Spring Cleaning!

WOW!!

   Holy Smokes!! I am so sorry to be away for so long--again--but it's been such a crazy month! It has gotten awfully busy around here and in order to simplify some of the clutter, I am trying some Spring Cleaning in that big closet of Life!

Much of this busy-ness is mostly due to my "other life," the one I live, away from the easel, but it is equally as folksy and magical. Some of you may know about The Beyond Vagabond Project, and I am currently waist high in the middle of it.

Right now I am writing to you from Florida, having just returned here from the holidays, seven weeks after I FIRST left. I am on an old-fashioned adventure to document a historic wagon train WITH horses, and then from there, I will be going to Iowa and Illinois to teach beekeeping, cooking, and various other mad-capped adventures (by the way, if you're interested in taking classes from me, you can find a whole big list HERE!

As you can guess, I am stretched pretty thin between prepping for these upcoming adventures, and art, and in general, I am coming back to the notion that I have to streamline THIS site in order to move forward, but I'm not sure?

I guess it's a bit of online Spring Cleaning--- I'm thinking of just putting up quick SALES posts of items and art as they become available, and then back-linking to the Beyond Vagabond site for actual stories of how they are made, so this (once again) would be strictly a sales only site, but how would you, Dear Readers, feel about this change?

I feel as though I'm heading to try to create an entire folk WORLD, between old fashioned horsemanship, antiques, folk ART, beekeeping, farming and general old-fashioned living, maybe there is a way to finally put this in one (or even just TWO) places..



In the meantime, I still have THESE folk art pieces at the PFATT Marketplace!

 The Owl and PussyCat, a OOAK Woodburned AND Painted LARGE wall hanging/ornament

The Star Messenger, A OOAK Artpiece painted directly on a log.....

Polar Bear Express and Sweethearts: OOAK Wood burned AND Wood painted Pieces...

You can find these creations HERE!

Bring an enchanted art piece home--each purchase goes directly to funding the Gypsy Wagon Horse art dream at Beyond Vagabond!

Where Are The Brakes On This Thing!

Whooooooa Nelly!

These last few weeks have been the sort that leaves you bug eyed, but also very grateful for the fun and furious work. It's been good to get back into the swing of things, but perhaps the swing could use some brakes every now and again!

I mentioned waaaaaay back in the last post that I was accepted into the wonderful PFATT group. They hold a marketplace the 10th of each month, and so there was much tinkering in the Vagabond studios for just the right magical item to add to their online market. 

Here are my offerings:

A bit of paint on a log piece...

Mix in some imagination...

 The final piece: The Star Messenger

 This couple is also looking for a new place to dock their boat!
The Owl and The Pussycat in burned and painted wood!

They also join a few other familiar woodpieces for their PFATT debut!

You can find all of these FEBRUARY 10th at the PFATT marketplace, under this humble shoppe name Beyond Vagabond

The PFATTIES, meanwhile, are having a wonderful giveaway on their blog, in time for Valentine's Day! While my work isn't part of the wonderful festivities, I strongly suggest you hop over as some other amazing artists are offering up some wonderful prizes. It's a great group of creative magic-makers, indeed.
CLICK HERE to be taken directly to the giveaway!

Finally, much of my time, lately, is not necessarily involved by art, but by another more far-flung project. There is THIS horse drawn journey I have decided to undertake, and there are lots of plans underway. If that world catches your fancy, I'd love for you to join the journey. There is still some work afoot to finish the informational part but this should be done by tomorrow.
I'm not sure if I can keep up as regularly with this art site, but that one intends to be a nice mix of both, so perhaps that is some consolation.

As always, THANK YOU for your curiosity into my funny little life!

Humble Offerings, News, and A Question....

Hello Everyone!

  As usual I'm late, I'm late for a most important date!  I might as well get a T-Shirt with this as a logo, since it's pretty much a motto around here!

In my last post, I showed you a few works in progress and mentioned that the works would be for sale the next day. Sure enough, this crazy thing called Life got in the way (it has a funny habit of doing that)!

So, instead, here are my finished offerings for Valentine's Day!

Vagabond Sweethearts 

These two are woodburned, AND handpainted wood. Nice larger size. Perfect pair to dedicate to someone for Valentine's Day..or any day!
Also, I can paint in the name of a loved one on the big purple heart! You can find them HERE

And these guys look familiar, right?

