deYoung Museum and Art by the Gun (Literally!)

I recently had the utmost pleasure of visiting the deYoung Museum in San Francisco. Absolutely nothing sparks the creative fires like witnessing your passion from the inside out. Seeing who started it, how, what they used, why they did it. The main attraction (the reason we went) was the Masters of Venice exhibition. There were moments when all I could do was stare in awe. The processes used to create these wonders are amazing and remember they didn't have one iota of the tools and products we do now. Unfortunately they didn't allow photos in that Area of the Museum but follow the link above to learn more.

However, of course I did take hundreds of photos when I could LOL.

While I was totally in awe of what came before it was this exhibit that stunned me most! Spine and Tooth of Santo Guerro by Al Farrow. A Church made of totally Guns, Bullets, Bones and well see for yourself. I can't explain my reaction because I'm still processing it. It's truly the most unusual but I'm sure there's so much more behind it and research is needed. So here are the pics I got.

 Yes that is a spine in the above pic!

It's a beautiful Museum and the Exhibits are Fabulous! That is all :-)


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Either Way You Look At It!

Its funny how life gives me so many openings to blog! For example... This Collage I did last week. A lot of fun creating it and a story to go along with it. The creating was a two hour process. I did it outside on a beautiful California day. During which time I did a lot of thinking, laughing to myself and deciding which way I was going to go next with my career. So many things happened in 2011 that it amazes me that I want to continue on but that is the power of determination, being inspired by people in my life, my Art Circle, my tiny section of the Universe, and a need to live Artistically!

 So there I stood, Canvas, Gesso, Paint, Paper, Diamond Glaze, Rubber Stamps, Copic Markers and Brush...not really waiting for a message to paint, it hit as I set up my supplies. Peace!

  The Story came afterward when a friend pointed out that the Peace sign was upside down LOL. I love it!!! That's what makes Art so great. It makes us think, it educates us, it motivates and inspires and sometimes it makes us laugh. And there I found Peace. So after finding out it was upside down, I loved it even more LOL.

The Message is 'I Create Peace. Peace Creates Me'

The whole point of this post is... If it's Art to You, Love It! What you feel and are passionate about is what creates your Art. It doesn't matter if some people don't like it. There are billions of people on this earth. Don't you think some are bound to have different opinions and likes? And in the grand scheme of it, does it really matter?

This piece may never sell, but that's ok. I love it. Now every time I see it I laugh. And laughter is a good thing! And if I turn it upside down...it's right side up...or is it????????????

Inquiry Minds like mine always want to know the meaning of stuff (LOL) so I researched the symbol. Here's what I found:

Peace Symbol Created (1958): In 1958, British artist Gerald Holtom drew a circle with three lines inside, intending the design to be a symbol for the Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC). The design incorporates a circle with the lines within it representing the simplified positions of two semaphore letters (the system of using flags to send information great distances, such as from ship to ship). The letters "N" and "D" were used to represent "nuclear disarmament." (The "N" is formed by a person holding a flag in each hand and then pointing them toward the ground at a 45 degree angle. The "D" is formed by holding one flag straight down and one straight up.)

Holtom finished his design on February 21, 1958 and the design was then first introduced to the public at a DAC march on April 4. The symbol quickly spread. In Britain, the symbol became the emblem for the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), thus causing the design to become synonymous with nuclear disarmament. In 1960, the symbol migrated to the United States and began to be used as a symbol for the peace movement.

This symbol has become internationally recognized and is still used by peace activists today. Source: http://history1900s.about.com/od/1950s/qt/peacesymbol.htm

Just Do It!

Last week I had a discussion with a friend and fellow Artist above what 2011 had been to us. One thing I discovered over the past few weeks and definitely while talking with her is that many of us took an emotional, energetic or inspirational hit in 2011. Which is of course one of the reasons I believe that Energy is a shared thing and when it's floating around in the air like a big overweight hot air balloon with no where to land we all see it and some of us even feel the singe from it's heat. I know why my energy sank this year and have vowed to be sure and not let it happen again. But you know how vows go, we all wish to keep them but life happens which sometimes requires us to reach out to other sources for strength. So I've reached out to my Artist friends and promised to be there for them as much as I possibly can energetically and they have promised the same. And sometimes that's what it takes, a collective "we are over it, let's get this party started!".

A Work In Progress (Like Us)

Letting yourself go too far off the path can really do damage to your creative and inspirational output. It can delay the Journey and cause you to lose faith in your own creative output. Sometimes getting back is more work than you ever thought it will be. And while it may seem you are alone, that couldn't be further from the truth. There are millions of creative spirits out there, many sharing some of the same thoughts, needs, and energy. And in this day of networking and social railroads its so easy to connect with others of like mind. I'm not saying making a date! I'm saying reach out to others who are ready to share ideas, thoughts, and good energy with you. For example, the next time you're on Facebook just type in the word 'Art' and search 'Groups' you'll be surprised. There are many out there and probably many that fit your needs. Or search Google for 'Art Groups' in your neck of the woods.

