MitZ Mixed Media

Love Yourself...

2010-08-19T18:42:00.000-07:00

I had a really bad day at work yesterday and I happened to catch a yahoo mail list of "50 ways to keep from having your worst day at work". It came just at the right time! The higher power that sent it my way at just the right time channeled my frustration into something powerful, good and peaceful and I was reminded to breathe! I quickly made this piece (here is a close up for you) with a few of the "tips" on the list that were my favorite. It made me feel more connected, grounded and I quickly stretched it on canvas for my two co-workers. It helped remind me of the balance I need in my life....

New Website!

2010-08-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share some exciting news with you!!!I am in the process of setting up a website at: http://www.mitziestyles.com/ ! This will help streamline my BLOG and shop. It has been keeping me super busy this summer!! Hope you have a chance to visit soon!

I've been working hard to design the site with Surreality Studio. We have the "shop" and "BLOG" buttons live and we are working to get the rest of the site up and running. It has been an amazing process and journey this summer! Thanks to Erik- my designer extraodinaire! I would love to hear from all my fellow flyers about your process and any tips or helps you might have!

Be Inspired Today

2010-07-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Inspiration isn't just about being inspired to be creative. It's about that warm feeling you get that makes happiness bubble up inside and brings a smile to your heart.

We are so busy living our lives, that sometimes we don't notice the tender moments in the day.

It could be song lyrics that speak to you, a smile from a stranger, a friend reaching out just to say hi, a thank you from a co-worker or spending time with those you love. The catch is not having the moments (because they are everywhere in your day!) but recognizing those moments as inspired living and savoring them for what they are.

Take some time today to remind yourself to be inspired... find those moments that settle in your soul and take time to inJOY them....

To Friends

2010-07-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to have friends in my life! They enrich my life in every way....

What a connection to the universe!

Be Quiet in your Soul

2010-07-15T10:51:00.000-07:00

I've always believed that happiness is a choice... yet happiness is a constant struggle for the human psyche.

To me, it is a matter of settling in, getting quiet with myself, searching my soul, reaching out to the me I strive to be...

The more I do this, the more I settle in. I'm trying to have more conversations with myself- interrogate my reality...

I've been playing with some of my mixed media pieces, digitally. This piece really spoke to a quiet place in my soul, so I added the words.

I hope you enjoy it and that it speaks to you and reminds you to connect with yourself today.

Butterfly Frenzy

2010-07-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I feel that life is a "frenzy" around me. Why does time move so fast?? In the blink of an eye your kids are grown, you've lost people important to you, and time has marched on. Change is a constant in the universe...

Like the butterfly, life is everchanging, a metamorphosis of time. Remind yourself to be still, to enjoy the moments worth enjoying, to connect with yourself and the air around you.

Be still in the wings of the butterfly...

Be Enough

2010-07-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

I came across this journal post in one of my old journals so I cut it out to post here.

You are enough to your kids, to your husband/wife, to your family and friends... be enough to yourself. Be kind and gentle with you. The love you give yourself today will be reflected in amazing ways to the world outside. Share a smile, a kind comment- inJOY.

ETSY Shop Now Open!!!!!

2010-06-28T19:34:00.001-07:00

My ETSY shop is now open! I set a personal goal to have it open by June 30th and I'm early!!! That doesn't happen too often :)!

Please check it out and if you want, give me some feedback. I'm sure I'm making tons of mistakes as we speak, but that's OK!!! Perfection and I are not good friends. Life-long learning allows for mistakes. So! Let me know how I can make it better- or what you like or don't like.

Here's the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MitZmixedmedia

Look for my shop MitZ's mixed media

By the way- Happy Monday! I'm enjoying the first day of my vacation... I thought for the next couple of weeks I could practice what it's like to be a full time artist. Sounds fun and exhausting!

Life itself is such a full time job- I don't know how any of us manage to have day jobs, creative self-employed jobs or motherhood jobs! Whatever your job is, love what you do!!!

Find peace inside on this beautiful summer day! inJOY!

inJOY!!!

2010-06-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite words is "enJOY". I really think they've been spelling it wrong all of these years...

For me it makes more sense to spell it "inJOY".

So here's to all of you!! I've spent the last three days with an amazing group of individuals and I was inspired and invigorated and reminded that this world we live in is all about the human relationship and helping each other reach our highest potential. That potential has no boundries!!! So inJOY your weekend, reach out to someone you love.

