Celebrate the "Father of Fairy Tales" b-day with a giveaway! Enter to win book and print on 1/28

Today's Google Doodle commemorates the 388th birthday of Charles Perrault with 3 illustrations by Sophie Diao (above). An academic and author, Perrault was a member of Louix XIV's court and influenced the design /construction of the Louvre and the famous fountains of Versailles, among other things.

close up of Perrault by  Philippe Lallemand

His most interesting claim to fame, though, is as "The father of the modern fairy tale." Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Bluebeard and others were already spoken of in oral folk tales, shared with children to teach them lessons on morality and act as warnings. 

Perrault, however, wrote them down. He gave these memorable characters (& more) life on the page, writing the tales in a way which entertained the upper class which he belonged to. His stories went on to influence the Grimm Brother's and others. For more info on Perrault and his stories, including where to read some online, check out the links at the end of this post.

Now, let's get this party started! 

On January 28th, one lucky winner will be selected from everyone who comments on my blog between now and then. This winner will receive an English translation of Perrault's Fairy Tales (Dover Children's Classics).

Plus a matted print of Red's Winter Walk. 

Red's Winter Walk by Stacey Merrill

To Enter The Random Drawing: Simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. EST on 1/28.  It is that easy! If your contact info is not in your profile, please leave an email address so that I can reach you if you are the winner. 

The winner will be announced at noon (EST) on 1/28/16. This drawing is open to all. The prizes have free world-wide shipping.

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Looking for more info about Charles Perrault and his stories? There is a lot to be found online. Here are a few links to get  you started:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Perrault

Who Was Charles Perrault? Why the fairy tales you know may not be as they seem.

Read some of his illustrious tales at Sur La Lune

Enter to win a Custom Printed Vinyl Banner!

Those generous folks at DigitalRoom.com are sponsoring another great giveaway!

Are you attending any art fairs, yard sales, reunion or other celebration this summer? How would you like a nice big banner to announce your event? Leave a comment at the end of this post for your chance to win a 24" x 26" Custom Printed Vinyl Banner with grommets from DigitalRoom.com.

Digital Room Graphics & Imaging

DigitalRoom  offers a smooth banner printing experience. The website is easy to use, turn around time is fast, the quality is top notch & if you need any help they have excellent customer service. (They've printed some greeting cards & business cards for me in the past that I am very happy with).

I recently received a message from Davey over at the steampunk-themed Olorle.etsy.com. He won my last Digital Room banner giveaway. Davey said : "Just thought I would drop you a line and mention that I will get my first chance to use my awesome new banner next Friday and Saturday at the Cedar City Groovefest event. I'm very happy with how the banner turned out and am very much looking forward to the show. Thanks for the great contest!" 

So, how do you enter? 

Simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 6/24 to enter this random drawing. That is only 1 week away! You must be 18 or older to enter. This contest is open to USA residents only.

Just a note: DigitalRoom is also sending me a custom printed banner. I'm not doing any shows this summer so will have to figure out what to put on it..... any suggestions? What are you thinking of putting on yours if you win?

Visit with artist Linda Hardy and Enter To Win A Piece Of Heart Art

Bejeweled Paper Flowers In A Vase by Linda Hardy

Hey there! How are you today?
Feeling Lucky?

I sure hope so since it is time to announce the latest Thursday Giveaway! A new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist, Linda Hardy. I met Linda over at Etsy where she has her colorful shop, MamaPainter.etsy.com. Throughout this post you'll get a peek at some of the art in her shop. Click on any image for more information.


Curious about the new giveaway? You'll find out more about the fantastic prize at the end of this post.... but don't hurry. Take off your coat & stay a while! Linda has a few minutes to spare today, so she has kindly stopped by to share her thoughts on life and art. Why don't you relax & get to know each other a little bit while I find us some hot cocoa.

Valentine Heart With Wings In A Tree by Linda Hardy

LH: I am a self taught, mixed media artist. Creativity runs in the blood of my family. My father was a master woodcarver who specialized in water fowl, Cowboys and Santa figurines and my mother not only painted, but is a fabric artist. My sister makes jewelry, crochets, and knits and can sew absolutely anything. My oldest brother is a carpenter who built both of his homes with his own two hands and his daughter is in art school right now! I also have cousins that carve and do metal sculpture. My youngest daughter is a Fine Art major at Texas Tech, majoring in theatre and my oldest is teaching herself to crochet and sew in hopes of opening her own ETSY shop this year! With a family history that thick in art, it was only a matter of time before I found my niche too.

