Four!!!!!

I am excited to show you another one of my Christmas gifts.  One I am pretty proud of, since I know nothing about what I painted.  I have a wonderful friend name Jen.  Jen and I have known each other for since we were about 11 or 12 - so a little over 20 years, which makes me feel a tad mature if you know what I mean, to have known someone other than my family for that long.  Needless to say, Jen is one of my very best friends.  She is known as Auntie Griff to my kids and she is officially Cyd's girlfriend and home away from home. (With all honestly he tolerates us, I believe, because she comes over and he goes to her house, but I digress)  Jen was an essential person for me and my family during the time my mom lived with us and ultimately died. She would come over and have dinner, visit with mom, mom felt very comfortable with Jen, so the turban would come off and mom would be "big mare" once again.  My mom would always sing that stupid girl scout song - "make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold..." when I would talk about Jen.  She was so happy that we had remained in touch and such good friends.  When we were in the days prior to losing mom Jen would show up and do what "good polish girls do, we cook!" and made several dinners, breakfast and miscellaneous snacks for me, my family, and my brother, Anna and dad.  She took the kids with her for a slumber party and Wii fest the night before mom died and kept them all day, the day of her passing.  She took time off work to watch the kids for me when we had mom's wake and funeral. 

She has been instrumental in my healing and I quite honestly don't know what I would do with out her.  I love her and she is the sister I was never given by blood.  All that being said, I wanted to do something special for her for Christmas.  She had mentioned eons ago about doing a golf painting.  So I thought, eureka!  So I did a golf scene with her nickname - Jen is quite the golfer and I could go on about her handicap and scores and such, but I have no idea what the hell it all means so I won't waste your time - but she's good and she loves it.  You would think that since I live on a golf course that I would be able to paint one up in a jiffy, but I didn't like the tee box I am on so I went online and found a beautiful course in Connecticut to model my scene. Without further ado....

I had to give my golfer a "pouf" of hair, because if you know Jen, you know that she has a pony tailed "pouf" at all times, it is adorable!

Four!

The dreaded sand trap!

I am pretty sure that Jen loved her gift and I am so very happy that it turned out, especially since I am, ahem "handicapped" when it comes to understanding golf.  Pun intended!  I believe it has found its spot above her desk in her office at home.  A perfect spot for a hobby/sport tribute!  There is more where this came from, so stay tuned and thanks!

 

Thank You 2008

While I could do a whole series on being thankful, I thought that it would be appropriate to take this moment to thank all of my customers of 2008.  It has been a heck of a year, but I think that everything happens for a reason - it isn't without purpose.  I would have never guessed this time last year that Penny Pickles Art would have been as successful as it was, that I would have clients that were not just friends and family, but complete strangers from referrals or from plain old cyber space (which in turn many have become friends!) What began as a sort of therapy to get through the days of caring for my mom, something else to focus on and get caught up in, has become so much more.  

It is amazing to me how as soon as I finish a piece and think, "Huh, I guess I can catch up on creating new themes, updating my website, etc. a new order comes in. My clients have been so truly wonderful to work with - so creative, so trusting, so patient.  I am floored with every order that someone thinks enough of me and my art to pay me to do a piece for them.  I have been able to stretch my artist talents with not only children's art, but some pretty amazing, inspirational pieces that have touched me more than I can explain.  2008 has truly been a blessing of a year.  Thank you to everyone that placed an order, told a friend or passed on a business card, I am so very, very grateful.

2009 has so many possibilities.   There are plans in the works of updating my website, creating more artistic and attractive packaging and best of all an etsy site (with much prompting from some friends).  I can't say for certain when all this will take place, but hopefully sometime soon.  I'm not complaining though - I'd rather have orders and opportunities to work with clients, instead of working with cardboard!  So keep checking back for updates and new pieces.  Penny Pickles has a few tricks up her sleeve that I believe will make 2009 even better than 2008.  

Thanks again, Take care and Happy New Year from me to you!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...

Tis the season - so I have been working on a bunch of Christmas presents, for me, for others, and well some I can show and some I can't. Which is frustrating!!!  I am going to share this little one, even though it is yet to be sent out. I am fairly confident that with vague background information that this painting will not be "discovered" by the potential recipient.  That being said...

