Drawing #3 tonight!

Well, guys... we're working our way up the list and are drawing winners for some of the BIG prizes tonight! The package values keep going up, up, up. I am so excited to see winners being pulled and all these amazing people showering love upon us and our adoption of the cutest daughter ever (except for Lael, of course!).

Tonight, we're awarding the Precious Things Prize Package and the Family Fun Package.

The Family Fun package doesn't have any handmade items to describe. But, there is a Wii, GPS, digital frame, and some great toys from Big Time Toys. The toys were donated by a neighbor and are really fun things for the pool. I've had to hide it all, in fact, because my kids kept wanting to tear into the packages to play with it. So, thank you Greg and Linda Kay!

Now, the Precious Things prize package is full of amazing gifts. Things for the precious child in your life, and precious things for you. Admittedly, it is a very "girly" grouping of toys. However, should a guy win, I am certain that he'll make a woman in his life very happy!

The Precious Things Prize package contains:

- A precious stone necklace and earring set by Sarah k. of Taiwan adoption fame. That title sounds silly, right? But Sarah is in the middle of adopting from Taiwan for the second time. She is an encourager to everyone she comes in contact with and is a fountain of knowledge regarding Taiwan adoption process- both through agencies and independent. She loves the Lord and He has certainly blessed her with some lovely talent. The necklace and earring set are made of fine materials like coco, and amethyst. She blogs here and should be bringing her son, Jo, home from Taiwan very, very soon! (c'mon judge!)

- My friend Mary is extremely talented and detail oriented. For years and years, she has been a sewer, creating incredible items- quilts, soft toys, home accesories... you name it! This year, for the first time, she has set up shop and is slowly building her line of lovely handmade items. The baby booties and Mattie Kate bunny are both offerings available at Mary Mary Stationery. But, beyond all that, Mary and her husband Kris have been honorable, loyal friends to Eric and me for many, many years. They have seen each one of our children be added to our family and joyously celebrated every time, giving praise to God. Dorothy's adoption is nothing different- we have felt the love and support from the very beginning almost 3 years ago now (yikes!). Thank you, good friends!

- Tomo and Edie are two mothers I met participating in Mamamade (amazing how much love has come out of that group!). They are dedicated to creating quality items that you won't find anywhere else. For our Precious Things prize drawing, we have 3 organic baby kimonos. The cotton is lusciously soft and in natural cotton color (no bleaching!). All of the seams are on the exterior to keep the garment from irritating baby's tender skin.

- Pin tuffet by me. I won't elaborate because it seems strange to do so, but there is a needle book on the underside of the pin cushion and I use one exactly like this for all of my sewing. Of course I like it- I made it. :-)

- Designer chocolates by Jen Shelbo. Jen, a dear friend of mine from as far back as 5th grade, is now a pastry chef in NYC. Just this week, she e-mailed me with the official flavors in each one of the chocolate boxes (three are scattered throughout the drawings). Brace yourself; they sound amazing! The three flavors are: chocolate covered coconut curry marshmallows, chai tea bonbons, and mango mint coriander ganache with mango pate de fruit (fruit jelly). Oh. My. Gosh. First off, I wish I could win these. Secondly, is that not so cool that these are Indian themed?! The winner will receive an assorted box. They're all ready to ship directly from New York!

- Lastly, the same Elizabeth that donated Thank You cards to yesterday's drawing has also offered up a lounge pant/ bib set from her company Two Green Olive trees. Her items are reminiscent of the casual luxury of a beach house. Her stuff is not beach-themed, but I can't keep the thought out of my mind- salty cool breezes and these lounge pants would be *heaven*. One of her trademarks is a controlled unfinished edge- purposefully frayed to showcase the texture of the fabric and create an unfussy look. Your child will love them!

As before, we'll draw winner tonight and post the video on Operation BDHQ.

Drawing #2 tonight!

