Monday, June 2, 2014

The Summer of Color 2014!


"Just Play. Have fun. Enjoy the game." - Michael Jordan



And. Play. We. Will.

Hellooooooooo and welcome to The Summer of Color 4: Smudge, Splash & Pop! Whether you're an SOC veteran or if you're joining in for the first time, I promise this will be a summer event to remember. So get your party supplies out and your creativity caps on: it's gonna be a colorful ride. . . .

What. What?
That's right: we're gonna have a party. Think of it as a blog block party featuring six weeks of luscious color prompts, weekly linking opportunities, beautiful giveaways, creative inspirations and an amazing artistic community. (It's the kind of thing we arty people dream of).  

Oh, Fun! How does it work?
So glad you asked. From next Monday on, there will be a color palette announced here on this blog. As you may have guessed from the name, this year, our color prompts will have a little twist. Or perhaps I should say a little smudge, splash or pop: 


That's right, in addition to a two-color combination that I know you'll love, there will also be a third color thrown in for fun. Your goal will be to create whatever you'd like using the combination of 2 main colors and 1 accent color that I assign. And whether you smudge, splash or have a pop of that third color on your piece is up to you. As always, you'll work in your preferred mediums - creating anything your little heart desires - with color being the only stipulation. 

What do you mean by our "preferred mediums"? 
There are so many ways to participate in The Summer of Color. You can create anything that you want, as long as it's based upon the colors of the week. You may choose to develop a body of work using the same materials each week or mix it up and create something new each time. The sky's the limit. 

Ok! But what kinds of things will we be seeing?
Oh my. There's so much. In years past, we've seen jewelry to journals pages and everything in between. If you're not sure of what you want to do, check out the following links for inspiration:
Did I miss anything? Surprise me! The thing is, if you have an art form you love, play with it. If there's something new that you've always wanted to try, perhaps now's the time. 

I've got it. Now, how does it all go down? 
Good question. Every Monday from next week on, I will provide a color prompt here on this blog. You will then have until Sunday of the same week to complete your piece based upon that prompt. You can share your work through your blog or via Flickr and then copy and paste that direct post or flickr feed here. Mister Linky will be up as of next week. There will also be a rather fabulous giveaway each week for those who participate. The winner will be selected at random (via a Random Number Generator) from the link list and announced the following week.  

Is there a time limit?
Kinda. You're welcome to share your work at any time, however in order to qualify for the weekly drawing, you must link your pretty little things to this blog by Sunday, 10:00 am (Pacific Daylight Time). Also, this is meant to be fun. If you're away or can't participate every week, please don't worry about it. Each week stands on its own, so like any other party, just come when you can.

Who can participate?
Anyone who has a blog, Facebook or Flickr account can play along. You may even want to include the kiddies. Also, this is an international event. Should your name be selected for a drawing, I will happily mail it to you, no matter where you live.

Um, what about the cost?
Silly you! There is no cost. Just a lotta fun.

What about social media?
Oh yes, glad you mentioned that. There is a Facebook group and a Flickr pool created especially for our event. I've also created a hashtag that you can use for all other social media outlets. Just tag #TheSummerofColorFour to keep us all on the same page. And if you're as addicted to Instagram as I am, you can check out my page for colorful quotes, giveaway hints and basically all things related to the SOC. 

So what do I do now?
For this, the introductory week, I'd be so grateful if you'd help us spread the word about The Summer of Color. Since the whole idea is to foster creativity, community and connection, the more of us who come out to play, the better. And guess what? This year I've created a little You Tube video that can be shared! Check it out:




I know, right? (Gets me excited every time I see it)! I know some of you have already started to share the news, but I want to thank you formally for doing so. Soooooo, please let me know how you've helped spread the word (either by posting the SOC button on your blog, mentioning it in a blog post, by letting your Facebook friends know or discussing it on Instagram, Twitter, You Tube or whatever social media that you love) in the comment section below (only one comment per person, please) and you will be in the running for our first (of seven) giveaways:


Eeeeee! My favorite new obsession: Montana Paint Pens! 
Up for grabs: a complete starter set in extra fine as well as three other colors in the line (Shock Brown, Shock Pink Light and Shock Lilac) so that you don't miss a thing. Also included is an art mug of mine, based upon the following painting, so you have something cute and quirky to put them in.


