About Me

My name is Darla Dixon. I am a mom of 4 - I work from home creating Pencil Portraits. My artwork has been published several times and has sold internationally. I like to blog/write, and scrapbook.

Where to Find Grocery Store Weekly Sales Ads, Food Sale Circulars & Supermarket Fliers

For most grocery stores, when you want to see their sales flyer,you need to type in the name of the store and do a search, store by store. That takes a good bit of time. The other option is to spend money for the Sunday paper just to get the weekly d...

Homemade House Cleaning Recipes

This page is about homemade cleaning product recipes. Most of these cleaning recipes are made out of things you probably already have around the house! Let me know how these work for you.

Where to Find Free Printable Manufacturer's Grocery Food Coupons for Groceries

I just love free printable internet coupons!  Many people do not know that they can print manufacturer's coupons for groceries free right at home. This page has been made to compile all the very best sources of these places you can Print Free Co...

How To Draw Human Hair or Animal Fur in Graphite Pencil - Resources for Artists

Tips from a professional pencil artist on how to draw realistic look of human hair or animal fur in pencil. This article assumes that you already have the basic form of the head and face in place, and just focuses on drawing hair. For any of the sup...

How To Use Coupons and Save Money!

Prices are going up every day. I can't do much about the rising price of eggs and milk, because there are very few coupons for those grocery items. However, if you can keep from spending money on some other things you buy, it can really make an impac...

How To Advertise Your Portrait Art Business With Little or No Money - Resources for Artists

When you are starting out in your art business, you need customers and you don't have a lot of money to throw around. Here are some free or low cost ideas. Some of these tips and ideas you may have already done for yourself, and if so, that is great...

Pencil Portraits drawn from Photos

I create pencil portraits based on photos my clients send me. Please feel free to browse the links to the different types of portraits I create, and let me know if I can help you with any questions! My Art Website

Entertain Baby with Websites with fun games for babies and toddlers

with fun and educational games for babies and toddlers! The Internet can be a great way to entertain a baby or toddler. I enjoy looking at videos on YouTube and other websites with my little ones, but it's good to know ahead of time which ones are s...

Pencil Portrait Business Advice Lensography - Resources for Artists

This page is the main reference-starting off point, if you want to see all my pages regarding starting and maintaining a pencil portrait art business. On this page I have included all the links to the pages I have created on Squidoo that relate to h...

Stockpiling Food & Supplies

This page isn't about hoarding. It's about the practice of stocking up on food and supplies you regularly use - only when they are on sale, using coupons on them too -so you only buy at the lowest price possible! Before you do your grocery shopping...

Kidsignments Children's Consignment Sale Gwinnett County GA

The Kidsignments Sale is a consignment sale of gently used children's clothing, toys, and baby equipment. The consignment sale is held twice a year at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Exhibition Center in Lawrenceville GA. People even come from out of...

Stipple Portraits - Pointillism - Hedcuts Drawn from Photos - Ink Dot Portraits

Portraits and general subject drawings made out of many ink dots laid carefully side by side are often called pointillism or stipple. Pointillism is the color version of a stipple portrait. As colored dots are placed adjacent to each other, when the...

How To Start a Pencil Portrait Art Business - Resources for Artists

I have written a series of informational pages on this topic because I often receive email from artists, asking how they can market their artwork more effectively. I love to hear from other artists and share information, but unfortunately it does tak...

Mr Bean's Holiday - Rowan Atkinson Movie

Mr. Bean, the whole Bean and nothing but the Bean (and a bit of Blackadder thrown in toward the bottom of this page) Synopsis of the Mr. Bean's Holiday movie from the official website of the movie: "Mr. Bean is heading to the south of France for a...

SparkPeople Free Online Diet and Fitness Program

Isn't it time to turn wishes into reality? It does take some drive and determination to lose weight and get fit. It's not always easy, but it is attainable! It's just not an overnight cure. If you are ready to stop wishing and really lose weight or g...

