Beginnings

Welcome to The Flying Lessons Blog Circle on beginnings. This year has definitely had some beginnings for me! I am so excited to have a wonderful group of Artists coming into the shop for Mixed Media Art. 

Mixed Media Art has blossomed! 

Who knew there were so many Artists out there interested in mixed media? It's interesting because I wanted my business to grow, I wasn't sure how it was going to grow but I knew it was coming.

I knew that my little whispers about making art were a good sign. If you dream it it will come. I wanted to make art. I knew I liked doodling, painting ( but I wasn't sure how to paint) and collage. That's what mixed media art is all of these things and more. There are so many neat techniques out there just waiting to be discovered. It's definitely a new beginning for my creativity to fly! And the shop is filled with wonderful people making creating and having fun! What more could I ask for? 

If your interested in coming to the shop for Mixed Media Art check out my Meetup site. 

The Cozy Craft Corner

My Jewelry making is changing and twisting and growing as well! 

Cheers to beginnings!

Chandra

Hop on over to...Laly Blue

Interview with Kristal Norton

Kristal Norton is an Artist who is helping others develop their creative abilities. I signed up for her Art Journaling 101 class on her blog. I learned a lot about backgrounds, my favorite was the spreading around of paint with an old credit card, it looks so cool! I like the colors she uses they are so bright but also dark.

She posted some great videos and pictures that inspired me to create some journal pages. She is encouraging to many people who want to learn more about mixed media, journaling, and letting go of your fears There is more to Kristal than journaling so lets dive in and see what she is all about!

Q: I noticed on Facebook you have pictures of various creative arts that you do. The marshmallows are so cute! How did you start making art?

A: Thank you! My Grandmother taught me how to sew and paint when I was little, and from there I was obsessed with trying just about every craft there is from soap making, basket weaving, quilting, and more. I eventually discovered the world of primitives ( which if you've never heard of it, is a grungy form of country...more early American style) and started up a business in 2003 making primitive dolls, ornaments, bowl fillers, and patterns over at Rags-n-Tags.com. 

Almost ten years later, I was feeling burnt out and decided to stop making primitive art. I felt it was time to explore another medium, do something more freeing. Now I'm on a new amazing journey discovering myself through art journaling and helping others do the same.

Q: What is your favorite creative process?

A: Most definitely intuitive painting and art journaling. When I just let myself go, and block my conscious decision making thoughts, I'm always surprised and delighted at what comes out! It's an amazing way to learn more about myself.

Q: Is there anyone who inspired you to be creative?

A: My Grandmother ( whom I call "Meme") was the one who got me creating when I was little. She passed away when I was about 15 years old, but she still is a big inspiration and driving force in me. She was a beautiful, courageous, strong, creative woman! I think of her almost ever time I create.

Q: I love how you blog about being creative. How did you get involved in helping others creatively?

A: As my primitive business grew to amazing heights, I found myself making and remaking the same designs over and over because they were in high demand. And before my eyes, my dream job slowly transformed into another 9-5 job. I felt suffocated, because while I was creating daily, I was not creating freely. I knew I had to get out and embark on a self discovery journey. Through this journey I was able to unearth my most authentic self, and my whole life turned around. I awoke to the real me through free creative expression. I'm living a more fulfilling life because of it. I knew when I went through this transformation that I had to share it with the world. I had to show others how to wake up from the daily grind and experience this wonderful, beautiful life that is waiting for them.

Q: What do you offer on your web site?

A: I share a lot of insights and tips on how to live a more fulfilling creative life through articles and videos on my blog. I also offer e-books, workshops, and one-on-one coaching for those who need help finding clairity on this amazing journey. My latest release is an e-book called "101+ Creative Journaling Prompts" full of inspiring writing prompts, art prompts, and visual examples with a bonus video of me creating an art journal page from start to finish using one of the prompts found in the book.

Q: What's one tip you would give those who are looking for more creativity in their lives?

A: If you feel the urge to bring more creativity into your life, but aren't sure how; there is something stopping you. Step back and take a look at what you're telling yourself. Ask yourself why you aren't creating today. Then ask again, and again, digging deeper into the root of the answer. Many times, the excuses you give yourself stem from fear, and once you're able to uncover that fear and stand face to face with it, you're able to more easily move past it. 

Q: What advice would you give other Artists wanting to build a business?

A: Having a blog and a newsletter list is the best way to grow an audience. But you must be consistent, diligent, and clear on your mission. It took me almost a year of blogging before I finally started seeing comments on every post and a growing list of followers. Never give up on your dream, keep pushing forward!

Thank you so much for this interview Kristal! I also had a Grandma who did many crafts with me as a child that I think of frequently.

