Once in a Lifetime Retreat...

In this case, I guess it's true when they say, "it's not what you know, but who you know...." Fortunately for JP and myself, we had the very unique opportunity to stay a couple nights at the Ritz Carlton in Beaver Creek as guests! The fiance of my husband's sister has made some connections with various affluent clients who are willing to share their getaway destinations with him. So, when they asked us if we'd like to come up and stay with them in the 11th floor penthouse, (where supposedly numerous celebrities have stayed ) it was hard to say no!

Let me tell you, this place was over-the-top with grand furnishings, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen, a dining area and cozy fireplace den along with a wine cellar and a private stairway exit for those certain guests of fame who'd prefer to not be seen. Coming from a fairly humble background, I've never experienced anything quite like it, and I certainly cannot imagine spending a high 4-digit per night figure to stay here. But when it's complimentary, then it's certainly an experience well worth checking out :) I'll post a few images below of our fantasy getaway...

~ Johanna


* The two of us down by the pool in our guest robes...


* JP dips his toe in the water... the steep facade of the lodge-style Ritz Carlton looms behind him...


* The view from the main balcony of the penthouse overlooks a ski run...They say this is the best time of year to relax there as it's quiet with ski season being over...


* Looking down at the pool and hot tubs...


* A day trip to Vail... JP and I lean against a bridge over a mountain creek...

Cat Welcoming Committee...

My artist & collector friend, Lory in California surprised me with some fun photos yesterday! Her "KatKids" as she calls LilyPad and Mr.Moon had to give their official welcoming sniff to her newest Johanna Parker Design adoptee from my Full Moon Web Sale, and she captured the moment!... Just thought I'd share! I'm a sucker for all things cat-related! (feel free to email me your fun pics of my artworks in your home! It's always a pleasure to see where they live and perhaps how your 4-legged companions react to them... Just don't leave them alone with that folk art!!) :-)
Thanks again Lory for sharing these fun pics with us!

Happy Week,
~ Johanna


* Sniff, sniff, sniff.... did "LilyLuna" pass LilyPad's test?


* I think they've already lost interest here.... hehe....

Happy Fool-O-Ween!

Another fun and unique EHAG group challenge cross-over piece of mine has just posted on eBay!.. This time the theme was to create a piece inspired by both April Fool's and Halloween (of course....) So, I created this whimsical black cat jester candy cup. He's got quite the catitude! he he.... You can click on the image below to visit my auction page. Thanks for looking!!!

~ Johanna



© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Full Moon Web Sale!

In honor of this month's full moon, I am having a Full Moon Web Sale on this Sunday, April 20th! On the afternoon of sale day, I will be updating my Folk Art Originals page with my latest one-of-a-kind creations. Stay tuned for black cats, owls and bats with a lunar twist! And yes, the sale falls on the full moon of this month!

Have a moon-derful week!

~ Johanna

© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.

Feathered Visitors...

It's been a busy, bustling week of flapping feathers and chirping calls in our backyard bird haven. Each year around this time when the robins visit in masses to nibble on juniper berries and bathe, I know that spring is just around the corner. I just love that......

This week, I captured a few fun bird moments at our community bird bath and around various roosts in our yard. The highlight was an owl visitor at dusk that quietly perched on a branch, eyes darting all about! I've never seen an owl in our yard, and I'm sure my smaller bird friends were not as excited as I was upon his visit! But, it was quite a treat....(Hmmm, and guess what I'm sculpting now.... hoot hoot! ) These little critters are full of inspiration for me......

I'll post a few photos below for you to enjoy......

~ Johanna


* Two robins look about between sips of cool water....


* A small owl perches on a low juniper branch at dusk, hence the grainy photo, but you can still see him.... Jack (my cat) and I had our noses pressed against the glass!


* My spoiled sparrow friends eat seeds from a large terracotta dish..Typically, you'll see squirrels feeding here throughout the day..... See, JP's nice stonework too...


* Adorable zoom of a sparrow, nestled in the tree....


* A sweet robin in silhouette roosts on the peek of our garage roof.... I love that pic....


* Two starlings bathe in the same water the robins were just drinking from..... Hmmm, I guess that's acceptable bird etiquette :)


* The robin at right watches his buddy munch down a juniper berry.... cute!


* What are you looking at?!!!!

Proud Daughter....

I wanted to share some fun news for those who like to peruse the pages of home decorating magazines! My parents' colonial home was chosen as one of Country Sampler's favorites and is featured in their current HOME TOUR EDITION! Back in the spring of 2005, Country Sampler published a nice article showcasing my mother's folk art and her primitive decor in their home in Washington state. And to our surprise, they have featured it once again! I will post a few teaser images below, but do go get a copy if you'd like to read more and see other photos of her unique, period-style decorating. Yes, clearly my inspiration to design, decorate and create with my hands has been passed down from my creative mother :) Congrats to you Mom!

Love,
~ Johanna


* Look for this cover at the stores.....


* The article opens with this inviting photo of their dining room, one of my favorite rooms in their house.... CLICK to enlarge...


* A snapshot of their upstairs bedroom, laden with blue & cream ticking and other woven textiles... CLICK to enlarge...


* A warmly lit vignette including a patriotic pair of my retired designs produced by Primitives by Kathy...


* Instructions on how to make my mom's German style sheep..... Baaaaaa
CLICK to enlarge....

By the way, my friends “photographer/stylist/writer” duo Donna Pizzi and Philip Clayton-Thompson of Blackstone Edge Studios did my mom's photo shoot! Their photography also made the cover of this issue. (The two of them also photographed my home in 2005 for Cottage Style magazine)
PHOTOGRAPHS, © 2008 Emmis Publishing LP

~ The full article is 8 pages long and features other intriguing rooms, including their kitchen, keeping room, living room, laundry and master bath....Go get a copy! :-)


* A photo I took last summer of the exterior of their red, center chimney home...

Happy HallowGreen!...

In the spirit of Leprechauns and all things Green, I have created another fun cross-over Halloween piece! EHAG's March challenge was to create something in the HALLOWGREEN theme, and what fun! So, once again, I'm offering another unique and collectible candy cup for my Halloween collector friends....

You can click on the images below to visit my eBay auction starting none other than tomorrow evening, on St.Patrick's Day! Thanks for looking :)

~ Johanna


* My first black cat in Leprechaun garb.... What a fun blend!


* Is that a pot of gold?...No, it's a jack-o'-lantern but of course!! :-)



© 2008 Johanna Parker Design * All contents on this site are the property of Johanna Parker and may not be used without permission.