Debbie Overton Designs

Believe in Yourself

A while back I mentioned a project started by Enzie at World Market Portraits "Give Creativity Wings to Fly".  Little did I know I would be the first to follow Enzie's sketch in the little book for its journey around the world.  Needless to say I was excited to be a part of the project and scared to death to think I would be doing the first entry after seeing Enzie's sketch.  A few days after I received my email letting me know the book was on its way to Georgia I began to panic....what was I thinking....what I am going to do....You know all those voices in your head talking to you trying to convince you that you were way over your head.  The day arrived and KC opened the envelope, pulled out the little black Moleskine sketchbook I had sent Enzie as a thank you and party favor for participating in my birthday celebration.  The look on her face and the sound of her voice almost did me in.....The sketch was breathtaking and it was only a rough draft!  I could not wait until we were home and I could hold that little black book in my hands and study the details.  Those voices came back and I will admit I was intimidated.  I played in my own sketchbook for several days....nothing was working for me.  Finally I just put the book aside and went on to other projects in the wing.  After a few days I decided I had to do something....even my kids were saying, Mom just do your thing and it will be fine.  So around 12:30 one night I pulled the book out along with a few supplies and just started doing what I would have done in my own journal. 

My sketchbook entry "Believe in Yourself" was me....it was what I do everyday.  I scanned the page in, packaged it up and rushed to the post office the next morning before I had time to second guess myself.  A few days later it was posted on Enzie's blog for the world to see....no turning back now!  The book is now on its way to Nova Scotia to a portrait artist.  There are some great artists signed up to join this project and you too can join by visiting World Market Portraits for all the details. 

Have you heard the news yet?  No way....you have got to be kidding....everyone is talking about it...how did you miss it?

The MMCA Marketplace is now taking applications!

There are a few features still under construction but the application and seller's agreement are fully functional at this time.  Please visit the Marketplace and see if you think this is something you would like to be a part of....would would love to have you and invite you to apply for consideration of membership. 

Thank you for all the emails and comments encouraging me along the way! 

Creatively,

Dreams Unfolding......

For months I have eluded to a new business venture I have been working on and many of you reading this have been searching for clues within the posts here.....some of you were given some of the details several weeks ago and it didn't take long for word to spread.  Some of you found the new badge posted on my blog a few days ago and have spent countless minutes visiting the new sites.....and I thank you for your interest.

I am proud and excited to share with you....the MMCA Marketplace and Blog!

Even though it is official, the marketplace is not open yet, but it is getting very close.  The blog is up and things will be posted there as we progress.  You can learn more about the marketplace by visiting the blog.

This is not something that just came about a few months ago.....over 5 years ago I did research, bought the domain, started building the site....but as with anything there are things you don't think of....as things began to unfold I realized the timing was not right....there were legal and accounting issues I needed to investigate further.  I spent the next several months meeting with our attorney and accountant while I continued to work on the website....then life decided to throw us a few loops and I made the decision my dream of a marketplace would have to wait....the timing was not right.  There is a time and place for everything....sometimes just not on our own schedules.

Back in 2005 when I started MMCA I envisioned more than just a place for a group of artists to meet and share....I could see in time my dream of an online marketplace for artists and crafters just might work.  Without saying anything to anyone and that even included Steve, I pulled out all the research I had done years ago and began doing some more homework.  After putting my plan to paper, I decided it was time to run my idea by Steve not sure of what he would say.  He was thrilled and suggested I call our attorney and accountant and move forward.  The initial visits went well....they both sent me home with a list of things to do. 

Life still continued and I had an idea in the works that I couldn't share just yet.  After countless hours....well the accountant and attorney knew how many hours I was spending with them...funny how they don't miss a thing, I was finally ready to share just a wee bit of info with the MMCA group and mentions of a new venture here and there.  Never giving way to what I was actually working on.

If was no secret to the group that I envisioned bigger things for us and on April 16th, I made the announcement of taking MMCA to the next level with the marketplace and blog.  I was immediately greeted with support and questions which I did answer within our private forum.   I kept them updated as much as possible with the details....and on June 4^th; I posted the links to both sites. 

