Monday, June 1, 2015

The Summer of Color, 2015!


"Darling, it wouldn't be a party without you."
- Anon


Have. You. Heard?


Eeeeeeeeeeeeep! It's here! It's here! And from all you've been saying, it looks like The SOC 5 is gonna be another exciting Summer of creativity, connection & fun! So whether you're joining us for the first time or you've been here from the beginning, I promise that this - the anniversary of our fifth color-splashed year - is one not to be missed! 

But. Wait. You Don't Know About The Summer of Color?
Oh, sorry. (I forget about that). Think of The Summer of Color as a big, international blog party featuring six weeks of color prompts, weekly linking opportunities, fabulous giveaways, creative inspirations and an amazing artistic community. Oh, and it's totally free. And awesome. Just saying. 

So You Said It's Been 5 Years?
Um, yeah. Crazy, right? And to celebrate, this year we're taking the best, most popular aspects of the last 5 years and mushing them altogether. In other words, only the very best bits will make this year's cut. That includes the most popular opening-week giveaway, the most popular color palettes (or versions therein) and the most popular way of approaching the challenges by giving you the final say on what hues you'll choose. Oh! And we're adding a couple of new things as well, including a weekly PDF that you can print out and use to organize your weekly palettes. 

Nicccceeee! So How Does This Thing Work? 
Easy-peasy. From next Monday on, there will be a color palette announced here on this blog. You will then have until Sunday morning of the same week to complete your piece based upon that prompt. You can share your work through your blog, Facebook, Flickr, Pinterest, Instagram or really, anything that can be linked here to this blog (so that we can all see your beautiful work). A linking device 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 here the following week.  

But You Haven't Told Us About The Theme, "Color by Number."
Ohhhhhhh, right! Well now, I bet you want to know about that! Okay, here goes: for The SOC 5: Color by Number, you will be prompted to choose a combination of colors that you prefer, based upon a generic color palette that I will provide. Each week the palette will be 2 of one color + 1 of another. For example, if the color prompt for the week is say, Yellow and Orange, then you will be prompted to choose your favorite 2 Yellows + 1 Orange. So while some may be using butter yellow, goldenrod and neon orange, others may be using mustard, citron and perhaps tangerine. Either way, we will all be working with the same basic palette, but our choices within that palette will be as varied as we are.

And 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. It's totally up to you. 

What Kinds Of Things Will We See?
Oh, there's so much! But if you'd like an idea of what types of projects we've seen in the past, check these links out:
Did I miss anything? Surprise me! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

I've Got It! Now, 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 morning, 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.

Can Anyone Participate?
But of course! Anyone who has a blog, Facebook, Flickr or any other account that can be linked here 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. Cool? Cool. 

And What About Social Media?
Oh yes, that. You may want to follow this blog (so as not to miss a thing), and there is also both a Facebook group and Flickr pool created especially for our event. I've also identified a hashtag that we can use for all other social media outlets. Just tag #TheSummerofColor5 to keep us all on the same page.  

So, What Do We Do This Week?
For this, our introductory week, the task is simple. Please just help me spread the word. Since the whole idea of our event is to foster creativity, community and connection, the more of us who come out to play, the better. Anddddddd to thank you for your efforts, I'm offering one lucky person the most popular of our opening giveaways. Are you ready for it? 

A $50 Gift Certificate to Blick Art Materials

I know, right? (Makes me all jelly inside). Now, I know some of you have already started to share the news, but I want to thank you formally for doing so. So, 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'll be in the running! The winner will be announced here next Monday, June 8th.

Oh! And Because I Created A Different Video Last Year:
You can use either one of those too. Wanna see that one again? K, here it is:



Speaking of Next Monday, June 8th:
You'll want to come back here for our first week's color prompt, our first colorful giveaway, our first new PDF, the announcement of our Blick gift card winner and, well, something else that's new. Something that I hope you'll agree makes this year the most exciting and interactive ever. Wanna hint? How 'bout two: One, I'm playing along with you this year and two, well, you'll wanna watch this space. . . .

Ready? Okay!



To Love, Color & The Love of Color,
Kristin xo

87 comments:

Valerie-Jael said...