The winner will be announced here next Monday, June 9th.

Speaking of next Monday, June 9th:
We'll see you here for our first color prompt! Until then, I wish you luck with the giveaway, fun deciding on your projects and camaraderie within our colorful community. It's gonna be a hot summer indeed . . . .



Kristin xo

112 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

I am looking forward to the fun! Your button has been on my blog for weeks! Valerie

Maria Ontiveros said...

I can't wait. I blogged about SOC and have the button up! I just joined the facebook page and will definitely post on instagram as well.
Thanks AGAIN for hosting this fun, fun project.
Rinda

Unknown said...

I love doing this and am so pleased it is happening again. I've just shared on FB and will blog as well.

Carmen said...

Yaaay! Clearing the decks. Clearing the decks.

Have Facebooked on my personal page and my arty page, tweeted, G+, Pinned and have your button on my page. I'll go do a little blog post in a minute too. I KNEW it had to be soon as the roses that so inspired me last year have just started blooming again :D

This is going to be fun!

Sharon said...

I've added the SOC Badge to my blog sidebar - LOL right at the TOP of the page!!! Can't wait - it's always so much fun!

Fishcake_random said...

Ohhhhh thinking cap time. I have a few little ideas but need to start making decisions.
Can't believe it's here again
X x

Kaypeanut said...

First time for me, but I've shared on Facebook.

Sharon Fritchman said...

I am so happy that I found this challenge last summer, Kristen! Can't wait to get started again. I am off off to check out Facebook now! Woohoo!!!!! ( . . . and wow! The year has gone by soooooo fast!)

Caz said...

Oh I can't wait to get going on this! I've blogged and posted your video on my FB page (which links to twitter)! I will also add your button to my Blog when i work out how to haha!!

Lets Roooolllllll!

dawn said...

I'm excited to join you for my second SOC!! It was so much fun last year, all those yummy colors made me happy! Can't wait to start again!! Thank you for inspiring us with color and fun each summer!! See you next week!

itsamistry said...

I came across this event on facebook and decided that I would like to join in it looks like a fun challenge. I've blogged about it and shared it on twitter and facebook :) l

Linda Gibbons said...

I have the button on my blog already, and am off to join the FB group. I'm excited to begin--lots of new toys to use this year.

Mary Ann Potter said...

Wooo hoooo! SOC is finally here! I have your SOC button on my blog. Can't wait for the first color prompt!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've been excited about this since last summer. I added your button at that time, and it's been on my right sidebar since then. I've blogged about it twice, the latest being last week when I reminded everyone SOC4 was nearly here!! Thank you SO much for doing this again, and for being so supportive.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...
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Ileana said...

I'm looking forward to this summer's challenge and I've blogged about it and included the button on my page.

2amscrapper said...

YAY! Summer (of Color) is finally here! I've done a blog post about it and also shared the news on my 2amscrapper Facebook page. Helene Huber

Linda Kunsman said...

Next week won't be here fast enough-can't wait Kristin!! I've had your badge on my blog since you introduced it months ago and have mentioned the challenge with links at least a few times including in my latest post:)

Random Thing's said...

This looks so amazing... I am looking forward to all the fun!

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo, I'm excited about Smudge, splash and Pot... Color of Summer 4. I've posted the notice on my Facebook page. I hope lots of people play.

BJ said...

Well I've had your button on my blog for a while now and I've also told my FB craft group about it, hope that qualifies me. BJ

BJ said...
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BJ said...
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Unknown said...

