Category: Uncategorized

Hope Smiles For A New Year

“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘It will be happier’. – Lord Tennyson

So thankful for all the wonderful things that happened this past year!

As the year comes to a close, I find myself looking back. What have I accomplished? What were my failures? What have I learned and how have I grown from it?

Going in to 2019, I knew I’d be turning forty at the end of the year. So, I wanted to make the year as memorable as possible. I wanted to feel like I had accomplished something. I kept my eyes open for opportunity, took a chance on myself, worked hard, and I was not disappointed.

But first, let me rewind a little bit here! In 2011, I had my thyroid removed. I had two large painful nodules on it that were making me miserable. I suffered for years up to that point with pain and strange symptoms. Once my thyroid was removed, they found I had the beginnings of thyroid cancer. In the time leading up to that, I adopted the word ‘Hope’ as my mantra and the anchor was my symbol of strength (as in “I’m still here, hanging on”). Hope saw me through some extremely trying times.

To this day I hold onto hope tightly. But with hope, I know that you also have to work hard for it. Meaning it takes work to keep the faith that things will get better, all the while actually working to make it so.

My *llama painted rock* with the *blue ribbon* I won at the *State Fair Of Texas* for it

Though, I’ve had some wins throughout this past year, I also had a couple of losses. I’ve learned that it’s good to try new things, to put myself out there more, and that even the losses can be wins when you learn from them.

I look forward to what 2020 holds for me and my artwork and I hope you’ll come along for the ride! I expect good things!

My future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades!

Please, make sure to subscribe to my blog, so that you can follow me on my journey throughout this new year and beyond! Oh and Happy New Year! I hope you have a year full of joy and accomplishment!

You Can Learn More About Me And My Work Here

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

Christmas Market In Godley Texas

Godley‘s first ever Christmas Market is a fun event that will showcase handmade holiday gift items and more from local vendors!

On December 21st from 5:30-8 the Christmas Market will open and yours truly will be there with a booth set up!

Hot cocoa, cookies, and a mule driven wagon ride will also be there to add to the family fun!

The address is 300 E. Railroad St. in Godley TX. I hope to see you there!

*Update: I’m adding pictures from the market, so you can see how we were set up and to see my sweet llama sweater!

Here I am setting up and I look llamazing!

Initially we were given one table to set up on, but when a vendor didn’t show, I was given the whole room! Which was nice because space was limited and I was able to spread out.

The organizer of the event supplied the tables and table covers. She also gave us cocoa and cupcakes! So thoughtful!

Loving the little chalkboard signs! So handy and cute!

I’m grateful for the opportunity and for the time I got to spend with my son!

Thank you for reading my blog! Be sure to subscribe! Thank you!

To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit: http://www.designsbymistyblue.com or Link Tree.

Copyrights:Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

A Muppets Fan Through & Through

When I was a child, I had the joy of experiencing The Muppets on television. They had cartoons, movies, and holiday specials.

My younger brother loved Gonzo with his chickens, Fozzie Bear, Kermit, the Swedish Chef, Beaker… So many vibrant, hilarious characters to choose from! I loved Animal, the grumpy old guys who would do commentary, Beaker, Big Bird, Snuffleupagus, Super Grover, the yip yip nope nope aliens on Sesame Street (I couldn’t get enough of those guys!), and more!

Yip Yip Nope Nope Aliens from Sesame Street

Our mom got us cute little Muppets of our own one Christmas. I got MissPiggy and my brother got Kermit. They were so adorable and I loved cuddling with mine. She was just so pretty and festive! Our mom also got us Muppet coloring books. Which, I loved!

I love *Frankenstein*, so I figured a mashup would be cool!

I don’t have many good memories growing up, but some of the best ones include the Muppets.

Anyone who knows the Muppets knows of the Muppets creator, Jim Henson. I always thought he was someone to look up to. He was everything I wanted to be. Creative, kind, doing something he loved, bringing joy to others, having fun, and being a success at it.

