Can I have a do-over, please?

To say that I've been neglecting this blog is a bit of an understatement.  I have no excuses for the abandonment.  Well, actually, I can think of plenty!  But I'll spare you.  Instead, I'll just say, "Can I have a do-over, please?"

I don't imagine that there are many of you "out there" still...  but on the off chance that you are, I'd be oh so delighted to see you at my new site:  www.katedanielart.com  Much love!

Prepping my booth sign for Make It

Prepping my booth sign for Make It, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

I've seen this idea before in the crafty cyberspace and couldn't wait to try it! All you do it take your favourite fabric, stretch it between some embroidery hoops, et voila! Before doing that though, I printed my name on some iron-on transfer paper and pressed it onto the fabric. I'm going to pin these to the drapery behind my table at Make It this weekend. What do you think?

Encaustic - Swallow

Encaustic - Swallow, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

So one of the reasons that my blog has been lacking lately is because I've been madly prepping for the coolest craft show ever, called Make It - The Handmade Revolution. It'll be the first time that I really give it a go with my photos - we'll see what happens! But I figured I should make some art too since I'm calling myself Kate Daniel Art and Photography. :) So this is the art that I came up with last night!

Be here now

Be here now, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

“As long as you have certain desires about how it ought to be you can't see how it is.”
― Ram Dass

Waiting for the green

Waiting for the green, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

It's been kind of gloomy and wet around here lately. Not a lot of green. But I can feel that it's coming...any day now. In the meantime, I've been taking advantage of the indoors and madly prepping for Make It - Edmonton. I'll be selling my photos at this craft fair in a little over a week...come check it out! http://www.facebook.com/events/394098907276225/

Winter's end

Winter's end, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. While clicking through my Instagram feed the other day, I read this..."Beginning is easy - continuing hard"... shared by Bookbabie...aka Lilli Day (www.lilliday.com). It's true, I've been so focused on beginning..crossing things off my list - many "firsts" - that I haven't stopped to think about the continuing part. But here I am. Ready to try again.

A painting finished, a flight in sight

Life has been a bit of a gong show lately.  You know those days...when every hour seems to be scheduled.  When the minutes slip by into days that are lost - gone forever - and you're not really sure what just happened.  It's getting to be springtime around here, and I wonder how that happened so quickly.

It's times like these where I want to just get away from it all.  Head off on a little holiday and have a little time for self-reflection and FUN.  It's times like these that I pat myself on the back for having the foresight to actually schedule in some planned fun!

That's right.  I'm heading off on a little holiday tomorrow.  It's a quick trip - but I know it will be a deep one.  I've been looking forward to this for months now.  Can't wait to see a handful of my scarf sisters...and meet this amazing artist...at this awesome looking corner of the world.  Good times, good times.

But before I leave, I feel the need to update you on my massive painting that was inspired by Flora Bowley.  It started out like this.

Then morphed into this.

And then this.

And finally, the finished product.

I actually kinda like the 3rd painting the best - but whatever!  It will be interesting to see what becomes of my canvases after being immersed in Flora's techniques for a full 3 days.

A funny story about that finished product though.  It would probably still be a half finished project were it not for my better half.  He said I couldn't go on this trip - or Artfest at the end of March! - until it was done.  He gets me.  He knows what motivates me.

But just between you and me, I probably still would have gone anyway.  :)

Adios.

Snowshoe day

I checked off quite a few things from my list this weekend.  When I'm on a roll I want to keep rolling.  But sometimes you just have to take advantage of a fresh snowfall & get the snowshoes out.  I'm glad I did!  This winter has been unusually warm...but I'm not complaining.  :)  

check out the vintage maple leaf ski pole!

I made it into Make It!

OMG I seriously can't believe it.  

I sent a dream out into the world a few weeks ago...


...and I blew my own mind when I actually followed through and applied for this craft fair.

The one I've been dreaming about for years.  

