Door No. 2 - When one door closes....

Once again...

2012-01-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Once again I've made the promise to make my blog a priority. We shall see.

This weekend I had a lot of fun make my yearly batch of Valentine Heart Art and got some good feed back on Facebook, so I thought I'd work on a tutorial to share with everyone. I will work on it this week and hopefully have something to report back to you on Sunday. Stay tuned!

But here is a sampling............... From my FB business page

I tried to upload photos but blogspot would have none of that! I'll try again tomorrow.

Stay tuned...............

Moving into the holiday season

2011-10-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

As we move into the holiday season and start worrying about the perfect gifts and if we have enough money to cover everything, or going into credit debt for a gift that will be forgotten in months if not weeks, let us remember that we can do a lot for very little. Make change, help someone in need, reach out to your community. We can volunteer to read to the little ones in your local public school, volunteer to deliver for Meals on Wheels and bring a smile to a lonely elderly person or throw a few extra boxes of food in your grocery cart to stock our food banks so that no one has to go to bed with an empty stomach. I know what I'm going to do, what about you?

What can you do to help those in need? I'd love to hear your ideas. Hopefully, this video will inspire you like it has me.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1378237514624#!/photo.php?v=1378237514624

DRUM ROLL PLEASE..... AND THE WINNERS ARE............

2011-10-03T22:35:00.000-07:00

First, I'll tell you how the winners were chosen. I blended the two forum posts into one by date of the comments. I counted them up for a total of 63 comments, NOT including mine. And then each post was assigned a number between 1 and 63. The number was chosen by Random.Org and here is the drawing for the $50 gift certificate:

And the 23rd post went to:

Marie-Noëlle Wurm

Finally, the drawing for the custom journal goes to:

and the 7th post belongs to:

DEB ELLARD!

8/31 DELLARD

9/1 DEBORAH

9/2 MEGT

9/4 HOLLY

9/4 DELLARD

9/5 LOVENEST

9/5 DELLARD -CUSTOM JOURNAL

9/6 DELLARD

9/6 RPOPE

9/7 ROSE

9/8 HOLLY

9/9 HOLLY

9/9 ROSE

9/10 DELLARD

9/10 HOLLY

9/11 DELLARD

9/11 HOLLY

9/12 SUE BRESSEL

9/13 DELLARD

9/13 HOLLY

9/14 HOLLY

9/14 DELLARD

9/14 MARIE – $50 Gift Certificate

9/15 HOLLY

I want to thank ALL of you for participating in my positively, thankful month! We have to try our hardest to find something to be thankful each and every day, even when it seems there is nothing.

Linda

What constitutes a good day?

2011-10-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

Today I did my monthly art show, First Saturday in the Heights Art Market, in Houston. The crowds were enormous to say the least, the weather was fabulous. But, for me, the sales were a little on the down side. So of course, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Until, a young couple that bought a special piece of art from me last year, Baker's Birch which was inspired by the birch trees in my brothers meadow, stopped by. When they bought the art they were planning ahead for a nursery which, at the time, was not called for. Today they found me to tell me that they had just finished the nursery and that she was expecting a baby boy any day now. They had taken a picture of the nursery to show me how they designed the entire room around this one piece of art.

Their friends made matching baby blankets, bedding, crib bumpers, all the yummy baby stuff we dream about, to match the art. The room was assembled, blankets folded, his name hung in letters above his beautiful new crib. The only thing missing now was the arrival of their son.

That piece really touched them and they wanted to share it with me. I had goose bumps and it meant so much to me that they chose to share a very intimate part of their lives with me and to be included in their memories.

That alone, made is one of the best days yet as an artist. I connected.

The Giveaway!

2011-09-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

Remember, the rules have changed, but all comments will count.
http://doorno2.blogspot.com/2011/08/thank-you-giveaway-for-my-400th-sale.html

Just post something positive about your day, in the comments section here, every day in the month of Sept. Each daily comment is good for one entry in my giveaway for a $50 Gift Cert and a customized, handmade journal.

Keep your chin up, you never know what will come knocking on YOUR door!

Tomorrow I start!

2011-09-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow officially starts the first day of my new life. I will stop worrying about how I'm going to do it and do it. I've been handed some amazing opportunities of a life time and, I'll be damned if I blow them by self sabotage. I haven't looked forward to tomorrow in a very long time, but this one I am.

I'll see you on the other side. Positive is the word!

