Month: July 2011

Halloween: “Welcome Foolish Mortals”

Featured Artist: Katharine McGuinness




“Tutti Frutti” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Discovering the work of Katharine McGuinness was a  wonderful moment of kismet for me this year.  When touring Denver’s Santa Fe Art District for their monthly First Friday Artwalk, I entered Spark Gallery and was immediately delighted by the saturated color and energetic shapes of these monotypes on paper, which were hung like mobiles throughout the gallery space.  They twirled and danced as I walked around them, and I was captivated by their stunning compositions and rich texture. Katharine has an amazing eye for color and a mastery of abstraction.  Often abstract works can lie flat and emotionless on their canvas or paper and get monotonous to view.  These shapes seem to interact and move with each other, and the viewer has merely caught a snapshot of their action.  Drawn in for a closer look, you begin to see the layers of color artfully built upon one another and gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship of these pieces.

“Birthday in Chinatown” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Shortly after I saw Katharine’s work at Spark, I wandered into her booth at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which is one of the largest, most prestigious annual arts festivals in the country and very difficult to be accepted into.  This time I was able to meet Kate in person!  She is a delightfully energetic woman, who happily shared information about her work and success with me, and I am still inspired by that conversation!  Kate currently has a show at Zip37 Gallery, in Denver’s Navajo Street Art District, through October 31st.  Her work is priced very reasonably ($800-$900, framed), and I highly recommend adding one to your art collection!  I had the opportunity to talk with her about her work at the show’s opening, and laughed frequently at her analogies and wonderful stories.

Elysian:  “I am not familiar with the monotype process, can you explain it to me?”

Katharine McGuinness at Zip37 Gallery

McGuinness: “A monotype is a painting done with lithography inks onto a printing plate.  I determine my composition, mix my inks and roll them onto the plate with a brayer.  I control which inks go next to each other, and then transfer the colors in many layers with a press onto 100% rag paper.  The paper is pure white to start, but there is none left when I am done! Some images may be similar, but each one is made completely by hand.  There is no edition, and each piece is unique.”

Elysian: “What artists are the biggest influences on your work?”

McGuinness: “One of the biggest influences on my work is music.  My process is similar to jazz.  I used to play the guitar, so I relate to the rhythm and movement of music.  As far as artists go, I hate to look too much at others, because I want my work to be it’s own, and artists can’t help but steal ideas from one another.  I do love Rothko and Villard.”

Katharine McGuinness at Zip37 Gallery

Elysian: “I also see a lot of Kandinsky (one of my favorite artists whose imagery was strongly influenced by music)”

McGuinness: “Yes, in fact I named one of my pieces after him!”

Elysian: “How do you know when a piece is finished?”

McGuinness: “It is so important that a piece doesn’t look overworked!  Its like a delicate pizza dough that you skillfully toss in the air and as soon as it’s right you stop!”

“Swimming Up Stream” monotype by Katharine McGuinness

Elysian: “Which piece in the show is your favorite?”

McGuinness: (pointing)  “Swimming Up Stream”

Elysian: “That is my favorite!  I love the black!”

Kate and I had a great time discussing her work, and her show is beautiful!  I look forward to seeing her next show, especially how she chooses to display her pieces.  She always gives thoughtful consideration to the viewer’s ability to interact with her work and see it as clearly as possible.  You can view more of her work on her website at http://www.mcguinnessstudio.com/ , and be sure to stop by her show at:

Zip37 Gallery

3644 Navajo Street (Highlands)

through October 31st

Art Tour: King Tut at the Denver Art Museum-part 2

In my previous post, I covered the basics of preparing to visit the King Tut exhibit at the DAM, but if you can’t get to the museum, I’d like to share some of my favorite pieces in the collection.  All of the pictures in this post are from the book “Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharoahs” by Zahi Hawass.  This is the Official Souvenir Guide to the Exhibition.  Dr. Hawass is an impressive archaeologist, and I’m amazed at how much he continues to discover and share about Ancient Egyptian culture. If you listen to him speak about his discoveries, or watch him on a National Geographic DVD, his joy and excitement shines through and is contagious! 

