Free Rein Art & Design

Trading Virtual for Real Life

2009-12-03T11:14:00.004-05:00

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!

Team Austin Benefit Auction Floorcloth

2009-11-19T22:20:00.003-05:00

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

Stolen Horse International 2009 Fundraising Auction

2009-11-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

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

Native American Heritage Month

2009-11-04T11:33:00.001-05:00

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

Cookie Platter

2009-10-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

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.

Pig and Rich is Coming Home

2008-12-16T09:21:00.002-05:00

Pig and Rich also known as Pig Pickin' in Lexington is coming home this week for repairs. If you read my old blog you will remember him from the public art initiative sponsored by Uptown Lexington this past year.

He is a take on country music artists' Big and Rich. I'm not sure why the sponsor changed his name to Pig Pickin' unless it was to protect the innocent. At any rate, sometime during the first week or so, his sunglasses were stolen, and from that point on, every time I saw him, something was loose or missing or just plain scraped up.

What's the matter with people?

So, when the rain clears out, I'm bringing him home to repair over Christmas break. I will be thinking about what I will do for next year. It was a fun project for a very good cause. For more information on Pigs in the City follow this link: Pigs in the City 4

Here are a few photos of Pig's coming to life

naked pig

Pig in his new suit

A face only a mother could love

Shirt detail and just a little chest hair...

Image is everything

A little flash for the stage lights

Yee Haw g!

Save a horse...?

Any suggestions for 2009? Catchy names? I'd love for you to leave me a comment with any thoughts.

Black and White or Color

2009-10-21T13:09:00.001-04:00

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?

Coasters Photographed and Ready to Go

2009-10-02T14:54:00.000-04:00

Hand Painted Coaster Sets with Cork Backs

Available for immediate shipment in my etsy shop

For custom orders email me: angie (at) freereinart (dot) com

So Much To Do, So Little Time

2009-10-01T14:16:00.000-04:00

I thrive on change! We have to change in order to grow or evolve. As my business begins to evolve into what I've always wanted it to be I have to figure a way to make it all work.

Social networking was not in my plan 10 years ago, but is a huge part of making it happen today. I have my blog here and at Ranch Dressing. I twitter although not as regular as I should and I am on facebook in two places. And...I almost forgot, I am also on Cowboy Syndicate. Now the part I have to figure out is how to keep up with all this and actually get some creative work done in the process without having to give up my personal life.

With that all said, I have come up with a solution for this blog. It will be mostly photos and kept fairly simple, but personable. To get a more in depth look at what's going on here, Ranch Dressing will be where I am spending most of my blogging time. I am finally going to bring my design business full circle and once again be a merchant as well as an artist, all while using my interior design skills in the shop and for clients.

Designing and painting floorcloths and other functional art pieces will continue to be a big part of my business and I hope to travel a little in the coming new year; and do a few of the shows I used to do back before soccer, riding lessons and driver's ed.

I hope to see you around the social media circle.

Introduction

2008-11-25T15:49:00.002-05:00

This blank screen is very intimidating...somewhat like a blank canvas when I'm given free rein to do whatever strikes my fancy.

Ok, here goes....this blog will serve as an extension of my website. It's so much easier to update here. Also, for those finding the blog first, it will have a lot of the same information. So, my first several posts will be mostly informative rather than conversational.

So, in a nutshell, here is a little info...

About Me

As a child, I drew on everything from my bed sheets and walls in my room to tattoos on my friends, so it is fitting that I now create my art on something functional as well as traditional canvases.

My degree is in interior design and I worked in the design field for 6 years before starting my art career. I am a self-taught artist with the exception of a few watercolor classes in college. I am one of the pioneers of the contemporary floorcloth industry, and have stuck with it for 20 years.

It wasn't until someone asked me in the late 1990's if I could paint their Labrador Retriever onto their floorcloth that I realized just how far I could actually go with the craft. Up until then every floorcloth I painted was a geometric design with the exception of several floral pieces. I then decided that I would make the art my own and take it to the next level.

