Feeling Artsy and Oh, so Clever!

Surprise!  Who would have guessed you would be hearing from me today?

I know it has been a long time and honestly it's because I haven't been feeling so artsy lately.  Or, maybe it's not that I haven't been feeling it? It's that I've had no time for it.

Today, we are having a new furnace installed which means I have to sit tight and stay home.  Yep, no running around for me.  So, after walking the dogs, I decided to do an upcycle project that I've been thinking about for a while.

I think most of you know I sell on eBay.  So, I get a lot of stuff.  Sometimes, in my shopping daze I don't catch a major flaw in an item.  Like say this pair of Ugg boots.


I didn't even see the obvious patch in the center of the toe portion.  Oops.  Now, I’d have to sell them really cheap? Yet, they are like brand new on the inside and outside except for this darn patch.

I received a couple of what I call lowball offers that I declined.  I mean, I get it.  They're not perfect but still worth more than a few dollars.  Wouldn't you say?

They're a size 8.  In case you are wondering.

I thought to myself.  "I'm going to make these beautiful," and so I did!

I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Do you like the new and improved version?

My First Effort At Making a Rope Bowl - I love it!

A few months ago, I set an intention to finish the many projects I started and never got around to finishing.

This rope bowl was one that I started quite a while ago.

It was really fun to make and pretty easy once I got the hang of it.

I did run into some problems with my thread breaking.

I'm hoping the next time it will work better.

I love having it on a table by my front door.

There is something special about having products I created all around me.

It's not perfect, but it is perfect in it's imperfections..

Burlap Kitchen Curtain Valances

A while ago, I told you I would show you some curtain valances I made using burlap.

I really love the understated elegance of burlap.

I have it sprinkled throughout my home. These are in my kitchen.

I find it to be a great neutral, which is something I am really embracing this year.

This DIY project cost me $8.00 for the burlap at Michael's craft store.

I did find the burlap very dusty while working with it.   Give it a good shake outside before messing with it.  Better yet.  Find a fabric that looks like burlap..

Once, I got them all up.  I've left them alone and love the way they look.

What do you think?

Wall Stick Twig Word Art

Hi again,

I don't think I ever told you about this project I made last winter.

It's something I am still enjoying.

I had gone outside to pickup all the sticks that had fallen from my trees in the yard.

Then, I got to wondering.

What could I make with these?

Maybe, I could paint them with stripes and put them in vases?

Instead, I did this.

It has been one of my most favorite art projects.  I adore seeing it hanging above my kitchen table.

If, I get tired of the natural wood, I think I may paint it.

But for now, I have no plans to change it.

I'm sorry, I have no pictures of me making it.

It was very easy.

I broke the branches into the size I needed, and started to lay them out on my floor to spell out my word.

I used my handy hot glue gun to glue them together.

Another EZPZ project.

Quiet Reflection - New Painting

A friend recently inquired whether I had any new art to share.

I've been quiet on my blog.  

So this is for you my friend.  Thank you for encouraging me.

This is some recent work.  I hope you like it. 

                                                

                    Quiet Reflection 

Rest & Relaxation at the Hotel Indigo San Antonio/Riverwalk.

Have you been to the Hotel Indigo in San Antonio on the Riverwalk?  My husband and I recently stayed at this hotel.  I heard about it through the money saving site called Groupon.  We knew we wanted to go to Texas to see my hubby (Michael's) mom.  She lives in Ingram, TX which is about
an hour away from San Antonio.

It was fun to get away and have a change of scenery.  Spending time with his mom, and her girlfriend.  It's hard when family is in another state.  You don't get to see them as often as you would like.

We visited a cowboy town http://www.banderacowboycapital.com/ and had a sandwich at a restaurant known for their BLT's.

We shopped at this fantastic store http://www.campverdegeneralstore.com/main/index.php which had exquisite art and jewelry, and so much more.  It was inspiration everywhere.

I found some watercolor crayons.

I'd heard about them but had never tried them.  It was great to have some time back at the hotel in the evening to play with my color crayons.  You just color in your picture, add water and TaDa.  Water colors happen.  Here is some art I made one afternoon, while enjoying our large rooftop balcony at the hotel.

The Hotel Indigo is a beauty of a hotel with all the amenities.  We loved that we were minutes from the riverwalk where we could walk to restaurants or hop on the boat that takes you back and forth along the river.  We bought a $15.00, 24 hour pass, which meant we could catch the boat for all our riverwalk activities.