There are three major focuses of the artifacts in the King Tut exhibit: The Pharoahs, The Treasures, and The Household.

The Pharaohs:

“The word ‘pharaoh’ comes from a Hebrew word in the Old Testament referring to the ruler of Egypt, derived from an ancient phrase, per aa, meaning ‘great house.’ ” says Hawass.

1. “Funerary Mask of Psusennnes” ,gold inlaid with lapis lazuli and black and white glass.  Solid gold masks like this were used to cover the face, head and chest of the Pharaoh mummies. The cobra and false beard point to the royal and godly status of Pharaoh, and gold was believed to  be connected with the light of the sun, one of the major gods in Egyptian religion.

2. “Sculpture of Amenhotep IV” , sandstone.  Akhenaten, also known as Amenhotep IV, was King Tutankhamun’s father, who controversially changed Egypt’s worship from the sun god “Amun” to the sun god “Aten.”  In fact, King Tut’s name at birth was Tutankhaten, and changed to Tutankhamun after he inherited the throne and restored worship to Amun. This lage and impressive sculpture of Amenhotep IV once “stood against large square pillars in the colonnade of the King’s temple to the god Aten at East Karnak,” says Hawass.

3. “Amenhotep III” , plastered and painted unbaked clay.  There are different significances to the crowns portrayed by the Pharaohs.  This portrays the “blue crown”, or “war crown.” The statue of Amenhotep IV (#2) portrays the “double crown” which symbolizes Pharaoh’s rule over both Upper and Lower Egypt, and the Funerary Mask (#1) displays the “Nemes Headdress” which is the most common crown we associate with Pharaoh, and symbolizes his divinity.

4. “Colossal Statue of King Tutankhamun”, quartzite.  This is a gorgeous statue, and it’s worth the trip to the DAM just to see it.  It is one of a pair of statues found in the funerary temple of Ay and Horemheb, two very influential Egyptian leaders at the time of Tut’s reign. The smooth belly, contrasted with the striated skirt and intricately painted details of his face are something to behold.  This is why we are still fascinated with Ancient Egypt!

5. “Statue of Hetep”, stone.  Another example of fascinating and influential Egyptian Art is this abstract block sculpture of Hetep, who probably served in the court of Amenhotep I.  It depicts a seated figure and focuses on the carved hieroglyphic inscriptions, rather than characteristic details of the figure itself.

Art Tour: King Tut at the Denver Art Museum-part I

Featured Artist: Tim Baron Illustration



“Sci-Fi Theologica” by Tim Baron


Tim Baron is an extraordinarily talented artist and illustrator whose work I have admired for years.  He has an entertaining variety of subject matter to which he delivers a unique style!  Tim consistently produces subject matter that has a passionate heart, whether it is about the Gospel, children’s books, the current dangers facing teens, or a painting of a monster statue his daughter gave him!  He is a  a self-described, comic-book and action figure addict (to which I can totally relate), graphic designer-by-day, and family man. 

One of my favorite works by Tim is this beautiful drawing of Jesus saying “Let the Children Come to Me”.  Tim has an amazing ability to put a lot of emotion into simple gestures, which makes his characters graphically stunning. (I also secretly admire his ability to turn sounds into cool words like “KZAAK!” “BOFF!” and “MUAHAHAHA!”)  I recently caught up with Tim to gain more insight into his process, and find out about his newest projects.



“Jesus said ‘Let the children come to Me’ ” by Tim Baron



Elysian:  “When did you make your first comic book and what was it?”

Baron:  “Hmmmmmm….I believe I made my first comic in early grade school.  My best friend Curt and I were obsessed with Transformers.  We made up these Transformers stories that we would write and draw comics for.  Each of us would work on it for a while and then trade off.  I still have some of them. 

