A few months ago I had the pleasure of taking a course offered by Kelly Rae Roberts called
Flying Lessons. I entered the class hoping to learn more about my art
as a business. I expected to enter this class to learn and grow as an
artist. What I didn't expect was to meet an amazing group of classmates,
to learn about myself, and to learn about life's journey - creatively
and otherwise.
As part of a Blog Hop with this amazing group of classmates, I'd like to share a little about this course with you today.
These individuals, the fly tribe, as we've often referred to ourselves as has become a fairly close knit group of people thanks to the world wide web. Although I've never actually met any of these individuals in person, I feel like I know them. We've connected on a level I never thought imaginable. We reach out to each other for advice and support, we've 'LOLd' at each other, and I'm fairly certain we've even cried for each other. Our friendships and relationships became about so much more than business. They become about supporting each other in every day life. You do not go into a class expecting to come out on the other end with hundreds of cheerleaders and supporters, but I'm thankful that I did.
The class also taught me a lot about myself. I learned that if you really put the time into living the life you want to live. If you find time for your passions, your work, your friendships, and your relationships. If you find the time to listen to your heart; good things will come back at you. If you put yourself into this world with the full expectation that the world needs just as much from you, as you need from the world - you'll open your eyes to amazing possibilities. I promise, good things will come your way.
So, thank you to my fellow classmates, to my creative tribe for being a
cyber support system. I only hope that this blog hop leads to many
possibilities and opportunities for each and every one of you. Here's to
spreading our wings and learning how to fly!
Secondly, a big thanks to Kelly Rae for sharing her spirit, her heart, her business sense, and her talent with each of us. I hope you know that I believe you've put a little magic into this world in the form of creativity and love!
And finally, thanks to YOU for reading this. I fully value and appreciate that you've taken the time to read this blog. I hope you find the time to 'hop' on over to other's below, as well. I know as you click through the list you'll be amazed by the creativity, warmth and spirit of each and every blog.
If you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe, like and follow us!!!
Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/
Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com
Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/
Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/
Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/
Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com
Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/
Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org
Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/
Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com
Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com
Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com
Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com
Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/
Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com
Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/
Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/
Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/
Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com
Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/
Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com
Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/
Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html
Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org
Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/
Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/
Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/
Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Michele Products:
http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/
Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/
Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com
Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com
Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com
Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/
Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com
Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/
Melanie Douthit: http://www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com/
Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/
Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/
Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/
Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com
Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com
Sherry Richert Belul:
http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup
Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/
Stacey Chadwick
Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/
Susan M. Walls-Beverly:
http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com
Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/
Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/
Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/
Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog
Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/
Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com
For more info on classes by Kelly Rae Roberts visit www.kellyraeroberts.com
As part of a Blog Hop with this amazing group of classmates, I'd like to share a little about this course with you today.
These individuals, the fly tribe, as we've often referred to ourselves as has become a fairly close knit group of people thanks to the world wide web. Although I've never actually met any of these individuals in person, I feel like I know them. We've connected on a level I never thought imaginable. We reach out to each other for advice and support, we've 'LOLd' at each other, and I'm fairly certain we've even cried for each other. Our friendships and relationships became about so much more than business. They become about supporting each other in every day life. You do not go into a class expecting to come out on the other end with hundreds of cheerleaders and supporters, but I'm thankful that I did.
 |
| Thanks to Michelle Reynolds for her artwork! |
The class also taught me a lot about myself. I learned that if you really put the time into living the life you want to live. If you find time for your passions, your work, your friendships, and your relationships. If you find the time to listen to your heart; good things will come back at you. If you put yourself into this world with the full expectation that the world needs just as much from you, as you need from the world - you'll open your eyes to amazing possibilities. I promise, good things will come your way.
 |
| copyright schmitten with words. |
And finally, I learned to be patient. Big, huge, amazing success may not
come over night. Success takes time. Success takes courage,
understanding, and overcoming struggles. Success comes in all forms, and
often times in small triumps and tribulations. Learning to walk slowly,
learning to listen, and be patient is a valuable part of life. Rushing
through may get you to the end, but you'll miss a lot along the way.
 |
| copyright schmitten with words. |
Secondly, a big thanks to Kelly Rae for sharing her spirit, her heart, her business sense, and her talent with each of us. I hope you know that I believe you've put a little magic into this world in the form of creativity and love!
