Artist Renee Mak

 In honor of Saint Valentine and my own love of  hearts, I've created this free downloadable sheet of Valentines! Click here to download!   It's based on my original acrylic painting, " Mercy "and can be printed out and used with any Valentine craft you can think of! This download includes two sheets of usable art, including the  "xoxo" circle below and a fun bookmark. Download PDF here The obvious thing to do is make cards.  But it would also be cute to create banners, cupcake toppers or even lunch box love notes! Below are 5 links I found on Pinterest  to fabulous websites just filled with more fun ideas to celebrate this Valentine's Day! 1.   Brit+Co. 2.   Modern Parents, Messy Kids 3.   Dollar Store Crafts   4.   Today's Mama 5.   the Dating Divas Happy Creating and enjoy this season of love! xoxo

Located at: 392°Caffé 216 S 2nd Street, Clinton, Iowa 52732 (563) 484-0392 Class Dates... Thurs. July 11, 2013 $30.00 USD Thurs. July 25, 2013 $30.00 USD Thurs. Aug. 1, 2013 $30.00 USD All Three Dates! $75.00 USD Here is a sample of the canvas we'll be creating.  This one measures 6" x 6" but we'll be doubling that for the class!

Happy end of October art lovers!   I just wanted to  give you all a quick peek at a recent  trunk show I did last month at  Ed & Eva 's located in Greenfield, Iowa... and extend a special thank you to Catherine and Denise for helping to   make it a success! The drive to Greenfield was filled with fabulous rolling hills,  quaint little farms and  huge puffy white clouds. Surrounded by other original artwork, my colorful works of art  fit right in and really  stood out against the newly refinished hard wood floors. Of course I got to show my latest piece called "dream"... and got to meet and talk to some pretty amazing people who all made me feel right at home! If you're ever in Greenfield, make sure you take a look at the beautifully restored Opera House  located next door! And then, be sure to pick up some great gifts created by amazing local artists selling at Ed...

Happy Friday to all! It's been a while since I shared my works in progress  so today is the day! The flowers are still in full bloom at my studio... as are the bright colors! I'm dreaming bigger then ever... and am discovering new and exciting things each day.  I'm working towards a show to be called "Indian Summer : In Full Bloom" that will be finished next month. Old paintings are getting new life again... just like the blossoms of an  "Indian Summer" take the place of the scorched fields of July and August! I've started reading a fabulously philosophical classic  called "In Tune with the Infinite"   by Ralph Waldo Trine. This has been said to be "one of the best motivational books ever written." And who doesn't like to be motivated on to greater things, right?!? I love it and hope you will too... I'm hopping back onto the PAINT PARTY FRIDAY blog hop fille...

Did you know... Fuss It Up! Designs hosts great parties? Birthdays, special events, girl scouts,  church groups, reunions, etc. All ages welcome!!! Fun, flirty & fabulous! Parties are twice as fun at Fuss It Up! Designs!   A paint party includes everything needed for party guests  to complete a small mixed media collage  canvas ready to hang on the wall!   Prices are $35 per guest for 6 or less and  $30 per guest for 7 or more up to 12.   Larger parties are $25 per guest with an additional studio fee.   Parties take about an hour and  15 minutes... please call for specifics! Ask about our LARGE SCALE  "Abstract Acrylic Explosion Workshop" for 1-2 artists!!! (pictured below) Email: fussitup@live.com or call 515-865-3044 xoxo

Here's to a very busy... colorful... productive week  in the studio.  Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend!!! xoxo

Happy Friday Bloggers! Last week came and went without me even knowing what day it was!   With the start of the fabulous Valley Junction Farmer's Market on Thursday nights and the planning of my son's graduation party... I missed Paint Party Friday ... But not today! So this week I went back to my love of nature, music and collage.  I've done very large mixed media collage paintings with this little page of music from an old hymnal... but today it finds it's home on two hand made bird houses! I simply began by tearing the paper and applying it with a glue medium.  I imagine two little love birds moving in and starting a family here! Wouldn't it be great if our houses could be infused with music the way these are! For my next step I add white and some marks...  As sweet as the white looks, I always go for color... lots of color!  Stenciled dots... and flowers... and bright fluorescent pink and green!...

_________New Class Listings..._________ Here are some of the classes I'm currently teaching and where! Classes Now Offered at Fuss It Up! Designs Art Studio Mixed Media Collage Painting! Learn how to create a fabulous Mixed Media Collage painting  using acrylic paint and recycled items like used  gift wrap, bubble wrap, and even a Starbucks coffee sleeve!   This workshop includes all of the materials, easy  step-by-step instructions and each student will leave  with a finished piece of artwork ready to hang on the wall!  Middle school through adult students are welcome.  (Price includes cost of materials). Taught by artist Renee Mak at   Fuss It Up! Designs Art Studio 222 1/2 5th Street  West Des Moines, Iowa  50265 Thursday 6:00 - 8:00pm March 1st  OR Saturday 10:30 - 12:30 pm March 10, 2012  Grab a friend and register now! Credit card or PayPal accepted! Class Date Thurs. March 1, 2012 $40.00 USD Sat. Marc...

"Trash to Treasure Mixed Media Class" Here are some of the classes I'm currently teaching and where! Classes offered through West Des Moines Community Education:   LEARNwest Winter/Spring Catalog 2012 Trash to Treasure~ Mixed Media Canvas! Wednesday February 1, 2012 7:00-9:00pm Create a fabulous mixed media collage painting using acrylic  paint and recycled items like used gift wrap, bubble wrap,  and even a used coffee cup! This workshop includes  all the materials, easy step-by-step instructions, and you will leave with a finished piece of artwork ready to hang on the wall!  NEW!    Vintage Photo Pendant Necklace   Wednesday February 8, 2012 7:00-9:00pm Do you love the look of old photos and all things vintage?  Now you can learn how to turn vintage photos into fabulous pendant necklaces in this  easy to understand, step-by-step workshop...