After wrapping up the cat head project, I did just a bit of stamping/drawing on some current projects. My last water soluble marker dried up on me, so I’ll be working on outlining and designing once I get more in the mail this weekend.

this was all that felt worthwhile to share so far, but i have a lot planned after i get some new markers. These are all personal projects, but have some Die laughing projects in the WIP stack too, so those will make an appearance next week as well :)

​I’ll be stamping, doodling, bleaching and spray painting this week. Fingers crossed I finish the pile.
there's always more to work on
i'll keep it short & sweet

thanks for stopping by
kisses & hugs
​
kenzie

​I have a few projects to share. I was able to stay consistent this week and got a lot finished, or very near so. The WIP box is kind of right where I want it right now- most of what’s left is going to need some extra brainstorming and attention so I’m officially putting it on the back burner!!  

​I also started and nearly finished something entirely new I’ve had my mind for some time. I haven’t done anything paper mache in a while and thought it’d be fun, so I got to work on a little side project. I think I mentioned it previously but I had a spot on my kitchen wall I wanted filled and figured I’d make something to fit the space. I initially wanted to work on a plaque and use atomic-style cats as inspo but opted for a paper mache cat head in this case instead. She’s of course reminiscent of my sweet senior, pina <3 

​She’s not totally finished- I definitely need to smooth over some rough edges and do more painting but i like how she's turning out. I didn’t really take progress pictures so this’ll be a look at the rough draft before completion. Once the head’s done I plan to make a small tomato, sausage and sardine to sit on the wall just to the left of her. I think she’s cute and like how large I made her eyes. I think I like my little crafts this week. 

I’m feeling relatively capable after a week of working on projects every day, so I think I’ll spend the next few weeks going through another big stack of projects. I have apparel (personal projects and otherwise) I really want to spend time on. I need to work on planning, hand-drawing, spray-painting and some stamping so I’ll probably assign a day for each task so I don’t feel rushed. 
Hopefully I’m as motivated with these projects as I was with last week’s 

p.s. new stuff on the stay a while page <3

Thanks, as always, for stopping by 
xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxooxoxooxoxox
xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

- kenzie ♡

​I only ended up working on a few small sewing tasks this week. I like when I get into a rhythm when stitching, but it got tiresome quickly when the threads would tangle up. I mostly added small details to existing pieces and cut some felt for projects that needed it. I also sketched up a few outlines i want to use for future plushes, i just didn't get the chance to print them. I may re-visit these next week if I get a second.

I also spent time doodling a bit & spent some more time planning the big painting. I think it’s something I need to do on a daily basis again. New ideas felt so much easier to tackle when I spent more of my time drawing. The last sketchbook I’d carry around filled up quick, and I haven’t gotten another since – I think I’ll change that.

I’ve been thinking about painting often this week. I think I’ll work on the new big canvas and a few others if I get a chance after work. I want to spend more time cutting into my pile of half-finished wood-panel collages, etc. It’s getting so close to done, some just need so much more time than others. I want the work that comes after this week to come from newer ideas. It's fun finishing these projects i never saw to completion, but I'm wanting to spend less time on crafty pieces. I'll still work on them occasionally, but my mind has really been on painting and elevating my abilities in hand-drawing. It's where I started, and where i think my interest mostly lie. 
So plan is to finish what lingering projects I can, and spend next week working on new projects and ideas.
I'll do my best and see u next week  

thanks for stopping by this kind of confused blog post
xoxoxo
​kenz 

p.s I’ll be updating the site and the stay a while page for June in these next few days, so check that out if you’d like <3

p.p.s with summer around the corner I think of this song often. It makes me feel like anything is possible

ok bye <3

I had a lovely time on my trip! I visited Maine, New Hampshire and Michigan. The change in scenery was super inspiring. I loved to see rolling hills and saturated trees- it was a pretty sight everywhere we went.

