Art Journals, Painting and Sketching

Greetings & Salutations Everyone!

Happy Friday...Well, I've kicked up my Friday and currently working on some File Folders for my Journal that I'm doing for the Journal Junkin Workshop. I haven't made my cover yet, but will get to that soon. I'm having way to much fun with these folders.  It's amazing how you can keep adding, and adding and keep adding to these fabulous folders.  This is a very inexpensive way to test out new products, work out ideas and to see what colors look good together. I have the first layer down, which is the paint and now I'm adding the 2nd Layer with lots of different stencils, rubber stamps, found objects for added textures.  The 3rd layer will be more paint, and more paint! I would really like to have at least 5 or 6 layers on these before I start adding collage pages, magazine pages, etc. Give it a Go! LOL

I am also working on playing with my Shiva Oil Sticks. I learned how to use these when I took Misty Mawn's Workshop over the Winter. LOVE THESE OIL STICKS.  You can also use your oil paints after the first layer is dry.  I'm waiting for this piece to dry and then go back in and add more coloring and shading to her features. Can't wait to see this done!My girlfriend, Anita, had this book sent to me from my favorite place...AMAZON.COM! If this is the only drawing and/or art book that you get, get this one. IT's broken down into 52 Chapters which gives you 52 weeks of various drawing techniques, etc. The First Chapter is "Draw Cats in Bed." I have been a big fan of Carla Sonheim and her little girls that she draws. I'm so glad she put this book out. Apparently this is a new series of books entitled "Lab Series" by Quarry Books and they have another one entitled "Collage Lab" by Bee Shay, and yes that is in my Amazon Cart! LOLHere are some new sketches that I'm working on.  There is nothing like lots of sketch art books and a ton of pencils and art goodies all around you. I have this big bucket with all kinds of pencils, colored pencils, etc...and I carry that damn thing around like it's Linus' Blanket! LOL  You should see me when I take my bucket to the local Pubs! LOL

Art Dolls Only MMC -Marie Antoinette

Art Dolls Only is having their MMC for the Month of June, which is...Marie Antoinette! Now I just couldn't make just one, so here are the two that I made for this wonderful challenge!This one was done in Pinks, and this one was done in Blues!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

CHEERS!

What the Crow Has Created In The Magical Studio!

GREETINGS AND SALUTATIONS...

I guess I have been away from Blogger for a bit and they have CHANGED everything around. I can't figure out how to do my blog posts and the pictures are jumbled together...what the hell! LOL So please be patient with me while I try to figure this new blogger out! LOLI have been working on some new projects and hopefully you will be able to follow me here with these messed up pictures. I have been working on some sewing projects and this is the first Rag Bag I made. It is really easy to make and I love the look of these bags. Very Shabby Chic and vintage looking. I am debating on tea or coffee staining it...hmmmm  I also love stamping on MUSLIN.  You can color your muslin with paints, teas, dyes, inks, sprays, all kinds of things.  Just make sure you if you are using dyes, you wear gloves because I believe my hands have been purple for about a week now!  I have been working with threads and teaching myself how to do embroidery stitches, especially the quilting stitch. Love how this stitch comes out.  I got the idea by watching Teesha Moore's videos on YouTube when she demonstrates her stitched, fabric journals.  If you haven't seen them yet, make sure you watch them. They are fantastic!  Here are some new Art Dolls that I'm working on for a local gallery.  I still have to run the wire through their little heads so you can hang them up on the wall.  However, I really like how they turned out.  Very simple to do...just create your pattern, gesso the muslin, and think of it as a blank canvas...and most importantly...HAVE FUN and DON'T THINK TO MUCH ABOUT THE OUTCOME!Art Journaling is a great way of getting out ideas, playing with your paints and just having fun.  This week that is all I have been doing. I've taken my Art Journals (I believe I have about 6 going all at once), got my box of papers out, paints out, and all kinds of goodies and I'm just having fun.

I also made a handmade Art Journal by Crocheting the cover and adding (sewing) a piece of wool felt to the Crocheted Cover to give it support.  I also crocheted a pocket and hand stitched it to the cover. Take your muslin strips that you have stamped and stitch it on.  This cover is not perfect and has flaws, but you know what...that is OK because it's mine and I made my first Art Journal from start to finish.  I used a Canvas Pad and cut different sizes out for the signatures.  I also used card stock and watercolor paper, so I would have all different types of papers going on in this Art Journal. 

See how I sewed the Wool Felt on.  You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. I used a sewing machine for this part. Take your muslin strips that you have stamped and stitch them on too!

Well I sure hope you all have a wonderful and creative weekend.  It's beautiful here today...however, I will be working in the Studio creating more treasures...enjoy, play and always remember to giggle!

Until Next Time

CHEERS!