Fall is in the air… my favorite time of the year. It brings thoughts of the New England Painting Conference and the glorious fall foliage on the east coast. Many of you were in New England and enjoyed the fall colors and painting with your favorite teachers and shopping the trade show. I so wanted to be there, but other responsibilities had to be met and we could not come. I love New England. As many of you have heard me say "in another life I know I lived in New England". I was at NET in heart and spirit. Like the "HOOT" ladies, the "New England" ladies do a remarkable job of sponsoring a wonderful show and conference each year… all for the love of our art form. Hats off to each volunteer that helps at a conference.

Are you ready for a new Folk Art Journal? It is that time again… so nice to settle in for a good visit with my "folk art friends". There is "much to share" in this issue of the Journal. Pull up a comfy chair and let's begin.

The term "multitasking" has taken on a whole new meaning in my life in the past few months. I have certainly felt the need of cloning myself. It has all been good, just so busy my life was out of control. That is not always a bad thing. Life continues to present both new and challenging events that turn out to be very good.

The new book "TWO FOLK ART FRIENDS" Rosemary West and I completed weeks and weeks ago has arrived!!! It was a long time coming… the waiting seemed much longer than it actually was. Bumps in the road with the printing equipment happened over and over again. None of "the bumps" could be foreseen or prevented. Both the publisher, Rosemary and I very grateful it is finally here.

EXCITING PLANS FOR 2015     Work on a second book is now in progress. It will be released in February at the Vegas Creative Painting Conference. The Christmas themed book "Della and Friends" will be going to the printer in November. There will be six contributing artist: Rosemary West, Maxine Thomas, Shara Reiner, Lynne Andrews, Jane Allen and me. It will be filled with wonderful new ideas on both larger pieces and ornaments. With this group of artists it will be a remarkable book.

NOTE: We just discovered an error in the book for the number of the Victorian Cone Ornaments. The correct number is FT-2216. Please make a note in your book.

NEW ON THE WEB     We added a number of new patterns by Rosemary West you will want to see.

OUT OF PRINT BOOKS     Some of the out of print books are sold out, but we still have some titles available. The numbers on the book list has changed. Email me the titles you would like to order and I will return the information the same day to let you know what is available. Click here for the book list. It is thrilling to know that many of you share an interest in the" birth and evolution of Folk Art" as we know it today. There are scores of books printed before many of us were using Crayolas.

We are so blessed to have the tools with which to do our craft. Those ladies were handicapped is many ways. Think how your creative spirit is nurtured by local teachers, seminars, magazines, numerous painting conferences and endless supplies to choose from.

These books are rich with the history of the birth of decorative painting in the United States.

"REALITY CHECK TIME"    Have you started your Christmas painting yet? No? Christmas is less than three months away!!! There is still time to complete some "awesome" projects for gifts and for decorating your home. Gifts and decorations created by you are a special "gift from the heart". Friends and family are thrilled when they receive a painted treasure. Our "Trick or Treat SALE" started a couple of days ago. The prices are terrific with many great bargains on tin that can be used for your holiday gifts. Don't delay there are no rain checks and the sale is good for in stock merchandise only. DellaAndCompany.com

Yes, the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY 2ND ANNUAL FOLK ART SEMINAR is in Fredricksburg, Texas and it will once again be in the spring of 2015. Rosemary West, the most popular folk artist in Texas will once be teaching the seminar in March or April of 2015.

Fredericksburg is a small western town and was founded by German immigrants. The flavor of the German settlers is still evident in the little town today. The small towns in the area are equally as quaint and have great antiquing and shopping opportunities.

I will be sending the information out soon. If you are not one of my Facebook Friends please consider becoming my friend as I will be posting information there as soon as I have the date set. So you will have a heads up before I send out the "official" letter to my mailing list. You will be able to connect to the link that has information as it becomes available. I expect the group to be larger this year and those that attended last year will be given first choice. If you, your chapter members or other painting friends would like to be added to the seminar mailing list please have them send an email to FolkArtTin@aol.com .

MORE NEW PLANS FOR 2015   I confess I am always on "fast forward" creating new ideas. And many of these will be unrolled in 2015 if not before. I have a "partner in crime" Jane Allen to help me with all the new plans. She is organized, great idea person, keeps me focused and on track with the project at hand… not multiples as I do now.

She is doing her best to teach me to prioritize and follow the logical order of progress on projects. I know that, but I cannot put my mind in the slow lane or on idle either.

Until the next journal remember to "think with your heart" life is much more fun when you do.

Sending you a warm hug, Della

DellaAndCompany.com
Email: Della@DellaAndCompany.com
5208 Lake Charles Dr.
Waco, Texas 76710
Phone: 254-772-6927