Bright & Colorful Parrot in Watercolor (Way Easier than it Looks! Beginners Welcome!)

Hi friends! I just finished up my practice painting of this fun and bright bird!

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Wouldn’t this be a cheerful painting to hang in your home? I hope you give it a try because it was so fun and easy to paint! Join me on YouTube at 12:30pm Eastern time to paint this. The replay will be available here after the broadcast but tune in on the YouTube watch page if you want to chat live. Also I would love it if you tuned in on YouTube during the live because YouTube decided it is not going to count views from embedded player on live streams anymore. YouTube uses live views to determine whether or not they recommend the video to viewers (even to subscribers) in the future. To be honest my live streams have struggled with views lately and I have debated whether it is even worth doing them so if you love the Friday live streams please share the events and tell your friends about them.  If you don’t like them that’s fine too, the view numbers will tell me that:) I just want to spend my time providing what you find useful and valuable whether it is prerecorded or live.

Supplies:

45% off Classes Through Labor Day!

With the long holiday weekend ahead of us I want to offer you 45% off all classes in my Teachable school with coupon code: OFFLINE45 through Labor Day 2018.  You have as long as you like to complete any of these classes so you can grab them now and take them when you have time, you have lifetime access! That means you can return to them whenever you need a refresher too! This coupon is good on one time payment and payment plan options. To redeem the coupon simply click “add coupon” on the checkout page and enter OFFLINE45 to get the discount or simply click the discount links for the class you want below:)

Learn to Draw with Lindsay: This class is designed to teach anyone how to draw without gimmicks. You will learn to draw what you see. You will learn how to sketch, shade, decipher tonal values and how to apply your new drawing skills to other media. This beginner class is for anyone wanting to improve their drawing ability and contains nearly 8 hours of step by step video instruction. Enroll or learn more here.

drawing_class_thhumbnail

Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor Painting: This class is designed to teach you everything you need to know about watercolor so you can get painting fast. This class is a good foundation for your watercolor studies. In the first part of this class you will learn about supplies, develop techniques and practise the skills you will need to create whatever paintings you desire in the future. In the second part of the class we will put all of the skills you learned into practise as we complete *four beautiful paintings. This class is my most popular course. *This class originally had 3 final paintings but I added a 4th on negative painting. Student always have access to any content added to classes they are enrolled in. Find out more here!

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Texture Toolbox: Feathers & Fowl: This class will teach you how to realistically and expressly paint birds in watercolor. We work on capturing the subtle texture and shading in feathers and we add hints of colored pencil to enhance our feathered friends when desired. NEW! I have added an alphabetized bird painting tutorial archive to this class should you want to find past bird tutorials I have done that are not included in this course.  Click here for more info or to enroll.

TT_Feathers_fowl_bird_course_thumb

Watercolor Flower Workshop: This is my most recent class and it is all about loosely painting expressive flowers in watercolor. Have you ever tried to paint loose and ended up with a hot mess? Well, this class will offer the structure you need so you can create a floral scene from your imagination that is well-balanced, beautifully composed and loose! This class focuses heavily on brush control so it’s good for folks that need help with brush strokes and are curious about some of the odd specialty brushes that are out there. I soon will be adding a wedge brush section to this class! In addition to the all new step by step real-time instruction provided in the course there is also an alphabetized archive of other watercolor flower tutorials for your convenience. Learn more here.

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In addition to the never before seen content in these classes you have access to my support in the online classroom. Under every lesson there is an area for you to post photos of your artwork and ask me questions. I love giving feedback and seeing your beautiful artwork! Here is what some of my students have said:

Thanks so much! Love this class I do each section so many times because it is fun and i keep learning! Thanks again! -Karen L Jackson on Watercolor Flower Workshop

I LOVE THIS COURSE! Actually can paint a flower without a drawing! -Joanna Stratten on Watercolor Flower Workshop

Hi Lindsay, what a great drawing course. I have been painting for 30 plus years, drawing was my weakest, until now. I’m starting to see things in shape, I think the most helpful is starting with a circle or shape then fill in with the shapes of whatever you are drawing. This has been the best money I have ever spent. What I love I can look at these lessons over & over until I get it!! -Linda on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

I am blown away by the excellence of your lessons! Things that I have struggled with are making more sense when I sketch along with you. So glad that I will be able to go back and reference your videos! -Irene Addison on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

