Poppies & Clover...

Welcome to the garden! I am truly amazed at what the magic of nature can accomplish in just two and a half months... If you recall, JP and I spent a full day in early May, sowing both clover and poppy seeds across our newly designed, rolling landscape. Little did we know how lush the results would be! For reference, I suggest you take a peek back to my Playing in the Dirt  post to see the astonishing before and after images. Now, it's mid July, and a large portion of our front yard is blanketed in a luscious layer of Dutch White Clover. The knoll in the midst is all-a-buzz with the happiest of bees, frolicking in a colorful mound of poppies! So, it seems my vision for a whimsical garden scape is certainly taking its magical shape. Neighbors and passers-by, pause to ponder the amazing transformation on a daily basis and inquire about the process and the plants. We remind them that it's still a work in progress and a learning experience, but we are overjoyed at the results so far!  So, I invite you to take a walk with me in the garden...



* I can just imagine that a tiny elf & fairy live here...



* Like morning glories, this sweet poppy mix radiates its best mix of hues in the early morning hours...



* The bees were absolutely drunk-in-love with this gleaming red poppy...



* Take a stroll on a winding path that promises to delight your imagination...



* Captured in time, a bee darts from one poppy to the next...



* Just a peek above, peering down at the colorful knoll...



* Soft, painterly poppies sway in the breeze...



* I noticed this little gem ~ a sweet red poppy, trimmed in white...



* Poppies reach for the rays before a field of lush green clover...



* A sweet bee savors the delicacies of this pink poppy...



* Brilliant red poppies add a festive punch to the mix...



* A pair of bees with that glassy-eyed look of love...



* A sweet knoll of poppies adds a touch of whimsy to our landscape while clumps of clover create a whimsical backdrop. Once upon a time, this was a crusty old driveway infested with cracks and weeds...



* The clover fields are polka-dotted in red as we have noticed how much the ladybugs like this new habitat...



* Clover now sprawls and spills over the rocky borders that we painstakingly placed early this year...



* A pebble path snakes around and accentuates all the green...



* And the clover is now starting to flower ~ as a result, the bees are jubilent!



* A dreamy zoom on a clover bloom...



* I recall being quite concerned that my efforts to sow the clover seed had fallen short as there were so many barren patches of earth with no seedlings emerging. Again, this is another reminder that with patience comes reward, and worrying will get you nowhere!  :)



* Another ladybug dangles from a clover leaf...



* Slowly but surely, this garden is taking shape...



* Once barren berms of clay soil are now completely covered in mounding masses of clover! Off in the distance, JP has rigged a 3-story scaffolding configuration which allows him more play on the house, attic and siding...

Giveaway on Facebook!..

First of all, I hope you ALL entered to win my sweet juggling black cat above!  Now, for those of you that "Do Facebook" I am offering this adorable Jack-o'-lantern cutie to all of my Fans that follow me there! Please click along to my Johanna Parker Design Page to enter to Win!



Best of Luck!  :)
~ Johanna

It's Giveaway Time!...

In honor of ALL of you, I am hosting a Customer / Fan Appreciation Week, and YOU are invited to join in on the fun! I am offering two of my latest Halloween figurine designs that will debut this fall from Bethany Lowe Designs! These fresh and fun sample pieces are signed by me and will be shipped to their lucky winners! My Juggling Black Cat is up for grabs HERE via my BLOG, while my Balancing Jack-o'-lantern is being offered on my Facebook Fan Page.

UPDATE:  We have a WINNER!

So, the secret winning number to snatch my Juggling Black cat is 23! Why 23?  Well, I made my first grinning black cat in 2003 (and was he ever crude!!  :) But, he was the start of many more to come. So,
break down 2003, and you get 20 + 3 which equals 23!  Many of you came so very close to this number, but only one person nailed it!

Congrats to Marie who left the following comment on June 25 at 9:13pm:
marie said:
"still going with #23 and I just love your work!"
** Marie, please EMAIL ME when you see this, so that I can get your shipping address**

Many THANKS to ALL of you for playing along :)  I truly enjoyed reading all of your thoughtful comments, and they made me smile!!!



* So, I have pre-chosen a winning number between 1 and 100 *
To ENTER to WIN my Juggling Black Cat, take these simple step/s:

* Simply leave a comment below with your best guess as to which number it is and include a few words regarding why you want to win!

* Follow my Blog (top right) for another entry with another guess.

* Share my Giveaway news via your favorite Social Networking sites for a third chance at guessing!
(you are welcome to use my giveaway image too!)

