drawing class begins today!

 Drawing by Ethan, age 5.

I can't believe I begin teaching drawing to elementary kids with Young Rembrandts today, I'm so excited and a whole lotta nervous.  I had training back in June so, it feels like a long time coming.  I did a mock class with Ethan & Hudson his week to practice - I am a bit worried I will go too fast or have my back turned to the class too much so, I'm trying to be be extra aware of that.  Sunday, I spent time reading over the company manual, class procedures and made a sample so, I am as ready as I can be.

As the days grow nearer, I am thinking a lot about art being a learned skill. For many artists, creating art is a learned skill developing over time with proper training and dedicated practice. I have always felt this way. I think its because there isn't anyone I know directly in my family that was an artist I could look up to or say yeah it's in my genes.  I recall countless hours copying color book characters until I mastered the image enough to be able to reproduce it without having the page to look at.  I had Donald Duck and Yosemite Sam in my back pocket to wow my cousins at any moment. That was always fun.  Kind of like a magician with a few tricks up their sleeve.  I look forward to helping a new generation of artists wow their friends and family with their drawing skills!

Learn more about Young Rembrandts or check for a class in your area by visiting their website at http://youngrembrandts.com/.

new canvas earrings now available!

I'm so excited to announce that my new canvas painted earrings now available in my Etsy shop. It is so cool to be able to marry my painting and jewelry design artistry into wearable art! These fun, funky and super lightweight painted canvas earrings are hand-cut from my abstract acrylic painting. Earrings are double sided and range in length from 1-3 inches.  Plus, in honor of my 1 year anniversary on Etsy (I can't beleive it's been a year already!) I am now offering FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the US!

♥ Like these? See my Etsy shop for more!

scooby and buster

Scooby's portrait finally arrived in New York this week.  The much anticipated arrival was well received and the overwhelming gratitude from my friends, Bobby, Vicky and Scooby has been wonderful.  To hear them say how much they cherish it and how much it looks like him is really rewarding. 

Scooby is very excite about his self portrait, heck we all are! Thank you so much Kristen, you are the best!!! You nailed it!

 It was the first canvas I ever shipped and learned a few things along the way like; do not estimate the cost of shipping until you package the canvas up in an appropriate box, a mirror shipping box works really well and  it is a good idea to cover the canvas with kraft paper or the like to protect it's surface.  Also, you can utilize all those plastic bags you have in your cupboard to stuff around the canvas as packing material. If it is an oil painting be extra careful that the bags to not touch the surface of the canvas as it could stick to it.

Our beloved dog of 11 years, Buster passed away shortly after I furnished Scooby's portrait.  I'm glad I had finished the painting a few weeks before Buster left us.  Buster and Scooby look they could be long lost relatives and I know it would have been a struggle to finish if the timing had been otherwise.  We love and miss him so much.  He was a great dog, always standing guard, he such a snuggler (loved to give hugs and lean on you when you sat beside him on the couch), Buster never missed a meal and always knew when you needed a friend.  He was especially helpful during those messy toddler years cleaning up after the boys at every opportunity.  Thank you for being part of our family.  Rest in Peace Buster. You will forever be in our hearts. xoxo

brand consistency

 Hi! I'm guest blogging on Soft Flex Company's blog today. Today's post is about brand consistency. Last month I touched upon the basics for Logo Design so, naturally a discussion about branding comes next. Click to see today's post.

custom bottlecap magnet set

My handmade bottlecap magnet sets are a wonderful gift idea and now they can be customized! These little treasures are made from recycled bottlecaps featuring your choice of 6 of my original art prints or custom image(s) supplied by you!

Custom images can be family photos, child's artwork, nature photos, anything you want! The super duper 1/2 inch magnet will hold several sheets of paper making these beautiful and functional. Sold as a set of 6 magnets and packaged in a gift tin.

I also posted a few single magnets  featuring my original art prints if you don't want to buy a whole set.

♥ Like these? See my Etsy shop for more!

new earrings coming soon!

 I have wanted to make canvas painted earrings ever since I read Alisa Burke's book Canvas Remix earlier this year.  On my birthday I started an abstract painting for fun with the intention of cutting it up.  I painted over it 3 times since then! For me, just trying to let go, and paint without an object to focus on has been harder then I anticipated.  Anyway, I cut up on corner this morning and started thinking of fun earring shapes, the result is totally 80's inspired! What do you think? I am wondering if they need a little more punch of bright color.

happy, happy oh my friend

Today is my 32nd birthday and I am full of love, food and happiness.  My dear husband cooked us up a "world famous" french toast breakfast.  My kiddos created this potato posse to celebrate. After a Beiber dance party at Hudson's request, we got ourselves dressed and met Nannie & Tom for lunch at Wildflower Bread Company.  The boys were exceptionally behaved at lunch, which translates as minimal climbing under the table, somewhat quiet chatter and only one straw eye poking incident.  Then we took a lovely stroll around the Scottsdale Museum of Modern Art, which had a some great exhibits we all enjoyed.  After a trip to Dairy Queen and some shopping time at Target all by myself I topped the day off with some playful painting. 

I received wonderful gifts and lots of birthday love from my family and friends which has me bubbling over with gratitude . I'd say it was one kick ass day. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone and a special shout out to my phenomenal husband and children for making today truly special! I love you.

tresaure hunt: moon valley

Moon Valley Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.

treasure hunt: just beachy

Just Beachy in the East Treasury on Etsy

The East Valley Artisans is hosting a treasury challenge. I encourage everyone to get in on it! You don't have to be an EVA member, but you do have to create an Etsy account if you don't have one. Once you have an account, click on this link. Then click the blue "Create a List" button on the right. You can enter as many times as you wish! To see challenge details and prizes click here.