My day at the Environmental Fair …

Yesterday was the environmental fair and Mother Nature heard my silent prayers because instead of rain we had a dry day with even a few appearances made by the sun. It was a fun day! I have not showed my work in so long that I forgot how much fun it is and how fulfilling it can be. When I did shows before my work was a lot different and I feel like I painted things that I thought people would want. My work was very primitive and honestly I personally did not connect to it. Also I would do shows with my parents. I shared booths with them and really it was not my own. Looking back I was depending on them and piggybacking off what they were doing and instead of growing up and doing my own thing. In truth I was hiding behind them. A lot has happened in the five years since I have showed last and I am definitely not the same dependant, people pleasing, timid, depressed girl.

Two compliments stand out in my head from yesterday. First a woman said to me that I must be a very happy person because my work is so colorful and vibrant. My husband and I chuckled after she left considering I suffer from major depression, but thinking about it I don’t anymore. After suffering with depression for as long as remember I don’t. The meds I take help me feel the way I am supposed to feel, they help my brain work the way it’s supposed to work. I am not just a happy person, but a tiny bit more confident, more patient, and when it comes to creating I am not afraid to try new things and create what I want.

The other compliment that stands out was that I really have my own unique style. Like my art or not that is true. I don’t want my work to look like anyone else’s. Every time I make a piece I am trying to create my own style and look. That is the best compliment I can get.

The show was small and there were not too many people that came through but I really think that was because of the questionable weather conditions. The people who ran the event were fabulous. They were so nice and even helped carry things to and from your car. I sold a few items and met some wonderful people and best of all I got a show under my belt. I was so nervous ahead of time and if you would have asked me a couple of weeks ago I’m not sure if I would have said I could pull it off. I worked like a crazy lady the past few weeks to get things finished. Staying up to almost midnight working became the norm. And I have to be honest I loved it. I am hoping to keep up that routine. I really want to make my online shop more successful and I would love to be able to some more shows. I know this sounds cheesy but I could not have gotten everything completed without Michael and the kids.

Oh I am going to do my first giveaway in the next couple of weeks so check back this week for the details.

Mushrooms and Butterflies ...

Well tomorrow is the Environmental Fair and unfortunately the weather is not looking very good. I hope by some miracle this silly rain decides to move off to sea and we wake up to bright blue skies. I have a few odds and ends to finish today. I have to finish pricing items, folding and packaging cards, put the finishing touches on a couple of necklaces, get together everything for set up, and complete the painting for the raffle. I have another painting that is 40% completed but I am not sure I will have time to complete it.

I have decided if it is down pouring in the morning I am not going to go. I have a lot of creations made out of paper and they would get ruined if they got wet or dropped on the ground. Before I start my crazy day I wanted to take a moment and share some of my newest paper creations with you.

Mushrooms and butterflies were the inspirations behind my newest recycled material collages. Paper bags, old book pages, sequins and thread from the flea market, frames donated from a friend, and of course colored pencil and pen were used to make the art. We have had a lot of rain lately and because of that beautiful mushrooms have been popping up all over the yard. And on days when the sun is finally out there are so many butterflies flying around the yard I thought bringing these two beauties together would be fun.

I will be putting my mushroom and butterfly art in the shop next week.

Hello ...

I just wanted to pop in say hi to all my blogging friends. Life has been extra busy between getting the kids back into a route, fall baseball, Dr. Appointments, and of course most importantly getting ready for the Environmental Fair next Saturday.

I have so many ideas and projects I want to complete by next Saturday sleeping the next week will be minimal and optional. I have almost finished 2 of 4 new recyclable material collages. I have to print out and package all of my cards. I have a couple of banners I would like to put together. I am waiting to receive my recycled card-stock so I can print some paper ornaments out and gift tags. Oh and I have five paintings I have been working on. Plus I have to paint all of my set up stuff and come up with a display so when I get to the show things go smoothly. And I have rings to put together featuring prints of my art, oh and I need to create a little painting to donate to the fair. I hope I can get everything finished. I wish I could hire an assistant to do some of the mundane stuff like printing and packaging cards, printing and cutting business cards and painting my set up stuff.

I am not sure what to expect and to be honest if I sell one piece that would be great! If all goes well I am hoping to do a few small shows before the holidays.

Wish me luck and I am hoping to have a chance to update you later in the week and share some of the new items. I would love to hear feedback. Have a great weekend!

Environmental Fair...

I am super excited about taking part in this event. It will be the first time in five years that I sell my items somewhere other than the Internet.

Much of the art I create is eco friendly. My drawings are usually completed on some type of recycled material, whether it is an old book page, a paper bag, or scraps of paper. I buy most of my materials for my collages at flea markets, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or by begging family for things they are throwing or giving away. Everything from the canvases I paint on to the thread I use, to the materials I usually pack my sold pieces in are recycled. I have also decided when I order my new cards, envelopes, and card stock that they will be all made out of recycled materials. I love trees and if while creating my art I can save a few that would be amazing!

I have a lot of pieces I still want to create for the show including some jewelry featuring prints of my art, painting a few larger pieces including a vintage phone stand and headboard, some fall paintings, recycled paper ornaments and gift tags. I really need to get my butt in gear.

I hope everyone a safe and green Wednesday.