The Little Graduate

Well, the little guy has graduated from pre-school and as you can see it was a fun, rockin time for all! AND the best part, well for me anyway, was that he got the Van Gogh Award for being the best artist in his class! How cool is that? His favorite part though was the cake! We are all so proud of him! Hope everyone is having a great summer. Pictures of the patio come next!

A Shot of Red

Everyone needs a shot of red! Or at least I do. I recently cleaned up and out all my art supplies and canvases. They are still accessible, but out of sight and no longer taking over the dining room. AND, having done that, I also had to replace my Jackson Pollock paint spattered tablecloth.
Well, I usually just get a clear plastic one as my dining room table has been handpainted a lovely green and decoupaged and painted with vines and flowers by your's truly. But it seems the store was out of clear plastic ones. So I rummaged about looking for something else that would work and that was cheap. And lo and behold I found this Martha Stewart red/pink paisley pattern that normally I would think was too bold for the room. (Tho I do have touches of red and pink in this cottage style room) BUT it was marked down to $2.00!! Needless to say, it was a done deal! And apparently, it was just what I needed! It's bright and cheery and simply faboo.
So the inside of my house is getting spiffed up as we collect the rest of the materials for out patio. Yes, my little patio that has become the talk of our local friends and neighbors. Mostly they say things like, "So have ya got the patio done yet?" WE sigh, bow our heads and admit that no we haven't even started the job. (We mumble about the weather and the kids and how were still collecting our suppplies, all useless excuses around here)
They all find this quite funny, as they are very handy dyi people, mostly laborers to whom putting in a small patio is a piece of cake. Now I have done my share of dyi work in the home and have no problem getting my hands dirty. But a PATIO, well that's another story.
But my ton and a half of sand was delivered today (who would've thunk you would need that much sand? lol) and it looks like the job will get done this week.
AND those same people, our wonderful friends have all kindly offered their advice, as well as lending us their tools. (I might have to put post its on things just to remember who lent us what!) And some have offered a helping hand. (I think they are starting to take pity on us city bred folk! lol) So there you have it.
Then all I need to do, is to stain and assemble two wooden Adirondack chairs that we got cheap cheap cheap! And scout the flea market and tag sales for a bistro type table and chairs.
Unless any of you have any ideas on how to make my own out of something??
And I have a friend who is overgrowing with ferns, so I think I'll be adopting a couple of those for around my birdbath and for the patio.
Life is good. God is good and continues to bless us. I feel good and I am looking forward to a great summer! OH and the red photo above is the courtesy of my very talented daughter, whose photography you can see at the Lavender Funk link to the right. Take a peek!
And add a shot of red to your life this week, whether it be fresh cherries from the market or a gerber daisy or a bright red tablecloth! Happy Tuesday all!

Etsy Wonders

As most of you might already know, etsy is a wonderful community of creative, talented and unique people. Not only do they offer a fantastic marketplace for buyers, the sellers themselves are warm, friendly and usually willing to help promote other sellers.
Such is the case with a shop called Q Branch Ltd. They were kind enough to feature me as their artist of the week on their blogspot which you can find here: http://qbranchltd.blogspot.com/
So if you're not already tired of my rambles...go on over and check it out!
AND the next time you're on etsy, be sure to check out their creative and diverse shop called
Q Branch Ltd. here http://www.qbranchltd.etsy.com
Cheers to generous artists! Happy Day all!

ReCharging

Well, I had company over the weekend and never did get around to doing anything about my new promo idea. But it tis that season, when visitors come a knockin', so I'm not so sure it will come to pass just yet. I'm also at a standstill with my art, feeling the need to slow down and recharge, maybe branch out in a new direction. This comes as no surprise to me as summertime seems to be when I am at my least creative. And perhaps that is the time to just be free and explore at my own pace. It's also sneezin season, with allergies abounding. Soooo...I think I will be recharging for a while.
I will still be a bloggin but not as frequently and I will be checkin in to see what my wonderful, and creative blogging friends are up to.
But the sun is shinin' and theres a light breeze and a beautiful nest of little baby birds outside my kitchen window. So I think I'll inhale the senses of summer, take it all in, fill myself up with the beauty of nature and all it's inspiration and then perhaps I will be able to exhale something wonderful....feeling recharged once again.
It's summertime and the livin' is easy. Or so I hope....lol. Hope everyone is having a beautiful day and enjoying the season.

