Tag Archives: playing in my art room

July 7, 2019 · 4:08 pm

Take Time

sayingimges.com

I rewarded myself for prevailing over my technology challenge this morning by spending some time in my art room. I’ve spent part of three afternoons up there and it really does my heart good. When I’m playing up there with my favorite music playing, all the stuff that is bothering me goes away. My heart and mind rest and I can simply enjoy playing in the paint trying to make the images rattling around in my head come out on the piece I’m working on.

The last three days I’ve been making a new set of note cards. I finished them today. They are drying.

Tomorrow I’ll take pictures, share them with you, and then list them on my new Etsy site, ArtworthyNoteCards.

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June 12, 2019 · 4:56 pm

Result of My Playing in My Art Room

 

 

 

 

 

This will be the last note card set I’m listing on my new Etsy site.  I’m calling this the “Rainbow Flower” set.

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June 12, 2019 · 10:53 am

Playing in My Art Room

My Artistic Wonderland via 2StarArt

I spent a little over an hour upstairs in my art room yesterday afternoon and I had the BEST time. Sometimes things get so busy around here that I go for several days – or even weeks – without giving myself permission to play.  Yesterday I started a group of note cards that I’ll list in my new shop on Etsy.

I love playing in the paint, experimenting with media and techniques, whether they work or not. The playing takes me back mentally to childhood, where I can imagine I’m playing with finger paint. It doesn’t matter whether what I do is ‘good’ or not. I just get lost in the joy of colors, textures, and dreams.

Though other things are pressing on me a bit today, I’ll make time to try to finish the note cards this afternoon, listening to some of my favorite music on my MP3 player, a hot cup of coffee in the warmer beside me… AHHH!

 

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May 6, 2019 · 3:45 pm

More Fun in My Art Room!

I painted part of yesterday afternoon and some of this morning, finishing two tee shirts for me. These were old shirts that had spots on them, so the idea of bringing new life to them appeals to me. :0)

I got the ideas from the net. These are not my designs, but I tweaked what I found to make them more my own.

This is the Dandelion Tee – “Make a wish, then blow!”

This one is “Let It Bee”

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May 5, 2019 · 4:37 pm

Fun In My Art Room

Kiddipedia

Since I did some good work this morning –

  • three loads of laundry – done, folded, and put away
  • finished cleaning out my garden, getting it ready to plant again
  • weed whacked for 45 minutes
  • general cleaning in the kitchen

I decided I deserved a break and I’ve been playing in my art room this afternoon!

I found two ideas for painting tee shirts on the net, and I’m doing ‘my spin’ on them. I love being able to bring older tee shirts to new life by painting them. They never turn out quite like I planned, but they ARE one of a kind, and I enjoy painting them.

I’ll try to take a pic tomorrow of the first one and post it.

I hope you’ve had a fun afternoon.

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March 9, 2019 · 1:27 pm

Playing in my Art Room!

Healing with Art via Cathy Ruggiero

As a birthday present to myself today, I’m going to give myself permission to go upstairs and play in my art room. Can’t wait to do some experimenting!

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December 18, 2018 · 10:42 am

Permission

ABSTRACTS by Sabina via cathy ruggiero

If you’ve been reading the blog, you know that I have devoted myself to going through our over 30-year-old home the past year with determination to go through everything, give stuff away, throw other things away, clean and reorganize what’s left. I’ve made it through the house once and am now on Phase II, of going through it all again. I’m making lots of progress, but the job is far from done yet. Realizing that the job will never be ‘finished,’ I’m ready to change my priorities a bit for the new year.

I’ve found it almost impossible to give myself permission to play in my art room. In fact, it’s still clean and organized from Phase I of what I now call, “The Great Purge.” Before, I had to clean off a spot in order to try out a new idea I had or to paint something to fulfill an order I received.  Each time I have thought of going up there, I saw something in the house that desperately needed my attention first. With the “New-to-Me” determination to move more, consciously trying to exercise each day, the day was shot. Added to that was working in the greenhouse or in the yard. The days, weeks, and months have flown past my head, blowing my hair.

