Kids & Crafts | 4th of July CD Spinners & Firework Art

Clearly I'm developing an obsession with defacing CDs. They're all CD-Rs that I go out and purchase...cool your jets lol. Today we made 4th of July CD Spinners!!!

I knew I had to do this activity when I came across it on Disney's FamilyFun website. They have a lot of awesome projects for kids by the way. I had a lot of fun The kids had a lot of fun doing this activity. We even had a little spin-off tournament lol. Here are the materials and instructions...

EXTRAordinary People | Shareefah Lewis

 SHAREEFAH LEWIS

Hairstylist and Owner of Extended Illusions

Ladies and gents, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the exquisite hairstylist, Shareefah Lewis. She is originally from South Orange, NJ and currently resides in Fort Washington, MD and is the OWNER of salon, Extended Illusions in Waldorf, MD. Her salon specializes in hair and permanent eyelash extensions and their mission is to "release the celebrity inside." Without further ado...

W&I: What INSPIRED you?

Shareefah: I would say, my biggest inspiration is my love and passion for art and fashion.  I grew up in a family that loved being creative.  My grandmother is a hairstylist and my mother, who is a true inspiration, is an interior designer.  I have always been enthralled in creativity.

Full Weave

W&I: What keeps you WIRED?

Shareefah: My passion for success in the cosmetology industry keeps me motivated.  Knowing that there are so many avenues to take in this business is amazing, the choices are unlimited.  Hair styling is just the tip of the iceberg.  I try to keep myself updated and knowledgeable about new and innovative techniques, services and products. I believe in using the very best product to maintain the integrity of my clients hair.  It also motivates me to see my clients walk out my salon with bouncy healthy hair looking good and blowing in the wind. 

W&I: How do you hope to inspire others?

EXTRAordinary People | Amma Aboagye

AMMA ABOAGYE

Nyame Nti Designs

Ladies and gents, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you all to the talented and creative designer, Amma Aboagye, owner and creator of Nyame Nti Designs. She's from Capitol Heights, Maryland and will soon be graduating with a master's degree from the London School of Economics. Go Amma!! Without further ado...

W&I: What INSPIRED you?

Amma: Fashion and Action. I wanted to mix my love of apparel and design with my heart for Ghana, where my parents are from and where I intend to move to in August. I really love the flexibility of African textiles with all the colors, patterns and designs, they can take anything basic and add so much fun. The phrase "Nyame Nti" means "Because of God" and it is through the innovation and creativity He has given me that I am able to pursue this work.

W&I: What keeps you WIRED? 

Amma: The next generation. Youth. The future. I am motivated by the idea that anything I do or anything I plan could make a better situation for the next generation. I hope to spur innovation, fun, cross platform thinking and to just set a high standard so that the next round of thinkers has to really think big to top it. I think there is more to African design than just "tribal wear". I want to really move people to thinking about Africa producing great trends and as trendsetters in fashion, art, music and even innovative ways of governance. I look forward to that platform for the next generation of Africans and the Diaspora.

W&I: How do you hope to inspire others?

Amma: I hope that my 'taking chances' inspires others in the same ways that I have been inspired by risk takers in my life like my parents. The world is such a big place and thankfully, technology is available to connect us in ways that we may have never thought possible before. I hope that my legacy on this earth will be one where people will see the different things I do and the different ways I express myself, and feel like they can also create a path for the,selves to do something they enjoy while making an impact.

Kids & Crafts | Paper Mosaics

This week me and the kiddies made paper mosaic artwork!! The mosaics were made using cut up pieces of construction paper and glue sticks. I cut them up beforehand. The little pieces of construction paper don't have to be the same shape and size. I think it's more interesting when they aren't. I used a tan piece of card stock as the base...thought that would be a nice background color. Fairly simple activity with not much mess to clean up...unless someone spills all those pieces of paper on the floor. That didn't happen to me, but it's a possibility lol. I put all the little pieces of paper in a shoe box and they just took what they needed from there.

Heart

Football

Heart Inside a Heart

Beautiful Button Necklace

Today, I will be showing you how I created THIS...

