress form serves as an unusual illumination along with a canvas to adorn for the season. I added my "Oh Bats" hanger and draped the bodice with an orange scarf that my mom gave me last year.



* An orange and black handmade basket from our close friends carries one of my new Halloween box signs, "Halloween is Calling."



* And, just a quick glance to the back sunroom invites those who enter to take a seat. Jack has clearly abandoned both his hat and tie to sit and relax for a little bird-watching fun. As our bittersweet vine turns golden outside, a pumpkin and a pair crows add some fall spirit to the inside scene.



* Once again, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!


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Collector Spotlight ~ Martha in So Cal, Part 2...

Well, the pleasure is all mine to post the Part 2 portion of Martha's Collector Spotlight! As a follow-up to last year's holiday feature, we are sharing with you Martha's Halloween folk art collection. This season, she has graciously taken some stunning photos around her home, sharing peeks at how she decorates with the Halloween originals that she collects. And, I hear that he son Connor, had a hand in the photo-taking fun! Together, they took existing photos, and then played with alternative arrangements to offer additional decorating ideas for you! I am honored to see so many of my one of a kind characters, gracing this lovely home and treasured by the family that dwells here. It is touching to see handmade art being appreciated and loved in this way. Martha collects from a variety of folk artists, and you will some of those handmade works in her photos shared. I want to extend my hearty thanks to Martha for sharing her home in two, lovely Collector Spotlight features! What a treat! So, let's begin with an Artist & Collector Q&A that will meander throughout this Halloween post. Enjoy!



J: How did you learn about my Halloween folk art?

Martha: I was sitting at my dining room table on my computer.  I have always loved decorating, for all seasons and holidays.  I was web surfing (this was before Etsy, Pinterest, etc) and I think I typed in Halloween folk art and found you!  I'm trying to remember if you were having a web sale at the time, or not but I know that I bought my first piece then!  I think that was 2006???

J: Yes, and I'm also thinking that maybe my feature in Better Homes & Gardens, way back when, could have led you my way as well. Whatever the magic was, we made the connection!



* Speaking of the dining room table, I really love this tabletop centerpiece! A decorative lazy-susan serves as a rotating display wheel for a grouping of Halloween delights. Included in the mix is a Halloween cat ball character original and a reproduction spider candle stick by Johanna Parker Design along with a sweet faced pumpkin by Jo James of Cart Before the Horse. Off in the distance, we see other seasonal vignettes that we will explore more along the way!



*And if we give that wheel a spin, more Halloween characters emerge! A spooky wire-winged bat with a #31 on his belly is an original by Johanna Parker Design. The pair of metal owls are from Pottery Barn and the winking jack-o'-lantern is another sweet piece from Jo James of Cart Before the Horse.



* Martha shares a closer look at a festive coffee table display! A collection of grinning jack-o'-lanterns by Tammy Strum of Light and Shadow Studio, nest in a leaf-filled primitive dough bowl. Above, a crate makes a rustic roost for an original moon man sitter by Johanna Parker Design. A beautiful bundle of wheat offers a harvest touch.



* A ladder-style shelf offers a high perch to group Martha's collection of my Egg & Kettle Cup characters. A ghost, bat, skelly and cats make for a fun family of little ones, lined up to delight!



* Peeking beyond the autumn leaves, a grinning Jack by Johanna Parker Design, flirts a little with the camera :)

J: How long have you been collecting my Halloween originals?

Martha: I think my first originals are from 2006, or 2007 at the latest.  I remember I sent you an email and you were so kind and happy that I loved your work!   (You included that first email in my Christmas Collector Spotlight post.....still blown away you had it and could find it!)

J: I do have a tendency to hang on to emails, and it's fun to go back and watch a relationship bloom! I'm so happy that you reached out to me!



* What a lovely corner this is for a pair of my original owls to call home! The warm fall hues of these feathered friends compliment the nostalgic framed typographic art. And Martha's autumn-inspired arrangements add a lovely texture and softness to this scene. Just beautiful! One of a kind owls by me at Johanna Parker Design.

* High up in a nook, we see a yummy Halloween scene in rich hues of orange and black! My Jack ball character glances up to a candlestick pumpkin by Ginny Diezel. A pretty ceramic pedestal ties the group together ever so nicely.



* Nestled amongst a collection of fabric pumpkins by Willow Creek Sparrow, one of my cat ball characters grins quite wide.

J: What is it about these characters that captures your imagination?

Martha: I just remember loving the feeling I felt when I saw them.  From the expressions on their faces to the current, yet retro feel.  The colors are always beautiful and I love the warmth they exude.  It's as if you can feel all the time and love that you put into them!!  I just love the holidays/seasons and each character that you paint, whether Halloween, Christmas, Spring, Vday, they all bring your whimsy to that season!  And they just bring me joy and make me smile!  :)

J: Well thank you for the sweet sentiment. I make pieces in a style and feel that I would be drawn too if I were hunting for treasures. I am happy to be able to capture that vintage charm and release that joy through my artistry. 