That someone might just be yourself...

inJOY!!!!

The Wonder of Little Girls

2010-06-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

This father's day weekend I spent some time thinking about children and dads...

We watched home videos last night and I marveled at how fast time has gone by. My children are grown!!! I also marveled at how blessed my children are to have such a wonderful dad.

The journey we take to find ourselves, we must take alone... but parents are always there to "fly" in when needed. Perhaps to whisper in our ear, perhaps to simply "be" there. Like the bird, they are present in our lives.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Weekend Bliss!

2010-06-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite quotes is by Ghandi- I use it often...

"Be the change you want to see in the world..."

Here's to a weekend of introspection, peace and enjoying connections! I literally dreamed big, worked hard, connected with myself, friends and the creative world!!!

June also marks the beginning of summer and is birthday to many special people in my life- So happy birthday to Dan, Kayla, Carolyn and Phillip (my soon to be 23 year old!) son.

I am so excited to share some of the digital work I have been consumed with. I will post as often as I can- Comments are always appreciated! Please facebook me if you are having a hard time posting.

This piece is about how we let our hearts get caged by doubts, worries, fear... I hope you can let go of those things that stand in your way and give to yourself the biggest gift of all-

2010-06-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

OK- I just spent the day becoming insanely, crazy addicted to digital collage....

I really spent all 14 hours of my day immersed in digital collage- how crazy is that??!!! How can you lose one whole day!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have one more day in your weekend... what will you lose yourself in??? Hiking, biking, the Lakers??????????????????? What's it gonna be :)

Creativity Check

2010-06-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Here's what is happening with me right now creatively....

I am taking a third e-course from Susan Tuttle called digital layers. Susan designs amazing e-courses and I can't recommend her enough! You can find a link for her in my sidebar. Digital art is not my usual method of artistic expression. I have taken pictures since high school and love the world of photography. However, my usual art style is messy and hands-on. I love the stretch that Susan has given me and I find myself exploring new places!! TWO thumbs up! :)

Additionally, I am taking Kelly Rae Robert's e-course called Flying Lessons (find her badge on my side bar to link up). I wasn't so sure about this course content. Her topic is growing your creative business. However, after the first week, I can only say "WOW"!! Kelly has really created an amazing course! Her incredible connection and spirit are evident in everything she offers.

I just got back from a ten day trip to Paris, London and Italy. Another creative endeavour that was a feast for the eyes, mind and heart! I can't wait to post about it and show pictures!!

I wanted to leave you with this amazing quote I read on Sally Jean's facebook post today- it really spoke to my heart!!!

" After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul, and you learn that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security, and you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises, and you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child, and you learn to build all roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans. After a while, you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers, and you learn you really can endure... that you really are strong, and you really do have worth."

Veronica A. Shoffstall

See the Beautiful Right in Front of You

2010-02-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

We can blame our busy lives, our past hurts or the challenges we live on a daily basis... what we focus on is a choice. Is the glass half full or half empty? Do we see the weeds or the flowers?? I have to bring myself back often to focus on the beautiful.... sometimes it's hard to see even when it's right in front of us... This photo is my reminder to see the beautiful and choose happiness.

A Rose is A Rose....

2010-02-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

I'm Taking another Susan Tuttle class and I'm always surprised by how much I learn and how it can consume an entire day! I find I cannot stick to one technique and must layer techniques together. The 2nd rose is me sticking to one technique... What a nice way to spend v-day!

My favorite pictue today was rose number one... textured with a texture goody from Susan... I put both here so you could look at a couple of techniques that Susan teaches. Check out her web site- I have it listed under my favorites....

2010-01-27T19:57:00.000-08:00

I've spent a lifetime of not "being enough" for many people in my life.... You know what I'm talking about... it seems as if others are always willing to share what they think about you... this collage is about being enough for yourself... it's not permission to stay stagnant but rather an invitation to dig deep and see yourself as you are and be amazed, delighted and willing to always be better but to also be enough... just as you are

Eye TtV

2009-10-12T19:51:00.001-07:00

Once again... I love this technique (how many times have I said that!?). Here is this week's gourmet favorite! Susan continues to make this class fun! I thought texture layers were fun... now there's the "faux" TtV. I even love the term TtV which stands for Through the Viewfinder. It's like looking at the world through rose colored glasses. If you love your PSE- I highly recommend Susan Tuttle's Visual Poetry class!!! You can see the Visual Poetry link here... http://web.me.com/hgtuttle3rd/VPPublic/Welcome.html

eNjoy!

