Kindness Gone Viral

For the past week, after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, I have struggled to find words.  The post that I had originally planned to publish last Friday suddenly seemed so trivial... As a result, I avoided writing anything at all.

Then, yesterday I read about Ann Curry's #26Acts of Kindness.  

Moments later, I read an email from a woman who was interested in purchasing the original or a print of my "Take What You Need" heart.  Well, the original is now at home in Scotland, but I am happy to say that prints are free to anyone that wants one! 

(More details further down...)

I believe wholeheartedly in the power of kindness.  I believe that all acts of compassion, both big and small can make a difference... In just the space of a few minutes, my mission was clear and the voice that I thought was missing had returned.

(download your free copy here)

In honor of Ann Curry's #26 Acts, and as a tribute to the precious lives lost in Newtown, I have added a kindness page on my blog where you will be able to find links to downloadable and printable kindness art including the "Take What You Need" poster above.  It is my hope that these posters make their way to bulletin boards, lamp posts, and utility polls around the world.

p.s. You'll also find a link to my free downloadable and printable kindness cards!

(Another great way to spread good will.)

"If you do good, you feel good."

-Ann Curry

Wishing you a holiday season (and beyond...) that feels good!

xo

Kristin

What I've Learned...

Today's post is inspired by a few questions for #reverb12:

#3: What do you really wish for?

#4: How will you celebrate YOU?

#6: What did you learn?

(I'm going to answer them in reverse order.)

2012 taught me not to take a single moment for granted.  A series of very serious family health emergencies that started in 2011 (and lasted up until last month), made it abundantly clear that life is very precious.  I have tried to become more actively aware of how I am spending my time, prioritizing, and focusing my energy on the things that are most important to me.

I think that paying attention, and really, truly living (rather than just existing), is the best way I can possibly celebrate myself.  I'm slowing down, taking notice, and enjoying the little things so much more now.

I have set many goals of things I hope to accomplish in the coming year, but the things that I really wish for are the health, happiness, and strength that are required to follow though on those intentions and aspirations.

#Reverb12

Hmmm... I'm not really sure where or how to start this post, which is actually remarkably appropriate...

December usually finds me a frenzied, scattered mess, and this year is no different.  So, when Kat from I Saw You Dancing suggested that I might participate in the December challenge, #reverb12, I was initially apprehensive...  But, after reading the description of this kinder, gentler challenge, I decided that it is exactly what I need right now.  (Thanks, Kat!)

Here is what #reverb is all about (in Kat's words):

* celebrating the successes of 2012

* honouring the challenges of 2012

*planting the seeds for a rich and rewarding 2013

It sounds fabulous to me!

So, for the month of December, 

(Well, what's left of December... I'm a "frenzied, scattered mess", remember?)

my posting will be based on some of the prompts provided by Kat.

Sound like fun?  It's not too late, you can play too!

Buckle Up & Get Ready For Some Fun!

Do you love stencils?  I do!

So, when Jessica Sporn asked me and a bunch of other artists to "test drive" some of her new stencils for Stencil Girl Products, I was raring to go...

Starting on December 6th, and continuing once or twice a month through June 2013, we'll show you how we used her stencils, and you're invited to play along too.

I will be sharing my creations on January 3rd and April 18th. 

(Stencils are such a great way to rev the creative engine and I'm really looking forward to taking Jessica's for a spin!)

To see all of her models, get the schedule, and learn more about how you can take them for a test drive too, 

hitch a ride over to Jessica's blog!

p.s. Just in case you need some extra fuel to get your motor running to her blog, Jessica is having a giveaway on each of her test drive posts!  What are you waiting for?  Gas up and go!

Have You Got A Minute?

Frosty Window Art

Then you have time to make some art!

This time of year always seems to get craaazy busy, but I still think it's important to squeeze some art making into a hectic schedule.

Toaster Strudel Art

One of the easiest ways to cram some creativity in, is to think outside the canvas and get a bit inventive with materials!

Steamy Mirror Art

I truly believe that making time for art every day (even if it is just a minute or two), can ignite the imagination and keep the creative spark alive (so that you're fired up and ready for when you have more time)!

Do you have any tips or tricks for fitting art into a busy schedule?

It's Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  

In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on 

instagram or facebook.

This Week...

...I continued to work on my home painting projects.  (Yep, kj... Those are actually stairs in my house.  Thank you so much for your kind words about them!)  

