Queen of Chaos

New Magnets are Available!

2011-10-17T13:12:00.000-04:00

Whew! I was finally able to get my new magnets up in my Etsy shop today! I am really liking them! They are larger in size (3.5 x 3.5) so you can get a great look at the actual artwork on them. All of the magnets feature artwork from my newest collection. They are bright, fun and make GREAT gifts for the holidays this year...perfect stocking stuffers too!

Be sure to check out my new magnets in

my Etsy shop!

I was part of an event at Artistree this weekend, the co-op

here in College Park and I decided to make lots of gift items this time around.

In the above photo you can see some 10x10 mirrors that I created, my

new magnets, some jewelry trays along with some new 6x6 prints on wood

that I am making for the holidays!

Here are two of the 10x10 mirrors upclose...

Here are the 4 small jewelry/coin trays that I made...perfect for gift giving...

These are one-of-a-kind. I sold two of them over the weekend...

This is my favorite of the 10x10 mirrors that I created!

All of the mirrors are currently for sale and are hanging in Artistree!

If anyone wants one of them please let me know! I can go

grab them and add them to my Etsy shop!

The mirrors were lots of fun to do. Every time I create some new I am amazed at how much more I can use my art in all of the items I create! I love the idea of taking art that I have already created and transforming it onto different mediums and "ripping it apart" basically and only using part of it, etc. The concept opens up so many new doors in the creative process and it keeps the journey exciting!

Till next time...Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful!

Live Artfully,
Jennifer

My 2012 Calendar is here!

2011-10-07T08:59:00.000-04:00

Yes! The 2 mini clips and the mini metal wire hanger

come with the calendar....it is so easy to hang!

The calendar images make GREAT prints

after a month is over! These mini 5x5

prints will make great gifts year round!

2012 Calendar Cover Page

I picked May as the month to showcase a

close up of...after all, it is MY birthday month!

Hello everyone! I have been quite busy creating....not at my art table though! I have actually been at my desk for a change...but looking at my art non-stop! I have finally finished the creative process for my first calendar! I just love it and I hope you will too! I just uploaded it to my Etsy shop! WOOHOO!!! Click here to purchase the calendar!

I have lots of other creative items in the works for you too! I typically think outside the box more so than ever when the holidays roll around since I like to offer simple, inexpensive, creative gift giving items. And yes...my calendar is one of them! You see, once a month is over, the image on a sheet can be trimmed and put into a 5x5 frame! Perfect for gift giving year round! And, the selection of art that I chose to feature in my 2012 calendar is my from my newest collection! Another WOOHOO!

Last, I am sorry that I do not blog more than I create! Once I get a creative project going...which is usually more than one at a time, that is all I think about!

I promise to post as soon as I get more creative time in for the other gift items I am making!

Till next time...Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,
Jennifer

A Fresh Approach to Art

2011-08-26T08:17:00.000-04:00

"City Life" (my new favorite!)

22x30, acrylic on canvas

I have thoroughly been enjoying art lately! I thought I truly lived by the rule of being fearless...but after the last two weeks...I really was not being as fearless as I thought I was! I have approached art so differently these last two weeks and have truly had a blast creating! I have been using lots of Gesso, tracing paper, handmade papers, glitter paint, old credit cards and lots and lots of splatters of course! I have been creating subjects that I would have never thought I would create. I have slowed down. I am no longer in a rush to finish a piece like I have been in the past. The last three years have been a whirlwind for me since I practically sold everything right off the art table which left me scrambling to create, create, create! I am learning now that it is okay to slow down. That it is okay to start a painting and come back to it later due to either drying time in-between coats of paint or glue or just plain old..."I am not sure what I want to add there". I am letting my canvases evolve as I create them instead of just mapping everything out first. One never knows where a painting is going to end up. No one knows the painting's journey before it takes its first step. We all have intentions of course, but it is the excitement of seeing color dripping over another and seeing where the drips actually take you. Rather, where the drips take the painting. It is a whole new look at creating art! I was fearless in the past when it came to outlining my subjects in a rough manner, using bold colors, the way I used a palette knife, drips, drips and more drips...but this time, it feels different. It feels good. Really good. I feel like my style is evolving more and more and I am able to pinpoint what I really like in art in general. A mix. A mix of abstractness or chaos, a portion of it involving something specific (a subject) and art that provides a child-like feeling. Vibrant colors are a must! I am enjoying every minute of the creative process! Can you tell?!?!?

"City of Color" and "City Life"

Both 22x30, acrylic on canvas

"The Pink Panda" and "Hold on to Love"

Both 18x18, acrylic on canvas

"Balloons over the Serengeti"

18x18, acrylic on canvas

"Let's Ride"

16x16, acrylic on canvas

"Let's Play"

16x16, acrylic on canvas

In addition to me approaching art differently, today is the last day of the first week of school! So far, school has been a success. The only difference is that since we moved, our girls have to practically leave the house at the same time as when they had to wake up last year when living in our old house. For starters, our oldest is a patrol this year and that alone means they need to arrive earlier. The second reason is that we live a little bit farther from the school now and traffic has been quite inconsistent! Below is a snapshot of them on the first day of school this year...of course, baby Curran cannot go to school just yet! She was sad to see her sisters off for six and a half hours a day now as she has no one to play with anymore! Just look at the attitude on her face!

Well I am off for now! I created some new bookmark designs last night along with some new magnet designs and I need to get them into our local Co-op today!

Till next time...Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

Jennifer

Fresh off the Art Table!

2011-08-11T10:25:00.000-04:00

"Hold onto Love" (my new favorite!)

18x18 acrylic on canvas

"City of Color"

22x30 acrylic on canvas

"Afternoon Stroll"

18x18 acrylic on canvas

I have definitely been in full swing paint mode lately! Feels GREAT!!!! Yes, the girls go back to school in a little over a week now but I had to get back in paint mode due to low inventory levels...either way, they are letting me get some work done and I am really enjoying the new art that is coming out of the studio! I have at least another 20 paintings to complete over the next month or so...I guess I better get back to work then huh?!?!?

I promise to elaborate more in my posts when I have more time...for now I am keeping them simple and sharing my new creations. I hope you are enjoying them!

Till next time - Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,
JM

YUM!!!

2011-08-05T17:15:00.000-04:00

I was commissioned to do these three cupcake paintings for a customer...and I finished and delivered today! Woohoo!!! For my first attempt at cupcakes...I think they came out pretty good! The pink one looks really yummy! ENJOY!!!

I am working on the most adorable Panda right now...hopefully I will get to share him with you in the next couple of days!

Till next time... Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful!

Live Artfully,
JM

All 10x10, acrylic on canvas

Back in the Studio...FINALLY!

2011-08-04T10:52:00.000-04:00

Whew! We are in our new house now, art camp is over, vacation is over, taking my girls to summer camps is over...time for me to create again! I have had lots of inspiration around me and it is time for me to unleash my creative spirit so that she can SOAR!!! I started a new series of paintings this week in my new home studio and I am super excited about them! Take a peak...

My new home studio space is super bright! PERFECT for creating!

"Meet Calypso"

16x16 Acrylic on Canvas

"In the Deep Blue Sea"

12x24 Acrylic on Canvas

"Carnival at Sea"

14x14 Acrylic on Canvas

Curran...she still loves to paint with mommy!

Summer is almost over! My girls will return to school in just over two weeks and then it will just be Curran and I holding the fort down till chaos returns after school. We hope to get a lot done during the school days...eat, drink, watch Yo Gabba Gabba, create! Should be an easy schedule to keep huh?!?!?