 As far as comics go, I’ve been obsessed with them since before I can remember.  I was first introduced to super-heroes on shows like “The Electric Company” and “The Bozo Show.” I do have a very early memory of going to the grocery store with my Mom and buying what I believe was my first comic book.  It was an issue of Green Lantern where he fights Star Sapphire.  I would always stand and look at the comic rack when I went to the grocery store with my mom.  I loved pouring over those books, and a lot of those same covers still stick in my mind.”

New Painting and YouTube Demo

Artists at Play: Lorelei’s Michael’s Bead Challenge

Featured Artist: Angus Wilson

The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Peaches

“The Lonely Peach” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Colorado’s Palisade Peaches are famous for their firm, juicy, delectable smelling flesh, and I am mourning the end of their season!  At $0.98 a pound, I kept buying bags full, intending to freeze some, but they were just too irresistible!  We did manage to save enough to make this delicious cobbler though!

Pecan-Peach Cobbler from Southern Living Magazine,

 June 2010 Click here for printable recipe

*note, I only used 2 pie crusts and just sprinkled sugar and pecans on top of each layer.  This was easier and much less fattening! Be sure to watch for browning on the nuts, and brush a little milk on the very top to prevent burning.  I also did not cut apart the crust to make it look fancy…I don’t have that kind of time!

Ingredients:

12-15 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 cups sugar

2/3 cup butter

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 (15 oz.) packages refrigerated piecrusts

1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

5 tablespoons sugar, divided

Sweetened whip cream (or vanilla ice cream) to serve

The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Green Chiles

“Longhorn Chiles” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland

Growing up in New Mexico as a child, I have many memories of roasting and drying large quantities of green chiles.  I still adore them in just about everything, including my own recipe for Green and White Chicken Chili! Serve with cheese quesadillas and enjoy!

Click here for Printable Recipe

 

Green and White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 fresh mild green chiles, seeded and chopped

1 packet McCormick’s White Chicken Chili seasoning

1 can diced tomatoes with Mexican seasoning

2 cans chicken broth

2 cans great northern beans, drained

1. Heat large pot or dutch-oven over medium heat.  Add olive oil and onion, and cook until translucent.

2.Add chicken and cook until done.  Remove chicken and onion mixture from pot, and set aside.

3. Add garlic and green chiles to pot (add a little more oil if needed).  Cook 1-2 minutes.

4. Return chicken mixture to pot.  Add chili seasoning packet.  Cook 1 min.

5. Add all remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1-2 hours.

6. Season with salt and pepper as desired, and top with dollops of sour cream.  Serve with cheese quesadillas on the side!



Green and White Chicken Chili



The Artful Life: Painting a Recipe: Raspberries



“Breakfast with Raspberries” oil on canvas, mounted on board by Erin Fickert-Rowland I am starting a new series of fruit and vegetable still lifes, and I love to cook, so I want to share both my painting and a delicious recipe for you to enjoy at home! Click here for printable recipe  Berry-Berry Brownie Torte from “Best-Loved Hershey’s” *note:original recipe calls for 3/4 cup raspberries and 3/4 cup blackberries, but I used all raspberries, I also substituted Lite Cool Whip for the heavy whipping cream! Ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine 1 1/4 cups sugar,divided 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa 1/2 cup whipping cream 1 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, rinsed and patted dry

1. Heat oven to 350 F.  Line 9-inch round baking pan with wax paper, then grease.  Stir together flour, baking soda and salt.  Stir in chocolate chips.

2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat.  Remove from heat.  Stir in 1 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla.  Add cocoa, blending well.  Stir in flour mixture.  Spread mixture in prepared pan.

3. Bake 20-25 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out slightly sticky.  Cool in pan on wire rack 15 minutes.  Invert onto wire rack; remove wax paper.  Turn right side up;cool completely.

4. Beat whipping cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar until sugar is dissolved and stiff peaks form.  Spread over top of brownie.  Top with berries.  Refrigerate until serving time.

