Free to Choose

I am Free
mixed media 6x6 paper canvas
$10

I'd have to say choosing which mediums to combine is one of my favorite steps in design processing. Often times I haven't a clue about what I will end up with, but working to pull similar colors together and finding a phrase to match my mood leaves me in awe of what I've created. Above, I have a small paper canvas combining a fluid art pouring cast off, a couple bits cut from a fanicful magazine, all mounted on a six by six piece of patterend paper on top of kraft cardstock. The phrase, "I am free," reminds me that everyday, many times a day in fact, I get to choose what kind of attitude I want to have and for the most part how I spend our time. Now that fall's splendor is upon us, freedom can mean taking time to for a seasonal activity like kicking some leaves around, taking a more adventurous journey to town for a cart full of groceries, or maybe just basking in the afternoon sunlight with a good book- and some craft supplies, of course :-)

It's never too late!

Senior Art Classes have been going full steam over the summer, with time spent learning how to get in touch with our inner artist and practicing being playful. I'm so proud of my students! They are all so encouraging of one another and we have established a safe zone to talk about LIFE: the Good Bad & Ugly. Some of the seniors who have been coming are even inviting their friends, and that just makes my heart so happy!
Here is a sneak peek at what we'll be learning about in Winton next month ♡ Enjoy these first days of Fall, y'all!

Mother's Day Memory Share

I've got a pretty terrific mom... she is bold, witty, daring, confident; she's one of my favorite people to go anywhere with! She makes me cackle with laughter, sings loudly along with me at every opportunity, and allows me the opportunity to cry with abandon. The joy of our relationship has taken time to develop and recognize. There were times when I was younger that I didn't understand her reasoning- heck, that still happens :') There have been even more times that I've been surprised by her generosity and reminded of her sacrifices as a young mother (you try giving up a lifetime of New Year's Eve plans!)
As I grow and develop relationships as a mother myself, I recognize and appreciate how invaluable her support is and has always been...thank you, Donna, for being my dependable rock- to cling to, to bash up against, to stand in my path when I'm headed in the wrong direction, to throw at the opposition, to hold in my hand and make wishes with ♡ I owe my life to her, but aside from that obligation, I love her indefinately.  Happy Mothers Day, Mom!

Flower Power

Imagine this: you follow up on a lead for a volunteer opportunity doing something you know you'll love, and you end up getting a job doing what you've been dreaming of for the last year. This literally happened to me a couple weeks ago!

As we traveled across the country this last year, a recurring notion had me wishing we had a set schedule of where we'd be and when. You see, I really had a hankering for some senior art time. I kept thinking, if I just knew where we were going, I could call up some senior centers to host CraftWithAnna classes. If I had an inkling of when we'd arrive, I could have tested this adventuresome theory in Sioux Falls SD while visiting my Great Uncle Grant last fall, but even that didn't go as planned (still had a terrific visit though so no complaints there).
I'd always enjoyed having my grandmother, Ruth, attend my classes. Seeing a self-proclaimed non-artist have fun and walk away with a completed project is always a win in my book, but when it was my best friend and role model/Grandma who was making that magic happen, I would be in seventh heaven. She was always surprised that she could make something so marvelous. I of course knew that her talent was just hiding ;-)
 I had the opportunity to paint with Grandma and her friends at their senior living facility in Tacoma and marveled at how alert and participatory the residents were during our craft session. I was seeing a whole other side of their personalities! Working with the homeschooled students as Two Waters Arts Alliance introduced intergenerational art classes through a partnership with The Mustard Seed Project cemented the desire to mix up the age palette and see what creativity could blossom.
Now here in Murfreesboro NC I've made some acquaintances who volunteer at the local Senior Nutrition Centers and were encouraging me to do so also, an answer to my prayers it seemed. Well little did I know, Hertford County was looking for a teacher just like me to lead regular art classes in an effort to ward off the onset of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Yes, studies have shown that adults who frequently partake in creative exercises are less likely to have brains that turn sentences into word salad! And studies have also shown that for those already starting to lapse into memory and cognitive loss issues, spending time creating can help them to pull stories and thoughts out of the abyss and express them in what might at the very least be nonverbal ways. Well if that doesn't all sound like a lot of good reason to keep on making as much as possible, I don't know what!
I'm so excited by what's ahead. Not just for the class content I'm planning- April is all about those Spring Flowers in Watercolors, but for the relationships that will form during our hours together. Every Make It Monday morning I'll be leading a Fine Art Fellowship at the Winton Center for Aging and visitors can CraftWithAnna Every Other Tuesday in Ahoskie. Supplies will be provided by Hertford County (and my personal stash), occasionally we may have special events where nominal fees are charged but for the most part it will be free to learn!
What a blessing. For me, for the seniors, for their families as they produce "Art for Alzheimers..."
It all feels like a very positive affirmation that, after all the looking, we have landed in a place that is a perfect match for my skill sets at least. With Ray's work truck making a local appearance in the near future, it may soon be business as usual for the Bradshaws!

