Studio Wall Mural

I have a new wall mural in my new studio!

We recently did some room shuffling in our house, and I moved studios. The room is slightly bigger with more storage than my last studio, but with all my stuff in there it looks small again! Oh well. I have plans that when my kids are all grown up and moved out I will take over so many rooms. 

Imagine that! A designated room for each area of my work.. a sewing room, a clay room, a computer room, a painting room. One can dream, ha!

I'll share some finished photos of the whole studio soon, but for now I'm showing this one corner. (I really need to clean the rest of the studio and I'd like to buy an outdoor rug to save the floor from a bit of paint.)

Here are some of the progress shots of the wall mural in progress:

I used a mix of student grade acrylics and house paint sample pots from the local hardware store. 

And some more photos of the finished wall mural:

The pre exisiting-shelves are handy to keep artworks-in-progress on, little creations and collectables.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this part of my new studio! I had a lot of fun painting this new mural.

Jules :)

Creative Life Round Up

Hello Creatives,

Time for a creative life round up I think!

All of these photos have appeared over on Insta, where I am most active. So come join in the fun over there :)

Recently I've been trying to finish a lot of paintings that are lying around my studio, to make way for the brain-space that is needed to undergo some BIG canvas paintings! They are big for me anyway. You can see my stretcher bars in my (new) studio that are awaiting canvas.

Below is a section of one of my paintings I've recently finished.

I'm working on 6 new large scale paintings. If you'd like to be notified when they're realised, sign up to my newsletter which you can find in the sidebar of this blog.

I have also completely moved my studio into a new room. You can see my new painting desk (table) that I bought second hand. It was an ex-display table in a shop, so it's a bit dinged up, which is fine because it will get no special treatment in my hands! I'm also painting a bit of a mural in the studio which you can see I started already in the corner. Proper studio photos in the near future.

Sometimes being a creative takes you in all sorts of directions. I painted a backdrop for a photographer friend of mine. I learnt a lot of things whilst painting this backdrop! I learned they are not as easy as they look, and that I do not want to start up a business painting photography backdrops in a hurry! Lol. Hands up if you'd like to see my process and hear about that project.

I finished my short ceramics course, and these are a few things I made from out of that class. I'm now working on a collection... when I don't get sidetracked by other little items that I can make out of clay.

I have been gifted a kiln by a very generous person who I'm sure mega good karma is coming her way. How nice is that!? Some people are so nice. Let's hope I don't melt everything in the new kiln.

Let's pop this photo in below just for fun. I'm stitching this Anna Maria Horner embroidery. Sometimes I like to work on projects that aren't my own designs so I can switch off and just create for the joy of it and not have to feel like I'm working. This project is 99% finished now and it has plans to be in the master bedroom when I finally get around to that project. (Do any of you creatives feel like you have an overwhelming amount of projects going on!?)

And here's me being colourful. Hashtag wear your joy. Just so you feel like an actual real-life-person is talking to you. Which I am.

Ooh! Our graffiti wall got a bit of love over the school holidays! Here's a snippet. Check out this post to get more mural/ graffiti wall inspo, or to read the story behind it.

Ok! I feel like I've sufficiently caught up here with creative happenings. 

I love feedback, so please do leave a comment or tell me what you love about the blog, or what you'd like to see here so I can keep posts relevant to YOU and what you'd like to see! 

Cheers!

Jules :)

My Art Studio Electronic Equipment & New Printer (Yay!!)

As well as all my art materials and supplies, like canvasses, panels, paints, brushes, pencils etc etc I have a number of electronic 'tools' in my art studio here.

Please note this article contains affiliate links, see the bottom of the post for an explanation.

So, my trusty electronic studio gadgets include:

-An Epson 3800 printer which I use to print out my giclee prints. It holds archival ink tanks and is reserved for printing art prints only.
(A giclee print (pronounced "ggee-clay"- say the 'g' as if you're French) is another term for a Fine Art digital print. All prints in my shop are printed right here in the studio using only archival, museum grade quality inks and papers for my prints.)

 -My trusty iMac desktop computer with a 27" screen which really is fantastic for doing artwork on. (I clutter up my virtual desktop just the same as I clutter up my physical desktop; I need space!)

- A Wacom tablet for drawing digitally. (Mine is a little on the old side but it's still doing the job nicely- I'm scared to look at how far this technology has come as I'm sure I'll want to upgrade if I do.)

My Wacom Drawing Tablet

- An Epson V800 Scanner. I did a lot of research when it came to using scanners for artwork, which could be a whole other blog post. I ended up deciding on the V800. And for anyone that's researching it for scanning large artworks: yes! The lid comes right off! (I could not find that information anywhere- not even from Epson themselves!)

