Natural Wonders

Enjoy a visit to Roxanne's beautiful Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/watercolorsNmore.%20She  She is a talented watercolor artist. Her love of nature, birdlife, scenery, flora and fauna is reflected in her paintings.


by watercolorsNmore
My name is Roxanne Tobaison, I live in sunny, central Florida – USA, and married with 2 daughters
Media of choice is watercolors and I have been painting since 1979. After the birth of my first daughter, I tried my hand at oil painting then watercolors. I was hooked and have never stopped since.

I am a Florida native and the area is brimming over with natural wonders, treasures, beauty and so many historical landmarks. Did I mention…I love the history of our area, which the Tampa Bay area is extremely rich. I paint to preserve and many of them are commissioned works.

You can say my watercolors are: Frameable, Wearable and Collectable.Above all, my camera is my best friend. I take all my reference shots. My materials are watercolors, acrylics and occasionally pen and inks. Most of my works are representational and realistic; however I have enjoyed some abstracts as seen mostly in my pendants.

Recently, I added a line of glass tile pendants necklaces that showcase my original watercolor paintings. These are affordable pieces of art that can be enjoyed and worn too. I title these pieces and take pride in the little originals. Also I have started doing ACEO’s which are like baseball trading cards – artists trading cards which are collectable

The main thing is that I feel blessed to have this talent and that others like it. Of course we like to sell, but it’s therapeutic, fulfilling and great when someone likes what you do. Get rich doing it – I DON’T think so….but riches can be measured in many ways.

Having retired from the art festivals show after 30 years, I stumbled onto Etsy when purchasing from some of the fabulous craftsman and artisans. Why not give it a go??? What would I have to lose?? Didn’t actual realize the time involvement or the addiction!

Each day is an adventure in itself. With my morning coffee, to jumpstart myself, I read the Bible and then off to Etsy, go exercise and back to etsy… Work around the house and errands, then back to etsy…You know, I actually DO paint too! Then back to etsy. I think you get the picture…my husband sure does. He calls me an etsy-acholic.

I also have become addicted to treasuries. I love to make them and discover all these great new shops and products, but love to check them out.
My Treasuries:


http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c4c81ddea126d91ae553200/lavendar-lilac-and-lush

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c48a2c6525b6d91d4c0f5c4/sunflowers-and-sunshine

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c4396f857e06d91ab83a471/elegantly-pink

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c3e439092dc6d9117799553/soft-n-textures-of-greens

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c3a60dd9be26d9129ef7cb2/vanilla?index=0
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c350c5333d58eef6757372b/chocolate-inspired

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c30d26255036d91ba83c59d/heavy-metals
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2e56dff7978eefb650f8a7/aceos-little-treasures

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2a77a93d6d8eeff52ea644/elegant-whites

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2937fa6be78eef539da93e/sunrisesunset




Another hobby is: Exercise. This provides a great escape and keeps you trim – yeah, right.
Well, it’s fun anyway.
www.artgally.com/roxanne
http://www.watercolorsnmore.etsy.com/

Eclectica

In keeping with the "Eclectica" in her shop name, Jan makes crocheted wearables, afghans, and throws; collaged greeting cards and ACEO's; and her signature Tabletop Labyrinths. Jan shares her belief that beyond that, the sky's the limit! Enjoy her feature and a visit to her shop!

by EclecticaByJan

Be sure to enjoy a visit to Jan's shop http://www.eclecticabyjan.etsy.com/

Jan's blog: http://www.jan4geo-glow.blogspot.com/

I have been needleworking and crafting since I was a kid - that's over half a century with a crochet hook & yarn in my hands! In keeping with the "Eclectica" in my shop name, I make crocheted wearables, afghans, and throws; collaged greeting cards and ACEO's; and my signature Tabletop Labyrinths. Beyond that, the sky's the limit, and I will be updating my offerings as my creative nose leads me onto new paths.

I freely admit that organization is not one of my strong points, but I want to share one thing that really works for me:

These folding canvas bins, which are available at variety stores like Target and Kmart, are great! They fit perfectly on the built-in shelves in the photo, where I use them to store sewing supplies and notions. The lowest row of bins holds books and items I don't use very often. I have more bins on freestanding shelves in my collage room, where I store markers, paints, embellishments, photos, floral materials, and so forth.I like the bins because - first of all - the bright colors lift my spirits when I see them lined up like this. Then, I don't have to be too organized to corral my clutter when I toss it in the bin. I put just like items together in a plastic bag, and I'm good to good to go. On the handle of each bin, I've hung colorful tags to identify the contents. Not bad for someone who's organizationally challenged!One last thing: I really can't work without a studio cat! The second photo shows my cat Luvlee, helping me out with a fabric-sorting project. And I've included a picture of me holding the furry culprit, just before we head off for some noms :)