Works in Progress...

Yes, it's me, coming up for air from my workshop! Times are super busy, and I try not to look at the calendar as the reality of the date gives me both shivers and waves of heat all at once! I can imagine that my fellow Halloween & Holiday folk artist friends are feeling the same seasonal pinch. I know I should have spent the day painting, but I also know that it's fun for my collector friends to catch a glimpse at my creative process. And as the days tick by, I know I will have less and less opportunities to play. So, I am offering a preliminary peek at just some of the characters that are coming to life in my workshop. Keep in  mind, many of these fellows are still rough and will need finishing, trims, glass glitter and an occasional paper party hat to top him or her off. I have a feeling you will see less and less of me as I push through the last month to finish my collection of Halloween originals and prepare for my upcoming shows. So, Hello & Goodbye & See you soon! ENJOY.....

~ Johanna

(PS ~ Make sure to swing back by my blog on Tuesday for a sweet Giveaway!)


* That's me sharing a smirky-smile with too much on my mind.... art, art and more art ~ And then there's my other life - eat, sleep, clean, business, shop, book-keeping, and the list goes on! Where are my elves??????


* More hoot hoots on the way!...


* A Halloween bunny who adores candy corn carrots!


* A group of egg cup characters in the rough...


* A sweet ghostly guy with a purple patina...


* Decisions, decisions....


* A leg-less cat sitter, owl and Jack await more details...


* A sweet black & white cat wonders when I will make her collar and add her trims... I wonder this too!

Collector Spotlight: Amber in CA...

And last but not least to help me finish out my most favorite month is this fun Collector Spotlight featuring my friend Amber who also lives in California! She spotted my folk art early on when I was still experimenting with my mediums and technique, and some of her pieces date way back to 2005 (which honestly feels like ages to me!) You will enjoy perusing her collection of Halloween folk art which also includes many wonderful delights from fellow artist friend Nicol Sayre. So, grab a handful of Halloween candy and enjoy the photos that Amber has graciously shared with us here. Many thanks to Amber for the open invitation to visit her decorated home, and a personal thanks for admiring, following and collecting my work fron my earlier days of artistic exploration to the current time. It's such a treat for me to revisit all of these pieces and enjoy catching a glimpse of them in their loving home.........Please leave comments for Amber at the end of this posting.....




J:  How did you learn about my holiday folk art?  
A: The 1st time I spotted your creations was in 2005 at Halloween and Vine.  I went with a friend to snag a Nicol Sayre witch doll.  After the rush we saw your booth.  Unfortunately, I had already spent all my money!  But my friend was able to buy a large cat head sculpture. I loved it and knew I had to have one for myself!!

( * Above, one of my earlier tall vase sculptures featuring an original black cat towers over some vintage style Halloween novelties )

J:  How long have you been collecting my originals?

A: 6 years ~ I started collecting shortly after H&V that year.  Halloween is definitely my very favorite theme and holiday, but I couldn't wait for the next October to roll around so I started my collection with an adorable Snowman named "Peppermint Tommy".  I love him with his candy cane nose!  He is very special to me cuz he started the whole collection!

J:  Ahh, this does take me back, and I do recall you adopting Peppermint Tommy, but I didn't realize that he kick-started your JPD collection! What fun! (Amber has included a photo of Tommy lower in this post, so we can all go down memory lane :)

( * Above, a wonderful grouping of my Halloween originals congregate together on a side table in Amber's home ~ two of which were created this year while others date back to 5 or 6 years ago. Scrolling wrought iron candle stick accent pieces add additional interest to Amber's arrangement. What a beautiful display! )

( * Taking a closer peek, Amber displays her first JPD bat just recently acquired and grouped alongside an owl and jack-o'-lantern friend from year's past )

J: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original pieces; shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?

A: I have gotten pieces from Halloween & Vine, Web Sales and have been pretty lucky on Ebay!

( * Above, "Polka & Punkin" a candy container duo and "Ollie O'Lantern" are several years old, but still lookin' good and are some of Amber's favorites as you'll notice below..... )

J: Do you have a favorite piece in your private collection?

A: It is way to hard to pick a favorite...I actually have a lot of favorites!  LOL  Polka N' Punkin and Ollie O'Lantern are way up there...as well as Gilly Juggles, and one of my newest, Moonlit Owlvira!  And I cannot forget Jester Jack!  He was a surprise birthday gift from the sweetest man ever!!!

