In All Things... There is Value

Dearest Friends... I am so incredibly grateful beyond measure for each and every sentiment, kind offer, and encouraging word! I have been blessed to meet the most amazing people in my travels and my every day. And in times like these, I feel the miles between us all disappear with such wonderful love and support. None of us knows how long our journey will last here on earth, but I pray everyday for God's guidance. I am convinced that I was placed here in this life to share my talents and gifts with the world through my art. This purpose has now become even more magnified by the recent events involving my mom. So, I continue to paint as a way to soothe my soul and continue sharing my story! Thank you... thank you all... for standing beside me united, lifting me up in this time of sorrow.

Recalling All The Joys Of Life

Two weeks ago, my feelings for home and family were forever altered. These feelings now resonate so much deeper than I have ever experienced...

On Tuesday, March 5th, I learned my mother had terminal cancer. The devastating news came as a complete shock. Even today I am still reeling, trying desperately to catch-my-breath and wrap my mind around this horrendous fact.  

I am back in the studio for the first time since traveling cross-country to be by my mother's side. It feels good to be home, easing back into a familiar routine that defines my days, but my heart is still at her bedside. Although work is a good outlet, my mind continues to wander today.  I find myself drawn, over and over again, toward the pieces of my beautiful new fabric collection, Our House, that sit neatly stacked on the work table. As a small comfort, I continue to clutch the fabrics in my hand, feel the soft fibers between my fingers, read and re-read the soothing poetic verses of home... 

Like so many of us know and understand when urgent events happen, it is family, friends and home where you find refuse from the intense storms of life.

The Pulse - Tell All

Welcome to the 5th edition of The Pulse -- The State of the Art -- a survey in words and pictures of the online artist community. The Pulse is a collaborative project that aims to introduce you to new artists, help you get to know familiar faces even more, and allow you access into the creative hearts and minds of a very talented crew of individuals. More than 130 artists have answered a series of questions which make up The Pulse. Their responses will be presented in a series of online posts which will run every Sunday.

Style File, Techniques & Tools, and Master Class, It's Still Life, and Playing Favorites were the first five projects posted and links to all these posts can be found on the sidebar of Seth's blog. The final project from The Pulse #5, Tell All, continues now..

I am honored to be a participate in this endeavor and invite you to check it out over on Seth Apter's blog, The Altered Page!

My Love Remains

Still feeling so in love with Love after last week. The days of anticipation and now warm memories keep me smiling.

The winds of change bluster and blow, here upon the Plains, coming, going, arriving and leaving just as quickly. Nature is fickled and fidgety. There is a struggle afoot between the seasons, but my love remains true and I paint...

ART DOODLE LOVE!

WELCOME to Day 7 of the "Art Doodle Love" Blog Hop!  

I am so honored to be part of the book launch for artist/author Dawn Sokol's latest published work...

To celebrate,  I'm sharing the Top 10 Reasons I LOVE this Book and you will too!:

1. The book is a perfect size. It easily fits in my purse so I can carry it with me.

2. Plenty of pages to doodle on, but not so many that it makes the book bulky or heavy.

3. Very nice paper quality!  My pencil glides across the page "like butter" and the book holds up to travel in my bag without bending or tearing.

4. Gorgeous backgrounds throughout, with colors that are fun, happy and keep me from feeling afraid of the dreaded blank page.

5. The difference shapes in the backgrounds, such as paint splotches, drips and dry brush marks are wonderful catalysts for new doodles.

6. It is a great way to jump-start my creative juices in the morning with easy prompts.

7. It is a great place to unwind and relax my brain before bed.

8. My copy is unique and not like any other artist's copy because of my doodles.  Yet, there is common ground among all because we started with the same book, so it makes it fun to share and gather inspiration.

9. It is a super book for both beginners and advanced artists, alike.

10. Once I started doodling in "Art Doodle Love", I couldn't stop... seriously!

You can purchase a copy of "Art Doodle Love" at your nearest book retailer or on-line.

