Resolutions

I don't like to make resolutions for January 1st of a new year. Mostly because I think that we can resolve to change something at any given moment, not just when the ball drops in Times Square. Goodness knows I have changed many things in 2007. And happily the changes are for the better...



Yet tonight I feel compelled to announce a new resolution. So in 2008 I've simply decided to be more creative; and to devote time (a day, an hour, whatever it takes) each week to create a little piece of art. Right now I'm thinking it will be drawing, but it could be writing, sewing, designing, playing - whatever.... And maybe I'll even post the results to Etsy or the blog.

I have signed so many posts with the words "Be Creative" but I find myself drifting away from taking action and only admiring the great abilities of others. If this sounds like you, maybe you too will join me in this decision. Let it be something small if you are feeling overwhelmed by this thought. But take the step, buy the materials, do something to build your creative legacy and have a fantastically happy, wonderfully artistic, brain-building, fear-conquering, soul-stretching new year.

See you in 2008!

Lise

Your design... Bergamo Fabric

Bergamo invites you to design a woven or printed fabric as seen through the eyes of the famous architect I.M. Pei.

Here’s your challenge…your fabric should compliment the current collections of Bergamo Fabric’s Sahco and Rubelli collections keeping in mind how I.M. Pei would see it.So draw, sketch or render a design based on the "Almost Great Moments in Design History" challenge.

Click on the title link to browse the Sahco and Rubelli collections. The winner of the "Almost Great Moments in Design History" contest will be featured online and will receive $1,000 worth of Bergamo fabric of their choice.

Interior Design magazine will be collecting all contest submissions. Please scan your design and either e-mail it or mail a disc to:

Heather Hughes

Interior Design Magazine

360 Park Avenue South

New York, NY 10010

heather.hughes@reedbusiness.com

This was a really good day...

Thanks to Cheryl Finley for alerting me that some of my art previously submitted for Inspire Me Thurdsay was chosen for the premiere issue of Artful Blogging from Stampington. Yay! I can't wait to receive my copy. I know it will be delightful!

Special thanks to Melanie at IMT for providing all of us with tons of inspiration each week. Kudos!

I was also pleasantly surprised to be awarded the Rockin' Girl Blogger award by Pattie Mosca - Pattie is one brilliant artist and very insightful woman. I'm so honored, thank you Pattie!

Inspire me Thursday - Copycats

This week's InSpIRe Me ThURsdAY theme is "Copycats".

It reminded me of "cookiecutter" houses. When I'm in a neighborhood filled with houses that look the same, I often wonder how the children find their way back home...

What does your house look like?

Have your broken the mold?

Artful Abundance

I read today that there is a very small percentage of people who actually make a plan for their future; and an even smaller number who write their goals down so that they may actively pursue them.

As I sit here typing I can think of the first time I was introduced to list making and goal setting many years ago when I began my corporate career. I liked making lists as a child so I could remember what it was I planned to get done. Lists made life simple. But over the years I moved from making simple lists for daily activities to elaborate artful creations with detailed mind maps in the margins. The doodles eventually grew to overake the lists and spawned a new goal setting pastime. I love to think in pictures. When I think of something technical or analytical, I sometimes revert to images to help a new concept make sense.

It's no wonder then that my goals are often depicted in my art. In fact, just in front of my computer are two pieces of art I created that capture the goals I had at that time. One had to do with turning over a new leaf, the other with a new house. Each of those goals have since been fulfilled - so it's time to create a new piece of art.

With all the talk lately about "The Secret" and the "Law of Attraction"; I began to realize that goal setting and attracting positive things to you does not have to be held to a simple written (or mental) list. Create YOUR dreams in a piece of art and hang it where you'll be reminded of your next action. Collage art works well for your depicting goals because every piece of paper can be a literal or figurative depiction of your future.

Dream Big & Create Art!

Lise

p.s. And next week, a recent piece about a new car is coming to fruition too - exactly as depicted in my journal. Gotta love this process!

Asking for what you want...

I am in Austin Texas this week. I haven't had much time to be creative while on the road - even foregoing my doodling for a bit more sleep.

