Daily Painting Journal

Paintings of the Day

2010-09-19T19:30:00.001-07:00

The following paintings are "Paintings of the Day" for the last 4 days. Each time I do a painting of the day, I try to choose something that I want to learn and create a painting based on that.

I wanted to learn a little more about texture, using a pallette knife to paint - and what would happen if I held the brush toward the end, instead of holding so tightly to the tip near the brush. It gave me less control, and created looser more random strokes - perfect for this painting.

I wanted to learn a little more about different ways of blending and combining unexpected colors. I like the results.

This painting was a very short lesson in perspective and creating peaks of texture.

In this little ACEO I got a little practice with the line brush. I really challenged myself to work very quickly. I tend to over work everything and with this painting I only allowed myself 40 minutes to get it done, so there was no chance to do that. The other great thing about this painting is that the layers were put on in very obvious steps. I try to work this way - it makes it easier, but I usually end up skipping steps.

New Work Space!

2010-09-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!!! I'm getting my own new studio space! Besides moving stuff out of my house, I'll finally be able to get away from home, hang up my art, and spread out a little. I'm still looking for a few good, creative people to share the space with. I've been looking all over hoping that I'll find the best combo of artists and crafters. Basically, I'd like this place to be filled with creative people who can help each other to network and find opportunities. The idea of it is to really help each other succeed, maybe have open studio nights and other events. We (as a group) would have to discuss the details of these events. All of it would really be up to the individual, if they don't want to or can't participate in certain things, that's fine. The space is a Colonial house, right on the water, right off Post Rd. I just feel that there are a lot of ways that artists can help each other out, and we should work together.

Open Studio in Rhode Island

2010-07-26T04:54:00.000-07:00

BENEFIT FOR R.I. FOOD BANK

Bring canned good for a 15% discount

Where: 160 James Street Warwick, RI 02886 Go to Mapquest for directions.

When: July 31, from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Unique jewelry, most priced under $10.00

Beautiful artwork on canvas starting at $15.00

Free make-and-take crafts for children of all ages

Very pretty Free gift wrapping.

FREE custom photo pendant for

all purchases over $25.00, scroll down to

custom photo jewelry.

Questions?

Call Rhiannon:

401-732-4672

Examples of Jewelry and Art:

Unique Hand painted jewelry, like wearing a work of art.

Custom Photo Jewelry, capture a moment and wear it.

When you spend $25.00 or more at the open house, we will make you a free custom photo pendant like the one above, with any photo you like on it.

Custom Portrait Oil Paintings from your photo in any size, starting at only $35.00.

Key chains

Jewelry for children.

Original Paintings

July Open House

2010-07-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

BENEFIT FOR R.I. FOOD BANK
Bring canned good for a 15% discount
Where: 160 James Street Warwick, RI 02886 Go to Mapquest for directions.
When: July 31, from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Unique jewelry, most priced under $10.00
Beautiful artwork on canvas starting at $15.00
Free make-and-take crafts for children of all ages
Very pretty Free gift wrapping.
FREE custom photo pendant for
all purchases over $25.00, scroll down to
custom photo jewelry.

FREE make and take crafts for all children, so they have fun while you check out great art!
Questions?
Call Rhiannon:
401-732-4672

Bohemian and Gypsy Style

2010-06-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how much I love the Bohemian and Gypsy styles. I did this blog post mostly as a self indulgence, if I were wealthy everything would have just a touch of Gypsy and hippie in it. Maybe not all of my decor, or all of my clothing, but there would be just a bit of Gypsy magic in everything.
Before you look at the tons of photos below, please enter my giveaway here.

2010-06-18T05:57:00.000-07:00

I have quite a few projects going on right now, I like to keep myself busy and I like to change it up often. One of the projects is a custom order drawing. Drawing was my first medium (I guess it is for most people) and I miss it sometimes, so it is nice to get back to it occassionally. This drawing is in the very begining stages, just the outline is done really, and some hints of facial features. The scan for some reason came out dark on the top, not sure why.

I have been working diligently on the starfish, and Beanie wanted to be a part of it, so she drew her own. I guess this will give you a clue what it will look like when it is done :)

Don't forget to enter my giveaway, some really unique prizes: http://dailypaintjournal.blogspot.com/2010/06/blog-giveaway.html

Please fan me - I am a little lonely and my ego needs some stroking :) http://www.facebook.com/gigglegoddess

Giggle Goddess Jewelry and Art Parties

2010-06-17T10:52:00.001-07:00

What is a Giggle Goddess Party? It is a chance to get together with friends and have a blast looking at pretty jewelry and wonderful original artwork. The parties are very relaxed, no pressure is put on anyone to buy. It is a lot of fun and there are a lot of great products to choose from.
If you live in the Rhode Island area I can come to your home, but even if you aren't, you could host a cyber party and still get the same amount of free stuff. I can send you more information on either kind of party, please don't hesitate to ask.

Free Stuff!!!
You get stuff whether your friends book a party or not. You get free stuff just for hosting a party, even if no one buys a single thing. However, the more people buy and the more people book parties the amount of free stuff you earn just goes up and up. If people attending your party book their own parties the amount of free goodies increases by $15.00 for each party booked. Guests get 10% off if they bring a friend!!!

Blog Giveaway!!!

2010-06-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

This months giveaway was chosen by my wonderful son Clayton.
For the month of July we are giving away.....
Any Five Scrabble Tile Pendants (including custom photo scrabbles) and five snake chains OR my brandie new ACEO custom photo portrait. Example photos are below:

What you have to do:
*Become a fan of Giggle Goddess Creations

*Sign up for my newsletter.

If you want to do both, that will be counted as two entries.

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post with your contact information, otherwise I won't be able to get in touch with you if you win.

This giveaway will run until June 30. The winner will be chosen at random and announced on July 1. I will contact them through whatever links they leave in the comment they leave. The winner has ten days to claim their prize. If they don't claim it, a new winner will be chosen.

Day Four of Giant Starfish Project

2010-06-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

I feel like this should start out with something like: "Captain's Log", but I am simply not important enough to have a log, just important enough to have a blog :) Forgive me I got less than an hour of sleep last night and about 3 hours the night before. Why - you ask? I will tell you ... it is the painting. I am obsessed. I paint for hours and then when my head hits the pillow I am thinking of ways to make it better and what my next huge painting will be. Sweet passion - let me sleep.

Anyway, my friend took a picture of my hands, and actually they are not bad. Usually after I paint for a very long time I look like I took a bath in paint. It's not that easy to get off either. Especially the blue for some reason, and this painting has TONS of blue.

So this is what I have finished on the fourth day. I am happy, although I can tell you, it has been a lot of hard work. It is crazy how much bigger this painting is than what I am used to.

In the midst of all this crazy happy painting, I have a new project coming up that I am very excited about. I can't tell you exactly what it is, but the picture below may give you a hint. No, it has nothing to do with Wesley, he just needs to be in front of the camera.

Don't forget to be my fan on facebook!!! PLEASE :) An added bonus to being my fan - 10% off of your next purchase!!! In order to get the 10% off youmust leave a message to seller in checkout in my etsy shop or my other etsy shop, or send me a message on ebay!!!

Thanks for listening to my insomnia induced rants ya'll.

Starfish Day 3 I Need More Time

2010-06-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Day 3 of project giant starfish went well, except one small problem (details below). This is the painting so far:

On the third day of this project I felt like Brody from Jaws. He said - "I think we need a bigger boat." I am saying "Uh ... I think I need more time." Each "step" is taking me about 3X longer than I thought. So, this is my new schedule:

6/11: Sketch it out

6/12: Block in sky and ocean

6/13: Block in Rock Shadows

6/15: Block in starfish

6/16: Details of water

6/17: Details of Water

6/18: Details of water

6/19: Details of Beach

6/20: Details of Beach

6/21: Details of rock shadows

6/22: Details of rock shadows

6/23: Details of rock shadows

6/24: Details of rocks

6/25: Details of rocks

6/26: Details of rocks

6/27: Details of rocks

6/28: Details of rocks

6/29: Details of rocks

6/30: Details of starfish

7/1: Details of starfish

7/2: Details of starfish

7/3: Details of clouds

7/4: Details of clouds

7/5: Details of clouds

7/14: Take it to get photographed

7/16: Take it to the Gallery

Keep you updated :)

Please check out my facebook fanpage !!! Every fan gets 15% off any purchase :)

Day 2 of BIG Project

2010-06-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

I am trying very hard to really take my time and not get impatient with any part of this painting. I have broken it into steps, I am planning on getting it done in two weeks (starting yesterday) so June 21st is my target date.

So there are 14 steps:

1. Sketch the painting 6/9 Done

2. Block in sky and water 6/10 Done

3. Block in rock shadows 6/11

4. Block in rocks 6/12

5. Block in starfish 6/13

6. Block in clouds 6/14

7. Detail of water 6/15

8. Details of beach 6/16

9. Details of rock shadows 6/17

10. Details of rocks 6/18

12. Details of rocks 6/19

13. Details of starfish 6/20

14. Details of clouds 6/21

Step 1 of BIG Project

2010-06-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

I love big paintings. Really - so much fun. If you have bare walls they make a very bold statement and I love bold.

The canvas below is one that I bought over a year ago and it sat, painted blue in my painting and canvas "storage room". I was just too daunted by the size of it.

The little man next to it in the photo will be four in a couple of months, and he can't reach the top of it!! I LOVE it!!

For some reason I am not intimidated by it anymore.

