tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55248063961728457902012-01-31T06:54:16.239-08:00OOAK Handsculpted Handpainted Halloween and Holiday ArtBy Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.comBlogger1071100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-73797641410598069202012-01-26T23:45:00.000-08:002012-01-27T19:14:40.663-08:00

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky to have that kind of a Hallmark home, though everyone deserves it that's for sure, including our animal friends as well.This year, instead of buying gifts for Christmas, I made a donation to Pasado's Safe Haven.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-44106805716544305172011-12-25T00:07:00.000-08:002011-12-25T00:18:19.746-08:00

Merry Christmas to all my friends and family. Thank you for your love and friendship throughout this past year. I have the most amazing fans of my art; from California to Russia and everywhere in between! Thank you for your support. I'm truly blessed to call you my friend. May you all have the merriest Christmas! And Happy New Year! With love, Jeannine

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-62129779512234661222011-12-08T12:48:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:14:17.021-08:00

These are my latest little creations. I say little because these are petite canvases of 4 x 5. They are done in acrylics, then embellished with decorative papers and distressed letters. I was so charmed by them when they were finished, I didn't want to sell them!I'm working on a few more right now. I know, it's close to Christmas and I'm a bit behind in my seasonal creations, but I can't create

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-86145362563765668232011-11-29T22:56:00.000-08:002011-11-30T00:21:58.544-08:00

There's more to a snowman than meets the eye! He's the icon of Winter, our childhood, children's books and movies, and this lovable character is everywhere! On coffee mugs at Starbucks, plates at Pier 1, napkins at grocery stores, greeting cards, door hangers, gift wrap, Christmas ornaments, holiday sweaters bound for the return counter, and so much more. And who can possibly pass up a huge

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-42222083482903827362011-10-10T22:14:00.001-07:002011-10-10T23:09:09.314-07:00

Wanting to save the world from zombies, vampires, witches, or some other unsavory creature this Halloween? Well turn on and tune in to Halloween programming on TV this October! Maybe you'll learn a few tricks. What's on this month? Let's take a look: A new show this season called Grimm. It debuts on October 28th and I think it's based on Grimm's Fairytales. I saw the preview - looked like

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-65297159660400602782011-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:002011-09-24T21:34:38.835-07:00

Of course I love October! It's Halloween silly! There's just something magical about the month don't you think? A certain feel to the air......So with just a couple weeks away, I thought I'd share with you some wonderfully spooky, and frightfully kooky Halloween ideas for decorating this season!Treat bags courtesy Martha StewartRubber stamping of course is one method for making some cute

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-59566486670941392592011-09-02T13:09:00.000-07:002011-09-03T21:15:22.803-07:00

Fall is peeking it's head around the corner up here in Washington. The leaves are slowly changing from bright vivid green, to just a touch of autumny orange and gold. Big puffy clouds are high in the brighter-than-blue sky and there's that undeniable crispness in the air. It's going to be warm this week, maybe in the 80's I heard, but it's still got the feel of Fall. Fall brings my favorite

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-17958351435975374512011-07-11T10:40:00.000-07:002011-07-30T20:53:38.835-07:00

Hi y'all! I hope your Summer is going great so far. Up here in Washington, our summer has just begun. The weather has finally gotten warmer and the sun is peeking out now and again. The temps are hanging around the 70's for the most part, but last week we got up to the high 80's which was really nice for a change. We've had a pretty wet and cold winter and spring, so the heat felt great! I've

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-46903875105173051742011-05-25T09:18:00.000-07:002011-05-28T17:56:30.818-07:00

Life is good, my mind is clear, and my heart is happy, so I'm ready to get back into creating again! Making art is such a huge part of who I am, that my studio needs to reflect my personality and be a place where I just love to spend lots of time. So with that, I've been looking at ways I can freshen up my favorite spot!Sweet a la shabby chic While I look for inspiration in all sorts of places:

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-5116886947153601042011-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:002011-01-23T21:12:09.361-08:00

I hope the answer is a resounding "YES!" Last year I did a really fun Vintage Valentines Swap with Rabbit Hollow Prims. My swap was The Queen of Hearts; a papier mache doll that resembled Lily Munster meets Cruella DeVille. LOL! In return, I received a lovely handmade prim doll from One Mockingbird Hill. This year with school, I don't have the time to participate, but I'll sure be on the look out

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-55451858958787215772011-01-14T11:24:00.000-08:002011-01-14T12:07:47.206-08:00

My backyardIt's officially Winter here in Washington. Right now the weather is pretty good; about 40's, even at night. The last few weeks though had been in the 20's and lower at night. Way too cold for these old bones! We had quite a bit of snow also which was really beautiful, but living up on a hill, it causes problems trying to go down! LOL!To go along with the winter weather, I'm painting

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-32986914972092609702010-12-24T13:33:00.000-08:002010-12-24T13:39:34.408-08:00

Bonjour my friends! It's Christmas Eve day. No, I'm not in France, it's just a beautiful picture of the Eiffel Tower all lit up for the holidays and I wanted to share it with all of you. I do have a lot of family in France and it would be so wonderful to spend it with them. Maybe next year.... Thank you all for your kindness and friendship throughout the past years. May all your Christmas

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-63696352572792978242010-11-08T21:41:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:36:37.754-08:00

