A Room With a View

Being the creative spirit that I am,  a cozy, uncluttered space is the ideal place to create.  When I think of cozy I think of colors that warm the soul and give warmth to my heart.  Colors like yellows, butter creams, deep burgundies, golds, warm greens, and  plantation pines.  Earthy tones bring comfort to my soul.  Maybe that yearning for warmth and comfort stems from the bitter cold, that lurks outside and the dark gray that looms above, because when the sun rolls from behind the clouds the color palette  in my mind seems to change.   So if I could convert my studio to a room with a view I would have it neutral.  The winter months release  heartwarming, encouraging strokes of comfort.  Once the cold has passed and I get to hear the song birds twittering outside my studio window I long for bright yellows, greens and pastel pinks and blues.  A sign of new birth to the beautiful palette outside.    My room with a view would be interchangeable to suit the needs of my creative mind and the surroundings outside.  I would paint my walls a buttery cream with white trim, have a table based with enchanted chalky paint enveloped in lace chalky paint , lightly sanded to allow the enchanted to peek through for the warmth in the winter but the lace for the spring.  I would hang delicate buttery yellow window coverings from floor to ceiling.  For when the spring comes they can blow in the breeze and let the warm sun crest upon the floor.  My room with a view would be filled with primitive cabinetry to place all of my creative tools, brushes, paints, surfaces and sealants to maintain the unclutteredness that holts the creativity.  I would have chalky lace painted cubbies to contain my finished product and it would be alphabetized so I would have effortless shipping.  This would be my room with a view, a view from my eyes for creating.    

I have inspired myself to take the brush to the blank empty walls of stale white and add that buttery cream to them.  I think my winter months may be filled with creating "My Room for My View".  I hope I have inspired you use your creative side and envelop yourself with a place for comfort and creativity.

This is how the studio is now.  But I foresee some serious change taking place in the next couple of months.  



 This is one of my paint areas, but soon this will all change.  I need organization. 

 The lace colored chalk paint that will be on my table from Deco Art Inc. 

Random Writing

What makes people think…or tic.  How do we control our emotions towards other peoples lack of compassion.  Wrap others in love protect them hold them close for this is a short time on earth and though we make many mistakes they too are like sands through the hour glass,  they pass.  They become distant memories until something else comes up to spark a feud.

 Childhood memories are lost in the shadows of the present time.  A little foggy but I remember some good times.   I remember my little animal farm that I so long to have now but  fear of history repeating itself I keep the farm to a few cats.  No I am not the crazy cat lady, they were strays.  My heart tends to lean towards the strays and down trodden.  It’s a soft spot in my heart.  I also love old people because they are full of knowledge if someone would just take the time to sit a spell and hear their stories.  I learn so much from the older generation.  Maybe its because they do not lack experience.  I always dig back to the stories from them and their pasts good and bad.  It gives me the sense that I'll get through whatever this life has to throw at me.  I'm not a people person per say but when I find a friend a real friend I hold them close because they are so few and far between.  It is hard to be compatible with others with so many different personalities and ideas in this world.  Maybe I'm just too guarded.  But when you find that true friend it is a great feeling.  Trust is a wonderful thing.  Knowing you can share your most intimate thoughts or fears and they will not judge you.  I guess one of the other reasons I tend to befriend the older generation. They are less judgmental and more encouraging than folks in my age group.  No I am not going to tell you my age group. 

Creative thoughts run rampant through my mind.  I get an idea just before my eyes close when I rest my head on the pillow and I ALWAYS say don't forget this it is a good idea.  I have put a journal next to the bed and drew pictures, later to find them and wonder what the heck I was thinking of creating from that.  My mind is so busy sometimes I can't stand it, and others it is a total block.  I paint its what I do and I think I paint because it is more forgiving than a pencil and paper.  When I paint I know if I make a mistake I can correct it in some form or fashion and shade in the mistakes.  Unlike life it is not so forgiving .  But tomorrow is a new day to paint a better day and leave yesterdays mistakes in the past, learn from them but know they do not dictate who you are because you can change.  These are obviously just random thoughts that I am letting flow out on the page.  I am learning to write and blog and in the process I am learning about some of who I am and whom I want to become.  A better writer and a better person on the inside as well as the outside.  Time teaches us many things and shows us how to love others with a broader perspective and bigger heart. 

