Whimsy in the Garden...

Through observation, little gifts of joy appear, and I have realized that inspiration and whimsy can present themselves in many forms. You just have to open your eyes to see them. The other day, JP rushed in looking for the camera, and I quickly left my work behind to catch a glimpse of his discovery. And there, clinging to the exterior of our home was the sweetest little bug! Painted in a fuzzy red coat, he was covered in an array of whimsical black dots. As I grabbed the camera from JP, he plucked a stick out of the yard and coaxed the little fella to climb aboard. Gingerly we carried him around, and I snapped a cluster of photos, trying to capture the character and detail of this whimsical insect. (Hopefully the neighbors are used to our odd behavior by now!) I was so truly charmed by his illustrative appearance and his fanciful feelers that it was difficult to let him go, but we lowered him into the garden and off he went on his vast outdoor journey. So, now you must be curious what this 6-legged character looked like... Take a peek below to see for yourself, and let me know if you have seen one too!
~ Johanna

UPDATE: My friend Beverly searched and discovered that this is a Red Milkweed Beetle!


* With all 6 legs, this little fella grasps a garden stick, striking the perfect pose...


* He hovers over a sea of green leaves creating a lush contrast of color....


* And off he goes up and over a rock and onto a salvia leaf... Bye bye sweet little beetle bug... You are a miniature marvel to me...

Halloween Smiles in a Box!....

I know fall is approaching when the big boxes start to arrive! This year, it was a thrill to unpack my new line of Halloween reproductions, offered by Bethany Lowe Designs. By the end of the evening, packing paper was scattered all about like over-sized confetti, and JP took a few photos of me playing in it! I cleared my storage shelves in anticipation and started lining them with this year's collection. I too snapped a few photos to share in hopes to spark your interest and passion for Halloween! Now that these fun Halloween characters are here, I will be signing them and preparing them for their debut at this year's Halloween Trunk Show in Denver. Whatever is left will be looking for a home, so please join my e-mailing list for that update in hopes to snatch a signed Halloween collectible or two!

~ Johanna


* That's me, knee-deep in a tall shipping box! My bat and owl vase characters peer out for a Halloween hello!...


* My Halloween reproductions line shelves in anticipation for an upcoming Halloween Trunk Show...


* My owl candy bowl is one of my favorites! How festive they all look together!...


* Spook Cat candy containers look like they are all whistling a Halloween tune!...


* My trio of treat buckets grin and look forward to being filled with the season's sweets...


* Me again, laughing at the silliness of standing in a packing box...

And for those of you anxious to acquire one of these Halloween designs now, you can visit my Source Page of online vendors who offer my collectible products.

As always, THANK YOU for your interest in sharing my festive designs with your family and friends! I appreciate it and truly hope to spread my whimsical cheer, year after year!

CATCH this Halloween Cat if you can!...

Surprise! I just finished a new Collector's Catch piece! He's now posted on my website! "Moon-Star Max," an enchanting black & cream-colored cat is ready for adoption! GO TO my Website to see details. Once there, be sure to click on the image for more views and descriptions. Please send me an email if you'd like to adopt this spooky-fun 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!.. Patricia, a great collector friend of mine, caught this guy in the first 5 minutes! WooHoo, it's your lucky day :) THANK YOU!

Work in Progress...

Well, given that it's mid August, I decided it was time to switch gears from my sculpting frenzy in order to focus on my painting... What's the point of having a collection of unpainted, naked sculptures when their coloration and pattern really bring them to life! So, this past week, I began to add paint to my various one of kind characters! I have much to do yet, and I realize that I tend to be more meticulous and particular with my painting as each year goes by. I know I should be whipping these guys out by now, but on the contrary ( and much to my frustration ) it seems to take me longer. Oh well. For those of you curious, I snapped a quick pic of my workroom counter....


* A mix of Halloween folk art characters either await paint or a coat of clear finish...

You may also have noticed a couple of new badges on the upper sidebars of my blog. At right, I created a graphic and link to Denver's 4th Annual Halloween Trunk Show. Some of these originals will be offered at this fun event! Click on the badge to visit a collage of images from last year's show along with the date and time details. I hope many of my local collector friends will join us!

Also, at left there is a text link below a graphic referring to my Artist Interview. If you click on the text link, you will be routed to Sally Evan's website. She features creative entrepreneurs, and it is my honor to be her current guest feature! You can purchase either a down-loadable audio file or disc of our hour-plus long conversation. I think you may find it interesting, hopefully inspiring, useful and an insight into my life and career path..... THANKS to all for your interest....

Back to work!
~ Johanna

One more Halloween Owl!...

I've been busy painting and building my inventory of Halloween originals for my upcoming shows ( next month ~ ack! ) However, I thought I would take one from my stash and offer him here on eBay this week. Yes, it is an Owl Kettle Cup this time! Of course, he is one of a kind, and he will be looking for a home, starting tonight. You can click on his photo to visit his auction page. As always, my gratitude goes out to ALL who show interest by placing a bid in his favor! THANK YOU! :-)

~ Johanna



* Hoot Hoot, take me home!.....

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

Want to know HOW?...

I just returned from a quick visit to see my family in Washington. The night before our return home, my mom and I dashed into Barnes & Noble 5 minutes before closing to snag a copy of this year's Holiday Crafts Magazine by Better Homes and Gardens! I read rumors that it was out, and I knew a couple of my How-To projects would be featured. So, I was anxious to see it! Fortunately, this will be the third year that they have published my art within this fun annual issue, and I am very grateful for that. I recommend going out and getting yourself a copy as it's full of wonderful projects, ideas and the instructions to make each creation unfold for you! For now, here is a peek... ENJOY!

~ Johanna


* A fun, full page image of my black cat candle holders for Halloween!...


* Visual aids to help you along as you construct your very own candle holder...


* Too good to eat! A snowman lollipop ornament hangs from a tree...


* For best results, find yourself a copy of this festive magazine and get started!

Designed by Johanna Parker... © 2009 Meredith Corporation