A Sketchbook Practice: Watercolor Warm-Ups

I am delighted by your presence today!

Last month, I showed you a sketchbook exercise wherein we created our own color story.

We started by collecting things from nature.

We then used these hues to develop a color story.

These colors dictated the mood of a painting, which can eventually become patterns for items that we can use or sell commercially (ex. paper goods, fabric, packaging design).  

 

Today, I'll share another idea to turn a blank page from blah to TADA!

I learned this technique from Faith Evans-Sills, a painter, author and teacher. She taught a class at Sketchbook Revival a few years ago called "Watercolor Warm-ups: Gathering Color and Pattern Inspiration."

We'll start with a reference photo or magazine tear sheet (bottom left of the photo) to determine our color story.

Translate this on the blank page using watercolor.

When the paint is dry, add details with pens in different colors to bring in depth and contrast.

Let me show you my version of Faith's technique:

I used the colors from a catalog (right side of page): fruits in shades of green, yellow, and orange.

I added more paint and some pen marks.

What I made reminds me of washi tape. Maybe I can develop my own designs? That would be fun!

I hope you can use this technique when you're feeling a creative block or daunted by the blank page. Faith reminds us: "Inspiration can be found everywhere. It's always simmering in there if we tap into it. Stay open."

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Five Things for March

The month of March is here. It's a month that's a bit bittersweet for me because of birthdays in my family and also death anniversaries. It's both celebration and a reminder of loss that I will mark with appreciation and remembrance. 

This March, I look forward to being surrounded with forsythia flowers, nature's first announcement of spring. Forsythia tell us about the cycle of life. From barren trees to sprouts of yellow that eventually turn into leaves...TADA! 

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? Let's create something this March, maybe something simple like origami or stickers to something more elaborate like embroidery or jewelry. We not only get to tap into our artistic side, we show up with something that we made with our hands...TADA! 

If you are ready to get your craft on, the library is a wonderful resource for craft books. There are so many topics to choose from that range from watercolor, gouache, lettering, calligraphy, more calligraphy, collage, drawing, crochet, portraiture and stamp carving. I would love to learn about wood carving, punch needle crafts, and Shasiko (Japanese quilting) and I'm pretty certain I can find these books at the library...TADA!

Japanese stationery is LOVE. I've been a stationery collector since I was a little girl (I would save my allowance and the pretty paper and envelopes always gave me a thrill). Old habits die hard and I'm not stopping now! The pastel prints and springtime vibes of these ones instantly turn my day from blah to TADA!  

Can I share an organizational tip? I use an elastic hair tie everyday when I put my hair up into a bun. I made a spot inside the bathroom cabinet to hang it. It's just a plastic hook with adhesive backing where I park my hair tie. It's such a simple solution but avoids all the "Where did I put my hair tie?!" drama. A special spot in your drawer or tie it around a comb or hairbrush are other ways to give hair ties a home...TADA! 

I wish you all a meaningful and merry month of March!

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!

A Butterfly Embroidery

I'm so glad you are here!

Over the years, I've created butterfly-inspired crafts like this butterfly wall hanging, butterfly scent sachet, and butterfly watercolor painting. I've made it a tradition to make a butterfly craft at the end of every January. You see, I lost my Mom in January 31, 2017. She makes her presence felt through monarch butterflies -- during my walks in the park, when I see one in a book, on TV, or printed on fabric. Making these helps me honor her memory and is a form of healing for me, too. 

Last year, I made this butterfly embroidery. I love the simplicity of the black thread on white fabric. But I thought we can still turn it from blah to TADA!

I took out my embroidery thread selection.

I was drawn to the shades of pink and purple embroidery floss. 

Slowly, I filled in the little blank spaces, similar to a coloring book but using thread.

I relied on a satin stitch and a few French knots for dimension.

As you can see, I didn't complete the embroidery in one sitting. I would do a little each day (only a ten minute commitment). Sometimes I would repeat my Mom's name or told her stories as I sewed each stitch. It's my way of keeping her present.

Here is the embroidered butterfly...TADA! I'll add it to my gallery wall to remind me that Mom is always close by.

How about you, are there special ways you honor the loved ones you've lost?

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