Open My Heart by Mystele (this was her first video of many, her very first)...SHUT OFF MUSIC FIRST ON SIDEBAR

This is a wonderful teaching video by Mystele. I'm so proud of her and I love her folk art pieces and happily own a few. I hope you enjoy this, are blessed by it and learn something new. I really hope it inspires you to pick up a brush and PAINT something :)

Give Away...

Jennifer of JRH Studio has posted about a wonderful Give-Away... All she asks is that you post what in-courages you and link to this site InCourage.

I am always encouraged by prayers from friends and the book Streams in the Desert (and of course the Bible and the Lord Himself) as we walk through the trials, the unknowns and the sudden endings of many hopes and dreams since my husbands lung transplant and our youngest son's recent diagnosis of severe MS (app.27 lesions in his brain with the largest at his brain stem). But our great God has made, as promised, "the crooked ways straight."

Please take the time to check out the women at incourage and also Jennifer at JRH, she makes beautiful art and both she and her site are a blessing to others. And also, please keep my family and I in prayer...

Ok, I think I'm on to something...

By jove I think I've found the new look...at least for awhile. Taking a cue from Mystele I cut out the color completely and enlarged the site. Bingo's not just the farmer's dog, it's also what I said when I sat back and took a look at the new clean and razor crisp site. Great music as always will be found here and art tutorials too. Mystele has some really great ideas about teaching and we want to keep showing our favorite youtube finds (especially Myste's).

We are more than just art... you can look up a Bible verse on the sidebar, translate this site into any number of languages, listen to Nancy Leigh DeMoss at Revive Our Hearts or John MacArthur at Grace To You, and memorize daily verses from the women of CWO. You can also come alongside our persecuted brothers and sisters in prayer at Voice's of the Martyrs, keep abreast of the minute by minute global happenings at Rapture Ready and listen to some really great, Godly music. Kind of like a GREAT Christian coffee shop (you'll have to BYOC, but you can wear your jammies :)

So, put your feet up and enjoy a few moments or stay for hours with the folks at Faith Folk Cafe. (If you're not one already, why not join the Followers and stay in tune with this one of a kind, makes your heart merry website. Plus, by doing so others will be able to find YOU too :D

Thanks to Jane for all the great posts she contributed.

Click on the painting below to enlarge. I "painted" it with coffee. Smells GREAT!

featured artists: Things With Wings and Other Things

I am so pleased to present this next interview you haven't heard of them, you'll never forget' em! This delightful family of artists has an uncanny knack to encourage and lighten hearts through their creations. I, for one, look forward to reading their blog and seeing what they're up to. Without further blabber from me, meet Jill, the family rep for our interview, from Things With Wings and Other Things.

* when & how did folk art sweep you off your feet?

My sister and I grew up surrounded by creative and artsy parents. Our dad was a professional photographer, screen printer, and graphic artist. Our mom’s artwork has taken many transformations throughout the years – starting out more country and ending up more whimsical. She attended technical school for fashion design and learned a lot about fabric and sewing that still influences her work today. As adults, us girls gradually started making more and more handmade gifts for people, incorporating the skills that we grew up watching our mother master. Now we kind of all ‘feed’ off of each other – freely sharing ideas and techniques, without competition or proprietary. Although we do like to tease each other when we see each other showing up in our own work that “it must have seeped into my sub-

conscious!”

* tell us about how you've "met with" Jesus through your art.

Making art was part of the healing process during grieving the loss of our husband/father. It has become a wonderful opportunity to reach out to people and

encourage them. We use quotes in our work that have spoken truth into our own lives, and will hopefully do the same for others. Nothing has been sweeter than talking with people who tell you their story of who they bought one of our pieces for and what it has meant to them. We’ve got lots of neat stories. As for the actual act of creating – it can be a special time as well: those moments when you’re uninterrupted, you’ve got your praise music on, and the ideas flow easily – you know you’ve received a gift from the ultimate Creator who is sharing some Inspiration with you. Our youngest artist Emily meets with Jesus through her singing and song writing. She is a blessing to this family of women and inspires us to live for Him.

Connie’s (my mom’s) Home wasn’t Built in a Day
image used with permission

* what are your favorite mediums and/or tools to use?

We’re all in love with paper – scrapbook and vintage – it’s kind of obsessive! Acrylics, and matboard are essential, and good old sharpies.

