My Brainchild

Find me on Facebook!

2011-12-06T20:09:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

From now on, I will be using my fan page on Facebook as well as my email newsletter to keep everyone updated on my latest works, shows, and news about my business. Thank you for being a supporter of my art, and please sign up for my quarterly newsletter at right > if you haven't already!

- Wendy

Recent and Upcoming Works

2011-07-25T22:31:00.000-05:00

I've been "hibernating" all summer, staying mostly indoors to avoid the brutal North Louisiana heat and humidity and to work hard on all new pieces for my two big shows this fall!

Here are a few new pieces that are available on SpookyTimeJingles.com right now:

A Red Riding Hood art doll from my "Tales & Legends" series...

Mr.Hyde from the same series...

...and President George Washington for another July 4/Americana work!

I am excited about the next series I am working on. It is a Halloween circus theme called "Odd Expo: Sideshow of the Strange"

The first part of this series will include a skeleton clown, a Vampiric Fat Lady, and a Strongman ghost! Look for these on STJ next month!

SpookTime Jingles Turns 3!

2011-07-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow night at midnight, all new art will debut on STJ! To celebrate our 3rd anniversary, we are hosting a charity event. A portion of all our sales will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation! Here are some sneak previews of pieces I will have available:

"The Dark Side"

"The Sound in the Woods"

"God and Country"

See you there!

NHC, NOLA, and WIP!

2011-06-22T21:26:00.000-05:00

STJ artists and staff hanging out in the STJ booth

At the first of May, I once again made the trip to King of Prussia, PA for the National Halloween Convention! This time, I was a member of SpookyTime Jingles, so I took a few Halloween pieces to sell in the STJ booth. The convention gets bigger and better every year, so if you are even remotely a Halloween fan and live in the general area, you've GOT to check it out next year!

The gorgeous STJ booth. We won "best booth" again this year!

My creepy Spider Baby piece

You meet all kinds of characters...

Artist LuLu Kellogg was my roommate - I love you, LuLu!


Braaaaaains.....

To view all my photos from the NHC, click here!

In late May, my friend and business partner, Dani Nelson, came down South to visit me...We met up first in New Orleans. We had a blast walking around the French quarter and saw some incredible art in the galleries on Royal Street.

A bar on Decatur St.

A gator on the Honey Island Swamp Tour

Musicians on Royal Street

The always delicious Cafe du Monde!

To see all my photos from New Orleans, click here!

...And here's a quick shot of some works in progress in my studio right now:

Visiting friends in Nacogdoches, Texas

2011-06-20T14:35:00.000-05:00

Last month, my friend and business partner, Dani Nelson and I took a quick day trip down to Nacogdoches, TX to visit another SpookyTime Jingles artist, Lance Perry of Crescent Hill Designs.

Lance and his wife, Stephanie, welcome us into their home and showed us some of Lance's latest works, which were amazing, as always. If you are not familiar with Lance's holiday art, you need to check it out.

We then took a trip over nearby Melrose to visit Lance's parents' home and shop, The Tin Rabbit. Ann Perry's shop has been featured in Flea Market Style magazine, Somerset Life Magazine, and Porch Magazine. It houses gorgeous old antiques and holiday art.

We enjoyed meeting these extended members of the STJ family and I'm looking forward to visiting Nacogdoches and The Tin Rabbit again soon!

To view all the photos from our visit, click here.

A New Art Acquisition

2011-06-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

I recently won this original painting in an online silent auction by New Mexico artist Pamela Enriquez-Courts!

The painting (which just arrived today) is titled "April-December". I love it! Here it is hanging in my dining room already!:

I met Pamela a few weeks ago at the City Arts Festival in downtown Dallas and I am already a big fan of her beautiful work! Pamela's work is inspired by her Mexican heritage and culture. I love her Day of the Dead-themed paintings!

You can view more of her work here on Facebook.

SpookyTime Jingles Update Tonight!

2011-06-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the SpookyTime Jingles update tonight?!

Here is an important announcement!: Due to a serious problem with our domain registrar, our website update will take place at www.SpookyTimeJingles.net this month. www.SpookyTimeJingles.com is currently unavailable due to circumstances beyond our control! We are working on the problem and hope to have it resolved soon!

I'm excited about this update. We have some awesome patriotic works in store for our "Celebrate America" event!

Here is a "sneak preview" of my 2 pieces that will debut tonight:

Also, the SpookyTime Jingles Etsy shop is NOW OPEN with all Halloween works of art! If you missed out on any pieces at the National Halloween convention, now is your chance to treat yourself!

Happy shopping!

Recent Travels and Flea Market Finds!

2011-04-20T16:38:00.000-05:00

March and April have been busy months! In early March, I visited my SpookyTimeJingles.com business partner and dear friend Dani Nelson in her beautiful part of the country, and also got to visit with 2 other fabulous STJ artists while there, Marie and Amelia!

One morning, Amelia and I hit an early flea market near Dani's house. It was fantastic! All kinds of interesting things that you can't find at many flea markets down South. Below is a photo of one of my favorite items I found, a small Catholic figurine:

Click here to view more photos from my trip to New Jersey!

At the end of March, I took a trip to Paris, France with my best buddy, Neva! Neva and I went to art school together in Atlanta. This was my third trip to Paris, one of my favorite European cities. This was Neva's first trip there, and we had a blast!

See more of my Eiffel Tower photos here!

One thing I got to do this trip that I've never done is take the tour of the underground catacombs in Paris. It was really interesting and impressive:

See more of my Catacomb photos here!

