Tag Archives: local artists

Jul24

Weekend Fun

Posted on July 24, 2024 by lifewithlilred

Hello!!! While I absolutely love a lazy weekend, I like a jam packed one even more and this past one definitely fell under that category. As you saw from yesterday’s post, the Asian Lantern Festival which we attended on Friday was spectacular. It was the perfect evening of family fun with my parents, siblings, and nieces and nephew and I am already dreaming about going back. The good times kept rolling into Saturday because Johnny and I had a lovely little date day too! Check it out:

We started Saturday out by going to lunch with our downstairs neighbor, Tony. He is simply the best and I view him as my pseudo-grandpa. Johnny, Tony, and myself have an outing at least once or twice a month and it is something we always look forward to. For our lunch date, we went to Pub Bricco which is right down the road from our apartments. It is a charming bar with tasty drink specialties and my all time favorite appetizer – spicy goat cheese marinara with warm pita bread. It is to die for and I have to get it every single time! We were at Bricco for at least two hours sipping on cocktails, chatting it up, and sharing pictures and stories from the past events we spent time at. Tony had a Fourth of July getaway with friends and we couldn’t wait to tell him all about the Asian Lantern Festival. It was a joy. ❤

After lunch, Johnny and I hightailed it out of there to hit up the Jenks Building in Cuyahoga Falls. The Jenks is this amazing staple in downtown CFalls that features handmade goods from local artists, a music venue, bar, and the recently added record room. Johnny went there last weekend on his own and was itching to go back to buy more vinyls for our newly built shelves. We had a blast browsing around and picking out a stack of records that we got for a song. They were only a buck a pop! As we were leaving The Jenks, one of the local photographers with a nearby studio felt inspired enough by us to want to take our pictures (Last two images above). It was so flattering and I felt like a star by my main squeeze in my Date Day best!

To wrap up a wonderful day, I spent four hours gabbing on FaceTime with my blogging bestie. Then, Johnny and I listened to some of our brand new to us records. I got to spend time with some of my favorite people in just one day and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Who is your favorite local artist? What is your favorite restaurant in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb27

Constellations Merch!!

Posted on February 27, 2024 by lifewithlilred

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Hello everyone!!! I have been working as the social media manager for an awesome local metalcore band called Constellations. It is legit the most fun job I have ever had and it is so exciting to be a part of their continued growth. In case you aren’t following Constellations on social media (You should!), an amazing guitarist named Heather has joined my favorite ragtag group of gents. She is fantastic and it’s even better having her on board! We also just released… MERCH! The designs are made by our very own vocalist, Tre’, and he did a banner job. Sometimes he models too as you are about to see:

This past Friday, our online merch shop officially opened for business and it is yet another stepping stone that Constellations has completed in a short time. February 19th was the one month anniversary for the release of the band’s first single “RIP” and we can’t wait to start teasing new music soon! I also am looking forward to rocking some merch in a few brand new OOTDs on my end. 😀 To help support my sweet crew, you don’t have to buy anything from the shop (Even though it would be VERY NICE!). You can show them love on social media and, in turn, show your favorite Lil Red blogger some love too:

Facebook: ConstellationsBand

Instagram: @constellations330

X: @seeingstars330

TikTok: @constellationsband

YouTube: ConstellationsBand330

Spotify: Constellations

Shop merch here!

On behalf of Constellations and yours truly: Thank you! Some extra follows and likes might not seem like a big deal, but it means the world and galaxies to us. Stay tuned for more great successes from the band because I just know there are going to be a ton!

