Cinnamon Pink

Artistic Benefits of Walking

Cluster of Trees Encountered during My Walks

For many years, I have been taking long daily walks primarily for the health benefits. However, I've discovered that walking also benefits my mixed-media art in a variety of ways.

During a walk, I often come up with solutions to an art project that I'm currently working on. I also get new ideas for future art works. Sometimes, when I think about a project that I recently completed, I may come up with a new twist to enhance the project.

I call all these thoughts my daydreaming. Often, I get so absorbed with these ideas that I become startled when I come upon a fellow walker.

How do you get your ideas for art?

For the Love of Green Etsy Treasury from MagMoment

'For the love of Green!' by MagMoment

Spread the love...

iPhone 5 Case, team... Daddydecor $19.50	Heart Dishes - spoo... NewDayPottery $20.00	Country Girl Embroi... ThimbleWoods $26.00	Green Love Definiti... PaperPistol $8.95
Valentine Photo Car... LovesParisStud... $10.00	Green heart pocket ... VeraPaperLab $6.00	Bright Green Cerami... CobwebDesignsC... $4.50	Small Green Love Bu... JosieCole $14.00
Rose Heart - Shabby... KoppelStudio $12.00	Showered with LoVe ... samos $15.00	The Only True Langu... SayItSweet $12.00	Succulents, abstrac... aliherrmann $30.00
I Love You Book Ori... HoneysuckleSal... $60.00	Ponytail Holders, S... DonnaDesigned $4.00	Stained Glass Heart... Nostalgianmore $19.95	Heart embroidered ... pipocass $20.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

I've been participating in an online Mixed-Media Art Workshop most of today.

I checked my inbox - and discovered that Hazel Berger, owner of Mag Moment Etsy Shop, included my Shabby Chic Rose Heart  in her Treasury entitled For the Love of Green. Thank You Hazel!

Take a short break and visit the shops featured in this delightful Treasury.

Hazel, from Mag Moment, creates note cards, handmade pendants and limited-edition photographs. I'm just enchanted with this Pink Zinnia on gallery-wrapped canvas (12" x 18"). Take a few minutes to check out her Shop. She is a talented lady.

Benefits of Sketchbooks from Ben Mounsey

José Domingo Betancur Gómez – Fashion in my Moleskine 

I discovered a great article entitled, Core Art Skills: Part 2, The Sketchbook, written by Ben Mounsey on the Vectortuts+ blog.

Although the blog focuses on tutorials, articles and freebies primarily relating to vectors, I believe this artcle offers helpful advice on the benefits of keeping a sketchbook for mixed-media artists.

I like what Ben Mounsey says about Reportage:

"Reportage is the practice of working ‘On Location’ with a sketchbook, ‘reporting’ on the world around you, it’s a kind of research that is very personal and individual, as what you record will likely not be experienced in the same way again."

"Getting outside and on the road with your sketchbook is a great idea both for recording written or drawn notes/ideas, and getting inspired by your surroundings. I find this especially good for characters. You see so many weird and wonderful people in day to day life, people that pass you by and get forgotten, but if you have a notepad you can make a quick sketch."

Take some time to read the complete article for more ideas.

25 Creative Catalysts from Gail McMeekin

Image from The Creative Mind site

Via The Creative Mind site, developed by Douglas Eby, I discovered this interesting article entitled, Creative Catalysts  written by Gail McMeekin. The author offers these tips to help arouse your natural creative gifts.

Here are a few of the ideas that I especially liked:

1. Keep a daily excitement list about WHY you are passionate and committed to your exploration or project

9. Find a symbol or prop that represents your project and carry it around with you.

19. Collect objects like your project and keep them in a basket to ponder.

McMeekin suggests that you try 3 of the 25 strategies to jump-start your creativity! Check out her article to read the complete list of 25 Creative Catalysts.

Also, take some time to explore Douglas Eby's other sites for more information on creativity.

Create a Basket of Blanks to Help You Make More Art

Increase your Motivation to Make More Art by Creating a Basket of Blanks - and placing it near your Studio Table. So far, here's what I have in my own basket:

Top Row: Blank Greeting Card, Post Card, Artist Trading Cards (ATC).