WLN and Houston Art and Culture

2011-09-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I participated in Houston's, White Linen Night in a gallery and by putting 2 pieces in the Art Tent run by the non-profit group, Houston Art and Culture. Today, I found out I took 1st Place! Whoooooowhooooo!!!!! That sure put a twinkle in my gimp ;)

Memory Lane

2011-09-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Someone made me take a trip down memory lane today, and I needed that trip. When I was in H.S., or shortly there after I had a car that had adjustable wiper fluid dispensers. I could spin to point in a specific direction. When ever I would see a group of my friends walking or hanging out (can you believe we use to walk and hang out?) I would stop the car and swivel the dispensers and I had the coolest, mobile super soaker around! Of course they couldn't catch me, and I know they dreaded seeing me coming, but what's a girl to do?! LOL

Thank you Giveaway for my 400th Sale! - INSTRUCTION UPDATE

2011-08-31T21:48:00.000-07:00

One of my goals on Etsy was to reach 500 sales. Well, I've just had my 400th sale tonight and I'm very excited and hopefully, rejuvenated with lots of new projects in the works!

So as a thank you to all who have followed my work and growth, I'd like to take the opportunity to host a give away! I'm going to offer a $50 Gift Certificate AND a custom journal to two lucky people. One will receive the gift certificate and one will receive the custom journal with their name added to the design!

I decided, (those that have already done the extra work of sharing will get their multiple entries), that in honor of being thankful, just leave a comment about what you are thankful for. You can enter every day, but only one time per day. Each entry will be awarded a chance to win, so that's lots and lots of opportunities to share what you are thankful for! If you are thankful for that available, prime real estate parking spot, let us know, it's as simple as that.

If you are interested in sharing this giveaway, please do so. If you would like to follow me on Facebook, here is my FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/lindahardy.mamapainter

You will also have the chance to follow some exciting news that I will be sharing over the next few months!

The contest will run through the month of Sept and the winners will be announced by Oct. 3rd, 2011!

Thank you all, and let the fun begin!

Having a little fun!

2011-07-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of burned out all the birds and flowers so I've been painting and drawing. Here is a piece, that is totally fun and proves that when you hit AARP age, you don't have to paint just flowers and landscapes.

While I'm waiting for glue to dry....

2011-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post about my Patriotic Birds and see what others are doing for their 4th of July or Patriotic Decor? So, I'll show you mine if you show me yours!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75923882/original-bird-art-2-birds-in-a-tree

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75941070/original-bird-art-patriotic-bird-flag
http://www.etsy.com/listing/76305951/patriotic-bird-art-mixed-media-original

Rhinestone Cowgirl

2011-06-03T22:13:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of joining a group of people on FB for an Art Doll Swap. Many were from the U.S. and Australia, so that aspect alone was intriguing to see what people from opposite sides of the world would come up with.

Here is my assemblage doll that went to Australia:

I will post a pic tomorrow of the adorable doll I received. She even came with her own International Passport! How adorable is that?

Sunflowers and Daisy

2011-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Sunflowers and Daisy is recycling at it's best! The canvases are from projects that I didn't like, the papers are ALL scraps that have reassembled into new sheets, cut, painted and stained. The centers are water faucet handles embellished with broken, vintage rhinestone buttons. Everything but the paint has been given a second chance in the world. This is why I love assemblage so much! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination will allow. In a recent forum someone asked what made us short of breath. Initially I said stairs, of course, as sitting so much is not good for the lungs, then I got serious and realized it was a dirty, rusty box of old furniture hardware. I see a box in the corner and my palms get sweaty and my heart starts pounding as I dream of what treasures could be found at the bottom of the box. My husband sees drawer pulls, I see angel wings! I just get so excited at the endless possibilities that lay before me.

So, what excites you!

I've been away for so long. Shame on me!

2011-06-03T21:42:00.000-07:00

I have not posted on my blog for 5 months. That's terrible and I must work harder at keeping it current.

The year started off with so much promise and bang. Without going into to much detail, I had the hope of going commercial dangled in front of me like a horse with a carrot. After lots of hard work, it is still on the table but as every day goes by I come to a deeper realization that it's probably not in my future. But I also realize with each passing day, that making originals and keeping a full shop is taking a toll on my poor body. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to continue this pace, which isn't a fast pace at all. I still keep the idea of teaching in the back of mind on slow simmer. This was one of things that I had planned to accomplish in the year 2011. I need some inspiration and motivation in this area for sure.

So, that's where I am and where I've been. With that being said, I have created a new line of Birds in Trees that is much easier to do and I think these would be a great class to start teaching with. Now I just need to find out what form I should do it. Live, local, travel, online. I'd love some feed back on this if you have a moment!

So here are a few of the new Birds in Trees, without further ado.........

Miniature Mixed Media Class in Houston, Tx - January 22, 2011

2011-01-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

I will offering my first class in Houston, Texas on mixed media miniatures, Jan. 22. We will make photo holders, pendants, broaches and magnets! You will be given a kit to make 3 of your choice. This will cover the use of modeling paste and silver leafing! I will unlock the secrets of my work. Class cost is $35 for one or bring a friend for $50! This is a fabulous deal and a one time low price as this is my introduction to teaching. Take advantage of this fabulous offer! You can contact me via my Facebook or at mamapainter.hardy@gmail.com. I will send Pay Pal invoices for payment.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year..............

