life... fresh off the backburner: backburner

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Right Brain Redux

(30-Day Creativity Challenge)

Redux- adjective 1. brought back; resurgent; 1650-60; < Latin: returning (as from war or exile)

In honor of back-to-school, Jessica and I have decided to subject ourselves to a creative experiment. I know, School started yesterday and we are a day behind. Trust me, that's early for me.

With so many things going on in our family life over the past year (Moving to a new house, moving to a new state, Starting a Kids' Church Ministry from scratch, Remodeling a house in the new state, moving into the new house in the new state, major surgery-- all while juggling the rest of the usual stuff of living and working and raising two awesome autistic boys.) our creative lives have really taken a hit. We've tried to eke out time to art here and there, but often we just haven't been able to find it. Or we're too worn out from chasing a toddler who has decided he will only answer to "Hurricane" for the day.

So here's the challenge we've set for ourselves; together, we have created a list of creative challenges to be performed one per day over the next thirty days. There are about forty in all and have been printed on slips of paper which are folded and placed into Challenge Jars.

Each of us has our own jar with the exact same set of papers, but to keep it interesting we will each select one challenge per day from our own Challenge Jar. This way, we probably won't be doing the same challenge on the same day, but we should have done most of the same projects over the course of the challenge. The projects cover everything from drawing and painting to photography and writing. One day I might have to write a haiku on a subject chosen by my son while Jessica draws a friendly robot or finger paints with the boys.

The randomness of the challenge is designed to flex our creative muscles and give us a workout. The projects are simple enough to complete in the course of a day. The one-day deadline is to keep us moving. We will be posting our challenge for you to see each morning, and the results each evening. You can feel free to join in and try your hand at each day's challenge if you'd like.

It's gonna be a crazy-fun month!

Kevin

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Thursday, February 2, 2012

Home Is Wherever I'm With You

10 Ideas to Boost Your Home's Style

Decor Idea #1: Vintage, Film-Inspired Wall Art

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #2: Felted Friends

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #3: There's Always Time for Nostalgia

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #4: DIY & Reclaimed Fabulous

Source: happymundane.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #5: Hand-crafted Space Savers

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #6: Flower Power

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #7: Opt-In for Eco-Friendly

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #8: Rotary Returns

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #9: Be Yourself

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Decor Idea #10: Fun Photography

Source: etsy.com via backburner on Pinterest

Got any other cool, home-decor ideas? Share them with us! (:

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Oh Klout, I have yet to figure you out...

Klout so graciously attempts to "explain" how they determine our little studio's internet importance; however, the graphs supplied don't exactly paint a clear-cut reasoning. I'm sure there's plenty of scientific reasoning and/or mathematics involved, but seriously, how can a person/ entity gain or lose 20+ increments of "klout" in one day?

Was that last blog post seriously that good (or bad)?

The mystery remains veiled...

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Saturday, January 28, 2012

We're having an Etsy Sale!!

Check it out now! (: 

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Deadpool Custom Figure

 Newest creation from The Backburner Studio:

 Deadpool Mega Bloks Custom Figure

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

Originality in the Remix

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Everything I Said

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Saturday, June 25, 2011

We'll Get Chinese & Watch TV

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Monday, June 20, 2011

We Made Etsy's Front Page!

We were very excited to wake up this morning to find out that we had made Etsy's Front Page with our treasury entitled "Home is Wherever I'm With You." I (Jess) put it together thinking about all of our family's favorites and definitely took inspiration for our own home's decor. Here's a cute song that was playing in my head repeatedly as I put it together...

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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Virginia Farm Winter

Why would newlyweds want to go to a remote farm in Southern Virginia, during winter no less, for their honeymoon? Why not?

Enclosed in this post are some of my favorite shots of that time...

I don't dare claim to be the best photographer.

As far as education goes, I took one class in art school.

I have no claims...

However, I know what I love.

I love the feel of a camera in my hands.

I crave the delicious feeling of looking at something through the viewfinder and framing it in my mind.

