Johanna Parker Design: 2007

Monday, December 31, 2007

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.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

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....

Sunday, December 23, 2007

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...

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Bird Watching...

First of all, I want to thank all of you who kindly offered me headache remedies and advice via my blog and private email.... It seems I am not alone when it comes to migraines. Luckily, mine are fewer and farther between than they used to be, but they still can sneak up when least expected. Fortunately, I have been pain-free for a couple days and counting...

Here, in Colorado it's been quite frigid, and the snow that fell over a week ago remains in shady spots, painting the landscape in sparkling white. I sit in awe as I look out my sun room window, watching the tiny birds eat their daily seed. How do they survive sub-zero nights with their wee little bodies and stick-thin legs?! Yet, each morning, they are out singing their little bird songs, tidying their feathers and fighting over the best spot at one of our many feeders. They truly fascinate and inspire me, and I have become addicted to watching their daily patterns and behavior through the glass and sometimes even up close, nose to beak...

Here are a few recent photos looking out at their little world...

~ Johanna

* A male finch, dressed in holiday red looks up from his breakfast seed...

* A pair of sparrows perch on twisted bittersweet vines while the last of the berries wave in the wind...

* A Northern Flicker props himself on a feeder full of sunflower seeds... I love his ruby red cheeks and coral orange under-feathers!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Help My Head.....

Well, now that I've captured your attention with that most bizarre photo, (courtesy Apple Photo Booth on my Mac) I am looking for headache remedies.... For the last 3 days, I've awoken to a pounding migraine that seems to be on the move. It's as if the little characters of whimsy that live in my mind are parading around my head and getting a bit too rowdy... OUCH! I've noticed that if I tiptoe about the house, the pounding is less severe, but don't ask me to bend down, as standing up can be a real stinger, not to mention sneezing or any other pressure related activities......

I just tried dunking my feet in hot water while putting an ice pack on my head, but my impatience got the better of me, so I took a shower instead..... I did get a chuckle when Jack my cat walked in and saw my odd-looking head gear... he he.....

So, if you have a home remedy, I'm all ears. I have so much to do, but this on-going migraine is getting in my way, and I need relief...... HELP if you pleeeeeeeeease....

~ Johanna

Monday, December 10, 2007

I Feel Blessed....

As this year draws near to a close, I feel so grateful that I have chosen a path that allows me to share my talents and spread smiles via my art to so many others. Beyond that, I feel blessed that so many of you anticipate my art sales and are willing to add and collect my one of kind creations! Yet, only a few years ago, that goal was but a dream, and now those dreams have manifested.... It brings me great joy to create, knowing that each piece of art will find a home and that my holiday folk art will become a family tradition for generations to come. Thank you all for your loving support and for allowing me to do what I was meant to do :)

Before I say goodbye to my last collection of holiday characters for this year, I spent the day taking their portraits in various locations within our home.... Here are a few of the photos... ENJOY!

~ Johanna

* A trio of cheerful snowmen add holiday spirit to an antique child's stove and mint green vintage cooler in our sun room...

* Winter cats and snowmen line up on the holiday mantel...

* Santa, in his festive egg cup stands next to a funky old Christmas tree....

* More mantel characters celebrate the season in red and white...

* Unique snowmen-baubles frame a vase filled with silvered limbs...

* Candy-sweet winter cats pose on vintage tin boxes atop a mosaic table top...
© 2007 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Friday, December 7, 2007

A Collector's Hallowmas Decorations....

My dear collector friend Lyndy in California recently sent me these fun photos! She has a passion for collecting one of a kind Halloween black cats and has recently started acquiring a collection of my cat creations. With a clever eye and creative twist, look how she has combined her collection of Johanna Parker black cat candy containers within a holiday wreath! Here, spooky-fun black cats live in harmony with Christmas doves and winter delights! THANK YOU Lyndy for sharing these magical photos with us!

~ Johanna

* Lyndy's purrrfect Hallowmas wreath trimmed in festive bows, and an illustrated black cat candy box I designed trails below....

Monday, December 3, 2007

Holiday Open House...

We had a fabulous weekend here celebrating our 5th Annual Holiday Folk Art Show! I'm sending a warm thanks to all of you who stopped in for a festive dose of holiday cheer. It was delightful to see you, and we truly enjoyed your joyful response to the eclectic decor, folk art treasures and spicy aroma of hot cider on the stove. It's always fun for us to share our home with you, and I know that so many of you look forward to this event each year. So again, thank you for being a part of the tradition!

For those of you who missed out on the festivities, I'm offering a peek below... Enjoy!

* Me, moments before we opened the door.....

* Snowmen, holiday bird and candy ornaments hang awaiting to meet their new owners...

