Locket Pretties

I've been scheming again. And this weekend I got out the old assembly ring (once as much a part of me as my wedding ring!) and started making some jewelry. Art jewelry, of course! I ordered some gorgeous vintage gold lockets a while back and started playing around with them. I'd planned on making traditional locket necklaces, but due to never finding the perfect hardware, things too a different turn and I ended up with these cute-as-pie locket lapel pins:

C'est moi, wearing several of the pins on my lapel and doing my best to channel the 1940s. Lately I've really been admiring the fashions and styles of the 40s and 50s eras. Everything was so classy back then, and they had such fabulous hairdos. I think these pins will be a perfect additon to a little tweed jacket like the one i used in the pictures, or a sweater or cordoroy coat or velvet jacket or....Oh, the possibilities!
These pins will debut this weekend at the South Tulsa Music Festival. Please come check it out if you're in the area this weekend! I cant wait to have a full day full of hanging out with some marvelous crafty friends, listening to good music, and selling some art. Cross your fingers that the forecast of a sunny day with a high of 87 holds.....

Let me know what you think of the pins! I definitely plan on making more for etsy, so you non-Okies....don't you fret!!!

Happy Monday,

Heather

New Painting: Paisley Jane

A while back I mentioned a painting with a pirate ship. Well, I took my sweet time about it, but here she is, Paisley Jane:

"Paisley Jane" has a thing for pirate ships. She dreams of sailing off into the endless sea with the wind at her back and book to read up in the crow's nest. She's an adventurer at heart...."

This is a cute little painting that is really for any season. As a very land-locked gal, I cant help but be intrigued by the idea of massive ships and an endless sea. Literally, the closest I've ever come to it was a trip to Galveston when I was a kid, and the brown water that is the Gulf of Mexico was sort of....not romantic ;)

However, I think Paisley Jane is very familiar with the sea, has a spy glass and everything....she probably climbs up to the Widdow's Walk on her grandmother's old sea-side home and looks out, searching for pirate ships and the perfect adventure, her favorite book in hand.
Paisley Jane is now up for grabs on Etsy. Go visit and say hello!! Also--- the "100 Etsy Sales" promotion is still going on, but for how long, who knows! I am now at 98 sales :D and if you've forgotten or havent heard of it--- for every sale I make until I reach 100 sales I am giving away a free ornamtent! Go HERE for more details.

And, of course, Paisley Jane's listing can be found HERE.

Happy friday everyone! Hope you and yours are well. The weather is so cool and beautiful here. I hope it stays like this through to the show next week...keep your finger's crossed!

~H

More than you ever even thought to ask about craft shows....

As fall approaches I am getting more and more excited. Fall means a) cute sweaters and jackets b) boots, y'all c) people not thinking its weird you're drinking hot chocolate and d) CRAFT SHOWS.

It's hard to believe that it hasnt even been a year yet since my first one. Between now and last October, I have done three craft shows, two solo gallery exhibitions and one group show. Sheesh, that sorta sounds like a lot.

And while I'm still a newbie at it compared to a lot of folks, I have become a big supporter of getting out there in your local scene and showing off your stuff (craftily speaking. Don't get yourself arrested)

Me and Miss Audrey at my first show...she looks like such a baby!

I hear from a lot of friends in daily life and in 'bloggy life' that they'd like to do a show, but something is holding them back. Mainly its fear. Fear of rejection or failure...And I totally get it. Because for a long time, I thought that Oklahoma just didn't 'get me.' For years I had entered school or local art shows and usually came away with a bit of an attitude problem because I lost-- yet again-- to something really western like wolves or Indians. It all brought back the little meltdown I had when I won 'Honorable Mention' in a DARE poster contest in the second grade. I couldn't believe I'd worked so hard and gotten all dressed up for 'honorable mention' ;) My mom made me take a photo while holding my poster and Im glaring and my face is all splotchy from tears. It all sort of felt like that, and I didnt want to sign up for an entire day of judgement.

However....it was nothing like that. And I made an amazing discovery--- people in my area were cool and they did like me and they were nice. OMG. My first craft show was Indie Emporium, what they call an 'indie craft show' because its more of a younger crowd with a taste for retro and repurposed and vintage items. Not a lot of yard ornaments or tea cozies, things like that ;) I worried a bit that my distressed wood and angels might seem a little quaint in the mix, but it turned out it sort of set me apart. And everyone from suburban soccer moms to tweens with pink hair and nose rings had nice things to say.

