We're nearing the end of the year...

...and in our family, it's the silly season.  We've played Cranium, done half a dozen puzzles over the holidays, and a little 5 x 5" thingy that looks like studio play even if it wasn't done in the studio.

Patterning in gel pens on black cardstock

I rather suspect that working on a Klimt puzzle of this Adele Bloch Bauer painting is what has me, once again, pattern crazed.

And because we've been playing so much, I don't have a video tutorial for you today, so I'll give you a video gift of silliness to end the year...this one is all about me learning a new trick.  For years I've wanted to learn how to break an egg one-handed (just because my son can do it), and here's the proof that I did it at least once.  Warning:  mild profanity.  Outtakes included at no extra charge.

That's it for 2018, my year of pronoia.  Tune in next week for details about my word for 2019.  And in the meantime, I'm wishing you the happiest possible new year.  May it bring everything your creative heart could desire!

I'm just crushing . . .

. . . this paper thing!

I played with a few kinds of paper to get a variety of background effects.  Well, truth be told, it was just to watch the paint run - there's something about it that's really mesmerising.  From top left clockwise they are watercolour paper, copy paper, artist tissue, a coffee filter, and Hammermill 80 lb. colour copy paper.  There's quite a change from paper to paper, and I'm especially loving the warm glow in the watercolour paper.

To see how it's done, check out the video:

And since this is my last post before Christmas, I'm just going to leave this here, along with a wish that the season bring you all the light you need to find your way to loved ones near and far, that you travel safely, and bring the light home with you in your heart.

I'll see you again next week, and expect to hear all about your rejoicing!

It's been a busy week...

...here, and not all in the studio.  From Christmas baking and shipping,  to sending cards out and wrapping my head around a technique unused for some time, I'm been in a wee bit of a tizzy!  This artist tissue technique is fun, totally uncontrollable (like me, right?!), and just meant for abstract play.

Artist tissue, washes of acrylic and oil pastels

And in case you thought I'd missed the video this week, you'd be very nearly right, given that I accidentally deleted it from the camera, and had to do a repeat.  There's just something about technology and me that are at odds.  In any event, I managed to do another, so from start to finish, here's a video about playing with artist archival tissue paper and acrylic washes.

Artist tissue, washes of acrylic

This last week was also about calligraphy - some friends and I took a class on Thursday last at the college, and yesterday was a practice day. . . there's a looooooooooong way to go, I'd say!

And while Eileen was here yesterday to work on this (she's a pro, given her earlier training), I neglected to get a single photo.  Baaaaad Win!  We were having too much fun, I'd say.

Tell me about your week - what have you been up to?  Creating?  Baking?  Wrapping?  Making?  Let me know in the comments!

Got plastic?

Why not use it?

We've all got a ton of plastic around the house, and I think using it to create interesting backgrounds is a great technique.

This background start was created using plastic objects from the studio (yes, I do keep a stash of outlandish plastic bits and bobs there), followed up with some ArtFoamies.

If you'd like to see how this was created, check out the video (and I'd love it if you would subscribe to my channel while you're there!):

I think creating patterns with plastic is a unique technique:

and when you add ArtFoamies to the mix you're in for some fun.

Of course that's not all that went on in the studio this week.  Given the season, there had to be some card-making, because I inevitably leave things to the last minute.

I think it was exceptionally talented of me to get the front and centre card upside down, don't you?  They don't call me Wingding for nothin' you know!  :D

And while I was studio cleaning, I found the tags that went missing a couple of weeks ago - yay!  Now to make some more!

I hope your week has been filled to the max with creativity - playtime is highly underrated, my friends!  💛💚💜💙♡💚💛