Painting Peaches! REal Time Watercolor Tutorial!

Hi friends! Today I have a fun painting tutorial for you, a love bowl of peaches perfect for summer!

Here is the reference photo I used courtesy of Graphicstock.

Watch the video and paint along!

I decided it would be fun to paint a bowl of peaches on a weathered blue table after reading [listening to the audio book actually] The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen. It was a really fun book and would make a great summer beach read. I think I might need to download a couple more of Sarah Addison Allen‘s book to read on vacation, she has a nice way of describing small town life and the bond of female friendships (in this book at least!)

Supplies:

• Watercolors (Rembrandt) Cad Red Deep, Cad Yellow Deep, Olive Green, Turquoise, Yellow Ochre, Burnt Sienna
• 9″x12″ Arches watercolor block CP 
• A variety of watercolor brushes
• #10 & #4 round (Aqualon)
• 3/4″ flat (Mimik)
• 1″ oval Wash or any large brush for wetting the paper (Zen) *This kitThis kit would have all the brushes you would need and they are high quality.
• Other: Pencil for sketching, white plastic eraser, 2 water buckets, paper towels

***If you need paper and want to try Rembrandt paint this kit has a 9″x12″ arches block and 7 tubes of Rembrandt for a steal (you will need to mix your greens though to paint today’s painting, I have this set and the block I am painting on today came in this kit. It is a nice way to sample Rembrandt paint before making a big investment too and an extra block of Arches watercolor paper always comes in handy!)

Follow along and have fun! Remember you can pause, slow down or speed up the video anytime you want. Click the gear icon at the bottom of the video player anytime you want to change the speed. Want more painting instruction? Check out my NEW Essential Watercolor Course. I hope you are having a great week and til next time happy crafting!

How I scrapped our Atlantis Vacation!

Hi friends! Last February we took a family vacation to the Bahamas. I took quite a few photos and I wanted a way to showcase them as well as keep all of the souvenirs we picked up while we were there.

I have not made a mini book in ages! I always liked them but they would become so tattered with the kids pulling them on and off the bookshelf to look at them and the reason I scrapbook is so the kids can see pictures of their memories so I did not want to spend time making books they couldn’t enjoy. Since the album fits in a keepsake box it will protect it as it is pulled on and off the shelf as well as hold other odds and ends that don’t fit in the album. Win win! Watch the video to see how I made this and learn my scrapbooking mini album tips!

The beautiful Keepsake Box and Album template I used to make my project is from JenofEve Designs.  Use coupon code LINDSAY20 to take 20% off your entire purchase through July 31, 2017  JenofEve Designs has a detailed instructional video on assembling the book and box and while you’re at it consider subscribing to her YouTube channel for tons of free tutorials!

Supplies:

• Large Keepsake Box and Album Template Bundle
• Craft knife with a sharp blade
• Cutting mat
• Metal Edge Ruler
• Bone folder
• Scoring board (optional but recommended)
• Strong double-sided tape (like scor-tape/Sookwang)
• Mat board, chipboard or doubled up cereal boxes (for box and album cover)
• Decorative scrapbook papers (or use the paper provided)
• Computer and printer (for printing templates and instructions)
• Embellishments to match the theme of you album
• Photos and ephemera
• Thick wet glue or hot glue for lumpy embellishments
• Scissors
• Paint, ink, stamps etc. (optional)

Tips!
1. Store the templates for the box and album in their own page protectors so you don’t get them mixed up and you can use them again later without having to reprint. I was able to slip each page protector with the templates and the printed instructions in a job ticket holder but you could easily store them in a binder too!

2. To save tracing time you can print the templates directly on your decorative paper as well!

3. Keep a shallow basket of box handy to store all of the supplies for this project, that way it will be a snap to clean up between sessions and your project supplies will be on hand the next time you go to create!

4. Use strong adhesive for the construction of the box and album.

5. Add flaps and pockets as you go to accommodate the photos and ephemera you want to use.

6. Store extra keepsakes relating to your album in the keepsake box.

7. If you want to save time and photo paper (and you print at home) select the photos you want to use in multiples of 4 and choose 4 photos on a page. It will give you 3.5″x5″ prints which I think works great on an album of this size. You can print in this fashion right from the Windows picture viewer saving time and effort too.

