Cake...

I am always inspired by events, celebrations... and cake! As I prepared for Paul's Birthday I found myself painting pretty pastries and mixing paints to create the perfect "chocolate frosting" color. I am always captivated by the fluffy, swirly icing... the texture and the perfect peaks!

I started this 5"x7" watercolor card last night while eating leftover cake! (Another great thing about Birthdays is leftover cake and ice cream)!

This chocolate cake is from a journal entry last week.

And more art journaling.

Because I journal and paint nearly daily, I do not wish to be confined to my art room. I prefer portability. I move from room to room, and during Summer months, I prefer to be outdoors.

This works for me-

Isn't it great?

It will even hold my iPad and iPhone!

It was back to work today. I was ready to get back into routine again. I seem to get more done when I am working. Strange, but true. After work, I did two loads of laundry, painted, made a hair appointment for Friday, ate supper, blogged! I'm not always creative and energetic when working, but I do believe that during time off I just prefer to pamper myself with rest. I give myself permission to do absolutely nothing on days off. Once in work mode... I work, I create, I cook, clean, and juggle! Of course, I am now wearing down. Time to read for awhile before bed. Oh, and I might just enjoy a piece of cake with some hot tea.

Sweet dreams to all!

 

Christmas Every Day?

Brrrrrr! It's rather chilly here in Kansas! Like hat, mittens, scarf, AND coat weather. (Oh, how I wish now that I would have purchased some of these way cute vintage hats from this unique boutique in Colorado to add to my collection)!

 

What a fun day that was! Even Paul and his dad joined in on the fashion show. Yes, indeed, we put on silly hats, funky hats, cool hats, furry hats... I did a few twirls, awaiting their approval or applause. It mostly led to laughter, of course.

I've been going through our Christmas trip photos, grinning. Reflecting. I wonder... Why can't we live each and every day as if it were Christmas? You know- feeling excited, joyful, eager to give to others? Everything seems so magical. As I type this blog entry, I realize that I DO live each and every day as if it were Christmas... For the most part, and it makes for a much happier life for sure. I wake up most mornings, so anxious to begin the day, at 3:00 or 4:00 am! Now, I must admit, I'm not quite as happy when it is a work day, but still, I make the most of it. I smile, I try to find the good in all situations, and I do live a very creative, colorful life. February.... Well, it does take more effort. By then, I am tired of grey skies, cold weather, and burnout at work always sets in around that time. Been there, done that..... Which is one of the reasons why I enjoy being a school employee. Another break from work is near once we get through those Winter blues!

I think that I will leave our Christmas tree and decorations up through January! Why not? We have no rules in our house. On those early mornings, I love sipping coffee by the tree. The only light on at 4:00 am are those from the tree. It's so quiet out here in the country. Peaceful. Beautiful. I am savoring this time at home and am so inspired to create. I do just that.

I started with a very large piece of watercolor paper. I had no vision. I just knew that I needed to feel a paintbrush in my hand and I wanted to see purple! Once the watercolors had dried, I felt the urge to simply doodle with a gold gel pen. Stars! Sky!!!!! I think as I work. I think about things that I need to do ( really NOT a good idea while in creative mode), .... But, it happens. I needed to get Thank You notes out to those who gifted us at Christmastime. Ahhhhhhh haaaaaaaaa moment! Oh yes,... I can use this piece of art as a background for cards! (A perfect reason to carry on in my own little world, right)?

Once I filled the paper with tiny gold stars, I cut into card front size... Added the snowmen with oil pastels, painted details with acrylic paints, added sparkle, sparkle, sparkle! Remember, it's the season of SPARKLE!

After all card fronts had dried and I had mounted the stamped "thank You" pieces... I attached them to the green, folded cardstock. Waaaaa laaaaaaa! That task is now done! Ooooops. I do need to write in them and get them in the mail.

More projects await. The work tables in my art studio are covered with stacks of stuff!!!!! I also have stories to tell you, but it must wait. I will be back... Right here, again very soon!

Merry Christmas...

Every day!

 

 

It is what it is, darling...

Hello, readers in Blogland!

Due to the very high winds, along with HOT temperatures here in Eastern Kansas, I am spending more time indoors than out! Although I miss running out to the garden to greet the newborn watermelons and flower blooms...

it's not ALL bad. I paint more!

I bounce around from project to project. I explore through an array of art supplies and mediums. 

I recently came across some of my old "Artist Trading Cards" and the charming little albums in which I stored them in. It brought back fond memories from the year of 2005, when I first discovered these mini pieces of art. I even joined an online group where collectors gathered to create and swap. Oh, the joy of trading ATC's with other artists from all over the world! I watched this craze evolve into something even bigger. A fabulous book was released...

of course, I purchased it. I was selling on ebay and nearly fell over when one of my cards sold for a very unbelievable amount!

Then everyone began calling the cards ACEO's- art card edition original. These are the good cards, so to speak. ORIGINAL.

I have seen the cards framed and displayed in a grouping on a wall. LOVE! I want to do this in my art studio!

Although these small works of art measure only 2.50" x 3.50", some of them are truly amazing, and affordable. A very nice painting (ACEO), can still be found on etsy or ebay for $10.00 to $15.00. At these prices, most CAN afford to do a wall grouping and collect beautiful art that puts a smile on their face!

I will begin listing my ACEO's in my etsy shop once we are settled in at home. You, see, we have many travel plans and events ahead! Oh, how I also LOVE Summer!!!!!!!! 

I have several art pieces that I will be listing in my shop!

I have put much thought into this, and just don't think that it is fair to my buyers to make them have to wait so long for any purchase. I cannot promptly ship if the vagabond is moving! I'm a perfectionist and want to be able to put 100 percent of myself into my art biz and buyers. This is why I do not list much. The timing must also be perfect!

I will have framed art to offer.

My paintbrushes have been very busy!

My girls are dying to get out... just as I have been! *giggles*

Oh, wind. Please, go away.

For now, it is what it is.

I do hope that your corner of the world is NOT so windy!

Happy day to all!