17 April 2017

Spring into Crafting

A new beginning.

That's the message of springtime. Vibrant green leaves, blue skies, lush floral yellows everywhere! Every year I witness it and I never get tired of it.

Spring is also a fun time to learn new things. Can I share with you what I've been up to?

I discovered Kremer Pigments through Instagram. It's a shop selling raw materials like dyes, solvents, and tools to make your own paint. Make my own paint? I never thought that was possible. I'm used to going to the art store to pick up what's readily available. But I can make my own paint?! 

I attended one of their workshops taught by Roger, the shop manager and an artist himself. We learned how water-based paints like acrylic and watercolor are made (essentially mixing pigments with a medium, putting these in a paint pan and letting them dry). I was fascinated with all the information from working safely, which materials to use, and that personal technique affects the outcome of the paint. I know there's so much more to learn but I was happy to dip my toes into it. 

This is Eric Ripert. I got to listen to him at an event launching a memoir he wrote entitled 32 Yolks. He's a very accomplished chef and here's a well-written article about him. I admire him because while he's at the top of his game, humility and kindness have not escaped him. It's always good to surround yourself with inspiring individuals, don't you think?  

This year, I will keep on crafting. It's one of my greatest passions. I have a long list of crafts I want to learn and I promise to feature them here on the blog. Have you seen these DIY kits from Brit + Co. in collaboration with Target?

Such cool projects (and this isn't a sponsored post)! There's something for the beginner or intermediate crafter. I'm still deciding which one I want to get. How about you?

And finally, while scrolling through my Instagram Feed, I was seeing the hastag #the100dayproject. The 100 Day project requires the participants to choose an action and do it for 100 days (from April 4 to July 12, 2017). It can be "painting", "hand lettering", or "encouragement". Anything you want. As long as you practice it everyday for 100 days and document your progress on Instagram with the tag #the100dayproject and your chosen hashtag (ex. #100days of painting). On day 101, you would've become a better person and a body of work to be proud of.

The past few months have left me tired. So tired that I stopped looking at the beauty of the everyday. The quote above, "Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it." really hit me. 

And also because I'm up for a challenge, I'm taking part in it! 

My action is "100 Days of Crafts and Confections". My goal is to learn new crafts, cook and bake sweets that I've never tried making before, and when the opportunity surfaces, to learn from masters in these fields.  

Wish me luck!


2 comments:

  1. All the best to you in your 100 day challenge, Claire. (I heard about this, but knew I'd never be able to keep it up!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rochelle! I hope I don't get crafter's block :)

      Delete

Your comments are very much appreciated!