* Pin the above image on Pinterest for yet another guess!

On Tuesday, July 3rd I will round up any & all names that guessed the correct number and will draw a winner from that lucky group! If no one guesses the correct number, I will do a drawing from those who guessed the closest.....

Have FUN with this and spread the word for more chances to enter!

Thank you for your kind support and your interest in the art I create! Keep on spreading those smiles:)
~ Johanna


PS: See the post below for a sneak peek of the sweet Jack-o'-Lantern image I am offering on my Facebook Fan Page! Entries to win that fun character will be accepted via the comments section on Facebook only.

Speaking of Carnival...

I had the pleasure of chatting with Matthew Mead for a fun feature in his new book! He asked if he could interview me regarding my Halloween art and process, and I was delighted to play along. If all goes as planned, readers will enjoy our Q & A with topics that include my latest Summer-Boo Halloween Carnival look! And, Matthew's including a composite image I took of my recent clown and egg cup characters, seen below. "HALLOWEEN with Matthew Mead," published by Time Inc., will be available this August via Amazon and select book stores! So stay tuned for that, and don't miss this Sunday's Web Sale where I will be offering these one of a kind carnival characters on my Folk Art Originals page. Do Join my Mailing list for all the details and start time.

Jolly Haunting,
~ Johanna

Preparing for the Summer-Boo Carnival!...

This week, my workshop is a rainbow of colors as I add the final patterns and details to my Summer-Boo Carnival collection of characters! Hues of vintage turquoise, soft green and magenta happily pair with my classic orange and black to create a chromatic celebration! The days are counting down to Sunday evening's Web Sale when this special festive family of collectibles will be up for adoption. So, it's a race to complete the painting process, and add those magical touches, like glass glitter accents and vintage trims, that make these guys extra unique! This morning, I snapped a few close-ups of my unfinished characters in-the-works. Fingers are crossed that I can complete them all by mid-week, take their individual beauty shots, and then make ALL the graphics necessary for the sale. Woooo, it's a lot of work, but I'm getting closer. One step, or stroke at a time. Enjoy the sneak peeks, and do Join my Mailing List for all the details regarding my Summer-Boo Carnival Web Sale!

Cheers,
~ Johanna

* Here, a cone-nosed jack-o'-lantern sports some festive carnival flare. He still needs a few more textural details before I can call him complete...



* And, any guess as to what type of character this silly-sweet guy may be?...



* A peek at my color palette reveals a wheel of hues that excite the senses and remind us of festival fun!



* Of course, I couldn't host a web sale without a cat or two!  This cutie will have arms and legs and additional trims! EEk, wish me luck in getting this all done...



* And, I have a feeling this little guy will be quite the charmer when all is said and done...

Make sure to refresh the Folk Art Originals page of my website this Sunday to see all 11 characters that make up this special collection of carnival delights!

Cheers to Dad!....

I am sending some long distance love to my dad on this special day that honors our fathers. Your smile and batty humor keep us chuckling away until we will meet again. Though distance has a bad habit of keeping us apart, our spirits are close.  Thank you for all the smiles and laughter :)

Best wishes to you!

Love,
Johanna

INSPIRED by 40 West...

It truly was a "whirlwind weekend of the arts!" That's the tagline I coined when writing the Call for Entries application for a very special local event our team of art-loving volunteers were planning and preparing for. And what a joy it was to see our vision come to life, exceeding our expectations! I'm referring to this past weekend's 40 West INSPIRE Gallery show. For those of you who follow ME and / or 40 West Arts District on facebook, you will know that creating, branding and building this arts district has been and continues to be a labor of love. For the past year, I have been juggling my personal art business with the growing needs of this emerging creative district. Fortunately, it's all very close to home, and each inspires the other. We have accomplished so very much in a short amount of time, and last weekend's inaugural gallery opening certainly put us on the map! I sat on the jury and helped curate this unique show, organizing the entry finals into themes that allowed for a fun cross of mediums to mix and mingle. I have to say, my head is still spinning from all the pre-show hype, including my Artist Feature in the Your Hub section of the Denver Post to my interview with the Mayor of Lakewood! Who would have ever known that I would have been so involved with my community! Seriously, I have truly been a hermit for years..... well, that is until my ears started burning about a local arts district just down the street!

Long story short, we had around 550 in attendance at our first gallery event!  WOW! I want to thank all of my friends, neighbors and fans of my work who joined me and the 40W gang kick off our new public studio facility and celebrate our accomplishments and momentum. Below are just a few images from this exciting 3-day experience. Many more photos are available on our fan page!  ENJOY!


