Lovin’ This – Tru Original https://www.truoriginal.com Sacred Art Icons + Stories by Jill Metz Mon, 08 Oct 2018 17:05:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.truoriginal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/favicon.ico Lovin’ This – Tru Original https://www.truoriginal.com 32 32 Just Chillin’ https://www.truoriginal.com/2018/08/just-chillin.html Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:09:23 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=2544 Being a parent for the last 19 years has taught me a TON about stress! But not in the way that you may think. Sure, being a parent is an overwhelming job sometimes, as the responsibilities of parenting and meeting the different needs of your children can be very hard to navigate. But, im a half glass full kinda girl and my outlook on situations is fairly optimistic. Not that I never feel stress, it’s just that I rarely feel it in such a way that causes me to become fixated or over run by it. Then my sweet daughter came along. This girl is smart, caring, creative and sensitive…and she’s also plagued by debilitating stress sometimes. She becomes anxious and often times can’t see beyond the challenge she’s facing. She’s the kid who after 3 days of vacation is ready to get home and  into her own room. As I mom, I have said things like, “it’s no big deal”, “attitude is everything”, and the worst one… “suck it up!”. UGH! I wish I could get a re-do on some of those moments, but I can’t. Because of this dear sweet soul, I have learned that stress and anxiety is something that MANY children struggle with. Sometimes it’s due to overtaxed schedules, trauma of some kind, disorder, worldly influences (peer pressure, technology), academic pressures, over achievers who put too much pressure on themselves… the list doesn’t stop! Sometimes, they are just sensitive souls living in a suffering world and it scares them. Whatever the reason, I learned the hard way to acknowledge the stress and hold their hands in moving on.  One of the mistakes I made would be to put my daughter in “time out”, leaving her to further fixate on her fears and stress. I just didn’t understand and 19 yrs ago “stressed out kids” was a joke. In her pre-teen and mid- teen days, we tried to get her counseling and that always left us with the question, “should we medicate?” Our answer was no, though I have to say that was our personal choice and every family has to discern what is right for them. Im not against meds and understand that often times they are needed and necessary for healing. What I’ve found, is when a child suffers from anxiety it shows up masked as other behavioral issues because a child doesn’t have the words to express how they are feeling.

So, this month enters St Pio! Among other things, St. Pio is the patron Saint of anxiety and since this topic is near and dear to my heart, I was excited to offer a creative option to children who may deal with stress and anxiety. Even if this is not an on-going issue, the back to school season always brings with it a fair share of stressed out families.

While looking for some good ideas in helping children handle stress, I came across this idea of a stress box. Teachers and educators are using this as another option for time-out and helping a child to re-group. I think it’s a loving and caring way to help a child self correct which builds self esteem.

So, here’s my little chill out box!

Items in the box include: prayer cards, a harmonica, a favorite stuffed animal, a looking glass ( fun to explore with ), a bouncy ball, a photo of a the child as a baby ( oh see how you’ve grown!) , gratitude journal, a rosary and a favorite picture book. Some other ideas I love are essential oils, rubrics cube puzzle, your pet, and chewing gum.

The idea of a chill box is that when I child (or adult) is feeling overwhelmed or anxious, they step back, take a brake to self comfort, by doing things that help them to feel peace and relaxation. A timer is a good idea so that a child doesn’t use this as a way to isolate and after the timer goes off, a conversation with the child is important so that they can learn how to articulate their feelings. Stress or worry boxes can also be effective for kiddos who deal with PTSD, sensory and anger issues.

Here are a few great resources I came across that may help you and your child prepare their box.

https://www.andnextcomesl.com/2016/04/what-to-put-in-a-calm-down-kit-for-kids.html

Create Your Own Anti-Anxiety Kit for Children

Having a child who suffers from anxiety is a great lesson for me in patience, compassion, perseverance and radical trust. I have many people in my life who deal with chronic anxiety and I have seen how this can led to physical issues down the road. St. Pio is really a Saint for such a time as this! Call on him to intercede and allow him to guide you to people who can help, places of healing, and radical prayers of trust and joy. God Bless you.

