Arts and Dafts: Search Results

Feed Reading - Get yer inspiration right here!

21 May 2010

It's simple. Every week I dive into my feed reader (that I used to neglect) and pick a bunch of awesome out of my arts & design folder. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy.

BOOOOOOM's awesome project, Small Victories, went up this week and they shared some of the amazing pics here. via: BOOOOOOOM

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Continue reading - Feed Reading - Get yer inspiration right here!

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Feed Reading - Get Inspired

17 May 2010

Yay! More amazing finds from the arts & design folder in my feed reader! Aren't you excited?! What'd you discover this week?

I'm pretty sure artist Gina Osterloh has managed to finally inspire my interior design brain. I've had this blank wall in my bedroom for years now. I'm thinking post-its and streamers. Yeah? via: BOOOOOOM

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It's that time of the week again where I dive head first into the arts & design folder of my feed reader and resurface with some of the coolest finds. What about you? Find anything new and inspiring in your feed reader this week?

Computers and the internet have made it possible for all of us to become movie makers these days. That's awesome but sometimes it's hard to get to the really good stuff. Thankfully this one has been spotted and passed around. via: BOOOOOOM

Christopher Smith - Gently Gently from Boompa Records on Vimeo.

Continue reading - Friday Feed Finds

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Well Met

9 Feb 2009

(Top) Me and Liz Baillie
(Bottom Left) Ed Westwick of "Gossip Girl" (Bottom Right) Christy Kane

NYC Comic Con was more than a fun event for me, it was a gigantic learning experience. Not only was it my first time with a press pass, but I also had to dig deep and find my old courage of chatting it up with strangers.

When I was a kid, I was nothing if not confident and outgoing. I used to invite perfect strangers to play and apparently I often asked them to come live with us. Then in my later teenage years, my confidence was shot, I stopped trusting people and my motivation began to dwindle. I like to blame it all on one really bad ex-boyfriend, but the bottom line is...that's just a crutch.

So Comic Con was my big test. I pushed myself to make introductions, walked up to people I'd never met before and reminded myself that I am by no means a shy person. What was the end result? I met some of the most fascinating people I've ever come across.

Sure, the back of my head was still yelling insecurities, but the more I met new folks, the easier it got. My confidence slowly came back.

And just think, if it hadn't, I never would have met the amazing Liz Baillie, I never would have flirted with Ed Westwick and I never would have known about the incredible artists I passed by.

Speaking of artists, be sure to check back soon for a feature on Christy Kane (pictured above). Her dolls are absolutely gorgeous! They're all handmade and she even does special requests! I'm only waiting to feature her because her Etsy was cleared out for the convention (because the dolls were with her). For now go check out ChristyKane.com.

Oh, and a shout out to Harry, a great guy I met on line for the "Dollhouse" panel. If it wasn't for him, I would have gone crazy sitting in line for 2 hours! Check out his blog: Hal9209.com.

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Etsy Wednesday - The Comic Book Edition

4 Feb 2009

"My Brain Hurts" Issue 8 Cover Art
property of Liz Baillie

I was only introduced to the work of Liz Baillie just yesterday by my cousin Todd. I knew I wanted to find a female comic book artist for this week (in celebration of NYC Comic Con) and as an extra added bonus, she's from Brooklyn (y'know, like me) and has an Etsy shop... so I basically hit the jackpot.

Plus, I looooove her work.

Liz draws her inspiration from growing up in NYC. The stories are fantastic (those that I've seen so far) and she clearly has a greater message than just being a wild teenager in the city. Her Etsy shop concentrates on selling single pages of her original art (like the one above which even includes a bit of white out on the top), but you can also purchase full comics, t-shirts and more from LizBaillie.com.

You can own the piece above (drawn with red pencil and archival quality black ink) for $35.00. It measures 9"x12" and if you want it signed, she's happy to do so for no additional cost. Liz also offers full pages for the same price.

It wasn't just her work that drew me to her, she also has a bangin' personality. Get a little glimpse of Liz in this mini documentary and then tell me you wouldn't want to hang out with her for a day:

Share this post with your friends. Comics are for everyone, any age. We don't have to be kids to get the messages. Also, it's always inspiring to see a woman breaking into what we might normally consider a man's world.

~~I hope Liz plans to attend Comic Con because you know I'll be looking for her!~~
Liz kindly replied and said she will in fact be at the NYC Comic Con. Sadly it will only be for a short time, 3-5 on Saturday at the Indie Spinner Rack table in the Podcast Arena, so get there fast! And now you'll know where to find me around then...

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Why I want to go to there...Comic Con

3 Feb 2009

I said I would dedicate this week to comics and other geekery in celebration of this weekend's NYC Comic Con and my first press pass ever, but the problem is...I'm completely uneducated on the subject. It's not that I haven't read a comic, I've read plenty. It's not that I have no interest in them, I'm totally interested.

