Pretty Orange Rose, Pretty Pink Rose, and Pretty Peach Rose, all needed a different background I thought, also greener leaves, and wanted to get rid of my negative painting I attempted when I originally created them. So happy I decided to change them. I have been looking into impressionist panting and find it very interesting, thus was my attempt for the backgrounds. The top three ‘before” pictures are greeting cards and prints of how I first painted them, and the “after” pictures are what the paintings look like now, the originals. What do you think? Do you think they look better with the impressionistic background?
Three more paintings revised with impressionistic backgrounds. Pretty Orange Rose, Pretty Pink Rose, and Pretty Peach Rose. Vicki Achard / Watercolor Artist
Hope I am inspiring someone out there to keep on painting. There is always something to learn, something new to try to make those paintings just the way you want.
I am happy with the revision of “Helleborus”, or as some know this flower as “Spring Rose”. I changed the background, lightened up the leaves and some of the flowers, and added more flowers to the table cloth. I have a few more paintings I did in my early days of painting I want to revise and will share those with you now and then. What do you think of the revision, (the painting below the first one)?
My first painting of “Helleborus”, painted 2016, one year after I first started painting in watercolor. Check out my revision of this painting, done May, 2023, below this one.“Helleborus”, REVISED!! May, 2023. I love it now. Don’t give up on painting!
Painting can be a challenge, but we all learn along the way. I have such a love of color, nature, paper, and design and love to create beautiful art for all to enjoy. I love to share God’s beauty and share that with others, one painting at a time.
Need new art for your walls? Now adding three new beautifully matted prints of my pressed floral work listed on the SALE Shop of our website. Spring is when I like to change things up a bit in my home and new art can bring in some cheer and bring nature indoors.
“Meadow Fantasy” – Dragon flies are such a wonder to me. I created this thinking of days while walking through the Nature Center feeling so delighted.
“Meadow Fantasy” – print by Pressed Floral Artist, Vicki Achard. Mat colors are Brown Sugar, outer and Grey Beige inner. Ready for your 11 x 14″ frame.
“Treasured Memories” – Beautiful roses and a butterfly was handcrafted to create this composition with movement and beauty.
“Treasured Memories” – Print by Pressed Floral Artist, Vicki Achard. Mat colors are White Elephant outer and Biscotti inner. Ready for your 11 x 14 frame.
“Bountiful Wreath” – What a delight this was to create. Delphinium and pansies are among various flowers and foliage.. so bountiful!
“Bountiful Wreath” by Pressed Floral Artist, Vicki Achard. Mat colors are White Elephant outer and Heather Mist, inner. Ready for your 8 x 10 frame.
This beautiful collection of Spring cards can be yours to share a note of caring; someone’s birthday, anniversary, thank you or for any occasion. Envelopes included. To purchase this Spring Collection of greeting cards, go to our SHOP page.
From left to right, top row: “Bowl of Pears”, “Purple Iris”, “Friendly Visitor”, Bottom row: “Purple Pansies in my Garden”, “Daffodils with Dew Drops”. All are reproductions of original watercolor designs by Watercolor Artist, Vicki Achard. Greeting Cards are 5 x 7″. Envelopes included.
Hope everyone is enjoying this last bit of winter. It’s been o.k. for me, the fallen snow is always so beautiful. I’m always happy when we can get that Spring fresh air though, when we start to see all the beautiful Spring flowers that bloom and bunnies running around – those friendly visitors.
Beautifully matted Pressed Floral Art prints ready for framing. Two are being offered in our “Sales Items” Shop on our website.
I loved creating “Warm Heart”. Brilliant orange, yellow, red, and blue flowers easily warmed up my heart.
“Warm Heart” print. Design by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Triple Matted – Cabernet outer mat, tusk middle, and biscotti inner. Ready for your 16 x 20″ frame.
“Heartfelt Happiness” was created with special friends in mind. Using lamb’s – ear to create the border makes this design so special.
“Heartfelt Happiness” print. Design by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Garnet outer mat, tempest (grey) inner mat. Ready for your 16 x 20″ frame.
Also available are my Valentine Day cards.