]]> Catholic Moment Article https://www.truoriginal.com/2018/07/catholic-moment-article.html Tue, 03 Jul 2018 20:50:03 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=2479 Thank you to the Catholic Moment for your interest and article about the work that I do.

Read more about how I came to paint the Saints and how the Saint of the Month Club got started.

Read pages 1 and 3 at the link below.

TCM 5-27-18 WEBedition Catholic Moment

]]> Saint of the Month Club Review by CatholicMom.com https://www.truoriginal.com/2018/03/saint-of-the-month-club-review-by-catholicmom-com.html Tue, 06 Mar 2018 15:44:53 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=2298

Saint of the Month Club: an ideal gift for Catholic kids

 

]]> Shrimp Tacos with a Twist https://www.truoriginal.com/2018/03/shrimp-tacos-with-a-twist.html Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:44:18 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=2286 Looking for a super easy, tasty, affordable, quick and yummy meal for

Fridays during Lent?  I got one!  

Ok…it’s truly this easy! Add these items to your shopping list this week.

Follow the directions on the popcorn shrimp box for baking and while that’s in the oven mix up the Asian Salad ingredients, which are all included in the bag.

Toast your corn tortillas over a flame on your gas stove or microwave for a few seconds to heat.

Build your Asian taco by adding the salad mix on to the tortilla, followed by fresh slices avocado and topped with popcorn shrimp.

If you’re feeling funky, add some yummy Tabasco Sriracha, our favorite, on top!

Some other ingredients you could add on include cilantro, mango, or sweet peppers.

My family goes meatless on Friday’s year round, so this is a quick for me, yummy for them favorite.

 So quick in fact, that this blog post took me longer to write then the time it takes to make this meal!

I hope you enjoy it too!

Lenten Blessings!

 

]]> All Saints All Souls Art Exhibit https://www.truoriginal.com/2017/11/all-saints-all-souls-art-exhibit.html Wed, 22 Nov 2017 14:54:33 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=1881

 

So grateful to everyone who came out to support me and the work that I do. The exhibit ends on Friday, Dec. 8th, so if you haven’t had a chance to see it, you still have time. xo

 

]]> Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference https://www.truoriginal.com/2017/02/1492.html Wed, 15 Feb 2017 16:51:52 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/?p=1492 2017 Columbus Catholic Women’s Conference Spotlight: Tru Original…

Hello, my name is Jill Metz and I’m the artist behind TRU Original. I married a cradle Catholic in 1999 and have two teenagers, ages 16 and 17yrs old. After 10 years of marriage, God led me into the Catholic Church, many would say kicking and screaming! I have been a professional artist since 2007 but in 2014, God again called me to another conversion…this time it was in my artwork. He commissioned me to begin painting Saints. I tried to ignore His prompting, and then when that wouldn’t work, I tried to convince Him that He had the wrong girl. I even tried to re-route Him by creating other “callings” for myself, although worthy they seemed, they weren’t my true purpose. Finally, St. Lucy came into my life and I experienced a profound healing of my eyes that convinced me to step out in Faith, yet again, and that has lead me to where I am today…painting Saints and creating Catholic art. I get to know each Saint I paint in a very intimate way. I feel they guide my hand and I surrender my work to them and to the Holy Spirit. You can read more about my healing experience through the intercession of St. Lucy here. Or, listen to my Faith in Action podcast on Catholic Radio Indy.

Most recently, through the prompting of one of my customers and of course, The Holy Spirit, I created The Saint of the Month Club. This Saint of the Month Club is a celebration of our friendship with the Saints. It’s faith-filled encouragement and inspiration for boys and girls, ages 5 through 12 years old. It’s a helping hand for Parents, Grandparents, Godparents and anyone who wants to assist a child in growing in their love of Jesus and His Church. A monthly Saint of the Month Club package is delivered right to the door. Each month I prayerfully create and select items that encourage a fun and interactive journey with a special Saint. Children will be inspired by this gift to live out their faith through prayer, action, and creativity.

So, as you can tell…I kinda dig the Saints! It’s an honor to paint the Saints. It’s an honor to be called to share the love of the Saints with families. I look forward to meeting you and introducing you to the artwork I paint. May the love of Christ propel us all to be radical and bold in sharing our love for Him and our friends in Heaven.