Thank You!

"Summer Rose" by D.Altaville c.2007

Available at Art n Joy on etsy! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

THANK YOU all so much for you're input and encouragement on my last post!

I am so lucky to have such wonderful blogging friends.

So yes, I am going ahead with the idea, and hopefully will have it all together by Monday.

I apologize if I have not been frequenting your blogs as much, (or posting here as much for that matter), but I guess like everyone else, I've been doing the outdoor thang!

Which brings me to my brick! lol I got them delivered the other day and though they are not the old, old brick I was hoping for they will do just fine and best of all they were free!

So now you know what I'll be doing next week! lol

As they are calling for rain the next few days here.

AND I have been one lazy artist! Working at a snail's pace. Hey, at least I'm honest. lol

But this Rose is for you all my wonderful, talented and creative friends.

Thanks again and have a happy one!

NEED YOUR OPINION....

Good Morning Blogger Friends! I hope everyone had a nice Mom's Day. I know I did. I requested no gifts here, as money is tight, and quite honestly, my kids are the best gift I ever received! Not much to report here, still doing the Spring Cleaning thang and hoping that sometime soon, I will have a pile of old brick in my yard! I've been wanting a little brick patio for years and a friend of ours in landscaping says he just might have some old brick for me this week, from a job he's doing. Won't that be faboo! Of course, it'll be even more faboo, if I manage to do the job right, as I am tackling it myself. But another friend has instructed me on just what to do...down to the last detail. So we'll see.

Anyhooo....I need some HONEST opinions from you all. I had this idea of contacting the local realtors in my area (of which there are many) , offering them Gift Certificates to Art n Joy to give to their clients who have bought a house. Personally, I think it's a great marketing idea. BUT being that my art is not very mainstream, I'm wondering if they'll all just have one big hoot and think I'm some kind of foolish, weirdo! lol But then again, a lot of people buying houses here are from NYC either looking for permanent residence or a summer home. And as you know, anyone from a major metropolis is a little more opened minded, when it comes to art and culture. SO having said all that...what do you all think? Is my art appropo enough for the idea? I need HONESTY so let it rip! Thanks all and Happy Tuesday!

Oh yes, the art above is titled "I Have No Home But Me" (A fave quote of mine by Anne Truitt) and is available at Art n Joy on etsy!

ABSTRACTIONS & DISTRACTIONS

"Lucky Number 836" & "Lucky Number 613" D.Altaville c.2007

Available at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Yes, I have been doing some number abstractions lately. It might have something to do with the little guy's incessant counting and obsession with numbers. This kid can count!!

And he can also add...all day long! lol

AND I have sooooo many unfinished pieces to get to, it's not even funny. I have canvases, journal pages, mixed media collage work, all scattered and stacked....ALL UNFINISHED!!

Is anyone else like that? Starting things and jumping from one thing to the next?

So hopefully, sometime soon I will have a bunch of new stuff in etsy.

In the meantime I've been distracted by Spring Cleaning (yup finally got those windows done-well, most of them!) and spiffin' up the yard and plantin my tomatoes and cukes! YUM!

And we got a brand new picnic table, solid pine that I just stained a lovely shade of green blue the other day. What would bluejude's yard be...without color? Well, it wouldn't be bluejude's yard at all! lol AND I have a nifty painted birdhouse that I have to find a spot for.

Love those birdies! AND I think this year we are going to add a butterfly bush to the yard. I LOVE THEM! I had one at my last house and it was marvelous! Lot's of butterflies fluttering about! A must have for anyone who likes gardens, blloms, and butterflies.

So it's a beautiful day and now I am off to get the little guy from preschool and hopefully get some of those pieces completed!

Happy Thursday All!

7 x Me meme

OK I've been tagged by Kim of Garden Painter Art. Me Times 7 basically...or to be more precise seven habits/things about me.

