Niki Jackson ~ Mixed Media Artist

We have a new home please join us...

2009-04-25T17:35:00.001+01:00

Hi Everyone,
This blog is now moving to: http://www.thevintageartist.com please join us over there and update your bookmark for me.
Thanks!
Niki
xxx

Tea Time

2009-04-22T12:31:00.003+01:00

'Tea Time'

Who doesn't love a good cuppa! This is a new little cutie available now on ebay, enjoy xxx

Part 1 - Wool Painting + Modelling Paste Tut

2009-04-16T22:33:00.003+01:00

Enjoy! Part 2 coming ~~tomorrow~~ Thursday.

Niki
xxx

On My Mind...

2009-04-16T12:39:00.002+01:00

*Edit: I did not create this video, I thought I would share it with you all as it has such a great message and is so fitting for how I am feeling right now. I found it on Mystele's Blog and it is by Tanya Davis.

On the road to great health!

2009-04-13T16:52:00.004+01:00

For the last year since we've had Ellie I've been on a mission to change my lifestyle by losing weight and improving my fitness and so far it's going great. I've lost 24lbs so far and my fitness has improved a lot! Now I'm ready to step it up and so I've been walking a lot further and can already feel the benefits. I'm integrating more healthy foods and cutting down on processed foods gradually and I love it. I've found Angela's blog a real inspiration and have even tried my first 'Green Monster' today which tasted lovely.

I've added a widget here to track my walking progress, currently I am walking 2 miles per day and I want to increase that gradually and add in some yoga (love yoga!) and weights to gain strength. So no excuse now for not doing it lol you can all hold me accountable ;)

Don't worry this is not going to change into a fitness blog, I just wanted to post a bit about what's going on round here and encourage anyone who is also working on improving health through a healthy lifestyle and not crash dieting. So please feel free to email me or leave a comment and we can encourage eachother.

Back to painting ...

Niki
xxx

P.S I bought some carrot and tomato seeds the other day, I already have germinated the tommy's and they are doing great (pics to follow), haven't started the carrots yet so if you have any growing tips I'd love to hear them. xx

Sweet Weekend

2009-04-06T13:54:00.004+01:00

This weekend saw many wonderful things including the delivery of lot's of materials to start landscaping our back garden (very excited about this!) and Hubby finished the planter he made for my sweet peas. He made it out of used pallettes and stained it black, I think it looks awesome. We planted out my sweet peas Saturday afternoon and covered them with bubble wrap in the evening as we're still getting some frost. I am so pleased they have made it this far and can't wait to see them growing more and more.

As you can tell I am hugely inspired by nature and have created this pretty painting as a follow up to Spring Time...

'Spring Sunset'

You can find 'Spring Sunset' on ebay now.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, let me know what you did.

Niki
xxx

Tulips & A Vanilla Whip + Contest Winner

2009-03-31T11:10:00.007+01:00

'Spring Time'

'Vanilla Whip'

I've been so inspired lately with the coming of Spring and seeing all my flowers starting to come back to life again, that I couldn't help but create a new series of paintings devoted to flowers!

I've been watching 'The Joy of Painting' lately too and have been soaking up the wonderful effects and beauty of the late Bob Ross' paintings. He continues to be a real inspiration to many and I am so glad that his company continues today with instructors sharing his techniques.

So I have several new lovely paintings for you this week, which you can find on ebay.

There was only one entry for my contest to win 'Hello Miss Bear' so I entered all my Youtube subscribers in random generator to find a lucky winner....

Congratulations go to: shelb2201 I'll be contacting you today.

Enjoy!
Niki
xxx

Sparkly Delight mmmmmmm

2009-03-25T12:40:00.005Z

'Sparkly Delight'
Mixed Media Painting
5 x 7" Birch Plywood

Yum! These cupcakes look good enough to eat ;) Another from my series of cupcake paintings which you can find on ebay right now!

Enjoy!
Niki
xxx

Sweet Peas and Gardening Goodness

2009-03-24T14:26:00.007Z

Oh what a beautiful day it was on Saturday! The sun was shining and Mark and I spent the whole day outside working on our back garden, tending to seeds and making our greenhouse.

New bulbs I got recently to fill out the front garden some more. I also got some Bellis and can't wait to see the fluffy little flower heads when they bloom.

Our first Daff bloomed over the weekend and the others are now following!

Remember me posting about my Sweet Pea seeds? Well look at them now lol! They have grown so well and are now ready to be hardened off yay. I'll be giving some to my Mum and Dad lol as there are so many. I am thrilled they have grown so well. Tending to them is so relaxing I love it.

Well that was my Saturday, I've also been painting lot's! More about those tomorrow.

My current available paintings are here.

Have a great day!
Niki
xxx

Cupcake Princess

2009-03-18T13:24:00.005Z

'Cupcake Princess'
5 x 7"
Birch Plywood

This little cutie is ready for her new home! Part of my cupcake series, this little girl is a true cupcake princess. Created in shabby soft colours, a polka dot background and dark brown painted sides.

'Cupcake Princess' is available on ebay.

Niki
xxx

Yay! Contest Time

2009-03-17T15:01:00.002Z

'Hello Miss Bear'
8 x 8 inch deep edge canvas

Hey Everyone, it's contest time again! Did you miss this? I'm re-posting so come on leave a comment and maybe you will win!

*****************
Since I'm alittle behind with my videos on YouTube I thought I would post a fun contest on here to win 'Hello Miss Bear'!

All you have to do is (if you aren't already a subscriber) subscribe to my YouTube videos and post your youtube name as a comment on here so I know who you are.

If you are a subscriber please post your youtube name anyway here and only those who comment will be entered in this special giveaway.

To be clear - you must be a youtube subscriber to my channel and post your youtube name on this blog as a comment to enter.

So get commenting and tell all your friends because you could be the lucky winner of this seriously cute painting!

Closing date is Friday 20th March at midnight GMT, I will be announcing the winner here on Monday.

Thanks so much for supporting my art!
Niki
xxx

New Prints!