Happy Fall - almost Winter to everyone. Where has the year gone? It was just Summer! Oh but I love Winter though. Snowmen, skiing, Christmas, holiday lights, and of course the proverbial bad holiday movie that comes out every year. LOL!I've been painting again and I wanted to show you all my latest snowmen creations. I got several custom orders for snowmen and other things from my Etsy store. A

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-63865415998247814322010-10-08T12:04:00.000-07:002010-10-08T15:54:02.865-07:00

Hi gang!Here we are in October already. I love Fall don't you? It's so beautiful. Normally here in WA, we've got a lot more of the Fall-look going on, but I think the strange weather of the earlier seasons has seriously confused Mother Nature, so it's not quite typical here right now.What else is going on? Cosmetology school (Gene Juarez) is going really well for me. The first day out on the

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-75889587237086062532010-09-06T18:34:00.000-07:002010-09-06T18:46:58.203-07:00

And yet another quirky bedazzling creation! Now on my Etsy, a charming pink skull charm bracelet with many dangling baubles. Actually this one is rather simple as I wanted the skull to be the focal point. But of course! The color scheme is pink and black with some clear crystal beads tossed into the mix, along with black hearts for that "Betsey Johnson" flavor.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-16372008324581397962010-09-03T11:21:00.000-07:002010-09-03T21:06:16.190-07:00

It's no secret that I love Fall. Who wouldn't with all the beautiful Fall colors? There's a crispness in the air, the sky is more blue against the big puffy clouds, and then of course there's Halloween.My Fall Confetti bracelet is a blend of my favorite Halloween and lovely Fall colors, with a touch of whimsy tossed in of course! There are about 4 layers of beads in the making of it including;

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-80494112726484735852010-08-27T16:17:00.000-07:002010-09-06T12:27:36.681-07:00

Hi everyone and Happy Friday! If you've been following me on Facebook, or if not, (and that's totally ok!), I mentioned that I was taking a beading class last week to learn to make jewelry and little pretties to make and sell in my shop. Well heavens to Betsy (Johnson that is), and oh my gosh - I am totally addicted now! (the beginning of my "Blue Crush" bracelet)I took a private class with a

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-87945219570022823462010-08-13T12:01:00.000-07:002010-08-13T12:26:16.640-07:00

I've been working on my craft room or my "studio", whatever you'd like to call it. I call it my craft room :) I don't know about you, but I can't work in a mess. Everything has to be tidy and put in it's place before I can begin or get my head cleared enough to just focus on creating something. I love this room. I've lined the walls with bookcases and can spread all my goodies out and organize

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-55261777005170031072010-08-08T13:54:00.000-07:002010-08-08T14:54:30.964-07:00

I love Elvis! I've been a die-hard fan since I was a kid and proud of it! So every year about this time, I remember his very untimely passing....sigh.... it was one of the saddest days of my life. I know, that probably sounds dramatic given all the other important things going on in the world, but it was a personal tragedy for me.My brother Pierre was very good friends with Elvis. They became

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-8448119099724241392010-07-23T11:31:00.001-07:002010-07-23T11:46:42.479-07:00

One of my mom's favorite expression when I was a kid. Guess I was always into something. LOL! These hands have not been idle lately. I've been enduring a grueling schedule in my "technical" class at cosmetology school and I'm plum worn out! Last week was days of "foiling", this week it's been nothing but perms, perms, perms. This Saturday is another test, then I've got finals in another week.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-34815740818268718062010-07-09T19:25:00.000-07:002010-07-09T19:50:52.443-07:00

Hi Everyone! As you know, I've been really busy with school lately and haven't had a whole bunch of time to craft and create these days - at least my Halloween art. However, in the spirit of semi-scary, here's a lovely "backcombing" contest we worked on at school. The theme was actually Punk Rock, so I did my best given what I had to work with which was only a mannequin head. Of course I painted

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-5129002150225928722010-06-21T16:14:00.001-07:002010-06-21T17:25:26.216-07:00

Do you all remember me previewing my first ScaryCat sometime ago? It was stitched of muslin and painted? I really loved it but I just haven't had the time lately to sew more of them. I even took out the fabric the other day cause I had a "vision" of one that I wanted to whip up, but realized I just didn't have the hours in the day.Meet Hexter! I painted him in watercolors and did all the doo-dad

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-78808008613379701142010-06-18T11:28:00.000-07:002010-06-18T11:54:27.192-07:00

And Happy Friday to you all!Since I haven't had a whole bunch of time to create my sculptures or detailed pieces lately, I've been dabbling a bit with a fun craft I discovered while in Tennessee earlier this year.I was in a little gift shop in Franklin, TN, a most adorable place called "Shops on Main" that was just filled with all sorts of really neat craft-type items. Anyway, I saw these little

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-77643001449502285132010-06-13T18:17:00.000-07:002010-06-13T18:47:32.442-07:00

While doing some research on my own Halloween Hags, I came across a fascinating article about Halloween and witches in France. I found it so interesting because I just love going to France, I myself am French, I still have relatives over there, and I plan to go there many more times in the future and this village for sure will be on my "must visit" list! So...did you know that in many small

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-75950802820012155522010-06-07T11:28:00.001-07:002010-06-09T18:50:05.533-07:00

(Connie - this one's for you. Say the word and we're gone!)If any of you have been following me for awhile, you know I wish I was somewhere sometimes other than where I'm at. Did that come out right? LOL! Oh well, you know what I mean.So that brings me to June. That means it's almost Summer. Some other places in the country, it IS Summer. But not here in Drearysville, WA. Still rainy, drizzly,

