Drawing with TerpCreek.com

Cyber Monday Special!

2011-11-27T20:51:00.001-08:00

Cyber Monday Special! 20% off any item on my website http://terpcreek.com/. Starts now and ends at midnight Monday Nov. 28th, 2011. Free postage does not apply to items bought during this sale, however I can meet you in Monmouth, IL or add postage and mail the sale items to you. Go to contact me page of my website, mention this special and I will email you an invoice with the 20% off.

Cameron 4th of July Show

2011-07-10T15:08:00.000-07:00

Cameron had a great July 4th show. Maple City Antique Tractor Club had a tractor display and tractor games. There was a display or antique engines, homemade ice cream, great food at the fire station, pie and ice cream at the church, band, fireworks and lots more.

I had a barn quilt display and mailboxes with hand painted tractors on them. The weather was great!

The Bald Bluff Antique Tractor Pulling Assoc. started the tractor pull with bottom classes for the plow boys and then went to the regular Bald Bluff classes. Here are a few pictures but more can be seen at http://www.terpcreek.com/Maple-City-Tractor.html.

Precision Mechanic Tractor Show and Pull

2011-06-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun at the Precision Mechanics Tractor Show and Pull in Roseville, IL. Here are a few pictures of the show. All these photos plus more of the pull and the show tractors are available on a CD which you can print off or view on your computer. CDs are just $5.00 each plus $2.50 shipping and handling if I am mailing them or you can pick them up in Monmouth or at a Bald Bluff Antique Tractor pull. Email me at Becky@TerpCreek.com and tell me you want the Roseville 2011 pull and show CD. Pictures of the tractor pull can be seen at TerpCreek.com web site on the Bald Bluff Tractor page. http://www.terpcreek.com/BBATPA.html

Wooden Barn Quilt Blocks

2011-06-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

We have been very busy building wooden barn quilt blocks. Dennis builds them out of 1/2 inch exterior plywood that is sanded smooth. He has built a frame around the back for hanging and strength.

The blocks are primed and painted front and back. I free hand the design on the front. It is also coated to resist UV rays. You will be able to enjoy the quilt blocks for many years.

The one in the picture is a 4 foot square and is on a clients backyard shed.

Barn Quilt Blocks come in several sizes:

2 foot squares are $80 each

4 foot squares are $150 each

8 foot squares are $500 each

Larger ones are also available.

The 2 foot blocks are the perfect size for porches, garages, houses, cabins, privacy fences, or tool sheds. The 4 foot size are a good size for stores, garden sheds, shops, tractor sheds, cattle sheds, or hanging low on a barn. If you want a barn quilt up high on the barn an 8 foot square would be the best size.

I will have sample blocks on my website soon. Custom orders are also welcomed. I will have 8 of the 2 foot square blocks done by July 4.

Bald Bluff Antique Tractor Pulling Assoc.

2011-06-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

The new 2011 Bald Bluff Antique Tractor pulling schedule and rules are on www.TerpCreek.com Read them online or print them out by downloading the PDF file.

You can also access the schedule on you cell phone if you have Internet. For viewing on your cell enter the following URL http://www.terpcreek.com/cell.html

Have fun at the tractor pulls this summer!

How to put Gifts in Balloons

2011-06-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

I found a great idea on the web. This link will tell you how to put gifts into balloons.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2352169_put-gifts-inside-balloons.html

Just think how great this would look for a wedding gift with lots of ribbons tied to the top or a kid’s birthday gift with confetti in with the gift. I will have to try this great idea.

I should have found this earlier because today is our anniversary. I could have put Dennis' gift in a balloon with lots of confetti. That would have been funny!

Becky's Art Studio

2011-04-28T19:03:00.000-07:00

I had to stop drawing barns for a while to finish one of the buildings on the Detroit showcase. The client was coming to Illinois and I wanted it finished so he could pick out the next building for the backdrop. The finished piece will measure 16 inches by 15 feet. Each building will be on a separate mount board so the client can arrange and/or rearrange the finished backdrop.

This will be a backdrop for a precision car showcase. The client has picked out several vintage buildings from photos I took. The first one they wanted done was "Becky's Art Studio". I was so happy with that choice.

I will be back drawing "100 barns" next week.

Art in Bishop Hill

2011-04-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

I have delivered new art to Bishop Hill Gallery. If you find yourself in Bishop Hill, Illinois be sure to stop by the Bishop Hill Gallery and look at all the new art they have on display.

I have wall art, desk art and coasters for sale at Bishop Hill Gallery.

I am currently drawing some of Bishop Hill historical buildings and they should be done and at the gallery by May 13.