2009-03-12T13:11:00.005Z

Hey Everyone, well it seems like Spring is so close now I heard that some of you already changed your clocks, we change them on 29th March. I can't wait, I love the lighter evenings, especially for walking Ellie.

This weekend we will be sorting out a greenhouse for our garden yay. Our lovely neighbour doesn't want his and offered it to us so I am so excited to have my very own to grow lot's more seeds in.

What are your plans this weekend? I'd love to know!

Don't forget to enter my contest to win an original painting: enter here

These new prints have just been added to etsy, enjoy! xxx

Cafe Parisien

2009-03-11T15:08:00.001Z

'Cafe Parisien'
16 x 12"
canvas

Don't those cupcakes look so yummy! I've been trying some new tecniques for my backgrounds and aiming for a soft feel to my paintings, I think this one turned out cute.

It's now available on ebay.

Don't forget to enter my contest, today is the last day to enter!

Niki
xxx

The latest happenings...

2009-03-10T16:26:00.003Z

You can find my new ebay auctions here also :)

Niki
xxx

It's Contest Time!

2009-03-09T12:47:00.007Z

'Hello Miss Bear'
8 x 8 inch deep edge canvas

Hey Everyone, it's contest time again! Since I'm alittle behind with my videos on YouTube I thought I would post a fun contest on here to win 'Hello Miss Bear'!

All you have to do is (if you aren't already a subscriber) subscribe to my YouTube videos and post your youtube name as a comment on here so I know who you are.

If you are a subscriber please post your youtube name anyway here and only those who comment will be entered in this special giveaway.

To be clear - you must be a youtube subscriber to my channel and post your youtube name on this blog as a comment to enter.

So get commenting and tell all your friends because you could be the lucky winner of this seriously cute painting!

Closing date is Saturday 14th March at midnight GMT, I will be announcing the winner here on Monday.

One last thing, I've added some of my latest paintings to Ebay :)

Thanks so much for supporting my art!
Niki
xxx

On the crochet side...

2009-03-04T15:35:00.004Z

Today I thought I'd share one of my personal projects that I've been working on for a while now. It's a cute little baby blanket for my neighbours new born, I'm really looking forward to giving it to them this weekend.

You can find out more about it on Ravelry where I share what wool and pattern etc I used so you can have a go too!

Next on my crochet hooks are a round cushion for our lounge and a ripple blanket for our bed.

I find crocheting really relaxing, it's great for clearing your mind and winding down in the evenings. I tend to watch my favourite tv program or listen to my ipod while I crochet, it's amazing how quick crochet really is!

What's on your crochet hooks or needles right now?

Niki
xxx

OMG Yay!

2009-03-01T17:10:00.004Z

Last night I switched the light on and to my utter amazement saw this!!!!!! I started jumping up and down lol My seeds have sprouted woohoo!!!! I really can't believe it, how amazing is that after only 5 days!

I've taken the lid off and moved them to a cooler room now and can't wait to see them grow more. It's so exciting to watch this. Incase you don't know what they are... they are sweet peas.

This afternoon I'm printing photos of our front garden to create a garden journal. I'm going to write out all the plants we have and when they flower etc.

I've been so behind lately with everything especially my art, we've just joined our church officially today and have had a lot going on for the church, plus I'm quite slow lol!

So this week I will be *trying* to get myself organised and add some new bookmarks to the shop and hopefully finish the new video!

Thanks for waiting for me.

Niki
xxx

Do You Love to Read?

2009-02-26T15:26:00.003Z

Just added to Etsy

I mentioned I was working on some new goodies...well here is the first of many designs for my new bookmark line. I am very excited about these since I love to read! You should see the piles of books I have waiting to be read lol.

I'll be adding more designs so keep an eye out for those, in the meantime this cutie is available now.

Niki
xxx

Yay for spring!

2009-02-24T15:47:00.004Z

'Spring'
6 x 6 deep edge canvas
Available on Etsy

Spring is definitely on it's way here in the UK, the birds have started singing early in the mornings and the chill is definitely going. I've been planting lot's of bright beautiful flowers in the garden the last couple of days and my bulbs are coming up so I could not help being inspired to create this refreshing painting.

Off to create new cards for Etsy now.

xxx

Custom Art For You!

2009-02-23T17:57:00.003Z

Well the seeds are now planted, fingers crossed that they grow lol now it's time to get back to painting!

I've really enjoyed doing the custom pieces I recently completed and wanted to give you more info on how you can order a custom painting too. I've set up a new page with more details letting you know my prices and how the process generally works, there is commenting enabled so if I have forgotten anything you can let me know.

I have several spots open for commissions and would love to work with you so please come on over and check out the details for a custom piece.

One last thing, I've now started on a new painting video so look out for that this week.

Niki
xxx

Just Planted!

2009-02-22T15:51:00.005Z

This afternoon Hubby and I planted these beauties in our front garden to get some colour in. It's all looking quite dull right now but my bulbs are growing and it wont be long before I see my tulips and daffs yay!

I am so excited to see the little catkins coming out on our weeping willow tree, we only planted it last Autumn so I am really excited that it's growing so well.

Here's pics of some crocuses coming out:

Now I'm off to try planting some seeds in my new seed trays, they are sweet peas and it's the first time I've ever grown anything from seed. Wish me luck!

Niki
xxx

I'm Featured!

2009-02-20T19:12:00.004Z

Just wanted to share with you, today I made Zazzle's Today's Best Awards Showcase yay! I am so excited, you can see everyone featured here.

Doing the happy dance lol!

Niki
xxx

New Goodies and an update

2009-02-20T14:26:00.003Z

'A Peaceful Heart'
Watch the video here

Sorry everyone I seem to have fallen behind with my blog lately, we've had a lot going on at home, an emergency with my Dad and so my mind hasn't been quite with it.

I'm now getting back on track and have my originals back in my Etsy store (I couldn't keep up with adding art to my website and Etsy so have decided to keep everything at Etsy, sorry for any confusion.)

I've added some old favourites back to the ACEO section and have put a couple of pieces on Sale to make room for all the new paintings I am working on.

