Back from CHA Show in California

I must start by saying that I feel remiss for not having posted to this blog since early January. Both David and I were caught up in preparations for our booth at the Craft and Hobby Association's Winter Convention held in Anaheim, California. The show was Jan. 25-28, but we flew out a day early to set up and returned to our beloved Texas just yesterday (Jan. 29).

This was our first time to exhibit my wildflowers for licensing at a CHA show. As you may know, we have made three trips to NYC, twice for Licensing International (which, by the way, will be relocating to Las Vegas this year) and once to Surtex. The CHA show gave us a chance to reach out to both the markets we have been in touch with before and new markets, most specifically scrapbooking and papercraft.

We couldn't be happier with the results of the show. We made some great contacts and will now be following up with each of them. We were also able to take advantage of CHA's great educational program, including seminars and consultations. We attended a couple of CHA business meetings, walked the show floor and learned about new products in the crafting industry. Beyond the great business prospects, the highlight of the trip was getting to hear a keynote presentation from Deborah Norville. You may know her as a TV personality, but her life long passion is crafting. She is also a very inspiring speaker and author of "Thank You Power". She also just introduced her own line of yarns! She told us that quality yarn feels soft to your lips. Now you know the way to tell great yarn from average yarn!

We also enjoyed the CHA Winter Show Event and Dinner, which featured a live stage show performed by three Elvis impersonators, each representing a different stage of the King's singing career. David and I even cut loose on the dance floor. What a treat!

We are now back in the Texas Hill Country, preparing for a very busy Spring! Check back often for the latest news. And if you haven't signed up for my e-newsletters, please do so. It's FREE, it's EASY and you can cancel at any time. Just click on the "Click Here to Join" section to the left of this posting.

And don't forget to visit my website to learn more about my wildflower art and how it can brighten your home...and your heart!

More about my Art Classes in New Braunfels, Texas

For the most current art classes go to CasaDeLinda.com and click on classes


Want to improve your drawing skills, learn a new painting technique or explore your creative side? Do you have a child in your life who might be the next Van Gogh or Warhol? Well, if you are within driving distance of New Braunfels, then check out my "Art Explorations" schedule for this spring! Download a pdf brochure, or e-mail me at linda at casadelinda dot com.

Welcome 2009!

Today is the 4th of January, so we are firmly into a new year. I don't know about you, but I welcome this year and look forward to it. The last 12 months was a roller coaster ride in so many ways. Let's put that all behind us and make this year one that fills our heart with fond memories when we reflect on it in the future. I wish for you your personal best, whether that be improved health and wealth, creative and mental growth, love and companionship...or some of everything! I believe that all have the power in us to visualize our lives as we want them and then make it happen.

Last post for 2008

As the evening--and 2008--draws to a close, we would be remiss if we didn't stop to compose a quick post to this blog to send out our best wishes into cyberspace and beyond. All in all, it has been a wonderful year for us and hope that you can say the same. Our best wishes for 2009 to you, our dear readers, friends, students of art, art collectors and fellow artists. Linda and David Jacobson

Spring 2009 Art Classes...now enrolling!

For the most current information on classes and camps click on Casa De Linda and then click on classes.

I'm posting a photo today that includes several shots of my students' artwork that was on display during my annual Holiday Open House. I'm so proud of them all! Are you in the New Braunfels area? Are you still looking for that perfect Christmas gift for the "artsy" person in your life? Or maybe you are thinking about your New Year resolutions already and taking up painting is on your list? Then you need to get in touch with me about my Spring 2009 Art Explorations schedule. I have classes for ages 7-adult this coming spring! Here's a quick glimpse:

BASIC ACRYLIC PAINTING FOR AGES 10-ADULT
Thursdays 10-12, 1-3, 3:30-5:30, 6-8; Saturdays 10-12, 1-3
Classes start on or after Jan. 8, 2009
Fee: $60 for 4 classes PLUS starter paint kit for $79

YES, YOU CAN DRAW! FOR AGES 14-ADULT
A 4-week course
Wednesdays 6:30-9 Feb 4-25
Fridays 9:30-12 Feb. 6-27
Fee: $125, all supplies included

EXPERIMENTAL PAINTING FOR AGES 16-ADULT
A 5-week course
Fridays 9-12 April 17-May 15
Fee: $135, all supplie included

PAINT ALONG WITH MS. LINDA FOR AGES 8-12
4-week courses
Course #1 meets Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. Feb. 4-25 (Topic: Seascapes and Sunsets)
Course #2 meets Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. April 8-29 (Topic: Cats-n-Dogs)
Fee: $75 plus starter paint kit for $79 OR $100 all supplies included

SPRING BREAK ART CAMP FOR AGES 7-12
March 23-26, 2009
Half day and Full day camps available. Please contact me for more information.

