The Day After Christmas

I have a term for the days following Christmas - I call it "Christmas afterglow". It's the time when the hustle and bustle comes to an end and when we smile and reflect on our blessings. We had a water pipe burst the morning of the "day after Christmas" last year, so we missed out on that special time. In return, my living room has been completely redecorated from floors on up, so this was our first Christmas in a "new" living room.

We added one last piece for the year to our living room. When I saw the grape carvings in the woodwork, I was instantly in love.



As you can tell from my lack of blogging that it has been an unusually busy month. I worked on commissions right up until December 23, and had to turn down a few. I'm already booked into mid January, so please, if you know you want something, even a few months from now, contact me right away.

I look forward to bringing in the New Year with some close friends and getting ready for an art reception. I have some new art pieces that I can't wait to share.


This is one of my favorite pics of the season - my kids on Christmas Eve. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Our family is truly blessed.

Something stirring in the studio

Yep - something is stirring in the studio! While the family is nestled, all snug in their beds, visions of artistry is dancing in my head.

well, it was worth a shot.



I'm working on a new series for an upcoming show. Let's just say I hope it puts a smile on your faces during these cold winter months. I hope to have something to share soon.

Meanwhile - if you are planning on going to the Great Artists Collective anniversary party tomorrow, please take lots of pics and share them with me. We have had a change of plans and won't be able to make the drive down. I'm sad about missing this, but relieved to have more studio time.

Thanks for stopping by today and have a wonderful weekend!

Artist Meet and Greet in New Orleans

To my friends who will be in New Orleans this weekend, you are invited to celebrate with us at the Great Artists Collective on Royal Street in the French Quarter. Many of the artists will be there for you to meet in person.



The Great Artists Collective is at 815 Royal Street, just a few blocks from Jackson Square. My friend owns Royal Street Deli on the corner of Ann and Royal, just a few doors down from the gallery. They have wonderful red beans and rice. I can't wait to eat there again.

There will be numerous people from Northeast Louisiana visiting this New Orleans that weekend because two of our high schools are playing in the championship games at the Super Dome. I'm so excited to be able to visit the French Quarter during the Christmas Holidays.

Speaking of Christmas - the Christmas on the River Parade and events this past weekend were fun. Here are a few of the many photos I took.







Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful week.

Christmas on the River

Tomorrow is Christmas on the River in Downtown West Monroe. The festivies include a Chili Cookoff and the annual Christmas Parade. I had the honor of working with the Monroe-West Monroe Convention and Visitor's Bureau in designing and hand-painting the spoons that will be awarded as prizes for the cooking contest.





My daughter went with us to the Christmas on the River Sponsorship dinner. This is the adorable dress we found for only $32 at Burlington.



It wouldn't be a Christmas party without Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus.


The theme for this year's event is "Candyland Christmas", hence the delicious candy table.



What a fun way to start the Christmas Season! We have another party to attend this weekend, and in another week we start another theatrical production. Fa la la la la. Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Tis the Season

I'm barely getting in one more November blog post before the calendar page turns. It has been the most action packed month ever! We all enjoyed being involved with the Anne of Green Gables cast and crew the previous weeks. We chose the best ever performance to be involved with.

In the midst of performances, I participated in a well attended art event called "Art With A View". I had a room with a view on the 3rd floor of one of our city's beautiful buildings, right down the hall from several gallery coop members that I work with.



Unfortunately, I left my camera on the counter as we dashed out the door to this event. Thank goodness for friends with cameras and the good old cell phone. :)



I sold my Poppies from Oz, The Not in Kansas (Dorothy and the Dachshund), the Tinman and Scarecrow from my Cellphone Pics from Oz, but the biggest hit was the Bon Appetit Y'all Signs (you can see a couple in the right corner of the below pic)



I'm still filling orders for more signs while my Christmas tree is lighted yet undecorated. I've been hit physically with something that I'm not quite sure I caught at the theater or something that breezed my way the day after black-friday shopping. Hmmm....

I have more fun pics to share soon. Thanks for stopping by!

...and all is right with the world

We are getting down to our last three performances of Anne of Green Gables at the youth center. It's been an awesome experience in every aspect for all of us. We have all learned new things, have been stretched and have been amazed.

My daughter created the artwork that was used on the show poster. We put a quote from the play into the painting and offering raffle tickets to win the painting. That's her painting at the top of this post.