Dawn is also hosting a giveaway that includes a signed copy of the book, some pens, a handmade journal, and other goodies.  Sign-up for the giveaway on Dawn's Blog starting Friday, February 8th. The drawing will be on Valenetine Day, Thursday, February 14th.

The "Art Doodle Love" Blog Hop continues.... so be sure to visit each artist below!

Feb. 2: Pam Carriker, http://www.pamcarriker.com/blog/
Feb. 3: Samantha Kira Harding, http://www.journalgirl.com
Feb. 4: Aimee Dolich, http://artsyville.blogspot.com
Feb. 5: Jane Davenport,  http://www.janedavenport.com
Feb. 6: Carla Sonheim, http://www.carlasonheim.com
Feb. 7: Tracie Lyn Huskamp, http://www.thereddoor-studio.blogspot.com
Feb. 8: Tammy Garcia, http://www.daisyyellow.squarespace.com
Feb. 9: Carissa Paige, http://www.carissapaige.blogspot.com
Feb. 10: Mindy Lacefield, http://www.timssally.com
Feb. 11: Dina Wakley, http://dinastamps.typepad.com/
Feb. 12: Tamara LaPorte, http://www.willowing.org/blog/
Feb. 13: Jill K. Berry, http://jillberrydesign.com/blog/

A Holiday Tutorial: SHOW ME THE LOVE!

I am a hopeless romantic, always believing in the fairy tale.. breathlessly waiting for the storybook ending.

Even though life can be tumultuous, I continue to gaze through rose colored glasses, off into the happily-ever-after sunset. 

Such feelings color my world, and jade my views. Love clouds my vision, and makes me believe in the power it has to fill the world with hope.  These thoughts are only magnified by the fact that I am lucky enough to spend my days with a man I completely adore.  I love not only telling my husband how much I love him, but also showing him.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I would share this favorite tutorial for creating a unique custom message pillow, as a way to encourage and inspire others to show their love!

1. Cut one piece of fabric approximately 8" x 6".

Paint one side with Valspar Chalkboard Paint (found at Lowe's Hardware)

2. When the paint is dry, fold a 0.5" edge on all sides

and stitch in place to keep the fabric from unraveling.

Also. trim the corners at a diagonal to keep excess

fabric from showing. Be careful not to cut any stitches.

3. Cut two larger pieces of fabric approximately 14" x 10".

4. Stitch the painted chalkboard fabric (black side

up) to the right side of one of the larger fabric pieces.

Position the painted fabric vertically 2.5" from the

bottom and centered horizontally on the larger fabric.

5. Place the two right sides of the larger fabric pieces

together and stitch. Remember to leave an opening to

turn the fabric and for stuffing the pillow with batting.

Once the pillow is stuffed, sew the opening shut.

6. Write your message on the pocket with

chalk and clean with water.

January Detour

This past week life took a long detour. I was under-the-weather mired by all the classic symptoms of cold/flu something; head ache, body aches, coughing, sneezing.  After seven days of drinking so much water I thought I would float away and bed rest, I am finally finding my way back to the daily routine.

Gratefully, there was a BIG surprise to cheer me on my recovery. Sample swatches arrived in the post from my NEW! Fabric Line, Our House!  The collection will be available in stores early June.

I am just so EXCITED about my third collection with Windham Fabrics, and could not wait to share the news!!!

These fabrics harken back to my early days of art-marking, home has always been an important theme in my work.  "Our House", is a warm and whimsical ode to a place where so many individuals find constant strength, refuse, happiness, and joy. These fabrics capture heartwarming houses imagined as part of an inviting neighborhood, little abodes that represent home as the center of each heart's universe, charming phrases gathered to express cherished sentiments, along with a beautiful variety of coordinate textures to create a rich, colorful tapestry of life, love, and family.