The Design of someone’s Ambitions is not always understood or even welcomed but to the person whose designs are set on Ambitious...it is magical.

I have been creating art for 10+ years and have always been drawn to Folk & Outsider works, even before I knew what that meant. 
I am absolutely compelled to create something daily and often get visions while sleeping of what to create next. This is great except I have to get up and sketch it or I will lose it.
I look at every single thing and think of how would I change it.  My mind is seldom quiet. 

I enjoy acrylics and mixed media paintings but find sculpting in Paperclay (volcanic ash, talc, wood pulp) to be the absolute best.

My husband of 16 years and two teenage boys support me and my never ending search for all things art, which cannot be easy! We live in rural NJ on a few humble acres with our 4 dogs, 2 cats, 3 hens and 3 ducks which round out our crazy house and I would not have it any other way.

I am a self taught artist living in the Pacific Northwest and have the opportunity to fish, hike, go crabbing, walk the beaches or hit the big city of Portland if we need a city fix.  Lots of artists resided here in Oregon.  It’s an honor and pleasure to be apart of this wonderful community. My favorite mediums are papier mache clay, painting with acrylics and creating collage art.  My specialty is Halloween!

I first started doing papier mache clay pieces back in 1997.  I first gave away most of my work to family and friends.  Encouraged by their words I continued on and expanded to selling my work on online.  Selling my art on the net enabled me to gather up a wonderful set of new friends and Pumpkinseed fans. 

Creating has been a part of my life ever since I can remember.  Coming from humble beginnings as the fifth child in a family of seven children, we lived in what was a rural town and still is known as Prospectville.

One summer my younger brother and I had an idea to make some money by selling our very popular pot holders …you know the kind made with the cotton loops.  We figured since they made great Christmas gifts that previous year for the family, then maybe people would buy them.  So we collected all the soda bottles we could find and took them to the general store on the corner and cashed them in to buy the supplies we needed.  Now our potholders were quite unique because I sewed two of them together to make a mitt.  People actually stopped their cars on the side of the road and bought them and we sold them all that summer!!!

In 1989 I started to do the local craft shows with a friend and had great fun…met a lot of great people, many of whom became collectors of my creations.  In 2007 I was encouraged to try an internet shop and that led to opening a blog, which I thought no one would ever read!

I’m basically a self-taught artist with the exception of taking a few informal classes from people who were willing to show me their craft.  I’ve dabbled in many different mediums from sewing to woodworking, painting to doll making, jewelry to sculpture and I love it all!  I feel that being a creative person and having that outlet has always helped to keep me grounded.

I live with my husband, happily married for 29 years, in our now empty nest since our two daughters have grown and are happily living on their own.

Hello... my name is Lance, and I'm the creator of Crescent Hill Designs. I've always enjoyed using my hands, and I've always possessed a need for creativity; after creating my first sculpture, I was hooked. I guess I am to be considered a "self-taught" artist, other than a couple of high school art classes that played a vital role as to where I am today. They taught me the ins and outs of several mediums but it wasn't until after my 2004 high school graduation that I found my true passion of sculpture. I draw inspiration from children's stories, nursery rhymes, childhood nostalgia and anything that may create a smile. I like to think that my work can ease one's growing pains by taking them back to their childhood, if only for a moment.

I don't recall a time in my life where something was not being created.
I don't ever see not having time in the day where something isn’t made.
Though I grew up creating mainly with my mom I went through HS with 2 art classes every day for 4 years we where lucky to have a wonderful HS with such an offering. I started creating full time when my oldest son was very little.  It is my contribution to the household.  
I love whimsical things and am passionate about one of a kinds.
I don't stay in just one medium, I create miniatures to dolls, sculptures and hand dids but my passion is painting.
Most of my creations have a touch of my children’s "moods" into them and with 6 kids, there is always something to be inspired by. 
Being an artist has been a gift I couldn't be more proud of, the people I have met each one touches me in their own little way, some more than they know. I enjoy the process of meeting new collectors that enjoy my lil creations. It’s a wonderful gift to be given and to be able to share with others, and hopefully bring a smile into another’s life along the way.

Hi! I’m sUz.

Webster defines “aah” as “an exclamation expressing sUrpRiSe, deLigHt, and jOy”. My wish is to bring these elements to you with my art.

I’m a self taught collagist with a primitive, funky, whimsical style. I love to work with papier mache, paper, glue, fabric, clay, glitter, acrylics, and most everything else to create pins, ornaments, figures, nightlights, and dolls.  You’ll see lots of holiday houses, hearts, stars, trees, snowmen, and cupcakes – yummy!

