Caralara

Mother & Child A4 Print

2011-12-09T11:41:00.002Z

Christmas is upon us!

2011-12-03T12:32:00.000Z

I for one won't be celebrating this year as i'm off to australia just after xmas for a holiday and to see my brother yay!

It feels a little off this year not having a tree, wrapping pressies etc and watching the world prepare for the festive season.

However, I am having a Christmas Sale in my little old shop! Just us code XMAS11 to receive 50% off all items!

This is selling for just over £5

Half price also

And many more will be added over the next week!

So come on, fill your boots and take advantage of this fab 50% off sale :)

photoshop...where have you been all my life

2011-11-23T20:37:00.001Z

2011-10-21T15:39:00.001+01:00

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2011-10-21T10:52:00.001+01:00

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Boxing up your memories

2011-10-06T09:05:00.001+01:00

This piece of work is about boxing up those memories and not giving in to regression

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Did you bear with me?

2011-10-04T09:34:00.001+01:00

If you did....here it is! Fini. What do you think? Childlike? Raw? Folk arty? Or just plain hmmmmm

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Happy Monday

2011-10-03T11:18:00.001+01:00

I started a new painting! Oh yes I did! Ok, bear with me on it though ;)

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Etsy sale on all paintings extended for the weekend

2011-09-30T15:40:00.001+01:00

To celebrate this glorious indian summer I am having a 40% off sale on all my work www.etsy.com/caratilson. Just enter the code SEPT30 at checkout!

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Progression

2011-09-28T18:13:00.001+01:00

In my previous post you will see the beginnings of a painting

It's taking shape and is called my childhood beach

What do u think?

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Big Brave Me

2011-09-28T09:05:00.002+01:00

Splashed some paint................

and over the table :S............

and then splashed some more in the pool.................

Ok, so the above picture is NOT of me! Although i did have a try dive at our local pool last night! I even got a wee certificate to proove so! Initial panic slowly faded and i totally enjoyed the exhilarating experience! I think i might like to do it again.

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Indian summer?

2011-09-27T19:53:00.001+01:00

The weather has been amazing today considering it's nearly the end of September.

Thought I would share a pic taken using camerabag app tonight and a painting that I'm in the middle of!

Tonight....I am having a diving lesson lol....beached whale alert!!

Happy indian summer :)

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New acrylic painting

2011-09-26T09:07:00.002+01:00

I love to just play with my paint, mix it about with my fingers, rub sand paper right over the whole thing and then scribble on it whatever i'm feeling at the time. It may not always be everyones cup of tea, but it gives me huge satisfaction and wastes lots of paint! :o.

Happy Monday :)

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Inspiration drives me insane

2011-09-25T18:03:00.001+01:00

Whenever inspiration and ideas pull at me, twist my tummy and turn me a little doolally out comes my little book. Yeah I made it myself don't you know :).

So yes, I'm on the ideas train again!

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Under preasure

2011-09-24T19:48:00.001+01:00

I'm not too hot on commissions, I can't seem to get into the right frame of creativeness. This painting was a birthday pressie and I must say I was quite pleased with the results. The print of this is available to buy.

Painting has been a chore lately. Struggling to paint something I actually like....or something that anyone likes for that matter!

Happy weekend people :)

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2011-09-20T19:44:00.001+01:00

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Tick tock

2011-09-20T19:03:00.001+01:00

Life moves so very fast. Another year nearly done and ever closer to 40! Peoples life change in an instant whilst your own stands still ! That clock is ticking!

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Apples n pears

2011-09-17T14:29:00.001+01:00

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Instagram

2011-09-15T14:01:00.001+01:00

Don't u just lllllove it!

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I've let things slide

2011-09-15T11:53:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since i last blogged (confession time)!

So apologies to all those lovely people that have followed me for some time now.

Summer has been and gone! I have drunk lots of tea, painted fences, made jam, crocheted some little doiley things, continued with teaching myself to play the piano, painted a few pics, listed some new items, registered myself for freelance work, been to airport to wave off my brother who has gone to australia, bet on some horses on my lovely friend martinas hen do in bath. Amongst ALL of that i have been working (the real day job!)

Just a reminder of where you can find me these days;

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No long necks!

2011-07-28T13:54:00.001+01:00

Just proof that I can draw people without long necks ;)

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2011-07-25T09:20:00.001+01:00

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Waiting

2011-07-21T10:03:00.001+01:00

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Art in the park

2011-07-21T08:36:00.001+01:00

Threw a few paintings against White background to get an idea of how I want to display at art in the park on sat

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Little painted standy up plaques

2011-07-20T17:24:00.001+01:00

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Fini!

2011-07-20T14:16:00.001+01:00

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2011-07-20T10:09:00.001+01:00

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2011-07-19T08:24:00.001+01:00

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2011-07-17T11:34:00.001+01:00

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Organisation???

2011-04-08T11:54:00.000+01:00

I've been sorting and organising and making. My studio is a tip. It's my spare bedroom, but still looks like a bedroom. I don't know how to make it look more pleasing to the eye and studio like. I've started painting things white....i guess thats a start.

