by frosted flamingo | Apr 9, 2024 | Blog
Recently, I have come across multiple articles and podcasts that discuss the ways in which social media has become toxic—the hours wasted, the link to mental illness, the secret advertising to minors–I could go on and on. There is undeniable truth to these arguments, and this is nothing new, but we are still reluctant to change. There are ways in which social media enriches our lives, and some people, my husband included, feel that the pros outweigh the cons. Still, we are aware that social media is designed to be addicting, and like substance abuse, we will all reach a point when we have to make a conscious decision to stop, taper, or continue on as we have been (accepting the unavoidable pitfalls).
Some questions I have read and heard that you might ask yourself:
- How do you feel after spending time scrolling on social media (ie when you put your phone down). Do you feel markedly worse than you did before you picked up your phone?
- Do you have the time to spend (or arguably waste) minutes/hours on your phone every day? Is there another activity that you could do that would be more enriching/fun/meaningful?
- Have you ever missed out on a conversation or something your partner or child said or did because you were staring at your screen?
- Have you experienced something amazing and then immediately felt the need to post/share rather than dwell on the experience for your personal enjoyment?
- Have you noticed that the majority of the people you follow on social media are people you rarely see? How would you rate the quality of comments on images and posts versus in-person interactions?
- If you used the time you spent commenting and liking posts on social media to instead write letters (the old fashioned way!), email, text or call family and friends, how would this change your life?
When I answer all of these questions for myself, it becomes crystal clear that I feel done with social media. As a parent, I want to set a good example for my children, and frankly, if there is a way to steal more time back for myself each day, I will do it! That said, while social media is an addiction, as I mentioned earlier, it is not all negative! I enjoy seeing updates from friends and businesses or places that I care about. I enjoy funny videos and posts, and I find inspiration from artists, athletes, and women.
So…here is my plan: In the coming weeks, I will close down my personal accounts. I will keep my business accounts open, and post as I have been over the past couple years: roughly 3 scheduled posts a week and non-scheduled stories during events. Then, over the remainder of this year, I plan to invest more energy in what I perceive to be “healthier” platforms–Mailchimp (for email campaigns) and Pinterest (to share and find creative ideas). I am hoping that this small change will infuse a little bit of time back into my day. I’d love to know where you are on this social media journey. Did you already quit? Are you planning to taper your usage? Or are you adding more platforms? Sometimes the best way to make a decision is to talk about it, face-to-face.
by frosted flamingo | Feb 13, 2024 | Blog
Here’s the challenge: make or do something creative every day this month! Be your own guide, or use the ideas/prompts below for inspiration. Whether you make art for a living, or dabble in creativity to relax or have fun, I will be cheering for you! If you choose to document your journey on social media, tag @the_frostedflamingo and use the hashtag #frostedflamingochallenge. I can’t wait to see what you create!
-
March 1: Think/talk/write about an art form (or medium) that you have never tried but would like to learn.
-
March 2: Use a pencil to scribble over a piece of paper for one minute. Erase 1/2 of the marks. Scribble again for 30 seconds. Erase 1/4 of the marks. Scribble again for 15 seconds. Erase 1/8 of the marks.
-
March 3: Glue a newspaper or magazine article to a piece of construction paper, then cover parts of the text with markers or additional paper shapes.
-
March 4: Cut a photograph or an image from a magazine into rough cubes. Glue cubes onto a blank piece of paper leaving space between each cut piece.
-
March 5: Create an image of an animal. You choose the medium (drawing, painting, printmaking etc.)
-
March 6: Think/write/talk about illustrations from one of your favorite children’s books. Why do you like these illustrations?
-
March 7: Try contour drawing! Without looking at your paper, draw a piece of fruit. Drag a pen across the surface of a piece of paper at a very slow speed. Imagine that you are an ant crawling on the surface of the object you are drawing. Try to capture every bump or variation that you see without taking your eyes off the object.
-
March 8: Make something three-dimensional, then destroy it.
-
March 9: Make edible art (or beautify something that can be eaten).
-
March 10: Gather and use 3 alternatives to paintbrushes (ie small twigs, cardboard tubes, balloons, etc.).
-
March 11: Pull together the most colorful combination of clothes and accessories that you own, then create art inspired by that outfit.
-
March 12: Make art inspired by the weather.
-
March 13: Turn on a song that you love and draw whatever comes to mind while listening to that song.
-
March 14: Make a replica or your own version of a famous work of art.
-
March 16: Play Exquisite Corpse. See here for instructions.
-
March 17: Play Art Remix with Google’s Imagen Generative AI. Imagen uses descriptive prompts to generate new versions of images.
-
March 18: Make art with natural or found materials.
-
March 19: Download the Art Transfer Google App. Art Transfer allows you to transform your photos with inspiration from famous artists.
-
March 20: Use a magnifying glass or the zoom/enlarge feature on your phone camera to discover a unique texture. Use this as inspiration for some kind of art.
-
March 21: Make art inspired by sports or dance.
-
March 22: Make a tiny or miniature piece of art.
-
March 23: Make a giant or oversized piece of art.
-
-
March 25: Create a self portrait.
-
March 26: Fill a piece of paper by writing the same word repeatedly OR making the same mark or shape repeatedly.
-
March 27: Paint with your fingers.