I’m a paper hoarder and a sticker fiend. I love diet Coke. I sing Christmas music year round. I believe in Santa and leave cookies out for him. I still play in the snow. I love the nip of a crisp October night.  I believe in the Great Pumpkin and the magic of Halloween.  I laugh out loud at myself. I’m in love with my boy and my man. I hope to spread joy.

I was born and raised in a NJ town just outside of Philadelphia and I've been expressing myself through art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I have a degree in Art and have worked in the corporate world but I have come to find that doing what someone else wants doesn't always make me happy. I enjoy creating what I want, when I want, with WHATEVER I want!
I love to create original holiday items with a bit of fun and vintage whimsy. Whenever possible, I try to use recycled, reclaimed items in my work. I think it adds a certain "uniqueness" that you can't get with new, store bought supplies.   
So now I am a HAPPY stay at home mom, hanging out with my two boys making fun stuff for people to enjoy!

Tracy Nuskey-Dodson

Hi!  My name is Ginny Diezel, and I am a self-taught artist with a passion for creativity.  I cannot recall a time when I wasn’t drawing, or painting, or sculpting.  Although I taught French in middle school, I consider my artistic endeavors to be my lifelong career.  I began with local craft shows, moved into the wholesale trade show realm, and now my interests are in design and product development.  Along the way, my husband and I had a son, Matthew, who is a movie editor in Hollywood.  I volunteered in the classroom, and taught classical ballet on the college level – dance and music being necessities in my life.
Inspiration for my work comes from everywhere – I never know what will spark a new thought, but it usually will result in whimsical pieces.  I live on the edge of a marsh in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where every day, I can view Nature at her finest!  So, be looking for squirrels, birds, raccoons, possums, rabbits, and other little folk , along with the fun side of Halloween and Christmas in my pieces! 

Laurie Redfern Hardin attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney, receiving both a BFA and MA in the visual arts.  Laurie taught in the art department at UNK for 11 years as an adjunct faculty member teaching design, drawing and art appreciation courses.  Laurie later worked for the University at the Museum of Nebraska Art, serving both as the assistant curator and curator. 

In 2005, Laurie returned to the studio to work fulltime at establishing her own art business, initially focusing on landscape and still-life painting.  In the fall of 2006, Laurie expanded her repertoire to include holiday inspired handmade papier mache sculpted figures.  Intrigued by the look and texture of papier mache, Laurie worked at developing a line of figures, plaques and containers that could be discerned stylistically as “hers,” which led to her one of a kind designs in 2007.  In the spring of 2008, Laurie discovered the internet blog world, established a blog, became a member of  PFATT and was invited to sell her work on the SpookyTime Jingles internet marketplace. 

Laurie favors the Halloween season because of the acceptance of quirky and odd looking characters.  Laurie loves working with pumpkin faces, skulls, cats and other creatures associated with Halloween, attempting to combine the delightfully spooky and slightly wicked with a little bit of charm.

About Me, I am a country girl at heart but find myself living in the city for convince. Someday I will find my way to the country forever.  I opened my little shop up in farm land about 4 years ago now. The store started of slow but has now blossomed into a wonderful business. I am happy when I am busy making goodies to fill the store. I am a Mother of 1 child, a wife to my dear husband of 13 years of marriage and 20 years in total before marriage. I married my high school sweetheart.  I have been making things with my hands as far back as 5 years old.
I pay close attention to my dolls and don't believe in taking short cuts in there assembly.
Many Blessings ~Ann

So, What is CraBByGaBBy?  Primitive Folk art Dolls and More! I have a hard time focusing just on one thing and get bored very easy...I am venturing into clay, soldering collage jewlery..stamping and even soap making. I am not consistant in my "style" of creations. I love everything from a crisp clean look, to dirty Primtive folk art.   I like to do everything.  I often work from others patterns as well. I feel like there is WAY TO MUCH TALENT OUT THERE just confine myself to my own designs.

I am hoping you a learned a little something about Me, and along this journey  I am hoping to find out about myself some more too! And soon as I tell me, more about myself, I will be sure to tell you ;)

Wishing You and Yours a most Joyous Day!

Much of my childhood was spent growing up in New Zealand, Celebrating Christmas in the summer, buying lollis at the corner dairy market, and dreaming of actually dressing up for Halloween (no Halloween in NZ). My father was an artist, my mother an English teacher – which means I spent a lot of time reading as well as pouring over the illustrations in my books. 

The long, winding path of life has led me to Arizona where I attended college, met my Husband and started an event decorating business.

