Halloween Trunk Show Ten!...

Wow, really it's been 10 Years already?! My how time flies when you are having fun, creating Halloween art! Well, another Halloween Trunk Show has come and gone. We were blessed with a warm, sunny day and lots of happy collectors! I so appreciate all my peeps for coming out to say hi, visit and share in the Halloween delights. Thanks for being an integral part of this past decade. We all touch each other's lives in one way or another. I am honored that my art has brought us together, and I hope it always makes you smile :)

I snapped as many photos as I could before the garage door rolled up and the Halloween fans poured in. Enjoy a glimpse of yesterday's memories and until next time, Happy Halloween my friends!



* You can see how excited I was to have everything all set up and in place just moments before the garage door opened :)



* And look at the fun rusty wagon rig JP assembled for this year's limited edition crows! Some of you probably spotted him on Facebook, putting it together in our backyard :)



* We added an old shelf prop to this year's display from our outdoor tent-show days. It allowed me to create more space for my originals!



* Eye candy candles, owls, ornaments, ghosts and witches - oh my!



* My new line of Halloween candles from Aunt Sadie's  added a fun new element and scent to my Halloween collection! We had one burning, and lots were loving the fall aroma, wafting through the air..



* Pillows, totes and notepads with my vintage style Halloween designs were delighting shoppers. Can you spot Mr. Tinkles trying to eat one of my ornaments? What a crazy guy!



* Black feather trees trimmed with owls and other spooks set a festive scene!



* And once again, the lovely Kara Rosenberry was one of my trunk show neighbors!



* Kara has a charming sense about her illustrative work, and she blends it with rustic vintage treasures for that nostalgic feel... Look at those sweet clever cards & whatnots...



* And to my other side was Mr. Christmas (aka Mr. Tinkles - which I infamously coined!) along with his lovely lady, Mandy Yocom. Look how adorable they are!



* Here, Mr. Tinkles tinkers with his mesmerizing miniatures...



* A visit in person is recommended to see Mr. Tinkles' lively creations that light up, animate, twinkle and glow! They will bring the inner child right back out of ya!



* I loved the art-on-a-line look of Mandy Yocom's display! From Fern & Sprout, her colorful, whimsical paintings pair well with her felt & fabric fashion accessories.



* Mandy makes rosettes for the hair, shoes and lapel that really add character and vintage style to your wardrobe... And you gotta love a few creepy baby dolls to add a little spooky to the scene!



* Monica Moonlight sneaks a peek while arranging her table of spooky fun clay creations and fabric delights... Look at all the fun pattern and color!



* This year, Holly Kusterer of Paint Happy Designs and biz partner Barabara Stark joined us for some Halloween fun. Holly is a familiar face, appearing often on KUSA's Colorado & Co.'s show for design & crafting ideas!



* And the Trunk Show was all the better with Bindlegrim himself, joining us once again from New Mexico. He's the talent behind the Trunk Show's Website design and this year's post card & poster graphic!



* Bindlegrim brought along a new family of limited edition Beasties too! Love these!



* Around the corner I caught Heide Murray of All Good Wishes striking a pose... or perhaps I persuaded her to! She makes the most delightful felted character with vintage charm!



* Felted ghosts, bunnies, jacks, turnips and all sorts of imaginative guys were ready to greet collectors!



* We had a slew of young entrepreneurs exhibiting their wares at this year's Trunk Show, and two of which were Heide's daughters grinning big with their "All Little Wishes" line of designs! Adorable :)



* Next to the Murray girls was Zack sharing his woodworks! What a cutie he was with his long brown locks and stylin' fedora!



* And the Robinson & McNeish daughters shared an imaginative collection of handmade robot style characters made from old kitchenware! FUN! I do love how the Halloween Trunk Show nurtures the budding imaginations of children. That's how I got bit by the crafting bug many years ago.... (thanks mom!)



* Across from the crafty kiddos was an enchanting collection of papier mache characters from Cindy Habermann. She somehow escaped my camera this year, but I snagged some pics of her art! Even though she now lives in Minnesota, we had the pleasure of seeing her at this year's show in Denver.



* Gourd guys, owls, cats and other spooks are just some of the fun characters that I spotted in Cindy's booth...



* Jacks and bats on old blocks and vintage tins give an age-old flare to her characters.



* And upon entering the garage, Sam Robinson of Manorisms had her Halloween inspired goods arranged like a general store! It's always fun to see what clever finds she has in store...



* Decorated skulls with polka-dotted bows and bags of spooky bugs likely had the kiddos excited!





* Jars topped with animals and filled with wooden game pieces just make you smile...