All are 5 x 7 prints, reproductions of my original watercolors. You can find them on my shop on my website.
Valentine’s Day cards in print. Design by Vicki Achard / Watercolor Artist. Loved creating these Valentine’s Day cards. These 5 x 7 greeting cards are blank inside for your message.
Expressions of love at a time as this is so inspiring, so meaningful.
Inspire and uplift your loved ones and friends with these 5 x7 wall hangings. Can also be put on a stand on a shelf, desk, or dresser ( stand not included). All come matted with one of our quality frames.
MI, IN, IL, OH, WI , free shipping over $25.00 & over. We also have porch pick up if you prefer. With the 20% discount and 6% tax total cost is $16.96. Sale end’s Wednesday November 30th.
If you’d like to make a purchase, please send me an email, VickiAchard@NaturesBestArt.com Thank you.
Basket of Hope Art & Quotes by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Print of Vicki’s original design. Golden Rose. Art & Quotes by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Print of Vicki’s original design. Brother Love. Art & Quotes by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Print of Vicki’s original design. Japanese Fern. Art & Quotes by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Print of Vicki’s original design. Moment of Beauty. Art & Quotes by Pressed Floral Artist Vicki Achard. Print of Vicki’s original designs. Back of each 5 x7 framed Art & Quotes
I found these gourds on a recent trip to Colorado. I share a love of gourds with I’m sure many, aren’t they so interesting to include in your decor at Fall time?! I love the different colored small looking pumpkin ones, the unusual shapes and colors of some, and those pretty white ones.
Making a sketch of them and painting is just what makes my heart at this beautiful time of year!
Sketch of fall gourds found in a recent trip to Colorado. Nature’s Best Art / Vicki AchardMy finished painting! I love all the fall colors. Vicki Achard / Nature’s Best Artist
I’m incredibly excited to offer you these gift sets for your gift giving this Holiday at 20% Off. Time to order and be ready for the Holidays. FREE Shipping $25.00 and over for MI, IN, IL, OH, WI. So sorry at this time we do not offer International shipping. Last day of sale is Wednesday, November 30, 2022. Contact me, Vicki@NaturesBestArt.com if you’d like to purchase a gift set.
Here are 11 beautiful gift sets for your loved ones and special people in your life. What’s nice about this is you don’t have to even think about matching colors and designs as I have done that for you. I know your loved ones are going to feel so uplifted and joyous to receive a gift of nature.
#1 – Front Yard Rose. Beautiful yellow roses. Original Watercolor Art. Would be nice in an 11 x 14 mat if you’d like. Just let us know. Tom, my husband cuts our mats. We like to put white mats with the original watercolor art. Without mat, with bookmark, (bookmark reads: “I thank my God concerning you…” 1 Cor 1:4), and magnet, tax included, and discount, total is $28.83. If you’d like Tom to cut a mat for it, with bookmark and magnet, total is $42.40.
#1 Gift Set – Front Yard Rose – Watercolor original to fit an 11 x 14” mat. Can cut a white mat if you’d like. Comes with handmade bookmark and tassel, magnet reads: “ I thank my God concerning you…” 1 Cor 1:4 Art work By Artist Vicki Achard
#2 – Glass Vases – Original watercolor art matted 11×14, bookmark, and magnet $67.84.
#2 Gift Set – Glass Vases – Watercolor Original, printed pressed floral handmade bookmark and tassel, and magnet. Floral design on bookmark is a gerber daisy, on magnet is a double heart design. Beautiful colors. By Artist Vicki Achard
#3 – TeaTime – Original Watercolor art work not matted, 10 pack Thank you cards, and floral bookmark, $58.94, original 11 x 14 art work with a white mat, thank you cards and bookmark, $72.50. Would put a smile on someone’s heart.
#3 Gift Set – Tea Time – Watercolor original, pack of 10 Thank you cards and handmade printed bookmark. By Artist Vicki Achard
#4 – Janet’s Eternal Rose – Pressed Floral Art print with beautiful gold frame, inside frame measures 3 1/2 x 12”, reads The Lord’s Prayer, with bookmark (reads The Lord is my Shepherd) $50.88 A very uplifting and meaningful gift.
