Cinnamon Pink

The Cool Hunter - Check It Out

Image from The Cool Hunter - The garden of Saiho Ji in Kyoto, Japan.

Via StumbleUpon, I came across this site that is new to me called The Cool Hunter. If you haven't visited this resource, take some time to check out the beautiful photographs and posts. 

Here's some background information from their About Us page:

"Led by founder Bill Tikos, The Cool Hunter celebrates creativity in all of its modern manifestations. Since its inception in 2004 The Cool Hunter has become the world's most-read culture and design site, a leading authority on all things creative and a truly global hub for what's cool, thoughtful, innovative and original. We value global relevance, not trends, channeling our discoveries to our worldwide audience."

Check Out The Matboard

Image from the Creative Bloq site

We all know about Pinterest but have you heard about The Matboard?

According to the site's developers , "The Matboard is a social bookmarking hub for the creative world which will enable users to explore, share, and inspire creative work via two of the most compelling elements of social media: creative visual content and social media sharing capabilities."

"The Matboard will offer the creative world a digital platform from which they can connect with others based on their shared creative tastes and interests."

The site is organized into categories such as Typography, Logos, Stationery, Magazine Design, Print, Posters, Vintage Design, Infographics - and more. I'm very impressed by the images that I found. You have to check it out.

The Creative Pathfinder - Free Course from Mark McGuinness

Image from Lateral Action site

Here's a great way to start the New Year:

"Sign up for The Creative Pathfinder Foundation Course  – a FREE 26-part creative career guide, delivered to your inbox (courtesy of Mark McGuinness). It will equip you with essential skills to succeed in the 21st-century creative economy – whether you’re a freelancer, independent artist, entrepreneur or employee."

 Mark McGuinness is a poet and a coach for artists and creatives. He has been coaching and training creative professionals since 1996, when he started practicing as a psychotherapist and noticed he had a high proportion of artistic clients suffering from conditions such as writer’s block and stage fright.

Here are links to his blogs - Lateral Action  and Wishful Thinking . Check them out!

 

2012 Most Popular Posts from 12 Leading Design Sites - from 1 Design Per Day

DIY Wax Paper Candleholders - Image from 1 Design Per Day
 

In need of some inspiration and eye candy? Then check out the 2012 Most Popular Posts by 12 Leading Design Sites courtesy of the 1 Design Per Day site (an Inspirational Product Design eMagazine).

I absolutely love the DIY Wax Paper Candleholders. Here is the easy tutorial brought to you by Apartment Therapy.

The only supplies you need are: wax paper, tea lights (electronic) and a little time spent folding. What an easy and elegant DIY project!

Bella Crafts Quarterly™ - Check it Out!

Winter Journey 2012 Issue, image from Bella Crafts site

I recently discovered the publication, Bella Crafts Quarterly.™

Here is a description of the magazine from the Bella Crafts Creative Team which are composed of professional craft designers:

"Bella Crafts Quarterly™ is the #1 digital craft publication that is always free for readers to view online or download.  You will always enjoy oodles of innovative and inspiring craft projects here."  

"However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg!  In this innovative publication you will also meet industry professionals and delve into insightful, educational articles pertaining to crafting and craft business."

Bella Crafts Quarterly™ produces 4 full issues per year. Special Editions are also issued in between Quarterly issues. Check out the publication and subscribe today.

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.

 

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.

Eiffel Tower Ornament Published in the ABI Handmade Holiday Gift Guide

The Arts Business Institute (ABI) has recently released their juried, 2nd Annual Great Handmade Holiday Gift Guide. I'm thrilled to report that my Parisian Blue Eiffel Tower Ornament is listed in the Under $50 Category. You can find this ornament in my Etsy Shop.

The Guide offers a dazzling variety of lovely gifts in a range of prices: $100. And Up - $50 to $100 - and Under $50.

The best part is that the gifts are handcrafted and made in the USA. Check out the ABI Handmade Holiday Gift Guide today.

