The Best Homemade Gift Ideas

What Is Your Artistic Style? You Do Have One You know!

2016-02-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

We all have art, artists and artistic style we are drawn to. What is yours? How do you define it?

In this blog post you will find out where you find your "POP". What grabs your interest and why. This is a blog post that can be found on thevisualartacademy.com blog.

If someone asked,"What is your artistic style?" Would you know what to say?

There's a difference between artistic style and favorite medium. Many artists, especially newer creatives struggle to "find their own style" or artistic voice.

Many times when we first begin learning the basics of art we focus on the use of the elements and principles to practice and create pieces of artwork that go along with an assignment. Sometime we also "copy" the style of a master artists because we are drawn to things we like in their style. Some artists struggle with this idea of having their own style even farther into their career I have been there for sure. We tend to see what has been popular in the past and try to recreate those popular styles ourselves. It's important to have knowledge of the past and what other artists have created in history. What time era they were in and how it affected society. But you too need to listen to your inner voice. What is your heart telling you to create and how? Listen closely!

Where is your "POP"

You may be good at drawing horses but what is the story you're heart is trying to tell? What is your message? Where do you find the "POP"? You may be good at drawing horses, but is this where you find the joy in your art? If the answer is no, then that subject matter has little influence on your style. Keep digging to find something that gets you excited. Your style should focus more on what you want to say than what you feel you are good at.

Art Is A Risky Business

It's scary to take risks. Even in art you have to be able to get through the fear and once in a while take a leap of faith. This was something that took me a long time to realize. For some reason, I seriously am not sure why, I thought there were certain steps you needed to follow and I waited to find these "rules of art" that I thought existed. People were successful because they did something in a certain way and until I figured out what that was, I wasn't going to be very successful. Seriously, that's absolutely ridiculous! Until you start to create what you want to create you will be stifled and will not feel the true flow of creativity. You're living someone else's art and that is no way to create.

Creative Problem Solving

When we get into creating art many times we start rolling and things go pretty smoothly until we hit a problem. Many times artists who are new to creating work tend to give up on a piece and start something new. Try NOT to do this. Consider this a challenge and part of the art making process. If something doesn't work right away, change directions. You may need to set the piece aside for a day or 2 to think about the next move, but do not abandon it. Feeling uncomfortable means you are growing and learning. You are out of your comfort zone and that is a really good thing!

Here's a piece I have been working on for a long time. I almost said, "Forget it!" But I didn't. I kept working and problem solving. It's far from finished, but I'm getting closer and closer to liking it!

Mixed media sculpture Brenda Mullard 2017

So What Are You Saying?

When you are trying to figure out the message you want to give through your work, you may want to actually write your message out. I really like to do a "Brain Dump" on a piece of paper and just write down as many ideas that come to my head and get them on paper. Even if the ideas don't make a whole lot of sense, I still get them out and on paper. Doing this helps me to organize my thoughts and turn my thoughts into artwork. Before you start your next piece of artwork answer these questions.

What do I love?
What subjects draw me in? Colors? Mediums? Time Era?
How do I feel when I am around these things, using this medium the way I want to use it?

Your Style Will Evolve Over Time

: Weeping Woman 1937 Pablo Picasso

The Old Fisherman (1895) Pablo Piccasso

The paintings above were both done my the well known Master Painter Pablo Picasso. You can see a distinct style difference in the two paintings. You can also see by the dates that his style changed over time. As he found his inner artistic voice his confidence changed from a realistic style to a style called Cubism. It took him practice and courage to change from the very accepted realistic portrait style to his own cubistic style.

Let's Recap

Learning from other artists styles is important in developing your own. It takes a lot of practice and problem solving to figure out what your own style is. You need to stick with artwork even when you aren't really happy with what is going on at the time. Don't give up on a piece. A solution will come to you eventually for whatever it is that doesn't feel right. Ask yourself where it is you find your "Pop". What makes you truly happy, what are you trying to tell your viewer? What do you want to world to know? With time and experience, you too will find you're inner voice. Listen carefully! Bottom line... Keep working, keep creating and keep telling YOUR storey!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2013-03-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!! How Will You Celebrate?

Really Yummy Corned Beef and Cabbage Recipe

2012-12-24T11:21:00.004-06:00

Pet Bed

Check out this very cool pet bed made from recycled furniture!! Using an upcycles side table, spindles I purchases, old sweaters from a thrift store and paint and stain I was able to create this rustic style pet bed.

Green Monster Smoothy Recipe

2012-09-29T21:55:00.000-05:00

Healthy is all the rage! This super healthy Green Monster Smoothy contains 1 whole serving of fruit AND vegetables for the day. My kids weren't real excited about drinking a green smoothy but when I told them it was a special Halloween treat and it was called the Green Monster Smoothy they were interested.

Hey, a mom's gotta do, what a Mom's gotta do! Click HERE to get the recipe.

Where can I get a Magic Bullet Blender Mixer?

What do you listen to while you cook? Here's what's on my ipod right now!