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-84881648134206588742010-05-24T16:18:00.001-07:002010-05-29T22:34:19.857-07:00

Poor Gruela (pro-nounced "Groo-la"). Stiffed. Jilted. Dumped. And now she's perturbed! More than perturbed really. She's downright irate, furious, livid! The same old story I'm afraid; all dressed up and nowhere to go. After being left at the alter, Gruela and Max, her fierce familiar, are putting their heads together for a sweet settling of scores. Surely there must be a spell to remedy this

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-74943769877112205982010-05-23T18:24:00.001-07:002010-05-23T18:30:45.706-07:00

Meet Gruela (pronounced "Groo-la"). She's quite perturbed after being jilted and left at the alter. Her cat is none too pleased either. I wouldn't mess with him.She's not quite done but I promised a view on Sunday, and Sunday it is! I've got some details to add to both her and her oh-so-friendly familiar. More pics, and better pics, to come.....

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-44695224019101630032010-05-21T19:27:00.000-07:002010-05-23T13:11:11.818-07:00

Hi everyone -Just a quick update: Yes, I'm alive!!! I've been SO busy! Just started cosmetology school at Gene Juarez Academy this week and I'm pooped. My little brain was filled to capacity this week absorbing all sorts of fun "hair" information. I go to school 3 days a week, 10 hours a day. The school is fabulous, but this ol' girl is tired!!!Craft-wise: I'm still working on my witch. She

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-77914894554953290622010-05-08T09:32:00.000-07:002010-05-08T09:49:52.096-07:00

After a bit of a break, I've started work again on some new pieces. Here's the first of many more lovely witches to come! So far nameless, this is my heartbroken witch bride. Left standing at the alter waiting for her beloved, she died clutching her heart. Very sad indeed...... Sculpted of paperclay and papier mache, she stands 15" tall. She's not quite done - have a few more things to add.Come

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-40668159824942569112010-04-28T12:03:00.001-07:002010-04-28T12:32:59.138-07:00

I've been awake for 4 days now! Can barely sleep a wink for some reason. No, nothing I ate. No, not anything I saw on TV either. I've been having trouble sleeping since my surgery this past October. I just can't fall asleep and I can't stay asleep when I finally do fall asleep. So on this 4th day, I'm loony!Speaking of sleeping and nightmares in particular, have you all seen the movie "Jeepers

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-67794740677919124072010-04-19T17:42:00.000-07:002010-04-19T21:33:23.978-07:00

Libra: You have experienced some losses and endings recently. Although these changes may have seemed upsetting and frightening at the time, they were truly for your own good and the only way for the path to be cleared for better things to come. Opportunities and a new cycle await. You may have been struggling with a heavy burden but the victory is now in sight. The sun is about to return to your

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-21678525172503645542010-04-10T11:51:00.000-07:002010-04-14T19:28:33.947-07:00

Welcome to the Halloween Carnival! UPDATE: This piece has been sold. Didn't make it to Etsy before someone snatched it up! Thank you!Here is my long awaited canvas I've been working on for several months now. I had no idea when starting it, that it would take so long to complete but I'm glad I endured the process. I found I could only paint one section at a time while I had the "picture" in my

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-65968740280404338222010-04-04T13:03:00.000-07:002010-04-04T19:36:40.814-07:00

Sheesh! I've finally updated my website. Got off the old stuff and added some new. Ok, it's not super exciting yet, but I'm workin' on it. I've at least made it all current; took off my any notion of the "dead weight" that I was totin' around so to speak, posted a few new pics, even a new post in "Bag's Corner". Yay! I'm headed in the right direction! It really is a lot of work to keep up with

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-44599362203794844662010-03-26T21:45:00.000-07:002010-03-26T22:21:16.501-07:00

Did you know that decorating for Halloween is second only to Christmas decorating and the gap is rapidly closing? And although many vintage or antique Halloween pieces are both rare and expensive, that doesn't need to stop you from finding lots of fun stuff to collect and display! In Washington state where I live, there's a little town called Sumner, that luckily for me, is right down my hill

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-27863128273985213692010-03-23T19:23:00.000-07:002010-03-23T19:35:03.127-07:00

Here's a few snowmen, angels, and even a santa ornament I've just finished. These are cut of 1/2" pine, and painted with acrylics, and topped with a clear coat of varnish. I've used twine, gold thread and ribbon, or a blue angel print fabric for the hangers. Of course I'm partial to snowmen, but I love these angel babies too! And the Santa holding the tree - reminds me of a green sugar cookie!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-66863188323369885272010-03-21T12:35:00.000-07:002010-03-21T13:13:26.619-07:00

A Spooky Halloween night!I've been less than crafty lately. Been waiting for Spring and of doing "Spring things"; planning my gardens, envisioning how they'll look this Spring and Summer when all the perennials come back, where I'll put the Coneflowers and Black Eyed Susan's, how many Zinnia plants to put in my rusted wheelbarrow, or should I put Lavender? Maybe some herbs too?The wheelbarrow in

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-47396554035864861362010-03-09T13:01:00.001-08:002010-03-09T13:13:03.642-08:00

Remember the painting I was working on with the dancing skeleton? Finally I have a bit of progress on it. I forgot how much work it takes, at least for me!I'm liking how it's all working so far. Each color block will be a different Halloween scene, yet tie in together. I'm also adding other elements besides painting. I've got some "altered" art ideas that I'm going to incorporate which should add

