FREE Advent Candle Coloring Wraps

 

A happy and blessed Advent to all of you! If the season has suck up on you and you find yourself without

Advent candles, these wraps are the perfect solution. I've made this printable free for you to download. Just print them out and color with markers, crayons, or colored pencil. The "Joy" candle gets colored pink. The candle with the Chi Rho is the Christmas candle and stays white, but you can add gold and red to it. 

These candles wraps will fit around most glass pillar candles you can pick up at a grocery or dollar store. I like to cut out along the decorative edge

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I also have colored candle wraps available for purchase.

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The Catholic Mom Bundle Advent 2021 is Here!

Advent is one of my favorite liturgical seasons! We don't try and do ALL of the things, but over the years we have added many traditions that our family have come to love. You can find some beautiful resources for those and so many more helpful products in this year's Catholic Mom Bundle Advent 2021 that I'm so excited to be a contributor for!

My favorite Advent traditions are praying the O Antiphons and saying the St. Andrew Novena. Share some of yours in the comments!

My Marian Planner PDF has only been out for a short while and you can buy it here. 

Or, for a single price, you could get 32 more Catholic products too!

For 5 days only, 33 Catholic small businesses have pooled together their best resources for moms. We have easy, open-and-go, products for liturgical living, personal faith, emotional health, catechesis, creativity, family prayer, home management, decorating, etc. I can't wait to print out the Advent Bingo and coloring pages from Catholic Paper Goods!

Some of the resources include printables, workbooks, courses, and videos.

The total value of this all-digital bundle is $474. But that’s pretty out of reach for moms on a budget. That’s why we want to offer it to you at a crazy low price: $25. 

The sale ends November 12th at midnight, so now is the time to buy.

There’s a 30-day guarantee if you have any problems. What a great opportunity to sample work from amazing Catholic makers while supporting this small business effort!

Coffee & Crayons: FREE St. Martin de Porres Quote Coloring Page

 

I hope to get back to creating and posting these coloring pages more regularly. If you a favorite saint quote you'd love made into a coloring page, let me know in the comments.

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of St. Martin de Porres. What a man of compassion! My heart is aching for all of us to show compassion to each other. St. Martin, pray for us. Once St. Martin took in a sick man covered with ulcers and gave him his bed. This didn't sit well with one of his fellow brothers. St. Martin replied with: "Compassion, my dear Brother, is preferable to cleanliness." 

Artist inspiration: Tianna Williams has recently completed a beautiful painting of St. Martin de Porres that you can view by clicking here. 

To print out the coloring page, click on the image below and save it first, and then you'll be able to print it out.  

Sacred Art Artist Spotlight: Monica Skrzypczak

This week I'm interviewing Monica Skrzypczak. I discovered Monica's art a few years ago through a group of Catholic artists and have been inspired by following her creative journey. You have to check out the beautiful process videos she shares for her work. I hope if you don't know of her work that you'll soon be a huge fan just as I am. Most of all I pray you are blessed and encouraged in your faith by her talent. 

On to the interview!

What is your name and where are you from?

I'm Monica Skrzypczak, from Rockford, IL!

How did you end up creating sacred art? Did you start out with a desire to do that or were you eventually lead in that direction?

I've always loved painting, and as I went through college studying theatre management, I began to realize how important being an artist was to me. As my classes focused less and less on art, a hole started opening in my heart. At the same time, my faith was growing tremendously and I actively wanted a relationship with God. It all came together the summer between junior and senior year when I didn't get the internship I was hoping for, and ended up at home, working for my grandparent's business. I was crushed; it seemed that all my college education was crashing down and I would never make it in theatre. This was the first time in my life I started going to daily Mass daily, and praying a daily holy hour. With no classes to mess with my schedule I said, why not ramp up to full speed? And without really realizing it, I began to want to use my artistic talent for God specifically, instead of just painting what I thought was pretty. I painted my first tabernacle painting that summer ('Easter Lilies for the King'), and I went, here is a subject matter that will never grow old. I ended up wishing I could be an artist again, but still thought it was an outrageous desire. But going into senior year, my heart started to not care as much for the culture of theatre, so I applied to be a missionary, aaaand I wasn't accepted. I was suddenly in the same place I was the year before - jobless and without a clue as to what I wanted to do. I went on a pilgrimage to Poland that summer and everything clicked. I was presented with stunning church after stunning church and the thought to be an artist came back full force. I knew we needed sacred artists in America, and if was in God's Will, I wanted to be one of them. After I came home I started working on an Etsy, with the intent of still getting a real job in theatre, but as the process continued, I realized I absolutely love running a small business and this is exactly where Jesus wants me right now!