I’ve decided that I will try to add another priority in the coming year – MAKING time to play in my art room!  I miss being able to close the door up there, start playing some of my favorite tunes, and immersing myself in the joy of experimenting with my ‘stuff.’  I want to try some new watercolor techniques. I discovered a new style of painting note cards and stationery where I mix watercolor or acrylic floral paintings with backgrounds of accent colors with pastels that I found satisfying. I want to expand on that. I have tote bags I’d like to paint. I want to etch some goblets I received as a gift from a friend… And the list goes on.

I closed my shop on Etsy, but I still have one on ArtFire.

I haven’t added anything in a long time, so I’m thinking of some new things with which I can experiment. I keep seeing the work of wonderfully talent people on LinkedIn, a website primarily designed for folks trying to network. I’m not interested in getting a job at this point, but I love living on the same planet as these talented folks and enjoy interacting with them and showing you their work.

When things calm down after the holidays, our son will leave to visit some more folks before going back home to Thailand.

I look forward to getting involved in trying new things for the new year.

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July 1, 2018 · 9:47 am

Practicing!

Kurt Vonnegut via GrowingBolder.com via Cathy Ruggiero

My friend Debbye Hughes, who was dying of recurrent metastatic breast cancer, got angry with me because I was afraid to even try to draw, paint, or do anything artistic. She looked at me, sitting in her bed, paintbrush in hand, and said, “Who CARES if your work never gets off your own refrigerator door? Who CARES if others don’t like it? JUST DO IT!!!!!”

That was in 2000, and I started painting, crafting, trying to draw, experimenting with all kinds of things that gave me joy. I started a website with the wonderful help of my son who designed my website to show my own stuff and then expanded it for me so that I could add the work of others. He helped with the the business, end, too, and I enjoyed 17 years of association with some of the most creative, talented people from all over the world I’ve ever known. I made friends long distance. I worked my heart out trying to do all I could with the tiny budget I had to promote all of our work. I wouldn’t give up the opportunity I had for anything.  I shut down my website, Creative Artworks, last year, and put my stuff on ArtFire and Etsy.

I love playing in my art room. The problem is that I have to set an alarm now so I don’t lose all track of time!  I just love experimenting with color, texture, and different techniques. I’m like a little kid with finger paints taking joy in the process.  Most of the time I make a mess. It just doesn’t turn out the way I envisioned it.  That doesn’t matter, though. I’m doing something I love. I’m practicing!

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June 24, 2018 · 10:15 am

Mother, May I?

Healing with Art via Cathy Ruggiero

 

I planned to make glorious mistakes in my art room yesterday, since it was raining and I couldn’t work outside. Somehow, I couldn’t give myself permission to ignore some of the things that were staring at me inside our home that have been needing my attention. I ended up cleaning up the kitchen, getting the filing under control in the office, playing with the dogs, and the afternoon was gone.

I have a lot of fun in my art room. Much of the time I just enjoy looking at the nice supplies I have, thrilled at the potential! Sometimes I simply play, trying some new techniques, stirring the pot, getting my juices flowing.

I love it when I get an order for custom handmade cards, note cards, or stationery. I can combine my love of art supplies – all the colors – and smells – and FEELS – with the joy of playing, coming up with designs I hope my customer will love.  When I have an order, I drop everything else and concentrate on creation, my customer’s wishes foremost in my mind.

At times like THIS, when I don’t have an order, it’s harder to allow myself to take time off. I almost feel I’m playing the old childhood game of “Mother, May I?” I’m trying to convince myself that playing is essential, that no one cares if the living room has been vacuumed yesterday, today, or tomorrow, and that I get no ‘points’ for crossing everything off my ever-growing list. There is a strong inner voice, though, that keeps repeating what a slob I am – that I should have a clean, well-organized home at all times….