It's that I know once I get started...I will never, ever stop. They will become another obsession on my long list of to-do. Also, it can be extremely overwhelming trying to find out which comics you should be reading, particularly if you didn't get started at a young age.

So why do I go to events like a Comic Convention? First because it's just plain fun. It's like a giant playground for kids and adults alike. People dress up in costumes that they often made themselves. Second, because people gather in large groups to talk about art, stories, toys, movies, television and, if you're a fanboy/girl, it gives you a chance to brag about your collection to people who care.

To be surrounded by so much creativity and well....obsession, is genuinely inspiring.

Be sure to check back tomorrow when I highlight comic book artist who just so happens to be a girl from NYC and also has an Etsy shop! For now, enjoy some photos from my trip to Comic Con last year...when I snuck in.

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Get inspired at Plinky...

23 Jan 2009

I'm always looking for new things to inspire me and also fun ways to network here on the web. Luck would have it, a new site just popped up on my radar called Plinky.

I created my account and so far I can't stop playing with the prompts (like "Name three songs you'd put on a road trip mix tape"). It's like twitter but with help on what to write about. I'm always a fan of writing prompts, especially in short form like this.

So go set up a profile and don't forget to follow me over there. I'll follow you back!

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Nature's Little Hats

19 Jan 2009

Because what's more fleeting than a little snow hat on a dying plant? Not a whole lot, especially around here since the snow hasn't been lasting very long. However, seeing as how it literally started snowing again when I wrote that sentence, this one might just stay awhile.

This shot was taken this morning on my front stoop. I even went out in full daft lady style with my big fake fur hat, snow boots and sweatpants. I'm sure the neighbors were curious about the weirdo with the camera.

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Life Without a Lens-Cap

18 Dec 2008

artwork property of my most excellent cousin Todd

It occurred to me today that I haven't yet highlighted one of my favorite new artists who just so happens to be my cousin Todd. He is a photographer, computer geek, parkour-er, carpenter and much, much more. His work astounds me every day and his ability to start a project and finish it just plain makes me jealous.

He's currently working on his second round of a 365 project and part of that are these amazing "short-writings" where he combines his words and photography to create what you see above. You can see this one and a ton more like it here.

I'm so proud of him and his work. He's profoud without being cheesy. He's silly without being awkward. Best of all, he's open. Wide open, as every good artist (IMO) should be. He might make you uncomfortable at times, but you realize it's simply because you can relate.

Be sure to check out his blog "Life Without a Lens Cap" and flickr and then ask yourself, if you were to put together your own short-writing, what would it be?

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Etsy Wednesday - Loopy Boopy Dolls

29 Oct 2008

Photograph Property of Loopy Boopy Etsy Shop

I know this is two in a row but the very moment I laid eyes on these beauties, I had to show them off.

Using papier mache, paperclay, pulp, sculpey and acrylic paint, Colleen Downs lovingly handcrafts each one of these unique dolls and draws inspiration from her 7 year old daughter. She doesn't use molds so every one is different from the last.

Colleen is a "self taught artist, working in sculpture for over 20 years." She also comes from a long line of craftsters! Here's her daughters shop, her sister's shop, her other sister's shop and her mother's shop.

If I had the cashola, I guarantee you I would be buying one of these to sit on my desk and be my muse. These clearly come straight from imagination and as you know, that's what I'm all about here. In fact, I was so inspired when I saw this that I might just go get my hands dirty in some papier mache!

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Get creative for Halloween. Fantasy pumpkins!

19 Oct 2008

Thanks to Neatorama, I found these amazing pumpkins. Another incredible project that leaves me wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" Lucky us, Hallmark Magazine has the instructions for creating this and 4 other unique pumpkins for your doorstep! They also provide visual instructions.

How-To Make the Carriage Pumpkin:
You'll Need

3 ornate metal belt buckles
1 pumpkin, about 12 inches tall
Pencil or marker
Knife
Craft glue
1 ornate lamp finial
Cordless drill fitted with ¼-inch bit
4 gourds, about 4 inches tall
2 quarter-inch dowel rods, cut to the approximate diameter of your pumpkin
4 ornate drawer pulls
Heavy-gauge florist's wire

1. Trace the inside of each belt buckle on the pumpkin with a pencil and cut to create openings for two windows and a door. Glue the hardware over the openings. Remove or cut down the stem until it's even with the flesh of the pumpkin, and twist the finial into the top.

2. To create wheels, drill a hole through the center of each gourd. Insert one dowel rod into the holes of two gourds to create an axle, and secure with glue. Repeat to create a second set of wheels. Finish off all four wheels by inserting a drawer pull into the outside hole of each gourd for hubcaps.

