busy, busy!

To all my loyal readers out there still checking in... (even though its been forever since I have updated!) I would like to say thanks. :) We have been so busy, we finally got mom and dad moved out of their 3,000 sq. ft. home. 10+ years in one house, 3 kids, and 3 weddings can sure allow you to accumulate alot of "stuff." The snow and pouring weather really didnt help!

It was a huge job to get it all moved, so we are SO glad to have it all done. Mom and dad have been staying the week with us, and it has flown by. It has been nice having my mom here. I feel as though I have a live in babysitter/housekeeper. :) Of course since Jaydon and my dad work together, that has worked out nice too! It looks as though they finally found a fifth wheel (in Grants Pass, OR) and will be leaving tonight to pick it up. Ah well, it was nice while it lasted. ;)

So, aside from moving... we finally made time to "officially" celebrate Trinity's third B-day. There was only a handful of people able to show up, but I think she still had a great time. I think planning a birthday this time of year will always be inconvenient. :)

I have also hit somewhat of a dry spell creative-wise. I have had no drive or inspiration to creating anything new, and have to "make" myself sit at the computer. I suppose I havent been trying to push myself much, and have been enjoying taking a little bit of a vacation. I am still fulfilling etsy orders left and right, but I feel like I am running my etsy store part time instead of overtime. :) Definitly been enjoying my christmas music and also reading a good book. I finished "The Golden Compass" and the second book, "the subtle Knife", and have just started the third book "the amber spyglass" They have been really good!

Well, I have plans to make salmon for dinner, and will try to share the recipe sometime these next few days... it is delicous. I got the original recipe from my aunt kay... but when i couldnt find it, I had to look the internet over for a similar recipe. I suppose I will mix and match my ingredients, and let you know how it turns out. :) If you love salmon and cream cheese, this one wont be a dissapointment. It is great for feeding company, seems fancy and yet it is sooo easy!

Announcing... Mr. and Mrs. Roman Nehls

Well, my little brother tied the knot this last saturday! It was a pretty wedding, and had its share of stressful moments. But, would a good wedding honestly be complete without a few?! :)

They will be here to spend Thanksgiving with us, and we are so looking forward to it! Hot turkey sadwiches and leftovers galore! Although, I must admit... our family tends to make more dessert then "real" food. Generally a pie or two per person. :D Thats awful isnt it?

I am most excited about the day after thanksgiving, (no not because of all the crazy busy sales) but, because the radio's start playing christmas music! I can finally string my christmas lights, and we can put up our fake tree! :) Hot chocolate by the fire, and eggnog... yummy!

UPDATE: The large canvas paper is in, and so are the postcards! I just need to make some time to get the listings complete. :) Hopefully this week.

More postcards coming soon.

Hello everyone! I thought I would give yet another sneek peek as what is on its way to SparksFly. Scheduled to arrive at my front door next wednesday, are these images on 4x6 sized heavy 15 pt. cardstock, and rounded corners. I am planning to sell them in packs of 10, but I just may offer them for sale individually as well. I am always open for thoughts or suggestions, on just what it is you would prefer to see/buy. :)

Even though these little beauties are due to arrive wednesday, I am doubting I will get them up in the store as soon as I would like... .See, my little brother is getting married this next weekend, my parents just sold their house and need to be out by the 28th. Thats not including Thanksgiving, and my little girls third birthday all coming up this month as well! :) So, things are just a little busy... and I may not be able to find the time to put these together. But I sure am going to try! If I start thinking early... I may be able to get the listing descriptions/images done early. I also need to brainstorm new packaging! I will most certianly let you know a little later in the week, when you can expect to snatch a few of these up.

Also, it has been a while since I have done a poll survey... I may get another one of those going in the next few days. Because... of course, I love knowing what you readers are thinking. :) Do you have a favorite image you would love to see on upcoming postcards? Drop me the title, and it just may pop up in the store!

Christmas Postcards are here!

They are finally listed in my etsy store. It took a little longer then I had expected, since I decided to offer them in three different quantities. But, nonetheless... they are finally listed. One more thing I can check off my loooong list of things to do. ;) I hope the quantities end up working out alright for everyone.

