contest | Celebrate365

Folk Artist Susan Vanderhoek Designs Like a Star!

Susan Vanderhoek, folk artist and member of American Holiday Artists (aHa) is the winner of the 2009 Design Like a Star contest sponsored by Artistry of Poland and Celebrate365.

Susan’s Design Like a Star Victorian Whimsy Santa is now available exclusively at the Celebrate365 store. The ornaments is 5″ high, handcrafted in Poland and retails for $54. It will be a part of Artistry of Poland’s 2010 collection.

Meet this talented artist as she talks with C365 publisher, Connie Porcher.

Susan Vanderhoek
Seasonal Whimsies

Susan Vanderhoek's Halloween "Squashman"

Do you sell your work directly to collectors? If not, how can collectors find your things?

I sell directly to collectors through eBay at aHa Art (seller id seasonalwhimsies). I also accept orders and commissioned work. In addition, my work is available at Spencer’s Alley in Salem, Oregon and at Season’s Greetings in Houston.

Will you be doing any holiday shows in November or December?

I will be selling items at Blackberry Junction in Albany, Oregon in November and at Spencer’s Alley.

What kinds of things do you create?

I focus upon holidays. I love everything about Christmas so I create ornaments, Santas and snowmen. Halloween is my second favorite. I enjoy creating fun and spooky things for the season, especially pumpkins and witches.

I work with large gourds and paper clay the most. I enjoy the entire sculpting process from beginning to the end. I am constantly amazed when everything falls into place to create a one of a kind piece.

How would you describe your style?

I think my style is light hearted and whimsical. I am influenced by antique German paper mache Santas and Halloween pieces. Hopefully my pieces spark the childlike wonder of those old things.

Do you have any formal training?

I have taken some art education classes. I take classes from other accomplished artists online. I am interested in all kinds of art and plan to continue learning new techniques and methods.

How long have you been doing this?

I have been sculpting for 9 years now.

What honors have you received?

I have been honored to appear in Celebrate365 magazine and recently won the Design Like a Star contest held by The Artistry of Poland and Celebrate365. The winning design is a sculpted Victorian Santa Claus ornament.

It’s Time for a Mad Tea Party!

We all love prizes! Here’s a wonderful opportunity to explore and meet some of today’s innovative folk artists. As you explore and visit the wealth of blog sites, you’ll have the opportunity to enter your name into drawings for prizes. Sounds like a win-win opportunity, doesn’t it?

I plan to enter. How about you? Have fun at the party!

Click the image to begin your exploration.

It’s Time to Share! Holiday Visions 2008

New York City Central Park 4″ ball ornament Michael Storrings for Landmark Creations Retail Value: $104	All good things must come to an end. It’s time to pack away your Christmas ornaments and decorations for another year. But before you do that, I’d love for you to share your Christmas displays with Celebrate365. Why not share the joy of Christmas in your household with others throughout the world? Need a little nudge? How about PRIZES? Holiday designers and stores have provided the holiday items shown below. Send in your Christmas images and your name will be entered into the prize drawing.
New York City Central Park Set of Coasters Michael Storrings for Landmark Creations
	If you have digital images of your Christmas tree and holiday displays – indoor and out – please send them to holidayvisions@gmail.com. We’ll post your images on our web site at www.holidayvisions.org. You’ve spent hours, days, weeks decorating. Your creations just might inspire others! Here’s what to do. Cinnamon Bear Landmark Creations for Spode
Send up to 10 images to holidayvisions@gmail.com Include your first name, last initial and state (country) for identification on the web site. Provide a suitable caption or explanation for each image that you send.Spode Blue Willow TeapotLandmark Creations for Spode
	That’s it. We’ll do the rest! Images must be received by FEBRUARY 28. Winning names will be drawn on MARCH 1. If you are among the lucky winners, Celebrate365 will email you for your shipping information. What could be easier? Share your holiday displays, inspire others and win great prizes!
Spode Stocking Landmark Creations for Spode Velvet, 18″	Winners will be selected by random drawing for the prizes shown. Thank you to Landmark Creations for donating all of the prizes shown on this page.

Artistry of Poland Announces Contest Winner!

Artistry of Poland owners, Sue Myal and Sue Sprunk, along with last year’s contest winner David Blair, have selected a winner in the 2008 Design Like a Star ornament contest. The judges have selected “Victorian Valentine” as this year’s winner.

Kelly Ryan, a Celebrate365 subscriber from Minnesota, submitted the design concept. “I’m embarrassed to say my inspiration was a paper party napkin! I bought them years ago and just loved the little cherub so I saved one,” Ryan explained. “I liked the rich colors and the elegant style so when the contest came about I dug out my box of stuff and found the napkin. I think it makes a beautiful Christmas ornament.”

Artistry of Poland agreed! Myal and Sprunk based their selection upon their overall business plan. “Since we are always searching for the ultimate design to include in our collection it should have general appeal without giving in to the ordinary,” Myal explained. “We also think about marketing,” she continued. “Who will buy it? Where will we sell it? Has anyone ever inquired about a design like this”

Clay model of Ryan’s design.
The clay model creates the 3-dimensional detail for the mold maker.

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