30

I haven't been up here in a while... so I thought turning 30 would be a typical thing to blog about... :)
The truth is, birthdays come and go and I don't give much thought to it. It's crazy how time flies, that just reminds me how I need to be responsible with what I have. Taking care of myself [ I NEED to work out and re-balance my diet], and using my time wisely... investing in myself and others. That's what it's all about!
Anyways our good long-time friends, Tony and Melyssa, came in for the weekend. We had lots of fun visiting and catching up! Always a ridiculous amount of laughter :) It was a great way to celebrate.
Business has been picking up... actually some-what consistent... for now! I'll take it, I am thankful.
That's pretty much it... Mike's sister Kristen is planning on coming with her 3 little ones this weekend, so I have a bit of cleaning and shopping to do. Hope the sun comes out!
We break ground on Tulsa Habitat for Humanity Women Build House #9 on Saturday... so that'll be fun and busy too! http://www.habitat-tulsa.org/lady_builders.aspx

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Oil for Auction

Okay, I have yet to sign it... and possibly add another piece of stem... [and maybe a tiny little bug on it] but this is pretty much it.
Along with donating a custom project of my decorative art services, I also offered to do an oil painting for the upcoming Habitat for Humanity auction. Proceeds from these two donations will go toward Women Build, a group I have been involved with since Fall.
I'll be curious to see how the painting does... I have never sold nor auctioned any of my oils... I tend to get too attached after hours and hours of work... this one probably only took me 12-16 hours though... so I'll keep a picture :)
Today I'll be working on the Kustom Kate display... then hopefully I will be finished with auction stuff with a couple weeks to spare... not like me to be so ahead of schedule... but the painting will probably take a couple weeks to dry.

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Good Stuff...

If I hear just one more time
That I should try and be more open-minded
I think I just might scream
The world says this is all there is
Yet I believe the One who says there's life after this
Now tell me how much more open can my mind be?
-MERCY ME
"One Trick Pony"

I was rockin to this song while working earlier this week...
Love the words of that verse

[I tried to embed the video but You Tube has Gotten Tricky... it's called "Jesus Would've Been a Biker - One Trick Pony - Mercy Me" Check it out if you have 3 min 46 sec ]
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2 New Pieces and a Road Trip

Here are a couple more of these "contemporary" pieces I have been posting. I am starting to generate more and more ideas... we'll se how this goes... Either I will find a place to display and sell them, or I will have a closet full of paintings. :)

These are for sale anytime and would also make great gifts :) E-Mail or comment if you need size info.
Last week I drove down to Killeen Tx to help my bud (since pre-school) Sheri and her husband Steve freshen up a few things before putting their house on the market. Here's a picture of the most luxurious welcome-center I have ever seen.... Only in Texas!

Of course I had to stop... my love for maps forces me to stop and get a free map every time I enter a new state :) I really do love maps... my other bud Katie used to buy me an atlas every year for my birthday!
While there... we worked our tails off. We re-painted the master bedroom and moved furniture, applied a metallic stripe to dress-up the entry way, touched-up ceiling and trim in whole house, did lots of weeding and planting outside, went shopping for house stuff.. managed to swing by the GAP... and ate a lot because we were burning up all the calories :) I also painted her neighbor's family room, and fireplace.... I was sore!

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Past week and next...

This past week went by pretty quickly...
It started off monday... with visiting angels. I was with the client from 9-5 cooking cleaning and going to the doctor. A long but easy going day!
Tuesday and wednesday I was doing some running around and made some samples for a friend's place of business. If you get time take a peak http://www.elegancebydesigntulsa.blogspot.com/ ! I'll be there tomorrow installing some decorative panels :)
Thursday through Saturday I, along with a handful of Women Builders, was at Habitat for Humanity painting and helping to finish a new office built for one of our Habitat employees!
(I added a bit of Kustom Kate Flare)
Here's a pic, but for more info, visit http://www.hearts4hammers.blogspot.com/

Tormorrow I need to head back and finish up a bit of trim painting, and then to Elegance by Design to install painted panels.
My plan is to head to Kileen Texas on Tuesday morning to help my bud Sheri and her Husband prepare their house to put on the market... Good news! She booked a job for me at her neighbor's house too!

Road trip! Looking forward to the drive... lot's of music and some Coke Classic!



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A Trip to Illinois...

I know it's been like a hundred years since I posted... well, a couple weeks anyway. Time just flies by...
Anyways Mike and I made a trip home weekend before last... When our Niece Sydney tried out and got a part for "Sound of Music" with Christian Youth Theatre, I told her that I would come and see. Mike also expressed a desire (which I was totally up for too) to Join CREW for winter retreat... How great they both fell on the same weekend! Everything worked out great!
I left for Chicago a day and a half ahead of Mike, my friend Melyssa came and picked me up from the airport. We went for lunch and then by her house to check out all their latest home improvement projects. It was great to catch up and spend some time together... we had lots of laughs as usual... and Cresston her adorable 2-yr old too!
Then I was off to Holly's! We had LOTS of work to do! We painted her Kitchen a sort of subdued green-apple color, then added some accents... It looked awesome! Meanwhile Chris put up picture frame molding below the chair rail in the bathroom so we could tackle that room next! If she E-mail's me pics, I'll post!
Friday we hustled up to finish the bathroom, then I had to shower and me and Marie went to pick up Mike at the airport. The 3 of us went for pizza at Nicks in Chrystal Lake... our favorite! Then off to the Play! The production was amazing and I welled up with tears of pride for Syd... she did great!
Saturday morning we woke at my mom's and headed out to Stone Church for a weekend of laughs, fun, praise and growth with Crew. The trip this year was a bit easier than last... it wasn't snowing and we could actually see in front of us!