8. Mix it up! The K & Co paper and flip-flop buttons were new but the graphic 45 paper, stamps and other embellishments were moldy oldies! You can make older supplies look fresh when you mix it with something new. Make scrapbook kits from supplies you already own!

I hope this project inspires you to preserve your vacation memories! I want to thank JenofEve Designs for sponsoring this video and til next time happy crafting!

Pretty Birdhouse with a Bunting Card! Stamp school!

Hi friends! Today we are going to use the masking technique to make this pretty card that would be nice to send this time of year!

Watch the video to see how it’s done!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry!  Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017
OR
Use Coupon DISTRESS25 to take 25% off Distress oxide ink pads through 6/26/17

Supplies:

• Peg stamp set Stars & Stripes Forever
• Peg stamp set Farmyard animals 
• Unmounted stamp set Country Lane
• Unmounted stamp set Live, Love Be Thankful
• Kraft and white cardstock
• Hexagon embossing folder
• Distress Oxide inks
• Ranger Archival ink
• Decorative scrapbook paper (My Sunshine Stack form DCWV)
• Adhesive (double-sided tape such as ATG)
• Bakers twine
• Post it notes for masking
• Blending sponges
• Blending pen or clear marker 
• Waterbrush or regular paintbrush and a cup of water
• Paper trimmer
• Scissors

Follow the directions in the video to make this 5 1/2″ square card using several inking, stamping and masking techniques! Have fun with the masking technique and til next time happy crafting!

 

Live! 12:30pm ET Let’s Paint a Lighthouse in Watercolor!

Edit: Here is the finished painting from Today’s Live stream. Enjoy the replay and have a great weekend!

Hi friends! Last week I had the opportunity to paint on Monhegan island with a group of delightful ladies from Louisiana. At the top of the island sits this quaint lighthouse.

Here is the on location sketch I painted:

I decided that I wanted to paint this again once I returned home so that is what we will do together live at 12:30pm ET today! You can watch live, or the replay in the player below but if you want to chat live and ask me questions as we go be sure to catch the live stream on YouTube.

Supplies can be purchased from our sponsor Jerry’s Artarama. Use coupon code: frugal20FS49 for 20% off $49 + Free Shipping (Excludes: Sale, Super Sale, Egift Cards, Buy It Try It’s and Vendor restricted items. Look for the green coupon eligible icon on the product listing.

• Watercolors (Sennelier) Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine, Cinereous Blue, Naples Yellow Deep (or yellow ochre), Bright Red (or cad red/scarlet), lemon yellow *All from the 12 plus 6 free half pan set! Plus olive (or sap) green not in set.
• Arches #140 paper CP tore down to 7″x11″
• Mimik Faux Squirrel brushes (value set)
• Printable pattern

My Mixed Mix it Up Mixed Media DVD is out…

…and on sale for $19.99 (Reg $44.99)  *Digital version is $14.99 this weekend too! If you have wanted to purchase my Craftsy class but prefered to have a DVD now is your chance. Craftsy selected my class to be in the DVD pilot program and I am so excited!!!

If you are not into mixed media I also have an online watercolor class:  Essential Watercolor Course  with over 5 hours of in-depth watercolor instruction to start your journey into watercolor painting off on the right foot. Oh! Exciting classroom news, you can now upload your artwork directly in the comments section of the classroom, right in the relevant lesson,  so you won’t need to post in the Facebook group to share your work. I am so excited for this development!

Pretty cool huh? I love this update because if you have a question while you are working through the course you can pop it right in the lesson where it is relevant, not only do you get help but it helps your fellow students! Sharing is caring my friends:)

I also wanted to let you know that there will be no live stream next Friday (vacation!) so make sure you tune in today if you want to catch the live show! See you soon and until then happy crafting!

A New Watercolor Poppy to Paint!

Hi friends! As you might have realized I like to paint poppies and there were some beautiful ones growing on Monhegan Island when I was out there last week. Here is one I painted from a flower in someone’s garden.

Watch the video for a step by step tutorial and paint along!

