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Abby Christine Creations

Artist

Happy 1st Birthday, Abby Christine Creations! 

Thoughts on a year of creating, and other musings.

 

I’m just going to put this out there…I can’t figure out how to start this blog. I have started and stopped writing a few dozen times since sitting down. Jotting down a sentence, only to delete it because it’s just not ‘right’. First I looked for a quote that encapsulated what I was trying to say, but then realized that I did the same thing for my bio for this website, so I ditched that. Then I tried coming up with a flashy first sentence, something to really catch the reader’s eye…but that got me nowhere real quick. So I walked away for a few minutes, grabbed some wine (it solves so many of life’s problems, right?!) and came back to the blank screen. “Just start, you have no idea what you’re going to write, but maybe it will come to you.” And then, it hit me…‘Just Starting’ is exactly how this whole website, no, this whole business, came to be, so what better way to kick this chapter of my adventure off than to just start…

 

Painted Shoes3 years ago, a dear friend of mine painted some shoes for me and my family to wear to go to Disneyland.  At the time, I was creating paintings (mainly Christmas watercolor cards for family) and drawing in the comfort of my own home, and the fact that she was putting herself and her art out there was really inspiring. I was wearing hours and hours worth of her art on my feet, no one else had the exact same shoes I did. It felt great knowing that I was helping support her passions as an artist.  Mostly, though, the shoes brought us, and those who saw them, joy. Because of her art, we had interactions and fun conversations with people we never otherwise would have, conversations we still talk about to this day. I commented to my husband (more times than he probably preferred) that it must be so fun to be able to create for other people. He finally asked, “Why don’t you do it, too? You could totally paint something for me and the kids!” Absolutely not, was my response. Did I have a reason for this response? No. It was probably fear that it wouldn’t work that caused the knee-jerk reaction, but the thought of painting something that someone else would wear that I painted was like telling me that pigs could fly. For some reason it seemed like a dream that someone else could live instead of me.  

 

Then, around mid 2020, after being quarantined for several months, I was going stir-crazy. My kids were doing school from home, my husband had started a demanding new job (which we were very lucky to find given the times), and I had just found out my part-time stay at home job would be ending. It was a whirlwind (2020 was for all of us right?) and I needed an outlet. I needed something to get out all of the stresses of the times we were living in. I needed to paint. So I ordered the shoes, and some paint, and…

 

…I just started.

 

Painted Kid shoesI started with shoes for my daughter, who LOVES Phantom of the Opera. “I want the Phantom AND Christine AND the Chandelier, mom.” A tall order for a then 4-year-old. I spent days staring at the blank shoes and wondering how the heck the idea in my head would translate onto the canvas of the shoe.  And then one night I just went for it, mixed some paint, and put the brush down. Painting those shoes was the escape I needed. To be honest, I didn’t even care if my daughter ever wore them. I just knew I wanted to keep painting shoes and clothing and anything I could get my hands on. I had painted and drawn on canvases for years, but having something on an item of clothing that could be worn was a whole different level of cool. After I finished the shoes, I made an Instagram page and posted the next day. The response was overwhelming, in the very best way. Suddenly pigs flying and me having the opportunity to paint for others weren’t sounding so surreal.

 

Fast forward to today, and here we are, 1 year to the day (June 11th) of that first Instagram post. It is impossible to convey what the past year has meant to me, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt like Sally Field at the Oscars, “You like me, you really like me!”  Being able to bring people’s ideas to life AND send them out into the world is indescribable, so I won’t even bother trying to. The meaning that you all put into your vision for what you want me to paint is really special, and often times heartwarming. From adding a name on the back of a shoe to remember a spouse that recently passed, to adding a meaningful quote to a shoe that is personal to the recipeint, to adding the literal coordinates of a place that is near and dear to a client’s heart, you let me into your worlds for a little while, and that has meant so much, especially in a year when many of us were so far apart. Thank you all for being here for this first year, you challenge me to be a better artist, and a better human, and for that I am forever grateful.  

1 year 2021

 

What will the next year look like? If 2020 taught me anything it is that life is unexpected in so many ways, who knows what June 11, 2022 will bring. Heck, I don’t even know what the next blog post will be about (suggestions in the comments welcome…let’s make this a fun space for all of us!), but I do know that it will be full of starting new things, meeting new people, and painting for others, which doesn’t seem so surreal anymore.

 

Abby & childrenTo those who have supported this adventure over the past year, thank you. You know who you are, and I literally wouldn’t be here without your support. To those who are just finding this space, nice to meet you! I hope you find a spot and make yourself comfortable, thank you for taking the time to check things out. To my husband, thank you for always supporting me in my passions.  You give me the space to dive head first into whatever crazy idea I have, all while encouraging me to reach goals I never thought I could.  I don’t take a single bit of that for granted, and never will. A special thank you, though, goes out to my children. They are my reason, and my biggest hope in this life is that they can look at their parents (or anyone really), and know that literally anything is possible, whether they want to be the President of the United States, a loving parent who works hard to make a living for their family (hey hubby!), or someone who paints on unconventional surfaces. I will always tell them what I am going to leave you with…

 

Just Start.

