The Artist Within

My first artist date (well sort of...)

2012-01-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

I know there are many things you are supposed to do on the artist date.
1st. You fill up your well...
2nd. Go where you feel special and inspired
3rd. You must do it alone.

Well... I really didn't follow the rules for my first artist date. AND it wasn't really a date. It was two days in my home where I hardly had to leave (that NEVER happens)I certainly wasn't alone, My kids were all over the place but that's ok

So this is what I did

I cleaned out my email inbox
I volunteered to help at a local art show
I made up the Feb. schedule for my studio including details of the Make A Wish Art Show
I made two new business appointments with potential Nursing homes
Took care of several emails that I had put off
I did 4 loads of laundry.
NOW to add the fun stuff.
I completed my first project in my lifebook class
I worked on the doodles for "The sketchbook challenge"
I read some more of taw
Looked at lots of art and some videos.

I know there was supposed to be a different way to do that BUT I just got to meander through 2 days of art and chores and the art made the chores not so bad.

I may never get two days where I'm not constantly running again but I really took advantage of these ones.
AND I'm a pretty good date.

Thoughts of my first morning pages

2012-01-02T08:12:00.000-08:00

I think it is a sign that about a month ago someone sent me the exerpt about morning pages (a few posts below) and a couple weeks after that I was invited to a facebook group that will be discussing "The Artists Way" http://www.facebook.com/groups/305469276165135/308737465838316/?notif_t=like

I had never heard of the book and even though I put the info on my blog I still didn't do the pages. I guess I just waited for my New Years resolutions to kick in and then I would start.

I woke up this morning ready to start my new life. I cleared out my email inbox of tons of stupid and spammy emails. And then it was time to do my pages. Well they didn't end up the way I though. There was no warm and fuzzy just unadulterated anger at myself. I ripped myself apart. This inner voice completely trashed my and all of my past behavior and lack there of. I am really hoping that this was my critics way of purging out all of the old and I really really really hope that it's not this mean to me ever again.

Iwill do them every day but if this meany doesn't let up I don't think I will be able to take the daily bashing.

So if this didn't put you off. come over to the group and get your creativity on.

Choosing the word for 2012 and giveaway

2011-12-21T03:28:00.001-08:00

I have been reading so much about picking a word for 2012 and sticking to it. It seems like such a commitment. But I have made so many changes these past couple of years I need to string everything together and really make a difference this year instead of sort of watching my world go by. A lot of time I feel like I am watching life happen to me instead of making it happen. My word was going to be positivity but I am already really positive so I have decided on making my word "ACTION" Taking action and using my positivity. Taking action to get my house in order, taking action to get new clients, taking action to make my studio a haven for all who come there, Action to become a better artist and teacher, action to be a better mother and wife. The list goes on and on..
At Quinn Creative she has awesome tips on how to chose and then put your word to "action" (see there it is again)
http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/choosing-your-word/
http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/word-for-2012-and-a-giveaway/#comment-21615

I would love to know your word and how you would like to use it.
Post a comment and Jan. 1st (or 2nd depending on the possible hangover) I will pull a name and send you one of my mini's

courage and Croissants!

2011-12-16T07:49:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!!! I just won this book and it came yesterday!!! I immediately started reading it and I plan to use it this new year. I'm taking the lifebook class online and doing my best to get rid of my lazy monster and live the life I dream of... (after all of the holiday eating of course)I really think this book will help!! I will let you know.......

New look

2011-12-12T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well everyone, I just changed the banner. I have changed the name off all of the sites to some form of The Artist Within. The Artist Within1 on facebook and My artist within on etsy and lastly DL Artist within on twitter (for Deer Lakes Artist Within)

Happy Village

2011-12-10T17:55:00.000-08:00

Not completely better but I'm painting myself better. This painting makes me happy. I love everything about it.
My Happy Village

Chocolate makes everything better

2011-12-09T08:04:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been eating much better this week... Not necessarily less food but less processed food and to be honest, I am a little out of my funk! Yay!! I still don't have much energy but I'm a little better. I definitely neeeeeed more energy. These probably won't give them to me but I'm going to make them with my kids this weekend and they should help this funk I'm in even more.
Chocolate makes everything better