Look to those that inspire you. Share thoughts and get feedback. Try new things, for example, I couldn't bring out the painting or the mixed media but I was a baking fool for almost a month (don't worry, I'm over it LOL). But just being able to be creative in one way or another helped me stay not on the path but at least close to it. I've been in contact with my inspirational sources, my kids, my Artistic friends, Artistic coworkers, you name it. And I thank them for that.

So stop stressing on what you can't do, and modify what you can until you can get fully back on the path and continue on your Journey. The road will still be there...Life is good that way! I'm just sayin....  :-)

Have a fabulous day!

Candy Coated Cupcakes

Oh wow, I don't even have much to say except "I blame all creating, baking and tasting on the weather. The Kitchenaide does what it wants and I go for the ride! LOL LOL ok seriously. These are candy coated cupcakes. I know 'what on earth!' but oh my goodness they are good. I don't advise eating more than one at a time. For real!

I simply made my Cupcakes and dipped them into melted Vanilla and Chocolate.

 Gonna take these to work because if they were here I'd eat them all! All of them I tell you!!! LOL

 Can we say Chocolate Sandwich? So this is cupcake tops with dark chocolate frosting in the middle then dipped in the Chocolate Melts. I also took a little of the cake out of each top.

Marbled

 Marbling is easy. Melt your first color Candy Melts then slowly adding a few of another color. Drag colors with skewers to desired design and dip cupcake in.

Here I dipped the whole cupcake by doing the bottom, let it set, and then dipping the top.

Yummy Lemony Buttercake how I love thee!

Double Dipped. Rich and chocolaty and so so good.

Sweet Thangs

Can we say a collective YUMMY! :-) Ok that time of year is hear again and I couldn't be happier. I've broken out the Kitchenaide and LET THE BAKING BEGIN! :-) What's your favorite seasonal food? I have to admit I love cooking and baking it a lot more than eating it but it's all fun! This year I'm baking and baking some more. My latest love is cake pops. I have a friend that went on a cake pop spree a few months ago and every since I've been fascinated by these little balls of sweet rich yummyness.And believe me, I don't know if its me making them that rich or if that's just the norm but either way I promise once you start hooking these little treasures up you won't want to stop. I'm already planning my next flavor when I'm making them LOL.

What's better is they really aren't that hard to make. It's what you do with them after you get the batter together that makes them even more yummy and special. As with any treat adding your own special touches is what makes them pop. They make great gifts and since they are so rich one per customer is just great.

For these Chocolate Pops I made the batter so rich I just topped them with the chocolate because well I didn't want to cause pain by chocolate. But oh my goodness...YAY!

 These Decadent Lemon Pops truly 'Take The Cake'!  The great thing is you can use your own mix or simply use store bought mix and jazz it up. For these I added zest of lemon to the candy melts and I added lemon juice to the cake mix. I was going for tart and lemony but sweet and rich. Score!!!

 They are individually wrapped in cellophane bags and ready to go!

These are just me being silly and trying to decorate them LOL

Simple and easy recipe to start with:

Bake a cake (according to your fav recipe or box instructions) and let it cool (I break it up to let it cool)
Crumble
Add 1/2 Can of frosting or start with a 1 cup measurement add up if you need to. (you only want to make it enough to allow you to form balls)

Form balls by rolling between hands (now they do have forms but this is so hands on and makes it so much more fun)

Let set for a few minutes in the refrigerator while you melt your chocolate. I use the Guittard and Wilton Chocolate melts. Its not necessary to add anything to the melts simply melt them in microwave or in bowl over hot water on stove) I have added things to melts but very carefully :-)

Dip stick into chocolate and push into cake ball. Allow them to set a few minutes (generally by the time I have them all done I'm ready to start with the first one. Dip into chocolate, stand to set and well really that's about it. That's the easy stuff. Making them your own creative masterpieces only requires imagination and creativity. There are lots of videos and websites out there with recipes and ideas including my fav which is Wilton. You can find them on Facebook or on the internet. Now off you go. Bake and Create! :-)

 Oh...and it's all about having fun and being creative. I'm not a professional chef or baker. Just someone who loves to do it and can get down in the kitchen! :-))

Have a Yummy Day!!! :-))

Your Happy Place!