Bottom Row: Small Cardboard Window Box, Wood Block (2' x 2"), Mini Stretched Canvas, Wine Cork, Small Match Box, Cardstock Circles (1"), Inchies.

Working with these Blanks may help you eliminate the dreaded "Fear of the Blank Page."

What Blanks would you add to the basket?

125 Places Artists can Sell Online from Artsy Shark

Image from Artsy Shark Blog

Carolyn Edlund, host of Artsy Shark, offers a valuable list entitled 125 Places Artists can Sell Online.

 The List is in alphabetical order with brief descriptions of each venue. Here are the first ten entries. Check out Carolyn's blog for the rest of this informative list.

1.   20×200.com – Jen Bekman’s site focuses on art, prints and photos, priced affordably. Juried (not currently accepting submissions, but sign up for their newsletter to get updated when submissions reopen.)

2.   500px.com – Photography site – store your photos, share them and sell them. Features work of beginners to experts. Sell your work by opening a “store” account, which is available to free as well as paid memberships.

3.   AbsoluteArts – Claiming to be “the most trafficked contemporary arts site” it offers levels from free to premier. Artist bio/statement and portfolio displayed with shopping cart.

4.   AffordableBritishArt (UK Site) – Artists sell their work with no middleman, commission free, but there is a charge to have an account (4 tiered levels). You must have a PayPal account to receive payment for your work.

5.   Amazon – Upload your images to sell on one of the biggest marketplaces on the web. Jewelry is a huge category here, but you are competing with manufactured items.

6.   Art.com – This highly ranked e-commerce site has a division called Artist Rising, where emerging artists can upload images. They provide a print-on-demand service to sell your work. Two levels of membership – free and paid.

7.   ArtBreak – Describing themselves as “a global community of artists sharing and selling their work on the web,” this site is a commission-free way to upload images and sell with a shopping cart. Curiously, their blog and social media sites are inactive.

8.   Art-Exchange – B2B site where artists can get connected to interior designers, architects and others in the trade. Work is sold wholesale here; they take 10% commission.

9.   ArtFire – Huge marketplace of crafts, art, supplies, vintage and more. Customize your own shop on this site. $12.95 monthly fee.

10.  ArtFortune – Create your own online art gallery here. Site visitors can see the images that you have uploaded, and click through to your website, where you make the sale. They charge a monthly fee, and have several different plans. There is also a forum and community on this site.

If you are new to Carolyn's blog, take some time to check out her other posts for important information on Marketing Your Art.

'It's a Madcap Life - - No Regrets' Etsy Treasury

Lately, I have been meeting (online) the most wonderful It's a Madcap Life Team members. Brigetta curated this Etsy Treasury - 'It's a Madcap Life - - - - - - - - No Regrets'

Not only did she feature one of my art prints, Every Breath is a 2nd Chance but she included the following remarks about my art. Thank You Brigetta - You Made My Day!

'It's a Madcap Life - - - - - - - - No Regrets' by DivineRagz

"It's quite an aspiration, a life with no regrets, but I found this quote from Darlene quite remarkable: "Every Breath is a Second Chance" What a Beautiful way to view life. Our moment is NOW, let us all breathe fully and live Joy-fully."

Every Breath is a 2... KoppelStudio $10.00	siamese dream - nat... pixxxiepieandp... $58.00	SALE - 20% Off - Vi... SuzanneHarford... $20.00	Handpainted Silk Wa... thesilkmaid $15.00
Organic and hand st... icancu2 $81.50	Hope Decorative Blo... KyleeInspiredC... $35.00	Hand painted canvas... interioralchem... $195.00	Julia Child quote n... invisiblecrown $4.50
Practical Hints to ... fancifulanne $325.00	Sacred Skull Embroi... aclhandweaver $28.00	Spirit Horse Sculpt... promisespromis... $93.00	Happy VALENTINES DA... MyMainePaintin... $375.00
Vintage Hand Painte... mamadupuis $65.00	Learning To Fly, 8&... ReneeThompsonD... $15.00	Aqua Quartzite Tree... uniquevisionsb... $25.00	Fountain of Life Fi... brigettamargar... $150.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Again, I took a few minutes to peek into her shop, DivineRagz, and spotted this lovely Tattered Romantic Blouse. Brigetta describes the blouse as "tattered like Cinderella running for her pumkin coach."

