Ghoulish Giveaway on EHAG's Blog!...

October 26, 2008 Johanna Parker

You may be the next lucky winner of a spooktacular Halloween collectible from both myself and several other members of EHAG, the Eclectic Halloween Artists Group! EHAG now has a blog, and to celebrate Halloween and thank all of our generous collectors, we are giving some Halloween goodies away! Simply join in the fun by clicking on EHAG's Ghoulish Giveaway. Once you're there, just leave us a comment and your name will be entered!..... You'll have a chance to peek at our Halloween offerings as well as read more details about the giveaway and our artists. Remember to save EHAG's blog in your favorites, visit often to say HI, and see what tricks this eclectic group of Halloween artists is up to, year-round! Good Luck & THANKS for participating! PS... a sneak peek of my giveaway piece is pictured below... He's a signed piece from my collectible reproduction line!

~ Johanna

Colonial Halloween at Mom's...

October 23, 2008 Johanna Parker

As busy as this month has been, I focused my energy making Halloween fun for others rather than decorating my home... (hopefully next year, I will have more time :) However, my mom has been decorating her colonial-style home up in Washington state with her growing collection of orange and black delights!...On display this month at the Parker's house is a fun variety of folk art pieces that we both have made over the years. She sent me these photos recently, and I thought I would share them with you! ENJOY.....

~ Johanna

* The russet red-colored walls of their dining room is the perfect backdrop for a Halloween harvest theme...

* A fun collection of my Halloween ornaments dangle from a spooky grouping of twigs...

* A smiling jack-o'-lantern reproduction design of mine peers out of a cupboard nook...

* The jack-o'-lantern candle holder and black cat candy bowl are ready to greet friends and trick-or-treaters... These designs of mine are offered thru Primitives by Kathy...

* A work in progress hooked piece that mom designed and is currently working on... cute!....

* A pair of papier mache characters I sculpted a few years back join in with mom's yellow ware collection and her hand-painted Halloween lids...

* A cozy Halloween hearth welcomes all who enter... at second glance I ponder what is growing in the baby cradle??!!! he he...

* A pilgrim-style witch bust I sculpted a couple of years ago fits right in with mom's colonial home character...

* Another hooked piece mom made decorates a primitive tabletop in the foreground...

* Here stand two candy containers of mine that now live with mom... The one at left was my first owl piece ever and has inspired many more since!...

* Speaking of owls, this one is a reproduction design of mine, offered thru Primitives by Kathy...

* A grouping of Halloween pillows, designed and created by mom.. What fun!

* This piece has a history indeed!... Mom and I sat down to sculpt about 6 years ago, and I created this cat in a jack... In the process, I realized how much I missed the tactile arts for at the time, I was a corporate designer, working in TV news graphics... After adding the paint, my cat came to life and what a thrill! (today he seems pretty crude, but at the time, I was inspired) Of course, he needed a necklace to finish his look. Mom only had tin snips, so off I went to play with wire and.... Oouch! I sliced open my hand with those snips! So, needless to say, I was rushed to the hospital and stitched up like Frankenstein. Obviously, it didn't stop me though!... :)~

Just A Few Halloween Sets Left!...

October 20, 2008 Johanna Parker

If you missed my Web Sale yesterday, you'll find that all of my Halloween one-of-a-kind pieces found homes, and I thank ALL of you who played along. It was an adrenalin rush! However, I do still have a few sets remaining of my signed Halloween reproduction combos which include a series of my illustrated notepads!... I'll post their photos below, and you can click on them for details and an enlarged image. If you'd like a set for yourself, just send me an email! Many thanks!

~Johanna

Celebrate365 Interviews Me....

October 17, 2008 Johanna Parker

Just last month, Connie Porcher of Celebrate365 (The Premier Magazine for the Year-Round Ornament Collector) contacted me for an artist interview!... I was thrilled for the opportunity to share my Halloween collectibles with her readers and also honored to be amongst many others selected as "some of America's best-known folk artists"...! Thank you Connie! :) Well, I just received my issue, and what a treat! Not only am I in there, but many of my Halloween artist friends are in there as well. Each artisan is asked the same questions, and it's fun to see all of our unique responses. Whimsical images of Halloween folk art fill the pages, and there is even a feature story on one of my very first Halloween art collectors, Sharon Johnson! My friend Matthew Kirscht's Halloween imagery is painted across the cover as well, so it's a pleasure to be a part of this collectible journal.