Till next time...Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful!

Live Artfully,

Register for ARTragious Art Camp 2011!

2011-05-03T10:09:00.000-04:00

Wow! I cannot believe it is already May 3rd! May is already flying by! This has been an amazing year so far and I know that there is still so much more excitement to come!

For starters, registration is now open for ARTragious Art Camp 2011! I started and completed ALL 5 projects yesterday and I am quite pleased with what I have selected for the students this year! I have been inspired by so many different artists...Jen Swift, Mindy Lacefield, Rachel Austin and Mae Chevrette that I wanted to give them credit for the ideas we are using in camp this year!

I have lowered the amount of students per session this year to 12, therefore; spaces are limited. For more details and to register, parents can register online via my website at http://www.jennifermccully.com/.

I also wanted to share with you a very special print that I created for my daughter's Safe Start instructor, Denise! Curran completed her 6 week session and is swimming beautifully! Her float is not perfect yet...but I can tell she is on her way to becoming a fish in the water! To celebrate...I created a print for Ms. Denise. I could truly tell that Ms. Denise had found her passion and her purpose in teaching little ones to stay afloat and be safe in the event that they fall in a pool. Denise was truly wonderful to work with and Curran just loved her! The photo in the print is of Ms. Denise working with Curran on her float. I love that Ms. Denise has a smile on her face!

Well - that is all for now! I promise, next post, to include some newer photos of the progress that is being made on our new house! Can you believe that we painted 29 gallons of paint this last Saturday?!?!?! Wild! The new house is looking FANTASTIC! And we will move in just 3 weeks prior to art camp starting! YIKES!

Till next time, Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

Where does the time go???

2011-04-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

Well, here I am again...fighting to stay on top of things! This week I am back to no art and picking out blinds, door knobs and bathroom lights for our new house! Hmm...should I share a photo now??? MAYBE...

But I need to jump into art again. The projects that I have chosen for art camp this year will be released at the end of April - um hellooooo....that is NEXT WEEK! So I guess I better hop on those projects uh??? Of course I want to try everything! But, do need to focus on just 5 fabulous projects instead! I can tell you that watercolors are in this year...and the use of some wire is in the game plan. A canvas is in the mix as well...and some wood! There, does that help?!?!? Probably not! But it helps me a lot! :-) Focusing on what I want to incorporate into the projects helps me determine what I am going to create with the material that I have chosen to work with!

On a side note, there are so many other things I want to do art wise! Oopsy Daisy has picked up two more of designs. I need to find out when those will be released. I am guessing the summer, but not 100% sure! I also have some other projects in the works...I just need to get my to do list prioritized and hop on the tasks that need to be completed in order to achieve my goals.

Mother's Day is around the corner. I will be adding more Mother's Day gifts to my selection at Artistree Co-op and maybe get the opportunity to add some to my Etsy shop as well! There is still time to shop online for Mother's Day gifts...I think! So vague this morning...I know! I am well aware! I think I need another cup of coffee! Oh yes....and prioritize that "to-do" list! My mind is so focused on our new house right now. And there is actually very little that I can do about it. We are having some construction done and right now tile is being laid in every possible square inch of the house and so I am not able to get in there and paint to my heart's content! I've got my paint colors picked out...and am ready to roll (literally), but I need to be patient while they perfect our living space! We still are in need of some drywall, a new kitchen, and the rest of the tile floor completed! All is REALLY exciting! We should be moved in JUST IN TIME for summer to start! And having a pool now with certainly help entertain the kids!

I added a couple of new prints to my Etsy shop! Please stop by my shop when you have the chance and peek around! I did not realize that my print selection has grown drastically!

Till next time, be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,
JM

"shine"

8x8 mixed media art print

available in my Etsy shop!

"fly"

8x8 mixed media art print

available in my Etsy shop

"unleash your soul"

8x10 mixed media art print

available in my Etsy shop

This photo shows my new art/play room...lots to be done!

This photo shows my new kitchen! It is that area

behind the latter. The area where this photo was

taken is the girl's living room.

This photo shows our new dining room...there

will be french doors going out to the art/play room

there where Phil is standing. I am

standing in the living room taking this photo.

Another view of my kitchen - from the girl's living room.

This photo shows our new floor! We chose to do our house in the tile that looks like hardwood floors. We currently have hardwood floors in the house we are in now but since we have a pool at the new house, and saw how wet the floors were getting when the kids swam a couple of times and were going in and out of the house...we decided that tile floors would be the best...and we really liked the wood looking option...so we decided to cover ALL of our floor areas with the same tile in order to have that consistent flow throughout the house!

Zoo crazy!

2011-04-08T13:48:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! YES!!!! It has been forever since I last posted...about 4 weeks!!! Yikes! But I needed the little break! I took a 2 week break from art and started painting some of the rooms in our new house. No...not ready to share any photos just yet. We have been waiting for some upgrades to happen in our new house and it took forever for us to find someone to do the work. And they finally started TODAY! Yippee!!! We closed on our new house the first week of March and it took us this long to get some construction started. Either way, we are so delighted that the process has begun!

Now that March Art Madness is over...I have been able to focus on my family again, on the new house (picking out paint colors and doing some shopping on Etsy), and get some fresh perspectives on creating again! I am working on some pieces now for The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach, FL. I promise to share when I am done!

I went zoo crazy for my March art events and wanted to share those new pieces with you!

"Way up high"

18x18, acrylic on canvas

SOLD

"Stripes"

14x14, acrylic on canvas

Available at Artistree Co-op in Orlando, FL

"Hop"

16x16, acrylic on canvas

Available at The Tugboat and the Bird

Winter Park, FL

"Hoot"

8x16, acrylic on canvas

"Purple Hippo"

14x18, acrylic on canvas

Available at The Tugboat and the Bird in Winter Park, FL

"Pretty in Pink"

16x16, acrylic on canvas

Available at The Tugboat and the Bird in Winter Park, FL

"Peek-a-boo Panda"

14x14, acrylic on canvas

"Think Big"

8x8, acrylic on canvas

SOLD

"Aim High Butterfly"

12x12, acrylic on canvas

Available at The Tugboat and the Bird in Winter Park, FL

"Take Flight Butterfly"

12x12, acrylic on canvas

SOLD

I hope to be posting the details of my upcoming kids ARTragious Art Camp soon! The dates have been set and some moms have already put their kids on the list without knowing all of the details! I better get finished on choosing my art projects then huh?!?!? I hope to have them posted by the end of April!

Well - I must get going! I need to get some down time in...about 30 minutes...before it is time for me to go get my girls from school! I will try not to wait too long in-between my next post!

Till then - Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

Baldwin Park Show this weekend! And, meet baby Poppy!

2011-03-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

Yes! The Baldwin Park Art & Jazz Festival is finally here!

I hope everyone gets a chance to come out and visit me this Saturday!

Meet Poppy Sloan Bowers!!! Isn't she adorable!

I was commissioned to do a piece for her room...and here it is...

"Poppy Garden"

24x36, acrylic on canvas

Poppy's baby stats are in the leaves on two of the flowers.

Here are some adorable mini art plaques that I made for the

Baldwin Park Art & Jazz Festival this weekend! Just something different to make!

This one is my favorite!

They are so whimsical!

