Saturday, February 21, 2009

My Neighbor Totoro

Ok, this isn't an artsy post. I've been working on some birthday cards, but I haven't finished them. I wanted to post about a movie I just saw. I ordered it from Netflix- it is one I've wanted to see for ages. I thought DH would watch it with me, but he informed me he was NOT interested in Japanese anime no matter what. Oh, well, excuse me!!! I decided that since I was taking it easy today due to not feeling well, I'd watch it. My Neighbor Totoro was so cute! I loved Spirited Away, and since this was by the same Japanese animation studio, I thought it would be good, too! Wow, was it ever!! I loved it! You must see it!
I don't want to give anything away- just say two sisters go to live in a new house with their dad while their mother is recuperating in the hospital. They meet this special spirit of the woods called Totoro. I know it sounds hokey, but you must see it! Such a sweet movie!!!

That's it for now. I'm still working on some cards I need finished by tomorrow. I'll be back soon!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Creative Juices. . .

Don't you hate when your creative juices are flowing, and you don't have enough time to get it all out on paper or even to satisfy the desire to make art??? I'm having that trouble now. I just want to draw and paint and stamp and play with techniques all at the same time. That is very difficult with a full time job and an equally full time husband (who is very needy!) Oh well. Guess I'll have to squish as much into Saturday as I can. Those are MY days! I can do what I want to do- after I go grocery shopping and while I'm working on laundry!! This Saturday, I need to make birthday cards. Next Saturday is the start of Tam's class. Check it out on her ning community here. I can hardly wait! Creative Saturdays, here I come!! Woo-hoo! Until then, I'll just have to do sketches and stuff at work! SHHHH!!

Ok, one more thing. Who has heard of a Zentangle?? What is a Zentangle you say?? Try this site. Ok, I've never heard of them until today. While searching for specifics, I found this video by Milliande. I think I'm going to try one- either sqaure or circle. I would love the pen that Milliande uses, but I will just use what I have now! They are awesome. When I was in college, I used to do doodles like this when I was bored in class, but I didn't limit them. I just let them go on! I'll let you know how my experimentation goes! If you have made some, I'd love to see them!

Kristin

Monday, February 16, 2009

Blog question

Ok, can someone tell me how to make a background for my blog> I've seen it on Nancy's blog and Shonna's blog. I want to know how to do it! Can anyone help? Thanks!

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Fabulous

I received a Blog award from Nicole (GothamGal!) I met her on 2Peas, and we started talking a lot. We are Christian Bale buddies- she more than I, but hey, he's a good actor! She makes tremendous cards, and she is very inspirational!


To pick up the Your Blog is Fabulous Award:
List 5 addictions
Cut and paste the award logo and use it in your own blog
Nominate 5 other blogs you think are fabulous
Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received the award
Link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation

Here are my 5 addictions:
1. Creating Art: art of any kinds gives me a high I rarely find anywhere else! I love stamping, painting, mixed media, whatever- just give me some time to do it, and I'm a happy camper! My only wish- to have a studio just for creating art!

2. Reading: though, this should be probably be lower on the addiction list as I don't always have time to do it, I still love. What else, besides movies, can transport you away from the norm and show you a new life and a new story- different from yours?? I love reading- mostly historical fiction, but I'm not picky!!

3. Movies- (bet you knew this one was coming!) Oh yeah! I LOVE movies! I buy them all the time. I'll watch a movie over and over when I get obsessed with one. I'll watch it back to back, I'll watch the special features! Give me a behind the scenes view, and I'm hooked. "Am I picky about my movies," you ask? Pretty much no, but I will not watch horror movies!!! However, animated, musicals, suspense, action, love story, comedy, satire, documentary- anything will work! Just no horror, please

4. Computers- especially the internet. I can spend hours on a computer and not even realize the time has gone by. I love searching the internet for a variety of things. I also love playing with images and graphics! I do some website design for my job, and I love it. (I really have no need for a personal website aside from my blog!) I just love computers!

5. Travel- oh, if I had more money, I'd go everywhere! Work? Who needs it! I need a job like Rick Steves; his only job is to tour the world and give advice to others through his books and TV shows. That would be the life! How fantastic to see all the corners of the world and get paid for it. I haven't been too many places, but I love going on trips and I love planning them. If a travel agent was a decent job, I think I would like to do that! Trips I would like to take: Paris, London, Ireland, Italy, Caribbean, US tour, etc! Just give me a glimspe of a hope of a trip, and I'm all over it!!!

Now, on to the nominations:
1. Shonna- She has the most amazing art- so whimsical and fun! She is so nice, too! She has always been kind when I've contacted her! I would love to get to know her better. Go check out her blog and you will be hooked as I am!!

2. Nancy- She is the nicest woman you'll ever meet. Plus, she makes the most incredible victorian art, you have ever seen!!!! She cleverly puts new images with old ones to make awesome creations!

3. Kimmie- She has the most interesting way of doing and seeing things! She does incredible work or all kinds! Everytime I visit her website, I'm in awe of the work she does! Awesome and inspiring!!!

4. Dawn- She does the most amazing and inspiring Journal entries. Very graphic and consiting of doodles! I love the way she journals! I've tried to immitate it, but I'm no Dawn! I still check her blog every day just to see what new and exciting thing she has done!!!!

5. Wyanne- I found Wyanne through YouTube! She does some very whimsical but beautiful artwork!! I love how different her collages are, and I love to watch her videos to see how she collages everything. It is fascinating to see what she uses to collage her images or to create her painted backgrounds! Thanks Wyanne!

Thanks, Nicole, again for the award! It means a lot!

I'm really hoping to get back into weekly blog updates if not more. I'm sorry it has been so crazy! Take care and keep making art!!!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Purple Fairy

I finally got my newest painting done! She is going into an auction at the elementary school I work at. I think she came out quite good!


I'm so proud! I hate to see her go tomorrow when the lady in charge of the auction comes to get her. Oh well. That is what I made her for. Now I have a very high res copy to make prints from! I'm so excited!!! Her skin is watercolor and the rest is acrylics! The dress and some of the wing parts actually are shimmer paint! I got the inspiration from Jasmine Becket-Griffith.

I hope this painting will bring in some commissions. I'm putting my business cards out with the painting at this silent auction. I'll keep you posted!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Absent

Yes, I know, I've been a little absent lately. I have been a little busy. I did finish a piece of art, but I left the scan on my computer at work! As soon as I get it here, I have to post it! I love it!

I've been trying to keep up with everyone's blog. I know I don't always comment, but I'm watching all of you! Don't think I'm gone- just busy away from the computer!

I hope to get back into my weekly updates soon-probably starting next weekend. This weekend, DH is taking me to a bed and breakfast for Valentine's day! He is so sweet. He found it himself! I was so impressed! Can't wait to go and have some time to relax!!

May God bless you! I'll be back soon!