This is step 1 - the sketch. I am not sure if you can see the detail, but I will

I played with it in this photo so that the sketch stood out a little more. If you can't see all of it - good!! It will be a surprise. I will be updating my progress daily with this one and I hope to be finished in two weeks from today. So on June 24th I will have a brand new HUGE painting to put in the gallery :)

Key Chain Charms

2010-06-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

Occassionally I like to add some new things to my shop - just for fun. The key chains below were made with my pendants and my good friend Lisa's charms. Her shop on etsy is called Tucker's Trinkets and Treasures. She created the beaded charms below just for my glass tiles. She's the best!!
I really like these a lot, I may be having a blog giveaway involving these pretties very soon, so be sure to keep your eyes open for that.
The key chains below aren't listed in my shop yet - but they will be within the next week.

Makes me feel like I should be in a different era. I adore the bright colors in this one.

The Sun tarot card stands for family, children, happiness, a loving marriage and good health. I figured we could all use some of that mojo to carry around.

Om. That's all I need to say.

I have never seen Twilight or read the books, but I plan to soon :)

Some New Florals

2010-06-08T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am really loving the flowers right now. I always love flowers, but for some reason now more than ever. It must be the summer days approaching. The flowers below are some of latest work.

"Rose" Oil on canvas

Original was sold, 8x10" Print is available

"Daisies in the Sun" 8x10" Oil on Canvas

"Tulips" 8x10" Oil on Canvas

"Sunflower Field" Oil on Canvas

Original sold prints available

2010-05-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

I love this easy, cheap and pretty display case. I will make a few modifications to mine - but I am so using this idea for shows :)

DYOP

2010-05-11T07:13:00.000-07:00

What is DYOP? Design your own Pendant (or key chain, or magnet, or charm bracelet).
This is so much fun!!
We have never had an event like before, so we are very excited. Below are some choices we have listed.

By far our most popular product is custom photo pendants on glass. They are available in 7/8" square glass, 1" square glass, 7/8X1-7/8" and 1" Circular glass.

This is a photo of my daughter on a 7/8" pendant. To a certain extent we will edit and make corrections to your photos.

DIY SNS

2010-05-10T04:20:00.001-07:00

2010-05-05T18:39:00.000-07:00

ACEO's

2010-05-02T13:04:00.001-07:00

I started doing ACEOs just a few weeks ago. Before then I had never even heard of them. I have to say, I LOVE painting them, I love looking at them, I just love them. Below are the ones that I have done so far. They are so much fun.

What is an ACEO? ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. The trend was started by an artist on Ebay about two years ago, and has now become a movement. ACEOs are tiny collectible pieces of art, like a baseball card of the art world. An ACEO is always . That is the size of a standard sports trading card. The only rule about an ACEO is that it must always measure two and one-half inches by three and one-half inches in size. This is the ONLY rule, ACEOs can be made from any material and be any subject. ACEOs can be matted and framed to hang on the wall, or stored in an album just like the kind that a sports card collectors uses. They are very fun to collect and trade.

2010-05-02T13:02:00.000-07:00

"The Watcher" 60 Minute Painting Video

2010-04-19T14:15:00.000-07:00

Another 60 minute exercise. Please give my video some love :) Visit my etsy Shop Daily Paint if you'd like to purchase this or other lovely paintings.

"Lily of the Valley" 60 Minute Painting

2010-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

This is my 60 minute painting from 4/18/10.

Creating Depth Through Color

2010-04-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

I am definitely going through an experimental phase in my life. I have a book called "Acrylic Revolution" and it's great because it really goes through a ton of different techniques to try. The one that I decided to try yesterday was creating depth through translucent color fields. I have never done this before - so at first I followed the book very closely.
I used a ton of medium to seal the canvas a little more.

These are the four colors I intend to use. I really like bright and vivid colors.

I started in the corners and worked my way to the middle - I didn't pick up more paint as I moved away from the corners - but picked up more medium instead. This created a (kind of) faded effect in the center.

Then I did the opposite corners the same way - only with orange, green and blue instead.

I got sick of using a large flat brush - the strokes were really visible and after working if for a long time - I decided to use one of my favorite tools - my handy dandy sea sponges.

So - using the same colors - I went over them a few times with the sponges.

I started off thinking of doing a little girl on a windy day next to a tree - but I have so many trees. I haven't done a fairy in a very long time - so I decided that I should do one - just for fun. Here is the basic sketch.

I wanted drama in this painting. I love me a good dramatic painting :) I created contrast between her pale warm skin and the deep, dark, intense blue of her dress and wings. Hee hee - this is fun!

For some reason I really like the way that her face looks - very scared - like a child. I added some hair and details of the face - still wanting to keep things warm and balance to contrast the clothing.

I am still not sure at this point who or what she is hiding from, bbut I felt that she was trying to hide in shadow - so I added a little more darkness for her cover. There are a few little subtle sparks of light around her - because she is a fairy and I believe that they carry a light with them.

This is the completed painting - my daughter named it.

"Hiding From Humans"

Original 8X10" Oil Painting

New Painting

2010-04-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

The crazy painting below is a result of just wanting to try something very new for my and have fun with it. I love henna - and although this is inspired by mehndi - there are a lot of colors in this piece. I reached my goal of having fun - but I will tell you - getting smooth lines - was a little harder than I thought. As I am looking at it now - there are still some lines that look shaky and wavy. There is nothing I can do about it now - I have a rule I follow no matter what - once I sign a painting - that is it - I can't work on it at all anymore. I do that because otherwise I will just keep painting and not move on. At this point it has almost become a superstition for me - bad things will happen if I work on a painting after it has been signed.

"Henna Sun" Original Acrylic Painting, size 11X14" on canvas. $15.00 Click to buy.

2010-04-07T05:31:00.000-07:00

I am always trying new things - just for fun. I tried to create some 3D effects in my painting. I wish I had better photos and I will take some - but for now ...
the background is very textured and really abstract. The leaves literally pop right off the page.
This is the beginning of a time of exploration for me. I really want to have fun with paint and learn as much as I can about how to use it effectively. So, if for a while my paintings look a little unlike me - that is a good thing - it is all part of my master plan for improvement. Like I said - I am letting go of beauty for a bit in pursuit of learning.
These "learning" paintings will be for sale at deep discounts in my etsy shop.

Trends

2010-04-05T05:28:00.000-07:00

I like to think of myself as someone who likes to march to the beat of her own crazy, off-beat drummer, but after reading a brief article about trends, I do think it is a wise marketing move to at least pay attention to upcoming trends.
I found the following helpful sites:

Colour Lovers is a site that is extremely helpful in finding new trends in color. I have to say that I love the colors in this snapshot, and will definitely be visting their site often.

They even have a way that you can search the most loved and most viewed color palettes. This could be SO helpful when choosing colors for your next project.

I also found a site called trendhunter.com. I had a little bit of trouble figuring wout how to navigate this site - there is a lot going on. But once you do, it could be a great resource. You could discover trends like the below photo - which is supposedly going to become a new "thing". How you will apply this to your real life - I am not sure.

Another great and helpful site is called ThisNext
I looked up upcoming art trends ofcourse. Very interesting.

Stylehive
is also a great site - giving a list of the most popular tags.

I hope that these sites are useful for you. I know that they will be for me - I will be working a little harder to stay up to date with my art and jewelry.

2010-04-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

My kids and I are in this video - we live about 5-10 minutes walking distance from here and we walked down to see it and were captured on film in this video.
It has been pure crazy 'round here.

Winner of Blog Giveaway

2010-04-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Results were chosen by Random.org and the winner is:

TresBelleKnits!

She won this Original Oil Painting - congratulations TresBelleKnits!!

Photos of the Flood in RI

2010-03-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

The malls as seen from above:

This is a home in Exeter - the backyard had a small stream running through it.

This is Greenwich Ave - right across the street from the mall.
This was a street - I don't know the city.

This was in the same neighborhood as the above photo.

This was an apartment complex.

National Guard vehicles were the only vehicles alowed on Greenwich ave near the malls.

This is the Pawtuxet River, flooded almost to the top of the bridge.

Another road in Exeter.

This is the mall parking lot, about a 5-10 minute walk from my house. I zoomed in - hoping to get a clear shot of the two cars still parked there. There was a security guard still stuck in the mall at this point - thankfully the National Guard was able to get him out.

This is The Cornerstone, my husband and I had a date there less than a month ago.

More photos of the cars in the parking lot at the mall.

This is NYLO, a brand new hotel down the street.

The most AMAZING thing I have ever seen in my entire life. The picture below is of Rt. 95 - the frickin' highway!!! A couple of my friends actually went down there and were laying in the middle of the highway - just to say they did it. CRAZY!!

This is my CRAZY Shannon on the highway - dancing.

The below is the street leading to the apartment complex.

More of the Rd. in Exeter.

This is another amazing photo - this is 295 right near the on ramp near exit 12. This is usually a dry valley/field.

My Kid's Rooms

2010-03-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

I am about to make some major changes in my home. The room that is now my husbands - will soon be my little boy's and little girl's bedroom. They will have much more room in there.
I want to keep the gender of the room neutral - for obvious reasons, but I am thinking of a colorful, whimsical, enchanted woodland theme for the room. I went to my favorite place (etsy) to get some ideas and here are some of my favorites.
Just getting a few ideas to buy or make for their new room. I will keep you updated on the progress.

PLEASE - don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY

An Ugly Still Life - an Awesome Lesson

2010-03-25T06:31:00.001-07:00

OK - I was talking to a friend about taking art and we were talking about drawing and painting from life. I told her I've never painted from life. I decided I needed to paint from life.
I got my fake flowers and a lamp to be my fake sun and sat down to paint.

I wanted a light blue wall behind the flowers to really make them stand out.

I started with the vase - no roughsketching or mapping it out - I just started.

