Muted Inspiration Board

The other day things were sort of "laying around" here and these colors kept getting my attention so I had to make an inspiration board which is on of my favorite things to do. I am quite shocked this came about, these darker, muted colors aren't usually the colors I am drawn to but I guess I feel early fall creeping in. Plus, I have always loved that striped cover from my Paperchase sketchbook. I really love the feeling of this board and suddenly my normal bright colors are looking shocking.

We took a bike ride this a.m. (first day of sun since Saturday) and my kids are picking up beautiful signs of fall approaching. I will share them soon!

♥dana

Art Biz Mama: Belinda Kemp

An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three? Welcome to Art Biz Mama.  A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner.  

In an effort to connect, share and get to know some of my favorite artists (and I am sure they are yours too) a bit better and because I am a mama who has creative biz visions myself I have asked for a sneak peek into their very busy lives. To share a bit about just what it means to juggle these roles and how it all really plays out.

I know this is a topic that has been discussed plenty but for me (and you) I need to hear these stories. To know there are others reaching for their dreams and maybe stumbling at times, all the while caring for themselves and their family.

I believe we will glean a bit of insight from these smart and talented women that can inspire us all.

I just want to take a minute before getting to the interview to say that I am so thankful to and inspired by all of the wonderful women who have been here as an Art Biz Mama. Your honesty and sincerity are greatly appreciated. I really believe that we all have our stories to share and something you say can touch another in a way that you may never imagine. And really you have ALL touched me!

This week I have lovely Belinda Kemp who I first came across way back when I discovered art and design blogs. I was really attracted to her art and I am so excited she is here today!

Could you please share a bit about your business, yourself and your family?

Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of this series ~ it's a really fascinating topic :)

I live in Melbourne, Australia with my husband and 2 sons {aged almost 6 and almost 3}. I work from home{part time} as an artist ~ I paint, draw, collage, stitch and blog!

When did you make the decision to start your creative business?

My working background is in publishing and graphic design. Before I had children I had decided that I didn't want to work full time, or in these areas anymore. I found that my creativity was being stifled rather than fueled working in these jobs! I was looking/thinking vaguely {as you do with small kids} about what I could do down the track to make a living. At some point I discovered the very exciting world of Etsy and blogs. A whole world of possibilities opened up! I found people who are doing amazing things and also people who value the same things that I value. 

I didn't think of selling my work on etsy as a 'business' as such, I just thought I should try it out ~ there was nothing to loose! {I had been making a lot of art and the house was filling up!}.

How has having children affected your business and creativity?

Having children is what made my whole business possible! Somehow they bring out the creativity, just by being! They are constantly inspiring in the way that they think and work {I love to paint, draw and make with them}. But also there is very little time for my own creative work. I find it hard to switch off my own creative brain and come back to the requirements of the real world a lot of the time.

Would you please share what a “typical day” is like for you? Is there school or childcare, etc. while you are working on your biz?

I have 2 'child free' days during the week to work.

Mornings start at 6.30-7am. Most of the getting ready is done by 7.30 when my husband leaves for work {he gets the kids dressed and breakfast while I get showered etc}. Then there is the school and childcare drop off. Usually I'm back home by 9.30. Then I have coffee #2 while I read blogs + emails. This part of the day is like a guilty pleasure as by the time I get back from dropping the kids off I kind of need to sit and collect myself and get into that quiet focused work mode, but I also have to be as quick as I can!! If I'm leisurely I can use up a big chunk of the 5 hour work day! I try to know before the start of the day if it's going to be a creative day or a computer work day, or a combination ~ the best days for me are the creative ones! The morning is good for creative work ~ I don't like the panicky feeling of starting to get into something in the afternoon, knowing there's only a short time left to either finish or leave it for another day. I like to squeeze in a little more blog reading over lunch then get back to work at my 'studio' desk or just keep on the computer for the 'business-side-of-things' work. Before I know it, it's 3.20 and time for the school and childcare pickup.

How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends?

It's hard to give an hourly figure for my work. I tend to go through phases of working at night a lot and other phases of really just wanting to relax at night. I have my {up to} 10 hours a week during the day and then during the winter months, one day of the weekend. If I work at night, it's kind of a squeeze! Usually there's only about an hour at most between dinner and bed where I'm capable of using my brain!

