Artist's Dates

[kygirl]

Cindy suggested we start a thread just to talk about our Artist's Dates, and I thought it was a great idea. This can be our master list of the dates we take, and suggestions on how to work them into our busy schedules.

[FLCindy]

Walk on the beach
Visit a craft/art store
Visit a bookstore with a cafe.
Get a massage
Get a manicure/pedicure
Get a facial
Visit a chocolatier
Visit an ethnic store
Walk in the rain
Visit a pet store
Visit an aquarium
Be a photographer for a few hours
Gather leaves, paint and paper. Make leaf prints.
Ride a horse
Visit an art museum
Visit a thrift store for artistic treasures
Take a bubblebath
Make play dough Christmas ornaments
Play with your filters, patterns and styles in your photo program
Go camping (or go for a hike)
Tie dye shirts, socks and underwear!
Visit a historical building (Lighthouses are my favorites)
Go apple picking
Visit a zoo
Purchase crayons and a coloring book: color!

[gardenerjoy]

I want to take myself to movies in the theater for some of my Artist's Dates and would love to get recommendations for good ones to see.

Donna (kygirl) mentioned her plan to see Julie and Julia. I can highly recommend that as an Artist Date movie. It's about love and cooking and figuring out who you are and what you want to be.

[kaylaugh]

I want to get out with my camera and hunt for textures. I had a shopping date with my mom and aunt and we ended up at the mall but I was done walking for the day so I sat in an outdoor fountain area while they shopped some more...I was wishing I had my camera to get the flowers in bloom and some great paving stones. I had a lovely quiet half-hour or so anyway enjoying the nice weather we're having here. But that's the sort of thing I would relish...getting dropped off someplace with my camera and my thoughts and nobody to rush me from store to store...lol!

Kristi

[Lumilyon]

Some inspiring stuff here. thanks ladies x

[kygirl]

I just got back from "Julie and Julia." What a perfect start to the Artist's Way. Perhaps because of what we're doing here, I was very aware that this is the story of two women who, like us, are in search of their creative selves. It was beautifully done, and wonderfully written. If you're in search of a "date," I highly recommend this one.

[Artist in Residence]

Some of my ideas are already on that great list.

One thing that I find very relaxing and inspiring is collecting all the seed heads from spent flowers now that fall has arrived. I love the garden after the flowers are gone-- all the great vines that are drying up, ready for winding and weaving into holiday wreaths. Collecting the seeds that I'll save over the winter and plant next spring. And the photo opportunities are endless for capturing beautiful rich textures. It's my favorite time of year and a great way to spend a little time alone with my thoughts.

Juli/Artist in Residence

[kygirl]

A few more ideas:


Take a trip to Lowes or Home Depot and dream about your ideal home environment.
Go to the office supply store, and check out papers and journals and tags.
Visit a store that specializes in local arts and crafts.
Go to a travel agency and pick up brochures on dream vacations.
Go to the library and spend an hour looking at magazines.
Pick up a sandwich and spend your lunch break at the park.
Pick up a brochure at your local Chamber and visit local attractions.
Go to a fabric store and immerse yourself in color and texture.
Plan a night at home alone with a good movie and a bowl of popcorn.
Grab a camera and walk through your downtown. Don't forget to look up, and catch architectural details.

[Tangie Baxter]

I went to the antique store down the street from me all by myself (usually my sister or mom come) and literally sat on the floor in some of the booths and looked through little baskets of stuff I usually pass by for "lack" of time. I spent a full 2 hours and realized what an enjoyable experience these artist dates are going to be. Two hours all by my onsie immersed in things I love? Priceless.

I've scheduled mine out on my calendar and going to make them a priority no matter what.

[kygirl]

Oh, that's a great idea, Tangie. I may have to do that myself next week.

[FLCindy]

I started my Artist Dates a bit early. Today, I had deep tissue massage. It helps the pain. A massage makes me feel I am worthy of pampering.

