Stocking Up...

The rich colors and textures of last night's medley of vegetable scraps, brewing together in a pot inspired this post. Have you ever made vegetable stock? It's so simple! Almost a year ago, JP and I took a couple's cooking class at Nourished Health Wellness Center in Denver, and we learned this simple way to use all the parts of our vegetables. Now, whenever I cut the tops and bottoms off of an onion, and peel its skins, I toss them all into a gallon-sized ziplock bag. The heads of carrots, ends of asparagus, insides of peppers, old garlic, extra greens and other common veggie discards that I used to toss into the trash, now all end up saved and stored in this bag. You'll find it full of bulging vegetable remnants in our freezer and easily accessible every time I chop produce for a salad or prepare a meal. And yesterday, I decided that this bag was plenty full, and therefore, time to make vegetable stock!



I poured its colorful contents into a big pot and filled it with water, submerging all the cuttings. I turned up the heat to high to promote a boil and to warm up all those frozen vegetable bits. Soon, tops of peppers, carrot trimmings, herbs and such began to glisten, and JP and I oooh'd and aaah'd at the variety of colors. Shortly after, out came the camera!



Looks yummy, doesn't it?  And a hearty garden aroma began to fill the house... What a delightful scent on a cold, wintery night.



I love how the simple things in life can generate smiles and good times.... Clearly, making your own vegetable stock falls into this category ~ or at least it does for us!



Finally, we had a rolling boil, bubbles and all! Then, I turned the heat down to a simmer, covered the pot and allowed the water and veggies to work their magic...



While we waited for the stock to form, we had a little fun! Is that really the reflection of me and JP peering back at us from the face of the stock pot?  Hehehehe!



After about 3 hours or so of simmering, we lifted the lid to find a dark amber liquid had replaced the clear water from earlier. The vegetables were soft and muted, and the colors not so bright, but the stock was taking shape. A hearty smell of rich vegetables filled our nostrils ~ yum! I turned the heat off and located the heavy pot to an iron trivet for cooling.

Lastly, after a few minutes of straining out the vegetable remnants, we had ourselves a luscious vegetable stock. Measuring out 2 cups at a time, we poured the liquid into a series of quart-sized freeze-proof ziplock baggies. I recommend labeling the bags first with a quick note of contents and amounts before filling them.  Once they are filled and zipped, laying & layering them in a large glass casserole dish is best and easier to separate once they are frozen. And yes, all go into the freezer and await for just the right time when you need a splash of stock for a stew, soup or whatever you feel like making. When that time arrives, just pull out a frozen stock bag, run it under warm water for a few seconds until you feel the
icy chunk dislodge. Then, just release it from the bag into a pot, warm it on your stove, add a little salt and pepper and enjoy your vegetable broth. Yield: 9 1/2 cups of veggie stock......Enjoy!

Happy cooking!
~ Johanna

Journey Abroad...

On Christmas Day, JP and I set forth on a journey abroad to Belgium to reunite with his family. Four years for him and almost six for me had passed since our last visit overseas. As usual, I was a bit anxious about the long plane ride, but we managed it well and were thrilled to reconnect in person. JP's mother and step-father welcomed us in their country home outside of Brussels where she had decorated their  upstairs guest room in familiar hues of orange and black. What a sweet gesture that was to make me feel even more at home! After ample amounts of sleep, we were excited to step foot out into their country village for a tranquil promenade through the quiet streets and beyond into the surrounding farmland...
Enjoy this sampling of photos from our visit that literally spanned over 2 years :)



* An old magenta-painted bicycle served as garden art that greeted us we came and went. The old brick exterior of their home dates back a couple hundred years...



* Just across the way we found a pair of posing roosters. Perhaps their early morning calls were the same calls that woke us up a wee bit sooner than expected. It's funny as the common "cock a doodle doo" we fondly refer to here in the states is translated as "cocorico" in French, and JP and I always bicker back and forth as to which sound the rooster really makes...



* From afar, JP spotted a trio of wooly sheep snoozing in a nearby pasture. The four of us quietly trudged across a field for a closer look...



 In a bit of defense, the lazy sheep regrouped, making for a more uniform picture. And, since my mom specifically asked for a photo of Belgian sheep, I just had to capture them! Voila.....



* A quiet footpath led us out of the village where the landscape opened up to reveal various hues of green. The quiet beauty of this vine-like tree crawling up its predecessor caught my eye....



* The skies were just gray on our first outing, but would soon open up with intermittent rainfall and howling winds as the week went on. Here, JP walks along that same path framed by trees all about...



* We peer back at an old estate framed by more moss-covered trees...



* JP, alongside his step-father and mother up ahead, chat about various things and commonly speak in French. I try to follow along with my limited vocabulary, but find the countryside and ancient buildings more intriguing and continue along taking photos....



* I was enchanted by this scene of a giant moss-covered tree, casting it's branches over one of the oldest stone farm houses in the village....



* They led us down a leaf-covered path along the edge of the woods. JP sped ahead, turned and snapped a quick photo to capture the moment...



* We passed many fields with row after row of neatly planted trees. I meant to ask what they were, but am assuming they are orchards. They tell me the soil in this region of Belgium is rich and fruitful. We also passed by fields of beets and carrots recently harvested...



* A clearing along the way opened up to a field of green as far as the eye could see...



* Back in the village, JP's mother and dog stop for just a moment. I quickly snap a sweet image framed by those intensely-colored red cherries draping over the brick wall. This is one of my favorites....



* A rustic courtyard calls for a closer look. I wonder just how many years those gnarled vines have crept along that stony wall and ponder the meaning of the female statue raising a torch atop her pedastal...



* Across a cobbled street, the moss-covered spires of an old gate catch my eye. They almost disappear into the gray-white hue of the sky...



* This whimsical entry with varying patterns and textures made for a fun photo-op. Just say "cheese," JP's mom says, as saying "fromage" would be less flattering I do believe... :)



* An age-old ornamental rooster perches at the tippy-top of the cross casting high above the neighboring rooftops. Again, I ponder the age of this chapel as it seems to bear the wear of time...




* The following day the temperatures drop, but we bundle up and head to Huy. More cobble streets and bygone buildings greet us as we walk the various streets and narrows...



* A very old "pharmacie" trimmed in elaborate natural wooden details catches our eyes. With his expert appreciation in woodworking, JP is especially enamored by the ornamental features and the fact that this storefront has stood the test of time....



* I capture another entrance in wood, and only imagine what lies behind this towering portal...



* Just across the way, elaborately carved stone frames a series of blue windows that have watched that wooden portal for centuries. If they could only speak, what would they say?... I ask how old these buildings are, and no one knows for certain. But, the larger the stone blocks are, the older the structure is...



* We come to an open air market where vendors are selling everything from flowers and cheese to scarves and meat. In the distance, a towering cathedral rises like a fortress and hovers over the town...



* I peer though a medieval looking iron gate at the entry to another church or perhaps a parsonage that dates back many years in time...



* The next day we crossed the Belgian border and explored Germany for the first time. JP, myself and his sister Nathalie took a train to Aachen, Germany to both soak in their hot mineral baths and walk the town. Brother Francois joined us the following day....




* The weather was fairly miserable, but it was our only chance to soak it all in. And "soak" we truly did! Gloves soaked to the skin, I stand for a quick photo in my 5 or so layers. Off in the distance, the town's cathedral beckons...



* Another rooster, this time in bronze, keeps watch over a whimsical statue. We take a closer look.....



* Admir, Nathalie's partner laughs at the peasant-like figures hovering all about. Their joints were posable, but almost too cold to touch on such a chilly December day...



* Two hours via car, and we were back in Belgium for New Year's Eve. We took the underground Metro from N & A's apartment to spend the day in downtown Brussels. JP's sister Cassandra and her  husband Chad flew in from Italy to ring in the new year with us, and the four of us explored a rainy Brussels. Above, I am standing in the the Grand Place, pronounced "Grawn Ploss" which I just recently realized is simply the grand place. It's the city center and public meeting square lined with ancient buildings that certainly capture the imagination...



* A few streets away, we stopped to see the infamous Manneken Pis, but this time he was fully clothed wearing jeans and a tee-shirt. I should have brought him a festive party hat, but security would have stopped me however innocent my efforts may have been...



* Down a few narrow streets and we found ourselves in a colorful district with cafe after cafe, protected by striped awnings and surrounded by the smell of food.....



