Playing with DecoArt Chalkboard Paint

A few months ago I fiddled around a bit with DecoArt chalkboard paint. (You can find it in the paint aisle of your local craft store.) It comes in pink, blue and black, but I only used the black for the following projects. Because I like to push the envelope, I wanted to see just how far this paint would go. I tried it on fabric as well as metal and it behaved very well on both difficult surfaces. I absolutely love these projects.

The first is an errands bag with a chalkboard pocket in the front.

For the chalkboard, I did two coats of paint. The first coat was the chalkboard paint mixed with the fabric medium and the second coat was only the chalkboard paint. (I ran out of fabric medium and was too excited to make a craft-store-run.)

I designed the bag using one of E's bags as a guide. However, I added a few inches here and there to make it even more useful for library books. I used plain canvas for the fabric and I dolled it up with DecoArt So Soft fabric paint and Americana paints mixed with fabric medium. I also used a lot of stencils from Crafter's Workshop. I can't say enough about the So Soft fabric paint. It is amazing. It comes in basic colors as well as glittery ones and the fabric maintains that lovely move-able feel when you use it!

To add more texture and interest, before I sewed the bag together, I did a bit of freestyle stitching on the fabric. My machine wasn't behaving properly so I didn't do as much as I would have liked. Darn machine.

The bag has held up marvelously well to multiple library runs and I'm so pleased.

The second project is a chalkboard necklace. Wouldn't this be the perfect gift for the teacher in your life? Zoey fell completely in love with this necklace and swiped it up as soon as I finished snapping the last picture.

This picture makes the pendant look huge. It is actually only about 2 inches wide.

I'm thinking about doing tutorials for both of these projects. Would that interest you? Let me know.

Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo
B

This Week

This week has been one wild ride.

Todd has been out of town for work so the kiddos and I have been on our own. It wasn't pretty, people.

To start out the week...Cam and Zoey went to a late doctor appointment on Monday night because Z had an earache and C had walking pneumonia. Antibiotics and breathing treatments later, they are both doing fine.

Z's hamster died on Wednesday night. I've had numerous sad talks about death with numerous sad children. We held a graveside service in the backyard before school yesterday morning which made us almost late.

We've eaten at a fast food joint twice this week. (Normally, fast food is a once every 3 months or so treat.) We've eaten hamburgers three times and spaghetti twice. I've thrown away bags of produce because I forgot to use them. Apparently, my cooking skills go completely bonkers when I don't have another adult to serve.

The house is a complete wreck and we are all very tired.

However, each of the children is happy and healthy. They all received three square rhomboidal meals a day along with a few snacks. The dogs were fed every night. The fish, I'm not so sure. The dishes are almost all washed and I managed to create a flyer for local fall activities. So...all in all...the week wasn't a complete disaster.

But I'm sure ready to see Todd again.

Girl Power

As a mother of girls (and boys, too) one of my main objectives is to instill in them a sense of self-confidence that will aid them in making good decisions in their lives. I want them to grow into strong and capable women who know of their self-worth. I think this is one of the most important things that I can do as a mother: provide opportunities for them to gain confidence. In order to do this, while they are young I've emphasized qualities such as intelligence and kindness over physical qualities like beauty and fashion. Of course, they also know that they are beautiful, but we try to focus on more lasting values. As my girls mature, I've started giving them situations in which they can be independent. For example, I send them into a non-threatening store to pick up a few items while I wait in the car with the little ones. I ask them to walk the dogs around the block or I have them "babysit" while I finish a task.

I have also been working on really listening to them and showing empathy when necessary. I can't possibly fix all of the problems in their lives. (For goodness sakes, I can't fix all of my problems, how can I expect myself to fix anyone else's?) But, I can listen intently, offer advice when appropriate and have compassion. Since I am still in the middle of raising them, I don't know if this approach will lead to self-confident daughters, but it seems to be working thus far. (I'll keep you posted.)

Sometimes, I find something that helps me in my quest for confidence outside the family and I'm grateful for that. The kids and I are avid YouTubbers (pron. u-toob'-ers) and this video (Jar of Hearts) by Christina Perri is one of our favorites because it stars a strong woman. I think we've watched this one a million times. The choreography is amazing as is the drama and special effects.



