Santas, Elves, and Kings

We're painting for the holidays. Santa's are always some of our favorite subjects. Here are some of the wonderful designs from Jo Sonja Jansen and Bobbie Takashima that we're enjoying this season.

We have more snow scenes, snowmen, and even some nonholiday projects coming up.
Join us for some painting fun.

Be sure to check out the wonderful new painting by our students on Students Artful Endeavors.

Explore your Creativity

My wonderfully creative friend, Gail is a wonderful writer. When she writes, you can almost visualize her thoughts. I have her permission to post an article she wrote on creativity that hit home with me. Here is Gail Schmidt. You can find more about Gail's creative thoughts, on line business, and on line classes at Shabby Cottage Studio.

A Fragment of Thought on Creativity Posted: 16 Oct 2008 10:47 AM CDT It has long been a belief of mine that each and every one of us is creative. And that the hardest thing is to convince people that yes they are creative...they just haven't given themselves a chance, or as many of us, are to hard on themselves. Sometimes we have a tendency to think that if something doesn't come easily or quickly...if we try our hand at something new and we "don't get it", on the first few tries, well then we're just not creative and can't do that. We give up, move on, all the while telling ourselves and others...oh I don't have a creative bone in my body. Sometimes this belief that you are not creative is more a matter of preconceived ideas of what is considered being "creative". It's interesting that children never have this fear. Watch them at play as they invent imaginary friends or invent games that only they know how to play. Hand them a box of crayons and a piece of paper. Soon they will be telling you a wonderful enthusiastic story about what their drawing is all about. Even if all you see are scribbles. I've said it before and I will continue to say it. Creativity is a mind-set. And attitude. More so than skill or talent. Creativity comes in many shapes and forms. When it comes to being creative so many of us, as we grow older, seem to lose our child like spontaneity and sense of fun. We become more concerned about our notions of, is it right or wrong, or feeling embarrassed or frustrated if we try something new and don't achieve perfection on the first few tries. Be gentle on yourself....if there is something you truly want to learn to do, don't give up on it after a few tries with the familiar, "Oh I don't have a creative bone in my body". Give yourself a chance. Embrace each mistake as a moment of learning. I do not remember where I heard this but many years ago I heard about spirit points. The conversation was about mistakes and perfection. A spirit point is a mistake purposely put into a piece of work to keep us humble and remind us that only God is perfect. Perfection is not the elimination of imperfection but the ability to learn to incorporate imperfection into our life. I know I myself am still learning this. Want to try something creative? Then set youself one rule on whatever you choose to attempt. No negativity. Allow youself to feel free to explore, to experiment, to make mistakes with no fear of ridicule or feelings of failure. Embrace your mistakes! :-) xoxo Gail

Forest Elf

Here is the Forest Elf, a Bobbi Takashima design that we'll paint on Nov 1. Register now!

Good King Wenceslas

I've added another painting to my Christmas plate collection, JoSonja Jansen's wonderfully whimsical Good King Wenceslas. You have a choice between two times of day to paint Good King Wenceslas, beginning Oct 29 at 2p or at 6:30p. I have prep ready at the studio. Let me know if you would like to join us.

I'm working on the Woodland Santa a fun Bobbi Takashima design that we'll begin painting on Nov 5, at 10am. I'll have a photo of him soon.


I'll be in the studio Wed all day and Thurs afternoon this week before leaving for my fall vacation. We have to go see all the wonderful colors in the mountains. I'll return on Mon, Oct 27. Liz

Students Artful Endeavors

Our painters have been working on their holiday designs and have completed some delightful paintings. Check out some their work on the students blog.


Our students are entering their paintings in the NC State Fair Crafts and Hobbies exhibit! Be sure to check out this wonderful sampling of their paintings. You will find them in the Hobbies and Handicrafts building next to the Village of YesterYears. This is a great way to show others the quality of our paintings.

Another Mirror for ALTA

I finished my mirror for The Assistance League of the Triangle Area thrift shop! How are you coming with yours?

I have heard from our ALTA member that the mirrors have sold great at the A to Z Thrift shop bringing in money for ALTA's programs to benefit triangle women and children in need. They sent us a nice thank you note for the mirrors that have been completed so far and are very supportive of our painting.

Kathie George Seminar 2008

We had such a wonderful time with Kathie. The Heart of Carolina Tolers chapter of the SDP hosted Kathie at Artful Endeavors for three days and then Artful Endeavors hosted Kathie for two more fun days. Kathie creates such exciting paintings with her innovative techniques.


Take a look at some of our days with Kathie. We hope to have her return soon.

Ginger Edwards seminar 2009!

Here is the beautiful rose design that Ginger will teach for us in our upcoming March seminar! She calls this a different rose and it's a gorgeous different rose.

Our 2 other seminar projects will be new designs that Ginger is designing just for us. I'll have photos as soon as I receive them from Ginger.

For more seminar information see our seminar page on ArtfulEndeavors.net