How do you support local artists? What is your favorite song by a local band? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug22

New Tor’s Prints Chopping Board

Posted on August 22, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!!! Today, we are going to check out the last purchase I made at the Punk Rock Flea Market! Then, keep it posted for a brand new Bath Bomb Blitz once I get around to using the super cute bath bomb that Johnny got for me. 🙂 When I shop, I only buy the things that I feel like I have to have as soon as I see it. What’s the point of spending money on something that you don’t absolutely love? This chopping board by Tor’s Prints definitely fell under that category and I think you can all understand why. That is, if you are familiar with the Papa Roach song “Last Resort” lol. Take a look:

The Tor’s Prints booth had all kinds of cool goodies like keychains, stickers, and earrings. I was most enamored, however, by the custom chopping boards. When my eyes locked in on the Papa Roach inspired board and I learned that its price was only ten dollars, it was as good as mine. Johnny and I thought it was the funniest thing and it will also come in very handy because my current chopping board sucks. Then again, it’s such a hoot that I might just keep it on display on a knick knack shelf. 😀

I love everything that I purchased from the Punk Rock Flea Market, but the chopping board is my favorite. It was so neat to shop around because every booth had something completely one of a kind. While TJMaxx will always be my happy place, you will never find anything like the stuff at the market there! This was such an awesome event to attend and Johnny and I have a lot more plans in the works… Stay tuned on lifewithlilred for when your fave Elder Emo couple hits up the county fair lolol.

You can shop Tor’s Prints on Etsy and follow all of the latest and greatest on Facebook too. And, as always, support your local artists!! ❤

Where is your shopping happy place? Have you ever been to a county fair? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug21

New Punk N Junk Earrings

Posted on August 21, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! The Punk Rock Flea Market that Johnny and I went to was freaking awesome! We were blown away by the talent of the local artists and makers peddling their wares and returned home with a bagful of goodies. The first purchase that I made at the flea market was actually from one of the first vendors that we visited called Punk N Junk. They had the most adorable earrings and I wanted all of them! But, I exercised self restraint and walked away with these two:

These earrings actually tell a funny tale of mine and Johnny’s morning before going to the flea market. I couldn’t find my black parasol to save my own life and I was getting SO frustrated. TBH, my mental health feels like it’s hanging by a thread sometimes, which is why I am starting therapy this Wednesday. Because I am very sensitive at this current juncture, I cried a little bit about my missing parasol because everything just seems overwhelming to me. Then, Johnny found it in his car of all places and all was right with the world.

After my mini freak out, I had one of my “ecigs” AKA Emergency Cigarettes on our way to the market. Every week or so, I’ll have a real cigarette and that was definitely the time I needed one. So, when I saw the Crybaby earrings at the Punk N Junk stand, I jokingly told Johnny that was me! Then, I saw the cigarette ones and said that that was also me lol. These two earrings literally summed up the twenty minutes before we went to the event and it gave us a huge laugh. Even when Johnny or I are feeling frazzled, we always find a way to end up laughing at the end of it!

You can visit Punk N Junk’s Etsy page here and give them a follow on Instagram @punknjunkk. Thank you for the fab earrings – I love them! ❤

Who is your favorite local artist? What makes you feel better after something upsetting? Shopping always does the trick for me lol! I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug18

Poison Apple Candle By MZ Candles Review

Posted on August 18, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Poison Apple Candle By MZ Candles Review

Hello! If Johnny and I could have, we would have bought ALL of the things from the Punk Rock Flea Market. We both decided, however, that we would limit ourselves to the cash we brought and I am pleased to report we made good on that with some to spare too! Johnny and I held true to our plan by sticking to our “sweet spot” price range of five to fifteen dollars per purchase. One of which included this super cool Poison Apple candle by MZ Candles for just five bucks:

I used to really enjoy burning candles when I first moved into my apartment and pretty much stopped all together. Our old place was so hot that I didn’t need another reminder of it from a dancing flame. Our new digs maintain a much cooler temperature, however, so I couldn’t help but stop at the MZ Candles booth. Merideth Z had candles galore in various sizes, colors, and scents. As always, I am an apple gal and my mind was already made up when I saw the five dollar Poison Apple candle.

The Poison Apple scent smelled exactly like the caramel apple suckers that I love so very much. Also, how cute is the wax skull?! I was expecting a decent amount of fragrance once this candle was lit and, sadly, it wasn’t the case. In fact, I couldn’t smell anything at all as it burned. This was a bit of a bummer, but it didn’t take away from how pleasant it was to have a candle lit during a nonstop rainy afternoon and evening. I also loved how the red skull and green wax melted together into a glittery pool!