What is it with owls that people so love having them, and I so love making them!

HEART OWL 

Lovely Wooden Painted Ornament!
SOLD! Thank you Theresa!
(By the way, Theresa is an amazing artist friend! If you are looking for unique jewelry and other bits of whimsy, see HER WORK and life HERE

However, I DID make another set of owls!

LITTLE DARLINGS

These two sweeties carry a heart between them. Mother and baby? Little Friends? Who knows, but they add a whole lotta cute to their tree-hollow home! FIND THEM HERE

PLUS! We are back to working with our bees' wax!

(you DO know I'm a third generation organic beekeeper, right?)
We have our new 100% organic beeswax ornaments
SO GET SOME HONEY FOR  YOUR HONEY...err, or something like that! FIND IT HERE

In the meantime, some news:

*One of my goals this year was trying to expand my art further. To that end, I've tentatively been reaching out to various art groups to see if I even remotely qualified to their esteemed groups..and I'm happy to say:

I AM NOW A MEMBER OF PFATT MARKETPLACE! 

After I recovered from fainting, I have to say, I did a BIG happy dance--I am humbled to have been accepted, since many artists that I admire are long time members, and the group consistently turns out AMAZING work! Wow!
So be on the lookout--I am trying to put together new pieces for their February 10th showroom!

However, this brings up a big question for me, one that constantly bugs me:
Do you see a stylistic similarity between these pieces?

Can you recognize these as something done by me?

And now this?

(Yes, this is the beginning of my first ever CLOCK!)

Ok, my problem is, I feel sort of disjointed with my style of work. I draw and create whatever comes into my head. But, I don't know if it these translate to a cohesive style. Parts of it look very particular (Like the little elf Vagabonds), but then the woodburning and the animals sometimes don't, I think. The only consistent part of ALL of the works is that there is a dark staining of the cloth or wood before I paint something...

....so, I'm doing the very professional and scientific analysis of the whole thing by...umm...just asking people who might even remotely be interested in helping for:  thoughts, comments, ideas..encouragement?

My biggest problem is that as I widen this little business out I really WOULD like people to recognize and seek out the work (ha! I am assuming that more than 4 people like my work)... I also find myself leaning back toward my own style, which is much more "realistic" than what I've been doing (as seen in the sketch on the clock):

But this tends to be even less stylistic or uniform than all of the other work. HELP! Am I making this too complicated? Am I over thinking this (most likely, but any extra input would greatly be appreciated!)

THANKS!

New Art and New Beginnings!

Hello Friends!

I hope the New Year so far is treating you well! There are a lot of things going on around here, lots of changes behind the scenes and, as usual, lots of artwork! How is YOUR New Year so far?

Right now, a few new Vagabonds are sitting on my art table, almost finished!

And just in time for Valentine's Day!
These two are quite the pair!

Woodburned wood, fully painted, they just need a few more details! I can also paint the name of a loved one in the big heart hey are holding!

And of course, there always seems to be an owl here and there! This little fellow is "Valentine Owl"...he also needs some work as well....

And I hope to have another creation done shortly, as well...

They will all be in my Etsy Shoppe tomorrow!

So stay tuned for them, and some more interesting and important news, coming soon!

Happy New Year!

Each New Year's Eve, I put out the same sentiment, because I believe it....

Happy New Year my friends! Bring your best game, your light, your hard work, your joyful noise, your whole heart to this New Year. May your big or even little dreams be realized and may the spirit and friendship be a comforting force.

Thank you for all of your support, my friends! And above all....

SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS!

Happy Holidays!

 Hello Friends!

Wow, what a busy holiday season!  Maybe you’re like me, scurrying about getting all sorts of wonderful things done?

I have managed to finish the LAST of this year’s Vagabond Creations,  this little owl spoon:

Would it surprise you to know that this spoon is already sold? It most certainly surprised me, as the wonderful new owner asked for it before I had a chance to finish it!

In fact, I have been AMAZED, surprised and humbled to find that many, MANY of you have been so kind as to buy several of my wares, whether an art piece or some of my own treasures in the blog sale.