See something you like? Please e-mail me (linda at casadelinda dot com) with questions or to save a seat! Gift certificates available!

AS SEEN ON TV!

What a busy last few weeks we've had! The Casa de Linda Holiday Open House and Student Art Show was great. Had tons of folks visit during Wassailfest and we certainly ended the week on a high note. Then we were in Austin at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for a 2-day gift show. As you can see by the photo I'm posting, I was even interviewed and on TV! Austin's News8 did 2 live shots with me on Sunday morning! As many of you know, I'm always happy to talk about my wildflowers! If you one of the many who dropped by this weekend or came to the Open House...thanks!

Wassailfest in New Braunfels Texas

Yes, its party time in downtown New Braunfels again as they close down the streets to cars and the shops open their doors. The official date for Wassailfest is the first Thursday of December each year. So for 2008 Wassailfest is on December 4th from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. What is wassail? Traditionally, it is a warm spiced punch drink made with an apple cider base often mixed with alcohol. Cinnamon is probably the most used spice in wassail. The variations from there are endless. For this festival there is leaded (with alcohol) and unleaded (non-alcoholic). With upwards of 50 different recipes (most non-alcoholic) being served you’re bound to find one that will become your favorite.

Wassailfest started in 1992 as a small hometown event has become a full-blown regional festival of fun for the whole family. Over 13,000 people attended in 2007, so plan on coming early to find parking outside of the main plaza area. Remember that the streets are closed for several blocks in each direction so if you do park there you are stuck until they open the streets back up after 9 p.m. You will get towed if you park on the streets in the blocked off area so be careful as we all want you to have fun and not have an unpleasant suprise for this festive evening!

Along with more wassail to taste then any one person could possibly want, there are several bands, choir groups, and loads of other activities for young and old alike. The Christmas lights add a wonderful holiday touch. Most stores will have special sales for this festive event to go along with the rest of the fun.

At Casa De Linda Studio and Art Gallery, we will be concluding our Student Art Show and Open House with Wassailfest. We are located above the New Braunfels Art League Gallery at 239 W. San Antonio. It is a great place to get away from the crowds below and enjoy some great wildflower paintings and see what some of Linda’s art students have been painting this year. Linda will be upstairs in the studio and will have all the information on the 2009 art classes. We are having a very special Red Dot Sale as well. There is still some great wildflower art available for a song. A few of Linda’s Abstract and Canyon Lake Gorge paintings are still available...but not for long! There are also Christmas cards, keepsake boxes, coffee mugs, ceramic tiles and even calendars all based on Linda’s wildflower paintings. So if you’re looking for truly unique gifts for friends, family, co-workers or yourself then stop by and have a look. Have fun wassailing and we hope to see you there. On behalf of Linda, we wish you the very best this holiday season — David.

Designer Throw Pillows on Sale

Expecting company for Christmas and want to spruce up the house without spending a fortune? Add stylish fun to any home decor with my beautiful Wildflower Throw Pillows. You can choose from 19 designs. Each pillow measures a sprawling 18" X 18" square with an 11" X 11" image area so you can lounge in comfort. The pillows are made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. Ships with pillow insert. Removable zippered cover for easy laundering. Our regular Low Price: $24.99. Now on Sale: Only $19.99

Click Here and Start Shopping For Throw Pillows Now!

Sale Ends at 10 a.m CST on Thursday, Dec. 4.

And don't forget that we have dozens of great gifts for UNDER $30 to fill your shopping list this Christmas season. Our mugs, tile coasters, notecards, keepsake boxes and other products are perfect for:
TEACHERS, SECRET SANTAS, CO-WORKERS, EMPLOYEES, HOUSE WARMINGS, HAIR STYLISTS, POSTAL WORKERS, NEIGHBORS, AND DON'T FORGET TO TREAT YOURSELF, TOO!