For the past months, I have spent more time with the accountant and attorney taking care of all the legal issues.  The past few days have been spent tweaking the application and Seller's Agreement hand in hand with the attorney. Information on how you too can be a part of the MMCA Marketplace will be posted to the website and blog soon.

Some of the questions that have come up....

Is this for members of MMCA only?  No not at all......all artists and crafters are welcome to apply for a shop within the marketplace.   Like any other gallery, shop or brick & mortar there will be an application process that has to be fulfilled prior to acceptance into the Marketplace. 

How will the applications be processed?  I have recruited directors of the local arts associations and owners of some of the local Brick & Mortar shops to assist me in making this decision.  The way I see it who better to seek the advice of than the people that do this on a daily basis.

Are there any benefits of being a member?  Marketplace members will have their own shop to showcase their artwork and be part of a national ad campaign in at least one well known publication to name just a few.

Where can I find the application?  The application, fees, benefits and guidelines will all be posted to the website soon.  If you are interested the best thing to do at this time is to keep a watch on the marketplace blog as updates will be posted there.

Can I share about the marketplace with my art friends that might be interested?  Yes, please give them our website or blog address.

I know there are a lot more questions and I promise in time all of them will be answered....everything you need to know will be on the website soon and updates will be posted to the blog.  I already have a list of artists and crafters interested and I would love to have you join them.   Many of the MMCA members have already put the badge on their website….thanks girls!

As my dreams of owning my own online marketplace unfold....remember dreams do come true!

Excellent Start

Nancy of Sugar Lump Studios sent me this gorgeous handmade birthday card.  The quote "A sister is one that reaches for your hand and touches your heart" is actually how I have felt over the past several weeks as I have been receiving emails, cards, phone calls and little surprises in the mail all wishing me a wonderful fun filled birthday.....And it was just that. 

Sunrise at the beach...brunch...more beach time...balloons...more beach time...shrimp...cake...sunset at the beach...and a day filled with phone calls from friends and family.

Steve surprised me with another glass fishing float....a gorgeous aqua to go with the white one he gave me for our anniversary a few months ago.....together they remind me of the white sandy beach and blue/green clear water of the ocean......a favorite place for me.  As I opened the package a fragrance as fresh and clean as if I was walking on the beach arose....it was Seashore Eau de Parfum, Body Lotion and Shower Gel.

A couple weeks ago I intercepted a FedEx package addressed to KC.  Steve thought since she was coming home within a few days I would just put the package in her room and when he got home that night he was going to ask about it....well KC called and I told her a pkg had been delivered....of course she said open it.....much to my surprise was something I had been wanting for several years....Adobe Dreamweaver.....now why was she getting Dreamweaver?  She didn't know and I didn't know so I called Steve.....I could hear the surprise and disappointment as I told him what had happened.  He couldn't believe I opened it...it was addressed to KC....I explained she called....didn't know anything about it and asked me to open it.  I told him I had put it back in the box and would tape it shut if that would make him feel better.....no you have already opened it.....go ahead and install it and start playing if you want too.  Well I didn't have time to be playing as I was still working on the last minute details for the gallery exhibit.  He should have clued KC in and I would not have opened it!  However I am glad I did....I installed it and started playing.

It is taking some getting use too especially since I have been using Frontpage all these years....I am building my new business site with it...some things have already been easier to do while others are taking a bit of reading and playing and redoing....but I am getting there.

Do any of you use Dreamweaver?  I would love to hear your experience with it....the good and even the bad.  For years I have heard great things but just couldn't justify buying something else when what I had was working.  I am so thankful Steve supports all my art dreams....because now I have something else to expand and grow with.

Now with a line from one of the cards I received.....

Think of yourself as experienced and smart....and just getting off to an excellent start!

