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! 

Addison

I just completed a painting for a client. She asked me if I would call her because she wanted to share with me, the story...

a very sad story as to why she wanted me to paint for her granddaughter.

With each brushstroke, I thought about this very small child and the trauma in which she suffered. I thought about her room, all decorated in pink with ladybug accents.

I felt as if I knew this child and what an honor it was to be painting...

just for HER. 

Addison is HER name.

Priorities...

Once school was out I thought that I would have more time for the neglected things, such as my blog...

NOT!

(However, I cannot deny the fact that blogging is no longer high on my priority list).

Of course I love sharing, reading other artists' blogs when I can, and being a part of this whole blogging community...

but I also love so many other things in my life such as working in the garden, reading a good book, cooking, and spending time with Paul. I find that I no longer want to sit in front of a laptop screen! I want to be in the NOW and live joyfully in these other moments & interests.

Yes, I think about shutting down my blog. Closing this chapter...

I have blogged since 2006 (In a Shabby Kind Of Way blog), so I've "been there, done that". I have met wonderful friends/ artists just by blogging. It seems that many of them have also closed their blogging chapters and moved on.

I shall continue to ponder this. 

I have been on the go and keeping busy ever since that final week of school!

May 18th, 19th, & 20th Paul and I went back to our hometown to see my only niece graduate from High School! It was great to be around family again!

Then, on May 25th through Memorial Day...

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS where we met my dear cousin, Tonya, and her hubby, Garry.

The 4 of us shared a condo, got crazy dirty while riding the beautiful trails...

got wet in crystal clear spring water!

Us gals also spent a glorious day shopping in the historical downtown district! We dined, we laughed...

we loved! (Even with a dirt-covered face)! 

(Paul & Garry).

After our lovely get-away, I settled into an art routine at home.

I have had 2 custom paintings for clients to work on. One completed...shipped!

Of course I DO make time for my art journal and some fun paintings! I just love the bright colors on my silly owls!!!!

There has also been time for shopping for patio lights and a big hammock, decorating the patio, cooking out, shopping for a new car, making gifts, planning our family vacation with my parents, un-boxing more of my belongings, baking fluffy cakes...

laying in the hammock.

Yes. These things are all very high on my priority list!

CELEBRATE HATS!

According to The "Awe-Manac" book, today is HAT DAY!

I do most of my girls with hats anyway because I LOVE hats! I also enjoy wearing hats myself.

This is the front cover of a new project that I started last night.

It's a tiny, chipboard book. I chose not to prime it with gesso, paint, or even pretty papers. I wanted to try something new and different. I am using colored pencils as my main medium! I was rather pleased with the results.

I'll post pictures throughout the various stages of this little book. I tend to bounce all over with projects so it could be awhile before it is actually completed!

Don't forget to wear your hat today!

Comforts...

 Last night I sat in the warm bed and finished adding the details to my Sketchbook pages. In the colder months, I like to work on projects from my bed! Of course, it gets a bit chaotic with art supplies scattered and hidden beneath pillows and a comforter...but, it works for me!

I woke up to discover a dusting of snow outside! So pretty. So serene.

I have a big pot of Chicken enchilada soup simmering on the stovetop and the wonderful aroma has filled the air.

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhh, the comforts of Winter...

and today I feel so grateful to be at "home".

I'm still trying to get used to calling this house my "HOME".

I am safe, warm, and content. These are good foundations for creating a new home.

Blessings to all!

The Sketchbook Project 2011

"Live A Storybook Life"
By Missy Trent
The Sketchbook Project 2011

I've been stuck creatively.

I just was not satisfied with the pages of my sketchbook project. They didn't seem like "my style". I came up with these drawings, using only a sepia colored pencil. I actually planned on adding color...and, I may still do so. What do YOU think?

Maybe just choose a few colors? Pink for her cheeks?

And...the big question now is, should I do my entire book in sepia, giving it a vintage feel?

I welcome any suggestions!

Well, today I will delete my blog, "In A Shabby Kind Of Way". It seems scary for some odd reason. I have blogged for years and that blog was my comfort zone throughout many difficult times. Time to let go.

For those of you you followed me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Joyce F. won the blog giveaway painting and I hope that by now she has the mermaid in her home!

I shall continue on with my sketchbook project!