Flower Art Poppies set of 2 by Linda Hardy

LH: Growing up I wanted to go to the Art Inst. Of Chicago but was told that was a foolish dream and I should just learn how to type so I could support myself if I ever ended up divorced. And that is just what I did, until my health issued forced me out of the work force and onto disability. After many, many orthopedic surgeries I found myself depressed and left feeling my life was over by the age of 45.

Hope Cross by Linda Hardy

LH: After a few years of a major pity party, I decided I had to find something that I could do, after all I wasn’t dead and people with physical disabilities overcome challenges every single day. So I took what knowledge I had of home repairs and faux paintings and downsized it to canvas. I started by making Crosses and over the last 2 years have evolved into my own style of art. I’m not sure if it’s contemporary, rustic, sculpture or folk art! It’s a little bit of it all rolled up into a unique concept.

Birds and Hearts in a Tree, set of 2 by Linda Hardy

LH: So, never give up, dig down deep and see what you have inside of you. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Day Dreams by Linda Hardy

Thank you so much for visiting with us today, Linda! It is a pleasure to find out more about the person behind such vibrant artwork. You really are an example of how art heals. It may not take the body's aches away but it can soothe the spirit & make each day a little bit better. Keep up the wonderful work!

Want to read more about Linda & her spirited creations? Visit her online:

Shop - http://MamaPainter.etsy.com

FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamapainter

How would you like to win
a piece of MamaPainter's Heart Art?

Just in time for Valentines Day, I'll be hosting a random drawing for one of Linda's lovely heart canvases. It will be similar to these:

Sculpted Hearts by Linda Hardy

The prize canvas is so fresh the paint is still wet - I'll post an image of the actual piece soon. Here is Linda's description of this great prize:

LH: HEART ART - Red Heart Dangling from a Tree. This sculpted piece of art is on a 5" x 7" x .75", stretched canvas frame. The tree wraps around from the side and is covered in aged, silver leaf. The red, puff heart is crackled and aged with a black glaze and is adorned with a silver bow! The canvas has been painted 3 colors of yellow with the finishing color more towards true ochre.

To enter the drawing, simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on Thursday 1/28. That's when 1 random winner will be selected. Just make sure you have your contact info in your blog profile or comment. Now how easy is that?! Please Note: this fantastic prize ships free to USA/Canada winner only.

You may have noticed the winner will be picked in 2 weeks. While I loved making a lucky winner very happy each week in 2009, I need to spend a little more time on my art. So, I'm testing out a new every-other-week format for both the Thursday Giveaways & Saturday Studio Tours. We'll see how it goes...

In the meantime, be sure to enter this giveaway!! Also, I'll be featuring Linda's studio on Feb 6th so pop back then & see where she makes her magic.

Heart Art Sculpted Heart on Red Textured Canvas by Lindy Hardy

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Final Note:

Have you heard of the etsy shop Hearts For Haiti? Hundreds of Etsy sellers are donating items. You shop. Your $ goes to Doctors without Borders....and you get Free Shipping (paid for by sellers). Click the link above to shop or you can read my blog post about it here

Enter to win $25 Gift Certificate to LucySweetLucy + Visit with Mixed Media Artist Jodi Ohl

LucySweetLucy Montage by Jodi Ohl

Hard to believe this is the last Thursday post of the year. I started Thursday Giveaway's on a whim, thinking it would be a great way to destash some of the stuff crowding my studio. It is exciting to see how it has evolved to include prizes from a variety of creative people. Past prizes have included prints, paintings, cards, jewelry, books, gift certificates, custom projects... and the list goes on and on...

I want to take a minute to once again thank all of the generous sponsors who donated prizes this year. Many of these sponsors have also shared photos of their fantastic creations as well as their thoughts on life and art. It has been a real pleasure getting to know more about each and every one of you. (Enter applause here).