Above, a stack of paintings. My studio/spare room is canvas graveyard! I have storage pots, boxes all over the shop. Nothing seems to match, i can't seem to pull it together. Any ideas?

And typical of me, everything ends up on the floor. Storage is emptied and contents strewn!!! Thats half my battle.

More canvases!

An idea above that i found on Pinterest! But that went wrong, so i gave up! I AM A GIVER UPPER!!!

Cute little button storage! Love love....i can see all the pretty coloured buttons :)

And same here....cotton! Lots of pretty colours in a vase :)

So its nearly the weekend! Garden? or continue with the studio??

Wow...i need another pair of hands.

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Tea and sympathy

2011-04-05T20:24:00.001+01:00

I am officially addicted to pinterest. It's like having your very own mood board....online. I love pinning quotes and today I found that instantly inspired me.

Annnnnyway....I've just spent an hour drawing and painting.

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2011-03-28T11:18:00.000+01:00

Another weekend done and dusted. Wow they go so fast! I had a creative day yesterday inspired by Flora Bowley and Sarah Ahearn (Def going to buy the book to the left). Am loving the freedom of their painting style.

Below are a few experiments on card. I really enjoyed slapping on the paint and seeing what i came up with. I'm liking muchly painting like that. It alleviates all the stress in my head and my creations are an expression from within.
So, it's monday! The start of an incredibly boring week. I wish i could paint and make every single day.

acrylic, pencil, wax crayon

Acrylic, wax crayon, charcoal

Painting and sunny days

2011-03-24T10:08:00.001Z

I feel very inspired by Flora Bowley at the moment. I'm loving her bold use of colour, messy yet structured style of painting. I would have loved to have attended her workshop this coming may, but sadly too expensive.

Above is a new creation that i painted last night. I used my fingers, brushes whatever i could find. I used the boldest of primary colours and mixed with my fingers. I used golds and copper and finished with charcoal. Thoroughly enjoyed myself :) The painting is actually supposed to be the other way around, but i quite like it the way it is at the moment.

It's a beautifully sunny spring day out there today. I want to be painting.

Cleaning Hard Paintbrushes

2011-03-24T08:22:00.000Z

Just needed to document and share this! I have so many hard brushes that i've given up on. I haven't the heart to throw them away as i've always thought they could be saved. If this works, then i'll be a very happy girl indeedy!

Cleaning Hard Paintbrushes

Pleased with myself

2011-03-23T11:33:00.000Z

After work last night i did a very brave thing indeed. Me and my paintings went a travelling to a trendy little restaurant in the hope that they would like my work and hang them for me.

I cannot tell you how nervous i was! Trying to sell your own work is not easy. Because i have spent so many hours painting these canvases and then weeks/months/years of staring at them everytime i go into my studio, i start to dislike them and find fault in them, so the thought of someone else liking them is hard for me to understand. BUT.....they wanted them. Yay! They are going to hang 5 pieces in the restaurant....how exciting.

I have another couple of places that are interested. I'll just keep cracking on and on and on..........

One for my little nan

2011-03-22T15:59:00.000Z

Once this painting was semi completed i decided to dig out some lace for her colar. Before my nan passed away i was given her sewing box and in my search for lace i also found an off cut of one of her dresses, also some buttons which must have belonged to her at some stage. So, in memory of my little nan, i attached them to my painting. Entitled 'May you forever be in my heart'

A little nervous about tonight as i'm due to take a few paintings to a Restaurant for them to hang/sell/exhibit for me! What if they hate them???

New paintings and exhibiting :)

2011-03-20T19:46:00.000Z

This past week hasn't been my best....possibly due to being off sick and struggling with letting work down. Back tomorrow and am really nervous, have that horrid sunday night feeling where i don't want it to end.

I have painted a bit this week and below is one of my new ones. I have contacted lots of restaurants/cafes to see if they would exhibit my work. I have had a few possibles and a def. I'm going to a restaurant on tuesday to take my work and see how they sit with the style of their restaurant! How exciting, but also, how nervous am i?

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A painting re-worked 2011 style :)

2011-03-16T20:17:00.001Z

I've been working from home again today due to me not being 100% and like a good conscientious girl i worked until 5pm then stopped. I could actually get quite used to working alone! I seem to get much more done. My family have often told me that i spend too much time alone, but in all honesty, i wouldn't do it if i didn't like it. I guess this is why i love the artist side of me. It keeps me company when i'm alone. So thats one of my long term goals/dreams, working on my own!

I've just ventured into my room and staring right at me was a painting that i'd started/completed 2 years ago. I had never EVER liked it. I now love it. Just a little dab of oil paint, few strokes of oil pastel and a wax crayon here and there, finally, i have a painting i love again. 'Face up to it' is its new name. Whilst titivating it the words face up spoke to me.....i don't know why, maybe it's a language i'm starting to learn.

