Whimsical Folk Art Shelley Szczucki The Charming Place

New Christmas Card 2011

2011-11-01T09:25:00.001-07:00

I used the image of "Peaceful Angel", a watercolor that I created in 2009 for the inspiration on this new 2011 Christmas card. Its similar in style to the same little girl, but this time I put meaningful sayings all around the image. I hope you like it!

Another Wonderful Creation Using My Art.

2011-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last month it was a bakery, this month it's a music composer. I am constantly amazed at what my art is being used for. And all this from a free clipart page.

A wonderful woman by the name of Deborah Offenhauser has used some of my art for the front cover of some of her sheet music. As a composer, she picks up on those “melody angels” that sit on one’s shoulder and whisper incessantly some little gem. Persistent as they are, the only way to dismiss them is to put pen to paper and write down the new musical adventure! Click here to listen to some of her music.

I never thought in a million years of some of the things my art would be used for. I guess you never know!

I Love It When My Art Is Used....Especially for This!!

2011-09-28T17:41:00.001-07:00

I love it when someone asks me to use my Free Clip Art. Here it is used on a website...of some lovely treat creations by www.osugarcakery.com, an online cake shop serving New Hampshire & Maine Seacoast & Massachusetts North Shore. O'Sugar! Cakery specializes in designer & gourmet cakes, cupcakes, cake pops & more. Check them out to see some yummy looking deserts.

Cute Whimsical Voodoo Dolls...Make your own.

2011-09-20T05:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my daughter received some cute dolls made of string......I took one look at them and said, "I can make those". Especially when they cost between 8 and 12 dollars each. I must say however, they are really simple to make, but the hard part is the decorating. I looked up the original string dolls and they were the simplest looking, I think later on other companies took over and started making them a little bit more elaborate. The ones shown in the picture above are made by me and my eight year old daughter. I did the bodies and she did the decorating. By my calculations the bodies took about 10 minutes to make from start to finish by bending the wire to wrapping with one continuous piece of string. The decorating took longer. This is a great project for anyone to do on a rainy afternoon. After we made them, I could hear her up in her room playing and pretending the rest of the night. I made a video that shows how to make the string "voodoo" dolls. Enjoy!

Dorothys Finished.

2011-09-14T07:08:00.000-07:00

My newest doll "Dorothy" is finished, she sits upon a box (that opens) painted like the yellow brick road. At the end of the road...is of course the Emerald City. Enjoy!

Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz Doll

2011-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Just a little something I've been working on.

I Made Some Free Hand Drawn Social Media Icons For All My Friends

2011-08-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just Click on this LINK and it will take you to my free clip art web page. Scroll down to the bottom and you will see them all lined up, just waiting for you to use for free! Enjoy!

Great Gift Idea for Spring!

2011-04-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have used my original art to create this wonderful alphabet to use for a custom fine art print of your name. Each letter shows a whimsical angel, moon or child: each one designed uniquely so no two are the same when used in a name.

You can choose to have just the name showing, or perhaps put a saying on the bottom in a smaller font. The one shown in the photo says "room". Other ideas can be "Angel sent from above" " princess" etc.

Each print is done on 8.5 x 11 inch acid free paper profressionally printed with archival inks that are said to last 100 years.

♥ Each letter is predesigned and cannot be changed

♥No two letter will be the same in each name.

♥The first letter of each name will be capitalized unless otherwise specified.

♥You can choose to have name alone with small design below and flowers or just plain.

Item can be purchased here.

Another New Product....this time it's what YOU want!

2011-03-24T11:16:00.001-07:00

These new custom photo ornaments are the perfect gift for that hard to buy for someone.....you know who...the people that have just about everything....even the really cool funky items from art shows. This item will impress! Perfect for every occasion and very affordable. Order yours now in my etsy store!

New Products for My Store!

2011-03-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

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(¸.·´ (¸*´¨(♥ Check it out. I've listed some new products in my etsy store. Ornaments, Pendants, and new prints are available. My new boxes are coming soon! Keep an eye out!

New Ornaments for 2011

2011-03-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Here is the first of many collections of my art on ornaments. I totally hand made each one with clay and transfer paper, bits and bobs thrown in. Enjoy! They are listed in my etsy store!

New Boxes Ready to go on sale

2011-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

These new boxes retail from $25.00 each. Some have sayings inside as well as outside. The little princess box has a cute frog on the bottom!

New Altered Art

2011-02-05T06:52:00.001-08:00

I have been playing around with clipart that I recently purchased from a seller on etsy. She has some wonderful designs that I wanted to use for the bodies of my faces. I thought it a wonderful idea to incorporate them in my art. I am going to use these mostly for greeting cards. The backgrounds and lettering are mostly mine,that I made in photoshop, but the bodies that she had were perfect to use. I can't wait to clip some more of my faces and use with the strange and creative clothes that I now have.

New Valentine Cards

2011-01-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

After returning from a well needed vacation I was inspired to do some Valentine cards. Enjoy!

