by Great Joy Studio | Nov 19, 2010 | Personal Touch
OK, I realize that operating in the first year of my blog, I’m still a relatively new blogger and have a lot to learn. So, I have a question for any of the veteran bloggers out there. What would cause my blog site and a few others I noticed, to appear differently, only the text headings, for about a week now?
There are so many fonts that I really like but some, I just hate the look of and this was one of them. Following my last post, my blog name and all headings appeared something like the “B” column below. I disliked it so much and after many attempts to adjust, I was forced to give up and resign to the new ugly font. I seriously considered moving Joy Studio if I was not able to remove the unrequested change.

Then, as suddenly as it appeared, yesterday afternoon, it returned to it’s original font, something like column “A.” Someone suggested that perhaps, it was a setting on my end only? I changed nothing. I don’t get it. Did anyone else experience this last week? How does it appear to you now, please comment. Yep, technology, computers, you gotta love em, eh?
Is font type important? I suppose not really, eh?
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 11, 2010 | Personal Touch
hi·ber·nate
verb \ˈhī-bər-ˌnāt\
hi·ber·nat·edhi·ber·nat·ing
Definition of HIBERNATE
intransitive verb
1
: to pass the winter in a torpid or resting state
2
: to be or become inactive or dormant
— hi·ber·na·tion\ˌhī-bər-ˈnā-shən\ noun
— hi·ber·na·tor\ˈhī-bər-ˌnā-tər\ noun
Does this sound good to anyone else? To pass the winter in a resting state? Well, maybe not totally inactive. But at least retreat to a quiet, clam creative place to paint or sew, eh? I’m ready. This sounds good to me right now. Where’s the snow? Where are the cool temps? 75 degrees again today, November 11? Hmmn.
Oh yes, 11/11, Veterans Day. Thank you veterans.
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 9, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric
The work break, that I’m becoming accustomed to, was interrupted yesterday for some necessary fine tuning. Putting to bed my Spring fabric line finally and it feels good. I’ll offer one hint, it involves beans but not from a beanstalk!

by Great Joy Studio | Nov 6, 2010 | Collectables, Field Trip
When I saw this old book for sale and in pristine condition, I could not resist purchasing it. Upon receiving the book, I was finally, able to see what I had been missing on pages 78/79 in my dad’s well loved copy, that had been torn out. This is one of the books that I grew up with, looking at the pictures mostly, and I was probably the one responsible for the torn pages. “Favorite Tales” is a favorite book (sentimental) in my collection of antique and vintage children’s books.


Today I’m off to my first regional SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators) conference. I can’t wait to see, hear and learn more about Children’s books and all of the aspects that will be covered there. Plus, for added fun, there will be an illustrator workshop and portfolio review with Deborah Zempke!
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 4, 2010 | Collectables, Home Arts
Time to trade in tricks and treats for the turkeys!

And start thinking about those pumpkin pies, eh?

Does anyone remember the construction paper turkeys we made in school by tracing our hand? I think I may still have one around here, somewhere.
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 3, 2010 | Personal Touch, Spiritual
… and God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes. Rev. 7:17

Flowers for Norma
by Great Joy Studio | Nov 2, 2010 | Field Trip
Don’t forget to vote!

by Great Joy Studio | Nov 1, 2010 | Personal Touch, Spiritual
All Souls’ Day

John F. Wecker – July 3, 1925 – November 1, 1998

John F. Wecker© - early piece, watercolor
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 31, 2010 | Home Arts
Happy Hallowe’en!
Chapter VII, A Mad Tea Party


Costumes and candy…..oh boy!


Creating a home made costume has always been my favorite part of all the fun festivities. This time was no exception.


I had the pleasure of helping to dress up this little lady as the “Mad Hatter” from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.


We all roared with laughter seeing her transformation.


Trick or Treat!

"Hair-Raising Halloween" fabric collection
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 25, 2010 | Art News
The 500 Year celebration of the Decorated Christmas Tree!
“Christmas Traditions” New product line now available.
About a year ago I was introduced to the fascinating commemorative event. It started me on a captivating journey into the Christian efforts of a 500 year old tradition! As I began researching the subject, it was surprising to learn about the many customs that have evolved through the centuries surrounding the Christmas tree. Quickly, I experienced a strong connection as the story unfolded.

Last November, I was privileged to be the artist chosen by the National Christmas Tree Association to illustrate the celebration of the event. In the weeks that followed, the challenge to depict the various traditions began. The decorated fir tree originated in Riga, Latvia (northern Europe) in the 1500s and the custom has continued these many years to be the central focus of Christmas traditions today. Perhaps, like me, as you read the recorded facts, you will come to sense the strong Christian influence, continually at work impacting the decorative elements.

The Christmas tree traditions are conveyed in a series of six classic storybook style, illustrations of the popular decorations over five centuries. The glass ornaments, cards and textiles also include six children in period costume. Within all of the designs, the popular trend of decorative text, enhance the images with historic dates and details.
Products include dinnerware (Canterbury Potteries), glass ornaments, cards, limited edition prints (Fine Art LTD.) and high quality quilting fabric. All are accompanied with the printed story of each century’s significant decorative contribution.
Availability:
Country Door & Bass Pro shops – dinnerware
Fine Art LTD. – Glass ornaments, cards & prints
Quilting Treasures – Quilt fabric available March, 2011, exclusively in quilt shops
Riga – Be sure to watch this, it’s really fun!
