Original Art GIVE-AWAY!...

I just realized that this is my 111th blog post, so it's about time to host my very first Blog Giveaway! Why not, everyone's doing it, right?... In the spirit of Halloween, I have created a special one of a kind white jack-o'-lantern fellow to offer. His name is "Lucky Lumina" and someone out there will be the lucky winner of this sweet Halloween ball character. He's pictured below, so firmly visualize his image in your head, think positive thoughts and cross those fingers as he may soon be yours! Of course, you'll have to enter, and there are plenty of ways to WIN!.. The more ways you enter, the better your chance.... So, look for those details below. BEST of LUCK to you!

HOW to ENTER to WIN:

1.) Simply become a "Follower" of my Blog by clicking on the "Follow" button at the upper right column of this page....

2.) Leave a nice comment for me here at the bottom of this post by clicking on the "Comment" button ( and no worries, you do not have to create a Blogger account in order to leave a comment - you can simply click the "Anonymous" option when leaving your message, but just make sure that I can somehow identify you if you are chosen! )

3.) If you have your own Blog and would like to spread the word about my Giveaway on your Blog, then I both thank you and welcome you to leave a 2nd comment here for a double entry! Oh, and you're welcome to include my photo of Lucky Lumina in your post....

4.) Follow me on Twitter by clicking on my candy cup crow image with the Twitter logo, right column of this page. Then, add your name to my list of Followers.

5.) Join my e-mailing list if you are not already a member. Just click on the "Email Johanna" link, top right of this page. (PS... the kind folks already on my e-mailing list need to enter by doing one or more of these 5 steps. IF you are unable to leave a comment here, you can email me, and I'll add your comment to the list below! THX!)

{ johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com }

OK!... So, as I said, there are LOTS of ways to enter!..... I look forward to reading your comments and hearing from you :) I will be posting the winner of Lucky Lumina in a week!.... Stay tuned and spread the word, and a big thanks to all of my loyal collectors and artist friends who have supported me through the years. Cheers to you!!


* Signed & dated by the artist.... 1/1 original.....

SURPRISE!!... Due to your overwhelming response, I am feeling extra generous and have decided to add 2 more prizes!

2nd Prize is this fun set featuring my illustrated party ware:

* These fun melamine dessert plates debut this fall through Bethany Lowe Designs, and the paper candy boxes are offered through Primitives by Kathy...

3rd Prize is this handy set of my illustrated notepads and a jack-o'-lantern pen to write on those festive pads:

* The autumn inspired notepads and pen are all offered through my Primitives by Kathy line...

* *If you've already entered to win the 1st prize, then you're all set... Your name will be entered for all 3 prizes now!!.. Don't forget, there are 5 ways to enter, and if you'd like to TWEET about my GiveAway, leave me your "tweet" & Twitter name in a comment here, and I'll add you in again :) Boy will this ever be confusing for me!!!!

© 2009 Johanna Parker Design

Thank you,
~ Johanna

Put on Your Party Hat!...

Cheers, it's Friday, and time to put on your party hat!... You'll notice that I sorta goofed off a bit today, but all in good fun. I just received the party hat samples I designed for Bethany Lowe's 2009 Halloween line, and what FUN they are!... There are 4 festive conical hats, each depicting an illustrated Halloween scene. Enjoy the silly photos and scroll down for more info on how YOU can have your own set.....

~ Johanna


* I'm looking a bit mischievous here in my dancing black cat hat!...

* What a goof I am, taking these photos all alone ~ at least I can laugh at myself!...

* Ahh, thinking about which hat I'll wear on Halloween..... maybe ALL of them!...

* Uh-HA, I can decorate with these hats too...multi purpose!...

* Hmmmm, what sorts of hats will I design next.......

So, you might be wondering where you can acquire your own set of these delightful Halloween hats.... Well, I know you can pre-order them from  Christmas Traditions , Bayberry Cove and A Vintage Holiday, three wonderful websites offering a delightful array of holiday collectibles. If you are an online seller of Halloween collectibles, including these festive hats, please let me know, and I will include your link here too!..... Let the Halloween party begin!

PS... Remember my artist feature in Better Homes & Gardens Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine?... Well the photo below inspired this current line of wearable hats. Originally designed to be worn by my sculptures, I adjusted them graphically to fit our heads!... Remember, they look whimsical both on your head and in your home for Halloween..... Love that multi-functionality :)


* Magazine image: Copyright 2007 Meredith Corporation
* All other images: © 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Photos of Johanna are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.
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CATCH this Black Cat if you can!...

