Bring on the Love

I've been busy today making a sample for a Date Night vase. Saturday January 30 you can sign up to create a vase like the one below (or your own design) with your loved one. You will each decorate/carve/stamp/etc. your side that is devoted to the other person.  It will be fired, glazed, refired and filled with flowers and ready to pick up on Feb. 13th!

You could also put names of your children, your anniversary date, a limerick or anything you like.

 

 

The Heart of Art

I am sitting upon my hard stool (bum numbing) avoiding updating my quickbooks while reading about my favorite topic - art. The articles that struck me today were the "keep on trucking" themes. My truck has been parked filling up with ideas but no gas. I've fallen prey a few times to negative thoughts and frustration but with the new year fast approaching and Valentine's quick on its heels, I need to get my truck moving. What does my truck need to be packed with? A vacation. Art supplies. Positivity. Cute shoes and last but not least a well formed plan.

The articles I read talked about prioritizing, however, each item on my list is equally important to me.  Mopping my dirty floors ranks right up there with creating a clever vase for an upcoming class. I did get motivated by the article when it mentioned determination. If you get started and you are determined to reach your goals, sidetracks and dead ends accepted, you will reach them. So with renewed determination ( found it packed in the truck with some caffeine and chocolate) I am excited to begin the steps needed to reach my goals. I've already started my marketing workbook and some art project samples. No need for a resolution this New Year - I will just keep on trucking next year and the year after that.


The Heart of Art is Determination.

The Process (sometimes)

I was working on a painting for a donation last week and photographed my process in order to share. I don't always work this way but I thought it might inspire some of you (fingers crossed someone is reading this :).  I started by looking through my boxes of inspiration I have here in the store. Mind you I don't look through things looking for images to copy or recreate. Sometimes I use an image of an animal or person as reference - when left to my own imagination they end up looking like fat cartoon people.  Here is what struck my fancy that particular frigid snow covered day...

A clip art bicycle (one of the images I'm always drawn to - others include silverware, chairs and wagons) I blew it up on the copier and tiled it together with careful trimming and tape on the back.

 

The top picture here was the back of a swirly I had cut out a long time ago, I liked the colors and that little bit of red. I painted my whole canvas the cream color and let it dry.  The second image is from an illustration in a graphic design magazine (sorry I don't have the artist name). I liked the scribbles and dotted lines and the area around her left eye. Here is where I went with it...

I decided it was blah with the original color choices so I added some yellow ochre. Then spent some time with the image transfer of the bike.

Still wasn't feeling finished. It felt two sided, as if I could cut off the bike and make it its own painting and the other 2/3rd a different painting. So, after a little more time standing back and staring at it, answering the phone and paying bills I came back and did this...

Just a little yellow ochre to tie in and some text that I can read but no one else can. That was my point though. It has meaning but since it is a donation piece I didn't want it to be so personal that someone might not connect with the piece. Essentially it is about passing moments in time and the fleeting nature of life and the mundane things in life (ie the bike) and how they might change shape over time but the original is always an influence in our lives. Or something like that.

I hope you enjoyed that little glimpse into my brain waves. I'd love to see or hear how other people find inspiration or work through a creative project so I might share it with others.. Here is another request for people to send images or links that I can share.  Calling all artists!!!!!

Oh that reminds me, I am trying to put together an art show. Please visit this part of the Art Mill website for more information on what I am looking for.

Kids Crafty Santa

Here is an easy kids project to do before Santa gets here. I invented this guy today in preparation for a kids class tomorrow. Here is what you need:

Ping pong ball

flesh color acrylic paint

googly eyes (2)

3 cotton balls (regular size)

1 5"x6" piece of paper  ( I used a scrapbooking paper but you can use red craft paper or anything else)

4 small pom poms (1 white - 3 any color you like)

Glue

Hole punch

Awl or sharp poking device

Red and Tan Felt

1 chenille pipe cleaner (white used here)

Instructions: 1. Cut paper to size and roll into a tube, Glue overlapping ends or staple. I stapled here because I didn't want to take the time to hold the paper until the glue dried. You can also glue and hold it in place with paper clips until dried. Glue or staple top side of tube so the edges are flat together.

