Happy Art Year

Why does the new year threaten to bring on a feeling of restlessness for an artist? A "what now" question? Maybe even a "how can I top that" attitude? Silly, since there's nothing new under the sun - only a new or different way to do it. I continually pray for the Creator to give me yet another way to express myself in my artwork. He proves Himself faithful and true over and over again. If I can just be still long enough, He covers me with a sense of knowing. When an idea occurs to me, it's like a sweet gift sent from above. It has nothing to do with a new year's resolution or outlook and it happens by divine appointment, not by the calendar year or my schedule!!! Yes, I am excited (& even a bit restless, I must admit!) for what is in store for Things with Wings - I just need to stay quiet and pay attention so that I don't miss any of it!!! Happy New Art Year, everyone!

Icky Ice

Despite the ice storm we were committed to having our holiday open house. The postcards had been sent, the food made, the living room emptied - we were going through with it! Not ice, nor rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor any wierd combination of all of the above could stop us!

Unfortunately only a handful of brave souls were crazy enough to venture out in the treacherous weather. But we had a fun day anyway! We joked that sometimes we girls just like to play 'art show' amongst ourselves just for fun. We like to get out all the stuff and set it all up, just for pretend. Ok, maybe you had to be there.

Next year, we are going to remember to put an alternate inclement weather date on our postcards. We are already looking forward to next year's Christmas show, and hope you all are doing the same. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us next time! Stinky ice!

Here are some pictures from the day (see what you all missed?!):




This is what happens when you let boys help you hang things up:

Open House, Open as Planned!

We're still open today, the weather can't stop us! So if you're feeling spunky and want to get out and have a good time, stop in and see us. We'll be here, 10-3.

Marvelous Super-de-dooper Stuff!

Oooooooh- la-la!!! Did you see the sneak peek at some of the "goodies" posted for sale at our open house?!? I'd say they're more than "goodies" - they look more like "super-de-doopers"!!! I can't show you a thing I've made, because it's all a big surprise! okay, it's because I can't find our camera :( So you'll have to come and see for yourself.

More Goodies For This Weekend.

More New Stuff

At our last shows, I made some girls on wooden platters with the saying,"Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you" and sold them all, so I decided to make some new ones, this time as wall hangings.

Mirrors

I am getting really excited for Saturday! This will be the 3rd year that we've had an open house and each year it's a lot of fun. New this year will be Laura's wonderful Green Girl Designs. I hope she's been working hard this week to have lots of good stuff to show everyone! Here are some square mirrors that I've been working on:

Hope you all can join us! See previous post for open house info. We will be 'open' from 10-3.

Unique Holiday Experiences

Last weekend was so much fun!!! We had a great sale and I've got to say that the people at Holy Trinity make work seem like a vacation experience! The best was when 2 young men came to us with a pitcher of ice water and cups. A small gesture, but something we appreciated so very much! Now we have one more art event before Christmas and that is our open house at Jill's home. The invitations are out and the public is welcome as well. It's always a festive atmosphere with cider and goodies and music and art. Be sure to put this on your calendar of places to stop on December 1 for a unique shopping experience. The address is 132 N. Westminster, Iowa City. See you there!

Last minute art!

Not to be outdone by my daughters, I decided I 'd better throw something together quick for this upcoming show. So I gathered up a couple "found items" and gave it a new look! When we unpack and they're nervously watching for it to appear, I'll just tell them it was the first item I sold - before I could even get it here! God, thank you for giving me this warped sense of humor.

Our Next Show is This Weekend!

These magnets that I made were a big hit at the last show we did, so I made a bunch more for our next show this weekend. Which by the way, is called:

The 30th annual Beaverdale Holiday Boutique Market and Cafe

Saturday November 17th, 8am-3pm

Holy Trinity Catholic School 2926 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, Iowa

Admission is $3, which includes one door prize ticket

All proceeds support the Holy Trinity School Guild

We will go and set up Friday afternoon, so that we can be open Friday night for the volunteers' shopping time. This show was tremendous for us last year, and we're expecting more of the same this year! And I'm not just talking about sales. The atmosphere at this show is wonderful. They have boy scouts and students help you unload and pack up, everyone's friendly, helpful and accomodating, and there's great food. It's going to be a fun time.

Trees

Here are some tree pictures that I made out of various papers. The backgrounds are made from upholstery fabric swatches.

Creative Works by Connie Berends

There is good in every day if we just look for it. Some days the good is more obvious than other days. That's for sure, but it is the day the Lord made, so rejoice and be glad in it. This piece is painted on a long narrow canvas.

Another long narrow canvas - a reminder to take a chance now and then to be yourself. This also ties in with our recent obsession with wild funky birds.
It was seldom quiet when our kids were still home. Now, well, guess all the noise wasn't them after all!!! I sold this piece recently. I hope it's going to a good loud home.
Life can be a circus - maybe a balancing act in a circus - or a clown act - whatever!!!
I like my kitchen, but I hate to cook. I do dance in my kitchen when no one is looking! Dancing, singing, it all helps get me through the cooking part!!!

Dolls! I've never outgrown them! These are made form vintage quilt fabrics, old sweaters, and fleece. The flat pieces on the floor are made to hang on the wall. The doll crib is not for sale, it was mine when I was a little girl. I guess it's still mine when I am a big girl! The wonderful alphabets in the background were done by Laura.

Old Books Get a Face Lift

Remember awhile back, when I showed you all the old book covers? Well, they're done! I ripped out the inside pages - but don't worry, I'll use those pages in future projects. Then I cut the covers apart into two equal "canvases:" two for the price of one! I love the texture that you can find on old hard books, plus the worn edges and scuffed spots add even more character. The embossed words and designs were another aspect that added interest to some of these pieces. They are all hung by wire and beads. (click on pictures to get a better look at the texture.)

Funky Wrist Wrap by Creative Works.

If no one buys it, I'll wear it to Austin . . . for good luck! (or for to be a dork)

O, Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How richly God has decked thee
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How richly God has decked thee
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
How richly God has decked thee.

Doesn't she look wonderfully toasty next to the fireplace? She whispered in my ear that she wants to stay with me for Christmas and forever, but I convinced her it's a big world out there, and she might want to see it. I hope she will bless someone else this Christmas. If not, she's got a place by my fire. Ummm...she's got a skirt. Get it? A "tree skirt"???? Ha, Ha, hee, hee. I'm tired.

WINDOWS

This is one of my favorite windows in my home. It's in my kitchen, which is purple, the photo makes it look blue. But it is definitely purple. Not green, not green and purple like some peoples kitchens are. Anyhow, it makes me smile to look at it. It doesn't show up well, but there is an old silver fork tied on each side. I hate to cook, but I like to eat, so why not make it fun?
Today as I was sitting on my "throne" I decided to take a photo of my bathroom window. Does anyone know anyone else who would dare blog about such a thing??? I mean somebody wrote a book titled "Everybody Poops" and they probably got rich on it! Wish I had thought of it first!!! But I didn't, so. . . here are the curtains I designed and I painted the curtain rod purple and fuschia stripes. Behind these curtains is a honeysuckle vine on a trellis covering half the window. God shows me some wonderful sights in His sky looking out this window. And Yes, the walls have swirlies, stars, and polka dots painted on them. It's a fun room to look at while you are doing what we all do!!!

These are my two favorite windows in the place. Anyone else have a favorite window that they feel a need to talk about?