Surprise!... I just finished a new Collector's Catch piece and just posted it on my website! "Sprinkles" the Halloween black cat is ready for adoption! GO TO my Website to see details and be sure to click on the image for more views and descriptions. Please send me an email if you'd like to adopt this flirtatious, one of a kind cat, and later I will update the page to reveal who caught this collectible piece!....

Thanks again for looking!
~ Johanna
CONTACT: johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com

UPDATE!.. My collector friend, Celeste in California caught this kitty in lightning speed! She beat the record! Thank You so much Celeste, and I hope this kitty brightens your night!...

Blog Makeover!...

Well, it's a work in progress, but I finally figured out how to add a third column to my blog! Thanks to the Blogger Guide's online Tutorial, I was able to alter my "Scribe" 2-column Blog into a 3-column blog. YAY!... Anyway, that's the latest thrill with me. It doesn't take much to make me happy! :) OH, and I just added NEW pages to my Gallery! Click on the various Folk Art Gallery links, top right of this page.......... ENJOY!

~ Johanna

New Kettle Cup on eBay!...

As promised in my previous blog post, I just finished and posted my 2nd collectible Kettle Cup on eBay! This sweet black cat is looking for a new home... So, take a closer look at my Auction page to see if you'd like to place a bid. Perhaps you will be his new owner! Thanks to ALL for each & every bid, and best of luck!.....

~ Johanna


© 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Halloween Kettle Cup Cat photos are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

For my Halloween Mommy....

Yes, that's right, I have a Halloween Mommy! Out of all the days in the year, she gave birth to me on Halloween! "Ahhh, no wonder!" you exclaim... :) What a special day that is for the both of us as it rolls around each year. Mom brought me into her creative world and introduced me to the arts, nurturing my imagination and allowing me to express my talents. I feel very fortunate to have had an artistic upbringing, inspired by my mom's love to craft and share her handmade treasures with others. It's interesting to reflect back and see how I've gathered all of these favorite things into one big happy and creative bundle! Thank you mom for inspiring me to do what I love to do... I am so happy to have found my niche thanks to you :)......
Love,
Johanna


* Something new!... And the first one goes to Mom as a gift of gratitude!


* Oh take a look! It opens, and inside she will find an itsy bitsy scroll. I'm calling these candy containers, "Kettle Cups" perfect to hide a little love note in or perhaps some Halloween jewels or candied sweets...


* Unroll the teeny weeny scroll to find a special note for Mom.....


* And the underside is signed with love....


{ That's my Mom pictured above - she's "Mom" to me, Kathy Parker to others..  She lives far far away from me up in Washington state ~ otherwise, I would have given this special gift to her in person and you'd see me in that photo too! }
* I surprised her with a box on Friday, and obviously, she couldn't resist in opening it! The phone rang later, and she was very excited to receive such a special gift. Mom's been collecting my Halloween folk art for several years now, so this little guy will look wonderful in her colonial home, amongst her collection of redware and Halloween collectibles!.. Enjoy Mom, you deserve it :)

PS... I've created a similar black cat kettle cup & just need to add the final touches... He'll be listed on eBay within a couple of days, so stay tuned!...

© 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Halloween Kettle Cup Cat photos are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

CATCH this Cat if you can!...

Surprise!... A new Collector's Catch piece just posted on my website! I just finished this fun Halloween-Circus themed guy. GO TO my Website to see details and be sure to click on the image for more views and descriptions. Please send me an email if you'd like to adopt this cute, one of a kind cat, and later I will update the page to reveal who caught this collectible piece!....

Thanks again for looking!
~ Johanna
CONTACT: johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com

UPDATE!.. My collector and artist friend, Amy of OldBackThyme.blogspot.com in Tennessee caught this kitty tonight! Thank You so much!... This will be her first Johanna Parker original! I hope you like him Amy :) 


© 2009 Johanna Parker Design * Halloween Cat image is the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

EHAG's Skeleton Key Hunt Begins!...

Well, the clock just struck midnight, and the hunt now officially begins! What are we hunting for you ask?.... Ahhh, a treasure trove of Halloween delights from sixteen unique artists. But, the key to these delights can only be found on one of their blogs. First stop, is EHAGart's Blogspot where the official list can be found. Enjoy your blog-hopping along the way, and make sure to leave a comment for the Key Keeper! And, no, I do not hold the key, but I will be offering a trio of my illustrated Halloween note-papers to the lucky winner..... Have fun on your spooktacular search, and ENJOY the journey!

~ Johanna