On one day, I surprised Neva with a trip on the Eurostar to London! We just went for the day, so we did the "turbo-tour" by getting on a "hop-on, hop-off" bus and checking out all the major sites of the city. It was an awesome day!:

See more of my London photos here!

Of course, no artist goes to Paris without a trip through the Louvre. Here I am with one of my favorite paintings of all time, Raphael's St. Michael Slaying the Serpent:

See more of my Louvre photos here!

Another thing we got to do this trip that I've never done was visit the beautiful Versailles Palace! The weather was GORGEOUS that day (as it was our entire trip):

See more of my Versailles photos here!

One of my favorite Paris locations is Notre Dame Cathedral:

See more of my Notre Dame photos here!

Another new experience for me in Paris was visiting the famous Les Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market! We could have spent all week here...It was an incredible collection of antiques. As you can see in this picture, I'm on a shopping high:

A pretty display of old keys:

I brought home this antique Virgin statuette from one of the antique booths. The seller said it came from an estate sale in Paris:

See more of my Paris shopping photos here!

...And just last weekend, my husband and I made a day trip over to Arcadia, Louisiana for Bonnie & Clyde Trade Days, a big flea market held once a month. Here are some of the cool vintage finds I brought home!:

I'm going to paint a Halloween image on this little orange suitcase:

A great old metal trunk!:

Some old keys!:

...and of course, another creepy baby doll. Get ready to lose your head, little baby:

STJ update is here!

2011-02-13T08:32:00.003-06:00

I am so excited about my debut as an artist on SpookyTime Jingles! Head on over and check out my Halloween and Christmas pages!

Here are some of my offerings this month!:

The rest of the artists did a killer job this month, too, so you've GOT to see all the rest of the works this month! (The site updates at midnight on the 13th of every month.)

Walmart cupcake holders

2011-01-27T12:30:00.003-06:00

I got one of these weird cupcake holders at Wal-mart this morning for 5 bucks. At least I think that's what they are. They're springy. No idea what I'm going to do with it, but pretty sure I won't use them for cupcakes. Baby heads, maybe. All I know is I would have regretted it if I hadn't picked one up.

Plus, I got to see a dude get busted at the door for shoplifting!

Yee-haw!!!

Big News for My BrainChild!

2011-01-13T16:40:00.016-06:00

Hey everybody!

I've come to the conclusion that I am the worst blogger in the history of the internet. I don't check in here nearly often enough. Oh well....At least I can say I have finally gotten back into the studio and am making new pieces! And I have lots of good news to share...

I am happy to announce that I am now a partner in the company SpookyTime Jingles! My good friend and STJ creator Dani Nelson asked me at the beginning of the year to join her in her pursuit of success with SpookyTimeJingles.com. I am honored to be a part of this enterprise she began over two years ago and cannot wait to see where it takes us in 2011 and beyond!

For those who may be unfamiliar with STJ, it is a juried online marketplace that showcases original works of Halloween and Christmas art every day of the year. It is updated at midnight on the 13th of each month with new, never-before-seen works of art.

In addition to working hard with Dani to grow the business, I will have my own spot on STJ where I will sell my own pieces. This month, I am excited to be the "Surprise Guest Artist"! Check out my two pages with art that is available right now!

"Naughty Kitty"

"You Handsome Devil"

So, get to know SpookyTime Jingles if you haven't already. Check us out on the following:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Love,

Wendy

Featured in Somerset Studio Gallery!

2010-12-10T16:34:00.003-06:00

My Madonna and Child collage was featured in the new Winter 2011 issue of Somerset Studio Gallery! Here is the piece that is featured in this issue:

The Halls are Decked!

2010-12-08T14:54:00.006-06:00

Here are some pictures of my new white Christmas tree and other glittery Christmas decorations!

...and here are are few pics of my house this Halloween!:

Inside the House

Halloween Night!

Outside the House

I had an amazing experience at the Red River Revel arts festival back in October. Nearly all my art was sold, plus I won the Juror Award for quality of craftmanship!:

Now that Christmas cards have been sent out and shopping is nearly done, I'm getting back to work in the studio to have more fun!

Merry Christmas to everyone!! "The Light Has Come!"

Check me out in the Shreveport Times, yo!

2010-10-05T08:16:00.003-05:00

I just got home last night from my New Mexico travels, and a friend sent me the link to my little feature in the local newspaper today!

Tonight, I set up my booth for the Red River Revel Arts Festival here in Shreveport. If you're in the area, come by and see me at Booth 87! For my friends who can't make it, I will be posting photos later, of course! Thanks so much for all the support of my fellow Halloween artists. Your encouragement means a lot to me!

Halloween & Vine, Red River Revel, and more!

2010-09-29T20:26:00.008-05:00

I haven't posted anything here for about a month because I've been living out of a suitcase for weeks! So for those of you who have been busting my chops about updating my blog, here's an update...Mmmkay?...

My husband and I went to Ireland and Scotland for a big vacation...I took a hundreds of photos, mostly of ruins and cemeteries! I will post the links to the photos later as soon as I get them uploaded. Here is one photo I took of the Rock of Cashel in Ireland:

I just returned from the wonderful Halloween & Vine in Petaluma, California! Here I am in my Halloween-wear:

The weekend was so much fun. I met some SpookyTime Jingles artists in person, along with other artists and attendees. Everyone I met was so nice and fun to be around.

Check out the rest of my photos of the show here!

When I got back into town, the Fall issue of Celebrate 365 magazine was waiting for me in the mail:

This is an *excellent* issue filled with Halloween collectible goodness. Check out two of my Halloween ornaments featured on pages 13 and 24!:

Here's a close-up shot of my ornaments featured:

You can order your copy here.

