diane flowers art and design

Happy Valentines' Day !

2012-01-10T14:20:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentines Day ! This design is being featured today along with several of my other 'HEARTS' on the Crafts 'n Coffee blog. So take a minute today to relax, sit down and enjoy browsing through all of the wonderful crafting and DIY ideas that Sharon shares with her followers everyday. I wish I could focus like she does and sit down everyday long enough to blog more often, but, it will not be happening for me right now. Just too many other things pulling at me these days. I do hope to share a lot more in the next few months, so I'm not giving up !

Never Give Up !

2011-10-29T13:08:00.001-04:00

I am honored to have one of my Christmas designs included in this year's Better Homes and Gardens Holiday Crafts publication. Many years ago one of my goals was to have one of my designs published by Better Homes and Gardens. So today I can say that I have learned a lesson in never giving up on those goals no matter how long it might take. Once again, many thanks to the continued support of Sharon Currier, for making this happen. And I sincerely appreciate the editors at BH&G for selecting my design out of all of those that they had to choose from. So here it is -

Page 44 - Holiday Crafts 2011

Photo Courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications, Meredith Corp.

I am also very honored to say THANKS to Sharon and Cindy Gorder, the editor of Decorating Digest Craft & Home Projects publication, for including several of my designs in their Fall issue. This is a wonderful magazine that always showcases easy DIY home decorating projects as well as great reviews of newly published how to books.

Pages 34 and 35 - Photos Courtesy of Decorating Digest Craft & Home Projects

Women's Publishing Co. Inc. a corporation of Grass Roots Publishing Co. Inc.

Our Trip to Italy

2011-10-16T15:22:00.000-04:00

We returned last week from our dream 'adventure' trip to Italy. Spent 3 days in Rome, 3 days in Florence, 2 days in Venice and 5 days driving around the beautiful Tuscany countryside. We learned how 'not' to buy train tickets and how 'not' to get on the right train,,,ahem,,,a long story. But had fun riding 3 very fast trains and were happily surprised to learn that Ed could drive and I could navigate the highways without knowing much of the language. Each night ended with wonderful local and fresh pasta, cheese, wine and gelato. Our short but very busy week in Tuscany was the highlight for me. We stayed in a wonderful villa at Fattoria Armena, located at the end of a dirt road, 3 km from the small town of Buonconvento. So hard to select a few of our over 1000 pictures to post here, but I want to share a very small sample of what we experienced - - CIAO y'all !

When in Rome - We 'did as the Romans did' - visited the Vatican, Forum, Colosseum, St. Peter's, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and I closed my eyes while we rode in some very fast moving taxis. Our feet were sore after 3 days of some very serious walking, and, did I mention the pasta, cheese, wine and gelato?

The Forum and City Hall

The Colosseum

Piazza Navona

Then on to Venice, it was so nice to escape from the fast moving cars and taxi's for 2 days. So much water and beautiful glass art everywhere. Our room overlooked a canal that was filled with gondola's and wonderful music. Although we didn't spend a lot of time there, it was a beautiful view - - -

View from our room window

Words cannot describe Venice at night - it is truly magical

Then it was our week to explore the Tuscan countryside. Our rustic but wonderfully modern villa was perfectly perched on a hillside and we could see Montalcino in the distance. We visited Montalcino, Siena, Pienza, Montepulciano, Volterra, San Angelo, St. Antimo cathedral, Bagno Vignoni hot springs, Asciano and the abby at Monte Oliveto Maggiore. One day we got lost on purpose and ended up at the unbelievably huge Banfi winery.

It was very warm with record setting heat everyday of our trip. The days were sun filled and hot but the nights were very comfortable. We needed our air conditioning at night while in the cities but did not need it in Tuscany.

The entrance to our Tuscan villa. Each room had a beautiful view of the rolling hills

Absolutely some of the most beautiful landscapes we have ever seen !

Every morning we visited with our friendly neighbors who were very happy to see us and our carrots.

And everyday we discovered new places more beautiful than the last.

