Wilma Jean's Blog

Learning from "mistake" paintings

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:53:00 +0000

Purple Stiletto

Acrylic on linen canvas

9"x12"

Sometimes it takes an artist a long time to learn one simple lesson. The lesson isn't always in technique, but in use, or action. In other words, it's not how to create something, but what to do with it, after it is complete. For me, it's resisting the urge to try and make every painting into a masterpeice. Sometimes it's better to let it go and come back to it, or let it run it's course and find another use for it later. In this case, I was in my zone. So I finished it, set it aside, and immediately created a New Improved version. When the paintings were dry, I did a side-by-side comparison. Then I could see that I should send the new version to CPF, and this (first) one in another direction.

At this point, I still couldn't work a butterfly into the composition.

What I was painting it for: I do some work with The Compassion Fashion Project or CFP, as a contributing artist, for products that generate money for womens issues. It is a subject that is especially important to me; I enjoy being able to do my part to help. The company's logo design (butterfly and stiletto) is the basis for our interpretation in this most recent project. I am excited to see what the other artists come up with as well! (But I will post the other painting I created, when the time comes.)

Trying to decide on the accent color, or the foot. It needs a yellowish tint.

What I painted instead: A beautiful stiletto in shades of violet and purple, accented in black. Simple, and bold, with lots of color mixing. At this point it had nothing to do with the project, but was a fun excercise to get me going after not having painted anything in a while.

A very rough begining, like all my paintings start out.

What use it will fulfil now: As inspiration, and a gift. So much twitter and instagram love came my way from posting this little shoe online, that it may be the basis for a collection in the near future. In the meantime, I have other projects to work on. So it's getting framed and sent off to an awesome inspirational woman I personally know. (Since her work schedule keeps her swamped, she may not read this post until her gift has arrived. Otherwise, there goes the surprise. *Crosses fingers.*)

So what do you do with the mistake paintings? Do you re-work jewelry into other pieces? D you make quilts from failed sewing projects? Or do you find a way to sell off your accidental masterpieces? I would love to know.

Chocolate Chat Atlanta was all about finances

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:49:00 +0000

Sunday, January 29th, I attended Chocolate Chat Atlanta, which is a face-to-face social networking mixer, that brings together entertainment and education on various specific topics. Hosted by Erica AKA Swarthy Daisy and Luxe Events, the night's theme was about Finances. (It was not just for business owners, but also individuals who are considering starting a business.) Here is just a "taste" of the event. There were more vendors and people of note. If you missed it, make definite plans to attend the next one.

Soul Purpose

All natural ingredients

Eye Candy Cosmetics

A sampling of the foundations

Speakers for the night were very knowledgeable in their field. Yes, I took notes. And you should too. Follow the links and get your money right:

Andrea Amir of Smart Money Chicks

Andrea Pendleton of Single and Saving

Patrice Washington of Seek Wisdom, Find Wealth

Corey Moore of Fortune Financial Group LLC

L to R: The Sistah Chick, Charmaine Thomas, Swarthy Daisy

The smooth R&B sounds of Chuck Benjamin

New banner and buttons from Art Deal Designs

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:09:00 +0000

It's a new year, and what better way for my little blog, than to start with new graphic design services? So I chose ArtDeal Designs, run by Artiatesia Deal. After meeting Artiatesia at a conference a few years ago, I finally had the chance use her design services. I knew from her work ethic, and how far she had grown as an artist in such a short time, she would be a perfect fit for the job.

She helped me with my vision, and logo, and had suggestions for how to make it work with just a little bit of material. Go check her out. If she helped me, she can surely help you.

As I work to making wilmajean.com much more than a blog with aspirations of a creative business, I will be calling on my creative superwomen friends along the way. (Posting will be sporadic at first, then get back to a normal pace.) Because really it's about quality over quantity, right ya'll?

Non-Techy Lessons I Re-learned at CES

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:18:00 +0000

While attending CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas last week, I had the opportunity to experience more than just gadget goodness. Besides new-to-the-market products in every category imaginable (drool), there were other highlights of the trip.

This was the first time I flew in forever. Shame on me. But in getting over my fear of flying, I had a chance to see airport security in all its glory. I will forever remember the Orange Juice Bandit, who was reluctant to "surrender" his huge container of 100% OJ to the Security Officer Who Loved Her Job, just a bit much. He embarrassingly to opened the gallon size ziploc and show all his meds as proof that, yes, he did need that much juice. He had to give it up anyway.