Last night, we had fun doing a little video of the drawing. Rough around the edges, but it documents it. :-) The kids all wanted to help, but we only had two names to draw last night. Grant and Lael did it, because they asked first, and Dean was grumpy about it. So, tonight, the winner of the Make It Pretty prize package will have the honor of having their name drawn by Dean! See- everyone gets a turn! :-)

Let's look at the Make It Pretty prize package:

-Charm Star necklace. I've spoken here, and here about Beth, owener of Freshie & Zero and Charm Star. This necklace is especially neat because of the two tone double chain. Bright silver, and gun metal together hold the pendant making it more interesting than your average necklace. As you might have noticed, Freshie has outdone herself in donating jewelry to Operation BDHQ. Please bless her right back with your future jewelry purchases. (Mother's Day is coming! *hint* *hint*)

- Make your walls pretty with two pieces of original art by Jodi Reeves. I got to know Jodi while organizing the last Mamamade sale in 2008. She is a think-outside-the-box type of artist who shines in multi-media work. In her own words, here is a bit more about the pieces in the Make It Pretty prize package:

"The focus of 2009 for The Creative JAR is as always mixed media, but also recycled art. I have always tried to use recycled goods in my creations, but this year I am trying to make it so on most creations the only part that is not recycled is the paint, glue, thread, markers, etc. The elements that would be hard to use from a recycled form - not that you won't see scrap threads in some of work. The two pieces I am donating are both from some of the first batch that I made using all recycled goods except the paint, glue and markers. These pieces are on recycled peg board with recycled music paper decoupaged over the top - add a little paint and markers ....."

- Another Mamamade mamma, and homeschooling mother to five handsome sons, is Elizabeth of Two Green Olive Trees. She put together a set of Thank You cards for this prize package. I don't know about you, but in this current day of e-mail, I cherish real mail... out of my mailbox. And personally, I do my best to still write handwritten notes. These would be perfect for any occasion; they're very beautiful. Lest you think this is all Elizabeth does is paper goods- wait 'til we get to one of the other prize packages! Her main talent is sewing adorable casual wear for children and infants.

- And, lastly, in the Make It Pretty prize package is a fine art photography print from Row Toward Shore. The Red Door print they've donated is of high quality and a gorgeous image- nicely matted and awaiting a frame! I know I spoke of Row Toward Shore before. It is operated by my high school friend, Kate, and her husband. Honestly, we hadn't talked in about 10 years and then re-connected on Facebook. Because of our adoption, and their passion for adoption (they adopted their son from Russia about a year ago) we've had so much to share. I rejoice over that friendship and marvel at God's perfect timing in bringing us back in touch. If you're on Facebook also, let me recommend a group they started- Affording International Adoption. Kate and Harry are serious about helping others overcome the financial hurdle in adoption, since it is the #1 reason people say they don't adopt. On the group, you'll find tips on how to save, tips on how to earn extra income for your adoption fund, and plenty of fundraiser ideas.

Check out Operation BDHQ tonight to see who the winner is!

50% to Morninglight Sale!!!

I know that the talent God gave me is not only for my gain.  In the past year alone, I have been able to donate pieces of my work to three charity fundraisers: two art shows, and one silent auction.  

Most recently, I have felt urged to donate a percentage of my profit to Morninglight Ministries.  As we are adopting from Taiwan, the need there and the people of that country have burrowed in my heart.  An amazing family, the Pan family, is paving the way for incredible work to be done in the lives of children and women.  I've spoken of it before.  Right now, even before a formal home has been built, the Pans have taken in two pregnant women who need a place to feel secure before and after they give birth.  $500 is the cost for medical care, counseling, and housing for each woman and I wish to see that covered for them.

So, until the end of October, any custom Hidden Name paintings I am commissioned to do, I will donate 50% of the profit toward Morninglight.

