Erin Kenepp

Just A Week Away!

2012-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

603 12th Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446

COMING SOON to PASO ROBLES!

2012-01-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

A NEW ADVENTURE

2012-01-21T16:46:00.000-08:00

I have been hiding. Ok, not really hiding...more like preparing, planning, organizing, and building. If you haven't already heard, I am living my dream here! I am doing what I set out to do since I moved to California 5 years ago...I am starting a new adventure as a small business owner...opening an ART STUDIO!!!

I found this little space, a mere 450 square feet with turqouise painted walls and a yellow painted bathroom! It was perfect, and I couldn't pass up the chance to do something that I had been thinking about constantly for the past several years!

So, since December, I have been creating what I hope will be a successful open art studio offering classes, workshops, and groups to all ages and backgrounds. This art studio will be a safe and nurturing environment for people to come and create, to find their inspiration, to be themselves. There will be no rules, no limits to the creative process!

Each of us is an artist! I hope that this art studio will encourage creative expression and provide a space for community building and friendship. I look forward to meeting my new students and enjoying time in the studio with them!

There will also be gallery space at the studio where I will be hanging new work and the work of my students and my husband with be using the space to do wedding photography consultation. I have many more ideas about how to use the space, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, until it gets closer to our Grand Opening in February, some tabs will be missing from this blog. I will be adding information about the studio including the Spring Class Schedule, location, etc.

I can't wait to share this new adventure with you!

Become a Featured Sponsor!

2012-01-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful, brilliant, creative artists out there who I feel deserve to be noticed. I would love to help promote YOUR WORK and your CREATIVE BUSINESS! Are you running a new workshop in 2012 and need extra networking? Starting a special project? No matter how big or small, I would love to showcase you here on my blog!

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for just $10, CLICK HERE and I will include your website button/link on my blog and promote the heck out of you! Once you submit your payment of $10, I will contact you via email to get some details about you and your business/project/workshop.

You can also email me your questions about becoming a sponsor at erinkenepp@yahoo.com

Happy Creating and Happy 2012!!!

Flying Lessons: Kelly Rae Roberts

2011-12-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

Kelly Rae Roberts has been a huge inspiration to me. She creates the most heartfelt, amazing, colorful artwork! I have been following her for a long time and relate to her on so many levels when it comes to my own creative business. So, I would like to take this opportunity to spread the word about her E-book:

Flying Lessons: Tips & Tricks to Make Your Creative Biz Soar

In Kelly's E-book, she shares her secrets on how to create an effective online presence via blogs, websites, and social networking as well as marketing strategies and tips to build your creative business. Kelly states on her website, "These tools are meant to help you take flight into your own creative and business possibilities."

Flying Lessons is broken down into 3 parts that you can purchase separately, or you can purchase the whole E-book. Either way, Kelly says, "This series is well worth the investment for the long term success of your creative business."

I totally agree!!!

Click on the button below for more information and to purchase Flying Lessons Now!

FALL ETSY SALE! October Becoming Brave Mini Art Zine

2011-10-08T11:32:00.000-07:00

There's a Fall sale happening over at my Etsy shop! All items are now reduced to $3...I have also posted the October issue of my Becoming Brave Mini Art Zine (also only $3)!

Blank Mini Journals Now on Etsy!

2011-09-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Set of 2 Blank Mini Journals with full-color reproduction of my original artwork on front and back covers. Perfect size to slip into your pocket to do some sketching, journaling, list-making, etc. Paper inside is 80lb but may need gessoed if using paint.

*3.5 x 5 inches
*8 pages/9 full spreads
*Staple-bound

Available in my Etsy shop Now!

Now Available on Etsy! AUGUST ISSUE Becoming Brave Mini Art Zine

2011-08-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

This is the second issue of my mini zine, Becoming Brave. It is full-color copied, 16 pages (including front & back covers) of fearless art journaling inspired by my project Becoming Brave. It includes collage, quotes, and writing in the same style I create my art journals. Themes in this issue explore love, work, the body, etc....

Head over to my Etsy shop

Becoming Brave :: Registration Now Open!

2011-07-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

Join me in Paso Robles, California..!
October 8-9th, 2011
11am-5pm

During this two-day workshop, I will guide you through the steps to create your own Becoming Brave art journal incorporating four sections about being fearless: the Body, Love, Work, and Life. By creating a fearless journal, you will find strength and understanding and the courage to express yourself freely in your pages. I will support you along the way and encourage you to look deep inside yourself and find the confidence you have been searching for! We will come together as a group to hear each others' stories and share what makes us fearless!

Two-Day Workshop Price: $160

Registration includes 2 days of instruction,

materials, and snacks/refreshments

(airfare/hotel not included, but...I will be happy to suggest places to stay in the area)

Payment via Paypal

Location and directions will be provided upon registration.

Please view my workshop policies before registering!

I hope to see you there!

Becoming Brave, California, October 8-9th!

2011-07-10T12:28:00.000-07:00

Join me at my California studio October 8-9th for a weekend of fearless art journaling! During this 2-day workshop, I will guide you through the process of making your own Becoming Brave Art Journal, inspired by my project and current 21 Secrets online workshop!

More details to be revealed soon!

21 Secrets Announcements and Giveaways!!!

2011-07-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

I am EXCITED to share some AWESOME news about 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground!...

First, on August 1 there will be an addition of another teacher and workshop!

Andrea Schroeder of ABC Creativity will be joining us with her class:

DREAM SPARK:

Connecting with your soul to discover your deepest sparkliest greatest big heart dreams.

The next surprise is that Connie Hozvicka from Dirty Footprints Studio will be adding another workshop to her section of 21 Secrets along with her current class Abstract Adventures!

Get It Out :: Get It Down

The final announcement is that Connie has created some incredible giveaways over at Dirtyfootprints Studio!

Connie will randomly choose 3 winners on July 11, 2011

So, What do you win?!

