Halloween on Arts A Flutter!

As I write this, I'm STUNNED to think that it's already August! Well, with the start of a new month comes a new edition of Arts A Flutter. I'm offering 3 little Halloween goodies this month. Check out my little Devil, and two mini candy containers. With these tough ecomonic times, I know some of us are watching every penny - so I'm offering these smaller versions of my more popular items - perfect for any collection and any budget!

Arts A Flutter has some really wonderful offerings this month by some very talented artists. Drop on by!

Skeletons in my Closet!

I've taken the last few days off to recharge my batteries, but now I'm back at it...full steam ahead!

I've managed to get a whole bunch of skeletons sculpted and they are basking comfortably in my drying closet. I've got dapper skeletons, scary skeletons, clown skeletons...even a farmer skeleton with a skeleton chicken!

I LOVE skeletons. Ever since I was a kid, I have been fascinated by them. They used to fascinate and yet scare me at the same time. Even as an adult, one of the few things I collect are Dia De Los Muertos skeletons. They are such wonderful, universal symbols that we can all relate to on one level or another. They are certainly something that all us of have in common...connects us all, if you'll pardon the pun! No bones about it!

Snowmen in July!

I'll do anything to beat the heat right now! Including making snowmen ornaments! Somehow making these frosty fellows cools me down. This snowball guy is made from a combination of Fast Maché and Paperclay. I've found that I LOVE Fast Maché for the heads, bodies and larger forms I create. But, I still turn to Paperclay for the details. I'm finding this combination truly fun to work with and it gets my creativity moving in overdrive.

If you find you need to cool yourself off as well, this new creation is listed in my ETSY shop.

Thanks for stopping by!

Chicken Lips Workout

I discovered this weekend that I can get a LOT more paper maché mixed if I'm hopped-up on Starbucks and dancing to Britney Spears! The downside is, with all this mixing I'm starting to get Popeye forearms! Now, if I could just figure out a way to mix the paper maché with my legs, I could get a full body workout!

I'm up to my hips in Chicken Lips WIPS...should be posting more for you to see soon!

Have a great week!

Busy Busy Busy!

Seems like the closer we get to Fall, the faster I work! My productivity really kicks into overdrive when I think about the two big Fall shows coming up that I will be participating in. I suspect it's that "Fight or Flight" thing. Despite the scorching heat, I've managed to get about 20 pieces built in the last week. Actually, I think the heat is helping to dry the clay faster. My walk-in Kiln I built is really working well with this weather. Honestly, when I walk in, the heat and the dehumidifier are working so well together that I almost can't even blink....there is NO moisture to be found! Bad for the eyes, good for the clay!

I'm trying to finish up as many Halloween pieces as I can before I really jump into the Christmas spirit - and considering it's 101˚ in the shade, It's kinda hard to think of Jolly old saint nick when the sweat is rolling down your back."Visions of sugar plums" turns more into "visions of Mojitos!" Anything to beat the heat and keep the creativity flowing.

Despite the weather, I've got lots of ideas for new pieces! I'm really into making owls right now! My friend Robert (Halloween Fanatic) created a monster when he challenged me to design an Owl. Now I can't stop making them!

I've also got plans for stacked pumpkins, devils, Halloween kitties, and so much more!

Now, excuse me while I get back to getting the Mojitos...um, I mean creativity flowing.

Happy Anniversary STJ!

It's hard to believe, but SpookyTimeJingles turns 1 year old this month! If you're not familiar with SpookyTimeJingles (or STJ for people in the know) this is a wonderful online marketplace that features some of the finest Halloween and Christmas artists around. I'm proud to have been one of the original members of this site from the start.

With so many amazing artists on STJ, it has caused me to push myself creatively - farther than I've ever gone - stepping out of my comfort zone and creating the best work I can. I have met some wonderful lifelong friends through this site, and look forward to meeting many more.

This month I'm offering several new Halloween and Christmas goodies (a few pictured below) designed exclusively for STJ.

Whether you prefer visions of sugar plums, or things that go bump in the night, SpookyTimeJingles has something for you. Check out the latest update on the 13th, at 12am! It's where sweet and spooky commingle!�

Sneak Beak Peak!

Here's a sneak peak at a new design I'm working on. My friend Robert (Halloween Fanatic) suggested I make an owl candy dish. Always being up for a challange, I decided to take it on! I wasn't quite sure how I was going to construct it, but somehow inspiration took over (thank Heaven's for inspiration!) and here is the result so far. Hope to have the base coat painted this weekend as well as finishing up a whole bunch of pumpkins, devils, witches and assorted things that go bump in the night!

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!!!!

Chicken Lips a Buzzing!

The new issue of Arts a Flutter has been released. I struggled with what to create for this July edition. I knew it should be summer themed, but with Halloween and Christmas always on my mind, it's hard to break out of the habit of reaching for clay and instantly diving into yet another Pumpkin or Santa. And then inspiration hit...literally...on my nose! I was in my workshop when a bee landed on my nose...about scared the pants off me! Lucky he chose not to sting me, but instead simply flew away back from where he came. But, he left me with an idea! So, I got out the clay and Bee Boy was born!

He's made of paperclay on a wood base, approx. 16" high. Thankfully, the inspiration bee wasn't this large! Buzz on by Arts a Flutter and take a look!