The covers are foam lined and I purchased them for $1.00 each at my local dollar store. Obviously they are intended for an Ipad or other tablet, but can be used for much more.
Think: Photos, sketchpads, pencils, watercolors, books, travel receipts, etc.
Ever have days when all your art turns into a disaster? The day I created this canvas must have been one of those days.
"Monster" canvas
I found the monster above hiding in my closet when I was cleaning my studio, and I guess it was just so scary that it blocked my memory, because I don't recall making it. Since I try to use everything without creating an abundance of trash, it is time to upcycle!
So . . . what is your first thought about reclaiming a canvas?
If you are like me, you will normally grab sandpaper, smooth the surface, and gesso over the canvas to provide a new fresh start.
But "what if?". . . and so the journey begins . . .
Think of all the things you would normally do to with a bad canvas and then stretch your brain to try something new!
Flip the canvas to the back and paint white gesso on all the surfaces, across canvas, staples, and wood. (I had no idea at this point what I planned to do with it, but I had taken my first step on the journey, and that is so important! If you don't know where to start, just leap out there and begin!)
Begin painting areas of the white side and the black side with the same colors and compare the results. Paint until all areas of the canvas are filled on both sides.
Continue painting until both sides of the canvas are filled with color. Compare the differences of painting on a white surface (above) with those colors painted on a black surface (right).
Flip canvas back and forth to compare the differences of painting over white vs. black as a background.
When you are satisfied with the first color comparisons add more layers, painting one color over another to see how the layers build new colors.
Paint over the colors on the white side with mostly cool colors.
Paint over the colors on the "black" side with mostly warm colors.
(Warm colors are those that make you think of fire and sunshine: Yellows, Reds, Oranges and Cool colors are those that make you think of water, grass, and mountains: Blues, Greens, and Violets.) I loved the abstract compositions on both sides, but decided it would be nice to see the colors side by side, so out came the scissors. Push the sharp end of a pair of nail scissors through the canvas near its center and began slicing triangular shapes from the center outward toward the edges of the wood frame on the canvas.
Punch a hole near the center with sharp scissors. Don't let this scare you!!! It's fun!!!!
Cut triangle shapes fom center of canvas to wooden support at the outside edge.
Cut radiating lines from center of canvas to the wood on all four edges.
Bring the triangles through the middle and twist, curl, fold to form patterns on the back side of canvas. When satisfied with the design, glue to the wooden frame.
Turn frame vertical or horizontal to meet your needs.
And now you have a gorgeous shimmering frame for a photo or your next ColourArte project! Can't wait to get started on mine! Don't forget to visit ColourArte.com/blog There is a new free art tutorial there each day planned just for you by an international design team.
To view the free tutorial and video instructions for how to make these pendants, visit ColourArte.com/blog
Another upcycle ColourArte project! Have you ever broken a favorite dish? Turn those broken treasures into jewelry with Creative Paperclay and ColourArte.
A bit of foil behind the glass gives even more shimmer to these necklaces. Easy to make and once painted, no one will guess that it is broken glass, paper, and shimmering paints from ColourArte.com!
Also make pendants from small ceramic tiles .... or ....
I had a great time at the outdoor art show at the Miami Tribe Powwow in Miami, Oklahoma this weekend. And for those of you who are not from Oklahoma...it is not pronounced like the city in Florida. Here both the city and the tribe, Miami, is pronounced: my-yam-muh.
I meant to take pictures but was very busy most of the time and I only managed to get the one above. I sold this turtle drawing to a happy customer!
I met folks from several tribes, states, and countries who came to Miami just for this event! Everyone seemed so happy and it lifted my spirits that were a little low at the beginning of the event!!!
I'm thrilled to report that the children I met at the show were amazing. They were well-behaved, appreciative of the art, slow to touch, and delightful conversationalists.
Tabby, who had the sweetest spirit, and Cheyenne, the Miami princess, helped me unload my art from the car. Later Tabby braided my hair and shared some family history...Did you know that in the Miami tribe there are no cousins? They consider each other sisters.
David was the grandson of one of the vendors, Sorry to say that I did not make it over to her booth to tell her what a wonderful impression he made. He was about 13 and shows promise for becoming an artist some day. This handsome boy was kind, considerate, and smart! He even offered to find supplies for me along the riverbank!
One particular six year old, Joslyn, watched me beading the wire end of my Fancy Feathers. She was very patient and quiet...and then softly said, "I would like to make one of those." There was such tenderness in that little voice. I let her bead one of my paper feather creations, and her great grandmother decided to buy it for her. It was not my intention to make a sale by showing the child how to place beads on a wire, but that act brought the sale of two more older children in the family who wanted to bead their own paper Fancy Feathers....all sweet beautiful kids.
And I am not sure, but I think the lady who came up and bought 5 Fancy Feathers from my table was also a relative. It pays to be nice to children!
But be nice to them because they are our future, not for a sale!
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