Archive for the 'Arts and Crafts for Adults' Category

Finding Beautiful Things

I may not do my shopping in the mall, but I do like to shop. When it became time to replace my key chain , I turned to the internet.

I’m not an internet junkie. If I have to sit in front of a computer for more than an hour I start to get cross-eyed. I’d much rather be throwing a ball for the neighbor’s dog, or walking under the elm trees lining my block.

But it can be a good tool, and that’s what I use it for. Besides, it can be a good way to save energy. Why drive across town for something you can pick up in an online store? No, I haven’t forgotten the fact that someone has to drive it to my door. However, I do believe delivery companies have a route, and my stop is on the way to someone else close by.

Have You Written a Book Lately?

How’s this for a great idea? Write a book for a favorite child, all by yourself. If you’re artistic, illustrate it as well. It doesn’t have to look like a professional artist did it. But think of the wonderful stories and ideas you can put into something geared just for one special child.

I think everyone should think about doing this. Not only is it a record of the time in which we live, but it is sure to be treasured for many generations to come. You can even color it with magic markers, or invite the little girl or boy receiving it to color it his or herself.

Inexpensive, and marvelous. Don’t discount your own humor and abilities by thinking you could never pull this off. Your child, grandchild or young friend will love you for it!

Cats and Dogs – Artistic Inspiration

I love my pets. I think they are quite beautiful, and I plan on keeping them happy and healthy by an occasional trip to the vet for a check up. Recently I took my cat to the vet and had a great surprise there- imagine me, who sees art in just about everything being amazed by something artistic at the vet office !

Just when you think you’ve seen it all. It just goes to show there are a lot of people out there creating, even without my constant cheerleading.

Of course I realize the world of creativity doesn’t revolve around my Moon Majic Blog page, but I do hope I contribute a little bit to its continuance. And better yet, I like to think this has a little bit of a domino effect, spreading the love of creativity like ripples on a pond.

It’s OK to Buy That Gift

I realize I can be a real stickler when it comes to encouraging you to be the artist you know you are. And yes, I feel strongly that all of us have that potential.

Still, sometimes you just plain run out of time and need a special Christmas gift that you can only find online or in a store somewhere (preferably an artist’s gallery). When those times occur, don’t feel bad. After all, if artists aren’t supported, how can they go on creating their beautiful works of art?

One thing I do encourage is bartering. You have a skill (making Christmas cookies, perhaps) and your friend makes gorgeous wreaths. Get the idea? This is a wonderful way to collect gift items for special people. I’ve always done a lot of bartering. Besides, it’s awfully fun!

Wonderful Art of Animals

Do you like animal art ? How about animal photos? Animal photographs are some of the most popular photos searched for on the internet. How about turning some of that admiration into your own animal art?

There are a lot of ways to honor our fellow earthlings in art, music and poetry. And since most everyone is in love with their pet, it isn’t too difficult to become inspired. Don’t think you have to show your work to anyone else, unless you really want to. Creating for you alone has its own rewards!

Besides, just about any artist will tell you that when you’re starting an artistic adventure you probably will want to work on your technique until you feel confident enough to show it to the world.

Are Animals Art?

Funny question, but the more I look at all the natural beauty on this planet, the more I think there had to be someone to create it all. It’s all just a little too coincidental otherwise! From somewhere the art, jewelry and beautifully artistic clothing we love to wear had its inspiration.

And that creator whoever he, she or it might be was most assuredly an artist. Who else could conceive of a poison arrow frog in excruciatingly beautiful colors, or the unbelievable fresh loveliness of a red rose bud? I don’t think the reason we love these things is just because we’re used to them. No, there’s a communication there, and the intention is surely to make us sigh with admiration.

But whatever or however these things came about, be they animal or vegetable I’m grateful they’re here.

Decorate Your Room on a Budget

If you aren’t yet convinced you’re an artist, you can still create lovely art at very little cost to decorate a dreary room. All you need is:

•    A favorite calendar
•    Some old frames (think thrift store)
•    A book of art prints (think used or discount book store)

Maybe you want to start by painting your room in a luscious color. Be brave! Pick out a color that makes you feel happy, and one you can enhance by the lovely art about to grace its walls.

You can even paint the frames if you like. If you’re using a calendar with art prints, for instance, you might want all the frames to match. Black is a good choice. Use a shiny latex paint to create a finished look.

Put that artwork and those frames together and have fun placing them around the room! Hint: put your artwork at eye level and slightly below eye level, not high on the walls.

Fancy Pet Collars to Make

All you have to do to create your own designer dog collar is some fabric glue and some trim from the fabric store. I know these days fabric stores can be a little hard to find, but I would imagine there are some good online stores to purchase trim from.

Just be sure that the width of the trim matches the width of your collar. The rest is so easy. But wash the collar first because it will have a coating on it that will prevent the fabric glue from sticking to it.

Once you glue on the trim, you can step out and proudly show off your new “designer” doggie wear! (I know it’ll be hard to wait, but be sure the glue is dry before you put the collar on your pooch!)

Precious Metal Clay

Have you heard of this product? Apparently it’s made from recycling film! The silver particles are suspended in clay, which then burns off when the piece is fired in a kiln.

I think this sounds like a wonderful product, much easier to learn than creating wax models and working with molten silver. Sterling silver jewelry is so beautiful, I’m glad there’s a way for the layperson to enjoy working with it. Just keep in mind you still have to have a kiln to fire your completed art work.

But why not give it a go? You might discover some amazing untapped talent for creating precious metal jewelry!

Beautify your Home with Dried Flowers

It’s not difficult to create your own dried flowers. The best time to pick them is in the morning, but be sure any condensation from the night before has had time to evaporate in the sun.

The best flowers for this purpose are fully open, past the bud stage. Long stems are the best.

You can bundle them together by their stems, tying them with string or a twisty tie from a bread bag. Hang them upside down in a place that’s dry, like an attic. They shouldn’t be in direct sun or the colors will fade sooner.

When they’ve completely dried, put them in attractive vases all around the house. A mantle or shelf is an especially nice location to display your natural creation!

« Previous PageNext Page »