Description:

This year send a Christmas card sure to make a lasting impression. No more worrying about sending the same card as the Jones' next door.

These Post Cards are professionally printed on 15 pt. cardstock. They have a glossy finish on the front, but the back is finished with a matte surface... insuring your pen will glide effortlessly. I lovingly created this llustration with thoughts of frost covered trees, a chill in the air, and the smell of peppermint hot chocolate. You wont see another card like this one.

This holiday season take your "pledge to buy handmade" a little further, and send out cards bought directly from the artist. Spread the joy. :)

5 pack is here and priced at 7.00

10 pack is here and priced at 12.50

50 pack is here and priced at 49.50

Happy early Holidays to everyone! :)

♥ jess

Sneek Peek #2 and gift certificates!

They have arrived! Fresh off the printing press... I am so thrilled with how they have turned out. I am super anxious to list them, but am going to need to wait for my "best morning light" to take pictures. :) HOWEVER, they should be listed tomorrow afternoon. I will be sure and post here when I do get them in my store.

I also just listed my first gift certificate. I plan to also list one including an envelope, and small card. For those that would like a little more of a premium presentation. :) However, I still have not added the "Royal Treatment" to the shop yet. I should hopefully have it listed today though.

Well, it is lunch time and I am absolutely starving! :)

13x19" Canvas on the way...

Hello everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I am finally making the HUGE initial investment, and purchasing the same canvas as seen above, but it a larger format... 13x19 to be exact. Which means I will now be able to print any print up to 13x19" on canvas. No more photo paper!

I have had a few requests for prints in the 11x14 size... but my potential customers were always a little dissapointed to see that it would not be printed on the same canvas paper shown in all my listings. This canvas really is the best I have found. I have shopped around, and tried a few different brands, before finding (and falling in love) with this particular paper.

The stuff I have ordered is the same brand as what I am using now, but claims to be waterproof, so we will have to see about that. :) It is scheduled to arrive next monday. I expect to have the "shop by size" section completely utilized by wednesday. This will make it much easier to purchase the larger format size. I will give an update when everything is finally in place. :)

November- Giveaway!

I think the holiday season has put me in an early giving mood! I have decided to once again, hold this little contest. It really was fun when we did it back in August. I have changed it a little, this time you can choose your very own free print. Please see below for the "fine print" ;) If you have any other questions, you can most certainly convo me via etsy, or leave your comment here.

Beginning with the month of November I will be giving away a FREE print. The print will be 8x10 in size, and on canvas. I will even pay your shipping. Valued at $20.00+ shipping

--Eligibility Requirements: (How to get your name in the drawing)
You must purchase any one Illustration from my store.

--How long does the drawing run for? (When do I find out if I have won!?)
The drawing began November 1st, and runs until Friday November 30th.

--How will the winner be chosen? (Pick Me, Pick Me!)
On Friday November 30th, my husband will draw 1 name from this lovely cup.

--How will I know if I have won? (I mean, other then convoing, and e-mailing you every day for the next month)
The winner will be announced here in my blog the following saturday, and in the etsy forums under promotions and critiques section. I will also send you a conversation via etsy letting you know.

--Which print will you be giving away? (surely it isnt the same one I want)

Of course it is! Whichever print you choose, is the print I will send you. I promise.

--What are my chances of winning? ( I mean honestly)
This will vary from month to month. You can always find out by looking through my sold prints on etsy. You can also increase your odds. *see below*

--Does each additional print purchase increase my odds? (hmmm?)
You bet! Your name will be put in for each print you buy. But two prints, your name goes in twice. Pretty simple eh?

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I think that about sums it up, if I forgot to add something, or answer a question let me know!!

my store

Floating Through Love

Hey there! So, I just finished these little guys up yesterday. It is a bit different then what I usually create? But, I really like how it turned out. Mom pointed out, that I must have subconsciously created this piece because Jaydon had went out of town for the night. Its funny, because I must have. :) We do not usually spend nights away from each other, so when he does have to leave, its weeeird. Trin and I went over and spent the night with mom. Partly because I was not the most comfortable staying overnight without Jaydon, but mostly because we had a fun girls night planned! :)

Jaydons back now... and I think he appreciated this new one. :) I hope everyone has a nice sunday planned. Dont forget to change your clocks!