Thanks for the tutorial. I am glad that it is in more depth than the YouTube videos, although I love them as well. I am brand new to both painting and drawing so even the iris was a challenge. When I started watching your YouTube videos I found that I had some watercolor supplies I had purchased about 15 years ago and never had the nerve to try. Thanks for giving me the idea that it is possible for me to learn to paint! -Helanna Andres on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

How to hold the brush is the best information you could have imparted! loving all these videos; can’t wait to start painting the iris. -Judith Taylor on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

Hi Lindsay, Great Class!!! Simple and easy to follow. Thx for putting this together. I can’t wait to start the next painting! -Tina Amoroso on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

Finished the duck and this course! Loved it! Thank you so much for these watercolor painting classes. I just got the Rembrandt 48 half pans and am excited to use them….. I can actually do some watercolor painting thanks to your classes. Crystal Neuendorf on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

 

I love helping people discover the hidden artistic ability within them and I welcome anyone who want to paint better (and more often) to join one of my watercolor classes! Just make sure to use the coupon code OFFLINE45 if the discount does not appear (coupon good through 9/3/2018.) Again I want to thank you so much for your support! I hope you have a relaxing weekend with your family and friends and maybe get a bit of art done! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

 

Cool off with Christmas Crafts!

Howdy friends! We are in a heatwave in Maine and what better way to keep cool than to make Christmas Decorations in my blissfully cool craft room in the cellar!

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I had a few mishaps in this project (oh the hot glue burns, I do not recommend using hot glue during a heatwave LOL!) but I will make the mistakes so you don’t have to. Keep these tips in mind whenever you are crafting with an MDF product like the Christmas tree kit I used because the same rules will apply. I have only ever really painted on MDF (aka Masonite) so this was new to me. Watch the video to see how it turned out.

This tutorial is sponsored by Top Flight Stamps!  SAVE 10% off your next order with coupon code: thefrugalcrafter10 *USA orders of $50+ ship free!

Supplies:

  • MDF Christmas Tree Kit
  • Glue
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Fine clear glitter
  • Plastic woodland animal figures
  • Hot glue
  • Tinsel garland

You can make a pretty project with just the contents of the kit or use supplies you have to make it more custom! I know seeing such an early christmas project makes some of you groan but I like to post some early ideas to give people who do craft fairs time to create them early enough to make. Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about Halloween and Thanksgiving:) Til next time happy crafting!

Swatching Glitter! (and how I store it!)

Hi friends!  Glitter is fun to use. It can add a subtle sheet or totally glam up a project. Before you add glitter to your hard work you will want to know whether the glitter is sheer or opaque and the level of glitz it has. Today I’ll show you how I swatched my new Arteza glitter so I could see what I have.

You can find this set of Glitter on the Arteza website, Use coupon code PROMO10 for 10% off or on Amazon.

I store my other glitter and embossing powders in a 12″x12″ Iris cart where I removed the lids so I can access everything easily. You can also get the project boxes on their own if you prefer. My friend Kathy bought me that Iris card years ago and it is so useful! I hope you enjoy this quick tip and til next time happy crafting!

I’m Back with a Late Sketchbook Sunday & Canada Craft Haul!

Hi friends! I am back online after a weekend in New Brunswick with the family! Even though I am back online you can still use the coupon code OFFLINE45 to get 45% off any class in my online school through Labor Day! After you click enroll you can enter the coupon by clicking “add coupon” on the payment page.  I want to thank my students for their patience this weekend in getting their questions answered. I really needed the weekend off and a getaway before my kids started school today. We drove up to Saint John, Visited some parks and the New Brunswick Museum, had some delicious (and quite affordable) meals and stopped in St. Andrews on the way home to visit the aquarium.  The hotel we stayed at in St John was right next to a Micheals! I was so thrilled because I do not have one near me so only go about once or twice a year. I also wanted to visit Dollarama because I have seen some Canadian YouTubers get some cool stuff there. In today’s video I’ll show you what I picked up and what I plan on using the items for.