When Jim Henson died, I was around 11 years old. I remember hearing about his death on the news. I was devastated. I think I probably even cried. I just remember it felt like a hole in the world. A light had gone out. He was such a positive influence in my life, such a big part of my childhood. It hurt and I could hardly believe it. But his legacy lives on and I’ve never forgotten how happy his creations made me!

A while back, I came across an Instagram account for Guy Gilchrist. He worked with Jim Henson. He was his cartoonist and friend. He also worked on Looney Tunes, Pink Panther, and various comic strips. He seems to have what you’d want in a Jim Henson cartoonist, a kind heart and a passion for people and life. I love seeing his illustrations! They are so inspiring and fun!

Seeing his work has definitely inspired me as an artist! So much so that the other day I got to thinking… I wondered what I might look like if I were a Muppet! You know, as you do! So I got out my iPad and started drawing!

Here’s a side by side for a little reference! Lol!

I knew right off the bat that I’d want aqua (my favorite color) colored “skin” and either fuchsia or purple hair. My hair kind of sticks up, so I had to figure out what that might look like on a Muppet.

Next, I had to plan out head and facial feature shapes. I know that I have a round shaped face, so that was easily figured into the design. I have a slightly turned up nose, but you don’t really see Muppets with noses like that. I wound up going with just a round nose. And in keeping with the round theme, I rounded the eyes also.

Purple hair was chosen, so that I could use pink for the nose and a little pink blush on the cheeks. Sometimes I wear a flower in my hair and often times I wear pearl stud earrings, so I wanted to add that to my Muppet.

I hope Jim Henson would have approved! I think it’s cute and captures my essence pretty well! I just wanted to honor him and if I could, I’d thank him for making my childhood better. Thank you, Jim! Thank you, Guy! And a heartfelt thank you to Guy for following me on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! That means more than you’ll ever know. And thank you to Caroll Spinney (Big Bird’s puppeteer)!

Thank you for reading my blog! Please, subscribe and share. I greatly appreciate it!

To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit: Link Tree.

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Misty Blue Arts Do Not Copy

*For Educational & Inspirational Purposes Only

Behind The Scenes Of An Artist’s Life During The Holidays

Behind the scenes realism here. I’ve been pushing so hard working to get things listed in my shops for the holidays, building up my inventory (which means making things, drawing new things, editing designs, ordering my work on products, such as Christmas cards and ornaments), setting up a booth and my art exhibit, and looking for a new site to showcase my portfolio and sell my work from, that maybe I pushed too hard. It caught up with me.

I’ve got a cold. I’m wiped out and am having a hard time with the down time. I just want to be up working. Doing. I enjoy the work. I like being busy. I give 110% effort always. I’m working on my dream and I like the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, but I know I have to prioritize my health too. So, while I’m down, I hope you will check out my shops. I worked really hard, have loved every second of it, and poured all my heart and soul into every piece! And when I’m better, I’ll be back at it!

Thank you for reading my blog! Please, subscribe! It’s greatly appreciated!

Shop My Shops

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

Christmas In Mansfield Texas

I’ve been working tirelessly preparing for this event. I’m so very humbled and excited to have my art on exhibit at the Farr Best Theater in Mansfield Texas. It’s my very first exhibit that showcases my own art exclusively!
I will have a pop up Christmas gift shop at the event, as well! I hope to see a lot of happy smiling faces there! Me and my elves will be adorned in our most festive of holiday wear and will pass out candy canes to all good boys and girls!
If you can’t make it to the event, I don’t want you to feel left out! You can shop my wares through this link! Christmas Shop
Remember, when you shop small, you’re supporting not only an artist, but a mom with a dream and you’re helping her family, as well. Merry Christmas from my family to you and yours!
Thank you for reading my blog! Please, subscribe and share with your friends!
Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

National Gingerbread Cookie Day

Yesterday was National Gingerbread Cookie Day. Which is perfect timing, since I’ve been working on painting gingerbread men ornaments! I will be bringing them with me to my art booth for Small Business Saturday, which I mentioned in my last posts. Details can be found there.