Even though I was not blown away from MZ Candles in the scent department, I have been lighting it every day once I’m home from work. There is something so comforting about it and I think I will treat myself to a candle from Bath & Body Works soon!

What is your favorite brand of candles? What is your favorite candle scent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan20

So Much Fun At So So Artsy

Posted on January 20, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! In December, I went to a paint class at the Solon Community Center with my brother that was hosted by the delightful Melinda, owner of So So Artsy Paint & Sip Studio. We had an absolute blast painting snowpeople and after learning that Melinda’s studio is very close to where I work in Twinsburg, I just had to interview her! This past week, I was able to spend a morning getting to know Melinda and her business better and I am so excited to share her amazing work with all of you. Let’s get to it:

So So Artsy Paint & Sip Studio has been in business for close to six years and is currently in its second location in Northfield. Through Melinda’s dedication, So So Artsy has become the place to be for birthdays, bachelorette parties, graduations, and corporate events. Melinda also enjoys her time utilizing her background as a social worker and counselor when she brings her art to schools and hosts classes for people with special needs. Born and raised in Northfield, Melinda’s effervescent personality and skill is now a staple in her hometown.

Business has never been better at So So Artsy and, shockingly, Melinda credits the success to the COVID-19 pandemic. For three years, the studio was struggling to profit and Melinda began to enhance her marketing strategies. Then, the world shut down and she kicked it into high gear! Through offering virtual classes as well as her ingenious art kits, So So Artsy became fully booked within thirty days. The art kits, which include paintbrushes, paints, a disposable apron, canvas, glass, and more were also a huge driving force and were shipped in the thousands.

Melinda strives to turn every class at So So Artsy into a special event where peoples’ creativity can flourish. It is a highly interactive experience and guests are encouraged to share their ideas of what they would like to paint beforehand. The painters also have full control of the music system so they can create an atmosphere tailored to them. Although Melinda draws inspiration from the beautiful Metro Parks nearby, she loves hearing the public’s ideas for canvas art and will then paint something to be replicated.

At six years old, Melinda was introduced to art through her best friend’s mom. Every weekend, they would all get together to work on crafts and it is a memory that is looked back on fondly. In fact, one of Melinda’s favorite paintings was made when she was in twelfth grade after painting ceramic statues during her art weekends. She tried to replicate the statue on the canvas and it was then that she realized her own talent.

Instead of acquiring an art degree, Melinda became a social worker and counselor and spent twenty years working for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. As you can imagine, such a long time in a stressful field burnt her out and Melinda knew that she needed a change. To boost her spirits, her friends invited her out to a paint and sip night and she went, albeit begrudgingly. That evening, something clicked and the realization dawned that she could do something like that too.

After her paint night revelation, Melinda began working diligently for two years to formulate a business plan for her studio. So So Artsy’s doors did not open until she was satisfied with her plans of A through Z and says that this is essential to creating a successful business. Melinda’s focus on her business plan was longevity because she knew that the money and popularity would come after being established. This plan has served her well and she is currently looking for a bigger space for her studio in the Northfield area.

If you are looking for a fun and unique outing with your friends or family, look no further than So So Artsy Paint & Sip Studio. Even if you are “eh – so so artsy”, Melinda’s welcoming spirit and expert guidance will have you feeling “so so artsy” before your class is over!

After spending time with Melinda, all I want to do is paint! You can visit So So Artsy’s website and from there, you will be able to book your party or purchase an art kit in the shop. Do be sure to follow So So Artsy Paint & Sip Studio on Instagram @sosoartsypaints or on Facebook at So So Artsy Paint Studios Northfield Ohio. Thanks again, Melinda!

