Letterpress Draw Turns into a Craft Supply Organizer

 
I found an amazing letter press drawer during an afternoon antiquing with my girlfriend.   Prior to purchasing this drawer, I used spice jars to organize my small craft supplies.   I’m thrilled that I’m able to recycle my spice jars and place all my findings in one spot.  A special bonus to this piece is that its square size fits perfectly on top of my trunk, allowing me to keep it visible at all times. I find this inspiring and helps me create.  I absolutely love it!

Halloween . . . already?

I’m finally able to cross off all the back to school chores.  School supplies and clothes purchased.  Check.  Orientations attended.  Check.  Paperwork filled out and turned in.  Check.  School fees paid.  Check.  It’s time to sit back and relax.  That’s when my 10-year-old starts talking about Halloween.  What are our plans?  What should he be for Halloween?  Will there be any parties?  That’s when I realized Halloween will be here before we know it.  As I chatted about Halloween with my excited son, I was inspired to sketch a Halloween picture . . . . a witch throwing a fireball.  The witch was quick and simple.  That small fireball was my struggle.  I’ve never drawn fire before and didn’t realize how difficult it is to make a drawing resemble fire without using color.  After many erasures I still wasn’t happy.  That’s when I decided to adopt my teenage son’s adage:  Good ‘Nuff.  So here’s my sketch entitled:  Flying Witch with a Good ‘Nuff fireball. 

The Power of Paper Mache

I’m a long-time fan of Paper Mache.  I think it’s simply amazing what you can create with just paper and glue.  I’ve also found a health benefit to Paper Mache. . . . it’s very relaxing.  I find it relaxing to build a sculpture one piece of paper at a time.  Perhaps the magic is that Paper Mache simply forces you to slow down and focus on creating.  When I’m working on a sculpture I can immediately feel the tension in my body decrease.  All my worries vanish. 

If you find yourself stressed-out or filled with anxiety, get out your paper and glue and start a Paper Mache project.  It might be just what you need. 

Photo Shoot Gone To The Dogs

Along with selling jewelry I design, I also sell authentic vintage/antique jewelry.  A few days ago I was contacted by an Art Director in Manhattan who wanted an antique bracelet for a photo shoot.  I immediately envisioned Project Runway, or perhaps I would be mentioned in a fashion magazine.  I was so excited I had finally made it. 

After I quickly shipped the bracelet, I had some time to sit back and look at the website I had shipped to.  I wanted to see what kind of modern or edgy clothing would most likely be paired with my bracelet.  When I opened the website, I was a little surprised by what I saw.  Some type of rodent in curlers was looking back at me.  Apparently this company produces hysterical animal cards, where many of the animals are dressed up.  I immediately broke into hysterics.  It won’t be Heidi Klum wearing my bracelet, but rather Princess the Dalmatian.  Thank you Avanti Press for the purchase and a much needed smile on my face. 

Product Review: Colored Pencils

Years ago my passion was sketching and doodling with colored pencils.  I had acquired quite a collection of pencils during this time.  Recently the desire to use colored pencils returned.  I was curious as to which brands I had in my collection and how they compare to each other.  I did some experimenting and discovered that my favorite colored pencils are Prismacolor Premier.  They have the brightest, most beautiful pigments and blend the easiest.  Unfortunately these pencils do have a negative side that you should be aware of before investing.  They are rather expensive, so be sure to use your Michaels coupon and buy them at 50% off.  The other concern is that they are very delicate and break easily.  Don’t drop these pencils, and whatever you do, don’t fling one across the room to distract a naughty Chihuahua. 

Vintage Straw Dispenser Turns Into A Washi Tape Organizer

I originally stored all my Washi tapes in a bowl.  It worked, but I always forgot what tapes were hidden at the bottom of the bowl.   Recently I was at a second hand store when I looked up and saw two vintage straw dispensers. What a find!  I immediately knew I had to have them to store my Washi tape.  Now I’d love to say that this fabulous idea was mine, but not so much.  When I saw the straw dispensers I remembered seeing a picture of this idea – probably on Pinterest.  Anyway, I purchased the dispensers and I have to say that this is an amazing way to store Washi tape.  No more digging through a bowl for me!  Now all I have to do is pull the dispenser top up and tear off tape as needed.   And the best part:  These dispensers take up less space than my bowl.  Oh happy Day!

Resources: Free Online Art Workshops from Strathmore

Finding affordable art classes can be such a challenge.  My friend introduced me to the free Strathmore workshops (thanks, Becky).  We both took a sketching workshop online and had fun sharing our sketches with each other.  I later took an art journaling workshop through them.  These are great classes that teach the basics and work well with any budget.  Some of the free workshops include acrylic painting, sketching, printmaking, and Calligraphy.

Strathmore free on-line workshops