If you enjoyed this free painting tutorial please check out my Essential Tools & Techniques for Watercolor Course. It gives you the basics on the tools and supplies as well as foundational techniques so you can create stunning watercolors no matter what subject you choose to paint! From color mixing and holding a brush to creating 3 stunning paintings this class gives you the information you need with no filler boiled down to 5 hours of lessons you can complete at your own pace and you can keep the class for life! I hope to see you in class:)

Supplies:

• Watercolor paint in colors: Carmine (pinkish red), Pthalo Blue, Olive green, lemon yellow I used paint by Sennelier, this student grade kit has all the colors you need or this set of 48 is the best buy if you are looking for the artist grade (which I used but I have also used the student line and I think it is lovely)
• Watercolor round brushes (Aqualon) #10, #4 or sizes you prefer
• Arches 140# CP paper
• Prima watercolor pencils spring/fall set

Sketch and paint along with me! Feel free to pause the video if needed (or slow it down or speed it up:) There is a little gear at the bottom of the video player screen that lets you change the speed and quality of the video. Speed it up and I sound like a deranged chipmunk, good times. I took lots of photos on Monhegan Island so I hope to bring you some more coastal Maine painting tutorials soon. Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

5 Crafty Things I No Longer Buy {Konmari Craft Room Series}

Mistakes? I’ve made a few, especially in the crafting department.  Today I am talking about the craft supplies that I will no longer be buying because they do not add value to my life or I have other items that fulfill the same purpose. Let me know if you have items you no longer buying the comments below!

I am dropping some truth in today’s video. Please note that this is my list and some of the things I am no longer buying may add value to your life so don’t discard based on my list, you do you. We are all different and that’s why we should never just go buy what someone else likes without determining if it will meet our needs. I’d love to know if there are any items you will no longer by in the comments below!

Video!

Below are the items on my no-buy list.

1. Bulk card and envelope sets and bulk cardstock packs.
Why? Because the cards that come with envelopes are flimsy and I prefer to make my own card based with Recollections 110# cardstock and make my envelopes from the massive hoard of pretty paper I already have using my envelope punch board.  As for the multi color cardstock packs I have a good stash of colors already so I am just going to buy a few sheets of the colors I need open stock when I run out. *Note to self I need to keep a list on my cardstock cupboard!

2. Dies that match stamp sets. These are just to specific and can only cut the stamp sets they coordinate with and at $25 a pop it can get really expensive to buy dies to go with your stamp sets. Instead I invested in a Scan n Cut2 machine so I can cut out anything I have stamped. I paid $250 for my machine (on black Friday) and I can cut out all of my stamp sets (for the same cost as 10 die sets!) *this machine can hook to your computer and do a lot more but I only use mine for scanning and cutting stamped images:)

3. Ribbon: I have enough ribbon to choke a horse as it is and I felt so much relief when I gave most of it away and I do not want to reburden myself with more. Also I can use washi tape or a strip of paper to give me a similar design element if I run out.

4. Craft storage. I have enough and if I need to buy more it is time to get rid of my excess. More craft storage=more craft supplies.

5. Duplicates of non consumables. I will no longer buy 15 of an identical tool “just in case” I need it for a class or I loose, break, can’t find my original one.

What items will you no longer buy?

I set out to declutter my craftroom (home and life) after listening to the audio book “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo and it changed the way I look at my possessions and helped me clean out the excess. I have more time to spend on things I enjoy because I spend less time managing my stuff and less time cleaning.You can find the book or audiobook here. I also enjoyed her book Spark Joy, it is a more in-depth book on the Konmari method. I wrote a blog post and filmed an in-depth video about the Konmari decluttering process if you missed it. I only wished I did it sooner! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

Happy Father’s Day! {A cute card I copied!}

Hi friends! I was looking for a cute card for father’s day for my husband and I happened upon this cute valentines card by Stephanie Chumbley and I thought it would be perfect for a father’s day card. Here is the one I made:

I used basic cardstock I had on hand to make this card. You can see the Stephanie’s card and read how she made hers on the Cards by Stephanie blog. I use this free lawnmower SVG file to cut the mower with my electronic die cutter (Using SCAL2 I broke apart the shapes and cut them from red, black and white) and I used a grass die cut I had on hand to cut the grass from green cardstock. For the clouds I punched a scalloped oval from a scrap of cardstock and used a color duster to ink over it starting at the top and working down, a sponge would work as well. 🙂

I am a very practical gift giver and I remembered hearing my hubby complain about how messy and annoying the new “safety” gas cans are so when I saw a review of the SureCan (no, I am not sponsored by them LOL!) on This Old House (or possibly some other home improvement show on TV) I thought he might like it. Of course, it is kinda like getting my husband a chore for Fathers day so if I end up with a vacuum cleaner for my birthday we will know why LOL…I wouldn’t mind a steam mop though truth be told! Have a wonderful day and happy crafting!