And finally, thanks to YOU for reading this. I fully value and appreciate that you've taken the time to read this blog. I hope you find the time to 'hop' on over to other's below, as well. I know as you click through the list you'll be amazed by the creativity, warmth and spirit of each and every blog.
If you like what you see, don’t forget to subscribe, like and follow us!!!
Amaranthine Violet: http://magic-gypsy.blogspot.com/
Amy Hillenbrand: http://amyhillenbrand.blogspot.com
Beatriz Peñas B.: http://beatrizbepe.blogspot.com/
Beth Cougler Blom: http://sobliss.wordpress.com/
Carmen Patti: http://carmenpattistudio.com/wordpress/
Carol Bray: http://theredpaintedcottage.blogspot.com
Christina Fajardo: http://christinafajardo.blogspot.com/
Cindy Jones Lantier: http://www.lantier.org
Connie Rawlins : http://www.dabblinginlife.blogspot.com/
Dana Brock: http://www.dzynbydana.blogspot.com
Deborah Velásquez : http://deborahvelasquez.blogspot.com
Elissa Brown: http://thefreckledarmy.blogspot.com
Hillary Courson: http://www.hillarycourson.com
Jacquie Williamson: http://www.jacquiewilliamson.blogspot.com/
Jane Paynting: http://inkspiredwings.wordpress.com
Janet Forrest: http://tatterednworn.wordpress.com/
Jennifer DeVille: http://jenniferdeville.com/blog/
Jill Lambert : http://www.jill-lambert.blogspot.com/
Julie Hamilton: http://spaark.wordpress.com
Kanchan Mahon: http://Kanchan-Mahon.blogspot.com/
Karen Claverie: http://giddyupletsride.blogspot.com
Kari DeSaulnier: http://karidesi.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Conard : http://newfromoldcreations.blogspot.com/
Kathleen McKinnon: http://harmonyschoolhouse.com/expressions-blog.html
Kathy May: http://kathymaydesigns.org
Kelley Miller: http://www.kelleymillerartworks.blogspot.com/
Kelly Corso: http://birdinatreecreations.blogspot.com/
Kelly Hoernig: http://www.kellyhoernig.blogspot.com/
Kim Hyer: http://www.apaperaddict.com/
Kris Lanae Binsfeld: http://cherishdesigns.wordpress.com
Lenore Angela: http://www.lenoreangela.blogspot.com/
Linda Barutha: http://lindabaruthadesigns.blogspot.com
Lisa Michele Products:
http://www.lisamicheleproducts.blogspot.com/
Liza Zeni Baker: http://lizazeni.wordpress.com/
Lynn Richards: http://alittlebluesky.blogspot.com
Lori Leissner: http://leissnerart.blogspot.com
Lori Moon: http://lorimoonstudio.blogspot.com
Mary Cottingham: http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com/
Mary Sterk: http://justmarydesigns.wordpress.com
Megan Schmitt: http://www.schmittenwithwords.blogspot.com/
Melanie Douthit: http://www.douthitgallery.blogspot.com/
Michelle Dwyer: http://www.magnetisedbylife.com/
Michelle Reynolds: http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com/
Rachél Payne (Rae): http://collectingyourself.wordpress.com/
Rain Hannah: http://honeyandollie.com/
Rhiannon Connelly: http://www.starrybluesky.wordpress.com
Ruth-Mary Smith: http://patchworkfamilieshub.blogspot.com
Sherry Richert Belul:
http://simplycelebrate.net/cherry-blossom-soup
Shirley Ann: http://leonardarenaissancewoman.blogspot.com/
Stacey Chadwick
Brown: http://staceybrownarts.blogspot.com/
Susan M. Walls-Beverly:
http://www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com
Teresa Cash-Czech: http://www.asmilemaker.com/
Tina Carlborg: http://www.tinachicky.blogspot.com/
Tonya Love: http://passport2creativity.com/
Ursula Smith: http://www.EasyScraps.com/blog
Zulma Cadena: http://edustory.wordpress.com/
Mary Cottingham http://www.barnbugstudio.blogspot.com
For more info on classes by Kelly Rae Roberts visit www.kellyraeroberts.com
Thursday, October 20, 2011
a reminder to breathe...
