Ink Blot Patterns

Hey, hey, it's nice to see you today!

I love learning a new skill, especially in the arts and crafts department. 

One of the blessings of the pandemic were the free on-line classes that one can take no matter your location and time zone. Many of these classes still continue and many of them are still free of charge. Yay!

One class I took was with Faith Hale and Courtney Cerruti. They did a demonstration on how to make ink blot patterns.

Let me show you how:

We will need a nib pen and ink, as well as a stack of scrap paper. Also make sure you line your table with newspaper in case of ink spills, and keep a rag or paper towel handy for any messes.

We'll take a sheet of paper and fold it in half. Unfold the paper and write a word or draw a design along the fold. While the ink is still wet, fold the paper again. 

When you open up the paper, the smooshed ink will produce a unique pattern. Mine looks like an insect, a stylized bee or butterfly, perhaps? 

Take another sheet of paper, fold it in half and write along the fold.

Fold the paper while the ink is still wet, then open the paper to reveal the random pattern you created.

Try it again, this time adding dots and small puddles of ink after writing the word on the fold.

Fold the paper while the ink is wet, then unfold. The extra ink created bigger ink blots, which I think are so dramatic...TADA!

Here is a collection of trial and error ink blots, but you know what, I loved the surprise! With more practice, I can see this turning into a repeating pattern that can find its way on fabric or stationery.

That is how I turned scrap paper from "blah to TADA!"

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A Sketchbook-Practice: Creating a Color Story

How are you doing today?

One of the ways I try to stay creative is through a sketchbook practice -- filling pages of my sketchbook with drawings or paintings of mundane observations. 

This is a plain sketchbook made of watercolor paper. Like many of you, I get intimidated by the blank page but I've learned to get some inspiration from other artists who show their work on social media, through their websites, and even in printed material:

This is an old issue of Uppercase Magazine. I love it because it's "for the creative and the curious" and its pages are abundant with methods of creative expression.

Lilla Rogers is an illustrator-entrepreneur and her studio represents artists and authors worldwide. She writes regularly for Uppercase Magazine and in this article, she suggests making a color story from foraged objects.

This is my collection of foraged items, randomly picked up throughout the year: seashells, a variety of flowers that I put in my flower press, leaves, and a feather.  I like how the colors come together, from the muted grays to the vibrant violet and orange. Now, I've created my very own color story. It will dictate the colors that I'll use on a painting. The limited colors might be a constraint, but many times limitations can make us more creative, don't you think? 

The first thing I do is to swatch the colors based on the items forming my color story. I use  watercolor and colored pencils and I apply these directly on my sketchbook page.

I drew these squares that will serve as frames for mini paintings. Breaking down the page into smaller chunks will make the process less intimidating.

Just blobs, shapes and shading as my first exercise. 

As you can see, I've filled the mini frames with my version of abstract art. It doesn't have to be perfect and nobody needs to see it. It's practice and who knows where the color story and the sketches might lead to? Maybe a repeating pattern for fabric or gift wrapping paper? A t-shirt design or even a brand logo. This is just the beginning.

And that is how I turned a blank page from blah to TADA!

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Valentine's Day Card Swap

What's up guys?

Let's talk about Valentine's Day. Do you celebrate it? Do you go all out and exchange cards, flowers, and chocolates or is it just another ordinary day?

Last year, I participated in a Valentine's Day Card Swap hosted by House That Lars Built on Instagram. All we had to do was make a handmade Valentine card and mail it to a penpal assigned to us. It's a simple way to spread love and share in some handmade magic.

I was paired with Michelle who lives in England. This is what I made for her:

It's a little scrapbook fashioned from empty bill envelopes and decorated with paint, paper remnants, rubber stamps, brush lettering, and ribbon.

It's inspired by children's pop-up books where there are hidden messages tucked in pockets.

When you open a flap or pull on a tag, there's a reminder about self love...TADA!

I'm proud to say that this scrapbook was featured in Strawberry Moon Magazine last year.

The Valentine card I received came from Caroline who lives in South Carolina. I just love what she created! It still hangs on a cork board right above my desk. Again, a reminder of self love...TADA!

I was so grateful, I sent Caroline a Valentine card, too! The concept was "I want to give you a hand," which means:

Everything associated with friendly hand gestures: waving, shaking hands, and high fives. It's also a literal representation of "handmade."

I included another handmade card with a more personalized message inside. 

I wrapped everything in this heart-shaped doily, put it in an envelope, and sent it on its way...TADA!

This exchange of cards may be old fashioned but I find thrill in making and receiving them. I also love the idea of encouraging others and being able to celebrate Valentine's Day in non-romantic and more inclusive ways.  

May these cards spur you to make and send your own to those who need cheering up. You might just turn their day from blah to TADA!

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Five Things for February

Hello everyone and hello February!

I live in the East Coast of the United States and February tends to be one of the coldest months of the year. 

Snow days in February are a sight to behold. When the ground has a fresh layer of snow and everything is white and peaceful. I like to take walks and watch the neighborhood kids build snow people or go sledding. The scene is like a postcard...TADA!

Because in winter, the days are shorter and all you want to do is cozy up under a throw, I like to put on this eye compress. It can be used warm (a few minutes in the microwave) or cold (keep in the fridge for a few hours). Wearing it forces you to close your eyes and be still. It's very calming after hours on the computer or reading and has health benefits, too. A face towel (warm or cold) can be an easy alternative...TADA!   

The Lunar New Year is on February 10, and from the year of the Rabbit, it will transition to the year of the Dragon. There are many traditions that go with the celebration and I'd like to recommend this book that both kids and adults can learn from. It's called "A Sweet New Year for Ren" written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Dung Ho. It's about family and feasting, and there's a recipe for Pineapple Tarts...TADA!

It's also Valentine's Day this February. I've always believed that you don't have to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate this day. Love exists in many forms (grandparent and grandchild, best friends, aunt and niece, etc.) and Valentine's Day can be the appropriate occasion to tell them they are appreciated. This handmade postcard was sent to me by my penpal. Though we've never met, I do feel very loved...TADA!

I stumbled upon this store in Chicago called "Worn Wear" (not a sponsored post) and I'm impressed by the intention of reselling, repairing or trading in gently used winter coats. It's the responsible thing to do to keep clothes out of landfills...TADA!

Wishing you a February that's filled with warmth and coziness!