Arting for 365 Day 156: Handmade Business Cards

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

As I mentioned yesterday, I’m going to be showing some work at a harvest festival this weekend and so will be spending a chunk of the week prepping for it. After creating yesterday’s piece (below), I realized I liked it fine, but that it might be better suited as business cards.

It was a few years ago that an artist friend of mine, Alissa, used scraps of her own work to create business cards. I thought it was a brilliant idea and I immediately stole it. I often use old works that I may not have loved but that I think could look good cut up. Each card is a tiny piece of original art that folks can take with them and I feel like the cards are a bit more memorable than the norm. Beyond that, I like the idea of re-purposing some of the old work I have laying around.

The process is a simple one:

1. Take any work you like, as long as the paper is pretty sturdy

2. Make a grid of 2″ x 3.5″ squares

3. Cut them

4. Hand write or print out (I use Avery brand clear labels) your contact info on the back

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Arting for 365 Day 146: Holding on to Summer

Day 146 (9/21/12): HOlding on to Summer

~3 x 5″ Ink and Cut paper on

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

Things are finally starting to feel a bit more like fall around here and so I’ve really tried to soak up this fantastic weather. During the middle of the day yesterday, I decided the weather was just too gorgeous to not get out and enjoy. I packed up some paper, pens and markers and headed out to do some work in a neighborhood park.

As I sat enjoying the view, I saw one particular tree more majestic and seemingly strong than any around it. The tree had a full head of green leafed hair – not a touch of yellow could be seen. It appeared as though this tree was holding on to summer even as autumn quickly closed in on it.

Arting for 365 Day 140: In Your Wheelhouse

Day 140 (9/15/12): Wheel House

~4 x 6″ Ink on paper

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

Following a very productive day yesterday that involved very little art, I sat down and with no end goal in mind, began drawing. As I progressed on the piece, I was feeling really good about how it was turning out. The detailed lines flowed through the space nicely and I felt good about the amount of contrast of black and white.  I showed the little drawing to the boyfriend who noted, “You’re in your wheelhouse.” He was right. I was.

I love creating these organic feeling pieces. But, as I mentioned to him, I almost feel like I’m cheating when I make them. Why you ask? Because they are really easy for me. My goal is to push myself to get better by challenging my skills as I move along in this venture. I know that this type of drawing does not challenge me. But I do love it.

So what’s a girl to do? Well, it’s probably not all bad for me to mix in a little of what is easy – especially because I love creating this type of design. Perhaps the “challenge” I am looking for will be to allow myself not to feel too guilty about it, and appreciate that I’ve got this little drawing technique that I am pretty good at and always enjoy.

This piece will be available for purchase on etsy.com

Arting for 365 Day 138: #1 Goal

Day 138 (9/13/12): #1 Goal

11 x 14″ ink on paper

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

The young moose was ready. She waited patiently, hoping that some strapping bull would be along to save her.

You see, living in this neck of the woods wasn’t always easy and at times she wondered how she and her little one would get by. Weather was unreliable; and larger, more aggressive types often left her little in the way of food. Needless to say it was a struggle.

But this! This would solve everything. She was beautiful, available and was certain she’d be great in the wife department. Convincing a well-off gentleman of it would be her number one goal.

Side Tangent: After listening to a story titled, Can Marriage Save Single Moms From Poverty, I created this piece. The basis of the report was that single moms are four times more likely to live in poverty than those who are married. First off let me state that I am not a single mother and so cannot begin to understand the difficulty of making ends meet with a child. Secondly, it is obvious that financial situations are better when there are two incomes. All of that aside, I believe the conversation should be a completely different one. While the issue is complicated, and probably needs a multitude of approaches to solve, I like to think pushing the idea of education and job training rather than finding or keeping a husband should be the priority. Giving women the tools to be self-sufficient helps give them control over the problem. If they happen to find a fabulous husband or partner along the way? Great!

If you would like a print of this piece, it’s available here. Please email me regarding original.

Arting for 365 Day 136: Flying Instead

Day 136 (9/11/12: Pretended They Could Fly

9 x 12″ Ink on paper

How many were late to work?

How many had just earned a promotion?

How many wished they were home with their brand new baby? New husband? New dog?

How many had left the building because their asshole boss had made them pick up their dry cleaning?

How many loved their jobs?

How many were having sex in the janitors closet?

How many had taken the week off for a much needed vacation?

How many had just earned a promotion?

How many were on their third cup of coffee?

How many had a crush on their co-worker or boss?

How many were planning a great date for that night?

How many were wondering how many cupcakes to order for their son’s birthday party?

How many were talking to the co-worker who also happened to be a best friend when the devastation happened?

And how many, as the buildings began to fall, chose to pretend they were kids again and could fly?

Arting for 365 Day 133: Drown Your Sorrows

Day 133 (9/8/12): Drown Your SorrowsGoal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

From an outsider’s perspective it was a bit silly. Silly because, by nature, he was quite happy, with very few sorrows. Beyond that the otter lived in the water, so the idea of drowning anything was in itself ridiculous. Eaten by a predator, perhaps, but never drowning. Yet here he was finishing off another drink.

The truth of the matter was the otter felt out of touch. He’d always been baffled as to why anyone would drink themselves into oblivion and decided it was high time to see.

Initially the experiment was a lot of fun. The lightheaded, carefree feeling he had, paired with the spinning clouds above were nothing if not enjoyable. But now, after having finished a bottle of Chateau le’ Pond Beaver and quickly polishing off a few bottles of beer, he was not so happy with his decision.

“This is a reason I swim instead of drown,” he thought.

Print of this otter is available for purchase. Please email me regarding purchase of the original.

Arting for 365 Day 132: Energy Headdress


Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days
Yesterday was my second time participating in the First Friday Gallery Walk here in Fort Collins and I had a great time. My parents, brother and his wife all came down, which was fantastic, and I got the chance to chat with some great people throughout the night.
But because I had drastically underestimated (shocking, I know) the amount of time it would take to rearrange my space and get work presentable, I found myself scrambling to get day 132’s art done. Lucky for me, my frenetic energy landed directly into my drawing. I love the result. The small 4.75 x 4.75″ piece brings to mind a wild headdress. Perhaps something I could wear to harness my brain’s energy when it becomes scattered and anxious.

Arting for 365 Day 130: Evolution

Day 130 (9/5/12):  Evolution

Goal: To create one piece of art each day for 365 consecutive days

I heard a report on the news yesterday that ivory is once again a hot commodity, especially in China. This means poaching of elephants has drastically increased.

It was a pretty disheartening story, especially because I find elephants to be really amazing animals (strong, smart, wrinkled with character). But the report also got me thinking.

It is said that elephants have already begun to evolve smaller tusks due to poaching. Will this continue at a more drastic pace until the tusks are basically worthless little nubs? What kind of evolution would it take for elephants to truly defend themselves against poachers?

Feeling like you can’t live without this drawing? Buy it here.