Put these two sites on your "must check it out list"....

My Christian Diary is a site I just found today. She left a comment and I'm so glad she did (She gave us an award :-). Please click on this link to visit her. Click here: My Christian Diary

Secondly, please hop over to my adopted nephew's site. He is a sketch artist and just starting in the bloggy community. He and his wife Beth ( my friend Cathy's daughter) are in a music ministry. You will love listening to their CD's and he is also in the OWOH Give-Away. Please click on this link. Click here: Joe's Studio

I'm sorry I have not gotten to Jan's feature yet (forgive me Jan)...I've been gone, on a business trip and I'll be gone again soon for another procedure involving my husbands right lung transplant. Please pray for us as we are on the road a lot. But mostly that we always serve Him in all we do and say and think.
God bless you today and everyday as you seek His face.
Yours in Christ alone,
Pam

Coming Soon....

Sorry this site has been so neglected, we're all working artists and the Holidays put a special urgency to everything. My family has been dealing with the lung transplant issues of my husband. He got out of the hospital on Christmas Eve. I'd appreciate your prayers...

Card by Jan Thomason
~Do not use Jan's images without her consent~

BUT... I've got a new feature in the works on the very lovely, funny and talented artist/friend, Jan Thomason. Above is a card that I recently purchased from her Etsy. So, stay tuned it's going to be exciting.

Faith Folk Cafe Welcomes Cindy Mayfield of Yapping Cat Studio!

GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED
Each comment left on this article and also on Pam's blog post about this feature will be placed in a random drawing for an original ATC (Artist Trading Card) made by Pam Warden on 9/23.

I'd like to warmly welcome Cindy from Yapping Cat Studio. Accomplished at lettering, painting and creating the most beautiful things with paper, buttons and bits of silky ribbon... she also stitches the sweetest birds you've ever seen. I frankly and accidentally (sorry C) picked an awful time for her to have to deal with being interviewed, as she is co-hosting Paper Cowgirl Retreat starting this Friday in Texas with the Fabulous Jan, Tina and a few other wonderful artists. But she hung in there and graciously gave the interview for us. (On a personal note...Cindy has become to me one of those blog friends who you've never met in "real life", but feel you've known forever. Her mother, Carolyn, sadly died from cancer Jan. 19 of 2008, yet only a few months later Cindy was one of the first to reach out to me when my little sister was diagnosed. She has cheered us on through these difficult months, always there in an email saying, "Oh, Honey...I know...I'm praying.")
And now, I'd love you all to meet my dear friend:

Cindy Mayfield

What is your favorite medium and/or tools to create with and why?

I bounce back and forth. Today it’s paper, paste and vintage. Tomorrow it might be paint and canvas. Or maybe felt and beads. Although truth be told, I enjoy painting, but my passion right now is paper. Especially creating little books. Dabbling in many mediums just seems to be my nature. I’m a Jill of all trades…I’ve done a little book illustration. I did wholesale for about five years (with painted glass and such), and now I’ve discovered paper arts. So, I’m pretty fickle when it comes to any one medium.

~Hand Painted and Lettered Nest Tray~by Cindy

What is your favorite time to make art and where is your favorite place to do so?

I used to be a night owl. But as I’ve gotten older and have fewer hormones (big grin) I’ve become an early bird. Plus I have two cats that like to wake me up at 4:30 am to feed them. Most mornings I go ahead and stay up and stumble bleary eyed into the studio to work for awhile. I’m fortunate in that I get to use the extra bedroom in the house for my Studio. It still has a twin guest bed in it, but rarely does anyone ever visit anymore! (All my nieces have gotten to grown up). So, I have a whole, junky little space that is all my own.
I used to share an office with my Sweet Hub…but he says I’m too messy and he booted me out! LOL.~Beautiful Paper work~ by Cindy

Do you have your own space or are you at the kitchen/dining room table????

My own space. I have a funky, faux treatment on the walls, old chandi and old shutters. Lots of my favorite things in the way of decor. It’s very me. I’ve actually heard my Sweet Hub apologize to someone for having to sleep in there. LOL. It’s the kitty’s fav room in the house as well.

Do you like to create in silence or with music in. If music, name some of your favorites.

