We Have a Winner!

Actually, we have two winners! Today I am happy to share that Mary Nasser has shared the winner of her amazing map stencils on the Stencil Girl Blog Hop. Congratulations to Vicki Wright! Remember, if you didn't win, you can always buy Mary Nasser's beautiful stencils here! I am also happy to share that Anne O is the lucky winner of my little painting I made for the blog hop. I will be contacting you privately to get your address Anne O!

Getting ready to pack them up!

Ready to send to Anne!

Mixed Breed Art Auction for the Gateway Pet Gaurdians

Amie King Simmons (you know, the super talented, super cool chick who happens to be my cousin) also happens to be a crusader for the Gateway Pet Gaurdians. They are a pet rescue headed by PJ ( the super cool lady who goes to East St. Louis to feed the homeless dogs every day). Amie dreamed up an art auction fundraiser a little over a year ago and, being the mover and shaker that she is, she started putting the wheels in motion immediatley.

This all started last summer when Amie invited artists to come and spend time with Gateway rescued dogs in a dog park in Soulard. She wanted to have more than just your typical art acution where artist donate work, she wanted art peices that were inspired by the rescues that she loves. Of course participating was a no brainer for me.

Meet Hank 

I decided to work from a photograph of Hank that Amie sent to me. Hank lives in a forever home now and it is so comforting to know that. His face just spoke to me. He had these healing scars on his face, and these eyes that convinced me that he would be a good family member even though he might no have been that family guy from the start. I know I don't always work so literally (except for my obsessions with trees) but I felt that Hank's eyes told a better story than I could abstractly.

If you have any interest in seeing my painting or the other artists work, or if you just want to have a good time for a great cause, come by Schlafly Bottleworks on Febuary 28, 2010 from 4:30-8:00. It only cost $5 to attend! Click here for more details.

Finally on Etsy!

Well, it took me a while, but I am finally on Etsy. In case you have never heard of it before, I am talking about Etsy.com. It is an online store where you can find just about any hand made item you can think of. Be careful, it is addictive! I bought an Eye Spy flying saucer toy from The Greathouse Women for my nephew a month ago and now every time I need a gift, I check out Etsy first. I love the idea of supporting people who are trying to make a living like I am making hand made things. Makes me feel good.

So far, I have posted three of my new Little Gems. If you would like to see my store just click http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6065781 and you will be there. As you know, my Little Gems are 4"x6" hangable frameable original pieces of art. I am selling them for $30 a piece plus shipping. You can pay through paypal, check or money order. If you order through Etsy, you have to register with them, but they never send spam or anything so don't worry. Please check in often because I will be posting new paintings every day.

Thanks Amie for coaching me through and telling me about Etsy! Check out Amie's store at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5053411. Her jewelry is amazing!!!