Southeast Gwinnett Co-op

The Southeast Gwinnett Coop is part of the Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry and is working to make a difference for families in the Southeastern part of Gwinnett County. UPDATE: The Southeast Gwinnett Cooperative Ministry is in a crisis situation. They...

Psychology of Drawing

Yes, you can draw! Getting rid of negative self talk can allow you to create. Even professional artists can have problems with "Artist's Block." Here are some tips to move past feelings of self doubt, fear of rejection, and worry about our art.

Snellville GA Kids Eat Free or Super Cheap Restaurant Deals

A collection of restaurants offering free meals for children. I will do my best to keep this list updated, but as you know, companies change their policies often, so it would be a good idea for you to contact a restaurant to verify they still offer t...

Is your name Darla? Welcome To The Everything DARLA Page

My name has always stood out. It's not Darlene, it's not Carla, but I always have and always will be called both. Darla was a moderately popular name in the 1950's but it seems to have been around for at least 20-30 years at that time. Darla of Buffy...

I am: Darla Dixon

Welcome to my total ego gratification page. You know you've hit the big time when you can write a page about yourself. LOL!

EASY Key Lime Pie Recipe

Keylime Pie 2 graham cracker crusts 1 extra large container of Cool Whip (12 oz) 1 large can of condensed milk (Eagle brand is good) 12 oz can LimeAid Concentrate (if you can't find the 12 oz size, just buy two of the 6 oz) Blend above ingredients, then a...

SoldierPortraits.Blogspot.com

SoldierPortraits.Blogspot.com is a group of Portrait artists offering no charge original portraits of military personnel who gave their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. The portraits are given to the family at no cost, but...

Useful tools and sites to enhance your website

If you're like me, you don't want to create websites for a living, but maybe are trying to create your own website for fun or profit - or even just trying to learn more about it and tweak your site. It has always been wonderful when I've been able to...

Classic Black & White Home Style & Fashion Accessories

Black and white has been a classic fashion statement popularized by Chanel who made it iconic and trendy. You can find the black and white contrasting with the Chanel logo on their handbags, shoes, and apparel. Do you remember the linoleum of the 50s,...

The Shetland Sheepdog - The Sheltie Dog - Things To Know

This page is to help you find information on Shetland Sheepdogs (Shelties). Shelties have specific needs in an owner, and it's important that the prospective adoptive owners know ahead of time. They are herding dogs. Shelties tend to bark a lot, and...

New Milk Containers

To me, the new milk container looks like something like a bottle of bulk cleaning fluids. This page will explain why we have a newly designed milk container. After I found out why the milk container has been redesigned, I am more open to using it....

Scams Targeting Artists - Avoid Being Victimized by Scams Aimed at Artists

I have been hearing about different versions of the "Nigerian scam" and "advance payment scam" that target artists. Today, I heard from an aspiring artist friend who was very excited that someone had seen his artwork online and wanted to buy it! Thi...

Using Coupons to Get Free Groceries: Food and Other Great Stuff!

How to use coupons to get free groceries! The coupon doesn't have to be specifically an offer for a "Free" item for you to be able to get free groceries. What you do is stack instant cash back offers with your store coupons and manufacturer coupons....

Art Supplies for Pencil Drawing -Resources for Artists

A basic list of what you need in order to create pencil portraits.

How To Save Money on Gas and Practically Everything Else you Buy

This page gives tips on saving money on your everyday purchases - groceries and gas - as well as how to save money on your online purchases and even earn rebates and start a college savings fund for your kids - all from purchases you are already maki...

Richard Scarry, Children's Book Illustrator

Richard Scarry was the talented writer and illustrator of at least 300 books. Worldwide sales of over 300 million copies. I have searched the Internet and compiled, in chronological order, the major events in Richard Scarry's life. Some websites co...

Family Promise - FamilyPromise.org Works to Break Cycle of Poverty & Homelessness

Family Promise is a non-profit organization committed to helping low income families nationwide to achieve lasting independence. Family Promise does this this by helping communities mobilize to provide safe shelter, meals, and support services for h...

