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Friday, October 1, 2010

BELIEVE (and some new things on my sidebar)

Santas  and  snowmen  are  the  favorites  at  my  next  show--Christmas  in  the  Woods.  Everyone  who comes  has  their  mind  set  on  Christmas  and  Christmas  gifts.  I  know---Halloween  isn't  even  here yet, but  when  you  step  into  this  magical  festival,  you  forget  about  all  of  the  other  Holidays  (more  about  this  show  in  a  future  post).   My  favorite  is  Santa,  so  I  started  out  with  him  in  mind  (It's  not  really  crooked--I'm  just  not  a  very  good  photographer)--


My  favorite  childhood  book  at  Christmas  time  was  The  Night  Before  Christmas.  I  loved  this  book  even  before  I  knew  how  to  read.   I  would  just  look  at  the  pictures,  page  after  page,  over  and  over  again.  Then  when  I  learned  how  to  read,  I  would  read  it  over  and  over  again-- just  adding  to  the  excitement  of  my  childhood  Christmases.  So  every  year  I  incorporate  this  book  into  at  least  one  of  my  Christmas  pieces.


Originally,  Santa's  fur  trim  was  text  from the  book, but  after  looking  at  it,  I  knew  I  wanted  to  add  molding  paste  for  texture--I'm  really  happy  with  the  way  he  turned  out.

And  more  Santa  fun--


The  Santa  in  this  fun  little  shadow  box  is  a  print  of  a  Santa  that  I  painted  that's  on  here--



These  are  hot  sellers  for  me--now  I  don't  want  to  jinx  myself......but  USUALLY  they're  very  popular--painted  chairs  with  pine  greenery  on  them.  And  I  really  like  to  use  the  folding  chairs,  because  they're  easy  to  transport,  and  also  the  customers  like  them  because  they're  easier  to  store.

So  my  next  focus  will  be  on  snowmen,  which,  no  doubt  about it,  are  very  popular  guys  there.

Okay  about  the couple  new  things  that  I've  added  to  my  sidebar.  The  first  one  is  a very  fun  giveaway  from  Gloria at  Viva la Vida.  You'll  notice  Frida  on  my  sidebar,  but  just  click  here,  and  it  will  take you  directly  to  her  giveaway.  But  you'll   have  to  hurry,  because  it ends  today  at  5:00 PST.   I  don't  want  to  be  greedy,  but  I  want  to  win  again!!

And  the  next  thing  that  I've  added  is  this--

Tam  at  Willowing  is  offering  this  very  generous  FREE  art  course  that  starts  on  Oct. 18.   All  you  need  to  do  is  join  her  ning  group  and  then  you  can  join  this  group.  I've never  taken  a  class  from  her  before, so  I'm  really excited  for  this  one.  I  enjoy  her  you  tube  videos--she's  a very caring  spirit,  not  to mention  a  wonderful  artist.  So   head  on  over  to  these  places--spread  the  love!!

36 comments:

  1. HI oh how wonderful love the way you paint your santas brilliant style ... hope your selling goes well love claire xx

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  2. What time do you get up Diane? do you sleep? Wonderful Santa pics, yes I am so sure they will sell and become those treasured pieces that get brought out year after year. I love finding those ones you'd forgotten about and loving them all over again!

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  3. LOVE those Santas, especially the beautiful colours!

    I have signed up to Tam's class too! Excited!

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  4. I absolutely love the Santas! I love all the colours and buttons and things - great stuff!

    Likewise I am on Tam's free course! See you all there. x

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  5. I really love those Santas. I've been seeing Christmas all over the internet, but didn't get enthused about it until I saw what you were making. These are wonderful.

    BTW, please check out my dress post. I re-uploaded the photos, so now I'm hoping they show.

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  6. Beautidul santa's, I love the textured coat trim on the first one, it's so effective. I'm sure they'll sell like hotcakes! xx

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  7. I love these little Santa's. I agree with Elizabeth, I've seen them all over the place lately but this is the first time I've been inspired by any. Yours capture Christmas!

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  8. Diane the santa is great. .. the molding paste was a good choice!

    I am already entered in gloria's giveaway!

    I have heard about this free class on other blogs....I will check it out!