Just remember in every day that you are blessed and  with each new day is a gift.  Do not squander your gifts and love yourself for who you are and if you don't like what you see when you look in the mirror remember you are the artist of your destiny, not someone else.  So do not let someone define who you are because you are an individual with unique characteristics given to you so use them for the greater good. 

I had no idea that a 20 minute exercise on writing freely would create such an array of emotions of just laying it all out there.  This exercise has given me a new avenue to express myself and the things that I love or do not love either way I am learning something.  Always keep learning its food for the mind.  Read, read, read it is a window to other ideas and emotions that are buried deep down inside.    With all this hubbub that has been displayed on my notes maybe I will be able to go back and focus on one at the time.  Like my little farm…someday I will have a little mini farm.  With a couple of goats, some chickens and a plentiful garden filled with not only vegetables but flowers and herbs to fill the home with the smells of the earth and my kitchen with cups full of love. 

 

 

 

The link that sparked all of this jibber jabber is http://dailypost.wordpress.com/postaday/ebook-writing-101/.  Maybe you can open up your creative writing inside and let it spill upon the pages.  Maybe for the world to see and maybe not but it is definitely a way to release your thoughts. 

I am sure there are some whom will criticize my punctuation and running on of sentences, but this was an exercise and it was meant to share or not to share.  I chose to share. 

 

I also want to say Happy Veteran's Day to all the veterans past, present and future.  Thank you for your service and the ability to express my freedoms.  God bless you all and again Thank You!

 

Monday, Monday, Not just any Monday!

Today is November 10,2014.  I would like to say Happy 239th birthday to all the Marines out there!  God Bless you all!  And tomorrow is Veterans Day.  Let us not forget all the men and women whom sacrificed and continue to sacrifice for our safety and our freedoms.  God bless and protect all our military and their families.  Thank a veteran.  Acknowledge that you are thankful for what they have sacrificed and done for all of us at home.  And say a prayer for the ones whom are deployed and away from family at this time and throughout the year.  Pray for their safety and protection as well as their families.  Wrap them up in protection and love. 

A New Day, A New Season

Good morning everyone.  Hoping today is finding you in a good place.  Winter is peaking around the corner and one of my FAVORITE holidays is with it.  I love fall with the changing of the leaves and the chill in the air.   Its an envelopment of warm colors that just wrap you up in warmth and coziness.  The smell of fresh raked leaves, the beauty of the fall mums and the reds, greens, yellows and oranges in the leaf colors.  The time to reap what you sowed is in the air and then oh so quickly the dark grey skies creep in with an even chillier feel.  Causing you to ease in the fire wood, pull out jackets, and blankets to snuggle up in.  You start making chilly, bean soup and cornbread, chicken and dumplins, and one of my favorites home made breads.  The smell in the house is the smell of comfort and a spot of joy from the past.  Winter can be daunting and dark but when we find the good in the slowing down and taking the time to create memories we find ourselves full of joy and thankfulness.  I love the 4 seasons because with each one comes something unique and different to appreciate each one is a beginning to something new.  So find your something new and embrace it.  Find a hobby, or pick up something you use to create, whatever the case enjoy this season of your life.  Grab hold of it and run with it there is beauty in everything.  Look for it. 

Ecclestiastes 3:1-8
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8King James Version (KJV)

3 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

² A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
³ A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
⁴ A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
⁵ A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
⁶ A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
⁷ A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
⁸ A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

As you know I paint.  Well I have ventured off into something new but kind of the same.  Here are some of the things I have been painting.  I have tried my hand at a little mixed media using paper and sheet music.  I am learning as I go along.  But I am loving it.  I have been painting on metal spoons and that seemed a challenge at first because I had the spoons for a few years now, but I tried again.  I really enjoy painting on the spoons.  Here is a sample of some of the metal spoons that I have painted. 
You can find these for sale in my Etsy shop.  The link is in the side bar. 

Next blog I will do a tutorial on how to paint them and post a pattern.

Sues having a GIVE AWAY!!! Love her work!

Guess what One of my favorite artists is having a give away.  But that is not the only reason to check out her blog.  If you love to create and you love things that inspire the soul that's the place to go.

