I "deerly" love.....

Hi y'all!  Just a real quick post to show you another week in the Donna Downey 48 Weeks class http://www.donnadowney.com/online-workshops/48-weeks.html.  I absolutely looooved this week! 

I'm telling you...gift yourself a New Year's gift and sign up for this class...the whole shebang! You will not regret it.  I know it says 48 weeks but she actually gives us a bonus week so 49 weeks works out to $13.04 a week - that's a bargin if you ask me!

A quick pop in...

Hello!  Well, two days after Christmas .... I hope y'all had a wonderful holiday.  Mine was better than expected so I really couldn't ask for more.  I got to play and do another week in my 48 weeks class. 

This is actually more colorful in real life and it was so much fun to work on.  ALOT of glazing...in fact I went through almost a whole package of baby wipes and had to resort to wet paper towels.  I'm even thinking of doin this on a canvas but we shall see...

I'm not sure I'll post before the new year... just depends what we are doing.  The hubby is on vacation so I'm taking full advantage of *family time* :-D
soooo....in case I'm not back on I'll "see ya" next year!

Paint Mojo...

I've recently discovered Tracy Verdugo and her book Paint Mojo http://www.amazon.com/Paint-Mojo-Mixed-Media-Techniques-Expression/dp/1440333130.  She also has an online course starting February 2015 but you can sign up early registration here http://artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com/p/paint-mojothe-ecourse.html orrrr read her blog post today and leave a comment for a few chances to win here http://artoftracyverdugo.blogspot.com/
.... read today's blog post for possible chances of what you can win.  Anyhow..... I wanted to keep this opportunity to myself but then I reminded myself this is just too good an opportunity to not share soooo hence this post. :-D

I wish y'all a Merry Christmas!!!!! (I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve!....I better get back to the studio to finish up a few gifts).

A day in the studio.....

I'm going to try and post a little something if not every day then every few days...let's see if I can make a habit to blog this way?  Today was a wonderful relaxing Sunday...As I walked into my little studio this morning I didn't realize I would spend the entire day in there.  I worked on week 38 of Donna Downey's 48 Weeks class then I tinkered with trying out some sewing projects...those didn't turn out so well so no pics.  But, no fear I will try my hand at the sewing again and when something comes out fairly well I will post pictures.  So without further adew here's my week 38 pictures. 

I hate my handwriting but I'm hoping the more I add it to my work the better it'll get.  I even sit around when watching tv or when I'm at dr's and anyother time just making lists and practicing.  Now, onto the pictures....look at that texture...it's from Golden's high solid (gloss) gel and it's definitely a product I will be using more of!  In real life it is shiny, and yummy, it keeps it's peaks and creates Ah-mA-Zing texture!!! 

 



Shout out to 48 Weeks....

Hello blogger land!  Well December is busier than I thought it would be for me.  I just started this and I'm not doing a good job at doing regular writings.  Then add that I'm so lost when it comes to computers, typical holiday stuff and some really upsetting family issues with extended family and well time is getting away.  Soooo, to "escape" I've been playing in my little studio...now remember I'm an artist wanna be :-D  I have been amazed at this wonderful delightful fun-filled journey!  I have grown more in one year than I ever ever, ever, ever thought possible.  In January 2014 I signed up for and began Donna Downey's online class....48 weeks.  http://www.donnadowney.com/online-workshops/48-weeks/48-week-online-course-pay-in-full.html
This class is Ah-mA-Zing!!!!  It's like Donna is sitting on my shoulder whispering, and sometimes yelling, "forward motion" every time I'm ready to give up.  Then I tell myself everyone starts off not so good and struggling but those that keep moving, aka forward motion, are the one's that grow and grow and grow.  I truly can not say enough about this class.  Sooo with alllll this being said it is with a very nervous heart that I'm going to share one of the weeks I just completed.  Now in Donna's video she did a horse but horses don't really speak to me but elephants do.  I got on Pinterest and looked up how to draw elephants http://www.pinterest.com/lilspudsmama/enticing-my-muse-learning-to-draw/ and well, I tried my hand at it.  This is the first ever elephant I've drawn. So remembering back to a past post about putting yourself out there, and yep it's scarey but here goes:

 

She's not perfect and I don't expect her to be for a very first.  However, in the class I've truly learned to just go for it, or "all in" as Donna says.  and truthfully, if I hated her I could have just slapped gesso down and started all over!  And ya know what?  Not only did I get out of the creative slump I was in I got to escape and relax without leaving home :-D



Trying to vamp up this blog....

