Another great weekend...

It seems that I am always writing on the weekends lately. It was another good one around here. We got some yard work done, Tim got some fishing in, I got a girl's night out and we attended a graduation party. Lala was finally feeling a little better. She had something called Roseola last week which was high fevers, throwing up and very very irritable. It was not pleasant. But today she finally seemed to turn the corner. Yeah!!

I ran to the store today and when I came home this is what I found on the couch. It was so cute I had to run and get my camera. They were passed out. Daddy and his girl. Nothing better than that on a Sunday afternoon.

So not much art got done this weekend but I did clean my studio which has to count for something. My kids have all day vacation bible camp this week and I am volunteering so I will not get much done then either. I am already going through withdrawals. I have a few pieces that I have to get done for paying customers and I really want to get some more samples done soon because I have decided to start doing my home art parties again soon. Are you ready for this...I am going to call them Hootenanny House Party. I love it!

I hope everyone had a good weekend and wish you all a great week.

A great weekend...

It was a great weekend here at our house. One of those times when the weather cooperated beautifully, the kids were in good spirits and we had nothing really pressing to do. We completed Austin's accessible play area to rave reviews from the little man. I still have to add a nice paint job and some accessories so I will put some photos on here after those things are completed but suffice it to say that he is one happy dude! Someone said that the play area looks like a corral so he has decided to name it the AJ Corral for his initials. Too funny!

I got more stuff up on Etsy today which I am happy with. I just completed this first painting in a new series that was suggested by a friend. She asked if I had anything that could include a bunch of grandkids so I am putting together some ideas for ways to include multiple children in a fun design. I have a few more coming soon but here is the first one...of course this one is for my Mom...Happy 80th Birthday Mom!!

We spent the afternoon "swimming" in the hot tub with the gang yesterday only to find that the heater had given out. Not that it mattered when the temp was in the 80's but it is definitely something we need to get fixed soon. Add it to the list I guess. In the meantime...here is a photo of my daughter in her new "tankini". Isn't she cute!

I also got my new crosses listed on Etsy today. Here is a sample of one. They are all made from wood and river rock and make great gifts. And speaking of gifts...quite a few folks took advantage of my $10.00 off coupon earlier and I am hoping to offer some more good deals as we get closer to the Holidays. These paintings make such good gifts...especially for the people who have everything else like Grandparents. I also have a new baby one in the works that will include a copy of the child's announcement.

So check out the new stuff and let me know what you think. I am off to round up the gang for dinner. Have a great week!!

HAPPY 4TH...

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is almost here. Where is the summer going?? At least the weather has been nicer lately. We turned off the air conditioning about a week ago and have been sleeping great with the cool breezes. Such a blessing in Chicago!!

The kids have been so busy this summer outside with the neighborhood kids and also with friends. Brings back memories of my own summers playing outside from dawn til dusk and even a little flashlight tag at night. It was so carefree. I am glad that my children are having those experiences instead of being overscheduled and exhausted. I have kept up my supply of popsicles and I routinely have about 6-10 kids here playing at any given time. Gotta love summer!!

On the business side...I got my first two listings up on Etsy and it is going well. I have already had 3 orders for my portraits from other sources and am hoping that Etsy will produce some business as well. I will post the newest pieces when they are ready. I also posted some items on Ebay which has been going pretty well. I am off to ship 6 boxes today before the holiday. Haven't had as much luck with art on ebay but I think that summer has a lot to do with that.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Independence day! We are headed off to a BBQ tomorrow and then more relaxing!