Some recommendations from my travels (In the Portland, ME & Rindge, NH & Detroit, MI area)
- Portland museum of art was so fantastic. I visited on a Friday evening, which was perfect because entry is free from 4-8 pm! I got far more than I expected from my visit: 3 stories worth of captivating work from an array of mediums. They even have a little cafe downstairs  : )
- I got an Ube dream from Matcha mood and it was heavenly. I wish I could've tried everything on the menu, i'm sure all of it would've been just my taste <3 Super cute storefront, great service and a fantastic drink. 
- For dinner I ate at The Porthole and had a lobster roll and it was fantastic. Seating on the water and dinner was too good. would go again. 
- I experienced sunshine and blue skies most of the trip until this destination. I got the full gloomy and windy experience at the Portland headlight. I went when pretty much everything was closed, but it was worth it for the views. I rolled down a grass hill. would go again.
- I knew I'd be recommending this before even going, but the Cryptozoology museum was a such a good time.  Lots of lore and fun artifacts. I fell in love with big foot. 

-For lunch during my brief visit to New Hampshire I stopped by Emma's 321 Pub and Kitchen and had the Beet salad and fried goat cheese balls - it was the best salad I've had in a while. Cozy atmosphere and was seated in a room overlooking the nearby wood and creek. Just outside is bridge leading over the water. would totally go back.

- I had been to The Motown museum once before in probably 2012-14? It was a great experience before and it was this time too! Such a a beautiful setup all done in efforts for the preservation of the label's rich history and cultural importance. I truly can't believe how much of this chunk of history still exists. My group's tour guide was so great and it's clear that love and appreciation serves as a foundation to this exhibit and experience. 

​I’m changing gear! I did some tidying when I first got back and realized just how many sewing projects I never got to finish. Lots of small dolls and plushies-  I think most of them should be pretty straight forward and I should be able to finish most, if not all during the week. Most of their elements are cut, and just require a simple stitch.
​
With this week’s project plans I’m really thinking of how I went through a felt doll-making phase in middle school. I’m vaguely remembering one I did with a black dress, long black hair and button eyes. I wish I had taken more pictures from that era, I think they were pretty cute projects. During this time, I learned a lot from the book “Cute book” by Aranzi Aronzo. I checked it out often from my local library. Below are some examples of the style.

They contain a lot of super cute tutorials and a lot of helpful techniques for hand-stitching projects. I think most of the basics i know i picked up from these. The characters featured are also super cute : )
I’ve also been thinking more about learning to use a sewing machine lately. I have a few articles of clothing I plan to draw on and embellish, but I’d love to sew alterations for some too. I'm sure i mentioned this already. Maybe a sturdy, entry-level friendly, second-hand sewing machine is (or should be) in my future?

thanks for stopping by and thanks for the welcome back hug
xooooooxooooooxoooooooooooo
​
- mac <3

​Of course, like clockwork, my attention feels split between my current hopeful project that barely exists, and a new one that doesn’t really exist at all. This nonexistent project doesn’t even really have a basis yet, I think I’m just feeling extra inspired by this and that. I won’t go into detail now, but I’ll work on some outlines while I’m out of town these next few days. Maybe the start of another new project ​¯\_(ツ)_/¯

This week I also got the chance to finish up a personal tee shirt project. (ignore the cat hair) Letters were stamped, then painted with bleach. Enjoy and watch the video it’s based on if you hadn't already.

​Also speaking of wearables, in case you’ were curious about the purse I was working on: it’s been finished and is in the right hands <3 Maybe this'll be my motivation to tackle my stack of blank purses once I'm back :)
i'll see u week after next 

​Thanks for stopping by
X o oxoxo ox
kenz

​It’s been a minute since I’ve gotten excited about a painting and for that, I totally blame my tendency to overwork pieces until I’m sick of them. I just want to have fun with this one.
I had planned to finish my apparel projects from last week, but didn’t get the chance; there isn’t a whole lot to do so I’ll probably finish those in the coming days.

Outside of the new painting project I do have a few larger canvases that need some big changes. I’ve been putting them off because the changes will definitely entail doing some erasing and starting over, but I think now’s the time since I have some motivation. I’ll share some progress pictures soon - for the canvases and the remainder of my wearable projects. 

