Deborah Everton

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:52:00.000-08:00

Wishing you the most JoyFull New Year ever!

xoxo

Deborah

Keep a Journal!

2011-12-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

It dosen't have to be fancy. It just has to be real.

Waiting

2011-09-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

I cut my left hand today. Not badly, but enough for it to bleed for what seemed like forever. As I held a paper towel to the cut with my right hand I found I was rendered useless. I couldn't do anything. I paced around thinking of all the things I should be accomplishing while waiting for my cut to stop bleeding. Then it occurred to me to just STOP.

I sat down and started to think about waiting. How much of our lives are spent in that suspended state. Waiting for a plane. Waiting for a phone call. Waiting for a check in the mail. On and on. Just waiting.

Waiting is exhausting.

Smarter Than Me

2011-09-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked back to some part of your life and thought,
"What was I thinking"?
I often struggle with making life choices. So many times I look back and realize that the choice I made at the time was not the right one for me. I wish I could go back and tell the "then me" what to do, or that I had some wise council to advise me going forward.
So I painted a "wise owl" in my journal to help me with future dilemmas. Hopefully, she's smarter than me!

Spooky Bat Girl Tutorial

2011-09-04T16:11:00.001-07:00

Yay...summer is over and we are about to fling ourselves into Craft Season. Let the glittering begin!

Lat year I posted this project and planned on doing a free tutorial. But things got busy and I never found the time to write the PDF. Looking back I wish I had filmed the process...but I didn't. So here is the (FREE!) PDF tutorial and clip art downloads!!!!!

Of course you can add tons of embellishments to your taste...this is the "basic" shadow box and super easy. I hope you have fun with this project....I'd love to see what you create!
xoxo

Spooky Bat Girl PDF

Waiting

2011-08-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

I drew the girl in my journal while I was taking Misty Mawn's class several months ago. She just sat there until today when I decided to paint her. I was thinking that while we wait for our "ship to come in", we build our castles in the sand. What we are waiting for...we already have.

American Gothic/Pretty Pink House

2011-08-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

I read the news today, Oh boy..

I usually like to make pretty pictures...but today I just felt heartsick at what is going on in the world and felt moved to journal about it. We all know that women and children will suffer most by the current situation. Our children will be the first generation not able to "do better" than their parents. The riots in England....I so get it. I saw a news report where the reporter asked "Where are the parents?" I'll tell you where they are....at work. It takes two incomes for a middle class family to survive...a working class family has to have both parents working two jobs each just to keep a roof over their head and food on the table.

Not to mention all the single mothers out there.

End of rant...I will now return to making pretty.

Free-hand Mandala

2011-08-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life just seems too hard. It's important to remember how beautiful it really is! I sketched a mandala in my art journal just to remind myself. Sometimes, I forget.

The Inner Critic

2011-08-03T19:24:00.000-07:00

Everyday I look forward to the hour or so I can "work" in my art journal. As I sat down this evening, I flipped through my latest journal,critiquing every page. I realized I was no longer just having fun....I was trying to "improve" and falling short in my estimation.

So.... I decided to just play and draw one of those silly girls I used to doodle in school instead of learning math.

I didn't line up her eyes, decide where the light was coming from, shade, or try in any way to "make art". I just doodled and splashed around some paint and ink.

Look who showed up on my page! My "Inner Critic"! Flame hair, tight little lips, and condescending sloe-eyes Yep...that's her!

Do you have an Inner Critic? What does she look like?

Show me!!!

Butterfly Mail

2011-07-28T23:24:00.000-07:00

more fooling around in the art journal

Another Journal Page

2011-07-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just keep on playing in my journal....waiting for the recession to end so I can go back to work. I mean, really. When is it gonna end? I'm running out of art supplies! Geesh!

Journal Page

2011-06-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

I've been looking back through all my flicker photos and enjoyed seeing how my "style" has evolved through the years and how I've grown. I actually like some of the "early" stuff...before my "scared stage" where I got all tight and controlling...lol. Now I just slap down paint and stuff and have fun. I still have some control issues...but I'm not working on that...tee-hee

eekk!

