New Focus on Texture

All about the Texture in 2015

I've been working with texture in my art for several years now. But next year in 2015, I plan to focus even more on texture in all of my art.

Texture in Clay
For example, I have been creating bowls and dishes with impressed textures. I've done this before, but in the past, I've been more focused on glazing designs onto smooth bowls and dishes. Here are some textured bowls that I created before Thanksgiving. All of these have already sold, so I think they were well received.  My goal is to get a larger kiln this year, so I can expand and create more of the larger pieces.

Texture in Mixed Media Painting
I love working with textures in paint. Using modeling paste helps with this when working with acrylic paint.

Here is a pair of paintings, that I created textures with modeling paste, a couple of years ago. I also used lots of layers of color to add to the depth. These paintings are hanging in our bedroom.

And a close up of the painting on the left.

Re-use and Re-purpose with Paint and collage.

This is an old book that was being given away at a school library. I used paint, texture, and collage all throughout the book to create a journal. It was a fun experiment.

I used torn paper, crinkled tissue paper, and acrylic paints.  I will be posting more about this book/journal, in a post in 2015.


 We'll see where this new focus takes me!

Beth♥

Holiday Orders and Holiday Markets

I can't believe it's almost December already. Since War Eagle Fair was over, I have been busy filling orders and preparing for TWO holiday markets that I am going to be participating in this year. These are all new opportunities for me, since moving to Northwest Arkansas.

The first event is next weekend!

Community Creative Center

Holiday Bazaar

(Facebook page)

December 6th at the Community Creative Center in downtown Fayetteville.  It is the same day as The Little Craft Fair at the Fayetteville Town Center, I think both will be great events. I hope that both Holiday markets will be on your shopping schedule!  Hope to see you there!

In my next post, I will share where I will be selling December 17th - 21st! Watch this blog!  I'll give you a hint...Bentonville! 
**Edit: The Bentonville Market was held from December 10th - December 19th. Blog post to come! 

I just thought I would share a few photos of the things that I have been working on.

I have made a lot of Believe Trees! Here are a few.

And I've been making some textured bowls. 

And a few plates: 

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving! 

Beth♥

New Art Festival Booth Display Part II

The evolution of my booth...
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out this year. I plan to keep it set up pretty much like this next year. I may add a box to display more ornaments, but other than that, it worked pretty well. We received many compliments on it at War Eagle. It has changed quite a bit since my first one in Georgia. My first Art Festival booth was pretty sad. You can see my first pitiful booth here.

Setting Up Process
Last week I wrote about surviving my first War Eagle (see that post here) and said that I would talk more about my booth set up this week.  I will share photos from the start of set up to finish. It was quite a chore to put up, but we had 2 days before the show to set it up.

Since this event was under a large tent (4 large tents actually), and our space was 8 x 13, we had to modify our set up. In outdoor shows we used an EZ-up tent and use the frame to hang things from.  But that wouldn't fit in this space, so we had to come up with something else for support of my backdrop.  My trusty Assistant, my Hubby, Asst. Sam, came up with the idea for the backdrop frame. (That's him on the ladder) He used electrical conduit to create the frame. We used that to hang the curtains for my backdrop.

Since we didn't have the EZup tent sides, I bought some white curtains to fill in and used the pink curtains that I bought last year, for the corners. I think it adds a pop of color and makes the booth stand out and easy to find! I used the turquoise curtains and table cloths last year, along with the white table skirts.

We added the white shadow box displays to the stair-step display this year.  That worked well to display my little houses in little groups to show customers examples of how they can be used.  We also added the tall white cabinet to display groups of houses, decorated plates, and larger houses.  It all came together, just as I had envisioned. Next year will be much simpler since we have all of the display worked out. I just need to concentrate on creating enough to sell over the four day show.

Thank You
Thanks to my Hubby for all of his work putting this together and sticking with me the entire show. I couldn't have done this without him!

Thanks also to my Mom for sewing the pennant flags for my bunting across the front of my booth and on the back wall. It added so much and many people commented on it also!

And thanks to my Dad for building my stair step display for my houses a few years ago. They work great!

I am so blessed to be surrounded by family that are supportive and talented. 

Click here for links to:
I Survived War Eagle ... Part I
Booth Changes 2010

Beth♥

War Eagle Fair 2014

I survived my first year selling at War Eagle Fair!  Part I

And I had a great time! I am exhausted! And I plan to do it again next year. Glutton for punishment, yes, I guess I am!  It was a lot of work getting ready for this show.  Most of the vendors have done this show for many years and they prepare all year for this show.  I started preparing in June! Yes, I already had some of my little houses made, but I knew that I needed much more inventory. So I created as much as I physically could. I do have to have some sleep.  So now that it is over, I have to plan for next year's show.

