Hi folks,

The SDP conference in Tampa is just around the corner and I hope to see many of you there. It promises to be great fun as always, with so much going on.

I am doing a two day pre-conference seminar on my butterflies and the class is full. I promise to take pictures and post them in my next newsletter as we will have a few “decorating” surprises in this class.

On the trade floor you will find me and all my new packets and brush kits in the Turtle Hollow Booth. Turtle Hollow is a company owned by past SDP President Darla Foreman and she has designed a fabulous booth. Please drop by and say hi.

I have been asked to co-host the Canadian Reception with Barbara Jenkins and must find something red to wear between now and then! Classes, special events, the Artist Gallery, the banquet, general meeting - who will pass certification? I wouldn’t miss the SDP Conference for anything.

And speaking of events not to miss, I truly enjoyed the April Coast to Coast Exhibition in Mississauga, Ontario put on by Audrey DeJong who owns Shades of Country. It is held in the Delta Meadowvale Hotel, where the classes and trade floor are all under one roof. Everyone there had such fun and it was so good to see so many of you.
At the Coast to Coast show I released 12 new packets and I thought you might like to see the pictures

#710 Pink Ribbon, White Rose $12.95
#717 Winter Snowdrops $10.95


#718 Springtime Birds $10.95


#719 Summer Sweet Peas $10.95

#720 Autumn Floral and Cat Tails $10.95
#731 Leaf Study $10.95

#733 Christmas Tree Topper and Card Box $12.95
#734 Iris Latifolia (Botanical) $10.95

#735 Botanical Lady’s Slipper $10.95
#736 Botanical Poinsettia $10.95

#742 Christmas Wreath $12.95
#746 Tulips and Light and on Dark $10.95

MAUREEN’S SEMINARS

June 13 - 15


Here are the pictures of the projects Water Lilies with Dragon Fly / Red Hibiscus

  
 

We still have a few seats open so don’t miss this seminar. I’m very excited to show you how I was able to achieve such vibrant colour in the Hibiscus.

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Intermediate
Surface: Bring your own Cost: $345.00 CDN/USA

Register On Line

AUGUST 22 - 24
This is the photo of the project for Floral Bouquet

I am working on the Amaryllis now.
Remember, you can still get a $50.00 discount if you sign up now for the following classes, because they are not painted yet. But once a picture appears, that discount no longer applies for future sign ups. .
SEPTEMBER 26 - 28
Jacobean

This style of painting is from the 1700's and is quite elaborate with intertwining flowers, leaves and vines. It is always one of my favourite styles to design

Acanthus Leafy Scrolls

This project will be offered in a variety of colour schemes and is pure fantasy - yet is one of the hottest decorating motifs today.

OCTOBER 24 -26
Three Botanicals

My series of botanicals for the last two years have been almost as popular as the brush stroke clinics have been. In true botanical style, each flower will be  shown as realistically as possible. However, you know they will be done with brush strokes!

I haven’t decided yet exactly what the flowers will be, but am interested in doing a group of violets in pink, violet and white. And a wild rose would also be a nice addition.

Any suggestions for the third flower?

*PACKET COMPANIONS*

New on the site is a list I have compiled of packets that go together. Perhaps you would like to do a set of placemats, a bowl to set on the table, a lamp to put in the corner - all done in different designs that still go together.

Or if you really enjoyed doing one of my designs, what else do I have that would be similar? Please let me know if you find this helpful.

 

2008 GUEST TEACHER ROS STALLCUP
June 20 - 22

We have just a few seats left open with Ros, so don’t delay in joining us. We always finish the projects in Ros’s class and are amazed with our results
Hydrangea Jar 
Stone Barn in Snow

Sunflower Bowl

 

Register On Line

Media: Acrylic
Skill Level: Any
Surface: Bring your own
Cost: $398.00 CDN/USA
I will finish with a few great recipes sent to me by fellow painters. I am low on painting tips so welcome any you folks would care to share.

Till next time,
Maureen		  Till next time
Maureen

RECIPES
From Nancy Focardi

SUGAR COOKIES

Heat oven to 375 degrees

1 cup butter (not margarine)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup regular white sugar
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
colored sugar

Combine butter,powdered sugar, and white sugar ...beat  at medium speed until creamy, scraping bowl often.  Add egg and vanilla, continue beating until well mixed.  Reduce speed to low, add flour, cream of tartar and baking soda.  Beat until dough forms a ball.  Shape into 1 inch balls  (see note), dip into colored sugar, place on parchment lined baking sheets sugar side up about 2 inches apart.  Press with bottom of a glass to about 1 1/2 inches. Bake 8- 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.  Let stand about 1 minute, remove from baking sheets.

NOTE:  I have a small ice cream type scoop that works well for making cookies all the same size		 From Kathleen Lewis
Willits, California (former home of the great Kathy Dysert!)

WHITE CHOCOLATE POPCORN

8 C. unbuttered popcorn
1 C. salted peanuts (I used cashews)
1 C. crushed Fritos corn chips
1 C. puffed corn cereal (corn pops, even Kix will work)
2 pounds white chocolate, melted.

Mix first four ingredients together.  Melt chocolate in double boiler on low heat, stirring constantly.  (I just put it in the microwave to melt.)


Once melted, pour over popcorn mixture and spread on wax paper-lined cookie sheet. 

Cool until set (can be put in the refrigerator).


Once set, break into pieces.