2018: 47/365

Tomorrow is Random Acts of Kindness Day!

Above is a poster I created (in action)...

You can print out copies of this poster

and other kindness goodies I've created here.

2018: 13/365

As an artist, one of my favorite things to do is 
create handmade & heartfelt gifts!

In this case, personalized note cards with matching stickers 

for the newly engaged couple!

When All Else Fails... Make Art.

I have been at a loss for words lately.
I have been feeling all sorts of feelings, but I can never seem to find the right words to express them.  

When I was little, I was painfully shy.  (So shy in fact, that school conferences were arranged to discuss my shyness.)  While I had a difficult time speaking up in the typical verbal sense, I discovered a way to communicate that didn't involve words... Art.  Throughout my life, I have found that even when I don't know what to say, I can turn to my familiar friends, drawing and painting, to help see me through... It's my visual voice.

Since I currently find myself in the all-too-familiar predicament of struggling to verbalize my feelings, I was excited to read this post by Alisa Burke.  When she shared the #artistsforlove movement that a beautiful and generous group of artists have started, it felt like a call to the easel.  
This is my offering...

Click here for a hi-resolution downloadable & printable version.

Please feel free to download, print, and share this image.  Or, if you feel called to do so, create your own image for the #artistsforlove movement.  I love the idea of humans around the world creating beauty for a common purpose, don't you?

No matter where you live, no matter what you believe, I think we can all agree that we could all use a little more kindness right now.

(A painting I made of Patience in February 2014.)

Even though I often struggle to find the right words, I am very grateful to know people who don't.  My friend Patience Salgado is a kindness revolutionary, and her words are magic.  I am so happy to be able to share them with you...

Kindness is not doing acts to appease our guilt

or to try to prove our goodness,

Revolutionary Kindness asks us:

.....to be bold in our resistance to what we know is not right/true

for our fellow humans…

...to be honest with each other and ourselves about the state of our nation (and hearts) and the ways we have individually contributed…

...to be willing to be uncomfortable while we learn the nuances and implications of our white privilege…

...to keep trying when we get it wrong…

...to be quiet and listen to the groups of people who have a different

skin color, religion, sexual orientation and abilities…

...to be ridiculously bold in our belief of the power of empathy and kindness…

...to act, to serve, to give - not because we are good people,

but because we *know* and deeply feel our own humanity...

and know just how much we need each other

and how much we need kindness ourselves…

...to believe that kindness can change or touch something

when no one else around you can see or believe it…

....to take kindness to places where none seems to exist, or to seek and discover it in the unimaginable…

...to try, just try kindness as a way of understanding the world and yourself…

...to offer what we have and nothing more, not to save the world, not to fix, but to follow our call as humans - the outcome is not our business.

This kindness humbles you, makes you fierce, stretches you in ways you didn't see coming, checks you, heals you, reveals your biases, comforts, disturbs, empowers, surprises...it changes *you*. ❤️

-Patience Salgado

You can read the original post at:

https://www.instagram.com/kindnessgirl/

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

♥ 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!

Happy Sweetest Day!

xo

Kristin

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

Please be sure to come back tomorrow!

The Summer Of Color (Week 3) And An Index Card Update!

ICAD #25: June 25th, 2012

The Summer of Color (Week 3)

"Baseball Nut"

Today's card was the third in my series of crazy haired girls for "The Summer of Color".  (You can see the other two here and here.)

I'm still on track with the Index Card A Day (Hooray)!

These are the ones I haven't posted yet:

ICAD #16: June 16th, 2012

"Party Pooch"

ICAD #17: June 17th, 2012

"Purple Painted Pooch"

ICAD #18: June 18th, 2012

"Pop Art Pooch"

ICAD #19: June 19th, 2012

"Stamp Testing"

ICAD #20: June 20th, 2012

"Lavender Luigi"

ICAD #21: June 21st, 2012

"love always wins"

(for Karen Klein)

ICAD #22: June 22nd, 2012

"I Am Kind" - hand carved stamp

(inspired by this) 

ICAD #23: June 23rd, 2012

ICAD prompt - Use a fortune from a fortune cookie.

"Peace begins with a smile."

(Perfect timing - I had just enjoyed a delicious Chinese lunch!)

