Something new for Christmas

Made a few new things for Christmas including a set of primitive star ornaments. Check them out at my Etsy store. Buy Three or more sets or items and get free shipping. Contact me through a conversation on Etsy for the coupon code.



http://www.etsy.com/listing/84643820/primitive-star

Paint without Paint part 2

Just a small update on the last post. After the easel is all wet you can also go over it with the chalk and the colors are much more vibrant. Going back and forth between chalk and water also is fun for Jake and all I have to do is wipe the board after or leave it to see what is revealed after the water goes on over the chalk.
Also it is necessary to have a good chalk board ( not the cheap ones) because as a friend told me all the water made the board soft. Oops. Have fun everyone and happy painting.

Painting without paint

This may seem a little strange but I was amazed at the outcome of one frustrating afternoon. My son was being, well a terrible two year old and nothing seemed to interest him. So I thought ok, painting always makes him happy. I got out the plastic to cover the floor, the artist bib to protect his clothes and separated three colors into a mini muffin tin for him. He immediately poured all the colors into the small container of water meant for washing the brushes and never touched the paper on the easel, then asked for more paint and clean water, what?

     Ok, deep breathe later, I turned the easel around to the chalk board side and said why don't we draw with chalk, nope, not interested, but then an accident occurred. While I was cleaning up the brown water and empty paint tray, his brush that only had clean water on it touched the chalk board.
He played with the clean water and different paint brushes for over two hours, which is a record for this almost never stand still and do anything for more than ten minutes kid. He painted without paint over and over again as it dried each time and claimed a picture of a witch, a cat, a pumpkin, what ever he wanted it to be. I got into the action too and it was actually quite freeing.

     Who would have thought a project that is completely mess free could be so fun and enhancing. We have played paint without paint and imaginary art a few times since and it has been just as rewarding.

Buzz Light Year costume part 2

 Well here it is!!!!!
I began with white sweatshirt material for the hoody jacket and then hand colored and painted the hood and the badges. I used green knit for the vest and black knit for the pockets. I used a fun stitch to sew it and give it a look of metal seams. I also made some pants with white knit and green cuffs. Now to hide it until Halloween. I bought the wings and I will post pics of my son in it after halloween. Enjoy. If anyone is interested in the pattern for the jacket let me know. I have it saved.

                    

           

Buzz Light Year costume

I am currently creating a Buzz light Year costume for my almost 3 year old because I couldn't find one that was a good quality and didn't cost an arm and a leg. I found Pajama's but none in his size and a sweatshirt on the Disney website that was out of my price range. And so I am making a sweatshirt he can wear again and a pair of knit pants he can use for pajamas also. It has been challenging to figure out how to get the patches ( having to hand draw them,eeek) and it has been fun to overcome these challenges. I will be posting photos when I finish which I hope will be some time this week or next so stay tuned.

Ramblings of an artist #1

 

 

         Yes I know you aren't suppose to look for validation through others praise and all that, but I must say that after having such a great week selling my artwork at the Hyannis Artist shanties that I am feeling pretty good right now.
     
       I was beginning to wonder if maybe I should just do art as a hobby and give up my hope of making a living at it. Considered selling everything I could at a flea market and at least make back the money I spent on the supplies.  Hey I am only human and after a long year of very little results who wouldn't start to wonder if they were doing the right thing.
     
     Anyway my week was very inspiring. Even when all the other artists were complaining about how their sales were either low or non existent, I was jumping up and down with joy (inside of course, I am not a complete ass) about how well I was doing. I was complimented on how different my things were so many times that I was giddy.
     
      Now don't get me wrong I can not retire on this weeks wages, but it defiantly gave me hope and helped me realize that maybe I have been barking up the wrong trees for sales and appreciation of my work.
     
   
 I guess all I am trying to share here is, don't give up on your own dreams, look for other avenues to share it. May you find the right path and may I continue on mine.

Hyannis Harbor Artist Shanties

     The Hyannis Artist Shanties. If you have never heard of them you are missing out on a small slice of the art created on the Cape. These little Shanties were introduced some years back and they are seasonal. They host a variety of artist throughout the spring into the late summer from May to October and they do a one night opening for the christmas stroll every year. Two of the Shanties are rotating and each week a new artist or artists come and display and sell their work, so there is always something new to see.

     I am one of those lucky artisans this week until the 16th of September. I have had a terrific time so far and will definitely try to get a slot for next season. The other artists have been wonderful and the response from the browsers and buyers has been fantastic. Not only do I get to have a permanent location that I don't have to break down every night but I have a fabulous view all day.

     If you come to Hyannis please make sure to visit this little jewel. There are a few great restaurants and there are harbor cruises and Hy-line Ferries to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are right there. Just up the street is Main street and South street who also have many artists and great shops including the Sarah Holl studio and in the other direction is the Kennedy Memorial Beach.