Posted on June 28, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! When I recorded my Sat Chat to on Friday I was still quite sore from a spill I took walking my crazy dog the night before. I didn’t realize that I had 2372 mothers on YouTube that would be so darn worried so let me assure you that Yes, I am fine (Look, I am typing this right now) and No, I do not need an X-ray. I have 3 kids and a husband who played sports so I know the difference between something that is serious and isn’t. If it didn’t feel better with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) I would go to the doctor. But here I am 48+ hours after the fall feeling like a new woman with a full range of motion. Doctor, schmoctor.
All kidding aside am touched by the concern but truly I am fine. I hope this prevents any worry for anyone watching the video for the first time as well. I’m a tough old bird and it will take a lot more than a mean cat and scared dog to take me down, let’s hope we just don’t run into that bear we talked about last week LOL!
I don’t have a sketchbook Sunday this week because I spent most of the week working on the filming room and a large off YouTube freelance project but I will have one next week. Yesterday I hung up some quilts in the room which helped with the echo but I still need to tweak the sound a bit. Also the lighting was too bright in today’s video, I don’t think I need the overhead lights and my studio lights for filming. It will take a few videos it get it perfect:)
Recipe from the video! Hearty oatmeal:
In a microwave safe glass bowl mix 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, a cubed tart apple and a dash of cinnamon with 1 cup of water and microwave for 3 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder, a sliced banana, any berries you have on hand and dried fruit/nuts if desired.
Mix up and enjoy! Makes 2 servings.
Take care of yourself, build up that immune system with healthy food and exercise and avoid mean scary cats and til next time happy crafting!
Posted on June 25, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends, I’m keeping tonight’s post short tonight. I was walking the dog and she got a little too curious towards a cat who then hissed and chased her she she dragged me down the road in fear. I wiped out and landed on my knee, wrist and shoulder and the road rash is epic. Typing is painful but at least it was my left side so I can still paint!
Both of my sketchbooks are from Arteza. *get 10% off your order with coupon code: LindsayWeirich1 through 7/20/20 This is the one I painted today’s demo in (you get a 2 pack.) This is the square one I painted my original in. *you also get 2 sketchbooks for this price. Personally, I prefer this sketchbook but the paper is a bit thinner.
I used a random set of paints, use what you have:)
Posted on June 22, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! No too much excitement here this week expect there have been many black bear sightings in my neighborhood! We had a large bag of birdseed taken from out porch and eaten near our woods. I don’t think a squirrel could have carried it off so I presume it was our friendly local bear. I did manage to get my “play art desk: set up in the corner of out new addition and it is so nice to sit here and paint for fun in a sketchbook with a simple set of watercolors. I decided I need some non-work art in my life. Also they sketchbook will be nice to mine ideas from for future tutorials.
I’ll catch you up with everything else in this weeks Sat chat!
That’s it for me today. The Pelican artwork I shared is up in critique club now. I have quite a lot on my plate this week so hopefully I’ll have something intersting to share next time. Happy crafting!
Posted on June 21, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! Happy Father’s to all the dads out there. I hope you have a special day:) Today we are going to work in a variety of black, gray and white pencils in a grey sketchbook.
You can also use charcoal and chalk for this. The grey of your paper will take out some of the work of shading. You can find a real time version of this tutorial in Critique Club. Critique club is a monthly membership group in my teachable school that allows you to upload 2 paintings a month for an individualized critique from me to help you grow as an artist. You are not required to upload any artwork though, if you want to join just for the bonus tutorials and camaraderie of other like minded artists that’s fine too:) All are welcome! In addition each month you get 2 new long format intermediate/advanced art tutorials from me. You also have access to all past tutorials while you are a member (there are currently 36!) and you can get inspired by past creative prompts as well if you need inspiration. Click here to learn more about Critique Club or sign up today!
Drawing is the foundation to all art. If you are feeling weak in that area I have a course that will teach you how to draw what you see as we work through a variety of lessons. You will learn drawing, shading, perspective and other techniques so you can go from “I can’t draw a straight line” to “I can draw whatever I have in mind!” Click here to find out more about Learn to Draw with Lindsay. It makes a great Father’s Day gift too!
I think we are going to take a drive to the coast today. I hope you find a nice way to spend the day and til next time happy crafting!
Posted on June 19, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! The azalea shrub in my yard is blooming so I thought it would be a nice thing to paint!
Follow along in today’s tutorial!
The supplies I am using are from my Turner Signature watercolor kit from Jerry’s Artarama which is now back in stock! Colors used: Quin Magenta, Mayan Blue, Lemon, Burnt sienna, Sap green, Yellow ochre
Want to learn how to paint beautiful flowers and arrange them in unique ways? My Watercolor Flower Workshop shows you how to paint brushstroke florals by breaking the flowers down into their basic structures so you will know how to paint any type of flower you want with ease. By the end of the course you will be able to create whimsical arrangements out of your imagination. Click here to learn more or enroll today!
That all from me today. My to-do list is mile long and I am hoping to get all my work done so I can sneak to the pond on this hot summer day! We get so few we need to cherish them in Maine! Happy crafting!
Posted on June 17, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! Today I have a real time workshop using acrylic paints, pan pastels, stencils, fibers stamps and gel press plate and more. Learn some fun techniques you can use in your next project!
Enjoy the video!
This video is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps! SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!
Posted on June 15, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends, Just before I got set to record my weekly crafty chat I learned that two more wonderful craft companies were shutting down. Consumer Crafts (closed as of Friday) and Darice which will close in November. Let’s talk.
