Deb Trotter, Cowboy's Sweetheart

I just finished my latest collaberation with Linda Fisher of Maverick Rose and was thrilled to see two new "Deb Trotter" designs featured on the front of the company's latest postcard.

The square pendant ("Rodeo Gal") and the rectangular pendant of the little cowgirl with wings ("Dream") are two of six new jewelry pieces I created.

I'll be selling ten different designs of our jewelry at Art and Soul's Vendor Night on October 4, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Ballroom. Be sure and stop by my table and say Howdy.

Also, my new jewelry designs will soon be available for purchase right here on the "Cowboy's Sweetheart" blog. Stay tuned!

Happy Trails.

Posted in Western Cowgirl Art | 17 Comments »

Like Rodin's, "The Thinker," I am pondering. In my case I have been thinking about things that are affecting me – and perhaps some of you.

The economy has hit Cody, just like everywhere else.

I'm sad to report that Jerico, Jerry Horn's lovely gallery that opened here several years ago, will soon be closing its doors.

Jerry believed so much in our local artists, as well as in non-traditional, contemporary art that is so seldom displayed in Cody. He believed in me and gave me a chance to exhibit my work in a beautiful gallery space. I only wish things had worked out so that he could stay.

I had nice, long talk with Jerry not too long ago while we reminisced and discussed the state of affairs in our country. With the economy the way it is right now, art is one of the first things folks let go when spending their money. I hear more and more from artist friends that this is the trend nowdays: art is selling only in very high and very low price points. Those of us in the middle may be struggling.

As gas prices climb, mortgages crumble, food prices escalate, the auto industry struggles, banks cave in, and the stock market falls, art becomes a luxury some folks simply cannot afford.

Now, more than ever, it is important that we artists support and encourage each other.

Join me in a prayer for our country as it faces a long, tough road - as well as a wish that as artists, we will continue to inspire and uplift others.

I leave you with the same parting words I always use, but I really mean them…

Happy Trails.

Posted in Western Cowgirl Art | 5 Comments »

I've been fiddling all afternoon with Liquid Nails and Quick Set Epoxy.

I always have trouble with glues – I either mix too much epoxy, and then it sets up before I have finished using it – or I try to use Liquid Nails and end up with long thin strings at the end that I can't get rid of.

There's got to be a better way.

I've tried hot glue, but I find it won't always hold, so I use it to bind two pieces of wood together to hold them in place while the longer setting glue dries.

After all is said and done, I end up with glue all over my fingers, table, and clothes.

Such FUN! ugh.

But what would we do without GLUE?

Speaking of glue, though, I find that friendships and mutual interests are the glue that binds us all together. Such is the case with my artist friends over at Artsmiths.

Right now you'll find some interesting posts and features to whet your artistic appetites…

Sally Turlington is our Artist of the Month. If you want to learn about a fascinating and tremendously talented artist, check out our featured interview with this amazing woman here.

You'll also find new posts about the joys of summer from Sarah Fishburn and Lelainia Lloyd, as well as delightful musings about friendship and "sisterhood" from Denise Lombardozzi. Read them all here.

I'm sure you all agree that friendship is the key to this artist community we all call "home." Artists are like glue: we bond!

Happy Trails!

Posted in Western Cowgirl Art | 5 Comments »

Didn't I promise you that my Sam Elliot had grown? And remember how I promised one more artful adventure with Sam?

Here he is at the Cody Night Rodeo last Friday night. And no, he isn't carrying a purse – my friend, Jeanna is, though. She was giving Sam some much needed support in response to the Wyoming wind that whips up occasionally around town. 

What happened? How did Sam get so BIG? He's been eating his Wheaties and Buffalo burgers, and now he's as big and strong as a Wyoming badger ready to fight a stinky polecat! (In truth, I found him online and have been dying to share him with the blogging world ever since.) He is truly in the right place and has "come to life" with crazy Deb Trotter in Cody, Wyoming! Oh, if the real Sam only knew how much we adore him! (wink, wink)

We began our Friday night adventure from my house.

Being the gentleman that he is, Sam offered to open the door for me.

Of course, we had to take Jeanna's convertible.

If you don't have access to a horse, a convertible is the next best thing.

Little did Sam know how much a ride out in the open would toss him around – luckily I have strong arms and hands from all that hard work, holding a paint brush.

Our first stop was a charity wine tasting to benefit the homeless animals of Park County. I even had several women offer to bid on him or buy him outright. Needless to say, he's NOT for sale!

Being the polite cowboy that he is, Sam was happy to pose with some lovely ladies, as well as the entire staff from Reindeer Ranch…

Sam and Jeanna enjoyed some wine and cheese by the decorative arch…

After a successful wine tasting (Thank you, Jeanna, for driving!) we stopped by the rodeo. Some lovely and cooperative gals allowed us to take their photos with Sam, a miniature horse, and a big, hefty steer…

Next to the rodeo is Old Trail Town, a sight in Cody not to be missed. Sam braved the wind to be photographed with me by some of the historic wagons and a big mass of Elk antlers …

We couldn't resist a quick photo opportunity at one of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center tee pees.

How!  Me want to be um Sam's number one Squaw.

Now we head for downtown Cody, where bikers have practically taken over the parking spots in front of Buffalo Bill Cody's Irma Hotel. Jeanna and Sam were more than happy to pose beside the motorcycles – I think they secretly longed to hop on one and take off into the sunset.

Everyone in town – bikers, tourists, restaurant employees, shop owners, waitresses, locals – recognized Sam and wanted to have their pictures taken with him.

I have no clue who these tourists are, but they happily stood by with eager souls and ready smiles – just to have their picture taken with Sam Elliot.

Someone stuck his head out the window of his car and playfully yelled, "What the SAM HILL are you DOING?"

It was GREAT! I tell you, people really respond to an old fashioned Wild West good time!

Our last stop was at the Silver Dollar Bar.

My friend, Kim's daughter, Lindsey, was celebrating her 24th birthday, and Sam was glad to pose with her.

I have to mention here that Lindsey asked me later, "Who is that guy I had my picture made with, anyway?"

"You've never heard of Sam Elliot?"

She just shakes her head.

That's ok.

That just leaves more Sam for me and less I have to share with someone else.

Sam is due for a vacation, so he'll be laying low for awhile while I get to work on some ART. (No, I haven't forgotten that's what I DO – but we're all entitled to a break every now and then – after all, it's Summer in Cody, Wyoming! Yee Ha!)

Happy Trails!

Posted in Western Cowgirl Art | 14 Comments »