Well it's been quite a while since I've blogged. And I missed it. I love being able to connect and communicate. Unfortunately life happens in ways that sometimes cause us to step back, take stock and start all over again and that's where I've been. I didn't forget my 'happy Art place' I just haven't been there for a while. And I didn't realize how much it affects my personality and my well being when I don't make that trip. So I'm back and hopefully ready to get down and Artsy Fartsy with it :-) First job in almost 3 years, but YAY! it's a happy job doing what I love, being surrounded by Art and Arsty folks. And.... and.... I run the Wilton Cake Decorating section of my job so it's all good. Learning and teaching are two of my favorite things so I couldn't be happier.

Ok...back to your Happy Place! I know I don't have to tell you to find a spot that makes you happy and keep that spot available so that you can always run to it. I haven't had one in a while but oh my goodness. I found the 'Porch of Inspiration'! I recently moved in with a fabulous roommate and the funny thing is I used to walk by and think what a great porch! Now I can walk outside and sit on the big overstuffed couch and be surrounded by all of the plants and sunshine and hill views I want! And this has become my 'Happy Space!' For the first time in weeks and weeks I pulled out the sketchbook and started waking up my Inner Artist.

The Happy Place 'In Progress'

 

 So I guess this post was all about saying 'find a happy space!' It really does make all the difference in the world. Your own little corner of happiness where you can be relaxed, meditate, enjoy and just be. As Artists we can't function without it. Of course my main 'Happy Place' is the Ocean but this definitely counts up there for now. There's a huge comfy couch just opposite of this. Yay! Now go forth, find your 'Happy Space' and create :-)) And have a fabulous colorful day!!! :-))

LOST IN PLACE! The emotional side of being an Artist

Lost in Place! That just about describes how I feel right now. And it describes how many Artists feel from time to time. You're here but you're not. Art and Creativity bring with it a certain sensitivity and emotional package. After all, to be able to bring the things you imagine to life there's a toll. We pay for the privilege with passion, emotion, sometimes even tears and intense drain on the energy. In reality everyone who exists pays some sort of toll in life, be it good or bad or a mix of both.

I always talk about the differences between Artists and Non Artists and that's because there is a difference. Some may not choose to agree with that but it's ok. I'm living proof that being an Artist has it's price. So are you.

So how do you pay? How do you handle the emotion that comes with wanting, no, needing to do what you love and live for. What your heart craves. What you think about from sun up til sun up. Because many of us rarely sleep a full sleep. How do you handle trying to maintain that state when the business of living gets all tangled up in your creative energy? I've been told, one day at a time. Yeah right! Sounds good, but how exactly does that work? How does it work when you are a person that spends every minute dreaming, creating, trying to understand, to survive in the 'normal' world? Good questions huh?

I've been lost in place for many years. Always hanging on because I believe. I dream and I believe. I feel it, and even see the light at the end of the tunnel. Getting there is the thing. Every once in a while my Creative Spirit takes a hit, more like a blow, and I lose my way. I can't make Art, can't give my creative best. But I float around in place grasping for that creative straw.

Now I'm going to say this, I've seen it happen. I've seen many people realize their dreams. And I know it can be done. I haven't exactly done it yet, but I know it can be done. I'm so close. And so are you!

Create a circle. Step inside it. Only allow good energy, creative spirits and loving supporters inside. Do all of your creating there. Network with others who dream and create. Share your energy with people who appreciate it. When it comes to the business of living, step outside that circle and handle it. But don't let it cross that line. By the business of living I mean the stuff we absolutely have to do to stay alive. So many Artists get so wound up in the Dream that they forget to take care of themselves. Been there, done that, do it all the time.

Be good to yourself and if you feel 'Lost in Place' remember, there are so many of us out there, just like you. Go Out. Reach Out. Cry Out. Scream Out! Oh and for petes sake, get a Journal! You've got to give all of that creative stuff some where to go.

This message has been brought to you by my inner child, my inner Artist and my Out Loud Voice! :-)

You can always talk to me! :-)

A Gift to Yourself!

Hello there! Are you getting your Craft on? So much going on in the world right now, you owe it to yourself to keep your creative energy flowing! Many times I talk to people about the importance of keeping their creative side active. You may not think about it but doing things you love as often as possible give your spirit a boost in many ways. If you can make yourself smile you can make everybody smile and appreciate all the smiles you get! It also offers a temporary escape from the pressures of life. I truly do get lost in my paintings. Sometimes to the point of not hearing anything outside of my own head LOL. And to me that's another thing that makes it all worth it. I may not be able to afford a trip or sometimes even a staycation LOL but I can afford to Live in Color with my Art and imagination. Some of the most precious gifts in the world are gifts from the heart, to the heart. And those creative gifts are gifts you can't replace.