* One-of-a-kind holiday goodies traipse across the mantle...

* Jack watches for the first shoppers to arrive...

* A view from the front door includes a hand-crafted chest made by hubby JP which greets friends upon entry....

* JP poses beside his hand-crafted cash stands that he made specifically for our shows

* A group of one of a kind snowmen candy containers and ornaments decorate the mantle (now all sold to collectors...)

* A warm and inviting look at the front room before show time.....

* The shoppers pour in, in search of holiday delights....

By Sunday afternoon, the front room was looking a bit sparse indeed! Lots of collectibles left with smiling collectors, but luckily I set some goodies aside for my last Web Sale of the year, scheduled for Saturday, December 8th. Stay tuned!

Also, I just posted my last 2 Candy Cups on eBay, so click on the image below to visit their auctions! Thanks for looking, and I hope you enjoyed the pics! Happy Holidays!

~ Johanna

© 2007 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Decorating Vintage......

I must admit that I'm completely captivated by the luster and rich jewel tone colors of the mercury glass ornaments from holidays past. I find myself hoarding glass baubles, chipped and worn from many years of use and love. They all find new life in our 1939 cottage-style home.

This week, I'm decorating for our 5th Annual Holiday Open House and Folk Art Show, and once again, the ornaments are out in all their glory. I took photos today, and will share a few teaser shots..... I simply love my grandmother's antique turquoise vase filled with the arms of an old aluminum tree, sparkling and decorated with my favorite baubles and trims.... And our original chandelier, festooned in pink mercury glass beads, icicles and dangling glass balls always makes me smile... Enjoy the photos..... I must get back to work now!

~ Johanna

* A pair of my vintage style snow characters frame another antique turquoise vase filled with an ornament bouquet made by Denver artist, Willa Fuller...

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

5 Random Things about Me....

Ok, ok, I've been tagged 3 times now to write 5 random things about myself... So, here goes:
1.) My art was first published in Sesame Street Magazine at the ripe age of 3!
(oops, mom just corrected me, that's actually age 4!---like I remember!)
2.) I get a thrill driving alleys in seek of tossed-out treasures...
3.) I have an Emmy Award from my days working in TV news graphics
4.) I've painted wild, retro patterns on a life-size fiberglass steer for charity
5.) Bird-watching is my latest inspirational past time....

So, there ya go......
Here are the rules:1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog. 2. Share 5 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. 3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. 4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I guess I will be tagging..........
http://hophopjingleboo.blogspot.com/
http://www.ullam.typepad.com/
http://www.ccswhimsies.blogspot.com/
http://colleenmoody.blogspot.com/
http://www.rucusstudio.blogspot.com/

Monday, November 26, 2007

Take Me Home!...

Who can resist this cute little snowman with arms reaching out to you? This little guy is now up for auction on eBay. I just finished him yesterday, barely in time for our EHAG group's full moon challenge. The theme this quarter is "Crossing over the Moon," and since we are a group of artists specializing in Halloween, we were challenged to create a cross over piece that blends a bit of Halloween with Christmas. This original candy cup of mine has very subtle hints of Halloween..... I think you'll like him! Click the image to visit his auction link! Thanks for looking :)

~ Johanna

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Work in Progress....

Here's a peek at my remaining winter-themed characters that are screaming for paint! If time permits (which is looking a bit questionable right now) they will all come to life in vintage painted hues along with a dusting of shimmery mica. Those that I am unable to complete in time for my Holiday Home Show on the 1st of December will hopefully be offered on my Winter Web Sale.

Looks like I better get busy! Where does the time go?

~ Johanna

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Hand-Feeding the Squirrel...

I had to share these cute pics with you all!... Some of you may think I'm a little "nuts," but I am a sucker for animals, and I've made a new outdoor friend.... I've named her "Squirlfriend" like girlfriend, and she eats out of my hand! Today, I fed her for the 7th time, and now I finally have the photos to prove it! Daily, I feed my family of outdoor winged friends with hulled sunflower seeds and peanuts...And yes, they are spoiled! Of course, the squirrels join in on the bounty, and I often see several frolicking about, but Squirlfriend is unique indeed.... Enjoy!

~ She eats from the palm of my hand.......

~ Me (making a fashion statement) with Squirlfriend.....

~ Squirlfriend looking up at me with a dear look of gratitude.......

So, what do you think?...Am I crazy or is it kinda cute?....Or maybe a little bit of both...

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

One More to Go....

Many thanks to all who attended Denver's 10th Annual Gifts for Yule! With all the press we had this year, we had a record number of attendees. Once the doors opened, JP and I could barely catch our breath as the shoppers rushed in! Anyway, we appreciate your support and enjoyed seeing many of your smiling faces!

