IDEAS, THOUGHTS AND THINGS TO INSPIRE US

When I stopped working my full-time office job that I loved, to become a stay-at-home-mom, after awhile I started to feel that something was missing. Painting has filled that void. It allows me to be creative, to have some "me-time" and to wind down, relax and think about nothing else for that little bit during the day. 

Whether you like to paint, cook, sew, etc., it's important that you try to fit that time in as often as you can. For me, it's a few hours each afternoon; it's amazing what a stress reducer it can be.

Below, I found a great little article on the importance of "creativity"; read through it. I would love to hear about what YOU do to be creative and reduce stress in your life.

Enjoy! http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/understanding/creativity-productivity-and-leisure.aspx

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So you're putting a top coat on a window frame (or whatnot) and you know it's going to require two coats. Do you apply the first coat, wash your brush out, wait for the paint to dry then apply another coat and wash your brush out again? I don't!

When I know I'm going to have to use the same brush again for the same color paint, I lay the wet paint brush on a piece of tin foil - with the bristles nice and straight - and gently wrap the foil over the bristles, sealing the wet bristles inside the foil. Let your primer, top coat, whatever, dry then unwrap the brush and use it again. This works for roller covers, as well. Although, nothing keeps your brushes and rollers as nice as cleaning them right away and always taking the very best care of them!

Below is an article I found that also lists some interesting tips for you when it comes to caring for your brushes and rollers.

Enjoy! http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Painting/Painting-Tools/secrets-to-using-and-preserving-paint-brushes-and-rollers#step3

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Because I love to paint butterflies and some animals, and I also have a nautral curiosity regarding Native American history, etc., I was curious to look into what some of these animals mean, or stand for. In this article listed below, I found my answer.

If you're drawn to a certain animal, check out this article on Native American animal meanings - it's very interesting! It might even provide you with some direction as to something you've been debating on - like...what animal to paint next. ;)

Enjoy. http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html

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If anyone is able to help me out, I'd be SO grateful! :) 

Here's what I'm looking for: an old italian family recipe for Penne Vodka. There are SO many versions online but the one I'm really after is from that long tradition of italian family cooks.

Anyone? Come on...I can't be the only italian on this website right now...can I? ;)

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As I sit here in front of my computer this morning, with my hot cup of butternut cream coffee, something is taking me back to when I first began painting on windows.

My very first Panes of Art was a piece I called, "A Day on the Farm" - it's here in my gallery. It was a picture I had in my mind that took me back to days on my grandparents farm in upstate NY. 

When I was finished with that painting, I was so proud of myself that I was able to capture that imagine onto a window. It wasn't the best painting I've ever seen, by any means, but it was MY painting and that made me very happy.

My first show, an older gentleman offered me $25 for it. :) I was happy AND...not so happy. $25? Did he have ANY idea how much work and time I put into that painting? Why...it was my most priced possession - my FIRST creation and it just seemed like he could take it or leave it! lol... Over time, I eventually was able to part with that painting - and was able to get more than $25 for it. lol... A young girl, at a street fair, in Port Washington, WI bought it for her apartment. Her and her friends seemed so excited to purchase it that I knew it had finally found it's proper home.

I realized that day that making sure my pieces went to a good home was more important to me than anything. I didn't realize that each painting I created I would have an emotional tie to but...I do. Perhaps spending that much time with anything one creates, and enjoys creating, starts to take on a little more meaning than one would expect.

Anyway...that's the story of my first window painting. And the rest, as they say..."is "history." ;)  I would love to hear your story - if you feel like sharing! :) Feel free to include pictures of something you created - I'd love to see those, too! :)

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I find it very interesting to learn a few things about how old window glass was made - even today, it's an interesting process.

I found this great, little, informative article pertaining to just this and wanted to share it with you. The pictures really add to the understanding of how this process takes place.

Enjoy! -M

http://www.stainedglassltd.com/newsite/oldwindowglass.php

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I love sharing tricks of the trade with people. Here's a great website that gives some great pointers on reglazing old wood windows. It can be a little more time consuming than most people realize but in the end...it's worth it. So, next time you see an old window and you think to yourself, 'I wish I knew how to fix that and make something cool!", remember...just by learning a few simple tricks, you can! :) Of course, if you  don't want to bother with it, let me know...I'll make you something you'll enjoy for many years to come! ;)

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,640019,00.html

Enjoy!

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Computer crashed a few days ago...can't believe I'm able to get into this blog. I haven't been able to access my emails, though. If anyone has sent a message to me and has not rcv'd a response yet...I promise I'll respond a.s.a.p. Sorry for the delay! I'm hoping within the next few days things should be back to "normal" with the computer end of my life. ;)

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! :)

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It's hard to believe that 2011 is JUST around the corner! I hope you've had a good year! I'm anxious to hear what your New Year's Goal is?? I think I'm going to stick with the told "tried and true"...get healthy! I never tire of that one! (perhaps if I'd reach it..I WOULD get tired of it!) ;)

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday so far! :) Clean the chimmney...Santa will be here shortly! :)    Hugs and kisses to you all! -Michele

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Stay warm and enjoy your feast! Happy Thanksgiving to all! :) 

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