Cost: $220 ($110 goes directly to Morninglight)

What you get:

-consultation time with me via phone or e-mail regarding artwork

-custom 10x14 watercolor painting with your selected name hidden in the scene

-a color key to make finding the letters easier

-a bonus blank greeting card of my design as a thank you for taking part in this special fundraiser!

Q&A:

Q: Does it have to be my name?

A: No, silly.  This is great for children- and that is all I've done so far.  But, I'd also love to hide a family name, or a favorite word (for instance, "family", or "peace", or "hope" would be great).

Q: I don't really know what I want, but I like the concept; can you help me?

A: Absolutely!  I actually work best with few constraints and I believe that my clients have enjoyed the surprise.  Seeing the hidden letters is the best part.  But, I often hear that the second best part is seeing how I took their favorite things and ran with them.  Favorite colors, important places, cherished animals, or hobbies translate into completely original scenes.

Q: How long until I get my painting?

A: Once I've had a phone or e-mail consultation with you, I aim for 3 weeks working time before shipping your piece to you.

Q: Is there any way I can get something smaller, or bigger?

A: Sure, contact me and we can talk about it.

Q: I'm a bit nervous about purchasing without seeing the finished product.  How can I be sure I will like it?

A: As we work through your consultation, I will not begin painting until you're confident with the vision I describe.  That portion of the process is a collaboration and influences the final artwork as little or as much as you desire.  For the more visual types, I would be happy to work up a rough sketch, scan it, and e-mail for an additional fee.  We'll work together until you're happy.

Q: Can I see some samples?

A: But of course:

This is one of my most recent ones, done for Grant.  Not my Grant,  Rebecca's Grant, and the waiting brother of Owen from China.  I also had the pleasure of doing one for Owen himself (not pictured).

this one was for Ivan

for Jackson

for Violet

I love Egyptian Kings!

We've been watching this commercial over and over again.  The kids love it and so do I.  For me, it shouts of His amazing creation!  And the song is catchy, too.  :-)

Ballerina

So much going on that I feel I can't begin to blog.  Maybe there is a "Bits" post coming soon, but not now?

Mamamade happened and then I hit the ground running with preparations for company and a number of other things.

Can I distract you from my lack of blogging with a picture of my latest linocut?  :-)

"Ballerina"

image size 6"x8" on 8"x10" paper

printed on printer's paper made from mulberry and bamboo fibers

custom mixed inks (in a range of pinks), Speedball water-soluble ink

limited edition of 30

I plan on gifting a few with baby gifts to some Mommies having girls.  (I think a "girl wave" is happening... four people I know have had girls or are expecting girls!)  The remaining prints are available for sale (minus one I'm hanging in Lael's room).

Do I really sound like that?!

The Mamamade interview for Talk of the Town aired today.  If you missed it, encore airings will be on Channel 50 at noon and 4 p.m. the same day, and again at 9 a.m.on the 24th (Nashville channels, of course).  You can now view the segment online, too if you click this link and watch the video titled: Artistically Juggling the Demands of Motherhood and Jobs.  After the into commerical, our segment is roughly 4 minutes long and I'm at the end (Lael is at the beginning fighting over a hoola hoop, and Dean is seated in my lap- Grant was at school and, well, we all know where our other daughter is...)

I feel so blessed that things are going as well as they are- God has had His hand in so much of this and I couldn't be happier.

Prints

For some time now, I've been scanning in my artwork to keep as a portfolio.  Often enough, I give things as gifts or sell pieces and I want to have them to look back on.  This week, for the first time, I placed an order with a print shop for some glossy prints of these originals and was rather pleased with the result.  I think they are a great addition to the Etsy shop for anyone who wants a splash of color without breaking the bank.  In fact, the same day I listed a print of "Red Tulips", it sold.  Yay!  Tack one to your corkboard, cut it up for use in collage, or cover a book.  Of course, they can also be framed- but that is the obvious choice.  So, I'm offering them on Etsy for $12+shipping, and will be selling them at Mamamade for $10.

