In the studio 6-25

The month of June has flown by. We returned from a wonderful trip to New Braunfels and spent time with Todd's family. Here's a picture of J.T. jumping into the river. Fun times.

As I mentioned, I love painting on these circles, so I chose them as a canvas for 2 paintings I finished this week for fundraisers. The floral circle went to the Claiborne Charity auction and the Owl one went to an event in West Monroe called Shake 4 Jake. Both excellent groups of people who help others in need.

I continue to find "treasures" just begging to be re-purposed. I've added some photos of recent trips. Let's just say I never take over $20 in a store with me....and I always leave with change ! The Rebel Man I found for less than $1, gave it a fresh new look, and left it on my cousin's doorstep yesterday. They are West Monroe Rebels. I have come across 2 of those ceiling medallions lately. Love them. I need to find a place for them in my house. See the 3 glass/wooden canisters? I just painted those black. I have a hard time deciding on what I want to keep for myself and what I want to sell. If you see something you like, let me know. I'll show the canisters soon.

I'm starting orders for the gallery next week, so I plan to be busy in the studio and crank out some paintings including a couple of Write-Ups and some windows.

I've also had the pleasure of meeting a precious little girl who will be starting private art lessons with me next week. I'm looking forward to it and am reminded that is my calling. If anyone reading is interested, I plan to start private lessons now that the boys have both graduated. I can start anytime this summer or after school. Please contact me at toddsuzy@bellsouth.net or give me a call. I will be teaching on Monday and Tuesday afternoons.

Search for inspiration this week.

Suzy

In the studio 6-11

The "Emilee" painting above is a gift for a friend and matches the cute Pottery Barn bedding green Daisy Garden. I don't know if Jennifer W. reads my blog but this is her surprise. I had a cabinet door (several of them actually) that I bought in Canton. They were cheaper than canvases and have a nice architectural detail.

Two others things above are from Canton. First, the picture of some ribbon. It reminds me of my 2011 word: HAPPINESS. THIS ribbon....makes me so happy. Inspiring. Beautiful. Fabulous. Yummy.

Then on "Junk Alley" (anyone know where I'm talking about?) I found this cute little white wooden box sitting there. It has probably been there for months just waiting on someone to notice. It was only $4. It was already white like this...and antiqued. I knew right away I could use it as a display to sell my gift tags and notecards. I had a drawer knob that Todd added for me and then I tied some of that fabulous ribbon on. My latest addiction is re-purposing. Some call it up-cycling. I like to think of it like this: "Use what you have (or buy really cheap) to create something better".
Now speaking of re-purposing, it makes me happy to support local thrift stores. There are some that are ministries started by people who love the Lord and want to help those in need. I'm not sure how much I "need" most of the things I buy, but I sure consider them treasures and it makes me happy to clean them up, give them a fresh new look and ready for a new home. Today my total bill was $6.00 for 25 items. SERIOUSLY. Check out the vintage milk bottles. I found 5 of them, cleaned them and "shabbied" them up with some ribbon. They're for sale. See the CUTE fabric they're on? Like a soft cotton vintage piece with crocheted edges? Yep, THAT was one of the 25 items today. You can see it better under my notecard box. Then the other piece. OMgoodness. I bought the black base on another trip. It was not-so-pretty when I bought it but a fresh coat of black paint and ta-da. Today I found the tall glass dome. Perfectly in tact. These sell for atleast $25 retail. Yep, one of the 25.

So, I guess the theme of my post tonight goes back to some earlier posts...ART is all around you. TREASURES are all around you. Train yourself to look for them. Notice pretty things. What can you find?

Do what you love and love what you do.

Next post: Windows and Write-ups.

Suzy

P.S. You know what people are putting in glass jars or bowls now in up-scale vintage shops? Birdseed and Glitter. I loved both. White glitter in a little vintage glass jar = happiness. Birdseed in a silver footed bowl with a pewter bird: oh yea. Check out www.laurieannas.com It is a cool place in Canton.

In the studio 6-8

Since I last posted my mom, sister and I took a road trip to Canton. It was very hot and thankfully mom had the foresight to get us a hotel room. We ended up staying 2 nights and had so much fun. I cannot begin to tell you all of the creative things that I saw. I call that "Idea Overload" lol.