2009-10-11T09:39:00.001-07:00

This is one of my favorite signs along Highway 99! I would love to buy this sign and put it at the end of my driveway!! Mom's Motel is always open and I love having my kids around!!!

2009-10-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

If you have someone special who is battling breast cancer, you know how life-altering it can be!!! Take a look at Pam Carriker's print shop and blog at: http://thebagladysart.blogspot.com/. She is offering this beautiful print titled Beauty in Strength to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. What a fantanstic way to own a beautiful piece of art and support an amazing cause! Pam is an amazing, giving artist and this is her tribute to someone special in her life that is battling breast cancer.

2009-10-06T19:49:00.001-07:00

Here is another favorite! I love the colors in this altered photo! Seattle is the perfect place to take pictures. I diffused the lighting in this and then grunged it up ( I love the texture goodies and can't stop using them!!). I highly recommend Susan Tuttle's online class- what fun and so easy to follow!

2009-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun in my photoshop class with Susan Tuttle. This is a photo I took on a trip to Seattle. I believe it's from Astoria, Oregon. I used the blending modes and added texture to enhance the color. I also applied a Gaussian Blur to the photo. I love the colors and the look!

2009-09-27T16:59:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

2009-09-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Having a great time with Susan Tuttle's Visual Poetry class!!! Here is one of my musings. She has a great class that is so easy to follow and she offers all kinds of fun "sides" (like the Art Bar and texture goodies). I hope you get the chance to take her class!! Her BLOG is a favorite of mine!

2009-09-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

Witchy Woman

2009-08-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love it when the seasons go from summer to fall...

Where I live, we mainly have two seasons: winter and summer. I can't wait for that one leaf to turn red and delight in the color that fall brings. Our trees often go from green to brown very quickly and we don't get the profusion of colors offered to other areas of the country. However, some tree varieties offer a show.

One of the things I love about Halloween is that it signifies a change for me. I have been able to count on this holiday as the turn of seasons! I know with certainty that if I can make it until Halloween... I've made it through another hot California summer!

The other thing I love about Halloween is the ability of individuals to use their creativity to be something/someone else- if only for a day. I love the traditions, the apples, and the fun!

Here's to fall.... it's almost here!!!

My 5 Favorite Things

2009-08-09T00:59:00.000-07:00

Photo Study... I've been taking pictures since I was in high school. I used my dad's old minolta. My dad passed away when I was 11 so his camera was special to me. I loved to photograph, develop the film and print in the high school dark room.

However, I am late digital photography bloomer. I still prefer to do things by hand (often using my hands to paint, sand and crackle photos). I recently got a new camera and I have enjoyed delving in to the world of photography again.

Here is a "think sheet" photo I did with paint, wax, heat and some adobe enhancement... it was fun to try some new things. This piece is my thinking/possibility piece and will find a place in my art journal.

2009-08-08T11:57:00.001-07:00

HOLD ME UP- Sometimes I feel as if my little wings are flapping so fast just to stay still and not slip backwards. We can't do it alone... we need others to "hold us up". We also take turns holding each other up. Sometimes it's our turn to step up and help another. Here's my version of LIFE and holding each other. It's done with tons of layers (which created many difficulties for me in the picture). It"s sealed with a soft layer of beeswax (i love the dream-like quality this creates) to signify the layers of life we all go through... It reminds me of the song- He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother (or sister :)...

Twirl

2009-07-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Oregon where I took a class with Lisa Kaus. I've always admired Lisa's work so I was very excited to get to work with her in her studio. I loved the techniques that Lisa taught us and I was inspired to bring "play" into my own work. I finished the two pieces that Lisa designed and tonight completed this piece. My dear friend Suzy has a mom that is turning 80!!! I've never met Suzy's mom but feel as if I know her through Suzy. They are throwing her a big birthday bash "Suzy style" (Suzy, by the way is one of the best chefs I know! :). Here is my tribute to 80 year Jeanne Palmie who is turning 80. It was inspired by this picture of her which adorned her birthday party invitations and it's done up a la Lisa Kaus!!!

Heart in my Hand

2009-07-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

I found this lovely photo of a little girl holding a heart. What are the chances??? Sometimes I feel things so deeply- I feel as if I hold my heart in my hand!! Very few people know this about me but I have a tendancy to be dramatic and feel things deeply. I connect with myself by listening to music, reading and creating. My journal is also a safe haven... because I'm a dreamer... What makes your heart beat?? What makes your heart sing? Find peace and enjoyment in whatever that is...