It All Begins At Home

HOME ~ Is where it all begins.....and for me since my last post it is where I have basically been with the exception of a few art store runs to pick up things I thought I might run out of in the middle of the night....a few more canvases....even though Dick Blick has delivered 3 times in the past month....more of my favorite Golden acrylics such as Green Gold, Turquois (Phthalo) and Transparent Pyrrole Orange.....and then there was the run for more Golden Soft Gel in Semi-Gloss when I couldn't find the one I ordered.  Found it last night as I was checking to see which pieces needed wire hangers added....it along with the empty jar were under a canvas lifting it up so the edges didn't touch anything!!!!  Two days until I deliver to Monkey Love for the Solo Exhibit which starts Thursday, May 1st....I keep repeating....I can do this!!!!  Most of the pieces are ready, a few need to be wired, those that needed a final coat of varnish got it first thing this morning, a couple pieces needed 3D items glued in place and that was done yesterday....Today I have 2 pieces I really want to finish to add to the grouping but promised myself if they are ready okay....it not no big deal.  Then there is the detailed inventory list and photos and scans of everything.

Here's another snippet of one that I finished last week....It All Begins At Home.....a 10"x20"x1.25" gallery wrapped mixed media collage.  As I worked on this piece I kept a running list each time I added a layer....and after 23 layers of gesso, mediums, papers, acrylics, and more it was signed and then sealed with one more layer....yes 24 layers in all! 

Speaking of Home.....Our baby that just turned 19 a couple weeks ago comes home this coming Friday for the summer....although it will be a short one for her....She was selected as the Sports Editor for the year book staff and SRS (Shorter Relations Society) a public relations representative for the College for this next year....both which require 3-4 day workshops in June and July and then early move in for Fall so the SRS members will be ready for Freshmen Orientation Week.  She's ready to come home and we are ready for her.  She also just found out she got into one of the new apartments on campus....no more dorm life for her....and she is beyond happy!

My break is almost over and I have all day to myself so I want to make the most of it.  Enjoy your week and I will be back with more snippets as time permits.

Almost forgot....Some Party Favors went out last week and more will go out this week most likely on Wednesday after I make my art delivery.  Remember it's not too late to leave a comment on one of my post and have a chance to have your name drawn for a party favor.

There went the timer.....back to creating.

ABC's of the Heart

Busy Busy Week.....and I like it like that!  Completed 3 new pieces for the upcoming exhibit.....if things go well today through the weekend should have atleast 3 more ready to hang.....four are in the works.....some are gessoed, some have collage, some have paints added......but they all have something in common....the canvases are much larger than I usually work on.....challenging and fun at the same time.

Creating has not been the only thing on my to do list this week thus far.....you may remember a few posts back I mentioned I was working on a new business venture.....that signature.....you know the one that was questioned......it is being used on legal papers this week in pulling some of the details together....phone calls with my advisor's....you know the ones that keep you legal (attorney).....the IRS happy(accountant).....and those that offer their guidance and wisdom (friends, family and other entrepreneurs).  All I can say is it is getting closer and closer to a reality and until everything is in place I am running on pure adrenaline!

I leave you with a peek of one of the collages I just finished.  The sun is coming through my windows in all its glory this morning and I am off to accomplish more for the upcoming events.  Thanks for visiting!

Let the Party Begin......

The Expressions of Gratitude Blog Party celebrating my 50th Birthday has begun and you are invited to join.  You can read all about it here.  Don't forget to turn your volume up so you can sing along with some of my favorite tunes.....Hey you could even get up and dance around the room if you're in the mood. 

Every party should have your favorite treats so here's one of mine and you can even make it a few days ahead of time.

Peanut Butter Pie ~ Debbie Overton

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. crunchy peanut butter

2 (8oz.) Cool Whip

2 butter, graham or chocolate flavored pie crusts, store bought or your own.  I use the mini graham cracker from Keebler for parties.

Blend all together, except 1 (8oz.) Cool Whip; this is for the topping.  Blend until smooth with a spatula.  Pour into pie crust and top with Cool Whip.  Refrigerate.  Easy and Yummy!

Since my big day in on the 4th, the first 4 comments left with a link to their blog post titled Expressions of Gratitude will receive a party favor and if you are the first person to also add the Celebration Badge to your blog along with your Gratitude post there will be an extra surprise included.   

Please leave comments here under the Let the Party Begin so they will all be together.  And please don't forget to include the direct link to your Gratitude post in your comment.

