Cinnamon Pink

Create Graphics with Recite This Tool

 

Via HowAboutOrange, I learned about the recite this tool. Choose your favorite quote and transform it into a cool graphic which you can display on Web sites and blogs. 

You can also post your graphic on Tumblr, Facebook, Stumble Upon, Twitter and Pinterest.

For the graphic above, I used one of my favorite quotes. Then I chose a quote from the Quotes Library on the recite this site to create this graphic.

Take a few minutes and create a bunch of motivational graphics to energize you for the New Year.

 

Colors of the Year for 2013

As you plan your art projects for the coming year, you may want to incorporate the top color choices for 2013 from Pantone and Sherwin Williams. I'm glad to say good-bye to Tangerine Tango. I've never really been an orange person.

The 2013 Pantone color of the year is Emerald. I especially like the soothing look of their Spring colors.

 

 

Every year the paint company, Sherwin Williams, selects a color of the year. For 2013, the chosen color is Aloe which is part of their Vintage Moxie collection. For more inspiration on color, check out the Sherwin Williams Pinterest site.

Image from Sherwin Williams site

So what do you think? Are their any shades of blue or green in your future mixed-media art work?

Ten Laws of Productivity from 99u

Do you want to Create More Art this Year? Then check out the post, Ten Laws of Productivity, written by the Behance Team from 99u (Insights on Making Ideas Happen).

Here are two laws that I especially like:

• Law #5 - Work on your project a little bit each day. Stimulate your brain on a consistent basis every day, and those creative juices start to flow more freely. 
• Law #7 - Break big, long-term projects into smaller chunks or phases. "To help manage expectations and stay motivated for a year-long - or even multi-year endeavors - break each project into smaller chunks that only take a few weeks or a month to complete."

For more productivity ideas, check out the entire post.

Snow Post Cards - Winter Scene

I had my original watercolor painting of Snow made into 5" x 7" post cards. I ordered the cards from Vista Print and I do think that the image and colors look pretty good. Snow is actually the name of the character in the post card.

I used a round corner paper punch to accent the post card edges because I believe round corners add an elegant touch to post cards.

Your Art & the New Year Ahead

During the lull between Christmas and New Year's Day, you may want to take some time to think about Your Art and the New Year ahead. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Rework your artistic goals for 2013.
• Plan new art projects for the next few months. Better yet, plot out your projects for the entire year.
• Experiment with (new to you) art media. Dig out those new art supplies that you haven't used yet. Or invest in that hot new art tool/supply that you've been hearing about online.
• Sign up for an online art course - or Mixed-Media Art conference.
• Start fresh - Clean up - And declutter your Studio. The result will be a more relaxing work environment.

For more great ideas, check out these two excellent and informative posts from Artsy Shark written by Carolyn Edlund:

• Six Ways to End the Year Creatively
• Strategic Planning for Artists - Although this article was written in September, the tips are still relevant when planning for the new year.

Merry Christmas 2012

Wishing You All a Joyous and Relaxing Merry Christmas!

Teddie enjoyed wearing the red bow tie but he didn't care for all of the endless snapshots to get the picture just right.

Scored a Vintage Printers Tray

I scored this Vintage Printers Tray at my local Antique Shop. I had been looking for one of these trays for a while now. The trays that I spotted at other shops were much too large.

As you can see from the photograph, someone spilled a large amount of paint in the left-hand corner of the tray. Why do people do that?

Of course, I could cover the tray with paint or decorative paper. But I think that would destroy the vintage feel of the piece. I love old wood items.

Ron purchased some paint stripper which he will test on the tray. Via the Internet, I also found a recipe for handmade paint stripper. Here are the directions if you ever want to try it:

Handmade Paint Stripper Recipe

• Dissolve washing soda into cold water in a 1:1 ratio.
• Mix 2/3 cup flour into warm water and make a thick gel. Add the soda water to the flour gel solution.
• Using a paint brush, apply the mixture on the painted areas. Leave it on for thirty minutes - to a few days - keeping it moist by spraying water over the mixture.
• Last, wash off mixture with a vinegar and warm water solution.

After I finish treating the tray, I hope to fill it with mixed-media art pieces and art supplies. What do you do with vintage wood pieces?

 

My Art & Article Published In Somerset Life 2013

I'm happy to announce that my art and article entitled, How to Make Your Own Shabby Chic Book Bundles, appears in the new Somerset Life magazine (Jan/Feb/Mar 2013). I just received my complementary issue.

As always, the Stampington editors and photographers created amazing magic with my art work and produced some stunning photographs for the article.

In fact, the entire magazine is jam-packed with beautiful, inspiring images and art projects. I feel very honored to be a part of this Someset Life issue.

