Camp Quarantine Creative Videos

So here we are in these crazy times.  It's been sooooo  looooooong since I've posted anything here.  I was waiting to get a clean sleek website up, so I posted nothing!  The worst part of procrastination.

Anyway. . . I've been making these little creative videos over on my Facebook Art Page.  These are a fun way to practice being creative for people of all ages with limited art supplies.  It's sort of like the Arts and Crafts Cabin at Camp Quarantine!  I think there are more than twenty so enjoy.  I might post more here,  too!

Cards for the Camino

To all the amazing people who follow my art, I'm not sure if I've told you about the epic adventure my son, Sam, and I are taking this summer.  In honor of our "big" birthdays--50 and 10, we are going to hike the Camino de Santiago this summer.  It is a 500 mile pilgrimage across northern Spain.  You can follow our preparations HERE.

So it's an enormous undertaking that I do not take lightly.  There is physical, emotional, and spiritual training.  Then there is the financial part of it.  While the trip is relatively affordable for 2 months of hiking, the bills at home continue, even when we aren't there.

We are hoping that art and creativity will provide for us as we do our part.  Sam is making marbled notecards to provide him with spending money on this trip, and I am making hundreds of cards with quotes and photos of my art and other goodies like handmade paper collages to make this possible.

I'm holding a party to share hundreds of cards with the world, so if you would like to attend that on January 13, here is the info.  I'd love to have you join the fun, and even bring friends.  If that doesn't work, but you would like to support our big endeavor, you could host your own party of cards.  Your friends can make a card and then see what I have to offer.

If you want to order cards, go HERE!  There are quotes in sets just waiting for you!

I'm also creating new paintings every week {or at least I intend to create this way! } These paintings and other creations will be super affordable.  They will be listed on my blogs and facebook pages and instagram--which I will start to use more effectively!!!

Basically anything you buy from me in the next 6 months will support this once in a lifetime trip!

Classes and Workshop for 2019

Have you noticed that I have opened registration for classes and workshops in 2019?
Do you want to be more creative in the new year?
Do you know a young person {child or early teen} who would enjoy having designated art time every single week?
Do you want to give experience gifts this year?

I've got you covered!
Scroll through to see what I'm offering.

And if you don't see something that you would like to do, I would love {LOVE} to create a unique experience for you and your friends, a birthday party, a women's group, a fundraiser, your scout group, workplace meeting or retreat, or whatever else you might be brewing.  I also provide private lessons and coaching!  Just contact me ASAP to arrange dates, activities, and pricing for your creative adventure in 2019.

Visioning The New Year

I am so incredibly delighted to offer this opportunity to join together with kindred spirits, share simple nourishing food, move meditatively, and create a vision and vision board for 2019!

It's going to be an evening you won't want to miss.

After all the busy days of the holiday season, lean into an evening of self care and preparation for the new year.

This will be in my home, aka Inspiration Central. 

This would be a lovely gift to share with a friend or sister or mama.

Here is where you register!  Space is limited.

Cyber Monday: Inspirational Original Art

If you missed the Black Friday Brunch or Small Business Saturday, you still have a chance to get great prices on original art on the SHOP page of this blog!  {All the pieces are between $50 - $90 for this special event!}

The art and words combine for powerful inspiration!


There are some amazing abstracts, too!

And profits will support Fifty and Ten!  So buy art!  Shop local!  Create a win-win!

Black Friday Brunch and Inspiration Market

I'm hosting an event this Friday that is going to beautiful, simple, gentle and kind.  You will see a wide range of my creations that I'm offering for sale--some original art is ridiculously affordable!

I envision drinking warm beverages, chatting, and keeping the chaos of the season at bay.  If you have friends and family who might appreciate this, please invite them!

All profits will benefit FIFTY and TEN, the 2019 adventure that Sam and I have planned.

