More Art Unraveled

A few more photos from Art Unraveled- Trashy Clutch Class...

Excuse me While I RAVE!

It is the end of my second day of teaching here at ArtUnraveled and while my hotel room is trashed with all of my supplies, I am tired and my voice is nearly gone... I am buzzing with creativity and pure gratitude for all of the fabulous women in my classes. I love teaching but I always get a little nervous that things only make sense in my messy brain- that splatter, messy swipes, crawling around on the ground and all kinds of other stuff may not be interesting to other people.  But those worries always disappear within minutes when everyone exceeds my expectations and turns all of the techniques completely into their own- it is so inspiring to see creativity in action, to watch others working through their own creative fears, finding all kinds of new ways to express themselves with color, paint and texture.  Here are some photos from yesterday's Large Than Life class (tomorrow I will post pics from today's class!)

Stephanie

Graciela 

Pati 

Marissa

Mary

Renee

Sherry

Jacalyn

Lyn

Excuse Me While I Rant

I typically don't get too personal or rant on my blog but a rude comment this morning that was left on my previous blog post has got me all riled up and quite frankly offended which means I feel the need to get a few things straight for those who follow me-

If you have an issue with me or anything that I post please send me a personal email instead of leaving an anonymous comment- while criticism is tough to hear I welcome the opportunity to personally address opinions through email.

If you have taken a class from me online and you are not satisfied please let me know so I can refund you money- All I want is to offer some reasonably priced online classes and to share my messy world with as many of you out there that are interested and for you to be happy with what you are learn.

I am running a creative business and my blog is the forum for me to make that happen- while there are many wonderful blogs out that are more personal and more of a journal- my blog serves as the way that I communicate and market my little business.  I am a VERY private person and try very hard to keep personal details about my life to a minimum and really just focus on my creative life and journey as an artist which is now my full time profession and is all about the process of making and selling my art. 

For those of you out there (SO MANY OF YOU!) who have supported and followed me through it all...thank you!!! I appreciate all of the amazing blog love that I receive everyday and I continue to find inspiration in all of you who on your own artistic journeys and are creating amazing work!!!

Now back to regular scheduled programming :)

Graffiti Chic

I have been a little behind with sharing student work from my online classes! So since another round of my class Graffiti Chic just started last week I thought I would share work from the last class which was 5 weeks in May as a little preview of what to expect!

If you are looking for a really fun, messy and totally freeing class in the comfort of your own home...this class is for YOU!! I am always completely surprised and TOTALLY inspired to see how people put their own spin on the techniques that I teach and once again the May class blew me away!!! Here are a few student samples

Beyond Tired!

I am blogging from Arizona where I arrived yesterday to teach at ArtUnraveled for the next two days and as much as I miss home I have to say that I am happy to have some time to myself! I've spent the last week participating in a family wedding and ALL the events that go along with it and I am beyond tired from the socializing, eating and dancing but was surprisingly totally organized and prepared to leave the morning after the wedding (except for leaving the pedal for my sewing machine at home- at least we live 10 minutes from the airport!).  More to share later!!

Shop Updates!

I've finally updated my shop- with lots of earrings, cuffs and pouches!

Updates

I've been pretty busy the last few days but here are some updates and goings-on!

1.  I have been busy getting ready to teach Larger Than Life and Trashy Clutch at ArtUnraveled next week and wouldn't you know we also have a HUGE family wedding this weekend- which means getting everything finished and packed by tomorrow- which means house guests- which means the house needs to be cleaned...sigh.

2.  We FINALLY got a new bed and it is GLORIOUS!!  It is a king and it is such a perfect combo between fluffy and firm.  I am hoping that it will help my back continue to feel better.

3.  It dawned on me today that I have not used deoterant in a week! Ugghhh...while I am loving this new life pursuing my passion, growing a creative business and working from home...I do miss the "forced schedule" that a "normal job" often provides.  I have been struggling to find my groove, a schedule that works with my creative vibe- I know that I have likely been working too much or not enough each day and as soon as I catch up a little and get through this month I will be trying to figure out what works best. 

4.  The August Graffiti Chic online class started today and if you are looking for some funky fun- sign up! You can register any time during the next 5 weeks and have 3 additional weeks to access everything.  

5.  In the next couple of days I will finally be getting around to updating my Etsy Shop with some new work- purses, pouches and cuffs!

Around the Clock

I've been working around the clock all weekend- I've barely had time to come up for air but tomorrow I will finally have time to share!

From the Vine

Yippeee!! The first of my roma tomatoes this morning picked fresh from the vine!

Upcycled Tank Top Project

I wanted to share another little project from my current online class Recycling Remix!  This week is using and reusing fabric in different ways.  I started this simple upcycled tank top project at the Long Beach Quilt Festival last week as an example of HOW SIMPLE and COOL carved vegi stamps can be but I have taken the project a little further.

I think we all have a tank top or even t-shirts in our closets that are old or just not very exciting- this simple project will transform plain tops to fun embellished fashion!!

Start by carving a stamp from your vegi of choice (personally I like sweet potatoes the best!) I use wood carving tools but you can also use an exacto blade or even a very sharp knife.

Then stamp all over the tamk top or tee- I used black silkscreen ink but you could also use fabric paint or even acrylic paint (I guarantee none of the above will come out in the wash!) I decided to only stamp around the v of the tank.

Next, I embellished the tank with colorful little buttons.  

And...VOILA!!!! A colorful, sassy and one of kind transformed tank!!!