So Gently They Fall by Jodi Ohl

I also want to thank all the readers who stop & take the time to leave a comment. Most of the featured artists have told me just how much your words have meant to them. We get so busy with our lives, families, day jobs, online shops, marketing and then finally studio time. It doesn't always leave a lot of time (or energy) to seek out (much needed) feedback on the art. I have had many featured artists tell me that your comments gave them a much needed energy boost. So, c'mon people keep all that positive energy flowing!

Finding My Way Home Print (featured in Cloth Paper Scissors) by Jodi Ohl

Today's Featured Artist and prize sponsor is the talented Jodi Ohl of LucySweetLucy on Etsy. Jodi is one of the first artists I met in the etsy forums. I was immediately impressed by her sweet temperament and fearless nature. She inspires me more than she knows. I love her art and the way she uses color to express emotion. But I really admire the fact that when she wants something she actively pursues it. Her art and tutorials have appeared in numerous magazines (she is in the current issue of Cloth Paper Scissors). She teaches both live & online workshops. And also has a booth at various art fairs. (I have always been more of a dreamer than a doer - I'd like to be more like Jodi if I ever grow up.)

Jodi, what would you like share about yourself and your art today?

J.O: I'm a self-taught mixed media artist, who resides in Aberdeen, NC. To say art heals, is an understatement for me. Not only does it constantly heal me, it has helped me to grow wings. While I manage a bank to put a roof over our heads, I create art to feed my soul.

Broken But Not Lost by Jodi Ohl

J.O: Most of my work is whimsical in nature, bold, colorful, fun, and deeply textured there's also underlying journal writing and themes that connect my personal life with my dreams, desires, struggles and aspirations. I look for the positive in everything even on the days I'm down or not feeling as energetic as normal, I know that once I pick up a brush and lay down some color, the world will look brighter when I'm finished.

A Pair For Everyone by Jodi Ohl

Where do you see your pursuit of art taking you next?

J.O: My ultimate dream would be to write a book about art (or a few books!), and work full time (without starving) as an artist. I really truly believe in 2010 or maybe 2011 at the latest, I'm going to do just that. I've been planning in my head a variety of creative goals that will get closer to my dream, but for now--the best I can do is just be productive and not give up. Dreams are great, but it's working toward achieving your dream that really brings a sense of satisfaction.

Serenity Sweet HeArt Magnet by Jodi Ohl

What else is on your itinerary for 2010?

J.O: Along with my creative goals this year, I also want to improve physical appearance, be more healthy, loose a little weight, and become more grounded emotionally. I have to admit, I do escape some of my anxiety and everyday stress by diving into my art which does work for the most part. But sitting and painting doesn't exactly count for exercise and getting fresh air every once in awhile which would also relieve some of my stress. (HAHA) I wish it did but my pants size say differently. Yes, 2010 will be a year of improvements on many different fronts. I am counting on a lot of forward movement and upward motion. Hope the same is true for all of you who desire similar things!

Four Seasons Set of 4 paintings by Jodi Ohl

Jodi, thanks so much for stopping by! I know you have a crazy-busy schedule and am so happy that you found the time to share your thoughts today. Also, thank you for donating such a great prize for next Thursday's random drawing...

Hometown Holidays Believe ACEO by Jodi Ohl

What's Jodi giving to 1 lucky winner?

A $25 gift certificate to her Etsy shop LucySweetLucy!

To enter giveaway just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 1/7/2010. Please make sure your contact info is either in your comment or profile.

Want to learn more about Jodi & her colorful artwork?

Click on any of the images in this post to find out more about each piece

Go Online:
Store - LucySweetLucy.etsy.com
Blog - SweetRepeats.blogspot.com
Online Workshop - Fun With Faux Encaustic
You can also sign up for her new artsy newsletter

If you find yourself in North Carolina:

Swank Coffee Shop and Handmade Market in Southern Pines, NC
Circa Gallery in Asheboro, NC
Fayetteville Museum of Art, Fayetteville, NC
Fine Tracery in Pinehurst, NC

She will also be teaching a Jerry's Artarama Work Shop "in the village" in Raleigh NC on March 7th.

And if you stop back here on Saturday, Jodi is giving us a tour of her new studio space. Hope to see you then! Happy New Year, Everyone!