Back in the studio I have been finishing some baby paintings. I love baby names. I actually have some picked out for my granddaughters some day hehe.

And... we're off again next week Thurs- Sun. The 4 of us will be going to New Braunfels for a family reunion w/ Todd's side of the family. I went last year w/ my in-laws and it was so much fun. I couldn't believe we had never made a point to go. They have been meeting every year for a LONG time at the same spot.

Here's a look at 3 of the baby paintings. One little boy ironically will be named Allen. No relation. The "Cute Announcement" was fun to paint. I like owls lately. This girl made contact w/ me by getting my info. from the back of a Cute Announcement I painted for her as a gift from a mutual friend.

Then, there's the "Murphie" circle painting. Have I mentioned I am hooked on painting using circles as my canvas? I love how they are different, bold, and graphic. The first floral one I did is in the window at the gallery in Magnolia right now. I found a few "odd" things to paint on in Canton too and am excited to get started. Working on re-purposing some treasures and I still have a couple of Write-Ups and window paintings to finish.

Coming Up: Claiborne Charity fundraiser and a cool event called Shake4Jake in Monroe. More information soon.

Do what you love and love what you do...

Suzy

In the studio 5-29

Geesh. Over a month since I've posted. I like bloggers who update daily, so I'll try to do better than once per month :)

Where did we leave off.....

The month of May was a little rough to say the least but I'm thankful to have a job and one that I love. Nothing is perfect and I had plenty of paperwork to remind me of that, however, it's done and I now have almost 3 months off. Ahhhh, the joys of teaching.

I've done 2 more "write-ups" and 2 more on order. I'm drawn to big, colorful, graphic florals lately and was inspired to do something on a circular canvas. A creative friend is good at cutting out wood and she did a huge wooden circle for me. It's in the gallery in Magnolia so stop by if you get a chance. The Cosmopolitan Ladies Club is full of fabulous art... such an inspiring place.

I've also made a set of "color-your-own" notecards. They are black and white and come packaged cute with envelopes and colored pencils. A great idea for kids to do in a restaurant or party.

I have a few baby paintings to catch up on this week and MUST finish a large mobile mural for our church youth group. Our youth minister is starting a ministry in the community and I think this will be the logo/backdrop. I'm so thankful the Lord does not procrastinate.

Looking back over the week....even though I feel extremely exhausted....it has been fun. Last Friday was the last day of school. That evening we had a local fundraiser called "Potluck for the Pots" where the town raised money to re-do the bathrooms at our local event center the Fair Barn. It was the CUTEST theme and was a reminder we have so many creative and generous people in our town. Over $17,000 was raised and kudos to the Killgores who lead our creative, generous people. The centerpieces were rolls of toilet paper wrapped in tulle, tied with a ribbon and a gerber daisy. Genious.

Saturday I went to the Blossom Festival by myself and had a nice day looking at artwork. (I like going places by myself BTW..and if you see me I will be in another world). I'm always inspired by art shows and they make me realize I need to step up my game as a teacher.

On Saturday night there was a wonderful event at our local museum to unveil a new show they have on designer Geoffrey Beene, a Haynesville native. It also included Folk Art by the students in our parish and the adult workshops. On Sunday the museum also hosted a reception for the public featuring the work. Another great local place you should visit. The exhibits are first-class. Look for workshops later this year on recording oral histories...I cannot wait.

And THEN....Sunday afternoon I escaped to the "River". We call it that b/c the guys usually go there to trout fish. It's the Little Missouri River in Murfreesboro, Ar. I HIGHLY recommend staying at the SWAHA cabins. They are located at Narrows Dam on Lake Greeson. My mom and dad give the guys a night at the cabins for Christmas and we did not get to use them for trout fishing earlier in the year, but instead they fished Lake Greeson for the first time and it was GREAT. Did you know that locusts make a noise that sounds like an alarm? Wierd ! Anyway just the 4 of us went and it was perfect. It's only a 2 hour trip and it is the most beautiful river. I sound like Rick Rowe LOL. Do YOU need a STAYcation planner?