Originally, painting booties on them wasn’t the plan, but a blank backside was too good an opportunity to pass up! Any chance to add a touch of whimsy, I’m game!

These two are complete and I’ve got three or four more I’ll be adding, as well. I may just keep one, though! They’re just so cute!

I hope you’ll stop by my booth and visit with me! And you can pick up a new ginger friend too!

And please check out my Link Tree. You can check out my shops, website, social media, and newspaper interview from there! Thank you!

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

Welcome To My Artist Blog

Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.

This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this thing going, so please stay tuned for more and subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates!

Here it goes! I’ve been feverishly working to prepare for Small Business Saturday. Though, technically I’m not a small business. I don’t make enough from my art to pay taxes. Yet! It’s considered a hobby, at this point. But, that’s something I’m working hard to change!

Pictured are just some of the items I’ve been working on and will be bringing to Small Business Saturday

At any rate, my art is on exhibit at the Farr Best Theater in Mansfield Texas throughout the month and will be there for Small Business Saturday on November 30th. I was invited by Mansfield Commission For The Arts to have a booth outside the theater that day selling my work from 12-4. I will also open the theater, so that the pieces on exhibit are available for purchase, as well.

Here I am with part of my exhibit at the Farr Best Theater in Mansfield Texas

I’m very excited and I hope to get a large turnout. I’ve only had one booth thus far and this is my first exclusive exhibit. I’ve had a fantastic year for my art. I won Runner Up in PAAS’ Painted Easter Egg Contest in the Spring. I won First Place in the State Fair Of Texas for my llama painted rock over the Summer. I was featured in the Cleburne Times Review newspaper (and on their website and Facebook!) discussing my artwork this Fall. I joined the Mansfield Commission For The Arts earlier this year. I donated a Marvin The Martian illustration I did to the Chuck Jones Center For Creativity’s Red Dot Auction in California. Proceeds benefitted art programs for children with autism and seniors with alzheimers. I also painted a rainbarrel that was featured and auctioned off in Mansfield’s Earth Day Festival. So, as you can see, it’s been a banner year (and I really should have started a blog sooner)!

I hope to continue this success and propel even further! And I hope you’ll come along for the ride! Please, Subscribe! Thank you!

Learn More About Me And My Work Here

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only

My Life As An Artist: In A Nutshell

Hello! My name is Misty Lemons (Misty Blue is a nickname) and this is my new artist blog! I’m a mom, Texan, wife, and award winning artist!

I will be posting about my art, my process, events I will be attending, and more! There’s so much I want to share that social media doesn’t quite allow for. The ultimate goal with my art is to get representation with an agency and have my work sold on products throughout the world. That’s the dream, the hope, and the goal that I’m working hard towards. On a more personal note, I want the message of my art to make a positive difference in the world, to brighten it and touch people’s hearts.

I paint in acrylic and also do digital illustration. I’ve painted on rainbarrels, rocks, canvas, wood, and more! I started doing my digital illustrations on a tiny little iPhone drawing with just my finger. I eventually graduated to a Samsung Galaxy Note with a stylus and now I use an iPad with pencil. But I’ve been drawing ever since I could hold a crayon!

Misty Blue is a nickname I got from a coworker at a Summer job I had when I was a teen. I believe I was around the age of 13/14. I was working as a custodian through a Summer job program for the city I lived in at the time. It was to help prepare kids for the workforce. I was actually working as a custodian in the middle school I was attending! All my coworkers were amazing and it was a great experience! (They took pity on me, since it was my school, though, and didn’t make me clean the toilets. I would have, but they said I didn’t have to. See, told you they were great!)

I hope you’ll follow my blog and spread the word! Thank you for being here and taking this journey with me!

To Learn More About Me And My Artwork, Please Visit: http://www.designsbymistyblue.com or Link Tree.

Copyrights: Misty R. Lemons/Designs By Misty Blue Do Not Copy

*For Educational Purposes Only