I drew this today. Feeling very inspired by mandalas, again. Why not combine 2 if my favorite arts: mandalas and Mexican folk art (el Dia de la Muerta) style.
Wood Burning January 9, 2012
Last night I went to one of Chicago’s annual epic punk shows, Ian’s Party. This place was packed with sweaty friends, art, wood, music, and a lot to draw inspiration from. I met a young woman who’s been selling her art under “This Is Hush: Process and Create”, and we had a good heart to heart about art and Etsy. Surprising enough, she does not yet have an Etsy! I think she would make BANK on Etsy. Her stuff is great. She draws on planks of wood, sometimes reusing old skateboards, and turns these things into hangable art. Her images capture the scene, and often feature people meandering around with the bands! I bought a piece from her of a female singer/guitar player, and also am having her commission another piece in similar fashion of the Sass Dragons (one of Chicago’s most fun punk bands), who I’ve seen play many many times.
Upon awakening this morning I was inspired to dig out my wood burning tool and some stencil projects. I found some cuts of cedar (which smells amazing, even when burning) and pine, and went to work tracing scenes and mandalas. I came out of my art haze with a few finished pieces. All they need is either A) a magnet glued to the back, B) a hole drilled in top for string hanging (ideal for windows/suction cup hooks, or for hanging from a planter for decoration), C) wall hangers hammered in the backs of them for hanging on walls! I’m super excited for this project. Again, Any special requests can be managed and burned into wood.
I’ll be listing what I made so far on Etsy (my store is Compassionate Crafts), and be making and posting more as things progress! I’m so excited! Enjoy!
Productivity in the new year! January 6, 2012
Happy new year, all! I’ve been keeping myself busy and crafty. I tend to get overwhelmed with ideas and start one thing before finishing another. This year I’ve resolved to take one step at a time, and to better manage my projects. (well, that was one of many resolutions for this year). So, I was given a task of making a tip jar for our short bus. My Boyfriend asked me to make one for him while he carts the drunks around from bar to bar and show to show. I GLADLY accepted. I don’t think he’s ever asked me to do something crafty or arty for him in 5 years! I got really excited about it and cranked one out while I was watching the hilarious tv show “Raising Hope”. I got a glue stick, yellow construction paper, a cardboard based lidded container, Sharpies, and went to work! I cut a hole in the top of the lid for the deposits, wrote the word “tips” in the shape of the bus (kinda), and used my artists eye for color to give it some pop! Whoo! Tip jars were never as cool as this one!
Best of all, I can put a big check in a box labeled DONE next to this project! WEEEE!