​also completely unrelated, but did you guys hear Domo is making a comeback?? It was announced on the Domo HQ Instagram page. Idk what this means but I thought I’d share.
I'll keep it short today <3 Til next time

Thank you for stopping by <3
Xxxxxooooo
- Benzie 

I focused on wearables this week! I finally picked up a purse project for a friend I’ve been meaning to work on. I think I had a lot of hesitation in starting it because of it’s polyester finish. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make the design stick, but I think I figured out a good combination. I sketched the initial layout with pencil, outlined with POSCA markers and colored in with angelus leather paint. To finish, I used a spray acrylic sealant. I’m still adding to it and testing durability as I go, but It’s nearly to my liking and I’ll probably finish it this week. The surface of the purse was a little unforgiving as far as mistakes go- even pencil didn’t come up right away with a magic eraser so sketch marks are gonna be visible, but I think overall I’m liking the turnout. I don’t do it as much as I should, but I love painting purses. I think it’s because the room for margin of error is smaller and that durability is kind of dependent on materials, that I don’t find myself following through on started projects. I’ll try to be less worried about making mistakes. I have a hanger in the closet full of blank bags I have yet to start on. 

​I also did some drawings on clothes from my closet. These don’t often have a deadline, so I just kind of work on them when I feel like it. I did get inspired by my many iterations of that old picture of myself so now I have a tee shirt of the line art. Feeling proud of most of these. Also finally doodled on my canvas tote bag

gonna spend the first half of this upcoming week finishing more apparel projects and the second half working on a painting. It's a project that's been on my mind for a while and I don't think I can put it into words yet but i'll post when i've got more. 
i'll keep it short and sweet <3

thanks for stopping by
༝༚༝༚
- benzie 

I had a medley of things to get done this week. Two pairs of my platform shoes needed some repairing, and I decided to fill the rest of the week with odd projects- I picked up a project for a friend I let fall completely on the back burner. I needed to do some planning for that, but plan to start execution later today, and am hoping to be done by the end of the week! I don’t want to share too much yet, but I’ll probably end up posting it once it’s finished to my liking. It’s a medium I haven’t practiced in a bit, and I guess I just hope it turns out how I’d like it to.
Alongside planning I did a little doodling in my sketchbook. I also made a small felt cat for a friend. I haven't made a felt toy this small but holding it in the palm of my hand made me want to make a little calico one for myself that looks like Pina. 

Fixing my shoes this week made me consider adding more to them besides the repairs. One of them is my favorite pair of knee-high boots. The faux leather started peeling at the front and back seam – it’s been so hard to make them look put together again :( I know faux leather may not be the ideal contender for saving but I hate to think about just trashing them so I think I’m gonna try a few things. Angelus leather paint wasn’t giving the desired effect and neither has the leather finisher (to seal the peeling). They’re entirely black but I even considered re-painting? I don’t know, I ‘ll probably try to figure out the peeling before committing the time, but maybe it’s worth making them my own

I also re-built a stack of clothes of personal clothes that I’d like altered/designed. It’s like I just finished the last stack yesterday ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Not that I mind more projects at all. I feel like even if I’m just adding a little text, I like to wear the apparel that much more knowing I added to it. I’m pretty much always adding stuff to the tops in my closet, but don’t often alter my pants/bottoms, so I’m also hoping to pick out a pair of mine to work on. I may plan out a design, but part of me really wants to just draw/stamp on them in my free time so I don’t overthink it. I guess we’ll see once I choose a pair
​
I’d really like to learn more sewing techniques or sizing alterations. I’m only familiar with sewing by hand, but wouldn’t be against learning with a machine in the future. I don’t have one now, but know how helpful they can be alterations. I want to be able to alter whatever I put my mind to
I think that’s all I’ve got planned, but if more comes from the week, you’ll hear about it <3
Thank you, as always, for stopping by
love yourself first
​
X  o  oxo oxo ox o oxo oxoXoo oxo XoOOO oXxoO O oxo oxox
- kemzie 

Okay so this past week I ended up working on a few different projects.
I traced these lineart photos onto a4 paper. I like how the self-portrait came out, but I did kind of rush the high school picture of Megan and I. I'll probably make a second attempt at it. Also, ​in the name of recreating old pieces, re-drew an old picture I drew of a guy with a cupcake head from high school. I need to get my hands on some grid paper, it used to be my favorite paper for doodles. I also re-drew a picture I made a while go of a derpy Thomas the train. I don’t have the original so I took creative liberties.
also included a few extra doodles and sketches <3 

