Rubber Band Jewelry
Categories: DIY, Fashion | 6 comments
If you’ve been following this blog for any amount of time, you know I love making things from everyday items. (Like my all time most popular post, earrings from paperclips.) Slightly more mundane than the paperclip, in my opinion, would be the rubber band. Surprisingly even this can be turned into something beautiful.
It’s really simple. Using #84 rubber bands (which are the widest variety I could find), you can make simple and awesome pieces of jewelry that no one would ever think were formerly a mere office supply. You can get them at Staples – a bag of 45 bands for 3 bucks. Unfortunately they only come in beige, but I found that you can paint them with acrylic craft paint to get more interesting color. For the pieces above, just snip rubber bands into squares and thread them on your necklace cord or wire for the earrings.
You can bunch them together in a lot of ways to get a variety of different shapes.
For these, all you do is arrange the rubber band formation the way you want and pierce it with a large sewing needle through all layers. Then take a piece of jewelry wire and thread it through the holes. All these above could be strung on a chain or cord to create a necklace.
If you try this project, please let me know! I would love to see how yours turn out. Have fun!
Happy Spring – Out of the Slump
Categories: Art, Downloads, Faith | 8 comments
Happy Spring everyone! Sorry for the scarceness on posts. I caught the dreadful flu bug late February and as a result of some pretty horrendous coughing, managed to crack a rib. Extreme! But mostly I’ve just been in a slump, creatively, emotionally, spiritually, pretty much everything-ly. I’ve been in those before, where I just don’t find joy in doing hardly ANYTHING, and it doesn’t take too long to get out of it. But this time, it just stuck with me for weeks, and weeks. Ugh. Motherhood was beyond hard, and I’m just being honest here, I did not even feel like getting out of bed on most days. I felt like I was trudging through waist deep sludge.
I prayed, I read, I waited, I tried doing my most favorite things, but nothing seemed to “fix” it. But then warm weather hit, flowers started to bloom, and everything was suddenly green again.
Then he gives the command and it all melts; he breathes on winter-suddenly it’s Spring! Psalm 147:18 (MSG)
And again, as He so faithfully does, God pulled me out of my miserable pit and I got my life back – my joy back. I can’t explain it, and I don’t know why it happens, I just know that plenty of Psalms have some pretty rough spots in it, where the Psalmists wonder where God is and why they feel so downcast and alone. So I know I’m not the only one.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
Anyway, I’m glad to be “back” and I hope to be posting more regularly again.
I love Spring every year. It’s the newness, the power of life, that just gets me every time. It’s such a miracle. I’ve been photographing our blooming daffodils and tulips – and we have lilies & daisies on the way. It’s amazing how quickly they unfold – I took the above photos in the area of a couple hours. I also did a some sketching of a floral motif, and I’m offering it here as a free download if you like it.
As always, I don’t care what you do with it, you could even use it on your website as a background. Hope you enjoy it.
What do you appreciate most about Spring? Does anyone else have slumps?
Tiny Sculptures from Willard Wigan
Categories: Art | 3 comments
It takes alot to wow me these days. When my husband and I stumbled on the work of Willard Wigan, I was completely doubtful that this self-taught artist could create work that fits in the eye of a needle. But after further investigation, that’s exactly what this artist does, create the tiniest sculptures in the world that are sometimes as small as the period that you see on this page – cut in half. Not even visible to the naked eye. So I knew I had to share it with you all.
If you are a skeptic like I was, you might be interested in watching his TED talk, in which he goes into his homemade tools (like a hair off a fly for a paintbrush), and methods (like slowing down his breathing so he can work in between heartbeats).
While his work is incredible, his story is equally as impacting. He struggled in school with dyslexia and is still barely able to read and write. His teachers made him feel worthless and a failure. In fact, one of his teachers told him that the word “failure” was invented just for him. At age 5, he started creating tiny apartments and furniture for ants, as a way of escape from his troubles. His mother encouraged him in his God given ability, and when he was very little told him, “The smaller your work, the bigger your name will become.” He didn’t fully understand this as a boy, but certainly gets it now that he’s grown, where recently his life’s work recently sold for 20 million dollars.