Boxes Boxes and More Boxes!

2010-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Just one of my latest box designs!!!

New Custom Name Boxes and Prints Available!

2010-11-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

These new custom name prints and boxes are done using all of my art. I created each letter myself and each one is different and custom made. The prints are 10.00 each and the boxes are $30.00 each. I haven't set up an etsy listing yet so if you would like one for Christmas please order asap. You can email me directly through this blog, or to shelli170@msn.com. The prints are 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch and done with a high quality printer..(not my own I take it to a print shop) to ensure great colour. I do the background in white and each letter is surrounded by a small pink border. These prints look adorable framed with a small coloured border. I didn't do the background in any certain colour because I think the letters stand out the best on white. Each letter depicts a piece of art I have done over the past few years, mostly angels and cats. The boxes are all green shades and decorated differently with little jewels imbedded in the resin coating. A true treasure for anyone this Christmas. Please allow 3-4 weeks for the boxes to be done and shipped. This leaves little time for Christmas. so act now. I waited to late to be able to put a proper etsy listing together, but rest assured these boxes will be a staple in my etsy store after Christmas.

Some more new boxes!

2010-11-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

I just finished these boxes today and coated them with beeswax. They look just lovely and would be perfect to hold just about anything. These boxes can be purchased by contacting me through this blog, or emailing me at shelli170@msn.com. Please contact me asap if you would like one. They retail at between $25.00 and $40.00 each.

Products on Display!

2010-10-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick photo of some of my products displayed at Artscapes Gallery.

New "Anything" Boxes!

2010-10-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

My newest boxes that are painted and then coated with a beeswax finish!

New Block of TIME! Only $25.00

2010-09-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

This is my latest creation with a NEW look!

Time is Precious Cherish every minute.

5" x 5 1/2" x 1 1/2" solid wood! I've used a real vintage watch face to the front!!!!
Click HERE to purchase!!!!!

So Much Fun to Be Included In Etsy Treasuries!

2010-09-21T16:00:00.001-07:00

I was thrilled to be included in these two etsy treasuries...Thank you sooo much!

Check them out here.

Moons and Mystery

and here Every day is an Opportunity.

Hugs

Shelley

More boxes!

2010-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Some more boxes that I listed on etsy today! $25.00 for the large one and $20.00 for the small.

NEW Memory Boxes retailing for $25.00 each. Perfect Christmas Gift!

2010-09-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Its been a few weeks since I last wrote, but I have been so busy with back to school, a wedding...not mine.....and a fall show, that I haven't had any time. Everything is slowing down a bit and I have been busy working on some new products. These are my new memory/jewelry/pencil boxes. I have done them using a multitude of different techniques and each and every one is different from the other making them truly one of a kind pieces of art. I have coated the top with expoxy resin so they shine, shine, shine and look like glass!

Retailing at 25.oo each the make a wonderful affordable gift!

Grimsby Festival Of Arts

2010-08-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

I'm gearing up for my show in my home town of Grimsby, Ontario. I can't wait. Its on September 11,2010 on Nelles Blvd in the small town of Grimsby Ontario. Click here for more information.

Isn't it Wonderful!

2010-08-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

Isn't it wonderful when one of your dear customers sends a photo of where they hung the print they purchased. I just love to see them in their new homes. This one is hanging in a little girls bedroom. She says goodnight to her every night.....so sweet! To purchase this print click here.

Perfectly Thrilled to be Included in an Etsy Treasury!

2010-07-19T15:31:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to recieve an email today from OliveandGold on Etsy that she included me in her treasury. Its a colorful blend of wonderful creations on Etsy, check it out. I am honoured to be included with all of the other beautiful handmade items. HUGS:)

NEW PRODUCT.....Blocks of Time with my art and adorned with jewelry!

2010-06-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Visit my etsy shop today and view my newest creation. "Blocks Of Time" © TM Each solid wooden block shows my art with a meaningful saying about time. A watch face with silver wrapped wire hangs delighfully from the block to symbolize time. This is a very unique idea for that hard to buy person. They are selling like hotcakes in the gallery where I work. Each one is completely one of a kind! Visit my etsy shop now!

Some of the sayings are "There's Always Time for a bottle of Wine"

"Time Will Take You Where You're Suppose to Go"
"Take Time to Enjoy Life"
"Time to Create Your Dream"

Newest Painting Titled "The Greatest Tragedy of Fairytale Land"

2010-06-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

The title says it all. This watercolor painting has all kinds of goodies added to it, like glitter, embellishments and lots of colored paper. Enjoy!

2010-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I posted a few photos this week of my backyard aka otherwise known as my little "Charming Place" just to show you where I reside, while I'm not working or painting. I work part-time at a framing gallery and last week a customer brought in some out of date old style vintage frames. They didn't want them anymore as they were updating their framing.....and as you know, someone's junk is someone else's treasure and now they are hanging on my barn and my fence.

I just noticed that I took these photos over a week ago, and now my backyard looks like a jungle.......we had some warm weather and some rain.....and wow what a difference.

