My mom taught me a trick that I used for my current project.  If you need to glue a hollow object to a flush surface, a hot glue gun will make things easier.  This trick gives your hollow object a flat surface to glue securely to another object.

 Simply fill the hollow object (mine is a dresser handle) with hot glue. 

 

When you get to the top, use a putty knife to scrape off any bumps the glue leaves.  This will help give you a flat surface to work with.  You have to scrape quickly as the glue sets up almost immediately.  The glue left on your putty knife will come off easily.  Now your hollow object is ready for gluing. 

In a catalog I found a sweet hummingbird Zentangle that I wanted to sketch for myself.  After I finished sketching him, I decided he needed color.  In the past, I’ve always used markers, which make my Zentangle sketches pop.  I wanted a softer feel for my humming bird, so I decided to use Prisma colored pencils.  To blend the colors, I used the white colored pencil.  I’m planning on using the colored pencils again for my next Zentangle, this time using mineral oil to blend.  I have a photo of a seahorse I took at the Seattle Aquarium that is just begging to be Zentangled.  I’ll post the sketch and share how the mineral oil worked for blending.

Crystal Clay Rhinestone Necklace

I typically create jewelry pieces from broken, vintage bits.  It’s becoming more difficult to find quality vintage pieces to use, so I decided to change things up and make a necklace using new elements.  To adhere the chatons and rhinestones to the bezels, I used Crystal Clay.  Crystal Clay is a two-part epoxy clay that cures without heat.  This clay allows you to design your own unique pendants – and can be used on other art projects as well.  Simply flatten the clay into the bezels and then add your bling.  The only downside to Crystal Clay is that you need to wear gloves to work with it.  I sometimes find it difficult to wear gloves while doing intricate work.  However, the end result is certainly worth it.  Elements and instructions from Nunn Design. 

             

Framed Charlotte Doll

  

I don’t know what it is about odd art, but I absolutely love it and seem to be drawn towards creating it.  I came up with the idea for this piece while brainstorming projects I could make using items I already own.  This piece was easy to make and can be assembled within minutes.  I used a frame by Two’s company, measuring 4” X 3”.  The background paper is from a very old Latin book I found at Value Village.  The pages have aged beautifully on their own, but you could easily use new paper and age it with tea or Walnut Ink.  Finally, I used glue and a Charlotte doll head.  If you need a Charlotte head, they can be found on Etsy or eBay.   Voilà – you have your own piece of fabulous, odd art.