* The sun was setting, but we were on a mission to find a friterie that offered traditional Belgian fries with dipping sauce in a paper cone. After that, and fortunately just next door, we savored a classic waffle. Hey, it was the last day of the year, so we splurged just a bit!.... We rushed back to catch the Metro and would soon enjoy an intimate New Year's Eve gathering of family and friends at Nathalie's place. But first, one last peek at the Grand Place was a sight to see....



* Night had fallen upon the city and the rain had eased. The streets were bustling with people anticipating a celebration and a coming new year. We looked up at the famous Hotel de Ville, sitting center stage at the city's square...



* And what a beautiful site it was with spires all aglow...

Our visit continued on with a handful of gatherings with the d'Andrimont family. As often as they do, the days flew by and before we knew it, we were boarding our plane and returning back home. We brought along a collection of delicious chocolates to extend the memories, and we have been enjoying the sweet flavors of Belgium from our home in Colorado. Many thanks once again to all of our family for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. It was a pleasure to see all of you!

Best Wishes for a fruitful 2012!  Cock a doodle doo!!!!

xoxo,
~ Johanna

Best Wishes to You!...

Dear Friends,

Thank you for another fruitful year filled with whimsy, laughter and fun! Your encouraging words, delight and praise for the folk art I create truly make me smile and inspire new creations and ideas every day. It is such a joy to bring good cheer to one another through the passage of art, and I am so very grateful for this daily exchange. May you have a very Merry Christmas! And, as Jack and his chickadee friend below tout, may you have Peace and Good Cheer through the holiday season and in the new year!

Best Wishes,

~ Johanna ( and JP and Jack and his feathered friends! )

Holiday Bustle...

Well, it's certainly that time of year when we find ourselves bustling around town. Whether we are out and about visiting with family and friends, gathering together at various festivities, eating, light-seeing, shopping for just the right treasures, and beyond, the season is a frenzy of run-run-run-fun!

Between December's calendar of events, I have been back to the drawing board, illustrating holiday-themed notepads and charms for 2012. Of course, the due date for these designs falls right during the busiest season of all!  So, I continue to play the juggler.



This month a couple mice found their way into my drawings...  Despite the last minute rush to complete these images, I must admit that illustrating season-appropriate subject matter makes more sense (rather than illustrating winter characters when its spring outside!)



And, it also helps to have a little snow on the ground when drawing snowmen and the like!



Holly berries, festive wrap, bows and mischievous cats staking their spots in gift boxes are holiday traditions in our family and familiar scenes around the house that offer artistic inspiration.... (and a little holiday humor I might add!)



Before I packed and shipped the last few one of a kind holiday characters from my December Treasure Hunt, I had the chance to display them at Lakewood's Cultural Center. During this particular event, visitors had the opportunity to peek at my case of originals, ask questions and adopt reproduction ornaments. Many thanks to those of you who stopped in to visit and collect my creations!



That's me and my case of holiday delights! They had me situated right outside the lovely Artisan Showcase featuring other handmade treasures by local artists in a gallery setting. Many thanks to the   Lakewood Cultural Center for the warm welcome and invitation to show my creations...



In between art signings, project deadlines, etc... we snuck out on a sunny day for a brisk walk to the park! I honestly had not been on a walk to that park since summer!!!  Eeek! Yet, the clock was still ticking and there was little time to sit for a spell.....  At least I had a chance to finally move my legs. And like I said earlier, December seems to be the month for run-run-run-fun!



We had to scoot for a fun lunch date, shop and then scurry back home to change for 2 evening parties that we wanted to attend. JP snapped several images of the holiday eye candy at party #1... Check out that towering tree all aglow!



I naturally gravitated to the fountain of chocolate fondue and quickly made a mess of myself! But, this time of year, you are supposed to indulge, right?



Cookies and sangria also make a tasty pair too, not to mention licking the chocolate off of my palm :)



And I mentioned light-seeing as well, which is certainly a must this time of year! Thank you Dave & Yv for the magical holiday displays! The journey across town to find our way to your Christmas house was certainly worth the trip...

Well, with any luck I am hopeful to soon sit for a spell and enjoy the weekend with those that are dear. The holiday hustle and bustle has a tendency to intensify through the years, and we all seem to scurry around like excited mice. Perhaps that's why I drew a few last week ~ hehehe! While you are out and about running your holiday errands and dashing through the snow, take a little time to enjoy the sights, sounds and one another. Here's wishing you a little magic and R&R during the holidays! And many thanks to so many of you that make our holidays special and one of a kind......

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Sending Seasons Greetings!...

Since many of you have asked for my winter-themed postage stamps, it was the first thing on my list of to-do's after last weekend's holiday home show! So, I just composed 6 new designs, and I hope you like them..... By the way, thank you for taking an interest in my designs! There's still plenty of time to order your favorites and add them to your out-going greeting cards. Each features an illustration of mine and promises to add jolly good cheer to your recipient's mail! You can find these in my Zazzle Shop.
For individual links to each design, see my captions below!

Thank you for mailing my whimsical designs across Santa's map! I love spreading my art and good cheer to others......

Best wishes,
~ Johanna



Here are the individual links to each stamp, starting from top left:
* Party Snowman Stamp
* Cheers Santa Stamp
* Happy Snowman Stamp
* Holiday Owl Stamp
* Candy Cane Stamp
* Vintage Santa Claus Stamp

Holiday Treasures...

Happy Holidays my dear friends! For those of you who missed our Christmas cottage event this past weekend, I welcome you to join me on a little photo tour. It was truly a winter wonderland weekend event as the the flakes were falling outside. I'm always in a last minute frenzy to snap the last few photos before the crowds rush in to collect their holiday goods. But, fortunately this year I had an extra day to snap photos in advance, so enjoy the tour. And, I truly hope that you can join us in 2012 for our 10th Annual Event! And for those you still hoping to collect a one of a kind from my holiday collection, keep scrolling down to find those originals, still looking for a home. Please read the captions carefully as many of my creations pictured already found homes over the weekend while others still await adoption! And of course, just enjoy the tour!

UPDATE:  Well, I'm thrilled that some of you were on the (Christmas) ball and checked in when you saw this post! All 5 originals from this Treasure Hunt have found loving homes, and rather quickly I might add. Thank you so very much for making a special place in your home for my folk art  :) xoxo, Johanna



* Oh, that's me striking a pose in my holiday attire!... Now, let's move along.......



* Upon entering, guests were greeted with a variety of tables dressed in vintage holiday cloths. Feather trees and antique finds offered the perfect displays for a variety of my holiday designs. Let's take a closer peek....



* An old white picnic basket and collected pottery vessels housed a fun variety of snowmen characters. I spy one of the 16 limited edition snowman sitters awaiting his new owner, and all these guys found homes over the weekend...



* A closer look reveals a pair of my latest reproduction novelty boxes from Primitives by Kathy. Both fun and functional, these guys were a big hit! Off in the distance is my mantel of originals, so we will make our way around to peek at some of those characters soon....



* Off in the corner was a fun grouping of more holiday reproduction characters. An old plant stand made for the perfect perch for the last few snow ball characters from my Bethany Lowe Designs line. They almost floated magically! Grandma's vintage tree skirt adorns an old wooden card table where additional snowmen and Santas group. And the fluffy white tree from mom's childhood proudly stood in the corner to display her collection of cloth Santas from Primitives by Kathy. Let's take a closer look......



* A timeworn suitcase offers a fun way to display this grouping of Santas and snowmen from my Primitives by Kathy line....



* Below, more prim-style snowmen, including Ruby the Snowbust peering in above, look so sweet grouped together. Again, these characters are available from my Primitives by Kathy product line....



* Ho Ho Ho they go in a fun little wicker sleigh.... These cloth Santas were designed by my mother, Kathy Parker who joined us this year for this fun event! You can also find her Santas at Primitives by Kathy too!....



* Now, we take a twirl and find ourselves at my mantel of holiday originals!  Those of you that follow my blog will recognize some of these guys from earlier posts and the photos shared of my step by step progression to complete each and every one of them! With the snow falling outside, I do believe that collectors were in the spirit of adopting snowmen! In fact, ALL of the snowmen sold in a matter of moments, and of course, I can only wish I had made more. So, I promise to start on my holiday collection for 2012 sooner so that I do have even more to offer next year.... Never fret however, as I still have 5 very special one of a kinds still available, so keep on reading.....



* At a glance you can see some of my wintery original delights traipsing across the mantel....