I'd like to introduce my newest theme - "Going on a bear hunt":

"b's" woods

THE BEAR

Rabbits, rabbits, lots o' rabbits

My father in law tells a mean version of "going on a bear hunt, " he really gets into it, leading the group of kids (and sometimes newly initiated family members...but I digress) in running, slooshing, sneaking through the woods to and away from the bear!  My own father began telling stories to Jon about a bear that liked to eat every one's pancakes.  Jon had a slight addiction to pancakes a few years back, but I am happy to say with intervention we have been able to get that under control and branch out his breakfast options to eggs, waffles and pop tarts.  In my dad's story the bear would sneak in your house and eat all your pancakes, or in another version he would knock on your door and demand all your pancakes.  So seeing that kids love things with bears, I thought I would do my own version of the woods and pay tribute to the bear.  It is a perfect theme for a room with no real theme.  If you know me, my children don't have "themed" rooms, they have simple colorful walls, bedding and such, so that as they get older I'm not replacing comforters and lamps and things with their current obsession.  It has worked so far, but we'll see.  Now please don't think I am against themed rooms, that isn't the case at all - but I like to try to create themes that will work in most any room at most any stage of a child's life.  I think this is one of those themes.  I mean who doesn't love a friendly bear, some adorable rabbits and a wise old owl?  I am looking forward to hearing what the recipient thinks of this little fella.  I am very happy with how it all turned out!

Only two weeks away until Christmas!  I can hardly believe it!  I hope you all have a great day and thanks!

let's hear it for the boys....

Yes, I have returned after having fallen off the face of the Internet.  We went for a long visit to the in-laws in Tennessee.  It was interesting not checking email, facebook, web page statistics, etc.  It was freeing, really and with all honesty I didn't miss being "connected" every second of every day.  We are back though, it is nice to be home.  We got in late last night and this morning we got up and went to get our tree from Dull's Tree Farm, where we have been going to since Jon was a baby.  After the Colt's game, we need to pick up Cyd from his doggie hotel and commence decorating and grocery shopping (ugh).  

In the mean time I am so happy to be able to share these canvas' with you.  One of my contest winners, Steph, was kind enough to order two canvas' for her nephews for Christmas.  They were 6 x 6 canvas' with simple wooden frames.  The first was my Vroom, Vroom, Whoosh theme - that Steph specifically asked to focus on trains.  

"G" transportation

I decided to give "G" an sleek express train instead of a freight or steam engine.

The whoosh in Vroom, Vroom, Whoosh

The second canvas I did was my Dino-rific theme.  Every time I do this theme, I have a few dinosaurs that I like to include, raptors and barosaurus, and certain scenery, volcanoes (which were Jon's idea in the first place).  I do like though, to try out new dinosaurs and I am especially happy with my triceratops and pterodactyl.  Yes,I am very pleased with how this canvas turned out.  

"T" in Dino-land

"T" is for triceratops!

Uh-oh - it's going to blow -good thing I'm in water!

I love reviews - of course they've always been good, so I am fortunate - but I love them nonetheless.  Here is Steph's comments on the paintings she's received:

The paintings arrived!!! Oh and they are great! I can't WAIT to give them away at Christmas this year.  I am only disappointed that "G" and his parents won't be traveling since they are expecting a new baby in January and want to stay close to home, so we won't see their reaction in person.  

I'm so impressed with the way the colors on the dino-rific tile will go AWESOME with my nephew's room, even though we didn't know the room colors ahead of time! It's amazing and I love love love the little dino details. The teeth on the one in the water and the dots. The dots are always my favorite little touch!

The train on G's tile is perfect too.  I love the helicopter-- I don't think I'd notice the landing pad before and it's such a great touch! amazing!

Thanks so much again!!! The paintings are so great!!!! I love checking the blog and seeing all the other things you are doing too-- it's especially awesome to have the photos of the little details although having my own and having seen the two others in person, seeing photos does NOT do these paintings justice!!!

Thank YOU Steph - I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to have a repeat customer.  I really enjoyed working on these canvas' and like I said before it is always fun to tweak and change my existing themes.  I can't wait to hear how your family likes them, please drop me a note and let me know!  

I have a few more pieces to share in the days to come - I have a few busy weeks ahead of finishing up my own Christmas presents and doing a large piece for a new client.  I hope every one's holiday was a good one - take care and thanks!

garden girls...

