I've completed my first children's book!!! I'm now in the process of trying to self-publish through a Kickstarter crowd fundraising platform.

It's all or nothing. Please help me reach my goal.
 
Changing lives, one page at a time…
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iiaowens2meme-youyou/me-meyouyou-working-together-through-our-differences
 
Thank you for your support…
 

doggoneEvery summer, when school gets out, I do a daily countdown of my creative projects.  I'd hoped it would encourage others to be creative as well as give my followers a break from the current tensions on social media. A good friend told me the countdown was a bit depressing and after thinking about it, I agreed.  I decided, instead, to do a daily 'flashback' of my summer! I'm calling this,"I Know What You Did Last Summer".  This summer has been pretty doggone good and I'm eager to share it with you.

I cannot even begin to explain how important this is to me and how grateful I am to be able to impact the lives of so many amazing kids! Such a blessing!

On May 2, 2017, I was announced as the 'Teacher of the Year' for the Paulding County School District! 

Just lil',imperfect, ole me....doing what God has called me to do.

His work, through me, is having an impact.  I am grateful.

The first picture is what I'd already painted before asking the question on the 19th.  The second picture is a supporter's vision that I painted after her description was given. What was your vision?

I've already completed this coloring sheet but am going to wait before I reveal it.  I'd like to know what you see? What color is her hair, her skin, her eyes? 

Answer correctly and have your name entered to win one of my 'handcrafted' coloring books!

Dib Dab Daizies presents The "I AM" Creative Expression Coloring Sheets Collection.

The "I Am" exclusive coloring sheet collection is a superb quality coloring book that accepts a variety of media.  Its acceptable media include colored pencils, markers, graphite, acrylic paint, gouache, watercolor, highly pigmented crayons, oil pastels, collage, glitter and ANYTHING colorful!
Printed from original, hand drawn detailed illustrations by Yours Truly!!!
This collection was created to:

• Boost self-esteem with its inspirational messages
• Encourage positive self-talk
• Provide a relaxing retreat from everyday life
• Spark creativity
• Allow the artist, YOU, to just be a kid again!

The pages are 11x17 and on thick, 80lb cardstock that can handle dry as well as wet media.  The front cover of each book is made of heavy, 100lb gloss cardstock that acts as a wonderful backdrop to colored marker techniques.  The heavy stock paper, throughout the book, prevents bleeding through to other illustrations. Each sheet is perforated for easy removal.  Each book is handmade and hand bound.
These beautiful pages are suitable for framing once completed.
Each book contains 5, 11x17 coloring sheets plus a bonus paper doll sheet. They are signed by the artist and are accompanied by a ‘Quick Tip’ sheet, and a thumbnail practice sheet.

Customization is available, please inbox me.

I’m an artist and an art educator who loves to create and loves a creative spirit.  A former student once told me, “When I grow up, I want to marry a leprechaun and live in a rainbow on a cloud with my pet unicorn.”  I found her statement to be hilarious and profound at the same time.  Her statement reflected the power in her child-like ability to escape her reality and find peace in a dream. Kids are the masters of reinvention.

Positive reinforcement encourages them to do more, to dream more.
 
They can become whatever they believe they can become by stepping boldly into their dreams.
We seldom take the time to relax and embrace that inner child.
That inner child needs rejuvenating.  That inner child needs encouragement. 
That inner child needs validation.  That inner child needs peace.
 
But today… Today, we gather our art supplies, find a quiet escape and, like a child,
we purge...we reinvent…we feed our spirit…we create…we step boldly into our destiny!
 
Thank you for stepping with me!
IIa
 
Every book is numbered and hand signed by the artist

Check my store to purchase!

Every summer, as soon as school ends, I begin a creative count down until  school starts again.  This year that didn't go over too well because the count down became a little depressing  for some and my summer was extremely challenging.  My best friend's daughter died of lymphoma and it was downhill from there.  My summer was filled with sadness, health scares and stress. I was almost leaping at the chance to go back to work. Thank God I can find peace in my artistic talent and was able to have some solace in being able to reside in the tranquility of my craft. Today, i will begin to post my 52 days of summer..it's never too late.

I'm exploring oil on paper.  I like the looseness of the piece but wasn't too impressed with the fact the paint was being  absorbed into the paper more than I've become accustomed.  I will try this technique again;  I feel that there's a great deal I can do with it.