I also see why people don't wear much jewelry while traveling. (Not that I would want to be all blinged out). The Orange Juice Bandit had to remove all his precious metals to pass through the metal detector. Hey, he was old school, and probably hadn't been informed. Yes, all this entertainment from the same person. That was before I got on the first plane.

It was my first time in Las Vegas. Most of my activities for the week centered on, or around the strip. So I won't claim to be an expert on all things Vegas, but... with all the craziness around, the city ran pretty smooth. I was greeted by gambling machines in the airport, and pretty much everywhere else but the conference halls. Nightclubs (of all kinds) were constantly being advertised. The "entertainers" even campaigned in the front of hotels and restaraunts to get our attention. ATM mchines were aplenty. Because if you are going to buying candy bars for $3.25, you just might run low of funds. Basically the city is designed to entertain, delight, and take your money.

One thing ~~Atlanta~~ many other cities could learn from Vegas, is how to have an excellent public transit system. The sidewalks were very pedestrin friendly, with buses, cabs, and a train system running all the time. I like.

Also, this was my entry back into social media events, after about a year absent. Being around so many bloggers and video bloggers, I realized how much I missed my geeky friends. Time flies, I didn't plan to not go to conferences, I just didn't properly plan to go. (You know what they say about failing to prepare). But the connections made, and experiences that go along with it are priceless. If you blog, tweet, write, make videos, write, or anything in between, make plans to attend conferences, and meetups. There's so much to be learned.

I learned to be adaptable. Some days I left the hotel at 8:00AM and didn't make it back till 8:00PM. Or later. Between being at the conference halls, to grabbing a business dinner, to searching for an elusive Apple ethernet adapter, I could be out all day. It's situations like that call for comfortable shoes, and band-aids. I also learned to have work with me, but not too much to carry. When traveling and meeting up with different people, always be ready for new experiences.

Lastly, it was nice to be around so many people from all over the world. I always loved being around all types of people, and Vegas reminded my why. No matter what language was their first language, I pretty much got along with everyone, like always. People were so helpful and friendly. The Quizno's Guy helped me save money. The Dudes on the Shuttle Bus got us to the right location. The Luggage Check Man got us to the airport a lot quicker. I appreciate everyone who helped me along the way. It was obvious I needed it.

I'm going to CES / Work In Progress

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 23:59:00 +0000

The "efficiency monitor" checks things out.

It's the new year, and with it comes the changes that need to be made in my professional life. It's all so exciting! I also happen to be taking a trip to CES, for the week. While there I am getting a little art coaching help from my fairy godmother, pixie dust included. (You will meet her soon enough).

But don't worry. This won't take long. If you miss me, I may not be doing any "real" blog posting this week, but micro blogging on the usual social media outlets instead. And you are welcome to say "hi" when you see me. But ya'll already knew that.

A Thousand Forests

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:08:00 +0000

Happy New Year ya'll! I have a few great things in the works that I will be happy to share with you when the time comes. Until then, just thought I would share some inspiration from Wacom, the drawing tablet people. Enjoy!

Influenster Holiday VoxBox

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:20:00 +0000

Guess who's been a good girl?

Go to my YouTube Video and see all the goodies I got for Christmas!

My Holiday Gift List (over here)

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 10:02:00 +0000

(Taken a few years ago, but still fun)

Happy Holidays ya'll! Well every blogger has their own gift/wish list post, so you know it's only fair that I have one too. If you have some online shopping left to do, maybe this will help. Go to 12machines if you wanna take a look at my version called "Holiday Gifts for the Geek/Nerd/Techie in Your Life".

Btw, if you follow me on twitter, you know I have extended my jewelry giveaway a little longer. By then, there might be some extra goodies in the bag!

So many little (exciting) things to wrap up in the next few days. I plan to post about it all again before the giveaway. Talk to you lovely ladies soon!

Interview: Antionette Patterson of Let's Make it Happen (Part 2)

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:12:00 +0000

Antionette, looking lovely.

Here's an update on one of my favorite people. It 's time we check in with her again and see where her creativity has lead her, and how it's helped her family.

Me: What have you you been up to? Tell me about your latest project?