Bishop Hill, IL has lots of special events and really interesting historical buildings. It is really worth the time to take a weekend trip to Bishop Hill. If you are going to be there overnight I highly recommend the Bishop Hill Gallery Inn.

Duct Tape Contest

2011-03-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

TerpCreek is having a contest.

Two easy steps to enter the contest:
1. Become a follower of this blog
2. Click comments and answer this question. What do you use duct tape for?

This will be a lot of fun because there are so many uses for duct tape!

To get the ball rolling here is 1 way I use duct tape. I use it to remove lint or pet hair. Just rip it off 8 to 10 inches and roll it inside out and press on your sweater to remove link or pet hair. Works great!

Once you are a follower you can enter as may times as you want but each time has to be a new idea or use of duct tape.

Each entry will be numbered then a number will be picked randomly. There will be 1 winner for every 100 ideas in the comments. Remember only one idea per comment.

The prize will be one free 5" x 7" pencil sketched portrait of one pet or one child. This may turn into a surprise box as I am going to try to get other sponsors to also contribute a prize. If you would like to contribute a prize just email me for details at Becky@TerpCreek.com

Good Luck

100 Barns in 100 Days is going great.

2011-03-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

100 Barns in 100 Days is going great. I am keeping up very well with all the drawings. Hope you are checking out eBay every day for the new barn drawing. Just go to eBay and type TerpCreek in the eBay search box.

I got the OK from the Detroit client to proceed with the large 15-foot backdrop for a car showcase. So I am back to work on that. I have committed to draw 2 pen and ink for the Freeport Museum and 3 for the Buchanan Art Center.

Email me or leave a comment if you want to be a member of the Barn Lovers. It is free to join. You will receive a free gift and first chance on barn items.

Have a great day.

Barn #3 and Pet Portrait Special

2011-03-03T18:41:00.000-08:00

The third barn is listed on ebay! Go to ebay and type TerpCreek in the ebay search box. This 100 original barn drawings in 100 days is starting a buzz. It is generating lots of interest. I am getting more custom orders for larger drawings of barns. I am getting so excited!

I am also running a Pet Portrait Promotion. If you have a cute pet that you dearly love then this is the perfect time to take advantage of a half price drawing. The pets I draw for this promotion will be entered into a calendar drawing. 12 of the drawings will appear on a 2012 calendar. Deadline for the Pet Portraits Calendar is July 15, 2011. The Pet Portrait Promotion is for a matted 5"x7" pencil drawing of your loving pet for only $75 which is half price ($150 Value). Hurry offer ends August 31, 2011.

Barn #2

2011-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Barn #2 is listed on eBay. Just go the eBay search box and type in TerpCreek and that should take you right to the barns.

Not all the barns have titles but this one is titled "Going Home".

It is not to late to join the Barn Lovers and it is free. Just email at Becky@TerpCreek.com and put Barn Lovers in the subject line. Hurry and join because the first Barn Lovers free gift comes out next week.

Well I better go draw more barns. Only 98 more left to draw.

100 Barns in 100 Days - Barn #1

2011-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

The first barn of 100 barns in 100 days is listed on ebay. Just go to ebay and type TerpCreek in the search box.

There is still time to join the Barn Lovers and get in on the free gifts. First gift is next week so join today. It is free to join the Barn Lovers email me at Becky@TerpCreek.com with Barn Lovers in the subject line. That is all there is to it and I will not sell your email address. You will receiving free gifts and once a week you will get first chance to buy a barn from the 100 barns in 100 days before it goes to ebay auction.

So get excited and go to ebay and start bidding.
Have a great day!
Becky

Rustic Barn Lover

2011-02-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

I just love barns! I have drawn a lot of barns over the years but I never get tried of seeing or drawing old barns. It seems like they are fast disappearing from the family farm. A pen and ink drawing will lock our favorite barn forever in our memory. It is really great how God uses our talents to bring great joy to others. Every drawing that I do this year will have a fish symbol hidden in it. 2010 drawings also had a hidden fish symbol.

I have a lot of great childhood barn memories. It was always fun hunting eggs or finding new kittens hiding in the hay. My brother and I would spend hours in our barn swing on the hay rope, build secret rooms and making hay forts.

After a brainstorming session it was decided that, since I am always up for a challenge, the newest and hardest self-imposed challenge yet would starting March 1, 2011. I will draw 100 barns in 100 days! That is the easy part. The hard part is the drawings will be 5"x7". As most of you know I never draw buildings smaller than 8"x10" and usually must custom drawings are at least 16"x20" and often 20"x24". The reason for the smaller drawings is to make them more affordable so anyone who has been wanting a TerpCreek original drawing could afford one. Most original TerpCreek Art is owned by high income collectors, CEOs and business owners.

