Nebraska artist making a career out of Halloween | ksdk.com | St. Louis, MO

Nebraska artist making a career out of Halloween | ksdk.com | St. Louis, MO

Laurie Hardin of Monkey Cats Studio- NBC Interview

Big Congratulatory High Fives for Laurie Hardin of Monkey Cats Studio as she does it again! Last year was a CBS interview and this year it is NBC! What is next for this talented artisan?

~Click Below Picture to go to video or read interview below~

(10/27/2009) By Dennis Kellogg - If you are struggling to carve out a scary face on your pumpkin for Halloween, there's a woman in Kearney who can probably give you a few helpful tips. NEWS 5's Dennis Kellogg introduces us to this artist who focuses on Halloween twelve months a year.

There is something about Halloween that brings out the artist in Laurie Hardin.

"I have always liked Halloween," said Hardin.

Laurie has taught college art classes, and served as the curator of the Museum of Nebraska Art. Her focus, though, has shifted from landscapes to frightening shapes.

"I do Halloween year round. It is a theme I do. There are huge Halloween collectors out there and they are always looking for something new, something a little bit different," Hardin said.

She has developed a series of orange pumpkin figures called the "Pumpkin Boys." Then there are the white pumpkin sculptures she calls the "Lumina Brothers."

They tend to be a little mischievous.

"Each one of these figures has its own very unique story, including this guy, who bears a striking resemblance to someone in Laurie's family," said Hardin. "I got it finished and I showed a photograph to my sister and I said, 'Who does this remind you of?' And she said, 'That looks like dad.' And I said, 'It does look like dad.' So it is the only figure that I have decided that I am going to keep."

Laurie has to create a story for a figure before she can even think about beginning her work with the paper mache clay.

"I have to develop a story for the figure to let the figure evolve. The facial features, the smile on the face, the position of the body, what the figure is dressed like, what he is carrying, what he is wearing. All those little elements kind of create who that little figure is going to be," said Hardin.

Once Laurie has created her vision, she goes to work in her kitchen studio. She roughs out a basic head and body form. Then focuses on the details which make each work one–of–a–kind. That can take hours.

"And then all of a sudden you realize, oh gosh, the sun is setting. I guess it is time to quit or think about making some supper," said Hardin.

Since she started about a year and a half ago, Laurie has made nearly 200 unique Halloween figures. They have been purchased by collectors across the country. And Laurie said she is in no danger of running out of new Halloween characters to create.

"There is always something in Halloween land. There is always some new creature or some new story that comes out," said Hardin.

That's why for Laurie Hardin, every day is Halloween.

Laurie recently returned from an exclusive Halloween art show in California called "Halloween and Vine." Halloween collectors flew in from across the country — and she sold almost every one of the pieces she brought with her.

If you would like to check out more of Laurie's works, we have a link to her blog on our web channel at http://lauriehardinsaccents.blogspot.com/

*****STJ WILL BE DOWN***

***ALERT***

STJ will be down (approx 24 hours) for server migration starting 9pm (EST) Tonight! Due to the overwhelming traffic the site has been experiencing we need to move to a dedicated server to accommodate the traffic and make things flow better during these high traffic times. Thank you for your patience and most certainly for your support that has made this enhancement necessary.

All updates on the migration can be found here on our blog and on our Facebook Fan Page

are you ready for some amazing news!?!

we have...not 1, not 2, not even 3...

but 4, yes FOUR, off the charts talented artists joining our Spookytime Jingles family in November! November is for giving thanks and we are SO thankful for these amazing artists!

wooOoohOooooo!

come on...we'll introduce you! (click on their names to visit their blogs!)

welcome

Debra Schoch of HopHopJingleBoo

debra creates pure magic out of paper mache. take a peek at her fabulous creations...you can't help but fall in love!

welcome

Sheila Bentley of PrimDolly

sheila creates the most MAGNIFICENT halloween art dolls. don't they just make you want to pull up a chair and have a conversation with them!? amazing details and so much character...

welcome

Jackie Lauger of Fat Jak Originals

i have had the happy pleasure of meeting jackie in person and she is just as delightful as her art! Her whimsical holiday art will bring a smile to your face EVERY single time!

and please welcome

Bonnie from Studio of Bonnie Jones!