A beautiful button necklace. This is what I was making when I decided to cut some of my finger off the day before yesterday. This was easy/slightly difficult to make. The only part that may bring a little difficulty is cutting the back part of the button off, however, if you use all flat buttons that have the holes in them, you don't have to worry about that. I also made a matching pair of earrings which you see in the picture. I'll tell you how I made those as well. I loooove greens and golds together as well as mixing different textures and patterns...and I love buttons. You can do this with any buttons you want. I purchased all of mine from Hancock Fabrics and they were all 30% off. All other materials were purchased from Michaels...my second home. I have to give credit to Kolleen Kilduff over at the blog, Design by Night, because the way I made this necklace was inspired by how she made her Wrapping Paper Necklace. I will definitely be making one of those in the near future. It's soooooo cute! But I had to do it with buttons first...because I love buttons.

R.I.P. Creativity365

I decided to bid adieu to my Creativity365 ventures. In case you may have missed the intro long time ago, all of the projects I labeled "Creativity365" come from the book, 365: A Daily Creative Journal: Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life! by Noah Scalin. When I began this journey, I was sort of in a creative rut. I had all of this creative energy inside, but I didn't know what to do with it at the time. I painted of course, but I still needed more. I was a craftswoman before I was a painter lol. Anywho, this book definitely revealed to me how much I love making things and gave me tons of unique ideas on how to do so. It has served its purpose. I'm out of the rut and now I'm going to start doing my own thing. I'm still going to be posting DIY projects (there's a tab for that lol). If you need to get your creative juices flowing, or maybe you and your family enjoy making things, I definitely recommend this book. It's full of cool and unique challenges that really get you thinking outside the box. I'm sure I'll still reference it from time to time.

Scissors Are Dangerous

So yesterday when I was working on something to share with you all today...I cut a small chunk of my fingertip off with a PAIR OF SCISSORS!!! They weren't even that sharp or industrial. I learned my lesson though. Scissors will never catch me sleeping again lol. I did, however, manage to make it through most of what I was making but I was upset with myself for cutting my finger and sent myself to bed shortly after doing so. I'm going to post what I made tomorrow, but I'll give you a looksie at some of the materials I used. Buttons ooooooooohhhhhhh...

Artomatic Closing Week

It's almost time to say goodbye :.(. This is the last week for Artomatic, so if you’re in the DC area, and you haven’t made it out there yet, this is your last week to do so. Here's some of what's going down closing week...

Tuesday, June 19th  5:00pm – 9:00pm

Explore Wine & Art

“The Washington Wine Academy is taking over Artomatic with A to Z of Wine! With wine bars throughout the several floors, you can taste a full spectrum of summer wines while exploring the art exhibits. There will be 26 wines, to be explored alphabetically-one for each letter of the alphabet. Purchase tickets at the Washington Wine Academy website.”

Wednesday, June 20th  5:30pm – 7:30pm

Doodle Down FREE workshop

“The word doodle first appeared in the early 17th century to mean a fool or simpleton and often associated with wasting time or being counter to getting work done. To doodle is to dwadle, to do something of little value, and to do nothing. But our doodles don't have to be subject to the definition. We'll spend time getting to know each other through doodling and also trade and swap our doodles to come up with a final image to be shared between artists. From these doodles a hand-bound doodle zine will be made by artist and designer Tim Rodgers. We'll have markers and pens available but you can also bring your own. contact@timrodgersjr.com” Tim Rodgers is a dope artist, so that’ll probably be a good time. Wish I could go :(. For more info, click here. 

Thursday, June 21st  7:30pm – 9:00pm       

Performance by Charles King

 
“Charles King is known in Colombia as "el Palenquero fino." He is a creator and pioneer of champeta, the popular Afro-Caribbean rhythm that combines urban sounds and lively rhythms from East Africa. Champeta, "the people's cry of freedom" is a combination of rock, reggae, rap, soca and calypso that exploded on the scene in Cartagena de Indias thirty years ago. Charles King embodies the beat and living free philosophy. Champeta has been adopted by Calle 13, the Wailers,and even Shakira.” For more info, click here. 