* BOO! It's a trio of Ghosts from Christmas past :)  As you know my heart sings Halloween, so I gave in to the temptation to create a few holiday crossover pieces for the first time this year! And I love how they remind me not only of ghosts, but of ice cream cones, white-chocolatey hershey kisses and sugary sweet meringues, all yummy indeed! Though the bell ghost at left sold on Saturday, the large and small candy container ghosts, middle and right, are still up for adoption! They are each sprinkled with a shimmering dust of mica and are characterized by that signature "o" mouth, singing a holiday boo to you! Details, pricing info and additional views of "Joyful Luke the Spook" the candy container with the hand-painted "JOY" spooks, marking his front, can be viewed HERE. And, details regarding his ghostly kettle cup friend, donning the mistletoe at right can be found HERE. (Both Christmas Ghosts have now SOLD) Thank you!



* The red and purple painted mantel niche sets the perfect stage for a feather tree adorned in one of a kind ornament bells. Each found a home on Saturday, and so I hope to make many more for next year's 10th Annual event....



* Here's another snowman here to tease you. According to this character, he loves to sing! He too found a home over the weekend, and if you recall, JP snapped several photos of me adding the final glittery touches to his hat, just the week before....



* Another pair of one of a kind snowmen raise their wiry arms to greet the guests. Again, these two guys also found homes during the show, but I promise that I have 3 more one of a kinds still available! However, let's take a quick twirl around to see another view of the holiday displays...



* Above, Santas and snowmen perch atop the boughs of decorative feather trees. Below, more Santa ornaments crowd into a red sleigh, and a collection of feather and bottle brush Christmas trees are offered to shoppers to help decorate their homes...



* A closer peek reveals a grouping of shimmery Santa clips with red and black chenille appendages. These guys didn't sit around too long before being snatched up by happy hands!...



* "Cheers to you", waves another limited edition snowman sitter resting amongst other snow-loving friends...



* The red feather tree donned a fun family of snowman clips wearing red chenille scarves. They too were new this year from my Bethany Lowe Designs line, and all found homes with happy, gift-giving shoppers!



* Always a big hit are these prim-style top hat snowman head dangles that add a touch of whimsy to any tree. Looking quite yummy on a tree of chartreuse, these fun characters can be found from my Primitives by Kathy product line as well....



* Let's take another twirl back around to the guys traipsing across the mantel. A few one of a kind ball characters strike a pose on a vintage holly covered box. Each of the the three have already moved on to new homes; however hoooo's above that may still be looking for a nest?...



* That's right! This little wintery owl is still looking for a cozy nest! I had a little fun with his kettle cup base, painting the holly leaves red and berries black. He's certainly a holiday HOOT! For more details and views about this Holly Owl Kettle Cup, please click HERE. (This sweet little owl has now SOLD) Thank you!



* And what's Christmas without a little Santa and his reindeer? Yes, indeed both were snatched up on Saturday, but gauging from all the emails I have received regarding reindeer, I'm thinking that many more are on the list for next year..... Hmmm, why do I get the feeling that I am being watched?...... Let's see...



* A quick twirl around reveals my black cat Jack, intently watching me as I take photos throughout the room! Well, I'll get you! Tempted by all the tables skirts and additional hiding places that our transformed cottage shop had to offer, Jack patiently stays out of trouble at least for most the time.  A vignette of additional holiday characters cluster together on vintage stools. Let's take a closer look...



* Just hanging around on an old trellis is a fun grouping of snowmen and Santa ornaments from my line of Bethany Lowe Designs. Their wiry candy cane-striped arms and legs really add that festive touch! And judging from their popularity, I will be offering more next year...



* To the side, a nervous snowman with arms raised high sits atop a child's vintage stove! EEk! I hope he doesn't melt.... Below, a pair of mom's Santas rest their weary feet... "Hooo Hooo".... Who's calling, who's calling?...



* Why, it's "Sue Owlen Snowfeather" the one of a kind owl candy container drumming up some attention! She too is still in search for a new perch! I must admit, she's a beauty, and if I had my way, I'd keep her as she looks lovely in our home. But those who attended will tell you that we need to finish our front porch! So, alas, she is up for grabs. This snowy owl is beautifully detailed with intricate sculpting and hand-painted accents. To see more details and views, click HERE. Curious cat-loving fans will have to say goodbye to the cutie egg cup above. He was snatched on Saturday. I loved how the stocking motif played out on his egg cup base, but if you like the look, I have one more goodie that might make you SQUEAK!.... (Sue Owlen Snowfeather has now SOLD) Thank you!



* Yes, this tall wintery mouse candy container with stockings is very SQUEAK-worthy! I just love what a whimsical statement this character makes. AND, "ChristMouse Eve" is still available! Eeek Eeek! Keep scrolling down for another view along with a link to details regarding this collectible piece....



* Proudly perched next to "ChristMouse Eve" is this stately snow owl, all decked out for the holidays.  I wish I could have kept this character too, but he has happily relocated to a loving nest....



* Let's take another peek at more of the holiday goods that shoppers were snatching around the house. Here, an old lamp shade makes for the perfect hanging spot for my illustrated charm necklaces. Ruby the Snowbust from my Primitives by Kathy line sits in the middle of all the fun!



* A closer look reveals my latest owl and candy cane charms!



* Another twirl around brings us to that beautiful cabinet that JP made me when I was still in art school! It's  always a show-stopper, and so is that antique vase filled with vintage glass baubles on aluminum Christmas tree branches.



* A closer peek reveals one of my latest snowman novelty boxes that I designed for Primitives by Kathy... I just noticed that all my winter-themed products are now on sale via Kathy's website for the month of December! So, if you missed them at the show, you can still find them online and save a little too... And do you see that out of focus stocking on that pumpkin-colored wall....



* I love this vintage find from mom that hangs below another fun architectural niche in our living room. It's the perfect spot for a pair of sitting snowmen to roost high above the guests....



* Circling back to the front door opens up the view of the living room and beyond to the kitchen and back sunroom. I can't wait for our front porch vestibule to be complete, offering us more space, more light and a place to kick off our shoes...



* One more peek at a silly silver tree reveals a fun display of dangling charms that I illustrated for the holiday season. On Sunday, I hung one charm around the neck of a bottle of wine for a fun hostess gift idea, and guests loved the concept!



* Now, let's meander into the kitchen for a dose of vintage delights! A pair of grandma's velvet reindeer  from year's past frame another Ruby the Snowbust character. And, an antique lamp glows under the metal shade of an old mop bucket attachment, set upside down. Yes, it's my cheap and unique form of decorating indeed! Old tins are stacked against my 1940s/50s Westinghouse fridge. I am a sucker for vintage appliances.... :) They're just full of character, chrome and curving lines...



* Let's step back for the full view which reveals my collection of colorful old pottery finds. I only wish I had made the time to snap additional photos of the kitchen treats and hot cider scene on our old 1940s stove. But, Saturday morning was a whirlwind of commotion as JP and I, along with my mom, dad and god mother added the final touches and tidied up before we opened the doors. It was snowing and bitter-cold outside. So, to keep our early collector guests cozy in their cars rather than waiting in line, we spontaneously decided to hand out numbers. I think that worked well, and may consider working that in to next year's planning...



* And now, we will return to the main room where Jack patiently waits for a good scratching..... I wonder if he has MICE on his mind?....



* Ahh-Ha! There's that MOUSE again! "ChristMouse Eve," pictured at left, is certainly a cutie and is looking for a home! Eve has a magical dusting of mica strategically placed for just the right shimmer. Hand-painted stockings, each unique and some filled with mice, are painted around Eve's containing cup. Old Italian silver tinsel trims this character's neck, adorned at front with a red vintage crepe paper bow tie.  For more views and details regarding this special piece, click HERE. And yes, the smaller mouse companion friend already found a home here in Denver.... (ChristMouse Eve has now SOLD) Thank you!



*And if there's a mouse in the vicinity, I can almost guarantee that a cat is close by...  Here's a closer peek at the only winter cat ball character I made this season, but don't get too attached as she sold during the show...



* Cats always make me think of Halloween, and being the huge fan of October 31st that I am, I had to pull out what goodies I had remaining from this past season. It's become a tradition that I designate a portion of my studio & drawing board room to year-end reproduction Halloween delights. Most everything is always marked 20-30% off, so there are some fun deals to be made! Can you find Jack in the mix?



