Studio Buddy

Hazel decided that she needed to be part of my creative process last night. 

Think I could train her to be a paperweight or registration guide?

Playing with her after I finished gave me some inspiration.  It's difficult to find appropriate toys for a dog this size, especially toys without squeakers.  She happens to HATE squeakers.  So I think I'm going to start making tiny dog toys!  I'll be doodling some ideas today.  Can't wait to share them with you!

Etsy Overhaul!

I am in the process of giving my Etsy shop a MAJOR facelift!  I went ahead and listed a whole bunch of new things, including some folk style paintings, and a couple of prints.  I'm aiming to get back to my goal of one new item each week! 

Check it out here!

Logos and Free Programs

Designing logos is very specific work.  One must know exactly what to say with a single, iconic image.  I have been working on one for myself for a long time, and I think I've finally got it!  The idea blindsided me yesterday while I was at my day job, waiting for a meeting.  Funny how that happens, isn't it?  I did a nice clean drawing last night.  The only thing left to do is digitize!

My computer with Adobe CS on it happens to be 1,500 miles away at the moment, so I'm looking for free options that might do the trick.  I came across this list of 12 free design programs.  Has anyone tried any of these?  How do they compare to Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Draw?

Purple Isn't Real

Ever wonder why purple is so hard to mix?  It might be because it's something our brain invented!

New Project Excitement!

I'm so excited about making stuff!!!

First,  I'm getting my drawing chops back, and can actually pull of likenesses again!  Yippee!  I seriously worried that I had lost that ability. Bad for what I want to do.  Recognize this guy?

Never question Bruce Dickinson.

Then, I joined a local music and crafty group.  While trying to decide on a new project to take there, I found this.  EEEE!  I'm going to learn to double-knit, and make the one that does not have backwards writing on both sides.  It will certainly be a challenge, but I'm so stoked! :D

Spoonflower Giveaway

That's right, kids! Spoonflower is giving away 3 welcome packs, including Laurie Wisbrun's book on fabric design. Go enter!  Make all the perfect fabric for those projects!

DIY Studio: Screen Exposure Unit

Screen printing is not only amazingly fun and versatile, but one of the easiest print mediums to do from home. There are tons of videos on YouTube on making everything from your actual printing station to vacuum exposure units. Yes, let me repeat that. DIY vacuum exposure units! I think I found a new project for spring!

This one is my favorite so far, but a quick search will yield many versions!