Last but never least...here is one of the paintings that will be at my booth

"Wonder & Imagination"

10x20, acrylic on canvas

There are so many canvases that I am leaving off but I cannot possibly post them all at the moment! I have done 25 canvases in the last 2-3 weeks on top of 57 bookmarks, 45 marble magnets, 16 large wood magnets, 10 mini art plaques and 7 graffiti birds! I am pooped!

Well I am awfully sorry to be so short on my post today! I have been swamped preparing for the show and I still have so much more to do! I need to take my kids to nana's house before my company arrives so that I can clean house some! My mom is coming up from Miami to work the show with me and my good friend Melissa Kurtz is coming from Jacksonville with her daughter and is participating in the show this year as well! Look for her booth, Melissa Kurtz Designs. She sells fabulous mosaic, beaded belt buckles!

Till Monday...when I will be able to somewhat relax some... Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

You are beautiful!

2011-03-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

Yes! You are!!!

"you are beautiful"

30x30, acrylic on canvas

This is one of the larger paintings that I will have at the

Baldwin Park Art & Jazz Festival next weekend, the 12th.

"Never say never"

14x14, acrylic on canvas

Ahhh....yes....can you tell that I am the mother of a 9 year old who is in love with Justin Bieber!?!?

And yes, I actually did a Justin Bieber canvas! My 8 year old (Macie) was like...mom...are you serious?

She dislikes anyone that her sister Rylee DOES like! When I was finishing up the canvas yesterday even my 2 year old was like...."is that Justin Bieber?" I was like....oh...so you know who he is too??? Actually, at this point, who hasn't heard of Justin Bieber? I took Rylee to go see his movie and I actually enjoyed it. I enjoyed seeing just how young he really was when he started to display his musical talent. It showed his journey...and my gosh...ALL of his fans! WOW! There are so many little girls in love with this kid! I'm talking...5 and 6 year olds! CRAZY!!!

Anyway - yes...I do guitars all of the time. I have put artists such as Bob Marley, The Beatles,

Tracy Chapmen, Willie Nelson, Led Zeppelin and Nirvana....so why not Justin Bieber? Anyway,

Rylee is dying for this canvas! But I told her no...it is going to The Florida Craftsman in St. Pete! And so that is where I am driving to today! I have to go to the gallery to swap some paintings out for my upcoming events and wanted to bring them a guitar piece...since they are always requesting one. I will be curious to see what they think of this one!

Well, I am off to St. Pete now! Macie is coming with me today! I am letting her miss school for a mini day trip with mommy!

Till next time, Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

Fresh art...

2011-02-25T13:36:00.000-05:00

Needless to say...I have been busy this week! I started and almost completed 14 paintings.

Three of them are 90% done so I chose not show the last three in the above photo.

I am preparing for the Baldwin Park Art & Jazz Festival...March 12th!

I LOVE this phrase!!!

"Sunshine"

10x10, acrylic on canvas

Yes...gratitude! I wonder if they sell it in seed format so that we can plant some!

"Flower of Gratitude"

8x8, acrylic on canvas

A must!
"Love Life"

8x8, acrylic on canvas

Last but never least...little Miss Curran!

She is such a silly goose!

Below is a list of some of my upcoming events. I will repost

as the dates get closer!

Baldwin Parks Art & Jazz Festival

March 12, 2011

10am to 5pm

Location: Baldwin Park, New Broad Street

Orlando, FL

Winter Park Arts Festival

March 19 - 20, 2011

Location: Signing Event at The Tugboat & the Bird

Winter Park, FL

Artistree Co-op's "Spring for Handmade"

March 26, 2011

10am to 5pm

Location: Infusion Tea/Artistree Co-op

Edgewater Drive in College Park

Orlando, FL

Mom's Night Out Mixed Media Workshop

Scheduled for Mid April 2011 time frame.

More Details Coming Soon!

ARTragious Art Camp for Kids

1 week long, 9am to 2pm

Ages 8 - 14 (limited to 12 kids only!)

2 different weeks to choose from! SAME PROJECTS!

June 20th - June 24th, 2011 or

June 27th - July 1st, 2011

ARTragious Art Camp for Younger Kids

Ages 5-7 (Limited to 12 kids only!)

July 13th - 15th, 2011 (3 days instead of one week long)

9am t0 12 noon

DETAILS REGARDING THE ART PROJECTS for

ARTragious Art Camp for 2011 coming soon!

Registration will open at the end of April 2011.

Whew! That is all for now! I hope everyone has had a fantastic week! Involving lots of color of course and some happiness in between!

Till next time, Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,
JM

Love your style!

2011-02-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

"Love your Style"

22x28, acrylic on canvas

The Magic Wand, Winter Garden, FL

Inspirational words adorn all 4 sides of the canvas

Well, our family hairdresser, Aunt Audrey, did some minor remodeling in her shop, The Magic Wand in Winter Garden, FL and so I told her I would help her fill the wall space with something inspirational! And...here it is! I must say, it came out better than I had expected! I don't do people very well and purposely chose a face style that would not feature my weakest areas (the eyes on a face!). I hope this inspires everyone as they sit in the chairs at the shop and "get all made up"!

It has been a while since I did a batch of graffiti birds! I just love them!

I made a batch for Artistree's Valentine's event.

These mini 5x5 art blocks are perfect for displaying on a desk, in a kitchen or bathroom.

I had three extra 5x5 wood frames in my studio closet and needed to get rid of them. So I modified

some of my new Mixed Media/Illustration prints to fit within the dimensions of this mini layout and then had

them printed on canvas and I wrapped them myself around the wood. I only did three of them so I guess that makes them somewhat "limited edition".

They are at Artistree right now...on the shelves...looking for a home to bring joy and color to!

Take time to warm the soul bookmark
Now available in my Etsy shop!

I hope that everyone has had a creative and artful week so far! It is now Thursday and February appears to be flying by just as fast as January did! I have 3 art events coming up in the month of March....so I will be very, very busy creating...starting now!

I have got to get going now though! Going to get my hair done this morning and dropping off Aunt Audrey's new painting! I hope she loves it!

Till next time, Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

That's my motto!

2011-02-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

"happiness and sunshine"
8x10, Mixed Media/Illustration Print

Now available in my Etsy shop!

For a long time now...most of my life actually, I have been a really happy person! And I love the feeling! I find myself being drawn to other happy people as well. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone brought a little bit of happiness and sunshine no matter they went??? There would be sunshine all of the time!

Till next post...Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

simply stated...

2011-02-08T12:29:00.000-05:00

"all the world needs"

5x7 Mixed Media/Illustration Print

Now available in my Etsy Shop!

Spread the word, share the joy and embrace the hope that is all around us! This print makes a great gift for practically anyone!

Enjoy!

Live Artfully,

Fresh Art...

2011-02-07T10:47:00.000-05:00

"bloom"

15x30, acrylic on canvas

"share your magic"

6x9, acrylic on canvas

"ro bot"

9x12, acrylic on canvas

"roar!"

11x14, acrylic on canvas

"field of dreams"

8x16, acrylic on canvas

"dreamer"

8x16, acrylic on canvas

"love hoo you are"

8x8, acrylic on canvas

"chase your dreams"

8x8, acrylic on canvas

"built on..."

9x12, acrylic on canvas

"pair of owls"

10x30, acrylic on canvas

"share your magic"

6x6, acrylic on canvas

"take time..."

