from the studio

a fabulous success!!

2009-06-22T17:38:00.017-05:00

I recently completed teaching my first online class. I'm SOO jazzed over the results!! Great Job, guys! Not many of us knew what to expect, all the various learning curves-- and there have been a BuNCh of them-- for EvERyONe of us, student and teacher alike. There's a sense of empowerment after having conquered something. Anyway, I am PrOUd to share some of the results and comments.

Click the pic for a close-up

I'll be teaching this class again in September at My Creative Classroom. To my Fall Semester I am adding another course "Art Buffet"- to include expressive letter/mark making, painting techniques, art journaling and simple bookbinding ideas. Now on with the Student comments, with a BIG thanks for sharing!

Thank you for your teaching and excitement about what we are doing! Your responses really make one want to work harder!

-Jane, MCC Student

I cannot wait for your next class. This is so wonderful to be able to take classes on line. I do not have to drive anyplace, I can do it 24/7 on my schedule, I can do it in my jammies if I want and I don't have to drag my supplies around. There are times that having that in-person experience with your instructor is helpful, but with your videos I feel like I am getting that personal attention. I am so happy to find My Creative Classroom and will be taking more classes that appeal to me.

-Pam, MCC Student

I think Teri is a fantastic teacher, and MCC is very easy to navigate. I have already recommeded both Teri and MCC to my calligraphy guild, and they will be checking it out. I look forward to taking more classes as I'm able.

-Linda, MCC Student

Thank you for offering this wonderful course online. You have a unique way of calmly presenting confusing materials with clarity and empathy. You seem to know exactly what the student's reservations and potential frustrations are before they are even expressed. I am grateful that you are willing to share your experience and talent with others.... the course is presented perfectly, is the right length and is do-able even for people who barely have time to sleep.... I learned a lot and look forward to the fall and to more courses. Thank you for offering this class.

-Anne, MCC Student

This is my first on-line course and I wanted to see how it was done. I have liked Teri's work for a long time, have bought scrapbook paper with her designs, and thought I might learn how she does those subtle colors. I got some good tips from her teaching style that I can incorporate in my own classes and some tips on mixing colors as well.

-Jo, MCC Student

The big draw for me was Teri Martin, she is an awesome woman, wonderful teacher and a great, compassionate, and caring human being

-Fran, MCC Student

I learned a solid starting place for exploring color, and Teri's teaching style is inspiring

-Linda, MCC Student

I love Teri's instruction, and if she were to offer more classes, I'd definitely consider taking them...especially if she could teach some sort of creative lettering... I felt that Teri did an excellent job of putting the class together...just enough info to not make color theory boring, but still informative and practical...this will be very helpful to me...thank you for the class experience, Teri!

-Anita, MCC Student

This was my first attempt at an online class and I think Teri did an excellent job. I think a few weeks longer would help.

-Maggie, MCC Student

My Creative Classroom courses have been an eye-opening experience for me. I'd never have believed I could learn so much about a creative and hands-on technique like Coloring in an on-line class.

-Pam, MCC Student

WOW... I haven't had time to do any playing yet this week with the color studies... but I just took a quick peek in the gallery and I'm TOTALLY inspired by everyone's work...

-Colleen, MCC student

You make me want to experiment and play. I haven't felt that way in quite a while and it is so wonderful that the play is being guided and critiqued!

-Fran, MCC Student

Oh, my gosh, it is just awesome!! I am having so much fun making my little pieces of colorful art!!! I always felt using and understanding color was beyond me but now I feel so much more confident. If I make a color wheel and use those colors they will all work together! I am just amazed and truly inspired!! It is like a light bulb went off!! I have felt so frustrated in the past and now I know why. Thank you so much for opening up this world of color to me.

-Pam, MCC Student

Coincidence.. or Message from Heaven?

2009-06-11T17:40:00.009-05:00

I can't believe it has been this long since I posted to my blog. Shame, shame, shame! My only excuse is that my life seems to change everyday.