[Artful Amanda]

I find this so uncanny... I was given the book set at Christmas.
I thought it was neat, but I didn't know what to do with it. It is not the same as the one we are using, it has "the Artist's Way creativity journal", an incense pack and these neat disks that come wrapped in tissue paper,http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/artfulpioneer/imgartistdates001-1-1.jpg
there are three packs of them 30 total...I am guessing they are prompts- or for artists date ideas. Anyway, a few weeks ago I found your site and was surprised to find that the very same author is the one you are using for this. I ordered the other book, as the one I have is but a journal with prompts.. no chapters.
The time is right for me for this... coming out of a cave so to speak, and harsh circumstances that caused me to put away my supplies, as I had no strength for creating. I have since begun to do actual tactical art- not just digital...
I am excited about this month. I have no expectations, just going to let it happen...THANKS!:)

[Robin]

My own ADs:

Made an owl applique out of fabric scraps just to see if I could design and make one.
Made 2 luscious pillow covers for a co-worker who moved (and who only currently owns a couch, one dish, and a plastic fork).
Made 2 dozen soft flannel preemie blankets for a hospital in another state.
Bought a half-yard of exquisite Halloween trim for ... something. Actually for nothing in particular. I just loved it.

Hey - looks like my sewing machine is great date material! Lol!

[kygirl]

Amanda, I didn't know about the creativity pack. It looks like fun. I'm going to add it to my Christmas wish list.

Robin, I haven't sewn in ages. What a great idea. Looking forward to finding out how you use the Halloween trim.

[Artful Amanda]

Had a great Artist date today!!! And it doubled with my dh!! (That is rare) we went out of town, and I actually caught some shots of butterflies on flowers. I was very excited, as every time before, they flew away!! Those pics will for sure be in my new altered book. I bought it used from the Library - a great source for cheap books- it had the title "Imagine" !!!!!! woo hoo!!:) He most definitely is a supporter of me being artful, NOT a drain!

[trkdesigns]

Got to spend 40 minutes in Joanns (luxury for me). Extra bonus is an older cousin of mine gave me $50 with explicit instructions not to spend a penny on anyone but me!I cheated of course and bought tutu supplies for my goddaughters tink birthday tutu. But I still have money left

[kaylaugh]

that's not cheating if what you really enjoy is making stuff for people...kwim? LOL!

For my own artist date, the rain has ruined my planned trip to the zoo...next Sunday is looking really good though. I think I'll get out in a few minutes to take pictures though. I want to see if I can capture the 'dripping with water' effect on all the greenery here...oh and a bush is absolutely snowing little white flowers...I want to catch some pics then maybe gather a bunch to try for a scan.

Kristi

[FLCindy]

I confess: I love stickers.
Michaels has some on sale this week. I believe purchasing stickers will be my AD. I love to use them on cards for charities.

Kay,
A trip to the zoo sounds wonderful! I am hoping to visit the Miami Zoo during the holidays.

[craftyamanda]

Well, I was hoping to go on an excursion out of the house today for my artist's date, but spent the whole afternoon working on a mixed media project instead, so I think it still counts...

Violet Vessel (http://www.digitalartquirks.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=6963)

Also, I was thinking that if this book had been written 10 or 15 years later, I bet the author would have included visiting artist's blogs as a great stay-at-home artist's date, it is my favorite source of inspiration.

I have over 50 blogs in my Google reader- some design, some digital scrapbooking, some artists'- I'd be happy to list some if anyone is interested.

Google reader is the best- if you haven't tried it you really should- I have hundreds of blogs bookmarked that I visit occasionally, but to keep up with my favorites everyday I subscribe to them in google reader and the new posts are all there together on one page. I really love it!

One of my favorites is Pam Garrison's, who you might know from the cover of the first issue of Somerset's Artist Journals, which came out last winter. One of the cool things she does is post a link to a collection of gorgeous Flickr photos she has found-- I recommend clicking "slideshow", put on some nice music, and sit back and enjoy... instant artist's date, right at your computer! Here's the link...