 

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abbychristinecreations

🚨 Shop/Painting Update 🚨 Hi friends! I wi 🚨 Shop/Painting Update 🚨

Hi friends! 

I will be taking a short break from painting from Jan 28-Feb 4, as my hubby, kids, and I are headed on a much needed vacation! 

If you message me and don’t get a response, I’m likely not at a location with great service so know that I will get back to you on Sunday, Feb 5. I have paused my books for this week as well, and will open up shop again on the 5th.

Talk soon, and thanks for being here! ❤️

Abby
Before any fun illustrating happens, the most impo Before any fun illustrating happens, the most important part of the Creating process has to be completed…the Prep! Prepping shoes before painting with color makes all the difference in the finished product. It helps the color stay vibrant, keeps the integrity of the original shoe, and keeps the shoe comfortable by prepping it with a flexible base coat. It is a time consuming part of the entire Creation process. Here’s a glimpse into the prep of a Converse shoe I’m about to start painting. 👟 🎨 

Questions about the process? Thoughts? Let me know in the comments! ✨ 

#artprep #shoeprep #converse #angelus #alpha6 #artprocess #artist #artistsoninstagram #artistsupport #artwork #artistic
Uh oh…new obsession unlocked. This is your fault Uh oh…new obsession unlocked. This is your fault @los_vasoz …and I mean that in the best way, thank you for the inspiring idea! #customearrings 
#comingsoon
🚨 Auction Time 🚨 Set of 3 Round Mini Charcu 🚨 Auction Time 🚨

Set of 3 Round Mini Charcuterie boards (6.6” x 4.5” x 0.3” each) handpainted with Angelus Brand Acrylic paint and sealed with Alpha 6 Corporation matte finish sealer. These are meant for decoration only and not meant for food presentation. Comes with brown tied strand for hanging. The set will be sold together and will go to the highest bidder. Boards only, coasters and mini figure not included. 

***RULES***

🎨 All bids are reflected in US dollars and final checkout will be done through PayPal as an invoice.

🎨 OPENING BID: $60 USD 

🎨 Minimum Bid Increment: $5 USD 

🎨 Bidding closes Saturday 10am PST, and will rollover until the last bid stands for 5 minutes. 

🎨 You MUST submit your bid via comment on this post only. All subsequent bids must be submitted as a NEW comment and NOT a reply to an old comment. No bids accepted via email or DM. 

🎨 Winning bid is inclusive of shipping in the US. The winner will have 24 hours upon issuance of an invoice to remit full payment. Failure to send full payment results in the set going to the next highest bidder. 

Happy Bidding! 

NOTE: This auction is not affiliated in any way with Instagram or any other brand. 

#auction #harrypotter #harrypotterart #handpainted #custommade #setof3 #voldemort #hewhomustnotbenamed
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we tru “It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” -Albus Dumbledore

#harrypotter #voldemort #elderwand #deathlyhallows #goodvsevil #miniboard #artset #angelusdirect #angeluspaint #paintpuck #princetonbrush #yetawizardharry #hewhomustnotbenamed #art #movieart #artistsoninstagram #movies #wizard #harrypotterart #harrypotterartwork
Going into the ACC archives while I work on some n Going into the ACC archives while I work on some new stuff for you all. We’ve come a long way from these beginning days… 🎨🖌️

#fromthebeginning #up #jurassicpark #kindredspirit #fromthearchives #art #artist #artistsoninstagram
Little Me would be pretty mind blown if she knew w Little Me would be pretty mind blown if she knew what would come out of her obsession with drawing. I hope I make her proud. 🥰

#artistfrombirth #artist #sketch #olddrawings #painting #dreamjob #oldart #newart #blastfromthepast
A little time lapse on this last Creation. 3.5 hou A little time lapse on this last Creation. 3.5 hours in 30 seconds. Art takes time. ❤️🎨🖌️🐶

#inprogress #timelapse #artinprogress #inmemoriam #rip #dog #mom #forgetmenot #art #artistsoninstagram #handpainted #custommade #paintpuck #princetonbrush #angelusdirect #angeluspaint #arttakestime #artwork #artofinstagram #rainbowbridge
“One of the happiest sights in the world comes w “One of the happiest sights in the world comes when a dog reunited with a loved one.” ❤️🐕🥹

#inlovingmemory #rainbowbridge #gooddog #handpainted #pillowcase #custommade #art #artistsoninstagram #angelusdirect #angeluspaint #princetonbrush #paintpuck #forgetmenot
“One of the happiest sights in the world comes w “One of the happiest sights in the world comes when a dog reunites with a loved one.” -Unknown

It was an honor to paint yet another memorial piece for a Client. This time, my Client wanted to surprise her husband who recently lost two important people in his life…his dog and his mother (who bought him the dog). 

These pieces are the most personal, for me…it is big task to not only paint, but to also try to bring out the personality of someone or something you’ve never met and only have pictures of. I am thrilled with how this one turned out, and I hope it serves as a comfort to the Client and her husband.

