Earth Day - Clean Green

Earth Day falls on April 22, 2008. This year, thanks to a wide variety of inspiration and information, I have made many more personal changes to green things up around the house.

If you have yet to start on making any green changes, here are a few recipes for easy, healthy cleaning products. Making one change per month makes it easier to make ongoing changes. But really, my motivation was set once I started to do the research about the chemicals and their side effects in many of the products we used.

So here's a quick green clean shopping list:

Vinegar
Borax
Salt
Lemon Juice
Essential Oils for fragrance
Vegetable Oil and Castile Soaps
Baking Soda
Spray Bottles (check out the beautiful linen spray bottles here)

From these ingredients you can make:

Countertop/Surface Cleaner
Combine Vinegar and Salt for a great scrub for many surfaces and non-porous surfaces

Window Cleaner
Vinegar & Water is a classic window cleaner. Use newspaper for a bright shine

Room Freshener
Pour vinegar in a cup to remove odors from your room. Or use vinegar to clean and freshen fabrics (test in an inconspicuous place first)

General Cleaner
With a bit of water the castile and vegetable oil based soaps will clean almost any surface.

Borax (about 1/2 cup), Splash of Vinegar and 1 Gallon of Hot Water can be used to clean and disinfect your rooms and make them sparkle.

When you bottle your cleaners, be sure to order some cute and creative labels to let everyone know what ingredients are included, and what you can use them for.

I Haven't Forgotten...

I learned a lot of stuff from my family.

My brother teaches me how to take things apart and put them back together - he's a mechanic today and often called Mr. Fix It.

My grandfather taught me how to garden and use hand tools. He also stressed that you must be neat when you work and not rush - especially when painting. He was a skilled craftsman.

My grandmother suggested I do something with computers, which I did. She also taught me about how to invest in the stock market - plus how to cook, sew and crochet. She was a seamstress by day, and ahead of her time in many ways.

My mother taught me so many things - most notably how to entertain, paint, draw, laugh and travel well. She was an artist, designer and best friend to many.

My father continues to teach me the art of big talk, and the finer points of cooking with various herbs. (lots of them). He's a retired HR consultant.

My aunt taught me to appreciate hand knitted sweaters and blankets. Though I admit I don't knit very well - yet.

I learned a lot of stuff from my family - and luckily I haven't forgotten.

What did you learn from your family that you still use today? What inspires you?

Halloween Photos

Here are two photos from our Halloween eve. Ethan the scary chicken and...

Matthew as Darth Vader... :-)

More photodoodles

Ok, so before I go off to sleep I decided to combine another photo and doodle. This one is of my son Ethan on the beach this summer.

It looks like he's found some magical water at Emerald Isle

:-)

updated photo...

So after (too) much discussion this is the photo she chose to go with, instead of the one where she's doing her favorite thing in the world - chatting on the phone...

I think she even bought into the idea of making the pillows; so this weekend we'll troll the fabric stores for some suitable fabric and start using my new sewing machine!

Yay!

Have a creative evening!

Creative Dorm Rooms

So my oldest son is off to college this year. I had forgotten how small, and shall we say, unadorned a dorm room can be.


Now of all my children Chris is the least interested in design; but even he had to admit that he wouldn't mind sprucing up his room. Ah, the last convert....




One of the biggest and least expensive changes we can make is to the walls. Since we're not allowed to paint anything in the room; the next option is to cover the walls and cabinets with removable things. Here are a few ideas:

• Big flags and multiple pennants. Ok this is a standard dorm decoration. You can find a ginormous flag or pennant sets; hang up on the wall with duct tape or velcro, and you're ready for class



• King size (light-weight) quilts and sheets offer a quick fix for drab walls. If the room has those cork hang strips you hang from there with T-pins. If not, attach the fabric with heavy duty velcro strips.





• Shower curtains - WHAT? Yes. Hang a shower curtain with a cool design from those sticky-but-removable wall hangers.





• Paper - This is a really inexpensive option but you need to think creatively. Try your hand with patterns made from post-it notes. Or forget the tedious hanging job and buy several pages (or a pack) of beautiful scrapbook paper. There is a pattern to please everyone. This option is also great for those with allergies, as fabric options may collect dust.



• Fun prints - Convert your photos to wallpaper. Print black and white photos on legal size (or larger) paper and hang with double-sided tape.




• Fabric - You can use fabric as a background or a foreground. There are plenty of discount fabric stores offering great bargains for your quick fix. I love the look of burlap - it offers a natural texture, low cost, and functional camouflage.

• Wall decals - Since we can't do traditional wallpaper; try the large removable decals. blik makes some that are really fun. Including this from the late artist Keith Haring... How's that for unique dorms?


• Plywood - painted of course. Get a big piece of wood and a can of chalkboard paint. Paint a few coats and lean the board against the wall. This is more of a hassle to move at the end of the year than the other options, but can be cool for leaving personal notes and fun drawings throughout the semester.
  