I haven't blogged in a while but I love to share a give away and awesome talent.  So check it out

Sue Allemand is very talented and is quite an inspiration. 

http://sueallemand.blogspot.com/2014/09/giveaway-i-just-like-to-make-things-book.html

Enjoying the Spring Finally and Getting Some Painting Done

Well good evening fellow artists.  I come in here on occasion to share what I am doing.  I need to get back here more frequently.  I have been painting on soaps as of lately.  It is a lot of fun.  I have painted anything from ladybugs to sheep.  It is such a fun way to express creativity.
I will give the basics on painting on soap.
You will need to get soap that has a smooth surface on at least one side.  Some of them require a little sanding due to the fact that there are some rough edges.  Once your soap is sanded go ahead and apply a coat of DecoArts Decou-Page.  Allow this to dry then do your favorite DecoArt Americana color to base coat your soap.  (Have a specif pattern ready for your soap)  Allow that to dry then transfer your pattern.  And follow pattern instructions.  Once soap is painted completely and dry then you seal with DecoArt indoor/outdoor matte varnish.  I do a couple of coats for good measure.  Allow them to dry and you are ready to go.  Cute gifts, and you can actually use them.  I recommend using the soap from the bottom up.  Never allow to stand in water this will dissolve your soap and remove your design.  Enjoy.  Have a great rest of the day.  Here is a pic of the sheep I designed and painted.  You can find them in my Etsy shop.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150637857/hand-painted-primitive-sheep-soap-lakin?ref=shop_home_active

Good evening fellow artist and bloggers. I am painting up gourds. I have been working on Fall Ghost Luminaries as featured in Create & Decorate. I am about ghosted out you could say. I am running out of places to find gourds close. I live in Ohio now so if anyone out there knows of a great gourd escape please comment me a note of where. I have been featured 2 times this year in Create & Decorate will post pics. Every time I get in the magazine I feel like a little kid. It is so exciting to me. I love the magazine even if I am not in it. They have so many great ideas and the gals are such a hoot. You can try your hand at punch needle, needle felting, cross stitching, all kinds of fun things to do and learn. You should find them on Facebook. Also there is a link to the sneak peak of the upcoming Holiday Issue...you will find some fall gourd egg ornaments in there ;) They also have a blog that is fun as well. And here is a link to that also. I would like to know if everyone is ready for this HOT, DRY summer to be done with. Today was a crisp 67 degrees and it felt wonderful. I had the windows open and the Browns vs. The Eagles on....oh what a nice nap that turned out to be. I love crisp chilly days....Let's me know it's almost time to slow down a bit and bring out the soup pot. Tasty soup beans, home made chilly, potato soup. The change of the leaves. It is one of my favorite times of the year. Well hope everyone is doing well keep creating and learning to create new things. Have a blessed day.

http://www.createanddecorate.com/issues/2012/holiday/index.shtml  Sneak peak

https://www.facebook.com/CreateDecorate  Create & Decorate on Facebook

http://createanddecorate.wordpress.com/2012/09/05/did-you-seize-the-summer/  Blog

Photo Courtesy of Sean O'Brien  (Thanks Sean)  The only thing that belongs to me is the gourd :)

Guess what I found! Another GIVE AWAY!!! And ANOTHER!!!!

What a talented artists it is my pleasure to share their give aways and their work. Peek in on them and sign up. Tolen Treasures has alot of great tutorials as well to check out. The Rusty Thimble shares many wonderful hand made items on her blog so check her out! Where to sign up for both is listed below good luck to all!

http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-american-apron-pocket-giveaway.html

http://tolentreasures.blogspot.com/2012/01/february-giveaway.html

Someone's having a Giveaway! The Rusty Thimble

Okay ladies and bloggers you need to get on over to the Rusty Thimble if you love primitives.
She is having a give away of a wonderful Patriotic Rabbit! The deadline is TOMORROW!!! January 31st so hurry hurry! There will be one maybe MORE given away! So hurry hurry hurry and sign up! She is a very talented artist and I would love to win this but I am willing to share if necessary. Thank you for peaking in my blog now get over there and sign up:) I hope you like the pic of the prize you might get or I might get hehe!

http://therustythimble.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-first-giveaway-of-2012.html

Sorry I cannot direct link, it never works for me. So you will have to copy and paste then put it in your browser. Good Luck! :)

Have a blessed day!

