Winter Wonderland Wooden Sign

Occasionally, I like to get a little artsy and crafty.  This week, I  completed a new project especially for Day 7 (Christmas Crafts!) of the "25 Days of Christmas", hosted by Jmo and Star: 

**the Winter Wonderland wooden sign**

You will need: 1 wooden board, a few different shades of acrylic craft paint, craft paint brushes, word stencils and a relaxing workspace with good lighting. For this project, I used a 26'w x 7"h pine craft board and Ceramcoat brand acrylic paint in Metallic Silver, Pearl Finish, White, and Ultra Blue.  

Board Prep: Paint with brown base coat - I use cheap interior/exterior paint, because one coat is all that's needed, and it dries quickly.  Any type of paint or varnish can be used.

Paint Prep:  I blended Ceramcoat White with Ultra Blue to create a creamy blue hue that is used for some of lettering on the sign.

Begin by painting the background design. I free handed snowflakes using Silver and Pearl Finish paints, and alternated shapes and sizes until the entire board was covered:

You can't really mess up a snowflake design; I always start with a circle in the center, and work my way outward with a variety of lines, circles, and curls -use your imagination! You can always google "snowflake clipart" for inspiration.

You don't need to spend money on pre-cut stencils; create your very own custom designs on any word processing program, print them out, and "trace"them onto the board. Simply lay the design on top of the board and trace around the edges with a thick ball point pen or dull pencil, applying pressure as you trace.  When you remove the paper, you will see the design etched into the board. Simple and cheap? I think so! 

I filled in the first row of "etched" letters with the creamy blue paint I mixed when prepping for the project. The blue stands out nicely against the silver and pearl snowflakes.  (Can you guess what the bottom row of words will be?)

I free-handed the phrase "Winter Wonderland" with white paint; I opted to use my own handwriting and paint directly onto the board rather than trace a design in, as I wanted to add a personal touch (you will find out why at the end of this tutorial!)

To hang the sign, I decided to use two "loops" of sturdy craft wire (one on each side of the board) rather than a bracket.  The board I used for this project was thin (1/4") and light enough to be supported securely by the wire. A bracket can also be used.  I carefully measured a few inches inward from each side of  the board and drilled small holes toward the top. 

I cut two 7" pieces of craft wire, which i then folded in half and threaded through each drilled hole.  I left a "loop" in the front, and twisted the wire tightly on the backside of the sign so that the wire hangers would be secure.  

The sign can easily be hung by two nails - gorgeous!

Isn't she lovely?  You may recognize the typewriter font - I use it frequently when blogging! As for the free-handed "Winter Wonderland" lettering, I felt it was necessary to add a completely personal touch - I want to make sure that whoever wins this beauty receives a one-of-a-kind, uniquely "Stephanie" piece of work!  

Oh yes - I said "win".  WIN, as in, I'm giving the "Walkin' in a Winter Wonderland" hand- painted wooden sign away to one of my awesome readers!

Enter to win:

1. Let me know that you'd like to win the sign by leaving a comment (1 entry)

2. Follow the blog! And if you already do, AWESOME.  Leave a comment either way. (1 entry)

3. "Like" A Grad Student's Wife on Facebook (see Right column) and leave a comment letting me know. (2 entries)

3. Blog it! And leave a comment with the link to your post. (3 entries)

4. Tweet it! Make sure to mention @herdfan in your tweet. (3 entries)

5. BONUS ENTRY:  What's your favorite thing about Wintertime?  Comment and let me know!

The winner will get to enjoy the sign for months to come!

**Giveaway ends Sunday, December 12th at 12:01am**

Godly Gal Creations and 25 Days of Christmas (Day 2)



Artist Carrie Lawson

Carrie Lawson is extremely busy this holiday season.  A visual artist from West Virginia, she works long hours every single day and night, striving to please each of her customers with the highest quality product she can possibly give them. 
Carrie and I are both from the Mountain State; we also grew up in the same county and graduated from the same high school. As Carrie continues to post more of her work on her Facebook page, Godly Gal Creations, I continue to become more intrigued by her artistic talent and passion.  I couldn't resist featuring her fabulous spirit and artwork on my blog! Read on for a Q&A session I had with Carrie, and make sure to swing by her Facebook page!

