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.