I like how the orange really contrasts with the blue - it really pops out. I wasn't afraid to lay the paint on thick. I don't know what it is lately, but I am liking the thick paint. It feels almost like I am sculpting with paint.

Ooops - I skipped a few steps here.

Added the last details - the shadow and little highlights.

Here is is - my first ever painting from real life - not very pretty - but I learned a lot. I have to tell you that it was a challenge. I am not sure why painting from a photo is so much easier, but it certainly is. Even so - it was a great study - and I will be doing more in the future.

60 Minute Painting #5

2010-03-24T05:22:00.000-07:00

This one - for some reason I got really into. I love pears - maybe that is why.
I went across the street to the market and bought the prettiest piece of fruit I could find. I also wanted something that later on, I would enjoy eating - so the pear seemed like a good choice. I put it in my window and took a photo of it.

I sketched it out. One of the things I have learned is that sketching things with pencil causes a headache. The graphite smudges and gets into the paint and alters the color - no fun. So I now only sketch paintings in paint.

I blocked in all the colors with acrylic paint. The canvas is super absorbent, the paint dries quickly, and with that combination - the paint is drying so quickly that I don't have time to move it around really. Especially because I am outside. I put a glob of acrylic paint on the palette and in less than three minutes - it is all dried up. I figure out pretty quickly that the acrylics aren't working for me today - so I bring out my favorite - my oils. I use Holbein Duo Water soluble Aqua oils, which some would say aren't really oils - because they are water soluble. Anyone who feels this way - I challenge you to use them. Just once and you will fall in love. They handle just like regular oils - they even come with linseed oil medium (I have no idea how they made that water soluble). The best part though - is the clean up. A short time at the sink - all clean. No smell either. I LOVE them.

Anyway - I finish the painting with those, and this time I go over the 60 minute mark - without even realizing it. So this is more like a 75 minute painting.

I was on a role - so immediately upon finishing this one, I grabbed a painting that I started a while ago, but never finished. Here is the beginning phase of this pretty flower.
The dark background is done in oil - while the chalky white petals are in acrylic - the difference is really noticeable. The oils are richer and deeper in color. The acrylics are very matte and really too light - no matter what I do.

So I finished it up with the oils again. I am really learning to be brave. I don't know if you can see the big strokes and how thick the paint is in some areas - but I never paint like this. I usually work so hard to get the strokes out. No, looking at it, the big strokes and thick paint are nice - they create texture. Obviously not all paintings would benefit from this kind of brushwork, but this one seems to.

Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.
All entries must be received by March 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen randomly on April 1, 2010.

Click on the picture below to enter and comment on THAT post:

Mandatory to enter: Visit any of my stores, Daily Paint, Giggle Goddess Creations or my brand new ebay store Rhiannon Strobel Gallery choose your favorite item and then and go to this blog post and leave a comment. You must leave the name of your fave in the comment.

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

In the Yard with Wesley

2010-03-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

Right now it is raining, but last Friday, while the others were away at school and such, Wesley and I played in the yard, just the two of us.

We dug for worms, found tons of acorns, rocks and "dirt clumpies" that were fun to break apart, but no worms yet. Wesley didn't seem to mind, he had a spoon and an old giant ice cream tub, so he was happy.

He asked me if I could "make a triangle" which I knew meant, "Can you spin me on the swing?" Everytime he finished spinning, he'd say, "Do it again - one more time!"

He's very vain, he loves the camera and will ask me to take his picture so that he can look at himself.

Then we went flower hunting, which was not really a challenge, my yard is covered in crocus flowers right now, so we found some and had to take photos of them, maybe for mama's next painting.

I like this one - accept for the wires in the bback. So don't be surprized if you see it as a painting in my shop soon.

Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.
All entries must be recieved by March 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen randomly on April 1, 2010.

Click on the picture below to enter and comment on THAT post:

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

Collage Sheet Library

2010-03-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

This is my library of collage sheets. If I sent you here on a mission to find some images that you would like, please feel free to browse and keep in mind that if it isn't here, I can find it for you. To see a close up, click on the image - it will open it for you in a new window, and click on that image to zoom really close.

If you are interested in having a photo of a loved one, friend, pet or even your business logo put on a glass tile pendant, please contact me: RhiannonSTR@yahoo.com.

Use the number of each image to let me know which sheet you like, the numbers are on the top AND bottom of each image.Describe the image you are looking at in this way: (If you can't see it well - please click on it)Lines go down - rows go across. ( I forgot row 9 - but normally it would be there). You could also just give me the number of the sheet and a description of what the image looks like - for some this way is easier.
I am easily confused - this is the easiest way for me :)

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#108

#108

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Newsletter Sign Up

2010-03-18T19:50:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in receiving the Daily Paint Newsletter, please leave a comment here with your email address in it. You will be emailed a link to the Newsletter on the first of every month. I will not contact you in between.
Benefits to receiving the newsletter:

* Exclusive deals and discounts that you can only get by signing up.
* Be the first to know about new products and sales.
* Some great art and craft tips.
* ETSY Success interviews.
* Coupons good in both my stores.
* Monthly giveaway contests for those who have signed up for my newsletter.

Please leave your name and email address in the comment to recieve the newsletter once a month.

Hour Painting #4 and Givaway

2010-03-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

As if I don't have enough challenges in my life, I decided to really challenge myself with yesterday's daily painting. It was a nice day, so I took Wesley outside along with my paints and an 8X10" canvas.

Step one, the outline. I did a basic quick sketch of the farm and surrounding land. I think that the landscape has a lot of blue, so I decided to do the lines in blue.

Step 2: Got in the very basic colors, the further back in the distance the more blue. Only the very closest hill has some touches of yellow.

Step 3: Added some more details in the roof - blue because it is reflecting the sky. Added some little bushes, coming along.

Step 4: Darkened and lightened the areas that needed it, put some rows in the field, and some texture in the garden area.

A little more detail, some color adjustments and voila!

Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.
All entries must be recieved by March 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen randomly on April 1, 2010.

Click on the picture below to enter:

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

Update on Starfish Painting and New Magnet Sets

2010-03-18T06:26:00.000-07:00

I decided yesterday that I really need to focus on getting the starfish painting done, so I didn't do my 60 minute painting. I know - I am a bad girl.
But - here it is - not too much longer to go now. I think by Saturday I will be done.

Some magnet sets that I am going to be adding to my store. I love them!! I am pricing them at $.30 a magnet - not bad :)

Just in time for spring! Super cute flower monogram glass pendants. Any letter you'd like, very reasonably priced at $5.00.

Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.
All entries must be recieved by March 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen randomly on April 1, 2010.

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

Hour Painting #3

2010-03-17T06:16:00.001-07:00

Today I really decided to challenge myself. I wanted to play with color. I don't know if it is apparent in this painting to others - but I attempted to use the same colors through out the painting to see if I could really tie the painting together. So, the sky has some of the green of her tail and the brownish color of the sand. Her skin has some of the blue of the sky in it and even some green.
I just wanted to see waht would happen it I added a teeny bit of all of the colors in the painting into every part of the painting. Sometimes just a little dab made it blend in and fit perfectly.

First 20 minutes, the basic shapes and blocks of color are complete.

Another 20 minutes and I have given some definition to the clouds and some shadows and depth to the painting.

I really focused on defining the face and tail in the last 20 minutes. I also added a hint of waves coming in.

2010-03-16T04:07:00.000-07:00

This is today's "hour" painting. I was trying to teach myself to be more confident with the brush. Brush strokes can make or break a painting. I tend to really over do the brush strokes, over think them. I wanted to just do it - thick and bold and deliberate. I think so far, in the short two days that I have been doing these, they have taught me what the phases of my painting should look like. I took photos every 20 minutes of the hour to demonstrate my point.

Stage 1: Basically, at this point it looks like large shapes and blocks of color and that is exactly what it should look like. This is an ugly phase - no definition. I like to think of it as a map, this is just letting you know where to put everything else on top of it.

Stage 2: A little more definition. At this point I am building up some contrast in color and value. There are more darks and lights and more ranges in color, but there are really no details yet.

Stage 3. Because I only allow myself one hour to work, there really aren't many details, but what detail I was able to add, was added in the last few minutes. The little yellow specs were added at the very end. I have heard it said many times before, start with the bigger shapes and gradually get smaller until you finish with the tiniest details, but I never understood the way that I do now.
I find the teeny details to be the most fun and very often, my favorite part of a painting.
It has never been so apparant to me the building upon layers and gradually getting smaller and smaller. Second day of the one hour painting, lesson learned: start with the big blocks of shape and color and work your way down to the smaller details.

A 25 Minute Painting

2010-03-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

I am reading a book called "60 Minutes to Better Painting". There are many good suggestions in the book for creating simple paintings in one hour or less and how this really improves your overall painting skills. One of the things that I really struggle with is "over painting". I keep working on paintings forever, far after they look done. I do this because I am a perfectionist, but it can really ruin a painting.

I wanted to create something from a unique perspective - this piece was my attempt at someone looking up to the top of a tree - kind of into the sky.

I have to let go of "pretty". I have to be OK with my mistakes when I do these. I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a perfect painting that can be done in under an hour. So, these are going to be strictly teaching exercises. However, the pieces will be for sale on my etsy shop, dirt cheap.

Saturday Night Specials

2010-03-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

I am loving the SNS. It is so much fun. I wanted to really advertise my next one whatever way that I could. So here goes:

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL – 3/20/10 ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

Buy any Original Painting in this store: Selene.etsy.com, and get a $10.00 gift certificate, good in either of my stores.

For every $10.00 spent in this store: Rhiannon228.etsy.com, get any item that is priced at $5.00 (not including shipping) or less - for FREE!

Sale starts at 5:00 pm and ends promptly at 6:00 am on Sunday.