For those of you serious collectors out there, Celebrate365 is a must-have as it features today's holiday folk artists, ornament designers and the means to contact these creative folks. Again, I'm honored to be a part of this season's issue. :)
~ Johanna

* A snipit from my article... The JOL now resides with Jason Walcott & the owl candy bowl will be available thru Bethany Lowe Designs next year!... Click on the image to see my full interview!....

* A fun grouping of my various Halloween creations appearing in Celebrate365...The JOL ornament is available thru Primitives by Kathy, and the other originals happily live in my collectors' homes across the country!...

NOTE: Celebrate365 is published four times a year, and the issues cover ornament lines from A to Z, along with collectible holiday art. Each issue offers information about both contemporary and vintage styles. www.celebrate365.com

Autumn Inspirations in Colorado...

October 13, 2008 Johanna Parker

I love this time of year in Colorado! The mountains glow in brilliant shades of orange and gold as the aspens change each fall. It's a full sensory experience when the wind whistles through their leaves and they twinkle in the sunlight. JP and I decided to get at least one hike in while the colors where at their peak. I have to say, that trail was quite the challenge! It was straight up the whole way, so I made many excuses to stop and take pictures as I tried to catch my breath along the way.... Enjoy the fall color!...

~ Johanna

* Looking up at the brilliant orange aspen leaves against a blue sky...

* The main road that we walked along before taking a side trail, straight up the mountain...

* JP stops at a gorgeous overlook near the tiny town of Eldora...

* Up up up the trail we go......

* A grove of glowing aspens captured my eye on one of my many breaks... Of course JP was way ahead of me....

* Look how their trunks twist and turn along the mountainside...

* Looking back across the tips of evergreen trees and afar to another mountainside gleaming in fall colors...

* Way way up there, JP stops to tighten his boot... I stop to slow down my heart!...

* Looking back at the progress we made..... whoowee!....

* After climbing 1,500 feet, I take a much needed break... :)

Last of the Halloween '08 Candy Cups!....

October 7, 2008 Johanna Parker

My unique Halloween candy cups have been a fun diversion for me throughout the year, and I have enjoyed sharing them exclusively on eBay..(and at my 2 Halloween shows last month) Anyway, these last 2 one-of-a-kind creations are now up for bids on eBay this week! Take a look if you like and thanks for your bids!!! As always, I appreciate YOUR art appreciation.... :)

~ Johanna

Visions from the Halloween & Vine...

October 4, 2008 Johanna Parker

Well, as promised, I will share some of the photos I took before the doors opened last Saturday at the Halloween & Vine! We were all in a frenzy before the clock struck 9, catching up with artist friends, arranging our displays and marveling at all the eye candy. So, I didn't have a chance to make all the rounds and snap pics of everyone's display, but this is only a tease and will perhaps entice some of you folks who have never been to come on out and join us! There's nothing quite like it :) If I haven't said it enough, I want to THANK all of my dedicated collector pals for coming out early to adopt a special piece! I hope you are enjoying your Halloween art originals! Now, for the photos.........And don't forget to click on them to see more!... {enjoy!}
~ Johanna

* A view from my table of the grand room of Halloween delights...

* Me in my orange & black, standing beside my table before the doors opened...

* I love this pic of my hubby JP peeking thru a grouping of my art...

* A quick snap of some of my Halloween characters waiting to be snatched up!...

* Another view from my table...There's the tip of David Bruce's display, then Scott Smith's, Nicol Sayre's and so on....

* Me again next to our last-minute logo configuration that seemed to get lots of attention! I'm glad it worked out considering that we put it together the day before we left for the journey....

* A pic of Vergie Lightfoot (who was next to me ) and her spooktacular table of goods... Ca-Ca-Ca....(inside joke :) he he!

* A close-up of Vergie's handmade treasures....Love those cats!

* Look at these creepy confections with attitude from Scott Smith! What fun!...

* Adorable bunnies and bears in vintage-style Halloween attire, made by the talented hands of Lori Ann Corelis...

* Sharon Bloom's colorful spread of hand-painted pottery delights...

* A sweet grouping of one-of-a-kind collectible dolls, made by the hands of Nicol Sayre...

* Festive Halloween clowns and jack-o'-lanterns made by artist William Bezek...

* Another view of the Halloween tables in Hermann Sons Hall with Allen Cunningham's creations in front center...

* A shiny tray of whimsical Halloween pendants & pins created by Ulla Milbrath...