More Ways Artists Can Make Money - Resources for Artists

Artists think that the only way they can make money is by selling their art. But why not make some money selling other people's original art, art prints, How-To do art DVD's and books, art supplies - and don't forget all the other sales possibilities...

What to Charge for Pencil Portraits - Determining Pencil Portrait Prices - Resources for Artists

It is difficult to decide what to charge for a custom pencil portrait commission. Check out the pencil portrait art price survey below. Of course, it's not completely scientific, it's just fun and interesting to know. If you have sold a pencil portr...

Village of the Arts Artist's Community in Bradenton Florida

The City of Bradenton Florida and the Downtown Development Authority have joined forces and formed the non-profit organization called the Artist's Guild of Manatee - to create an artist's colony called The Village of the Arts in an 18-block area sout...

Gwinnett Mothers of Multiples Club (GMOMs) Consignment Sale

The Gwinnett Mothers of Multiples Club (GMOMS)of Gwinnett County, Georgia holds a kids consignment sale every spring and fall. Great deals abound! The sale is held by the club, but it is open to the public to buy. You do not have to have twins to bu...

Promotional Materials for Pencil Portrait Artists

On this page, I give some advice for places to have printing done, why it's important for artists to have promotional materials, and some unique ways to use promotional and printed materials to bring attention to your art business.

Biography of Norman Rockwell, American Artist

Norman Rockwell and I never met. He had better things to do..lol...but his art had a lot to do with me becoming an artist. My parents had two Norman Rockwell art books in the house when I was growing up, and I loved to pour over all the illustrations...

Women of Gwinnett Business Group

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO USE OUR WEBSITE AS A GREAT SHOPPING PORTAL! We have so many great offerings. Please look on our website first before shopping elsewhere. Buying from our members will help real families!    The Women of Gwinn...

Buy Coupons - Coupon Clipping Services

Imagine a world where you can just go to a website, type in the products you would like coupons for, then you can just click to select all the coupons you want, and then they're mailed to you. No time spent cutting out coupons. Guess what? That time...

Coupon Binder & Coupon Organizing Systems

Whether you are just starting out using coupons or if you have been using coupons for a long time, chances are that you would like a more organized system for your coupons.

The New London Theatre - Snellville GA

Synopsis of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: New London Theatre will present "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" Opening April 18th, 2008 at 8 pm. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a fantasy story written for children by C. S. Lewis...

Pencil Sharpeners - Electric and Manual Pencil Sharpening

There are so many pencil sharpener options on the market today. I hope that the resources on this page will help you find the best kind of pencil sharpener for your needs. From the basic manual hand held models to vacuum mounted classic turn-handle...

Drawing Tips for Beginning Artists

Drawing Tips for Beginning Artists Art questions from site visitors - These are from Richie in California: "Where do you get your supplys whats the name of the store for instance, maybe one will be out here. secondly could u email me a list of the...

Fabulous Freebies - Free Samples, Free Offers & Discounts

Freebies and discounts as I find them on the web. Please feel free to contact me if you are a merchant with a free or discount offer, or if you are a shopper and you find a good deal, please contact me so I can pass it along! Thanks!

Drawing Paper Recommendations for Pencil Portraits

This page is to recommend papers to other pencil artists and beginning artists, and to explain the difference between different drawing paper types. Strathmore paper is my favorite drawing paper, and I have tried many brands. Strathmore has always won...

Snellville Georgia

Snellville Georgia is a city of approximately 18,000 residents in the suburbs of Atlanta. Snellville GA is located in Gwinnett County.  

Making and Using Grocery Shopping Price Book

I have just started using a price log. I have most of the prices in my head, but I have been trying to have a more organized system. As the rate of inflation is growing pretty fast right now, it's getting harder to keep track of what a "good price" a...

Boston Terrier Pencil Portrait Art

I am a pencil portrait artist, and I can draw dog portraits based on photos of your dog. Each portrait is incredibly detailed original art. <--This is one of my portraits, it's all only pencil.  To see more, please see My Boston Terrier Pencil...