Next week, I will be featured among the local artists for an upcoming arts festival (The Revel) in the Shreveport Times. Look for me in the paper next Tuesday, October 5. The photographer from the newspaper came this morning to shoot photos of me in my art studio. I hope he makes me look good.

Then...
Come see me at Booth #87 at the Red River Revel Arts Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana next Wednesday through Saturday! You can view my Revel page here.

What else? Hmmm...
Two of my Halloween pieces were recently featured in 2 Etsy treasuries:

They're Creepy and They're Ooky...

and

Green-masked Halloween!

Check out these great collections of Halloween art!

That's all for now...I've got to catch a plane to Santa Fe, NM in the morning for my dear friend's wedding! Where's my suitcase?!

The Gentleman on Royal Street

2010-09-01T16:29:00.003-05:00

The New Orleans CVB is holding a photography contest...If you like my photo, will you vote for mine? I entered this photo that I took of a man in costume on Royal Street in the French Quarter just 2 weeks ago:

You can click here to vote for my photo starting this Friday!

Thanks! :)

A Busy, Busy Autumn!

2010-08-28T17:54:00.008-05:00

The September/October issue of Cloth Paper Scissors is out now, and I finally got a copy of it last night:

My Scarie Marie paper ornaments are featured on pages 80 and 81 for the "A Haunting We Will Go" challenge! Cool!

If you're a Halloween enthusiast and don't yet follow our Halloween Jetsetters blog, you should check it out! I've posted twice in the past week about Halloween treasures recently discovered all over the South, including photos from my recent trip to New Orleans.

The next two months are going to be nuts! My husband and I are taking a trip to Ireland and Scotland next week. I wonder if I'll find any Halloween collectibles over there? Hmmm....

After that, I head to Petaluma, CA for Halloween & Vine! This will be the second year I've attended this all-Halloween art show, and I can't wait to go back!

Right after that trip, I'm heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico to attend the wedding of a very dear friend. I hope to have a little time to explore Santa Fe during my trip out there, so if you have any suggestions on where to see some fun art or collectibles in Santa Fe, please let me know!

I am very excited about being a part of the Red River Revel Arts Festival here in Shreveport, LA in early October!

I will have an art booth during the second half of the week - October 6-9. Come see me if you are in the area! I'm really excited about showing and selling my art to the public for only the second time. I am BUSY working on pieces for the show! Here are a few of my current works in progress:

After the Revel is over, I head north for the annual Springfield Halloween party. This year the theme is "Monsters" and I will be going as the Bride of Frankenstein.

Wow, lots to prepare for this week! Of course, I will be posting photos of all these events in the coming weeks...Everyone have a fun and safe Fall season!

Green Halloween Treasury!

2010-08-08T16:39:00.003-05:00

Two of my Halloween pieces have been featured in an Etsy Treasury called "Have A Green Halloween", curated by Gone to the Birds!

My witch ornament is made with a recycled restaurant coaster, bottle caps, and fibers. My El Dia de los Muertos assemblage was created from an old baby head and wooden spool.

Thanks, Gone to the Birds, for including my items in a unique and interesting Halloween Treasury!

Some Works in Progress...

2010-08-08T15:02:00.003-05:00

I'm working like a wild woman this month getting ready for my show at the Red River Arts Festival here in Shreveport, LA in early October! I'll be out of town during most of September, so I've got to make a lot of progress this month!

Here is a quick shot of some new paper clay pieces I am working on right now. :)

Great Pumpkin Treasury!

2010-08-06T12:50:00.005-05:00

My Old Bats in the Belfry Halloween ornament is featured in an Etsy Treasury called "Sitting with Charlie Brown", curated by Niftyknits!

Niftyknits creates the cutest little meerkats! Check out that shop and the others in this wonderful treasury!

Vintage Halloween Treasury!

2010-08-03T19:48:00.003-05:00

My Pumpkin Baby was just featured in an Etsy Treasury called "Vintage Halloween", curated by Simpletilly!

Head on over and check out some great vintage Halloween pieces!

Come see me at the Red River Revel Arts Festival!

2010-07-26T14:15:00.004-05:00

I'm excited! I just found out I was accepted to participate in the Red River Arts Festival here in Shreveport, Louisiana in October! It's a juried art show with over 100 artists from around the country! Also lots of food, music, and entertainment! I'll have a booth during the second half of the week...October 6-9, 2010! Come see me!

Featured in Another Etsy Treasury today!

2010-07-25T15:03:00.002-05:00

My Bride of Franky Monster Pin-up pendant was featured in this Etsy Treasury called "The Lovely Ladies of Halloween", curated by The Pine Cone Tea Cup!

Witchy pin-up beauties for Halloween!

Featured in 2 Etsy Treasuries this week!

2010-07-19T14:41:00.004-05:00

Two items from my Etsy shops have been featured in Treasuries this week! These are two excellent Halloween-themed collections, so I wanted to share!

The first one is called "Hotter than Hell" and is curated by CreepyDolls. It features my Monster Pin-up Devil pendant:

The second one is "Gone Batty" and is curated by seasonsart1031. My Grimes Grave Robber Bat is featured in this one!:

I love these collections and discovered some great new shops!

If Daniel was a pumpkin...

2010-07-17T16:07:00.003-05:00

I recently sculpted this pumpkin head using a picture of my friend Daniel as a photo reference. I loved the expression on his face in this photo and thought it would make a great pumpkin face! I think he turned out pretty cute. :) He'll be available in my Etsy shop shortly...

Grimes, the Graverobber Bat - Now available on Etsy!