Looking forward to the start next week! I have your button on my blog! Hugs, Valerie

Unknown said...

Hoping to tie in with some of the making I need to do over this Summer. I always love this event. Shared on Facebook as I have shamefully neglected my blog this year.

Bernice Hopper said...

I've shared it on Facebook

PaintingWrite said...

Looking forward it as ever Kristin! tho share on Facebook!

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Ah, dear Kristin. I have had your blog button on my blog since the end of last summer. I've also mentioned SOC twice on my blog, the latest one early this morning (Monday, June 1). This sounds like a fun color experience and I look forward to playing each week again this year.

Sharon Fritchman said...

I can't wait to begin next week, Kristin! This is going to be so much fun! I have your button on my blog for the past 2 years since I have been playing along, and I am going to share your video on Facebook, too! You are right - the more the merrier and the more inspiration we all will get! And I am happy that you are playing along this year, too! YAY!

Unknown said...

Sharing on Instagram, Twitter, and FB! Can't wait to play!!

Unknown said...

Soooo looking forward to participating again this year! i have the button on my blog and an invite on Facebook. Will have blog posts this Wednesday and Friday for the link parties I participate in. Many thanks for doing this again this year!

Laila said...

Happy day!! So looking forward to this. Button shared on my blog, also spoke about in in a blogpost. I've also discussed it in a private FB group, and I hope someone from there will join in as well.

Christine said...

I have your button on my blog!

TwinkleToes2day said...

This is so exciting, I love the colour combo idea and am very intrigued about what's next. I have the button on my blog and shared in a resent post too.
Thanks for the high suspension Kristin {{Hugs}} Mo xo

KarenB said...

Shared your FB post to the Color Junkies Unite! group on FB. Looking forward to next Monday.

Halle said...

I've been displaying the SOC5 badge since last summer. I love this challenge!! So excited to get started.

Mary Ann Potter said...

Yay! Color on the way! I've had your SOC 2015 button on my blog for a few months now. Sure would love to win a prize this year!

Thanks for explaining the Color by Number theme. What a great idea.

Sending blessings your way, Kristin. And Happy Summer of Color wishes, too! 8-)

Unknown said...

I'm looking forward to this again. I shared on my blog and on Facebook. Thank you for all the hard work that you put into making this happen.

Debra B. said...

I've shared on Facebook, should be so much fun!

2amscrapper said...

I shared on my blog HERE: http://2amscrapper.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-summer-of-color-5.html AND on my FaceBook Group. Looking forward to starting next week. Thanks for all your hard work organizing this! Helene

JenHoney said...

I just shared the video to my professional facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/jenhoney)! So excited.

Anonymous said...

Shared on FB! My first SOC!

NancyJB said...

Yay! I shared on Facebook and Instagram.

froebelsternchen said...

Looking forward to the start ! I have your button on my blog! Hugs,Susi

Deborah Weber said...

So much fun! I'm ready - let the Summer of Color begin! I shared on FB and made mention on my blog, and now I'm looking forward to playing.

Betsy said...

I am really looking forward to this. I found you through LifeBook. I shared on Facebook and could really use the $50 to Dick Blick (who couldn't?). =)

Linda Kunsman said...

SOOOOO excited!!! I have your blog button on my sidebar and I've mentioned and linked about this several times. Will do so in my next post too:)

LaChelle Unger said...

Can't believe it's finally here! I have shared on Facebook :)

scrappyjacky said...

Have shared on Facebook.

K J D said...

Kristin.... I can't wait to see you on SOC;)

Super excited about it.... I have your button on my blog and I've mentioned SOC 5 a few times and will happily again on my next post.

Thanks for being such a great host!

Karen x

Carmen said...

Dancing in my seat here! Officially finished maths last week (trying to ignore the two upcoming exams!) What better way to celebrate than with SUMMER OF COLOOOOOUUUURRRRR! YEAH!

*ahem*

Been sharing with the sidebar badge, mentioned you in a couple of blog posts, mentioned you on FB and instagram... well to anyone that will listen really - and even a few that wont :D :D I'm always amazed when people DON'T know about SoC!

