Joy Hall

Look What I Got!

My good friend Diane Knott and her lovely daughter Holly have combined their talents to create wonderful handmade items and have decided to offer them for all of us to enjoy.  They have opened an Etsy shop. 

I have worked hard to keep myself under control, but when I saw this tote made by Diane and using my friend, Sue Zipkin's delightful fabrics, I couldn't resist.  Now, I am the proud owner of this tote.

When I opened the package, pulled out the tote and began to examine the exquisite workmanship, I discovered a sweet, little surprise tucked away in the front pocket...a tiny, beaded pin handmade by Diane. (Does this woman's talent never end?)  The tote had the perfect place for the little pin to live, so now the two of them can be together.

I have my eye on a tote Holly made as a gift for someone and have placed my order.  I'll be watching...

Sick Day

This morning I awoke to find I had a very runny nose and sore throat.  Since I am such a trooper (ha!) I drug myself out of bed and down the stairs to my studio.  After firing up the old Mac, I crawled down the hall to the kitchen to make myself a pot of coffee, stopping along the way 3 times to blow my nose.

I seldom get sick, but when I do, I become the biggest baby.  Feeling sorry for myself, I plopped down in front of my monitor to face my day.  After about 10 minutes I decided my Mac just wasn’t going to do anything without my help.  I opened files of unfinished artwork (I’m a digital painter) and worked a little on this and a little on that.  Meanwhile the mound of tissues on my desk is growing.

After about 2 hours of not accomplishing anything, I decided to set my work aside and explore the websites and blogs of some of my friends.  I visited my dear friend and “artist extraordinaire” Diane Knott’s blog and read about her repurposed vintage belt buckle find (beautiful) and the escapades of her cat (looks like I’m not the only one with a 4-legged boss).  Next I visited an amazingly talented artist friend of mine, Sue Zipkins’ blog.  There is no way one can look at her colorful creations and not begin to feel better. Both of these women are as nice as their artwork is beautiful!

It is truly amazing how the art that springs forth from one’s soul can minister to someone else.  I know that often I feel a little guilty that my “work” is doing something that I love so much.  I tend to feel a bit selfish.  I can only hope and pray that the body of work I produce touches others as much as my friends work, touches me.