Scharff Brushes

Since Betty Byrd Brushes are no longer available in the market, Liz has been researching and trying out new brushes for the studio. She was introduced to the art brushes offered by Scharff Brushes and was immediately impressed with their excellent quality. The studio has since started ordering a selection of Golden Talkon and the new Bringle Blenders. We do have the #2 round Bringle Blender that we have needed for our portrait classes.
Scharff Brushes is a family owned business that has been in business since 1968.
They offer a wide selection of brushes for multiple mediums and to date their service has been courteous and prompt. We look forward to continuing our new relationship with them.
We still have some Betty Byrd brushes in stock. If you are interested in purchasing a few before they disappear, come in to Artful Endeavors and check out our supply.

Shabby Cottage Studio ~ Mixed Media Art Supplies

"Welcome to our world of mixed media, inspiration and imagination.....where we hope to offer a spark for your Creative Muse."

This is the welcome you receive at Shabby Cottage Studio, an online store that opened it's virtual "screen" door in October of 2007. The "Cottage" as Gail Schmidt refers to her store, sells mixed media, altered art and collage supplies. Not only have mixed media artists found this lovely store but decorative artists, scrapbookers and card makers alike. There is a little something for everyone.

As the brainchild of mixed media artist Gail Schmidt, Shabby Cottage Studio has become an umbrella for various artistic endeavors. One of these endeavors is Creative Workshops offering various online art classes. Opening in October of 2008 this site has already grown to over 700 members. Ever evolving, this site offers various teachers and workshops from which to choose, with more exciting teachers in the background creating new classes all the time.

One other endeavor of this busy business woman and artist is a monthly "Art Challenge Contest" you will discover on a blog called Mind Wide Open. This blog began as just a little idea and exploded with a life of it's own as artists answered the call. Here artists are challenged to not only create with the image and word prompt supplied each month by Gail, but to also carve out quality time to create for themselves.

Gail believes that while we as women artists often take care of everyone, we too often neglect ourselves. She says "For me the bottom line is....that you have fun. But just as important is that people are inspired enough to get in their studio, take time for themselves and create. I know some women artists feel guilty when they take time for themselves, so this is a good excuse to silence that guilty button if you have one. And that makes all of you winners."

So if you want to spark your creativity and kindle your inspiration visit all of Gail's exciting sites.

DecoArt a Leader in the Decorative Painting Industry

DecoArt is a supplier for decorative artists with a wide range of products from paints and brushes to new mediums and tools. Not only do they supply these products, but they are an excellent source of artist education and ideas. Just check out their website to begin a new experience in possibilities. Are you interested in trying out new textures or incorporating new stencils into your project? Both are great ideas for mixed media. Just playing with the products can expand your creative juices.

For product information check:
http://www.decoart.com/products/
For ideas and educational materials including color conversion charts check:

http://www.decoart.com/Tips/

Throughout the many years that I have been a customer of DecoArt, I have found them to be both dependable and reliable, always treating me respectfully and promptly addressing any questions. DecoArt is definitely pro decorative artist.

Artful Endeavors carries an extensive line of Americana paints, mediums and specialty products as well as DecoArt Traditions paints.

Painter's Paradise

Painter's Paradise is a supplier of products and surfaces expecially selected for the artists in the Decorative painting industry. Products include:

• Metal Plates and Trays
• Metal containers
• Wire Baskets with Wooden Lids
• Wood Pieces with interesting design
Specialty Easel Lamps
Decorative painting Supplies
Pattern Packets
Painting Books
Painting Seminars and Classes
Decorative Flameless Candles

Painter's Paradise was formed in 1998 by it's founders and current owner Jo Lutness. The company was positioned to supply unique products to the artists of the decorative painting industry and to provide services such as training classes and painting seminars to support the growth of decorative painting.

Now, Painter's Paradise sells products to shops and individuals all over the world as an online company.

Visit Painter's Paradise at www.paintersparadise.com

Rick Ward Photography

At the age of 16, I borrowed my brother's camera just for fun, a totally manual camera. His only instruction was to keep the needle in the middle to make a picture. When I picked up my prints from the lab, I was hooked. Over the next 25 years, I graduated from college, worked the 9 to 5 jobs, and made a living so I could finance my obsession with my photography hobby. After countless photography workshops, a correspondence photography school, and the school of hard knocks, I realized I could make a living doing what I love the most. Over 12 years ago, I started all over again with a career in photography and haven’t looked back. I look forward to every photographic opportunity from weddings to portraiture to commercial..........and above all, it is still my favorite hobby.


You'll find Rick behind a camera shooting portraits, weddings, commercial jobs, and of course his "first love" scenics. Look for more of Rick's slice-of-life photography at RickWardPhotography.blogspot.com and wedding celebrations at rickwardphotography.com.

Artful Origins

I been thinking that we need a blog page just for artful origins, a source where you will find information on artists, supplies, and surfaces. Many of you ask me about sources for art information and supplies, so I hope this site will be helpful, fun, and informative for you.

The links with some wonderful sources and artists are just getting lost on our main blog and need to be appreciated especially since we have access to an exciting world of art on the web.

I'll post links for interesting artists, painting supplies, surfaces, and unique items related to painting. I'll have interviews with artists and businesses for a personal view of their enterprise and their connections to art.

Also, You'll see creative blogs that I am watching. You find these in the right hand column. Let me know if you find artistic blogs that interest you.

Gail has been most helpful with designing this site. What a friend and a wealth of digital design information. We were both cross-eyed by the time it evolved, but we shared a cozy, warm, snowy mountain day cuddled in front of a computer screen. And I'm very pleased with our blog creation.

By the way, Gail will be a special featured artist/business coming soon! She is a great source for mixed media supplies, finished art, on line classes, and inspiration.

You've seen that I've drawn my first featured artist from close to home, my husband, Rick Ward and a wonderful photographer/artist. Be sure to visit Rick's blog for more of his slice-of-life photographs.

Watch as this site develops.