Wine Coasters are in! Come Look!

2010-05-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good Morning,

I did a job a while back for a wonderful man named Robert Jones. He owns a company call ProstProductions. He dreamt up this marvelous idea to make "wine coasters". They sit on the bottle of wine with beautiful art and act as a gift tag. They are the perfect item to set your bottle of wine apart from the many that your host might receive at a party. With wonderful unique images and quotes, this item will be a huge seller....especially at the low price of only $2.49 each, with one shipping price of 1.89. Take a look at the many images that he offers. I received mine yesterday and was so impressed with the quality! I can't wait till that next party!

http://prostproductions.com/shop-online/

For Someone Who Needs Some Color in Their Life!

2010-04-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

My newest creation .....out of the tie-dyed paper towels from Easter.....boy I have had fun with these! They are colorful though.....get out the sunglasses and enjoy!

Sending out Dreams, Growth and Abundance to All of My Followers

2010-04-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take this time to send out some love to all my followers and to thank you all for leaving such wonderful comments. I try and reply to them all, but If I haven't, that means I am busy in my studio creating and dreaming!!! So this is for all of you! THANKYOU!

P.s. The painting above was done using some of the tie-dyed papertowels from Easter!!! Remember that post, if you don't here is the link.

Sometimes Mistakes Can Be Wonderful!

2010-04-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times I started and stopped this painting. I thought I'd ruined it when I put the first tissue paper on with modge podge and it started to peel every time I painted on it. I'd given up and put it away and worked on it every so often to try out different techniques I had seen on tutorials and in books. I tried different pens, and inks and watercolors, watercolour pencils, india ink, gel pens and acrylic paint. After about five or six times of working on it, I decided it was actually going somewhere. So lesson learned.....sometimes it's worth just letting it go and sit somewhere and let it be, till the next time. I find that I rush through trying to create something in the alloted time I give myself, only to end up with something that was rushed and finished! So.......now I will take my time and be patient and end up with something I am really happy with!
Hugs
Shelley

Creative bug keeps biting!!! OUCH!

2010-04-22T18:44:00.001-07:00

Here are some more paintings. I think I have found a comfy spot....at least for now!

Gotta love those pink cheeks!

2010-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

I can't help but keep layering on the pink paint! I kept picking them up after I thought I'd finished them, and adding more purple and more pink each time.......not sure why, but I bet I will do more before they are finished. These were both done with watercolor paints and finished off with an micro marker. Hugs to all!

Such as Busy Creative Weekend!!!!!

2010-04-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

I didn't know I had it in me. I created these three paintings this weekend! Wow, it must be a record. You just never know when creativity will appear! It probably helps that they are all watercolor and on 9 x 12 paper instead of a canvas acrylic which seems to take much longer.

I've Been Featured on a Wonderful Blog...DZFantasy

2010-04-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for having me on your blog Donna! Your post is much appreciated, you did a lovely job!!!! Donna has some wonderful items on her blog. Check it out here, you won't be disappointed. Her 3d fiber art is so colorful and delightful!

My Greeting Cards Can Now Be Purchased in Australia

2010-04-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

Visit the link to view my images currently available to be mailed out via Yellow Postie.

Tried my hand at a different approach

2010-04-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I just love the computer almost and I say ALMOST as much as I do real paint. Sometimes I get lost on here and spend literally hours surfing and learning new techniques.

I have always wanted to create portraits with illustrator..I used to see them done in paintshop but I loved the crispness and hand drawn shapes you can do in vector, not to mention the depth you can get with gradients....I haven't gotten there yet...so I downloaded a similar program and played around with it. I watched a few tutorials on youtube (an invaluable source for so many things) and taught myself how. Here are my first attempts.

What I did with the leftover egg dye.

2010-04-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

I used the papertowels that I clean up with and tie-dyed them with elastic bands. Honestly the kids had more fun making these than they did decorating the eggs.....go figure......:)

Love Blooms!

2010-04-01T06:10:00.001-07:00

My newest collage painting......need I say more :) Its just that time of year!

Who says Cat eye glasses don't look great!!!!

2010-03-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

Just to let me comment, thanks to everyone for well wishes on getting my email back to snuff. Apparently someone used my email account to send out a link to some of the people in my address book. Luckily, I was able to sort it out......but since my limit was 300 emails per day, I had to send out a warning through another email account to everyone to explain to them that it wasn't me. What a pain......oh well! C'est la vie!

I did get a chance to finish a painting that was commissioned for someone. Its a whole slew of colorful cats, all wearing eyeglasses......so colorful! Painting it put a smile on my face right through the email mishap.

Enjoy!

Someone Hacked into My Email Account!

2010-03-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Just a short note to tell everyone that someone hacked into my email account and sent out a link. It wasn't me, and I have made changes so this won't happen again. Sorry about that!