​I think I’ll re-trace the second one while I decide what I want to do with it. I considered making another collage piece and adding a crowded layer of nostalgic glitter graphics. I also considered shading and coloring in with soft pastels to imitate the motion and blur in the original photo. I’m still unsure, maybe I’ll do something completely different. Maybe next week will tell

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by choice for next week's projects (the reason I started structuring my creative schedule around one medium a week). I haven't spray painted in a while, nor have I sewn. However, I do want to make a second attempt at the drawing of Megan and I. I also think I could benefit from some drawing exercises and even doodling. Sometimes I forget to be spontaneous. Maybe i'll stop thinking about it so much. I guess we'll see.

also, if you're interested , check out my stay a while page and check out the section I dedicated to Adam Elliot's work. I linked some of his short films that can be found for free on youtube (links lead directly to his own channel).

thank you for stopping by
xxoxoxoo
- kenzie  

​I’ve been wanting to make button stamps for a while - I thought they’d be cute on a dress of mine. I want to make a few more of varying sizes and designs, but I like the first one so far. I’m also glad to have worked on some pattern pieces, I have so many more in mind and can’t wait to try new color schemes. I’m hoping to work these into apparel projects. Maybe I’ll pick these up week after next? Just glad I got a chance to finish a few :-)

​Feeling the need to paint these next few days. No particular projects in mind. I need to go through my WIP pile and see what needs work. I also have a few that have long been finished that need to be titled, i'll probably follow up with those <3

thank you as always for stopping by
- k-e-n-z-i-e
  b-e-n-z-i-e

I’ve had the idea of the inchworm/caterpillar bracelet in my sketchbook the longest. I decided to use the hungry caterpillar as inspiration, but I could imagine having some variety in the patterns and colors. I think another cute inspiration would be the inchworm beanie baby “Inch” the Inchworm. (more color, less legs) I’m still unsure on the little feet, which were also inspired by the design of the hungry caterpillar. I guess I just can’t tell if they translate the same. I guess instead of trying to attach two little feet with one jump ring I could always have them individually? Maybe something worth trying. I think next time I’d make the little green spines on the top to be a more noticeable shade of green. I also think I’d like to test a smaller design for a less bulky appearance – although I do like the statement jewelry nature of this larger version.
 
I was most excited initially about the caterpillar/worm piece but I think my favorite pieces to come from this batch were the little heads! I think there’s just enough simplicity in the design that it wouldn’t take forever to draw and assemble, but also add a little interest with the little swaying ponytails and earrings. I also think the sizes off the bat were just what I was looking for.
 
I was also feeling pretty excited about the larger head piece with segmented braided ponytails, but I think the design’s going to need work. I wanted it to be a larger statement piece, but almost think the size I went with turned out a bit awkward. I was also quick to use my standard silver jump rings, but feel like a different color would make more sense. Idk maybe I’ll put more thought into it
 
I guess along the same lines of an extra-long statement earring was the primary colored circles. I doodled this one up free hand just to get an idea of the size, and I like it! I think next time I would prefer the uniformity of a pair made with perfect circles from a stencil, but the length was alright for now. I’d maybe go longer.
I’m glad I finally gave these designs a try. I have more, I just figures I’d start with a batch I knew I could finish before the new week. I’ll probably do more in the near future. That and re-vamping some old designs that I’d love to make more of. Keep an eye out for those o-0
​
Also, before the trip I did a little adding to the junk journal, so I’ve got some progress pics. It’s gotten so full since I’ve posted last – I save everything I get that could possibly fit in there. VVVVV

​In the spirit of picking up projects I haven’t in a while, I think I’m going to work on stamps this week. I have a few that have been works in progress for too long now, and think I can finish some before the week is up. I’ll share pics and progress next week <3

Til then
Thanks for stopping by
Xoxo
Benzie 

​This week I did a lot of coloring, compiling and finally pasting. I went over some older doodles to make use of a bag of old crayons and the chalk pastels I like so much . There are always loose ends to tie up, but for now, I’m okay to stop where I’m at. I might make my final step to make borders for the collage pieces on the wood plaques - I think that's what they're missing. 