Meanwhile, I'm preparing for a huge local art show. Can't wait to post photos from that event. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

The Friday Goodies Go To...

It's Friday!!! Yipppee. Thank you to everyone that left comments on Melony Bradley's guest blogger post as well as Jacquards facebook page and my art studio facebook page. It's time to announce the winner of the giveaway. (drumroll) My daughter had the honor of picking a name...

The lucky winner is



Congratulations, Carol Bray! I will need your mailing address, so if I don't send you a message, be sure to contact me via my facebook page or at art@melaniedouthit.com.

Thanks everyone. Have a wonderful weekend!

Theater Art

My family has immersed itself into theater life thru the Christmas holidays. Our first production starts this weekend. Anne of Green Gables, at the young actors theater, starts this weekend. My daughter has her first speaking part in this play. Behind the scenes, hubby has been helping create the stage, while your truly has been creating faux wood panel walls, and (yikes) a mural! Here are a few photos from one of the rehearsals.





More pics from this production to come later. Today is catch up time in the studio. Thanks for dropping by and do NOT miss out on the Jacquard Paint giveaway I have on my blog post HERE. You have until early Friday, Nov. 11 to enter. I'll draw a name that morning.

Thanks for stopping by!

My First Guest Artist, and a Give-away!

I'm so excited to be welcoming my first ever guest artist on my blog today! Co-incidentally, she and I share very similar first names. In fact, what first connected us was when one of the craft magazines we both design for accidentally got our checks mixed up. How is that for happy accidents? You will love her beautiful creations. There is a give-away, too, so be sure to follow the instructions to double your chances of winning.

Fellow blog readers, I would like to welcome Melony Bradley as my first guest blogger.
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Tell us about yourself and who you design for.

On the professional side, I have been designing full time since 2004. On the personal side, I am newly single. I recently moved from the Memphis, TN area to the South Georgia area. Getting use to the mild seasonal weather is hard! But my family is here and they have been super supportive of my recent changes. I am also excited to be setting up a large studio here, however, so that is more silver lining. I primarily submit and write for print publications such as Stampington Pubs (Green Craft, Sommerset Life and Altered Couture), Crafts n Things and Create and Decorate to name a few. I had my first project published in Cloth Paper Scissors Gifts this year (excited!). I also work on a number of levels with Jacquard Products, a manufacturer of high quality paints, dyes and inks (and a lot of other cool stuff).



How did you get started in your creative journey.

In 1991, I sent a pair of halloween confetti earrings to the then-editor, Julie Stephani. She accepted them and I was stunned! I had a few other projects accepted but did not really know how to make the transition from the corporate world to the design world. I worked in marketing for about 20 more years. The experience the business work gave me was an invaluble part of my journey, which I am still on. After I was laid off from my corporate marketing job, I decided to take the plunge and combine my two loves in life- marketing and crafting. The first two years were spent mainly marketing myself, getting to know the creative industry and how I fit in. The next two years took off for me.



What advice would you give to artists that are trying to find their own style?

Experiment with a number of different styles until you find what seems to come easy to you. Don't give up. When finishing a piece, my test is "do I want to keep this?" If I know the answer is yes, then I know I have designed true to myself and style.




Another thing I do is design according to MY current decor style, fashion style, etc. If it doesn't fit, it was probably forced and that will show in your design work. If I have a vintage style decor theme, why would I be making a pillow in pink and orange? Design with your heart!

(Photos Courtesy of Melony Bradley)

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Thank you Melony! Melony has graciously offered a fun giveaway for my blog readers - a Lumiere Exciter Pack by Jacquard Products! The Lumiere Mini Exciter Pack contains eight 1/2oz bottles of Lumiere, a lustrous metallic paint that can be used on fabric, leather, paper and wood. Pack includes: Pearl Turquoise, Pearl White, Metallic Bronze, Halo Violet-Gold, Metallic Olive, Halo Pink-Gold, Pewter and Metallic Gold.



In order to have your name in the drawing, leave a comment below telling us which one of Melony's creations would you most likely want to create. And if you would like a second opportunity to be entered in the drawing, go to Melanie Douthit Art Studio's Facebook Page
, "Like" it if you haven't already, then look for the Lumiere Exciter Pack giveaway post and leave a comment there. One for one more chance at winning, go to Jacquard Products Facebook Page, "Like" it and leave a comment that says "Referred by Melanie Douthit Art Studio". Three ways to get your name in the drawing. You have until next Friday, November 11. I will be picking a winner after 8am central time and announcing on my blog and on facebook.