Shelley

"A Younger Mrs Swanson"

2010-03-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

I did this painting today in honour of a painting I did years ago, titled "Mrs Swanson". I have since sold the rights to that painting and now I miss her so much that I painted a younger version of her. Its blue because I will miss her very much, she was one of the first original paintings I sold.

My Illustrations Can Now Be Purchased as Wine Coaster Cards

2010-02-26T06:31:00.001-08:00

After scouring the internet for freelance jobs, I was hired by a wonderful company called ProstProductions.com. ProstProductions "Prost" meaning Cheers in German, hired me to do a limited run of 4 illustrations for their wine coaster cards. The cards are used as tags around the bottle of wine. I think they are a perfect idea for a hostess gift or just plain gift for anyone. Check out the product here.

I won 3rd place!!!!

2010-02-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Good morning. I thought I would post the photo of my painting that I won 3rd place in Grimsby'S Annual Heritage Art Contest. I was honoured to be chosen 3rd from the many beautiful art pieces. When the winners were being announce I realized I had to give a speech about my painting....I don't know about the rest of you, but I was so nervous. I guess I did a good job (hubby said so) but he had to say that....hahaha.....and I did hear people laughing because I made a few comments that were funny, so I think it went over well. Little did they know I was cringing in side and just wanted to sit down. lol :) This was a great experience and there was quite the crowd present, so I encourage you all to enter a local art contest, if not for the competition, just for the sheer thrill of seeing your art being seen by so many people.

We went to Bird Kingdom on Sunday

2010-02-09T11:35:00.000-08:00

What a relief to the winter....nothing like being able to experience summer weather without having to get on a plane. Niagara Falls Canada has a wonderful Bird Aviary that allows you to view and move along side with these exotic creatures....oh what inspiration they bring.

I would love to find a story to illustrate!

2010-01-25T11:30:00.000-08:00

These are just some illustrations that I have been working on in between working on my canvas and waiting for my new computer to arrive! Now I wish I just had a story to illustrate! I was playing around with backgrounds and cutting and pasting images. I am going to do some doodling for some words for these and add them later....Just in case I goof, my painting won't be destroyed....lol

What's on Your Easel?

2010-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

This landscape of the small town which I live is going to be entered into a local Heritage contest. I painted a small one first, now I am attempting to do it on a 16 x 20 canvas. The straight lines are a challenge for me. I hope this painting reflects my style of simplicity and flow. Its so hard to get the look that I want.
Thanks for looking.

Just Doodling Around!

2010-01-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Found some vellum and some markers and just started doodling! I love the smooth texture of the vellum to create the flow of my hand to just wander around the paper.

Calligraphy

2010-01-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. To start the new year off I thought I would take a dabble in Calligraphy and play around a bit with new lettering. I can't wait. I will post some samples when I am done.

Angels In Waiting.

2009-11-11T14:00:00.001-08:00

I painted these women thinking they were going to be angels....then I thought, why not leave the wings off and call them angels in waiting....their faces are so serene and all of them look like they are thinking of someone.....For some reason I am painting in all pastels with very strong faces...not sure why. As I have said before these images just evolve on the canvas....while I am painting them. I was going to antique this but I loved the contrast of the white background and the sharp dark faces. Enjoy!

This painting is available on ebay right now starting at 29.95. Watch the auction to see what happens!

I thinking I'm turning Shabby Chic, I think I'm turning Shabby Chic, I really Think So!!!??!

2009-11-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Not really, I just liked the colors I used this time.....LOL :)

Not Sure What She's Thinking???????????????????

2009-11-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

I painted this little lady, on a trinket box. Its about 5 x 9 inches. I just love the expression, but can't quite make out what she's thinking....

My Latest Video....Enjoy!

2009-11-04T11:34:00.001-08:00

I changed her Back!!!

2009-11-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

Well, I changed her back to a black background in hopes that she will sell!!!! Here is the link to ebay along with many other painting that I have listed. Enjoy!!!

Angel Of Hope

2009-10-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

This angel is showing determination, strength and and compassion through her eyes! I need to finish painting the sides black and putting the top coat on and then she is ready for ebay.
Have a great weekend everyone!

My Latest Painting is Finished!

2009-10-13T11:21:00.001-07:00

My latest painting of Mary...The background was influenced by Gustav Klimt.

Finished the Angel and Left The Blue Background

2009-10-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

After much thought I decided to leave the blue background on this guardian angel. I painted soft clouds to make it look like a sky. Hopefully it worked!...I also started on a new painting called "Mary". Shes on an 8 x 8 canvas. Enjoy and thanks so much for the wonderful comments you all leave for me....it keeps me going!
Hugs Shelley

Thanks Jill for the Award!

2009-10-06T13:28:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much Jill for passing this lovely award on to me. I am not to good with these things, but I am willing to give it the good college try.

I'm supposed to list 7 things about myself & pass the award off to 7 others. Here goes...

1. I have a kooky personality.
2. I love red wine and eating anything italian.
3. I have been online since 1985...yikes.
4. I am a professional picture framer by trade....artist by heart.
5. I hate breaking chain letters...but do it all the time.
6. I love to just get into the car and drive where ever I want, and end up at a good diner.
7. My favourite television shows are Grey's Anatomy and GLEE.