You have no idea how much these little gestures have helped me, and I can say that with conviction: each time you bought a little item, you helped with THIS little dream, and you made it easier for me to rely on my crazy regular job to pay off bills and more.  This is the art of truly supporting each other, and it’s the reason I’m so adamant in true LOCAL business. It’s the inspiration for THIS post, showcasing local farmers, artists and small businesses. 

THANK YOU for your support, even for the kind words, as I understand what it’s like to want to buy an item, but be short on funds. Sometimes even a word of encouragement is enough!

Now is the time to enjoy the Wintertide.  While there is no pressure to produce art for the next few weeks, I will probably do a lot of painting and creating for fun! Of course, there will be time spent with my family, and general holiday mischief. 

It helps to have a snow dog as part of the family! Polly The Great Pyranees is tuckered out from all the festivities!

We are not doing too much gift giving, but I am trying to find creative e and fun ways to help them.  We will also be doing far too much eating since my mother comes from a long line of amazing cooks!

What are your holiday plans?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Friends!

BLOG SALE ~ Toys!

WELCOME TO TODAY'S BLOG SALE ! PLEASE NOTE THESE ITEMS are coming from my house in FL...please order according to this location

Sales help with my little farm and horse and carriage dream, and helps me move some stuff out of the house!

PLEASE CHECK OUR OTHER SALES SECTION TODAY for more sales!

Here you will find most unusual items that myself and my sister have collected over the years! This is the TOY section

Remember:
1. I will do my best to describe each item below. You will see the price under the description. Please CLICK PICS to enlarge!

2. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING. SHIPPING IS VIA STANDARD Mail prices.

3. IF you wish for your item to arrive via express shipping please contact me.

4. If you are INTERESTED in purchasing an item, or have a question about an item, please email me at BEYONDVAGABOND@gmail.com

5. I take credit cards and paypal payments. I will let you know where and how to pay me once you contact

6. Happy Shopping and THANK YOU!

GRINCH

Cute, movable, singing toy! Our favorite Grinch is ready for a good home. He's 9 inches sitting, bobs his head and sways slightly to the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Solid, comes with batteries.
$15 INCLUDES SHIPPING.

2 LITTLE BEARS

Two cute fuzzy bears, great condition. They are both about 5 inches, in a sitting position, maybe some good stocking stuffers?
$9 EACH INCLUDES SHIPPING!

POLICE RHINO

Cute Rhino dressed like a police officer, nice uniform, not removable. Not sure about this one, has a logo on the back of the police outfit that says "Rhino Aqua," otherwise very charming. 8 inches tall.

$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

FIREMAN RHINO

Apparently Officer Rhino (above) has a brother! This is fireman is fully suited up--yellow shoes, firehat coat and suspenders. Not sure but has a logo "Rhino Aqua" on the back of his coat. Otherwise very nice.8 INCHES Tall.
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

VALENTINE BEAR

Cute Valentine bear has hearts plush burned on all of the red parts of the fur, roughly 10 inches tall.
$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

PINK VALENTINE BEAR

This Pink Bear is similar to the red one (above). Has cute pink burned plush hears along its body, very cute. 10 inches tall. 

$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING!

BABY FLAMINGO

This teensy flamingo is adorable. Pink plush, looks like it's got beany stuffing. 4 inches tall, fuzzy hair top.
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING

 GIRAFFE

Cute plush giraffe with mohair type mane and tale. 12 inches from horn to hoof.
$12 INCLUDES SHIPPING

LION

Lion looks like he came with giraffe (above), faux fur main and tale, mane a bit fuzzy. Very cute. 11 INCHES
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING

TEENY BEAR

Super cute and small. Looks like it's part of a keychain (See pic 1 for the loop at the top) 3 inches.
$6 INCLUDES SHIPPING

PANDA

Cute panda with multicolored shirt that has hearts on it.  Roughly 7 inches tall.
$9 INCLUDES SHIPPING.

WINTER PENGUIN

Fuzzy little Penguin with earmuffs and a cute little bowtie with hearts. About 6 inches tall
$10 INCLUDES SHIPPING

LITTLE CHICK

Cute little chick with blue and white suspender overalls!  4 1/2 inches tall
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING

BROWN BEAR

Cute fuzzy brown bear. Roughly 11 Inches in diameter.
$8 INCLUDES SHIPPING