Get in on the art journaling with Kristal Norton!

Facebook Kristal Norton

Her Book 101+ Creative Journaling Prompts

Her Website 

Etsy Rags-n-Tags

Videos Kristal Art Studio

and for all of you Moms out there check this out Busy Moms VS Daily Grind

Have a great day,

Chandra

Interview with Andrea Saccone Snyder

Andrea Saccone Snyder is an amazing Artist with a passion of helping others. Her art is soothing and creative! She uses recycled materials, crayons and various other materials in her mixed media work. She also is a Haripist ( her trademark name)- a hair stylist and a therapist. She owns Andrea and Co. Salon. Let's find out about her art...

Q: What inspires you in your daily life?

A: Honestly the question should be what doesn't? Sometimes it is a curse, I have inspiration overload most times. Ideas, ideas, ideas... every thing from dirt to dreams and in between. I could be driving down the road and see the light playing with a gathering of leaves, the colors of someone's scarf, a conversation overheard in the market, my boy's laugh. My issue in the past has been getting the idea down on paper in some form. Focus and completion. Lately it seems I have broken through and have been quite prolific. I have had to become more organized than I have wanted in the past. Knowing that I can be overwhelmed with incoming ideas, and seeing the pattern that followed..... Paralyzation. I decided finally... ( something about turning 41) I NEED TO DO IT! One step at a time. Jot down ideas and get them in an ordely way. I essentially too back the control.

Q: I noticed you have your own business, can you tell us about how it came about?

A: I have owned my Hair Salon for 10 years and have been a Stylist / Colorist for 21 years. That is astounding to me to see on paper. I feel like a kid at heart. I grew up in a family of hair people. My Mother is a practicing Stylist and my late Grandmother was too, until just a few years before her death at age 81. I have numerous Aunts and cousins who were in the business, even my Father tried his hand as a Barber for a while. I like to say I have Barbicide running through my veins. Believe it or not it was not my intention to be a Stylist. It just seemed like an easy thing to do at the time. I was in Art school. I took a break for a year deciding to go to Beauty school to get certified. My plan was to return to College. I just never did. I figured fine art was my thing and I could paint and draw on my own time at my own pace. If I wanted to. ( I wasted a lot of time oh, 20 years floundering for various reasons not making much art) I think I wanted to start my "life" and earn money. Lucky me, I walked right into my Mother's Salon and started my career. I soon left to spread my wings in a few different Salons and then moved to NC with my now Husband. This is where I started my Salon Business.

Q: When did you start making art?

A: I started making art as a wee one of course. Like many of us. I just remember the feeling I had of pure joy and boundless possibility when a piece of fresh paper and some crayons or markers were put in front of me. The 64 pack of Crayola crayons with the built in sharpener can still conjure up smells and memories of that joyous time. I felt a mastery of some sort too. Which helped keep me interested.

Q: What inspires you to make art?

A: I am inspired by shape and colors I see in our world, and nature. It is hard to describe in words. It is like how, of course our bodies need air. When I am inspired by something it feels like the time between the inspiration and when I sit down to manifest something, is like the time between breaths. Like I am holding my breath on some level when I do create.

Q: What is your favorite medium?

A: Lately it's a wax combo I started playing with. Crayola ( yes back to my roots) bee's wax, soy wax and oil paint. Then I use other things like ink, watercolor and graphite and collage in my mixed media work.

Andrea's pallet

Q: What Artist inspires you?

A: Latelly Kelly Rae Roberts and so many of the amazing women from the Flying Lessons group. Of course I love the masters. Monet's winter scenes mostly. Degas and his use of line. Cezanne and Turner. My Husband David E Snyder who is also a painter. I am a bad 'name' person so I see work, it makes an impression and I have no idea who it is... same with music and bands. I can know a song very well and still be clueless to who is singing.

Q: On your blog you say you are a Hairapist, can you explain this?

A: I am a Hairapist. This is a term I am working to get noticed and integrated into society as I am on this beauty journey. Over the past 21 years I have been somewhat of a social scientist in my job. (I almost studied psychology or social work in college). My observations have lead me to this firm hypothesis. Hairstylists are VERY much like therapists. We play a very vital role in society. Beyond aesthetics. The Salon can be a very sacred space for women and men. It is one of a handful of professions were we have a license to touch. Sometimes in the case of single or elderly clients it is the only touch they get all week or month. It is one place people can come and truly let their hair down. Be seen as they are. No make-up, hair a mess. Time to BE. There is something about draping a cutting cape over the client as a lets say passive restraint. In the hands of a skilled "Hairapist" the client immediately relaxes and more often than not begins to share themselves with the stylist. From insecurities about their looks to details of close personal relationships and everything in between. This relationship can span decades. Through every major life transition. It is one of my missions in life to bring this phenomenon out to be acknowledged and to train stylists on some level about how to best utilize their role in the community as a "healer", "helper" to bring a real consciousness to the Salon and behind the chair. I think we as hairstylists have an opportunity to be a part of a global healing. But it has to start with the stylist themselves being conscious about their own life, healing and journey to wholeness. I hope to write more about this soon on my blog. Get something published or maybe a short documentary... ideas, ideas, ideas!

