Do Not Be Afraid of Color January 2, 2012

DO NOT BE AFRAID OF COLOR

I recently put out a post on Facebook asking the following:

Okay now that most of you have or begun to remove the Christmas/holiday decorations from your home, what season or decor do you lean towards....snowmen collections...jump into Valentines/St. Patti's for some or leap right into a little Spring.
For me I just cannot seem to let go of my Snowmen collections right away. Also thinking about mixing in a few heartfelt items....hmmmm...your thoughts???

I thought this was a great question and response. Thank you Lisa.

Love the snowmen! I was actually wondering the same thing though. I am not fond of pale colors, I like dark vibrant, fall, jewel tones. How do you bring them into late winter and spring?

I thought to myself, "I bet there are more of you out there thinking the same thing". So I put together these tricks and tips.  Remember this is just something that I have found that works for me and has opened a whole new world  for me.  Also feel it is an easy way to help the beginner/Intermediate student to move outside their comfort zone.  There is lots more to color but it is a start.

I always say there is a world out there full of color and there is nothing wrong with having your favorite colors to paint, decorate and create with, so go for the fall, dark vibrant, jewel tones.  I actually like to design using nontraditional colors, because it is nice to change things up a bit.  Creative leeway...as a designer it helps to do things different so your students, customers or clients find something that appeals to them.  I admit I do lean towards things that make me happy.

Here is a trick you can try, to help with changing colors within a design or pattern that you like to use. 

Keep in mind, it is my helpful hint and it might not be totally correct, but it works for my students and me.  Go to your local Home Depot or Lowes and to the paint department.***  Notice the section with all the paint chips and take the ones that are your favorite colors you like to paint with.  It is best to always get the stripes that have at least 4 values. Take them home and punch a hole at the top of each stripe and place them on a ring...now you have your own decorator chart.  When you want to paint, (or change the colors of a design) go to the stripes and select all the colors you want to use.  Now you are ready to base coat your project...go down to the medium value (best to stay within this range) so you have options for highlights and shading.  Take the stripes to your paint rack and pick a color out as close to the color on the stripe as possible.  Now you are wondering, great, I have the base coat colors, now what....I am a DecoArt user so now you want to go to their website, and here is the link you will find the right highlighting and shading color:  http://www.decoart.com/Tips/

So now you have the base coat colors and now you have the right shading and highlighting colors.  So now, you want to either go darker or lighter, find the color on the chart you just last used and see what is the next highlight or shading color.  You can repeat this step over and over until you are satisfied.  I find this chart to be a huge help in my everyday designing.  I hope all this has made sense.

Another tip:

Cut cardstock into squares and paint them with your favorite colors you like to use, so you will have these handy all the time at your painting table.  You can also write on the back any information that is needed…like the right shading and highlight color or any other information you want to remember.  Punch a hole at the top of each card and put all the painted cards onto a ring. 

Hope I gave you a little insight as to how to change things up and paint outside the box.  Next time you look at my, or anyone else’s designs, do not worry about the color scheme, because YOU CAN change things up so it will fit into your décor. 

*** Make sure you ask permission at the paint counter before you proceed to remove the paint chip stripes.  I have never had a problem...just polite to ask.  We do not want to leave the store with an empty display case.  Smiling at you...

Paint always with a Happy Heart my friends.

Kim

NEVER KNEW WHERE MY ARTWORK WOULD TAKE ME July 8, 2011

I remember the very first time I discovered the world of decorative painting, tole painting or country painting as many international students describe this art form.  At the time I was working at our local hospital when one of my fellow workers mentioned that a neat decorating store opened up down the street.  With the opening of the store, they were going to be offering various classes.  It intrigued me, so that day during my lunch hour I ventured to the store to check out the class schedule.  Never knew how this day was going to change my life forever.  I was beyond excited.  Went back to work, but truth be told, I had a really hard time keeping my thoughts on my job at hand.  Just could not wait to go home, call my friends to run the classes by them, told them we can do this and let us sign up for some winter fun.  Yes, it was the dead of winter and I thought what a better way to get through another long New England winter.  The next day we were all signed, sealed and ready.  Class schedule was sent to my home, along with the supply list.  Not knowing what the heck we got ourselves into, we were all off to the store to buy the necessary supplies.  We all kept saying to ourselves, “Do you think we can do it?”……”Will it be hard, above our heads or really something we will like?”...”Have we totally lost our minds?”  I said we will never know if we never try it.  That drive to our first class was the beginning of something exciting for me. 