1. I am prone to anxiety attacks.
2. I have driving neurosis.
3. I recently have this dyslexic thing going on while typing on the puter.
4. I pray every morning and sometimes through out the day and at night.
5. I don't like Summer.
6. I hate cooking.
7. I love getting silly and laughing with my children.
8. I have moved 20 times in my life.
9. I drink my coffee black.
10. I can be very lazy!

Sorry, not very ineresting, but I threw in a few extras for good measure!
OK I tag....Nancy Baumiller, Wasp Goddess, Self Taught Artist, Bad Kitty, Turquoise Cro, Katie Kendrick, Lady of the Tulips
And now I am off to another cup of coffee, and neglected housework as I spent most of the weekend outside, planting and sprucing up the yard. Happy Monday!

SURPRISE!

OK I Have just listed two new items at Art n Joy on etsy! Not your usual bluejude stuff. So take a peek and be surprised!!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

And by all means take a look at the post below for things that ARE NOT on sale at etsy!

Happy Saturday All!

A Few Of My Favorite Things...

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things!

My Life's Teachers, My Jesters, My Hero's, My Sun, Moon And Stars!

And NO,

They Are Not Available On Etsy!! lol

Happy Weekend All!

SPRING and ArtWords

"Get Happy" D. Altaville c.2007

Available at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

This was actually a special request piece I did for someone who has a shop on etsy called sewn.in.love Check out her shop as she is another SAHM, trying to use her creative talents to bring in a part time income.

Sure does shout Spring...dontcha think? Anyhooo...it is a beautiful day here and I think I will be putting in my own Gerber Daisies this afternoon along with some Nasturtiums.

Life has been up and down here. Hub is still out of work, and I am on my usual emotional rollercoaster. I'll spare you the details and just say that I am trying to keep the faith and putting a lot in God's hands. And trying to keep an attitude of gratitude.

AND speaking of gratitude, I want to thank Sewing Simple on etsy for featuring me and my shop on her blog. See the post below. And by all means check out her shop.

She offers custom designs for very trendy clothes and accessories!

AND I also want to thank Groovy Vinyl on etsy for doing a feature on me at her blog here:

http://impybat.blogspot.com/

Groovy Vinyl is a very appropo name as the gal designs jewelry from old vinyl records!!

How cool is that! Well, find out for yourself and go to her shop on etsy. You will be amazed at what she does!

So now that I've given you plenty to do...lol...and I'm off to do some Spring cleaning!

Happy Day all! And please support artists on etsy when you are doing a little shopping!

GET HAPPY!

Really!! Just Go here...http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5845805
Spread the Joy Today!
And Have a Beautiful Saturday!

Check out MY INTERVIEW!!!

Cool beans I tell ya! Go to this link and check out my interview about being an etsy seller.
http://www.etsians.blogspot.com/
AND
Please take a moment to visit someone very special. She is a young, creative and very talented. I, for one, think she shows great promise with a camera in hand. AND she has a new blog in need of visitors! SO PLEASE .....Take a peek for your self!
Just click on the Lavender Funk link to the right. Thanks and Happy Friday!

Wish I Had More.....

"Lily Claire and Her Turquoise Hearts"by D. Altaville c.2007

Available at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Well, I wish I had more to say lately, rather than just posting my art...but quite honestly, there's not much new here to talk about. Spring has finally sprung- and that's good, so I can show off some Spring flowers soon. I just got some very happy Gerber Daisies yesterday.

I have two new commissions to work on- and that's good too!

And soon I will be doing a post about some wonderful artists on etsy.

And that too will be good.

So I guess for now, all I can say is that all is well and good.

And what's so bad about that? lol

OK I'm off to do some laundry. See...told ya, nothin' new and exciting! heehee

Happy Day All!

ARTWORDS

"Standing On The Purple Hills Of Hope" D.Altaville c.2007

Available at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Back To Color....

"She Came From The East" D.Altaville c.2007

Available at: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

OK I couldn't stand it. I couldn't look at my blog and not see some color! lol

So here it is! Something to brighten your day and weekend.

Hope it's a good one for everyone!

Please excuse all my "Blarketing" as Garden painter calls it!. {:

But a gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do!

A Little Black & White...