Zazzle has also been updated with new magnet designs of all my latest paintings and a new fun video is in the works.

Have a great day!
Niki
xxx

New Abstract Prints

2009-02-02T15:56:00.002Z

'Ocean bed'

'Melodrama'

A selection of my abstract art now available as prints in my Etsy store!

Niki
xxx

Crafting Resolutions 2009

2009-01-30T11:30:00.003Z

I'm a member of a great group of crafting ladies and every year they post their crafting resolutions to the group and keep each other in check. I thought I would take part this year, so here are mine:

* Create items for our home - cushions, blanket and other soft furnishings.
* Crochet for charity
* Make gifts for birthday's etc ahead of time
* Start a new scrapbook and take up to date photos of all the family (including ones of me!)
* Develop my drawing skills, use EDM Challenges.

You are very welcome to join either groups, just click the links to take you there. I'd love to hear your crafting resolutions for this year, come and post them below and we can cheer each other along!

Niki
xxx

Ellie eats the winner - Art Vlog

2009-01-30T11:24:00.003Z

Posted this yesterday and am starting to feel better now yay!

Please leave a comment and let me know what time and day you want to do the live painting and chit chat.

Niki
xxx

La la la

2009-01-28T12:23:00.003Z

So I'm still ill with this nasty cold virus that hubby kindly gave me ( thanks!) so I'm going to be late with this weeks video, but it will be up by tomorrow night yay!

The webcam came yay! so I've just got that set up and will do a intro on BlogTV and then decide a good day/time to start the shows. If you have no idea what I'm talking about...

I've set up a channel on BlogTv so that we can chat and you can see me paint and ask questions etc which I think will be fun. I'm needing your input for the best day/time to do this and what you want to watch/do, so please leave me a comment below and let me know.

Also, I'm starting an art giveaway on my Youtube channel every week starting tomorrow, so if you would like to win please subscribe today to be included.

Ok I'm off to get a cup of tea and try to warm up!

Chat soon
Niki
xxx

P.S Don't forget to check out the new silent auctions at my website, bidding ends on Saturday.

Blessed - Looking For A Home

2009-01-26T11:08:00.005Z

Blessed
5 x 7"
Birch plywood
Sides are painted black
Varnished and ready to hang.

Email me your bid, highest bid wins!
Ends 31st Jan.

All silent auctions available for this week can be found here.

Cream Tea Commission

2009-01-21T16:58:00.006Z

'Cream Tea'
Mixed Media On Deep Edge Canvas
60 x 60cm
SOLD - COMMISSION

Here they come

2009-01-18T17:21:00.002Z

These are the pics of my tulip bulbs coming up and I am so excited. This is the first time I've ever planted tulips and it's also my first ever garden so I am really looking forward to seeing these tulips in bloom. I have candy striped ones and lilac ones! I can't see my crocus, snowdrops or daffodils coming up yet, hopefully they will start popping up soon.

I have a new video in the works and will have that up for you this week. I've been coughing like crazy the last few days so haven't finished recording, so look out for that any day.

I'd love to hear about your gardening adventures, what you've been planting and if you grow any veggies - that's one thing I want to start this year.

Let me know what you're up to!

Niki
xxx

Happy 2009!

2009-01-05T12:38:00.003Z

Hi Everyone
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebrations. We had a great time and are very excited about the coming year.

So did you make any resolutions? Let me know yours by leaving a comment, I'd love to hear them!

I made several 'goals' for this year including reading 52 books in 52 weeks, I love books so it shouldn't be too hard lol.

It's time to get back to work now and I will be creating some fun new paintings, so watch out for another video and painting up this week.

Just for fun I thought I would do this little quiz, if you'd like to take part simply copy and paste to your blog and let me know in the comments, so I can come and read :D

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog

2. slept under the stars

3. played in a band

4. visited hawaii

5. watched a meteor shower

6. given more than you can afford to charity

7. been to disneyland/world - just got back in fact from Paris!

8. climbed a mountain - Ben Nevis with my father in law

9. held a praying mantis

10. sang a solo

11. bungee jumped

12. visited paris

13. watched a lightning storm at sea

14. taught yourself an art from scratch

15. adopted a child

16. had food poisoning – can’t imagine anyone italicizing this!

17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty

18. grown your own vegetables (Grown my own strawberries moving on to veg this year!)

19. seen the mona lisa in france

20. slept on an overnight train

21. had a pillow fight

22. hitch hiked

23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. built a snow fort

25. held a lamb

26. gone skinny dipping

27. run a marathon

28. ridden a gondola in venice

29. seen a total eclipse

30. watched a sunrise or sunset

31. hit a home run

32. been on a cruise – not for me

33. seen niagara falls in person

34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. seen an amish community

36. taught yourself a new language

37. had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person

39. gone rock climbing – loved it!

40. seen michelangelo's david in person

41. sung karaoke

42. seen old faithful geyser erupt

43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant

44. visited africa

45. walked on a beach by moonlight

46. been transported in an ambulance

47. had your portrait painted- not painted but drawn.

48. gone deep sea fishing

49. seen the sistene chapel in person

50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris

51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling

52. kissed in the rain

53. played in the mud

54. gone to a drive-in theatre

55. been in a movie

56. visited the great wall of china

57. started a business

58. taken a martial arts class

59. visited russia

60. served at a soup kitchen

61. sold girl scout cookies.

62. gone whale watching

63. gotten flowers for no reason

64. donated blood

65. gone sky diving

66. visited a nazi concentration camp

67. bounced a cheque

68. flown in a helicopter

69. saved a favorite childhood toy

70. visited the lincoln memorial

71. eaten caviar

72. pieced a quilt

73. stood in times square

74. toured the everglades

75. been fired from a job

76. seen the changing of the guard in london

77. broken a bone - not entirely broken like in half lol but I did chip a bone in my foot last summer.

78. been on a speeding motorcycle

79. seen the grand canyon in person

80. published a book

81. visited the vatican

82. bought a brand new car

83. walked in jerusalem

84. had your picture in the newspaper

85. read the entire bible- in progress

86. visited the white house

87. killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. had chickenpox

89. saved someone’s life

90. sat on a jury

91. met someone famous; Take That before they were really famous, spoken to a few other tv stars.

