Painting with a Palette Knife

Hi!

While the baby was napping, I took the time to try out a new painting style.  I saw this recently on Make it Artsy, which is a fun show that hightlights all sorts of creative styles.  You can watch episodes free online.

This is my first attempt at painting with a palette knife.  The acrylic paint is thickened with modeling paste.  I started with one of my favorite subjects:  Sunflowers!

To get the texture in the centers, I used a straw!  Can't wait until my next creative 15 minutes or half hour to try this again, but, for now, the baby is awake!

Hope this inspires you to get out there and get creative.  Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect!

We're All Ears: Fabric-Inspired Earrings

Hi folks,

Today I'm taking the time to create some new earrings.  I love them; they are one piece of jewelry that I always wear.  And, they are quick and easy to create compared to other more extensive pieces of jewelry like a necklace.

The inspiration comes from the Earrings Everyday blog.  This month, Erin chose fabrics from Spoonflower.


So much fun!  Now, to pick one or two and create some earrings to go with the fabric.  Lots of fun ones, but I decided on the fabric on the bottom row, second from the left.  There are a lot of interesting mandala-type circles there and I thought I'd try to imitate that in an earring.

I found some buttons that were perfect to work with and used embroidery thread to sew a pattern in the buttons.

Mandala Earrings

These were a lot of fun to make.  I've got to try more of this on other filigrees.

Thanks for the inspiration, Erin!  Take a look at all the other lovely designs on Earrings Everyday.

Summertime Projects with Joy Iron-on Letters

Hi Everyone!

Hope you are having a great summer!

Here are my projects for the last three months using the iron-on letters from Joy.  All the instructions can be found on the Creating with Joy blog , where you will find my projects and those from the rest of the fabulous design team.

We spend a lot of time outside around the barbecue during the summer, so I created projects for the patio.  This is a quick and easy burlap pillow that is great for any of the patriotic holidays or just everyday.  It's so easy even the kids will enjoy it.  Make it patriotic or use their names or any short word.

Patriotic Pillow

Silverware Caddy

This silverware caddy uses chalk paint on the canning jars as well as distressing over the letters and the caddy and tags.  I love the distressed look on the letters.

Upcycled Gift Box

This last project is an upcycled cheese box that I did for May, but you could use it for any occasion.  It would be a great box for a small gift such as jewelry.  Joy letters are great for any occasion, and you can color them in so many ways.  Here, I used ColoriQue inks to color them.

Drop by the Creating with Joy blog and see all the other wonderful creations from our design team!