Now I'm happy to bestow this award on:

Michelle
Micki
Katelen
Linda
Gina

Why in World Did I paint the background BLUE!

2009-10-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

Don't you just hate it when you paint something and then decide.....why did I do that? I should have left this background black.....going to change it tonight when all the blue dries...............lol

Another Auction Going Up Wednesday.

2009-10-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Another angel treasure box. I am putting this one up on ebay starting on Wednesday evening at 9pm for only $9.99. Good luck!

Baby Its COLD outside!!!

2009-10-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

My newest painting, paying homage to Gustav Klimt....

This Artist Is Amazing.....and all with Sand!

2009-09-30T10:04:00.000-07:00

You have to watch this video fellow artists. She WILL inspire you! Make sure to watch it until the end......

"Changing Beauty"

2009-09-24T09:50:00.000-07:00

Fall is a time for change. I painted this woman with the thoughts of change. I love the fall and the beauty it paints all around me. From the leaves to the trees to the....well temperature...well maybe not that as much, but I do love the way the colors make me feel....warm. Hopefully the weather will hold out longer this year and we at least have moderate days for weeks to come.....well I can dream can't I? Enjoy!

Halloween Spell Box

2009-09-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

I was so in the mood to create something Halloweeny , maybe because of our house that we recently moved into....its so old and spooky.....not really but its old. We have a wonderful front porch and I was thinking how nice it will be to decorate for Halloween. This is a wooden box that can be used for just about anything! Trick or Treat! Its going up on Ebay tonight!http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140346458652&ssPageName=STRK:MESCX:IT

Stores open...finally and now I use a MAC

2009-08-31T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I finally opened my etsy store again after a long hiatus from moving, holidays and computer crash. I was given an older mac computer to borrow for now and I will move up to a newer model in October thanks to a wonderful friend of mine. My days and nights are now full with learning a new computer. I haven't been able to hook it up to the internet yet because its outdated with my security on my router...but this has given me an opportunity to release myself in my art studio instead of my computer....maybe I needed this anyways....lol I still have my hubbys pc to use to keep in contact with everyone. Blog again soon. Hugs to all!

I Know This Happens To Alot of People...But When It Happens To You!!!

2009-08-14T07:49:00.001-07:00

Good morning everyone,

I was thinking I would warn everyone to what could happen if you didn't back up your hard drive....and to most of my lovely followers this means your art! When I came home from my vacation, I was greeted by a broken computer....I thought to myself....self, its probably just a broken fan, or just some random part that can easily be replaced by my local computer guru. My computer has been long outdated and I planned on buying one soon anyways, so I wasn't to concerned. I thought that I would just go and buy an external hard drive and copy everything onto it from my broken computer and plan to buy and new computer soon. Luckily I can use my hubbys computer till I purchase one. I took my broken computer into the shop along with my external hard drive....1 tb memory...more than I would need in a lifetime, to have him copy it for me.....well....I went back the next day to pick it up and mr guru told me my hard drive was gone......YIKES! Luckily and I mean LUCKILY hubby purchased me a small zip disk for Christmas and I copied all of my photos and most of my art onto it. But everything since Jan and most of my business files.....actually ALL of my business files are Gone!!!! I do still keep hard copies of everything in files....thank goodness, but yikes this could have been alot worse.....So note to all of you.......Back up your hard drives today....stop putting it off!!! I was lucky enough to have saved what I had.

Followup.......mr guru told me I can send out my hard drive to a recovery place, but the cost is high somewhere around the 200-500.00 and you still get charged even if they don't recover the data. I won't spend that..... luckily I have most of what I need.

Everything is going great with everything else, and this was just another setback....I'll get over it...I think I am still in shock and that the move is keeping me busy...hahaha, so I don't have time to think about it. Also, this is the best time of year to purchase a new computer....actually I am going laptop.....so if anyone has any advice as to which computer model to buy, I would Love to hear from you!

Many Thanks and have a Charming Weekend
Shelley

Back From Vacation.....Then Moved....Whew...I'm Tired!

2009-08-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

HI Everyone,

I'm back from a glorious vacation! I came back to a move that was planned and we were pretty much packed...or so I thought...the week I returned was filled with more packing and moving from dawn till dusk and for five days straight, with the final move of furniture on Saturday. I am now unpacking boxes.....So tired! I thought I would post a little blog and a pic of my house. Its smaller than the last but so much character. This house is perfect for us!

Happy Summer!

Vacation Time for Me!!!!

2009-07-24T05:49:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I will be leaving for a week and will return in a new studio, I'll post pics of it when its ready. Its probably not what you think....studio....its just a part of the OLD house we are moving in, but I plan on making it useable. I can't wait to finally get settled in somewhere! But first we are going up north for a week, goodness knows I don't know why we planned a vacation and then as soon as we get home its time to move....thinking it should have been the other way around..????Bog you when I get back.....HUGS TO ALL!