2010-11-29T22:45:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year. It's both exciting and exhausting. Although I love it, I never seem to accomplish all that I would like to have done. But, Christmas comes and goes no matter if I'm prepared or not, so why not have some fun?

Get your glue and glitter, because it is the season sparkle!

Show me your sparkly creations and I will share it on my FB Page. How were you inspired?

You show me yours, and I'll show you mine :)

Decorative Mixed Media Birdhouses

2010-05-23T19:55:00.000-07:00

Queen For a Day!

Last fall I stumbled upon a huge clearance of paper mache birdhouses at Michaels. I sold a few, and kept many. I've tried making different pieces of art with them, then I came up with these totally unique birdhouses, and Birds on a Wire. I can customize them with maps of home towns, tags with your children's names on them, hobbies, work, sheet music from your favorite song, the possibilities are endless. If you are interested in ordering a custom house, you can contact me via my Etsy shop or at mamapainter.hardy@gmail.com I also have many for sale through my Etsy shop.

Birds in Birch - 20x24 Mixed Media Original

2010-05-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is my latest creation and I have to say, probably my bestest creation. I have yet to decide if I'm going to keep it, give it away to a special somebody or sell it. I think right now I'll just stare at it in amazement at how far I've come in a few short years. I'm happy where I'm at now artistically, of course there is always room for improvement. I don't think anyone is ever done learning and tweaking.

Mixed media artists have the need to learn how to incorporate as many different mediums and talents as we can muster into our work. So, the need to learn is insatiable for us. And the best part of that is that it is fun. It is WAY fun!

Today, I picked up some thin copper sheeting and embossing molds that will be my next lesson as I learn how to handle the copper, how to place the copper and how to alter and incorporate the copper into my work.

So, stay tuned!

Linda

What's underneath?

2010-04-15T22:21:00.000-07:00

I hear this question over and over again so I thought I'd take photographs of how a piece starts. I'm working on this piece now and will post photos of the process as it developes.

This is phase one, building the base!

When it all painted, silvered leafed and assembled ...

Flower Art - My new addiction!

2009-10-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with flowers. There are so many ways and mediums to interpret them and make them your own. I never thought I could paint flowers because of my hand tremors, but this type of art doesn't need to be so linear and precise.

These hauser green and yellow are so complimentary that they are subtle and yet, jump out at you calling you in for a closer look. I consider them first to be contemporary art, but the more I look at them, I realize they would fit in with any style of decor. Think of them on a white washed, wood panel wall in a bungalow, beach retreat or urban loft! But then again, I can also see them in a rural cabin that is surrounded by abandoned trees, bringing a splash of color to an otherwise dark interior. And because of the colors, they would fit any style, year round. So, there you have it, where do you think they would fit in your home?

Flower Art

2009-08-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

This is a custom piece that I made for a client in Houston. It's 36x48x2. The flowers, leafs and ferns are all made from altered craft papers. The flower centers are embellished with assorted crystals, buttons and vintage jewelry. The vase was built up with modeling paste and then the design was carved from it. Several layers of silver leaf and a black antiquing glaze top it all off for a one of kind, stunning piece of art!

FLO - WER; 8X24 set of flower power!
Click here for more info -

The-purple-artichoke

2009-08-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

I am fortunate to have one of my pieces featured on this lovely design blog. If you get a chance, check out her beautiful selections and fabulous tastes in interior design!

http://the-purple-artichoke.blogspot.com/

Closing doors...

2009-08-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am going to bring my blog back. I'm not sure why or what purpose it will serve anymore. I use to think being positive helped other people stay positive. But, it's hard to stay positive when so many people are closing doors in front of your face. All because of something you had no control over. It's like when a loved one passes away. You sit in absolutely devastation and the world goes on. You quickly learn who your friends are and who they aren't. Hopefully, more will be left standing by your side than closing the door. But, when people try to protect themselves, and understandably so, it doesn't always work out that way we would like and it isn't any one's fault, it just is what it is.

And life goes on. What's behind the next door, I have no idea. I have no idea what lessons will be learned by the horrible actions of another for the sole purpose of destruction. Retaliation of some I can see (doesn't make it right, just as an explanation as to why), but to attack complete strangers who just happen to cross your path. There is no explanation or reasoning that can give you a sense of peace and protection after this is done to you.

Trust. So much damage to trust. How do you learn to trust again? I don't believe you can ever fully recover from a trust issue.

Anyway, I have realized that God is always with me. We have lots of disagreements some time, but He is always there for me and anyone else who needs Him. It doesn't matter if you need Him or not, He is just there. I have to remind myself of this on a daily basis. I'm sure He would rather that I just know it and accept it as faith instead of having to remind myself each and every day. But that too, is what it is, and I will always be working on that. One thing I have come to understand through life experiences, is that when a Christian hurts you, it hurts worse than any other hurt you can experience. This, sadly, I know to well.