Hi Paintgirl, So glad you saw that project and decided to give it a try. Painting truly is a rewarding pasttime. And isn't it wonderful to look at a project and say "Wow, I can't believe I painted that myself!" I got started back in the 80's when I kept seeing these cute country signs shaped like pigs and cows with neat sayings on them. I didn't want to spend the money to buy them, so I thought I'd take a class and learn to paint my own. Then I found out it was expensive to have to buy all the supplies and the wood cutout, so I needed to learn to cut my own wood. DH realized I was serious about it, so he helped me pick out a saw and a belt sander and my DB showed me some tips and tricks on his saw and the rest is history. I worked full time plus, and the wood cutting/painting time helped me relax and lower my stress levels. I never wanted to sell my projects--was hard enough just giving them away for gifts! Then I got smart and started making at least two, one for me and one to give away. I sure wish I would have taken pictures of all the pieces thorough the years--made and gave away allot! It was so rewarding when my co-workers would say "If you get my name,I hope you'll paint something for me." It sure was handy being able to paint a flowerpot or a wall sign when I needed a gift item. I still love it, and have so many projects I still want to paint. (Just need to get busy and do it!) LOL Luvs

I don't know anywhere else to post them besides like etsy or ebay. I'd be interested to know the names of the books you have or at least the artists names. Do you think it's advertising if you just list what you have and no prices, then we could just email you if we are interested? We really wish you wouldn't retire the paints! ~Anj

Hi ssundevill, wow, this was an old post--from way back in 2001. Are you wanting 100% Fat Free or Cozy Cookies (or both)? They talk about both of them in this post. Let me dig through my painting books. I don't think I have Cozy Cookies, but I just might have the other one. I'm sure you have already checked on ebay and on www.artistsclub.com for it. So sorry about your house fire, it would be terrible to lose things you've had for so long. I've been going through my books and weeding out some of them, so if I have it and am through with it, we'll figure out how to get it to you. Keep your fingers crossed. Are you interested in other gingerbread patterns too? I have lots of clippings and old painting magazines too that I could check for you. How did you find this forum? Hope you will keep coming back to visit and share comments and pics. Luvs

One way to make a particular piece of art stand out is size. In the mockup below, the painting is the largest of the group. Another way is frames. All have black frames except for the painting. Another is color. the painting is multicolored. All the other items in the grouping all have muted colors. So they essentially look like framed black or white piece of paper. I don't think any of the pieces that you have posted would work because the only possibility is the black and white flower but the black is so bold against the white paper, it stands out too much. Also, I see no problem mixing different media in a gallery wall including poster, prints, photos, original art, etc. Here is an example of three black and white photos along with an original painting.