Bonnie's amazing sculptures will absolutely mesmerize you. the attention to detail...the life like features...ooooh so gorgeous! have a look...

so, just in case you needed any MORE, here are 4 more reasons to check out SpookyTime Jingles in November! such an exciting time!! not to mention that Halloween is just a few short days away. spooky JOY!

thanks for stopping by everyone. 3 cheers for SpookyTime Jingles!

Full Update Now Playing!

Go do the STJ circuit to see ALL of the updated Goodies!

September's Door prize Winners Announced!

Winner of Gourdqueens delight is...... LuLu Kellogg (Multiple Buyer)



Winner of Lisa's delight is......Greg Holtkamp (BUYER)



Winner of Elaine's delight is...... Sue Mc Gee (Buyer)



Winner of Marie's delight is...Michelle Kelsey (Blog badge Program)



Winner of Pam's delight is......Kim Wagner (Multiple Buyer)





Winner of Susie's delight is......Donna DePond (BUYER)




Winner of Suz's delight is......Pam Baxter (Random Entry)





Winner of Suz's delight is......Celeste Sosnowski (BUYER)




Congrat's to all winners! The Artist's will be given your contact information within 3 days, so expect contact then. Thank you!

Scott Smith of Rucus Studio is in the STJ house!

That is right...
We are hosting quite possibly the
King of Halloween, Scott Smith of Rucus Studio!

Here is a peek at just one of his off the charts pieces!



Please take a moment to visit our artisans as always and to also be sure to stop by Scott's Halloween & Christmas pages to see some amazing goodies.

*******Links Below*******

Scott's Halloween Page


Scott's Christmas Page

Door Prize Winners will be announced.........

Want to know who won a door prize..? Was it you? Could be!

Winners announced in the afternoon of the 13th!

STAY TUNED!

Vague Surprise Guest Artist Hint!

SpookyTime is here..are you ready?

More sneak peeks!

Also, if you are waiting for the Surprise Guest Artist Sneak Peeks, it will be a lil later than usual. We really want to keep you waiting for this one. No one will believe it and we do not want word to get out too soon ;)

SpookyTimeJingles - October 13 - Get Ready for HALOWEEN!

At the stroke of midnight, October 13, (eastern time) SpookyTimeJingles will update with awesome new treasures to add to your collections!

Just a blurry tease this month.....



however, you'll see CLEARLY at the hour of midnight when the website updates! So have some coffee and stay by your computer to catch some of the treats before they disappear!

Create your own Candy Buffet

As we all know CANDY is truly the "reason for the season", this year why not try setting up a scrumptiously sweet candy buffet for your ghoulish guests to enjoy.

Here are 5 tips for creating a Sweet B Style Candy display:

1. Color Scheme - Try selecting a color scheme for your buffet, and select items that will match and compliment it. Orange and black are traditional, but how about pink and orange ,Orange and white, lime green black and white..... a ghostie buffet could be black and white, fall colors of brown, orange and red may also look stunning! 2. Fabric underlay - Use fabric yardage to create a colorful underlay for your display. Textured fabrics such as brocades, satins and sequence will sparkle under candlelight. Use fabrics that match or compliment your color scheme - bunch, drape, and layer for even more texture and interest.

3. Containers - Use containers of various heights and shapes to hold candy. Thrift stores are great resources for glass jars, vases, bowls and cake stands. Make sure each jar that you fill has a spoon or scoop for people to help themselves.

4. Organize - organize your candy by shape, color, size, or type. Don't create a "Hodge-podge", keep clean lines and make sure candy is accessible and easy to reach.

5. Height - One tall centerpiece or candy container will draw the eye and "make a statement". Mount painted branches in a vase, fill a tall jar with giant lollipops, or stack pumpkins high for best visual impact.

To see more pictures of MY candy Buffet,

and have a chance to win one of three great prizes,

visit the Sweet B Folk Art Blog

- Amelia Schaefer

Sweet B Folk Art

Proud Member of STJ!