Labrador Retriever Floorcloth

About the Business

I began painting floorcloths as a way to be a work at home mom with my first child in 1989. The endeavor soon snowballed and became a real job with the help of Country Living Magazine's inclusion of two of my first designs that next spring. I first named my business The Homeplace Collection and painted mostly geometric designs inspired by quilt patterns, Indian and Pendleton blankets.

Later on down the road as I started working with showroom and residential interior designers, I began to see that most of them were giving me free rein to design floorcloths to fit their particular situations rather than buying exactly what they saw at my shows or in my brochures. This was way too much fun and I began specializing in this very concept and changed my business name at the same time to Free Rein Studio. Now, after 10 more years it has evolved into Free Rein Art & Design. I think I'll leave it at that!

My floorcloths have been featured in many local and national publications and in the books, Contemporary Western Design by Thea Marx and The Complete Book of Floorcloths by Kathy Cooper.

During the hurry up and wait process of floorcloth making I like to paint small pieces such as pet portraits, ACEO's and other small works, vintage ceramics, lampshades, Dr. Scholl's sandals and cowboy hats.

Hand Painted Dr. Scholl's Sandals

About Custom Work

I work closely with my clients, whether it be a floorcloth, pet portrait, or cowboy hat. I send sketches with ideas for approval, digital images as I work and again before shipping. To begin the process please contact me for details.

Custom Floorcloth

Update on Our Girl

2009-09-24T14:27:00.004-04:00

I shouldn't promise things to you here on the blog. Last Monday I announced that I would have new coasters ready for their debut by the end of the week. Well, I finished them...this past Monday, but still don't have photos yet. Real life just keeps stepping in and changing my daily schedule...but that's okay.

Our Girl made it to Oklahoma and back and decided to accept the job. She worked for the week she was there and all were in agreement it was a good fit. She will be the breeding assistant on a big reining horse farm. Along with that she gets to ride and show. All exciting stuff for her and we are happy for this amazing opportunity...but...that's so far from home.

It was hard sending her to kindergarten and off to college and somehow this feels easier, but I know it will hit me hard next week when that little blue car pulls out of the driveway. She's brave. I've said it before. Everyone says it. She always has been. I am strong. I've said that before, and everyone says it about me. I always have been. She will be fine and so will I. We always have been.

Her dad? He cried at our wedding for Pete's sake! He's the one that will drive straight through for18+ hours in a compact car packed to the roof with girl stuff with her and then have to leave her with strangers and travel alone on a plane and sit in airports for the next 6 hours. Hours alone to think about what just took place. Leave me home to take care of 9 animals and a teenager please.

At any rate, we hope to thrive with the changes and know that we did a good job raising our strong-willed little girl. This is what we've been expecting since she graduated from college in May, but just thought she might want to hang out here a little bit longer. When she gets there she will be smack in the middle of reining country, living her dream. I've already added this part to my profile, trying it out to see how it reads. It sounds okay.

I'm not making any promises but you should be seeing some new things here "soon".

Authentic Success

2009-09-16T11:14:00.004-04:00

Normally, this is my day on the blog to post an article about what I am doing in the studio. Knowing what the beginning of my week was going to be like I probably should have saved Monday's preview for today....

Yesterday was spent mostly in the car and hanging out in the Charlotte Douglas Int'l Airport. I put Our Girl on a plane to Dallas where she met her prospective employer and they drove to Marietta, OK. She had never flown alone before, and although she is just 3 weeks shy of being 21 I was still a little nervous about her traveling by herself. I couldn't completely focus on my activities at home until I knew her plane was safely on the ground and she had found her ride to OK. I was relieved of my worries when I got a text saying she was on her way to Applebees for dinner and her boss was nice.

To make a long story a tiny bit shorter...missing one day of my regular routine used to create complete chaos for me. This feeling went on for many, many years. I must have thought that other women never had interruptions in their lives and that I was somehow a failure if I couldn't maintain a steady schedule day after day. I know, how foolish.

