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My painting journey began around 18 years ago...
Not long after losing my husband, a good friend (Flo) talked me into taking a “tole” painting class to help take my mind off my sorrows. It worked, and I fell in love with painting! It wasn’t long before I was painting anything that stood still...
My love of painting soon led to teaching and from teaching to publishing my original designs as decorative art instruction books and pattern packets, which you can find on this site, or at your favorite art store/studio.
To date, I have published 14+ books: 8 books in the Between the Vines series, 5 in the Christmastime Between the Vines series, 1 through North Light Books;
also 2 combined-author books: Heartfelt Seasons and A Festive Collection; numerous pattern packets and I am a regular contributor to painting magazines, nationally and internationally.
The North Light Book “Painting Heartwarming Holidays” was released in March 2006. You can get a signed copy of the book if you purchase through this site; or check your local bookstores (and/or art/craft stores) even online @ Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc... Christmastime Between the Vines 5 is my latest venture in self-publishing and was released in February 2007.
I am the president of my corporation, Between the Vines, Inc., and Vines 8 was my first endeavor into complete self-publishing and distributing. It was (and is!) a challenging yet satisfying experience, and I look forward to publishing more volumes in the future. We are now working on the release of my first three books (BTV 1,2,3) onto CD’s, and to releasing DVD’s of my painting techniques.
My true passion is for designing and my schedule is tight, so I am not traveling much. Look for me at a couple of conventions each year, either teaching and/or exhibiting. My schedule will be posted on this site under Shows/Conventions. I am now venturing into licensing my designs into the gift industry, so check the site for updates as I explores that avenue!
“Family, Friends & More...”
Being widowed at a young age was a trial and I couldn’t have made it without the love, support and guidance of the good Lord, my family and friends. I am blessed with 2 incredibly, wonderful, delightful sons: Ryan is now 25, and Tyler will be 19 soon. and a feisty 11 yr. old kitty (Snickers.)
They’ve made being a single mom a joy!
I am engaged to a fellow in this industry - Don Lute of Valhalla Designs, who has been so supportive and dear. In order for me to allow for more time to design, I have hired my longtime friend, Flo Raines, to help out in the office, filling the orders, answering the phone and e-mail - she is a wonderful asset.
I believe it was learning to paint that helped me conquer my grief and channel it into something positive. My cares and concerns melted away when I picked up the brush and I was able to forget my woes for awhile. It is my heartfelt desire that as you paint my designs, that you leave the cares and worries of life behind...and you too discover the rich rewards that await you ~
Between the Vines! 
Love, Jamie
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