I am really excited about starting this project and people are starting to send me barn photos just incase I run short of ideas. I will have to schedule my drawing time very well as I will be doing a Pet Portrait Promotion and custom artwork at the same time. I have also promised to deliver two original drawing to the Freeport Museum in April for their Masterpiece Art Show which is in May.

The barn drawings will be for sale on eBay (type TerpCreek in the search box to find the drawings). This will be a great way to get an original TerpCreek drawing at a bargain price. All drawings will come in a black mat with gold trim, signed, dated and with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Join the "Barn Lover" group and get a chance once a week to buy one of these original barn drawings without having to bid on it. Once a week I will email you a picture of the barn that is available for purchase to those in the Barn Lover's group. The first person to email me that they want to buy it will get it.

It is free to become a "Barn Lover" just email me at Becky@TerpCreek.com put barn lover in the subject line. That is all there is to become a "Barn Lover. In the future there will be barn items that only Barn Lovers can buy. Barn Lovers will also get specials offers. I will not sell or share your email address with others. So get excited and join the Barn Lovers!

Art as the focal point of a room.

2011-01-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

The first drawing for the car showcase is now in Detroit for approval. After they OK the drawing I will finish it up and start on drawing number 2. The finished showcase will measure 15 feet long, which will take a total of 9 drawings. Each drawing is an old storefront. This is really a neat project!

Today’s topic is art as the focal point of a room.

Artwork as the focal point of the entire room can be one large drawing or a collection of smaller drawings. If only one drawing is used it should be large enough to catch your visitor’s attention but small enough that it does not over power or distracts from the balance of the room. If you have a large wall space or a shelf in the room then a collections of complementary drawings along with some figurines, greenery or other suitable decorations will look great. The main idea is to not overwhelm the room and keep it within the relationship scale to other items. The room should reflect your personality as well as your home décor.

Another factor that is very important is framing the art. Framing and matting plays a big role in the final outcome of the room. The frame should be evenly balanced with the picture and the room. You do not want a heavy frame on a small piece of art in a little girl’s room or a thin pink frame accented with a football trophy in a boy’s room. Nice thick frames are good on large drawings and in rooms that can balance the focal impact. The mat color needs to complement the room and art at the same time. Sometimes this is a challenge.

My clients are becoming more aware of the way the art works with the rest of the room or maybe I just have got a high class of clients. Either way I am doing more that just drawing. I am getting into more of a decorating business to complement my drawing business. Often I go to the client’s home and we figure where the drawing will hang, how many drawings are going into a display and if we need accent pieces. The final drawings are then assembled on the wall with added accent pieces so the clients can just set back and enjoy the outcome.

So next time you buy art think about where you are going to hang it, if you need accent pieces, if it reflects your personality and if it will go with the whole balance of your room.

Have a great day.

Becky

Bishoph Hill Gallery and Lucia Nights

2010-12-07T00:57:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We sure had a great one. We saw 3 of the 4 kids. We had lots of fun talking and mountains of delicious food. Family is so important and we are so thankful that they all still live close enough to come see the us.

Life has been busy around Terp Creek. I have been at 4 craft shows this season. I have also been busy doing custom orders for the holidays only 2 left to complete unless I get some late orders this weekend.

We made another trip to Bishop Hill Gallery to restock the supply of stone coasters, which are selling very well. Be sure to check out Bishop Hill Gallery when you go to Bishop Hill, IL. They close for the season from Dec. 13 through Jan. 31, 2011 so you better hurry and go this weekend for the Lucia Nights Dec. 10th and 11th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

We are currently in the process of looking for an art studio. Don’t know if we should build a studio on our farm or build on to the house. I have been trying to think of something unusual to use for a studio. I know of an airplane that was converted into a hotel but I since I don’t have a plane that idea may not work. I keep having this feeling that someone will come up with a fantastic idea. If you have any ideas email me at Becky@TerpCreek.com or leave a comment. My goal is to have my studio up and going by the middle of next summer.

Have a wonderful holiday season.
Becky

Checking correctness of drawings and other art.

2010-10-28T02:30:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share some secrets on checking the correctness of your drawings. The following steps are before you frame your art. Additions and corrections are faster and easier to make on an unframed drawing.

These are the steps I found most helpful over the years to check art for correctness in the shadows, perspective, details or places that still needs some work. Always do these steps before delivering any art to the client.

1. Hold the drawing so you can see it in a mirror. Sometimes places that need more work will jump out at you.

2. Turn the drawing upside down and look at it in a mirror. Make any changes to your art if needed as you go through these steps.

