Stand Out!

I have taught art to both children and adults for years. It has always made me sad when people get frustrated that their project doesn't look like someone else's. 

STOP IT! 

printable art at smallfrynotables.etsy.com

Really! Don't worry; I don't really yell it at my students. I just think it loudly. Anyone that really knows me will say I have no problem standing out. I always stood out as a kid, both intentionally and not. Moving from small towns, to big cities and places that took forever to understand the slang, lol. My mom was excited to move to a new place because you could start over and be whomever you wanted to be. I was just fine being me. 

Don't get me wrong. I am in no way perfect and I am always trying to grow and learn new things. I just don't have to be someone else to do it. I am fine with having people not always agree with me. We can all be mature in our differences. I probably don't want to spend a lot of time with them anyway, so it is a win-win! Besides, when someone challenges your thoughts and ideas, it does one of two things. It either makes you stand your ground in how you feel, or it opens your mind to new possibilities.

I believe God made each of us unique. We are not supposed to have the same hair color, skin color, body style, roaring laugh, or magnificent athleticism. How boring would this world be if all art was the same? If every one looked and sounded the same? If we all drove the same car and had the same dog?

You don't have to be obnoxious to do it. Just enjoy being with yourself. If you don't enjoy it, why should someone else? Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?

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Good Bye 2012 and Hello 2013!

I do so love new beginnings...but I would love to be able to slow time down.

Time just seems to be flying by now. I remember wishing the months by when I was in school so it would hurry and be summer break. I remember wishing the years by so I could be older. That's a big laugh now! I wish I could slow it down these days.

I seem to fill my schedule to the max sometimes until my tasks overflow into the next, and the next...you get the hint. The days go by, the weeks go by, and now the years go by.

I am not much for resolutions. I am very goal-oriented though. I keep that going no matter the date. I do want to choose my tasks more carefully this year and commit to the things that will add memories to my life and family and start whittling down the rest.

What will you do this year?

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Being a Jane...

I am having my creative outburst on the You're so Jane blog today so head that way and check it out!

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A Perfectly Cute Cupcake Invite!

A Perfectly Cute Cupcake Invite!, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

My youngest just turned 10 years old! My babies are both now in the double digits. It goes by so quickly.

My kiddos are both great with coming up with ideas and running with them. We needed a theme that was great for multiple ages of girls. My daughter had just finished taking a cake decorating class with our homeschool group and we thought that would be a "sweet"idea, lol.

I wanted to make some special invitations for her big day and had an inkling of what I wanted. One afternoon, while demonstrating some techniques for one of our art classes, I did some cupcake doodles and loved them so much I wanted to include them on the invites! So the cupcake graphics and paper layers are all hand drawn and painted and the invites are digitally created and printed on glossy cardstock.

We were both so excited about how they turned out and think it was a great peak at the party to be. I will post more picts of the favors and activities later so stay tuned!

I linked up to the following parties:

Ten Buck Tuesdays @ Young Nesters

Creative Share Wednesday @ Trendy Treehouse

Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest

The DIY Show Off

Friday Free For All Party @ Sassy Sites

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

More the Merrier @ The DIY Home Sweet Home

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January Creative Outburst Grownup Gathering

We had so much fun at our first Creative Outbursts at our new From Art to Zebras studio! Our theme for this one was New Year, New You. We each did a 16"x20" mixed media canvas. Everyone chose a face or design that represented how they felt. I loved the variety and seeing how everyone felt about themselves. And I am so looking forward to our February Creative Outbursts that we will be creating cupcake collages for a sweet soiree!

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Someone to Cuddle

boxer watercolor 2, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

This cutie pie is a watercolor I did last year as a Christmas gift for my MIL. I really enjoyed painting it more than I thought I would. I have always been more drawn to painting people and never really tried animals. But I believe this experience has changed my mind! So now I think I might have to do some more this year. I know how much people love their animals (we have 4 dogs, a cat, and 2 turtles!). I'm sure I won't be at a loss for inspiration!

I joined the party at:

Handmade Gifts Link Party - At Second Street

Show and Tell Saturdays - Be Different Act Normal

Saturday Spotlight - craft eNVy

CraftOManiac Monday Link Party

Take a Look Tuesday - Sugar Bee

Power of Paint Party - Domestically Speaking

Transformation Thursday - The Shabby Chic Cottage

Look What I Made - Creations by Kara

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Commissioned Digital Painting on Canvas

digital painting on canvas, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

I had to wait a bit to post this picture because it was a Christmas present. This is one of my faves that I have done and a super fun family to work with.