Homemade Oreos

Recipe from SmittenKitchen.com, adapted from Retro Desserts, Wayne Brachman

Makes 25 to 30 sandwich cookies

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Wafers:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 to 1 1/2 cups sugar (I used 1 ¼)
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1 large egg

For the Filling: (I double this recipe)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) room-temperature, unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Set two racks in the middle of the oven. Preheat to 375°F.
2. In a food processor, or bowl of an electric mixer, thoroughly mix the flour, cocoa, baking soda and powder, salt, and sugar. While pulsing, or on low speed, add the butter, and then the egg. Continue processing or mixing until dough comes together in a mass.
3. Take rounded teaspoons of batter and place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet approximately two inches apart. With moistened hands, slightly flatten the dough. Bake for 9 minutes, rotating once for even baking. Set baking sheets on a rack to cool.
4. To make the cream, place butter and shortening in a mixing bowl, and at low speed, gradually beat in the sugar and vanilla. Turn the mixer on high and beat for 2 to 3 minutes until filling is light and fluffy.
5. To assemble the cookies, in a pastry bag with a 1/2 inch, round tip, pipe teaspoon-size blobs of cream into the center of one cookie. Place another cookie, equal in size to the first, on top of the cream. Lightly press, to work the filling evenly to the outsides of the cookie. Continue this process until all the cookies have been sandwiched with cream. Dunk generously in a large glass of milk.

These cookies are fantastic! Who doesn’t love a homemade oreo?!? While they do taste an uncanny amount like the original, they’re a world better. And they’re so easy to make!
If you haven’t already discovered SmittenKitchen.com, check it out! Deb is an amazing baker, cook, and photographer. Her website is a beautiful compilation of recipes she’s tested, adapted, or created. It’s funny, honest, and helpful. Every recipe I’ve tried has been exceptional.

Going to try this. Exerpt from "The Artists Way"

2011-12-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

THE ARTIST’S WAY CREATIVITY TOOL: THE MORNING PAGES
By Dr. Jane Bolton
Psychotherapy and Master Life Coaching
What are Morning Pages?
“Morning Pages” is a term used by Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, for a primary
creativity tool. It involves writing 3 stream-of-consciousness pages, longhand, every morning.
Doing the process is so important that Cameron calls it “non-negotiable.” These pages are
private- nobody else is to be allowed to read them except for you- and then, not until you have
done them for 2 months.
What is the purpose of Morning Pages?
They are not supposed to be “art” or even “writing.” They are to help recognize and release the
critic (Cameron’s ‘Censor’) inside. So the pages are often stilted, filled with self doubt, angry,
whiny, and petty- and that’s a good thing. Why is that good? Because that stuff is what’s in the
way of creativity, and you want to bring it out to the light of day.
Cameron states that, “Morning pages do help us get to the other side: the other side of our fear,
our negativity, of our moods. Above all they get us beyond our Censor. Beyond the reach of the
Censor’s babble we find our own quiet center, the place where we hear the still, small voice…”
We get to see the stream of negative, discouraging things that critic says and we learn to see
that those subversive comments are not the TRUTH. We learn to distinguish the critic from the
voice of reason. We learn to detach from the constant stream of ridicule which shames us and
paralyses us.
Many people find it helps them override the critic if they find or make some kind of image that
represents the critic to them. Say, for example, a dragon, or a Viking. They then put that image,
perhaps with a gag, or an x on it, near them while working. This process can help by
externalizing the critic, making it separate from the Self.
I differ from Cameron in that I believe that, despite appearances, even the critic has high
positive intentions for us. It however, mistakenly goes about trying to ‘help’ us by trying to
discourage us from taking risks. The critic, who ridicules, is terrified of ridicule.
In my master life coaching, I have methods of working with the critic that help us recognize and
release the positive power behind it.
How to do the morning pages
Go to a private place with a spiral bound book, or legal pad and listen to the voice inside your
head. Just write down, longhand, what that voice says. Do 3 pages worth. Every day. No matter
what your mood is. No excuses. Don’t read the pages for 8 weeks. And enjoy your new found
creative vivification.