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-73986637265604542772010-03-07T14:21:00.000-08:002010-03-07T15:01:32.765-08:00

One of the new finished pieces I've been working on; a cylinder shaped papier mache box. Sort of looks like a pint size ice cream container doesn't it? I wonder what delectable flavor would be inside? How about Black Widow Berry? LOL!This treasure box measures about 7" tall x about 5" wide. It's adorned with wooden polka dot ball feet, and crowned with a paper clay pumpkin and black widow.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-82618290992161084622010-03-01T18:50:00.000-08:002010-03-04T20:07:40.054-08:00

Oh I've been so remiss! I haven't worked on my website in ages and it so needs to be updated. I apologize to everyone whose gone on and seen the same old stuff. There's also been some big staff changes so I'll probably have to update those as well. Another episode of "As the Bag Turns".... So I'm not sure whether to keep it a selling website with a shopping cart like it is, or to just direct to

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-19831340079456909302010-02-25T19:06:00.001-08:002010-02-27T12:07:07.893-08:00

I love Halloween! I know, it's very early yet in the year, but as I look at all the great Halloween art that's out there, especially stuff like retro postcards, it just reminds me of what made Halloween my favorite time of year as a child, and also some of the very special friends I had that couldn't help but contribute to my love of that very sacred night! I'd like to share some of those special

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-47990743465441736362010-02-14T20:07:00.000-08:002010-02-14T20:17:56.059-08:00

It's a bit late to post my contribution to the Valentine swap, but my camera went dead and had to charge the batteries. Sorry for the delay.Here she is: the Queen of Mean - Valentine Hag. Actually, she doesn't look all that mean to me. She's sort of got an Angelica Houston meets Lily Munster look. LOL!I totally enjoyed making her. It was a challenge being my first complete papier mache sculpture.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-42266807556145434462010-02-11T18:48:00.000-08:002010-02-11T19:13:05.407-08:00

Good evening everyone! Valentine's day is almost here! I'm sure I won't be getting diamonds this year, but I got something just as lovely today!My Valentine swap partner, care of Rabbit Hollow Prims, was Wendy of One Mockingbird Hill. She makes handmade and handpainted dolls. I received my special doll today and I couldn't have been more delighted! She's just lovely, and reminds me of my old

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-28026751851759236722010-02-05T19:17:00.000-08:002010-02-05T19:58:01.674-08:00

All these faces we're helped by donationsI was fortunate enough recently to stumble upon an artist who was published in Somerset Studio's Sept/Oct issue. Her name is Bernie Berlin. She runs a no-kill animal rescue in Tennessee called "A Place to Bark." She takes in dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or police confiscated. She fosters, retrains, transports and/or adopts these animals. She also

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-75355939225077510362010-01-26T11:09:00.001-08:002010-01-26T11:23:04.744-08:00

I have to say that it's amazing to see a piece without paint and all it's glam and glitter. It goes from nothing to something with just a few dabs of paint. This is certainly the case here - my goodness!This is my first real piece out of papier mache. I had to enlist the aid of veteran experts Laurie Hardin of Monkey-Cats Studio and David Everett of Chicken Lips for mixing and sculpting tips. Oh

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-50732358370568952622010-01-19T12:58:00.000-08:002010-02-02T18:57:33.025-08:00

Snowbird, UTOk, I must be getting spring fever or something cause I am itching to be in the sun somewhere, and skiing! That's all I've been thinking about lately. Must be all the Warren Miller commercials. LOL! Why I ever stopped being a ski bum, I don't know. I guess you get caught up in all the trappings of what you're expected to do: buy a house, own a nice vehicle, have a "normal" job, blah

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-49376272813193216332010-01-14T18:05:00.000-08:002010-02-05T13:28:52.556-08:00

Is it too early to want a vacation from this yucky, damp, cold, miserable, bone chilling weather? I think not. I've decided that I need one desperately! So not sure when, but I think come Spring time, once the sun comes out, I'm going to take a month break from everything and just spend it riding my horses. Going on all the trails that I've wanted to go on, trailering out here and there. Meeting

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-38533489502563934822010-01-12T12:01:00.000-08:002010-01-13T07:22:53.395-08:00

This is just the barest glimpse of my latest piece; a 9 x 12 canvas painting. I'd just barely started, when I realized that this particular type of canvas needed to be prepped with gesso! So I had to re-do, which I didn't want to do, but oh well. I was wondering why my brushes were sort of dragging along.I know it doesn't look like anything now and it might be hard to visualize, but that's how

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-6437289211155535482010-01-10T19:48:00.000-08:002010-01-10T20:04:13.757-08:00

I've finished my little lost waif girl whose horsie passed on. Here she sits, as sad as can be, holding a little horse. She's bandaged it's left leg too, just like her real one. Her eyes are sad and red from crying. She's not slept in so very long. Maybe one day she'll find peace with her loss. Normally I would've painted more contrast between her dress and the horse she holds, but I wanted to

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-2765456737475326952010-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:002010-01-05T14:26:48.148-08:00

Just to get the creative flow going for the day, I painted a cute little quote block perfect for Valentine's day, a special friend, or just to brighten up your favorite girly-girl room!"The Recipe for a Good Life: Love, Laughter, Red Lipstick" Available on Etsy today. Now back to painting......

