Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from me and my frosty friends to you!

If I haven't said it enough, allow me to say it again. THANK YOU for your dear support, admiration for my art and kind remarks along the way. For those who travelled from both near and far to visit us at a show this year and share my art with friends and family, many thanks to you as well! It is a JOY to be on this creative journey with you. My wish is that my art brings you countless years of smiles and delight.

Hugs & Happy Holidays!

~ Johanna, JP & Jack

"Iggy Frost" the Penguin ~ Silent Auction

If you're like me, you love the vision of a baby Penguin! Watching them frolic brings such joy, and these animated characters remind me of winter magic, generating curiosity and many smiles. As they live so far off on the icy edges of earth, we tend to bring them to life in our imaginations and hearts. So, in honor of these enchanting creatures, I was inspired to create a one of a kind penguin candy container for this holiday season. As it turns out, he's quite charming, and I am rather partial to sweet Iggy. While placing a price on my art is always a challenge, I have decided to toss that snowball to you! If you are interested in "Iggy Frost" please EMAIL ME with your Best Offer. This is a Silent Auction, and I will be accepting your bids for one week. By Noon this coming Sunday, the 13th, I will update all bidding participants via email with the highest best offer along with an invitation to place another bid. The winning bid will be determined the following day by Noon EST on Monday, December 14th, and the winner will be notified via email.

If you are fond of Iggy Frost, I suggest you place an early starting bid to join in my email notification loop. Then, if you wish, on Sunday you will have 24 hours to top the highest offer before the auction ends. I appreciate your bids of affection and support! HAPPY FROSTY WINTER!

PS: Don't forget that I'm also hosting a Frosty Friends Web Sale on this Sunday evening too!

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UPDATE: Iggy's Auction has now Ended with a Best Offer of $780

Many Thanks to ALL who participated! :)

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MEET the delightful "Iggy Frost".........



* Here he's catching some morning rays in my new studio space, where I lovingly created him from scratch.

* Iggy has the sweetest profile. Maybe if I tickle his beak, or pinch his cheek, he'll start singing a jolly song!



* We crafted Iggy in 2 parts, so you can simply twist off his head to fill his container base with treats or whatever you wish!


- 9.5" tall x 4.5" wide

- One of a kind, hand sculpted and painted candy container with removable head-lid

- Accents include hand sewn vintage crepe paper bow tie, wisp collar, glass glitter trims and mica    shimmer

- Signed and Dated, 1/1

EMAIL your Best Offer to: johanna@johannaparkerdesign.com

You will receive an email confirmation. However, if you do not receive a reply, please try sending your best offer to: johannaparker@mac.com  During this auction, bidders and bids will not be revealed. This is a silent auction. Many thanks to ALL participants :)



* Iggy Frost proudly strikes a pose. A light and fluffy black collar of wisp adds texture and whimsy.



* A medley of hand-painted snowflakes are sprinkled across the sides and back of his base.



* Front and center is a jovial scene of a hand-painted Iggy, ice-skating along the way.......



* A ruffle-like brim of papier mache trims the top of his container cup and adds another touch of vintage red.



* He wears a jolly winter hat with sculpted details and delicate bands of black glass glitter.



* More wintery flakes and wind swirls decorate the back...........



* Twist his cup around for a different look too!



* Signed and Dated, 1/1...........



* Take me home! I'm unique to the world :)

Thank you for your interest and support!

Best Wishes,
~ Johanna

Follow along with me on:

  and Facebook!

P.S. : Those who follow me on social media or have joined my mailing list will know that I am hosting a Frosty Friends Web Sale of originals soon! Sunday Evening, December 13th is the official date! Please Join my Mailing List to stay in the loop for details and start time. I will have over a dozen original delights to offer!

My New Sunny Studio!.......

Our spring cleaning started early this year and right amidst my busy holiday show season. And, as  inspiration often arrives in spontaneous waves, it tosses time and schedules to the wind! So, that's where we found ourselves right after my Halloween birthday. A need for change and organization was in the air, and although I admit that I was reluctant to jump on JP's Project: Home-Overhaul, I am now so glad that I did. If you wondered where I disappeared to during the month of November, well, I was busy sifting through my art supplies, and reshuffling my garage workshop and house!

