Blog – Amy Crews

Matchbox Covers DIY

This past Christmas, I was packaging my sisters gifts when the idea came to me. I was giving them a cute little cabin that “smoked” out the chimney with scents of winter. Sure, no batteries were required, but matches would be! And wouldn’t it be fun to personalize the matchboxes with DIY covers and bundle them with their gifts?

Last year I purchased a scanner for the studio. I use it for professional scanning of artwork and I realized I could scan so much more. I grabbed one of our families beloved dishes and scanned the chintz pattern. (I adore a pretty chintz! I think growing up with these dishes is why.)

I then opened the scanned image in PhotoShop and cropped out bits and pieces, then used that to create a repeat pattern design. I then printed this pattern on standard sheets of 8.5×11 paper, one page for each matchbox.

I purchased large matchboxes at the grocery store and I used a thin double stick tape I had on hand from a drafting store. I measured the width and length I would need to cover the box, leaving one striking strip visible on the matchbox, and cut to fit.

Note: You can find plain white matchboxes online like these from amazon (affiliate link). And you can find other “how to” or DIY instructions for matchbox covers, some even have templates. But I tend to figure it on my own as I did here.

I tied a holiday color ribbon around the box to add a finishing touch and, as they say, “Wah-lah!” I did also pick this dish pattern because it has traditional Christmas colors in it as well.

If you’d like to see the adorable smoking cabin you can find it here on the Camp Wandawega website. I love their gift shop! It is such a fun eclectic mix of nostalgia and vintage and their photos are beautiful! I’d love to visit there some day.

Hope this little tutorial was helpful! Let me know if you have any additional tips or have created your own in the comments below.

Praying on the Run

Have you ever thought things were going along great only to suddenly discover that they’re not? After months of training, my husband Matt had entered his first duathlon. Participants were to run 2 miles, bike about 25, then run 6.2 miles. This was a personal challenge. He had never run that far before, except once or twice in preparation. Little did he know.

Imagine Matt, exhausted but excited because his race watch lets him know he’s almost finished. Victory is just around the bend! But then he passes this guy cheering on the sidelines who’s waving and yells “You got this! Only 2 more miles! Hang in there!!” Matt yells back at him, ”WHAT?! I thought this was 6 miles already!” And the guy replies, “They measured the course wrong! You got 2 more miles!” Seriously? Someone literally moved the finish line and now he has to dig even deeper to finish! He’s not even sure he can run two more miles. He prayed he could make it.

Sometimes we feel like Matt did that day. We have done the best we can and are growing weary. We think the struggle’s end is near, be it something personal or global, only to discover the finish line is nowhere in sight. We could sure use a cheerleader on the sideline.

There is a good ending to Matt’s story. He finished and ran what turned out to be 8 miles in that last leg. Two miles further than he ever ran before! He placed first in his age group, won a coveted “brick” and had his picture taken on the podium. (Doesn’t matter that there were only 2 runners in his age group, right?) The point was, he finished the race. Thanks to perseverance and prayer. And an unexpected encourager who showed up.

So now imagine me on the sideline here to cheer you on. Maybe your finish line has been moved. But I know you got this! I know you’re tired but you can do it. I believe in you!

Ghosts in the Garden

We never met, yet we feel very welcome in their home. Although we used to joke that it was their ghosts that would ring our doorbell at the most unusual times. True story! And in case you are wondering, we checked and no one was ever around so we know it wasn’t a prankster. It did become a little-bit eerie. But that was so long ago now that I can’t even remember how we fixed that problem. We’ve lived in our “first home” for over 20 years now. And there has only been one other family living here before us.

The Richardsons passed away before we bought this house. But there were clues that told us a lot about them. For example the multiple house projects and inventions that would make even “Tim the tool man” proud. A collapsable toilet paper roll holder. A spinning wheel of jars that held every nut and bolt imaginable mounted on the wall. A sink in the garage with an retro solo cup dispenser and a round vintage mirror that hangs from a chain above it. This sink is where my paintbrushes are washed now. My studio expands the bulk of the unfinished basement. What makes it unique is the multi-colored speckled 1960’s tile floor. It too spans the entire basement and even lies under the parked cars in the garage. It serves as a reminder that the Richardsons’ once hosted square dances here! The dance group name was “The Gems”. That clue was found spelled out above a tall mirror outside a little changing room alcove.

But I want to share a very special clue with you. They appear in our front yard at the corner of our house annually just outside the dining room window. To be honest, I always forget about them until they magically appear. This year there were so many more blooming than in years past! It was like they were just begging for my attention! So after my annual remembering of Mrs. Richardson, complete with wonder about where she got them and if they were a gift, I carried my favorite vase outside on a mission to bring some inside.