One night Ed had dinner with a 'boar' - - - and I enjoyed gelato in Siena - - -

Our last three days were in Florence. We enjoyed seeing the gigantic Uffizi Gallery and also visited Accademia where Michelangelo's famous impression of David is proudly displayed. We visited the huge street market and fresh food market, the beautiful Duomo and Santa Croce church and strolled across the romantic Ponte Vecchio bridge.

Florence Duomo

'Mirror view' from the Ponte Vecchio bridge

Spectacular art inside the Duomo Dome

The overwhelming amount of history, wonderful art, religious symbolism and sheer beauty in this part of Italy was inspirational and breath taking at times. This was truly a wonderful life changing vacation.

Last Marietta Artwalk Tonight

2011-10-07T10:04:00.000-04:00

October is here and this means my last Artwalk Show in Marietta tonight. If you are nearby I hope you can plan to stop by to see us at Dupre's Antiques, from 5 until 9pm. We just arrived home this week from our Italy vacation, so looking forward to sharing our stories and photos with everyone. I am overwhelmed with new ideas inspired by the beautiful countryside of Italy, and tonight the weather will be perfect for a relaxing visit to the square. Will see you there !

"The Beach #2" Donated to Taste of Habitat Auction Event

2011-09-13T14:24:00.001-04:00

"The Beach #2"

Taste Of Habitat - Metropolitan Club

The Lutheran Coalition for Habitat is hosting the seventh annual Taste of Habitat Friday, September 23 at the beautiful Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, Georgia from 7-9 PM. The Coalition builds Habitat houses in the north Atlanta area. Taste is for adults and includes a trivia contest, live piano music, silent auction, coffee bar and a full cash bar in addition to the tasty treats from over 60 Lutheran chefs. Individual tickets are $25 and other sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
If you would like to purchase tickets or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please visit their website - http://lutheranhabitat.org/tasteofhabitat.html.

I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute "The Beach #2" for their silent auction this year and hope that you can also help them to help others.

ART does NOT have to match your sofa or draperies

2011-08-31T17:46:00.000-04:00

"Blue Tree"

Hi everyone, just finished reading a similar blog title post today and this phrase came to mind as it seems to be the biggest concern when potential clients are considering buying my art these days. Quite honestly, 'sofa and drapery art' is not the kind of artwork that I want to create but I am willing to make some adjustments if the colors are vibrant and if the client will agree to allow me some measure of artistic freedom while using them. Don't get me wrong, I love it when my art perfectly 'fits' with someone's home decor color scheme, but let's be honest, how important is it to be an exact color match with your sofa, walls or drapery fabric? I previously struggled with this issue and discovered that I preferred to have a background color on my walls to allow me the freedom to display the things that I love. Now that I have my background walls, and after eliminating my draperies, I discovered that I can make anything work if I love it - and I mean LOVE it ! Please believe me, when you love a piece of art, you will know it, and you will also figure out a way to display it so that you can enjoy it everyday. So go out and find a piece of art that you absolutely LOVE !

A Really Good Week !

2011-08-06T12:33:00.000-04:00

"Sunrise"
24" x 30"
Acrylic

"The Rapids"
24" x 36"
Acrylic

I don't mean to brag - but - last week was a really good one. "Sunrise" and "The Rapids" originals have both found new homes, one in Alabama and one just a few miles from us. So I am celebrating with renewed energy and confidence to keep going on my creative adventure. Never thought I would say this, but I am enjoying the show experience more than expected. The interaction with other artists and visitors and the wonderfully positive feedback fills my heart with a calm sense of happiness.

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful husband who helps with all of the physical (and emotional support) work - could not do this without him ! Thank goodness, we were fortunate to arrive early enough so we could setup under the a/c unit again.

Now praying for cooler weather for the September 2nd. show.

2011-08-02T17:42:00.000-04:00

The Binder's Limelight Gallery Show

"Big Sunset" has been selected to appear in the Binder's Limelight Gallery for the month of August. The gallery is located in the lower level of the Binder's store in Buckhead, so if you're in the area this month, stop by to see the fabulous art for sale, all from the wonderful artist members of the Atlanta Artists Center.