Fancy Card Edges: Stamp School!

Hi friends! A fun and simple way to dress up a card is to shape the edges. You can use scissors, punches, or even die cuts to do this. After shaping the edges you can embossing them as well to enhance the effect!

Learn this technique and make this quick and easy card today!

Video!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry! Use coupon code: LINDSAY17 – 20% off peg stamps and peg stamp sets on orders of $10 or more. Coupon expires July 3, 2017

Supplies:

• Peg Stamp Set Sugar Peas
• Peg Stamp Set Between The Paving Stones
• Unmounted set Live, Love Be Thankful
• Unmounted Set Uplifting Sentiments 
• Memento Dye inks
• White Cardstock
• Circle Punch 1 1/4″ and 1 1/2″
• Lace
• Hot glue and double-sided tape
• Scalloped border die cut (or use scallop scissors)
• Border embossing folder

Remember if you don’t have dies you can hand cut your edge like I showed in this tutorial.  I hope you enjoyed this video and til next time happy crafting!

 

Clear Cards & Scan N’ Cut Demo!

Hi friends! I have been asked a lot (after I did my Konmari cleanup) about my Scan N Cut 2 machine. I have only showed it in action in one video because I use it to perform one simple function (and no, it’s not a paper weight LOL!) I use it to cut out my stamped images. love the professional look of die-cut stamped images BUT I don’t like to buy (or store) really specific and expensive die sets to match my stamps. In my studio tools need to be versatile and earn their keep. A die set to match a set of stamps (and not all stamps have matching dies) often cost $25-$30 and most of the time they are only useful with that one stamp set. That is expensive and when I think about the huge amount of stamps I own it just doesn’t make since when I can use one machine to cut ANY of my stamps. The machine is about $300 (roughly the cost of 10-13 die sets) so it was a no brainer for me. The Scan N Cut2 can be hooked to a computer and you can design with it and there are pre loaded shapes and designs (which I have used and are cute) but for me I want this machine to cut my stamped images like I did with these cute cacti!

If I didn’t still have my old electronic die cutter (A Cricut Expression with SCAL2 software-that software is no longer available for use with Cricut) I would explore the computer design aspect. I keep my old Cricut because it is a workhorse and the blades and mats are about half the price (or less) of the Brother Scan n Cut versions. I am also very fast and efficient designing in SCAL2 and I like to avoid learning any new computer stuff that I don’t have to:) In today’s video I will walk you through the scanning and cutting process, it has been a while since I last used the machine so I am a bit slow but even with my failings you can see it is a very easy machine to use (the screen tells you what to do next if you forget, Yay!) I will also share tips for watercoloring on cardstock and working with acetate.

Video!

Tutorial sponsored by Top Flight Stamps Use coupon code thefrugalcrafter10 to save 10% on your order!

Supplies from Top Flight Stamps

• Carabelle Studio Cactus Set
• Carabelle Studio Stamping Mat
• (Also shown) Carabele Studio Heart and Bird

Other Supplies:

• White cardstock 
• Chameleon 2 toned blending Colored Pencils 
• Gansai Tambi Watercolors (good on cardstock!)
• Scan N Cut 2 Machine
• 12″x12″ printed acetate pad
• Pattern Paper was from Copper Luxury stack DCWV
• ATG adhesive gun
• Cheap ATG refills
• Novelty aqua yarn
• 1/4″ coral ribbon
• Ranger Archival ink black or any waterproof ink
• Sentiment stamps of your choice
• Scor-Pal scoring board *Scor-Mat shown too

The video goes in-depth on how to make these cards. I love how you get 4 finished cards so quickly and the clear front is something people will get a kick out of! I hope you enjoyed this project and til next time happy crafting!

*Contains affiliate links