4x12, acrylic on canvas

"soul searcher"

10x10, acrylic on canvas

"all you need is love"

18x18, acrylic on canvas

yes...this is another "all you need is love". A very nice man came into

Artistree Co-op last Friday and bought the other one I made for the love wall for a

Valentine's Day present for his daughter! Super sweet huh?!?!

Needless to say, I needed to make a replacement for the wall...and here it is!

Happy Monday!

I am trying to post more often...but since I have been able to only squeeze in about one post a week...I thought I would just get it over with and share with you all of the art that has come off the art table in the last 2 weeks. I have been a busy bee over here trying to catch up with all of those I owed some new inventory. I am sure there is at least 3-4 canvases missing from the collection of photos...I still have so many ideas stuck in my head right now and at least 5 more canvases to go in order to get caught up! Whew!!!! And last...we are going to be moving soon! Yes...we finally found a house! We had been looking for approximately a year now...and our time finally came! I promise to fill you in with more details as our closing gets closer!

Well, enjoy browsing my "fresh art"! I hope everyone has an artful week!

Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

What's Up?

2011-01-31T14:15:00.001-05:00

"What's Up"

10x20, acrylic on canvas

The Tugboat & the Bird

Winter Park, FL

Greetings everyone! It's a new day! A new week and I've got lots to accomplish! I hope to make my "every once in a while" trip to St. Pete on Friday to pick up a piece that sold at The Florida Craftman as well as deliver some fresh art at the same time! Needless to say, I do have a lot of work to get done before now and Thursday at midnight! It is going to be an extremely colorful week....just the way I like it!

"All you need is love"

15x30, acrylic on canvas

SOLD

This morning, I finished up a piece for the "Love Wall" that is going to be hung tomorrow at Artistree Co-op here in College Park. The theme at the Co-op for Valentine's Day is "All you need is Love", so I decided to focus on the song sung by The Beatles...and included the lyrics, photos of John Lennon and the rest of the crew as well as bits and pieces that I found of the words used on various public places throughout the world. Needless to say, there is a ton of meaning behind those 5 little (or not so little) words! Not to mention, I had never done a guitar before...laying on its side.

Well - I must get back to creating now. Little Curran is not feeling so good either...her little nose is running...

Till next time...Be calm. Be strong. Be Grateful.

Live Artfully,

Oopsy Daisy!

2011-01-25T17:12:00.001-05:00

Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids Showroom

Atlanta Market, January 2011

They have such a fabulous collection of art...don't they!?!?

The photo above displays two of my pieces in their showroom...

my elephant and my gorilla

Hi everyone! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week! Being productive, being creative, getting organized...and squeezing in some of your favorite things as well! I am having a super productive week so far. (so far...those are the key words!) I slacked a little on my postings these last two weeks...out of the clear blue sky, I passed a kidney stone on my left side two weeks ago today and still have another one in my right kidney. Needless to say, I was completely caught off guard and felt like my energy, motivation and creativity had been zapped from me for at least a week due to the whole ordeal... But I am back, moving forward again...creating...as well as feeling like a soccer goalie in the afternoons dodging homework questions, snack requests and trying to figure out what to make for dinner! Oh...and keeping baby Curran OUT OF TROUBLE is becoming more and more challenging everyday (see below!). But I wanted to get in a post today (even though it is late in the day) to share some REALLY WONDERFUL news with everyone! I have been wanting to spread the word since the end of the summer...but chose to wait until the "big debut" at Market in Atlanta...which was just over a week and a half ago! Oopsy Daisy Fine Art for Kids has chosen to license three of my pieces as part of their 2011 collection! They chose my Elephant, Giraffe and Gorilla! I have included photos of the Oopsy Daisy showroom as well as two of my pieces on display in the showroom! I am super excited about this opportunity because I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful selection of artists! I admire and am inspired greatly by so many of them! I feel so lucky!!!

I know that I have shared photos of my art table with you before...but I was not sure if you knew that I worked on several pieces at a time. I usually work on 5-8 pieces at a time. I was able to dive into a whole new batch (8) just yesterday and it felt wonderful! I will be able to share those with you on Friday! The canvases above were completed last week and they are now on display up at Artistree Co-op here in Orlando! I will post some of the finished pieces tomorrow.

Chase your Dreams...fresh off the art table today!

I had been dreaming of a kite and this phrase for such a long time!

It feels great to finally see what I myself was chasing!

Ahhh...my 2 year-old...Curran...she LOVES to

get into lipstick! Lipstick!?!? Heck, she gets into ANYTHING

she can find! I could not resist posting this photo of her!

That is all for today. Tomorrow is a new day...bringing new hope, creativity, new opportunities and lots of color (hopefully!). Till then, stay calm. Stay strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,

2011-01-11T14:09:00.000-05:00

This is usually what my art table looks like when I am in the middle of about 50 million things! I know this is only a small section of it...but I thought you would like to see how the fabric items I make look before I sprinkle a little bit of my magic on them! Above I have all of my painted fabric pieces laid out to dry...before they are then matched with coordinating store bought fabric, sewn, washed, dried and then written on.

Above is a basket of goodies I dropped off at

Artistree Co-op here in Orlando last Friday!

Almost all of my fabric creations start with a phrase on the front...

and then a single word (sometimes more than one word)

written on the back complete the message I am trying to spread.

I must say...I am enjoying the variety of options that I have to choose from when it comes to mixed media creations. I think what I am enjoying the most is the fact that I am able to actually use my sewing machine! Although my fabric creations are not the source of my art purpose, I did make quite a bit of one-of-a-kinds for Christmas this year for family and friends. I have had my Kenmore since my late teens and am just now feeling confident in using it. However, I did make Rylee a wizard gown over the weekend...she was driving me nuts to make her one from a book that she had. And I used one of her nightgowns as a "base" for the pattern and boy was I WAY off! It took me three tries to get the pattern the right size to fit her! Needless to say, I was able to sew SOMETHING together for her...but the sleeves look at little weird! She likes to flex her arms in it and she looks like she has huge muscles in the upper arm area! Ha ha... So I over estimated in the shoulder area and did some funky sew job under the arm area...like her arms are coming out below her armpits! Are you imagining this?!?!? Anyway, what do you expect for my first wizard gown??? I mean...come on?!?!? No seriously...I do not think I am going to attempt anymore clothes or gowns...she wants pointed wizard shoes next....oh boy!

How is everyone doing on the decluttering so far? I am still getting small tasks completed day by day...mainly for art/work. But I do need to tackle my closet before the end of the week! I'll let you know how that goes! My husband decided to make our armoire his closet about two weekends ago...so now I have the entire closet. Keep in mind, we live in a small, older home so our closets are not that large anyway. But I do need my make-up and stuff in there now too...so I need to reconfigure some...and yes...go through my clothes...AGAIN and see what I need to get rid of! Wish me luck!

I am off to get my girls from school now! I hope everyone is having a COLORFUL week so far...with some organizing in the mix too! I will leave you today with the following:

Be calm. Be strong. Be grateful.

Live Artfully,
JM

The First Step...

2011-01-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

I have been reading several books lately regarding how to simplify my life. Several of the books I am reading are by the same author, Elaine St. James. I am reading her books titled: "Simplify Your Life", "Inner Simplicity" and last, "How to Simplify Your Life with Kids".