Face up to fearsFace up to failureFace up to despairFace up to sadnessFace up to madness
You see, maybe i am learning after all :)

On what i've been up to

2011-03-15T21:47:00.001Z

Another day off work! Went in, was sent home! :( Went to docs and have sinusitis and have been signed off until monday and sent away with antibiotics. Joy! The antibiotics are making me feel really sickly, the sinusitus is making me deaf and hurting my head and feel generally grotty! BUT hey, who the devil wants to hear all that? Yah...no one :)

So tonight, in my stir crazy crazed mood i retreated to my spare room and dug out some goodies to make. Marti (from MartiCrafts) has posted a fab tute on making these cute little 'fortune cookie' stylie bags. So cool....go have a look at Marti's blog to see how they're made.

I then rummaged some more and found some wired paper leaves that i'd bought a while back. They've sat in their packaging with nowhere to go, until tonight i thought they would make cute little earrings!

And below a snap i took with the 'instagram' app on my iphone! Such a fabulous app! I can't recommend this app enough! Also, proof that spring is a springing. I feel thankful right now for living in the UK. For all the moaning that us brits do, we really should appreciate what we have here. Thoughts to all of those affected by Fridays horridness :( Love life, what we have, here and now, family, friends, for who knows! My mum arrives home from her 5 month trip to Australia in 3 weeks time....i've really missed her!

So, lemsip is finally kicking in and the pain is leaving my head for a bit so will take this opportunity to rest my weary head and get some shut eye.

She sits, she thinks, she IS rhonda and the show must go on!

2011-03-14T17:07:00.000Z

I've had this horrible virus that has rendered me pretty useless for the past week. I've slept, taken it easy, and i'm very slowly getting back to normal. My laptop and me have been best friends during my illy days and i've found so much inspiration. I have also contacted many local outlets with regard to exhibiting my work and guess what? I've had more reply's that i ever expected. This afternoon i took the opportunity to use some of my pent up illy energy to paint. Blank canvas, oil pastels and a brush! It turned into a quick sketch, but i really enjoyed it. The whole time i was painting i was feeling Rhonda's story! The story of the showgirl wanting to be something else. The whole story, book, film and stage play was in my thoughts whilst painting. Thats why i enjoyed it!

'she sits, she thinks, she IS Rhonda and the show must go on!'

Last Saturday me and my BFF (Marti from MartiCrafts) took a trip to southampton to get pampered and photographed. What a fab day we had :) and so great to catch up.

Taking things seriously with a pinch of salt!!

2011-03-01T10:53:00.000Z

I'm not sure whether i have shared this painting that i painting during the Xmas break.

Oil on Canvas - 2011

Painted in oils on a large canvas. I loved the flow of this one....the colours, the brushes, the oils all seemed just perfect. Its a dreamy image although the photograph does not do it justice (a lazy iphone snap). This is for sale but will not be listed on any craft/art selling sites.

I'm now going to up my game! Its time for me to be brave and not sit back and wait for my paintings to sell themselves. Up until now, its been ok. Etsy, folksy, ebay and the like have provided me with a platform where i can just sit back and watch the views grow and hope they sell themselves. In reality, this is not working. If you are an established artist and recognised for your work, then yes. Being an unknown and relying solely on talent and a creative eye alone, is hard. So upping my game. I have a plan/strategy and will take myself more seriously with a pinch of salt :)

Winging it

2011-02-26T20:56:00.001Z

Winging it e-workshop is starting to take shape. It literally will be winging it and teaching our brains to shut down and make interesting art.

So this is me tonight whilst I patiently wait for my laptop to charge so that I can continue writing my book in bed. I put way too much pressure on myself but there is so much I want to do. I am also FINALLY ready to send off the first module of my fashion illustration course!! Yay....u go girl lol

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Razzle Zazzle Dazzle

2011-02-25T11:00:00.001Z

I have discovered ZAZZLE!! I can make all these really cool products from my artwork and as for selling, they sell themselves :)

http://www.zazzle.co.uk/flutteryby_mousemat_mousepad-144040969276907854 This particular item won the Todays Best Award! How fab is that??? For a painting that was sold a couple of years ago....it still lives on :)

My heads all over the place today! I'm trying to maintain my folksy shop, zazzle, blog, keep twittering til the tweets come home, FBing to keep my fans interested, working on the e-workshop and also WORKING the day job.

Since painting this...i've really gone for it! We can have it all :)

Winging it! E-workshop

2011-02-24T12:41:00.000Z

I've been thinking about this e-workshop for a long time now. Winging it is my phylosophy when it comes to painting, no structure, no plan. That way i get the most out of my art! May not always be pleasing to the eye, but the satisfaction it gives me getting there is invaluable.

Art has nurtured my being and healed my soul from the moment i could pick up a pencil. Art has been a place that i can escape to when times are tough.

I have met many people on my creative journey who have shown courage, wisdom, freedom, hope and have enabled me to find myself on many levels.

