Karla's Korner

The Winners are...

Thank you all for your great suggestions! It was so fun to see your choices!
It was still hard to narrow it down to just 3 so I went by the number of votes
per image and still ended up choosing 4 instead of 3!

So here are the winning art prints that will be added to my Etsy shop soon:

 
Autumn Give Thanks 7.5x7.5

Autumn Tea 8x10

Cupcakes 8x10

Core Values 6x8

And the WINNER of the FREE ART PRINT is...

Deborah of debsberrys


Deborah... please choose one art print from the above four winners...
email me with your choice and your mailing address and
your winner print will be on its way to you in just a few days!

Thank you all SOOOOO much for participating and for your sweet comments. 
Please know that I read, appreciate, and SAVOR each one.
You make my heart smile!

xoxoxo
Karla

God Bless This Home...

A house is a physical building, walls that shelter, protect and sometimes
even divide. But a HOME is the invisible structure within...
warm & radiant love that embraces each member of the family
and reaches out to draw in friends, family and even strangers.
(from Love In Every Room)

My newest painting "Bless This Home" celebrates that love with a blessing!

Notice the blank banner above the door?
It's waiting for me to personalize it for you...
hand-lettered with your family name!

Or just think what a great housewarming or wedding gift this would be!

That was my inspiration... because I'm always looking for that
special one-of-a-kind gift to give as a blessing... and now I have one!

You can check it out in my new Etsy store if you like!!

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make His face shine upon us.
Psalm 67:1

Heavenly Father, we do ask Your grace and blessing on our homes today...
that You would fill every room of our hearts and homes with Your love
and peace and joy so much so that those who enter in would sense
the sweetness of Your presence here... for Your glory Jesus. Amen

58 Things...

As a birthday gift to myself (Oct.10th)...
inspired by my daughter's "36 Things Before I'm 37" list
I decided to write my own...

I hope to do before I turn 59!

I am a dreamer and a list-writer by nature so making the list was easy.
Doing everything on it... well... may take me more than a year.

1. sell our home aka Grace Acres

2. buy a truck camper and head out on a God Adventure roadtrip

3. buy a small house for a home base

4. walk the Girlfriends Half-marathon Wow... 13.1 miles... 10/18/09!!

5. read Max Lucado's new book Fearless and finish it!

6. read at least one fiction book Finished SisterChicks on the Loose... 10/19/09!

7. write and illustrate the next new book!

8. plan Michael's 60th Birthday Party!

9. create a "Bless This Home" Painting finished 10/13/09!

10. go on a garden tour

11. sew something wearable

12. take an online photography workshop

13. visit Lauri and Margo in Texas

14. visit Audrey in CA

15. go see a local play

16. ride the train to Leavenworth

17. get a passport

18. finish designing my wooden toy collection

19. make a memorable craft with Lex and Jess

20. host a girl's night out

21. photograph a sunset... and a sunrise

22. eat something new and unusual

23. pick a bouquet of wildflowers and give to a stranger

24. giveaway my time for a worthy cause

25. go hiking

26. make some soldered charms with my art

27. surprise someone with an unexpected birthday party

28. gift someone with a a foot massage and pedicure

29. have a family portrait taken

30. have postcards printed to send while on the road

31. sign up for an art workshop (hands on or online)

32. carve pumpkins with the girls

33. go see a movie with a girlfriend

34. bake a cobbler... apple? peach? berry? or all three?

35. send anonymous gifts to 6 people

36. place one or two of my books in 6 nursing homes

37. take the girls to the Grotto for Christmas

38. Sleep in a tent with the girls

39. make a baby gift for Melissa's and Amy's babies

40. use my art for a charity fundraiser or two or three

41. meet and eat with at least 6 blog friends on our roadtrip

42. decorate the new camper Karla style

43. photojournal our roadtrip on my blog and flikr

44. submit new art collection for licensing

45. create more mixed media sculptures (like Esther)

46. offer monthly giveaways on my blog

47. participate in a swap of some kind

48. participate in a progressive dinner

49. learn how to do transfers

50. try one new recipe every month

51. go kayaking with Gwen

52. make 6 B.A.G.S to give to the homeless

53. try screen printing

54. rent a convertible and drive to the coast

55. do sparkpeople for one month

56. create more "savor this moment" snippets

57. create a "savor this moment" video or two

58. give myself grace to not have to finish this list

Here are some other LISTS that might inspire you... and if you have a list leave a comment to let me know and I'll list you here too.

Michelle... 37 Things

Meg... 35 Things

October... A Celebration of Birthdays!

