Hats off to Halloween!...

I took a little break from sculpting Bethany Lowe Christmas designs to illustrate a new series of Halloween hats for my one-of-a-kind characters. Each year, I make a point to create at least 2 new party hat designs for my annual collection of originals. This year, I will have 3, an owl theme, a black cat theme, and a whimsical stack of jack-o'-lanterns. So, now that the hats are ready, I need to sculpt the characters!

Anyway, I'll post a couple pics I took the other day when I was assembling these whimsical accessories.....

~ Johanna


* Jack, the real black cat decided to snag my seat, so I gave him a festive collar to match...Now, if only I could get him to wear one of my hats....hmmmm


* Hats, in various sizes, dry along my work counter and will be stored until I create the characters that will wear them....

© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Garden in June....

Well, as promised, I've taken some more photos out in my perennial garden. June and July are my most favorite months to enjoy the colorful blooms and watch the plants grow! It's truly amazing how this perennial bed has come to life, and it certainly offers much inspiration to an artist like myself. I only wish I had more time to spend in it, but I try to at least peek in and walk the path each day, observing nature along with the birds and insects that frequent this space. ENJOY!...

~ Johanna


* The wooden arbor (which JP and I were married under in our parent's backyard) welcomes the curious and leads you along a flagstone trail....


* A view from the side glancing at that trail that we created almost 10 years ago...


* Richly colored magenta clematis flowers just bloomed and climb a column of rusty wire remesh...


* Red roses climb an old white fence in the foreground...


* Peeking in at the arbor, the garden calls you in....


* Old rusty treasures decorate the natural landscape, while adding interest and texture...


* The treadle of an old sewing machine serves as the base for a planter along with a funky old motel chair and milk can...


* Looking down across the top of an old rusty gate, flowers sprawl about in all directions...


* Brilliant orange blooms contrast against a field of green textures...


* An old scale serves as the perfect hanging container for annual flowers and alerts us when it's time to water again...


* A sweet northern flicker awaits his turn to feed on the seed...


* Another view of the arbor entrance....


* Looking back from the patio and out onto the yard...

Halloween Tease...

I have been a Halloween Hermit all month! For me, May has been a blur of whimsical orange and black bats, owls, jack-o'-lanterns and cats as I have been busily working on my first Halloween product submission for Bethany Lowe Designs! I am thrilled to now be working with this very talented and reputable company, and look forward to seeing my holiday collections debut in January! If only I had more patience.....

So, this may explain why I have been missing in action. It's a relief to have this group of goodies complete, and I can't wait to share them with you next year! For now, I'll post a few teaser pics of just a few of my original samples. Stay tuned for my collection of candy containers, collectibles and festive party hats coming your way!

~ Johanna














© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Spring in My Garden...

I love this time of year. As the earth reawakens with vigor, I can smell the scent of sweet blooms all around. The young, rich green hue of leaves and foliage unfurling and grass sprouting up awakens my senses. And fortunately, my perennial flower garden once again thrives after a long winter's sleep.

This morning, I took a few photos of my outdoor refuge. I find it amazing that within just a few weeks, it has truly come to life! Yet, it still has far to go before reaching its maturity for the year, as soon there will be splashes of color scattered about and plants growing to new heights while others cascade. Of course, I look forward to experiencing that! I promise to take more photos of its progress. For now, enjoy.....

~ Johanna


* Delicate flowers from this Bleeding Heart plant dangle in the breeze... I am certain that they have inspired artists alike for many years...


* An old rusty gate invites visitors to enter, but good luck finding the stepping stones...


* A bee visits the bloom of this Bachelor's Button plant....


* Our stone path that snakes through the garden to a shaded patio is already disappearing by happy ground covering plants....


* A pair of sweet Aliums stand in unison.... I just love these.....

Once in a Lifetime Retreat...

In this case, I guess it's true when they say, "it's not what you know, but who you know...." Fortunately for JP and myself, we had the very unique opportunity to stay a couple nights at the Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek as guests! The fiance of my husband's sister has made some connections with various affluent clients who are willing to share their getaway destinations with him. So, when they asked us if we'd like to come up and stay with them in the 11th floor penthouse, (where supposedly numerous celebrities have stayed ) it was hard to say no!

Let me tell you, this place was over-the-top with grand furnishings, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a dining area and cozy fireplace den along with a wine cellar and a private stairway exit for those certain guests of fame who'd prefer to not be seen. Coming from a fairly humble background, I've never experienced anything quite like it, and I certainly cannot imagine spending a high 4-digit per night figure to stay here. But when it's complimentary, then it's certainly an experience well worth checking out :) I'll post a few images below of our fantasy getaway...

~ Johanna


* The two of us down by the pool in our guest robes...


* JP dips his toe in the water... the steep facade of the lodge-style Ritz Carlton looms behind him...


* The view from the main balcony of the penthouse overlooks a ski run...They say this is the best time of year to relax there as it's quiet with ski season being over...


* Looking down at the pool and hot tubs...


* A day trip to Vail... JP and I lean against a bridge over a mountain creek...