March 30, 2009

TRASH TO TREASURED

See this broken childs rocking chair? Well, I saw it laying by the side of the road and I got really excited. I like free things, and cute free things.
I looked around to see if anyone was around ( I am not a big fan of people seeing me root through trash ;) and then I whipped it in my car and drove off.


I realized when I got it out of the car that is was broken and missing the rocking part on the other side. I was a bit disappointed but I knew I could still make use of it. It was too dang cute. Plus, Miss Annabelle had already fallen in love with it.

Ok- so here is what I did. I bought a hack saw, cut the legs off, spray painted it and distressed it. Don't you think it made an adorable children's chair?



Ooooh, I just LOVE it!!

I am not the only one that loves it either. Annabelle adores it and it quite obsessed with it. She HAS to sit in it while she watches her show in the morning while I blog. :)
I will find her sitting in it reading one of her books or hugging a doll. She just LOVES it too.
I would say it's safe to say that we both now treasure it.

I LOVE a good trash to treasure story. Don't you?

March 24, 2009

Lead...Don't Follow



I love going into the woods behind my house for some quiet and peace. I love the sounds of nature and looking at how beautiful nature can be.

I have been very excited to see spring popping up and color being injected back into the landscape.

I posted this picture below, on my family blog last fall. I caught one leaf break out from the crowd and start to change color.


For days it was this solitary leaf that stood alone in all it's bright orange glory.




I was impressed and intrigued by it. It was the leader of the pack and it inspired me in a lot of ways last year.



I was astounded when I walked out in the woods a few days ago and out of the corner of my eye was a pink blur. I had caught another leader!!


One little pink blossom in a sea of brown "blah" was popping through.



I think there is a lesson that still that I have not learned. Maybe a lesson for all of us.



I try and apply it with my desires as an artist. I need to lead, not follow, to have courage to do what I want and not be afraid to stand out.

AND - be proud of who I am. Embrace the things that make me unique and love them.

A good lesson we all could use don't you think?

March 16, 2009

Can you feel it???




Spring is in the air.

Color is popping up everywhere.

Everything is coming back to life.

Things are budding and sprouting.



The air is getting warmer and sweeter.
So, naturally I need to decorate appropriately to welcome this wonderful season in.


The "tree" is getting decked out with butterflies and new blossoms.

And of course I had to make a new bunting for my mantle. And this time I am selling them too!!!


It is made with Heather Bailey and other fabulous designers fabrics. Only the best will do for my stuff ;)



It is hung on beautiful brown ribbon that just ties it all in and anchors all the bright colors.

If you are wanting one then just click here or over on my Etsy shop to the right.

I also had to share this little bunny girl. It was a commission for a little girl named Brianna up in Canada, eh :) I hear she loves her very much. If you are wanting a special Easter bunny for your little one this Easter I can do anything custom. Just ask!

I am so excited for everything that Spring brings. It's rainy and freezing as I type this out so I am even more excited for Spring to get it's little butt here officially.

Hopefully you are excited too.

xoxo Emily

March 10, 2009

Art-n-Sewl's Artist Appreciation


This is Deedra
aka FoxyBlue




The second artist I have interviewed is Deedra Levy. She is a fabulous artist and dear friend of mine. She is a Canadian artist who dabbles in a lot of mediums like myself. She paints and sews but her papier mache is absolutely amazing. It is not just lovingly sculpted but the painting of each piece makes her work really stand out.
This is one of my favorites:


Just look at how whimsical and magical this little bird is.

I Love these paintings she did. So intricate and colorful.




I am of course partial to this little beauty because I have a feisty red head :)


This is a piece she is working on right now. I think it is sooo amazing how she does the sculpting then painting.




Anyway, enjoy the interview and when you are done go check out her blog and Etsy shop.


What do you create?

I create whatever I feel like creating at the moment! lol In terms of arts, it's mostly papier mache, painting, and drawing. I also do lots of crafts (sewing, knitting, etc.)
How did you come up with your business name and does it have special meaning?