2. Paint ping pong ball with flesh colored paint. Once paint is dry punch two small holes with your awl. They should be exactly opposite each other.  Take your pipe cleaner and insert into your ball and push it through the other side. Pull enough through to bend and push back into the hole a good inch or so. Doesn't need to come back out the other side but make sure you leave about an inch on the side opposite your loop you just made.

3. Punch a small hole in the top center of the paper tube you made in step 1. Put the pipe cleaner through this hole (not the loop side) and wrap it around itself until your "head" is on good. You should be able to hold the loop and they should hang together without slipping.

NOW THE FUN PART!!!

For those of you with little ones I would do these first few steps yourself (except maybe the head painting step)

4. Glue on your cotton ball beard and create a red felt hat out of a half circle shape. Glue this on leaving a gap for your hanging loop. Fold the top of the hat over and tack with glue (mine didn't hold)

5. Glue pom poms on the end of the hat and down the front of his body.

6. Cut hand or mitten shapes out of the tan felt and glue on the paper on the sides.

7. Glue googly eyes on  (or paint if you prefer)

8. Create a message or drawing on a separate piece of paper and place inside paper tube. You could also put a gift card in here too. Glue or staple the open end pinching it together in the opposite direction, creating a sort of triangle shape.

Give as a gift from your little creator.

I hope I didn't forget any steps.... Enjoy!

B'Claus I Love you.

 

 

These lovelies were created by a couple other lovelies a few Saturday's ago during our Paperclay Elves (santas or snowmen) class. They are cute and hilarious just like their creators. I don't know how they will split them up. They were made by sisters so maybe they will have joint custody. Once they leave the Art Mill they are no longer protected by the "system".

I've had a few people tearful after missing out on the class so I think I might have an Easter Bunny version of them coming round the bend. There is always next year. I'll get them out early so people have a heads up on the class schedule.

I plan to have photos of future projects so you won't have to come into the store to see all the samples. Hopefully this will help. But for now feel free to call and say "tell me more about this class" and I will do my best to describe them. Check the online schedule for more classes left in December.

You've already missed out on a few good ones. Like last night's batik stockings. Look how great they turned out.

Thanks Carolyn, Nancy and Megan for letting me photograph your beauties. Tonight is another night of fun with wax and wonder. We are doing encaustics with Christmas decor for some added Christmas funkiness.  I'll try to post some photos of those later but you really can't get the full joy out of just seeing what others do. You must experience it first hand and smell the hot wax and burn your fingers out of excitement (and inability to wait to touch your pieces - maybe that's just my problem). No worries we have aloe and it really isn't that dangerous.

How gorgeous is this?!

I'm blog hopping while "working" from home during our lovely blizzard. I came across this loveliness through looking at a blog that belongs to the wonderful Ms. Corinne who left a comment on my blog, then I hopped on over to one of her listed blogs that she follows and saw this beauty.  See what all can come from leaving a simple comment.  Thank you Corinne. Here is a link to her blog to see her fab stitching work. I go cross eyed after a few minutes of a running stitch so I am impressed by all you do.

Click here to see where I ended up with the tutorial.  Looks so classic and simple - very Audrey Hepburn. I can just imagine it attached to the front of her hat in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  She wore some ridiculous hats. I just want it on my door - maybe three of them hanging together at the top of the stairs. Hmmm... maybe with a little collaged/stitched piece of art hanging in the center.  Ohh the ideas.

Back to my multi-tasking. I am watching a movie with the Hubs, cutting out letters for a party on Friday, getting ready to make Taco soup and planning the classes for Jan. and Feb.  Obviously getting distracted by pretty things along the way. Although I could make the version I'm imagining in my head with the art in the center and turn it into a little Winter class.

Changes to come

I can't sit still very long when big projects get completed. I'm on to planning the next undertaking and how to accomplish it as quick as I can. On the agenda this week... (ok really next week, because I'm in a wedding of my good friend this Sat. and have gifts to paint) is to revamp the class schedule and process for January. I'll be offering the same project multiple times to avoid having people miss out on a great class because I picked a date that doesn't work with busy busy schedules.