2010-07-17T14:30:00.002-05:00

My dear husband just bought me a brand new fancy-pants camera, so I am having fun today taking new photos of my latest works.

I finally got some good shots of Grimes, and he is now available for purchase in my Etsy shop!

Also, look for my fan page on Facebook if you haven't already!:

My BrainChild...Original Art by Wendy Leaumont

Studio Critter

2010-07-06T00:08:00.003-05:00

This is my baby, Vincent. He hangs out with me all day while I create in my studio. Sometimes he drinks the water I use for sculpting. I don't know why, because he has fresh water downstairs. Just more convenient, I guess. (That can't taste good.)

He practically sits on my head while I'm working, and falls asleep on the back of my chair, leaning up against me. When I get up to get something, he looks at me like this...

"Where ya goin'?"

Grimes, the Graverobber Bat!

2010-06-16T22:34:00.004-05:00

In my last blog entry, I featured my latest sculpture titled "Blake, the Graverobber Kitty"! As you read in that entry, that piece was inspired by the movie "I Sell The Dead".

Introducing Arthur Blake's partner in crime, Grimes the Graverobber Bat! He was inspired by the character Willie Grimes. He wears a fancy top hat, rolled up sleeves, and carries a shovel and a lantern to aid him in his nefarious night time escapades!

He was created with paper clay, and his wings are fabric. I made him a lantern that lights up and can be turned off/on (and the battery can be replaced when it burns out.)

It's kind of hard to see his black wings in these photos, so I'm going to get some better photos of him next week!

Both of these pieces will available in my Etsy shop soon...I need to "clean up" my shop first...That place is a mess!

Blake the Grave Robber Kitty!

2010-06-08T16:54:00.007-05:00

I just finished this paper clay piece and I'm really happy with him! "Blake the Grave Robber Kitty" was inspired by the film, "I Sell The Dead":

If you are a horror fan and you haven't seen this movie, I highly recommend it! My favorite actor, Ron Perlman, is in it. The spooky scenery and old-fashioned costumes are awesome!

Anyway, I've had this vision of doing a cat sculpture in a funny pose for a long time, and after I saw the movie I knew he had to be a grave robber, complete with his old lantern and shovel for digging up the goods!

"SPOOKY"

2010-06-03T20:00:00.006-05:00

I just finished this new assemblage piece using wood, a creepy old doll head, paper clay...

acrylics, old key, wire, old dominoes....

game letters, and Spanish moss.

I love his spooky little face!

Published!

2010-06-03T19:49:00.002-05:00

I was published in Somerset Studio Gallery! See my altered art piece titled "Beautiful" in the Summer 2010 issue in bookstores now!

Works in Progress

2010-05-31T20:42:00.005-05:00

Here are a couple of shots of my messy art studio and some works I have in progress. The main project I'm working on now is my Graverobber Kitty piece! I was inspired by the movie "I Sell The Dead", a period horror movie about a grave robber who reflects on his life of crime. The kitty will be carrying a shovel and a lantern! Heehee

The other 2 pieces you can see in the photo are baby head pieces. I made bodies for them out of paper clay and they will be a part of 2 assemblage pieces I'm working on!

Fourth of July Assemblage Piece

2010-05-24T12:06:00.004-05:00

I just finished a patriotic assemblage piece for Independence Day. Titled "Liberty", it is made with metal and wood pieces. The image in the center is from a World War I Navy recruiting poster by the artist Kenyon Cox. The text at the top is also from a poster of the same era encouraging people to buy liberty bonds. I love the patriotic posters of this era - the words and images are beautiful!

My new art will be available in my Etsy shop soon!

2 Paper Clay Pieces!

2010-05-23T18:01:00.008-05:00

I just finished my first 2 paper clay sculpts and had a blast making them! The first one is "Zombie Pumpkin":

The second one is "Frankenpumpkin":

I really enjoyed these and think I am going to love this medium. My next sculpt will be a cat!

My first attempts at paper clay...

2010-05-16T17:20:00.002-05:00

I've started experimenting with sculpting with paper clay and am having a blast! Here are 2 very rough starts to two Jack-o-lanterns. I have not sanded them yet, so they've got some rough spots to smooth out...

But I am loving the feel of paper clay and am finding I like sculpting more than I thought I would! I am finding that the experts in this medium are fantastic people who don't mind sharing what they've learned to help a novice like me get started. I can't wait to start painting these little guys! (Sorry for the poor lighting in this photo - just snapped a quick photo to show my progress so far.) Lots of new art coming soon!

My sweet husband...

2010-05-08T18:37:00.002-05:00

Look what my sweet husband made for me as a start to a new work of art! I asked him if he could make a wooden frame or "shrine" for me, and next thing I knew he was coming out of the garage with this awesome piece! In fact, he is making me a second one as I write this!

I am so blessed to have a husband who supports my wacky art and even helps me get started on new pieces with his mad woodworking skillz!

I will try to remember to post photos of this piece as I transform it into something weird and Halloween-y!

Photos from the National Halloween Convention!

2010-05-04T22:18:00.007-05:00

I attended my first show with my art at the National Halloween/Haunters Convention last weekend! Here are some photos of my booth, and you can view the rest of the photos here!

Also, here is a second album of photos I took at the con. This is the scarier stuff from the con. If horror images give you the willies or you're seriously creeped out by clowns, you might want to skip this one.

Back from the National Halloween Convention!

2010-05-04T17:54:00.003-05:00

I just returned from the National Haunters & Halloween Convention in Philadelphia this past weekend! I had a blast meeting other artists, Halloween vendors, and selling my own artwork at my booth! I will be posting photos here from the show!