* And a pic of myself and JP, who's such a GREAT help to me!...

Journey to the Halloween & Vine...

September 30, 2008 Johanna Parker

Well, I can happily say that we safely crossed 5 states to and from California once again! This was our 5th year to venture out via the open road and reunite with Halloween collectors and artist friends. Thanks to JP, my hubby & zoom-zoom chauffeur-extraordinaire, we made it to and from our destination with ease.. Yay! Here are some pics from our happy travels, and stay tuned for H&V show pics soon....

* That's me in the mirror snapping an action shot of the Nevada desert... We were amazed by the deep blue hues in the shadows of these mountains...

* Here's one of our favorite spots to soak in the middle of no-where, Nevada... You take a dirt road, drive up a knoll and "voila!" you find yourself at a well-maintained hot spring surrounded by mounded grass, pussy-toe flowers and a beautiful panoramic view of Nevada's mountains... It's magical and a wonderful place to relax after 13 hours on the road...

* JP sits on the edge of a small wooden deck and warms his feet at Spencer Hot Spring...

* Another photo in motion through Nevada... The sandy terrain was strikingly white creating a visual contrast where sand met mountain...

* Here, conquering my fear of passing semi-trucks... Look closely to see "Kermit" our green beetle's reflection in the hubcap of this massive truck...

* Glowing lights form trails on the highway at night as we approach Petaluma... The sky was dramatic with the remaining glow of the setting sun...

* I'm a lucky girl as I have a husband that loves to drive! See how he smiles en route! When I get behind the wheel, the road completely hypnotizes me, so fortunately I was able to just sit back and enjoy the sites... and take some goofy pics!

* On our way back in Utah we had to stop at one of my favorite hot springs...This is the magical path that takes you to the most breathtaking soaking spot...

* It's called Meadow Hot Spring, and it's on private land, but the gracious owner shares this beautiful natural wonder with all who are willing to find it and of course take care of it... Thank you to whomever you are as it's an experience unlike anything I know!...

* There I am, soaking in the mineral water and enjoying that jewel-toned rocky bottom... It reflects and shimmers in rich hues of turquoise....

* JP submerges all but his head as this nature-made pool is so deep that it seems bottomless... I'm so happy that it's still accessible to the public, although we did have to pick up after the careless folks who were there before.... Policies for such a place are to clean up after yourself and others.

* A massive, Halloween-orange dragonfly rests atop a rope and posed for many photos... He and a matching friend flew and darted about in a whimsical dance over our heads while we enjoyed this serene experience...

* A play on reflections..... Here in this magical place, I appear to have 4 arms!

* A shiny silver tanker truck reflects our image as we speed by on our journey back to Colorado!

So, that's a peek into our cross-country adventure. I will be posting some photos from the Halloween & Vine show soon, but I need to catch up on my sleep for now :)

~ Johanna

Trunk Show Visions!...

September 21, 2008 Johanna Parker

My warm thanks go out to all the folks that put on such a spooktacular Halloween show yesterday! It's amazing how Leo's (super clean) Garage was transformed into an eye candy fest for all... thanks to Sam Robinson's clever eye for style! I snapped some quick photos before the doors opened (which is why some are kind-of a blur!) to give you an idea of some of the vendors' Halloweenish offerings. Also, THANK YOU to all my cherished collectors who made a special effort to come out and see us! Your kind words and smiles and support for my Halloween folk art are always so appreciated, and after such a great show, I feel both re-energized and so very grateful to be able to do what I love to do thanks to you :)

So, again thank you, and enjoy the photos as many of you told me that you enjoy reading my blog!
(Next weekend, we do it all again with a new collection of one of kind Halloween delights in Petaluma, CA at the Halloween & Vine!.....)

~ Johanna

* That's me before the show posing in front of my cupboard, lined with one of a kinds...

* My booth with my reproductions and notepads at left and originals at right...

* New Halloween notepads line a handmade shelf that JP made & illustrated candy boxes hang from the skeleton of an old lamp shade...

* These are the originals I decided to share with the Denver crowd...Only a few were
left by the end of the show, but no worries as I have LOTS more set aside for the Halloween & Vine next weekend!...

* Reproduction candy corn ornaments hang from a bouquet of branches as Halloween lolly pop ornaments tease shoppers...new jack-o'-lantern and black cat candle holder designs were unveiled as well..

* A vintage pick-up truck greets guests as they arrive & piles of pumpkins with personality were up for adoption...