My girlfriend Angie put in a request to have me do two paintings for her girls for Christmas. I was so excited to do these, because Angie's family lives on a farm and her girls are two of the sweetest little farm hands you'd ever lay your eyes on.  Maddie, is my son Jon's age and Avie is a few months older than Drew.  So I've known these girls since they were babies. Angie had requested my flowers are de'vine theme, but wanted to add a bit of the great outdoors to it.  Specifically adding some butterflies and roly poly bugs, which are the girls favorites.  Her girls aren't afraid of dirt, but definitely have a girlie side.  It is always so much fun to customize themes that I have, especially when I know the children I am painting for.

Who doesn't love a lady bug picnic?  I have to admit, Betsy had this song on her website and I was just starting this painting at the same time.  I thought - hey I can have a lady bug picnic!  So this is mine.  And yes they are eating watermelon and chicken legs.

Acrobatic roly poly bugs!

Thanks again to Angie for ordering these fun little pieces!  I can't wait to hear how the girls like them after Christmas!  I am leaving for Tennessee this weekend - have a wonderful holiday and once again...

Thanks!

Princesses of all kinds

As much as I hate to push the delightful cupcakes and ice cream cones down, I have a few princesses I'd like you to meet.  Welcome Ava and Mia:

Mia the mermaid

This crab isn't so crabby!

Ava the dancing princess

A princess has to have a castle!

If you've followed my blog, then you know that I have a new addiction of playing on Facebook.  It has been amazing in putting me in touch with so many people of my past.  Grade school, High School, College - people that I was close to, but with distance and time, have lost touch. One of these individuals was Elizabeth.  I went to college with Elizabeth.  We were two of 7 or 8 in our Urban Planning program at the College of Architecture and Planning.  Elizabeth and I connected through Facebook and pretty soon there after she contacted me about doing two 5 x 7 canvas' for her nieces.  I was thrilled!  She wanted me to expand upon my existing themes of Under the Sea and the Dancing Princesses.  I was so excited too, because her nieces have the shortest, but prettiest names and I would be able to fit their whole name on the canvas.  I think you'll agree they are perfect for two little princesses!

Thanks again Elizabeth for letting me work on this fun little pieces. I hope that your nieces enjoy them very much!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and stay warm!

Thanks!

Sweet, Sweet maria!

I have art to share!!!!

This has been a difficult couple of weeks, between Ryan being on a business trip, Drew's birthday, countless meetings for school, friends and otherwise, and 6 paintings going on a once - it is no wonder I am as pooped as I am!  But after seeing these pieces finished it is sooo worth it!

First up Sweet Little Maria!

Miss Leslie, my photographer, asked a simple favor.  For me to do a canvas for her dear friend Jill, who just had her third child, but first baby girl.  Being a lady who knows how exciting it is to make the jump from Dinosaurs to Princesses, I was thrilled with the opportunity.  The request, she would like a 24 x 24 canvas, and she was visiting them in a week.  Now to be clear, Leslie did NOT put me under the week constraint, but she has been so awesome taking pictures left and right and turning them around in no time, how could I NOT deliver? Well, I did, in fact I finished the painting in three days.  Of course the third day involved seeing the AM on the good ol' clock, but I couldn't be happier with this outcome. The only details that I was given, was to do a pale pink background with a darker pink "M" and add cupcakes and ice cream cones in pastel colors.  I decided to do a pink on pink stripe with a scrolly "M", and have alternating cupcakes and ice cream cones in a variety of "flavors."  I also added my sparkle - which I have become fond of.  After using it in my Tiny Angels painting, I realized in the right setting, it adds just the right finishing touch.  Of course in addition to my sparkle, when I asked my son Jon what I needed to finish the painting "I know mom, you have to add your dots,"  I've become predictable - hopefully that isn't a bad thing!  I consider my dots to be my "flair" or my signature touch.  Honestly this is going to become a new theme -it is SOOOOOO cute.  I think you'll agree!  So here is sweet treats for a little sweetie:

Cupcakes and Ice cream - what could be yummier?

Strawberry Vanilla

Chocolate with Buttercream Glitter Frosting

Chocolate with Chocolate Chip

I haven't gotten to talk to Jill directly, but the way Leslie describes it, Jill opened the box, grabbed the piece, jumped up and ran into the nursery.   She started to take down the art pieces she bought that inspired this piece and wanted to hang it immediately!  I look so forward to hearing from her and posting her response later this week.  