A few years back i decided to seek out some counselling with art therapy. It didn't quiet help as i'd hoped, although i have now realised that i am the only person that can help me! Which is how this e-workshop developed!

We can help each other, on so many levels, artistic skills, emotions, experimenting.

So....do you fancy winging it????

So far this has had much interest. Already people have asked to come on board! We will create a community of like minded creative souls and share our passions and needs. Contact me should you be interested.

Guest Poster on this FAB Blog

2011-02-14T11:54:00.000Z

Today i have been featured on Beths Nicholls Blog 'Do what you love'. I'm a guest poster talking about how i want to 'do what i love' and what steps i'd like to take to achieve it. It also talks about my busyness doing nothing!

Beth's blog and website are so inspirational! She offers e-courses and this coming May has organised the Do what you love retreat in Yorkshire. It is my dream to attend and participate in Flora Bowleys class!

My eyes have been opened! We can all do what we love!

Luck just doesn't happen. Luck comes from taking risks, putting yourself out there. Be a participant in life, not an observer

Sunday Sunday

2011-02-13T18:50:00.003Z

Its all about experimenting at the moment. I am using whatever materials/medium I have to hand in my studio. Quickly sketching a face then messing it up with colour. Oh how great it is to make a mess.

And what's really great about it is that even when I only want to spend 5 minutes in there I am able to create something from scratch spontaneously without getting too involved with it.

Ok! So it's not my best work. But art is a healing agent for me. Who the devil cares what it looks like? The healing process that I gain from art is priceless!

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Here comes inspiration

2011-02-09T20:54:00.001Z

Busy doing nothing but sitting on my butt tonight although my head is bursting! I'm hoping to meet Amelia critchlow and others on Saturday in London. The plan is to meet, lunch, get snappy with cameras. It's a super brave thing for me to even consider, but if I wanna get going I must get involved.

Great quote recently 'I would be awesome if only I could get started'.

And did I say oh how I love a good photo taking iPhone app? Lol

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Newbies

2011-02-08T15:24:00.001Z

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Out of hibernation?

2011-02-08T15:14:00.001Z

Every year I do the same. Hibernate from Christmas until the sun appears in spring. Sometimes, you might see me pop up when the sun is shining in winter! Today is one of those days. So hello there? Hope you haven't forgotten me! :)

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Festive?

2010-12-03T17:08:00.001Z

Originally uploaded by caralara

i've been busy making xmas cards.....now for sale on folksy

A little test video blog :)

2010-11-28T14:42:00.000Z

The end of 'journal your dreams'

2010-11-22T10:59:00.003Z

I really enjoyed participating. I'm no where near finished...but i have many ideas and dreams floating around in my head. Getting them down and creating a dream reality is the hardest part.

So i thank you Amelia Critchlow, for you've allowed me to tap into my head and my needs and allowed me to freely create.

I have learned i need to think bigger now.
I need to believe that its possible.
I know! that through dreams there is reality.
It's out there....not going to fall in your lap....if you want it enough and strive hard to get....you can have!

I will be putting more pics up of my dreaming journey on flickr from time to time if you would like to follow. Maybe you will see some dreams unfold.
x

Day two of journal your dreams

2010-11-17T18:12:00.001Z

Originally uploaded by caralara

I'm a little behind as i've had a busy day! I need to experiment some more on a couple of blank pages and then tomorrow get ready to find some inspiring images.

I recommend this e-workshop to everyone. It awakens those thoughts and dreams. And mostly...isn't it great to have something to concentrate on......

Having fun and playing

2010-11-15T22:29:00.004Z

Amazing what happens when creating spontaneously. There, there lies yourself. The child inside appears for some creative nurturing.

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Finding my creativity

2010-11-15T20:00:00.004Z

Today is the first day of Amelia's 'Journal Your Dreams'. Although as of yet i haven't done anything, i've spent a few hours browsing blogs and flickr. So much inspiration out there and i don't think i can compete. I really don't know i have it in me although its all there in my head. 'A portrait a day' was one of the Flickr groups i came across. And instantly i thought 'i could do that'. I tried with my Nikon, but i'm so unphotogenic that i gave up!

The e-workshop has made me think alot about me and my wants/dreams. I procrastinate way too much....i want so much, but i don't know how to achieve it. i wonder if i'll just go on like this for years!

All that really matters.....is love.....isn't it? Love of life, partner, posibility. Its all out there. Waiting for me!!

LOVE.......

And i love all of my goodies that i can play with :)

I'm so looking forward to getting stuck into this e-course. Finding myself, finding what i need/want and creating some beautiful journal pages.

Giveaway Winner

2010-11-14T17:39:00.001Z

As the e-workshop starts tomorrow i've had to cut the giveaway short.

So....the winner is......

Jeanette (Maisy) House!!

So looking forward to starting this and i hope you are too!

Thanks to those that have entered

Can you contact me with your email details so that i could pass on to Amelia Critchlow.

My old portfolio

2010-11-12T20:54:00.001Z

I was going through my old portfolio earlier and found these.