#4 Gift Set – Janet’s Eternal Rose – Pressed Floral Art print, reads the Lord’s Prayer, handmade bookmark reads The Lord is my Shepherd, and magnet. By Artist Vicki Achard
#5 – Two 5 x 7 Matted Pressed Floral Art prints, Moment of Beauty, and Variety In Motion, neutral outer mat and maroon inner mat, box of 12 cards, 4 each of 3 designs, (see picture of card designs below) and bookmark, reads; Daughter you are very special. God loves you and so do I. $30.80. Can get a different bookmark if you want this gift set but not for your daughter, just email me and let me know. I’m sure I have one with similar colors to match well with this gift set. Nice gift to inspire and lift someone up. These two designs are favorites.
#5 Gift Set – Moment of Beauty and Variety In Motion, with box of 12 cards and envelopes, 3 designs of 4 each (see picture below) and bookmark, reads, Daughter you are very special. God loves you and so do I. By Artist Vicki AchardCard designs for Gift Set #5 By Artist Vicki Achard
#6 – Miniature Original, Wreath. Original flowers preserved for lasting color, handmade bookmark print, and magnet. $20.14 plus shipping. Beautiful nature gift.
#6 Gift Set – Miniature Original, Wreath, with handmade printed bookmark and magnet. By Artist Vicki Achard
#7 – Miniature Original, Lady in Garden. Original flowers are preserved for lasting color, handmade bookmark print, and magnet. Very fun Gift Set for that special someone. $20.14 plus shipping.
#7 Gift Set – Miniature Original, Lady in Garden. Original flowers preserved for lasting color, handmade bookmark print and magnet. By Artist Vicki Achard
# 8 – Floral Joy. Pressed floral art print with beautiful frame. Light green outer mat and maroon inner mat. Inside frame measures 8 x 17 and a handmade bookmark and tassel. Cone flowers are a favorite. Beautiful colors. $61.48
#8 Gift Set – Floral Joy – Pressed floral art print and handmade bookmark and tassel by Artist Vicki Achard
#9 – Free Spirit – Pressed floral art print with beautiful frame. Frame measures 8 x 17. Outer mat is light green, inner mat is a rose color, and a handmade bookmark and tassel. Butterflies were made from carnations. $61.48
#9 Gift Set – Free Spirit – Pressed floral art print and handmade bookmark and tassel. By Artist Vicki Achard
#10 – Vase of Roses – Original Watercolor Art. Will fit a 16 x 20 frame. Gray outer mat, black inner mat, and a box of 10 variety pack 5 x 7 Greeting cards, (see picture of cards below), and a handmade bookmark and tassel. A very special gift set, beautiful colors on art work and bookmark and the greeting cards are so lovely ( blank inside for your message). $127.20
#10 Gift Set – Vase of Roses – Original Watercolor Art. Will fit a 16 x 20 frame, box of 10 Greeting cards with envelopes (see picture below of the amazing variety pack) and a beautiful handmade bookmark and tassel. By Artist Vicki Achard Greeting cards (prints) and envelopes 10 inside a box – variety pack for gift set # 10 – Vase of Roses by Artist Vicki Achard
#11 – Pleasures – Pressed Floral Art Print. 18 x 24 matted print. Beautiful textured white outer mat, (see picture below), and maroon inner mat. All Occasion Gift; 5 cards the same and a bookmark. Inside verse on card is in the lower left hand side and is Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord. Bookmark reads; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. This very special art work of the columbine flowers makes an exceptionally beautiful gift set for that special someone. $64.02
#11 – Gift Set – Pleasures. This beautiful design of the columbine flowers is a pressed floral art print. It is an 18 x 24 matted print, also an All Occasion Gift and an additional bookmark by Artist Vicki Achard #11 Gift Set – Beautiful textured mat for the design “Pleasures” – Pressed Floral Print by Artist Vicki Achard
Hope I have helped you with some of your gift ideas. Please, again, send me an email Vicki@NaturesBestArt.com if you are interested in purchasing one of these wonderful gift sets for that someone special in your life. They are sure to inspire and uplift someone.