Epson V800 Scanner

-Small toaster oven for baking polymer clay items (as I'd rather not use my food oven).

-Other small items are a lightbox and a cheap hairdryer. Both entirely indispensable when it comes to creating art, in my humble opinion.

High tech stuff

-Then I have a normal everyday printer. I use my everyday printer for printing recipes, enlarging roughs, printing out invoices, the kids homework, and printing things like mailing labels and tags for my products. And... er... printing out numerous copies of Equestria Girl characters for my girls to copy from... *roll eyes here*.

Which is where my new purchase comes in. Way to go Epson for bringing out a cartridge-less printer!!

Epson EcoTank

I spent a small fortune last year on ink cartridges for my cheap everyday Epson printer, but unfortunately it has died and I need to replace it. I could've bought another cheap printer and kept throwing well earned money at new ink cartridges; but I decided to pay more upfront and have purchased a Epson Expression EcoTank Printer ET2500. The ink comes in bottles and you place the bottles directly into the printer. Apparently the bottles print around 4000 pages in black and white or 6500 pages in colour. I will rejoice in not having to replace those darn cartridges all the time! And they always seem to run out at the most inconvenient of times. And the bottles are cheap!  Around $15 AUD per colour (so that's cheaper is US dollars; my US friends) when you actually need to replace.

Perhaps Epson had to come out with something like this, though I'm not sure if other companies have similar versions, but due to so many people feeling dissatisfied and ripped off by ink cartridges I think it was high time something like this came out. I'm very excited to be done with those ink cartridges and I can finally print freely without feeling like I'm printing with the liquid from an expensive bottle of champagne.

I've also ordered 100% recycled copy paper, as I needed some more of that, too.

Just don't tell my two girls that we could potentially be printing out hundreds of copies of Equestria Girl characters. Ok?

Hurry up delivery man!

Check out the Epson Expression EcoTank Printer ET2500 on Amazon.


Jules :)

*Affiliate Information: Affliliate links help me earn small commissions on products (at no extra cost to you), which helps support my love of blogging and sharing creative things. I only ever recommend or link to products that I'm genuinely into.

Does Social Media Make You Feel Bad?

Preened rooms? Gorgeous designer furniture & rugs and people sipping their homemade superfood smoothies on their picturesque decks (with hair and make up looking professionally done)?

I just read this post from Design Sponge. They had a monthly challenge using the has tag #DSCandid which they made to get people to submit photos of real life without filters.

What a great idea. I'm sure that if they showed more of these photos they'd probably loose readers, as people do want to look at awesome pretty photos. But then again, there is so much talk about all the pretty pictures making people feel bad & like they haven't got their own lives together.

Here are some real-life facts about myself.

I often don't bother much with my hair or put make up on.
I am very messy. I go to clean or tidy but then get totally distracted and sidetracked by other shiny things, projects or my phone/ computer.
I get really stressed if the house is messy, but it usually always is because I like to do my artwork and creative stuff first, thinking I will get to it later, but then later never comes. I don't mind housework so much, it just seems like there's never a good time to actually do it! I often feel overwhelmed by it.

So I thought I'd join in the challenge and went through some photos of mine and found a few 'real-lifers'.

Enjoy :)

To be honest this one looks like it has a filter. But yeah, this is what my desk usually looks like.

Today.

Hmmmm. Glitter and kids. Obviously this was left here and they'd gotten sidetracked, just like their Mum does, and they were off onto the next thing.

And me! In a totally messy room with my hair totally not done. That is not a stain on my top by the way, it's an old mirror. I have to redeem some of my dignity!

Working on our paper mache tree. 

So what do you think of all the pretty Instagram/ Facebook/ Blogging photos? Do they make you feel inadequate or do you just enjoy looking? I love all the pretty photos but I do think it's important every now and then to check into reality and to remind ourselves that no one is perfect. Even if they look like sometimes they come really close.

Jules :)

Big Magic & Other Happenings

I'm reading "Big Magic" at the moment by Elizabeth Gilbert. I'm devouring it, actually. I am really loving it. 