Monday Morning Blues :(

2011-12-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

Been having a lot of self doubt this past couple of weeks. In turn feeling sorry for myself. Now I feel like I'm wallowing and i can't seem to pick myself up and easily brush it off. So in turn my inner dialog is scathing. Today even if I end up in tears i am going to have to do something to end this artistic despair. I don't know how I will do it. I will start with this lovely picture and stare at a lot today.

Blog Hopping today

2011-12-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

I love blog hopping. I was fortunate be included in the holiday blog hop. Now today I'm going through the blogs a little more in depth. Way fun!!

2011-11-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

I am very happy to show off my artist in the magical holiday blog hop
Alicia Caudle. She has an etsy shop called Altered bits and also a blog at
http://alteredbits.wordpress.com/

She has some unusual and beautiful stuff and some is alittle creepy.
She has so much talent and even more exciting for me I am going to submit "Eve" to her for the retelling of history.

check her out! I know you will love her!!!!

Magical Holiday Blog Hop

2011-11-27T11:05:00.000-08:00

I joined this awesome group of artists for this great Holiday Blog Hop. I hope you go and visit them and see their awesome art!!!!!!

Here is the link for the Etsy treasury I made including my favorites.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjAxODM4M3wxMjU0NDA0Njk1/magical-holiday-blog-hop

If you would like to see all of the artists that are involved Click on the blog hop link below

Remember buy local, buy handmade, save the world

The mini's are done.... The mini's are done!!!

2011-11-24T09:21:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it, I finally got them done. I guess I though they would be done in just a few minutes each. ha! not so much. I just keep adding details. But I have to say I'm happy with all of them. They are now for sale! Either through my facebook or etsy. $14 each plus shipping

Art Blog Hop

2011-11-22T03:33:00.002-08:00

This was such a great idea. Get inspiration and connect with lots of different artists. Just click the button and off you go..

Art Blog Hop.

2011-11-22T03:33:00.001-08:00

a mini a day

2011-11-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

Well my new challange is a mini a day. I was inspired by Jodi Ohl's adorable mini's and I want to do some myself.

Yay for meltie crayons

2011-11-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

This was such a fun project. All you do is hot glue the crayons to your canvas. Then with a heat gun or hair dryer just melt the crayons. Now my head is spinning with meltie possibilities

Too Big of a To-Do list

2011-11-09T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well I had high hopes for myself today. I had an impossible time focusing today until after noon. I did end up getting some stuff done. I got 3 kid class samples done, I am now trying out some new funky little trees so I'm trying them out on atc cards. We'll see. Hopefully I can get the second half of the to-do list done tomorrow.

Working on the challange

2011-11-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I got some of the mini's designed and my Stupid Michaels doesn't carry the mini canvases..ugh. But I worked on some owls. I know I'm a little late to the owl party but I just didn't give myself time for my own art. I worked on my journal yesterday and I'm in love with how the new page is going. Hopefully a pic next week. So to tide you over here is my swirly trees and posies painting

Challenging myself

2011-10-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

I have been in such a funk the last few weeks. I'm sure it has sooooooo much to do with summer being over. So I have decided to really fight it. I have picked out some words and I am really hoping to design 9 mini paintings and 9 christmas mini paintings for my open house in December. Wish me luck. here is some inspiration in case you need it.

And the winner is...

2011-10-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

http://lolliemagpiedesigns.blogspot.com/

You have won a set of my vintage image greeting cards. Thank you for commenting. email me or facebook me your address and I will send them out!

Rain Rain Go Away

2011-10-26T04:14:00.000-07:00

Well. I guess I skipped over Tuesday. This week is so crazy but for some reason it still doesn't feel like workl I am beyond happy about that. I think next week will be even crazier but I don't even care. I will get through it because I love teaching and not being stuck in one spot all day. Even at the end of the day when I'm exhausted from teaching or preparing or running the kids all over, it's completely a different kind of exhaustion because I don't have to dread going to work....what I do have to dread is all this stupid rain!! It's gross, This is my happy funky city where it is NOT raining.

Monday Monday

2011-10-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

Still not feeling it today. I had planned on staying the whole day at the studio today but I have too much running around to do and I am now pouting. I have a huge schedule this week and I have , two nursing homes and a couple of extra classes at the studio while trying not to completely ignore my children. tomorrow night I am teaching starry night to middle schoolers. I hope it goes well and I get a few more sign-ups. I did my own version of starry night last year with LaRue and it was the hardest thing I ever did. I hope I can make it easier on them!