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-36649054544098750122009-12-31T14:59:00.000-08:002009-12-31T15:37:39.255-08:00

Happy New Year's everyone! Out with the old, in with the new is my motto. Anyone have any interesting NY's resolutions? I try not to make them, but I'm actually going to this year, AND stick to them. As some of you may know, the past 12 months have been extremely difficult for me; a serious head injury, losing my beloved horse, a major surgery, and the letting go of several not-so-healthy

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-50484026712005686522009-12-26T21:05:00.001-08:002009-12-26T21:21:30.925-08:00

Yet another Christmas has come and gone....Oh goodie!!! For corn sakes Ethel, can we now continue with Halloween?!!!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-19183288172033018462009-12-23T21:12:00.000-08:002010-03-23T22:49:15.156-07:00

This Horse of Mine"I'll lend you, for a while, a horse of Mine," God said, "for you to love while she lives, and mourn when she is dead.It may be six or seven years, or maybe twenty-three, but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for Me?She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and shall her stay be brief, you'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.I cannot promise she

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-14713964012724653622009-12-22T11:44:00.000-08:002009-12-22T11:52:41.871-08:00

As promised, though a few days later, here's the full picture of my Woodland Winter. I am really happy with this piece. The more I see it, the more I might keep it! LOL! See her on Etsy later today!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-18021946302616372572009-12-16T18:35:00.000-08:002009-12-16T18:59:05.413-08:00

Ok, ok! Some impatient folks out there! LOL! Here's a few sample pics of "Woodland Winter". Now these are just partial pics ok? Couldn't get a good full shot cause of the lighting, but I will get right on that tomorrow.Carrying her snowman bucket filled with Christmas lights!You can't see them here in this pic - but she's got a few of her forest friends with her to share her wonderful holiday; a

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-63442944929990923112009-12-14T20:33:00.001-08:002009-12-14T20:40:08.436-08:00

Oh my what a day I had today! But before I go into that, let me tell you that I DID finish my Winter Pumpkin and I love him! So see, I did work yesterday! However I couldn't upload a photo today because.....my computer got some kind of bug! I'm sure it wasn't H1N1 either! Not sure what started it. Probably clicked on something I shouldn't have. You know how sometimes emails look like you

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-77875616483096265982009-12-13T11:48:00.000-08:002009-12-13T12:00:37.732-08:00

On one of my road trips, I spotted something in a darling shop on Main Street, and got a "spark" for an idea. Simple and fun! I set them amongst my other Halloween decor, and voila! They fit right in!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-49535056909719462602009-12-13T11:07:00.000-08:002009-12-13T20:39:32.263-08:00

Ok, so it's not a whole lot done, but hey, at least there is actually paint on my Winter Pumpkin Fairy after a month! I will get her done today. I will, I will! No more messing around, no more distractions (at least for the day!). Then tomorrow, I should have a lovely finished piece. (Keep telling yourself that sister)....

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-74027335223550809612009-12-01T19:20:00.000-08:002009-12-05T12:27:12.139-08:00

My trash can was overturned last night, and if this isn't a guilty face, I don't know what is! The latest addition to By Way of Salem: ScaryCats, a line of whimsically kooky and slightly spooky felines! This is only the fur-st (get it) of many more kitties to come as they were really fun to make. Each one will be slightly different, and of course different colors - that's the really fun part. And

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-77353274361135739062009-11-30T22:54:00.000-08:002009-11-30T23:51:58.999-08:00

Good evening all - Well it's the start to another busy week. So much to get done; errands to run, packages to ship, paintings to finish, photos to take, holiday decor to put up. Oh the list goes on and on!But first, I'm very glad to be home. As much as I enjoy traveling, visiting long lost friends, and seeing other places, it's still so comforting to curl up in your own bed, eat your own food,

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-68345439783016102172009-11-24T10:04:00.000-08:002009-11-24T10:09:16.126-08:00

Good Morning Dearies - sort of a gray, gloomy day here in Tennessee. Still lovely though. My sis lives in the mountains northeast of Nashville, and a world away from the city. Very wooded and secluded. Good body-hiding location baaawwwwaaaahaaa!Aside from my 2 sculptures which have yet to be painted still, I've created 2 NEW pieces which I just love that are not sculptures. I love them both and

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-37918427341183501672009-11-16T15:30:00.000-08:002009-11-16T16:01:09.072-08:00

Hi y'all! It's been over a week since my last post and I wanted to catch you up on what's goin' on.I'll be headed off to Tennessee tomorrow to spend some much needed time with my Bag Sister. It's been ages since we've seen each other so we'll have a lot of catching up to do. Even though we create together, email, call, and all that, it's different than being in person. I can't wait to see her new

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-5402648462721694772009-11-08T09:43:00.001-08:002009-11-08T10:09:34.151-08:00

Michaels Photo Entry - Hagatha VonGrimKissPosted using ShareThisHi everyone - thanks for helping me. Just click on the link above where it says "Michaels Photo Entry - and it will take you to my contest entry. In order to win, you have to get votes by "stars". So if you'd vote for me - that'd be so great! Oh! And please make sure you click on the TOP stars - there the good ones! Thanks

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-23677977071052985632009-11-03T19:17:00.000-08:002009-11-03T20:14:21.666-08:00

October just goes so quick doesn't it? With Halloween, and being laid up from surgery, it's just flown by! Anyway, here are 2 new WIP's for your perusal. Keep in mind they still need paint and finishing, and their names too of course.The first is a sweet pumpkin forest character getting set for Winter. She's wearing her witch hat (of course silly!), a Winter scarf with etched snowflakes, and

