Poe's Midnight Dreary.....

Today is the Birthday of the American poet

Edgar Allan Poe, born January 19th 1809.

In honor of his birth, the PFATT group issued an art Challenge for it's members to

create a piece specifically for this day.

My piece is a hand sculpted Raven made of Paperclay, and he is perched upon

the name POE which is cut from Fir wood then painted and aged.

There is a woodburned rose to symbolize Poe's undying love.

This new work is listed now on Ebay 

The Raven...

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,

Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,

As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -

Only this, and nothing more.'....

There and back again...and rarin' to go!

I'm finally back in commission! Ha Cha!... well, nearly.

I wanted to thank all of my friends and family who have been so generously supportive after my surgery and

for the wonderful outpouring of love and healing energy.

Being in the natural health world, I've opted to go a Homeopathic/Holistic route for treatment,

and so far I'm doing most excellent!

As part of my therapy, I helped my Dad as he built what I'm calling my "Healing Bench". Being a lover of plants, I've always wanted a greenhouse, but since space doesn't allow, my Dad has built this beautiful three tiered bench for my orchids! My step-Dad had previously built this mini pergola. (yes, we all get along great!) So combine the two and you have a beautiful orchid shade house!

Isn't it super!

Since this photo, I've finished staining it and just need a few more finishing touches, such as the overhead shade cloth and little copper caps for the posts, before the orchids move in.

Boy, sorting through the lumber stacks at Lowe's, and lifting and reaching, (albeit in slow motion) have really done wonders to help get my muscles back up to speed. Now I just need some Myofascial Release sessions to address the fascia and scar tissue and I'll be good as new! 

 I'll post a photo of the completed project later.

 Love you Dad!... Thank You again and Happy 75th Birthday!!!

So folks, I'm sure you're wondering when you might catch a glimpse of some new art? Well... let's see... I have a fun piece that was published in the Winter issue of Celebrate 365 that I'll be posting shortly, and many more waiting in the wings so stay tuned. This year will be bigger than ever!
I hope you like the little tweaking that I've given my blog, as an update for 2011.
Thank you again everyone, and Love to all of you!.... Oh!... and Happy New Year!!! :-)

~ Deb

Roger's Gardens and Meeting fellow EHAG Artist Debbee Thibault

At the last minute I read that Debbee Thibault, well known folk artist and fellow EHAG member,

was going to be at a signing event at Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach, CA. 

Rogers isn't far from my home so I headed over to see what I could see.

Every season, Roger's is decorated to the hilt and going into this Christmas season

is no exception. This beautiful nursery is always elaborately graced with fine ornaments, 10ft decorated 

Christmas trees, each with a different color and texture theme set among fine antiques,

 beautiful art work, and plants and arrangements to die for.

I've always stood in front of the display cases that house the works of Vaillancourt, Christopher Radko, and Debbee Thibault with eyes full of wonder and admiration for their fun designs. 

There was a special table set up for Debbee today with a little Christmas tree loaded with her special ornaments, and when there was a slight lul between crowds, I went up and introduced myself as a fellow EHAGer and that brought on a big smile.

She was friendly and most gracious as we chatted about sculpting techniques, and her fun art pieces.

You would think I would have taken a photo... but alas no. Silly me.

In the same room there were some works by another EHAG artist, Vergie Lightfoot. Last month I missed her Halloween signing, and Bethany Lowe's too! (I didn't know about it), by one day! I did get to see the few pieces she had left, (such as the kitty below)... I kind of snuk (is that a word?) this photo.... and

they were so amazing!

Vergi had some very Whimsical and Wintery looking pieces there today and as usual,

those signature kooky Marty Feldman like eyes gazing back at you. So fun!

If you're in the area of Newport Beach, California, you might want to pop over there

to have a peep. The fragrant fresh trees, garlands and Poinsettias will be there in a few weeks.

It's a nice place to visit, especially at Christmas!

Fully blooming Christmas Cactus at Rogers.

I'll close with this photo from one of my aviaries.

This is the Australian flight with Lady Gouldian Finch. A while back I'd shared some photos of some

of the olive green fledglings. This is what the Lady Goulds look like in full Technicolor!

I Won 3rd Place in the Martha Stewart 2010 Halloween Creations Contest!

I can hardly believe it!

"Brimstone the Gourd Goblin" has won third place

in the Martha Stewart 2010 Halloween Creations Contest!

There were so many wonderful and creative entries, and I'm so pleased and honored to have been chosen!

A big Thank You to Martha Stewart Living and to Grandin Road!

This last month has been filled to overflow with various projects, and of course

with the holidays approaching commissioned work and Fall and Halloween art is slowly

shifting to Christmas and even Spring works.

The Morning Glory's are still blooming boldly as many of my garden perennials begin to fade.

This beautiful green spider has set up residence on the last of the Borage and Anise.

The Orange Weaver is in full fall plumage in the Aviary, and fits the season's 

color palette perfectly.