I was hooked.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: actually witnessing someone look at your work, love it, fall madly in love with it and then insist on taking it home to treasure forever-- it is an amazing feeling. And one I think every artist should treat themselves to. I admit, when the doors open before each show, i get this nervous "First day of middle school and I dont know anyone will they all hate me" feeling, but it melts away quickly.

Even the other vendors are all disarmingly friendly and you end up spending lots of hours 'in the trenches' with total strangers who soon become friends (and whose merchandise you'll end up trading your wares for when the crowds slow down!)

At my first show I was lucky enough to be seated next to Holly at Hollyrocks, who I later found out could win a gold metal if being super sweet and lovely were an Olympic sport. I got a lot of support from my fellow-vendors which later turned into a network of friends and colleagues who I could go to for questions or information that I might not have had otherwise. . Its hard to ask total strangers online where they got such-and-such and you're never sure if it is rude. But when you feel like you know someone and they shop where you shop, there's a lot less of a 'faceless' feeling to asking questions or looking for support.

Actually, I've made some really good friends in this past year thanks to craft shows. And its nice to have people around that share your interests in creating.

And if you're starting to think of doing a show....(which, of course, you should!) here are a few tips from moi:

* Try to choose a show whose customer demographic will be interested in your product-- you may find yourself pleasantly surprised, ofcourse, but keep in mind the age/life style of people who would be drawn to your work. Hint: they are usually like you. So keep that in mind... I wouldn't sell onesies with skulls and crossbones on them at your local Methodist Church Craft Bazaar, things like that ;)

* Make sure your business name/information is spotable and available to customers after they leave your booth. I think this is SO important, and you wouldnt believe how many vendors dont do this. There have been lots of incidents where I found a great booth at a show but they offered no way to ever find them again. A show is a potential mine field of repeat business as long as you have business cards to give out, or put your business name and website on your bags or receipts. Dont miss the opportunity!

* Decide ahead of time what payment methods you'll use. Cash is always best--- but dont forget your change bag! And if you do take checks, I recommend asking to see a license and writing down their info (name/phone/address) I have also started marking all my items with tax included in the price. This will save you worry when you're nervously trying to pack an item and give out change. And since I have an awesome accountant/husband, I make a master sheet of all my items with the price and check off items as I sell them. This helps me keep track of my earnings through the show and would also tell me if something got swiped.

*Give yourself lots of time to prepare. Sometimes when I get ready for shows I get a little frantic and crazy busy. But I think I secretly love it. And I also think that my Type A tendancies come out a little bit in that I dont want to be rushing to finish things the night before the show. Ideally, I like to be done with most things a week ahead, so in case something unexpected happens, i have time to deal with it.

* Have fun! Talk to people! Tell them about how you made a piece or what inspired you. I admit, I can get a little shy at shows and dont want to 'hover.' But if someone feels a personal connection to you or your art, they are much more likely to purchase it. It gives them more incentive than "this is cute" and they talk themselves into the purchase. And that's the goal, right?

Well...my hands are getting tired from all this typing. I think I may have written you a novel now on craft shows. But if that's what you need to get you motivated, so be it ;)

Happy Crafting,

~H

More postcards!

Aren't they cute?

Just got my latest order of postcards in the other day and I'm very pleased with them! They look so pretty, and love the coloring. These are just a few of the items I will be taking with me to the South Tulsa Music Festival on Sept. 5.

I am trying not to think about the fact that its less than 2 weeks away ;) I am very excited that the fall craft season is about to begin. I really enjoy it. And if you're an artist wondering if you should take the step and take part in a local show--- my advice: DO IT!~

You wont regret it. It adds a whole new demension to what you do. Its one thing to sell things out of your etsy or ebay. Quite another to witness someone falling in love with your work right in front of your eyes. Its a great thing.