I posted the button on my blog and I shared the video on Facebook. I'm looking forward to this shot of creativity, the most fun I have every summer.

Halle said...

I'm super excited to do this challenge again! I've proudly displayed the button on my sidebar since the last challenge. :) I blogged about my excitement this morning. Also thanks for inviting me to the new FB page.
http://www.halleshobbies.com/summer-challenge-2/

Carol Rigby said...

Sounds like great fun Kristin. Count me in.

joy said...

Sounds like a lot of fun again this time around, Kristin! I have posted about it on my blog and can't wait to see the first week's colors!

Welcome! said...

Looking forward to my 'summer of color'! I've had the button up on my blog for a while now!

froebelsternchen said...

I am looking forward to the new fun - Thank you !
Will blog about and take the button with me!
♥♥♥
Susi

GlorV1 said...

Hi Kristin, can't wait. Your button has been on my blog for some time now and that's a good thing. Fun, fun, fun! Thanks.

GlorV1 said...
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scrapwordsmom said...

So looking forward to the FUN!! These pens look amazing!!!

artfullycarin@gmail.com said...

This sounds like so much fun Kristin! Hopefully I'll stay the course this year (but June's very busy). I tweeted about it

https://twitter.com/artfullycarin/status/473491333827788801

ANN ALICIA LAUGH said...

Wow the idea of 3 colors 2 main and one in addition will be great! :-)♥

Chandra Merod said...

Smudge, splash, pop sounds like fun! I'm looking forward to this year. I've spread the word to my FB friends and artist friends as well as on my blog :) yippee can't wait!

Anonymous said...

I shared on Facebook! I love participating in this challenge ... and thanks for a chance to win those pens ... I so want to use them!

Dawn said...

Shared on Facebook!

Anie said...

Hi there....
I invited my friends on facebook to join the summer of color and I already asked my husband to help me with putting your blog badge onto my blog, because I really can't figure it out myself ;)
Looking forward to the Summer of Color 2014!
Yours Anie

Anie said...
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Lorraine said...

hello looks great have mentioned it on my blog..good luck everyone

JansArtyJunk said...

Hi Kristin...Sooooo....Looking forward to another Summer of Color!! I've shared the good news on FB...and blogged about your fun challenge too ;) Jan x

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I posted on my blog as soon as I found out! So excited...gets more fun each year!

Unknown said...

I have the button on my blog and tweeted about it. Thanks!

Christine said...

I've added your button to my blog! Thanks for hosting, fun fun fun!

Jewels said...

Kristin I had your I had your button up as soon as it was available last summer!AND I have shared with friends that I am IN! Looking forward to next Monday :) :) :)

TwinkleToes2day said...

A newbie here, and I'm full of inspiration already. Everyone is so hyped about the return of SoC I thought I just had to join in. I've joined the FB group and will use the Flickr site for posting too.
I will now go see if I can add the button to my blog :)

Denise said...

I'm here :) I have mentioned Your blog and party in My latest post and I put Your button on My sidebar.I have just been trying to decide what to do this Year.I want something new and different for myself.Thank You for one more Year.I also want to say I like how You give Us a Week to think about it-really two,starting last week.Hugs Denise

Anonymous said...

MAN - I could not even get through your whole post! I went to the links for collages, found collages by Nancy someone in Texas, went to her site, downloaded her collage class for $10.....and that was two hours ago!!! And then I finished sewing a chair cushion - now, Okay - on to the rest of your post....

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Becky Dunham said...

Can't wait to play with you all again this year Kristin! Hopefully I will actually make it all the way through this time lol. Posted on my blog which has not seen action in forever and added the button and also on my FB. Looking forward to this next 6 weeks. Thanks so much for continuing on with this each year!

Unknown said...

I cannot wait to see all of the colorful creations. I am sure they will be stunning.