* More handmade orange & black goodies greeted guests!



* Smiling bright was Erica McNeish with all of her tasty treats and sweets! Shoppers gobbled up her goodies well before the end of the day...



* And enter the collectors anxious for some handmade Halloween folk art collectibles!





* As you can see, we were blessed with a warm, sunny day! Despite the fall theme, people were wearing shorts!



* Again, many THANKS to all of you that came from both near and far to join us for Year 10!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
~ Johanna & JP

Collector Spotlight ~ Spirited Celeste!

Bring on the Holiday Cheer as Christmas is ever so near! It is my honor and treat to share with you a festive Collector Spotlight. My dear collector friend Celeste, who shares a love for all things holiday, has once again opened her cozy home to us! After she artfully arranged her holiday displays this December, she snapped a medley of photos for me to share with you! Celeste has been collecting my folk art for several years, and her cupboards and sideboards show the results of her passion. Amongst the art of others, I am honored to have such a special spot in her home! Not only does she revere my winter-themed characters, but she also has a weakness for my Halloween as seen in her original Collector Spotlight feature! We've connected several times at shows and at our open house, and it is the twinkle in her eyes and the joy in her smile that really resonates with me when she sees my latest creations. I love that my creativity can ignite a wonderment and inspire her imagination. As always, it is a joy for me to see my handmade creations delighting others and filling homes with good cheer. Thank you Celeste for welcoming us into your decorated home, and I appreciate that you have found a special place in your heart for my art! For those that have joined us, read along for a fun Q & A as you peruse Celeste's photos! ENJOY!




* Celeste's excitement for the holidays has a long history… I love her perky dress and curly locks as the  tinsel shimmers on the Christmas tree!



* A prominent piece for displaying treasures in Celeste's home is her antique Sellers Hoosier hutch,  or "The Better Kitchen Cabinet" as the vintage tag plate states. I agree, it's the perfect spot to showcase a medley of finds, both old and new! From the top to the counter and the shelves in between, she fills the nooks with holiday cheer. A clever blending of antique finds pair perfectly with the folk art characters that call this piece home.

Johanna: How did you learn about my holiday folk art?

Celeste: I first saw you at Halloween and Vine seven years ago, and when I found your booth, I had already spent all my money!! I was so sad..I brought my friend Mona over to your booth and said, look how cute these pieces are!!! Buy one, so at least I can see it at your house! So she bought "Dixie Dot"! Your web update was not long after that and I was so anxious, I was an hour early for it, I forgot about the time change!! I was able to get my first one that day, "Bailey Boo".

Johanna: Oh my, I still remember that email that you sent me an hour early before the sale! I'm so glad you snatched something special, and wow did that ever blossom into something special!



* At center is an original mouse candy container, one of Celeste's favorite pieces.  He's donned with painted stockings and perches atop an old Sparking Mint Puffs tin. (I too have this vintage tin in my collection!) An original cat ball and a snowman ball character surround the scene. Vintage glass sugar jars add a touch of nostalgia and a baker's delight feel. Holiday originals by Johanna Parker Design.



* Above,  one of my original kettle cup snowmen whistles a holiday tune! Celeste tucks him in with old boxes and tins. A sweet vintage style tree and other novelties complete the nostalgic scene.

Johanna: How long have you been collecting my originals?

Celeste: Seven years.

Johanna: Time sure flies! I was just thinking today that I have been making my folk art, full time for over ten years now. Crazy!

* Below, we take a closer look at my snowman ball character, snuggling up to that sweet green tin. Under a delicate glass dome,  a vintage Christmas tree twinkles.



* Off to the side, a pair of holiday ball character originals pose for their photo! As the snowman balances on a pair of antique glass shakers, a vintage camera sets the scene from behind. "Merry Be"says the cat! Holiday originals by Johanna Parker Design.

Johanna: What is it about my creations that captures your imagination?

Celeste: I love antiques and vintage things and I feel your pieces remind me of vintage holidays, say the 40's era. The hues you use are so rich and the expressions are so cute and whimsical, I truly love them.

Johanna: Ahh, you nailed it! I love that era too. Whether intentional or not, the style and flowing lines of the 30s and 40s decades just seep out of me when I create. 



* A white feather tree adds texture, twinkle and delight to the scene. Celeste has been collecting my ornaments, both originals and reproductions for several years now, and her treasure hunting has proven fruitful. One of my illustrated snowman hats cleverly crowns the top of her tree! Below, holiday characters clip and dangle from branches. She has been collecting my one of a kind bell ornaments for several years now and has acquired a hearty handful of these jinglers! Off in the distance, I spy a snowman sitter…. Let's take a closer look!