ICAD #24: June 24th, 2012

(Denny's Doodle attached to an index card)

"Lookin' Good!"

"Thanks, You're Sweet."

I am loving the flexibility of Daisy Yellow's "Index Card A Day"... It is the perfect challenge for a busy schedule!

(If you've missed any of my cards, you can find them all by clicking here.)

A Change In Perspective Can Make All The Difference In The World

(A collaboration with Tyler)

"No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made.  

Destiny is made known silently."

- Agnes de Mille

There are times in my life when I see or read something and I know as a result I will be changed forever.  It isn't always a grand event, actually more often than not it is a simple moment that causes a shift in my thinking.

Last month I had one of those moments.

For those of you that are regular readers of my blog, I'm sure you have noticed the sparse posting.  The truth is that I have been facing some unavoidable sadness that has led to what I previously would have called a series of "bad days".  I try to keep things on the blog fun and light-hearted, so I hope you will forgive this frank admission.  (If you keep reading it gets better - I promise.)

In March, while reading the blog of one of my favorite inspirational people, Liv Lane, I felt like I had been given a very special gift... A change in perspective.  In her post she wrote about sadness and "bad days", but also shared a fresh way of dealing with hard times.  That post was a game changer.  

Sure, I have been experiencing many sad and sometimes seemingly overwhelming moments lately - it is a situation that is out of my control.  But, what I have learned as a result of Liv's life changing post, is that my "bad moments" don't have to make a "bad day"... I can control how I choose to let the negative moments affect the other parts of my life.  It doesn't mean I won't feel sadness, because I surely will.  It just means that I will embrace and savor the simple joyful moments that are also a part of my daily life.

Thank you, Liv.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo

Love Notes (Worth Posting Again)!

 

"you are beautiful just the way you are"

(Dressing Room Love)

The amazing Patience Salgado (a.k.a. "kindness girl") is at it again...

In honor of Valentine's Day, it is time to spread some love guerrilla goodness style!

Where would you put a love note?

I originally posted this downloadable sheet of blank love notes over the summer.  To make it even easier to share the joy, I have created a pdf to download and print.  (You can get it here.)

What are you waiting for?!?

Get out and spread some love!  

Wheee!!!

I Believe...

(Sidewalk Love)

...In kindness.

Since my word of the year is "Believe", I thought it might be fun to create a new weekly series where I proclaim (in a post) something I believe in.  What better way to start than with kindness?

It really seems like an obviously simple thing... And it is!  Anyone can be kind - from easy acts like letting another driver merge or holding open a door, to a grand pre-meditated gesture - any kindness will do!  It feels good for the giver and the receiver, but the greatest thing about it?

Kindness is contagious!

Sending you a great big smile...

Pass it on!

p.s.  The very kind, and always inspirational Liv Lane, has started a new series (and future  blog hop) called "The Little Bliss List" based on her word of the year ("Bliss").  Please be sure to check it out - I think it is a fabulous idea!

p.p.s. I'm curious... If you have a word of the year, how are you putting it into action?

A Love-ly Treasury

I just had to share this sweet, sweet treasury my "Peace On Earth" hand painted print was featured in... Love it.

(You can get a better look here.)

I'm Back With Fresh Perspective For A New Year!

Believe.

When my dear friend Eva suggested that I choose a "Word of the Year", my first thought was "Health".  (If you read my previous post you know why.)  After giving it more thought, I came up with a new word... "Believe".

2011 was a year of (many) medical crises for my family, the worst of which was in August when my father-in-law almost died.  At the time I couldn't write about it because my emotions were much too raw.  But now, many months later, I am able to share with you how that time has changed my perspective...

Without sharing the gory details, I can simply say that he was laughing and joking over a family dinner one night, then the very next day he was in critical condition and a nurse was telling us to "prepare ourselves" because things were "very, very bad".  It continued to be a roller coaster for the following month - one minute things were looking up, then the next minute things things were critical again.

During the hardest times, when things were bleak and I was at my saddest, I kept finding pennies wherever I went.  I believed they were a sign that everything was going to be okay... And it was.  My father-in-law's recovery and return to the kind, compassionate, strong man he was at the beginning of August is astonishing.  He is a living miracle - all of his doctors and nurses have said so.