* A quick spin to the right reveals my one and only original Halloween fire screen that JP and I made as a team effort. Halloween lovers always enjoy seeing this piece in person, so it's a fun excuse for me to bring it out and share it with you...



* Let's take a closer peek of what goodies were in store. Of course, the typical gang of black cats and owls were on the roster, whom again flew out the door!



* And you can't forget about those witches and jack-o'-lantern friends. My Halloween heads have been a big hit this year and are offered through my Primitives by Kathy line. Mom's smiling JOL pillow sets the spooky mood too!



* Right before we opened the door, we snapped a few quick shots. We were happy to have extra help from out of town family this year! From left to right, is my husband JP d'Andrimont, my dad Jim Parker, me, my mom Kathy Parker and god mother Melinda Hovey Hightower. Look how cute the girls look in their vintage aprons!



And.... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1..... 10:00 am arrived, and it was show time!  WELCOME Guests!



* Before the wrapping and packing frenzy began, JP snapped a quick pic of the shoppers delighting in the goods and choosing their favorite finds! We were thrilled to have guests from as far as Washington state and California, eager to collect one of a kinds. Maybe next year we'll get some east-coasters too!



* Well, I hope you enjoyed my Christmas Cottage tour..... It was such a delightful weekend, and I am honored that so many of you marked your calendars and still came out on such a cold wintery day to play with us! I certainly hope that we made your holiday brighter and set the jolly spirit for the rest of the month.
Remember, our 10th Annual Holiday Folk Art Show & Open House will take place the first weekend of December in 2012. So, save the date! It's going to be a big one!

And if you would like to adopt one of the available 5 original delights in this Holiday Treasure Hunt post, please just EMAIL ME to reserve your piece!

Many Thanks & Happy Holidays,
~ Johanna

Treasure Hunt!...

It was amazing, truly amazing! Our 9th Annual Holiday Folk Art Show & Open House was a real delight! I must admit that waking up to a very snowy scene on Saturday morning brought me nervous chills. But, you still came out! The snow-covered streets and bitter chill in the air did not stop you, and I am so honored that we had such a full house all day Saturday :) Collectors came from near and far, some even hopping on planes to make the journey to snowy Colorado, and I am so grateful to have met each and every one of you! My parents and god mother Melinda also flew in to help us prepare for the show, and JP and I thank you for your hospitality and making our guests feel so very welcome!



So, I know you're probably asking about the "Treasure Hunt." Here is the scoop... With so many generous folks in attendance, I only have 5 holiday originals remaining. As usual, I WISH I had made more than 26, but with the short spanse between Halloween & Christmas, I was lucky to create as many as I did. And after this weekend, I'm thinking that I MUST start on my holiday folk art pieces much sooner next year as my show is growing! In fact, next year will be our 10th consecutive event! Wow! Since I do not have a large enough offering of one of a kinds to advertise for an official web sale, I am going to host a Treasure Hunt, here on my blog instead. Keep checking back this week as I will post a fun variety of images from our Open House, and within the mix I will include images of the pieces still up for grabs. Some photos will be of characters already sold to those who attended, while others will be listed as available. It's up to you to read the captions and hunt for the goodies still at hand! If you see something you like, just email me and I will mark the item sold. And those who missed this fun event will certainly enjoy the tour!  So, check back later this week, and look for my "Holiday Treasures" post. Please, no inquiries until after I post the tour. For now, I must tidy up the house and get things back into order....

See you soon!
~ Johanna

PS: For those curious, I did sell out of my limited edition snow sitters. I wish I had more to offer, but no such luck. And actually, I sold out on my licensed designs as well! I almost always have a few ornaments and figures to spare and offer as collector's sets each year. But again, they all flew out the door! All I can say is Thank You!.... and I will order more for next year's show, so mark your calendars! Our 10th Annual Event will be the first weekend of December as usual......... It will be here before you know it!

Captured in the Workshop!...

EEK, my Holiday Folk Art Show is less than one week away, so I have spent several late nights in the workshop finishing up my collection of winter originals! For days on end, my working uniform of choice has been an oversized hoodie, comfy pants and a pick to keep my hair out of my face. In fact, I am donning the same attractive attire as I type this post tonight. (hehehe!) Well, little to my liking, JP has enjoyed a few spontaneous photo sessions, busting into my disastrous workshop and catching me in the act of creating! Poor me, helpless behind my long work table, tried to ignore the lens in my face and silly gestures he was making to get me to look up and play along! And despite my dowdy appearance and completely scattered workspace, I thought I would share a few images with you. Ya sure, I was once Martha Stewart's Doer of the Week, but that doesn't mean that I don't make a crazy mess every time I set out to create :)  Well, enjoy the images and captions, and I hope to see many of you this weekend at our open house!

Fa La La,
~ Johanna



* Keep in mind, these photos were taken past midnight on Saturday ~ I guess that's technically Sunday morning! My goal was to complete all my originals over the weekend so that I could take their photos before this week began. Mission accomplished, thank goodness!



* Looks like JP was able to squeeze a little smile out of me!



* I was adding the final touches to my characters. That usually consists of mica, glass glitter and accessory trims. As a child, I was fascinated with fashion, drawing and designing clothes for imaginary girls on paper. Now, it seems I am still designing and dressing characters in my own, unique way...



* Hmm, rather homely pic of me adding red glass glitter to the brim of a snowman kettle cup character. You'll notice below that I questioned my decision afterwards. After a bit of pondering, I covered that band of red glass glitter with a layer of twinkling silver. Trust me, it looks better!



* Me pondering..... while JP snaps the moment.....



* JP captures a picture of me adding a wispy black collar to a holiday cat...



* More of the same. I like how the collar adds more definition to the overall design...



* Here, it seems that I have a captive audience of wintery characters awaiting their final trims...



* Adding more glue for glass glitter to a kitty egg cup...



* Eeek! An overhead snap reveals my sloppy work table..... I have tried to stay organized as I work, but it just seems impossible!



* Sunday night rolled in, and I was finally ready to take photos of each original creation. Look, I'm wearing that darn hoodie again, but I let my hair down :)  Seriously folks, I promise to clean up for this weekend's event!



* And JP was having so much fun yet again, that he snapped a screen shot of one of the photo previews I was taking. Pictured is a quartet of holiday egg cups including my first reindeer! This image will probably appear in my Christmas 2011 Gallery whenever the heck I get around to updating it :)

For now, I have plenty to do! We strung lights on our "house in the works" today. For those attending, you'll notice that the exterior is a bit rough, and fingers are crossed that next year, we have things more finished. The front room is all set up as a holiday store, and I am on to my Halloween room tomorrow. One day at a time, right?  SEE you SOON!

Jolly Fun Tease!...

As promised, I thought I would share a wee little tease from my wintery workshop! The first 8 images are a peek at just some of the collectible holiday originals that I am painting this week! Of course, they all need their vintage patina, mica sprinkles, trims and any other adornments that I may choose to add. And yes, I am aware that I have less than 2 weeks to complete this collection, photograph each one, then clean, rearrange the house and decorate! Yikes! I hope I will still be standing when we open our doors on December 3rd! Wish me luck as I certainly need it... For now, enjoy the peek. And now, I am signing out as I am on a mission to prepare for our 9th Annual Holiday Folk Art Show & Open House, destined to be here soon whether I am ready or not! Where did this year go??

(Dear Mr. Calendar,
Can we add one more month to your pages between Halloween & Christmas? Pretty please?  :)

Enjoy, and I look forward tor seeing so many of you soon!

~ Johanna



* Just a peek at some of my Christmas characters awaiting their final touches....



* A pair of cats and a larger owl are certainly looking underdressed!  But, soon that's about to change...



Looks like Missy Mistletoe is close to being ready for the big day, but a glass glitter brim and collar are still in order...



* The base coat has been applied to this wintery owl, and soon I will decorate his hat and perch!



* The top half of a snowman egg cup peers through a crowd of red and white delights...



* I thought I would add a few holiday ghosts to this year's mix!  Why not?  :) There's always the Ghost of Christmas Past to haunt us through the holidays, right?



* And the mice have a been a big hit this year, so a few holiday ones are in the works!



This sweet snowman candy container is anxious for a little twinkle and a set of arms!



* As for my holiday reproductions, I am unleashing a very limited line of snowmen sitters that I designed for Bethany Lowe. Sadly, they never made it into the catalog, and only 16 were produced!  Why, I don't know as they are such jolly fun!.... But, I will have these exlusively available to the folks that attend our Open House!