"Code Logic" by D.Altaville c. 2006

Just thought I'd share a B & W ATC...ya know...something different.

And of course it is on ArtnJoy at etsy.

Hope everyone is having a non-logical day!

American Idols....

"American Idols of My Hood" by D.Altaville c.2007

Though I'm not a huge fan of this show, I have been known to tune in on occasion.

However, this piece is more of a tribute to all the wonderful friends in my life,

and that includes my blogging friends!

They are MY American Idols and I am blessed to have them in my life!

And of course I have to say that this piece is available at Art n Joy on etsy.

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Thanks all for being there and Happy Tuesday.

IF - FORTUNE

"Get Lucky"by D.Altaville c.2007

Available at Art n Joy http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

SPREAD THE JOY!

Take Advantage Of The SALE At ART n JOY Today! New Pieces Up! TAKE A LOOK!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Art To Make You Smile!

Okay enuf said! I'm off to clean house. YOU! Go shop and have fun! lol Happy Saturday All!

What Do You Think?

The top one is called "Holding On" and the bottom one is called "Hanging By A Thread".

Two pieces that have been here for months, that I finally finished yesterday

and put up on etsy. I personally like them...a lot. Though they are yet another

departure from my usual. Don't ya think?

Anyhooo....open to all critiques and opinions. (Of which I appreciate greatly by the way!)

Let 'em rip all!

Happy Happy Wednesday!

LISTEN....

"Listen" by D.Altaville c.2006

This is an abstract from my past work. I am putting them up on etsy as I would like to start doing more abstracts. Of course, it would be nice to finish up some of the many pieces that I have already started. You know me, something always in progress, somethings always left undone (which kind of annoys me about myself). Jumping around like a bean from one genre/series to the next. And as you can see, I'm getting into the watermark thing. I should probably put it on all my works on etsy...but where does a girl find the time?

Anyhooo....it'll be interesting to see how my abstracts do.

And of course I will continue to cut, paste and play and do my funky journal pages so there will be more of them to come too. Afterall that is my playtime!

So what do you all think of Abstract BlueJude?

EGGSTREMELY TIRED

It twas a wonderful Easter and now I am eggstremely tired! But the little guy had a great time and it was wonderful to see my friend Debbie again. Though we always seem to forget we are not 19 anymore when we get together. So we had a bit too much vino, but a good time was had by all. And now I am just way to tired to post anything of any intelligence or worth so I will just say Happy Monday to all and hope you have a great week!

SMILE!

"What A Wonderful World" D. Altaville c.2007

SMILE NOW AND SAVE!! Art n Joy Anniversary Special! Buy Two or More Pieces And I will Take 10% OFF Your Purchase Order Today!

QUICK...Take A Peek Here; http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

HAPPY EASTER ALL!

Oh and about the last post...it is not the abstract!

NEW BEGINNINGS....

Okay, first off I am very excited as I just posted the very FIRST PIECE in a BRAND NEW SERIES I'm working on! Very different from my other work. At least I think so! lol
Wanna take a peek? You can see it by clicking here http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com
AND today I'm off to get my many eggs to start the festivities! We will color them this afternoon, marvel at our creations and I am oh so thankful that they are not calling for rain or snow on Sunday, so I don't have to wrap all the little buggers in cellophane! Yes, I have been known to that to save my little lovelies creations.
Then I will have to complete part two of our Easter tradition that I started when my older two were about three and four. I take those plastic eggs and not only do some get jelly beans and quarters BUT they also get little clues that have to be figured out by my very genius children and that clue will lead them to their loot or sometimes to another clue! (the loot ranges from $1.00 store chachkas to a new video game, as I have not yet hit Trump status). Of course, being the little anal nerdie birdie I can be, the clues must rhyme and are usually quite humorous! THEN I have to remember where each gift goes according to the clue and for what child. I keep this written down, naturally as my brain can only hold so much info. lol
They have enjoyed this so much that I think I'll be doing it till their in college! And now that I have the little guy...it will be even more fun...and more work. Well, an Easter Bunny's work is never done. Yes I am one cwazy wabbit! And I just found out that one of my dearest and oldest friends will be joining us this Easter which is very special as we don't get to visit often.
So, even though Spring is not in the air I am feeling the stirrings of new beginnings. Good beginnings that hopefully will lead to many blessings. And to all you other cwazy wabbits...Have a Wonderful and Blessed Easter!

