Crafter or Artist?

I have reached a point in which I have become "crafty" with my work and less artistic.  I want to delve more into my art, but have taken paths that have led me to use materials such as scrapbook paper, yarn, and even a cricut machine.  I am struggling with where I want to go with my art.  I haven't lost interest in painting, but have taken other paths that I have found more interesting or maybe a better description would be less stressful, time-consuming, and in most cases useful rather than simply decorative.  Since having my beautiful children I feel like the ideas floating around in this head of mine are more playful and less realistic as my previous work has been.  My problem is that I am afraid to start creating in this way for fear of failure!  I have never been a "playful" artist, but it just keeps drawing me in.  I also feel as though I am trying to use resources that are available to me - scraps of wood, paper, paint, random material, etc.  I have never been introduced formally to collage, but it seems to be where I am heading.  It combines things that I love - paint, textural items, jewels, paper, and so much more.  I am issuing myself a challenge to create a collage using these items.  This will be test #1 on my journey to find myself again as an artist and creator!  Wish me luck! 

Finally - I'm Done Posting About Christmas!

Here's a short post that I have been just itching to get on here. I had to finish my Christmas updates first though!

I have had a spurt of creative energy over the past months. In November I participated in a craft show with my good friend, Kelly. I sold original watercolors and she sold some absolutley amazing photographs. I did well and actually made some money when all was said and done. I did end up selling one to a colleague as did Morgan so that was the bonus after the show. In addition, I was commissioned to paint three more paintings!

I have painted watercolors for people in the past and almost always give them away. There are a select few that I have kept over the years - either because they were one of "the firsts", I like them, or Morgan likes them. I usually only paint when I have an idea for someone. This was the very first time to just paint because I wanted to and to be able to paint whatever I wanted to. The best part of the day was when a young woman stopped at our booth and just became elated looking at one of my older oil pastel drawings. I hadn't expected it to sell, but she just loved it. It truly brought a tear to my eye realizing that I created that much joy for someone. People have been excited to get a painting from me in the past, but she was drawn to this one and I have usually given my work to family - they sort of have to like it I think! That was extremely rewarding to be able to share my talent in that way. It was a step outside my comfort zone, but I'm so glad that I particpated. It definitely gave me a boost in creativity!

Here is some of my work that I sold in the show.

Christmas 2010

Avery enjoying her play food - at this point, I'm not really sure if she realizes it's play food yet. The get it now, but still take the occasional chomp out of it!

Mommy's new chair/project - Daddy got mommy a fun chair to re-do for her studio table! Yeah! Daddy couldn't help himself from adding a little pizazz on the back!

Wyatt playing at his new train table! And mommy trying not to get blinded by the skinny little strip of sun shining through the curtains! Our two new handymen - Wyatt got his first set of play tools and he loves to "fix" things around the house. I guess our door molding was looking a little loose and if it wasn't loose - it probably is now! How do houses survive this torture?

We can't forget Christmas at home. Our family of four woke up at our usual time on Christmas morning. Thank goodness Wyatt and Avery don't know to be so excited that they can't sleep in on a Saturday morning (especially after Santa was up so late getting presents finished and ready). Among the gifts that were waiting under the tree (actually in their toy room) were a train table and a rocking horse. Both were handed down from friends and family. Santa gave each a personal touch.

A & W had fun opening gifts, but really wanted to just open one gift and play with it. It was hard to help them see that each gift had something exciting waiting for them inside. I'm pretty sure that we were more excited about seeing their reactions to their gifts.

We had a great morning with just our little family. It was quite relaxing and fun to watch the kids play with their new toys, have a nice breakfast, and I think we all might have gotten a short cat nap in before heading over to the Asay Christmas!

Here's to another wonderful Christmas - full of memories!

Christmas at the Asay's

We spent Christmas afternoon at the Asay household. It was a smaller crowd this year of just three of the siblings - Kevin's family of 5, Monica's family of 4, and our family of 4. That doesn't mean it was any less fun!!! The best part was that most of the remaining families came on Sunday and we were able to visit with them also!

Here are some fun pics of our cousins (nieces and nephews) throughout the day!

Kinley showing us a bit of her personality.I'm thinking that maybe, just maybe, Kierstin was worn out from all of her present opening!Kylen playing with some legos - not a Christmas present, but a classic in the world of kids toys. Ethan and Tyler lounging in Grandpa's recliner. Wyatt learning from the best on where to sit and wait for presents - right in front of the Christmas tree and right in the middle of everything! My favorite memory from our Christmas at the Asay's happened after all of the gifts were unwrapped. Everyone was investigating their new toys, including Wyatt. He laid himself on the ground next to his boxed tractor/farm set and closely examined each piece in the box. It was so hard not to just break it open and let him explore everything. Avery and Wyatt's favorite toys were, of course, each others! Avery loved Wyatt's dump truck and Wyatt was seen on numerous occasions pushing Avery's rocking horse doll stroller around the house. They only fought over them a couple of times! After Sunday's festivities the boys decided to get together and play their new game. This is the new arrangement they came up with for our living room - so, no we do not normally have our couch that close to the tv. I'm pretty sure they had a lot of fun, but I pooped out and went to bed!

We had a wonderful Christmas with family! I already can't wait until next year!

Christmas with Papa and Meemaw K

As a child, one of my fondest memories of Christmas in my house was coming downstairs to the most gorgeous Christmas tree. It was decorated just right... with the perfect amount of tinsel to make it shine, candy canes, and presents stacked perfectly under the tree. I can't forget the stockings filled to just overflowing. They looked as if they could burst (that was mainly due to the apple and orange stuffed in the toe)!

This year, Santa K made quite an impression on the Asay kids (all four of them) this year. Here is a picture of our tree the night before our Kemphues Christmas!

Papa and Meemaw K snuck over after the kids had gone to bed so the next morning was an extra special surprise. Papa came in with me to get the kids after they woke up and Avery (after getting the sleep from her eyes) exclaimed "Papa! Papa K!" over and over. She spit out a few other phrases in excitement. Meemaw got the same excited response.

We trapsed downstairs - the adults more excited than A & W simply because they didn't know what to expect when the were pulled into the living room. "Look Mommy!" One of Avery's favorite sentences.

Wyatt's measuring tape!The favorite Christmas gift, rocking chairs for each. Meemaw searched for these two awesome, vintage chairs. Papa replaced two spindles (making both himself -even more impressive, huh?) and painted them both. I do have to mention that Meemaw picked the colors out to match our living room - yes....sometimes in my mind I call her Martha Stewart! Avery opening her precious baby doll from Meemaw!Aunt Kristen got boy A & W some pretty darn cute winter hats. They wore them around for much of the morning. Wyatt will pass by our hat and mitten basket and randomly want to wear them around. So cute when he asks to where his "Monmer hat".

Some pictures with Meemaw and Papa K. I'm not quite sure what face Avery is making, but I'm sure it's one of pure joy after spending a great day with Meemaw and Papa!