* what is your favorite time to create?

Anytime is a good time, if you’re in the right mood!

Two more pieces of Connie’s:
image used with permission

* any tips for beginning folk artists?

You just have to get in there and DO it. Don’t let the idea that it has to be “perfect” paralyze you. Sometimes the best stuff happens when you just let yourself experiment. Don’t like it? Gesso over it, paint more layers, cover it with paper, put it aside, work on something else and come ba ck to it another time … Rarely can it not be salvaged.

* describe your artistic "muse(s)".

I think we’d all agree that we don’t “get” the word “muse.” We recognize that our talents and inspirations are gifts from God. We try to be thankful and mindful of that every day. As for things that inspire us? A good quote…The bible and a good study…Each other!

Laura’s Happy “clock” and Wise Owl:

image used with permission

* what are your dreams for your folk art business?

That no matter what we do, that it would always be fun and enjoyable – never a chore or a source of stress. Also that we might show the world that Christians aren’t boring fuddy-duddies! We can be crazy and fun.

* how do you manage family and your business?

We have amazing, helpful, supportive husbands and families. But it’s good to be always mindful about whether we are maintaining balance. And our kids are good at letting us know when we’re not so much! We’re very blessed to have families who appreciate what we do because they know how much it means to us.

Jill’s (mine) Dancing Girl and Longing Girl:

image used with permission

Thank you so much, Jill, for allowing us to get to know all of you better. Readers, be sure to check out their etsy shops, too: Paper Prayers and Green Girl Designs. Enjoy!!!

Happy Mother's Day

I wish you each a very happy Mother's Day 2009. Take time to read over Proverbs 31 and challenge yourself to be the Mom that God created and requires you to be this year. And if you don't have children, or if you're like me and your kids are grown and have flown the proverbial coop, I challenge you to be the Woman/Friend/Neighbor/Grandmother/Wife that He's created you to be. Hope you enjoy my Mom painting :) Love you all!

Show Us Your Blog: Thistle Cove Farm

And now....here's Sandra!

Name: Sandra Bennett
Blog Title: Thistle Cove Farm
Blog URL: www.thistlecovefarm.blogspot.com
Etsy or Artfire: not yet and have never heard of Artfire so thanks very much.

How did you get started blogging, and what keeps you going?

A friend, Leslie Shelor, started a blog and after watching her for a while, I "gulped" and started my own blog. I had to check and my first entry was 5/25/05...nice little symmetry (of sorts) going there, wouldn't you say? Folks commenting keep me going but primarily God keeps me going. I feel I'm pleasing Him as I chronicle life at Thistle Cove Farm. I think it also pleases Him I'm vocal about my walk with Jesus Christ and give Him credit for His many, many blessings to Dave and I. There have been times people have e-mailed me and told me a particular entry was thought provoking or they requested prayer. If my blog can bring someone to the realization they need Jesus, the time is well spent. I fully understand I may never know, this side of the veil, if a heart has been touched and that's okay. It's all about Him but sometimes there's a little cranky Sandra thrown in .

What's your favorite time to create/write?

God has blessed me with an attitude of gratitude so anytime is a good time. If I'm discouraged I count my blessings and that, usually, works. If counting my blessings doesn't keep the gray skies at bay, then I know I'm weary, hungry or both. Vince Lombardi said, "fatigue makes cowards of us all" and that's true. My "attitude of gratitude" weakens when I'm tired or hungry and, through the years, I've learned to recognize the symptoms.

Where is your favorite place to create/write?

God has blessed Dave and I with a piece of Heaven on earth. There's absolutely no place that's "not good" on this farm for any type of creative work. Sometimes I'll take my spinning wheel to the sheep pasture and enjoy a beautiful day with my fur friends. Other times I'll head to my studio and listen to audio books while I work on quilts, tea cozies, etc. Generally, my day begins in the sunroom, listening to Alister Begg and others on XM radio; the sunroom is a great room to look over the valley and reflect on God, His word, His blessings.

Do you have a favorite Scripture?

My favorite Scripture is Psalm 116, the whole thing. It speaks to me constantly and each time I read it, I find a new, different meaning. I taught in Russia in 2004 and took several Bibles to give to folks along the way. The KJV was given to Ekaterina, a young English teacher in Yaroslavl, and I told her Psalm 116 brought me much comfort and joy. Several months later she wrote me to say it had brought her much comfort during those dark days following the Chechen terrorist group who slaughtered school children. Thru Him, we are all connected.