Well guess what?  I actually made it into Make It!

And it came in the form of this email...can you believe it?  

"you are IN!! 

Woot woot, fist pumps, high 5s, booty shake, jump up, jump up and jump down!!! 

So now that we have that out of the way. Take a deep breath and give yourself some hardcore positive acknowledgement. We had more applications come in than ever before. Like, almost a scary amount!! You are selected because we believe in you, your line and your ability to shine (yes it rhymes but it is still all true!)  You stood out from the bunch, and made an impression."

Now I guess I'd better get busy!  :)

Etsy announcement!

I interrupt this random and infrequent blog...to let you know that my Etsy shop is live!  I seriously can't believe it.  It's been a long time coming (and dreaming) and I almost pulled my hair out this afternoon over this beauty:    Introducing...THE blog banner...

Ok, no time for chit chat.  I should probably work on listing more than one item.  :)  

Come have a look!  www.etsy.com/shop/studioK8

Finish things

I have a dream.
I dream that I will one day live off of my creativity.
I dream of working for myself.  Of filling my days doing what I love.  And getting paid for it.

I have another dream.
Of opening up an Etsy shop.

Now I know some of you are thinking, "Seriously?  It's not that hard.  Just do it."  Well, I'm here to tell you that it is that hard.  Maybe hard's not the right word.  But it certainly takes a lot of work, time & attention to detail.  Every little step seems to take a million other little steps.  I've come a long way, but I'm not quite there yet.

The other night, after a tireless day of prepping & organizing for my shop opening, I realized that it just Was Not Going To Happen that day.  So in an act of desperation & frustration, I decided to breathe.  (sigh)  And then I had a conversation with my wise self:

"Am I really meant to go down this path?  Am I really meant to live off of my creativity or am I just meant to live creatively?"

And my wise self said to me, "Yes, of course you are dear.  Live what you love and the money will follow."

"Well then, why does it seem so impossible?  Why does it seem so impossible?"

"Because it is.  If you make it so.  And besides, you wouldn't appreciate it so much if it came easy.  Now would you?"

"So what now?" I asked.

And my wise self wisely said,
"Finish things.
Start things.
Do things.
Make things.
But most importantly, FINISH THINGS."

And with that I went to bed.


Today’s post is part of a brave blogging link-up LIV LANE is hosting for the courageous students in her How To Build a Blog You Truly Love e-course.

2011 Create with K8

Many of you know that I'm addicted to art retreats.  I love participating in art activities, exploring photography, and being surrounded by other creative souls.  But one thing I always find myself saying when I'm at these retreats is, "I wish the ladies back home were here"...or "so and so would love this"...or "why don't I do this more often?"

So in 2011 I decided to bring the art retreat to me!  One Sunday afternoon out of each month, "the girls" gathered at my house for a creative adventure.  People came when they could make it; it was a no pressure, no experience needed kind of thing.  We did everything from rock painting to xmas tree decorations...but the end result wasn't the important thing.  It was about creating, it was about community...and turning a dream of mine into reality!

In honour of each and every one that joined me along the way - and to all those that really wanted to come but just couldn't get the stars to aline - I put together this little video of the monthly projects.  I hope the rest of you will enjoy it as well!

And now, on to 2012 dreams.  What are you dreaming about?

I just blew my own mind

oh my!, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

"I just blew my own mind."

That was the subject of a recent email that I received from a friend.

Isn't that awesome?! Doesn't it make you want to do something that just blows your own mind, too?

I think I will vow to create as many mind-blowing moments for myself as possible in 2012. How about you?


(Another friend reminded me about this photo this other day...thought it was appropriate.)

Hands Up How To...photo apps!

I love it when people share tricks of the trade!  Like Liz Lamoreaux does here when she talks about filling her Etsy orders...or like Regina from Creative Kismet does here by describing her learnings from another craft fair she participated in.

So when I heard about Jamie Ridler's Hands Up How To quest, I was game!

