Art-e-zine and Art Blocks....

One of my favorite places to visit is a fabulous website, Art-e-zine, run by a wonderful lady named Gillian Allen. The place is overflowing with creative ideas and amazing artwork from a wide range of mixed media artists. Gillian is such an encouragement and generously features artists with beautiful artist's pages that she designs and then displays on her site. You'll find inspiring tutorials on all kinds of altered art projects and more eye candy that you could eat in a day! She contacted me recently and asked about featuring my art blocks and I wanted to share the "Artist's Blocks" page she completed for me. Be sure to grab a cup of tea or coffee and sit back and stroll through the site! It really is a treat! Also wanted to share my latest set of collage art blocks that can be found on ebay!

Sweet Child of Promise......

"Sweet child of promise...God delights in all that you are...and are becoming"

Had a wonderful weekend celebrating my oldest son's 18th birthday! Filled the house with teenagers for a good old fashioned surprise party! What a milestone. What a transition for Mom! I still can't believe we are at this phase of parenting. It is such a cliche...but the time truly does fly. I really do feel like I was just rocking my 6 foot three boy in my arms yesterday. So begins the wild ride of senior year activities! I created this shadowbox as I was thinking on the hopes and dreams each child brings into this world. God so loves each of His precious children. What an honor to nurture their hearts and watch them grow! You can find this piece on Ebay!

Honoring the Sacred.....

"Mid all the traffic of the ways,

Turmoils without, within,

Make in my heart a quiet place,

And come and dwell therein!

A little shrine of quietness,

All sacred to thyself,

Where Thou shalt all my soul possess,

And I may find myself!

-(John Oxenhan)

There is a wonderful movement found here where sweet souls are taking the time to nurture the sacred in their lives. And oh there is much to be found sacred! I was reminded today the great need our spirits have for communion with God. To just take some time to let the quiet envelope our hearts and breathe slowly and deeply. To hear the soft whisper of the Creator. To pray, to ask searching questions and listen for the answers. We search in so many places for what can be found in the quietness of vulnerable and honest reflection. I spent too much time thinking it was to be found on-line today in all the places that beckon to the artist!. God gently asked me to shut off the computer, make a cup of tea and share some sacred moments.

Its easy to fill every waking moment with the searching. Although the internet can be a wonderful tool and way to reach out into the world it can also take you in as it's prisoner. As an artist whose work is sold mainly online its so tempting to feel the pressure and pull to be everywhere on-line. There are so many groups, communities, blogging and networking sites etc that one can be a part of. It can be really overwhelming. Its not surprising really... ours souls were designed with a deep longing for community...to be known..to be found. There are some wonderful people and places to be found. But the more time I spend time facing a computer screen, I am finding the less I feel the fresh air on my face. Maybe its just me... but it can be so time consuming. And I wonder...is it feeding our souls with what can truly nourish us? Are we finding what we are searching for? Are we avoiding anything that needs our attention more? Is it taking more than it is giving? I suppose it all comes back to balance...as does most things in this life. Moderation can bring great benefit. But maybe...once in awhile...it is good to step away from this other world in a box and walk out our front doors to see the sunshine and take in the expanse of our real surroundings...to take a walk with the Creator and nurture the sacred. What will we hear? What will we see? What might we discover if we are willing to listen?

Princess Dreams......

Playing with jewels and sparkling dangles is such a deeply feminine experience for me. I have always been a "girly-girl" at heart! As a little girl I remember the thrill of opening my grandmother's jewelry drawer and my sweet aunt's special box containing all her "dress up" jewels. The same emotion washed over me as I sat on my Aunt's antique sofa watching Cinderella for the first time! Pure magical delight! I suppose these treasures rekindle that innocent childhood fantasy of being all dressed up to dance at the ball! There was always a handsome prince to delicately place a strand of precious jewels around the princess's neck too (pardon me, my fantasy is getting away with me..heehee). You can see more of this original altered art necklace on Etsy.

Rainy Day Treasures....