I distinctly remember a highly intuitive friend of mine pulling me aside in October to share her vision that we would soon be moving, and I would have a sunny studio with lots of natural light. The idea of moving had me puzzled and actually a little sad, so I just stored her vision away. However, within two weeks, JP and I were boxing up our things, carting furniture around and lifting heavy equipment up and down the stairs. It wasn't until after the grand reorganization plan began, that I recalled her words and realized the truth in her vision. I was moving out of my garage workshop space and into our back sunroom, with three walls of windows! Uh-Hah! Although we didn't have to change our physical address to achieve her sunny studio premonition, we pretty much MOVED a lot of stuff. In fact, we are still sifting through this and that, and settling in our changed surroundings, but all feels good and well!

In between this massive stuff-shuffle, as I like to call it, I have been sculpting frosty folk art friends for a December 13th Web Sale. Fortunately, settling in my new creative space came naturally, and I delighted in decorating my artist nook. The vintage red and green hues offered much playful musings while I painted my holiday characters. While it's not quite perfect, it's better and better each day. Here are a few photos of both my new sunny sunroom space and some folk art in the works!

Smiles,
~ Johanna



* That's me in my tattered apron, smiling wide! JP made my beautiful workbench years ago, and finally, it has a chance to be seen! Now, if I can just keep the surface clean.. . .



* My buddy Jack is now my creative partner too! He is excited to see me throughout each day in one of his favorite bird-watching rooms.......

 

* My creative space from a distance is framed by our 1939 kitchen entry arch...



* My workbench is clustered with a variety of projects in the works. I hung a vintage half apron and a  pair of table cloth corners in the lower halves of the windows for partial privacy and good cheer. Of course, Jack can still peek out, so all is good!



* JP snuck up from behind to catch me painting a snowgirl! An old family handmade shelf was dusted off from storage and now serves as my brush keeper. It's a perfect fit! It's almost as if it's been waiting all these years to hang right here . . .



* Here's a peek at some winter characters in the works for my December 13th Web Sale . . . It's just around the corner!



* Eek, JP caught me licking my brush! I bet I'm not the only painter that does this in order to keep the fine bristles to a crisp point. . .



* And look who's now watching me from behind! Jack on a colorful cushion of course! The old kitchen hutch now houses art supplies as well as a few pots and pans :)



Thanks for stopping by to visit me in my new creative space . . . I'll take more photos after the holidays. For now, I'm wishing you much joy and many smiles!

( Jane, you were right! :)

Happy Halloween!

'Tis that haunting time of year again! May you and yours have the Happiest of Halloweens, and may it be a wild rrrrride!

Halloween Hugs,
~ Johanna, JP & Jack














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Collector Spotlight: Mary & Frank in Washington!

Hello Friends!

I am honored to share another fun Collector Spotlight with you! For about 8 years now, Mary and Frank have been such sweet supporters of my folk art! Nestled in the Pacific Northwest, they traveled to a California art event years ago where I was exhibiting my Halloween folk art originals, and the rest is history! Since then, they've journeyed out to Colorado to experience one of our rocky mountain winters and collect a few winter delights. Most recently, I travelled to them at this year's Hallowbaloo in Washington state! They arrived early, and it was such a pleasure to reconnect! After last month's Halloween event, they decorated their home with their favorite seasonal delights and sent me a video clip of their festive mantel. I was so thrilled to see their display that I invited them to share more of their photos with you! Gladly they accepted! So, ENJOY a peek into their decorated home along with a fun Q & A. Many thanks to both Mary & Frank for sharing a glimpse into their home and for being such dear collector friends!




* I love this selfie! Frank & Mary are always smiling bright whether it's in person, photo or via email :)



* Here Mary arranges a group of my originals by color scheme. The folk art vintage whites and earthen hues from surrounding textural accent pieces bring out the natural charm of these two lumina jacks and the ghost sitter (.. the ghost they acquired this year!)




* This dramatic vignette centers around one of the few taller pieces that I have created over the years. The sweet jack-o'-lantern vase looks charming surrounded by fall gourds, autumnal foliage and a hooked art piece.

Johanna: How did you learn about my Halloween folk art?

Frank & Mary: We started collecting Halloween folk art work back in 2002. We went to Halloween & Vine in Petaluma, CA for the first time in 2007 and Mary was suddenly drawn to your display and character designs and became avid followers of your work ever since.

Johanna: Well that is definitely a perk of traveling to shows as we have the opportunity to make new friends that often fall in love with the art that we make. And the connections made inspire me to make more characters and dream up new concepts!




* A trio of Halloween originals strike a pose on Frank & Mary's mantel. These two candy containers and a jack make for a fun cluster under the towering candles. "Witch Hazel" at left (and referenced below) captured Mary's heart, and the collecting began!

Johanna: How long have you been collecting my originals?

Frank & Mary: It all started in 2007 at Halloween and Vine when Mary purchased "Witch Hazel" which was shown in a magazine featuring your work.