Need it by Christmas?
Order by Dec. 9 for the best rate on shipping and still get it by Dec. 24. For UK, Canada and all other international orders, you'll need to place your order by Dec. 4 for the best deal on shipping.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

To our friends, where ever you are, we wish you a safe and joyous Thanksgiving today. Blessings to you all! Linda and David

"Twilight Dance" Mug on Sale at 25% OFF

The sale ends this Friday at 10 A.M. All the WILD FLOWER ART Mugs at CasaDeLinda.com that are regularly priced at $16.99 are available for just $12.74 a savings of $4.25 per ceramic mug. There are 22 wildflower designs to choose from including the Holiday Mugs. These make great Christmas gifts for family or friends. Maybe some of your co-workers at the office would love a little Spring cheer throughout the year. Just click here and it will take you right to the MUGS ON SALE
If you would like to see the original “Twilight Dance” wildflower painting or any of Linda’s other paintings just click here on Wildflower Paintings.

I know I am biased as Linda’s husband but “Twilight Dance” still is my favorite of all the artwork she has done over the years. Considering the hundreds of paintings she has done since we were married I think that still says a lot biased or not!

If you would like to be in the know about all the sales and what new wildflower paintings are available you might want to sign up for the free e-newsletter Linda sends out every so often. Just sign in at the left of this blog entry and you are good to go. You can even download up to 4 free bookmarks of her wildflower paintings just for signing up!

I guess Linda and I will have to go see “Twilight” the movie on Friday just to see what all the hoopla is all about.

UPCOMING EVENTS, Nov-Dec 2008

This time of year is always so busy, isn't it? Well as if you don't already have enough to do, if you are in the Central Texas area, you might want to mark you calendar for these upcoming events:


Casa de Linda Holiday Open House & Student Art Show
NOV. 29-DEC. 4; Noon-5 p.m. daily; plus 5-8 p.m. on Dec. 4

Each year I host a Holiday Open House at my Casa de Linda Art Studio and Gallery in downtown New Braunfels, Texas. Last year, I added a special exhibit of paintings by my art students and will do the same again this year.
I'm lining up about 12 or 15 students, both children and adults, for this student show. This gives the public the opportunity to see the wonderful work of my students and gives them a chance to show their work off to friends and family. My Spring 2009 art class schedule will be available as well. I'll also have some new art of my own on display and a great selection of products with my wildflowers...just in time for Christmas!

Downtown New Braunfels' Wassailfest
Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5-9 p.m.

This is one of the coolest events around! They shuts the streets down for a block or so in all directions radiating out from the fabulously decorated Main Plaza. Then all of the shops and businesses serve free wassail all evening. Many stores will have special sales going on as well. At the New Braunfels Art League Gallery, they also serve cookies for the little ones. What a great family event! So pack up the kids and head to downtown New Braunfels on Dec. 4. And be sure to come up to my studio/gallery above the New Braunfels Art League Gallery and say hello!

Annual Holiday Shopping Event at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; Dec. 6-7; Saturday 9-5:30, Sunday 12-5

I'm thrilled to be one of the artists invited to exhibit at this annual event. The Wildflower Center will be decked out for the holidays. In addition to the shopping event, my solo exhibit of 24 wildflower paintings will still be on display in the McDermott Learning Center gallery. Click here for more information about the Wildflower Center.

14 NEW WILDFLOWER PAINTINGS ADDED TO WEBSITE

As many of you know, my husband, David, has been kind enough to help with the blog entries lately. I'm sure it's confusing to you sometimes...not knowing who is "speaking" on these posts. But today, I just wanted to drop in for a minute to announce that I've added 14 of my newest floral paintings to my website. This includes work from both my contemporary series and my new "Summer of Love" series. I hope that you get a chance to check out these newest paintings. When you get to my homepage, just click on the "Wildflower Fantasy," the large image in the middle of the page (or any other link that takes you to my online gallery). Some of these new works are currently in the exhibit at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; others are in the show at Cafe Josie.