S: Tell a little about yourself. You can be as basic or as detailed as you like.
C: I'm a wife and stay at home mom to 4 boys. I was born and raised in central WV, left for a long time, but returned home and haven't left since. I am from a HUGE family...my grandparents had 10 kids and I take a lot of pride in the fact that we are happy to see each other and greet and leave w/ hugs and kisses. I love God, I love my hubby and kids, my extended family, I love to travel, I love food, I love to laugh.


Moment with Mom #4, #14

S: How long have you been interested in art? Give a short history on how you grew to love and practice art.
C: My mom was an artist the early part of my life. I have lots of memories watching her paint. My brother also was awesome at pencil portraits. I have never had an art class past grade school... I basically learned from them and on my own, but have always loved art, and creating it.

S: What are your favorite mediums/techniques?
C: I have always loved charcoal and pencil; I started using acrylics two years ago....and am learning it pretty good...lots to learn yet though! I also love to dabble in photography...which to me is also art.

S: What are some past and recent projects have you enjoyed working on the most?
C: The "pickling rock" is my favorite. I am still shocked I actually did this! It was one of the few items this woman had from her mother after she passed...and had always worried it would be discarded as a river rock. I painted it with memories of pickling items and the jar her mom used; It really meant a lot to her, but I think it blessed me even more. Still does.

S: What/who inspires and influences your art?
C: In the past i would say bad moods...and troubles in life. but now that God delivered me from all of that, he shows me the beauty and treasures in life...in rich colors.



The first in the Abstract Moments Collection



S: Tell me a little bit about your "Abstract Moments" collection.

C: That was actually a surprise. I had finished a project and had a lot of leftover paint, and just created the first one. I really liked it, and thought others might, too. So I posted a pic on Facebook with a price, and it sold within 20 minutes. Now lots of people seem to love them 'cause their orders have turned it into a series. 

S: What are some of your artistic goals?

C: I just wanna create....and be able to bless people, all the while making some extra spending money. Any artist dreams of seeing their art go big....which i do...as long as i can stay home, lol. God comes first in my life, my husband, and kids after that, so I don't have the time it requires to pursue the big stuff in the art world and that's not a bad thing. I love what God has blessed me with.

S: What is the best part about being an artist?
C: Touching other people's lives, selling art that is affordable to anyone, and hearing my boys say,"mom you painted that!" when they see it somewhere else.



Abstract Moments Collection: Moments with Mom

 And, for fun:

S: Who is your favorite artist(s)?
C: M.C. Escher. I love how real it looks, yet is surreal in a way...but he used math to do it all...(i don't like math.) There are others I like...but he's my fave.

S: Do you prefer to listen to music or work in silence? C: I Definitely prefer listening to music. Kari Jobe is my favorite at the moment, but I listen to everything from Hillsong, Toby Mac, Lecrae, and Red, to Switchfoot. LOTS of faves, as long as they're praising God.

S: Briefly describe your idea of the "perfect" day.

C: Everyday I wake up. It's a gift.

S: 3 things you couldn't live without.

C: The only thing I can't live without is God. Everything else is just a bonus from him. Some of my favorites are my family, my iPod, and good coffee.



Top: Moment with Mom # 9, Family Moment #2.
Bottom: Family Moment #1



S: Do you have any quick advice for those who are thinking about pursuing art?

C: Create because you love to create. If you do it for the money, you will never be satisfied.  

Carrie can be contacted via email at clawson5104@yahoo.com. Her Facebook art fanpage, Godly Gal Creations, includes daily updates and photos of the latest finished pieces! Stop by and become a fan!

Jmo & Star's 25 Days of Christmas continues today, and we're blogging about Christmas Traditions! My family and my husband's family live only half an hour apart, so when we travel to WV for the holidays, things are pretty easy (with the exception of driving back and forth in the mountains with snow and ice all over the place.) Ever since we married in 2006, our traditions have rolled like this:
Dec. 23rd - Hub's birthday: leave Ohio in early AM, arrive in WV around Noonish; have cake and ice cream with the whole fam. Stay the night at in-laws' house.
Dec. 24th - Christmas Eve: Drive to mom & step dad's house in the AM, do Christmas-evey stuff all afternoon.  Visit Husband's aunt who lives nearby in the evening, snack.  Head back to In-laws' house for Christmas eve fun and fare all PM. Stay at in-law's.
Dec. 25th - Christmas Day: Open presents at in-laws' early in the AM; head back over to mom and step-dad's house to eat dinner, relax, visit, and spend the night.
Dec. 26th - Head back to Ohio!