I continue to feel so honored that you all trust me enough to create such personal pieces for you. Humbled beyond measure. Thank you for letting me continue this creative journey and be even a small sliver of a part of your lives. 

Be well, everyone! ❤️🐶❤️

#rip #inmemorial #rainbowbridge #puppydog #mom #quote #pillowcase #handpainted #custommade #art #artistsoninstagram #angelusdirect #angeluspaint #princetonbrush #paintpuck #cricut
*In Progress* Is there anything better than paint *In Progress*

Is there anything better than painting our furry friends? Asking for a friend. 

🥰 🐶 🐕 

#petart #petportrait #dog #petdog #rainbowbridge #angeluspaint #angelusdirect #princetonbrush #memorialart #rip #inprogress #art #artist #artistsoninstagram #actylicpainting #pillowcase
Where the magic (and chaos) happens. 🥰 #artroo Where the magic (and chaos) happens. 🥰

#artroom #artist #artistsoninstagram #office #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #chaoscoordinator #officeviews #paintcorner #artlife #artistlife
Fun little side project. 🎨 🖌️ 🧙 ⚡️ Fun little side project. 🎨 🖌️ 🧙 ⚡️ 🦉 

#harrypotter #oneofthree #inprogress #miniboard #voldemort #deathlyhallows #yerawizardharry #hewhomustnotbenamed #miniboard #trio #art #artistsoninstagram #angeluspaint #paintpuck
*In Progress* Painting your loved ones is not a j *In Progress*

Painting your loved ones is not a job I take lightly, or for granted. My hope with each of these memorial Creations is that I capture their spirit just a little. Adding a pup to this eventually, but first I have to get this mama’s face just right. ❤️

#inlovingmemory #inprogress #portraitart #pillowcase #gift #alphaflex #alpha6 #paintpuck #art #artistsoninstagram
Just keep painting. 🎨 🖌️ 👟 Even when yo Just keep painting. 🎨 🖌️ 👟 Even when you doubt yourself, just keep painting.

#customshoes #handpainted #phantomoftheopera #phantom #juicewrld #toystory #woody #buzz #art #shoeart #artistsoninstagram #alphaflex #alpha6paint #paintpuck #vans #sliponvans #converse
The newest art room addition! My very own mini fri The newest art room addition! My very own mini fridge. I’m in love. 🤣❤️

#newofficestuff #minifridge #vintagefridge #frigidaire #thelittlethings #art #artist #artroom #artistsoninstagram
Top 9 postings of the year! Who could have guessed Top 9 postings of the year! Who could have guessed that the Joker and Betty White would be sharing the same grid? 

Wishing you and yours a magical 2023, thank you for being here! Here’s to a year full of creating what makes your heart full. 

Be well. <3
What a year. As 2022 comes to a close, I wanted to What a year. As 2022 comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to say some thank yous! 

To my Clients: You have no idea how much it means that you believe in my art, and trust me to bring your ideas to life, thank you for supporting this dream, I hope your Creations brought you comfort and happiness this year, it has been a pleasure creating for you! To my repeat Clients…holy smokes, I’m speechless that you continue to be the best cheerleaders, and so many of you have become close friends. I love that art brought so many of us together.

To my artist friends: You know who you are. Thank you for being listening ears and for sharing your art with the world, you all make me better and I love being able to lean on you for input. To my giveaway collaborators @loupabonart @yumisartbox @clarissa.mariposa @lucha_loafers @los_vasoz…the fact that I got to work with you was quite literally a dream come true. Let’s do it again soon, shall we? Our group chats and brainstorms are always so fun! 

Also, had to give a shoutout to my friends at @paintpuck. You have supported me so much this year and beyond. Thank you for being so supportive no matter my follower count. It has been so exciting watching your presence in the art world EXPLODE in 2022 can’t wait to see what’s in store for y’all next year! 

And to you, whoever you are, reading this. Thank you for following along, for the likes, the shares…I couldn’t do this without y’all. And I’m so freaking grateful.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful, merry everything. Enjoy what’s left of 2022, and let’s make 2023 a year to remember! 

Be well,

Abby

#endofyear #365days #yearinreview #bye2022 #grateful #art #artistsoninstagram #handpainted #custommade #paintpuck
“Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come fro “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” — The Grinch 

Last night I challenged myself to paint a pair of old shoes to wear to my kids holiday parties today. I only had this raggedy old pair, and wanted to test my upcycling skills. 4 hours later and I’m so excited about how they turned out. Could have done so much more with more time, but for now, I’m headed to the party feeling extra Grinchy (in the best way). Sometimes when you feel that artistic itch, you have to scratch it, and I’m so happy I leaned into the feeling. Might have to do this more often! Should I upcycle more often?!

#grinch #cindylouwho #upcycledshoes #handpainted #custommade #merrygrinchmas #alphaflex #paintpuck
When you get the creative itch at 8pm the night be When you get the creative itch at 8pm the night before your kids’ holiday parties to paint an old pair of shoes….4 hours later and they aren’t perfect but they’re fun!
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