2011-02-04T22:10:00.000-08:00

We had to do a "paint over" self portrait in Misty's class. I had no idea what I looked like until now! Humm guess I gotta tame that hair! Funny, my mom has told me since I was a little girl that I am "cock-eyed"...she's right...grrr!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T17:53:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a most happy and joyful New Year!

Find Your Magic!

2010-11-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

Journal page made with newspaper clippings (the text), a bit of drawing (the nest, butterfly, and twigs), a magazine image (the bird), paint, and graphite pencil.

Reflective Journal Page

2010-11-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

I can't decide if I have the best... or worst job ever. On the one hand....I have such a creative job (costume design), on the other hand...killer hours! These past 3 weeks I've put in a minimum of 16 hrs a day (7 days a week)....up to 3 days in a row of 20 hour work days!! Seriously, for three nights in a row I only got 45 minutes sleep each night. Combine that with the demands of the script, director, actors (an entire drama into it's self), studio, sound, camera, shooting schedule, and then (for kicks and giggles), toss in the producers budget,... I'm just about to go "postal"!

So I thought I'd post this journal page that reflects (and reminds me of), how I feel about my job at it's best. The little eggs of an idea, many satellite considerations, followed by "divine inspiration".... with several spiky bits along the way.

Thank God for Angels!

Journal Fun

2010-11-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm really having fun in Pam Carriker's Journal 365 class. Lots of great inspiration! I also signed up for her Angel's Anthology class which starts in a few days....can't wait!

Journal Intervention

2010-10-14T11:46:00.000-07:00

My schedule at work has been hectic lately, to say the least. I've scarcely had time to breathe...let alone do anything creative! I couldn't update my blog, paint, tear, paste, gild or glitter. I needed an intervention...Stat!

I've long admired art journals but never seemed to finish one. I'd get frustrated and quit when the list of steps required hours of prep, or nothing sprang to mind when the blank page glared back at me. As a firm believer in "Use it or lose it", I felt I was withering away.

Then I discovered Pam Carriker's Journal 365 class. It's a tad expensive at $120, but it's a whole year of ideas, techniques, and videos...so I went for it. I'm so happy I did!

The journal page above is from the "Behind The Mask", exercise and was quick, fun, and full of inspiration. Thanks Pam!

MasterBlaster!

2010-09-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

Art is all around us to explore and get messy with...Be BrAVE!

BatGirl

2010-09-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here is something I'm working on for the upcoming spooky season. I'm not sure if it's done yet (I'm wanting to add more stuff), but if you're interested in how I made it (and for the clip art too), leave a note! I'll make a PDF with instructions and post it here.

Student Work

2010-09-02T16:34:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled by my student's work so far! Everybody is working at her own pace and not everyone has finished their mandala. Some are working on several at once!

Here is Natalea's finished mandala

I love the colors! I'm inspired to use bolder colors in my own art!

Here is one of Heather's

She off centered the mandala and used a house shape for her substrate. Isn't it beautiful?

I'm excited to see what everybody else creates! The class will be open for a year so they have lots of time to work on them. Some students have already made gifts for friends and family and many are planning to give them as Christmas presents (what a great gift!).

It's not too late to join. The class will be open for a year so you can join anytime and make one of these beauties for yourself!

You can join us too as it's a work-at-your-own-pace class.

Mandala Workshop Live!

2010-07-23T19:51:00.000-07:00

The class goes "live" on Monday and I'm so excited by all my fellow artists joining in the fun!!! It's been such a challenge, learning so many new technology things (eek)! But all my ducks are in a row, all classes finished, and ready to go. I'm sending it out with much love to you!

I'm already working on new things to share... I've got a "Holiday Mandala" class in the works and it's soo darn cute I can't stand it! It will be a new take on...well ...you'll see!!