Johanna: Well, "Witch Hazel" looks content in her WA home. She has certainly welcomed many more JPD cousins into her family since her arrival! And yes, she did appear in Halloween Tricks & Treats Magazine by Better Homes & Gardens, the same year you started collecting my art!



* Here's a wide of their lovely mantel where you can see many of their Johanna Parker Design folk art characters proudly displayed.

Johanna: What is it about my creations that captures your imagination?

Frank & Mary: Your creations highlight a special occasion or holiday, but the folk art details and care that go into each piece bring a sense of joy in looking at them anytime.

Johanna: Ahh, thank you for saying that. A lot of heart and attention to detail do go into every piece with the wish that they will be cherished, appreciated and bring joy to their new owners. For me, it's a treat to see those smiles in person too...

* Speaking of joy and smiles, JP happened to capture this adorable photo of Mary grinning with glee after she snatched my one and only black cat folk lantern! From the looks of it, she found a prominent spot for this cutie in the center of their mantel!



* I just realized that I named this piece "Happy Frank Folk Lantern!" This often happens when creating my pieces... I'll get the notion to name a character a certain name, and then the collector that acquires it will have a deep connection to that name. Well, here we go again!! Clearly, both Franks make Mary happy, and that likely makes Frank happy too! Hence, "Happy Frank!"



* A tall green vase, filled with bittersweet, frames an end of their stunning mantel display. The soft vintage green accents on some of my originals pair well with the decorative objects, candles and nature inspired finds the Mary embellishes her seasonal settings with.

Johanna: Where have you had the best luck in acquiring my original pieces; shows, web sales, Collector's Catch, eBay, etc?

Frank & Mary: Our best luck in acquiring your work has been at shows, with an early arrival the best strategy. Web sales have also worked as long as I (Frank) was at a computer at the right time. The most fun was making a journey to Denver after it had snowed at one of your open houses in December when we were able to meet JP and your parents and take a side trip to Georgetown for a sleigh ride.

Johanna: Ah yes! We certainly enjoyed your presence at that memorable event! The flakes were falling and we were blanketed in sparkling snow, perfect for a holiday themed event. And yes, my parents who also live in WA, were in town visiting too! Thanks for braving the storm and being courageous to venture up into the mountains to Georgetown too :)



* Here is a magical snapshot of the winter originals that Mary & Frank adopted during a past visit to our Holiday Open House in Denver. I do remember it being a very snowy weekend, so I'm sure these pieces bring back lots of fun wintery memories from their snowy trip to Colorado, sleigh ride and all! How fun and nostalgic!

Johanna: Do you have a favorite piece in your collection?

Frank & Mary: The pieces are like children so there are not any favorites - they are all loved equally.

Johanna: That's a safe answer!  :) I hear ya, it's difficult to pick folk art faves!



* Here's a fun side scene of spooky characters! My 2 original jack-o'-lanterns (Johanna Parker Design) at center are in great company with 2 of Scott Smith figures from Rucus Studio...



* A jolly JOL man by Jack Roads takes a seat next to a black feather tree trimmed in Halloween ornaments.. Mary has her tree tucked in an old firkin, cleverly tying in a little of the past with the present. Let's take a closer peek!



* Ahh, yes, I spy 3 of my reproduction Halloween hanging ball characters from my Bethany Lowe Designs collection. Intermixed are other delights including a variety of Patricia Breen baubles.

Johanna: Is there anything in particular you suggest I try making
in the future?

Frank & Mary: We miss collecting the "mantle pieces" and bowls with characters done earlier in your designs - so bringing them back would be nice.

Johanna: Hmm, can you describe what you mean by "mantle pieces"?

Frank & Mary: I remember seeing large bust/head pieces (like shoulder and head) that you put on your mantle and shelf in one magazine featuring your work.

Johanna: Oh, I see! Yes, you are referring to my head and shoulders busts. I bet you are remembering back to my Tricks & Treats article as there was a witch bust pictured on a side table and a Jack bust on the mantle. I kept them both, and now they live on my studio shelf :) Thanks for your feedback! I should make a few busts for next year.




* Speaking of busts, here is a mini bust that Frank & Mary collected during my 4th of July themed web sale last year. I'm glad you snatched an Uncle Sam, as I rarely have time to make summer season characters.



* Beyond the Halloween & Holiday collecting, Mary & Frank enjoy celebrating Valentine's Day! They snapped this sweet photo of a heartfelt trio. Again, I'm in great company, as my two Johanna Parker Design V-Day snowman and love bird egg cup are cozying up to a precious Nicol Sayre angel.