This past Tuesday, June 9, was the day my Daddy "LTC Daddio" went to heaven. Needless to say it wasn't the easiest of days. The day before that, my Mom "The Beauty Queen" had a follow up doctor appointment to redo a lab test and burn some basal cell cancer off of her back.

Well, when I went to get her, she was in severe pain. She had fallen and hurt her hip. A similar incident was what sent my Daddy to the hospital. His surgery went fine, and his recovery was going extremely excellent, until his only remaining lung filled with fluid. He wasn't expected to live through the night, but he stayed with us for another 8 days.

As the doctor explained to me that we would do x-rays instead, to make sure she hadn't broken anything, it wasn't easy to keep myself pulled together. Thankfully, nothing broken, just sprained and bruised.

I couldn't let the week go by without honoring my Daddy somehow. The first picture is of his last Christmas with us. The others are from earlier in the year. The last picture is with my Mom and Fabulous son, Eagle.

That night, the skies opened wide and let down some serious precipitation in the form of hail! Unbelievable! I was in my office when I heard the pounding and thought: how on earth can I hear the rain on the roof from the basement. I hollered at Jim, went upstairs and could NOT believe my eyes!

Hail, reportedly the size of golf balls in some areas, smaller than a quarter here. Our prime scout, the Kona Puppy, wasn't sure what to think. he looked to the left and right, but would have nothing to do with going out for further exploration. We didn't blame him!

but to have happened in early Mid-June, on the Day My Daddy passed seemed significant to me enough to share. If you click the picture for a larger version, you may be able to see the halo of hail in the top right corner, my studio deck below, acquiring balls of ice... in June!

From the Arkansas Ozarks, hoping my friends to the north didn't take a hard hit..

Understanding Color

2009-04-02T11:55:00.001-05:00

NOW open for enrollment at My Creative Classroom !!

I Am SOOOO excited. I LOVE to share my joy of color enthusiasm! .. or as a friend would say "colorgasm" ! A 4-week interactive class, resulting in a handy accordion book as a future reference. Fun and Easy! One of Jim's favorite sayings!

I hope you'll join me on my new adventure. The world of teaching and learning online is gaining excellent ground, not to mention cost effective. I am looking forward to diving in head first!

When I first worked this lesson into another class I teach, I thought my students would hate me. Instead, they developed the same obsession I have and actually THaNKeD me for saving them tons of $$$ on 'pretty tubes of color at the art store'. For me, exploring color will be a continuing adventure.. the more I learn, the more I want to discover!

Hope to see you there!

Shameless Self Promotion..

2009-02-15T20:27:00.006-06:00

well... isn't that what a Blog is for???

After paying months for a newsletter service, I finally found the gumption, inspiration and desire to begin! My first Newsletter will go out before the end of this week

Newsletter recipients will receive special offers and advance notices (upcoming online classes!!)... whatever whim or happy news strikes on that day!

Subscribe today

dreaming BIG, teri

A little more from CHA

2009-02-12T10:39:00.008-06:00

Taking a quick moment to share a few more things from CHA. Here is a picture of me with my designer Showcase. Thanks to my awesome agent a Penny Lane for sending this to me

And here she is, my lovely agent at Penny lane in her booth on the show floor. Renee is ALWAYS busy.. a real go-getter! She was either on the phone with customers or busy showing books and samples to an interested manufacturer

And here I am, in front of my display area in the Creative Imaginations booth. This was on the last day. I think I look a little worse from wear and tear :)

And here's a peek at my "Asian Way" collection, releasing next month!

At the end of the show, everyone was lulling around, counting down those last few minutes. This is a picture of the amazing folks behind the scenes at Creative Imaginations.

Also, take a look at the video made by Jenn Mason. Jenn Is a CI artist who does some amazing stuff! I'm beginning to wonder if she has learned the secret to adding hours to the day.. OR does she sleep?? check her latest blog with a cool interview here

FiNaLLy!!

