Encourage Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone!

I have always wanted to be able to draw...just like I always wanted to be able to paint...no one, but myself, told me I couldn't.

The best advice I have, regarding what your limitations are, is ignore everything you are afraid of and TRY!  The joy we feel when we exceed at something is just as strong as the defeat we feel when we
feel like we've failed.

There are countless times that I draw something, or paint something, or attempt something that I think is difficult, and I look at it and think "WOW, I did that!!" And countless other times that I try again and think "Crap, that looks awful!"  Both ways are always a surprise.

When I think it looks great I post it on social media.  When it looks like crap I post it on social media and critique myself - only to find that I receive AMAZING support from loved ones, and very helpful, constructive critiscm from loved ones and others who are genuinely wanting to be helpful.

My point is that NO MATTER WHAT I am able to grow from what others have offered.  (If it's not constructive, helpful or positive, then I don't listen - takes time to develop that skill, but eventually it comes to you through confidence).

I have been doing multimedia for years.  Recently I have started delving in the realm of personalization through drawing - specifically, face drawings.

If you are interested in doing this yourself, please watch the tutorials offered on YouTube by Dina Wakley!  She is an amazing inspiration and teacher!!  Thru one, 6 minute video, I was able to draw my first face!

This was my VERY first attempt at a face, and I am so pleased with how it turned out that I don't want to add any color or paint.

I have drawn several faces and painted a few, that I posted on Facebook, and have received positive feedback from loved ones and kind strangers, alike.

I have taken the criticism and have used it to improve what I am doing, and I have really enjoyed the process of it all!!

I have also found, that the hardest part of venturing out with paint, is mixing proper flesh tones.  I am also afraid of making skin tone that is not of the normal, human tone.

All of this is COMPLETELY new to me and will have to be learned as I continue with this process.  I have no doubt that there are many bridges ahead but I wanted to share my first bridge along the way.

I have enjoyed this journey and have appreciated the teachers along the way, Dina Wakley, Amy Joy, and several other anonymous youtubers that I continue to watch and enjoy.

I hope you have found some inspiration from what I've shared.  I encourage you to find your joy in the art world - I continue to find joy in new things I create and avenues that I have traveled. 

Gelatos - Step By Step!

Creativity is something that is a constant thought for me - whether it is paper crafting, tumblers, glitter, or a new avenue that appears in my browser that I venture down thru curiosity.

Another constant for me is COLOR. Everything I do, I do in color - post its, paint on the walls, accents throughout the house - EVERYTHING.

I feel way more comfortable when I am surrounded by color.  It allows me to see things that others don't - sometimes, if you simply change the hue of the filter a new world is opened to you!

Gelatos is a new avenue for me.  They have allowed me to express color, in small amounts, in very vibrant ways!

I purchased a Fabre-Castell Gelatos kit at Michael's on clearance - from $29.97 marked down to $9.97.  I was tickled to find this as I rarely find a great deal in their clearance section that is actually worth picking up - but I keep trying.

This kit came with 10 Gelatos, several different remnants with different textures to try, a brush, a small container of Gesso, and a technique book to guide you in the different ways that Gelatos work.

The booklet suggested several different ways you can use Gelatos, including wet, dry, stamping techniques, textural variations, and making mists.

I read thru the booklet and it was very informative, and easy to follow.  The only thing it did not explain was the fun and delight that using them for the first time would be.

I used the white, smooth paper remnant that came with the kit for my first try.  I first Gessoed it with the Gesso that is included in the package and allowed it to dry.

I then added various colors of Gelatos, in small increments, blending it with baby wipes.  I noticed that the wipes really diluted the color.  When I wanted more color in areas I rubbed it in with my fingers, whetted slightly from the baby wipe.

 I also added a bit of tissue wrap from Tim Holtz's idea-ology Melange collection.  I used glitter Modge Podge to secure it to the remnant of paper.

I stamped the "Giggle" in watering can Archival Ink.  Then stamped it again, slightly offset, in Memento, tuxedo black ink to give it a ghosted look.   The stars were stamped in Watering Can Adirondack ink and then stamped again in another spot (two-step stamping), to lighten the color.

Dylusions spray ink was sprayed over a circle stencil for the polka dot look, and, additionally, around the edges of the remnant.

After the Dylusions spray, alcohol was spritzed over the area for additional texture.

An extra fine Sharpee marker was added to concrete the edges of certain objects/designs to bring attention to them.

I added the remnant to a previously designed art journal page.  It is really striking how wonderfully the 2 come together - and a testament to how similar my style is :).  It is amazing to see how they all work together.

If you are hesitant on trying something new, don't be.  Express yourselves in every and any area that you enjoy!!  Don't be afraid to try something completely new.  The journey and lessons learned are WELL worth exploring!

Thanks again for stopping by to see what I am up to and doing.

Your support is so very much appreciated!