We really need to do less in a day - each and everyone of us. I suggest instituting siestas and milk and cookie hour. Hmmm... maybe I can offer that here at the store. Lay out sleep mats like in Kindergarden and blankies. Maybe someday, too much "work" to be done.  (see, just can't get away from it!)

I've also been given a great opportunity by Mr. Loveland to offer free art classes for kids to create music boxes out of cigar boxes and painting classes. The painting class students will also receive an art kit to take home from the generous Mr. Loveland as well.  I am beginning to put together the plan and materials to get the word out to Big Brothers, Big Sisters and also Nebraska Children's Home Society. If you know of other great organizations that might like to share an art experience for kids let me know.

In addition to these projects for kids I am also rethinking my kids classes. I am going to have scheduled sessions instead of the one-on-one classes. For my scheduling needs and also so the kids can get together with other kids and not just this boring old person. This picture below is a wonderful art piece made by Avery (age 6) in one of our classes. Soooo cute!

I have a billion other ideas to get moving on so this is only the beginning. Other things in the works include but are not limited to...
an etsy shop,
quarterly art shows with opening receptions
prizes for art contests
earth day recycled art contest
art swaps here at the store (ie. ATC card swap or similar)
getting class sample photos on the web calendar (before the class!!)
more guest artist classes/workshops
week long retreats with instructors/field trips - maybe a summer plein air class in rural NE
get the ceiling "motor" fixed
this "motor" is winter wind noise that the landlords can't seem to figure out - sounds like a motorcycle at times - come stay awhile and you will get to hear it too!

the list goes on and on with ideas. Any feedback on favorites is always appreciated.

To sum up this post I'll leave you with a few images of the Christmas items I have out on display.

make it, love it, show it

I was looking through pictures of my art to see what all I had sold and forgotten. This piece I made before The Art Mill opened and while it was leaning against my living room wall with about 15 other paintings my good friend Kim purchased it. It looks great in her house but it brings up a question that I have heard people talk about...

Once you make something that you spent so much time on and put your creative energy and yourself into, how you can let it go? Three reasons. 1. I like to see other people find enjoyment from something I made as well as find a piece they connect with in some way. 2. I don't have a big enough house (or store) to show all the things I make. My art cries a little when I tuck it in a closet or dark corner. And 3. I have overhead now. :)

What is strange is that it wasn't that long ago that I didn't show my art at all. I would make it, love it and put it away in my studio. Although, I didn't like to admit it this made me stop creating art. If you are creating and tucking (even if you don't want to sell) find a way to show your art. You are sharing a bit of yourself with the people around you and although it may be scary at first it is freeing.

Be happy with where you are now.

 Ahoy Mateys, I have been adrift in a sea of chaos and art supplies, but I am once again able to sit and contemplate and share what is going on with The Art Mill.  I finally got my Christmas items up at home and at the store. Big check mark off that list.  Aside from events and classes my next big project is to revamp the website. So much has changed since I first set it up 8 months ago! Wow does time fly.

I have been thinking about what I want to change for myself and for the functionality of the store. I am all about being flexible and changing how or what I do to make this work, which brings me to this blog. I've realized that while I want to stay positive and upbeat, because lets face it art is fun and I am so lucky to be in this place at this time, I also want to let you in on my dirty little secret that I struggle. I struggle with my art, my store, who and what I want to be. So for me to put that out there, I can be real and not just another business that is using a blog as a marketing tool.  I want you to be able to connect with what I am doing and encourage you to face your struggles and continue on with your dream.

I've realized that I love to share my space, my art and my knowledge. I get goosebumps when people come in and share their story of how they were searching for a way to get back to their creative path. They are sure that this place, The Art Mill, will help them get a step closer to what they were searching for but not able to put into words. I love that I can be a part of the first steps.