Makes 8-10 servings

Berry-Berry Brownie Torte

“Sunday at La Grande Jatte” by George Seurat

Have you ever seen “La Grande Jatte” at the Chicago Art Institute and imagined the exhilarating experience of stepping right into the enormous canvas full of beautifully dabbed paint?  George Seurat’s Magnum Opus showcases his developments in color theory, which broke free from the contemporary trend of Impressionism to establish a new branch of Art: Neo-Impressionism. Intent on developing an incontestable system that approached color from a scientific standpoint, Seurat named this style “chromoluminarism” and then settled on the term “Divisionism.”

By painting individual dots of pure color directly next to each other, the viewer was to optically blend these colors into a fuller, more vibrant, range of tones. Paul Signac, another practitioner of this method, was actually the painter that adopted the term “Pointillism,” by which this style is known today.

“The Papal Palace at Avignon” by Paul Signac

The optical theories behind Pointillism aren’t conclusive, but I believe this style does create a “vibration” of color. Critics of Seurat argue that he pushed the science of color so far, it caused him to lose the emotion that color brings to an image. 

I think his staunch use of precise dots added to this cold reception of his work.  I personally prefer Signac’s small, consistent brushstrokes of color, which highlight the physical beauty of the paint itself, and add a feeling of movement to his imagery.

“Les Poseuses” by Georges Seurat

The drawback of Pointillism proved to be the difficulty in developing a strong personal style; therefore, many artists eventually abandoned it.  However, the breakthrough in unleashing the pure optical force of color laid the groundwork for many future art movements. 

Ever since I viewed “Le Grande Jatte” years (dare I say decades?) ago, I have been impressed by the work of George Seurat. However, any attempts at “Pointillism” have not fared well in my work. Recently when I travelled to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and viewed “The Seashore” by Jean Metzinger, I found a renewed inspiration for this style. Compelled by this beautiful piece, I began to research and work on a new painting of my own…

This is one painting in a series of still lifes I am doing with Apilco porcelain.  I don’t think I will complete any more in this style, as it completely up-ended my normal process of painting, and forced me to paint in entirely one layer.  However, this piece will affect the rest of my paintings.  I will be much more willing to put highly pigmented colors in the shadows, and leave beautifully loose, gestural brushstrokes to stand with equal importance to the image as a whole.  Color is everything to me, and yet I cannot forget the unique quality of the material itself.  This style perfectly blends both my love for oil paint and my love for the innumerable hues they can mix on my palette. What do you think? Is Pointillism primitive, provocative or promising? How do you react when you stand in front of a piece painted in this style?  Have you tried to replicate it but lost yourself in the tedious procedures of applying dots?  I’d love to hear you share your thoughts!

Showing newest 12 of 13 posts from February 2011. Show older posts

New Endeavors: New Blog Format- Here We Go!

Featured Artist: Jacob Lawrence

Artists at Play: Bead Table Wednesday

I’ve joined the Bead Table Wednesday Flickr Group, and will be welcoming you to my studio at least once a month to update you on my most recent jewelry endeavors! 

Currently, I find myself obsessed with all things Vintaj!  I’m late to the beading party, so I have just discovered this wonderful company that offers brass components and embellishments for your custom jewelry.  Here’s the best part, most are designed to be altered!  Look out, because I am about to go crazy with stamps, inks, hammers, punches and this amazing product called “Magic-Glos.”

I am on a quest to unite my love of painting, jewelry and fibers.  This is going to look different as I move from one emphasis to the other, but I am really drawn to mixed media art.  I have created jewelry for years, but I find myself revisiting simple linking, looping and wrapping techniques.  Proficiency at basic technique is always essential, so I’m sharing these easy tutorials I practiced this week!

 

2.  String the bead onto the eye pin.  Bend the looped end of the eye pin back over the top of the bead, leaving about 1/8 inch between the loop and the top of the bead.