92. joined a book club

93. lost a loved one- my Grandparents and my other Grandad.

94. had a baby

95. seen the alamo in person.

96. swum in the great salt lake.

97. been involved in a law suit

98. owned a cell phone

99. been stung by a bee – it hurt a lot!

Looking forward to seeing your answers.

Niki
xxx

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-09T16:35:00.010Z

Merry Christmas Everyone! Today is the last day that I am taking USA orders as tomorrow is the last posting day to get there in time for Christmas, so please make sure you get your order in today.

For UK customers I can take orders up to the 19th December for last posting on 20th.

I'm taking the holiday off now to spend with my family but my Etsy store will be open for orders throughout the rest of the year. Any orders placed will be posted out as they are received but I cannot guarantee Christmas delivery after the above dates.

Thank you for all your support in 2008 and I can't wait to be back in 2009.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Niki & Ellie

xxx

Happy 1st Birthday Ellie!

2008-12-05T13:16:00.004Z

Just Launched My Lollishop!

2008-12-03T13:04:00.004Z

Hi Everyone, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's tutorial. I'd love to see some video reponses with what you have made from it.

Today is the launch of my new Lollishop where you can buy original paintings and ACEO's with FREE shipping worldwide. Come on over and see. Don't forget Christmas is almost here, if you want your order in time for Christmas you need to order now!

Niki
xxx

Crackle Paint Demo

2008-12-02T17:26:00.001Z

Snowflake Cupcakes & Cyber Monday

2008-12-01T14:03:00.003Z

Wow what a busy weekend it's been! We were out looking for a new fridge freezer this weekend and found a great one, the shops are crazy right now with great deals on. Talking of great deals, it's the last day of 20% off EVERYTHING in my Etsy shop today so please come along and see if anything grabs you :)

My cupcake goodies came on Friday, super fast delivery from Cakes, Cookies and Craft Shop and so of course I had to try them out this weekend. I got edible glitter, a snowflake cutter, flower paste and baby blue food colouring plus a few other goodies. So here is how they turned out, not bad for a first attempt, the blue is a bit dark for my liking, next time I'll put even less in. So hubby's office is going to have a nice surprise tomorrow when he takes them in to share - they are very tasty lol (well got to try them first make sure they are ok ;) )

Tomorrow I'll be sharing with you a little tutorial on using the new Ranger Crackle paint, it's so cool you will love it.

Don't forget to stop by my Etsy today and I'll catch you tomorrow with a fun crafting tut.

Niki
xxx

Black Friday Special

2008-11-28T13:03:00.002Z

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! My special over at Etsy has started for Black Friday - Cyber Monday, come and get 20% off all your favourites.

Enjoy!
Niki
xxx

Kitty and the cupcake

2008-11-25T17:51:00.005Z

Kitty's just love eating anything and everything don't they lol! Here's kitty with her very own cupcake - the second in my series of 5 x7" cupcake paintings creating on birch plywood.

See how I created it here:

Christmas is fast approaching and I've started working on commissions to be ready in time for Christmas. If you would love a commission for yourself or for a gift please contact me for more info.

Niki
xxx

Cupcakes and a new video!

2008-11-19T13:41:00.006Z

Last night I was in the kitchen baking these tasty treats, since I seem to be on a cupcake mission right now lol...

They go perfectly with my latest painting and video:

Giveaway Winner Is....

2008-11-07T15:28:00.003Z

Don't forget to check out my special at Etsy:
Buy One Get One Half Price On All Prints!
http://www.vintageniki.etsy.com

Niki
xxx

Time to Play...A Giveaway! CLOSED

2008-11-05T12:59:00.004Z

Hey Everyone, it's giveaway time yay!

To enter to win the print (10" x 8") of your choice from the selection above, simply answer this question in the comments section below:

What is your favourite thing in the whole world?

The contest ends tomorrow midnight EST and the winner (picked at random) will be announced on Friday morning here.

Good luck!

Contest Is Now Closed I Will Announce The Winner Later Today!
Thanks to everyone who took part.

Niki
xxx

Hello Miss Bear...

2008-10-31T16:29:00.006Z

Doesn't she look smart with her shabby chic paws!
This little cutie is up for grabs at Etsy.

Niki
xxx

UK Shop Launch

2008-10-27T16:37:00.003Z

Hi Everyone, I'm excited to announce the launch of my new UK shop which is hosted at my website: http://www.thevintageartist.com

If you are a UK shopper you can now buy my originals and prints in UK currency there!

The site is now up and running and ready to take your order, I hope you will find the new shop very user friendly and convenient.

Niki
xxx

Warm Wintery Wishes

2008-10-24T20:43:00.003+01:00

It's getting cold outside, here are some new wintery paintings for you to enjoy, now available at my Etsy store.

Niki
xxx

Making my way through...

2008-10-22T12:16:00.004+01:00

I've been a bit absent from my blog lately because I have been going through a lot of changes recently in my personal life and with my art. It was a year ago that I lost my Grandparents, one quite quickly after another. It was a very painful experience that left me feeling emotionally absent from life and from my family for a while. I didn't really know how to deal with the loss since I hadn't experienced it before.

It was this great loss that led me into mixed media painting a dream I have held in my heart for many years but never had the courage to pursue. I knew I had to dive in and December last year I created my first mixed media painting on canvas. To say I was excited was an understatement. After all that pain some joy was returning.

It's been a really rocky road since then, with my confidence waning now and then and pushing through it to develop my style. All the while my family and I have been dealing with my Grandparents estate, which has been a lengthy drawn out experience to which we are nearing the end.

The whole experience has left me weary but somehow I have found the strength to create and I am happy to say I am working on a large body of new work which I will be adding to my Etsy shop in the next week. If you want to be notified when I release the new works please sign up to my email list (top right) and I will email you.