So far none of the Art Biz Mama’s have felt there is a balance between their family life and biz life. How do you feel about the topic of balance? 

Mmmm.. I'd have to go along with other art biz mama's and say that finding a balance must be the hardest part of this creative life. There's always the feeling of guilt, that I should be spending more time with the kids ~ and not just the 'getting through the day' kind of time. I'm feeling this now especially as our eldest son started school this year and our youngest is almost 3. The baby days are pretty much almost over. I feel that for my business I'm super impatient for more time to work, and I really need more time to make a good go of what I'm trying to achieve, but then to have more time is to have no kids around! 

Then there's the thing of finding time to do family things and to take time off to relax and re~coup! My husband and I really don't take time to do this ~ it feels like there is no time! I'm just starting to feel the impact of this kind of schedule on my health and would love to discover a solution to fitting it all in {without giving anything up!}. I have no idea what this actually means at this point!! I do know though, that the best days seem to be days that I had planned to work, but decided at the last minute to spend with the family! 

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other artists/moms out there who wish to create a business out of their art?

I guess the advice I wish I had listened to {and remember on a daily level} is to try not to expect too much of yourself! I often expect to have things going along as they would if I worked full-time on my business and then feel disappointed that I can't do it all. It's better to set small, attainable goals and then feel great about each success! Also, if possible, try to fit in a weekly yoga class!

To see/learn more about Belinda please visit her here:

blog: http://gretchenmist.blogspot.com/

etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/gretchenmist

Lessons

This is where I am with my little embroidery project. This is the first non-aida cloth embroidery and the second embroidery I ever done. It is far from perfect but I love it none the less. There was a tiny bit of frustration. I really, really should of spent more time practicing the stitches. I just wanted to jump in. I did spend alot of time trying to create a french knot. That one had me stumped until I watched a video and had my hubby help me then it finally clicked. I need to learn to make them more uniform. All the stitches really.  I also used a pen that had a tip that was too thick and the blue is popping through. The pattern calls for a specific size pen and I didn't follow it. In case you are wondering I found the free pattern here.

I don't know about you but when I start something new I expect there to be no learning curve, I should just "get it". Which is really silly don't you think? There have been many times that I have attempted something and because it didn't click right away or wasn't "perfect" I gave up. Learning to drive a car with a manual transmission is one. :)

While embroidering (which I got to spend alot of time yesterday doing) I did gain some knowledge that applies here and to life on the creative path in general:

**Keep trying
**It is o.k. to make mistakes
**Give up perfection
**Enjoy the process
**Give yourself a hand for just starting

I hope to talk about that clarity I had recently, right now I just don't know where to start. I did completely bomb out on my Art Everyday. Sorry folks. I just couldn't manage to complete a piece a day. That doesn't mean that I won't do creative work everyday it just means I won't complete it everyday. I am glad I did try it though. I have always thought about it and now I know. I really admire all who complete a piece every day. I think it is fantastic!

Please come back on Wednesday as I will have a new Art Biz Mama interview up.

♥
dana

Over here

ART EVERYDAY and LOVING THINGS FOR WHAT THEY ARE

Art Everyday Day 10: Pitt Pen on gessoed recycled packaging paper

I am having so much fun with Art Everyday.

Art Everyday Day 11-Colored pencils on kraft paper

Art Everyday Day 12: Acrylic on paper

I must be into pink because I have a little girl? I keep reaching for it.

Yummy watermelon Italian ice. Recipe from Amy.  Isn't it pretty?

Working on my creative color challenge piece.

The other day I read a post on Kolleen's blog, Heartwing Sisters. She listed the things she loves for what they are. Here a few of mine.

My silly ones

Flowers of course

This view in the winter. Not that I am wishing for that or anything. :)

xo,

dana

My Creative Space

This is what it is looking like around here today. I slacked a bit on my ART EVERYDAY but since it is just for me that is o.k. I have big plans for tonight to get back.

I am having this desire to sew. Maybe since I sewed on paper?? I borrowed Denyse Schmidt Quilts from the library. I think I may be able to actually make something small like a potholder. For someone that doesn't sew that is huge. Just thinking.