You see, my birthday is next Saturday, the10th, my hubby's is the 14th,
and poor sweet Michelle, our only child... well... hers is the 16th.
I like that they are all in the same week because I'll never forget them...
but it's hard celebrating three different people in 7 days and...
making each one feel as special as they deserve.
Instead they can tend to blur together.

But not so this year... we started early and we started with mine!
Michelle... bless her heart... treated me to an awesomely wonderful day
of artsy inspiration and celebration Saturday which began with a couple
of local vintage sales including Randall Woods and  Uncovered Ruby ...


I loved seeing this chandelier hanging gracefullly in a greenhouse!

This sign was so appropriate as the day was a mix of sunshine and rain
but dancing we did... at least at heart!

Obviously we saw lots of treasures waiting for new homes!

We then headed to Portland to the Local 14 Art Show & Sale which featured
84 women artists with an amazing variety of mediums and styles.
It was fantastic with a few of my favorites being...


Mary Ennis-Davis...

  Lisa Kattenbraker...

and Carrie Tasman.

After this visual feast of inspiration, Michelle knew just the spot
to feed our hungry bodies...

Por que No? It was seriously yummy!

From there we were off to the Art and Soul Vendor's Show where eye candy
was abundant with offerings from many of the workshop teachers
including one of our favorite local artists...

Lisa Kaus... Michelle and I took a workshop from Lisa for my last birthday!

We finished off our day of celebration with a dish of YoCream Frozen Yogurt
topped with chocolate chip sprinkles.


And what a treat it was that on the way to Art and Soul God treated us
with a bit of visual beauty of His own... this brilliant rainbow...
a sign that He was right there celebrating with us!

I AM BLESSED... and THANKFUL for it!

Bless you all...
xoxoxo
Karla

Changing Seasons Coloring Page

I've been working on my next newsletter and thinking about
how change is inevitable in our lives and all around us...
but God never changes and for this we are ever so thankful!!
So... to celebrate the changing of the seasons and autumn's
triumphant arrival, I drew this cute "To everything there is a season"
Coloring Page as a gift to you.

You can download it here for your own kids or grandkids...
use it for your Sunday School class or tell a friend about it!
You could post a link to this post on your blog to help share the Word.
My church makes copies of my coloring pages for their waiting room.
Who or where might God want you to share this color page?

I might even color it myself and share with you in the next day or two!

Above all... remember...
"To everything there is a season"
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Lord God, help us remember that our lives are as seasonal as the leaves
on the trees and, whatever season we're in right now, it's only
temporary. So if we're in a good season, remind us to celebrate it...
if we're in a hard season, remind us that it too will pass.
But whatever season... help us to live it well to Your glory.
Amen.

xoxoxo
Karla

Worship the Lord with Gladness!

Worship is more than just singing a song... true worship is a lifestyle...
a lifestyle of loving God, loving others, and living worthy of His glory!

We can worship lots of things other than the Lord if we're not careful...
people we love or admire, our money, even our hobbies or houses.
But what a privilege it is to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

And isn't it great that we don't have to worship Him out of duty or drudgery
but out of a heart of gladness for who He is and how He's blessed our lives!

Sometimes we just need a reminder to stop the busyness and sing out
a song of praise and thanksgiving simply to bless the heart of our Father.

Let us lift up His Name together!
Amen.

xoxoxo
Karla

New Give Thanks Painting

I painted this painting last week to vignette with "Sweet Praise". It uses the
same warm rich colors and it mimics several of the design elements.
But what really makes it... and the one I'm painting now...
tie together is the united theme of praise, thanksgiving and worship.

Giving thanks to the Lord feeds the soil of our hearts and in gratitude
our lives blossom with the beauty and bounty of God's goodness and grace.

And we have so many blessings to be thankful for... always.

Hope is a blessing that gives meaning and purpose to this earthbound life
and one we forget to thank God for at times.

But above all... love is #1 on my Thanksgiving List.
God's love to me, in me, and through me.
The love of my family. The love of friends.
The love of God shown to me by strangers through random acts of kindness.
The love of those I work with and share my life with.

Without love... giving love and receiving love... we have nothing.

So remember today... in everything... especially in love... to...

Lord bless you!
xoxoxo
Karla

Please Meet Esther!

I know I should have been cleaning or packing but I couldn't help myself...
Esther was tugging at my heart! 

Who knew that a mismatch of this and that could go from trash to treasure!

Here's what I started with:...a brass candlestick holder, a wooden bowl, a funky metal plate,
a jello mold, vintage buttons, crystals and the tips from the finials
I used for the legs on the boxes I made for the girls last Christmas.

And here's what became of it all... say "hi" to Esther!Hard to imagine that out of that pile of cast off's could come something
so sweet and delightful.

Do you love her bingo earrings? I chose the numbers... 9 & 14... for the ages
of my granddaughter's... but when Michael saw them he noted
that it was also that's day's date... the day Esther was created.