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-80329964045170533322009-10-28T06:47:00.000-07:002009-10-28T21:18:02.747-07:00

Greetings!I'm so thankful that my dear sis Bag #1, has been on hand to keep things rollin' along here during my absence. I'd been busily getting our property and house ready for a very important event that all our friends have been awaiting all year long - dubbed "Doc Satan's Halloween Hoedown" in honor of our dear friend, John (that's him in the lower photo with me, grinning madly as he

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-29535715139016761962009-10-24T18:36:00.000-07:002009-10-24T18:52:09.025-07:00

If you've been following me for awhile, you know that I've talked about trying some new things in terms of crafts. Yes of course, I'll still do my quirky odds-bodkin characters - hey, that's just part of my wacky personality! In fact, you'll be happy to know I've got one in the works right now! But on the flip side, yes, there's some sweetness in me, somewhere. My dear sis, Bag #2 calls me "

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-27849851765328102052009-10-22T18:07:00.000-07:002009-10-22T18:33:11.985-07:00

My feverish little brain is always working overtime trying to come up with new ways to get "By Way of Salem's" name out there. So what better then to take the banner, (courtesy of Amybug.com) and what we do, and stick it on a moving vehicle! I get the funniest looks, and I'm thinking, "WHAT are they looking at?!" Oh yeah, the witches on my truck. Duh..... Well hopefully, my self-promotion will

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-52886587782027613562009-10-21T16:03:00.000-07:002009-10-21T16:10:19.984-07:00

Polymerclaytv.com just contacted By Way of Salem, to let me know that they'll be using some pics of my artwork on this weeks show. It's a Halloween themed show and you can check it out this Friday at the website, or on You Tube, or itunes!http://www.polymerclaytv.comhttp://www.youtube.com/user/PolymerclayTVI'm so excited, and so flattered that they like my work. I'll be watching, maybe I'll

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-86017204180688166232009-10-20T14:36:00.001-07:002009-10-21T14:00:38.026-07:00

Hello dahlings! Hope you are all doing well this lovely Fall day. I've got more items going on Etsy tonite. Lots more! I'm excited to get them into my shop. Don't know why I didn't before, guess I got all caught up with Halloween, and these are mostly all Winter items. I'll probably be putting on about 20 pieces or so I think. Bet you didn't think I could paint such sweet little things did you?

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-8663689049653784422009-10-19T15:07:00.000-07:002009-10-19T17:26:40.401-07:00

Good afternoon dearies! I'll be listing some new items on Etsy today; two quilted stitcheries (I LOVE making them!), sculpted mini-witch hats, SootFoot, the black cat familiar with a wonderful collar, and two wooden bunnies from my Bunny of the Woods collection. I'd love it if you'd stop by! Just click on the Etsy logo on the side of my blog to enter my store. Sorry to say, but my days on eBay

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-24041551243835304032009-10-15T14:48:00.000-07:002009-10-15T23:11:57.891-07:00

Yes! It is I!!!! Bag #1 - Jeannine. Can you believe it?! After having 9" of my large colon removed on Monday afternoon, in what they call a "Lower Anterior Resection", or a bowel resection, after just 3 days, I'm back at home! No broom riding for at least a few more weeks. Darn. Need to go rest now but so glad to be back. And as I'll be off my regular day job for a few weeks (yay!!), I'll be

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-6352209705562063262009-10-15T08:38:00.001-07:002009-10-15T12:51:02.891-07:00

Greetings, kith and kin! 'Tis I, the Tennessee Bag, here with a Bag Sisters update: Just wanted to let y'all know that Bag #1 (Jeannine, that is) is doing well and fine! She will be released from the hospital likely today, as she's made excellent progress. I've spoken to her via telly phone and learned that she's still herself - full of the vim and vigor we know and love her for. But of course,

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-20994479573191453602009-10-11T18:10:00.001-07:002009-10-11T23:32:54.770-07:00

Good Evening Dearies! I'll be away from my computer this week, so I won't be blogging, or rather doing much at all I'm afraid. I'm having surgery tomorrow and may not be out of the hospital till around Friday. But maybe sooner depending on how well I do. And trust me, I want to do well!!! Any extra fairy dust you have laying around that you'd like to sprinkle my way, would be much appreciated.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-30237966226690560672009-10-07T16:10:00.000-07:002009-10-09T16:08:36.516-07:00

Ellen, me dear sis and resident Tennessee "Hag o' the Hills", is on a bit of a leave from her "blog duties", whilst her and her beloved hubby prepare for the Halloween Spook-tacular of the Century! Oh I wish I could partake in the festivities myself, but there will be pics forthcoming no doubt. In the meantime, props are being built, potions are being concocted, and mad decorating is happening as

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-58179422214157285212009-10-05T18:30:00.000-07:002009-10-05T18:34:45.666-07:00

In a recent post, I named 7 things people wouldn't know about me. Now it's your turn! I'm so lucky to have all these wonderful friends following my blog - I'd like to know something special about you. What makes YOU do the Snoopy Happy Dance? Would you share 2 things with me?