Little things can be the biggest things. The teachers at my school made me feel small. Like nothing. I’m trying to prove that nothing doesn’t exist. – Willard Wigan
Wigan explained that, while working on a grain of sand, he would sometimes use the tremor caused by his own heartbeat as a jack hammer to chisel the tiny particle. When asked if he enjoys his work, he answers, “I enjoy it when I finish it. Not working on it, no. It’s misery. It’s painstaking.” Fashioned from gold, specs of dust, precious gems, droplets of glue and paint along with numerous other materials including eyelashes and spiders webbing, each artwork is living proof of the power of belief.
I work between my heartbeat. I have one-and-a-half seconds to actually move. And at the same time I have to watch I don’t inhale my own work.
The personal sacrifices involved in creating such wondrous, yet scarcely believable pieces are inconceivable to most. He’s not married, and he’s not into the glitzy life. What motivates him I guess is his own internal drive to prove his critics wrong, and to use the gift he says God gave him.
People haven’t seen the best of me yet. I’m going to take it even smaller.
Once Upon a Time at Anthropologie
Categories: About Me, Events | 9 comments
So last month I got to work at Anthropologie for a couple days. A new store was opening in January here in Oklahoma City and a friend of mine was hired as a manager. Boy did I feel lucky when she asked me to help prep the store for their grand opening! I hung up my mommy hat and donned my dusty work hat. It was so exciting see the store unfold and become what we all know Anthropologie stores to be – a treasure trove of inspiration, beauty and retail perfection.
I got to work on one of the art displays, my own personal favorite attribute of Anthro. They had people from all over the country working to help get the store to standard. One of the gals painted this giant mural of an Oklahoma landscape and then we cut it up and put them inside these old canvas frames. It was so much fun being a part. I also steamed ALOT of pretty dresses.
It was also awesome to see a local artist there, creating one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and displays for the environment onsite. Jerrod made the coffee table you see above (borrowed from his instagram).
Belt courtesy of forthemakers.com
This was what I wore to the opening party I got to attend with a girlfriend. Don’t tell, but none of it was from Anthro! I was also sporting a sassy new haircut – my friend Erin says it makes me look like Roxie Hart. (Thanks Erin!)
We ended up doing more chatting and eating the yummy hors d’oeuvres from Deep Fork than shopping, but it was still a great time oohing and aahing over things we couldn’t afford to buy. Ultimately it was a great opportunity to do something special and different, but it really made me appreciate my role as a mom so much more. I don’t think I would cut it in the retail industry! Now, if I could help with the store displays, THAT would be another story. :)
Okie Blogger Night Out
Oklahoma has some pretty cool bloggers. Last fall one of them decided to start getting them all together at one event, and three meetups later, the event has grown into a pretty awesome thing.
This time it was served up at The Makeup Bar, and the hostesses there were so generous and accommodating. I got to go with a new friend of mine, Elle who writes Memories of a Wannabe Gypsy – she has a wonderful blog, and such an inspiring spirit – love her!
I got a free brow wax and smokey eye makeup done by Kim, who was so sweet and made me feel pretty glamorous and pampered! There was a mixologist from Deep Fork Grill serving up some great drinks. I tried the peach belini, and she even took the time to show me how to make it – too bad my mommy brain doesn’t remember. Not only that, they had some yummy food for us to enjoy and the cutest little cupcakes from Green Goodies.
I got to meet my favorite mommy blogger, Emery – she’s a fantastic and witty writer and everything she writes about I just nod in agreement, yes, yes, YES! My friends, Erin and Rachel were there from Pippin & Pearl and Pencil Shavings, both great ladies and wonderful artists. Also, Kelly Beall from Design Crush who is an AWESOME blogger – you may remember that I met her at a charity project a while back. Kathleen was there too, whom I met at the last meetup, and we were in awe over her tallness and our shortness. Ha! It was fun meeting new people too, although I didn’t get to meet everyone – maybe next time! Thanks everyone for such a wonderful event!
If you want to check out some okie bloggers for yourself, here is a list of everyone who was there:
Oil Painting for Beginners: Supplies
Categories: Art, Tutorials | 7 comments
I’m going to start a 3 or 4 part series on oil painting, sharing tips & techniques that I’ve learned along the way. A common misconception with oil painting is that you have to use dangerous solvents and thinners that are very toxic. That is simply not true. It is possible to be completely safe while painting with this beautiful medium. In this part I will cover the basic supplies you need to get started. Shall we?