We enjoyed the variety of restaurants and shops.  One night we ate at the Mexican Restaurant, Rio Rio and listened to the Mariachi band.  I have yet to travel to Venice, but, I understand that this riverwalk resembles the look and feel.

This is not a sponsored blog post.  

Hotel Indigo/San Antonio Riverwalk is a great hotel.  The staff is so very attentive, and the hotel is clean and beautiful.  The rooms are spacious and quiet.  They have lots of area's to relax and enjoy the sunshine.  A pool area, outdoor lounge area and a cafe/bar.  I liked the entrance of the hotel, it has this Tuscan feel. Do you remember the t.v. show Melrose Place?  It's like that.

Our room was beautiful and spacious with a wall mural that truly inspired me.  My husband and I really lucked out because we had a room on the third floor with a large balcony where we could privately enjoy the sunshine and moonlight each day.

The restaurant is small and only open at certain times of the day.  But, the food was delicious!

If you find yourself in San Antonio, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Hotel Indigo Riverwalk, They have other locations around the globe you might want to check out.  I know we will.

Thank you Hotel Indigo for treating my husband and I like special guests.  We will be back!

My Review Of EcoGecko Earth Globe Air Revitalizer - H20

It's usually at this point in February where I say, "Okay, enough winter all ready."  I'm so tired of dry skin, hair, air, dry everything.  We need moisture!  Our weather temperatures were cold enough where it felt like the furnace was running constantly.

I like to add moisture to the air as it seems to help my allergies, and my head feels so much better when there is moisture in the air.

So, I put a big stainless steel pot filled with water on the stove and turned the heat up high.  Problem is, I forgot about it on the stove and yes, you guessed it.  The pot had run dry.  What an awful smell that makes, not to mention it pretty much destroyed my good pot.

Today, my husband gifted me with this EcoGecko Earth Globe - H20.  No more ruining pots on the stove and possibly burning the house down.  I was very excited to give this a go.

I filled it with water, added a couple drops of the Lavender essential oil they included with the product, put the lid on, and plugged it in.  The water swirls in the basin and within seconds the air is filled with a nicely scented dewy moisture.

Oh my!

It's like a diffuser, but better, and here is why:

The Shimmering, blue LED light and whirlpool of water create a tranquil environment.
The Oil adds a nice aroma that freshens the air.
It has an adjustable speed that you can turn down or up for the whirlpool action.
Revitalizes a room of approximately 600 square feet.
Big basin for the water so it can run a long time.
Low cost to operate
Easy to clean and safe to use.
Air purifies as the water removes dust and contaminants from the air.

I have the silver one, and I would estimate it to be almost the size of a soccer ball.

Now, I just have to find the perfect place to put it. Most likely in a room we spend the most time in.


If you would like to order one for yourself, here's how.

Click Picture to Purchase
$64.99
$10.00 S & H
 (USA Only)

Weekend Art and Pet Photography.

I've been enjoying a very nice weekend playing with the pups. I love trying to get pictures of them that show their personalities. I'm finding that pet photography has become my new passion.

I also realized I haven't been working on my art on a regular basis and I'm missing the way it makes me feel. Being creative is so good for me. So I got busy and did these.

Yes, that's right.  I'm all about the fun! Who's with me?

A New Twist On The Chocolate Chip Cookie

Last night, my son surprised me by making Chocolate Chip Cookies with a New Twist.

He used the Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe listed on the back of their bag.

The surprising twist was that he added about a cup of mini marshmallows to the cookie dough.

This added a nice gooey texture and taste to the cookie. If the marshmallows were on the outside of the cookie it gave the cookie a nice chewy toffee taste and crispy texture. 

I encourage you to give it a try.

My family gave it a thumbs up.

Adult Coloring Book - It's Good For Your Soul. #smallproductlab

A quick post about something I'm working on.

On September 28th, I joined a free online course called #SmallProductLab. offered by Gumroad.

It is a short course that helps you to come up with a product, create product, set up selling of product and the launching of product all in a matter of days.  11 days, in fact.  I know, it's crazy!

Honestly, it is wonderful.  I'm learning so much from the course and from my classmates in our Facebook group.

Stay tuned, my product will be available for sale October 8th.  

Enter your email in the form at the top right corner of my blog to follow my shop, or

 https://gumroad.com/virginiajbailey

Thank you.

Get To Know Virginia J. Bailey Interviewed By Patience Brewster Artist Q&A Spotlight Project.