I always loved to draw, color and create when I was a little girl and in school.  I never was able to take art classes in school because I played a musical instrument (flute) from grade school until I graduated from high school.  My Dad was a wonderful artist and he would create lots of different things throughout my childhood.  He was the go to person when we needed anything art related.  Always wanted to learn what he knew. 

Our first class with my friends started in the winter of 1978 and we started with oils.  What fun we had and we discovered that we truly loved this new found art form. 

I stayed with these classes for 7 years and then our teacher decided that she no longer wanted to teach.  I, we were all devastated and felt a true void.  What was I going to do now?  I knew I would miss these classes immensely.  The friends I had formed, the projects I had created and most of all the knowledge I was acquiring.  Immediately the hunt was on to find a new place to paint.  I could not imagine doing anything else.  It took me over 6 months to find another studio but I did.  However, the only classes they offered were in acrylics.  I did not care, I just wanted to paint.  So once again I signed, sealed and was ready to go.  I picked up my first project and could not wait until the next week.  Interesting how we often say, “Things happen for a reason”, for me that was soon to become true.  These classes would bring me so much happiness and soon would change my career and life forever.  After a few years, my yearning to teach became so strong.  I was still working at the same hospital but decided I wanted to try my hand at my dream.  During the summer of 1988 my husband built me a studio in the basement of our home.  On Sept. 1988 I opened, Heavenly Heart Creations with my first few classes.  I still worked full time but soon that would come to an end.  I finally found my passion….Painting….Creating…..Teaching. 

When I first started teaching I did not know too much.  Well in my eyes I did not.  I was not designing at the time but painted many other artists designs.  I would prepare a full schedule worth of projects for my students.  We had structured classes…everyone painted the same thing.  Tried open classes but the students always went back to structured classes.  Here is the first project I taught to my students.  It is a Pat Olson project.  At the time I never thought I would be able to advance beyond this style of painting (it was my safe zone) but through trial and error, education and additional classes I broadened my horizon. 

I not only challenged myself but also my students.  I felt to develop into a better teacher that it was important to study as much as I could.  Practice as often as possible.  Take as many classes and read as many books or magazines I could get my hands on.  After all these studies I wanted to test myself to see where I was in my knowledge and art form.  I decided in 1992, I would try the certification program offered through SDP (Society of Decorative Painters).  Ordered the pattern for the still life, and painted on this project off and on for 4 months.  Sent it off actually on my birthday and waited for the convention.  I was so excited to find out it passed and I was awarded my CDA (Certified Decorative Artist).  I was floating on cloud nine during that convention.  My hard work paid off.  A little secret, the judges did not like my apple at all...lol..I knew it but had a hard time keeping it within my color scheme.  I did feel my details and other items would be a winner. 

I decided the next year I wanted to test the waters with my own designs.  I submitted to teach at the next year’s convention and this was the start of my new pattern packet line.  In 1994 these were my first two designs I created.  I was hooked.  Right after the convention I received a very special invitation to become a travel teacher and it took me to Japan.  From this point on my business took a huge turn. 

I continued teaching for many years in my home based studio until I discovered designing, traveling and now doing my own booth at conventions.  It was hard for me to keep up with my hectic weekly schedule.  I made a very hard decision to close my home studio.  To this day I miss that time I had with all my students.  How they all became my dear friends.  Many of them I still see from time to time.  I dearly thank all of them for giving me a chance to become who I am today. 

It is so funny how things transpire in our lives and if we stick to our dreams they do come true.  Did I ever know that entering that neat decorating store that particular day would change my life forever?  For that I will be forever be grateful. 

Always paint with a happy heart,

Kim

So Many Ways to Use One Pattern July 2, 2011

One of my favorite designs to create is Samplers.

The first thing I decide before I put a pencil to my sketch pad is my theme and surface.  Once the theme is in place, my creating begins.  Yes, as several of you know and many of you will soon find out, I love my details. Samplers to me just tell a story and once that story begins I go from one chapter to another. There are countless edits along the way; colors change, objects are added or deleted, but the final result always (well most of the time) makes me feel good. I will confess I truly find it hard to come to that final chapter. But eventually I find the end. Now do you all realize where all the details come from?!!

Less is More is not in my vocabulary or better yet, not in any of my designs.