It’s silly, but I can’t listen to music too much. Then I start dancing…singing (BADLY). Mostly old 80’s/90’s stuff, but I like a few new things as well. Since I can’t paste and dance at the same time, I mostly, listen to the dreaded talk radio. I tend to let it be just a background noise. And many mornings…I just listen to the quiet.

Where can we see your work?

I put a lot of things on my blog at Yapping Cat Studio and I have an Etsy, and Flickr. I recently signed up to do Glitter and Grunge. And a lot of my work is in a well-known local gift shop/restaurant.

~See, I told you...Cutest Stinkin' Little Hand Sewn Birdies~ by Cindy

What are your dreams and goals for your business?

Sigh. I’ve long since given up any great dreams of fame. LOL. Seriously, to just enjoy what I do. It always thrills me when someone “connects” with one of my pieces. When I can see the joy on their face. I like the idea that something I created can make someone else happy. I do hope to grow this year, of course, I think any artist does. One day I would not mind doing some design work, or to return to illustration. But for now, I’m content to just create and play.

Who was your biggest female influence in your life?
Please tell us about her.
~Carolyn~ Psalm 23 "The Lord is my Shepherd..."

My Mom (Carolyn) was my biggest cheerleader. She always encouraged me. Was always so positive about whatever I was creating at the time. We had tons of plans to do something together once she retired. At one point it was a small shop. We later changed and had played with the idea of creating greeting cards. She loved to write and I love to draw. We had planned to call it “A Mother’s Heart and a Daughter’s Hand”. She was so very creative and she loved to do flower arrangements and home décor. I miss her everyday. And I have to say other artists have always inspired me. Loved all that Mary Engelbreit’s done. Got to meet her once, could NOT believe I was actually breathing the same air she was. It was pretty awesome. And so many others, Cecily Mary Baker (flower fairies), Dena, Tracy Porter, Susan Branch and the list goes on and on.

How do you manage family and your art business?

Since it is just me and the sweet hubby, I have to tell ya, it’s pretty easy. Although, sometimes he does not understand my need to go into the studio at 4 a.m. LOL. But I manage (most days) to stay on top of the laundry…but vacuuming is whole other story. LOL. He is very encouraging as well. Says he looks forward to the day when he can just collect MY paychecks. LOL.

What advise do you have for others just starting out?

Don’t wait. Practice, practice, practice. Develop your style and know the direction you want to go in. Be it design or paper mache’. Once you’ve got it nailed down, get yourself out there. Don’t let fear strangle you and keep you from doing anything at all.

How do you see your faith in Christ connected to your art and creations?

I believe that my creativity comes from God. My ability to draw, or to create is a gift that I’m honored (and always a little awed) that other’s appreciate. I like to think that in those early, morning hours of quietness and creating that God is putting me in the direction that He sees fit. A lot of times, scripture will work itself into my art, or be the basis for a piece itself. As for my favorite scripture... the Psalms.

"Thanks for featuring me...I really appreciate it."

~Lovely Song Tags~ by Cindy

Thank you Cindy for letting us peek into your world.
Please don't use any of Cindy's Artwork without her consent. Copyright laws apply. 9/23/2008
Thank you!

Coming soon...a new featured artist!

I'm so excited, I've got a fabulous artist lined up to interview and feature. I just love her heart and what she creates. She's one of those people that I'd like to know more about and I know you will too. We've certainly had a line up of wonderful Godly women who create haven't we? Adriana, Jane, Mystele, and now..... (keeping it a surprise).
BLOG UPDATE: I HAD SO MUCH FUN CREATING THE NEW LOOK FOR FALL ON FAITH FOLK, THANKS TO POLLY, AT COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS, FOR THE "GATE" BANNER THAT I GOT TO PLAY WITH.

Bucket of Blessings,
Pam

Welcome Jane

I'd like to welcome Jane DesRosier as a new contributing artist and author at Faith Folk Cafe. She is joining Mystele and I and I can't tell you how happy I am. (See the fabulous article and interview below that Mystele wrote to learn more about Jane). Jane is "prayerfully" joining and I'm so thankful for her heart, as I am with Mystele's. A true desire to serve the Lord and to commit to serving others on this website is what we are seeking. Please pray for us as we attempt to create a place where you will be blessed and Christ will be magnified.
If you would like us to feature your artwork on Faith Folk, please email Mystele or I, we'd love to do an interview with you.
We hope you'll tell your friends about us and again, pray for us.
If there is anyway that we can serve you or better pray for you, please let us know.
Welcome Jane~

THAT I MAY KNOW HIM,
pam

What's Pam up to???