Sunday morning Blahs!

2011-10-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Early Sunday morning and it's freezing. Not going to create much today I have to tend to the business side of things. (boring) Tomorrow though I can spend the whole day at the studio and catch up on some projects and start some new ones! I can't wait. On the upside, I taught 3 beautiful little girls a painting class on gary here yesterday and they were hysterical and did awesome paintings!

Horatio

2011-10-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well I'm still blogging every day. Don't know if anyone is reading or not but it is giving me some sort of comfort to do it and so I keep on doing it. A couple of weeks ago I started an art journal. I said I would just slap paint around and each page would tell me what it wanted to be. I have never felt so free as an artist before. Absolutely no pressure at all. I love it and I am making my students do it also!! The more the merrier. So I have about 40 pages in different forms of completion. Some are just barely basecoated. Some a little more. But. this little guy is the first completed painting done. I am scanning him to make prints than I am turning him into my first real mixed media piece of work. I am loving this complete process. It has changed my life. I hope you like him.

Time flies

2011-10-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

Going crazy not knowing where time has gone. I was so impressed with myself because I was a whole month ahead of my teaching schedule. Well now.. not so much. Monday is my crunch day and I will have to do 4 paintings. AND work on Horace. He is the Peacock. I'm not so angry with him anymore so I gave him a name. Pictures to follow. Here is one of the Nov. projects. Fall flowers. Adapted from a beautiful calendar

Heart Exchange

2011-10-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this!!! I haven't done an exchange before and I think I already know what I'm going to do!! I hope whoever gets it likes it!

Update my blog design

2011-10-20T04:08:00.003-07:00

I would really love to update this blog design..the problem is that I have absolutely no idea how to do it. Help!

ugh! Not feelin it today

2011-10-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day in awhile that I'm not looking forward to going to the studio. I know it's because I can't get a handle on the peacock painting I'm working on. This is one of the days that I'm sure that I'm definitely NOT an artist and should close up the studio before everyone realizes I'm a big faker. Sooooooo I just need to get up off this couch.. Leave this house and just do it already. Although I have been telling myself this for the last hour and here I still am.. I swear I'm going..right after i eat a piece of apple pie.. Then...for real...I'm going... I really hope I have a picture to post this evening of a decently painted peacock. Wish me luck and talent

What a day!

2011-10-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

My Goodness today is crazy crazy crazy!! I had a lesson this morning with Samantha and she always gets me really creative. Although Mr. Peacock isn't turning out the way I want. We will be having a talk about that next week. I got some new pages working in my new art journal (which is completely changing my life). I finished all 3 Alice in wonderland paintings for an upcoming class. I sent emails to the new clients. I even re-opened my etsy shop. Now I will be youtubing for the rest of the day looking for new techniques. I uploaded tons of pics and am updating my blog. Wow! I love when I'm on a roll...but I better have a quick cup of tea so I can keep it up.

Time to make the donuts!!!

2011-08-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

I at some point decided I could be super-woman. ha!! Not! Within the first year of opening my studio I also thought it would be a great idea to also co-open a pre-school all while taking care of my 3 kids as a weekday widow. (my husband travels)

WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!

Good Grief.

So have you heard Jack of all trades but master of none...Well that is what I became. I completely lost focus. I wasn't able to completely concentrate on the studio because I also had the preschool. I wasn't able to concentrate enough on the preschool because I had my studio. And my house looked like it could be condemned and those pesky kids of mine. They actually had the nerve to think there should be some kind of dinner served.

I became completely lost and felt like a complete failure.
So I have left the preschool to completely concentrate on working as an art teacher. I am a little scared but this is my love and it's what I need to do. So I have a couple new classes I am working on and I really feel free. I am so lucky. Now lets hope the jobs come my way so I don't h ave to go and work at the food court at the mall

maybe if I could just manage my time better

2010-10-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

Today I had a wonderful day teaching the kids. I can admit I was super tired after a 12 hour day but I really wouldn't give it up for anythine. then I get home with the kids and to homework and trying to clean (which sooo often doesn't get done) and I just don't get the inspiration or chance to do much sketching. I get very nostalgic thinking of my trip to Ireland and I really want to do some watercolor cottage paintings and I just wish I could be organized, have great time management and tons of energy.........

