30 Days of Creativity: Day 28

This was way harder to commit to than I originally thought. Maybe I’m just not that great at sitting down for a good amount of time to do every challenge. Maybe I don’t like the restriction of topics, even though they’re fun topics. 30 Days of Creativity, I’m not going to give up on you yet. I appreciate those who haven’t given up on me either. Been trying to follow the other “30 Days” bloggers that linked to the original post on Craft Critique. How is everyone doing?

Day 28: Paint with your fingers.

I used gloves. Is that cheating? I think safety first. My paint is acrylic, but some had ingredient warnings on the label. You would probably wear gloves, too. This needed a little something more…

… okay, I likey now. Reminds me of my Nick Bantock-inspired card. Except there I used a brush and rubber stamps (instant artistic flair). I think I should explore more paint and ink projects – you know, when I have more time. *sigh*

Tags: 30 days, art, cards, finger painting, nick bantock, paint

30 Days of Creativity – Day 27

Four challenges to go in the 30 Days of Creativity

Day 27: What is the usual theme of your work?  If you tend to create joyful, bright and optimistic art, then try to create something somber or dark… or vice versa.

I never considered if I have a usual theme in my work, but if I had to describe it somehow, I guess it would tend to be on the positive side and easily understood. Though I love abstract and sometimes eerie art, I haven’t had much success in that. Here’s an attempt at something off my norm – a little darker, maybe? And using magnetic poetry.

What’s your usual theme?

Tags: 30 days, art, poem, poetry

30 Days of Creativity – Days 21 and 22

Time to pull this all together! 30 Days of Creativity has turned into something like “months-and-months” of creativity. I’m wondering how many others have kept up with this challenge. And that’s exactly what it’s been… challenging.

Day 21: Find and photograph one object in your home and create something inspired by it.

Our stairwell. It greets me each morning – and when the sun is out, an amazing amount of light comes pouring in.

I’ve been sketching lines upon lines trying to capture the geometry, but I still want to incorporate some shadowing. So, the project isn’t done… yet.

Day 22: Take time today to thank your favorite creative people for their talents.  Comment on their blogs, Facebook and Twitter.

If you have a little time, visit these sites of goodness!

Mod Podge Rocks by Amy Anderson | Angry Chicken with Amy Karol | Ashley at Film in the Fridge | Architecture at Searching for Silsbee

Churchmouse Yarns & Teas | Share the world of tea with TeaLula

Tags: 30 days, art, crafting, Friends and Family, thanks, websites

Inspired by Maroon 5

(A little backwards today -  Day 17: Sing.  Sing a song… make it simple to last your whole life long!  How did that feel?)

I’m so excited to see Maroon 5 this week. So. Excited. Missed them in October, so I made sure I bought tickets early when I found out they were making another stop here. My kids are looking forward to it, too – so much so that we’re jamming along to the albums and practicing on Band Hero.

So, yes, my husband and I are taking them to the concert. It’ll be fine, it’s outdoors… the weather is supposed to be fantastic. I’m just a little worried that they’ll be too tired and miss the songs they want to hear, or the little guy will miss seeing Adam Levine in person. You can’t imagine how angry Ollie gets. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

Day 16: Do you create best when your emotions are high?  Do you turn to creative endeavors when you are sad, angry, or just filled with joy?

I used to think I created best under pressure. It’s just that I finish projects under pressure, self-inflicted or not. Creating for me isn’t when emotions are high; inspiration seems pretty random for me. Whatever I’m feeling, when I create, I’m transported, distracted for a little while. I empty my head, and fill my heart. Does that make sense? Then I finish, and voila! – I return to my routine.

So I offer my Maroon 5 inspired art. Music moves me… what better way to get in a creative mood than to immerse myself in their albums? Try it sometime. Listen to your favorite artists and create. Maybe you already do.

Can you guess which songs inspired which pieces? (Click on the thumbnails to zoom.)

All Tangled Up, the “Monster” and last little inchie (number 7)… really like those.

Tags: 30 days, art, concert, doodles, doodling, Maroon 5, music, music groups, summer

30 Days of Creativity – Day 13: Mixed media

Day 13: Try something new!  Play today with a new form of art or craft!

Not long ago I reviewed some pretty cool art supplies for Craft Critique and made this mixed media mini-scroll (rubber stamping on fabric). I have to say, those gelatos are super fun to use! And even though mixed media artwork (artwork in which different materials are used) might not be new, it’s a form I haven’t explored in a very long time.

Mini-scroll

Any readers trying something new this summer? Here are a few sites for you to check out. Won’t you share some of yours too?

• For techniques and projects to inspire you, Mixed Media Art.
• A Little Imagination and a Pile of Junk by Debra Cooper
• Donna Downey’s Inspiration Wednesdays have great “how-to” videos and material lists

Tags: 30 days, art, craft critique, mixed media, websites

30 Days of Creativity: Day 5

What artists do you seek out for inspiration?  Create a small something based on your source.

That depends on for what I’m seeking inspiration: card making, sewing project, kid art project, home decor, event planning (details, it’s all in the details)? Sometimes it’s a matter of finding inspiration where you least expect it… I might be trolling the net for recipes, find a picture of the chef in his or her kitchen and see a kick-butt poster or a cute apron in the background. There! Inspired.

My problem, if you can call it that, is that I find it so easy to see bits of creative influence in everything I see… like inspiration ADD. Then I want to make everything I think about when clearly there’s just not enough time right now. *sigh* But, I do just love looking around at all the possibilities.

There are a few artists (professional or not) whom I like to go to when I’m seeking some uuumph in my creative ruts: Donna Downey, Sark, Patricia Zapata… all these women have strong personal styles that shine through their work. All very different, and I love that.

This past weekend we had a few birthdays to celebrate, so I didn’t create something specifically based on these sources, but had a great time wrapping presents with leftover fabric as ribbons and making my own paper bow. And, you can’t forget birthday cards! Love using my i-rock tool… There’s something I picked up from the hardware store, too. Can you spot it?

Embellishments and papers from Imaginisce

Tags: 30 days, art