First, a series of 3 short video clips I took at the show. This one features a scary clown and Chewbacca!

More photos coming soon!

Scarie Antoinette III

2010-03-31T23:23:00.011-05:00

Introducing my third Scarie Antoinette paper doll!

She's a bit different from her two "sisters" in that she is holding her own head on a stick! Eeek!

All three of my Scarie Antoinette dolls will make an appearance at the National Halloween Convention next month ...Stop by and "meet" them!

Louisiana Moon

2010-03-31T00:19:00.007-05:00

I was driving home from a church class tonight and noticed how stunning the moon looked! The sky was clear and it was a gorgeous full moon. I dropped some things off at the house, grabbed my camera, and drove around my neighborhood to find a good place to take a photo. I don't have the fanciest camera in the world, and I'm an amateur photographer, but I love taking photos and I like what I captured tonight:

It was a good night for vampires and werewolves in Shreveport!

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator." - Mahatma Gandhi

Scarie Antoinette Medallions

2010-03-29T22:01:00.005-05:00

Just finished some medallions based on my Scarie Antoinette creations!

Four are hanging ornaments, and the other 2 are magnets. All made with paper, cotton, feather, and crepe paper!

Come see me at my booth in the Artist's Alley at the National Halloween Convention next month! I'll have many pieces for sale that I've featured on my blog lately.

I'd love to meet you if you're a Halloween fan and will be in the Philly area next month!
Look for my booth...

Scarie Antoinette II

2010-03-20T14:49:00.003-05:00

I just shot some quick photos of my second Scarie Antoinette paper doll creation:

Her hair is bigger and badder...and she's got more glitz!

Scarie Antoinette!!

2010-03-17T16:59:00.008-05:00

I just finished this paper doll today. She is titled "Scarie Antoinette I". She was so much fun to create!

I was inspired by a project from the book Altered Art Circus by Lisa Kettell.

She was made with paper, fabric, ribbon, a stamp, acrylic paint, glitter varnish, ink, feather, cotton balls, and beads!

Of course, I made my Marie Antoinette Halloween-themed...She has a spider motif and carries a "wand" with a skull on the end.

I love paper arts, and am inspired by Wendy Addison's Theatre of Dreams.

I think I'm going to do some more of these (all Halloween/horror themed, of course) and try some different motifs and color combinations.

Streets of Paris Collage

2010-03-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

This is a piece of art I created over the weekend. It's a simple decoupage project on a board. I pasted pages from a map booklet that my husband and I bought in Paris on our honeymoon in 2001. Then I used inks and glazes to antique the entire thing.

I am decorating our upstairs guest bathroom in a Parisian theme, so this piece will live in that bathroom. :)

Four New Pieces...

2010-03-13T22:42:00.006-06:00

I have been able to get back to work in my new art studio and have produced some pieces that I will take to Philadelphia next month to display and sell at the National Halloween Convention!

Introducing 4 new Assemblage/Altered art pieces...

Cirque Du Kitty

Swamp Baby

El Día de los Muertos

Halloween Dreams

I am so excited to be a part of the Artist's Alley at the convention! I am working on my booth design now, along with a new logo for My BrainChild! Stay tuned for more details!

Getting Settled...

2010-03-03T10:07:00.004-06:00

My friends, I have been too long absent from my blog, and I apologize! We moved into a new house right before Christmas and have been unpacking, remodeling, painting walls, and settling in! I am posting 2 photos of the new house below, and more will come soon! This is to show you how the fireplace in the living room came out! We did paint it white with a crackle effect and I love the result!

I am working on some new art now and will be posting my new creations in the coming weeks. Thanks for visiting! xoxoxo - Wendy

The Great Fireplace Paint Debate - Please cast your vote and WIN!

2009-11-23T22:52:00.010-06:00

Blog followers and fellow artists, I need your help!

My husband and I just bought our very first home and are scheduled to move in next month. We are very excited about the house, and I am looking forward to decorating it! BUT...we are already arguing about one issue regarding the interior decorating of the living room area! One of us thinks we should leave the fireplace/mantle as is, and the other thinks we should paint it white or off-white.

I would like to get your feedback on what you think would look best! I have posted some photos here showing (above) what the fireplace looks like now and (below) an edited version of the photo showing what it would look like painted. (Click on the photos to view larger versions.)

If you will leave a comment with your honest opinion/ideas on this debate, I will enter you in a drawing to win one item of your choice from my resin Animal Jewelry collection in my Etsy shop! The drawing will take place on December 11, 2009, and I will use random.org to pick the winner.

Thank you for input...My husband and I will be standing by to see who "wins"!

Halloween 2009!!!

2009-11-02T15:52:00.020-06:00

My favorite holiday is over, but I have great memories of all the fun experiences this year. I would like to share some highlights of Halloween night at my house with you. Come along!...

Here come the hoards of trick-or-treaters!

Welcome to "Château de Leaumont"!

Come on in!...

They are here and they want candy.

Grab a treat! Maybe a scrumptious brownie cupcake by Brandy...

...or a slice of brain and an eyeball!...

These Ghostbusters and their friends preferred the chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. (I don't blame them!)

Check out the original art by Amy Hulse, Robyn of ForeverFall, Mina of MinaMakesArt, and Shari Hulse!

Original paper art by Edgar & Edgar...

A display of original pieces by yours truly...

...and one more fabulous original by Robyn of ForeverFall!

Have a seat! We're watching Trick R Treat on DVD...

Chloe gets an eyeful while "Night of the Living Dead" plays on AMC. (At my house, kids get acquainted with the classics at an early age.)

After the movie, we'll go visit the spooky graveyard outside!