The painting I finished today, "Dogwood", is already scanned in.

9x12" 

Yarka pan watercolor on Strathmore (594-1) watercolor paper

The stunning blooms on our dogwood tree in the front yard were my inspiration.  I never stop being amazed at how simple, and beautiful they are.  We also have another dogwood on the side yard that produces pink blooms, but they haven't burst open yet.  Last year, we had a late frost that killed the blooms shortly after they opened, leaving horrible black-brown shriveled foliage hanging from the branches.  Apparently, we aren't yet out of the woods this year, because some pretty cold weather is headed our way tonight.  In fact, some mutterings about snow flurries were circulating yesterday.  And that comes on the heels of 81 degree weather from a few days ago!  Seriously, Nashville?  Come on.

Red Tulips

Well, I decided on two things yesterday.  No, three.  1. I'm going to leave "artist" as the descriptor on my business cards.  Thanks everyone for the input.  I'll randomly select someone to receive a little goodie from me...winner in the next post.  2. I'm not going to post the nest painting to my Etsy shop unless it doesn't sell at Mamamade.  Organizing the event this time has meant a lot less creating time and I don't want an empty booth.  3. I am totally taking Jessie up on her offer to design business cards for me which is a serious relief because she's great with that kind of stuff and I'm not.  Another time I might be up for a challenge, but not in the middle of all I have going on.  I told her it would be a trade so I can't wait to see what piece of art she'd like me to create for her!

When I sent around the Mamamade invite to my friends, a neighbor of mine asked if I might be interested in creating a piece for her mother whose birthday is coming up.  I told her to have a back-up present, but then found that an image solidified in my mind and I had to paint it.  She's seen it, and loves it.  Now I share it with you:

"Red Tulips"

8x10"

watercolor on Strathmore watercolor paper

Untitled Watercolor

Here is a piece I finished recently.  I'm terrible with titles of my paintings, so it is unnamed at the moment.

9"x12"

watercolor and india ink

This was such a joy to paint, and it turned out just how I envisioned.  I think that is every artist's struggle- getting the medium/ one's own hand to perform the way you want so that your mental picture matches what is created.  Grant is even struggling in that area right now with his drawings.  Just this morning, I complimented one of his illustrations from a school project and he expressed his frustration that it wasn't how he wanted it.  It's not a lack of confidence, he just was disappointed that he had trouble making it what was in his head.  I issued the parental advice of "practice, practice, practice" and shared with him that I still have that happen to me.  I'm just so tickled that he's finally having fun with drawing enough to *care* how it turns out!

I'll probably have this painting available at Mamamade, unless it sells on Etsy beforehand.

Cards, Cards, Cards...um, and more cards. (and a contest)

For Mamamade, we ordered 1,000 lovely glossy, gorgeous postcards with Beth Howard's beautiful logo and invite design.  They really aren't meant to be mailed postcard-style, but to be handed out.  The back side shows a sweet map of Franklin, Lillie Belle's and where the Main Street festival will be, along with a list of the participants.  And all of us Mamas are going to distribute them to people we know, and post them in prominent spots around Nashville.  We bought them at a very good price from VistaPrint.  Anyway, in the box was a promo "catalog" of their services with even greater discounts.  Like, 250 business cards for $3.99.  Once you add glossy finish, and uploading of personal images, and printing on the back of the card, you've paid more that $4, but the price is still REALLY good.  So, I'm thinking it's time to upgrade from my home printed, cut-with-scissors business cards to something more reflective of my work and my taste.  If I want it for Mamamade, I had better work quickly.

Here is what I need help on.  My Etsy name is "Tisra Fadely Originals"- that's fine- I'm fine with that and want it on the card.  But, is there some sort of tagline or description that I should have?  My sad little home printer cards just read, "artist".  I do sewing, knitting, painting, linoleum block print, and custom work.  What should I put?  C'mon everyone, get creative and help me out!  I'll toss in a giftie for the tagline I choose (unless I come up with something witty of my own, in which case I'll randomly choose a commenter to receive the prize).  No idea what the prize is yet, but I'll let the winner know here on the blog some time this week.

