by Great Joy Studio | Oct 21, 2010 | Field Trip, Home Arts
What feels better than baking on a cold fall morning to take the chill off the house? And then popping in an old movie like Shirley Temple’s Heidi for cozy background sound. Banana nut bread, by the way, another fall favorite.
Maybe sampling the goods afterward with a late cup of coffee? Oh yeah.
Meanwhile, I check in on the hubs whose cleaning up a tree we lost in a spring storm. I had the easy job.
While I was outside, I couldn’t help but to have a seat under the spectacular oak again! I suppose this is a common sight to most of us throughout the country right about now, but I never tire of this site. I had to share it again. A golden day!
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 19, 2010 | Art News
Some projects just turn out to be huge hurdles that we can only push past and learn from. I’m sure we all experience many in the course of a life time, of a variety of types and reasons. My recent post of Sept. 13th, “Light…” refers to one such hurdle of mine that I’m glad to be over.
The process that I follow requires in this order, brainstorm, sketch, a lot of sketching, execute final art, in my case watercolor the most fun part, design product, product mock up and sometimes ads. Once I take an idea, the original thought, all the way from the drawing board on to the computer, both timely steps, I’ m done. It’s out of my system and I’m ready to move on to the next fun idea and fairly quickly. Unfortunately, my tedious process takes me far too long to always maintain the “fun” aspect of art licensing. I either need to get younger or faster at what I do. Any suggestions? IF my hands could only keep up with the creative ideas, my portfolio would be vast!
Finally, at last, I’m nearly at liberty to share the details of the extremely interesting program that occupied a good deal of my energy this past year. Aha, the fun part!
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 18, 2010 | Field Trip, Home Arts
Yesterday, a combined effort went into an 80th birthday and a reunion with my hubs, very large family. It was another gorgeous October day and the party was held on the 72 acre lake at Simpson Park. This park was a new and really nice discovery to us so, we’ll be back. The celebration was complete with a colorful cake and lots of family, food, fun and games!
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 16, 2010 | Home Arts
Lighting the first campfire in the fall always makes me feel like an excited little kid again. Last night conditions were perfect, not too warm, not too cold, not too breezy. Recent yard clean up provided a lot to burn.
Does anyone remember swapping spooky tales while sitting around listening to the peaceful crackle! A campfire in the middle of the woods really sets the tone for story telling. Eeks.
Smell smoke? Hope we have marshmallows!
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 15, 2010 | Home Arts
The Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) is among my favorite trees to observe in October. We have several varieties but an especially large “Sugar Maple” variety, offers the first glimpse of the brilliant fall color ahead. I decided to get a closer look while I was out wandering yesterday.
I think it’s time for a nature walk to collect some fall specimens!
"Woodsy Woners" fabric line
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 14, 2010 | Field Trip, Home Arts
As I enjoy my work break and still on a quest to rejuvenate, I tagged along on a home school day, field trip event at a local attraction, “The Magic House.” What fun! It really is a magical place especially for kids and the kid in all of us.
There were so many things to see, explore & enjoy a hands on experience like, an electrifying ball that stands your hair on end.
A giant beanstalk to climb,
tunnels to crawl through
and a three-story slide for a quick descent.
A kid size house…
..a staircase of books to the library…
…and near by, a pint-sized market.
There were mysteries to solve…
through secret fireplace passage ways…
and a rotating bookcase to reveal a secret room!
A colorful kaleidoscope…
..crazy contraptions…
…and flying art suspended over the Picnic Basket Cafe.
It was a memorable, fun, fall field trip and a great place to recall a child’s perspective in such creative and inspiring ways. More days like this should help the harmony return to my life and nurture the creative self.
by Great Joy Studio | Oct 13, 2010 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric
…is Carin! Names went into the hat,
and the winning name was pulled at seven A.M. this morning.
So here is your Halloween booty Carin. I’ll be sending out today and should arrive in time for your favorite holiday. Thank you everyone for participating in my “Hair-raising Halloween” fabric giveaway. I really enjoyed hearing from you and discovering some of your sites and facebook pages. Eventually, I look forward to getting around to a personal thanks to each one of you. Stay tuned, I have many more illustrations, inspiration and FABRIC to give away in the future.
by Great Joy Studio | Sep 30, 2010 | Home Arts, Quilting & Fabric
A GIVEAWAY! – To kick off the fall festivities of the season, I am offering these fun fabric fat quarters and patch panel. Simply comment to enter . Post on your blog or let me know you like Facebook’s Tidings of Great Joy, LLC for two chances to win! Do both for a third chance but please, be sure to let me know. This will be a quick turn around so, hurry and spread the word.
Announcing a winner October 13th.
I am also including some spooky images and sheet music prints for crafting.
“Hair Raising Halloween” fabric is available in quilt shops now.
by Great Joy Studio | Sep 27, 2010 | Home Arts, Quilting & Fabric
Fall is my absolute favorite season and winter is a close second. So, several months coming right up that I fully enjoy! Beginning yesterday, our weather finally caught up with the season. It was a brisk and cloudy day with a perfect weather week lying ahead! Almost time to scout out those pumpkins, eh?
Still working on our “Hair Raising Halloween” pillows…..
…and catching up on fabric cutting. I hate to admit how far behind I’m running but I’ve owed fabric to a few folks and finally, it’s on it’s way. Feels good….
..and getting back on the walking trail this morning.
by Great Joy Studio | Sep 22, 2010 | Art News
I suppose among the nicest experiences that I’ve enjoyed since working in art licensing, has been the opportunity to meet other artists. Melissa Saylor was my first, professional artist friend. We met years ago while at the same agency and have remained friends since. Melissa’s work is as delightful as she is. You can stop by her new blog and view her work at:
http://melissasaylorstudios.blogspot.com/
