Pumpkin window painting

I don't too many windows for fall but the Southwest Diner in Boulder City always has me do their's up for Fall. 

They do a really cute job of decorating the outside of their building.

I tend to paint really large items so its easily seen as a person drives by.  Too many small items can just look cluttered.

They like to keep them up until it's time or snowmen so its just pumpkins...no jacks. 

They have outdoor dining so this is one busy door.  It takes a while with all the interruptions.  

P.S.  They have really good home-style food.  I highly recommend them.  

Best Dam BBQ

It's a busy weekend in Boulder City, NV for Memorial Day.  The Best Dam BBQ Challenge will be in full swing Saturday with the barbecue contest, kid's fun zone full of activities, a car show, great BBQ meals for sale and more.  What could be a better way to spend National BBQ Month?  Just click on the link above for more information and details.  

We'll be there for the BBQ contest and we hope to do well and hear our name at awards.  

Barbecue will still be on the schedule on Monday, we'll be cooking for others for the holiday.  

Art in the Park Almost Here

It's almost here!  This is one of the best craft shows in the western United States I'm telling ya.  It's always been a favorite of mine whether I've had a booth space or just shopping.  

The first full weekend of October is a great time of year and this year will be no exception.  We're expecting some great, cooler fall weather in the upper 70's...perfect to get everyone into the fall spirit.

This year we are not in a normal space...but don't fear...we are just across the aisle in spaces 385-386 still bringing you some fantastic crafts for Halloween, Harvest, Christmas and everyday.  

This year we are offering free personalization of most any item we offer including ornaments, gifts, yard decor and more.  Oh, and don't forget we take credit and debit cards as well for your convenience.  Are you excited yet?!  I know we are...and we can't wait to see you October 5 & 6 at the parks in down town Boulder City.  

And just in case you can't wait...here is a few sneak peeks to get you motivated to come see us. 

Art in the Park 2011

I just realized I never shared pictures with you from Art in the Park.  It was a good show for us again.  We love the spot we have, and have been fortunate to have the same spot for the last 5 years.   This year we rented tents instead of setting up our own...good move.  We sold out of everything tall/large or on a post.   Enjoy the pictures and please continue to shop with us, we really appreciate it.

Show and Tell Friday

Join us this weekend in Boulder City for Art in the Park.  It looks like it's going to be great weather and the parks will be full of fabulous artists and crafters for your shopping pleasure.

We'll be in the same space as the last 4 years (393-394) in Bicentenial Park...you know...the park with the playground and the gazebo.  It will be the row to shop...Kathy Hafen from Heartfelt Treasures, Rachel Whiting with For All Seasons, and us (Crystal, Diane and Autumn) Twiddlebugz are all on the same row.  Good times will be had for sure.

Mention you read this blog post and receive 10% off your purchase with us. 

We hope to see you there!

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Come out to Boulder City for the Best Dam BBQ Challenge!  There is lots to do out there.  Not only is there a BBQ contest  (we're cooking in it this weekend), but there is also a kid's zone, classic car show, Antiques in the Park, and more going on.  So get out there, eat some yummy BBQ and enjoy your day.  Here is the link that will give you all the information you need. 

Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend everyone!  Give praise and support to all of our military personell, past and present!

The New Southwest Diner Sign

This week I spent 2 long, long, long days in Boulder City repainting the sign for the Southwest Diner. Can I tell you its much taller than it looks.  Fortunately, Monday's weather worked with me for a pleasant day of 90 degrees and slight breeze.  I'm so thankful for that since I spent 11 hours crawling around on scaffolding.  I repainted all the red, taped off, and repainted the white 'restaurant' lettering, and removed the old neon tubing that didn't work anymore on  Monday.  A boom lift was ordered and I went back out on Wednesday to finish the sign.   It was hot on Wednesday and barely a breeze...and after two full days in the sun I have the burn to prove it.  I'm thankful for the boom lift, it let me work at any height I needed to.  I felt much safer as well with a cage around me.   I had precut letters at home so I traced them onto the sign and began the masking off process.  It seems like the longest part.  Several coats of paint were layed down, tape was removed and I outlined the lettering and added a little detail to fill and 'cute it up' a little (according to Cindy).  Now the sign looks great from both sides, it's nice, bright and refreshed...and way better than the old banner they had attached to the sign.  Both the owner and I are very pleased with the way it turned out.  P.S.  I suggested vinyl lettering for the lit sign with address underneath.  It will be a cleaner look when it's backlit.