Ok. I NEED to paint today. I must! I'm going to bring a few originals and other goodies like prints and postcards to the show in September. If you're in the area, come and support your local music scene and crafters!~

~H

Lasting Curls

It makes me laugh some times when people ask if Audrey looks like me. Yes. She is pretty much my Mini Me. Yes, I once had beautiful ringlets. But I'm not the only one in the family to sport killer curls. Take a look at these two photos. Especially the little toddler out front in this family photo:

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

Doesnt it look like the same baby??? Well, its not. Actually, these two photos were taken more than 70 years apart. The first baby is my Grandma (that tall sylph in the back is my great-grandma Pansy, and the other little girl is Grandma's older sis). The second photo is my little curly-q, Miss Audrey.

Dont they look eerily similar?? I was really struck by it. My dad and I both looked pretty much like this (Dad even won 'Honorable Mention' in a national 'Cute Baby' contest. We still have the certificate!)

Anyhow, I just thought it was sweet. I guess the curl gene is a strong one :)

An art flash-back

It seems like both five minutes ago and forever ago that I was this girl, "Heather circa 1998":

Obviously, my friends and I were into dramatic 1990s angst photography ;) I had a soft spot for wearing oversized velvet shirts paired with combat boots (Off-brand in my case, I never got the Doc Martins) I drove around town blaring Tori Amos and the Pixies and had a reputation I think for being a little alloof, but it was really just because I was so shy. I also really loved to draw.

Today I looked through an old bin of drawings from school that I've kept, some of them going back to eighth grade Junior High Art. Obviously, I already had a thing for portraits of winsome girls:
I also had a thing for ballet and drawing dancers. I really wished I was graceful. This was just before I went into my figure skating phase ;)
I thought this was funny, I dont remember doing this portrait of Audrey Hepburn, but here she is! Obviously, I've always loved "Audreys" too ;) And when "Amelie" came out with Audrey Tautou, I was forever in love with the name and image of quirky sweet girls it conjured up...
Hmmm....must have been all that Tori I was listening to that inspired this one. My friend and I camped out in front of the Brady Theater to get tickets to see her in 1998, and felt very grown up. I think her dad dropped us off to get them.... ;)
More dancers....I hope my proportions have improved since this one....
So, that was a bit of an arty flash-back ;) it's funny for me to look through these things and see what's changed in my art, and what hasnt.

And I wish I could go back in time and whisper in my teenage ear and say "Dont worry! You'll be out of this high school place you're too cool very soon and you CAN make your art dreams come true!"

And also...."I know you really love the burgandy hair dye, but it's really not working for you...you aren't Angela on "My So-Called Life"

;)

Bookmarks!

Look! My pretty little bookmarks arrived this afternoon and they are so lovely! I am really happy with how they turned out. I used the paintings "The Last Jack O Lantern" and "Blossom" as the images, since they're 2 of my most favorite 'skinny' paintings ;)

I plan on putting one of these little pretties in with each purchase as a little extra goodie, something to make opening a package from Audrey Eclectic even more like opening a treasure.

Also--- I am planning on attending an additional event next month-- The South Tulsa Music Festival. I'm going to share a booth with my sweet little friend Holly from Sweetheartville. The event will be held Sept. 5 at the River Walk in Jenks, Ok. It's going to be an outdoor event so I'll probably be bringing mostly outdoor friendly stuff like prints, postcards, these bookmarks and....my latest secret endeavor...jewelry! I'll have a few originals with me, but I dont want to take a chance with a huge inventory of stuff outdoors....this Oklahoma weather can be finicky ;)

Anyhow...I sure hope I get lots of paintings done and started this weekend. I have been so exhausted for a few weeks now. I'm trying to work through it. But I miss a lot of naptime painting time because, well, hehehe, I've been taking a nap too ;) this mama really needs it I guess!

Ok guys!~ Have a good weekend! And remember, there are still ornaments to be had if you make a purchase on etsy! Im giving away a free ornament with each purchase until I hit "100 sales." Just a little bit to go! And now...you'll ALSO get a boomark with your purchase! What's not to like???

;)

~H

The Hapless Homesteader

I've come to a conclusion....though its rather hard to admit. If I were a farmer....we'd all be starving about now.

Oh remember how excited I was at the prospect of a veggie garden? Envisioning a summer full of eating out of my own yard? Well, some yields have been better than others....the best having been planted by a thoughtful bird on the edge of our flower bed:

Thank you little birdie for planting us a sunflower...you'll be snacking well this summer!