When you look at my designs or any other artist’s patterns ask yourself this question, “How many ways can I use this pattern?” I am sure you can come up with numerous different ideas. It is the main reason I like to create sampler designs because they offer you, the artist many options to be creative. I know it is hard to look beyond what I have done with the design, but keep in mind if you find the project to be overwhelming break the design down and do a little of this and that. Just bear in mind if you alter things within mine or another artist’s designs it is still the original creators copyright. As a designer, I create so you all can be creative. I love to see what other students and fellow artists decide to do with my designs in the way they use different surfaces, colors and style. Lots of times I so love the surface and want it!!!

When I was in Seattle at the Northwest Toleliners convention last year it was brought to my attention that a lovely artist by the name of Verna paints lots of things and they were for sale. I was so excited to see this tray painted with a portion of my Pumpkin Harvest design. It was sold….to me!!! Notice how she used the upper section of the design and then trimmed out the tray with the elements used on the black band of my design.  So cleaver….Great addition to my fall collection.

I also create seasonal projects so they can be interchangeable with a certain wood piece. I find once I create one piece I am already thinking of the next design. The hardest thing to do is putting away your painted panels to bring out the next season. It also saves on space and cost when using a surface over and over. While I was painting Pumpkin Harvest I was already thinking about Yuletide Sweets. I also have a tendency to repeat a theme within the seasonal paintings. It helps to tie in the different themes. 

I took the Yuletide Sweets design and created this ornament box and ornaments. In this design I thought dimensional. Are you beginning to see how it works?

Keep a small notebook and jot down your ideas. One important thing you need to keep in mind if you are enlarging certain items or design, you might need to make perspective adjustments.  Not all items look as good when they are enlarged. The design will become stretched but maybe you need width, so think about surface, what you want to do and experiment. You might need to cut and paste to make things work to your advantage. Patience, trial and error always helps.

 I always advise my students and customers it is not always important that your painting looks just like mine. I know that is hard to hear but you will become a better artist and there is nothing wrong to have your own style. If you paint to sell lessen the details and give it your own flair. No one will know but you. If you teach and like my designs but find they might be too much of a challenge for you or your students break things down, add less steps and details. Just follow my patterns step by step and you cannot go wrong. As I keep saying my creations are not hard, but yes DETAILED for sure.

Sharon Bond is a wonderful artist and she has created her own style. She paints mine and many of my fellow designer’s patterns with that special style. No they do not look like ours, but for that I love!!! Thank you so much Sharon for allowing me to share your lovely painted creations with everyone. I love the thoughts you put behind each piece and the surfaces which make such a difference. Just love her surfaces and want them all.

Take the leap, try something new, create your own special style, and do not be afraid we all have been there.

Enjoy painting and creating as much as I do!!!

Until next time always paint with a happy heart…..Kim   

My Sweet Devin..Ready to Take on The World June 14, 2011

My Sweet Devin…Ready to take on the World

How eager we were when you were born.  It was so exciting to watch your little personality soon develop and how you bring us so much love.  We would say, “How can one little being generate so much delight, pleasure and joy”.  But you have MY Sweet Devin.  Time just seems to move at warp speed and we so want things to slow down.

Here at 6 months, you carried so much expression and found curiosity in everything.  You were not quite sure about this little fella and just chose to admire…not touch.  How I wanted to squeeze those cute little chubby cheeks of yours.  Well maybe just a great big kiss….

Wished I knew what was on your mind. 

• Do you like having your picture taken? 
• Did you like having this rabbit so close to you?  I think a sailboat would have been better…you were surely dressed the part. 
• Wondering, where oh where you were and why? 

One thing for sure you were calm and content.

Told you I wanted time to slow down because at a blink of an eye you are now 5 years old and just graduated from preschool.  You have grown leaps and bounds…so ready to discover many new ventures.  How your little mind is always thinking.  You are so creative, cleaver and yes you do keep me on my toes.  Lately I find I am always asking you, “Where did you hear that, learn that or know how to do that”?  How advanced you are at such a young age. 

We are so proud of you and I believe you are happy to be moving on.  Or maybe you are thinking, yippee it is summer.  Watch out everyone here I come.  It is only just the beginning of great things to come.

From laughter, to pondering what kindergarten is going to be like?  Devin at such a young age you are a thinker, dreamer, worrier and peaceful little soul.  For this you are truly special. 