Q: Do you have any advise to give to your Artists?

A: My advise to fellow Artist would have to be... if you are a painter, paint. If you are a jewelry maker, make jewelry. If you are a writer, write. That is how you grow and evolve. Don't waste any more time thinking you need to know something more. You will learn what you need to know as you DO. The time is NOW. Live it!! Create your life one step at a time. Be grateful for it all. Lessons finally learned for me.

Andrea is currently running a kickstarter Reproducing Beauty to get her Art business rolling. Please help her reach her goal! She only has a few days left plus you get to see a very cool video of what she is currently working on.

Visit her blog Flowergirl Designs

Buy her art on Etsy Flowergirl Designs

Thank you Andrea for your inspiring words. The time is now! Make your Art, get creative, do what you love!

Have a wonderful day!

Chandra

Artist Trading Cards Tutorial

Artist Trading Cards or better known as ATCs have been around for a while. I have only recently discovered them. They are great fun!

 I have made a tutorial for anyone out there wondering what ATCs are and how to make them. Artist Trading Cards are small 3 1/2 by 2 1/2 size cards. On one side you create a masterpiece and on the other you write your information like blog, email, web site, name and date. Grab your supplies and start creating!

Supplies

Card stock 

Scissors

Paper cutter

Glue stick

Pen's

Optional materials depending on what media you use

Paint

Decorative papers

Stamps

Glue gun

Cloth

Felt

Embroidery floss

Pictures

Magazine cutouts

Ribbon

Anything you want to use!

You can make the base card out of anything, card stock is what I use. But you can also use canvas, watercolor paper, an old playing card (covered in paper or gesso). There are even ones that are pre-made for all types of media. I have bought some of the pre- made ones. They are nice if you want to use a specific medium like watercolor, but card stock works fine.

So, let's get to the making. Start with the card stock. Measure out 2 1/2 along one side with a pencil mark, and 3 1/2 along the other side.

Card stock and ruler measuring 2 1/2 inches across.

 The next step is cutting the cards out. Here I use a paper cutter for straight lines. Of course you can use scissors as well but I tend to make crooked cuts so I use the cutter. 

There you have a nice card just the right size.

I like to round the edges with an edge cutter. I have tried cutting the edge myself, needless to say I can't make good edges with scissors. You can leave them square as well. 

Now the fun begins! Get your supplies. Here I have the scraps from another project I was working on they have paint stains. The large paper is for the back side. This is where you can get creative, make backgrounds with paint or paper, collage, whatever you like.

 I use a glue stick because it goes on smooth, doesn't wrinkle the paper and is quick drying. I made a frame with the scraps of paper.

Here I have glued a decorative paper on the back.

Cut the back paper off.

I stamped the back paper with a Made with love stamp. You can use any stamp that has lines or just write your info on the back.

I colored in the stamp with gel pens and added my info.

Now for the front. Here are my examples. In this one I colored inside the frame I made of papers.

Here I had drawn a picture on another paper and cut it up, glued and done!

A different stamp with lines to write in your info.

Here is the stack of the ones I made that day. 

Now it's time to trade them! Find a local group in your area, a mail group or make a group yourself. 

Every Friday at The Cozy Craft Corner from 3:30 to 5:30 we have an Artist Trading Card class and swap. It is so fun! I love making small pieces of art. It's tiny and manageable. We usually end up making about four each class and trade them. 

I have also started a group of women from my Flying Lessons class with Kelly Rae Roberts to do ATC's in the mail. This has been very successful so far and great fun! 

I hope you now have a better understanding about how to make Artist Trading Cards. Enjoy :)

Here are some sites that give you ideas and themes;

Altered Art

Art Junction

Family Fun

Here is an interesting idea Tea Bag ATCs

Here is one that has supplies.

Sky Blue Pink

Here are some books on ATC's

I have this on in my shop Artist Trading Card Workshop

1,000 Artist Trading Cards: Innovative and Inspired Mixed Media ATCs

Trading Card Techniques & ATCs

Have a wonderful day,

Chandra