I started creating this book for kids back in 2020 & I put it down during the PANDEMIC due to all the CHAOS in that year.. I focused mostly on my HEALTH and my artwork since everything was closed down. I ONLY had 10 pages completed of this book at the time. In fact, I didn’t even think it would really turn into a book one day. 
You see, I had NO idea what it would take to turn those illustrations into an actual book. 
I remember looking into it briefly & feeling SO overwhelmed!  
I wrote notes in my iPhone of the steps to self publish and boy did I feel DEFEATED …so I just left it alone. Then fast forward to January 2023 my SON and I were drawing, I remember him comparing his drawing to mine and telling me how UGLY his was in comparison. 
On another day, I invited him to draw again and he was reluctant. He was SCARED that I would look at his art and think it was CRAP. My heart broke. 💔 Of course, I ENCOURAGED him not to give up. I told him that it wasn’t about PERFECTION but instead about putting yourself out there and creating what makes you HAPPY!  Despite what people think. 
A few days later I picked up my drawings from 2020, and made a PROMISE to myself that I would finish this book! 
I decided I was going to self publish. UHH yea. It was one of the most CHALLENGING things I’ve ever done. 
There were so many days I thought of QUITTING and even wondered what I why bothering. But I thought about my son and I wanted him to be FEARLESS in his creativity and everything else in life … I wanted him to be PROUD of me for finishing this book. But most of all,  I wanted him to know, that I BELIEVED in him!

What is the significance of owning an original painting versus a reproduction or print? Let me tell you with 5 bullet points.

• Original paintings are unique and hold a special place in the world of art.
• The authenticity of an original painting is determined by factors such as the artist's signature, provenance, and condition.
• The artist's signature serves as proof of ownership and authenticity.
• Provenance, or the history of ownership, is important in determining the authenticity and value of a painting.
• The condition of a painting can give clues about its age and authenticity.

So now you have a better idea of why original art has more meaning than a reproduction. 

Excited to share my feature and collaboration with Form Kitchens! 
We started this whole renovation process last year and finally finished it a couple months ago! It was a long process, and a few challenges came up - but it was all worth it! 
My kitchen was just plain ugly before and very 90's and dark  - and thanks to FORM Kitchen cabinets - the kitchen is now bright & modern. It's also def more functional. Check out my feature + video, for before & after here. 


Check out FORM Kitchens - they have a bunch of different cabinet options and colors - and their prices are very affordable. 
Also, Thanks to Jen Contracting for all the work they put into the demo & renovation of my kitchen!

1. Provide an environment that fosters creativity: I totally feel it's essential to create an environment that encourages creativity.  Like, decorating your space with art, posters, and other creative objects that inspire children!  Also, provide plenty of resources such as art supplies, writing tools, music instruments, and more.
   
2. Give them the freedom to explore: Children need the freedom to explore their interests, so it's essential to give them space and time to do so. Every once in awhile allow them to freely experiment and take risks, without worrying about getting things perfect or following strict rules.
   
3. Encourage open-ended play: Open-ended play encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to come up with their own ideas and solutions. This can include activities like building with blocks or creating stories with dolls or action figures.
   
4. Foster curiosity: Encourage children to ask questions and explore the world around them. This can be done by taking them on nature walks, visiting museums, and engaging them in conversations about science, art, and other topics that spark their curiosity.
   
5. Celebrate their creativity: Celebrating children's creativity is essential for encouraging them to continue to explore their interests. You can do this by displaying their artwork, reading their stories aloud, or hosting a creative showcase for their work. Remember that positive feedback and support will go a long way in building up their confidence and creativity.
   

My son loves painting + drawing and he's so good at it! I'm glad I was able to encourage him even when he had doubts!


Hope this helps! 

WHAT IS GESSO?
Did you know that the type of gesso used on your canvas can make a significant difference in the final outcome of the artwork?
YES, it's true! - Gesso is a primer that is applied to the canvas before painting to create a smooth, even surface and prevent the paint from seeping into the fibers of the canvas. Below I'll give you a quick insight of the differences.


Clear Gesso:
Clear gesso is transparent, allowing the natural texture and color of the canvas to show remain visible. It's best for creating an organic or textured look. Clear gesso is often used by artists who want to maintain the natural texture of the canvas while still providing a protective layer. Additionally, because clear gesso is transparent, it can be used to create interesting effects by layering different colors or materials on top of each other.


White Gesso:
White gesso is opaque and provides a neutral background for the artwork. It covers imperfections and enhances colors but may cover up the natural texture of the canvas. White gesso is often used by artists who want to create a neutral background for their artwork, or who want to create a specific color or effect on top of the primer.


The choice between the two depends on personal preference and the needs of the artwork.


Which option do you prefer?

I absolutely believe that creativity is crucial for children's cognitive, emotional, and social growth. In this post, I'll discuss it's importance.

1. Cognitive Development: Creative activities promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills, contributing to intellectual growth.
   
2. Emotional Intelligence: Creative activities foster emotional expression, self-awareness, and management, leading to better social skills.
   
3. Confidence: Participating in creative activities promotes self-esteem and confidence.
   
4. Fosters Innovation: Creativity encourages children to think beyond the obvious, promoting innovation and a better understanding of the world.
   