Each winner will receive:

One vellum bristol Visual Journal by Strathmore!

One premier issue of my new Art Zine Becoming Brave!

One free registration to 21 SECRETS. Already a member?!? No worries--you can give it away to a friend or raffle the registration away on your own blog!

Here's how to enter:

All you need to do is blog about one (or many) of your own "art journaling secrets"! Secret favorite supplies/books/workshops--secret pages that you haven't shared before---art journal pages about keeping secrets--art journal pages where you hide secrets--etc. etc. etc!! Than after you finish telling your secrets...head over to Dirty Footprints Studio with your URL link to your blog post and enter it in the link on her page.

Giveaway closes Sunday at 11PM (PST)!

Remember, 21 Secrets will be open until January 1st, 2012 (registration closes October 1st, 2011)...head over to my 21 Secrets tab to register!

Mixed Media Elephant Available on Etsy!

2011-07-04T19:16:00.000-07:00

As the largest animal to walk the Earth, the elephant is known as a symbol of strength and power. It also represents perseverance, in that it is an extremely hard working animal.

Some worship the elephant so much as to make it their national symbol, such as Thailand. Elephants are also seen as symbols of wisdom and dignity, because of their incredible intelligence and very long life span.

Generally speaking a raised trunk is considered to be lucky and fortunate.

This little mixed media Ellie needs a home where it can provide someone company and smiles!

Several different colors mark this particular elephant including orange, yellow, white, and purple.

She has pretty silver eyes and Mehndi patterns. She is made out of paper mache :)

Signed and dated on the bottom of her foot.

To view this listing on Etsy, go HERE.

More pictures of this cute little elephant:

Hurry, Ellie (or whatever you would like to name her) will be adopted soon!

AVAILABLE TODAY JULY 1st...Becoming Brave Art Zine!!!

2011-07-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's finally done and I am SOOOOO excited to share this with everyone!

The premier issue of my new Becoming Brave Art Zine is available for purchase!!!

This zine is full-colored, 16 pages (including front & back covers) of fearless art journaling inspired by my project Becoming Brave! It includes collage, quotes, and writing in the same style I create my art journals.

This issue is available for $5 in my Etsy shop!!! Get your copy today!!!!

Here is a sneak peek:

21 Secrets Participant Spotlight: Lorrie B.

2011-06-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Introducing another wonderful participant from my Becoming Brave workshop over at 21 Secrets...Lorrie B! She is a professional Interior Designer. Her main goal (as posted on her website MyDesignSecrets) is "to mirror the mood, personality and taste" of her clients with "fabulous interiors!"

Lorrie helps people work within their own budget to design "unique and comfortable homes with confidence" through her online e-Decorating services. She is also a Certified Green Leader!

When Lorrie started posting her work on my workshop page at 21 Secrets, I was totally in love with her style and sense of design. She really put her heart into making her own Becoming Brave journal!

Thanks Lorrie for sharing your work in Becoming Brave!

Take a look at her pages!

More 21 Secrets/Becoming Brave participant spotlights coming soon! Register now for 21 Secrets! See you on the art journal playground!

21 Secrets Participant Spotlight: Rose

2011-06-19T15:46:00.000-07:00

I would love to take this moment to spotlight some of the amazing artwork that has come from my 21 Secrets workshop, Becoming Brave! Featured today is Rose! Rose did a wonderful job making her Becoming Brave journal cover and dividers!

Rose said the following on her blog about her experience creating her journal:

"...I enjoyed doing this class because it is lovely to see how other people work and create their effects...The other great thing is that it helped me become unstuck.....Got me moving in sooo many ways!"

Read more about her process here on her website Gryphons & Gargoyles!

Here are a few of her completed pages from Becoming Brave:

Rose, it was such a pleasure having you in my workshop! Thank you for sharing your journal!

Stay tuned for more 21 Secrets participant spotlights, coming soon...

Remember, 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground will remain open until January 1, 2012...registration closes October 1, 2011. Come and join us on the playground!

Click here to view more details and to register for 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground!

Secret Revealed!!!

2011-05-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have been dying to reveal our BIG secret about 21 SECRETS Art Journal Playground

and today is the day!

With over 600 participants and so much art journal love over on the playground, we have decided to keep 21 SECRETS open until January 1st 2012!!!

Registration has been extended until October 1st so you have plenty of time to sign up and join us over at the playground!

Click here to view more details and to register for 21 SECRETS!!!!

I've got a secret!

2011-05-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

I have some super secret news to share about 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground...but, you will have to wait until Monday May 30th to find out what it is!!! In the meantime, registration is still open...Click here to view more details

21 Secrets Spotlight: Debra Cooper, Mother's Day Chat

2011-05-04T19:11:00.000-07:00

I would love to give a little blog love to the awesome Debra Cooper, one of the amazing teachers over at 21 Secrets!

Debra is a mixed-media artist, designer, and homeschooling mom of two. Her workshop on the 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground is called Playing with Patterns where she teaches how to build layers using stamps, paint, stencils, etc. Over on her blog, A Little Imagination and a Pile of Junk, Debra has been showing some of the work she has been doing herself over at 21 Secrets! She also offers 2 free tutorials: Hand-Dyed Fabric & Trim and Dyed Paper Towels for Paper and Fabric Arts! Debra has some really great items for sale in her Etsy shop as well!

If you are currently a participant of 21 Secrets, Art Journal Playground, join Debra and myself this Sunday, May 8th, for an online chat session!!! The fun begins at 7pm (EST), 4pm (PST)....

There is still time to register for 21 Secrets! Click here to view more details

{{hugs}}

Recently: Somerset Studio, 21 Secrets, Round Robin Journal Returns

2011-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on lately! Where do I begin?

