Christmas R & R Retreat...

This holiday season we did something completely different for Christmas... With such a busy year behind us, the idea of getting away to a quiet and beautiful destination was sounding more and more appealing. So, we decided to take a spontaneous road-trip down south to one of northern New Mexico's hot spots, Ojo Caliente.. or "hot eye." It's a rustic resort with several hot mineral pools and perfect for warming those bones on a chilly winter's day. There's something about that hot mineral water bubbling up from the earth that's both therapeutic and healing.... After 3 days of soaking and taking it easy for a change, I feel much more relaxed... I highly recommend spending the holidays in this way :) Here are a few pics from our journey and retreat.....

~ Johanna


* A breathtaking view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains (I believe...) overlooking Fort Garland, Colorado....


* As JP tipped his bottle of Berry Izze and took a sip, the sun captured the hue of the ruby red liquid and caught my eye!...


* We were blessed with blue skies both to and from our destination.....


* JP leans against the adobe style fort-like flats we stayed in for a few nights....


* I roast chocolate-filled marshmallows over an aromatic pinon log fire in the courtyard area....


* JP sits in the hottest nook of the iron pool, Ojo Caliente's oldest soaking pool on the premises...


* Me again at the fire with rustic adobe buildings surrounding the scene...


* Me showing off the latest winter hot spring fashions....


* The journey back home is just as beautiful with the distant mountains over Taos freshly blanketed in pristine snow....


* Stopped along the way, JP throws a snowball right at me! Luckily I ducked just in time!...


* And this time he chases after me on the open road.... The chocolates and coffee we enjoyed earlier were obviously kicking in!...
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Best Wishes!....

Well, I guess this jolly snowman is a keeper after all. I was making him as a potential adoption piece for those who missed out on my web sale. While I was adding the final touches and trims to "Snowy Joey," JP walked in and insisted that we keep him! Guess he didn't have to twist my arm too much, and well, since I rarely keep my own creations, maybe it's best that I did. So, he's a keeper! And now Snowy Joey, JP and myself wish you our best for a very merry holiday week! Cheers.....

~ Johanna



* "Snowy Joey," a one of a kind shelf sitter snow fellow waives high his mitten hand to you! :)
© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Holiday Tease...

'Tis the season for visions of Santa and jolly snowmen! So, it's the perfect time for a little 2009 teaser... I've been waiting all year it seems for my holiday product line with Bethany Lowe to debut next month. Here are few close-ups which will hopefully entice you to come back for more..... Cheers!

~ Johanna


* A peek at my Santa illustration which will find his face on fun paper cone candy boxes...


* Another Santa, this time in papier mache form...


* What in the world could this jolly snowman be looking at?


* A cheery message in script dances across another sculpted design....


* Another illustration to match a sculpted ornament in the line will find himself on whimsical candy boxes too...


* Another fun Santa, Ho-Ho-Ho-ing along.....


* Sure looks like a snowman up to mischief to me!... hehe!.......
© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Let's Play Pet Dress-Up!...

I am so very grateful for all of the thoughtful gifts I have received from my collector friends over the years! When I'm least expecting it, a box will appear on the front step with my name on it, and what a treat!... I've received some wonderful treasures like vintage horns, antique postcards and that fabulous kitschy-style wreath now on my front door. Well, last week, a package arrived for "Jack!" If you don't know by now, Jack is my black cat who often appears here on my blog. Well, my collector friend Theresa out in PA often sends me adorable pics of her farm animals. Recently, she dressed up her goat Zinny in the most festive attire and emailed me a photo. Judging from my response, she made a smaller version for Jack! OH, it's soooo cute! Take a looksie....


* Is this not the cutest?! And look, he even gets a little dangling name tag!....


* And here's Zinny, the goat and the inspiration behind all of this silly fun!...


* There he sits so proud in his new, handmade holly collar!...


* Uh-oh.... there he goes again, munching on that old aluminum!...


* And Zinny again.... I just want to squeeeeze her!.....

So, THANK YOU Theresa! I don't know about you, but these festive critter collars are pretty darn cute, and I think they would be a hoot in all sorts of holiday themes.... If you want Theresa to make you one for your furry friend just send her a quick note at:
Getsmacked35@aol.com ....

PS..... Another BIG thanks goes out to ALL the folks who stopped in for my web sale today and adopted a special piece!... I wish I had had even more goodies so no one left empty-handed, but I appreciate your efforts as it means so much to me!..... Happy Holidays to all!
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Last Web Sale of the Year!...

Yes, it's this Sunday, and I will have a total of 15 one of a kind Holiday Goodies to offer including folk art snowmen, owls, Santas and cats! Please refresh my Folk Art Originals page after 2pm MST on the 14th to see my latest and last collection of holiday collectibles for 2008. I appreciate your interest and hope you enjoy the sale!

PS... If anything calls to you, simply email me with the name of the piece, and I will let ya know if its yours!...Your patience will be appreciated as I update my site after the sale begins. Thank you :)

~ Johanna