Thanks for trick-0r-treating with me! Come back next year and bring your friends! To view ALL my Halloween photos from this year, just visit this page.

xoxoxo,

Wendy

Original Art from Chicken Lips and Bone Head Studios!

2009-10-25T11:05:00.007-05:00

On the 13th of October, I made my first two purchases of original art from SpookyTime Jingles! I am so excited about the two pieces I nabbed! The first is a "Cat in the Box" sculpture by David H. Everett of Chicken Lips!:

He is so funny and cute...My husband loves this one. "Cat in the Box" now sits on a table in the corner of my living room for all my friends to see this Halloween!

The second item I bought is a hilarious little ornament by Flora Thompson of Bone Head Studios:

He's a little "Scaredy Cat" demon and he now hangs from my Halloween tree!

I hope to meet these artists someday at one of their shows. There is so much personality and humor in their work. If you want to score an original piece of art by one of the best Halloween artists in the U.S. and Canada, check out the update at SpookyTime Jingles on the 13th of every month!

Happy Halloween!

"Sneak Peek" of my Halloween house!

2009-10-14T13:47:00.009-05:00

Here are a few photos of my house that I've taken already this season. I hosted the spouses' group from my husband's air force squadron last week, and that's when I took these photos.

Next week, I will blogging about the Springfield Halloween party on the new blog Halloween Jetsetters! Then after Halloween night, I will post all my photos from October!

So, here are just a few of the inside and outside of my house - MANY more to come!

More Original Art Acquisitions!

2009-10-13T22:58:00.006-05:00

I've already shared the original works I purchased at Halloween & Vine. Here are 3 more pieces I've recently acquired that make an excellent addition to my Halloween decor this year!

On the left: Creepy Cupcake Kid by CaRniVaLiTy. On the right: Bogie Book Bess by Forever Fall.

Shocking Skelly by Ambitions Design Studio.

You know you're a Halloween fanatic when...

2009-10-13T14:27:00.002-05:00

My friend Janet sent me the following email the other day, and I have to say it is scary how accurately it describes me:

You know you're a Halloween fanatic when...

...you get more excited over a fog machine than a new car.

...you have names for the skeletons in your closet.

...you play spooky music all year round.

...you spend more on one Halloween than on your entire wedding.

..your neighbors look slantwise at you and avoid you all of October.
.
...your storage areas only contain Halloween props.

...there a monster under your bed because all the other storage areas are full.

...your electric bill is higher in October than in December.

...the family dog/cat ignores masked people breaking into your house.

...you see haunt possibilities with every road kill.

...your neighbors are asked about Halloween, they roll their eyes and point at your house.

...you can't watch a horror movie without jotting down ideas every two minutes.

...you have a room in your house reserved for special props/projects. Thus, you won't allow anyone in there because it'll "spoil the Halloween surprise!"

...you start actually setting up your yard haunt in August and don't get it all down until almost Christmas...

...you still aren't finished on Halloween, but it'll do. [Gotta start earlier next year.]

...you cannot throw anything away that could even possibly be used to scare someone. [Even if you don't know how it will be used yet.]

...you judge homes by how well a haunt could be set up in them.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm in Petaluma

2009-10-10T20:14:00.003-05:00

One of the best stops of mine and Dani's visit to Petaluma for Halloween & Vine was the Adobe Pumpkin farm. Acres of beautiful pumpkins, fresh flowers, Halloween and home decor shopping, a fabulous haunted house attraction, fantastic old cars, goats, a corn maze...This place has it all! Wish we'd had more time to go back before we had to catch our planes! I look forward to visiting again next year.

You can view all the photos I took of the farm here!

Rusty Things in Petaluma

2009-10-05T11:33:00.004-05:00

One more group of photos from Petaluma! One of our favorite stops was the old train station in the middle of town. We took photos of 2 old cars that were parked there. The colors and textures were beautiful. Here are the rest of the photos I took.

Petaluma, CA

2009-10-04T17:50:00.003-05:00

Halloween and Vine takes place in the gorgeous little town of Petaluma, California, which is about 40 miles north of San Francisco. We had so much fun exploring the town, which is full of picturesque parks, churches, and homes. Click here to view more photos I took around town over the weekend of the show.

Golden Gate Bridge in the fog

2009-10-03T21:30:00.005-05:00

On our last day in California for the Halloween and Vine show, Dani and I cruised around San Francisco for a couple of hours before heading to the airport. We stopped to take photos of the Golden Gate Bridge on a foggy - and chilly - Monday morning. Here are a few of the photos I snapped.

Goodies from Halloween & Vine

2009-09-30T21:47:00.009-05:00

This is a photo that Dani and I took of all our purchases from Halloween & Vine! 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10 are the treasures I came home with, and the others are Dani's! Here are the artists:

1: Edgar and Edgar

2 and 4: Paper Moon Gallery

5: Arbutus Hunter

6: Nancy Aldabe, Nancy's Metal Art

7: Vergie Lightfoot

8: Scott Smith, Rucus Studio

9: William Bezek

3, 10 and 11: Susie Scott Studios

Below is a photo of ALL the Halloween goodies we came home with from a weekend of shopping in Petaluma! Whoo-hoo!

You can view all my Halloween and Vine photos here, and I will tell you more about Petaluma in the days to come, along with more photos from the trip!

My trip to Halloween & Vine

2009-09-30T11:59:00.003-05:00

I just returned from the Fourteenth Annual Halloween and Vine show in Petaluma, CA. This was the first year I was able to go. I roomed with my friend Dani of Ambitions Design Studio, and we had a BLAST at the show as well as exploring the gorgeous town of Petaluma.