 

* That's me in my stylish 40W apron, the day before the show.  JP and I had just mounted my trio of one of a kind carnival characters. I was also handling and dusting off various works of art; hence the white glove!



* A slightly closer peek reveals a cat, a clown sitter and a mouse all ready for my upcoming Summer-Boo Web Sale on June 24th! The full collection of 11 various characters will reveal a more chromatic palette from me with a hint of Halloween. So far, the feedback has been quite favorable, so I look forward to sharing them all with you soon (well, once I finish them!)

The wooden shelf was a last-minute magical collaboration between JP and myself as we scoured the garden shed for pieces and parts. The swing seat is made from 2 faces of an old flower box and the metal brackets were discards, all found on various alley hunts.



* Here's a quick peek of the front reception room at 40 West Gallery & Studios. Attendees were warmly greeted by staff and were handed a program and invited to meander...



* Outside, the skies were blue and the sun was shining while waves of people from all ages arrived, anxious to see the art and experience the space.



* At 5:30, the warehouse space out back was brimming with folks ready for the ribbon-cutting ceremony!



* 40 West Champions formed a line across the entrance of the very first studio space, while leader Bill Marino praised their efforts and led a round of applause...



* Afterwards, I oversaw the community arts project where mostly children, along with a few willing adults, added paint and patterns to canvas squares.



* The kids jumped right in with no inhibitions and began painting what inspired them!



* Up front, JP was sipping wine and mingling with guests... I like my man in an apron!



* The sunny, front "Abstractions" room was a big hit with its variety of mediums from glass, mosaic, textile and stone to oils, photography and acrylics...



* Guests marveled at the varied children's exhibit in the large warehouse space out back.




* For most of the youth on display, this was their first opportunity to show their work in a gallery setting! I was reminded of the importance of nurturing the artist in every child, recalling when I too was a budding artist. The thrill of seeing my drawings on display in public exhibits certainly inspired me! (Thanks Mom :)


Again, if you would like to see more images, please visit the 40 West Fan Page ~


I feel very fortunate that we had such a wonderful turn-out with ample smiles and energetic excitement. The experience has me inspired as I complete the last few characters for my Summer-Boo Carnival collection, soon to debut on Sunday, the 24th. Following that festive web sale, I will be continuing my collection of Halloween & holiday originals for my fall and winter shows. So, you know where I'll be ~ in the workshop!!!

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Crafting with Mom again...

The last few days have been a rare treat as my parents have been visiting JP and myself, here in Colorado. Together, we have been sharing memories, laughing and bouncing creative ideas off of one another. With their pending visit in mind, I took some much needed time to clean up my workshop. Wow, what a mess it was! Fortunately, I was able to find my worktable underneath layers of stuff, and  mom and I spent a few hours crafting. I was working on the base coats on a new Rhyme Time original piece, slated to sell this summer while mom brought a bag of woolen textiles to sew into keepsakes for her Kathy Parker Collection. It was fun, and it reminded me of the good 'ol days growing up and joining her at the kitchen counter to work on creative projects together. Of course, JP took the opportunity to catch us in the act, and soon we found ourselves elevating our level of silliness as the camera lens spied on our activities. Now, my parents have already left for home, and I'm sitting here enjoying the photos and wishing they lived closer. For now, I thought it would be a treat to share a few images from yesterday's fun in the workshop. Here's hoping that we will have more opportunities to craft together in the future.......

Best wishes,
~ Johanna


* After a few eye-watering moments of laughter, the two of us settled down for a sweet photo together...
(This one would have been perfect for my Mother's Day post!)


* Earlier, JP snapped a few funny overheads which made it difficult to concentrate on our work...


* Peek-a-boo!


* "Now get serious girls"..... I'm painting a one of a kind Halloween bulldog character, while mom works on a Valentine's keepsake. Clearly, we do not work with the current seasons.... haha!


* Mom joins me by my side for a closer look at my dry-brushing technique...


* Looks like we couldn't keep a straight face for too long :)

Back to Nature in Style...

