What's Going On?

Well, wow, so much! I've been so busy creating and planning my display for my 3 upcoming shows. 

This is the banner for one of the shows - Sweet Tea and Shopping, Sept. 16 & 17. I love it. So well done. And they even did a promo banner for By Way of Salem too to show on their event page. Love it!

Isn't it great!?
I've got some more things done and I wanted to give you a few more peeks at what I've been working on. And I'm also working on some FABULOUS jewelry too.

More work to come! Stay tuned. Next time I'll tell you about my other shows; Paisley and Plaid, Fall and Christmas Markets. Two more great shows!





Franken-WIP - Monster in Progress

As I was creating my newest work-in-progress; a yet-to-be-named Frankenstein monster, I got an update on my Facebook page for the new movie, "Hotel Transylvania", which of course I must go see...but it was a funny picture about celebrating Frankenstein Day!  Perfect timing to give you just a sneak peek at my newest creation.

It will be made completely of paperclay I think. I'm not sure yet how or what he'll look like as I like to see where the piece takes me as I create. It's always a surprise.  I had the head done months ago but wasn't sure which direction to take. Now that I've concocted somewhat of an idea, I'm getting going.  This is just the basic armature you're seeing here. The clay and sculpting will begin shortly...It's Alive!!!!

Summer in Salem....By Way of Salem!

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 even got a tan!


What have I been up to? Besides NOT making art right now? Well I've been riding my amazing horse Simba. THE most brilliant Arabian ever! And of course finishing school. I've JUST graduated cosmetology school and am set to take my State Boards exam next week and get my license. Yay!!! It's been a tough, and oh-so-very-long year. I thought it'd be a cake-walk. I had no idea "beauty" could be so technical!

After that, well it's onto a job finally. I've already had over 9 months on the "salon floor" at my school, so I feel totally ready to be out on my own and in the real world. Someday I might even have my own salon.....

At school last week, a few of the girls happened to spot my art through a link on my Facebook page and were raving to me about my Halloween creations. I can't tell you after being away from creating for so long, how great that felt! It gave me the boost I needed. I thought - what am I doing? Why aren't I sculpting/painting, etc? I really do miss it so much. Honestly though, school just sucked the artsy life right out of me. But I know that once I'm out, I'll be back at it. I did try to get reinspired throughout this past year and create a few things, but it really wasn't working for me. With all the distractions of school, I just couldn't focus or let my inner Halloween-ness venture out.

This year I'm planning on participating in some craft shows, as well as stocking my Etsy store full of new whimsies. I've got a ton of new ideas for either sculptures or paintings that I've been sketching out and saving and I'm excited to be starting on them soon too. It's kind of going to be a new re-launching of By Way of Salem!

Thank you all for staying loyal fans on my blog as well as Facebook and Etsy. Your support really makes a world of difference to me and gives me the encouragement and reason to keep on creating.

Love, Jeannine

January Snow and Snowmen!

My backyard

It'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 snowmen. Lots of them! Currently I'm just finishing up an order I received on Etsy for a pair of my Snowman Mittens. So adorable. They're from a pattern by Renee Mullins (just LOVE her snowmen!).

One of the many paperweights I've painted

I keep a sketch book by my bed and I'll be laying there sleepless, like oh-so-many nights, and then suddenly BING! an idea! I'll quickly turn on the light and either write it down, or sketch it really quick, cause if I don't, by morning it's evaporated into the nocturnal nevermore...

And what do you think of this wooden stocking? Each part is cut out separately and painted, then wired together. It's about 18" long, so a nice big piece to hang on the fireplace. Do you think I should make some more of these? I'd love to hear your comments!

Ready..Set...Craft!

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 how I want things. They sort of stare you in the face too! It's very colorful and makes me feel like I have my own craft store. LOL! I'm a "collector". I might not do anything with some craft supply for years, but darn it - I gotta have it!

The paint is sort of a Tuscan yellow color; very warm and inviting. I've tossed in splashes of red and black also, and then outlined the window with little white and orange lights that I turn on at night to give a lovely glow to the room.

Even though I'm still busy in school, it's not nearly as demanding as it has been so I want to be ready to start making stuff when the urge hits! LOL!

Speaking of urges, I'm going to be taking a jewelry class at the end of August as I'd been wanting to learn for some time, and I thought I might incorporate some items into my store, or maybe do a separate selling blog. Not sure yet. I've got some visions of Fall-type jewelry, but don't know how to make them. I've heard it's pretty easy once you know how, so I'm really excited to get going!

Idle Hands are the Devil's Workshop

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. Non-stop I tell ya!

Good news on the craft-front: I do have some Halloween items in the works, a swap in September with Rabbit Hallow Prims, and I'm planning on doing a local holiday craft bazaar in November as well, so I will be creating shortly. And once finals are over, I'm going to start busying my hands in clay and paint, instead of perm rods! LOL!