Anyway - on my way out of the conference hall today, I noticed a group of people gathered around an art exhibit featuring the work of several artists who completed the work on display when they were in their 70's, 80's and 90's. Wow.

I spent some time admiring the work, and then I recalled my earlier intention before leaving home was to scout around for some art while I was here in Austin. With all of the activity surrounding the conference, I've not had much time to go out on my own to local galleries, when they've been open. But the funny thing about the law of attraction is that it answers your requests in ways we cannot readily imagine. Who would have thought an art reception would magically appear between sessions at an unrelated conference??

So my request was answered. I wanted to see new art, and there it was, right outside my meeting doors.

And this week, I am hoping that all of your desires are fulfilled in a delightful manner!

Creatively,

Lise

Exhibit - Textile Monuments - behind the scenes with Valarie Jean Bailey

Last year sometime, my dear friend began talking about her next project for her upcoming exhibit at the Green Hill Center. She told me about her idea for a bottle tree. I think in pictures. So when she mentioned a bottle tree, I thought of the traditional bottle tree that people once used to scare away ghosts. Empty bottles are turned onto tree branches. Then, when the wind blows, the bottles dance and clink against each other. Magical. But not even close to what Valarie Jean had in mind apparently.

But I should remind you that Valarie Jean is an art quilter, and painter. What, I thought, does a bottle tree have to do with quilting? But instead of giving her that blank stare I sometimes get when I'm trying to explain my own art project ideas - I waited. I listened. I watched. And I anticipated.

In our conversations throughout the year, she explained her ideas for the base of the tree. I even donated a few wine bottles, not truly understanding what she was going to come up with. We talked about the best photo paper, and about gates and fences.

During one visit, I sat down with her and looked at images of women on bottles. These were women who had made a difference in the world in a variety of ways. These women were singers, artists, activists, leaders. Still I was not sure what to expect...

Then one Sunday morning I was asked to come by and and help pack bottles as the time for the exhibit grew near. I don't know how many bottles I helped to pack that day, but suffice it to say that it was probably close to 150 or so. I saw the base, and Valarie Jean showed me the quilts, some were still in progress.

This day, there was a feeling in the air. It is as if the spirits of these women had entered this home, and had supported Valarie Jean while she crafted this installation piece - these beautiful quilted pieces, images on and within bottles. All this beauty and strength. It is no understatement when I say that they "spoke" to me that day. Their combined legacy. It is an experience I have never had before. I felt this overwhelming sense of responsiblity, even to pack the bottles with such care so none would break in transit.

This is an immense project that Valarie Jean had undertaken and completed with unbelievable grace under pressure.

If you are in the Greensboro area, please plan to see the Textile Monuments exhibit. If you are not in this area, I have included a link to her interview below.

Green Hill Center: Valarie Jean Bailey

Listen (mp3)


Kudos and much love to you Valarie Jean Bailey!

Lise

Inspire me Thursday

So.. I am now using those Inspire me Thursday prompts as a creative tool for my journaldoodling. This week was good - all about secrets. I started off with another secret, and I was just about to scan and disclose... but tamer heads prevailed :-)

Just today I unpacked a new drafting desk and put it together. So anyone that has visited my studio in the last couple of hours will instantly see my love for all things family... art... color... style...paper... *sigh*...

Be well...

Lise

Illustrator's Art

I love the Storyopolis Website. Not only do they have wonderful art from well-known, (and some lesser-known illustrators); I especially love the "book bushels" in various categories including Caldecott and Newberry award winning titles. I think these are perfect gifts for all young people.



Enjoy,

Lise

be creative

Home is where the art is...

An entry for Inspire Me Thursday :-)

Checking In - Backyard Gardens, Studio Spaces, & Teaching Opportunities

Ok, so I'm still unpacking and my cousin Melanie calls and (see picture) offered to help me hack down the underbrush in my new backyard. I told her I was not looking forward to doing this in the Spring. So Mel gets star treatment this week for that offer! Thanks Mel! I just love her!

