New Growth

Fall is coming so slowly to the Ozarks, and it is still so warm that I find myself confused as to what time of year it is! I know that it will only be a few weeks before the leaves are gone and all the green things go into hiding before they emerge, well-rested, next spring. Personally, I have a lot of projects that are incubating. Some are ready to bloom, and others are going through their own periods of hibernation. I wanted to share a few of them with you. Why? Because I've missed you, and I wanted to let you know why I've been MIA...

The first project/event is that I have been accepted into my first juried art show--War Eagle Arts and Crafts Fair. The show is next week, and I have thrown my all into getting ready for it over the summer. (Props to my sweet sis-in-law for helping me survive my "to-do" list!) The real kicker is that the show is over 50 years old, and the attendance is 180,000! You've got to start somewhere right? Well, I'm just starting at the mother of all craft shows! Say a prayer that I survive the throngs!

This piece is titled, "Allies," and it is an original painting of Lil' Red and Alice that I am taking to the show, along with several framed prints, signed prints, note cards, and jewelry. Excited is an understatement. :)

The next bit of news is that I'm a finalist in the Cloth, Paper, Scissors Artisan 2011 search in the Mixed-Media Jewelry category!!! I was absolutely floored when I read the blog post that I was a finalist, and I'm honored to be in such a talented pool of artists. Seriously, the talent level of this magazine's readership is crazy good, and I'm still in shock. I submitted these three jewelry pieces for their further consideration.

I also have a line of greeting cards entering the test market right now! The market is worldwide; and I'll know in less than a year (hopefully sooner!) if they are a go or not. The cards use my images, and I had the privilege of writing and designing the cards, as well.
Working with an editor through this process was such an amazing and challenging experience. When the last card was approved, I wasn't quite sure what to do with myself--I was a tad bit bummed that it was over. Now I'm in the waiting phase, and I hope that this summer's work will find its way to stores near you!

Lastly, I want to give a hats off to all you momma's/artistas who can juggle blogging and "mommying" and creating. I tend to have periods where I can do a little bit of everything and then times when I can only do what is exactly put in front of me. This summer has been the latter for me. I hope to be able to check in more and share how the show went. Until then, I hope that you all have creative projects that are getting ready to bloom.