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Tuesday Weekly Sponsor Giveaway

2010-11-09T14:38:00.002Z

I am ubber excited to announce my next sponsored giveaway!

Amelia Critchlow 'artist, maker, workshop leader, and creator of the 'experimental art e-course' and 'gift grants'' is a fantastically inspirational artist and is currently advertising her e-workshop 'JOURNAL YOUR DREAMS'.

'first and foremost this is about DECLARING OUR DREAMS in a fully artistic manner (I believe visual and written dreamsetting with clear intentions is really powerful!)'

Of course, i jumped at the chance to enrol! And guess what? a spare place has been reserved for one of you lucky people! The workshop is due to commence on Monday 15th November (and is a week long), therefore, this giveaway will only be available until Sunday 14th November when a winner will be announced. Wow....so excited! and i hope you will be too.

For those of you who don't win, or can't wait, you can enrol here. Amelia is offering this at an affordable price too as it's a 'pay what you can' donation scheme!

You can enter 1 of 3 ways and all i require from you is a comment with a reason why YOU should win

here
www.facebook.com/caralara72
@cara_lara on twitter

I'll stop with my excitable babble and declare this giveaway officially open!!!

Giveaway WINNER!!!

2010-11-09T14:18:00.000Z

Using the Random Number Generator and numbering all entrants in accordance to date and time, i am now pleased to confirm

drum rollssssssss........................

Sparrow Primitives has won this weeks giveaway.

CONGRATS

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-11-09 13:00 UTC

Technology!!

2010-11-08T21:33:00.001Z

Just gets better and better eh? I can now update my blog on the fly :)
And better fonts too !!
How totally cool is that!

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New Bookmarks

2010-11-07T18:25:00.001Z

I have to think about getting bits together for my stall in December. So....an affordable way to buy my artwork is bookmarks! Signed on the back and ready to go!

Cards, polymer clay xmas decorations, fridge magnets etc are all to come soon. Trying to find the time is difficult. But i'm sure i'll get there. I have oooooodles of jewellery already....might make a few more earrings. Will just see where it takes me. Not sure whether i should take original paintings. Not the kind of thing that would sell on a craft stall???

So...Sunday is nearly over boo hoo! back to the grind tomorrow! :(

i've had a nice day though. Autumn is really growing on me this year and slowly becoming my second fav. season :). i've been raking leaves...beautifully coloured leaves at that.

Followed by a lovely brew! What a lovely day!

Don't forget :)

2010-11-04T11:47:00.000Z

Caralara: Tuesday Weekly Sponsor Giveaway: "I am really pleased to share with you my very first Weekly Sponsor Giveaway! This gorgeous charm bracelet has been donated by Lisa-Marie Jew..."

Bringing it all together!

2010-11-04T09:31:00.001Z

I'm slowly managing to create my online presence and gather all of my information into one place. Slowly, it is looking more uniformed and complete. Not having a huge amount of knowledge of html and the like, i'm searching the web for help and ideas. It's getting there. slowwwwwly.

As for painting this week.....i haven't had that itching urge. But thats ok!

This week is all about promotion and my blog.

Other stuff......Autumn....so gorgeous again this year. The garden last night was full of beautifully coloured leaves on the trees, this morning however, after a windy night.....those leaves are now laying all forlorn on the grass.

5 weeks 4 days until work finishes for 2 weeks!!! Xmas here we come.

Tuesday Weekly Sponsor Giveaway

2010-11-02T15:51:00.002Z

I am really pleased to share with you my very first Weekly Sponsor Giveaway!

This gorgeous charm bracelet has been donated by Lisa-Marie Jewellery. Lisa-Maries shop is full of affordable accessories. Colourful, bright and totally one of a kind. It actually does amaze me how many creatives out there make jewellery, yet i am still to see two items exactly the same. THAT is what I love about all things handmade. And i'm sure you will agree, Lisa-Maries charm bracelet is totally OOAK!

'I handmake a range of unique one off Jewellery and Accessories from my home in Beautiful Cornwall. I never make 2 items the same so you won't see somebody else with the same design! I use a range of different materials and make all of my items affordable'

So, with christmas drawing ever closer, grab yourself a freebie if you dare.

All that is required is a visit to Lisa-Maries shop.....have a browse....get some ideas for xmas....and then come back, leave a comment and i will randomly select a winner next Tuesday.

Lisa-Marie can also be followed here where you can see her beautiful designs unfold.

Ready.....

Steady.....

GO!

Giveaways

2010-11-02T09:17:00.000Z

I would like to start a new feature, sponsored giveaways.
If anyone would like to donate a small item once a week for my featured giveaway, i will promote you and feature you on my blog.

There are so many fabulous artists, creatives out there and most of us get swallowed up in this big creative online hole never to be seen again. Believe me, i know! I have been promoting my work now for over two years....it takes time and lots of patience.

I will link to your site, blog, shop and promote you as best as i possibly can.

All YOU have to do is supply and send the item you wish to give away. Send me a link to your pages. And thats it.....interested???