I hope that you enjoy this one as much as we do.

xoxo
B

A Need for Creativity

Sometimes I think we mistakenly limit creativity to arts and crafts. We see a beautiful piece of art and remark that the artist is "so creative." We forget that creativity really applies to all aspects of life. From the landscape designer putting together a beautiful garden, to the doctor who combines medications to help the ill patient, to the banker putting together an interesting account package, to the mother homeschooling her 5 children, to the researcher who comes up with a cure for a dreaded disease. Creativity is necessary to all our lives. Where would we be if creativity was truly limited to art?

I always cringe when I hear people state emphatically that "they are not creative." To me an equivalent statement is "I don't breathe." I want to shout, "Of course you are creative! Have you ever solved a problem? Have you ever figured out a way to do something? Then you are creative." We are all creative. Sometimes we don't recognize it. Sometimes we don't have very much experience with acting creatively. Sometimes we don't trust ourselves enough to act on that creativity, but that doesn't mean it isn't there. I think creativity is an inborn part of being human.

Sometimes creativity is born out of necessity. Perhaps we don't see that type of creativity because it just seems like solving a problem. However, it is the same process. An artist and a problem-solver work in exactly the same way. They have a vision and they set about realizing that vision.

May I propose a case in point? My good friend, Debbie, posted this video on her FB page and I was incredibly inspired and humbled by the creativity in this man. It is a short clip and very worth the 3 minutes.



I hope that we all recognize the creativity in our lives. It certainly makes the world a brighter place.

I'd love to hear of your recent creative exploits. Please leave me a comment boasting of something you've done recently. I want serious boasts people. Of course, they need to be true too. Don't be all shy. Let your creative light shine. In a few days, I'll choose someone at random and send them a little something because we all need a little something in the mail every once in a while. (For heaven's sake, that's why I order so many things online! hahaha)

xoxo
B

Craft Gawker

Shhhh...I'm about to let you in on a major secret...

Ready?

This site, Craft Gawker, is my new favorite place for inspiration. Whenever I have a few minutes and need a quick boost creatively, I travel to Craft Gawker. It is definitely worth checking out.

Have fun!

xoxo
B

Getting Big

Unlike all the other artists I know, when I found out that I'd have loads of wall space to fill at the Laveen Art League Gallery Opening on Friday night, I panicked. All of my art is small. Like 12x12 is the biggest I've ever done. How could I possibly fill feet of space with my little minis? I decided that it was time that I got bigger. I pulled out the 16x20 in. canvases and got cracking.

Initially I attacked these big guys like I do my minis, but I quickly learned this wasn't the best idea. Working big requires a whole new approach. Once I got that in my head, I felt more at ease with all the space. Now that I've got a little bit of experience, I've got loads of ideas swarming like little bees in my brain. I can't wait to get them all on canvas.

Here are my first two.

The first is Spring Sky. It is going to be on display at the Laveen Art League Gallery opening on Friday. If you live in the Phoenix area, the gallery is located on the corner of 51st ave and Dobbins in Laveen. Our gala event begins at 6 and I'll be there walking around with the kiddos. I'd love to see you.

Here are a few close-ups.

The second one is However Long the Night. As of this moment, I haven't decided whether or not it will be at the gallery. I'm still going back and forth. Thoughts?

I'm quite excited about the possibilities that working big offer. I find it creatively stimulating to try something new. But, don't you worry, I'm still loving the littles. Like this Orange Elephant (6x6 in) that I finally finished. I made this background at least 3 months ago and finally settled on a subject. I think this guy is just adorable. He'll be in my booth too. I think he is the perfect addition to the loose jungle theme that I've got buzzing about.

 Along the same theme is Jerry Giraffe (appearing on Friday night too). He's exactly what I love about sculpting. He measures about 11 inches tall.

While I was taking his pictures, he insisted in going outside for an extended photoshoot. I tried to convince him otherwise, I mean, it's like 120 degrees right now, but he wouldn't be swayed. Once I took this picture though, I thanked him for his stubborness.

He looks like he's really in the jungle. He felt so tough until a little ant crawled up his horns and freaked him out completely.

The final piece in my jungle theme is Wild Thing. This is another one that took me months to finish. I sculpted the lion forever ago and could never figure out where to put him. This piece will not be at the show, but it will appear in my etsy store next week. I'll update you. I've got a massive update planned as soon as this show is over. This piece is 8x10 inches not including the wire hanger.

I think this is perfect for the busy little boy.

As you can see, the lion face is 3D. I love combining 3D elements on 2D pieces. It just seems so contradictory and I like that.