I have lots of fun workshops available online to help you stay inspired and colorful. Most of them are free and in only a few minutes you can learn to do colorful things you never thought about! Visit me at Udemy and see whats up! :-))

For what it's worth

I'm of the firm belief that if you can find a reason to smile, everyday, Life is good! Your Creativity is a reason to smile. Just like so many other things in life we tend to take for granted our ability to use our imagination and our creativity sits high on the list. And while you may think 'anyone can use their imagination and creativity' my response to that is 'they can, but they don't'. Which is why yours is so important. Aside from being able to create beautiful energy and colorful crafts or heart touching music or yummy for the tummy meals, your Creativity is so much larger than that.

Messages you create with your Art and Talent may be around for years and generations. And just as with Scrapbooking for history and family let's people know where they came from, your Creative Output let's them know who you are, what the world was like when you were here and how they came to be. Some just spark the imagination. Some may light the path for someone down the line that needs that boost.

Because your talent is such a tender thing (the heart is tender so I gotta believe anything produced by the heart is tender) it will leave a mark, even if only on one person.

Occasionally I may write about my pain and connect it to Art. It's not because I want people to feel sorry for me. There are millions of people in pain, every day. I write it because I want to let people know that they are not alone and that Art is a great way to release some of that pain. I want people in the future to know that we weren't just shallow Artists. We were people that in spite of our wows and pains wanted to share our Creative Energy, Inspire others and so much more.

Get yourself a Journal and record! Talk about things that are just floating around out there, like the price of milk or the type of car you drive. Draw pictures, make art, write lyrics, attach photos... you get my drift. Be the Messenger! Happy Creating and remember, you are not alone.

**Be sure to check out my sidebar for lots of info, links to my workshops and more!

http://www.diviacity.com is a link to all of my connections :-) See you there!

PROJECT, PUNCHES & MORE

This fun relaxing project is relaxing and fun and you learn to create a beautiful mobile for your windows, patio or...

Rolling with the Punches...Literally!

As always I find a way to make more than one point at a time While I do want to talk about Punches (as in Scrapbook Punches) I also want to make a quick statement about mental punches we take and give as Artists. The kind of punches that knock you out of focus and off of your creative path. I may have said this before and you'll probably hear me say it again...

Being a Creative Person already makes you unique.  You see things in different ways. You can turn a rock into a thing of beauty. You can look at a plate of food and see color, ideas, projects. Not everyone will be positive about what you're doing. That's their choice. Make it your choice to embrace your Creative Energy, it's a gift. Art is everlasting, in all of it's forms. :-) I'm just saying....

And now that I've got that out the way, let's talk Punches! :-) I have to admit I've never been a big Punch fan. And while I'm still not a big fan, I have taught some classes lately (particularly the 'Punch Around The Page' class and found some interesting uses for certain Punches which of course prompts me to dig further and try to create new things.

Here is a sample of some Borders

 

 The Top Row is a Strip about 2 inches in height topped by a thinner Strip and lined with 6 envelopes from a punch. See Template/Fold pattern below.

The second, fifth and sixth strips are all from Martha Stewart 'Punch Around The Page' Punches. 

The Hearts are individual hearts from a Fiskars Scalloped Heart Punch

The Bubbles (under the hearts) is a Creative Memories Punch

On the Bottom I matted a strip, stamped it and used a Ribbon Punch to put the double lines in.

Although the sample was for a class it's actually a great way to keep inventory/samples of your punches. Simply cut out a small sample of each punch and attach to a page. I try to keep inventory of all of my stamps and punches (not that I have a ton).

  

Easy Envelope Template.

 The above is a sample I made using one punch. I punched the first line, measured the width of the first line, cut the strip, flipped it over and punched another line. Fun!

 Here's a cute and simple way to make this type of border pop. Glue Buttons. I simply used a hot glue gun to make button tabs on top of each flower. I glittered the white strip first. It's a nice texture and looks great on a page.

My Punches LOL

Ok so the lesson here is break out those punches and create or donate! LOL that's my new motto for my Art Stuff. Create or Donate! I'm giving away anything I haven't used in ...hmmmm over....ummm... 3 years! LOL Whew... Have a great day!!! :-)

Fun With Paper Clay

Journal Writing Therapy Cures

As you may notice one thing I talk about a lot is Journaling. Because I know for a fact that Journaling helps. It's a great way to clear your thoughts, create clear thoughts and clearly think! Seriously. Keeping a Journal is a good way to remember where you've been and see where you're heading with your personal life, crafts, goals, careers and more. Visit CreateWriteNow for more info on Journaling. And you can always visit my shop to purchase or order unique Journals just for you!

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.

'

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