Looking forward to a great event this weekend in Columbus OH. Thanks for the love and for all the SHARES!

]]> Dear Heart…and Inked Tiles https://www.truoriginal.com/2012/02/dear-heart-and-inked-tiles.html Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:21:00 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/dear-heart-and-inked-tiles/

Dear Heart….

I can’t believe my crazy life! God has me going and going and going and at times i feel just like the energizer bunny! I know that God has me in this place to help me grow and so that i rely on Him even more and I just LOVE it. It feels like I’m standing in the middle of the most beautiful storm, with arms wide open, completely unafraid.

Since starting this part time job with the Church, I do miss connections and friendships. Sitting over a glass of wine or a warm cup of coffee, pouring out my heart (to my sweet blog friends or to my dear friends here at home) But again, I have to say that it makes me depend on the friendship of the Lord even more. He is so dear and faithful to me and He truly fills me up. I have been called to give up many things that i love and it has not been easy. I do watch in awe as the Lord takes away and gives much more.

Recently i have decided to change my view of this blog. I want to get back to the heart of why i write this blog and as much as i enjoy every comment and follower, that is not why I blog. I blog to share my heart, to remember my journey. I have to admit that at times I have lost my way and thought more about gaining followers and less about why i’m here. I’m going to try my best to remember not to do that and honor myself by beginning each post as DEAR HEART… so for any readers that I’m blessed by, just know that this is a real journey and you have an open invitation to ride along .

Whew… felt good to get that off my chest!!!

I love the workshops i have been doing. I love the women that take my workshops, I love teaching and I love the challenge! My town has been very supportive in marketing my workshops and providing me a great venue to teach mixed media. I can’t believe i have been doing these workshops for 3 years now and although it has been lots of work for little pay, I LOVE IT! I can’t believe that my town recently featured me as Fishers Artist of the Month. I have even been invited to join the Fishers Arts Council and feel like this is a great opportunity to tap into the beat of my large town and be part of the growth we are experiencing. I’m just so excited!!
My dream is to host a retreat here in my town and travel the country, dare i say world Lord?, giving these mixed media workshops…not sure what God has planned for me but He has surely Blessed me as He keeps sending people that want to explore their creative spirit. The more I put the Lord first, the more fruit He provides me. I have to continue to let Him lead and allow Him to carry me because it is ALL ABOUT HIM!
I work on the curriculum for my workshops a lot which is not my favorite, but i have seen first hand what happens if I don’t put my whole self into it. It’s hard because I have rarely given the same workshop twice. With over 50 workshops given i’m wondering how long i can maintain this… i’ll stop when it isn’t fun anymore i suppose.
I want to remember this workshop “Inked Tiles” in particular because it is FUN, EASY, and good for all levels. (plus I promised this to my awesome blog friends who have been VERY patient with me. I may be slow but i keep my promises and this promise has been nagging me for months!)

********************

Details-12 women participated and cost of workshop was $35 . Artists took home 3 tiles! I set up stations for each of the three techniques i demonstrated.

Supplies needed for TAPPING TILE technique…Can be found at most craft stores

Ceramic tiles found at most hardware stores
Ranger Alcohol inks
Ranger Blending Solution (blends, lightens, preps surface, and erases)
StazOn stamp pad
Water based sealer (Gloss Mod Podge is what I use) – picture shows gel medium but you need Mod Podge for this technique
Sponge brush for applying water base sealer
Blending tool (wood block with felt)
Assortment of rubber stamps and paper embellishment
* Always create Alcohol Inked Tiles in a well ventilated area.



-Prep your tile by squeezing a squirt of Blending Solution onto blending tool and rubbing over the entire tile surface

 

– Squeeze drops of ink onto the felt pad of the blending tool. Hold and squeeze 2 seconds for colors and 1 second for metallics.
– Tap onto the entire surface of tile. Add more ink or Blending Solution to the pad as desired for depth of color. Allow to dry.

 

 

-Once you have created the background of your Alcohol Inked Tile, you may rubber stamp any design using STAZ-ON rubber stamp ink. After you stamp in the top surface of tile, rub the ink pad around the sides to ‘Frame’ in black.