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-89471078627437677092009-10-03T13:14:00.000-07:002009-10-05T18:47:46.128-07:00

Hello Dahlings! Have you seen my Frightened Frosty? Didn't think so. He's been on my website since its' inception, but the blog was created after, so I don't believe he had his "15 minutes" of fame. Can't have that!He's a sweetie, but still retains the Halloween element with spiders and a pumpkin pal. Frosty's sculpted of paperclay, as is the pumpkin, and his spider is mounted on a wire dangling

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-26286364592161162622009-09-29T16:31:00.001-07:002009-10-01T08:12:47.399-07:00

(Sing to the tune of Tom Jones' "She's a Lady")He’s a swinger, he’s a lisper,Man, he'll charm you with his kisser,What a scorcher!With a swagger and a sneer,You'll be trembling when he's near,Oh it's torture!This is Delvis, oooooohhooooohhooooooohThis is Delvis.....Talking about that sizzling Delvis,And the man is all mine.....May I introduce: Delvis VonUberWanken - a swingin' ladies man!Delvis

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-28806781392649558302009-09-28T10:48:00.000-07:002009-09-28T11:10:29.012-07:00

Vikki, from The Enchanted Cauldron sent us a Kreative Blogger award! Yay!!! We're excited! Thank you Vikki!In turn, I'd like to nominate some special bloggers as well:1. http://www.chickenlipsfolkart.blogspot.com/ 2. http://extremeprimitives.blogspot.com/ 3. http://thevintagepolkadot.blogspot.com/4. http://magicbrushstudio.blogspot.com/5. http://baggaraggs.blogspot.com/6. http://

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-51669965286523603392009-09-27T13:17:00.001-07:002009-09-27T13:25:25.130-07:00

My head is so full of new and exciting projects that I want to make, I don't know where to start! I know, I should finish up what I'm currently working on, and yes, HE is going to be making his debut shortly, BUT in the meantime, I just can't help myself!!! I went fabric shopping yesterday and wanted to share some of my finds, then I'm going back to work...And,Aren't these just toooooo fun?!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-60305448360355950962009-09-24T10:18:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:34:46.295-07:00

In addition to our website, blog, and Etsy store, we're very excited to announce that By Way of Salem will be joining the gallery of very talented artists at Arts a Flutter starting on October 1st. Our work will be displayed for sale among the other featured artists as a way to further promote our craft. Please stop by and see us!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-37354707903854804342009-09-20T20:56:00.000-07:002009-09-24T10:35:59.616-07:00

Oh how I love to shop at Ben Franklin Crafts! And Michael's, and quilt shops, and fabric shops....Yesterday, when I should've been working, I was scouring the aisles of Ben Franklin's looking for purchase-worthy items. I always manage to buy something! So for my fabric collection, I bought some Halloween material - just small amounts of each; some pumpkin colored fabric, and the other has spell

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-76894591685172730682009-09-17T10:36:00.001-07:002009-09-17T10:49:09.531-07:00

We wanted to let you all know of a company that does fabulous displays for craft shows and at super reasonable prices! It's called Woodland Marketing. They are attractive and sturdy as well as space-efficient and portable with a large selection of shelving designs for displaying your products, collectibles, or artwork. They're made of white pine and MDF, but also have finishes available as well

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-82041553268404138562009-09-16T20:16:00.000-07:002009-09-17T15:36:54.471-07:00

Well, I'm sort of sad to say that my Pumpkin Fairy listing on eBay didn't sell. But that doesn't mean a whole lot to me and I'm not discouraged. I've never been overly thrilled with eBay anyway, oh maybe in the very beginning, like years ago, when the policies weren't so restrictive and the fees so high. I just don't think it's the right venue for me. There are some really great artists who do

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-43174190058133207272009-09-15T15:54:00.000-07:002009-09-15T16:01:16.095-07:00

SSSSSSSSSSSsssssssizzle, spark and snap!!! Quite the dashing red devil is due to show up anytime now. Be on the lookout ladies - he's sure to steal your heart!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-58932961370559497962009-09-09T17:35:00.000-07:002009-09-09T19:59:40.868-07:00

Ms. Ester of WoodRosin is so pleased to make your acquaintance! With just her little leaf feet, it's been a long arduous journey indeed. Ambling through her patch, she's gathered up a few friends; hugging a baby Boo in her viney tendrils and a sugar pumpkin perched below.Sculpted to life from Paperclay, adorned with soft shades of acrylics, detailed with pen and ink, and finished with a matte

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-91184986264014578322009-08-27T14:42:00.001-07:002009-08-31T07:59:02.116-07:00

Maybe it's the waning days of Summer, but it's been a slow-go getting things sculpted, painted, stitched, and finished these past couple of weeks. I've got some really fun things in the works too, so I must get a move on!I'm half way done painting my Pumpkin Fairy, but at lunch today, I colored in her almost look-alike "pre-sculpted" sketch with colored pencils to check out the color combinations

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-16327491284257594082009-08-20T16:22:00.000-07:002009-08-20T16:40:38.781-07:00

The Bag Sisters here.....We wanted to invite you all to visit the newest addition to By Way of Salem; "Bag's Corner", our fun and frivolous eZine. Here, we offer a glimpse into our zany life; past, present, and future goings-on, share stories, provide some interesting articles, ideas, inspirations, and amusements. A bit silly, a bit serious. We've just begun, so hang on for a wild ride!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-67776402062020774372009-08-15T19:01:00.000-07:002009-08-15T19:16:26.213-07:00

And a lovely weekend to all our friends! Sorry I've been a bit slow in painting, but the weather started to get nice after we had some dastardly hot weather, then it was t-storms and lightening, now it's just right, and I had to pay some attention to my horses. I'm afraid between my corporate-life day job, horses, house/garden, and everything else, sometimes it's hard to find time to do all the