With this ART EVERYDAY experience I am also feeling my love of fabric design popping up yet again. I think it may have to do with the fact that I listened to the Amy Butler , Anna Maria Horner, Denyse Schmidt  podcasts on CraftSanity yet again. What great stories they all have.

Check out more creative spaces  and play along over on kootoyoo.

xo,
dana

My little challenge... ART EVERYDAY

How was your weekend everyone? Ours was busy but great.

Recently I was reading Somerset Studio and came across the artwork of Randel Plowman.

Did you all see this article? He creates a collage a day and posts them on his blog. His archives on his blog go back to 2006! I really felt inspired by Randel. He said "The more I thought about making art, the less I did it. I decided to stop thinking and start making." I felt like this was a huge message for me.

Day 1-assorted papers and colored pencil

So I decided the same thing for myself. Stop thinking, start making. It was a great decision. Just getting there and starting AND saying something is done that day, that is huge for me. So I am on day 9 and I did miss a day. That is o.k. for me. I can't really say how long I will do this. I started with collage using matte medium, then I began stitching my pieces. I LOVE doing that. Then I started painting. It of course comes with challenges but so far I am excited.

Day 2-assorted paper and colored pencil

Day 3-paper, fabric, colored pencil

Day 4

Day 5-started sewing

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8-Started painting

Day 9-Sewing, Painting, 

I am really loving the progression, the trying things out. I really encourage anyone to give it a try. You can do anything for a week right? And I am sure you won't want to stop. Let me know if you decide to start.

xo,
dana

Art Biz Mama: Regina Lord

An ARTIST, a MOM, a CREATIVE BIZ OWNER. What happens when you combine all three? Welcome to Art Biz Mama.  A series of inspirational interviews about being a mom, an artist and a creative biz owner.  

In an effort to connect, share and get to know some of my favorite artists (and I am sure they are yours too) a bit better and because I am a mama who has creative biz visions myself I have asked for a sneak peek into their very busy lives. To share a bit about just what it means to juggle these roles and how it all really plays out.

I know this is a topic that has been discussed plenty but for me (and you) I need to hear these stories. To know there are others reaching for their dreams and maybe stumbling at times, all the while caring for themselves and their family.

I believe we will glean a bit of insight from these smart and talented women that can inspire us all.

This week we have such a great interview with the lovely Regina from Creative Kismet. Regina is a very talented and sweet lady. She does it all. Sews, paints, bakes!! All this while working AND being a mama. She is a huge inspiration let me tell you! Her blog, art and spirit really shine.

Hi Dana!  I'm so honored to be able to share a bit about myself with you and your readers.  I am a mother of two boys, ages 9 and 5, and have been married for almost 17 years(!!). I am also a registered nurse, currently working as a lactation consultant on a Mom/Baby unit at a local hospital on a per diem or as needed basis.  Besides this, I am also working on my own creative business called Creative Kismet. I make a variety of things, but my greatest passion of all is painting. It's the thing that keeps me happy and 

sane.

 

First, let me say a huge “Thank You” for taking the time to answer these questions. I know howbusy you are so it really means a lot to all of us that you took the time to be here today! So let me start by asking when did you make the decision to start your creative business?

I decided a few years back to get a creative business started, but it took me a while to actually set it up and get it going. I am a nurse by profession, but working as a nurse can be very mentally and physically exausting. I incorported art and craft projects into my life to decrease stress and flex the creative side of my brain which I've decided is an absolute necessity for my well being.  I started my blog in 2005 and saw others great bloggers successfully starting creative businesses. By 2008, I finally took the plunge and threw my heart out onto an Etsy page. Since then I've gathered up even more courage to submit projects to various books and magazine. The more I do these wonderfully creative things, like blogging and getting published, I can feel my spirit really soar. This is my passion and it is my dream to be able to share, teach and create for a living.

 

How has having children affected your business and creativity? 

I've always been creative, taking every art and photography class I could during my school years. But then there was a big period in my life where I didn't make anything outside of holiday gifts (usually food items). It wasn't until I became pregnant with my first child that my creative bone came alive again. Having babies and small children is hard work, but I managed to start sewing (a new hobby for me at the time) and I would ocassionally get out my sketchbook.  Taking pictures of my children was my biggest hobby during their baby years.  Now, my kids are a little older and the are able to entertain themselves and each other giving me a lot more time to be creative.  Still, it takes quite a bit of juggling between what needs to be done and what I want to do. It can be very frustrating at times, but I have a wonderfully supportive husband who helps me with the juggling quite a bit.