I shared the photos on social media and really enjoyed the comments. Someone said they have never seen that color or species before. Someone else called them “magic lilies” and the name has stuck with me. To think they were here so long before we moved in! That’s over 20 years of life in a yard with little to no attention! I feel certain Mrs. Richardson had no idea how long these magic lilies would survive or who they may bless when she planted them. Or maybe it was handy-man Mr. Richardson who planted them for her to enjoy?! I like to make up stories.

It was inevitable that this would be the year I would paint them. I have painted them twice now. Each time brought with it those familiar thoughts about the Richardsons while I studied the details and mixed colors to match. Now that I think about it, I realize I’m passing along the Richardsons’ legacy and extending the life of the lilies even further! The floral baton has been passed.

Do you have ghosts in your garden? Do you take clippings from sentimental places for your garden? I’d love to hear in the comments below! If painting didn’t take so much of my time, I like to imagine I would have a beautiful garden. Perhaps I already do! It’s just happens to be on canvas.

(One of the paintings featured here is still available in the shop. See it here.)

I Found Treasure

I have had an instant camera floating around my studio for years. It was in my mom’s car when she passed away and who knows how long she had it in there. I finally remembered to drop it off at the drugstore to get the pictures developed. Would it still be salvageable? What was on it? Whatever it was, it would be a small glimpse into her heart.

Things in her day to day that captured her attention enough that she wanted to savor and remember it. She was not a photographer. Her gifts were gardening, writing, story telling, sprinkling joy, spreading mischief, setting a beautiful table, praying for anyone who asked and making friends with total strangers. (To name just a few!) When I picked up the photos you can be sure I could hardly wait to open the envelope. Remember those days? When we had to wait for film to be developed before we could see how our pictures looked? So what had she “captured”?

It was Easter from over ten years ago with the film’s color a little distorted. Her daughters and their families. Her grands. A lot of candids, which is what she preferred because those were “real” life. I’m sure she didn’t warn anyone she was going to snap their photo and it shows. They were all from her perspective of course. My sister working in her kitchen. The kids standing behind their chairs waiting to be seated for lunch. The in laws visiting with one another. There were a few posed group family photos outside per tradition. Thankfully she was in some of those herself. And there was also an accidental shot or two…the roof of her car and what may be the inside of her Sunday purse. But that was of no mind to her. Because she was looking for treasure. And she found it.

Tell Me a Story

My mornings typically begin with a hot cup of coffee, a review of plans for the day, and inevitably a scroll through Instagram. One morning last week I came across a link on Sharon McMahon’s account (also affectionately known as “Sharon Says So,” a self proclaimed “Governerd”) that took me to a video two friends made the night before. It was Mosheh Oinounou and Todd Bowers. I did not know when I started watching how much it would bless me.

Todd poured himself a glass of bourbon and, while his dogs kept watch and took naps behind him, he began to share. Todd Bowers served twelve years in the Marine Corps, completing two tours in Iraq, one in Afghanistan, and one in South America. Before being honorably discharged, he received many awards including a Purple Heart. So he definitely had some thoughts on recent events regarding the war in Afghanistan. I don’t have any active military in my family to learn from or ask questions, so I was very interested to hear some of his stories and his perspective!

A few drinks later and when my coffee was cold, I felt an even greater appreciation for this veteran and the thousands of others who have served our country. Watching him sip his drink, I couldn’t help but be reminded of my bourbon print, “Neat” and wondered if perhaps he might like one. The thought of “buying a veteran a drink” to show my appreciation this clever way made me smile! So I reached out to him to thank him and asked if I could send him one. But the next day, the surprise was on me when I received a shop notice that Todd had purchased the print! My immediate instinct was to send him a refund of course until I read the kindest reply he had emailed. He said, in so many words, that appreciated us listening to his stories and how it really helps him too. But he appreciated the offer.

One take-away for me in this interview came towards the end, when Todd shared his thoughts on what we can say when we meet veterans instead of “Thank you for your service.” He said he’d much prefer when someone learns he’s a veteran that they say, “Hey, I’d love to hear some of your stories.” He said that being able to connect with a vet around their experience is the best way to support them.

Along with his permission, Mosheh gave me a link to their conversation so I could share it here with you. It’s about an hour long so when you have time, enjoy a cup of coffee or your drink of choice, and give it a listen. Linked here.

I’m thankful for Mosheh and Sharon who share things like this. The “social” part of social media certainly has its benefits! (I highly recommend giving them a follow!)

And two organizations Todd endorses in the interview are linked here:

If you too want to “buy a drink” for a vet (or for yourself), you can find this small batch art print, “Neat”, in my shop. Here’s the link.

Spring Is Coming!

Great news! My new Spring Art Print Collection is now available! Every change of season brings with it a little feeling of excitement. Nature puts on a show and it is one of the most reliable things we experience in our lives. Each season has its unique beauty, but something about Spring feels more hopeful to me than the others. And after a pandemic year and all that has come with it, we need Spring more than ever.

