Art Project - Inktober 2023

#9

I decided to participate in the Inktober 2023 challenge.  They published a daily prompt list which I did not have time to follow.

I have been inclined to try this medium for a while and when the I was made aware that there was a Flickr Group I could join, I did.

I have some permanent fine tip markers. I used 90lb watercolor paper for my first few pieces because that is what I had on hand.  I pulled out what supplies I had and got started. 

#1

I used a Ultra Fine Point Sharpie marker for this piece on the light weight watercolor paper.

I was always inclined to want to paint afterwards which why I used watercolor paper.

I laid out my wavy river lines then marked up the vertical and horizontal lines on either side.

I added dimension with the color.

I knew I had tools I had used in the 1980s for calligraphy so I pulled those out. Turns out I had Speedball holders and quite a few calligraphy nibs most of which had a reservoir. I had picked up a small metal box of dip nibs recently so I pulled those out and cleaned them.   There were a couple of straight dip nibs so I put one in a holder and tried it out.  I did have several bottles of Daley Rowney FW Acrylic Inks in my stash as well.

#2

This is my next piece which was a straight steel dip pen nib and DR FW Purple Lake acrylic ink.

I was able to achieve quite fine lines, tiny dots and marks. Filling in the darker spaces was a bit challenging and the paper was not smooth enough.

The watercolor paper tended to lose bits of paper fiber that would get stuck in the nib.

Composition quickly becomes a challenge and I was just making marks at this point.  I had check out a few videos on line.

#3

This one used blue acrylic ink. 

I used smooth 110lb white card stock I use for card making for this piece.  That worked better with next to no issues with the paper surface.

Still using the Macleans Best Ever No.2 steel dip nib and a black dip pen holder. 

It was not a very good composition.    I chose just a small corner that I thought worked out pretty well.

#4

The pen and nib were getting more comfortable and I dug more colors to play with.

This is a dark green in the same brand as before and the red is a calligraphy ink.

The grasses I managed to make some very thin and other a bit thicker.

The composition when drawing something actual instead of abstract worked out better.

#5

Here the drawing was a bit challenging.  I did make a light pencil to start with which I erased once the piece was dry.

More new colors was kind of fun.  

I was wanting to fill a shape with patterns - not realistic but artsy.

Other than the wing I am happy with this one.

After doing some checking on line for direction on a good nib for a dip pen I decided to visit my local art supply store - Delta Art and Drafting Supplies.  

The Zebra G nib was recommended on line so I purchased one of those at under $3. I was looking for a black ink which I could then watercolor on top. 

The Daler Rowney FW Acrylic ink was recommended on sale about $7. I had to leave it dry completely before watercoloring over it.

Now, I wanted a paper I could use.  After considering that I am a beginner and a $70 pad of paper was out of the question I settled on a Canson pad for fluid mixed media.  The pad was also on sale for just about $9.  I went home with supplies for about twenty dollars which I hoped would help advance my art pursuits.

I also found on line a video that recommended a container of alcohol to clean your nib as you were drawing. I chose an old film container as it seals tight.  I use put in enough to the depth of my nib.

I selected one of the dip pen holders I had in my stash.  I have no idea when I acquired this vintage Eagle Pencil Company - made in Canada holder.  It has been well used but still in good shape. 

That is the Zebra G Nib installed ready to go.

#6

Here's my first piece with the new tools and supplies.  The paper is very nice.  

I divided the page into 4 pieces with score lines which would make a manageable amount of space to fill.

I looked at several owl line drawings on line and composed one of my own using aspects of the ones I had found.

I am happy with this drawing.

And here it is watercolored.

I painted a light wash over the whole piece then added color to the owl.

I love the yellow eyes and dark wings.  Of course, the color is just out of my head.

I mixed all my colors mostly and used some black gouache to darken some of my colors.

#7

Here's my next composition.  I drew a meadow with a tree, flowers and a little mushroom.  The original was rectangular but with more flowers on the right hand side so I just cropped it to square.  I had to lose a bit of the tree to keep the mushroom which of course was necessary.