Bring it! Bring it bring it! Bring it! Color Time! (Doing a little MC Hammer move for you this week!)

Boo G said...

I'm so excited I wrote a special Summer of Color blog post for my blog, Stamplaughplay.blogspot.com. I also shared on Facebook.

peggy gatto said...

wha who, her we go, my favorite challenge!!!

crafty mum said...

hope you have room for 2 more little ones me and my daughter will be joining in this year again xxx http://craftymum23.blogspot.co.uk

Chris Main Pratt said...

I posted information about The Summer of Color to the Yahoo group for our bead society. I hope many of them join in!

Karla B said...

I have the button on my blog a couple of weeks but I'll post something about it today.

Lori Saul said...

I have put your button on my blog and am looking forward to some fun color challenges!

bmlilith60 said...

Can't wait to start, this is new to me. I put your button on my blog.

Rolina said...

I have put the button on my blog and am looking forward to starting - I have waited YEARS to do this!
(PS, I am not in it for the prizes, so if you draw my name, please chuck it away and draw another! Thanks and good luck to the winner anyway)

Terri Corona said...

Added the buttom to my blog - I'd put it on Facebook if I ever actually went on Facebook!

dena ann said...

I'm new to SOC, and the colors on the blog banner were too happy to resist! I posted it on my blog. I'll definitely mention this on FB too, where I share much of my work!

blondiesr71 said...

Shared on facebook a month or so ago :) I'm a newbie to this class and I can't wait for Iit to start!! I plan on streatching myself by using different types of medium to wo3k on.

clarose said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
clarose said...

Shared on my facebook.

roz_who said...

Looks like fun. I shared on FB. Thanks.

Mariane said...

Looks really great... Looking forward to see what is coming up... Shared on my FB page :)

Nordljus said...

Looking forward to to getting the paints out next Monday :) Put the blog button in today's blog post.

denthe said...

Wow, only working with three tints ... that's going to be a challenge ... Talked about SOC on my blog and just put your button in my sidebar too!

Joanna said...

I've been waiting for the start of Summer Of Color 5 since the end of Summer of Color 4!

My blog has been wearing your badge all that time, and today I have written a blog post, which will be shared on FB and twitter.

Bring it on!

http://fiddlesnips.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/summer-of-color-is-back.html

xxx

Unknown said...

I've shared on Facebook! This is my first year and I am looking forward to it!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

Looking forward to playing for my second time! This year sounds like even more fun!

I shared your button on my blog.

GlorV1 said...

Hi and happy day. I do have your button on my blog and am looking forward to the weeks ahead.

Carol said...

Looking forward to a fun time and a boost to get back into regularly doing art. I've added the button to my blog and will be sharing on Facebook too :)

SCarol said...

I haven't done this before but it looks like so much fun I'm goin to jump in. Can't wait!

Maria Ontiveros said...

Blogged about it today and have tier button.
Can't wait till next week.
http://gallorganico.blogspot.com/2015/06/setting-intention-for-june-3d-mixed.html

sara j said...

So excited to learn about this. What could be better than anything COLOR???? Well nothing in my book. I shared with my Facebook friends hoping to entice some quilters and card makers I know! See you next Monday. and THANKS for putting this all together. I simply love the internet. :)

Win Dinn, Artist said...

So glad Rolina clued me in on this...I'm all over the colour factor. I've posted on my fb page, as well as the page for my students...delighted to be playing!

Iti Fox said...

Well, ive been emailing my friends and adding the url to fb groups... Ive noticed in some groups someone beat me to it! Great, can hardly wait for this to start. I get so excited to see the wonderful creations in so many different mediums.

itsamistry said...

Really looking forward to joining in the fun again. Can't wait to see what colour combinations you've come up with this year.

Mellowood Gallery said...

This sounds really interesting so I am going to give it a try this year. A friend shared it on FB and although I don't understand everything about the blog and the button stuff I figure I will get it as things go along. Let the games begin!

debs14 said...

I've seen this on a couple of blogs I follow so had to pop over and have a look to see what it's about! I'm keen to join in, and have added your button to my blog and a link in today's blog post. Looking forward to seeing what colour combinations you introduce us to.

