Blossoms of Light...

A few nights ago, JP and I made a date to experience the Denver Botanic Gardens' magical exhibit of glowing lights. Despite the cold factor, we had a fun time, but we did find ourselves walking with a brisk gait in order to keep warm...brrrrrrr! After we walked through the twinkling gardens, we stopped indoors for a dose of heat and to visit a colossal display case that JP recently built for the gardens to house their botanical drawings in.... I'll post some photos below..... Enjoy...

~ Johanna


* Me, in silhouette, sitting on a bench in front of a glowing tree.....


* A closer look at the tree above...Wow! What patience they must have had wrapping those lights so tightly around and around that trunk!


* Peek-a-boo!... Can you find JP?.....


* Me, crouching below a trio of red & white striped trees.....


* JP on a magenta-lit path leading to the main building.....


* Indoors, JP stands in front of this amazing display case that he built for the gardens...


* A closer look at the beautiful Pomele Sappele wood that makes this showcase so stunning....

Rise & Shine!...

* Another illustration from my new line of notepads.....

Happy 2008! It's the 11th day of a new year, and I have been so busy that I have not made the time to visit my own blog. My hubby and I have been on a cleaning and organizational spree since '08 rolled in. With a little motivation and planning, together we have transformed my messy studio room into an efficient work space for the both of us to actually "function" in! Ha!.... Now, he even has his own desk, and I can actually find my drafting table! I avoided it for months, especially during my busy season where I spent long days in the basement sculpting. But, I have to say that it's worth the extra effort to take a little time to wade through the piles and organize! We even took a little field trip to the Container Store to find a few fun alternatives to store our "important stuff" in rather than letting things pile up and allowing the dust to settle....

Now, we're on to the basement for more fun! Oh boy, that WILL be a challenge....

When I get a sec, I'll take a few pics and post them here. For now, I just wanted to check in and say hi and encourage you to get on with the organizational projects too! Everybody's doing it! Join in on the fun :)

~ Johanna

New Designs for a New Year...

As this year nears it's 365th day, I realize that we are about to start Chapter 2008. What opportunities and challenges will I face, and what creative projects will I start and hopefully finish? This nearing new year holds the answers, and I am hopeful that it will again be a year of abundance, inspiration and exciting possibilities.

Unlike this year, I hope to make more time for my illustration passion in the months to come. I spent so many of my days sculpting and painting my folk art in 2007 that I barely made space to draw. Fortunately, I was able to illustrate a small, but fresh collection of notepads for the new Primitives by Kathy '08 catalog. With little time to spare, I centered my designs around my love of nature and animals (of course!). So, I'll post a few of these latest drawings below. My fingers are crossed that I can spend more creative time developing my illustration portfolio and perhaps someday be able to offer you a line of greeting cards, party ware, children's books, etc etc etc.......

Happy New Year to all, and may this next chapter be filled with joy, imagination and many blessings!

~ Johanna


* Hmmm, birds perching and fluttering around feeders certainly do look familiar... I guess my bird-watching hobby inspires my art!
© 2007 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.
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A White Colorado Christmas...

We woke up to a winter wonderland today... Reminiscent of a nostalgic scene from a child's storybook, the snow was falling and forming fluffy piles on the rooftops and across the frosty landscape. We bundled up in layers and went outside. I filled the feeders and took some photos while JP shoveled snow, creating little foot paths for us to find our way. I think we have about 5 inches and counting as it continues to fall in significant amounts.... I'll post a few pics below. Merry Christmas to all!

~ Johanna


* JP stands with shovel in hand, clearing a path to the front door...


* Small birds (I believe they are Juncos...?) peck through a layer of snow to find their seed...


* I made a covered feeding station for my squirrel friends... Now sheltered under an old chair, their food will stay dry....


* JP shovels a path up to our unfinished potting shed....

A Magical Christmas Party...

Last night, JP and I were invited to a festive party here in town. Our new collector friends, Dave & Yvonne have a true passion for decorating all things Christmas! Like something out of a winter's fairytale, their home's interior was aglow with magical lights, a forest of over 40 glowing trees, holiday collections and shimmering ornaments from every angle. I was drawn to their towering Christmas tree, twinkling with vintage bubble lights and an eye-catching display of colorful glass baubles. I'll share a couple of photos from the evening, but of course, they do not do their decorated home justice, so you'll have to use your imagination :) Happy Holidays!

~ Johanna


* Me, in my heels, yet dwarfed next to this spectacular tree....


* JP, sipping sangria and taking in the festive view from the upstairs balcony...