Friday, June 22nd  8:15pm – 11:00pm

 

Bus Boys & Poets 10 Tongues Multi-Lingual Poetry Slam

“10 Tongues is a 2 round multi-lingual poetry slam.  Winner takes all!  $200 prize.  Poets must incorporate at least one line in their poems written in a language other than English or Spanish.  The language will be selected from a list of 10 when the poets register to slam.  One language per poet, selection is first come first-serve basis. “ For more info, click here. 

Saturday, June 23rd  7:00pm – 9:00pm

Grand Finale Fashion Show

“There will be tons of dancing, fashion, singing, and just all in all a great time!  We invite you to our closing Artomatic event which showcases all of what we are about (Art, Fashion, Music, Dance, and overall Performance).”  For more info, click here. 

In addition to the events listed here, there are also TONS of other performances, workshops and special events taking place, many of which are free …$0.00.  Check them out here. Also, in case you forgot lol, my art is on the 8th floor, space 347 and I'll be selling some goods in the Art-to-Go Marketplace on June 23rd, from 1 pm. - 6 pm. See you there!!

All information in quotes was taken directly from the Artomatic website, artomatic.org.

Creativity365 Day 48 & My Record Player

Today's Instructions: Work with only music media: old CDs, records, cassettes, eight-track cartridges, or reel-to-reel tapes, and/or their cases.

It's the last day of music week :(...as far as the blog is concerned. And todayyyyyy today today, I made a clock using an old record that no longer worked...

I think I'm going to spray paint the hands red. That or find some longer ones...and then spray paint those red. You can literally turn anything with a small hole in it into a clock. They sell clock kits at most craft stores. I purchased mine from Michaels. The kit I bought came with the numbers, hands, and battery-powered portion that turns the hands. Most clock kits come with instructions.

Blog Updates

I feel like all these new additions to the blog warrant a post. I've added some new pages and updated some of the others...

I've finally gotten around to updating the Creativity365 tab. It was stuck on Day 30 for a while lol. I also added a brief description of what that day's project entails.

I added a "Kids & Crafts" page. This is where I'll put all the cool, fun crafts I do with the kiddies. If you have kids or tend to hang out with them from time to time, check out this page for some crafty ideas.

I added a page for interviews. It's all in alphabetical order and nice and neat and stuff :). So if you're bored at work, go get inspired by a photographer, artist, teacher, or a fashion designer or something.

I added a link to my art where you can view it all on my facebook page. I'm currently working on my personal website :)...and hopefully all of that will be done by the end of next month.

Last but not least, I added a page for Figment. This is a community-based art event taking place in DC that I'm participating in and that you'll soon hear me mention all the time. Check out the page for more details.

The tabs with the circle thing was so pointless...but I wanted to do it lol. That's all for now. Geez. Organization takes EFFORT lol...

Kids & Crafts | Bubble Prints

Last week, I began facilitating an arts & crafts workshop for kids at my church...the five to nine year olds. Lawd lol. This is my first time dealing with a group of kids so it's a learning process, but it's fun. Last week, I had them make art using glue, salt and watercolor paint. They seemed to enjoy it. I got the idea from Pink and Green Mama. Here are some pictures...

This week, they made bubble prints using...bubbles (from dish soap) and tempera paint.

Painter's Playlist 2

This is music week so here's another playlist of some of the music that I've been listening to...some new(er), some old. I don't necessarily paint to it. That's just what I like to call my playlists when I name them on YouTube. From this playlist, you can see getting up and going to work can be a struggle for me sometimes lol. To see the playlist, hover your mouse over the screen and click the play button at the bottom, to the right of the volume control button (after pushing play). 

Creativity365 Day 47

Today's Instructions: Work with only music media: old CDs, records, cassettes, eight-track cartridges, or reel-to-reel tapes, and/or their cases.