The next thing on my list of things to unpack are all my paints, my easel and fabrics. Since my daughter announced today that she needs some fabric for her apparel development class at her new school I must make a new trek upstairs to my attic to hunt for the fabric box.. even though I hadn't planned to do any sewing in the very near future -

I have a new intriguing dilemma. My favorite room in the house has carpet. I'd rather not ruin the carpet in the bonus room with flying paint - but it has the best feeling in the afternoon sun. So I'm still debating on where to situate my creativity room/studio. My oldest son Chris is leaving for college in a few months - so I may convert his room to my studio. It faces the same direction as the 'bonus' room... hmmm that's a thought! Or I can go ahead and convert the entire attic - but all that storage space....

Another dear friend asked what happened to my local teaching plans. With the entire relocation I put everything on hold - but I've sent off a few emails just this evening to local places - I hope to resume my plans shortly and will keep you posted on this as the dates and times firm up. Thanks for the inspiration!

Be Creative!

Lise

Painting Together - A Creativity Course for Couples

I have a quick project for couples only. It's ideal for Valentine's Day so I thought I'd share it with you in case you're feeling inspired to celebrate in a different way than you did last year. Here are the materials you will need:

• 1 Moleskine Journal


• 1 set of art markers


• or 1 set of colored pencils


• Creativity
  

The beauty of this particular project is that it can be done anywhere, and it's a cute keepsake. The object of this project is to create your love story. The particular details of your love story are totally up to you. It can begin with a simple question that you write in vivid, bold and creative lettering on one of the pages in the journal. Then, as soon as the question is written, have your partner answer by drawing in pictures and words that express ideas and feelings. As one person draws shapes, the other partner colors inside the lines (or outside the lines if you prefer). If you don't want to start with a question, begin with a statement, quote or expression. Terms of endearment work well too.

This is one of those collaborative projects. There are no other rules except to have fun. The journal can be tucked away for next Valentine's Day; or packed in a suitcase to remind your spouse of what's waiting at home at the end of a long business trip.

Have fun and be creative,

Lise

p.s. You can also do this with your kids. It's a good way to remind your children how much you love them. Even teenagers like to color!

Style Points: Milk Paints

This week I'm exploring paint colors for new walls. My favorite of the moment happens to be milk paint. I like the low-luster of the paint. A completely flat finish that will do well to hide wall imperfections. It is also one of those paints that won't come off easily, so it's best to do your research and a bit of experimentation.

Milk paint can be created using simple ingredients at home if you wish - this is one historical recipe:

1. Powdered pigments or universal tinting colors, in the color of your choice
2. Non-Fat Dry Milk
3. Water

Finding the exact color you want is sometimes a trial and error process. Try creating a small batch first by using 1 cup of powdered milk with a small amount of hot water. Add the pigment or tint to create the desired color. Take careful notes about how much tint you used for the mixture. Once you have the color just right, test on a sample board and then mix up a larger batch.

Some recipes for milk paint require the addition of 1 oz. of hydrated lime for every quart of liquid. You are cautioned to use only hydrated lime and not quick lime. Hydrated lime will not react with the water.

Though I like to experiment with the colors you can obtain from the pigments. If you don't wish to experiment, milk paint comes in powder form as well. All you need to do is add water.

Milk paint can be used on walls, cabinets, furniture and craft projects. It is often layered and used with glazes. It can be used on non-porous materials, but you may need to add an extra product to make it adhere better.

__________

Be Creative!

Lise

Manifesting Change Collage Projects

Art Projects Can CHANGE your LiFe

CoLlaGe is the way I capture ideas. Ideas that remind me of my goals and dreams. It is also the way I capture memories of people I love and care for.

Collage also helps me bring my dreams to reality. Just in the same way dream journaling and goal setting bring about the changes you want to see in your life - certain collage projects do the same, but are infinitely more fun than making my usual lists.

Most of these photos are from my house manifestation collage project. Since I have been searching for a new home and thinking about future property investment goals; I set out to create art that would remind me to stay focused on finding a new home.

So the key to this type of collage project is to keep your thoughts and choices focused on your goals. That way when the project is done it becomes an ongoing reminder of your intentions. My thoughts focused on my love of interesting architecture, brownstone buildings, and city skylines; then it evolved from there.

I prefer to work on canvas instead of paper. I use acrylic paint, new and printed paper, prismacolor metallic pens, gel medium, and a little bit of time. Most of my projects are finished within two days. Occasionally, I will ask one of my kids to help - or vice versa.