Tomorrow's another day

Being a frustrated artist.....

2010-10-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Ugh...... Not sure what to do. I love teaching classes soooooooooo much. That is my bread and butter also, it pays my bills and adds a ton of joy to my life. I guess my frustration is that I really wish I could get it together enough to make some more art for me and I wish I could get some of the art I get a chance to do sold....I know I need to take better pics and make the paintings look like they're in a gallery and I can't get that done. I'm thinking of hanging it up right now and only paint what I can to have extra classes at my studio and don't worry about trying to sell. Is that a cop out, or a sell out? Well time will tell.

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-16T05:00:00.001-07:00

Up with the sun....Kids are off to school. I swear after I've gotten them on the bus I feel like I have run a marathon...Now with my vat of tea I'm gearing up for my day. Theres a birthday party tonight at the studio and I better get my act together and get down there and spruce it up.

But not forgetting my feature...

http://www.etsy.com/shop/danglingjewelry

I am so in love with this necklace. Absolutely beautiful and great prices in her shop. check it out.

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Again Here I am...Just sent the kids to bed. I've checked my emails and now is usually when in an ideal world I would have my sketchbook out and be full of new ideas..weeellllll, Not so much. I don't think I am far behind the kids.

But..... I didn't forget my feature of the day. I really love this pic. I hope she sells lots of them.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/useyoureyes

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well my eyes are bloodshot. This has been the craziest running around day. it just isn't going to end. Sooooooo before I fall asleep sitting up I want to give you my etsian of the day. I love all of the new halloween items

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rrizzart

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well I took the weekend off. Had a wonderful time. Went to the Irish Festival and then a night out with friends.

Anyway, Here is my etsian of the day.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetAnneVintage

do you remember these dishes? When I was little of course I thought nothing of them. But now as an adult they give me such great memories!

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Todays feature!

Mollymoodesign

these brooches are adorable. Super colorful. I make a few at the shop, but not near as many as she has. you should take a look.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/mollymoodesign

Etsian Feature of the Day

2010-09-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

today I am featuring Stitch crafts. I always think "one of these days I will crosstitch or embroider." I even buy the stuff and there it sits..... There is some great stuff here.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stitchcrafts?ref=seller_info

Featured Etsian of the day. AllurebyU

2010-09-07T18:58:00.000-07:00

Our first feature
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllureByU?ref=top_trail

I love them. Really beautiful and very well prices jewelry! This piece is my favorite because you know I'm all about the swirly trees. They make me happy!

Featured Etsians!

2010-09-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hello my fellow artists. I would love to feature some of the great creators over at Etsy. All you have to do is like my blog and leave a comment and I will be featuring a new etsian every day starting tomorrow.
Check back to see all of the awesome submissions

Have a happy and creative day

It's time to vote

2010-07-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ok I've been working on some new paintings and I am going to start selling them as prints. which one do you think I should have done first?
Thanks so much for the feedback

Emmy's Story

2010-06-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

Emmy Started out about a year ago. She is completely different from how I had her sketched out in my book. She even had a different name.Once again my paintbrush got a mind of it's own. She decided she wanted a completely different life than what I had planned for her. It took so long to find her face. I would keep looking at her and NOTHING! Then one day last week. POP there it was. I finished her that day. The name Emmy popped in my mind also and here she is and I love her....

Here is her story

Oh Emmy, always on assignment. Emmy would prefer to flutter by the beach, soaking up the rays and glittering in the sunlight. Unfortunately for her, she keeps being sent to dark and chaotic places. She has an inner light that transforms the glum to glorious. Her kind heart helps all whom she visits come out of the dark and into the light. She has always dressed to perfection no matter where she goes. She is quick to turn on her charm because the faster her job is done the sooner she can be back at the beach.

Visit my facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Artist-Within/114128148602465?ref=nf

Take me to your leader

2010-06-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

I love this little guy. This is my new etsy listing. I plan on making a bunch of these little cute felt pins. The next is a stuffed oreo.

