I just finished this little sign. It’s a combination of wood burning, paint, and pastels. I’m having fun experimenting and learn a TON each time I do a new piece. My poor brain is overflowing with ideas I would LIKE to do now. I’ll have to start a list so that I can sleep, instead of trying to MAKE the ideas happen in my mind with my eyes closed. :0)
I’ll try to get this sign added to HandmadeHavenby Linda on Etsy by the end of the day.
I told you yesterday that I FINALLY got my drafting table cleaned off in my art room and was ready to try my new wood burning kit. I think I’ve also mentioned that I have been really intimidated, since my efforts thus far have been less than stellar and made my hand arthritis act up so I couldn’t do anything for more than about 15 minutes.
Yesterday evening I finally decided to try again. I had no trouble installing a wire tip in the tool. The holder with a sponge perfectly fits the tool, so it feels safe to use. The pen itself is light weight, so I practiced for half an hour before I stopped. I used two of the tips, experimenting, and also working on a present I’m trying to make for Christmas.
I am now officially over my intimidation about the process. With the new tool, I can better control the degree of heat. I don’t have to wear the two-finger-and-thumb gloves to keep from burning myself. It’s easy to install the tips, and I was able to change tips, using the screwdriver provided, using some pliers to pull the tip out and place it carefully in the top of the metal canister provided for the tips – so it could cool. I got a new tip installed, turned the heat back on, and in just a few seconds was able to continue my experimentation, instead of having to wait 5 minutes.
I left the tool in the holder when I was finished, unattached it from the heating unit, and unplugged the heating unit. I feel safe using this new tool.
I’ll need to do a lot more experimenting, but I’m SO ENCOURAGED now, and EXCITED about a new world opening up for me. I may actually be able to do some fun things! HOOOORAAAAAAAY!
Filed under learning new things, Lewis Art, Lewis projects
Pottery Barn
I told you that I’m trying to learn to etch glassware. I finished a project lately and I’m going to now switch to wood. I can use my Dremel tool with lots of different surfaces, and I’m having fun experimenting and trying to get the feel of the tool.
I’m going to look on YouTube and see if there are videos demonstrating etching on wood. My brain is playing with etched, stained, and varnished designs on my wooden earrings.
I’ll see what I can find.
Filed under learning new things
All one has to do is look at these to understand I have my work cut out for me in learning the acrylic pour techniques. So far, I’ve tried 3. The one above is called the funnel technique.
As I am typing this, my sweet husband came in and asked what these ‘represented.’ When I told him, ‘failures,’ he said, “Oh, That’s what I would have said.” So now I’m honest AND a bit hostile.
Needless to say, acrylic pour may LOOK easy when you watch a demonstration on YouTube, as with anything else, it takes lots of practice before I may see some progress.
Amazon Handmade
I am learning a LOT trying to list my stuff on Amazon Handmade. I am finally able to jump through most of the hoops.
I have finally learned that when a picture doesn’t show up with my product, I check to make sure it meets their parameters, and then let it go. That drives me absolutely nuts, but I’ve learned that is the best thing to do. It happened again yesterday, when I was adding some painted journals. I listed 5. 4 of them went well. The 5th picture didn’t show up for some reason. I checked it, and it should have gone like the others. It didn’t, so the product was listed on the site, but the picture area was blank. That’s embarrassing and I hate it, but – again – I left it. It still wasn’t up when I went to bed, but I checked again this morning and it was showing. Go figure.
I am not a patient person. I HATE errors or omissions to be ‘public,’ but there is no control over this one.
So, I will try to get the rest of the things I want to list online and hope for the best.
Today, some tote bags and painted canvas mini ‘essential’ purses.
Fingers crossed, teeth gritted, and determination strong.
Linda Lewis Artworks on Amazon Handmade
2STARart
Amazon Handmade
Today I applied to Amazon Handmade to see if they will accept me to list my stuff there. I still have a lot of questions, but I’ve made the first step. They said it will take up to 15 business days for me to hear from them on acceptance or rejection. So that means it could be the first week in September before I know.
I applied in the Jewelry category. They asked for my ‘process,’ plus 3 representative pics of my stuff.
Right now I have no clue on whether I can have one store and sell one type of thing on it, or have a store for each type of products I make. Either way, I’m excited to be trying something different.
If you would like to check them out, here is their website – Amazon Handmade
NextShark
Jennifer Rizzo
Raising Kinley
Raising Kinley
I dreamed about the techniques I saw demonstrated on YouTube yesterday. This can be done with string or chain and can be as simple or complex and you would like. I’m really looking forward to making the time to play!
Filed under learning new things, playing in my art room
Elisabet Scott via NUSTBookClub.wordpress.com
I have always been a voracious reader. I am ALWAYS reading at least one book at any given time. I cannot imagine a life without being surrounded by lots and lots of books.
Lately, I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite Nora Roberts books. I work hard all day, doing chores and working in the yard more and more as the weather permits, and then spend some glorious time escaping into a well-loved book – like a pair of comfortable shoes – knowing it will turn out right in the end, loving the wonderful characters and their the conversations that touch my heart or make me laugh.