Yep, I'm up late.  And it's all for whoever, if anyone is, reading my random thoughts, aka my blog.  I'm trying to swim my way through editing ...  I have no clue really how to do this, what type of layout y'all will like and I'm sure I will be changing things around while I'm learning.  I hope y'all hang in there with me and please be patient.  I've never done a blog before and neither has hubby so I'm learning as I go .... buckle up for the ride!! hahahahaha :-D
I really want you to enjoy your time here when you visit.

If anyone has constructive criticism on blog tips, tricks, thoughts, suggestions etc please leave me a comment.   I've been perusing my friends pinterest board http://www.pinterest.com/milipea/blog-stuff/as well as searching on my own WOW talk about overload....this brain of mine can't seem to grasp alllll the information out there on tips and hints for blogs.  But you guys I'm really trying so consider giving me a star for effort ;-D

Ok, I'm super tired and overloaded so I will sign off for now....

Free video by Stephan Lursen ...

Hey y'all!  I know, I know, two blog posts in one day!  I just received an email from Donna Downey studios that one of her incredibly talented artists/store employee posted a FREE video for a Christmas canvas and I had to share just in case you don't frequent her blog or receive email updates.  Here's the link to her blog http://donnadowney.typepad.com/simply_me/2014/12/free-online-workshop-winter-silhouette-with-stephen-lursen.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00d83451929069e201b7c71c4832970b now go play and have fun! :-D

Goal: No More Comparing...

Good Morning my friends!  Pour you a cup of coffee or tea or whatever your morning drink of choice is, have a seat in your comfy chair and let's chat.
As I was doing my morning blog walk I visited one of my favorites http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/ and she introduced me  to http://faithwordsfaithexpressions.blogspot.co.uk/ and then she introduced me to http://tracywoodsford.blogspot.com.au/2014/11/why-compare.html and wow we had a wonderful chat.  Tracy talked to us about the whole comparing issue...raising my hand I'm guilty!  As I've said before I'm taking this class http://www.donnadowney.com/online-workshops/48-weeks/48-week-online-course-pay-in-full.html.  I can't speak highly enough of this class.  I've learned sooooo much and the private facebook group is very, very very, supportive.  I can't speak for the public group because well I haven't participated in that one because I wasn't feeling like my work was good enough.  Heck I'm even nervous bout showing my work to my closest friends.  But after speaking with Susan & Tracy this morning I realize I have to stop comparing and just show my stuff.  Am I a phenomenal artist? No. But, we all start somewhere and we practice and grow and practice and grow......We all have special talents and interpret things in our own way.  As women, and dare I say especially as women, we need to stop comparing ourselves and judging ourselves and know that we are each talented and beautiful in someway.  Let's build each other up in any aspect of our lives.  I love, love, love this special K commercial http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7bAf/special-k-more-than-a-number

So, yeah I guess I took my chat with these artist women, thought about the special K commercial and realized not only do we need to stop comparing ourselves as artists but as women in general...

I hope this post helps someone else like it is helping me.  Now I'm off to make me a canvas to remind me No Comparing....

Time well spent....

Hey y'all!  I'm trying to be more consistent, can ya tell?? hahahahaha well the last few days if you would have come by or called and asked what I was doing you would have found my hands covered in paint....ahhhhhh  I LOVE gettin messy! Especially when I'm dealing with issues.

I have been taking Donna Downey's 48 weeks online class.  Lemme just say if you're on the fence about taking it JUMP IN!!!  I'm so in love with this class and I'm learning soooo much!  I know the whole class seems expensive but it breaks down to just over 13.00 per week.  And no worries, if you don't have the exact supplies she uses she encourages using what you have.  The facebook group is super supportive too.  I could go on and on and on and on.....well you get the point ;-D
Here's the link just in case  ;-)

http://www.donnadowney.com/online-workshops/48-weeks.html

Back to what I'm trying to say.  I was working on this week's lesson, here's a picture of my finished page

 

 

Inspiration of "trees" borrowed from an incredible classmate.  I had leftover paint on my palette and I can't let Golden paint go to waste so I slapped some in my Dyan Reaveley journal and just played.  I wish I would have taken pictures starting with but at least I got the last two...here's one before

 

It's ok....I just wasn't feeling like it was done so I ended up outlining the pattern and then made some drips then used the drips to do my journaling.  I'm happy with the way it turned out and felt so much better after playing in my space and letting my mind just drift away the heaviness on my mind. I did give a nice swipe of Dorland's wax to prevent my pages from sticking.  A trick learned in Donna Downey's 48 weeks class!