Amazon.com Widgets

Away From The World (Deluxe Version)

Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King

Justin Timberlake SexyBack, Pt. 1

Mumford and Son Babel

Potluck Chicken Stew

2012-09-11T21:43:00.002-05:00

Potluck Chicken Stew

Oh my gosh, I made the BEST crock pot potluck chicken stew last night. I just had to share it. We had a super busy day and my son had a potluck dinner to the boys choir group he belongs to. I taught school all day so I knew there was NO way I was going to be able to get home in time to make something in the oven to take to the potluck. So what did I do? You guessed it, I pulled out the old crock pot and I used it instead of the oven. It was a hot and hearty main dish that got all sorts of rants and raves. SIDE NOTE: I doubled the recipe because if the amount of people I needed to feed. Here's the recipe!

Pot Luck Chicken Stew Ingredients:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 package (16 ounces) frozen vegetables for stew
1 jar (12 ounces) chicken gravy
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

1) In a large saucepan, brown chicken in oil over medium heat for 4-6 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain if necessary.

2) Put cooked chicken into a slow cooker stir in the remaining ingredients. Set on low for 5 - 6 hours.

That's it!! That all there is to it. I even put mine together the night before and refrigerated it over night. The next morning I get it and forget it. When I got home I had a wonderful mean to
take to the potluck.

More Great Recipes and Foody Deals!

Daily Grommet launches undiscovered products, tells their true stories,

and gives you a platform to buy them at a good price

Homemade Friendship Gifts

2012-08-28T17:49:00.001-05:00

Friendship Gifts

My friends are the BEST. They are... I'm not just saying that. My best friend and I have been best friends since the 7th grade. That's going to be us above in the years to come! There are a few people that I know I can call on and they will be right there for me day or night! I try to do special little things for them throughout the year and not just at Christmas or for their birthdays.

HERE are some fantastic ideas for all those special people who have seen you at your best and who have seen you at your worst.

What have you made for a special friend in your life? Click HERE to tell us.

How about your fur friends? Don't they deserve something special too? Here's a FREE GIFT just for them!

New Quilting Pattern Book!

2012-07-29T23:42:00.003-05:00

Great new patterns by Suzy! This would be a great gift to start on to have it finished for Christmas! I love the stained glass look and the use of cool colors. Very pretty!!

Click here to visit Suzys Artsy Craftsy Sitcom.

More Quilting supplies:
Quilting For Dummies

Clover Water Soluble Pencil Assortment

Brother SA129 Quilting Foot

Fiskars Contour Rotary Cutter

Janome Memory Craft 6500 Sewing Machine

AccuQuilt GO! Baby Fabric Cutter

Are you a quilter? Want to show off what you've done?? Please click here to share what you do!

Quilting Fabric

45'' Wide Michael Miller Paradise Reef Peaceful Water Blue Fabric By The Yard

Crafty Cuts 2-Yards Cotton Fabric, Daydream Blue Solid

Polyester Cotton Broadcloth NAVY BLUE Fabric By the Yard

45'' Wide Cotton Blend Broadcloth Kelly Green Fabric By The Yard

45'' Wide Cotton Blend Broadcloth Hunter Green Fabric By The Yard

Polyester Cotton Broadcloth LIME GREEN Fabric By the Yard

Christmas in July?

2012-07-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

Anyone thinking about Christmas in July??

I found my first Christmas gift today! Come find some Christmas Gift Ideas at The Best Homemade Gift Ideas!

Click Here NOW!

Fun Ideas for ANYTIME!

York Photo 4 customer coasters for $5 (plus shipping) Plus If you

are new to York Photo you get 40 free prints. Use Code: 5COAST

Show your support and take 50% off military designs with coupon code: MILITARY50

So you think you know your 80"s TRIVIA? Try to beat my score!!

2012-07-13T12:55:00.001-05:00

Child of the 80"s? Think you know your 80's trivia? I just scored a 132!! See if you can beat me!

Gotta LOVE 80's hair!

Click HERE to beat my score!!

The 200th post on my blog!!

2012-07-13T12:05:00.001-05:00

Yea!!! This is the 200th post on my blog! That's a mile stone for me! What milestones have you accomplished recently??

For some 200 posts may be nothing. Some blogs post 25 posting in a day! For me 200 is HUGE! I will keep posting great homemade gift ideas, recipes, bargains and whatever else I think people might like. Thanks for reading everyone!!

Click HERE to go the The Best Homemade Gift Ideas homepage!

I just entered!! Good luck everyone!

This Is A Great Way To Wake Up In The Morning!

2012-07-12T22:10:00.000-05:00

This Is A Great Way To Wake Up In The Morning! Saw this and had to post for all my coffee lovers out there. What an awesome deal!

Purchase four Gevalia coffee or tea products for $9.99 and receive FREE Coffeemaker.

Have Your Vegan Cake and Eat It Too!

2012-07-11T15:20:00.000-05:00

Have Your Vegan Cake and Eat It Too! That's right!! A YUMMY Cake that is Vegan.

Click HERE to get the recipe!

Personalized Books Make a Great Gift!