I am excited to scrapbook the trip because I have some maps, brochures and the lovely painted taffy bag as well as photos of the kids and even me and hubby. Canadians are so nice I was asked several times if I wanted my photo taken with my kids when I was taking a pic. I love our friendly neighbors to the north! We are thinking of visiting Prince Edward Island next summer so if anyone has any advice for staying there please let me know. I am an anxious traveler so it’s nice to have a bit of a plan before I go. I hope you enjoyed this weird little sketchbook Sunday on a Monday and if you are interested in seeing a video of the scrapbook pages I plan to do of this trip let me know. Til next time happy crafting!

REVIEW: Masters Touch 48 Half Pan Watercolor in Metal Tin

Hi friends! I came across what I think is a new product in a local big box craft store and I knew people would ask for a review.

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The set of 48 watercolors in a metal tin was on sale for $19.99 (regular $39.99) and curiosity got the better of me. I figured even if the paint was bad it was a good price for the tin. It turns out that the half pans fit my (finicky to find half pans that will fit)  Portable Painter so that was a huge bonus for me! I need to note that Hobby Lobby sells other watercolor paints under the Master’s Touch Brand and I am only speaking of the quality of the half pans that come in the metal tin which are different that the other watercolor paints they sell. These are a brand new product and not all of the paint in that brand are created equal as stores will order paints from different factories to sell under their private label so keep that in mind when trying other products. Watch the video for the full in-depth review!

Let’s looks at the pros and cons of this set…

Pros:

  • Price: $19.99 for 48 half pans of watercolor in a metal tin (regular $39.99)
  • Nice color selection
  • You have a nice palette and half pans you can refill after you used up the paint. As I mentioned earlier the half pans fit my portable painter!

Cons

  • No pigment info
  • The fluorescents and greys/blacks are weak/chalky
  • Due to the fillers in the paint mixing colors can be muddy *Unless using the 6 color split primary method (see below)
  • The tin is not bright white inside as I would have liked which can make seeing true colors when mixing tough.
  • Only available at Hobby Lobby (as far as I know)

Other things to note (as mentioned in the video)
These paints are suited to a beginner or crafter who doesn’t want to mix colors. If you are using these as a beginners I highly recommend you pull out the 6 colors from the split primary example (carmine, bright red, gamboge, lemon yellow, ultramarine and prussian blue) and to those add yellow ochre, burnt umber and maybe brilliant green. Learn to paint with those colors and then experiment with the others once you have a good foundation.

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This mixing experiment was done with various triads of colors. The stamps are from Waffle Flower and you can find the from Waffle Flower or on Simon Says Stamp.

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My swatch for the palette box uses this stamp set from Waffle Flower. I am so loving these swatch stamps right now!

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Note, I changed around the paint in my palette to my liking and then make my swatch so I could be sure to grab the right color. These paints remind me most of Koi watercolors and somewhat like Prima watercolor confections but this set is way cheaper if you grab it on a frequent sale or with a coupon. I think it would be a nice option for a cardmaker or stamper/scrapbooker who wants a large variety of colors at their disposal and doesn’t plan to create their own complex mixes. If you love mixing with a limited palette I would suggest a smaller set of better paints such as the Daniel Smith Essential paint set. I also prefer the Shinhan professional $25 set I reviewed last week to the Master’s Touch but you will need to purchase an additional palette. We are all different people with different needs from our craft supplies so that is why I review a large variety because there is something for everyone!

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Bottom Line at $20 they are a deal, they are nothing special but they aren’t half bad either. They are cheap and cheerful and there are worst qualities for paint:) I hope you found this review useful and til next time happy crafting!

PS Sketchbook Sunday may be late this week as I am on the road returning from a family fun weekend! Stay tuned and please excuse my tardiness as it may be sketchbook Monday at this point LOL!

Build a Terrarium! 6 cute cards to make today!

Hi friends!  I was browsing my local big box craft store the other day and came across a cute little die set that inspired this batch of cards!

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I love it when I find something that makes me use the supplies I already have more. Find out how I made these cards in today’s video tutorial!

This video is sponsored by Rubber Stamp Tapestry  Use coupon code: LINDSAY and receive 15% off your retail order of $10 or more of peg stamps, peg stamp sets, and unmounted stamps! Coupon expires a week from this video publication. Continue to receive great deals by becoming a PegStamp VIP here. As a PegStamp VIP
you’ll get a weekly deal via email plus links to fabulous tutorials by me, Lindsay the Frugal Crafter and other designers.