The garden is flourishing outdoors, and the birds and bugs are happily buzzing around! I love this time of year when everything pops with color and texture. The breezes are warm, and artistic expression is freely flowing from everything. As much as I adore creating Halloween, it's lovely to be inspired by nature all around us. This month, between sculpting spooky cats, owls, and other haunting characters, I have been illustrating a new look in a more soothing and soft palette. An owl, followed by a butterfly, followed by a bluebird were the first characters to materialize in this sweet style. All of which including others yet to be seen, are up for consideration for decorative box sign art and possibly other product applications to be licensed to Primitives by Kathy. I have a POLL on my JPD Facebook Page asking for your feedback as to what other characters I should create to complete this collection. Please do share! I'm thinking that these could be quite sweet on some of my Zazzle products as well. So, stay tuned!

If you would like to see their full images, please visit my Artist Page and let me know your thoughts..... Thank you for your feedback, and make sure to stop and enjoy the sights and sounds and sweet smells of  spring!

Cheers,
~ Johanna

Works in Progress...

Just thought I would share a peek at what is in the works this month. A bulldog on a ball, a cat on a moon, a pinocchio-nosed jack-o'-lantern and a witch with a wild "do" are becoming fast friends in my workshop studio. More characters are underway, and I am pondering the idea of hosting a web sale with a summer carnival twist. We'll see! The current cast of characters may end up in the Halloween vault, but that's the beauty of these guys as they can swing either way :)  Stay tuned and please Join My Mailing list to receive my next newsletter with all the details!

By the way, if you are an artist, craftsman, painter, etc... What are YOU creating? Do tell.....

Best wishes,
~ Johanna

Celebrating Mom!...

Mom often says it's that creative connection that ties us together despite the long physical distance that we are apart. Often it seems each one of us is creating along the same wavelength, albeit miles apart and in our separate studios. The other day, owls were the theme, and it was fun to find that each one of us had been designing little hoot-hoots simultaneously and unknown to the other..... This past December, it was a treat to have mom in town for our holiday home show! We rarely get the chance to have our photo taken together, so this is a special one.

Best wishes to you Mom. Thank you for sharing your creative spirit with me, and I look forward to sharing more joyful occasions with you, whether near or far, in the days to come.

Love,
~ Johanna :)

Playing in the Dirt...

OK, I admit it's been a while since I have posted to my blog. Although it seems that I have been missing in action, let me just explain where the action has been taking place. As April rolled in, the weather warmed, unseasonably, and JP and I jumped at the opportunity to work on the necessary irrigation aspect of our "new" frontyard. Since September of 2010, our property has undergone a major transformation, and it has been a rather daunting task. With the exception of a few older trees, really nothing remains the same. Due to an old leaky basement, we dug below basement level, added rooms and waterproofed our old 1939 cottage. Then, we started from scratch with a yard that looked more like a debris field. Today, it is starting to take shape, and there is hope for that storybook setting that I want to manifest around our home. I snapped several photos last month of the soaker hose configuration, or topo-style art that JP and I created. It has since been buried, and we just seeded with clover last week! So, stay tuned for more photos to come. Tiny little seedlings are bursting through the soil everywhere we look, so the excitement level and satisfaction factor are kicking in! This has been a labor of love, and we only hope that it gets better and better...... The front porch, insulation and siding are next on the to-do list! For now, enjoy a few BEFORE & AFTER photos and more pictured below!

* JP stands off in the distance admiring our maze of twisting soaker hoses, strategically placed across the front berms. Take a peek below at an image from the same vantage point, about 20 months earlier...



* The serious transforming began in the fall of 2010 when we dug around the front 3 sides of our house below basement level, in order to waterproof, add french drains, and create additional basement spaces...



* Today, this is our "knoll" which I just seeded with a delicate poppy mix. I am still looking for the perfect small specimen tree to mark its center. Pictured below is the same scene 20 months earlier...



* EEEK! This was a day of chaos as I recall... The yard was a muddy debris field of asphalt, sand, dirt and rock. It was very difficult to visualize the berms, the knoll, and the paths, while keeping in mind the proper run-off grades and placement of french drains. It was a MESS, but we are now BEYOND that, much to our relief!...



* Currently, this is the view from the corner of our lot looking toward our garage. It's difficult to imagine that this was once an old crusty driveway, full of weeds and broken asphalt. No longer can wild drivers use our yard as a short-cut to avoid the stop sign!  Now, they would have to go 4-wheeling....and they better not!....



* Well, there's that old crusty driveway before we started the big dig! It left much to be desired, and now it's a joy to see the possibilities come to life. Today, it's looking more like a rolling park!



* Here, JP is absorbed in the complicated maze of soaker hoses...



* And this looks like art to me!



* It's rather odd to go from a flat landscape to a slightly mountainous terrain. You become one with the dirt, and your appreciation for the soil awakens...



