Happy New Year! Reflecting on a Year of Blogging

Happy New Year!  Looking back, 2011 was an interesting year for me creatively.  I rung in the year on a low note, believing that despite teaching art, I seldom allowed myself time to create art for pleasure.  That is how this blog came about.  At the beginning of the year, I decided to challenge myself to see if I could create more, take more art courses,  paint more, bead more and generally make art a greater part of my life.  The blogging itself was another way to challenge myself creatively.

After 48 posts in 2011, it looks like I succeeded!  I've painted, zentangled, beaded, fused, manipulated glass with fire, created sculpture, stamped, hot glued, monoprinted and crafted my way through the year.  I think that having the blog was a definite impetus to get off my butt and do something; to reach out and stretch my imagination a little more.

Many thanks to the 1780+ readers who read my posts this year, from 9 different countries: Canada, Alaska, across Europe, Malaysia and Japan.  Whether you've "facebooked" me, got me on an RSS feed or found the blog on a search engine, you've really spurred me on!

The scariest thing I did in 2011: Made a glass paper weight by manipulating a flaming, red ball of hot glass on a stick!
The biggest surprise in 2011: Realizing I had the patience to sit long enough to do detail-oriented zentangling.
My favorite art of 2011: My little 4X4 paintings for the holiday boutique; I did one a day for two weeks.
Wierdest thing I tried in 2011: It's a tie between nailing chicken wire on one of my paintings and making earrings from cut-up plastic gift and credit cards.
Most visited post: doodling of rocks with Sharpey markers!

Please join me in making 2012 a wonderful year artistically, hoping all of us will stretch our creative horizons more than ever before.  Happy New Year, and much love to you all.

Kath.

Checking out my first works in my new Christmas present -- a ceramics/glass kiln.

New kiln brings a new adventure for the new year!

I'm an art dabbler -- painting here, beading there, and a million other art forms in between.  Working with glass is one thing I've always loved though, and I've been lucky enough to take courses in fusing, lampworking (making hot beads), stained glass, flameworking and glass blowing.  But fusing glass in a kiln....my favorite!  I love to make jewelry, and the few candy dishes I've made were so fun and a chance to stretch my creativity.

This Christmas, my husband surprised me with a kiln that gives me the chance to fuse glass to my heart's desire, as well as work with ceramics.  It's a Paragon Janus kiln, which has a switch, allowing you to use different coils in the kiln for different types of materials.  I never dreamed I'd ever have one, and it was an amazing surprise.  He did his research over the past few months, had an electrician in to give it a specific type of outlet and had this heavy sucker delivered on a big truck while I was home and I still remained clueless!

These are the only two that kinda worked out of my first batch

Yesterday, we tried it out for the first time, since we've had to spend the previous 3 days applying kiln wash to the shelves to prevent glass and paint sticking during the cooking process.  It also gave me time to visit my wonderful art-partner, Pat, who lovingly lent me a newer cutter, nippers, a couple of molds, some kiln paper and some research books.


Unfortunately, the only glass I had on hand at home was my stained glass, and the pickin's were thin!  We tried a few things with an open mind and here are the results (good stuff above, bad stuff below).  Only one or two things are good enough to wear -- I discovered the opaque glass had too much lime in it and it developed a detrification, or milky coating.  I also tried to slump a piece of glass before fusing it, even though I knew you were supposed to do this in a two-step process.  Can you blame a girl for trying?    It took about 7 hours for all the steps in the kiln, and we let it cool while we slept. We checked it constantly throughout the afternoon-- hoping for good results and making sure there would be no fires.  I have complete confidence now in the process, and look forward to purchasing nice, compatible glass, stringers etc. and try again, learning more each time!

These are the ones that didn't work, however, I know where I went wrong now!

Cement Becomes Artful

My husband, Jan, has a recent obsession with concrete.  He's begun doing some artful things with it....we now have a gorgeous new coffee table, which he made with Australian walnut and brown-colored cement. I love all the little pits and natural look of it.