Trick or Treat!

We had extremely rare weather for Halloween this year. It was perfect sweater weather. :) No breeze, no rain... but a perfect chill in the air!

Trin and Jada really enjoyed themselves. We just took them up a block and back down the other side, but it was just enough houses for these two. They held hands and walked together. Which made it very awkward. After all most of the pathways were meant for one person, not a train. :) mom and dad and Jaydon and I both took turns holding the girls' hands'.

By the last house, they finally had it down. They were saying trick or treat, and thank you all by themselves. :)

"Tunes" in 3 new colors!

So, I have finally gotten around to offering "Tunes" in a few new colors. BUT, It is still possible to have me customize the 2 colors for you. But, I know there are alot of people out there, that do want to take the time to send me a conversation asking me to customize a piece (I really dont bite I promise! :) So, I am going to try and get around to eventually offering it in the store showing several different colors. I know that nobody likes to decorate exactly like the Robinson's next door! :)

So, anyhow... new colors (in addition to these) will be arriving sometime... hopefully soon. :D

Thanks so much for all the positive feedback on the christmas postcards. It really makes me happy! :) I am going to try and list them in several different quantities to allow each person to get just the right amount they need. I am debating on offering envelopes with them? I Would love any feedback on this though... Maybe I could offer some with, and some without?

{btw- Jenna, this is not the post I was referring to... that one is going to take me some time to prepare!}

Christmas Postcards- update!

Well, I promied a sneek peek on the christmas cards, and here it is. This is the first design. I think I will test the waters and see how well they do. Next year I will be more prepared, and have a few other designs ready a little earlier.

I am in the process of ordering them right now. They will be glossy, and super thick! I *hope* to have them listed super late next week. :) I guess we will see how fast their travel time is.

I loved this print so much, I wanted to make it a little less seasonal... so "Longing" was born. :) I hope you all like it. I am adding it to my etsy store right now, in a few mins. you should be able to click the picture or here for a direct link!

We had freezing temperatures in the night, and because of it our leaves are dropping like crazy! You can't even see our grass. As soon as Jaydon comes home, we will be taking Trin out to play in the leaves. It is so beautiful outside, everything is covered in a golden blanket, and the sun has such a warmth!

Seeds Of Freedom

I finally made time to finish a new piece! :) It feels so nice to finally complete an idea I have had in my mind for weeks. It always gives me the warm fuzzies when I sell it for the first time...It is so rewarding. One of the many reasons why I enjoy creating new pieces.

Listed in my etsy store, and you can find it here.

Christmas update: I am working on a few illustrations to be used as christmas postcards! I hope to introduce them into the store by November. I suppose that depends on how soon I get them done! I cant believe October is almost over! The drawings are inked and ready to be transferred to the computer, and I will be sure and give you a sneek peek just as soon as I get one worth showing. :)

Fall favorites

I normally dread winter, and am a spring/summer person ALL the way. This year, though I am really enjoying fall, and even looking forward (just a little) to winter. :) Its no wonder, with each new fall season I have had an extra little blessing in my life! Getting married to the man of my dreams and moving into our first home together, a year later the birth of our little girl, 2 years after that the purchase/move to our current home, and this fall the sale of our first home together.

Fall is so gorgeous in our new neighborhood. Our streets are lined with the most beautiful, biggest trees imaginable! Trin and I made halloween sugar cookies a few days ago. This is the first year she has really been able to get excited about the holidays. She really enjoys recognizing a pumpkin when she sees one! :)

I also found these super cute window clings at target. I think I paid 2.50 for them. I have really great memories of my mother using halloween window decorations. There was a witch, pumpkin, and a ghost. They had that black fuzzy stuff mixed in with color. I would love to find a modern day variation of these decorations! But, until then these window clings will have to suffice. Trin does seem to enjoy them anyhow!

Our 4 Year anniversary!

Yesterday was our 4 year anniversary. It seems so hard to believe it has already been 4 years. We stayed in and celebrated with Trin. Trin is spending tonight with grandpa and grandpa... so we will get to go out and have no curfew! :)

Here is our story: We met in Grand junction Colorado at a mutual friends BBQ. Since I had to fly back to Washington two days after meeting him, we talked on the phone ALOT... he flew out 2 weeks later and spent a week here in Washington. He asked me to marry him on July 3rd. Just three short weeks after meeting each other.

