April Cole

• 2025 •

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:06:00 +0000

And the year has only begun…

Wishing all, who visited this post, great possibilities for an artful year ahead!

What I am currently craving for 2025:

• paint more!

• implement oil pastels into my paintings

• use up art materials I already have

• put myself out into the universe & sell art pieces

** THOUGHTS **

Artwork is to be shown, NOT tucked away;

Each art piece, creation, book journals all have a voice; a visual expression someone needs to hold tight to. Something they identify with.

YES! art is personal.

Yet, it will speak to someone…

REMEMBER there is nothing to speak of, when they are tucked away!

** fingers crossed ** 🤞

I be mindful of this, practice it cautiously in 2025.

Thankful For The Day...

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Thankful For The Day

by Catherine Pulsifer

Once a year, every year it comes
Marching in drum by drum.
One year ends and another begins
Often time it brings a grin.

Some people are glad to see the old year go
But others feel time has gone to slow.
Some people wish time would stand still
But a thought like that gives me a chill.

You see an opportunity exists each year
To help others and bring good cheer.
Our attitude towards our time
Can be worth a dollar or just a dime.

This coming year live each day
Keep negative thoughts at bay.
Life is too short to live with regrets
Life is too short to live with big debts.

Appreciate and be content
Do not spend your time in lament.
Awake each day and always pray
Be thankful for another day.

Nutcracker & Angel Ornaments

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 18:00:00 +0000

An invitation... behind the scenes!

Welcome to my creative mess.

The beginning layers.

Putting the final touches on these wonderful art pieces.

Next up, angel ornaments.

I couldn't image Christmas without creating a few.

If you haven't had a chance to see/shop for these

"limited addition" ornaments, here is the link to my Studio Gallery.

Holiday Shop - ornaments

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE INSIDE TOUR!

Ho Ho Ho

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Santa has arrived!!

Well, in craft form anyways.

Our Holiday Program is in full swing for

my grade-school kiddos.

Excitement fills the classroom…

as many know it is ONLY a short time before

Santa arrives to fulfill their Christmas wishes.

Kiddos were very eager to dive right into

the art project, crafting a Santa.

Many giggles surrounded the art table…

Once kiddos started gluing down their handprints

for Santa’s beard!

What a magical time.

After writing/structuring a curriculum

that implements a “theme” like this one.

I go back and organizing (in thoughts)

“how” this will be orchestrated in the classroom.

In my mind…

I might be thinking, “this is an amazing program!”

Yet, it MUST contain a continuous flow of activities

with open ended projects, and minimal prep/cleanup.

A lot of “behind the scenes” takes place

before the program is finalized.

There are some projects/activities that just don’t make it. Budget plays a HUGE factor in this decision.

Adequate staff.

Time limitations.

These are just a few, to give you a general idea.

At the end of the day…

A “successful” program is the greatest reward!!

Paper-Towel Christmas Tree

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 07:23:00 +0000

HOLIDAY CRAFT

Just a few simple supplies can turn…

“ordinary” craft into an “extraordinary” craft!

There is just something so “magical” about the process!

Materials:

Card-stock paper

Christmas tree (template)

Paper towel roll

Scrap painted paper (cut small circles)

Scissors

Paintbrush

Acrylic paints

Paper Plate Angels

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 07:14:00 +0000

Celebrating the season.

Kiddos in our after-school program

had a BLAST crafting these angels!

I just adore how unique each angel is.

It always amazes me…

even when the same materials are use to create with,

no two are alike.

Materials:

Paper plate

Sharpie (black)

Scissors

Oil pastels

Paint (tempera)

Glitter glue

The Aha Moment…

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 04:23:00 +0000

After countless “ugly” painted pages,

forcing myself to paint “loose”

and working outside my comfort zone…

It happened.

Grabbed ahold of several colored-soft-pencils,

sketched a subject I thought was delightful,

and began to paint.

Paint, play, feel free, and relax.

Mentoring that inner voice…

“Doesn’t have to be perfect.”

“Just play and relax your movements.”

“Not everything about the subject needs details.”

“Be suggestive.”

The AHA moment arrived!!

Such pure joy and excitement

about painting this page occurred.

It might not be the most amazing “still life” painting anyone has laid their eyes on… I agree.

What makes this painting amazing?

It holds my AHA moment.

It symbolizes “trusting the process”.

However looooong it takes. It will come.

Fruitcake Fringy!

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Sat, 04 Dec 2021 01:00:00 +0000

Christmas Fruitcake Art Project

In today’s world

these kiddos did not have a clue what a fruitcake is…

Matter of fact, none have ever experienced eating one.

I thought “tis the season for fruitcake!”

Christmas is a perfect time of the year.

For this art project, I had a small discussion on

“The History Of Fruitcake”.

Then away we when to the drawing tables

to create a delightful fruitcake.

Materials:

Drawing paper

Sharpie (black)

Oil pastel (brown)

Markers (red, green, yellow, pink)

Fruitcake - BAD REPUTATION

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Fruitcake lives a sad life as the worst Christmas gift!

The much maligned dessert has a well-worn reputation.