Wednesday's Bliss

"Bliss" D.Altaville c.2007

Bliss. That's what some blogging buddies have added to my life. Not only with their encouraging words and kind support, but with their little surprises as well.

Carrie at Violets Are Blue.net held a give away of which I won a charming little egg full of chicks!

How delightful it was to receive in the mail. Wrapped beautifully in violet blue tissue paper, but of course! Then a day later, what does the maillady have for me? A BEAUTIFUL pin that I won at Windy Angels give away. Not only that, the very most generous and kind Windy included an ASTONISHING Fabric Postcard that she had created a while back and that I had commented on- on her blog. Windy, you brought tears to my eyes. I was so touched that you remembered how fond I was of this creation and how you so generously gave it away. I truly will treasure it always!! My only regret is that my camera is a little wiggy so at the moment I can't share pics. But hopefully, later today or tomorrow I will have some up.

And so it is a cold, bleak, rainy day here but still I feel blissful and blessed.

Thanks you guys for being so wonderful!!

Blessings of Bliss To You All Today!

PATIENCE

"Patience: I'm Still Growing My Wings" by D.Altaville c.2007

This pretty much sums up how I'm feeling today!

But patience does pay off, as I finally got a spot in Underwired Magazine's April Issue

as the Featured Illustrator! How cool is that?

No pay. But at least it's exposure.

Now if you wanna know what piece it is, you'll have to visit my etsy to find out!

Can you guess which one it is?

Blessings to all this week!

OH MY

I am just burning up with new ideas and series! Always have been, for a WHILE.
Most STARTED.....still waiting for their companions. Anyhoo....ABSOLOUTELY AMAZING but I just STUMBLED across this old Journal FULL (well, almost) of these PERSONNA's that have been in my mind for YEARS!! Occassionally they pop up out of nowhere...well...yes...somewhere.
BUT I found this treasury of ideas with these funny personnas and they were MINE!
I'm so EXCITED I could burst! So I had to babble and ramble and OH MY!
Just what I needed. ANOTHER Series to work on......
later gators....

TRUST

"Trust Your Heart Always" D. Altaville c.2007

I simply love this one! And being the shameless promoter that I've turned

into I must say that this little cutie is up for sale at Art n Joy on etsy.

Take a Peek!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

GET LUCKY

Feelin' Lucky? Get Lucky Now!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Just Click On the Link To The Right If Need be

Your Lucky Numbers Await!

It's Good To Be King!

"It's Good To Be King" D.Altaville c.2007

As you can see, my mood has improved in the last twenty-four hours.

What a difference a day makes!

It's the start of a glorious day, where all good things are possible and I'm

feelin' like a King! A Queen? No. Definately Kingly.

Hope You All Have Some Wonderful Royal Surprises Awaiting You Today!

And of course this little cutey will be on sale at etsy this weekend!

Dreaming...Life....Art

"She Dreamed Of Houses" D.Altaville c.2007

I live in modest house. And I do thank God for the house I have. But I do share it with two teens, a preschooler, a big, hairy dog, and of course my hubby. And I have to say that

sometimes things can get a little hairy. (Beyond the dog that is! lol) And at those times

I yearn for more space. A small room to call a studio. A playroom for the little guy.

I long for peace and solitude and space. And so I dream of houses.

The perfect house. The perfect life. Little strife and little worries.

Of course, this is a tall order and no matter what the size of your house, it is not a cure all for all the other things you wish for your life. But it's nice to dream.

I have almost completed my current journal and though I will continue to do another, I feel that I want to go somewhere else with my mixed media paintings. Though not quite sure where.

My head is filled with ideas, yet executing them is another story.

And it unnerves me that I've yet to settle down with just one style and keep going with it

till I have a zillion pieces out the kazoo! I'm still in exploratory mode. Still trying to find myself, as an artist and sometimes as a person. This unsettles me. I am feeling frustrated and unsettled today. I feel short of time and balance. I feel selfish for wanting to be able to create all day long and not have to worry about real life things. And this is how I feel today.