– After you have added stamp, seal the tile with your water base sealer. Remember that you will want to use a light hand while applying sealer and a one stroke motion is best. Kinda like painting our nailsJ Allow tile to dry completely.



-After the tile is completely dry you may glue, using the same water base sealer, any paper embellishments you have picked out. Dry again.
– If you would like you may add another coat of sealer.
– Display and enjoy!



Love that workshop!! It was inspiring for me to watch every artist take home these vibrant colored beauties!
******************
Lord,
I am yours
every inch
every action
every thought
they belong to you.
Thank you,
you have been there to lift me when I fall
and
guide me when I’m lost.
Keep me Lord
in
Your
Arms.
With You I can do all things.
For you are my way
you are my portion.
I love you.
Amen
Jill
]]> Tease on Tiles and ‘doing what you love’ https://www.truoriginal.com/2011/09/tease-on-tiles-and-doing-what-you-love.html Mon, 12 Sep 2011 12:06:00 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/tease-on-tiles-and-doing-what-you-love/
My very favorite thing about being an artist is just playing!! When i first began selling my art 4 years ago, I totally didn’t get that…to play. I was trying to create a product and forgot that i was suppose to put my heart in the work i was doing. It really showed in my art, the lack of passion, and I quickly had to let go and learn to play again. i was suppose to just be me and let the art create itself.
That is why i love mixed media so much…it allows me to express myself in ways i can’t find using just one medium or technique. That’s pretty much how i am in life…gotta have 10 balls in the air, 6 lines and the water, and 4 pots on the stove. I’m just crazy like that:)
So i  love this new technique i have been working with using alcohol inks and ceramic tiles.
I simply couldn’t take a picture that would do these tiles justice! The colors and shine are just stunning. If you have worked with alcohol inks you know how rich and vibrant the colors are, that’s why i love using them!

These tiles were so much fun and they very much had a life of there own. I’m offering a workshop on this process next Thursday (you can find more information in my workshop page).  Friday, the 23rd i’m gonna come back and share the tutorial on how you can make these at home. Sorry to be such a tease but
I’d love you to stop back by and experience this super duper fun process with me.
Until then…
I’m excited to share “my walk” on a truly inspiring blog called Do What you Love for Life hosted by Beth Nicholls. Here is her facebook page too. Beth has a way of supporting women in who they are while inspiring others through her own walk.

Here’s a little sample …
“In 2007 I was happy. But not the kind of happy that fills you up. I was satisfied but still hungry. I think that was the first step for me in doing what I love, realizing I wasn’t filled up and feeling like I did deserved to be filled up.”

Please stop over and visit Beth and read more on the journey’s of people who are doing what they love for life!

]]> We have a winner! https://www.truoriginal.com/2011/07/we-have-a-winner.html Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:28:00 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/we-have-a-winner/ WE HAVE A WINNER!!
That was quick and so much fun! I couldn’t be more thrilled that the sweetest lady and my bloggy friend won…SHUG http://shug-stepsoffaith.blogspot.com/ ! Stop over to visit her and she will quickly touch your heart too, so sweet!
We did go on vacation to the beautiful SMOKEY MOUNTAINS in Gatlinburg Tn. We love it there and my sister in law gave us the use of her time share for Christmas! Best present eveh!!

One last shot of our trip, hiking on the first day…thought this would have given our location away… Thanks to everyone who played along. It is such a Blessing to have a give-away and i will be doing that again for sure!

I wish everyone a safe, Blessed 4th of July celebration!
Happy Birthday America and may God Bless our troops!

]]> Guess and Give Away https://www.truoriginal.com/2011/06/guess-and-give-away.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:39:00 +0000 https://www.truoriginal.com/guess-and-give-away/

                                                               8×10″ mixed media

Super excited (and kinda nervous) to give away this TRUoriginal!
This original piece of artwork was inspired by my kids and Psalms 17:8,
“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of the wings”
Followers, all you have to do to win is take a look at the photos and try and guess where my family and I went for our summer vacation. I will post 2 photos per post till we have a winner:)

                                                                Just out and about.

                                                               These were in bloom.

Have fun and thanks for playin:) Linking up up with Jennifer at STUDIO JRU….http://studiojru.com/blog/.

]]>