Yes you are ready to take on the world but we need to remember you are little for only a short time.  We need to let you be a little boy, find what you love to do, discover all sorts of new things, enjoy your friends, sports, music and most of all allow you to be YOU!!  This song can remind us all how important it is to allow our kids or grandkids to just be little because they grow up way too fast. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUKbxbmpcwU

Devin always remember that your teachers past, and present will be a huge part of your life.  Some (not all) will forever leave a footprint on your soul. 

Forever In My Heart

Although I'm not their mother
I care for them each day,
I cuddle, sing and read to them
And watch them as they play.
I see each new accomplishment,
I help them grow and learn.
I understand their language,
I listen with concern.
They come to me for comfort,
And I kiss away their tears.
They proudly show their work to me,
I give the loudest cheers!
No, I 'm not their mother,
But my role is just as strong.
I nurture them and keep them safe,
Though maybe not for long.
I know someday the time will come,
When we will have to part.
But I know each child I cared for,
Is forever in my heart!

  Author Unknown

I love you Devin with all my heart.  You are my best buddy.  Love to listen to your adventures, all your daily tales, how you love your sister, Avery (well most of time) and how you would rather be home with your family.  Your love for your Mommy, Daddy, sister, and your entire family shines through your eyes.  I always say, your beautiful eyes are my path to your heart.  I cannot wait to see what Kindergarten and the years ahead bring to your life.  You are sure to soar. 

When you call me Memere my heart melts and you have made my life so special.  Thanks for your hugs and kisses and just telling me you LOVE ME!!!  I am so ready to be there for you all the way through. 

Devin I Love you more than words can create…..Hugs always…Memere….

Thank you friends for allowing me to share….Kim

Thinking Outside the Box May 28, 2011

Yes, this is daunting for many of you…including me.  Lots of times I get so hung up on my own technique that I do not venture to far from my comfort zone.  The past few months I formed a pact with myself to do just that, branch out from this comfort zone and Think Outside the Box.  As an artist, I believe it is important to always grow, advance your education, try brand new things, share with fellow artists, network and most of all tell yourself you can do it. 

The first thing I told myself is not to judge projects on my likes (color, style, theme, etc.) but ask the question, “How much will I learn”?  So many of us do not go forward with a certain class or project because colors do not fit into our home décor, do not like the surface, the style is not to your liking but look beyond these issues.  Actually classes that have turned out to be my favorites, are ones that did not really appeal to me in so many areas.  Learning something new was on the top of my priority list.  I might have only learned a couple of things, but just imagine how those couple new techniques will multiply if you start to Think Outside the Box and remove yourself from that comfort zone.  You will enhance yourself as a teacher, designer, crafter or artist.  There is a great deal of talent among us, but when it comes to products and techniques, there is even a larger amount.  Educating yourself in the use of new products and techniques is the best way to bring something new into your creative world. 

A couple weekends ago, I received an email from Right at Home Scrapbooking, a wonderful local store chucked full of all sorts of goodies.  As I was looking over their class calendar, a project struck my interest.  Yes, I was totally Thinking Outside the Box, but the question I asked, “Can I learn lots of new things”?  Quickly my question was answered just by reading the class description.  I called and got a spot in the class.   

http://www.rightathome-scrapbooking.com/directions.html

Right away when I entered the classroom and looked around at the other students, I realized that I had small amount of supplies compared to the other diehard scrap bookers, but that was fine.  Told myself I am here to learn.  Supplies can be bought a little at a time, but education remained the most significant thing on my agenda.  Was there to learn!!!

Just a few minutes into the class I knew I had struck a homerun by signing up for this class.  The instructor, Kathie was fantastic, taught with such ease, was so well prepared, shared all her products (good because I had little) and had loads of enthusiasm. 

All things were precut and ready to go.  My kind of class…get right down to the fun.

Wow so many products I got to use hands on and loved all of them.  My head was spinning and thinking of all the ways I could use these products in my designs.  Not only did I not know how to correctly use the products, I did not even know they existed.  Products used during class, check out Tim Holtz and Claudine Hellmuth, this is just the tip of the creative market.  If only I had more hours in a day.

For me the main focus during the class was to take in all that I could learn and educate myself with all the different products.  I did not finish in class, but did once I returned back into my studio.  I added my little touches…you know me I love my details.  There is nothing wrong with adding your personal touches to make your project special. 

I want you all to Think Outside the Box and tell yourself…WHAT AM I GOING TO LEARN??!!!  If you think the class is too advanced, contact the teacher and discuss your concerns.  Take the leap…what fun it will be. 

Happy Creating my friends....Kim