May 09, 2008

THE SKY ISN'T ALWAYS BLUE

P1012108

I grew up surrounded by art...

P1012109

P1012127

I can never remember a time in my life when our home was not filled with sketch books, brushes, easels, watercolor paper, and the smell of oil paint on canvas.

P1012120

You see, my mother is a painter, a watercolorist...an artist.

P1012140

As a little girl, my mom was confined to her bed with a long illness.  In those days, what was a kid to do?  There were no videos, no X-boxes, barely TV! 

P1012142

Her love of drawing and art began with pencil and paper.

P1012099

I remember as a child proudly showing my mom a picture I had "colored" in school.  She was always encouraging to me, but also added, "Sharon, you know the sky can be yellow or pink or gray or even purple."

P1012102

"The sky isn't always blue."

P1012112

This statement expanded my world of creativity and opened my thought process to "think outside the box".

P1012101_2

I always knew my mom had a special talent.

P1010939

None of my friends' moms were featured at the De Young Museum in San Francisco, gallery openings, art exhibits in New York City or one-woman-shows.  Their moms didn't have piles of blue ribbons haphazardly pinned to a bulletin board shoved in the corner of an art studio.

P1012132

My mom's circle of friends included potters, abstract painters, metal sculptors, batik artists, oil painters, and other watercolorists.

P1012103

Today, new friends that have come into her life, all share the same passion for art.

P1012104

I am so fortunate to have a career where I continue to be surrounded by incredible art in a variety of forms.  American Harvest continues to search out new talented artists to showcase in our shop.

P1012145

At American Harvest, our "family" includes paper mache artists, doll artists, jewelry sculptors, mixed media and collage artists.

P1012137

Thanks Mom for opening my eyes to the world of art and for reminding me that the sky isn't limited to blue.  Happy Mother's Day!

(Please do not copy or reproduce any of the art work shown in this post.  All of my mother's paintings are copyrighted and cannot be used without her written permission.  Thank you.)

May 02, 2008

IN THE GARDEN

I love a beautiful yard, however I know nothing about gardening.  I really don't like to work in the yard either.  My father was a meticulous rose gardener.  So when Rodger and I moved to our present home, I decided that I wanted lots of roses.
P1012146

The pale pink climbing rose bush sat in a bucket for two years before I got Rodger to plant it.  The bush was almost dead, but this year it is alive and blooming profusely.  The ivy is planted on the other side of our back fence, and does a nice job of adding color and texture to our yard.  I love old garden ornaments and mossy statues that show their age.

P1012153

This rose is called a "Double Delight" and is by far the easiest rose to grow.  I can even grow it!!!  It blooms like crazy and the blooms are enormous. 

P1012154

This is perhaps my favorite rose, "Princess Diana".

P1012158

I am a pink girl.  I love everything pink including my front and back yards.  However, just to add a little spice and whimsy, I planted this delicate yellow rose.

P1012159

Not only do I love roses for their blooms, but I love their leaves.  This variety has pink edged leaves.  I cannot wait for the flowers to open.

P1012162

I took this picture in the early morning as the sun was just beginning to caress the roses.

P1012163

This white rose is lightly trimmed with pink.

P1012165

I really have no clue as to rose gardening.  When I prune, I can hear my father yelling from heaven, "Sharon, NOT LIKE THAT...You should have paid attention!"  He would be happy to see that I have his love for roses.

P1012166

Rodger and I grow other flowering plants too.  Just don't ask me for their names, I cannot remember!  This gorgeous plant climbs on the north fence in my yard.

P1012164

Bright pink flowers welcome spring.  (I think this bush is the culprit to my allergy problems.)

P1012161

This plant has the largest lavender flowers that I've seen.  Bumblebees love this one!  It blooms almost year round.

P1012157

This nice little ground cover has pin cushion like blooms.  Sadie, my English Springer Spaniel, loves this plant.  She doesn't eat it, but she does like to rub her face in the foliage.  She is such a "girlie" dog!

I am pleased that my garden blooms in spite of my lack of gardening abilities.

April 29, 2008

DEBBEE THIBAULT SIGNING EVENT

Every time that  Debbee Thibault comes to American Harvest, you can bet on great art, great laughs and great fun!  Everyone loves to hear Debbee's stories of how she creates her characters.  She is a pure delight to have at our store. 
3_party_fairies

The Party Fairies were poised and ready to brighten our day.

Arlene

Arlene could not resist Debbee's Christmas Santas.

Bonnie

Bonnie found a new bunny with an adorable face.

Fruit_guys

Peary Wink and Tangy Tangerine kept Pear Man out of trouble, as he can be a little mischievous.

Carole_debbee

Brand new collector, Carole meets Debbee for the first time.

Debbee_sharon

Coco (hiding behind the tree), Carolyn, Debbee and Sharon enjoy a story about Debbee's creations.

New_girl_clown_doll

Here is a picture of one of Debbee's newest designs, Angel Fairy Doll.

Mitch_debbee_john

Debee is telling Mitch and John about the new Debbee Thibault Loyalty Club at American Harvest.

Amazing_crow

Here is a picture of the A-mazing Crow...notice her wonderful details!

Pink_elle

In honor of the debut of the American Harvest Exclusive Party Fairy, Debbee made a one-of-a-kind color change, Ellee the Elephant wearing a pink dress.  This piece was not for sale but was the prize in our drawing.  Only one was made and there will never be another exactly like her!  John was the lucky winner of this fabulous piece!

Pumpkin_guy

Not only did we celebrate the day with Debbee's newest Spring lineup, but there were her terrific designs for Halloween, Christmas, patriotic, angels, fairies and fruit and veggies!

Sally_tracey

Sally and daughter, Tracey made the trip across the SF Bay and found numerous "Debbee's" that just had to go back home with them!

Snowman_glass_orn_2

We also carry all of Debbee's glass ornaments that are made in Germany.  Debbee unveiled her newest glass ornaments that are so top secret that I am not allowed to show you pictures of them yet!  Debbee brought in four prototypes and everyone was very excited about them.  When I have Debbee's permission, I'll post pictures of them, but it may be awhile as the final designs are still being finalized.

P1012097

What better treats than cupcakes topped with "Party Fairy" images! These delicious cakes were made by our friend, Laura.  She also created all of the tags that adorned each cupcake.  What a yummy way to end the day!!!

April 11, 2008

THE PARTY FAIRY WELCOMES SPRING

P1011955

What a glorious spring day at American Harvest!  Debbee Thibault's Party Fairy (an American Harvest color exclusive) has arrived and is bringing lots of her friends to the shop on Saturday, April 19th. 

P1011959

The Party Fairy found her way to my backyard today and brought along her magical wand and scrumptious cake. 

P1011953

She made the waterfall dance with glee, as she showed off her polka dot dress.

P1011961

She promises to grant your every party wish!

P1011960

Her lightly glittered wings sparkle in the sunlight and her heart charm brings love to all.

P1011951

Debbee Thibault will be signing these charming Party Fairies on Saturday, April 19th at American Harvest from 10am-5pm.  This exclusive edition is limited to only 75 pieces.  You can reserve your special fairy by calling us at 925-485-1577 or send an email   info@americanharvestusa.com

PARTY ON, FAIRY!

March 23, 2008

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter to All.....
P1011972