Linda Akin

Photo on the side bar :)

If you click on the photo in the side bar of the Gift Card Holders, it will take you to Create & Decorates website and it gives instructions on making your own gift card holders. Enjoy! I really enjoyed making the pattern for them I hope you have as much fun painting them as I did. Have a great day!

Linda

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I have been tirelessly working in the dungeon on many different items. I just finished a child's growth chart and painting. It was fun to do. A little change of pace for me recently. My mind races from idea to idea. I need to regain focus so I can accomplish another goal. I will have some primitive items coming out in the August issue of Create and Decorate...so look for the issue coming out in June. I am always thrilled to work with the creators at Create & Decorate, always a pleasant bunch. I don't know if you know this but they have projects online that you can do. If you take a peak you will find my Gift Card Holders in there. I will post a link for you. I can never get them to directly link so you will have to copy and past. Sorry :(

http://www.createanddecorate.com/downloads/

Other things going on for me right now....hmmm...I am working on some package ornies and cinnamon and regular salt dough bowl fillers. These are so much fun to do. I have been dipping them in scented was as well as dusting them with mica flakes...They not only smell good but they sparkle too.

Here is a tip for you fellow creators. If you use mica flakes and they seem too large for your projects, I take them and put them in a coffee bean grinder and it grinds them up rather nicely. I can make them as small or not so small for my projects. I love it. I will be posting some pics of my newest creations tomorrow. So look for the ornies and fillers!
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Now it is onto Valentines! I love Valentines. Well I should get off here and continue to rummage through the net looking for things that I don't need. Have a wonderful evening.

Linda

I got my favorite magazine in the mail!!!

Just a little note to let you guys know that a new CREATE & DECORATE magazine is coming out soon! Be looking for it. I have something in it! I wish I could share but can't until it hits the stands! I can give you a hint! It's on a cheese board!!! Be lookin guys! It has a load of talent in the magazine not just painting! It has stitchery, pillows and so much more to create so check it out.

Have a wonderful day fellow bloggers! And have a Blessed and safe Memorial weekend. If you see one of our servicemen remember to thank them and their families for all they do. God Bless America!

What cha workin on?

Today I am drawing up some monkeys. I told you guys I was on a new venture so it's monkeys today. I am enjoying the kid's decor. I am going to be painting on an 8x24 canvas and it will have several monkeys, monkeying around. So what are you working on? I will post pics as I go along on the painting. Give ya some sneak peaks into my new venture.

Have a wonderful day and let's get creating. Work those minds and fingers!

New Venture!

Good morning all you bloggers...
Well I have been a busy little bee...This past Easter weekend, (Thank you Lord for Easter or I would still be burried in sin) Saturday to be exact, I prepared for my garden. This is out first garden here so you can imagine the work we had to do. Removing Sod with a pic ax is no fun. I tell you I was so sore Sunday but I still got Easter dinner ready and Easter eggs. Well the garden is ready to plant after all that work. Now if it would let up on the rain and we could have a super warm day so I can make my rows for my wonderful vegetables and fruits. I will be making some home made salsa once I get my tomatos, peppers and onions up and out of the ground. So who else is planting a garden this year? What is your favorite thing that comes from the garden....I have so many I don't know where to start...But I guess if I had to choose it would be the BIG FAT JUICY TOMATOS! I love them. I will also be planting me some gourds since I cannot find them here in Nebraska..At least not advertised.
Well for my new "Venture" I have a new muse and he has kind of changed my views of painting. I will post a pic of him (also in my garden) so you can see why I have gone in a different direction. I am sure I will revert back to my Prim style painting but I just enjoy painting these cute happy little pictures. As he grows I am sure it will pass. But it sure is fun right now. Have any of you ever ventured off the beaten path? Right now my enjoyment is Jungle Babies, Leapin Ladybugs, Tute little Birdies, Owls, Dinosaurs, Oh the possibilities are endless...for baby nurserys. It's amazing how children change your creative thinking. Well I will post some pics of my new adventures and my new Muse! Have a wonderful day and let's get planting...:) and Painting! You will see him in the last picture in the garden! Love kiddos!

Saturday night blog!