In her book, "Simplify Your Life", the first step is to declutter your life. I am doing this task right now in my household. A new year means new stuff too....Christmas presents/toys that my girls got, new clothes, new pots or pans, etc. So...out with the old and in with the new! I can't keep it all right!?!? The good thing is that I am not a pack rat. And neither is my husband, so we both happily throw stuff away. And trust me...it can be such a wonderful feeling! Have you tried it??? If not, please do! It can alleviate stress and help keep your household easier to manage on a daily basis. So don't be afraid to go through those closets, those drawers, those cabinets, bookshelves, etc. and get rid of the clothes, books, glasses, sets of sheets, you name it...that you have not used in years! You know we all have our favorite items we like to use....so JUST use those!!! Why keep all of that extra stuff???

Have fun decluttering!

Live Artfully,
JM

A Fresh Start...

2011-01-03T11:37:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Just like a fresh cup of coffee in the morning...a fresh start is what almost everyone is hopeful for in 2011. A chance to improve, a chance to be more creative, a chance to expand our horizons with all this new year has to offer. Time to get rid of the old....and in with the new! And of course, this does not have to be new "stuff" - but new attitudes, new adventures, new ways of thinking, new ways of sharing, new ways of giving, new ways of being kind and last but never least, new ways to simplify.

Besides trying to expand my line of mixed media creations in 2011, one of my main goals is to learn how to simplify more. Learn how to not live such a chaotic lifestyle 24/7. Since my four girls already provide the chaos for me...as well as my own artistic personality, it is important that I focus on making the rest of our lifestyle as simple as possible. "Keep it simple". Three simple words that are not easy to break down when applying them. I hope to inspire all of those around me and afar to simplify their life this year. Relax more. Be better organized. Give more. Love more. Do more...in general. I wish to do more outside...I live in Florida and now is the PERFECT time of year to be outside...in the summer months...I am so wishing we lived in Colorado! But...I guess I will have to find a way to hop, skip and jump over those dreadful, hot summer months with more of an upbeat stride this year...making the best of the climate that I live in.

We are now 3 days into the new year...three of my girls are back to school and the other is lying under my feet while I type. I am setting goals today. Writing them down. Figuring out what my steps are in order to head in the direction of accomplishing them. I am going to look at them as being "simple" goals. As long as I break up the steps regarding how to achieve them, and complete each step successfully, then I should do alright! That is the plan anyway!

Regardless, looking at life as a "fresh start" everyday should be helpful. As stated, just like a fresh cup of coffee in the morning, we have the ability to start fresh everyday - literally. We have the power to do whatever we put our minds to. To complete what we wish to complete, little by little each day. And as we do, we will feel much more connected. Much more in tune with our passion, our purpose and find our self along the way.

I only hope the best for everyone this year. But remember, goals do not have to be complicated....a little bit of love, kindness and gratitude goes a long way and can make accomplishing our goals and desires even easier.

Task for the day: Simply think about what YOU want. And if you are certain, then write it down and keep it in front of you where you can see it everyday.

Live Artfully,

2010-12-02T08:50:00.000-05:00

"Sail Forward"
16x20, acrylic on canvas

Available at Artistree Co-op (Orlando, FL)

Well, yes...it has been a while since my last post. I know...I know. I do not have any new excuses to give everyone but the same old, same old. Chaos, family life, paint all over my hands...do any of those work???

Above is a piece that I created for the back wall of Artistree (for the month of December). The theme was "joy"...and immediately, exactly what I created is exactly what had popped into my head when I heard the theme...I love it when canvases work out that way! For some reason I had been wanting to do a sail boat for a long time...and now...here it is! I love the phrase too! Words to live by...

With joy in your heart and passion in your soul

Sail towards a life filled with

Gratitude, love and kindness

Regardless, it is always fun to post and share although it is far in-between. I am going to try and challenge myself in 2011 and post once a day...but add a little something to each post so that everyone can learn something new everyday. My focus/theme is going to be: "Keep it Simple". I am at a time in my life right now where I am truly trying to simplify how I do things while being a wife, a mom to four girls and creator of many things. My goal is simple although the journey getting there might not necessarily be. As I learn how to simplify, I will share ideas, suggestions, etc. with everyone along the way. So I hope that everyone is excited about learning a little more about the "simple" life as I am! I guess the queen of chaos is a little tired of being so chaotic! Just a little...

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be thankful for...big and small blessings are all around us on a daily basis. I for one am very thankful for that first sip of coffee in the morning! It is like heaven to me!

I need to get back to "life" now. Back to chasing Curran around the house, dirty dishes, crumbs on the floor and being creative!

Have a wonderfully, artful day!

Colorful Chaos...

2010-09-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

"find your happy place"

10 x10 acrylic on canvas

Ahh...my new favorite! I am in love with the phrase!

"life's purpose..."

12 x 16 acrylic on canvas

"unleash your soul"

12 x 12 acrylic on canvas

"love hoo you are"

18 x 24 acrylic on canvas

"flourish"

22 x 30 acrylic on canvas

My new bird bookmarks are now

available in my Etsy shop!

Yes...I have not posted in a while! I have been busy painting, doing a little bit of sewing as well as keeping up with my graphic design clients! Oh...and 4 kids and homework! Whew!!!! That was a mouthful!

Anyway - I wanted to share my latest creations with you!

I hope everyone is having a colorful week!

Live Artfully,

Mom's Night Out Mixed Media Workshop

2010-09-20T09:50:00.000-04:00

My next Mom's Night Out Mixed Media Workshop is just around the corner! It is set for Saturday, October 9th at 5pm! One of the other moms helped me decide which project to focus on for this workshop and so a whimsical Christmas sign it is! Of course one does not have to do the same exact sign...but the use of paper, Mod Podge, acrylic paints, gel pens, watercolor crayons, wood, wire and ribbons is a must! One can create an angel, Santa, a snowman, just a tree, you name it! I will have lots of on-the-spot creativity to offer!

The workshop is $40 per person and ALL SUPPLIES are included! (Please click on the above image for more details!). The deadline to register is Friday, October 1st so register soon!

You can register via my website at http://www.jennifermccully.com/ and then go to the events page.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Live Artfully,

Love HOO you are...

2010-09-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

18x18

"love hoo you are"

This canvas was created for a little girl named Sophie!

You can see that her baby stats are written within the leaves on the flower.

Enjoy Sophie!!! I hope you LOVE IT!

Well...meet my newest product! Lucy!

Back of Lucy...

The pocket on the back was left unsewn at the top so that it COULD

double as a tooth fairy pillow! (just an extra perk!)

Macie named her Lucy...and she belongs to Macie now so she can call her whatever she wants!

I will be creating a collection of these little owl pillows in all different colors (and sizes) and they will be available in my Etsy shop...and maybe Artistree Co-op. I will let everyone know once they are available. You can see that I am getting a chance to mix some of my mixed media techniques/style with fabric!!! Needless to say, I am really having fun!

Living in creative bliss,

Sew Cute!!!

2010-09-07T11:24:00.000-04:00

Over sized Owl Pillow, approx. 24 in. high

Back of Owl Pillow...

I MUST have a sewing bug! I made this over sized owl pillow over the weekend...my first pillow EVER and I think it came out adorable! I actually made it for one of my daughter's friends who has a birthday this week! Of course now that my girls saw this pillow they are determined to have one of their own! All I can say is...Christmas is coming up!

I am working on a new canvas today...incorporating an owl and an over sized flower...I promise to share when it is done! I am working on some mini sewing projects in between drying time on the canvas too! Only if they turn out well will I actually share those with you too! :-)

I hope everyone is having an artful week so far!

Creative Bliss...

