Saturday, June 27, 2015

Peafowl Block Print Cards


I've been working on block print designs for my Early Work Mercantile page. These will be listed and ready for purchase on the evening of the 30th around 9pm.

To make the cards, I first sketch a whimsical peafowl design, inspired by antique frakturs, on the linoleum (above) and then carve it out (below).


Spread the ink on the plate and ink up the brayer...


Then ink the design...


and make a test print. I use an old magazine for this.


I carve away any unwanted areas that showed up on the test, and then print a card using the baren (the round thing with a wooden handle shown in the 3rd photo below).





I'll have several sets made, packaged in clear note card boxes, and ready to ship next Wednesday.

Thanks for visiting!

Blessings,
Lana

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Pssst! New Art Prints Are Here!



Not a lot of time to chat, so I'll share a photo and a link and be back over the weekend.

I've got lots of new art prints in my Etsy shop now. They sold really well at the Lavender Festival and I thank all of you so much! These are whimsical, colorful prints and will brighten up any decor... perfect for gifts, too!

If you'd like to help spread the word, please share this post with any of the little Pin It, Facebook, Twitter, Google + buttons, links, or whatever they are called that are below my signature. Thanks!

Blessings,
Lana

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Remains of the Day - Silk Ribbon Art


Each year when the Lavender Festival is over, I share the items I brought back home with me. Although sales were awesome this time, and the crowds were pretty much constant, I did still have some inventory left.


                      
 So for those of you that live too far away to visit the fesitval, here you go! :)



You may see all silk ribbon embroidery pillows on my shop blog --- here.

Have blessed day,
Lana

Friday, June 19, 2015

It's the Little Things...


This morning I got out my hand carved, lavender lino blocks and hand printed several dozen cards for the Lavender Festival in Oak Ridge, TN tomorrow.


I always like to have small affordable item for someone wanting to purchase something from me but can't spend a lot. I've been in that boat plenty of times!


It's also nice to have things like these for impulse purchases. I can't tell you how many times in the past that a customer was about to pay for their items and then said, "Oh, add a couple cards to my list, too!"

So you see, little things do matter! :)

Hope to see you Saturday!

Lana

Thursday, June 18, 2015

A Few Pre-Festival Sneak Peeks


Not much time to chat...
I've got to keep working on silk ribbon embroidery for the Lavender Festival.

This year, all ribbons are hand-dyed...
even my fingers are hand-dyed, unless I can get it all off before Saturday!

Enjoy!



And yes.... your drink should always coordinate with your project! ;)

 

If you are in the Oak Ridge area on Saturday, come by and see me at the Lavender Festival!
Click here for more info.

Blessings,
Lana

Monday, June 15, 2015

Getting Ready for the Lavender Festival


I've been dyeing silk ribbons for my silk ribbon embroidered pillows that I will have at the Lavender Festival Saturday!


This year all pillows will be the same size. I ordered pillow forms so I wouldn't have to stuff each and every one. That's very time consuming, and I've been having trouble with my hands, so just popping in a pillow form should help a lot!
 

I'll share some photos of the actual embroidery in a day or so.



Take care and God bless,
Lana

Sunday, June 14, 2015

LOVE


If you're willing to see...
you can find God's love, even in nature...

Have a blessed day,
Lana


Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Watercolor Frakturs


I am still doing folk art pieces from time to time, and I have a page over at Early Work Mercantile where I offer some things each month.


Nesting - available here

One of my June offerings has already sold, but there are still note cards and a colorful fraktur available. Click here for more details. I'll be changing them out July 1st, so if you see something you want, don't wait too long!

Blueberry Feast Note Cards

Blueberry Feast Watercolor Fraktur


Blesssings,
Lana

Friday, June 5, 2015

Lavender, Peonies, and Puppies



I'm still here...



still painting lavender-scapes for the Lavender Festival that will be June 20th in Oak Ridge, TN.


Trying to work in a small bit of gardening, though that's pretty much on hold until the festival is over.


And taking care of a beagle / corgi --- Buddy --- that had to have surgery for a torn CCL that would not heal.



Tomorrow we will be spending the day with our kids and daughter-in-law --- but I think of her when I say kids, she's just like one of our own and immediately felt like family when we met her. We will be enjoying smoked baby back ribs and chicken breasts, along with red potato salad, Uncle Ben's long Grain and Wild Rice (LOVE Uncle Ben!)  and peanut butter pie for dessert. I'll have to share the smoker with you soon. It's one my husband made from an old refrigerator!

Have a blessed weekend!
Lana