 

Would you please share what a “typical day” is like for you? Is there school or childcare, etc. while you are working on your biz?

In the summer we have a much more lax schedule than during the school year. It's also our indoor season as it is over 100 degrees throughout the summer and the kids don't like going out to play (I don't blame them). When I'm not working at the hospital, I set up my space on the dining room table, where I am able to check my emails and work on projects. The kids usually play in the living room where I can watch over things from where I am.  They will play on their own or come join me at the table, especially if I have my paints out.  There is a lot of getting up to fulfill there eating needs, which seems constant right now. Their dad mostly works from home as well, and we will take turns occupying the kids while the other works. It's also important to us that we get the kids out to the library, swimming and up to the mountain to cool off on a weekly basis.

During the school year things get much more hectic. This coming year will be our little guy's first year in school for half-day kindergarten. Although we will have a bit more time alone in the morning, we will be spending a lot of time driving back and forth taking the kids and picking them up for school. My husband and I are currently in the process of formulating a plan so that we both have the free time to do what we need.

 

How many hours do you give to your business each week? Are you working during the days/evenings/weekends?

It's hard to give hours when so much of what I do is indirectly related to my creative biz. I work hard to keep up my blog place and keep readers interested in what I'm doing. I spend a few hours a day making something if I can, whether its a food item, snap shots of my day, inspiration, or an actual project. I can really get things done after the kids have gone to bed. That seems to be my magic time, when I really become focused.. If I had to put a time on it, I guess I'd say anywhere from 15-25 hours a week.  I've got lots of new ideas and plans for my business and am hoping to be able to more hours in soon.

 

I know this is a subject that is always being addressed but I need to bring up balance. Do you feel you have a healthy balance between your work life and your family life? 

I NEVER feel like things are in balance for me. I have a job, I try to spend time with the kids, with my husband and with my friends. Sometimes it can feel like I'm being pulled a hundred different directions and there are weeks when things are definitely lopsides and totally unbalanced. But I'm trying really hard to just go with the ebb and flow of life and not get so freaked out by the chaos that is normal in an active family. Some weeks I feel really happy with my creative time and other times I crave it, because I've had no time to sit and paint. I'm slowly learning to stand up for myself and say "no" to requests that undermine me and my creative goals, making things even more chaotic than they should be. 

 

  

Is there anything else that you would like to share with us today? Any words of wisdom for other artists/moms out there who wish to create a business out of their art?

Yes! I've learned that as your kids grow they began to understand how important it is for mommy to have creative time. That it makes mom very happy to do things she loves which in return makes a happy family. The house hums when I've have time to be creative and the kids love a happy humming house.  So does the hubby. Recognizing everyone's passions, hobbies and needs is so important.  And, my hopes are that my kids will grow up happy, with a passion and love for what they are doing in life.   

 

To learn and see more of Regina check her out at:

http://blog.creativekismet.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/creativekismet
http://twitter.com/creativekismet 

AND I hope she doesn't mind that I share but Regina was also a guest on the Martha Stewart  Show!! I was very excited to find that out. Here you can watch her video!

Creative Color Challenge:Sunflower Yellow and the Making of a Collage

This is my submission for this weeks Creative Color Challenge over on Louise's blog. The color was sunflower yellow. This isn't a color that I generally gravitate to in my art but it is a color I love. So I kept thinking of fresh, clean and bright. I painted paper, used color pencils, cut and stitched my pieces together with the machine.

I really began to enjoy working with this color.  So thanks Louise for challenging me with this one. I can't wait to see next weeks color.

This challenge fit in well with a challenge I have going on for myself to create a piece of art a day. I will be back to talk about that later but in the meantime please stop over at Kim Klassen's Inspiration Stay-cation where you will find a post from me on my making of a collage. There is tons of great stuff over there. She is doing a great job!

Please come back tomorrow for this weeks Art Biz Mama interview.

xo,
dana

weekend in pictures

my neighbors line

a walk along the canal

 

 

 

hand painted paper

canal

 

 

playing

my loves

fun

stamping

hope your weekend was a great one!

xo,
dana