4 Simple Goals

Back in August, I posted my 4 simple goals to accomplish by the end of the year.  Here's how I'm doing so far:

1. Attend Art and Soul in Portland.  This one may be cheating because I have it set up already!  Done!

2. Learn to be a better photographer for my Etsy shop and my blog. This is ongoing but I think I'm making progress! I'm getting some good feedback and encouragement from those around me.

3. Continue to ride my bike even when the weather gets cold. I just re-discovered bike riding through a bike that was given to me. This is a way to stay healthy and to connect with my kids. I feel so free when I'm riding! It's amazing.  So far so good on this one! We'll see how it shapes up when the weather gets really cold around here. I even got a basket for it to make it more functional. Let's face it, it's cute, too!

4. Blog twice a week. I need to keep accountable with this! I know some weeks will be more and some less but if I can average out to twice a week, that would be great! Ummmm....well.....let's not talk about that one.  I am recommitting myself to this so hopefully I can pull it off going forward.

Art and Soul

Wow! What an amzing experience! I had several people tell me "You need to go to Art and Soul" which I took as a sign.  I signed up for 3 classes and I was awed by all of them.

The first two pictures are from my 2nd class that I took on Sunday. 

Here I am with Alma de Melena Cox who I orignally met in my little town. This was my 3rd class from her and the most inclusive.  She has a technique called "Telemadera Fusion" that she uses in her art and teaches to others.  It involves woodburning, paint and fabric which is then varnished to give the finished piece amazing depth and contrast. In her classes, she offers her original drawings to be used as a template in which your piece is based off of.  I chose to use one of them in this piece.

(Alma is on the left I'm on the right)

Here is the finished picture after 7(!) coats of varnish!

The first class that I took was "Repurposeful Stamping and Printing" with Traci Bunkers.  She takes found and household objects and turns them into stamps!! Amazing!  Then, after playing and stamping and stenciling a good chunk of the day, we made our own book out of the papers and 5x7 canvases.  So cool! I'd been interested in bookmaking so this was like a 2 in 1 class for me.

(the cover of my book)

(the inside front cover)

(my favorite page)

The last class that I took was on how to use your Sizzix for embossing everything! I don't have any pictures of this one unfortunately! I did learn how to use alcohol inks, emboss metal sheets, and emboss cards and envelope flaps to make some pretty cool customized stationery.  I also plan on using these techniques in my upcoming mixed media pieces!


Have a beautiful day!

I'm Still Here!!

After some computer issues, school starting up and going to Art and Soul in Portland recently I'm ready to get back to business! I have so much to share! I'll be here more frequently as my goal is to post at least twice a week.