But I will do some things differently.  Since it was my first time, ever, to even go to War Eagle, I really didn't know what to expect.  I knew that the show had good crowd attendance.  But I had no idea what kinds of things sell to this type of crowd, at this type of show. I learned a lot.

What I learned:

1.  War Eagle has a dedicated crowd of customers. They return every year. They come to buy. I was pleased that so many of them decided to buy some of my creations, even though I was the newbie!

2.  A four day show requires A LOT of product to sell. If you don't have much to sell, you will not have much to offer the customers.

3.  Have a variety of items with a variety of price points for everyone.  From $4.00 magnets to $150 paintings...or higher! You never know what someone is looking for! Many of the attendees are shopping for Christmas gifts or decorations.

4.  Talk to other vendors and ask lots of questions! Many are very helpful and willing to offer tips and advice!  It is great to make new friends with similar interests too.

5.  Price to sell, but do not undersell. I would not feel good about my work if I marked it so low that I didn't make money! The reason for doing a show like this, is to make money.  Why would I work my tail off all year and not make money?  Another good reason for #3.  Have something to sell that can be priced low and make some money. $10 - $50 is a good price range for many people. Have a lot of stock in that range.

6. Have a booth that draws the customer in. Next week I will blog about my booth and how we set up.
Update: Part 2 More About My Booth Display

War Eagle Mill is a beautiful place. I took many pictures of the scenery around the mill. I plan to go back soon for fall foliage photos. The leaves are looking very pretty this week. Shown in the photos is the War Eagle Mill and the one lane bridge over the river, the week of the Fair.  Isn't it beautiful?

Beth♥

My Talented Mom

Sewing is not one of my skills. Probably because my Mom holds the title for excellence in sewing in our family. Anytime I have an idea for something that needs to be sewn...pillows, dresses, shirts, wall decor, curtains...whatever I can think of, she can sew it...and paint on it, if needed.  I consider her the source for my inherited artistic/creative talent.

A few months ago, I decided I wanted a cute pennant style decoration for my Art Festival booth.  I already had some fabric that I purchased 2 years ago (so I could sew something...ha), but I decided these were perfect for my flags for the booth.  I asked my Mom if she would want to make them for me.  As she always does, she said yes. So I printed out a pattern for her and explained what I wanted. Sometimes delegating is difficult, but I knew this project was in good hands and I would be pleased.

Fast forward a month and Mom delivers these beauties. All I had to do was string them up. They are perfect and I can't wait to hang them in my art booth!

Thanks Mom!
Beth♥ 

Excited and Nervous

So much to do in such a short time! War Eagle is October 16th - 19th!  Do you have it on your calendar yet?  Be sure and come by War Eagle Fair. I will be under the big white tent...#2 to be exact. If you are there, stop by and say Hi!

I have been very busy working to get as much ready as physically possible for this show. I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks because I've been trying to stay focused on creating.  Which also means limiting my time on the computer...my biggest distraction.
 
So, for now, I will post a collage of a small sampling of clay items, plus the little painting that sneaked in there. I will have these items, plus a lot more at the show.  I will post more photos as more things get completed.


Beth♥ 

Reminder to Self...Simplify

At the beginning of the year I decided that my theme or goal for this year was to simplify. Not realizing what this year would bring (moving across the state) that has been a little challenging for me, but I am trying.  Lately, I have been falling into that trap of trying to do too many different things, going in too many different directions.  So this is my 'Note to Self' ...

Simplify
         Simplify
                   Simplify  

This means that I will pick and choose, more carefully, what I decide to put on my calendar. Right now, I am pulling into the home stretch of getting ready for War Eagle Fair in October! It is a 4 day show and I have never done this fair, much less a 4 day fair.  So needless to say, I am f.r.e.a.k.i.n.g. OUT!  I feel guilty when I'm not working and feel guilty when I work all the time. I am trying to keep that balanced, so I don't get burned out.  I spoke with another blogger at the conference this weekend about this very subject. We both agreed that it is so much better to create what you enjoy. Creating work for this show is just that! I am creating what I love and hope that others feel the same about my work.  I hope that this turns out well, because this show is only 30 minutes from home.  If it does go well, I hope to return next year, with an entire year to prepare for the show. Not just 4 months!