AP: This book project is near and dear to my heart, it's an Autobiography dedicated to my youngest daughter Jamesha who is Special Needs. Jamesha was born with Epiglottis Stenosis (Epiglottitis is an inflammation that of the epiglottis - the flap that sits at the base of the tongue, which keeps food from going into the trachea (windpipe). Due to its place in the airway, swelling of this structure can interfere with breathing and constitutes a medical emergency. The infection can cause the epiglottis to either obstruct or (completely close off the windpipe) which caused Jamesha to need a Trache, Developmental Delay (affecting daily functioning in three or more of the following areas: capacity for independent living, economic self-sufficiency, learning, mobility, receptive and expressive language, self-care, and self-direction), Encephalothapy (disorder or disease of the brain), Failure to Thrive (faltering growth) in which Jamesha needed a G-Tube in her stomach to receive nutrition to grow, Hypotonia (Hypotonia is a state of low muscle tone^[1] (the amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle), often involving reduced muscle strength) and Hypoxia (deprived of adequate oxygen supply. Variations in arterial oxygen concentrations can be part of the normal physiology, for example, during strenuous physical exercise. A mismatch between oxygen supply and its demand at the cellular level may result in a hypoxic condition. Hypoxia in which there is complete deprivation of oxygen supply is referred to as Anoxia)

Jamesha was later diagnosed with the diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the motor control centers of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or after birth up to about age three) and five years later having Epilepsy (a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by seizures). I know it's a lot of information to absorb but I want the readers to understand the terms for her diagnoses. Jamesha didn't walk until age 3, she is non-verbal, she expresses herself by way of gestures.

The star of the book, and relaxing with her big sisters.

Me: Why is December the month you heavily promote it?

AP: The doctors didn't feel that Jamesha would not see age 4 or 5, when she made it past 5, I have God all the praises. I began writing Jamesha's story, and celebrated her life starting ever year in December.

Me: What do you other children think of the project? Are they excited to be a part of promoting it?

AP: My other children ages 22, 19, and 11, are very excited about the book that I have written about Jamesha, they feels like this book deserves its credit and should be successful. The book is inspirational and encouraging, to show other parents with Special Needs to not give up hope and that they are not alone, to never give up on their child or family member, to keep faith in God!

Antionette, with Jamesha getting treatment.

Me: How can we purchase this book?

AP: You can purchase the book online at
http://www.lulu.com/content/paperback-book/through-god-she-made-it/9620087

Me: Anything else you want to add?

AP: I am currently working on a few other projects included but not limited to, a short documentary about Jamesha's day to day living, hopefully released sometime in 2012. A Benefit Banquet held at my Church called "IN JAMIE'S EYES" where I will get spokespersons to speak about Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy and Developmental Delay, so far scheduled for March 2012. To stay up to date, go to my blog (4evermstonie.blogspot.com) and become a fan and "like" her page In Jamie's EYES on Facebook, and lastly but not least, Usneakers on Facebook (brand I have for Jamesha, it means Jamesha is Unique and she always loves her Sneakers). Any more information needed, contact me by email. lmihappen@gmail.com

Jewelry Giveaway for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 02:30:00 +0000

It's that time of year - Christmas aka the Giving Season! Since I have been getting soooo much blog/internet love, and have wanted to do a giveaway for a while, the timing can't be any better.

Remember when I did the post for this lovely necklace over here?

Well if you want to win it, it's pretty easy to do:

Subscribe on my blog

Friend me on Twitter

Leave a comment how you would rock the necklace, and let me know that you subscribed. Please include your email or twitter name so I can reach you when you win.

I will use random.org to select the winner, so everybody has an equal chance.

One week only!!! Winner will be chosen Friday December 16th, and off it goes in the mail before Christmas. Good luck ya'll!

And I may just throw in a little somethin' somethin'. You never know.

How I organize my jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:15:00 +0000

Well, minimizing my possesions would eventually lead to my jewelry. It was way past time. The furniture that was housing most of it had to go, along with some pieces I can't remember wearing.

Here's where I keep it for now:

Necklaces on one hanger...

Categorized by type or style.

All other stuff on another hanger...

Added ribbons for pins, etc.

Pant hangers. The arms swivel out.

Here's what I had:

A cute, but bulky unit. Some areas were neat and tidy. Here is one.

Here's what I want: This little box, and maybe one or two of these.

The result, my (mostly) handmade and gifted items I kept are easier to find. So I am wearing them more often.

So how do you organize your jewelry? I'm open to ideas, as the hangers are my temporary home. If you have written a post on this, please add your link in the comments.

She's Foxy! And with an Afro Pick Too!

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 03:00:00 +0000

Laser cut, hot pink plastic on white. Silver chain, with label charm on back.

Ya'll know I haven't done anything even resembling outfit posts on here in a while, when NB's Closet sent me these beautifully crafted accessories, I had to show them off.

I have a thing for hair picks, so this necklace was right up my alley. Wood, with black accent paint. Silver chain, label as a charm.

Couldn't wait to tear open the packaging! Black plastic ring with pointy ears included.

