Celebrate This Artist, Art in my Coffee!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: If you did not have a chance to visit the TST Clinic yesterday and check out Lisianblue's shop, please stop by and take a peek!

I need YOUR creative space photos folks. That's right! I want to see where you work and I want to see your absolute favorite thing in your space - that thing or those things you just can create without...so send them in to me by Sunday, October 4th....YAY!!

Jodi Horgan, a self-proclaimed serious coffee person, stumbled upon this awesome site, Art in my Coffee. Look at the works of art made out of a cup of coffee!! This site which is curated by Jina Bolton and Meagan Fisher is a daily cup o' fun.

Got great coffee art? Just want to share a little love...then drop them a line today.

Check out this submission to Art in my Coffee by Robson Barista:

Robson Barista

Thanks for sending in this treasure, Jodi! I totally wish we were all kickin' back sharing a cup of something lovely while laughing and talking art today!

Welcome to the First TST Clinic Session!

Hello everyone and welcome to TST Clinic! In this space, we have an opportunity to make a real, positive difference. We will work to help our fellow artists, crafters and small business owners by providing constructive criticism on whatever they would like to share - a blog, a shop, a new piece of work, etc.

There are a couple of rules. When I first began editing, I took a class where I quickly learned the proper etiquette when critiquing another's work and I'm sure those rules apply here.

It's nerve-wrecking to step out onto the TST stage, expose something that means the world to you and say tell me what you think. Keep that in mind when you are sharing your thoughts. Allow yourself to feel what it would feel like to be on the stage here.

Then, listen to what the artist has said below, review her shop and when you return to comment, please think of 3 positive things to say and 3 constructive things.

This has the potential to help other artists to see their work in a new light, help them to bring in more sales, etc. So, please share as much as you can.

The first person to step into the Clinic is the fabulous Kris, creator of Lisianblue!

http://lisianblue.artfire.com/


Here is what has been on Kris' mind when it comes to her shop...

"I guess I have to wonder about the whole thing - not really selling as much as I want - and if I spend any more time promoting, I won't be able to sleep or eat - forget trying to create anything!"

- Is it just the economy?
- It is the wording?
- What the pendants are made of turning people off?
- Are the prices a problem?

I ask ALL of you out there to take a moment, visit her shop, ponder her questions and answer with your heart AND business mind.

Thank Kris for being the first to venture into this territory. We will try to help in every way we can!

And the TST will have more to come in about a week...so freaking exciting!

Imagine a Sip ...

I have just had one of those days from hell; the kind where absolutely everything you do takes much longer than it should and every moment is harder than it needs to be. My daughter planned a personal revolt against anything and everything as well which compounded my feeling that nothing goes right when you most need it to.

So tonight - although I won't actually get to have one - I need a chocolate martini ...want to join me? What will you be having??

Here's to the hope that tomorrrow doesn't suck!

Theme 35: Spreading Joy

How you choose to interpret the theme is completely up to you. It simply needs to be tasteful – no pornography or messages of hate here. When you sit down to create, you cannot think about how people will or will not receive your work. You are required to simply enjoy the act of creating.




Ever since Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, introduced me to the Joy Rebel, I have been thinking about the idea of, joy. Where does it come from? What does it look like? How can we spread it?



First, I invite you to read this amazing post by her. Then, I want you to find joy within and create, bring it to life, celebrate it, really, celebrate it because it's from you and then in the next TST we will share it, spread it all around here. Invite all the folks you know to create as well...let's turn down any negative talk anywhere from anyone including ourselves and radiate the pure joy that exists within us!!

Important Guidelines

The work submitted must be something you have created and/or worked on between the time the theme was revealed and the Thursday unveiling. Please submit your response to Natasha@creativenachos.com no later than end of day Wednesday, September 30th if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, October 1st. OR send me a link to your response to include in the comments section of the post.





With your response please include:


1. Your name - either first name, shop name or both.

2. The name of your piece (if you choose to give it one)

3. Something you'd like to share (process of creation, idea behind piece) if you'd like to share anything. Please limit this to 2-3 sentences

4. The shop and/or blog links you'd like to include

5. Two photos of your piece or of each of the pieces (3x5 or 4x6 and 72dpi or a max of 96dpi - if you need any help with that please don't worry I'd be happy to help!)



Most importantly, let yourself feel REAL JOY!

Superb, Imaginative Artists Celebrate Childhood in a Unique and Wonderful Way

ANNOUNCEMENT: Hi everyone. The TST Clinic (a place where you can receive constructive feedback) will begin next week. If you have a shop, blog, or new piece that you'd love some feedback on, please shoot me an email (natasha@creativenachos.com) with a photo of your work or link to your site and an idea of what you are looking for in terms of feedback. Thanks!