Cupcake Sunday

2010-10-31T16:14:00.002Z

Yes its cupcake sunday.....i'm making them!

The house smells yummy and really looking forward to getting creative with them. Lots of colours and big swirly bits me thinks.

I painted the picture below last night. Oils are giving me the freedom that i like. My brush does the talking every time. I like that. With acrylics i'm too tight and fussy.....oils are so very free. The picture isn't fantastic.....but the colours are really dreamy. Overall....i'm fairly pleased.

Once the cupcakes are out of the oven....and dinner is in.....i'm going to paint another large canvas.

My spare room is now a canvas graveyard. I need to get rid of some....any offers? ;)

Happy Sunday everyone x

On capturing likeness

2010-10-28T15:56:00.001+01:00

I guess i could safely say, i cannot capture a likeness. Ok so this oil painting is totally unfinished, but surely by now i should be picking up some of their characteristics? No? These little ones are 5 and 3....i've made them look about 50! I am thinking i need some fine art lessons. Or actually sit down and draw like i used to draw. These days i'm like a bull in a china shop! I guess thats because there is so little time these days.

What are your techniques for capturing the look or spirit of someone on paper? Ideas please :)

How do people do it?

2010-10-27T12:01:00.001+01:00

I am trying to promote, stock and update my shops. Update my blog on a regular basis. Tweet like no ones ever tweeted before. Facebook till i'm blue in the face. Paint, create, promote, promote, promote...oh and trying to sell! Plus working the day job and keeping house.

How is this possible???

I can be found:

http://caralara1972.blogspot.com - BLOG
http://www.dreamaid.com/store/caralara1972 - DREAMAID STORE
http://www.folksy.com/shops/caralara - FOLKSY STORE
http://twitter.com/cara_lara - TWITTER
http://www.facebook.com/caralara72 - FACEBOOK

and i'm struggling to keep it all together. Ideally, i would like a website that could encompass all of this information for me. Somewhere to call my online home. A place where i can just go to a couple of times a day and update.

It's a struggle out there :)

Randomness

2010-10-25T12:20:00.000+01:00

I love this little corner of my conservatory. The table desperately needs finishing. I originally painting is blue, but am now changing to a white wash. The boot on the table i bought when i was on holiday....and i love love love it. Flowers from the garden. I just love that space. Makes me feel nice when i look at it....and i like things that make me feel nice :).

More and more items are being added to my folksy shop. http://www.folksy.com/shops/caralara.
I'm painting much more frequently again now....sometimes i feel it....sometimes i don't. These days i just walk away until i get the urge to splodge some more paint.

Never Give Up

2010-10-21T15:26:00.002+01:00

Because sometimes it works out just fine :)

Oils Rock!

2010-10-12T09:37:00.001+01:00

I'd tried with oils and hated them.
But the other week i went on an oils workshop!!
And omg....i love them :)

Still learning :)

Tracey Emin - on being a little obsessed at the mo

2010-09-03T10:22:00.001+01:00

Strangely, a little obsessed by the weird and wonderful Tracey Emin, who until a few weeks ago (head in the sand me) hadn't even heard of !! Maybe i had heard of her, but the contemporary style of her work (much like damien hurst) did nothing for me, therefore, Tracey Emins name probably just slipped out of my head.
But it seems i was destined to learn about her and actually like her.
I heard someone speak her name a few weeks back and refered to her unmade bed piece. Instantly searched on the internet....hmmm.....much fuss about nothing as per.
After the exhibition i did, there was a write up in the local paper (the bit about me was quite cool and my mum was mentioned too :)). One of the pieces exhibited was by a local artist. In the paper it was refered to as like 'Tracey Emin'. That name again!!!
Then, last week i visited the V&A in london. In the fashion section was a gorgeous bag that instantly drew my eye. Full of patchwork words, feeling and emotion. Of course, this was soooo me and i wanted that bag! The designer - Tracey Emin.
Destined.
So i bought her book 'strangeland' and i cannot put it down. Messed up, mixed up, misunderstood.
I love it.
Can't stop reading it.
And below....a pic of said bag.

Source of new inspiration maybe?

I'm giving this away!

2010-08-23T12:01:00.000+01:00

For the sake of giving away!

After a disapointing exhibition over the weekend i feel in the mood to give it allllllll away :).
But for now........

.....u can have this!

For nothing!

Just leave a message, follow, here, twitter, facebook....i don't mind. I will randomly select a winner next monday!

Good Luck all :)

2010-08-19T12:07:00.000+01:00

Well, tomorrow is the start of another exhibition. These are just a few of the paintings which will be exhibited. Last year i sold two paintings. Hoping to sell at least one this time.

2010-08-19T10:43:00.000+01:00

I have avidly followed this blog now for over a year. Kelly Rae Roberts totally inspires me! So, on reading her last post i totally jumped at the chance to become an affiliate for her ebook. I am so hoping that i can get some people out there to buy this so that i can buy it myself! Even if you can't, check out her fantastic blog anyway. I'm sure the inspiration will spread to you too!