Do you have a favorite Christian song?

I love both Morning Has Broken and It Is Well With My Soul - both old hymns bringing much comfort and joy.

**************************************************************************************
Thank you Sandra for being a part of this and letting us get to know you a little better. I love your "attitude of gratitude". Besides being a gift from God, I think it is also an attitude choice Christians make. Alister Begg is also a favorite Christian teacher of mine, and being Scottish I especially enjoy his accent. Old hymns, like those you have chosen, are special to me. So much to be lost when we lose our hymns and I'm so glad that you chose hymns Sandra, I had fun finding your favorite for the playlist. Now, I hope everyone heads on over to your blog to learn even more about our dear friend at Thistle Cove Farm.
<><

Thank you for Showing Us Your Blogs. First featured blog soon. Here's one of my favorite songs...the words are depicting the throne room of Heaven

Salvation (please shut off playlist music on sidebar first)

Show us your Blog...

EXAMPLE: I enjoy painting with watercolor combined with
words... scripture or sayings.
You can find more of my work at
http://pamwardenart.blogspot.com
and
http://pamwardenart.etsy.com

I'd like to use this post to highlight all of your blogs. Please leave an http link in a comment on this post so that we can all visit and get to know each other better. My example is above. If you make art, enjoy writing and poetry, or if you are a stitcher, collector, scrapper or family blogger...share whatever it is that makes you YOU. In the near future I will be writing a short feature about each/many of the various bloggers who participated ie. YOU.
Hope you come and play...
Buckets of Blessings,
Pam

Show us your blog continues...

What a great experience to see all of your " blog worlds" (see the post below). Keep 'em coming !
Some big answered prayer for our dear Mystele-check out her great Folk Art Show experience. Jane's got wonderful doll classes going every now and then. Click on the sidebar links for those. To add your blog to Show Us Your Blog, do so on the post below so they stay in one spot. Thanks!

If you hop over to my blog you can get in on winning a hand-painted little piece while seeing my new site called SUGAR BUGS. click on the name. Hope to see you all :)
BLESSINGS,
Pam
p.s. Here's a bit of my HEARTand A PRAYER: The first song on the playlist is the song I played on guitar and sang at church yesterday (Amazing Grace..My Chains are Gone). My husband preached at a church just north of us. It was a blessing. He taught on Indwelling Sin. Just when we think that we've got sin beat it is standing at the door. We take offense too easily, judge too harshly, hold people to impossible standards while playing God, we are selfish, self centered, critical...on and on. And wouldn't you know, I sat down later that day with a friend who slightly offended me, and I instantly shot back a criticism. Don't you just hate yourself when you do that, am I the only one?? Oh, Lord to be more like You. So we must hold our tongue, forgive, and not be so quick to take offense. I say we, because the scripture says that we are all in the same boat with Indwelling Sin :(, but we can pray more, fight sin harder, keep our "armor" on and love more. :)
Help us, help me...to be more like You.
"My chains are gone, I've been set free...My God my Savior, has ransomed me...And like a flood, His mercy reigns...Unending love, Amazing Grace".

And The Winner IS...

Our winner is:Tricia at Easily Amused...Hard to Offend
She is the winner of 2 Psalm Prints,
(Seen in post below. And it sounds like one might be hung near the coffee pot at her Sunday School:)

Congrats Tricia and thanks to you all for playing along with us. We were able to meet some new people here and that is an answer to prayer. Make sure you check out Tricias blog, it's a treasure!
Please keep spreading the word about Faith Folk, we sure appreciate it...
and also keep spreading The Word.
Blessings,
Pam

First Give-Away on Faith Folk...Pink Fluffy Slippers

Hi Everybody
To get in on the Give Away:

1. Leave a comment on this post only.

2.Join our Followers group and then spread the word about Faith Folk on your blog.

This is one of my prints called, Open My Eyes. The winner will receive one for you and one for a friend. Yep, the winner wins TWO.
We're hoping to get the word out. Click here: Pam Warden Art for a double chance to win!!!

Give-Away ends March 1st at midnight Wisconsin time :-)


Blessings,
Pam

We love Him because He first loved us...

My husband John in the light jacket...and I love him.