Such a wonderfully relaxing day. Truly a rainy Northwest cozy kind of day! While I nestled in the studio today my sweet youngest boy caught his first fish (well the first one that was legal to haul home)! It was a fish worthy of some hoopla here at the Kent house...all 20 pounds of it! There is nothing better than fishing early Sunday morning with Dad in his book! So while the guys were away Mom did play! I created several new pieces that were all listed on ebay.

Feel like I am finding my artistic "mojo" again. I had a friend ask me recently what kind of art I do. That always feels like a bit of an intimidating question. Like you are just waiting for the art police to jump out and arrest you for falsely impersonating a real artist! I sometimes envy artists who have a real recognizable style. One glance and you would know their work anywhere. I seem to wander and stroll down any number of creative paths, artistic moods and palettes...a little of this...a little of that! I couldn't really narrow down an answer for my friend. But what I did say felt true for me..." I just fuss and play with whatever inspires me in the moment !". I guess it was a legal answer...the art police never did come after me!

Art Dangle Prism Ornaments......

Thanks to some wonderful inspiration from Sally Jean Alexander's book "Pretty Little Things" and my sweet friend Izabella, I was tickled to design some art dangle ornaments with beautiful crystal prisms. I have always loved anything that dangles with jeweled splender! If you haven't had a chance to see Sally Jean's book it is absolutely fabulous. I am so excited to be attending my first ever Art and Soul retreat the first week of October and will be taking Sally's class! I will also be taking a class by Claudine Hellmuth. My creative senses are already trembling with the anticipation! Sleep seemed to elude me last night but those wee hours were a sweet time to play with a few of these ornaments! Those pictured can be found on ebay and others on Etsy!

Creative Fun with Art Blocks

Remember playing with blocks as a child? I started designing and playing with art blocks a couple years ago and just can't get enough of them! I love to keep finding new ways to create with them and see what messages I can discover. Like each of our lives there is much that lay beneath the surface, unseen to those around us. I find it so intriqueing to arrange the blocks in a multitude of different ways. Each one so unique and carrying a different message to the outside. Its surprising what emerges that we didn't even realize was possible! It reminds me that there are still so many undiscovered paths our lives can take. Its all a matter of how things are arranged and placed. It may even require our willingness to rearrange parts of our life so that a new direction can make itself known! More pictures of other possibilities with these blocks can be found here! Another set can be found on etsy as well!

"Emerge Sweet Soul Into The Light"

In the quiet hours of the night I tried some experiment-ing with acrylic paints and textures. I have really been feeling its time to move outside my familiar work. I have been craving some new inspiration and waiting for it to emerge. It seemed to sneak up on me in the vast playground of paints, glazes, acrylic crayons, watercolors, trinkets and treasures. You can find more pictures of the piece on Ebay.

A little art each day.....

I seem to be having a slow start to heading back into the studio this fall! I keep thinking I will get an entire week to create and start filling up my Ebay and Etsy store ( and finally get the website off the ground) but life has other plans. Sometimes we need to lay our agenda aside and just let what is naturally pressing on our hearts take precedence. It might be a task you've been procrastinating on that just won't be ignored another day, a long overdue letter that needs writing, a book you've been meaning to read, the walks you keep promising your family you will take, getting together with friends that you have missed, helping a loved one who is having a difficult time or taking the time to nurture yourself spiritually. I find that if I try and force creating for creating sakes when other matters need my attention, the piece seems forced and doesn't feel authentically me. So I focused on what needed me today first and then found just a little moment in time this evening when creating was what it was suppose to me...a naturally flowing extention of my heart! This art card collage dangle is on Ebay !

Memories of Flight.....

New art squared collage on Etsy!

Morning Reflection

Been trying to get things settled as the kids are back in school. Always a transistion to slowly get back into a creative rhythm again. I find I always feel a bit melancholy and reflective as I usher each child back into a new year and another season of change and new discoveries about themselves and their own journey. Being a mother is about one slow and gentle letting go after another. Had a little time early this morning and put together this slide show. Hope you enjoy!

The Name Game....

Zinnia has tagged me for the name game! Here are the rules: Players, you must list one fact that is somehow relevant to your life for each letter of your middle name. If you don’t have a middle name, use the middle name you would have liked to have had. When you are tagged you need to write your own blog post containing your own middle name game facts. At the end of your blog post, you need to choose one person for each letter of your middle name to tag. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged!