Things Are Looking Up Part 1 by Jodi Ohl

Winner of Diary 2010 is......

Who will claim the final Thursday Giveaway prize of 2009?

Thanks to all who commented over the past week! I've tossed you into Random.org & hit the spin cycle. The lucky winner of Fantayza's Diary 2010 is....

Congrats radar626 !

I'll contact you later today for your shipping info.

Next Question - Who will be the 1st winner of 2010?

Tomorrow 1 randomly selected winner gets 100 custom printed postcards from Uprinting.com. If you haven't entered yet, just leave a comment before 1 a.m. (EST) on 1/1/10 to be considered. It is that easy! However Uprinting does state that winner pays shipping - for more about this giveaway Click Here.

Be sure to pop back later today for the newest Thursday Giveaway Prize & the last artist feature of 2009.

Enter To Win A Copy Of Diary 2010

Hello again! How are you today?
If you are looking for today's winner of the Jennifer Stano print click here

While putting the final touches to my Christmas wrapping, I realized that I have an extra copy of Fantayza's Diary 2010. So, luck you, that's the new Thursday Giveaway prize!

from Diary 2010 - various artists

Some of you may remember I've already hosted a giveaway for 1 of these in November. If you didn't win that time around, why not try again?

from Diary 2010 - various artists

To enter the random drawing which will be held on 12/31, simply leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) next Thursday. Please make sure your contact info is either in your profile or comment in case you win. This contest is open worldwide with free shipping.

from Diary 2010 - various artists

So What Is Diary 2010?

This unique day-planner/diary is the brainchild of fashion designer/photographer Lucy Baribeau from Fantayza. She sent out a call to artists, seeking original work for each page of the Diary. Hundreds of artists worldwide responded. I heard of the project through Norwegian artist/blogger Ewian and had a lot of fun illustrating 3 different pages.

from Diary 2010 - various artists

If you'd like to find out more about this fantastic project & read an interview with Lucy, visit this blogpost from November 10. You can also find out more about Lucy, her projects & original creations at these online locations: (By the way, she sells copies of Diary 2010 in her etsy shop)

Website - http://www.fantazya.ca
On Etsy - http://www.etsy.com/shop/fantazya
Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/fantazyafantazies/
Diary 2010 - http://www.fantazya.ca/diary2010.html
Blog - http://fantazya2.blogspot.com

I hope you enjoy visiting Lucy's world! But 1st remember to leave a comment here in order to enter next week's random drawing for 1 free copy of Diary 2010.

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By the way, I am also hosting another random drawing sponsored by Uprinting.com. This time they are giving away 100 custom printed postcards to one lucky winner selected on 1/1/10. Visit Here For Contest Details

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Final Note Today

Best Wishes to all for a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year!

We Have A Winner of Jennifer Stano Glicee Print

Feeling lucky?

Thanks to all who entered the random drawing for 8" x 10" print, Jennifer Stano's It All Starts With An Acorn. Your 90 names were entered into Random.org today. And the Lucky Winner is.....

Congrats Lady HighTower!

I will contact you today with instructions for collection your prize.

Many thanks to Jennifer for sponsoring this great giveaway! It was great fun! To see more of Jennifer's colorful art, visit to her Etsy shop, CoatOfPaint & her blog CoatOfPaintStudios.blogspot.com.

By the way, I am also hosting a giveaway for Uprinting.com - 100 custom printed postcards to the winner picked on 1/1/10. Click Here for Details

Also pop back in later today for details on a new random drawing with a timely prize.

Enter to win a free glicee print from featured artist Jennifer Stano

Welcome back to another Thursday Giveaway & Artist Feature!

Today we're visiting with painter & mixed media artist, Jennifer Stano.

Homefires by Jennifer Stano

Jennifer creates energetic pieces in a variety of mediums. Sometimes paints, sometimes collage yet always bursting with bold colors and gestures. You can view her vibrant artwork in her online shop CoatofPaint.etsy.com as well as on her blog, coatofpaintstudio.blogspot.com. Some of the pieces featured here are available in her Etsy shop. Click on the images for details.

Pink Lotus by Jennifer Stano

Also, If you're in Northfield Minnesota, you can view her painting Pink Lotus at the Northfield Arts Guild through Jan. 2nd.