I received my copy of the May/June 2011 issue of Somerset Studio and holy wow! my name is on the cover! I am so honered to be in this "fearless" issue with such artists as Sabrina Ward Harrison (my #1 inspiration), Christine Mason Miller, Roben-Marie Smith, Lynn Perrella, Connie Hozvicka, and many more! My section is a Q&A on pages 66-69 about my project Becoming Brave. Get your copy May 1st!

21 Secrets Art Journal Playground has been super busy lately! There have been some wonderful things happening in my Becoming Brave workshop. I would like to take a moment to highlight some of the work:

My first participant Michelle LaPoint Rydell did an AMAZING job on her cover and dividers!

To read about Michelle's process while creating her Becoming Brave journal, visit her website Inspiration Everywhere! Thanks for participating Michelle! (I will highlight another participant here soon!)

There is still time to register for 21 Secrets Art Journal Playground! Registration ends May 31st.

Click here to view more details

I was excited to receive my round robin journal back in the mail this past week! The journal is packed full of beautiful pages by the participants! Take a look...

Carin Wallace

Ophelia Staton

Susie LaFond

Elena Nosyreva

Cristi Baxter Clothier

Kelley Brown

Paula Phillips

Ann Malone

Somerset Memories/Somerset Studio

2011-04-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

Available NOW!!! The Spring 2011 issue of Somerset Memories is in stores! This issue is jam-packed with beautiful layouts, interesting articles, and heritage artwork. Featured is my art journal 365 Days of Being 30. You’ll enjoy reading about how I chronicled my 30th year by creating a page each day using paint, patterned paper, pages from books, and vintage photos!

COMING SOON!!! In the May/June issue of Somerset Studio, my project Becoming Brave will be featured alongside my favorite artist and inspiration Sabrina Ward Harrison! I cannot wait to see this issue!!!

Mixed Media Journal

2011-03-31T17:08:00.000-07:00

Just posted! Handmade fabric/paper/mixed media journal ON SALE in the gift shop! $20, includes tax & shipping! Journal is approximately 6"x7" - includes machine sewn pages, pockets, & vintage photos...

Gift Shop Love

2011-03-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to my Gift Shop and view

two lovely original paintings for SALE!

$250 (includes tax & shipping)...go. now!

Changes

2011-03-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

:) hello there. if you haven't noticed, i have made quite a few changes to the blog/website! i decided i didn't want to spend the money (i'm cheap) on a domain/website when i could do everything i want here on blogger! so...here are the new changes/additions/etc:

*My Gift Shop is now open! I have listed a couple original paintings...still getting the hang of Paypal so this will be a process...i'll be adding new items frequently...

*updated Bio page...i wanted to share a bit more about my journey to becoming an artist and art therapist

*Becoming Brave now has it's own page where you can view all of the images from the project!

*365 Days of Being 30 also has it's own page now but it's under construction...you can still view the original blog at http://www.365daysofbeing30.blogspot.com/

*21 Secrets has moved to it's own tab as well...have you registered yet? 21 Secrets opens April 1st!

* i cleaned up the News/Press page and added a Contact page

phew!!! that was a lot of work but it's looking good and i'm proud of myself :)

i hope you enjoy the new look and layout...i can't wait to share more with you!

xoxo

21 Secrets: ON SALE NOW!

2011-03-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

21 Secrets is on sale starting today! Click here to view more details about the amazing 21 art journal workshops (including my workshop: Becoming Brave) and to register for only $59! 21 Secrets will officially open on April 1, 2011 and close August 1, 2011. During this time, you will have the chance to work at your own pace on 21 online art journal workshops! Don't miss this opportunity!

21 Secrets: Becoming Brave

2011-03-12T19:15:00.000-08:00

‎21 SECRETS art journal playground goes on sale Monday March 14! Excited? I am! Join me as I unveil my very first online art journal workshop: BECOMING BRAVE...

Have you ever heard the saying that we are our own worst critic? Do you struggle with the negative voices? I'm here to remind you that you are not perfect, none of us are. But, we can all strive to be the best version of ourselves by being fearless! Inspired by my most recent art journal project Becoming Brave, I will guide you through the beginning steps to create your own fearless art journal incorporating four sections about being fearless in life, love, work, and the body. By creating a fearless journal, I hope you will find strength and understanding and the courage to express yourself freely in your pages. I will support you along the way and encourage you to look deep inside yourself and find the confidence you have been searching for!

Enjoy 20 other workshops by amazing artists, art therapists, and teachers! Registration includes All 21 Secrets workshops including videos, pdf files, and online chat sessions for $59! I will provide you with a registration link on Monday! Workshops open April 1st and end July 31st!

Don't miss this opportunity!

Spring

2011-03-05T18:45:00.000-08:00

a co-worker asked me to do a painting for his wife's 30th birthday. she loves nature so I went with a spring theme with green colors and other elements such as photos of trees, the sky and flowers and birds. i absolutely love what resulted! it really made me think about the seasons changing and renewal and growth. not only in nature but in myself. there are so many good things happening in my life right now that i am so grateful for. there are new adventures that i am taking a risk at and my brain is constantly on overdrive thinking of future possibilities. i need to share more of these moments with you, dear friends. i will share. i promise. for now, take a look at some close ups of the painting below. i'm getting a bit better using the manual camera setting and not relying on auto so much. hmph, maybe that's a metaphor for my life right now! ha ha. i know i have closed my Etsy shop for the time being and i hope to just use this site for all of my stuff (by the way, how does it look? i would love some feedback) so i may do some smaller versions of spring and place them for sale on my purchase page in the near future. i'll keep you updated...xoxo....erin.

21 SECRETS

2011-03-02T20:56:00.000-08:00

I have been busy putting together my material for the 21 Secrets art journal workshop sponsored by Dirty Footprints Studio! More details including all 21 workshop descriptions will be available soon! Registration will begin March 14, 2011 and the workshops will be available April 1, 2011 - August 1, 2011...the cost? Just $59 for all 21 Secrets art journaling classes which include videos and pdf files. Sign up for the Dirty Footprints Studio Newsletter and Facebook page to keep updated on all 21 Secrets news! You can also visit my workshop page on this blog to see any new updates!