I wanted to share all this with you because I feel like I have held back alot since starting this blog, only posting paintings here and there and not really sharing anything of myself. As I enter a new phase in my life I am starting to get used to sharing a little more about me and it isn't so scary after all :) I also wanted to reach out to you and say it's ok to feel scared, it's ok to have days when we don't feel confident, don't feel like you have to be perfect, because none of us are!

I hope you enjoy the photo above I took this morning of my very messy desk and I am really looking forward to sharing my new art with you very soon.

Niki
xxx

Feeling the cold?

2008-10-17T15:48:00.003+01:00

It's getting cold here in the UK so I thought I would add this cute little print of 'Snow Day' for you in my Etsy shop.

Wrap up... Winter is coming!
Niki
xxx

Book Ideas?

2008-10-10T16:40:00.002+01:00

Hi Everyone
Lately I've been reading a lot of non fiction books and would love to start on some fun, light hearted fiction so can you recommend anything to me that you love?

Leave me a comment, I can't wait to hear your suggestions...maybe we should start a book group, that could be fun?!

Niki
xxx

Sneek Peek...

2008-10-09T13:50:00.006+01:00

Hi Everyone
I thought I would pop in and give you a little peek at what I've been working on lately, the above pics are little snippets of a new painting I'm working on which I hope to have finished soon. It's a lot larger than my usual size and so it has been an exciting challege.

While walking Ellie each evening I've been noticing the beautiful colours of the fallen leaves of Autumn, dark reds, yellow ocre's, burnt orange and greens, I just love those colours and felt inspired to create some jewellery using that colour palette. So this morning I created this beautiful Autumn necklace and earrings set is now available in my Etsy store :

Isn't Autumn beautiful!
Niki
xxx

Transition...

2008-10-01T14:14:00.002+01:00

Hi Everyone
I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I am going through a transition period with my art work right now which I am very excited about.

I'm working on some fantastic new paintings and I hope you will keep popping in to see what I'm up to. I'll be posting new goodies very soon.

Niki
xxx

Angel Love

2008-09-19T13:55:00.008+01:00

'Angel Love'

4" x 4"
Mixed Media Collage
Acrylic Paper Mounted

Hey Everyone
Well my fabric angel project is still on my desk so no updates for that one yet but I do have a new painting for you called Angel Love.

Now available in my Etsy shop yay!

Niki
xxx

What's on my desk...

2008-09-08T17:16:00.002+01:00

Oooooo what's this? I'm working on something really special right now, this is a peek for you.

Watch this space for more.

Niki
xxx

Just Do It & Stop Worrying!

2008-09-08T12:04:00.003+01:00

I was catching up on my YouTube subscriptions and came across one of Wyanne's videos from a little while back, it feels so appropriate for how I've been feeling and I'm sure how others might be feeling right now too, check it out and let me know your thoughts:

Enjoy

Niki
xxx

Love

2008-09-04T16:18:00.003+01:00

'Love'
Original ACEO

I just uploaded 3 really cute original ACEO cards that I created recently using coloured pencils on brown kraft card. I really love the effect and am working on more. These are now available in my Etsy shop.

Enjoy!
Niki
xxx

Believe In Yourself

2008-09-03T13:27:00.005+01:00

I've always wanted to take up photography and I really love looking at blogs that have gorgeous photos to inspire everyday. So I decided to give it a go myself and will be posting photos often to inspire me for my paintings and hopefully they will inspire you too.

Here is todays, a beautiful osteospurmum from my garden, I added the words 'Believe in yourself' because it is something I am currently struggling with.

I hope you like it and I'll be back soon with more new art.

I have ebay auctions ending in the next couple of hours, check them out and see if there is anything you feel connected to.

Niki
xxx

New Art In The Works

2008-09-01T12:16:00.007+01:00

'Snow Angel'

Here is a sneek at what I've been up to lately. I'm creating a series of Angels and Characters on birch plywood and it is so much fun!

I'll be creating a video this week showing you some of the new finished pieces, which will be going up on Ebay and Etsy very soon.

Niki
xxx

Authentic You

2008-08-19T16:08:00.003+01:00

'Home'

My friend Julia and I were discussing today about style and how it relates to our art work. Since I have taken on some classes with other artists I found myself wondering how I could follow the class and still be authentic to my own style and was this even possible?

Follow our conversation here and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Niki
xxx

Sail Now On Ebay & Video

2008-08-18T15:27:00.002+01:00

'Sail' is now up on ebay ready for your bids :) you can see how I made it in this video, sorry the lighting isn't very good, I thought it would come out better than that. Next time it'll be better lol.

Enjoy!

Niki
xxx

Vintage Greeting Card Class Now As A Download

2008-08-17T13:32:00.001+01:00

Hey Everyone
I am very excited to announce that my popular online class 'Make Your Own Vintage Greeting Cards' is now available as a stand alone download. This means you can access all the videos and pdfs right away and complete when you want.

You will still get memberships to Creative Adventures and our Flickr Group too. This is so exciting, I know some of you prefer to work at your own pace and not be part of a class so this is going to be perfect for you!

Check it out at my Etsy shop.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Niki
xxx

IF - Sail

2008-08-15T13:29:00.000+01:00

'Sail'

5" x 5"

Deep Edge Canvas

Mixed Media

I'll be putting this on Ebay on Monday along with a brand new video for YouTube yay!

Niki
xxx

It's Time For Another Silent Auction Yay!

2008-08-13T13:24:00.000+01:00

This is an original mixed media collage painting on a 5 x 7" canvas. I've painted the sides black, which are staple free gallery quality and I have finished the canvas with a satin black ribbon for hanging.

"There is nothing like the smell of fresh coffee. Whether you are at home or out visiting your favourite coffee shop, a large cup of hot fresh coffee is just the thing you need to perk you up!"

This beautiful painting is full of depth and interest with the many layers I have added using vintage papers, handmade papers, rubber stamps, charcoal pencil, printed music sheets and all finished with a layer of beeswax to seal and give more texture.

'Coffee' is ready to hang as soon as you receive it!

Materials: vintage papers, acrylics, charcoal pencil, rubber stamps and beeswax to seal.