 Creating themes and decor for large-scale events allowed me to exercise my creativity in a way I never dreamed possible. This crazy, fast-paced lifestyle however, came to a halt soon after the birth of my son.

 Now I work from home, creating seasonal folk-art pieces inspired by the holidays of yore. I started by selling my work in a folk-art store in Scottsdale and have only recently entered the “online” marketplace. I often incorporate an element of candy into my work (sort of an obsession of mine).  For me, the seasons are marked by holidays and special celebrations - my work is heavily influenced by the vintage softness of childhood holiday decorations. I am honored to be a part of  SpookyTime Jingle … who wouldn’t enjoy a site devoted to two of the biggest CANDY holidays!

To learn more about me, or to chat - visit my blog
http://www.sweetbfolkart.blogspot.com

How the whimsy began.....
I don't know where to begin or what is really interesting about little ole' me.  I am married with three wonderful kids.  When I am not busy with my family,
I do art.  I love to create whimsical treasures.  I love to make people smile and hope my art brings them joy. Ohh...I should add my husband is wonderful too!  He gave me my wings to do what I love.  With my family's
support I get to explore all the little things that I love.  I will always be a student of the arts.  I admire the art
world, so filled with imagination and wonder. Sometimes, I feel like a kid in a candy store.  I still love to get messy and peel glue off my fingers.  So I hope
you enjoy my creations and thanks so much for your support! Enjoy. May you too be lifted and be inspired

I am a Full time Wife, Mother and Doll Artist. I have been making one of a kind dolls and creations for over 13 years. My inspiration comes from antique/vintage dolls and toys of yesteryear, using antique and vintage trims & parts in my pieces with a touch of whimsy. I strive to create one of a kind pieces for all to cherish for years to come.

It all began when I started drying apple heads to make my first art doll at the age of 10.  Since then, it's been a never-ending quest to find the perfect style and medium. As an artist, I'm constantly growing and expanding my abilities - always pushing myself to try something new. My "style" seems to have a life of its own – it’s kind of exciting to think where it will take me next.

I lives on 2 acres in rural southern California. My goats, chickens and a goose named Betty are a constant source of inspiration. I find inspiration in all things vintage (they just seemed to do "it" right way back when!). I love Halloween and Christmas and have always been inspired by those wonderful Rankin-Bass - stop action Holiday specials (Rudolph, Mad Monster Party...). I always imagine what my characters would be like if they could walk and talk.

Currently, my artwork is mixed media. Often, my creations start as soft sculpture, but then I add clay features that give them personality and bring them to life.

In addition to the wonderful Spooky Times Jingle community, I sell at Arts/Crafts shows in Southern California. I can also be found at www.chickenlips.biz.

Greetings from the great state of Texas! I'm Bone*Head*Studios aka Flora, an artist, wife, mom and a grandmother.
  Creating has always been an important constant in my life, whether is was sewing for my 3 girls and sometimes my son, drawing or sketching, even a little landscaping and creating my own vegetable garden, it's always amazing to see how the lord provides.
  However my one true passion has always been art, I don't think there was ever a time that I wasn't without a pencil and paper, although life got in the way, with family and such, so creating just took other forms.
  Well life started to settle down, and I began to feel an old familiar "tug" that something was missing and about 2 yrs.ago I discovered the internet, I soon discovered doll groups, doll blogs and doll makers, oh my, things haven't been the same since!
  I do everything from "scratch" or rather as I like to say "from concept to creation", but only by the lord's good graces am I able to do this, that and the fact that both my parents were very talented individuals. I am self taught, but I was given much valuable information from very generous individuals in the doll world.
   Having said that, I need to also add that I use no patterns other than my own rather primitive ones nor do I use molds, I'd rather struggle on my own all day till I figure it out....I'm kinda stubborn that way...but I still do ask lots of questions!
   My only regret is that I did not discover dollmaking sooner in life...so I'm making up for lost time.

I’m pretty verbal but it seems whenever I enter into a conversation I usually end up literally illustrating my point with a sketch!  Math never was my strong suit, as with most artists. However, I am always up to a challenge, so I’ve created a few word equations to show you what Honey Girl Studio is all about!
41 years + paper + markers + glue + paperclay + glass + solder + fabric + paint + canvas = Melissa (Artist)
Paper – Cutting (scissors) + glue = Smiles (squared)
Smiling Customer + Original Art Piece = Happy Artist (Melissa)
Computer + Blogging = Friendships with Fellow Artists/Customers Around The World
Dream +Time + Dollars = New Studio to Work and Teach In
? + email (me) = I’d Love To Hear From You!

