michelle my belle

IF - my first illustration friday!

michelle allen - illustration friday - safari

one thing i've always wanted to participate in is illustration friday.
i had a few minutes to spare and thought... why not NOW.
it didn't have to be too involved.
or too thought out.
or even painted or perfect!

alyson b. stanfield of art biz coach had a great post the other day about, something to the effect of-
if you say your an artist, or wanna be an artist...
then MAKE ART!

a lot of it comes down to that.
we can spend so much time and moolah taking all the right workshops, buying the best books,
spending endless hours perusing the web all without taking a single step towards actually DOING ART.

 

pink yum!

probably my favorite paint color right now.
and for some reason i really like it especially in the utrecht brand.
just thought i'd share. :)

p.s. we're setting up racks in our new Allen Designs studio space!!! so excited.

 

scribbles & thoughts...

my head is in the cupcakes?
don't ask.
i have no idea where this girl came from.
just maybe that i love cupcakes and girls.
...okay, that doesn't sound quite right.

anyhoos!
what's happening on the home front???


my 16 yr. old went to PROM!
AND has her first boyfriend!!!!
scary stuff as a parent.
but... she is a girl, and human, and wants a boyfriend.
really? really, i ask.
is it necessary?
we were really hoping that she'd be an anomaly-
and not date till she was married!! (like we've been subtly suggesting! hehe!)

in case you don't have kids, or kids this age yet...
we are like the last hold outs in not letting her date till 16.

*thankfully he is a very nice guy and even texted me to ask our permission :)

scribbles & thoughts

been trying to spend some time everyday just doodling.
it makes me happy.
no pressure.
and for no intentional purpose.
just merely fun.

hope you're having a grandiOusO day my friend!

colorful painting in progress

i've made a little progress from here.
hoping to have a bit of time this evening to get back in the studio for some fun.

we are continuing to work through all the paperwork for the new studio space.
therefore, we're still not moved into it. boo
everything always takes so much longer than you think it's going to!
including my stupidly slow internet connection right now! erggg!

beginnings of another journal page.

well, i should probably get my booty up and go for a run.
especially cause i'm officially UP 9lbs!
why does it have to be so hard?!?!

 

artfully distracted... once again!

had to put that last painting on hold and just chill in the comfort of my journal pages.
i think these pages speak for themselves.
not finished, but you get the idea.


my inspiration.
i've always hated my hair.
straight, thick, two large COW LICKS (front & center) and a ginormous widows peak.
i feel like i'm singing that christmas carol!
therefore-
....
i wear hats.

oh, and now we can add rapidly graying to the list!

scribbles & thoughts

just messing around...
pushing creativity.
resisting comparisons.
pushing back on what my brain knows.
embracing what makes me-ME.
what comes, comes.
in due time.
so thankful.

art journal pages

some recently finished journal pages.


full of randomness and doodlings.

 

 

artfest silkscreen & stitch - journal workshop - part 2

wow! did i have a line up of TALENTED gals!

they made me look so good! hehe :)
but seriously, i love how they each have their own style and use of colors.

there are still a few of them missing.
there's so much going on that i had a hard time keeping track of who i took a picture of and didn't.
so sorry if it was you. :(
if it was you... please send me a pic! i'd love to have it.

you can't really tell by the pictures above but, all their journals have the exposed stitching on the spine like my sample here.

i feel like a proud momma looking at these pictures.
thank you so much ladies!!!
you completely warmed my heart.

artfest workshop day 1 - silkscreen & stitch

this photo is mindy of tim's sally.
i'm drooling over her choice of colors!

as i'm gathering pictures i realize i have quite a few to share even on this workshop alone.
so bear with me as i split this silkscreen & journal class into two posts.

first off, the women that signed up for this workshop were ALL SO KIND!
i was completely nervous.
i have serious issues speaking in front of more than 2 people at a time.
it makes me want to cry.
seriously.
but, this group put me quickly at ease with their sweetness.

liz working hard!
can't wait to see her finished journal!
her silkscreen turned out amazing.

and here are several more yummies from these talented gals.



i'll post their finished journals on tomorrow's post.
they all look so great i can't wait to share them with you!