And so I dream of houses, and finding my space, my niche. I dream of being a better mom, (ya know the TV kind), a better wife and a better artist. A successful artist.

I dream...knowing that this too shall pass and some of those dreams will come true.

And I think of the quote..."This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad in it."

And so I will try and rejoice for all I have here and now.

What do you dream of?

It's Almost Planting Time!

"The Garden Made Her Heart Sing" D.Altaville c.2007

This is a painting that I finally finished, being inspired by the sweet smell

and sounds of Spring in the air! I was outside with the little guy yesterday,

drawing with chalk, singing songs, and noticing how brown and decayed

our front garden looked. You know it has that decayed look of winter.

But it's almost plantin' time! YAY! Soon we'll have that baby, bright and cheery

with little blooms! And speaking of blooming...my older son has now had

two of his computer art pieces printed in a local paper! How cool is that?

My daughter, also an avid drawer and writer, also had a couple of poems in the

same publication. Isn't it great to see your children bloom?

That's what really makes my heart sing!

And of course this piece is up on my Art n Joy shop at etsy.

(I'm turning into quite the shameless promoter here. lol)

Hope everyone is bloomin with a song in their heart today!

IF

"Bird's Eye View"D.Altaville c.2007

This is for Illustration Friday...I Spy.

Imagine that....bluejude working in black and white! pretty egg-streme don't

ya think? lol

Here's To Good Fortune

"The Gypsy Fortune Teller" D. Altaville c.2007

A new journal page that I put up on Art n Joy at etsy. I like this one.

It was a very busy, creative weekend. This is good. My cough is still here. This is not good.

It is wearing me out! Do you think you can die from coughing? lol

Anyhooo....Hope everyone has Good Fortune coming their way this week!

ARTWORDS

"Butterfly Kisses" D.Altaville c.2007

Nothing Sweeter! And it can be yours by going to my Art n Joy etsy shop!

YOUR FORTUNE....

Go See The Gypsy Fortune Teller And Find Out!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com/
Sure To Put A Smile On Your Face!

You can also click the Art n Joy Link to the right!

SOAR

"SOAR With A Song In Your Heart"D.Altaville c.2007

This piece has been hangin' around for a while. And after seeing about 50 little

birdies, scattered about my lawn, that seemed to appear out of nowhere...I

was inspired to finish it off! And I have to say, I'm pretty happy with it

and with teh message.

The birdies are back! Hooray!

And of course it will be up on my Art n Joy shop this weekend if you

would like to have my birdies in your house!

Hope everyone is having a GREAT Friday!

TIME

Another journal page....about Time! Hard To Forget and Remember What Is Important is the message here. It seems time is on our minds a lot. Schedules, routines, appointments, art, family, life. Time to do this and time to do that. Time is hard to forget. AND there never seems to be enough time in the day, you hear so many people say. Time can slip away so fast that I think we need to remember what's important and spend our time focusing on those things.
And now it's time for me to have breakfast! lol Use your time wisely today and enjoy it!

Smile

"I Know Why The Caged Baby Sings" D.Altaville c.2007

When I started this journal page, I knew immediately what the title would be.

I even laughed out loud over it. And it continued to make me smile until I

worked it to completion. But I guess not everyone shares my odd sense

of humor. As he remains an orphan on etsy...at the moment anyway.

But I had lots of fun doing him and I guess that's what counts!

Funny too, how my vintage images are starting to creep back

into my art. I have a few more I'm working on that hopefully will done

by week's end.

OH and thanks Nancy Baumiller who had sent me

some goodies a while back, of which I used a couple on this page.

AND since I'm still stuffy and coughing...(does a cold ever end?) ...I needed

something to make me smile today. So he was my pick!

Hope your day is full of smiles! And cold free!

HAPPY SPRING!

"3 Thoughts 4 A Fond Hope" D. Altaville c.2007

First I have to say, God is awesome! He is doing so many wonderful things in my life

right now, even as we speak! And He has blessed me with wonderful blogging friends

who have encouraged and inspired me with their kind support of my art.

And for that, I Thank You All.