I think I will try to SQUASH that mean little voice  – maybe just for a while this afternoon – and let the joyous part of me play in the paint!

Mother, May I?

 

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June 23, 2018 · 11:14 am

Inside Plans for the Day

ABSTRACTS by Sabina via Cathy Ruggiero

I’ve been fighting with my to-do list – it seems like for weeks now – not making much headway. Since today isn’t a good day to spend outside in my veggie garden, weeding my flower planters, or weed-whacking, I think I’ll take at least a bit of time this afternoon and play in my art room!

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March 15, 2018 · 1:44 pm

Going Upstairs to Play

Nature of Art For Kids

After I take the doggies out again, I’m heading upstairs to play in my art room.

I received a suggestion that I do some thank you notes in the ‘thumb print” theme, but geared to boys, (“Thumbys”) since they need to write thank you notes, too, from time to time. It was also suggested that some “Thinking of You” cards in the same theme might be appreciated.

I hope that you are having some fun this afternoon, too!

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March 11, 2018 · 4:11 pm

Playing in my Art Room

Mairtown Kindergarten

I added the “Thumbelina” note card package added to my ArtFire and Etsy shops a few minutes ago.

 

Now I’m going to go upstairs and play in my art room, working on the stationery and the thank you notes in the same theme.

My good friend, Marsha, suggested I do some thank you notes for boys – “Thumbys.” Please tell me what you think of the idea. I could add a bow tie instead of the hair bow, and lose the eyelashes.

Yea or Nay?

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March 6, 2018 · 3:22 pm

Permission

The Eric Carle Museum of Pictures

It’s funny. Ever since I finished cleaning out years of accumulation in my art room, I’ve just looked at it, been pleased, and moved on. It’s almost as though the room belonged to someone else. I didn’t want to mess it up.

Today, since it’s too windy to even THINK about working with peat moss or vermiculite, I’m giving myself permission to play. I don’t know that I’ll come up with anything, but IT’S OKAY TO PLAY.

I hope that you have found something fun to do today, too.

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January 15, 2018 · 12:23 pm

Cats and Flowers

One of my dear friends ordered two sets of hand-painted, personalized thank you notes recently – one with a cat theme and the other floral. I’ve had more fun doing this!

 

My friend knows my work. The cats will be silhouettes and cartoony and the flowers I paint are mostly ones that never were – except in my own mind. I’m spending a bit of time each day playing in my art room, trying to create thank you notes that will bring a smile or two.

Spending time there working on a project, trying to bring order out of chaos, or just experimenting, is just about the best time there is for me. The years fall away. Aches and pains fade. I’m totally absorbed, bopping to my music, surrounded by fun materials, with the only limitations my own imagination and ability. HEAVEN!

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November 15, 2017 · 12:54 pm

Time in My Art Room

Since working outside today wouldn’t be pleasant, I’m switching to indoor things, happy to have a warm, dry home.

I’m going to make a beef stew in the crock pot for tonight, serving it with low-carb garlic bread. THEN I’m looking forward to playing in my art room this afternoon. I’m still working on Christmas presents for friends, plus I have a couple of ideas rattling around in my head I’d like to try.

I hope that you are doing something fun today.

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March 21, 2017 · 2:57 pm

The Best Laid Plans…

I told you a couple of weeks or so ago that I’ve been working upstairs on some Christmas presents I want to give friends and relatives. As some things do, I didn’t like the result. I tried to get the paint off, but it’s going to be quite a job. I’ll do it a bit at a time.

Meanwhile, I ordered more of the main part of the presents, and I’ll start again, using a totally different technique this time.

Wish me luck?

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February 28, 2017 · 4:09 pm

Last of the Personalized Christmas Ornaments

gc-butterfly1

“Butterfly”

 

gc-lamb

“Lamb”

 

gc-rockinghorse

“Rocking Horse”

I finished the last of the 20 different hand-painted wooden personalized “Gingerbread Cookies” themed Christmas ornaments today.  I’ve had a lot of fun making them, along with the personalized Christmas Cards on the same theme.