I had the pleasure of creating this for a friend of mine...I think it's a
great reminder that once in awhile we just need to step back and
breathe.
the stems of the grass & flowers say "breathe. walk slowly. listen to your heart."
I used a rolled paper technique for the grass & stems.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
color your world.
It always seems that each time I lose someone from my life, I often
think about my own life on a deeper level. Whether it be the death of a
loved one, someone close to me, or a national icon or celebrity. I often
find myself thinking on more ellaborate terms than normal. I often
think of the 'what ifs', the 'might have beens', and the 'I should do
that now rather than waiting'.
And as I read the news this evening of Steve Jobs' death, those thoughts began to creep into my head. A boy who was adopted at a young age, a young adult that quit college, and then later quit his first job to find spiritual enlightenment in India. A man that later in life at the ripe age of 21 began Apple Computers and eventually became an American icon. A man who in a tribute from Apple, is noted as 'a visionary and creative genius, an amazing human being, inspiring mentor, and dear friend'.
Although, I may not leave this world as a 'Steve Jobs'. Although, my picture most likely will not be on the website of a large corporation and my depature from this earth may be insignificant to those other than my close family and friends. And although, my mark on this earth may not be as significant as a little white apple seen around the world; my mark will be significant to someone, somewhere.
And as ellaborate thoughts creep into my mind - the one thing I think we each need to remember is: Someone considers you an amazing human being, inspiring mentor and dear friend. We each put a little color into this world. We each bring uniqueness, love, creativity, and qualities that no one else does. And in the words of Steve Jobs', "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Go color your world whatever color you'd like!
And as I read the news this evening of Steve Jobs' death, those thoughts began to creep into my head. A boy who was adopted at a young age, a young adult that quit college, and then later quit his first job to find spiritual enlightenment in India. A man that later in life at the ripe age of 21 began Apple Computers and eventually became an American icon. A man who in a tribute from Apple, is noted as 'a visionary and creative genius, an amazing human being, inspiring mentor, and dear friend'.
Although, I may not leave this world as a 'Steve Jobs'. Although, my picture most likely will not be on the website of a large corporation and my depature from this earth may be insignificant to those other than my close family and friends. And although, my mark on this earth may not be as significant as a little white apple seen around the world; my mark will be significant to someone, somewhere.
And as ellaborate thoughts creep into my mind - the one thing I think we each need to remember is: Someone considers you an amazing human being, inspiring mentor and dear friend. We each put a little color into this world. We each bring uniqueness, love, creativity, and qualities that no one else does. And in the words of Steve Jobs', "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. and most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
Go color your world whatever color you'd like!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
little details.
Goal #1 today was to not blow away. I accomplished that goal. Holy batman was it windy.
Goal Decision #2 was to skip my Thursday Pilates class
and run, to make a little creative time for myself. This was with very
mixed emotions, as anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a very
disciplined gym rat. The moment felt like a devil on one shoulder, angel
on the other moment. But needless to say, I'm glad my little creative
angel won. Because I got some great creating time in. Lots of new
sketches (I'm learning to love sketching before I begin my projects -
even though drawing isn't my forte). Side note: check out Junelle's Blog.
She's had some great tips & tricks over the last week about
sketching. And her blog is worth checking out anyway...she's uber
talented!
A few new backgrounds, a few handmade stamps and, remember this picture from a week ago I posted from my sketchbook...
Tonight, I used that sketch to start a background for one of my new creations.
I love how all the little details from thought, to sketch to canvas come together. Stay tuned for the finished creation!