3.  Bend the long, straight end of the eye pin so that it crosses in front of the neck of the looped end at the top of the bead, then wrap it behind.

4.  Using chain nose pliers, continue wrapping the tail end tightly up the neck of the eye pin to create coils.  Trim any excess wire with the side cutters, and tuck the end of the wire into the coils.

You will need:  head pins, bead caps, beads, round nose pliers, side cutter pliers

1.  String the bead cap and the bead onto the end of the head pin.

2.  Using the side cutter pliers, cut the head pin approx. 1/4 inch above the bead.

3.  Use the round nose pliers ro grip the end of the eye pin, pulling toward you at a 45 degree angle.

4.  Begin turning the end of the pin away from you, using the jaw of the pliers to form a loop.  Secure the end of the loop into the bead cap.

Now you have the building blocks of linking bliss. Add some jump rings to secure your newly looped creations to bigger jump rings or chain.  I am working on a “Monet” inspired focal, which features that lovely purple key (in top photo) that I won from Love My Art Jewelry, and lots of dangling, linked beady-goodness!

What’s on your bead table? Join us!

Presidential Art: Celebrating Washington and Lincoln

“I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” ~George Washington

President’s Day is the day we celebrate two of America’s most beloved Presidents, Washington and Lincoln, so I want to share a few Art History findings about pieces they inspired!

.
Washington was the obvious and popular choice for America’s first President, having served valiantly as the First Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.  He was an admirably brave, yet humble and faithful man, and highly regarded by his contemporaries.  At his death, Washington was hailed as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

This portrait of George Washington, is from the Smithsonian’s Jacob Kainen papers. It is a holiday card sent to Jacob Kainen in 1977 by Michael Clark, who embellished a postcard print of his Washington portrait with large painted dots.  It was difficult searching for more contemporary homages to Washington and Lincoln.  I found this via Archives of American Art, which is a phenomenal resource.
America’s 16th President, Abraham Lincoln is still beloved by our nation for leading our country through one of it’s most divisive periods in history.  “In temper he was earnest, yet controlled, frank, yet sufficiently guarded, patient, yet energetic, forgiving, yet just to himself; generous yet firm,” wrote J. T. Duryea of the U.S. Christian Commission, which met frequently with President Abraham Lincoln. “His conscience was the strongest element of his nature. His affections were tender and warm. His whole nature was simple and sincere – he was pure, and then was himself.” 

This is the Official White House portrait of Lincoln, painted in 1869 by George Healy.  The artist has portrayed “Honest Abe” in a pose of intent listening.  The portrait was painted in Paris and sent to Washington in response to an act of Congress (March 3, 1869) authorizing a Lincoln portrait for the White House. It hangs in the State Dining Room of the White House. 

 Between October of 1927-1942 Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers sculpted the enormous 60 foot likenesses of four of America’s most esteemed Presidents, Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln,  into the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The site for the monument was “Mount Rushmore,” the tallest mountain in the region, composed of durable, fine-grained granite, which only erodes 1 inch every 10,000 years.

It was originally planned for each President to be rendered from head to waist, but lack of funding forced construction to end in October 1941- sometimes the best designs really do happen by accident!  I think the simplicity of the busts retain the natural beauty of the site itself.  On October 15, 1966, Mount Rushmore was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is South Dakota’s top tourist attraction today.

Today we celebrate how much our country has accomplished since its inception, and are thankful for the courageous leaders who have served America in times of success and turmoil.  To live in a country where our government is freely elected by the people is a freedom we are truly blessed to have!

Art Tour: International Snow Sculpture Championships

The teams were each comprised of four members who were challenged with the task of carving their own 20-ton, 12-foot-tall block of snow  (image 1).  Power tools, internal supports and colorants were forbidden, so sculptors had to rely on hand tools (imagine sandbox toys and kitchen utensils!) to shape their snow.