2009-02-06T11:26:00.008-06:00

Whew.. what a long week.. OR has it been two weeks??? When I left my mountain home to head for CHA in CA, it was 65 degrees. And this is what I returned to::

the frozen tundra at the airport. This wasn't the worst of it, this is just after I was able to grab my camera from my bags. I was exhausted because I was stranded in Dallas the night before as a result of this storm.

The roads were crazy. For a second, a brief second, I considered taking a walk up to the front of our road. Major damage. Jim had to chain saw his way out one day. But then I came to my senses and decided pictures of our backyard were enough!

We were lucky as only a few branches broke under the pressure of the ice. Our friends down the road had a branch go through the roof of their sun room. Up the street, people cars were covered in debris. Thank goodness for the garage!

These are pics of our backyard. As damaging as it was, the glistening of the ice on the branches and roof is mesmerizing to me!

Next up... Here are some pictures from Creative Imagination's preview party. Always fun!! Getting to see those reps who love to sell my stuff. These were taken at my make and take at the party

I love this woman.. even if I can't remember her name ;( sorry! I handed her my camera and asked her to shoot some pics for me, which she graciously agreed. I told her I had to be serious!

Then she told me I was too serious! Hey this is close to rocket science for a girl who wants to throw paint around!

And here is the lovely Stayce Dewid helping me... and Lord knows I need all the help I can get

and one more of my friend Roann. She participated in the License and Design section and did Fabulously!!!! Way to go, Roann! She was positively glowing!

I'll be back soon, with a few more pics. For now, I hear art directors cracking whips!

Prime Time!

2009-01-16T17:27:00.006-06:00

today i was informed by my agent that a piece of my work will be used as a prop on TV!! This happened before on "Wizards of Waverly Place" but nobody knew when.

THIS time, I go big 3 on the TV show "Criminal Minds" on February 18. BUT, you'd better not blink :) We believe it will be used as wall art in a dorm room. i think she said it will be this piece...

i'm gonna be sure to set the DVR! no money, just bragging rights! hopefully a little exposure? does this look good on a CV? "As seen on TV" LOL!! OH... shameless self promotion, you can buy this piece (among others) at Penny Lane's website

Emerald Isle

2009-01-09T15:17:00.002-06:00

Here's another recent scrapbook collection that recently released. I had SOO much fun designing this one: weaving celtic knots, painting shamrocks and playing with some new mediums. The collection includes 4 papers, a sticker sheet, epoxy stickers and brads. Check out your local scrapbook store!

an Omen?

2009-01-01T23:35:00.005-06:00

my friends, as I close down the first night of the New Year, my reflections of years gone by remain. Last night, as Jim uncorked the champagne, impeccably timed and directly on cue, it blasted across the room, scaring the kona puppy. We toasted the New Year, looking forward with optimism. i wondered where the cork was...

it had landed in my "nest", my cuddle chair where i spread out my journals and whatever suits my fancy :) if you look closely you'll see a stack of journals and such, a basket of quickie "gotta get this idea down" stuff. the antique ashtray holds various tools.. i see a glue stick :) and my glasses are in there too!

but i digress.. in my hand woven shawl/poncho, blanket in my nest, the cork (a New Year symbol of sorts, i suppose) found its nest in mine. i've been trying to upload a close up several times now, if you care to you can click the image for a larger pic) i AM determined to send this before the clock strikes 12. May all your days bubble over with delight in all the right places at all the right times! Here's to a Bright and bursting NEW year

Heaven

2008-12-18T19:20:00.012-06:00

it all started on a cold winter morning last week. The door bell rang. It was the FedEx driver with a special delivery. It my latest studio addition! OH BoY!! I could hardly wait to get it to my studio.

After the long haul down the stairs the pieces started to come into place. The Original Scrapbox is a scrapbooking storage system with a fold out table and cabinets for your home and or studio. This art and craft organizing armoire easily converts into a storage for all your creative uses. It offers shelving, racks, carry totes, ribbon boxes, drawers and then some. Go see for yourself!