Thrifting: Staples are always in style

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:33:00 +0000

A main rule in clothes thrift shopping is to always go for the staples, or basics. After that, pick unique pieces carefully, as they should only enhance your wardrobe.

For under $3 for a vintage Aigner purse -- Just throw it in the bag!

Fits well in my new improved minimal wardrobe, colors I wear, in good quality, and CHEAP. You see, the week I purchased these, I really hadn't budgeted for any shopping. But with temperature dipping by 20 degrees each night, I ~~wanted~~ needed a few more clothing staples but not at retail prices. Cause that's how I roll.

So I made out with 2 scarves, 2 long sleeve tees, and yes, 1 vintage Aigner bag. The boots my (amazingly thoughtful) thrifty Aunt had previously gifted me, is why the purse had to come home with me.

Don't be mad, be jealous.

Thrifting: When to say "no"

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:23:00 +0000

With my last visit to the good ole Value Village, I brought home a few gems, and left some items right where I found them. Originally this post was to be titled " the ones that got away", but they weren't really deals if they were flawed. No matter how little they cost. How do you know if you are wasting money on clothes while thrift shopping? Well here are some examples. Watch and learn:

Poor quality

Off-white cape with (uneven) red trim. Looks like part of a costume. Edges not hemmed. Looks great from far, far away. No, just no.

Fabric Allergy

I liked this sweater. It was in great condition. But the wool blend would not like me back. Sad face.

Bad fit/Wrong size

This skirt was almost a yes. Except for the waist line. Too difficult/expensive to take in. Oh well.

Wrong style

Dig the paisley vibe. But not hippie enough for me. Almost, but not quite right.

****************

Look familiar? The outfit post is somewhere on this blog, I'm sure. But the jacket was so snug, all I could ever wear under it was a tee shirt. So I donated it to charity, only to see it the next time I went thrifting. Too funny.

Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Instagram: making photos of good food, look even better.

So what are you grateful for? There are way too many things for me to list right now. A few things: My family, new friends, and some old ones, creative opportunities on the horizon, my health, new experiences, and new insights.

Thank you all for following, and supporting my creative efforts, here on the blog. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Review: Vivexin Rejuvenating Eye Gel

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Claims
By now ya'll know I am a sucker for any cream that claims to reduce those pesky undereye dark circles. I was contacted to try this new product and here's why I decided to give it a go:
-Signifiant improvement in appearance of dark circles.
-Visable decrease in appearance of undereye bags.
-Visable decrease it appearance of crows feet.
-Women felt they looked less tired.

Ingredients
The creamy, unscented gel went on smooth, not greasy. Visit the website for a complete breakdown of the product makeup.

Cost and Size
My jar (pump bottle) was 1/2 FL OZ, or 15 ml. It costs $59 to order a jar on the website.

Does it Work
So far, I noticed my eyes are less puffy. The trial time hasn't been long enough to decide everything yet. But I did leave the house with no coverup or foundation under my eyes, and no one asked me if I was tired. That's a good sign that it may be working. So I give it two thumbs up.

Buy it Here
Not in stores yet, visit the Vivexin website to order your own jar.

I was sent this complimentary product to review, as a product tester.

Art Prints Now on Etsy

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 06:30:00 +0000

Prints available of my She Series, just in time for holiday gift giving. For now at a low $10 each, you really can't beat that! Featuring my most popular designs, and some others you might like as well. Also check out the custom options available and contact me if you have any questions.

DIY Tee shirt scarf

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:49:00 +0000

It's already November, aka Scarves With Everything weather!

I usually don't do this but... I am reposting a DIY from way back. So far back, I can't even find it on my own blog. It's my version of a Tee shirt scarf/necklace. The next one I make will most likely be chunkier and bigger. Anyway I got the idea to repost from this very creative blog: Decorating Cents (Go check her out when you get a chance.)

Just so you know, I will have to describe the steps best I can, because I didn't do a photo tutorial for it.

-Measure, and cut the length desired into a rectangle shape.

-Fold in half, right sides together.

-Pin 2 short ends and sew. (It will look like a tube.)

-Cut slits in the tube, from the folded edge up to the sewn edge. But don't get scissor happy.

-Trim loose threads, and tidy it up.

-Do a quick hand wash, then air dry.

Now you can wear and enjoy your very own, hand crafted, tee shirt scarf. Try layering in different lengths and colors. Have fun with it.

Just remember to send me the link to your version -- I would love to see what you do and how you wear it!

More on Urbanista: Feathers!