I had an awesome day at the Arkansas Women Bloggers Conference, in Rogers. I participated in the Marketplace Saturday afternoon, where I sold a few things and was interviewed by a local TV reporter, ON CAMERA! And yes, I was surprised to see that they showed part of my interview! I thought they would cut me out. Even though I hate seeing and hearing myself on camera, it is exciting, none the less! After seeing this, I see that I need a hair cut desperately! And maybe some bangs.

Here is the link, in case you want to see the story about the Women Blogger's Conference. Click here: Ch. 5 Story about Arkansas Women's Blogger Conference

From now until after War Eagle Fair, I will probably just be posting pictures of things I am working on. Things that will be going with me to the Art Show and maybe a few little things that my husband and I are working on for his Vintage/Antiques Booth.  More about that later.

Have a great week!
Beth♥

Open and Closed Doors

This is not about the drawing of the door, but I always like to use a visual. So, I decided to use my "Mysterious Door" in colored pencil drawing.

It's funny how doors (to change and opportunities) open and close and you don't understand why they close. Or if you should even take the open door. I truly believe that God has a plan for everyone and those doors open and close according to that plan. And even though I believe that, it is still hard to know which way to go and wonder if I'm doing the right thing.

I've had a lot of changes in my life over the last several years. Those changes have been, at times, a little scary too. I've had a lot of successes and a lot of disappointments, as does everyone. All of which I believe were part of 'the plan'.  I retired from teaching, two years ago, to pursue my art career. That has been a blessing for sure. Being able to work, at home, is perfect for me.  But being self-employed is a little scary too.

Recently the opportunity to move across the state came along.  We had been hoping to make that move for a couple of years now, but did not know if we would be able to. The door opened.  Every thing fell into place. So we moved. Even though it is what I/we wanted, I still wondered if it was the right thing to do. Was this in the plan?  I have to believe it is. But it is still scary.

Recently I applied for an Art Teaching job that is close by. I thought that maybe the plan was for me to teach for a year. So I applied. But the door closed and I didn't even get a call for an interview. Disappointed? Yes, but I'm sure that the door closed for a reason.  If I were teaching, I would be spread too thin. I would not be able to do what I love...work on my own art.

Then today, I saw a video made by a very successful person. He was talking about why he is so successful. Although this video was created over 2 years ago, it spoke to me.  He said "he was successful Only by the Grace of God." Because of his faith, he worked hard at that 'one' thing that made him successful.  He said not to spread yourself thin.

"Focus on one thing, make it your priority and stick with it no matter what."

Yes, I am quoting Tyler Perry. (See the video below) I really don't know much about Tyler Perry, except that he created the character Madea. He is funny, famous, successful. But I found these words spoke to me and what I've been struggling with. I found him to be an inspiration. I need to water the seeds that I have. Not keep planting more. Yes, it is scary, but I have to have faith and believe. 

Gotta go water my seeds.

Beth♥

Here is the video. Enjoy.

Preparations for an Art Festival

My Art Festival booth has evolved quite a bit since the first event we participated in. The first show that we went to (see it here), our booth was pretty sad looking, looking back, it's pretty embarrassing. It was our first show and didn't really know if it was something we wanted to invest a lot of money in. I had no clue how my things would sell.
By the fourth show we did (see it here), I think the booth looked much better.  But it is still evolving. Our next show is going to be inside a large tent. So far, all of the shows that we have participated in were outdoor shows, in our own individual tent.  This fall we will be going to a new (to us) show, that is outdoors, but we will be under a large tent with other vendors.

We are reworking our booth some to fit in the space and changing up some of our display furniture. We are going with white and turquoise on the furniture displays, which matches the table cloths and curtains.  The tall cabinet was just a stained wood cabinet when my husband found it on Craigslist.  He painted it white and added the blue door knob.  It is perfect for my little bowls and houses to display, both in my art festival booth and in my art studio. It is doing double duty!

Thanks to my Assistant, Sam...my new sign is turquoise with the black chalkboard. This is an old classroom/child's chalkboard easel that we found at a vintage store in Fayetteville. It was also just plain wood before my Assistant (hubby) took it apart and repainted it to match my color scheme.  I wanted one side of it to be a magnetic white board, but we haven't found a magnetic white board to fit. We painted it with a magnetic paint, but that did not work. (Save your money, don't use the magnetic paint!)  So, for now, it is going to be a chalkboard on both sides. I will draw or paint my sign on it for the show.