So there are my traditions in a nutshell - very rigid, very predictable, but fun nonetheless!  I can't wait to throw a little curveball in the next few years, when I introduce a baby into the mix - new traditions will be added to the old and I cannot wait! I think Christmas will feel like less of a whirlwind, with me blindly wandering here and there and everywhere. Or, maybe, it will be even more whirlwindish. Either way, I look forward to being a parent and experiencing the kids rip-roaring through wrapping paper and boxes, and having Christmas morning breakfast in my own home. Maple Syrup in my baby girl's hair, husband and son fighting with inflatable boxing gloves... ahh. I get excited.

Traditions.  They're nice to have - but nice to break every once in a while.

Tomorrow's topic is "WISHLIST", and ohhh man... do I have a wishlist.  Let's just say I look forward to being a professor's wife. He's so gonna get slammed with my wishlist. SO gonna get slammed. SOOO soooo slammed. Poor fella :)

The Weekend Review

This past weekend:

My mom and step-dad came to Athens for a little visit!

We did a little eating out, browsed the farmer's market, enjoyed some downtime just hanging around and chatting, and of course, mom and I hit up and tore up the B&B Works Sale! We had a great time, and this will probably be one of the last times they come to visit Athens, since we will be moving sometime next Spring.

I listed a couple of new items on Etsy!

 I feel like I'm getting better and better at this sign painting thing.  Taylor Swift inspired one, while the other just came straight from my creative little mind (and green is my favorite color.)

P.S. - I sold my first item! Hot Dog!!! It's so nice to know that others enjoy my creations - that's what makes it all worthwhile. (Thanks to the buyer - you're a wonderful little woman!)

I'm currently brainstorming for some ideas that aren't wooden signs, but would be a fun, nice addition to my shop.  I'm headed toward paper products, specifically stationary/greeting cards and chick friendly art prints.  Any suggestions?

Other Tidbits:

• I watched Dear John for the first time since seeing it in theaters - and this time, I teared up way more, almost as much as when I read the book. AND, I was ironing while watching! (maybe the ironing is why i cried so much...)  Am I the only one that is more saddened by Mr. Tyree's character (John's father) than the actual love story between John and Savannah?  Richard Jenkins did an amazing job as Mr. Tyree.
• My iPhone is doing exceptionally well.  Just thought I would update you on that.  I think i'm going to give it a name - after all, it's kinda like my new best friend!  I will happily take name suggestions.
• I'm enjoying every second of the cheerful, cute, and stylish "Shoe Addicts Anonymous" - and, considering I found it on the bargain shelf at Borders, I'm extremely satisfied :)  I think I want to try out some Sophie Kinsella... I know that when I do, I will never look back!  Which Sophie book should I read first?

I hope you had a great weekend, too!  Happy MONDAY (seriously!)

Get ready to Crack 'em Up!

The new Hallmark Card Contest began today. "Crack 'em up" calls for FUNNY. When it comes to greeting cards, I am so NOT funny. Anyway, I dug up a photo that makes me laugh out loud every single time i see it - and figured it would do the same for someone else (maybe?) So you can imagine how prepared I felt, being a Hallmark contest second-timer and all, as I submitted my entry early this a.m. I feel that my photo and the text fit together perfectly (and I'll definitely share later this week, after Hmark's first round of "flurries" on Facebook - don't want to give away my little idea too soon!)