To try your chances of winning is beautiful painting all you need to do is email me your bid jackson.niki@gmail.com and the highest bidder will win!

Bidding starts today 13th August and goes on until Wednesday 20th August 11am Central (New York), 4pm UK.

The winner will be announced via email.

Don't wait, get your bid in now: jackson.niki@gmail.com

Good luck!

Niki

xxx

Back From Devon

2008-08-11T16:29:00.006+01:00

Well I'm back from Devon and getting back into everything, including moving my blog over to typepad. Please come and join me there and update your bookmarks.

http://www.vintageniki.typepad.com

See you there!
Niki
xxx

Silent Auction - Sing Yay! - SOLD

2008-07-25T13:26:00.006+01:00

****************Congratulations Sherrie! ************

Hi Everyone
I thought it would be great fun to try a silent auction for my beautiful mixed media collage painting 'Sing'.

"Sitting in the garden, the sun is shining and the birds are singing, what a lovely way to start the day. This is the inspiration I used to create this multi layered collage painting. The layers and textures provide many hours of entertainment viewing as you see new parts of the painting each time you look at it."

I used lot's of layers including vintage papers and finished with a layer of beeswax to seal and give more texture.

This is a deep edge canvas with dark brown painted sides and sealed all over to protectand ready to hang straight out the box.

Title: Sing

Size: 6" x 6"

Materials: vintage papers, acrylics, charcoal pencil, rubber stamps and beeswax to seal.

To take part all you need to do is email me your bid jackson.niki@gmail.com and the highest bidder will win!

Bidding starts now and goes on until Thursday 31st July 11am Central (New York), 4pm UK.

The winner will be announced via email and here at the blog.

Good luck everyone!

Niki
xxx

'Believe' Now Available as an ACEO!

***Just Added***

http://www.vintageniki.etsy.com

Niki
xxx

When Will The Rain Stop?

2008-07-11T15:01:00.007+01:00

9 Days of Summer by Julia Crossland

Well it's been raining here in the UK for what feels like non stop for about a week or more, when is the sun coming?
I'm no sun worshipper but I do like a nice blue sky, sunny day to sit out in and enjoy.

It is supposed to brighted up tomorrow, I do hope so then we can enjoy a nice BBQ in the evening. Do you know the evenings have been quite cold here still in July can you believe it?!!

Oh well, I hope it doesn't rain for our holiday in Devon, the first week of August, need some r&r!

Enjoy your weekend!

Niki
xxx

Vintage Style Jewellery Online Class

2008-07-09T13:14:00.007+01:00

Hi Everyone
I hope your week is going well and that you are enjoying lot's of creative time. I have exciting news for you, the next online class I am offering is now available for pre-booking! It will be on vintage style jewellery making and is ideal for beginners to intermediates.

The online class starts Monday 18th August and we will be making a set of earrings, a bracelet and a necklace in a beautiful vintage style. You will learn skills that you can apply to future jewellery making projects and best of all you'll have loads of fun.

To find out more and pre-book your place please come on over to:
http://www.creativeadventures.ning.com

I hope to see you there :)

It's Etsy update day today yay!
Come over to my shop at 11am DST (New York), 4pm BST (UK) for lot's of new goodies, don't miss it.

http://www.vintageniki.etsy.com

Niki
xxx

Etsy Update News

2008-07-06T13:46:00.007+01:00

Hi Everyone
Just popping in to let you know that I've been having major computer problems the last fews days.

My laptop died so it's being taken away to be fixed on Monday, in the meantime I've been able to get a new one and am now installing everything on it and getting caught up on emails etc.

I was planning an Etsy update on Monday, this is now going to be moved to Wednesday 4pm BST (UK), 11am EDT (New York).

There will be lot's of cool new stuff, including vintage jewellery, original mixed media collage paintings, prints and more!

Don't forget to stop by: http://www.vintageniki.etsy.com

Niki
xxx

A Peek Into My Studio & The Draw!

2008-07-02T13:11:00.000+01:00

Niki
xxx

Healing & New Goodies On The Way!

2008-07-01T14:48:00.002+01:00

Hi Everyone
Well I'm still resting my foot (trying to!) and let's just say Ellie jumping on it is not helping, Ouch!

Meanwhile I have been a busy bee, the vintage style greeting card class is all set up and ready for the next round starting July 7th yay! I am very excited about this as the first went so well.

I've set up a Ning network to host my online classes on from now on and it's so awesome, you can see all that is available from the main page:
http://creativeadventures.ning.com/

I've also been working on new paintings and some other top secret things, if you want to find out what they are and see some progress pic of my paintings, please sign up to Creative Adventures E-Zine on the right :)

Have a great day!
Niki
xxx

Victorian Heaven

2008-06-25T16:31:00.004+01:00

Hi Everyone
I found this great resource for Victorian lovers. It has everything you could think of to do with the Victorian era and they have a free online magazine too.

Check them out:
http://www.victoriana.com/

Enjoy!
Niki
xxx

Ouch!

2008-06-17T16:13:00.003+01:00

Hi Everyone
I'm just popping in with a little update. Sunday night I fell down the front door step (don't ask me how!) and I have chipped a bone in my foot. So after many hours waiting yesterday in A&E and then today in the Fracture Clinic I am now home and resting. I've got crutches to get me about, but it's quite painful still.

I'm just now catching up with everything and hope to be painting again soon!

Niki
xxx

Last Chance to Join Us For Vintage Cards Class...

2008-06-07T14:32:00.004+01:00

Hey Everyone

Our Vintage Greeting Card Class starts on Monday 9th. There is still time to sign up, if you would like to learn how to make your own vintage style greetings cards come and join us!

We will be making 4 different designs using different techniques, plus as a bonus I will be giving all class members a free e-book with more layout sketches that you can use after class to create lot's more vintage cards.

You don't need to be an experienced crafter to take part in the class, each class is taught via video so you can easily follow along and take your own time.

If this sounds like fun to you, come and join us here.

Niki
xxx

Hello!

2008-06-03T11:22:00.005+01:00

Yay! My camcorder is now up and running and here is the start of my weekly videos.

