A Creative Life

Sunflower Burst - On My Easel

2013-03-17T15:48:10-04:00

Sunflower Burst

(work in progress)

Acrylic on Canvas

16 x 16 inches

Ok, yes, I know, I've been the world's worst blogger lately....eeks! Well, I've had a pretty full plate the last few months. So much is going on...and it's hard to believe spring is right around the corner!

I know excuses aren't necessary, but her goes a few...

was a very busy elf just before Christmas, lots of Etsy orders to fill and of course, all the handmade gifts I made for my family.
Family in town for the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. Family is always the best part!
The BIG announcement from my hubby that we needed to sell our home :( Can you guess what that meant? Oh yes, weeks of de-cluttering, organizing, touch up painting and little fixes. Then the fun part of staging our home and the the stressful part of keeping it perfect for showings.
Sprinkled throughout all this was Plaid projects, Etsy orders, and a few baby prayer blankets I sewed for my pregnant sisters at church.

And all that is just a few of the many things that have kept me from updating my blog. Hopefully I'll get back on track...time will tell :)

And now,back to my painting.......

I've been finding a little time to experiment with my palette knife. I really like the looseness of it and all the vivid colors I've incorporated. I'm almost done with this one and will certainly be doing some more palette knife painting. I'm loving it.

I'll be back real soon to show you more new paintings :)

Mod Podge Monday: Large Wall Letters

2012-12-03T07:00:00-05:00

Oh so pretty! I made this for someone who was looking for a wall letter to complete the nursery....created with Mod Podge of course!

Pretty velvet ribbon and lace

I sealed it with Sparkle Mod Podge; I love, love all the glitter...and sweet pearls.

And a beautiful flower completes it!

I now sell these in my Etsy Shoppe! Custom made with your choice of paper.

My Vintage Whimsy paper was, again, the choice for this letter. I think it's so perfect for a baby girl's nursery!

Pretty, Pretty

I love making these Custom Large Wall Letters...adding all the special little touches makes each one unique!

For sale now in my Etsy Shoppe

Mod Podge Monday: Decoupaged Vintage Trunk, my Goodwill Treasure!

2012-11-12T07:00:00-05:00

Whenever I have a chance, I love to browse at my local Goodwill store, or actually, any thrift store....yard sales too! I have found some amazing treasures over the years. There are certain things I look for, but really, you never know what you might find.

When I saw this old decoupaged trunk sitting on the shelf, I must tell you...my heart leaped as I quickly snatched it up!

I don't know the history or stories behind this old trunk, but I do know someone spent hours cutting out magazine images and carefully decoupaged each one covering the entire trunk.

The inside too!

I love the old latches and they all still work perfectly! I really wish I knew how old this fabulous trunk is...probably well over 100 years...vintage for sure!

Not only was I delighted to find this awesome treasure, but the minute I saw it, I knew just the perfect use for it. I'm going to use it to display my art prints at art shows. It has tons of charm, it's the perfect size, and even decoupaged inside! I'll keep the top open and place my prints inside. Perfect, I love it!

And on that note...for all my Georgia friends, here's information about an upcoming event I'm participating in....

For now, try visiting your local Goodwill store, you never know what treasures might be waiting for you :)

Mod Podge Monday: Vintage Style Christmas Box

2012-11-05T07:00:00-05:00

One beautiful Mod Podged Chrismas box, ready! And now avalable in my Etsy Shoppe.

In between my paintings (Which are lmost ready to be revealed!), Etsy orders, and Plaid projects, I've decided to tackle, one by one, the pile of wood boxes I have collected over the years.

I love the vintage style of this paper.

I removed the pin backing off of this brooch I had and glued it on the top of the box. Perfect!

Pretty red velvet around the edges

This box is now available in my Etsy Shoppe. You can read more about the details of how I made this box in my listing information.

I plan to add more Christmas boxes in my shoppe, one at a time.

DIY Pet Barrier

2012-11-03T22:26:51-04:00

Guess what I did on Halloween night while trick-or-treaters came to the door? I was up and down, like a yo-yo from my sewing machine to the front door to hand out candy...we live on a main street through our very large neighborhood, over a mile, maybe two miles long. So we probably had 200 to 300 kids come by! Really, it's crazy.