So anyway, as I'm checking over the Hallmark FB Wall, I read that there's a computer glitch of sorts, and all participants can enter up to six times in this single contest instead of just picking one sub-category and entering once! One entry per sub-category... which means, you have six different opportunities to win. SIX. That is a lot - it will sex-tuple the entries (that is six, right? triple, quadruple, quintuple... sextuple... lol) but still... six ideas? Which at first seemed really EXCITING. But then.. i realized, that is a hella lotta work! Most of my Hmark pals are as equally freaked out as I am, but I think every single one of us are game. Sub-categories are: Congratulations, Get Well, Friendship, Love, Miss You, and Thank You. I can't wait to brainstorm and get to work this evening. This, on top of all that sign painting I'm doing! My head is spinning...

my dearest blog fans, you have got to give this contest a shot! Anyone should be able to come up with an idea for at least one of the sub-categories - please please PLEASE go to the Hallmark Contests website, read the details, look at past winners to get some ideas, and go for it - it's so stinking FUN!!! It takes some time to put your thoughts together and develop a great idea, but the entry process is quick & simple. I know my Hallmark buds are thinking, "Noooo stephanie, no more new recruits! We'll have six times as many entries anyway (sextuple haha)!" Or maybe not - maybe they're like me, and want some new card-crazy friends to be Hallmark Contest Obsessed with. Anyway... DO IT. You have to. New Rule: If you read my blog, you must enter the Crack 'em up contest. You have until June 28th!

So, the sign painting is coming along. I contacted the Addison Visitor's Center in Webster Springs - some of my West Virginia State themed signs will be on sale there, beginning in late June/July! I'm also hard at work, analyzing and planning for my Etsy store. I'm still working to find the best shipping price for customers. As always, I'll keep you posted!

I read the Eclipse novella on Sunday afternoon - it was super short, but just enough to get me really excited for my midnight showing in a few weeks! I'm going to re-read Eclipse before the movie hits theaters - I need to refresh my memory a little bit.

That's about all for Monday - work, gym, post office, home, shower, cook, paint, Bachelorette, think about Hallmark card designs while watching Bachelorette... I have a headache! But it is... a good one. There is a such thing.

Have a super day, everyone!

Card Finalist!!!(???)

As my lovely blog readers may recall, I entered the Hallmark "That Says Christmas!" greeting card contest a couple of weeks ago. It was my first Hallmark card design contest, and a chance to have my card design sold online and in stores - and I have to say... it was a terrific experience.

When I received the receipt confirmation email from Hallmark after submitting my design online, I noticed a link to a Hallmark facebook fanpage. I clicked it, thinking "of course I"ll be a fan of this". I didn't realize that I would be joining a fabulous network of card designers, many of whom are past contest winners! The HFB (Hallmark Fan Brigade-cute name, huh?) Facebook page is absolute complete total awesomeness. At nearly 3,000 fans, it's a source of info for current contest participants, future participants, and everyone is so nice and supportive! It's a great place where you can share your contest entry with everyone and get feedback/advice. It's also where Hallmark judges share their exclusive info on behind the scenes contest info, finalists, and winners! Here's a contest run-down:

1. I submitted my design to Hmark on Tuesday, 5/18, and became a fan of HFB/Hallmark Facebook World. I started conversing with fellow fans a little bit, complimenting their design postings, etc.
2. I eventually posted my card design, after realizing this is what almost everyone was doing - and what everyone wanted me to do. The comments came pouring in, and that's when i realized how nice people can be! No jealousy here - at least, as much as I can tell from a bunch of photo comments. I also jumped in on wall conversations, and made some fast FB friends - terrific people!
3. The past winners and contest veterans provided so much helpful, informative advice to all the newbies :)
4. Hallmark periodically posted status updates regarding the contest deadlines.

Here's where it got REALLY crazy and awesome:

5. FLURRIES - once per week, the contest judges would post a trazillion comments about contest entries as they sorted through them. They would post things like "too many dogs with antlers", or, "nice headless frosty", just little clues that would make you wonder... are they talking about MINE? Of course, the HFB peeps were right there, commenting back. Total. Excitement. And so much fun to wait for and anticipate when the flurries would start!

6. BLURRIES (total freaking torture)- on the day of final judging, H-mark posted photos of the finalists' entries (and eventually the winners), but the images were blurred - so what did all of the participants do? Blurred our contest entry images ourselves, to compare to the photo of the finalist board that H-mark posted up (I learned to do this from the contest veterans.)

"Blurry" of the top 37 finalists

(Mine is in the top right-hand corner... I think?)