About the Limelight Gallery - If you lived in our area during the 80's you will remember "The Limelight" nightclub - a BIG wild party spot that was well known for their wonderfully talented bands, dancers, live tigers (in cages) and beautiful models and mimes that graced the grand stairwell as you entered the club level. They also had the biggest speakers around at that time and everybody would climb up on top of them to dance. I'll never admit it to my kids, but I may have climbed up there a few times myself. The Limelight gallery is located in the same space where all of those parties took place. So this show has special meaning for a lot of us who are old enough to remember those late party nights.

"Big Sunset"

24" x 30"

Acrylic

Chalk Paint Experiments

2011-07-20T17:19:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I discovered chalk paints, fell in love with the color selections and decided to experiment. After one day of playing with them, I'm starting to like them - a lot. Here's what I've done so far.

Would love to hear what you think - - good or bad. Any suggestions for improvements?

These paints are intended for use in furniture refinishing but I think they are perfect for painting landscapes. Flat finish, water based, easy cleanup and super fast drying.

You can order them at www.colormefrench.com

"The Rapids" in the Atlanta Artists Center New Members Show

2011-07-10T18:50:00.001-04:00

One of my paintings has been selected to appear in the New Members Show at the Atlanta Artists Center. The show dates are July 12th. until August 5th. This small intimate gallery is located on Grandview Avenue in Buckhead next to Basil's Restaurant. Hours are 10 to 4 Tuesdays through Saturdays. Everything in the show is for sale and hopefully you can find some wonderful artwork that you cannot live without ! Many thanks to the AAC members and volunteers for supporting this wonderful organization for new artists in our area and also a big THANKS to the show judge for selecting my art. For directions to the gallery visit their website: www.atlantaartistscenter.org

"The Rapids"

24" x 36"

Acrylic

Marietta July Artwalk

2011-07-02T10:38:00.000-04:00

First Show - Done ! A great big fun party ! Big crowd, lots of mingling, sold some things and looking forward to August 5th. Notice above my head, in the second picture, the new a/c unit, could not have done this show without it. I was lucky to have my pick of locations and when I saw that a/c unit there was no doubt where I would be sitting. Must give credit to the Marietta organizers, they know how to do things right. A night I will always remember.

Marietta ArtWalk

2011-06-10T17:39:00.000-04:00

Making new art with a purpose ! Getting ready for Friday, July 1st. My first 'art show' setup. Words cannot describe how nervous and excited I am feeling right now. This week I ordered new 'dianeflowersart' chairs, prints, cards, and a new sign, knowing that I'm forgetting something. Found some wonderful, like new, used display walls and started doing test runs with my setup. I will be participating in the Marietta ArtWalk Artists' Alley at Dupre's Antique Market in the square.

Ed and I visited the market on June 3rd. The crowds were HUGE, so I hope this will continue through the summer months.
They have been advertising this event since March with several local TV segments and most of the businesses located in the square sponsor and participate in some way.
I am very thankful for large fans, iced tea (cold beer) and the fact that I will only be there from 5 until 9 on the first Friday of each month during some hot summer months.
Heat, schmeat, I am excited and happy to be getting out there - meeting other artists and making new friends!
Check out their website http://www.artwalkmarietta.com/index.html for the details and I hope to see you there !

Decorating Digest Craft & Home Projects Magazine

2011-05-20T13:01:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to Cindy Gorder and the publishers of this wonderful home decor crafting magazine for their May/June issue which includes a collection of my wedding ideas. The pomanders were so easy and the cake looks good enough to eat in this shot. All of these projects were developed and published with the marketing support of Sharon Currier and the Dow Chemical Company's products.
Visit the publishers' website www.grassrootsmag.com to order your own copy of this magazine and find a lot more wedding ideas on the www.styrofoamcrafts.com website.