1. Paint
You get what you pay for in this department. I use a mid-level brand (Grumbacher) that I’ve been pretty happy with, but I do find that I need to add more medium to get them to flow properly. With a 40% coupon at Michael’s I got a set of 10 for $35 in the basic colors. Then I purchased a few Winton color tubes separately for about $8 each.
2. Brushes
It’s nice to have a broad range of brushes for oils, and great to have a few with a longer handle for painting with your whole arm, which is very important. Synthetic or natural fiber brushes will do just fine.
I use mostly round and filbert brushes, and I like to have two of the same size of my favorites – one for painting and another to keep clean for blending or picking up paint.
Bright and flat brushes are also good to have – I’ve never used a fan brush so you might be able to skip that one. I also have one or two really tiny brushes for detailing.
3. Oil Medium
This is your replacement for turps and thinners. I use Refined Linseed Oil, but you could use Walnut oil, or really any type of oil medium. You will use this to thin your paint, prep your canvas, and clean your brushes.
4. Palette
A glass palette is my favorite because it’s clear and flat and super easy to mix colors on and even easier to clean – just use some pages from a phone book to wipe it clean! You could also use a disposable palette for convenience.
5. Rag
You will need a rag to wipe your brushes while painting, and you can also use it to clean your brushes of excess paint. An old cotton t-shirt works well for this.
6. Bar of Soap
A bar of soap with olive oil in it works best, which can be found at health food stores. This will be used to clean your brushes. Works like a charm and it’s completely safe!
7. Easel (Optional)
You don’t have to have this, but it does make painting so much easier than having to hunch over a desk. Not to mention dealing with glare from painting on a flat plane.
That’s it! The the next part I’ll go into the basics of toning/priming your canvas and sketching out your subject. I hope if you’ve been intimidated by oils in the past, you will give it a try. Oils have become my absolute favorite medium. Until then! Have a great weekend.
Interview & Giveaway: Nancy Straughan
Categories: Art, Interviews | 25 comments
It’s been a while since I posted an artist interview, but when Nancy, a textile designer based in London contacted me, I just knew I had to have her thoughts on art. She recently graduated from art school and has launched a beautiful line of printed textiles that are so alluring in their simplicity. Check out her blog, website, and shop for more on this lovely lady.
Also, make sure you don’t miss the giveaway at the end of the post to win a risograph printed notebook specially made for our winner with one of Nancy’s designs. Enjoy!
1. What does art mean to you? Art means a few things to me but I think the most important is that art should stir something up inside you. I think good art and design should make you think, feel, ask questions, or solve problems. I’m a big fan of the aesthetic movement and in my slightly vain outlook art means the most to me when I consider it beautiful, I find beautiful art very peaceful. I remember seeing the Monet exhibition in Edinburgh, Scotland when I was still in school. I was blown away at how beautiful his paintings were, that was enough for me!
2. What is one challenge you’ve overcome as an artist? I suppose being the sort of person that I am means I come across daily challenges. I try to have a good work ethic, and set my self lots of tasks. I do think however most of the time I end up giving my self too much work, but those manic moments make the little successes feel so much better! If I have to pin point the biggest challenge I have had to face, it would be the moment after I graduated art school, realising that you have to face the world with just you and your skills is a very scary concept. However there is something magical about being a creative, the fact that I am a textile designer is a wonderful thing and doing what I do feels very natural for me.
3. Describe one thing or person that has influenced your art the most. This is an easy one! Without a moments doubt I have to say its my Father. He was a wonderfully talented artist, photographer, designer, in fact everything. Not only was he incredibly creative but he was also a wonderful person. I doubt I’ll ever meet anyone else like him. I think he has influenced pretty much every thing I do, the good and the bad! Him and my Mother made the greatest power couple ever, and I think my brother and I owe them a lot for how they brought us up.
