Works in Progress...And Pillow Winner!

It's been a busy week at our house!  Pillow orders and paintings are in progress. 

I'm taking an online class called Mixed Media with the Girls, and it is fantastic!  If you have ever wanted to create art but were afraid to try, this is the class for you!  There are so many things I love about it, including that it is self-paced, the videos are so helpful, the projects are SO cool and beginner-friendly, and Wyanne makes them easy with tips and tricks!  I really think anybody can do these projects!

Here is one I'm working on of my 4 girls.  They aren't glued down yet and the girls and background aren't finished!

A close up of the collaged canvas...

This is a napkin that is collaged to the background.  It doesn't look like a napkin at all on the canvas!

And now for the winner of the Organic Pillow Giveaway!

Here is a photo of my son picking out the winner with eyes closed...

Drum roll please.....

The 6th comment is from Elizabeth.  Hooray! You are the winner!

Have a great weekend!

Anyone Can Kandinsky!

One of my favorite art books is The Usborne Children's Book of Art by Josie Dickins. 

We use this book as a starting point for many of our family art projects.

I read the pages about the artist that is our source of inspiration for the day...

...For example, the book says, "Kandinsky claimed that looking at colors made him hear musical sounds."

 While we create, we talk about this quote, what we think it means and what sounds different colors make to us. 

We talk about the color wheel, color harmony, complementary colors, how to choose colors to put next to each other and how that affects the feeling of the piece...

I am always surprised by what my kids say during these conversations.  It gives me insight into what is going on in their minds that they only have a chance to express while we are creating together. 

It's all just so unexpected and unpredictable, which is what I LOVE about the creative process.  We learn so much about ourselves and others.

Anyone Can Kandinsky.  This was one of the simplest projects we've ever done.

Supplies:

* Oil pastels, crayons or paint (we used oil pastels)

* Paper

* Image of Kandisky's artwork (Farbstudie Quadrate).  I printed one from the Internet.

Simple Steps:

1)  We read a little bit about Kandinsky and his work from the book I mentioned above.

2) We folded our paper until we had 6 even squares.  This alone was a nice challenge for the kids to solve.  We chose 6 circles instead of 12 (Kandisky's #) because of the size of our paper and their attention span.  I wanted them to really spend time on each circle rather than rush thru them to get all 12 done. Younger kids could do even 1 or 2 --OR--each person in your family could do one circle on the sheet, and you'd have a collaborative family piece of art.  How cool is that?

3) Start drawing, coloring and having fun!  Adults should participate too...you'll be surprised how much fun it is!

***These turned out beautiful and make great artwork to decorate your home.  Our baby stared at them for hours...so if you have a little one, use it to entertain and delight them too!  Nora loved the bright colors and contrasts.  We would prop it up with something while changing her diaper or while she was lying on the floor.

Remember, if you do any of these crafts...please send photos to me so I can post them on my blog.  Thanks!

And, don't forget to enter in the PILLOW GIVEAWAY from Monday's post.  Your odds are good-I think there are only 8 participants so far!

Pillow Giveaway and New Prices!

Organic...what a lovely word.  Whether referring to design or food, organic invokes a lifestyle that exists in harmony with nature.  Which is why my new favorite pillow in my house is the Organic one pictured below...

And, I'm giving one away this week!  (Make sure you enter to win at the end of this post.)

Shoppe News:  I've been working on arrangements to buy wholesale so that I don't have to charge so much...I'm making progress.  (A 12x24 canvas at Michael's is $40 people!)  Once I am an officially-registered business, I should have even more opportunities to buy wholesale.

For now, I've found ways to cut my cost so that I can reduce my paintings by $10 a piece and reduce the pillows by $4 as well.  Check the Etsy Shoppe for new prices!

I haven't had much time to paint lately, but I do have some new pillows to share that I love and hope you love too!

$15 each in my Etsy Shoppe.

 Made with 100% organic cotton.  You choose the back--same color as front, brown polka dots, dreamy green seen above or yellow polka dot (see fabric sample in my Etsy Shoppe).

Owls in Apple and Lemon Trees....$35 in Etsy Shoppe

(This one is taken, but I will create one in its likeness.  This one has a cute pink polka dot back.)

New Samples of Personalized Pillows too!

Owls are appliqued on the back of the pillow from my new fave fabric--owlies.

This colorful plaid fabric is an easy way to bring some color into a boy's room!

Personalized pillows are now priced at $35 (formerly $39)


Want to enter to win the Organic pillow?

1)  Leave a comment here. I'd love to hear your favorite quote or words you'd like to see in a painting, but if you can't think of anything just write whatever you'd like!

2) Please tell your friends via email or facebook about this blog and giveaway.

I'll announce the winner this Friday!

My Little Friend, Hope

This tiny flower grew out of our concrete steps last year.  I adored her and looked forward to our daily encounters...she seemed to be full of things to tell me.