You can see all the logistical details, more art and discussion on the Facebook Event Page HERE

I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Amazing August 10: Sailboat Regatta

Sailboat Regatta

11 x 14 inches

acrylic on canvas

$95

{Additional charge for shipping}

I really enjoy the way there is movement in the brushstrokes of the water.  There is such joy in the simplicity of this piece.

Amazing August 8: Whimsy In The Garden

Whimsy In The Garden

6 x 6 x1

Acrylic on Canvas

$35

I have totally enjoyed making a collection of whimsical garden scenes this summer.  It has felt like play for me each time I've created one!  I hope you enjoy, too.

Amazing August 7: Sunsets and Lake Series

Sunsets and Lake Series

4.5 x 6 inches each

watercolor and micron pen on 140 lb. paper

$12 each / $20 for 2 / $40 for all 4

{Email me if you want one or more of these.}

I've loved experimenting with watercolor paint and micron pen this summer!  Today I'm offering 4 pieces that can be purchased individually, by twos, or all four.  When I tried to rotate the photo, lots of it was cut off, so I left it.  Please share with friends who might be interested!

Join Me At Barberton Summer Mart

I'm going to be in my studio all day on Saturday as part of the Barberton Summer Mart!  Please stop down and visit between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.!  In addition to visit all sorts of other downtown goodness, live music and more, here is what you can expect from me:

A variety of new summer acrylic paintings in a variety of sizes and a wide price range (these are just a few!). . .

A nice assortment of small sweet summer watercolors (again, just a small sampling!). . .

And, of course, a bit of magic and whimsy. . .

Additionally I have loads of handmade and photo greeting cards, art prints, and some lovely other pieces of art and inspiration.

I can't wait to see you on Saturday!!

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?

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!}

January Kids Class: Impressed by Impressionism

Impressionism is one of the most beloved and recognized periods of art, and my Monday Kids' Class will be exploring some of the artists, use of light, color and movement, gardens, landscapes and people painted and drawn during this period of art history.  If you have an enthusiastic young artist in grades 2 - 6, I believe they will enjoy, learn, and grow during this six week program.

Classes are held at my studio in Summit Artspace on Tusc, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, Ohio

We meet on six Mondays, beginning January 8, from 6 - 7 p.m.  All materials are provided.  The group is kept small to provide individual attention and support.  The cost for this course is $90.

I can't wait to share the beauty of the Impressionists, along with how ground breaking their practices were (even though they are so accepted and appreciated today!)

If your looking for more creative experiences, this is a very positive environment for children to express their creativity within  a specific framework.

We will work with a variety of media, including:  oil pastels, chalk pastels, pencil sketching in a small sketch journal, and watercolor painting.

If you have any questions, please email me!

Today's Offering: Words Speaking--Small Canvas Art

let kindness take root, $48
8x10 acrylic on canvas

Are you looking for a sweet sentiment, a special word/phrase, or a word to guide you in the new year?  I have a nice variety of small pieces that can do just that.  Most are perfect to tuck onto a shelf or window sill.  They also make great gifts!

peace is my superpower, $28
6x6 acrylic on canvas

breathe, $18
4x4 acrylic on canvas
(one of my favorites!)

namaste, $18
4x4 acrylic on canvas

just be, $18
4x4 acrylic on canvas

dream, shine, inspire, $18
4x4 acrylic on canvas

joy-full, $18
4x4 acrylic on canvas

calm mind/gentle breath/peaceful heart, $78
11x14 acrylic on canvas
(this is my favorite of this whole collection!)

details of wording

bring the light, $48
8x10 acrylic on canvas

choose kindness, $48
8x10 acrylic on canvas

let it snow SOLD

breathe/dream big/open to possibility/live in gratitude $48
8x10 acrylic on canvas

make magic/bring joy/share peace/inspire hope $38
8x8 acrylic on canvas

impress yourself, $28
6x6 acrylic on canvas

What words speak to you?  If you see something you like, email me.  We will arrange pick up or shipping.  These pieces are sold on a first come first served basis.

Thank you for all of the support that allows me to live my creative dream and support my little family!