I thought I'd attach a few photos of my table displays featuring my line of reproductions. I usually start thinking table settings and styles a couple of weeks before a show, but with this year being so busy, I quickly sketched out my concepts the day before the show! Luckily, I think it turned out to my relief! Phewwww.....

~ My vintage red & white candy cane theme table inspired by the old Lily Sodas tin box that my mom gave me...

~ A rustic Christmas with mustards, burgundy rusts and tidbits from nature...

~ A wide shot of my rustic Christmas theme table...

And now I have just one more show to go. That's right, and it's our special Open House event, and the 5th year that I have hosted it. Yesterday I took down the Halloween decor, cleaned and prepped for our last big event. Today, I think I will sculpt......... Stay tuned.....

~ Johanna

Friday, November 9, 2007

Gifts for Yule!

Yes, I'm still scurrying around trying to prepare for this weekend's show here in Denver. It's been one of my most intense "pre-show" weeks so far in my history of doing shows, and that seems to be a growing trend...... I truly love the work that I do, but it certainly doesn't offer much leisure as my original art has to come from my hands, and I can only work so fast. Taking long breaks from my work just sets me way behind schedule.... ack!

Luckily, I pulled together a collection of snowmen, santas, birds and winter cat related goodies for this weekend's Gifts for Yule show. In fact, Denver's trendy Westword Newspaper features an article this week about this unique show in it's 10th year and included a photograph of one of my creations! So, I guess hard work pays off... I'll attach a clipping of it below.

For you local folk art fans, I hope to see you over the next 2 days! FYI, I have new holiday notepad designs and reproductions to add to your decor and collections as well. Back to work I go..........

~ Johanna

Friday, November 2, 2007

Time is Ticking Away....

And I'm feeling completely overwhelmed......You may find it strange, but I just realized that I have a Christmas show one week from tomorrow. I think I was in denial that this could possibly be true, but as I skimmed through my calendar and discovered that the 10th of November was truly in a week, I shrieked! So, yesterday, I sculpted winter-themed characters in a frenzy, in hopes that I will be able to complete all the details with care in only a few days time...... So, I'm off to my basement dungeon to create more goodies. Wish me luck, this may be a week of no sleep! OHHHHH how I wish Halloween and Christmas were not so close together. Can we a add a new month to the calendar?.... I need more time............

PS.... Happy Birthday to Chris, my brother in Washington! May you have a delightful day!

~ Johanna

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

The BIG Day is Here!

Well, not only is it Halloween, but it's also my birthday once again....OH my! I figured that I better post something today as it is truly one of the most special days in my life...... It's the day my mother gave birth to me and now it's a day that I base much of my inspiration and art around. I often wonder what type of art I would be creating if I had not been born on Oct. 31st.......I guess I'll never know, but I am quite content with Halloween!

I dug this photo out of the archives... HA!.... Looks like I am about to make a wish as my super man brother ponders what birthday gifts he'll be receiving on Nov. 2nd! Yes, just two days later!.... And that fun jack-o'-lantern costume and cake bring back happy memories as well.... For me, Halloween is a day of whimsical costumes, sweet candies, Halloween cakes, presents and fun like no other..... It's a day you can be whomever you wish to be, where dreams come true and imagination runs wild! Have fun and savor the delights of this day and night as it's here but once a year!

~ Johanna

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Earth-Friendly Costume!

Well, we certainly had fun creating our costume yesterday! We recycled JP's 'ol broom stick jumpsuit which I painted a whimsical wood grain pattern on a few years back. He had the clever idea that he could be a TREE, and I would be his TREE-HUGGER! HaHaHa! So, we spent the afternoon decorating an old bicycle helmet with maple leaf branches, Spanish moss, birds and butterflies! We barely finished before the sun went down, dressed ourselves and spent the evening hugging each other at the Witches' Ball!
What fun! Here is a glimpse of our fun......... Now, go hug a tree!!!!!

(at home before our night out)

(me peeking through the leaves)

(My tree up close..... I sculpted and painted his gnarled twig-like nose....
Look at the little bird perching on his shoulder and nesting on his head!)

(more tree-hugging....Look at the orbs!)

Friday, October 26, 2007

Decorating Delights ~ Collectors Displays

As I've just started this BLOG revolving around my folk art and inspirations, I thought it would be great fun to feature some of my collectors' Halloween displays. I'd LOVE to see how you have arranged my creations amongst the comforts and decor of your own homes.

As it is the month of October, now would be the time to snap a few photos of your Halloween groupings, including some of my designs (originals, reproductions and/or both) and then email them to me at johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com. I will post them here on my blog down below along with your first name and location!

Thanks for participating and sharing!
~ Johanna