* Back at the hutch, this very limited edition snowman sitter from my Bethany Lowe Designs line waves a happy hello, while an original Santa ball character hails a "ho ho ho!" Christmas characters by Johanna Parker Design.



* More ornaments dangle in delight and spread good cheer. In the mix, a jolly snowman with carrot nose (bottom right) from artist Tammy Strum joins in on the fun! More characters, both original and reproductions by Johanna Parker Design are sprinkled in for a festive mix!



* As you take a stroll around the tree, more treasures peek through the branches including the two snowmen in red stocking and cone by Johanna Parker Design along with a whimsical snow-cone combo by artist Robert Brawley.

Johanna: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original pieces; shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?

Celeste: Web sales

Johanna: That would make sense… I should call you "Speedy Celeste" with those fast fingers!



* A cabinet cubby calls Christmas with more Johanna Parker Design snowmen! Vintage style snow flake boxes are used for both holiday sentiment and perching posts. A sweet elephant Santa peeks out of a chimney by Jody Battaglia.



* Old coffee and spice tins add a tasteful touch to the holiday scene where both my Santa kettle cup and snowman bust settle. Vintage glass beads, old baubles and a bottlebrush tree add holiday shimmer.

* More antique novelties and an old coffee grinder set the stage for a reproduction Santa ornament from my Bethany Lowe Designs line and a jolly sweet snowman holding snow babies,  an original by artist Tammy Strum. 

* Up top, a limited edition snowman vase from my Bethany Lowe Designs line, bursts with a spray of shiny holiday cheer. An original owl kettle cup by Johanna Parker Design nestles amongst the antique tins and a sweet holly angel by Jody Battaglia adds balance to the arrangement.




* Towering "Icicle Ike," one of Celeste's most recent acquisitions, is one of her faves! He proudly perches next to a very special vintage 60s tree created by Vivian Parsons, Celeste's mother now in spirit. A smaller snowman ball character offers a sweet grin while a little holiday train carrying critters frames the scene. Both snowman originals are by Johanna Parker Design.

Johanna: Do you have a favorite piece in your Christmas collection?

Celeste: As many of your collectors have mentioned before it is hard to choose just one!!!! I love them all! But "Icicle Ike" is up there and the mouse candy container. I am koo koo for your egg cups though, as I love small things…

Johanna: Oh, I know it's almost impossible to choose a fave. I would have guessed egg cups for you too as I know how much you love those :) "Koo Koo" is appropriate in a fun egg-cup kinda way!



* Speaking of Egg Cups….. Look at the large family of characters that Celeste has been adopting over the years! In mass, they make quite the festive statement. I spy eleven little characters in cups with arms spread wide! In the background, the "'Take out Window" painted by the late Charles Wysocki, sets a magical winter scene while Wee Forest Folk ornaments dangle from a tree.



* A closer look reveals sweet little faces with bright eyes and delicate details. A row of beautiful general store style candy jars add a sweet touch, and some are filled with glass candy by Hulet & Hulet.

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

Celeste: I would love for you to try making Halloween bell ornaments as well as a squirrel and a raccoon!

Johanna: All would be fun, and thanks for the suggestions! I'm still on the hunt for spooky-sounding jingle bells for Halloween. If anyone has a source for me, please let me know!



* Delicate snowman lollipops, holly leaves and berries and swirly candies and stripes are just some of the motifs that I've painted on these festive cuties...

* Across the way, Celeste has festooned her mantel with holiday finds created by doll maker artisans. The standing Santa Cat designed by artist Mark Roberts is quite a festive statement piece and reminds Celeste of her mischievous cat Millie! But, I imagine (from what I've heard) that Millie would not tolerate to wear that Santa outfit :) A sheer mantel dressing drapes over the edge and draws the eye to a pair of cute snow folk by an unknown artist. 

* Back at the tree, more delights capture Celeste's heart including a hand-painted dog ornament by Carolee Clark (top left) and a sweet cloth angel by Robin Armstrong Seeber (bottom left). Snowman medley by Johanna Parker Design.

I hope you enjoyed the Q & A as well as the holiday glimpse into Celeste's cozy home for Christmas! Many thanks again to Celeste for opening her home to us! It is a joy to have this chance to visit my creations through the lens of her camera, and I am pleased to see how carefully arranged and cherished my art is in her home. My wish is that my handmade characters continue to bring twinkle and delight to her eyes and smiles to those that enter her dwelling. 

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

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you!

~ Johanna

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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