Friday Todd and I went to Shreveport and came home with a new truck. Suckers. For only $12 per month more we could buy new LOL. And, we did. It is very beautiful and black vehicles are my favorite. My husband does work very hard and I'm happy for him.

Saturday was the Claiborne Jubilee. They also had an auction where local artists painted chairs. They were all so impressive ! I visited with some friends there and met up with a most interesting folk artist from Minden, my friend Alma = the next Clementine Hunter.

I left there a while and went to another fundraiser for my friend Kelley. Are you getting all of this? I know what you're thinking....geesh at all of the fundraisers but that is the point ! Life is all about helping others. It's a great big circle of loving and giving and it's just what we do. Sometimes there is a need and sometimes you just do things because the truth is there's nothing we can do. Life is in God's hands. Thank goodness. So, like 1000 people were there to EAT. Todd was working and only had about 5 men there so I grabbed them all plates and delivered them to work. I must say that was the BEST BBQ. I don't know who cooked it...or who seasoned it but good grief it was good. WHO cooked that peeps? Do you know? I know 50 men cooked it, but who seasoned it? yummy.

Then today.....today is my mom and dad's 46th Anniversary. What a blessing. 10 of us met up at Mudbug Madness. It was fun.

And now, it's almost 10:00 and my husband is making comments about me being on the computer so long to which I lovingly remind him of his Angry Bird addiction.

Oh, I forgot to finish posting about the Jubilee Saturday and the Art Show. I'll save that for another post though. This has been long enough, so thanks for reading :)

Do what you love and love what you do....

Suzy

In the studio 4-27

I'm hooked on creating these mini designs in black and white. I had some scraps of nice paper that I did not want to throw away. Plus, a friend asked me to create some give-aways that would fit in a 3-1/2" square box. They need a name....help Erin.

Even my students are excited and I think they are lovin' it as much as I am. If any parents are reading (or anyone who wants to try these mini's) ...there is a special pen at WalMart. I'll add a picture. These are probably in the scrapbooking section and are permanent, acid-free, etc. I'm using a .01 tip size but anything small will work.

I also spent a couple of hours at the photo kiosk at WalMart. I knew I wanted something resembling a business card, and I ended up doing a collage advertising the "Write-Ups".

Hope you enjoy all of the pictures tonight. I encourage you to look for ART all around you. Make a point to recognize it and appreciate what the Lord has created just for us. He's the Maker of all things....

Suzy

In the studio 4-19

Not much happening in the studio this week. Judged some local art (not my students) for the first time yesterday. So impressive. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE children's art? Pure imagination.

I received some pictures today from the talented photographer and former student of mine, Miss Heather Lee. I'm not crazy about having my picture taken, but I do love the props and backgrounds. I'm working on some artist cards and an artist bio so I needed a creative picture or two.

I came across something cool this week called a "Zentangle". Check them out at zentangle.com. I'm stuck on creating these zentangles whenever I have a little bit of time...like waiting on a coke at Sonic or something.

So, you start with something called a TILE. This is a 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square piece of paper. Something nice and thick. Then you draw a STRING. The idea is to quickly draw a line without thinking to get you started. Imagine if you dropped a string on the paper, how would it look? Draw it. Real quick.

Then you basically doodle patterns and designs to form patterns to fill up the tile. The overall piece is called a zentangle. Zen represents the idea that these should be relaxing. A tangle is the pattern.

Here are a few pictures to give you the idea. This is a perfect example of a project that looks really hard, but it's not. They are fun. Try it.

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

In the studio 4-13

Sothankful after being disappointed today with student behavior

that I can come home to my studio. (Bedroom at home turned into an Art Room which I now call my Studio)

I need to practice my 2011 word: happiness. My studio makes me happy. My "write-up" paintings make me happy. Therefore, I'm showing pictures of these 2 one more time. I had to um, CORRECT the spelling on my purple one. Then I finished adding the last few lines on the Go Green Write-Up yesterday afternoon.

Here's a couple of up-close views too. Have you "read" these yet?

Next there is a photo of my bookmarks in a display piece I re-purposed. This was a Home Interior basket with apples on the label.

I also had a spice rack to match. Ran out of room in my kitchen and it dawned on me the other day to re-paint the labels with chalkboard paint. So, voila.

