Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Cowgirls and Cowboys, whether you be 2- footed, 4- footed or hooved..(No, this isn't my dog, but I have been known to dress up any animal that will stand still)

Cowboy's Sweetheart - The Art of Deb Trotter

I first came across Deb Trotter's wonderful blog and website shortly after I started up my own blog, by googling "cowgirl blog". I wanted to see what other cowgirls out there were doing and blogging about. Wow, I was immediately taken in by Deb's art. She creates mixed-media masterpieces with a nostalgic western flair and more times than not, a good dose of humor.

In addition to original paintings and drawings, her art includes a line of jewelry and handbags.
Speaking of handbags, I LOVE this one! (anyone looking to buy me a Christmas gift would do well with this!)
How cool is this cowgirl with her little filly? (kind of reminds me of me...with Piper) These bags are all originals, with rich fabrics and fringe and have a funky cowgirl style all their own! You can find this bag, as well as many others, in Deb's Etsy store.

Along with her Etsy shop and her own website, Deb's art can be purchased through CafePress.
You can get her artwork on everything from coffee mugs to greeting cards, tote bags, calendars and journals.

Deb compares her approach to her Art the way a Cowgirl approaches her life. With passion. It's what she calls, "thinking like a Cowgirl." I share that philosophy with her. You don't have to wear a hat and boots and ride a horse to have the cowgirl spirit!

Deb's creations have been featured in many art magazines and exhibited in various galleries and art shows nationally and internationally. She also teaches at art retreats around the country.
I could go on and on, but even if I did, I would never be able to do justice to Deb's art. You really should treat yourself and go check out her Cowboy's Sweetheart blog and website. I bet you will find something to bring out your inner cowgirl.

Yee Ha Cowgirl!!

What's for Dinner?

I'm a fan of the crockpot. I was thinking this as I just put a roast in the crockpot to cook. I'll add some green chiles later and shred it up for burritos for dinner. Add some rice and beans and you're set! I like the crockpot because it is EASY and I can do other things while dinner is cooking. I don't have time to slave away in the kitchen in the evenings...that time is spent feeding horses, goats, dogs , bunnies and chickens. Or working with my little filly. Or taking a ride on one of our other horses. Or cleaning stalls, filling water troughs or some other animal related chore. You get the idea, there are too many other things that need to be done. Good thing neither Lee nor I need a big sit-down meal every night.

I discovered another great crockpot idea for chicken enchiladas the other day. I cooked 4 boneless chicken breasts in the crockpot with a can of Rotelle (or you can use a can of stewed tomatos and a can of diced green chiles). When it was done, I shredded it and removed it to bowl. I then added green enchilada sauce to the bottom of the crockpot, layered corn tortillas (no need to soft-fry them first), the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Repeat the layers 3 times, finishing with cheese on top. Turn the crockpot to low and heat for about 1/2 hour. This turned out delicious! And I was able to get my chores down while this finished heating. Did I mention I love the crockpot???

Heart of a Cowgirl Studio

We've been trying to figure out where (and how) to build a little studio/workshop for me. I have definitely outgrown the corner of the dining room where I do my creating! Time to step up to a space I can call my own. This little travel trailer was my project a few winters ago. We bought it knowing that it needed a serious facelift on the inside. 1970s green had to go...

I spent many nights out here sewing new curtains in a cool vintage cowgirl print, painting over the hideous green flower print wallpaper and reupholstering the matching green seat cushions in faux tooled red leather...

My dad made the much improved wooden table top. (Thanks Dad!)So, here was this little Cowgirl Casita, just sitting out back behind our house. We rarely go anywhere for more than a day (too many critters to leave behind), so I decided that this will be my new studio! No building to do, no weekends spent hammering away, no smashed thumbs... And hey, it even has running water and a bathroom! I officially now have my own studio. Just need to get moved in now and get to work!

Art in the Park

We're back from New Mexcio. Whew, kind of a long trip in just a few days. BUT, my very first show went great, way better than I expected! I worked hard on getting my booth just right. I wanted it to have the right feel and allow people to walk through and back out without having to turn around and bump into other people. It worked out well.

The weather was great, I met a lot of nice people and made a good amount of sales. A great day all around...

To top it off, the Art Council, who sponsored the show, awarded me the Best Booth Display for the entire show (out of 90+ vendors). Wow~ not bad for my first show ever! And as an added perk, I'll get a free booth at the show next year. I'll be back! (I have to defend my title --- ha ha)

Special thanks to Laura Garcia, who organized this year's show! She did a great job and was very accomodating and great to work with. (Laura also has a shop on Etsy, BasementCreations, check her out!)

THINK PINK!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and to draw attention to that Trendy Shoppes is giving away "something pink" on their blog. And it just happens to be one of my pink cowgirl boot top wristlets!

If you'd like to win this little cutie, simply go to Trendy Shoppes and click on the Monthly Giveaway link next to this photo, add a comment to the blog and that's it --- you are entered to win! Good luck!

Piper Under Saddle

FIRST TIME EVER! I decided it was time to start putting a saddle on Piper and getting her used to it. We have at least a year before we can actually get up on her (she has a lot of growing left to do), but this way she will be very used to it and it will be no big deal.

I used my nephew's saddle, much smaller and lighter than mine. She just let me put it right on her, with hardly a glance at it. I circled her around in the round pen at a trot and she did great -- except for a few seconds of half-hearted bucking when the saddle pad started to flop up and down ("hey, get this thing off me!"). But then she figured out it wasn't going anywhere and she stopped and turned to face me ("could you give me a hand here?") I kept it short and sweet and ended after one more walk around the round pen. She gave it a sniff or two after I took it off and that was it.

Classic Piper, not too worried about anything at all....

Pretty Packaging

I'm madly working to get myself organized for the craft fair I am participating in next weekend in New Mexico.

This is my "new and improved" packaging scheme. Since turquoise is my favorite gemstone, I thought the color appropriate....

My Heart of a Cowgirl stamp was made by Terbearco on Esty. She did a great job for a really reasonable price and quick work, too.

I hand stamped all of the boxes and bags. It took me awhile to find the right color turquoise ink -- I never knew there were so many variations of "turquoise" out there!

I like the end result a lot. What do you think?

Equine Voices Wine Tasting Fund Raiser

Equine Voices, the sanctuary where I got Piper, is having their annual fundraiser this Friday in Amado. Of course, Lee and I will be going to help support the rescue work that they do. It should be a fun evening with food, wine tasting from local wineries, and a silent and live auction of donated items. Below is a necklace I created for the silent auction. I'm hoping it will bring in lots of bids! If you are in the area and interested in attending the event, all the details are on the Equine Voices website.

CUTE ALERT!

Oh my goodness!! It's tough to be a little foal...

Little babies sleeping in the sun while the mares stand guard over them.

Found this pic out there on the internet and just had to share!