In case you didn't know, my hubby and I are not dog people; but in a weak moment, 7 years ago, we said, "yes" allowing our kids to get a dog, Ugh!. Now the kids are gone and it's, hubby, me and Chico. And Chico, within the last year, has decided he's allowed on the couch! And I say Yuck to that! It seems like he is not interested in listening since we repeatedly have to keep telling him, "down Chico!". So at least now, with our new pet barrier, he won't be getting on our living room couch anymore! Whew! Finally!

The idea occured to me a few weeks ago and I finally had all my supplies ready. Yea! but on a very busy evening. Our living room is connected to our dining room and they're two ways in. I made this for one of them.

Here's the other, from our kitchen.

Chico is still a bit confused...

I love the fact that we can easilly step over it without having to remove it to pass through. It comes up to my knee so it's not too high. Of course I'll take them down when we have company though.

My supplies:

Spring Rods, 28 in - 48 in W - 7/16 in Diam (2 for each doorway) Only $2.14 (each) at Walmart!
Material (I used heavy muslin, extra wide)
Iron
Sewing Machine

Directions:

Cut fabric into a 19 inch strip for each barrier.
Turn each cut edge of fabric in 1/4 inch and iron, then turn over again 1 inch and iron to create a casing for your rod (This makes it easier to sew, but you can skip this part).
Sew a straight stitch along each ironed edge to secure your casing.
Feed in your rods and adjust to fit your doorway and you're done...Simple & Easy!

I made 3 three of these pet barriers for a total cost of about $17.00. Sure beats the expense of buying those ugly baby gates for much more! I put the last one in our basement just today. Chico likes to hide under the bed. Which means many times we can't get him to come out when it's time for him to be crated. We always put him in his crate when we're not home.

Sorry Chico! We still love you...just not on on our couch :)

Mod Podge Monday: Monogrammed Antiqued Photo Canvas

2012-10-22T07:00:00-04:00

Many times Plaid asks me to design projects such as frames or, in this case, a photo on canvas. They only require that I use the specific Plaid product they designate, and then I'm free to be as creative as I want, Yea! And I love to use family photos whenever possible.

This time, I used a picture of my grandson, Isaiah Michael. Adorable! He was actually 3 years old in this picture and earlier this month he turned 8!

The used Mod Podge Antique Matte, one of Plaid's new Mod Podge products.

I really like the time worn effect it gives to black and white photos.

In case you're wondering...ok, you probably don't really care, but for my family that may read this...I used an M (for Michael, his middle name) instead of an I for Isaiah. Yes, since it was a Plaid project I needed to make sure it photographed well, and the M worked better visually than the I would have, on this particular project :)

I love you Isaiah Michael!

You can make one like this too, you can find my complete instructions here, on Plaid's website.

I noticed, for whatever reason, a download for the template was not included with my instructions. So, If you want it, just send me an email and I will send you a file with the template I made for this project.

While in my local Michaels the other week, I noticed Plaid has a new display for their Mod Podge and paint products. I was so excited to find 10 images of my projects were used! How cool is that?

Next time you visit your local Micheals, you'll find this project with Isaiah Michael featured in the isle with all the Mod Podge and craft paints!

Well, I better get busy! I have several more paintings to finish this week and more Plaid projects due soon!

Joshua 24 - The Progression of a New Work

2012-10-19T21:31:21-04:00

After playing around with several ideas in my sketch book, this was the idea I came up with for Joshua 24:15. As for me and my house we shall serve the Lord.

I collaged the background with lots of text, hymnal pages, and handwritten prayers. I love scripture to peek through lots of layers. When that was done, I drew my subject.

and added texture, and more texture

It's coming along

After some more detail work and quite a bit of shading of the hands, I added the verse which I hand painted and distressed to add to the grungy look I wanted.

And it's done!...and now available in my Etsy Shoppe.

I was inspired to make this piece since this was the summer for weddings. I wanted a unique personalized gift to give as gifts. So, I decided to mount the prints on wood and hand stamp the family name onto a plate of copper and nail it into the wood over the door. I also adhered a skeleton key on the door. I just love the rustic look. Well, it was a hit! All the new families that received it loved it. You can see images of a sample in my Etsy Shoppe (Link below).

My prayer is that this art piece would be a constant reminder to serve the LORD by serving each other and others everyday. I think we all need this reminder! I know I do, daily! I hung the original in our home near our front door.

This item is now available in my Etsy Shoppe.