I was recently asked to be part of Patience Brewster Artist Q&A Spotlight Project. This was my first time I had heard of Patience work and so of course I immediately went to check it out. Patience is one very busy artist and wow, am I inspired with all she has accomplished.  Please visit her online shop and see for yourself her stunning works of art and Christmas Ornaments.

Now, onto the interview. I hope that you will enjoy learning a little bit more about me and my artistic journey.

As a child, do you recall a significant moment when you felt truly affected or inspired by any particular artwork or artist? I am a word girl..  Stories bring everything to life for me.  I suppose this is what also brought me to love art.  I get to look at a pretty picture and get a motivational verse all at the same time.

What memorable responses have you had to your work? It was only recently that I thought of myself as a true artist whose product was salable and not just something I made, and then gave away. This hasn't been an easy realization for me. I wrote and self published a book called, "Do Over,"

It is a romance novel with a message.  Basically, that message is to be grateful for all of it.  The good, the bad and the ugly. My book has not been a huge success, hardly. But, it is a piece of me out in the world that will always be there.  I like that.  Art is the same thing.  The first time I sold a piece of my art was such a thrill.  Someone in this great big world is walking around with my artwork on their backpack, or a painting of mine is hanging up in their living room, or someone is wearing jewelry that I created!  This is so incredibly exciting to me.  It validates me in a way in which nothing else ever could.  I was made to create and I am happiest when I am doing just that.

What is your dream project? My dream is to create a catalog of my very own products.  I love creating practical one of a kind gifts, but I also love sharing my favorite things with the world. So finding great products and sharing them has been a passion of mine for years.  One of my favorite products was L'Paige Lipstick I've been selling it on my ebay store now for nearly eight years.  It is a great lipstick! Lipsticks Here

What artists, of any medium, do you admire? (famous or not!)  I'm mostly inspired by artists who just do it! I am turned off by the artist who says it took a year for them to finish a painting.  A year? Goodness, I would have lost interest a long time ago.  I love simple, and raw.  Doodling is something I've done all my life and never really thought of as art.  I could never be tied down to one specific medium, I'm interested in it all: watercolors, oils, acrylics, clay, wire, etc.

As an artist, what do you hope to convey with your work?  I just want to share a message that resonates with me and what is going on in my life.  What am I liking, or needing right now?  I create for me, and share it with the world hoping that it will inspire them in their own way.


Thank you again Patience Brewster for inviting me to participate in your Q&A. It is a honor to be recognized in this blogosphere as a talented artist.  Thank you readers for being part of my journey and cheering me on.

Virginia

Studio Snapshot and Current Work

I have a spare bedroom where most of my paint and crafting supplies live. But truth be told, I like being around my family when I create. I can talk to them, ask them what they think as I go, even watch t.v.

My problem is I don't like messes. A clean organized space just calls to my creativity. So even though I often dream of my very own studio space just for art business. I have a feeling it wouldn't get used very often.

At home you will find me in our dining room or on the couch drawing in my sketchbooks.

Here are some photos of my latest works and some pictures of my living studio.

I've been working on creating some greeting cards to sell in my etsy store and at our retail store.  I really love the way these are turning out.

 

Here are some sketches I posted on Instagram and Facebook, but wanted to be sure to share with all my blog readers here.

A Quick Video Sketch - Draw With Me. and Hello L.A. by Clay Borrell.

I love watching videos of someone drawing.
Add some music to it and I am immersed in the pleasure of it.
The simpler it is, the better.
Just take me along for the ride.

I hope you will enjoy my first attempt at a quick video of me doodling.  If you decide to draw along or try a drawing yourself, I would so love to see it.

Thank you again for being part of my creative journey.

Enjoy the music too, it is written and performed by the talented Clay Borrell.
He's from Minnesota, a family friend and a really nice young man, and currently on tour.  He has an indiegogo fundraiser going on and if you feel inclined to give him a little love, head on over. http://Indiegogo.com/at/clayborrell  I know he will appreciate it.

Doodling Art My Favorites.

I did these a while back and never shared them with you all on my blog.  As you know, I love to draw and doodling is one of my favorite ways to relax.  I get into such a relaxed state while drawing all the different lines and swirls I can think of.

Here are some pieces I did last year that I love.  I hope you will like them too.

Time Flies When You're Having Fun.

I hope that you are enjoying some beautiful summer weather.  It's been nice here in Minnesota and I find myself just taking in the laid back summer days.  I need it so.