Jennifer is also the newest Thursday Giveaway sponsor. More about that at the bottom of this post. In the meantime, I'm going to step aside & let her tell you a bit about her life and art.

JS: I’m a part-time painter, full-time artist at heart and life-long equestrian. As an art and art history major in college, I never actually gave much thought to becoming a professional artist. It wasn’t until this past year when I discovered Etsy and the wonderful online community that I began to realize the possibility of pursing my passion as a vocation. I was just amazed to discover this supportive, encouraging group of people who were just like me. Many were working in full-time jobs while creating art on the side, and they documented their struggles, passions and inspirations online. Whereas I’m still years away from realizing my dream of becoming a full-time artist, I’ve found so much encouragement and inspiration from this wonderful, creative online community.

Green Bird by Jennifer Stano

JS: In terms of my artistic inspiration, I’m constantly moved by the beauty of the natural world and horses in particular. My earliest art was drawings of horse based on photos I cut from magazines. In college, I returned to this subject matter for my senior art show, which was a series of oil paintings I did from sketches of the horses in my barn.

by Jennifer Stano

JS: I was also very influenced by the time I spent in Italy during college. I was lucky enough to live in Florence and study art in a traditional atelier where we did life drawings from models who posed for 2 week sessions. This time gave me a great respect for the history and tradition on which much of our current techniques are based.

by Jennifer Stano

JS: Currently, I’m doing a series of oil paintings that are very inspired by the abstract impressionist movement. There is no predetermined subject matter, and the process is very direct and physical. I tend to work fast in the preliminary phase and I seek to capture that energy on the canvas without a lot of premeditation so it’s more of an unconscious process of putting a mark down and responding to that mark in an organic way. The painting itself determines what it will become and I just have to make sure I don’t get in the way.

Enchantment by Jennifer Stano

JS: Though I’m primarily an oil painter, at the moment my Etsy shop is heavily weighted towards my watercolor work because I find the scale conducive to online sales and print production.

A Storm Is Gathering by Jennifer Stano

JS: I’ve also started doing some photography and I hope to have a series of fine art photography note card released soon. There are always so many ideas and not enough hours in the day!

Purple Coneflower Cutout by Jennifer Stano

Keep those ideas coming, Jennifer! Your dynamic pieces have a lively organic feel to them. And thanks so much for stopping by today so share your art & thoughts!

So, Readers, would you like to own 1 of of Jennifer's colorful creation? Well here's your chance. She has generously donated an 8 x 10 glicee print of her acrylic painting It All Starts With An Acorn for next Thursday's random drawing.

It All Starts With An Acorn by Jennifer Stano

It is easy to enter! Just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 12/24. That's it. The winner will be announced later that day. Please make sure your contact info is either in your profile or your comment in case you are the lucky winner. This prize ships free to USA & Canada addresses only.

Thanks to everyone who stops in & enters. It is your enthusiasm that keeps these contests & artist features going. If you're in the bloggy neighborhood next weekend please pop by - Jennifer is kindly giving us a tour of her art studio. Won't it be fun to see where she works her magic?

Also if you have any interest in sponsoring a Thursday Giveaway, sharing your art & thoughts with ArtSnark readers or showing off your creative space, please let me know (my email is in my profile). I'm searching for a variety of visual artists to feature in 2010.

Win a $10 Gift Certificate to GardenDelightsArts on Etsy!

Mimulus & pink flower mandala - Original design fabric covered buttons

by Heidi Rand

Hey there! How's things?

Wondering who won this morning's random drawing for the mosaic box? Click Here

If you're looking for the latest Thursday Giveaway & Artist Feature, you've come to the right place. Mixing things up a wee bit today. Had a scheduling kerfluffle, so today's originally scheduled artist will be seen in 2010.

But thanks to Melange teammates (& Etsy artists) Heidi Rand of GardenDelightsArts and Brenda Lynn of ManicMenagerie the show will go on!! Thanks guys!

Laelia orchid kaleidoscope - Original design fabric by Heidi Rand

I know I've mentioned the Etsy Melange Team before, usually when I enter their online art challenges. For anyone not "in the know", Etsy sellers can join various teams for camaraderie & promotion. One of my favorites is the Melange Team. This supportive group of mixed media artists also has a blog, MelangeOnEtsy. There you can find art challenges every other Wednesday (open to anyone working in mixed media, the current prompt is Black & White-click here to enter or view entries in the comments), tutorials, book reviews, and Team Member Interviews.