I know that I look at what other wonderful successful artists are doing and I start to think that they have it all figured out. That I am behind and will never catch up. Some may have it figured out but I like to think that they are just like me... making it work day by day because they love what they do. Maybe they don't know how it will turn out, that they will get a book deal or be published and recognized world-wide but they keep going because their heart tells them to. So, I want to be honest with where I am, what I struggle with so that you (whoever you may be) can figure it out with me.

My search right now is to figure out a balance between keeping my business alive and continuing to do my own art. I put myself into the art that I do now during classes or in preparation for classes because I know that the only way potential students can connect with my art is if it is real and not a "product", but there is more I want to do. What I am realizing - slowly - is that although there are so many things I want to accomplish personally, professionally and so on - I need to enjoy where I am now. That I don't need to have it all figured out by tomorrow or I will fail. I can do this gradually and the people that are a part of The Art Mill will be patient with me while I do figure it out.

So here is a big thank you to those that do read this blog. Although, I am happy to just put these thoughts out into internet land for it to be gobbled up and lost, because getting it out of my head makes me feel free and sane again.  Now, because I love to share art and photos and not just my rambling thoughts, I've attached an image of a ceramic head I made and covered with encaustics. She feels amazing I just want to pinch her cheeks.  There is also an image of an encaustic piece of art Mom (E.D. or Eva Darling as she has been lovingly named here) made and sold.

 

Find inspiration anywhere

 

These three photos are close ups of my palette. I am working on a 30"x36" canvas and doing the technique for tonights class (palette knives and paper towels). So many wonderful colors all loose and painterly.

I also came across this quote that goes with yesterday's post, but of course is valid any day of the week.
"Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic." - unknown author

Short and sweet

Words of inpiration by Sarah Fishburn- a mixed-media artist.

"As an artist, what's important is to express what's inside of you. Don't worry about it being good enough; just do what your heart tells you. Play and don't get stressed out."

For those of you out there thinking "I wish I was an artist - if only I could ..."  Many of the artists throughout history just did what they wanted, were confindent in themselves and just decided to start telling people they were an artist. You don't need formal training from the masters to start down an artist's path. Yes, learning from experienced artists is a great thing to experience and is definitely beneficial, but you don't need to get an MFA before you can announce proud and clear "I am an artist"!

Oh goodie, new goodies!

I just posted the full schedule for November. Check it out here.  The bead drop necklace is a new creation by Lacy Carrall - the famed Junkyard Art creator. She will be teaching this class on Nov. 7th and will provide simple kits to choose from. Can't wait for that class as well as some of the other great gift making activities we will have going on.

The goodies have arrived! I've been promising them and talking them up and now they are here. The R&F encaustic supplies. I'm the only one in town to carry them. I worked with the company to get the best colors and a sampling of their oil sticks as well. I will be offering an "Encaustics Bar" the end of November. I still have several supplies I need to get before then so I can't offer it any sooner. You will get the opportunity to use these high end supplies in the studio before you buy them. I already have an art project in mind for myself. It involves an old printer drawer and wax, wax beautiful wax.

 

To Dye For

In another installation of Batiks we experimented with canvas and regular cotton. The colors were so vibrant on the cotton but the dye resists did work a little different on the cotton in the following dye dips. Very cool results though.

The next session in November will push you to create a painting out of the batik dyes. Longer process and more thinking involved but a great way to continue the experiment of fabric dying. The new trick will be painting with melted crayons and ironing it off without taking off all the color. Will it work?! We will find out November 19. Join us.

Here are some more results for your enjoyment. And also... I blogged twice this week! If I can keep it up I will get a treat. Oh goodie!

Pom pom birdies make me happy

I wanted to share a little happy on a gloomy fall day. These pom pom birds I made back in April have kept me company at the front counter. I hold them when I need something soft to comfort me. Just like animal therapy in hospitals I pet them for relief. I would bring my dogs and squeeze them when I need a hug but they bark at EVERYTHING. I wanted to have "shop dogs" but mine won't behave so I have shop birds. The green one needs a good name. I'm thinking something goofy like Beepers, Blue Footed Bobbie, or Fred. Send suggestions if you have a good one.