* Speaking of smiles, this sweet Frankenstien ball character - my first Frank - offers a sweet little smirk. He is carefully paired with a vintage green pumpkin by Willow Creek Sparrow for a lovely color duet.

J: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original Halloween pieces;

shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?

Martha: I have never had the pleasure of going to the Halloween Trunk Show, Halloween and Vine or Ghoultide.  But I have gone to your Holiday Open House twice and bought plenty at your home!  I have had amazing luck with the Collector Catch!  I think I have a Johanna Sixth Sense and get an impulse to check your website! HAHA.....lucky me!  I have gotten one piece from your lucky list.  I have found some originals as they pop up on Ebay every now and then.  And, I am pretty quick and usually grab one at each websale! 

J: Yes, I think at times, that JPD Sixth Sense of yours has been strong! All in all, it looks like you have found success down the various avenues where I offer my folk art. I must admit that I have been absent lately from posting Collector's Catch pieces and chipping away at my Lucky List. Thanks for reminding me, as I need to put those back on my radar :)

* From Martha's mantel collection of Halloween cats, this close up reveals a trio of cats that date several years back. There is a noticeable difference (I hope) from my more primitively sculpted originals at the start of my career to the more refined work I do current day. It's fun to see the artistic progression.

J: Do you have a favorite piece in your Halloween collection?

Martha: Hmmm.....gosh I love them all!  Of my Halloween, one of my fav's is Dolly Crescent....she is the beautiful black and white candy container with the AMAZING moon on it. Not to mention the adorable mouse sitting on the moon.  I also especially love two of my shelf sitters: Full Moon Marcus (2008), probably no additional description needed of this moon man, and Vinny Vine (2012) a super cute JOL sitter with black and creme striped arms and legs!

J: I know, it's not a fair question. Each year, after making a collection of Halloween originals, it's always difficult for me to pick my favorite :)



* Here, at center is "Dolly Crescent", one of Martha's faves! Dolly crowns a collection of cats on the mantel. Drift wood risers, a pumpkin and a candle stand, all act as clever perches for these fun folk art characters. A painting of pumpkins by Carrie Huber of 40th and Plum, makes for a bold, graphic backdrop.




* At left along the mantel sits "Full Moon Marcus"once again. Another favorite find of Martha's, he sits with a companion carnival-style cat, both one of a kind sitters that I sculpted. I love the lantern style cabinet as both a display case and as an architectural backdrop for the scene.



* And then there's "Vinny Vine," another favorite from Martha's collection. Gathered in a nook with two of my ball character JOLs and a sweet jack-o'-lantern painting by Diane Duda, they all offer harvest cheer!

J: Is there anything in particular you suggest I try making in the future?

Martha: Loved that I had said reindeer at some point and you did!  Love that I said elves, as I know others did too, and you did!  And that I got the first ones of those!!!  Hmmmm.....I would love a Christmas Skunk!  They were my fav animals growing up and I think the black and white would be cute!  Also a huge chipmunk fan.....love the stripes!  Oh, and foxes are awesome too! Additionally now you did foxes!!!  I missed out on those this season as I couldn't make it to your Halloween Trunk Show.  So I guess I'm still pushing for a skunk, a chipmunk, and now how about a white fox for Christmas!!! 

J: Hey, that's good news that I am listening to my collectors. I know I haven't attempted a try at all the various suggestions that I receive, but I do like a good challenge! And when time and mood permit, I will give it a go. Yes, skunks, chipmunks and white foxes would be sweet!…. 

In following, I will share a few more arrangement ideas from Martha's lovely home. You will spy some of my previous pieces making appearances in new arrangements along with the clever works of fellow artist friends….



* It's a pumpkin patch, and props are certainly key to great composition. Here, Martha uses a vintage style cubby to display a line-up of my jack-o'-lantern ball characters below, while a sweet jack by Mandy Broome of Fiddlestix Studios perches above. A cart carrying a lumina Jack by Nancy Malay, tucks under a bundle of wheat. And, I spy my "Vinny Vine" sitter again, resting on the edge.



* These arched nooks in Martha's home are the perfect stage for a Halloween scene. Above, a pumpkin painting by Diane Duda adds color and a harvest motif. Below, a sweet jack scarecrow by Melissa Valeriote rests next to one of my JOL ball characters.



* OH Bats! These two bat originals by Johanna Parker Design get cozy with a carved pumpkin.



* And a HOOT HOOT here and a HOOT HOOT there…. What a fun collection of owls from various artists from left to right: Pumpkin perched owl - Jo James, Cart Before the Horse, Sculpted Owl on a mound - Johanna Parker Design, ceramic owl - unknown, Owl bust - Johanna Parker Design, hanging Owl bucket - David Everett of Chicken Lips, large Owl sculpture -  Lisa Bivona
And…..Count your Blessings the sign says!