Unknown said...

wonderful video! Awesome prize! I've been playing for a few years now and can't wait to get started. I have the buttons on my blog and I'll mention it on my FB and Twitter pages!

Krisha said...

I have never played along before and I am really looking forward to SOC.......I LOVE color.

Pamikins said...

I am so looking forward to this. Last year, my friend Boo kept talking about how much fun she was having doing SOC, that I got jealous. I didn't feel right coming to the party late, so I put if off. Yay... I just got my invite and I can't wait for the first prompt! Pam Robinson, aka Pamikins

Michellem said...

Whoo Hoo - great fun! Can't wait - I've added the button and even wrote a blog post - Thanks for hosting!!
http://msmathey.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-of-color-four.html

JenHoney said...

I mentioned SOC on Facebook and in my latest blog post. Very excited to participate!

AlteredAddict said...

I always find myself wary to commit, but am going to do my very best to see myself through this summer :)Sounds like it will be lots of fun and I need some inspiration :)

Dee Spillane said...

I am so in! I love your art and this sounds fabulous. I sent it out to my art group. We meet monthly and each takes a turn with a project. This would be fun to do with them too!

Helen said...

I'm hoping to join in for the first time as lots of my crafting buddies love it! Will be blogging about it tonight I hope!

Helen said...
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sue :) said...

Came across this link via Helens blog Stamping by H and would love to be included. Everyone sounds really enthusiastic and excited to be in on SOC I will be adding the button to my blog and sending the link onto crafting friends. Can't wait for the first challenge.

Sarah said...

I'm in - I thoroughly enjoyed this last year. Plus I want that mug! :D

dawn said...
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crafty mum said...

Hi i am back again for this year xx

Melissa said...

I'm looking forward to participating this year & mentioned it on my blog that I'll be participating!

PaintingWrite said...

Really looking forward to this again this year. How your daughter's passport arrives soon btw!

massofhair said...

Just found you via Stamping by H blog post. Have added your You Tube video to my Pinterest Board, Challenge sites.

Looking forward to joining in, this will be my first time :-) xxx

Joanna said...

I. Cannot. Wait!

Blog post up now http://fiddlesnips.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/hold-onto-your-hats-its-soc4.html
It will be shared to FB and I'll tweet and Pin too :)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Tammie Lee said...

You really know how to make a fun invitation. I am so looking forward to joining you all! Those paint pens look wonderful! Sweet week to you!

creativelenna said...

Kristin, I learned of summer of color this year and last year from my friends Julie Welsh and Jo Urbani :) I have just shared this post on Facebook, looking forward!! : ) THANK YOU!

Mokki said...

This sounds like so much fun!! I don't use any social media accounts but I will telling my brother and other creative friends about this. I can't wait for it to start and see what everyone produces.

ArtInMyHeartToo said...

I posted to Pinterest and Facebook. Looks like a great way to be inspired to create.

Danni said...

Yay! I'm so excited to participate again this year. :)

I've shared the SoC button on my blog.

Denise Price said...

I'm looking forward to another fun Summer of Color! I've mentioned SOC4 in a blog post, including your badge and video.

Unknown said...

Looking forward to this again. Have shared on FB and blogged about it.

Annie Claxton said...

I've shared on FB and done another blog post so my friends don't miss it! Can't wait to get going now! :o)

Unknown said...

Just added the video to my blog! Looking forward to my first blog party!!

April Joy said...

Blogged about it and added your video. Can't wait!

Joyful-Creative Living said...

Just found SOC 4 and sharing on Facebook and on my blog!

DVArtist said...

This is great. Saw the info on Gloria's blog "Loving Frida Shining Star" Count me in. This sounds fun and exciting.
I am off to blog with is connected to my FB.
See ya next Monday
Nicole/Beadwright

Christine said...

This will be my first year as I have just heard about you from Stamping with H.(http://stampingbyh.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/the-summer-of-colour-2014.html)
Roll on next week.
Bishopsmate

denthe said...