You can find the link in the left hand column!

'The Box: Remembering the Gift'

2010-08-11T09:20:00.002+01:00

This makes me think about all the creative whispers in my head. All the things i want to be. Life is too short to conform to what is the 'norm'!

what in your life is calling you?

when all the noise is silenced,
the meetings adjourned,
the lists laid aside,
and the wild iris blooms by itself in the dark forest,
what still pulls on your soul?

in the silence between your heartbeats hides a summons.
do you hear it?
name it, if you must,
or leave it nameless,
but why pretend it is not there?

I am so ready to do this!!

2010-08-10T15:44:00.000+01:00

Looks great fun! Who else is going to participate with me?

Searching for inspiration

2010-08-04T11:19:00.001+01:00

I've been searching for a while now. Wanting to find like minded souls who maybe offer e-courses or group art get togethers. My search continues!! Although sometimes i feel that i could maybe organise the thing that i am searching for....but then i will need to search for people to jump on this creative train with me! What is it i am looking for exactly??

Anyway, i found this blog 101 Bird Tales and staring right at me was this quote

'Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up'
Pablo Picasso

How true that is!

'Claude'

2010-08-03T16:06:00.002+01:00

'Claude' arrived on my doorstep last week!
With this little note :)
He is the most gorgeous door stop i think i've ever seen because he was made by my friend 'Marti'. He is much larger than i'd anticipated and looks great proping open my bedroom door!! I love him....because he was lovingly hand made :)

And here is 'Marti'....go check out her blog and her shop! My clever lovely little friend :)

New in shop

2010-08-03T10:18:00.002+01:00

My newest item in my 'other' shop! What do you think?

She is soooo clever!!!

2010-07-20T15:02:00.000+01:00

#links

Help.....is very much needed!

2010-07-19T20:55:00.004+01:00

I have to choose 3 paintings to submit into an exhibition by tomorrow. I'm still totally disorganised as per and not sure what to put in!!!

My choices are.......

All comments welcome :)

Introducing.....Whoopsidasical

2010-07-14T11:41:00.002+01:00

My new shop :)

Come see it!!!

A new painting :S

2010-07-14T09:16:00.003+01:00

While i've been painting lately i've decided to go with the flow. Go with what colours i fancy at the time, not change any mistakes i've made and basically wing it. The end product is purely hand to canvas. I've enjoyed it. It's freeing. Proportions and drawing are not the best, but i'm happy with how they are turning out.

So....what have i been doing?

2010-07-10T15:14:00.005+01:00

All art and crafts came to a stop! It seemed that everything i tried to create/paint pleased me NOT! I couldn't find any inspiration! The art group that i belong too became a struggle as i was wanting to become the fine artists that attend. I have to keep reminding myself...I HAVE MY OWN STYLE. A couple of weeks back i gave a demonstration on glass painting....was v. nervous to say the least....i haven't dabbled in glass painting for years and years. To my surprise...it was thoroughly enjoyable, so painted a couple of clip frames. I will be opening another Etsy shop very soon with my crafts for sale. Caralara will be purely painting.

I visited an art gallery this morning...got talking to the guy who runs/owns it and although they have not space for paintings at the moment he said he would be interested in seeing some of my work. The gallery also holds Life drawing classes....i'm thinking about popping along.

2010-07-09T09:38:00.004+01:00

Since finding the Camera Bag App....I'm loving it! Use it when i can...produces the coolest of photos!

Anyway.....my head is always so full of thoughts and ideas, generally when I'm driving! Occasionally i come up with the maddest of ideas, sometimes, i think they're pretty cool. So the above picture is a sketch of my latest idea. That's all I'm saying...but a new shop IS definitely on the cards :)

2010-07-08T08:51:00.002+01:00

Also forgotten how to use this! :)

Back on track?

2010-07-08T08:48:00.002+01:00

Well, i think i am :) I've managed to finish a painting that i started last year. Also re-opened my shop!

On finding my muse

2010-02-11T20:14:00.003Z

Which i lost some time ago now!

My head has housed a herd of galloping horses for like forever!! One thought quickly flits to another, one idea replaces the previous idea. The thoughts in my dreamy head excite me.

Endless possibility of what i could achieve and how i could be.

On completion of a personality test i have discovered my personality type. A 'dreamy idealist'. It all makes perfect sense now. I have to listen to the positive voice in my head and ignore the pesimistic one that is voiced. Follow my dreams. Because in my dreams there is some truth and some passion. There is something that i could be. I CAN do the things i want to do. I WILL reach for those goals before i turn 40! I AM going to re-discover my muse and feed my creative soul once more.

New Year....better late than never!

2010-01-21T18:37:00.002Z

I've had a complete blog shutdown for the last few months! A little to do with the pup.....a bit to do with going for the whole sell sell sell on etsy.....something to do with lacking inspiration.....tied down with day to day monotony.....but today....i feel i'm back on track! For a bit at least.