• And of course, you can always make your own art...

I love that I can put many of these elements into the first care package I send off to school. But since Chris is just over an hour away from home; I may pop in one Friday afternoon to hang some wall adornments myself :-)

Enjoy,

Lise

The Kid's Sunday Project

I wanted to plant something new, the kids wanted to paint. So we teamed up and this is the end result...

Materials:

Paint and Metallic Glaze
Foam brush
Dirt
Clay Pot - 18"
Vine

Love & Creativity

I enjoyed reading a book called Living Artfully by Sarah Magsamen so much that I sent this book to my sister Toni who, with two young girls and family far away, is VERY busy.

I wanted the book to be a reminder to her that having children does not have to mean that you must abandon your own creative projects. I know your time is shared, and your kids will require so much of your attention. That is until just around their 13th birthday when you suddenly become a sheer embarrassment - but until then, just know that your creativity doesn't have to wither away only to be reignited when the kids are out of the house, or after you retire! Creativity can show up in ways you haven't really planned for; and even better, can be cultivated together - which really is a whole lot more fun.




Your creativity is always there - even if you're not actively pursuing your past painting, singing, scrap booking or candle making projects. You might not recognize (or give yourself credit for) the creative muscle you're building when you bake cupcakes for your child's classroom; or traipse through yet another aisle looking for fabric for your teenager's apparel development class; or when you're out collecting scrap wood for a tree house you've planned to build with your kids. Let's not even mention the amount of creativity you need to keep a toddler engaged on the weekends. But nevertheless, your creative skills are there and growing.

So... be open, paint rocks, plant moon gardens, and decorate cookies with the thought that you are building an interesting life and making new creative dreams as a family. And when your kids are grown, they might actually appreciate your creative approach to life. Though they may just confuse creativity with love.

Postcards from the Past

This past week I picked up a couple of good books I'd like to recommend. The first is called Visual Chronicles by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino. The second is Artist Trading Card Workshop by Bernie Berlin.

Visual Chronicles inspired me to create a quick postcard instead of sending an email to my sister Toni. (I used a small picture of the postcard below to cut down on the jokes about 80's hair, goofy teenage phases, or braces.)



Anyway - to get me to give up email lately is like pulling teeth, but I really liked how Linda and Karen approach creative journaling - they inspired me when they said:

The real news of our lives is not in newspapers. We must chronicle our own adventures and achievements, our brilliant observations and our comic relief, our best friends and our greatest embarrassments.

Bravo ladies.

So, the postcard is not nearly perfect, it didn't take me the balance of the day to create, but instead of buying a card at the store complete with another person's sentiments - I included memories of our high school years. (those I could still remember) - and I'll send it on Monday with a bit of love.

In our next newsletter, I'll share all the materials I used to make it. What? You haven't subscribed?

Subscribe to the newsletter to make sure you get our current issue... The box is on the upper right hand side.

Now... Artist Trading Card Workshop is chock full of eye candy. Like a postcard, the artist trading cards are small, and can be created fairly quickly. The thing I like about this book is that it has detailed techniques that I have not found in other books I've purchased recently. In fact, you can use many of the techniques in larger art pieces - not just for ATC's.

Well that's about it for me tonight.. I'm off to bed!

Have a wonderfully creative Sunday!!!

Lise

Links to books I mentioned:


Visual Chronicles

Artist Trading Card Workshop

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

Think Creatively, Live Longer

Last night while blogging I watched a segment on TV about living longer. The researchers at Blue Zones are on a quest to find the common traits of people who live to be 100+. So far they've found these common factors:

• Family
• No Smoking
• Plant-based diet
• Constant Moderate Physical Activity
• Social Engagement
• Legumes
• Empowered Women
• Sunshine
• Gardening
  

These make sense to me. And of course, I think that creativity is a driving element to encourage a long life. For example, creative planning can bring families closer together, creative recipes and menu planning can certainly make it easier to use more legumes and other vegetables. Planning social engagements (celebrations); family gatherings; traditional Sunday family meals, and gardens all require the use of your creative energy.

So thank you to all the researchers at Blue Zones. I feel good about where we're headed!

Be well, 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: Sharing Your Kitchen

As I was looking through some of our recent photos I came across this one. If you don't already know about Gevonne (left), she is the Artistic Lifestyling 'foodie'; and she has a remarkable talent for combining flavors and ingredients to create a truly unique meal. I've captured Gevonne sharing her gift of food preparation and planning with my daughter Kristen.

Gevonne has some great recipes at her blog. Be sure to stop by and say hello to her!

For those of you who are interested in custom menu planning, please email Gevonne directly.

So this week - be sure to spend time in the kitchen and share your cooking gifts with others.

Enjoy!

Lise

Style Points: Sharing your Home with the Younger Set.