* And I ordered a few fun "Ruby the Snowbust" characters from my Primitives by Kathy holiday line...



* Also new this season are these sweet snowmen and Santa novelty boxes from my Primitives by Kathy line. Each reproduction will be signed too.....



* Here's a close-up on this year's sugary looking snowmen clothespin clips that you can snap to the boughs of your holiday tree. Dangle their legs over the pine needles for a whimsically fun effect. These characters are from my Bethany Lowe Designs line...

* Back by popular demand from my Bethany Lowe Designs line are these collectible Santa ornaments! They also have a snowman friend to match....



* And another fun group shot of this year's latest Santa characters, again from BLD, also clip to the boughs of your tree!

For all of these fun delights and MORE, please join us on December 3rd & 4th for our Holiday Open House. I will also have a fun variety of illustrated notepads and charms, along with additional winter characters and ornaments. And as promised, the Halloween fans can enjoy the year-end orange and black reproduction delights that I will have available in my back studio room. Don't miss it!

For the official invite and details on this special event, please Join my Mailing List for the scoop!

Setting the HOLIDAY Mood!...

As many of you know, my creative friend Matthew Mead is ALL about the holidays! I had the pleasure of contributing a fun Halloween story and shared my photos in his most recent Autumn issue. That was certainly a treat! Now, that the holidays are fast approaching, I suggest you order a copy of his latest HOLIDAY with Matthew Mead edition! It's a 144-page book-azine celebrating and offering inspiration for the holiday season. You can purchase your expanded keepsake edition NOW which is well ahead for the 128-page newsstand edition. And check out Matthew Mead's website for sneak peeks, holiday giveaways and even a vlog on what's in store!

Happy Holidays,
~ Johanna

Busy at Work!...

Well, you haven't heard much from me as I have been a busy elf working long days in my workshop in preparation for our annual home show this year! As the first weekend of December rolls in, we will be opening our doors for our 9th Annual Holiday Folk Art Show & Open House! There is so so much yet to do, but I wanted to reassure those attending that I am busy at work, preparing for your visit! Wish me luck as I need it! And with any of that luck, I hope to post a few teaser pics here of what I am working on, time permitting of course. So, check back if  you can, and I'll see you soon :)

~ Johanna



For those of you interested in joining us, please Join my Mailing List for the full scoop!

And for a sneak peek at years past, here's a fun look back down memory lane:

2010 Cone Zone Christmas
2009 Take a Peek Inside
2008 Scenes from our Home Show
2007 Holiday Open House

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Happy Halloween!...

Wishing you ALL a very Happy Halloween from Jack and the gang at Johanna Parker Design! Delight in the clever costumes, savor the sweet treats and share in the merriment of this fun carnival......

Enjoy,
~ Johanna,  JP & Jack




* Roll over Jack and show off your latest owl tee designed by Johanna!
Add one to your pet's wardrobe HERE...





Photos © 2011 Johanna Parker Design, LLC ~ Photos may not be used without permission.

Collector Spotlight: Amber in CA...

And last but not least to help me finish out my most favorite month is this fun Collector Spotlight featuring my friend Amber who also lives in California! She spotted my folk art early on when I was still experimenting with my mediums and technique, and some of her pieces date way back to 2005 (which honestly feels like ages to me!) You will enjoy perusing her collection of Halloween folk art which also includes many wonderful delights from fellow artist friend Nicol Sayre. So, grab a handful of Halloween candy and enjoy the photos that Amber has graciously shared with us here. Many thanks to Amber for the open invitation to visit her decorated home, and a personal thanks for admiring, following and collecting my work fron my earlier days of artistic exploration to the current time. It's such a treat for me to revisit all of these pieces and enjoy catching a glimpse of them in their loving home.........Please leave comments for Amber at the end of this posting.....




J:  How did you learn about my holiday folk art?  
A: The 1st time I spotted your creations was in 2005 at Halloween and Vine.  I went with a friend to snag a Nicol Sayre witch doll.  After the rush we saw your booth.  Unfortunately, I had already spent all my money!  But my friend was able to buy a large cat head sculpture. I loved it and knew I had to have one for myself!!

( * Above, one of my earlier tall vase sculptures featuring an original black cat towers over some vintage style Halloween novelties )

J:  How long have you been collecting my originals?

A: 6 years ~ I started collecting shortly after H&V that year.  Halloween is definitely my very favorite theme and holiday, but I couldn't wait for the next October to roll around so I started my collection with an adorable Snowman named "Peppermint Tommy".  I love him with his candy cane nose!  He is very special to me cuz he started the whole collection!

J:  Ahh, this does take me back, and I do recall you adopting Peppermint Tommy, but I didn't realize that he kick-started your JPD collection! What fun! (Amber has included a photo of Tommy lower in this post, so we can all go down memory lane :)

( * Above, a wonderful grouping of my Halloween originals congregate together on a side table in Amber's home ~ two of which were created this year while others date back to 5 or 6 years ago. Scrolling wrought iron candle stick accent pieces add additional interest to Amber's arrangement. What a beautiful display! )

( * Taking a closer peek, Amber displays her first JPD bat just recently acquired and grouped alongside an owl and jack-o'-lantern friend from year's past )

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

A: I have gotten pieces from Halloween & Vine, Web Sales and have been pretty lucky on Ebay!

( * Above, "Polka & Punkin" a candy container duo and "Ollie O'Lantern" are several years old, but still lookin' good and are some of Amber's favorites as you'll notice below..... )

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

A: It is way to hard to pick a favorite...I actually have a lot of favorites!  LOL  Polka N' Punkin and Ollie O'Lantern are way up there...as well as Gilly Juggles, and one of my newest, Moonlit Owlvira!  And I cannot forget Jester Jack!  He was a surprise birthday gift from the sweetest man ever!!!

J: Ah, yes, those are some of my favorites from your collection as well!  I still pine over "Gilly Juggles" (pictured above) as he really did turn out quite special. I almost kept him back when I made him, but I'm happy that he's well-loved in your home and amongst so many other Halloween friends!

( * And there's "Jester Jack" pictured directly above, adopted for Amber during my Black & White Delight Web Sale this past spring by her thoughtful beau! And I spy another sitter character that I completely forgot that I made! He must be several years old..... And I do believe that smiling jolly jack candy container was created last fall.... )

( * Looking to another display, a one of a kind candy container cat grins from ear to ear and lights up the counter. A glass jar filled with black and white striped candy batons adds a bold graphic touch  )

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

A: There are so many things I love about your work.  The colors, designs, attention to detail.  What I love the most is that they are so whimsical and scream vintage Halloween!  They also trigger a wonderful nostalgia for me :-)  My JP collection is among my favorite possessions.

J: That makes me smile!  (mission accomplished!)

( * Amber proves that grouping both my reproduction art (the tall bat vase from my line of Bethany Lowe Designs products) can look quite dashing with an original piece of art like this one of a kind owl head. The draping spider webs and haunting cheesecloth add background texture, and those spooky apothecary bottles add a creepy old-world touch )

( * Another eye-catching Halloween display sprawls across the bar counter in Amber's kitchen. She clearly wants to surround herself with eye-candy as she cooks! Let's take a closer peek below...... )

( * And there sits "Moonlit Owlvira," mentioned above as one of Amber's faves. She's proudly displayed with some sweet jack-o'-lantern characters designed by doll artist, Nicol Sayre. It's fun to see how well they complement one another! )

( * Moving down the line, I spy a one of a kind black & white owl candy container that I believe Amber snagged off of a private sellers's auction on eBay. He really looks enchanting here with more Nicol Sayre folk art characters...... )

( * And it's fun to be reacquainted with "Belinda Bag Lady" who was photographed on my coffee table trunk in the 2007 issue of Halloween Tricks and Treats Magazine by BHG. She looks ever so pleased at home with Amber! And I'm really liking that old decorated dress form off in the distance ~ I have a similar piece here in my home! )

( * And we mustn't forget some of my earliest reproduction pieces from my Primitives by Kathy line...... )

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

A: Hmmmmm....maybe a werewolf or perhaps a mummy???  Could be pretty darn cute I think :-)

Thank you again Johanna...this has been fun and I am honored :-) xoxox, Amber

J:  Oh, the honor is all mine Amber!  Everything is just lovely, and I am thrilled to see my creations in such good company and so well-received.

