Category: Balance

Jun 11

Summer Soldering Class

This summer I am doing a great deal of growing and planning. My business is unfocused. As many of you know, my heart is really aimed towards creatively worshiping my God, and sharing the creative process with others to facilitate growth and healing, introspection and thoughtfulness. The small income I do receive from my Etsy shop and from the classes I teach go to fund supplies used in teaching monthly classes at Veronica’s Voice. If I were to make a larger income, it would go towards furthering my own artistic education, so I could continue to expand what I share with others. As I refine my business plan this summer, the classes I’ll be teaching outside of Veronica’s Voice will be minimal. Besides the soldering class below, I will also be scheduling one art journaling class (date will be announced early next week). That said, my dream is one of growth, and of sculpting and refining many new and fun classes to come.

Introduction to Soldering: Making Jewelry

Date: Sat, July 17
Time: 1-4pm
Place: 2926 Campbell St, Kansas City MO 64109

Hear pendant promise ring*Examples: your pieces will be unique.

Learn the funky art of soldering, and make your own one of a kind jewelry. After receiving instruction, you will be constructing and soldering your own ring and pendant. We will be using images from vintage books, music, and papers, or if you have a special image in mind, please bring it to class. The glass sizes available to make pendants include 1×1, 1×2 and 1×3. The diameter of the ring will be approximately the size of a dime. All supplies are included in the cost of the class, including choker or ball chain for your pendant. If time allows, you may make a marble charm as well.

Class size: 8 students max.
Fee: $35

Policies:

  • Prepayment is required to register for class.
  • A 48 hour notice is required to cancel your spot in class, so that I may contact others who may be on a waiting list. If you do not notify me of cancellation, your class fee will not be refunded.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, Balance, VERONICA's Voice, Worship, soldered

May 22

Mind Body & Soap Co.

Last week was the grand opening at Mind Body & Soap.

My husband made the perfect display for my new line of soldered delights, Adornments.

I especially love the mirror he place behind the display so that both sides of the Adornments can be noticed.

The Adornments are made to hang from knobs, hooks, large bottles or vases, etc, to adorn and add beauty. Using only vintage ephemera, no copies, the raw imperfections and texture found in the photos and papers add so much more to the story that each adornment tells.

Play:

Even the stamped letters are made using vintage stamps from the 1940s.

Family:

The pearls come from a beautiful vintage choker and the little charms frame my grandmother-in-law’s handwriting from her college days. I love the blueprint on the backside.

Success:

This boy’s expression brings such a smile to my face. He is obviously not comfortable in his suit. I wonder what the occasion was.

Tree:

Rather than vintage ephemera, this adornment features some of my own artwork. Trees are a recurring symbol in my art. These could be considered self portraits. Attached to the twigs are soldered acorns.

These belt buckles are so fun to make. I love finding the perfect image for the glass, giving me a good excuse to wander through my delicious drawers full of ephemera.

And these key chain clips satisfied my marble muse.

I love the Mind Body & Soap shop. What an eclectic store. I especially love the smell of homeade soap. I began making soap over a decade ago, but haven’t made much of late. The whole process fills my head with sensual delight. My favorite part of soapmaking, saponification. It all comes together at that point. I totally respect the work and time that is involved with making soap.

Inside their lovely shop:

On a separate note, I’ve been reading and learning so much from the book, Boundaries, by Henry Cloud. This year has been a challenge for me as I accepted a position that I was really not prepared for, one that I truly desired to help with, knew the need was great. I said yes for all the right reasons, but my stress level hit the roof. I am glad for the experience even with the stress. It has helped me to prioritize in a godly way, to take inventory of my time and interests, to redefine my goals, and to understand that importance of saying no even to a worthy request.

Right now I am re-evaluating my (lack of a) business plan. One course I would love to take, but the timing is not quite right for me (being respectful of my boundaries and capacity) is the Right-Brain Business Plan e-Course by Jennifer Lee. And another fabulous e-course that is making my brain spin, Flying Lessons by Kelly Rae Roberts. One thing that is very clear is my need for a good plan, and a loose schedule for my days. To find focus within my own timing, I’m incorporating the read-everything-on-this-list strategy. But really, I’m going to get my paws on this gem, The Creative Entrepreneur: A DIY Visual Guidebook for Making Business Ideas Real by Lisa Sonora Beam first.

The great lesson that I did learn from being overextended is that I am MOST DEFINITELY an artist, and truly not a left-brained thinker. Phew! Good to have that affirmation. Now let’s get this show on the road.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Balance, Hidden Art, Liberty, soldered

Feb 20

Clean Drawer Giveaway

Would you like a peak in my drawers? I’d be glad to show you since I just revamped and organized my ephemera/project file cabinet.