Do you recognize the jello mold and funky plate?

Check out the transformed candlestick holder!
And when I bought these weaver's spools at a yard sale a while back,
I had no idea they would become Esther's arms!

I love these vintage buttons royally seated on checker game pieces!

And this sweet filigree was a gift from my daughter's ephemera stash...
thanks Michelle!

As I stand back and look at Esther she makes me smile.
And she reminds me... and I hope she reminds you too...
that God can take the trash of our lives that seems to have no value...
and with divine creativity and loving kindness...
He transforms it and us into something delightful...
fit to be the bride of the King of Kings.
And I know that when He looks at us... like when I look at Esther...
He smiles!

Lord God, help us see ourselves through Your eyes rather than our own.
May our lives be like Esther's... knowing that we were created
for such a time as this... to be a reflection of You in this world...
for Your glory!

         

Sweet Praise... My New Painting

Sweet Praise!

Have you ever just gotten lost in praise?

Immersed in His presence? Embraced by His grace?

Have you ever had those moments when it's just you and Him...

those moments when the world truly grows strangely dim?

Gentle in spirit.

Quiet of heart.

Growing in love.

Lifted by His Spirit.

Praising His Name!

Standing on the Rock.

Forever giving glory to the Lord of Hosts!

Amen.

xoxoxo

A Weekend Away...

My hubby left Thursday night for his annual Canada fishing trip...
so Friday morning my sis-in-law/love Cindy and I headed to the beach
for a little fun, food and frivolity!

Our destination... Lincoln City.  Our first stop... lunch at Mo's!


Their famous clam chowder was a perfect way to start the fun!!

 
It was mostly cloudy with a touch of blue hovering just above the horizon...


but the cooler ocean air was a welcome break from the 100+ temps at home!


This quaint little quilt shop, one of our many shopping stops,
 was an inspirational treat for Cindy...

 
while a visit to the Pacific Artists Alliance Gallery, a co-op of 41 artisans,
 stirred my creative spirit. This fish was amazing and I could hear him
luring me to want to play with copper!


We stayed at The Coho Lodge where one of the perks was drinking french
press coffee made from freshly ground gourmet coffee... a first for me.
The even greater perk was that Cindy and I had the pool, sauna
and jacuzzi all to ourselves for a leisure afternoon spa retreat!
Nope.. sorry... no pics of us in swimsuits!!! LOL!!




On our hike around Devils Lake (no idea why they named it that)
we discovered flowers we'd never seen before and...


and houses we'd like to visit if only we knew the folks who lived there!


We ate at lunch at Tiki's in the historic Taft District on Saturday...


and the fish tacos were sooooo yummy good!


We also met Gypsy there and it was so fun to see Cindy get her talking
and hamming it up for the camera.


Saturday's beach walk included the fun of seeing a few sand sculptors
at work... isn't that amazing! I've always wanted to try that... maybe next time.

And I'm sure there will be a next time!
Cindy and I had so much fun together... just laughing and loving life!
And best of all, we spent some good time encouraging each other
 in the Lord because what a great place to be reminded that our God...

He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.
He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,
miracles that cannot be numbered.
Job 9:8,10

Thank you for letting me share my little weekend adventure with you!
Oh yes... and I brought back a few keepsakes I want to share with you too
so make sure you come visit tomorrow to see what they are!

Blessings and hugs to you... xoxoxo...

A is for Angel and So Much More...

My daughter Michelle invited me to join her art journaling group a few
months ago. The women in this group are amazingly creative and passionate.
Recently Teri suggested we all do an Alphabet Journal and I was excited!
I've always wanted to do an alphabet coloring book and I'm lookiing forward
to this fun little adventure being my inspiration.

I didn't want it to be the typical animal/plant alphabet book...


so my A's are about God...


about one of the ways He ministers to us...


what He says about who we are...


how He feels about us...


and how He has formed my heart...
and hopefully yours too!

Hmmmm... want to help me create my "B" page for next month?
Just comment with a "B" image (like Bible)
or a phrase that begins with "B" like I did for "A"!
I'll look forward to being inspired by what you come up with!!

Bless you guys...
xoxoxo

Creative Day #10... Frugal Friday... Gift Basket Filler

I am leaving shortly to drive up to the Canadian border to speak for a wonderful group of ladies from Family Bible Church in Oak Harbor... it will be a five hour drive but most definitely worth it!  Of course... you're prayers would be appreciated... thank you! 

But I really wanted to share this great idea with you before I head out...
let me know if you think and if it's something you might find useful!