* And, let's not forget about spring! So far, Mary & Frank have adopted this original chocolate-hued bunny ball character of mine. If I could find the time to make more spring characters, they would likely have a few. But, one is certainly a happy start and may just "spring" forth others!

Well, I hope you enjoyed this peek into Frank and Mary's delightful home! I certainly did! I probably say this every time, but it is always a pleasure to see my folk art characters lovingly displayed in my collectors' homes. Whether they prefer contemporary modern, shabby chic, eclectic, vintage, or beyond, my folk art originals seem to fit right in! That always fascinates me! Again, I am honored to  see my creations carefully arranged and admired with love. Many many thanks to Mary and Frank for  supporting my artistic endeavors and opening their doors to us! Your home is lovely!

To leave a comment or question for Frank & Mary, please click on the "comments" link at the bottom of this post! Thank you!

I look forward to sharing more Collector Spotlights posts in the future. 'Tis the season, so before you take down your JPD holiday displays, send me some photos for next time! I look forward to honoring your support of the folk-arts!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
~ Johanna

Halloween Blog Sale!...

Hello Halloween Folk Art Lovers!

Thank you for joining me for my Halloween Blog Sale! I have limited quantities of each set, and some of the items are limited edition characters. All of my designs will arrive signed as well. If something interests you, please EMAIL ME and include the name of the set you are interested in along with your name and shipping address. Sets will be reserved in the order of email requests received. Once items are packaged and a shipping estimate is established, I will send you an e-invoice to finalize the sale. I will start packing boxes on Friday Oct. 23, and emailing your invoices over the weekend. Prompt payment will equal prompt shipping in hopes that you will receive your goodies by Halloween!

THANK YOU 

for your interest in my collectible Halloween Reproductions, 

Signed by the Artist!

{ Sold Out - Thank you! }

The Bulbous Crow Pair @ $125 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 2 Limited Edition Signed Standing Crows 

from Johanna's line of Bethany Lowe Designs products 

Approximately 30 pairs in this size and style were produced

 Crows are 8" tall with a 4" diameter ball body

*NOTE: Upon arrival, wire feet may need to be adjusted

 to balance the weight of the crow/s. They tend to be 

a little tipsy, but will stand after proper positioning

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{ SOLD OUT ~ Thank you! }

Forest Owls Set @ $57 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Signed Standing Owl Ornament from Johanna's 

Bethany Lowe Designs Halloween line

Owl measures 6.75" tall with wire

-1 Cranberry Orange Scented Candle with illustrated owl wrap by Johanna

Candle, signed on the underside, comes from Johanna's, 

made in Vermont line, by Aunt Sadie's. Candle is 4" tall

- 2 Black Bottle Brush trees with orange glitter dusting from

 Bethany Lowe Designs

Trees are approximately 4.5" and 9" tall

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{ SOLD OUT ~ Thank you! }

Hoot Set @ $70 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Signed Owl screen print on wood standup from Johanna's 

Primitives by Kathy line. Owl standup is 6.5" tall

-1 Cranberry Orange Scented Candle with illustrated owl wrap by Johanna

Candle, signed on the underside, comes from Johanna's, 

made in Vermont line, by Aunt Sadie's. Candle is 4" tall

- 1 Signed Handmade illustrated pressed-paper ornament 

from Johanna's original line 

Owl ornament measures 9" tall with wire hook

Please specify A, B or C

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{ SOLD OUT - Thank you! }

Night Flier Duo @ $122 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Signed Balancing Bat from Johanna's 

Bethany Lowe Designs Halloween line

 Bat is 8.25" tall by 7.5" wide

- 1 Signed Balancing Owl from Johanna's 

Bethany Lowe Designs Halloween line

Owl is 9" tall by 8.5" wide

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{ SOLD OUT - Thank you! }

Nutty Cat & Jack Set @ $65 plus shipping

~ INCLUDES~

- 1 Signed Limited Edition Nut Cup Set from Johanna's 

Bethany Lowe Designs line. Nut Cups are 3.25" tall with wire

-1 Gingerbread Scented Candle with illustrated Cat & Jack wrap 

Candle, signed on the underside, comes from Johanna's, 

made in Vermont line, by Aunt Sadie's. Candle is 4" tall

-1 Signed Boo Hanger from Johanna's Primitives by Kathy line

Hanger is 5.5" tall with wire

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Stay Tuned here for a Halloween Collector Spotlight Feature early Next Week!

Happy Halloween!

~ Johanna ~