Saturday, July 31, 2010

Moons & Cats, OH my!...

Well, the last day of the month is upon us and that means the EHAG Emporium has opened its doors once again to unveil a variety of Halloween original delights. Inspired by the full moon this month, I decided to create my very own! Take a peek at "Fulluna" below wearing one of my moon & bat illustrated hats and elevated over a tripod stand. Equipped with craters and all, Fulluna is a frightfully fun lunar friend! And, I also managed to squeeze in one of my signature cats on a ball characters too! Keeping with the lunar theme, "MoonaLisa" will make you smile with her moon-themed decorations and spooky expression. Let's take a closer peek...

Fulluna-front-2

And here is "Fulluna," a whimsical hand sculpted and painted papier mache moon! Fulluna is also featured on the EHAG Emporium this month.

"Fulluna" ~ 9.75" tall ~ $375.00 plus shipping *SOLD*

Fulluna-left

And..... . . . . . . . .

MoonaLisa-front

And let's not forget "MoonaLisa," a whimsical hand sculpted and painted papier mache cat on a ball character!

"MoonaLisa" ~ 7.25" tall ~ $330.00 plus shipping *SOLD*

MoonaLisa-back

To reserve one of these Halloween collectibles, please email me at:
johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com

Thanks for stopping by!
~ Johanna

Saturday, July 24, 2010

New Hats in the works!...

For the past 7 years I have designed at least one new illustrated paper hat for my Halloween folk art originals to wear. When I release my fall collection of one of a kinds, you will see the hats appearing in a variety of sizes and worn on the heads of a select few of my characters. I am a little slow at completing my hats this year, but luckily I have just finished a batch! You can take a peek at what I have so far! Adding my signature hats is a fun way for me to share my love for illustrating with my fondness for papier mache. It's a mixed media approach to my art that completes the package and gives the work one extra step of uniqueness. ENJOY and keep an eye for the various characters who will be sporting these hats soon!

~ Johanna

Halloween-Hat
* One of several party hats, just formed and glued and ready
to by worn by a papier mache folk art character!


Halloween-Hat-template
* Here's the flat art before it goes to print. The oranges appear
yellow, but the output is a yummy rustic orange hue...

Halloween-Hat-small
* Hats in various sizes line up to be inspected and then set aside
for the next phase in the folk art process...


* © 2010 Johanna Parker Design *Photos, designs and concepts are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

It's Rhyme Time once again!

Well, it's a new month and a new Rhyme Time Original has been born! This time I have created a charming black cat named "Smilin' Simon!" He's an unusual sculpt for me as I rarely create full-figure cats. His auction starts tonight, so make sure to check back for a link and to read my latest poem explaining just why Simon smiles so much :) ENJOY, and Thank You for your generous bids of support!

UPDATE: Here's Smilin' Simon's Auction LINK!
Best of luck!

~ Johanna

Smilin'-Simon-back-right-twist

Smilin'-Simon-Rhyme-Time-Original

Smilin'-Simon-zoom

* © 2010 Johanna Parker Design *Photos, designs and concepts are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Mom is Back!...

Well, I have some fun news to share! My mom, that's Kathy Parker to you, is a new product designer for Primitives by Kathy! The first seven of her items just came out in PBK's 2010 Supplement. I have a sneak peek below of her charming designs along with their corresponding item numbers in case you want to order a few for yourself!

Kathy-Parker-Halloween-PBK

* Of course, I love this Spooky Pillow for Halloween!...

Mom is certainly the force behind my passion for folk art today. When I was little, I remember her weaving all sorts of unusual items from contemporary wall art to Santas. Her style evolved when the country movement hit the 1980s. She was always on the hunt for cutter quilts and accessories to add to her country dolls, and she taught me what to look for too. Soon, I was wanting to try my hand at crafting, and I found myself sewing samplers and patched art pillows. Together we sold our handmade items at local craft fairs, and really enjoyed sharing our creations with others who appreciated our work. Along the way, I branched off and grew fond of the papier mache and paints while mom continued to sew her one of a kind delights. So, we each have our own niche, but we certainly enjoy the art of crafting together.

When my family was relocated to Seattle about 8 years ago, mom's life drastically changed. Not knowing anyone in her surroundings, she poured her creative energy into making her new house a home, repainting room after room and decorating with her colonial touch. But soon she took on the honorable role as my grandfather's caregiver for the last few years of his life. He became her priority, and all else including her art were left in the past. After his passing, the house felt empty and mom was not in a place to create. Luckily with time there is healing, and I urged mom to delve back into her fabric arts and to tap back into that creative bliss that she now enjoys today. Obviously, she did, and I am so happy that her love for crafting has returned! She inspired me years ago, and I like to think that I have returned the favor by inspiring her :)

A big CONGRATS goes out to you Mom as you embark on this exciting creative path, and I know your sweet designs will bring many smiles to many people for years to come!

Kathy-Parker-Christmas-PBK

* These are too cute for the holidays! To see Kathy Parker's current line of products, CLICK HERE!

Kathy-Parker-Santa-Snowmen-PBK

What's next on her list you ask...? Well, I suggest she starts her own blog! Mom, it's about time :) Cheers to you!

With love,
~ Johanna

PS.... Did you see mom's holiday home feature in Country Sampler Magazine last year? If not, take a peek HERE!

* © 2010 Kathy Parker *Designs and concepts are the property of Kathy Parker and may not be used without permission

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy Lazy 4th of July!...

Ever since the weather has warmed, Jack's new summer-time napping spot is on the old wicker settee in our back sun room. He is always sprawled out with all fours up in the air and his big soft belly exposed. It cracks me up (even though the scene is completely covered in black fur!) So, today when I walked through "his" room, he was sporting an American flag under his front paws! Imagine that??! So, out came the camera, and here is the proof..... :)

Flag-Jack

HAPPY LAZY 4th to all of my friends out there in blogland! I hope you have a moment to put your feet up and lounge around like Mr. Jack likes to do.

Cheers,
~ Johanna