Sorry my pictures aren't great but I'm still learning this picture taking and blogging process.  I hope you go cover your hands in paint!

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Dylusions-Reaveleys-Creative-8-25-Inch/dp/B009MRLEJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417898481&sr=8-1&keywords=dyan+reaveley

 

 

http://www.amazon.com/Dorland%2527s-Wax-Medium-16-oz/dp/B0038DBQ6I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417899034&sr=8-2&keywords=dorlands+wax

 

http://www.amazon.com/Richeson-Grey-Matters-Paper-Palette/dp/B004AVSP1Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1417899274&sr=8-4&keywords=grey+tone+paper+palette

 

http://www.donnadowney.com/golden.html

 

http://www.donnadowney.com/online-workshops/48-weeks/48-week-online-course-pay-in-full.html

 



 







Insecurities....

Seems so odd to write a post about being insecure after just discuss feeling blessed.  I struggle with depression and I have more highs then lows these days thankfully.  I helped to plan a birthday party this past weekend.  I had met most the people coming to the party but a few people I didn't know real well but I had met them in the past.  I know I may be being too sensitive but the fairly new acquaintance's had introduced themselves like we never met and of course I laughed it off.  Well, from there my insecure "demons" that said "you're invisible, no one remembers you, you're not worth remembering" started....and well I've been struggling the last few days.  I couldn't sleep last night so I got up and did this quick sketch in my Dyan Reaveley journal.  I have both her journals, and I love them both but this sketch is done in the small one.

 

 

It's just amazing how once I got this down and those negative voices outta my head I was able to crawl back into bed and drift off to sleep.  I'm happy happy happy to say that I awoke this morning feeling like a whole new person. :-D  I hope that this helps someone....know that you're not the only one that has issues to work through.  Find what therapy helps you....for me it's playing in one of my journals.

 

Here's a link for the journal I used:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Dylusions-Reaveleys-Creative-Journal-8-Inch/dp/B00EB0G2HA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417566862&sr=8-1&keywords=dyan+reaveley+creative+journal

Taking a time out for Thanksgiving....

I've been absent and it wasn't planned...it just kind of happened.  I've taken time off to enjoy the season of Thanksgiving and having time with my two guys.  As we chatted and remembered how much we have to be thankful for it led to more and more conversations, wonderful conversations and drew us closer.  Though there are issues with other family members...and I miss that we miss time together it really made me realize that at least I have my hubby and son and makes me all the more thankful for them.  I know we all don't have "Norman Rockwell" families and though it hurts it's ok. 

I also got to spend some time in my studio.  No playing for me though :-( I had to do some cleaning and organizing.  It's funny though...I didn't get to dirty my fingers with paint and matte medium and ink but I got to clean and that too gave me an "ahhhh moment".  And YES I am so so so so thankful for my art supplies! teehe

I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving no matter where you were or who you were with (or without) but really took to heart what all you have to be Thankful for.

until later...I say thank you for taking the time to visit my little blog.

The exhale .....

I haven't been able to get in my studio lately and I have missed it....a little....or at least I thought it was just a little. 
Well today, though I really didn't have the "want to" I decided to get in my little studio and dip my fingers in some paint.  After I was done I realized how important it is that I get in there even when I don't feel like it, and quite possible especially when I don't feel like it.  Something about being in my space and getting paint on my fingers or holding the brush and creating those strokes really calms me and creates a sense of peace....then, the exhale..........that ahhhhhh moment....I don't think there's anything better... 
How bout you? Does creating weather it's music, writing, photography, whatever your art form is, have you realized how important it is that you get that time?

Common ties that bind

I'm sitting here and been staring at a blank screen....not knowing what to write but knew I needed to blog something.  I'm in an art group on facebook that hosts so many art swaps like postcards, atc's, mini books, happy mail, etc.  I haven't been participating as much lately due to the fact that most my art supplies are still packed and I'm not sure when they will be unpacked.  We recently moved back home :-D after a 3 year stay in another state - and that's a whole other story...
.......back to my thoughts at hand. Soooo I was looking at posts made in the art group and noticed that one of the very active members, who seems really sweet, was going to be in Houston at an art class so I of course inquired.  Sadly it's during the week and pricey.  Still trying to figure out how I can manage and I know if it's meant to be it'll all work out.  However, she said 'hey I'm coming in a few days early to see the city maybe we can meet for dinner.'  Now I don't usually have dinner with someone I've never met, I'm very much a hermit.  But I thought wow, someone I've never met and yet the art connects us...which led to more thinking about how cool it would be to travel and meet up with others.