Brigetta has a quite a talent for creating romantic Shabby Chic clothing. Check her shop out for some beautiful eye candy.

Image from DivineRagz Etsy Shop

Shabby & Chic Etsy Treasury

'Shabby And Chic -Its a Madcap Life!' by 2ShabbyGals

Metal Bucket Pail -... honeystreasure... $45.00	Rose Heart - Shabby... KoppelStudio $12.00	Vintage Book Collec... TheDresserHous... $18.00	Smock Dress - In Co... VesperClothier $65.00
SALE - 20% Off - Ca... SuzanneHarford... $20.00	Table - Shabby Vint... honeystreasure... $225.00	Lace Capelet Variga... JeanineDesigns $35.00	Amelia in Extra Lar... MommaGoddess $40.00
BOHO CHIC Hand Pain... BrisNanaJoy $35.95	Knick Knack, Dog Fi... AllVintageKnic... $8.95	Vintage Canvas Head... outofdoha2010 $89.00	Vintage Inspired Wh... finderskeepers... $650.00
Wonderful Victorian... Moonmaidenempo... $75.00	Fabric Buttons - My... PatchworkMill $3.50	Over 3 Yards of 192... Moonmaidenempo... $3.00	Victorian Mustache ... MomsantiquesNt... $30.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

 

Shabby Boutique of Chic is both a new Etsy Shop and new 'It's a Madcap Life' Team members. They are a mother/daughter team with the nicknames of James and Larry. They curated this lovely Treasury entitled, Shabby And Chic -Its a Madcap Life!

James and Larry featured my Shabby Chic Rose Heart in their Treasury. Thank You Ladies!

Image from Shabby Boutique of Chic Etsy Shop

The adorable Small Aqua Chalkboard that you see above is one of the offerings in their Etsy Shop. 

To celebrate their Grand Opening, Shabby Boutique of Chic is offering a 10% off discount when you use the code GRANDOPENING when placing an order. 

 There's lots more to see. Check them out!

'It's a Madcap Life with Heart' Etsy Treasury

'It's a Madcap Life with Heart' by DivineRagz

Deep Red Velvet Cho... LeBoudoirNoir $100.00	Wood Heart Carving ... TreeWizWoodCar... $88.00	Cranberry Love - Ge... CeeMonkeyDo $69.00	Sweet heart antique... MademoiselleCh... $125.00
Valentine Earrings ... HoKiou $44.00	Valentine's Day... Jynxx $28.00	Vintage Bogoff Pink... mamadupuis $35.00	Valentine Hearts Sh... Handofbelapeck $15.50
Precious antique Sa... MademoiselleCh... $34.95	Heart Ring Sterling... KittyStoykovic... $48.00	Ring of Hearts- Sta... GlassKissinCre... $23.00	Summer girls dress ... Maliposhacloth... $54.00
Little Wing tiny mu... clockworkfanta... $90.00	Handmade Linen Hear... GreenLeavesBou... $15.00	Rose Heart - Shabby... KoppelStudio $12.00	PATCHWORK HEART, 6x... nJoyArt $45.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Brigetta, owner of the Divine Ragz Etsy Shop, curated this lovely Treasury entitled, 'It's a Madcap Life with Heart'. 

She included my Shabby Chic Rose Heart in her Treasury. Thank you Brigetta!

 

 

You must pay a visit to Brigetta's Shop. She features these beautiful & romantic Art Fairy Tops that are hand-dyed.

The top, pictured above, is called "Sunkist" Pixie-Painted Crop Top . She is now having a Valentine's Day sale. Check it out!

 

 

Art Buyer & Total Art Licensing Online Magazines Now Available

Image from Art Buyer magazine site

Image from Total Art Licensing site

If you are interested in learning more about licensing your art work, check out these recent FREE online magazines: Art Buyer and Total Art Licensing.

Thank you to Joan Beiriger for posting this information on the Art of Licensing Linkedin Discussion List. For more information on licensing art, check out Joan's blog.