Some of the more serious moments (team building) at Winter Retreat 2009

I am always amazed by this group of young adults, there is no pretense. Everyone loves and accecpts eachother for who they are. It's rare to see such a wide range (7-12 grade) get along so well. It really is a family, a loving family! Pastor Erik and (Pastor :) ) Bethany do an amazing job leading and directing this group.
We are greatful to take part and experience all of you. I trust these kids and kids like them to be the next generation of leaders!
When we got back, we finished off the weekend with a visit with the Stenglein family at Kristen's in Oak Park! Pretty amazing trip!


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A Spring Inspiration from Scripture

The fresh air and preview of spring gives me a taste of heaven!

I found this piece of scripture to be fitting:

Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
The Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.

O Lord Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you!
Psalm 84:10-12

Thirsty?
God Bless Your Day!



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Contemporary Trends and a Slow Economy

It's true, just as anything else is: decorating trends are cyclical. But even more interesting is that throughout time, decorating trends tend to reflect the financial stability of the market. Makes sense, right?? These styles are reflected on HGTV... However, even though the styles are simpler, they don't have to look "cheap"!
I actually love the clean and refreshing feel of the contemporary trends.

A few ways we see the trend implemented:
1.Less fabric!...fewer pleats, even blinds replacing window treatments in some cases.
2.Painted cabinets and trim... much more cost effective than new!...but also shows off..
3.Bolder wall color Selections!
4.Furniture: Straight lines rather than intricate carved wood
5. Frame-less Art Work

It is during these slower times that we see and have throughout the years... people getting creative with paint! Not only can proper color selections make a big impact on our environment (work or home) but it doesn't have to make a big dent in the wallet! You can also save money by painting your old cabinets and furniture rather than replacing them! (See older posts)
Consider hiring a professional for these projects... when done properly you will add value to your home!

Here are a couple pics of our freshly painted fitness room with a contemporary style!





As you can see, rather than using expensive plasters and multiple layers; I applied a simple pattern using very little material. This whole room effect, once the base-coat is completed can be accomplished in a matter of a couple of hours!

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ARGH!!!! SPIDER!!!

Okay... I'll warn you now I had to voice my frustration with this creature I found today... but I do plan to post twice today and the second will be much better.
I need confirmation that this is a fiddleback... I'm sure Mike will be good for that... it scared the pants off me... and I attacked!
Although we haven't found one in almost 6 months... we have been told time and time again that we live in the south... and we live in the country so running into these guys is inevitable... doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy though. Call exterminator is added to today's list of to-do's.

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Loneliness, a thought for the day...

It's no secret that moving here at the time we did has resulted in a much more challenging environment to gain traction in the Decorative Art world.. My reaction to that has been to invest the time I have in building and nurturing relationships. A lot of times, I meet with another professional, we discuss in depth the services we provide and how our referrals can compliment eachother. Valuable time spent professionally, and as a bonus some of these relationships have evolved into friendships which I am greatful for!
Since moving here, however, my eyes have been opened to an entire world of hurting people that many of us forget about in the busyness of our day to day. I have encountered so many people who have really no one or very few people in their lives. I come from a huge family and have been blessed with friends that have stayed with me through every stage of my life. Now and then I get to feeling sorry for myself because I am home a lot by myself... and am reminded not to take for granted the wonderful and loving people I do have in my life!
I commit myself to be there for people who need a friend, or an ear. It's simple, we all know someone (often times elderly, but there are lonely and sad people in every age group) who could use a visit or a phone call. Who do you know that needs a visit? Instead of expecting someone else to... pick the phone.
The word of God tells us over and over again that God never leaves our side. Not only is that comforting, but it also helps to keep me accountable. My Uncle Jim once said something very simple and wise... don't do anything you wouldn't do if you knew that Jesus was right there in the room with you... because he is.

Just a couple of thoughts for the day! Have a good one :)

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What do you think?

Okay, I came up with a couple ideas using some of the products and techniques I do on walls combined with oil paints and canvas...
A little more contemporary than the fine Detail Oils I usually do... but I am thinking about introducing myself to gallery display... here are the first 2... so what do you honestly think... it doesn't have to be your style, but do you think they'd sell?? (you can comment anonomysly)




Above: Black is a reptile skin texture.
Both: Inset patterns done in metal-leafing




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A day of Creating and Competing

I have been in a zone all day...
1. Implementing some new Ideas for Fine Art Canvases (Pics Later)
2. Making Samples to prove that my product is far superior to wallpaper.



Your honest opinion : My client had a wallpaper sales man tell him that a fine finish (2 samples below) would be too busy in comparison. ... without even seeing my samples!!!
Truth: Hiring a professional artist... you get to CHOOSE how busy... that's the joy of custom!




A Case for Paint:
No seams
Custom color.. not choice of 5, more like 5000!
No stripping, you can paint over it!..
Probably more cost effective....
Patchable, more durable
And... a good artist can recreate ANY wallpaper!

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