The Early Cat gets the fish

2010-04-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is my new etsy listing...

I soooooooo love this painting. I so wish I had more time to do my own art but when I do I am so happy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45292661/the-early-cat-gets-the-fish-zip-into-a

I hope you love it as much as I do

Featured Etsy artist

2010-01-16T06:08:00.000-08:00

Well I saw this artist and love the work. I think because I'm starting to make some cute felties and this work is really motivating.

Here's some info and check them out on etsy

bloomsburygroup

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bloomsburygroup

My art and craft comes from fantasy driven ideas and exploration of my imagination. I like to be different and have my own take on things! I adore whimsical and love to escape from reality, in my work. I think it's important to lose yourself in your craft and enjoy every moment!
I design my own art and patterns and sew by hand, sometimes machine.
I am inspired by the 'BLOOMSBURY GROUP' of artists and writers, Duncan Grant,Carrington,Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf leading the way. I appreciate all forms of art and can see beauty in most things.
I love to make things and take pride in what I do.
I love custom orders! They bring out the best in me!!

Holiday Overload!

2009-12-28T11:51:00.000-08:00

My oh my do things fall by the wayside when the holidays come around. Even though I hate hate hate winter I am looking forward to some down time to possibly paint something for me instead of for everyone else. Don't get me wrong I had a wonderful holiday!! The best one in awhile, my kids got completely spoiled of course and I got some lovely gifts. Now I need to recharge and refocus! First with laundry mountain!

Have a great New Year Everyone!

some of my new projects

2009-09-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well the 30 projects in 30 days didn't get completed but it did really motivate me to get a lot of projects done. I happily got more than half done and that to me is still a success.

"Arianna waits" Angel Folk Art Painting UrbanekDesign

2009-08-10T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here is another of my new paintings. I just love her.

My new painting

2009-08-09T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hi again everyone,
Well my 30 projects in 30 days was a great idea but so far I have only got done about 10. Here is my favorite so far. This is my painting "Eve". It is listed on ebay right now under my user name UrbanekDesign. Hopefully I will get closer to my goal.

30 projects in 30 days

2009-07-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well those loose ends I was supposed tie up..... didn't happen so I am challenging myself to 30 projects in 30 days. I have pins and paintings and necklaces halfway done. I have a whole sketchbook that needs to come to life so here I go. Today is July 21st so we'll see what happens within the 30 days. Hopefully instead of being so frazzled this will take some stress off by not looking at the unfinished projects anymore.

As if I didn't have enough to do!

2009-04-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Well creative ADD has struck again. I bought a sewing machine. I know I probably shouldn't have but I couldn't stop myself. I neeed a 12 step program. I'm going to start making me and my daughter some tote bags and I got this really awesome book called cute stuff so I think I will try to make some stuff out of that. I definitely need to tie up some loose ends of projects that are halfway done. I'm going to finish my princess scrabble tile necklaces this week and finish up my line of photography greeting cards. Then and only then will I let myself dabble in my sewing. I see so many purses and bags online and on etsy that are so expensive that I'm hoping to make my own at a fraction of the cost.
Wish me luck!

My New Flower Brooches

2009-04-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in LOVE with these! I have been thinking about making them for months and yesterday I got off of my but and made them. They turned out even better than I had hoped. The price tag is wonderful! Only $3 each. I made 15 but I will definitely be making more. I would love your comments.

Happy Easter!

I have totally wasted a whole night doing nothing on Etsy

2009-04-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

Well let me tell you that I have happily completely wasted an evening doing nothing worthwhile on Etsy. I just chatted away in the forums while watching dancing with the stars. I have been so crazy running around and trying to work down at the studio that I haven't had any quality down time. Well not tonight. Now I am happily relaxed but I'm up too late and will probably be tired tomorrow but who cares.
I have 5 kids coming for art class, I have a birthday party coming Friday night and I am going to be working on my flower brooches this week. It's going to be a good week.

Such a crazy life!