Somerset Memories

2011-02-14T21:17:00.000-08:00

My project 365 Days of Being 30: An Art Journal will be featured in the Spring 2011 issue of Somerset Memories! (available April 1st)...

***Pre-order your copy by Feb 25 and receive free shipping!

Here's the sneak peek from Stampington & Company's website (I can't wait to see the full article!):

these are the days.

2011-02-13T17:36:00.000-08:00

I love sundays full of sunshine. today I took my supplies outside and painted. loved every minute of it! I don't know what inspired me but what resulted is amazing. i'm in love with it. every inch of it. now it's nestled perfectly on the wall in my studio. a reminder that I can make beautiful art. what I create comes from within. it really flowed today. I lost all concept of time and just got lost in the canvas. it makes me really happy when I look at my new painting!

4 ft x 4 ft

mixed media

I also painted 4 little mini (5 inch x 5 inch) paintings today.

here.and.there

2011-02-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

currently my heart belongs to:

***this wonderful friend/artist/inspiration

***planning my part in the 21 Secrets online art journaling workshop

***the music of Azure Ray and their album Drawing Down the Moon, particularly the song Don't leave My Mind

***Becoming Brave....another new workshop, yes that's right. which will be revealed soon, I promise

***Salada decaf green tea with sliced Meyer lemons. yum.

***my cozy white hoodie

***season 6 of the tv series 24

***finally some warm weather at the beach

tell me, what does your heart belong to?

erin.

{Becoming Brave}

2011-02-07T20:00:00.000-08:00

California.

April 2010...details soon!

21 SECRETS...my {{BIG}} announcement!!!!

2011-01-31T05:24:00.000-08:00

I am up really early here on the West Coast to tell you my {{BIG}} secret news that I have been waiting to share: The mesmerizing and beautiful Connie from Dirty Footprints Studio has chosen me to be one of 21 artists featured on her 21 SECRETS online art journaling workshop! I am so honored to be part of a group of AMAZING artists and I can't wait to share my art journaling class with everyone!

So, want to learn more about 21 SECRETS?

•21 SECRETS is led by twenty one beautiful, talented women who will be sharing twenty one individual techniques, inspirations, creative philosophies, and approaches to art journaling.
•All the material will be taught online through PDF files and videos - anyone can be a part of it!

•The individual classes will be announced in the beginning of March.

•Registration starts Monday, March 14, 2011 and is only $59!

21 SECRETS opens Friday, April 1, 2011 and closes Monday, August 1, 2011

I can't tell you how excited I am to be a part of this and I hope you will too!

More updates coming soon! Happy Monday :)

{so much excitement here.}

2011-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

I have a very special announcement to make coming this Monday January 31st! I am so excited to spill about this and it's really taking everything I can to hold it inside. Trust me, you will be thrilled to hear. I am also working on a brand new website with the help of my other half who is an expert at photoshop. I am projecting the launch of the new site hopefully by mid February. It will have all of my artwork in a portfolio, a link to this blog (which will also be re-designed), a shop with goodies for sale, etc. My goal is to combine all of my sites into one and close down the others (etsy, 365 days, etc).

So much is happening all at once here: what's coming on the 31st, the new site, 2 (yes two) articles coming up in Somerset Studio & Somerset Memories in Spring/Summer, a HUGE announcement coming soon, and so much more. I hope you will follow along on this adventure with me!

All the best & Happy weekend,
erin

{Becoming Brave.California.Spring2011}

2011-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

details soon....

NEWS!!!!!!

2011-01-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

I am very excited to announce that I received confirmation today that Becoming Brave, my art journal about being fearless, will be featured in an upcoming issue of Somerset Studio Magazine! I am honored to have my work published again and can't wait to get started writing the article!

On another note:

I have other really super awesome news to share but not until next week :) Stay tuned!

The 365 Plan

2011-01-09T16:37:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon the lovely Michelle's website/blog called Pixel's Art House...she mentions how my 365 Days of 30 project has inspired her to create something each day after she turns 30 on January 23rd. Her post The 365 Plan outlines the approach she plans to take with her project, "...Could be a drawing, painting, art journal page, scrapbooking layout (digital or paper), an ATC, a photograph or just a bit of writing. There will be pockets for collecting receipts, ticket stubs, food labels, newspaper articles, all the various ephemera we encounter in life."

Michelle, I wish you the best with your project! It sounds like it will be great!

All the best,
erin

Art Journal Round Robin

2011-01-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

In May 2010, I organized an art journal round robin with 11 lovely artists from the US & Canada. We have been swapping and working in each others journals using our own personal style to create some pretty magnificant pages, themed and un-themed. I received Kelley Brown's hand bound journal a few weeks ago and was in awe with how wonderful the already completed pages were! Today, I worked in the journal myself. I loved the vintage paper Kelley used in the journal so I picked a couple of those pages. The pages were from a book so I crossed out some of the words and left a few remaining on the page and painted around them. I had a really great time creating in this journal! Enjoy viewing the photos below....

My Accidental Muse

2011-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

I found an interesting and thoughtful blog post about my art journal project 365 Days of Being 30 on the blog My Accidental Muse....thanks Patricia!

2010-12-26T12:32:00.000-08:00

tick. tock. live.