Please remember to mention the SNS somewhere in the message to seller.

* DO NOT buy Free items *
Include a description of the free items you'd like in the message to seller. In most item titles there is a number, use this to let me know which items you'd like.

*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*~Happy Saturday Night Sale!! ~*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)

I hope to see everyone there :)

If you are an etsy seller and would like to find out more about the SNS, visit this FAQ thread.

Also - don't forget about my:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.
All entries must be recieved by March 31, 2010. Winner will be chosen randomly on April 1, 2010.

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

What's Going On in April

2010-03-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Rhiannon Strobel Gallery News Letter

This month: * Personalizing Gifts * An Awesome Giveaway * This Month's Events * Giggle Goddess Parties * What’s New * Exclusive Deals

Personalizing Gifts

Are you looking for that gift that will really speak to the person they are giving it to? Do you want something personal, unique and truly one of a kind? The gift you give could be something that is truly treasured forever. For those looking for a very special, affordable and high quality gift, I have a few options for you.

Photo Pendants

These are by far the most popular item I sell. It is a wonderful gift for so many reasons. The price is so affordable, at only $6.00 each (chains are sold separately). Any photo can be used, and I can even personalize it further with names, dates, or a short phrase. Although these pendants are water resistant, they are not waterproof, and could be damaged if submerged in water.

Touch of Color portraits

These portraits are done in either oil or acrylic and can be whatever you like them to be. I can work closely with you to determine the size, composition and colors used. You design it, I paint it. The prices start at only $25. I challenge you to find lower prices - and if you do - I will match it.

My turnaround for this is usually about three weeks, however, it depends on my work load, and this changes often. If you need this for a gift or special occasion, please contact me to find out if I can have it done in time for you.

Monogram Pendants

For that super special girly - girl in your life, there are Black and Pink Circular monogram pendants that are truly stunning. Only $5.00!

Know an Alice in Wonderland fan? These super cute pendants are sure to please. This is another very popular item in my shop right now - for only $5.00.

Super cute - super whimsical - this is a "Spring Time" bottle cap monogram pendant. My turnaround time for this is at least one week.

Personalized Backpack Bling/Key Chain

This is my personal favorite! Really anything you want can be done here. I can add two charms of your choice, additional charms are $2.00 each. Put a photo on the glass, your business logo, anything you'd like.

This key chain was made for a shoe lover.

Give away!!

Awesome prize, super easy and FREE to enter!
Here is the painting to be given away.

Optional (each action equals one entry):

* Follow me on twitter.

* Follow my blog.

* Become a fan on facebook.

* Mention any of my stores somewhere online - a blog, twitter or anywhere else visible to the public.

In order for me to keep track, please leave comments here with what action(s) you've done.

You can enter as many times as you wish.

4What’s New in April3

March was fun! So what can you expect from the Rhiannon Stobel Gallery in April?

I believe that in order to grow - you must make improvements everyday. I continue to try to make little changes to improve my products a little each day.

I recently opened an ebay store called Rhiannon Strobel Gallery to try to get these products really moving. In it I will sell both my art and prints, as well as the glass and resin pendants and magnets.

Exclusive Deals

For those who are Fans of mine on facebook, I have some great deals this month. If you are not a fan - become one here.
For Facebook Fans, get 20% off of your entire order in any of my stores. Can't be combined with any other offer.

4About the Artist 3

Rhiannon Strobel has been a professional artist since 2001. She worked in pencil, colored pencil and finally settled on oil paint, which has been her favorite medium for about six years. Recently, she started making glass tile and pendants, and is enjoying the process of experimenting and learning. She is always working hard to improve the quality of her art.
She has lived in RI for her entire life and is loving life with her supportive husband, three adorable children and one crazy dog.

E mail: RhiannonSTR@yahoo.com

2010-03-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is phase one of a giant flower painting I am doing - I love the texture of a flower when it it very close up.

This is phase three of the starfish. Go here to see the first two phases. I am really enjoying this painting. I just love texture and this painting has all sorts of it. I think the size is very unique also.

Don't forget to stop by this Saturday for my SNS (Saturday Night Sale) This time it will be Buy a Painting get any Free Pendant with chain.

2010-03-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

A wonderful seller on etsy, and now someone I consider a friend, made this lovely piece for me, with my daughter Selene as a beautiful woodland fairy. I just LOVE it. I have already hired her to do my two boys too. I love how whimsical it is and the lovely colors. If you have a chance, you should check her out here. Her prices are very reasonable and she is very easy to talk to.

Phase 1 & 2 of Starfish Painting

2010-03-06T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here are the first two phases of an oil painting I am working on. It's coming along - I think this one is very unique. I even like the unusual size. I will keep you updated as I come along :)

Organizing

2010-03-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

I think that this is a question that I have been asking myself a lot lately. I'm not sure if it is because I am getting older (just had a birthday) or if it is because spring is coming and is reminding me of cleaning, but I feel the need to organize my space and time and make my house pretty. I guess it is time to grow up - and live more like an adult.

I like a beautiful environment and one of my goals for the next year is to simplify my life. I think that these two things blend very nicely together. A simple and beautiful (and clean) home FEELS so nice.

Right now, my home is a mess. If you walked in, you might say that it is very clean, and sure, it looks really neat and clean, but hidden in closets and in the dreaded basement there are so many things that are broken and not used and maybe never will be used again. I would say a good 80% of my home is unused and unwanted crap.

So - first step, to get rid of the broken stuff and donate the unwanted stuff. It is simple in theory - but overwhelming in reality. I think that a yard sale is in my near future. I did a little bit of research and came across some great articles and products.

To organize my time, one of the things that I need to do, is to use my planner more effectively.
After reading a little on how to do this, it seems like the key to using a planner really is super simple - write everything in one planner, carry it with you everywhere and look in it every morning to see what is planned that day. I have started getting into the habit of writing my to-do list before bed for the following day. I make sure that I put a star next to the most important things and I get them done first. If I didn't have my planner - my life would fall apart pretty quickly. I heard somewhere that another great way to really be productive is to do the worst first. Picking that thing that you dread and getting it done ASAP - before anything else. This way it is finished - you don't have to dread it your entire day.

Another reason why a planner helps me is because when I write it down, for some reason I just feel better about it. I don't worry as much about it, and I can relax a little now that I know that it is in my planner. I don't have to try to remember it.

I also have a tendency to not know where to start, or what to do next. My to-do list is in my planner and I follow it and I never have to think of what to do next. I also like the feeling of crossing off the things I wrote - makes me feel like I am accomplishing something.

Some great planners are sold through Franklin Covey.

I also just finished a book called Organizing from the Inside Out (highly reccommend) by Julie Morgenstern about organizing your space. I got a lot of great tips from her book, but what I think will help me the most is finding a place for everything and keeping everything in it's place. She says that if it is difficult to access your stuff with your organizational system, you will not maintain it, so I think that everything in it's place - but think simple and easy.

Another book by her that I really want to read is Shed Your Stuff Change Your Life. It looks like it can help you to do this in four steps, sounds like something I need right now.

A big clue for me that I needed to get organized is that I loose everything. If everything has a place - it won't be lost - it will be in it's place, and after it is used - it will be returned to it's place.

YAY!!! Blog Winner!!!

2010-03-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

Winner of my Birthday Blog Giveaway is: countrywindows !!!
Congratulations :)

My Five Front Page Worthy Picks and Saturday Night Special

2010-02-25T06:10:00.000-08:00

These are five super spectacular listings I feel are etsy front page worthy, using the keyword - tree.

Saturday Night Sale

I have been participating in a promotion on etsy called Saturday Night Special. Just like it sounds - it is held every Saturday night on etsy from 5:00 PM - 6:00 AM on Sunday. You hold a sale that will only be for those hours, must start at 5:00 or later and must end at 6:00 or earlier. So far I love it. I think I've been doing OK with it. I have a lot that I want to clear from my Giggle Goddess shop so this weekend for the SNS - I will be having a super clearance special.
Here are the details of my sale:

* With the purchase of any Original Painting at Daily Paint get ANY item of your choice in Giggle Goddess Creations (with the exception of the custom photo charm bracelet).

* 25% off of your entire purchase in either shop.

* I will have multiple item listings at deep discounts that will be listed during the hours of the sale - you will have to stay tuned to find out what they are.

If you are an etsy seller - I highly recommend participating in the SNS - it is open to anyone, however there are a few rules to follow - all the information you need can be found here.

Some Tips for Craft and Art Shows

2010-02-17T08:58:00.000-08:00

There is snow on the ground and it may not feel like it - but before you know it, show season will be upon us. I am starting to prepare some new displays and get ready. I have compiled some tips I have learned in some great books and share them here. I wish you much success in the craft season.