This trip down memory lane is fantastic! The imagination that went into these new creations just leaves me speechless. I love each and every piece from the color to the materials used. And this TST is truly interactive as you have been asked to guess the movie in some cases. Isn’t that awesome?

I think art not only makes you think it invites you to play. This week I celebrate all the artists who unleashed their imagination and invited people to bask in the beauty of what is possible when you open your heart, share your memories, trust in your abilities and let yourself dream. I applaud you wonderful, professional artists!

Now, let’s see what moved these artists….



Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created this truly stunning pieces titled, Sorcerer Red, Sorcerer Pink and Sorcerer Purple.

“The strongest memory of a movie I have from childhood is the Sorcerer’s Apprentice sequence from Disney’s Fantasia, when Mickey Mouse puts on the Sorcerer’s hat and creates all those wondrous effects, all perfectly timed to classical music conducted by Leopold Stokowski,” said Felicia. “Although the effects pale in comparison to animations we see these days, it holds up pretty well considering it’s about 70 years old. (I’m not quite that old!) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuVsCRQkXvw) Nevertheless, my memories are more like these images; perhaps that was one of the early visual experiences that inspired me to become an artist!”

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/
http://www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/

“Sorcerer Red”

“Sorcerer Pink”



“Sorcerer Purple”















Maureen, a wonderfully talented artist, created this beautiful piece. Can you guess the flick?

Maureen says, "I posted a comment on TST recently--in case you didn't see it, I considered NOT saying what childhood movie inspired my creation this week. I like that idea, so I'm gonna let you guess. Since my skill at representational art is marginal, the subject of my 9x9 watercolor just might remain a mystery . . . "

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/














Kelsey, creator of Caffeinated Frenzy, created this gorgeous Bright Red Cashmere Lace Scarf.

“As a kid, I loved The Red Balloon,” said Kelsey. “It was the first silent movie I'd ever seen, and I can't count the number of times I watched it . . . this scarf makes me think of it.”

http://www.caffeinatedfrenzy.com/












Teri, creator of Giraffe Label Designs, created this sensational ARIEL treasure bag.

“This is one of the first time's that the inspiration did not start with the fabric,” said Teri. “This time it was the shape. You may have guessed it, my favorite movie was (and still is) the Little Mermaid. (It's even listed in my high school yearbook under my "likes"!) but, I could picture Ariel carrying around her bag to collect all of her treasures, and that is where this all started. And, I liked that I could use my blue fabric to represent the ocean and tie it all together. I hope to have this posted in my shop soon.”

http://giraffelabel.etsy.com/
















Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created this magnificent piece titled, "The Emereld City of Oz."

“The Wizard of Oz, in both print and film, will always be an important part of my childhood,” said Trina. “The horror of being stolen ripped from your family, the friends that Dorothy finds, and the many challenges that she has to overcome on her way to clicking those ruby red slippers (well, the silver ones in the book) and magically being transported home have always struck a real chord with me. This pendant represents the Emerald City, the yellow brick road, and the ruby slippers that channeled all of the magic that Dorothy had within her all along.”

http://wovenchains.etsy.com/












Kris, creator of Lisianblue, created this fabulous piece. Can you guess the film?

“I instantly knew what movie I wanted to do - the question was how to depict it,” said Kris. “I did something I haven't done in quite a while, but I have lots of beads, and a ton of material, so I cut out the material and some batting and started playing around. I forgot to sew a border on it before adding the beads so I ended up hand stitching around the whole thing. This is an old movie, but has been re-released many times - do you know what it is? It's a little bigger than ACEO size - 2.75" x 3.75" The zebra is really supposed to be a horse.”

http://lisianblue.artfire.com/














All the talk about movies got me thinking about one of my favs...again! Can you guess what it is? (Maureen you inspired me to make this a guessing game. Thanks!)

In this film, even though the characters are trapped in one space where time moves slowly, life just explodes out of them. And that thought created the thought below. I'm not sure I love the way it turned out, the colors aren't fully doing it for me yet but when it's done it will be a new journal cover. YAY!

http://doodlestar.etsy.com

After viewing this superb, imaginative TST are you feeling super creative? Are you ready to dive in and start creating for the next theme??

Well, the next theme is theme is.........."Spreading JOY".





Tune in tomorrow for LOTS of details and the opportunity to learn more than you ever thought about JOY...this theme is sure to fantastic!

Celebrate This Artist, Renie Britenbucher!

Kids Raking Leaves Fall Folk Art Painting



It was the vibrant, gorgeous colors in Renie Britenbucher paintings that first attracted me to this delightful shop.

As stated in Renie Britenbucher's shop opening, Renie "has been painting for over 25 years. She prefers humor, light-heartedness and whimsy." In my opinion, this artist definitely needs to be celebrated so drop by the shop and share a little love today.