2010-09-03T11:22:00.002-04:00

"Unleash your Soul" 16x16

SOLD

This is one of my new favorites! I still cannot get enough color.

I feel like I have so much creativity, color and passion locked up inside

me that I am having a hard time getting it out...

or, I am not getting it out fast enough!

"Lulu" 16x16

Available at Artistree Co-op in College Park

I FINALLY finished my Giraffe! I started it at

my art camp this year!

Shown are some of the books that I have read recently or

am in the middle of reading! I am really enjoying them!

Curran...on her way to her buddy Bradley's birthday party last month!

She is such a whimsical diva...

My girls are wearing the FSU tees that I made

out of FSU fabric!

This is a pillowcase that I recently made for a dear friend's

sons birthday.

I made this for "the queen", that is what I call my fabulous mother-in-law! I did not think she would

be crazy about wearing an tee with a fabric design on it so I was lucky enough to find this

super soft tee nightgown at Target and added my own magic! I think I might have to go get myself one!

Last but never least, I created this for Phil's Aunt Janet.

The leaves have her family member's initials on them and the house

number is her and her husband's anniversary.

Hello all! Wow! This is like the least amount of time in-between posts for me! I dunno know...does anyone care??? I sometimes stress about what the heck I am suppose to do or say on my blog but I decided this week that I should not be stressing...I just need to write what is on my mind. What I am feeling...what I am creating, etc. That can't be that hard can it?!?!?

I dove into creating again this week. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. I created a new casserole this week using chicken and broccoli. Let's just say my kids were soooo not into it! At least Phil and I liked it! Needless to say, I won't be making THAT again!

I have also been into reading a lot lately! I read so much in high school and before kids but now...finding a book that is as chaotic as my life is kinda hard. I end up reading the first one or two chapters and dropping it. But lately, certain titles and recommendations have peaked my interest so I decided to pick up a book again. And, well, I am in the middle of reading 4 right now! Imagine that! I also realized the TYPE of books I like to read...hmmm....I guess it should not take 37 years to figure this out but in my case I truly learn something everyday. I am inspired everyday by all sorts of odds and end things.

I have also started to sew more lately. Now, get this....I am NOT a sewer! My mother is the one that sews...but she bought me a sewing machine in high school or right after high school (I can't remember) and I managed to squeeze only ONE sewing class in about 2 years ago and that was that! But, I wanted to make something special for my girls this past Valentine's Day...and so I set out to make them each a pillowcase with fabric sewn on it in various shapes...shapes like a guitar, an owl, some hearts and a flower. They came out awesome!!! Better than I had expected! So, that was Valentine's Day and since then, I have gotten my sewing machine back out numerous times since then to create more fabric oriented art! Who knew my sewing machine would finally have some kind of life after all of these years???

Anyway - enjoy the photos of some of my latest creative projects as well as the one photo of my daughter Lily wearing a not so good smile on her face! Macie made her mad of course and she just could not get over it for the photo!

Off for now! Happy Friday! Happy Creating! Happy WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING!

JM

One Cute Bebe

2010-08-26T17:11:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I have some very exciting news to share! I have not posted for a while....sad to say I have not even had the chance to play in paint for a while either...but there is a good reason! For the last 5-6 weeks I have been soaking in a colorful pool of monkeys, frogs, hearts, skulls (yes...skulls!), owls, an astronaut, a tree with vibrant flowers flowing from its branches as well as...let's see, what else am I forgetting... Oh paint drippings, peace signs, a dog, some monsters...and a crown! There! That does it! You must think I have been living in a fairytale book! Well, sort of....please tell me....do the activities below take place in fairytales?

1. Coffee is a MUST!
2. I caught my almost two year old girl standing IN in the toilet one day.
3. My other 3 girls play wii nonstop and have been watching Annie and Pippi Longstocking...let's sing together now...."the sun will come out...tomorrow..."
4. Laundry, laundry, laundry
5. Being the go to girl for "mom, I'll still hungry" for the 100th time!
6. Frantically preparing dinner - like 20 minutes before my husband is due home from work!
7. "Mom, Curran spilled her cereal AGAIN!"
8. "Mom, Macie won't leave me alone!"
9. Do I need to keep going?!?!?

Okay, enough, although I did NOT actually create a fairytale, I AM co-founder of a fun and clever line of wearables for babies and toddlers! One Cute Bebe! I teamed up with one fabulous woman named Cherie and together we created a fun, clever, one-of-a-kind collection of designs that will allow your babies and toddlers to truly express themselves! Cherie controls the manufacturing while I concentrate on the designs. After working together on various projects over the past 3-4 years, Cherie decided to contact me and invite me on an adventure that will take us to places we have never been before.

I truly hope that our adventure is a non-stop one! Please take the time to browse our website of wearables (http://www.onecutebebe.com/), spread the word and send us messages of hope...and lots of luck!

And don't worry....I am still doing mixed media art of course! Are you kidding?!?! Once an artist, always an artist...my creative spirit has never left my side. In fact, I feel more creative than ever! I will be digging back into my paints tomorrow as a matter of fact! I am truly looking forward to it!

Live Artfully,
JM

ARTragious Art Camp 2010!

2010-07-07T14:50:00.003-04:00

Okay...okay! I know that I have slacked on writing...but I have been so darn busy! That is always the excuse I use and seriously....that IS my excuse!!!

Art Camp was a success and loads of fun! I had a lot of repeat students as well as some fresh faces! And of course CHAOS! That's okay though right?!?!? Art camp just would not be the same without chaos! In the end though...I was very proud of what came out of the studio! Everyone did a super job creating!

Anyway - I wanted to share some of the fabulous art that was created this year by some of my students. I deeply apologize that I do not have more photos to share! I was too busy working with everyone and taking photos was not really on my mind! I missed a ton by not taking any photos of the textile art creations...please, if anyone has some photos of the textile art creations please send them to me!

Created by Julia, Isabella, Sasha and Lauren

Created by Logan

Created by Jasmine

Created by Jon and Katie

Created by Macie

Created by Olivia

Created by Madison

Created by Addie

Created by Julia

Created by Lauren

Created by Morgan

Created by Brooke

Created by Jasmine

Mirror created by Jon

Mirror created by Felicia

Mirrors created by Isabella, Jasmine, Christina, Jon, Cami, Erin and Desiree

There was many more wonderful works of art created...I just failed to get more photos than I should have! I hope to have the moms email me some so that I can add them for your viewing pleasure!

Thanks again for all of those that participated and helped out! I am already looking forward to next year! Can't wait to see what kind of colors we will produce next summer!

Live Artfully,

Artful Birds...

2010-06-02T15:47:00.001-04:00

Mixed Media Birds

I am still preparing for my upcoming artist signing at The Canny Rooster in Greenville, SC next Thursday, June 10th! I have been a busy little bee here in the studio... I had been looking for some eclectic pieces to paint and bring with me. I found these little white ceramic birds that I just thought were the cutest thing...I added a splash of color, some hearts, some words of inspiration and viola! I think they came out adorable! I only got two birds to paint...I think I might have to go buy some more!

Hope everyone is living as artful as I am these days!

xoxo,

2010-05-14T08:28:00.000-04:00

18x18, "Lucille" acrylic on canvas

Okay...this is my new favorite! I am just so pleased with the way my very first elephant turned out! I created this canvas for my mother and stepfather's wedding anniversary which was in April. My grandmother LOVED elephants and collected many statues/figurines of them in various sizes that were always on display when I was growing up. I used to love to look at them all! The collection was passed down to my mother...who loves elephants as well. She also loves anything African themed...so I thought that I would add my own colorful spin on a look that I typically see in shades of brown, black and gold. I think I accomplished what I set out to accomplish! I also tried a new product...Liquitex Pouring Medium...I used it on top of the flowers...I was hoping for a thinner look to them but hey...it was my first time messing with the product!

xoxo

Teacher Appreciation Week...