I am not an expert, but here are a few things that I've learned from experience.
Where to find the shows:
* The easiest thing to do is to look up local art shows or craft fairs on the internet. Usually you will get enough shows to keep you pretty busy. However the smaller shows don't always list their events online. The best show that I ever attended was a smaller show that didn't list online.
* Go to your town's Chamber of Commerce, as well as the neighboring town's Chamber of Commerce. They can usually give you a better list of events than anyone else.
* Don't be afraid to ask other crafters and artists which shows that they attend and which ones they really like. People always think that others will be put off by this, this is not usually the case. Most artists and crafters want to help eachother out.
Some things I've learned the hard way:
If I could go back in time, I could've saved myself a lot of misery. While I love going to the shows, I also think that if you are not fully prepared, it can be chaotic.
* Make sure that you are aware of the rules and restrictions of the show that you are attending. The people who set this show up work very hard to get it to run smoothly, you don't want to make it any more difficult for them.
* Start preparing the weekend before the event. If it is a big event, you may want to set up your table with all of your wares on it to see how it looks and what you will need to add or take away in order for it to look attractive.
* Make a list of everything that you need. Check it off as you load it into the car.
Some thinigs that I ALWAYS take to a show are listed below.
- Rain gear, a sweatshirt, and a change of clothes. You just never know, and believe me there is nothing worse than having to sit in wet clothes for hours on end.
- Snacks and drinks. Pack a lunch and put it in a little cooler. The vendors at the show are usually on the expensive side, and I'd rather keep my earnings. Some shows don't allow a cooler, so be sure to ask before you bring one.
- Ofcourse, you'll need your table, table covers, a sign with your logo and slogan on it and your displays.
- Your product, packaged or displayed beautifully. The truth is, the average person will not spend a lot of time at your booth. Most will just walk by if there isn't something to really attract them.
- Extra bags, price tags, pens and paper. Like I said, you never know.
- Cash box with money already in it to make change, receipt book, a calculator, if you accept charge cards you'll need an imprinter and slips and your state sales tax license.
- Business cards, coupons, brochures or fliers.
- A mirror if you sell jewelry or clothing.
- Special order forms. Have a sign that tells customers that if they like a product but they're not crazy about the color or size, that you can make them one just the way they want. Have all of your prducts named or numbered and put this on the form. Write down exactly what they want, you won't remember later.
- A repair kit with tools to fix your displays, scissors, tape, a screw driver etc.
- Baby wipes and bandaids. I've found that I need these more often than I care to admit.
*Have everything ready to go the night before.
* Get plenty of sleep the night before. Craft shows can be exhausting, and you want to make sure that you have a lot of energy.
* Be ready to order out the night of the show, or prepare dinner ahead of time. Trust me, you will be too tired to cook.
* Smile at every person that stops at your booth, no matter how briefly, and no matter how much of a bad mood you are in.
* Talk to people. I am very outgoing, but I am aware that some people are painfully shy. My advice, pretend you are very outgoing. You really need to talk to the people that stop at your booth. Ask them if they need help, if they seem open, start a conversation about something else, their hair, the beautiful weather, their pets or children. People love to talk about themselves and I've sold things because people like me and enjoy talking to me. You are selling yourself as much as your product.
* Brag. Yes, tell people why your product is better than the competitions. Don't put it that way, ofcourse, but you do want to tell them the reasons why your product is great.
* Do somthing that sets you apart from the other booths. If you sell something functional, demonstrate how it should be used. Something fun that I did one year was I gave scratch tickets that I had custom made with each purchase. Instead of winning the lottery, they won a free print, or 20% off their next purchase. This seller on etsy sells some of these tickets: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5240424. They would be great to ship out to customers too. Just make sure that you are in compliance with the show's rules.
* Make sure that your booth is VERY attractive and eye-catching. Have a sign professionally made with your logo and slogan on it, it's worth the investment. Use bright colors and an attractive table cover that compliments your products without taking away from them. Move things around until you find an arrangement that is pleasing to the eye and makes it look like you have many products. This is very important, you only get a matter of a few seconds to attract customers, so put a lot of time and effort into this.

Things that you should NEVER do during a show.
- Bring children under 12 or pets. You can't possibly focus on your customers when you need to take care of the needs of children or animals. I have both and I adore them, but they don't belong with you at a show. I think that it is fine to bring older, helpful children with you, if they won't be bugging you every five minutes.
- Read. This is a tough one for me, because I am a big reader. However, I know that when I browse a show, if someone is reading I don't want to ask questions. You want to be available.
- Hang out with your friends. It's great if they want to come by and check out your booth, but do not ignore your customers while they are there and NEVER, EVER invite them to pull up a chair and stay a while.
- Listen to the radio. Once again, you need to be available. You want to leave hand held games, the blackberry and all other distracting electronics at home. If you need to have a cell phone on you, don't talk on it unless you need to.
- Break any of the show's rules. I don't care if you think they won't notice. You want to be invited back.
- Don't be doing your craft. This is another tough one for me, because I need to stay busy. This makes you unapproachable, and this is the last thing you want to be. If it is slow, than you can double check your inventory, your set up, have a snack or have someone cover for you while you take a break.

I included some links to some great articles on this subject:

Help with your booth display: http://www.inspiri-art-and-craft.com/craft-show-display.html

General help: http://searchwarp.com/swa12079.htm

Etsy's The Storque: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/seller-how-to-craft-fair-tips-2021/

General Advice for Crafters and Artists: http://www.smartfrogs.com/articles.html

Things you wish you knew at your first craft show: http://blog.cibariasoapsupply.com/2010/01/13/things-you-wish-you-knew-when-you-sold-at-your-first-craft-show/

Filling out the Application: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/craft-show-applications-unravelled-4265/

I hope you found some helpful information here - and good luck in all your ventures :)

My Birthday Giveaway

2010-02-11T08:57:00.000-08:00

For my birthday (February 28th for inquiring minds) I want to have the BEST blog giveaway EVER! So this is what I am offering:

Five - yes count 'em five - custom photo glass tile pendant. This has a value of about $33 with shipping. Any photo can be used, please click on photo below for details about custom photo pendants.

OR - one touch of color oil painting from any photo you choose. This is a $30 value also. Please click on the photo below for details about the painting.

Entering is very easy! Here goes:

********************************************************************************************

Mandatory entry:

In order to enter you must visit either one of my shops - Daily Paint or Giggle Goddess Creations - and comment on this blog with a description of your favorite item. You don't have to visit both shops - either one is fine.

I must be able to contact you, so you must include your email address in your comment as well.

Extra (optional) entries:

Each of the following counts for one extra entry each.

1. Follow this blog.

2. Follow me on twitter.

3. Become a fan of the Giggle Goddess.

If you want the extra entries to win you MUST come back to this post and comment with what you have done. I just can't keep track otherwise. If you already follow me - please let me know - that counts too :)

*********************************************************************************************

The winner of the giveaway will be chosen and contacted by email on February 28th. Winner must respond within 48 hours to the email with the prize they choose and the address he/she would like the item(s) sent to. Because these are custom items a photo or photos will be required.Winner can expect to wait approximately 1-2 weeks for delivery.

Good Luck!!!

Weird and Wonderful ETSY

2010-01-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

I love etsy for all of it's creativity and the many wonderful artists and crafters that I have met. I have a special place in my heart for the weird and unusual - so I had to list a few wacky creations here.

“Hug Me! Slugs” have love to give. Lots. And they're always happy to give it.

Sweet Baby & Momma Brown Bolete Mushrooms
Magical Forest Floor ...
So small and puffy, soft and bumpy
and oh so cute!
This is a Limited Edition Plush Fabric Sculpture Set
Entirely Hand Stitched
Patiently Hand Embroidered

"WHY DON'T YOU TAKE A PICTURE, IT'LL LAST LONGER!"

Monsters have to start somewhere!
These monsters have just been hatched, and are ready to be adopted by you.

This listing is for one 10-oz soy jar candle, in one of the following scents. If you want to know what each smells like....it smells exactly like its name!:

*Dirt
*Leather Jacket
*Pizza
*Beer
*Popcorn
*Bacon

The Law of Attraction - Creating a Void

2010-01-13T05:29:00.000-08:00

The theories and principals of the law of attraction are far to broad to get into any real detail in my little blog. Very basically the law of attraction states that like attracts like. You get what you think about, whether wanted or unwanted. Or:

All forms of matter and energy are attracted to that which is of a like vibration.

You are a living magnet.

You get what you put your energy and focus on, whether wanted or unwanted.

Energy attracts like energy

Everything draws to itself that which is like itself.

For non-believers and skeptics my only rebuttal is this: you have nothing to lose by trying to be more positive and having a bit more faith.
I was reading a book on this subject recently and found one theory in particular very interesting, it was about creating a void to allow something that you desire to enter into your life.
Just as it sounds - creating a void is simply creating a space, physically, where your desire belongs. For example, let's say that you are a teacher in need of some books for your students. If you clean out the book closet and throw away or donate all of the old and unused books and create a space large enough to accommodate all of the books that you need, then you have created a void. Before you cleaned out the closet, there was no room for the books, therefor you can't attract them into your life.
I think that this also has a psychological effect on people. I know that for me, if I have an empty shelf or other space that I know would hold my desire, I will work that much harder to attain it, because I can't allow this emptiness.
In your day planner or calendar, you could create a void by writing on a date that is "empty": good day for sales, or pick up my new car.
It sounds simple enough, and it is. I think that one of the keys to the law is to make sure that it sounds real and possible to you. If you write in your planner that tomorrow you are going to pick up your brand new car, but you are doubting it, and believing that it will not really happen, then you are not attracting it. It has to feel possible and "real" to you.
There are some great books and articles on the law of attraction. Read this article for some information on how to use the law.

Here are a few things in my etsy shop that are related to the law of attraction:

Etsy Front Page Worthy

2010-01-11T05:25:00.000-08:00

Some of the handmade goods on etsy just take my breath away. There are so many talented people on etsy it's hard to choose just a few, but in my opinion these are some front page worthy items. I did include one of my own paintings - but only because it is one of my goals for 2010 to make the front page.

FINALLY! Some New Art

2010-01-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I've posted new artwork - I have been so busy with pendants that I've been neglecting my art. For the last two days I have been working on this painting and I finally finished it last night. I like the simplicity of it, sometimes simple is better. I used my brand new scanner to scan this image and I think that it came out very nice.

Love scrabble tiles? Looking for a very unique gift? In my pendant shop I am offering a new combo sale. Any four scrabble tile pendants and two chains for $15, that is a value of $22.50!