Today's activity is pretty simple and straightforward. I'm using music media as decor. Stores like Michaels, A. C. Moore...and I believe even Target and Walmart, sell album frames which allow you to spruce up your place using album art that probably hardly ever sees the light of day anyway...unless you're a DJ...or you still listen to records. I got these album covers from my aunt. They didn't have any albums in them, so I put them to good use. I wish they did have albums in them...that's Isaac Hayes on the left and The Temptations on the right lol. The space pictured is above my bed and I wanted to have four going across, but Michaels only had two of the frames left at the time. So, I just put one of my favorite pictures...a stack of records...in the middle. They had TONS of different kinds of display frames. If you have any cool things lying around and a bare wall, you should check out some display frames and hang it up.

Stay Inspired.

The Artist | Carl "Eugi" Hall

CARL HALL

Artistically Known As

EUGI

Creator of Vibrant Music Art

Artomatic Location: 08-102

 

Gary's Finest

W&I: What kind of art do you make and how would you describe it?

Eugi: The type of art I’m currently creating is vibrant, bold abstracts I dubbed “music art”.  I tend to go back and fourth between that and other techniques or styles, but for right now I’m living in the abstract world. I would simply describe it as artwork that focuses on portraying various musical performances and the colorful vibe they evoke.

W&I: What INSPIRED you to start creating this kind of art?

Eugi: I was inspired to create this type of art out of my strong passion for music.  I am a musician sometimes or a “sometimes” musician. I play a few instruments, but not all the time, not as much as I would like to anyway.  So I love listening to music as well as creating and performing it. Combine that along with the passion for creating art, this is where my inspiration comes from.

Finding Your Focus

The Saturday before last, I went to a fellowship at my church where the topic of discussion was "Finding Your Focus". I knew I just HAD to be in there because focus is definitely something I need at this point in my life. I feel like I've been all over the place recently. You may feel that same way too, so I'm sharing some of the key points from the presentation. The fellowship aimed to help you answer the questions "Are you looking for the answer to what your life is all about?", "Are you busy doing lots of activities, but still lacking direction?", and "Do you want to know what God created you to do?" My answers to that...Yep, Yep, Yep lol.

Now, the speaker definitely wasn't promising anyone they would walk away from the presentation with all their questions answered, but she did give methods to help identify the clues that would point you in the right direction. We all want to live a purposeful and fulfilled life and knowing God's plan is the first step in making that happen. Whose plan is better than His?...not yours lol. The acronym the speaker used to help us on the journey to finding our purpose was EQUIP. She explained how everyone is equipped to perform whatever God created them to and here is how she broke it down...

E- EXPERIENCES: Your experiences in life can help teach you what your purpose is. The things you go through in life...your trials and tribulations and even good times...could very well be training for whatever area you are to serve in. For example, many of the people who start organizations that help change the lives of millions, have been personally affected by the cause they are fighting for. Your experiences give you a testimony, passion for the cause, and conviction.

Q- QUALIFICATIONS: These are your skills, abilities and training. These are the things you've learned and mastered along the way that will aid you in accomplishing God's will for your life. Maybe you went to school to be a teacher and in addition to teaching, He leads you to using those skills to facilitate a youth group. Maybe you have great leadership abilities and a love for kids & athletics and your skills are needed to start a recreation center. 

U- UNIQUE SPIRITUAL GIFTS: These are your God-given gifts and talents...the talents you were born with. You can be trained to become better, but this gift was there at the beginning. Singing is a good example of this. You can't teach someone to be a Whitney Houston lol. You either have it or you don't. One important thing the speaker made note of on this point is that our gifts are for others. They weren't given to you to selfishly pursue only what makes you happy. They were given to you to better the lives of others and the One that gave them to you in the first place directs all of that.

I- INTERESTS: What are the things that interest you? What are the things that you could do for hours in your spare time? What are the things that bring you joy? This can also give you clues as to what your purpose is? This could be fashion, music, studying/research, hair & makeup, etc... I forget the example she gave, but I think it had something to do with hair and makeup... Maybe you could provide your makeup and hair services to a woman trying to get back on her feet that can't afford those things at the time. 

P- PERSONALITY: See what happens is...sometimes, I'm in church and I'm really feeling what the person is saying so I forget to take notes lol. That's what happened on this point...BUT we all know what a personality is...it's your temperament...the unique qualities and traits that make you...you. Are you passionate, bright and bubbly, serious, adventurous, talkative??? These personality traits can also give you clues as to what your purpose is.