Yes, this little sun-flower-that-could just showed up one day and I let it grow....grow until it reached the room of the house (and top of our porch arbor) until it grew so heavy it slumped down.

The rest of the garden? Not so impressive....

For all our good intentions, we found that a postage stamp sized yard with a house on one side and a big wooden fence on the other isnt so condusive to vegetable gardens. Because for half the day, one side or the other is shaded. I thought morning sun would be gentle and ideal for my vegetables...but it turned out they struggled to catch the last rays of afternoon sun as it passed over the house and grew leggy and a little....sideways in their plight.

Another big problem is one I hadnt anticipated--- weird creepy crawlers that you never come across until you plant their favorite snack. My main rivals seem to various kinds of weird green catapillars--- one variety who really digs lettuce, and another (more huge and crazy looking) variety that totally LOVES tomatoes. And will completely de-leaf a whole bush over night. Ugh.

I know that veggies grow outside and that outside there are critters, but the shine just wore off the lettuce plants after I picked dozens of little caterpillars off and then had to power-wash their 'debris' from each plant. Ew.

And the poor tomatoes....definitely didnt get enough sun. They just now started growing tomatoes, and I watch over them like a nervous mother hen, fending off the giant caterpillars and little girls who like to pick things.

Speaking of hens though...I think I would have been a lot more successful if I'd had a couple of them, or even some guineas to take care of the bugs. Little birdies would have feasted in my garden...but my neighborhood is evidently too cool for poultry ;)

And the accidental pumpkin....well, I'm just about to give up and cut it down. I was so excited to think the Capser Jack O'Lanterns we carved last fall had taken root in the front flower bed...but for all its vining and flowers, not a single pumkin has come to be. The Squash Bugs, however....we have been dueling it out over whose turf the pumkin vine actually is.

So...boo....this wasnt the gardening year for me. But that's ok. Gardening is all about the experiment of it. And a lot of it is out of a gardener's control. Like the weeks of 100 degree temperatures that showed up in June and fried us all-- plants included. Oh well. I'll know better next year. And maybe I'll even sneak in some contraband chickens...you never know ;)

GIVEAWAY: oh so ornamental

Come on, you know you want one....

Well, I am very pleased to announce that I am edging up to 100 sales in my etsy store! I really can't believe it! It's amazing. I still remember my first sale, a little Christmas angel print. I hope all of you who have ordered from me have enjoyed your purchase, because I love the thrill of sending my little creations to all corners of the country....and the world! To date, my paintings have found sweet new homes in Canada...Europe...Australia...and all over the US. Each coast, and all regions...its amazing how the internet can make it so much easier for us all to connect. 20 years ago, I seriously doubt I would be able to have my art in such far-reaching places.

So, since I'm so close to 100...and thought I'd give you all a little treat-- I'm having a giveaway! So from now until I reach 100 sales, each person who places an order at my Etsy Store will receive a free ornament (pictured above). The ornaments are valued at $7-- and a treat you can use all year 'round!

These are the designs I have at present, so if you place your order and have one in mind, just send me a note in the 'buyer's comments.'

So...thank you all for your support and patronage since Audrey Eclectic started nearly 2 years ago....I really appreciate it!~

There's tons of stuff in the shop right now....so it's a great time to buy!~

Thanks a bunch!~

Heather

PS: Do you like the new 3 collumn layout? Many thanks to my sweet bearded man! He is the technical brains behind this operations, I tell ya....couldnt do it without him!~

Autumn Parade

Hello there my friends~

All sorts of things have been underway around here, but I'm very pleased about it all :) Thanks for all your support about the prints and postcards! I'm so glad you like them!~

I did manage to paint this little piece up last week, I wanted to do something fun and whimsical and childlike for fall. This painting is called "Autumn Parade." It was done on a wooden plaque and features three sweet girls and their pumpkins-- can you spot the owl? Audrey did, and I think its her favorite part ;)

Wanted to let you know I've got a special giveaway up my sleeve...so check back soon! There will be several winners.....