A Movie and a VERY Funny Guy

2010-01-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

I went to the movies with my daughter the other day to see Chipmunks the Squeekquel (it was very cute btw) and a movie trailer came on that I am so excited about! The Karate Kid! Yes - The Karate Kid! When I was a kid I must have watched that movie 300 times. So my oldest son and I are going "on a date" to go see it. I can't wait! Here is the trailer - it looks SO good.

I also went to my parents house and my dad begged me to watch this comedian named Mitch Hedburg - he is SO funny. I love his sense of humor.

Some new stuff I just finished:

Wanting to Get Back to My Old Ways

2009-12-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

I haven't painted since December 10th. My soul just screamed a little bit. That is the longest that I have gone without painting in years. I must get back into the routine of painting everyday. I truly love it, and I miss it terribly. I know that there isn't an excuse, but, I've been so incredibly busy this holiday season with so many things. I want to create new work that dazzles and amazes, that captures the imagination. I guess the bottom line is that I want to create new work that is different and exciting and that also is the best that I can offer. I think that in order to do this I may have to let go of the idea of creating a painting everyday. I like doing this, and it certainly produces a lot of paintings, but I have to wonder how much more I could offer in each painting. The painting a day exercise has been the greatest teacher that I have ever had, I have learned more than any book could ever teach me. I wonder if I should continue, or start really taking my time with my paintings, and producing less, but more detailed work.
It's not really about the quantity with either approach. It is more about the learning process. I don't know, I really have to mull it over and figure out which is more beneficial right now. There are many others who create a painting a day, and their work is fabulous. Somehow they manage to paint realistic and just plain beautiful paintings. One of my favorites is Abbey Ryan. Her art is so simple and beautiful, I love it. From what I've seen she paints a lot of foods, some of them unusual. You should check out her blog here: http://ryanstudio.blogspot.com/
I have been doing a lot of glass and resin pendants and magnets. They have sold quite well this holiday season and of course, take a fraction of the time a painting takes. Here are my newest pendants and magnets:

Bottle Caps - The Finished Product

2009-12-14T04:22:00.000-08:00

I posted at least a week ago about the bottle caps that I am making now and how much I like them. They are super cute and I just ordered 200 more to keep me busy for a while. Here are some of the finished ones. I like the bottle caps a lot and I think that I will be adding some magnets to the collection.

Busy Busy Busy

2009-12-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year. This is it - the holiday season. Crazy shopping, crazy cooking, crazy wrapping, crazy decorating ... I think that it is just the craziest time of year. This year though, I'd like to create some new traditions with my children.
We have all the traditions of baking and adorning the tree with pretty plushy ornaments (three year old in the house). I'd like to do something new this year - something exciting and different. I think that I will get the kids together and make ornaments. I think that would be so much fun. It would have to be super simple and easy because, like I said there will be a three year old involved. I am looking through some books searching for something that all of us could do without injuring ourselves or each other and something that wouldn't cause my entire house to be messy.
I like these ideas:
http://crafts.kaboose.com/marbled-glass-ornaments.html
http://crafts.kaboose.com/family-history-book.html
http://crafts.kaboose.com/marbleized-ornament.html
http://crafts.kaboose.com/reindeer-food.html
I'll let you know which ones we ended up doing and how it went :)

Etsy OOAK

2009-12-03T06:15:00.001-08:00

I just love unique and one of a kind things. I decided to do a search on etsy for some handmade ooak items. These are my favorites:

Drum Roll Please ..........

2009-12-02T05:13:00.000-08:00

The winner of my November blog giveaway is ... Tamara!!!

In other news - my new bottle caps! I am loving them. This is the first time that I've done these and the first batch came out really cute! It's a learning curve - it's different than the scrabbles. I'm working on the second batch today. I have a craft show coming up this weekend, and I'd like to have a lot of these done for the show.

This is how the first few came out. I'm pretty satisfied with them.

Winner of Giveaway to be announced in the morning!

2009-12-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

So excited to announce the winner of my blog giveaway tomorrow morning! It's a good one :)

Neat Little Marble Pendants

2009-11-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

My daughter and I like doing crafts together, and the other night it was just me and her, so we decided that we should do some crafts. We did a puzzle first, and then she asked if she could be my assistant in making some jewelry. I broke out the little glass pieces that I bought at The Dollar Store and we spent the rest of the night making magnets and cute little pendants.
Each one is unique, and I looked all of them over and not a single one is perfect, but I really like them. I think that they came out lovely. My assistant is very proud that her work is one the computer for the world to see.

Don't forget about my giveaway! Click here to enter.

November Giveaway - Only Three Days Left!!

2009-11-28T07:03:00.001-08:00

This is a short month for me. My whole family was sick, so I got a very late start. However, here is the giveaway for the month of November:

Two high quality 8"x10" prints with white matting, ready to frame. They are both very pretty and will make an awesome addition to any art collection. I sell these for $15.00 each - so that's a $30 giveaway.

You can enter as many times as you like, each entry will count as one, so obviously the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.

Each action below counts as an entry. As you can see there are quite a few. The only thing that I ask is, when you complete one of the below actions, you come back here and comment on this post and tell me what you did. It is just so much easier to keep track that way.

*Follow me on Twitter.

*Heart Giggle Goddess Creations.

*Heart Daily Paint.

*Be a fan on facebook.

*Email me at RhiannonSTR@yahoo.com to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

*Follow this blog.

*Participate in the Creative Everyday Challenge.

*Check out either one of my shops Daily Paint or Giggle Goddess Creations and post a comment on which item is your favorite.

*Post a comment with a great idea for etsy sellers. It can be a link to an article, a photo you saw on flickr, or just a little tip you learned through experience. It doesn't matter what the source is, as long as it is helpful.

*Put a link to either of my shops on your blog, website or etsy store. One entry for each.

*Post a comment with a cheap and easy DIY home decorating tip. As above, the source doesn't matter.

*Post a comment with a great packaging idea or tip for etsy sellers. As above, source doesn't matter.

*Having an etsy holiday? Post a comment about something that you bought recently from an etsy seller. A link to a photo is even better.

Well, there it is - many different ways to enter. Please remember, when you do one of the above, please comment on THIS post so I can keep track.

Here is yesterday's painting of the day (video is not the best quality I am aware, it is my first attempt at a video like this one):

Cyber Monday

2009-11-24T03:46:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not this year is the first year that I have heard of this, about two days ago. So I know that it is last minute, but I am going to have a Cyber Monday sale in both my stores. Giggle Goddess Creations will have buy two pendants get the third free. Daily Paint will be 25% off of everything in the store. The sale will be from Black Friday to Cyber Monday (November 27-30)

Also, follow me on twitter, facebook or this blog and get an additional 10% off. YAY!!

Here are some other stores that are having some great deals:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/micielomicielo
http://www.etsy.com/shop/geeklingdesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Stylishstems
http://www.etsy.com/shop/carolinasquirrell

Here is my painting of the Day for yesterday:

Speed painting video coming very soon.

Some Outdoor Time

2009-11-23T03:46:00.000-08:00

Don't Forget about my giveaway!

Super easy to enter, click here.

Over the weekend my parents, husband, the kids and I went to our cousins to go hiking. Right across the street from my cousin's house was a long and beautiful trail. I love places that are alone and quiet. It was beautiful weather for the season and we only came across one jogger. There is a pretty big lake that we walked to and the little rock cliffs fascinated the kids (especially the littlest one).

Even the trees here are happier.
I'm glad my dad was with us, he doesn't get much time off, so he really deserves to relax when he does. Although, we hiked for three miles - so he probably didn't rest much.

The kids loved being with their cousins, we haven't seen them since we went to Florida at the same time last March.

Selene fell in love with their German Shepherd Hanna, who amazed me because she never once left the yard (no electric fence) and not once did she chase the chickens that my cousins keep. I would never even allow my dog the chance to prove to me that he would stay in the yard without a leash, but we live in a different kind of environment.

After our hike we came home and my husband's bff (he'd kill me if he knew I called him that) came over and helped him clean up the yard, and then the kids jumped in the HUGE piles of leaves. We have a decent sized yard and tons of trees so ... This isn't even the first time we raked.

It was a great weekend, we really spent a lot of time together outside in the unseasonably warm weather and it felt so good. I love to see my children playing outside and having so much fun.

Handmade Business Cards

2009-11-19T03:54:00.001-08:00

I just ordered business cards through Vista Print, and although I've entertained the idea of making handmade business cards, I just haven't gotten around to it. I'm just not sure what design I would use or if I should use a stamp etc.

I found these inspirational little works of art (click on the picture to see who created them and how). They are all business card related. I think I will make my own cards next time around. My thought was to actually make ACEOs with my information on the back. We'll see, my wheels are turning.

Don't Forget about my giveaway.
In order to enter please read below.

What you will win:

You can enter as many times as you like, each entry will count as one, so obviously the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.

*Follow me on Twitter.

*Heart Giggle Goddess Creations.

*Heart Daily Paint.

*Be a fan on facebook.

*Email me at RhiannonSTR@yahoo.com to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

*Follow this blog.

*Participate in the Creative Everyday Challenge.

*Check out either one of my shops Daily Paint or Giggle Goddess Creations and post a comment on which item is your favorite.

*Put a link to either of my shops on your blog, website or etsy store. One entry for each.

*Post a comment with a cheap and easy DIY home decorating tip. As above, the source doesn't matter.

*Post a comment with a great packaging idea or tip for etsy sellers. As above, source doesn't matter.

*Having an etsy holiday? Post a comment about something that you bought recently from an etsy seller. A link to a photo is even better.

Well, there it is - many different ways to enter. Please remember, when you do one of the above, please comment on THIS post (or on the original November Giveaway post) so I can keep track.