Notice the labels on the hanging files? Before I just had things randomly shoved in the cabinet, but now I can find that perfect piece of ephemera for collage. This is my vintage drawer and includes categories such as book covers, embroidery patterns, music, nature, report cards.

The middle drawer is filled with longer items such as vintage sheet music and larger magazines, plus cardstock and other specialty papers, and my favorite magazines.

The bottom drawer has projects in progress, drawing paper, and magazines used for collage.

Before these drawer were organized, piles would form on my desk top because I wasn’t quite sure where to put my stash if I wanted to find it again. And now…

The file cabinet is just to the left of my work desk, so everything is easily accessed. Some of my favorite vintage books like dictionaries, record books, encyclopedias are stored on top of the file cabinet.

Right behind my desk is my solder station.

This is an old high school shop class work bench. It is the perfect work and storage space for soldering. All I have to do is spin my desk chair around to be facing the solder station.

Here’s the view from the back of the solder station.

And to the right is blue dresser full of paints, mediums, oil pastels, all those lovely art supplies.

I have everything stored in plastic shoeboxes, so if I need to remove supplies for teaching a class or for transport, I can easily pull out the shoebox, pop on the lid, and go.

Relief! Without the piles and clutter, I am much more free to create. Disorganization really hampers my creativity. I like to make a mess while I work, but I also like to start fresh with each project.

One thing I realized while organizing my file cabinet is that I have an abundant supply of ephemera. What better way to thin it down than to SHARE.

Enter the Clean Drawer Giveaway by leaving a comment on this post sharing why you love ephemera, or how you organize your own ephemera. I will randomly draw for the Sweet and Chunky Ephemera Package on Sunday, February 28, and will announce the winner via blog post.

I love to use ephemera to package my soldered jewelry sales. Here are a couple sweet packages prepared for shipping today:

This sweet little ring was a commission using the first measure of Clair de Lune.
The packaging is a report card from 1929.
This packaging is a vintage postcard sent from England, postage stamps intact.

amanda ∞

To comment, just click on the number of comments on the right side of the post. See, right over there →→→→

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Posted in Art, Balance, Inspiring

Jan 31

Self Care: Play

Yesterday, January 30, 2010, was the first day I had really let loose and played in my studio just to experiment and have fun since this year began. Although I am so thankful for the day, I am also sad that a month passed without playfulness. This month has been full of creativity, but the time of creativity all had a purpose. It was all done with an end goal in mind. I had to create X to accomplish Y.

This year, this decade, began with focus and goals. I really want my art and teaching to provide enough income to cover workshops and supplies to enable me to teach at Veronica’s Voice. Now at the end of January I am ready to pitch this focus on making money, even for a purpose, even doing what I enjoy, for freedom and play. Although this focus has forced me to jump hurdles and set goals that I otherwise would not have accomplished, I also built myself a huge wall of ARTIST’s BLOCK. The wall is officially torn down, and I’ll be using the rubble to have fun and play this coming week. While I will not be changing what I am doing creatively speaking, I will be changing the reason behind it all. What a great reminder to do what I love to do because I enjoy being creative and sharing this joy with others, not because I have to.

Yesterday, to begin my playfulness, I tried out the new Tulip Fashion Graffiti Paint Cannon, but rather than using it for fabric, I loaded it with a watered down mix of fluid acrylics to try out potential Art Journaling applications. It’s been a cold winter and I miss spray painting with my stencils. This appears to be a great alternative, although the lines are not as neat and crisp as spray paint offers. This newly released product is currently only available at Michaels. And thanks to Pam Carriker who gave me the heads up on this fun tool. She’s also done a great video tutorial on her blog. Here’s the first little spread I created, background painted haphazardly with acrylics then sprayed with the paint cannon over a paper stencil. Then I added detail with paint pens and those cute little kids.

And a couple more just to try out different stencils and backgrounds. Both of these images were created using paper doilies.

On another note, I just have to share how much I have been enjoying this book:

Patti Digh does a great job of addressing the complacency that often immobilizes our society from being compassionate, but she does it in a way that makes one want to take action and live intentionally. Rather than preaching, she tells stories, relational stories, that enable the reader to see past every day happenings into the richness of caring about others, about being oneself, about seeing life through a new lens. She gives a great dose of fresh perspective. Besides thought- and action-provoking stories, Patti also compels further thoughtfulness through a series of writing exercises and additional challenges. Since I began the book during the busy holiday season, I opted out of doing the exercises, but intend to work back through the book after I’m done reading it the first time. Yes, I’m already planning on reading it again.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, Balance, Inspiring, VERONICA's Voice

Dec 30

Classes Posted!