Miss Tia Plaque Featured on It's a Madcap Life Etsy Team Google+

The wonderful It's A Madcap Life Etsy Team featured my Miss Tia Wood Plaque  on their Google+ page. I really appreciate it. Thank you so much Madcappers and Silk Mandel. Here's the post:

It's A Madcap Life

Jan 4, 2013  -  Public

Today we had the great pleasure of visiting Darlene Koppel's Shop, Koppel Studio. As soon as we walked in her shop we were in love! Darlene's shop is filled with beautiful art prints, felted animals and more! She is an accomplished mixed media artist who's work has been published in many books and magazines. Our favorite peice is the Miss Tia Wood Plaque. Something about this sweet and sassy little thing just called to us. Turns out she's Darlene's favorite too! Enjoy

Miss Tia (Cinnamon Pink Girl) Wood Plaque »

I know I shouldnt have favorites but Miss Tia has always been my favorite Cinnamon Pink Girl. Shes just a little more sweet and a little more saucy.

Silk Mandel, owner of Etsy Shop I Loved Clover (and one of our Madcap Team Leaders) created the above post. Thank you Mandel! Take a few minutes to check out her Etsy Shop. I especially love her Alice in Wonderland Teapot Necklace. Isn't it cute?

Image from I Loved Clover Etsy Shop

If you are an Etsy Seller, you may want to join our team, It's A Madcap Life. We are a fun and supportive group. Check it out!

Tropical Breezes Etsy Treasury

'Tropical Breezes' by eebog98

Enjoy from "It's A Madcap Life" team

WirequeenJewel... $120.00	OffWheelStudio $20.00	MuttsnBones $14.00	SwirlingOrange... $42.00	Lovelytocu $3.50
chicagolandia $11.00	TheAmethystDra... $12.00	makneta $69.99	ILovedClover $22.00	JudithBeads $18.00
GabriellesCrea... $12.00	KoppelStudio $10.00	paintingthemoo... $20.00	WreathUnique $38.00	EmeraldCitySto... $13.99
CustomBearHugs $16.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

 

Nancy Gobee, owner of Etsy Shop Nancy's Workshop, included me in her colorful Treasury entitled, Tropical Breezes. She featured my Art Print - Snowflake. Thank You Nancy.

Click on the link, Tropical Breezes to view the complete Etsy Treasury. It seems I cannot fit the entire Treasury into my Typepad template. If any of you know how to do this, please drop me a line.

Take a few minutes to check out Nancy's shop. I love her stuffie, YoYo Hippo. What a cutie!

Image from Nancy's Workshop Etsy Shop

 

365 in 2013 - Sketch

Last night, I did this quick sketch as one of my art pieces for Hanna's 365 in 2013 Challenge. Will I turn the sketch into one of my Cinnamon Pink Girl Characters? Hmmmmm. I'm not sure yet.

I am a few days behind in my quest for 365 Collage/Sketches for 2013 but I'm hoping to catch up. How about joining the challenge too?

Make Your Idea Matter - Book - Check it Out

Image from The Book Depository site

I was trolling the Web and I kept coming across this book, Make Your Idea Matter, written by Bernadette Jiwa. The book has received great reviews so I decided to order it.

Here's a short description of the book, "Make Your Idea Matter is a call to action for entrepreneurs, emerging brands and anyone with a great idea, who knows that to stand out in today's noisy world they need to tell a better story." 

I just began reading the book and I believe it is a useful resource for artists with Indie Businesses.

I ordered my book from The Book Depository which is based out of the UK. The Book Depository (Guernsey) is an international bookseller shipping books free of charge, worldwide, to over 100 countries. 

This was my first order with The Book Depository and I was very pleased with my purchase. The book prices are competitive. I paid $8.00 for this book. Customers are not required to spend $25.00 to qualify for free shipping. My book arrived in perfect condition. Shipping did take a few days longer since the company is based in the UK but that wasn't a negative for me. I know I will be a repeat customer.

(Full Disclosure: I have no relationship with the company. I'm just a satisfied customer). Check The Book Depository out.