( * And one more Halloween original, a black cat rattle cone from way back when, suspends over two sweet Nicol Sayre folk art witch dolls )

*BONUS Feature!... Here's a sneak peek at Amber's collection of my Christmas originals along with a Spring-themed piece as well! She's got the seasons covered :)

( * And remember "Peppermint Tommy," the snowman that fueled her collecting passion for my creations? Well, he's pictured above at left with that fun-loving candy cane nose! It's a pleasure for me to revisit these guys for this winter's inspiration! And look, one more sitter rests by his side! Looks to me like both Amber & Sandy & Gary had their sights set on my short-lived run on folk art sitters!..... Maybe I'll reintroduce a collection of sitters one of these days )

( * One more pair of my one of kind snowmen make me laugh with their quirky smiles. These guys date back 5 years or so! )

( * Ahhh, and I remember making a series of these nesting birds, each very unique and all-seasonal for the home. I wish I had more time these days to create more every-day delights, but Halloween has really stolen my focus with its high demand and popularity! At any rate, this turquoise bird looks lovely on an old peely white antique display cabinet )


Well, it was certainly a pleasure to see and share with you Amber's delightful collection of folk art!  A warm thanks goes out again to Amber for allowing us into her lovely home. She has offered a generous glimpse to us, so please offer your comments below for Amber to enjoy.

This has a been a delightful series during my most favorite month with 3 Collector Spotlight Features! I am honored to see my creations bringing joy to your homes and look forward to featuring more private collections in the near future!

Thanks again and Happy Halloween Collecting,
~ Johanna

Collector Spotlight: Mona in CA...

I have the pleasure of introducing to you another dear collector of mine. Her name is Mona, and she has been acquiring my Halloween (and Christmas) originals for a few years now! With a shared passion for collecting, she is great friends with Celeste, pictured alongside her, and it was Mona's bag that I mistakenly swopped with Gary & Sandy's bag at this year's Ghoultide Gathering! (Oh it's a small world which makes for a comical tale, now that it's in the past!) Mona's delightful collection is certainly sprawling with one of a kind Halloween collectibles from both myself and that of my fellow artist friends. Fortunately, Mona snapped a fun variety of photos to share, so sit back and enjoy as she opens her doors to us. Many thanks to Mona for offering this delightful peek into her home and for taking the time to answer my questions. :)



J:  How did you learn about my holiday folk art?  
M:  I met you at the  Halloween and Vine Show in 2008 and bought my first piece Dixie Dot.

( * I was excited to see just how many of my Halloween originals Mona has lined up in one spot! It's an impressive march of jack-o'-lanterns, cats, bats, owls and a moon, spider, bunny and crow! Also in the mix includes a Carolee Clark Welcome Dearies sign, a Tammy Strum tambourine, and a squash man by Laurie Hardin ).... You can click on this image for a larger view......

J:  How long have you been collecting my originals?

M: 3 years

( * I thought I would zoom in a bit so you can see these characters up close. So, here we are starting on the left end....  I do believe that the center cat pictured with illustrated hat is "Dixie Dot," Mona's first piece of mine! Thanks to Dixie's charm, it seems that Mona got hooked!)

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

M: I love that when I look at your whimsical creations they make me smile, some artists creations make me cringe when I look at them.  I am not into the dark side of Halloween I love the light side.  Halloween makes me think of my childhood and the fun it was going door to door trick or treating.  I also love the warm soft hues you use to capture the feel of Halloween!

J: I think you nailed it Mona ~ my art certainly focuses on the happy-spirited side of Halloween, and I want to evoke those sweet, nostalgic memories. I'm glad it's working!

( * Front and center on this shelf of characters is a proudly standing base chamber vase bulldog original of mine that Mona snatched up alongside the bat and moon cups at last year's Ghoultide Gathering )

( * A perching owl and black cat pair were likely adopted at the last Halloween & Vine I exhibited in, while Mr. Spider, a new character this year, was adopted at the 2011 Ghoultide Gathering. Mona likes to use wooden pedestals to elevate key pieces in her collection )

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

M:  All of the above, I have found them at Halloween and Vine, Ghoultide Gathering, your Open House, web sales, I have been lucky a couple times and been able to snatch your catches and ebay.

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

M: I don't have a favorite piece of yours, but Celeste does, she loves the candy corn egg cup cat on the ice box!  I have to make sure she doesn't tuck in her purse when she leaves.  ; )

J: That's too funny! Yes, do keep an eye on that little cat as he could be easily lifted when your back is turned :) (Speaking of, that cat is pictured in the image above, appropriately placed with an assortment of candy-filled jars and a fun squash character by Laurie Hardin.)

( * Halloween art has found its way to the kitchen island in Mona's home as well! Here, my reproduction Halloween horns (from my Bethany Lowe Designs line) surround an older tripod cat reproduction (from my Primitives by Kathy line) As always, I am in great company with the stunning platter by Carolee Clark, winking Jack by William Bezek and lantern-carrying JOL man by Scott Smith! OH, and I believe I spy a moon man off in the distance by Brandi McKenna...)

( * More fun characters dot the house as we come across another one of my older black cat egg cups joined by a group of friends from Jodi Battaglia. In the background a hand-painted handled-plaque by Elona Engelke and a decorated clock by Angela Walter set the spooky-fun mood )

( * 2 of my latest egg cup characters, including my first little mouse, are set aglow thanks to a whimsical lamp by Spookylvania! What FUN! )

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

M: I would love to see you make a Halloween raccoon.  I just can see you doing one with it's natural mask.  Frankenstein would be fun!!!!  Halloween Bell ornaments like you make at Christmas.  Let me know if you need more ideas ; )

J:  Great ideas & yes, keep them coming! 

( * Perching atop an antique Victorian secretary is one of my original owl ball characters that I believe Mona was able to snag during a past EHAG Emporium sale. Paired with a Nicol Sayre black cat, they make a fun duo )

( * A wider view reveals additional creations by Lori Mitchell, Allen W. Cunningham, Vergie Lightfoot and Tammy Strum )

( * Above, a mirrored curio cabinet is lined with shelves of Mona's collection of Wee Forest Folk. "Best Witches" an original bust of mine proudly tops it off, while Scott Smith's Old Crone keeps watch )

( * On a nearby table, my one of a kind "31" bat takes cover under a whimsical Halloween tree!  And one of Laurie Hardin's signature orbs adds a touch of magic to the side )

( * Even a visit to the bathroom never disappoints at Mona's residence! My reproduction owl pail (from my Bethany Lowe Designs line) perches above an antique wash basin table which displays 2 handmade characters from Lori Ann Corelis.  Glowing above resides a witch and pale trio by Laurie Hardin)

I hope you enjoyed this Collector Spotlight feature! Please leave your comments for Mona below. She has graciously opened her doors to you, and I am sure she would enjoy reading your thoughts...

And once again, Thank You Mona for sharing. Both myself and my fellow Halloween art friends truly appreciate your passion for what we do!

~ Happy Halloween Collecting ~
 ~ Johanna ~

Eye Spy!...

It's always a joy to spot my Halloween works popping up in unexpected ways! Last month I had the pleasure of finding one of my original black cats peering back at me in the debut issue of FOLK Magazine! Here, I'm in good company with a menagerie of Halloween artisans chosen as FOLK's favorites, so thank you FOLK :)  In addition, the fall staple Tricks & Treats Magazine by Better Homes & Gardens revealed an unexpected grouping of candy containers in a private home feature. Fortunately, the owner with her "zest for decorating" included a pair of my reproduction cat & owl glass jars. I had friends and family spotting this way before I had ever made it out to the newsstands. What a treat! As much of my time is spent at home creating, my chances to journey out and shop are far and few. So it's a always a surprise to see the work that I do take on a life of its own in various magazines and within the private collections of others. Just thought I'd share...... Happy Halloween to all & thank you for the opportunity to share my work with you!

~ Johanna



* Amongst Halloween art friends, Robert Brawley, The Whimsical Whittler, Lori Ann Corelis, Cheswick Company, Prim Penny, Jody Cain, Needlin Around & Honey and Maple Syrup.


* A closer peek at this jolly cat ~ I'm still scratching my head as to where the staff at FOLK actually found this image..... surprise, surprise is all I can say!



* Homeowner, Cher Beall shares her collection of candy-filled jars in her "fall frolic" feature in Better Homes & Gardens, Tricks & Treats Magazine. Can you spot my two jar designs?

Collector Spotlight: Sandy & Gary in PA...

