Thursday, December 3, 2009

Trading Virtual for Real Life

It's no secret among family members and friends that I've spread myself way too thin the last 10 years or so and it's only getting worse as I "think" I am gaining more time somehow since one child has left the nest. NOT.


 My parents, siblings, nieces, nephew, and my family.
Taken the Sunday before our daughter left for Oklahoma.
After much discussion with hubby, we have decided we are NOT getting any younger and are wondering why we keep taking on so much. With that said, we are going to focus our efforts on Ranch Dressing...the actual standing store, and not so much with online presences. The only websites I will maintain will be the official Free Rein Art website and the  Ranch Dressing blog.  I will network through Facebook only and forgo all the other social networks and selling venues. I was INSANE to try to keep up that pace!

So with that said, I will say no more. This will be the last post here. You can find me at ranch dressing: interior design cowgirl style.

Thank you for following and leaving such supportive comments and I look forward to seeing you at the Ranch!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Stolen Horse International 2009 Fundraising Auction

The bidding is underway for the Stolen Horse International 2009 Fundraising Auction.

Proceeds benefit their mission of preventing and recovering stolen horses. Over the years it has evolved into so much more even that I would have to devote a couple of pages here to present it fully. I hope you will check out their website while perusing the auction items. Below is a preview of some of my favorite items...



$50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR HORSEHAIR JEWERLY BY SUZANNE STORMS 

We had one of these made for our daughter from her childhood pony's own tail hairs for her graduation from high school.  Four short months later we had to have her beloved pony put down from complications of Cushings Disease. Her bracelet  is a cherished possession. Suaznnane's work is incredible.



"Dapple Dancer" by Painted Ponies artist Lori Musil


CLINTON ANDERSON Autographed DVD Series
Starting Under Saddle 



Equi-Spirit Horse Play Ball

 
 
Two Spirit Horses by master potter Cathy Ray Pierson



Braided Halter/Hackmore – Black & White Checked



Hand Painted Decorative Cookie Plate by Angie Nelson of Free Rein Studio 

I hope you will help support SHI during the auction and throughout the following year! Here's a link to the home page of their website... Stolen Horse International

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Team Austin Benefit Auction Floorcloth


 transferring the design onto the floorcloth


I started a new floorcloth this week that I am donating for a benefit auction in December. I get hit hard this time a year for donations but this one I didn't have to think about for even eight seconds. I am so thrilled that I can do something!

The sale of this rug will benefit a young man from our community that is battling leukemia. He went to school with our daughter and worked at the western store where we buy our horse and dog feed. I decided on a bull rider because that is Austin's passion. I decided to do another neon cowboy because that has been my biggest seller this year and new ones are so fun to do!


getting started with the color

I'd like to thank the late, great Chris LeDoux for serenading and inspiring me this afternoon. I now know what caption I'm going to use for the neon sign...you, on the other hand will have to wait a little longer. It's most appropriate and will be soooo cool! This is going to be the only one I will do exactly like this so please, if you are local come out to (Jerome) Davis Arena, 5615 Elmer Beeson Road, Archdale,  December 12th and bid, bid, bid!

I will post the finished product next week.


It's easier to see your mistakes when looking at photos!

So, back to the main purpose here....

If you have a Facebook account you can join Team Austin for updates on his health and for details on the upcoming benefit rodeo and auction.

The most important thing we can do for Austin is pray for him and his family of course but there is one more thing..
.
Please follow these steps to join the National Bone Marrow Registry:

Go to www.marrow.org and click on the Join The Registry tab, followed by the Join Now tab
Proceed to Step 1 and check all boxes that apply to you and then click Go
Read over the Terms of Use and Donor Registration and Consent for HLA Typing information and then mark the appropriate boxes
Sign the Electronic Signature and click Next
Create an account (Name, e-mail and Password)
Your promo code for this drive is: bletterle
(Remove the automatic code and insert the bletterle code in the box to insure that your registration is credited to this drive)
Complete the Security Code and click Next
Continue with the registration process
The Donor Responsibility for this drive is: $0
At the end of the registration, review
Click the button that confirms you want a Buccal Swab kit sent to you
That’s it! Your registration is done. The Buccal Swab kit should be sent to you within 2 business days.


The finished product

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Native American Heritage Month


Hand carved antler buckle by Antler QL Wear

In honor of our American Indians, November has been declared Native American Heritage Month. There is a beautiful Etsy Treasury that you will want to see soon before it expires. It was put together by Northern Lodge, artist of this Chief Joseph pillow.


An interesting little tidbit about this pillow is that it has been smudged by sage and also contains sage picked by a Sundancer-so it holds some very sacred energy.

I can't honestly pick a favorite from this treasury of original art, prints, jewelry and photography, but the one that stands out to me is the antler belt buckle by Antler QL Wear, shown at the top of the page. It is carved by a 73 year old Cherokee man and is one-of-a-kind.

My Hugging Bear floorcloth also made it's way into the group. It's an honor to have my work selected to be among the other wonderful pieces.



The link to the treasury is http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=74372

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Cookie Platter


Beginnings of a Christmas Cookie Platter

Today is the first day this week I've been in the studio and that time didn't last long. This is just one of those busy weeks where I didn't have a thing on my calendar on Sunday, but by early Monday morning the entire week was full.

I managed, though, to get a good start on the cookie platter I am donating for an ebay auction for Stolen Horse International in November. I think it needs a tree and some words, that I will attempt to add tomorrow morning...again another day of obligations.

The details of the auction will follow when I am sure of the dates. Watch for more painted ceramics soon to be available in my Etsy shop.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Black and White or Color

I've managed to get a few things done here in the studio along with all the hulabalo going on with Ranch Dressing. 

I am working on a small project painting mats for vintage postcards. I have two versions:


Black and white



and color

Both are nice, but we are favoring the black and white.

What do you think?

Friday, October 2, 2009

Coasters Photographed and Ready to Go


Hand Painted Coaster Sets with Cork Backs
copyright 2009 Angie Nelson

Available for immediate shipment in my etsy shop
For custom orders email me: angie (at) freereinart (dot) com