J: Ah, yes, those are some of my favorites from your collection as well!  I still pine over "Gilly Juggles" (pictured above) as he really did turn out quite special. I almost kept him back when I made him, but I'm happy that he's well-loved in your home and amongst so many other Halloween friends!

( * And there's "Jester Jack" pictured directly above, adopted for Amber during my Black & White Delight Web Sale this past spring by her thoughtful beau! And I spy another sitter character that I completely forgot that I made! He must be several years old..... And I do believe that smiling jolly jack candy container was created last fall.... )

( * Looking to another display, a one of a kind candy container cat grins from ear to ear and lights up the counter. A glass jar filled with black and white striped candy batons adds a bold graphic touch  )

J: What is it about my creations that captures your imagination?

A: There are so many things I love about your work.  The colors, designs, attention to detail.  What I love the most is that they are so whimsical and scream vintage Halloween!  They also trigger a wonderful nostalgia for me :-)  My JP collection is among my favorite possessions.

J: That makes me smile!  (mission accomplished!)

( * Amber proves that grouping both my reproduction art (the tall bat vase from my line of Bethany Lowe Designs products) can look quite dashing with an original piece of art like this one of a kind owl head. The draping spider webs and haunting cheesecloth add background texture, and those spooky apothecary bottles add a creepy old-world touch )

( * Another eye-catching Halloween display sprawls across the bar counter in Amber's kitchen. She clearly wants to surround herself with eye-candy as she cooks! Let's take a closer peek below...... )

( * And there sits "Moonlit Owlvira," mentioned above as one of Amber's faves. She's proudly displayed with some sweet jack-o'-lantern characters designed by doll artist, Nicol Sayre. It's fun to see how well they complement one another! )

( * Moving down the line, I spy a one of a kind black & white owl candy container that I believe Amber snagged off of a private sellers's auction on eBay. He really looks enchanting here with more Nicol Sayre folk art characters...... )

( * And it's fun to be reacquainted with "Belinda Bag Lady" who was photographed on my coffee table trunk in the 2007 issue of Halloween Tricks and Treats Magazine by BHG. She looks ever so pleased at home with Amber! And I'm really liking that old decorated dress form off in the distance ~ I have a similar piece here in my home! )

( * And we mustn't forget some of my earliest reproduction pieces from my Primitives by Kathy line...... )

J:  Is there anything in particular you suggest I try making in the future?

A: Hmmmmm....maybe a werewolf or perhaps a mummy???  Could be pretty darn cute I think :-)

Thank you again Johanna...this has been fun and I am honored :-) xoxox, Amber

J:  Oh, the honor is all mine Amber!  Everything is just lovely, and I am thrilled to see my creations in such good company and so well-received.

( * And one more Halloween original, a black cat rattle cone from way back when, suspends over two sweet Nicol Sayre folk art witch dolls )

*BONUS Feature!... Here's a sneak peek at Amber's collection of my Christmas originals along with a Spring-themed piece as well! She's got the seasons covered :)

( * And remember "Peppermint Tommy," the snowman that fueled her collecting passion for my creations? Well, he's pictured above at left with that fun-loving candy cane nose! It's a pleasure for me to revisit these guys for this winter's inspiration! And look, one more sitter rests by his side! Looks to me like both Amber & Sandy & Gary had their sights set on my short-lived run on folk art sitters!..... Maybe I'll reintroduce a collection of sitters one of these days )

( * One more pair of my one of kind snowmen make me laugh with their quirky smiles. These guys date back 5 years or so! )

( * Ahhh, and I remember making a series of these nesting birds, each very unique and all-seasonal for the home. I wish I had more time these days to create more every-day delights, but Halloween has really stolen my focus with its high demand and popularity! At any rate, this turquoise bird looks lovely on an old peely white antique display cabinet )


Well, it was certainly a pleasure to see and share with you Amber's delightful collection of folk art!  A warm thanks goes out again to Amber for allowing us into her lovely home. She has offered a generous glimpse to us, so please offer your comments below for Amber to enjoy.

This has a been a delightful series during my most favorite month with 3 Collector Spotlight Features! I am honored to see my creations bringing joy to your homes and look forward to featuring more private collections in the near future!

Thanks again and Happy Halloween Collecting,
~ Johanna

Collector Spotlight: Mona in CA...