Okay... have you ever wanted to create a gift basket and not anything to use for a filler just to make it look pretty and more bountiful. I have a bunch of times and usually don't have anything on hand. So... the other day when I was creating my Gift Basket to give at the last church I was speaking at, I had the same dilemma and I was just about to scrunch up a bunch of colored tissue in my basket... which I don't like the look of... when I had this GRAND IDEA! 

I simply cut 1/4" to 3/8" strips off the end of my folded tissue paper and separated them into a fun fluffy filler.

(I did find that licking my fingers helped the layers to come apart much easier!) But because comes with several layers... two slices gave me plenty to pretty up my gift basket and one slice filled this little box with beautiful color and look of whimsy. (Also to note is that I did scrunch a white plastic grocery bag in the bottom to fill the space and lift the gifts up for better eye appeal.)  Love it!

The great thing about doing this is that it's very inexpensive (you can buy colorful tissue at the Dollar Store), there are a great variety of colors available, and you can still use the leftover pieces of tissue to poke into a gift bag if you need to.

I also wanted to share with you another Faith Block... isn't it SWEET?
These will be available in my Webstore soon... they make a sweet gift at a sweet price.
I'll let you know when they arrive in the store.

Every good and perfect gift is from above.
James 1:17

Lord God...  thank You for giving us the creativity to make the most of the money You allot us...even in these trying times. Help  us all to be more frugal and yet more giving at the same time... to bless and encourage others through the work of our hearts and hands like you have us. Love You Lord. Amen.

Creative Day #9... Paper Flowers

I first want to say THANK YOU for the wonderful response I've gotten from all of you who have commented to win the Goody GiveAway Gift Basket!  Your kindness always makes my heart smile!

I was inspired to create these cute paper flowers after seeing this post...
on Pam Garrison's blog... who saw this post... thanks Janice!
I love how we inspire and encourage one another!


For my version these are the supplies I started with...

an old book... with damaged or discolored pages

a piece of slightly heavier weight green paper for the back side of the flower

a scalloped edged circle paper cutter... mine is Fiskars
(you can also cut your flowers freehand with scissors... they're very cute freehand)

I used felt for the centers... you could use other contrasting paper or fabric

a tool to poke a hole... I used a metal skewer... you could use a big needle

glue stick... I love the kind that shows up purple

and stems... okay... I picked mine up at a yard sale
 but you can find a similar fabric wrapped wire at Joann's or on a roll at CreateForLess.


Simply cut out the flower shape with the punch or scissors.
If you cut it out freehand you will want to cut the back and front at the same time
and keep them together to make sure they will match.


Poke a hole in the center of the back with the needle or skewer.
Thread the wire through the hole and bend over sharply at the end.


Cover the back side of the flower with glue... including under the bent stem.


Pull the stem back out to the bend and press the flower top on firmly.

 
Cut a circle out of your felt and glue in the center.
Gently apply color around the outside of the flower and then darken the edge.


I used this ColorBox fluid chalk for my pink color.

 
On this freehand flower I used a color pencil. but you could also use
distressing ink, chalks, or even your kids color crayons.
In fact, this is an easy enough project to make with your kids!


Make a bunch for a bouquet or a few to decorate your next gift package.
And be creative... try different kinds of papers... different shaped punches...
or simple circles...
and wouldn't buttons for the centers be oh so sweet!
I want to make more just thinking about it!

I'd love to know if this little tutorial was helpful to you...
and if you make any paper flowers I'd love to see them!

Don't forget to post a comment for the CONTEST...
and if you win I'll be sending you some of mine!

Lord bless you with a creative day and a heart lifted up to Him!
xoxoxo
Karla

Creative Day #8... and a Mother's Day Goody GiveAway!

I'm almost out the door to go speak for the Mother's Day Brunch at Westside Community Church in Beaverton but I have a few minutes and wanted to share with you the Gift Basket that I will be giving away at the end of my message. I always give away several books but this will be the Grand Prize!

It turned out so lovely... I want to giveaway the same gift to one of you!!!  All you have to do is leave a comment on any post between now and May 20th at 4 pm and you will be entered to win this scrumptious selection of goodies! If you'd like to share about this GiveAway on your blog... leave a comment to let me know and you'll be entered twice... so spread the word and double your chances to win!

What you will win includes everything in the basket... except the basket.


There's a Down a Garden Path book...
A brand new collection of "Spring" greeting cards in a cute folder box...
Four Gift Tags...
and a Bookmark...


A brand new HeartLifter Magnet...
and a "To Mom, with Love" book...


A Faith Block... which is another new item I have...


And just for fun... a bag of Strawberry Whoppers...
in a bag tied off with ribbon and a beautiful vintage button!
 