**note, if you have trouble leaving a comment on this post, please try another browser. I've also noticed that if you select "preview" , the comment goes through easier.**

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your weekend!

Art With a View

I'm still trying to figure out how to put the breaks on November. (smile). I need another 3 weeks of October, please.

It's been a busy week in the studio. Here is a peek of what I've been working on.



I'm also getting ready for an art fundraiser for the Monroe Symphony Orchestra. The event is called "Art With a View" and is held on several floors of a large office building. There will be art from numerous local and regional artists there, food and music. Doesn't that sound like fun? If you are local, please come. You can find info in the link.

If you missed the art blog hop, go to my previous post and visit the links of the artists listed. Be sure to leave a comment to let the artists know you stopped by. Have a wonderful day and thanks for reading today.

Lions and Tigers and Bears! Oh My!

First of all, today's post is part of a blog hop. At the end of this entry, be sure to see the links to continue on with your artsy reading.The blog hop was inspired by the friendships developed by various artists that recently took a creative business e-course by Kelly Rae Roberts. If you aren't familiar with Kelly, you will love her work. She recently offered the e-course"Flying Lessons: Tips and tricks to help your Creative Business Soar" where she shared everything she has learned in her journey into starting her own creative business. From that course, the participants (fellow creative people) have continued to network and share ideas. (thanks, Kelly!). This is our first blog hop!

What I'm sharing today is (Oh My) my newest crazy idea that I've named "Cell Phone Pictures from Oz". If you haven't figured it out, it's picture Dorothy would have captured on her cell phone if she had one. These are 5.5 x 2" wood blocks and perfect for kids rooms, or those that are still young at heart.














My last mini-pic to do will be the (you guessed it) ruby slippers! I mean, that IS what all the fuss was about, right?

Today is special for another reason - I'm featured blogger on EBSQ's Art Blog!

Enjoy your blog hopping and thanks for stopping by.


To continue to the next blog, visit Michelle Dwyer's Blog.


If you came across the hop by accident, here is a list of blogs to visit

Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/

Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com

Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/

Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/

Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/

Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com

Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/

Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org

Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/

Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com

Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com

Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com

Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com

Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/

Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com

Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/

Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/

Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/

Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com

Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/

Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com

Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/

Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/

Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html

Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org

Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/

Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/

Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/

Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/

Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com

Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/

Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa Michele Products:
http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/

Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/

Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com

Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com

Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com

Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/

Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com

Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/

Melanie Douthit: www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com

Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/

Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/

Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/

Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/

Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com

Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com

Sherry Richert Belul:
http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup

Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/

Stacey Chadwick
Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/

Susan M. Walls-Beverly:
http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com

Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/

Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/

Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/

Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog

Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/

Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com

Have fun!

I'll Sell Ya the Brooklyn Bridge...

I'm serious... I actually can say that I have the Brooklyn Bridge for sale. I created this 30" x 40" Brooklyn Bridge painting because I kept envisioning it. I've learned to just do it so you can move on to the next creative muse. I completed it this past summer just in time for a group show at an area Bistro. If you are interested, let me know. I've shipped paintings this large before via UPS and they've arrived safe and sound.



We had a very busy weekend and I think it will be that way for the next 8 weeks. We had dinner with friends while listening to the debut a new band our friends started, the Tommy Jaxson Band. We had dinner on the deck and the weather was perfect, as well as the music, food and company.



Then we had a tailgate party Sunday. I made cajun dressing (upper right corner and it was gobbled up). Our team cooked various items, including the bacon wrapped duck "popper" pictured in the bed of rice. (Can you believe this awesome plate of food only took 2nd place?)



My daughter has been asked to create a very special project, so I can't wait to show you that as it unfolds. Busy week ahead and lots of commissions to get done in addition. I hope to have something new to share soon. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by.

Friday Inspiration

It's a beautiful fall day. Yes, fall has finally arrived! Date night tonight with hubby and friends and a live band (yes). Sweater weather, spooky decorations in the neighbors yard at night, and sneaking halloween candy from the stash that is supposed to be for the treaters next week! Wish we could have October for a couple extra weeks!!

Just sharing a painting I completed this summer for a show. I love New Orleans in the fall.