Back to the easel, I've got pirate ships to paint ;)

~H

Prints on etsy

Alright!~ I justed a few different prints on etsy this afternoon, lots of pretties that I hope you will love. Currently these can be found in the SHOP:

The Last Jack O' Lantern

Celestine

Lucille

Eulala

Where ever we wander

There are a few more, but I am a bit tired from listing ;) do go visit the shop to see all of them! I am a bit impressed with myself...my etsy shop now has TWO pages! Woah!

Check it out: audreyeclectic.etsy.com

Anyhow...as much as I wanted to paint today, it just didnt happen. But I'm making good plans to be able to paint tomorrow, and Im itching to get some halloween cuties in the shop! So check back!~

~H

Thanks + Prints

First off-- thank you all for the congrats on the Somerset Studio thing. I am so excited to be a part of that magazine! It is such a gorgeous publication. You know my mama is gonna have to buy a copy ;)

For all the excitement over a painting, its ironic that I haven't painted all that much recently. I need to change that before I get a little cranky. I even bought a new easel to make myself feel very post....and (the real reason) to save my back and shoulder some aching.

Isnt it funny how that nice clean studio can become such a mess again??? I'm trying to keep it at bay....Really I am....but it's difficult!

For the past couple of weeks I've been scheming about art and I have another scheme to reveal to you--- PRINTS! And let me tell you, they are gorgeous. I love the new paper I've chosen. Its a very heavy weight art paper and it prints so beautifully, its amazing. The detail is so sharp. I've got a print of Celestine beside me and its hard to not just sit and stare at her ;)

That announced, I'm preparing the shop with images to print. And instead of just picking my own personal favs, I was curious which paintings you would like to see made available as a print. Any particular favs? You can even go here to my Flickr site to freshen your memory.

And just because....I wanted to share this with you....
Isnt this candle holder the CUTEST? I got it at Yankee Candle yesterday. They have a whole collection of the cutest little skeleton candle holders ever. Yes, ever. And since we were married on Halloween Weekend, I thought the married couple was only fitting! Aw, there we are so young and cute in our engagement photo too ;)

Well, here's hoping some painting gets done today.............

~H

In which she bursts into confetti in excitement

I've never been good at keeping secrets. But sometimes I feel like I have to before I jinx myself-- and I certainly didnt want to Jinx this! Just a bit ago my mailman brought the Halloween issue of Somerset Studio to my little ol' mailbox. Guess who's in it:

MY Guinnie!!!! I am so excited to have her included in the Vintage Halloween challenge! This is sort of a big dream of mine. Somerset Studio was one of the magazines that opened up the whole world of collage art to me, I adore every issue and pour over it for days and days...then keep it to pour over again. I am so happy to be a part of a magazine that has literally changed my path and showed me that there are a million ways to make art. And its the HALLOWEEN issue!!!!

How cool is that?

The magazine should be on the shelves very soon! I know it will inspire you too! And there are so many beautiful creations in it....*LOVE*

The thrill of the (treasure) hunt

So lately I've been obsessed with foraging. Foraging antique malls, that is. The little miss and I went out a couple of times last week and found so many treasures! I found these fashion illustrations the other day and thought they'd be perfect to go with this latest find.

Usually these fashion illustrations are pretty expensive, but I snatched up these girls for pretty cheap. And judging from the tattered backing, I'd say the frames (so pretty!) are original. At the bottom of each illustration it says "Leroy Imp. Paris, La Mode Illustree"

And while this pair of sweet girls could have been the score of the day, it wasnt. This was:
I swear, I nearly screamed like a gameshow contestant when I found this...a large dusty baggy filled with old vintage photos and marked: "$8.50"

O...M...G...Over 20 old photographs and they came to roughly about .25 a peice. In other shops, one photo can be marked anywhere from $2 to $6. I refuse to pay more than $3 unless the photo is exceptional or comes framed. This, my dears, was one of those things--- an antiquing Holy Grail.

And that bearded guy in the middle? SO reminds me of Will...that's his dream beard ;)

Other photos include a little girl at (what looks to be) her confirmation, an old-age couple at the farm, young women and children....someone's loved ones. I wonder where they all came from, and if they've always been together. And together they shall remain....

*Sigh* and pitter-pat....