Have you ever been to a paint and sip event before? What was your experience like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec9

How To Integrate Art & Culture Into Your Life

Posted on December 9, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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How To Integrate Art & Culture Into Your Life

It’s no secret that art and culture can have a profound impact on our lives. But what does it mean to integrate art and culture into your life? And why is it important? In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of art and culture in our lives and offer some practical tips on how to integrate them into your everyday life. So whether you’re a die-hard museum-goer or just looking to add a little more creativity to your life, then let’s get to it:

The Importance of Art and Culture:

Art and culture play an important role in our lives – they can enrich our experience of the world, help us to understand other cultures, and give us a sense of identity and belonging. There are many ways in which we can integrate art and culture into our lives. Some of the benefits of doing so include:

Enhancing our creativity and imagination.
Broadening our perspective and understanding of different cultures.
Nurturing our emotional well-being.
Connecting us with our community.

Making Time for Art and Culture:

In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and appreciate the arts. But making time for art and culture is important not only for our own enjoyment but also for the health of our communities. Set aside a little time each week specifically for enjoying art and culture. Whether it’s an hour at the museum or thirty minutes of listening to local bands, pencil it into your calendar. If you have trouble making time for art and culture on a regular basis, try turning it into a habit. Pick one day each week or month to visit a gallery or attend a performance. After a while, it will become second nature. Check out the Frederica Wald blog to find new ideas and info on exhibits.

Your home can also be a reflection of your favorite art through your decor. Showcase beautiful prints and paintings on your walls and swap them out as often as you would like. It can be like your own personal gallery! To find inspiration for the next art installation in your home you can browse sites like aboriginal-art-australia.com for unique pieces that will instantly transform your space.

Finding Art and Culture in Everyday Life:

You don’t have to go out of your way to enjoy art and culture – sometimes, it can be found right in your everyday life. Here are a few examples:

Take a different route: When you’re running errands or heading to work, take a different route than usual and see what new sights you can find. You may stumble upon a hidden mural or an interesting storefront that you never would have noticed before.
Talk to your neighbors: Get to know the people who live near you and ask about their favorite places to see art or experience culture in your city or town.
Check out local events: Most cities and towns have regular events that showcase local artists and performers. Keep an eye out for flyers or check online calendars to see what’s happening near you. Why not look into more about your local art and culture scene from those who know it best like Scott Lieberman? You might just find some fascinating new experiences.

Art and culture are important aspects of our lives that can have a positive impact on our well-being. By making the most of the tips above, you can enrich your life and experience the world in new and meaningful ways!

Featured Image By: Pxhere

Dec9

Where To Look For Artistic Inspiration

Posted on December 9, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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If you’re feeling blocked creatively, it can be helpful to seek out inspiration from other artists. But where do you find it? And once you’ve found it, how do you use it to create your own art? Let’s explore some of the best places to look for artistic inspiration and offer some tips on how to make the most of it:

Art Galleries:

Art galleries are a great place to start your search for artistic inspiration. There are usually several different artists featured in each gallery, giving you a wide range of styles and mediums to choose from. You can also ask the gallery attendant about the artist’s process and what inspired them to create their work. Check out the best exhibits from women chosen by Frederica Wald.

Museums:

Museums are another excellent source of inspiration, especially if you’re interested in historical art or want to learn more about a specific artist or movement. Many museums offer tours led by knowledgeable staff who can provide insights into the artwork on display.

Photography:

Photography can be a great way to get inspired, especially if you’re looking for ideas for a new project or want to explore a different style of art. There are many different types of photography, from landscape and portraiture to still life and abstract, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Film:

Film is another medium that can be very inspiring, particularly if you’re interested in storytelling or visual effects. Watching films from different genres and eras can give you a new perspective on your own work, and you may even find yourself borrowing some of the techniques used by your favorite directors.

Nature:

Nature is one of the most popular sources of inspiration for artists, as it provides an endless array of colors, textures, and forms to explore. Whether you’re taking a walk in the park or exploring a new city, keep your eyes open for interesting patterns and shapes that could be incorporated into your work.

How to Use Inspiration:

Experimentation:

When you find something that inspires you, it’s important to experiment with it and see what you can create. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to fail. The more you experiment, the more likely you are to find something that works for you.

Be Open-Minded:

It’s also important to be open-minded when looking for inspiration. You never know where you’ll find it, so it’s important to keep an open mind. Who knows? Maybe your next great idea will come from something completely unexpected.

