July Newsletter

Take Responsibility for the Energy You Bring to Your Workspace

1. Before You Enter Your Work Space, Set an Intent

Everyday be thankful for the person you are and for having a passion to follow. Remind yourself how important it is not to waste one day of your life. Your intent might be “to be productive”, or “to enjoy the process.” You will be surprised at how this can better your day.

2. Display Sentimental Items

Displaying sentimental items in your studio bring a smile to your face and warms your heart. These items can be awards you have won, photos of family and friends you love, perhaps a funny photo of your pet, anything to bring about a pleasant memory and a smile to your face.

3. Start a Gratitude Journal

Keep it simple. It doesn’t matter if you begin, end your day or do both by making a simple one or two line entry, just writing something you are thankful for calms your spirit.

4. Ready Supplies Needed for Today’s Project/Projects

If you’re working on more than one project at a time pull everything and group each project in their own area on your table. If you don’t get to every project leave it for an early start the next day.

5. Take a Break and Do Something Nice for Someone

Half way through your morning take a 15-20 minute break and do something for someone without expecting anything in return. If you work from home it could be a quick little task your child or husband normally does, gathering the trash, straightening a desk or bookshelves or writing a quick little note telling them how much you appreciate them and sticking it to their bathroom mirror. How about hand writing a thank you note to a friend or relative or just a quick hello to someone you haven’t heard from in a while and popping it in the mail. Who doesn’t appreciate receiving a hand written card in the mail these days. It doesn’t need to be lengthy.

6. Call at least One Friend or Family Member a Day

Mid afternoon take a 10-15 minute break to keep in touch with someone special to you. You can do this while you are waiting for paint to dry, text and emails do not count! Pick up a phone and verbally communicate. Studies show that even if you’re an introvert, socializing with our loved ones makes us feel better.

7. Spend Money on Something to Cultivate Your Craft

Decorate a pretty box or jar and start saving for something fun for you. It doesn’t need to be expensive. It could be a few new brushes, that gorgeous paper you’ve been eyeing, a fun storage item or a great book – treat yourself.

8. If It’s Got to be Done – Do It

Clutter causes stress; order will create a little piece of heaven on earth. This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, ten minutes tops. Your brushes won’t clean themselves, it has to be done. Make it fun – pump up some energizing music and go for it. Enjoy the warm water and bubbles while regenerating those bristles, scrub that water container, clean that pallet, or whatever it is you need to do. It feels so good to return to clean equipment.

9. Ready Your Space for Your Next Play Day

I say “Play Day” because it seems a shame to think of doing something creative, such as painting, cooking, writing, crafting, etc. as being “work.” Your craft/hobby should always be enjoyable.

10. Spend a Portion of Your Day Connecting with Something Greater than Yourself

After you’ve tidied up your play space, take a walk in nature, walk the dog, read a book, write in a journal or (my favorite) light candles and soak in a hot bubbly tub – perhaps a glass of wine and a piece of chocolate should be included. Relax and indulge in enjoyable recollection of your day. Please allow a minimum of one hour, this is your time. How are you feeling about now? Mmmmmmmmmmm
To be perfectly frank I have not accomplished each of these tasks on a daily basis but on the days I have managed – there is no feeling quite like it.

Creativity is play in progress, enjoy the process.

This was adapted from an article I read some time ago on how to enjoy your home. My memory has failed to recall the publication, my apology to the author.

What I’ve been up to . . .

It’s been pretty busy lately, busy painting all the things I love to create.

The design on this wall was coordinated to the duvet cover. Stencils were created for the base color of the design and the other three accent colors were added by hand.

Oh how I love to paint over-sized flowers. Picking up colors from the accessories in the bath and bedroom, the stylized crocus surround the commode and one is wrapping the corner to add a bit of whimsy.

Last evening I had the enlightening pleasure of viewing your mural at the Broadmoor. My Mother, 85, enjoyed the Garden Room, a favorite of hers for years. Your efforts are truly beautiful and even more so is your website with expressions of encouragement to others, including myself.
Would it be possible, please, for you to let me know what materials you use? The quality of color and luminosity are quite vibrant.

Thank you for your time and attention. May your brushes be rarely still and your mind and heart forever creative.
Denise

Hi Denise,

You certainly have a lovely way with words and thank you for taking the time to email. Your questions are always welcome.

The paint I have used for over thirty years is Delta Ceramcoat found in most craft stores. This paint was chosen because the pigments hold up well for interior and exterior usage. However, for interiors, I rarely use it in an opaque form. I prefer to add Delta’s faux medium which creates a translucent wash so I can build color, adding more depth. There are usually seven to ten layers of color on a single flower petal. Hope this helps.

All the best,
Mickey

Bella’s Insights

Hi Everybody! Mom snapped this pic of me a while back. What on earth made her think it would even cross my mind to climb on her desk, silly woman. NO. Nope. Never. Never in a million years. Absolutely not. Not me, I would never get on her desk.

We’ve had another exciting summer in Colorado Springs, not all of it was good. Another big fire hit a town on the north of us. 500 houses wiped out, it was awful. At night you could see how the fire on the ground made the clouds look dark red at night. During the day it was so smokey outside that I couldn’t take my walks. Down right scary.

A friend of mom’s stopped by for a cup of tea with cheese (my favorite snack) and crackers. They went downstairs to check out mom’s studio so I figured they wouldn’t mind if I helped myself to a itty bitty piece of cheese and wouldn’t you know it, that stupid little cracker dish flipped off the side of the table, just my luck. I never even made it to the cheese before they came back – but I have to say crackers ain’t too bad a snack either. Man did I say “ain’t?” She’s gonna kill me.

Bella