Oh yes... and I can't forget these sweet flowers that decorate the basket...
aren't they cute? 
I will be showing you how I made these one day next week.
Also I learned I great trick for adding filler to my basket... I'll share that too.

Gotta run... Savor some moments of joy today...
and give God the glory!
Don't forget to enter the contest... and God bless you!
Love you...
Karla

Creative Day #7...

Okay... I skipped a few days of blogging...
good thing I didn't say 30 consecutive days of creativity!! LOL!

But I have been very creative... with much to share but little time to share it.
I did create this Thankful Thursday Banner
and you are very welcome to use it on your own blog if you'd like...
(let me know if you do so I can come visit you!)
 the more we all share our thankflul hearts the more we are mutually encouraged!


I am always thankful for my granddaughters... this one loves to make you laugh! 


I am thankful for my daughter who ran the Eugene marathon last Sunday
and her time qualified her to run in the Boston Marathon next spring.
Her post about running is very inspiring!

And I am thankful for the gift of creativity...
to play with shapes, lines, textures and patterns just for the fun of it. ..
to reflect on the blessings of God in the secret places of my heart
and imagination... and then be able to share them with you!

I am speaking at Mother's Day Brunch Saturday morning so I doubt I'll be posting tomorrow but would
appreciate your prayers for God to speak blessing and encouragement to the hearts of the women there and that if any of them do not know Christ as the Source of all Joy, they might be drawn to Him there.

Love you all... bless you and all you put your hand to...
In His love and for His glory...
Karla

Creative Day #6... Monday Musings and Stool Makeover!

Saturday was actually creative day #6 but this is the first chance I've had to post.
I had bought this little stool for $1 at Goodwill a few weeks ago. No comment.


Bye, bye Christmas bear! Nothing personal.


Hello layers of new paint finished off with a crackle finish!
Sorry... I get so into the project I forget to snap pics along the way.


Voila! A beautiful new creation with new purpose and value!
The perfect compliment to this gorgeous and fragrant bouquet.
By the way, does anyone know what these flowers are?
They grow on a bush and smell heavenly!



I love taking an old piece of furniture and giving it new life.
It makes my heart glad to save something
that was headed for the trash and give it a second chance.

I’m sure if this little stool could talk, it would say, “Thank you.”
I know I would–or would I?
After a few weeks of settling into daily life
and having the compliments dwindle,
would I begin to take my new life for granted?
When people look more at the bouquet than me,
and after the flowers have faded and my purpose doesn't seem so clear,
would I become discontent with this new life?
Would I forget about my salvation from the trash heap?

Sometimes I’m afraid the routine of everyday life can have that effect on us.
We can forget that God, in His infinite mercy,
has saved us from the trash heap of eternal death and destruction.

The Bible tells us that we are new creations in Christ...
the old is gone and all things have become new.
But God didn’t use sandpaper and paint.
He used the death and resurrection of Jesus. Unconditional love.
Undeserved favor.

Father forgive me for taking my new life in Christ for granted so much of the time. Remind me of the trash heap you delivered from and the tremendous value I have to You even if my purpose doesn't seem as clear today and is did yesterday or the day before. Use me Lord to be the stool upon which the beauty and fragrance of Christ can be displayed for all to see... so that You would be glorified and not me. Amen.

Frugal Friday Finds - Creative Day #5

Spring is the best time of year for garage saling and garage sales are a fabulous resource for being creative on a budget! Today's Creative Day was about going saling with an eye for possibility... the potential to turn someone else's trash into treasure. I went with my daughter and we had great fun together and came home with a few frugal finds.

 

I am guessing the wire holder is either for eggs or votive candles... really not sure and not totally sure what I'll use it for but it was too fun to pass up for a buck. And then I found the green balls at another sale... they are like miniature bowling balls... and have no idea what they were for originally but they look fun in the wire holder for now! I have a creative idea for the little wreath and the small stool will be perfect for displaying some finished artistic endeavor some day.

I want to use the pretty plates for a girls luncheon, the vintage book covers to create hand-bound journals, and I have a great idea for turning the crocheted bed pillow shams into cute throw pillows for my sofa... I can hardly wait to show you what I'm envisioning.

Creativity begins with the seed of a vision,
planted in the soil of the imagination,
and watered with the love of expression.

Today was all about the seeds.

**For you artists out there...
check out Michelle's blog for an sweet trick to stretch your art supply budget!! 
She is such a clever girl!

Hugs to you for a wonderful weekend.
May the Lord bless you and keep you...
In His love and for His glory!

Needing a Little More... Creative Day #4

I don't know about you, but when I stood back and looked at my new art on the wall, I could hear the mantle crying out for something short to sit on it!  But what???  I honestly don't have a lot of stuff but I went on the search anyway and came up with nothing. But wait... one definition of creativity is making something from nothing so this time I went on the search for nothing to make something from and I found these...