My business name (FoxyBlue) came about in Film School when we were asked to come up with a potential name for our respective production companies. My favourite colour is baby blue, and it sounded good with Foxy, so, alas, FoxyBlue was born!

When and why did you decide to be an artist?

I think this was something that was decided for me. It was my genetic gift! I've been pursuing it as a means of income, as of late, as a way to stay at home with my children.


Where do you find inspiration for your projects?

Inspiration can come from anywhere, really. And when that inspiration strikes, it consumes me. I can't think about anything except creating that work of art. I get so lost in what I'm doing. That's how I know that this is my raison d'etre.

What keeps you motivated and what can make you get in a artistic slump?

Hmmm...motivation. I guess that would be my children. If i don't make a go of this, I have to go back to work. It breaks my heart to think about that. What puts me in an artistic slump? Oh man...that's easy. When I have this fantastic idea and I make it and it doesn't work the way I'd planned. I get so frustrated and angry with myself. I am definitely my own worst enemy. These slumps are really hard on my soul.

What would be a dream project that you'd love to work on?

A dream project...good call. I'm sure there are many, but I can't think of any off-hand.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a full time artist?

I would say, be sure to have a supportive spouse with an income that can sustain you, because building your empire may take a while ;)


What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your art?

I'm totally self-taught. I mean, there was high school art classes, but no formal education. It all comes from within. I want people to find happiness and smiles in my work. I want my art to make them forget about their worries and think about magic. I love all things whimsical! And something else that is super cool was when Nancy Juvonen (Drew Barrymore's partner and co-owner of Flower Films) bought a painting of mine. I have always been a HUGE Drew fan, so knowing that she is privy to my art is really special to me.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned as an artist?

Something that I have definitely learned and made great use of is the lesson to keep on trying. Even if you just want to give up, keep trying. Sometimes, in the beginning, my art doesn't look how I want it to look, and I just feel like quitting, but I push myself and make myself finish it, and I'm usually (not always, of course) quite happy with the turn-out. I have learned to never give up. That's a BIG one for me, because I have a short fuse, and would get frustrated and quit. Not anymore.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?

I would LOVE to learn to weld. That would be awesome. I'd also love to own a kiln...although the cost to run it might be a bit much! lol

What's your definition of a perfect artistic day?

Silence!! With three kids running around, I don't get much of a chance to just bury my head and do my thing. Everything is ALWAYS so segmented. I would LOVE a me day to just immerse myself in my art without distractions!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years as an artist?

Because I believe in affirmations, I'm going to say, I see myself making a total sustainable income working from home as an artist.


What was the biggest influence on your talent. Who nurtured it and what can mothers do to nurture that in their children?

My mom and dad saw my potential as a very young child. Craft supplies were always in abundance. My Dad built me a little 'studio' in this little cubby under the stairs when I was six years old. It was my little haven. I loved having this place of my own. My parents were always fantastic when it came to my art. I feel very blessed to have that.


Deedra Levy


http://foxyblueandfamilytoo.blogspot.com/

Thanks Dee !!

xoxo Emily




March 05, 2009

Southern Comforts

In the 2 years I have lived here in the "south" I have fallen in love with the people, places and climate.

Winters here in the Carolinas are pretty tame.
.


We usually have mild temperatures and sunny vibrant days.





The old southern homes that dot the landscape make me think of years gone by. I can almost hear a gramophone cranking out some old tunes and people laughing and dancing in the hot sultry nights (not in winter of course;)







There is never snow on the ground and the animals and critters have it pretty easy. Berries and old crops abound.






Growing up in places in the west, the hay bales I saw were neat little rectangles, not these lovely spirals of hay. Beautiful huh?


Sunday evening we were treated to a beautiful display of winter at it's best. SNOW !!!
I couldn't stop going to the door and giggling as it kept coming down and it was actually sticking.







The next day school was canceled..hehe (things screech to a halt here in the south whenever there is inclement weather. Which suits me just fine.



Just look at the gift winter gave us on it's way out.































It was like a huge sugar sprinkler came and dusted the already beautiful Carolinas.
I am ready for spring but this storm was a magical treat.



xoxo Emily