Do you live in the KC Metro area? Sign up for Introduction to Soldering: Making Jewelry in either January or February! This class is so fun, and the class fee covers all supplies. My favorite part is seeing each person’s individual style reflected in her jewelry at the end of class.

Some beautiful creations from past classes:

Did you notice the new “Classes” tab at the top of the page? The journaling class will be posted very soon with a class date in late January or early February.

This past month has been a whirlwind, but December always is for our family. We travel to visit family for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, plus my daughter has a birthday right in between. This year she turned “sweet sixteen” and celebrated by hosting a Murder Mystery Dinner. Everyone stayed in character all evening! What a blast.

This week I hit the RESET button in hopes to get back to my ?regular? schedule, whatever that turns out to be. I’ve been busy restocking the pantry, planning and actually cooking meals (my son had pretty much taken over the kitchen), cleaning the house, and catching up on my accounting duties for THE HUNKY MAN‘s business.

But…I find myself having a hard time diving back into creativity. I think it is the desire to have my house in order that keeps me from allowing play time, and the house is not quite there, oh so close. Stopping and starting is so hard for me. I would prefer it just flow on continually. But the breaks I do have, forced or chosen, always return me to that place of inspiration with a flurry of activity.

Here’s what I would really love to do in January, but I will be content with the inspiration derived from my very fun Christmas gift, the Polaroid Pogo Instant Mobile Printer.

My husband, the professional videographer, had a difficult time buying this gift for me. Not quite the quality photographs he prefers, but oh, the fun!

And now, back to work. So close to play time! But first I must get school organized so we can start again on Monday.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Journal, Balance, Homeschooling

Oct 28

Fragmentation

Perhaps its the change of the season, the beautiful leaves changing to brilliant yellow, orange, red, the chill in the air. Perhaps its my INFP desire for deeper meaning. Or my upcoming trip to Amsterdam in which my focus will be on absorbing the new sights and spiritual insights. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is speaking to my heart. Whatever the cause, I have had a desire for more lately; more focus, more discipline, more passion. I find myself more cautious, less random, about where I plant my next step.

So this is affecting how I spend my time. Facebook, Twitter, you leave me empty. Although I do enjoy making small connections with so many people, the disjointedness of it all just leaves me hungry for real relationship. Instead of spending how much time (I really don’t want to add it up) just stopping by to check what’s going on in the world, I want to step out the door and kick the black walnuts and acorns around as I walk to You Say Tomato for a piece of pumpkin pie. In so doing, I will engage with real people, hear voice inflections, and find out truly how some of my friends are doing right then.

I’ve also noticed that Facebook and Twitter have affected my thinking. I no longer think in “story-line” form, but rather in status updates. My story has been reduced to a certain number of characters, some words abbreviated to fit. As a child, my world played out to me as a grand story in which I was the main character. My thoughts were often played out speaking of myself in 3rd person. “As she walked the door to greet the world, she was in turn greeted by the chirping squirrel shaking his tail. Was he scolding her?” I want this back.

And yes, Facebook and Twitter have affected my blogging time. Why blog when I’ve just spouted to the world what is going on in my life in one sentence? But I am a writer at heart. A status update does not satiate the desire to spin words, to express myself fully. I am so thankful for blogging. Through my blogging journey I have learned so much about life, relationships, art techniques, conflict resolution, both by blogging and by reading others thoughts. My personal goal in blogging is to share my story so that others may be uplifted, inspired, connected. To celebrate my blogging journey, I’ve started my 3rd blog (3 1/2 if you count the experimental Blogger blog). I have plans with this one, long-term plans, so it will be changing and morphing over time, but for now it is just like the last one with just a little more intentionality and hopefulness that my desire for less fragmentation will bring more activity here.

Status update: Off to Zumba

amanda ∞

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Posted in Balance, Blogging, Hidden Art, Relationships

Oct 03

Ouch.

Last night was the opening for my first art exhibit. I entered this piece into the Vision of the Flint Hills jury selection process back in July.
I was thrilled to receive my acceptance email last month.

Last night was exciting for me, my first exhibit on a First Friday, my first exhibit ever. The space was filled with beautiful work reflecting the beauty of Kansas, the Flint Hills in particular. Many gorgeous paintings were present. My piece was not like the others, not “fine art” if you will. I was surprised that it was selected with this particular grouping.

About two-thirds of the way through last evening, one of the gentlemen from the art space removed my piece from the wall. His comments were that it should not have been put up to begin with, that the wheat was falling off, etc. Rather than facing this conflict among the crowd of people, my husband and I quietly left.

