A Frenzy to Finish....

The clock is ticking and time is running out! This has been the reoccurring theme for me all year... ack! As August comes to a close, I have mixed emotions for September's approach. On one hand, I LOVE autumn and the opportunity to see fellow Halloween artists and enthusiasts at the 2 shows I will be exhibiting at. But, on the other hand, I have 2 shows to get ready for!! And, well I'm not ready yet!

So, I'm in a frenzy to finish my work.... I spent several weeks sculpting, and last weekend I carried everything outside for a full day of sanding. JP took a few pics of me busy at work. You can tell I didn't spend much time polishing myself up as my pieces were the focus. Anyway, this week, and next week, and the week after, I will be painting. But, despite the work-out (as sanding IS a work-out) I really enjoyed being outdoors! Back to work I go....

~ Johanna


* There I am, sanding away as I like my pieces to be smooth to the touch....


* Oh my, I'm thinking... I'm not done yet!...


* Gotta love those thin 3M sanding sponges....Those come in handy!


* A mourning dove watches me from a distance, shaking and sanding away...

Halloween Table of Treats!...

I'm doing the happy dance this weekend! A package arrived for me yesterday including two Sept. / Oct. issues of Cooking with Paula Deen Magazine! My heart began to race as I flipped through the pages and came upon a festive spread featuring my Halloween folk art! Yay, it happened! :) Ever since they contacted me a year ago, asking for samples of my Halloween collectibles, I've had my fingers crossed that my art would make the cut. Fortunately, each and every item I sent to them was used as a prop in this Halloween spread. How fun!

All but one of these Halloween delights are offered through Primitives by Kathy, and if you are interested in adding any or all to your personal collection, please click here! Thanks for looking, enjoy and go get a copy.... :)

~ Johanna


* This is hot off the press!...


* My black cat candy bowl, purrrrfect for Halloween sweet treats!...


* Halloween candy boxes and place card holders make a spooktacular table setting...

* An original jack-o'-lantern bust who resides with me....

Halloween Designs © Johanna Parker... Magazine Article, © 2008 Hoffman Media, LLC

Halloween Carnival Auctions!...

Well, I couldn't let another EHAG Group Challenge go by without participating! (even though I'm completely swamped with creating Halloween goodies for my upcoming shows!!) The theme this month is HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL, and how fun is that?! I couldn't resist :)

I created 2 new one of a kind candy cup characters for eBay, and their photos are below. Remember to search under "EHAG" on eBay to see all of the artists' variations on this fun carnival theme! Enjoy browsing, and thanks for your bid!!!

~ Johanna


* Each are up for auction individually, but they certainly look fun as a pair!


* This Halloween carnival clown up close....


* And a zoom on this cutie-pie carnival cat...


* Together they celebrate the season...


* Our EHAG group challenge banner created by the talented Cart Before the Horse...
© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * Candy cups in this post are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

How-To Projects for You!...

I was excited to find a copy of this year's Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Crafts Magazine! It just came out, and it features 4 of my original designs along with many other Halloween & Christmas ideas! It has been a pleasure working with BH&G's editorial staff as they have been very supportive of my work, and I truly appreciate that. Anyway, this year's issue is fun and filled with lots of clever craft ideas including instructions and step-by-step photos. For the scoop on how to make all of these fun-tastic projects, go get yourself a copy! For now, I will include a few teaser pics to pique your interest :) ENJOY!

~ Johanna




* These clown-like snowmen ornaments wear big bow ties made from cupcake liners!




* These sweet posers made the centerfold! hehe! :)





Designed by Johanna Parker... © 2008 Meredith Corporation