I'll also be offering some free classes on the blog (Spooky Halloween is the first), so stay tuned!
xoxo
Deb

Coming to a Computer Near You...Shabby Mandala Workshop

2010-06-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

Mandala Workshop Intro from Deborah Everton on Vimeo.
The word Mandala is from the ancient Indian language of Sanskrit roughly translating to mean a circle or center radiating out. Not just a simple shape, but a circle in every sense of the concept. Mandalas appear in all aspects of life: the heavenly bodies of the sun, moon, and stars, flowers and plant life, as well as conceptual circles of family, friends. and community. It reminds us of the worlds existing both within us and beyond us.

The psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, saw the mandala as "a representation of the unconscious self," and believed his paintings of mandalas enabled him to identify emotional disorders and work towards wholeness in personality.

What we are going for is the fun, beauty and peace found in creating a Mandala rather than a spiritual or psychoanalytic aspect...but you just might find that as well! Our Mandala will be a beautiful, shabby creation of your very own. Take care....mandalas are addicting! Like potato chips...you can't have just one !

Coming to a computer near you -

Create your very own Shabby Mandala and sooth your creative soul. If you can color in a coloring book you can create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind, original artwork! I will show you how in fun, step by step, easy to follow videos and PDFs.

Class Features;

*Four weeks of of classes jammed packed with videos

*Several downloadable styles to choose from

*Full list of supplies and suggestions with links

*Private blog available only to class members

*PDF for each Class with easy to follow instructions

*Downloadable goodies to add to your Mandalas

*Advice, encouragement, and support available at the click of your mouse

*Private photo sharing group so you can gawk, slack jawed at all the beauty your classmates are creating

*Join anytime and learn at your own pace

Namaste!

May Mandala

2010-05-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

I love making mandalas. When I look back at them I'm amazed by how they perfectly reflect my state of mind when I made each one. Mandalas are fun and calming to make. Your brain stops buzzing and before you know it, you have left the stress of the day behind and are wrapped up in the soothing shapes . Once you know a few tricks, they are also quite simple to make! If you can color in a coloring book, you can create your own beautiful, shabby mandala.

This one is 16"x16" on a wooden painting panel. Lots of gold leaf, vintage papers, glitter and a special jewel!

P.S. I've received a lot of interest in mandalas and so, I'm thinking of offering an internet video class. Let me know if you would like to take a class teaching you how to create a personal, shabby mandala from start to finish!

Blog Hop!

2010-05-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

Suzi Blu is hosting a blog hop! What a great way to make new friends....and there are prizes involved!

MuseX2

2010-05-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

Do you have a Muse or two? Here are mine....

These two Nip-Nops are ever so attentive while I'm painting, cutting, pasting and generally making a mess.

I'm sure it's all about hoping I'll drop snacks.

Like I ever eat and craft at the same time.

Art Nouveau

2010-05-21T00:44:00.000-07:00

If you haven't taken one of Suzi Blu's classes...
go sign up!!! NOW!!!

I went from drawing a stick figure to painting the pretty girl you see to your left thanks to her.

No...I've never met Suzi and she has no idea who I am (other than my class attendance), or that I adore her....it's just between us!

I Worship Teesha Moore

2010-05-20T22:28:00.000-07:00

OK...how wonderful is Teesha Moore? Sooooo wonderful! Not only does she provide us with the most amazing retreats ....but she gives us art tutorials for FREE!!!!

So here is one of my Teesha Moore inspired journal pages. I sooo wasn't getting art journaling until I watched her videos on youtube.

Thanks, Teesha!!!!

Gothic Lite

2010-04-28T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ever since I moved into my 90 + year old gothic style home I've become obsessed by the beauty of the style. The house even has a gargoyle over the fireplace! But I don't like the creepy darkness of it. Thankfully, my gargoyle is reading a book and is surrounded by yellow tile. I made this little bud vase from vintage wallpaper, costume jewelry, sheet music, and bottle.

More Musings

2010-04-21T20:28:00.000-07:00

The prompt for this week was to journal about our childhood loves. I think mine were typical, reading, my bike (loooved it), dolls, and my dog, Misty.

Musings Journal

2010-04-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the Nostalgic Musings journal class and having tons of fun! Here is our first assignment half way done. I'll add journaling to the left side and to the back of the fold over lady on the right. Most are doing lists to the left page....but because of the gaze of the lady, I see this as an opportunity for the grown-up me to tell the little me a few things!

