Playing Pirate

Our little guy loves to play in the bathtub. He is getting older though and now he mostly takes a shower. Today's theme for Illustration Friday made me think of how kids grow and change over time. This tub time scene captures a single moment in the metamorphosis every child makes into adulthood.

Train

Did you know that cats can be trained? Even if it's only to use the litter box.

Mister (5) made this lovely and very light picture of a train car for this week's theme. He had a blast with his first try at using a compass.

What a novel idea...artwork on what was once my art blog. I have been thinking a lot this week about how "arting", as Mister puts it, has somehow disappeared from our life in the last year. It was gradual and that may be the reason we didn't notice it. So today we are back to illustrationfriday.com for the weekly art challenge.

I forgot how wonderful it feels to just draw. My mind is completely focused when I draw, something I have not had for a while now. I have started to think about it a lot this week. I have been thinking about my Etsy shop as well. Before you think to yourself, "Oh, yes, The Crazy Elephant is a fantastic little pad shop and is providing an ecological choice for women all over the world," that is not the shop I am talking about. If you did not know that this blog was originally started as an art blog, you may also not know that my first start on Etsy was an art shop.

It is a funny thing how other parts of our life sort of take over and some of your favorite things can suddenly be gone. This has been happening to me. I have gotten so focused on homeschooling, homemaking, and missions information that all else has gone by the wayside. It is probably the reason I am becoming a frazzled mess. I some how removed all the fun from my life and started hyper focusing on the things I previously listed. I can tell you it is driving my family nuts and needs to be put to a stop!

I prayed and prayed to know what I needed. Bible reading wasn't doing it, not changing anything wasn't doing it, art is the missing link for me. I never realized how important it is to me till now. It clears my head and helps me to go into other activities with purpose and focus. It is so hard to read and study my Bible when my mind is spinning with other things I need to do. I need a pencil in my hand so that I can use that focus to come closer to my awesome God!

What about that shop I mentioned? I started The Crazy Elephant as a way to support my art. Instead it took over all my time and energy and I sadly dropped the art shop. About 2 years ago I did a huge crayon roll custom order for a birthday party and as I looked at the party pack that was coordinating the rolls, I thought how I would love to do that. Well, that has obviously gone on the back burner, after 2 years you would think it would have burnt by now.

Out of the blue on Monday I woke up thinking about it. It was the only thing I could think about and when I went online to edit a listing at The Crazy Elephant, I saw they set up, this week, the ability to put downloadable files in the listing. To put it simply, the customer can download their files directly from Etsy when they purchase a computer file. That was exactly what I needed to be able to sell printable party packs efficiently whether here, or on mission.

I am still planning things out and of course I have a lot of art to catch up on before I open up said shop. I also have to figure out a name. I am planning to do printable party packs that would include invites, bunting, cupcake toppers, ect. Right now I am thinking something along the lines of Bubble Prints, but I really have no idea at this point. I do know that I am planning to do giveaways as I get the sets together so I can get some feedback and word of mouth started. In the meantime, I'm off to make some art!

Shadows

This week is all about shadows and that little pig better watch out for the creature making that shadow! See more awesome artists at illustrationfriday.com! You can also take home a Michelle Morgan original print at the new shop: http://www.artfire.com/users/michellemorganoriginalart

Asleep

I knew I wanted to share this pic when I saw this weeks illo topic. I have shared it before and when I was looking for the blog post I noticed how art heavey the early years of my blog were. Till Jayne was born. It is really amazing how a child can change your life! Art may not be my main focus anymore, but I am very glad that it is still in my life : )

Safari

I love these 2 animal paintings! They are a little on the older side, but I still love them. They are made only with black oil paint.

Beginner

I thought about my illo for a long time and I decided that the best way to go is to share some of my little guy's art (he's 3). He loves his art time and choosing different supplies to use. He is definately a beginner but already has a passion for art. So, without further ado, I made Jayne and he made this lovely beginner art...

Bicycle

The first thing I thought of when I saw the illustration Friday topic for the week was the Sticks: 32 Mile animation we did a few years ago. It was based on our Tour de Cure ride the first year we rode (sticks the stick man was the leading man). Let's just say it was eventful. So here is a sketch of sticks climbing a very tall and long hill.

We are riding again this year, 32 miles again. If you would like to help us with our fundraising goal, you can make a tax deductible donation to The American Diabetes Association here: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/MinnesotaArea?px=6679453&pg=personal&fr_id=7583 .

Follow my art page on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michelle-Morgan-Original-Art/156476664411118

Journey

Every seed takes a journey and these little seeds are floating in the breeze. Enjoy this week's Illustration Friday!

Take home your own Michelle Morgan Original Art at http://mommytails.etsy.com/!

Toy

To help spark my artistic creativity again, I am going to get involved with Illustration Friday again! This week's theme was Toy. Jayne's reply was, "that's awesome!" I love making art for him, and with him too!