Well I am a bit shy about my middle name so I'll offer some little tidbits for my first name! So here goes:

L....Laugh Attacks. Some things get me going and I get laughing so hard I can't stop!
A....Anniversary. Just celebrated my 22nd with my high school sweetheart!
N....Never Never Land. I love the whimsey of fairy tales of flight!
I....Ice Cream. I am known to have deep cravings for Coffee Hagendaz!

And I tag...Izabella, JoAnna, Susan and Ruth Rae!

Inner Journey......

Two new pieces on Etsy today!

Creative Sunrise.....

I love the early morning hours when the sun is just beginning to rise and the house is still and silent. I always feel like I have discovered a secret treasure of time that the world doesn't know exists. There are no pressing needs yet or places to be. God seems nearer in the quiet and my creative spirit is nourished during these sacred moments. Its my favorite way to usher in the new day....thanking Him for the ability to create and the honor of sharing my heart musings. These new art cards came to life in the quiet this morning and can be found on Etsy.

Emerging.....

New original art card listed on Etsy today! May your day be blessed!

Breathing Room....

I have been continuing my quest to make space and room to breathe in my studio amidst getting the kids ready for school which starts next week. It never ceases to amaze me how many trinkets and treasures I tuck away with the hopes of some masterpiece I will create one day with them. I have had to laugh this week as the kids see me sort through all this art "stuff" in my studio (and from the cupboards and shelves in the garage..haha). My son said, "Mom, don't you think you shouldn't buy any more frames until you use all the ones you have?". It sounded so rational and logical. But he didn't quite understand that that next frame might just be the perfect one for a collage I have in mind. It is the blessing and curse of the creative brain which can't help but reach for just one more embellishment, rusted piece of metal, cool piece of paper, shell collected at the beach or any number of trinkets that others would just toss. I can't help the visions that burst into my mind as I hold some oddity from the bottom of a box at an estate sale. It is who I am...a creative soul to the depths of my being. But those depths still need to be sorted through now and then so that the creativity can breathe in fresh air.

It is good to make space. Letting go of that which hinders us or doesn't nourish our souls is a healthy task. Uncluttering our lives can be an emotional challenge. Memories and feelings attach to our "stuff" and make it hard to let go. But letting go can be the most freeing gift we can give ourselves. When we open our hands and let go they are now open to receive something new. Its tempting to rush and fill the space but if we can pause in the newfound openness.....and patiently wait....what we most need will find us.

So I am releasing alot of "creative stuff" this week. I have listed many groups of collage items and art on ebay if you'd like to take a peek. Its a beautiful thing when my old stuff can become someone elses new stuff . I know my husband wholeheartedly agrees!

Nesting.....

I always feel the natural instinct to "nest" within my home as the tide of summer begins to slowly recede. I am not qute sure what it is I believe is coming but in my heart there is always a soft whisper that says "ready yourself...". Maybe its the hope of another opportunity gently arriving again to follow through on promises to myself, to be more of the mother I want to be to my sons, to reach into my creative depths and allow something new to emerge, to purge the closets, shelves and drawers to make room for fresh ideas or find a forgotten treasure. I just can't resist the urge to prepare and make space as the familiar anticipation overcomes me. Images of cozy fires in our woodstove, the scent of cinnimon spice candles and the warm colors that will begin to fall to the ground usher in a deep sense of introspection. So I ready myself to receive the change of the seasons and nestle in with the hope of what discoveries will await me. This nesting shadowbox seemed a fitting tribute and can be found on Ebay today.

Broken....Redemption...Healing

This song just moves me over and over....

Sunday Afternoon Serendipity

I listed this unique little keepsake album on Ebay today that has an original art cart mounted on the cover. I love altering these sweet albums as they are delightful for keeping a special collection of your favorite art cards. The page protectors inside are the perfect size for art cards...serendipity I say!

I seem to be drawn to that word in my art lately. It conjures up such deep and comforting images that remind me we are not alone and life is not just this random accident. We are given these magical moments when we least expect them and often when our souls seem to most need them!