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Martha's home for Halloween! I know I did! What a pleasure it is for me to see my handmade art and the wonderful creations of fellow artists living in harmony and all so lovingly arranged. Many thanks to Martha for opening her doors to us and inspiring many during this special season. I am honored to be a part of this lovely home.

To leave a message for Martha or myself, please click on the "comments" link at the bottom of this post. Thank you!

Happy Halloween,
~ Johanna

Spooky Sneak Peek!

Well, it's that time of year again! I am counting down the last few days before the 9th Annual Halloween Trunk Show opens this Saturday! Today, I added the final touches to this year's collection of Halloween originals, and then they each smiled for the camera. At last, I will have 35 one of a kinds to share with collectors this weekend, and below is a sneak peek at some of these special collectibles. I hope you will join us this Saturday to meet them in person and also enjoy all the Halloween eye candy from a variety of artisan vendors that make this show so very unique! Beyond my collection of originals, I will also have a festive medley of my signed reproductions and illustrated notepads, all donning orange and black! Denver's Halloween Trunk Show is a free event located in Leo's pristine garage on historic S. Pearl Street. Bring your family and friends for a spooktacular fall experience!

See you soon!
~ Johanna




























HOOT HOOT!  Happy Halloween to you!  :)

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We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

From our home to yours, We WISH You a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! As always, thank you for your dear friendship, love and support...

xoxo,

~ Johanna, JP & of course, Jack!



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Halloween Blog Sale Today!

Happy Halloween to YOU! Speaking of, are you looking to festoon your home in happy-spirited Halloween? Well, take a peek at the following orange & black whimsies from my Bethany Lowe Designs line of Halloween reproductions! Quantities are limited, so please let me know if you would like to adopt some of my spooky fun, licensed designs! All figures are inspected and signed by me! I take all major credit cards and checks. So, EMAIL ME if you want to collect some of my Halloween delights!

THANK YOU!!!!

*This Set includes a Black Cat and an Owl Candy Cone! Remove the heads/lids and fill each cone with treats! They are made of paper pulp & pressed paper. 
Hang from a hook, a chandelier, in a window, OR hang the cone separately on a door knob, and place the spooky head on a shelf. 
The options & the FUN are endless!

SOLD OUT

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*This Set includes a Juggling Black Cat figurine and the illustrated paper garland with cat & jack motif!

Double-sided garland is made from pressed paper, and the cat is paper pulp.

What FUN!

SOLD OUT

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* Perched Owl on a Pumpkin's main purpose is to keep watch over your house while looking spOOKy cool! He's made of paper pulp and carries a parade stick!

SOLD OUT

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*This set includes a Black Cat, an Owl & a Jack-o'-lantern Candy Box! Made of paper pulp and pressed paper, these boxes are both fun and functional!

Remove the lids & fill with TREATS!

SOLD OUT

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* Smilin' Simon is a hollow black cat paper pulp vase with removable hat!

Keep him as is or create a spooky Halloween bouquet with this unusual container!

SOLD OUT

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* This Set includes a whimsical Jack-o'-Lantern & Owl ornament - both early arrivals and slated for fall 2014 along with a 5 foot illustrated garland! Both ornaments are signed.

It's time to festoon the house in Johanna's Halloween delights!

SOLD OUT

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* And Last, but not Least!

I have one more Halloween original to offer from my 2013 collection!

"Laughing Folly" is a one of a kind, hand-sculpted, hand-painted black cat bust with illustrated hat. She's signed, dated and marked 1/1 and will never be reproduced.

For more Details, visit Laughing Folly's page.

~  SOLD ~

THANK YOU 

for joining Me!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Trunk Show Sneak Peek...

Hey Halloween fans! A few of you have asked for sneak peeks from my collection of originals. You know me ~ I don't like to reveal too much, but here are a few teaser images of just some of my one of a kinds that I will be offering at this Saturday's Trunk Show! I hope this will tie you over for now.... hehe! (and yes, the remaining original delights from my Denver event will find their way to the Ghoultide Gathering) I have much yet to do, so bye for now and SEE you SOON!


 ~ Johanna


* A Batty Egg Cup & a couple of mini bat busts..... Cute!



* A couple of Ghosts and a lumina jack-o'-lantern..... There's a really cool ghostly bust back there!  Wish I could keep 'em!



* Towering base chamber vase owl that I poured many many hours into.... and a sweet trick or treat black cat candy container......



* Quartet of Halloween friends including a vintage green-hued Jack....



* Bold Halloween owl ball character and a sweet bat candy container off in the distance....

And yes, there will be more at this Saturday's Trunk Show!  Doors open at noon, but arrive a wee bit early as they sometimes open a tad before schedule...