The EartH Without Art Is Just Eh: March 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Crayon Art. Cheap. Easy. AWESOME

Fork? Knife? SPOON NECKLACE

Although i was never a huge fan of silverware jewelery, I always loved what people were able to create with spoons.

It can be as simple or intricate as you want and can include your own artwork or artwork and images from outside sources.

I prefer spoons with images and objects placed in resin such as these:

But for beginners it may be easier to start with a project that uses a simple glaze or spray

Here are some simple steps to creating your very first spoon pendant

or you can just check it out yourself at http://www.busilyspinningmomma.com/2011/06/rustic-spoon-pendent-tutorial.html

Now Lets Spoon!

What you will need:

Teaspoon

Hammer

Pliers

Scrapbook Paper

Pencil

Scissors

Sanding Paper

Mod Podge

Acrylic Paint (red, yellow, brown)

Paint Brush (Small)

Water (just a bit)
Paper Towel

FolkArt ClearCote High Shine Glaze (by Plaid)

Hemp Cord or Leather Cord or Chain

If you want to know more about resin spoons let me know! And ill be sure to add a tutorial on that as well!

Spoon Spotlight:

Erin Gursslin

Rochester, NY

check her out at http://www.etsy.com/people/sunshynesilverwear

I got my very first spoon necklace from her and SHE ROCKS!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=277234.0

Monday, March 19, 2012

Making a Favorite Your Own

Ever had one of those books that you have read so many times the pages are practically falling out?

You realize that you have read it to death

But you still have an emotional attachment?

Yup i have been in that boat and here are some great examples of how to recreate something that you already hold so close to your heart

And Now a Little How To!

Supplies:

Acrylic matte medium
Paintbrush, medium or wide
A Canvas (shown here with a 5x7)
Scissors
A photocopy of a high contrast image in black and white (use a LASER printer/copier, not inkjet- thanks for the update there, psychoduckie)
Oil pastels, liquid watercolors or acrylic paints as desired

Suggestions:

Use a book that is already falling apart
If the book you would like to use is in good condition, it is recommended to make copies of the pages you would like and use those instead (the copy paper will most likely be more opaque and brighter white than old book pages)

Steps:

Cut the paper into strips (you will most likely need need 2-3 pages of strips per 5"x7" canvas)
Cover canvas with Acrylic matte medium (not shiny; similar to glue but spreads easier)
Place strips of paper on the canvas in any fashion that you find appealing (push the strips down with your fingers so that no rippling will occur with the paper)
If you wish to add more layers of paper, first use a brush to spread a top coat of the acrylic mate medium on your first layer, place your next layers of paper and repeat steps 1-3 always finishing with a topcoat on your final layer

From here the possibilities are endless! You have created a canvas of words and what you do with it is your choice...

But here are some more suggestions anyways

add an image with a photocopy transfer
pick words to emphasize using different mediums to make them POP
use a splatter technique
or even a watercolor wash

AND REMEMBER!!

*Dry matte medium will build up quick so be sure to continuously wipe off what is not needed

*Don't forget to matte the edges!

(For pictures and a more detailed explanation of this process visit- http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-upcycled-art-with-old-books/)

http://www.chicandcharming.com/2007/12/etsy-holiday-guide-art-i.htmlhttp://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-upcycled-art-with-old-books/http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/locations/saddletowne/blog?t=arthttp://www.recyclethis.co.uk/20111011/turning-books-into-art-our-favourite-practical-pretty-upcycling-ideas-for-old-bookshttp://artistclass.typepad.com/