Then one day...after I turned 40...,I realized I had "arrived" and it was really a lot sooner than I had given myself credit for. I was successful after all. I was living the life of my dreams, while at the same time realizing my limitations. I am always pursuing my dream of living and working in the west, but I am doing the same thing here that I will there. LIVING.

In my old frame of mind, I would have ignored the mess everywhere and gone to the studio and painted frantically to get caught up there first. I would have made many mistakes in my haste; the phone would have rung with only telemarketers on the other end of the line and I would probably have even thrown away a couple of coasters by lunch time. All this only to still have the real work left to do when I'm tired, frustrated and mad.

So today, as a much wiser 49 year old, on my worktable still lies all the coasters promised to debut later this week, along with a new rug, (don't worry Beverly it will be there on time) and about a dozen ideas on a sketch pad. Today I have been catching up on housework and my networking, while it remains drizzly outside. After lunch, I will catch up on cleaning stalls... that are about 100 lbs poopier than yesterday...which also means raking the isle, and washing buckets and feed pans, knocking down spider webs, and yelling at unruly dogs. Then it will be time to pick up Our Boy from school, go through the mail, start dinner and feed animals.

I can only imagine, and hope it to be true, that by the time I think I can go to the studio tonight, I will get a phone call from Our Girl, telling me about her day. She is learning at a young age to live life to the fullest and I admire her spirit. I can't wait to talk to her!

A few words from Julia Child to remember today...."Life itself is the proper binge."

Very cool!

Coaster Preview

2009-09-14T17:06:00.010-04:00

I'm a little behind in blogland but I have been busy in the studio. During the hurry up and wait process of being a floorcloth artist, I used my time last week to design and begin painting some new designs that can be used on several different products, from coasters to small prints and greeting cards.

Later this week I will have 6 new coaster sets ready for their debut. These are a little different than what I've been doing in that they are not hemmed or tabbed, and have cork backs rather than felt. Tabs will still be an option but I am backing all styles with cork from here on out.

The 2 shown here for the preview are taken from a Cree motif offered in brown and turquoise or tan and multi colors. They will be available in sets of either or mixed, it's your choice. Nothing is ever written in stone around here.

I haven't applied the sealer yet, but they will be as smooth as my floorcloths while retaining their same visual texture shown in this scan. Already, anyone who has seen them in the studio has said, "they look like leather". I love that!

There will be other table top pieces to go with these, and as always yours could be custom colored. Stay tuned.

Flea Market Weekend

2009-09-03T17:57:00.016-04:00

This weekend, beginning tomorrow is the annual Labor Day flea market in Hillsville, Va. We have gone to this event for the last 10 years or so and if you look around our house you can see the results of our trips.

I have my list ready with things I will be on the lookout for and dimensions, but I just never know what I will actually come home with. For the last few years it's been a girl's trip with my sister, but my husband is going with me this time, and he is such a great "bargainer" that I will just point to what I want and he will do the rest. I usually get more than I would if he weren't with me. I'm so excited. Yes, and a little spoiled!

Here are a few highlights from last year's trip.

Pilot Knob on the way up.

Finding a parking spot...small crowd at 8 am

I love these ladies...my sister collects them.

Being the cat lover that I am I should collect these kitty teapots.

This guy had about 20 something random chairs, all very unique. I liked several a lot, but my rule for the day was...if it doesn't fit into my backpack I'm not buying it.

My favorite booth...McCoy Pottery

I do collect the Ranchero pieces....but only have 2 so far, the barbeque set (large bowl with sombrero lid)...because as you will see...it is very pricey!

One of my treasures of the day...antique bottle openers.

...and my $5 deal of the day...tin bird cut out. He and his companion hang from the grapevine swag on my screened porch. Love them!

Next Thursday I will show you this year's trip. Did I already mention that I am excited? What's your favorite flea market, junk shop, or antique shop or festival?

Work Table Wednesday

2009-09-02T20:41:00.012-04:00

This week I have been working on an Etsy order that will ship out the end of next week. It's a personalized "Neon Cowboy Cafe glow in the dark floorcloth". This has been such a good seller and is looking like it could be as popular and "Ride 'em Cowboy". Because it is a limited edition design there will only be 30 of them painted before I retire the pattern.