3. Line up the two sets of wheels next to each other at about the same width as your pumpkin. Then wrap wire from one dowel rod to the other to fasten the axles together and to create a webbing for the pumpkin carriage to sit on.

4. Gently place your carriage on the wire.

How's that for some imagination?

photo property of Hallmark Magazine

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Visual inspiration...

13 Oct 2008

When it comes to my drawings, I've never been any good with choosing colors. However, with photography, it all just comes together.

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The impatient knitter....

29 Sep 2008

This is a project I finished back in 2006 called Clapotis. It's by far my favorite pattern and so far I've made 3, but none for me (this one was for mom). In fact, I don't knit much for myself at all. That's probably because I'm sick of the clutter around here and don't need to add more to the piles. Also because I'm not very exciting when it comes to colors (I prefer my knitware in blacks/grays/whites) so knitting for others allows me to be more colorful.

Why is this particular project significant? Well, because it's finished. Also, I really dig the photo.

It feels great to get the needles moving again but it reminds me of how incredibly impatient I am. I love little projects because I can finish them in a day, but big projects allow me to get distracted half way through. It's not that I don't appreciate the process, it's more that knitting tends to be insta-inspiring and so I start to think about all the other fun stuff I could be working on. If only I had another set of hands.

Next thing you know I have 10 WIPs sitting in the basket and only a few will move on to become America's Next Top Model. Wait... what?

Anyhow, I've made a small pact with myself. Finish everything that's been sitting in the basket all this time and then I can start anew. No yarn buying until I'm done, I can't afford it anyway.

Also, I just realized that all unfinished projects are the ones I start for myself.

Interesting.

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What comes easy

23 Sep 2008

Today I had a duh moment. Or I guess as Oprah calls it, an "ah-ha" moment. Either way, it means the same thing. Why am I struggling so hard to think of something to write when my favorite, most relaxing and most inspiring hobby is right at my finger tips?

So, until the creative writing bug comes back to me, which it will, I'll be concentrating on a photo a day. I won't be making this an official project, more like an official fall back for those days or weeks when I can't seem to make my fingers type.

Have I mentioned how much I love photography?

Well there, I mentioned it again.

This shot was taken at work in the dimmer room. That's the room that houses all the power for the lights, theater and as you can see, a number of other little things.

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Break the chains and live it up...

22 Sep 2008

I had a lot to say today but then I got news that my bank was in trouble and I freaked. This isn't something I've ever had to deal with before so color me confused and crazy as a loon. I believe I even had a miniature panic attack, which I have never had. Ever. My poor mother. Naturally I called her for advice.

Why so dramatic? First please note the title of the blog. See it? Yeah, daft. That's me.

Also, we're a little strapped around here these days and my silly brain immediately thought "Oh no! My money! It's goooooone!" (I know, gimme a break). As a freelancer, it's getting more difficult for the fella to find work. As for me, well you know what I'm up to. The ol' "Hey, I'm sick of my job so I'm going to do less of it and be an artist! Sweet!" I've always been great with timing.

So now I just have this to say this evening. In moments like these, it is imperative that we remember how short life can be, how quickly jobs and money can come and go and how insanely important it is to live in the moment (but within your means of course). We all need reminders. It's so easy to forget those feelings when the chaos settles. So this is your reminder, live it up, love it up, enjoy enjoy ENJOY. Who knows what's gonna happen in the morning, so don't worry about it now.

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today. - James Dean

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With fall comes old passions

18 Sep 2008

Fall is hands down my favorite season of the year. I've always loved it. That beautiful in between where it's not quite time for a jacket and a little too chilly for a t-shirt. A perfect fall day reminds me of candied apples, wool sweaters, state fairs, turning leaves and most of all, my other passion in life, knitting.

I've been officially knitting now for around 5 years but I feel like I've been doing it all my life. You see, my grandmother was a big time knitter, even with severe rheumatoid arthritis. As soon as I started to learn, I realized it felt like second nature and convinced myself that it was part of my grandma in me. Maybe someday I'll tell you more about her.

So, not only have I got the knitting bug back (it tends to disappear in the warmer months) but it occurred to me how much it can help my writing. I've always known it was therapeutic, but never put 2 and 2 together that it would help me in my other creative areas. If you've ever done it before, then you know the rhythm of knitting (and crochet) puts you in a sort of trance. I know for me, I'm able to pay attention better as well.

I only wish I took up knitting in college, I probably would've had much better grades. Silly hind sight.

So if knitting works as meditation and opening up your brain to your surroundings and thoughts, I am certain it will help my writing. Now, if only I could find a way to type and knit at the same time, then I'd be golden. Maybe I need to invest in one of those voice-to-text programs after all.