Well, it has been about a year since I have posted a Collector Spotlight feature! During the frenzy of this past Ghoultide Gathering, long-standing fans and collecting couple, Sandy & Gary from Pennsylvania traveled in and adopted a few more original delights from me. They promised to send me photos of their collection (even after I mistakenly swopped their bag on them.....eek! :) Fortunately that was resolved, and upon their return, they had a moment to snap some lovely photos and answer a few of my questions. So, enjoy a peek at their sweet and spooky decor along with a fun Q & A! Many thanks to both Sandy & Gary for taking such a special interest in the work that I create and for sharing a glimpse at their decorated home with us :)
(please leave comments for them below...)



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

S & G:  It has been so long, neither of us could remember....

(* I thought I would start out by sharing this lovely photo of their mantel all dressed for Halloween! It is such a treat for me to have my art displayed in such an honorable way...)
You can click on this image for a larger view....

(* Perched atop an antique bucket stands an owl original of mine that Gary snatched up at last year's Ghoultide Gathering! Little did either of us know that this owl would appear in this year's Midwest Living magazine!... In surround, 2 other originals, a black cat & and a bat atop a jack keep company with a sweet handmade blackbird by Lori Ann Corelis.)

J:  How long have you been collecting my originals? 

S & G:  It seems like we've been big fans and collectors since you started.  Our oldest pieces are from 2006, so I guess about 5 years.
J: This is a nice span of years to build a collection ~ I actually started making my originals full-time in 2004, but I was still just learning my technique then. I often shudder when I see some of those older pieces resurface today :)

(* Last year's one of a kind, base chamber vase black cat strikes a proud pose on the left end of their mantel. An original bat and older black cat and standing crow share this cozy spot with one of my reproduction owl rattles and a sweet handmade bear by Lori Ann Corelis. Sandy & Gary enjoy mixing in old wooden boxes and buckets to use as risers for their collection. The vintage appeal of both complement one another.)

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

S & G: Well, this is a rather tough question, as we have never dissected why we like your creations.  So in attempting to answer this question, we agree first and foremost it is the pure artistry of your creations. The medium you have chosen, the whimsical detail of each piece and the folk art style fit into our personal collection.
J: Thank you, that's wonderful!

(* This image takes me back! It's been several years since I have created any one of a kind shelf sitter characters, and this papier mache clown is certainly unique. The mouse is current this year, and was adopted at the Ghoultide Gathering. Peeking from behind, the reproduction black cat candy cup is from my line of Bethany Lowe Designs products.)

(*Due to the complexity of these pieces, I only made a handful of shelf sitters. It looks to me that Sandy & Gary have the majority of them sitting around in their home! :)



(* See look, there's another one of a kind sitter! Wow, that makes four :) The mini-sitter and lumina jack are reproductions, again from my line of Bethany Lowe Designs products.)

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

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

 S & G: We've collected through EBay, web sales and Artist shows.  Our preferred gathering source is Artist shows where we have the opportunity to touch and feel, and of course touch base with you and JP.  These shows also give us a chance to discover new artists and their creations.

J: This is true ~ you along with my other collectors do have the best luck in acquiring my originals via Artist shows. Knowing that you are traveling in just like we are, we want to offer you a nice showing of work to make your trip worthwhile :)

(* These two one of a kind ghosts were snatched up by Gary at this year's Ghoultide Gathering. He patiently waited for several hours in the chilly, wet weather to snag some black & white originals from me, and ghosts were one of my latest additions! Thank you for your determination, Gary!)

(* And speaking of discovering other artists, you will notice that two of my original black cat candy containers here, are in good company with the wondrous wood carvings from The Whimsical Whittler and a handmade crow from Lori Ann Corelis.)

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

S & G: After much discussion, we've decided our whole collection is our favorite piece.  Like children you just can't have a favorite!

(* More of my one of a kind cats, made over various years still look as if they are all part of the same family, regardless of when they were created. I can certainly see an evolution in my attention to detail over the years. But, it's a relief that Sandy & Gary still love them all!....)



(* The large cat bust is an older one of a kind ~ look at those long arms & neck! :) The pair of spider and owl kettle cups were created last year and snatched up by Sandy at the Ghoultide Gathering. The wee little owl is a licensed Bethany Lowe reproduction of mine...)



(* A pair of winged companions hang, suspended from an antique sign. These fun characters were new last year from my line of Primitives by Kathy reproductions.)

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

S & G: We are collectors who look forward to seeing your new creations and we are never disappointed.  We know and appreciate your passion is Halloween, but you have created selected other pieces for Christmas and a few Spring offerings.  We would love to see you take a look at other Holidays:  St. Patrick's Day and Valentines for example.  We decorate for each Holiday and would love to be able to display some Original Johanna Parker pieces all year long.

J: Your point noted.... thanks for the push! Your passion for my work and collecting certainly inspires me, and I thank you graciously for that.

*BONUS Feature!... Here's a sneak peek at Sandy & Gary's collection of my Christmas originals ~ It looks like they have 11 more of my characters to share...


(* Ah-hah, I spy yet another sitter! I believe some of the other characters were won on eBay and / or acquired through my web sales. Ah yes, I recall that Santa candy container taking forever to complete with all those dimensional icicles and that whimsically carved beard :)


( * More characters from the red and cream palette make friends with another one of Lori Ann Corelis' mohair bears! {I am seeing a trend!} And there's that one and only "bear" of mine, so far anyway. I know, he does resemble a mouse too.....)

(* These guys must be older ~ perhaps some of the first originals that Sandy & Gary adopted. Thank goodness they took a liking to them!)


I hope you enjoyed this Collector Spotlight feature, and please leave a comment for Sandy & Gary below. They have opened their doors to you, and I know they would enjoy reading your thoughts below....

Now, how about you?  Do you have a budding collection that showcases my folk art? Of course I would LOVE to see it and share it with my readers here. Please EMAIL ME with a message of interest, and we'll take it from there. Thank you!

Happy Collecting!
~ Johanna

Hootin' Auction & a Halloween Web Sale!

Woooooo!  I am wrapping up a really great Halloween Art season with a super special Owl Egg Cup Auction on eBay and a Halloween Web Sale next Wednesday. In the meantime, I will be glued to my computer screen as I finish up the graphics for my upcoming sale. As for the owl, this unique character was made famous this fall, thanks to the folks at Phyllis Hoffman's Celebrate Halloween Magazine. This internationally known seasonal publication is currently featuring my one of a kind Halloween folk art, and this original owl of mine is pictured twice on page 23. Oh how I wavered back and forth.... too keep or not to keep. Alas, he is now on eBay and accompanies a signed copy of this Halloween collector's magazine. Many thanks to all of you for placing a bid of affection for this sweet guy. Best of luck to you! As this auction is winding down on the evening of October 19th, my Halloween Web Sale will commence!  For more details and the exact start time, please Join My Mailing List!...





* Like all of my signature egg cups, simply lift his body up to reveal a cup below to stash tiny trinkets, treats, jewels or whatever you fancy....





* Look for the spooky-fun coconut cake on the cover of this year's Halloween issue of Celebrate Magazine! My article starts on page 23.....




* Visit my Auction Page to see more views and descriptions of this very special owl. The winner also takes home a signed copy of this magazine....




* And Save the Date for my last Halloween Web Sale of the year!  A Dozen-plus one of a kind characters will be available for your choosing. Members of my e-Mailing List will receive the full scoop, including the official start time. So, do JOIN now if you are not on my e-maling list already.

Thank you,
~ Johanna

Scenes from the Trunk Show!...

This time, Fall in all its cold and wet dreariness haunted our Halloween Trunk Show. We have been spoiled with warm Indian summer days for the last 5 years, but we were due! Despite the chill, we were so thrilled to see that many of you braved the weather to visit with us and collect a few more Halloween delights for your homes this year. An extra thanks goes out to you out-of-state collectors that traveled via the skies (perhaps by broom? :) to attend this fun event. It was so wonderful to see all of your smiling faces. Many thanks also to Sam Robinson, our event planner extraordinaire along with all the vendors that made this year's trunk show extra special. With just moments to spare, JP and I rushed around and snapped some photos to share with those unable to attend.... Enjoy!

~ Johanna



* That's me in my silly Halloween attire, in front of my hutch of Halloween originals......



* My reproduction Halloween-hatted head characters flew off this old plant stand that they were spookishly hovering on......



* This year's illustrated Halloween cones were also a fun find for my shoppers looking for a little something to spook their homes with...