Flickr Favorites (http://www.flickr.com/photos/88602055@N00/favorites/)

Click "slideshow" on the upper right- and enjoy!

[trkdesigns]

I would love to see your list....my google reader is my favorite friend when I am away from pc...I can read most blogs right from my cell.

[kygirl]

That's cell phone, not prison cell, right? LOL

Amanda, I love Google Reader, too. Thanks for the link. I'm always looking for new inspiration.

Yesterday, I went to Michael's for my Artist Date, but left the store feeling frustrated. It was just so crowded, and noisy, and cluttered. Not a relaxing experience at all. On the bright side, I did pick up some t-shirts for DAQ's Off Screen project.

If I can get caught up and the weather stays nice, I may do a second date later in the week. I'd like to take my camera down to the river, and capture the fall colors.

[trkdesigns]

lol...sometimes it feels like an iron shackle...if not a prison cell! Before I figured out how to use my reader from my phone, I RARELY knew where it was or it was not charged or turned off. Now I just ignore the tons of calls wanting to know where the peanut butter is (same cupboard its been in since we moved in this house 6 years ago)...or whatever crisis is brewing at the house and read my blogs!

[joannknnrd]

I took my first Artist Date on Saturday. I went hiking in the Smoky Mountains all alone. It was a partly cloudy day, and once I settled down and found a quiet spot, I watched the sun try to make it thru the trees to the forest floor. I'm fascinated by light and shadows, and I kept thinking how I could recreate it digitally. That was one of the most rewarding parts of our trip this weekend!

[Lmccandless]

I had a little trip to the spa and after my treatment was over, I sat in the "quiet room" in a massage chair, with a lavender neckwarmer and sipped tea...then I read for a while. Reading in peace and quiet is such a restorative thing for me, definitely good for my creativity! :) Normally, I would have run out of the spa to do some errands, but doing the morning pages made me realize I need to be still more often!

[kygirl]

The Smoky Mountains? Spa trips? You guys really know how to do an Artist's Date. :)

Taking time to sit still seems to be a lost art these days. When I was a kid, the grownups would all gather on the front porch and sit there talking until the sun went down. I'm afraid we've lost something very valuable with all of our computers, and games, and TV options.

[joannknnrd]

The Smoky Mountains? Spa trips? You guys really know how to do an Artist's Date. :)

Taking time to sit still seems to be a lost art these days. When I was a kid, the grownups would all gather on the front porch and sit there talking until the sun went down. I'm afraid we've lost something very valuable with all of our computers, and games, and TV options.

LOL! We were on a mini vacation in the Smokies last week, hence the awesome Date location.

I have a feeling this week I'll be lucky if I can lock myself in the laundry room w/a Land's End catalog.

[gardenerjoy]

I'm on my Artist's Date for this week. I arrived at a conference almost 24 hours early, just to give myself time to play in the hotel's indoor pool and relax in the hot tub. Ahhh.

[FLCindy]

I seem to have a difficult time going on AD's since I returned from my Aunt's funeral 3 weeks ago.
I went to the LSS and looked at rubber stamps. I've always wanted to learn how to stamp the correct way. When I do it, I create a mess or an awful piece of art. So, that was frustrating. There were some great stamps but I didn't purchase anything.
Maybe I'll get to the beach after the tropical storm leaves next week. Who knows what presents the waves will bring onto shore.

[kygirl]

Finding the time for the Artist's Dates can be a problem, and it's only going to get worse as we approach the holidays. On the other hand, when we're stressed is when we need them most.

I took a long drive through the country this week, just admiring the changing leaves on the trees. It was so relaxing.

[clickhappy]

I have been going to the craft store when all else fails.
I picked up some supplies and started working with them trying not to be perfectionistic. Hopefully the work will grow into christmas cards.
Also going out with my camera several times a week which feels good. Other than that I've just been going "crazy". :)

[kygirl]

I'm excited about this week's date. We're heading up to Columbus today, and while my husband is in meetings, I'm going to hang out at the city's wonderful art museum. I can't wait.