Hello Love

Between Ray and I, Valentine's is more of a one-sided affair- I provide the cards, hearts and flowers sentiments and he receives them amicable enough that I feel "special occassion" loved. I've always enjoyed making and sending cards. Valentine's Day in elementary school was always so anxiety ridden. Anticipating how my themed notes would be recieved and wondering if my mailbox made from a shoebox and paper top would sit in lonely emptiness or overflow with friendly rhymes from classmates. I'll never forget the year I recieved 9 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cards- from one boy! Yeah I felt pretty special that day. Even if I am the one to make the effort, sharing the love in red accents and morning - made poetry, I enjoy doing so enough that I don't really need reciprocal givings. The gift is for me is found in the moments of making, and I'm never upset about having a valid reason to create!

Hope you had a love-ly day as well <3

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Meet this Artist

Hello Art Class seekers, teachers, and parents of homeschooled youth! I recently moved to the outskirts of Murfreesboro and brought years of experience teaching all kinds of curriculum enhancing art to students of all ages and capabilities with me. I'm excited to be part of this community and am interested in offerring classes that cater to any budget and space!
Some examples of classes I've taught are below. I love leading our students through relevant discussions and then te...aching them practical art skills and about the mediums they are using. I almost always provide all of the materials, along with a worksheet to take home and share, for anywhere between $5-$35 a student (depending on the materials, rent for the space, and length or number of sessions). Parents are always welcome to create their own project as well! All my students are encouraged to find their inner artist's voice, so no two projects are designed to be exactly alike.
If you've got questions, please post them to this thread or pm me... I'm also hosting a Meet & Greet/ class in my new home studio this coming Saturday, Feb. 16th! Stop by if you're able

Even if the weathers "fowl" we can still have loads of fun learning. No matter what subject you are wanting supplemental experiences to reinforce your lessons with, chances are pretty high that I have taught or can create a class for your students. Think about your adding a #CraftWithAnna class to your next science, engineering, math, reading/writing, public speaking, geography, home ec, park playdate etc. Oh, and I also teach cardmaking, scrapbooking, and photography

These kids met once a month for an Art Jam! Cost was $10/student, all materials were included for each 1-1.5 hour long class held at a local civic center. Mediums Explored included acrylic paint, oil pastels, charcoal, and Alcohol ink. I taught the pictured Cartoon Watercolor class, where we learned about how old cartoon movies were created, how to replicate an image, and then we created these vibrant renditions of our favorite characters to take home.

Have a favorite household theme? There is nothing better than a private class in your home where you can create a gallery style display to cherish. And yes, learn while doing! (Isn't it funny how kids enjoy substitute teachers?!)

I have a heart for fundraising! If your group or one you know of would like to #CraftWithAnna to raise money, let me know!

These 1st graders studied a variety of local leaves before learning how to draw their chosen species example in a cartoon style. Our images were made to look realistic with the addition of watercolor paints. We discussed plant structure, how leaves grow and support/feed their tree, decomposition and why leaves change color, as well as how to apply the paint to achieve different effects. At the end of the class we wrote an acrostic poem using the words Fall and Leaf together.