My altered art instructors always issue a challenge for us at each meeting. Last month they gave us a baby food jar and an egg. We can make anything we want. I'll let you know how that turns out...

I'll leave you with another idea from the list I mentioned a few posts back. The website is www.kerismith.com. I'm lovin' it.

*** Glue an envelope in your journal and for one week collect items that come your way ***

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

In the studio 4-12

"GREEN JEANS" is the title of a new exhibit my students are working on. The picture shown here (sideways) is a pair I painted as an example. I'm working on my photo editing skills but until then I figure a sideways picture is better than no picture at all. Maybe. All of the green talk gave me the idea to use that as a theme for a new word painting. Thanks again to my friend for coming up with a name for this. It helps to have a Creative Writing Teacher nearby. Today was her birthday and she managed to give me a gift of inspiration today. I owe her big time. Thanks for sharing 3 life-changing books also. After going back and forth, I've decided to call these "Write-Ups". I finished this Go Green Write-Up today so this will hopefully be heading to the gallery in Magnolia soon. I managed to complete some paperwork today and still remain inspired. I had a student work in the studio with me today after school. She is so creative and is working on a special piece to send to the Governor's Mansion. Then, I headed to the library in Homer with Linda, Maxie, and Martha. Dr. Weber from La.Tech was giving a presentation/review on Folk Art. There was even a show-and-tell where I shared a few of my students' paintings and stories along with some other folk art pieces I have. It turned out to be a very interesting and fun night. Speaking of Going Green and using our resources....USE our local libraries friends. I'm sure you are like me and forget to go there very often but you'll be amazed at what you find. Do what you love and love what you do. Suzy

In the studio 4-8

Didn't get to spend much time in the studio today, but a very productive day creatively speaking. First, I had to be in Shreveport by 8am. Yikes. Funny how I can make it all the way to Shreve City by 8, but struggle to be at school by 7:30. I attended a training today to become an assessor for Talented Art. Pretty cool and it gave me a new perspective on some things.

Since I was alone afterwards, I went to Hobby Lobby. For two hours. I didn't want to hurt Michael's feelings so I went there too :) I found the cutest iron-on. It is an owl w/ a "go green" message. Did you know Michael's t-shirts are 5 for $10.00 ? And, they're good shirts. Any color. Any size.

Made it home about 6:00.

That left just enough time to read a new magazine and add some new ribbon to the rest of my bookmarks.

On a random note...beware. The snakes are out. I ran over FOUR snakes on my way to mom and dad's today. That is more than I usually run over all summer. Gives me the creeps.

Later peeps...

Suzy

In the studio 4-7

I've been working in the studio this week starting several projects. Until today...when I finished several projects. I have an order for bookmarks and I'm making some for The City Wide Sale coming up in May. I also would like to sell them in the gallery which means I'll be painting Razorbacks, Muleriders, and Panthers for the first time :)

ILOVED loved the owl window so after I cleaned the other one up I painted a floral design on it. Added some glitter glaze which is always yummy. I think they're cute together. Now I'll have to be on the lookout for more windows. I started a new Word Painting today and finished tonight. I just used some of my words relating to art. Wonder if you could figure them out...? Picture does not do it justice. I've decided to sign these pieces by stamping the last 2 letters of the painting with my initials SA.

Soon I'll be working on the windows for the fire station. It has been a year since they asked. Hopefully they will understand because I have no good excuse. Also I'm working on a design for a chair to be auctioned off to raise money for the Claiborne Jubilee. Any ideas for a good design? My students are doing one too.

I'm so, so busy at school. There are many things I need to get wrapped up and done before school is out.

Do what you love and love what you do.