3. Now set the art upside down in your living room or someplace you will see it a lot. Continue to look at it and make changes for a few days.

4. Finally set it right side up a few more days. Make changes if needed.

When you are satisfied with the final project then frame it and deliver it to your happy client.

Happy drawing!
Becky

Backdrop for Detroit, MI Car Showcase (Building 1)

2010-10-22T06:18:00.000-07:00

The drawing for the car showcase backdrop is coming along nicely. The finished project will end up in the Detroit, MI area. It will be made up of numerous color pencil sketches of vintage storefronts. The showcase will hold precision cars with the backdrop drawings being the city.

I love the design of this first building. The client wants it named "Becky’s Art Studio". I feel really proud that he has picked and named this building as the first drawing in the project. I don’t know what the next drawing will be. I took over 90 storefront photos for him to pick from. So far only 6 storefronts have made the cut. I may have to go on another Sunday drive and take more photos. I just love Sunday drives even if they are not on Sunday.

If you want to see a detailed progress of this project you can follow it on Facebook by clicking the facebook link on this blog.

Have a great weekend.
Becky

Western IL Animal Rescue and Spoon River Drive

2010-10-07T04:04:00.000-07:00

Pets are still a big part of my drawings. October 9, 2010 is Western Illinois Animal Rescue is having a doggy 5K. TerpCreek.com will be donating to that event. I will be there around 8 am, so if you are there look me up.

The backdrop for the Detroit car showcase is coming along nicely. It will take some time to get all 15 feet of it done.

Spoon River Drive was nice last weekend. Sunday was a wonderful day to go and check out the vendors and beautiful scenery. This weekend will be even better, however I am not going to be on the drive this last weekend.

Have a great weekend,

Becky

Mt Pleasant Old Threshers and Pies

2010-09-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Things are buzzing at TerpCreek.com. I passed out flyers for the pet's promotion at Mt Pleasant Old Threshers Show and got some orders. We took a Novo motor to show and ground corn with it.

I spent last week baking pies for our church tent for the Prime Beef Festival. I made 46 pies in 3 days. Wow that kept me really busy, our house smelled like a bakery. I made us a pear almond pie, which was a new recipe for last year. Next year the new pie will be "Alabama Apple" which, is from a new friend I made at Mt Pleasant.

Great news! I got the contract that I mentioned last month. I will be drawing a backdrop for a showcase. This showcase measures 16 inches by 15 feet. The showcase will hold precision cars and will be located in the Detroit, MI area., more about that in later blogs.

Thanks for stopping by.
Becky

New items coming soon to TerpCreek.com

2010-08-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

Things have been really busy around TerpCreek. “The Dog Days of Summer Basket Promo” is going hog wild or should I say dog wild. I’m working on a spaniel now. She is only 8 months old and so cute. Her name is Sally and she is from Kirkwood. It is not too late to get in on this promotion. For more details go to http://www.terpcreek.com/ or stop by Downtown Coffeehouse Café, Vaughn Jeweler, Jones Auto Center or Portraits by Buff and pick up a brochure and see the samples. All the samples were updated with new pets last week so go check them out.

I am working on some surprise items for my Pet Promo people. They are going to love some of these items. I am also starting to work on the pet calendar and magazine article. The calendar will have to be done by November so clients can use it for Christmas presents.

This year’s craft shows will features some of my new products as well and some old favorites. Christmas craft shows season will be upon us in no time.
I am sent a proposal to get a big contract. I may have some exciting news for you in the next week or two.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by.
Becky

Apple Bread Pudding

2010-08-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today I want to share a fantastic recipe with you. This is the best bread pudding ever. Best yet it is a microwave recipe so it is fast.

Apple Bread Pudding

Stir in a 3 quart casserole.
3 Eggs
¾ C Sugar
1 (13 oz) Can Evaporated Milk
1 C Milk
½ tsp Nutmeg
½ tsp Cinnamon

Mix in 7 C Bread tear into pieces
1 (1lb 4 oz) can Apple Pie Filling
¾ C Raisin (Optional)

Let stand till bread is soaked up.
Microwave on medium for 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife stuck in the center comes out clean.

This is very good hot with ice cream. This is truly a comfort food. Give it a try.

Maple City Cruise

2010-08-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Two new “Dog Days of Summer” pet drawings went up at Downtown Coffeehouse Café today. If you are in Monmouth, IL stop by the Café and have a cup of flavored coffee and a sandwich. Their food is fantastic! Go to my website for more details on the Dog Days of Summer Promo. http://www.terpcreek.com/

We had a very busy weekend. We had out of state company all weekend. We went to the Maple City Cruise at Monmouth, La Harpe Car Show and Hamilton Tractor Show. I will have photos of the cars on my website later.