Give a hand up.  Help someone out.  Show someone how to...do what you do.  Share what you know.

And what do I know?!  Well, lately I know how to rock it on the iPhone.  Photography, that is.

It's true, I bought this phone for the photo apps...and have absolutely no regrets!

With photo apps, creativity doesn't have to take time.  It doesn't have to cost a lot.  And best of all, you can feel like a pro photographer in just a matter of clicks & taps.  

So let's sift through some of the fantastic photo fun to be had on your iPhone (and I say iPhone because that's what I know..but I'm sure you can find similar apps on your Android or whatever you're using..just search in the App Store).

Anyway, here's what I'm loving lately:

1.  Funky Frames!  It's all about presentation.  What photos don't look good when they're neatly packaged together in a collage?  There are so many ways you can put your photos together.  Try Diptic, Pic Collage & Frametastic!  Diptic has many layouts to choose from - load photos from your current photo album or take new pictures to fill the frame.  Pic Collage also offers a quick and easy way to present your photos while Frametastic adds funky backgrounds to your collage.  Experiment!

photo collage using Frametastic

2.  Fun with friends!  Everyone loves those old school photobooths in the mall.  Trust me, it's just as much fun...if not more...without the mall!  Try PopBooth or MPhotobooth for hours of laughter...things can get pretty carried away, pretty fast.  :)  PopBooth even mails your picture to someone at the click of a button.  ShakeItPhoto & MultiShot are also fun to play around with.

apparently I'm liking the limelight in this PopBooth photo!

3.  Artsy Images in an instant!  Turn your photos into art...literally.  With PhotoArtista-Oil, it takes your image and turns it into an oil painting.  ToonCamera turns your image into a cartoon.  And watermyphoto turns your photo into...well, water!  Seriously, you need to just play around with these apps...no explanation needed.  :)

A photo of a painting I was working on...processed with the watermyphoto app!

4.  Take the shot just a little further!  If you have a little more time to play around, I highly recommend Dynamic Light & PictureShow.  There's so much you can do to play around with your colours, contrast & creativity.  And Image Blender actually lets you lay one photo on top of another...creating some really neat textures.  It takes a bit of time to learn what looks best...but play, play, play.

exploring in an abandoned farm house...image processed with Dynamic Light

5. Words, words, words!  I love the idea of combining words & images.  Sometimes you just need a word to get your point across.  Try Phonto or Labelbox. 


And finally, where would I be without Instagram?  I think it deserves it's own paragraph.  Instagram is like an instant boost for the ego....but it's not about the ego, it's about the love.  Simply put, when people like your photo, it makes you feel good.  And it feels good to get your photos out into the world.  It's tons of fun to follow others from around the world too...it's like you're travelling without the noisy airports & dwindling back account!

Instagram offers many options for adding that extra little bit of splash to your photo.  Play around with the filtered effects and add a tilt-shift blur for an instant highlight on a section of your photo.  Here's a simple trick: If you have a little more time on your hands, play around with some of those other apps that I talked about above to create the perfect image.  Save it to your photo album, then open Instagram and pull that image up to post it.

Here's one of my Instagram posts.  I took a photo of my reflection in a barn window, layered it with another photo of a heart shape in a wood door, and pulled that up on Instagram.  

Already on Instagram?  

I'd love to see your part of the world...or come find me at username: katedaniel :)   

Louise Gale's heART swap

There once was an artist & life coach named Louise Gale, whose mission was to "raise the consciousness of the world, one by one through practicing self-care, love, kindness, forgiveness & gratitude through creative expression."  Now that's a mission!


With the help of other creatives, she gets right to it...over at Your Heart Makes A Difference.  Go check it out!  


One day she decided that she wanted to create a global herART swap to create, share & receive LOVE in the form of a gorgeous piece of artwork.  


I decided I would join in the love.  And so did Kolleen Harrison.  