Will put your button on my blog in the next few days, but have already mentioned it in my latest blogpost http://denthe.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/in-progress.html. See you next week!

sam21ski said...

Oooh not heard of this before but found you via a friends blog. Sure does sound like fun, can't wait to play, roll on next Monday xxx

gma said...

YAY!Posted video on my facebook and put SOC badge on blog.

GlorV1 said...

I posted about this fun event on my blog yesterday. I think I previously left a comment here but my pix seems to be gone. I added another.:) tee hee. Happy Days to you.

Unknown said...

I've had your button up for a week or so (when I discovered this fabulous event) and my last blog post was about SOC!

I can't wait to participate. This will be my first year!

Tori B. said...

I can hardly wait to get started! I've had your button on my blog for a few weeks and today 'blurbed' about it on my FB page, with an invitation to my artist friends to join in the fun.

Thanks Kristin for running such an amazing and inspiring event.

K J D said...

I've been looking forward to this Kristin and to be honest the weather is so miserable over here at the moment - we could really do with a
smudge, splash or pop of colour!

I have your button on my blog and have also mentioned the event on my blog.

Thanks in advance for lots of colourful fun :)

Karen x

Unknown said...

Super exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for hosting this super fun event!!!!

Mandy said...

Oh joy... I am in this year and popped a link up to ypur post...arting again...xxx

Cindy McMath said...

What a fun challenge! I am new this year but it sounds great. I have added your button to my blog, and when I post tonight I will also give a mention and link. I also watched the video with the people pouring paint - wow! Thanks for the inspiration!

Cindy :)

Ali H said...

So looking forward to having a colourful summer with you again ! Just off to put the button on my blog ! Ali x

Renee said...

Looking forward to all the fun! I posted an invite on facebook and pintrest with the intro video . . . Thanks again for doing this . . .

Natasha said...

I have posted on my personal Facebook and my art page, Tweeted and will put a bit in my blog about this coming up.

I am so excited!!

Nordljus said...

I took part for the first time last summer, and I so enjoyed it. Can't wait for next Monday to start playing! Mentioned it on my blog today, and hope that there'll be lots of people joining in the fun. Thanks for hosting this, Kristin!

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

I'm so excited for this challenge again. :) I let everybody know on my blog .

Penny Lee StewArt said...

Count me in! I just posted the video on my Facebook Page. What fun!

Trece said...

Sharing on FB and will announce on my blog Monday! Looking forward to it!!!

Kristin said...

I've shared the post from June 2nd in the summer of color facebook page! :)

Heartwideopen said...

I can't wait to begin!!! Your button is on my blog and I also shared on my Facebook page. This will be a wonderful summer of color!

Unknown said...

Don't have a blog, but shared in FBI groups

TwinkleToes2day said...
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Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Your mug is so cute in this photo, and Montana Markers are such a great idea! You're just the best. I am slow in starting because I am working too many hours, but I am excited!! Here's to my summertime beginning in twenty days!

Alison said...

So excited to see all the wonderful art works by so many inspirational artists! SOC shared on Facebook and instagram :)

KerriNZ said...

OMG, ty ty ty for bringing back my mojo.love that we all get to share the love for all things & this will totally be shared on my FB wall for my friends to come. Here's to many new creations, love shared & some familiar faces :)

Jen @Sadie Inspired said...

I wrote about SOC 4 on my blog!! :) http://sadieinspired.blogspot.com/2014/05/prepping-for-summer-of-color-4.html

Anonymous said...

Can´t wait to start playing. Just added the button to my blog

Evalila said...

Can´t wait to start playing. Just added the button to my blog

NancyJB said...

Just the inspiration I need! Posted the notice on Facebook and will find your FB page.
Thanks for doing this!

Anonymous said...

This will be my 1st Summer of Color! I have posted about it on my blog and pinned in on Pinterest. I look forward to playing. :)

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