2009-11-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

If this doesn't make you cry ... So sweet, it's so nice to see something like this. It's true, they are getting the welcome they deserve.

Recent Listings

2009-11-18T03:58:00.000-08:00

These are all recent listings that are on sale in my shops right now. They are all on clearance.

"The Sunflower"

Original Oil Painting

on Canvas size 30"x30"

"Fairy Home" Orginal ACEO drawing

This is a 'Pay it Forward' listing, meaning that I only charged for the materials and shipping. With shipping this ACEO would only cost $1.60 of you live in the U.S., or $2.60 if you live elsewhere.

Earth Glass Pendant

"Crazy Butterfly" Glass tile ring

"A Wish" scrabble tile pendant.

Time Goes By - Too Fast

2009-11-17T05:24:00.000-08:00

My babies are getting big. These were taken a few years ago. Selene's was taken in 2008, but the boys - I believe that was 2007. I can't be sure, but they looks so much younger. Clay, the second one is over 6 feet tall now and Wes is in preschool. Selene outgrew that sweater dress by spring that year.
I tend to not notice things as they are happening around me. I am always living in the near future, somewhere between what we are having for dinner tomorrow night and what I am going to do for the next birthday party.

It's difficult to remain present, at least for me, and I've been told by many people that they live like this too. The now is so precious, it it literally all that we have. The past is gone and there is nothing we can do to change any of it, so it isn't worth dwelling on it. The future is just a thought of what might be, and actually what we could do to create a better future is to live fully in the present.

For me, I don't even know how to begin living in the present and being fully involved with what is going on in the moment. I have made such a habit of spacing out and thinking three days - eighty years in the future.

This is my promise to myself, to live in the moment, and just notice. I don't want to miss these years with my children and I don't want to miss these years with myself. I will just make an effort to be more engaged and get my head out of the 'I should' and 'I wish I would have' state of mind.

2009-11-16T04:01:00.000-08:00

Don't forget about my giveaway. The two following matted

8"x10" prints.

This is my second attempt at a speed painting video of the day. This was a very simple painting, so I thought it would be a good one to do.

The Real Friday the 13th - Are you Paraskevidekatriaphobic?

2009-11-13T04:07:00.000-08:00

I have read that Friday the 13th was deemed unlucky by the church because Friday is the Goddess Freya's (Goddess of love) sacred day and there are 13 full moons in a year. The full moon was sacred to the pagans. So ... on Friday the 13th it was customary to stay home from work and celebrate the way that Freya would've wanted you to - by makin' love all day long. Sounds like fun to me.

The following was taken from articles I read on the web. Very interesting stuff.

Interesting facts about Friday the 13th (from several articles on the web):

*The ill-fated Apollo 13 Moon mission boldly took this in their stride when the mission was launched at 13:13 hours Houston time, from pad 39 (13x3) and had to be aborted on April 13, 1970. Apollo, you might remember, is the name of the ancient Græco-Roman Sun god, so in this light, the number 13 was sure to be more than a little problematic...

*LEGEND HAS IT: Never change your bed on Friday; it will bring bad dreams. Don't start a trip on Friday or you will have misfortune. If you cut your nails on Friday, you cut them for sorrow. Ships that set sail on a Friday will have bad luck – as in the tale of H.M.S. Friday ... One hundred years ago, the British government sought to quell once and for all the widespread superstition among seamen that setting sail on Fridays was unlucky. A special ship was commissioned, named "H.M.S. Friday." They laid her keel on a Friday, launched her on a Friday, selected her crew on a Friday and hired a man named Jim Friday to be her captain. To top it off, H.M.S. Friday embarked on her maiden voyage on a Friday, and was never seen or heard from again.

*Friday was actually considered quite lucky by pre-Christian Teutonic peoples, we are told — especially as a day to get married — because of its traditional association with love and fertility. All that changed when Christianity came along. The goddess of the sixth day — most likely Freya in this context, given that the cat was her sacred animal — was recast in post-pagan folklore as a witch, and her day became associated with evil doings.

*Various legends developed in that vein, but one is of particular interest: As the story goes, the witches of the north used to observe their sabbath by gathering in a cemetery in the dark of the moon. On one such occasion the Friday goddess, Freya herself, came down from her sanctuary in the mountaintops and appeared before the group, who numbered only 12 at the time, and gave them one of her cats, after which the witches' coven — and, by "tradition," every properly-formed coven since — comprised exactly 13.

*LEGEND HAS IT: If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one will die within the year. The Turks so disliked the number 13 that it was practically expunged from their vocabulary (Brewer, 1894). Many cities do not have a 13th Street or a 13th Avenue. Many buildings don't have a 13th floor. If you have 13 letters in your name, you will have the devil's luck (Jack the Ripper, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer, Theodore Bundy and Albert De Salvo all have 13 letters in their names). There are 13 witches in a coven.
*The pagan Scandinavian belief that the number thirteen signified bad luck sprang from the idea that their twelve gods were joined by a thirteenth, Loki, a cruel god, who brought misfortune to all.

*Venus was the holy goddess of love in the Roman World and Freya was the most holy primeval goddess of the north. Christian monks decided that her day, Friday, was unlucky, as indeed it was, for Jesus Christ, who was crucified and died on a Friday. The Christian religion has sought to overthrow the goddess in all her forms, but has simply succeeded in causing her to reinvent herself under other names.

According to Wikipedia:
Friday the 13th occurs when the thirteenth day of a month falls on Friday, which superstition holds to be a day of good or bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month's 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday. In 2009 this applies to the months of February, March, and November. The next instance of this appears on the calendar for the year 2015.[1]The following article was written by Slade Kepler.

Origins of Friday the 13th
ByPublished: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2009

Greg Beresford, senior General Education major "I have no superstitions because I was born on Friday the 13th, but I’ve never experienced any unnatural bad luck from it. I’ve never seen anything that makes me think the Friday the 13th superstition is true."

Ashley Geise, junior Photojournalism major "I guess I do have superstitions. I like to think a wish will come true if I make it at 11:11. The Friday the 13th superstition is scary, so I don’t like to think about it usually."

Andrea Hargis, sophomore Dietetics major "I believe in a lot of superstitions, like breaking a mirror gets you seven years of bad luck and don’t cross a black cat’s path. These superstitions had to come from somewhere; something had to happen to make people believe it. I believe in the Friday the 13th superstition because of all the hype about it in the movies and because there’s a history of a lot of bad things that have happened on Friday the 13th."
For the quixotic, there is no single day of the year more terrifying than Friday the 13th. As the popular superstition goes, bad luck is sure to befall a person on this day. Sometimes, in more extreme cases, it even ends in the death of that person or a loved one. According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute, up to 21 million people in the United States today suffer from a morbid and irrational fear of Friday the 13th. What’s more, each year contains at least one Friday the 13th, and for paraskevidekatriaphobics (people intensely afraid of Friday the 13th), 2009 was an especially dreadful year, sporting three: one in February, March, and November.The Friday the 13th superstition is thought to have originated from the Knights Templar, a military order established in 1118 to defend the Christian city of Jerusalem. After the First Crusade and the capture of Jerusalem from the Muslims, protection of Jerusalem and the outlying Kingdom of Outremer was left to the knights. When the city was recaptured by Saladin’s Muslim forces in 1187 and all subsequent attempts by Christian Crusades to retake the city failed, the Knights Templar found themselves out of work. However, they had become extremely wealthy and powerful from their military conquests, and they never disbanded their organization or changed the clandestine ways their meetings were held. Their power and secrecy attracted the attention and distrust of King Philip IV of France. On Friday, October 13, 1307, the king sent out an order to arrest all the Knights Templar in France, accusing them of blasphemy and witchcraft. Many were burned alive, including the group’s Grand Master, Jacques de Molay.“On Friday the 13th of October 1307, the Templar Knights who were in France at the time found the soldiers of the king knocking on their doors,” said Alan Butler, co-author of The Warriors and the Bankers, a book about the Templars. “Jacque de Molay confessed pretty much right away, but he was almost certainly tortured.”
It may be surprising to most people that the Friday the 13th superstition is a relatively new one, originating in the early 20th century. Before its relatively recent rise in popularity, the original 13 superstition, now all but forgotten, was that if 13 people sit together at a table, one will die within a year. This version has been documented as far back as late 17th century Europe in the memoirs of John Wilmot, the earl of Rochester. Many variations on this superstition abound, including that if the 13 sit together, the first to rise from the table will die, the group can avert death by joining hands and rising as one, and if someone sneezes, the oldest or youngest will die within a year.The reason the 13 at a table superstition gradually lost popularity is that unlike most superstitions, it is testable. If someone does not die during the year, the superstition can quickly be proven false. The 13 at a table superstition is generally thought to have originated from the Last Supper, where Jesus and his 12 disciples sat down for one last Passover meal, and Judas, one of the 13, betrayed Jesus to his death.“At the time, everyone knew the origin of the superstition, and it was the 12 plus one of Christ and the disciples at the Last Supper,” said Nathaniel Lachenmeyer, author of 13: The Story of the World’s Most Notorious Superstition. “It’s only in the centuries since that there’s been confusion and alternative theories that have come up.”Before even this superstition however, ancient cultures considered the number 13 by itself to be unlucky. Evidence has been found that 13 was unlucky for Native Americans, Mayans, Ancient Egyptians, and even Neanderthals. Today, we carry on this tradition by omitting the 13th floor from most skyscrapers and the 13th row from many airplanes. Friday has also long been considered an unlucky day, with Jesus’ crucifixion and death taking place on Good Friday. In the past, many public executions were only carried out on Fridays, making the day seem drearier and more dreadful. Separately, both 13 and Friday seem to constitute extreme unluckiness, so it was only a matter of time until they were put together to form the most powerful superstition of our age.