Yep... little wood boxes I bought at JoAnn's for a granddaughter project that never happened... but they were the right height... a good starting point!  With a little paint layering, they morphed into entirely new creatures...

And made a perfect addition to the mantle...

Okay, my husband did warn me that since I set the candles directly on top of the wooden boxes... if I light those candles and walk away I could potentially burn down the house... not so good.  Leave it to a husband for such wonderful wisdom! So... they need one more piece to finish them and I have the perfect idea. I'm not sure if my idea will work or not, but am sure it will have to wait for another Creative Day.

Lord bless you all and the creative work of your hearts and hands...
Karla

Problem Solving... Creative Day #3

I knew when I started the painting I've been showing you that the canvas was warped but, since I'm new at painting this style, I honestly didn't think I'd end up liking it anyway so it was no biggy. No biggy until I did end up liking it so what was I to do about the rock and roll warp? "Aha", said I, as I looked at my dilemma through creative eyes. A backer board would do it. 

So my precious and talented husband built me a board just 1.25 inches larger on all sides than my canvas.  I painted it layer upon layer upon layer until I got the look I wanted. Once screwed to the board, (as you can see he had lots of help!) my canvas had no choice but to straighten up and the result was fantastic!

When faced with a problem we can see it through the eyes of defeat or we have the opportunity to view it through the lens of faith and creativity and see beyond what is to what can be. This principle is true in every aspect of life. Consider what the Apostle Paul says...

"Therefore we do not lose heart. 
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

2 Corinthians 4:16 & 18

Heavenly Father, help us to look at the problems we face in our lives here on earth through eyes of faith and creativity. Give us wisdom to solve, resolve and overcome the things we can and the faith to trust You with those things that are beyond our control. Remind us to look beyond the border of this earthly dwelling and look toward eternity in Your Presence with utter delight and abandon. Love You Lord! Amen.

Floral Painting... Creative Day #2

Yesterday...


Today...


Yesterday...


Today...


And...


I love the earthy texture it has now.
Tomorrow I hope to mount it and hang it on the wall!

How were you creative today?

A Pleasant Day of Painting... Creative Day #1

I promised I would post my progress on my just for fun 10x30 painting I started way back on February 26th and here it is... I finally picked up a brush and painted on it a few hours today and then didn't want to stop! It was very restful and relaxing.


I decided this morning to challenge myself with 30 Days of Creativity. I cannot promise I will post what I do every day but I am making the commitment to purposely be creative and make note of it! I believe we are all creative because we are made in the image of God and He has deposited His creativity into us and He has given us the opportunity to live creatively.

We use our creativity everyday without realizing it or acknowledging it as God's gift... whether it's painting, cooking, crafting, sewing, problem solving, or parenting... creativity is an avenue for God to express Himself to us and through us. And when we acknowledge Him as the Author of our creative endeavors, He gets the glory!

How was God's creativity expressed through you today?
Take a minute to let me know... and God will get the glory!

Monday Musings... and Off to Cannon Beach!

I'm heading out for the coast this morning for a quick overnight trip. I'm working on a new project that's all about kites and there's no place better to research kites and kite flyers then Cannon Beach, OR.  So just to get you thinking... what comes to your mind when you combine the visual image of a kite with the Word of God?  Can't tell you quite yet where I'm going with this theme but it should be fun for sure!

I thought I would also share with you my newest art just to see what you think. I'm loving playing with different styles and this is one of my favorites for sure!

Thank You Lord for speaking to us through such incredibly visual ways. Your Word is a treasure of imagery that moves our hearts toward You. Thank You Father for the gift of creativity that comes straight from You and the opportunity to use our creativity to bless and encourage one another! Amen.

More of My Studio... Before and After!

I've been wanting to share these photos with you for so long... thanks for your patience!!

BEFORE: messy and cluttered

AFTER: Bright and cheery! I painted the toppers for my shelves a brighter cleaner green. And Michael built the simple metal rod hanger for me to clip my art to. While I'm working on a book, I need to be able to see the other pages so I stay inspired and on track and this works great!

BEFORE: dull and dreary... and notice how I just tacked my paintings to the wall!!

 

AFTER: Remember the photo of the fabric way back on February 26th? I used part of it to cover the baskets, boxes and magazine holders. Having them all color coordinated brings a sense of order, unity and calm to the room. I still have to add all the labels so I can remember what is in them but that's coming! I'm also thrilled that I got a new cutting mat that covers the entire cabinet top. The old one was over fifteen years old!

 

The painting here is a Kim Poloson original... she doesn't live far from me and I love her art!