This year’s first place winner was “Alebrije” by Team Mexico (image 2). By the time we got to him, the beak had melted, dripped, and re-froze, but I find that fascinating! Watching the art interact with the environment, and letting Mother Nature have a go at it, is an intriguing part of this event.

One of my favorite sculptures was this 1900s style camera (image 3).  The lens was a solid piece of ice that was translucent, in contrast to the snow.  Though it was blocked by a fence, you felt like you could step under the hood, and snap a few snowscapes!

This event is not for the faint-of-heart, the unpredictable weather in the Rocky Mountains can very quickly divert your plans! It was a blizzard all day while we were snowboarding, and then the clouds parted just in time for me to walk through the exhibit and snap some shots (image 4).

I love the abstract, so I was immediately drawn to Sweden’s entry, “Perpetual Motion,” which reminded me of Henry Moore’s “Locking Piece” sculpture (image 1). Team Yukon received second place for their haunting sculpture, “Spirits of the Aurora,” which portrays the Northern Lights as torches held by spirits seeking the souls of those who just died (image 2).  “Mere De Nation” was Team Canada’s entry, which paid homage to the adventuresome young brides who crossed the Atlantic in the 1600’s to marry the settlers of the Saint Lawrence River Valley. The sculptures were illuminated at night and you can visit the website to see more beautiful photos of the winning snow sculptures. It was impressive to see these large pieces. My husband and I always joke about needing a “scale figure” in a photo- so here I am! (image 4)

The entire competition lasts three weeks.  The first week you can see the blocks of snow being built, the second week allows you to watch the sculptors work, and the third week is for viewing the sculptures before they are taken down.  This was my first year to view the snow sculptures, but I look forward to visiting again next year!

Style Trend: Statement Necklaces- Are they here to stay?

Clockwise, from top left: “Gold-Plated ‘Wonder” by What’s-in-Store, “Tilda” by Alexis Bittar,
“Mixed Metal Knot” by Hive & Honey, “Aalia” by Dannijo

Left, “Isabella” by Dannijo, Top right, Design by Denise Julia Reytan via Designing Mazorie,

Bottom left,  “Looped Multi-Strand” via Eclectic Jewelry and Fashion

“Statement Necklaces” are huge (literally- the bigger, the better!). 
They’ve been a big trend for several years now, and I have to ask- 

“Are they here to stay?”  Personally, I think the answer is “Yes!“

Why are we so obsessed with these big chunky pieces? 

Two answers immediately come to my mind:

One: They express our unique fashion sense, and empower us to unapologetically flaunt it! There are a million design possibilities with statement necklaces: color, texture, material, length and drape.  We can dramatically display our appreciation for the avant-garde, not to mention having a guaranteed topic of conversation!

Two: They are surprisingly easy to wear! Dress them up with an elegant gown, or go casual with faded jeans and a tee: both combos work with a statement necklace!  Nothing is better than looking completely put together by simply pulling in one accessory.  Don’t believe me? Check these out:

Image sources: Fashion Style Advice, Empowered Traditionalist, Fashion Without Borders

“Statement Necklaces” spark my imagination and get my creative juices flowing! Their construction is fascinating, and their possibilities are endless. Plus, put one on and they’re just fun!  For my own jewelry, I’m using these examples as beginning references to explore design and materials. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the statement necklace!
Do you have any in your wardrobe? Why or why not?  

I ♥ Art! World Famous Art to Inspire your Valentine’s Day

Artists at Play: Valentine’s Painted Canvas Tags

Here’s a simple craft, that has lots of different applications, especially if you are a painter!  If you’re not a painter, just break out some colors and have fun with it!  These are unique gift tags, but would also be fun on cards and in scrapbooks.  For you crafty entrepreneurs, these would make a special addition to your packaging! Like ACEO’s? This technique can be used to create some new editions!  Most importantly, they are a great excuse to get whimsical and doodle with paint!