I want to change pace for a week and test out some jewelry designs I never brought to fruition. I think I can get through a few I was excited about. Also, of course, I was going through my closet and decided to customize more clothes. So this week I’ll be working on wearables. Lots of shirts and hoodies so keep your peepers open o__o

I recently I thought about these shorts I came across on youtube about a decade ago and wanted to share. SCAD shorts are a series by the Dandy dwarves for the Savannah College of Art and design. I think I came across them by happenstance, but a few of the stuck with me. They don’t post anymore but I’m glad to know the videos are still available to watch. My favorites are Sunshine bob, Taxi love and pencil face. I used to listen to the Sunshine Bob's audio on my walk home from high school sometimes. I also know I’ve seen pencil face’s mug here and there used as a meme, and I wonder if people are familiar with the video. 
Just thought I'd share- I think these are great.

as always
thanks for stopping by
xoxoxoxo
- big benzie 

I didn’t get a chance to finish pasting last week’s projects, Instead, I ended up doodling and working on line art for future pieces. It just kind of sounded right. I haven’t sat down and drawn aimlessly in a while. It’s super satisfying. Crafts are always fun, but I know I have so much growing to do when it comes down to my traditional abilities. I probably should’ve done some anatomy practice, but my doodles aimless this week and that’s alright.  

If you’re interested. .. .. .. . .

​Also, I wanted to share that one of my childhood burger kings was closed down recently. I passed it a few months ago and the front doors were fenced off, and when I passed it again a few weeks back the whole building was gone!!! Where’d they put the play place and the burger wall art ?? A few days ago I saw they built an entirely new building atop the fallen burger king, but I can’t tell what it’s going to be. I pretty much just wanted an excuse to memorialize this personally nostalgic location with pictures I’m glad I thought to take maybe a year or so before they closed their doors.
​
In memorium .. . .. 

RIP Red Hill Burger king

I think I’m gonna outline some ideas in these next few days, and next week work on mediums I haven’t in a while. I’ve been thinking of some old jewelry designs I never put together and have been tempted to bring some of them to life. I’ll of course follow up with pictures when I make that happen :-)
Til then

thanks for stopping by 
x o x o x o x o 
- Burger Benzie

I spent a lot of last week working on more paintings and a lot of collage pieces <3 I had a handful of wooden plaques I had just needed to paste

Speaking of collages, I’ve also made a lot of progress on my junk journal <3 It’s been a few months, so I think I’ll update the pictures sometime this week or next.
Also, after about a day and a half of rain, the weather has already started to plateau- it’s actually very nice outside. I’ve been taking long walks most days and am hoping to be able to bring the hula hooping I do inside, outside. It’s risky business practicing to walk and hula hoop simultaneously in the apartment.
I feel like walking for a while every day has really inspired me. The smallest things remind me of my appreciation for creating. At this point, I just want to indulge every inspiration I feel taken with. I wish I had the time. There is beauty everywhere. 

This upcoming week I’m going to wrap up some of the remaining projects from last week’s pile. Most of them planned and just need pasting.
​
I also didn’t get a chance to work much on the wooden cat decal. Instead of wood stain to darken the finish, I used heavily diluted black watercolor paint. It took a bit to dry, but I think I like the stained appearance it gives. The grooves and lines in the wood are visible and look kind of natural, which is what I was hoping for. I think my next step would be to carve the cat design, then darken it’s outline. I bought a second identical plaque to the current one because I considered attempting wood burning for the first time for this project. Not like I need another medium to find time to work on in my schedule, but I have been wanting to try it and it looks fun. Maybe it’d be worth it.? We'll finish this first cat and cross that bridge when we get there, 
​I've really liked sharing my progress, even in small increments, on this page. Not like I'm being held to a super high standard or anything, but I do feel the need to stay consistent and work on projects with more of a purpose. I could drag my feet on a piece forever. Thank you for giving me a place to be inspired and a little productive. 
​
Thanks for stopping by
​x o xo x o xo xo
​
-kenzie Benzie banana fana fo fenzie

​It’s been a productive week! I spent the last few days working on more originals. Lots of soft pastels and watercolor. 