When we think of fruitcake we think of a thick, dense brick of a cake.

One dotted with candied fruits and nuts.

The brighter-than-a-Christmas-tree, neon, jellied fruits

that top many cakes are often the major culprit.

Perhaps the biggest misconception about fruitcake is that they taste bad.

The problem doesn’t lie within the cake itself, but the ingredients and recipes people tend to use.

When I think of "FRUITCAKE"

I think of childhood memories.

My Grandmother, and how delicious her homemade fruitcakes were.

I could not wait till Christmas time, because I knew she would be

baking up those wonderful cakes packed with love!

They were moist, sweet, and delicious.

The smell of her kitchen was heavenly.

NO JOKE.

Cluster of Foliage

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 20:12:00 +0000

A painting of sorts...

It is kinda where my mind went!

Wasn't really focused on the subject, just wanted to push through.

I do believe we all have those days.

Part of my "paint book" pages.

Setting The Table for Thanksgiving

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:33:00 +0000

Turn ordinary into extraordinary!

Turkey Napkin Holder Craft

These were super easy, super fun to make.

Kiddos had a great time crafting these.

Who would have thought…

Such simple supplies could create

such an extraordinary craft.

Such a wonderful way for the kiddos to get involved

with decorating the table for this special occasion,

don’t you think?

Materials:

Paper towel roll (3” cut)

Construction Paper (3” brown)

Turkey template

Crayons or Oil Pastels

Scissors

Glue

Paper Weaving

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 03:15:00 +0000

Setting the table for Thanksgiving.

An oldie but goodie kid’s craft, hands down!

Kiddos had a wonderful time weaving

these paper plate-mats.

As we approach a special time of the year…

gathering family and friends to enjoy a harvest of food,

we are reminded it is the simple things in life

that make it memorable.

Materials:

Construction paper (colors)

Oil pastels

Scissors

Glue-stick

note: once completed, running this project through an illuminator would be beneficial.

My Paint Book

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 04:35:00 +0000

It is like no other...

Well, at least that is how I feel about mine.

Reason being; I have worked (processed) art play in the form of "art journaling".

Which I strongly believe this term "art journaling" has evolved over time with artists. Now these pages are becoming works of art, as a result,

leaving out the bad and the ugly... only revealing the "good".

The whole concept of "working through", playing with mediums, making MANY mistakes is disregarded.

Process art is eliminated!

It has become "THE PRODUCT" or perhaps an illusion of "THE PRETTY PAGE".

FLAWLESS.

No worries, this is me, just rambling on with my thoughts...

I am not imposing my beliefs on anyone.

I am guilty of this as well.

Trust me, I love a "pretty" page too!

As a result, I decided to make up my on rules, sorta speak.

Work strictly with a subject I dislike the most - still life.

Paper - Purchased an acrylic pad with in/out pages.

Use only one medium - acrylics

Below, are some of those pages... small clips (a tease!).

I wish to share with you all.

I have defiantly learned some new things about me, as an artist. As a creator.

Not all of the artwork, did I stick to the rules I placed on myself. There is a reason why...

Art is a process and I processed a lot along the way.

I am super excited to share with you all the art, go over the process, and talk over all

I encountered while working through these painted pages.

Explain my "WHY" I call this collection of work my paint book.

Just a few more blank papers I need to paint.

Wish me the best, I will reveal this as a completed project VERY soon!

Till then... you too, enjoy the "process" of art.

How To Tell An Altered Book Story 101

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 15:45:00 +0000

Let Us Begin...

Make no jugement. Do not get too attached.

Decided if the book is possible to alter.

Perhaps read a few pages... get to know the story.

Peel the signatures from the spine...

Remember you will give this book a whole new meaning.

Don't drowned yourself in too much thought...

Remind yourself, you are not preparing this for the Queen.

Process your creative play without leaking any self doubt!

Lead with the heart.

Have fun and don't let anything slow you down.

Take a DEEP breath or maybe two!!

Don't EVER be fooled by what you see...

Grab yourself a cup of tea. The end is almost near..

Hope you enjoyed the story!

This inspires you to alter an old book.

To work through the process...

and

create new life to an abandoned, unloved book.

MATERIALS USED:

(for this altered-book mixed-media project)

1- used book

card-stock paper

tags (shipping tags)

painted papers - my personal studio collection

collage elements - personal collection

paper stencils - my personal hand-crafted stencils

rubber stamps (Roben-Marie collection)

washi tape (unknown)

matte medium (adhesive)

acrylic paints (Liquitex Basics)

oil pastels (Portfolio Series)

Studio Time

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 04:44:00 +0000

Collecting thoughts...

Working through torn pages, painted papers, visiting old collage bits

- all coming together to celebrate a unity; altering an old book.

Left behind, read countless times, favored by some, and now found

at my local library for 10 cents.

This story had just begun!

Feeling Organic Today

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:10:00 +0000

It is playtime...

there are those days! This is one of them.

Give yourself permission.

Paper Art Dolls

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:06:00 +0000

Altered tags

Oh, the story...

our collage elements do tell.

So magical!

Here is a collage sheet to download.