* I loved how this last-minute display turned out, showcasing my black cat pins. An old wire plant basket made for the purrrfect web-like rack for these popular guys!



* And there's Sweet Owlfred and friends perched atop a rusty old step ladder!



* The back wall of my display in all it's orange and black glory! My signed reproductions from both Primitives by Kathy & Bethany Lowe Designs are showcased, left and center. The right corner hutch housed this year's Halloween originals...



* There's Sam Robinson, aka Manorisms and also our show promoter, snapping some quick  photos before the doors opened. If you squint, you can see my display at center and all the way, straight back!



* As usual, I had about 10 minutes to spare and make the rounds to snap some quick pics. JP had a camera too, so he caught me in the act!



* The clock struck noon and the collectors, who had been huddled under a tent out in the rain, came marching in! Look at all the smiles on their faces ~ love that :)



* Hungry? For those with an empty belly, Erica McNeish was offering some of her yummy eats for lunch....



* Not to mention her delicious sweets for dessert ~ look at those luscious candied apples!



* Erica prepares for the frenzy of hungry guests!



* Next door to me, Mr. Bumble Bindelgrim had a striking display of vintage Halloween delights, up for grabs!



* And, I snapped a quick photo of him before the Halloween fans arrived to snag a copy of his new book, The Pumpkin Dream...



* Handmade pumpkin folk nodders and paper lanterns also graced his table...



* Brightly hued jacks and black cats from Bindelgrim's vintage collection were a hit!



* My other neighbors were Kirsten of Pearl Clothing & Jil Cappucio with her fun fashions...



* Across the way was Heide Murray with her novelty Halloween delights including some spooky rings made from real human molars!



* And to her side was Mysti Gulsrud of Delphinium Design with a table full of colorful Dia de Los Muertos jewels and delightful Halloween handmades....



* And it was fun to see Ed & Sherry of Sticks n' Things join us this year with their creations from wood...



* Up front, attendees were greeted with the colorful delights offered by Sam Robinson, aka Manorisms....



* Homemade apple butter plus other jams & a series of adorable handmade jack-o'-lanterns were made by Sam's mom, Mozell Falletti!



* Cubbies of Jacks and gumballs certainly excited the children that always enjoy Sam's offerings....



* More Halloween novelties from Sam, displayed on electric green!



* And all that orange caught my eye ~ sweet, stitched Jack by Mozell Falletti...



* Kiddy Kits, Raspberry Pear Jam, finger puppets and Apple Mint spread enticed the shoppers...



* Due to the rainy weather, Rabbit Shadow Farms moved their whimsical plants indoors and offered both a fresh scent and visual treats for the senses...



* Pome of Denver had a fun display including black cats ~ one of my favorites!



* Spooky fun collage art also on display from Pome...



* And to "top it off" we had Erin Saboe, our hat-maker offering handmade witch's hats, and just in time for Halloween!



* And although we found homes for many of my Halloween folk art one of a kinds, I still have a fun variety to offer.

So, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the evening of Wednesday, October 19th when I will be offering those to you during my Halloween Web Sale! Stay tuned for a variety of sweet characters, each unique. The fun takes place on my Folk Art Originals page. For the official start time and details please join my e-mailing list. An easy sign-up form resides on the sale page at the link above.

Happy Haunting!

Trunk Show, Tomorrow!...

I have just a quick reminder for all of you Halloween-loving folks that will be in the neighborhood. Tomorrow, when the clock strikes noon, Denver's 6th Annual Halloween Trunk Show will begin! I included the following eye-candy-filled ad in my latest Newsletter, but if you missed it, I will be offering a really fun assortment of my latest licensed designs at this unique event. Also, I should have around 30 or so originals to offer, including a very special black cat kettle cup that made the newsstands this fall... It's bittersweet to possibly part with the little fellow, but I will be happy to find him a black cat-loving home too. So, I hope to see you this Saturday - that's TOMORROW at Leo's Garage on historic S. Pearl Street in Denver.



* The ad above features a collage of just some of my licensed designs that I will have available.. But, there will be a dozen of us vendors offering an array of vintage-style delights, including delicious eats!



* A peek at page 23 of Phyllis Hoffman's Celebrate Halloween Magazine reveals a photo of me along with a small menagerie of my one of a kind Halloween creations... The "TREATS" black cat kettle cup at right will be up for grabs at the Trunk Show.... I just decided tonight that I might be willing to part with him, maybe...  :)



* It's always difficult to put a value on such a piece.... pondering that still.

SEE YOU Soon! This shall be fun!...........
~ Johanna

Ghoulicious Ghoultide!...

We just returned from a whirlwind road trip to the Ghoultide Gathering and back! As usual, the weekend festivities flew by faster than I could keep up. The Friday night early buy was a frenzied blur of collectors eager to snatch something special for themselves or on the hunt for others. We barely had time to sneak in a quick snack and get changed in between setting up and opening time! Hence, I was unable to make the rounds to the other buildings and tents to document ALL the spooky delights (OH and how I wish had had time!!) You'll have to peruse the web and haunt the other Ghoul artist photo postings for more peeks at this unique event. Luckily, we snapped some images in the Cady Inn where we exhibited this year. So, I will share with you what we were able to capture in less than 24 hours! Many many thanks to ALL the determined collectors willing to brave the windy chill and intermittent rain drops in the air. The weather conditions were far from favorable, but so so many of you did not let that stand in your way, and we (speaking for all the artists) are humbled by your loyalty and love for what we, as folk artists do. :) And, another HUGE thanks goes out to Scott Smith and the Rawsons for putting on another fabulous event! Enjoy the photos....and I hope to see you next year under the warm rays of the sun ~ we are due!



Ahh, that's me all set up, stockings and boots on, hat affixed and ready for the Early Buy Friday night affair...



Halloween vignette of just an assortment of some of the one of a kind Halloween folk art characters I offered at this show....



A sweet mouse on a ball character rests atop an old Halloween tambourine that mom purchased from Mark Craven (for me!)... This mouse was one of the first to fly out of the house!



Remember the black & white vase JP candidly captured me painting a couple weeks ago? Well, here it is in it's ghostly entirety with a cat and spider companion.... All found homes and rather quickly at that....



Just a few moments for a couple more peek-a-boo photos..... I love the one I captured of JP below.....



There's my man looking quite smashing behind my pair of pumpkin girls, featured in Celebrate Halloween Magazine! It was bitter-sweet to say good bye to those cuties, but I still have my cute husband :)



EEk, another mouse made it to Ghoultide, but didn't make the ride back home with us!... Guess I'll have to make more of these little characters to go with their black cat "friends"...



A quick jaunt outside in the chilling air beckoned the festive sounds from the folky Appleseed Collective!... What fun......



Vergie Lightfoot and Scott Smith, were caught arm and arm at the gazebo for the group photo! I feel like I have gone back in time....



Speaking of Scott, the line of anxious collectors continued to build at the stone house that he, Paul Gordon and Sheila Bentley were exhibiting in...



Sweeping by is Michael Corelis, Lori Ann's husband with a crow on his top hat! And off in the distance is the Cady Inn which housed  the displays of both me and 7 other Halloween artists.



More folks line up at the Cady Inn situated on the charming grounds of Mill Race Village.



Doll artist, Allen W. Cunningham patiently awaits the show to begin in his old-fashioned Halloween attire.....



A peek at some of Allen's Halloween delights....


Nicol Sayre and fun-loving husband Phil know how to dress for the occasion in their Victorian Halloween steam punk style......



Just a glimpse at some of the sweet creations dangling nearby, created by Jerry & Darla Arnold...



I catch Katherine Webber adding the final touches to her spooky display before the clock struck 6pm!...



And, look! There's Kristen Beason's glowing face, peering through a tree of her haunted delights.....



Determined collectors on a mission are first to arrive at my display for first dibs at what I had to offer Friday night! (Thank you all for your determination despite several hours of chilly air outdoors...)



More Halloween fans arrive to meet the characters that I have made for them!



A decision is made and I reach to collect a piece chosen for adoption. Below, a basket of Thank-You goodies for my patrons awaits their choosing.....



Collectors continue to eye the selections of one of kind delights at hand...



Saturday morning rolled in, and it was time to open again for round two. The crowds were amazing! The flow of attendees was certainly non-stop for many hours despite the windy cool weather. Like I said, it was a whirlwind weekend of Halloween galore, and I feel certain we will be back. Thank you again for joining us either in person or in spirit :)

~ Johanna