Supplies

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Directions:
1. Make 4 1/4″ square cards from kraft.
2. Die cut small dome from watercolor paper, large dome from silver and base from gold.
3. Stamp terrarium filler on the watercolor pieces.
4. Cut doilies and glue to 4″ square pattern paper and assemble terrarium on top. Glue to card base and embellish as desired.

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This idea can be used for any occasion, just switch up what you stamp inside!

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Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

Easy Beginner Sunset in Oils

Hi friends! I am away today so I am unable to live stream but I recorded a video for you instead. It is a beginner oil sunset painting!

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Feel free to paint it in acrylic or gouache if you prefer! This is a real-time tutorial so relax and enjoy!

Supplies available at 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.

Supplies:

Don’t forget you can get 45% off any class in my online school with coupon code OFFLINE45 through Labor day! Have a great weekend and til next time happy crafting!

Announcements {And 45% off!}

Hi friends! I just wanted to pop in really quick to say that I will be offline most of the weekend starting tomorrow for some much-needed family fun time before the kids start school on Monday. I am recording the project scheduled for the live show tomorrow and it will be up on YouTube at 12:30 (the normal live show time) so feel free to pop in and chat with friends in the comments section and paint along as usual!

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Because I will be offline I will be slow to respond to students in my online school so if you need assistance please leave comments in the classroom today (comment box under each lesson) and I will check in tomorrow morning. Comments left Friday and Saturday will be responded to Sunday evening. As a thank you for your patience as I take a much-needed weekend off I want to offer you 45% off all classes in my Teachable school with coupon code: OFFLINE45 through Labor Day 2018.  You have as long as you like to complete any of these classes so you can grab them now and take them when you have time, you have lifetime access! That means you can return to them whenever you need a refresher too! This coupon is good on one time payment and payment plan options. To redeem the coupon simply click “add coupon” on the checkout page and enter OFFLINE45 to get the discount or simply click the discount links for the class you want below:)

Learn to Draw with Lindsay: This class is designed to teach anyone how to draw without gimmicks. You will learn to draw what you see. You will learn how to sketch, shade, decipher tonal values and how to apply your new drawing skills to other media. This beginner class is for anyone wanting to improve their drawing ability and contains nearly 8 hours of step by step video instruction. Enroll or learn more here.

drawing_class_thhumbnail

Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor Painting: This class is designed to teach you everything you need to know about watercolor so you can get painting fast. This class is a good foundation for your watercolor studies. In the first part of this class you will learn about supplies, develop techniques and practise the skills you will need to create whatever paintings you desire in the future. In the second part of the class we will put all of the skills you learned into practise as we complete *four beautiful paintings. This class is my most popular course. *This class originally had 3 final paintings but I added a 4th on negative painting. Student always have access to any content added to classes they are enrolled in. Find out more here!

watercolor_course_thumb

Texture Toolbox: Feathers & Fowl: This class will teach you how to realistically and expressly paint birds in watercolor. We work on capturing the subtle texture and shading in feathers and we add hints of colored pencil to enhance our feathered friends when desired. NEW! I have added an alphabetized bird painting tutorial archive to this class should you want to find past bird tutorials I have done that are not included in this course.  Click here for more info or to enroll.

TT_Feathers_fowl_bird_course_thumb

Watercolor Flower Workshop: This is my most recent class and it is all about loosely painting expressive flowers in watercolor. Have you ever tried to paint loose and ended up with a hot mess? Well, this class will offer the structure you need so you can create a floral scene from your imagination that is well-balanced, beautifully composed and loose! This class focuses heavily on brush control so it’s good for folks that need help with brush strokes and are curious about some of the odd specialty brushes that are out there. I soon will be adding a wedge brush section to this class! In addition to the all new step by step real-time instruction provided in the course there is also an alphabetized archive of other watercolor flower tutorials for your convenience. Learn more here.

watercolor_floral_thumb

In addition to the never before seen content in these classes you have access to my support in the online classroom. Under every lesson there is an area for you to post photos of your artwork and ask me questions. I love giving feedback and seeing your beautiful artwork! Here is what some of my students have said:

Thanks so much! Love this class I do each section so many times because it is fun and i keep learning! Thanks again! -Karen L Jackson on Watercolor Flower Workshop