I don't know if other floorcloth makers do this...offer limited editions...but, I have always liked the idea of my customers feeling special, in that not everyone can have a floorcloth just like theirs...and too, I get really tired of painting the same thing so many times. I might never get the chance to come up with new ideas if each rug were an open edition, or worse, my business might die altogether from the same ole, same ole.

I will let the photos do the rest of the talking as you are able to see what's happened since Monday. The canvas was prepared last week and I had already painted the background layers.

I make transfers with my computer for lettering and by hand for the artwork. I also have one for the corners and then use a straight edge to connect them.

I usually start inside but was already using red paint for coaster backgrounds so I worked on the border first this time.

Moving right along

The personalized caption.

Starting to look like a sign.

He is a good looking cowboy, if I do say so myself!

Here he is again after adding the glow...I just noticed I forgot to finish outlining one butt cheek...on the horse...not the cowboy.

They are going fast, so if you've got any ideas on getting one personalized for yourself you need to get your order in soon. Complete ordering information is available on my website , Free Rein Art and Design Studio, or you can email me from the link on the side bar.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Floorcloth Canvas Tutorial

2009-09-01T10:13:00.008-04:00

Since Ebay emerged years ago and now along with so many craft venues, floorcloths have come out into mainstream decorating like crazy. What is wonderful, is that so many people know what they are finally, but on the other hand most of those very people assume they are all made the same way with the same materials.

Today's tutorial is about numbered canvas duck...the backbone of the floorcloth. All floorcloths are not created equal. Almost every description that I have read on ebay or etsy starts off saying the rug is made from heavy canvas or pre-primed floorcloth canvas. This is confusing and meaningless if you don't understand canvas.

First off let me say...I started out knowing nothing about constructing a floorcloth. Remember, that at one time there was no HGTV, video tutorials or internet. I've been doing this over 20 years now and the first 3 years were completely trial and error. And when products began to change I had to start over, experimenting again to see what would produce the lasting result I was after. No cracking, no fading and no fraying corners.

The first thing I learned is that no matter what paints or sealants I used, I had to start with a very heavy canvas. I began with awning canvas because it was readily available to me and the folks at the awning company would hem my rugs for me as well. I still have one of these first pieces at my back door. It is in the medium heavy range.

Later, I wanted a better price if I were going to try to make a little profit so I opted for a lighter weight from a fabric wholesaler. I thought that if I built up the paint/sealer layers that it would all be the same difference. This plan failed miserably. In my own home, I used one under my daughter's high chair. It worked beautifully for catching messes, cleaned up very well, but cracked easily because it was too light weight to keep itself from being kicked up on the edges and folded when sliding the chair. I had to use the rest of the bolt for window curtains, shower curtains, and then I finally figured out that I could use it as intended at least for tabletop pieces...placemats, runners and coasters.

Then by grace, I learned about numbered canvas duck. This a premium quality canvas that uses a numbering system to identify specific weights. They are double filled as opposed to single filled material. The lower the canvas number the heavier the weight per square yard. For example, #4 Duck (top of the stack) is a very heavyweight canvas while #12 (bottom of stack) is a lighter weight fabric.

A lot of the floorcloth makers today use #10 which approximately 15 ounces per square yard. This is considered a medium to heavy weight canvas, probably what my first awning cloth pieces were made from. It is preferable because it is available in the widest yardage at 144" allowing a maker to construct a large room size rug with no seam.

Most of my floorcloths are constructed from #8 now which is about 18 ounces per square yard. I have used the much heavier #6 and #4 canvases but feel that #8 is perfect for what I do. I prefer a nice smooth finish and the two heaviest are very coarse and do not give me the leather-like appearance that I love. # 8 also comes in wide widths where the heavier ones are getting harder to find over 5'wide.