Mamamade Blinkie- please take!

I would love for all of my bloggy friends to spread the word about the Spring 2008 Mamamade Market I'm organizing.  If you'd be so kind as to post the Blinkie on your blog, I'd appreciate it.  Once this text is added to your sidebar, you should end up with a blog button like the one I have under my Etsy Mini on the left.

http://mamamadebiz.blogspot.com/2007/10/event-details-mamamade-2007-is-3rd.html">http://www.lamazenashville.com/mamamade08.gif">

All things Mamamade are going well.  We have all of the participants lined up, and they are AWESOME.  So much talent, and a lot of new faces.  Carrie, our wonder publicist (and owner of Los Pollitos Dicen), has lined up some great press exposure and we'll be taping for Talk of the Town this week.  Seriously.  I guess a taping is just a taping until it is aired, so I'll make sure everyone knows the date and we'll all cross our fingers that more important news doesn't get us cut.

I'm having banners printed this week, and Beth Howard (the amazing Emmy-winning Beth Howard) has done some great graphics work for us for postcards and flyers.  It's lovely.  The Mamamade blog has the latest- check it out.

And, yeah, somewhere in here I need to make some time to get my art together.  Eric asked me last night if I had anything to sell or if I was too consumed with organizing.  I've got stuff.  But, I would like to do a few more paintings that are in my head, and have more of treebranchONE and treebranchTWO printed up and framed for purchase.  Lots of ideas- lets see how many I can get to in the next three weeks.

Sailboat Map Painting

When I did the three map-like Hidden Name Paintings for the Kelso boys, I felt like I wasn't quite done with that technique.  I loved it, and just had to try my hand at it again.  This painting is the result.  No hidden letters, which Dean was a bit disappointed with since he has truly enjoyed hunting them out!  But, there is a whimsical whale, some silly mountains, and a calm sea with a sailboat.  As this was not a commissioned piece, there is no where to send it off to.  No owner to claim it.  I've posted it in the Etsy shop.  (but, it might look nice in the kids' bathroom, as well....hmmm...)

Painting specs:

- Yarka St. Petersburg pan watercolors, coffee wash, and india ink

-9x12" image size

- main colors: blues, greens, red, orange, and browns

Hidden Name Painting- Alexandra

Here is another Hidden Name painting I was commissioned to do.  The young girl on the receiving end was adopted from China and is quite enamored with dragons these days.  Her favorite colors are blue, green, and red, and she doesn't care much for girly-girl things like princesses.  I do hope she likes it!  Have fun seeking out the letters, A-L-E-X-A-N-D-R-A.

Painting Specs:

- 8x10"

- Strathmore watercolor paper

- Yarka St. Petersburg pan colors, with pencil and India ink lining

Last of the Kelso Hidden Name Paintings

This Hidden Name train painting is for O-W-E-N, and fits nicely in theme and tone with the others which is great, because they will be framed and displayed together.  I had such fun with this trio, and might experiment further with the techniques I used here.  Coffee washes are my new favorite- each painting I've done with them makes me smile- such a warm effect, and it creates little "rings" of color in unpredictable patterns when the watercolor is used over it.  Looking forward to delivering these to you guys and seeing them up on the wall!

Specs:

Hidden Name Custom Watercolor, 2008

roughly 9x12 inches 

Strathmore 140 watercolor paper

coffee wash, with Yarka St. Petersburg pan watercolors, and India ink pen

Hidden Picture painting for Aron

I painted three Hidden Name watercolor paintings for the Kelso family.  These images are of the one created for Aron, their youngest son (I'll show the others in future posts).  The first picture is of the full painting, and the remaining images are close-ups of the hidden letters, A-R-O-N.   Let me know if you have trouble finding the letters.