Just like life, photography has its disappointments...

the blurred images, the film ruined, the digital file lost,

the missed moments, and the shots that just didn't turn out like you thought they would.

But I keep on breathing.

I keep snapping shots.

It's essential... an endless pursuit even.

Whatever you love, pursue it with vigor.

Once you've captured that light once, you never want to stop.

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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Finding Linkages In Your Home Decor

ElsieBetty's Etsy Shop

Andfurthermore's Etsy Shop

CopperAndTin's Etsy Shop

When it comes to home decor, I find that I'm most inspired by pieces that reminisce time spent at my great-grandmothers' houses. Their homes both hit design peaks around the 60's and 70's; therefore, most of the items that adorned their shelves, walls, curio cabinets, beds, etc. were an eclectic mix of mid-century modern, southern, a little bit country, vintage (for their time), antiques, and even some elements of funky... my Ma-Ma Smith's love of all things green comes to mind.

Whether you love vintage or not, have pieces that actually were in your loved ones' homes, or just want to decorate with what you find, don't be hesitant to think seriously about what evokes emotions from you. Yes, it's "just a black rotary phone;" however, it can also be a linkage to something far greater.

I find pieces all the time at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores that make me say, "Hey! My Ma-Ma had that!" It's a special feeling to connect on a deeper level with that part of me... the little girl that found it fascinating to watch my grandmother make biscuits or sew a button. The connection isn't with the inanimate object... the phone, the button, the wooden flour bowl... it's with the memories. What creates a beautiful home that feels like "home" are the memories and emotions. Think of what can bring those feelings back for you or what you could see yourself creating memories amongst, when integrating pieces into your home decor.

"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself."

--Maya Angelou

FromBrenda2You's Etsy Shop

Friday, March 25, 2011

Etsy Shop is Finally Open!! XD

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Decluttering For Christ: Days Two, Three, & Four

I spent most of this past weekend trying to catch up. Well, let me rethink that statement... I've spent the past 29 years trying to catch up, and this weekend was no different! :)

I trdeught about posting before pics; rwever, the house was so atrocious that I couldn't bring myself to do it! I'll just post the final results. You'll have to trust me that the difference is night and day!

I feel hope in this process. My husband and I discussed what we should do and how to get it done. Having an idea of what we wanted to accomplish and a general time-frame was important for us to discuss. It's important to be on the same page about the project.

We agreed that we needed to go through the kitchen and get rid of excess glasses, dishes, flatware, plastic containers, (especially those without lids or even the bowls in some cases) dish rags, etc.

In the living room, we decided to sell our current, matching set: sofa, chair, and ottoman. We have a sleeper sofa shoved back in the office that is a junk pile resting place at the moment. We will put in in the living room and keep the other chair and ottoman set that we had. They don't match in the sense that they are part of the same furniture line or collection, but it's our style for sure. That's what's important, you have furniture that fits your lifestyle, tastes, and of course, your room. Ours did not fit our room at all.

In the master bedroom, we decided to sell the dresser and move the desk out. The desk has a new home in the dining room area. It's serving as a family computer/ homework area. This arrangement has multiple advantages. The space in our bedroom is at a premium, so we gain so much more room in there. The computer acts as a family hub now for pictures, family files, etc. Our son has access to the computer, but it is restricted and supervised access. That is a key advantage. He is nearly 8 years old and very impressionable. I can easily monitor his computer time and activity, while he enjoys the priveledge.

To replace the dresser in our bedroom, we have a closet unit that we purchased on clearance at Lowe's. My husband put it together in an afternoon, and it's wonderful! I recommend something of this nature for anyone. We don't have a very large closet at all, but it maximizes the space we do have. The one we purchased has four, deep drawers that we'll now share for folded clothing and such. These sort of items we've pared down as well. All worn out or unneeded bras, underwear, socks, tees, etc. will be thrown out or donated. What can be put on hangers, we've done so.