It was then painted. Again an overall light wash so I don't have a white background. Blue to the top and green to the bottom.

#8

Here's just an abstract where I drew lines then filled in the spaces with pattern.

I found this one quite dark as all the patterns are quite heavy.

It has been fun to work on these projects, learn something new, be inspired to draw and get the right tools and supplies to have some success at it.

I will make more projects and look forward to Inktober in 2024.

You will find number 9 at the top of the post. This is a smaller version of the owl for the Macro Monday challenge I do every week.  The theme was spooky but the limitations are that the piece photographed can only be 3 inches.  I scaled down my first one which was about 4 inches tall down to 3 inches.  I did not capture the ink drawing before I painted it.  I was on a deadline and missed a step.  That is how it goes.  Then photographed the painting with dramatic light and I think it did Spooky really well.

Sewing Project - Large Tote Bag - Stars and Planets

My sister and I had a conversation the other day about projects which we could make to give back. 

I still have quite a few microfiber fabric which can be used for another project.  Originally, they were collected to make Re-Useable shopping bags.

Those were donated and have not sold really well.  I think presentation is the problem. I am moving on.

Morning Star is an organization which supports women in crisis.

There is no dignity in carrying all you own in a plastic garbage bag so large bags can be used to give these women some self worth.

I chose the Stars and Planets pillowcase which is made of deluxe microfiber fabric. 

I paired it with some cotton fabric in deep navy small pattern which was donated to me when a quilter in our group retired and de-stashed her supplies.

I decided to put a piece of navy on the bottom since the fabric is white the bottom of the bag will likely get dirty fast and being a dark color will help.

I layered the cotton over the microfiber which will add strength.

I wanted the bottom to be boxed. I created the corners at 5 inches across then folded the  triangles onto the bottom of the bag and sewed them down.  That will add layers on the bottom and help to add structure to the bottom corners.

I chose a navy thread so it does not show on the cotton fabric.  It is more evident on the microfiber pieces.

I created the zipper insert the same what I made it for my own tote bag.  I used the method explained in this video Tutorial by Crafty Gemini.

This produces a completely finished edges with no open fabric ends.  Tabs are added to the 2 ends of the zipper so it is easy to pull open and shut.

I hemmed the top edge of the bag after I cut off about 10 inches off the top of the pillow case once I had undone the seam that created the top hem.  I used that fabric to make the handles. Microfiber more durable than cotton being handled all the time.  Handles are 1.25 inches wide finished with the seam place in the back center. They are 53 inches long. I tied the bottom of the handles in the cotton bottom for sturdiness. They were sewn 7 inches from the sides. 

 

It is important to have reinforce the stress points to ensure there is some strength is distributed to take the wear and tear.

The zipper insert is the same width as the opening of the bag. It is about 6 inches deep which is slightly more than the bottom but we have to account for the seam to put it in.

Now it is just a matter of pinning it very carefully and sewing the insert into the top of the bag.

I chose this decorative stitch on my sewing machine which produces this wavy seam which adds a bit of pretty to the bag.

Once the zipper insert is sewn in the zipper end tabs can easily be accessed when opening or tucked in when on your shoulder. 

It does allow an addition amount of space for hold stuff when the bag is full.

With the zipper insert the same width it makes the bag well sealed to ensure there are no holes where one could lose items from inside the bag.

The color of the zipper provides some contrast in the dark fabric so it is easy to see.  The tabs also help the find the zipper slider.

I will be making a few more of these to be donated in early December.

AAC Member Art Show - Value of Color

I dropped off my submissions for the Value of Color member show at the Spruce Grove Gallery on Saturday.  They requested that the pieces be 12x12 square with a predominant color in each piece.  I guess they plan on creating a changing wave of color on the gallery walls.  Should be interesting.

Since I did not have any square frames on hand I decided to try something new.  I purchased 12x12 Cradled Wood Painting Panels from Michaels. I bought some adhesive and decided to use a foam roller to apply the glue. It would be used to the adhere the photo to the board and then to seal the photo once it was dry.

