Thank you Artful Blogging!

I have some exciting news that I have been looking forward to sharing with you! I was a little hesitant to share it with anyone at first, I didn’t want to jinx it, but here it is in all of its glory. Ta da!

Thats right! I have been featured in the summer issue of  Stampingtons Artful Blogging magazine. It is a publication I have been admiring for some time now and am thrilled to be a part of it!

It is a little hard to come by in my neck of the woods, which makes it very special when I do get my hands on a copy. I have many a Stampington publication all lined up nicely under my coffee table. Their magazines cover many topics – art jornaling, photography, jewellery and lots of other topics all to do with handcrafted goodness. They do a wonderful job offering inspiration to artists everywhere.

I  would love to share the entire issue with you! This is just a  little sneak peek.

It is a beautiful, visually inspiring, look into the creative life of a global bunch of bloggers.It is filled with beautiful art, photography and written words all about their journey.

 

There is something quite wonderful about seeing your creative journey in print. I have been blogging now for almost 3 years and they did a wonderful job of pulling together pictures that capture the essence of what my blog is all about ~ the creative process, all the different medium used to tell your story , and the never ending  work in progress.

 

Along with my excitement and happiness, I have to admit to a feeling of nostalgia . I couldn’t help but  spent some time going back and re-discovering old  blog posts, laughing at my first attempts at art and remembering the butterflies the very first time I posted pictures of my art.Oh, the many paths I have followed to where I am now! It covers all the courses I have taken and most important the community I have surrounded myself with.

Way back in July of 2011, I remember thinking to myself  “what are you up to?” I really didn’t know at that time, but I had a faint idea of where all of this was supposed to lead.

I wanted to meet a group of like-minded creative souls (check). I wanted to become an artist (check).  I wanted to document my journey to gauge my accomplishments…and failures (check). I wanted to make a living as an artist (half-check) There is still lots to be accomplished!

 

Thank you very much Stampington & Company! I am honoured. Thank you for my moment!

To everyone here ~ Thanks for being part of the journey!

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Inspired by…ways to stay creative

Blogtoberfest ~ Day 3

28 more days to blog and I have 29 ways below. I think I am covered:)

Inspired by my …artistic affliction

My husband is away. The kids are at school. I have become the mad woman….

The dining room table..

We are no longer eating at the dining table as I have one, maybe two paintings in progress.

the kitchen counter

The kitchen counter is off limits too. Some paper cutting and collage going on here..oh, and my computer just in case I get the sudden urge to blog.

no coffee here...

My paintbrush photo-shoot because it is oh, so important to have a pretty header. Look up!

my studio..

Now, really, who could get anything done in here? Much to messy and way too many distractions!

Ar-tis-tic Af-flic-tion v. to have great distress caused by an overactive imagination.

And finally….painting the walls too.Why not??

I may be Terminal.

Inspired by…the need for change.

Blog is currently under construction. Paintbrush photoshoot is under way. Thinking I may be a bit of a crazy woman..

Like all things in my life I am constantly seeking change. Unfortunately due to children, husband, dog, work, school and community commitments all change in my life is going to have to happen here…redecorating my blog.

For entertainment sake, watch how many times I change my header and background today….

Feeling the love…Pinterest!

look what Michele from http://paperdollstudio.ca created...

It probably goes with out saying that most of you out there have discovered Pinterest. I would hate not to mention it though just in case it has slipped by you.

Pinterest..ah…it is just one click away.. It makes me swoon and dare I say a little weak in the knees. One may call it an addiction of sorts.

Pinterest is a virtual inspiration board.

In Pinterests own words…..

“Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.”

You have to request an invite. It may take a few days, but a small initiation for joining your own little secret club of like minded souls. Bookmark “the pin” and start pinning. Form different boards. I have everything from abstract art to fashion my way . You can also follow other individuals  boards by simply searching for those with  the same interests. Every pin has a link back to its original source which can connects you with a whole other world of goodness…and more blogs to follow.

Check out mine at  feeling the love… for pinterest
This should give you a feel for what it is all about.

Did I mention that is it free?

time and patience..

I am going to need to read this on a daily basis. My own personal mantra or pep talk. Time and patience are my friends.

I know that I am not the only one out there who continually wonders “what the heck am I doing all of this for?”. This now applies not only to my artwork, but also to my blogging!

I feel like I have been struggling with this question for most of 2011. I spend hours creating. When I am not creating I am planning what to create next. I go for a walk to clear my head and BAM..more images to paint.I see images in my sleep. Its exhausting.

I am feeling like a bit of a crazy woman. My studio is a disaster zone. I spill paint on the floor and I barely wipe it up. I leave my paintbrushes in water overnight.The cap stays off the glue. I dont even know THIS person!?  My poor children have suffered the wrath for less.

I know that I should feel content having discovered my happy place, but the questions continue. Is it really possible to do all of this “work” without a game plan? I am tiring of my daily, left brain nudge, questioning why?

I started blogging because I felt I needed to focus on a direction.It doesnt necessarily have to be the right direction.. A blog about art and inspiration could only add more happiness to my life. It would surround me, hopefully, with a collection of like minded souls. I am not committing to doing anything with my artwork, but lets say I am finally thinking to myself “self, lets make a go of this and see where it leads you.”

So the big beautiful mess continues. The blog will also continue to evolve. I am hoping that a theme will magically present itself… as always, any and all suggestions are welcome. I have a few ideas up my sleeve, but I need to consider them a bit more thoroughly before putting them out there. Until then I can only hope that I spark a wee bit of inspiration and hopefully encourage others out there to take a leap and try something new for themselves.

Find your happy place!