I've had this grated metal basket (not sure what to call it really?) for a long time. This seems to be a perfect way to display smaller paintings and collectibles. Still working on the clothespins! Do you like my Easter bunnies? Now the question is... will I be able to get the collection ready before Easter???

I love these 2 vintage cards my sweet daughter Michelle shared with me... aren't they just the cutest?!?!?! I'm covering some of the clothespins with ribbon but may just paint the others.

Below is a close up of one of the clips I'm using to hang my art from the steel rod display Michael made for me... oh yes... and a close up peek of one of my new paintings.

I am BLESSED to have friends like you and I hope, in some small way, my studio transformation might be an inspiration to you to allow God's creativity to flow in you and through you... brightening up your life and a spot in your own home, office, studio, or garden!

Be blessed my friends... love you all!
Karla

Art Journaling Friday

My daughter Michelle has been trying to get me to Art Journal for a very long time... bless her heart! I am convinced the timing simply wasn't right until just recently because now I'm loving it!  

Michelle and her friend Teri have been getting together every Friday for a few weeks now to share what they've been doing in their journals, what they've been learning and what new supplies they've been trying out and they've invited me to join them. Today, they brought their journals and art supplies to my studio and for 3 hours we chatted and painted and played! I had a great time... they are such an inspiration! Thank you girls!

We met two weeks ago at a coffee shop and left with a challenge to use the brown paper coffee cup sleeves in our journals before we met again. This was Michelle's page when she arrived. Can you find the sleeve?

This was her page when she left. Notice the frames around our pics? VERY FUN!

This is Teri's page and she picked up on the wording on the sleeve about "a greener future for our planet"... isn't that great? So creative!

Can you see the holder in mine? NOT! I started a page with the sleeve but it's far from finished and is rather boring at the moment! But I did work on this page this morning and I love it! I promise to show the coffee sleeve  page when it's done... really I will!

This is actually what I spent most of my time on this morning... hand carving four mini stamps and this cute little flower pot. Too fun!

I was reading Psalm 150 this morning and got to thinking about the last verse...

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!

What struck me was that the breath we inhale is a gift from God and it is with that very same breath that we give Him praise. We inhale life and exhale worship. Whether we breathe in what is fragrant and sweet smelling or stinky and distasteful... with every exhale we are to praise the Lord! This verse reminds us and even commands us to praise Him for His mighty acts and His excellent greatness. Do you want to bless the Lord? Take a deep breath and as you let it out... praise Him!

Oh Lord... I am much better at praising You when my life is good and the air I breathe is sweet. Would you work in my heart to praise You even more when life stinks... because even when life down here on earth does stink, praising You lifts me up into heavenly places where the air I breathe is pure and holy... where the air I breathe is You! My our praises fill the earth with Your glory. In Jesus' Name... amen.

Easter Blessings Coloring Page

I know Easter is still a month away, but I wanted you to have this now as you begin to prepare for the coming celebration... enjoy! Just click on the image for a full size printable version.

She is one of the color bunny series I'm working on for a digital download collection... stayed tuned to see her in color!

Prepare our hearts now Lord to celebrate Your resurrection
in Spirit and in Truth... amen.

Easter Preview...

I have been working on some Easter bunnies who carry more than a basket of eggs... they carry the proclamation that Jesus overcame hell and death and He is alive! And because He lives we can, not only face tomorrow, but we can face it with hope! Hallelujah!

This sweet bunny is one of a series I'm working on and plan to introduce as a digital download collection sometime next week... just in time to print and send cards or dress up your Easter celebration. I hope she makes you smile with the joy of the Lord!

Heavenly Father... prepare our hearts to truly contemplate Your sacrifice and celebrate Your victory over sin and death! Be glorified in us and through us Lord. Amen.

Painted Valance Stripes Tricks and Tips

Now I'm not against free hand stripes... they have their place but sometimes a project calls for clean straight edged stripes and so I thought it would be fun to share the process of painted my valances and a technique for getting those clean straight edges I learned from my friend Nancy a few years ago when I painted stripes on my dining room wall.

For my valance I used a piece of white canvas.

The first thing you want to do is to base coat the entire fabric with the lighter color.

Measure and mark the width of your stripes and align your masking or painter's tape along the OUTSIDE edge of where you want to paint your darker stripe.

Here's the trick... paint along the INSIDE edge of your tape with your base coat
color first to seal the straight edge. Any seepage of paint under the edge of the
tape will become "invisible!"

Next paint your darker color stripe.

When you pull up the tape... what a perfectly clean crisp edge!

To finish it off I folded under the edges and hot glued them down.

To be honest, the sparkly twine was added to not only break up the space, which
it needed, but also because I was not paying attention and the top edge of the
curtain is not quite straight. The twine distracts your eye and you don't even notice!

