So I was just given a Premium Membership.  Because I suck at technology, I can't figure out who gave it to me to personally thank them.  In the hopes that they see this, thank you.  It is very appreciated!

Hello all,

I'm so excited...and I don't think it's really even sank in yet.  Preventing it from sinking in, I think, is some nagging technicalities that I'm hoping some of you may have the answer to.  

I received two emails the other day.  One about an art show in Jerusalem and another in the Ukraine.  The show in Jerusalem wants me to send some pieces over.   Great, I'd love to, but how do I get my work from here to there safely and how do I ensure it gets returned to me in the same condition?  Packing my books is not the easiest thing in the world to  do.  I still have some that get damaged when I pack them, so how to I teach someone across the world to do it for the first time?  Is there a way to take out insurance or something?  Has anyone shipped like this before?  

Email #2 is better.  There is an equestrian center who is throwing an art show this summer.  That struck me as a bit odd, but hey, whatever.  They emailed asking for my books and if I'd attend the event.  I wrote back saying I'd love to but financially, I just can't.  So this morning I wake up to another email saying they'll pay for my flight.  WHAT?!?!  They want to know if I can bring some books with me and/or if I'll be able to make some while I'm there.  Has anyone ever traveled with artwork?  Is it better just to send it ahead of me?

I know I have to figure out the passport, visa, technical issues, but honestly, I'm most concerned with my books at this point.  I've never been out of the country before.  My longest flight was from Pittsburgh to New Orleans so I'm not the most experienced traveler.  Any suggestions would be amazing!  And, is anyone from there or been there?  I can google the Ukraine and get info, but I'd like to hear about it from someone who has seen it.

Hello all,

I realize I've been slow to post any new work lately.  After suffering through Sandy (working by candlelight wasn't happening) and being in a bridal party this past week I haven't had a lot of time to sculpt.  Throw in an actual job (gasp) and free time went down to 0.  Anyway, we leave tonight for what should be my last show of the season.  After that, it should be smooth sailing with plenty of time to make some new books!  

With the holidays approaching, I, for one, am starting to look for unique gifts for my loved ones.  If anyone would like a specific book sculpted, I'd be happy to work with you.  I may already have a copy in my collection, and if not, I'd be happy to track it down for you.  I do ship internationally.  Most of my posts on DA are available for sale and have a direct link to my Etsy shop.  Just for the holidays, I'm giving all Facebook fans and DA followers 10% off.  Just use coupon code Facebook10 at checkout.  This will also apply to commissions.  If you'd like a commission, feel free to note me on DA, on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/wetcanvasart or email at wetcanvas.jb@gmail.com.

And the results of Studio B's show....(drum roll here)...I won!  "Pandora's Box" won "Best Style".  I'm super excited.  There were so many beautiful pieces there and amazing people.  It was stressful, I know I've freaked out more than once over this show, and I had to have a good bit of wine to get out of that shy stage, but it was all well worth it.  If anyone is thinking about entering a show but, like me, were to afraid to do it, DO IT!  Absolutely worth it.  With the win comes the opportunity to show my work at their Members Only show in November.  I'm sure I'll freak out over this show.  I'll probably do the girl thing an cry a few times, but it is what it is, and maybe all of this will lead to an actual art career.  Here's hoping!

Good news!  Pandora and Aloha have been accepted into the fine craft competition and Studio B in Boyertown, PA.  I'm totally doing the happy dance right now.  If anyone is in the Philadelphia area, the show is September 21st from 5:00 to 8:00.  Again, thank you everyone for your support.  If it wasn't for your comments, favorites, etc. I wouldn't have the nerve to get my work out there.  I REALLY appreciate it!

Just a heads up because I'd like to give everyone on DA first dibs.  Some of my book sculptures are going to a gallery.  "Treasure Island", "Folded Heart", and "Aloha" will definitely be going.  I can't list them for sale while they're at the gallery for fear of double selling.  So if anyone is interested in a particular book for themselves or as a holiday gift let me know or click the link in the description.  Thanks!

I was accepted at the Dancing Tree Gallery in Boyertown, PA today!  They want an everyday line and a Christmas line of only the hymnal angels.  I'll also be doing demonstrations there for American Craft Week in October.  I'm super excited.  This is the first time my work has ever been on display, and besides everyone's comments (which I GREATLY appreciate) the first time anyone not close to me has said "Hey, that's really good.  We need to do something with that". So, woohoo, throwing myself to the wolves is thus far working in my favor.  To anyone taking the time to read this that has favorited or commented on my work, thank you.  You all have really given me the confidence boost I needed.

Ok.  So I have an interview with a gallery next week.  I have to bring some of my best pieces for them to look at.  Book alters and drawings.  Does anyone have a favorite they want to vote for?  I'm not sure what to take!

SOOOO EXCITED!!!  Yesterday I was contacted by a University in New York.  They've purchased my Lazy Day book alteration and it will be on permanent display there.  This is the first time I've ever had something on display besides the student gallery at my college.  Very validating, and I can't help but laugh that a cut up, unreadable book is going to be displayed in a place of higher learning.

I'm new to this whole commissions thing.  I've never had to draw anything that I didn't feel like drawing.  But, being a new stay-at-home mom and out of the work force means I have to come up with some way to make a little bit of money, especially around the holidays.  So I started doing some art shows and taking commissions, which I've learned can be pretty rewarding.  It's great to have people tell you that you have talent.  However, it's not great when people tell you that your work isn't worth the price (is ten bucks an hour really too much to ask?) or my personal favorite, the subjects of some of your drawings are going to send you to Hell (thank you, overenthusiastic, overly Catholic, old lady).  The hardest part of all this?  What to do when you have a commission and a time limit, but no desire to do get it done.  How do you put your all into a drawing that you really don't care about?  Most of my commissions are portraits, so how am I supposed to make myself care about drawing people that I've never even met before?  Any suggestions, anyone???  I could really use someone to get me in gear right now.