2012-07-10T21:37:00.000-05:00

Personalized Books Make A Great Gift!

My son was given one of these books for his birthday. It's personalized just for him and he wants to read it over and over again! What a great way to get kids excited about reading!! LOVE THIS!

Click HERE to get yours!

Newest comment for the Best Homemade Gift Ideas. Read what people are saying!

2012-07-09T22:21:00.000-05:00

I blogged about one of your projects tonight...

by Evelyn Mayfield
(Las Vegas, NV)

I hope you don't mind that I did that. I linked to your post, in my post...
http://prayersncrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/handmade-christmas-gift-ideas-mocha.html

It was the one about the mocha coffee mix in a jar. I cannot wait to mix it up this week...I can just about smell it already. It is too late tonight, where I am, but you can bet I'll be treating myself before I treat any of my friends or loved ones (LOL).

Oh, and I also put a link to my post on my FB page.

Hugs and prayer for you and yours
Evie (Evelyn) Mayfield

Thanks Evie for your kind words and letting others know about us!!

Sea Shell Wreath Homemade Gift Idea

2012-07-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

I just received a new gift idea from a fantastic reader! BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO Rebecca Lightbody from Daytona Florida for sharing her idea and project with us. This sea shell wreath idea is great!! So pretty and really quite easy. What a great way to use the Sea Shells

you collect all summer long. Check it out!

CLICK HERE.

More shell craft ideas!

Decorated Flip Flops!

2012-06-29T08:39:00.000-05:00

Decorated flip flops are all the rage. These are so fun to make as gifts. They can be personalized and made special in all kinds of different ways. Check out how to make some!

This patriotic 4th of July pin would make Uncle Sam proud!

2012-06-29T08:20:00.000-05:00

This patriotic 4th of July pin would make

Uncle Sam proud!

Click HERE to get the instructions!

Patriotism isn't just for Independence Day anymore! You can wear this 4th of July pin anytime during the year.

Gifts for the 4th of July!

2012-06-24T20:24:00.001-05:00

Here's a great gift idea for the 4th of July!!

Learn how to make one HERE!

New Homemade Gift Idea POSTED!!

2012-06-24T20:05:00.000-05:00

Find Out How To Make These Fun Insulated Drinking Cup Gifts!

These insulated cups are so easy and fun to make.

Click HERE to find out how!

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More Summer FUN for LESS!

FREE subscription to OPRAH Magazine!

2012-06-22T15:15:00.002-05:00

FREE Subscription to O Magazine!

Ok, I can't help it. I like Oprah. I'll admit it... There I said it! It's out there. Shwew I feel so much better now.

Get a FREE subscription to O Magazine Click Here!

Summer Gift Ideas

2012-06-22T13:34:00.003-05:00

I LOVE summer gifts especially the homemade kind!

SUMMER GIFTS

Jump

Rebecca Kinkead

Click here to find out how to make your own homemade summer gifts!

What else is HOT this summer?

Summer READS!

Fifty Shades Trilogy: Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, Fifty Shades Freed 3-volume Boxed Set

Gone Girl: A Novel

The Amateur

The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set

The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future

Steve Jobs

Dad's Snack Basket Idea and Poem

2012-05-30T21:33:00.000-05:00

I made this basket for my husband a couple years ago and he absolutely LOVED it! It's a snack basket with all his favorites and a really cute poem to go with it. Super easy gift to put together and it's sure to be a big hit since it's a bunch of treats! What Dad can resist treats?

Click HERE to make your own!

For More Father's Day Gift Ideas

More ways to help you save!

Nothing better than a good smell'in man!!

FREE Gifts for your PUPPY!

2012-05-29T21:54:00.002-05:00

FREE PUPPY TREATS!

Get a FREE gift for your Puppy!! Doesn't your 4 footed friend or family member deserve a treat! Get a FREE sample today. I just sent for mine!! Click HERE to get yours today!

MORE HOMEMADE GIFT IDEAS FOR PETS!

Look What We Have For Father's Day Gift Ideas!!

2012-05-29T21:10:00.000-05:00

When Dads Pack Lunch

Father's Day is coming. Are you ready to show Dad how much you appreciate him?

We have a bunch of homemade Father's Day Gift Ideas ready for you!!

Click HERE now!

Summer Homemade Gift Ideas

2012-05-18T08:23:00.005-05:00

Homemade Summer Fun!

"Watering Father", June 4, 1955

Richard Sargent

I don't know about you, but let me tell you, I am counting down the days until summer vacation! I CAN'T wait!! Of course summer brings all kinds of opportunities to make homemade gifts for those you love.

Check out my HOMEMADE SUMMER GIFT IDEAS on The Best Homemade Gift Ideas Website.

Remember I am always looking for cool ideas that other people have done. Don't be afraid to share. We are all friends here :0)

Summer Allergies?

$5.00 off Non-Drowsy Claritin Allergy Product

$5.00 off on any size NasalCrom allergy product

$3.00 off any Children's Claritin Allergy
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$2.00 off any Children's Claritin Allergy
$4.00 off Non-Drowsy Claritin-D Allergy