A few new backgrounds, a few handmade stamps and, remember this picture from a week ago I posted from my sketchbook...
I love how all the little details from thought, to sketch to canvas come together. Stay tuned for the finished creation!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
schmitten Saturday. a tribute to orange.
Fall has officially decended upon us. Welcome to the season of, Falling
leaves. Football games. Warm Chili. Apple Pie. Hayrides. Bonfires.
And...a reason to wear, sip, and eat all things orange.
Orange you ask? Yes. Orange. I'm an orange junkie. Think carrots, pumpkins, and construction zone cones! Okay, maybe not construction zone cones. But, I love wearing orange. decorting my apartment walls with orange. I really should use more orange in my paintings (note to self). I even love eating oranges. It might be a border line addiction. So today's schmitten Saturday is a tribute to all things orange!
I've hidden my wallet in order to avoid buying even more orange than I already have, while locating these delectable finds. Enjoy!
1. If I had a green thumb, I'd try and keep these alive year round in my apartment.
2. Leave it to Anthropologie to create such an awesome orange chair. Can you imagine that chair next to this adorable piano? Pardon me, while I wipe up the drool.
3. Holy moly! Where'd I put my checkbook. This watch might have to go on my Christmas list.
4. Oh Anthropologie, as if the orange chair weren't enough. You went and stole my heart with these cords.
5. I'm not even sure I could cook in this little beauty. I wonder if I could pair it with jeans, ballet flats and a white tee and wear it to the grocery store?
6. Really, where did I hide my checkbook...Owls, orange, adorable!
7. Did someone say pumpkin pie milkshake? The latte may have just been out done.
8. Must. Resist. Shoes.
What's your 'go to' color? We'd love to see your favorites!
Orange you ask? Yes. Orange. I'm an orange junkie. Think carrots, pumpkins, and construction zone cones! Okay, maybe not construction zone cones. But, I love wearing orange. decorting my apartment walls with orange. I really should use more orange in my paintings (note to self). I even love eating oranges. It might be a border line addiction. So today's schmitten Saturday is a tribute to all things orange!
I've hidden my wallet in order to avoid buying even more orange than I already have, while locating these delectable finds. Enjoy!
1. If I had a green thumb, I'd try and keep these alive year round in my apartment.
2. Leave it to Anthropologie to create such an awesome orange chair. Can you imagine that chair next to this adorable piano? Pardon me, while I wipe up the drool.
3. Holy moly! Where'd I put my checkbook. This watch might have to go on my Christmas list.
4. Oh Anthropologie, as if the orange chair weren't enough. You went and stole my heart with these cords.
5. I'm not even sure I could cook in this little beauty. I wonder if I could pair it with jeans, ballet flats and a white tee and wear it to the grocery store?
6. Really, where did I hide my checkbook...Owls, orange, adorable!
7. Did someone say pumpkin pie milkshake? The latte may have just been out done.
8. Must. Resist. Shoes.
What's your 'go to' color? We'd love to see your favorites!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
don't stop believing!
Earlier this week I was in a creative slump. I had a few set backs, I couldn't seem to put what I had sketched on paper onto a canvas and turn them into a real piece of art. I was ready to give up. Even though deep down in my heart, I knew I could never actually do that. My artwork means too much to me, way too much.
 |
| a recent sketch from my notebook. |
So instead, I stepped away from my computer, away from my studio and away from my canvases. I took my sketch book and sat still with my thoughts, a pencil and a few markers. And just like that I began to sketch, and draw and write. I was reminded of where the core of my art comes from. My doodles and my words. And of course, after a few sketches, a few (okay, a lot) of eraser marks, and pages filled with little cues to myself - I felt much better. My creative spirit was back. I missed it, a lot. Now I can't wait to get back into my studio and spend hours getting messy with paint, gesso, ink and all things art.
Maybe Journey really did know what they were signing about...don't stop believing!
 |
I wrote these
words before doodling this picture...'you are not broken. stumble. fall.
let yourself crumble. but then get back up. dust yourself off and start
all over. you are strong. believe it.'  |