A couple weeks ago, my daughter helped me with a small booth at our local farmers market.  I thought it would be fun to offer some of my creative goodies here.

I sold some jewelry.  Did I tell you about my latest new craft.  Beading, and wire wrapping.  Of course, I've been creating up a storm.  I'll never be able to wear all this jewelry but it does make beautiful gifts.  I'm going to try and get some photos done and get the items listed in my etsy store, which currently sits empty.  I know, me bad.

Here's some photo's from our day.

 I made this ring for my daughter.

 This one was created for my son Max's fiance, Ashley.

I also enjoy making small mirrors and painting them.  I sold them with a L'Paige Lipgloss.  Here's a couple photo's.

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I was thrilled to have over 200 views one day last week.


Virginia

Elephant Sketch and Big Eyed Girl

I know it's has been a while since my last post.  Time sure does fly.

I've been busy drawing and painting.

This weekend I finally got to watch the movie

"Big Eyes"

I really liked it.

Here is some art I created before in anticipation of the movie

my own version of a big eyed girl.

What do you think?

I love everything about her.

What is Intuitive Painting To Me, and How Do I Do It?

To me intuitive painting means trusting the creative muse to show up and turn my painting into something I love.

This means, I start out with no idea what my painting is going to be.  (a lot like my doodling)

Painting like this is very intimidating, but also very freeing.  Because you just keep going until it becomes what it is supposed to become.

Another question that comes up for me when I am doing a large canvas.  How do I know if I am done, is it finished?  I trust my gut here.  It's something I'll just feel.  Almost like a tap on my shoulder saying stop, it is done.

I love the feeling I get when I am painting, and suddenly I am swept up in the muse.  I don't notice time at all.  Hours can pass in what seems to me like only moments.

Writing for me is the same way.  I remember once when I was working on a novel.  I became so engrossed in what I was writing that I didn't even notice that I had been at it for hours.  In the late afternoon my employer called me and inquired why I hadn't made it to work.  What?  I missed going to work that day without even realizing it.

I guess this is why I struggle to write, or even paint.  I need such a large amount of time to allow myself to find that muse.  Once, I am there, I do not want to be disturbed.  It feels so good to be caught up in all that wonderful creativity. Quitting to make dinner, or go to work is such a rude interruption.

This is a large canvas that I recently painted.  I loved how effortlessly this painting came together. Each hour was pure pleasure.

The Bachman's Spring Revival Ideas House - Part 2 Continued.

Yesterday, I showed you pictures from the Bachman's house and didn't even get inside the house.  So many ideas I want to share with you.  Today, I'll be showing you some unique ideas from the main floor of the home.  I'll only show you a few as I don't want this post to go on and on.  I'm afraid it could.

This mail collector was hanging on the wall in the entry way.  A basket for the mail and keys.

The dining room was really spring like.  The chair pillows were made with two dishtowels,

the cloth napkins are two different colors.  The wine glasses had simple dollar store wire wrapped around the base and coming up forming a leaf.  Plus this burlap table cloth.  I love burlap.

Remind me to show you my kitchen window valances I created months ago using some burlap I got for $8.00.

This trellis is used as a coat rack.  The hooks are old-fashioned glass door knobs.  (yep, I peeked.)

Have you ever considered bringing one of these into your kitchen?  This kitchen had two of them in open cupboards.  Notice the backdrop of the cupboard, is tin.

This shabby window shutter is a clever idea, dressed up with some more wire flowers.  It made for a nice statement wall in the back entry.

I was a bit enamored with this unique shelf on the wall in this small bathroom.  I'm not sure what the rounded bottom is, then they adhered a flat shelf on top.  I also like the tin behind the mirror.

There were lots of little areas where things were hanging from the ceiling.  This corner was filled with colorful baubles (not sure what they are)  They reflected the suns light and added beauty to the sunroom.

Ever seen one of these?  I think they use this to feed the pigs on the farm.  Now it is transformed as a side table with a fairy garden growing under the glass.

This is a stain glass window cling.  Really? You can not tell.

I'm always looking for ways to add healthy greenery to my rooms.  I love this chandelier and the candelabra filled with moss balls.  Just adds freshness, don't you think?

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing some of the ideas that inspired me.  Perhaps, tomorrow I will share the upper floor of the house.  There were just a few things that caught my eye.

Thanks for visiting the blog.

Virginia