Ironically, my latest series of prints was born in a time of quarantine while longing for Spring and eager to get out of the house. From my bedroom window I can see the tops of my neighbors trees. I like to imagine I’m in a treehouse with a bird’s eye view. When the weather allows it, I crack the windows open and enjoy the fresh air, and with it, a chorus of birds.

As happens during quarantine, I became a little stir crazy and thought I may bust if I didn’t create SOMETHING. So I set up a little TV tray table under the said window and got out my little box of watercolor supplies. Thinking of Spring, I sketched my usual nest and then moved on to birds and a lamb. It is fun to capture my work on video and put it to music. The response to those has been great! Be sure to visit my instagram page if you haven’t seen them. Here is a link.

The originals sold quickly and were shipped near and far. I am amazed at how instagram makes the world seem smaller and I am thankful for the community it has brought together. I am touched by those who, like me, find hope in Spring and find my work to be an encouragement. A reminder that seasons change and the Creator makes all things new and beautiful!

So what’s next?

No more quarantine. Hooray! The Harding Art Show is just two months away so it’s time for me to focus on paintings for that. Today the prints from the bedroom are now available on my website. I love the wren. Their eggs are beautiful and they had a band around them at the widest point. Which one is your favorite? Is there a bird you don’t see that you wish I would paint? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Visit the shop to see this new collection here.

Magnolias

She calls me Darlin’ yet we’ve never met in person. Her witty emails sound like letters from home to me so I always love to see her name in my inbox. It should come as no surprise then that her latest email brought me to tears yesterday. Last night, I handed off my laptop to Matt before I headed back to bed and told him, “I think you should read this.” A few moments later, he appeared in our bedroom and I could tell he too was choked up. We love seeing the photos that accompany her writing. It’s with Brooxie’s permission I’m sharing this with you below. Thank you Brooxie. I don’t know how you found me, but I think I know who sent you!

Inspired by my Precious-Pastor-Son-in-Law and his ONE WORD series, my word for this year is Presence…. to be present in all situations, to feel God’s presence, to know the presence of those who influenced my past. Which brings me to this incredible painting, and it’s darling Birmingham artist, Amy Crews (no relation, but don’t I wish!).

Last year my word was green – the verdant, abundant, life-giving color present everywhere here in my new home state of Mississippi. So, I painted my kitchen green, but there was a wall that needed a “presence”. Then, at some point through the year, this incredible piece of art caught my eye – green! a magnolia! I couldn’t quit thinking about it, and looking at it on Amy’s website. On Amy’s website, the painting was entitled, “Back Home”. Amy also said, “I began painting magnolias in honor of the strong women who raised me.” Finally, in November, I returned to Oklahoma to conduct a training …. and I contracted COVID. For 4 weeks while I isolated, I looked at and longed for this painting.

It was a life force – reminding me of God’s presence through illness, through nature, and of the strong presence of the women in my past: my grandmother, Mollie Marie, and her sister Jessie, who came from Indiana to Tennessee in a covered wagon, my great-great Aunt Ainnie and my great grandmother Huffman who ran a dairy farm during the Depression, my paternal grandmother, Susie, who sent 4 out her 5 sons to fight in WWII, my own Mother who suffered hardship as a girl only to go on to Mississippi University for Women and graduate from Memphis State as the first college graduate of her family.

It also reminded me of my life-long love of the Magnolia tree. There was always a giant magnolia tree in my presence – a huge one in our yard that a family of six could live under, floating magnolia blossoms in the spring, magnolia branches on the mantle at Christmas, a porcelain ceramic one my mother made, needlepoint cushions in antique chairs, the list goes on. So I contacted this dear girl and told her of my lifelong connection with magnolias and purchased the painting. It’s presence does not disappoint. Everyday I am reminded of the powerful presence of my God, nature and the presence of the strong women who went before me. I am truly “Back Home”.

How Presbyterian, Honey

When my mom would see something in a store that she really wanted but had some hesitation about buying it, and would go back to it later only to see that it had sold, she would say “How Presbyterian.” Now she was Presbyterian so I’ll just say that first. But I think it was her funny way of saying “It wasn’t meant to be.” Now, you could also use that term when things are meant to be too.

There are occasions not only in life but also with my art when this witty phrase of my mom’s fits perfectly. I’ll share two of them with you here.

Take for example, the first time I had painted a 5 foot tall magnolia blossom. I just knew in my heart it was meant for someone special. Later, at an art show, a very intimidating woman was looking at this large magnolia painting. (I would describe her as having a hard exterior. Perhaps carrying a heartache and protecting herself is what I was perceiving that to be.) I asked her, “Would you like to know the story behind this piece?” And she said “Not really. But you’re going to tell me anyway so go ahead.” So I quickly mustered up my courage and trusted that my sincerity would help alleviate the tension.