In the mean time here is what else Leslie had to say:

I couldn't wait until tomorrow to tell you how much Jill and Gaspare loved the piece for Maria!  I was so proud to give it to them, and they truly appreciated it.  You cannot possibly imagine how closely the pink you used for the background matches the pink on Maria's walls.  It's like you were a little fly on her wall! 

I am really happy with this one - it had been a while since I had worked on such a big canvas - it was such a nice change of pace.  While I love working on my tiny paintings, it is a treat now and again to work on something so big.  I am thrilled that I had another satisfied customer - beyond just my good friend.  Ryan just laughs because all day Saturday I was like, "I wonder how they liked it?" I get so nervous, it isn't even funny.  I'm just a people pleaser. 

I have several more paintings, but need to get clearance from the clients to post those pics this week.  For now, just enjoy Miss Maria's sweet treat!

Thanks again to Leslie for her great photography, feeding me and my chickens and for the record, Leslie, I like the name William.

Thanks!

Night Fairies and Imps

I mailed out my final contest piece last week and in an effort to renew my confidence in the USPS, they got that painting to Steph in record time!  I couldn't believe it when she emailed me on Saturday and said that she had already gotten it!  Perhaps they heard they were on the bubble with me...

On to my canvas.  Steph had come up with the idea of Night fairies and Imps - so I thought this would be a quirky take on the fairy idea!  It was fun to do and I am so happy with how it turned out.  See for yourself:

Colorful, no?

Night Fairy

Steph followed up with this wonderful review:

Oh my gosh, we LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the painting! It is utterly adorable, and seeing it made me realize that you really can't appreciate--until you see one of your paintings up close--just how careful and detailed they are. The flowers with faces are so delightful, the color scheme really really pops, and we just know that our little R will absolutely love seeing this personalized canvas hanging above her bed! it's amazing! I love love love it! Thanks so much-- we're thrilled with the painting and couldn't have imagined anything cuter.

Thanks again,
Stephanie & Jamie

Yeah!  Thanks again for the awesome idea - it was such fun to work on and enabled me to something so different from what I've done before.  I can't wait to have my next contest!!!

I'm busy here working on Christmas orders and birthday presents!  Things have been busy and great and I owe it to all of you!  Thanks again for keeping Penny Pickles busy and inspiring me to do some adorable, unique art!

Happy Pickles!

Auction Time - finished!

Well the auction for the painting I did has ended and I am proud to say the painting went for....

$200!  

I am so thrilled!!! The winner, Kelli, will donate all those wonderful dollars to the IJM!  I will be shipping out the painting later today and can't wait for Kelli to receive it. Thank you to all the bidders and thank you to Amy for being called to do "something" and really doing "something" about it.  As my friend Leslie would say, "God's fingerprints are all over this one!"  I couldn't agree more!  Just wanted to share this exciting news!

Thanks and have a great weekend!

If you haven't been keeping up with my posts, please scroll down, I've been busy with all sorts of paintings!  Next up - final contest piece!

Auction Time

This is one of those times as a person that when it rains, it pours.  I hate having pushed my last work down on the blog roll - so if you haven't checked out my latest paintings, please scroll down I am so proud of them!

The reason I am posting so soon after my last post is that a painting I've done is being auctioned off on another blog.  Amy, the author of Calling for Justice, is a past client of mine.  I did one of my largest pieces for her earlier this summer, you can check it out here.  In any event, Amy is a stay at home mom of three little ones almost exactly the same age as mine.  She is an extremely faithful person and is an excellent representation of how we should act when called by God.  She is a supporter of the IJM or International Justice Mission.  This group is a watchdog and protector of oppressed individuals all over the world. I was stunned by some of the stories of the individuals they have helped and liberated.  It is so easy to become complacent and put blinders on to the world outside of our own.  Sure we're having one of the crappies financial times of our history, but most of us still have homes or a roof over our head, still have the free will to have or to look for a job.  Most of us don't have to send our children out to work or worse yet sell them because we can't afford to care for them ourselves.  It is tragic.  Amy is doing her part by starting a blog that just talks a bit about these atrocities and is a simple girl trying to raise money for a purpose higher than herself.  When she did her last auction, I was moved and immediately emailed her and asked if I could do a painting for her to auction off.  I would send the painting to whomever was the highest bidder.  I have been blessed and this was something so simple that I could do, for a greater good.  So without hesitate below is the painting up for auction.  