She whispered to always have hope...anything is possible...love always wins...beauty prevails even amidst our darkest days...small  things count...believe the universe is on your side...

She shouted to not be afraid to show the world who you are...

She insisted that she wasn't the only one--that there was magic talking to us everywhere.  We just had to pay attention and listen.

And now, she is telling me to bloom--no matter where I am. 

Confession--I don't really feel like an artist...not yet.  Philosophically, I believe we are all creative beings...but when I try to apply that to myself, it's difficult. 

I didn't go to art school.  I don't know much about techniques and color theory.  I'm meeting other artists who know so much more than me and are so talented. 

Recently, this has paralyzed me....making me actually afraid to try to create...until I came across this picture and remembered my friend, Hope. 

I'm sprouting from a meager art background with just my desire to create because it makes me feel good.  But even if it what I create is something small--hopefully it can make other people happy too.

And, I'm tired of putting things off until that perfect time.  If this seed had waited for the perfect soil, she never would have bloomed on my front steps and brought me so much joy and wisdom. 

If I waited to start this blog until I felt like a real artist, it would never happen.

It is so easy to put dreams on hold until everything is perfectly aligned the way you imagine.  It's like having children--there is never a perfect time.   

So here's to being as hopeful and brave as a flower blooming in concrete!

And my little friend insisted that I end with this...

Be proud of who you are.  No matter where you are at in your journey.  You are enough.

Picture This!

It's my first Family Art Wednesday!  These projects are for everyone--whether you are a parent, grandparent, babysitter, aunt--you can do these with or for the kids in your lives. 

Before you know it, you'll be hanging your own unique art on your walls.  Here's something I made for the kids' bathroom.  And all I did was cut and paste!

Sunday is our Family Art Day.   Recently, we used family photos to create custom, one-of-a-kind artwork!


                                         Sophie and Nora in a canoe by Sophie

                                                The Family Circus by Emma

Nora awake at night and ready to party...based on a true story.

The kids loved imagining and seeing themselves in different scenarios!  They were putting their heads on different figures in magazines and on each other's bodies and thought it was HILARIOUS!

Interested in making your own?  Here is what we learned...

Supplies recommended:
* Photos of your family
* Scrapbook paper
* Markers
* Paint pens
* Glue

Tips:

1) Show your kids examples from this blog or visit Claudine Hellmuth's site to give them an idea about what you are going to do.


2) Have photos with various size headshots or scan your photos to your computer and shrink or enlarge them and then print out to fit your picture.

3) Put your photo down first and design your artwork around the photo to make sure the sizes match.

Kid Feedback:
Sophie said, "I liked knowing a few days before the project what we were going to do.  It gave me time to think about who I wanted in my art and what scene I wanted to put us in." 

Mom Feedback:
It is a good idea to give your kids a heads-up so that they can brainstorm about what they want to do, BUT kids are great at being spontaneous too.  Knowing who they wanted in their scene ahead of time helped me prepare by making sure I had enough headshots for everyone!

Good luck and please send me photos of your artwork  to share on this blog if you decide to make your own!

New Personalized Pillows! and Etsy Shoppe is Open!

1) Etsy Shoppe is open!  To celebrate, I'm offering 15% off everything this week!  Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/carrieschmitt 


(For custom and commissioned orders, there is a new tab above "Pricing and Purchasing.")

2) New Artwork is Available!  Beach Girl (or Boy) and Horse Lover...

3) Check out these adorable Personalized Pillows ($39 each in my Etsy Shoppe)!  I've got some really cute models too! 

That's my sweet little Blane, who picked fabric that had fish, baseballs, dogs and an overall blue/green scheme.

Nora, who is feeling under the weather, loved her pillow right away!  We picked out turtles, pears, polka dots, zinnias and pink plaid for hers.

This is the back of Nora's pillow.

My 3 older girls designed their own.  Don't they look great?

And the Winner is...

I'm so excited to announce the winners of the art giveaway! 

But first, I wanted to share some of my artwork...(I'm building suspense here, folks!)

Each painting is special to me, and I'll share some of the stories behind them over time.  Here are two and more can be found in my new "Art Gallery" tab above or click here.

Sunflower House (48inx60in)

Sunflowers have special meaning to us.  Last year I planted over 200 seeds with my children while 9 months pregnant.  My goal was twofold--to go into labor and to make a special house out of sunflowers for my children.

We had success on both fronts:

1) I went into labor and had Nora at home in a labor tub after only 2 HOURS of labor (apparently squatting to plant seeds does wonders).

2) My children enjoyed their Sunflower House all summer!

This painting will have to do as our Sunflower House until my heat allergy subsides, but I know someday I'll be outside planting more of these majestic beauties!  Until then, I'll fill our home with paintings of them, and always remember Nora's beautiful birth.