2011-05-09T19:48:00.001-04:00

This week I have one piece of my original art in the Cumming First United Methodist Church Arts Festival which started Sunday May 8th. This is their 4th. year of offering new and established artists an opportunity to showcase their work. I am honored to be included in their list of 197 artisans this year. This is a wonderful 8 day event, with free concerts by several professional and high school musicians and orchestras each day during the noon lunch hour. Lunch is available at their Art Cafe. The galleries are open from Noon until 8pm each day during the week and 8am until 3pm on Sunday the 15th. This is a large exhibit of mixed media artwork, with a wide variety of pieces and also includes a very special students' show of kindergarten through 12th. grade artists. It is worth the short drive up 400 - exit #15 !
For directions visit their website http://www.cfumcga.com/

2011-05-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

As a member of The Atlanta Artists Center I can submit my artwork for showing at several local facilities, so I submitted 3 pieces to be included in the May Buckhead Library Mixed Media exhibit. I also volunteered to help with the show setup, tear down and reception. We had 90 minutes to take down about 60 pieces and hang another 60 pieces. What a great group of artists ! They welcomed me with open arms, showed me how it was done, and everything was magically done just in time. The next day we were there again introducing ourselves to the visitors at the opening reception. This is a wonderful mixed media exhibit in a modern library building that is flooded with lots of natural light. Will be doing this again next year - in a bigger way !

Moonstar Gallery

2011-04-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

You can see my original art at Moonstar Gallery in Foscoe, NC

If you ever take a trip to the beautiful mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway just north of

Asheville, North Carolina, near Grandfather Mountain, you will find this wonderful place full of mixed media art, pottery, jewelry, hand blown glasswork and lots of beautiful creations by a unique collection of well known award winning artists. (and me too!)

For those of you who do not know him, Byron Gentry, from Palmetto, GA, has opened his own gallery and is kindly sharing my art with his world of friends and clients. Byron creates the most wonderful BIG abstract pieces of art. (the opposite in size that I create)
This area enjoys a very heavy influx of people who live a little further south for the winter and come north for the hot summer months. A thriving community with small town atmosphere, rolling mountain country, full of beautiful scenery, fast flowing cool water rivers, massive rock formations, cool summers and friendly people.
So if you are looking for a new place to explore, and some new artwork, visit Byron at Moonstar Gallery in Foscoe, you will enjoy it,

I promise !

For directions - go to www.moonstargallery.com
(my picture/bio should be loaded on their website very soon)

2011-04-22T15:08:00.000-04:00

Here it is - You can see some of my newest artwork at The Buckhead Library Atlanta Artists Center

Multi-media Art Exhibit - April 29 to June 2, 2011 -

A good time to support and visit your favorite library !!!

Buckhead Library May Exhibit

The Seventh Annual Buckhead Library

AAC MULTI-MEDIA ART EXHIBIT

(Collage, Jewelry, Painting, Photography and Sculpture)

May Exhibit Dates

April 29 - June 2, 2011

Reception: Saturday, April 30, 3-5PM

Library Community Room

Catered by: AAC members and Goldberg's Bagel Company & Deli

Parking is free on the library lot

Featured Artists

Gay Allen, Rick Bell, Jacqueline Chester, Sharon Crumbley,

Cheryl D'Amato, Paul H. D'Amato, Clyde Draughon,

Erin-Elizabeth Durham, Evita Eberhardson, Diane Flowers,

Mary Frances, Paul Frick, Fran Geiger, Ruth Gogel, Bert Grant,

Pete Hughie, Tom Jenkins, Teri Levine, Mickey McConnell,

Daryl Nicholson, Hart Paul, Keiko Richter, Scott Shira,

Penny Treese.

FAVECRAFTS Reader Rave of the Day !

2011-04-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

Discovered this wonderful ad featuring one of my designs in FAVECRAFTS' email today. These little cubes are so easy and fun to make.
Many THANKS to http://www.favecrafts.com/ for choosing my design and many THANKS to - 'yogie' - their reader,
you made my week !