Ounces per square foot makes a difference in the lasting quality of the rug. The pre-primed canvas sold in the craft store is actually too thin to last very long on the floor. This canvas is a #12 and very similar to artist's canvas. A small piece of sand or grit will eventually wear a whole through a thin floorcloth and they are more likely to buckle and crack. If you are making one for yourself or buying from an online site where you cannot actually touch the piece, ask about the weight of the canvas. # 10 is suitable and will last, especially with the great acrylic products we use today, but anything less is considered inferior by professionals and some even frown on this one.

I am always flattered when someone touches my rugs, feels the smoothness, comments on the visual texture, flips over an edge and says, I thought it was leather." Good stuff!

Do you have questions? I am always happy to share. Leave a comment or shoot an email my way.

Cowboy Syndicate...the Countdown has Begun...

2009-08-31T12:24:00.011-04:00

Earlier this summer I was invited to join a new social network during their beta testing period. It is targeted towards people that live and enjoy the western lifestyle, catering to cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo professionals, rodeo fans and western businesses from fashion to décor and everything in between!

Since July I've met and formed several new professional relationships that I don't believe I would have had the opportunity to start without this connection and I would like to invite you to join us there when it goes live on September 1st.

For a little more background on who Cowboy Syndicate is, I have a portion from the press release sent out the end of July...

Cowboy Syndicate Network will offer all the features that people have come to expect on their social sites including customizable profile pages, widgets and apps, photos and videos, as well as community areas. Discussion forums, groups and blogs will allow folks from a variety of backgrounds to connect and share their passion for all things western.

The team at the Cowboy Syndicate marketing agency began developing the site to address their own need to be able to effectively communicate, network and collaborate with industry partners and an ever growing list of friends. From this initial phase, the site began to blossom on its own. Now, there’s no end to the networking possibilities. Here are just a few of the opportunities found on the network:

* Athletes can join the Rodeo Ride Resource group and arrange rides to rodeo events.

* Rodeo Parents’ group can offer tips for dealing with the expense and issues of having rodeo kids

*Women business owners can network and collaborate through the site’s Cowgirl Syndicate group.

*Fans can connect with athletes, businesses, meet new people and make new friends.

Kelly Cooper, co-founder of the Cowboy Syndicate Network, said that she expects the site to draw members from across the nation and from around the world. “Western isn’t just a nostalgic phase in history or a quaint part of the country. For millions of people around the world, western living is a dynamic way of life.” Cooper went on to say, “We are so pleased to bring the Cowboy Syndicate Network and its built-in resources to those who love the western lifestyle as much as we do.”

An exciting list of industry partners and sponsors are joining with Cowboy Syndicate Network to help launch the site by providing exciting benefits and special offers for new network members.

The countdown is on. September 1, the network goes live and anyone can join free of charge by going to cowboysyndicate.org and signing up. The social network is a division of Cowboy Syndicate (cowboysyndicate.com), a creative agency based in Austin, Texas.

The Cowboy Syndicate agency specializes in marketing for the western, rodeo and equine industries. Services include advertising, graphic design, photography, public relations and athlete representation.

Hope to see you there for the Launch Party tomorrow night at 8 central time.

Artist Opportunities

2009-08-26T10:24:00.003-04:00

Although summer is not officially over, school has started and I am back to work with somewhat regular hours. They will never be 9 to 5 and will always be more after dark than daylight, but regular in the sense that there will not be days at a time that I am not painting.

This is the first year in the last 4 that I have not been homeschooling our son. He started public school this year as a freshman in a brand new high school. We are both elated!

With that said, it feels like I am off to a new start myself. It feels strange to have the time to actually concentrate on myself and my business without doing so many other necessary things at the same time. It feels great! I like having big kids!

For my first blog post in almost 2 months I wanted to share these opportunities with the fellow artists. Enjoy!

http://www.ncarts.org/email/artistopps/082609.html

Taking the Indoors Out

2009-07-08T12:51:00.011-04:00

I've been a lot of places lately where indoor furniture is being used outside. Surprisingly, since there are so many options these days for porch and outdoor furniture. I am wondering if others, same as myself, have run out of places to put things inside?