I'll catch up with you again next week!

xoxo
B

On Mean Inner Critics

About a month ago I had a very vivid dream in which I met my inner critic. I knew that I had a very negative voice in my head, but prior to this dream, I hadn't personalized it in any way. It was an absolutely fascinating journey into my psyche.

My dream was set in the Phoenix Art Museum. I was there for an exhibit when I happened upon the curator. (In reality, I could bump right into the curator and not know, but for some reason in my dream I recognized her.) She was of average height, dressed in a mauve wool suit and pencil skirt with straight blond hair that just hit her shoulder. Impeccable make-up. Not a hair or thread out of place. (So unlike me with my zany curls and chipping self-done pedicure.) She was probably in her 40s. (I told you this dream was vivid!)

I approached the curator in order to follow up on an email that I had sent her of my portfolio. I mentioned that I was an artist and that it was one of my goals to be included in an exhibit. I reminded her of my email and asked her if she had received it. She assented and then immediately began her destruction. She ripped my artwork apart completely. Told me that I had no talent. That I was obviously untrained. She told me that I had absolutely no chance in making it as an artist. I was an idiot for even thinking I could. She said all the things that I tell myself when I'm fragile. It was beastly.

In my dream I began to cry after her tirade. Then, something remarkable happened. I wiped away my tears and looked at myself in the mirror and realized that I was at a critical juncture in my life. I knew that I had two choices:

1. Agree with her and give up art. Retreat and risk nothing.
2. Disagree with her. Go whole heart. Risk everything. Prove her wrong.

I decided on #2. And I woke up.

When I was a kid, whenever I came home devastated because of a critical comment, my dad would advise me to Blow them away quietly. He was so right. The best course of action against critics and naysayers is to prove them wrong. And you don't need to go about proving them wrong in an obnoxious way with trumpets and drums. Simply excel. That's all. Your excellence will quiet their negative comments.

Many years ago, when a talented young man applied for medical school he was told by an adviser that he wasn't doctor material. He should give up and try something else. The young man decided that his critic was wrong. He studied, retook the MCAT and got into med school. He graduated top of his class and went on to become a very well-respected physician. Later, this very same adviser presented him with an award for excellence in medicine. Remarkable. He blew him away quietly.

Michael Jordan was cut from his 8th grade basketball team. He could have put his basketball in the bin, never to be touched again. But he didn't. He worked harder. Risked everything. And went on to become one (if not the) best basketball player in the world. He blew the world away quietly. (Okay, maybe not so quietly...)

I know that I'm not the only woman with a nasty inner critic: constantly telling me that I'm devoid of talent. (Whether it be in art, mothering, intelligence, cooking, organization, whatever.) She's really, really mean. Sometimes she puts me in a dark place. But she's wrong. Absolutely and positively wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

And I'm going to blow her away quietly.

I certainly hope that you'll do the same.

xoxo
B

A Magical World

Anyone who tells you that magic isn't real, isn't a mom. As a mother, I witness sparks of magic quite often. You know, all those little sparks make up for the tough days when I drop into bed exhausted after the daily battle for sanity. (I'm not exactly sure who's winning that battle, however. Is it craziness or sanity? Talk amongst yourselves...)

Yesterday contained a magical moment that I felt I should share because sometimes all we need is a little spark, right? Well, perhaps you recall this post in which I chat about sacred P.B. (pink blanket) who is absolutely beloved by a certain 2 year-old resident of our home. If you've never been introduced to PB, go and read and come back when you're done. I'll insert a picture here of Q for those of you waiting.

Back? Great. Well, we now have 2 PBs: the original "little PB" who is the favorite and "big PB" who is more like a comforter-sort of blanket and who stays on Q's bed. Yesterday afternoon, little PB was missing at naptime which was sad-ish, but somewhat routine. Little PB was found a few hours later by a rocking big sister who proudly handed him over to a grateful Q. Here's the conversation that followed.

Elyssa: I found PB!
Mom: YEAH! (Jumping up and down, and making quite a fool of herself. See above question regarding the battle for sanity.)
Quinn: (happily) Sanks Wissie! Now I have little PB! (tone changes to somber) Big PB doesn't talk.
Mom: (slightly confused) Huh. Big PB doesn't talk?
Quinn: (matter-of-fact) No.
Mom: Does little PB talk?
Quinn: Yes.
Mom: What does little PB say?
Quinn: He says.....I love you....
Mom: (wiping tear and subsequent runny nose on a sleeve special hankie) Oh. Wow. I love you too.

Magic. Just melts my heart.