Big Magic (affiliate link)

My Art Jam buddy a while ago pointed me in the direction of this Ted Talk by Elizabeth Gilbert. I love her theory that inspiration is it's own entity; you don't merely think of ideas, but they come to you in some sort of wispy magical way. I love this theory. It certainly takes the responsibility off you if you have no current inspiration or ideas... it's the universe's fault!! ;)

Now at the start of the book it talks about loosing your fear and getting started with your creative life (whatever that may be), so I began to think that this book wasn't for me as I am already living the creative life. I've already overcome some of that fear and stepped out into the land of "Oh my gosh, you're going to make a living from art!?" (Insert patronising laughter here!) But I kept reading through the beginning, and I really enjoyed where the book took me. Of course, not everything in a book is going to resonate with you; but a lot of it did. Most of it actually. Creative people seem to all share the same mental obstacles in varying degrees so the anecdotes are totally relatable and enjoyable to read. It makes you feel part of a secret creative community, where you're not alone, you share these trials and tribulations with other people that are burdened with this desire to be creative and put it out there into the world and live on a constant emotional roller coaster. 

I find it is an emotional roller coaster. I can feel elated as a current project is looking great, I have a really positive feeling about it, and I'm on a roll. But the next paint stroke can leave me feeling like I should probably quit doing art forever. Curse this damn desire to create things! But I keep coming back to it, and Gilbert embraces this whole process and overall, even with the trials and tribulations,  enjoys it. 

So, I've nearly finished the book. I'm interested to see what the end holds. I hope she talks about too many ideas, which is a serious problem I have! I can emerge from a shower with 6+ ideas and wondering which one I'll choose, and why the 'Big Magic' is sending me so much information, and why it can't just give me a break for a bit so I can actually finish a project before getting all excited and giddy about the next one. (Maybe I can personally write to her and ask her to write about that conundrum!)

I just want to end by saying the most memorable and helpful part about the book so far has been the "Done is better than good" section. I LOVE this quote. I often feel paralysed by thoughts like, "What if I ruin this painting?", "It's never going to turn out how I envisage", or: "Other artists such as [blah blah blah] are better than me and I should just quit. (Or retreat from the public eye, at least.)" So I procrastinate. I put paintings aside for months to gather dust while I try to start something that will work. (Then that new one will end up in a dusty pile, too.)

But done IS better than good! What use is a 'good' painting if it's never 'done'? As soon as I read this chapter I literally tossed the book aside and pulled down a painting I'd been working on and got right into it. 

I'd love to hear from you if you're a creative, or aspiring creative and have read the book.

Talking about working on too many projects, I am working on two paintings, plus I have a few sculpture ideas. I also need to start working on a couple of commissions I have.

Here's a late night progress shot form my studio.

And because it is pretty, and because I recently blogged about awesome 2016 calendars, I will show you the Taproot Calendar I recently purchased. Artwork is by Phoebe Wahl, who I'd love to meet one day and give her a big cuddle for bring so much beautiful awesomeness into the world. She's amazing.

And meanwhile, we're still living our lives. I like the "Natural Earth Mama" thing and it's not something that happens naturally all the time. I have to work at switching the TV off and living the way that makes you happy and feeds your soul. (The kids are watching a movie as I type.) But we did go berry picking yesterday at a local organic berry farm. We had 'picker's passes' which meant we could eat whilst we also picked a bucket of berries to take home. The kids really loved it and Miss 5 pretended we were trapped, as the vines are all netted in. Miss 7 had wide, open eyes when eating each berry, as you never know how sweet each and every one is going to be. She requested we go back there "one thousand more times". Of course, sweetheart. ;)

Ps. I am getting a photographer this year so am looking forward to stocking my Etsy shop with lots of goodies!

Jules :)

*Affiliate links help me earn small commissions on products (at no extra cost to you), which helps support my love of blogging and sharing creative things. You can be confident that I only ever recommend or link to products that I'm genuinely into.

Cleaning, Clearing Out

With the onset of Spring and the sun beginning to shine it always makes me feel like getting things in order and decluttering. I've been blessed with a few hours to myself and have been spending them in the studio, not creating, but organising. My head feels clearer the more tasks I complete and I feel like I am making space not only for better storage of possessions, but making space for new opportunities, inspiration and creation to enter my life.

My small pieces of fabric, wool & wash tape storage.

I had a lunch break today eating food and devouring images of organising on Pinterest. (Man I love Pinterest. Do you follow me there?)

Decluttering info entered my life again recently when I listened to this podcast:
The Up For A Chat girls talking about Decluttering

It was a few weeks ago when I listened to it, but I loved the decluttering story from Cyndi O'Meara and how after she did it it brought new opportunities into her life.

I like to think of it as the universe only has so much for you, and you clear some stuff away then something else has space to enter you life, whether that's a new opportunity, venture, person...

I also read about this phenomenon in The Magic Art of Tidying Up. (Have you read this best selling book? I have started utilising her methods in other areas of my home too..)