VMK Disney Virtual Magic Kingdom for Kids Closed

VMK closed on May 21, 2008. A message on the website stated, "VMK launched as a part of the Disneyland 50th Celebration and is now closed. Disney.com continues to create experiences to amaze our guests and we hope that all of our VMK friends will con...

The Love of Old Barns

There is just something special about barns and old buildings. I live in Georgia and I just love it whenever I get the chance to see or photograph an old barn. Barns are Americana at its finest, and to view an old red barn with a field of overgrown...

The Upside Down Show

The Upside Down Show is one of the most clever and imaginative shows for children I have seen in some time.

Preparing for and Parenting Twins

I became a mother of twins in November, 1993. They are fraternal twin girls. I had hardly any experience with kids, and we had twins as our first children. Since then, we have had 2 more children - single birth boys. So, I have had twins, I've had gi...

Tombow Mono-Homograph Drawing Pencils

I found Tombow Mono Professional Drawing Pencils by accident, and it was the best thing that ever happened to my art! Once you try these pencils, I don't think you will want to use any other kind. They contain more graphite than ordinary pencils, an...

Contact Management for Artists

This page is about how to maintain a contact system of your art clients using very inexpensive basic systems or more sophisticated and specialized database software for artists, so you can send promotional mailings and do follow up. I have also incl...

New Baby Gifts for Twins and Multiple Births

Looking for a new baby gift for twins is fun! But sometimes it is hard to find just the right gift for the babies and their parents. In this page, I'll be working to compile some of the best gift items especially for twin babies, twin toddlers, twin...

"Artist Deduction Bill" - the "Artist-Museum Partnership Act" - H.R. 1524/S. 548

The Artist-Museum Partnership Act would amend the current income tax code and establish another itemized deduction for individuals who donate literary, musical, artistic, or scholarly compositions at fair market value to tax-exempt organizations, pro...

Artist's Guide to Self Promotion - Promoting Your Art Online - Resources for Artists

With the Internet, there's a world of opportunity for artists to show what they do best! But where and how can you promote your art without spending a lot of money at membership sites? The good news is that you don't have to pay a lot of money to se...

Elvis Costello - The Music of Elvis Costello

I have liked Elvis Costello since I first heard Oliver's Army on my boyfriend's Sony Walkman (remember those?) in 1984. The portrait of Elvis Costello is my own fan artwork. You can see more of my art at my website and visit Elvis Costello's website

Toy Rental: BabyPlays.com Program

I first heard about BabyPlays.com on CNN and I was immediately fascinated. Lori Pope, an entrepreneurial mother of twins from Houston came up with the idea of renting toys out in much the same way that NetFlix rents out DVDs. Customers pay a monthly...

Scoutle - Automated Social Networking for Bloggers

Scoutle is a new social networking site that is different from any other. Scoutle (currently in Beta) is a network and guide for blogs and websites. As a Scoutle user, you set up your "Scouts" and your scouts do your networking for you, visiting si...

Pocky Japanese Candy

Pocky is a Japanese treat that is primarily like thin pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate. It comes in many flavors. Give it a try, you will love it! I have found Pocky in Japanese stores in the mall, also at f.y.e. stores, but it's also available at...

Snellville United Methodist Church - Snellville GA

This page is to introduce you to Snellville United Methodist Church This page is under construction...

Grocery Store Trips & Traps

How many times have you gone into the grocery store just to pick up bread and milk and ended up with $45 worth of groceries in your cart?  For the bargain shopper, the grocery store can be like a battle zone. The grocery stores have done everyth...

Darla Dixon

Darla Dixon is an American pencil portrait artist and illustrator.

Dealing With Difficulties in your Pencil Portrait Business

We often identify with our art so when a customer criticizes it, it can be very hurtful. Work to separate your art from your feelings of worth. Take client criticisms of our art as an opportunity to improve your skills and grow as an artist.

Nick Pallas - 15 year old rising star

Nick Pallas is definitely someone to watch. He is only 15, but sings with amazing ability beyond his years. He lives in Grayson Georgia, only about 6 miles from Snellville GA, where Diana DeGarmo of American Idol fame lives. I just found his talent...