These lovely Sunflowers were a gift from my dear and oldest friend, Connie. We've known each

other slightly more than 50 years, since we were wee tots and she's always ever thoughtful.

 I thought I would share with you and the reason for the flowers, as well as an explanation

for why my postings and artwork have been a bit sparse of late, and perhaps why they may

 be higglety pigglety for a few weeks more.

Recently appointments to the doctors and the subsequent tests have confirmed that

I have IDC (Infiltrating Ductal Carsinoma)/breast cancer. Phooey.

Needless to say these sick breasts and I will need to part ways, but don't despair!

They're not who I am, and I should be able to make a full recovery and get back

 to my gardening, art and horses within a few weeks.

I'm truly looking on the lighter side of things....

 As a rider, I will no longer have to be irritated by bouncing bazooms at the sitting trot!

I only tend to get dressed up once every 10years or so to attend a wedding or formal function of some sort, so that's no biggie because I'm really just a jeans and T-shirt kind of gal anyway.

And my camera strap won't get hung up when I'm traipsing through the forest's

shrubs, twigs and stickers looking for little creatures to photograph.

I'm confident things will work out fine, and I'm looking forward to creating lots of new pieces while recuperating!

Thank you for your healing thoughts and prayers!



New EHAG Emporium piece and Happy Halloween!

Introducing "Finbar"

He comes from a place

neither here nor there,

a piercing gaze and an all knowing stare.

Is it bump neath your bed,

near the head or the toe,

when it's there,

is it there?

When it's gone,

Where's it go?

Finbar is awaiting his carriage and wishes to travel home to your abode.

His pumkin head is made from Paperclay and is aged

to complement your dusty mantlepiece.

His knoggin measures 6" high and 4" wide

Contact me if you wish to purchase this handsome fellow.

Possiblim@aol.com

$65.00

PayPal

Happy Halloween!



EHAG Giveaway tonight! Hurry Hurry! Step Right this way!

I've let the time get away from me and oh my gosh, I forgot to tell you about the EHAG Emporium Giveaway that ends tonight!!!

There are four fun pieces from the EHAG artists that you can have a chance to snag, including my little

Baby Gourd Goblin!

Gourd Goblins are feisty enough when grown and this baby guy has gotten into the

Halloween decorations and keeps rearranging what I've already put up. Silly fellow!

So zoom over to the EHAG Emporium site and leave a comment to enter for a chance to win!

Also....

The Emporium itself will open it's doors again on Halloween night! So check back Oct 31st at 9pm (est) for more amazing Original art from the EHAG artists!

May your Treats be many, and your Tricks very few

as I wish a Happy Halloween to You!

Listed on Ebay, just in time for Halloween!

Where in the world has the time gone! Can you believe it's nearly Halloween already!

I must apologize for not posting in my usual weekly manner. Some of you may not be aware that

last month was the start of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky and I've been busy designing the booth and new website

for the IEBWA (International Equine Body Worker Association.. which I am chair of) and

I thought I would share some of what has been taking so much of my time.

This was the conceptual rendering of the booth and graphics, and it ended up looking spot on in person.

Now that the WEG is over with, hopefully I'll be able to get back into my much missed art...

Just in time for Halloween, are these three special pieces listed on Ebay tonight.

Trick or Treat Treacle Bun

This was the piece shown in the Celebrate 365 Magazine, Fall 2010 edition!

He'll come with a signed copy of the magazine... WhooHoo!

Malaki of Mordone Marsh!

A mystical Owl on a stick to compliment your costume or enhance a witchy spell!

It's Only Halloween My Dear!

This is a very special piece that will enhance your collection for certain!

Just search for EHAG on ebay!

The EHAG Emporium will be coming up shortly and they'll be hosting some

wonderful giveways! I'll be donating a fun little piece so check back in a few days.

Hope everyone's having fun decorating in the Autumnal colors, and especially Orange and Black!

I've been published in the Fall issue of Celebrate 365!

I can hardly believe it, and am so excited to have been published for the very first time

in the magazine, Celebrate 365...a journal for the ornament enthusiast! 

Not one, but two pieces of mine were selected and can be seen on page 13, along side amazing art by many of  the finest folk artists in the business. Names such as Scott Smith of Rucus Studio who has a feature article and graces the cover, Johanna Parker who also has a feature article, Bethany Lowe, Debbee Thibault, ....

There are many fellow EHAG artist friends, and PFATT friends in this issue as well such as

Pam Gracia of Soft in the Head, Joyce Stahl, Lori Davis, David Everett of Chicken Lips, Debra Schoch ,

Iva Wilcox, Susie Pastor, Amelia Schaefer,

Lori Ann Corelis, Lauri Harden, Lori Rudolph, Vergie Light foot...

oh my gosh, this sounds like an acceptance speech at the Academy Awards!.... the list goes on and on!

A HUGE Thank You to Connie Porcher of Celebrate 365!

What an Honor and I'm so very grateful!

Many of these artists and Celebrate 365 will be at Ghoultide Gathering this Saturday so pop on by,

say hello and see if you can snag some old world 

Halloween Goodness!