Now that's an image. Next step, straws for my coffee?

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No news is what news?

15 Sep 2008

Holy shit I am stumbling today. I have started this first sentence over and over and over again, which leads me to a question...

Is it better to forgo posting all together when you're having a bout of writers block or is it best to just get something, anything, out there no matter what?

I definitely come from the school of free form writing. It's my favorite technique and it works 99% of the time, but there are those days when even that doesn't cut it. What is free form? To me it's when I start to write about absolutely nothing and edit free. I don't allow myself to go back and fix typos or commas, etc, until I've run out of things to say. Then, as if out of nowhere, a theme starts to appear and Voila!, I've got myself a post. Actually, some of my favorite posts were written this way.

Then there's days like today, where I've got nothin. Well, I have something, it's just about how I have nothing. I think a blogger can only write about writer's block so many times though, before it starts to grate on the reader. Every writer goes through it after all. It's like if your back hurts and someone else's back hurts too but they just keep talking and talking and talking about it until you want to say, "You know what? Mine does too, but you don't hear me bitchin' about it! Take an aspirin and shut up!"

OK, that might be a little harsh, but you get my meaning.

I also know about the trick of writing posts ahead of time so on those days you've got that-not-so-fresh feeling, there's still something to publish. However, one of my oddities is how much I dislike old news. I can't even read yesterday's paper because I know it's...well...yesterday's news. I know, there are universal themes I could talk about that are good any day of the week, but I just prefer to be in the now.

So, you there, what's your trick for fighting writers block? How about the question up there? Do you just post anyway or save it for another day? What motivates you most?

I look forward to hearing your two cents on the subject. Truly I do!

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Loosening my grip...

12 Sep 2008

It's a great feeling, knowing you can juggle all the tasks set before you. There was a point last week where I thought for just a second, maybe I can't. After I smacked myself in the forehead a couple times, it occured to me that so long as it's something you enjoy doing, there's nothing to worry about.

In fact, you just can't worry because that's when you've turned from passion... to hateful task.

Reminding myself what my goals are, why I'm making these changes in my life, why I love what I'm doing, that's the fuel that keeps me going every day. I even started cutting out photos from magazines and hanging them on the wall to remind me of my goals. I know, very high school and/or "the secret", but it honestly helps to have a visual staring me in the face every day.

Oh, and coffee. That helps too.

I can feel the bad stress loosening it's grip ever so slightly. It will always be a part of my life, but I can turn it into a good thing if I go about it the right way. Stress doesn't always have to be bad, it can be a motivator as long as it's made of passion. Passion and coffee.

Wait, stress made of coffee? That doesn't make any sense. Maybe I've had too much today.

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Common Ties - What's yours?

9 Aug 2008

If you liked the website I mentioned a few days ago, you're really going to love this one. It's like Post Secret but taken to the next level. It's called Common Ties and I literally spent half my day reading through all the entries yesterday.

The idea is to answer one or more of the 20 questions they provide and then you submit your answer (with or without artwork). From what I gather, a finished piece is one with artwork. Don't do visual art? That's okay, there is a section for "orphaned" writing where artists can choose to submit work to go along with other people's writing. This is also great for artists not looking to answer any questions.

Sites like these, where we are able to tell our stories in quick passionate bursts, not only provide an outlet for our creativity, but a place for people to go when they think they're all alone. These are the places that answer the questions we all ask ourselves "Does anyone else feel this way?" or "Am I the only one?". This particular site ups the anti by letting us collaborate which makes the connection to the story even stronger.

Oh, and I did I mention you can be paid for your submissions if they're accepted?

illustration property of Common Ties

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Weekend Photograph - Reviving Inspiration

3 Aug 2008

When I'm feeling uninspired or just like a mental train wreck, I can always count on photography to wake me up again. Sometimes I get really lucky and everything just falls perfectly in line for me to get a shot like this one.

What do you do to freshen up that not-so-inspired feeling?

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Results tagged “inspiration”

Feed Reading - Get yer inspiration right here!

Feed Reading - Get Inspired

Friday Feed Finds

Well Met

Etsy Wednesday - The Comic Book Edition

Why I want to go to there...Comic Con

Get inspired at Plinky...

Nature's Little Hats

Life Without a Lens-Cap

Etsy Wednesday - Loopy Boopy Dolls

Get creative for Halloween. Fantasy pumpkins!

Visual inspiration...

The impatient knitter....

What comes easy

Break the chains and live it up...

With fall comes old passions

No news is what news?

Loosening my grip...

Common Ties - What's yours?

Weekend Photograph - Reviving Inspiration

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Results tagged “inspiration”

Categories

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Recent Comments

A&D Flickr Group

Elsewhere

CoffeeroomsCommunities

Reviews

Coffeerooms
Communities