It was amazing to see the original work of so many of my favorite artists in person for the first time! Two artists from Spooky Time Jingles (one of my favorite places to find original Halloween art) were represented. I came home with 5 original pieces. I will be writing more about my trip during the next few days!

My Halloween Cowboy Piece Featured!

2009-09-29T22:46:00.006-05:00

Yippee! My "Halloween Cowboy" piece was featured on My Shopping Connection!

Tomorrow I will start posting photos and sharing details about my wonderful trip to Halloween and Vine! Stay tuned!

I'm Back!

2009-09-20T21:04:00.005-05:00

I have been on vacation for the past 3 weeks, and I've been a bad blogger! I visited a friend in Atlanta, GA and also attended my nephew's wedding there. Then I was in Hawaii for about 10 days! So, I am back home with my kitties and gearing up for Halloween! I hauled all my Halloween decorations out of my attic this afternoon and started unpacking them.

What I am REALLY excited about at the moment is next weekend. I'll be attending the Fourteenth Annual Halloween and Vine show in Petaluma, CA this weekend! I am really looking forward to this! I'll be meeting up with another artist and rooming with her for the weekend. One of my favorite Halloween artists, Scott Smith of Rucus Studios, will be showcasing his work, along with with awesome artists from SpookyTime Jingles! Whoo-hoo!

Needless to say, I haven't done much creating lately, so I am looking forward to getting back into my art studio soon! For those who may be interested, I am offering free shipping on all items in my "Halloween/Horror" section of my Etsy shop, now through October 31!

Happy Haunting!

Bill and Sookie FOREVER!

2009-08-18T10:17:00.003-05:00

I just finished these 2 portraits of Bill Compton and Sookie Stackhouse from my favorite TV show, "True Blood". I used acrylics, and they are each 11" x 14". I don't do much painting, and I don't think I've ever painted a portrait of a specific character or person, so this was a lot of fun to try! They kind of have a comic book feel to them. I think I am going to paint portraits of Vincent and Catherine from "Beauty and the Beast" next.

Baby Shower Crafts

2009-08-15T14:41:00.008-05:00

I co-hosted a baby shower for my good friend Anne this morning. I made this diaper cake for the centerpiece using scrapbook paper, ribbon, flowers, and small toys.

I purchased these custom fortune cookie soap favors from the fantastic dugshop on Etsy! The slips of paper inside the soap cookies say, "Confucious say, Kris and Anne's baby boy is on the way!"

She's a Man-Eater!

2009-08-14T12:06:00.012-05:00

Oh, oh here she comes
Watch out boy, she'll chew you up!
Oh, oh here she comes
She's a MANEATER!
-Hall & Oates
Last night I finished my "Myrna the Maneater" paper mache project! Her name was inspired by a story told by my friend April at dinner. You pronounce her name "MER-Nah", like that. I love her! She has 5 heads and she will chew you up and spit you out! I can't get that $%#&*! Hall & Oates song out of my head now! Question for you online sellers: How do I ship this thing? Should I sell it as a "kit" with just the stems and rock, minus the bowl? Not sure how to do that. I'm gonna make lots more of these, though, because it was a blast to make! I want to make a HUMONGOUS one for the yard!

Sarah Bernhardt Halloween Ornament

2009-08-13T10:06:00.003-05:00

Last night I listed another Halloween ornament in my Etsy shop that I made last year. I love taking old packaging (this box came from a box of Louisiana candied pecans)and making something new out of it!

Manet Girl Halloween Ornament

2009-08-11T23:54:00.001-05:00

Another one of my Halloween ornaments made from a drink coaster from Outback Steakhouse! The front features an image of the girl from The Bar at the Folies-Bergère by Manet. Now with scary bat wings!

Wizard Boy Halloween ornament

2009-08-11T17:49:00.005-05:00

This is one of the Halloween ornaments I made out of cardboard restaurant coasters (from Outback!) last year. I have a few more I will post in the next several days. Other projects in the works: "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" mixed media piece and a scary papier-mâché man-eating plant! Stay tuned!

Zombie Girl Monster Pin-up Ornament

2009-08-10T11:22:00.002-05:00

Added to my Etsy shop this morning! I'm adding a new item every day this week!

Halloween "Paper Dolls"

2009-08-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

A small item I added to my Etsy shop today...I plan to add one item per day for the next week or so!

Bride of Franky Monster Pin-up Ornament

2009-08-08T23:08:00.004-05:00

Added to my Etsy shop today!

"Sid, Vincent, and Mergy"

2009-08-07T18:55:00.006-05:00

I completed several new art projects today! I accomplished this by locking myself in my art studio and hoping the phone wouldn't ring all day! It was a very productive day. Among the pieces I finished is this portrait I did of my cats - Sid, Vincent, and Mergy. I cut out photos of their heads and put them on old-timey photos from my collection. I like how it turned out and can't wait for my husband to see it! We will be keeping this one and putting it up somewhere in the house. I love my kitties.

...And the Winner Is....

2009-08-07T16:17:00.006-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

SeaRune

...winner of my DAG Treasure Hunt Drawing!

SeaRune wins my "Freaky" Halloween ornament!

I used the web site random.org to pick the winner! The drawing was completed on 7 August 2009 at 21:13:26 UTC. The winner was drawn from a list of 19 entrants using true randomness, which for many purposes is better than the pseudo-random number algorithms typically used in computer programs. You will find the permanent record of the drawing here:

http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=779

THANK YOU to all my new followers and for your entry in the contest! I had fun doing this contest and will be holding more drawings in the future!