5. Self-Expression: Creative activities allow children to communicate thoughts and emotions effectively.
   

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative mediums to help people express themselves and improve their mental health. Engaging in art therapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, increase self-awareness and self-esteem, and promote relaxation and well-being.
Different Forms of Art Therapy:
Different types of art therapy include painting, drawing, music therapy, sculpture, dance therapy, and drama therapy. Art therapy can be incorporated into your life by attending therapy sessions with a licensed therapist or creating a dedicated art space at home. If you're an Artist, you could do this in your own studio space. 
Incorporating Art Therapy into Your Life:
Incorporating art therapy into your self-care routine can have many mental health benefits and provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore and express their emotions.

When I create a painting - it involves a lot of time & effort.


There are TONS of stores selling prints derived from an original painting.  That's great... but in my opinion, it doesn't replace an original painting!  Expect to pay cheaper prices for mass produced items, because everyone and their mother has one. But if you want something truly original where each brushstroke was created for you & your home, then invest in original art.
There is something special about original art & the feeling that it coveys to people.

Sadly, some large websites have saturated the art market by allowing anyone to buy a large piece of art (around 23"x33") for under $45...and YES, it's still a printed version of the original. 
Because of this, I'm guessing some people may not understand the "original painting" market & tend to underestimate the uniqueness of an original painting. People will usually email me expecting "original art" prices to be in the same ballpark as art prints they see in big home stores.  Some people even find it a little over their budget. That's ok.
Perhaps it's over-saturation & ease of availability, but nonetheless some of these big 'art prints' companies have taken away the connection between the artist & the buyer. Instead, leaving the buyer with a mass produced product with no real individual element to it. I know that's harsh, but it's true.

You see, mass produced art prints are STILL printed versions, (even if they are high quality) and the price range is justified for that print. People cannot expect an original to be in the same price range. In the same way we cannot expect a replica Louis Vuitton to be the same price as the real Louis Vuitton.
Original means it is one-of-a-kind & and there is certainly value in that. ​

First off, I wanted to say thank you.
I'm SO grateful that you have been on this art journey with me. I'm a Mom, an Artist & someone who is passionate about learning & creating new things! You may remember Cocoa + Hearts? - That's when I first introduced my art to the world.
It was a meaningful time for me. But it was nothing compared to what it would mean a few years later. ...with the adoption of my son.
HOW IT BEGAN
I started painting back in 2010, while so many of you followed me through Made By Girl (my first company + blog). At the time, I was hoping to be a Mom & went through many challenges with my husband at the time. Besides not being able to conceive, one of those was the high-cost of adoption. Truth be told, it never occurred to me that adoption would be part of my future.
I always thought I would become pregnant like every other woman & BOOM.... baby would pop out of me! Through lots of soul searching & prayer (I'm a Christian) - I felt God leading me to paint. I remember seeing many of the artworks in my mind even before I held a brush to the canvas. I knew what I needed to do.


THEN SOMETHING HAPPENEDLots of sold artworks later, I was able to use a portion of the proceeds from my artwork to adopt my son. Just when I thought it was impossible - God made it possible. The door was open, and my son entered my life. Art means different things to different people - to me it means hope & opportunities.
Hope this gives you a better insight into my story & helps you better appreciate my artwork! ​

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH:
Before negotiating on artwork, do your research on the piece and the artist. Research the market value of the artwork, the artist's reputation, and their previous sales. This will give you a better idea of what a fair price might be and help you negotiate from a position of knowledge and confidence.
2. BE RESPECTFUL AND POLITE:
To negotiate on artwork respectfully, approach the negotiation in a friendly and professional manner, as the artist or gallery owner is running a business and has invested time and effort into creating or curating the artwork. Avoid being confrontational or making low-ball offers.
3. BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN TO COMPROMISE:
Negotiating on artwork involves finding a compromise that works for both parties. Consider negotiating on price, framing, or shipping, and offering to pay in installments or buying multiple pieces for a better deal. The negotiation should be a conversation, not a battle, with the goal of finding a win-win solution for everyone involved.
4. UNDERSTAND THE SELLER'S PERSPECTIVE:
When negotiating on artwork, it's important to consider the seller's perspective. They have costs to cover, including creating or acquiring the artwork, marketing expenses, and overhead costs. To negotiate in a respectful and mutually beneficial way, buyers should be aware of these costs and be willing to consider other terms that might benefit the seller, such as offering to pay upfront or agreeing to display the artwork prominently.


Have you ever tried negotiating on artwork? How did it go?

1. BUDGET:
Determine how much money you are willing to spend.
2. PERSONAL TASTE:
Choose Art that appeals to you. Look for a piece that you genuinely love.
3. FRAMING:
Consider if the art needs framing & the overall cost.
4. ARTIST REPUTATION:
Look for Artists that are professional & have good testimonials.
5. SIZE:
Consider the size of the artwork. Measure the space and ensure it will fit appropriately.


Now you know!

Sometimes choosing art can be overwhelming... but I have tips to help you do this in no time


1. Consider your personal taste: Choose art that resonates with you personally, reflects your interests and style, and makes you happy. You should enjoy looking at the art every day.
2. Think about the room's purpose and atmosphere: Consider the room's function, mood, and color scheme when choosing art. For instance, a serene landscape may work well in a bedroom, while bold abstract art may suit a lively living room.
3. Look for the right size: Consider the scale of the artwork and the wall it will be hung on. Large artwork can be a statement piece in a room, while smaller pieces can be used to fill in gaps.
4. Consider the framing: The right framing can complement the artwork and enhance its impact. Choose a frame that complements both the art and the decor in the room.
5. Invest in quality: Choose artwork that is well-made, of high quality, and will last a long time. Don't be afraid to invest in original art, as it can be a great long-term investment and add value to your home.


I hope I've given you the information you need to choose the artwork that's right for you!