2010-05-05T14:31:00.000-04:00

9x12 "A Teacher Ignites" - Acrylics on Canvas

The above canvas...a mixture of knowledge, wonder, curiosity...along with bits of nature, math, letters, etc. was created for all those fabulous teachers out there!!! I created it especially for one of my daughter's teachers, Ms. Matthews, a 1st grade teacher...and for having the honor of being chosen for Teacher of the Year 2010! You go girl!!! I hope that she loves the canvas as much as I do!!! I hated to see it leave the studio! This one is one of my favorites!

xoxo,

Artful Mess...

2010-04-28T19:22:00.001-04:00

18x18 "believe" - acrylic on canvas

8x24 "bloom" - acrylic on canvas

I have to admit...I am addicted to color! Lately, I just cannot get enough of it! I am busy creating for an artist debut that I have coming up in June for a store in Greenville, SC called "The Canny Rooster"! Needless to say, my goal is to plaster colorful, happy vibes all over their walls! I am also addicted to the thought of simplifying. Although that is far from what my lifestyle is with my four girls! I am truly the Queen of Chaos when it comes to managing my time and their schedule! In the end, I feel that "single words" can act as powerful daily inspirations. There is something child-like about them... Dreamy too...

Oh...above is my littlest one...Curran! Guess what she did...although I was not surprised! She pulled one of the paper plates full of paint off the art table and started creating her own art! Well, she is starting young I guess!

Live Artfully,

Celebrate Motherhood - Mother/Child Mixed Media Workshop

2010-04-21T18:50:00.000-04:00

Well...I am finally ready to open registration for my upcoming mother/child mixed media workshop set for Saturday, May 8th! I thought it would be fun for a mother and child to work on a piece of art TOGETHER! So...I created a very specific project in mind just for this purpose...and...it celebrates being a mom as well! I welcome mother and child combinations of all ages! And, no art experience required! I will have step by step instructions in place so that everyone can take home a fabulous 8 x 16 canvas that THEY created! All supplies are included in the cost of the workshop! Below is the project we will be working on and completing! I hope to see everyone there! You can register online!

Lake Eola Spring Festival in the Park...it's show time!

2010-04-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

Hello all! It is the eve of the Lake Eola Show and I am doing fairly well! I THINK I have everything under control anyway! The details are above!!! I hope to see everyone there!

Thank you again to members of my mom squad that are helping me work the show...Cynthia and Brenda! Thank you ladies! We are going to rock!

Wish me luck!
Have an artful weekend!
I will post photos after the show!

JM

Woohoo for creatives of all types everywhere!

2010-04-07T12:58:00.001-04:00

4x12 canvas - "The World is my Canvas"

In the midst of creating madly for the Lake Eola Show in Orlando this weekend...I wanted to take a moment to share a canvas that I created this week! The world is a canvas to so many of us...whether we are creative painters, drawers, sewers, pottery enthusiasts, friends, parents, teachers, mentors, etc. - The world is ours and our imaginations are endless!

Have an artful day!
JM

Mini Mixed Media Pendants...

2010-03-17T08:57:00.001-04:00

I forgot to share a photo of my new little Mixed Media Pendants! What can I say...I got bored! I used to just place some of my digital artwork from my 100% graphic design days onto these pendants...but then thought...why don't I just be artful right on them! So I tried it and I really had a lot of fun with them! Of course this is just a sample of what some of them look like. I have about 5 or 6 other phrases that I used as well! I will be adding them to my Etsy shop sometime this week. I say sometime because baby Curran (my 18 month old girl that stays home with me all day) does not really care for mommy sitting at her desk AT ALL! She does not mind me painting and dabbling at the art table...but HATES it when I sit at my desk! Hmmm...what is she trying to tell me...

JM

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

2010-03-17T08:35:00.006-04:00

Hola to all! Hope everyone has been living a fabulously, artful life like I have been for the past month! I kinda fell of the face of blog earth for a while...with good reason of course! I had two shows at the end of the year and been busy catching up and producing new pieces for after Christmas sales. Then of course that turned into getting ready for the Baldwin Park Arts Festival that took place this past weekend! Below are photos of my artful display! I got to meet so many great people!

Now it's time for me to get ready for the Lake Eola Show that is coming up April 10th and 11th in downtown Orlando! Yippee!!! My mom will be coming up from Miami to help me...and I love that and can't wait to "work" with her! I also have another mixed media night in the works set for Saturday, May 8th! This time, the class is for a mother/daughter class (although for those of you that have boys only, BOYS ARE WELCOME!). More details to come regarding this event! You can always check out my website for updates! www.jennifermccully.com

Well - I must run off now...back to work...back to making one big artful mess!

Live Artfully,
JM

Mixed Media Night...the power of paper!

2009-11-10T08:49:00.004-05:00

This Friday (yep...Friday the 13th! - YIKES!) is my next Mixed Media Art Night workshop - The Power of Paper. It is going to be a blast! I am really looking forward to sharing all of the neat ways that paper can really make a difference when creating art! But of course, as usual, I have so much to do...and little time to get it done!

It was so much fun last time looking at all of the color variations that others came up with! I loved it!

Creating forward...

2009-11-10T08:17:00.011-05:00

Well hello everyone...it has been WAY too long since my last post...I know...but I have been super duper busy and have still not quite gotten on the blog bandwagon yet! Each time I think the train is going to stop, my little one Curran is crawling up into my office chair, the dining room table...or I am just plain busy creating!

I am happy to announce that the Lake Eola Show is finally over! This is the one show that I had planned on being a part of that I knew would take up the most amount of my time...and it paid off! I won my very first award as an artist (I have been focusing on mixed media art now for a little over a year). I took 3rd place in the Lake Eola Show in Orlando this past weekend in the fine art category...I know...I create mixed media art, but hey...that was the closest category to choose from!

I have posted some photos of my booth as well as one of my current "favorites"! (see below!)

My mom was kind enough to fly up from Miami to help me with the show! She was awesome!!! Doing typical mother things of course and helping me with everything! Thanks mom!!!

Can you imagine the world if we all had just a little more patience and kindness to spread around...

Day 5 of ARTragious Art Camp

2009-07-06T04:10:00.005-04:00

Well - Friday was the last day of art camp! I think it was a huge success! The last day could have been a more productive day...but, hey...it was the first time we at the studio experienced "last day of art camp"! (of course the lights for the bottle lights that we had created on Wednesay were due to arrive on Friday and did not show up at my doorstep until 5:30pm - waaaaaay after art camp was OVER!!!) For those of you artists that are still missing your bottle lights...I will get them to you as soon as I return from Chicago, on Friday! (Sorry!!!)

We or shall I say "I" focused on creating jewelry items for the girls using the scrabble chips and mini domino designs that I create. They had a ball picking them out and pairing their selections with beads! We also finished up on the inspirational signs that we had started on Tuesday! I just fell in love with all of them! The girls did awesome putting them together! You can take a peek at some of them below...

Well - it is sad that art camp is over! But I do look forward to another one! I will keep everyone posted as to when the next camp will be!