Reader Rave for Gerbera Daisy Cubes: "Fabulous idea. I made some to put on a shelf that sits on the outside of my kitchen window. Gives my kitchen a fresh spring look. Thanks so much for the idea. LOVE IT." -yogie

Time to Create: Evening Project

Difficulty: EasyRating:

Photo and ad courtesy of http://www.favecrafts.com/

Creative Home Arts Club Project

2011-03-29T13:36:00.000-04:00

One of my Easter Cards appeared in a recent email post by The Creative Home Arts Club.

Many thanks to the club for chosing my design ! Happy Easter everybody !

Photo courtesy of The Creative Home Arts Club

You can make your own Easter cards - click on the link below to see the instructions for this card.

http://www.creativehomeartsclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/605/categoryid/523/easter-egg-cards

New Website - dianeflowersart.com

2011-03-10T10:47:00.000-05:00

Announcing my new artwork website - http://www.dianeflowersart.com/ - Take a few minutes today to relax and sit down with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea and tour my new website. After selecting 'Paintings and Prints' then select your favorite pieces of art to see the variety of options for ordering giclee prints along with a large selection of mats and frames available from Artspan's frame shop. The above picture is just one example of the many options available. I like what they are doing for artists and highly recommend their easy to use hosting and website creation tools. So sit back and ENJOY your visit !

Spring Weddings

2011-02-23T13:44:00.000-05:00

My designs in the latest Crafts 'n Things - April Issue

Photos courtesy of Crafts 'n Things - http://www.craftsnthings.com/

Here are two of my spring party and wedding designs from the Styrofoam(tm) Brand Foam crafting website

Photos courtesy of Styrofoam(tm) Brand Foam crafting website.

http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com/

Changes Coming !

2011-02-04T12:18:00.000-05:00

Having so much fun doing new things ! Working on a new artwork portfolio website and will be posting announcements soon for new exhibits and shows. Will be redoing my etsy shop items and offering cards and giclee prints.
Lots of exciting things are ahead !

Sugar

2010-12-03T10:21:00.000-05:00

Sugar is her name for a reason. She loves to kiss everybody, and in the south we like to call it 'shhugaa'. You've done it, that sweet little kiss on the rosey part of your favorite persons' cheek that means "I love you" and "You are special to me". Our orange tabby kitty has perfected the delivery of that sweet little kiss, although not always on the cheek. She gives away her sweet kisses to everybody and in return everybody loves her. I wonder if she knows how special her kisses are? This picture was made while she was posing outside on our deck lounge chair watching birds fly around last spring. When they come too close she barks at them, a muffled little 'woof', and crouches down ready to jump if they come any closer. Maybe someday I can capture that in a photo.

Twilight on Etsy

2010-11-16T13:44:00.000-05:00

New artwork added to Etsy. The night skies are so inspiring. The bright fall colors seem to absorb the sunlight during the day and reflect the moonlight during the night. I love watching the sun go down and the beautiful autumn glow that appears in the late afternoons. Keep watching for more night skies to come.

Really like this picture of my Acorn Door Packages design. Click on the link below to visit the Creative Home Arts Club and to see how you can make your own version of this alternative to a wreath.

http://www.creativehomeartsclub.com/projects/articletype/articleview/articleid/1313/acorn-door-decor

Fall Wreath

2010-11-02T13:29:00.000-04:00

You can make this beautiful and simple fall design for yourself. Find some realistic artificial fruit; three oranges, three apples and three pomegranates, some silk ranunculus and hydrangea, artificial grapes, eucalyptus and fall leaves and use this photo as a placement guide. Trim some wooden skewers to approximately 3 inches and insert them into the fruits and then into the wreath shape then fill in around them using the other materials. You can add more materials or use fewer materials to make it any size you like. Add a wire loop hanger to the back and you have your own beautiful and unique design. This wreath was made with a 14 inch wreath of Styrofoam(tm) brand foam. What a great personalized thank you gift for friends, family or neighbors.
For more ideas like this one visit http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com/ and hope you enjoy a wonderful FALL season !