I'm also a HUGE Elvis Presley lover and my best friend and I have been on Elvis cruises and made the pilgrimage to Elvis week and traveled to Elvis festivals.  We've met really wonderful people and made friendships all because of Elvis.  We are still amazed at the connection and friendships we've made that if it hadn't been for Elvis we would have never met such wonderful people.  And when we see their faces at and Elvis event it's like a family reunion.  Again a common tie that binds.....

a guest post

Hi everyone!

I had the honor of doing a guest post on http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/.  When Julie asked me to do the guest post technique I was so thrilled and then...........super nervous!!!!  I've never done anything like that and wow was it nerve wracking.  I mean I wanted to do something that would hopefully inspire others and make Julie proud.  (hahahaha) does that sound weird.  I hope to one day go to NYC and take a class from her in person!
Anyhow, I hope you hop over to Julie's blog and see my little tutorial (insert shy smile here)

Till next time!
Lisa

I've recently opened my etsy shop

Hello everyone!  I am trying to figure out how to make a "shop" button to link to my etsy store but until then here's the link https://www.etsy.com/shop/heartfeltitems?ref=hdr_shop_menu. 
Majority of the stuff is things I did for store demos.  I'm slowly listing some paintings that I've made - remember folks I'm a  TOTAL beginner.  I have poured my heart into each paining and I will be listing more....I'm just slow.  It's a little nerve wracking putting myself out there but with the encouragment of my artsy friend Milissa, and here's her blog by the way, http://millermall.blogspot.com/ and encouragement from my bestie and my hubby I'm getting braver :-D 
Have a super day y'all!

Sorry I've been MIA

Hey blogger land!  Yes, I've been MIA .... no real excuse just life :-D 
I have the incredible honor of showing a technique using stencils and watercolor on Julie Fei-Fan Balzers blog http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/ so that's what I've been experimenting and playing with to get ready.  I'm super nervous it's not good enough but I'm gonna put myself out there and hope someone finds inspiration from it.  Eeeee!!!! I'm so excited! :-D
My turn on her blog is on November 18th!  I'll be sure to link to it here.

Jusy Meshing....

It's been a fun filled weekend!  My bestie and I had a girls day Friday....we went over to my mom's and she taught us how to make a mesh wreath! Now...I'm addicted!  Here's a picture of my first ever:

so what do ya think?!?  Since this one I've made a few more but they aren't ready for their debut...you will have to stay tuned for that!
After wreath making we went and ran some errands and then we went back to her place and made dinner.  Her brother showed up for dinner and a scarey movie. 
After being away for 3 years it was wonderful!

I met Julie Fei-Fan Balzer!!!

I was star struck!!  I've followed Julie's blog http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/ for years now.  When I read on her blog that she was going to be at the Houston International Quilt show I HAD to go.  Julie was doing demo's so I didn't get to chat with her like I hoped but she was soooo gracious and down to earth, I think we could have gone to lunch and chatted. LOL Her mama certainly did a great job raising her.  Now, my dream is to go to NYC and take a mixed media class from her at her "hometown" store http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/.  Julie, thank so much! you made my day.

off we go?

Hello out there, there, there.....Well, this would be my first blog post (besides the construction one, which I don't count).  I really don't know where to begin!  My friend Milissa has been encouraging me to start a blog and my question to her was "but I'm not sure I have anything to say". That being said I am still not sure if I have anything that will be interesting to anyone but I'm giving it a go anyway. And in case you're wondering yes, Milissa has her own blog http://millermall.blogspot.com/

I recently was able to move back home to Texas after a 3 year absence - I was really sad while living in SC.  A few good things came out of that time .... one being I discovered mixed media.  Two blogs and teachers I follow are Donna Downey http://donnadowney.typepad.com/ and Julie Fei-Fan Balzer http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/.  These two ladies have really no idea who I am but they "saved me".  It was through their blogs and online classes I am finding the artist within me....she's been buried deep my whole life and in fact I didn't know she was there...and it's weird to say "artist" but yah, I'm claiming it and it feels great. 
I hope someone out there will follow me on this new journey.

Till later....

Under construction please check back soon.