You may never use this technique but then again, maybe someday it might come
in handy... it sure has for me!  Thanks Nancy!

Let each of you look out not only for his own interest,
but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4

Heavenly Father, I thank you that You care about even the small things in our lives like decorating our homes and creating art and crafts Lord. I thank You too that You don't want us to think just about ourselves but to take what we learn, whether it's spiritual or earthly, and share it with others. I thank You that for me this blog gives me the opportunity to do that. Would You bless each woman who visits here today with increased creativity in sharing Your love and looking out for others needs and interests, especially during these hard times. Thank You Jesus for looking out for us. Amen.

Before and After Valances and Drawing Table

One of the most fun changes I've made to the studio was the valances above the patio door and the window. I have been wanting to change them out for a very long time so it feels so refreshing to have them done... and they're SO FUN!  I apologize for the horrible BEFORE photos... I am still learning how to take good pics and the light coming in the door and window made for very bad images but you can still see the huge transformation!

THE PATIO DOOR...
BEFORE: moss covered board with leaves and dogwood flowers... slightly outdated!

AFTER: fun hand painted canvas banner valance with glass crystals

The tinselee twine I got at JoAnn Fabrics after Christmas sale... it was a perfect touch!

I've had these crystals forever... can't even remember where I got them!
Strung them with some new beads for the finishing touch.


ABOVE THE WINDOW...
BEFORE: pink and white striped fabric topped with dogwood branch...so glad it's gone!
 
AFTER: hand painted stripes on canvas banner valance with green plastic crystals

The only reason these are hand painted is because I couldn't find the right fabric!

Love these crystals... picked them up at a yard sale about 5 years ago...
they've been waiting for such a time as this!


AND THE DRAWING TABLE...
BEFORE: A mismatched disaster (partly due however to the project in progress!)

AFTER: replaced mismatch with a variety of white containers... simple and clean... love it!
 
Notice the reading glasses on the table which are now required attire while painting
and the bunny who will be hopping her way to you very soon as a color book page!

THANK YOU...
for allowing me to share my space with you!
I've just been having so much fun and it makes me smile to be able to invite you
into my creative space... bless you for coming!

I took photos of the process of painting my curtains and I'll be sharing those with you
in the next day or so.  A friend shared a valuable tip with me that I'm excited
to be able to share with you.  Looking forward to it!

God bless you and keep you...
in His love and for His glory.

Pretty Bird Stamp

My daughter Michelle (in the blue hat) meets with an art journaling group every month and yesterday I had the pleasure of tagged along. As much as I love art journaling it just doesn't fit into my life right now but I love the sweet and artsy gals she meets with and it was a great opportunity to be in the midst of mega creative energy!

 
From left to right is Lani, Paulette, Michelle, Teri, and Jaryn.  Michelle led yesterday's group in how to carve a rubber stamp... it was great fun. My stamp was inspired by a painting from my new book...
 
I turned her into black and white in Photoshop and traced her onto the rubber stamp material... here is how she turned out.
 
 

You can see the black & white image in the upper left corner... the stamp itself is in the lower right corner... and lots of little pretty birds including the one on the thank you card. I'm not through playing with her yet and I can see a lot more hand carved stamps in my future! 
  It was a wonderful afternoon spent in the company of sisters in Christ who seek to glorify God with the talents He's given them! Thank You Jesus!

It's Been A Long Time!

Where have I been? In my studio painting away! I want to show you all the art I've been working on for my new book, "Give Thanks", but since I can't, I thought I could at least give you a sneak preview of a portion of page 47...

I have to say I feel a bit more flaky than fragrant though! I had such grand aspirations of blogging in 2009 on a more consistent basis and I had a wonderful list of things I wanted to share with you... including my studio transformation... and then came the phone call. "The deadline has been moved up," she said. In one short conversation I discovered that I would have two less weeks to complete all the art and more design responsibility then I had expected. Well... so much for more blogging... and time to spend on my studio transformation!

But... TRUST ME... I am not complaining! I am THANKFUL! God already knew it was going to happen before I even said yes to the book and my times are in His hands. I am confident He will give me everything I need... faith, creativity, strength, endurance and a heart to praise Him throughout the next few weeks! And I'm so excited to share with you everything in the book, both in story and art, I can hardly wait! And I can hardly contain myself wanting to show you what I had already done in my studio before that phone call... including some fun tutorials. So don't give up on me too soon... there will be more to come!

My times are in your hands...
let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:15,16

But even now, after putting in some very long hours and therefore feeling a bit more confident about meeting the deadline... I think I'll be able to visit a bit more often.  Now don't hold your breath but I do promise to be back!!

Love you guys!