After speaking with another representative of the exhibit today, I was again told that there was a concern with the mud falling off the piece. When I picked it up, all the mud and wheat were intact. My thought is that they felt it just did not fit with the exhibit but were not quite sure how to remove it because of the jury selection process.

Despite this rejection, the experience as a whole taught me a great deal. Aspects of art that I had not considered include people’s differing perception of what art “is” and fitting art into a particular market. My naive mind assumed that true art lovers would look to the heart of each piece and what it represented. And I also realized that this particular exhibit was a fundraiser. The target market was the wealthy, elite.

While thankful for this experience, it will not change my focus. I will continue to create for the purpose of worshiping my Creator, and for personal expression and growth. And although it didn’t remain, I’m still excited that my piece was selected to be in the exhibit.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Balance

Jul 07

Floating

Self portrait from a joyous family reunion.

The effects of the Kansas wind also reflect the the cogs in my brain. I need a time of rest, a time for my windblown mind to settle.

I’ve finally made it to this place. I have nowhere to go and nothing to do. I’ve been looking at this space on my calendar since April, dreaming about how I would spend my time. Now that I am here I find myself floating. I feel incapable of doing anything. The school year was intense and we have been on the go since. While I have enjoyed each adventure, all the activity has taken its toll. I am undone and in a great need of rest.

What I envisioned for this week of summer was time in my art studio doing whatever I felt like. While this may still happen (tomorrow or the next day), today I am only able to read my magazines and pet my sweet dogs. Beyond that is unrest. So I will continue to float because I can. Thank you, Sark, for teaching me that it is okay to nap or daydream. Sometimes that is just the thing one needs to fill up again.

Isaiah 30:15a  For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: …

This evening I go to pray with my church family which is beautiful, restful and passionate. Perhaps then my soul will realign with my spirit and I will once again be refreshed.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Balance, God's Word, God's leading, Hidden Art, Homeschooling, Liberty, Prayer

Jan 20

Shift -ed

Towards the end of 2008, I felt anticipation, intuitively knowing that something was about to change. I found myself making concrete goals, taking affirmative action, becoming that artist I’ve been telling myself I am. My journal pages reflected this.

I do owe much of it to this book:

Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts

Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts

But something pushed me, prompted me to purchase the book. I have so many on my wish list. How did this one make it to my home? And I’ve only made it through the first chapter.

This book, the first chapter of this book, widely opened a door that had only been cracked just enough to peek through. Fear had been holding me back from opening the door, fear of rejection, of failure, of depression, of becoming overwhelmed, that I might find out I’m not really an artist after all. And what did I find on the other side of the door? Why my art studio and myself.

One of my favorite movies is Strictly Ballroom. I’m not sure if it is the ludicrous dress and hair, the animated characters, or the underlying theme of the movie that made me fall in love with it. I’ve adopted its motto:  “A Life Lived in Fear Is a Life Half Lived.” And it’s Biblical…

2 Timothy 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

After Christmas, the shift occurred. I have been Creative Every Day in an very active way, more so than ever before. Out of the blue I’ve received several requests for specific artwork or jewelry. I have a list of items I am working on and through. And when I get these projects done, there is more, so much more.

I am very excited about a specific project of which I’ll show you a glimpse:

There will be three 16×20 collage pieces in this series which I’m making for our church. I’ve decided to wait to reveal them until they are done and show more of a step by step process. Also I want the church to be the first to see the finished project.

So now I have a new dilemma. Between homeschooling, cooking, and working in my studio, blogging has taken a back seat. But I’m not too concerned. I’m sure with the ebb and flow of life that I will find my way back here more regularly. Until then, picture me with messy hair, a far-away look in my eyes, paint on my fingers, and passion in my heart.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Altered Art, Art, Art Every Day, Art Journal, Balance, Blogging, Challenge, God's Word, God's leading, Hidden Art, Homeschooling, Liberty

Nov 08

Fighting it

It’s that time of year again for me. I’ve been arming myself in the battle against Seasonal Affective Disorder. Although I have not become depressed, I can feel it grabbing my brain and pulling in different directions. It has been difficult for me to focus and get normal activities done. I also feel myself withdrawing from everyday contact with others.

Art Every Day has become a great challenge. I’m glad I knew this going into the month though and have allowed myself permission to ride this wave of disorder. I am celebrating even the tiniest sparks of creativity. These sparks have been a healing balm for me. In the past I would have just fallen to pieces. Now I turn to my art journal, or I make pickles.

Although I’m not commenting much right now, I’ve truly been enjoying the creativity that is going on this month in the blog world with Art Every Day Month, NaNoWriMo, and NaNoBloMo and all the other NaNo***Mo’s. Good stuff.

amanda ∞

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Posted in Art, Art Every Day, Art Journal, Balance, Challenge, Health

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