 

Happy Thanksgiving 2012

 

Image from The Graphics Fairy site

Wishing You All a Happy & Relaxing Thanksgiving Day!

On a side note: I discovered a (new to me) search engine site called DuckDuckGo.

Here's a few facts about this search engine: DuckDuckGo does not collect or share personal information. They offer DuckDuckGoodies which are special queries that can give instant answers.

Check DuckDuckGo out.

Interview with Corinna Bucholz (Piddix) on Smart Creative Women

Image from Smart Creative Women site

Via the Piddix Newsletter, I learned about Corinna Bucholz's interview on Smart Creative Women - a Web show, hosted by Monica Lee, that features women running businesses creatively.

Here's what Lee says about her site: "My hope is for you to be able to hear how women today are carving out a place for themselves using their very best resource, their creativity and realize that you can do it as well!"

During Corinna's interview, she talks about Etsy, licensing, copyright, and how her business got started. Take a quick coffee break and check out this interesting and inspirational video.

Then come back later and visit Smart Creative Women to listen to other Guest Interviews.

 

Catalyzing Happiness from Delivering Happiness site

Image from Delivering Happiness site

I just discovered the Delivering Happiness site and I came across this inspiring article, Catalyzing Happiness: Happy Hands Make Happy Days! written by Stacey Hall.

Hall references Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who is a leading researcher in positive psychology. I especially like his book, Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention. 

The post begins with a quote which I added to my Quotations List: “Happiness is a condition that must be prepared for, cultivated and defended privately by each person.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

Check Hall's post - and then take some time to poke around the Delivering Happiness site. Lots of good stuff here.

Thinking Mindset vs Doing Mindset from 99U

Today, I came across an interesting article on 99U (Behance) entitled, The Thinking Mindset vs. The Doing Mindset - Pick One (And Only One) written by Art Markman.

I especially liked this quote from Markman's article: "Change your environment, and you will change the way you think."

How do you encourage your Thinking Mindset? What do you do to kick up your Doing Mindset?

BTW, Happy Election Day. I hope you all voted today.

 

 

29 Ways to Stay Creative on Behance

Image from Behance site

I LOVE this infographic that I spotted on Behance. The graphic, 29 Ways to Stay Creative, was designed by Islam Abudaoud. He is one talented guy!

 

Mod Podge Image Transfer Tutorial - From Gardners Two Bergers

Image from From Gardners Two Bergers Blog

I'm always seeking out different image transfer techniques. I love this cool Apiary Sign created by Becca, host of From Gardners Two Bergers.

The step that intrigued me in her tutorial were the directions to "Paint one side of a sheet of printer paper with Washable Elmer's Glue, achieving complete coverage. Once the paper is dry, print out the image on the glued side." I never tried this method but I believe the glue may help produce a better image.

Check out Becca's Mod Podge Image Transfer Tutorial. Make sure that you carefully follow all the steps in her tutorial to get the best results.

Check Out the 'Old Picture of the Day' Blog

Image from Old Picture of the Day blog

Today, I discovered this wonderful blog called Old Picture of the Day. Each day the host, Paul, brings readers "a stunning little glimpse of history in the form of a historical photograph."

I fell in love with this 1902 photo of a Children's Tea Party. Take some time to explore the site. There's lots to see.

Hurricane Sandy Update: Right now in Eastern North Carolina, we're getting heavy rain and strong wind. It looks as if Sandy is going to overstay her welcome on the East Coast.

Paper Clay Recipe from Dahlhart Lane

Image from Dahlhart Lane blog

Today, I found this recipe for making Paper Clay from Malinda, host of the Dahlhart Lane blog. The original recipe comes from Jonni's Ultimate Paper Mache site. Malinda altered the recipe slightly to achieve a thicker consistency of clay. I love the clay's texture.

First, check out Malinda's recipe. And then make sure you visit the Ultimate Paper Mache site too - Lots of good stuff there.

Note: Here in eastern North Carolina we are awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Sandy. Indeed, a most unwelcome guest! According to weather reports, the heavy rain and wind will begin Saturday evening and may continue on till Monday or Tuesday.