As Jim assembled the components, all I could do was pace the floor :) wondering how and where and where and how to place the ALL the shelves and bins. Talk about flexibility!! AND, for the chaos lover in you, I made sure I had my messy, chaotic table in the foreground :)

And here she is, in all her beauty. My New Scrapbox.. which is actually going to serve me better as an Art Supply Station. Eventually, it be filled with paints and all manner of things. I suppose it will all be up to Grace..

Of course, our little helper doggy, Kona puppy was more than happy to strike a pose

I'm still organizing the shelves and bins and have been slowly getting things together, mixing it up with various art deadlines. SOO.. this is Stage one, Stage two is in progress so watch for more pics! SOON! I promise!

After Love comes Heaven!

2008-12-07T10:54:00.004-06:00

Have you ever thought how cool it would be to have ALL your stuff (scrapbook papers, paints, brushes, colored pencils, stamps and stamp pads, you name it!) all in one convenient storage unit that doesn't take up much space? Well, I found it!! Last week I ordered a "ScrapBox".The Original Scrapbox is a scrapbooking storage system with a fold out table and cabinets for your home and or studio. This art and craft organizing armoire easily converts into a storage for all your creative uses. It offers shelving, racks, carry totes, ribbon boxes, drawers and then some. Go see for yourself!

clicking the image above will take directly to their home page where you can watch video demos of this unique product. When ordering, type "100SHIP" OR "terimartin" in the coupon section of the order form to get $100 off shipping! I would LOVE to hear back from anyone who has this or plans to get it..... I can't wait to get mine and you can be sure I'll have studio shots as I decide what to put where when my Scrapbox After months of researching built in cabinets for my studio, this product is almost a steal!

I think I'm in love!

2008-12-05T17:54:00.003-06:00

Releasing now in your local store, one of my newest scrapbook collections. This one is called "My Beloved" and I am SOO happy with the way it turned out! The entire collection is made up of 4 papers, 1 cardstock sticker, 1 Epoxy sticker and a package of heart shapes brads. I can hardly wait to get my samples!

Stay tuned, because I have another release coming up. PLUS I found a cool new storage unit that I want to tell you about. Right now, I'm multi-tasking: blogging, filing real, honest to goodness paperwork into boxes, and cooking dinner.. just to name a few .

Friends and Fun!

2008-09-22T17:10:00.004-05:00

This is my FaBuLOuS Art Director at Creative Imaginations, and her honey, also source manager and part owner. They know how to do it up in style on National "Talk like a Pirate" Day. It makes me smile.. I hope it does for you.. posted with permission!

I know.. I have so many pictures of recent events I want to share. Finding the time is the challenging part!! But stay tuned, as soon as I get it all together, I will give you a sneak peek at my upcoming Scrapbook releases.

Happy Autumnal Equinox!

LoTs of Favorite Pics!

2008-08-11T23:34:00.005-05:00

my friends.. i have been SOO caught up in day-to-day life, all the while wanting to share more and more conference stuff with all of you:: serious and nonsense :)

since it's late, AnD i'm wiped after a Dr. appointment day with my Beauty Queen, sending off weekend guests.. i give you this picture of what has been described as "paying tribute to the Gods of Frivolity".. indeed we were! me and my second cousin Julie, in downtown Naperville during LMS. - photo courtesy Jen in Luv-ville :) thanks babes for A Fab Night!!!!

Check this out..

2008-08-03T11:55:00.003-05:00

-- pun intended!

I knew I had this contract and I have been watching the site, but my designs can now be ordered as checks!!! Here's one design of one 4 pack.

I have two sets!! Check them out here

and here

Too Cool!!!! Their descriptions crack me up! Acclaimed artist? hmmmm.... well, if THeY say so! You can also get a matching checkbook cover and address labels. I think I'll order some today. What fun!

Serendipity at Letters Mingle Souls

2008-08-02T10:57:00.006-05:00

As I slowly get caught up, I will continue to post conference pics in chronological order. These are from Serendipity night. Charles Pearce can sure sing and Irish ditty! I believed he was coerced into this one. There was never a shortage of musicians with a variety of instruments. OH what a night.