Kolleen and I were randomly matched by Louise to be swap partners  - which was oh so cool...cause I actually know Kolleen!  She is one special woman.  I met her at an art retreat a couple years ago.  But that's another story.  :)


To make this long story short, I arrived home one day last week to find the most spectacular of packages...it was layer upon layer of goodness!  Wow, does this girl ever know how to make one feel special.  It was almost too pretty to open - with HEARTWINGSISTERS gracing every nook and cranny.  

Thank you Kolleen for the beautiful art, cards & bracelet - however she knew that I love that saying, "know and do" is beyond me!  


If you want to check out her blog post about the swap, head on over here.  And do you remember that wild donkey that I rode a couple weeks ago?  This is a picture of the finished piece that I sent her.  It's hard to see but the piece is covered in bees wax. 

Barn beauty

Barn beauty, a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

Consistent is not a word that I would use to describe my blog...so I figured it wouldn't hurt to do 2 posts in one day! I just have to share a fun experiment that I had with another iPhone app. Painting with my photos...it makes you wonder why you need to paint at all, doesn't it...if you can do this with a few quick phone tricks. Perhaps I should take my painted picture and paint that?! The possibilities are endless...

A winter story...

A winter story..., a photo by Kate Daniel on Flickr.

I don't know what it is about getting away...but being in unfamiliar territory brings out the creative in me. Maybe it's the slowing down, maybe it's the change of scenery, maybe it's just the magic of the unknown. I'm having fun playing with my iPhone this weekend...in the middle of nowhere Alberta...prairies. This lonely pitchfork called to me...so I layered it with a photo of a nearby building. I love this story. The "winter on the prairies" story.

I road a wild donkey today!

I road a wild donkey today!  And what does that mean?  It means, I had an idea...I started a project...and rather than doing part of it and finishing it later, I road the wild donkey until it was done.

Man, does it ever feel good to finish something!

I can't show you my finished piece just yet because it's a bit of a surprise.  But here's a glimpse at the encaustics that I was cooking up this afternoon:

For more on wild donkeys head over HERE.  

A gentle reminder today...

I'm back!

Photo by Elizabeth Halt

I know, I didn't know I was leaving either...until the days ticked by...and by...and suddenly it looks like I've been gone for a while.

From this online space, anyway - not from the real world stuff.  I basically had to "check out" here to "check in" elsewhere.  So it goes.

What I realized though, is that while I say I've been "out of the creative loop" lately, I've still been creative - in other ways.  More of that to come in the future.  Right now I want to share some things that I've been loving lately!

1.  Let's start with this gorgeous photo above!  It's courtesy of my friend, Elizabeth, who has started the neatest thing...it's A GRAB BAG of IMAGES.  Basically, you purchase her images (digital files) - for whatever price you feel is fair - and use them as you wish!  It's the coolest concept - sharing her beauty with the world - go check it out!

2.  Goddess Leonie is one of those names that I had seen in the e-world quite a bit but never checked out.  But when I found out about the World's Biggest Summit that she was hosting I couldn't NOT listen in.  A little secret about me: I'm addicted to podcasts about creativity & creative souls.  I usually fill my well by listening to Creative Living with Jamie every week, but The Summit had 100 people in one month!  Crazy.  I was so excited to see that Jamie Ridler was one of them.  The past 6 weeks have involved A LOT of highway driving for me...and let me just say that the only reason I'm still sane is because of these podcasts.

3.  Check out this camera strap.  I can't believe that Michelle Allen is actually giving away her camera strap(s)!  When I met Michelle at Artfest last year, it was one of first things that drew me to her.  :)  And I've been thinking about that strap ever since.  Ok, maybe I'm a little weird.  But anyway, I was catching up on blogs the other day & saw that she's having a contest to give it away.  Perhaps it will be a serendipitous moment for me.  :)  But if you want to get in on the fun then check out the details on her blog.

Thanks for stopping by my corner of the world...I've missed you all!