Noah's Window

The reason I chose the title is because I think the sense of hope that the dove gave to Noah and his family is very much the same type of hope that the money generated from this auction will bring.  The hope that IJM brings to so many that are oppressed in our world.  I'd like to think that Noah, although faithful, looked out a window of the ark and saw the dove with the olive branch and exclaimed, "Amen, Praise the Lord, for He is good and He will care for us all!"

So if you are interested please go to Amy's site, Calling for Justice, check out her links and if you really interested, place a bid.  The bidding begins now and ends on Thursday at 9 pm, PST. All of the proceeds of this auction are going to IJM, not a dime will go to me or to Amy, nor will it even go to shipping, so if you want to help, you can, every little bit does.  

Thanks again to Leslie for my wonderful photographs and thanks to you for checking me out, have a great day!

Tiny Angels

I am so excited to share these paintings with you!!!!!

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a wonderful woman named Robyn.  Robyn is expecting a little girl soon and wanted me to do a nursery piece for her daughter's room.  

The nursery piece was pretty straight forward, stripes and dots, I will tell you though, it was one of my toughest paintings.  Which seems ridiculous - but when working with straight lines and perfect circles, plus trying to give it a three dimensional look - well lets just say I had a bit of a temper tantrum and started over - but am so happy with the final result!

Rowyn's Nursery Piece

In addition to that, she wanted me to create a tribute piece to also hang in the nursery in honor of her twin daughters.  You see these two precious souls were born very premature, Robyn and her husband Keith lost Abigail after 6 weeks and Ameilia three weeks later.  I was so touched to be asked to do such an important piece for them.  One of Robyn's friends had written a beautiful poem for them referring to the girls as Tiny Angels.  Robyn wanted me to use this poem as a muse for my painting so that she could hang them up side by side.  I had to digest the poem and the idea of doing this painting for a few days, but was struck with the vision of a antique pram with two tiny angels helping guide to this bright white light, which represents heaven.  In the poem it talks about how these angels are so small there couldn't possibly be wings tiny enough to fit them, so they use balloons to help.  Robyn had asked if I would experiment with a bit of sparkle to add a bit of glow to the balloons, angel wings and heaven. Here is how it all turned out:

Tiny Angels

The Pram

Angel

Here is what Robyn had to say about her paintings:

Annie,
 
I just got the paintings, and they are absolutely perfect. You did such a fabulous job, I can't thank you enough. 
 
The "R" painting matched the bedding perfectly. I don't really think you know how exact the colors match, my husband and I were amazed. We are going to hang the R today, after we run to Home Depot for hanging materials. I will take a picture and send to you once we get it situated. It was exactly what I wanted.
 
The Tiny Angels is beautiful, it made me cry. This week has been a rough week for us, Wednesday was the anniversary of Ameilia's passing, so the painting came at a perfect time. This painting will get hung a little later, I am now going to get the poem printed on a different piece of paper that matches the painting a little better. The spot has already been picked out for this piece. The Angels have so much detail in the hair and wings, and I love the pram. I absolutely can't wait to show this to my family and especially my friend who wrote the poem. Everyone will love it. 
 
Thank you so much for these precious paintings, I will keep them forever! You clearly put your heart into every piece you do, and it's obvious. These two pieces are so special to me already, and I just know Rowyn is going to love them in her room. God has blessed you with a wonderful talent, and I appreciate it!
 
                                                                   Thank you,
                                                                    Robyn and Keith 

Robyn and Keith, I am touched beyond words to have been asked to do this painting for you.  I thank you for this opportunity and have been so moved by your experience.  I pray for a safe delivery of a very healthy baby and know that she will have extra "angels" looking out for her throughout life.  Thank you again!!!

Thanks for checking in and enjoy this weekend!

Productivity

Today is Monday - I believe it might be the beginning of fall - I'm not a 100% sure - you wouldn't be able to tell by the temperatures - be gone 80 degrees - I long for those upper 60's and low 40's at night.  Ahhh - when I graduated college, I really wanted to move to Minnesota - unfortunately there weren't any positions open at the time - how different life would have been...  Ah so I will have to wait to retire to Maine or someplace equally as cool and green.  Not in the trendy "green" you are thinking, but forests, mountains, plant green.  Anyway - I digress, big time!