Bella Crafts Quarterly™ Valentine Edition Now Available

image from the Bella Crafts Quarterly site

The Bella Crafts Quarterly™ Valentine Special Edition is now available.

This issue is all about romance and love - offering 40 pages of inspiration focusing on crafts.

The publication is ALWAYS FREE for readers to view online or download.  You also have the option to order a printed copy for the cost of printing.

Enjoy this high-quality magazine during your next coffee break.

The Creative Pathfinder - Free Course from Mark McGuinness

Image from Lateral Action site

Here's a great way to start the New Year:

"Sign up for The Creative Pathfinder Foundation Course  – a FREE 26-part creative career guide, delivered to your inbox (courtesy of Mark McGuinness). It will equip you with essential skills to succeed in the 21st-century creative economy – whether you’re a freelancer, independent artist, entrepreneur or employee."

 Mark McGuinness is a poet and a coach for artists and creatives. He has been coaching and training creative professionals since 1996, when he started practicing as a psychotherapist and noticed he had a high proportion of artistic clients suffering from conditions such as writer’s block and stage fright.

Here are links to his blogs - Lateral Action  and Wishful Thinking . Check them out!

 

Creative Goodness with Gluebooks (Free eBook) from Gretchen Miller

Image from Creative Goodness site

Gretchen Miller, host of Creative Goodness, is offering a Free eBook entitled, Creative Goodness with Gluebooks.

Here's a description of the eBook from Gretchen: "This free 6-page color PDF will introduce you to easy ideas on how gluebooks can be created with re-purposed and general art materials, as well as fun ways to develop, collect, and use your paper stash!"

To obtain the eBook, you must add it to your cart. You will receive free checkout. Then, enter your e-mail address and you will automatically receive a link to download the PDF file.

Gretchen is a Registered Board Certified Art Therapist. Take a few minutes to check out her site for more interesting information.

 

365 in 2013 Challenge from iHanna Blog

Hanna, host of the iHanna Blog, has set a goal to do 365 collages this year. She is calling her challenge 365 in 2013.

Hanna plans to create seven finished art works each week instead of a collage each day. She says, "In that way I can do more on the days when I have the time."

I like Hanna's idea. There are days when I cannot commit to a daily challenge. However, at other times I'm on a roll and can produce many art pieces in one day.

Instead of making collage art pieces, Hanna suggests trying "doodles, sketches, photography, journaling, writing a page or a paragraph, blogging, knitting, composing, doing lyrics, poetry, postcards, origami birds or what every you want to make a lot of!"

I am going to attempt her 365 in 2013 challenge and commit to creating 365 Collage Pieces or Sketches this year. My first collage is posted above.

The quote came from my stash of phrases cut out from old magazines and brochures. The collage background is actually printed tissue paper that was the wrapping for a past purchase that I made. I covered the tissue paper in various shades of oil pastels.

Check out Hanna's post for more details and join the Challenge!

2012 Most Popular Posts from 12 Leading Design Sites - from 1 Design Per Day

DIY Wax Paper Candleholders - Image from 1 Design Per Day
 

In need of some inspiration and eye candy? Then check out the 2012 Most Popular Posts by 12 Leading Design Sites courtesy of the 1 Design Per Day site (an Inspirational Product Design eMagazine).

I absolutely love the DIY Wax Paper Candleholders. Here is the easy tutorial brought to you by Apartment Therapy.

The only supplies you need are: wax paper, tea lights (electronic) and a little time spent folding. What an easy and elegant DIY project!

Crisp Winter Day Etsy Treasury

'Crisp winter day' by ThracianSun

New Year Sale Macra... magnumrx $55.25	Reserved for Julie ... quiltsbykandy $22.50	Photo Greeting Card... renfro $16.00	Chocolate Brown S... CaboDesigns $15.00
Cameo, Art Deco Sty... TheIDconnectio... $42.00	Yentel - saddlebag ... EllaOsix $30.00	Glass Ornament Chri... byapryl $42.00	Sweet Black and Whi... sewwhatsnewfab... $5.75
Handmade "Happ... pjturner $6.00	Nom Nom Lunch Bag Snowdon $15.95	Vintage Brown Leath... honeyblossomst... $49.99	Baby Cup Towle Silv... Cottonridgevin... $17.50
Blue Holiday Vignet... KoppelStudio $20.00	MacBook decal lapto... HollyvisionArt $12.00	Mail Organizer - Ke... HoleeStarsFurn... $49.95	Christmas Wishes ... kathyhare $13.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

I just found out that my Blue Holiday Vignette Assemblage Piece is featured in the Crisp Winter Day Etsy Treasury. The Treasury was curated by Mariana Aleksieva who owns the shop - ThracianSun. Thank You Mariana!