Sweet Memories

Made some wonderful memories with family that came in from out of town this past week! Add four kids to our three and the house was full of non-stop activity! Shopping, rowdy bowling games, bike rides, picnics and paddles boats at the lake filled our days. The visit culminated in sharing the divine decadence of smores over the BBQ! I love that space where time gets suspended as you let go of your normal routine and release the day to new adventures and leave the laundry and housework for another day!

We are definately in the wind down to the end of summer with getting everyone ready for school etc! I snuck in some time in the studio today and created an original altered book/journal which I listed on Ebay today. I have kept all my own journals since I was a small child. Life is an incredible mystery and my own personal journals have bore witness to the continueing story of my own soul. Its a miraculous thing to see how God has been weaving your life's story as you look back over the pages of recorded memories, questions, mountaintop experiences, struggles, and heartaches. He has always been trying to reveal or teach me something through the themes that spill across the pages!

Art Party Giveaway Winner!

Its been a crazy day today and I finally got a moment free to do the official drawing! Thanks so much for all your wonderful comments and stopping by these last few days! The winner of the "Art Blessing Basket" was.....DRUMROLL please......CarolR! So I look forward to hearing from you Carol and I can send this off to you right away! I plan to have an art blessings drawing every month so I look forward to doing this again!

What is your heart whispering?

Thanks so much to everyone who has been stopping by to join in the art party giveaway! I have all your names collected and will keep adding the names of anyone else who would like to participate up til Saturday night! I'll post the "blessings" winner on Sunday!

Wanted to share some new art cards I fussed on today and are listed on ebay tonight! I think art cards can be wonderful prompts for journaling. What might your heart want to say to you about your own journey based on what these images and thoughts bring up for you? If you can find a quiet moment, I'd invite you to jot them down in a journal or special place of reflection. Sometimes all it takes is quieting ourselves and listening for new insight to emerge.

Seems to be so much on the family calender that studio time is a little short and precious right now! I always feel that summer wind down and build up to the fall upon me in August. The need to make some crazy "last harrah memories" yet get the home life, house and studio organazied for the fall....and thinking I can get more done than I actually can (you know...when pesky reality emerges, haha)! A girl can hope though!

Creative Blessings- Art Party Giveaway!!!

All over the "world" a most fabulous, creative idea is happening that celebrates the artistic heart of so many wonderful artists and friends in the on-line art community....its an art party hosted by Kari at Artsymama to celebrate the publication of Artful Blogging! I received my copy in the mail two days ago and it was full of the most delicious artwork, photograghy and creative musings found in the blogging community! Oh there are so many tutorials, sweet offerings and artsy delights being shared at the "party" by so many talented and warm-hearted souls and I just had to join in the fun! I love to give things away and had been thinking I would love to have an art blessing drawing to share each month and what a perfect day to begin! So I offer a sweet basket that is filled with wonderful creative surprises, supplies and treasures as well as one of my Art Doll Dangles (p.s. her dangling bead "feet" say "praise" and "create")! Anyone who would like to be in the drawing just let me know in the comments section (leave an email or blog link) and I'll throw your name in the "Art Blessing" basket! I will draw a name on Saturday evening and let you all know who I will have the honor of blessing! So run over and check out all the delightful tips, techniques and amazing creative ideas at the party! I think its time for a hot cup of tea and some dove chocolate to celebrate!!

Art Words Theme-"Internalize"

This piece was in response to the "Artwords" theme this week. The call was for an interpretation of the word "internalize". The image of this word peeked my heart's interest. I was immediately drawn to thoughts of how negative messages to conform in our culture can be internalized, invading our hearts and robbing them of their God-given uniqueness. Our eyes can take in an onslaught of images and subtle messages from the world around us that translate into a relentless trap deep within. I think especially for women we are faced with a continual stream of lies in our media in regards to our worth and what we have to look like to claim it. The pricetag of internalizing these lies is a high one. The words on the piece are a little hard to read from the photo but along the left edge ,"success, money, too fat, too thin, good girl, more is better, super woman, perfection, not enough, measure up, anxious heart, hiding, pretending, depression, having it all, shame, emptiness". In the lower right hand corner, "relentless comparison, soul death" and inside the key, "Guard your heart and mind". It is a constant vigil to guard our hearts by monitering who or what takes residence in our minds. Lies about our worth can enter so quietly yet create such unrest and brokenness in our souls. Thankfully they can be stopped at the door and challenged with the truth....that we are created, loved and valued just as we are...today and always!