Creative January JumpStart Summit 2013 - Sign Up Now

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing Again in January 2013 with the: Creative (January) JumpStart Summit 2013 - A FREE EVENT. Here are the details from Nat, host of N*STUDIO:

"After last year’s success of Creative JumpStart I decided to organize it again. We had about 4.500 subscribers last year!  It was so much fun! So here is the scoop about it:

January is approaching–a month that is full with promises, resolutions and intentions. A month that for many is following lots of holiday celebrations, family gatherings and other end-of-the-year events.

It’s also time to start creating again. But suddenly there it is for some of us: that lost feeling on how to start. Here is the cure:

I invited a group of wonderful, inspiring and creative ladies and gentlemen from around the globe in the mixed media and scrapbooking world to join together for the Creative Jump Start Summit 2013.

We are coming together to show you some ways to get back into the creative groove and how to get your creative juices flowing. We want to share with you “3 Ways to …” help you jump-start your creativity in 2013."

The Summit is FREE but a donation is appreciated. Here are more details about the Creative JumpStart Summit.

Gift Yourself Etsy Treasury

'Gift Yourself Treasury' by KoppelStudio

You may be done with your Holiday Shopping. But what about YOU? Take a few minutes to glance through this Madcap Team Treasury - and GIFT YOURSELF this festive season.

Staunton Chess Piec... JimArnoldsChes... $550.00	Tattered Cashmere S... amberstudios $56.00	Custom iphone 5 rhi... DemiGoddessCo $59.00	pets cave, pink fuc... Storow $48.00
Paris Post Card Orn... KoppelStudio $13.50	Holiday Lookbook ha... themadcapheire... $24.00	Set of Two Red and ... ThePudgyRabbit $25.00	Fashion scarf red ... PIPPADUSHES $35.00
Elegant Cocktail ha... MonBoChapoHat $125.00	French Macaron - Ma... latikasoap $19.99	French Cat Print NoosedKitty $20.00	Lemon Meringue (Siz... AndersonSoapCo... $6.50
Woodland flower cro... gardensofwhims... $43.00	Olive Ash Burl iPho... carvedproducts $29.00	Christmas Tree Broo... PrettyNuts $13.00	Heart necklace ster... KittyStoykovic... $44.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Yesterday, I created this Treasury for the It's a Madcap Life Etsy Team. We have a large group of talented and creative members. Check us out!

Maybe you already know this - but in case you don't - Today (December 17) is Free Shipping Day. Over a thousand stores are participating.

I already visited Dick Blick. The latter offers a restriction of free shipping on every order of $17.00 or more. However, many other stores offer free shipping with no minimum purchase. Check out the Free Shipping site.

 

 

 

Holiday Zine Roundup 2012

Image from Sweet Living Magazine site

Whip up some hot chocolate and take a well-deserved break to peruse these free Holiday 2012 Zines:

• Sweet Living Magazine – Issue 5 - 2012
• Anthology Magazine 2012
• FunkyTime Magazine Holiday Issue 2012

You'll find great holiday tutorials and yummy recipes. Check it out.

The Mixed Media Directory from Cia Williford

Image from The Mixed Media Directory site & Briarwood Studio.com

I just found out about The Mixed Media Directory which is the recent creation of Cia Williford.

Here's a short description of the Directory from the site:

"The Mixed Media Art Directory is an all-encompassing directory for links related to mixed media: art and artists, shops and supplies, methods and mediums, blogs and web sites. Please feel free to browse our listings and suggest new ones. Find your favorite artists, or discover new ones! If you care to register, you'll even be able to keep a list of all your favorite links!"

Note: It is suggested that "artists do not add selling sites, i.e. Etsy, ArtFire, eBay, etc. Visitors can find those links on the individual artists' sites."

Cia hopes that the Directory "will grow to be an all-encompassing, one-stop-shop for all things relating to mixed media art."

Check it out - And Good Luck Cia on your new venture.

Sketchbooks Illustration - Jenni Sparks

Image from Swiss Miss blog
 

Lately, I've been working on assemblage-type art pieces - and consequently have been neglecting my daily sketchbook practice. I have been feeling guilty about that fact.

So when I saw this art work created by Jenni Sparks (via Swiss Miss), I knew it was a sign to get going on my daily sketching. I love the energy of Jenni's art illustration. 

Thank you to Swiss Miss for posting this art work - and thank you to Jenni for creating it.

New Art Work & Market Advice from ABI

I have been busily working on some new art projects. When I checked my blog, I was surprised to learn that I hadn't posted in a few days.