I have a lot of custom drawings to get done so I had better get back to work.

Maple City Cruise Night

2010-08-03T01:34:00.000-07:00

I just put a new “Dog Days of Summer” sample basket at Vaughn Jeweler. New drawings went up at Downtown Coffeehouse Café. So stop in at both places in Monmouth, IL and take a look. Let them know you read about it on Becky’s Blog.

I finished up another pet basket. This one added a framed 16” X 20”. It is on display at Downtown Coffeehouse Café till Aug. 13, 2010. The puppy in this drawing is really cute and was a lot of fun photographing for the drawing.
The Maple City Cruise Night will be in Monmouth, IL Friday, August 6, 2010, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be a great time with the car show, food and Eternity Road Band so plan to attend. The Maple City Street Machines are in charge of the show. They have been doing this show for more than 20 years and always do a great job.
I delivered a new book of art to Deb and Di Restaurant in Rushville, IL. They also have two of my drawings on display that they purchased last year. If your travels take you close to Rushville stop in for a bite and check out the art. Their catfish dinner is wonderful, however my husband thinks the steaks are the way to go. All their food is fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog.
Becky

Pet Drawings

2010-07-29T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Dog Days of Summer Pet Basket Promotion is bring in lots of pets to draw. I always admire the way people loves their pets. Pet owners are very special and loving. They have a positive energy that is fun to be around, so I am having a great time with this promotion.

Sample basket can be seen at Downtown Coffeehouse Café, Jones Auto Center, Portraits by Buff, and Vaughn Jeweler all in Monmouth, IL. The radio ads start in

August. I know I will be really busy then.

I have found that we may need to revise the baskets. One dog that I am drawing does not wear anything including a scarf. :o) So if your pet does not like to dress up or if you prefer you can get a place mat for his bowl to set on instead of the scarf. Your pet’s name will be embroidered on the place mat.

If your pet is a snake then I will have to really think about that. I think a snake might need more than one substitution to the basket but I will figure that out when the time comes.

Last weekend was a lot of fun. I got some drawing done and followed up on some leads of drawings to do. I am working on another national tractor show proposal for 2011. My art has been auctioned off at several banquets and always brings a good price, which is a big plus to organizations wanting to make money.

Have a great day.

National Massey Assoc Expo Drawing

2010-07-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

The National Massey Assoc. drawing is finished. It is matted and framed in a 16”x20” oak frame. It will be at the National Expo in Pinkneyville, IL Aug. 18 - 22, 2010. It will be auctioned off at the Expo. Hope you get to go and enjoy the fun.

Check out my next work in progress at http://www.facebook.com/TerpCreek

Thanks for stopping by and check out my website http://www.terpcreek.com/

Bald Bluff Tractor Pull and Fun

2010-07-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
Things have been really busy around TerpCreek.com.

I am almost finished with the Massey 44 pen and ink drawing for the National Massey Expo. It should be done next week, hopefully.

We were at Kirkwood’s Celebration for the Bald Bluff Antique Tractor Pull last weekend. I took lots of photos and posted them on TerpCreek.com. One class paid out $500 for first. The winner of this class is pictured on the Case. We met some wonderful people that came 150 miles to pull. Their tractor, “The Chosen One” is really classey.

The Kirkwood show had some wonderful fireworks. It is always a good show with good food and fun.

I am currently working on The Dog Days of Summer Pet Basket Promotion. This is a real fun project and I have met some really cute pets. More about that next time.

Hope everyone has a safe 4th of July.

Becky

What's new at TerpCreek.com

2010-06-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to my first blog post.

A lot has been happening around TerpCreek.com. We got a new granddaughter June 4th. Now we have 2 grandchildren, Callie and her brother Blake, who is 4 years old.

I won an art contest, which is always exciting. The winning pen and ink is titled Hiding II. It is currently on display at the Buchanan Center for the Arts in Monmouth, IL. This new drawing has several items hiding in it. It maybe a challenge to find all the items.

The first Hiding drawing was a huge success. Hiding I was on TV, talked about on the radio and displayed in several solo shows and one group show. Hiding I is on display at Vaughn’s Jewelry Store in Monmouth, IL.

I won a contract for a large Pen and Ink that is going to the National Massey Expo. You can follow the progress of this work at http://www.facebook.com/TerpCreek look in the Art in Progress album.

Next week I am putting my art on a mailbox. This will be with paint not ink but it should be interesting. Flowers are the theme for this project.

Thanks for stopping by and check out my web site http://www.terpcreek.com/