What medium/s do you work with?

I primarily work in oil paints at the moment, but in the past have loved watercolors. And for the statue restorations I use acrylic paints.

Do you have a favorite or patron saint? Who inspires your work?

Bl. Carlo Acutis is the patron of the shop! This kid was incredible. As the first millennial saint, he knew modern technology, but steadfastly but it on the back burner in favor for prayer and encountering others with the love of Christ (something I fail at constantly). But most importantly, he had a huge devotion to the Eucharist and compiled a list of all the Eucharistic miracles into a website (in the early 2000's).

I came upon this website ages ago when I was still in highschool and reading through the miracles changed my heart for understanding the Real Presence, which in turn is why painting tabernacles, monstrances, and the Mass has enamored me this whole time, and why adoration is a pillar of my prayer life. I proceeded to forget the website until after college a guy at a retreat was passing out his Servant of God cards and story and I recognized the miracles website. I had no idea it was made by a kid, much less a soon-to-be saint. And then to top it off, I randomly chose Oct 12 as the launch date for Outpouring of Trust, and was always embarrassed because it wasn't a big feast day, BUT it turns out that two years later, in 2020, Carlo was beatified and his feast day is now Oct. 12. How crazy is that. God is so good.

Do you have a favorite historical artist or period?

Presently the Renaissance is my favorite, particularly the Counter-Reformation artwork. This is when art turned from stylized humans to the full-bodied beautiful Caravaggio and Michelangelo saints, and when sacred art was revisited in the Council of Trent, reaffirming it's value and necessity in aiding prayer and teaching the faithful, while also creating guidelines for artists to use to create works suitable for sacred spaces.

Also Bellini. Bellini is my favorite painter. I've done 4 master copy studies of his paintings of the Madonna and Child and have one more to go, and let me just say, I have never seen Mary depicted so serenely and so humanly. She looks like a teenager. She looks like a queen. She looks like a mother. Somehow all at once. And Jesus looks like a real, floppy baby, a crawling away baby, a can't-hold-my-head-up, fully human baby. The combination with a strikingly peaceful Mary clearly marks the baby as Jesus, even though there is nothing Divine showing out, in contrast to the past when artists would depict the baby Jesus as a tiny man symbolizing Him as fully God. On that note, I've been doing little 5x7 master copy studies of a bunch of Renaissance artists, so if you want to see which artists I'm most inspired by, that's a list! Not tackled yet (because they're too good, and it's hard to get good scans of their paintings to study) are Caravaggio and Bouguereau. Talk about perfect use of composition, symbolism, models, brush technique, and color mixing.

It's kind of silly to ask an artist what their favorite color is, but are there colors you are more drawn to?

This is my favorite question, and I'll counter it with a really nerdy answer. A mix of cadmium red and burnt umber creates the most beautiful dark crimson that brightens a shadow in the face and between fingers without adding black and is perfect for a deep red in Mary's dresses. I can't get enough of it.

But if I were to just pick a color, blue is my favorite.

Do you have a website? Can my readers find you on any other social media platform?

www.outpouringoftrust.com is my website where you can find original paintings and restored statues for sale, as well as prints, stickers, rosaries, decade bracelets, and many chaplets! Signing up for my email list gives a 20% off code for your first order! I'm on Instagram at @outpouringoftrust.sacredart and @outpouringoftrust.rosaries Facebook (Outpouring of Trust) Tiktok @outpouringoftrust I also have a Patreon where I'm sharing all the behind the scenes for my upcoming series on the titles of Mary in the Litany of Loreto; all 49 of them. It'll take me a long while to get to the finished paintings and there's a ton of research and sketching and model hiring I hope to do before I get there! So if you're interested in the life of an artist or just on supporting me in my work, it's the perfect place for you! The link is https://www.patreon.com/outpouringoftrust?fan_landing=true

Do you take commissions?