* A wall of harvested corn stalks sets the autumn mood.... black & orange pansies anyone?

* Sam Robinson's booth welcomes visitors as they enter... (that's Sam's mom chatting with
Kirsten from Pearl who designs artsy fun fashions)

* Halloween goodies line a table in Sam's booth....

* Patchwork owls, standing jack-o'-lanterns and fall-themed glass jars top and fill a rustic cupboard in Sam's booth...

* A black cat welcomes shoppers in Kate's booth... She operates an adorable shop in Denver called Pome...

* A peek at Erica McNeish's sweet skelly cupcake delights and peanutbutter fudge brownie treats.. YUM YUM YUM as always!

* Teddy Marcum's festive table of hand-painted boxes for Halloween! What fun :)

* And... me again :)
© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * Images in this post are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Denver's Halloween Trunk Show!...

September 19, 2008 Johanna Parker

...Is tomorrow! Doors open at noon, admission is free and all lovers of Halloween are welcome :) Please join me along with other artisans and exhibitors of Halloween novelties and fall-themed goodies for an intimate gathering to celebrate the commencement of autumn and of course our favorite holiday! We'll be there till 7pm, and I hear our in-house food stylist, Erica McNeish will once again offer her delectable eats! If you're in the hood, please stop by!

~ Johanna

Twinkle meets Twinkle!...

September 13, 2008 Johanna Parker

My Halloween Fanatic friend, Robert somehow succeeded in twisting my arm around and around for a very special piece! I have a long list of Halloween requests, which I do intend to make for my collector friends when time permits. However, this unique bulldog is the only finished custom order I can cross off my list so far... (hey it's progress, right?) Anyway, I'm not sure how long it took him to set up this photo, but what fun! His adorable dog, Twinkle finally got to meet her artist's rendition in papier mache.. I hope she likes her :) Thanks for sending this cute photo Robert!

~ Johanna

* The two Twinkles meet face to face... sniff sniff sniff....

* A studio pic of the finished "Twinkle" before her journey to meet Robert & his dog...

PS... Looks like Robert likes her!.... You can see extra pics of Twinkle on his blog here!

© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * Candy cups in this post are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Behind the Scenes...

September 10, 2008 Johanna Parker

I don't know why, but I thought I'd share with you a peek at the glamorous and colorful life I lead as a Halloween folk artist. Today was an exceptionally messy day (probably because I am so frantic to finish my work in time). Anyway, I spilled my mucky gray paint water all over myself and the floor and also kept dragging my fingers across my wet paint palette. I'm sure by the end of the day, I had it all over my face, but I jumped in the shower too quickly to look! While I was in the midst of making my daily mess, I looked down at my hands with a laugh to see them spotted and stained in various hues of Halloween. At least I can giggle about it! While admiring my custom-colored fingers and palms, I noticed that my paint palette, layered in uneven mounds of thick color, had its own contemporary charm! So, I decided to take some behind the scene photos!

~ Johanna

* I'm grateful for these hands (however messy they are!)

... Any palm readers out there?.... :-)

* Would you hang this on your wall? :)

* Ahhh, yes it's my trusty old paint palette... eventually, I'll peel all of that hardened paint off and start all over again....

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

A Frenzy to Finish....

August 29, 2008 Johanna Parker

The clock is ticking and time is running out! This has been the reoccurring theme for me all year... ack! As August comes to a close, I have mixed emotions for September's approach. On one hand, I LOVE autumn and the opportunity to see fellow Halloween artists and enthusiasts at the 2 shows I will be exhibiting at. But, on the other hand, I have 2 shows to get ready for!! And, well I'm not ready yet!

So, I'm in a frenzy to finish my work.... I spent several weeks sculpting, and last weekend I carried everything outside for a full day of sanding. JP took a few pics of me busy at work. You can tell I didn't spend much time polishing myself up as my pieces were the focus. Anyway, this week, and next week, and the week after, I will be painting. But, despite the work-out (as sanding IS a work-out) I really enjoyed being outdoors! Back to work I go....

~ Johanna

* There I am, sanding away as I like my pieces to be smooth to the touch....

* Oh my, I'm thinking... I'm not done yet!...

* Gotta love those thin 3M sanding sponges....Those come in handy!

* A mourning dove watches me from a distance, shaking and sanding away...

Halloween Table of Treats!...

