Time to Celebrate (365)

Hmm, where to begin? Well I guess I could start at the beginning (that would make sense.)

A couple of months ago I emailed Connie Porcher to ask if she needed more pics of my work for the upcoming Fall issue of Celebrate 365. Speaking of which, (shameless plug) you can purchase a subscription or individual copies from Connie on her website.

Admittedly, I was nervous about emailing - because I don't like to bug people or push my art on them.

It's a good thing I did send an email because I was then given the opportunity to design a front and/or back cover for Celebrate 365.

If you knew me or could see me (in real life), you'd know that I was sitting in front the computer reading the email (most people do!) and then I stood up abruptly ~ I proceeded to get really excited, and also very nervous and shaky. Okay, okay... I was freaking out! The prospect of designing anything good enough for a magazine is a daunting task. It was thrilling (to say the least), but it was also very scary!

I got over my fear and quickly started designing... let's just say that the graphics I first drew for the cover will not be seen here :) Apart from my family only one person saw the rough sketch, she knows who she is. She liked it, so I proceeded.

In the end, I submitted a handful of options to Connie, not knowing if any of them would be chosen. I hoped, but I was not counting my chickens.

Then a few few weeks ago, much to my surprise I was emailed proofs of the covers. I was elated, giddy, over joyed etc. etc. (to say the least) and I was bursting with pride. I couldn't believe it. It' still sinking in.

The rush of emotions still have not passed. I am dying to get my hands on the printed issue. I am truly very thankful for the opportunity. It was an honor to have been asked and even more so to have my work chosen for a magazine such as Celebrate 365.

I also feel incredibly lucky to have my work shown alongside that of my friends and fellow EHAG members ~ Amelia Schaefer of Sweet B Folk Art, Candace Navarrete of Howling Moon Designs, Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Designs, Robert Brawley, he's The Halloween Fanatic (he really is!), Nancy Malay of Victorian Whimsies, Kristen Beason of Kristen Beason Designs, Carrie Murtha of The SnipPets, David Everett of Chicken Lips, Arbutus Hunter of Arbutus Hunter Novelties and Illuminations and last but not least Jorge De Rojas of HohoHalloween. (Links to each of these amazing people are on my sidebar.)

Thank you Connie, I know I've said it before... but really, THANK YOU!!! ~ Lori

You know it's close to Halloween when...

a very lovely collector friend by the name of Allison emails you and shares some photos of her Halloween collection.

I love to see how people decorate, but must admit it's awesome when you get to see your work in someone's home... and displayed so beautifully along with some other amazing pieces.

(Party hat skelly and witch chenille bodied ornaments - pictured above and Sparkles Simpleton - pictured below)

Thank you very much Allison for sharing these pics! ~ Lori

Halloween tree lanterns and a few ornament/tags

Who knew these little tree lanterns would be such a hit? I did not! I must confess I have thought of making them for several years now, but was not sure anyone (other than me) would like them.

I'm very pleased that a couple of people have picked up a few sets. You know who you are ;) Thank you so much!!

Aside from that I have listed a few new funky sets of Halloween tags/ornaments on eBay. Both sets include a fully articulated Pumpkin man and Black Cat and there's also a Flying Witch (rather appropriate for "The Wandering Witch") and an Owl seated on a branch. They are hand assembled (by me - with tweezers), and made from layers of quality cardstock.

I think I may be adorning my trees with them too... that is, if and when I can find the time to decorate them. Oh well, there's always next year ;)

Have FuN and keep searching for The Wandering Witch!! ~ Lori

Search for the Wandering Witch

The stroke of midnight has finally arrived!

I saw the witch... but she flew on by!

She could not linger or stay, for I'm not the one...

Fly back to EHAG... in search of more FUN!

whew... glad that bit is done!

Have you ever had one of those days when you need the camera, but the battery dies? Well have you? Hmm, I bet you have!

Anyhow, dead battery and all I did manage to get the SD card into the printer and retrieve some pics for tonight's eBay auctions.

Oh and I listed a few cool new goodies (they are on eBay now)... please peek below to see them.

Next on the agenda... at midnight tonight the EHAG blog is kicking off another awesome giveaway!!