Happy Shopping, Remember the last day of the sale is Wednesday, November 30th. I wouldn’t hesitate as I anticipate they will not be available long.
Love thinking about our wonderful trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes; the warm sun, beautiful Lake Michigan and the dunes.
Dunes overlook Empire, Michigan by Watercolor Artist Vicki Achard
I also wanted to capture Lake Michigan through these weathered trees on the dunes.
Lake Michigan and Horizon Sleeping Bear DunesBeginning drawing of Lake Michigan and Horizon
Watercolor is so amazing to me. You start out with a simple drawing and after you add the paints it turns out so interesting, so colorful, and with what I hope to accomplish – something very realistic.
I’ve also learned how to put jump rings on earrings this month – what an accomplishment. It took me about 3 months to get that right!
I’ve also learned by mixing clay colors you can get the color you want. I call these pumpkin and spice. The bottom color bead was the clay I purchased and the top clay bead was a mixture of clays I combined to make this cranberry color that reminds me of spice. So much fun.
Pumpkin and Spice Ball Drop Earrings made by Vicki Achard.
Hope your Fall days are full of beautiful memories of enjoying this beautiful season and you also are having fun creating.
I found myself learning so much about jewelry making these past few weeks before we took our vacation. Whew, I really have such a respect for jewelry makers, it is very detailed work. I love making the beads from my paper designs and polymer clay. The assembling of the jewelry is challenging and I have learned so much!
Here’s my latest necklaces and earrings:
zebra necklace with golden glitter tear drop earrings / Vicki Achard’s Jewelry Designs / swirly paper beads & polymer claySpring Rose necklace and rose with silver bead cap tear drop earrings / Vicki Achard’s Jewelry Designs / swirly paper beads & polymer clayzebra necklace and zebra tear drop earrings & white tear drop earrings with silver bead caps / Vicki Achard’s Jewelry Designs / swirly paper beads & polymer clayMade earrings to match the three necklaces I made at the beginning of August (posted on the previous blog on my website) www.NaturesBestArt.com From left to right – Cad Red & Sunshine Circles, Black & Golden Glitter Moons, Golden Glitter Tear Drops, and in the 2nd row, Black & Golden Glitter Tear Drops
I absolutely love making jewelry, it’s been so much fun and so fascinating to me to discover the combinations of colors and designs one can come up with. The process of making my swirly beads out of my Nature’s Best Art work and making beads out of polymer clay is what I love best. The assembling (putting the materials using the hardware called “findings”) has been very challenging, but I’m learning a little bit more each day and what tools to use as to how this is done. It honestly has given me so much joy to do this. I plan to get back to watercolor painting this Fall and can’t wait to do that too. I’m trying to figure out a way to teach that. Anyone have any ideas? I think it would be fun to do private lessons, or a couple people at once – what do you think of that? I also plan to keep up with making jewelry and using my Nature’s Best Art scraps I call my Decorative Art Collection. Nothing goes to waste in my craft room!
While Summer is winding down I hope this finds you at peace and in good health.
Please let me know what you think of this jewelry.
I loved working with both my paper scraps I call my decorative art collection and polymer clay; making beads, pendants and my first pair of earrings. My swirly paper beads are embossed to give them a pretty shine. I cut paper from my watercolor and pressed floral decorative art collection and wrapped them around a knitting needle first then glued them at the end. I have also learned so much about polymer clay. It’s so fun to think of all the design ideas I have for future necklaces and earrings!
My first ever pair of earrings made from polymer clay. Vicki Achard/Artist and lover of clay, paper, art made of watercolor paints and pressed flowers.
Necklace made from my watercolor designs and polymer clay. Creating this was so much fun! Vicki Achard / Nature’s Best Art
The very first necklace I have made. I made swirly beads from my pressed floral art work and also beads from polymer clay. I had so much fun. Vicki Achard / Nature’s Best ArtMaking beads from my watercolor art work and making beads from polymer clay is amazing. I love matching the colors of both and I’m so pleased and excited at how the designs of both media turn out after I roll the paper and make swirly beads and how blending a few colors of polymer clay turn out! Vicki Achard / Nature’s Best Art
I look forward to sharing my jewelry making journey.