Holiday Windows in Boulder City

This year I had the opportunity to paint windows for Momma Ford's and the Southwest Diner in Boulder City.  I had done some sign painting for Cindy previously and was glad to work with her some more.  Snowmen were the theme for the bakery and then just some holly for the diner so it didn't distract from the fun display she already had.  I think they turned out pretty good but I still need to find a way to streamline my work.

A Busy Weekend

Things are going to be crazy this weekend so just in case I don't get to it...I wish all the moms I know a Happy Mothers Day! The sacrifices mom's make for their children is something to behold. Our kids (and sometimes hubbies) never know what we are willing to give up, share, or do for them to make ends meet or make dreams come true. Happy Mothers Day!

Yes, this is a busy weekend around here. It starts tonight with a fundraising dinner for my nieces' Girl Scout troop. It's a mystery dinner like we used to do for Boy Scouts. It will be lots of fun for those who attend...and good food to boot. Saturday I have a board meeting in Boulder City for the ATV Club, but first I will drop off my car on the west side of town (I live on the east side of the valley) to car pool with other board members...that way I can hop in my car and head to the company picnic on the far northwest end of town. Timm is striping the pastures for parking this morning. Ahhh, I remember the days when our Scout troop worked the event...now I just have to show up and have a good time. It's going to be a hot one this year though so lots of water will be consumed by all. Kids will love the bounce houses, games, and petting zoo. Adults will love the band, booze, food and more. Sunday will take us back to the Lutz home to cut down a couple of palm trees near the pool that are starting to effect the block wall. Should be plenty interesting, scafolding will be involved. It's a favor in return since we had friends come cut down 11 trees in January. And of course I need to see my mother on Sunday...I made her a cool gift this year I think she will really like. Its an altered art scrabble board with everyone's names on it. It still needs a ribbon. I will finish my weekend at our oldest son's house with a BBQ for Mother's Day...and their wedding anniversary. I still need to finish that piece today. So.....I guess I'd better get to it and get my projects completed. See you all on Monday.

Today, I am a sign painter...

Now, I paint signs and word boards all the time. But I have to tell you I never thought it would lead to this.

What a week it's been. I was commissioned to paint a sign on the side of a building in Boulder City for the diner that was moving to a larger location (can you guess which one?) I started painting last Friday, got rained out. Went over on Saturday, got some of the bottom row of checkerboard on, got rained out in a big way. Got all my stuff picked up and in the car, took one more look and all the red was running down the side of the building. GEEESSHH! So I scrubbed off all my work for the day and drove home soaked to the bone. I spent the rest of my day under my minky blanket crocheting.

Sunday was a good day though. I got all of the stuff up on the wall without much delay. Rain spit off and on all day, really threatened a few times, cold, cloudy, and windy but at least the wind helped the paint to dry. I was on the scaffolding until 6:30pm painting in the dark and cold but at least it was up on the wall. My fingers were so cold I could barley feel them. I was stiff and cold for sure. Timm said I didn't even move all night.

Thursday between the storm clouds I finished all the details to create some depth and dimension and TAH-DAH! Here it is finished! I really need to get a better photo, these are with my phone. The details don't show up at all in the pictures. My car helps to give you an idea of how big it truly is.

And yes, I was up and down this scaffolding what seemed to be about a million times. Dropping tape, pencils, standing back to look, get another paint, up to the top, down and off to the bathroom, lunchtime, climb up to the top again...well, you get the picture.

All the work is by hand...mostly free handed. The owner loves it and I have to say I feel pretty good about it. If you're in Boulder stop by and have lunch...it's pretty tasty.