People Sketches and a Gift for the Grandparents

I'm glad you're here!

Over the years, I've been practicing my watercolor skills. Sometimes, I like to experiment with faces:

This is a sketch of my friend Jenna who lives in Macau. She has a beautiful apartment with large windows and she is a mom to many potted plants. I sent this to her and she was so delighted by the surprise in the mail.

This is a sketch of me and my niece Kirsten. I made an imaginary spot in the garden with giant flowers shading us from the sun and each of us lost in a book.

I made this as part of the #100dayproject in 2020. It was the height of the pandemic and people all over the world had to wear a mask to stay protected from COVID-19.

Also during the pandemic, my husband and I worked from home. One day, I made a sketch of the people he talked to on a regular basis on speaker phone. Not having met or seen them, I made these drawings based on their voices ("she sounds like someone who wears pink and pearls"; "he sounds like he surfs during the weekend.") I showed these to him -- only two of these faces matched what they looked like in real life. Oh well.  

I made this for my friend Irene. It's a family portrait that I gifted her for her birthday.

These are attempts in self portraits. 

I also made this sketch of my grandparents. They've called heaven home for many years now and I miss them so. Sometimes I wonder what we'd talk about if they were still around. Would they be savvy enough to do a video chat? Would they take selfies? 

This painting may not exactly resemble my grandparents but it captures their love. I think I'll frame it. 

I found this small gift box with a window. 

If I put the sketch inside, might it work as a picture frame?

It does...TADA! 

Maybe you or your kids can make a drawing of your or their grandparents (frame optional) that you can present to them on National Grandparents Day on September 11. This will definitely turn their day from "blah to TADA!"

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A Charm Bracelet

I love it that you're here!

Do you like jewelry? I like giving handmade jewelry to dear friends and receiving jewelry isn't so bad either. 

Let me show you what I saw at a department store that sparked some inspiration:

They're delicate and extra-special because they contain affirmations and good wishes. Wouldn't it be TADA! to receive this as a gift?

Today, I'm using this as a springboard for crafting.

I bought these clip-on charms many years ago and had them stashed away. You can't see it very well here but each one has an empowering word. 

Wouldn't they make a nice addition to this silver bracelet?   

The charms are a good reminder to always have faith, hope, a dream, and to celebrate. 

More charms can be added later on to keep positive vibes literally at arm's reach. 

That is how we transformed a plain bracelet from "blah to TADA!" 

You can find more charm bracelet ideas here, here, and here. 

Wishing you all a positive and productive week! Please subscribe here if you'd like my blog posts delivered to your inbox. There's a new one every week.

A Bookstore, a Coloring Book and a Coaster

Howdy all! 

One of life's greatest pleasures is a trip to the bookstore. 

A bookstore is a happy place, don't you agree?

Here's one called Book Culture that I found in Long Island City, Queens.

The space is bright, airy and quiet.

Walls and tables are lined with books.

They carry gifts and stationery, too. 

The entire basement is designated for kids' books and activities, plus a cozy reading area.

It's always good to support independent businesses! One of the things I bought was this small coloring book.

The pages are made from vellum-like material.

Each page has a different bird:

The back page gives a description and color guide for each kind...TADA!

I used markers to add color.

Then I accented with handwriting using a fine-tipped pen. 

Hold it against the light and it does look like stained glass...TADA!

*****

Here's another project useful for the home or office:

I'm transferring the image to a cork coaster.

 

 

Sandwich a piece of carbon paper or graphite paper in between the coaster and the coloring book page. Secure all the elements in place using a binder clip.

Using a heavy hand, trace the image of the bird with a pencil. Carefully lift the layers to see if the image transferred to the coaster, making sure you included the tiny details.   

Color with acrylic paint and let it dry for a few hours.

Here's the result! We not only supported an independent bookstore and got to do some coloring. We also turned a plain old coaster from "blah to TADA!"

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A Pen Case with an Elastic Band

I am pleased to see you today!

Here is the inspiration for our blah to TADA! transformation: 

Mochi Things

It's a pen case that easily attaches to a notebook or binder because of its elastic belt. A compact accessory if you like to carry different color pens that you can transfer from one notebook to another.

I found this case in one of my drawers. It used to be the home of a small flashlight. Geez, I can't find the flashlight and I'm left with this case. Might as well give it new life.

It's in a handsome black shade and has a deep pocket.

A few items to give it a new look: needle and thread, scissors, and black elastic.

Trim the elastic -- twice the length of the case.

On the back side of the case, sew one end of the elastic on the top side.

Do the same on the bottom side.

Instantly we have an elastic pen case...TADA!

It can fit most journals or notebooks.

And can be home to two or three pens...TADA! I didn't have to toss the case and now it's so useful for my daily writing needs. So before getting rid of your unwanted stuff, think of new ways to turn them from blah to TADA!