Its still winter...

I am so ready for crisp spring mornings, the smell of the tulips, and getting to plant new seeds in my greenhouse. I can hardly wait for the feeling of the warm sun on my back. BUT, it appears spring is a looong way away. See what we woke up to yesterday morning? About 4" of snow. By the time the day was over, we probably had about 9". Oh and that is (as promised) a picture of our new to us 2002 chevy avalanche. Jaydon is trying to brush it off so we can make it to church. We ran into a slight problem, and ended up being a half hour late. See, the ice scraper was in the shed, and the snow was super deep at the door of the shed, and the snow shovel was somewhere in the yard covered in snow. :) So, we had to wait super long for the ice to thaw off the windshield... and it seemed to take forever. Anyhow, at least we made it! :)

We still had fun though, Jaydon, me, mom and dad pulled Trinity and Jada down town on 2 sleds. There were about 3 tractors around trying to plow the roads.

It was sunday, so our little town was pretty quiet. It definitely felt like a winter wonderland. A few of the local businesses had even closed for the day. Fortunately there was no wind, so it felt fairly good outside. It was still snowing on us, so it made taking pictures somewhat of a challenge... but it wasnt too bad. :)

We did a little walk around town and figured the girls probably needed to warm up. Even though they were not ready... A quick bribe of hot chocolate did the trick, and definitely helped make them a little more manageable!

Of course with that much snow, we had to make snow ice cream. I was able to whip up a batch in my new kitchen-aid. (Which btw was one of my christmas gifts from my husband! :) I was sooo surprised. Been wanting one before we even got married, but was determined to hold out until I could buy the super nice one, that will handle large batches of bread dough. It has a 7 quart bowl and I ssoooo love it!) I have to admit the second batch (chocolate) was so much better then the first. Which worked out quite nice since dad and Jaydon filled up on the first batch of vanilla! ;)

Well, I hope spring does in fact come soon... but I suppose I can try and enjoy the snow a little longer. :) This morning I was in for another surprise to see "my love" on etsy's homepage. It was a great collection of one of my favorite colors... green! Definitely a homepage I was proud to be a part of. :)

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

-jess

Uptown- NEW

Hello there! First off, I want to say congratulations to Lori for winning the free print! I will contact you via etsy to see which print you want sent your direction. :)

Also, I completed another piece today! I have been meaning to do something with this orchid I drew months ago... I wanted a slightly more abstract look and was so happy with how this turned out. I think it would look great printed borderless on 13x19" paper, and hung like a poster! It just may have inspired me to offer a borderless 13x19" size to my "shop by size section." I will be adding that to my list of things to do. :) I wonder if it would look better printed large on the canvas or on photo paper? Hmmm... I may have to experiment with that.

12 hours left from the time of posting!

Vol.25's Grand Opening was a small success. It has been a week now, and we have already made it to the home page, been recognized in etsy's find of the day this morning, and already been hit up with potential advertising from a very well known blog. In addition to that, I have been thrilled to see each and every new heart I get. It is amazing how much more I appreciate those little things now that I had been reduced to 0. :) Surprisingly in one week we have grown to 122 hearts. I think it took me a couple months to get my first 100 with SparksFly.

So, I have been super happy and encouraged with the direction Vol.25 is going. I have gotten a little bit more of my inspiration back and finally created yet another new piece. :) I titled it "Melody." While it does differ, the original is also available.



You have just 8 hours left to take advantage of The Grand Opening Sale:


Buy any 2 8x10 prints and get a 3rd 8x10 print free.

Buy any original and get a free 8x10 print

Buy any print set and get a free 8x10 print

Buy any 11x14 sized print and get a free 8x10 print

I will also be drawing a name, and awarding someone with a free 8x10 of their choice. But, you have just 12 hours left ( from the time of posting) to make a purchase and become eligible.

I hope everyone had a great weekend! In addition to the new store opening, we bought a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. I absolutely adore it, the heated seats have been so nice this past week, as the temperatures have been in the single digits! I will be sure and post a couple pictures of our new pride and joy. :)

Speaking of pride and joy, thanks to all those congratulating me. It was super sweet! I aprpeciate them all. :)

-jess

Finally-the big news

Well, I am officially 3 mos. pregnant now! Baby #2 is on its way. I wanted to finally share the news with all of you, it has been hard wanting to go anywhere near the computer. Morning sickness, has definitely been a little more often this time around then with trin. But, we are thrilled. :) So, now you all know why I have been so slack in keeping up with my blog. I have been feeling better lately, so hopefully I will get better about it! :)





Yesterday was a nice surprise, to find "Roses Among Us" on the homepage. I was thrilled actually, since the new store just opened... some extra exposure was certainly needed. :) It led to a sale, and another amazing oppurtunity! I will be sure and fill you in when it gets a little closer, and I get a little more information. It promises to bring alot of exposure to vol.25!


I hope you all had a great weekend. We did, it was windy with a sprinkling of snow. I am so ready for spring. I really am not a winter person.