I'm so excited because I'm almost ready to reveal my new series of paintings...coming soon :)

I'm joining my friend Jennifer In The Studio for Sneak Peak Friday...

hop on over to see what others are up to :)

Mod Podge Monday: Vintage Pumpkin Decor

2012-10-15T07:00:00-04:00

Last month I designed several pumpkin projects for Plaid. And since I just had to incorperate vintage themed pumpkins I pulled out one of my old books and grabbed my bottle of Mod Podge. With a few additional embellishments, wholla! just the look I was going for.

You can get my complete instructions here.

If you are into decorating pumpkins, Plaid has a Trick Your Pumpkin Contest going on until October 24th. Check it out, you might win :)

I'm stlll trying to find time to get all my newest paintings photographed, my others finished, and blog posts written...I have lots to show you. Ugh!! sometimes I really don't know where the time goes...I guess it doesn't help that I'm not the greatest manager of it! Actually, I've been using much of my time trying to really focus on just painting.

For now though, I've been in TX with my hubby since last Friday. We went to a conferance together through yesterday and today I'm going to galavant around Austin while my hubby is in meetings all day. Oh yes! I have several galleries lined up to visit. Exciting, Exciting!

Well, until next time :)

Mod Podge Monday: LOVE Letters

2012-10-08T07:00:00-04:00

I have some LOVE for ya...since I've let a whole month go by without posting any Mod Podge Monday's...

I designed these LOVE letters for Plaid earlier this year as part of the group of projects I designed for Plaid's booth at the 2012 CHA, Craft and Hobby association. This project was also featured in Plaid's 2012 Mod Podge Formula Catalog and on Plaid's website. Funny, while in my local Michaels the other day, I saw this again! It was part of the thumbnail photos Plaid has despersed along their FolkArt paint section. Lots of LOVE!

I'm not sure you can appreciate the shine here, but I used one of Plaid's new products: Mod Podge Super Gloss. It looks like glass and shows no brush strokes. What's not to love?

As you may, or may not know, for each project I design for Plaid, I write out detailed instructions. This is not my favorite part, but it allow you and others to recreate a project just like it on your own. You can find my complete instructions for this project here.

For now, It's back to my studio :)

Lots to Share...

2012-10-06T22:09:18-04:00

I can't believe it's been this long since I've been around here to write. It's not for lack of anything to share, that's for sure. In fact, I've been so busy I've had to lay my blog aside for a while.

I've been designing lots of projects for Plaid. (Bummer! I can't show you those until after Plaid publishes them).
We had a wonderful visit with my mom.
I had my first ever art show with a friend of mine who was so sweet to share half of her booth with me.
I have new paintings getting ready to make their way into my Etsy Shoppe. Soon, soon, soon!
And of course, a little travel with my hubby with some, as always, jewelry making on the road :)
I've been trying lots of new, much more healthy recipes and less processed foods.
Oh yea, and everything else in between!

My nephew ordered this for his girlfriend. This is her first year away in college and yes, she's missing her little pup Max. That was sweet of Jonathan to think of this for her.

I mounted a print of Max on a piece of wood and added Text to make it special.

This was a little surprise I made Jonathan to give his girlfriend. I hand stamped a little Max tag and Mod Podged a small picture of Max onto a wood heart and made a keychain. Oh so cute!

It was such a treat to have my mom work in the studio with me. I was able to keep her hands very busy while enjoying her company. She was a huge help in getting ready for my upcoming show... and there was lots to do! Thanks mom! xo

And then, of course, we had to visit the Yellow Daisy Festival. My daugher and hubby came along too. My mom and I were remembering last year when we went, it was 2 days after I got home from the hospital after having thyroid surgery. I was not in pain this year, but one thing we learned, it's no fun trying to enjoy an outside art featival in the rain! We left very soggy. Ugh!!

The day finally came for the Suwanee Day Art Festival. I was sad my mom had already gone back home to FL and was not able to be here for my first art show.

I have new items (You can see some here if you look really close) to list in my Etsy Shoppe. Stay posted and I'll try not to make it a habit of vanishing from Blogsphere for so long next time; and if you are wondering, yes Mod Podge Monday will resume :)

I'm currently working on:

a series of paintings...my goal? 12 paintings by the end of October! so far, 4 down and 8 to go.

I'll show you one at a time as soon as I photographed them.