I have the pleasure of introducing to you another dear collector of mine. Her name is Mona, and she has been acquiring my Halloween (and Christmas) originals for a few years now! With a shared passion for collecting, she is great friends with Celeste, pictured alongside her, and it was Mona's bag that I mistakenly swopped with Gary & Sandy's bag at this year's Ghoultide Gathering! (Oh it's a small world which makes for a comical tale, now that it's in the past!) Mona's delightful collection is certainly sprawling with one of a kind Halloween collectibles from both myself and that of my fellow artist friends. Fortunately, Mona snapped a fun variety of photos to share, so sit back and enjoy as she opens her doors to us. Many thanks to Mona for offering this delightful peek into her home and for taking the time to answer my questions. :)



J:  How did you learn about my holiday folk art?  
M:  I met you at the  Halloween and Vine Show in 2008 and bought my first piece Dixie Dot.

( * I was excited to see just how many of my Halloween originals Mona has lined up in one spot! It's an impressive march of jack-o'-lanterns, cats, bats, owls and a moon, spider, bunny and crow! Also in the mix includes a Carolee Clark Welcome Dearies sign, a Tammy Strum tambourine, and a squash man by Laurie Hardin ).... You can click on this image for a larger view......

J:  How long have you been collecting my originals?

M: 3 years

( * I thought I would zoom in a bit so you can see these characters up close. So, here we are starting on the left end....  I do believe that the center cat pictured with illustrated hat is "Dixie Dot," Mona's first piece of mine! Thanks to Dixie's charm, it seems that Mona got hooked!)

J: What is it about my creations that captures your imagination?

M: I love that when I look at your whimsical creations they make me smile, some artists creations make me cringe when I look at them.  I am not into the dark side of Halloween I love the light side.  Halloween makes me think of my childhood and the fun it was going door to door trick or treating.  I also love the warm soft hues you use to capture the feel of Halloween!

J: I think you nailed it Mona ~ my art certainly focuses on the happy-spirited side of Halloween, and I want to evoke those sweet, nostalgic memories. I'm glad it's working!

( * Front and center on this shelf of characters is a proudly standing base chamber vase bulldog original of mine that Mona snatched up alongside the bat and moon cups at last year's Ghoultide Gathering )

( * A perching owl and black cat pair were likely adopted at the last Halloween & Vine I exhibited in, while Mr. Spider, a new character this year, was adopted at the 2011 Ghoultide Gathering. Mona likes to use wooden pedestals to elevate key pieces in her collection )

J: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original pieces; shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?

M:  All of the above, I have found them at Halloween and Vine, Ghoultide Gathering, your Open House, web sales, I have been lucky a couple times and been able to snatch your catches and ebay.

J: Do you have a favorite piece in your private collection?

M: I don't have a favorite piece of yours, but Celeste does, she loves the candy corn egg cup cat on the ice box!  I have to make sure she doesn't tuck in her purse when she leaves.  ; )

J: That's too funny! Yes, do keep an eye on that little cat as he could be easily lifted when your back is turned :) (Speaking of, that cat is pictured in the image above, appropriately placed with an assortment of candy-filled jars and a fun squash character by Laurie Hardin.)

( * Halloween art has found its way to the kitchen island in Mona's home as well! Here, my reproduction Halloween horns (from my Bethany Lowe Designs line) surround an older tripod cat reproduction (from my Primitives by Kathy line) As always, I am in great company with the stunning platter by Carolee Clark, winking Jack by William Bezek and lantern-carrying JOL man by Scott Smith! OH, and I believe I spy a moon man off in the distance by Brandi McKenna...)

( * More fun characters dot the house as we come across another one of my older black cat egg cups joined by a group of friends from Jodi Battaglia. In the background a hand-painted handled-plaque by Elona Engelke and a decorated clock by Angela Walter set the spooky-fun mood )

( * 2 of my latest egg cup characters, including my first little mouse, are set aglow thanks to a whimsical lamp by Spookylvania! What FUN! )

J:  Is there anything in particular you suggest I try making in the future?

M: I would love to see you make a Halloween raccoon.  I just can see you doing one with it's natural mask.  Frankenstein would be fun!!!!  Halloween Bell ornaments like you make at Christmas.  Let me know if you need more ideas ; )

J:  Great ideas & yes, keep them coming! 