POSTCARDS!!~

Guess what guys??? Now you can send a little bit of pretty art to all corners of the globe to those you love best! (Or...you could just keep them for yourself, I wont tell!) I've got four styles of postcards (pictured above) fresh from the printer's and ready for a new home, OR, if you're indecisive, I'm offering a variety pack with one of all 4 designs!

Click HERE to see them in the shop

I am so pleased with how they turned out.....aww, pretty.....

Autumn in August

Well, I lasted until August. I'm just so excited at the prospect of Autumn coming next month, that I just couldnt hold off....had to make a new Halloween-inspired banner. You like it??? Features some of my most favorite paintings. Oh, I cant wait for autumn with its jewel toned sweaters, pumpkins, chilly breezes, and general festive feeling.

I think what got me started was the general gothy-ness that has become our bedroom. I had the urge to antique shop this week and came back with this spooky-adorable dresser from the 1920s:

The perfect setting for my Nicol Sayre Halloween loveliness, dont you think? And there's the original Celestine painting too. I am so lucky to have a husband who thinks the crazy things I love are cool ;) He lives happily within the odds and ends that I fall in love with and drag home...
And I'll tell you a secret-- I'm not done...oh, there is antiquing yet to be done! My focus now rests on the kitchen. I'm thinking about that "make a cabinet with an old window" project in the latest Romantic Homes. It needs some flair in there....

So we all know my favorite season is Autumn and Halloween. It just cant be helped....what's your favorite season?

Angels on Etsy

"Angel's Bouquet"

"Madonna and Child"

Available now on ETSY

Good morning, sunshine...

This might sound a little backwards to you, but I finally went and bought a sketch book. To, like, sketch in. Yes, this is a big step for me, "she who never sketches"....

Can't exactly say why I rarely did it before. I know some artists claim to "never leave home with it" and sit sketching at any random moment. That has never been me. I guess perhaps it has to do with the fact that I have no patience and need to work fast before I lose interest ;) I hated sketching in school because I was always like "come on people, let's get this show on the road!" Sometimes I am a "jump right in, ask questions later" type person. I also hate when you create the perfect sketch, and then go to paint it, and the painting doesnt come out as nice as the sketch. Perhaps that is my under-lying fear of ye olde sketch book?

But today is a new day, people! I think you're going to find lot of new changes at Audrey Eclectic come this fall :) And it is taking all I have not to spill my guts about it right this moment.

One change thta I am instating for myself is permission to slow down. It wont be necessary to fill my shop and show booth with tons of originals, so I can take my time and create more intricate, thought-out pieces. Which is where the sketch book comes in. I think I am prepared to deal with it now ;)

Let the sketching commence.

Also...............

The show paintings are home and lookin' for love. I am slowly adding pieces to the etsy shop. You can find these dreamy girls there now:

Several little (and big flappers) and I've got a couple of nice sized angels to put up soon. Oh, I've got a lot to put up actually....oy....so keep an eye out. Maybe your dream painting is waiting for you? ;)

Visit the shop HERE or in the sidebar

A studio interlude

So, by the time I got everything back from Shades of Brown on Friday, my studio was a COMPLETE disaster area. One so overwhelming that I had to set to work on it. I hung up all the paintings haphazardly and couldn't bring myself to put away the wire hanging aparatus I'd created for prints and ornaments so....they got hung up on the walls. Now, the studio is incredibly busy (what colors are the walls, again???) but is a strange way....the busy-ness is good...

A piece of my Inspiration Board. Photos and clippings from here and there that have struck me as pretty...Oh, and Miss Audrey's birth announcement...

A new little corner of ambiance....my crazy Maud dolls on a stack of suitcases that I use at craft shows (and look innocent enough, but are full of wood scraps ;) ) in the middle is a lovely painting by the talented Jennifer Pease of Hot Tamale Art Studio.
Where I write to you my dearies! Audrey Hepburn + lots of little flappers and ghosts who want homes...and some paintings that I hord for myself ;)
One of my favorite views of the room that can so easily become chaos. I dont know how I can take that huge table (our former kitchen table) and pile it with so much *stuff* that soon I'm having to hollow out a space to put the painting I'm working on. Its so soothing to see the table all clean and spaceous...for now...
And so ends the studio tour. hope you enjoyed it ;) Lets get painting.