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia Sunset

2010-10-28T19:07:00.000-04:00

YES ! I finally got my sunset shot that I have been waiting for ! On our way home from Ed's 45th. HS reunion in Front Royal, VA, we enjoyed a short visit with our friends, Blair and Gene Rumney, at their beautiful house on Smith Mountain Lake. They have captured their own little piece of heaven there on the lakeside. Blair is a fabulous cook and she prepared a wonderful dinner for us followed by mouth watering bread pudding and pumpkin ice cream from a local dairy. After a good night's sleep we left the next day (in the rain) to head home to Roswell. Although this picture is pretty good (in my opinion) it does not capture the true natural beauty of the view from their deck. We feel so very blessed to have the opportunity to enjoy their generosity, hospitality and friendship. Maybe next time Ed and Gene can play golf !

Midnight Skies

2010-10-20T13:28:00.000-04:00

There's something mystical about the October night skies. I remember sitting on our front porch with my brother studying the twinkling stars in October and being so thankful that the hot summer days had finally come to an end for us. So this time of year brings back a lot of wonderful childhood memories for me.
The past few nights' sunsets have been absolutely beautiful and I never seem to have my camera with me to capture them. But I'm not giving up and hope to catch a few good shots during our trip to Virginia. Looking forward to creating some fall paintings in the next few weeks and will be adding more of my 'Midnight Skies' paintings to the Etsy shop next week so be sure to check them out.

New Paintings Added to Etsy Shop

2010-09-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

I love blue. Today I played with blue paint. My favorite way to play is to add layers and layers of paints on top of textured canvases and then use water and paper towels to remove areas of the paint to reveal the layers underneath. These new canvases evolved as I was playing with several shades and layers of blues, browns and white. Normally I start with some type of landscape image to get started but these new ideas today evolved into beautiful water scapes instead. If you have a chance to visit my Etsy shop be sure to check them out. I hope to add many more in the next few months.

Our Growing Family

2010-08-29T20:26:00.000-04:00

Here we are with our Grandsons !

In this picture - ME holding Wren (5 months), and Ed holding Walker and Patrick (both 16 months). Last week we enjoyed a much anticipated visit with our immediate family - Kenneth and Julie and Walker from Athens, GA, Dennis and Mandi and Patrick from Eugene, OR, and Kenon and JoyAnn and Wren from Peachtree City, GA

What an exciting time this was for all of us - the first time all three grandsons were together !

They are all precious and lovable and our hearts were overflowing all day.

Our daughters and sons are wonderful parents and we are so very proud of them and all they do for these little boys.

We are truly blessed in so many ways.

Bamboo Cube and Wreath

2010-08-17T20:50:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite things to do is play with artificial botanicals, flowers, leaves, berries, twigs, dried naturals,,,,,I think you get the picture, this list is a long one.
When I find flowers that look so real that I fight the urge to lean in and take a sniff, then I know that I have to bring them home and use them in a new design. These roses, ranunculus and berries were some of those special finds.
I always share my designs made with STYROFOAM(tm) brand foam* with Sharon Currier of Currier Communications.
This time she chose to share it with Abby Foster, editor of Crafts'n Things, and here it is on page 10 of the October issue of Crafts'n Things. You can make one of these for yourself using the step by step instructions in Crafts'n Things.
The photographer did a beautiful job with this photo, the styling and lighting are perfect. I always enjoy seeing my work published in such a gorgeous way. Many, many thanks to Abby Foster and Sharon Currier for their continued support.

Photo: Courtesy of Crafts'n Things - October 2010 Issue
*STYROFOAM(tm) is a registered trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
Visit http://www.styrofoamcrafts.com/ for projects and ideas that you can make yourself !

new blog and etsy shop !

2010-08-10T17:01:00.000-04:00

Wow, can't believe I built an etsy shop and now a blog in the past 3 days. Looking forward to sharing a lot of new art here and on etsy. I am taking a turn in a new direction.

Feel free to check out my etsy shop - www.dianeflowersart.etsy.com - and let me know what you think. This is just the beginning for me.