Composing a design to paint

A wooden stool that has texture applied to the top of it.
I wanted to catch both our pets in this composition. I took one picture of China our petite chow as a puppy, and the other of the kitty Rosie (our adoptie).

Next I wanted to place them in some kind of garden scene. I didn't want that to be the focal, so I painted the hydrangea's in more muted tones. To help connect the two animals together I added a butterfly that they could both view.
I had to change the direction of Rosie's eyes so she was looking at the butterfly. I shadowed around the edge of the stool to frame the picture to help draw your eye into the focal. Their should always be more detail and contrast in the focal area of you painting.

Are You Too Shy To Promote Yourself?

What's The Worst Thing A Shop Owner Could Do To You?

Stop and ask yourself this. Remember that the shop owner is not going to eat you for breakfast, or feed you to her dogs. The worst thing that can happen is that she'll say, "no."

That's not so bad, is it? Even if she's a bit short or brusque with you (which she probably won't be), you're still alive, and you're still a good person. Once you can get past this first hurdle, you're on your way.

And you know what? There's at least a 50-50 chance that she'll say "yes" instead!

Don't Be Afraid To Promote Yourself

Have you ever been in the supermarket, and the clerk says, "I love your earrings"? Did you just smile, and say "thank you," and that was the end of it? As you went out to your car, you were probably kicking yourself. Now's the time to plan how you'll respond the next time.

When somebody admires your work, hand them a business card, and strike up a conversation. Let them know that you make all your own jewelry. Most people are amazed to meet someone who is a craftsperson. Tell them that your one-of-a-kind items make wonderful gifts, and suggest that they keep you in mind when they need a present for someone. Point out the fact that you sell your jewelry at home parties, or at the shop down the street, or tell someone who's getting married that you specialize in wedding jewelry.

Don't be pushy or overbearing, as that turns people off. What you want to do is to let people know you who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. Not everyone will be interested, but you'll be surprised how many people will be. Ask them to tell their friends about you. Word of mouth is a very powerful advertising tool.

Go ahead, take that first step in marketing you own business. Once you do, you'll be amazed at how easy it is to take the next one.
.......read the article.........http://www.handmadenews.org/article/index.php?id=1082

These birdies flew the coop!!!

We seem to have this robin that comes back every year and nest in the barn. Last year she had 4 batches, this year three. Here is the last batch she had this year. Got pics of them the day before they flew.