Great Giveaway at DISH DISH DISH

2009-07-23T06:58:00.001-07:00

For those of you who love whimsical art, this giveaway is for you. Visit here for details on how you can win a wonderful piece of art by Lauren Alexander. Just visit here and enter! Its Free and a wonderful way to meet similar artists!

Black and White Cards

2009-07-03T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am still packing for our move, but yesterday I stayed outside in the sunshine while watching my daughter play in the yard and started to sketch. I came up with a new line of black and white greeting cards. Here is one!!!! Enjoy

Garage Sale was a HIT

2009-06-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

After many days, weeks of planning our garage sale is finally over. I even sold some art! whoo hoo. The basement is a mess, but was it worth it? yes. We are moving in a month so it was a relief to finally get rid of a lot of stuff. I am now heaped in a house full of half packed boxes and my art will have to wait till I redo my studio in our new house...well not really new, its a 100 year old home. The rooms are small but I will have a tiny studio in which to create. I can't wait to have new surroundings to inspire me. Until then, I will sign off and try to blog when I have a chance...in between packing.

Handmade Scrabble Tiles with my ART!

2009-06-02T10:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Just thought I would spread the word that I am making Scrabble tiles with my art on them. I have made italian charms and even painted on them for years....literally 6 years to be exact, and I still sell them to local retailers. I have now started to sell the little scrabble tiles and glass tiles too! They are so cute, and loveable. The colors show up perfectly because I take them to a professional printer to print for me on a lazer printer. The little print of my art is a truly collectable item, and will make a perfect gift if I do say so myself...haha.

Take a look at my website. I will be loading all of the photos today to order.

Have a prosperous day my friends.

Love Shelley

My Next Book?

2009-05-02T06:54:00.000-07:00

I was walking home from school with my daughter the other day, and she said to me "What if you were a mermaid?" I said, " Then you would have to tow me around in a water filled wagon."

She giggled and laughed all the way home and we made up more silly things to think about. I am going to compose them altogether and make a book out of them. In the meantime I am kicking around the idea of selling small original illustrations for $10.00 in my etsy shop, just to get some sales rolling in. Hope you like the illustration, and just in time for Mothers day.

Featured on Blog!

2009-04-24T06:44:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning and I checked my blog...(something I have started to do every morning like a ritual of sorts) and low and behold I received such a wonderful letter from JMLArt. It seems like she was Pouncing around on etsy and found me. I am so lucky to have been featured on her blog. Please visit her blog, she has wonderful artists that she features on her "Feature Friday". It brightened my day! Her etsy store has so many colorful custom works of art.
Thanks so much Jane! Have a charming day!

FIRST ETSY ORDER!

2009-04-23T06:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited I received a potential first customer through etsy! Its for a custom ornament...I can't wait to get started. Here is one I did for my boss for her birthday! I completely customize it to whatever you want.

Have a Charming Day everyone!

Shelley

SUPER GREAT GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-04-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

OOO Wonders of Whimsy is giving away a super cute ipod carrier....Hop on over to Jenny's site to enter and check out all of her colorful, cute handmade items....

Award

2009-04-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Wow, Thanks so much goes to Julie-Ann at Heavenleigh art for giving me this ever so wonderful award. I am truly honored. Thanks so much for thinking of me.
This Renee award was created by Bella and Ces in honour of their friend Renee.

In Bella's own words "this is a brand new award and I have the pleasure and honor of spreading the seed, watching it grow. I hope it finds it's way to those who are like Renee: the acorn, a small package becoming a tall and sturdy oak, giving more acorns, becoming tall and sturdy oaks, giving acorns..."

Now to pass it along I am going to nominate 8 women who I love so much and thank every time they take some of their time to visit and comment on mine and everyone else's art. Check their work out they have so much talent and amazing creativity.

Julie

Ang (gotta love that island music)

Love you all!

Newest Painting on Ebay

2009-04-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to paint from my sketches that I finished a painting and put it up on Ebay.

The First Reader

2009-04-11T08:38:00.001-07:00

This was the original "The Reader" .

Its done on a 16 x 20 stretched canvas, with tons of coloring and collage work. I also added sparkles and beads.

Sketches

2009-04-11T08:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some new sketches that I plan on making into paintings. I can't wait to get started. I am calling these, "The Thinker" The Gardener" The Reader" and "The Chef"

I did "The Reader" a while back for my daughter, but I am redoing now in a different style. I think I will be making these with a little bit of collage paper and tons of different techniques that I have learned recently. I will post the final paintings when I get them done.

Ever seen a Folk art Cricket Before????

2009-04-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

Hi,

I did this little folk art cricket custom for someone. Just thought I would post it for fun. It was trial and error with Corel trying to get a transparent background. I thought I did it at least 6 times only to pull it up with a white background. Not sure what I was doing....

Enjoy!

More angels!