A quick & easy tutorial to follow.

Enjoy!

Altered Paper Dolls

Day of the Dead

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:54:00 +0000

Día de los Muertos - celebrates life!

November 1st and 2nd

Family and friends come together to honor their lost love ones.

(mixed media skeleton paper doll)

In honor of my Father,

I celebrate by offering

YOU

this free skeleton clipart.

Enjoy.

Be creative. Make art. Draw a colorful life.

A Round Up

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Fall/Halloween Arts & Crafts for Kids

All of these turned out terrific!

Best part, the kids had a wonderful time creating them.

Let's begin starting from the upper, left photo.

Paper Bag Pumpkins: (brown paper bag)

Filled with newspaper, wrapped the tops with green yarn.

Set out paints, construction paper (black) scissors, and glue.

Spooky Moon- Bats Are Out ( oil pastel drawing/craft)

Card stock paper, oil pastels, construction paper (black), pencil (draw out bat template), scissors and glue.

Frankenstein Portraits:

Construction paper black, green, white. Scissors and glue.

Fall Mason Jar luminaries:

Mason jars, tissue paper (colors), scissors, mod podge, paintbrushes, and tea light.

Opened- Ended Art: Orange circles

Butcher paper (rolled out0, tempera paint (orange), oil pastels (black, orange, green, yellow).

Bats: (papertowel rolls)

Paper towel rolls (cut three sections), construction paper (black, white,red, pink, purple, scissors, pencil (draw out bat wings, eyeballs, mouth, teeth, ears), and glue.

:: GIVEAWAY ::

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 18:48:00 +0000

Altered Tags / Paper Art Dolls

(altered tags / mixed media)

WELCOME BACK MY FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS!!

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL, THAT ARE NEW HERE!!

Leave a comment along with your email address.

I will pick ((2)) winners

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

I will follow up with the winners (email) requesting your snail mail information.

Once Upon A Time...

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 20:00:00 +0000

Where do I begin?

It would seem like "once upon a time" would be the proper start for relaunching my blog.

Though it just doesn't feel right.

Let us just dive in with, "Where the heck you been?"

Like art, life can be a process too!

Sometimes there is no outcome. A fork in the road... and I have had my share of forks!!

There's been tears shed and growth made.

As a result, the universe has finally pulled me back to what I do best... what calls my soul.

Crafting time and a place to have ART back in my life.

WELCOME BACK MY FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS.

A WARM WELCOME, TO ALL, THAT ARE NEW HERE.

I know all are excited about my giveaway, I AM TOO!!

But wait, there is a story to be told.

So back to "Once upon a time" remember...

Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo...

Pulled the rabbit out of the hat...

And just like that, I started putting together a space for my art studio.

(kidding)

Like I stated, the universe pulled me in this direction...

The events in my life led me to this time and place.

I unpacked, loved and adored everything I started to place my eyes on.

Oh, "HELLO! collage bits I have collected and carefully kept safe. You knew I would return."

Unboxed books that were patiently awhile to be shelved.

"AHHHHH, YES!! the smell of books... how you excite me."

Started journaling and reading to jumpstart the fire.

What inspires me still?

What new things, if any?

Still VERY passionate about creating my own paper stencils... "That's good." ((KNODS HEAD))

Dived into a little mixed-media art journaling... always my favorite "go to".

Rediscovery...

Started painting, It's been a looooooooong time.

Having fun with this process. We will see where this goes. Who knows.

It has just been the direction my "gut" has gone.

As I feel, there is so much a painting can say. A story.

YES!!

Absolutely.

100% without a shadow of a doubt... mixed media and I have not broken up.

Still my first love.

Now, without further ado... "Onto the celebration!!"

What you came here for, right? Everyone likes a little special, homemade something.

You know the plan... leave a comment along with your email address.

I will pick ((2)) winners

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

I will follow up with the winners (email) requesting your snail mail information.

Paper Dolls

(altered tags/mixed media)

ANNOUNCEMENT

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 19:24:00 +0000

Super Excited to Announce... this Blog will be active very soooooon!

Be Your Own Anchor

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Sun, 05 May 2019 03:52:00 +0000

mixed-media/canvas painting

Being my own anchor means that I am working on doing things for me.
It means keeping myself centered.
I have to keep myself in mind whenever I do things.
Say "no" and meaning it.
It means taking care of myself and not putting my worth in the hands of others!

Being my own anchor means putting me first.
I can not nor will not get lost in others, in work and let life pass me by.
Enjoy simplicity... for the sake of self-grounding.

Earth Week!

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:45:00 +0000

We are all visitors to this time, this place.
We are just passing through.
Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love, and
then we return home.**

** I did get a chance to post this simple, yet amazingly wonderful art project!!
Using coffee filters, newspapers, and scraps of construction paper our little preschooler's created "Mother Earth" and learned all about making use of other materials.
RECYCLE

Mixed Media Muse...

artistaprilcole@gmail.com (aprilmariecole.blogspot.com) — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 13:30:00 +0000

What the Quail?

In for a little squable. Why not.
This mixed media painting on a 8 x 11 canvas was tons of fun to put together.

Enjoy!