We are still trying to figure out a new way to hang our backdrop (curtains).  My trusty assistant (my hubby) has been working hard getting these new pieces ready for the show. I think when we get it all together, it will look good and hopefully be a good showcase to display all of my art...both clay and paintings.

More updates to come!

Beth♥

Monday Monday...A day in the Studio

Monday is not so bad any more, now that I work from home. I enjoy going to work. I must, because lately I have been working pretty much 7 days a week. I may not work 8 to 5, but I do work every day for at least 8 hours, and I enjoy it. Some days are longer, some days are shorter. Some of that work is on the computer, some of it in the studio. Of course, being a stay at home Artist, the money is not as good as teaching, but I do save on gas, clothes, and stress.  And most days my work 'uniform' is pretty much a t-shirt and jeans or my comfy knit pants.  Most days are pretty relaxed, which is the way I like to work. I do have a tendency to be easily distracted, which can be a problem when you have a lot going on. I am trying to work on that!
.
Mondays are for planning my work for the week and looking over the results of last weeks work.

1. Did I get my goals for last week accomplished? What am I wasting time doing? What is working and what is not working. I'm constantly trying to re-evaluate what I should be doing with my art.

2. What do I need to do this week? What needs to be worked on first?  I set priorities for jobs that need to be done before moving on to the next order.  I also have several projects going on at the same time. I can work on one project while another is drying, etc.

3. List some new marketing ideas to implement. I'm always trying to find new ways to get my work out in the public.  I can't sell my work to the same people, over and over. So I have to look into the future and keep up with the latest.

4. Research new marketing ideas. New technology means new opportunities to try.  I've been on Instagram for a couple of years now, but really haven't used it for marketing much. I've been trying to use it more regularly by posting picture of my work in progress, in the studio.  Now I need to figure out how to get those pictures seen by more people. Getting followers, for me, seems a little bit too pushy, but I do need to learn to sell myself better.

If you are on Instagram, you can follow me here:
Beth Macre on Instagram 

If you are on Pinterest, you can follow me here: 
Beth Macre on Pinterest

If you want to follow on Facebook, my Art page is here:
Beth Macre on Facebook

And of course, I am on Etsy. You can see that here:
Beth Macre on Etsy 

How is that for promoting myself? Well, it really is hard for me to put myself out there like this. In real life, I am not an extrovert.  I wouldn't call myself 'SHY'...anymore, (I'll leave that explanation for another day), but I am not outgoing. But I do enjoy interacting with people, especially other artists, craftsmen, and bloggers.

5. Write, or plan, a blog post. I have been trying to be more active on my blog by posting more often. I tend to go in spurts. When I am in the middle of a bigger project, I hate to take too much time away from it. But I know it is important to post regularly. So I am working on that too. (My list of improvements!) I am also trying to make my posts more informative, rather than be just about myself and my art. Maybe it will be easier, since I really do not like to talk about myself anyway! My goal is to blog 2 to 3 times a week. It may take me awhile to get into that habit, but it is a goal.

6. Work on creating for at least 3-4 hours, hopefully more.  After I spend half my day, going through my list (above), then I try to work on one of my projects, sometimes more, for at least 3 or 4 hours. Sometimes more.

So, I will end it with that and a picture of a small colored pencil drawing that I created this weekend. The little bird drawing above, is a a small colored pencil piece that will be traded with another artist.  I really hate to let go of this one because I love the colors so much! I may just have to do another one for myself...when I have time.

Until next time...

Beth♥

Bloom Where You're Planted

Getting ready for the Art Fair in October is keeping me very busy. I want to have both clay items and acrylic paintings to sell. I also have custom work to complete, so between all of those things, I am happily staying busy! October will be here too quickly.

This painting is an example of some of the work that I will be taking to the Art Fair, unless it sells before then! This painting idea came easy to me. After painting it, it seemed to need some words and "Bloom Where You're Planted" just seemed to fit.  After moving recently, it also hit home for me. Moving to another town is a big adjustment! So I must make sure that I put down some roots and bloom! 

Bloom 

Where 

You’re 

Planted! ♥

Beth♥

Wordless Wednesday

Beth♥

The Hard Truths about Being an Artist

First I want to say that I love doing what I'm doing! But I also want people, and future artists, to understand what the reality of being an Artist is. What we go through while pursuing our dream. Some of this applies to me and some of it applies to other artists on their own journey.  But most of this, is my own opinion. If you are an artist and would like to add to my list, please feel free to leave a message! I love to hear from you!

Things to think about when thinking about buying handmade original art/craft.