His latest piece of our new bathroom countertop.  We purchased an old 1960's cocktail cart and he made this top out of stained concrete for it.  He has sealed it and it shines to a gloss, still retaining its cement character.  The bathroom is almost done now -- just need to place those tiles as a backsplash, and we've created a new look for it for very little.

Glass Blob Magnets Always Useful, and Sometimes Sentimental

I love a good glass blob.  I put them in vases, surround my candles with them and I like to make magnets using them.  I remember the first time I ever saw a glass drop being used as a magnet -- my uncle, who I adore -- gave me a simple, small glass blob magnet with an image of an Orca whale on it for Christmas years ago.  I treasure it not only because it reminds me of him, but it reminds me of the killer whales I used to see growing up in British Columbia.

I've been making the magnets for fun ever since.  I usually buy the blobs and magnets at Michael's -- usually the 1" ones, and have fun leafing through my magazines for images to put underneath.  Occasionally, I will also paint pictures underneath or find an image on google as well.  Unfortunately, I sold all my magnets at that holiday faire a few weeks ago and completely FORGOT to take photos of them before I brought them to the show.  One of my favorites was the Yoda magnet, which  I think I embellished with a little sparkle. (Martha Stewart has a thin-line glue pen that allows you to draw with, then apply sprinkles on top.)

Here's what they can look like, and an accompanying "how to," should you decide to try it yourself!

http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets/

Getting My Blog Through Facebook

I don't know about you, but I enjoy Facebook.  I like to read about what's going on in my friend's lives and catch up on my favorite blogs.  Some of these are: What I Wore, Budget Babe, Art With Kids, and My Frugal Adventures.

If you would like to follow my blog, "The Art of Being Creative", on a regular basis, please click on the Facebook icon on the far right column and "like" my page when it brings you to Facebook.  You will not only receive on your Facebook all my posts from this blog, but also other artistic ideas I do not always duplicate on my blog.  Don't worry about being overburdened with posts....like all of you, I have a million things on my plate and usually only do something creative enough to blog about once a week or so!  Thank you again for your interest, and keep those creative fires burning!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaths-Artworx-The-Art-of-Being-Creative/322976415341?sk=wall

Love,  Kath.

Music to my Eyes

Christmas is fast approaching, and I was running out of ideas of what to get a lot of people.  My child's music teacher is one of my favorite, so I thought I'd make him a painting that would come from my heart.  When I create a piece of jewelry or painting for someone, you can bet I have given it everything I have, with them in my mind the entire time.  I really hope he likes it!

Success Selling my Paintings!

It can be kinda scary putting my art out, and although I enjoy sharing my art with you on my blog and corresponding facebook page, asking someone to purchase one of my works is something completely different.

My girlfriend encouraged me to do a holiday craft boutique with her on the weekend, and I made about 12 mini canvasses, several earrings and necklaces for the event.  I can't say the jewelry was as glitzy as hers and it wasn't my best, however, I did work hard on the canvasses, trying to enjoy the process for what it was instead of concentrating on what would sell.  I made small 4X4 wide-edged canvasses, as I felt I could offer a more affordable price for them  -- I sold them for $30 a piece.

Here's a photo of me with some of the canvasses -- I managed to sell 5, along with a few other jewelry pieces, so I'm fairly happy.  It was fun.  Not in a big hurry to do it again, but I'm glad I stretched my neck and got out there!  Many thanks to my friends who came to check out our creations!

Lovin' My Messenger Bag Embellishment

I was at Pottery Barn a couple of weeks ago and saw this really cool messenger bag on sale.  I don't normally go for these things, but the price was right, the fabric was a wonderful thick felt, and it had an irresistible seatbelt strap.  How could I NOT pick it up?  Anyhoo, I decided to embellish it with some colorful felt flowers and birds and I'm loving the effect.  I think it really changes the look to go from serious to quite whimsical now.