"The greatest of these is LOVE."
Love, Pam
Valentines Day 2009

I'd like you to meet my dear friend Jan Thomason whose favorite song for the moment is Shout To The Lord...turn up sound!!!

Faith, Hope and Love by Jan Thomason

Jan is a dear friend from my blog world. She makes me laugh and I need that A LOT! She is a wild and wonderful believer from Center Point, Texas and I know you will love her as I do. And now, heeeeeeeere's Jan....

1. Where do you live?

I live in the Hill Country of Texas, just outside a little town called Center Point, on a working ranch that my husband's family has owned since 1890. It's really easy to give people directions to our ranch because along the white fence at the entrance I have secured six bicycles that I have sprayed pink. *The first day they were up, my boys were so thrilled that they were, well, speechless.

My husband, Frank, ranches full time and it's his passion. He loves what he does!

I moved to the ranch from Oklahoma City when we were married 23 years ago. It was a huge adjustment for me, but after some time went by and we started having babies, I knew I was in the right place. I wouldn't have wanted to raise my three boys anywhere else.

All your life?

No. I was born in Dodge City, Kansas, and after living in Leawood, Kansas, until the fifth grade, we moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan ("Yes, there really is a Kalamazoo!"). When I graduated from high school, I made the decision to attend my parent's alma mater, Oklahoma State University, where I graduated in 1975. After I graduated, I lived in Oklahoma city for 14 years until Frank and I were married. (How the Tank and I met is another interview:)

Jan is teaching at Paper Cowgirl again this year!

2. At what point did you realize that you were an Artist.
It's kind of funny in a sad way.

I've been artistic all of my life. I remember having to draw the ear canal in 5th grade and i looked at the small picture in the health book and drew it great big on a honkin' piece of poster board. Both of my parents doubted "to my face" that I had drawn it free hand.

Needless to say, I wasn't encouraged to pursue any art classes in school.

Before I started scrapbooking sometime in my late 30's, I was always "the poster girl" for whatever group needed a poster for an event, but I still didn't know that my talent was a gift.

It was when I started scrapbooking my boys younger years and people hired me to scrapbook for them that *somehow* lead to making cards and that lead to all the rest, that I realized that I had not just a talent, but
a gift from God.

So, I guess my answer is that is was a life long process.

(.....All of that information for one final sentence! But, ya felt like you were there with me, didn't 'cha, Pam?)

A Matchbox by Jan Thomason

3. What is your favorite tool and favorite medium to use?

My favorite tool is a screwdriver. :-)Oh, wait, do you mean my favorite art tool?(yes Jan...)
I'd have to say the one I'm using at the time.My favorite medium? Does paper count as a medium? It's my drug of choice so I think I'd have to say it's my favorite medium. I LOVE paper. I collect it. Poor Frank.

4. How do you balance creating artwork with your home life?
Ouch! That's always been a challenge for me! I have a sign I made that is on the wall in my studio right in front of me that says, "BALANCE". It's so hard for me to pull myself out of my studio! My best friend told me once that I'm different if I haven't been able to create - that creating makes me whole. I agree.

5. What advice do you have for young artists starting out?

I would suggest that if art is your passion that you MUST pursue it!

Life is too short NOT to work a job or deny yourself an activity that brings you joy!

Trust me. I'm old.

And, I would strongly suggest that you take some classes to find the right area in the huge world of art that you love! There's so many different mediums and sometimes it takes a while to find your passion.

Go on some retreats and take classes in different mediums. There are so many wonderful retreats to choose from! Want some suggestions? Email me and I'll help you out!

6. Where is your favorite place to create and what's your fav. time to create?
I am very blessed to have an actual studio so, of course, I'd say that's my favorite place to work. I could use an assistant, however, to clean up after me - I don't care how big your place to work is *a card table in the corner of the family room or an actual studio*, it's always a mess - I speak, of course, only for myself!

7. What inspires you?
Gosh, that's a hard question. I think I would say that creating something in the hopes that it will bring someone else joy or a piece that brings me joy is my inspiration.
I think of my art as a ministry. If something I've made makes someone smile, then God has used me to bless them. That would be my biggest inspiration.

8. How does your faith in Christ translate into your life, art and business?
I give God the glory for everything that I create.
He guides me through each step of everything I do in my life and in my art. He is totally in control and I can't imagine living my life without Him in it.

9. What are some of your goals for 2009 and plans?

My goals for this year are to live joyfully and in gratitude, to spend time with my mother and my sisters and their families, who all live up north.