Monarch Butterfly Wing earrings on lutradur by Heidi Rand

December's team interview was written by Brenda Lynn & the Guest Artist is Heidi Rand. Since I don't have a new featured artist today, I'd like to direct you to that blog post. So Click Here for an in depth interview with artist Heidi Rand of GardenDelightsArts.

Now About The New Prize

Next Thursday I'll randomly pick 1 winner from comments left on my blog. That lucky winner will get a $10 Gift Certificate to Heidi's Etsy Shop, GardenDelightsArts.etsy.com plus free shipping. To enter, just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 12/18. This random drawing is open worldwide.....See, its easy peasy.

Clownfish & anemone light switch plate by Heidi Rand

Heidi has a variety of fascinating items in her etsy shop. You can click on any photo in this post for more info on the item. From Heidi's Etsy profile:

HR: I am a nature photographer. I print my original photos on fabric to create vases, purses, scarves, sachets, pillows, and much more. I also use transfer techniques for my mixed media creations, and to adorn wooden treasure boxes, tiles, etc. I revel in exploring innovative processes for printing and creating art. I teach art workshops in the East Bay of the San Francisco bay area.

Takeoff (Egret Flying) Fabric Postcard/Mini Quilt by Heidi Rand

Heidi also designs her own fabric patterns. She has printed some of her fabric designs through Spoonflower.com.

Butterfly Wing Collage - Original Design Fabric by Heidi Rand

She also has an E-book available, A Step By Step Guide to Printing on Fabric With An Inkjet Printer

E-book by Heidi Rand

Heidi recently teamed up with clothing designer Michele Batisse of Dress Maker In A Box, providing Michelle with original patterned fabric for her winter line. You can read more about this and other aspects of Heidi's artistic life in the December Melange Team Artist Profile.

Mandalas Mobile by Heidi Rand

You can also find Heidi online at gardendelightsarts.com where she has links to her art, online shops and blog, as well as information on the Art Workshops that she teaches.

New Giveway & Artist Feature - Maureen Tillman

Hey there. How've you been?

Looking for the 2 winners of this morning's random drawing? If so, click here. Seeking the latest Artist Feature & info on the newest Thursday Giveaway prize? Then you've come to the right place.

Today we're visiting with artist, Maureen Tillman. I feel very fortunate to have met Maureen though Etsy where she sells her ACEOs, collages and other artwork - her shop is MaureenTillman.Etsy.com. We are also both members of the Melange Team on Etsy (a fantasic group of mixed media artists).

She is a creative spirit with a kind heart. Her art and writings are both colorful & thought provoking at the same time. Maureen is a very open person; she shares her thoughts, favorite poems & vintage finds on her blog Santuary, Dreams & Shadows . Now I'm going to step aside so she can tell you about herself & her art. By the way, you can click on any of the images for detailed info.

MT: Throughout my life people have told me that I live in my own little world. It is true. In my world there are three gardens where I spend my time making art - the Secret Garden, the Zen Garden, and the Fairy Garden.

Four Portals Original Collage by Maureen Tillman

MT: The Secret Garden - I have come to relish my explorations into the shadowy Secret Garden where deception, trickery, and betrayal cultivated for years were left hidden to become a wild tangled enigma of a garden. I entered timidly at first but learned to feign courage as I turned over stones and cut back thickets to reveal its mysteries.

Jewelry / Keepsake Box by Maureen Tillman

MT: Today I find my work in the garden of secrets quite fulfilling and empowering. It is a place where I can tell my stories and seek the truth. When others view my artwork from the Secret Garden they find themselves telling their own stories and discovering their own truths. Occasionally I get lost in that secluded place but eventually I make my way back to the sunlit path. I have spent so much time in that forsaken place that I have acquired an odd fascination and appreciation for the macabre beauty found there.