* The soaker hoses will keep the berms moist and will promote healthy growth for our new trees, future perennials and the clover plants that will soon emerge to add green and retain the soil.



* We placed an irrigation valve box close to the path for easy access. Eventually, I will plant something to disguise it a bit!



* The soaker hoses wrap around toward the front path, weaving in between a trio of newly planted evergreen trees...



* JP strikes a pose next to the main supply line...



* Above, you can see a wee bit of the hose submerged and covered with mulch. Crawling around on all fours, we gradually covered every inch of that hose, protecting it from the intense heat of the sun. Then we added jute mesh to the slopes, more soil / compost mix and prepared it for the clover seed. Seedlings are poking up everywhere, and now we must keep them moist. What a chore!

So, that explains why I have been missing in action. The projects have required teamwork to get the job done, so JP and I have been spending many a day, playing in the dirt. As we live at the corner of two streets with one being rather busy, we have had plenty of "traffic". Folks drive by, slow down, give us the thumb's up, cheer us on, ask questions, want tours, take photos, bring us food, and the list goes on! I never expected ALL the attention :) We are overwhelmed by the favorable response from neighbors and even folks that don't live in the hood. What will they think when it's all done?!!!..... There is still plenty yet slated in order to complete the picture, so stay tuned.

And, yes I am back to the workshop this month as my folk art is calling....... Of course, the dirt is calling too... :)

~ Johanna

Happy o'Natural Easter!...

It's EASTER! ~ well minus the bangles and beads, bows, collars and party hats! I hope you all are not tooooo disappointed, but Mr. Jack wanted to fashion his o'natural side for this spring holiday. Next time around, we hope to be a wee bit more creative when it comes to sprucing up for the season. But speaking of,  JP and I have been busy-bees, sprucing up our landscape, carving and shaping berms, setting stones and creating rock walls around our property. It's starting to take shape! The goal is to sew clover seeds by the end of this week which will create a whimsical carpet of green while retaining our soil before the spring rain falls..... So, we're practically racing against the clock to get things in place and ready for the next phase! I promise to take photos soon and will share them here with you. The word from passers-by has been very positive and inspiring :)



Anyway, we are just "peeking" in to wish you a Happy Easter! Now, we're off to go hunt for more rocks and play in the dirt....

Best Wishes to you!
~ Johanna

A Special, Best Offer Sealed Auction!...

"Art Challenges" ~ oh, just those words often create pause and then the need to drag my feet. Seriously, do I really need to challenge myself? First, I ignore it and find excuse after excuse to avoid it altogether. But, then, it seems, my imagination kicks on and takes over, and I find myself dwelling on the challenge, pondering how I would overcome it. What would be my slant and style on such a creative challenge? Sooner than later, my heart races, and I give in! There's no going back! I can make a complete 180 degree turn from a "no-never" attitude to intense focus in my workshop, consumed with the subject matter. The process is quite humorous really :)

So, why am I speaking of Challenges? Well, that's because EHAG in conjunction with PFATT announced a joint challenge to its artists. Who's heard of Steampunk? It continues to be a growing trend in fashion and decor where post-Victorian steam-era style meets the world of science fiction. Where bronze and brass, gold and copper cogs and gears create pattern, texture, movement and whimsy in a surreal world of steam-fired fantasy. Still lost? Check out the academy award-winning movie Hugo to understand the look. Anyway, EHAG & PFATT announced and encouraged its artist members to delve right into a "SCREAMpunk Challenge!"Both groups have a passion for Halloween, so the fusion of the two themes made for a fantastical match.

Introducing my "Screampunk" Challenge!


WINNING BID: $1,643.01 ~ 
Thank you Donna!

When my Screampunk piece was complete, I swooned! I must admit, this owl is steamier than I had ever imagined. My unusual addition of vintage buttons combined with wire details, top hat and all, certainly makes for a whimsical all-season and rather stylish art piece. And, I have never created a character quite like this, and well, I am feeling a bit attached! I must remind myself however, that this is a challenge by the artists and for the collecting public. So, I am willlllling to offer him to you in a "Sealed" Blog Auction, right HERE! But, you need to help me decide what he is worth...

