Friday, March 18, 2016

My Coloring Book Contest Entry



Hastings Bookstore Coloring Contest Event



It's so much fun that today there are coloring books for adults. About seven years ago, at a lunch at my sister's house, I spent an hour coloring on her patio and felt like a silly radical. Now, I see that maybe I should have pursued it to publishing. Ah well, the time machine isn't working right now. 
 
When Hastings Bookstore put up posters for an adult coloring-book contest - I had to join in on the fun. Plus, it would be nice to have the prize. This would make me a paid artist.
 
I colored the vines, woods and birds with a combination of regular color pencils and a few watercolor pencils. Then, glued the image to a canvas for some stability. I drew, painted, and used magic markers to make the faux frame.
 
The original coloring book page is to the left.
 
 We are allowed to alter the image in any way we like.
Since Harry Potter has many wonderful paintings that come to life, I glued pieces of white leather on the bird to make it appear like it's flying out of the frame.

I covered the whole canvas with a sealant to keep everything protected, added a wire on the back to hang. Done.
 
 
Hedwig come to life!
 
It's mailed off and we wish our little artwork Good Luck!



Thursday, March 3, 2016

Must Have - Matching Journal with Purse

We rather like this one for March.
 

This vintage Louis Vuitton was uncovered at the Goodwill (we're guessing it's the real deal because it smells all leathery, sewn nicely, and has the name engraved. When I put it in the cart, some lady approached me and said, "If you have second thoughts about that purse, let me know."
     Well, this reaction to it made me want it to buy it even more, plus I already had ready to go, the  journal that would match.
 
For the journal, I cut up a raggedy LV purse and glued it on a plain book. The belt came from a different purse and attaches by a snap.  I'm always scrounging around yard sales, and this rhino pin had all the right colors and it weighs down the front to stay snugly in place.
 
 
To make it more personal, on the inside I glued some of my ATCs (artist trading cards),
and gave it a finishing coat to seal the images.

 
These small journals go everywhere. I jot down
everything from To-Do lists, doodles, art and writing ideas,
to interesting quotes from authors that we meet.