The prints were expensive as well as the cradled panels so I hoped that this process would work. You can check another post to see the details and process.

Title: The Points

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Photography

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel 

Color: Grey

Title: Orange Center

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Photography with acrylic                      gold spatter

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel 

Color: Orange

Title: Tree Trio

Size: 12.00 x 12.00 inches

Medium: Mixed Media

Print 12 x 12 inches

Frame: 12x12 Cradled Wood Panel

Color: Green

These will be on display October 30, 2023 – January 2024 and the reception is Saturday, November 04, 2023 at 1:00 pm.  I am looking forward to it.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

We had been reminded on the Weather Network for days that it would appear so I did remember to aim the camera outside this week to capture the Hunter's Moon.

No, I did not wander outside at - 10C temperatures but I am fortunate to see it from my dining room window.  There was a little bit of cloud but just enough for interest and not enough to blur it out altogether.

On Monday, October 23 2023 we had our first snow fall.  As snowfall goes, it was quite light.

The temperatures have dropped considerably in just a few days so it is taking a bit of adjustment.

I had a eye appointment on Wednesday and it was a challenge to find the tuque, winter gloves and such to head on a trip to the north end of the city.

The streets were wonderful.

I am grateful to have had winter arrive not like a lion.

I have seen Halloweens in the past where we had 2 feet of snow and -20C where the kids were wearing parkas under their costumes.

I have discovered a new reality show from the UK. It is very good fun and a nice watch compared to what the US produces.

There are 16 series so I will have something decent to watch for the next while.

 

I have been watching FBI Files on the TV while I eat my supper since early October.

It does not bother me to watch crime, murder and such over my meal.

Again, there are years of the show and hopefully it does not disappear at the end of October but you never know.

I went to view the fall art show at St. Albert Place on Friday afternoon.  Some wonderful pieces of art to behold.

There was another very large Geode which I learned in the spring is done with styrofoam.

There is an artist there which produces very textured pieces and this fall I learned she uses a lot of recycled items to create the substructure of her trees etc.

It was an excellent art show.  Found out later that my aunt sold one of her paintings. Yeah!

I took a short walk along the Sturgeon River before I headed home.

There are still ducks on that cold water.  I guess their thermal systems allow for such madness.

The clouds were pretty heavy, the temperature quite cool, and the sun was just peeking through.

On Saturday, I dropped off my submissions for the Value of Color show and had visit with my aunt.  We spent some time working on getting pictures from her new phone to the computer.  When things change the process changes and needs some learning of new how tos.

I did fill the car with gas because it was 121.9 a liter.  It's been months since the price was that low.

Christmas Cards - Gold Foil Manger

I made another set of Christmas cards for by card box.

These are A2 sized at 4.25 x 5.5 inches. 

I used the free gold foil card stock I received recently.  I cut the letter sized card stock into quarters. I placed it on the  Stampin Up Sunburst thinlit aligning the top left hand corner and ran it through the Big Shot.

The designer paper I selected is Crate Paper - Holly Collection - Garland  with a beautiful felt finish.  Love the soft colors. This piece was trimmed to 4.00 x 5.25 inches.

Based on this DSP I chose SU Pool Party as my card base. I used an extra half sheet of the same to punch my 2 inch circles.

I used the Penny Black Manger die on the gold foil card stock to coordinate.  I adhered the manger die to the 2 inch circle of Pool Party with a gold star tiny brad through the star in the die cut. I also added double sided tape behind the crib.

I applied double sided tape to the back of each of the rays in the sunburst. It was then aligned along the top left hand corner and press down.  I then trimmed the sunburst to the edge of the designer paper layer.  It was then adhered to the Pool Party card base.  I then adhered the circle manger accent to the middle of the sunburst with 3D foam tape.  I added a quarter sheet insert and an ivory envelope and they are ready to go.  Super happy with this set.