What is a "Sealed" Blog Auction you ask? Well, in order to give those of you interested a fair chance at adopting this special owl, I am asking that you EMAIL ME your Best Offer. What would you be willing to spend in order to possibly accept this collectible piece into your home? Each emailed bid will be sealed, in a sense, that I will not share those numbers with any other bidding participant. Bids will remain private, and I will not release any information regarding bids until the highest bid is revealed here, on Saturday, March 31st. Submit once OR as many times as you wish within this 6-day period. AND SILLY ME ~ I forgot to double check the calendar as there are 31 days in this month!! And, I would like to include a last minute peek at "Timowlthy" on EHAG's Emporium where he will be surrounded by other "Screampunk" creations from the artists of EHAG that night.

Unlike the standard eBay auction, this scenario allows a collector the chance to submit a bid at his or her leisure and not enter into a stressful bidding war during the last few minutes of the auction. You have 6 days to submit your best offer/s. Everybody has a chance to participate if they wish, and we all avoid the continual rising fees that eBay imposes.

How to Bid :

Please study the various photos below to see if you would like to adopt "Timely Timowlthy."
If he "hooos" to you, then . . . . . . . 

* EMAIL ME with the amount of your Best Offer (johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com)
* Title your email: "Best Offer - $ - - - - - "
* Look for a reply / confirmation email that your offer has been received

As you submit your offer/s, you are welcome to identify yourself or remain anonymous. Therefore, you may email me from whatever email account you choose as long as I can reach you in the event you are the winner!  I will be accepting offers through March 31st, and final bids need to be emailed by 11pm EST. At that time, I will review all the offers and post the pending best offer amount. The winner will be notified and will have 24 hours to respond, identify him or herself and start the process of finalizing the sale. The piece will be offered to the bidder of the next best offer, in the event the top bidder fails to respond.

As for emailing me with your bids, please know that I am grateful for any and all "bids of affection." Bid what you can comfortably afford, and I thank you for your offer of support. Whether it's small or large, I thank you for it!  Best of luck!...... Now, let's get started :)

Up for Bids is "Timely Timowlthy," an original sculpture by me, folk artist Johanna Parker...



* With wiry wings stretched wide, Timely Timowlthy perches atop a stylized, spherical clock....



* He is painted in hues of aged cream, black, brown and slightly metallic gold, bronze and copper. He is a one of a kind, hand sculpted and hand painted papier mache folk art owl character...



* An exaggerated collar frames his sweet face and protects his feathered head...



* His flared top hat serves as the base for a pair of hand-formed wire spectacles attached via a vintage brass button.



* Below, a pair of antique buttons trim his striped vest and add more vintage Steampunk style bling to this dapper guy....



* Art Deco style patterns wrap around his spherical base and meet at the back...



* Here, at the back, a golden cogwheel design frames yet another old metallic button.



* Returning to front and below his wiry tallons, a favorite Art Deco button from my vintage collection serves as the center of his stylized clock. Curled arrows made of wire form its hands and add a touch of whimsy, texture and dimension to this piece...



* His hand-formed wire accents sport a dirty bronze painted patina....



* Timely Timowlthy, in his muted neutrals and metallics would make for a wonderful all-season conversational art piece in your lovely home!



He measures 7.5" tall by 6.5" wide...



*Steamingly, screamingly stylish & sweet!



* He's signed and dated, 1/1 and marked as a special "EHAG * PFATT Screampunk Challenge" piece...

EMAIL ME or leave a comment below if you have any questions. I will be happy to answer those for you before you place your Best Offer via email.

Many thanks for considering this unique piece, and I appreciate your bids of support...

~ Johanna


Please NOTE: If you received my Newsletter regarding this special auction, I made an initial typo on the ending date. It will be ending on Saturday, March 31st at 11pm EST ~ not Friday.  Thank you!

Teasing Spring...

Yay! I finished my collection of spring originals, soon to debut on March 26th! They each posed for the camera last night, and I snapped a few teaser pics to entice you to join me for my Spring Web Sale, later this month. In total, there are 10 little sweeties, and I want to thank all of my collector friends for your little push to make some spring delights this year. It has been a fun diversion :)

* A sweet bunny, painted in chocolatey spring hues, peeks into the frame...



* A creamy-white mouse with rose-colored undertones, smiles amongst a gathering of spring folk art friends...



* Looking up, we see what appears to be a perky rabbit in vintage pinks and greens.... Look at her wee little mouth!



* And an adorable buttery-yellow chick waves a wiry wing and invites you all to take a closer peek on Monday, March 26th, when I will release these unique characters. Please Join my Mailing List for more details, including the start time and more.

Think Spring!
~ Johanna

Spring Muse & Hues...