Its official!

Wheeew.... I finally have all my listings transferred over. It took me literally all day, and my back is absolutely killing me. But, I am so glad to finally have it done! I have also added a couple new prints to the store. I hope to get at least one more finished and listed in the next couple days.

Grand Opening sales currently going on:

Buy any 2 8x10 prints and get a 3rd 8x10 print free.

Buy any original and get a free 8x10 print

Buy any print set and get a free 8x10 print

Buy any 11x14 sized print and get a free 8x10 print

Buy any print set and get a free 8x10 print

...........................................................................

AND any purchase automatically enters you into a drawing to win yet another free print! The drawing will be held next thursday.

These sales are good for one week only, January 24th, 2007. If theres a print you have been watching for awhile now... it is the perfect oppurtunity to now own it. :)

Well, I am going to move my toosh to a more comfortable chair, have a good evening everyone!

-jess

What is in a name?

Apparently quite a bit. In my last posting I mentioned a possible shift in direction for SparksFly. It has been decided, and the new shop is now registered, but currently empty. Thursday January 17th is the official Grand Opening, and I promise to not dissapoint... so the store will open with a few good offers that I hope will be too good to pass up. :)

I drove myself crazy, not to mention my mother and loving husband trying to come up with a name for the new store. A name means so much, it is after all, an immediate first impression. I think I stressed way to much over this, and caused myself some agonizing headaches before finally settling on vol.25. The name signifies chapter 25 in my life, the age I am when I officially and legally launch vol.25. I am excited to get everything rolling, but will miss the feedback/hearts I worked so hard to achieve. I remember being so thrilled to get my 100th heart, and even more thrilled when I received my 1,000th!

I am certainly nervous about possibly leaving behind so many wonderful customers, and hope that the move across the street in etsy land, will not be too great of a challenge. I promise that vol.25 will deliver the same great customer service you have come to expect from SparksFly. I appreciate each and every one of my customers, and value your opinions.

Yesterday I went to work designing the new packaging for vol.25. I was so excited to get a new look going. I tried to still keep some of the same elements from SparksFly (hence the woodgrain) but changed it up just enough that I feel it is fresh and new.

I also "finally" began work on the shop by size section of the store. You can now easily purchase an 11x14 sized print without having to contact me for a reserved listing. The 8x10 will also be listed in that same section, to make things easier. I have had this section listed in SparksFly empty now... for about 2 months. It feels so nice to finally "deliver" and have it ready to be added this thursday!

In addition to the "shop by size" I also have my first print set ready to be listed thursday as well. This section has also sat empty for a couple months, and will now be available! :) Instead of buying 2 prints at $20.00 a piece, you will be able to buy the two matching prints for $35.00 and pocket the extra $5.00. I hope it will simplify things for a potential customer.

I hope the new year has brought in a fresh new start for you as well. I don't have any huge resolutions to try and stick with this year. If I had to choose one, it would definitly be to stay a little more organized! It seems I can never stay organized long enough to... well... STAY organized. :) Good intentions are certainly there though!

Well, I must be going.... life calls... but I will be back thursday for an update with the new shop! :) Please leave me your comments, I would LOVE to hear your opinion on the new movement.

Finally a spark of inspiration...

Whew! I finally made time to find some inspiration for a new piece of art. I love how well everything came together on this one. I am adding it to etsy now. I am sitting in the kitchen, here at the trusty computer, giving Jaydon all the time in the world to wrap my presents. He tends to get creative with the wrapping. He never ceases to amaze me. Since he started wrapping presents; I have done my dishes, finished "the power of love," listed it, and am now taking the oppurtunity to update my blog. :) I love my sweet hubby, and every little thing he does for me. The first present he brought in had a little christmas tree made out of paper, and a square present (also made from wrapping paper) underneath the tree. I am most definitly going to have to take a picture of it in better lighting.

I hope everyone is having a stress free holiday season! This year will be a little different for us, instead of going over to mom and dads on Christmas morning, we are having the family all over here. It should be somewhat cozy with all 11 of us in our little 900 sq. ft. home. :)

Looking ahead to 2008:

_________________

I *think* I am going to take a huge plunge in January, and transfer SparksFly to a new storefront space on etsy. Fresh with a new name and new look. Ever since I introduced my artwork, and quit designing packaging I have thought about starting fresh. Of course there are definitly disadvantages to doing so, and that is why I have not already done it. BUT, I really do think it would be best for me in the long run. I will certainly keep you all posted, and I welcome comments/suggestions. The new name is still in the works... I have to find the perfect fit/logo.

Well, I must make use of my kitchen time. Trinity is telling me she is starving. A new word she picked up from me... ugh. Poor child, there is just something pitiful about 3 year old telling you she is starving when her last meal/snack was only an hour ago. :) I think tonight it is frozen pizza, with snacks curled up by the fire later in the evening.

My Best Holiday wishes to all!

Jessica

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?

........................................................
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! ;)