The Days of my Lives

I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since I've blogged. This has to be my very longest absence . . . and one that I am not happy about. Oh, how I miss my blog. But oh, how crazy busy life has been.

My blog post title kind of sums it up . . . the Days of my LIVES. And yes, I meant LIVES . . . because lately, depending on what time it is when you find me, I can be living one of five different lives. There is my life as a Mom taking care of my girls, as a wife supporting a husband and his busy work schedule, as head room mom trying to plan for the 4th grade school year, life as an employee pulling thousands of files for a project, and life as an artist . . . creating and filling my soul with inspiration and joy. That last life makes all the rest even better, you know?

I am still working that "short-term" project for my previous employer. I finished the first projected they asked me to work, and was immediately approached for another, more intense one. I accepted (who wouldn't accept work these days?) and find myself back into that routine of living a working mom life. I had forgotten how incredibly hard it is - to find the time to do everything. But, I am figuring it out one day at a time. The money is good for our family right now, so I will continue to do this as long as I can. One day at a time. That seems to be my motto these days.

In the middle of all of that, I am up to my eyeballs in art. I had committed to an art show at my high school Alma mater. Originally I was not going to do any craft and art shows this year, as my experience last year proved to not be worth all the work and trouble. But when I was approached about taking part at this one at the high school I attended, I immediately felt a sense of "coming home" and decided to do it. Perhaps the good experiences I had in high school will live on during the show. So, months ago . . . I accepted and registered and decided to do the craft show.

Knowing that the show was going to be held at the end of September, I enjoyed the summer and planned on spending my days in August and September (once the girls were back at school) preparing for the show. Fast forward . . . job offer. Fast forward . . . NO time to work on art. Fast forward . . . PANIC sets in. I spent the past two weeks working almost every free hour on my art, and my friends . . . I feel more in the zone than EVER. My sister laughs that I have always done my best work when under pressure . . . and I have to say, she is completely right. Here is just a peek (really . . . there is SO MUCH) of what I have been doing in my free time, and what has kept me from all of you . . . .

 

Composition Books . . . or, as I like to call them . . . Altered Journals. I think I mentioned that I was working on them. Oh, my friends . . . I have at least 50 of them completed, and hope to have more by the time the show arrives. Here are a few of them that I most enjoy . . .

 

I really am so proud of these. They are so nicely made (if I do say so myself) and I just love the art (if I do say so myself.) I love the teacher journal, and hope this one will be a great seller. I think it's a lovely gift for the holidays, don't you. My journals are only $6. I think that's a great price.

 

Speaking of holidays, here is some new holiday stuff I am working on. New art pieces and picture frames . . . I love this torn paper look. Makes me happy. (Yes, the wreath piece is upside down. Didn't realize until I pulled the picture in here. Sorry!)  

 

 

My process with my art is often to make something on canvas, and then turn it into whatever I fancy. One canvas piece can often be made available in my magnets, my prints, my ornaments, my journals, or whatever I can imagine. I love these new holiday pieces. Can you imagine the tree design in a lovely pair of holiday earrings or hanging in a pendant on a lovely chain.

Oh, dear . . . must do holiday jewelry, too! SO MUCH to do!

 

Speaking of ornaments . . . I'm working on them, too. I will be drilling holes in these canvas ornaments and adding eyelets, then hanging with a ribbon. I love how they are coming out so far.

I will have my fun Annalee ornaments this year, too. Those were a great seller last year, so I have to make time to do a number of those, as well. 

 

 

Finally, I have been painting some larger canvas pieces to have on display at the show, as well. The two below are 16 x 20 . . . which is much larger than I usually do. But I thought they

are so fun and vibrant and have such a great message, they will definitely

attract people to come over and see what I have at my tables.

 

 

Both pieces will be for sale at the show.

Original art work.

Mine.

Sometimes I can't believe that I am actually doing this.

Pinch me.

 

I've gotten so much done.

But I still have so much to do.

 

More picture frames,

lots more ornaments . . .

oh, and I haven't even started the jewelry.

OH! I FORGOT!

I have also designed some NEW Annalee cards . . . THANK YOU cards!

I LOVE THEM, and will be picking them up from the printer Monday

(oh, dear . . . that's tomorrow! SO MUCH to do!) 

 

After a long discussion with my CFO and my Marketing Director (that would be my sister Laura, my CFO, and my dear friend Peggy, my Marketing Director) I have decided to adjust my pricing on my Annalee cards. They will be $6 for a box of 5 cards, and $10 for a box of 10 cards.

I think that is a great deal.

 

I will be updating my Etsy shop as soon as I am done with this show in September, and I'll notify you via facebook when that is done. So, please promise to stop there in October when you begin you Holiday shopping. I know you'll find a number of gifts for those on your list!

 

And, if you are a local friend of mine, come on over to the Art Show!

 

The Reavis High School Drama Club

2nd annual Arts & Craft Show

 

Saturday, September 29th

9am to 4pm.

 

6034 West 77th Street

Burbank, IL 60459

 

200+ crafters, vendors, and school organization tables. There will be raffles and concessions available. Free admission. Come on out to support a wonderful group of kids!

 

Ok . . . done with the art update.

 

Today, I am having 10 family members to dinner to celebrate my sister's (my CFO) birthday. On the menu . . . a great big pan of baked mostaccioli (is that really how you spell Mostaccioli? I had to look it up, it looks strange to me. Hmmm . .. I must have been spelling it wrong for years!)

along with salad, garlic bread . . .and Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake. Yum!

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Wishing all of you a wonderful day, my friends.

Peace!