7. OMG. I. am. a. finalist. I had to be. I knew as soon as i saw the blurred board. Then... i blurred my design myself and compared. Yep, I'm 110% positive.

8. When the finalists were narrowed down and the winners were posted, I did not see my design... bummer, right? Well, sort of... but there were a ton of other people in the same boat, posting away on the FB wall, with such positive messages, lots of humor, and of course - reminding one another that the next contest is only a couple of weeks away (there's one every month or so.) And the winners? They were very gracious and so nice - and i can't wait to go and buy their cards (and say... "that person is my Facebook Friend!!!)

So, in the end, I made lots of awesome new FB friends, found a virtual community where tons of others love art, photography, and being creative - and i even found a fellow HERD/BOBCAT fan who lives all the way down in Texas City, TX! Out of nearly 1700 entries, I think I did pretty well - I was pleasantly surprised! I did notice that Hmark really goes for original photography - ya know, those random, interesting moments when you just happen to have a camera handy. I'm going to give that type of design a try in the next contest (June!) and see how i do.

Regardless of the end result, it was FUN. And I think many of us neglect having FUN. So I would like to encourage all of my friends to give these contests a shot (and.. have... fun!) If you're creative, artsy, and/or love photography, you've gotta do this - it's a great time! I am completely 146% addicted to Hallmark card contests now - I will never miss a single one. Take my word for it - Visit the Hallmark Contests website and read more about it! I'm also including the link to the contest website on my sidebar--->

Entries will be accepted for the next contest, "Crack 'em up", beginning June 7th... so start brainstorming, create something amazing and funny, and submit it!

Art Project

If you're looking for some wall decor to brighten up your childrens' rooms, or a fun, family-friendly piece of art for the living room or den, this little project might do the trick. A BIG plus is that you can make it with your kids!

The Handprint Canvas Kit from Red Envelope (seen here, $40) can easily be recreated for much less $$$ by shopping at your local art/craft supply store -most of the items you will need can even be purchased in the Wal-mart or Target arts & crafts sections, although the selection may be limited.

Decide how many handprints and/or footprints (or both!) you want to feature in your project, then purchase that number of canvases, in a size that will be plenty big for the print (you will also want to leave some room around the print). You should be able to find a pack of canvases for $4-$7, depending on where you shop. Here are some examples of reasonably priced canvases.

Pick up a few small (2 oz.) bottles of craft paint in the colors of your choosing ($1-$1.50 per bottle) - I recommend at least 2 (one light color, one dark color), but no more than four different colors in your project (in this case, 2 lighter colors, 2 darker colors). *Tip: Craft, or Acrylic, paint is non-toxic, water-based, and will clean up super easily! Look for brands like Ceramcoat, FolkArt, etc. Finally, you will need a cheap paint brush or two - flat brushes will work best, but do not use a sponge brush - it will soak up too much paint, and you will be working on the base color of your canvases for a LoooONG time.

1. Lay old newspaper on painting surface for easy clean up later.

2. Paint each canvas completely (front and sides), using a different color for each canvas. You may need to apply two coats of paint.

3. Completely covor the bottom of hand(s) or feet that will be making the print with paint that is a different color from the canvas. Try this method: Light print on dark canvas, dark print on light canvas. An example of light/dark colors is on the left. You can also copy the look of the Red Envelope item up above. For an art-deco look, just use black and white~

4. Continue making prints until your project is complete. Use as many canvases as you want! Let dry completely before hanging. (Canvases can be easily hung on the wall with a nail.) Get creative with the arrangement

5. Easy clean up! Wash off hands/feet, wash out paintbrushes, tightly recap all paint, and pick up the newspaper! You're done! A great way to spend a couple of hours with the kids on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

(I don't have kids of my own... maybe I can attempt this with my cat???)

Friday Free-Write #1

Currently, I'm themeless. So here goes it - a rambling, random blog post with little or no structure (who really believes in that whole "Beginning paragraph, three "middle" paragraphs, and an end/conclusion paragraph", anyway)? I think I punctuated that sentence entirely incorrectly. Oops, there's some bad grammer for ya!

Here's what's happening in sunny Athens, Ohio today:

It's going to reach a high of 85 degrees. Tomorrow, 55 degrees will be the high temp. You just never know about the weather in SE Ohio!