After a brainstorming observation session about native deciduous and coniferous trees, we built a landscape featuring a distinct background, middle ground, foreground and subject using a variety of watercolor mediums including paint, water soluble oil pastels, and colored pencils. At the end of our class, we collaboratively wrote an acrostic style poem using the words, Puget Sound (where I'm from). Students were sent home with pre-printed pocket sized poetry cards to write their own acrostics with their family <3

#BisonSelfies

#bisonshoot #photogrid

If there is one message that is prominently displayed wherever bison are present, it is that they are Dangerous and that for No Reason should you get closer than 25 yards. They are huge and move fast... yet there they are, ambling across the road and walking right next to your car/rv! So how do you avoid the danger?
I felt pretty safe behind the glass windows of our motorhome, but you know men, they have to test their bravery (or something). I tried to channel my mother-henning instinct by just being sure to capture his "bravado" on camera.
Like I told the kids, if, God forbid, he gets gored, we at least want to know what happened! All breathed a sigh of selfie'd relief when dad got back in to the safety of our tiny home. A thourough chastising from the girls left him with a slightly sheepish grin on his face as he steered us onto the next vista site...

On the Road Again

Goodbye, Puget Sound!

Spunky looking out at Lake Cour D'Alene

Leaving the Key Peninsula was even harder this time. After a gloriously relaxing summer amongst splendid garden offerring,  we enjoyed reunions with many of our loving friends and family . We spent some much needed time worship as a family. We had spats and struggles, to be sure, but with support systems a plenty, the loneliness I struggled with while we were traveling earlier this year abated. 

We were able to work-something that's incredibly fulfilling to us both. Our kids froliced on a darm, swinging from a lofted rope swing, letting catfish nibble their feet, and foraging for their snacks with a new forever friend.

I walked through twenty year old memories with my parents and shared those special spots with our children.  My best friends both devoted hours to chatting (solving all the problems of the world over good food and better coffee). 

There were many people and places we didn't visit, I'm sad about that. My grandmother continues to age and her memory comes and goes; I worry thst I'm missing out on time I can't get back with her. Will she remember me? My heart aches with love thinking of her.

I console myself with thoughts of the adventures yet to come. Of friends we have to make and family we have long wanted to spend time with.  And the knowledge that, wherever we may roam, we can always return "Home."

Silver Lining

I see a lot of memes on facebook that I totally identify with, and usually just save them to my phone. Occasionally I even print and scrapbook them! This one is just SO the way I feel though, I had to share.
Have you ever struggled with how you are seen by another? Like, it seems so unreasonable, their "take" on you? Boy, I sure do. I think most of my acquaintances see me smiling, a lot, and though I have my beachy moments, in my heart, I am trying to be patient and understanding above all else.
So why does this post strike me... well, I used to be so closed off. I've chosen aloofness and to distance myself more many years, in many instances. But when I met Jaime, I felt it was time to change. I was inspired by her positivity. I think God placed her in my life to show me that, people can change. I know I did. That I continue to evolve. And some people find my kind of cheer irritating, sure. But I'm just going to keep on keeping on, and love them all the harder lol. "Nobody puts baby in a corner," right!?
Since being blessed by so, so many relationships I might not have pursued if I'd remained the same, I've come to appreciate my friendships all the more. I may seem overly optimistic to some, but I'm just trying to share the good news of this life, my meaning of life. Love others, lift them up, look on the bright side. Learn from mistakes, from misfortune, from unbearable sadness. God has a plan for each of us! We know not how each moment impacts the next... if you're ever feeling sad, lonely, unheard, not worthy, please, reach out and let someone like me help you see that silver lining. We all need a little sparkle in our life ♡ #whenindoubtjustaddglitter

Wrapping up our Dog Days

Reason to want to live in Del Mar number 515: Dog Beach. 516:Rock Stacks 517: its Del Mar, Hello!?!

