My Birdsong

Fresh Herbs for Late Spring

The gardening season in north Florida is short, since we really can't grow much during the hot months of June, July and August. So I started early and decided to share some of the photos of our side yard, container garden. Fresh herbs are so much better, don't you think? Parsely, sage, rosemary and thyme...hmmm...I've heard that somewhere before! 

I love this little thoughtful cherub. I think of our daughter when I walk past. 

Tomatoes, lettuce, turnips and spaghetti squash are all planted in containers.

I planted these nasturtiums from seed! The flowers are edible too. Thankfully the squirrels haven't gotten them.

Our gargoyles stand watch out front amidst the azeleas. I am inspired each time I glance out the window and see the beauty of these plants. Enjoy the sights of late spring.

Wishing for Warmer Days and February 14!

Vintage Style Spun Cotton Rabbit & Chick now on eBay

January is flying by and before we know it spring will be here with it's beautiful flowers and of course Easter. The weather here in north eastern Florida has finally turned cold. In fact it was a chilly 39 degrees this morning! So I will be ready for warmer days once the vernal equinox hits on March 23.

In the meantime, I have been busy in my studio creating Valentine and Easter whimsies. The spun cotton bunny and chick pictured above are currently being offered on eBay.

I am just loving spun cotton, and I have been in love with the craft for some time. I am trying to hone my skills and have created a sweet Valentine's Cupid as part of the PFATT Valentine's art challenge, now going on via eBay.

Spun cotton Valentine's cupid now on eBay.

If you head to the auction site and use the term PFATT in your eBay search window, you'll find all the wonderful creations by my fellow artist members. Speaking of Valentine's Day, I need to make our dinner reservations! My husband and I love trying all the unique restaurants St. Augustine has to offer. Don't forget to make your date for February 14! 

Is it Snowing Yet?

Art is such therapy during difficult times. I find that it has helped me through the most difficult days. And with Christmas now coming in just a few short weeks, it's always a great escape to spend time in my studio. I am able to let go of everything and be in the moment while I create pieces that makes me happy. 

This time of year, it means Christmas ornaments and paintings of wintery days...all that sparkles like snow when the sun shines and turns the world a beautiful white wonderland. Time to think about making gifts for family and friends, too. I'll try to share a few of my latest Christmas creations, like the little snow girls on golden sleds, now in my Etsy shop, and soon on the trees of my family! 

I look forward to spending more time with my husband and son, as school lets out and children are home for the holidays. Is it snowing yet?

California Dreamin'

I have always been in love with the lost art of spun cotton. It has such a Victorianesque look to it. The cherished ornaments were lovingly placed on the tree, and I can imagine the "oooh's" and "aaah's" that followed. I've been working on perfecting my technique, once I began this cotton journey more than a year ago. So I've been working in my studio preparing for my September travels. 

I'll be jetting my way to California Thursday to join some 24 other artists at Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show. The event is sure to be a crowd pleaser with so many different talented artisans in one place! And...all in beautiful, quaint downtown Danville!

Shops, restaurants, farmer's market...all within steps of the Danville Veterans Memorial Building, which is where I'll be Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10 am to 4 pm with an assortment of my vintage inspired spun cotton Christmas ornaments and figures and Halloween goodies! I can't wait to spend time with my dear friends and see my wonderful customers. Soon my California Dreamin' will be a reality! See you all soon!

New Items in My Etsy Shop!

Several new items have been listed in my Etsy Shop. Head on over and see what's new! Hope you are enjoying the beautiful fall leaves! The tree in front of our home is in full color and the November skies are just gorgeous. Happy November!

Dreaming of the Sea

I can hear the sea calling, as I prepare for my next show, Glitterfest Spring, in Southern California, Saturday, March 19. Not that I will be visiting the Pacific on my trip, but I have been researching and reading about the ways people enjoyed the treasures brought forth by the ocean. You see, in times past, ship captains would come home after a long journey at sea and present their loved ones with shell encrusted boxes. These signs of love make me so nostalgic, and I am creating my own take on the long ago tradition. This along with other boxes will be available at my booth.

Additionally, I have been learning more about the lore of mermaids, who were believed to be as fickle as the sea itself. They were thought to be fierce like a raging storm and then quickly become peaceful and serene. I love the mysterious nature of them, along with their magical beauty. All of this lead me to create my next folk art workshop at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton, CA, to be held Sunday, March 20, the same weekend as Glitterfest. "Enchantress of the Sea" is a glass theater, and you can click here for more details and to register.

Can you hear the crashing waves?

Off and Running

 

I am in high production mode for my  upcoming Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Sept. 18, in Alamo, Ca and Glitterfest Fall, Oct. 2, in Santa Ana, Ca. But...I managed to paint an original Halloween watercolor postcard and list it on eBay. I was inspired by a vintage postcard with similar Halloween elves hurrying scurrying, and thought I'd put a different spin on the little creatures.

If you like my watercolors, I will have originals for sale at both shows and many of my prints. Please stop by to say hello! Happy Haunting...Iva

Bathing Beauties Now Appearing

Several treasures from the seashore featuring sweet bathing beauties have now been listed in my etsy shop. Getting ready for grads and dads in the coming weeks. Happy summer!