There are some great classes and workshops coming up at The Art Mill the end of this month and into November. Who wants to warm up over a griddle of hot wax in an encaustics workshop? Its coming up quick... click here for the info and sign up soon! I'm also working on a class by Ellene McClay on utilizing your etsy shop to its fullest potential. She will be giving you the goods on everything from shipping hints to taking better photos. I'm hoping to throw in a little mini market at the end.

Well, I've been doing better at posting on the blog so yay for me. I'm determined to get a bigger chunk of my "to do" list done this week. If I can do two posts a week (and still be interesting) I'll give myself a treat. Maybe a pedicure or a toaster strudel.

Finally, for those of you looking for some art advice/inspiration or factoid try this...
Remember that there is no wrong way to be an artist. The only way you fail is if you never pick up your brush. Challenge yourself to create a piece of art with no plan in mind when you begin. Just surround yourself with your supplies and start - working off your feelings and intuition. If you are frustrated let that show through in your color choice and brush stroke or carving or whatever your medium. If you can't get started, set a timer for 15 minutes and doodle or write or scribble or whatever. Something may come out of it... you'd be surprised.

Send me what you make (jane@omahaartmill.com) and I will post some of them.

These are my newest in progress creations. I had thrown some little cups that I never put handles on and didn't know what to do with them. They were too small for a big girl coffee and too breakable for sippy cups, plus no lids. Soooo... I decided (with a suggestion from mom) to put some pull toy designs on them and go cutesy. They still need to be clear glazed and fired but they're just so cute I wanted to share. I thought my favorite would be the elephants but after I forced myself to try a donkey (the one that looks like a horse) I loved it more. I have two of each design done so far. I even made a clay duck pull toy that stands on fake wheels. Stay tuned to see that one.

I have so much to create for the store, for myself, for promotion and for vendor fairs. I made a list this morning while I sipped HUGE amounts of coffee. I filled up both sides of the paper within 10 minutes. I even wrote it in purple ink to make me feel better about it... didn't work. I had to go lay back in bed and pretend I didn't have to get up today. Again... didn't work.

I made it to the store 10 minutes early (a miracle for me) and I haven't accomplished anything so far. Unless you count checking the messages and filing one piece of paper. I think I have a case of the Tuesday's (Tues. is my Monday). I've been blog hopping all "morning" and came up with more ideas of things to make, inspired by the plethora of creative people blogging. Thanks a lot. No really, thanks... I need a place to go when I get stuck.

I've also come down with a bad case of green with envy. There seem to be so many wonderful women using their creativity to make a living. I find myself wanting to call each of them to find out their story. See how long they worked at it before anyone new they existed. What crazy things they did to get noticed by national magazines. How they get their hair to lay so nice... the usual.

I came across this quote that I keep on my desktop to keep me going. So for those of you out there trying to do your own thing and make a living doing what you love, copy this down and tape it to your forehead on those tough days.

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all up hill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is queer with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out. Don't give up though the pace seems slow--You may succeed with another blow, Success is failure turned inside out--The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, And you never can tell how close you are, It may be near when it seems so far; So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--It's when things seem worst that you must not quit."

New workshops... new ideas

New workshops coming up in October. Click the image for more information and be sure to call and register before all the spaces go. I know the Faux Art has been on people's to do list.

I am squeezing in my weekly blog entry. I'm exhausted after our first ever Art Lock-in. I think it went fabulously but thats my biased opinion. 7 - 12 p.m. people "arting" and eating and laughing. I'm trying to figure out when to schedule the next one. Hopefully before Christmas so people can make all their gifts before the season.

My projects in the works are preparing art and other creative creations to sell at several vendor opportunities that have come up. The first of which is Silver Bella. I went as a customer last year and loved it. I am so excited to see what people think of The Art Mill and the creative things we have to offer.

Tuesday? Well Tuesday is "Say it in Clay" hand building workshop. 3-D letters. I'm thinking something holiday.... HoHoHo or maybe something general like CREATE. I was thinking I'd start with ART and add the CEE later. There just aren't enough hours in the day or energy in my body for all the ideas I have pictured in my head.

Until next week...