New Territory: Puppies & Fabric!!

If you've ever met me, you know how much I L-O-V-E my dogs. So why has it taken me this long to combine two of my passions- puppies and painting? I've recently started to experiment with painting bright, colorful versions of dogs on fabric. I choose the fabric first, then try to match the personality of the breed with the personality of the fabric. Here's what I've completed so far:

This is my younger black Lab mix, Bailey.

Super fun background calls for a super fun breed- a Boxer!

This was my first attempt at sewing pieces of fabric together. My amazing sewing machine has been neglected for about 4 years now, mainly because I had no clue how to use it. I decided now was the time to figure it out!

Shop Handmade. Shop Local.

15% OFF, November 25th-28th!

After your Black Friday run to the stores, consider buying handmade items from local artisans. Your friends and family will LOVE receiving these unique gifts!

Members of the Etsy Team in the DC area, CREST, have banned together to offer you a special discount from Black Friday (11/25) to Cyber Monday (11/28). Use the coupon code HOLIDAYCREST to receive 15% off your order at any of the participating shops below:

Bette's Bags - One-of-a-kind handmade bags, purses, totes, etc.

Earthen Knit - Sustainable Scarves, Hats, Washcloths, & Fiber Jewelry

EBN Art Studio - Contemporary Painting, Prints, & more!

Handmade Habitat - upcycled clothes, handmade journals, functional bags, lovely toys for your cats, and more!

JenniferLynn Productions - Photography and Cards

Julie Rebecca Designs - Beaded Jewelry & Accessories

Maggie Sue Designs - Accessories for Fun & Function

Moon Blossom Designs - Beaded Jewelry

Peace, Baby! Batiks - Batik Clothing for Babies and Toddlers

Purple Clover - Eco-friendly Home Decor

RAM Jewelry Designs - Handcrafted, Beaded Jewelry

Smoking Haute - Modern Knitted Accessories

Taila Custom Designs - Handmade with Love Using Yarn, Fabric, & Ribbons

Twisted Cow - Handmade Collars for Pets & Accessories for People

Happy shopping, and thanks for your support!

Inspire Me 2011: Project Progress

So I've been working on the painting inspired by Monica's photo of fireworks. You may recall that she was the winner of my "Inspire Me" photo contest. Here's the winning photo:

I wanted to do multiple panels, and I decided to do 3 long, skinny floating canvases. I LOVE these canvases because the sides are angled, which makes them look like they're floating. After I prepped the panels with black gesso, I painted a dark blue on top of the black. I am super happy with the outcome of this color! The blue on black looks awesome in person, although it's difficult to see the real color from the photos. Depending upon the time of day, the background can range from almost a royal blue to an almost black blue. 

Once I finished the background color, I put on some upbeat jazz and went to town with my palette knife and some bright colors. So much fun!

I'm still not sure if I'm finished with the piece. Some say don't touch it, others say it needs more. What do you think?

Fall of Events

I don't know what happened to my last two months, but I do have some photos to prove that I have been busy! This fall has provided some great experiences for me, so I thought that I would share them with you.




Hello Etsy
Etsy graciously hosted a free event for Etsy sellers in several cities around the world. Washington, DC was lucky enough to be chosen as one of those cities. Etsy asked the local team (CREST) to help out, and CREST chose me as one of the featured local artists at the event held in the Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum! It was really great meeting other local artists face-to-face and sharing our experiences.

Autumn Leaf Festival
ALF is an awesome week-long festival in my hometown of Clarion, PA. Every day features a different event, and Friday was the arts and crafts day. This was my very first outdoor event, so I called for some reinforcements (my mom, sister, husband, and cousin Monica from MoniLeesA). It was so much fun seeing old friends and acquaintances while hanging out at my tent!

Falling for Handmade
This was the second annual arts and crafts festival hosted by CREST, the team of Etsy artisans from the DC area. It was great to make some more connections with other local artists and spend the day with my friend Susan from Arts a Blaise!

Next up......

Arts and Crafts Festival at La Grange Winery on Nov. 12th!

Summery Artist: FlirtyGems

I've had the privilege of featuring so many awesome shops this summer- I hope you enjoyed them! Our last featured shop this summer is FlirtyGems. Alana of FlirtyGems has been featured in Brides Magazine, Parenting, and NBC morning news!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:

I started my business 8 years ago when I had my first baby. I was looking for a creative outlet and really enjoyed making jewelry.

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

I have always lived close to the beach and all my fondest memories are at the beach or summer memories. I am drawn to turquoise blue whenever I see a stone in that color I always buy it even if I am overstocked I can't resist.

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

My favorite beach destination has to be Grace Bay at Turks and Caicos. It is absolutely stunning and all you see for miles is white sand and sea blue turquoise water. 

*Alana is offering 20% off all items in her shop with coupon code FRIEND!

Exhibition- Artists in Dialogue 2: Sandile Zulu and Henrique Oliveira

I hope you've been enjoying this series on summer exhibitions. The last featured exhibit returns "home" to DC. The National Museum of African Art has a really intriguing idea for their Artists in Dialogue exhibit.

Sandile Zulu

What a cool concept! Two artists create new works in response to each other.





You have until December 4, 2011, to check out this constantly-changing exhibit!

Summery Artist: KiwiTiniCreations

Adorable cards and confetti! Check out Kathy's shop!

Tell us a little bit about your shop and how you got started:
My shop sells handmade gift/favor tags, favor boxes, cupcake flags, confetti, mini cards.... I create colorful and bright items with a nautical or flower theme.  I started selling on Etsy because I like the idea of being in a creative community where you can learn and get or give support to others.

 

How does the ocean/beach inspire you?

 I love walking at the beach and finding or seeing treasures such as pebbles, shells, crabs or birds.   I use these creatures or treasures in my designs.

 

What is your favorite beach destination? Why?

I have been fortunate to have gone to Maui.  I got on a plane in a snow storm and arrived in a tropical paradise.  It was surreal. 

Anything else we should know?
I  live near the Rocky mountains and enjoy camping and hiking with my family, but I miss and would love to live near the ocean one day.

*Kathy will be offering 10% off all items in her shop with coupon code EBNArt!