You're Reading the Blog of a Published Artist!

Really!  For real!  This morning, I walked out the door to take Dana on her walk and there it was- a large envelope from Stampington and Company.  Of course, that delayed the walk for a few minutes while I looked for my artwork.  Seeing Edgar Allen Poe on the front of Somerset Studio Magazine, I knew which piece it was, but seeing it there on the actual magazine page was something I just had to do!

It's very interesting to me that this is the first official art magazine I'm in when Halloween mania is in full swing 'round here (and never officially goes away).  How could I not enter this challenge, though?  Edgar Allen Poe!!  I'm a fan. :)

This issue isn't available on newsstands yet, but when the September/October Somerset Studio magazine is out, be sure to pick up a copy!

The cover of Somerset Studio Magazine

The middle image to the far right is mine!  Yep, right there on a magazine page!

And because it's hard to read my name (My Name!) and the description due to the spine, here's a close up.

This is my original scan of the art before I sent it off.  If you know Poe, then you'll understand the words.  :)  BTW, I would be flattered if someone shared this, but please credit the original source and note that others should do the same.  Thanks!

I do realize I'm being a bit of a geek about this, and I am perfectly ok with that. ;)

So, the news about the magazine was this morning and then this afternoon I found out that we have enough people registered for my Art Journaling workshop to hold it!!  There are still spaces left, so if you'd like to take a workshop with a published artist, be sure to sign up!! :D

I am overwhelmedly grateful. :) 

Pumpkin Party Dreaming

A few years ago, we had a pumpkin carving party.  It was a great way to celebrate early with friends and still enjoy Halloween night without the responsibility of a party.  This year, I'd like to have another one and have "saved the date" before October gets too filled up, as it tends to do.  Having a large party sends me into a panic thinking about it... I would like this to be a very kid-centered soiree... que sera sera.

This post over at A Fanciful Twist has me thinking of more magical ways to make the party fun, even if we will probably have it in the early afternoon for the kiddies.  Be sure to check out the links in that post for her previous parties as well! And Keep Dreaming!

clipart from Dover's "Old Fashioned Halloween" book and CD.

P.S. Clearly, after looking at those posts, I need more "stuff".  Guess I'll just have to make and collect things full time... good thing the Fleatique is coming up again soon.  ;)

Vintage Halloween Goodness

Halloween, my favorite holiday hands down, is only 84 days away!!

House of Hawthornes: I Love Vintage Halloween: Since this post contains so many photos from the Country Living Magazine that sent me into vintage Halloween overdrive, I thought it would be great to link it here.  When I saw that article, I cannot even describe the excitement I felt!  Since Angelo has been old enough to express that he doesn't like super creepy Halloween stuff, my decor is leaning way more in this direction, which is just fine by me.  It's a great excuse to make more stuff!

A book that I absolutely love, and have mentioned here before, is Bethany Lowe's Folk Art Halloween.  It is only about $7 on Amazon right now- I just can't believe that!

This witch on the front is just spectacular and it's been on my list of projects for years.  Last year, I actually had (most of) the pattern templates enlarged and got the styrofoam ball for the head.  Hopefully my paper clay is still good and I can actually get it made this year.  Angelo has asked to be Winnie the Pooh this year, and I already bought a pattern off of Ebay, so that means only one costume to sew.  We were Tigger, Kanga and Roo when Angelo was 2.  So less sewing means I'm more likely to actually finish this.  *fingers crossed*

As part of my Birthday present to myself, I'm planning a trip to the Ghoultide Gathering this year- finally!!!  Previously, something else had already been planned or the drive was too far from Morgantown.  Hopefully, I have a driving companion, but if not I may just go solo or even take the family with me...  

This Halloween inspiration is really keeping me going.  No Pennsic for us this year, which is really disappointing and "just as well" considering I have the Art Journaling workshop coming up.  

You'll get the full low-down on the no Pennsic situation later.  Until then, enjoy the rest of your week! 

On Art, Business and More with Kelly Rae Roberts

This really felt worth re-posting here.  Originally on the blog Smart Creative Women, here are both parts of the whole interview.  It seems applicable to any creative career.

Unfortunately, there was no option for embedding the second part of the video interview, but you can check it out by clicking here.