4. Name three artists that inspire you. This is a really tough one and I think I may have to cheat a little! The two main influences with regard to textiles would be Lotta Jansdotter and Lena Corwin. Both of these ladies are very talented textile designers, their books have been invaluable to my textile education. My talented creative friends are also very important to me, somehow I have managed to surround myself over the years with a great collection of extremely hard working and talented designers and I am very lucky to have them as my friends.
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Thank you Nancy! Now it’s giveaway time. To win this beautiful notebook, perfect for storing your thoughts for the new year, just leave a comment below on what kinds of amazing things you might record in these blank pages. A comment will be randomly selected one week from now. Good luck!
UPDATE: A winner has been randomly chosen…congratulations ESTHER comment #23! You will be a proud owner of a NS notebook. Thanks everyone for entering!
Wearable Art from Pasta
Categories: DIY, Fashion | 21 comments
OK, before you laugh, let me just say that I waited and waited to post this because I vascillated back and forth between whether it was really really dumb or really cool. Then, I saw this post about Dolce & Gabbana using bowtie pasta for earrings on the runway, and well, that was all the encouragement I needed! If D & G can do it, then so can I. :) I give you, Chevron from pasta…
Who knew that penne pasta was the perfect shape for making chevron patterns? Now, I experimented with different necklace bases – I used jersey fabric pretty successfully, but I settled on a knit i-cord for the strap, which let me control much better how they hang. I’m sure if used an actual necklace chain, you could also get pretty good results.
Simply paint the pasta with acrylic craft paint and string onto whatever you’d like to use as your necklace strap. If you have four rows like the photo above, you will need four lengths of fabric/chain/i-cord to attach onto the necklace base.
Large ditaloni pasta makes for great bracelet beads. Just string a few painted pieces of pasta on a strip of jersey and tie around your wrist.
When I was having doubts about using pasta, I tried to recreate the shape using fabric, stiffened with glue and rolled into a bead. Then I cut the bead at an angle to achieve the same look. I’ll probably explore fabric beads a little more, it was a fun experiment.
So what do you all think? Is this something you’ll try?
Working Hard
Categories: Art | 12 comments
I’ve been painting more. Painting is scary for me. Graphic arts are so much more safe and forgiving, and easy. After all I’ve been doing it for about 13 years and for the most part, it comes naturally.
I first discovered my love for drawing in the 5th grade. I always just assumed I wasn’t good at it before then, and had other interests, so I hadn’t even tried. To my surprise, I wasn’t too bad. But after those classes – for some reason or another – I abandoned drawing, only to take it up sporadically in the years following.
So fast forward to last year, and I’ve been having the most unshakeable urge to paint and draw. After my drawing challenge last fall, I rediscovered my passion for it and have been shaking the dust off my rusty skills to see where it goes.
There is a local painter here in Oklahoma City, whose work captured me immediately when I saw it on display in a local art gallery. I recently met with her, and she told me the 5 words that gave me the push I needed – “you need to work hard.”
Understanding that I have to be willing to fail and create bad art while I learn, I’ve been painting with abandon. So I got out my oils the other day while the husband took the boys to the zoo. I created a decent painting, but I could not get her second eye right. So right now the painting looks like this:
And of course my dear husband (ever the comic) had to completely deface it by cutting an eye patch for her out of paper. Haha, honey. :)
I’m not sure where my art will take me in 2012, and I think I will always have a love for the craft arts and DIY projects I’ve done through the years, but be prepared to see more art related posts, as I pursue this passion that I just can’t ignore.
Happy Holidays
Categories: Holiday | 2 comments
Hello everyone, I know this is a bit late since Christmas is past, but I know some of you are probably still celebrating and with New Years coming right up I wanted to send some warm greetings your way. I hope you had a magical time with family, friends and loved ones. I hope that you are filled with hope for the new year ahead. I pray for myself that the reality of the gift I’ve been given – Jesus – will continue to change me and cause my life…my art, my work and ministry, my motherhood, and my marriage…to bring glory to Him.
PS These are silhouettes I did in Illustrator of my two dashing young men, who are now 3 and 1.5 – they made Christmas so fun this year!
Want silhouettes of your little kiddos? Send me an email to info@evie-s.com, I’d be happy to do them at a special rate for you, my readers – my gift to you. Happy holidays!