Materials:

fabric (any sturdy cotton or polyester fabric will do!)

paints (I used oil paint for fun, but acrylic or craft paint is fine!)

brushes

pencil (or disappearing fabric pen)

eyelets (3/16″ in size)

ribbon (narrow enough to fit through eyelet)

thread

sewing machine

scissors

hole punch

Crop-A-Dile (or eyelet setting tool)

card stock tag template

Gesso, or solid acrylic paint of choice for base coat

1. Make a card stock tag template.  I created mine using a Coluzzle template, but any simple tag shape will do. Avoid curves and scallops, as those extra details are more complicated to sew.

2. Using your template, trace tags onto your fabric.  I simply used a pencil and then sewed the pencil sides together.  You could use a disappearing fabric pen if you are concerned with visible marks.

3.  For stability, it’s best to make the tags double-sided, so trace two tags for every one you wish to complete.

4. Using sharp scissors, cut out the tags.  Pin two like sides together.  The edges will fray, but this will be limited by the stitching when you sew them together.

5. Using a simple straight stitch, and the thread color of your choice, sew the two sides of each tag together.  Again, the edges will fray.  Personally, I love this look.  If you prefer clean lines, use Fray Check, or a more complex sewing technique will be necessary. 6. Coat one side of each tag with Gesso, or plain acrylic paint.  I stayed inside the stitch lines, because I like to keep those visible, but go with whatever works for your design.

7. Using the Crop-A-Dile (which is a fabulous tool-I love it!), punch a hole at the top of each tag, and set an eyelet in the hole.  Here’s a video using the Crop-A-Dile, and here’s a more traditional tutorial.

8. Now your tags are ready to paint! I like leaving one side plain, on which you can write or stamp a greeting.  I didn’t show the process of painting, because…. just have fun! Start with hearts, bright stripes or flowers, or just paint a great word in fun colors.

9. Once your tags are painted and dry, snip a good 12 inches or so of your ribbon and embellish your tag.  Fold the length of ribbon in half, and push the two loose ends from the back, through the eyelet, to the front of the tag.

10. There will be a loop on the back side of the tag.  Bring this over the top of the tag and feed the two loose ends of ribbon through the loop.

11. Pull all the way through.  If your ribbon is a snug fit, pull carefully so you don’t pull out the eyelet!

12. My completed set of tags!  This was my first attempt at this project, but I have to say it was fun!

* I attached my tags to bags of homemade cinnamon popcorn (so delicious!) Have you ever tried to make your own popcorn? It’s fun! Here’s the Red-Hot Cinnamon recipe I used to make it more festive!

Enjoy!

Original Art For Your Valentine? Yes!(all under $100)

If I could pick any gift in the world for Valentine’s Day (besides a trip to Rome,Italy with my husband), it would be an original piece of art.  I paint, and trust me there is no shortage of art on the wall, but it’s mostly my own.  However, the pieces I have purchased by other artists continually inspire me anew.  The works by these painters have me captivated, and their prices are incredibly reasonable!

Original Watercolur Fashion illustrations by SilverRidgeStudio

left: “John Galiano Hat” $45, top right: “Italian Vogue” $55,
bottom right: “Garbo” $65

Original Paintings on Antique Book Paper by kipi

left: “Commercial Processes” $43, top right: “Warm and Fuzzy” $43,
bottom right: “Three Ferns” $43

Original Paintings by Michelle Daisy Moffitt

“Layered Hearts” $95  “Pop Hearts” $85

Original Oil Paintings on Clear Film by frank613

left: “Circles 022″(detail) $50, top right: “One Liner 010” $50,
bottom right: “One Liner 010″(detail)

Aren’t these pieces great? Which is your favorite? Any one of them would be a beautiful gift for a special Valentine (or yourself! hmmmm…..)

*all photographs were used with permission of the artists. Please do not re-blog without contacting them!

His Valentine’s Gift Guide: Intergalactic Badass

Valentine’s Gift Guide: Featured Jewelry Shops