Careers In Art

New Whimsical Goat!

I'm still working on art pieces for the Fiber Fusion Northwest and I'm having a great time doing something new and different.  I really like taking the original drawing/painting of the animal and then using photoshop to set it on a background.  Photoshop is fun!

                                     

Alpaca Art

I have a friend who owns and operates an alpaca farm (Alpacas from Mars) and she asked me to create a few pieces of alpaca art and jewelry for her to have at her booth at the Fiber Fusion Northwest event.  Here are a few of the pieces that I came up with.  I plan on making some pendants, magnets, notecards and prints.

Finally, a Chance to do some Art!!!

Finding Balance between Life and Art: Setting Short Term Goals

I've been feeling really guilty about not creating much this summer, and for neglecting my blog and facebook for the past few weeks.  On the other hand I also have a guilt complex about not spending enough time with my girls while I have the opportunity this summer.  So, for the past few weeks, I've put my art on the back burner and focused on my kids and family.  I've been assistant coaching my daughters select soccer team (and I'm loving it!), and I've been trying to spend more time playing with the girls, taking them and their friends inner tubing, or just hanging outside with them while they swim in the lake and play.

But now it's time to dive back into art...and I'm excited!  My long term goal is to simply SELL MY ART!  I have several short term goals that i've set to help me reach that goal, and I intend to accomplish each of these before the first of the year.  I'm listing them here so I can be held accountable!

1. Reorganize all art supplies and give away what I don't need, want or use.  
2. Apply to be a part of a local art gallery and bring some of my smaller paintings, prints, cards and      jewelry to be considered.
3. Continue improving my blog and website.
4. Create at least one more video tutorial.
5. Complete at least 2 pieces of artwork each month.
6. Revisit and complete some of the online courses I haven't been able to finish.
7. Submit something to either a Somerset or Cloth Paper Scissors Reader's Challenge.

I think that ought to do it!  I'm going to be a busy girl!  But I'm ready and eager to get started!  What are your short term goals?  It helps to get them out there, on your blog, facebook or just verbalized to someone you trust in your life to hold you accountable.  I am notorious for having goals and then getting distracted and leaving them by the wayside.  My best intention is to stick to these few things and see them through.  I have 3.5 months right?

Here is a link to an article that tells a story, illustrating the importance and effectiveness of setting short-term goals.  Maybe reading it will help you to set your goals, both long and short!

What I've been up to lately: Pendants and Portable Light Box

More New Pendants

Pictured above is a photo of some of more of my Art Pendants I've created using dominos, and round glass pieces.

I've been struggling with getting good photos of these because of the shiny surface of the resin and glass.  There is usually way too much glare to get a good picture.  I took this photo using a light box I recently made using foam core and white construction paper.   (See picture below)

Soccer Bag Domino Tag

I've been busy helping coach my daughter's select soccer team this summer.  I made these domino name charms for their soccer bags.  They turned out great!  I drilled a whole in the domino's, stamped a soccer ball in the corner and used Ranger alcohol inks to color the rest of the domino in their team color.  I then sealed the top with a light coat of modge podge before writing their names.  Next I wrote their names using a Sakura Souffle pen.  To make them durable I poured a thin coat of resin on the tops!  I think they turned out great!

Take Apart/Portable Light Box

This is a portable light box I made using foam core and construction paper.  The link for the Tutorial is here.  It's a great way to make an inexpensive light box that you can disassemble when you need to store it and assemble again when you are ready to take photos of your work. 

Using Weebly to build your own FREE website...

Here is a slideshow of some of the new jewelry I've recently added to my Art Play Today Shop.  I've been using Weebly to build my website and the best part is...It's Free!!!  I've attempted many websites before and Weebly is by far the best.  As long as you have a PayPal account (which is also free) you can set up your own store on your Weebly website.  If you want to have your own original domain name, you can buy yours very inexpensively at GoDaddy.Com.  It's very easy then to have your website name match your blog name or whatever unique name you come up with.  To build your own website it's as easy as "drag and drop".