So, for 2012, my word is "Believe".

This year I am believing...

In miracles

In hard work and dedication

In hope and faith

In myself

In others

In big dreams 

and

In endless possibilities.

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy, creative, fun-filled, miraculous New Year!

xo

Kristin

p.s.  If you've chosen a "Word of the Year" I'd love to hear what it is!

Paint Party Friday... Hand Painted Prints

"Heart In Hands: Love"  (hand painted print)

I'd like to start this post with a great big "thank you"!  I have definitely been feeling the love... Your emails, messages, and comments making sure that I'm okay mean more than you can possibly imagine!  Please don't worry - Life is good... Crazy... But good.

"All Tied Up"  (hand painted print)

Family fun, gift making, (and now jury duty) are keeping me busy... Very, very busy!

"Heart In Hands: Peace On Earth"  (hand painted print)

In addition to holiday preparations, I have been working on adding some items to my very neglected shop.  I am so excited about the hand painted prints I've been creating using a new (to me) technique...  

The process?

I scan and laser print my original drawings onto 140 lb. cold press watercolor paper.  Then I hand paint the print using a combination of watercolors, acrylics, prismacolor pencils, graphite, and ink.  I am thrilled with the results and tickled with the possibilities!

Custom "Heart In Hands" (hand painted prints)

Since this week's poll question over at Paint Party Friday is about gifts, I feel I would be remiss if I failed to mention what great gifts hand painted prints make (you can find them here)... Just sayin'.  

Hee Hee

Happy PPF!

Creative Tuesday Challenge: Autumn or Fall... Whatever You Call It, It's Inspirational!

Squirrel Love

It's been a while since I've been able to participate in Mr. Toast's Creative Tuesday Challenge and I've missed it!

Autumn has caused the chipmunks and squirrels in my neighborhood to go into overdrive as they prepare for the Winter ahead.  As a result, it seemed appropriate to post a little "squirrel love" for Creative Tuesday's Fall theme.

Please be sure to stop by the new Creative Tuesday blog to see all of the other Fun Fall Creations!

And...

Amy is offering a 'Free Live Video Workshop' tomorrow (October 26th) at 3pm (CST).

(Click here for more information.)

And...

The very creative Harmony from Feed Your Soul Art interviewed me.  (You can read it here.)

And...

Well, nothing else.  I'm just being silly...

Wishing you a very Creative Tuesday!

Paint Party Friday... Gettin' Gritty Wit It!

"Girl In A Feather Hat"   12x12   mixed media on canvas

You may recognize this painting from last week's work in progress.  I am having so much fun with Gritty Jane's workshop, I started a couple more paintings (works in progress)...

I'm still adjusting to using Paynes Gray instead of Burnt Umber.

This one had a face painted in full color until the perfectionist that lives in my head took a closer look at her (and decided I needed to start from scratch)!  Now it kind of reminds me of a Rene Magritte painting.  Well, if my second attempt doesn't work out, I can always replace her face with an apple!

Speaking of apples...

While packing Tyler's lunch, I discovered this heart... Sweet, sweet apple love!

Playing with Papers: Love Notes

For my final Playing with Papers, I wanted to create something that would be meaningful far beyond the walls of my studio, something that combines my passion for art with LOTS of kindness, and something that would be fun and easy to do...

I immediately thought of this post that was inspired by the amazingly enchanting Patience Salgado.  Patience is the kindness girl behind "guerrilla goodness":

"So much kindness you just can't help but smile and cry happy tears at the sheer joy of it all. The best part? Being kind, purposefully kind, is really so simple. Anyone can do it!"

(Taken from my post last year)

(click to enlarge and print)

For this week's project, I started by using last Friday's "Paper Love" FREE collage papers to create a template of blank mini note cards.  (Please feel free to use my template too!)

Then I cut out the cards, wrote words of encouragement, and headed out to spread the love around town...

In a dressing room,

In a library book about interviewing for a job,

In a friend's mailbox,

At a bus stop,

In the "self-help" section,

In the waiting room at the hospital,

And in the suitcase of my sweetie!

I am carrying the rest of the blank note cards that I printed with a pen at the ready - Opportunities to offer words of encouragement and share some kindness are everywhere!

Won't you join me for a little "guerrilla goodness"?!?