Art in the City

I am still in Dallas at the wholesale Gift Market.  I had a few minutes to drive
around downtown tonight before the sun went all the way down.
Some of the buildings are really cool....very abstract.

I've never really done much abstract art, but I think the patterns on
these buildings would make a good starting point.

And this one looks like the "chevron" pattern that
is so "hot" right now, on clothing, purses,
and all kinds of fabric.

Some more patterns formed by the reflections of one
building on the side of another

Nice juxtaposition of colors, patterns, and shapes...
art in the city.

We have one more day of trying to sell my wares.  I have met some
really interesting people.  And made some good contacts that will
hopefully turn into good customers! 

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Market Neighbors

One of the great benefits of doing a trade show,
is getting to meet other artists and see their
interesting work.  These are beautiful old watches
made into one-of-kind jewelry pieces.

The name of the company is Rewind Jewelry, and
you can find out more info from
Carlos at carlosslightly@gmail.com

And this adorable red head is next door to me, and this
is her first time at market.  Her booth is really cute,
and her jewelry creations are re-cycled and re-purposed
odds and ends, that are very unique.

Here is the section with individual charms, displayed on playing
cards...what a novel idea!  I bought a little bird charm to attach to my
dealer badge...fun. 

She is from Missouri, and always attends this show:
Open Air Vintage Market
St .Louis  Friday Sept 20-Sunday Sept 22
stlouis.vintagemarketdays.com

If you happen to be in the area in the fall,
check it out Cash and Carry section of the Dallas
market if you can...thru Monday the 24th at 3 pm

sheltongail@hotmail.com

 

Friday at the Market

These smiling girls bought all three of these chicken wire
memo boards.  They picked them up this morning, and were
happy, happy, happy!

We added these to the booth this morning...
we had to re-arrange.  good problem

Some of the boot merchandise has been attracting a lot of
attention.  We sold a piece similar to this today.

I am also demonstrating during the day...doing a little watercolor. 
These are two boot designs...fun

Cute, colorful, "sweet' designs

And believe it or not...this is where those all come from!

Having a great time, meeting people, making some contacts, and
selling some stuff!  We have 2 1/2 more days...should be able
so sell some more. 

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Booth-Round 2

Got the booth at market all set up today!  Now we are ready for business,
in the morning, bright and early at 8:30!  I will let you know how it
goes...wish me luck

sheltongail@hotmail.com

"Chasing Sunset"

Watching the sun set is one of my very favorite things
to do.  I am fascinated with the ever-changing sky...the patterns
in the clouds, the colors, sun rays, the peacefulness.  Tonight's
sky was especially beautiful.
One of my good friends says that I am always "chasing sunsets"
wherever I happen to be.  Today, I just had to walk out
my back door.

Happy Father's Day!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Market Prep

Getting things together for market...this is a banner that
will advertise me!  as an artist who can make appearances
in their stores.  I am adding this aspect this time to my marketing
efforts.  I hope to be able to schedule some appearances in other
stores, demonstrating watercolor painting, bringing samples of my
work, etc.

And this is the new "Texas" bag...the design features the
Alamo, the Texas flag,and cowboy boot, a bluebonnet, and an armadillo. 
Having grown up in Texas, I am
more than familiar with all these things! 
As children, our parents always took us at Easter time to have pictures made
sitting in the bluebonnet fields.  I chased lots of armadillos with my brother in
the hill country around San Antonio.  I owned several pair of cowboy boots...in
fact, I was on the dance line in high school, and we dressed like the Kilgore Rangerettes,
in red, white, and blue with white cowboy boots!
AND, my first job after high school involved working downtown at the
Alamo!  I guess I am still "Texas" at heart...but my Louisiana roots are strong
now too.  I guess I can love them both!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

 

More Stuff

Another memo board window with cute polka dot fabric...great for
a child's room.



How about this for a UT fan?  Great orange chevron fabric and wire
on a vintage window, complete with cute doorknob.



And one more funny bug, made from a porch post,
with old brackets, some beaded board, and odds and
ends.  fun

I leave for wholesale market in Dallas in a week!
So, we are trying to put together some last minute
things....more stuff to pack along and try to
sell. 

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Lotus Rewind

I had to return to Natchitoches today, and decided to re-visit
the lotus blossoms.  A lot of them had bloomed and some of them
were already bloomed out.  Then I stopped by Saline Lake on the way
 home, and took some cypress shots.  Pretty day

sheltongail@hotmail.com

A little Progress

I had a chance to make a little progress on this drawing of
Molly.  I am still not sure about the likeness.  I will
have to tweak a little more.  Stay tuned

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Summer Art Classes

Had the first of the summer art classes today...a collage class.  I had two
adults, Brenda and Nell, and two children, Samuel and Kaylie. 
They used lots of different papers, photos, and objects to create
their projects.  And lots of glue!!  We all had a great time. 
The schedule of classes is on the gallery website:
www.peapatchgalleryandcafe.com   or you can come
by and pick one up.  We still have lots of room in all of the
classes.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

 

On the Hook

Still putting together some of these odds and ends to
take to the market in Dallas.  This is made from two porch
bannisters, some beaded board, some chicken wire,
fabric and a hook!  Would make a great memo board in the
kitchen or hallway...to pin up all those reminders for soccer
practice, dance lessons, ballet class, etc

This one is made from an old cabinet door.  I removed the glass,
and stapled the chicken wire to the back.  I covered that with the
fabric, and added a backing.  I sealed all the wood, and put
the hooks on the bottom.  This would be great in a kitchen,
office, or hallway, to post all the important reminders that we
all keep forgetting!

sheltongail@hotmail.com

Memo Boards: $45 each
Pea Patch Gallery and Café 
109 Abel  Winnfield, LA
 

Reflections on Lotus Blossoms

I had the pleasure of going with a couple of my students over to
Natchitoches last evening, to take a few pics, watch some
birds, and enjoy a good meal. 
These lotus flowers are growing along one of the lakes there,
and they were beautiful.  They make me think of China, and the
upcoming trip.  I will try to paint some of these in the
Chinese style soon.  pretty

Pin It

Got to do a little work at the studio today...making these old windows
into clip boards by adding chicken wire and fabric.
First, I had to clean the windows really well.  Carrie, one of my
employees helped me cut the chicken wire to the right size.
Then, we stapled it to the back of the frame.  Then we added the
fabric on top of that...stapling it in place with a staple gun.  We added
a backing and some hanging ribbon.

These make great memo boards, jewelry display or storage, photo displays,
or memory boards.  I have all sorts and sizes of windows, and I can customize
the fabric, too.  Let me know if you would like one!  Great gift or treat for yourself,
only $40 each.

sheltongail@hotmail.com

What's in a Name?

I got my little Chinese signature stamp in...it is there, that little red box!
It says, "GAIL" in Chinese characters...cool.
I am looking forward to doing lots of brush painting in China..in just
6 weeks!  woohoo!

sheltongail@hotmail.com