I was terribly productive this weekend.  I finished four paintings, I have three more well on their way and one that is sketched out.  Leslie is out of town until late tomorrow so I will be connecting with her on Wednesday to see how here trip went and get a few photos snapped of the finished pieces.  One of my contest pieces, the car and tire tread one turned out AWESOME - Lori I can't wait for you to see it!  Oh my goodness, it is just better than I could have imagined.  It's funny some of the more simple paintings give me the most challenges- I believe it's because I want to be perfect with my lines or circles - its weird that they frustrate me so.  

It was a good weekend - Ryan is finally retired from the world of side jobs - it is just too much to juggle him working, side-working, me with all the kids all the time - I'm getting busier with Jon's school (if you attend the Haunted Woods in a few weeks - I will be face painting!), room mom and chairing a pancake breakfast (I am my mother's daughter!) not to mention being pretty busy with painting - so I am grateful he is hanging up his work boots - at least for a while and doing a bit around here.

Saturday, Jon and I went down to the new Nordstroms at the Keystone Mall.  Last March Jon painted a tile that was to be placed in the floor of the new store.  It was an event run through the Zoo, which we are members.  He painted two tiles, chose his primary and they fired it and well it turned out great.  It was so fun to see something he did in the middle of the store (it is located right at the end of the corridor of the kids shoes, outside the girls fitting rooms) - all of the tiles turned out great and how cool is it to shop and see something you did on the floor!  If anything ever happens to his first tile, they have his back-up to replace it.  Pretty neat huh? 

On the Savannah

The proud artist!

 We then went to his football game where he scored another touchdown.  He zigzags back and forth, its a riot. I asked him after the game - why don't you just go forward - you risk losing yards. His reply was, I'm tiring them out mom! Oh the psychology!  He just loves to play center though, which is hilarious since his a slight fella - but he does a great job snapping the ball - so go Jon!

Jon on the move!

We went to Conner Prairie later that day, which if you haven't gone and you live in the area, you should go - it is so much fun.  I had my first glimpse of our teenage years, with Jon moaning about what we were doing - look at historic buildings, are you kidding me???  Needless to say, Jon was the one that didn't want to leave, loved going around the homes, trying out the beds, talking to the docents (except the teacher - all I saw was fear!  I might have to buy Mrs. Bayer a switch for Christmas - that'll keep the kids in line!) But he loved sweeping, and of course sampling their food.  I was surprised how much fun he had, and the fact that he wants to go back again - we'll use that membership yet! 

Farmer Drew

Sunday is football day in our house, so we watched football and since both Ryan AND Jon have fantasy football teams, we watch ALL the games that are on cable - soon they will ship off to Uncle Tee Tee's house and watch every game on his NFL network.  We ate pizza and wings and ended the weekend well, except for the Colts losing.  I think my boy Freeney summed it up best...

  

I feel you buddy - I can't believe it either!

So tonight is Yoga and hopefully finishing up a piece or two.  If not today tomorrow!!!  I am so excited to share these pieces with you - this time I even surprised myself with these completed works.

Take care, have a great day and Thanks!

what'cha been up to?

It has been quite a few days since I've last post.  Let me fill you in on what I've been up to.  First off, my dad came down to celebrate my birthday early.  As some of you may or may not know, my birthday is next Friday and my sister in law's birthday is on Saturday, my dad's was last Saturday.  So we decided to have a birthday party for the three of us.  Dad came down, Ryan, Dad and I went out to dinner (sans kids) and then Saturday enjoyed Jon's football game (he scored a touch down and was grabbing flags left and right). After the game we came back here and had a big lunch and lots of dessert.  

So here it is Sunday - what have I been doing a la Penny Pickles?  Well, I finished my cousin's large logo sign and Drew's baseball vignette.  I am almost done with another nursery piece and have started a piece that will be auctioned off at my online friend Amy's blog.  All the proceeds of the auction will go to the IJM (International Justice Mission).  I am very excited for this piece.  I also have another piece that I will be starting this weekend that I am so honored to be asked to do.  

I don't have any pictures for now, so my writings and ramblings will have to suffice.  I hope everyone is enjoying this glorious weekend, and take care!

Thanks!

and the winner is...

If you haven't had a chance to see my latest work please scroll on down  to see it.  I feel terrible that it didn't a get a couple more days as "lead" post.  But I do have some anxious ladies who want to know who's won my first contest.  So with out further ado:

Lori G. - race car with car tread spelling out name or monogram

Stephanie K. - night fairies and imps

Now you may be saying that these are so similar to what I have.  Oh, but they aren't.  There were so many awesome entries, and it isn't to say that I won't be using them at a later date - (and the creators may get a little gift or discount when I do them).  My thought was that the race car zooming by, looking at it from up top and seeing the tire treads spell out a name would be such a cool look.  As far as fairies are concerned, well I have some, but this night fairy/imp image is something I envision being like the creatures of the Spiderwick Chronicles.  Where the fairies are actually the flowers, the bugs, kind of transform into these beautiful fairies if you look close enough. 