10 Truths about being an artist:  
    (20 would probably be more truthful)
1. Artists create art because it's their means of expression, but often it is their livelihood.
   1b. If an artist works at home, it is still a job.
2. It takes a lifetime of experimenting and exploring. We never stop learning and changing.
3. Many artist undersell themselves just to get a sale.
4. Artists have bills to pay...hence the reason for #3.
   4b. ...waiting for a sale to get paid...no regular paycheck.
5. Creating artwork involves purchasing supplies.
   5b. Selling artwork involves even more expenses.
6. Many artists work late nights (after their day jobs to pay the bills and buy supplies).
   6b. Most artwork takes many hours to create...it is not just slapping some paint on a canvas.
7. 99% (my guest-imate) of artists are not independently wealthy.
8. Artists must pay taxes, license fees, etc. for doing business.
9. Artists do not have factories in China or India to churn out thousands of reproductions...well some do and you can buy their art at discount stores, usually cheaply made...not original.
10. Custom artwork should be paid what it is worth...the artist's time, expense, and expertise.
     10b. Would you bargain with your plumber, electrician, carpenter? Don't ask for a life-size mural on a mini budget!


Joys of being an artist:
1. Creating unique, one of kind art that people enjoy!
2. Working when inspiration hits (if you are lucky not to have to work another job...or two)!
3. The enjoyment of experimenting and exploring!
4. Buying new art supplies! (it really feels like Christmas to get new supplies!)
5. Freedom of expression through art!
6. Having artsy fartsy friends that understand you!
7. Making a sale!
8. Getting paid for that sale!
9. Making enough to pay your expenses and bills!
10. Being your own boss!


If you can relate, then you must be an artist, craftsmen, or other creative individual trying to make your dreams come true.  My advice to you is to keep going! It may take time. I taught high school art for 29 years before I could even dream about quitting my day job! But I still need to work and I enjoy working. I work 7 days a week, sometimes 8-12 hours, but I can take breaks to play with my Sophie or run to the art supply store, if I need to!

If you are still reading...
...please think about buying from an artist this year. Go to galleries and art festivals and find ones that you like and enjoy. They make great gifts too!

Thank you to those of you who already support handmade craftsmen/craftswomen!!!

 Beth♥

William S. Paley Collection at Crystal Bridges

In a post from a few days ago (found here), I talked about my visit to Crystal Bridges. I took some photos of the amazing grounds and architecture. I love taking photos there because they look different each time I go. Different light, different seasons, and different art displays.

In this post, I would like to show some photos of the some art that was on display in a special exhibition(the show ended July , the William S. Paley Collection.  Some of my favorite works shown in this show. I took several, but I seem to have been drawn to the Picasso paintings and the other cubism style paintings. Many people do not understand cubism. I used to be one of those, until I taught my high school students about cubism and made several cubist style examples. I think it is more about the design and the composition, which is a challenge.  Creating cubism art is not a simple as it looks, which makes these paintings by Picasso so interesting to me.  Although my art is not so abstract, I do like to incorporate some cubist elements into some of my art.

I look forward to sharing more, in the future, about more trips to Crystal Bridges.

Here is a link to my trip when the Norman Rockwell exhibit was there. Although no photos of the traveling exhibit was allowed, I did get some photos of some of the permanent exhibit.

Beth♥

Wordless Wednesday

Beth♥

Trip to Crystal Bridges

Now that I am in Northwest Arkansas, I am within a 20 minute drive of the new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Before moving here, I had visited the museum twice before.  But since moving here 3 months ago, I had not been there. Thursday I finally took the afternoon to go for a visit.  I met up with some hometown classmates to have lunch there, so that was the perfect time to take in the current exhibit.

I love the scenery around the museum as much as I enjoy seeing the exhibits. Here are a few of the scenes from my walk around the museum.

From the Silver Tree outside the museum to the gold heart hanging over the restaurant in the museum.


I did take some photos of the art on exhibit, but I will leave that for another post. It was a beautiful day for a stroll through the exhibit and the grounds.

For more information on this destination, click on here:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Edit: For more photos of the actual exhibit click here:
William S. Paley Collection at Crystal Bridges

Beth♥

Writing and Art

I consider myself more of a visual artist rather than a writer, but I do enjoy writing and photography.

I've always tried to keep a diary or journal, although sporadic at times. When I was very young, I had a diary, once. It was the 'thing' to do back then. I have no idea what I wrote in there, as it is long gone. I am quite sure that it was so important and secret that I had to hide the key, so no one would try to sneak in and read my important memoirs!  Makes me laugh now. But I do wish I had that old diary.