2009-03-31T04:37:00.001-07:00

You know just when I didn't think I could cram anything else into my schedule...
I thought things were going to lighten up when hockey and basketball season came to an end but no luck. We had all of the St. Patricks day festivities (daughter is an Irish dancer) then my son broke his foot. UGH. Well his foot is about better and he is starting track and soccer and this year he is a soccer ref. I know he's only 14 but can I just give him the keys? Kelsie is about to be in her talent show at school. 2 separate show performances with her dance school as well as her yearly recital then we have a bout 5 competitions for her to dance in... On top of that I am increasing the number of classes I am teaching at my studio as well as finishing up the summer schedule. I know I'm ranting but I just needed to vent. On a good note I got to go to the flower show twice and got some really beautiful shots. I'll put a new one on here. Let me know what you think.
Happy Tuesday

My New Vintage Cardset

2009-03-19T05:19:00.000-07:00

These are my brand new Vintage cardsets.
This first set is my Buddy Jim set 1

For quite some time I knew that I wanted to make greeting cards from vintage images. I just couldn't find the right book. Well, I was in my moms attic helping her clean it out and here it was. I fell in love with it. I think the images are so prescious.
I'm hoping to get some sales so we'll see.

Not sure why the process from idea to fruition takes me so long, maybe because I have an ocean of ideas in my head and could use some ritalin to focus on just one.

Well have a great day
Life is good!

Happy St. Patricks Day

2009-03-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Top o the mornin to ya!

St. Patricks day is very happily celebrated in our home. It's mine and my husbands 17th anniversary. My daughter is an Irish dancer so the whole week is filled with performances, parades and parties! I'm sure to be exhausted by the end of it. But until then I will celebrate with tons of green.
Have a great day!
This pic is from my back deck. It is my lucky clovers print. I had some other flowers in the box the year before but last year I neglected my gardens completely. Including the deck boxes. Well I am happy I did because this happy little family of clovers took up residence. I love them and I hope they come back this year. This print is for sale in my etsy shop

I made it to a treasury!!!!

2009-03-08T19:20:00.000-07:00

Well I made it to my first treasury!!! I'm so excited. Who doesn't love to be appreciated. It is for my blazing beauty pic. Here is the link!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=44291

UGH! Why can't the kids just pick up!!!!!

2009-03-03T03:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, today I am just here to rant. Not talk oh so sweetly about my wonderful artwork that you should buy just rant!!!! All the kids need to do is pick up a sock or two and make their beds. Is that too much to ask? I certainly don't think so but when the dogs knock over the trash do they stop and pick it up? I'm sure you can guess tha answer NO! They actually stepped over it. UGH!!!! My kids get to do everything and want for nothing but they still can't help out. I think I'm going to channel my inner drill sargeant and let them have it.
Thanks for letting me vent and happy Tuesday.

My First Award and the 50th follower is...

2009-02-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Well look what I got today!!!
Award!

I've received the PROXIMIDADE Blog Award!
Thank you RASA

The following is a description of what the PROXIMIDADE Blog Award represents: "This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers!”

So I accept!!! I will be passing it on.
Also,

My 50th follower is Heather Purvis
Heather please convo me at my etsy shop and I will get your greeting cards out in the mail to you.
www.urbanekdesign.etsy.com
Happy Weekend everyone

My New Necklace

2009-02-27T06:13:00.001-08:00

Well when I was in a crappy mood last week I hopped on Etsy and got lost for an hour or two. I put in an alchemy request for an out of the box item. I got a bunch of stuff that was ok I guess but nothing jumped out of the screen like this necklace. I bought it right away and it came just a few days later. I have gotten tons of compliments on it, well except from my mom. She doesn't get it...
Anyway I wanted to give her the spotlight for a day and tell you that if you like this kind of art go and visit her.
www.steel.etsy.com
So it's Happy Friday, Thank God. I have put some of my photos on deviant art. Another of my new favorite places. Like I need more of my life taken up on the computer.
So I'm off to my etsy shop for no more than 20 minutes!!!!

Featured etsian of the week, Spiderbite

2009-02-26T03:54:00.000-08:00

You all have to see this sellers shop on Etsy
Spiderbite.etsy.com
It is soo cool and she is on her way to her 700th sale and I can see why. These journals are the cutest things I have ever seen. As soon as I start making some money from etsy I am going to buy them for the kids. The one on this pic is a nightmare snatcher. There is a great poem that goes with it. So if you want something completely out of the ordinary then check out the Spiderbite boutique.

