RAK for a Friend

I don't know if I should post this, because it's a surprise ATC for a friend - oh, well, even if she sees it, she won't know that she's "the one" until she receives it! Anyway, she's so busy, she probably can't find the time to read my blog! ;)

The card stock base is scraped with acrylics, the second layer is wrinkled, walnut inked and punched. The third layer (colored circle) was created using a technique similar to Bernie Berlin's "Inky Layers" technique in her book, Artist Trading Card Workshop. (Of course, I can't do anything exactly like the instructions say, I've always got to put my own spin on it!) I hope my friend likes it! :)

New Collage Book

I've heard about a new collage book called "Art from the Heart", by Catherine Matthews Scanlon. I haven't seen this book "in person" yet, I can't wait to get my hands on it! The link for the author's blog is here.

New Book!

I received this book yesterday (for my birthday). I picked it out myself, I've been wanting it for a while. The title is Mixed Media Explorations, authored by Beryl Taylor. It's a wonderful book. The author combines fabrics, papers, paints, inks, stamping, embroidery and much more in her projects. I probably won't make any projects exactly like hers, but I think that the book will inspire me and encourage me to try different media combinations in my work. If you enjoy using mixed media, or you use fabrics and/or papers in your art, or you like to browse art books for inspiration, then this book is for you! You can see the book here at Amazon.

Bread Clay Angel

I made this bread clay angel quite a few years ago. She was simply baked and varnished. Looking at her reminds me of a favorite clay book that I have - it's called Dough Creations, by Pat Gardner and Kay Gleason, published in 1977. I bought it at a yard sale a long time ago. Besides going over the history of dough artistry, this book also has some edible dough recipes and four good inedible dough recipes. Each "craft dough" recipe has its own chapter, which includes not only the dough recipe with directions, but also several projects with complete instructions. Although I've had this book for years, I still go back to it occasionally. If you like working with clays ad you find this book, get it! It's a keeper!

Enjoy the weekend! If you find an opportunity, do something artsy or crafty!

Art Books

If you read my post yesterday about quick fixes for creative blocks, you know that one of the quick fixes is looking through books. Although I mentioned that the books you read don't have to art/craft related, I personally like to get inspired by reading art books.



So far, I have amassed a nice little collection of art books, some of them "how-to" books, others are "eye candy" art inspirations.



These are the types of books I have on my shelf right now: altered art, altered books, paper, polymer clay, variety/general art and craft, collage and naturals. It's easy to see why I like altered art books - I enjoy working on altered art projects. But why do I have several polymer clay books? I don't use a lot of polymer clay, but when I do, I like to have information about it on hand. When I have a polymer clay issue, I like to look in the books and see what the experts recommend. Also, the clay items in the book are beautiful and awe-inspiring!



In my opinion, these are the two types of art books to buy: the "informative" type, to learn about the kinds of projects one would like to make, and the "inspiring" type, to get the creative juices going! Both of these types of books have their uses, and both would make valid purchases.



Of course, if your finances are a little low, go back and look through art books that you already own. Look at those old books with new eyes, and you may notice something totally different! Also, if you can't afford a new book right now, that shouldn't stop you from bookstore browsing. As you browse, you may see something you'd like to purchase at a later date, as well as eliminate books that aren't your cup of tea. So get out those books, and get inspired!