She came back around later and and when she said she wanted to buy it, I was completely shocked! Then I looked her straight in the eye and said “I knew in my heart this was meant for someone special. You must be very special.” And you know what? I don’t know the last time someone reminded her she was special. It may not have meant anything to her, but it could’ve also been something she needed to hear. She softened a good bit in the end.

So what does this have to do with the honey? Well, I decided one day to paint my brother-in-law’s honey jar. He is a bee farmer and has shared these jars with us for years. And this painting hadn’t sold. So it was starting to feel very Presbyterian to me that he should have it! Yesterday, he happened to be in town and had dropped by to give us two fresh jars of honey, and I was able to give him one in return! I felt a little relief knowing it had found it’s perfect home. So very Presbyterian.

And, in case you haven’t been told in a while, please know that YOU too are very special!

Prints are now available of the honey painting referenced in this story. They are available in my online shop here.

Older Than Dirt

She walked by my booth with little fanfare. Alone. Not carrying anything. As if she was out for a walk and just strolled into the art show to see what the fuss was all about. She turned around, came back and stopped. She studied everything I had painted as if at a museum and then picked up my information card. Finally she spoke. “You’re good.” I smiled and said thank you. She carried on about some of my awards and what-not. Then she said, “I’m older than dirt. And I have no business buying any art. But I really like what you do.” Then she was gone and I thought that was the last I’d see of her.

After the show, I got a phone call at home. “You probably don’t remember me…” but I did. She asked if I still had that big swan she admired. I did. Then she reminded me she was older than dirt and sent a check in the mail. The next year she came by and purchased a cardinal at the show. A year later, while my mom was in hospice, she emailed and asked about commissioning a piece. My daughter and I took the opportunity to deliver in person, and take a break from caring for my mom. So we drove to Nashville to her house. She insisted she take us to lunch. So we got in her car and she drove us to her favorite place, where they knew her well, and she said we had to have the carrot cake for dessert. We don’t like carrot cake, but that day we did. I savored every second of that visit. We were given a tour of her beautiful home, she shared stories about her fascinating life and I snapped a photo of her at the piano with my daughter.

This spunky independent woman who was close to my mom’s age was so dear to me and had become one of the highlights of this particular show in Nashville. The next year I noticed she didn’t come by. My heart, already sore after losing my mom, grew worried. So I googled her name and I found her obituary. I was heartbroken.

I’ve been thinking about her so much lately and thought it would be a good idea to add our story to my blog. It illustrates what I miss most about in person art shows and connections like this are a significant part of why I love what I do. Sharing our hearts with one another. Eye to eye and heart to heart.

My Top 3 Books for Beginning Oil Painters

This morning I received an instagram message from a follower who asked, "For a beginning oil painter, what are your top 3 book recommendations? I'm trying to build a self-study curriculum for the summer." I love this idea and wanted to post my answers in case others may also like to know. I've provided affiliate links to Amazon where you'll be able to find more details.

1. The Creative Call: An Artist’s Response to the Way of the Spirit (Writers’ Palette Book), by Janice Elsheimer

Not a technical book about “how to” oil paint, but my favorite in my art personal library and one I recommend to everyone I meet who is even slightly creative! It is faith based and encourages some time for journaling and reflecting about your gifts to help you dig a little deeper. It’s great for writers and musicians too! It’s a great jumping off point for inspiration! I did worked through this book a chapter a week with a friend. It’s a great book for a small group or individually too. Click here or on the image above to view this book on Amazon.

2. Alla Prima II Everything I Know about Painting–And More, by Richard Schmid

A warning first. This book is expensive. But I have to list it because it is one of my very favorite painting books! And I know I did not pay this much for my copy. If you can find either Alla Prima book by Richard Schmid in new or used condition for an affordable price, get it! It is full of his gorgeous work and gives a real glimpse into his thought process and techniques. Check your local library and see if they have one you can check out if you can’t find a copy. Click here or on the image above to view this book on Amazon.

3. The Oil Painting Course You’ve Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists, by Kathleen Lochen Staiger

I think this would make an excellent “text book” for a beginner oil painter. There are illustrations with explanations of supplies needed to get started. It covers basic drawing foundations, how to handle the brushstrokes, and a chapter guide dedicated for three painting subjects (still lifes, landscapes, and portraits). I think these are the foundations of any good workshop, but with a book format you may feel less pressure and can go at your own pace. Click here or on the image above to view this book on Amazon.

If you are reading this because you are a beginning painter, you may also enjoy a recent e-book and art course I created. You can find all that information in my blog.

Do you have any art books that you treasure or would recommend? I’d love to know! Please share them in the comments below.

Happy Painting!

Amy