The most popular oil painting of 2010

Van Gogh’s masterpiece “Starry Night” took the top spot last year (click here to read that post), and this year, he’s been knocked down to the number 2 spot by none other than…Vincent van Gogh.

“Branches of Almond Tree in Blossom” took the top spot in 2010, and with “Starry Night” the most popular oil painting of the last decade, his win this year only continues his reign as one of the best-selling artists. OverstockArt.com says “He consistently has more than one work of art included in the Top 10 list and this year, has secured four spots in the top 10.” Davis Sasson, overstockArt’s CEO says, “Van Gogh consistently remains the most popular artist in the world; his total sale numbers have left everyone well behind.” Pretty ironic, isn’t it, considering how little he was appreciated during his lifetime, and died relatively unknown.

 

Here is the Top 10 list for 2010 (brought to you by overstockArt.com):

 

1. “Branches of Almond Tree in Blossom” – Vincent van Gogh

2. “Starry Night” – Vincent van Gogh

3. “The Kiss” – Gustav Klimt

4. “Cafe Terrace at Night” – Vincent van Gogh

5. “Garden Path at Giverny” – Claude Monet

6. “Poppy Field at Argenteuil” – Claude Monet

7. “Sunflowers” – Vincent van Gogh

8. “The Old Guitarist” – Pablo Picasso

9. “Untitled, 1949” – Mark Rothko

10. “Tree of Life” – Gustav Klimt

 

So what do you think? Are you a Van Gogh fan? Think he can secure another win next year?

 

Cold hands, warm heart (or craft)

It’s icy as all get out here in NJ, but a very heartwarming holiday is right around the corner (and I don’t think you need a giant brain to figure out what it is).

I posted about the website Craftster back in May 2009 (seriously, it was that long ago??), and I check back often to kinda skulk around and see what fun things people are crafting. I found this sweet little Valentine embroidery, and I wanted to share it with you:

 

Here’s a close-up:

The Craftster user, xperimentl, says she took this design from a vintage coloring page she found online. She then ironed on the accent fabric with fusible web and used backstitches and a stem stitches to finish the design.

Click here to see the entire post, and to see how xperimentl ended up framing the piece.

This is a quick and inexpensive craft that you could get worked up in a weekend–plenty of time to present it to your sweetie! Find your own love-themed design–and then let your heart lead the way!

Zippity doo dads

Here’s a fun new find that we will be sharing in the April issue of Create & Decorate: Indygo Junction, Inc. has packaged some creative genius in their Zipper Accents and patterns called My Garden Zips, and Zipper Jewels.

Amy Barickman always manages to keep Indygo Junction at the forefront of fun. Zipper Accents take the zipper trend to a whole new level with two color collections: Z100 Classic and Z101 Vintage. Each offers five-yard-long zipper trims ready to use with exciting Robin Mackintosh Design patterns, Zipper Jewels, and My Garden Zips. Or invent your own ways to incorporate the linear elements on garments, home decor, and other accessories. The possibilities are endless, and the colors are scrumptious. The photos tell the story, but can’t quite do justice to the Zipper Accents—they have beautiful shiny teeth and a nice smooth fabric tape that’s easy to manipulate and sew.

Visit www.indygojunction.com for more inspiration and ideas.

  

And the winner is…

Everyone! That’s right: we loved all the Christmas gift memories you shared with us, so we’re going to give all the ladies that posted a pack of Zebra Sarasa Metallic Pens!

Huzzah!

So congratulations are in order for:

Brenda

Renee

Sandra

Amanda

Linda G.

Kathy

Diane H.

and Val!

All you gals have to do is send an e-mail to ndemarco@allamericancrafts.com with your mailing address and we’ll get those pens out to you!

Thanks so much for sharing your sweet Christmas memories. It was so nice to read such happy thoughts. They made us smile. See? 🙂

Congrats again, and keep checking back for more creatively crafty giveaways!