50th follower gets a set of greeting cards

2009-02-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

Well I have been shamelessly asking for followers. I promise to be an interesting read. I will give my 50th follower a set of my photography greeting cards. Just convo me at my etsy shop
www.urbanekdesign.etsy.com

What a wonderful world

2009-02-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Well as many of you know last week was pretty crappy when I found out that I had been ripped off. Out of all that I have to tell you the bright spot I had. There was a wonderful seller on etsy that sent me a whole bag of beads for my daughters birthday just to help make it better. I can't tell you what that meant to me. So many people are out for number one and this great girl just wanted to help make my daughters birthday great! Well it was. The girls had tons of fun with the beads and got WAY too loud. (It was a long 2 hours) But thanks to her it was so much better. Her shop is Rverk47 and she makes absolutely beautiful lampwork beads and lovely jewelry. I am definitely hearting her and you should do the same.

Featuring Nomadcraftsect

2009-02-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
Well this week was sort of a hard one for me. I ordered a 16 sets of chef hats and aprons for my daughters birthday party which is tomorrow and it turns out that the person never shipped them. I got completely ripped off. so that being said I don't feel warm and fuzzy to write about myself so I thought I would feature someone else.

Their etsy shop is Nomadcraftsect They are a family of artists that aspire to travel the country like nomads meeting wonderful people along the way. I can tell you that I love their beads. They have these beautiful lampwork pendants. I haven't seen anything like them. check them out and maybe we can help them live their dream of becoming real life nomads.

The Etsy Life is taking over!!!

2009-02-08T05:04:00.000-08:00

I had NO idea what would be involved in the ETSY world. I think posting your items is the least of your worries. I have gotten completely overwhelmed so I have decided to only do 1 or 2 things with my etsy promotions a day. I have just done my etsy mini and I registered on Facebook which I also don't understand. So I am going to pop into a forum for no more than 10 minutes and say Hi and then go about my day like a normal person.
Have a great day

My new etsy mini

2009-02-08T05:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Friday,

2009-02-06T04:46:00.001-08:00

Well I think I could've been much more productive this week. Sometimes my days get away from me and then they're gone. I did take some great pics in last weeks ice storm. Here is one. I have to learn more about this blogging life. I know nothing about it. But live and learn. I'll get there.

I'm adding some photography greeting cards on my etsy shop by Sunday! I am still working on my fine art painting series my Funky Party Trees. I would like to list some by the end of the month. I need to have more than 1 or 2 to sell so I look more professional I guess.

My first etsy sale!

2009-01-30T06:59:00.001-08:00

Horray!! I have gotten my first etsy sale.

I thought I was invisible.

Here is what I sold. 8x10 of Beautiful Blue

Blazing Beauty

2009-01-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

This is "Blazing Beauty"

I was out a day this past summer. I took about 100 pictures. When I brought the camera back inside I thougt the majority of the pics were awful. Then this one came up. I was really taken aback. I think it is absolutely beautiful. It gave me the confidence to keep taking pictures and adding photography to the list of things I am pretty good at.

Here she is...

Well Off I go

2009-01-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well I'm now officially a blogger!

I have just started my own art studio this past fall and I have realized that opening a business in the middle of a huge recession may not have been the best idea but it's mine and I love it with all of my heart.

Since I am working full time with my art I am creatively finding ways to expand that I may not have looked at before. I am also making things that I had not interest in doing before but now I find that as long as it is helping me live my dream I love it.

I am teaching different kinds of art including cartoon drawing for kids, which might I add is a blast. Although with the boys even the nicest of characters end up with guns and horns.

I have started going to personal care and retirement homes to teach and found it is much more fun and rewarding than I would've thought.

I have also Started a full line of Fine Art Photography Greeting Cards. As I was talking to Diana yesterday I never really knew that I had an eye until I got my new camera with super macro. I usually don't pat myself on the back but this time I can't help myself.

I am starting my shops in ebay and etsy under Urbanek Design
It is kind of scary since I've only really dabbled in it a little but I think the time is now to dive right in.

Right now I have listed Hand stamped notecards and Fine art photography. I will be adding quite a few paintings and greeting cards within the month. So please visit UrbanekDesign at etsy or ebay so see what is offered