Create Soulful Art

So..."What do you do?"

I sorta cringe and honestly, exit stage left when the conversation starts.  If I miss my exit and get caught with the "What do you do" for a living question, well, even though it is clear in my mind what I do, when I try to put it into a sentence to answer that question, it is easier to say "I make crafts".

wrong answer.

Not completely wrong, because I do, you know...make crafts, but it is so much more and as I "mature" in various ways, I am learning to give myself a tad bit more credit than just to say "I make crafts"

What I do is "create soulful art" and what that means is I create things from paper, paint, ink, batter, dough, fabric, felt, sticks, rocks, you name it..whatever my girl-macgyver mind, trailer park martha hands and God filled heart can get ahold of and in the process of turning it from one thing into another, I also incorporate a message, well, like a reminder to you, and for myself.

See, it is easier to say "I make crafts" but I will stop saying that and come up with something that won't be a paragraph long.  

Now, speaking of making things, see those letter up there in the heart? Here is how I turned them from one thing into another:

• I started with Grunge board letters (or any letters that you might already have..or hey, use grunge board sheets and a die to create your own)

• and white acrylic paint

• and, um...paint them (and then dry them)

• and then stamp them

•  and then put on your boxing gloves and punch them out..(just wanted to see if you were still reading!) no, but really, punch them out:

I know..awesome!

Here is what I used 

Paint Dabber - Snow Cap	Ranger Heat It Craft Tool	Jet Black Archival Ink	SA Classic Favorites - Borders	Grunge Board Elements
Idea-Ology Grunge Board 12 x 12

InLinkz.com

Now go create some soulful art..

Comments

[Cynthia]

Oh wow! I was SO trying to figure out how you got that newspaper so perfectly attached to those letters!! =D Thanks for sharing the secret--I love the effect!!! And the message too!

[Sue Allemand]

You, my dear, are an Artist! Believe it! Say it out loud! Numerous times if you need to! Then the next time someone asks you...that is what you say!! And when they ask what kind of art do you do? You say, "I design colorful, inspirational, and uplifting products that make people feel good!" :) or something like that! I've been through the "crafts" answer myself a long time ago...and people seem to receive that like its a dirty word... and you get an "Oh" answer and they turn to talk to the next person. Not fun! But its their loss! Be proud of the fun you have...making things you Love! It's a special gift! And those who don't understand it...may just be a little jealous that they can't live their passion! Hugs!

[Marcie Smith]

Wonderful stamp/painted letters. Your heart is beautiful. Most people wish they had even a sliver of artistic ability in them. But art is a journey and has to be explored until you find what works for you.
Marcie

[Julie S]

Wonderful post. I never quite know what to say either and usually say something dismissive that I later realize has cheated myself. On top of that I teach at a preschool and often get a blank stare and "oh." in reply as if these kids aren't really getting anything more than dabbling in playdough and fingerpainting. Double whammy.

I think your creations are amazing...and soulful. Thank you for sharing your process. And, yes. I think I shall march off to create some soulful art. ;)

[Dawn]

I think you should just say, "I create soulful art" and if that satisfies them well, there you go and if they have further questions (which some of them will and that is a GOOD thing) take it from there. No justification and no box to fit into, just your own individual you.
Love how you created those words--super cool look to it.
Peace~
Dawn

[ferry]

The answer is that you are a mixed media artist. And when they ask further - You are blessed with the opportunity to use your God given abilities and gifts to create art that ministers to the soul using various materials and techniques with a large helping of the Holy Spirit. That pretty well sums it up.

[Linda Jo]

I'm having trouble leaving a comment.... and I don't think I'll retype it..... but just wanted to mention that it's difficult with those letters at the bottom... they disappear while typing, etc.... so if you don't get a lot of comments that may be why lately. Hope I can get this one to go through.

[Anne R]

I came over from Tim's blog where he gives you a big mention and had a good look through your blog. I don't think there is any doubt whatsoever - you are an artist! Mixed media artist or just plain artist but that is certainly what you are and if I were you I would point people to your blog to have a look, they will be left in no doubt what it is that you do. You are very inspirational, now you just need to believe it yourself........Anne Rx

[Laura G.]

I happened upon your blog, and BOY! am I ever glad I did! Great work--love it;love it all!!

[Conisu]

Oh my gosh I can sooooo relate. I have just recently tried to make myself say - Mixed Media Artist. I really have a hard time with it though. It is so hard for me to say I am an artist. I have always been one - in many different ways but it is not what I thought of myself as. I want to say I make crafts or I teach scrapbooking or OK I admit it I just play all day! LOL

[Kathy Gledsdale]

Fab work!

[deena Ziegler]

I just get the biggest smile when I see how your "art" has grown and change. And how you have too... in all good ways. I miss you and our visiting is long overdue, i've been a flaky friend :)

[Nina W.]

See I would have probably "punched" each letter out, painted them individually and then stamp them individually....silly me! Thanks for the time saving idea that looks fabulous! I will be giving this a try.

[Jackie Struss-Gonzales]

Love the quote "Create Soulful Art" but saying "I am an Artist" would also be pleasant if you are asked again. I found your site through Tim Holtz. Awesome job and will be using that technique on my letters, love it.

[margie davidson UK]

This is very clever! Thanks so much for the great idea.

[Jeannie]

many years ago I, too, had the same problem with that question... until a friend of mine aswered for me and told the inquisitor that I was an Artisan. I have used it ever since.
Love your work!

[Rosann]

My first visit to your blog... lovin' your "introduction" ! Great inspiration ... I'll be back :) !

[leanne]

BRILLIANT! Can I just say that again? BRILLIANT! It amazes how I tend to always make things so much more difficult than they really need to be. Love that you shared this idea with us, and I will be sure to try this technique soon! Thanks!!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

Thanks Leanne! I often call myself "Simply Complicated" because I tend to make things that are simple...well, complicated in a good way, of course!!
Glad you are here!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

Hi Rosann...welcome! I hope you enjoyed your visit and I look forward to you returning!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

I am an artist, too! Thanks for your comment and your compliments!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

Thanks, Margie!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

I think I will crate a new canvas this morning with that exact saying!!! Stay tuned!

[Stephanie Ackerman]

Thanks, Laura!

[Wendy]

Your work is just beautiful, so much to aspire to (not that I could ever achieve it!), but thanks for this tutorial, I do think I could manage to make the letters!