And, to find the balance in my life that I need to give Frank the Tank and my boys the attention about which I daydream.

I'm also teaching for a second time at an art retreat which I'm very excited about,

and I'm attending another art retreat in September that I'm also very excited about!

Small, intimate retreats with the most amazing women!

My hope for 2009 is that my health improves *enough said, but you can pray for me if you'd like:)*,

decide what path I want to take to bring more attention to children living in poverty and to follow God's lead in that endeavor.

10. Please share a favorite tip or two that you use in your Folk Art?
Enjoy each step and let God lead your creating - when you start a project and you have this idea of what it's going to look like when it's finished...be flexible enough that God can guide you to the end result as HE sees it.

And, this is what I always tell the girls that sometimes work for me in the studio - always remember, in art, there are no mistakes!

11. How did you name your business?
You really are asking the hardest questions!

Why can't you just ask who I like best? ...Brittney or Martha?

The name of my blog and my Etsy store have been in place for the few years that I've been blogging and selling on Etsy, and that name is what people associate with me and my art - the Polka Dot Barn.

Oh, it's my email, too. (polkadotbarn@gmail.com)

So, presently you can find my blog at http://www.polkadotbarn.blogspot.com (the Polka Dot Barn / my art, my humor and my life)

My Etsy shop can be found at http://www.jthom03.etsy.com

and http://www.lollishops.com/polkadotbarn .

12. Favorite Scripture and Favorite Christian Song to accompany your Feature.
You know what? I have a different favorite scripture depending on where my life is....does that make sense? So, I'll tell y'all today's, 'k?

1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

And, my favorite Christian song?.....same answer as above!

Today my favorite song is Shout to the Lord.

I was singing it last night and I got to the chorus and had to stop singing.

I was so filled with the Holy Spirit that I couldn't do anything but cry.

So, that's my favorite Christian song today!

Often my favorite Christian song is the one I'm singing.

That's just who I am.

I'd like to thank Jan for letting us feature her life and her art here at Faith Folk. I'm going to have 6 pink bikes in my dreams tonight. I love it :-)

Please take a peek at all of Jan's work on Etsy, Lollishops and her blog. Contact her with any questions about purchasing or any questions about her art, I know she'd love to hear from you. Also, please keep her mom in your prayers, she took a really bad fall and has been hospitalized. You can see updates on Jan's blog.
And of course, please don't use any of her images with Jan's permission. That includes all of the artist's images on Faith Folk.
Blessings, Pam

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

With God all things are possible...

trun music off on sidebar

Turn off sound on sidebar playlist....

More Breaking in 2009

My Name is Pride, I am a cheater.

I cheat you on your God given destiny....because

you demand your own way.

I cheat you of contentment...because you

"deserve better than this."

I cheat you of knowledge...because you already

know it all.

I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to

admit when your wrong.

I cheat you of vision...because you would rather look

in the mirror than out the window.

I cheat you of genuine friendship...because

nobody is going to know the real you.

I cheat you of love...because real romance

demands sacrifice.

I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you

refuse to wash another's feet on earth.

I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince

you to seek your own.

My name is Pride, I am a cheater.

You like me because you think I'm always looking

out for you. Untrue.

I'm looking to make a fool of you,

God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...

If you stick with me

You'll never know.

By Beth Moore

This really spoke to me as I read it on a friend's blog. Hmmm, so much to deal with, so much to let go of in our lives. I don't want to be cheated this year or robbed by lies. I want to serve the King of Kings and let go of any pride. How about you, want to join me this year as we bend the knee to Christ and break the bonds of selfishness and pride? Let's really serve Him and each other from this moment on.
Hugs, Pam

prompt list download UPDATE

ok, here's the link to a sampling of the prompts i utilize in my art. this is in response to the videos i posted about using prompts to create a canvas background. please feel free to pass it along, and don't forget to USE IT!!! have fun!

♥ mystele

Hi...Pam here. Thanks for sharing your prompts list Mystele and the excellent videos.
If any of you use the prompts list please send us a photo of your project and tell us a little bit about it and you. We'd love to show your artwork...

XOXO Pam

using a prompt jar to create a canvas background

enjoy these videos and let me know if you have any questions. feel free to pass them along to newbies or ladies you know that just might be "stuck" creatively. take care!

♥ mystele