New Birds and Girls

Here are some pieces that I've been working on forever - and now they're finally done!! I started these pieces all at the same time, long before Christmas. I've found that I like to work in "batches." Doing a bunch of designing, cutting, gesso-ing, painting, staining or sealing on several pieces at once. This has the added benefit/drawback of several pieces looking similar to one another. Not sure if this is good, or bad.

I think I'm all 'birded' out for awhile. I'm coming up with something different for this next 'batch.' Not sure what yet! Whatever it is, it's going to go into these frames that I covered with paper today:

Anybody have any clever ideas of what should go in these frames? I'll entertain your suggestions, but I can't make any promises. We artists are moody that way.

Angel Sighting!

Tonight I was looking up at the ceiling and I saw this angel looking at me. I knew no one would believe me, so I took a picture to prove it. I was not just "seeing things." I'm just as normal as anyone else. Oh, yeah, she said that some of the other angels are weeping over the mess our world is in, while she is barely holding it together.

coffee table

Where some of the magic happens.

JOY down in my heart

Here is another Christmas gift I received this year from 3 young budding artists. The "J" was done by Jackson, age 11, the "O" by Noah age 8, and the "Y" by Lily age 2. Lily was able to discover the world of stickers and has layer on layer of stickers. The whole thing is wonderful and it is hanging right next to where I spend most of my time. It and they bring me lots of joy.

For Emily.

This is the box I gave Emily for Christmas (with fun goodies inside!). I didn't think it was fair to make her buy an extra seat on the plane to take back her very own 2x2 artpiece (see below!)

I've been trying to remember to take pics of things I've done to refer back to. A couple of days before Christmas, I was going through photos on my computer, showing Em some pics of the kids and accidently clicked on this. I tried to act all "oh, this old thing..ha, ha". Luckily (I think) it turns out she wasn't paying the least bit of attention! Good thing.

Here is the wonderful piece Laura made for Don and I for Christmas and we found the perfect place for it in our living room. I absolutely love it! The piece measures 24 x 24. Did I mention that I love it? I do.

House Warming Gift

Here is a picture of a special order I just finished for someone. She seemed really happy with it - so that's always a relief! It's a housewarming gift for her sister. In the stars are all the names of the nephews and nieces. The aunt always says to her nephews and nieces, "How much do I love you? More than all the stars in the sky!" So that's why it says that around the border. I hope she likes it!

The Suspense is Over

Well, I know at least a few of you out there are all abuzz - wondering what in the heck I got for Christmas from my sister. Since I left you hanging, and because Laura forgot to take a picture of it before sending it off, I get the honors of showing it to all of you. Here it is:

It's all polka-dotty and wonderful! It's going to look great in my purple and green kitchen. (Maybe I'll have to post another picture of it when my husband gets it hung up. Ahem, ahem.) In our home we do all of these things pretty well: family, Jesus, love, hugs and kisses, grace, mistakes and I'm sorry's and especially the "loud!" I feel so blessed to have family who love us enough to create something special just for us!

Name Sign

Another tradition that my mom has created is that she makes each of her grandkids a name sign when they are born. Max received his special present recently and I have yet to hang it up, but hung it on the wall downstairs so I could take a picture of it to show all of you! The colors will match his room perfectly! Everytime I have time free to hang it it's because Max is sleeping - not a good time to go banging on his wall! I'll have to get around to it soon because I think he'll like to look at the danglies. Although he doesn't know about ice cream cones and juice yet, the day will be here before we know it. Thanks Mom, for making such special treasures for my boys!

Creative Works Ornaments

The Creative Works fairy came to visit me this weekend! Well, actually, we finally had our family Christmas this weekend - which means, yes, we still have our tree up : ) ! It is a tradition that our mom makes an ornament for everyone. This year Max received a special "Baby Love" one.

The older boys each got fish:

And I (or should I say "my hubby and I"? No...maybe I'll just say "I"). Anyway, I received a very nice tree girl ornament:

made to look like the big ones that Laura made earlier. What's funny about this is that my mom made the ornament, but it looks just like Laura's style. What does this mean? We can't resist copying each other? We really are becoming more and more like each other as we get older? Hmmm....I don't know!

So now I have an ornament to match the big tree that Laura so kindly gave me. (She didn't want to carry it home from an art show because it was so cumbersome, so she gave my mom and I each one! Can you believe that gal?!) I feel like one lucky gal! You all will think I'm lucky too when you see what Laura made me for Christmas. Hope she posts about it soon, or else you'll just have to wonder for awhile about it. Her talent really blows me away, and you all will be impressed too!

Polka Dots

Well, I got a wild hair last week...I hear they're really dangerous this time of year. This is the outcome. The kids are in love with their new polka dots. Polka dots just make me... happy. You should try it...it's very therapeutic.

"I feel like I'm full of polka dots on the inside!"
-famous Connie Berends quote

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.