And I just found out that Underwired Magazine will be using one of my pieces for

their Feature Illustration Page. How cool is that?

I also have something comeing out in the Spring Art Erraticus Zine. Be sure to check it

out as it is a great publication with lots of inspiring eye candy!

And with the help of the Great Divine and my wonderful blogging friends,

Art n Joy seems to be rolling along.

So even though it is 34 degrees here on the first day of Spring, and I have

this nasty chest cold, and a sick child and hub, I am optimistic about what

this new season will bring!

And now I'm off to the doc....Happy Spring Everyone and Thanks Again

for your kind support!

SPRING FEVER?

Are you spring cleaning, organizing, redecorating? Or perhaps you're not quite there yet and JUST feel the need for a jolt of Spring. You feel the need for a little Spring in your step and a little Spring in your life. Well, come on by Art n Joy today and see the little lovelies that I will be putting up that just shout Spring!!
Really. I'm buried in snow, have a chest cold- AGAIN- and they even make me smile when I look at them. So stop on by and check 'em out!
Just click on the Art n Joy link to the right!
See ya there.....

COME SEE ME...

Today I will be at Art n Joy putting up new art, including one of my favorite pieces called

"I Know Why The Caged Baby Sings"

So stop on by and take a peek! Lot's of fun stuff!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Expect Good Things!

"Expect Good Things" D. Altaville c.2007

A brand new day and I'm feelin' good!

Despite the fact that it's now snowing and we are supposed to get 18 inches by tomorrow!

And despite the fact that my three kids are home from school and already whining!

Despite the fact that I have a nagging toothache!

Despite the fact that I have a ton of housework and laundry to do when I all I really

wanna do is be ALONE and create!

Yes, despite all this...I'm Expecting Good Things To Come My Way!

Expect Good Things can be your mantra as well.

Just visit my Art n Joy etsy shop tomorrow and she can be yours!

It's at http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Wishing you all Good Things today!

Who Knows?

"Who Knows What Colors Today Will Bring"

Well, that sums up today's mode. It was like 60 degrees here yesterday...woohoo!

and now today it is bleak and rainy. Fine by me -but now it seems old man winter is due back tomorrow as they are calling for 3-6 inches of snow! But of course they are not always accurate

so- who knows?

The past few journal pieces are rather odd, I know. My oddities. BUT I put them up

on Etsy anyway. I don't really think they will sell

but- who knows?

I also wonder if they disrupt the groove, the flow (whatever there is of it) of

the other pieces in the shop. I wonder if that turns a buyer off, seeing both

Jeckyl and Hyde sides of an artist.

Who knows?

I've spent too much time pondering about the shop and what will make it

successful on even a small level.

(Something I swore I wouldn't do, but I can be rather obsessive by nature)

What are the best selling days and times? Besides the obvious weekends.

If I shrink the oddities (because of there blatant, loud use of color and weirdness)

do they have a better shot at selling?

Do the little Thumbnails catch the buyer's attention first- or is Titles that

tickles their fancy?

Why is it that some artists attract so many sales when they're work,

at least to me, seems just as odd, or on the other side of the

spectrum, just seems bland, or gerneric.

Who knows?

I do know I don't like feeling this way. I do know that it's important to me

to make this shop work and be successful on some level.

Not only because I really need the income, but also because I need to

feel that what I'm doing is worthwhile. I need to PROVE it to myself and my family.

I need to feel that all the time I spend painting, clipping, and pasting like some little

mental patient in need of therapy,

is not for nil.

I know-we do art because we have to. It's who we are. We do it for us.

Yet, sometimes that's just not enough for me.

And so here I am, still stuck wondering...

"What Colors Today Will Bring"

Who knows?

DARE to be...MeMe

"Dare To Be Hard To Forget" D. Altaville c.2007

Seemed appropriate to put this journal page up since I have been tagged by

Bad Kitty (You Bad Woman!) for a 5 Things About MeMe.

Okay, don't know how interesting this will be as I am still waking up. So on that note...