Love Found (16inx40in)

I created this to celebrate the way my husband and I met--we were neighbors.

While we were dating he sent me a note that said, "I love baseball, motherhood and apple pie, figures I would fall for the girl next door."  As soon as I read that line, I knew I had to paint it!

My First Art Giveaway...and a Tour of My Studio/Home

To celebrate the launch of my blog and to thank everyone for being so supportive, I'm giving away an 5in x5in original piece of art entitled, "Musical Tree." 

I used a gesso transfer technique from an online course I am taking with Claudine Hellmuth.

Because I am a) loving all things "tree" right now, b) it is fun to give stuff away and c) I love when I see people using reusable bags instead of plastic while shopping...

...a 2nd winner will receive this adorable reusable shopping bag that says, "Craft, Create and Conserve."  I know a lot of Crafty, Flying Women are going to love this.  And even if you are not a Crafty, Flying Woman, you will love it too!

To enter the giveaways:

1) Visit the new page I created on my blog that gives you a sneak peek at where I love to create--my studio/home.  You can click here or click on the tab at the top of this page that reads "Studio/Home."

2)Then leave a Comment below and tell me your favorite place to create OR something you love about your home. 

3) Please share this blog with friends.  Not required but would be much appreciated!

The contest will end this Friday, and I will announce the winner on my blog.

PS--My good camera has been in the shop for a couple of weeks.  I'm hoping to get it before Friday so I can FINALLY post some of my original artwork, not just the personalized paintings!  Stay tuned...

I will always...

* Miss my grandparents

* Carry my childhood friends in my heart

* Feel nostalgia for the summers of my youth

* Love to watch babies sleep

* Worry about my children when they are not with me

* Believe gardens are sacred places

* Love to create

* Ask why?
* Want to learn more

* Feel euphoric at bookstores

* Think my sister is beautiful

* Miss seeing my siblings every day
* Feel blessed to have such a loving family and grateful to my parents for everything

* Love to be in water
* Be drawn to the ocean's pull

*Wish I were still a diver

* Love the smell of baby breath and hair

* Wish my children weren't growing so fast

* Trust maternal instinct
* Treasure the experience of having all unmedicated births, especially Nora's waterbirth--that was so amazing!

* Search for soulmates and rejoice when we cross paths, even if only for a brief time

* Know what matters after spending the day at the Ronald McDonald House
* Treasure the small and the simple

* Remember when my son said to me, "Mom, you are my whole heart."

I 'd love to hear what is on your "I will always..." list.  Please share!

My Invincible Summer

Summer to me has always meant impromptu outdoor cookouts with loved ones, lazy days spent at the pool,  and being absolutely enchanted with the sights and smells of my garden.

Henry James said, “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” And I agreed with him…until now.

In the past year I have developed a severe allergy to heat (strange, I know). Now, I am sequestered inside my home for days and weeks at a time.

Initially, I considered this a curse and went through the typical cycle of loss--anger, pity, and so on. What was I going to do all summer without the pool and my beloved garden? Without cheering for my kids at their swim meets and baseball games?

I listened to my heart in sadness as I felt all the pain of losing a part of myself. But I also listened to my heart and let my deepest desires guide me toward a healthy and perhaps even more fulfilling place.

I secretly have always wanted to be an artist. I never had the courage because I thought it was frivolous and unnecessary. I didn’t think it deserved a high enough priority to make time for it. There are children to take care of and bills to pay and really my needs should come last, right?

According to my heat allergy, wrong. Suddenly, my calendar is wide open. Yes, I am unable to do fun outdoor activities, but also unable to do the mundane—grocery shopping, errand-running, chauffeuring children around town. I have more “free time” for myself than I have had since college.

Now, I’ve filled those gaps that left my heart aching with painting flowers instead of planting them. I’m taking amazing online courses about creativity. I’m learning to enjoy indoor plants. I'm learning how to sew.  I even started this blog.  I'm doing all the things I've put off for years!

I’ve felt gratitude from the love I’ve received from my parents and friends who are always surprising me in ways they offer to help, constantly redeeming my faith in humanity and reminding me to pay it forward and help someone else.

And, I’ve learned that art isn’t frivolous—it gives me an energy that makes me a better wife, mother and friend. Creating art was missing in my life, perhaps I just needed to let go of some things to make room for it…

like a sunflower that must die so that hundreds of new seeds have a chance to grow.

Could this heat allergy possibly be a gift? A curse and a blessing?

And this made me wonder, does everyone else feel this way about something in their own lives, as well? If so, I wish you patience and perspective as you uncover dimensions you never knew you had.

Albert Camus said, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.”

I think I have found my peace. This isn’t my gardening summer. It isn’t my poolside summer. This is my invincible summer.

                                            (photo courtesy of my adventurous sister, Erin)