Marianna offers some beautiful bead work in her shop. Below is a photograph of one of her handmade rings. Check out her shop for more details.

Handmade Ring from Etsy Shop ThracianSun

 

Are You an Art Supply Hoarder?

Part of My Art Supply Hoard

A well-respected Art blog recently asked their viewers about their Artistic Goals for 2013. Many of the readers said that their goal was to use all, or most, of the art supplies that they had purchased within the past year - or even years ago. Many members in my local Art Group admit to being art supply hoarders. How about you? Are you one too?

I have to confess that that I have a bunch of new art supplies that I haven’t used yet. Many of them have not even been opened. Do you see that Yupo Pad in the photograph? I purchased it a few years ago – and Yes – I have not even experimented with one sheet of it. I probably do own some more supplies that don’t appear in the photo. However, I just wanted to show you a sampling of my new stuff.

But there may be an upside to our art supply hoarding. After you read this post, challenge yourself to rummage through your stash. Pull out all those new art supplies in drawers, boxes, desks, under beds or wherever you hide them. You may be surprised to find things that you have completely forgotten about.

Pile these goodies on a table and Resolve to Use One of those Art Supplies Today (after you read this post). These newly-found supplies may give you an unexpected shot of inspiration. To continue the momentum, schedule each one of these art supplies into your calendar or daily planner. For example, plan to experiment with one new art supply each week.

And don’t pack those new art supplies away. Keep them out in full view so that you will remember to create with them this year.

I don’t think art supply hoarding is such a terrible vice. After all, these items are not just supplies - they are Tools of Inspiration and Creativity.

French-Inspired Grid - Art Journal Page

My goal was to create a French-Inspired Grid in my Art Journal. Each grid is 2" x 2" except for the right edge of the page.

The task was time-consuming but working on the grids for just fifteen minutes each day made it an enjoyable experience.

The benefit of doing a themed grid is that you get to explore a specific topic in depth which can give you additional ideas for other mixed-media art projects.

In the future, I think I will do more themed grids in my Art Journal. How about you? What theme would you choose?

Bella Crafts Quarterly™ - Check it Out!

Winter Journey 2012 Issue, image from Bella Crafts site

I recently discovered the publication, Bella Crafts Quarterly.™

Here is a description of the magazine from the Bella Crafts Creative Team which are composed of professional craft designers:

"Bella Crafts Quarterly™ is the #1 digital craft publication that is always free for readers to view online or download.  You will always enjoy oodles of innovative and inspiring craft projects here."  

"However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!  In this innovative publication you will also meet industry professionals and delve into insightful, educational articles pertaining to crafting and craft business."

Bella Crafts Quarterly™ produces 4 full issues per year. Special Editions are also issued in between Quarterly issues. Check out the publication and subscribe today.

300 Blank Cards of Possibilities

300 Index Cards

I like to use index cards to create quick collage art and drawings. I asked Ron to pick me up some blank index cards. He came back from the store with 300 index cards. My first thought was, “What am I going to do with so many blank cards?”  

But then, I turned the dilemma into a positive. I now have 300 possibilities to create art. And since I have so many cards, I don’t have to worry about messing one or two up.

In the spirit of making quick art, I created this collage. I covered an index card with glue and then pasted on wrinkled light blue tissue paper. I then brushed on matte medium over the tissue paper – and dried it with a heat gun.

I stamped some French images over the card, distressed the edges with pigment ink – and last stamped on the SOAR stamp.

Now, I only have 299 more art making possibilities to explore.

Happy New Year 2013

I just had to use the recite this tool for this greeting. Enjoy the First Day of Your New Year!