Take Your Time:

Finally, don’t rush the process. Inspiration can strike at any time, but it’s often not something that can be forced. If you’re feeling stuck, take a break and come back later with fresh eyes. Sometimes all it takes is a little bit of time and patience.

For an artist, there can be inspiration everywhere you look. However, sometimes people can get stuck. Take the time to explore art hubs in your area and you might have an aha moment for your next great work!

Featured Image By: Pxhere

Sep1

Falcon Grove Studio Art Haul

Posted on September 1, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! I took an awesome watercolor painting class with my mom and sister in July. It was taught by the amazing Ana of Falcon Grove Studio and we still talk about how much fun we had all together. This past week my best friend, LEA, turned twenty-eight and I decided to treat her to some beautiful artwork made by Ana on her Etsy shop. They will be perfect for her office at work and don’t worry, they are already in her possession so this post won’t come as a surprise! Check it out:

It is so important to support local artists and I try to do so as often as I can. When Lea’s birthday began drawing near, I had Ana’s Etsy shop in mind because her work is just the type that she likes. Ana’s art is so elegant and bold without being “too much” and I am in love with both pieces that I chose. I am especially partial to the framed painting with the 3D butterfly. I wish that I bought one for me too!

Shopping on Ana’s Etsy shop was a great experience. My order arrived quickly, shipping was free, and it was packaged with so much care. I also received a coupon for fifteen percent off of my next purchase, which will definitely come in handy this holiday season. I have a feeling that I will make great use of it. 😀

Lea and I have been best friends for fourteen years and it has been a joy to celebrate almost a decade and a half of birthdays together. It was also a joy to shop for all of them too lol. Do be sure to check out Ana’s Etsy shop for a handcrafted gift that yourself or your giftee will adore!

Who is your favorite local artist? What is the link to any of your online stores? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul7

Watercolor Painting Class

Posted on July 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! This past Saturday I took a really fun watercolor painting class at the Quirk Cultural Center with my mom and sister. The class was led by the wonderful Ana-Joel of Falcon Grove Studio and she taught us how to paint different herbs inspired by an English country garden. To begin, Ana showed us the different techniques to paint rosemary, sage, mint, and basil and then we got to create our own masterpieces:

My mom, sister, and I would definitely not fall under the category of artistically skilled and have never painted with watercolor before. However, we all jumped at the opportunity to take this class because it was local and seemed like something we could enjoy together. I am so glad that we did and left the class with work that we were proud of and an eagerness to take more classes with Ana again.

Ana is an amazing local artist who founded Falcon Grove Studio during the pandemic to help promote a feeling of safety and wellness at home through art. She is so gifted, kind, and genuine and we all felt lucky to have her as our teacher. Her words inspired each of the students in the class and I loved how she told us that art is special because it’s the way your own body moves to create something. As someone who isn’t good at art, it was so encouraging to hear that you are still making something meaningful.

As I said, I had never painted watercolor before and I had a blast. It was such a unique experience and I was blown away by this whole world that I knew existed but never tried for myself. Ana taught us how to mix colors and use the water to enhance our art and it was so cool to see colors transform from something as simple as adding a touch of yellow or red and a “juicy brush” loaded with water.

For my project, I chose to paint basil and sage and I couldn’t be more pleased with how they turned out. Are they museum level works of art? No way lol. BUT, I thought that it was a pretty damn good first try. Not only did I feel proud of what I painted but I also felt excited to try painting more and I think that definitely qualifies as a GREAT SUCCESS (Borat voice).

Ana offers a variety of different courses in person and online and I simply cannot wait to work with her again. I also have ideas swirling in my head for some commissioned pieces by her! Please check out her social media and Etsy page at the following and support this fabulous local artist:

Facebook: Falcon Grove Studio
Instagram: @falcongrovestudio
Etsy: Falcon Grove Studio

What is your favorite medium of art? Have you ever taken any art classes before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

	lifewithlilred on Spirit Christmas Haul
	oliveunicorn on Spirit Christmas Haul
	Simon on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers
	lifewithlilred on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers
	Simon on Thxgiving OOTD Bloopers