2010-12-18T20:49:00.000-08:00

we bought a clock at Bed Bath & Beyond over 2 months ago. a cheap one for $6.99 that desparately needed a makeover in our opinion. a makeover to match our living room. it has been sitting in my studio waiting to be painted. i've stared at it many times. but i just haven't been inspired. not motivated either. i found other things that i could do to procrastinate. anything instead of painting that sad sad clock. today i found my motivation. after a successful haircut this morning followed by a little down time with a chai and my laptop at Starbutt's (yes, that's my little pet name for the place) i came home and tackled that darn clock! here is the before picture:

ok, so it's not so bad. just lacks some color. so i painted over the whole thing with white to start.

then i glued scraps of paper down and painted over with red and brown. the colors in our living room...

i also outlined the numbers 12, 3, 6, and 9. i painted more white over the colors and filled in the numbers with brown. i used bubble wrap to stamp some texture with paint. i cut out a butterfly and glued it down.

i added the finishing touches with black around the edge and outline of the butterfly and numbers. finally, i painted the word live and used a white paint pen to detail the outlines.

voila!

New Items listed on Etsy!

2010-12-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

I experimented with my sewing machine today and this lovely journal is the result! Twenty pages including the front and back covers! Listed over on Etsy right now! The pages are full of fabric and papers, vintage photos, etc. machine sewn and bound with a side tie closure. See more photos below!

Also available over at my Etsy shop is a new original mixed media wall hanging "Brave"....

and Rainbow Crocheted Fingerless Gloves.....

Off to the post office...

2010-11-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

I finally finished "Becoming Brave" my art journal about being fearless! I packed it up today and will be mailing it to Somerset Studios in the morning! Cross your fingers that it will be selected to be in the "Fearless" issue May/June 2011....

Becoming Brave is almost finished!

2010-11-11T19:13:00.000-08:00

It's almost finished! "Becoming Brave," my art journal about being fearless is close to being done. I worked on the last section today: Life. All I need to do now is write a little something inside the cover page: an introduction/why I did this project.

October Art Journal: Change

2010-10-31T15:55:00.000-07:00

I took a break from working on my "Becoming Brave" art journal project to finish my October journal. I titled this one "change" because at the beginning of the month I started a new job. This journal included some positive affirmations to help me along the way with the transition. I picked up some tiny little leaves in the park one day and added them to the journal. They resemble that sometimes change is necessary for growth to take place. I feel like I am in a better place lately. More positive, more at peace. I am focused and open to every possibility that comes my way. I'm in control of my life and I'm truly happy. All I have to do is remember to breathe...

Last Chance!

2010-10-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

FALL SALE!!! These items will be expiring on October 27th! Hurry! Please visit my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart . I will not be reposting these pieces after they expire.....

Thank you!

2010-10-13T20:19:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell everyone who follows my blog/artwork how much I appreciate your comments! I try to reply as much as I can but sometimes I get behind...your kind words are what keep me motivated to continue making art. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit...Big hugs to everyone!

Fearless at Work.

2010-10-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I worked on my "Becoming Brave" project so today I got back in the studio and worked on a new section about being fearless at work. This section is very close to my heart right now since I recently started a new Art Therapy job. I was very nervous about leaving my job of 3 years but I believe this new site is going to be so much better. I know I have truly made the right decision. I am also going to be volunteering my time as an Art Therapist with Hospice in a couple weeks. I can't wait to get out in the community and help those that are recovering from loss. My work as an Art Therapist is very important to me and I feel fearless when I do it! Below are the pages from the section (click the picture to view larger image):

SOLD! Thanks Barbara!

2010-10-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

BOGO free, handmade journals with original artwork for $10! This item will be expiring on October 13th! Hurray!
Click here ----> http://www.etsy.com/listing/49379262/bogo-handmade-blank-collage-journals

2010 Global Mala Art Journal Peace Project

2010-09-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today I joined my friend Erin Partridge at the Smiling Dog Yoga Studio to participate in an art journal project for the 2010 Global Mala for peace. Erin had pre-cut pages with numbers stamped on them up to 108 to represent the number of prayer beads of a Hindu/Buddhist Mala. We were asked to write or create something about peace for each number.

On my first page (I chose #80), I used a photograph I took from the beach which is a place that I truly find peace at. I used watercolor for the background and collaged a few strips of patterned paper. Then, I wrote, "Peace in nature."

I chose numbers 98 & 99 for a full spread. I collaged the other part of the photograph from page 80 in the center along with other papers and also used watercolors. However, I was playing around with the Mod Podge and brushed a few spots and let it dry before I painted over it. What came from that technique were cloud-like spots that I absolutely loved! Finally, I wrote, "Find peace within yourself."

It was a great day creating art with such an amazing person like Erin and for such a beautiful cause. Erin will be binding the journal and leaving it at Smiling Dog Yoga Studios for everyone to see!

Amour courageux.

2010-09-12T16:45:00.000-07:00

Three new pages are done for the section about being fearless in love in my art journal, "Becoming Brave." I am loving how the colors turned out on these! I have been thinking about brushing up on my French lately, which just happens to be the language of love. I found a really cool French proverb, "A coeur vaillant rien d'impossible" which roughly translates to "Nothing is impossible for a willing heart." (please correct me if I am wrong!)...anyway, I am going to move on to another section after today. Cela est tout pour le moment! Au revoir!

Loving Bravely

2010-09-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

A new page in my art journal: Becoming Brave...in the section about love. I am really excited about how this turned out! I used watercolors first and then stamped the word love in the bottom right corner. Then I drew some abstract circles with pastels. Finally, I used black ink to write, "Loving Bravely."

When Our Wants Meet Our Needs - That's Satisfaction.

2010-08-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

I went to the park with a friend today and took a bunch of art supplies. We sat on a big blanket under the trees and made some art while we chatted! I had to get out of the house and it was such a beautiful breezy day. I worked on 2 pages for the section about being fearless in love in my art journal "Becoming Brave." I got a little crazy with some gel pens but I love the way they looked on top of the paint! I focused on the fact that in the past I never felt secure and complete in love and that we can find satisfaction when our wants meet with our needs.

I also worked on the cover of a new journal, see below.