Pay it Forward

2009-11-12T04:21:00.000-08:00

I've never heard of this until about three days ago. I have a few ACEO drawings and a tiny little painting that I am going to be selling as 'pay it forward' in my new etsy store. I think it is a great idea and wanted to try it out.

If, like me you've never heard of "pay it forward", it just means when someone is kind to you, instead of 'repaying a favor' you show kindness to another person. It is a very nice way to spread a little love. I don't know if that made any sense, but I'm sure that you can google it and find out for yourself. On etsy, "Pay it Forward" means listing an item for no more than it takes to cover the listing fee and materials.

These are the items that I will be putting in my new store for $.50 each as "pay it forward" items:

If you collect ACEO's - this is the time to buy these. They are all ACEOs and like I said - they are $.50 each. I will be adding links to them as I post them, so keep checking back :)

Don't forget about my giveaway, it's an awesome one! You could win these two matted 8"x10" prints (I sell them for $15.00 each)

Painting of the Day

2009-11-11T05:21:00.000-08:00

This is a short post, I have to get to a huge sale that my favorite store is having. I just wanted to share my latest painting of the day.

There is a story behind this painting. My two little ones, ages seven and three, love to paint. I was busy cleaning and getting the house straightened out and they wanted to paint. I put on their play clothes and a big plastic table cloth on the floor and let them paint with yellow, white and black paint. They spilt some water on the cheap canvas board I gave them and painted and scratched and banged on it. When they were 'finished' I was so pleased with how well they distressed the canvas that I asked them if I could paint on it too. So, I did a very quick painting with a tree, a moon and a few birds. I think that it looks good for a slightly creepy November.

Just a reminder - don't forget about my awesome giveaway (click here to see rules for entry). You could win these two matted 8x10 prints:

November Giveaway!!

2009-11-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

This is a short month for me. My whole family was sick, so I got a very late start. However, here is the giveaway for the month of November:

You can enter as many times as you like, each entry will count as one, so obviously the more times you enter, the better your chances of winning.

*Follow me on Twitter.

*Heart Giggle Goddess Creations.

*Heart Daily Paint.

*Be a fan on facebook.

*Email me at RhiannonSTR@yahoo.com to sign up for my monthly newsletter.

*Follow this blog.

*Participate in the Creative Everyday Challenge.

*Check out either one of my shops Daily Paint or Giggle Goddess Creations and post a comment on which item is your favorite.

*Put a link to either of my shops on your blog, website or etsy store. One entry for each.

*Post a comment with a cheap and easy DIY home decorating tip. As above, the source doesn't matter.

*Post a comment with a great packaging idea or tip for etsy sellers. As above, source doesn't matter.

*Having an etsy holiday? Post a comment about something that you bought recently from an etsy seller. A link to a photo is even better.

Well, there it is - many different ways to enter. Please remember, when you do one of the above, please comment on THIS post so I can keep track.

Here is yesterday's painting of the day (video is not the best quality I am aware, it is my first attempt at a video like this one):

I'm Back!!

2009-11-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

After an illness that swept through my house like a fire and rendered all of us useless for over a week, we are finally back! By we, I mean my entire family. The kids are back to school, Eric is back to work and I am back to work also.

Not only did I re-open my shop, but I also opened a new shop, Daily Paint that I've been thinking of opening for months now. I've been wanting to separate my art and my pendants for a while now, and I finally did it over the weekend, and I made my first sale yesterday. Yay!! This shop will be having a sale until December 4th to celebrate it's opening. All the art is as marked, but it is marked down 50%.

My art is my first love and although I am enjoying making the pendants, I love art. It is so much fun and I truly believe that it is what I am meant to do with my life. Life is way too short to spend any time at all doing stuff you really don't enjoy. Even though I am not making as much money as I would if I were - say - in the medical field, I would be miserable if I were working 9-5. Compensation is about more than how much you get paid, and in this 'job' I am very well compensated for my time.

Anyway, all is back to normal in the Strobel household, we are all back to our routine. Please check out my new store Daily Paint and show it some love.

I am participating in the Art Everyday Challenge (part of Creative Everyday Challenge) so here was yesterday's painting:

And the Winner Is ....

2009-11-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

The winner for the October Giveaway is ...... (drum roll please)

Saturday in the Park !!!!!!!!!!

Yay! She has won this lovely beaded memory wire necklace and little earrings.

I will be announcing my November giveaway later on today - so be sure to stop by!

45 Lessons Life Has Taught Me

2009-10-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

My friend Beth sent me an email with this in it. I think it's wonderful - should read at least once a week!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. 20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie.Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

I put #37 in bold because it is I often forget that.

I Want to Make this an ETSY Christmas.

2009-10-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

I just love everything about etsy, and I want to do quite a bit of handmade shopping for the holidays. While I'm sure I won't find certain things on etsy, such as a DVD player I'm planning on getting or legos for my two year old, there are many things that I absolutely can and will buy on etsy, such as t-shirts, or fairy dolls and toys for my little girl. I could my dog a new bed and some treats and my dad a terrarium.

OOAK Hand Painted Necklaces

2009-10-28T03:49:00.000-07:00

Just for fun I painted on some wooden beads and tiles the other night. It's not the first time I've done this, tried something like this. It's just fun to do something a little different sometimes. The one on top sold on Sunday. I still have the bottom one, although my daughter modeled it for me for the last picture and right after told me that she REALLY liked it and wanted to keep it. I would give in, but she says that about about everything I make, especially the jewelery.

I am going to attempt these again but with different scenes.

My Dog is Going Through Some Changes

2009-10-27T04:27:00.000-07:00

Remember the days of youth, when you tried new things and weren't afraid to look different. I guess we all need to go through this. Recently, my dog has decided to grow an afro. My husband and I are not happy with his decision, but we know we need to allow him some space to express himself as an individual, otherwise he might resent us and we love him, so we just try to let him be until he outgrows this experimental phase.

So, how do you express yourself? I love the Creative Everyday Challenge. I think that it is a great way to express yourself in a new and creative way every single day. Maybe it's time for you to try something different, loosen up. Speaking for myself I love to paint in oils and acrylics, but I've never tried watercolor. Maybe it's time to do that. You only live once (that you're aware of) and now is the time to do that thing that you've always wanted to try but for whatever reason haven't yet. Take a lesson from Kipper (the dog) and let your freak flag fly. Who cares? I'd be willing to bet that just about everyone you know wants to try something new and totally different that you'd be surprised to hear about. Be the first in your circle, start a trend of adventure and experimentation. Have fun with it.

<=<=<=<=<=<=<= Don't forget about my giveaway (see sidebar)! There are only a few days left!

Cute Halloween Pendants - on SALE!

2009-10-23T03:41:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!This pendant below is on clearance because it has a few bubbles. My daughter helped me make it and it came out fine, except the little bubbles. They really aren't noticable when it is being worn.

The following three don't have imperfections, they are on clearance simply because Halloween is so close and I'd like to get them all into new homes before then. Maybe they'd love to come and live with you ...

They are each $3 and each order comes with a chain (if you order 3 pendants it comes with one chain.). If you'd like more chains - they are $1 each. The bottom three will be listed later on this afternoon.

My Favorite Men

2009-10-21T04:02:00.000-07:00

My life seems to be full of boys. They are five out of seven of my favorite people people in the world, the other two being my mom and my daughter.

Wesley was preparing for his future as a male super model in the above picture. He is funny and sweet and filled with wisdom like, 'I love Spongebob,' and 'That kitty will scratch you.' He NEVER stops moving, unless he is asleep. If he thinks that he hurt your feelings, he cries and says 'But I lub you."

From the left my husband is a sweet, no nonsense kind of guy (funny he married me - who is nothing but nonsense). He likes pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. My dad is one of the kindest, most genuine people you'd ever want to meet. My son Clayton - all the way to the right, is wickedly funny and so incredibly smart.
Last but not least is Kipper, he is a blanket stealer at night, and the things that he enjoys most are long walks on the beach (no really - he does) rolling around in dead things, and protecting our house from the masses of squirrels that torture him with their twitchy little tails.

I LOVE my boys, and I know they love me.

Organizing and Redecorating my Studio

2009-10-20T04:12:00.000-07:00

Ummm..... I have a tendency to mess things up a little as I'm getting organized. My studio is pretty tiny and I was getting to the point where I couldn't find anything that I needed so I decided that it needed to be completely reorganized.

I didn't think this would be a big deal - I mean how messy could such a teeny room get. Well apparently, pretty messy. So, I did what I usually do while reorganizing - I got about half way done and then I started looking at old pictures and reminiscing for two hours and then I went to bed.

I have a long day of throwing things away, moving things and hanging art on the walls. For such a small space, this studio has A LOT in it. Somehow I managed to pack it all in very tightly.

By tomorrow I will be posting pictures of a clean and beautiful studio - hopefully.

Feeling the Need fof Change

2009-10-19T03:49:00.001-07:00

Don't forget my giveaway!

Right now, in my life there is a need for a huge overhaul of change. I feel that my shop needs change, my house needs change and my to-do list needs a change. I believe that unless you change what you are doing, nothing else will change either, and I need a change in my life.

Don't get me wrong - I am not unhappy. That is not the case at all. I just want more out of my life.

There is so much potential for improvement, and I am determined to make it happen. I do not want my children to settle for less than they want, and less than they are capable of achieving, so I have to set an example.

My shop needs as many changes as my house, and my house needs LOTS of changes. I will be changing the photos, descriptions and even the prices. I think that I will be going by a formula for each piece so that it is completely objective.

I will take photos of the house as the work progresses. I just need to beautify.