I will say I was inundated with boy themes - I have struggled with this from the beginning. It seems to be when thinking of themes and imagery it is so easy to conjure up a million things for boys.  Girls on the other hand after fairies, princesses, and butterflies - it gets tricky.  But you can vary the look and create something totally new.  

This was so fun!  I want to thank everyone who participated and took the time to email me. Thank you for your interest!  I will be contacting the winners and working with them, so check back to see what we come up with on those new themes.  If you didn't win, but still would like to see your idea become a reality I am offering a 15 % discount to participants, please email me if you are interested (ann@pennypickles.net).

As a reminder - all Christmas orders need to be in by November 14th.  Please check a few posts down for more details.  

Thanks again and have a great day!

its over...

Well my first contest is officially over.  I have to tell you, I am absolutely floored by the submissions and the creativity that flowed from them.  Amazing!  Thank you so very much for all your ideas and the time it took to pull them together and send them to me.  

Now my plan is to review all the ideas and come up with a winner (or two).  Since there were so many awesome ideas, you will have to give me a day or so to digest them all and sketch them out. I will be undergoing a very technical voting system with the accounting offices of Page and Page (Jon and Drew) and results will be kept secret until I unveil them here on my blog.  I will contact you personally if you have won, and we can figure out the details of preferred colors, shipping info, etc. My goal is to announce the winners on Thursday, September 4th. 

In the meantime I am waiting for feedback on an adorable jungle themed tile for a nursery and have finally finished Drew's baseball vignette! I'm also just about done with a large logo sign.  It has been  a busy few days!  

Sunday night I had a bit of a panic attack about Christmas.  I mean I received such an awesome response with this contest, I am nervous about the holiday season.  Not to mention some of the not so subtle hints from friends and family about what they would like for Christmas. So lets talk about Christmas!  

I have decided that since it is now September 2nd, we can officially discuss the holiday season without seeming too obnoxious.  That being said, if you are interested in having a painting done for the holidays for yourself or as a gift here are my guidelines:

• All requests must be in by Friday, November 14, 2008.
  
• If your request is submitted after November 14th, we will need to discuss the nature of your painting and delivery date options.  
  
• My goal is to have all paintings out by Monday, December 15th, 2008.  That way you are insured of a Christmas Eve delivery.  
  
• Please don't think it is too early to think Christmas!!!! If you aren't sure if you are ready to order, we can at least start the collaborating process.  If you want a custom piece those usually take a few emails or conversations to get on the same page.  

I have several new projects in the works some very, very big and some a bit smaller.  I am so very excited with all of the variety that has been presented to me since I've started.  I want to thank all of my clients for their creativity and most of all trust and faith in me to deliver something special enough to hang in your home.

Thanks again and have a great day!!!

Patience... the final frontier

Okay, the title is a bit over the top, but there are days when having patience is as unattainable for me as discovering new galaxies.  Where to begin...

Well Ryan is done with his interviews, they all went really well. He's had an offer, and the rest have said, "you're great, we'd love to have you, but we aren't slated for extra work or a need until after 2009", humphf!  However, there is one, Ryan had two interviews, they went great, he is suppose to go back in next week to finalize the details of an offer- but alas that hasn't been scheduled - so we aren't sure when that will be.  It is a "soft" offer, if you will. Which is fantastic, and out of all the companies he interviewed with, this one by far was his favorite, the one he felt most comfortable with, the one he feels he could "fit" right into.  Which is awesome.  It is a challenge, however, to still not know the details.  

With that, I always have a hard time with patience when I work.  When I finish something, I want to package it up and mail it out NOW. But there are things that need to be done first, sealing, photographing, packaging, waiting for UPS or USPS to process and deliver, and then waiting for feedback.  You see I am a psycho when it comes to tracking.  I check daily to see where my packages are-when I see something is delivered I freak.  "Why haven't they emailed?" "Do they not like it?" "Did it get delivered to the wrong house?" "Is it raining there?" "Do they have a porch?" "Did it arrive in one piece?"  Seriously, this is where I am nuts. I don't worry this much while I am painting or even as I am developing a piece, just when it ships and the client receives it.  My most recent client's computer is down. So for both of us until that is up and running (not to mention her having the time to sit down and write- with her busy schedule and two very busy little boys)- I wait to hear what they think.  