It is painted, scanned, digitally painted, printed on canvas and stretched on a 16"x20" frame. I love to incooperate words into my pieces, whether it is a favorite verse, song lyrics or just a definition or quote. I think it adds something even more personal that helps define that person.

I hope they loved it as much as I did. Let me know if you would like one of your own made up!

I joined the party at:
Made by You Mondays - Skip to my Lou
Transformation Thursdays - The Shabby Chic Cottage
Craft Schooling Sunday - Creative Jewish Mom
Market Yourself Monday - Sumo's Sweet Stuff
CraftOManiac Monday Link Party
Marketplace Monday - Finding Fabulous
Anything Related Tuesday - All Thingz Related

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Mother Earth's Garden

mother-earths-garden-2, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

I created this for a challenge on the Busy Mom's of Etsy group for March. The theme was Mother Nature's Garden. I love little fairies, so I had to incorporate them into my garden! This is a mixed media on a 9"x12" gallery wrapped canvas (5/8" deep). Okay, my little fairies are wearing masks, they have to go incognito, don't they all? JK.

I will be listing the original in my etsy shope, smallfrynotables.etsy.com, so you can get it there, or let me know if you would like a smaller print. No problemo!


Joined the Party at:
Strut Your Stuff Thursday
Thursday's Treasures
Feature Yourself Friday
It's a Hodgepodge Friday
What I Made This Week
Remodelaholic Meeting
Creative Cats Friday
Super Crafty Saturdays
Weekend Wrap Up Party
Check Me Out Saturdays
Saturday Nite Special
DIY Show Off
Just Something I Whipped Up Monday
Motivate Me Monday
Make Your Monday
Made by You Monday
Market Yourself Monday
Making the World Cuter Mondays
Made It Monday
Do It Yourself Day
A Little Craft Therapy
Whatever Goes Wednesday
Show and Tell Wednesday
Make It Yours Day
Talented Tuesday
Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Tip Me Tuesday
Lucky Linky Tuesday
Get Your Craft On Thursday
Bring in the Spring Blog Party

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Senior Project in Progress

Senior Project in Progress 13, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

The last two weeks seem to have flown by, with me trying to get a grip on the moments as they whizzed past me. With classes ending, registration for the next session, summer camp sign ups, new employee training, and on, and on, I am looking forward to catching a breath this weekend.

One of the things from the past week that I enjoyed, was mentoring a high school senior for his senior project. Of course it is due this weekend, so his stress was my stress. I could see his uncertainty when he first arrived at the studio. He knew he wanted to do some pop art, just not sure of the specifics. So we narrowed down some ideas and he started making some decisions. Once this senior got started, he worked diligently until it was completed. I think he did a great job and was proud of what he accomplished!

Just one tip for this senior in the future, Don't wait so late next time! Lol.

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newlyweds - ain't love grand!

newlyweds - ain't love grand!, originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

I wanted to do something special for my first niece and her new hubby. As they are making a new home for themselves, they are sure to need lots of new art and photos for their blank walls. I was lucky enough to be able to take their engagement photos, so I have plenty at my fingertips to inspire me. I have been able to do some fun collages and works with them and have an abundance of gifts as they are needed. How often does that happen! I am so happy for them and look forward to many more gift-giving occasions!

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"Vibrance"

"Vibrance", originally uploaded by smallfrynotables.

Hooray! My 1st print, "Vibrance", in the series "Four Seasons" is ready! I am very happy with it. It will only be available through the end of January. I already have the 2nd in the series ready to go, but it will not be available until December 1st.

This is printed with archival pigment inks on 100% rag museum quality paper. The print measures 12"x12". Please remember that moniters can vary the colors from the true image. But I can tell you, this is FULL of autumn colors.

You can purchase the print through me at the moment until I get it in my gallery. You can also purchase various gifts with the image on it at www.zazzle.com/FromArtToZebras* . This includes magnets, mugs, tshirts and more. Check it out!

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Planning Fall 2009 Session at A2Z

We are planning away at From Art to Zebras! We would love to have your input on the classes and times your family may be interested in. Just follow this link and complete the few questions. That's it!

If you know anyone else that may be interested, please send them a link as well. The more the merrier!

In return for you help, we would love to offer you 25% off any one item or event just for answering a couple of questions! Thanks so much for your support of From Art to Zebras! We look forward to spending time with your family this Fall!

--Michelle & the Muses at From Art to Zebras

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