Does the time go by so quickly due to this hurry-up world of Smart Phones, Pinterest, Web trolling, Texting and Apps? My two guilty pleasures are the Web and Pinterest. How about you?

Back to my art, here are the two newest art pieces that I completed yesterday:

Shabby Chic Ornament in my Etsy Shop

Eiffel Tower Wall Decor in my Etsy Shop

I do want to leave you with links to two excellent articles that I found on The Arts Business Institute (ABI) blog. (I do receive updates from ABI which I highly recommend for good marketing advice).

• 50 Ways to Promote and Sell Your Art or Craft
• Hot Marketing Trends for Your Art Business

Check them out!

 

Holiday Treats & Treasures for the Ladies - Madcap Team Etsy Treasury

I just finished creating this Holiday Etsy Treasury that features members of the It's A Madcap Life Etsy Team. One enjoyable hazard of creating Treasuries is that you are exposed to so many tempting Etsy products. Check out this Treasury and you'll see what I mean.

'Holiday Treats & Treasures for the Ladies' by KoppelStudio

Check Out the Holiday Treats and Treasuries for that Special Lady in Your Life. Better yet, why not Gift Yourself this Holiday Season!

Mama's Cuppa Lu... LipSmackinCrea... $12.95	Christmas snowman ,... Made4uByMagic $39.00	Jane crystal hoop e... themadcapheire... $62.00	Femme Fatale TOTE B... MyLittleFrench... $45.00
Paris Plaque Orname... KoppelStudio $12.50	Aromatherapy Heatin... CrampCakes $19.95	Wedding Purple Flow... RomanticARTlif... $5.00	Japanese art silk h... ArmeniaOnSilk $48.00
Snow White necklace... greygirldesign... $68.00	Paper Lantern DIY k... CreateItGirl $10.00	Glistening Snow Bat... BOSSGirlsInc $45.00	Heart Necklace Vale... ILovedClover $27.00
Pink "Bunny&qu... CuriousStyle $30.00	Silver Locket Key C... SimplySweetStu... $13.00	Sparkle thank you n... FreshPaperStud... $16.00	Brown Copper Scarf ... WoollySheepDes... $59.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

New Holiday Ornaments in My Etsy Shop

I just finished creating this Paris Ornament and Queen Ornament and put them in my Etsy Shop. Working with the glaze was quite a challenge today but I'm happy with how the ornaments turned out.

String Tissue Paper Tutorial with My Modifications

Large Sheet of String Tissue Paper

Close-Up of String Tissue Paper

I recently saw a tutorial on Laura Lein-Svencner's blog on how to create String Tissue Paper. I tried to find the link to the tutorial but it may have been removed. 

Today, I decided to create some String Tissue Paper with ideas from Laura and many of my own modifications. Here's what I did:

• Place a large sheet of plastic sheeting on the floor and spray with a water mister. Lay large sheets of tissue paper on the plastic and press lightly. Cover tissue with a coating of spray adhesive.
• Cut up white cotton string which is the length and width of the tissue paper. Arrange the string in grids on the tissue paper. Mist with water and then with spray adhesive. The adhesive helps the string to adhere to the tissue paper.
• Lay sheets of tissue paper over the string. Mist with water and spray adhesive again.
• Mix up equal parts of water and matte medium with a few squirts of acrylic paint. Using a wide brush, gently paint the mixture over the tissue paper. Let dry.
• Last, mix up equal parts of water and matte medium. To this mixture, add some acrylic paint. I used Stewart Gill Byzantia Jewel Tone Metallic - Aegean. Let dry.

I plan to cut the string tissue paper into smaller sections and then add a variety of stained paint to each of the individual pieces of paper.

Thank you Laura for the inspiration.

Organizing Project Lists & To Do Lists

 

If you're like me, you probably juggle many mixed-media art projects at any given time. Well, I realized my To Do Lists and Project Lists were getting a bit disorganized - and many times misplaced in my pile of papers.

I decided to finally print up the Library Cards Template that I spoke about a while back. The cards come courtesy of the Creature Comforts blog.

I had them printed at Office Max in two different colors so that they won't get lost in my paper clutter. I used a set of mini stamps to print out To Do and Projects. I used masking tape to hold the individual letter stamps together for ease of stamping.

How do you stay organized?

 

New Ornament Design - Believe

I just finished designing this Sparkly Holiday Ornament. The sweet little girl is a Paper Whimsy image. She encourages all of us to Believe during this wonderful festive season. You can find this ornament in my Etsy Shop.

I spend hours working on the ornaments which I create. Ultimately, I feel it's worth the time because of the lovely compliments that I receive from my customers. And I treasure each and every compliment.