I also started a new drawing/painting (above)... Since I am still in the process of unpacking and setting up my new studio, I am limited with the supplies I'm using right now.  I'm thinking about adding something else to this, but I'm not sure... I've set it aside for now.  (I might have to follow the advice I usually give to others, and print out a copy and try what I'm thinking on that one...)

Although I have created art every day, it is not as much as I'd like...  In addition to a very hectic schedule right now, I have spent a lot of time on the not-so-glamorous (but-very-much-necessary) chore of backing up files.

I hope that you've had a good week, and have found some time for art and other fun stuff!  I'd love to know what you've been up to... Please feel free to let me know in the comments, or even share a link!

It's Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  

In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on 

instagram or facebook.

This Week Has Been All About...

Color!

Color on the stairs,

Color on the walls,

And, color on my desk!

As the weather outside turns gray and dreary, I find myself craving color... I have found that the best way to fight a seasonal slump is to surround myself with 

bright, vibrant, gloriously happy hues!

How do the changing seasons affect your art?

It's Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  

In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on 

instagram or facebook.

Makin' Art Everyday

I believe the road to inspiration begins with creating some type (any type) of art every day.  It doesn't matter if you dash off a doodle or pour yourself into a painting... A little bit of art each day is good for the imagination.  (Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference!)

Today marks the beginning of Art Every Day Month (AEDM).  In honor of that, each Friday in November I will be sharing a round-up of my artistic endeavors for the week.

If you're interested in more regular updates, please visit me on instagram (my latest addiction!  Oh, how I love instagram!) or facebook.

Happy Halloween!

(Very wet dragon feet!)

I had planned on creating a very fun, artsy post for Halloween... Well, time got away from me (as it so often does!), and now I am tired and stuffed to the gills with candy...

But, just in case you were hoping for a little silliness from me this Halloween, I offer you today's punny lunch card...

Today is the last day of Blogtoberfest!

(Phew... I made it!)

Good Thoughts In Little Packages

 new inspirational cards (the beginning)

You may remember me creating a magical mess with Tyler earlier this month...

For my latest batch of cards, I decided to see how the technique that Tyler and I used on the walls in that post, translates into encouragement on a smaller scale.

They still need some color, but it looks like inspiration works in any size!

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

On The Road Again

I am excited to announce that "...you'd be home by now" 

(my sketchbook from the 2011 Sketchbook Project) has been selected to go on the inaugural tour of The Sketchbook Project Mobile Library!  Hooray!

In case you missed them, you can read my posts about the making of the sketchbook here.

Or, you can take a trip with my gnome throughout art history and view the digitized version here.

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

All You Need Is...

...Love.

Every morning, before Tyler gets on the bus, I tell him:

Be good.

Be kind.

Have fun.

I love you.

(It really is that simple.)

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

This Weekend...

Please remember to

make plenty of time for...

Play!

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

The Answer Is...

(Good Guess, Aimee!)

Curious about the question? Click here.

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

A Guessing Game

The beginning of my latest batch of cards for the Inspiration Deck.

My latest batch of inspirational quote cards are currently in need of faces and phrases...

These cards are all inspired by one person.

He is universally accepted as one of 

the greatest thinkers of all time.

Physically, he is relatively easy to recognize.

Any ideas who this "passionately curious" man might be?

One more hint:

It won't be the first time I'm drawing or painting him...

As a matter of fact, his genius eye peers out of the

top left corner of the header at the top of my blog.

**Be sure to stop back tomorrow to see who it is!**

♥ Instagram Love ♥

My "finds" from the past month or so.

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

Imagine

Another card for the Inspiration Deck

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

More Thoughts On The Journey...

Cards for the Inspiration Deck

It's a life's journey

of finding ourselves,

finding our power,

and living for yourself,

not for everyone else.

-Mariska Hargitay

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

A Single Card

Card #1

The creation

of an

inspiration deck

must begin

with a

single card.

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

Happy Sweetest Day!

xo

Kristin

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

Last Night...

We went bowling!

And, although it is (very) obvious none of us will be going pro anytime soon, we had lots of fun!

I am a big believer that each and every day should have a little (or a lot) of playtime, merriment, silliness, and general tomfoolery... I think it's very important to make the time to step out of your usual routine.

Wishing you all a weekend of whimsy... Enjoy! 

p.s.  It's "Blogtoberfest" and I'm posting everyday...  

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!