What I've been up to...

Here is a peak at what I've been up to lately. I've been feeling like I'm in a bit of a creative rut. I've had a tough time moving forward with this one; have several ideas, just can't make them come to life the way I'm seeing them in my head. That can get so frustrating!

This background was created using acrylic paint, scrap paper, a page from a book, and stamps on a canvas board.

Here I added the tree using torn pieces of magazine pages. I love the rough look it gives to the tree bark.   Before it is finished, I will go back over it in places with some paint to tie it into the background a bit more.


I'm also feeling like I need to make time to just "play"; get out my art supplies and just see what happens. I've felt drawn back to my roots lately...throughout high school and college my focus was on watercolor and I haven't done anything in that medium in a long time. I'm wanting to get those out again and see what happens! What do you do when you feel you're in a creative rut or you are just having a hard time getting motivated?

Back to School

 

  

It is so hard to believe it is that time of the year; summer is winding down and school is starting up again! I have always loved this time of the year. I enjoy the feeling of new beginnings in the air, the search for new school supplies, finding that perfect 1st day outfit, football games to attend, and the wonderful excitement of a new school year and all the possibilities it brings.

 

Before I had my kids, I taught art in a public school for a few years. I remember the fun I had setting up my room and anticipating seeing my students again after the summer break. (I will admit going back was hard after some much needed time off, but it was fun to start a new year as well!) I always tried to do something special for my students at the beginning of the year. New bulletin boards, welcome signs, table markers, etc. One year I had them make time capsules to be opened up at the end of the year; they so loved that!

 

Now that I'm a mom I want to make going back to school special for my own kids, so I went on a search for fun "back to school" traditions and wanted to share what we have done to celebrate this special time of the year!

• "The 12 Days Before _____ grade" or "The 12 Days of ____ grade": A take off on the 12 days of Christmas. Each night I put a surprise in my daughter's backpack. I've used books about starting school, fun school supplies, cute socks, hair accessories, stickers, etc.
• Our annual back to school shopping trip for school supplies. It is always so fun to pick out the new items needed for school. This year my daughter picked out a fun globe shaped pencil sharpener among other goodies!
• New backpack and lunch box! No surprise, this year we went with a Scooby Doo theme (her favorite!). We found a cute scooby book bag and the mystery machine lunch box!

• First day outfit! I always let my daughter pick out a special outfit for the first day of school (mom approved, of course!) This gets her excited and makes her feel included in all the preparation and decision making!
• Purchase a small gift for her new teacher and include a short note wishing her a great first day!

• I journal my thoughts for my child on their first day, hopes about her year, my feelings, etc.
• Have chocolate chip cookies for a special after school snack and talk about how her first day went.
• Have a school themed dinner with ABC pasta noodles.

These are just a few ideas for getting my kids excited about going back to school and making this time special for our family! Do you do anything fun and creative to celebrate back to school?

 

The Vertu Art Experience

The Vertu art exhibit was such a wonderful, amazing experience!  Just taking the leap and seeing what would happen if I submitted my work was a big step for me.  To be blessed with having two of my pieces accepted to the show was more than I could have hoped for!  I'm so glad I gathered up the courage to do it!  I've felt God gently nudging me and can't deny the doors He is opening!  I'm truly grateful to have been given this opportunity!

Here are the two paintings that were in the show:

"Cherish"
Mixed Media by Jennifer Snellings

"Rest"
Mixed Media by Jennifer Snellings

So, the day of the reception was a whirlwind.  We were having some work done on our home and everything was a wreck.  My entire family joined me that evening at the gallery.  I decided to bring my kids so they could experience the show with me; a decision that proved to have it challenges, but overall went well.  I'm so glad my daughter especially was able to see my work in a gallery show (my son is still to young to know what was going on).  She is very artistic and I want to expose her to all that I can!  And my amazingly supportive husband of course wouldn't have missed it!!!  We finally got ourselves dressed and ready to go.  Then on the way there the skies opened with a huge thunderstorm.  At least we needed the rain!! :)

When we arrived at the Artist's Showplace Gallery, it was already full of people.  I couldn't believe how well the show was attended, especially with the yucky weather!  I had several dear friends come to support me which meant the world to me!  It was a wonderfully festive atmosphere with an amazing saxophonist, wine, and great company! 

We browsed the show and of course found my artwork!! 

The night was a huge success and an unbelievable experience!  I'm so thankful to have been a part of it all and will definitely remember it always!  :)