Suzy

Pictures from the studio 4-2

In the studio 4-2

This has been one of the most creative weeks I've ever had. Did I mention that already LOL? The week began with art camp plans. All along I've been thinking that I HAD to do art camp...I miss it so much and I had great ideas coming together for the Color Splash 2011. But then, I worked more and more on the Word Painting you see in an earlier post and I am hooked. I LOVE everything about that painting. I was about to send it home with it's owner and I knew I wanted to show it to the gallery. I went to Magnolia on Friday and it could not have turned out any better. The gallery loved the piece as much as I did. There were already customers picking out their words. It was a big hit and THE BIG NEWS IS: I was accepted in to the gallery and will be selling my work there. My first gallery. That is big. That is a dream come true. And, to top it off, this was the one I've admired for some time now. It is the COSMOPOLITAN LADIES CLUB on the square in Magnolia. Stop in and look around one day. They are also on facebook. So with that said, and after much prayer, I believe it is time for me to use this summer to paint for myself in my studio. This is probably the last summer both boys will be at home and I want to enjoy long, lazy days of summer with them. There is just so much to do and we have several trips planned. I love teaching kids. It's who I am. But, I do that for 9 months and now I just want to paint, paint, paint. Remember I told you there are treasures at yard sales and thrift stores? Well, yesterday I found 2 old windows. I have taken one and painted the trim blue and put a huge owl and a whimsical tree on the glass part. It is inspired by some Pottery Barn bedding. Are you reading this Sue M? Trash to Treasure. I also made some facebook signs. The black section is chalkboard paint so you can write in chalk (and erase) how many friends you have. Spring Break is winding down. Going to bed earlier and switching gears. I have enjoyed every minute of this one. It has FELT like a long break. The boys were home and we played Yamslam. It felt like those long summer days. Good feeling. THEN early in the morning the race starts again. I'll be knee-deep in paperwork and I have ALOT of things to wrap up before the end of the year. Grades due this week. Projects we need to finish. One thing coming up is a project I'm calling "GREENJEANS". The students are taking baby blue jeans and altering them using anything green to communicate a "GO GREEN" message. Jeans will hang on a clothesline for display and will encourage the message: "reduce, reuse, and recycle." I would like for the exhibit to travel to locations interested in spreading the message if you know of anyone involved in recycling campaigns. Today Kirk and I rode around the lake. I cannot believe we sold our lake house years ago. I wish we would have kept it. Here's a picture of Kirk in the car with me today. I am SO proud of my boys. They just bless my life. We're taking a few trips this summer. So again, I feel led in a different direction. It's a hard decision for me, but I will not have an art camp at The Art Factory this summer. I'll leave you with another challenge from that list I mentioned in the last post. *** Illustrate your grocery list this week. Just a little doodle. Try a sunflower or easter eggs. Do what you love and love what you do. Suzy

In the studio 3-30

Not too much going on in the studio today. I did start a painting tonight though. It is a faux mosaic (floral w/ a bird and butterfly) on a nice thick canvas. Similar to the painting above. The sides are painted black and I have quotes on the edges. Guess you would need to see it huh? I'll upload tomorrow.

Discovered another blog today (shocking I know). www.kerismith.com

She has a post of 100 ideas of creative things to do. I think I will share one per day with you. Just for fun.

***For one week collect the items you find on the street.

I think if you did this just for one day it would be worth a blog prize. Promising blog prizes that I had not made yet did not work so well for me, so let's see.....how about a faux mosaic easter egg painting? First one to show me their finds (in person or by photo) gets the prize. It's waiting right here on my hutch for you.

Do what you love and love what you do...

In the studio 3-29

I spent alot of time in the studio today, but I just realized I did not paint anything. I'll have to fix that problem tomorrow. I did some more cleaning, but need to spread the love to other parts of the house.

I had fun sharing ideas with a friend tonight around the art table. I've joined a group of ladies right here in Haynesville to create altered art. We have some really talented leaders and I've found someone who loves magazines as much as I do. So, we're swapping magazines back and forth. LOVE it.

The first 2 pictures are notecards I made using the same concept as the painting I posted last night. One list is mine and the other is Kirk's. What will be on your list?

The other picture is a corner of the studio. I have a sewing machine that was passed down to me. There are also 2 pieces I purchased at Thrift Stores (my new favorite hobby). The black piece on top of the sewing table was only $12 but the magazine stand under the table was only $5. Do you know there are TREASURES at Thrift Stores? Plus most are ministries. My recent find was a copy of the Giving Tree book we're using at COLOR SPLASH this summer for 10 cents ! And, the cute wire basket with the fabric...yes, that too.

So, what inspired you today? What color was it?

"Do what you love, and love what you do".