Fun With Paper Clay

Come Rain Or Shine

There's no doubt that what's going on outside, particularly with Mother Nature, affects what's going on inside, particularly with our motivation and Creative Spirit. I admit to sometimes being affected myself. But I think it's also a wake up and cool down call. When I say 'Enjoy the Sunshine Inside and Out!' this is a great example. Since the sun is not shining outside (at least not now that we're having unusually winter-like weather here in the Bay) it's time to create our own sunshine. Warm things up and shed a bright light on them.

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Inspiration Art on My Etsy Shop
 A great way to bring in the Sunshine and chase away the Creative Blues is to start your creative journey with a 'me' piece. A 'me' piece is Art that you create just because you feel like it. It has no goal other than to brighten things up. It doesn't start as a 'sell piece'. It's defining purpose is to bring light and sunshine to you or whoever you share it with. For me that sometimes means breaking out all of the 'product' and setting my brain on 'Play!'

The above picture called 'Rain Or Shine' was created using paste, acrylics, freehand drawing (the lady), rubber stamps, gesso, acetate, glitter, ribbon, archival ink and the fence is a 'Glimmer Screen'. 

It did brighten my Spirits. It did allow me to go to that 'Creative Space' I search for. It did allow me to create something a smidge different from my usual. And that's why I call it 'Healing Art'.

Point... don't let what goes on outside affect what's going on inside! Have a great day! And Create!
Steph :-))

Be sure to listen in to Blog Talk Radio tonight (July 15) at 8pm Pac time to as me and Setra 'Daughter of the Sun' talk about Art, Creativity, Music and more! If you miss it don't worry, the shows are archived and I will add a link to the sidebar :-)

START SOMETHING YOU! CONTEST!!!

Today is a good day to Start Something You! How many times have you told yourself I wish I could do that or 'I want to do that but don't have the time or the money or the skill'? Do it today! There is no excuse for not being creative if your heart desires it. Long before I became a Craft Hoarder I had no funds for the 'real' supplies so I got creative with everything from plants and flowers to paper bags, newspapers and more LOL.  So let me help you get started with a great prize kit to get started on your craft, specifically a paper craft such as scrapbooking, card making, collage, and jewelry making this is a great contest :-)

Post a comment stating what your fantasy craft is, why, if you've tried it already and what your favorite themes and colors are.

Need an example? Ok, my fantasy craft is collage. It's fun and gives me a great way to escape for a while. I can use so many things within reach like scraps, labels, etc. No matter what type I create I always feel as though I've accomplished something major when I'm done! My favorite themes and color are limitless!

 Ok lets have some fun. Post those comments and let's get this party started! I look forward to this party and your responses! And as always be sure to check out my Facebook and YouTube for ideas and inspiration.

***Also, if you're interested in sponsoring a Contest on this blog be sure to let me know! :-)) Good Day!

START SOMETHING YOU TODAY!

The Happy Place

As I look around my room which is absolutely overflowing with Art supplies, projects and gadgets I feel happy and overwhelmed that I'm a Crafter and love creating my own goodies. I also feel like I could fall into a big hole and be covered up with glitter and ribbon and paper and glue and be lost there for ever! Crying out for rescue would be futile as anyone that attempts to save me would fall into the same hole. I almost want to show you a picture of what it looks like but don't want to traumatize you! LOL.  So I'll show you a happy picture instead!


My Art is more than just Art to me. It's my Happy Place. It's a safety net. A warm blanket or a cold night. A trip to the ocean at just the right time. It's my Saving Grace! Literally.  Recently I find myself explaining more and more (because I'm asked more and more) what I mean by 'Healing Art'. The truth is, Art has been a healer for me in more ways than I can ever describe. When I'm in pain, when things are crazy or just when I need to escape, Art is some where I can go and be and do just what I want! That makes it healing.

I've always believed you make your own sunshine. When you do what you love and share you are creating sunshine and sharing good energy! Your Happy Place should also be your healing place. It's so much easier said than done I know, but it can be done. When you feel the need to release, react, recover, go to your happy place. Find yourself there and do what you love best.


I have another suggestion. (LOL don't I always) Another great thing to do while visiting your Happy Place is to start something new! If you've ever wanted to create something, learn something new, it's a great space to do it in. Again I say, Healing!



All of the Art featured here was created in my Happy Place and is available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/StephJordanOriginals

AH HA! Video Inspiration

 
Let's talk about the 'Ah Ha!' factor. You know, the moment when some people go Ahhhh and some go Ohhhhh and others may go Hmmmm and Huh? LOL That's what I call 'AH HA' Art. One thing you have to learn as a creative and Artistic person is that there are millions of people out there and only half of them will like your Art. We don't all think alike or like the same things. But if you love it and create it out of love, that's what really matters. I've made things myself that kinda scared me after they were done. Some of them took a leap into the can on their own LOL. Doesn't matter. That's what being an Artist/Creative Person is all about. That's how we learn to have our own style and niche.

The greatest 'Ah Ha' moments are the ones when you discover a 'Ah Ha' in your own creativity! Like when you realize what it is that motivates and inspires you. Or when it just dawns on you what your best talent is. Sometimes there may be a lot of little talents that when combined make a big talent and that my friends is 'AH HA!' I still don't know what mine is but I do now what motivates and inspires me so that's what I work with.

If you aren't one of the people that have heard me say this a million times 'I love Nature's Beauty!' The stuff that's free and available if we only look around us. So that's what I work with. In some way or other Nature and particularly the Ocean play a part in at least 75% of my Art. I'm even into recycling a lot of things (that's another blog post one day LOL).

Anyway, this video is just something I put together to share some of the beautiful inspiration I've come across and I hope in some way it inspires you. And if so, please let me know.



Have a colorful day! :-)) Oh and AH HA!!!

STEPH JORDAN ARTIST

Steph Jordan Artist has been creating unique creations since childhood. Mixed Media Art is her life. From teaching unique workshops to creating promotional items and more Steph makes high end costume jewelry,paints colorful imaginative art and makes things shine.