I have a really cool contest going on over at my YouTube channel, so if you entered my other contest and didn't win here is your chance to try again!

Contest Rules:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: nikibutterfly80
before June 30th and you will be entered into the draw to win these prints:

Spring Garden

Sing

I'lll be posting weekly how to, tips and technique videos on vintage greetings cards, scrapbooking and mixed media collage painting so come along now and get sign up.

YouTube channel: nikibutterfly80

Good Luck!
Niki
xxx

Primitive Doodles e-book Now Available!

2008-05-29T15:27:00.004+01:00

Hi Everyone,
I am excited to announce the launch of my e-book 'Primitive Doodles'. This fun e-book is the first of a series of e-patterns for artists and crafters who love the whimsical and primtive look.

Primitive Doodles contains 10 fun and easy primitive line drawings that can be traced onto any medium and made into a work of art!

Example of what you can create with the doodles.

Just print off the design you want to work with and away you go! You can read more details about the e-book and purchase your copy at: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12139922

Enjoy!

Niki
xxx

New Paintings & Free Shipping!

2008-05-27T16:55:00.004+01:00

Hey Everyone!
I have finally finished my painting from Paulette's faces class and I am very pleased with it. I've named it 'Believe' as it is all about believing in yourself, trusting that you will find your way in life and believing in your God.

I've just added prints of it in my Etsy shop and am now offering FREE Shipping on all art work!

Today saw the launch of my new e-zine 'Creative Adventures', if you haven't signed up yet please do. The e-zine is sent out every Tuesday and includes a free art prompt and free how-to info including tips and techniques and insider info on what I am working on next.
To sign up simply enter your email address in the box on your right.

Other news, I am now working on my next painting called 'Dare to Dream', here is the initial sketch and the in progress pic:

Niki
xxx

The Winner Is..........................

2008-05-23T18:33:00.003+01:00

Congratulations Susan Cone!!!! Please email me your address.

Thanks everyone for your comments :)

Niki
xxx

Yay ~ A Giveaway! - CLOSED

2008-05-19T12:01:00.006+01:00

NOW CLOSED
Hey Everyone
I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Today I thought we would have some fun and so today is Giveaway day!

By entering the giveaway you can be in with a chance of owning *2* of my prints *Cupcakes* & *Peace* shown below:

All you need to do is post a comment here and your name will be entered into a draw on Friday. I will announce the winner on Friday afternoon yipeee!!!

Good Luck!
Niki
xxx

NEW Online Classes!

2008-05-16T15:57:00.005+01:00

Hi Everyone
It is with much excitement that I let you all know about the launch of my online classes. I am very excited to bring you the first class which is "Vintage Style Greetings Cards" which will begin on Monday 9th June.

Each class will be hosted on a private blog but also has the option to download the lessons if you want to complete the class in your own time. Otherwise the class is running for 4 weeks and you will learn how to create 4 stunning vintage style greeting cards using a variety of techniques.

For all the info and to sign up please click here:

http://www.vintageartist.co.uk/online-classes.htm

I can't wait to teach with you!

Niki
xxx

Back From Wiltshire...

2008-05-16T11:44:00.004+01:00

Stonehenge

Avesbury

The view from our lodge and the beautiful baby geese that entertained us everyday.

We had a great time at Wiltshire and hubby's skydive was a success! I'm now trying to catch up with all I've missed and am working on some new paintings and the launch of Creative Adventures ~ my new e-zine.

Where are you going on holiday this year?

Niki
xxx

Birthday Goodies!

2008-05-02T15:50:00.006+01:00

Yesterday I turned 28!
It was a fun day filled with wonderful surprises, birthday cake and fun.

The day started off with pressies (Lot's of lovely deep edge canveses, watercolour paper, goodies from Tascha's shop and Golden's acrylic paints) from hubby and a nice kiss from Ellie lol. Then I went out to meet Mum and a friend for coffee and some pressie opening. As we sat their chatting I noticed the bookshop next door, (which had closed down) was clearing out all their fixtures and fittings and their lovely bookcases caught my eye. I went over and managed to get a great deal for a bookcase and they gave me a card stand too.

They kindly delivered it to my home straight away, how cool is that! Hubby will be putting the bookcase up in my studio tonight so I will be able to share pics and maybe even a new video with you showing the new look studio very soon.

So after all that fun, it was back home for the afternoon. Some work, play time with Ellie and a lovely Lush bath. (Tickled Pink Bath Bomb and Flying Fox Shower Gel, yummy)

Hubby was home by 6pm and we took Ellie for a walk and then went to Mum and Dad's for dinner.
Other pressies included some art books, dvd's and golden fluid acrylics.

I'm so pleased, now I have lot's of new supplies to make more goodies for you.

Talking of goodies, since it was my birthday, I have decided to offer you a special on my Cupcakes painting. If you purchase the original you will get 1 set of 5 printed greetings cards and a print of 'Home'. Simply go to my Etsy store and add the message 'I love cupcakes' at checkout.

Happy Weekend!
Niki
xxx

Sing Print Now Available!

2008-04-24T18:09:00.003+01:00

Sing Fine Art Print
8 x 10"

Available Now at Etsy.

Niki
xxx

Sing Mixed Media Original Painting

2008-04-16T15:48:00.005+01:00

Sing
Mixed Media Collage Painting
Deep Edge Canvas

6" x 6"

Click here to buy now.

Thanks for looking!
Niki
xxx

Mixed Media Note Cards

2008-04-11T15:06:00.005+01:00

Hi Everyone,
I've just added new mixed media art print note cards to my Etsy store.
You can choose from a set of 5 cards or buy them individually.

Click here to view & purchase.

Niki
xxx

Chocolate Town

2008-04-10T16:15:00.005+01:00

Hi Everyone, I have just added these new goodies to my Etsy shop:

Chocolate Town
14 x 10"
Mixed Media Painting
on deep edge canvas.

Click here to buy now.

Spring Garden
ACEO Print

Click here to buy now.