Creativity Roundup from HOW Design

 image from HOW Design site

Need to jumpstart your day? Then check out these fresh and innovative ideas from How Design:

• First, here's a gem of a resource from HOW. Bookmark this link so that you're ready to fire up your next art project with 30 DAYS OF CREATIVITY EXERCISES & DESIGN INSPIRATION.

• Knock down that creative roadblock with this post,Five Exercises to Get Your Creativity Unstuck written by Sarah Whitman.

• Need some new ideas for an upcoming mixed-media art project? Read the article, Brainstorming by Yourself written by Sam Harrison

 

 

100+ Ways to Creatively Reuse Old Magazines from Always Chrysti

Via Lesley Riley, host of Artist Success, I found this interesting post on 100+ WAYS TO CREATIVELY REUSE OLD MAGAZINES courtesy of  the Always Chrysti blog.

Now I know that all of you mixed-media artists probably have stacks of old magazines. Me included. Check out what you can do with them by visiting Chrysti's post.

BTW, I suggest subscribing to Leslie's newsletter. She always offers lots of good information and inspirational articles.

The Mixed Media Art Directory - Check It Out!

Image from The Mixed Media Art Directory site

Today, I came across a new site called The Mixed Media Art Directory. Here's a description from the site's home page:

"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. 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!"

The site is still in the growing stage but there's a lot to see. Check it out!

Make a Junk Journal - Tutorial from The Ragged Edge.

Image from The Ragged Edge Junk Journal

Have you ever created a Junk Journal? If you haven't tried making one yet, then check out this great Squidoo page from The Ragged Edge.

Not only does the host exactly explain what a Junk Journal is - She also offers step-by-step instructions on how to make your own Junk Journal. Lots of good stuff here - Check it out!

Virtual Paint Mixer Tool from Golden Paints

 

Image from Golden Paints site

Check out the new, FREE Golden MXR—a virtual paint mixer that allows you to experiment with color mixtures - proportions - match colors - and create palettes without picking up a brush.

Here's a more detailed description of this tool: With Golden MXR, artists can mix paint colors without using paint. Through exploration and play, artists will develop a feel for the correct proportions and the best colors to use.

Photos can be uploaded to match colors and create palettes. The program accounts for the physical characteristics within GOLDEN paints, so artists can get closer to the colors they want faster than ever before, saving time, saving frustration, and saving paint.

Start playing with paint with the Golden MXR Tool today.

Paper Art Fall Wreath from House of Hepworths

Image from House of Hepworths site

I love Paper Art Wreaths. They are quite time-consuming to make but their shabby chic-style adds a lovely look to a room's wall.  

Allison, host of House of Hepworths, offers a unique twist with her  Martha-Inspired Fall Wreath by using Crinkle Paper Ribbon. Make sure you check out the other tutorials on Allison's site too.

 

Make an Art Journal with Used Grocery Bags from Judy Wise

Image from the blog of Judy Wise

You must check out this tutorial, from Judy Wise, on How to Make a Journal from Used Grocery Bags. (Scroll down the blog post to see the step-by-step instructions.)

I love the yummy texture and distressed look of these pages.

 

Using Pinterest as a Tool in Your Art

 

For the past few days, I've been losing my Internet connection (about 50 times a day) so I wasn't able to post. Yesterday, the cable guy finally came and said that there was a problem with the outside wires which he fixed BUT that I should call the ISP if I continue to experience problems. It is the BUT that concerns me. I'll see how the day goes.

Today, I came across two interesting articles on how to use Pinterest. The first, 200+ Pinterest Boards for Designers to Follow, was written by Joshua Johnson for the design shack site. Now, I'm not a designer but I think these boards would be of interest to artists.

The second article, Pinterest: A Tool, Not a Time Waster was written by Rose Clearfield (Random Creative).  

Clearfield suggests the following productive ways to use Pinterest - Blog Posts & Articles, Brainstorming, Bookmarking, Group Collaboration, Sharing Your Posts & Products, Promoting the Work of Others, Research for Your Own Products, Networking and Searching for Inspiration.

She also provides links to other informative articles on Pinterest. How do you use Pinterest as a tool in your daily artistic life?

 

 

How Simplicity Can Help Creativity: from Zen Habits

Leo Babauta, creator and writer of Zen Habits, offers us an inspiring post on How Simplicity Can Help Creativity, Briefly.

Here's a little background on his site in Leo's own words:

"Zen Habits is about finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important - create something amazing - and find happiness."

"The site also happens to be one of the Top 25 Blogs and Top 50 Websites in the world with about 250,000 readers."

Take some time to tool around his inspiring site. New viewers should start here: The Beginner’s Guide to Zen Habits: A Guided Tour. 

 Read a few of his posts and you're bound to get your weekend off to a positive beginning.

 

How to Make Drawing a Part Of Your Life from Studentz

Image from How to Make Drawing a Part Of Your Life Lens

If you read my blog regularly, you know that I'm always working on my drawing skills. I came across this great Squidoo lens on How to Make Drawing a Part Of Your Life (Daily Creativity by Keeping a Sketchbook). The lens was created by Studentz (Fern).

There's lots to look at on this lens. Make sure that you scroll down to the end of the page to see it all.

Then make sure that you follow Fern's advice:  "Keep your sketchbook - and pencils/pens - nearby with the blank page ready for your next drawing. If you spend a lot of time at the computer, keep the sketchbook within reach."

Fern also has a blog called Crafter-Holic. Check it out. And then don't forget to Draw Today!

 

12 Mini Trends to Run with Now from Trend Watching

Image from Trend Watching site

Trend Watching just issued a report on 12 Mini Trends to Run with Now which focuses on consumer and business trends that could yield you some profitable innovations.

The holidays are not that far away for Indie vendors. Check out these trends and see what they can do for your small business.

Free Collage Sheets & Images Directory from Squidoo

 

Image from Digital Collage Sheets
 

I hope you are enjoying your Holiday today.

If you're looking for free collage images, I found a site that may keep you busy: Free Collage Sheets And Images Directory from Squidoo. This lens was created by Betsi Goutal.

I noticed that some of the free sites have not been updated but you can still download their free images.

I love the Letter & Addressed Envelope images above (Free Collage Sheet #4) from Digital Collage Sheets. I have purchased images from this vendor and their images are beautiful and of high quality.

 

 

 

Rubber Stamp Carving

I recently purchased a Speedball Lino Cutter Kit to experiment with rubber stamp carving. Luckily, I found this Letterboxing site that offers a Stamp Carving 101 Tutorial.

Alma Stoller offers a great Carve Your Own Rubber Stamp Tutorial too.

Hmmm.....Now I just need to find some time to start carving.

Pinterest Tips for Artists from ABI

Are you spending a lot of time on Pinterest lately vewing other people's art? How about using Pinterest to promote your own business instead?

Take a few minutes to check out the post, Pinterest Tips for Artists, on the Arts Business Institute's (ABI) site. You'll find 13 great tips on how to make Pinterest work for your own art business.

Social Media Tips from Amy Porterfield

Check out this informative post from Social Media Expert Amy Porterfield: 3 Quick Actions to Stay Ahead of the Latest Social Media Trends. Amy talks about Pinterest, Timeline (Facebook) and Google+. 

Here's another interesting post from her blog: The 10 Commandments of Using Pinterest for Business. Now, I just need to find the time to put some of these ideas into action.

 

 

 

The Big Ideas from Tara Sophia Mohr

Check out this thought-provoking article, The Big Ideas,  from Tara Sophia Mohr.

Tara encourages readers to choose one of the Seven Ideas that calls out to them - and to explore that idea today. Which idea will you choose?

Smart Creative Women Web Show - Check it Out!

Image from Smart Creative Women Site

Via Tara Reed's Art Licensing blog, I learned about Smart Creative Women. This is a Web Show that features women running businesses creatively.

According to the site, Creative business owners include "artists, interior designers, fashion designers, clever business bloggers and creative entrepreneurs in all shapes and sizes. " 

Site Owner, Monica Lee, offers informaion on "how these women got started and how they grew their businesses. These women pass on inspiration as well as provide practical how-to’s to help other women in their community."

Check out Monica's blog post, What I Really Think about Art Licensing (and Any Business in General). You can also find useful tips in the site category, Resources & Information.

To make sure that you are notified about future Web Shows about Smart Creative Women, you can easily subscribe on Monica's site.

Add Color to Your Art with COLOURlovers and Kuler Tools

Image from COLOURlovers site

The next time that you want help with developing a color scheme for your mixed-media art piece, check out  COLOURlovers. Here's a description of the site from their home page:

"COLOURlovers is a creative community where people from around the world create and share colors, palettes and patterns, discuss the latest trends and explore colorful articles... All in the spirit of love."

Their channels include: Wedding, Home, Fashion, Web, Print, Craft and Business.

According to the site, "there are over 2,243,856 user-created color palettes to inspire you with ideas. You can also browse a library of 13,466 fun shapes, perfect for your patterns or other creative projects." 

"You'll find over 5,612,718 user-named colors to kick start your creative projects." Really, there's so much more to view on this site. You'll be occupied for hours.....maybe days. Be sure to read their blog posts for interesting and inspiring ideas. 

Kuler image from Presentation Zen site

Via Presentation Zen, I heard about Kuler  which is a web-based, color tool from Adobe. Here is another tool that can jumpstart your art projects.

The site has thousands of community-generated color themes from which you can search. Registration is free enabling you to make your own color themes or palettes - and save them. Lots to see here - Check them out too!

100+ Ways to Creatively Reuse Old Magazines from Always Chrysti

Image from Always Chrysti site

If you're like me, you probably use vintage, and outdated, magazines in your collage and mixed-media art work. I especially like to use vintage magazines for my Art Journal pages.

I usually tear out interesting images, typography and catchy phrases from these magazines and store them in bulging accordian files.

If you want even more ideas on how to use up those old magazines, check out the Always Chrysti blog for her roundup on 100+ Ways to Creatively Reuse Old Magazines.

Some of the categories include: Craft Supplies, Furnishings, Decor, Accessories and more! Check it out!

 

Use Library Cards from Creature Comforts as Art 'To Do Lists'

Happy July 4th! Make sure you make time for yourself to do something that you enjoy.

I usually keep a short To Do List of the art projects that I am currently working on. I was using simple index cards but they kept getting lost in my piles of paper and art supplies.

I found these cool Library Cards (download) at the Creature Comfort blog - and I think that they will work for me. Somehow, I view the Library Cards as more serious To Do Lists. You can even print them out in colors so that you can find them more easily.

Ez offers readers three different downloads:

• Library Card Pocket Templates
• Printable Standard Library Cards
• Printable Mini Note Cards 

You can access the main link to the Freebie Post here. Thank you Ez for these wonderful, free goodies! 

What do you use for your Art Project To Do Lists?

 

Wee Houses - Templates & Tutorials from melstampz

Image from melstampz blog

Yesterday, I pinned this link on my Pinterest boards but in case you didn't see it, here's a sweet selection of Wee Houses - 124 Links - Templates & Tutorials from the blog of melstampz.

I agree with Mel. My favorite house is also Victoria Magazine's Harvest House Template. There are three different house-style templates in one PDF.

It's already June. This is probably a good time to begin working on your Christmas ornaments/gifts. Check out the Wee Houses links and start creating. 

Note: There's lots to see on Mel's blog. Take a few minutes to check it out on your next coffee break.

Online Book: What to Draw and How to Draw It - Published in 1913

Check out this online book, What to Draw and How to Draw It, written by E.G. Lutz - and published in 1913. Although the book was published long ago, there are still many drawing techniques that may be helpful to the contemporary artist.

The book is part of the Open Library which is a project of the non-profit Internet Archive. You can find more information about Open Library here. 

20 Beautiful Handwritten Fonts that Shouldn’t be Free from demilked

Image from demilked site

During my continuing research into Fonts and Handlettering, I came across this post on the demilked site: 20 Beautiful Handwritten Fonts That Shouldn’t be Free. You have to check them out. The fonts can be downloaded - or you can practice your lettering by copying them by hand.

Tom is the host of demilked. I love his description of the site. Here it is in his own words:

"Demilked is a design milking magazine. We milk the world's most creative minds and make you tasty inspiration cocktails by mixing industrial design, technology, concepts, advertising and a little bit of web design. Don't be afraid to take a sip - the drinks are on us!"

Explore demilked - You won't be disappointed. It's my personal belief that mixed-media artists can learn a lot from other disciplines - and then apply this knowledge to their own art. What do you think?

 

Try CHIP-IT! to Add New Colors to Your Art Work

In case you haven't seen this application: Via Pinterest, I found this free, cool tool called CHIP IT! created by Sherwin-Williams.

According to their site, "CHIP IT! is an online tool that lets you instantly turn any picture, from any website, into a beautiful palette of Sherwin-Williams paint colors." You can even save your results on their site. I used one of my mixed-media art pieces and came up with the colors above.

Next, I used my photo of a Hydrangea plant. Love those pink color results.

I think this is a great application to use when you're creating color schemes for new art projects - or even for your interior decorating needs. Check it out!

Figure Drawing Tutorial from Melissa Esplin

  Image from Melissa Esplin's site

Want to improve your Fashion Figure drawings? Then check out Melissa Esplin's Figure Drawing Basics Tutorial. She even offers a free download. Thanks Melissa for a great resource!

I like her sketching technique. I continue to draw daily and I definitely will try her tutorial. Now get out that sketchpad and start drawing.

Art Journaling Resources from The Broken Wings Studio

So I was looking for Online Lettering Workshops - and I found some interesting sites that featured Art Journaling.

Lauriedamer, host of The Broken Wings Studio, tells us about My favourite Resources for Art Journaling…And they are FREE!

On her site, I also learned about the Art Journaling Exposed (Volume 1) eMag which is available in the INTERWEAVE Store. You can download the eMag for $4.99. Here's a description of the eMag taken from the INTERWEAVE site.

"The Art Journaling Exposed eMag presents an interactive look at creating great pages and journals with color, lettering, and more. New and well-known artists bring their tips, tricks, and favorite techniques to you through slideshows, videos, and photographs that you can pan and zoom. The ability to enlarge a picture to exactly the size you want, to see the smallest of details, and the opportunity to play a tutorial again and again as you work along in your studio space, are just a few of the great benefits of Art Journaling Exposed."

For more details about the eMag, go here. 

50 Best Blogs for Watercolor Artists from Web Design Schools Site

 

Image from the Web Design Schools site

I believe that you can find informaion on absolutely any subject on Pinterest. Yes, I've been hitting the Pinterest boards again. Inspiring, informative but so addictive!

I just type in my area of interest, the plus sign, the word: Pinterest. And the Web World brings me an endless supply of images. That's how I found 50 Best Blogs for Watercolor Artists on the Web Design Schools site

The list covers blogs on: Watercolor Demonstrations, Watercolor Artists, Art Business - and Art News & Reviews. Go on - Dig around the list - Discover some inspiration and then - Start painting!

I Won a MAC Giveaway

I'm always entering blog giveaways but I usually never win. So I was very surprised when Amanda, host of Amanda's Beauty and Recipe Finds, contacted me last week to tell me that I won a MAC Giveaway. I love MAC products. Thank You So Much Amanda!

As you can see from the photo, I won two, beautiful MAC Powder Blushes and a lovely shade of MAC Lipstick. (The marks that you see on the Blushes are a reflection from my camera light. Sorry.)

Take a few minutes to check Amanda's blog. You'll find some great reviews on cosmetics - and some yummy recipes too. Check out her post on 12 Drool Worthy Cupcake Recipes.

Amanda is also editor of Small Business CEO. You might want to check this site out for some helpful articles on running your indie business.

Then go ahead and enter some blog giveaways - You may win too.

50+ Image Transfer Projects from Saved by Love Creations

Image from Saved by Love Creations Blog

In case you haven't seen this - Via Piddix, I found a fantastic post entitled, 50+ Image Transfer Projects, on the Saved by Love Creations blog (DIY Crafts, Tips & Tutorials) which is hosted by Johnnie.

Johnnie's blog is new to me and it's one that you should check out, especially the Tutorials, Printables and Crafty Links categories. But be careful, you may be adding more art projects to your never-ending To Do List.

Great Blog Johnnie!

 

Creating an Online Course for Artists from Natasha May

Have you ever wanted to Create an Online Course for Artists? Then check out Natasha May's quick tips on the process.

She offers many helpful details in her blog post - or you can access the tips in PDF form.

Check it out today - And start thinking of the type of art course that you might develop.

Sign Up for the Strathmore Free Online Workshops

In case you haven't heard, the Strathmore Free Online Workshops are continuing. Workshop Series 3 with Michael Mattesi is now open. The topic is FORCE Drawing Technique. Here's a brief introduction about his workshop:

"FORCE spans all forms of art, from animation to illustration, cartooning to fine art. Mike Mattesi, author of the popular and inspiring FORCE drawing books, demonstrates his drawing theory across four compelling videos. During the videos you will learn how to draw FORCE, form and shape. Through this knowledge you will add more life and drama to your work." 

Workshop Series 2 offers Watercolor Sketching with Cathy Johnson. Workshop Series 1 features Traci Bautista and Doodles Unleashed Techniques. 

You can join the Workshops at any time and complete them at your own pace. Once a workshop begins, it will stay active until August 1, 2012. Get more details here. And join up today.

 

 

Benefits of Short Blocks of Time from The 99% Site

illustration by Oscar Ramos Orozco
from The 99%

Were you ever faced with a big Creative Project that you knew would take so much time and effort that you ended up procrastinating - and not moving forward toward completion? Maybe it involved writing the first draft of a book or developing a series of painting.

Well I came across a post, on The 99%, that may help you (and me) with that situation. The post entitled, The Counter-Intuitive Benefits of Small Time Blocks was written by  Elizabeth Grace Saunders. Her process consists of five steps. Although the post addresses the business world, I believe it can help individual creatives too.

In one of the steps, Saunders encourages us to - "Schedule in just 15-30 minutes to move forward on the project. The point is to set aside a short enough block of time that you can commit to it without feelings of anxiety or hesitation about your ability to follow through. (Think baby steps.)"

Saunders goes on to tell us that, "Any action is almost always better than none."

To encourage us of the benefits of this process, Saunders also quotes Fred Wilson's interesting post on"subconscious information processing. As soon as you give your mind a problem to solve, it starts working day and night on the project. By using short bits of time to move forward, particularly in the initial brainstorming phase, you give yourself a greater opportunity to unleash your genius than you could have done in a long single spurt."

Why not read the entire post on the benefits of short blocks of time and see how you can apply it to one of your creative projects.

 

Vintage Red Labels from Just Something I Made

Image from Just Something I Made

I like to use all sorts of vintage ephemera in my mixed-media art work. I found these awesome Red Labels over at Just Something I Made from Cathe Holden. She offers yet another variety of Red Lables here. Check out both label sheets - print them out - and then go create.

What will you make with these labels?

Check Out Font Fabric

Via How About Orange, I found out about the free fonts at Font Fabric. So far, my favorite is the INTRO font shown above. I don't know if it's the writer or the artist in me but I do love typography in all of its forms - especially vintage typography.

Although many of the fonts on the site are free, a donation would be nice if you decide to dowload any of them. Here are some words from the site's hosts:

"With your donation we’ll be able to spend more time to improve and update our free fonts. We can add more characters, more languages like – polish, czech, hungarian, romanian etc. We appreciate every cent! Thank you for your support & contribution!"