Hope to see you during the month long party!

Road Trip

I see some of you have missed me....you have been coming by several times a day, but found nothing new posted....I am so sorry to disappoint you, but maybe you did find something in the older post since you spent time here. 

I have had 5 days of down time or atleast time away from art and the everyday activities here at home.  At the last minute I decided to take a road trip with Steve and have a little fun while also giving me time to work on details for a business venture that I will be announcing soon.  Since the first day was just going to be driving I kept my eyes open for signs of antique shops, flea markets, etc....if I spotted one early enough we would stop. 

How about this spot I found.....

Now I know some of you would have been doing a rather wild happy dance while the others are thinking I can't believe she went in there....trust me it is not a place you would wear your flip flops....maybe knee wadders, but personally by the time I got out of there I was thinking hip wadders would have been nice.  The things I found hidden under piles of old junk were unreal.  This is a place I will visit again and in a later post I will share more of the places I found during our road trip as well as tell you more about this one.

I have canvases everywhere....in the works for the Monkey Love Exhibit in May and my mind has been working non-stop on a business decision I have made...I have filled many legal pads with notes, scribbles and strikethroughs.  I have spoken to my accountant and attorney with all of the what if's, how to's and more.  I have done tons of research, talked Steve to death....don't think he had that in mind when he asked me to tag along on his trip....closed up in a truck for hours upon hours....no wonder he was helping me look for places to stop....I am actually surprised after the first night he didn't get an extra room just for me so he could get some rest....but he was steady fueling the fire with questions, suggestions, and comments....so I took that as he was interested....but when I started asking myself questions and answering them out loud....he did show a little concern.

After crunching numbers last night and making another list of questions I need to get busy....as they say I am burning daylight!

Have a great day and please know you are always welcome to drop in.

Debbie

TGIF

I was so excited to awake this morning and realize it was FRIDAY....I have had a busy week filled with lots of accomplishments....and I am ready for a few days of relaxing.  Plan to plant a few flowers and work in the yard and of course with a gorgeous day scheduled for Saturday you can bet your bottom dollar I will spend part of it at the beach. 

Hope all of you dropping in to see what's going on over here also have a great weekend!!!!

Debbie

Spring is finally here.....

It's official.....Spring begins today....and I am so excited.  I have blooms popping out everywhere....just love to look out and see even the stray weeds that have come to life in the past week here.  Today is only going to reach the low 70's windy and sunny.....just a little let down from the mid 80's we had yesterday.....but clear blue skies as far as you can see.

Last week we had kids home for Spring Break....lots of fun....beach...shopping...eating out...beach....more shopping...late night movies...ice cream...beach...kids coming and going day and night...sand...flip flops...swimsuits and beach towels everywhere....but it was worth it.  Only a few more weeks and it will all start again for the summer!

A couple nights ago I decided to check in on a few of my favorite blogs and if you have not visited Nina Bagley's blog Ornamental lately you are missing some great reads.  Especially this one where she talks about spending time with her parents in their little cabin.  It was a perfect ending to my day....so whether you are starting your day or calling an end to one....I think you will enjoy it....I certainly did.

I finally finished another collage yesterday...actually the picture was taken while it was still drying....so please excuse the mess around the art couldn't wait to share....There are 18-20 layers of paints glazes mediums and papers....tons of drying time....I don't much care for that part....I'm not know for waiting long!  Have several more pieces in the works and will share with you soon.

A couple years ago I took an online organizational class taught by Alyson Stanfield....she has a wonderful website and her book "I'd rather be in the studio!" is filled with wonderful tips on self-promotion.  Now mind you....you actually have to do what she recommends for this to work....I already was doing some of it, but there were things I knew I needed to be doing and seeing it in black and white just makes it somehow easier to see the big picture.  So if you are looking for a little guidance in promoting yourself....take a look at what she has to offer.

I have a few things I want and need to finish up today as Steve is home for four days and as much as I enjoy his being home...I just don't get as much done.  I am counting on beautiful warm sunny days so we can work in the yard and head to the beach for a sunrise or sunset....maybe both.

Wishing each of you a wonderful Easter weekend.

Debbie