Learning Photoshop CS4

As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am taking a photoshop class at the local college. I'm hoping to continue taking more computer graphics course to pursue a career in computer graphics and web design.
For our first project we had to create three 3-D forms using the airbrush tool. One requirement was to create a cover for the project. We were given complete creative freedom for this part of the project. I like that!:)
I used one of my Creatively Fit photos for the background. It just so happens that this picture was taken on campus. To give the cover a more cohesive look I used the cutout filter on the photo and increased the color saturation to match the vibrant hues of the forms that I created for this project. I added the airbrush at the bottom of the page and the little Ps logo the the left column.



So what do you think? Do I have a future...? I am really enjoy the class!

Paper Mosaic Table Top-A Group Project

Another Elementary Spring Arts Group Project. Every second grader from my children's school contributed to making this faux mosaic table. The table was purchased at a garage sale for $3, years ago. It sat in my garage for a long time before it found its purpose. It was auctioned off at the fair. Each student completed one 2"x3" paper tile. The tiles were mod podged on the top of the table in a specific arrangement (see grid paper) to create this design. The table was varnished for protection. Another way to protect the surface would have been to cover with glass.





See more crafts at


So busy blogging, going to be late to school now:( I really need to stop blogging! It's going nowhere.

Mosaic Monday! Doodle Recap!

This mosaic is a round up of my first week of doodles that can be found on my new blog Doodle it Up! I started this blog to keep a record of my doodles and to get my creative juices flowing! Plus, it's much easier and quicker to try and do a doodle a day than a painting a day:) I also try to offer some tips on doodling-yes doodling tip!



Well, time to get ready for the week, laundry, shopping (done), bill paying, homework (I'm in the fourth week of my photoshop class), more shopping, a mural for the scholasitic book fair, mail chalkboards, exercise, cleaning and doodling! I think I'll write a to do list. It helps keep me on track for the week.

How bout you? How do you get organized for the week ahead?

See more beautiful Mosaics at Marys wonderful blog Little Red House

A room of many colors!

This room has seen many colors over the years. When we moved into this house it was my older son's room. His favorite color at the time was red. I couldn't see painting it all red so I painted just the bottom half red and a red strip across the top. The top half of the room was a peachy tan. I painted native American Indian symbols in black and white. This color scheme lasted a few years.

Next, this room became a room for two, my two boys(the other room was turned into a play room for a while, which has a whole different color story!). The bedroom was painted green (my older son's new favorite color ) and brown.

After a while, my older son moved to the other room ( the play room). His room is painted in a faux metallic silver finish with a blue base. (his new favorite colors!)

The green and brown room belongs to my younger son now. His current favorite colors are black and gold!! I couldn't see painting a whole wall black. Knowing how many times I paint a room, I thought black would be too difficult to cover up. I decided to paint the top part gold(flat finish) and the bottom white(semi gloss) and added a chair rail. Black came in with the bedding. We will buy a new bed and some wall art, shelving and of course I'll make a beautiful black chalkboard with a gold frame!

Here is the room of many colors


My post title is a spin off of a song that I love by Dolly Parton. I don't sew and we are not poor but when times are tight paint works magic!!
I hope you'll take a few minutes to listen to this sweet song. Even if you've heard it before, you might like to hear it again:)

Group Tapestry- First Grade

This is a project that I created last year for my childrens' elementary school Spring Arts Festival. I was asked to create a group project for every grade. This was a group tapestry for Grade 1. All of the first graders contributed to this tapestry.
All of the pieces created were auctioned off at the festival. They did not ask me to do it again this year. I'm a little sad but also a little relieved, it was a major commitment.
I posted these projects on my other blog Art Spectrum(now gone). I will post another one of these group projects next week.


Materials:
1. Painters canvas drop clothe 6'x8'
2. Canvas Sheets (you can by a pad at a craft store)
3. Primer
4. Acrylic paints
5. Mod Podge
6. Scissors
7. Varnish
8. Rope


Process:
1. Prime canvas
2. Block in colors with paint
3. Cut flowers, leaves and squares out of canvas sheets
4. Have students paint cutouts
5. Glue painted cutouts to canvas.
6. Make tabs out of canvas and sew to tapestry
7. Varnish tapestry
8. Slide wooden dowel through tabs
9. Drill hole at the ends of dowel. Thread rope through and knot ends
10.Hang and admire!

See more creative ideas at



I also started another new blog Doodle it up!! I hope you'll stop by and check it out!:)

Mosaic Monday!

The Making of A Champion! These pictures are from my son's wrestling scrimmage last weekend. The coach thinks he has the makings of a champion.



Today we went to Blue Springs to see the beautiful manatees.



You can see more pictures from today's visit over at Creatively Fit

See more beautiful mosaic a Mary @ Little Red House

Oh no...Another Blog!!!

Well, I started a new blog. This blog is meant to get my creative juices flowing. I will try to do a doodle a day. What I love about doodles is the fact that they are spontaneous and contain no high expectations. Most of my doodles are done while I'm on the phone or procrastinating about getting other chores done.
I am hoping that these doodles will inspire me to create more "serious" works of art. By working with ideas that come from my sub conscience or stream of consciousness I hope to create original, one-of-a-kind artwork.

I hope you will have a look at my new blog and possibly follow along on my journey to create something new and exciting! I will also be offering some doodling tips so that you can pursue your own doodle dreams. Maybe, I'll even feature your doodles from time to time!

So come on over to.... Doodle It Up!! And see what not-so-serious art is filling my basket!!