If you’d like to see the whole collection, click HERE

I’m also working on a special group of ornaments as Christmas presents for good friends, so I’m having a blast in my art room lately. :0)

In the shop, I’ve started a new mosaic bowl. The design is free-form, meaning I’m just doing what I like. The sides of the bowl really slope, so I can only do a ‘ridge line’ each day, covering the glass only on the very top of the bowl, then turning it and adding more. Otherwise, the tiles slide down the bowl and dry wherever they end up. (Lesson on a previous sloping piece.)

I love days when I can do errands with my husband, get outside and enjoy the weather, spend time in my art room or the shop (or both), do a couple of “things-I-really-need-to-do-today” and THEN have time to start or continue a book….

I hope that YOU’RE having a fun day, too.

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January 26, 2017 · 5:37 pm

Full, Happy Day

Huffington Post

Huffington Post

I’m about to go do upper body strength exercises, but the day is almost gone and I haven’t taken the time to write anything!

I finished the gingerbread Christmas card samples this afternoon. They’re drying. As soon as they’re flattened, I’ll take some pics. I also painted the base brown of the wooden Christmas ornaments this morning. I turned them over and painted the base coat on the back just now. I’m having a really good time with this project. I get in my art room, dancing to my MP3 player and painting my heart out and the time flies. :0)

I also spent a couple of hours on bookkeeping. I can’t TELL you how much I love doing bookkeeping and tax prep.  It’s right up there with scrubbing toilets and washing doggies who have been skunked….

I feel lucky, though, that I can do a ‘have-to,’ and then spend time doing something fun. That’s a real luxury.

I hope you’ve had a good day, too.

Think of me doing the heave-ho on my 5 lb weights – 3 groups of 8 repetitions of six different exercises. Gooooooo – ME! If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to move my arms tomorrow.

clipartkid

clipartkid

 

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January 24, 2017 · 3:03 pm

So Much FUN!

Pinterest

Kenanaonline.com

Kenanaonline.com

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours in my art room working on my new idea for Christmas cards. I know – Christmas is over for another year. I should be thinking of things for the summer right now. The ideas won’t let me alone until I have them created, though, so Christmas cards and ornaments it is!

I’m having a lot of fun working on this. The time really flies. Yesterday I did the basic work on 15 different designs for cards. I’ll do the other 10 this afternoon and then start the REAL playing – when I do the accents on the cards.:0)

When the new card line is finished, I’ll show you and will appreciate your feedback.

I hope you’re having a wonderful day, too.

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January 23, 2017 · 2:03 pm

Beautiful Day – This and That

pixabay.com

pixabay.com

We’re having a stellar day here in Greenwood, Arkansas today. It’s 55 degrees and sunshiny right now. We were just out to run errands, and I find it hard to believe it’s January.

We mailed my order of stationery and note cards today. I cleaned up my art room (surprise, surprise!) and it’s now set up for me to play with my ideas for Christmas cards and wooden ornaments. I’m excited about FINALLY getting the ideas rattling around in my brain down on paper and wood!

I’m planning to try Practice # 4 on my new “Gentle Yoga Flows” DVD from Sixty & Me this afternoon, plus we’re going bowling with friends tonight. It’s hard to think of a nicer way to spend a beautiful day.

By the way, we discovered a TV show that’s new to us, called, “Outsiders.” We found it is starting Season 2 tomorrow night. We were able to DVR a marathon showing of the whole Season 1. We – like idiots – stayed up ’til all hours for two nights (3 a.m. this morning) watching the episodes. For us, it’s reminiscent of “Sons of Anarchy” with strong characters and lots of action. I’m impressed with the acting. We look forward to starting Season 2 tomorrow. You might want to check it out.

Have a wonderful day!

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