I found this awesome (and very cheap) notebook at Target in the back to school section. It has a brown recycled cover and notebook paper inside, kind of like a composition book but sturdier. I always tend to have issues with paper falling out of composition notebooks. I used some double-sided tape to stick 2 pages together to make them thicker so that I can do art in the journal. I really felt I needed to start this journal because I have made a huge decision regarding my job and I feel like this is going to be a fresh start for me.

Fearless in love.

2010-08-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to move forward on the second section in my "Becoming Brave" art journal: Love. I will return to the section about being fearless about the body at a later date. I just really wanted to start something new. So I worked on the divider today. I really love the way it turned out!

ETSY End of Summer SALE!

2010-08-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

Head over to my Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart to see what's on sale! BOGO items and 20% off ORIGINAL art!

Art Journal Round Robin: Round 4

2010-08-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I finished up my spread in Ann's journal for the round robin. I started by gluing down patterned paper and then painting over with acrylic.

I added some masking tape and drew 2 puffy clouds to go with the sentence "some days are meant for chasing the clouds from the sky." I washed a thin coat of light blue acrylic to fill in the clouds.

I made a little folded piece with a hidden message underneath.

I am loving seeing so many wonderful art journals coming to my mailbox! Everyone has such different and unique styles...stay tuned for the next round!

Taking Control

2010-08-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Another page in the section about being fearless about the body. If I can't control what's going on on the outside then I need to take control on the inside and find strength. This is how I will become fearless! I layered various patterns of paper and then painted over them with acrylics. Then, I drew the outline of a body sitting in a Yoga-like pose with eyes closed and painted the areas under the hands as if the body were glowing to show the strength inside.

Forgiving My Body

2010-08-08T17:29:00.000-07:00

This spread in my art journal "Becoming Brave" is all about the imperfections I feel I have with my body. I am starting to accept them and embrace them. They are a part of who I am. Nobody has a perfect body. I need to move away from that thought of perfection and toward self-confidence within. That is the only way I will become fearless about my body.

Becoming Brave: The Body

2010-08-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here is the first page in the section on being fearless about the body. I seriously feel like my body is falling apart sometimes. One thing stops hurting and then another starts. Lately, I have been having bad back pain. It's quite annoying.

I finished the section divider both front and back. I loved how the photo looked on the front so I incorporated it on the back as well. It is a beautiful statue in a cemetery from home.

Stay tuned for more art about this section on the body. Right now, my body is telling me to sleep!

A Little Progress

2010-08-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Since I took the day off, I got in my studio for a couple hours to work on my "fearless" project...AND, I finally picked a title...Becoming Brave! I made some progress on the cover, inside, and the first divider for the section on being fearless about the body. I hope to work on the this section this weekend...

Becoming Fearless

2010-07-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

What does it mean to be fearless? How do I live a fearless life? These are questions I have been asking myself lately. So, I decided to start a new art journaling project about being fearless in all aspects of myself: life, love, work, etc. About two weeks ago, I googled the word fearless but I wasn't too impressed about what I found so I went on Amazon and searched for books on the topic. I found one that looked extremely interesting to me so I investigated it further. The book On Becoming Fearless by Arianna Huffington was written as a road map for achieving fearlessness, ultimately dedicated to her daughters and all women. I like how the book's chapters are layed out covering many aspects of our lives: being fearless about our body, love, parenting, work, money, aging and illness, death, speaking out and being leaders, and changing the world. It teaches how to be bold on the inside and out, takes risks, and face challenges without fear. It sounds like a really empowering book!

I thought it would be really interesting to use this book as a guide to exploring fearlessness in my own life. So, I went to Michael's last weekend to look around at the materials and find inspiration in them for this project. The image I had in my head was a journal that would have sections corrisponding to each chapter of the book with art journal pages inspired by the topics. I found just what I was looking for in the dollar section! For $5, I found a small binder measuring 8x9 for holding recipes. There were dividers included too! The design of the binder wasn't that bad and I figured I would be altering it anyway along with the dividers by sanding it down, gluing and painting on it. I was so happy with my purchase!

I have been thinking about this project all week and I only read the introduction of the book so far. It has just been so hectic at work with the increase in my caseload. Today, I finally sat down and sanded the binder and began to collage and paint on it.

This is going to be a challenging project. I am really going to explore some difficult topics. I haven't decided on a title for this journal yet. Any suggestions? I will use Arianna's book to inspire my art journal pages. Each section will be one of the topics in the book. It will be a work in progress and I will go back to sections if I feel the need to, add pages, etc. I am hoping to finish this project by December, before my 32nd birthday....I hope that this project will inspire others to be fearless as well! Stay tuned!....

I've Hung the Sky with Stars...

2010-07-18T16:58:00.000-07:00

I worked on Emily's art journal for the round robin today. I began by layering collage items and paint and then used pen to make random marks. I have this old book called Zen that I bought a couple years ago at a discount book store in Monterey. There are really cool pictures and quotes, poems, Haiku, etc. I found some phrases and cut them out to arrange on the pages. I love the phrase I've hung the sky with stars. It just sounded so poetic and dreamy to me. Finally, I glued on some sequins and sealed the pages with Mod Podge.

Paso Robles Press Article

2010-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed for an article in the Paso Robles Press about my project 365 Days of Being 30! You can read the article on their website here ------>PR Press however I don't think this is the whole article so later today I will get the full article and post it here. I am so excited to be in so many wonderful articles this month! Today I am off to the beach but I am going to be starting a new project this weekend which I will give a sneak peak about later this weekend...also, I am in the beginning phases of writing a manuscript submission for 365 Days of Being 30! I hope everyone is doing well....

All the best,
Erin

New Etsy Items!

2010-07-04T00:27:00.000-07:00

For sale on Etsy: 8x10 vibrant, high quality prints of the art journal pages from my project 365 Days of Being 30 featured in the Summer 2010 issues of Art Journaling and Somerset Studios magazines...here is a sneak peek!....there are many more at the shop...