August 24, 2008 Johanna Parker

I'm doing the happy dance this weekend! A package arrived for me yesterday including two Sept. / Oct. issues of Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine! My heart began to race as I flipped through the pages and came upon a festive spread featuring my Halloween folk art! Yay, it happened! :) Ever since they contacted me a year ago, asking for samples of my Halloween collectibles, I've had my fingers crossed that my art would make the cut. Fortunately, each and every item I sent to them was used as a prop in this Halloween spread. How fun!

All but one of these Halloween delights are offered through Primitives by Kathy, and if you are interested in adding any or all to your personal collection, please click here! Thanks for looking, enjoy and go get a copy.... :)

~ Johanna

* This is hot off the press!...

* My black cat candy bowl, purrrrfect for Halloween sweet treats!...

* Halloween candy boxes and place card holders make a spooktacular table setting...

* An original jack-o'-lantern bust who resides with me....

Halloween Designs © Johanna Parker... Magazine Article, © 2008 Hoffman Media, LLC

Halloween Carnival Auctions!...

August 17, 2008 Johanna Parker

Well, I couldn't let another EHAG Group Challenge go by without participating! (even though I'm completely swamped with creating Halloween goodies for my upcoming shows!!) The theme this month is HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, and how fun is that?! I couldn't resist :)

I created 2 new one of a kind candy cup characters for eBay, and their photos are below. Remember to search under "EHAG" on eBay to see all of the artists' variations on this fun carnival theme! Enjoy browsing, and thanks for your bid!!!

~ Johanna

* Each are up for auction individually, but they certainly look fun as a pair!

* This Halloween carnival clown up close....

* And a zoom on this cutie-pie carnival cat...

* Together they celebrate the season...

* Our EHAG group challenge banner created by the talented Cart Before the Horse...
© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * Candy cups in this post are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

How-To Projects for You!...

August 2, 2008 Johanna Parker

I was excited to find a copy of this year's Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Crafts Magazine! It just came out, and it features 4 of my original designs along with many other Halloween & Christmas ideas! It has been a pleasure working with BH&G's editorial staff as they have been very supportive of my work, and I truly appreciate that. Anyway, this year's issue is fun and filled with lots of clever craft ideas including instructions and step-by-step photos. For the scoop on how to make all of these fun-tastic projects, go get yourself a copy! For now, I will include a few teaser pics to pique your interest :) ENJOY!

~ Johanna

* These clown-like snowmen ornaments wear big bow ties made from cupcake liners!

* These sweet posers made the centerfold! hehe! :)

A Beach-Themed Tease...

July 25, 2008 Johanna Parker

Today, I finished a really fun, fresh collection of Beach-themed folk art items for Primitives by Kathy! My fingers are crossed that she will like these latest designs; and if so, they will make their debut in January. So, think good thoughts and keep an eye out for them! For now, I will tease you with a few close-up pics :)

Don't forget your sunscreen!

~ Johanna

Also, many thanks goes out to Jo of the amazing Cart Before the Horse duo! She presented me with the "Blogorific Eye Candy Award!" You know Jo that I think your blog is loaded with lotsa eye candy too!!!! (You do amazing work!) :-) And now thanks for thinking of me!

Tootie Fruity Notepads!...

July 20, 2008 Johanna Parker

Summer is certainly the season for juicy sweet fruits, and oh how I'm thankful for them! I've been on a fruit smoothie kick for months, and really enjoy mixing various fruits with apple juices to create just the right refreshing blend... Cut and freeze your own, or buy them already frozen, add them to the blender with a big splash of juice and maybe a banana or two, and mix!.... No need for ice as the fruits are already icy cold!

Anyway, being in the tootie fruity mood inspired me to illustrate a couple of fun fruity notepads. And they are now available thru Primitives by Kathy - perfect for that summer grocery list! Now go make a list and enjoy the cool, sweet flavors of summer.... :)

~ Johanna

It's Auction Time!...

July 8, 2008 Johanna Parker

I managed to squeeze in some time to create this sweet vintage style Halloween cat candy container. She's one of my favorites so far, and is up for adoption on eBay this week! Take a peek at my auction page by clicking on the images below, and many thanks to those who place bids on this special piece! Good luck :)

~ Johanna

* Peek-a-Boo! She wears a hand-sewn collar of 1930s orange crepe paper.. What fun!

* How fun these collectible characters look together! I only wish I had more time to make lots and lots.....

* Her head lifts off to reveal a small candy container below :)

© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.