Ha Cha! :-)

PFATT (Primitive Folk Art Talk and Tea) blog giveaway tonight!

Tonight is the drawing for the PFATT givaway! Not much time left!

This little mysterious grinning gourd is my contribution.

There are many other wonderful prizes from the PFATT artists... AND..

even two admission tickets to Ghoultide Gathering in Northville, Michigan courtsey

of Scott Smith of Rucus Studios! Wow!

HuRRy!

Sign up quick for a chance to win!

The drawing is at Midnight (EST)

Wishing you Ghoulishly Good Luck!

Congratulations to Mama Spark the winner of "Guess Who Gourd"!

New Ehag Emporium piece! Malaki of Mordone Marsh...

Before you is the all seeing

"Malaki, of Mordone Marsh"

Born of the ancient and Celtic ways,

Malaki is known as the messenger of days;

The Seer of much, and friend of night's gloom,

Will he predict an impending doom?

In the form of an owl, hold him high as you prance,

On All Hallow's Eve, masquerade in a trance;

Beware, as Goblins, and Goulies appear,

in the glow of the moon and in shivering fear;

They'll whisper of secrets, too frightful to hear...Beware!

"Malaki" is a hand sculpted paper mache piece

created especially for the Aug EHAG Emporium.

His hat is painted and aged fabric, with a German Glass Glitter hat band.

His painted wand is embelished with fine ribbon, brass bells, and tinsel.

Malaki has "Trick or Treat" hand painted on the back of his head.

13" x 3 1/4"

$75.00 + shp

If interested, please e-mail me

Possiblim@aol.com

Thank you So much for looking!

EHAG Emporium GIVEAWAY is back!

The Ehag Emporium will open again on the 31st so be sure to log on at 9:00pm (EST) to try and snag some spectacular original Halloween Art, directly from the Artist....

  AND

right now we're hosting

another Giveaway with Halloween delights from some of

EHAG's Talented artists!

Everyone has been so busy, (it's getting to be that time of year you know!) so the giveaway is a bit

late in posting... So...  you might want to quickly pop over to the Emporium and put your name down

for a chance to win these fabulous original art pieces!

Also

There are still a few days left for the kids to submit their Halloween Masterpieces

for a chance at the grand prize of a 100 dollar gift certificate for art supplies at the art store of their choice!

Good Luck Everyone!

When I see an Elephant fly...

What's Blooming Wednesday and Reptilian Smiles

We're lucky here in the city, in that we don't really have snakes

but we do have lots of Western Lizards that live here in the garden.

This little fellow was on the wall, supervising me cleaning out the spa.

This is a Confederate Rose, which is actually a variety of Hibiscus.

It's blossoms are often a good 5 inches across, and although short lived

they are a wonderful suprise overhanging the pond.

This time of year we also have a few of these jumbo Japanese Beetles zooming around.

This green guy was taking in the fragrance of the Sweet Pea Bush.

The Bower Vine, or Humming Bird Vine creeps it's way up the pine tree and

                                                 blooms most of the Spring and Summer.
                   This plant was a gift, mailed to us by my Grandma Tinnon, back in the early 80's.
            It's amazing to look back and realize that what was once a dormant little twig of a thing, in a
                  4" pot, has grown to elegant proportions, generously yielding abundant orange blossoms

  and remembrances of her, from year to year.

The 1st Annual EHAG Next Generation Halloween Art Contest!

What: A Kid's Halloween Art Contest

                                                     Who: Children ages 10-14

When: Now thru August 31st, 2010. The winner will be announced by September 7, 2010

Where: Online at the EHAG Facebook Page and EHAG Blog

How: Parents email an image of your little ghoul's Halloween themed artwork to ehaagartists@hotmail.com along with the young artist's name, age, date, contact info, title of piece and medium used.

Prize: $100 gift certificate for art supplies from the winner's art supply store of choice.

Be as creative as possible and all artwork must be created solely by the young artist. We ask that no gore be depicted. Artwork will be judged based on originality and use of medium, and all mediums will be accepted. (All EHAG family members are excluded from participation.)

The artists of EHAG are obviously not the first generation to create Halloween art, and we certainly will not be the last. So, we decided to sponsor a kid's art contest that both celebrates our most favorite holiday and nurtures their creative spirit! And, as we know that there must be children out there that love both art and Halloween, why not begin to encourage them today!

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your creative Halloween art entries!

Aug WIP and a pre Autumn Surprise!

It's been a while since I've posted a WIP so I thought I would throw out a

little tease. :-)

Also!.....

Look what greeted me on the ground early this morning!!!

The first Autumnal leaves of the season!

Ha Cha!

While the rest of the country has been roasting in triple digit temperatures,

here on the coast we've been lucky so far with a pretty constant 74 degrees. Ahhhh

Of course, our warmest is usually Sept, but I'm hoping for more coolness to welcome in the Fall.

I can taste the candy corn now!