Still wrapping up lingering pieces while also executing small projects in-between. I made a few iterations of that middle school picture of me and will probably do more. I’ve loved getting a chance to use my soft pastels- they were a gift from a friend and I love the dreamy affect they give.
I also started sketches for the piece i want to use as a base for the broken red eyeglass frames I found. I started her outline and face but think I may be regretting my current color choices (not included) :p
I had initially wanted to get a start on anatomy practice from “figure drawing for all it’s worth” last week but didn’t get a chance. Maybe this week, between collage pieces, I can make a little time to sketch some references. <3

My stack of collage projects in progress is getting a little out of hand. It’s about time to put finishing touches on these last few. I may also carve out a day to work on a plaque project I got materials for a few months ago, but never picked up. I’ve been loving atomic midcentury cats and wanted to make a little bit of décor for my kitchen. I plan to either carve or paint a blank decal I got and probably stain the wood a brown-black. I’ll be sure to share pictures 

I still have personal valentine's projects to work on, so we'll see how far I get ​♡

that's all for now <3 

thanks for stopping by !!
oxoxoxoxoxoxooooxoxoxoxxoo oxox oxo ox oxoo ox

- Benzie 
​. +⠀   ⠀
⠀˚⠀ ⣴⠟⠉⠉⠛⢦⡀⢀⣴⠛⠉⠈⠙⠻⣄
⠀⠀⣼⠃⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠙⠋⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠹⣦
⠀⠀⣿⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣿
⠀⠀⠿⣆⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣰⡆
⠀⠀⠀⢻⣦⡀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⢀⡼⠃
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠻⢦⣄⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⣠⡴⠛
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠉⠛⠶⣄⠶⠋ ⠀⠀⠀+.  *
​

​I recently came across some fun memories from probably 2010-2013 in an old digital camera. Finding these pictures, writing these blog posts, browsing glitter graphics, and using more time to work on traditional art, have all encouraged a feeling of  ✰＊✭nostalgia⋆☆＊✰
​
Below are links to a playlist with some songs I'd listen to at the time to round out the experience =)

speaking of nostalgia - this creator, Strange Aeons, is fantastic and does a lot of videos on nostalgic internet content, tumblr, fandoms etc. 
if you're interested! ⇓​⇓

hope u had a great monday!!!

X O XO OXO O

- B ₑ ₙ z ᵢ ₑ

Posting today instead of Monday, what’s become my usual blog day, because of some of hiccups with the site :p but I’m here now!!
​
Last week I made progress on my current painting projects :D I even got to start and finish a new project entirely (the first one) ♡ It's nothing fantastic, but I had fun doing something unplanned and I used 1 brush and a Posca pen to do the whole thing. It's title is "Stares fixedly". It's acrylic on a stretched canvas. 
I added more to the second one - thinking I'll work in sections, finish the trinket border and leave the background white. (Still untitled.)
Third and fourth paintings needed some white touch ups. Still trying build the background around sandwich man. Hoping to envoke a springtime picnic. 
for the fifth one (also untitled) I plan to assemble some clippings and make a collage border.
and the sixth just needed touching up, but I'm calling it done now. It's title is "Shrink" - acrylic and pen on 8x10 canvas board.

okay also, I got the chance to start another project I've had on my mind for a while. A few years ago I got my hands on an old set of fishing lures and a small first aid kit. I've wanted to put them to use and decided to use the lures to make some home decor.
I trimmed the point from the hook, took apart a wire hanger, and fashioned them into a mobile. It's currently missing a few lures but I wanted to stop where I was and hang it to see how all the pieces fall into place. I like it so far! I actually think they're so cute, I'd probably buy more lures to make the display bigger. I'm not exactly sure of their era, but they feel mid-century to me. I'll probably make it a little longer, and maybe add some cute metal beads if I see any that inspire me - but here's process so far :-)

I've loved being able to catch up with my canvas pieces so much that i'm gonna keep at it. I want to incorporate some clippings and collage so i'll get some of those projects done too. My stack of finished pieces has started to become a little overwhelming, so next course of action is probably making an attempt at selling? I haven't sold anything lately and I’m a little intimidated, especially with something as personal as originals. Alongside that, I’d also love to submit to some galleries – it’s been a while for that one too so I’ll need some psyching up. I guess if I don’t make space for my art, no one will. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ For the past year or so my paintings have just kind of existed in my apartment once their done, and that just doesn’t feel like enough like it has.
Adding goals to the list

• Reach out/submit to a gallery
• Have a painting displayed by a gallery :)

 
Here’s to following through, picking up beloved old things, and trying new things!