So I will keep going with my cleaning & clearing and see what magic it can bring into my life.

I love to store items in tins, baskets, wooden crates or the like rather than plastic. I still have some plastic tubs, and I used to have a lot more, but when I come across a prettier item for the task the plastic gets demoted. 

There were a couple of really daggy magazine holders there on the shelf too, So I covered them with pretty paper :)

Another example of housing tools in containers other than plastic.

I also had some peg board installed in my studio. The thought here being when I'm working on a series I can hang them all up to see if they're all working together in a cohesive manner. 

I recently also had a bigger and better inboard installed. My light box for taking product photos has also moved off my desk and has it's own allocated space.

So there you have it. Far from finished,  but I feel good about progress I've made so far. My studio and headspace already feels lighter.

Jules.

Finding Space

Some time today was set aside for finishing my latest painting. When I started this painting I was in one of those manic states (that I happen to get into sometimes- in an arty way) where creativity was overflowing and I just had to paint. Even though I was tired and really should've gone to bed! The motion of the pastel, paint and brushes were quick and flowing. No thought was needed to begin- it just happened. Coffee fuelled hurried work! Just get that canvas covered damn it!

A few more sessions and the momentum of the actual act of painting changed. Sometimes it was slow and careful. Contemplative. Thoughtful. 

Ebb & flow.

My last session today was the most fun. I have been personally wondering many a thing about my life recently.. where I'm going with my work, what choices am I going to make for our future. Wondering about what's important and what the heck are we all doing anyway. What does it all mean!? I flipped a podcast on to my computer and something fell into place. It was "Up For a Chat" Episode 28: 'Am I Really Making a Difference?' The ladies on the podcast do a bit of soul searching and supporting of each other mentally as they ask some questions about life, talk about being human, being busy, tired, dealing with people, and trying to make sense of it all. (I am loving this podcast by the way- it feels like sitting around with like-minded friends.)

The meaning of a painting just comes out sometimes. Intentionally?

I picked up a notebook and wrote: "Finding Space..." with the intention of writing down a description of the piece I was working on. Then I felt I didn't need to write it down. There were so many directions that sentence-starter could have gone; and my pen couldn't keep up with the words as they raced along in my mind. So.. I decided it didn't matter. "Finding Space." Life.. work.. children... I think one can look at this and be aware of the contrast in their own lives and remember to seek out that space. Or just observe. The ebb & flow.

Finding Space. Acrylic & Pastel 19 1/2 x 23 1/2"

Decorating My Home

I love my home.

My aim is to fill it with colour. I constantly, and I mean constantly, dream up new ideas for decorating my home. Little projects (such as decorating my kitchen chalkboard) or bigger projects like painting walls or painting murals. And it's nice to think I can just take my time with this kind of thing. I think of this house as my forever house, so it's a lifetime project, not something I have to finish in a hurry. I think of my home like a big art project. To tweak and change and observe and dream. And I want it to inspire me. And with every addition that I do or every change I make it becomes more like the arty home I have always dreamt of having.

Apparently 'boho' is so in right now! I have loved the eclectic- bohemian- hippy- op-shop style for as long as I can remember. And I can't see that changing. Check my open kitchen shelves, see, told you I love colour!

My kitchen bay window (need more plants):

My bathroom wall in it's unfinished state: (need more mirrors- which I have but they need a revamp with paint, and I am going to paint in those plants on the wall beside the main mirror one day.)

And my studio. My studio is a part of my home, a little small for all of the stuff I have in there and my messy ways, but I am very grateful to have a studio at all. I love it. It's the heart of my home! My kids are (mostly) welcome in there and they have there own space and supplies. I can assure you I contend with many tiny pieces of wayward glitter in that room.

I don't spend a lot on home furnishings. Most of my stuff comes from trawling op shops. My studio desk is an old one my uncle rescued for me, and my computer is sitting on a cheap trestle table. Most of my things on the kitchen shelves display op shop finds or even target which surprises me sometimes with their cute dinner ware. I got one of my sewing machine desks for $2. Of course there are things I'd love to own that are pricey. Like this rug.. please universe, send me this rug! In the biggest size you've got! From Eco Chic. Totally in love with this rug.

We've only lived in this house for 4 short years, and have mainly been raising our young kids in that time. When we moved in our little misses were 2 years old and two months old. Now that they are getting bigger & more independent I am getting more done. And very much enjoying the process. We have lots of unfinished rooms.

I could take lots more photos of my house, but perhaps I'll save that for another post. Let me know if you'd like to see more! x