( * Perching atop an antique Victorian secretary is one of my original owl ball characters that I believe Mona was able to snag during a past EHAG Emporium sale. Paired with a Nicol Sayre black cat, they make a fun duo )

( * A wider view reveals additional creations by Lori Mitchell, Allen W. Cunningham, Vergie Lightfoot and Tammy Strum )

( * Above, a mirrored curio cabinet is lined with shelves of Mona's collection of Wee Forest Folk. "Best Witches" an original bust of mine proudly tops it off, while Scott Smith's Old Crone keeps watch )

( * On a nearby table, my one of a kind "31" bat takes cover under a whimsical Halloween tree!  And one of Laurie Hardin's signature orbs adds a touch of magic to the side )

( * Even a visit to the bathroom never disappoints at Mona's residence! My reproduction owl pail (from my Bethany Lowe Designs line) perches above an antique wash basin table which displays 2 handmade characters from Lori Ann Corelis.  Glowing above resides a witch and pale trio by Laurie Hardin)

I hope you enjoyed this Collector Spotlight feature! Please leave your comments for Mona below. She has graciously opened her doors to you, and I am sure she would enjoy reading your thoughts...

And once again, Thank You Mona for sharing. Both myself and my fellow Halloween art friends truly appreciate your passion for what we do!

~ Happy Halloween Collecting ~
 ~ Johanna ~

Eye Spy!...

It's always a joy to spot my Halloween works popping up in unexpected ways! Last month I had the pleasure of finding one of my original black cats peering back at me in the debut issue of FOLK Magazine! Here, I'm in good company with a menagerie of Halloween artisans chosen as FOLK's favorites, so thank you FOLK :)  In addition, the fall staple Tricks & Treats Magazine by Better Homes & Gardens revealed an unexpected grouping of candy containers in a private home feature. Fortunately, the owner with her "zest for decorating" included a pair of my reproduction cat & owl glass jars. I had friends and family spotting this way before I had ever made it out to the newsstands. What a treat! As much of my time is spent at home creating, my chances to journey out and shop are far and few. So it's a always a surprise to see the work that I do take on a life of its own in various magazines and within the private collections of others. Just thought I'd share...... Happy Halloween to all & thank you for the opportunity to share my work with you!

~ Johanna



* Amongst Halloween art friends, Robert Brawley, The Whimsical Whittler, Lori Ann Corelis, Cheswick Company, Prim Penny, Jody Cain, Needlin Around & Honey and Maple Syrup.


* A closer peek at this jolly cat ~ I'm still scratching my head as to where the staff at FOLK actually found this image..... surprise, surprise is all I can say!



* Homeowner, Cher Beall shares her collection of candy-filled jars in her "fall frolic" feature in Better Homes & Gardens, Tricks & Treats Magazine. Can you spot my two jar designs?

Hootin' Auction & a Halloween Web Sale!

Woooooo!  I am wrapping up a really great Halloween Art season with a super special Owl Egg Cup Auction on eBay and a Halloween Web Sale next Wednesday. In the meantime, I will be glued to my computer screen as I finish up the graphics for my upcoming sale. As for the owl, this unique character was made famous this fall, thanks to the folks at Phyllis Hoffman's Celebrate Halloween Magazine. This internationally known seasonal publication is currently featuring my one of a kind Halloween folk art, and this original owl of mine is pictured twice on page 23. Oh how I wavered back and forth.... too keep or not to keep. Alas, he is now on eBay and accompanies a signed copy of this Halloween collector's magazine. Many thanks to all of you for placing a bid of affection for this sweet guy. Best of luck to you! As this auction is winding down on the evening of October 19th, my Halloween Web Sale will commence!  For more details and the exact start time, please Join My Mailing List!...





* Like all of my signature egg cups, simply lift his body up to reveal a cup below to stash tiny trinkets, treats, jewels or whatever you fancy....





* Look for the spooky-fun coconut cake on the cover of this year's Halloween issue of Celebrate Magazine! My article starts on page 23.....




* Visit my Auction Page to see more views and descriptions of this very special owl. The winner also takes home a signed copy of this magazine....




* And Save the Date for my last Halloween Web Sale of the year!  A Dozen-plus one of a kind characters will be available for your choosing. Members of my e-Mailing List will receive the full scoop, including the official start time. So, do JOIN now if you are not on my e-maling list already.