    :)

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  9. Hi Diane, Boy that christmas show is going to be fun! I love that folding chair ,that is a great idea I love what you painted and how you decorated the top- love the textured trim on santas clothes and beard -have a great weekend Sincerely, Jonny

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  10. I LOVE that chair!!! Thats just beautiful,no wonder that they're a good seller. Also love the shadow box. Your art is so amazing! And did you hand paint the santa or is that a paint over. He's so cute.

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  11. I really like your Christmas colors : )

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  12. wonderful santa paintings. your folding chairs are so festive, i can see why they are popular. they would look great anywhere at the holidays. i think it would be hard to get into the spirit so early, but your doing a fine job!

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  13. You are on a roll!!! You should do really well at you next show. I love the chair! And thanks for the link to Tam. I love her videos and her soft spoken way--and her lovely accent. I am signing up because I have never taken a class from her either and the price is right!

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  14. Someone asked "what time do you get up?" So, what time DO you get up? The Santas are lovely.

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  15. Love those Santas, especially the first one! I'd love to take that class too, but have already signed up for another and don't think I can fit in two :(

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  16. I love your santas and your steampunk things! I miss so much when I don't check your blog everyday! Have a great weekend! Jennifer:)

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  17. these gorgeous santas
    make me oh ho ho
    so happy!! xox

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  18. Diane, LOVE your Christmas stuff, it's wonderful! And I really love your new blog design- so perfectly organized and set up. Awesome.

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  19. Just look at all of these well-deserved comments!!! No wonder!!! Your Santa is absolutely magical, Diane!!!! Hugs, Terri xoxox

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  20. i second lisa, do you ever sleep? wow, you have to be the most prolific artist! i'm loving your sants and the texture is just yummy!
    have a creative weekend!

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  21. Such beautiful Christmas creations. What fun they must have been to make!
    Maureen

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  22. LAlalala - LOVE it! So colorful and cool - what a beautiful collection from such a talent, Kristin xo

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  23. Getting ready for Christmas already..... ~ I would love to have one of your Christmas art in my house!!!!!

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  24. Love your Santas. And Christmas will be here before you know it!

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  25. You always have so much goodness over here. I'm loving your santas and your steampunk creations! I don't where you find the time sister.
    Happy Weekend to you.:)
    ♥Jenny

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  26. Hi Diane, your Santa is amazing! I love the old-fashioned Santas more than a traditional look Santa. Beautiful work! I signed up for that class, too! Looking forward to learning some new techniques and discovering new perspectives. :) Theresa

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  27. Awwwww, Christmas! Snowmen and Santas are so fun and yours are adorable!!!
    I always seem to jump on that so late in the year and admire those of you who start at the right time...NOW!
    Love that texture on Santa's coat! GORGEOUS!

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  28. Hi,
    I love, love, love your Santas, ... they are a favorite of mine.
    Very lovely work and I am sure they will do so well at your next show!
    Best wishes,
    Barbara

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  29. Beautiful artwork, Diane, Love the textures and vintage feel to it!
    I love your wonderful words of wisdom too on my blog! thank you for that!!!:D Patti

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  30. How adorable. Oh how I love Santa. I'll be working on Santa's and Snowmen this week as well. I used to do alot of those folding chairs for shows. They always went like hotcakes. Love the one you show here. Enjoy! T

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  31. Certainly one has to get their head just right to do this great Christmas artwork. One relaly has to feel the spirit, to do such pretty inviting things. I can tell you are very focused with your work. Work is what one does when they know it needs to be done.

    I wonder if you know what I mean when I say I have been very busy and I haven't really done anything, that is how I feel. I need your focus tool for a few days or info where to get one.

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  32. Ohhh...your santa's are SCRUMPTIOUS! makes me want Christmas already!!! xo

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  33. Love your santa and the molding paste - it really "pops" him out! Poor Jimmy on Survivor and I am so lovin' the ghost adventure boys this season. Hugs

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  34. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....

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  35. Diane, wow!! Santa Clause art work is excellent! I love your pieces. Just now we are in the halloween mode, my boys just love this time, then straight after they will dive into xmas!

    Great work, I love checking out your pieces, take care xx

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