I’m also enjoying some of my art books. The talent of people will never cease to amaze me. I love to try to emulate the techniques they are trying to teach me. They put wonderful ideas in my head that I can try out in my art room – if I can make the time and still have energy. I so much enjoy pouring over the possibilities in these books!
I’m also trying out new recipes. I’m not imaginative on my own, so I’m delighted when I can find recipes that my husband says are, “YUMMY!” or requests that we have again. Today I will bake another loaf of keto bread for myself. My husband enjoys all kinds of regular bread, but I’m trying to get the lard off, so keto bread means a lot to me.
I am lucky to have more books than I can enjoy. They make me feel rich!
Filed under learning new things, Reading is FUNdamental
Psychologies
My poor brain is overflowing with good suggestions for how to make my new Etsy shop better. I’m feeling totally overwhelmed right now, not knowing which way to jump.
I’m going to go do something else from my ever-growing to-do list and then come back and choose ONE thing to do in my shop.
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, Changes, Dreams, empowerment, learning new things
Love To Be Busy
These aren’t MY shelves, but I’m spending time in my art room inventorying my paper supplies, calligraphy pens, wrapping supplies, paints, boxes, ribbons, envelopes, and more to be sure I can fill orders without delay.
I’m making lists of what I DO need to order, and then reorganizing my shelves so that things I need are super easy to find.
I’m excited that I have found Renae Christine, a lady who has been super successful in online shops of her own, who makes videos for others like me, helping them to correct mistakes they might be making, helping them rethink what they are trying to do, and helping them get set up. I signed up for one of her webinars today at 2pm, and have an alarm set and note-taking supplies at the ready!
She is very smart. I’ve watched each of the three videos I have twice, trying to absorb everything and use her suggestions in my new Etsy store, ArtworthyNoteCards.
P.S. Our Internet only functioned in spotty fashion the whole day, so I missed the webinar. I THINK I can save it and watch it tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
Filed under learning new things, opportunities, Organizing/DeCluttering
For about a week and a half I’ve been viewing some videos by Renae Christine regarding selling handmade items online. She really got my attention when saying the several things you SHOULDN’T do – because I was doing ALL of them…. :0(
I have JUST finished creating a new store on Etsy called, ArtworthyNoteCards concentrating ONLY on selling my hand-painted cards, note card packages, and stationery packages. I am trying to look at what I’m doing in a new way, incorporating her ideas, and will see if anything happens.
Changing the way you look at things is really difficult. Maybe this difficulty is another thing that increases with age. Her videos challenged me, though, getting me get excited about trying her suggestions.
I would very much appreciate it if you would visit my new store and give me feedback on what you think when you have the time and inclination.
If the link above doesn’t work for some reason, here is the URL to my Etsy store –
Filed under Attitude, Challenges, Encouragement, learning new things, opportunities
Jeff Jett – LinkedIn
I started a new book, The Longevity Code by Kris Verburgh, M.D. because my husband read it and was really affected by the information and suggestions he found. He posted some changes in eating he wants to make and we got – or ordered – several supplements we aren’t taking.
I wanted to learn more about this, since my husband usually reacts that the information is ‘hype’ or ‘hooey,’ so I got the Kindle version of the book and am reading it now.
I don’t particularly want to live forever, although I would love to know what happens in the future. I mainly want my remaining time to be spent as healthy as possible. We’re trying to get the lard off, and use no more added salt or sugar anymore. We try to avoid foods that are high in either of those, and I’m exercising 5 or 6 days a week now.
I haven’t gotten far enough to share anything with you yet, but I wanted you to know about the book, if you’re interested to read what Dr. Verburgh has to say.
Monastery and Meditation Center, Siddharthanagar, Nepal
I got to chat with our son for a couple of minutes last night while he was waiting for a car and driver to take him the final leg of his trip, 45 minutes to the monastery and meditation center. He left a message this morning that he got there safely with no BIG problems, posting this picture.
He has been accepted for a 3-week stay, but hopes his teacher will give him permission to stay two months. It will all depend on how the teacher feels about his dedication and progress to learning to get to the next level of meditation.
This will be the last we will hear from him until the end of March.
We wish him much success.
I’ve been reading, studying, and trying some new techniques for trying to add better fur and feathers to my drawings. I’m using the book, “Keys to Painting Fur & Feathers” edited by Rachel Rubin Wolf.
I’ve been having lots of fun using a mixed media approach of micro pens, colored pencils, and pastels.
I have a long way to go before my work looks good, but it’s fun to spend time playing.
Filed under learning new things, Lewis Art
PersonalizationMall.com
I finally got the hang of bookmarks on the new PC! Most of the stuff I’m doing on the new machine, including trying to write blog posts, I’m like an elephant trying to walk between two buildings high in the air on a tightrope – and I’m afraid of heights. I feel extremely awkward, brain-challenged and get frustrated really quickly.
BOOKMARKS – on the other hand – are now good. :0)
I now have all the ones we imported from the MAC, and the others imported that I had put on FireFox, on the new PC. I can now save a website to a bookmark I’ve created, change one to another section, change the name of one, create a new bookmark, etc. Yesterday I figured out how to create SUB-directories, so I was able to organize the many websites I’ve bookmarked for gardening. HOOOOORAAAAY!
