15 minutes of mixed media: an exercise in art and time management

You might remember reading here that I have to sometimes give myself small amounts of time in the studio, as opposed to none. I'll take it.

Some days are great and I get in there for hours on end. Others, not so much. I have been debating on how I could make those few moments more productive. This is what I came up with. - set a timer. That's it. Nothing monumental, nothing life altering. Just simple time management.

It works for violin practice. It works for silent reading. It works for time out. Why couldn't it work for art journaling? painting? project planning?

And so I bought a cute timer and I set it. This is what I got on day one. A beautiful art journal page. I worked quickly and diligently, but with no pressure to finish. After all, I get to set the timer again tomorrow.

For those inquiring minds- I set the timer for 15 minutes for this layout and I completed it in that time frame. I worked on foundation page that already had a base print that I created using the gelli plate. (my favorite tool of all time) Sorta like beat the clock only better, and prettier.

art stuff: tag love

I love tags and I use them for everything. They are cheap and you can buy them in bulk. Most recently this is my favorite.

A little art paper, dylusions inks, some stitching and this stamp set (my favorite). Add a little ribbon and and you have a pretty card for that special someone.

currently: 10 things

I have to thank my pal Sandi for turning me on to Ali Edwards CURRENTLY  last year. It was a way to share what is really just REAL in your life right now. A way to touch base with our readers without overwhelming them on a daily basis. A little peek into the real us. This year Ali tweaked it to this, and following her and Sandi's lead I am playing along. I used to be really faithful about this stuff. I fell off the wagon. Whatever. Sometimes there just isn't a whole lot worth sharing. I promise to TRY to be better this year. Wish me luck.

1. Loving this new app - Printstagram, by Social Print Studio. It makes printing photos fun again.Has brought me back to my roots a little- scrapbooking with a mixed media twist. Loving the tiny prints. Super cool to make miniature layouts, like the size of baseball cards. Love. Love. Love.

2. Parking myself in the studio each day no matter what. Ten minutes or ten hours makes no difference to me as long as I get in there. It makes me happy, so I need to do it.

3. Creating new things for my etsy store. I have been behind. Life has a way of happening - over and over again, but I am making an effort and with it, great strides.

4. Planning on shopping for a video camera this week. I have THREE workshops planned and ready to film. I just refuse to film one more time with a camera that runs solely on batteries. Yea. No wonder I have only filmed two of the five so far.

5. Collecting eggs daily. A treat to have fresh eggs each day.

6. Learning to build my routine around a new infant. Babysitting three days a week for my granddaughter and loving it. Chaotic schedule and all. I. AM. IN. HEAVEN. I guess I knew I was born to be nothing more than a mother. Having six of your own should prepare you, but the love that gushes forth for that first grandchild is unfathomable.

7. Organizing my paint bins. Because that is what I do. Organize. Over and over again.

8. Watching LOST on Netflix. My friends got me hooked. Thanks guys. I want to do nothing after the kids go to bed but watch 47 episodes of that crazy good show. In the middle of season four and trying to pace myself. It suddenly dawned on me the other day that this was going to come to an end soon. Noooooo.

9. Missing my Mr. His work schedule keeps him away 19 hours a day. That is followed by a few short hours of sleep. So yes I miss him. We miss him. All of us. This has to end soon. I pray daily that the Lord will show him a path that is less consuming.

10. Giving up coffee. At least for the most part. It has been difficult, but rewarding. I am finding that I can live without it afterall.  For the most part.

art stuff: she loves pretty

My number one fan loves PRETTY and so I always find myself creating things for her.

This painted pouch found it's way to her most recently and she did what she does best - applaud and drool and make me feel really, really good.

She has a gift for making someone feel like they are worth what they are doing, giving, creating. She has a gift for making someone feel cherished and loved.

I trust her judgement and I value her friendship. She is a gem and she deserves all the pretty she can get. I love you SK.

the process: simple painted berry basket

I picked up these berry baskets at my local feed store this past spring and have been using them in the pantry every since. Thought I would dress a few of them up for fun!

 

It was a simple process. First I painted the base of the basket with craft paint. I used a lighter wash of the same color for the inside of the basket.

 Next I doodled on my basket. I used a variety of different sized paint pens.

I added a few little pops of color along the way, using craft paint, followed by more doodles.

 Super quick. Super easy. And a pretty way to display your favorite trinkets or present a holiday basket of goodies to your neighbor!

Blessings to you and yours at Holidays and always! Enjoy!

newsworthy: social print studio rocks

I recently printed some photos with Social Print Studio and they ROCK! Once you hold one of their prints in your hands you will know what I mean - they feel great! Chunky and smooth and perfect. Their little books and stickers, well, just order some to see how great they are - saaaweeet!

Their site was user friendly, fast and affordable. I will order again very soon! Just thought I would spread the word since I was totally thrilled with my order! (p.s. they didn't pay me to say this stuff and probably don't even know I am posting it - I was just really loved my photos!)

art stuff: pretty stuff & a chance to win

This is on the worktable this week - pretty zipper pouches...

These two bold and bright babies are sold, but look for more in my etsy shoppe next week! If you like this you could try to win THIS ONE in an auction over at this talented girls blog! But hurry - you only have until Friday!

art stuff: gift card pocket with ART POPS

So you know I love these ART POPS and have already created this sketchbook and this party invitation , but I wanted to share an idea with you on how you can use just one simple card to create a pretty gift card pocket.

I used one of the Lo's Serendipity Cards, painted and doodled the center, folded, stitched up the sides and added a smidge of sticky velcro.

 Super easy. Super cute. LOVE!

newsworthy: win this pretty painted pouch

I gave a little peek of this here, when I talked about Roben-Marie's awesome Mixed Media Essentials stamps and what I did with them, but...

...I wanted to give you a few more shots of what this pretty painted pouch looked like.

You can win this in an auction over at Roben-Marie's blog next week, so be sure to stop over and read all about it!

Good Luck! ...But don't worry if you don't win this one - more coming to the etsy shoppe here soon!

studio stuff: work is good

...even if it means a big mess.