New Art Journal Pages

2010-07-02T17:34:00.000-07:00

I complicate things.

Who will bring me my umbrella?

Published (twice)!!!

2010-06-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

I received my complimentary copies of Art Journaling magazine and Somerset Studios in the mail yesterday and today! I am so excited to see the articles about my project 365 Days of Being 30! Just a side note that the blog link in the article in Somerset Studios isn't healingthroughartjournaling.blogspot anymore...I changed it a while ago to this one....I don't think this has really set in yet that I have been published (twice)! I never thought this project would get me to where I am right now. I am so happy to share it with all of you! Enjoy the articles and don't forget to check out 365 Days of Being 30 and my Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart ! You can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter!

xoxo,
Erin

More stuff for sale on Etsy!

2010-06-27T18:29:00.000-07:00

I worked on a ton of art stuff today for my Etsy shop! I am now selling original mixed media art postcards, paintings, and a new hand sewn journal. Head over to see what has been listed...here is a sneak peak:

Art Journal Round Robin

2010-06-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

I finally got a chance to work in Lisa's journal for the round robin. I only did one page so far and hope to get another one or two done this week before the mail out date this Saturday. Lisa's theme is about dreams so I did a mixed media collage with magazine images.

And the Giveaway Winner is....

2010-06-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ingrid! (view her wonderful blog My Peacetree) Congrats Ingrid, you have been randomly picked to receive one of my mixed media collages, Fly.

Thanks for all of your beautiful comments! There will be more giveaways soon so keep on following along!

New Items On Etsy!

2010-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

I made these recycled mini journals this weekend and they are now posted on Etsy for $10, free shipping in the US....Each mini journal is a different size (6"x6", 6"x5.5", and 6"x4.5") and has my original artwork on the back and front covers...head over to my shop to view all three! www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart

June Giveaway!

2010-06-12T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'm giving away this little mixed media piece measuring 4.5"x5.5" It is an original collage of acrylic paint, scrapbook paper, part of one of my photos, and a little birdie. Just leave a comment answering the following question: What is your favorite part about Summer? Also leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. I will randomly pick a winner by Saturday June 19...good luck!

xoxo,
Erin

Somerset Studios

2010-06-12T09:48:00.000-07:00

I will also be in the July/August issue of Somerset Studios magazine!

Art Journaling Magazine

2010-06-03T19:05:00.001-07:00

Here is a sneak peek of the cover for the July issue...my name is on the left! You can also peek at what's inside here. The cover art is by the lovely Pam Carriker!

Somerset Memories!

2010-06-01T19:05:00.001-07:00

I have been asked to write a 3rd article about my 365 Days of Being 30 project for Stampington & Company to be published in the October 2010 issue of Somerset Memories!!! Woohoo!!!!!!

We All Belong to a Tribe.

2010-05-29T10:28:00.001-07:00

I finished my spread in Kathy's art journal last night while I was having a girls night with one of my closest friends. Kathy's theme is tribes...I had some images in my head about what I was going to do for this theme but when I started my pages, those images seemed to change a bit and what resulted was completely different from what I was going to do! I am really liking my finished pages for this journal! Thanks Kathy for such a great theme...I can't wait to see everyone else's interpretation of it!

Published!

2010-05-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Check out my article about 365 Days on page 12 of FUSION e-zine - Volume 2, Number 2 :: IATO-Alliance!

Art Journal Round Robin: Cover

2010-05-15T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hurray! I finally finished my front and back covers for the art journal round robin! I decided to not do a theme for this journal. I want everyone to be free to create what they want on the pages...my journal will be going to Carin Wallace first. I didn't get to the post office in time today so I am going to mail it on Monday. I will be receiving a journal in the mail shortly from Kathy King and I can't wait to see hers and work inside it!

Front cover

Inside front cover: Welcome

Inside back cover: Thank You

Back cover: Address

Life Mini Art Journal

2010-05-14T19:59:00.001-07:00

Below is a mini art journal I started at work on Thursday and finished tonight. It measures 6"x4.5" and has a cover cut from a file folder with the word "Life" cut out on it. I started by painting a little watercolor on the pages and then used Prismacolor woodless color stix on the next layer. Then, I added some embellishments from my collection of different items. I really didn't know which direction this journal was going until I brought it home today. Thinking about life and things going on right now, I chose some phrases and sentences to describe what I have been feeling lately. I know should be working on my art journal for the round robin but I wanted to finish this first and devote my whole Saturday to working on the round robin. Hope you enjoy the photos below...click on them to view them larger. Have a great weekend!

xoxo,
Erin

Remember: An Art Journal for Grandma

2010-05-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

On April 23, 2010, my mom called me at 1:30 am to tell me that my grandma had passed away from complications due to pneumonia. I quickly booked a plane ticket home to be with my family. I packed some art materials and a blank journal that I made at work a few months ago but never got a chance to fill up. I worked on the art journal on the flight there and during a 6 hour delay back to California. Below are pictures from the journal including a drawstring bag that I sewed to keep the journal in....

Art Journal Round Robin Blogs

2010-05-07T19:19:00.000-07:00

Here are the participants of the round robin! Click on their names to view their blogs/websites where they will also be posting about the project. There are already a few wonderful posts up so take a look:

Kathy King
Emily Perry
Susie LaFond
Kelley Brown
Cristi Clothier
Ophelia Staton
Carin Wallace
Paula Phillips
Lisa Miller
Ann Malone
Elena Nosyreva

Stay tuned for more updates and pictures!

xoxo,
Erin

and so it begins...

2010-05-03T21:44:00.000-07:00

The call for participants for the art journal round robin has closed...I am so excited about the response, thank you everyone who is participating! There are 12 (including me) from all over the US and Canada....check back soon for more details and updates...this is going to be a great project!

xoxo,
Erin

Art Journal Round Robin

2010-05-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last call for anyone interested in participating in an art journal round robin! I will be emailing everyone sometime this weekend with information so we can get started! I am so excited to start this project and see everyone's beautiful pages. So far there are about 10 participants and more are welcome to join! Leave me a comment with your email address!