Finding Creative Time in a Busy World

Today, I had a friend ask me how I coped with all the craziness that goes on in life.   The first thing I told her is that I do the best I can, and sometimes, it's not enough, but each day gives me a new chance to try again.  Then, it occurred to me that when I'm creative, I'm at my best.  It fuels my passion, and let's me cope with the drama and negativity that sometimes can drive my days.  Being creative gives me a positive, happy outlet and puts a smile on my face.

The days I paint, or make a pair of earrings, or even dream of the next project I'm going to work on is always good.  I've accomplished something, I've done something for myself and I've put something artistic into the universe.

I am extremely grateful for those of you who read my blog, who may be inspired by my creative endeavours, and hopefully, do more of your own thing as a result.  This blog has been really good for me, and thank you for sticking by my side days are challenging and the creative muse does not show her head.

Thanks again, and stay tuned as I post more of my art as I get ready for a holiday art boutique coming up!

Love,  Kath.

Zen Tangling Brings my Doodles to a New Level

The other day I took a workshop in multi-media art (more on that later) when one of the artists mentioned she taught a course in zen tangling.  Now, I had never heard of this before, but when she showed us an example, I instantly recognized it as doodling and was entranced!  How beautiful!  When I got home I dug out my best line-art pen and reached for a small canvas to try out "zen tangling."   It was a relaxing process, and although it seemed to take forever to create, it is one of my favorite new pieces.  

Dripping Crayons Adds a Splash of Color

I've been wanting to try dripping crayons on a canvas for quite a while now, and lately, I've had so much creative energy!  With this holiday boutique coming up, it's been the impetus for me to get cracking and try some art projects that have been marinating in my brain.

I hunted down these crayons and tried to arrange them in a color order, though I'm not sure if it really matters. I used hot glue to attach them to the canvas and went to town with my heat gun. God I love that thing.  Gets red hot in seconds and dries and heats anything in its path immediately.  The wax had a mind of its own when it was dripping, but I managed to get it around the edge of the canvas so that every angle had something interesting on it.   I enjoyed making this canvas so much, I'm excited to try it again with a new set of crayons.

Forlorn Cat -- an collage in orange

Strangest thing.  I woke up this morning feeling like I had to create a collage with a cat as its centerpiece.  In orange. And I don't even really like cats.

I began with a small 4X4 canvas and gave it a background of orange and gold paints, layering with tissues and a receipt along the way.  The cat and butterfly were added toward the end, and finished off with my new India ink pen.  I call him "Forlorn Cat."

Tiny glass tree baubles make a cute necklace

My mom was visiting from Vancouver last week, and two of my favorite things to do with her are 1) shop and 2) make jewelry.  We took a walk through Crate & Barrell while she was here and came across these cute little glass drop ornaments, meant for one of those mini trees.  As soon as we got home, we got to work coloring some of the ornaments with my vitrea glass paint, baking them for a half hour to set the color. When those were done, we strung an assortment on a chain, and finished it off with a suede cord.  I really like the glass, chain and suede combination together -- it's unexpected and I think it works with any kind of outfit.   I've got a craft faire coming up next month, and I'm thinking of making a few more of these in different colors, and stringing the balls on chain and leather as well.

Day of the Dead earrings my way of honoring the past

Mexico is gearing up for Day of the Dead celebrations, a time when they honor those who have passed on.  I was inspired to create these colorful "Dia de los Muertos" earrings for the 3 days of festivities.  

Probably the hardest part of creating these earrings was trying to figure out how the color photo copier worked a the Fedex store.  Once I had printed out my "Dia de los Muertos" images, I modge podged them onto Scrabble Tiles and poured a layer of resin on them.  From there, I strung beads onto silver wire and made them into these delightful dangles, more than enough to wear during the Nov. 1 & 2 festivities.

It occurred to me that one of these days, someone in the family is going to open up the Scrabble box and discover there are no longer any letter tiles, thanks to my little jewelry obsession.  Until then....enjoy the bling!