I do! I'd love to chat with you about your idea, just send me an email at monica@outpouringoftrust.com with your idea and a general size you're thinking about.

Is there a work of art you have created that is your favorite?

I've spent a long time thinking which one and I think I've landed on whichever painting I've most recently finished. For a long time it was 'The Divine Praises' (the painting of a monstrance with the prayer in the background), but more recently it's my two still lives on prayer; 'The Call to Prayer' and 'Memento Mori' since those are heavy in symbolism and I'm just really proud of how I painted them technique-wise.

The Call to Prayer consists of a Breviary, bell, and undyed cloth symbolizing the life of a religious monk/nun, and a call for us to join in their prayer, dedicating more of our life to God. While Memento Mori consists of a skull, empty hourglass, black cloth, and wood symbolizing mortality, with the white box and gold cloth symbolizing Heaven, and the path to it - God (the Bible).

But as a secret plot twist, my true favorite paintings are the ones I'm still working on: the Traditional Latin Mass for Children book I'm illustrating for Kimberly Fries (@mylittlenazareth on Instagram), but they're not done yet. It'll be out by Black Friday! You have no idea how excited I am to be an illustrator. This is easily the coolest project I've ever done.

Is there anything specific I haven't asked that you would like to share about your process or what inspires your work?

I'm a huge time lapse nerd so I'm always sharing time lapses of me painting on my Instagram. I share a lot of the process of painting and inspiration there! And prayer. Lots of prayer. My business isn't called Outpouring of Trust for nothing. There's a whole lot of trust

involved every step of the way, and a whole lot of prayer, from concept sketches to prints at your door. Without

commending the shop to Mary and taking time to pray and get to Mass, this whole operation can (and often does)

fall apart. It's a good reminder for the start of any apostolate (an endeavor that serves and evangelizes) that it's nothing without God. Root your life in the Eucharist, and let nothing get in your way.

Tell me which of Monica's work inspires you the most! I can't just pick one so Queen of the Most Holy Rosary is pretty amazing but I really love the sky and colors of On God's Time.   

Sacred Art Artist Spotlight: Michael Corsini

Thanks for joining me here to discover amazing current artists who focus on creating sacred art. 

This week I'm interviewing Michael Corsini. I discovered Michael's art a few years ago through his music and have been inspired by following him on his creative journey. I hope if you don't know of his work that you'll soon be as much of an admirer as I am. Most of all I pray you are blessed and encouraged in your faith by his talent. 

On to the interview!

What is your name and where are you from?

    Michael Corsini Waymart, PA

How did you end up creating sacred art? Did you start out with a desire to do that or were you eventually lead in that direction?

   I was led to create sacred art after I entered the Catholic Church.

What medium/s do you work with?

    Oil mostly, but also acrylics and many drawing mediums... charcoal, pastel, etc...

Do you have a favorite or patron saint? Who inspires your work?

    Francis!

Do you have a favorite historical artist or period?

    Joaquín Sorolla or John Singer Sargent

It's kind of silly to ask an artist what their favorite color is, but are there colors you are more drawn to?

    Ha! I like greens.

Do you have a website? Can my readers find you on any other social media platform?

michaelcorsini.com

Do you take commissions?

    Occasionally.

Is there a work of art you have created that is your favorite?

   So far, "Mother of Priests"

Is there anything specific I haven't asked that you would like to share about your process or what inspires your work?

   JP2's Letter to Artists, Michael D. O'Brien wrote a letter to artists (for discernment of the vocation).

Tell me which one of Michael's work inspires you the most! I have a hard time choosing between The Nursery of Heaven and The Bride of Christ pictured below. 

Sacred Art Artist Spotlight: Adalee Hude

Thanks for joining me here to discover amazing current artists who focus on creating Sacred Art. 