"She gently opened her heart and discovered the depth of her soul"

I finally conquered my hesitation and resistance to exploring a larger canvas today (well 10x10 inches was large for me anyway)! It was such an exercise in moving from the familier to the unknown. I have long been comfortable with small format art and quite honestly had just gotten a bit hunkered down there where it felt safe. My storehouse of paints and white canvas have been whispering my name for some time. So I cleared the island in the kitchen, threw paper everywhere, layed out a rainbow of paints, collage treasures and brushes and sat and contemplated the brilliant white canvas before me....then decided today was the day! Mixing the colors and experimenting really felt as though I was on a ride at the amusement park...one of those ones you knew you had to try but couldn't see yourself coming out in one piece in the end! To my surprise, I emerged from the ride a bit exhilerated and think I might just have to run back and get in line and try this ride again (haha)! You can find this piece for sale here.



A sweet thank you to wonderful artists Kathy Wasilewski and Annieta Vries for nominating me as a "Rockin Girl Blogger". Thanks to Roberta Ferguson for originating the award! I continue to feel like such a babe in the blog world and in awe of the amazing talent and beauty to be found in these artistic journals! This award asks I nominate five others (WOW that was hard) so here are a few gals I noticed hadn't been tagged yet and whose blogs are a visual feast!

• Zinnia's Art Creations
• Shirley McCucheon
• Zorana
• Kristin Hubick
• Izabellah's Blue

Dare to splash some color on the white canvas of your life today!

Butterflies and Pearls

Wings of gentle freedom

gems of irridescent beauty

whispering the bittersweet secret within of hearts that have ached

painful miracles born of a private struggle for release

Wings cocooned in a binding darkness

a grain of sand pierces and wounds innocent flesh

invoking a season of protection that becomes the seed of healing

preparations underway for a time of rebirth

and movement and purpose and joy

Presently flight is hopelessly denied

and beauty hidden within the protective shell

an eternity seems to pass

while the unseen work of transformation

binds pain to tears to mourning

The small cocoon appears lifeless and dull

deep waters submerge a hardened and rough shell

each containing the wrestless and quiet agony

of unbearable lonliness and isolation

where delicate wings and precious jewels seem but a taunting illusion

Within these prisons wait patiently for their treasures

it is only through embracing the stillness required of difficult seasons

that triumphant bursts of colorful wings

and the breathtaking jewels of honored pain

shall adorn untold heights of freedom

Nestle deep within me, Lord

the hope and heart of your creations

sight to see beyond this cursed pain of this temporary confinement

ears to hear and the courage to trust

the bittersweet promises of

butterflies and pearls

(Lani Kent C0pyright 2003)

Creative Solitude......

The light and warmth peering through the windows today was just perfect! It was a rare day with only my heart beating in the house (whats an artsy mother to do but create of course!). I filled the place with music that moves me deeply and bathed in the creative solitude! Thought I'd share the results of my indulgence! Each of these art cards and the altered vintage tin were listed on ebay today.

May you bring all that is deeply and uniquely you to the heart of one who has been led your way today!

"Sweet Dreamer"

"Trust the inspirations of your heart

for there awaits the birth of a dream"

I love to create altered books and play with dreamy colors and story themes. I had imagined this piece for some time before I finally let inspiration move me to complete it. The book reflects on those dreams in our hearts that find life through our willingness to bring them out of the realm of our imagination and into the light of day. I suppose that is where risk makes its entrance. Walking hand in hand with our deepest dreams will usually require us to move out of our comfort zone. Its so much easier to imagine the dream or watch others live the dream and stay safe in the realm of suspended hope. But I believe hope is to sustain us while it is moving us toward something. We have to take the steps though. Those steps may feel scary but we will never know what possibilites and discoveries await us until we begin our unique journey. If you'd like to see more pictures of the book you can find it today on Ebay. Creative blessings!!!