The comments over on YouTube have been filled with thoughtful conversations about why this is happening. Some speculated that Micheal’s bought those companies to close them and remove the competition, others thought Michael’s needed to tighten their belts and the companies didn’t earn their keep. Some thought Covid-19 store closures were to blame and the fact people may have lost income and stopped buying craft supplies. Another thought is that the stores didn’t have enough to sell between tariffs and China getting hit hard by Covid-19 and having to temporarily close so many factories. One viewer smartly noted that most art supplies are made in USA/Europe and most craft supplies are made in China. I think it was a little bit of everything.
I had many people ask for recommendations of where to shop for supplies online. I’ll share my favorites. Feel free to share yours in the comments below:)
Craft/stamp stores
Topflight Stamps: They carry a huge selection of stamps from around the world that are hard to find elsewhere. They are also a sponsor of some on my YouTube videos. SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!
Hallmark Scrapbook: This store is a gem, The prices are great, they carry lots of popular brands. Lots of papercrafting and mixed media supplies and the owner Jodi is so sweet!
Joggles is a treasure trove of all kinds of supplies from stamping, altered art, felting, paper crafting mixed media and more but their highlight is their stencil selection!
Scrapbook Pal is another winner especially if you want great prices on Copic markers, nibs and refills. Lots of papercraft goodies too!
If you can’t find what you want at the above companies chances are Simon Says Stamp will have it. Their prices are a bit higher than the other companies but their selection is second to none. Shipping can be slow tho.
Art Supply companies:
Jerry’s Artarama has great prices on brand name art supplies but also has a few propriety brands that are fabulous. You can find Creative Mark products, their house brand, that is excellent! I even have 3 signature sets with them:)
Blick Art Materials is a great resource for artists and teachers alike. They also have great prices on a huge selection of name brand art supplies and their Blick Studio line of products (Their Brush markers are so good!) is not to be missed!
Jackson’s Art Supplies This UK based company ships worldwide and their prices and postage are very reasonable which is nice for folks outside of the USA with fewer choices. Good prices for USA shoppers too!
And finally I want to mention a newcomer to the art scene, Arteza has American and UK shops and ships to many countries. They have a wonderful selection of higher end student art supplies and fantastic prices. I recommend this for people who want to experiment with solid quality supplies for little money. Great supplies to give your teens as well. I use their stuff a lot and really, the quality for price can’t be beat. They have offerings in most art categories. Looks go the “expert” label for the highest quality products. You can also save 10% on your order with coupon code: LindsayWeirich1
I’m sure there are more stores to suggest. The customer service at these stores are top notch too. I would be heartbroken if any of those stores closed down so if you are in need of any art supplies please have a look there first. You won’t be disappointed! The stores I mentioned carry a large variety of brands and products which I thought would be very useful to you. Feel free to share recommendations in comments. Happy crafting!
Posted on June 11, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi freinds! Today we are going to paint this sweet little duckling in watercolor!
I hope you enjoy this real time tutorial and if you know anyone who wants to learn watercolors please send them my way:)
Supplies:
Back in Stock! All supplies can be found in my Turner Signature Set from Jerry’s Artarama Colors: Rose Red, Gamboge, Naples Yellow, Burnt Umber, Phthalo Blue, Turquoise, Hookers Green
Brushes #2, #6 & #10 rounds
Paper 6″x9″ 100% cotton (use half a sheet from the block in the signature set or any loose watercolor paper you have) Other supplies: Pencil, waterbuckets, spray bottle of water, paper towel or rag
This class takes you from your first brush strokes and washes to creating beautiful finished paintings in a variety of subjects so you can learn to paint whatever you want! Or Learn to paint birds with my online course Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl!
You will learn to paint birds and feathers in this fun class.
Thanks for painting with me today and til next time happy crafting!
Posted on June 10, 2020 by thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich
Hi friends! Today I have a review of Arrtx Jelly cup style gouache. Gouache is a really neat medium, it is opaque, fast drying and layerable but can be re-wet and reworked as much as you like. It is an opaque watercolor that can give a similar look to oils and acrylics with ease of use and cleanup. You can use gouache to follow along with acrylic or oil tutorials too with little modifications. I like materials that are ready to go when I am with little set up time and this palette fits that bill.
Watch the video for more info.
The new Arrtx gouache set features 18 jelly cup style containers of gouache. Each container is 30ml and housed in a sturdy reusable palette box.
Pros:
Low price
Comes with pigment information
Opaque colors-great coverage
Includes good mixing primaries
High-quality palette box including a washable palette that inserts in lid
Wells go all the way up to the top of the lid so if you prefer to let your paints dry out you won’t have to worry about paint cracking and mixing. You also won’t have to worry about liquid paints mixing but store it flat to prevent leaking between colors.
Cons:
The bright yellow color of the palette and box might be distracting when mixing colors (white or grey would be preferable)
Bottom line: I really like these paints. Often with affordable gouache, I feel like I need to let the paint dry out a bit to make them thick enough to perform well but these are great right out of the pot. I love that they use mostly tried and true pigments and that they include that info so I can better gauge how lightfast they will be. They painted out well, dried quickly on paper, and behave like other artist quality gouache I have used in the past. The colors are different from the 18 Himi gouache paint set and I do feel that the quality has improved over that set which was distributed by the same company Lightwish on Amazon. I think both sets would complement each other. You can find out more about this product here.