-
March 28: Find a photograph or an image showing a face from the front (ie both sides should be fairly symmetrical). Use a ruler or straight-edge to draw a vertical line down the middle, then cut the image in half. Glue half of the face on a new piece of paper, then draw the missing half.
-
March 29: Make something that makes you smile or laugh.
-
March 30: Illustrate a word or mantra.
-
March 31: Think/write/talk about this experience. What did you enjoy making the most?
by frosted flamingo | Jan 31, 2024 | Blog
Last night I hosted a workshop called Crafting for Mental Health. Participants included physician’s assistants, nurses, paramedics, pediatricians, lab techs, and administrators. We made Valentine-themed cards, and people who have been working within the same building (for years!) connected for the first time. The purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity to improve mood and lower stress through crafting, so in honor of Valentine’s Day, this post expands on the connection between art and mental health. Making art is a form of self care, and even if you don’t consider yourself an artist or regularly make art, by engaging creative activities (ie museums, festivals, etc.) you are bolstering your mind and spirit.
Art Reduces Stress
In 2016, researchers Ray and Muniz published results from an experiment in Art Therapy Journal. In their study, they found that cortisol levels dropped for 75% of participants during and after crafting. After crafting, participants felt they had learned something new, persevered through something challenging, and lost themselves in the process.
What is happening in our head when we make art?
When we make art, we use the cortex of the brain, which stimulates critical thinking and problem solving. As we use the cortex, more neuropathways are created, and we rely less upon the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for flight or flight response). Achieving a “flow state” or being in “the moment” helps us to regulate or process our emotions. In addition, repetitive actions (like crafting or making art) release neurotransmitters that promote joy and a sense of well being, and being creative specifically stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for joy and pleasure (often associated with exercise).
If that’s not enough…
Research shows that arts and crafts:
- improve mood, confidence, and self esteem
- hone gross and fine motor skills
- slow cognitive decline
- lower blood pressure
Making art is not only fun, it’s good for you. Happy Valentine’s Day.
by frosted flamingo | Dec 20, 2023 | Blog
Instead of making that boring new year’s resolution that you always make and don’t keep (ie lose weight, make new friends, sleep more etc.) resolve to be creative in 2024! This is a low commitment resolution that anyone can do, and I’ll tell you how.
1). Keep a Doodle Journal
For those with 9-5 desk or office jobs, this one is for you. Make art while being paid. All you need is a journal and writing/drawing utensil of your choice. You might be surprised by what you put down on paper in that 3 hour brain-melting meeting.
2). Make Homemade “Thank You” Cards
If you have a list of post-holiday thank you cards to write, this is the perfect way to multitask. Your card recipients will be so impressed by your creativity, and of course, saying thank you for gifts is always appreciated. Furthermore, there is nothing like a good old fashioned hand-written note (when the majority of people are just sending emails).
3). Make a Large Scale Abstract Painting
Use whatever paint you have on hand! House paint, washable kids’ paint, even nail polish will do in a pinch! Find the largest canvas or sturdy paper available and drip, pour, splatter and swipe! Everything looks good on a large scale and if you pop a black frame on your finished artwork, this piece can hang anywhere!
4). Customize Your Pint Glasses
Try your hand at etching! All you need is some Etching Foam (available online) and tape or vinyl. If you want to get really fancy, you can cut your own stencils with a Cricut, but abstract designs with electric tape will also look neat. Your pint glasses will look fabulous and you can take pride in knowing that no one else has the same glassware!
5). Up-Cycle Old Jewelry
Last but not least, unstring beads from old necklaces and create new and improved jewelry creations. Elastic nylon cord works with most small beads, or you can try using lightweight jewelers’ wire.
And boom, just like that, you have incorporated art into your life! So easy, right?
by frosted flamingo | Nov 9, 2023 | Blog
The holidays are here and there are too many gift choices to count! Here are our top picks from our shop and event calendar. We’ve got something for everyone on your list!
For the baby:
Purchase a Baby Bird Art session for the littlest artist in your life! We’ll be hosting this popular series at the Art Spot on Tuesday mornings starting in December and continuing into the new year. Participants can drop in anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m to enjoy creative sensory stations along with a featured project.
For the toddler:
Choose a Sensory Kit! Our sensory boxes are designed to spark creativity and innovation in your little one, while making your life easier! Choose from 8 different themes, including: The Beach Bum Box, the Creepy Crawlers Box, The Spring Showers Box, The Celebration Box, The December Box, The Love Box, and more! Order online or purchase in person at The Art Spot.
For the kid:
Try a Painted Trucker Hat Kit! Our painted trucker hats are popular for all ages! The kit includes one hat (choose between adult or child size), 5 fabric paints (red, orange, yellow, green, blue), one themed stencil set, and 3 paintbrushes. Customize your own stencil set or add more paint for an additional fee.
For the teen:
Consider our Intention Jar Kit. A perfect present for the reflective teen in your life. First, decorate a jar with the included collage materials. Then think about and write down 12 goals or intentions. The final step is to create a key with symbols, and decorate your popsicle sticks accordingly. This is a fun project and an excellent visual reminder to stick to your goals!
For the adult:
Make a customized etched glass! Our Etched Glasses are a fun and (surprisingly) easy craft. The results are beyond satisfying, and you can even run your finished product through the dishwasher! Choose between a stemless wine, whiskey, or pint glass, and a range of stencil options or customized your own.