The Polka Dot Pixie, a.k.a Jenny Hernandez is the mom of two awesome kids, wife of a great man, and owner of a strange, but lovable Border Collie/Aussie mix.  Jenny and her family live in an old Victorian house nestled in the lovely, pine blanketed mountains of Northern Arizona, just a wee bit south of the Grand Canyon. Jenny has been creating "little guys" out of clay since 1998, and working almost exclusively in the folk art medium since 2004.

Hello and Welcome to my little corner of the art world!  My name is Kim Hardt.  I live in the North Eastern part of the country with my wonderful husband.  I am the mother of two children.  And a step mother to one.
  
I have always been interested in Art.  I use to draw all the time as a child.  I use to sit in my room when I was little with pencil in hand trying to create different little characters.  I  love all aspects of Art.  I have been selling my creations for over several years.  My designs have been sold to some speciality stores in the north east and to the mid west.
Remember be inspired and make what you love.  Always have passion in your craft and then creativity and ideas just flow automatically.  Most importantly always take chances and be willing to try.

Hi, I am Colleen Downs, I live in the magical city of New Orleans with my husband our beautiful 8 year old daughter and our dog Jack. I have been sculpting for over 20 years. Since I was a young girl art has always been my outlet. I don't remember a time that I didn't feel compelled to create. I am self taught, never having had an art class beyond high school. My first medium of choice was papier mache but once I found polymer clay the days of the goopy messes and time consuming projects were over. People, figures are pretty much all I sculpt. The human face and its plethora of expressions are an endless source of inspiration for me.  You'll find most of my work to be on the creepy side of cute, if that makes sense.  I try to find humor in the good and bad of everyday life and like to incorporate that into my work.

Gosh -- what to say...this feels like a blind date. Well, um, I'm a Gemini who likes butterflies and puppies and anything pink. Ummmm.....I don't think so.

The truth is I'm happy you decided to visit my website because I really love The Creepy Heads and I want to share my work with others as I plan to be rich and famous very soon and I promise never to forget the little people who paved my way by buying my amazingly unique "I can't live without it" creations.
Okay, okay, I'll get serious. I am a Sacramento artist and creativity instructor. I am a serious artist, but I don't do serious art -- I do "Grimsy", not Whimsy. The Creepy Heads hatched a few years ago, and they just keep reproducing. It's almost like I can't stop them!

My inspiration comes from Tim Burton films (Tim, call me and I'll fit you in for lunch), anything Halloween and the weird people that live in my head. I love the creepy and bizarre and the magic of fantasy and possibility. When I start a new project, I rarely know what the end result will be.  Sometimes I don't know when to stop, I just keep going, and going, and going.....

I am owned by two little boys who also like to paint and sculpt and create. They're always asking me to make Storm Trooper belts or guns or aviator helmets. Luckily one can make almost anything from duct tape.

I also enjoy sharing my creative side through Primary Colors, my kids' art exploration classes and Let's Create, my upcoming women's creativity classes. I also subject small children to my love and knowledge of art by volunteering with the San Juan Schools Art Docent Program. (How does she find the time?)

Almost twenty years after graduating from College with a diploma in Graphic Design and working in the field for a number of years Lori has found the ideal job for her.

How this came to be is quite another story….
One day in 2005 while perusing the craft store aisles she happened upon a package of paper mache mix. It had been years since she had made a few strip mache pieces, but she was up for the challenge of trying something a little more advanced.

Later that same year after having tried out the paper mache Lori crossed paths with someone on ebay who would forever change the way she thought of paper mache and holiday themed folk art.
That person was Stacy French, a talented Michigan folk artist and the creative force behind American Whimsies.
Lori explains, “If I were to look back at why I became so obsessed with papier mache, I would have to say Stacy was the strongest influence. She’s been a mentor, sounding board and very generous and dear friend to me. After seeing what she could do with clay I knew I had to keep at it.”

Since that time, Lori’s been sculpting away every chance she gets, trying out various clays and new techniques. “I have no formal training in regards to sculpting, and if you’d asked me three years ago to sculpt something, I would have laughed” she says.

“I do make many small sketches and notes when the ideas start to flow, but it’s funny how when one sits down to sculpt the characters, they start take on their own personalities whilst working the clay.”

Adding to her ever evolving style, this year Lori integrated her love for computer graphics into her folk art pieces.
“I started to lose touch with another one of my passions. So, I bought myself a new graphics program and went to town with it. It’s a wonderful way for me to spend down time. While pieces are drying I have something else to keep me busy.”