Thanks for looking!
Niki
xxx

New ACEO's

2008-04-09T10:47:00.004+01:00

Hi Everyone
Just wanted to let you know I've added 4 new ACEO Limited Edition Prints to my Etsy Store.

Peace, Coffee, Snow Day & Cupcakes.

Check them out here.

Niki
xxx

Trunkt!

2008-04-08T16:38:00.004+01:00

I am delighted to announce that my art work has been accepted by Trunkt!
Click below to view my portfolio :D

www.trunkt.org/vintageartist

Niki
xxx

New Prints In The Shop!

2008-04-04T15:30:00.004+01:00

Just wanted to let you all know I added two more prints to my Etsy store: "Cupcakes" and "Snow Day" and you can now view pictures of what each print looks like framed and see examples of what the originals and prints look like in real homes!

Check out my Etsy store and see all the new goodies:
CLICK HERE.

Cupcakes - Original Mixed Media Painting

2008-04-01T13:08:00.003+01:00

'Cupcakes'

10" x 10" deep edge canvas

Mixed Media

Click here for more info and to purchase.

Thanks for looking!

Have a great day.

Niki

xxx

Snow Day Original Painting

2008-03-30T14:47:00.003+01:00

Snow Day
5 x 4"
Mixed Media

This fun painting was inspired by the snow we had all over Easter weekend and my beautiful Dalmatian puppy Ellie had her first outing in the snow which was lot's of fun.

Here's Ellie sitting next to a snowman.

Click here to buy.

Niki
xxx

Peace - Art Print

2008-03-27T11:20:00.003Z

Ella is an angel sent to bring peace to all. She loves to comfort and restore.

Available Now in my Etsy shop here.

Niki
xxx

Art Talk Radio - Our First Guest Is...

2008-03-27T10:30:00.002Z

Sleepy BunBun by Tascha.

Hi Everyone, I am so excited to announce that our first guest on Art Talk Radio is going to be Tascha from Time With Tascha!!!

Tascha will be live on our show on Monday 31st March at 11am central, 12 est.

I will be asking Tascha questions about her art and would love for you to take part too, so please email me your questions for Tascha and I will try to have them included in the interview.
Please email your questions to: jackson.niki@googlemail.com

Niki
xxx

Ellie

2008-03-26T14:13:00.002Z

I've been playing with my new camcorda so I can learn how to use it properly before making some fun new How-To videos for you all. So here is a very short video of Ellie our puppy. Enjoy!

Niki
xxx

Snow Days

2008-03-25T18:01:00.006Z

Well we had snow all over Easter which was great fun, especially walking Ellie in it. Her first time in the snow and boy she did not like it lol.

This is Ellie in our back garden trying to make a run for it to go back indoors lol! We are off to puppy training tonight, it'll be our second class, I'm looking forward to it.

Niki
xxx

Happy Easter!

2008-03-21T21:32:00.002Z

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter Weekend and don't eat too much choccie ;)

Niki
xxx

What I'm Working On...

2008-03-19T14:34:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

Here are the paintings I've been working on and the new one I just started:

"Peace" All finished, just need to spray varnish the sides.

"Spring Garden" This is in response to Illustration Friday's prompt 'Garden'. I still have some work to do on this one.

This one I just started today!

Niki

xxx

Yay! My New Toy Has Arrived!!!

2008-03-18T14:53:00.001Z

Hi Everyone
I am so excited my new camcorda just arrived so I will now be able to do videos with sound and you will actually be able to see me lol

Now I've just got to figure out how it works!

My first offline class went really well today, I taught a class on basic sewing and it was great fun. If you would like to take a class with me but would prefer online I am now offering classes. I have two available atm which you can sign up for and I plan to do more in the coming months.

Here is the link: http://vintageniki.typepad.com/my_weblog/online-classes.html

If you would like to suggest a class please feel free to leave me a comment.

Have a great day!

Niki
xxx

Coffee

2008-03-18T14:50:00.001Z

Coffee - yummy hot coffee ready for you to enjoy!

"Coffee" Now For Sale on my Ebay

Niki
xxx

Quick Update

2008-03-16T15:18:00.001Z

I just wanted to let you know that I am moving all my art to my Etsy shop and will have all my website content now here at this blog.

I decided I needed to simplify it all and this seemed the best solution, you can reach this blog by using any of my urls:

http://www.thevintageartist.com
http://www.vintageartist.co.uk
http://thevintageartist.co.uk

I have two new paintings on the go right now which is really exciting, one is virtually finished and the other has a bit more work to do. They are going to be my entries for our local Art Exhibition in April but I will be offering them as prints at my Etsy store and more origianl paintings will be ready very soon.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Niki

xxx

Art Class Info

2008-03-12T15:20:00.001Z

Thanks so much to everyone who responded about my art and craft classes! Here is all the info you need on the classes available and how to sign up:

http://vintageniki.blogspot.com/2008/03/online-art-craft-classes.html

Niki
xxx

Art Classes Now Starting!

2008-03-10T15:22:00.001Z

Hi Everyone

I have been talking for a while now about starting up online art and craft classes and now I'm ready to offer them to you.

Our first class will be on 'How to make vintage greeting cards'.

You will be shown how to create your own vintage card designs via a private blog, with video lessons, printable worksheets and access to ask me questions at any time.

What I need to know from you is would you prefer:

1 card design covered in one lesson which you can access at any time.

4 card designs taught 1 per week, accessible at any time.

Please let me know by leaving me a comment below.

Thanks I can't wait to get started!

Niki
xxx

I'm Featured on Vintage Indie!

2008-02-13T15:43:00.001Z

You can now find my tutorials at Vintage Indie, a fab site for people who love independant design especially vintage items!

Check out the site here:
Niki

xxx

Original Painting 'Coffee' Now Available

2008-02-11T15:49:00.000Z

Hi! I am finally getting back on track and am very happy to announce that my mixed media painting 'Coffee' is now available to purchase on my Etsy shop: http://vintageniki.etsy.com

I am also offering fine art prints of my paintings and 'Coffee' is available to purchase now from my Etsy shop.

I'll be back in the studio painting this week and hope to have some new paintings available very soon.

Niki
xxx