A Little Flamingo in My Life

A few weeks ago I attended a local church's giant garage sale.  There was used merchandise from all its parishioners strewn all over the lot, but inside, was a room full of used books.  I was in heaven!  One book that caught my eye was this giant Audobon's Encyclopedia of North American Birds.  $5!  It had photos, drawings and descriptions of every bird imaginable in it and it begged to come home with me.

A few days ago, one of my art students says, "Ms. P, can we do some paper mache?" and an idea was born.  I haven't done paper mache for pleasure for ages, and this bird book was the perfect inspiration for the project.  I made a batch of flour & water paste and ripped up some newspaper, then put together this flamingo I shall call "Percy."

Pink Flamingos aren't something I normally think about, but when I saw it in the book, I couldn't turn the page.  It seemed to want to come alive, and so I did my best.  Painting it was an adventure as well.  I went into painting thinking I was going to go as life-like as I could, and then my brush took over and next thing you know, we've got swirls, stripes and dots going on.  It happens.

Soccer Ball Painting Dares to Leave my Garage

Whatever activity my kids are involved in, I try and help out in any way I can. Madi's new soccer team is having a fundraiser, so I painted this soccer ball for their auction.  I used acrylics and molding paste for texture, painted on a 12X12' canvas.  


As an artist, I find it scary to put myself out there.  Few of my paintings find themselves outside the garage simply because I am always scared that everyone will think I'm a terrible artist.  I'm always telling my students to embrace their unique artistic style, and I really have difficulty trusting in my own.  Having this soccer ball go out to the public and have people silently bidding on it is "ballsy" stuff for me, and I'm hoping SOMEONE will want it!!!

Bottom line, I wanted to give back to the organization, and I am hoping this gift will be well received, and maybe a baby step for me to start being more confident in my art.

Drawing fast and furious

Every time I go to a teacher's training seminar, I leave inspired and eager to try new things.  At the last one at CSMA, one of the art teachers was modeling a class in line art drawing.  She gave each of us a photograph, and asked us to quickly sketch the outline in pencil, then work the details in black sharpie -- and there was only about 10 minutes left!  My life is about rushing around half the time, so I relished the challenge, and drew this seal within out time constraints.  It felt so good to be drawing again, and I am definitely going to not only try this again myself, but pass this lesson on to my students.

A distressed tile makes an interesting plaque.

I went to one of my favorite art venues, A Work of Heart, in San Jose. It's a wonderful shop stocked top to bottom with craft supplies, papers, stamps, glues, ribbons, cutters, paints etc. and has tables in the middle to do your favorite projects.  My daughter chose to make a textured mug and necklace, and I made a pretty glass pendant and this old-looking tile.  The stone tile is beige and pitted, and to give it a design, I stamped onto white tissue paper, then used a white paste over the tile and then the tissue paper to make it translucent.  Finishing touches included clear acrylic spray, and a ribbon held on the back with a two-part glue.  Not sure where I'm going to put it, but it'll find a home soon, as it's growing on me.

Jewelry display a true art form

I am blessed to have such creative friends.  My friend Sherie works full time, runs a big house and still manages to find time to create the most beautiful things.  For my birthday, she made this beautiful shadow box jewelry display for some of my necklaces and earrings.  It's such a piece of art, and I'm proud to hang it on the wall for my favorite pieces, many of which I made with Sherie in previous years!

She tells me she was inspired by some she saw in a high-end shop in Santa Cruz, and then she went about rummaging for hooks, vintage jewels and a shadow box and drawer pull from Ikea, and special paper from a specialty store.  More photos will follow of the other gorgeous boxes she made, but in the meantime, I will proudly show you my gift and hope you are inspired as well.

Doodling on Rocks

This craft reminds me of beach-lazy days of summer, and it's so easy and fun, I thought I'd pass it on. Take some beautiful rocks collected from the beach, give them a quick spritz with white spray paint, and use a thin Sharpy marker to do your doodles.  For my daughter's birthday, I left some spray painted river rocks and a marker out on the table for her friends to write on, and now she has a pretty plateful of messages and doodles as memories of her special day.