So - the result of this particular project?? In under one week's time we discovered our new house and the offer was written up. Lest you think this is something magical - I think not. No, I think it's the powerful combination of being in that artful zone AND focusing on your goals and intentions at the same time.

So this year, as you set your Creative New Year's Resolutions, plan a little Manifesting Change Collage project and see where it leads. Hey you never know!

Be well!

Lise

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Style Points: Creative Weekends In from the Cold!

It's been hovering in the 30's and 40's overnight at my house lately. Though it's perfect power walking weather, I'm not spending much time outdoors when the sun's not shining bright or I'm not VERY active. So, to mark this transition back indoors, I decided I needed to do something creative over the weekend.

I started two collage projects for my kids. I'm not finished yet, but I have one jungle and one ocean theme started. This is the jungle where grandparents peek out at you through bamboo stalks; and an ocean where my two-year old floats with some big, colorful fish. I am planning to add a poem to each canvas. Maybe about jungles and oceans or fish and trees. I love the way a collage seems to draw you in. People stop and stare, hoping to find themselves on the canvas. It's fun, magical almost.

My next project will likely involve beads. I'm debating about whether to make a couple of beaded valances for my daughter's room, or a beaded light fixture for over her tub. Either project will likely add an opulent vintage appeal. These projects are soooo girly and creative, but they give me what I seek in most of my projects... INSTANT GRATIFICATION!!!

So I'm looking forward to seeing YOUR completed projects, whatever they may be.

Be Creative!

Lise

Workshops just about ready to launch! Whooo Hooo!

Our wonderful art and style workshops will be available for licensing shortly. Please be patient as we get ready to roll out something really wonderful for you.

Stay tuned and as always,

be creative!

Lise

If you're ready to teach an exciting new workshop and share new artful ideas please email us directly and ask to be added to our exclusive instructors mailing list!

Style Points: Art of the Family Collage Workshop

Over the last several weeks I've been asked to teach a different art technique or project to friends or casual acquaintances. So today I'm prepping for a new workshop and hosting an afternoon on family collage on canvas art techniques that were recently featured in the Raleigh News & Observer. This afternoon is also the test phase for a new event planning service rolling out this Fall. (more about that later).

The project I'm featuring today couldn't be any easier, but gives fabulous results in an afternoon. It's one that I've made several times over the past year, four of them feature my children, one of my brother in my art journal. All you need are gallery-wrapped canvas, artist gel medium, acrylic paint for the background and photocopies of your photographs. I'll be posting photos of the finished projects later this week, so stay tuned and enjoy!

Be Creative!

Lise
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Style Points: On Hanging Art...

Today I recalled a time, just before I opened my art gallery, when a woman told me and my business partner that art must be hung on stark white walls; large walls in fact. Nothing else would do. I've always been one to embrace change, so I balked at her suggestion and never looked back. Until today... As I was looking through several paint company swatch selections it occurred to me that people might really assume this is correct. But I can assure you that art can be hung on just about any color wall and look fabulous.

In fact, I believe that many galleries go for white walls because we are constantly having to patch holes and repaint once the show comes down off the walls. It makes things much easier not to have a color up there. However, I can tell you that in my house I have many wall colors, including a gorgeous red accent wall where I have a very colorful piece of art. The color of the wall accents it perfectly.

Now you can find a ton of different opinions about how to hang art, where you'll have to measure and map and plan to the nth degree. But I'm not a big fan of the complex. I choose to go the simple route and measure with things I have readily available, like my hand or fingers! Then I look at each piece, hammer, hang and I'm ready to go.

Be brave, hang art!

Enjoy!

Lise

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Creative Professionals & Workshop Leaders

I have several teaching opportunities available locally to teach my workshops. If you are already a workshop leader or creative professional that would benefit from licensing a creative workshop please email me!

I'm looking for 4 people that want to add another service to their business portfolios but don't have any time or desire to develop something new.

Art & style workshops are ideal for those in lifestyle professions. If you are seen as the expert in your field (or want to be seen as one), and you want to infuse fun and activity in into your business all while generating multiple streams of income, send me an email to get started today!