Ahh, the temperatures are finally beginning to warm, and spring is in the air! A fresh breeze has been wafting through the window of my workshop as I finish up my collection of spring originals for an upcoming Web Sale. More feathered friends have been bathing in the bird bath and celebrating the commencement of spring through song. It feels good to be close to finishing my latest batch of seasonal folk art characters. JP stopped in to snap a few photos of the artistic process as I added the final painterly touches to my pieces. You can see more of the image below on my Facebook Fan Page ~ (and please click the LIKE button once you arrive if wish to stay connected!)  Next, I will add a few touches of glass glitter and trims to these sweet guys. There are 10 in total and include a fun mix of egg cups, kettle cups and ball characters. I would have loved to make more, but I also have a growing list of eager Lucky List recipients that I must tend to as well. (Thank you for your patience :)

* Just a peek at one of several originals I have been creating for spring!  You are welcome to Join my Mailing List for more details on my March 26th Web Sale...

* Here's a close-up perspective on my paint palette for spring. I rarely use colors straight out of the bottle. The bright red, mixed with white and soft yellow create that salmon-pink hue that I prefer for this season. I also apply this color to the cheeks of snowmen when the holidays roll in.

* It's funny as I have been using the same cool whip lid for years upon years to mix my paints on, and I DON'T eat cool whip ~ not for many years at least. But, I am certainly recycling and getting good use out of its container :)  After the layers build up, I peel the whole thing off, sign and date the back, and just store it away ~ for what, I'm not sure, but I just can't bring myself to toss it out as there's an intimiate beauty in those layers of paint, methodically mixed....

* I know, this just looks like blobs of color, but it's art to me... unintentional, but still art.



* I didn't notice how these hues swirled together, forming a flowing pattern until I snapped the subject up close. The movement is captured in time and may soon disappear under another bumpy layer of paints.

* One more perspective of my artist's palette, and then I'll stop for now :) This reminds me of a slightly mountainous landscape, and if I were the size of a pinhead, I would scale those hilly hues!

IMAGINATION ~ I am so grateful for it!

~ Johanna

6 Ways to Bestow Spring in a Mug!...

Spring is certainly a time of celebration and smiles as mother nature slowly wakes up from her long winter's nap. I always look forward to the warming of the mornings and the chance, to at last, take my hot cup of coffee or tea outdoors and explore the latest buds and blossoms in the garden. It's a lovely way to wake up and start the day. As the two go hand in hand, I thought I would have a litte fun and share with you 6 Sweet Ways to Give the Gift of Spring in a Mug! I currently have 2 illustrated mugs available in my Zazzle Shop that promise to make the perfect spring gift to both family and friends (or yourself!). Whether it's in celebration of Easter, the changing of the seasons, a birthday, a thank you, a hostest gift or just an act of simple kindness, these suggestions promise to bring smiles to those you share them with. The mugs are certainly custom and unique and serve as a functional base and vase for whatever you choose to fill it with in your presentation. The ideas are certainly endless, and if you have more, please feel free to share them here with our readers. Enjoy and THANK YOU for spreading smiles through my art!

~ Johanna



* Idea # 1 gets top ranking with me as it is probably the easiest and most cost effective to produce. Plus, the results are so dear! Spring invites a whole host of flowering bulb plants that often pop up all over the landscape. Snip a few from here or there. Daffodils are always a favorite, so just trim them to height and place in water. If your flower-filled mug must go on a journey before it is gifted, then anchor your flowers in wet floral foam, cut to size. This keeps those pretties fresh and firmly grounded while eliminating the splashing of water and potential spills.



* Although Idea # 2 takes a little more work, the results are too sweet for words! A tuft of fresh wheatgrass spells out spring, and health-minded folks love to juice it in their smoothies. Wheatgrass can be found at most health food grocers in the produce section. Purchase a square of it and cut it to size and stuff it into your mug. Alternatively, with more time and patience, you can grow your own with organic soil and wheatgrass seeds. With a little care, your grass will be perky in 10 days or less. I poked a pink lollipop in for pizazz, but again the ideas are endless. The recipient can keep the lively mug in their windowsill till the grass is used or fades, or they can even share it with their feline friends who also adore this green treat. In the end, they are still left with an adorable mug. Just wash well and enjoy!