Drawing Houses and Buildings

Information about how to draw buildings and houses yourself, or hire a professional artist to draw your home or business. Custom pencil portraits of homes and buildings also make great closing gifts for real estate agents to give to their clients.

How To Protect Works of Art on Paper

Don't put off taking steps to protect your art investment. Right when you buy it is the time to start. This page will give you tips for framing and where to display your artwork so it won't end up wavy, brittle, or yellowed.

Pet Portrait Artist

I am a portrait artist. I draw people, houses, and also pets! Have you ever thought about getting a portrait drawn of your dog, cat or even bird? It's a great gift to give yourself, or someone else. It is so special...more meaningful than buying a gi...

Pencil Portraits Video Showcase

The great thing about portrait art videos is that they show that there is no ONE "right" way to do something. I might find a technique I like better than what I am doing now, or I might be even more convinced that the way I draw is right fo...

Darla Dixon Is A Graphite Pencil Portrait Artist Who Draws Portraits Based On Client's Photos

Rather than just creating a copy of a photo, I work with clients to make changes in the artwork to suit their needs. I can combine people or pets from separate photos. I can draw peaceful, uplifting pencil portraits of stillborn babies. I can add nam...

Art Instruction Videos and DVDs

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Where to Find Large Size Women's Shoes

I wear (gasp!) size 12M. A lot of women like myself are frustrated when we can't find their sizes at stores and I'm excited to find that we can find stores online that carry sizes up to 14 and widths from AAAA-EEEE. I have worked to collect the websi...

Saving Money Lensography

Are you in a money crunch? Are you freaking out that gas is heading toward $4 a gallon, if it's not there already? Are your credit cards maxed out? Is it getting harder to pay bills? What are you doing about these concerns? Don't try to hide from th...

Rev. W. Awdry - Author of the Thomas Tank Engine Railway Series

Wilbert Vere Awdry was born on June 15, 1911. He was the son of a clergyman. W.V. Awdry was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1936. Two years later, he married Margaret Wale, a teacher. Twenty six years later, Rev. Awdry stopped writing the books, b...

House Drawings - Real Estate Realtor Unique Closing Gifts for Clients

Before you order yet another fruit basket for a closing gift, ask yourself how long perishable gifts like that will work for you. Not very long, right? the fruit will be eaten or go bad eventually...and maybe the family will use the basket to keep t...

Find a fun gift for your favorite Pittsburgh Steelers fan!

Need to buy a gift for a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and have no idea what to get? Tsk tsk! You've come to the right place. On this page, I've hand-picked a few nice items and sorted them by price points to make it quicker and easier to get just the ri...

Finding Women's Jeans in Tall and Long Sizes

I am 5'11" so I'm tall but not extremely tall, and even I have trouble finding jeans the right length. Sometimes the discount stores will have jeans on sale, and if you get there within the first 30 minutes of shipment arrival, and have time to dig...

Women Of Gwinnett Members on Squidoo

This page is for Women of Gwinnett members to see each other's pages on Squidoo! This should be fun!

Cat Jokes

I'm collecting cat and kitten jokes that friends email me, and putting them in this page. They're the kinds of jokes that get emailed around for fun. I apologize if the jokes belong to any person or website, if they do belong to you, please let me k...

Heartsill Wilson - The Voice of Professional Sales

Heartsill Wilson was born William Heartsill Wilson in Marshall, TX on February 20,1920. For many years he was a Registered Public Accountant (Auditor) in Texas. He worked on the sales staff of Chrysler Corporation. He became one of America's top sale...

Using Coupons and Sales to Give to Charity, Food Banks, etc

Many people don't like to use coupons because they think it makes them appear 'cheap,' or they claim, they don't have time for coupons. But if people would just match coupons to the sale prices and see how much food can be received for FREE (especia...

Napoleon Bonaparte's Waterloo Campaign

The Battle of Waterloo was the last action of the Napoleonic Wars. MORE COMING SOON