Exquisite Curves by Maureen Tillman

MT: The Zen Garden - Another garden I frequent is the Zen Garden. It is a simple peaceful place to retreat to for meditation, study and mindfulness practice. It is a quiet green place where one can breathe deeply, walk the labyrinth and learn to be truly awake and open. When I go there to paint I want to share the beauty with anyone who wants to venture in. My art from the Zen Garden is meant to be a meditation on mindfulness.

Tranquility by Maureen Tillman

MT: The Fairy Garden - My final garden, the Fairy Garden, has been a place of refuge, solace and joy my entire life. When I was a child, my sisters and I would gather around the kitchen table for a bedtime snack of graham crackers dipped in a saucer of milk. When we were finished the remainder of the milk with cracker crumbs in it would be set on the basement stairs for the fairies that evening.

Embellished Fairy Bottle- Pillywiggin's Elixyr by Maureen Tillman

MT: I learned early on that when the monster came out in our house, the enchanted Fairy Garden was a place of shelter. My artwork from the Fairy Garden is full of whimsy and joy and lessons learned about the world of make-believe and fairy tales.

Wings by Maureen Tillman

MT: My Work - I have been an artist all of my life, mostly freelancing in commercial and fine art in a wide variety of media for corporate and private clients. Currently my joy comes from my collage and mixed media/altered artwork focusing on the empowerment of women, abuse of women and children, and opening doors to anyone long closeted by denial and secrecy.

Decolletage by Maureen Tillman

MT: I create in a variety of materials and sizes. The collages are done with a base of acrylic paints on canvas or created directly on to stone tiles. I prefer working on a 12"x12" canvas or smaller. Occasionally I produce a 16"x20" or larger piece but they are rare. Each piece is original and one of a kind. For display purposes original canvases are ready to hang. The deep sides are painted so there is no need of framing. Small tile collages come with decorative wire display easels for presentation on tabletop or mantle. My images and ephemera come from numerous sources collected over a lifetime that are in the public domain and others invested in with rights of use.

Inchies Necklace - 8 interchangeable inchies & Box by Maureen Tillman

MT: My life as an artist and as a person changed dramatically over the last few years. I found myself stripped of so much that I knew and trusted about my life for the past four decades. All I cared to salvage from the ruin was my art. That would be my life now - that would be enough.

Altered Journal - Black Lace & Feather Boa by Maureen Tillman

MT: So I set about, a neophyte in an unfamiliar world, determined to find a place of my own...a life of my own. I had only two necessities - an inspiring view of the Mississippi River bluffs and ample space for an art studio, a sanctuary to restart my life and reclaim the beauty and creative spirit that had always stirred within my soul. I entered resolutely into my resurrected life as an artist, poet, and dreamer, approaching each new day as an adventure.

Dreamers Are Inveterate Explorers... by Maureen Tillman

Maureen, many thanks for sharing your thoughts and artwork with us today.

To see more of Maureen's art & jewelry, visit her online:

Etsy Shop: http://www.MaureenTillman.etsy.com

Blog: http://maureentillman.blogspot.com

Maureen has also invited us all on a photo-tour of her sanctuary/studio this weekend. Be sure to stop back in a couple of days to see where she creates her treasures.

Glass Tile Mosaic Box by Maureen Tillman

She is also generously sponsoring the new Thursday Giveaway. Maureen's fabulous prize is this bejeweled butterfly box. Here is her description:

Glass Tile Mosaic Box by Maureen Tillman

MT: This is a wooden box 6 inch square, 2 3/4" deep - outside under the beaded fringe is paper mosaic with tiny glass tile along base, beaded fringe hangs from green satin ribbon. Inside is mosaic in 1 inch glass tiles - 4 in square porcelain tile butterfly is painted with Pebeo porcelain glazes - there are also 6 Swarovski crystals highlighting the hand painted butterfly. Between the butterfly tile and the inner edge of the box there are aquamarine chips set in polymer medium.

Glass Tile Mosaic Box by Maureen Tillman

Wouldn't you like to win this colorful box? Well, you've got to enter first! Simple leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) next Thursday (12/10) and you're automatically entered in the random drawing. Please make sure your contact info is either in your profile or comment, in case you are the lucky winner. Also, please note: this random drawing is open to USA addresses only & this beautiful box ships free to the winner.

Thanks again for stopping by & pop back this weekend to visit Maureen's studio space.