Well, I'm getting along with the painting, here are some new photos (near my front door at home) and today was the exciting moment of clarity...I know exactly where I am going now. Finally I'm moving smoothly in the direction that my heart is set on. It's so exciting. There is a similar feeling when you "discover" a truth in God's Word and it's so overwhelming that your heart pounds. We bow our knee and cry, "My Lord and my God". It is sometimes almost too much, this utter love of the Holy One. When I am writing a song or painting a picture I stop and ponder, play things out, turn all the stones over looking, looking, looking...until the aha moment. Then a smile, relief! My feet are on terrafirm once again.
As you read and study the Word of God you are moving spiritually in familiar territory, pleasant discoveries are just around each bend, sometimes painful truths that you must deal with in your life are found out, glaring truth...repent, undo, do over, be kinder, help, love...love...love. He is the King and Creator of LOVE. We are to be His image. If you are not reading the Word of God as you know you should be, dear sister in Christ I call you to move smoothly in the direction of the Saviour, set your heart on finishing the race in a way and manner pleasing to Him...
Love Out Loud!
This painting should be done soon.
Buckets of Blessings, Goblets of Joy, Baskets brimming with Glory, Pam
Tuesday: I was able to paint a little bit in between customers today, I got a start on some of the flowers. I sketched lightly with pencil-erasing on top of the dried coffee is a trick- can you see the rest of the flowers that are sketched? It took 2 days to complete the background. But I'm still working on it, looking for the day it is completed.
Photo #2

Monday:I've been working on a large canvas piece. I'm totally inspired by Mystele's homes and flowers. (Can you tell how much I love her art and her heart :) So, flipping it in my own little way I thought I'd take a photo as I go. But of course I thought of that after I put the second coat of coffee on. So picture in your mind a white canvas...that now looks like this:

Photo #1
The canvas is quite large and it's taking on a look of leather. There is a children's song called, He's Still Working On Me.

He's still working on me,
To make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and moon and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be,
Cuz He's still working on me.

Buckets Of Blessings, Pam

Scriptural proof that it is the man's job to make the morning coffee...

Best Friends Coffee Painting

My Daughter-In-Love hugging the Daughter I Love

Hi everyone...I do hope you have been enjoying the wonderful YouTube tutorial that she blogged below as much as I have. Wow, what a talent. When I was mulling over the concept of Faith Folk her name just kept popping into my head and heart, we talked via email, she accepted my offer of coming alongside of me here and Ta, Da...here we are. Hope you enjoy. Pam

Pam

Plan on thinking of things today that you are thankful for and then actually stop and thank God for each one. Share them with us in a comment, we'd love to hear from you.


Oh, the Biblical proof that men should make the coffee? God says so in... Hebrews.

Transfer Paper & Beeswax Tidbits

If you have any questions, please let me know! I'm happy to help!

Have a super day!

~Mystele

The Serene Folk Art of Mystele...WELCOME MYSTELE!

Introducing to Faith Folk Cafe is the delightful work of Mystele. I feel so blessed to have her working with me on this blog as a fellow follower and fellow artist. Her work is so full of sweetness and joy. She is an inspiration. Mystele is self taught, she just does what she does, the sign of a true folk artist. Anyone interested in the world of Folk Art be sure to hang around, we've got a myriad of offerings up our collective sleeves to share with you.

Beyond delighted I wish to say WELCOME to Mystele! Keep checking us out as we will be offering tutorials, classes and behind the scenes "glimpses" in the near future.
Here is her NEW BLOG some of the places where you can find her work for sale.

www.littleglimpses.wordpress.com (my website)
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZlittleglimpses (my ebay studio)
www.littleglimpses.etsy.com (my etsy studio)
www.littleglimpses2.etsy.com (my handmade goods)

Welcome to FAITH FOLK CAFE

An experimental blog offering free on-line art techniques and tutorials. A unique and empathetic place for give & take advise from Folk Artist Pam Warden and Mystele Kirkeeng.
At FAITH FOLK CAFE we will be creating with various mediums including: the elusive Watercolor, painting with Coffee, Acrylics, and Collage to name a few.
I am playing around with this new blog idea so please excuse it if you got here by accident :)
Hope to see you again.
Prayers requested.
Pam