Archive for Videos
A Week in Retrograde? But it’s only Tuesday!
Posted by: | CommentsSo you might not know this about me, but I’m kind of “into” astrology and have had my chart done a few times.
Don’t confuse this with actually knowing about astrology–I can never remember the significance of this house or that, but I find it completely fascinating all the same, and I love getting my weekly reading from Rob Brezny’s Free Will Astrology, because it’s always right on, and his writing is so life-affirming and expansive.
I share this little personal factoid today because I’m thinking something is terribly “retrograde” in the stars this week (for just me or you too?), and it’s only Tuesday. Ugh. Read More→
Fast, Fun & Pretty! Glitter Decoupage Ornament Kits
Posted by: | CommentsYay! The Glitter Decoupage Ornament Kits are ready to ship out. I’m so excited. They come in three great colors choices, so there’s definitely something for everyone.
Please watch the how-to video at the end of this blog post, because it lets you see if it’s something you’d like to try before buying. No risk!
A Perfect Holiday Project for a Creative Woman with NO TIME to Make!
If you’d really like to make a few gifts this holiday season, but are now worried you’re too crunched for time–take heart! This project is the perfect solution. Fast, fun and super easy, you can make these in an afternoon.
This is another great small gift idea like the bookmarks I wrote about the other day. They don’t take long to make, they look super pretty, and they’re something the recipient will enjoy every year when they decorate their tree.
This is actually even easier than the bookmarks idea, because the kit has everything you need to get started–no thinking or planning required!
Perfect as a special little something for co-workers, great as teacher gifts because your kids can make them with you, and so nice as that extra surprise tied to a gift bag or bow that makes a gift so much more touching, because you made it. Read More→
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A Man Named Pearl
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So often, we hold ourselves back by deciding we’re not talented enough, or that our busy lives create too many obstacles for us to be creative or make what we want to make.
Or we try to make something we think is popular, hoping it will sell well and we can make a living being creative, but somehow, we find ourselves out of touch with what we really want to create or express.
Well, listening to NPR this weekend, I heard about a man named Pearl Fryer who made his art on his own terms and turned his South Carolina yard into a living sculpture garden, and the art world (and everyone else) came to find him.
Pearl Fryer never studied art or considered himself an artist. His initial motivation to create a garden was to defy traditional bigotry in his neighborhood and win the coveted local “Yard of the Month” prize. Read More→
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On Drawing
Posted by: | CommentsI saw this video the other day on Vimeo and thought it was so lovely and soothing as well as an interesting discussion on art making. The famous designer Milton Glaser makes a drawing as he muses about art making vs. the pressure of having to make a living, the relevance of drawing in daily life, etc.
You can watch it here:
(if you’re reading this in an email, you’ll probably have to click on the title above to come directly to the site to watch)
I’d love to know your reactions to this video, so feel free to comment below!
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Become a (Felt) Rock Star in an Afternoon
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Turns out that 2009 is the Year of Natural Fibers for the United Nations. Who knew?
And hang onto your (wooly) hats, because that’s not all. October 3rd is the International Day of Felt and as a lapsed art felter, I decided I better participate.
And I think you should too! In case you’ve never felted before, my cunning plan is perfect for you too because it’s small, fun, and a great first time felting project.
Read More→
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Make Friends with Your Sewing Machine
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The one thing that will empower you most with your sewing machine is getting comfortable changing your thread and threading your bobbin.
Seriously.
Once you realize it’s no big deal, it completely changes your relationship with your machine, because you’re no longer scared of it.
You don’t have to conquer all the basics of sewing to enjoy your machine. But if you stop dreading changing your thread, you’ll start using your sewing machine as a creative tool (yay!) and actually enjoy it. Big projects and small–white thread and black. You won’t care, because changing your thread is super easy.
So set your timer for 20 minutes , park yourself in front of your sewing machine and just try it. (Believe me, this is better than waiting to try it once you’re in the middle of a project that you care about, are in a giant hurry or both. And weirdly, those things always seem to go together…)
You’re Not Alone–Because I’m Here in Video Spirit!
To reduce the pain and suffering of this task, I’ve created a video (below) of how I thread my own machine, refill my bobbin, and draw up the bobbin thread. Maybe watch it a couple-three times before working with your machine. I hope it functions like a fabulous bravery pill that enables you to give yours a go. Read More→
“Rice Paper” Decoupage Video
Posted by: | CommentsI don’t know if I should call this technique Rice Paper Decoupage or Handmade Paper Decoupage, but either way, it’s fast, fun, and easy–and perfect as a first time project. But it’s also a great technique for the experienced decoupage artist as well, because it can be a nice break from all the careful cutting and gluing of more traditional decoupage, while still incorporating beautiful papers and still creating a wonderful end result.
Enjoy the video, and don’t forget to read the rest of the post below for other great tips that I couldn’t include in the video.
Extra Tips for Decoupage Success
>In the video, I suggest you tear about half your sheet before you get started gluing. The reason I don’t tear the whole sheet of handmade paper into pieces right at the beginning of the project is because once I start gluing, I realize that I want to tear the design a little differently than I might have thought before getting started.