Happy May 1st!
Erin

Creativity in Motion

2010-05-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Art Therapist Gretchen Miller mentioned me and my recycled paper bag journal over on her blog Creativity in Motion...check out the article! Thanks Gretchen!

don't lose yourself.

2010-04-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

A quick page from my current art journal...in crazy times and chaotic work days, we often lose sight of who we are. I know I do sometimes. It's hard to pull ourselves together when we are falling apart. But, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and keep going.

Darling Bracelet Giveaway!

2010-04-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Head over to the wonderful blog Stone Spirit for a beautiful bracelet giveaway...this item is really pretty and I love the cat clasp (of course, since I have 4 cats)!....hurry!

xoxo,
Erin

Art Journal Round Robin

2010-04-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

If anyone might be interested in participating in an art journal round robin, please leave me a comment here or over on my facebook page. I would love to start one of these so let me know who is interested! Can't wait for your responses...

All the best,
Erin

Recycled paper bag mini journal

2010-04-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

My husband thinks its rediculous how obsessed I am with the mini breakfast burritos that the hospital I work at sells in their cafeteria. I think they are a delicious way to start off my work day. They make me happy. So, to totally justify my repeated purchases of these yummies, and in honor of the upcoming Earth Day celebration, I saved the small paper bags that they came in and made a mini journal titled "How to Survive". You can totally make these cheap journals in a pinch...just grab a couple lunch size paper bags, fold them and place together, sew the spine by hand or with a machine (or use a stapler if you prefer), and let your imagination go. You can store other goodies in the open ends or just leave them empty like I did. Any way you make your journal is up to you. Here is mine:

sigh

2010-04-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Relax, create, breathe, sleep, be.

Giveaway winners!!!

2010-04-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of your wonderful responses! I have randomly picked the following 2 winners:

Ophelia has won the "Be More" collage
Barbara has won the 2nd collage

Congratulations!

Please get in touch with me at erinkenepp@yahoo.com so I can send you your goodies!

I will be having more giveaways soon so keep an eye out!

xoxo,
Erin

Giveaway!

2010-04-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

I am giving away my 4.5"x5.5" ORIGINAL mixed media collages

Giveaway rules: Just leave a comment on this blog answering the following question: Who has inspired you the most in life? (Please also specify which collage you would like.)

I will pick 2 winners at the end of this week and send you the collage you have chosen, signed and dated by moi.

Can't wait to hear your responses! Good luck!

xoxo,

Erin

New Paintings! The Loft Gallery Exhibition!

2010-03-24T22:38:00.001-07:00

These are the paintings that will be showing at The Loft Gallery in Paso Robles, CA April 3-May 28, 2010...the group exhibition is titled 'Personal Perspectives'....Opening reception is April 3, 6-830pm. If you are in the area stop by and check out the show!

Fusion E-Zine

2010-03-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

I've been asked by Gretchen Miller, ATR-BC to write about art journaling for the next issue of Fusion an E-Zine about Art Therapy! Here is the website with the last issue....hurray! www.internationalarttherapy.org/fusion.html I'll keep you all updated when the issue comes out...

xoxo,
Erin

Preparing.

2010-03-13T20:47:00.001-08:00

Today I pretty much finished my paintings for The Loft Gallery show in April...I must say that I am pretty pleased with them! I am very excited for this show because it is actually my first gallery exhibition. Things are happening so fast lately: The Loft show, magazine articles, and a few future projects that are brewing in my head...this is what I've wanted for so long...things are falling into place...below is a little peak at one of my new mixed-media paintings....

Art Journaling & Somerset Studio

2010-03-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

I received 2 emails today informing me that my 365 Days of Being 30 project will be featured as the Artist Portfolio in the Summer issue of Art Journaling magazine AND it will also be featured in an article in the July/August issue of Somerset Studio!!!!!!!! I am completely blown away and excited!!!!! Stay tuned for more updates.....

Release

2010-02-28T19:03:00.001-08:00

I had some much needed girl time with a good friend last night. We sat on her couch with art supplies surrounding us, working on our art journals together, laughing at silly movies on tv. I loved it. We reminisced about how 2 years ago this March, we drove down to LA to take part in a Sabrina Ward Harrison workshop. My friend found bits and pieces of that weekend which I incorporated in the image below:
It was so lovely to have time to relax and create. Since my 365 Days project ended, I haven't done as much art journaling as I used to. My friend and I decided this is something we need to do on a regular basis.

Price Reduction on Original Collage Pieces, FREE SHIPPING

2010-02-20T08:31:00.000-08:00

I have reduced the prices on my Etsy for my original collages from $20 to $10, FREE SHIPPING! Take a look at www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart

New pieces coming soon!

xoxo,
Erin

SOLD!!!! love. 4"x4" mini print

2010-02-12T19:43:00.000-08:00

www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart

New Etsy Shop!

2010-01-24T20:57:00.000-08:00

I have opened a new Etsy shop featuring original mixed media art pieces. Featured now are 2 brand new 4.5" by 5.5" mixed media collages for $20 shipping included. Visit now at www.etsy.com/shop/erinkeneppart

xoxo,
Erin

in progress.

2010-01-24T20:00:00.000-08:00

Love.

2010-01-24T19:59:00.000-08:00

The Loft Gallery & Art Journaling Magazine

2010-01-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

I will be joining the group exhibition at The Loft Gallery www.theloftgallery.blogspot.com in Paso Robles, CA in April featuring some new artwork!

Today I also mailed 35 pieces from my project 365 Days of Being 30 www.365daysofbeing30.blogspot.com to Somerset Studios Art Journaling Magazine in hopes of them being published in the Summer 2010 issue!