I have always been fond of having visitors ever since I was very young. My parents and grandparents were effortless entertainers and I learned a lot about how to make guests feel at home from them. I know I spent hours lingering in the hallway just outside the kitchen listening to grown-up conversation and the sound of ice clinking in the bottom of the glasses. Just as a stream of visitors were always at my grandparents and my childhood home, I grew up wanting to have a home that people would want to return to over and over again. I've said before that lifestyle design is about styling homes around a style of life. Included in my genes is a love of entertaining, and therefore my home is designed for this purpose.

But while I have mastered many ideas on signature drinks and dinner menus for adults, I think there is a finer art for keeping children entertained, engaged, and comfortable in your home while you balance your time with your adult guests. Since you never know who may be dropping by your home, here are five tips to help you share your home with the youngsters...

• First, when you design your home and garden, design for all ages. This idea may sound strange for those who don't have school-aged children living at home. And you may understandably be less concerned about child-proofing, but that doesn't mean that childhood concerns should go out the window! For example, many beautiful gardens I have visited were at the homes of people without children. The gardens contained special plants and creative water features that were safe for kids to explore; and brought childhood whimsy and wonder to the adults too!
  
• Keep a supply of things that are safe for children to use. Save the crystal glasses for another time, and instead use colorful dishes and glasses that can stand some abuse. I love the melamine dishes and plastic glasses readily available during the summer months. When they go on sale, I buy them in loads, and use them year round.
  
• Make a game, puzzle, and art supply treasure chest that kids will love to explore. Certain games will always hold up better over time, like building blocks. But also include other crafty items, card games, watercolors paints, and paintbrush. These games can keep kids occupied for a good long while.
  
• Though my Aunt Belle's kids were all grown up when I used to visit her, I never complained about being bored knowing that she always had a pint of ice cream in her freezer for milk shakes. YUM. Take a tip from my Aunt and be sure to stock your pantry or freezer with a few snacks kids will love. (You may end up being the favorite aunt after all!) I can always count on ice pops, cookies, marshmallows and fresh fruit. Kids will usually like one or more, but when time allows, check with parents to address any allergy concerns. For meals, you may want to serve the same thing, or make a simpler version of what's on the adult menu.
  
• Overnight stays and vacationing guests present a new concern. What do you do to fill their time? Make their trip memorable by offering to do things that their busy parents don't have time to do. This summer, my visitors will be attending First Friday art openings; reading new books; exploring maps, local zoos, aquariums and museums; and taking all sorts of pictures. All things they can't readily duplicate at home.
  

Be Inspired,

Lise

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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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Coloring Books for Big Kids Workshop

Look for my new workshop: Coloring Books for Big Kids. This is for those who still love to color - due out this October 2006.

Also, be sure to read my latest article at Creativity Portal this month.

Enjoy!

Lise

Telling Our Own Stories, Creatively!

My mom was the sort of person that really had fun with life. Among many other things, I learned to paint and draw from her, and I have always marveled at her gift for playing the piano - something I've never come close to mastering. I miss her creative spark. She never had a chance to meet my youngest two children and she missed out on a lot of special (and not so special) times in our lives. But I don't doubt that she would have thoroughly enjoyed most of the time over the last 9 years with her family. And I sometimes wonder what creative talent she would have encouraged my children to pursue. Although I work from my memories now, one way to keep her spirit going is through our family traditions - an oral history. I truly value these traditions passed on to me from my mother's and grandmother's generations.

So I shouldn't be amazed when everything comes full circle right? While I was busy working on my new suite of workshops, I really touched on this idea of a creative living history journal. In addition to inspiring people to live creatively, the workshop will help people capture those thoughts and feelings that aren't conveyed by scrapbooks and photo albums. This is an opportunity to make the time and pass on your ethics, values, your take on the meaning of life to your family - and do it creatively. If you don't write your story, who will?

Here's an excerpt about my new workshop from my website:

Creative Birthrights(tm) is designed to encourage families to slow down and participate in authentic dialogue and powerful creativity about your family history. It is attended by mothers and daughters; fathers and sons; sisters and brothers - any combination will do. In fact, it really doesn't matter if people are connected by lineage or lifelong friendships. I find that whatever the bond, you simply need to have a strong desire to share your life history through creative story-telling and artful activity. This is a transformative workshop. You will not leave unchanged. This fantastic workshop will lead you though several creative exercises where you will produce an heirloom-quality pictorial of your personal & family history which you will want to share with the people you love. You will leave the workshop with a journal full of funny, and poignant illustrations and witty text. But more importantly you will also be inspired to reconnect with the people you love and share ideas for an even richer family legacy.

So today, I encourage you to live creatively and share your knowledge so that when an old person dies, a library won't have to burn down completely.

Be Inspired & Be Well,

Lise

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Are you a workshop leader or creative professional that would benefit from licensing a creative workshop? Want to add another service to your business portfolio but don't have any time or desire to develop something new? My 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 at a low start up cost, send me an email to get started today!

QT314

ENR
Originally uploaded by Lise Richards.