Sylvia's Simple Shots

I visited the Heritage Hills Wetlands this week on a day where the weather was considerably cooler than a few days ago.  

Also, there was not waterfowl to be found.  No Red Winged Blackbirds so I expect they had headed south.  I have not seen any V formations of Canada Geese headed south but I may have missed them.

Considering that it is almost Halloween we have been blessed with a wonderful fall.

I did find this sparrow.

Most of my siblings headed to the Big Mall for a get together, our first since both Mom and Dad have passed. 

My sister organized a night out to a dinner theater.  We made time before supper to visit but a pub was not the best venue though it was close by. Dealing with the crowds at the mall were stressful.

The dinner theatre - music was excellent, food was very good, company was great, but I have to say it was a late night for me.

We need to make the effort to continue to get together so I am grateful for the sister who planned and those that attended.

I did manage to get an appointment to get my flu shot and my COVID vaccine this week.   They were just made available this week.

I got the shots in my left arm on Thursday and I did take a pain killer to sleep that night. I did take pain meds another couple of times.  

I guess it was at least 3 to 4 days with a sore arm but no other side effects.

I did get my appointment at my regular pharmacy so that was very convenient.

I did get a big grocery shopping trip done before the snow came.

I found these dishes on sale at the grocery store and decided that I would get a set of 2 cups and plates since they were under $1 each. The color is marked as wheat.

I added a nice glazed gourd and a small shiny glazed bowl. I believe this color was sunflower or something like that. That would have been the preferred color but there were no cups left in that line of dishes.

Just another option for hosting a friend for tea.

I decided to try my hand with a dip pen.  It has been on my mind for a while and Inktober came across my feed on Flickr I decided to try it. Inktober is a yearly event where drawing is encouraged.

I did have to unpack my liquid inks to give this a try.  I cleaned some nibs and got started. 

I really have no idea what I am doing.  I just created marks on a piece of card stock.  

I have view a few videos since this attempt and found better nibs in my stash. 

It's just a relaxing time.

Christmas Cards - Arched Joy

Here are my first Christmas Cards for 2023.  I generally do a Christmas Card Challenge but it did not happen this year.

I used the TH Arched Frame die into which I placed the TH Joy Mover and Shaper die.  Running this combination in the Big Shot with the striped designer paper I got my main element.

I chose a designer paper with a variety of colors which allowed my to use several colors of card stock.  Top left - Handsome Hunter, top right - Tempting Turquoise, bottom left - Kiwi Kiss and bottom right - Island Indigo.

The Joy is visible against the darker card stock.   

I printed the words "to the World" on white card stock in coordinating colors and trimmed them to .75" tall and then cut the left hand end into a banner by hand.  This was mounted to the card with 3D foam tape aligned on the right hand side. 

I added a quarter sheet insert and a white A2 envelope.

Oil Diffusers - Tree Scent Ornaments - Felt

I really wanted to make some felt ornaments now that my die cutting station is set up. 

The white felt layers were cut with the Sizzix Snowman and Hat Bigz die.  I cut two of them and then embroidered the front one.  

I added 2 tiny black buttons to it's belly. I embroidered the face.  

I then put them together with blanket stitch around the edge with white cotton thread.  I stuffed it with fiberfill once I had most of the edge done.  Then finished off my blanket stitching.

I added a blue scarf made with a bit of blue cotton fabric.  I unraveled the edges a bit and then wrapped it around his neck and tied a knot. I did add a stitch with blue thread to keep it in place.

I wanted to make a gingerbread stuffed as well.  The 2 layers of brown felt were cut with the Sizzix Gingerbread Man original die.  

These were more challenging because it has holes in it. I placed and stitched a red piece of felt behind the hearts and stitched around them. 

I added icing to the arms and legs with white stitching. The eyes were a tough because they are holes. Again, I put a piece of black felt and added stitching to define the eyes.The mouth is a slit so I just used a black permanent marker to highlight where it was.

I used the blanket stitch around the edge with brown thread.  Once I was nearly all the way around I stuffed it with fiberfill making sure I did not interfere with the felt pieces I had put in there. 