Colorful Peace on Earth Scene

For more Renie Britenbucher fun, please visit www.reniebritenbucher.com and www.glasstapestry.com.

Imagine a Present...

Today, I believe you need a very special treat. You look like you could use some gorgeous flowers...so I am imagining that I am coming to each and every doorstep with your favorite flowers...tell me, which would those be?? Daffodils, sunflowers, roses, etc??

Theme 34: Childhood Flicks

How you choose to interpret the theme is completely up to you. It simply needs to be tasteful – no pornography or messages of hate here. When you sit down to create, you cannot think about how people will or will not receive your work. You are required to simply enjoy the act of creating.

So tell me, what was your favorite childhood movie?? I realize that childhood can cover a rather large age span so I am including two from two very different points in my life. I loved Lady and the Tramp as a kid and as a teen nothing compared to Sixteen Candles! What about you?? Decide on a flick and then bring some aspect of it to life in a new creation. Have a blast with this one!!!

Lady and the Tramp




Sixteen Candles




Important Guidelines

The work submitted must be something you have created and/or worked on between the time the theme was revealed and the Thursday unveiling. Please submit your response to Natasha@creativenachos.com no later than end of day Wednesday, September 23rd if you would like it to be posted on Thursday, September 24th. OR send me a link to your response to include in the comments section of the post.





With your response please include:

1. Your name - either first name, shop name or both.

2. The name of your piece (if you choose to give it one)

3. Something you'd like to share (process of creation, idea behind piece) if you'd like to share anything. Please limit this to 2-3 sentences

4. The shop and/or blog links you'd like to include

5. Two photos of your piece or of each of the pieces (3x5 or 4x6 and 72dpi or a max of 96dpi - if you need any help with that please don't worry I'd be happy to help!)



Most importantly, take a trip down memory lane, make yourself laugh and then create!

Magnificent Artists Invite You to Fall In Love With One of Mother Nature's Most Beautiful Celebrations

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Please forgive the lack of post yesterday. I was experiencing some computer issues but that section will return next week.

If this theme doesn't make you want to run outside, jump in the leaves, play till you are tired - that good tired - and then come inside to snuggle and have something delicious to drink, I'd be shocked. What amazes me most about this treat is the way each artist blended those colors we all see in our mind's eye when one mentions Fall to create warm, inviting new works. Each work makes me want to sit with the artist over a cup of tea and talk about Fall, life, memories and beauty. These artists that I absolutely adore created moving, memorable, professional works that leave me - as always - wanting more.

I invite you to curl up and enjoy this playtime, this beauty, this fun.....Happy Fall, everyone!




Janet, creator of JanetDavies, created this striking 4X6 painting titled, Fall Dreams.

“This 4X6 painting is for the Creative Center For Cancer fundraiser. I’ve been experimenting with layering silk fabric and fibers with paints and it’s creating a dreamy effect,” said Janet. “I have really missed fall this year. Here in the desert we don’t really get a fall season and it makes me a little sad because fall is my favorite time of year.”

Website: http://www.janetdavies.com/
Lilac Café (blog) http://www.janetdavies.com/lilaccafe/

Althea, creator of Salvaged Expression, created this sensational piece titled, Autumn Jewels.

“This week I can't say I took any big risks or did something revolutionary but I am utterly pleased with the result!” Althea. “I had a terrible time tracking down some red leaves early this week but from my window now I can see some trees starting to catch fall fire and I have a feeling I'm going to be collecting all season long to fuel my new habit!”

http://salvagedexpression.etsy.com/














Agathe, creator of Meherio68, created this magnificent piece.

“A bright right orange cover and back, soft orange, yellow and green paper, linen thread, a macrame and handmade clay bead built-in bookmark, and a photo of one of my favourite things in life— a glowing, sparkling hearth fire— one of the very few things, with from cashmere sweaters those gorgeous boots I just got, that justify the coming of winter to me... And now it's up to you to write your own "Fall Tales" in it!”

Blog: http://lebarduvent.blogspot.com/
Etsy shop: http://meherio68.etsy.com/
DaWanda shop: http://lebarduvent.dawanda.com/














Felicia Kramer, creator of Another Bright Idea, created these phenomenal pieces titled, "Sunflowers", "Autumn Joy", "Four Apples", and "Spidertime".

"It’s just a bit early for fall color in this part of Michigan , so I had to improvise," said Felicia. "Here’s some scenes from an sunny afternoon stroll around the neighborhood and around my home. Visit my blog for the full story about Mr. Spider!"

http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/
http://www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com/


“Sunflowers”



“Autumn Joy”




“Four Apples”



“Spidertime"












Kelly, creator of Backward Glances, created this simply stunning pieces.