Lori loves to inject a bit of humour into some of her pieces, last year’s “Sheesh” is a perfect example. He’s a whimsical pumpkin man with a broken jack o lantern bucket. His expression said it all! “If they don’t make you smile or laugh, then I haven’t done my job”, she says.

Her artistic influences stem from a love for vintage holiday folk art. “There’s something about the time worn patina of some pieces that just draws you in.” That’s not to say she doesn’t care for modern holiday folk art. “Yes, I buy what I can afford and make what I can’t, but always with my own twist.”

Though relatively new to papier mache, it’s become a true passion for Lori.
“A day doesn’t go by when I don’t think about it. It’s a thrill knowing that there are pieces of my work in homes in the USA, Canada and South America.

What’s next? She’s not telling, but she hopes you’ll come along for the ride!

Kristen Beason Designs specializes in contemporary, whimsical folk art. I have been a decorative painter since 1987, thanks to the tutelage of my artistic mom and mother-in-law.  With a passion for Halloween, a majority of my artwork leans towards this festive holiday. Each piece is created with the intent to amuse and delight the buyer.  Thank you to the loyal customers who continue to inspire and support these FUNkified works of art.

I have never known life without a pencil or paintbrush in my hand, and from my earliest memories, I’ve loved to create. As a child I spent almost every Saturday with a wonderful art teacher, who never taught her students how to draw, but gave us every imaginable medium with which to explore and experiment. Her enthusiasm for the journey of creating has had a lasting impact in my development as an artist.
I studied graphic design at the University of Georgia, and a few years ago, discovered a passion for papier mache. Many of my stylized, whimsical pieces have a down-home, vintage look, while some reflect my roots in graphic design. Ideas come from many sources: things I see, memories and experiences from childhood, old toys and books, antique postcards, and even my kids, who offer ideas and suggestions.
Currently I live on a farm in northeast Georgia, not too far from Athens, where we are restoring a 200 year old log house. I’m a stay-at-home mother of 4 kids who, incidentally, are getting to the ages where they don’t do much staying at home.

I am Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations. My first name reflects my Serbian heritage and is pronounced "ee-va" for those of you I have yet to meet. The story of my creative beginnings is not a new one. I have always loved antiques, toys from a bygone era, vintage clothing, Victorian homes and all things old. I have been dabbling here and there in different mediums for years, working in the wee hours when I had a professional career, until finally devoting myself to my art while raising two children with my husband John. In 2007, my craft took on a new meaning in my life when our beautiful 17-year-old daughter Brianna died. She too was a creative soul, and her passing colors every aspect of my life, including my art.
Primarily a self-taught artist, I dabble in many mediums. I am passionate about Halloween, and you never know what I will turn to in order to express my love for the holiday. I enjoy watercolor painting, mixed media collage, paper arts and paper mache. Jewelry making has become a recent interest. But no matter what the medium, I strive for the look of a well-loved toy or a long lost treasure. 
From time to time, I enjoy taking folk art classes at some of the wonderful stores here in the San Francisco area, which I now call home. I happen to live in a part of the country rich with artists who are willing to share their techniques, open their studios and spread their enthusiasm for folk art. And, the City is full of interesting specialty shops, antique markets and thrift stores where I can find an assortment of unique items to add to my creations. 
I am an author/artist in two issues of Somerset Studio, the magazine of paper and mixed media arts. The Sept./Oct. 2008 Halloween issue of the magazine featured a "how-to" piece I created and wrote. I also teach classes on various techniques and original projects and enjoy sharing my love of the craft.
My art can be found at local folk art shows and area stores. You can read more about my current studio works in progress on my blog: www.ivascreations.typepad.com.
I thank you for taking the time to spend it with me. Remember, each day is a gift.
Blessings....Iva

Hooray! 
Thanks for visiting noodle and lou studio!
noodleandlou is named from the nicknames
I had for my sons when they were born...
mr. noodle...jake and
little lou...henry!
I'm Jenn and these are my original little works of art.
you'll find original paintings on canvas, wood and more.
noodle and lou is also home of the lulettes"! 
My lulettes collection consists
of all sorts of little polymer clay dolls,
busts and houses.  
My art is meant to make you smile and bring some FUN into your home. 
Each creation is rich in texture, color and heart!  I work very hard to ensure
that you are thrilled with your noodle and lou purchase.  All purchases are
wrapped in fun paper, ribbon and tags.  I want you to feel like it's your birthday
when you open up one of my packages:) 
Thank you for helping me to live my dream
and thanks for taking a peek...come back soon!
xoxoxo...jenn