* Idea # 3 is the choice for your chocolate & coffee loving friends! I chose dark chocolate covered coffee beans to go with the coffee mug theme. A simple cellophane bag and pretty bow will do the trick. Other suggestions may be chocolate covered nuts or other cocoa-themed sweets. Take it a step further and fill a cellophane bag with homemade chocolate chip cookies ~ YUM! Now, that woud certainly taste quite delightful with a cup of spring coffee in one of my sweet mugs :)



* Idea # 4 is certainly for those with a sweet tooth! Fill carrot cellophane bags with orange jelly beans and ground them in a base of spring green paper packing grass. These bags are easily found online. Do a search for "cone shaped cello bags" or "carrot cellophane bags" and you should find a variety of vendors offering cone shaped packaging, perfect for this sweet application!



* Idea # 5 takes sugar to a higher level of sweetness! Make a bouquet that celebrates the well-known "peep"! Poke these marshmallow bunnies or chicks into wooden skewer sticks, cut to length if necessary and anchor them into a mug fill with spring-hued candies, such as M&M's. What an adorable hostess gift this would make at a spring party. Suddenly, your unique gift takes center stage!



* And Idea # 6 showcases the traditional chocolate bunny. Make sure to purchase one that will fit snuggly in your muggly :) With a little spring green construction paper and scissors, cut a continuous strip of zig-zaggy paper grass. Cut to fit the diameter of your mug, tape it end to end and tuck it down & around your bunny. If you find him wiggling around too much, tuck a little tissue paper down below and around him to set him just right, and add those decorative blades as your final touch!

I hope I have inspired you with these 6 Sweet Ideas to Bestow Spring in a Mug! As I said earlier, please feel free to comment with more fun ideas. Sharing is caring, and it is always FUN to hear from you.

Now, go pick up a SPRING MUG or 2 from My Zazzle Shop!  Thank you for your support & kindness...

Postage with a Spring Flare...

Spring will soon be in the air, and I look forward to its arrival! Due dates for spring 2013 licensed products have been my focus this month, and the imagery I have been creating inspired a new series of 6 spring-themed postage stamps. I know that the USPS is in decline, as we all become more and more computer savvy with our communications and correspondence. But, I personally dislike the thought of losing its service. I always enjoy receiving cards, notes and parcels from family and friends. And sometimes, opening the mailbox can be quite a treat!  The very way a letter can be beautifully addressed with the personal touch of a dear friend's penmanship is like nothing else. The color of the envelope, feel of the paper pressing against your anxious fingers, along with stickers and sweet postage stamps complete the package and raise the level of anticipation to open it! In celebration of this centuries-old tradition, I am now offering to you, a whimsical collection of my illustrated postage stamps, now available in my Zazzle Shop. Apply them to your Spring & Easter cards and correspondence or to seasonal party invitations, promising both smiles and lots of fun. These butterflies, bunnies and birds will bring frolic and cheer to those lucky recipients. Make your messages memorable and sweet while also keeping the history and tradition of sending and receiving postal mail alive.

Than you!
~ Johanna

To Purchase my Illustrated Postage Stamps & more delightful products, click HERE...

Have a Lovely Day!...

I bet some of you faithful fans of Jack were wondering if our 4-legged friend would be making a special appearance on my blog today. Fortunately, the answer is yes! His mood was quite chipper over the weekend, so we deemed it just the right time to make our move. I grabbed a few props, and after he heard the rustle of the red and white paper garland, his ears perked up and he rushed to my feet. I draped it around him in various ways, and he began prancing all about. He LOVES the attention! We noticed that he also LOVES my latest pair of Valentines lovebirds from my Bethany Lowe line. We perched them here and there for Jack to sniff and greet, snapping photos along the way. I know you might be asking where is his latest Valentine's hat and all? Well, me and the 'ol clock have a less-than-loving relationship, so maybe next "time".... For now, enjoy our silly little series of a cat and bird love affair. I hope they give you warm fuzzies too :)

Wishing you a LOVELY-fun Valentine's Day!

xoxo,
~ Johanna, JP & Jack












Hehehehehe......



Photos © Johanna Parker Design, LLC

Just Flirting...

February is fast approaching, and the month of love has inspired me to create an intimate group of heart-themed folk art characters! It is rare that I make time to create for this special holiday, but the subject matter and palette delight me, and well, I flirted with the idea. Fortunately, I just completed a handful of Valentines friends, and I will be revealing them on the evening of February 1st! I only have six little treasures to offer, so if you are interested, please make sure that you have joined my Mailing List. On Wednesday, I will send out a Newsletter to your inbox announcing that my sale will start within that same hour. For now, I thought I would tease you with what's in store. OH, those little flirts!!!

xoxo,
~ Johanna

* I know, I may be getting a little too up close and personal here! hehe.....