Going through our clothes has been an intense process, especially for me! I have gone through them several times actually. Each time, removing more and more pieces that I thought I needed to keep in the last sort. I think it's been important for me to do this and stay diligent in doing so. Otherwise, I might not pare down enough. It's easy to have that notion "oh, I'll fit into that soon enough" or "oh but my friend gave me that, I can't give it away," but you have to understand, it's about simplifying. If you honestly don't need it or wear it, then it's time to get rid of it.

I had no idea just how many articles of clothing I had! It's sad really, that people in this country, in our own towns, go without proper clothing. Meanwhile, I have a closet, dresser, and even boxes in storage full of unused items!

God blesses us so that we can bless others. God has shown me that truth, and I vow to keep it in my heart and mind from now on. I am so grateful for his blessings, and the least I can do, is not hoarde them, but rather, pass them on.
"God can't get to you what he can't get through you."
--Pastor Benny Tate of Rock Springs Church in Milner, Georgia

To be continued...

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Decluttering For Christ: Day One

We've been struggling for the last few months with keeping things organized and clean at our house. It's felt like at times, that we spend more time maintaining and organizing our "stuff" than we do being a family together.

Letting things take over our lives has been a gradual process. My husband and I were married almost two years ago. When he moved in, the house he, I, and our six-year-old son shared was barely over 700 square feet in space, and not near enough of that was closet space! Combining our lives was challenging to say the least. We thought when we moved into our new house last spring, that things would be easier. However, once we started bringing in things that had been in storage all that time, it quickly became a cluttered mess as well.

Lately, we've been drawing ourselves and our family closer to each other and closer to God. It's important to my husband and I that we raise our son in a strong, Christian home with solid, Christian values. The more we pray and study on what to do, the more both of us are coming to realize... we just don't need the excess!

So now the new challenge is where to begin. He and I both have been discussing it for the past week or so. We've talked all around how to start, and I've even already begun to start with going through my clothes. I tried to do a bit of quick research online about how to get started; however, my ADD always kicked in and I found myself on Facebook writing a message to a friend, checking my email, and searching for a wedding gift. What "research" I did get done though, I didn't really find anything specific to decluttering in order to simplify one's life in order to draw closer to God. Thus, this blog entry emerged!

I don't know how long this will take us. I've never been a "get it done in 30 days or less" sort of person. It's like trying to eat healthier. You can't commit to a diet. You have to commit to a lifestyle. That sort of commitment is what this endeavor is all about. We're changing our lives.

I can't shake this belief deep within my heart too, that this is what God needs us to do so that he can use us. Furthermore, in doing this for God and for our family, we can move forward in faith and accomplish his purposes for our lives.

The Ultimate Artist

I seem to be drawn to taking many landscape shots... usually moreso than any other types.

I think it's because I am always so awed by God's handiwork.

God is the ultimate artist for sure.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Digital Art: Tattoo: Ultimate Love

Tattoo: Ultimate Love by ~backburnerstudio on deviant ART

I've designed several tattoos for other people, but never had the guts to get one myself. I figured if I ever did get something, it needed to be something that really represented me and what I was about. So one night, I was playing around on the Paint program in my computer and drew out this design in simple black and white pixels. It just sort of manifested itself amongst the long night of listening to bands like Fireflight, Flyleaf, and Demonhunter. I couldn't sleep, so I just kept working on it... all the while, thinking about God, my life... faith... how he's always been there, guiding me... carrying me a good bit of the way...

After the drawing was finished, Kevin ran it through Photoshop and cleaned it up a good bit. I took that black and white, cleaned-up version and started playing around in Photoshop with it myself. This is what I produced.

One day, I may find a tattoo artist who can at least replicate the black and white version. If so, I just may get my first tattoo... one that represents me and my faith.

Jenn's Owl

Jenn's Owl by ~backburnerstudio on deviant ART

My sister, Jennifer, loves owls. I think the mini-obsession probably started with Hedwig when she began reading the Harry Potter books almost ten years ago (hard to believe they're that old now!) I drew this owl, then traced him onto tracing paper, filled it in with black, and then scanned him into the computer. In photoshop, I colored him digitally. (Still learning PS, so I played around a bit.) The original drawing is still just black and white, so that I could color him again for more practice.