Thank you,
~ Johanna

Scenes from the Trunk Show!...

This time, Fall in all its cold and wet dreariness haunted our Halloween Trunk Show. We have been spoiled with warm Indian summer days for the last 5 years, but we were due! Despite the chill, we were so thrilled to see that many of you braved the weather to visit with us and collect a few more Halloween delights for your homes this year. An extra thanks goes out to you out-of-state collectors that traveled via the skies (perhaps by broom? :) to attend this fun event. It was so wonderful to see all of your smiling faces. Many thanks also to Sam Robinson, our event planner extraordinaire along with all the vendors that made this year's trunk show extra special. With just moments to spare, JP and I rushed around and snapped some photos to share with those unable to attend.... Enjoy!

~ Johanna



* That's me in my silly Halloween attire, in front of my hutch of Halloween originals......



* My reproduction Halloween-hatted head characters flew off this old plant stand that they were spookishly hovering on......



* This year's illustrated Halloween cones were also a fun find for my shoppers looking for a little something to spook their homes with...



* I loved how this last-minute display turned out, showcasing my black cat pins. An old wire plant basket made for the purrrfect web-like rack for these popular guys!



* And there's Sweet Owlfred and friends perched atop a rusty old step ladder!



* The back wall of my display in all it's orange and black glory! My signed reproductions from both Primitives by Kathy & Bethany Lowe Designs are showcased, left and center. The right corner hutch housed this year's Halloween originals...



* There's Sam Robinson, aka Manorisms and also our show promoter, snapping some quick  photos before the doors opened. If you squint, you can see my display at center and all the way, straight back!



* As usual, I had about 10 minutes to spare and make the rounds to snap some quick pics. JP had a camera too, so he caught me in the act!



* The clock struck noon and the collectors, who had been huddled under a tent out in the rain, came marching in! Look at all the smiles on their faces ~ love that :)



* Hungry? For those with an empty belly, Erica McNeish was offering some of her yummy eats for lunch....



* Not to mention her delicious sweets for dessert ~ look at those luscious candied apples!



* Erica prepares for the frenzy of hungry guests!



* Next door to me, Mr. Bumble Bindelgrim had a striking display of vintage Halloween delights, up for grabs!



* And, I snapped a quick photo of him before the Halloween fans arrived to snag a copy of his new book, The Pumpkin Dream...



* Handmade pumpkin folk nodders and paper lanterns also graced his table...



* Brightly hued jacks and black cats from Bindelgrim's vintage collection were a hit!



* My other neighbors were Kirsten of Pearl Clothing & Jil Cappucio with her fun fashions...



* Across the way was Heide Murray with her novelty Halloween delights including some spooky rings made from real human molars!



* And to her side was Mysti Gulsrud of Delphinium Design with a table full of colorful Dia de Los Muertos jewels and delightful Halloween handmades....



* And it was fun to see Ed & Sherry of Sticks n' Things join us this year with their creations from wood...



* Up front, attendees were greeted with the colorful delights offered by Sam Robinson, aka Manorisms....



* Homemade apple butter plus other jams & a series of adorable handmade jack-o'-lanterns were made by Sam's mom, Mozell Falletti!



* Cubbies of Jacks and gumballs certainly excited the children that always enjoy Sam's offerings....



* More Halloween novelties from Sam, displayed on electric green!



* And all that orange caught my eye ~ sweet, stitched Jack by Mozell Falletti...



* Kiddy Kits, Raspberry Pear Jam, finger puppets and Apple Mint spread enticed the shoppers...



* Due to the rainy weather, Rabbit Shadow Farms moved their whimsical plants indoors and offered both a fresh scent and visual treats for the senses...



* Pome of Denver had a fun display including black cats ~ one of my favorites!



* Spooky fun collage art also on display from Pome...



* And to "top it off" we had Erin Saboe, our hat-maker offering handmade witch's hats, and just in time for Halloween!



* And although we found homes for many of my Halloween folk art one of a kinds, I still have a fun variety to offer.

So, MARK YOUR CALENDARS for the evening of Wednesday, October 19th when I will be offering those to you during my Halloween Web Sale! Stay tuned for a variety of sweet characters, each unique. The fun takes place on my Folk Art Originals page. For the official start time and details please join my e-mailing list. An easy sign-up form resides on the sale page at the link above.

Happy Haunting!