This week I'm interviewing Adalee Hude. Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Catholic women's retreat in Bend, OR. I was so inspired and impressed by the beautiful art she displayed at her booth! I have enjoyed following her creative journey over the years and continue to be inspired by the beauty she puts forth into the world. I hope if you don't know of her work that you'll soon be as much of an admirer as I am. Most of all I pray you are blessed and encouraged in your faith by her talent.

On to the interview!

What is your name and where are you from?

    Adalee Hude, Clark County, WA

How did you end up creating sacred art? Did you start out with a desire to do that or were you eventually lead in that direction?

    I had been doing secular art, namely ceramic horse sculpture, professionally for 15 years. It was and intricate art that I enjoyed for a long time, but my interest in it waned over the last few years. I felt called to do art for a higher purpose, and after entering a sacred art contest in 2015, I was hooked. I discussed switching entirely to sacred art with my husband, and he agreed that I should. So in 2016 I started to paint Jesus, the saints, and symbols, and I have not stopped since.

What medium/s do you work with?

    I started out using acrylic and gouache (opaque watercolor), but switched primarily to watercolor and digital art, a couple of years ago. I would love to do some sacred art sculpture, someday.

Do you have a favorite or patron saint? Who inspires your work?

    Gosh, I’m blessed to have many saint friends! St. Catherine of Bologna, the patron saint of artists is my confirmation saint. Our Lady, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Benedict, St. Therese, and many others, remain close to me as I work.

Do you have a favorite historical artist or period?

    My favorite artist is Alphonse Mucha, the father of the Art Nouveau period (turn of the last century). I’m smitten with art from that era, from poster art to Arts & Crafts. I’m also a huge fan of medieval art, and have studied it a little.

It's kind of silly to ask an artist what their favorite color is, but are there colors you are more drawn to?

    Yes- bright colors! I never realized how much I loved bright colors until I changed my studio name along with my surname after getting married. I went from Velasquez Artistry to Brightly Hude Studio, and embraced all things bright. I particularly like shades of green, sunny yellow, and blues.

Do you have a website? Can my readers find you on any other social media platform?

My website is brightlyhude.com or brightandholy.com There is a Catholic Children’s book blog on my website (Bright and Holy Kids), and I am on Pinterest (brightlyhude). 

*If you would like to shop for some beautiful sacred art from Adalee she has so kindly given a 10% discount code just for you! Use the code BRIGHT10 at check out. 

Do you take commissions?

    I do not take commissions right now; my plate is too full!

Is there a work of art you have created that is your favorite?

    Hmm… I think my favorite work so far is my Divine Mercy painting that I did years ago. I would like to re-paint it someday!

Is there anything specific I haven't asked that you would like to share about your process or what inspires your work?

    The Holy Spirit definitely inspires my work! I am so grateful for His guidance. He has led me to do illustrations for Catholic children’s books, and I’m loving it!

Tell me which one of Adalee's work inspires you the most! I dearly love anything that she creates and used her Catholic clip art that you can find in her shop to make some beautiful signage for my daughter's Frist Holy Communion celebration! 

A New Marian Planner & Giveaway!

The new school year is just around the corner and I've published a beautiful Marian planner to help you stay organized. Whether you are heading back to school or homeschool, this planner will help you keep your plans together. It's a blank bullet journal style planner with a calendar section and 300 blank bullet journal pages. There is a cut out tabs page to help you organize the planner. The Immaculate Heart of Mary adorns some pages and also a floral Auspice Maria embellishment, but other than those items and the beautiful cover the journal is a blank canvas for you to fill. 

There's a printable PDF version available for you if you'd rather print out pages and make your own  planner in a three ring binder or with another binding method. The PDF version offers more than bullet journal pages!

Sharing this planner with you in a giveaway gives me a lot of joy. I was so excited to put this planner  together and hope that it's something that is helpful for you. The giveaway will end August 15th. Anyone can enter, but if you are outside the USA we can't ship a planner and only a PDF will be given. One winner within the United States will receive both a printed planner and a printable PDF. Enter the give away through the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the post.

What are some things you find helpful to stay organized and inspired throughout the year? 

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