Hive Creative Challenge - "Sweet Leaves of Autumn"

When Melissa posted this challenge, I was thrilled! A large portion of my work is inspired by autumn , so naturally I was up for the challenge.

The only problem was to create something that would stand out from my other fall inspired pieces.

When I think of autumn, I think of three main things: multicolored leaves, candy corns, and pumpkins. I decided to combine these elements to create something to sum up the season, at least in my eyes.

Flight of the Grumpkin

This Grumpy guy is available now at STJ!

If Creativity is a Car, Music is the Fuel

The question is, what kind of fuel are you using?

I mentioned earlier at the STJ group that I can't seem to get my creative wheels rolling, and a friend suggested listening to some music as a remedy. At this, I decided to fire up the old CD player and get to work. Problem solved.

Here are a few choices that never fail to inspire:

This is easily one of my favorite soundtracks. It's almost impossible to listen to it without feeling the need to create something.

Nick Cave and Warren Ellis are two of my favorite composers. This is a moody, yet whimsical and inspiring score. It's great to pop this one in on a crisp autumn day.

Also composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis. This is a dark movie with hints of light, and the music is a perfect reflection. At times this one can be down right creepy, great for spooky inspiration!

Needs no explanation.

My favorite Christmas album, by my favorite band, Jars of Clay. This is one of the most original sounding Christmas albums you will hear, and for me it was an instant classic. If I'm sculpting Christmas, I am likely listing to this CD.

In a nutshell, soundtracks are very inspiring.

So what music inspires you?

Progress on the Moon WIP

The head and the staff were about the only two things ready for paint, and I needed a break from sculpting. I'll do some more sanding tomorrow and hopefully get some paint on his jacket. Not 100 percent sure on what the colors will be, but I have a pretty good idea. Check back for more updates!

Spookytime Jingles updates tonight at 12:00 a.m. As you can see from Marie Patterson's sneak peak, STJ's artists have outdone themselves yet again, so be there!!

I will be offering a very eclectic mix this month; check out the pic in the bottom left of the mosaic to sneak a peak.

Introducing Kip Van Winkle Studios!!

It's always fun making new friends on the internet; especially when they make quality folk art. Kip Ramey has been creating art his entire life, but has just recently decided to take the dive into the internet world of folk art.

Kip's work will soon be available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/kipvanwinklestudios.

Meanwhile, here's a little sample of one of Kip's many styles. Click on the image to get the full story over at Kip's new blog. Be sure to say hi!

Happy Birthday STJ!

It's hard to believe it's already been two years since the launch of Spookytime jingles. STJ's artisons have outdone themselves yet again, with dozens of one of a kind holiday offerings!!

Available now at STJ