The Colors of Joy

Years ago, I received a painting pattern book by artist Mary Jo Tuttle along with her autograph. The inscription read, “May you always paint the colors of joy.” You can imagine how these words left an impact. Not only that, but her pattern books planted the seeds for a handmade decor business that was successful for more than fifteen years. Those words would also inspire one of the chapters in my book, The Naked Man and the Bear and Other True Stories from the Laughing Cabin.

Discovering a New Way of Expressing Creativity

Now that I have retired from creating handmade decor, I am discovering a whole new way of expressing my creativity through mixed media acrylic painting on canvas! I particularly enjoy painting whimsical themes with uplifting messages.

The mixed media painting shown is one that I’ve titled, “Return of the Lost Lamb.” The handwritten lettering reads, “Come and celebrate with me the return of my lost lamb” from Luke 4:6 TPT. The close-up pictures will help you see the details. (The canvas is a bit shiny because the sealant was still drying when I took the pictures — I couldn’t wait!)

The canvas that I used was 20×24 in size. I had SO much fun painting it! When I was finished and hung it on the wall in my living room, I could only smile. Mary Jo Tuttle was absolutely right. The bright and cheerful colors filled my heart with joy!

Discovering a New Way to Share Joy with Others

Another wonderful thing I am discovering is that my mixed media paintings can be turned into useful items like mugs, notebooks, printable files, art prints, pillows, and more! Wow! So, not only can I paint the colors of joy, I can SHARE them with others, too, in ways that are not only meaningful but practical. Can you tell how excited I am?

With all that being said, I have a surprise for you! You can download a free PDF file that will enable you to print “Return of the Lost Lamb” using your computer and inkjet printer. The design is sized to fit an 8×10 picture frame. So, you can print it at an 8.5×11 page size and trim it to fit. I recommend using 67# or 110# white card stock or white gloss 98# brochure paper for best results. Regular 20# white copy paper will work in a pinch!

Please note that your computer and printer settings will determine the quality of the printed piece, and I will not be able to help you with that; however, I will be offering physical art prints very soon that you can order.

Additionally, the PDF file link is for your use only. Please do not share the link; instead, invite your friends or family to subscribe to the e-newsletter so they can get it, too.

Claim Your Free Printable!

Subscribe to my free Honey for the Heart E-Newsletter to get the free PDF file for “Return of the Lost Lamb.” The link to access the file will arrive in your welcome email. The file includes instructions and suggestions for printing. You are welcome to print up to 200 copies for your personal use. This offer is good for a limited time only!

Now Available! Coffee Mug or Garden Banner

If you love the “Return of the Lost Lamb,” I’m pleased to tell you that you can now get this adorable design as a coffee mug or garden banner. The coffee mug is 11 oz in size and has 12 color options. The garden banner is 12″x18″ made of poly-canvas (the garden stake is not included.) Find them in my Honey for the Heart store!

~ Susan