I believe there have been some postings of our tattoos during serendipity. Here's me getting mine...done by the nothing but spectacular Georgia Deaver.

If you have never had the honor and pleasure of meeting Georgia. Make SuRE the next time see her, introduce yourself. She is always smiling, laughing and enjoying life. Definitely not a person to feel intimidated by. Quite the opposite, she will openly note her pleasure in meeting YOU.. with a smile, a giggle and a blush! Love ya Ms G!

And finally, Yves, my instructor of the week, getting silly, flexing and showing off his tattoo... WHaT FuN!!

Stay tuned.. there WiLL be more to come..

teri

Live from LMS

2008-07-21T00:04:00.008-05:00

For my CS buddies, anxiously awaiting reports and pics... here is a quickie for ya!

On Saturday night, as Charles and I headed for our "fine dining" experience, the lovely Ms Gemma came along.. she and I decided to make a Charles sandwich :)

Jane Parillo- ACA Extraordiare- became the newest inductee to the Sisterhood of Ilk!

Then.. a few hours later, Let's get this party started!! We happened upon Mr Clark of Twin Rocker paper. sorry darlin, I forgot your fist name... and the other darlin on the violin.. memory fails.... but my eyes can spot him anywhere!! Jen singing, me dancing

and now the CS dinner (more pics soon as time allows... but i was humble at the the generous presentation of you sneaky folks and Gems beautiful "T is for Teri". I'd heard the rumblings and I thought there was bookmark project.. boy was i EvER wrong..and humbled.... my kisses are blowing to YOU from Chicago... words fail, And I'm shedding a tear as I write this.. THaNK you ALL!!

and finally, the Fab Mr Moscato...

i need sleep..... i managed ALL day today on 3 hours of sleep.......

gathering angels

2008-06-19T18:37:00.004-05:00

i'm not sure where, or how to start...

these past several weeks have been a blur. i don't know how to write about this publicly, but i feel a strong need to do so... it all started with my Daddy falling on Mother's Day

in honor of my daddy "LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) Daddio" as i fondly call and refer to him -and STill and WiLL continue to do so....

October 7, 1923 - June 9, 2008

My Daddy and the Beauty Queen moved here (Sept 2006) because Jim and I had. They came for a visit, they saw, they liked it, and made a decision to live here. Who wouldn't?? IF my Daddy were still alive, he might write another amendment to the Bible! (i should share with you his "on the sixth day, God created" ... story!) He became a REaL Arkansas "mountain man, hippie", i would tell him. i LoVed him so much... jim sez this picture shows the glimmer of a trouble maker's eyes...

I LoVe YOU, Daddy....

and i'm going to miss you, terribly....

He left us with MaNY memories .. He started his "memoirs" in 2000, wrote his own eulogy in 2005, and has left us a book of his life. WHaT a gift. We all knew about it, but he said he'd rather we wait to read it. i think we were each given the privilege of reading a chapter, or part of a chapter. But, The Epilogue was hidden... crafty man!... i've only JuST begun to read all of what he wrote.

He explained the memoirs were mostly HIS life "pre US" -with small references-

3 wars, lung cancer and imbalance..

My daddy.. in your final words, you hoped we remembered you with love… from the deepest part of my heart, i am going to miss you, daddy... and now there are tears.. tears you speak of many times in the writings you've left behind. i promise to honor our memories..... i can only say that i am BEyONd BLeSSeD to have had the past couple of years to spend with you...

always, daughterio

More from Mother Earth

2008-04-27T12:04:00.002-05:00

here's a page using my New Mother Earth Collection. I really Love this collection and this layout by one of Creative Imaginations' Design Team members, Linda

My artist's samples haven't arrived yet.. but I can hardly wait!!!

a quick glimpse at a day..

