The Painted Sandals

My parents always led us to believe that we could accomplish anything we set our minds to. They had no idea what sort of things I would set my mind to do! Alisa Burke at Redefine Creativity painted some fabulous wedge sandals. Totally inspired, I went hunting through my closet for shoes to paint.

Because I'm absolutely normal, right?

Wishing I had taken a "before picture." These were solid white, leather sandals. They were my Mimi's years ago, and she passed them on to me. They are quality shoes, and in excellent condition, but the leather on top was beginning to show signs of wear. I love these shoes and had no plans to get rid of them, so they were chosen for a make-over. I used acrylic and fabric paints, with a spray for whatever-it's-called over that to protect them.

What do you think? Would you paint your sandals? Check out the other amazing created wearables at the Train to Crazy's Make It, Wear it link list!

The "house project," stage1

We've been painting houses, planning to do this project by Alisa Burke. With no ocean nearby, we'll be taking our village traveling to the Falls, and perhaps even on a camping trip this summer.

Painting from magazine models

I sketched out this woman's face...easier to do, when it's a black-and-white picture.
Next modge podged it to a small 8x10 canvas, and painted over it all with watercolors.
It's not done yet, and I'm just enjoying the process. I plan to add the title somewhere:

Be Yourself.

Desert Landscapes with watercolor and black crayon

These scenes are extremely easy, and you need only a few basic art supplies:

white paper

red, orange, and yellow watercolor

black crayon


Paint a simple sunset (which can include the sun, or just layers of red, orange and yellow.)

Draw cacti and other small plants, and then go over all of the foreground in solid black.

(Below, one of my children, who shall go unnamed, could not stick to the color scheme. He is a *unique* little rascal!)

It creates a beautifully contrasting landscape.

mixed media painting on canvas

Just experimenting with mixed media

For Art Night awhile back, I had bought several extra canvases on clearance at Hobby Lobby. I've decided spring break is definitely a good time to get workin' on them.

I like the simplicity of this. I drew and painted the face and neck, and used layered paper for wings, and a paperdoll body. Anyone who feels the need to create will understand..

Making a mini-book from an old hardcover

Have you ever come across an old classic, worn and falling apart? I loved the front cover of this book, and picked it up at a flea market. The pages were falling out, and the spine was destroyed. It could have been kept, untouched, on a shelf for display, but I believe this book deserves attention.

So I cut it up.

Yes, book-lovers everywhere, you can cringe. I LOVE books...in all forms.

I cropped the front and back covers into perfect little squares, cut pages from the book the same size, along with some scrapbook paper. Then I poked holes through all and bound it with ribbons, a charm and button.

Naturally I had to paint on a bit, too.Voila. Beautiful mini-book.

This one was sent off to live with another mixed-media-art-fan-friend. :-)

Painting with acrylics

I mentioned that several amazing artists inspired me to start focusing on art. I believe God has given us each certain talents, and expects us to use those to glorify Him. Well, I'm like Moses I suppose, and I like to make excuses for why I can't use my gifts.
It takes courage to try new things.

"What would you dare to accomplish if you knew the only possible outcome was success?"

One thing that I hadn't dared to try was painting. You know I paint walls and furniture... but I was too scared to try a REAL picture. Sure, that may seem strange coming from someone who will paint the entire living room on a whim. The truth is that I was intimated by having such a talented family. Bleh-- I know, ridiculous. I'm truly so amazed and thankful for their abilities. And I can't expect to start off with the experience and talent that they've acquired over a span of 10+ years. Everyone has to start somewhere, and now is the time for me.

So, without further ado, I give you my painting:

Beginning: (yes, I'm painting on a book)

Making some progress:

Finished product:

The plan was to have her holding a flower, but I couldn't get the hand right, so she ended up with a blue gown. ;-) Gotta do what works.
It's not perfect or professional, but I'm thrilled that it's a real picture. And, like Nester says, it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. It makes me happy!

And, by the way, I rearranged my entire bedroom in order to have the art table, easel, and sewing machine set up in a functional space. October, thanks for your help with that on Friday night!! This area just draws me in. I know where I'll be every evening when the house goes to sleep. :-)

Check out the other things people are creating at...

Persimmon Perch's Made It Monday and