I just wanted to pop in here and see what everyone is doing? I am just craving some sunshine....we got a little taste of it a couple of weeks ago and well now it's snowing...blah! But that is okay it is whatever comes and I am blessed enough to enjoy another day.
Today was a good day. No, no painting that would of made it a GREAT day! But I did some needed rest and relaxation. I went to a Memorial this morning to honor one of the fallen whom received a Silver Star. It was an enlightening moment sorrowful but celebratory in the same token. It reminds me of the fallen from the beginning of time whom have given their lives so we can be free. Starting with Jesus Christ and still going through time with many many more. But the greatest was Jesus and we will soon be celebrating his greatest gift to us all. John 3:16. So let's take a moment to remember all of the heroes whom have given their lives so that we can be free. Past, present, and future. Thank God for Jesus and for our military. God Bless and have a wonderful evening.
My next post will be of what I am doing...I will share my pictures of Leapin Ladybugs and Sweet Giraffes. Hugs to all!

Good Sunday morning!

Hello all! Hope you are have a gread Sunday. I would just like to take a moment and think about all the suffering around the world, not only in Japan but all over. My heart aches for the loss in Japan it is such a tragedy. I cannot imagine the loss or the pain they feel. I would like to say a prayer for them and ask the Lord to wrap his arms around the people and comfort them in this horrific time. These are trying times across the world, the fighting in the Middle East, the fires and flooding in America, Lord just wrap us in your Love and protect us. Amen.
If we could all just take the time to spread some kindness to those whom surround us even strangers. Just a little hello and how are you today. It is a blessing to wake up each morning and we are never promised tomorrow. So remind people that life is worth living and how lucky we are to still be alive. Even in tragedy something good will come. So today I am just going to say Hello and you are loved. John 3:16. He knows each and every hair on your head. God Bless and have a wonderful day.

Ready for Spring

Good morning ladies and bloggers! It is flurrying outside and well I am just ready for some beautiful spring flowers, and sunshine...I don't know about you guys.
With that said craft fairs are starting and I am ready to get out and mingle with some like-minded folks. I have been painting up a storm and have wondered into another area besides primitives and home decor for adults. I have been painting pictures for little childrens rooms and I have to say it is fun and rewarding. I have to say that my little grandson was an influence on that. I am hoping that others like my new venture as well. I will post some pics of the new items. I am thinking that I might sell some on Etsy we shall see. I have Craft fair March 12, 2011 and would like to take them with me. My next show is at Northwest Highschool if anyone is in the Omaha area.
So is anyone planning on a garden? If so when do you start your indoor seeds? I am planning on a garden and can't wait to till up the dirt. I am going to take my little helper out with me, he loves the outdoors and even though he is little still he likes to help. He's a smart little booger...I hope he keeps those traits and continues to be a helper in the future...and Mimaw is still cool in the future. Well just wanted to say good morning and let everyone know that I am still painting and not as distracted with other things I am totally focused on painting and loving it! Have a wonderful day and God bless you all!

Give Away!

Oh I would like to share a give away with you all! The give away is from Spooky Hollow Folkart and it is fabulous. She is one talented artist and I think you guys should check out her blog and enter her contest and also her Etsy and her website. Very talented. Here is a link to her blog which will show you links to her other sites. Have a wonderful New Year ladies and bloggers!

http://wimsyfolkartist.blogspot.com/

Winner!

Okay we have a winner, I had 3 comments...so I decided to give all 3 ladies a gingerbread ornie. Please e-mail me with your address so I can send out your gingerbread. Have a wonderful evening ladies! Thank you so much for your participation and comments!

Hello strangers!

Hello to all! Long time no blog...
Sorry I have been away. I was in the process of moving and well now instead of Sunny California I am in the frosty Midwest! AND I LOVE IT! It's cold, it already snowed, and I did a craft fair and it was a success! I am ready to get painting and crafting. The holidays are coming up so I made a ton of Gingerbread ornies, and salt dough ornies. I have pics of the gingerbread that I will be posting. I have pics from beginning to end. I had fun making them.
Is everyone ready for Thanksgiving? That is one of my favorite times of the year. I will be making a turkey, homemade cornbread stuffing, sweet candied yams, buttery mashed potatos, potato rolls, punkin pie! Ahhhh I am getting hungry. Well here are some pics of the gingerbread ornies!
Hey how bout a give away! Tell me what your favorite thing is about Thanksgiving or what your thankful for. I am thankful for my dear friends and family. Let me know and how about December 1 I will pick a winner out of the wonderful hat! Good luck start posting.