Mostly, I just wanted to touch base with my loyal following who have been so patient with my non-creating lately. Thanks for staying with me and checking in. I'm lonely not creating and hearing from you, so please drop by anytime to just say "Hi!" Take care, Jeannine

"ScaryCat" Watercolor - Meet "Hexter"

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 details in pen and ink. I'm quite fond of him! Sitting atop his pumpkin, holding on for dear life, he just looks like a "Hexter"! I found an old black rustic wood frame that I think suits him well too. He measures about 5 x 7-1/2 and he'll probably be matted as well - maybe.

I think I want to do a bunch more of these whimsical little paintings since I just enjoyed doing this one so much. Be on the lookout!

Gruela VonGrimKiss is Quite Perturbed!

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 most dire of happenstances? Is Gruela destined to remain an old Bag for eternity? We sincerely hope not!

Her gown, sculpted of papier mache, features an over-dress of black (albeit a bit of grave mold), and a blouse and petticoat of cotton-candy pink with a sheer overlay of Queen Anne's lace. In her spindly fingers, she clutches her lover's heart to her chest..... Her hat is also of papier mache and is adorned with a trim of holographic silver lace. Her hair is gray and black pulled wool, and she wears a veil of tattered, tea dyed cloth.

Sculpted of paperclay, her face is beautified with the latest shades of Modern Witch make-up.

Never leaving her side, Max is sculpted of papier mache and wears of bow of black polka dot cotton around his neck.

This piece stands a very tall 16" and is mounted on a wooden base, signed and numbered by me.

Another lovely addition to the VonGrimKiss clan! On Etsy tonite!

Another Peek...

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.....

WIP - Witch in Progress!

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 back and visit her won't you?

Come to the Halloween Carnival!

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 head. As I got visions in my minds-eye, then I'd move on to the next section. There are 6 sections; each one depicting something Halloween-ish.

It's also a bit of a different type of painting that I've ever done too, as I incorporated elements of altered art (which I really enjoyed!), and different textures of papers, glitter, and painting techniques.

I've titled this piece "Halloween Carnival", as it reminds me of when I was a kid, the local park would put on a Halloween Carnival. Everywhere you'd look, there was something different and festive happening; costume parades, games, a haunted spook house, and either a play or puppet show. The air would be scented with the sweet smells of candy apples and cotton candy. Candy wrappers would be strewn on the ground serving as paths to the next booth.



I remember being so excited at all the Halloween festivities going on around me, overwhelmed at where to go first, meeting up with other neighborhood kids, trick or treat bags spilling as we'd make our way through the crowds ridding ourselves of our adult chaperones hurrying to catch up with us. Seems like just yesterday.....Hope you like it!

A Bit of Progress

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 some visual interest as well.

Hope you enjoy the preview! A lot left to do, so back to painting I go!

My BY WAY OF SALEM Website

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 Etsy. We'll have to just see. It's really a fun site! I have "Bag's Corner's" for your reading entertainment, and more stuff about me on the "About Us" page.

Make sure to drop on in and take a peek in the coming week(s) and see what other stuff I've added.

Take care y'all! Jeannine

My Queen of Mean - Valentine Hag

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. I know I can do better as far as the smoothness of the surface texture, but then again, it's sort of interesting to have that much tooth. It was very messy and sticky to work with, but it was easier to get the nice long fingers out of PM then it is clay, and once dry, the surface was easier to paint than clay as well.

I think I'll give it another go with papier mache and try some more pieces. Oh, and the swap was really fun and I will do more of those in the future too.

My Valentine Swap

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 ragdoll from when I was a child. She wears a vintage print dress and holds a large stuffed heart. Her face is handpainted and stiched, and her eyebrows are little french knots (I think). So unique! I love her. It totally brightened my day when I opened up the box and took her out. Wendy was so sweet to include some Valentine treats as well in my package. What a dear! I can't wait to do this again next year!

Thank you Wendy!!

My Sad Waif

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 paint it dark. Her hat is sewn from dark brown velvet, and has a silver heart over the brim. I cried when I put the cheesecloth bandage on the leg. Truly heartbreaking.

A Touch of Whimsy

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......

New work for the New Year!

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 friendships. Well enough of that gloom and doom I say! I'm onto a bigger, better, more positive life/year ahead. I'm vowing to get healthy, rid myself of any negativity; either by others or myself, and be surrounded by a light of positivity, happiness and love all around me!

So having said all that, I'm working today on some new fun pieces for Valentine's day and the coming Spring; hearts, rabbits, and all things blooming. First I better clean up this craft room!

Woodland Winter - Full Size

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!

Woodland Winter - Sneak Peek!

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 slumbering earthworm, a whimsical snail, and of course a little boo pumpkin, with a sprinkling of flowers and leaves. A real Woodland Winter!