Sketchbook Practice: Inspired by End Papers

Welcome back to my blog!

I maintain a sketchbook practice. It's something I've had for several years now.

An inexpensive spiral watercolor sketchbook is all it really is. I try to make time for it each day. I'll make a small sketch if I only have 10 minutes, or a bigger drawing during the laid back hours of the weekend.

Sometimes, it's difficult to start when faced with a blank page. Some of my solutions: painting using prompts, nature themes, and mundane objects. 

Another idea is based on END PAPERS. Say what? 

End papers are defined this way: The endpaper, also called endsheet, forms the connection between the book cover and the book block. It is itself often a design feature of a book, but also a technically necessary part for the durability. Thus, the endpaper is often reinforced by a strip of fabric in the spine. Of course, endpapers do not always have to be white... definition is from here.

I really loved the book "Things to Look Forward To" by Sophie Blackall. The swoon-worthy illustrations begin when you open the book:

This is what the end papers of "Things to Look Forward To" looks like. The drawings are hints to the title: babies, a cup of coffee or tea, and reading a beloved book.

The images are so playful and I like the red-on-pink color combination because you don't see this everyday.

So I'll try this color combination, too. On a page of my sketchbook, I painted it with a layer of water. Then I added several coats of pink watercolor and I let the page dry for a few hours.

With a red colored pencil, I drew my favorite candies when I was a child. They may not be familiar because these are local brands from the Philippines. 

• "Lipps" were red candies that colored my lips (like I was wearing lipstick) 
• "Nipps" are similar to M&M's 
• Chocolate Coins in their shiny wrapping were always a hit
• "Curly Topps" are milk chocolates with a curly swirl 
• "Butterball" candies tasted like popcorn 
• Pink Cotton Candy was a birthday party treat (it was mesmerizing to watch the machine attendant spin this confection out of sugar)
• Serg's Milk Chocolate Bars and Chocolate Eggs 
• Lollipops in different flavors 
• "Choco Knots" are chocolate covered pretzels
• "Orange Swits" are orange-flavored gummies

Some of these candies no longer exist. That's why I thought it important to document them in my sketchbook. It helped jog my memory and I'm feeling lots of nostalgia right now.

So you see, inspiration from end papers and memory keeping are just some of the ways we can turn a blank sketchbook page from "blah to TADA!" 

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Learning from Suzy Ultman: Cardboard Birds

So lovely to see you!

Awhile back, I took a free on-line class on Creativebug. 

 

Our teacher was the talented illustrator and product designer Suzy Ultman and the session was hosted by adorable crochet artist Twinkie Chan. 

The craft we made was right up my alley -- we upcycled an empty cereal box to make this cardboard bird!

Suzy provided a template but it's easy enough to draw freehand on the cardboard (just think of an elongated plus sign with oval corners). Cut out the cardboard and paint it in any color you want. Once the paint is dry, add the details like the beak, eye, and patterns such as dots and lines. When this layer has dried, write words with a black marker. Suzy chose words that represent birds: happiness, soaring, freedom, feathers, and fly high. 

Here is the version that I made:

I used similar colors and found a quote about nature and gratitude...TADA!

It's such an easy craft for kids and kids-at-heart and the materials are readily available. I couldn't help but make a few more:

I tweaked the shape of the bird, decorated it with primary colors, and added some encouragement using brush lettering...TADA!

For this cardboard bird, I first made abstract prints on the cardboard using paint, markers, and rubber stamps. Then I cut the bird into this shape and added details like the eyes, beak, and feathers using a black marker...TADA!

Here's another bird cut-out that I personalized with my penpal's name. Imagine using this as birthday or baby shower banners, or seating cards for a party...TADA!

Here are other versions. Notice the flower in their beak!

Wasn't that fun? That is how I turned empty food boxes from blah to TADA!

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A Tin Box Decorated with Decoupage

It's so nice to see you today!

There is a stall at the Union Square Holiday Market that I always love to visit. They sell all these gift items from India and I'm particularly attracted to the enamelware decorated with flowers. They are vibrant and remind me of folk art.

One of the things I bought from them is this lovely bangle.

If I'm not mistaken, this style of decorating is called Kashmiri paper mâché.

I'm using this design as a launching point for today's craft.

This used to be filled with chocolate covered coffee beans. It's now empty but I saved the tin container.

 

After cleaning it inside and out, I painted it with several coats of plum-colored paint.

Once the paint was dry, I decorated the tin box this way:

I found some floral gift wrap remnants that I cut into smaller shapes. 

With a paintbrush, I applied white glue on the backs of the gift wrap cutouts. The paintbrush helps spread the glue in an even layer and covers the surface until the very edges. 

I attached the floral cutouts onto the tin container, a crafting style called decoupage. 

Here's what the tin box looks like after attaching the floral cutouts...TADA! 

We can leave it like this or add more flowers:

This is just one of the ways I turned a tin container from "blah to TADA!" 

If you like this idea, maybe you'll like this recipe box, paint palette, storage bin, trinket box or twine canister...all made from empty tin boxes.

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Five Things for October

Autumn rites and spooky vibes...that's one way to define October energy!

Plan a trip to the farm to pick some apples or pumpkins.

Then paint the pumpkins and make them part of your Halloween decor...TADA!

How cute is this Goldilocks and the Three Bears costume for a little girl? No need to buy...you can D.I.Y.! Find something similar in your girl's closet, make an easy apron, and add three teddy bears...TADA!

Halloween candy isn't just for kids! Which one is your favorite? I'd pick Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and KitKats first...TADA!

Before October ends, I'll definitely spend time outdoors to marvel at the colorful autumn leaves. The way Mari Andrew describes fall is true poetry!

May October bring you lots of treats!