When my kids were young, I wrote in notebooks about their milestones, accomplishments, and even my frustrations with being a mother. I also have calendars where I kept notes about important dates and events.  I have managed to keep those because I'm sure that one day someone I, will want to read them again! They help me to remember things that I have forgotten about. That is my reasoning, anyway.

Later I began to keep a journal about my art. Then I discovered blogs..on the internet.  I was amazed that there were so many people out there that were willing to share their thoughts, feelings, and even their secrets...to the world! I'm not comfortable writing about my secrets, but the idea of writing about my art on the internet was something I had to try!  I could post photos and write about my art! At first I was not even going to make it public. Only I could read it. But I decided I would publish it because I was sure that no one would read it, so I was safe. That was back in 2007!   Some people did actually find my blog and read it! Some people actually posted comments along the way too. I've enjoyed meeting other artists and other bloggers along the way.  I just missed my 7 year anniversary of the beginning of my blog. I hope to continue for many more.

Some of my old journals

My first blog post:  
May 2007 : 
Starting a new Path

A lot has changed in my life since then. I really do enjoy going back and reading my old posts and seeing how far I have come. If someone else happens to come across my blog and enjoys reading a post or two, then that makes me happy. I am not a great writer. I am just an artist who wants to write. I want to share my thoughts and art with anyone who is interested. If you are still reading this...thank you for your time. I appreciate it!


Beth♥

Sneak Peak on the Drawing Board...Don't Look Ethel!

No, this is not for Ethel, but for some reason just thinking about the phrase "Don't Look" reminded me of the song by Ray Stevens, "The Streak" . A video that I watched at my parents house, many many times.  My son, who was very young at the time, really liked to watch it...over and over and over.  Actually we ALL enjoyed watching it! We went to see Ray Stevens perform in Branson a few times too. If you haven't seen this video, you should click on the link above (The Streak) and watch it. This has nothing to do with my drawing though. Excuse my wandering mind!

I've been back to the drawing board this week and part of last week. I have had some commissions to work on since before the move, so I've been trying to catch up. I've also been trying to balance my time between drawing and working with clay.  When I draw, I tend to focus just on that until the drawing is finished.  This one is getting close. It should be done today...so I will go back to the workbench and work with clay for a few days.
Variety is the spice of life...right?


Beth♥

Planning for a busy Summer

Since moving to Northwest Arkansas in March, we have been looking for some Art Festivals/Shows, that are close by, to participate in. Last week I found out that I was accepted into an Arkansas Art Festival called The War Eagle Fair Art Festival for October. I've heard good things about this show, so I am hoping that my artwork will sell well at this type of show.
So...
STEP #1...Get busy and create A LOT of artwork to sell!  Yes, October seems like a long time away from June, but I know that October will be here fast! And the show will be a 4 day long show, so I MUST create enough product to have plenty to sell during that 4 days. So after a little bit of excitement from being accepted into this big show, panic started to take over a little. I know that I have to start now, creating lots of new little goodies. It takes time to create my little clay pieces, so obviously, I have to start making them now. I'm also going to create some whimsical and colorful paintings. (I want to make sure I have plenty of choices for my customers.) I also plan to apply to another local art show, or two, that will be in November or December, so that means even more product to create. But that is what I love to do, so I look forward to the challenge and having fun with it.

Last week was filled with playing with the clay, sketching ideas for paintings, shopping for paints and other additions to my booth.  So, it was a busy week, as will every week from now until October. Here is a sampling of what I've been working on in the studio. I'll be posting updates here as I go. I hope you will check back in with me and leave a comment every now and then. I love to hear from other artists and friends who read this.  If you have had a booth at War Eagle Fair before, I would love to hear from you about your experiences.

Beth♥

Rain, Rain, go Away

It has been raining every day here for over a week. As I sat here last night and listened to the downpour of more rain coming down, I couldn't help but wish that we could reserve some of this rain for next month. July is always hot and dry! Right?

Rainy days always make me want to take afternoon naps. Sunday, I was already tired from having a very busy week/weekend, so after trying to get some drawing done, I just had to take a nap.  I have to say, I always enjoy a good nap, but seldom take the time. I think I need to more of them. They are good to rest the mind and body.

After the rain stopped this morning, the sun came out for a little while. This rose survived the downpour, so my hubby brought it in and put it in a vase by the window. It was nice to see the sun shining on it. I'm looking forward to seeing more sunshine and more roses.


Beth♥