We had a 3 month long engagement, and tied the knot on October 18th 2003. :)
We both felt that if we knew we were meant for each other why wait? Its been great! We have our differences, but are perfect for each other. He balances me out, and I him. :)
...I just hope my daughter doesn't do this to me! :)

"Romeo and Juliet"

"Love was never promised to be easy." So true as in Romeo and Juliet's case. These two have similar issues... lets just say family reunions dont go over so well. However, these two pull through the hard times and are still together to enjoy the good times.

I think this print is a reminder, that every relationship will endure they're storms... but that the calm after the storm is so much worth sticking it out together! :)

Well, I had SUCH a hard time trying to decide which variation of this print to list on etsy. SO, I finally decided to offer all three. :) Now, the choice is up to you! I hope you enjoy them all!

Well, today it has been windy and rainy! We rarely get rain, so when we do... I generally do enjoy it. So long as it doesnt last longer then 2 days. :) Our front yard is COVERED in leaves! It is amazing what a little wind can do for one's yard. Between the yucky black walnuts, and the leaves.... Jaydon has been busy! I really should help him a little. Maybe today Trin and I will go outside and rake some of them up for him. Well, it is the thought that counts right? And I mean I did *think* of doing it. I am sure he will appreciate that just the same! ;)

Holiday Gift Tags making their debut:

I finally am able to check this off my list of things to do. I have been itching to design my own gift tags this year. Well, I finally did it. :) Every year I always end up using a green very similar to the above present. What is it about the green that I love so much? I have no idea! I just realized I even painted my kitched a very similar green. Hmm, it may be time for me to broaded my horizons... step out on a limb. ;) I am excited to get started on a few new designs, but so far I am really liking how these turned out. You can see them here on etsy.

..................... D E S C R I P T I O N .............................

Let these little gems help put the icing on the cake to that perfect gift you bought! These will look simply classy under your christmas tree. Adorn those extra special gifts with an extra special label.

Size: 3.5x2"

Paper: 80# white textured linen

* These are not sticky, you will need to secure them to your packages with tape. Or, hole punch and attach with a ribbon or twine.

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Well, I am SURE I have something "important" I should be doing! :) So, I will leave you with this short post! Have a great thursday everyone!

New Art!

Ok... so I have been busy! It seems like when I have one idea, at least two will follow suit! I suppose it only makes sense that when I am "inspirationly" lacking I am REALLY lacking. :) It is all a reminder to me that when it truly does rain, it pours. :)

So, here are a few of my new etsy additions.

"Love is magical" (above) Was created with much love. It brought back so many memories as a child. My days were spent daydreaming about unicorns, and putting holes in the knees of my pants. Trying to get the perfect horse gallop "just right". *sigh* yes, life is so much simpler when your a kid. This print will forever remind me of those days, and bring a little more simplicity to my life. :)

"Home Sweet Home" Is the second in a new series titled "Sitting Pretty" featuring furniture; everything from comfy, firm, modern, to retro, tradional. With my favorite feathered friends almost always making an appearance in each piece.

"Make Yourself Comfortable" is another addition to the "Sitting Pretty" series. In addition to the two seen here, I have two more in the works. Look for them to pop up in the next couple of weeks! :) The original to one is already listed in my etsy store. The original to "make yourself comfortable" should be up within the week. :)

Totally in love:

I came across this etsy store a few weeks ago. "One Up Wall graphics" has a very professional feel/look to their etsy store, and I was immediately impressed. Now, had I have had a little extra spending money... I would already have at least 4 of their designs gracing my living room walls. *sigh* Oh well, I suppose good things come to those who wait. We are STILL waiting for the sale of our trailer to close, once it does... you can bet I will be filling my online shopping cart!

I have mortar walls throughout most of my home, so I was super excited to see that they will send a free sample for you to try on your walls. I am most certainly going to take them up on that offer! I contacted them about featuring them on my blog, and they were very polite and speedy to reply. :) So, if your looking for a completey unique and stylish way to dress up your home, look no further this store has it!

