summmmmer

This has not been a productive summer craft-wise. I'm in Virginia Beach, and there wasn't room to bring all of the things I wanted to do. I only brought watercolors and markers. I haven't used either. I did, however, complete a series of illustrations for a book one of my professors is putting together. I'll only put up one picture because there are 14 total. And as the kids are saying these days--Ain't nobody got time for that!

I still have 3 weeks here (I think? Maybe 4). I hope to spend more time outside enjoying nature and letting that inspire me to make something. When I get back home, I will have almost no time to create. That's a recipe for disaster, but sometimes life hands you lemonade and you have to just drink it even though you prefer Dr. Pepper because you like the way the carbonation makes your throat feel and it's 23 flavors of amazing.

Here's a picture I made this summer :)

painting adventure

I haven't painted in a long time. I wanted to start with something small...so I did a little fairytale painting. I had a plan to make a lot once, but I only did Rapunzel. So now I have a Beauty and the Beast one! I don't really like the way it turned out--surprise, surprise!

sketch and start 

half way

finished product...i think

Get out and create something...even if you might think it's kind of sucky. 

i found a sewing table!

I found this gem. I'm trying to think of how to paint it. I'm thinking some cool design, but I don't know yet.

SEWING TABLE DREAMS COME TRUE!!!!

fun with alcohol [ink]

So, I haven't posted a project in a while...because I haven't done any. But, it's Christmastime, and I can't go through the season without doing a craft or two. I found a super easy and fun project! And there's so much room for experimenting, I almost can't handle it. I want to run out right now and get more supplies, but I'm in sweatpants...and it's cold.

So, I made some coasters out of tile and alcohol ink. I love the way these look. It's similar to batik, which I also love to do. It's as simple as dropping some ink onto the tile, or onto the applicator, and stamping it until you like what you see. Then add some blending solution and stamp around until you like what you see some more. Don't like what you see? Too bad...just kidding. It was pretty easy to just wipe off with a damp paper towel (pretty soon, they dry fast). Or, just keep stamping and swirling, and layering...eventually you'll get a look you like. I'll probably attach felt to the bottoms, or maybe cork. I will definitely experimenting with mixed media later on.

So...here are some photos. (sorry they kind of suck)

the supplies

a set of four that I wanted to match

some others

I tried stamping some words...i like it!

that's it. have a nice day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

SHARK WEEK

Well, I actually hate sharks. Everything about sharks freaks me out. Maybe this stems from The Little Mermaid...hmmm...But there's something about Shark Week that I just want to celebrate. So, I made this painting. Then I gave it to Josh and Bria because Josh loves sharks more than anyone I know.

Here is the process...I got a smart phone, so now I can take pictures much easier than before. YAY! Welcome to the 21st Century, Bridge.

first, I measured (math skillz) and just used stickers for the words

 
Then, I drew this image and used painters tape to mark it off.

Then I painted over everything (twice). This is really complex, I know. 

Then, after patiently waiting for it to dry, I took the stickers and tape off! TA-DA!!! I'm pretty happy that it didn't come out perfect and crisp. It feels sort of rustic and torn...just like sharks. Because apparently scientists don't know anything and nobody can tell me how long sharks live on average. Or...I got tired of trying to research it and gave up. 

Sketching Prompts

I have this problem. I like to draw and doodle, but I never know what to draw or doodle. So, I found this book at Target...it's 642 ideas and space to draw said idea! how genius is that? Right up my alley. And hey, maybe a little doodle will give me inspiration for something bigger and better! So far I've drawn a "rolling pin."

Happy Sketching!

wedding bells!

I'm pretty excited about the dress I thrifted that I'll get to wear to a wedding this weekend. I don't have before images, but I basically just removed the shoulder pads, adjusted the sleeves, and made it a v-neck collar. Only 2 more weddings to go this summer and 2 baby showers. I'm sort of glad I don't have more friends...I'm broke!

Stay tuned, pigeons.