Saying that....the inspiration for painting/drawing has dwindled totally! I'm hoping to find my passion again soon. Maybe when this dreaded dreary weather is out of the way and spring springs right back into my life.

For the moment.....it's new year....new wants!

I want to learn to play the piano

learn another language

MOVE to a house with a garden for the Mini Moo

I want to have a break from the monotony....a mini one would do :)

I want to learn to cope with life and all that it throws at me

Be more organised and regimented with keeping on top of things

Maybe i want too much!

Xmas Cards

2009-11-22T14:04:00.002Z

Puppy has completely taken over my life!!!!

While she was sleep this morning i quickly made some Xmas Cards to keep my hand in. Have listed them on Etsy. I think i'll make all of my xmas cards this year! It costs a fortune to buy them and how long do they stay up???

Ibuy5 Section on Etsy

2009-11-14T10:19:00.003Z

Above is one of the items in the ibuy5!

Everything is $5 for this weekend only!

Go check it out :) There have been so many sales already!

I have a section in my shop

Mini Moo has whooped the art out of me!

2009-11-13T16:46:00.002Z

It's been a week and haven't created a thing!! I've had sleepless nights, messy carpets, crying puppy, bitten fingers and toes, jabs, vet visits and its been great! We're all still adjusting....but getting there :)

This weekend i hope to paint something, although painting on the floor will be a no no from now on unless i wanna create some puppy art ;)

There certainly were fireworks last night

2009-11-06T11:45:00.002Z

In the form of Mini Moo....she arrived!! And oh wow! She is beautiful and the most loving little bundle of fluff...but omg....its been 14 hours and if this is half as hard as having children....i'm glad i didn't!

She's still only 8 weeks old and very dependent, playful, inquisitive and we got about 5 hours sleep! Every couple of hours she's awake and crying :) She's not toilet trained yet...so a few lil accidents! I have training pads everywhere lol! So...she's asleep right now after having a mad few hours playing so thought i'd quickly update :)

I have many thoughts going round in my head....is this the right thing to be doing is the biggest!

I've just got used to having the fish....and getting their tank around to a healthy state (new additions were 2 snails to help rid the algae problem). But....all of a sudden...this lonely flat has become a cozy home! And hopefully in May next year i will have a house that i so want...and especially for mini now :) Then thats it...i'm done....a wee family is all i needed :)

Colourful new cushions

2009-11-01T14:33:00.005Z

I purchased these from Veedubz (the purple and green ones). Her cushions are fab! Go check her out!!!

Might list this painting on Etsy today, even though i'm on Etsy strike (SCAB SCAB lol)!!

Autumnal Afternoon Out

2009-10-31T10:39:00.003Z

I had a really lovely afternoon out at Audley End House yesterday, with my mum and aunt! What a stunning house!!! My Nikon is all back on track but the images are a little dark. Autumn has been beautiful this year....the colours are amazing! And the top pic is my little 'sunny' molly! Such a happy little greedy fish :)

ETSY STRIKE!

I am officially on Etsy strike! If the Royal Mail can do it...then so can i!!! Kinda burnt out with all the promoting i've been doing. I've had to give one refund this week as the item has not arrived (stupid postal system). The annoying thing is, i have no disclaimer (stupidly) on my shop, therefore, out of good will i'm open to refunds. I'm hoping there won't be any more!

There is only 4 days left to vote on my poll (see below) Would just like some feedback on my website that i worked so hard on! :)

Feedback poll

2009-10-28T19:30:00.004Z

I spent most of the weekend working on my website. Getting the design i wanted...but i'm still not sure it works. I would love some feedback on this!! How can i make this better? what would you like to see? would you use it to see my work????

www.caralara.com

Veggie Christmas!

2009-10-27T19:55:00.000Z

Newly listed on Etsy, really enjoyed drawing these :)

What a day

2009-10-26T21:49:00.002Z

Woke up as usual on a cold morning....upped and dressed and out to work....got in car! hmmmmm!!! i knew there was something not quite right with it and it was booked in for tomorrow anyway...but was making the strangest noise. So after numerous phone calls, £89 later my little car was being towed away by the AA. My clutch bearing has gone and have been told it will cost quite a bit of money!!! So i need to sell sell sell lol.

So....without a car...unable to go to work, i worked from home this afternoon on the company website. This evening i've worked on my own website again and its kinda getting there. Also made up a few little business cards.

My mum and step dad came round to lend me their car...and we got around to chatting about painting, making, cards, blah blah....We thought that turkeys on a christmas card would be quite a cute idea (marti if you're reading!!! do the meat version lol) But being veggie that seemed kinda cruel. Sooooooo Veggie Christmas was born :D. I'm not sure how they will work...but have enjoyed drawing and colouring in tonight hehehe. And back to work for me tomorrow :( Not enough hours in the day!

Website

2009-10-24T22:13:00.002+01:00

I know i can do it!!! but its just getting it right. I've changed it sooooo many times!!!

Here is the latest.

Check it out for real at www.caralara.com