Karla's Korner

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!

Catch the Wind and...

Don't you love it when God goes above and beyond your own expectations?

A few days ago I went to the beach to do some research on kites and kite flying for a new digital art kit I'm creating and, even more importantly, to seek the Lord for insight into the spiritual implications of this theme. I had a start in my heart but knew He had more to show me. He did not disappoint me!  I think I came away with enough insight and inspiration to write a book... seriously!  And... He truly used this kite theme to speak deeply to my own heart so I am confident He will yours as well! 

I want you to envision your heart as a kite...
colorfully painted with a rainbow of all your hopes, dreams, plans and purposes.
Now imagine yourself standing in a field holding the string to your heart.
How high is your heart flying? Is it soaring with the wind of the Holy Spirit,
or is it earthly bound, being held back by the tension of earthy circumstances
or a fear of the unknown?

While I was at the coast, God showed me a particular fear in my own heart that keeps me from trusting Him... keeps me from letting go of a length of my own heartstring that holds my heart back from something I know He's been tugging at me to do for a long time... and He's still tugging... and He'll keep tugging until I loosen my grip and let Him have His way. I know that about God.

I also know that the Lord  is tugging at all our heartstrings, calling us to catch the wind of His Spirit and fly higher and more freely than we could ever have imagined.

He tells us in Isaiah 40...
"Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles."

O Lord... we are so thankful that You created us to soar and oh how we long to. But as we look at this verse it seems that our ability to soar is dependent on our willingness to put our hope in You. Father, show us where we have been putting our hope in places and people other than in You and keep tugging us toward You. May we soar to Your glory! In the glorious Name of Jesus... amen.

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.

He's Alive!

May your heart and mind be renewed with a sense of hope and peace
this Easter, knowing that our Savior lives!
And because He lives we truly can face tomorrow with hope,
trusting the One who holds our futures in His nail scarred hands.

He gave His life so that we could have a new and abundant life...
a life filled with the joy and blessing of knowing, loving and trusting Jesus
with every moment of every day. May it be so in your life and mine.

Rejoicing with you... in His love and for His glory!
Karla

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

On My Way Home...

Here I sit at the Galesburg, IL Airport headed home with a grateful heart... and for many reasons! I arrived here one week ago and spoke for HeartSeekers Retreat here in Galesburg. I know, without a doubt, that God poured out His Spirit in answer to the prayers of His girls and touched and changed the lives of many, if not most of the women, in that place! Thank You Jesus! A special blessing was seeing my  best friend from high school, Janice Rokita (now known as Jenny Kelley)... a little extra gift.

Teresa Muller was our worship leader for the weekend and she was awesome. What a surprise and joy to meet the writer of "You Are the Rock of My Salvation!" I have always loved that song so was honored to meet Teresa and enjoyed the sincerity of her heart for the Lord.

After the retreat I rented a car and headed to Quincy where I grew up to see my sister Margie who had been in the hospital.  I am thankful to report that she is home and doing well. I did take a few hours to go junking on Tuesday with Matt and Melissa... my wonderful, patient nephew and his wife... and I'll show you my treasures later!