Books!

Since I don't feel like painting tonight, I thought I'd let you take a look at my newest sketchbook.

I made the sketchbook cover from a pretty soapbox set I received at Christmas.  I learned how to use stab stitch to make it into a book from Esther K. Smith's marvelous How to Make Books.

My local membership library bought it after I requested it.  I made back my membership fees for that year!  She describes lots of ways to create your own books.  Next up for me will be a coptic sketchbook using chipboard I bought at Jerry's and some paper I marbled myself years ago.

Here's a look inside the front cover.

This could be called from my lips to God's ears.  It's actually some small exercises I did during a figure drawing class last week while the model took a break.  They are from Charles Reid's early figure painting book.  As is this eye.

Here's looking at you!

Weird crafts

When Railroad Salvage was still around, I bought this bizarre cross stitch kit, mainly because I couldn't figure out what the hell it was.

Seriously, what is this supposed to be? I vote for moldy dough with roses, or lop-sided pock-marked heart.  In any case, it probably cost about a dollar and was one of the many treasures I picked up at Railroad Salvage.  These included a "Please keep your ass off my desk" sign, which I leave at home, Jiving Jean Jackets, one of the most exciting sewing books a girl can own, and hipster sunglasses that may or may not have left a stain on my face the one time I wore them.

One night, I was almost locked into Railroad Salvage when the staff didn't realize my boyfriend at the time and I were still in there at closing time.  I have walked through unlit streets in Havana.  I still have never been more scared than the night I almost had to spend in RR Salvage.

Even though Railroad Salvage is gone, I still have plenty of very cheap and cheerful fabric, inappropriate craft books, and inexpensive zippers (yes they had a good sewing department) to remember them by.  And this dough heart/hatbox craft.

Little steps, little paintings

This week I've decided to post something beautiful or something fun daily for the next year.  As such, I want to paint something new every day.  Like most artists, I enjoy owning art supplies, buying art supplies, and talking about supplies, and actually making art is fine, but no where near as fun as new toys.  When I found a tutorial (actually 60) about making a travel painting kit out of an Altoids tin, I realized this would be the best incentive to actually bring my toys with me and get painting done while I'm out and about.  Thank you to my colleague who a) didn't think it was weird when I jumped him in the break room asking for an Altoids tin I saw with him during a meeting and b) handing over said tin, after giving me my choice of three.

Eh voila, a painting tin!  Complete painting forthcoming...

For the nerds, the paint is Carmine, Rose Madder, Cad Red Light, Cad Yellow light, Aurelion; next row: Cerulean, Pthalo blue, Cobalt blue, Yellow ochre and Burnt Sienna.  Wanted to be able to paint portraits (cads and cerulean) and use the transparent triad (rose, aurelion, cobalt).  Handmade sketchbook and travel size brushes are looming behind the tin.