This time you'll need to search for "The Wandering Witch". I know where she's going to be hiding, but I'm not telling.... bwa ha ha ha!!

I can however tell you, you might like what I have donated... hint: I broke out some Martha Stewart glitter :)

Stay tuned!! ~ Lori

I've been Chirped!

Thanks to the kind people at We Chirp, my "Pop" ornament is posted under their "Back to the Etsy Love" post.

How cool is that? Pretty cool actually! :) ~ Lori

Tricky turnip, terrific tags anyone?

For those of you who may love a "veggie" themed piece I have a new one coming up on eBay tonight.

I really love this one ~ the airbrushing on him is pretty cool, never mind the fact that he's winking... which is wickedly funny in my books.

Oh and I listed a couple of sets of vintage style Halloween tags and ornaments on eBay too.

Please take a peek below to see what I am referring to.

Aside from that, I have now managed to make four faux feather trees. All are black ~ two are approx. 40 inches high and two smaller ones at 24 inches. I am currently making some glittered skull tree toppers for them and am thinking top hats, interchangeable party hats or maybe even a fez would be wonderful additions to their glittery goodness... aside from the vintage crepe fringe that's "a given" at their necklines.

That's all for now ~ Enjoy your week! ~ Lori

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My faux feather tree project... on the cheap!

I thought I'd try a little project today that I've been meaning to try for quite a while.

As many of you may know I love feather trees and own several.

That being said, I've never attempted to make my own.

So that meant Bailey and I were going out shopping.

We hit the dollar store because I'd seen some funky, black garland there the week before.

Needless to say I bought 5 strands, each 9' long. My total investment was $5.00 + tax, so even if the tree didn't turn out what would I lose other than some time and $5.75? (I had all the other supplies... remember I hoard stuff).

Off to work I went drilling holes and cutting coat hangers apart. Wrapping the wires with floral tape and then painting the entire piece black. I was going to use berry pips and paint them orange, but found that the finish was cracking... so I skipped it.

After all was said and done I broke out the glue gun and started wrapping the garland around each branch, securing it on the ends. A total of 2.5 strands of garland later... I was done.

Total dollar investment (including wood dowel, garland, floral tape and glue stick): = $5.00 + tax. Total time investment: = 3.5 to 5.0 hours. (I didn't actually set a timer). Satisfaction: = it looks pretty darn COOL!! (Maybe not in my pics, but it is!)

I will admit I made a few mistakes along the way - the coat hanger wire for one. It's so stiff I will not be able to fold up the branches. (That's okay... I'll cover it with a sheet and have a "ghost" staring me down for part of the year). Next time around I'll use a smaller gauge wire, which should resolve the folding/storage issue.

I still need to make a wooden base... oddly enough there's a few 4"x4" posts out in the back yard, and I know one of them is just calling for the mitre saw ;) ~ Lori

Pseudo-studio cleanup and how I love my work

It may not be the most luxurious of workspaces - it's tidy (only) for today and it's certainly not big.

In fact it's an 8' long strand-board topped workbench, built on 2" x 4"s with some storage drawer bins below. The rest of the basement I can't show you, well I guess I could if I wanted to make you all scream in horror (trust me, you would!)

In this small space I can be inspired and dream about what is to come... the possibilities are endless, even if the space is not!

I wouldn't trade this space... a lot of really great pieces were conceived in it. I hope there's more to come and that those next pieces will be better than the last.

I love my job, because it's refreshing to wake up every day and think about sticking my hands in clay. On the days when I can't, I honestly feel a bit of remorse... I guess mostly because there's a voice inside my head that always seems to scream... it's almost time for Halloween!

On a side note: For those of you who may be looking at what's coming up on eBay this week - I'll post a few new items, but am switching things up to Sunday nights.

Enjoy your weekend! ~ Lori

PFATT blog giveaway ~ Lots of goodies

Please stop by the PFATT blog ~ Feel free to leave a comment with your name and email address (if you do not have a blog) and be entered to win one of the wonderful goodies being offered.

If you click on "follow" on the side bar, you'll be entered twice into the drawing.

The drawing will be held on Tuesday, September 8th at midnight EST.

Whether you hop, skip or jump, you should go to the blog now!... here's a peek at what I've donated ~ Lori