"Fall, especially October is my favorite season and is such a beautiful time of year here, with bright days and crisp nights," said Kelly.

"We have many very large, natural rock formations here on the Island, a favorite fall view is seen at Point Lookout, looking down upon Sugar Loaf amidst an absolute blaze of color punctuated by the eternal green of the pines and lake filling the horizon."

"This piece is bead and silk embroidered on a silk base and will eventually become the focal point of a neck-piece."

http://www.mackin-art.blogspot.com/
http://www.backwardglances.etsy.com/















Teri, creator of Giraffe Label Designs, created this phenomenal Tropical Autumn Diaper clutch.

"I am just so happy that I can submit something this week!!" said Teri. "I've used this fabric before, and I just love the autumn color scheme on a print that looks like tropical leaves and flowers. And, of course, the orange is quite vibrant! This is a new shape for me, and I hope to have it in my shop soon."

http://www.giraffelabel.etsy.com/
















Maureen, a talented artist, created this gorgeous 9x9 watercolor with wax resist crayon.

"For Fiery Fall, I remembered a tree by a creek from my growing-up years near the Ozarks," said Maureen. "Our standing comment, every year, was, 'Mom, mom, call the Fire Department, 'cause that tree's on fire!'"

http://aquamaureens.blogspot.com/















Trina, creator of Woven Chains Jewelry, created this sensational piece titled, "Fall, all Folded Up".

"Since I didn't have any rings in the right "fall" colors, I decided to do something different," said Trina. "I folded an origami box from stiffened fabric. This box is made from 8 total pieces of fabric (4 in the lid and 4 in the bottom) and 4 different Bali batik fabrics. It is about 2" square."

http://wovenchains.etsy.com/














Amanda, creator of Persistent Green, created this magnificent marbled 8 1/2 x 11 piece on cardstock.

"I love, love, love the colors and aromas and excitement that autumn brings," said Amanda. "I'm gearing up to be in two craft shows over the next two weekends, so of course I've been marbling the days away to create my handmade note cards. Here's a peek at some of the warm, happy fall colors I've been using."

http://persistentgreen.etsy.com/
http://persistentgreen.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/PersistentGreen












Kris, creator of Lisianblue, created such wonderful pieces titled, The Fiery Colors of Fall.

"I always think of candles, fires, hot chocolate with marshmellows as the weather cools," said Kris. "I'm not sure how I came about this idea - but thought hanging candle holders might be fun - all in the colors of fall.

Some caution is advised of course."

Studio http://lisianblue.artfire.com/















Bird, creator of Talismans by Crow Tarot, Kitty Hawke, Cat Bird Crystals, and One Earth, One Tribe, created this beautiful piece.

"This piece almost didn't get done in time, but thanks to GhostHunters & Destination Truth, I can bring you Fiery Fall Bowl, a huge crocheted acrylic platter-bowl from my KittyHawke shop (if I decide to put it there! :-D)," said Bird. "The detail pic shows the beautiful triptych of browns that comprise the top. Part of what I consider the Perfect Fall Palette, colorwise, these vibrant red-&-browns. :-D"

Talismans by Crow Tarot
found at http://www.crowtarot.etsy.com/

Our Other Etsy Shops
http://www.kittyhawke.etsy.com/
http://www.catbirdcrystals.etsy.com/
http://www.oneearthonetribe.etsy.com/














Natasha, creator of Doodlestar, celebrated her love a Fall. This piece was created for the Creative Center and will also be the cover of a new journal.

The words at the bottom read: "A little (heart) goes a long way." And the tree trunk reads: "Love."

http://doodlestar.etsy.com/

This week, I looked around and found a fabulous new Fall flavored items. These folks do not know they are in the TST yet...I am going to write to surprise them. More artists to celebrate and invite to play - YAY!




Flamenco Flowers choker
http://kerrieslade.etsy.com/
(This artist was suggested by Bird. Thank you, Bird. She's got a great shop.)

Blossoms Ceramic Necklace in Harvest Brown
http://surly.etsy.com/

Red, Orange, Yellow Fall Felt Tree Embroidered 14 Inch Pillow Cover, Bedroom, Living Room
http://creekbedthreads.etsy.com/

Baby boy knit hat with colourful stripes. sized for infant.
http://sarahlamont.etsy.com/

After viewing this wonderfully gorgeous TST are you feeling creative? Are you ready to dive in and start creating for the next theme??

Well, the next theme is theme is.........."Your Favorite Childhood Movie".
Tune in tomorrow for some fun details and perhaps a little twist to this...this one is sure to be a lot of fun!


Start choosing your fav themes and then tune in tomorrow for the twist!