I'm starting off the new year completely finished my personal apparel projects! :-0 I've had these out of my closet for months. It'll be so good to wear them in their complete form ​✨ (some still need a final wash, but you know) finishing up the old pieces and it's time to move onto the new! (below are some of my favorites) 

previously stated small goals I'm working on currently:

• ✅finish customizing my pile of personal apparel pieces I'm working on
• learn to walk while hula hooping (I can take a few steps, but pretty slowly for now)
• I'm also trying to work on getting better in drawing basic anatomy. I don't have a clear end goal, but I guess for now the plan would be to practice a little every other day.

I guess it's about time I circle back to traditional pieces in the WIP pile after all the apparel - i'll probably prioritize collage and canvas art in the coming weeks. I'd like to approach my goal in regards to drawing anatomy during these weeks. I have a copy of "Figure drawing for all it's worth" by Andrew Loomis on my book shelf and I think i'll  try some exercises. 

I hope the new year treats you well <3 also hoping I can make good on these creative goals - still considering a return to social media soon
who knows ?

p.s. have you heard the song "Majestic" by Wax fang? Maybe you'll like it. I love it more all the time.
‪‪❤︎‪‪❤︎‪‪❤︎‪‪❤︎​‪‪❤︎
       xoxoxoxoxox
                           B e n z i e

I did some painting last week!! I worked on a few untitled works in progress and started some new pieces

A lot of thick acrylic and graphite pencil. All untitled at the moment. Maybe I’ll post follow up pictures to encourage me to finish these? I nit-pick too much and never finish projects - that’s my problem.
​I have been extra inspired with the first one, though - It features original art from my early drawing years in the border. It’s fun to re-visit such early drawings of mine. I think some of the earliest pieces I’ve unearthed were from when I was maybe 3 years old. My trademarks from them were usually long eyelashes and big, bratz-like lips. The artist I was is woven into the artist I am.

I spent the last few days wrapping up this most recent batch of personal projects! These will be washed today - the blue indicator marks should fade, and the lines will look cleaner. They'll probably still need finishing touches after the wash and dry but I feel like they're mostly to my liking. I'll definitely have to wear them out to really know how i feel.
The last pink cardigan features the lyrics to the song "Where do you go to, my lovely?" by Peter Sarstedt with each letter typed individually.the song touches me. ​

Not a whole lot to share so i figure i'll keep it short n sweet

I hope you had and will continue to have happy holidays
thanks for stopping by ♡ ‧₊˚ ⋅ ౨ৎ  ‧₊ .ᐟ 
xoxo
​
           Benzie ​✮

also,.. . ... .. ........ ..

This week I'm wrapping up my next batch of personal apparel projects (currently curing) and will be picking up my brushes again to finally do more painting. It really feels like it's been a while and I miss it. Lately, when ideas come up for traditional pieces, I've just started sketching and planning the reference photos I'll need. I have maybe 5 new traditional pieces planned? Also, maybe 5 works in progress additionally? Trying not to overwhelm myself by jumping in with too much too fast, but here's hoping I get back into the flow of traditional art. 
Sometimes it's hard to juggle projects in multiple mediums. I always feel like there's too many things to do and never enough time.
I also came across some old fishing lures and my quarter machine capsule stash I had wanted to use in some side projects. (will share pictures when those wrap up)
I have a lot I hope to cross off the projects list. There's a lot to do tomorrow too.
If it's nice out tomorrow, maybe I'll walk to the park for a hula-hoop break. 
we'll see
❤︎₊ ⊹
xoxo
B e n z i e
  /)/)
( . .)
( づ♡