Carroll Anderson

Second in a series of small door flags. I would like to have designs for each season and/or holiday throughout the year. He was really fun to design - figuring out how to set the hat, what kind of strokes to use for the straw. The worm was my husband's idea. Isn't he cute!

Christmas is my favorite holiday, but autumn in my favorite season. Painting this plate was a real exercise in dedication to the season. I started with the Rosemary West design in the center, wanting to paint those chrysanthemum's again. But the leaves - whew! After looking through several pattern instructions and downloaded photographs, I thought that I had come up with a quick and easy plan. But of course not. Add a color - no that's too bright, scrub in a different color - no that's too much- oh, that's too lopsided - can't even see that color, etc. Some of those leaves probably have 20 to 30 layers of color - not intentional I can assure you. They turned out really nice. But I couldn't look at painting another leaf for months!

Francie's Flowers
11x14 door flag
Original design ©Carroll Anderson

My first door flag. A friend's favorite flower, I designed this with her in mind. Always brightening up the room, just like sunflowers brighten up a hot, summer day.

This small heart design is really an exercise in color pacement. Plus, I love birdhouses!

Blue with Red Flowers
Line design adapted from a rosemaling book.
Color scheme by Carroll Anderson

This paper mache box is another exercise in color. It's my first attempt at color and detail design in rosemaling. The basic pattern came from one of my rosemaling books - basically it's just a book of traditional patterns. Then it was time to study and learn. I read through several design guides and color theory articles. This is what I came up with. I'm pleased with it as a first try, although there are several things I would change if I painted it again. It was a great learning experience.

Traditional Sewing Box
End Designs adapted from Rosemary West Pattern
Stroke Work, color scheme by Carroll Anderson

Acrylic on Wood

I bought this sewing box at Rosemary's shop several years before painting it. Never could settle on a design. I really wanted some Pennsylvania Dutch, which is why I used the strokework with tulips. Then, there was the big blank spot on each end. One day, looking for a particular West design, I ran across these angels. They were originally designed for a different type of box, but with a little pattern shrinking, they worked wonderfully here. 

This was an exercise in exactness. Lots of re-painting, but it turned out to be very welcoming. Betty Caithness has such lovely designs. This pattern was part of packet with a sweet country scene, very English looking. I have that one in my entryway. Guess a picture of that should go on the website, too.

Another wonderful Caithness design. I love Noah's Ark designs, and this one is just too cute. And, as usual, I learned all kinds of great things to do with design and color. Lots of fun.

Rosemary West is also one of my favorite decorative artists. This design was such a neat idea. I've seen some other Ark puzzles that are also cute. Maybe some day, I'll be able to design my own - or at least put my own stamp on a puzzle.

Rosemalled Notions Box
Basic line design adapted from Rosemaling design patterns.
Color scheme, drawer design by Carroll Anderson

This is just such a wonderful wood piece. Handmade. Each drawer has a notch that allows it to be pulled all the way out, yet not fall out on its own. The entire box turns like a lazy susan. I had the box for 4 or 5 years before making a design decision. Once again, practice in color balance and Rosemaling techniques. It took quite a while to finish. But it made me happy to paint it.

Angel Keepsake Box

Adapted from Rosemary West design.

Roses & Ivy Keepsake Box

Adapted from Rosemary West design.

Shepherd Keepsake Box

Adapted from several folk art sheep designs.

Keepsake Boxes

Small and Medium Sizes

Acrylic on Wood

I found these boxes at a craft store and just had to find something to paint on them. Must have had my granddaughter in mind. :-)

Rose Keepsake Box

Adapted from Painting Works design.

It's a lovely music box design. I still have two more music box inserts. Just need to find some place to put them. And, of course, a design to paint for them.

This was a such a great idea as a place to put your sticky note pads. Some people stick the pad to the dock, but I don't. To me, it's just a standard place to keep the note pads.

It took a while to figure out how to put hte ribbon on this parchment. But doesn't it look cute?

I first painted this design for my son, along with a teddy bear design by Rosemary. He's all grown now, but the parchments still hang in the dressing room.