1. I am not a morning person. I like to wake to the world slowly.

2. I have incredibly vivid dreams, of which I can remember 6 mornings out of 7.

They are usually action packed, which may explain why it takes me so long to

wake up and come alive! lol

3. I don't like summer. I do like summer nights however.

4. I ran away to Detroit at 16.

5. I sometimes wear fingerless gloves in the house (in winter people!)

as my hands tend to get cold, even tho the rest of me is warm.

And since we are on the subject of me me....some people have asked about

my journal pages and why they don't have words.

Well, that's because I usually do the journaling part on the opposite page.

But as you can see from the piece above I am experimenting with adding some

words on the actual visual page.

And there you have it! I now tag...Nancy Baumiller, Wasp Goddess, My Heart My Art.

Hanging From A Limb

"Hanging From A Limb, Ready To Leap"

That pretty much sums up how I feel today.

Sunday's Hope & Wisdom

"The Lord is faithful to all his promises

and loving toward all he has made.

The Lord upholds all those who fall

and lifts up all who are bowed down."

taken from Psalm 145

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do

and your plans will succeed."

Proverbs 16:3

TAKE A PEEK!

All those colorful wonders are now up for sale at etsy!! So come take a peek!
Add Some Joy To Your Life TODAY With Art From Art n Joy!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

The Queen

"Queen Of Hearts" D.Altaville c.2007

Apparently she was at the Hearts party last night too. (If you haven't a clue, just see the post below). Anyhooo....I believe she will be traveling to etsy next. So if you would like to have her visit YOUR home, check out my etsy shop this weekend.

I can even customize her with a name or quote if you like.

Just click on the Art n Joy link to the right at BlueJude Central.

Boy, it was SOME party! Those Hearts people sure do know how to live it up.

Odd hats, lot's of veggie snacks...it was out of this world!

Party Last Night??

"The Hearts Had Some Party Last Night" D. Altaville c.2007

You Should Have Been There.

Requests Anyone...

WaspGoddess has kindly requested a Cat Woman from the BlueJude Studio. This is good. I like requests, I like a challenge. SOooooo my little blogging friends, if you have something in mind that you would like to see in a BlueJude Original, feel free to let me know.
You will be under no obligation to purchase the piece when it is finished, if it does not suit you and tickle your fancy.
The etsy shop has opened!!!! It is called Art n Joy and the link is to the right, of course. There are only two pieces up at the moment as I ran out of time and energy yesterday. But there will be much more art to come over the next few days. So take a peek and tell me what you think!
I personally think the prices are very reasonable. But I am open to any critiques and suggestions.
I'll be back later with more eye candy!
Requests anyone???

Catching Up...

Well, it's like Alaska here today and the wind is HOWLING! I am trying to catch up and get so many things done. And one thing for sure is that I am updating my links TODAY!! If I missed someone, please let me know. AND I am opening a NEW etsy shop. New year...new art...new shop. So that should be up soon and all my journal pages will be there!
Also, a kind blogging friend mentioned that I should let you all know that you can order art directly from me as well. So consider it official!!
Anyone interested in owning a BlueJude Original Print just contact me via e-mail at bluejude126@yahoo.com. Yes the journal pages will be in print form as they were created using both traditional and digital mixed media and collage.
And of course you can always request something from my past works at the Galleries of www.bluejudestudio.com
And there you have it. I'm off to update those links now! Happy Tuesday! Thanks for the kind compliments and inspiration. I love my blogging friends.

IMT

"I Have No Home But Me" D.Altaville c.2007

The title is actually a quote from Anne Truitt that I love.

My Love...ARTWORDS

This is what I get

when I try to paint my love to you

Overflowing color

with the light peeking through.

There is no beginning

as there is no end

You won't see any order

just the feelings of a friend.

You see, my love

takes many shapes and forms.

The lines are sometimes broken

as sometimes hearts are torn.

It may seem chaotic

as life can often be

You see, my love

won't fit neatly on the page,

it has no boundaries.

It mat seem naive,

not a fine piece of art.

The technique might be slightly off

as are matters of the heart.

But please take it as a token,

a reminder of a friend,

who holds you close

within her soul

until the very end.

D. Altaville c.2000

This is a from a card I made for my hub way back in 2000. I came across it recently, in the archives and thought it fit well with the Artwords Poetry theme.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend!