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Via Not Martha, I heard about the "Ten Simple (and Special) Sunday Afternoon Crafts project from Ten of our Favorite Design Bloggers." The latter is posted on Kirtsy.
I love this teal tie-dyed bag. Not Martha features some nifty wood-grain tins. The "How To" is included for each person's item. Check it out.
I needed some additional colors of wool for future mixed-media art projects so I did some experimenting.
Using my microwave, I dyed this wool fabric with a mixture of two packets of Ice Blue Raspberry Lemonade KOOL-AID® - and about 16 ounces of water and 4 ounces of vinegar. I used unsweetened KOOL-AID. It took a total of 7 - 8 minutes. I did check the wool about every two minutes. You'll know the process is done when the water looks clear.
The color is a little mottled because I used a small Pyrex dish for a 15" long x 11" wide piece of recycled wool. I do like the end result. What do you think?
On the Artsy Shark site, I recently read two great posts that explore the topic of Art Licensing. The first article is an Artist Profile: Smart Strategies for Licensing. The featured artists are Linda Warner Constantino and Dona Warner
The second article is an Interview with an Art Licensing Agent. The agent's name is Julie Ager who is the Licensing Director for Artistic Designs Group.
I always find good stuff on Artsy Shark. Check it out!
And if you know of any fantastic posts on Art Licensing, please share them.
Today is Brag Monday #95 on The Graphics Fairy Blog.
Here's the back story on my mixed-media, Shadow Box art. I borrowed the French Frame Engraving to create an image on muslin cloth, using the Citra Solv Transfer technique. I then cut the fabric to make a cloth envelope.
I was inspired by another Graphics Fairy image that portrayed a paper envelope surrounded by birds. (I'm still looking for that image so I can link to it here.)
I glued vintage papers to the back of the shadow box, added a gessoed, large silk flower, a glittered blue spray and bird. I filled my envelope with silk flowers. I didn't glue these flowers in so that I can change the look of my art piece with a variety of ephemera.
Make sure you visit the other creative entries.
Like many of you, I'm always juggling a variety of mixed-media art projects. Making the typical To Do Lists can be frustrating. I hopefully think I can finish all the tasks that I plan for a given day. But since my list was always too long, I usually did not meet my goal.
To remedy the situation, I thought of putting my To Do Lists on the backs of business cards. Why not use small cards to make shorter lists? But I decided business cards were too small for my writing style. Instead, I came up with the idea of using Artist Trading Cards (ATC) covered with decorative papers.
My ATC To Do Lists are a work-in-progress which I'm going to test out in the next few weeks. You can try working with them too!
I recently created these vintage-style, votive candle holders. I love the heavyweight feel of these glass votives. The glass is actually 1/4-inch thick.
The votives are covered in script ledger paper that is adorned with vintage eggs. I distressed the tops and bottoms of the votives to enhance the aged look. I added a double coating of glaze to protect the images.
I will probably put them in my Etsy Shop soon.
I recently created these vintage-style, votive candle holders. I love the heavyweight feel of these glass votives. The glass is actually 1/4-inch thick.
The votives are covered in script ledger paper that is adorned with vintage eggs. I distressed the tops and bottoms of the votives to add to the aged look.
I will probably put them in my Etsy Shop soon.
I actually created this watercolor painting of an Ice Cream Soda a while back.
Then, the painting's colors were very bland. Today, I reworked the painting to add some darker tones - and I feel more satisfied with the outcome.
In case you haven't heard, Lesley Riley (founder of Artist Success) has "put together a FREE event designed to give artists all the answers and info they need to take their art dreams to the next level. And you don’t even have to leave home to attend."
"The Artist SEEK Televent begins on Tuesday, July 19th. SEEK is 12 juicy, no-holds-barred, expert interviews that you can listen to online or on your phone."
I've signed up. Check it out and sign up too.
I recently joined Pinterest. I love the site but it can be addictive. Via Pinterest, I came upon the inspirational Things We Forget site.
The blog was created by a person who calls himself the PostIt Guy. Things We Forget offers daily messages to remind us of the simple things in life. The message may be a quote or insightful saying.
Each message is created on a post-it note and then placed in random public settings (usually in Singapore). Here's one of my favorite notes:
ArtTrader Mag, Issue 15, is now available for free downloading and reading. Some of the articles include: Ten Minute ATCs: Smilie Faces; Sources of Inspiration: The Colors of Degas; interview with Amy Turner - and much more. But wait, there's more news.......
ArtTrader is overhauling their Web site. The launch date is July 18, 2011. Find out more details about the launch here. I have no connection to this wonderful site. I'm just a satisfied reader.
YAY! My Moo Business Cards arrived today! I'm very impressed with the quality of Moo's products.
Etsy has teamed up with Moo.com to offer Etsy Sellers an exclusive FREE pack of Moo Business Cards. You can choose up to 50 different photos to display on your Business Cards. All you pay is standard shipping & handling (6.00 USD). The offer is limited to one pack of free cards per Etsy seller. Find out more details here.
I'm hopelessly behind in the Summer of Color Challenge hosted by the Twinkle Twinkle blog. Where does the time go?
This week's featured color is BROWN which is a rich and yummy color that I always enjoy working with. Here's my entry:
This past month, I really enjoyed working on my art submissions for PFATT (Primitive Folk Art Trinkets & Treasures) Marketplace. All the steps in the creating process seemed to fall into place. There were no last-minute frustrations, like rushing out to the shops for needed supplies - or pieces not working together. Here's a sneak peek:
I spotted this quotation in a magazine and it gave me the inspiration for this mixed-media canvas. The author of the quote, Uta Hagen (1919-2004), was a German-born American actress and drama teacher. I named the little girl, in the canvas, Miss Sparkly.
I began The Sweet Shop by first collaging, and distessing, a wooden frame. That set the tone for a girly-girl, sweet pink art work.
I got my inspiration for this needle-felted Teddie Bear from my own little Shih Tzu puppy named Teddi. All day long, he runs around our home carrying his toys from one room to the next. He always looks like he has such serious business to accomplish.
And we never know when that business will turn into mischief - like when he snags a ball of wool roving from my closet or a pencil from a nightstand. Tia, our seven year old Shih Tzu, just gives him a haughty look when he gets into trouble. She is very self-important - and wants everybody to think that she doesn't stoop to silly games. But she does!
To find out more details about these art pieces, please visit PFATT Marketplace. I'm also interested in any feedback you may have about my work. Enjoy your Sunday.
Are the day-to-day demands of life keeping you from making more art? Here’s how you can squeeze more art into your life by thinking in Minutes instead of Hours.
First, you need to prop your home with toys (i.e., art supplies) so that you’ll be prepared when you encounter some free minutes in your day.
These toys could include pens, markers, clay, assorted papers, glue, old magazines & catalogs, small notebooks, rubber stamps & ink pads, scissors and fabric scraps.
During the next few weeks, as you work on your art, add some more ideas to this list.
I recently purchased these two items at a local antique store. I probably paid too much money for them but I do like them. The first piece reminds me of a doll's dresser. I'm going to use it to hold my collection of micron pens.
The second piece is a toast holder, supposedly from the 1930's, and made in England. I'll use it as a holder for the paper files on my desk. After I shine it up of course.
Did you pick up any interesting collectibles over the holiday weekend?
I'm working on my art pieces for the upcoming PFATT (Primitive Folk Art Trinkets & Treasures) Marketplace July deadline.
Here's one of my works-in-progress. Hmmmm.... I wonder what this piece is going to be. I'll post the final art work on July 10.
Today I was taking my usual walk and enjoying the scenery. I began thinking about some creative project ideas when some negative chatter started to occupy my mind.
Just then, serendipitously, I came across a street sign labeled: Road Closed. That encounter taught me something.
I could continue to dwell on the closed road, ie, my negative thoughts. Or, I could turn my thoughts around and concentrate on an open road instead. I chose the open road analogy.
How about you? What is the road ahead - that we all travel - telling you?
In case you missed this site, The Blog Guidebook is a great resource for all types of bloggers and readers.
Guidebook Creators, Lyndsay Johnson and Sarah Bradford, have created over one hundred categories for you to find the blogs that meet your interests. Crafty or creative - a baker or cook - flea marketer or antiquer? This site has many helpful resources to meet your needs. I signed up today. Why not check it out.
Just a Note: My Etsy Shop is offering FREE SHIPPING this holiday weekend. The promotion begins Friday, July 1 and ends on Monday, July 4. Just use the promotion code: cinnamon pink.
Beautiful Image from The Graphics Fairy
As an online shopper, I get excited when I find promotions offering free shipping.
And that's why I'm offering FREE SHIPPING, in My Etsy Shop, this holiday weekend. The promotion begins Friday, July 1 and ends on Monday, July 4. Just use the promotion code: cinnamon pink.
Happy 4th of July Weekend!!! Thank you for visiting!
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