And thank you to ALL of the girls that attended camp this past week! Everyone was wonderful...everyone had their own unique and creative style - it was fun to watch them explore and create the projects that I had selected for them! I will surely miss them all because I too made some new friends! :-)

xoxo,
Jennifer

Day 4 of ARTragious Art Camp...Mixed Media Day!

2009-07-02T17:40:00.010-04:00

Well...I have to say...I am just thrilled with what came out of the studio today! All of our little artists did a fabulous job with their mixed media creations! Our theme was "Once upon a time..." and it truly was since now our artists can say..."Once upon a time we had no idea how to create a mixed media piece..." and now they can!!! Our day ran over today...and I am truly blessed that the parents did not kill me when it was time to pick up their child and found out they were too busy creating to actually leave art camp! But...with a few extra moms in house at the very end to help alleviate some of the chaos in getting their creations completed...sides painted, front signed and all varnished...we were able to make it!

So...with that said, please take a look at the mixed media masterpieces our little artists created today! I can not tell you how very proud I am of each and every one of them!

xoxo
Jennifer

Day 3 - ARTragious Art Camp!

2009-07-01T22:16:00.007-04:00

The art project that we had scheduled today was a little challenging! Vibrant bottle lights was our goal! The little artists just needed to trust me when I said "nope...keep adding to it"! When they did, more color popped and their bottle designs started to take shape! Overall, all of our artists did a super duper job today! I am very proud of all of them! Take a peek at what came out of the studio today!

Don't they look fabulous once they are all lit up?!?!

Oh what a garden variety makes!

Tomorrow is mixed media day...my specialty! I can't wait to see how the kids do!

xoxo
Jennifer

Day 2 of ARTragious Art Camp

2009-06-30T16:40:00.006-04:00

Today was Day 2 of our fabulous ARTragious Art Camp and we set out to create wooden shapes collages! Our little artists did a fabulous job at being creative despite the nasty weather that we had all day! Take a peek below for some of the creations that came out of the studio today...aren't they adorable?!?!?

ARTragious Art Camp Day 1!

2009-06-30T16:34:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was Day 1 of my studio's ARTragious Art Camp! We kicked off our art camp with 18 artists in the making! We studied Japanese culture, kimonos and some interesting and fun facts about Japan! Our project was to create a kimono on paper. Our little artists also wrote their name in Japanese on their kimono. Below is a glance of some of the kimonos that were created! So far...our mini ALL GIRL art camp has definitely displayed some major girl power!

Honoring Leah...

2009-06-16T13:03:00.005-04:00

I want to share with you a truly unique piece of art that I had the privilege to create for a very bright person. I was commissioned to create a canvas for a local musician...a singer and songwriter in the Orlando area named Leah. The canvas was due to be her present for her high school graduation. Her mother was kind enough to assist me in getting photos of Leah herself, of her guitar, as well as some copies of important pages in her song writing journal. From there...I set out to create a monument of her, offering an explosion of color and "guess what this is" around every inch of the canvas. Of course it does help that Leah is a beautiful girl and the photo provided was just breathtaking.

Needless to say, Leah absolutely loved her canvas...as well as her family and friends. It is such a great way to honor her, and attempt to symbolize what Leah is all about.

It is refreshing to create such canvases as Leah's. I get to learn about the fire and passion in others...and create a truly personal and unique work of art that even though is many layers...these pieces display the multiple layers of those that the canvas is about and beyond...leaving so much left to our imaginations.

xoxo
Jennifer

Getting Organized...

2009-06-15T10:32:00.010-04:00

Well...let's see...it has been a little over 3 weeks since my last posting! Sorry!!! In an effort to make myself a more organized artist...I have decided to vote one hour every morning to A. my blog and B. getting my act together in keeping up with my Etsy shop! A task that has yet been accomplished! I have been so busy creating originals I have not had the opportunity to offer everyone else the remains (i.e. prints, magnets, art cards, etc.) I hope that my one hour a day turns into a habit that I hope turns into a successful adventure as well! :-) So, lets count this as Day 1 of a GREAT habit!

Second, I FINALLY found the one item I have been in search of for the art table that I share with my 4 girls! I was seeking an organizer for our table that would hold different kinds of paper (mainly for my girls to create on) as well as a place to house odds and end items such as tape, a stapler, some stamping stuff, etc. Although I have chosen not to share what MY art supplies cart looks like...it does sit on the side of our art table...and it is rather messy at the moment! Scraps of paper are flying out everywhere with scissors and watercolor pencils poking out here any there! But, I did want to share my find with you! And of course, I just HAD to add my personal touch to it! Of all places, I found this item for $10 at Big Lots! I was so thrilled! I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it! Take a look and let me know what you think!

xoxo
Jennifer

Art Hop is tonight!

2009-05-21T10:03:00.002-04:00

Well...I am in Colorado! Wow! It is beautiful out here and the little town of Monument is such a sweet little town! The town's Art Hop is tonight! I am really looking forward to it...a little nervous as well...but I know it will be great! The store that brought me here, The Love Shop is such a neat place as well! I love just about everything in it! I have lots of photos to share so far but will need to wait until I return to Orlando!

Wish me luck tonight!

xoxo
Jennifer

First time in the real world...

2009-05-18T21:59:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Sorry it has been so long since my last posting!!! I celebrated my birthday last Friday (5/15) and have been trying to get my act together and get back into create mode! I have my very first "meet and greet" Art event this Thursday night in Monument, Colorado! I will be the featured artist at an adorable store called "The Love Shop" in Monument, CO. I am a little nervous since I will have to go out there and actually mix and mingle with adults rather than my own kids (an 8 month old, a preschooler, a kindergartner and a second grader!) Wish me luck!!! Besides my art, I hope I have more to talk about than Dora and Scooby Doo!

I will certainly try and post again before I leave Orlando since I have a few photos to share of some recent creations!

xoxo,
Jennifer

Let's begin...

2009-05-05T19:18:00.006-04:00

Okay all...here I go...I want to finally officially introduce myself! I am the wife to a FABULOUSLY supportive husband, mom to four little girls (8,6,4 and almost 8months), mom to two Springer Spaniels named Friday and Jazz, sister to 4 (1 sister, 1 half sister, 2 step brothers) and creator of MANY things! I get bored easily...my mind starts to churn...and there I go again! I have been doing graphic design work for the last 8 years and decided to get more artsy about a year ago trying out different mediums here and there! Needless to say, I have been inspired ever since!

I really wanted to start posting everyday...just to be in touch with everyone...but then lets see...my washer broke, then my dryer needed to be repaired, then a part for our freezer had to be ordered...then my Internet went down...lets see...could anything else go wrong??? Oh...I volunteered to create 51 magnets tonight for my daughter's school...it is Teacher Appreciation Week. It is only 7:22pm at night...I've got plenty of time right?!?!?

Well - there is so much that I have created since I last posted. The problem is...I am not a very well organized artist. This past week and a half, I created several little inspirational pieces with one over sized one in the mix...they sold...and I have yet to get the prints up in my Etsy shop! Some day

Below are some samples of my most recent creations...

I just love the angel...

Adios for now! I will chat more with you soon! I have recently organized my studio a little more so I will be able to post those photos for you soon!

xoxo,
Jennifer

2009-04-27T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hola everyone! It was time to start blogging....just so that everyone can see how well organized my life is....not! Anyway - WELCOME to the jungle...happy reading...I will get more up soon! xoxo - JM