Brandy Ink

Seriously?

That are some crazy, talented people in this world. Check out the crazy pencil sculptures here. Good on ya Dalton Gheetti. You are awesome (and very, very, patient)!

Gotye

Someone recommended that I listen to this song. I hit play and I have to admit that before the chorus came I was like, ummm ya, I'm so not into this. But then the chorus came and I was like, hmmm... this guy is a bit strange (and slightly naked), has a gargantuous mouth (and bad teeth) but he's got a killer voice so I'll keep listening! As I kept listening (and watching, because the video is super artistic and almost as rad as his voice) by the end of the video I was like OMG, I love this song. Give it a watch. If you're not impressed by his nakedness or his teeth, you're sure to be impressed by his girlfriend and his artistic approach to a music video!

Oodles of Doodles - For Sale Now!

Ooohhh... I am so excited. In September, my students at Art Classes for Kids worked very hard creating doodles and scribbles for a book that I was producing. I encouraged them to think outside the box and to scribble outside the lines... I'm pretty sure their parents were wondering what the heck I was up to and questioned whether or not this book was going to come together in the end!? (thanks parents for having faith in my crazy process)

What's the book called?

The group of kids that created the book brainstormed until they came up with the perfect name: oodles of doodles. I love it.

What's the purpose of the book and what ages is it appropriate for?

The book's purpose is to inspire creativity. It's chalked full of creativity exercises and challenges. **Did you know that creativity promotes independence, communication, courage, and self-esteem? Yup, true that. The book is meant for kids ages 7-12.

How much is it and what will the money be used for?

The book is $20 (plus tax) and it's worth every last penny. The book is 8.5" square and it has 50 pages FULL of creativity goodness that will inspire pretty much anyone. The book is made for kids, but adults seem to like it just as much. Creston & District Credit Union has kindly sponsored this project so that ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from the sales of these books will go directly into the Scholarship Fund for Art Classes for Kids, to sponsor art classes for children with no other means to attend. AWESOME. Credit Union: YOU ROCK.

How are kids involved with this project?

The kids who created this book got to learn all about other kids in need and how the scholarship fund works. They were thrilled to contribute if it meant that they would improve the lives of their peers. They get to live with the fact that they made a difference. Then... the kids that receive this book as a gift, are receiving the gift of creativity (**see above) and that's pretty darn awesome. And lastly, the proceeds from this book will directly benefit the lives of many, many, many, children by sponsoring art classes for them. For some kids, this could mean the world. (**see above).  So basically, if you buy a book, you are supporting the kids who made it (by agreeing that it's awesome), you are giving a child (who receives the book) the gift of creativity, and you are sponsoring another child for art classes. All of that for 20 bucks? Heck of a deal!

When can I buy one?

There's no time like the present! Yup, they arrived hot off the press today and they are absolutely BEAUTIFUL and waiting for a new home. They are the perfect christmas gift for any child in your life, or better yet, EVERY child in your life. They are available in the shop or, if you live in Creston, you can stop by Imagine Ink to get your copy.

Thank you for supporting the Arts for Children!

Muddi Springs

My daughter Keiryn is presently collecting unique stuffies. For her birthday this year, I was able to support local (which I love), by buying an owl from Renee Phypers of Muddi Springs. This owl makes a wonderful addition to Keiryn's collection. Check this thing out... Isn't it adorable? It's got a little personality of it's own. Keiryn absolutely squealed with excitement when she opened it. My favorite part about it is that it sits in a little nest and when you remove it from it's nest, it's got a cute little heart sewn on to it. Plus, I love the colors as I'm presently obsessed with anything rainbow. So cute.
You can find more of Renee's owls on Facebook. Click here for her Muddi Springs page. Go ahead and give her a thumbs up. She deserves it.

And thank you Renee, for being creative!

My cardboard friend...

Photo taken from here.

Grady gave me one of these cardboard deer heads for my birthday this year. I hate real deer heads, but really, I love this thing.

Unfortunately, it's been leaning up against the wall in my living room since May, waiting for it's new home. I can't decide what color to spray it... and what room it will hang in... bedroom? Man cave? Band room? Art studio? Living room? Hmmm...

Any thoughts? I know you're all dying to talk about the cardboard deer. Come on... I know you wanna!

Polka-Dots

Do your kids ever get stuffed animals that you kinda fall in love with? It doesn't usually happen around here, but seriously, Polka-Dots (pictured above), is pretty friggin' cute. I just checked out the website of where Polka-Dots was made, and the Bon-Bon Collection is pretty friggin' cute too. I'm thinking I should live vicariously through my daughter Keiryn and order her up a few. You know, so I can snuggle them when she's not looking.

Thank god for kids!

A Great Gift

Look at what one of my favorite customers bought for me :) Don't you love it? It's a double wall, insulated tumbler, with straw. It will be the perfect cup for camping this summer.... I'm always looking for discreet ways of drinking pina-coladas on the public beaches. This is perfect, and stylish to boot!

Thanks Marilin!

If you want one of these for yourself (also available in other patterns), visit Black Bear Books in Creston.