One thing learned, a gazillion to go; but the empowerment has begun!
Filed under Challenges, Changes, empowerment, Encouragement
PersonalizationMall.com
Can you hear me gnashing my teeth and muttering bad words?
I’m TRYING to move my computer FireFox bookmarks from the MAC to my new PC. I’m also trying to export my FireFox bookmarks on my new PC to Chrome, because my husband hates FireFox for some unknown reason. Since I need for him to help me on the computer, I’ll set things up the way he thinks is best and THEN I might bite him in the leg. I mainly want to be able to find things and use them, so I don’t really care how things are organized. I’m so awkward on the new computer anyway, it won’t make any appreciable difference in my learning curve.
I have NO patience with hardware or software. I only know enough to USE things once they’re working properly. Right now I have to tell you I’m thinking about throwing ALL of it out the window…
My project for the day is to try to use the newly imported bookmarks list to
In order to stop myself from automatically clicking on the FireFox icon, I have deleted it, leaving only the Chrome icon to get to the Internet
I’m going to tackle my bookmarks now, taking a deep breath and determinedly diving in.
Wish me luck?
Filed under Challenges, Changes
Rebel Circus
My husband was upset that I was using an iMAC and he was using a PC with Microsoft Windows 10. He’s a computer guru, used to being able to solve things when I screw them up. Our son is also a guru, but he lives and works halfway across the world and is not always available to help. My husband has been badgering me for a long time and I finally gave in.
He built the computer from scratch. What SHOULD have been a simple plug-it-all-in turned into a major nightmare because of compatibility problems. We returned parts, ordered more, replaced others, and were tearing our hair out. (Actually, I wasn’t tearing MY hair out because I didn’t really want to change to the PC and Microsoft :0) ) The problem turned out to be the video card. Once he got a compatible one in, the computer booted the way it was supposed to and the progress in earnest began.
After using a PC for years, my son got me to switch to the iMAC. Since we did this while he was home, I made as many notes as possible and learned as much as I could before he left. It was really difficult for this old lady to change, since everything I ‘knew’ how to do was wrong, but I finally managed to do most of the things I wanted to do on the iMAC.
Yesterday was the start of MY exploding head. I’m back to where even the MOUSE is difficult. I’m used to using one that is flat. Now I’m back to using a regular mouse. All my instincts are wrong again. My head is exploding! I start typing and get a bunch of gobbledy-gook. I have a nice ergonomic keyboard to use, but my fingers are used to the other board.
The only REAL problems were not being able to move my bookmarks the way we thought we could, and my pictures file showing ‘icons’ instead of pictures. I had laboriously made a list of my bookmarks (I have a lot). It’s a good thing I did because now I’m putting on bookmarks one by one as I need them. This is the first post I’ve done since switching to the new PC, new keyboard, new mouse, new look to everything. ARRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!
My husband finally got Password Safe working. This is crucial because you can’t get into any of the programs or websites you use all the time without it. Lots of bad words were said by everyone, including Amber, who desperately wanted to play tug of war; but finally he prevailed. I asked him to help me move the new stuff into place, moving the iMAC, keyboard and mouse to the side in case I need something. I figure I’ll learn faster if I’m FORCED to try to do things on the new equipment. I’ll also figure out things we forgot, etc.
Right now, I’m not an unhappy camper, but definitely a TIRED one.
Dusky’s Wonders
Wish me luck?
Filed under Challenges, Changes
Charter for Compassion via Cathy Ruggiero
This is a reminder I needed. I realize I’m getting older, and I fight the urge for comfort, particularly when it comes to trying to learn new things – but it’s HARD.
Last night was a case in point. My husband ordered a remote that was supposed to be an omniscient being that would take the place of our having to juggle remotes constantly. (Besides having to decide WHICH remote is appropriate for what we’re trying to do, we find ourselves trying to control the TV with our calculators or our phones….)
The idea was a nice one, but the jury is still out on whether I can deal with a remote that is smarter than I am.
First, we found that it really can’t control everything we would like it to.
The new remote WILL NOT deal with the Wii Fit Plus. We would need to buy an adaptor, and it just isn’t worth it. I’ll just get up (which I was going to do anyway), turn on the Wii, and get ready to listen to the insults.
The new remote WILL NOT control our Playstation3 (that we use as a DVD player) since it is radio controlled, not LED controlled.
___________
I got really upset trying to work with it. As my husband lost patience with me, I reacted to HIM, rather than being able to even TRY to think about what I was doing wrong on the remote. We ended up going bowling with our friends, and then doing a second lesson. I did better this time, and my husband regretted making my previous lesson so stressful.
All this shows that I’m really getting averse to not knowing how to control something, resisting change, being intimidated by things I don’t understand, rather than calmly trying to figure them out.
This reminder, which I will print and post beside my computer, will remind me that I NEED to keep an open, curious mind; NOT be intimidated when I don’t catch on right away, and – most of all – keep an attitude that I CAN master things if I keep on working at them.
Filed under Attitude
creativeartworksblog 