One thing I love to do in my collages is create depth through cut outs. I love my Dremmel!! I cut holes and windows in my pieces. I like to bring in a seperate element that connects and adds dimension...

Worthy to Shine

2009-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to teach myself how to paint portraits to incorporate into my collages with the help of a couple of artists. I was inspired by the new DJ Pettitt article in this month's Sommerset so I spent some studio time today trying to work it out. I've also been inspired by Pam Carriker and Kelly Rae Roberts' book Taking Flight (see my favorites for links). Here's what I came up with!! It was fun and challenging!! eNjoy my practicing :)!

I love the way the bird is whispering to her and I imagine he is telling her that she is the light and she is worthy to shine!!! Happy summer!!

In the Moment...

2009-07-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

Life is so fast sometimes we forget to live in the moment... If we stop long enough for the quiet to fill us... we emerge refreshed, recharged and renewed. I hope you all have a chance to reconnect with yourself away from home and work and the daily stress of LIFE. eNjoy!

2009-06-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Please leave comments!! I love to hear from you. To make a comment, select comment under post. When it asks for your profile use the window pull down, go to name/url enter name and leave comment. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!

A cuppa art

2009-06-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

How fun is this??? Starbucks has a mug you can put your own design on. It comes with a white pen and you can bake it on to make it permanent or if you're like me you can change it when you want to. I put my current favorite quote on here.

2009-06-08T18:28:00.001-07:00

I've discovered a web site by Itkupilli that I just love. She is an artist that really defines "Disneyland on the web"!!! She has free stuff for blogs (see my background) and she offers tips on digital collage. In addition, she sells her art and designs on etsy. It is a fun site to visit and admire... ENJOY! http://blo64rt.blogspot.com/

More ZNE Work!

2009-06-03T18:20:00.001-07:00

This piece was completed recently at another ZNE Workshop with Brandie Butcher-Isley. She brought great photos to share and this is from her stock. It's one of my favorites because it was simple and I like the fact that she's carrying her soul in her lunchbox. Brandie taught me how to make trees. She uses them alot in her work and I have enjoyed incorporationg them into my pieces. She has a touching new piece of work called "How Am I Supposed to Breathe". You can view this piece on her web site @ http://www.littlepiecesofart.com/. She was so inspiring during her workshop and I learned alot from her.

Art Night: A celebration of creativity!

2009-06-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send a thank you to my friends for participating in "Art Night". We have gotten together 3 times now for art and conversation. It has been so fun to share my studio and to share my love and passion for art. So THANK YOU!!!!!!! Next time I'm getting my camera out!!!

2009-06-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a recent piece that I created with Anna Corba's beeswax collage class at the ZNE convention at the end of April. This is the second class I've taken with Anna and I love her gentle spirit. I took a workshop with her a couple of years ago in Utah at the first (and only) Woman Create event (a wonderful event!). I appreciate Anna's perspective on organization and her approach to keeping a piece simple. I am starting a new "keep it simple" art journal since I have a tendancy to have a lot going on in my art. I love the beeswax finish on these pieces and I added to my knowledge bank in this beloved medium (It's amazing what I missed the first time! I learned so much at this workshop! :). I loved being able to work with her again. She has a very gentle spirit and it certainly comes through in her art.

2009-06-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Journal Thing!!!!

2009-06-01T19:43:00.003-07:00

I've been taking Pam Carriker's journal workshop on creative workshops @ http://creativeworkshops.ning.com/ . Gail has some wonderful offerings and Pam teaches 2 ongoing classes about journaling. She is a beautiful, giving artist and I have enjoyed the classes so much that I am now addicted to journaling!!! Really!!! I am up at all hours of the night doodling away with my little mighty brite lite (while my husband snores)!!! I have started around 10 journals over the years and I never really keep it up. However, my current journal is almost done and it's only been a couple of weeks! Here are a couple of my pages from my current journal. What I like most is the freedom to try new things! I get an idea and get to play with it in my journal. ALso- take a look at Pam's blog and be inspired http://thebagladysart.blogspot.com/ !

La Belle WInery

2009-05-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

La Belle is a great winery located in Terra Bella, CA. My current favorite wines are:

Jugfest Red & Guadalupe Zin. They ship anywhere!!!

2009-05-31T12:21:00.001-07:00