Buy 1 Get 1 Free sale is a success! :)

Thanks to all those who took part in the buy 1 get 1 free sale. Unfortunately, I had been preparing a portfolio to take into my local gallery... and have used up quite a bit of my paper. :) I am waiting on a new shipment to arrive. But, because my supply is SO limited... I am going to have to end the buy 1 get 1 free sale, just a little earlier then I had planned.

Well, I wanted to give everyone that update! Esepecially since I *just* finally got around to posting about the sale yesterday. :) Hope everyone has a great tuesday!

Where have I been?

Wheeew.... almost a whole week away from my blog! I must admit, life has been a little busy... but I HAVE had time to update. I suppose I have just chosen to spend my time doing other things. There has been a few things happen in my life these past couple of weeks, that has reminded me just how short life really is. It has caused me to examine just how much time I have been spending doing my "fun things" here on my computer... just a little more then I would like.

So, I have been enjoying taking a little bit of a vacation from blog land. I think I may spend a little less time keeping everyone updated on my family, and a little more time with my family. :) So, rather then trying to post every other day... I may go just a tad bit longer. Of course, this will be a struggle for me... because I do enjoy blogging. I have just come to appreciate those precious minutes with my family a little more.

Well, we had Shaela's shower this weekend. It was really great. A few friends came in from out of town for it. I was even fortunate enough to have a friend spend Friday night with us. We stayed up a little after midnight visiting, and getting caught up on each others lives. :) Having most of your friends live hours away is rough at times!

ALso- I applied a few weeks back to get my work accepted on http://www.trunkt.org/ and good news! I was accepted!! :) I was so thrilled, because trunkt is very specific on their style and they strive to feature the portfolios of the best artists rather then the most artists. :) You can view my portfolio here: http://www.trunkt.org/SparksFly

So, I suppose that is about the extent of the news...

OH- I am also offering a BUY 1 GET 1 FREE SALE. :) Yep, not sure how long I will keep it going... so if you are considering purchasing a print, now is a great time! :) http://www.sparksfly.etsy.com/

I also JUST added this new print to the store this morning. :) It is titled "Roses Among Us" I hope you all enjoy it!

-jess

finally... a new addition!

Ok, so I must admit... I have hit an inspiration drought. It seems like the past week I have really enjoyed my time away from the computer. I have started 6 different pieces of work... and cant seem to get them just the way I like them.

Well, this print "te amo" (which means i love you in spanish) is finally just the way I like it. I have done a few different color variations, but I think I like this one the best. :) For those wondering, there is an actual El Caporal. And let me tell you, they make the best mexican food! If you have one in your area I urge you to try the colorado burrito. It is so good. :)

Well, with that... I need to leave you with a very short post... and get started on dinner for my family! Although, I would much rather pick me up a burrito!

Harvesting Tomatoes...

I grew a ton of tomatoes hoping to make salsa. Well, today mom came over and we picked all of the ripe ones. I had no idea I had so many! It was a pleasant surprise though. The top right picture is Roma tomatoes, and those all came from the same plant. I have not hardly done anything to these at all. I am most definitly giving the credit to the peat moss I mixed in with the soil. I also did raised beds, and I hear that really helps the plants. :)

Next week we plan to make the salsa. If you have a great recipe, I would love a link! I have one I have been planning to try, but I am most certainly still open for suggestions. :)

"smooooch"

Here is my newest addition to my etsy store. The doll was made by projectgrabbag, and is part of our collaboration together. She made me 2 dolls, 2 pirates, and 2 mushrooms to photograph, draw etc... This is Keiko, the other one you have seen in my art is named Emma. :)

I am getting to keep one of the dolls, and we werent sure which one it was going to be... but I think Trin decided for us. She has gotten attached to her first doll ever... and it is this one. Keiko. :) She has been changing her diaper, and begging to take her shopping with us. :) I finally caved, and let her take her to Home Depot. She got to be buckled in, so I figured she was safe. :)

I printed and hung this print on her wall, it looks so good against her pink walls. I definitly plan to do a matching companion print using Keiko. :) I think I already know JUST what I will do! But, you will have to wait to see! ;) Have a great thursday everyone!