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Run off

Hmm, this paint pouring thing might be overly addictive... even the drips that fell onto my scratch paper surface look interesting enough to want to keep! I see an animal dipping his head to drink from a stream of water, how about you?

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Colorado Orange

After a scorching few days on the black top in Laughlin, it sure feels good to be down by the Colorado River cooling off. This color really popped across the background, and its pretty fun to heighten that effect with an app overlay... or two. The perspectives highlighted in each photo will surely need to be scrapbooked in the future "-)

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Subject Sunset

Thought it would be fun to try to capture this sunset with watercolor paper. Had a bit of trouble with getting the water black enough, but in the end I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.


Then I tried my hand with some Crayola watercolors while we were parked out in the Quartzite desert. Let me tell you it sure was nice, sitting in my lawn chair in a tank top and shorts watching the sun set and painting with a daughter!

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Technicolor Travel

With opportunities to create art coming in small batches, Ive found a lot of fun waiting to be had with a few finger flicks. Even the most mundane photos become masterpieces of travel momentoes once I run them through an app filter or two!

My go-tos are PhotoGrid, PhotoLab, Vinci, and Picas, with a little Color Splash Photo and Snapseed thrown in for good measure ;-) Did you know these are all available for FREE!? Sorry, even the best Michael's coupon doesn't compete with that price...

 

So what are your favorite ways to get creative quickly? Must have app(s) to fun-up your features?

Photos are from Joshua Tree National Park, Knots Berry Farms, our indoor #RVLife, & Quartzite BLM land.

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Rain in SoCal

I thought the song said "they say it never rains in Southern California"? Well, today it is doing just that, although it's still 60* so I don't think this heavy mist really counts :-)
We were able to put our map reading skills to the test, exploring both Disneyland and LA's La Brea Tar Pits museum this week. Or as I thought of them, two of the happiest and saddest places on earth. I mean, shiny happy people one day, and the bones of animals who'd been trapped in ooey sticky black asphalt seeps the next!
We have set out for a southern spell of San Diego; visiting with friends old and not-met-yet (thanks Sophie), maybe The Zoo, & quite possibly a return to Anaheim to rendezvous with GrammaD all being entertainment options to consider for the next week ♡ Thanks to everyone for your continued well wishes and prayers, your faces are missed!

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Disney In A Day

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Ventura wrapup

Sunshine in her hands

We checked the weather for back home and other places we've been along our route today, and have decided that we are in just the right place! 75° sunny and the perfect amount of breeze to cool us while we've been picking oranges and collecting stories about our relatives at my great aunt's house in Ventura ♡
 

After a truly delightful and relaxing time visiting my great Aunt Gladys and her daughters Kelly, Mona, and son Jeff, and cousin Brenda, we are braving the crowded highways of Los Angeles on our way to experience the Magic of CA in a completely different way. Well, I'm sure other families attend the Magic Kingdom hoping for an inexpensive day of fun, but I'm going to attempt to give new meaning to the words "cheap entertainment." My mom and dad always taught me that you don't have to spend money to have fun, and I intend to get over the admission price shock and deny the urge to run from attraction to attraction. I hope we get to see a lot, but there is a lot to see...
Homeschool travel lessons for today: we are researching "maps, and how to navigate with them", as well as, "What is Smog?" Something we Washingtonians-since-birth were blessed to live without ♡

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Lace Waves and Fashion Pants

At the advice of my friend Phaedra, we explored the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center this morning. It was so informative -and interesting too! Then we walked all of the 1000 plus feet of the Ventura Pier and even did a little wave jumping. I'm easing into shorts by wearing my Capri pants lol, don't want to blind anyone :-)

Glass of Sunset

Happiness is... watching your family frolic in the dunes as pre-sunset entertainment. Yep, I'll drink to that! Even Spunky watched tonight.
Thank you for a great day of sightseeing around Morro Bay, Ray!

 

 Thank you for a great day of sightseeing around Morro Bay, Ray!

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Mt. Comparison

Although 300 ft lower in height than "our" Mt . Rainier,  Mt. Shasta was still a pretty, beckoning sight as we entered CA for the second time this week :-).

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