Finally, my kids.  Well who hasn't had their patience tested with their kids.  Okay if you haven't bless your soul, but mine happens on a daily basis.  One would think that I would be pretty good at it by now - nope, not so much.  Just when I get a handle on it or make a conscious decision to relax and stay calm one of them runs in with a humdinger.  Ah, the joys of being a parent. I can see my dad just chuckling now- he enjoys this spectator perspective, I know my mom did as well.  I now believe the saying "grandchildren are the prize for letting your children live."  

Exhibit "A"

On a happier note tomorrow will mark the beginning of my contest!!!! Check back for the details (there aren't many, but I've got to build up interest somehow - and seeing as I am terrified of clowns over exaggerated announcements will have to do!)

Gimme a "M"

I wanted to do a quick post to show one of my newly received pieces:

Thank you Kelly for requesting my vroom vroom, whoosh! (In the midst of a move no less!)  It's just such a cute little boy theme - and what boy doesn't love cars?  (Big or small boys that is!) I am happy to report that she said "I love it!!  I WILL recommend you and your site to my friends. Thanks again. :)."  Nothing better than a happy customer!

I've got a couple of others in the mail, one of which is my first non-child art canvas- so I am VERY excited to share that with you.  The other is a surprise for a remarkable woman, that I met online (again very 21st century of me!) I will share her story with her in the next couple of posts.  

For now I am busy, painting a custom canvas for a nursery and a logo sign for an at home business.  I think I've decided on my contest for Sept.  I'll announce that one soon!  Until then... 

Thanks!

Big dork

This is a phrase my husband often uses for me. "You are such a big dork."  It isn't a criticism, really, its more of a term of endearment.  I have a tendency to get excited over silly, ridiculous things.  For example:

This is my new angle brush - I am so excited, it is made from synthetic mongoose hair.  Who knew such a thing existed?  All I know is that it is going to be awesome to do lettering with and I have a LARGE letter project I am starting this evening.  

With that LARGE lettering project comes a BIG canvas, and with a BIG canvas comes the need for a BIG paint brush for backgrounds and covering large areas.  That is where this fella comes into play.  I've never had a BIG wash brush and I am happy to add this to my collection.  

Last, but not least is Mr. Angular brush - it is significantly bigger than the one I mentioned above, but thats because it does different things!  This guy will take the place of the one I purchased a month ago that will be retired to the preschool paintbox.  It was a good brush, but now this one is better!

I am so excited to use my new brushes.  There was one that I secretly covet, but just couldn't justify spending $50, yes I said $50 on.  Not until Ryan gets a job. So until then, I will just think of you often my little brush...

Big Happy Dork!

Anyway, I mailed out my painting for the Walters and just had a new order placed, so I am off do some painting.  Until then...

Thanks!

Updates

As much as I hate burying that picture of Penny down into the archives - I have some exciting stuff to tell you!  So I've had some questions and comments about adding a finished work page to my website.  Well, it is done.  I finished it some time ago - but needed my IT department to upload it and since I created my site on iweb, it requires some fancy transferring through "middle man" software.  Ah, but enough techy talk. It's done - check it out - I have my newest piece going out in the mail today, so that won't be adding until later this week - I CAN NOT wait to share it with you!  I am also starting another logo project that will need to be done in the next two weeks because the show it will be used at is in the first week of September- yikes! So I've got a busy week ahead of me!

On another note - I am going to be embarking on my second furniture endeavor.  I did a small wooden three drawer dresser for Penny- it was a gift from my mom, for her doll clothes and such.  I need to have Leslie photograph it for me, because mine, well stink (as you can see below).

Crummy snapshot of Penny's Playthings dresser

Speaking of Leslie, she is having me paint a table and chairs for her daughter.  She has given me complete creative freedom (scary), and I am excited to begin!  Of course she's given me no timeline - but as you all know I'm an impatient girl, so I've already got some ideas in my noodle, ready to start sketching.

I want to stress again, if you are interested in having some work done for Christmas, please don't think it is too soon!  I can't believe I am saying that!  Anyway - check back, we'll be posting some more new stuff soon!

Thanks!