Unknown said...

Shared on Facebook! I can't wait for next week!

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

So excited about this again this year..sharing SOC logo on my blog this month, shared on Pinterest !!

Jenny said...

Super excited to be a part of the fun this year Kristin... popped your button onto my blog and shared it in my latest post... can't wait to play :)

Jenny X

BJ said...

I added your link to my face book page earlier in the week having been prompted by another FB link to your page. Jolly good job as as I haven't been too well myself and had completely forgotten this wonderful Summer fun. I have just added your link to my blog although the html script didn't work so I had to use the image and do the link myself. Looking forward to next week. BJ

Plush Possum Studio said...

You can count me in, too!
Over at
http://plushpossumstudio.blogspot.com/
we have your button placed prominently (right side).
I personally cannot wait to get started!
:)
TY!
Rose

Ayala Art said...

I shared in my FB, and making a post in my blog too :D

Yvonne/yrd1@hotmail.com said...

Hi,

How do I sign-up for blog posts by email?

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

I'm here and spreading the love on my blog. :) HOpe I get to play this year.

Unknown said...

My first yr here...I shared over on my blog! Looking forward to the challenge!

JansArtyJunk said...

Looking forward to the 5th fabulous year of Summer of Color Kristen!...Have shared on FB and on my blog
http://jansartyjunk.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/a-summer-of-colour-and-photograph.html
...and will put your button on my sidebar ;)
Hugs Jan x

brenda lee said...

I can't wait! I've been looking forward to this all year. I hate that my move is right in the very beginning so I'll be a little behind, but hopefully not too far behind! Art supplies will be unpacked first!!! (ok, maybe 2nd!)

I've got a button, of course, and post on my blog. I love this event!

Ileana said...

How wonderful for you to be doing this challenge again and again! This 2 colors + 1 idea is fabulous! Looking forward to more inspiration and creativity! I just shared the SOC5 button on my blog.

Victoria said...

I shared on my Facebook page, and I'm so happy to see some of my friends are joining!

Plush Possum Studio said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anewdawn 16 said...

shared on my blog :)

Jewels said...

Badge on my blog and talking to all my artsy peeps about it! Yayeeeeeeee

Unknown said...

My second year participating and I posted a blog post to share the excitement
http://www.carmenwhitehead.com/summer-of-color-2015/

Jackie PN said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jackie PN said...

How exciting Kristin!!
I've shared on my FB page and also on my fav platform- Google+ !!
Can't wait till the 8th! xx

Win Dinn, Artist said...

Shared on fb to my main page and my student page...can hardly wait for Monday.

Martice Smith said...

My first year here! Happy to be joining in on the fun! Shared on Google+ and in a few Fb groups. Thank you, Kristin!

Denise said...

Hi kristen-It's been a long time, a whole Year but I'm always glad to come out and play SOC. I'm looking forward to it. I put Your button on My sidebar and I hope to post about the prompts You give to Us.Glad to be back-Denise of Coffeeberry Cottage

DaisyTea said...

Looks like TONS OF FUN!!! Just moving into a new home, so I'll be jumping in late. Looking forward to the inspiration!!!

Kathryn Zbrzezny said...

Thank you! Looking forward to SOC5!! I have your lobely badge up on my Blog! Hugs, kathy

Kristin Aquariann said...

I missed out last year, but am looking forward to playing this time! I shared on my Giveaway Chest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/giveawaychest

Annalee said...

Yay, I'm so excited! I popped in and out of last year's SOC and had a blast! As soon as I can figure out how to post badges on my new blog, I'll have it there, but for now IG and Twitter are my main places of sharing. See you again on Monday!
XOXO
Annalee

Özge Başağaç said...

Last year i could only join midway. This year i hope to make each week's challenge. I have posted the badge on my blog.

Lynette (NZ) said...

On my blog :-) http://lynettecollis.blogspot.co.nz/2015/06/inspiration-and-free-in-june.html

Kristin said...

Woooo!! I'm excited! I've posted on my Facebook about it :-D