There have been at least 12 people sickened after eating at one of the most popular local Mexican restaurants in town. I won't be eating there anytime soon! YIKES!

Todd is hard at work on his dissertation. I still don't really know what "pedagogy" is. But I know what a Hillbilly is, and I know what Appalachia is, so a dissertation about Hillbilly/ Appalachian/Critical/Pedagogy sounds like an impressive piece of work to me! He has such fabulous ideas and great support - not only from his peers @ OU, but several other schools as well. I strongly believe in "go big or go home", "give it all you've got or don't give anything at all", and "if you're going to spend 10+ years in college, you better make an impact on something somewhere somehow". I know he will do great things in his field. Our life is an adventure, and I'm ready to do the next big thing. Moving is one of them. When we decided to move from Huntington to Athens four years ago, I was scared out of my mind and cried for days because "Athens just isn't Huntington", whatever that means - of course i realize that is a senseless way to think now. It's the absolute best thing we could have ever done for ourselves at that time. I will not be crying this moving time around - maybe only happy tears. I'm ready for the next place, and I hope there's a Crate&Barrel nearby! Counting down... we have a year left in Athens.

Speaking of moving, I will really hate leaving the apartment complex that we live in - our central Air didn't feel very cold this morning, so the maintenance men replaced the filter. They're always right there, ready to help - the landscaping is wonderful, our pool is always really clean and nice in the summer, and they will come at midnight if needed. They also help with minor car issues (like giving a jump when the battery's dead = ME, stranded in the parking lot, last week!) I think that if we rent again when we move, I will select the location based on the maintenance men (not their physical appearance, their personality and availability). If we buy a home, I will cry, then go to Home Depot and buy a crap ton of do-it-yourself books. Maybe i'll watch some old Bob Vila footage on YouTube. I already have a super intimidating tool box, thanks to my brother! I know what 85% of the tools are used for. That's good, isn't it?

I'm heading to Lowes later - I need to get some boards cut for my next big project! I love being artsy and creative - its the best stress reliever, and I love making something that others love. I'm always working on a little something for somebody, but I can think of a few recent, "special" creations that were so fun, and satisfying - to myself, and to the individuals I created them for. Some of my fave projects:

Wedding Coloring Books - for my supervisor's wedding, June 2008. I drew coloring pages based off of family photos, family pets, and details of the wedding - there were pages for the dogs, the kids, the bride, the groom, and even the individual cheesecakes! The kid's table was fabulous - I remember checking it out at one point during the reception, and each kid was hard at work, coloring a different page. SUCCESS!

Baby Shower Invitations - for Todd's aunt Michele, who was getting ready to have her 3rd baby - she asked for something a little more modern and stylish than the typical invite. I took her baby's name into consideration ("Paisley") and designed a terrific set of invites. I printed them on a good quality cardstock at the local office supply store and purchased envelopes there as well - around $40-$50.00 for 50 personalized shower invites & thank you cards - beat THAT, TinyPrints! (ok... so I'm not a professional graphic designer at TinyPrints. It was my first attempt at invitations - and believe me, I was sweating bullets!

Christmas Ornaments - I truly loved/enjoyed all of the ornaments i designed for Christmas 2009 - the WV Seasonal designs, the personalized snowmen i created for friends at work, and all of the customized ornaments I painted for Addison Visitor's Center customers who wanted a little something special.

It's kind of hard to do anything about creative urges when I'm sitting at a desk 40 hours per week. I swear, I am two different people: the artsy hippie and the working gal with big career goals (whatever those are... I have 40-some.) I want to be BOTH (I don't think I can pull off wearing tie-dye @work, though.)

Wow, what a completely random post - definitely no beginning, no middle, and no end. And I still have a few random things for today!

I'm really loving Pearl Jam's song, "Just Breathe" - i've heard it on the radio so many times!

I'm meeting Mom for breakfast in Elkview on Sunday morning - I have a gift for her!

And, finally:

TGIF!

Have a super weekend, everyone! I'll be hard at work, on my "projects"... and also, trying to finish up "The Elegance of the Hedgehog", which is actually turning into a really great book!