The Brave Maker This Week

Sometimes I don't give myself credit for all the stuff I make every single week.  I'm sure I'm leaving something off the list here, but this is what I've been making this week:

• Monday at Just 4 Girls Yoga we made Kindness Wands.  {register for next session}

I started on a new painting--much more done than seen below!

Marshmallow souffle?  Nope--smore dessert dip--just add graham crackers.  This small amount is perfect for 2 - 3 people.

Newspaper flower prototype for upcoming Reworks "Make Art Not Waste" Event

I did a bit of a rearrange in my studio.

I'm still creating mini journals so that you can write your story.

I'm also decided this week to do a big writing project in November!

I started projects for a workshop I'm offering next month to create Upcycled Holiday decorations and gifts.  This included making some wool felted garlands, recycled handmade paper books, tags and labels, and magazine page stationary and gift cards.

I continue to write something ever day wether it is part of my book, blog and website posts, yoga scripts, workshop descriptions, or lesson plans to support Will U Learning!

We had an amazing Opening Friday evening in the ACoT  2nd Floor Gallery

That's what this brave maker has been up to this week!  How about you?

Mystifying Art Show

Enjoy the season and see some spooky art!  Opening is this Friday, 5 p.m. til ??

See if you can find my garden!

Also, pop into my studio to enjoy art that is mostly the opposite of the work upstairs!  

I'll be there from 5 - 8:30.

Write Your Own Story Mini Journals

Handmade
Unique
Affordable
Those words always make my heart happy.
Are you looking for a little gift to share with many people over the holiday season

I am introducing my Write Your Own Story Mini Journals!

​These amazing little gems started life as a simple little notecard, ordinary paper, and a bit of floss.  When combined with a magic needle they become little treasures that inspire the writer, the artist, the maker, the lover in all of us.  {See all the options HERE NOW!}

Here are some FAQs:

What can I do with my mini journal?
Here are a few of my ideas for your mini journal:

• Gratitude journal
• Sketchbook
• Poetry
• Love letter
• Most Important Tasks
• To do list
• Portable art journal

Why is it called Write your own story?
People often need permission to do something, so I wrote you a little creative permission slip with it.
Just for you I said,  "Go ahead! ~ Be Brave! ~ Create!"

How can I use this as a gift?
I have two different ideas for this one.
First it would be wonderful to receive this as snail mail.  Each mini journal comes with its original stationary envelope.  So send that sweet little book as a tangible gift that arrives in the mail box.
​Second, imagine writing a love letter or letter of gratitude of collecting amazing quotes or warm affirmations and recording them in the little book.  It's a gift from the heart that is about to become a cherished treasure.

Where can I buy mini journals?
You may purchase HERE online, visit the ACoT gift gallery, or make arrangements with me to meet up!

How is it packaged?
Each little hand sewn booklet has a simple kraft paper strip that says "Write your own story--Mini journal.  There is a little kraft paper square that suggests used, and together with the journal and envelope snuggled in a clear sleeve.

Do I get to choose the style?
You sure do!  Below you will see all the styles currently available.  I hope you enjoy using or giving these as much as I enjoyed making them!  Go HERE to see all the styles.

What happens when you have a creative dry spell?

What happens when you have a creative dry spell?  For me, I start to panic.  I worry about money.  I think I've made a terrible mistake.

And then I remember:  THIS IS ALL PART OF THE PROCESS!

I just went through about a week of this.  Usually I have way more ideas than I can actualize in the time constraints of being a human on this planet.  Not this time.  All I could see was everything that wasn't working.  And I felt so much fear.

Here is what did work this time:

The big thing was that I started to clean out my home studio that had turned into a storage closet.  I found materials I forgot I had. I looked through old notebooks that were filled with old ideas.  I could see patterns and a few themes that kept repeating.  I found old things I had made, and I was surprised by how cool some of them were.

I started to do some little things I could control.  I worked on my son's Halloween costume.  I paid my bills. {Official least favorite task.  I secretly want to be rich and famous so I can pay my accountant can do this for me!}

I told a couple people I wasn't feeling inspired, and they offered gentle support.  I went to my studio almost every day just like I usually do.  I puttered around.  I tried not to panic.  I tried to be gentle with myself.

I got a little outside affirmation

And then. . . kapow . . . my best idea for teachers in the past couple of months hit me.  And a sweet little artsy idea also hit.  And we are off again on the creative racetrack!

Paranormal Preview

So my art is generally at the opposite pole from paranormal, but I created a piece for a show that is opening here at ACoT a week from tomorrow.

It's titled, "Quite Contrary Garden."

Here are a few sneak peaks:

Mandala at Sunrise

Here is a piece I finished yesterday--Mandala at Sunrise

Winter Peace Premier Greeting Card

I am head over heels excited to present this original piece of art--Winter Peace--as a professionally printed seasonal greeting card.  

I have loved fat little birds for as long as I can remember.  This guy is extra special, and I'm delighted to share him with you.  I completed this piece in the early months of 2015, and I just loved its warmth and simplicity.

I think it makes a fabulous Christmas or New Year card.  It would also make an amazing party invitation, thank you note or just a fun card to send.

These cards are printed on 110 lb. premium card stock with a gloss finish--nice and thick and VERY attractive.  Envelopes are white.  The card is blank inside and waiting for your personalized message.

You may order sets of 10 or 30 HERE.  {There is no charge for shipping during the month of October!}

Individual cards are available in my studio for $ 2.75 each.  {Make an appointment to visit my studio.}