Introducing First of 2011 Santas

Finally, I've completed the first batch of my 2011 Santas!

These are all hand painted on cypress knees.  For those who aren't familiar with cypress knees, they are part of the root system of the cypress trees that grow so plentiful at the edges of lakes and bayous in the south.  The "knees" pop up out of the water at the base of the tree.  Once the tree has been cut for lumber the "knees" are just useless.  That is until someone like me takes God's wonderful creation and gives it new life such as I did in creating my Santas.  Visit my website, http://www.wood-n-stitches.com/ to see more.

Here's a glimpse of before and after.

Before (actually "during" because I've already primed and basecoated)



After



Look What a Creative Customer Put Together!

I recently received an order for one of my cypresss knees on which I had painted two snowmen.  The customer was a former New Yorker who now lives in Flordia.  She called  the piece a "wooden sculpture".  Thinking that since she wasn't raised in the south she might not be familiar with the cypress trees that grow around all the lakes and bayous down here, I sent her an email with some information about cypress trees and their "knees".  I also  attached photos of them growing along the edge of a lake.

She, in turn, took the info and pics along with some snap shots of her purchase and created this great scrapbook page.  Now wasn't that cleaver?  Thank you Mary for sharing this with me and your friends on your forum.

The Ole Paint Brushes Are Flying

I've been painting every minute I can lately.  It's just 2 weeks until my next show which is the Broadmoor High School Arts and Crafts show in Baton Rouge, LA.

Sold in Baton Rouge.

Like the snowbirds, this one is moving to Florida.

Like the one above, this lady is headed to FL for the winter.

Moving to a new home in AR.

Moving to Arkansas

Moving to Arkansas also.

Here are the new cypress knee snowmen and Santas that I added to my website, http://www.wood-n-stitches.com/ today.  You can see more by clicking on the title of this post or the link above.  Business has really picked up online the last few days. 

In the HEAT We Will Build a Snowman...

I realize the song says...In the meadow we will build a snowman... but if I am going to be ready for my upcoming craft shows...I must build mine in the heat of summer.  Here are some I've been making this week.

2010 Christmas Shopping Officially Begins

This Santa "bowled" someone over to officially kick off my 2010 Christmas season.

I'll be sending it on its way to New York on Monday.

Watch for my ad in the Oct./Nov. edition of Country Sampler.

Santa Claus Is Coming ...To My House

The first of my 2010 Cypress Knee Santas have been added to my website, http://www.wood-n-stitches.com/! 

Here's a sneak peek!

Santa even has some gifts for his feathered friends...
a bag of  bird seed and a new home!

Time out to build a snowman!

Can you see the tiny red circles on Santa's robe?  I was experimenting with a straw as my "paintbrush".

This is Santa and the Mrs. out for a stroll in co-ordinating outfits.

Santas from Recycled Table Legs

These table legs were slanted at what was the top, so I had to get a friend to cut them off flat to get them to stand freely.

Now the top...is the bottom!

I've also added them to my website, http://www.wood-n-stitches.com/.

Finally!!! I Finished Some Santas

They've been a while in the making,  but finally I have finished my first batch of Santas for my 2010.  I've also listed them on my website, http://www.wood-n-stitches.com/.

Usually I work on 5 or 6 at the time, but for some unknown reason I started a group of 18 all at once.  I guess panic has set in since I'm so late starting my painting this year.  I'm not doing that again.  I need to see something finished soon to keep me fired up.

Even Snowmen Look Better Clothed

If you saw my last post,  you  too probably agree that even these snowmen look better with their "clothes" on!!! 

My "test market" (friends, sisters and grandchildren) , immediately spotted the new designs and started claiming them.  They are not shown in any of the photos because I have yet to make their caps.  One of my granddaughters wanted to take hers home with her even though it wasn't finished.

Even my grandson, who is 3 years old,  got excited when he saw all the snowmen ornaments.  Despite the 100 degree temps outside, he just knew it was time to go home and put up the Christmas tree and get ready for Santa to come!!!   Sorry, you'll have to wait a while longer, Baz.