Journal Fest!

2010-04-13T23:04:00.000-07:00

It's here!
I've got all my fingers crossed to get Ingrid Dijkers "Through The Rabbit Hole" class!

Quick Journal Page

2010-03-26T19:07:00.000-07:00

I've been super busy at work (7 days a week-16 hours per day), but needed a little play time so I threw this together at 2 AM! I suffered today at work...but it was worth it for my state of mind!

C.O. Valentine

2010-02-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Hey, kids! Here’s a fun Valentine’s Day project you can make yourself. Here’s what you need: One 28″ x 22″ sheet of red poster board, safety scissors, Pug, and 16-ounce Porterhouse steak.

Carefully cut poster board into heart shape, and cut hole in center
Place pug’s face through hole
Dangle steak in front of pug until pug is completely hypnotized

Cut. Paste.Glitter. Repeat.

2010-01-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making banners for three little girls. I'm reaching the home stretch and all that's left to do is..... EMBELLISH!

Lots of vintage love

Like this vintage brooch I found for $4 while I was on location in Michigan last Fall

Out here in L.A. that would have cost $40! It's hard to part with. Hmmmm...come to think of it I have a sweater it would look terrific on (slaps self).....I mean, isn't it darling on little Alix's banner?

One of Those Days

2010-01-25T16:19:00.000-08:00

Ugh. My day started hectic and only went crazy from there! The Nip-Nops and I just had a short walk this morning as Dexter only wanted to eat grass. Do I even need to tell you what came next? Yes, he first threw up all over the freshly changed bed, then in the car, then on me (several times). He's finally sleeping so I had a little time to make another page in my Remains of the Day journal. No I didn't document that part!

The little silver Ganish is a 3-d sticker I got in India a few years ago. I wish I had more!!!

After The Rain

2010-01-23T18:11:00.000-08:00

Is there anything better than a California day washed clean by rain? Not in my book. I took a little spin around the neighborhood with the Nip-Nops (aka Daisy and Dexter) and snapped a few shots for my Remains of the Day journal. Such promise of things to come!

And look at these oranges....just hanging there!

Here's what I did with a couple of those images. A secret garden-

And little Dexter enjoying the sun

And here are those oranges and buds

What I love most about this journal is that all the prep work is done so it's super easy to add your photos!

Is Raining-It's Pouring

2010-01-21T19:01:00.000-08:00

It's rainy and moody here in LA today....and I love it. I don't love that some are suffering and displaced due to the storms rolling in of the Pacific, but I love being cozy in my art room with my fur babies curled snugly in their beds. The stress of everyday life slips away as I listen to the rain tapping against the windows while I paint, cut, glitter, and paste.

I did venture out between storms to mail this banner to my friend, Claire for her baby girl-

I added a little vintage bling on some letters

And made little fabric flowers on others

I'm still working on my pages for Mary Ann's Remains of the Day class but couldn't take any photos due to the poor light today!

Remains of the Day Pages!

2010-01-18T17:20:00.000-08:00

I've started on my pages for Mary Ann's Remains of the Day class
This is the inside cover with a 2010 card I received from my friend Sarah

I love the little heart tag I got from Anahata Katkin...it's traveled the world with me!

A little vellum envelope holds a photo of one of my favorite David Austin roses. The poem above it reads;

A New Year is unfolding
like a blossom
with petals curled tightly
conceling the beauty within

I still need to add stuff to the photo of my fireplace...the old Feliz Dia postcard is a pocket.

A transparency envelope holds a photo of my baby, Daisy Aphrodite.

I still have to journal on the pages.....the hard part!

Watch Out For Low Cruising Swine

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

I've said for years that I would only confront another sewing machine "When Pigs Fly". Well....Meet my new BFF!

It's all Mary Ann's fault. If her Remains of the Day class hadn't been so fabu this baby wouldn't be gracing my art room right now. I LOVE her!!!!! I installed the needle, threaded and installed the bobbin, and was zipping through my pages before the sweat on my palms dried!