2008-04-16T19:50:00.002-05:00

.. it's almost 8:00 pm... i am supposed to be making dinner (scrambled eggs! -with cheese and veggies) but jim had to run to the store, so i'm sneaking a moment..

i've just come in from a short, but relaxing break on the back deck after a long day's work. the sunset is breathtaking! the squirrels are scurrying about to settle in and the deer are making their evening trek down the path to wherever the go for the night. the birds are singing the evening songs. so sweet and beautiful. i wish i could sit there forever. but i have to scramble :) - literally and figuratively - because i will be back to work after dinner and a little puppy love.. well, okay.. two puppies :)

sorry no pics :(

with hugs, teri

check it out!

2008-04-15T10:42:00.004-05:00

One of my most recent Scrapbook releases is my "Mother Earth" collection. I had SOO much fun creating this line... using LoTs of recycled stuff: fun, fun, FUN!! There are 4 papers and 2 sticker sheets: cardstock stickers and chipboard stickers... in stores Now!

Now, Creative Imaginations is inviting YOU to the challenge!! Check out their Blog and see a cool project by one of our designers, Linda. There is a link on CI's site to see more of her work.

You can use any of their papers in the challenge to win prizes! I know... not everyone is a scrapbooker (including me.. shhhh!) but I still use my papers and stickers on altered books, journals, cards.

More news soon!!!

THiS is TOO CooL!!

2008-03-23T18:30:00.006-05:00

well, at least it is to me :)

i knew it was coming, but i had to restrain myself until i saw it for myself on the web. it's official!! you can now put my work on your walls as a mural!! it's almost frightening to think of my work being reproduced THaT Big!! Here's a direct link to my pages on Murals Your Way

Mr Hilton? :) if you're reading, don't you think these would be fabulous in lobbies, mezzanines, spas, massage centers?? gosh.. it would be a dream come true... coming back from a lovely day by the beach at the Sheraton, Marriott, Westin..... headed for a soothing massage, in a room filled with relaxing aroma and rejuvenating art. OK... well maybe i really DO need to get a life :) but ya can't blame a girl for trying.. while i'm thinking hotels, my friends are thinking local spas, chiropractors... and hey, ladies... how about something lovely to look up at when you're having your annual exam at the doctor? even my physical therapist could use something on his ceiling for me to gaze at during traction :) okay.. now i'm just rambling.... or giddy... there's more coming, so stay tuned! -and thanks for reading!!

teri

California Classes

2008-03-07T12:08:00.006-06:00

As promised, here are some pictures from my classes in CA. I had an absolute BLaST and I think the participants did, too. The class was "Color and Calligraphic Painting" It was a one day class in San Diego and 2 evenings in Orange County. I think we ALL could have enjoyed another day! But we did accomplish a fair amount of work

Everyone was busy painting their color wheels and prepared papers

This was our Community supply table in San Diego

..and me, holding up one of my demo pieces

Then it was onto Orange County for more fun!

Painters in action!

We had a supply in OC, too! I basically supplied everything but the brushes!

And finally, just one of the many gorgeous pieces painted!

Thanks everybody!! I had the Best time playing and splashing paint with you!

this blog entry is brought to you by.....

2008-02-25T18:31:00.003-06:00

…the letters

O U C H !!

i tripped over a power cord in my office last week and wiped out my big toe. sheeesh! actually, had i not been able to keep my balance, i might have knocked my head! SOO.. i've been horizontal for a few days, on ice and such. just so ya know, i haven't forgotten about posting my CA trip!

it's about time..

2008-02-20T17:43:00.002-06:00

in more ways than one :)

so many of our colleagues have shared pictures and stories from CHA in CA. how do they do it?? i need more time!

i had a ToTaL BLaST and have a Bunch of pics. i will see about squeezing in a few bits and pieces as often as i can.

thanks to all of the great folks in San Diego and Orange County for taking my color and painting class.. and also to the many fine folks i met and played with at the Creative Imaginations booth. i always enjoy carrying on with you during the make and takes!! thanks for stopping by!

for a little fun, here is a picture by Sandy D in the OC class. Sandy is an awesome calligrapher and photographer! Sandy.. if you're reading and have a website, post it in the comments OR write me and I will pass it along.

stay tuned!! meanwhile i'm off to see about getting more paint on my hands!