SeaRune, please email me your mailing address so that I may ship your prize to you!

I was featured in Creepy Queen Magazine!

2009-08-06T20:07:00.006-05:00

My "Bride of Franky" pendant was featured here in an article featuring products based on "cheesy horror flicks"! Check it out!

Monster Pin-ups!!

2009-07-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

I finished a fun new project this morning. I have taken some classic pin-up art by Peter Driben and altered it digitally to create my own "Monster Pin-ups"! I've done a zombie, devil, and Bride of Frankenstein so far.

The first application of these pin-up girls is what I call "Pocket Pin-ups". These Pocket Pin-ups I made were inspired by a World War II era antique owned by my friend Mike. This "toy" of Mike's is a small illustration of a nude girl inside a paper sleeve who is revealed in various stages of undress by alternate slips of paper that are pulled from the sleeve. This is done with alternating designs on cardstock and acetate.
So, I decided to take this concept and design my pin-up girls who, instead of taking their clothes off, would turn into monsters! Here is what the Pocket Pin-ups look like:

You can see how the monster underneath is revealed as the slip of paper is pulled up and out of the sleeve:

...and the final reveal:

I am also making Monster Pin-up necklace pendants out of polyshrink plastic. I need to get some better photos of these tomorrow, but here is a sneak peek of the designs that will appear on Etsy tomorrow night!:

And finally, here is a graphic showing the metamorphosis from the original pin-up art by Driben to my Monster girls!:

The hunt for treasure continues!...

2009-07-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all who have entered my Dark Artist Guild treasure hunt! I have enjoyed getting to know my new blog followers! The drawing will take place on August 8. Stay tuned!

To register to win, look for this icon on my blog:

Halloween Night - I

2009-07-22T11:43:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the Halloween Pumpkin Theaters found at the fantastic ullabenulla blog, I decided to make one of my own. This one is made from a faux pumpkin, which I carved and put a scene inside. The scene is inspired by old-time Halloween trick-or-treating! I used vintage photos from my own collection and put the heads on vintage Halloween figures. I used dried moss, crepe paper, a silk plant, and other fibers to establish the spooky environment where my characters live. I had so much fun with this project, I'm going to make lots more!

Party in a Box!

2009-07-22T11:25:00.000-05:00

I actually finished 3 projects this morning. This is the second one. It's titled "You're Invited". It's an altered art tin featuring vintage Halloween images I collected from a few sources. It contains "scenes" and "characters" for an old-fashioned Halloween party!

Baby Poe!

2009-07-22T10:54:00.001-05:00

I finished my latest "Zombie Baby" today - Baby Poe! BP is a baby doll head altered with acrylics and paper clay. The raven that sits on his head is made of paper clay and toothpicks!

Prize for the DAG Treasure Hunt!

2009-07-19T08:20:00.000-05:00

This is the prize for the Dark Artists Guild giveaway you can win from me! This is a Halloween ornament titled "Freaky"!

The Grand Prize is a Mad Hatter doll! To view the grand prize and contest rules, go to darkartistsguild.blogspot.com

Papier-mâché!

2009-07-17T14:40:00.001-05:00

This is my first paper maché project! I have been experimenting with paper clay, but now I'm going back to traditional paper maché with help from my friend Kelly who showed me how to do mix the glue, flour, and water yesterday!

Stay tuned for the end result!

BIG BLOOD-PUMPER

2009-07-17T14:28:00.000-05:00

This is one of my latest pieces...I've been experimenting a little with paper clay, and used it on this canvas piece. I like the texture and 3-D quality the paper clay added to it.

Check it out on Etsy!

* OFFICIAL TREASURE HUNT ENTER HERE POST*

2009-07-17T13:43:00.001-05:00

If you have found this, you have found the way to enter my Giveaway for DAG's Blog Treasure Hunt!!

Be sure you enter on July 22 through August 7th by leaving a comment on this post!

Please see my side bar for list of participating blogs!!

Collage for my Kitchen

2009-07-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

I just finished this collage/mixed media piece to put in my kitchen. My kitchen has sort of a vintage/retro theme (complete with lots of Ann Taintor magnets on the fridge) so I made this piece from reproductions of 50s-era food and cereal ads. (You can click on the image to view a larger version.)

Beautiful Mess...

2009-07-03T15:34:00.001-05:00

I took a couple photos of my art studio today...This is where the magic happens! LOL. It's not pretty, but it works for me. :)

New Web site!

2009-06-19T22:06:00.001-05:00

Just finished up my new online portfolio, which I'm psyched about! Check it out if you haven't already!: www.artbywendy.net

New baby heads on the way!

2009-06-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Along with the new Edgar Allan Poe art I'm doing, I'm working on several new Baby Heads. Got a new shipment of babies in from eBay. They came in last week and my brother Cork, who was visiting, helped me pop their cute little heads off. (He helped very reluctantly.)
Some of them will be zombies, some steampunk, and one will be "Hellbaby".

Vincent

2009-06-15T20:11:00.001-05:00

Vincent is one of my three cats. I caught him lying in the window of the third floor landing yesterday, keeping an eye on me, so I got my camera and took this shot of him. When I'm on the computer, he sits on the back of my chair and keeps my neck warm. He's my little buddy. I don't let him in my art room, though, and that really irritates him.

New Edgar Allan Poe Illustration

2009-06-14T17:41:00.000-05:00

I recently purchased some Micron pens after being inspired by great illustrators at TeeFury.com. This is my first attempt at using them. I sat down last week and drew this portrait of one of my favorite authors, Edgar Allan Poe. I like how he turned out! I have plans to use him in several pieces of my altered art.