I recently took this old kitchen cupboard from our bedroom where it formerly housed books, to the screened porch just outside our room. I needed the space inside and for the life of me couldn't find another place to put the cabinet. On a whim, I lifted the legs onto a heavy rug and drug it across the room and out the door. Perfect. It looks better out there than it did inside.

It now holds all the old kitchen tins and other rusty things I have collected or been so "lucky" to have won in a junk box at an auction. I never could find just the right place for them either until now.

I think the cupboard will fair pretty well out there. It is over 100 years old and was never in a climate controlled environment until a few years ago when I bought it at a yard sale.

Have you taken the indoors out? Link to us and let us see.

New Prints Available

2009-07-06T16:55:00.013-04:00

Not in the market for a floorcloth but like the new designs? They are now available as small prints on paper, canvas and on greeting cards from ImageKind.

Having a Great Summer...

2009-06-30T10:26:00.008-04:00

Wish you were here!

My neighbor and I

...hauling back to the barn

Seriously, we are having a great summer... and hope you all are too!

Coasters Almost Finished

2009-06-16T09:12:00.007-04:00

Hand Painted Friesian Coaster Set

To Gail:

Here's a peek at your coasters...for you and the whole world to see. When I'm given free rein to do as I please it takes me a lot longer to get it done. There's so much I could do, so many color and design choices I could make and the ideas come one after the other.

I knew you had Friesians and that you said you would love anything with a horse so this is what I came up with. I do not pretend to know how a Friesian is put together...they are much different from the Quarter Horses I've known my entire life for sure. I looked at lots of photos and even some You Tube videos. They are magnificent. Talk about horsepower!

I love vintage fabrics and was inspired by the retro spiral designs from back in the day. They are so fun and lend themselves to almost any style. Instead of a floral motif over the paisley, I substituted a stylized rendering of a playful Friesian stallion. I toyed with the idea of filling in the the silhouette but I really loved the swirls showing through his body emphasizing the motion.

I am letting the finish cure, will add the felt backing tonight and should have them packed and ready to ship out to you tomorrow. Hopefully by the weekend you will be setting tall glasses of something cold on them.

Enjoy!

Ever had "Mouse Shoulder"?

2009-06-11T19:05:00.004-04:00

I've been flying under the radar for the last week...sneaking in and reading my favorite blogs while not posting to mine. You see... I've had "mouse shoulder". My sister diagnosed me on Sunday afternoon, and I believe she was on target because I am almost as good as new after following her suggestions.

My right shoulder and neck have been so achy I couldn't even sleep on that side for over a week, and I walked around for days on end in pain, almost to the point of getting a headache. Hoeing the garden hasn't helped either, I'm sure.

Sister told me to stay off the computer or use my husband's laptop and keep my arm in a natural resting position while "mousing". It's a MIRACLE. I seem to be cured.

The second best part is that I'm amazed at the work I've gotten done this week while not on this darn thing, and I've read two books in the evenings to boot.

I do have to use my computer to market my art but I think I'm going to honestly try to limit my time and try to be more efficient while I'm using it. I have really enjoyed my week and plan to enjoy my summer mostly computer free. (I've discovered that I can Twitter from my phone if I must tweet about something.)

I will post regularly next week and have some fun photos to show you what I did out on my screen porch this week. Inspiration comes so much more easily when I'm not bogged down with information overload!

Cafe Press Items

2008-12-05T20:03:00.002-05:00

September Stallion Magnet

Time is slim today and has been the past few.

I'd like to invite you to
Come visit my store on CafePress!

Western Themed Journal

Neon Cowboy Keepsake Box

...and the winner is...

2009-02-14T10:56:00.002-05:00

September Stallion Magnet

Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor at The Mare's Tales. Congratulations!

Fjord Mare - Original Hand Painted Norwegian Horse Pendant Necklace by Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor

The WHOA Horse Artists have a beautiful new treasury on Etsy today...check it out! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=39677 Jennifer has a wonderful new horse pendant featured in this treasury. It is hand painted on a bamboo tile bead, about the size of a domino. You will want to visit her etsy shop for other pendant designs and art. It's a treat! She's one of my favorites!

Happy Valentines Day!