"Cafe Dumonde" 30" x 24" acrylic on Canvas, by Melanie Douthit

Our downtown art crawl was last week. We had live music from the wonderful Amanda McDowell, and a huge crowd. Several people commented that the crowd we had was the largest ever. It was so much fun!


me and mindy

And I made the EBSQ Art Blog for Friday Five! Check it out!

I'll be working on more commissions next week and also something new a different. I'll update soon. Have a great weekend!

A couple of business firsts

I recently created some painting for the Franklin Medical Center Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser event. I included the images in this blog post. I was contacted two weeks ago by my contact at the hospital to tell me that my image made the front page of the Franklin Sun newspaper.



Since my painting was an honorable mention, this was a complete surprise. The event was the next week and when we walked in the door, we were greeted by this image:



The painting was used for a promotional poster that will hang in the lobby of the hospital. What an honor to have my art used to inspire others. The event was wonderful. The art was beautiful and the people, as always, were so friendly.



Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful Monday. :)

Friday Inspiration

Happy Friday! I just wanted to post something inspiriting today. One of the artists from my flying lessons course shared this with us and I love it.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. " ~ Martha Graham ~


And some visual inspiration!



This is "Happy Hour for Two", original painting by Melanie Douthit, 28" x 22" with gallery style framing.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by.

Another Day in the Vineyard

Last weekend was so special. For the first time ever, my hubby and I threw a joint birthday party. Our birthday parties are eleven days apart and for some reason we've never done this. It was so much fun. We held it at our local vineyard (I still can't believe we have a local vineyard!) that holds concerts through the season. This concert was an all doctor band, and my hubby works with some of the doctors in the band.



The weather was great and the fellowship was fabulous.



Our theme was "Mad Hatter n Alice" (why not?).




My daughter slid down a hill in the vineyard on a cardboard box (only after touring the vineyard at least twice). See my fleur des lis pewter dish? Can't you tell we love Louisiana!



Most of these photos were edited with my new favorite toy - befunky.com.

It's been a busy month and I don't see an end in sight, but that's a good thing. If you haven't found me on Facebook yet - please visit my page here.

Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

I Believe In Pink

I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles. ~Audrey Hepburn~


"Words to Live By" 20" x 20" by Melanie Douthit (Honorable Mention)

The Franklin Medical Center in Winnsboro, Louisiana is holding a silent auction to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness this week, Thursday, October 13. I created the above painting and the one below for the art competition. These paintings along with 8 others will be auctioned. If you would like to bid, they will take your bid via mail, website or phone. Call (318) 412-5265, Charlotte Boone. The website is www.fmc-cares.com. They are also on facebook. Bidding starts at $50.


"Pink: It's an Attitude" 22" x 28" by Melanie Douthit

Reposting from their facebook page: The winner and honorable mention will be used in a marketing and educational campaign to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.Funded with a grant from Northeast Central Louisiana Susan G Komen for The Cure we have begun a campaign at Franklin Medical Center to bring mammograms to more women in our communities. All of the art submitted and donated will be auctioned at the Gala on October 13th. Proceeds from the auction will placed in the "FMC Breast Cancer Awareness Fund." to provide mammograms to underinsured or uninsured women in our communities. We hope to see this fund continue to grow through generous donations from community members and future grants.

We provide digital mammography services right here in your community. Please schedule your mammogram today.

It was 2 years ago this month my my husband lost his cousin to Breast Cancer. We all know someone who has been touched by this disease. Please spread the word to your friends to get regular check ups.

Thanks for stopping by today!

A Beautiful Day in the Vineyard

We spent a beautiful day this weekend sitting outside with friends listening to a live Cajun band on the grounds of Landry Vineyards. It was so good to be outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures (finally).

I found some fun photo apps that I experimented with. My friend took this photo but when she saw the sun coming through behind us, she didn't think the pic would turn out. I was going thru the photos later and actually loved the effect. I used Instagram for the vintage look and frame.



For the photo collage, I used the PicFrame app. This is a fun one (thanks, Hilary!)


For the rest of the photos, I used a free online version of befunky.com. I love the effects you can create with it.


We loved the band!

I love taking pics with other "melanie's". :)


Girls, girls...


...and more girls.


...really love this effect. I think it was called grunge.

Do you have a favorite photo app? I'd love to hear about it. If you have a blog with pics showing what you've done, link 'em up here in the comments. I'd love to learn more creative things to do with photos. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week!