I LOVE THIS COURSE! Actually can paint a flower without a drawing! -Joanna Stratten on Watercolor Flower Workshop

Hi Lindsay, what a great drawing course. I have been painting for 30 plus years, drawing was my weakest, until now. I’m starting to see things in shape, I think the most helpful is starting with a circle or shape then fill in with the shapes of whatever you are drawing. This has been the best money I have ever spent. What I love I can look at these lessons over & over until I get it!! -Linda on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

I am blown away by the excellence of your lessons! Things that I have struggled with are making more sense when I sketch along with you. So glad that I will be able to go back and reference your videos! -Irene Addison on Learn to Draw with Lindsay

Thanks for the tutorial. I am glad that it is in more depth than the YouTube videos, although I love them as well. I am brand new to both painting and drawing so even the iris was a challenge. When I started watching your YouTube videos I found that I had some watercolor supplies I had purchased about 15 years ago and never had the nerve to try. Thanks for giving me the idea that it is possible for me to learn to paint! -Helanna Andres on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

How to hold the brush is the best information you could have imparted! loving all these videos; can’t wait to start painting the iris. -Judith Taylor on Essential Tools and Techniques for Watercolor

Hi Lindsay, Great Class!!! Simple and easy to follow. Thx for putting this together. I can’t wait to start the next painting! -Tina Amoroso on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

Finished the duck and this course! Loved it! Thank you so much for these watercolor painting classes. I just got the Rembrandt 48 half pans and am excited to use them….. I can actually do some watercolor painting thanks to your classes. Crystal Neuendorf on Texture Toolbox Feathers & Fowl

 

I love helping people discover the hidden artistic ability within them and I welcome anyone who want to paint better (and more often) to join one of my watercolor classes! Just make sure to use the coupon code OFFLINE45 if the discount does not appear (coupon good through Labor Day 2018.) Again I want to thank you so much for your support! I hope you have a relaxing weekend with your family and friends and maybe get a bit of art done! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!

GIVEAWAY! Color It Refillable Real Brush Watercolor Markers!

8/29/18 Giveaway is closed, here are the 3 lucky winners!

Virginia Staib from Hawaii, Rachel from Alaska and Madelyn Wolfin from New York

All the winners have been contacted by email and I replied to their comments below in case there are multiple people with the same name from the same state. Thanks for playing everyone, I can’t believe how many people signed up!

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Today I am reviewing the new refillable Color It watercolor brush markers and refills. A set contains 24 watercolor brush markers in a reusable zippered case for $29.99 and refill inks are available for $5.99 per color.  I will be giving a set of these markers away to 3 lucky readers. To enter the prize draw leave a comment below telling me what state you are from and what your favorite color is. I will draw 3 winners in one week and amend this post with the winners name and email the winners. This giveaway is open to USA residents.

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Color it products can be ordered on Amazon or on the Color It website. Watch the video to see them in action!

Supplies (affiliate links used)

The Review!

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • Refillable pens
  • Reusable case
  • Colors blend well with each other and water

Cons

  • Only 24 colors
  • If you purchase all the refills at once it can be expensive

Color it watercolor pens are the only refillable option for a real brush marker pen that I know of and they are easy to refill. One $5.99 bottle of ink refills a marker 15 times so it is way cheaper than buying 15 markers. I think these markers are as good as any of the other real brush markers I have reviewed. The ink flows smoothly and they feel good in your hands. The tip is slightly larger than the Zig Real brush pen but smaller than Arteza. To be clear I find all of these markers to be comparable but an advantage to Color It because they are refillable and you can buy the refill inks as you need them. The fact that no refills are available for the other brands out there has always bothered me because unlike a felt tip pen the bristles are not going to wear out so you would be tossing away a perfectly good pen. I am so glad these exist. As for there only being 24 colors available I think that’s fine because with watercolor markers you don’t need as many to blend like you do with alcohol pens and you can scribble the marker on a tile and pick up the ink with another pen to mix and it won’t harm the tip like it may with a felt tip pen. If you desire more than 24 colors that these won’t be for you. I love sustainable products and I am so happy to partner with Color it for this giveaway! I love to shout out companies actively try to do right by their customers and the environment.  Be sure to leave a comment if you want to go in the prize drawing, good luck and til next time happy crafting!