2009-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

I also found this photo copy of my many angel aceos i used to sell, i remember a customer in England who bought them all. I still sell a lot of these as cards. I did these in 07. Of course I sold the originals, and this is all I have left....just the .jpgs....hahaha

I just found these in my drawer!

2009-04-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

These are a few of my favourite paintings i just found while doing some spring cleaning. They were in an old blog post too i think feb 2008. I thought I would post them again for all to see.

I remember painting the whole background black first, and then sketching the figure. After I painted all the colors and used the black for the outline. I used to paint like that many years ago, but found that the colors were muted a bit from the black underneath. Looking back, I think the colors are bright and vivid. I might start a series of these ones. These were done on heavy bristol acid free board, but I think I will do the next ones on canvas ready to hang. I just love them.

Thanks for looking.

Getting back to Whimsical

2009-03-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

Hi,

This painting is reminisent of my older painting "You are the sunshine of My Life". I painted this one with hues of blue...not sure why. Maybe its my blue period...haha.

New Painting....Not Sure what to call this one.

2009-03-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

My newest painting I just finished and I can't think at all what to call it. The angel looks almost Indian. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Peaceful Folk Art Angel Painting

2009-03-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, thanks again for visiting....here is my newest painting. I struggled a bit on the background, but it came together in the end to look ethereal. At least I think so....

Three Graces for Ebay

2009-03-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone. I started working on this painting last night, and realized when I woke up this morning that I didn't like the background color....note to self, never paint backgrounds in the evening, unless sufficient light is present.... Well this is not even close to being done, but I thought I woud post it just to show you all the work involved. I plan on putting this up on ebay when its finished. I want to really dirty it up and make it more primitive looking and just leave it simple like. Not sure what life its going to take, but I just love the faces. Wow, a far cry from what I have been painting....its weird isn't it sometimes when you paint differently on one painting from the next....it kind of like someone or something is taking over you. The photos are in direct sunlight so thats what the streaks are. I am lucky enough to paint directly in front of a window....not like my last place which had me in a dungeon of sorts...basement. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by.

NOW AVAILABLE ON EBAY Starting at ONLY $39.99 what????am I crazy?

"Dreamer"

2009-03-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

I finished this one tonight. Shes a dreamer for sure. I did another angel posed just lazin around. Perhaps that just what I would love to do, but I would have to force myself to. After last week with the flu.........I had enough laying around, and I was ready to get back to work and to paint. I think this angel is dreaming.... Another thing, am I the only one addicted to the song, "heartless" by Kayne West....not sure but its being played so much I had to add it to my playlist...haha.

OOO how I long for Spring...can you tell?

2009-03-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

After a looooooong winter has spring finally sprung....? At least on my easel anyways....its still cold outside and after the weekend, when we did have a little warm weather, I was stuck inside with the flu...oh well.....what can you do? I love this painting that I did though. She is so peaceful sitting in a garden, it brings me back to when I was little just lazing around. I wish our kids could have our childhood....without video games and the pure lack of just being able to go outside any time you want.

By the way this painting is listed in EBAY.

New ARt on Ebay

2009-03-03T16:31:00.001-08:00

My newest Guardian angel up for sale at ebay.

Its a guardian angel, painted in my favourite style.

Longing for some warm weather!!!!

2009-02-24T06:06:00.000-08:00

After sitting at my sewing maching for the last week, I was drawn finally to my easel to paint. I think the longing for some warm weather inspired me to paint this woman. Its almost like a self portrait of some sorts. Although I wish I didn't have any wrinkles like this woman..... I do love tulips and the warmth of the summer sun, and the warm evenings sitting outside listening to the crickets. This painting brings me back to a style I had long forgotten. I used to paint like this all the time, but changed into an illustration type of style lately. Not sure, but getting back to my grass roots is a change I needed. It seems like I am trying so many things trying to find that niche I long for.

Come Take A Look She's Finished

2009-02-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

"Peaceful Heart" is finally finished. I worked on her till the wee hours last night and had to wait till today to take the photos while we had some sunlight. She is 100 percent hand made except for the base of course. Isn't it fully that I actually refer to a doll as "she" like she is a real person. Well, that's kind of how I feel now that she is done. Peaceful Heart is made out of cotton material, then coated with gesso. I painted her with acrylic paint. Her dress is painted with irridecent paint so it shimmers gently, just like the original painting I did. I am showing the print, but I should show the actual painting. When I take the photo I will post it. Then she is coated with acrylic varnish for protection. Before I coated her, I grunged her up with charcoal just like the original. I hope you like her. I am going to list her in my etsy store tonight.

Hugs to all

Okay Off Topic but I have a Theory.....

2009-02-19T07:02:00.001-08:00

Today I am at work so I am going to write instead of posting a photo of my doll that I am working on. I am so excited with her and hope to finish her tonight. I will post photo when I am done.