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-89037663773578865412009-08-12T09:09:00.000-07:002009-08-12T10:44:46.511-07:00

The happy owner of the Pumpkin Patch sign is Ethan Black, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Thank you again, Ethan. You rock! May the Great Pumpkin himself rise and grant you all the candy you can eat this Halloween!- love,Ellen Bag

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-26932586006881648842009-08-03T07:54:00.000-07:002009-08-04T13:19:46.389-07:00

And an oh-so happy Monday to all! Since it was a bit cooler up here in the Pacific Northwest this weekend, I was able to get some work done on four new pieces. I'm especially excited about one since it's a bit different than my usual funny characters I've been creating lately, though I have one of those in the works too! This one is a special little pumpkin fairy - very dainty and ladylike.The

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-25512272492186393092009-07-30T10:42:00.000-07:002009-08-07T14:33:51.025-07:00

It's me again, the ol' Tennesee Bag herself!We just really wanted to give a heartfelt shout-out to Amy of Amybug's Primitive Attic. She's been a total sweetheart to us as we plod along, learning our way in the big bad (well, ok, not so bad in the bad sense) e-Arts Internet world! Amy has consistently risen above and beyond our expectations, has the patience of a saint, and is just so gosh-darn

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-55155755452676424162009-07-27T19:56:00.000-07:002009-07-28T12:04:43.801-07:00

As promised, Mordred finally makes her appearance! She likens herself to a Divine Sorceress, but she's really an old country, out-of-practice witch who bumbles spells so often, she had to write one on her heart shaped base to remember it. Mordred is sculpted from paperclay, painted with acrylics, washes, and antiqued in a fine deep green. Her apparel is by Omar; a smock of stars on blue to match

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-72603836120002059122009-07-22T19:12:00.000-07:002009-08-11T19:59:24.785-07:00

I know, I know - I promised Mordred, but she's still getting her gown altered. You know these high maintenance diva's. Never satisfied!I'm hoping you will enjoy my haunted house in the interim. The top as you can see, has the haunted house with it's creepy front walkway and pumpkins standing watch. Each side (there are 10 sides to this box) has a semi-different silhouette. I say semi, because I

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-62259530321927096242009-07-15T12:27:00.000-07:002009-07-16T09:42:53.283-07:00

Oh I can't wait for you to meet her!!!!

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-3584265251518479812009-07-06T19:21:00.001-07:002009-07-06T19:31:11.188-07:00

And top o' the evenin' to you! Wanted to show you all my re-do. I wasn't quite happy with the colors on my haunted house I showed you in a previous post, something just wasn't right but I couldn't quite tell what. It was calling "repaint me, repaint me." So with a few splashes, dots, and dashes of orange and some ink work, I think it's a bit more lively. Now to go to work on the lower half....

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-65257950539667049322009-07-04T07:50:00.001-07:002009-08-12T12:08:56.808-07:00

SOLD! to Ethan Black of Mount Juliet, Tennessee!Thank you, Ethan. You're quite the artist yourself, so I'm very honored that you liked my humble little pumpkin patch sign. - with love, Ellen BagHello my beloveds!One sure way to get me excited is to catch a glimpse of a field of growing pumpkins. It signals that Autumn is approaching - and Halloween is not far off, which brings out the little kid

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-32527158291216845132009-07-02T13:01:00.001-07:002009-07-23T15:58:27.949-07:00

Hello Dahlings...wanted you all to know that we have put up our new store on Etsy at: www.bywayofsalem.etsy.com. We may not list all our items for sale on Etsy, so please make sure you stop by our blog and our website to check out what else we've got. We hope you all will come visit us on Etsy! And of course our website: www.bywayofsalem.com.

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-75555617145768394242009-07-01T07:50:00.001-07:002009-07-05T20:03:36.268-07:00

"Alane upon the field she stood,The Tattie-Bogle, tall an' prood.But certie, she wis smairt an' braw,A bonnie lass, tho' made o' straw...."And so begins the old Scottish poem about the singing Tattie Bogle (Scarecrow), who was at first nice to the birds but soon learned to screech them away from the farmer's fields. I had a lot of fun creating this Autumn-inspired Tattie Scarecrow. He's made of

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-69380847508718205032009-06-30T12:40:00.001-07:002009-07-01T14:44:41.485-07:00

In these heat-filled, humid Dog Days of summer, my comfort is knowing that the days of Orange and Black are not far away...

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-27685159711086838772009-06-22T21:17:00.000-07:002009-06-22T21:26:30.647-07:00

J here - I think I'm done painting my haunted house that goes in the center of my star papier mache box (see post below). Now I have to work on the lower half of the box and tie the colors in together. I'm not sure if I should add anymore to the top or not. I'm consulting with my sis for her input and then I'll decide. So here it is for now......

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5524806396172845790.post-59163364201835893122009-06-17T19:54:00.000-07:002009-07-02T12:58:22.138-07:00

If a black cat or dog takes up unbidden residence at your door, good fortune will follow! Here, from an eighteenth century Book of Shadows, are instructions for the training of the cat for magickal purposes:"To be performed every evening, at the same time, in the same place....Adapt the cat to sit close by you, facing in the same direction you face which shall be the place where the moon will

By Way of Salemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10271646853010222447noreply@blogger.com2