Specs:

Hidden Name Custom Watercolor, 2008

roughly 9x12 inches 

Strathmore 142 watercolor paper

coffee wash, with Yarka St. Petersburg pan watercolors, and India ink pen

Lovely Hearts 2

On Whip Up the other week, there was announcement of a gallery exhibit at artstream called Lovely Hearts 2.  The exhibit is to benefit Breast Cancer Research, and 50% or more of the profit goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the remainder goes to the artist.  I paid the application/ jury fee of $10 and sent a digital image of my "Bond of Perfection" painting.  I had just finished that painting and felt it really fit their theme of "Love".  All works have to be priced to sell for $100 or less, and are required to be less than 10"x 10"x 10".  

I was honored to be accepted and happily shipped off my painting to Artstream.  Hooray.  Even if it didn't sell, I felt like it was great just having a gallery accept my piece.  Although, I did make a bit of a faux pas- I sent the watercolor painting without the raw edge trimmed and the kraft paper tape I use to stretch the paper was visible.  Susan said she might be able to drum up a mat and must have, because it is listed as "matted".

Check it out here

As it is nearly the 8 year anniversary of my mom's death due to breast cancer (Feb. 25), I feel especially touched to participate in this showing.  The in-gallery sale is tomorrow, but works may also be purchased online.  There are some great artists I've just discovered through this; here are a few I like: Jessica Gonacha, Mimi Kirschner, Albina McPahil.

Spring 2008 Mamamade details

I am pleased to announce that there will be a spring Mamamade Market this year!  I am heading up the organization of the event with the help of two other Mamas, Carrie and Angel.  Chelle is a bit too busy this go 'round to plan the details, and I feel honored that she's comfortable placing the sale in my hands.  Sill me!... I forgot to add that Previous Mama, Julie, is our tech genius and web designer! 

If you know any crafty/ artsy/ creative mothers in the Middle Tennessee area, we are looking to expand the group- get them in touch with me.

Additionally, mark your calendars because it should be a lot of fun!

We're holding the event in at Lillie Belle's tea house in Franklin.  They have a sweet back garden courtyard that is covered with a permanent canopy, complete with ceiling fans, that we'll be using to shield everyone from the rain (hopefully not) and sun (hopefully).  Normally, they rent out for weddings and rehearsal dinners, so it has a very charming feel to it with fountains and the darling historic house.  I love Lillie Belle's.

The event will take place on April 26, 2008- the same day as the Franklin Main Street Festival.  Mamamade will open an hour before the festival for those who wish to avoid the heavy street traffic.  All parking is free, though you might need to walk a block or two.  My suggestion would be to bring the whole family and enjoy the Festival AND Mamamade.... and maybe even make reservations for lunch at Lillie Belle's.  That would be fun, wouldn't it?

I'm certain to blab about this a good deal over the next few months as I prepare.  My apologies in advance.  (Of course, if you're not tired of hearing about it- there is a Mamamade blog linked in the sidebar)

Speaking in Riddles

Coming soon

Do you see it?

More here.

Bond of Perfection

Here is a painting I did this week.  

Painting specs:

8x10 in. image size

Strathmore 592-2 watercolor paper

painted using Yarka St. Petersburg pan watercolors (loving them!)

Title undecided (suggestions?)

I was inspired by Colossians 3:14-17, which reads: 

4 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

J-A-C-K-S-O-N

Our brother-in-law, Aaron, flew in for the Chargers game with Eric and I sent him away with their Christmas presents:  the painting for Riley, a lino-cut for them, a few other gifties, and this painting for Jackson, my nephew.  Just like his sister's, I've hidden his name in the image- see if you can find all 7 letters!  I am considering offering custom paintings of this nature on my Etsy site, let me know if you're interested and I'll think on how that could be offered.

Painting specs: 8x10 image size on watercolor paper using Grambacher opaque watercolor (pan)