I wanted to share a theory I have and then you can all comment on my thoughts.....this one is funny. Ok, so we have lotteries here in Canada, just like USA and last nights was 39 million. Gosh how I dream (along with 40 million other Canadians) that I would win and do my happy dance. I have that one down pat. I am jiggying along with my arms and legs flapping away. Well the computer has quick picks, meaning a computer terminal randomly picks the numbers for you and you take those numbers.

Well, I figure that if the computer is generating the numbers, what are the odds that those numbers are chosen in the end. Does each seperate computer at each terminal have a seperate "brain"? Meaning can a terminal spit out the same numbers? I figure that because a computer is giving you the numbers.....logically that some where along the line, someone should have figured it out. Someone should have figured out the odds of numbers coming up. And if all the computers are giving out randomly selected numbers, are those numbers put into the computer and then those numbers don't show up in the end. Kind of like a pre-notice not to pick those numbers. Not sure if this is making any sense, but really, like a slot machine, they say that random numbers and pictures show up at any time and that it is impossible to figure out when it will hit the jackpot. Unless the numbers show up by magnets, the computer is programmed somehow, and somehow, somewere, sometime it should hit the jackpot. Has someone figured it out, because if a computer was programmed by a human, then that human should know the exact combination of pulls and numbers drawn for jackpots. Ok, enough of that, I am just upset I didn't win again. I hardly buy tickets, but every time I do, I go through this ......Just a thought to ponder.

Have a great day

Art Doll Galore!.

2009-02-18T07:34:00.000-08:00

I was sorting around my art supplies and old material and came across a book that I received as a gift when I was around 9 years old. It was titled, "My First Sewing Book". I remember making everything in it including a simple skirt and bandana....yes a bandana. The book was first published in 1970, which I am sure is the year I recieved it. I remember making these animals for myself and I thought my daughter would love them....sure enough, to get this picture I had to wait till she was at school. She has named them "Zinkies", "Roxy" and "Poxy". After sewing all weekend, I thought to myself, why aren't I doing this with my art. I have always loved to sew and have an ancient sewing machine in my art room. I gathered up all of my sewing stuff, which all looks to be dated from the late 70's and started working on an art doll. I modeled after my "Peaceful Angel" picture. I can't wait till she's done. I will post a picture as soon as I finish her. I hope to sell these in my etsy store. She is totally sewn with my own pattern that I made after the painting, then painted with gesso, then detailed with acylic paint. . I plan on detailing her more with black ink, but I haven't made up my mind yet. I also haven't made the heart yet, I was wondering what I should use, maybe paper mache'. This is a new beginning.....another one....haha.

Ever Wondering What To Do With Valentines?

2009-02-15T07:39:00.001-08:00

My daughter and I started this project this morning. We gathered up all the valentines cards.... (did someone turn Valentines into Halloween?....because I think she received the same amount of treats on Valentines Day as she did at Halloween) (in the classroom). We then stretched a piece of paper around one of my wooden boards for sturdiness. Then I rumbled through my drawers and found just about anything pick I could muster up. She arranged all the candy bags first, then stuck the valentines cards on top. Then we colored, pasted and painted our way to the finished product. She will be munching on treats for days to come, all while remembering the valentines she recieved along with them. I must say though, the treats were sooo pretty and pink. I thank all the parents that went to all the trouble to make up the bags.

Has Anyone Used "POUNCE" on Etsy?

2009-02-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. Today on my travels around the www i found etsy "pounce". Its really a neat gadget that allows you to scan all the the recently sold items on etsy. It might help to see what's selling there. Also, it tells you the undiscovered stores. Check it out, its a great way to see what everyone else is doing. I found some really beautiful things doing this.....my pocketbook is going to be empty soon. I found some really nice doll patterns. I have been wanting to make my daughter a doll from one of my illustrations. Lets see how that goes......seems like I take up something new every week. I wish I could just settle down with something....haha, but then again, that wouldn't be fun would it?

Old Collection of Paintings

2009-02-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some older paintings to show everyone another dimension. These paintings all sold on ebay years ago. I rumaged through all my old computer files and these came out. These were all done on blocks of wood, and all of them sold.....oh those were the good ole days.......lol

New Etsy Store

2009-02-11T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, after two years of saying I was going to and didn't, I have finally opened an Etsy Store. My link is to the right of this post. I am so excited. I anticipate more viewing than anything, but thats ok with me. Any exposure is good exposer I say. I used to sell alot on ebay a few years ago, but it died out slowly and I had so many other things I was getting into, I rarely had any time to work with my art. I have so many paintings around my house now, I have built up quite a collection to sell. I will try and list some original work. I did a few shows last Christmas, but found I wasn't hitting the right audiences. Most people would say to me, " I love your work, you should be somewhere else" like not in a school auditorium....haha. I thought at the time, it would work, and I did sell alot of knick knack items, but my larger paintings were to expensive for trinket shopping. I also work in an art gallery, custom framing shop, that's where i put my cards with my artwork on them. They sell quite well and I keep up with the demand. So we will see how this goes, and I guess I have nothing to loose and everything to gain.
Have a great day and don't forget to visit.