Brave Art By Miriam Daniel: February 2018

Monday, February 19, 2018

Proudly Presenting The Letter Writing Revival

Letter Writing Revival

Welcome to the Letter Writing Revival!

Have you ever wanted to strike one match and light up the world?

I have! I do--right here, right now!

Let's fill the world with light and love and kindness by writing letters and sending beautiful handmade cards.

With full disclosure. . . I suck at sending cards and letters. I intend to send out thank you cards, birthday cards, Christmas cards, and so many other cards. But I don't. Life happens. It slips my mind. And in this age of electronics I've only gotten worse.

I have a friend, Lin, who writes amazing letters and cards. Every single time I receive one I feel like the most important person in the world.

I want to share that feeling with others. And I want to empower others to share the love and kindness all the way around the world.

Here is how it works:

1. I make all sorts of standard size greeting cards. Some are photos of beautiful places. Some are photos of art I created. Some have small bits of art I created with paintings or quotes or mini collages. Some have splashes of watercolor. Some have handmade paper. Some of those cards can be planted to grow wildflowers. {Lots of creativity and love go into these little gems.}

Every month's Letter Writing Revival has a different theme!
Here are a list and sign up dates of the themes first 6 months:

Month Theme Last Date to Sign Up
February Plant These Cards 2/23
March Nature Photos 3/23
April May Day Magic 4/24
May Sailing Away 5/22
June Red, White, & Blue 6/19
July Summer Surprise 7/24

2. You subscribe! Sign up in advance, and pay a fantastic price to receive a set of my cards (between 4 - 8, depending on size and fanciness) in the mail. Sometimes the cards will only be available via Letter Writing Revival or cards will premiere with Letter Writing Revival. Sometimes you will receive cards that are already super loved favorites of my clients and friends. You will also receive a little handwritten note from me, and a list of ideas/suggestions for what you might want to do with your cards. Sometimes I'll tuck in extra goodies, too. All of this will be delivered to your home via snail mail with no shipping charge! Shipping takes place the Monday following the last date to sign up! If you prefer you may pick up you Letter Writing Revival Care Package at my studio on 4th Friday, and as a bonus you may choose another greeting card from my studio supply and chat with me!

3. You decide how and when to send your cards, and then you subscribe to the next month or 6 months at a time! I get to keep creating amazing cards that put light and love and kindness into the world, and you receive unique greeting cards in exchange for supporting a working artist. The world is flooded with amazing cards and becomes a more loving and brighter place. This, my friends, is a revolution!

4. This also makes and amazing gift. Give one month or six months of amazing and unique greeting cards.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!

Friday, February 16, 2018

New Kids Art Class: Let's Go 3-D

It's time for a new Monday evening kids art class! I'm so excited to be offering a 3D class. It's something I've never done before. I've been planning this great 6 week session for a while now.

We are going to learn about the challenges and joys of constructing 3 dimensional art. We will look at the work of famous sculptors and assemblage artists in addition to creating our own work with found objects and recycled junk.

Session 1: Marshmallow and Toothpick sculptures
Session 2 - 3: Upcycled Trash to Treasures
Session 4: Collection Assemblage
Session 5 - 6: Freestyle Student Choice Creations

We meet Monday, February 20 - March 28, 6 - 7 p.m. At my studio inside Summit Artspace on Tusc, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton 44203

The cost for all instruction and materials is $90, due at the first session

To register, email me: BraveTeacherMim@gmail.com

Sunday, February 11, 2018

Beautiful Barberton

Barberton, Ohio, is the city in which I live and work. When I moved back here I could not have imagined that I would be here 12 years later. Barberton is a one of a kind place. It's called the Magic City, because it grew up overnight. Since then the magic has come and gone and returned in so many different ways. There is a stunning lake in the middle of town, Lake Anna. And there is an adorable little downtown with unique small businesses. I have so many amazing childhood memories of huge parades and stunning fireworks. Now I see a gem with a bit of tarnish, and I want to share the treasure that I see in Barberton with others.

I decided to do a series of art, titled Beautiful Barberton. I will be working throughout the year to highlight some of my favorite bits with my own creative twist. Here is the beginning of the Beautiful Barberton Series:

Cherry Blossoms
11 x 14, Acrylic and marker on canvas
I needed a starting place to overcome the fear of starting, so I began with one of my favorite Barberton bits--when the cherry blossoms are out all around the lake.

OC Barber Dressed For Winter
11 x 14, Acrylic and marker on canvas
I have always admired this sculpture by Virgil Villers, and it especially made me smile when he wore a scarf the past couple winters. This year he is a little chillier.

Winter Sunrise Over Lake Anna
11 x 14, Acrylic and marker on canvas
This is a view I have encountered a number of times in the past couple months. I love the way the sunrise reflects on the snow and frozen lake.

What's grabbing your attention these days? What are you creating?

Monday, February 5, 2018

Inspired by Words and Abstract Whimsy Offering

It is no surprise to anyone that knows me that I love quotations. They have encouraged me in the dark moments of life. They have inspired me to be a better version of myself. They have empowered me to take difficult action. Pretty powerful stuff I would say! From this place quotes and powerful words have made their way into my art. I have seen those words impact my clients so many times.

I have also enjoyed creating small alters or sacred spaces to keep my on the right track. I am now creating these little alters that pack a big punch, and I'm making them available to you and everyone else you can use some empowerment, inspiration, and encouragement. These are so potent that I'm inspired while I'm creating them!

Each little inspiration kit arrives with a wooden easel, led candle, 10 miniature abstract watercolor paintings with quotes, affirmations, power words, or scriptures, and an assortment of rocks and glass gems. The standard inspiration kit with all of those treasures is $30.

A sample affirmation

An empowerment quote

Inspiration rising quote

Empowerment quote

Light themed set

Inspiration kit of power words in a gift basket, $42

Inspiration quotes kit gift basket, $42

Favorite Bible verses Inspiration Kit Gift Basket, $42

So you can purchase a kit with any of these themes. They arrive in a clear bag tied with a decorative string. The gift baskets are available as shown. I also have loads of new greeting cards in my studio with a single inspirational quote card on the front, so you can share a morsel of inspiration with anyone. Greeting cards are $4 each of 3/$10. {Email me if you see something you want but can't make it to the studio.}

I am delighted to create a customized Inspiration Kits with 10 quotes of your choice, $40 per kit.

Kits will be available at the next Fourth Friday, February 23, 5 - 9 p.m. You can also email me to make an appointment to look around.

Friday, February 2, 2018

Handmade Valentine Love

Love Wins, 12 x 4 inches, $35

I have loved making Valentine's most of my life. They have been mostly part of deep abiding friendship, rather than some sort of passionate love. Now I'm lucky enough to make goodies for other people to share with their friends and loved ones!

If you're looking for something for this upcoming Valentine's Day or just to express a deep and abiding friendship, I have goodies for you. {If you see something you like, email me, and we will make sure you get it. I will also be in my studio Monday, 4 - 7:30 p.m. or make an appointment to meet me at a more convenient time.}

I have a variety of full size greeting cards with handmade paper hearts--$4 each or 3 for $10

I have small heart shaped handmade paper booklets--perfect for love letters or quotes--$7 each

I have several assembled pieces with handmade hearts that are matted and ready for an 8x10 frame--$15 each

I have small abstract watercolor pieces, 3 x 4 inches, that allow you to add your own message or quote on the back. They're like the old school kid valentines in a grown up form--package of 9 for $6

Wishing you days and weeks ahead filled with warmth, friendship, and love.
{Let me know if any of these will help you celebrate!}