I added a bow of red embroidery thread around it' s neck. The hanger is thread.

Two layers of yellow felt were cut with the Sizzix Star #2.  This is a large single star die. 

I chose a variegated piece of yellow thread.  I created the five star stitch in the middle then add the running stitching to each of the points on the star.

I used the same thread to add the blanket stitch all the way around the star.  I added fiberfill when I just had a bit of edge left.  Finished off the blanket stitch all the way around.

I added a hanger with the same embroidery thread.

The 1-2 drops of essential oil should be applied to the back of the ornament.  Another few options to add scent to your tree this Christmas season.

Oil Diffusers - Tree Scent Ornaments - Wreaths and Hearts

I decided to use some of the few balls I had left over from the diffusers I made last year.

I paired them with these vintage light reflectors that I got from the thrift store a while ago.  I was not sure what I was going to use them for but vintage at a good price had them coming home with me.

Here I added a white pearl bead, a snowflake bead then the turquoise felt ball.  Those were strung onto white crochet cotton.  I put 2 reflectors back to back. They have large holes where the light bulb would have gone through so I needed something large to make sure the assembly stayed tight.

I dipped into my stash of buttons and now I was looking large ones.  Yes, there were some that were big enough.  I coordinated the color with the felt ball in the front.

You can see on the back that there are these metal tabs so I pressed all those flat against the body of the reflector.  I then strung the big button, pull everything tight and put a few knots.  Trimmed the end of the crochet cotton.

They look like wreaths which fits into the seasonal decor.

These reflect the light really nicely and will fit into any Christmas decor.

The reflectors came in 2 different styles.

Ones with round petals and these on this ornament that had pointy petals.

Here I used a black felt ball and 2 white snowflake beads and decided to have the ball parallel to the center.  After stringing the snowflake beads I brought my cotton to the center of the fell ball to go through the reflectors.

Again, I found a large black button to finish off the back and ended with another set of knots to ensure the full assembly would stay in place.

Just another choice for scent on your artificial tree this season.

1 of a Kind - Tree Scent Oranments - Set 3

Another set of these very cute Tree Scent Ornaments.  These can be used to give your artificial tree a scent.  Choose your favorite Christmas essential oil and apply 1 or 2 drops and enjoy.  

Here I have grey felted wool to which I have added royal blue blanket stitch on the top and bottom edge.

I had stitched white snowflakes around the middle.

The top features white felt circle and a grey button.

The hanger is the royal blue thread in 6 ply.

This felted wool makes me think of woodsy so I put small triangular trees on the middle panel of this ornament.

I chose black embroidery thread for the blanket stitch around the top and bottom edges.

The top features a black felt circle and a medium sized button.

The hanger is 6 ply embroidery thread in the same color as the tree on the wool panel.

A Bumble Bee colored ornament.

It features the ivory and black felted wool panel around the middle of the ornament. 

I use golden yellow embroidery thread for the embellishments.  The blanket stitch on the bottom and top edges.

I followed the fabric pattern with cross and dash stitches.

The top features a black felt circle with a golden yellow button.

Embroidery thread in 6 ply for the hanger.

I put white snowflakes on this woodsy felted wool panel.

I used chocolate brown thread for the blanket stitching along the top and bottom edges.

The top has an ivory felt circle cut the the SB Nestabilties smooth circle die - the smallest in the large set.

Topped with a brown button and brown embroidery thread hanger.

Another daisy on this grey houndstooth wool fabric panel.  

I did triple fold this fabric and stitched the ends to ensure no unraveling of the ends.

I chose pink thread for the daisy and the dashes in the middle.  Same for the blanket stitching along the top and bottom edges.

Charcoal grey felt circle at the top cut the the nestabilities die.

Topped with a pink medium sized button.

Pink 6 ply embroidery hanger.

This is the last set for this year.  I learned a lot in the process.  I got some feedback that they could be a popular item.  Let's hope so.