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:15:00 +0000

Closeups. For a full view, follow the link. These heavenly dangly earrings are about to be listed on my Urbanista Shop. My own unique take on the feather trend. No two are exactly the same, so grab a pair now. Thanks ;)

A Fashion Experiment: Minimal

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 22:57:00 +0000

Lately I have been doing a lot more organizing, pairing down, and decluttering my possesions more than usual. That is, everything but my cramped walk-in clothing closet. What an oxymoron. To be the size it is, it should have felt roomier. Though the goal was to have a more creative, carefree life, I couldn't get past that closet. What shoud have been a source of inspiration was a source of stress.

I have always been inspired by the brave fashionistas who rock a minimal wardrobe. Capsule collections are really the best for busy people who want to look good while (TCB) Taking Care of Business. Think actress Jamie Lee Curtis, blogger The Divinitus, and singer Janelle Monae. They wear a limited color scheme and buy only what they love. They have even figured out what to do with their hair. But they have fun with accessories. And they have a few select special occasion pieces. I have always admired this philosophy and secretly wanted to live like this. And for a while I did.

Growing up as the skinny middle child, clothes shopping with my two curvier sisters was quite a challenge. While they returned home with all sorts of outfits, I found better luck with shoes and accessories. And the odd hand-me-down, or up, some thrift finds, and my dad's work shirts.

Fast forward some years, add in my fitness hobby, the invention of stretch fabrics, (hello jeans!) and the discovery of Latin/Domican clothing stores, more thrifting, and what did that mean? No longer a scrawny kid, it meant a closet full of stuff. Everything in various stages of matching or not matching anything. It also meant too much time getting dressed for the day or packing for a trip. Big headache.

This was getting to be too much; my Logical Other Half surprised me with a Saturday Afternoon Closet Intervention. Bags were donated to charity and I said goodbye to things I never intended to wear but I liked owning for no good reason. Ironically, at first I didn't know how to start, now I can't stop. So far this fall season, I have been enjoying my basic uniform: stretchy jeans, little tee shirt, sweater/jacket, and (mostly) boots. I got rid of items in colors that didn't suit me. I have been finding more combinations of hand made accessories, unique handbags, and funky footwear. My closet has made it through Round One Purge, and I anticipate at least another round before the Spring.

It gets better. Owning less makes me feel like I have more. And it's nice wearing only the clothes I really love, not feeling obligated to rotate in less loved items just because I own them. This whole experiment is turning out to be a great lifestyle change.

So what are your thoughts on downsizing and minimizing your own wardrobe? Could you imagine life with a capsule wardrobe? Would you ever dare try it?

Find my jewelry, etc on Urbanista Shop

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:38:00 +0000

More great news! I am now part of the Urbanista Shop family. Find my jewelry and accessories there. More pieces to come. I told ya'll I was working on some new things. So please, head on over and support us independent makers. It's time to start holiday shopping anyway.

Find me at 12Machines.net

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:20:00 +0000

It's been a while since I put up a real post. But I have been busy working on different projects. Some of them are still in the works, and to be anounced. If you get a chance, head over to my hubs site, 12Machines where I write about techy stuff. I have been there awhile, just never officially announced it. Check out his YouTube channel too, for reviews and insights on all things gadgets, tech plus other fun things. And if you find it helpful, subscribe. Thanks, ya'll.

"To all the misfits, crazy ones..."

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 17:34:00 +0000

When I first heard of the news of Steve Jobs death, I immediately went from sadness, to gratefulness for his genius. For all the ways he, as co-founder of Apple Computer, has improved my creative life. While he was here on earth he did so much. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.

It's Autumn aka Pumkin Season!

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:20:00 +0000

I wanted to buy this painting from the craft store, but it was display only. Because it would look great over my dinner table! Oh well. Maybe I will make my own version.

IFB Project#14: DIY Feather Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (WilmaJean) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 09:24:00 +0000

The feather trend in jewelry is big right now, so I have been making my own versions. Most of what I have made are complicated shoulder duster earrings. For the IFB Project this week I challenged myself to make these very simple feather earrings, that can be assembled in only a few minutes.

What you will need:

-feathers

-string/thread

-scissors

-glue

-end caps

-crimpers

-ear wires

-Select and tie a small bunch of feathers together

-Trim, and add a bit of craft glue to secure.

-Crimp feathers, covering the string.

-Add this to ear wires.

Like I said before, these are very easy to make, if you have basic jewelry supplies on hand. You can get fancy and use bigger feathers. Or add chains and other embellishments. I will be posting them here when I do; I would love to see what you come up with. Send me a link and I will post them here too.

One last pic of earrings!