I recommend that you focus on each one of these points for a period of time and see what you come up with. Also, keep in mind that we're wonderfully made, dynamic individuals that were made to do more than one thing and it's up to you to pursue the goal that's laid before you. Keep a good circle of people around that are also seeking after the same lifestyle you are to keep you on your path...this is IMPORTANT! Crabs in a barrel are REAL lol. (Ecc 4:9-12) She also gave verses as an example of a good prayer for knowing God's purpose (Eph. 1:17-19).

Be a blessing...and Stay Inspired.

Creativity365 Day 46

Today's Instructions: Work with only music media: old CDs, records, cassettes, eight-track cartridges, or reel-to-reel tapes, and/or their cases.

So this week is music week...making it the best week everrrrrrrr!! Today, I'm going to show you how I made these cool CD coasters!!! These are going to get put to so much use.

EXTRAordinary People | Jeffrey Lee

JEFFREY LEE

~CEO of HtdogWtr~

This dude right here definitely inspires me. He is the epitome of daring to be different. He also never paid too much attention to other people's opinions and grinds hard for his dreams of taking his fashion brand to the top. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my homie...straight out of Charlotte, NC...CEO of HtdogWtr, Jeffrey Lee!!!

Creativity365 Day 45

Today's Instructions: Make something new out of an old t-shirt. It doesn't have to be wearable when it's done, but if it is, document it while someone has it on! 

Back to the t-shirt. Today, I made an old t-shirt into a cute tank top. I used a "vintage" shirt I bought at Coachella and I say "vintage" because it was from 2008 lol...they were cheap though. This shirt fit really cute. I got the idea from the blog, Teresa Does It.

Interesting & Inspiring Fashion

So I love weird...I love incongruity...I love outside of the boxness lol...I love fashion as art and one of my favorite blogs for creatives, Lost At E Minor, gives me ALL of that. In fact, I love them so much, I have a URL feed at the bottom of this very blog that keeps me...and you if you're interested...up to date on the latest posts to their site. Check them out sometime. To the reason I brought that blog up, I was stalking it reading it one day and decided to click on their fashion tab...I normally just look at the art...and there was a lot of really cool stuff in there. Here are some of my favorites...

Click on the title beneath the images to read more about the pieces!!

Invisible Shoes by Andreia Chaves

I think these are so cool...to look at lol. I couldn't see me actually wearing them. Not quite my style, but I love the design and concept. 

The Artist | Brian Johnson

BRIAN

JOHNSON

 Awesome Visual Artist with a Unique Style

Artomatic Location: 08-115

Undercurrent

W&I: What kind of art do you make and how would you describe it?

Brian: I make a lot of kinds of art. I currently mostly paint abstract paintings on various sized media. From 3"x3" wood flooring samples to custom built canvas stretchers, the largest of which I've made so far has been 8.5'x7' (constructed from Railroad Ties). I also create sculptures from found objects and even landscape items such as stones, fallen trees and dirt mounds. I also write poetry and make noise on the electric guitar. All of my work in any of the mediums revolves around building up layers and hiding and reveiling certain aspects to create some sort of narrative.

Creativity365 Day 44

Today's Instructions: Make something new out of an old t-shirt. It doesn't have to be wearable when it's done, but if it is, document it while someone has it on! 

IT'S FASHION WEEK!!!...on my blog lol. Just thought you should know. I'm getting "themey" for the month of June. Anywho, today I made a necklace using a t-shirt...

My Art on the COVER! :)

This past Saturday, my artwork was featured on the cover of Hill Rag Magazine, a Washington DC community-based publication that's distributed in the Capitol Hill area. Yes...I was VERY excited about it lol. THANKS to Jason Yen for the opportunity and to Ashleigh Bing of Shoot Happens Photography for coming through in the clutch to take some pictures for me. THANKS to God for all these BLESSINGS :). I sound like I'm getting an award or something lol. I'm not sure how often they update their website, but soon (hopefully) you can click here to read the June issue online and get a distribution list if you're interested in getting an actual paper.