See what others don't and express yourself as much as possible!!

Tumbler LOVE

There are so man avenues that we can use to express ourselves in Art.

Most of the work I do, and most that I don't share for no reason other than I am busy and become forgetful, involves glitter.

One of my favorite works is a nice, burgundy tumbler with a bit of gold.

I have been dabbling in tumblers and cannot wait to share all of the colorful projects that I am working on - glitter or not :)

This tumbler is a 20 oz skinny tumbler that I intend to add a monogram for my daughter.

There has been a lot of talk of custom tumblers erywere you look - but making them is really a work of art.

For this tumbler I applied a VERY thin layer of epoxy (not recommended without proper personal protective equipment [PPE]), and then added the glitter until the "wet" appearance is no longer visible.

The epoxy method is the best way to apply glitter as the least amount of glitter is needed.

The glitters used for this project are Boudreaux and (the BEAUTIFUL) Pandora, from PDB Blanks.

I will show the finished cup/tumbler on my Instagram when it is completed!!  Please subscribe @everysparemoment if interested to see it!!

I really need to stay on top of my blog...I feel very neglectful of this blog (repeatedly)...but boy have I been busy...these are the activities that I am currently involved in:

Planning
Tumbler Making
Scrapbooking
Painting
Homemade crafts and gifts for all occasions
Vinyl Creations

and on and on I could go.

I am very active in all crafting and tumbler related items and am loving every moment of creation!!

I am currently working on this cup...

Vinyl is SUPER ADDICTIVE

I have fallen down the rabbit hole of vinyl and my Silhouette...I have made several projects and can't wait to make more...

I have done several projects.  I have not been posting them as I have been trying to practice up and get great at using vinyl on all kinds of projects.

So far I have made personalized egg cartons, porch signs, epoxied stainless steel tumblers...the list goes on and on.  There is always something going on in this crazy life and I am trying to keep up the best that I can - between trying to exercise, lose weight and get back into running, making stainless steel tumblers, flow painting, porch signs, etc...there is always something I am trying.

I keep trying to keep my blog up-to-date, but see to fail at most corners.

I will keep trying...but just like the title, #everysparemoment.

Where I am now...

Alright, as promised, an updated on where I am and how I'm doing....

I am still dealing with all of the laundry that a family of 5 generates.  I (sometimes) can't seem to get the load in the washer from stinking to HIGH Heaven....but I continue to try, because I feel as though I am endlessly trying to find that special sock or pair of pants...

I have taken some time from everything to make my VERY FIRST VINYL sign....I have stained, painted and applied vinyl to this sign and am very proud...I feel that since I have made my first one for my Mom then this venture will be successful - we will wait and see ;)  For now, I am just taking it all in, continuing to try to make strides forward with decluttering, organizing and cleaning.

My Mom's sign:

 (I'm so, so proud!!)

If you want to share your own struggle with me I would be grateful.  I want to hear from others who struggle, like me...or who have struggled and are succeeding...

Thanks for stopping and reading this far!!

Where have I been, and where am I going?

I struggle EVERY day with time and priorities.  I struggle to clean my home, stay on top of my families hectic schedule and keeping the love alive with my husband.

All of these struggles get bigger when not dealt with...and honestly, I have SUCKED with keeping up.

And on top of ALL of this, I have my own desires and wants...I want to get back into running, I want to continue to do art - vinyl, furniture, scrapbooking, cards.  I want to blog (for no other reason bu myself)...but there are so many things that I want in this life and I have felt limited for sooooo long....

This will be an attempt to revive this blog and let others know that the daily struggle is so real.  I know that I am not alone, just alone in my thoughts of how well I am doing...

Honestly, I am my worst critic.  And, my loving husbands opinion matters too...he is not as bad as anyone is thinking at this point, but all of the above has been difficult on our relationship....

So, what have I been doing?

I have been paper planning, because that works for me...there are so many methods of keeping ourselves accountable...paper planning, to do lists, phone reminders...all of which should be helping us get thru the day to day...but what about finding the motivation to get up and do what we need to do?

I have gone to YouTube to find motivation...boy, there are videos out there for EVERYTHING....

My favorite motivators (by far) are Do It On a Dime



http://www.doitonadimeblog.com/blog/

and Clutterbug





https://www.youtube.com/user/OrganizedClutterbug

From these ladies I have learned so many things that I want to share with everyone...I HIGHLY encourage you to take the clutterbug quiz and figure out what type of "bug" you are...Cas is very insiteful and can help a lot....

I know that this post has been long...especially considering that I haven't posted in quite a while....but if you stuck with me this far I know that you either 1) know what I am going thru, 2) have been where I am at, or 3) are truly interested in me and my story....

If it is # 3 I am grateful to know that you care.

I will gather my thoughts and continue with my struggle/story soon.

Thanks for staying with me....